This chapter is dedicated to Kyer, graynavarre, and excessivelyperky for taking the trouble to review the last chapter. Thanks a bunch.
CHAPTER 10: DECISIONS
10.1
"Good Morning Rudholphus."
"Good Morning, Lucius. Heard the latest?"
"No. What is it?"
"Dumbledore has been declared the Prime Dominie." Rudholphus replied holding out a copy of the Daily Prophet.
"WHAT?! Prime Dominie! We have never had one." Lucius said, taking the paper away from him.
"What do you think of all this?" He questioned after quickly scanning thru the report.
"Well it gives enormous power to Dumbledore. His authority far exceeds that of the Minister of Magic. Though he has declared that all decisions will be taken after a discussion in his council, I doubt any one of them will go against Dumbledore."
"There is no doubt about it. Diggory, Longbottom, Prewetts, Weasely, Shaklebolt…All the members of his council are his old faithfuls. Except Diggory, the rest are the members of his Order of Phoenix. Blood Traitors and Muggle Lovers. Bah. They all seem to have been hand-picked by him. Without doubt, they will never go against their Supreme Leader. It is Dumbledore who will rule over us now."
"Yes, the step to make him Prime Dominie is certainly unprecedented."
"And it certainly is extremely dangerous for us."
"Why do you think so? Scrigmeour would have proved to be extremely vindictive. Dumbledore with his vision of a new world order might prove to be more forgiving."
Lucius paced agitatedly in the room. "It is not about personalities Rudholphus, it is about how much power is vested in one person."
"That's also right…. but well my decision is still the same. Dumbledore, Shacklebolt, or Scrigmeour, Bella and I are going to stay on."
Lucius stopped. "Rethink about this, Rudholphus. Longbottom is in this Supreme Council. He will not let things pass."
Rudholphus sighed. "As I told you earlier too, Lucius, I just want the two of us together. She just refuses to leave and I can't leave her. As for Longbottom, we will face the consequences."
"You have already faced them once."
"Not many will agree with you, Lucius." Rudholphus replied with a bitter laugh. "Had this miracle not occurred, the Longbottoms would have lived their life as nothing more than zombies. Even Azkaban is not enough punishment for it."
"Don't tell me that you regret doing that to those Blood Traitors?"
"In Azkaban, I pondered over this repeatedly, Lucius. And I am not proud of it. To cause somebody this kind of pain that he loses his mental faculties cannot be justified."
"And what about Azkaban? Were we treated any lightly?"
"Oh but this can go on. What about the Dark Lord? What did he do? He did not even spare his followers."
"Lower your voice Rudholphus. Do you even realise what you are saying?"
"Oh do not think that I am being disloyal or that suddenly I've shifted my allegiance. I still remember what Lord Voldemort was all about. Those ideas of his. The expansion of magic to do away with the ills of the society. To create a world where wizards will not face persecution from Muggles. That was such a particularly emotive point isn't it? Finally, I thought, somebody will do something about the memories of our forefathers who were burnt on stakes."
"If he had won, I am sure that all Muggles and Muggle Lovers would have been annihilated."
"And that would have destroyed the Wizarding world too."
At Lucius' raised eyebrow, the other man expounded. "You know it really hit me the day I found myself facing Andromeda's daughter. When I realised there were just the two of us facing each other and I couldn't bring myself to curse her."
"Why so ever not? A Mudblood and then married to a Half-breed. I'd have killed her." Lucius spat.
"Perhaps because you regard her as merely that. For me she was a mere child, the daughter of a girl with whom I had laughed and enjoyed."
"But that is all sheer emotional nonsense. If Pure Bloods turn into Blood Traitors, they have to be killed."
"But those Blood Traitors might be family. Would you, for instance, kill Narcissa?"
Lucius choked. "What do you mean?"
"I am not a fool Lucius. I know what happened between Narcissa and Potter."
"Rest assure though," he continued as the other man turned a sickly pale, "I am not going to reveal it to anybody."
For a minute, the two men stared at each other. Then Lucius lowered his eyes. "Thank you," he mumbled.
10.2
"This is certainly interesting, Dumbledore being made the Prime Dominie." Sirius said, as he sipped the hangover potion that Molly Weasley had provided to all of them.
"I am sure our world is now in better hands. Dumbledore is far better than that idiotic Fudge or Scrigmeour." Remus spoke now.
"Did you see Scrigmeour's face yesterday when Shacklebolt made the announcement? One could see the strain that he had to make to keep the smile on his face." Bill Weasley, who too was sipping the potion, remarked.
"Oh but it must have been very galling for him. Dumbledore and he have had their share of differences." It was Tonks now.
"Scrigmeour must have been delusional if he thought he could just take up from where he left. The realities have changed now." Molly Weasley spoke up from where she was sitting with Lily. Lily herself was glaring daggers at her husband who was trying his best to avoid her glare.
"Hmmm. He promises to make the world a better place. Did you hear his speech?"
"I think he is being delusional," Sirius said, cutting in. "He can't expect Death Eaters to turn into model citizens."
"Well many have already enrolled in that scheme of his. Voldemort himself. Did you read his appeal to his followers where he has entreated them to join Dumbledore?"
Sirius sneered. "Remus you will always look for the good in others, isn't it? What is Voldemort supposed to do. He has been beaten. Of course he will show remorse and repentance and promise to turn into a new leaf. I am sure the bastard is planning something evil."
"But Sirius, some of the Death Eaters were forced into doing evil acts, for one reason or the other. I am sure they deserve a second chance." Remus hesitated but then plunged right in. "Look at your own brother."
"We are not talking about my brother." Sirius hissed.
"It is time we did. After all, he repented and …"
"I think I know my brother better than you. Just leave him out of this discussion."
"But…"
"What is the matter with you Remus?" James spoke for the first time. "That was pretty low."
"But...but," Remus seemed bewildered. "I meant it as a complement. He was the first one to guess about the Horcruxes. He…"
"I don't believe it, you are still going on." Sirius bit out each word.
There was an awkward silence as Sirius and James glowered at Remus who continued to look bewildered till Tonks reached out and grasped his hand and then he looked up at her with a small smile of relief. The others shifted a little uncomfortably and avoided each other's eyes.
"Well Molly, you must be really pleased what with Arthur in the council." Lily spoke in an overtly loud voice.
"Oh yes," Molly beamed even as her eyes glittered. "If anybody deserves to be in that council, it is Arthur."
"I wish," Remus said a little hesitantly, "they will bring in a legislation which gives equal opportunities to werewolves. Umbridge made sure that we were not given jobs anywhere."
"I am sure there will be one." Tonks said as she squeezed her husband's hand.
"Well they can be extremely dangerous," Molly Weasley said looking at her son's face. "Present company excluded, of course." She tacked on hastily.
"Dumbledore will surely think about you Remus," Lily remarked, "after all he employed you as the DADA professor."
"He was the best that we had." Harry who had been silent all along, chipped in. "Hey perhaps this time we will have you again. I don't think the Carrows will be given the post again."
"Merlin forbid," Ginny said with a theatrical shudder.
"Carrows?! The name seems familiar." James said. His voice rose up in shock. "Do you mean those Death Eaters? What were they doing in your school?"
"Well I think Snape had to employ them…"
"Wait, wait, wait, wait. Are you talking about Severus Snape?" James asked.
"Er yes. He was the Head Master…." Harry said. This was dangerous ground.
James broke out in a loud guffaw. "Sirius, did you hear? Snivellus being the principal! Can you beat it?"
"Merlin beard!" Sirius exclaimed. "When did this happen? Wasn't he merely the Potions professor?"
"Potions professor!" James' voice was still incredulous. "How could Dumbledore employ that slime ball?"
"Severus was always good in potions." Lily's voice was quiet.
"Oh please Lily!" James said turning towards his wife. "That greasy git couldn't even prepare a decent shampoo for himself."
"Really James." Lily smiled indulgently at her husband.
"I want to hear about all this." Sirius said turning towards Harry. "Right from the time I fell behind the veil."
This was slippery ground indeed, Harry thought, as he wondered how to begin the narrative. Should he tell them that he knew about their inter-twined histories? For a minute, a pair of deep black eyes flashed before his eyes. Dark tunnels. Had Snape regained life too? He must have, considering everybody else had. He stole a glance at his mother. She smiled at him expectantly, waiting for him to begin.
"You mean you haven't heard it as yet?" Molly's voice held surprise.
"No we have just been busy reminiscing the past," Sirius replied, clapping James on the shoulder.
"And savouring the present." The other man said, putting his hand atop Sirius' hand.
"As you should," Molly Weasley said her eyes glistening wet again. "I am really glad the way you have forgiven Kreacher and moved on. Ron told me how much he took care of …"
"Wait a minute," Sirius said turning towards her. "What is all this about that wretched elf?"
Harry groaned.
10.3
"Have you had a look at this? Have you?" Bellatrix voice was a screech as she entered the room. Lucius grimaced. Why did Bella have to behave like a mudblood? Her voice always seemed like caterwaul.
"What is it?" Rudholphus moved solicitously towards his wife.
"This." Bella replied, flinging the parchment that she carried, in front of them. Both men looked down. It was a parchment of the Daily Prophet of the day, depicting a scene from the Great Hall. Lord Voldemort on his knees in front of Dumbledore. As the two men watched, he lay down his wand at the other man's feet.
"Look. Do you see it?" Bella screeched again, pointing a shaking figure at the picture. "My Lord reduced to this. To this."
"Easy Bella," Rudholphus put an arm around her shoulders. "Relax."
"Relax?" Bella bit out the word. "How dare you say something like this while my lord…" She gulped audibly.
"Things have changed Bella and you know it." Rudholphus was still talking in the gentle tone that he always used with his wife.
"They have changed because of cowards and traitors in our midst." Bella shook away her husband's arms and came to stand in front of Lucius.
"What is that supposed to mean?" Lucius questioned.
"You know what I mean. It is people like you who are always concerned about their own skins who caused the downfall of the Dark Lord. Cowards all."
Lucius face tightened in anger. However before he could say anything, Rudholphus spoke up, sharply. "That's enough Bella."
"Why? Where was he when we were in Azkaban? Oh he pretended to be under Imperious and continued to lead his comfortable, cushy life. Barty was right about him…"
"Hold your tongue Bella," Rudholphus came over and shook her. "Apologise to Lucius, now."
"What?" Bella sputtered out. "How dare you order me like this?"
"It is okay Rudholphus." Lucius said, "I understand Bella is pretty disturbed. I am also devastated by the Dark Lord's fall."
"Liar. Had you been you would not have been standing over here idly, you would have been collecting an army to take on Dumbledore and his stooges. " She spat.
"It is futile Bella and you know it." Rudholphus spoke softly. "Even the Dark Lord has accepted his defeat. Did you not read his appeal to his followers?"
For a few moments Bella continued to stare at Rudholphus. Then her face seem to crumple.
Lucius left the room.
10.4
"Always Potter the Perfect."
From the doorway, Regulus watched as Drcao violently shred the Daily Prophet, the hands frantic, the hair all a blur. But not silver blonde but dark like his. And not the Daily Prophet but a certificate that Sirius had got for winning a broom race.
"Bloody Potter." The boy screamed.
Regulus tiptoed away. So it was like this. Of course Cissy had told him about it yesterday. But perhaps she too had no idea of the intensity of the emotion. How could she? She had never been in competition. Prior to Midi's marriage to Tonks, uncle and aunt had never differentiated between their three daughters. In marriage too, she had been lucky. Though not overtly demonstrative, Lucius did love his wife immensely.
But he himself knew this emotion well. Damn it, he had lived with it his whole life. He knew what it was to strive for something that was always out of reach. Reg drew a shaking breath. It was when he went to Hogwarts that he had realised the full implication of what he was getting into. Sirius had by that time almost drifted apart. And suddenly, Regulus found his parents keen to see him belittle Sirius. Regulus sighed. At that time it had seemed the right thing. His brother was turning into a Blood Traitor and it was up to Regulus to show what a loser he had become by tainting his blood. Thus Regulus had become the vanguard of the purity of blood. The one who will not let his parents down. Thereafter everything between his brother and himself had become a bloody competition. A competition that had left him bruised and defeated.
Yesterday when Narcissa told him about her son, he could emphathise with him. Understand why it was necessary for him to take the Dark Mark. Understand why it was important for him to best Potter's son. However, if he could help it, he wasn't going to let the boy ruin his life. Squaring his shoulders, he made his way back to the room.
Draco seemed to be in better control of himself now. He did stand up and wish him when Regulus knocked and entered his room. The pieces of parchment however were still lying on the floor and the boy flushed when he saw Regulus glance that way. To his credit however, he did not offer any excuse.
"It is a fine morning today, Draco. Yesterday was real fun. So I was wondering whether we could go flying today too. It is a really pleasant outside." Reg said, keeping his hands at the back.
Draco mumbled something about being tired.
"Oh come on," Regulus insisted, "it won't be merely flying. I was thinking of playing the game of catch the snitch. See I got this also for you." He brought his hands clutching the Firebolt forward.
The boy's eyes widened. "That…that's the latest model, isn't it? The Firebolt Ace."
"That's what the shopkeeper said too."
"And you…you brought it for me, why?"
He went forward and put one of his arms across Draco's shoulders. He felt the boy stiffen but did not let go. "Yesterday I could see how much you love flying. The shopkeeper told me that this broom is the fastest ever. Assured me, in fact, that no other broom could match its speed. I thought you will enjoy riding on this."
Draco looked gob smacked. "But you hardly know me."
"That doesn't change the fact that you are my nephew. Had you grown up in front of me this surely wouldn't have been the first gift."
"But…"
"Okay..Okay I'll tell you the real reason behind it." He whispered conspiratorially in Draco's ears. "Your mother told me yesterday that you are the Slytherin seeker. I want you to wipe the floor with the other teams."
The boy sighed. "I don't think I'll be going back to Hogwarts. Some of my friends have already enrolled in other wizarding schools. Father too is of the same opinion."
"And what about you Draco?"
With an impatient movement, Draco shrugged off his arms. "I too would like to go to Drumstrang."
"Are you sure?"
"Of course. What future is here for me? They will always see me as a bloody Death Eater."
"And you don't regard yourself as one."
His tone made the boy looked at him. Regulus lifted the sleeve of his robe and showed the mark to him. "When I took this mark, Draco, I was very proud. It was only later that I realised I had branded myself as a slave."
Draco eyes widened.
"I believe you felt that way too." He looked at the boy. "Am I right?"
"I had no option. The Dark Lord said he would kill my parents." Draco cried out wretchedly.
"You had a better motive than me. I just wanted to show that I was a better than my brother Sirius. It is incredible, isn't it? The lengths we go to destruct ourselves just to destroy others."
"You hated your brother?"
"It was all more complicated. I wanted to show him, prove it to him that he had chosen the wrong side, the wrong people." Regulus shrugged even as he noticed the hastily stifled gasp that emitted from Draco. "And all for what? A slight?"
"Slight?"
"Yes, things were not that bad between the two of us before I went to Hogwarts. We had our share of disputes and fights, the way brothers do. I remember it still. I had got a new robe for Sirius for his birthday. Instead of wearing it though, Sirius wore a robe that his friend Lupin got
"Lupin? Remus Lupin, the werewolf?"
"The same. In retrospect, I understand that Sirius was doing it for his friend who wasn't rich at all. He must have spent his entire allowance to gat that robe for Sirius. But at that time, all this did not strike me. I was just furious at Sirius for having insulted me." He took a deep breath and then turned towards Draco, "You know what I regret more than anything about this entire episode? That I let a slight dictate my entire life."
There was a silence for a few minutes then Reg said, "Anyways all these things are long past. Now lets play. I really want to try the new broom."
After an hour and more of really arduous playing, they touched ground.
"You play really well," Reg told his nephew.
"So do you." For the first time since he had known him, Reg noticed that the boy's voice was full of enthusiasm. "The way you caught the snitch at that time." He shook his head, "Incredible."
"Hmmm. That is quite a favourite maneuver of mine. Used it the first time in a match against Gryffindor."
"You remember it?"
"Yes. It was pretty heady." His voice went soft in remembrance. "Draco, I told you I always saw myself in competition with my brother. Quidditch was one arena where we were always pitted against one another. For some inexplicable reason, though I always did well against Ravenclaws and Hufflepuffs, I always floundered against Gryffindors. Then one day, I thought hard about it and knew the reason."
"And?" It was a mere whisper.
He looked at Draco, straight on. "Against the other houses, I played to win Draco, but against Gryffindors I played to defeat my brother."
Draco breath came out in a rush. "Uncle Reg, there is something that I want to discuss with you."
Regulus smiled inwardly.
10.5
Lucius paced agitatedly in his room, Bella's words ringing in his ears. How many others were out there with the same opinion? Those who would blame the Dark Lord's fall on traitors and cowards. How many of them will be seething in anger, eager to take revenge. Thank Merlin, Cissy was safe. Even those who suspected her of betraying the Dark Lord will not be able to get thru the wards at the Manor. But Severus? A knife seemed to go thru him. Severus was there at Spinner's End in a Muggle locality. Salazar knew whether there were any wards or not? Then there was the whole question of whether Severus would even try to defend himself. He felt himself go all cold. No he had to go to Severus….
As he had expected, the house hadn't even been warded properly. It was a child's play for anybody to enter in. A cold sweat broke all over him. Had somebody already entered Severus' home? And if yes, what will he find inside? Gathering his courage, he twisted the knob and entered inside.
"What are you doing over here Lucius?"
Lucius jumped and for a moment was totally disoriented.
"Lucius?"
He took a deep breath. Slowly his eyes adjusted to the darkness.
"What is the matter?"
"Why are you sitting in the darkness?"
"As it is my house, I can sit in whatever manner I see fit. But anyway, I repeat: What are you doing over here?"
"I..I…" Merlin he was stammering like a school boy. "I just came to check on you. I mean whether you were fine or not…"
"Why?"
"What do you mean why?"
"Why this sudden concern?"
"It is not sudden."
"Really. Are you trying to tell me you are really concerned about me?" Even in the darkness, he could feel Severus' eyebrows going up.
He took a deep breath and made his way towards the shadowy figure. "Severus, the situation is serious. Many of the Dark Lord's followers are waiting for revenge, they might kill you at any moment."
"Including you?"
"What?" He sputtered.
"Aren't you angry? After all you too wanted the Dark Lord to win."
"Yes but not at the cost of…."
"Not at the cost of what Lucius? What were you thinking when you joined the Dark lord again?"
"I…I…could not let my family suffer. The Dark Lord could have done anything against Narcissa and Draco."
"Stop lying, Lucius. Narcissa and Draco almost died because you could not keep your ambition in check."
"How dare you…"
"Have you had a look at Draco, Lucius? What did you teach him? Self-respect bordering on arrogance? Pure blood superiority? And then how did you behave? Kissing the feet of a power-crazy half-blood maniac. And then you say you were concerned about him!"
"I am." He bit out angrily. "You might not believe it but I am concerned about not only my family but also about you."
"I am touched."
With an effort, he tried to calm down. "Severus this is not getting us anywhere. You might think I am a cold-hearted bastard but I can't forget the fact that you took an unbreakable vow just to save my son."
"It was strategy. Nothing else. You know about it now." Severus spoke thru clenched teeth.
"Don't give me that Severus. I know you perhaps better than you think. Dumbledore might have given you that order but I know what it must have cost you."
"I thought I told you once not to mention Dumbledore." There was raw fury in Severus' voice that told Lucius that his guess was right.
"Then it is time we did." He was on surer ground now. "You know he has become the Prime Dominie."
"What? When did this happen?"
"Yesterday. Did you not receive an invitation to attend the party honouring the heroes?"
"I..I..am not receiving any owls."
"Well there is where it happened…."
"Good for him. But why are you telling me this?"
"He chose for himself a council. Your name is not there."
"What exactly is your point, Lucius."
"Severus why don't you understand? There is no place for you over here. They will never accept you."
Severus gave a low chuckle. "I do not want acceptance from fools. Sorry to state Lucius, but contrary to your own opinion you do not know me very well."
"But they might turn revengeful. They might persecute you because they think that you were a follower of the Dark Lord all along."
"Make up your mind Lucius. On the one hand, Dumbledore ought to have made me a member of his council. On the other, they, including the Prime Dominie, I assume, will prosecute me."
"Salazar, Severus, how many did hear Potter saying you were on Dumbledore's side all along? If only Dumbledore had inducted you in the council, there would have been no doubt. You would have been hailed as a hero."
"You think their appreciation matters to me?"
There was a pause of a few minutes, then Lucius spoke, "Perhaps not theirs but hers…"
"Lucius get out!"
"But…"
"I said, Get out."
"No, I am not going. It is time you….what are you doing?…Put that wand back"
"If you don't get going, you are going to regret it for over."
"But I just wanted to help."
"And you think I want to take your help? Lucius go and have a look at yourself. A man who can stoop so low as to lick the feet of anyone in power, who can watch while a young child is put to death, in fact who can use a young child for his own ambition…."
"You are a fine one to talk, Severus. You could watch your own colleague being put to death even as she pleaded and begged you to save her. And don't tell me it was for a noble cause."
For a few moments, all that could be heard in the darkness was the sound of agitated breathing. Then Severus spoke, "Thank you, Lucius, but I know very well what it means to be a murderer."
Lucius stood still. Never in all the years that he had known Severus, had the other man's voice sounded this broken. Salazar, how had the conversation taken this turn? He hadn't come here for this. What had he done?
"Severus, I am sorry." He took a step towards the other man but Severus stepped away. "See, I am really sorry. I did not mean it this way."
The other man remained silent. "Severus, I came here to ask you to leave with us. We have decided to migrate and…."
"Good. Now perhaps you can leave." Severus' voice was still quiet.
"But what about you Severus? The followers of the Dark Lord want you dead as do the followers of Dumbledore. You cannot fight on two fronts."
"I have been doing it for a very long time, Lucius. Now can you leave?"
"Severus come with us."
"Listen Lucius, perhaps you think that I saved Draco so you owe me. But I'd have helped Draco nevertheless. He is a better man than both of us. And anyways, you helped me the other day, so we are even. Now get on with your life. I for one am not running away."
"This is not running away. This is strategy."
"It might surprise you but I have had enough of strategy. Now I'll just take things as they come."
"But this is suicidal."
"Whatever."
"Severus….why don't you think about this rationally?"
"You have a wife and child to live for, Lucius. What do I have?"
The words died on Lucius' tongue. All arguments seemed to have evaporated. He opened his mouth and closed it. Quite out of the blue, the lines of a squib poet came in his mind;
'And I must borrow every changing shape
To find expression…….'
After some moments, Severus spoke again, "Leave Lucius."
And finally Lucius did.
10.6
Minerva McGonagall walked briskly in the corridor that led to Professor Dumbledore's office. Why had she been summoned? The missive that she had received in the morning had not said anything except a request by the professor to meet him. Abruptly, she recalled the words of Dolores Umbridge. The beastly woman had accused her of wanting to become the Under-Secretary to the Minister. Was this what Dumbledore wanted to meet her for? Well, it would be a nice thing. Transfigurations was all very nice but sometimes she dreamt of something bigger. And there was nothing bigger than the miracle that had astounded wizardkind. If Dumbledore wanted her help in the re-building of their society, she would be more than glad to help him.
"Ma'am may I help you?"
She looked up with a jerk. So engrossed had she been in her thoughts that she hadn't noticed she had reached the end of the corridor. There in front of her was the chamber with the words 'PRIME DOMINIE' emblazoned on the door.
She approached the desk, where the young witch who had asked her the question, was sitting. "I am here to meet Principal Dumbledore, ah I mean the Prime Dominie."
"Do you have an appointment with him, Ma'am?"
McGonagall drew herself fully. "Of course. I received an owl from him in the morning."
"Can I see it?" The young witch said extending her hand. She scanned the letter using her wand before handing it back. "Please excuse the impertinence ma'am, but since morning there has been a whole lot of people wanting to meet the Prime Domine."
"I understand." McGonagall said stiffly. "Can I see him now?"
"Take a seat Ma'am. I'll inform him." With this the witch knocked and entered the chamber.
Before she could sit down however, Dumbledore was there in front of her, ushering her inside his chamber.
"Ah what pleasure it is to see you Minerva." Dumbledore said, as he himself sat down, after he had pulled a chair for her.
"Same here, Professor." She replied. It was true. Even after so many days, it was difficult to believe that he was alive. How had this miracle occurred? Dumbledore himself had offered no explanation.
Dumbledore poured out tea and handed her a cup.
"No lemon sherbets, today?" She said as she accepted the cup.
"Ah Minerva, you want one?" He said putting his hand in the pocket of his purple robe, his eyes twinkling.
"Thanks but some other time perhaps." She smiled and sipped her tea. How many times had the two of them sat like this, discussing the affairs of Hogwarts. Only now the canvas would be bigger.
"So Minerva as you like to come straight to the point, I'll do so. I am worried about Hogwarts."
She looked at him in surprise. "I do not understand. It is being re-built. You were yourself involved in the process."
"Indeed I was. But what happens now? I simply cannot give it the time and devotion required to running an institute of that magnitude." He sighed. "I wish people had just let me run my school but you saw how they coerced me into accepting this position."
"It must be a daunting task."
"It is, Minerva. I cannot emphasise how important this task is. We have to forgive and forget and forge ahead."
"Well I am sure you will manage. I have never seen you fail before. But do you really think Death Eaters can see the errors of their ways?"
"I'd not have accepted this position otherwise. I believe in my mission whole-heartedly."
"But many of them have fled the country, the others are thinking of fleeing it."
Dumbledore sighed once again. "It hurts me that they have such little faith."
"Not everybody is as forgiving as you Professor."
"Then they must learn. I thought this miracle will open everybody's eyes to the glorious possibilities that lie ahead."
"Yes. What has happened is incredible."
"Right. Otherwise we would not have been having this pleasant discussion."
Her eyes became a little moist. "I am glad you are back Albus."
"So am I Minerva, so am I." For a minute or two their eyes held and there was silence.
"But to go back to what I was saying earlier," Dumbledore broke the silence, "this is a daunting task and I need all help that I can get. And it is for this very purpose that I've called you today."
Minerva simply waited for him to ask.
"I have always stressed on youngsters getting a good education. After all, students are the citizens of tomorrow. At Hogwarts, I always tried to groom them into model citizens but unfortunately now I cannot oversee the running of the school." Dumbledore leaned a little forward. "However, I want somebody over there who believes in the same values and holds the same beliefs as I do. Minerva, I am asking you, will you accept to be the Head Mistress of Hogwarts?"
For a minute, she just stared. She had not expected this. "I?"
"Yes Minerva you. You love Hogwarts as much as I do. Who else can turn our students into upright citizens? Only you can inculcate the requisite values in them."
"But…"
"You were the Deputy Head Mistress. Once the Head Master retires or dies or whatever, the deputy takes over."
"But what about Severus Snape?"
"Ah! Severus Snape. But then he was appointed by Tom, isn't it? That appointment was not bonafide."
"That's true but…"
"Come on Minerva, do you really want Hogwarts to be run by a Slytherin?"
At her look of disbelief, he expounded. "Do not think I am prejudiced. Not at all. My current mission is to do away with the prejudices that divide the wizarding world. Nevertheless, I also know that certain traits are more suitable for certain posts. Snape's qualities made him an enviable spy but for the running of Hogwarts you are the best person. You have what it requires to nourish young souls."
He smiled and his eyes twinkled, "Rather than 'cunning folk' we need the 'brave at heart'.
Well which Gryffindor would ever turn down a challenge?
As if one cue, the moment she said yes, the young receptionist entered again. Members of the council were waiting outside. And then Dumbledore was thanking her profusely for having lightened his burden and seeing her out. She greeted the men assembled outside as she made her way down the corridor.
"So he has set about creating his new world order, hasn't he?"
She looked up. The wizened wizard smiled at her through his wrinkles. "Doesn't waste any time, does dear Dumbledore?"
"Call him with respect, you wretch. He is the Prime Dominie." One of the aurors thundered.
"Oh yes! I forgot." The man said laconically, his eyes on the door. "Hazards of old age son, hazards of old age."
She looked on as the aurors marched Grindelwald to Dumbledore's chamber.
10.7
"KREACHER! KREACHER! COME OUT YOU BASTARD!"
Regulus came down the stairs to the hall and stopped short. His brother was there with Potter.
"Hello Potter," he said, extending his hand.
"Er hello Black." The other man replied, shaking his hand.
"WHERE IS THAT DAMMNED HOUSE-ELF OF YOURS?"
Regulus ears twitched. Salazar wasn't he standing next to Sirius? Why must he shout thus?
"BLOOD TRAITORS!" Mother shouted.
"SHUT UP YOU OLD COW!" Sirius thundered.
"Really Sirius! What is the matter?"
"TO BRING THAT SON-SNATCHING POTTER IN THE HOUSE!" Mother screamed.
"I SAID SHUT UP." Sirius spoke viciously even as Potter gave his shoulder a squeeze.
"Mother please," Regulus requested.
"Always the good son, isn't it?" Sirius taunted.
"YOU BETTER LEARN SOMETHING FOR HIM."
Merlin was this house always to be a battlefield. "Mother can you be quiet for a minute, please." Then turning towards his brother, "I have sent Kreacher out to get some drinks and foodstuff."
"Drinks and foodstuff?"
"Well..er..I should have said it right at the beginning. Congratulations Sirius."
"What for?" Sirius seemed astonished.
"I read what transpired in the party yesterday. I am just so happy for you." He took a step towards his brother but stopped when he saw the expression on the other man's face. His arms fell limply to his side.
"Really Regulus? You are happy for me?"
"But of course. Your name has been cleared, you have been hailed as a hero, I thought we will celebrate. That's what I sent Kreacher out for."
"You were going to throw a party for me. Very commendable. Who were you going to invite?"
"I thought just the two of us. But if you want Potter and your other friends, they are most welcome." Regulus threw a tentative smile at Potter.
"No I think it is a good idea that you two enjoy today." Potter said, surprising them both. "We will have another party later."
"Actually I was thinking of your relatives, Regulus. Narcissa and Lucius. Not to mention dear old Bellatrix and Rudholphus. Were you not going to invite them? I am sure they are also ecstatic about me."
"What is bothering you, Sirius? I know you do not like them."
"Do not like them? James did you hear? My brother is worried that I do not like the people who PLANNED MY DEATH."
"WHAT?"
"Yes, you heard me right. Dear old Bella and Cissy and their pureblood husbands along with your admirable elf conspired my death."
The ground was shaking under him. This was not true. It could not be true.
Kreacher chose that same moment to apparate.
"Master Regulus, I have got…" He never finished his sentence. With a growl, Sirius flung himself on him and knocked him to the ground even as his fists plummeted the elf.
"SIRIUS NO." With a supreme effort, Potter was able to drag his friend away.
"LET ME GO, JAMES. I WILL KILL THIS VERMIN." Sirius shouted, trying to break free of Potter's grip.
"Kreacher do wrong. Master Sirius angry." The elf whimpered. He was a bloody sight. Blood was flowing freely from his mouth and one of his eyes.
"DID BELLA AND CISSY PLAN SIRIUS' MURDER? AND DID YOU HELP THEM?"
Sirius gasped in surprise as he turned towards his mother who had asked the question.
Kreacher went pale as parchment. He started banging his head against the floor. "Oh Kreacher bad, Kreacher bad."
"ANSWER ME."
"Forgive me mistress, forgive me." Kreacher hiccupped. "Miss Bella and Miss Cissy said that…."
But Regulus was not listening. This couldn't be true. Bella and Cissy, they would never stoop so low. One did not kill one's own blood. This was a cruel joke. One that Sirius so specialised in. The room seemed to be swaying round him. Somewhere in the dim recesses of his mind he was aware of the commotion in the room but all he wanted to do was to get out. He had to get to Malfoy Manor.
10.8
"Why Cissy?"
Narcissa felt as though her legs could not support her any longer. Reggie had just burst in the room, his eyes wild, his hair dishelved. Before she could ask him anything, he had asked this question. Oh she did not need to know what it was all about. It was there in Reggie's eyes. She could not bear to look at them. She sank on her knees, her head held in her hands.
Regulus yanked her up. "Look at me," he snarled.
She could not face him. The tears came down. "I am sorry Reg, sorry…"
He let her go and she sank to the ground once again.
"How could you Cissy? How could you?" Reg had never sounded like this before. As though everything he had believed in had evaporated in front of his eyes.
"I was wrong, Reg. The Dark Lord…"
"The Dark Lord asked you to kill your own cousin and you compiled." Merlin, the disgust in his voice. If only the ground would open up.
"I thought of Sirius as a blood traitor, Reg…"
"And what about me? Had I been alive you would have killed me too."
"No, never." She screamed and tried to get up. She wrapped her arms round his legs. "Never you…."
"I don't believe it." He said, pushing her away. "I had turned away from Voldemort too. I was a traitor. You would have been glad to kill me to prove your loyalty."
She screamed. "Don't say these things. Reg you must believe me. You are the brother that I never had."
"And you are the sister that I thought I had but now will never have." She looked up and saw his eyes, bleak. "We grew up together, Cissy. What all didn't we share? Oh I don't deny that I too believed in all that Pure blood nonsense. I was more than eager to prove myself. But I could not even kill my elf and you…."
He sank down beside her shaking body. "Sirius had turned away, no doubt. But did our shared memories mean nothing to you and Bella?"
She cried. "At that time, it seemed the right thing. Later, I realised I was wrong Reg. Please forgive me."
"Why ask for my forgiveness, Cissy?" His voice was all quiet now. "It is Sirius whom you wronged. You did not even think that he had spent so many years in Azkaban. You could not even give him a few years to enjoy himself."
She wailed.
He looked at her shuddering form huddled on the ground. "You have killed me Narcissa. You and Bellatrix."
"Don't say that Reg." She took his hand in her own trembling one. "Reg please…"
He gave a despairing laugh. "It is true Narcissa. What have I to live for? My own brother hates me. I thought you were there for me at least but now that also turns out to be a mirage."
He got up. "Goodbye Narcissa."
She looked up, her face tear-streaked and her eyes wild. "What do you mean? Where are you going?"
"It doesn't matter, does it?"
At the door, he turned and looked at her, "You know what, the inferies were better."
10.9
Huddled against the wall, Draco heard the conversation inside the room. He flinched at the undiluted contempt in Uncle Reg's voice. He had never thought of the Blood Traitor in that way. He had himself gloated over his death. His mother and aunt had planned all this. Aunt Bella, hadn't she been full of loathing because he had failed to carry out the orders of the Dark Lord? A trembling took hold of his body. Had his parents not been there, would she have fed him to the werewolves as she had so often threatened? He sank down against the wall. He saw Uncle Reg come out of the room but had no courage to face him.
Almost immediately afterwards, he heard his father's voice. "Cissy. Salazar help me, Cissy what is the matter?"
"He knows it Lucius. Reg knows about Sirius…" His mother voice dissolved in sobs even as his father sucked in his breath. When he spoke again, it was in a voice fraught with worry. "But that makes it all the more imperative that we leave now. Dumbledore is not going to forgive us for this. Black was a favourite of his."
His mother mumbled something.
"What?" His father again.
"I said, even I cannot forgive myself."
"What?" His father's voice was all incredulous. "You cannot be serious. He was a blood-traitor."
"He was more than that, Lucius." His mother sobbed
"What ever. I do not want to discuss this with you right now. Merlin will you please stop crying? It is over and done with. Right now, we need to leave. I have made all the arrangements."
"It is not over and done with Lucius. It is not going to end even if we migrate." Mother seemed to be getting her groove back.
"Then what do you suppose we should do?" His father's voice was cold. "Go to Azkaban?"
"Perhaps that would be better."
"Don't behave like a child, Cissy. You do not know what Azkaban is. I spent time over there, I know." His father's voice had steel in it. "Do you want Draco to suffer over there?"
"No, no, of course not."
Draco entered the room. "Mother. Father. I want to discuss something."
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A/N: With over 10,000 hits, amongst all three fics of mine, this is the most read. Ironically, it is also the one with the least number of reviews. So please, those of you who read this, do send your comments.
The lines are from T.S. Eliot's Portrait of a Lady.