Chapter 11: Confronting "Friends"

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A/N- Just want to point out that just because a chapter is up, does NOT mean it's complete. I will be going back after I write the original chapters and I will lengthen them significantly. Think of what's up as a rough draft. Thanks, Willyjoeshow™

When tea time was finished, Tonks quietly asked Harry how he was feeling. He smiled and kissed her on the nose. "I'm feeling fine love. Would you like to get out of here?" She nodded. "Well I suggest we let Poppy know and the head up to see Dumbledore."

A voice cut into the conversation, "It will not be necessary to come and see me and Poppy has cleared you." Albus was striding into the room. "I'm sorry I couldn't be around Harry, but I had other things that required my attention. How are you feeling?"

Harry thought for a moment, "I feel like I did when I walked in sir. Just a little more tired."

Albus nodded, "That is to be expected. You will of course need to relax for the next day or two, until your body gets used to your newly healed core."

"I understand. How long before you check my magic again?" Harry asked.

"I think a week from today will suffice. Remember your magic will be unstable as well as more powerful. Be careful if you do use it. Now, I'm sure you and Nymphadora have better things to do. I'll see you here in one week Harry, Nymphadora." With that Albus nodded his goodbye to the couple then turned and headed back.

Tonks started to say something about Albus' use of her first name, but Harry silenced her quickly, "Later" he whispered.

When Harry and Tonks were out the gates, Harry Apparated them both to the Manor, "Tonks, will you gather everyone in the study?" Harry asked. She noticed the seriousness in his voice and gave him a quick look before telling him she would. "Thank you." He let go of her hand and vanished with a crack.

Tonks quickly made her way to gather Remus, Hermione and Sophia. As luck would have it, they were all gathered on the pool deck. "Harry wanted me to get everyone gathered in the study. Just so you all know, he's pretty pissed about something."

Hermione was the first to ask, "Why is he mad?"

"I don't know, I didn't even know there was a problem until he disapparated." Tonks answered, they all stood and headed in the house. "I'm surprised you didn't hear him leave."

This time Remus beat Hermione to the question, "I thought Harry's Apparation was silent?"

"Not when he's pissed."Tonks answered, "Remember we spent the day at Hogwarts. I think Dumbledore is trying to pull something, but I don't know what. He left us in the hospital wing almost as soon as we got there and we didn't see him until we were leaving. Harry was in a hurry to get out of there-"

"That's just Harry though, He hates being in the hospital." Hermione said, like that was the problem.

Tonks shook her head, "No Hermione, Harry's whole demeanor changed. He didn't say a word until we got back here. Hell, he side along apparated me here the second we hit the gates. No, there is something wrong and I think that Albus-"



Tonks was interrupted again when a large 'BANG' sounded from the hallway behind her. She, Remus and Hermione all spun around with wands drawn. Behind them, stood Harry and a confused looking Director Bones. Remus could see the fire burning in Harry's eyes, but spoke anyhow, "Uh Harry, I think you shredded the Anti-Apparation wards and possibly the Fidelius."

Harry didn't say anything he just waved his hand in an arc and he pushed his way into the study. Everyone, including Sophia, felt the wards go back up. "Impossible," Hermione whispered as the all tried to follow Harry.

Once everyone was seated Harry spoke up. "For everyone who doesn't know, this is Amelia Bones, Director of the DMLE." He waved a hand at where Amelia was sitting. He then pointed to Sophia, "Amelia this is Sophia, Hermione's cousin. I believe everyone else is acquainted. Now, the reason I gathered everyone is that Albus Dumbledore has plain and simple, Broke several laws today." Hermione gasped as did Director Bones.

"He had Poppy under a low scale confundus and had her think she was giving me a potion called 'veneficus restituo', which is used for repairing someone's magical core." He paused and took a deep breath. "What Dumbledore actually had her give me was something else. Today I was given 'Nex liquidus' mixed with something else. If you don't know what 'Nex Liquidus' is, it's a slow acting poison the will kill the person who takes it in one year."

The beauty of this brew is, it will make the victim stronger and stronger, and then their magic will burn out their core. As many of you know, if a wizard or witch's core burns out, they die." Hermione was in silent tears. Remus and Amelia were shocked to say the least and Tonks and Sophia were now pissed.

"This potion will never work. I wisely took a bezoar before I drank anything." Relief flooded everyone's face, but they were all upset with Dumbledore.

"What was it mixed with?" Hermione asked.

Harry's face grew even darker, "liquid imperious."

Tonks stood, "I'm going to kill the bastard." Hermione stood and declared she would help.

The doors slammed and locked, blocking the way out. Remus stood there with his wand drawn. "I believe Harry has other plans." He said. Harry gave a slow thankful nod.

"Remus is correct. I as bad as this sounds, it's not Dumbledore's fault."

"What do you mean it's not his fault Harry?" Hermione almost yelled. "He gave you a potion that would allow him to control you until you died."

Harry sat down heavily, "I used passive Legilimency on him. He is being controlled by Snape. What I saw today shocked me, to say the least. No, Albus Dumbledore's fault is caring for the wrong people. He has Snape brewing something to control his Alzheimer's. Dumbledore is barmy, and for a reason."

Nobody spoke for several minutes. Finally Amelia cleared her throat, "What ideas do you have?"

"Needless to say I'm even more pissed at Snape, if that were possible. I'm want to assassinate the greasy haired fucker unless you have other ideas?" Harry said.

"Well, he is a DE." Tonks said.

"Harry, if I were you, I would take Tonks and Kingsley to the castle tomorrow and while you distract Albus, they could try and arrest Severus. I will have a warrant for his arrest drawn up tonight and they can pick it up in the morning. If he resists, well that's his mistake." Amelia suggested.



Remus said, "There's an Order meeting tomorrow evening. Why not do it then while we have more people to help if needed. I can talk to Weasley's tomorrow. Tonks if you could talk to Diggle and Vance. Kingsley has Mad-Eye and Hestia, I'll go talk to him in a while. I think with that number we can safely take Severus and have enough support in case Albus tries anything. Harry, I think you should be there too. With your power and new found skills I don't think we'll have a problem."

Harry agreed and said in a voice of steel, "If Snape or Albus tries anything; someone will need to clean up the blood!" With that he stood and walked out of the room.

After a moments silence Hermione said, "Harry's changed. I don't know if I like his hardened attitude."

Remus sighed and started to speak, but Tonks jumped in. "He has to be a hard ass. He's the one doing the job us at the Ministry won't or can't."

Amelia nodded sadly "He has done more in the past three weeks than we have done in three years."

"But still, he's killed people and I have seen no remorse." Hermione stated.

Tonks got in Hermione's face and started yelling at the bushy haired girl. "No Remorse? Let me tell you something, Harry has to take a calming draft every night and some nights a dreamless sleeping potion just so he can sleep for three or four hours. He's plagued by nightmares and I've caught him crying on several occasions. He's tough and yet he's scared shitless that he's turning into Voldemort. He has to store his battles in a locked pensive just to ease the pain he feels from what he's had to do."

Hermione sat there ineffectively willing tears not to come, "I-I'm sorry Tonks, I didn't know."

Tonks backed off and sat back down. "Remus, Director Bones, and I have all had to take a life Hermione, it's not pleasant and as long as Harry feels like he does, he will be ok. It hurts him, and as bad as this sounds, it's a good thing. It means he won't turn, not that I have doubts. You don't need to apologize to me either; it's Harry you need to talk to."

"I'll apologize to him tomorrow." Hermione said.

After a while Amelia left and the rest all went to bed. Tonks spent the night comforting Harry and discussing plans for what had to be done to help Dumbledore.

Grimmauld Place August 15th 1996

Hermione had spoken to Harry over breakfast that morning and had apologized to Harry profusely. Harry hugged his friend and told her he understood that she was only worried and that there was no harm done. She decided to stay at the manor with Sophia and help her pack since Sophia had to leave for home the next day.

Everyone had been contacted and was more than willing to back Harry. They were also shocked at what Snape was doing and now understood the blind faith Albus had in the greasy haired potions master.

For her part, Amelia had stationed several Aurors in front and back of Order Headquarters. Kingsley and Moody brought Amelia in under the guise of being a new member recruit. Harry had made himself comfortable in the Black library with a pair of extendable ears so he could come in at the right moment. Lupin thought it would be a good idea to rush Snape and Dumbledore when Amelia Bones was introduced.



Tonks sat next to Harry, holding his hand and conversing when there was a commotion in the entry-way. Harry smiled, this was a Weasley sized commotion and he had heard his best mate's voice, albeit whining about not being able to join the Order. Harry stood, pulling Tonks along with him, but wan knocked back down by a red blur. "Harry, how have you been?" Ginny questioned.

When she stepped back he smiled, "Hello Ginny, I've been great. How has your summer been?"

"Ugh, utterly boring although Dean did come visit a couple times and It's been fun teasing Ronald."

"She's been a bloody pain in the arse." Ron said with a smile as he shook Harry's hand.

Mrs. Weasley of course slapped Ron in the back of the head and scolded him on his language. She then effectively cut Harry's air supply off with on of her famous bone crushing hugs. "Mum, you're going to kill him." Ron said.

After greetings were made and Molly fussed over Harry, she and Mr. Weasley made their way into the kitchen to prepare for the meeting. Bill and the Twins clapped Harry on the back and followed Tonks into the kitchen.

Ginny smiled, "So, you and Tonks huh?"

"Yup," Harry answered with a huge smile as he sat back down.

Dimwitted as usual, Ron asked "So Harry, do you get to snog her?" Harry stared at his friend then looked over to Ginny and they burst out laughing.

Ginny turned and slapped her brother upside the head, "I think if they are living together, they probably share a bed and do quite a bit more than snog, you moron."



Ron was dumfounded for a second, but Harry and Ginny could almost see the light bulb turn on ad comprehension dawned on his face. "Wicked."

Harry cleared his throat, "Ok enough about my sex life."

Ginny turned serious as her speechless brother turned red in the ears, "So Harry, how are you really doing?"

He smiled sadly at the petite redhead, "I'll get by. Tonks has been a big help and the training I got from Katsuro has helped me to block off the emotions to a degree." He sighed heavily and sat back into the couch, "I just wish this was all over. I need to talk to you and your family sometime soon. I want all of you to come to my place for at least the weekend, but I need to talk to your parents about that first. If you and Ron would like to stay until the end of summer that would be great."

"I don't know about Ron, but I would love to." Ginny said. "How's Hermione doing?"

"She's doing well; she only spends half her time in my library." He said with a grin "Her cousin Sophia is to thank for that. They are home packing since Sophia needs to leave in the morning and Hermione is going to spend the last couple days with her parents and Sophia's parents."

Ron, finally regaining speech, asked, "Where are they from?"

"Well, they used to live in Crawley near Hermione, but moved to France. I think Sophia's dad got one hell of a job offer there." Harry answered. He started to say something else when he saw Snape and Dumbledore enter the kitchen. "Alright guys, I need you to sit on the steps by the front door and if on of them get that far, stun them." He whispered.

They both nodded and moved quietly into place. Harry began listening to the conversation.

"Good evening everyone, "Albus said, quieting everyone down. When everyone was seated he started the meeting. "Welcome, welcome everyone. I would like to start tonight by inducting the DMLE's director, Amelia Bones."

Tick

As some began to clap, Harry walked in and Hit Dumbledore with a stunner.

Tick

Remus bound the headmaster and Bill jumped up and snatched his wand. Amelia, Moody, and Tonks all pointed their wands at Snape.

Tick

Shaklebolt clipped a portkey on Albus and activated it, sending Dumbledore to a secure ward in St. Mungo's where several Aurors and healers were awaiting his arrival.

Tick

Snape began to reach into his pocket to activate his own portkey but Harry caught this movement threw a sic inch dagger at Snape.

Tick



As fast as Severus Snape was, Harry was much, much faster. The blade went through Snape's wrist with enough force to slam his arm into the wall, where the dagger stuck.

Amelia spoke, "Severus Snape you are under arrest for mind control of Albus Dumbledore as well as being an active Death Eater."

Snape never heard her he whipped out his wand and threw a reductor curse at Harry. Harry, for his part, blocked it with a strong shield.

Snape was hit with seven stunners and a petrificus totalus. His heart couldn't take the strain and he died instantly.