Chapter 9- Albus's Decision

The information that Snuffles... the dog from hell who he had spent copious amounts of time with this past summer because Albus had requested him to was not a dog, but an Animagus... Not just Animagus... It was none other than Sirius Black the tormentor of his youth and Murderer being sought by the Ministry. kept running through the mind of the horrified Potions Master. He focused his blazing dark angry eyes upon the cowering forms of Potter and the injured black dog then back to the oblivious Headmaster who prattled on as if it was quite common for him to drop a loaded bomb of information upon Snape. Admittedly it was quite normal for Albus to do just that... but to find out he had tricked Severus into looking after one of... if not the worst member of the Marauders!That was practically unforgivable in the irates Potion Masters opinion.

Albus carried on talking about his mistaken notion that Sirius had been responsible for the deaths of Lily and James and why now he believed the wizard was innocent- oblivious to the fact that Severus' face was starting to darken with rage as the fires in the sconces along the corridor blew out while the paintings upon the walls around them were trembling within their frames. Some of them falling to the floor while the occupants fled to other parts of the castle and the few suits of Armour that had been nearby were actually clanking away as fast as their metal feet could go.

"Because of the recent unfortunate circumstances Snuffles needs treatment for his injuries and since it is unwise for him to transform back into his human counterpart while the Ministry considers his innocence is still in question due to the fact that Pettigrew is still missing, I would like you- Severus to escort Harry and Snuffles to Diagon Alley where there is a squib by the name of Herriot Dodds that I know who makes his living as a veterinarian for wizarding familiars.

"YOU KEPT THE FACT FROM ME THAT SNUFFLES AND THAT MISBEGOTTEN MUTT SIRIUS BLACK ARE BOTH THE SAME BEING!"Severus roared angrily at the Headmaster! It was extreamly obvious to the two on the sidelines that Albus knew what was going to be said by Severus as he barely had aenough time to cast a silencing spell over the totally outraged Snape.

Next thing Albus knew he was blown backwards onto his butt by the concussive force of Snapes frustrated momentarily uncontrolled temper just as Peeves dressed in his usual loud outlandish clothes came through carrying a wastepaper basket filled with an assortment of chalk, broken quills, half empty ink bottles,old wadded up chewing gum, fungus covered peanuts and other bits of junk with which to the surprise of Snape, Harry and Snuffles he gleefully tipped over and dropped upon the fallen Headmaster as he did a mid-air Somersault while cackling insanely and vanished from their sight.

Both Harry and Snuffles were momentarily paralyzed with sheer disbelief in what they was witnessing as the silencing charm that Albus had cast wore off at the same time.

Snape was having a full blown temper tantrum without a lot of screaming, just enough to get his poiint across and actually sent the Headmaster flying backwards onto his butt! Then Peeves actually pulling that stunt... Harry was positive that nobody would ever believe him if he told them what he was witnessing.

"Come on Snuffles." Harry whispered frantically as he tugged on the collar of the mesmerized animal beside him.. "I think we better get out of here." even as he worried as to what was going to be decided about his god father now that the secret was out.

"Stay put Potter! Don't even think of sneaking away Mutt!"ordered the tightly controlled silky voice of the angry wizard who was also shocked by the Poltergeists actions—but would never admit to it. It was with great effort on his part to rein in his wayward magical tantrum.

With great effort Snape' got his temper finally under control and then he reached out his hand to help the shaken Headmaster up. Albus gratefully took his hand and rose shakily to his feet. "I..um... suppose I shouldn't have informed you in that manner." He commented calmly as he ignored Snapes scowl as he surveyed the destruction and scorgified his favourite purple robe with his wand. "But it is true. I made a very terrible mistake all those years ago when I thought Sirius killed Pettegrew and all those muggles..." He looked at Snuffles and Harry. "But I now firmly believe in Sirius' innocence which will be proven beyond any doubt once Peter Pettigrew is found and captured."

To say that Harry was shocked and possibly a wee bit upset by the information confirming his Godfathers innocence that he had just heard from Dumbledores own lips was an understatement. To think he could have been with Sirius all this time instead of his hate filled relatives—the Dursleys. Any sympathy he had for the Headmaster after witnessing Snapes temper tantrum and the humiliation by Peeves vanished.

"Now that is what I call a great start to another fun filled day. I'm sure that the House Elves will get everything back to rights before breakfast." He commented cheerfully to Harry and Snuffles as he turned to smile at Snape who was still looking murderously at him. "Anyway now that your little tantrum is quite finished I expect both you and Harry to co-operate with each other and take Snuffles to Diagon Alley. I am sure by the time you get there Herriots practice will be open."

Snape's face was like granite as he turned around and using his wand, once again picked up the stretcher with Snuffles on it while he motioned to the now terrified boy to follow him and Snuffles down the corridor to the nearest fireplace so they could floo to Diagon Alley.

Harry quickly stood up and followed Snape down the corridor while Dumbledore called for a house-Elf.

AlbusSeverusHarrySnuffles

I do hope you like this kinda wrote itself... Now that is unusual!

How did you like Severus minor blow up after learning Snuffles true identiy which isn't surprising but Albus forgives him for having a tanty anyway. Of course now Harrys faith is shaken somewhat...