Chapter 53 setting the stage
Disclaimer : only the story is mine (sigh!)
The teens silently headed to the hospital wing as Snape followed McGonagall to Dumbledore's office. He entered to find the Slytherins still trussed up and looking at Dumbledore with a doleful glare.
Severus exchanged a glance with the transfiguration professor. "I assume the headmaster has been updated on the events?". McGonagall sighed and ran a hand over her forehead "Yes Severus I did update him".
"Minerva if you don't mind, could I have a word with the headmaster in private?" Severus asked his colleague who responded with "and what about them?" gesturing to the six resentful teens. Severus looked at the headmaster and spoke for the both of them "just take them to the alcove inside for a while. I will need only a few minutes" he said.
Minerva nodded reluctantly and shepherded the students to the back room as Severus cast a strong silencing charm around the headmaster's office. "So what are you planning to do Albus? You do know that Draco also used dark magic in his defence which kind of makes the situation complicated."
"Yes, I realise gravity of the situation. We cannot move for the expulsion of the students because Draco will be forced to endure the same and we cannot risk that. I regret that I will have to go in for a lighter punishment than what is warranted if we have to keep Draco safe. I am thinking of confiscating their wands at all times except for classes and a month's worth of detentions. What are your thoughts on the issue?" Dumbledore asked of Severus.
"Much as I hate the prospect, I have to agree with you. Even if we try saying that it was out of self-defense it won't work, what with everyone's perception of dark magic and pensieve memories will ruin any other defense we have. You are right, we are in a tight spot. On another note, I was wondering if you realized the agenda behind Lucius's move." Severus asked as Dumbledore nodded thoughtfully. "I have and perhaps we should be ready for an attack Severus. Parents can come to see their children you know, and I have no doubt that that was the agenda behind the nomination of another heir. When he was arrested, he lost his position on the board of governors and needed another way to enter Hogwarts. This way there is nothing we can do to prevent his entry into Hogwarts even to the extent of the Slytherin dorms. I will begin strengthening the wards" the headmaster said regretfully.
"Albus, What if he brings the Dark Lord? And what about the horcruxes that have joined him? Where does that leave us?" Severus asked his voice belying his fear and worry. Severus Snape was not a person to be easily ruffled but he could not help but worry for the teens and his deep unease at the situation.
Dumbledore looked at him calmly "I am afraid it's both good and bad Severus" he said and proceeded to enlighten the puzzled potions master. "It is a good thing that the horcrux rejoined its master. It will simply die with Voldemort .The only hitch is that Voldemort will have to be struck twice. Now that was the good part." He sighed before ploughing on "the bad part however is the reality that we will have to be ready for a confrontation very soon and there is a distinct possibility that Voldemort will enter Hogwarts through Lucius."
"Albus, the boys are not ready" Severus said deeply worried and he hoped that Dumbledore would come up with some reassuring information but when the twinkle in the headmaster's eyes totally diminished he knew that it was the harsh reality. "They will have to be, Severus. Speak to them, they need you" Dumbledore said simply.
Severus sighed and ran a hand over his face "why do I always wind up with the unpleasant stuff?" he grumbled as he got to his feet "I assume you don't need me to handle the slytherin boys. I have to go and see to Draco".
"I do hope Draco is alright. Take care of them" Dumbledore called out as Severus exited the room leaving Dumbledore to deal with the unpleasant task of disciplining the errant boys.
Severus found the teens huddled on Draco's bed in the hospital wing. He raised an eyebrow at Draco's disgruntled expression. "She's keeping me here for the day. I am really okay" Draco whined as Hermione giggled. "You must have expended a lot of energy with that spell Draco. Moreover that cruciatus was not a joke. Your body needs to replenish that energy. So quit whining" Severus said severely.
"So, are those gits expelled, Sir?" Harry asked his eyes flashing dangerously. Severus shook his head "no it could not be done as Draco would also be affected". "That's not fair" Ron said hotly as Draco remained silent. "Don't tell me Dumbledore did not do anything" Draco said in a quiet voice before adding "and where does Lucius come into this. I know he's behind this in some way".
"You know very well why they could not be expelled. If we push for their expulsion they in turn will push for yours and that is something we cannot risk at any cost. As for Lucius, we think all this naming an heir business is just him laying the foundation for breaking into Hogwarts".
"So what was all that 'I am Nott-Malfoy' about?" Draco asked his voice cold and icy. Severus grimaced "it was just to wind you up. He can be the heir because his father would have relinquished him to Lucius releasing him from the Nott fortune. Something like a guardian. But without a formal adoption he cannot take the Malfoy name, not yet anyway and I don't really see Lucius giving anything of the Malfoy fortune away. Nott has simply been taken in by Lucius's sweet talks, that too for a short duration I presume. I bet that once his goal has been achieved he will get rid of Nott. He has merely taken loan of Nott in a manner of speaking."
"But what is the need for all this drama? What is the motive?" Ron asked as Severus laid open his discussion with the headmaster.
"Oh, I would say that all this is just a game plan to enter Hogwarts under the presumption of "meeting his heir". And I regret to say that there is a very distinct possibility that he will not be the only one entering Hogwarts" he said as the teens fell silent pondering over the situation.
"So a confrontation is in the making. Are we ready Sir?" Harry enquired directly looking at his friends. Severus's gaze wavered and real regret laced his tone as he said "I wish I could be confidant of that but I am not sure. You have had a great deal of luck and yes, bravery too but I have a feeling that this is going to be the best of the death eaters that you will be facing. It will be a fight to the finish and it won't be pretty. It will be intense and ruthless. All that I can suggest is that you polish your duelling skills and practice your wand less magic too".
"At the rate at which we are missing classes we might just have to repeat the whole year" Hermione fretted. "Well if it means we can take down Voldemort what's a year Hermione?" Harry asked seriously. He then turned to the potions master "and what about the horcrux sir?" he asked as Severus updated them on what the headmaster had told them.
"Hmm the situation is just getting more demanding day by day. Stabbing twice huh? We'll be lucky to get in one hit, leave alone two" Harry said lapsing into thought as Hermione came up with a question of her own. "By the way does the original prophecy where Harry has to be the one to kill Voldemort stand?
"Good question…Uncle Sev?" Draco looked enquiringly at his godfather. Severus pondered the question before finally answering "No I don't think so". Everyone looked slightly cheered up at the prospect which Ron voiced "good. That means any one of us can get in a hit" he said as the group felt buoyed by the answer.
"Now I have a class to get to and it's also time for lunch. You three can head to the hall and then attend your afternoon classes. Draco, I would however prefer it if you took the day off to rest." Severus advised before adding "I will add a few wards around your bed. Nott and his goons might take it upon themselves to come looking" he said as Hermione protested "but sir then maybe we should be here too".
Severus looked at her pointedly "you don't believe my wards strong enough Miss Granger?" he sneered. "While your sentiment is appreciated I do assure you that he is quite safe behind my wards and I advise you to get going right now" he said and watched as the trio left the ward with words of farewell.
He then turned to his godson and surveyed him critically. His godson looked worn out and exhausted physically as well as mentally. "Are you alright dragon?" he asked softly. Draco nodded looking down. "You want to talk about it?" his godfather's voice drifted down to him as he struggled to stay afloat in the maelstrom of emotions that were suddenly threatening to engulf him.
He looked at his godfather and felt the tears filling his eyes. He was not aware of the single tear that fell down as he whispered "I tried so hard to please him…I am ...was…his son. How can he do this to me?" the words came out disjointed and broken. Severus sighed heavily and sat down next to Draco.
He laid a hand on Draco's "believe me, one day he is going to regret losing this wonderful son of his. I know that I can never take the place of a father but I want you to know that I will never ever give you up. I am very proud of you and I hope that in some way I can mitigate the absence of Lucius in your life. I know that everything seems overwhelming right now but in time you will look back and see this as the time you became your own self. Trust me, it won't be like this forever" he said in the gentlest voice that he was capable of.
"Thank you Uncle. I lo…err care for you too" Draco said covering up the slip and sounding stronger and more like himself. Severus smiled thinly at the cover up. Well they were slytherins after all, declarations did not come easily to them. "Yes I am aware, now rest" he commanded and watched his godson slide down the bed before making his way out of the infirmary.
The next few days passed in a blur of classes followed by practice sessions where they polished and perfected their spells until they came effortlessly and instinctively. Draco was getting used to the looks of pity and a few glances of awe that came his way. Some of the students even gave him a friendly smile now that he was no longer set apart by the Malfoy tag. The harassment by Nott however persisted in a subtle manner where he would get shoved in the hallways or his class work tampered with but nothing too overt that he could prove.
It however irritated him and he managed to control his anger only with Hermione's constant refrain of "ignore them, we have bigger issues to worry about". Dumbledore had already strengthened the wards and was deliberating the idea of initiating evacuation procedures. The pros of the action were however equal to the cons as they realised that such a move would tip off the death eaters and the attack might come sooner than anticipated. The four teens and Ginny had taken to wearing the portkey chains at all times and communicated via the pendant when apart.
They had also shared the prospect of an anticipated attack with members of Dumbledore's army and had spent time on duelling sessions with them. They were getting prepared and coiled tight until their first break came unsurprisingly from Nott. The Ravenclaws were on their way from one class to another when Draco was suddenly faced with a smirking Nott. The other students looked at them nervously and hurried on at Nott's gesture.
Draco gripped his wand tightly when Nott smiled derisively "how unintelligent of you Draco. It seems like all your brain cells have disappeared with your name" he taunted. Draco bristled and made to move away from the infuriating slytherin when he was stopped by his next words. "My father is coming to see me …you see he heard about what happened and was very displeased that only we received punishment. He seems to think that you deserve to be punished too you know, so if I were you I would be on my best behaviour with me so that you would actually be able to walk when he is done with you" he sneered and brushed past Draco's rigid form.
Draco stood frozen as the words replayed in his mind. Merlin! It was starting. Would he be to look his father in the eye and not crumble? If it came down to it, would he be able to fight against his father? Would his father kill him without a second thought? Was his father even his father any longer?
The questions raced through him and he felt the faint stirrings of panic in his gut. He had to get Severus immediately. "Draco are you alright?" a voice broke into his reverie and he turned to see Terry Boot come to his side. Over the last few days the boy had become a friend, they had shared notes and discussions and with Luna and Cho also joining in, Ravenclaw had become a lot more comfortable.
He took a shaky breath and nodded to show that he was alright. He however had to meet Severus pronto and apprise him of the situation. "I am alright. But I do need to convey a message to Professor Snape. Could you let Professor McGonagall know? I will get a note from Professor Snape when I come" he requested of the other boy.
"Yeah, I will and Draco I meant to ask you before. Did you really ride on a dragon with Harry Potter?" Terry asked. Draco looked at him with a wry smile. With everything that had happened he had totally forgotten about the slightly smaller article that had been printed about the break in alongside the news about Nott. The other news had had so much impact that no one had registered this detail in greater depth.
"Yeah we did" he admitted not knowing what to feel and smiled as Terry grinned and said "whoa! That was wicked" and Draco had to smile again at the comment. "Yeah, well we had no choice" he said trying to inject a modicum of modesty in his tone but Terry interrupted again "But I still say it's awesome! And now I better rush or I will be late. See you later" he bid and hurried off leaving Draco to see the back of his departing figure.
Draco let out a long breath, now where was he? Yeah, he had to meet Severus. He slung his bag on his shoulder and went to the dungeons where Severus would most likely be in the middle of a class. As he neared the classroom he heard the Professor's severe tones as he lectured the group of students. He approached the entrance and was met by the curious gazes of the students.
"Draco, what are you doing here?" Severus asked and Draco replied "something has come up, can I talk to you for a minute?". Severus paused for a minute before turning to one of the students "Miss Hodges kindly supervise the class until I return" he instructed and motioned for Draco to come into his office.
Once inside, Draco quickly apprised him of Nott's warning. "Thank you for telling me Draco. I will notify Dumbledore and talk to you tonight. Needless to say, be careful and don't fret over this. We will face this successfully. Now I will write you a note for your next class" he said and quickly wrote out a note.
Draco silently took the note and placed it in his bag. "Thank you sir. I will see you tonight with the others". He then made his way to charms trying to quell the uneasiness within him. Suddenly things were moving fast and he was afraid to think of the consequences of this confrontation. What if something happened to Hermione? What if Voldemort won? No, no, no he was not going to think that. It was just too terrible to contemplate and he would lose his nerve completely.
It would be a big thing if all of them survived the war and he knew that he would never take his life for granted again. He shook his head and shoved away the dire thoughts as he entered the charms classroom. He could ponder over everything tonight when Hermione would be there to give him strength with her presence. A smile played on his lips as he remembered the feel of his girlfriend on his body. She ignited him as no other had and a groan left his lips as his body responded to the mental image of their bodies intertwined. He sighed wishing that he did not have all this drama in the background that was hindering their relationship. But then if not for this drama he would not have had her at all.
That night the four teens sat huddled in the room of requirement waiting for Severus Snape to arrive. Hermione sat leaning against Draco and their hands intertwined naturally. Soon Snape entered and everyone sat up straight from where they had been lounging. Draco had filled them in on the events and now they looked to Snape for further instructions.
"I spoke to the headmaster and he had some news for us." The professor said coming straight to the point. "Lucius has written to him stating that he would come by to see Nott in a couple of days. Knowing that the Dark Lord is involved, we can safely surmise that the timeline of two days is not binding. It might be earlier or later, we cannot be entirely sure. We just have to be prepared and look out for unusual events" Severus spoke to the four silent teens.
"Okay…maybe if I goad Nott a bit he might let something slip" Draco mused as Hermione gave him a sharp look. "You would not do any such idiotic thing. I do not need him to goad you in return resulting in dark magic. Of all the times to not be a Slytherin" Severus shook his head ruefully before adding "I am expecting a summons any time and then we will have an idea on what to be prepared for."
"Do you really have to go?" Draco asked softly as Severus looked at him as if to say "you know the answer to that". Silence befell the group and Ron opened his mouth to ask a question but stopped short as Severus grasped his left forearm with a grimace and got to his feet. "Think of the devil" he muttered as Draco felt a flash of alarm. "Please be careful" he whispered and watched Severus leave with a billow of his robes.
Severus arrived at Malfor Manor to see Lucius and the other members of the inner circle arrive at the same time. They fell to their knees and waited for Voldemort to address them. Voldemort spread out his hands and spoke "welcome my loyal followers. It has been a while since my summons and I call you here to share my momentous plans with you. But before that, I need some answers Severus" he said his voice taking on an ominous tone.
Severus felt a jolt of alarm that he did not show on his face as he fell to his knees "anything for you my lord". "I have come to know that Draco is in your care and yet you keep him away from me. Does your loyalty waver Severus?" the dark lord commanded.
"No My Lord, the information is incorrect. Draco has been resorted and is now a Ravenclaw. He is protected by Flitwick and Dumbledore and my access to him is only during the class hours my lord" he said mixing both truth and lie. "Are you not the boy's godfather? Then why the dalliance. Answer me Severus and no amount of lying can spare you" Voldemort warned.
"Yes my lord. I am his godfather but unfortunately Dumbledore is aware of this. He has thwarted my every effort my lord. I am sorry" Severus said in an even tone but he knew what was coming. "I do not tolerate failure Severus and you will be punished" he hissed bringing his wand to bear on Severus "crucio" Do not incense me further. The next time I will not be as merciful".
As the pain subsided Severus got to his feet hoping to hear something that would make all this pain worth it and he was not disappointed. "But my dear death eaters" Voldemort continued as though he had not just used the cruciatus on someone. "We have sought to correct Severus's mistakes. Lucius has come up with a most ingenious plan to storm Hogwarts. He will enlist the younger Nott to set up a vanishing cabinet inside Hogwarts and link it to one that will rest with me. Then when Lucius meets with his new "heir" he will open up the cabinet through which we will enter Hogwarts. Hogwarts will be ours in two days' time and I will see how the brats will evade me this time. Severus make another batch of the vinculum potion. I want to see it's effects in person and this time I will see how it can fail. I want those two brats at my feet screaming their hearts out and begging for mercy" he said striking terror deep within the potions master.
He however did not let his fear show although every instinct in him screamed for him to get back to Hogwarts and hide Draco deep underground. A moment later he amended the thought..maybe Potter too he admitted reluctantly.
Author notes: I know that I have not been keeping to a regular schedule, sorry for that. Sometimes the writing has spilled over onto more days than what I anticipated. As for prettylilypotter…your query is very valid. I was going to explain it this chapter but you beat me to it. As ever, I thank all of you for the support and acceptance and as you can see the story is winding down. I hope I can do justice to your expectations. Thank you and please leave a review on your way out.
