In Divination class

In Divination class, the atmosphere was thick with the scent of incense and the murmur of students discussing their predictions.

Oliver sat at his desk, his gaze fixed vacantly out the window, his mind clearly miles away. While the rest of the class attempted to engage with Professor Trelawney's teachings, Oliver was lost in his thoughts.

A gentle hand on his shoulder stirred him from his reverie. Hermione leaned in close, her voice a soothing whisper. "Sorry, Professor. Ollie's got a lot on his mind."

Professor Trelawney, her large glasses perched on the tip of her nose, glanced over with understanding. "Oh, it's quite all right, dear. Perhaps we should focus on the rest of the class for now."

The students nodded in agreement, turning their attention back to the lesson. Meanwhile, Oliver remained absorbed in his world, his thoughts heavy and distant as he continued to stare out the window.

Hermione raised her hand and asked, "Professor, would it be alright if I spoke with Oliver outside the classroom?"

Professor Trelawney, with a thoughtful look, responded, "If you feel it necessary, dear, you may."

Hermione approached Oliver, gently taking his hand and leading him towards the door.

Oliver, bewildered, asked, "Hermione, what are you doing? We're in class."

Professor Trelawney observed with a knowing look. "I could tell he wasn't fully present."

Harry added, "I got him into trouble last night, and now he's trying to shift his focus, Professor."

Trelawney nodded, her concern evident. "Indeed, his concentration is already faltering. If he takes on too much, his mind may not handle it well."

Ron looked worried. "Oh no, will we lose Oliver if that happens?"

Bella, rolling her eyes, said, "Stop thinking the worst. Hermione can help him. Let's just focus on the lesson."

The group nodded in agreement, trying to refocus on their classwork.

Outside the classroom

As Hermione and Oliver stepped out into the hallway, Hermione gently squeezed his hand. "Come on, let's talk. You don't need to be alone with all this on your mind."

Oliver sighed, his shoulders slumped. "I just feel like everything's falling apart. I can't seem to get anything right."

Hermione led him to a quiet corner of the hallway, away from prying eyes. "It's okay to feel overwhelmed. Last night was a lot, and you're carrying a lot of responsibility. But you don't have to carry it all by yourself."

Oliver looked at her, his eyes filled with frustration. "I should be doing better. I promised to protect Harry, and now I feel like I'm failing."

Hermione placed her hands on his shoulders, looking him in the eyes. "You're doing your best, Ollie. Everyone makes mistakes. What matters is that you're trying. You're not alone in this; you've got friends who care about you."

Oliver took a deep breath, his expression softening. "Thanks, Hermione. I guess I just needed to hear that."

Hermione smiled reassuringly. "Of course. And remember, it's okay to ask for help. We're all in this together."

Oliver nodded, feeling a bit lighter. "I'll try to keep that in mind. It just helps to know that you're here."

Hermione gave him a comforting hug. "Always. Now, how about we head back to class? I'm sure Professor Trelawney will appreciate it if we don't keep her waiting."

Oliver gently pressed Hermione against the wall, his hands exploring her arms. As he whispered, "How about we stay here, just for a few moments," his breath tickled her ear.

Hermione smiled, a mixture of affection and concern in her eyes. "Ollie, we need to be in class. I know you're stressed and hurting, but we have to focus on class right now. We'll have our time later."

Despite her words, she couldn't resist his tender kiss. She responded with equal passion, losing herself in the moment.

Eventually, Hermione pulled back, her breath coming in soft bursts. "Damn you, Mr. Queen. I can't help but fall for your charm," she said with a playful smile before leaning in for another kiss.

Between their shared kisses, Oliver murmured, "You cast your spell on me a long time ago."

Hermione chuckled softly, her fingers gently tracing along Oliver's jawline. "Well, I'm glad to hear that," she said with a smile. "But remember, we still have a class to get back to."

Oliver nodded reluctantly, his gaze lingering on Hermione's face. "Yeah, you're right. I just-" He paused, struggling to find the right words. "I just needed a moment with you."

Hermione cupped his face in her hands, her eyes filled with understanding. "And I needed a moment with you too. But we'll have more moments, I promise."

Oliver sighed, a small smile playing on his lips. "Okay, let's get back before Trelawney notices we're gone."

Oliver and Hermione noticed Bella walking by, seemingly oblivious to the scene just moments before. Hermione was still pressed against the wall, and Oliver had his hands resting gently on her arms.

Realizing they needed to catch up with Bella before it was too late, Hermione and Oliver quickly followed her out of the room.

Hermione said, "I'm curious about what's going on with Bella."

Oliver shrugged as they walked. "It's hard to say. Professor Trelawney has a knack for saying the most bizarre things. Sometimes, I wonder if she even knows what she's talking about."

Hermione nodded in agreement. "True. But whatever the reason, let's make sure Bella's okay. We can't let her deal with whatever's on her mind alone."

Hermione whispered, "We'll talk more after. I'll help you get through this."

Oliver gave her a grateful look, feeling a sense of calm wash over him as he refocused on the lesson, knowing that he wasn't facing his troubles alone as they were going after Bella.

Later

After finding Bella the group dressed in normal clothes as they approached Hagrid's house, the group noticed a man sharpening an axe nearby, the harsh sound of metal scraping on metal cutting through the air.

Barry eyed the man warily. "That guy looks creepy."

Bella nodded in agreement. "Yeah, he does."

Hermione, arms crossed, led the group as they continued walking. They crossed the bridge, and Hermione voiced her distress. "I can't believe they're going to execute Buckbeak. It's just too awful."

Ron's expression darkened. "It gets worse."

Malfoy's voice cut through the conversation with a sneer. "Did I mention? Father said I can keep Buckbeak's head. I think I'll donate it to the Gryffindor common room."

Goyle smirked, clearly pleased. "Wicked."

Crabbe spotted Hermione and the others approaching. "Look who's here."

Malfoy taunted, "Come to witness the show, Mrs. Queen?"

Hermione's face flushed with anger as she raised her wand threateningly. "You! You foul, loathsome, evil little cockroach!"

Cassie quickly drew her wand in solidarity.

Oliver stepped in, trying to de-escalate the situation. "Mia, Cassie, no! He's not worth it."

Malfoy winced, but Hermione and Cassie hesitated, lowering their wands.

Hermione turned to walk back to Oliver, but Malfoy's mocking laughter triggered a swift reaction. She spun around and landed a solid punch to Malfoy's face.

Malfoy staggered back, grunting in pain, while Oliver's lips curled into a satisfied smile. "Now, I wish I had some popcorn."

Bella raised an eyebrow, unimpressed. "Really? Your fiancée just punched someone, and that's your reaction?"

Oliver smirked, "Right. She looked pretty fierce, didn't she?"

Tommy and Barry chuckled at the exchange.

Crabbe, concerned for his friend, said, "Malfoy, you okay? Let's get out of here."

Malfoy groaned, "Quick, run!"

Goyle scrambled after them. "Wait for me!"

Oliver turned back to Hermione, who was still buzzing with adrenaline. "That felt good," she admitted.

Ron grinned. "Not just good-brilliant."

Oliver leaned in, his eyes twinkling. "I thought it was sexy. I love a woman who takes charge."

Hermione walked over to Oliver, pressing her lips against his in a passionate kiss.

Tommy cleared his throat. "How about we leave the lovebirds to their moment?"

The group nodded in agreement and continued toward Hagrid's house. Oliver deepened the kiss, his hand gently cupping Hermione's cheek.

Oliver and Hermione gentle sway of the wind mixed with the warmth of their shared moment. As they broke the kiss, Oliver's gaze softened, his eyes filled with affection.

"Why does it feel like time stops whenever we're together?" Oliver murmured, his fingers lightly tracing Hermione's jawline.

Hermione smiled, her cheeks flushed with a mix of happiness and lingering frustration. "Maybe it's because we're so in tune with each other. We both need these moments."

Oliver chuckled softly, pulling her closer. "You've always had a way of making everything better. Even when I mess up, you're the one who helps me find my way."

Hermione rested her forehead against his, her eyes closing momentarily. "And you're the one who always makes me feel like I can handle anything. Even when we're facing the worst, I know I have you."

Oliver kissed her forehead gently. "We'll get through this, Hermione. We'll figure everything out. But right now, I want to focus on us. On being together."

Hermione opened her eyes, looking up at him with a loving smile. "I'm with you, Ollie. No matter what."

The distant sounds of the castle came back into focus as they reluctantly pulled away. The setting sun casts a golden hue over the landscape, creating a perfect backdrop for their quiet moment of connection.

Oliver took Hermione's hand, squeezing it gently. "Let's go before we're missed. We can't let our troubles keep us from enjoying the little moments."

Hermione nodded, her smile widening. "Agreed. But remember, no more fights with Malfoy. I don't want to be the cause of another detention."

Oliver laughed softly, "Deal. I'll focus on staying out of trouble. And you, my love, focus on enjoying every moment with me."

As they hurried towards Hagrid's house, hand in hand, the warmth from their earlier kiss still lingered, infusing their evening with a bit of brightness despite the challenges they faced.

Oliver turned to Hermione with a playful glint in his eye. "Are you sure you want to go in? I mean, we could have a few more moments like this," he suggested, leaning in for another kiss.

Hermione gently pushed him away. "No, mister. We're here to support our friend, remember? We can have our moments later."

Oliver groaned in mock frustration, but Hermione reached up and kissed him on the forehead. "Will you stop acting like a child now?"

Oliver grinned, "No."

Hermione responded with a tender kiss, and Oliver kissed her back with equal affection.

Just then, a voice broke through the moment. "Blimey, are you two going to come in, or just stand there blocking my door?"

They pulled apart and turned to see Hagrid grinning at them.

Hermione laughed softly. "We were coming, Hagrid. Oliver was just being a bit of a child."

Oliver protested, "I wasn't pouting!"

Bella chimed in from the doorway, "You always pout, Ollie. I can vouch for Hermione on that one."

Oliver shot a playful glare at Bella. "I hate you, cousin."

Bella chuckled. "No, you don't. You love me."

Oliver turned to Hermione with a mock-serious look. "Is it bad if I'm reconsidering that?"

Hermione gave him a mock scowl. "Stop it and get inside, mister."

Oliver groaned but complied, stepping into the house.

Hagrid greeted him with a hearty laugh. "Jeez, Ollie, I can feel the love radiating from you."

Oliver leaned against the counter with a grin. "I love you like a dad, Hagrid. But Hermione has this special talent for making me fall for her more and more every day."

Hagrid laughed, patting Oliver on the back. "Well, let's hope that love helps us get through tonight."

As Hagrid spoke, he prepared the room for the evening's event. "As I was telling the others, Dumbledore wants to be here for when... when they do the deed. A good man, Dumbledore is."

Hermione said resolutely, "I'll stay too." She glanced at Oliver.

Oliver knew Hermione was determined to stay and said, "I'll stay too."

Hagrid shook his head. "You two will do no such thing. I don't want you to witness something like that. Just drink your tea and be off."

Oliver replied, "Hagrid, I've been through worse. I think I can handle seeing the execution of an animal."

Hagrid insisted, "I don't want you seeing something like that. You're just kids."

Oliver countered, "I'm not a kid."

Hagrid said firmly, "Yes, you are. You're a kid who's been asked a lot. Oh, before you all go, Ron..."

Hagrid opened a canister and pulled out Ron's rat.

Ron exclaimed, "Scabbers! You're alive!"

Hagrid said, "Keep a close eye on your pets, Ron."

Bella chimed in, "I think that means you owe someone an apology."

Ron nodded. "Right. I'll apologize to Crookshanks next time I see him."

Bella clarified, "I meant Hermione!"

At that moment, a vase shattered, and Hagrid exclaimed, "Blimey! What was that?"

Oliver was struck by a rock and winced, "Ow!" as he looked around.

Hagrid saw Dumbledore, the Minister, and the man with the axe approaching. "Oh, crikey. It's getting late. You shouldn't be out here. If someone spots you outside the castle at this time, you'll be in big trouble-particularly you, Harry, and Oliver."

Suddenly, there was a knock, and Hagrid said, "I'll be with you in a moment!" as he quickly covered a creature with a blanket.

Oliver glanced at the covered creature, curiosity piqued.

Hagrid urged them, "Quick, quick!" as he ushered them out the back.

Harry tried to reassure Hagrid. "Hagrid, it'll be fine. We'll be okay."

Hagrid responded, "Go on, go on."

The group moved swiftly out the back and waited, making sure they weren't seen.

Hermione kept a watchful eye on Dumbledore and the two men waiting for Hagrid.

When the coast was clear, they dashed out from their hiding place and rushed up the hill toward the castle.

From the hill, they looked down to see the man with the axe.

Oliver watched in horror as the man seemed to slice what appeared to be Buckbeak.

Hermione clung to Oliver, tears streaming down her face. "Oh no," she sobbed.

Oliver wrapped his arms around her, comforting her, while Harry joined in, offering support. "It's going to be okay," he said.

Bella hugged Ron tightly, and Cassie, who had been watching, found comfort in Tommy's embrace. Tommy whispered, "It's okay. It's all going to be okay," as he rubbed her back.

Oliver mirrored Tommy's actions, soothing Hermione with gentle strokes on her back.

Suddenly, Ron gasped as something bit him. "Scabbers!" he cried, as the rat scurried away.

Bella released Ron. "Ron? Ron?!"

Oliver shouted, "Let's go after him! Now!" He took off after Ron, Hermione holding his hand tightly.

Harry yelled, "Ron?!"

Ron called back, "Scabbers! Come back!"

The group chased after Ron, with Harry shouting, "Wait!"

Tommy added, "Damn it, Ron! Wait for us!"

Barry said, "Having super speed would be nice right about now."

Bella teased, "You're such a nerd, Barry."

They finally caught up with Ron, who was pointing at a large, menacing tree.

Ron shouted, "Guys, run! It's the Grim!"

The group turned to see a wolf-like creature emerging from the shadows.

Oliver urged, "Get to Ron, now! I'll hold it off."

Hermione protested, "No, don't!"

Oliver insisted, "Get to Ron, now!" as he drew his wand and it transformed into a bow.

Oliver drew back his bow, the tension palpable as the growling wolf charged past him, racing towards Ron. "No!" Oliver shouted, releasing an arrow in a desperate attempt to intercept, but it missed its mark.

"I never miss," Oliver muttered in disbelief.

The group sprinted after Ron, who was desperately calling, "Harry! Ollie!"

Oliver accelerated, trying to reach Ron's outstretched hands, but he struggled to close the distance. "Ron!" he yelled.

"Help!" Ron screamed as he was dragged into a hole.

"Ron! Ron!" Oliver's voice was filled with anguish as he watched helplessly.

Bella's voice was a piercing cry, "Ron!"

The group scrambled to help Oliver, but the tree's limbs lashed out, sending them sprawling. Groans of pain filled the air.

Cassie, brushing herself off, remarked, "That was fun. Can we not do that again?"

Hermione helped Oliver up, while Cassie assisted Harry. The eerie echoes of Ron's screams resonated through the air.

"Come on, guys!" Harry urged as they started to run toward the tree.

The tree's attack intensified, its limbs swinging violently. The group dodged, but the tree was relentless. "Move!" Oliver shouted, pushing Hermione and Cassie out of harm's way before falling to the ground with Harry in front of him.

"Duck!" Hermione yelled as the tree's limb came crashing down.

Everyone ducked, but Harry took the brunt of the blow, collapsing to the ground. "Jump now!" Oliver commanded.

They leaped as the tree's limb swung toward them. Oliver and Hermione were caught off guard and struck by the tree.

Hermione screamed as Oliver shouted, "Mia, hold on!"

"I'm trying, Ollie!" Hermione's voice was strained.

As they were swung through the tree limbs, Hermione caught sight of Harry. "Harry!" she cried out.

Hermione grabbed Harry, and Oliver quickly reached for Tommy, who was holding Cassie's hand. Barry grasped a limb, holding Bella's hand, and they swung precariously.

Hermione hurled Harry towards the tree trunk. The group followed, sliding down the trunk.

Cassie landed on Harry's back with a shriek. "Harry? Are you okay?"

Harry turned to her, his eyes soft. "I'm fine. You?"

Cassie nodded, blushing as Harry brushed a strand of hair from her face. Before they could fully process the moment, they heard more screaming and rolled out of the way just in time.

Tommy landed with a groan. "I hated that. That sucked."

"Tell me about it," Harry agreed, looking around.

Barry fell in next, wincing as he hit the ground.

Bella landed on her brother's back with a thud. "Ow! That hurts," Barry groaned.

Oliver landed roughly, trying to avoid a collision, but ended up on his back, groaning in pain.

Hermione was the last to fall, screaming as she landed on top of Oliver. "Ollie? Are you okay?"

Oliver grimaced but nodded. "Yeah. My back's killing me though."

Tommy and Barry echoed his sentiment, "Yeah, me too."

Harry added, "Same here."

Hermione, Bella, and Cassie laughed. "You guys are wimps."

Oliver turned to Hermione with a smirk. "Excuse me? How would you like it if you were flattened and then someone landed on top of you?"

Hermione grinned, "I wouldn't mind if it was you on top of me."

"Oh, God," Oliver said, pulling her into a hug as he continued to check her over.

Hermione reassured him, "I'm fine," but Oliver persisted in his concern.

Tommy nodded. "He's still going to check, Hermione."

Cassie, lost in Harry's gaze, didn't notice his concern as he checked her over, absorbed in his blue eyes.

As Oliver and Hermione shared their moment, the rest of the group took stock of their surroundings, trying to gather their thoughts and regain composure after the harrowing ordeal with the tree.

Tommy, still rubbing his back, said, "We need to figure out our next move. We can't just sit here."

Harry nodded, looking at the group with a determined expression. "We need to find Ron and make sure he's okay."

The group nodded in agreement, and Hermione asked, "Where do you all suppose this goes?"

Harry's expression grew serious. "I have a hunch. I just hope I'm wrong."

They ascended the stairs with heightened vigilance, their footsteps echoing faintly in the creaky, dimly lit space. When they reached the top of the ladder, Hermione's voice broke the silence. "We're in the Shrieking Shack, aren't we?"

Oliver nodded and led the group forward. "Come on, let's see what's going on."

As they moved through the eerie, dust-filled rooms, they heard faint grunts and groans that sounded distressingly like Ron. They rushed into the next room, and Oliver's worried shout filled the air. "Ron!"

Bella's relief was palpable as she saw Ron. "Ron, you're okay."

Harry's eyes darted around, searching. "Where's the dog? Where is it?!"

Ron's face was stricken with panic. "Guys, it's a trap! He's the dog-he's an Animagus!"

The door slammed shut behind them, and they turned to see Sirius Black glaring at them with a cold smile.

Oliver stepped in front of Harry, his wand turned into a bow. "If you want to kill Harry, you'll have to go through us first!"

Sirius responded coldly, "No. Only one will die tonight."

Harry, his anger boiling over, lunged at Sirius and began to choke him. "Then it'll be you!" he growled as he pushed Sirius to the ground, pinning him there.

Sirius struggled beneath Harry's weight, his voice a strained chuckle. "Are you really going to kill me, Harry?"

Harry's grip tightened as he pulled out his wand, pressing it menacingly against Sirius.

Just then, the door burst open, and Lupin strode in, his wand raised. "Expelliarmus!" he shouted, and Harry's wand flew from his hand.

Lupin motioned for Harry to move, and he quickly backed away, joining Oliver. Lupin turned his gaze to Sirius. "Well, well, Sirius... looking rather ragged, aren't we? Seems the flesh finally reflects the madness within."

Sirius shot back, "Well, you'd know all about madness, wouldn't you, Remus?"

Lupin lowered his wand and helped Sirius to his feet, their faces showing a mix of relief and weariness. The two shared a tense embrace.

Oliver was baffled. "What's going on?"

Sirius's eyes were hard. "I found him. He's here!"

Lupin added, "I understand."

Sirius's voice turned menacing. "Let's finish this. Kill him."

Hermione's voice was filled with betrayal. "No! I trusted you! All this time, you were his friend. He's a werewolf! That's why he's been missing classes."

Oliver, his frustration boiling over, raised his wand. "And you lecture me on protecting Harry! Give me one good reason not to put an arrow through both of your hearts."

Lupin approached cautiously. "How long have you known, Mrs. Queen? About me being a werewolf?"

Hermione's gaze was steely. "Since Professor Snape assigned that essay."

Lupin's expression was one of grudging respect. "Well, Hermione. You truly are the brightest witch of your age."

Sirius's patience was wearing thin. "Enough talk, Remus! Let's kill him!"

Lupin held up a hand. "Wait. Harry deserves to know the truth."

Harry's voice was a mix of anger and pain. "I know the truth! You betrayed my parents! You might have betrayed my Uncle Robert too. You're the reason they're dead!"

Lupin shook his head. "No, Harry. It wasn't him. The real traitor was someone I believed dead until recently."

Oliver's curiosity was piqued. "Who was it then?"

Sirius's voice cut through the tension. "Peter Pettigrew! And he's in this room right now!"

Sirius began to call out. "Come out, come out, Peter! Show yourself!"

Suddenly, Snape appeared, his wand drawn. "Expelliarmus!" he shouted, disarming Sirius.

Oliver's face lit up with a mix of relief and surprise. "Professor!"

Snape's voice was cold and controlled. "Vengeance is sweet. How I wished to be the one to catch you."

Lupin tried to explain, "Severus, it-" but Snape interrupted, pointing his wand at him.

Snape turned to Oliver, his voice softening. "Are you okay, Ollie?"

Oliver, taken aback by the familiarity, nodded. "Yes, Professor."

Lupin, with a hint of irony, commented, "Still care for Oliver, I see."

Snape's tone was icy. "Don't you dare speak of him. I informed Dumbledore you were aiding an old friend, and now I have the proof."

Sirius sneered. "Brilliant, Snape. As always, your keen intellect leads you to the wrong conclusion."

Oliver quickly moved to stand beside Snape, aiming his bow at Lupin while Snape kept his wand trained on Sirius.

Snape asked, "Are you sure you're okay, Ollie?"

Oliver affirmed, "Yeah, I am, Professor."

Sirius's voice was resolute. "Now, if you'll excuse us, Remus and I have some unfinished business."

Snape pressed his wand against Sirius's throat. "Give me a reason, I dare you!"

Lupin's voice was pleading. "Severus, don't be a fool."

Sirius mocked, "He can't help it. It's his nature."

Lupin snapped, "Sirius, be quiet!"

Oliver's patience was at its limit. "How about everyone just shut up?"

The room fell silent. Snape broke the quiet with a wry comment. "Listen to them, Queen. They bicker like an old married couple."

Sirius retorted, "Why don't you run along and play with your chemistry set?"

Snape pressed his wand harder against Sirius's neck. "I could end this now, but why deny the Dementors their due? They've been longing for this moment."

Oliver noticed a flicker of fear in Sirius's eyes at the mention of Dementors. "Do I detect a hint of fear? Oh yes, a Dementor's kiss."

Snape's response was cold and detached. "Good job figuring that out, Robert. One can only imagine the torment it must bring. It's said to be nearly unbearable to witness, but I'll do my best."

Oliver, puzzled by Snape addressing him with his father's name, was pulled back to the moment when Lupin's urgent plea cut through his confusion. "Severus, please!"

Snape gestured with a dismissive wave. "After you." He motioned for the group to leave.

Harry, undeterred, stepped forward and pulled out his wand. "Expelliarmus!" he shouted, sending Snape crashing backward.

Oliver's voice was filled with alarm. "What the hell are you doing?!"

Ron, bewildered, asked, "Harry, what did you just do?"

Hermione added, "You just attacked a teacher!"

Harry ignored their concerns and demanded, "Tell me about Peter Pettigrew!"

Lupin's voice was tense. "He was at school with us. We thought he was our friend."

Harry's eyes blazed with accusation. "No. Pettigrew's dead. You killed him!" He pointed his wand accusingly at Sirius.

Lupin shook his head. "No, he didn't. I thought so too, until you mentioned seeing Pettigrew on the Map!"

Harry retorted, "The Map was lying then."

Sirius's voice was urgent. "The Map never lies! Pettigrew's alive, and he's right there!" He pointed towards Ron.

Oliver was incredulous. "That's ridiculous. Why would Ron be Pettigrew?"

Sirius clarified, "Not Ron. His rat!"

Ron looked alarmed. "Scabbers has been in my family for..."

Sirius cut him off. "Twelve years! A remarkably long lifespan for a common garden rat. He's missing a toe, isn't he?"

Ron protested, "So what?!"

Harry interjected, "All they found of Pettigrew was his..."

Sirius finished the sentence. "Finger! The coward cut it off so everyone would think he was dead. Then he transformed into a rat."

Harry demanded, "Show me."

Sirius grabbed the rat, but Ron tried to hold him back. "Give him to him, Ron," Oliver urged.

Ron panicked. "What are you trying to do to him?! Scabbers! Leave him alone! Get off him! What are you doing?!"

Sirius placed the rat on a nearby piano. As the group tried to prevent it from escaping, the rat transformed into a man.

The group scrambled, pulling the man out from a hole in the wall where he had ducked during the transformation.

As they dragged the man from the hole, Ron and the others stared in shock.

Peter's eyes widened at the sight of Lupin. "Remus? Is this Sirius? My old friends!" He attempted to approach them.

They pushed him back, then Peter turned to Harry and Oliver and he said, "Harry, Oliver, look at you. You look so much like your fathers, like James and Robert. We were the best of friends, those two and I..."

Sirius stepped forward, his voice brimming with fury. "How dare you address Harry and Oliver like that! How dare you speak of James and Robert in their presence!"

Lupin's voice was edged with accusation. "You sold James and Lily to Voldemort, didn't you?"

Peter stammered, "I didn't mean to!"

Lupin pressed on, "You always betrayed Robert! When he was out at sea..."

Oliver interjected, "What?"

Everyone turned to look at him.

Oliver demanded, "You told Voldemort where my dad would be?"

Peter's voice grew frantic. "I didn't mean to. The Dark Lord- you don't know the power he holds! Ask yourself, Sirius! What would you have done in my place? What would you have done?"

Sirius's voice was a roar of indignation. "I would have died before betraying my friends!"

Oliver stepped in front of the door, his bow aimed directly at Peter. "Your betrayal led to my father's death," he said coldly. "You've got a lot to answer for."

Peter pleaded, "Oliver, your father wouldn't have wanted me dead! He would have shown me mercy, just like he always did!"

Oliver's eyes blazed. "If my father had the chance, he would have put things right. And now, it seems that you're one of those wrongs." With that, he charged at Peter, slamming him to the ground and unleashing a flurry of blows.

"You sentenced me to that island! Five years of torment because of you! I lost my father because of you!" Oliver's voice roared with each strike.

After a moment, Oliver stopped and glared down at Peter. "You say my father would have spared you... but he asked me to right his wrongs. I'm here to make sure you pay for what you've done." He resumed his assault.

"Oliver! Stop!" Lupin's voice cut through the chaos.

Harry added urgently, "Ollie, no! Stop!"

Hermione looked at Oliver with desperation. "Oliver, please! Stop!"

When Oliver didn't respond, Hermione rushed over and grabbed his arm, halting his hand mid-strike. "Ollie, I need you to stop!" she pleaded, trying to pull him away.

Oliver's breathing was heavy, his face flushed with anger. He looked at Hermione, his rage still simmering "Let go of me," but the plea in her eyes broke through. "No, this isn't you." Hermione replied and slowly, he released Peter and took a step back, his fists clenched at his sides.

Peter lay on the ground, gasping and bruised.

Hermione wrapped her arms around Oliver, holding him tightly. "It's over, Ollie. You've made your point."

Hermione pulled Oliver away from Peter just as Lupin and Sirius were moving to deliver the final blow.

Harry stepped forward, his voice firm and resolute. "No."

Lupin looked at Harry, frustration evident in his eyes. "Harry, this man is a traitor. He deserves to face justice."

Harry's gaze was unyielding. "I know what he is. But we'll take him to the castle."

Peter, desperately clutching at Harry's shoes, fell to his knees. "Oh, thank you, boy! Thank you!"

Harry kicked Peter's hands away, his tone cold. "Get off! I said we'd take you to the castle. After that, the dementors can have their due."

To be continued...