The Hunt
10 Years Ago
Dumbledore sat in his office silently musing about the events this week. The cloudy sky with an unbroken layer of grey reflected the gloom within the magical community. He looked at the Daily Prophet lying on the table
"Auror Thomson promises vengeance" The headline screamed with the picture of auror Thomson in the paper. He was wearing a navy blue robe which was neatly ironed with his shiny 'MoM' badge pinned on the left side. He was tall and brawny with blue eyes and neatly trimmed moustache. He appeared to be scrowling at the photographer.
Most of the magical community felt that the daily prophet had gone overboard with the constant hype around the Thomson family attack. But anyone who knew Auror Thomson personally would vouch for today's headline. No one touches an auror family. NO ONE.
It was just a month ago when Auror Thomson's family -his wife and two kids-were kidnapped by the 'shadow death eaters'. Since according to the ministry, all the death eaters were in azkaban,the ministry could not openly admit that the kidnapping was done by the death eaters who evaded prison. So the ministry told the press that these kidnappers were followers of you-know-who from other countries. But not all were convinced. The media coined the term 'Shadow death eaters'.Thomson was highly regarded as the best in business often known for his ruthless torture sessions for extracting information out of criminals. His success rate was so high that it propelled him as the deputy head of the Auror department in record time. In the last few months, Mr Thomson had visited Azkaban several times to force the death eaters to give more names and testify against them. The rumour mill suggested that the arresting of more death eaters would make him the front runner for the position of Auror department head, once Mr. Roger William retires this year. Auror John Thomson was widely respected within the ministry for his no-nonsense and sometimes un-ethical approach towards people who were accused of being death eaters which was in sharp contrast to Auror William's weaker approach of abiding by the rulebook.
Perhaps this might be the reason that some death eaters decided to kidnap Mrs Thomson and their two sons aged 2 and 3. The death eaters had planned to hold the family as ransom against the release of the death eaters trapped in azkaban. As soon as the news of kidnapping reached the ministry, Auror teams were formed for the rescue ...After a long day of battle where both sides sustained casualties, Mrs Thomson along with her elder son David managed to escape. But tragedy struck when the youngest kid Noel Thomson was hit by a killing curse during the rescue operation. On seeing his beloved son fall, Auror Thomson went on a rampage killing every single death eater on the scene not even bothering to retain anyone for investigation.
After a week of mourning, the ministry sprung into action by investigating the kidnapping and eventual murder. The initial evidence suggested that Malcolm Renniston was the leader of the death eater group who planned the kidnapping. All the kidnappers including Renniston were killed in the rescue mission. But it was almost certain that he could not have accomplished the feat without outside help. All fingers pointed to Mr Lucius Malfoy who was close friends with Renniston. The auror department interrogated Malfoy several times for his involvement in the kidnapping. But Mr Malfoy had already hired the best defence Wizard in business for his case and evaded the ministry. With huge amount of gold , Malfoy even managed to keep the press quiet.
But that was going to change today. Because today Thomson was set to join back to duty. Thomson wanted Revenge. The ministry too wanted to send out a message that no one can touch the family member of an auror and who better to send out that message than Thomson ? But the ministry couldn't fathom the repercussions of giving Mr Thomson the charge for the case...
Dumbledore sat on the chair looking at the clock impatiently. Fudge was late by 15 minutes. He was never late for a meeting with the headmaster. His Patronus message was vague requesting for a meeting urgently. Dumbledore wondered what help he needed considering Malfoy was no match for the entire force of the ministry. The staircase gargoyle turned announcing the arrival of Cornelius Fudge.
"Good evening Minister" Dumbledore greeted him warmily but Fudge did not smile. He looked absolutely stressed with his fingers flexing continuously signalling his nervousness.
" I am afraid its not a good evening Dumbledore! it is a Nightmare !" muttered Fudge as he took his seat
" What happened Cornelius?" inquired Dumbledore with curiosity piquing up.
Fudge nervously shifted in his seat, his eyes darting towards the open windows and portraits of older headmasters. Sensing the uneasiness, Dumbledore flicked his wand. The windows closed instantly and all the portraits were covered with curtains. Fudge looked at Dumbledore gratefully who smiled at him.
" I should have never given Thomson the case Dumbledore...Malfoy..Thomson...Big mistake... I should have known he wouldn't be able to handle it ...All my mistake.." heaved Fudge.
" I warned you Cornelius..Thomson's methods are the same as that of death eaters or so I hear..." replied Dumbledore
"Of course not! Death eaters and aurors are not the same" Said Fudge defensively "maybe we need a strict hand to rein in the death eaters...I mean usually that works ...but today NO...certainly not today..."
"What happened today?" pressed on Dumbledore whose deep blue Eyes were piercing through Fudge.
"well you know that Malfoy is a prime suspect in the kidnapping case but his defense wizard had provided sufficient alibi and evidence to prove Malfoy's innocence. I personally do believe he is innocent.. " said Fudge making Dumbledore wonder why he had a change of heart for Malfoy. Afterall it was common knowledge that Malfoy had a hand in the Thomson kidnapping Saga.
" But John... John felt that Malfoy was behind Noel's death...and when John gets angry...nasty temper...he always had that...But stil... can't believe him...to the lengths he went for revenge... But he lost his son ...Son ! Dumbledore... surely that is something that can make a man crazy... "continued Fudge incoherently looking at Dumbledore support.
Dumbledore had a feeling that something horrible was going to happen or maybe it had happened ...Maybe Thomson killed Malfoy ...
"So the auror team lead by John went to Malfoy Manor for investigation... we had lost quite a few of our aurors in the rescue side ...both Dennis and Ricky are dead...Miss Jennings paralyzed ...obviously auror department felt Malfoy should be punished for it..."ranted Fudge with a hint of desperation in his voice . It was almost as if he was trying to justify his department and ministry even though Dumbledore didn't understand why the justification was needed .
"Did Malfoy accept his involvement in the crime ?" asked Dumbledore mildly interested.
"Oh no ...Malfoy have nothing to do with it .." replied Fudge unconvincingly
"You see ...Auror John Thomson and his team went to Malfoy Manor to question him ... Mr Malfoy has not changed his statement despite... despite what happened" Fudge said..there was tension in the air now.. Dumbledore noticed his change in demeanor.
"Go on Minister" prompted Dumbledore
" But..well they might have got carried away with the interrogation... nasty temper...John has that problem...when Malfoy refused to coperate with the team they threatened the Malfoy kid.. She might have got a bit scared by the aurors..." now Fudge was looking face had gone pale white now. He was struggling to find the right words.
" She turned..turned into an obscurial" whispered Fudge.
Dumbledore felt as though someone had splashed a bucket of ice cold water on him. He was shocked ...another obscurial ..another Ariana... He felt the memories flashing in his mind...his little sister...who he killed...The office windows flew open on its own and Fudge could see the storm brewing in Dumbledore's eyes. The magic was radiating from Dumbledore making Fudge nervous. Dumbledore knew...he knew what happened..Fudge had no doubt about it. He was a smart man. Thomson should run if he wants to live. Because at that moment Dumbledore looked murderous.
Was it the right decision to consult Dumbledore ? Would he understand the situation or rat him out to the press ? It was not his fault that Thomson decided to take it out on the girl to make Malfoy talk. He did not authorise torturing little girls but Thomson he was known for his ... forceful techniques to make people talk... Fudge felt uncomfortable in his line of thoughts..even he could not deny that he had turned a blind eye on many questionable methods of his deputy head Auror...But it was the need of the hour..wasn't it? Torture a death eater family so that they give them the information needed... it was for the greater good.. . to keep the magical community safe...a small price to pay... Fudge justified himself in his mind.
" where is Thomson.. In azkaban I hope?" asked Dumbledore with cold fury in his voice. Fudge knew this was coming up...
" of course we have initiated an enquiry against him...he is in ministry custody.. But you have to understand that he lost his son.."
" That is no justification for the vile deed" cut in Dumbledore
" No..no... I agree.. He will be punished.. But we have more pressing matters at hand,.Dumbledore..the girl..her magic has not subdued...we took her to the isolation chamber in St Mungo but we still require aurors to control her magic.. We need your help..she wont be able to last much longer with the amount of magic she is radiating.." fidgeted Fudge
Dumbledore narrowed his eyes at the minister. So that why he came...
" Usually when the obscurial magic is out of control, we terminate them... but under the present circumstances... You know we can't...since this is a special case I was wondering whether you would be able to subdue her magic by making a stronger portion...you are the expert in the matter.." asked Fudge nervously hoping that Dumbledore would agree.
Narcissa Malfoy had tried to kill him twice as soon as he arrived at the Manor after hearing about the incident. Fudge had to use every bit of his diplomatic ability to convince her that he was there to help.
"This is all your fault my child ...my Estella...you have been trying to kill all the purebloods...you bastard..."wailed Narcissa as she tried to strangle Fudge for the second time since his arrival. Fudge managed to convince her that he would save her child ...He will make sure that the obscurial was treated..and not killed as per the ministry protocol. In addition to that, he also promised immunity to Lucius Malfoy in the Thomson case... A deal was struck. Going public with this incident would warrent killing of the girl. ..Her magic was out of control. And he had threatened Lucius with azkaban sentence... But the Malfoys knew his weak spot...being the minister was his lifelong dream. To lose his job over this scandal would be a shame.. Fudge couldn't let the public know about the this... a six-year-old traumatized by his most renowned team of aurors . This would be a PR Nightmare for him. The magical community will revolt against him ...The girl had to live if the malfoys were to hold their end of the bargain...That meant he needed the old man.. Dumbledore must be convinced.
"I am not going to help the ministry cover up this inhuman act " said Dumbledore with a tone of finality
Fudge sighed..He knew this was coming. But he was prepared with the response.
"Dumbledore ...! You know what happens if this gets out..Do you want to put a six-year-old in a media trial.. Daily prophet will have a fields day over this... Obscurial daughter of a death eater..the next threat to humanity... she will be an outcast ...our society will never let her live ...we are not denying her justice. We will punish Thomson. I promise you that but a magical trial ...you know how it gets with memory inspection , health checks ,witness cross questioning...it takes months or maybe years to complete... do we want the child to relive this day everyday for the trial... " questioned Fudge trying to sound as sincere as possible.
Dumbledore took a deep breath trying to calm himself. Fudge had thought about this. Even if his intention to save the girl was purely based on his selfishness, Fudge had a point. Letting the world know about what happened will not undo what was done. Obscurials were viewed as threats within magical community like werewolves,giants,vampires...Anything different was a threat... Especially an obscurial who lost control. The wizengamot will kill her... Dumbledore could see the case unfolding in the court..The best auror who lost his son against the death eater family...Auror Thomson against an obscurial...Her case would be weakened by her family background... Fudge would put the weight of the ministry behind the aurors if it comes to that.
"What do you plan on doing with Thomson and his team?" asked Dumbledore. It was clear to Fudge that his answer will determine whether Dumbledore will help him or not.
"I will make sure that the entire team gets fired , Dumbledore. And Malfoy is not the one to keep quiet...I daresay he has plans once this is over.." said Fudge. Dumbledore arched his eyebrow at Fudge. The minister of magic was willing to let Malfoy go after the aurors rather than doing it himself. Dumbledore knew Fudge never took tough decisions..always being diplomatic and hoping that the problem would solve itself...But Malfoy would kill Thomson and go to azkaban or the other way round...either way it was a win win situation. But he would think about that later. Someone needed his help right now.
"We need to make an extra potent squibsical potion for Miss Malfoy. I dont know whether she will survive the effect but we can try" said Dumbledore gravely.
Fudge relaxed visibily as Dumbledore finally relented. He had won this battle but the war was far from over.
XXX XXX XXX
Present Day
The smoke from the potion turned from grey to golden just as Severus Snape added few drops of Unicorn blood to it. He stirred it in the anti clockwise direction.
"almost ready.." he muttered to himself looking at his finest work. He thoughts wandered to Estella, his favourite student ... the only student who was worthy enough to be taught... the only one who appreciated that art of potion making. he looked over the receipe given by Dumbledore to him for the extra potent squibsical potion. Dumbledore had tweaked the actual receipe to add moonseeds and dried deadlyus mushrooms which were only used for the Drink of Despair. The ingredients gave the liquid an emerald shade.
"The boy must die .." Dumbledore had told him calmily. Snape growled in frustration. Dumbledore had used him..he had lied to the dark lord...spied for him..put himself in mortal danger..all for Lily's boy... everything he did was for her.. when he agreed to come to Hogwarts to teach, he was always be reminded of her...it was torture for him...every corridor reminded him of their time together..how they used to chat in classrooms...she was his potions partner...together they were the best..Snape felt his eyes tearing up...everything would be perfect if n for Potter... she was the light of his life ...love of his is life... but she left him for that worthless Potter... He hated Potter as much as he loved Lily. He never forgot her ...Hogwarts always reminded him of her...those blazing green eyes that he thought he will never see... somehow after 11 long years he saw those eyes in her son...but he also saw James Potter in him..reminding him of his failure...But he had put his ego aside to save Lily Evans' son.
The potion started emitting pink fumes signalling that it was almost ready. Snape felt someone watching him and looked over to see Dumbledore looking at him jovialy.
"I knew you were the best man for the job...the potion looks marvelous ..Can't have made a better one myself " appreciated Dumbledore as he walked over to the cauldron to inspect the potion. Snape didn't reply ,simply feeling disgusted by his presence. Dumbledore met his gaze and sighed
"You didn't come to the order meeting" Dumbledore began but he was rudely cut off by Snape
"I resign Dumbledore ...once Estella is safe I am out of the Hogwarts "
Dumbledore looked at the man before him..his anger unmistakable.. His love for Lily had made him spy on Voldemort, a deed that made him the most valuable and bravest order member.
"And then what ? ..You go back to being a death eater killing people? supporting the murderer of your one true love ? "asked Dumbledore hitting a nerve. Snape looked murderous but Dumbledore continued.
"he killed her even though you had asked him to spare her .He could have done that but he murdered Lily..He had a choice but he killed her"
"Stop" Snape pleaded
"But how did he find Lily?what made him go after her?... a prophecy ...Prophecy words carried to him by his loyal death eater ..."carried on Dumbledore. Snape cracked unable to take it anymore. The truth that he was instrumental in killing Lily had haunted him for the past 15 years.
"help me severus! help me to bring Voldemort down... avenge Lily's death" implored Dumbledore.
"By killing her boy ?" Snape asked tartly, his bloodshot eyes reflecting the pain.
" You think you are the only one who cares for him?" Dumbledore asked ignoring Snape's sneer.
"I have watched Harry turn from an innocent young boy to the brave young man we know. I care about him as much as you do. Do you think it pains me any less thinking that my favourite pupil has to die? No Severus, I have researched every other way to save Harry. I even appointed you to teach me him occulmency to block Voldemort.. But I failed Severus..there is no other way" said Dumbledore. There was immense sadness in his voice. Dumbledore looked defeated at that moment. Snape knew this was not an easy decision for the headmaster.
" He is pathetic in occulmency" said Snape
"No he is not...but a soul connection is too strong to be broken... even though Voldemort is blocking his mind from Harry ,the part of him within Harry is gaining momentum ever since Voldemort rose to power...Today's events give credit to my theory that Harry is unable to control the soul within him " added Dumbledore gravely.
" So... you saying that Potter tried to kill Estella?" asked Snape disbelievingly.
" I am not sure ...but whatever happened , it is not something Harry would do in his senses... I believe that when he becomes emotionally weak and vulnerable succumbing to his anger, the horcrux within him is able to dictate his actions... he feels extreme anger and possibly greed and lust towards power..In time he will be taken over by it " Snape listened to Dumbledore,his face looking more and more worried.
"Greed over power? ..I agree that the boy is an arrogant prat..just like his father... absolutely mediocre...but not a death eater ! Dumbledore I feel we are not talking about the same person" replied Snape tartly
"But that is precisely the point. He has two souls in a single body. Harry who will die to protect his loved ones and the Voldemort who loves nothing but power"
"Dumbledore... can't believe that you are so calm about this" muttered Snape
"Do we have a choice ?" said Dumbledore simply.
"But there must be a way... a way to save him"
"This is touching Severus. Have you grown to care for the boy after all"asked Dumbledore seriously
"For him?" shouted Snape
"Expecto patronum " From the tip of his wand a silver doe burst out. She landed on the classroom floor and soared out of the window.
"After all this time?"
"Always"
Dumbledore remained silent allowing Snape to wipe the tears from his eyes.
"Even if we try to save Harry,he would end his life when he realises that he is turning into Voldemort. He will die to protect his loved ones rather than live as a threat to them. He is Lily's son after all" said Dumbledore gravely.
The words stabbed Snape like a knife across his heart as he sank further to his chair. Despite his obvious loathing for Potter, there were moments when he had shown the same courage and selflessness as his mother... and he was as foolish has his father ...Hopeless combination..sighed Snape
The portion started emitting Indigo steams .Dumbledore took out a vial from his pocket and poured four drops into it. Snape looked at him questioningly.
"Vitriol ..makes it more potent" explained Dumbledore.
Gone were the days when he would trust Dumbledore. Snape sprang up on his feet walking to the potion.
"You are mixing the draught of despair to the squibsical potion..she won't survive this" shouted Snape maliciously.
"You underestimate the girl... this won't be the first time she survived the mixture "said Dumbledore remniensing about the last time she was given this potion. It was a much milder version that time since her magic was weak as a child. But still she had survived surprising everyone including him.
"Her magic has gone overboard ...too Powerful ...the only other way is if you let the ministry come in... we both know that is not an option "
"You don't leave many options Dumbledore"
"Obscurial magic gets out of control when someone faces an emotional trauma but when the same trauma is magnified tenfold ,the magic starts to suppress" said Dumbledore seriously
"Are you planning to kill her or sent her to St Mungo's in Longbottom ward?" asked Snape sarcastically making Dumbledore glare at him
"Certainly not ! I am not Bellatrix nor do I plan to be...the potion might inhibit her magical ability for the time being but it will not last forever ...but the first two hours are crucial...It is absolutely necessary that she fights... her will to live must be preserved "replied the headmaster.
"I do not understand "replied Snape looking confused.
"As you have rightly guessed. the portion is mixed with the drink of despair..Obscurials experience a traumatic incident that cause them to lose control over the magic in their childhood. The potion makes them relive their most traumatic experience with hightened emotions thereby breaking their magical ability. "
"But that will set off the obscurial magic". Interjected Snape
"No it will not ...you see obscurials are always created after they endure a trauma...not during the trauma... children get so scared that they are paralyzed with fear, unable to use the magic to fight when it happens ...only after it happens the magic burst out of them because they feel it's over ...the fear receeds and magic takes over...that is why obscurials are made out of children. Adults react differently and more quickly than them"concluded Dumbledore
"But Estella is an adult now she will turn 17 in a few months " countered Snape
" Indeed she does.. but the traumatic childhood...is still alive in her memory...A memory so potent that it can paralyse her and suppress her magic " said Dumbledore gravely .He felt sick at himself. To save her, he was going to let her relieve the memory which was worse than death for the second time... last time he had given a mild portion since she was a child and the Magic was not so strong ...a child who felt only the pain and not the humiliation that came with it ...But what choice did he have? It was this or letting her die...
Snape felt as though he would vomit. He could feel the acid rising up to his throat.
"She wouldn't survive this"Snape supplied weakly.
"which is why her will to live... to fight ...is crucial...she must not give up... no matter how painful it is ,as soon as the magic starts to suppress itself - it will attack her. If she feels it's better to die, then nothing can save her from the obscurial magic. Which is why I was hoping to get Narcissa Malfoy in the castle. A mother's love knows no bounds. She can get through to Ms Malfoy..she has done it once "said Dumbledore confidently
"I had send a patronus to Narcissa as soon as I got the message but no response Dumbledore. Even Draco has no idea where is mother is" supplied Snape looking worried
The whole of Hogwarts knew that Estella was Cursed by Potter. But madam Pomfrey had not allowed any visitors and they had so far manged to keep the obscurial magic within the isolation chamber. So all the students including Draco was under the impression that Estella was hit with a particularly nasty beehive curse which caused her body to be filled with hives. After Katie Bell, they didn't need another news of Hogwarts student in death bed... that too with Potter as the attacker. After assuring Draco that his sister was fine and recovering well but needed privacy for applying the antitode over her entire body, Draco sat outside the hospital wing screaming obstinacies at Potter.
"please inform your mother about this. She might want to come" implored Snape
"But you said it was a minor hex and she will be back within a week" retorted Draco looking worried
"Yes it is nothing but it is School policy to inform the parents "said Snape placidly.
"she's out of country with aunt Bella and...Dark lord" whispered Draco looking fearful.
Snape was taken aback by this information. Bellatrix had left with Voldemort a few months back. He hadn't seen her after that ,even though still the Dark Lord had ordered death eater meetings frequently. Now it seems like Narcissa was also taken by the Dark lord. He wondered what secret mission they embarked upon but no one questioned Voldemort. With Narcissa out of the country ,there was no way they could bring her to the castle by midnight without alerting the Dark Lord. Dumbledore agreed it was too risky. Estella's secret should never reach Voldemort's ears. An obscurial in the hands on their enemy was a risk no one was willing to take.
"We could use Draco.." began Snape
"He doesn't know that his sister is an obscurial... He thinks she is weak ...a squib... I would like to keep it that way ...the lessor the number of people who know, the better for her... especially since Draco has taken Lucius's place in the death eater ring" shot back Dumbledore
"he wouldn't rat her out"
" no..he wouldn't..not willingly.." agreed Dumbledore
"But he has been awfully close to bellatrix and Carrows... a slip of tongue can occur after all... She is his aunt... there is a reason why his parents kept the secret from him" said Dumbledore.
Snape did not argue. Draco was at his grandparents' manor the day Estella was attacked. Being the male heir, he was always dotted upon by his grandfather...if only he had taken both his grandchildren on that night things would have been so different.
" So ..what are we going to do? " asked Snape as he nervously looked at the clock. It was late into the night..They hardly had 3 hours before Estella's body starts to weaken and the magic bursts out killing her and wrecking havoc in its trail.
Dumbledore appeared to be lost in deep thought. He took a deep breath..
"We can ask Harry to give the potion to her" said Dumbledore so calmily that Snape was convinced he was trying to kill both of them in a single shot.
" Potter! the boy who attacked her? Have you lost it?" bellowed Snape
" Oh no. Severus...Harry was able to carry her to the hospital wing with no serious injuries.. Even the burn marks disappeared on its own..Poppy was shocked to say the least... " said Dumbledore smilingly. Snape knew that Estella had accompanied Harry to the minsitry last year. He was the one who had noticed that Umbrige was turning blonde in the hospital wing as the polyjuice potion effect started wearing off. He rushed to inform Dumbledore who swiched Estella with the real Umbridge and managed the fiasco without warranting unwanted attention. But with the engagement of Zabini-Malfoy, Snape had thought the the teenagers had finally came back to senses and broken up for good. He even refrained from making a comment about it to either of them. 'Coz a Slytherin with a Griffindor was a disaster in making. No one ever had a happy ending including him.
"They are still...still.."Snape didnt want to complete the sentence.
"I believe dating is the word you are looking for.."
Snape simply glared.
" I don't think they are dating currently. But love is not so simple ,Is it Severus? You need not be with someone to love them" said Dumbledore with his blue eyes twinkling.