Chapter 308: Scabbers' Tragic End
Chapter 308: Scabbers’ Tragic End
Ivan took a few steps back, watching as the gray-Black rat, no larger than half a palm, transformed into a short and fat middle-aged man right before his eyes.
Peter Pettigrew looked dirty and plump, wearing a tattered Black coat. His sparse, yellowish hair was missing a large patch, and his pointed nose and beady, watery eyes clearly showed his rat-like features.
He curled up on the ground, moaning in pain, clearly not enjoying the forced transformation from his Animagus form.
But compared to the physical pain, what terrified Peter even more was that this young wizard in front of him knew his Animagus identity.
How could this be?
Panic, fear, and confusion flooded Peter’s mind. He was certain his disguise was perfect and there was no way a young wizard could see through it.
Unless... Peter suddenly thought of Sirius Black, who was on the run. Only he knew his true identity.
It seemed likely that Black had told Ivan about his identity and sent this young wizard to capture him.
At this thought, Peter’s face changed. He knew Black must hate him to the bone, and if Ivan handed him over, he would surely be torn apart.
As Ivan approached, Peter moved his body toward the corner, desperately trying to think of a way to make Ivan let him go.
"Hals, I never expected we’d meet under these circumstances!" Peter’s voice was high-pitched as he tried to call Ivan by name, continuing, "You might not know, but I was a good friend of your father. We fought together!"
"You must have seen Sirius Black, right? I don’t know what he told you, but I can explain everything."
Peter trembled, speaking rapidly as he recounted the events of over a decade ago.
At the time, due to a prophecy, Harry’s parents, Lily and James, went into hiding in a house protected by the Fidelius Charm.
This charm was very peculiar and powerful, capable of hiding a place so that only the Secret-Keeper knew its exact location. As long as the Secret-Keeper didn’t reveal it, Lily and James were absolutely safe.
"The Secret-Keeper was Sirius Black! He betrayed Lily and James, telling the Dark Lord their hiding place and even tried to kill me. I barely escaped and managed to fool him."
"I guess he told you I was the Secret-Keeper, right? But remember, Black is a liar and a murderer! He’s already killed so many and has become a loyal follower of the Dark Lord. You wouldn’t believe the words of a murderer, would you?"
Peter moved his body, his voice breaking with tears, looking at Ivan with a mix of pleading and hope in his eyes, hoping the young wizard would believe him.
"Oh", Ivan’s expression was calm, and he nodded, indicating he understood.
Peter was taken aback, having anticipated various reactions from Ivan.
Surprise, confusion, anger, distrust...
But what did that "oh" mean?
Did he believe him or not?
Peter was dazed for a moment before he regained his composure and was about to speak again, but Ivan’s words cut him off.
"I didn’t bring you here today to hear a story. No need to be so nervous. I just want you to help me test a Potion I’ve recently improved."
Ivan shook the dark green Potion in the test tube, looking at Peter with eager eyes, and spoke again. "Come on, open up, it's time to take the medicine."
Peter was completely stunned. This young wizard had captured him, broken his Animagus form, and now he was going to use him to test a new Potion?
This guy must be crazy!
Taking advantage of Peter's momentary daze, Ivan grabbed his jaw, forced his mouth open, and poured the improved Polyjuice Potion down his throat!
Gulping
The green liquid poured directly into Peter's mouth, flowing down his throat and into his stomach.
However, Peter resisted fiercely, and nearly a third of the Potion spilled to the side, which greatly displeased Ivan.
After forcing the entire Potion down, Ivan finally released Peter.
"No, no!" Peter let out a shrill scream, clutching his throat and retching on the ground, trying to vomit out the Potion.
But it was in vain. Soon, Peter felt his body transforming, his figure becoming shorter, his bloated belly shrinking, and his clothes becoming loose.
Once he noticed the changes in his body, Peter looked down at his hands and his drastically altered physique. He immediately realized that Ivan had given him the Polyjuice Potion.
Peter was somewhat surprised. He had initially thought that the young wizard was developing some dangerous Potion and forcing him to take it.
At that moment, Ivan's voice came through.
"If you cooperate, I can guarantee your safety."
"But if you don't, I'll knock you out and throw you outside the castle! I've heard there's a big black dog wandering around recently", Ivan said.
Peter quickly nodded in fear. He was now weak and defenseless, without his wand, and he dared not resist the mysterious and powerful Ivan.
"Are you ready?" Ivan suddenly asked.
Ready for what? Peter's face was full of confusion. The next moment, he saw the young wizard wave his wand, and a flash of light swept over him. A searing pain engulfed his body, and he felt a large piece of flesh torn from his left shoulder. His agonized screams echoed through the Room of Requirement.
Ivan watched Peter's suffering without any emotion. He was only concerned about the effectiveness of the improved Polyjuice Potion, its stability, and how long it would last.
So Ivan stood by, observing and recording data. Only when Peter could no longer hold on did he provide treatment.
The counter-curse of Sectumsempra was quite magical. It could not only heal the wounds caused by the invisible blade but also return the lost blood to the body.
This made the treatment much easier, and Peter was able to maintain his vitality for a long time.
Thus, the cries of pain in the Room of Requirement continued for several hours.
When the sky began to lighten, Peter finally finished the last bottle of Potion.
After the Potion's effects wore off, Peter curled up in a corner, hugging his round, bloated body. His green eyes had lost their luster.
He looked at Ivan with sheer terror.
This was a devil!
(End of Chapter)
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