A/N: Here is Chapter 10 folks. It's a doozy. A lot happens here, and this chapter ends with a bang. I struggled with this one. Not with the writing, but with assuring myself that this was the right direction to go. I hope you guys don't crucify me too bad. I would appreciate your input on this one as from this point on we make major changes from canon. I know I already have made major changes, but you'll see what I mean when I say the story feels different from here on out. Thanks to everyone who reviews, faves, or follows this story. I'm truly humbled by the response it's received.
Thanks,
Drunken Prince
Standard Disclaimer – I don't own Harry Potter, just the stuff I make up about him. I also do not own any of the words of Peter Nowalk or the television show 'Grey's Anatomy'.
Chapter 10 – The Fiction of Peace
"Peace isn't a permanent state. It exists in moments… fleeting. Gone before we even knew it was there."
Peace. Sweet peace. That's what Amelia Bones had had for almost a month now. The ministry was free of anything, and anyone that served the Dark Lord. After the Shadow Hunter cleansed the ministry of marked death eaters, Amelia had taken further steps to insure that their future was secure. Terrified that she had overlooked a marked death eater within her own security team, she enacted policies that, she hoped, would make magical Britain safe forever. Starting that afternoon everyone within the ministry was questioned with veritaserum. Every employee, every wizengamot member, every unspeakable, and every visitor that day were either cleared or exposed. Amelia was surprised to find four unmarked death eaters, and several financial supporters of Voldemort in addition to the death eaters the Shadow Hunter had killed. They were all arrested that day. Two weeks later they were tried and convicted of various crimes ranging from murder to financial fraud. Five were sent through the veil as soon as their trials were concluded, and six more would spend the majority of the rest of their lives in Azkaban.
Currently, every employee of the ministry, or member of the wizengamot, is required to make a vow on their magic that they have not and will never willingly support Voldemort. Every visitor to the ministry is questioned with veritaserum to determine their allegiance. Voldemort and the remaining death eaters have seemingly gone into hiding since these events occurred. There have been no new attacks and no new threats. Voldemort was still out there, and still just as individually powerful as he ever was, but he had lost nearly all of his most loyal and most powerful followers in the last two months.
Yes Amelia was enjoying the fruits of her hard fought peace. Much of it was courtesy of the Shadow Hunter, she was aware, but she liked to think that she had a small part in it as well. The summer was finally over and the students were headed back to the relative safety of Hogwarts. Amelia had just seen Susan, Harry, and Hermione off this morning and they were on their way to the castle now. Sitting in her office she hoped this would be a fairly lasting peace. She hoped Voldemort was scared and reeling. She hoped he was hesitant to move against the light because his numbers had been so drastically reduced. She hoped. She hoped.
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In his throne room, Lord Voldemort sat and pondered the plans he had recently set in motion. He had spent the better part of the summer furious at the world. He had raged and killed so many prisoners he had lost count. He had destroyed several expensive statues and works of art along the way as well. When finally, one day, after a fit of murderous fury directed at the naked muggle girl that was brought before him, he had an epiphany as he slumped back into his throne. All his problems could be placed in one of three categories. Those categories were actually a short list of three names. Category one was Albus Dumbledore. Category two was Harry Potter, and category three was the Shadow Hunter. If he could eliminate those categories one at a time, he would finally get somewhere in his plans to rule the magical world.
His recent plans should eliminate the first category before the end of the day. It was a simple matter to ensnare the boy in Diagon Alley and use the Imperious to set his plans in motion. He had been forced to put the girl who was with him under the curse as well, as she would not leave his side. He had risked personal exposure because he needed the imperious curse to hold. He didn't trust any of his death eaters to cast a strong enough curse. He couldn't risk the boy fighting it or failing in his task, and the girl would provide some backup should the boy fail somehow. Yes, that plan should come to fruition later this evening, and he would finally be rid of the meddling old fool once and for all.
The other two would soon be dealt with as well.
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Harry sat on the Hogwarts Express in a compartment with Susan, Hermione, Neville, and Hannah Abbott. Ron had chosen to sit in a different compartment with his new girlfriend Lavender. Ginny was off somewhere, likely with Dean, and Harry had no idea where Luna was. It had become something of a habit of his to take inventory of his friends and literally be aware of their whereabouts at all times. He was constantly worried about their safety and he attempted, in his own tormented way, to remedy that by fretting over them constantly. Susan insisted he relax, and the others had expressed similar sentiments, but to no avail. He felt a little better today about things, because there were so many aurors on the train. They should be safe today. They had also been informed that aurors would be in the castle all year helping to protect the students.
"Harry I'm sure they're fine. Ron's a big boy. Ginny is with Dean and Seamus, and I saw Luna sit down with Terry Boot and some other fifth and sixth years. Besides the aurors will keep us all safe. Aunty is deadly serious about protecting the students."
"I know. I just feel responsible for everyone. Most of them wouldn't even be in danger if they weren't friends with me in the first place."
"Well snap out of it dumbass!" Neville countered in a rare show of gumption. "We chose to be your friends, and we chose to follow you to the ministry that day. I personally have always looked up to you, and I'll be furious if I'm forced to alter my opinion of you because you've become some overbearing, worry-mongering git."
Harry sat in stunned silence for a moment. "Where the hell did that come from Nev?"
"What? I'm not about to let you act like that this year. This is a war Harry. There is always a chance that someone you care for will be hurt or die. The people sitting here know that better than anyone." Susan, Hermione and Hannah all nodded in agreement. "You are our leader. You always have been, but you can't do it all by yourself. You have to let us fight with you, and be strong like you taught us." When Harry couldn't hold back a slightly hurt face the old Neville came back a bit. "Erm…so…stop it. Ok. We need you to be our leader, not our defender. Yeah?"
Harry stared at his friend and honestly marveled at the strength he was displaying. "Yeah, ok. I can do that, but you lot have to promise me you won't ever go looking for trouble."
"Deal." Neville answered.
"Deal." The girls parroted together.
They sat in silence for a few minutes after that. Finally Hannah asked a question.
"Are we gonna do the DA again this year Harry?"
"I'd like to. I have tons of stuff I want to teach you that I learned from the lessons with my tutor this summer. You wouldn't believe how powerful simple charms and curses can be in dueling when you know how, when, and where to use them. Plus I learned some really kick ass spells I'd never heard of before he showed them to me. Whether or not we continue the DA though is up to all of you."
"Well even if it's just me and you, I say yes." Neville responded.
"I'm in," said Hannah.
"Me too." Hermione declared.
"You know I'll be with you no matter where you are," whispered Susan next to him.
"Alright then. We'll figure out a time and place then spread the word to the others and see who shows up."
Everyone agreed with his thoughts, and they all settled into a comfortably light hearted mood after that. The five of them chatted, napped, or finished some light reading as the train rumbled towards Scotland.
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"Albus I will not be argued with on this. Every other teacher in this castle has sworn an oath on their magic. He cannot be given special treatment. If anything, his oath is the most important one given his past and the allegations that have been leveled against him over time. I understand your desire to protect him based on promises you've no doubt made, however I will have his oath or he will go to Azkaban."
Amelia was currently sitting in the office of the Headmaster. Less than an hour before she had been informed by her aurors that Severus Snape had yet to give a binding oath, and it was compounded by the Headmaster's refusal to allow the aurors to question the man.
"Amelia, surely you can take my word on this issue. Severus performs duties for me that place him in precarious positions at times. He cannot have a binding oath undermining his ability to perform those duties."
"Albus the oath can be worded to allow certain loopholes for the greas…for Professor Snape so he can still perform his duties for you. If he truly does not serve the Dark Lord, and he truly means no harm to any of the students then the oath should not be an issue."
Dumbledore sighed as he realized he would not win this argument. Amelia Bones was not one to be trifled with, and, if he was being honest, he respected her all the more for it. It was true the oath could be worded so that everyone would be satisfied moving forward. "Very well. Kipsy?"
There was a quiet pop and a rather regal looking house elf appeared at the end of the desk. "You called for Kipsy, Headmaster?"
"Yes Kipsy, would you please inform Professor Snape he is needed in my office immediately."
The elf disappeared with a pop and Albus looked back at the stern witch before him. "Care for a lemon drop while we wait Amelia?"
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It was later than he usually showed, but true to form, Draco Malfoy made an appearance at their compartment not long before they would be arriving at Hogsmeade. "Adopting mudbloods now Potter," he sneered. "It's not enough that you sully the name of Black and Potter by fraternizing with mudbloods and blood traitors, but now you're making them family."
"It would be wise to leave Malfoy," Harry responded, "before I get angry and do something violent." The venom in his eyes told the Malfoy scion that he wasn't going to be cowed by words. Draco drew his wand and pointed it at Harry, but Harry was faster. He silently disarmed Malfoy as Hermione and Neville disarmed Crabbe and Goyle simultaneously. "You'll get these back in the Great Hall at the feast. Now you should probably make the smart move right now and back the fuck off!"
"This isn't over Potter. You won't always have your friends to protect you and when that happens I'm going to make you pay."
"Get bent Malfoy!" Susan snarled at the blonde teen.
Malfoy backed out and his two goons followed.
"He never learns does he?" Hermione asked.
"Apparently not." Harry answered. "C'mon then. Let's get ready for the feast. Ladies. Neville and I will step out so you three can change."
After a few minutes everyone was changed and ready to go. Harry and Neville were straightening their ties just as the train began to slow in its approach to Hogsmeade.
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"I Severus Snape do hereby swear on my life and my magic that I am not currently, nor will I ever be a loyal servant of the dark wizard known as Lord Voldemort. I do not intend permanent harm towards any student who will be attending Hogwarts. So say I. So mote it be."
The Potions professor finished his oath with a scowl and glared at the Minister of Magic as he enchanted 'lumos' and lit his wand signifying his oath was accepted by magic.
"Now that wasn't so hard was it gentlemen?" Inquired Amelia. "Now I think I'll be off. It has been a rather long day. Albus may I use your floo?"
"Of course. Thank you for stopping by Amelia. It's nearly time for the welcoming feast as it is. Severus, I'll see you in the Great Hall."
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As Professor Snape stepped into the Great Hall, he was surprised to see that the Headmaster was already there. He was even more surprised to see him engaged in a spirited conversation with a group of aurors. He approached slowly so as to not raise any alarm in any of the aurors, some of which were fairly young, and he feared, impetuous.
"For the last time Auror Conklin I will not allow you to question the students under veritaserum. It is illegal to administer veritaserum to a minor, and the schools charter protects those that are already of age. Nor will you be allowed to physically inspect the students in search of the dark mark. Again the school's charter protects them from this."
"Surely Professor, you see the need for this. With so many of his death eaters killed recently it is likely that You-Know-Who has recruited younger witches and wizards to take their places. Can't you make an exception for the safety of everyone?"
"Auror Conklin, I understand that you mean well, but you honestly have no idea what you are asking. The school's charter was signed in blood by the four founders and sealed with magic. It is binding and unbreakable. Were you to breach that magical charter in a negative way, I assure you it would be unpleasant. You would likely lose your magic, although I would not be surprised if Hogwarts herself stepped in and intervened before you even got that far. The answer is no. You will simply have to be diligent in your efforts to protect the students this year."
The group of aurors dispersed even as they complained about the result of their conversation. It was only a minute before Auror Captain Conklin had his men stationed in their places around the Great Hall in preparation for the feast.
"Ah Severus. Good to see you again so soon. Had a pleasant walk and time to cool off have we?"
"Yes Albus, thank you. You know he's right don't you? There will be as many as twenty students attending this year who have already taken the mark, and the Dark Lord has learned his lesson. He is no longer marking high profile or undercover followers on the arm. Most of them are being marked on their backs just below the belt line. An inspection could serve you well to eliminate a threat."
"I was not stretching the truth with Auror Conklin Severus. The charter prevents it and it is magically binding. There is nothing I can do but be watchful. You on the other hand can begin providing names and reports of their activities as I assume, of the twenty young death eaters, the vast majority come from your house."
"Yes Headmaster. As always, I will be your eyes and ears."
"Thank you, Severus. Now let's take our places. I believe the students are arriving."
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Harry and company swept in to the Great Hall along with the other students. Normally Susan and Hannah would be able to sit with them at meals, but customarily students sit with their houses for the Sorting Ceremony and the Welcoming feast. Harry didn't like it but he understood, and he could sit on the proper side of the Gryffindor table so he could see her and keep tabs. He also noticed Luna make her way in and join her housemates at Ravenclaw.
Harry began to relax as he saw everyone find their places and he made note of everyone's location. Before he sat down, Harry boldly made his way over to the Slytherin table. As he approached the sneers and glares of many of the snakes made him feel vindicated in his actions earlier. These people could not be trusted and someone had to teach them a lesson. He made his way to where Malfoy was sitting with Pansy Parkinson on his left and the brutes, Crabbe and Goyle on his right.
"Here are your wands back boys. I trust we've learned our lesson hmnn?"
Draco quickly grabbed his wand, while the other two slowly and stupidly reached for theirs. Draco started to speak, but Harry cut him off.
"Don't even think about issuing some sort of pathetic warning to me Malfoy. I've had enough of your shit. You'd better keep away from me and my friends this year, and keep your pathetic death eater sheep posse away from us as well ok."
Draco, Pansy, and Theodore Nott all growled as he spoke those last words.
"Oh and Draco, I wouldn't use that wand tonight if I were you. There are aurors everywhere in this room, and attacking another student while his back is turned would draw their attention I think. You wouldn't want one of them to discover your new tattoo now would you?" Harry leaned in and looked Malfoy right in the eyes and his voice changed to one containing more than a little contempt and quite a bit of danger. "Besides if you move against me this evening, I promise you I will neuter you and end the Malfoy line right here in front of the entire school. Do I make myself clear ferret?"
Malfoy paled, but maintained his cool façade. Pansy growled again like the pug bitch she was, and the others within earshot all glared at him. There were a few older Slytherins though who watched the scene with a more calculating eye. Malfoy was not without enemies in his own house, they were just silenced by superior numbers and fear of retribution. Today though may mark a reversal of fortune for the Slytherin minority. Only time would tell.
Harry made his way back to the Gryffindor table and joined Hermione, Ron, Lavender, Ginny, Dean, and Seamus just as Dumbledore stepped up to speak.
Dumbledore welcomed them and invited Professor McGonagall to lead the firsties in. The Sorting Hat sang a song about house unity, and the importance of kindness and forgiveness. Unfortunately it was lost on most of those who heard it. Including, Harry noted, many students in his own house. That would have to be remedied somehow he determined.
The sorting ceremony seemed to move quickly this year and soon each of the first year students was sorted into their houses. Gryffindor added thirteen new students and everyone was in good spirits as the feast began. Like always the food was magnificent, and most of the assembled students were stuffed to overflowing when Dumbledore finally stood to make his announcements and release them to their common rooms.
The announcements were the same as always. Don't go the Forbidden Forest. Don't use any items on Filch's banned list. The new Defense Professor was a retired auror named Garrick Dodge. He seemed friendly enough. Everything else was just empty words for most of the students.
As Dumbledore finished and everyone got up to make their way out of the Great Hall Ron Weasley and Lavender Brown slowly made their way forward towards the head table with determined looks on their faces. Dumbledore had turned and was speaking with McGonagall and Flitwick about something or other, and only Professor Vector saw what was happening.
Ron had drawn his wand and stepped to within feet of the head table.
"Avada Kedavra!" The red haired boy shouted. Septima Vector pushed Dumbledore aside and stepped in front of the curse ending her own life to save his. Lavender's killing curse was also headed towards Dumbledore, but the commotion had made him aware of the situation. He was able to conjure a metal shield to block the curse while the rest of the professors took cover.
Then many things happened at once. Both students raised their wands to their own temples. Seeing what was happening, the aurors, and professor Snape responded. The Potions Master was able to stun Miss Brown before she could end her own life. She fell limp to the stone floor of the Great Hall. Two aurors moved on Ron. Auror Conklin, the captain of the auror force at Hogwarts threw a stunner at the youngest Weasley male. Just behind him his younger, fresh-out-of-training partner threw a powerful reducto curse. The stunner hit Ron and he crumpled to the ground. The second curse from the younger auror would have hit Ron in the hip, incapacitating him, but as he fell from the stunner his body turned just slightly and the reducto hit him square in the chest and powered all the way through him.
Harry turned and realized what was happening just as Hermione screamed. Harry, Hermione, and Ginny then ran forward to attend to their friend and brother. What they saw when they arrived at the front of the hall would haunt their dreams forever. Ron was laying in a pool of his own blood. Where his heart and left lung should have been was nothing but an empty hole. Ron Weasley died on the floor of the Great Hall at Hogwarts as sister and best friends sobbed over his body. The auror who accidentally killed him keeled over and wretched even as he too began to sob.