"The map never lies!" Sirius interjected impatiently, tired of all of this talking, wishing to get his hands on the truth. "Pettigrew's alive. And he's right there." He pointed an accusing finger at Ron, who turned white with fear.
"M-me?" he fairly squeaked, "It's lunatic...."
"Not you, you idiot. Your rat...."
Ron was appalled. "Scabbers? Scabbers has been in my family for...."
"Twelve years," Sirius said, bitterness evident in his voice. "A curiously long time for a common garden rat. He's missing a toe, isn't he?" He unfolded a dog-eared copy of the Daily Prophet, in which could be seen a picture of Ron and his family in Egypt, Scabbers upon his shoulder.