After a long silence.
Dumbledore spoke slowly, "Wrongfully accused?"
He repeated it, a barely perceptible trace of pain flashing in his eyes—a pain deep within the weight and regret of thirteen years.
"That's a very, very heavy word, Mr. Malfoy."
He walked to the window, his figure appearing particularly desolate in the firelight. "What it carries is not just a person's reputation and freedom, but also thirteen years of irretrievable time, countless shattered lives and trust, and a wound that has yet to heal."
Dumbledore turned and looked intently at Draco. "So, when you use this word, I need to know whether your claim of being 'wrongfully accused' is based on some specific, verifiable information you've heard, or on some... personal inference and feeling you have about the Black clan, the Ministry of Magic, or that period of history?"
Draco smiled slightly, already having made up his mind.
"Proving it is actually very simple."
With a thought, Draco spent a few exchange points to redeem a Marauder's Map from the system's One-Yuan Shop.
Draco then pretended to pull out a seemingly blank, old parchment from his person.
What if I said... I saw some... names that shouldn't have appeared on it?
Draco stared into Dumbledore's eyes. "For example, someone everyone thought had been dead for over a decade."
Dumbledore's pupils contracted sharply.
He couldn't sit still any longer and quietly put down the Sherbet Lemon he was holding.
" Petrificus Totalus!"
" Finite Incantatem!"
" Disillusionment Charm!"
A series of complex and profound incantations were Silencio cast from his hand, instantly enveloping the entire Headmaster's Office.
This was the highest level of security, and even the past principals depicted in the portraits had to fall into a deep sleep at this moment.
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Dumbledore's face no longer held its usual calm and collected demeanor; instead, it bore an expression that was a mixture of sadness and relief.
"What you see is crucial evidence in a thirteen-year-old wrongful conviction." His voice trembled slightly. "Your actions today could save the life of an innocent person, or they could bring the real criminal to justice."
"But this also means that from now on, you are inseparable from this matter."
At this moment Dumbledore's gaze turned serious. "I will have to take action, and your name may come into the view of some as they investigate the source of the truth."
"I need you to remain absolutely silent until this matter is made public, to your parents, to your friends, to anyone. Can you do that? This may be the greatest protection you can have, and the greatest responsibility you can take to the truth."
Draco raised an eyebrow. "So, Old Dumbledore, you think I just found out?"
Dumbledore paused for a moment, then a flash of understanding crossed his eyes. "If you've been carrying this burden for some time, then your choice to speak out today might mean you've seen an opportunity, or felt a certain... responsibility that makes you feel you can no longer remain silent."
Draco nodded. "This is indeed an opportunity, because it's really difficult to see you."
Dumbledore nodded slowly, his eyes showing appreciation. "So, let's return to this map and that name. Your responsibility is to bring it to me, and my responsibility is to verify it and decide how to proceed."
"As for you... if you'd like, you can tell me before we begin: what ultimately propelled you to take this step today, during this time when this secret has been weighing on your mind?"
Draco looked at him calmly, his expression serene. "It's simple, just like I told you before, our goals are the same."
"First, I also want to end the tragedy caused by Voldemort and the potential impact on my family. Peter Pettigrew could be a great asset to Voldemort in the future."
"Secondly, Sirius is also my relative. If he comes out, I think Harry will have a completely new life."
Draco Malfoy.
Dumbledore addressed Draco by his full name, his tone carrying an unprecedented solemnity.
"What you've presented isn't just an idea, but a complete framework for action, and I understand the weight of each layer within it."
"Ending the tragedy of Tom Riddle is a dark task for us all."
"Considering the future of the family is a sober and necessary consideration."
Viewing Peter as a future threat demonstrates strategic vision.
He paused, his gaze softening as he looked at Draco: "And you said, ' Harry will have a completely new life.'"
"This statement may be closer to the core of our 'shared objective' than all your strategic calculations combined."
Because at the heart of tragedy is always the suffering of specific individuals.
"You saw this and used it as one of the reasons for your action."
"This makes me believe that we might actually be on the same battlefield, even if we come from completely different directions."
"Based on this," Dumbledore's gaze sharpened, "I, Albus Dumbledore, in the name of the Hogwarts Headmaster and the Founders the Order of the Phoenix, accept your alliance in this matter."
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"I will lead the operation, but you will be informed of key developments. You need to fulfill your 'responsibility': remain absolutely silent and use your wisdom to protect yourself."
"If we succeed, it will be the first step in ending this tragedy, and perhaps it will also clear the fog over your family's future. And Harry... perhaps he really will be one step closer to a 'new life'."
"Now," he gestured to the map, "Let's begin the first step."
Draco nodded emphatically, activating the Marauder's Map.
"I solemnly swear that I have not done anything wrong."
With this classic incantation, ink lines began to meander and crawl across the previously blank parchment, revealing the entirety of Hogwarts.
Without even glancing at it, Draco pointed his finger directly at a moving ink dot near the Gryffindor Tower, clearly marked next to it:
[ Peter Pettigrew ]
He then turned the map towards Dumbledore and handed it to him.
Dumbledore did not go to pick it up immediately.
He took a step forward, looked down, and his gaze was fixed on that name.
The air seemed to freeze for about ten seconds.
The eternally gentle aura surrounding him vanished, replaced by an almost divine, heavy stillness.
Finally, he closed his eyes very slowly.
When he opened his eyes again, all that remained was a cold resolve and profound compassion.
He reached out and took the map, laid it flat on the table, and traced the name " Peter Pettigrew " and the name " Ron Weasley " with his fingertips.
" Peter Pettigrew," his voice as steady as delivering a verdict, "Lives, at Hogwarts, among the Weasley family boys."
He looked at Draco, his eyes filled with shock and lingering fear. "What you've brought is irrefutable evidence enough to overturn the Wizengamot trial, and an imminent threat."
Our 'first step' begins now.
"First, I have the map in my possession; it's the highest level of evidence."
Draco nodded.
"Second, forget about tonight's conversation. Just remember 'the information has been handed over to the principal.'"
"Third, go back to the common room immediately. Nothing happened, you know nothing. Especially not Ron Weasley and Harry Potter."
Dumbledore picked up the Elder Wand from the table, its tip gleaming coldly. "I will make sure Peter cannot leave Hogwarts tonight and initiate the long-prepared 'legal proceedings' for him."
"You have done well. Now, hand over the burden to me. Remember your role: a silent witness, a protected ally."
"Go back and rest, Draco. I will face the storm to come, while you have earned the right to observe quietly."
Draco looked at him, a mysterious smile playing on his lips.
" Old Dumbledore," Draco said softly, " Peter Pettigrew is just an appetizer."
After a pause, Draco dropped an even bigger bombshell. "Today, you're probably going to be so shocked you won't be able to sleep."