Haunted Jaded Eyes

Chapter 36

It was odd was one of Harry's thoughts as both he and his newly bonded wandered through Hogwarts, he could feel him, like really feel him not just the general sense of him or his magic more specifically. He could tell with his eyes closed exactly where he was, it was as if he was hyperly aware of his very presence. It made him feel safe yet giddy as well, but that might be because he was genuinely happy - he had bonded with Sev, he'd actually done it. For the first time in his life he had someone that was completely his, who cared for him, made him feel so good, so content in ways he'd never experienced before. He would need to tell his friends, if they found out on their own there would be hell to pay, and knowing Mione she would figure it out pretty damn quickly. She was just annoyingly amazing like that.

"Do you feel that?" Harry asked, not specifying, not with so many portraits around they had no idea how this day was going to unfold. Whether Dumbledore would actually get away with it by being who he was, and what he had done. He sort of wished he could peek into the future and know for himself how it would turn out. He could have asked Rowena but she hated being put on the spot or worse asked questions about the future. The future was like water, continuously flowing, never ending with so many possible ways it could go.

"Yes," Severus replied impassively, but there was a strange note in his voice that indicated that he was just as surprised and affected by it like Harry was. He was just able to hide it better, his pedantic mind was already wondering how strong the bond would be, if they would be able to feel each other at different ends of Hogwarts or if it would only grow stronger as time went by. No matter, he would find out quite quickly. At least due to their protected minds they weren't being overwhelmed by emotions not their own.

They remained silent until they got to the entrance hall, and stepped out into the courtyard, the beauty of Hogwarts grounds still as mesmerising as the first time they'd seen it. It was home to both boys who had never felt safe in their living situations, but it was a testament to their strength of character that they were still standing albeit one slightly bitterer than the other.

"It would be amazing if he was sentenced to Azkaban," Harry admitted as they hastily wandered down to the gates, the gravel under their feet crunching, neither it seemed bothered to call upon the coaches, too anxious and needing a way to release it before being stuck sitting for the duration of Dumbledore's trial. This was the only way they could, by walking down to the gates which took roughly ten minutes depending on how fast a pace you set for yourself. "Just imagine a Hogwarts free of him." shrugging his shoulders, what's the point of daydreaming about it really? Reality was Dumbledore would probably be back at Hogwarts before nights out.

"Indeed," Severus murmured quietly, not even going to do the disservice of even trying to lie through his teeth and suggest that Dumbledore would be behind bars 'just wait and see'. No, he didn't like lying, and would never lie to Harry not on purpose at the very least. No the outcome was unknown to both of them, and everyone that would be in that room, it depended on a lot of factors really, whether Dumbledore's manipulations paid off, whether he had actually paid people off and those who inevitably had to dole out the punishment his fellow Wizengamot members.

"Hold on," Severus said, taking a hold of his newly bonded once they got to the gates, no more putting it off it was time to face the music. He Apparated them to the atrium at the Ministry of magic, which was quite packed and he was honestly surprised he'd been able to Apparate into it without ending up bumping into someone. What didn't surprise him was the fact everyone knew and wanted to see Dumbledore on trial. Contrary to popular belief, Dumbledore wasn't exactly as well loved as most students believed; in fact he wouldn't be surprised if most wizards and witches here were salivating at the idea of Dumbledore being taken down a peg or two.

"Bloody hell," Harry muttered looking around hunching down, unconsciously flatting his hair down to make sure it hid his scar as if that would help - everyone knew what Harry looked like scar or not! Something that didn't seem to sink into his bonded, who just tried to avoid bringing any attention to himself.

"Lets go," Severus stated sharply, loathing having so many people around him, with that in mind he grasped a hold of Harry's upper arm and strode through the crowd, waiting impatiently at the desk so both their wands could be registered, the wizard was so flustered with everything that he didn't bother with their names, just registered their wands and let them continue on their way. A bit of good news really, it meant nobody realized Harry was here yet. It wouldn't last long unfortunately, but by then he hoped to be in their seat and safe from any stampeding crowd.

It didn't take Severus long to get them both to the courtroom that Dumbledore had informed him his trial would be taking place in. Taking a deep breath, which wasn't noticeable to anyone (if anyone had been there) other than Harry of course. He yanked open the door to find it pretty packed apart from the first bench which was usually reserved for witnesses for the defence. Irritated he walked forward making sure that Harry went in first, before sliding along the bench himself. He thoroughly ignored all the looks coming their way, reminding himself absently that they didn't know about their bonding it was just the usual annoying stares Harry had to endure. Thankfully they didn't have to deal with it long seen as the doors began opening again this time with Ministry officials who looked grim but ready for what lay ahead.

Behind them the other doors opened emitting the Wizengamot members in their rather colourful plum robes, around fifty of them if Harry counted properly, all taking their seats, all of them older than him by at least fifty to sixty decades. Every single person on the Wizengamot held the real power in the magical world, even the Minister himself wasn't all that powerful, he had to answer to the Wizengamot and any legislation that passed needed at least half votes to be in its favour. They were pathetic sheep too though, they'd gone on with an underage trial for underage magic, having him on trial, but it wasn't just for one thing, it turned into all he had supposedly done over the years. He curled his lip at them, watching many of them startle at the look before Harry turned away utterly disgusted by their very presence. He could hear them whispering but paid no mind to them - he wouldn't have been able to hear them anyway he was too far away.

"Who are they?" Harry asked, noticing that they stood out from everyone else in the room. Firstly they were wearing muggle clothes, leather of all things, with only a cloak to show that they were in fact wizards…if they were, he thought apprehensively seeing the curve on their ears…like Dobby's ears. They were wearing weapons, two had a quiver for bow and arrows, and three had swords running the length of their tall legs. Others wicked looking daggers and all of them had some sort of wand holster on their arms? It didn't look like any wand holster he had ever seen.

"Who?" Severus enquired, removing his gaze from the Minister, having been reading his lips while he conversed with Madam Bones. He was adept at lip-reading, admittedly it wasn't perfect per se, but he was able to deduce what they were talking about, and it was handy when the other Death Eaters used silencing charms. He however had a much better charm that prevented anyone from reading his lips and he'd created it when he was sixteen years old.

"Them, they're in the corner just by the door," Harry muttered, twitching when they looked straight at him their eyes were purple, electrifying purple, swallowing thickly, not above admitting that they scared the hell out of him. He didn't back down though, despite the fact his instincts told him to. One in the front quirked an eyebrow, as if he was curious, but that look morphed into confusion when Harry scratched at an irritating itch along his face - revealing the still fading runes on his hand - something no human would have seen but they were no humans.

Severus zoned in on them, shock blooming in his back eyes as he grasped a hold of Harry's wrist, turning to face the teen he revealed just who they were. "They are the Vendicatori," Severus stated dryly.

"Vendicatori? That isn't Latin," Harry said shaking his head he didn't know who they were but obvious Severus did.

"No, it isn't, it's Italian, it means Avengers, they are assassins, for the Italian Ministry, I suppose you could compare them to the Unspeakables, but our people are nothing on them." Severus whispered aware that they could probably hear every word he spoke. Seeing Harry still had questions he pressed further. "They are high elves of a sort, half elf, half wizard or witch, they're lethal, their magic is very different to our own, they can do all magic without a wand, also ground peoples magic and still use theirs. Before you ask no nothing like House-elves although they do come from a branch of the line somewhere."

"Why are they here?" Harry then asked, and why are they looking at me he thought angrily.

"I am unsure," Severus admitted but the feeling in his stomach wouldn't abate specially seeing how they were looking at his bonded - confused, surprised and he was sure there was disappointment lingering in the leaders eyes. Perhaps this was the bad feeling Harry had earlier.

Harry met Severus' eyes which were filled with anxiety and apprehension; he just wanted to get the hell out of there. All Severus could do was squeezing his arm reassuringly; both of them then refusing to look over at the group, but the cool stare couldn't be totally ignored unfortunately.

Just then Albus Dumbledore was led into the room looking slightly less graceful than ever, but his head was held high, eyes sparkling as always in that mysterious way that could infuriate or make someone beam at him in equal measures. The sparkle got just a little bit more cheerful when he saw the group standing at the side of the room. The look they gave him dimmed it considerably, somewhat confused; negotiations had been going so well. They got Harry for however long he was in prison, which he still didn't believe he would get sentenced actually, and in turn they would cooperate and help end the threat that was Voldemort in turn for Harry completely but only once the war was truly over. He needed training and who better to than assassins? They would turn him into the perfect killing machine to end Voldemort. Of course, they wouldn't get Harry after the war; since he would not survive he would see to that. He couldn't let anyone get the upper hand, like it or not anyone that had Harry could have political clout and he couldn't have that in the hands of assassins after all could he? So, the only way they could get out of the contract was if Harry didn't survive, so it was simple really. Or it should have been, but the looks on their faces didn't bode well at all.

"Did you see that?" Harry muttered his eyes narrowed in on the short interaction between the so called avenger assassins and Dumbledore. "They're up to something, what are they going to try now?" a note of panic sliding into his voice which he inwardly cursed himself for.

"I did," Severus whispered deeply, his black eyes flashing dangerously, what the hell had Dumbledore done now? What were they up to? Narrowing his eyes, he cocked his head just a little and began to realize something, that they weren't happy with Dumbledore. Had he lied about something? Could the Elves realize they were bonded? His eyes widened slightly, of course, they would know, they would be able to sense it, nothing could break their bonding not even half-blood high elves, had he truly tried to marry Harry off again after the disastrous failure from before?

"I'll be right back," Severus said standing up.

"You are not leaving me here by myself!" Harry hissed angrily, sliding along with him a determined look on his face.

Severus stood for a few seconds before reluctantly conceding the point; he'd rather have Harry with him. "Come," he stated, he quickly made his way over to the high elves, able to look them in the eye due to his tall stature, Harry on the other hand grumbled about everyone around him having giant blood one time or another and being annoyingly tall.

"Where are we going?" Harry asked, blinking at Severus' chuckle.

"You ask me that now?" Severus sounded thoroughly amused despite himself.

"Yeah, yeah, bad timing," Harry shrugged, "But I trust you, you know that." he whispered so low that nobody could overhear it, with the obvious exception being the high elves.

Severus just continued walking without saying a word, he knew Harry trusted him, a great deal and sometimes he cursed Harry's trusting nature. Although a great deal of that trusting nature was now gone, due to all the hardships he'd faced only a few people still had Harry's full trust and he didn't know how or why but he was one of them and he swore he would do everything in his power to protect that.

"We need to talk," Severus stated, "If you don't mind." he added to the others who had tensed - no doubt at his sheer 'audacity'. What could he say he was very good at reading people and they were shocked at his frank conversation with the so called leader.

The leader glanced at the suddenly apprehensive Headmaster, before looking back at the blank faced wizard before him and nodded his respect and agreement. "I believe you are correct on that front, young wizard, perhaps out of prying sight might be best? We each take someone to even the odds, yes?" his English was very good, but his accent was present indicating he spent probably all his time in his homeland.

Harry suppressed his amusement, by biting his tongue hard, trying to contain himself. It was no laughing matter, but Severus being called 'young wizard' was just bloody hilarious. Severus himself didn't even give anything away that either said he was annoyed or pissed off either.

"Indeed," Severus replied smoothly, knowing that it wasn't a suggestion, there was no way he would leave the room without at least one other person with him. Not only was he not stupid enough to face two opponents on his own when he didn't know just how good they were at duelling but he probably sensed their magic - they all probably did. Neither he nor Harry was slouches when it came to magical powers.

"Adriano, follow me," the wizard who Severus and Harry still didn't know the name off, before both swiftly turned and exited the room in a military like fashion. Severus and Harry shared an amused look before they followed them, Severus kept Harry close, his sharp eyes cautious, his fingers twitching ready to get his wand out of his holster in a seconds notice should the need arise. Adriano was watching him like a hawk, but stopped quickly when the leader spoke Italian rapidly and in just a slightly angry undertone but he couldn't say for sure since Adriano remained completely impassive.

They continued walking in utter silence after that, making their way towards the café, for both work and public use. The two took a seat without glancing up, so Severus and Harry followed, Harry more out of curiosity and not wishing to remain behind to worry in a courtroom full of people.

"I think perhaps introductions are in order? Yes?" the high elf said, "My name is Amadeus, my companion here is Adriano," his purple eyes friendly enough but his body remained stiff and aloof, very much like Severus in fact.

Severus cocked his head to the side, curious to whether Amadeus was using the old term for companion or just using it as way of friend instead. They had no tells, no matching rings or bracelets which of course was one of the ways to show you were married. "I am Severus Snape; the wizard beside me is Harry Potter." Harry Potter-Snape he thought mentally correcting himself. His full name would be Harry James Potter-Snape, while his name was actually Severus Tobias Potter-Snape.

"The wizard?" Amadeus echoed a very slight frown on his face. He was fast becoming very confused with the situation he had found himself in. especially this pair, one minute they looked as though they didn't care about one another, but the way they spoke sometimes said they did now him so casually saying 'this wizard' as if he wasn't bonded to him.

"Muffliato!" Severus cast Wandlessly, his index finger pointed out and suddenly a bubble obscured them so nobody and nothing could overhear them. The elves had tensed once again at the sight of Wandless magic; they weren't used to meeting normal wizards with the ability to freely use their magic without a wand. At least not with spells they didn't know, mere lighting spells sure, small things.

"What do you know of the troubles in British Magical world?" Severus demanded without too much bite.

"I did my research," Amadeus replied impassively but the way he said it implied he was insulted that Severus thought he was in the dark.

"I bet the information you got regarding Harry Potter was from Albus himself, since there is barely a scrap of information regarding Harry other than his O.W.L's scores an a court transcript no doubt." Severus said eyeing them shrewdly, they didn't give normal tells away, which did make it annoying. Everything about Harry had been a closely guarded secret, only two or three people even knew where Harry grew up, each 'test' Dumbledore put Harry through had never been reported, hell they didn't even know about the fact he prevented further petrifying by slaying a basilisk. The students spoke of it but the adults probably thought everything was exaggerated due to the fact Harry was a 'hero' and they 'worshiped him' when it was convenient of course.

"You do realize I am sitting right here?" Harry said wryly, rolling his eyes unfortunately he was all too used to it. "Alright I'll bite what exactly did Dumbledore tell you about me?"

Amadeus and Adriano stared impassively at each other, almost as if they could talk to one another without speaking pretty much the same way Harry could with Severus and his best friends.

Amadeus then began to talk, telling them both about everything, how Albus Dumbledore had gotten in touch with them and proposed an alliance between them in exchange for one of their most powerful wizards. Then going on to explain everything he had told them about Harry which was surprisingly accurate bar a few details, Harry had been manipulated into those confrontations not willingly gone into them. Also he refrained from telling them how close Harry had come to dying on numerous occasions. The thing that decided Amadeus on it was the fact Dumbledore was so well accomplished and the tri-wizard transcripts verified a good deal of the information.

"There's a bloody transcript for what happened during the tri-wizard tournament?" Harry asked Severus shaking his head in irritation.

"It was the first one in a long time, and all others had been recorded for historic benefit, how do you think we still know exactly how many people has died during the thing?" Severus informed him dryly, "You've broke quite a few records, Harry, you are going to go down in history for doing a lot of things not just the night your parents died."

"I haven't broken many records," Harry said, mostly uncomfortable they were making him seem different and he didn't want to be different.

"No? Youngest seeker of the century, youngest participant of the tournament, youngest winner," Severus listed off, "Probably the only student in Hogwarts to be called before the Wizengamot for accidental magic, the only survivor of the killing curse, you have the highest scores for your Defence Against the Dark Arts and Charms exam, beating out even Tom Riddle and Albus Dumbledore."

"I only won because I had help! Crouch was helping me all the way through the damn thing to make sure I won, it doesn't really count, and Cedric should have won. I was put in against my will I didn't really accomplish anything." Harry argued.

"He may have assisted on a small level but the tasks alone were done by you." Severus stated sharply, he couldn't believe Harry still didn't know his own worth especially after all he had accomplished. It seemed they would need to talk some more, he hadn't realized he still felt so negative to some things.

"I think we are forgetting the most important detail here don't you? What exactly was the plan?" Harry asked the high elves suspiciously, what had they planned for him? He knew whatever it was; he'd need Severus to stop him from strangling the wizard in that courtroom. His glared further when the high elves glanced at each other once more.

"To train you for the upcoming war our way," Amadeus, deciding to leave the most important detail out. He had been very surprised to find the wizard he had looked up on trial himself. Apparently the news hadn't reached Italy so whatever it was; neither he nor his squad had any idea.

"What exactly were you getting out of it?" Harry pushing further, realizing things were being left out. Severus himself barely refrained from nodding, it was his exact thought and Harry just bet him to the punch so to speak.

"A powerful wizard to join our detail, you act like you do not have a clue what is going on," Adriano pointed out, his blank expression never wavering.

"That's because he doesn't," Severus replied bluntly, "Dumbledore isn't the man you think he is! Do you even know why he is on trial?"

"We are unaware," Amadeus admitted, extremely disgruntled. "It does make sense why he wanted us to appear at this day and time."

"And you were going to what? Just Apparate out with me against my will?" Harry uttered bitterly. The look they gave each other made Harry realize he was more than likely correct. "So it was what changed your mind?"

"They didn't change your mind, they realized you were bonded, newly bonded," Severus deduced. "And nothing is more important to high elves than bonded couples, especially their own. That's what he made you believe would happen? That one of the most powerful and talented wizards would bond to one of your own isn't it?" he was his, and he thanked Merlin he had bloody bonded with him, listened to his feelings rather than squabbling over his thoughts and gut feelings.

"Of course it is," Harry snorted derisively; "Exactly what the old fool would do." had already tried to do and failed spectacularly.

"I apologise, I was under the impression that it was a mutual agreement on both our parts," Amadeus admitted, causing Adriano to twitch at the pronouncement. Giving Amadeus what Harry suspected was an incredulous look shocked at his apology perhaps?

"You don't exactly strike me as the trusting type," Harry said pensively, "Both of you have your magic ready to strike, and it hasn't even let up once since we began speaking. Have you actually met Dumbledore in person? Has he given you a trinket maybe? Food? Drink?"

Severus sat up noticeably straighter inwardly cursing that he hadn't even thought of that possibility himself. He gazed at them intently noticing the barely concealed worry behind their purple eyes, they had received something. "I would suggest you head straight to St. Mungo's and move quickly." Severus stated sharply, "Then get back here so he doesn't get away with it."

Adriano stood immediately, just as the others burst into the café and together they all disappeared on the spot, able to get through the wards the Ministry had up to prevent Apparation. Blink and you would have missed it, but neither Severus nor Harry had blinked, "Well, I'll give them one thing they're fast."

"Which means I wouldn't have had a chance," Severus replied stoically, and it didn't sit well with him. For some reason they had even been able to hear all this over his spell unless they could communicate telepathically. They could have taken Harry and he would have been helpless to stop it.

"Why do you think Dumbledore wanted them?" Harry pointed out, "He was losing me, he was getting desperate enough to turn me into an assassin, and I don't get it! I mean Sev, did he seriously expect me to go quietly or remain quiet? It's madness! What the hell!" Harry clenched his teeth and fists together as he tried to contain himself and he was failing rapidly.

"You said it yourself, he's getting desperate, now do you think you can control yourself and go back?" Severus stated sharply, knowing it was the only way to get through Harry's anger. He had spent two years in that chamber with Harry while the outside world only a summer passed, he knew him as good as he knew the palm of his own hand.

"I want to see that bastard go down," Harry hissed through gritted teeth his green eyes gleaming viciously. He calmed with just a touch from Severus' hand to his. "Do you think they've been tampered with? And better yet if they were do you think they'll return or just go home tail between their legs? Too embarrassed to admit they'd been had?"

"That played on my mind, I'll admit," Severus nodded his agreement that they might flee home than admit they had been tricked by anyone when they were renowned assassins/hero's depending on your perspective of them. "We can only wait and see if we find out."

"Let's go," Harry sighed most of his anger had tapered off, "I wonder how long the interrogation will last…" if it was anything like his farce of a trial it shouldn't take too long. Unfortunately that was too much to hope for, he had a feeling it was going to be a very long day. Then back to chamber for a few days before they returned for good settled back into normal Hogwarts routine and he was going to miss the quiet chamber a great deal.

Severus didn't bother to reply, he just cancelled his spell as he stood up, and they both walked quietly back towards the court room they'd been in fifteen minutes prior. He certainly hadn't expected all this when Harry had asked who the high elves were; nonetheless it seems Harry's instincts were sharper than ever. Severus made sure that he entered the courtroom first, catching everyone's attention including Dumbledore, but his face wasn't happy the slightest, in fact he was shocked when he saw Harry walk in beside him once more.

"Harry! Over here," Ron whispered pointing to seats next to them, yes he'd saved one for Snape as well - he knew Harry wouldn't be able to come alone.

"Ron, be quiet," Hermione whispered nudging him, as the Wizengamot tittered in annoyance at anyone talking and worse interrupting.

Harry nodded at them, as both hastily made their way to the seats, Harry let Severus go first knowing he wouldn't want to be stuck sitting next to Ron or Ron wouldn't want to be stuck next to his teacher. He grinned wryly as he took his own seat, this was going to be so much fun explaining everything to them - not. He knew they would grumble, maybe get angry but they would come around its just the way it was between the three of them. Their friendship was solid, nothing and he meant nothing could break it; they would all die for each other.

Hermione leaned over Ron and whispered everything that they' missed since it started, they'd just interrupted the discussion of the usage of Veritaserum apparently. "That's them about to decide now," she added looking up at the Wizengamot before turning back around in her seat upright.

Severus and Harry shared a look before glancing at the Wizengamot wishing to know the answer. Severus knew they didn't normally use Veritaserum during trials, but this wasn't a normal trial and Dumbledore wasn't just an average wizard. Then again for all he knew they had changed the rules and it was now required to ask for the usage now? He wasn't a lawyer he didn't keep up with the Ministry or the laws of trial and interrogations. Which were always updated rigorously during wars and battles. Of course, Harry was probably largely unaware of this due to the fact they couldn't even go through the farce of daring to use it knowing the truth would come out and the fact he was underage, nobody underage were supposed to consume the potion, it wasn't good for their health. It was why he had ensured Harry only ended up ingesting water when Umbridge had demanded a vial of the potion.

"We concede to the need for Veritaserum," the new chief warlock insisted, glancing at Dumbledore his face revealing nothing on whether this was hurting him to do this to a friend or whether he was revelling in it.

Dumbledore paled drastically, unable to hide his fear, not all the masks and manipulations in the world had prepared him for this.

Meanwhile a ginger haired teen beside her mother smiled, there was no getting out of it now Dumbledore, he was going down. She would be free of him, she shuddered anew just thinking about it, Merlin she hurt in places she didn't want to think about an the damn potion prevented her from disobeying him. She would be forced to visit him every Sunday, unless someone found out about the potion and stopped it. It was better than living with him, she knew that already, and it hadn't even been anyone's definition of long.

I had a little help with the name of the group of assassins :) so thank you for that! but there we go I finally got the new chapter out it was difficult every time I tried but tonight it basically wrote itself :) next chapter of course the rest of the trial! will the assassins come back or will they be too embarrassed? had he even done anything to them or was it their own eagerness to have another powerful wizard in their ranks that prevented them from seeing what was going on? how long will Dumbledore get? long enough for him to be let out after Voldemort's dead and the world has moved on leaving him behind? a fallen hero that nobody wants to associate with? or will Dumbledore's luck stick and he get out before the battle and win back his status as a wizard not to be messed with? R&R please