A Lynx to the Past – Chapter 12 (Living Mistakes Will Cost You)
Marcus had been fuming in anger for the next several hours after the Bulgarian champion had breached the surface. And he wasn't the only one. And it was all because of one person.
Albus with way too many fucking names, Dumbledore.
Marcus had already thought the man had gone looney in his old age. But his mind apparently held no bounds. He was positive that the entire Slytherin house already knew that the man was crazy. An opinion that the other three houses would fight tooth and nail on.
Even Ezio was hissing around Marcus feet. Marcus was positive that his feline had caught on what was going on. And Professor McGonagall looked about to curse the Headmaster until he was blue in the face. And that was a sight that Marcus wanted to witness, and he knew he wouldn't be the only one.
And the reason for his anger and countless others was simple. Hogwarts esteemed Headmaster had thought it fitting that no search for the Beauxbatons' champion and her little sister was necessary. Despite that it was quite evident that the two were missing somewhere in the lake. And apparently Dumbledore thought it was fitting to let them believed missing and dead.
And so, that began a lecture that Marcus may have listened on in.
"Albus, you will have a few things coming if you decide to continue with this lunacy!" McGonagall's voice was low and dangerous.
"Now, Minerva—"
"Don't you Minerva me!" The Transfiguration professor snarled. "You will mount a search for those two girls and I find that you tried to wiggle out of it. You will NOT like the consequences."
"Minerva, you cannot thr—"
"You find that I will and already did! And I know that the Ministry will be behind me as will Beauxbatons. Or have you forgotten your misdeeds concerning Mr. Potter. I will advise you right now, Albus. It won't turn out good for you," Minerva warned.
Marcus didn't have to see the glare from the Headmaster to know it was there. No doubt the man despised being told off, even by his own employees. He knew that some words were probably still being exchanged before he saw McGonagall's green robe flutter as she walked away. He assumed to speak with the Headmistress of Beauxbatons.
And that was when Marcus thought all hell probably broke loose. Because the giant woman that was known as Madame Maxime. And Marcus didn't feel an ounce of pity of whatever rage she was about to release. And he had a strong feeling it was a certain Headmaster.
When it came to trying to hear what the tall woman was yelling, he couldn't understand half of it because of the French accent and how far away they were. He was positive that there were a lot of curses in French as well. But he did catch the ending of her last words.
"If I find that something happened to miss Delacour, your precious country will be after a war."
"Olympe, your champion signed a contract—"
"I'd watch your tongue, Albus! And I believe that her younger sister didn't. I'd keep your wand closely at hand before you do something you'd really regret."
Marcus watched in glee as the old man seemed to lose some color to his face. The Slytherin wondered if that would be enough to force him into action of actually caring for the students. Even though, these two weren't Hogwarts students. They still should have been considered under Hogwarts protection, considering they were guests of the school. But he doubted that the old coot saw it that way.
It wouldn't be till the next few days before Marcus found out what happened. And he knew that the Headmistress of Beauxbatons was probably one of the first to find out. Marcus did wonder how much Dumbledore protested against a search party. And it wasn't like he could go in the lake and ask the creatures. The Selkies would shred him to pieces if he dared to enter their territory. Though that thought was an amusing and intriguing one. The old man would certainly deserve their wrath.
Marcus was sitting in his dorm with Terence by his side. His fingers threading through Ezio's soft, golden fur. He didn't think the feline was asleep, but some days it was hard to tell. Though his ears were perked up as if he was listening.
"Remind me what Madame Maxime said again," Marcus asked his friend.
Terence sniggered, "something along the lines that she can see where Dumbledore's duty is concerning the students. Especially considering his lack of action about Potter and that she wasn't surprised by it."
"So, basically she called him out in front of the entire school."
Terence shrugged, "pretty much. Makes me think she did it intentionally."
"I wouldn't be shocked if she did. I know she's already furious that she has one of her student's death on her mind," Marcus frowned, he wasn't happy about hearing it either.
"But her sister survived," Terence pointed out.
"Just barely," Marcus snapped. "What do you think would happen if McGonagall and Madam Maxime hadn't forced the investigation. Even the Ministry is involved!"
Terence didn't speak for a moment, but he knew what Marcus was getting at. He didn't like the facts either, but there was nothing he could do to change them.
"What about Krum, then? Doesn't that mean he wins the tournament?" Terence asked.
Marcus shook his head, "he's still bound by the contract by the Goblet of Fire. He is still required to participate in the final task. Though its evident that he'll win."
Terence snorted, "and our luck, we'll have a third death on our hands."
Marcus didn't bother replying to that. Krum had already almost crossed on his deathbed once already. And the Bulgarian wouldn't be released from the Hospital Wing for another week or two. And he had already seen what the Beauxbatons' champion looked like, it was very similar to Krum. But the difference was… the French champion had died from her wounds, Krum did not. And her wounds were a lot deeper and more lethal to her body. Even if she had made it back to the surface, she would probably have died within minutes. It didn't matter what potions they had, it would have done no good. The woman definitely didn't deserve the fate she had. And it was a miracle that her sister survived. She had the same wounds as the other two, but it wasn't as bad.
Madame Pomfrey had feared it would be too late for the little sister. The damage was pretty extensive, but the mediwitch was able to heal her. Though her stay in the Hospital Wing was expected to be a bit more extensive than Krum's.
Marcus sighed softly, the Ministry and Dumbledore was just lucky that she hadn't died. At least not yet. The French Ministry couldn't seek retribution for the death of their champion. But the could for the underage witch. But that didn't mean the French government couldn't still press charges against Dumbledore their Ministry.
"Let's just be hopeful that he won't be the fourth," Marcus commented softly.
Marcus was half asleep when he next heard Terence's voice.
"You know they're charging Dumbledore, right?"
"Who the fuck let you in?" Marcus demanded, not even hearing Terence's first words.
Terence smirked, "that would be you, my friend. Don't you remember? You added my magic to the entrance?"
Marcus cursed under his breath. "Since you interrupted my sleep, why are you here?"
"Dumbledore's under investigation."
Marcus eyes widened, "why didn't you say so earlier?"
"I did, you were enjoying your beauty sleep," came Terence sarcastic reply.
Terence had to duck to avoid the curse shot at his head. That didn't stop him from chuckling. Once Terence thought it was safe, he took a seat at Marcus' desk.
"What charges are they pressing?" Marcus asked.
"Neglect and child abandonment," Terence replied.
Marcus' eyebrows shot up. "So, the French Ministry is decided to take a stand and try to punish him and his lack of action."
"The French Ministry is only aiding in the case," Terence corrected.
"Then who?"
"Our Ministry. For Potter," Terence replied.
Ezio's head shot up at Terence words, but acted like he had just jerked awake.
Marcus frowned, it sounded suspicious to him. "Of all times, why now? Why not several months ago?"
"Bones, she's refusing to let Dumbledore sweep the case out. Especially since he never reported that Potter was missing to begin with. And once it finally got out that Dumbledore almost caused a scandal with the French Ministry. She's out for blood," Terence explained.
Marcus made a small humming noise; these events honestly didn't surprise him. He knew that Bones would eventually be out for blood. He had met the woman after all, she wasn't nothing to mess with. But it seemed like Dumbledore's mistake concerning the French witches would actually cost the old man. And Marcus would be rooting for her side for whatever punishment she had decided on.
"That still doesn't do Potter a lot of good, does it?" Marcus commented.
Terence looked unsure, "he may still be alive."
Marcus snorted, "Even if he was, would you really have him return to a place where he is used for his fame? If he's smart, he'll never return. He could actually have a peaceful life and not have to worry about being used as Dumbledore's little weapon."
"Weapon?" Terence asked.
Marcus nodded, "I always had the impression that Dumbledore wanted him for something. Something just don't make sense. I always hear these stories from Gryffindors of Potter constantly risking his life. I had thought it was all made up, these are Gryffindors we're talking about. But then I thought about it, what if all those tales have some truth in them. And we always heard about Potter vanishing the Dark Lord as a babe. I think Dumbledore believes he's still out there and wants Potter to finish him."
"That's really far-fetched, Marcus. Do you realize how crazy that sounds?" Terence said in disbelief.
"And what if it's true?" Marcus pressed.
Terence didn't say anything for a few minutes. "Then, maybe you're onto something with getting Potter far away from here."
"But it's not like I can just find Potter and tell him," Marcus sighed.
"You never know, but it's not like we can go out and search for him. We're still just students. Anyhow, if Bones has anything to say, the old coot will probably be sacked. But nice to actually have a Headmaster that cares for their students. And as a bonus, he'll never had a hold on Potter again," Terence replied.
Marcus' lips twitched, "that will be a day I'd love to see."
"You and me both, mate," Terence laughed, despite the previous tense and serious conversation.
Marcus was waiting impatiently in his old dorm, with Ezio wrapped around his heels.
"You'd think you were a Gryffindor," Marcus snapped out.
Terence only gave him a half glare, "not my fault I misplaced my cloak. And I'm not a fucking Gryffindor! They know no self-preservation skills about freezing to death."
Marcus rolled his eyes, "if you say so. Maybe if you looked up, you would notice it hanging off your bed."
Terence just growled under his breath. But he grabbed the thick green cloak, embroiled with his House Crest. He had half the mind to curse Marcus, but never unsheathed his wand from his holster. "You're a right pain in the ass."
Marcus lips twitched, "and yet you still find my company satisfactory to be around."
"Better than being around a bunch of bootlickers," Terence grumbled.
"Just get a move on, unless you feel like missing the carriages. Which means, that you will be walking in the snow to Hogsmeade. And unlike you, I know how to cast a heating charm," Marcus reprimanded.
Terence glowered at his friend, but he did quicken his pace. That way, he could get out of the Slytherin dorms and make their way to the gates of Hogwarts. He didn't feel like walking through the snow while they were knee deep in March. It wasn't as bad as February, concerning the nipping cold and snow. But it still felt like an arctic to the Slytherin and he rather have the heat of the carriages.
Normally, Terence wouldn't see a reason to brave the cold and snow this early in the year. But Marcus had brought up the conversation of visiting Aberforth Dumbledore, their Headmaster's younger brother. And Terence still clearly remembered their conversation many months ago about getting the entire tale out of the man. He had wanted to visit the man, but with the chaos of the tournament, that conversation was quickly postponed for another time. Terence wasn't sure why Marcus had decided that they needed to visit him during this Hogsmeade trip. He honestly thought it was because Dumbledore had been in rapid fire since last month. Unless Marcus had believed that this visit would leak to the public and they would see who their esteemed Headmaster really was.
Marcus then walked out of the dorm, Ezio following close behind with Terence at the tail. He walked at a quick pace, his cloak fluttering around him.
It wasn't until both Slytherin got out of the carriages that Terence questioned Marcus.
"Are you going to tell me exactly where we're going?"
"Hog's Head," Marcus replied as he glanced down the street.
"Right," Terence muttered under his breath. That didn't stop him from following Marcus as cold air ripped around his face. He slightly shivered in the cold, though heating charms had helped somewhat.
Marcus finally stopped at what looked like an old, rundown inn.
"You're not serious?" Terence questioned out loud.
Marcus growled under his breath, "just get in. You're the one that wanted to hear the story."
Terence frowned as he slowly walked inside and let the door shut behind him. He looked around and was surprised by what he saw. He expected for the entire place to be run down and barely holding together. The inside looked nice enough, wooden tables and chairs spread throughout the room. He wondered why there wasn't more witches and wizards staying here, even to drink. But he assumed that was due to the looks on the outside.
"Marcus, good to see you about," came a gruff voice.
Terence spun around to see someone almost identical to their headmaster.
"Wand down, boy," the man growled.
"Aberforth, pleasant as always. And don't mind him, you know how it is," Marcus greeted.
Aberforth grumbled under his breath.
Terence took some moments to study the man. He definitely looked old, but not enough to be Dumbledore's age. His beard wasn't as long or as white. His hair was actually brown with hints of grey, but his face looked very similar to Dumbledore. He definitely didn't have that annoying twinkle in his eyes and maybe a different shade of blue. He didn't think the man looked too friendly, but he wasn't going to go back into the cold.
"I see you brought your pesky feline with you," Aberforth muttered.
Marcus smirked, "as if he would go anywhere without me."
Aberforth rolled his eyes but didn't argue against the statement. But he went behind his bar and brought both Marcus and Terence a butterbeer and a small glass filled with milk.
Ezio's nose immediately when to the air, smelling a new scent. Though he went to the glass in an instant.
Aberforth pulled a chair up to where Terence and Marcus decided to sit. "You come to tell me why you decided to stop by? I doubt it was to stop for a drink when the Three Broomsticks is closer."
"A story that you had told me a year or two ago," Marcus said.
Aberforth frowned, "I see. And that stupid newspaper has nothing to do with this?"
Marcus shrugged, "Some. As you said before, people need to know the truth. And it helps spread more if more than one person knows it."
Aberforth snorted in disbelief but didn't say another word for a few minutes. "The day this world believes my brother isn't the hero they think he is will be a day not too soon."
"Agreed," Marcus commented.
"Then the first thing you will need to know is that Albus and I had a younger sister," Aberforth started.
Terence was about to question him, but that was before he felt a sharp sting to his hand. And he knew that was Marcus warning him not to say anything yet.
"Not that Albus every cared about her, he was too focused on his own schemes. He saw her more as a hinderance to them, especially after he met Grindelwald."
"Grindelwald? The dark wizard?" Terence asked.
Aberforth gave a grim nod, "that was before any of us would know the devastation that he would cause to the muggle world and our own. And at that time, my brother was following beside him. They had the belief that they should rule over muggles and that they had no place in this world."
Terence eyes were wide with horror. He was going to a school that was practically hosting a replica of Voldemort. He had no like for muggles, but even he knew better to believe such a philosophy.
"Our sister's magic had been unstable since she was attacked by muggles. There was a fight between me, my brother, and Grindelwald. He had always believed in for the greater good nonsense. I tried to make him see sense, what he was doing to Ariana for his ideals. A duel started and the next thing we know is Ariana is dead on the ground. Grindelwald fled at that point and my brother's thirst for power began," Aberforth talked slowly, talking about the death of his sister still pained him.
"What made him want to finally confront Grindelwald?" Terence asked.
"That was nothing but a ploy for more power. He knew that there was a war going on and wanted nothing to do with it. But the war was getting in the way of his plans. But he eventually got his wish too, after he disarmed Grindelwald, the wizarding world proclaimed him a hero. And Grindelwald isn't even dead, he is currently locked away in his own prison in Nurmengard. My brother uses people as a tool and when they're not needed, he tosses them away."
"And that's why he stays as Headmaster and won't take position of Minister?" Terence finally asked. He had been silent for a while, almost unable to process what he was being told.
Aberforth nodded, "why take a position when he's already in a high position of power. He has the power to shift people minds the way he wants. He won't give that up. Taking up the Minister's roles means he loses his power. It's all about how he controls people and he won't give that up."
"How hasn't he been removed?" Terence asked.
"Would you have believed this if you had heard it?" Aberforth asked.
Terence shook his head.
"You only believe what you want to hear. My brother has so many twisted around, the moment you bad mouth about him, you're likely to face a wand to the face," Aberforth grumbled. "Now if you boys are finally finished being nosy, get some more drinks before you head back. You'll need it before heading back to that hell you call a school."
"Much appreciated, Ab," Marcus commented.
All Marcus and Terence heard were grumbles, but they didn't reject having more Butterbeer. It would be a long trek back to the carriages.