Purée

Troubled task

### Chapter: The Escape and the Revelation

The night was fraught with tension and urgency. After months of meticulous planning, the moment of truth had arrived. Explosions echoed through the grim corridors of Azkaban, the sound of our strategic diversions creating chaos around Bellatrix Lestrange's cell. I moved swiftly through the smoke and debris, every step a calculated risk.

I slipped into the cell, my heart pounding. Bellatrix, her once-proud demeanor marred by years of confinement, looked up with a mix of surprise and recognition. I handed her a set of clothes—simple yet sufficient to cover her chains. As I worked to free her, the cacophony of the explosions continued, their reverberations providing a cover for our escape. The chains fell away with a clatter, and I gestured for her to move quickly.

"We need to go, now!" I urged, my voice barely above a whisper but filled with urgency. She nodded, and together, we navigated the labyrinthine prison, the alarms blaring around us. Each echo was a stark reminder of how close we were to being caught.

Once we were out, the darkness of the night enveloped us, and we made our way back to Hogwarts Castle. The castle's common room, usually a place of comfort and familiarity, now felt like a cage of anxiety. Albus Dumbledore was waiting for us, his face etched with worry.

"Everyone, to your rooms, now!" he ordered, his voice trembling slightly as he spoke.

I turned the corner and pressed myself against the wall, trying to catch snippets of the conversation that was unfolding. Albus's voice was urgent, almost frantic. "The one who must not be named has escaped," he said, his voice shaky. "We must all protect Mr. Potter."

My heart sank. If Voldemort's return was imminent, the entire world was on the brink of chaos. And the realization hit me like a punch to the gut—Dad was the double agent Voldemort had spoken of. It all made sense now. His conflicted loyalty, his hidden meetings. It was clear he was the mole, and that realization was a bitter pill to swallow.

I pressed myself into the shadows, trying to remain unseen. Dad was walking briskly, his face lined with tension. "Come on out," he said softly, his voice carrying a note of resignation.

Reluctantly, I stepped into view. "Don't do it anymore," I pleaded, my voice raw. "End it! Quit being the good guy and playing a side job to Voldemort. He knows! If you stop now, you might still live."

Dad's eyes were filled with a mix of pain and determination. "Venessa, it isn't that easy."

"Really?" I shot back, my voice breaking. "Is it because you loved Potter's mother? I know all about what happened in the past."

I took a step forward and hugged him tightly. His arms felt cold and stiff at first, but they slowly softened. "Venessa?" Joshua's voice interrupted my embrace, a whisper filled with concern.

I pulled away from Dad and turned to face Joshua, my eyes red and swollen. "...Dad," Joshua said, confusion and concern etched in his features.

Dad looked at Joshua and then at me, his face a mask of determination. "Go to your rooms," he said gently but firmly. "Don't get caught in the halls."

He walked away, disappearing into the shadows of the corridor. Joshua turned to me, his gaze softened with empathy. "You've been crying?" he asked, noting the tears still glistening on my cheeks.