Willing
Chapter 29
Cornelius Fudge
Cornelius Fudge sat in his office. He had been Minister of magic for a few years now, so the office had his own stamp on it. Surrounding him were all the previous Ministers who had received honours and portraits; none were in those particular frames at the moment. Not everyone did such a thing, preferring to leave a portrait with their family, but these men had put their careers before anything and anyone else, which incidentally meant they didn't have a family. Everyone assumed that Cornelius was stupid, which suited him quite fine, but contrary to popular belief he knew what it took to stay in power. It took behavior and comments geared to keeping Lucius happy, and allowing Dumbledore to believe he was firmly under his thumb. Although, with the Dark Lord Voldemort back, he had to take care with Lucius, and how often he was seen with him. He couldn't allow the public to think he was turning to the dark, oh no; it was one thing he wouldn't do. He would never shame his family's name with such an association. He wanted to be remembered as a great Minister who heralded the magical world into a new era. Merlin, he could remember thinking it when he was just a fresh face taking his N.E.W.T.s. He'd been determined, gone on to become an Auror, and worked his way up the ranks before applying for Minister. It had taken him three tries, and then low and behold he'd succeeded. Along the way, he'd snapped up an Order of Merlin, first class.
All the previous Ministers had offered the magical world something they needed and wanted, or even those who'd nearly been Ministers. Barty Crouch Senior, for example, had taken to almost crucifying all Death Eaters, stating they deserved Azkaban without trial, and oddly enough everyone wished for him to become Minister. Then it all turned sour on him, when his own son was arrested and convicted of being a Death Eater and sentenced to Azkaban. Then the niggling thoughts began; if he couldn't control his own son…how could he lead the magical world through a war?
That's when Cornelius realized he needed to take a stance that nobody had before, so he stood out against all the other applicants vying for the Minister's position. And so he inveigled Lucius, able to thoroughly manipulate the purebloods, and Dumbledore, who was followed by the entire Muggle-born and half-blood population, as well as light-sided purebloods, until they would do as he suggested. Two people, one goal, and it had worked wonders; they had no idea he was the one manipulating them. They thought themselves so clever and superior to him― well, they were wrong. Maybe one day he'd let them know, but not until he was done... as Minister of Magic, anyway. He knew both men better than they thought he did. Dumbledore was by no means 'light' and benevolent as he liked to portray himself. Just like Lucius wasn't as evil as he liked to think he was. Lucius Malfoy had his weaknesses; his family was the main one.
Two loud raps upon his door brought Cornelius from his thoughts, to find his quill still poised to sign the newest legislation. Which, by the way, was useless; the ink had blotted all over the parchment, and eaten through to his desk below. Cursing mentally he banished the mess and straightened himself up. It was only dinner time, but he felt as though he'd been working non-stop for weeks. "Enter," Fudge called out curiously; he had no meeting scheduled and his assistant had left early for an emergency.
"Ah, Madam Bones, how can I help you?" Cornelius asked out of formality, more than any other reason, since he knew why she was here. He'd allowed her to go to Hogwarts alone and deal with the culprit. This was more to do with him avoiding Albus Dumbledore than anything else. When he first started as Minister, he made sure to make it seem like Dumbledore was making the decisions, writing to him often to ask his opinion. This had backfired, since the old wizard was constantly on his case, advising him even years later.
"I spoke to Professor Minerva McGonagall; she has alerted me to some damning information," Amelia said, entering the office and closing the door tightly behind her. Strong silencing spells were promptly placed around the room, giving them their much desired privacy.
"Alright, let's hear it," Cornelius said, his face becoming grim as he stared at the normally stoic witch with apprehension, not sure if he was going to like any of the information to be revealed tonight.
"I think it's best if I actually showed you the meeting," Amelia solemnly said.
"Very well," Cornelius acquiesced, hiding his wariness as he immediately opening his bottom drawer and removing a pensieve from within it. It belonged to the Ministry, and it was used, though very seldom, during courtroom trials to prove someone's innocence or guilt. Memories were extremely private, as such most people elected not to use this means to prove it. Cornelius didn't understand that attitude; he would rather remove a memory than consume Veritaserum. Sitting back down, he removed his reading classes, rubbing his tired eyes. He had a feeling that the day was just about to get a whole lot worse. "I don't suppose you'll tell me the suspect's name?"
Amelia just shook her head gravely, before stilling completely, removing the memory from her mind. The silvery substance attached to the end of her wand, following it in an eerie manner. To someone first exposed to it, it looked like a spirit, an entity coming out the end of the wand. Slowly she lowered it until her wand was on top of the pensive before she flicked it away. The memory drifted further down, almost like a feather, swaying side to side before stilling completely in the bowl. The pensieve had to be the best piece of magic invented ever, in her opinion, and the inventor's order of Merlin first class had been well deserved.
Together they touched the pensieve with their finger, and allowed themselves to be dragged into its depths.
Cornelius stared around, immediately recognizing Hogwarts; he had attended the school, after all, in his youth. In fact he had been taught Transfiguration by Albus Dumbledore himself, and also by Minerva McGonagall when she took over from him. The change in professors hadn't really affected him, since the Fudges always ended up in Hufflepuff, the house of those who were loyal. His own nephew had been placed in Hufflepuff, Rufus Fudge, a young man who was following his uncle's footsteps and making his way up the Ministry.
"Amelia, I didn't expect to hear back from you so soon," Minerva said.
"I called in a few favours; they've been at it for two days," Amelia admitted. "I got the sense when you gave it to me, that it was of the utmost importance…was I wrong?"
" It was important," Minerva confirmed, "But not at the expense of someone working on it for two days non-stop."
"Here are the results," Amelia said grimly, handing over a sheet of parchment, "I couldn't keep it quiet; I am sorry. Minerva, we need to know who this belongs to."
Cornelius watched the interactions closely; both of them were surprised and a little apprehensive. He had been informed of the results; Amelia Bone's first loyalty was to the Ministry. In fact she was one of the few people he trusted completely. He surmised Professor McGonagall knew who it was already, judging by the look on her face.
"Who did you inform?" asked Minerva.
"The Minister of Magic Cornelius Fudge, and the Head of the Auror department Rufus Scrimgeour," Amelia told her. "They wanted to come themselves, but I convinced them to be reasonable. Whoever it is might be at Hogwarts, after all, and you aren't to blame."
Despite knowing, Cornelius was naturally alarmed by the look that had spread over the stern teacher's face. His mind immediately began whirling; who could it be? There weren't many who could surely cause Minerva this much anguish over the results being known.
"Minerva, are you okay?" Amelia asked.
"The date, it's before he was found. How did he get into the records room?" Minerva asked, incredulity playing across her face.
Cornelius gasped sharply, inhaling in shock, almost not wanting to believe his ears. His eyes immediately went to Amelia who was in the pensieve with him, silently demanding answers, not willing to wait anymore. The records room...oh, no. Quickly the Minister of Magic put the pieces together, and two plus two became four: Albus Dumbledore. He came to that conclusion long before it dawned upon Amelia Bones. It had to be, the old wizard was the only one who'd been desperate to get into the room. Fudge understood his desire, don't get him wrong, it was awful what Harry Potter had been through. He never joined sides, just agreeing with whomever he was speaking to when engaging in any conversation regarding Harry Potter. Having a nephew himself, he couldn't understand why the Muggles had done what they did. Muggles abusing a wizard... it was unheard of, unethical and wrong on so many levels. He didn't know what had become of the child, and he would like to know. If he was alive, he deserved to have his magic trained and gain his inheritance. He didn't believe for one minute that Harry Potter would end the war. He was a child; he'd survived by a miracle but that didn't mean he would do so repeatedly. No, if anyone had a chance of ending the war, it was the Aurors and, even though it turned his stomach to admit it, Dumbledore. Which, if he was correct, might not actually be possible anymore.
"Records room?" Amelia echoed, stepping back horrified. "The Confidential records room?"
Cornelius Fudge mirrored Amelia Bones' horror, still unable to form a single thought or word. Minerva didn't reply, so Cornelius had to assume she'd nodded while he'd been in his stupor.
"Oh, Albus, what have you done?" Minerva sighed quietly.
"I will need you to testify that this was Albus Dumbledore's," Amelia said insistently, "Otherwise he might be able to protest his innocence."
"Wait there please, don't move until I've returned," Minerva said standing up, grabbing Floo Powder and shouting in her destination.
Cornelius wasn't perturbed when the memory shimmered and landed him in the next scene. He'd used pensieves often enough he knew every feeling by now. He was however, taken aback when two additional people Floo'ed inside the 'memory' room. One young man he didn't recognize; the other was in fact Severus Snape, Potions Master and teacher at Hogwarts. He'd been a spy; unfortunately his cover was blown when Crouch ordered his arrest. Albus Dumbledore had come forward, proving his innocence at the end of the last war. Fudge stared intently at the young man, trying to figure him out. His eyes were drawn to the collar, and despite it being a memory, Cornelius threw Severus Snape a speculative look ... one he dare not have sent him if he'd been standing in front of the wizard. It wasn't just school children who feared Severus Snape; oh no, adults were downright terrified of him as well.
"Why are they here?" Cornelius enquired. But Amelia didn't respond, she was busy staring at the stranger who had yet to be identified. She had a sad look on her face, yet a probing one, as if she was trying to unravel the mystery or understand the person better. He was rather hoping he wasn't going to be dealing with Severus Snape during the investigation; the wizard could scare the living day lights out of him with just one single look.
"Is this him?" Amelia asked, staring at Harry speculatively.
"Amelia, I'd like you to meet Harry Potter; Harry, this is Amelia Susan Bones, the head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement," Minerva said.
"It's nice to finally meet you, Mr. Potter," Amelia said, nodding her head curtly.
"POTTER?!" Fudge cried out, sputtering in shock, his eyes once again drawn to the young man. He had to admit he did have a superficial resemblance to his father. He didn't have the complete 'Potter' look through, the short messy bird-nest hair, the tall muscular build, and the features in the face that all the Potters did. Then again, James hadn't either; he'd been lanky, but that was because he hadn't had a chance to grow old. Fudge's eyes darkened slightly at his thoughts; no, James Potter had died at the age of twenty-one, a child by magical age standards. He mentally calculated Harry's age― seventeen; he should be in his last year at Hogwarts, unless he was mistaken.
Amelia observed the angry yet indignant stance Harry adopted at her query of 'is this him'; he certainly didn't like being stared at. She didn't blame him for how he was; she'd dealt with worse during her tenure as the head of the law enforcement. Normally attitudes like his grated on her nerves, yet Harry was an exception. She didn't understand why, either; maybe it was because she knew of his past and realized it could be a defence mechanism.
Amelia and Cornelius observed Harry nodding his head without commenting.
"What was found?" Severus bluntly enquired, his black eyes glaring.
Cornelius shuddered slightly; there was something decidedly intense about Snape. His eyes alone could make you feel two inches tall.
"Here," Minerva said, handing over the results.
"Are these one hundred percent accurate?" Severus asked, his eyes wide.
"Yes, the results are unquestionably accurate; the detector was tested twice," Amelia said, her tone clipped and formal.
"Harry, did you use magic just before you were caught by Dumbledore?" Severus asked, staring intently at his submissive to convey the dire nature of the conversation, conveying something that neither Amelia nor Cornelius was privy to.
"Caught?" Cornelius spluttered once more; Harry Potter wasn't some sort of criminal! Caught indeed. Then he realized by the way Severus Snape asked the question that Harry knew about magic. He frowned in contemplation, staring intently at both of them, realizing there was something going on between the two. The way Snape was staring at Harry was telling Fudge that it was like they were having silent conversation. You could only do that with someone you'd known a long time, one that you knew very well, especially what they were thinking.
Amelia just sighed she'd basically had the same reaction that the Minister had, so she could say nothing as she observed everything happening with a critical eye. She wondered what his next reaction would be. Keeping one eye on Harry, she watched the Minister...wanting to take some morbid pleasure out of it. It was extremely out of character for her, but she'd been shocked so much tonight herself she just wanted some amusement.
Was it wrong to want some merriment out of this? Probably.
Yes," Harry said swallowing thickly, looking decidedly nervous for some reason. "I'd just gotten out of the shop when I saw them and bolted."
Amelia twitched, a look of what could only be described as confused horror appearing on her face momentarily.
"He ran away?" Cornelius gaped in complete and utter bafflement. Why? What? What? What? He shook his head as if hoping to jumble everything together again so it would make sense. Why would Harry run away from his own people? His heart sank at the prospect of Harry not trusting wizards; was it because of the abuse? Had Dumbledore ruined Harry's life and magical prospects? The thought left him cold.
"He tried," Amelia said, speaking for the first time since they'd entered the pensive, and begun watching the memories again, which had shifted after another pause.
"Sorry, Dumbledore has been admitted to the Hospital ward; he stopped taking the calming draughts and is going through a withdrawal," Minerva said, rolling her eyes.
"Withdrawal?" Fudge questioned; he couldn't wait to get out of the pensieve and discuss everything properly.
Harry's lips pressed together as he stifled his amusement.
"He does not like Dumbledore," Cornelius said, feeling a marginal respect for Harry Potter rising. There weren't many people who didn't like Dumbledore that weren't on the dark side.
"Considering he didn't find Harry when he was eleven, he didn't have his magical signature; obviously he somehow got into the records room," Severus said, his disgust obvious for all to hear.
"Yes, Minerva has already suspected as much," Amelia grimly said.
"What's the records room?" Harry asked, frowning at the reactions his question gained from the three others.
Cornelius' eyes dimmed; there was so much Harry didn't know, that he should. If he'd been raised by his parents he would know everything there was to know.
"The confidential record room is where every single wizard's and witches records are kept, even long after they are gone from this world. Those records are kept closely guarded and monitored, since they hold the blood of a wizard as well as a master copy of their magical signature. They are the two items held most sacred in our world, since blood is a tool that could be used for evil deeds as well as magic. For only one purpose can anyone see the room, let alone use the records, that is if someone has committed treason without any doubts. Such a thing hasn't happened since Grindelwald's time, a good few generations ago. It isn't used lightly at all; the fact that he's gained entrance…puts every wizard and witch at risk. We have to find out how he accomplished it. If Albus Dumbledore can do it, then the Dark Lord Voldemort may be able to repeat the feat; this could cause mass devastation and destruction across the entire magical British Community," Amelia Bones told him.
"You mean it's like their medical history?" Harry stated, trying to store the information away in an acceptable and understandable way.
"That's exactly what it is," Minerva said, nodding to Harry that he had it right.
"Indeed," Severus confirmed gravely.
"Do you have enough to arrest him?" Harry enquired.
"He really doesn't like him," Cornelius wryly commented.
"More than enough, but we need to build a strong case if we are to take on Albus Dumbledore. We can leave no room for error or doubt, because he will use it to his advantage," Madam Bones said, her voice professional. "You say Dumbledore caught you; can you tell me what you meant by that?"
"I think it speaks for itself, don't you?" Harry said sarcastically, staring in incredulity; and here he'd through she was smart.
Cornelius grinned, unable to help himself; the young man definitely knew Snape long before this meeting. He spoke like the man, it was a dead give away, and he wondered if the others realized what it meant. He could barely wait to meet the young man; the best part was that he could be himself with Harry.
"He forced me to come to Hogwarts," Harry said. "I bolted the second I saw them, but unfortunately they just Apparated to in front of me. Black grabbed me but then let go when I screamed that a pervert was trying to kidnap me."
Severus coughed a few times, looking away from them all.
Cornelius gaped; had the man just smiled? Actually almost laughed? Wow, he was stunned; the world truly had turned on its axis.
"Then what happened?" Amelia asked.
"Why don't we take a seat and have some coffee and something to eat?" Minerva suggested.
"What about our dinner?" Harry asked.
The minister nodded his head as if that comment had just confirmed every thought he had regarding Harry Potter.
"Grace will finish it and keep it under a warming charm, until we return," Severus said. Sitting down on one of the chairs, he helped himself to a cup of coffee, pouring one for Harry as well.
Amelia stared at them speculatively as she took a seat.
"I kicked him in the ba…" Harry said, stopping briefly when Severus cleared his throat loudly. "Privates. Then I ran again, but one of them stunned me. I woke up in a room here at Hogwarts."
"You kicked Sirius Black?" Amelia Bones asked.
"Yes," Harry said bluntly.
"Sorry, please continue," Amelia said.
"I tricked them into believing I was coming around to what they wanted; they wanted to show me Hogwarts. As soon as I got out the door I slammed it in their faces. Took me ages to get around the dungeons, but I eventually got out. But as I neared the doors, they closed on me," Harry said, his face screwed up in distaste.
"The doors?" Amelia asked.
"The doors to the entrance hall," Severus explained calmly, drinking some coffee.
Cornelius stared wistful at the hot brews; he certainly felt the need for one right now. The more he learned, the more he realized why she hadn't just told him but elected instead to show him.
"They knew you didn't want to be there," Amelia stated, looking shaken.
"Obviously," Harrysniped, his tone one of exasperation.
"How many were there? Just the two of them?" Amelia enquired.
"Three," Harry corrected her. "Black, Lupin, and Dumbledore."
"Sirius Black, Remus Lupin," Minerva clarified.
"He kept his own godson locked up in Hogwarts...after what he went through in Azkaban?" Fudge asked, beyond baffled by their actions.
"He did," Amelia quietly confirmed, keeping her attention on everything that was happening.
"Do you wish to press charges on all of them?" Amelia asked.
Harry looked at Minerva and Severus, stuck on what to do. "No, just Dumbledore. The others are just sheep; they can't think for themselves," Harry said derisively.
Cornelius watched Harry. Seeing him looking at Severus for an answer made him finally acknowledge what he suspected about the collar. He knew if he so much as tried to look at Snape wrong, well...Harry Potter would defend the man with his life. Harry Potter was a submissive, a willing one by the way he was looking at Severus Snape. There was never a hint of fear in those green eyes. It was a comfort to know he was happy now, and that he was treated well. To separate them, even if Harry had been manipulated into it, would do the young man no good. Denial was something nobody could rid anyone of, if they wished for it hard enough. Sheep! He was half indignant when he realized what the boy said. Yet he knew what the boy was talking about, he'd thought it often enough.
"I see," Amelia said, evidently baffled by his statement.
"Did they ever lay a hand on you?" Amelia asked, "Or hurt you with magic?"
"Dumbledore chased Harry out of the school, resulting in Harry falling down the steps outside the entrance hall; not only that but he told a house-elf to stop him by any means necessary. Which resulted in Harry being blasted ten feet through the air; Dumbledore did not even check to see if he was alright, he merely put him back in the room he had imprisoned him in. When I got to him, his entire back and legs were bruised severely. He also put a tracking charm on him, imbued in a gold bracelet he put on Harry, ensuring he couldn't get away even if he tried," Severus said in short, curt explanation.
"Merlin's balls, what was the man thinking?" Cornelius exploded, unable to keep his thoughts to himself any longer.
"We should also tell you that Albus Dumbledore left Harry with the Dursleys, his remaining family," Minerva said.
"Yes, I am aware of that," Amelia said.
"He allowed Harry to be abused; he had letters to that effect from Arabella Figg and did nothing. We only found out ourselves when Severus removed Harry from the room Dumbledore had Harry locked in," Minerva said sadly.
Cornelius just gawked wide-eyed, unable to feel anything but horrified disbelief.
Amelia sighed before adding "Anything else you want to tell me?" sounding irritated.
"We have all the evidence you need as proof that he knew," Minerva said; "I'll give you copies, since I'd rather the originals were somewhere safe."
"Of course," Amelia said; it wasn't an unusual request to make. "I must report this to the Minister tonight."
"Let us know how it goes," Severus said standing up, leaving his empty cup on Minerva's desk. Harry immediately stood as well.
"I will," Amelia said, nodding in understand, getting to her feet as well. "It was nice meeting you; I just wish the circumstances were more pleasant."
"Indeed," Severus said wryly, the irony written all over his features.
"This is going to be a difficult process," Cornelius said, staring across at the head of the department of law enforcement. They both had cups of coffee with something stronger added― they both really needed it. Cornelius didn't make a habit of drinking on the job, but sometimes it got to be too much and he had a little nipper.
"It is," Amelia agreed, rubbing her eyes and pinching her nose tiredly. It was actually difficult to believe it was only six forty-five at night; it felt as though it was past midnight. Her body was demanding sleep; either that or she needed to sleep on the sudden influx of information she'd received. She'd never been over-friendly with Dumbledore, but she'd stupidly believed him to be a good wizard who strove to make the magical world better. She was usually a good judge of character, so this blow was a devastating one.
"We need to keep this between the two of us; nobody else can know, is that understood?" Cornelius ordered, the boss in him coming out.
"I understand," Amelia said. The more people who knew, the more likely it would be to reach Dumbledore's ears, not something they could risk.
"Good; if you need help, I will do what I can to assist," Cornelius said, meaning every word, and not saying it as a platitude.
"What about Rufus Scrimgeour?" Amelia asked, remembering the wizard.
"Leave him to me," Cornelius grimly said. "I'll set up a date for the court hearing, leaving the names blank. It will raise the Wizengamot's curiosity, but that's better than them knowing before the date."
"I should do that, it will raise fewer questions coming from me rather than you," Amelia said, arguing the point.
"Very well," Cornelius conceded with a nod, knowing she had a point without a doubt. He didn't make a habit of setting court dates; it was, after all, Amelia's duty, although he'd changed a few times in his day, or pushed a hearing back.
"The quicker this is dealt with the better," Amelia said bleakly.
"Indeed," Cornelius agreed. "Go on home, have an early night; you're going to need it."
"I will; there's a few things I'll need to collect from my office," Amelia said, standing up as she recognized the dismissal.
Big thanks to Jake and Jordre for editing!
