Just as several Petrificus Totalus spells were about to hit Bellatrix, a large black dog covered in wounds sprang out of the nearby bushes.
He dragged Bellatrix backward by her thigh. Her head banged against tree trunks and small stones, raising a lump on her forehead and leaving her half-conscious.
Countless Petrificus Totalus spells struck the spot where she had been, blasting up great clumps of turf and soil.
After dragging the half-conscious Bellatrix into the bushes, the large black dog immediately returned to human form and Disapparated with her.
The cloaked figures were momentarily speechless, then grew wary of whoever was watching from the shadows.
Up in the treetops, Tom narrowed his eyes.
"So Sirius really isn't dead. But why would he risk his life to save Bellatrix? They aren't that close, are they?"
"Who cares? Capture them all and haul them back to England. The Chief will have a way to get everything out of them."
Theodore immediately set off in pursuit of Sirius. This time, Tom did not stop him. He was curious about Sirius's motives too.
They followed the traces of Apparition, only to lose Sirius's trail at a small lake along the way.
Tom and Theodore stood side by side beside the rippling lake, a gentle breeze blowing across the water and stirring their black and white hair.
Tom offered a remark, his expression unreadable.
"Everyone says Sirius is reckless and arrogant, but his combat experience is quite impressive."
The cold, proud Theodore gave no reply, but quietly took out a playing card to report to the Chief.
Before coming here, he had thought he would simply need to capture or kill people. Only after arriving had he realized how complicated the situation truly was.
*My brain can't quite keep up, but it doesn't matter.