Plot additions have been placed in chapters 4 and 17. Scene divisions are being done in other chapters.
Chapter 25
Severus shivered as the cold hands of the Dementors held him fast. Two Dementors flanked the potion master and he could feel the beginning effects of the gruesome creatures. He could faintly hear his mother crying for Toby to stop hitting her. The strength went from Severus' legs and his toes drug on the cold, stone floor of Azkaban as the Dementors carried him to his cell. The creatures didn't speak, they were incapable of human speech, but Severus could sense their pleasure at his misery. Water dripped from the ceiling and gathered in pools as a chilly wind blew through the drafty limestone walls of the prison. How am I going to escape from this, Severus thought, before he was lost in the world of his mother's trauma at the hands of her husband.
"He's secure in his cell, Minister," Scrimgeour said.
"Very good, may I see him?" Kingsley said.
"Yes, of course. The dementors will take -" Scrimgeour said.
"No, Scrimgeour, that's fine. Which cell is he in?" Kingsley asked.
"He's in cell 849-197, Scrimgeour said.
"Thank you," Kingsley said, as he walked away. Kingsley's conscience began to prick at him as he walked down the dank hallway that was only lit by the flames of torches that were set in the walls every five feet. Tormented moans from the dank cells, assailed the Auror's ears as he passed. Some prisoners were deathly quiet and their silence was more unnerving than those that gave voice to their misery.
Two Dementors stood outside the potion master's cell. Kingsley felt his jaw tighten at the sight.
"Leave, leave now, and do not return to this cell," Kingsley said. The Dementors nodded and silently floated away. Kingsley peered in Severus' cell.
"You! Come to rejoice over my imprisonment?" Severus snarled.
"No. I just what to know why did you stopped talking to me? There is nothing between Lucius and I, it's all lies by the Prophet," Kingsley said.
"I know what I know, Minister. I felt the Ergo Eris charm when it activated between you and your lover. I would never have imagined it! You and Malfoy? No wonder you wanted to get me out of the way!" Severus said.
"Severus, please. There are more important things here than a charm! Let's just focus on Harry and what he needs," Kingsley said.
"What Harry 'needs' is his father out of Azkaban!" Severus shouted.
"I agree. BUT, as I told you from the beginning, perception is reality and you are perceived as a threat to the wizarding community because you are the boy's father! We have no idea of the dark magic or otherwise that allowed Harry to survive the Killing Curse, never mind the fact that the curse rebounded and caused the Dark Lord to vanish!" Kingsley said.
"You Purebloods are all alike! You stick together! You really do think that the rest of us non-pure bloods are scum? Don't you? Keep it in the Pureblood family? What's next? Has he popped the question, yet? You going to marry him, Kingsley? Shame I won't be able to attend the wedding, as I'll be having tea and biscuits here with the Dementors. But, hey, it'll be such a huge event for the wizarding world, the Dementors may even bring in wizarding wireless radio so we can all listen as the brave and dauntless Minister of Magic and the intrepid and skillful Spokesman for the Commission exchange vows! How nice. I feel a tear coming on. You think the stores will run out of tissues in the weeks leading up to the happy day?" Severus quipped. Kingsley consciously decided to ignore Severus' comments.
"What else would you have me to do other than Azkaban, given the circumstances, Severus?" Kingsley asked.
"I don't know and I don't care! That's why you're the Minister of Magic! Figure it out, Auror! I want my son looked after and his care should be done by me!" Severus said.
"Harry will be in your care…in a while. And I don't need any reminders from you about my job. Lucius and I, do need to get Potter's situation sorted out. So, I'm afraid you'll have to wait it out here, in Azkaban, while we 'figure it out'. Kingsley said.