Verdict of the Wizengamot
Breaking News: Shocking Revelations from Beyond the Grave!
As the dust settles from the explosive revelations brought forth by none other than the late Mrs. Lily Potter, the Daily Prophet is here to bring you the scandalous details that have sent shockwaves through the Wizarding World! For those still blissfully unaware, you are in for quite a treat today!
“My dear readers,” I, Rita Skeeter, come to you with astonishing news! It appears that the illustrious Lily Potter, whose tragic demise has left us all in mourning, had a secret weapon of her own—a cleverly enchanted orb set to release vital truths one week post-mortem! That’s right, darlings! Today, multiple orbs detonated across Wizarding Britain, revealing nothing less than the shocking reality of events surrounding her untimely death!
To kick things off, let’s talk about Sirius Black—yes, you heard me correctly! The accused betrayer, mass-murderer, and supposed spy for the nefarious You-Know-Who has been exonerated of nearly all charges! In a bombshell revelation, Lily makes it abundantly clear that the real villain lurking in the shadows is none other than the now-assumed martyr, Peter Pettigrew! It was Pettigrew, she asserts, who was their true Secret Keeper and not Black. Can you believe it? The Ministry of Magic is surely bracing for an avalanche of letters, howlers, and demands for justice from outraged citizens!
But hold onto your broomsticks, because it gets worse! In her heartfelt address, Lily Potter drops another staggering truth: the whereabouts of our beloved Boy Who Lived, Harry Potter, remain shrouded in mystery! He has been hidden away from the public eye “for his own safety and protection”—words echoed by none other than the ever-elusive Headmaster Dumbledore! But I assure you, my dear readers, he is NOT with the individuals Lily mentioned as potential guardians. So, could it be true that Dumbledore has concealed him among Muggles? And not just any Muggles, my dears—magic-hating Muggles!
Yes, you heard me right! The very sister who despised Lily Evans for her magical abilities, severing all ties with her, now holds our hero in her care! How, you may wonder, have they treated our dear Harry in his time of need? The mind boggles at the implications!
But don’t fret, my loyal readers; I am committed to unearthing the truth! Through my relentless research and in-depth interviews with the authorities, I will reveal the answers you deserve! Dumbledore has yet to grace us with his presence to comment on these pressing matters, but I sincerely hope he has a compelling explanation for taking it upon himself to dictate the placement of Harry Potter!
Stay tuned, for I, Rita Skeeter, will stop at nothing to bring you the inside scoop on this riveting saga!
Yours forever faithfully,
Rita Skeeter,
Reporter Extraordinaire and Investigative Journalist for theDaily Prophet
Albus Dumbledore sat behind his ornate desk in the Headmaster’s office, the weight of the world pressing down on his shoulders. The usual glow of the enchanted candles cast flickering shadows on the walls, but today they felt dimmer, as if they too sensed the turmoil within him. He rubbed the bridge of his nose, contemplating his next move: Should he rush to the Dursleys and retrieve Harry Potter himself, or should he adopt a more grandfatherly approach and speak with Sirius Black?
With a sigh, Dumbledore leaned back in his chair, his blue eyes, losing its twinkle, as he gazed out of the window at the bustling Hogwarts grounds.
Decision made, Dumbledore stood up, smoothing out the wrinkles in his robes. He would seek out Sirius and clear the air between them. The matter of custody weighed heavily on his mind; he still needed Sirius to relinquish his claim or, at the very least, to agree to allow one of his trusted Light families to take Harry in. After all, despite the rampant speculation about Harry being hidden among Muggles, Dumbledore felt confident that no one truly knew his whereabouts.
He strode purposefully toward the door, determined to resolve this predicament with both wisdom and compassion. The Ministry awaited him, and with it, a full Wizengamot session that would decide Sirius’s fate. Dumbledore knew that he had to tread carefully, for the man he was about to face was both hurt and angry—a volatile combination that could sway the course of their conversation.
With a final glance at the portraits of former Headmasters, all watching silently, he stepped into the corridor, prepared to navigate the delicate web of alliances and enmities that defined their world. Today would not be easy, but he was resolved to do what was necessary for Harry Potter’s sake, for the boy was their last hope against the darkness that threatened to engulf them all.
Far from what Dumbledore had anticipated, Lily Potter was not finished unveiling her surprises for the day. In a strategic move, she had provided the Goblins of Gringotts with a vial of Harry's blood, granting them the ability to access his location during times of crisis—like the current situation—and ensure his safety.
The Goblins, often underestimated by witches and wizards, were far from inferior. These astute creatures had long been the backbone of the wizarding economy. What many in the magical community forgot was that without the Goblins, the Noble houses would have crumbled long ago. They were not just bankers; they were guardians of wealth and power, wielding knowledge that the wizarding world could only dream of.
Proud of their race and culture, the Goblins were curt and shrewd, refusing to accept any disrespect from wizards. Their services always came at a cost, but when they agreed to undertake a task, they did so with an unwavering commitment to perfection. The Goblins had an innate understanding of the intricacies of magic and finance, making them invaluable allies—even if the wizards often failed to recognize it.
Therefore, the reason Lily had chosen to employ the Goblins' services instead of relying on wizards was clear. She understood that the Goblins were not only shrewd negotiators but also fiercely loyal when it came to fulfilling their contracts. Unlike many in the wizarding world who often acted out of self-interest or political agendas, the Goblins valued their honor and reputation above all else.
By entrusting her son’s safety to the Goblins, Lily ensured that his whereabouts would remain confidential and protected from the machinations of those who might seek to exploit or harm him. The Goblins, with their keen intelligence and steadfast principles, were the only allies she could trust to safeguard Harry's future, far removed from the political games of the wizarding elite.
So, while the rest of the wizarding world was enraptured by the orb message from Lily Potter, two Goblins performed a blood-tracking ritual to locate one Harry James Potter. With the address in hand, they soon found themselves standing in front of an unassuming Muggle house on a dull, drab street—hardly what they expected for the home of such a renowned child.
Ringing the doorbell, they clutched a letter tightly, anticipation mingling with a hint of trepidation.
Petunia Dursley was bustling about her kitchen, preparing breakfast for her family when the doorbell rang. Curious about the unexpected interruption, she wiped her hands on a dishrag and opened the door, only to be confronted by a sight that sent chills down her spine.
There, before her, stood two small, oddly-shaped creatures—Goblins, their features sharp and unsettling, with an air of authority that made her stomach churn. This was beyond anything she had dealt with in the past week. She had expected to be rid of the boy, to return to a semblance of normalcy, yet here they were again, invading her life with their strange, supernatural presence.
“No, no, no! This cannot be happening!” she thought, her mind racing. They were supposed to be normal people, for heaven’s sake! They had taken the boy in—what more did they want? Why couldn’t they just leave them alone with their strange, abnormal, freakishness?
A scream threatened to escape her lips, but Petunia quickly bit it back, aware that any sound would only fuel her neighbours’ gossip. Instead, she opened the door wider, ushering the peculiar visitors inside, and slammed the door shut behind them, her heart pounding with anxiety.
As the Goblins stepped into the living room, Petunia launched into a tirade, her voice a mix of disdain and desperation. She made it abundantly clear that she wanted nothing to do with “freaks” and how utterly done she was with their kind. Just then, Vernon, alerted by the commotion, stormed in to investigate. Upon seeing the Goblins, he turned a shade of purple that no human should ever achieve, his eyes bulging with disbelief.
“What is the meaning of this?” he bellowed, ready to unleash his own torrent of outrage.
The Goblins exchanged a knowing glance, their patience wearing thin. With a sharp snap of their fingers, the Dursleys fell silent, the room filling with an eerie stillness. Petunia and Vernon stared wide-eyed at their strange visitors, instinctively creating a wide space between themselves and the Goblins, fear seeping into their demeanour.
With the Dursleys finally quiet, the Goblins unfurled the letter, presenting it to the horse-necked woman. “We are here to take Lily Potter’s child,” one of them stated firmly, his voice as unyielding as the stone walls of Gringotts. “He will never return to you.”
To their surprise, Petunia and Vernon exchanged a glance of relief, their faces lighting up at the prospect of finally washing their hands of the unwanted guest in their home. With a curt nod, they led the Goblins to the room where Harry lay in a second-hand cradle, beside a grand crib that held their precious son.
The Goblins approached the cradle, lifting the small boy with gentle care, swaddled in a blanket that seemed far too large for him. With the boy cradled in their arms, they returned to the hall, their presence commanding and resolute.
In a heartbeat, the Goblins turned on their heels and apparated back to Gringotts, leaving the Dursleys standing in stunned silence. One moment, they were there; the next, they were gone.
The Dursleys breathed a collective sigh of relief, utterly convinced they would never have to encounter another being of magic ever again. After all, they had successfully rid themselves of the “freak” they never wanted in the first place.
There was a palpable sense of hustle and bustle at Azkaban Prison that morning, the air thick with tension. Aurors moved purposefully through the dimly lit corridors, shuffling papers and exchanging uneasy glances as they awaited the final clearance to transport the infamous prisoner from cell 777: Sirius Black. He was to be presented before a full Wizengamot, a daunting prospect for everyone involved.
Among the Aurors, a few had once counted Sirius as a friend, their camaraderie forged in the fires of the past. Now, however, that bond felt strained, overshadowed by the dark stain of betrayal they believed him to bear. The evidence from the crime scene had been compelling—too compelling. The weight of their conviction hung heavily on them, yet now, with new revelations swirling about, their perspectives were shifting in ways they had never anticipated.
Duty called, however, and they had no choice but to carry out their orders. They gathered at the entrance to the cell, uncertainty lingering in the air. A hushed debate began over whether they should approach Sirius with restraints or allow him the dignity of moving freely. The thought of shackling him felt wrong, but the fear of the unknown loomed large.
“Oh dear Merlin, what a mess,” one Auror muttered, rubbing a hand over his face as he attempted to steady his nerves.
As they prepared to unlock the heavy door of the cell, each Auror felt the weight of their decision hanging over them. In less than an hour, they would be thrust into the whirlwind of a trial that could change everything.
Sirius was more than ready to be rid of this Merlin-forsaken place. The past week had stretched into what felt like a lifetime, spent in the oppressive shadow of soul-sucking Dementors. Each day had forced him to relive his worst moments, drowning him in memories of despair and regret; misery had been his sole companion during that grim time.
Kingsley Shacklebolt stood among the Aurors gathered to retrieve him. Once, not long ago—though it felt like ages—Sirius would have called him a close friend. But now, as he watched Kingsley approach, all he could feel was disdain. Not a single one of his so-called friends had fought for him; not one had dared to speak in his defense, save for Lily. The betrayal stung deeper than any wound.
Silence enveloped him as the Aurors clustered in front of his cell, preparing to open the heavy door. He yearned to step out before the Wizengamot with dignity, but he didn’t trust these people to afford him that luxury. It didn’t matter, though. Soon, he would escape this hellish prison, present his case, prove his innocence, and reclaim his godson from the hands of those who had taken him away. Determination surged within him, a flicker of hope amid the darkness.
Several members of the Wizengamot received an urgent summons for an emergency session, the air thick with anticipation and unease. They all knew the purpose of this meeting; the echoes of Lily Potter's shocking message still resonated in their minds, igniting a mix of curiosity and apprehension about the revelations it contained.
Among those summoned were influential figures like Lucius Malfoy, his sharp gaze calculating as he pondered how this session might shift the power dynamics in their favor. Thaddeus Nott, with his usual aloof demeanor, remained stoic, his thoughts veiled behind a mask of indifference. Walden Macnair, eager for chaos, practically buzzed with excitement, while Perseus Parkinson sat quietly, his mind whirring as he considered the implications for his family. Dedalus Diggle and Elphias Doge, though often on the lighter side of wizarding politics, understood that the day’s proceedings could lead to darker consequences. Hestia Jones, a fierce advocate for justice, braced herself for what was to come, ready to counter any dark agendas.
As the session commenced, Minister Bagnold presided over the gathering with an air of authority, though her expression betrayed a hint of worry. At her side stood Barty Crouch Sr., head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, his brow furrowed in displeasure. He had spent the last week rounding up any suspected Death Eaters and shoving them behind bars, his determination to restore order unwavering. The sudden questioning of his authority, sparked by Lily Potter's revelations, was a development he had not anticipated and found utterly unwelcome.
Crouch Sr. believed, without a shred of doubt, that Sirius Black was guilty of at least the massacre that had rocked the wizarding world. To him, it was simple logic—Black came from a Dark family, and therefore, he was inherently dangerous. The thought of allowing someone like Black to walk free was anathema to Crouch’s rigid worldview, and he was resolute in ensuring that the accused would not leave the chamber unscathed.
The courtroom buzzed with anticipation as the doors of the Wizengamot Chamber opened. The assembly settled into a tense silence as Albus Dumbledore, Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot, rose from his seat. His voice, though calm, carried a weight of authority and commanded attention.
"We are convened here today to determine the guilt or innocence of Sirius Orion Black III," Dumbledore began, his piercing blue eyes sweeping across the assembly. "The charges laid against Mr. Black are as follows: treason against the Potter family on the night of October 31, 1981, and the murders of Peter Pettigrew and twelve Muggles on the same night."
Dumbledore's tone remained neutral, giving no hint of bias, but those who knew him well sensed the tension underlying his words.
With a nod from Dumbledore, the heavy wooden doors creaked open, and Sirius Black was brought into the chamber. Shackled and pale, his eyes burned with defiance, though there was a flicker of something else—perhaps anger—as he locked eyes with the Chief Warlock.
"Please bring forth the defendant," Dumbledore instructed the Aurors.
Sirius was led to the centre of the courtroom. He stood tall despite the grimness of his situation. His still-handsome face now bore the harsh marks of his brief time in Azkaban. As he took his place, Dumbledore addressed him directly.
"Mr. Black, do you consent to the use of Veritaserum during this trial?"
Sirius's gaze was unwavering as he nodded. "I do," he replied, his voice firm.
An Auror stepped forward and carefully administered three drops of the truth serum. The silence in the chamber was almost tangible as the potion took effect. Dumbledore allowed a moment before beginning the questioning, his voice steady and formal.
"State your name and date of birth for the record," Dumbledore instructed.
"Sirius Orion Black. November 3rd, 1959," Sirius responded in a dull monotone, the effects of the Veritaserum making his voice flat and without emotion.
Dumbledore nodded and moved to the next question. "Did you betray the Potters to Lord Voldemort?"
"No," Sirius replied, his voice devoid of its usual passion, but the truth behind the words resonated in the room.
There was a ripple of reaction among the Wizengamot members. Dumbledore allowed the murmur to settle before continuing, his gaze never leaving Sirius.
"Were you responsible for the death of Peter Pettigrew and twelve Muggles on the night of November 1st, 1981?"
"No," Sirius answered, and for the first time, a flicker of emotion crossed his face. "Peter faked his own death."
Dumbledore's expression remained impassive, though there was a glimmer of interest in his eyes. He knew the gravity of this testimony.
The questioning was then passed to Barty Crouch Sr., who leaned forward, his frustration barely contained. He was determined to break Sirius's defense.
"If you expect us to believe you, Mr. Black," Crouch said, his voice dripping with skepticism, "how do you explain Pettigrew’s escape when the witnesses state that you were the only one standing?"
Sirius's eyes darkened, but under the influence of Veritaserum, he answered without hesitation. "We are Animagi—me, James, and Peter. We have been since our fifth year at Hogwarts. I am a big black dog, James was a stag, and Peter... Peter is a rat. He transformed and escaped into the sewers."
A stunned silence followed. Members of the Wizengamot exchanged glances, shocked at the revelation that three teenagers had achieved such a complex magical feat. Dumbledore, however, remained composed, though his eyes gleamed with a flicker of understanding. He had long suspected that the Marauders were capable of extraordinary magic.
Crouch seized upon this new information, his tone sharp. "You deliberately did not register yourself with the Ministry, even when you were training as an Auror?"
Sirius's jaw clenched for a moment before he responded. "I did, but not because of any nefarious intentions or ulterior motives," he replied truthfully, though the Veritaserum forced him from withholding the full truth. Even now, Sirius would not betray Remus's secret, despite the bitterness he felt over his abandonment.
The courtroom fell silent again as Crouch leaned back in his chair, visibly displeased with the outcome of his questioning. Dumbledore turned to the assembly, his voice calm but firm.
"With the truth now revealed, we shall move forward," Dumbledore announced. "I will now call for a vote."
Dumbledore raised his hand to signal the Wizengamot members to cast their votes.
"All those in favour of sentencing Mr. Black to a six-month term in Azkaban’s low-security wing for the failure to register as an Animagus, please raise your hands."
Only a few hands rose, fewer than five. Crouch’s face turned a deeper shade of red, his frustration palpable.
"And now, all those in favour of releasing Mr. Black immediately, with a fine of 25,000 Galleons for the concealment of vital information?"
Almost every hand in the room went up. The outcome was clear. Dumbledore, seeing the overwhelming majority, nodded solemnly.
"The majority has spoken," Dumbledore declared. "Sirius Black is hereby acquitted of all charges relating to the betrayal of the Potters and the deaths of Peter Pettigrew and twelve Muggles. However, he shall be fined 25,000 Galleons for failing to register as an Animagus."
Sirius swayed slightly as the truth of what had just happened began to sink in. The chains binding him were unlocked, and for the first time in what felt like an eternity, he was free.
The chamber remained tense as Dumbledore stood, addressing the assembly one final time. "This session is adjourned."
As the room began to empty, Sirius, now a free man, could hardly believe it. His thoughts raced to one thing: Harry. He would take his godson -son- far away from all of this and never look back.
Sirius wanted to contest for custody of Harry right then and there with the full Wizengamot already assembled. But his brief, soul-crushing week in Azkaban had taught him something—power speaks louder than intentions. Instead of charging headlong into a battle he wasn’t fully prepared for, Sirius made a calculated decision. He left the chambers a free man and headed directly to Gringotts. His plan? To claim the Lordship over the House of Black.
Though he had once abhorred everything his family had stood for, recent events had forced him to reconsider his stance. The so-called Light had done him no favours either. Both sides had failed him in their own way. Moving forward, Sirius resolved to make his own decisions, guided neither by the benevolent Headmaster nor by the manipulations of a megalomaniacal Dark Lord. His allegiance would be to Harry—and Harry alone.
Claiming the Black Lordship would give him the influence he needed to secure his godson’s future. The thought of the letter Lily had mentioned in her message filled him with both anticipation and admiration. Once again, Lily had proven her brilliance. The precautions she had taken to ensure Harry's safety were beyond impressive; they were awe-inspiring. A mother’s love, Sirius thought, was a force unmatched by any magic. He had been hesitant when Lily requested obscure books from him during her pregnancy and in the months leading up to that fateful night, but now he saw the result of her tireless studies. If it had all been for Harry's protection, then he was fully in support of her brilliant foresight.
Now, with the title of Lord Black to look forward to, and the wisdom of Lily’s planning in his hands, Sirius would be ready to fight for Harry—and nothing would stand in his way.
Sirius caught sight of the Headmaster approaching from the corner of his eye, but he had zero interest in entertaining him. No longer would he fall for Dumbledore's grandfatherly façade. He had maintained a semblance of decorum during the court session, but that was the end of it. If Dumbledore believed he could sway Sirius into relinquishing Harry or any of his newfound ambitions, he was sorely mistaken.
Steeling himself, Sirius braced for whatever platitudes Dumbledore might offer. The man's silver tongue had once charmed and manipulated him, but those days were over. Sirius was no longer the naïve boy who had idolized the Headmaster. He was a man fueled by the knowledge of betrayal, and he wouldn’t be so easily swayed. The stakes were too high, and his resolve was unwavering.
As Dumbledore drew nearer, Sirius felt a fire ignite within him. He would not allow the Headmaster to undermine his determination or diminish the love he had for Harry. Today marked a turning point, and Sirius was ready to take control of his destiny—no matter what it took.
Albus observed the tumult of emotions flickering across Sirius’s face before he settled into a mask of indifference. It was a disconcerting change; the reckless, impulsive young man he remembered had been transformed during his week in Azkaban. This new resolve was not what Dumbledore had anticipated, and it left him feeling vulnerable.
Yet, Dumbledore held firm in his belief that he could sway even the strongest minds to his will. “Sirius, my boy,” he began with a warm smile, “I am truly glad to see the hearing concluded in your favor. It’s disappointing, of course, that the Ministry handled your arrest so irresponsibly.”
Sirius cut him off, irritation bubbling just beneath the surface. He had no time for Dumbledore’s pretenses or platitudes. “I agree, Albus. However, you’re not exempt from scrutiny in this matter, are you? As Chief Warlock, you wield as much power over the Wizengamot as the Minister herself—if not more. If you truly wanted to help me, you could have pushed for a trial. After all, you were one of the few who knew, aside from Hagrid, that it was Peter who betrayed the Potters that night. You could have told me to go after him yourself.”
Dumbledore was momentarily taken aback, caught off guard by Sirius's directness. The straightforward confrontation left little room for manipulation or evasion. The room crackled with tension as the truth of Sirius's words hung in the air, and Albus found himself cornered in a way he hadn't experienced in years. Finally, he responded, his voice measured but tinged with a hint of defensiveness.
"Sirius, my dear boy, your passion is commendable, but you must understand that the complexities of the Ministry often extend beyond our immediate comprehension. While I did have knowledge of Peter's treachery, my influence within the Wizengamot is not absolute. I had hoped that the truth would surface in due time, as it has now, but I cannot control the actions of every individual in that room."
He leaned slightly closer, his blue eyes earnest. "Believe me, I did everything within my power to ensure your safety and to advocate for justice. However, the wheels of bureaucracy turn slowly, and there are many layers of deception and fear that cloud the judgment of those who hold power. I never intended for you to be ensnared in this web. What matters now is that you are free, and we can move forward together to protect Harry from the shadows that still linger."
Dumbledore's expression softened as he added, "I know that trust is difficult to come by, especially after all you've endured. But I urge you to consider the bigger picture. We must unite against the darkness that threatens our world, and that includes ensuring Harry's safety and securing his future."
Sirius countered with a question of his own, his tone dripping with skepticism. “And what, exactly, does securing Harry's future mean to you, Dumbledore?” The drawl in his voice unnerved him, echoing too closely the condescension he often associated with Lucius.
Dumbledore’s gaze sharpened at Sirius's tone, a flicker of concern crossing his features. He took a moment before responding, weighing his words carefully.
“Securing Harry’s future,” he began, his voice steady but infused with urgency, “means ensuring he is raised in an environment where he is loved and protected, where he can thrive without the shadow of his past weighing upon him. It involves preparing him for the challenges ahead and equipping him with the knowledge and support he will need to face the darkness that seeks to envelop him.”
Dumbledore leaned in slightly, his tone now earnest. “You must understand, Sirius, that my intentions have always been to shield Harry from the pain and loss that has defined your own life. The world is perilous, and I would never wish for him to bear the same burdens that you and I have carried. But if we are to ensure his future, we must work together, despite our differing perspectives.”
Sirius is livid, how dare he think Sirius would raise Harry with anything but love and care? "Are you saying you know better than Harry's parents - his mother? Because it was stated in her voice, clear for the world, that I am not only Harry's godfather, but also his blood-adopted parent. If this vision of yours is what you intend for Harry, would you have taken him away from James and Lily as well?"
Dumbledore's expression shifted, the weight of Sirius's words striking him harder than he anticipated. “Sirius, that’s not what I meant—” he began, but Sirius cut him off, his voice rising with barely contained fury.
“Not what you meant?” Sirius spat, fists clenched at his sides. “You stand there, cloaked in your so-called wisdom, claiming to know what’s best for Harry, yet you dismiss the very wishes of his mother! Lily entrusted me with her son, and you dare to question my ability to provide for him?”
He took a step closer, his intensity unwavering. “If you truly believed in Harry’s well-being, you would support us, instead of trying to impose your will upon us both.”
Dumbledore, visibly shaken by the confrontation, straightened his posture and replied, “Sirius, I understand your anger, but the world is not as simple as we would like it to be. There are forces at play far beyond our control, and my actions, while perhaps misguided in your eyes, were always intended to protect Harry. We must look past our grievances and consider what is best for him moving forward.”
Sirius regarded Dumbledore with a steely gaze, a flicker of admiration crossing his mind. The Headmaster was indeed persuasive, but it only strengthened his resolve. “You are barking up the wrong tree, Albus, if you think I would ever relinquish my rights as Harry’s godfather and his legal and magical guardian. You are sorely mistaken.”
He took a step closer, voice steady and unwavering. “I will raise Harry on my own terms—provide for him, protect him, and love him in every way his parents would have wanted. I won’t seek to replace them; their legacy will always remain in his heart. This is my commitment to him, and no amount of persuasion will change that.”
Sirius straightened, the weight of his convictions grounding him. “I believe we have nothing more to discuss. I have made my decision, and I will not waver. Good day, Headmaster.” With that, he turned on his heel, ready to reclaim his life and the family he was determined to protect.