Chapter 42 - Operation Completed
After the oath settles and the faint pulse of magic fades from the room, everyone turns their eyes toward Peter Pettigrew again. The silence feels heavier now, as everyone knows what he has done and what he deserves.
I clear my throat and speak.
"Lord Black, please keep him tied up properly. Otherwise he will run away like he always does."
Lord Black nods without taking his eyes off Peter.
"Do not worry, Mr. Dursley. He will not run away. I have something special that will be helpful for this."
He looks to Kreacher.
"Kreacher, bring the magical ropes from the storeroom."
Kreacher bows at once and disappears with a loud snap. A few seconds later he reappears, holding a coil of dark, thick rope. It looks old, but not worn.
"Bind the rat with this," Lord Black orders.
Kreacher wastes no time. He walks behind Peter and starts wrapping the rope around his arms, his chest, and his legs. I watch, expecting it to be like any magical binding rope. But as the rope tightens, something happens that I do not expect.
Thin, hair-like roots rise from the surface of the rope. They twitch for a moment, then pierce Peter Pettigrew's skin all across his body. He whimpers weakly under the potion, but he cannot move.
I stare with wide eyes.
"I… I didn't know ropes could do that."
Lord Black glances at me and explains in a calm tone.
"This rope binds not only the body. It binds the blood and the magic flowing inside the prisoner. He will not be able to transfigure, transform, or shift into any animal form. Animagus magic cannot break through blood-binding."
I nod slowly. I am shocked, but also amazed. The House of Black truly is an ancient house with powers deeper than most families can imagine. They do not brag about empty titles. They have old magic to prove their reputation.
Kreacher pulls the last knot tight. The rope seems to breathe for a moment, then settles into place like a living creature going to rest. Peter is completely helpless now.
Lord Black waves his hand once more.
"Kreacher, take him to the dungeon. Lock him in the deepest cell. Feed him once a week."
"Yes, Master," Kreacher replies without emotion. He picks up Peter Pettigrew by the ropes as if he weighs nothing and disappears with another sharp snap.
I do not ask why there is a dungeon in the house. I do not need to as the answer is clear. Old families, real old ones, built their homes like fortresses. They had dungeons, interrogation chambers, hidden vaults, and magical rooms meant to guard secrets or punish enemies. It is strange to see it in the modern age, but it exists.
And I do not question feeding Pettigrew only once a week. After what he has done, it feels like mercy.
Lord Black turns toward me once Kreacher is gone. His expression is calm again, almost fatherly, but there is still iron in his voice.
"You must go home now," he says. "Do not look troubled. Do not appear concerned. It will not be good for you, your family, or Harry if anyone suspects that you are involved in this matter."
I nod. I understand instantly.
"Yes, Lord Black. I will keep my distance."
He continues, "We will approach Harry after Sirius is freed and healed. His healing will take time. You will see him after the healers are done. After spending so many years in Azkaban, it will not be easy for him to recover from the torment."
I lower my head respectfully.
"I understand, sir."
Truthfully, I feel relieved that I am no longer needed in this part. I do not want to attract Dumbledore's attention. I do not want Harry dragged into anything dangerous. And I certainly do not want Voldemort's remaining supporters to notice me. I already played my part. I caught the rat. Now the Blacks will take care of the rest.
Andromeda places her hand on my shoulder.
"Come, Arthur. I will take you home."
We step outside, and she holds my arm firmly. A moment later, the world twists, stretches, and snaps back into place as we Apparate.
We arrive at their house. Andromeda does not waste a second. She immediately calls out to her husband and daughter.
"Ted! Dora! We must return to Black Manor soon. Grandfather has called for the family."
Ted Tonks freezes for a moment, then blinks rapidly.
"Me? He wants me to come as well?"
"Yes," Andromeda says with a calm but serious tone. "It is important."
I can see how much this means to him. Lord Arcturus Black inviting Ted Tonks, a Muggle-born, into the house is not a small thing. It is a major step that shows trust and acceptance from the Blacks. It could change the Tonks family's place in the magical world forever. It could help their careers and open doors that had been closed for decades.
Nymphadora grins widely, though she tries to hide it by pretending to check her boots.
"This is huge, Mum."
Andromeda nods with a tight smile.
"Yes. It is."
I smile at all of them.
"I wish you all luck. It will go well."
After a few more polite words, I bid them goodbye and step outside again with Andromeda. She ordered to apparate me back to my home, but I declined as there are many eyes and ears near my home and also the wards put by our dear Headmaster.
I arrive at Privet Drive when the evening light is soft and fading. The kitchen light spills out through the window. I walk inside and hang my coat on the hook by the door.
Mum is waiting for me. Petunia's face is pinched with worry.
"Arthur, you have been leaving the house too often. What is going on? You never used to go out this much."
I smile gently.
"It is done, Mum. No more outings. I will stay home now."
She watches me carefully.
"You promise?"
"I promise. I had something important to do and have finished it today. I do not need to go anywhere for a long time."
She sighs with relief, though she still looks doubtful.
"Well, that is good."
I sit at the table and let out a long breath.
The rat is caught.
The truth is out.
The Operation Catch the Rat is completed.
The Blacks will handle the rest. Oh, and I feel worried about the Ministry when the truth comes out. The Blacks, their head of the clan Lord Arcturus Black and other aging members will not leave them easily. Money, Honour and Power, they will salvage everything they can as this is like a gift by Merlin himself.
For now, I can rest. Untill Sirius comes knocking for his Godson.
End of Chapter 42 - Operation Completed