The Truth

The tension in Hogwarts had reached a boiling point. Ever since Sirius Black broke into the castle, security had tightened to an almost suffocating degree.

The Dementors stationed around the school made things worse. Their eerie, soul-chilling presence lingered in the air, affecting even those who had nothing to do with the infamous fugitive. Students were more on edge than ever, and even the professors seemed wary of something beyond just Black's escape.

Ezekiel Cassian Malverne, however, wasn't convinced by the official story.

"Something isn't right."

The Ministry was hellbent on capturing Black, but Dumbledore's behavior made it clear that he didn't trust the Dementors any more than Ezekiel did.

What truly bothered him was the inconsistency in the tale of Sirius Black's betrayal of the Potters. The Ministry claimed it was undeniable, but if that were true, why did Dumbledore look so deeply troubled every time Black's name was mentioned?

That was when Harry approached him.

---

It was late in the evening when Harry found him in the library. The Gryffindor hesitated at first, but his emerald-green eyes were filled with determination.

"Malverne, I need your help."

Ezekiel glanced up from his book, arching a brow.

"I don't recall us being close, Potter."

Harry's jaw tightened, but he didn't back down.

"It's about Sirius Black. I think… there's something we're not being told."

That caught Ezekiel's attention. He closed his book and gestured for Harry to continue.

"I overheard McGonagall talking about him. She said Black was my dad's best friend. But if that's true… why would he betray them to Voldemort?"

Ezekiel leaned back, arms folded. "You think the Ministry is covering something up?"

Harry hesitated before nodding. "I don't know! But I can't shake this feeling that there's more to the story. And if there is… I need to know the truth."

Ezekiel studied him.

This wasn't just curiosity—this was personal.

For Harry, this wasn't about catching a criminal. It was about understanding his past.

"Alright, Potter. Let's find out what really happened."

Harry's eyes widened in surprise. "You'll help?"

Ezekiel smirked. "I hate being lied to. And I have a feeling we're both being kept in the dark."

Before they could discuss further, a piercing scream echoed through the castle.

---

Harry and Ezekiel bolted down the corridor, following the source of the scream.

By the time they reached the Gryffindor Tower's entrance, Hermione was standing there, shaking, while Neville looked pale as a ghost.

"What happened?" Ezekiel demanded.

Hermione pointed toward the stairs. "It—it was Sirius Black! He was in the dormitory! He—he took Ron!"

Ezekiel's eyes narrowed. So he's inside the castle again…?

Without hesitation, he and Harry rushed after them, following a trail of disturbed furniture and panicked portraits. They ran down the halls, barely pausing to think.

Finally, they burst out onto the castle grounds.

Under the pale moonlight, they saw a hunched figure dragging Ron toward the Whomping Willow.

Sirius Black.

"STOP!" Harry shouted, pulling out his wand.

Sirius turned for only a second, his haunted eyes locking onto Harry's before he vanished into the tree's roots with Ron.

"Bloody hell," Ezekiel muttered. "He went into the tunnel."

Harry was already charging forward, but Ezekiel grabbed his arm.

"Don't be reckless, Potter. We need a plan."

Hermione finally caught up to them, panting heavily. "There's a passage under the tree! It leads to the Shrieking Shack!"

Ezekiel's mind worked fast. Why would Black take Ron there? And why didn't he hurt him immediately?

"We're going after him," Harry said, his voice firm.

Ezekiel sighed. "Yeah, yeah. Just don't get yourself killed."

With a flick of his wand, he froze the Whomping Willow's thrashing branches, creating an opening for them to slip inside.

The truth about Sirius Black was just within reach.

And Ezekiel had a feeling it was going to change everything.

---