Chapter Ten: Rog's Choice

"Sir, is this the letter?" Roger carefully retrieved the letter from the drawer.

After the arduous journey, the acceptance letter had become crumpled. The edges of the envelope were frayed, the paper was smudged with dark fingerprints, and the corners were curled.

"Yes, this is indeed the Hogwarts acceptance letter," Dumbledore nodded. "Have you kept this letter all this time?"

"Yes, sir."

Roger looked a bit embarrassed. "If it weren't for this, my mother and I would still be in Azkaban, struggling against the Dementors."

Roger and Jessica exchanged a glance and chose Hogwarts without hesitation. As for the invitation letters from the other two schools, Roger had not even glanced at them.

A gleam of joy sparkled in Dumbledore's eyes; Roger's choice would bring a perfect conclusion to this incident.

"Reparo." He waved his wand, and the crumpled acceptance letter became as good as new.

Dumbledore smiled gently. "Rest assured, child. The Ministry of Magic has made a decision: Azkaban will henceforth have additional Aurors stationed there for management. Those wizards who were wrongly arrested and tried will also be acquitted and released."

"They will learn from this experience, and the laws and systems will be improved to ensure judicial fairness, preventing such tragedies from happening again," Dumbledore continued. "I am deeply sorry for the injustice you and your mother have suffered. But I believe the future is bright."

"Thank you, Headmaster. Mom, would you like to hear it again?"

"Of course!" Jessica hugged her son with joy. She was overjoyed and kissed his cheek soundly.

Roger opened the envelope and read it word for word, not even skipping the appendix.

Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Headmaster: Albus Dumbledore.

Dear Mr. Travis... Students may bring an owl, a cat, or a toad.

Parents are reminded that first-year students are not allowed their own broomsticks...

"Congratulations, my boy," Dumbledore offered his warm congratulations. "Hogwarts looks forward to your arrival. There, you will meet like-minded friends and learn the most beautiful magic of all—the magic of friendship and love."

"That's great! Mom, after I learn magic, I'll be able to let you have a good rest." Roger fully utilized his advantage as a child, inadvertently revealing the Dark Mark on Jessica's arm.

"Jessica, is it because of this?" Dumbledore frowned as he looked at the Dark Mark.

"It is my fault. The existence of this mark proves the grave mistakes I made in the past." Jessica lowered her head, quickly pulling down her sleeve to cover it, a look of guilt washing over her face.

Dumbledore stepped forward and said warmly, "Mistakes were indeed made, but more importantly, you chose to turn back. This shows the kindness and courage in your heart; that is what matters most."

"Mom can't sleep well because of it, please help her!" Roger tugged on Dumbledore's wide sleeve, his big, bright eyes glistening.

"What a kind-hearted child," Dumbledore praised.

"Jessica, I will do my best to help you get rid of this painful mark."

He drew his wand and slowly approached Jessica. "This might be a bit uncomfortable, please bear with it."

Jessica nodded and rolled up her sleeve, revealing the complete Dark Mark. It was a skull-and-serpent brand, resting silently on Jessica's fair skin like a terrifying nightmare.

Dumbledore closed his eyes and whispered a complex incantation. The mark on her skin began to distort and fade. Jessica bit her lip, her face covered in sweat. After a few minutes, the Dark Mark dissolved into a wisp of smoke and vanished entirely. Jessica felt a sense of relief, a lightness appearing on her face that hadn't been seen in years.

"There, it will no longer haunt you," Dumbledore said with a smile.

"Thank you, Headmaster. I am truly grateful." Jessica thanked Dumbledore with deep emotion. Although this could not erase the fact that she had once been a Death Eater, it at least gave her the courage to face the future.

"I believe you will make a fresh start and become a good mother and a good witch."

"If you don't mind, I can have Professor McGonagall accompany young Roger to Diagon Alley to purchase his school supplies," Dumbledore looked at Jessica. "Many wizards outside are inquiring, all wanting to know who our lovely little star is."

"That would be perfect. Thank you and Professor McGonagall." Jessica agreed to Dumbledore's suggestion; Azkaban had caused her great harm, and she had not yet fully recovered.

Although Rita's report did not include her son's photo or name, she had reported on herself, and many in the wizarding world could recognize her. When she and her son appeared in Diagon Alley, everyone would immediately know that Roger was the child mentioned in the reports.

Jessica did not want Roger to carry the burden of the Azkaban experience, even though everyone knew he was innocent. She also did not want Roger to be the center of attention for the entire wizarding world; she just wanted her child to grow up healthy and happy.

"Young Roger, are you ready to go to Diagon Alley?" Professor McGonagall looked at Roger; he was such a thin child.

Trapped in Azkaban for years, Roger was clearly smaller and more frail than his peers. His moon-white skin showed that he had been unable to see the sun for a long time.

However, this could not hide the handsome bone structure of Roger's face. Below his high bridge of the nose were sunken cheeks, and his slightly prominent cheekbones added depth to his face. His black hair rested softly on his forehead, forming a sharp contrast with his pale skin.

Roger wore slightly oversized black robes, with pins needed to hold the sleeves and hem in place so they wouldn't hang loosely. His clear, black-and-white eyes revealed intelligence and resilience, signaling that the youth before her would surely become a pillar of the future wizarding world.

Dumbledore watched McGonagall and Roger leave, his expression slowly turning grave. From the Dark Mark on Jessica's arm just now, he had once again felt the power belonging to Voldemort.

Dumbledore pondered, a faint sense of unease rising in his heart regarding the future. "The Dark Mark still harbored his power, which means Voldemort did not disappear completely as everyone thought. He is still regaining his strength somewhere, waiting for an opportunity to return to the world."

"We must be vigilant, steady the hearts of the people, and secretly make every preparation." Dumbledore frowned. "Dark forces are gathering and will soon reveal themselves. That prophecy..."

"Mrs. Jessica, your attendance is required at tomorrow's meeting," Dumbledore comforted her. "I will do my utmost at the Wizengamot to ensure you and Roger receive the justice you deserve. You have endured so much misfortune; you deserve compensation and fairness."

"Thank you, I will be forever grateful," Jessica said sincerely.

"Then, I shall head to the Ministry of Magic. Get some rest and try to relax," Dumbledore smiled.

"Don't worry, Headmaster, I will take care of myself." Jessica watched as Dumbledore stepped into the fireplace; green flames engulfed him, and he vanished within them.

Outside the department store in London, Professor McGonagall led Roger onto an old carriage. Their destination was the Leaky Cauldron. The pub was located on Charing Cross Road, squeezed between a bookstore and a record shop, and was protected by a Muggle-Repelling Charm to ensure no Muggles would stumble upon it by accident.

Professor McGonagall took Roger's hand and pushed open the old, weathered wooden door. "This is the Leaky Cauldron, the secret entrance connecting London to the wizarding world."

"Oh, welcome, Professor McGonagall." An old man with gray-blue eyes poked his head out from behind the bar. Like most British wizards, old Tom had a balding head. His smooth, bald pate and the top of his head shone brilliantly in the dim light of the pub.

"Is this the new student for this year?" Old Tom greeted them enthusiastically, walking over with a chuckle. "Hagrid also took a new student to Diagon Alley; perhaps you might run into them."