Delton Dawlish has never been a man for politics. In fact, if one asks he will freely admit he doesn't understand much of it except for small titbits related to his work. He doesn't like politics, or politicians not that it matters. He has his own qualities.
Delton is an amazing fighter and a good leader, he's good because he knows how to draw out the best of people, match them with others to compliment their skills and because he understands the importance of delegating and fairness, he knows how to do his job best; which means, he knows who to give the jobs that deals with stuff he can't, because he knows his own weaknesses and flaws. Delton does his job with the people he has, to utilize connections he doesn't have and push, shuffle and glue through hoops, paths and paperwork until he gets the result he wants.
Delton Dawlish worked quick. Rodolphus Lestrange had given him just what he needed and he was ready. The hunt is on. That morning he called for a department wide meeting and distributed tasks to those who weren't swamped in work. Teams went around speaking with different departments and other people who might be of use. Others were sent collecting and filling in paperwork to get the right approvals going to build up his two cases. One for Rastaban Lestrange and the other for Albus Dumbledore. Rodolphus Lestrange case was as good as out of his hands. He had two senior Aurors, more then competent, running it and assured the trial would be a fair one with them on it. He had instructed them to draw it out, a chance of his memories being accepted was better if the man in question wasn't already sentenced and shipped of to the hell hole called Azkaban.
For Rastaban Lestrange's case, he had a positive attitude. He'd even send some rookie Aurors under the watch of Mary to Azkaban. Their objective to ask questions of those involved and could essentially confirm his older brother's memories. Just to add a little extra to the file already riddled with mistakes. Delton being certain it would come to a hearing with a official pardon for the boy. Even if he was to be found guilty of a minor crime or two, he already done his time.
The case of Dumbledore however, Delton wasn't to sure, a little worried even. He was going after one of the biggest public figure who had, a little too much titles and influence. That meant, he also went after the Ministry as a whole and that was fought against by many fast and hard. Either way, he kept his hopes up.
The problem with all cases is the same. The first few days is a flurry and nobody got time enough but after that, the waiting game begins. It was after he'd send Mary, carrying a dozen or so manila folders with statements taken of Azkaban witnesses to the unspeakables office that the waiting game kicked in. It was up to her to verify the use of Rodolphus Lestrange's memories while also arguing with a lawyer to have them admitted as evidence.
The cases slowed down. Papers were being pushed back and forth with a whole lot of arguing and for each detail or approval they needed a different person which meant the cycle of paper pushing started anew. For the Auror worked fast, it still took a little too long for Delton's liking. He never was one to twiddle his thumbs once he decided he really, really wanted something. Right now, he wanted a lot of things; Rodolphus court date halted, Rastaban free, Dumbledore gone and most importantly, to find the little sweet boy he called his lost son, a black haired, green eyed son who finally had a name – Harry Potter.
Delton also put in his own two cents. Once everything was on a roll and done to his liking, he set out to find young Severus Snape. A man who wasn't hard to find, but impossible to contact.
Delton tried an post office owl with a simple request to meet, he tried an Auror owl carrying a demand for him to come in, then an howler and when that didn't work, he collected the man's address. He stopped by his house and as luck would have it, no one answered the door. The man hunt was on.
Severus Snape was in the Apothecary, selecting ingredients as he wanted the best only, for a difficult potion he would love to try in the weekend. Completely absorbed by his task, he never heard the Aurors enter or call him out. He did feel their presence when they bound him. He fell flat on the floor and not able to break the fall, his face smacked on the floor. The crunch of his nose breaking made the Aurors wince.
He was hauled upright. "Severus Snape, you are under arrest," The Auror spoke, kneeled to his eye level. "We'll be escorting you to the Ministry by port key where your rights will be read and a healer is present to fix that little mishap. Do you carry anything that might interfere or endanger our travel?"
Severus shook his head. He was thoroughly confused but his mask never betrayed the feeling. He inquired about his crime, surely he must've done something to warrant the arrest.
"Head Auror Dawlish will fill you in on the matter once you've been through the mentioned procedures."
The other Auror was herding the few gossiping witches in the shop away, assuring them nothing serious was going on and just, as he said, "Routine business, ladies, nothing bad, really."
A quick apology was made to the shop owners and gone they were.
"Mr. Snape. I have a few questions." Delton started after they occupied an interrogation room hours after the arrest was made.
Severus was not pleased, not in the slightest. He was filled with a mixture of emotions, shame for the open arrest, hurt because of his nose and scratched knees and anger for being so blatantly crude treated all around. "I want a lawyer."
"You don't need one."
"I was assaulted," He bit. "I was bound, my person was harmed and all because I have ignored owls I never received. An assault, shaming me for some questions I have no intention to answer unless a lawyer is present."
"A lawyer would do you more harm then good," Delton said and waved his wand, disabling the devices of the room. "I know what you've done."
"I've done nothing, nothing I've already been punished for or cleared from."
"As that may be," Delton shook his head and went about it different. "I'll play open card, alright."
"I'll stick to my request."
"Just listen," Delton sighed. "I know of the prophecy and your role with it. I know that, at one point, you were caught between two Masters. One is dead, the other is on my shit list. Now, I want to know why you were in the Hogs Head that day, I want to know why you decided to betray the girl you cared for-"
"How.." Snape abruptly shut his mouth. He didn't mean to interrupt nor give away his surprise at that sliver of information.
"Common knowledge to anyone in Hogwarts attending at the same time. As I said, I want to know why and who gave the order to do so. I want to know Every. Single. Detail. I want to know every scrap of dirt you hold on Dumbledore and if you're willing to testify against the man."
Snape didn't spoke, just glared at Delton. "This is the man I owe my life to."
"This is also the man who manipulated, lied and defied our very laws by his own actions. Your free of one Master, I'm offering you to be free of the second. If you agree, you'll get off scot-free. That's my offer, no strings attached."
A/N Thanks to everyone who follow/favourite. Though, I'd love to hear thoughts too. Thanks again, it truly makes my day to see one wanting to read. Love!
