An Unexpected Turn of Events
Chapter Fifty-Five
Harry awoke early and looked down at Ginny snuggled up against his side. He was once again taken by her beauty as she slept. He didn't know what he did to deserve her but he was glad she was in his life. He glanced over at the parchment that Aberforth had given him the other night and still couldn't decide if he really wanted to read it or not.
Sighing he wished that things were easier but he knew deep down that life really wasn't that way. Cautiously so not to wake Ginny he reached over and picked it up. It was a bit awkward as Ginny had his one arm pinned beneath her.
He slowly extracted it causing Ginny to shift around slightly and though she didn't wake he saw a small frown form on her face.
He then carefully broke the seal on the scroll and unrolled it. There in Dumbledore's neat script he read:
Dear Harry,
If you're reading this then I have taken the final journey and will not take any further part in your quest. I regret that I can not be with you as you work toward defeating Tom but I hope you know that I will be with you in spirit.
I have a couple of things that I want to tell you that I can only hope will be useful for you in your endeavour to rid the world of Tom Riddle.
First be open to accepting help from unlooked for sources. You never know when someone will be able to help you especially if it is unlooked for. Those who love and trust you can be a great resource for you and I hope that your relationship with a certain redhead will progress to your satisfaction.
Second and this will probably be the hardest for you, You need to let Severus help you. I know with your past history you will find it difficult but he wants to see that Riddle is destroyed just as much as you do. I don't know if telling you to trust him will do any good but maybe you can come to accept his help anyway. He was a friend of you mother's while they were students at Hogwarts and for all his faults he loved her and regretted the loss of her friendship more than anything else.
Other than that all I can do is wish you good luck and I know you can prevail.
Yours,
Albus Dumbledore
As Harry read he smiled when he got to the part about "the certain redhead" and he thought he had done pretty good in accepting help unlooked for, The Twins and Tonks and Remus certainly filled that description.
His smile faded when he reached the second recommendation. How in the world could Albus expect him to accept help from Snape was beyond him. He felt his anger rising and he crumpled up the parchment and threw it across the room. In doing so he woke Ginny.
What's wrong?" she asked coming immediately awake.
"I opened that damn letter from Dumbledore," he said fiercly.
"I take it that you didn't like what he had written," Ginny said matter-of-factually.
Harry chuckled ruefully, "You could say that," he answered.
"May I read it?" she asked.
"Yes, I said I'd never keep anything from you," he replied. Harry grabbed his wand, "Accio Parchment," he said.
The crumpled letter flew back across the room and he grabbed it out of the air. He did his best to flatten it for Ginny and he handed it to her. Ginny read it through and Harry could tell when she got the the part about the redhead when he saw her smile. He also knew when she read the part about Snape when the smile slid from her face.
When she was done she looked at Harry, "Not very informative is it?" she said succinctly.
Harry had to chuckle. She cut right to the heart of the matter.
"And this part about letting Snape help you, I can't believe he even had the guts to put that in there," she added.
She looked at Harry sympathetically, "It doesn't change anything Harry. You still have to finish what you set out to do. You don't have to accept help from anyone you don't want to."
Harry's anger abated, he knew Ginny was right. He still had a job to do and without Albus there interfering he could do it as he saw fit. Obviously there was more to Snape than met the eye but that didn't mean Harry had to utilize that resource if he didn't want to.
"This is why I really need you Ginny, you can see things impassionately and help me when I can't," he said truthfully.
Ginny smiled at him, "Thank you dear," she said.
Harry leaned over and took her into a hug. "Just one more reason I love you so much. I know I'm useless without you."
Ginny laughed, "I'm glad I'm indispensable," she said. "Come on, now that we're up we might as well get breakfast."
XX
Charlie and Sarah had just returned from their honeymoon in Romania. They had delayed in taking it because of demands on their time and the coming holidays.
They were settling back into the Lair and were now trying to determine what to do with his things they had brought back, not that he had all that much. He had been able to sell most of the furniture that he had accumulated while he lived there. They had received much better pieces when Willow had left them almost all the furniture when the bought the Dragon's Lair.
The only piece that he had kept was a Rocking Chair that he had made and that he was quite proud of. It had a Dragon motif carved into the seat back and he thought it fit perfectly into their home. The rest was just assorted bric-a-brac, mementos of his time working with the Dragons.
They had finished unpacking and Charlie had placed the Rocker in front of the fireplace. Sarah had immediately claimed the seat for herself, sitting down in front of the fire and draping a quilt over her legs and lap.
Charlie had gone to get himself a drink bringing back the bottle of Old Ogdens and sat down in the chair next to Sarah, smiling at her about her claiming the Rocker.
"Would you like one too?" he asked holding up his glass of Firewhiskey.
Sarah smiled at him, "No thank you dear," she said.
Charlie raised an eyebrow, "It's not like you to turn down a drink," he said playfully.
"Well I'd better not," she said, her eyes twinkling.
"Why's that?" he asked.
"Pregnant women should refrain from drinking too much alcohol," she replied.
Charlie was taking a sip of his Firewhiskey when her words sunk in causing him to freeze with the glass at his lips. He looked at her gobsmacked.
"You're! You're!," he stuttered.
"Yes Charlie," she replied with a laugh.
Charlie broke into a huge grin, "That's fantastic," he said. "When's the baby due?" he asked.
"Well I'm about three months along, so that means we should have a July baby," she replied.
Charlie was taken aback, "A Baby," he said softly.
Sarah chuckled at his reaction, she knew that Charlie had told her before he met her he never figured he's ever have children but since they had gotten together he had dreamed of having a family. Charlie sat there staring into the fire, a smile plastered on his face.
"Just wait till we tell everyone," he said. "This is fantastic!" he repeated.
"Yes Dear," Sarah said with a smile.
"When should we tell everyone?" he asked.
"Why don't we have everyone to dinner on Sunday and tell them then," Sarah said.
"What about your parents?" Charlie asked.
"The Pub closes early enough that they'll be able to make it," Sarah said.
"I'm glad, we can tell them all at once." Charlie said.
He sat there silent for a couple of moments. "I guess I'd better start converting the spare room into a nursery," he said.
"We have plenty of time," Sarah said shaking her head.
"Six months will fly by before you know it," Charlie replied sagely.
Smiling at her husband Sarah got up and went over and sat in his lap. Charlie wrapped his arms around here, hugging her tight.
"Happy?" she asked.
"Happy doesn't begin to cover it," Charlie replied. "I have a wonderful wife, a beautiful home and we're going to have a baby, what's there not to be happy about?"
Sarah rested her head on his shoulder, "These are uncertain times," she said softly.
"I know my love but we can't stop living or the darkness will have won without a fight," he said to her.
Sarah cuddled deeper into Charlie's embrace. "Thank you, Love," she whispered.
Charlie and Sarah sat cuddled together until late into the evening, relishing the glow of their love and the knowledge that they were bringing a new life into the world.
XX
Tonks and Remus prepared to leave for their visit to the Ministry of Magic. They hoped to get in touch with Kingsley Shacklebolt and find out if they could gain access to the Minister's office to see if the Cup was there.
Tonks was unsure if they would be able to get the Cup but this was considered more of a recon mission than an actual attempt to snag the Horcrux.
Finally 5:30 rolled around and Tonks knew that almost all of the workers would have left for the day. She knew that as the head of the Magical Law Enforcement Department, Kingsley usually stayed late, working undisturbed by the normal business of the Ministry.
Everyone watched in anticipation as they made their way outside, "Remember," Harry said. "Don't take any chances, just get in see if the Cup is there and get out without drawing any attention to yourselves," he directed.
Remus smiled, "He thought Harry sounded a lot like James did when they had planning to prank the Slytherins.
"OK Harry, we know the plan," said Tonks. She was a little on edge just like she always was before leaving on a mission for the Aurors.
With a final nod she and Remus Apparated away.
XX
From all appearances it looked like the new Minister of Magic, Pius Thicknesse was under an Imperious Curse and in Riddles control. The edicts and restrictions he was issuing were becoming more and more onerous to the Wizarding public. The Aurors were finding themselves more and more handcuffed in dealing with the Death Eaters and morale was at an all time low.
Kingsley sat at his desk trying to decide what he should do next. He thought about resigning, he knew that the Order counted on his inside information of the Ministry, but his position was becoming more untenable by the day.
It was after hours and he was surprised when a strange looking young witch knocked on his door. "May I help you?" he asked.
The witch entered his office and shut the door behind her. Then Tonks transformed back into herself shocking Kingsley. Tonks held a finger to her lips indicating for him to remain silent while she wordlessly cast a Muffalato spell.
"I don't have much time King but I need some information," she said hurriedly.
"Don't you know there's an arrest on sight order out on you, " he said.
"Yeah I kind of figured," she said with a grin, "But I had to see you."
Kingsley looked at her with a thousand questions racing through his mind, "What do you need?" he asked.
"Have you been in the Minister of Magic's office lately?" she asked.
"Yeah, Why?"
"Has a silver cup shown up there?" she asked.
Kingsley nodded, "Yeah that toady Umbridge gave him one recently and it sits on the shelf right behind his desk," he replied.
"Any chance on getting in to see it?" she asked.
"Maybe, but it will be risky," he answered.
"Good," Tanks said with a grin, "I'd hate for it to be dull and boring."
Kingsley stood up, "Better change your appearance," he said. "Someone young and looking like they're applying for a job."
Tonks morphed her appearance until she looked like a young twenty-something blonde. "How does this look?" she asked.
"You look great," Kingsley said. "Do you have a name in mind in case I need to introduce you to anyone?"
"Sheila McDowell," Tonks answered. "She's a Muggle that knows my dads family," Tonks said at his look.
"Are you alone?" he asked next.
"No, Remus is down in the lab with Abigail. We had hoped she'd have some Poly Juice Potion but she was out so I came up here on my own," Tonks explained.
Kingsley led her out into the hall and they made their way to the lifts. Since it was after hours they didn't run into anyone. They got out at the Minister's floor and Kingsley led her down the Hall. They went down the hall and made turned the last corner. Sitting at the Minister's secretary's desk was a gray-haired witch. She seemed to be just packing up as if getting ready to leave and Kingsley was about to signal Tonks to go back when the woman looked up and smiled at Kingsley.
"Hello Kingsley," she said. "Can I help you with anything?" she asked.
Kingsley smiled back at her, "Hi Miranda," he said. "I was just showing around my friend Sheila McDowell and thought as a treat I'd let her peak into the Minister's office."
Miranda smiled knowingly, "Something to tell the folks back home?" she asked.
"Yeah," said Tonks in a small town accent. "No one will believe it but I thought it'd be somethin special, ya know."
"Well I shouldn't but a little peek won't hurt," Miranda said. She walked over and opened the door.
Tonks was happy to see she didn't seem to need any spell or unlocking charm to get in.
"Please don't touch anything, the Minister is quite picky about his things," the old witch said.
Tonks stepped into the room while Kingsley stayed and talked to the secretary. Tonks quickly looked around like she was being impressed by the opulence of the office but she did take an extra look at the shelves behind the desk.
Tonks took a few steps in but halted when she noticed the voices behind her stopped. She looked closely at the Cup from where she stood and it certainly looked like the Cup Harry had described. Tonks could tell that the old witch was getting impatient so with one last look around she exited. "Thank you for allowing me in," she said sincerely.
"Your welcome dearie," said Miranda with a smile.
She and Kingsley quickly made their way to the lifts, "See what you needed to see?" he asked.
"Yeah I think so," Tonks replied, "I'll let my friend make that determination though."
"Yeah, a certain dark haired boy with glasses who happens to have a distinctive facial feature," she said as vaguely as possible in case someone over heard.
When they reached the right floor Tonks got off, "Be careful," Kingsley said.
"You know it," replied Tonks, "You too."
Kingsley nodded as the lift doors shut. Tonks quickly made her way back to Abigail's lab where she was met by a worried Remus.
"How'd it go?" he asked as soon as she entered the room.
"Fine Remus," Tonks said. "Did he behave himself?" she asked Abigail.
"Yes," Abigail replied with a chuckle, "Unfortunately he was a perfect gentleman."
Tonks laughed as Remus looked puzzled. "Well thanks for letting him stay here as we did run into someone and explaining why we had an unregistered Werewolf with us would have been a bit much," Tonks said.
Abigail laughed, "Yes I could see how that could have been problematic," she said. "Do you have enough Wolfsbane?" she asked as they got ready to leave.
"I wouldn't want to put you out," Remus said.
"Bollocks," said Abigail.
Tonks laughed as Remus looked shocked at the older witch's language.
She went back to the cabinet she had before and removed a flask and gave it to Tonks. "I can see you're the responsible one," she said with a wink.
Remus shook his had at the implied slight, he knew it was good natured and Tonks' look made him chuckle.
Tonks gave her friend a quick hug, "Take care Abigail," she said. "Things are looking dicier than ever here, I hope you'll keep safe."
"You know I will," The older witch said sincerely. She then came over and gave Remus a big hug too. "Take care of her, she's one special lady," she told him.
Remus smiled, "Don't I know it," he replied.
Taking their leave they made their way to the Apparation point and made their way back to the camp site.
XX
Severus arrived at the Safe House and was greeted by Hestia. "Good Evening Severus," she said with a smile.
"Good evening Hestia," he said in reply.
Hestia took his cloak from him, "Bella is in the parlour," she informed him. She noticed he had a couple of books with him. "I'll leave you two alone," she added with a knowing look.
Snape entered the parlour and saw Bella sitting by the fire in her usual place. She looked up from the book she was reading and smiled at him. Though he didn't smile in return he found that he liked being able to make her smile like she was doing right now.
"Bella," he said in greeting.
"Good Evening Severus," she said in reply.
"I have a couple more books for you," he said as he sat down in the chair next to hers and handed them to her.
Bella took the offered books and glanced at the titles. They were a couple more of the Muggle Romance novels that she had been devouring lately. She raised an eyebrow as she looked at him but only said "Thank you, I'm sure I'll enjoy them."
Snape's voice caught a little, "I, ah, I hope that you do," he replied.
Bella smiled, she had never seen Severus look so uncomfortable and she silently wondered where he got them.
"Tea?" she asked. "Or would you prefer something a bit stronger?"
Severus hesitated, what he really wanted was a large Old Ogden's right now but he didn't think that would be a good idea. "Tea will be fine," he replied.
Bella poured their tea and passed a cup to him. "Biscuit?" she asked as she offered the plate to him. Much to her surprise he took a couple and began to eat them.
"How goes the war?" she asked him.
"Not well I'm afraid. Now that Thicknesse has been Imperiused, the Dark Lord is growing bolder. He will have total control at the Ministry soon," Severus said. He is also furious that he hasn't been able to find you," He added.
The smile left Bella's face and she stared into the fire. " A couple of months ago I wouldn't have cared if he had, now I find myself praying that he does not," she said lowly.
"You? Pray?" asked Snape incredulously.
"Yes, and I'm almost as surprised as you Severus," she said. "But I find comfort in it. It's something I haven't done since the first year of my so called marriage. My prayers weren't answered then but maybe this time they will."
Bella shook herself, "But enough of melancholy things. What else is happening?"
"The Dark Lord is frustrated by the lack of progress in finding Potter," Snape said. "Though Lucius says he has a lead nothing has come of it yet."
"Do you think that boy can really defeat him?" Bella asked intently.
Snape sighed, "To tell you the truth, I don't know. Albus certainly thought so and he gave him some information that supposedly will help him do so," he replied.
"What information?" Bella asked.
"Albus wouldn't share that with me," Snape said sadly. "How he expected me to help when he wouldn't tell me I don't understand. But Albus always had his reasons even if he didn't explain it to anyone else," he added.
Bella looked at Severus closely and saw his inner turmoil. "What about you Severus? What is your hope for the future?"
"Me?" he asked in surprise. Sighing he said lowly, "I don't really know Bella. Long ago through pride and foolishness I made a huge mistake. My arrogance and stupidity coast me that which I had held most dear. I haven't really thought of anything but defeating the Dark Lord since then. I haven't looked past that."
Bella nodded, "Do you want to talk about it?" she asked sincerely.
Severus looked at her and he saw her genuine concern, "Not tonight Bella, maybe someday but not right now."
Bella saw his deep hurt and she understood. "Do you play Chess?" she asked changing the subject.
"I haven't played in a long time," he replied.
"Me neither," she said with a smile. "Want to see who has forgotten the most?"
Snape considered it for a moment and then said with a soft chuckle, "Why not."
Bella smiled wider at him and he felt his heart jump a little at seeing it.
Bella fetched the set and prepared the board for the game, At least for now they had each others company, two broken lost souls amid the turmoil that swirled around them. For now they had a respite from that and could just enjoy the time they spent together.
XX
Tonks and Remus returned to the camp site and were greeted by the others who looked at them expectantly.
"Well is it there?" asked Harry.
"Let me sit down at least," Tonks said with a laugh.
Harry sat back and let out a huge breath of air, trying to control his impatience. Ginny smiled at him and came over, stood behind him and began to massage his shoulders.
Harry closed his eyes and relaxed back into Ginny's loving ministrations. "Thank you Love," he whispered.
"Your welcome," she whispered back as she kissed the top of his head.
Hermione smiled at Ginny who smiled back, both knew how impatient Harry could be and the fact that Ginny could calm him so fast was humorous to Hermione.
The Twins grabbed Butterbeers for everyone except Ginny who declined again. Hermione shot a glance at her but Ginny just shrugged it off, she'd tell everyone about her pregnancy in her own time. Right now she didn't want to put up with all the expected resistance of her staying on the hunt. Her place was with Harry and that's where she intended to stay till it was physically impossible.
Remus and Tonks finally settled in and relaxed.
"Well?" asked Harry.
"I was able to get a look in the Minister's office but only for a brief moment. There is a cup there and it looks like what you described but I wasn't able to look at it close up. The closest I got was maybe ten feet," Tonks said.
Harry nodded, "It certainly seems to be the right Cup. The information we have says that's where it should be and there is a Cup there. The question is how do we get it?" Harry asked.
Remus looked at Harry. "The easiest way is probably the best way," he said. "Do you have your father's cloak?" he asked Harry.
Harry nodded back to him.
"The question then is when is the best time to do it," Remus said. He looked at Tonks, "Do you think Kingsley can get you back into the office?" he asked her.
"I should think so," Tonks replied. "If we do we should wait for a little bit. There was a secretary there who saw us and I don't think we could use the same story twice."
Harry's impatience showed, Remus thought if given the option he would have left right then and tried to get the Cup. Remus caught his eye and Harry saw his expression and knew Remus was reading him correctly. Sighing he relaxed and Ginny began to massage his shoulders and neck again.
"All right Tonks, how soon do you think we could make the attempt?" Harry asked.
"I think we should do it in about a week, not much more and not too soon. Kingsley said that Thicknesse is starting to crack down and He's sure he's been placed under an Imperious curse and it's only a matter of time till Riddle controls the whole Ministry," she said.
Harry had to concede to Tonks' expertise in matters of the Ministry. Though he didn't want to, they'd wait for the week before they tried to get the Cup.
XX
A/N: Harry is disappointed in the letter from Albus, once again he feels the Old wizard has let him down. Ginny is the voice of calm and reason, she knows how to keep Harry in line and focused on what is most important.
And what's with Snape? Can he really be changing?
The Hunters have located what they think is another Horcrux but it's in a pretty inaccessible location and can Kingsley hold out long enough to be an aid to Harry and Tonks.
Plus we have another pregnant Weasley, I sure hope things go smoothly for Sarah and Charlie.
