148 Back at the Raven

Arth separated from Hermione and Ron when they arrived at the school and went to the library. From there, he went up the secret passageway Luna had told him during his second year that lead to the Ravenclaw Dormitories.

When he arrived, he was met with a familiar large bronze door with an eagle shaped door knocker located in the middle.

"A number times itself is equal to the same number multiplied by two but in reverse. What is the number?"

"Nine."

Without a second moment of hesitation, Arth said the answer and entered the dormitory.

Arth saw heads turn when he walked in and gave a small little wave.

One of the older students raised an eyebrow.

"What brings you here Arth? If you are looking for Luna again, then she isn't here."

Arth had by now spent enough time in the Ravenclaw Dormitories for most of the people to be familiar with him.

"I'm not here for Luna today, Stephen."

The sixth year student named Stephen let out a surprised look.

"Then what else are you here for? Books?"

"Nah, I was here because I had a question."

Immediately, the Ravenclaw Dormitories quieted down. Typical Ravenclaws, couldn't help but be interested in problems.

Stephen had a brilliant glimmer in his eyes and the corners of his mouth started to inch upwards.

"What exactly is this... question?"

Arth tilted his head and placed a finger on his lip as if he was debating on whether to tell them or not.

"Well... it's more like a feeling, a missing puzzle piece that doesn't make sense."

"What?" Asked Stephen with a burning gaze. The other Ravenclaws also watched on with very very interested looks.

Arth gave a smile.

The fish had caught on to the bait.

"It's about Sirius Black. I'm sure you've heard of him by now."

"Who hasn't."

"Well... I've recently come across a few pieces of information that seem to... contradict with what I have been hearing about Sirius Black as a person."

Stephen frowned.

"What information?"

Arth gave a charming smile.

"Firstly, you know the reason why Sirius Black escaped from Azkaban, right? Or at least what the Ministry thinks was the reason."

Stephen nodded his head.

"It's thought to be because of Black's desire to kill Harry and revive you know who isn't it?"

"Yep. However, what would you say if you knew that Sirius Black and James Potter, Harry's Father, were as close as brothers?"

Stephen frowned and started to contemplate.

Another Ravenclaw student spoke up.

"Couldn't it just be that Sirius betrayed James for power? Or that he was mind controlled?"

Arth shrugged.

"Of course, however, we have to remember that Sirius Black, even before he was exposed as a dark wizard, was apparently gifted in the magical arts. It is hard to say that such a powerful wizard would succumb to mind possession."

"Then Sirius went to the dark side to gain power from you know who."

Arth let out a sly smile.

"Yes, That would make sense, however, you must realize that Sirius and James sort of had a group where they both shared leadership."

The quiet Stephen finally spoke up his eyes glittering with intelligence.

"Are you saying that Sirius is not the type of person to submit to others?"

Arth smiled in response.

An Asian girl raised her hand and started to speak.

"Then it's simple, You know who gave some power to Sirius Black. I mean people do say that Sirius was his right hand man. He must've had some power."

Arth sighed.

"It seems you don't understand the personality of the Dark Lord well, Cho."

Cho flushed before retorting angrily.

"What do you mean? All you need to know was that You know who favorited Black."

Stephen sighed at her answer.

"Cho, you know who was known for many things, however, mercy towards his subordinates was not one of them. You could have some favor with You know who, however, in the end of the day, you were just a dispensable pawn. That much is clear."

Arth nodded his head in agreement.

"Well, seeing that this will become somewhat long conversation, shall we sit down and cozy ourselves up?"