Disclaimer: Any possibility of me owning Harry Potter is completely bogus.
Please do not think that I really own him. Everything you recognize is
owned by the great talented JKR. Again, that's not me.
Summary: This is an alternate universe fic. What if Dumbledore had listened to McGonagall that fateful night when Voldemort attacked? Sirius and Remus are searching for Pettigrew, everyone knows the truth, and Snape is still being a bastard. Harry is living at Hogwarts- and Dumbledore's hair isn't real.
AN Harry Potter is living at Hogwarts, Severus Snape is trying to overcome his fear of shampoo, Luicus Malfoy has been arrested, and Sirius and Remus are much closer to finding 'That Sodding Two Faced Bast-.' Dumbledore is under mega stress, and Harry makes a new friend. Please read.
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Chapter 2
Sirius Black and Remus Lupin were having no luck at all finding their ex- best friend Peter Pettigrew. They had been searching for two weeks straight, and still hadn't seen anything that could have resembled him.
"Come on, Padfoot," Remus said, sitting down on a bench in a small park. "We'll find him. We just have been tackling this problem from the wrong angle. Now, how would you find somebody you know everything about?"
Sirius sighed and buried his face in his hands. "I just don't know, Moony," he said, "everything I believed died two weeks ago with James and Lily."
Remus frowned and stared at the ground in front of him. A small white flower was growing next to his foot. Remus looked closer and discovered that it was a rose. "Beautiful and innocent to look at," Remus muttered, "but covered in thorns." His eyes widened. "Sirius, that's it! What is the first thing you think about when you see Peter?"
"That he's too much of a Muggle to be a wizard."
"Exactly!" Remus cried. "So, where would you go to find a Muggle- especially one that doesn't want to be found?"
Sirius stared at him, "a gutter?"
Remus' eyes were bright. "And, where are rats rumored to hang out?"
"GUTTERS!" Sirius shouted, "Moony! You're a genius!"
"Thank you," Remus said, with a mock little half bow. "I tend to be a genius when your not. So I guess it's a good time to be a genius all the time, yes?"
"Shut up," Sirius said with a laugh. "Come on; let's get back to where Peter's trial ended."
Together they got up and ran back into the small ally across from the park. Sure enough, when Sirius transformed back into a dog, Peter's scent ended at the curb. Sirius continued to sniff around and with a start his nose went in a small hole under the curb. He yelped and sprang back in shock.
"Padfoot! We've almost got him!" Remus said, pulling out his wand and carefully enlarging the hole to something the both of them could slip into. Then, with a quick glance behind them, the man and the dog slid off of the street, and into the damp, murky, and depressing gutters of London.
--oo00oo--
"Headmaster, I just don't know why you think that it is safe for Harry Potter to stay at Hogwarts."
Albus Dumbledore sighed and looked back to the fire, where the Alastor Moody's head was sitting amongst the coals. The Aurror had an impatient look on his face, and if Albus could see is whole body he would see that the man's foot was tapping impatiently.
"Alastor," Albus said finally, sitting down in his chair. "Did you ever meet Lily Evans? Or her family- her sister to be precise?"
"Well . . . no-"
"Then you would not understand why I have made the choice that I did. Harry's aunt. hated her sister, just for being a witch. And I have heard that her husband is even worse. Having the child grow up there could have effects that none of us could expect. Therefore, I have allowed him to stay here in the care of Minerva McGonagall. Although, it might be a bit of a problem, as there is no child here his own age."
Moody frowned. "I still do not see how keeping him at the school will help."
"Alastor," Albus sighed. "By keeping him here, he will be *safe* which is one of the more important things at the moment. But most of all, he will be loved. That is one of the things he will need the most. Especially now."
Alastor sighed. "I can see that there is no changing your mind about this. I'm sorry, Albus, I can't stay and talk. I have a very important meeting to attend. We're having more trials. They think that Barty Crouches' kid is a Death Eater. I just hope it doesn't ruin the guy's reputation, he's next up for minister of magic you know." The man sighed. "I'll be in contact soon."
Albus nodded. "I'll be at that meeting too," he said, "but it doesn't start for another two hours. I'll be along as soon as I can."
Alastor nodded once more and with a tiny pop, disappeared. Albus sighed and went to sit in his high backed chair. There was a knock on his door, and a moment later, Severus Snape entered his office.
"Headmaster-" the man started to say, before he saw the man's glum expression. "Is this a bad time?"
"Not at all, Severus," Albus said, not looking up. "I am just thinking about the meeting I am attending in a while. They think that Barty Crouch Jr. is a Death Eater? Do you know if it is true?"
"Headmaster," Severus said, sitting down in the chair opposite of Albus. "You know just as well as I do that the Dark Lord worked in ways of utmost secrecy. Only those in his 'inner circle' so to say, knew exactly who was among them. And nobody knew who was in the 'inner circle' except for Voldemort. But, I am quite certain that Crouch /was/ a death eater, and more over, that Luicus Malfoy and his wife, Narsicca, were as well. And that all of them were in his inner circle."
Albus frowned thoughtfully. "Do you think that you could give me any other names . . . that I could er, 'slip' to the minister?"
Severus sighed, "It would take a lot of thinking," he said, looking at a curious paperweight on Albus' desk. "So that I could remember all the names I heard the dark lord utter- and even then, it might take ages to figure out who was a victim, and who was a victimizer."
Albus looked at him over the tops of his half-moon glasses.
"I will do my best," Severus said finally, still not looking up.
"There's a good man!" Albus said, the twinkle returning to his eyes. "Now, I wanted to talk to you about young Mr. Potter."
Severus scowled.
"Severus, you must understand that the child is /not/ his father. He will never /be/ his father. If anything, you can call it a mistake of fate. He had no choice what-so-ever about who he is. And I wish that you wouldn't hold it against him like you are."
Severus' scowl turned into a grimace. "I hate it when you are right," he muttered. "I just know that the kid will grow up to look exactly like his father. But, I will try to lay off a little. But- I'm warning you, headmaster, if any of the students think I'm going soft . . . I'll give them all a month of detention and deduct every last point from their house!"
Albus chuckled. "Just try not to scowl at him so much. You've seen what happens when you do."
"Yes, that boy has quite the vocal chords. They could probably hear him crying on the moon!"
Albus rolled his eyes and stood up. "Severus, we must continue our talk later. I have a meeting to get to- and they seem to frown upon people who are late. And I have to 'give' a few names to the Aurror's, so that we can clear out more Death Eaters. I would be grateful if you would watch Harry today, as I know that you don't have any classes."
Severus nodded and walked down with the headmaster to the Entrance Hall. He watched as the older man left and then stalked back down to his quarters.
--oo00oo--
Luicus Malfoy was indeed a respected man. He had power, influence, money, and the respect and fear of most of the magical community. He had a beautiful Elven wife, and an equally beautiful son. Then again, he was also wanted for murdering and torturing countless Muggle's, Mudbloods and Half-bloods, as was his wife. So, you could say that Luicus wasn't having a very good day.
He figured he could get off with bribery, maybe even blackmail. He knew that the magical community was in shreds and desperately needed money to return to how it used to be. Therefore, you could add smart and ruthless to Mr. Malfoys traits.
Currently, he was in his personal study, reading the Daily Prophet. He snorted at what he was reading and turned the page, snorted again and looked up as the door opened.
"There is someone here to see you, sir," a house elf he didn't recognize said in a scarily high squeaking voice. "He is waiting in the Foyer."
Luicus sighed and stood up. He made a great show of folding his newspaper before heading towards the main floor, to the Foyer. When he reached the large room, his wand shot out of his pocket, he was hit with the full body bind curse, falling, rather embarrassingly, to the ground- flat on his back.
Yes, it is a very bad day indeed, for Luicus Malfoy.
"Luicus Malfoy," a voice said from above him. "You are under arrest for the suspected murder and/or torture of Muggle's, Muggle-born's and half- bloods. You have every right to remain silent, anything you say can, and /will/ be said against you." There was a pause. "Please wait here, while we summon your wife."
Luicus' eyes bulged. This could not be happening to him, he was /Luicus Malfoy/ for Slytherin's sake! He was powerful! He was rich! He was- in a large pile of shit.
But, there was nothing he could do. Moments later, his wife appeared holding their year-old son, Draco. The child was taken from her; she was placed under the same curse as her husband, read her rights and taken out of their house.
"You will undergo trial today, at two," the voice said, "well will bring you forth, judge you, and if we see you innocent then you are free to go. But, if we find you guilty, you will suffer as we see fit."
Luicus was in no position to argue with the man. He figured that they couldn't prove anything, and that they would take his word for truth. And they couldn't make him talk. He could remain silent and get off.
At least, that's what he figured, until he got to the underground room where the trial was taking place, and he was pushed into a rather ugly chair and a small quantity of Vertisarium was shoved down his throat. Chains snaked around his body and Luicus Malfoy sat glaring as coldly as he could manage. Cold faces stared back at him.
"Luicus Malfoy," a man he recognized as Bartimelius Crouch said, standing up. "You have been brought to the court charged with murder and/or torture of innocent victims. Do you have anything to say in your defense?"
Luicus said nothing, fighting the urge to speak the truth.
"You realize by saying nothing that you are announcing yourself as guilty and therefore will receive the Dementore's Kiss, and your body will remain in Azkaban forever."
Luicus still said nothing, though his eyes dilated in fear and shock.
"Very well then," Crouch said, before turning to Narsicca. "Narsicca Malfoy, you have been brought to this court charged with murder and torture of innocent victims as well. Do you have anything to say in your or your husband's defense?"
Narsicca stared at the ground in front of her. "Guilty," she said softly. "I am guilty of that. As is my husband."
The court stared at the elf. "Very well," Crouch said, turning back to Luicus. "Mr. Malfoy, do you accept the charges placed against you?"
Luicus still said nothing, although, he did snort.
"Then you do," Bartimelius waved his hand towards the doors and three Dementors walked into the room. "Luicus Malfoy, the sentence for your silence, will cause you to receive the Dementors Kiss, and remain in Azkaban for the rest of your life. Narsicca Malfoy, as sentence, you will spend life in Azkaban. Take them away."
"Wait," Narsicca said frantically, "what about my son? What will you do with him?!"
"He will be placed under extreme care, don't you worry, ma'am."
Narsicca nodded before slowly following her husband out of the court. As they were pushed out the doors, they saw Crouch's kid being led into a small side room, along with three others. The boy was crying and shaking. Narsicca was crying as well, but for different reasons.
/My son/ she thought sadly, /I won't see him grow up, or play Quidditch, or go to school, or make friends- fall in love./ She hung her head and silently followed the Dementor's into a small room. Luicus was already there, standing proud even till the moment when his soul was taken from him. When it was done, he slumped over, his eyes glassy and was left there. Narsicca was brought into another room and locked in.
Once there, she collapsed on the ground and started shaking and crying.
--oo00oo--
Severus Snape was one of the more -frightening- teachers at Hogwarts. He had cold emotionless black eyes, a pale face that contrasted with his oily black hair in a frightening way. Any normal person, who was to face him when he was in a bad mood, would probably run away in fright.
Severus Snape was in a very bad mood.
He had been left in charge of Harry Potter while the headmaster went to the Death Eater's judging. The problem wasn't that the headmaster had to leave, or that he was helping to put Death Eater's to their doom. The problem was that Harry Potter had been throwing chalk at him for the last quarter of an hour. Severus didn't even know how the kid was /getting/ the chalk!
"Well," Severus said finally, picking up the annoying infant and carrying him to his rooms. "At least we know that he's taking after is father with his aim." Severus entered his rooms and set the child down on his couch before he sat down next to him. "I hope that you don't grow up to be like your father," he said, looking at the child, who squirmed under the intense look. "If you were like your mother, I could live with that- but not your father."
"Talking to yourself, Snape?"
Severus whirled around and frowned when he saw Alastor Moody standing behind him, a strange bundle in his arms.
"How did you get in here?" He snapped, "ever heard of knocking?"
"I did knock," the Aurror said calmly, "but nobody was answering, then I heard your voice I figured you were a little, occupied, so I let myself in." His eyes twinkled with mischief. "Hope you don't mind /too/ terribly."
Severus rolled his eyes. "If you must know, I am merely watching Mr. Potter until Albus returns. And I was just thinking out loud."
The Aurror and the infant gave him strange looks, before Harry stood up and started jumping on Severus' couch. He was laughing until he jumped a little too hard and went flying into the air. Both men stared as he slowly drifted down to the ground. The child giggled and tugged on Severus' robes, indicating that he wanted to be picked up.
"Up!" the child commanded, "up, up, up, UP!!"
Severus sighed and picked up the little boy. "Is there a reason why you are here," he finally asked Moody. "Because I /am/ a little occupied here."
"Yes, actually," Moody said, the twinkle returning to his eyes, "Professor McGonagall directed me here. She wanted me to drop this off with you." He showed Severus the bundle he held in his arms. "This is Draco Malfoy. His parents were just taken under arrest and sentenced to Azkaban. Dumbledore said that he would find a place for him to stay. But in the mien time, he would remain here, at Hogwarts."
"What is this school coming to?" Severus whined, "A nursery?" But all the same, he accepted Draco and placed the child on the couch with Harry.
"Who knows," Alastor said darkly, rolling his eyes at the Potion Master's childish behavior. "I'd best be off. There are more trials today. Crouch's son I've heard."
Severus winced. "Poor kid."
"You just take care of those boys'," Alastor said, turning around and leaving Severus alone in his room. It was quiet for a moment, before both kids started crying.
Today must be his worst nightmare.
--oo00oo--
Harry and Draco were to be sleeping in the Headmaster's quarters. They were in the same room, and in the same crib. They didn't seem to like this arrangement at all. Draco would steal the blanked from Harry, who in turn, would snatch a pillow from Draco.
"I think they're going to be great friends!" Professor Dumbledore announced, picking up Draco and bouncing him on his knee. Draco didn't look too happy about the treatment he was receiving.
Professor McGonagall looked somewhat doubtful. "Are you sure that you're okay with the two of them in your rooms for the night, Albus?" She asked nervously, "Miss. Feslin told me that for the two nights that she had Mr. Potter, he kept waking up- crying for his mother and father." She sighed sadly, "poor child."
Albus smiled sadly. "I am sure that these boys will be good for each other. Harry has lost his parents, and so has Draco. Already they have something in common. It just might take a while for them to get used to the idea."
Two hours later, the infant's were somewhat used to the idea. Although, that could be because of the stern look that McGonagall gave them before she left. Anyway, they were sharing the blankets and pillows, more or less, anyway.
Albus was sleeping, but Harry was wide awake, looking out the window at the stars. His father used to wake him up and take him flying amongst the stars. He whimpered a little and looked away from the window, right into Draco's gray eyes. The other little boy had tears streaming down his face, and that did it for Harry.
Albus shot awake when two wails pierced the night.
The old man ran into the room where the children were and picked them up. "Shh," he soothed, "it's all right- everything will be okay."
But no matter what he said, Harry and Draco wouldn't stop crying. Albus was close to tears himself when he thought of something. He carefully picked up Harry and rocked him in his arms. He lifted Draco into his other arms and walked around the room, trying to sooth them. However, they kept crying.
"What can I do," Albus muttered frantically, "how will you stop crying?"
Suddenly, Harry's tears slowed and an impish grin formed on his face. He looked over at Draco and his grin widened. Then, while Dumbledore was sighing in relief, he fisted his hands into the man's beard and pulled.
Harry burst out laughing, and threw the beard at Draco, who stared at him in shock. Then slowly, the other boy giggled and after a moment, both boys were laughing hard. Dumbledore on the other hand, was torn between relief that they had stopped crying and the fact that two infant boys were laughing at his expense. Finally, he placed Harry and Draco back in bed and took his beard back to his own room, muttering something about. 'Getting Severus to brew a hair-growing potion'.
--oo00oo--
"We're getting close," Sirius whispered, transforming back to himself. "His scent is getting much stronger."
"Good," Remus said, wrapping his arms around himself and shivering. "It's kind of depressing down here. And I just /know/ that I the sun has gone down already."
Sirius smiled, "don't worry, Moony." He said, putting a hand on his friends shoulder. "We /will/ find the traitor, and then we can go back to Hogwarts."
Remus nodded and held his wand a little higher. "Where did his scent leave off," he asked after a moment of staring down the passageway.
"It kept going straight down the passage. You think Peter would be smarter then that. but- then again, he IS an idiot."
Remus nodded in agreement and watched as Sirius resumed his dog form. They continued down the tunnel and frowned when they saw a stream of sewage flowing across their path. Sirius stopped and started trying to find Pettigrew's path.
"Maybe we should give him more credit then we do," Remus said, staring as Sirius whined. A sudden movement caught his eye and he squinted in that direction. His eyes widened and he lunged.
--oo00oo--
That weekend, several students came up to Professor McGonagall asking to take care of Harry. The first weekend he had been there, the Gryffindor's were left in charge. Then, a Hufflepuff had been granted permission to take care of him. This weekend, the first person to approach the teacher was Isabel Dalton. A sixth year Slytherin, top of her class and she respected by most of the student population. With her was Evan Jackson, a fellow Slytherin and Quidditch captain.
They were shocked that Harry wasn't the only child in the school anymore.
"Draco Malfoy?" Evan repeated, staring at the sleeping child in the crib next to Harry. "Why is he here?"
"His parents were under arrest and sentenced to Azkaban," Isabel said in a voice that said 'where have /you/ been?' "I heard his father got the Dementors Kiss."
"I would be very grateful if you would take both of them," Minerva said, breaking into their discussion, "but if you don't want to, it's no problem."
"We'll take both of them," Evan said, reaching down to stroke Draco's cheek. "Is there anything we need to know about them?"
"They wake up most nights crying," The Professor said sadly, "Professor Dumbledore seems to have found a way to cheer them up, but he won't tell us what it is. Anyway, just bath them, change their diapers, and don't put them in the care of any other students. It's not that I don't trust Slytherin's, I just want to know who is in charge of him at all times."
She paused, thinking, before she reached under the crib and pulled out two baby bags. "The green bag is Draco's," the said, handing Isabel the bag. "And the blue one is Harry's. Inside are clothes, diapers, toys and such." She handed the blue bag to Evan and frowned thoughtfully. "I think that is all- I will deliver them to you after dinner. Twenty points to both of you."
Evan and Isabel smiled and left the room.
--oo00oo--
Severus was standing in his bed room, looking in a mirror. The mirror was very old and had /many/ cracks in it. He scowled when he saw his hair. No wonder the students were snickering at him- it was covered in chalk-dust again! Damn that Potter!
He sighed and gingerly pulled out his (shudder) shampoo. Then he walked into the bathroom and started the shower. He had gotten his hair wet and nervously put some of the slimy soap in his hair before he squeezed his eyes tight and started to wash it. Sure enough, the soap started sliding down his face and into his eyes.
"DAMN IT!" Severus swore, before he cursed again for opening his mouth and allowing the water and soap to get inside. He sputtered and spit, before rinsing his hair and getting out of the shower.
"There /must/ be an easier way. . ."
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TBC. . . . . . . . .?
Summary: This is an alternate universe fic. What if Dumbledore had listened to McGonagall that fateful night when Voldemort attacked? Sirius and Remus are searching for Pettigrew, everyone knows the truth, and Snape is still being a bastard. Harry is living at Hogwarts- and Dumbledore's hair isn't real.
AN Harry Potter is living at Hogwarts, Severus Snape is trying to overcome his fear of shampoo, Luicus Malfoy has been arrested, and Sirius and Remus are much closer to finding 'That Sodding Two Faced Bast-.' Dumbledore is under mega stress, and Harry makes a new friend. Please read.
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Chapter 2
Sirius Black and Remus Lupin were having no luck at all finding their ex- best friend Peter Pettigrew. They had been searching for two weeks straight, and still hadn't seen anything that could have resembled him.
"Come on, Padfoot," Remus said, sitting down on a bench in a small park. "We'll find him. We just have been tackling this problem from the wrong angle. Now, how would you find somebody you know everything about?"
Sirius sighed and buried his face in his hands. "I just don't know, Moony," he said, "everything I believed died two weeks ago with James and Lily."
Remus frowned and stared at the ground in front of him. A small white flower was growing next to his foot. Remus looked closer and discovered that it was a rose. "Beautiful and innocent to look at," Remus muttered, "but covered in thorns." His eyes widened. "Sirius, that's it! What is the first thing you think about when you see Peter?"
"That he's too much of a Muggle to be a wizard."
"Exactly!" Remus cried. "So, where would you go to find a Muggle- especially one that doesn't want to be found?"
Sirius stared at him, "a gutter?"
Remus' eyes were bright. "And, where are rats rumored to hang out?"
"GUTTERS!" Sirius shouted, "Moony! You're a genius!"
"Thank you," Remus said, with a mock little half bow. "I tend to be a genius when your not. So I guess it's a good time to be a genius all the time, yes?"
"Shut up," Sirius said with a laugh. "Come on; let's get back to where Peter's trial ended."
Together they got up and ran back into the small ally across from the park. Sure enough, when Sirius transformed back into a dog, Peter's scent ended at the curb. Sirius continued to sniff around and with a start his nose went in a small hole under the curb. He yelped and sprang back in shock.
"Padfoot! We've almost got him!" Remus said, pulling out his wand and carefully enlarging the hole to something the both of them could slip into. Then, with a quick glance behind them, the man and the dog slid off of the street, and into the damp, murky, and depressing gutters of London.
--oo00oo--
"Headmaster, I just don't know why you think that it is safe for Harry Potter to stay at Hogwarts."
Albus Dumbledore sighed and looked back to the fire, where the Alastor Moody's head was sitting amongst the coals. The Aurror had an impatient look on his face, and if Albus could see is whole body he would see that the man's foot was tapping impatiently.
"Alastor," Albus said finally, sitting down in his chair. "Did you ever meet Lily Evans? Or her family- her sister to be precise?"
"Well . . . no-"
"Then you would not understand why I have made the choice that I did. Harry's aunt. hated her sister, just for being a witch. And I have heard that her husband is even worse. Having the child grow up there could have effects that none of us could expect. Therefore, I have allowed him to stay here in the care of Minerva McGonagall. Although, it might be a bit of a problem, as there is no child here his own age."
Moody frowned. "I still do not see how keeping him at the school will help."
"Alastor," Albus sighed. "By keeping him here, he will be *safe* which is one of the more important things at the moment. But most of all, he will be loved. That is one of the things he will need the most. Especially now."
Alastor sighed. "I can see that there is no changing your mind about this. I'm sorry, Albus, I can't stay and talk. I have a very important meeting to attend. We're having more trials. They think that Barty Crouches' kid is a Death Eater. I just hope it doesn't ruin the guy's reputation, he's next up for minister of magic you know." The man sighed. "I'll be in contact soon."
Albus nodded. "I'll be at that meeting too," he said, "but it doesn't start for another two hours. I'll be along as soon as I can."
Alastor nodded once more and with a tiny pop, disappeared. Albus sighed and went to sit in his high backed chair. There was a knock on his door, and a moment later, Severus Snape entered his office.
"Headmaster-" the man started to say, before he saw the man's glum expression. "Is this a bad time?"
"Not at all, Severus," Albus said, not looking up. "I am just thinking about the meeting I am attending in a while. They think that Barty Crouch Jr. is a Death Eater? Do you know if it is true?"
"Headmaster," Severus said, sitting down in the chair opposite of Albus. "You know just as well as I do that the Dark Lord worked in ways of utmost secrecy. Only those in his 'inner circle' so to say, knew exactly who was among them. And nobody knew who was in the 'inner circle' except for Voldemort. But, I am quite certain that Crouch /was/ a death eater, and more over, that Luicus Malfoy and his wife, Narsicca, were as well. And that all of them were in his inner circle."
Albus frowned thoughtfully. "Do you think that you could give me any other names . . . that I could er, 'slip' to the minister?"
Severus sighed, "It would take a lot of thinking," he said, looking at a curious paperweight on Albus' desk. "So that I could remember all the names I heard the dark lord utter- and even then, it might take ages to figure out who was a victim, and who was a victimizer."
Albus looked at him over the tops of his half-moon glasses.
"I will do my best," Severus said finally, still not looking up.
"There's a good man!" Albus said, the twinkle returning to his eyes. "Now, I wanted to talk to you about young Mr. Potter."
Severus scowled.
"Severus, you must understand that the child is /not/ his father. He will never /be/ his father. If anything, you can call it a mistake of fate. He had no choice what-so-ever about who he is. And I wish that you wouldn't hold it against him like you are."
Severus' scowl turned into a grimace. "I hate it when you are right," he muttered. "I just know that the kid will grow up to look exactly like his father. But, I will try to lay off a little. But- I'm warning you, headmaster, if any of the students think I'm going soft . . . I'll give them all a month of detention and deduct every last point from their house!"
Albus chuckled. "Just try not to scowl at him so much. You've seen what happens when you do."
"Yes, that boy has quite the vocal chords. They could probably hear him crying on the moon!"
Albus rolled his eyes and stood up. "Severus, we must continue our talk later. I have a meeting to get to- and they seem to frown upon people who are late. And I have to 'give' a few names to the Aurror's, so that we can clear out more Death Eaters. I would be grateful if you would watch Harry today, as I know that you don't have any classes."
Severus nodded and walked down with the headmaster to the Entrance Hall. He watched as the older man left and then stalked back down to his quarters.
--oo00oo--
Luicus Malfoy was indeed a respected man. He had power, influence, money, and the respect and fear of most of the magical community. He had a beautiful Elven wife, and an equally beautiful son. Then again, he was also wanted for murdering and torturing countless Muggle's, Mudbloods and Half-bloods, as was his wife. So, you could say that Luicus wasn't having a very good day.
He figured he could get off with bribery, maybe even blackmail. He knew that the magical community was in shreds and desperately needed money to return to how it used to be. Therefore, you could add smart and ruthless to Mr. Malfoys traits.
Currently, he was in his personal study, reading the Daily Prophet. He snorted at what he was reading and turned the page, snorted again and looked up as the door opened.
"There is someone here to see you, sir," a house elf he didn't recognize said in a scarily high squeaking voice. "He is waiting in the Foyer."
Luicus sighed and stood up. He made a great show of folding his newspaper before heading towards the main floor, to the Foyer. When he reached the large room, his wand shot out of his pocket, he was hit with the full body bind curse, falling, rather embarrassingly, to the ground- flat on his back.
Yes, it is a very bad day indeed, for Luicus Malfoy.
"Luicus Malfoy," a voice said from above him. "You are under arrest for the suspected murder and/or torture of Muggle's, Muggle-born's and half- bloods. You have every right to remain silent, anything you say can, and /will/ be said against you." There was a pause. "Please wait here, while we summon your wife."
Luicus' eyes bulged. This could not be happening to him, he was /Luicus Malfoy/ for Slytherin's sake! He was powerful! He was rich! He was- in a large pile of shit.
But, there was nothing he could do. Moments later, his wife appeared holding their year-old son, Draco. The child was taken from her; she was placed under the same curse as her husband, read her rights and taken out of their house.
"You will undergo trial today, at two," the voice said, "well will bring you forth, judge you, and if we see you innocent then you are free to go. But, if we find you guilty, you will suffer as we see fit."
Luicus was in no position to argue with the man. He figured that they couldn't prove anything, and that they would take his word for truth. And they couldn't make him talk. He could remain silent and get off.
At least, that's what he figured, until he got to the underground room where the trial was taking place, and he was pushed into a rather ugly chair and a small quantity of Vertisarium was shoved down his throat. Chains snaked around his body and Luicus Malfoy sat glaring as coldly as he could manage. Cold faces stared back at him.
"Luicus Malfoy," a man he recognized as Bartimelius Crouch said, standing up. "You have been brought to the court charged with murder and/or torture of innocent victims. Do you have anything to say in your defense?"
Luicus said nothing, fighting the urge to speak the truth.
"You realize by saying nothing that you are announcing yourself as guilty and therefore will receive the Dementore's Kiss, and your body will remain in Azkaban forever."
Luicus still said nothing, though his eyes dilated in fear and shock.
"Very well then," Crouch said, before turning to Narsicca. "Narsicca Malfoy, you have been brought to this court charged with murder and torture of innocent victims as well. Do you have anything to say in your or your husband's defense?"
Narsicca stared at the ground in front of her. "Guilty," she said softly. "I am guilty of that. As is my husband."
The court stared at the elf. "Very well," Crouch said, turning back to Luicus. "Mr. Malfoy, do you accept the charges placed against you?"
Luicus still said nothing, although, he did snort.
"Then you do," Bartimelius waved his hand towards the doors and three Dementors walked into the room. "Luicus Malfoy, the sentence for your silence, will cause you to receive the Dementors Kiss, and remain in Azkaban for the rest of your life. Narsicca Malfoy, as sentence, you will spend life in Azkaban. Take them away."
"Wait," Narsicca said frantically, "what about my son? What will you do with him?!"
"He will be placed under extreme care, don't you worry, ma'am."
Narsicca nodded before slowly following her husband out of the court. As they were pushed out the doors, they saw Crouch's kid being led into a small side room, along with three others. The boy was crying and shaking. Narsicca was crying as well, but for different reasons.
/My son/ she thought sadly, /I won't see him grow up, or play Quidditch, or go to school, or make friends- fall in love./ She hung her head and silently followed the Dementor's into a small room. Luicus was already there, standing proud even till the moment when his soul was taken from him. When it was done, he slumped over, his eyes glassy and was left there. Narsicca was brought into another room and locked in.
Once there, she collapsed on the ground and started shaking and crying.
--oo00oo--
Severus Snape was one of the more -frightening- teachers at Hogwarts. He had cold emotionless black eyes, a pale face that contrasted with his oily black hair in a frightening way. Any normal person, who was to face him when he was in a bad mood, would probably run away in fright.
Severus Snape was in a very bad mood.
He had been left in charge of Harry Potter while the headmaster went to the Death Eater's judging. The problem wasn't that the headmaster had to leave, or that he was helping to put Death Eater's to their doom. The problem was that Harry Potter had been throwing chalk at him for the last quarter of an hour. Severus didn't even know how the kid was /getting/ the chalk!
"Well," Severus said finally, picking up the annoying infant and carrying him to his rooms. "At least we know that he's taking after is father with his aim." Severus entered his rooms and set the child down on his couch before he sat down next to him. "I hope that you don't grow up to be like your father," he said, looking at the child, who squirmed under the intense look. "If you were like your mother, I could live with that- but not your father."
"Talking to yourself, Snape?"
Severus whirled around and frowned when he saw Alastor Moody standing behind him, a strange bundle in his arms.
"How did you get in here?" He snapped, "ever heard of knocking?"
"I did knock," the Aurror said calmly, "but nobody was answering, then I heard your voice I figured you were a little, occupied, so I let myself in." His eyes twinkled with mischief. "Hope you don't mind /too/ terribly."
Severus rolled his eyes. "If you must know, I am merely watching Mr. Potter until Albus returns. And I was just thinking out loud."
The Aurror and the infant gave him strange looks, before Harry stood up and started jumping on Severus' couch. He was laughing until he jumped a little too hard and went flying into the air. Both men stared as he slowly drifted down to the ground. The child giggled and tugged on Severus' robes, indicating that he wanted to be picked up.
"Up!" the child commanded, "up, up, up, UP!!"
Severus sighed and picked up the little boy. "Is there a reason why you are here," he finally asked Moody. "Because I /am/ a little occupied here."
"Yes, actually," Moody said, the twinkle returning to his eyes, "Professor McGonagall directed me here. She wanted me to drop this off with you." He showed Severus the bundle he held in his arms. "This is Draco Malfoy. His parents were just taken under arrest and sentenced to Azkaban. Dumbledore said that he would find a place for him to stay. But in the mien time, he would remain here, at Hogwarts."
"What is this school coming to?" Severus whined, "A nursery?" But all the same, he accepted Draco and placed the child on the couch with Harry.
"Who knows," Alastor said darkly, rolling his eyes at the Potion Master's childish behavior. "I'd best be off. There are more trials today. Crouch's son I've heard."
Severus winced. "Poor kid."
"You just take care of those boys'," Alastor said, turning around and leaving Severus alone in his room. It was quiet for a moment, before both kids started crying.
Today must be his worst nightmare.
--oo00oo--
Harry and Draco were to be sleeping in the Headmaster's quarters. They were in the same room, and in the same crib. They didn't seem to like this arrangement at all. Draco would steal the blanked from Harry, who in turn, would snatch a pillow from Draco.
"I think they're going to be great friends!" Professor Dumbledore announced, picking up Draco and bouncing him on his knee. Draco didn't look too happy about the treatment he was receiving.
Professor McGonagall looked somewhat doubtful. "Are you sure that you're okay with the two of them in your rooms for the night, Albus?" She asked nervously, "Miss. Feslin told me that for the two nights that she had Mr. Potter, he kept waking up- crying for his mother and father." She sighed sadly, "poor child."
Albus smiled sadly. "I am sure that these boys will be good for each other. Harry has lost his parents, and so has Draco. Already they have something in common. It just might take a while for them to get used to the idea."
Two hours later, the infant's were somewhat used to the idea. Although, that could be because of the stern look that McGonagall gave them before she left. Anyway, they were sharing the blankets and pillows, more or less, anyway.
Albus was sleeping, but Harry was wide awake, looking out the window at the stars. His father used to wake him up and take him flying amongst the stars. He whimpered a little and looked away from the window, right into Draco's gray eyes. The other little boy had tears streaming down his face, and that did it for Harry.
Albus shot awake when two wails pierced the night.
The old man ran into the room where the children were and picked them up. "Shh," he soothed, "it's all right- everything will be okay."
But no matter what he said, Harry and Draco wouldn't stop crying. Albus was close to tears himself when he thought of something. He carefully picked up Harry and rocked him in his arms. He lifted Draco into his other arms and walked around the room, trying to sooth them. However, they kept crying.
"What can I do," Albus muttered frantically, "how will you stop crying?"
Suddenly, Harry's tears slowed and an impish grin formed on his face. He looked over at Draco and his grin widened. Then, while Dumbledore was sighing in relief, he fisted his hands into the man's beard and pulled.
Harry burst out laughing, and threw the beard at Draco, who stared at him in shock. Then slowly, the other boy giggled and after a moment, both boys were laughing hard. Dumbledore on the other hand, was torn between relief that they had stopped crying and the fact that two infant boys were laughing at his expense. Finally, he placed Harry and Draco back in bed and took his beard back to his own room, muttering something about. 'Getting Severus to brew a hair-growing potion'.
--oo00oo--
"We're getting close," Sirius whispered, transforming back to himself. "His scent is getting much stronger."
"Good," Remus said, wrapping his arms around himself and shivering. "It's kind of depressing down here. And I just /know/ that I the sun has gone down already."
Sirius smiled, "don't worry, Moony." He said, putting a hand on his friends shoulder. "We /will/ find the traitor, and then we can go back to Hogwarts."
Remus nodded and held his wand a little higher. "Where did his scent leave off," he asked after a moment of staring down the passageway.
"It kept going straight down the passage. You think Peter would be smarter then that. but- then again, he IS an idiot."
Remus nodded in agreement and watched as Sirius resumed his dog form. They continued down the tunnel and frowned when they saw a stream of sewage flowing across their path. Sirius stopped and started trying to find Pettigrew's path.
"Maybe we should give him more credit then we do," Remus said, staring as Sirius whined. A sudden movement caught his eye and he squinted in that direction. His eyes widened and he lunged.
--oo00oo--
That weekend, several students came up to Professor McGonagall asking to take care of Harry. The first weekend he had been there, the Gryffindor's were left in charge. Then, a Hufflepuff had been granted permission to take care of him. This weekend, the first person to approach the teacher was Isabel Dalton. A sixth year Slytherin, top of her class and she respected by most of the student population. With her was Evan Jackson, a fellow Slytherin and Quidditch captain.
They were shocked that Harry wasn't the only child in the school anymore.
"Draco Malfoy?" Evan repeated, staring at the sleeping child in the crib next to Harry. "Why is he here?"
"His parents were under arrest and sentenced to Azkaban," Isabel said in a voice that said 'where have /you/ been?' "I heard his father got the Dementors Kiss."
"I would be very grateful if you would take both of them," Minerva said, breaking into their discussion, "but if you don't want to, it's no problem."
"We'll take both of them," Evan said, reaching down to stroke Draco's cheek. "Is there anything we need to know about them?"
"They wake up most nights crying," The Professor said sadly, "Professor Dumbledore seems to have found a way to cheer them up, but he won't tell us what it is. Anyway, just bath them, change their diapers, and don't put them in the care of any other students. It's not that I don't trust Slytherin's, I just want to know who is in charge of him at all times."
She paused, thinking, before she reached under the crib and pulled out two baby bags. "The green bag is Draco's," the said, handing Isabel the bag. "And the blue one is Harry's. Inside are clothes, diapers, toys and such." She handed the blue bag to Evan and frowned thoughtfully. "I think that is all- I will deliver them to you after dinner. Twenty points to both of you."
Evan and Isabel smiled and left the room.
--oo00oo--
Severus was standing in his bed room, looking in a mirror. The mirror was very old and had /many/ cracks in it. He scowled when he saw his hair. No wonder the students were snickering at him- it was covered in chalk-dust again! Damn that Potter!
He sighed and gingerly pulled out his (shudder) shampoo. Then he walked into the bathroom and started the shower. He had gotten his hair wet and nervously put some of the slimy soap in his hair before he squeezed his eyes tight and started to wash it. Sure enough, the soap started sliding down his face and into his eyes.
"DAMN IT!" Severus swore, before he cursed again for opening his mouth and allowing the water and soap to get inside. He sputtered and spit, before rinsing his hair and getting out of the shower.
"There /must/ be an easier way. . ."
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TBC. . . . . . . . .?