Chapter 276: The Death of Sirius, and Harry Seeks Arthur’s Help

Without a house-elf on guard, Sirius had no warning of Bellatrix’s approach.

She entered Number 12, Grimmauld Place unimpeded.

Bellatrix did not choose to ambush him.

First, there had been no real opportunity. Though she reached the house undetected, once inside, the many enchanted portraits would immediately notice her.

Second, she had just emerged from Azkaban.

She craved battle.

Years of suppressed rage demanded release.

So she confronted Sirius openly.

What she had not anticipated—

Was Harry’s presence.

The Duel

Bellatrix stepped through the front door.

Sirius, who had been chatting with Harry moments earlier, instantly stiffened. 𝐟𝚛𝕖𝚎𝕨𝗲𝐛𝚗𝐨𝐯𝐞𝕝.𝐜𝗼𝗺

He recognized her.

His cousin.

One of Voldemort’s most notorious followers.

He didn’t know how she had escaped—but he knew she hadn’t come in peace.

"Harry," Sirius said sharply, "hide."

"What’s going on? Who is she?" Harry asked.

"She’s a powerful Death Eater. Hide. If things go badly—leave."

Harry wanted to argue that he could help.

But Sirius gave him no chance.

Reluctantly, Harry retreated into concealment.

Bellatrix smirked.

"So you remember your dear cousin. How touching."

"You should be in Azkaban," Sirius replied. "How did you escape?"

"Why?" she taunted. "Only you’re allowed to leave prison?"

Sirius knew better than to believe she had been exonerated.

He drew his wand.

"I don’t welcome Death Eaters in my home. State your purpose."

Bellatrix’s eyes gleamed.

"To take your life."

"Avada Kedavra!"

She did not hesitate.

Sirius dove aside, narrowly avoiding the green flash.

The duel erupted instantly.

Spells ricocheted through the house.

Furniture shattered.

Portraits screamed.

But gradually, Sirius began to falter under Bellatrix’s relentless assault.

Hidden nearby, Harry clenched his jaw.

He stepped out.

"Expelliarmus!"

It was his signature spell—

And it struck true.

Bellatrix was blasted backward. Her wand flew from her grasp.

Sirius exhaled.

"Well done!"

Harry turned—

And saw two figures emerge behind Sirius.

He tried to shout—

Too late.

A green flash erupted.

Sirius had no time to dodge.

The Killing Curse struck him squarely.

He collapsed.

"NO!!!"

Harry’s scream echoed through the house.

Rage drowned reason.

He unleashed spell after spell, their power surging beyond his usual limits.

Even Unforgivable Curses mixed among them.

The two newcomers—Rodolphus and Rabastan Lestrange—struggled under the barrage.

They fought defensively while retreating toward Bellatrix.

"You?" Bellatrix snapped. "Why are you here?"

"The Dark Lord sent us to assist you," Rodolphus answered.

He did not mention the surveillance aspect.

No need to sow distrust.

"Not now!" Rabastan barked, deflecting another blast. "We need to leave!"

Bellatrix glanced at Sirius’s body.

The mission was complete.

She would have liked to bring Voldemort his head—

But Harry’s fury made that impossible.

Under cover of the Lestranges, she retreated.

They exited the house and Disapparated.

Loss

Harry ignored their escape.

He rushed to Sirius.

"Godfather! Please—wake up!"

He shook him desperately.

There was no response.

The Killing Curse left no second chances.

Sirius Black was dead.

Harry’s tears fell freely.

Was this truly the end?

At that moment, Lily’s soul separated from Harry.

She had been merged with him, lending strength—without which Harry could never have overwhelmed two Death Eaters.

Though grief-stricken, she remained composed.

"Harry," she said gently, "go to Arthur. He may have a way."

Arthur had restored her soul.

Perhaps he could restore Sirius.

Hope flared.

"Yes... yes, he can help."

Harry lifted Sirius’s body.

And ran.

Straight to Arthur.

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