Chapter 14: Crime and Punishment?

Severus did not even wait until Potter stopped with the nerve wracking sobbing. With a casual wave of his wand he fixed the boy's hand and then let him go with the words: "The lessons are finished for today. Finish cleaning up the pieces of broken glass before you go."

Then he left the greenhouse and strode with long vigorous steps towards the main house. At this time of day he would be certain to find Petunia. She never left the house before twelve o'clock. A call from behind him made him stop.

"Professor Snape! Wait for me!"

Severus turned around indignantly. Even though he hadn't counted it, Midas Fox was approaching. Shouldn't he be gone until the end of the week? The red-haired wizard came to stand next to him, breathing heavily.

"You know," he gasped, "that you are to keep away from the main house. Not that the staff will notice you."

"I have an urgent matter to discuss with Mrs. Dursley."

"You know you are to contact me if you have any problems. Come on, let's find a more comfortable place where we can discuss the matter calmly."

Severus let himself be led back into the guest house. What choice did he have? If he openly opposed Midas Fox, he would lose his job faster than he could say monkshood.

And so he found himself five minutes later in the apparation room having a long conversation with Midas Fox. Once more they sat down in the living room area.

"Coffee? Midas Fox offered. Severus nodded. Without further question he was handed the drink black with no sugar.

"I must admit you have made me curious," announced Midas Fox. "It seems to be a matter of great concern that had you in such a hurry. Should you not tell me now?"

"And should you not still be on your business trip?"

"The negotiations are… somewhat difficult. I have decided to tantalize my business partners for a while. So I broke off discussions for today and used the opportunity to check up on Harry."

Sure, and Goblins hated gold! Severus did not believe in coincidences. Somehow Midas had known what he had planned to do, and had acted accordingly. Severus was angry about the fact that he had been outmaneuvered, but outwardly he didn't let on.

"Then it is indeed fortunate that you have returned. I have made a very disturbing discovery, which required immediate attention. Are you aware that Mr. Oldridge has abused his position?"

Severus watched his counterpart closely, but everything he could read on Midas Fox's face was honest (or very well acted) confusion.

"How so? Have you discovered a gap in the security measures?"

"I am not talking about his position as a security expert, but as a teacher. During his classes he has tortured Harry."

His counterpart laughed quietly.

"Has Harry also complained about him? Clarence is not a particularly affable man, but Harry must learn to cope anyway. It is not right that he is pampered by everyone, just because he is a celebrity. The Dursley's are quiet lenient enough."

Severus felt extremely uncomfortable at the mention of this argument. It was the same context which he had used to justify his own harsh behavior toward Harry to Dumbledore. At the same time, he could hardly believe what he was hearing. Apparently Potter had trusted his adult friend – and he had abandoned him. It was no wonder that Potter had not expected any help from him either. But he would get it! With calm words Severus described in the smallest detail what he had seen and experienced. When he was done, his counterpart buried his face in his hands.

"I never thought it had gotten that bad," explained Midas Fox regretfully. "I thought that it was only a few harsh words. Clarence hates people who are more successful than he is, and in particular if they are not a pure-blood. But he has been responsible for Harry's security for many years, and has always performed excellent work up until now." Suddenly he looked up. "And this punishment was because Harry had not practiced?" he asked.

"Yes, although Mr. Oldridge himself had the wand in his custody. Which brings me to the question, why have I not been informed about this senseless wand rule? What does it say to the boy, when I tell him to practice when he doesn't have the tools necessary?"

"I was not aware that no one informed you," protested Midas Fox as an excuse. "I would also prefer that Harry always had his wand with him. There are threats lurking everywhere. But the Dursleys are concerned that Harry could injure himself with careless magic. As they themselves are muggles, they couldn't help him if anything happened. I can understand their concern. Harry is very excited about magic, and wants to use his wand as much as possible. In that regard he had neither patience nor self-discipline."

Severus could not deny this. However he was still concerned that in the long run it would be extremely detrimental to Potter if he could not practice his spells.

A half hour later, he came out of the apparation room extremely annoyed. Now not only did he have to supervise Potter for one hour every evening while he practiced his lessons, no, he also now had to teach him in Transfiguration. And Transfiguration was his weakest field. But his skills would probably be sufficient enough to teach a first-year.

Now he had to endure the pain-in-the-neck boy even longer, while Oldridge had not even been dismissed. Midas Fox had clearly stated that he would remain as security expert.

"Indeed, I do not like it at all, but he knows the security measures much too well. But I will ensure that Harry does not have to see his torturer every day."

Which you could translate as: "I can't dismiss him because he could turn against us, and he knows too much. But I will keep an eye on him that he doesn't hurt Harry again."

Severus thought that this was a logical consideration. And, besides, maybe even something good would come out of it. Midas Fox was traveling more often and could not constantly watch out for Potter. If Oldridge were to continue to play his sadistic games with the boy, then he would have to find enough proof of it to be able to inform the ministry. Even if they did not immediately revoke the Dursley's custody, it would at least focus the light on Midas Fox. With the argument that he had known about Oldridge's unbecoming behavior and covered it up, it would certainly be easy to remove him from the side of the Dursleys. And once their advisor was out of the way, it would be much easier for Albus to get to Potter.

Naturally, it would have even better if the Dursley's themselves tormented Harry. But this did not seem to be the case. Rather to the contrary, they were obviously very concerned about losing their monetary wellspring. And since he was waited on hand and foot, Harry would hardly testify against them.

Unless of course, if he was able to convince Potter that they had been robbing him. But how should he do that? He couldn't just appeal to the boy, because he was not allowed to talk to him about his fame. Certainly he could ignore this ban. But he was sure that after today's events that Midas Fox would find out about it immediately if he did, and dismiss him. So Severus decided to play it safe and wait until he had collected all the information first.

(Note: I know, I know. It is not what you expected. Please do not lash out! I have my reasons for it, and why I made it so. *hides from furious readers*)