Having a "Talk" with Peter

The three of them hurried as fast as they could, but they still missed the curfew.

The castle stood silently under the moonlight.

Lucretia held a crystal vial containing unicorn tears in one hand.

The vial glowed faintly in the moonlight, reminding her of the miracle she had just experienced.

Little Barty had been keeping his arm tightly around her shoulders ever since they started the journey back.

Regulus followed on the other side, turning his head from time to time to confirm there were no pursuers behind them.

A smile played on Lucretia's face: "That was truly incredible. I never imagined I would have an experience like that. When its horn touched my forehead..."

There was a pride in Little Barty's tone that he didn't even realize himself: "You are special. The unicorn could tell."

Regulus also smiled: "I've read about it in the books at home. Unicorns only shed tears voluntarily in extremely rare circumstances. Sister, you are probably the first newcomer in Hogwarts history to receive such a gift."

Little Barty glanced at his friend, then turned to Lucretia: "Don't put pressure on her, Reg. How are you feeling now? That blessing doesn't feel uncomfortable, does it?"

Lucretia shook her head and reached up to touch her forehead: "No. It just feels very warm."

Passing through the final patch of woods, the silhouette of Hogwarts Castle appeared before them. The sporadic lights shining from the windows served as a reminder of the presence of those on night patrol.

Regulus reminded them, pointing ahead: "Keep it quiet. I know a path that can avoid Filch's patrol."

Little Barty raised an eyebrow: "Taught by your brother again? That S.B. map expert?"

Regulus shrugged: "At least his troublemaking experience is occasionally useful. Take that path on the left, follow the outer wall of the castle."

The three of them moved slowly, pressing against the castle wall and trying their best to avoid the brightly lit areas.

As they approached an inconspicuous side door, Regulus stopped, holding his arm out in front of the other two.

He lowered his voice, his eyes locked on the shadows ahead: "Wait. Someone's there."

The three of them pressed against the wall.

By the dim light of a torch, they saw a short figure darting between the pillars, moving stealthily, stopping to look around every few steps.

Little Barty's jaw tightened, his hand instinctively moving toward his wand: "Pettigrew? What is he doing here at this hour?"

Regulus stared at the figure for a few seconds.

"He's been prying into the Crouch family's affairs for the past few weeks, asking quite a few people. Last week, when my sister and I were doing homework in the library, I noticed him wandering back and forth between the nearby bookshelves. Every time he passed, he would sneak a peek at our table. I thought it was just a coincidence at the time."

Little Barty's expression turned gloomy instantly: "That tag-along. I thought I had warned him."

Regulus added: "Barty, perhaps because of our relationship, he asked me a few times at the start of the term about Mr. Crouch. Very strange questions, like whether Mr. Crouch discusses work at home, or if you and my sister have access to Ministry of Magic documents. But whenever he saw my expression change, he would find an excuse and slip away."

Lucretia looked at the two of them in surprise. "Why is Mr. Pettigrew interested in these things?"

Little Barty said coldly, "Because someone put him up to it. I noticed it a long time ago. Every time you pass by, he stares at you as if he's studying some sort of dragon specimen."

Regulus pondered for a moment and made a decision. "You take Lucretia back to Ravenclaw Tower first. I'm going to have a word with Pettigrew."

Little Barty frowned. "Now? Are you sure?"

A smile flickered across Regulus's face.

That smile made Lucretia take half a step back.

It was completely different from his usual gentle and reserved expression; there was something in that smile she had only seen a few times on Madam Black and Sirius.

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Regulus's voice was very soft, but there was a chill in his eyes. "Just a friendly reminder to him. Some things shouldn't be pried into."

Lucretia grabbed his sleeve. "Brother Regulus, you wouldn't..."

Regulus patted her hand, his smile turning gentle once more. "Don't worry. It's just a conversation. Don't you trust your brother?"

Little Barty stared at Regulus for a few seconds; there was a silent communication between the two.

He nodded. "Fine, but don't be too obvious. Meet me at the second-floor west wing corridor in ten minutes."

"Do you take me for Sirius? The one who turned Foreman's cauldron into fireworks during Potions class, forcing Professor Slughorn to end the lesson and send everyone to Madam Pomfrey? Don't worry, I'm more reliable than him."

Little Barty rolled his eyes at Regulus and turned to Lucretia. "Isn't that just a typical day for a Gryffindor? Let's go, I'll see you back to your tower."

Lucretia was still hesitant. "Brother Regulus, if Mr. Filch catches you..."

Regulus smiled and gave her a gentle push. "Go on. It's late, you should get some rest. I'll head back to the dormitory as soon as I'm done. Nothing will happen."

Lucretia looked at the two of them, and Little Barty took her by the arm, turning to walk toward another path leading into the interior of the castle.

Regulus watched them leave until their figures disappeared around the corner.

His smile faded. He straightened his collar and walked in the direction of Peter.

Little Barty led Lucretia through several secluded corridors, neither of them speaking.

It wasn't until they had climbed several flights of stairs and were sure they were far from the main areas of the castle that Lucretia finally spoke. "Brother Regulus won't hurt Mr. Pettigrew, right? I mean, in a way that would get him caught by the professors?"

Little Barty glanced at her. "Are you worried? Reg is gentler than I am; he's just going to scare him a little."

"But why is Mr. Pettigrew so interested in the Crouch family? Is it because of Father's work at the Ministry of Magic?"

Little Barty stopped and pulled her over to a wall without any portraits. "Listen, there's something you need to know. We suspect Pettigrew is monitoring you and the Crouch family, and it's not out of personal interest."

Lucretia's eyes widened. "Surveillance? Why?"

Little Barty placed a hand on her shoulder. "Someone might be interested in Father's work at the Ministry of Magic, or perhaps they're trying to gather intelligence through you. Either way, it's nothing good."

Lucretia remembered Sophia's warning: watch out for that rat.

Her expression shifted.

"How long have you and Brother Regulus known?"

Little Barty watched her expression change, his tone softening. "For a while now. We noticed Pettigrew's unusual attention toward you on the first day of school, but we weren't sure of his motives, so we've been observing."

Lucretia recalled, her voice growing quieter. "He's asked me questions a few times. Besides the ponytail and the desserts I mentioned to you before, I ran into him once when my roommates and I were leaving the Great Hall. He asked me what kind of food I liked, and... oh, he did ask me what Father is like at home."

Little Barty's jaw tightened. "If you run into him again, don't answer any questions, not even the most harmless ones. Find me or Regulus immediately, understand?"

Lucretia nodded. "I understand."

They continued forward, soon reaching the stairs leading to Ravenclaw Tower.

Little Barty instructed, "Don't tell anyone about tonight, not even your roommates."

Thinking of what had happened in the Forbidden Forest tonight, Lucretia offered a bright smile. "I know, it's our secret."

Little Barty's expression softened, and he patted her shoulder lightly. "Good. Tomorrow is the weekend, so sleep in. Go on up, I'll see you tomorrow."

She nodded at him and turned to head up the stairs.

Little Barty stood where he was, his gaze following her back until he was certain she had reached the tower entrance safely. Only then did he turn and walk away, heading toward the meeting spot with quick strides.