"Let's go. If I'm not mistaken, you came to find me, didn't you?" Headmaster Dumbledore said slowly.
"Yes, Professor. There are so many questions I can't find the answers to, so…" Alan sighed, his shoulders slumped.
Headmaster Dumbledore led Alan back to his office. Seeing the boy's dejected state, he spoke first. "I didn't expect such a tragedy to occur. It is a failure of my own duty. What is weighing on you, Alan? Just ask."
Alan deliberated for a moment, then looked up at Dumbledore with a sharp gaze. "How is Sirius? What were the results of your interrogation?"
As Dumbledore had anticipated, the boy was focused on the heart of the betrayal. "What I can tell you is that Sirius offered no defense for his actions after his arrest. He has already been sent to Azkaban."
"But that makes no sense. Has Sirius been faking his loyalty all this time?" Alan remained utterly puzzled.
"The world is often full of illogical turns, Alan. Frequently, reality is more bizarre than the stories in books. No one can truly know what caused Sirius to turn. We trusted someone we shouldn't have. Although it is painful, it is the truth. I am sorry to have to be the one to tell you such a cold reality." Dumbledore sighed heavily.
"Since even you are so certain, then it must be so." Although Alan found it nearly impossible to believe, he felt he had to accept it coming from the Headmaster.
"Can I go see him? I want to hear the words from his own mouth." Alan pressed, his voice desperate.
"I'm sorry, but he is currently in the safest, yet most dangerous, place in the wizarding world. Not just anyone can go there." Dumbledore glanced at Alan, his expression softening with a hint of pity. "The only people allowed in Azkaban are the Aurors stationed there, high-ranking Ministry officials, members of the Wizengamot, and individuals of the highest reputation. Perhaps if you work hard, you might have the chance to ask him for those answers yourself in the future."
Alan knew Dumbledore was offering a indirect form of encouragement, so he merely nodded. "I understand, Headmaster."
"You must try to look forward." Dumbledore considered the boy for a moment. "You were close with the Potters. I imagine you would want to attend their funeral—to bid them a proper farewell."
"A funeral. We've attended enough funerals this year," Alan muttered, recalling the grim events of the summer. Then, he remembered the survivor. "What about Harry? Is he safe?"
"Don't worry. We've arranged for him to be in an absolutely secure location. Lily cast a powerful protective magic on Harry before her sacrifice, which is what allowed him to survive the Dark Lord's attack. I have reinforced that power; no one can find him now." In Dumbledore's eyes, Alan was a resolute and righteous child whose actions over the summer had earned his confidence, so he allowed the boy this small piece of the puzzle.
"And what about Professor Snape?" Alan asked, remembering their encounter that morning and the sheer lethality of the man's magic.
"As for him, you only need to know that he hates the Dark Lord just as we do. In fact, we owe much to Severus for the information he provided us. Now that the Dark Lord has fallen, his true allegiance can be revealed."
"Oh? So, your certainty about the attack during last year's Christmas holiday was because of him?"
"Precisely. That is why I say Snape can be trusted. You will likely spend a great deal of time with him in the future, so try to maintain a civil relationship."
Alan didn't quite grasp what the Headmaster meant by "spending a lot of time together," but his mind was occupied by the revelation. *So that was it.* Dumbledore had mentioned a secret source last year when the Potters were first targeted. Alan had suspected a mole within the Death Eaters, and now he had a name.
Resolving many of his doubts, Alan nodded with relief. "I understand, Headmaster. I'm truly sorry for causing such a scene this morning."
Dumbledore shook his head. "I don't think anyone would blame a child with a heart as kind as yours. I will have Hagrid notify you before the funeral. And do not forget to attend dinner tonight. I know you haven't eaten in the Great Hall for a while, but there is an important announcement to be made."
Alan walked out of the office, his mind swirling with the information he had received over the last forty-eight hours. While he had feared the Potters weren't entirely safe, the reality of their death—and Sirius's betrayal—felt like a physical weight. He didn't understand what could have changed Sirius's stance, or if he had ever truly been on their side.
He pulled a magical photograph from his pocket, taken at the Potter home last Christmas. Looking at the two families laughing together and a boisterous, smug Sirius, Alan's brow furrowed again.
"Can Dumbledore's words be fully trusted? Did Sirius truly betray everything he stood for? It must be related to what happened during the months he was away. I have to find out what really happened," Alan whispered to himself.
Though he harbored a deep skepticism, he didn't let it show. He buried his doubts deep, resolving to find the answers on his own.
Throughout the day's lessons, Alan remained distracted. None of the professors criticized him, however, as the rest of the student body was even more chaotic. With the news of the Dark Lord's downfall, the school had entered a state of pure carnival. The corridors were noisy, and the professors, swept up in the good mood, let the children have their excitement.
That evening, Alan followed Dumbledore's suggestion and attended the feast. It was then that the shocking news was delivered.
"What? Snape is taking over for Professor Slughorn as the Potions Master? And he's the new Head of Slytherin?" Alan sat stunned as Dumbledore made the announcement.
*So, I just picked a fight with my new Head of House this morning and nearly took him down?* Alan thought, a sinking feeling settling in his stomach.