Disclaimer: see Prologue
AN: Sorry for the very long wait. And remember it´s an AU story. Some characters are in different positions compared to the books.
The pairings: Cassie/Luc, Siri/Sev, Fred/Luna, George/Blaise, Nev/Susan, Dray/Gin, Herm/Ron (not mentioned but there).
Beta:
'Thoughts'
Journal
Chapter 9: New rules at Hogwarts, Black vs Lestrange, Say what now?!
Severus leaves Gringotts after seeing his former godson humiliate himself, again. That boy is living in a dream world. Walking down the Alley he goes into Flourish and Blotts for a moment. Maybe the book he ordered has arrived? Of course not. Checking the time he walks to the nearest Apparation point and heads back to Hogwarts. The Board of Governors has called a meeting with the staff, of course Lucius would not mention it when they were at the Manor.
Hogwarts
Walking up the lane with Hagrid Severus wonders what changes this meeting will bring. Dumbledore is under arrest, the Minister as well. There has to be changes at least at the school, the Ministry will handle itself. Hopefully it will include a competent person teaching DADA.
Meeting Filius in the courtyard Severus allows Hagrid to walk ahead. The tiny Professor is not amused to be called back like this. He´s followed the news about Dumbledore and the mess with the *Boy*-Who-Lived.
As Pomona and Sinistra is sitting at the Ravenclaw table the rest joins them. Poppy takes a seat next to Severus. She is the last of the staff arriving but there is another person standing at the doors. Hit wizard Sirius Black. A murmur starts up when the rest notice him.
Sirius is as confused as the teachers but joins them at the table. He´ll find out soon enough why he´s here.
"Hello Sirius. What are you doing here?" Stunned silence fills the hall. Severus addressing Sirius Black calmly? Has the world ended? Severus can feel Minerva staring at him from her seat.
"Hello. I have no idea what they want me here for. But we´ll find out in a moment." Sirius is a bit surprised but they have agreed to a truce so responds in kind.
The Governors joint hem before any more is said. Lucius gives both Sirius and Severus a look that tells them things are serious but not in a bad way.
"Ah, good. That´s everyone?" Minerva nods and Madam Marchbanks continues. "Due to the situation with Mr. Dumbledore we decided to call all of you here instead of only the Heads of House. Mr. Dumbledore has, due to the revelations been removed as Headmaster. It´s not believed that he will be able to resume his position."
She pauses and looks at the teachers, they don´t seem to be surprised. But the next part should surprise them.
"It has been decided to add new classes and several new teachers have been interviewed and hired. They will be here two weeks before term starts to prepare classrooms and private quarters. Any teachers who wishes to change classrooms or quarters need to make it known." She is cut off by several gasps. Giving them a moment to get it out she clears her throat. Silence fills the hall.
"Mr. Dumbledore will be replaced by Professor Minerva McGonagall. Professor Flitwick will you accept the position of Deputy Head?" She looks to the small man who nods in response.
"Good, Headmistress McGonagall will choose a new Head of Gryffindor. As you all have noticed there is a guest here. Hit wizard Black has been asked here for a reason. Mr. Black due to the reoccurring assaults and other instances of chaos here at Hogwarts we, the Governors, have decided to get security for the school. The position is you're if you are able to fill it." Madam Marchbanks says while the staff gape at the Governors. Except Severus who suspected something like this. You don´t ask a hit wizard to come unless something needs to be protected or killed.
"What authority would I have?" A stunned Sirius asks, this is not what he expected. But it is tempting, he can protect Cassie a lot better if he´s here. And maybe Severus will be amendable to a better relationship between them. This must have been what the Council hinted about.
"The only one you would answer to would be the Headmistress." Minerva was very clear on that point when agreeing to become Headmistress.
"I have no doubt that Minerva has the students best in mind at all times. However with the situation as it is I would feel better if everyone here was checked for tampering. I will need to speak with my boss but he will probably give a positive answer. Protecting the future of the wizarding world is rather important." Sirius answers even as he starts going over the current caseload in his mind. He can´t see a reason for a negative response.
"I will make arrangements for that. I will accept the wards today and see what needs to be done." Minerva responds even as she fears this will cause even more chaos in the wizarding world.
Sirius nods and stepping outside he sends his patronus to his boss. The response is immediate and positive to having him stationed at Hogwarts. Returning to the Hall he gives the positive news to the Headmistress.
Madam Marchbanks gives out the packet with information about the new classes and a short bio about the new teachers and the accomplishments. The rest of the Governors spreads out amongst the teachers to answer any questions. Lucius, Severus and Sirius ends up at the end of the table. Severus gives Lucius a look and the blond raises an eyebrow at his friend.
"It was decided all teachers was to be present when the information was given. To minimize the risk of rumours starting." Lucius says before leaving as Pomona and Filius joins their group. Minerva joins them a moment later. Sirius is soon on the outside as the four have a discussion composed of some kind of shorthand.
"Mr. Black." the sharp tone jerks him out of his thoughts and back to the Great Hall. Minerva is staring at him with a very familiar look. He shakes his head before giving the others a smile.'
"Sorry, I was lost in thought." He apologizes. A snort from his left causes him to turn and give Severus a light glare.
"If you have the time now we can discuss what you wish to do to shore up security here. My office?" Minerva says as she shakes her head at the two. She never thought to see this, their feud is well known. Hmm… she´ll have to ask Sirius about the change. He´ll at least give her a straight answer.
"This should have happened a long time ago." Pomona says as they watch Minerva leave with Sirius. Agreeing hums comes from the two men with her. Pomona turns back to the packet and blinks at one of the new classes but more at the new teacher. Well, this will end in tears. She can see that Severus and Filius notices it as well.
"You two have decided to bury the hatchet I take it." Rolanda says as she joins them. A black glare and the Potions Master stalks out and presumably down into the dungeons.
Severus goes to his quarters and opens his journal to a message from Cassie.
Sev,
Did you know Lucius breeds white peacocks?
Cassie
The question is so out there that he snorts with laughter. Yes, he knows that.
Heads office
Minerva and Sirius spends some time writing the request to the DOM and Gringotts to get teams to check and clean out any infestations found. And also to do a full check on the teachers.
"Do you believe that he tampered with us?" Minerva asks as the message is sent with a school owl.
Sirius looks at his hands and contemplates his answer. He knows that his gut says one thing but his mind says another. He can´t give her an answer so he shrugs.
He then explains the additions he wants to add to the entrances to the school. A ward that will send an alert to him, Minerva and anyone she feels needs to know. She nods, it makes sense to her.
"I will need to go to the ward stone and accept the wards." Frowning she stops and looks around. Sirius draws his wand in case there is something wrong. "Where is that blasted bird?" That´s when Sirius realizes Fawkes is missing. A blast of fire and the magnificent firebird sits on the desk. He sings and a glow envelops Minerva. She gasps, trembles and then her legs gives out. Sirius lunges and manages to avoid her head hitting the ground.
He lays her down and sends a patronus to Poppy. The medi witch joins them shortly before the Scot stirs and a torrent of Gaelic erupts. The woman is furious. It´s then Sirius knows the old man really screwed with the teachers.
The fire flares and a man´s head floats there. He´s part of the DOM cleansing team. Minerva opens the floo for them, as soon as they see Poppy they stun her and sends a message to Gringotts to add healers to the curse breaking teams coming.
"Mr. Black the battle wards have been activated. As soon as the curse breakers and cleansers gone over the areas we discussed you can place the ward we talked about." Minerva says even as she struggles with the returned memories and additional magic she has after the bindings were removed. A Hogwarts House-elf pops up with a potion. She recognises it and excuses herself.
Hit wizard HQ
Listening to the report from the teams sent to Hogwarts Augustus Rookwood sighs. It´s even worse than they thought. Copying the report he sends it through a Gringotts box to the information drop used by the Council.
Malfoy Manor
Cassie and her relatives are lounging in the sun, they have talked and talked about what was done to them. Their relationship may be better but they will always remember what happened between them.
Cassie watches her Aunt, something is of more than just having their world turned upside. Vernon is also watching his wife, something is rubbing her the wrong way.
"What did he gain from having you with us. There has to be more than just the Prophecy." Petunia asks as she turns to her family. Cassie frowns and tries find an answer.
"Money. I have a trust vault and several family vaults. But he could only access my trust vault. I need to speak with the goblins." Cassie sighs, the hell didn´t she thinks about this. Probably because she´s conditioned not to think about things like this.
"You think him?" Dudley asks even as he suspects he already knows the answer.
"Yes." Cassie and Vernon answers at the same time.
Standing Cassie heads into the Manor. Lucius should be back by now. If anyone knows the best way to deal with their suspicions. Walking through the Manor she wonders what else they will realise as they unravel his nets of lies.
Checking in the library, his office and the sitting room Cassie sighs. He is not home. Snapping her fingers a house elf pops up. Asking about Lucius she gets confirmation that he is not expected home until evening. Deciding to grab her journal she stares at the messages from Sirius. Huh, he´ll be at Hogwarts and Professor McGonagall is the Headmistress. Responding to a few messages from the others she snorts at the twins rant about their brother. Ronald has no idea what he´s done and the consequences of it. On a brighter note it seems Neville´s Uncle had an accident and will be bedridden for the foreseeable future.
Hogwarts
All teachers have been checked and all of them have been be spelled and potioned, the only one not potioned is Severus. Not unsurprising as he is a Potions Master. Vials of flushing potions are handed out and the staff separates to their quarters. Severus is found to be the heaviest spelled and specialist curse breakers are called to unravel the net of hostile magic keeping him bound to Dumbledore's will.
Minerva sits in her new office and listens as the team leaders tell her what they have found and it´s not a pretty picture. The whole castle is infected and dripping with Dark magic. Someone has gone to great lengths to corrupt the magic in and around the school. The goblins called in several teams of warriors to clean out the infestation of highly dangerous spiders in the forest. Hagrid was furious until he was escorted of the property due to knowingly and willingly hiding the existence of a XXX dangerous creature.
"Will we be able to open the school come September?" She asks after reading the report. Severus will be kept isolated at St Mungo's until his magic is under control again. And his mind is his again.
"Yes, you will. I have contacted the DOM and we have every team coming here to assist. I believe the goblins have called in several more teams as well." Master Broderick Knight says as he puts down the self-updating report. It keeps filling as more and more things are found.
"Having a hit wizard here is not a bad idea, but Black? You know the Lestranges are after him for Bellatrix." He prods and grins at her sigh.
"So they are. I have faith in him being able to handle it." Minerva knows it's a risk having him here, the Lestranges are not to be underestimated. But in the end after the things that Hogwarts has seen the last couple of year's two angry wizards barely even makes the list of dangers.
Black Townhouse Library
Sirius picks out several books he thinks Cassie will find useful. He has already made sure that he´s packed for Hogwarts. He knows the Library at Hogwarts is good but he has access to the Black Family Library which includes some not so nice texts. Which are still legal to use.
He knows there will be troubles at Hogwarts now, the only thing stopping the Dark Lord from marching on the school is gone. But the dark side has failed to realise that with the change in management the wards which have barely been activated for years is fully active. He somewhat pities whoever tries to attack Hogwarts now.
Seeing the time he decides to visit Malfoy Manor to check in with Cassie.
Malfoy Manor
Sirius blinks as he enters the sitting room, Lucius is to the right of the fireplace while Cassie, Neville and the twins are arguing in the middle about something. The Dursley's watch from the seating area.
"What's going on?" He asks the blond. The other man looks neither angry nor calm which is a feat. The blond is normally unreadable.
"Ronald." The name says it all, the idiot.
Cassie spots Sirius and breaks of to give him a hug. He returns it and watches as the Twins calms down Neville who seems to be spitting mad.
"The idiot has gone to the Prophet with a story about him and Neville being in a relationship. A very physical one." George says.
"When everyone knows who he´s been after since third year. And it sure as hell isn´t a man." Fred adds.
"Luckily Rita decided to contact Cassie before writing anything. She contacted us." Neville, finally calm, says.
Sirius sighs and giving the books to Cassie decides to leave them to ruin the redhead in peace. Plausible deniability and all.
Hogwarts
Sirius flooed into Minerva's office and was told of the situation with the staff. That royally pissed him off, especially what was done to Severus. Excusing himself from the office he shifts into Padfoot. He´s less likely to go to the Ministry and rip Dumb-as-a-doors beard of if he´s a dog. At the entrance floor and at the gate he sets the additional ward then continues as Padfoot.
Lestrange Manor
Rodolphus Lestrange lowers the letter. There is no signature but he knows the handwriting even if it´s wrecked due to Cruciatus exposure, Narcissa.
So the Lord Black is at Hogwarts. The easiest place in the wizarding world to break into. Pettigrew does it regularly after all, what better way to get information on the Chosen one that from the horse's mouth.
"Dolph?" His brother asks from the door to the sitting room.
"Lord Black is at Hogwarts, I wonder how Narcissa got that information." Rodolphus stands and drops the letter in the fire. When it´s ashes he turns and with a look the brothers summons their Death Eater regalia and apparate to Hogsmeade.
Hogwarts dungeon/Headmistress office
Both Sirius and Minerva knows the moment Death Eaters enters the grounds. Minerva floo calls the DMLE while Sirius shifts back from Padfoot at the stairs to the Entrance Hall. He sends an alert to HQ. Better to have backup on its way. He knows Minerva is aware but he´d rather not risk his new employer against two revenge driven Death Eaters.
Listening he can´t hear anyone in the Hall so they are still on their way towards the castle. Time to set some traps. He´s just finished with the last when the doors open and two masked Death Eaters swaggers in. The poor fools have no idea what's waiting for them.
'Ha, the safest building' both brothers share the same thought.
Seconds later they are fighting for their lives against what seems like a ghost. A ghost who is very determined to take them out.
The floor melts and the wall-hangings tries to strangle them. A shadow and Rabastan flicks a Crucio towards it. To avoid it the shape breaks the cover of shadows and reveals itself to be Sirius Black. Both turn and focus their attacks. Cutting hexes, blood boiling, piercing and slashing hexes flash between them. They shield or dive out of the way. All three are skilled duellists but two are here to kill and if they die doing it so be it. It's clear to both brothers that Black is defending more than attacking. Not that they think about why he is. The thought of him having backup never enters their minds.
At least not until a stunner followed by an incarcerous takes out Rodolphus from behind. Rabastan, alerted, avoids the spells aimed at him and casts an AK that hits one of the hit wizards in the chest.
A ringing sound echoes through Hogwarts and the last Rabastan sees is a suit of armour wielding a broadsword. Next his head is laying three feet from his body.
Sirius blinks as the armour disappears, huh. Realising his co-worker, who is still standing, was hit with an AK he joins in staring at the flabbergasted hit wizard.
"Hmm, I can see why the old coot didn´t want to activate the wards if this is how they protect people in Hogwarts." Minerva watched the battle from the stairs. That the hit wizard survived is unexpected. But Hogwarts is a thousand year old magical castle, who can say what's normal or not for her. "Madam Bones is on her way with a vial of Veritaserum. Hogwarts is separated from the Ministry which means anyone caught here is ours to handle."
They use a portkey to bring Rabastans remains to the morgue in the Ministry when Amelia arrives. She watches as Rodolphus is searched, restrained with magic dampening cuffs and tied to a chair. Everything right there in the Entrance Hall.
He´s woken and given time to realise he´s stuck. He spots Sirius and spends several minutes shouting abuse at the other man. Who simply watches? The non-reaction clues the furious wizard to look around. The Aurors is bad but then he turns to the other side and spots several not happy hit wizards. He shuts up and watches Amelia step forward with a dicta quill and parchment. Then he sees the vial. Everyone can see that he knows it´s over.
The three drops are administered and a one-way silencing spell is cast around the two in the middle.
"What's your name?" Amelia starts with the basics not knowing what is about to happen.
"Rodolphus Lestrange-Dumbledore" The answer stuns everyone. Isn´t the old man gay?
"How old are you?"
"28"
"Who are your parents?"
"Roberto Lestrange and Damien Dumbledore."
"Are you adopted?"
"Yes, my Father Roberto adopted my brother and me when we were three."
"Why?"
"Because grandfather insisted Dad remarry."
"You're Grandfather?"
"Albus Dumbledore."
Amelia has no idea what this is but she knows they are not here to figure out his parentage. At least not right now. She redirects the questions to why she was called here.
"Are you a Death Eater?"
"Yes, no."
"Explain your answer"
"I was marked but I never wanted it. Grandfather and Dad insisted we take the Mark. Father Didn´t want it so grandfather killed him."
"Why did you come here?"
"It was expected of me to want revenge."
"What?"
"He killed Bella, I kill him."
Amelia wonders what else the old man has screwed up. This is not what she expected to hear.
"Did you want to kill him?"
"No."
"Who else is a Death Eater?"
"My brother, Thorfinn Rowle, Carrow siblings, Antonin Dolohov, Peter Pettigrew, Remus Lupin, Fenrir Greyback, Lucius Malfoy, Severus Snape, Dominic Crouch, Matthew Golding, Ivan Karkaroff, Ian Chang, Meriam Marchbanks, Barty Crouch Jr, Tobias Fudge, Evan Fortescue, Karen Blotts, Finnegan O´Malley, Jamison Ogden."
Kingsley Shacklebolt writes out orders to have Aurors pick up those named. Two of the Aurors on scene heads for the dungeon. A throat clearing shifts the attention to Minerva.
"Professor Snape is currently at St Mungo's undergoing treatments. After being found to be be spelled by a DOM cleansing team." Minerva hands Shacklebolt the report on Severus, it´s black on white. Since coming to Hogwarts Severus Snape has not had any free will at all, he´s never done anything by choice. Only done what the puppet master wanted him to do.
Good…Bad.. Please R&R