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Interlude : Dumbledore

Albus Dumbledore sat in his office, the faint hum of magic lingering in the air as he awaited Kingsley Shacklebolt's report. The flickering candlelight danced across the room, casting shadows on the walls. The weight of recent events hung heavily on Dumbledore's mind, and he leaned forward in his chair as Kingsley entered, his expression grave.

"Ah, Kingsley," Dumbledore greeted, his voice gentle but tinged with concern. "Please, take a seat. I assume the situation at the Burrow has resolved?"

Kingsley settled into the chair across from Dumbledore, his demeanor serious. "Indeed, Headmaster. The evening began as a simple visit, but it quickly escalated into something far more complex."

Dumbledore nodded, encouraging him to continue. Kingsley took a deep breath before diving into the details.

"As planned, Minister Scrimgeour, Moody, and I arrived at the Burrow under the pretense of discussing the wealth redistribution law," Kingsley began. "However, it became evident that our presence was causing increasing unease among the Weasleys. The atmosphere was charged with a growing sense of urgency."

Dumbledore's eyes narrowed slightly as he listened. "What was the cause of this urgency?"

Kingsley continued, "During our visit, a rat, which seemed out of place in the middle of a cordial dinner, drew Moody's attention. His vigilance was immediate, and he observed the rat’s erratic behavior. We suspected something was amiss."

Dumbledore raised an eyebrow. "The rat's behavior was unusual?"

"Very much so," Kingsley confirmed. "The rat, which Percy Weasley claimed to have had as a pet for eleven years, exhibited behavior that suggested it might be an unregistered Animagus. Common rats don't live that long, and the rat's frantic movements were inconsistent with a typical rodent."

Dumbledore's eyes gleamed with understanding. "And what actions were taken?"

"Moody used a magical binding net to restrain the rat," Kingsley explained. "Percy Weasley and the others were initially confused and distressed. We had to act swiftly to prevent the rat from escaping."

"And the outcome?" Dumbledore asked, leaning forward with interest.

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

"Rufus Scrimgeour decided to perform a spell to verify the rat’s true nature," Kingsley said. "He used 'Homunculus Revelio,' which revealed the rat to be Peter Pettigrew. The Weasleys were understandably shocked."

Dumbledore's eyes widened in surprise. "Peter Pettigrew? After all these years?"

"Yes," Kingsley confirmed. "The revelation was startling for everyone present. Pettigrew was apprehended, and the Weasleys were left grappling with the truth about their long-time pet."

Dumbledore nodded slowly, processing the information. "Thank you for the detailed report, Kingsley. This news is significant, and the implications are far-reaching. We must ensure that the Weasleys are supported and that Pettigrew is handled with the utmost care."

Kingsley rose from his seat. "Of course, Headmaster. I'll keep you informed of any further developments."

As Kingsley departed, Dumbledore’s mind raced through the implications of this new information. The web of secrets was tightening, and he knew that the coming days would bring further challenges.

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Albus Dumbledore's thoughts were a whirlwind as he reflected on the report from Kingsley Shacklebolt. The revelation of Peter Pettigrew's presence at the Burrow was both shocking and alarming. He knew that the Weasleys, a family he held in high regard, would be deeply affected by this turn of events.

The scene at the Burrow, as described by Kingsley, had been one of heightened tension. The Weasleys, initially welcoming, were thrown into disarray as the truth about their pet rat was revealed. Dumbledore could imagine the shock and disbelief that had gripped the family.

Kingsley's report had painted a vivid picture of the unfolding drama. Ron Weasley’s frantic pleas to release the rat, Percy’s attempt to maintain order, and Molly Weasley’s struggle to regain control of the situation were all indicative of the emotional turmoil that had enveloped the family.

Dumbledore felt a pang of sympathy for the Weasleys. Their home, once a bastion of warmth and comfort, had been invaded by the grim reality of their pet’s true identity.

As he pondered the situation, Dumbledore knew that his next steps were crucial. He needed to offer support to the Weasleys and ensure that Pettigrew's presence did not further destabilize their lives. The immediate priority was to address the emotional impact on the family and to ensure their safety and security.

Dumbledore also considered the broader implications of Pettigrew's capture. The knowledge that such an important figure had been living in hiding for so long raised questions about the depth of Voldemort’s influence and the extent of his followers' infiltration into the lives of ordinary witches and wizards.

With a deep breath, Dumbledore resolved to take action. He would visit the Burrow personally to offer his support and guidance. He would also coordinate with the Order of the Phoenix to ensure that the Weasleys were protected and that Pettigrew was handled appropriately.

As the night wore on, Dumbledore prepared for the challenges ahead. The web of secrets was indeed tightening, and he knew that the path forward would require wisdom, compassion, and unwavering resolve.