Hello once again! I tried my best to bring this chapter online as soon as
possible - and here it is! Unfortunately, chapter 15 will not be finished
that soon but I give my best, trust me! I want to know what happen next,
either (only joking).
I hope you like this one. Well, like always: HAVE FUN!
1
2 THE CHAOS BEGINS
2.1 From: Caius Julius
Chapter 14: Mission's End
This time Harry didn't need to hide his surprise.
"Mr. Malfoy, Sir. What, if I may be so bold as to ask, are you doing here?" Harry inquired.
Malfoy held up a hand, which seemed a rather arrogant gesture to Harry.
"I am here on business, Bransom. That should be enough for you." Malfoy said jovially. "And now I must ask you to remain silent once more. Mr. Snape and I have something to discuss." With that he turned to the Potions Master, leaving Harry and Remus more or less to themselves.
Snape eyed Malfoy with a smirk.
"Lucius. Really, and there I was, thinking you – that means the esteemed Mr. Ludwick - were one of those idiots. So I assume they" he looked in Harry's direction, "are loyal to him as well?"
Malfoy nodded.
"The plan was perfect. Your arrest, Dumbledore's doubt-"
"Torturing me as well," Snape interrupted him coolly. "Wasn't it, Lucius? Don't pretend you don't know what I am talking about. That would be an insult to my intelligence. You were right about one thing, though. This plan was indeed perfect – perfect to show you if I really was on your side. I guess this was the whole purpose of it. All facts considered, your trust in me must be nearly nonexistent." He raised an eyebrow.
"Really, Lucius, I can be glad to be still alive. Obviously, playing with me was more fun than killing me right away." His voice was even icier than before.
"Do you know how difficult it was to keep this charade up with your friend Bransom and later his dear colleague visiting me almost every night – and not for mere small talk, I assure you.
"Trust me on this, my friend, if I had only an ounce of respect or loyalty for Dumbledore and a shadow of doubt about our Master's goals I would have changed sides. Your lapdogs slightly overdid it."
He shot Bransom and Conald a glance full of disgust and hatred. Harry was glad this wasn't directed at him personally but at the man now safely secured in the Headmaster's office.
Malfoy only sighed.
"See, Severus, our Master had his doubts, I admit that. You have been under Dumbledore's nose for quite a long time. It could have been possible for you to – excuse me – change sides, possible that you were no longer with us."
Snape's expression became even angrier.
"How dare you! I could say the same thing about you, meeting with honoured members of the Ministry every week and talking about bringing down the Dark Side for good!"
He had to stop because once again he had to give in to a coughing fit. Obviously, talking was too exhausting for him right now
Malfoy laid a hand on his shoulder.
"You are probably right, Severus. We didn't play fair, but then again, we're Slytherins, aren't we?"
Snape gave him a look that clearly said he doubted that this was a proper excuse.
"Anyway," Malfoy continued. "Your interrogations will of course come to an end. As you have so eloquently put it yourself, their purpose is fulfilled. On top of that, I have even better news: Soon, my friend, you will be free again. Free and able to serve the Dark Lord once more."
Snape beamed. "How? And more important: when?"
Malfoy turned to Harry once more.
"I am sorry, Bransom, but I am afraid this matter is a bit too important for your ears. Don't take this as an insult."
Without waiting for a reply Malfoy stepped closer to Snape and whispered something into his ear. Unfortunately, it was to low for Harry to understand.
He didn't miss Snape's triumphant look, though. Again, Harry hoped desperately that this was only a gigantic act to fool Malfoy.
"I see," Snape said carefully. "Very well, I will wait."
Malfoy nodded, satisfied. "Good. I knew you'd understand. After all it is for the sake of our final goal. So, now that my work here is done, you'll have to excuse me, Severus. I must be going. Another urgent business is requiring my attention."
Malfoy drew another vial out of his pockets and drank its contents. Seconds later he had fully changed into Ludwick.
Malfoy patted Snape on the shoulder.
"I will see you as soon as… you know when."
Snape nodded.
Malfoy went to the door but stopped right at the threshold.
"Before I forget," he said and looked directly at Bransom.
"Bransom, Conald. Please see to it that he spends some time in the infirmary. Your job here is done."
"Yes, Sir." Harry nodded.
With a last nod into Snape's direction, Malfoy was gone.
As soon as the door was closed once again, Lupin rushed over to Snape.
"Severus, are you alright?" He asked, sounding more than concerned. Carefully, he began to check Snape for injuries again.
For the second time of the evening the Potions Master let his mask slip, obviously unable to hold it up much longer.
"I am afraid I'm not, Lupin," he replied. "That bastard takes too much delight in inflicting pain for my liking." He groaned as Lupin touched a rather painful spot above his stomach.
"Well," Lupin said with a slight grin. "At least we are finally allowed to put you under proper medical care. You'll feel better soon."
Snape sighed. Then, he closed his eyes as if to concentrate.
"Lupin," he began."
"Shhh, Severus," Remus broke him off. "It's better if you don't talk right now."
Snape shook his head, reminding Harry of a stubborn child.
"No, Lupin. This is important. Listen! What Lucius told me. Azkaban. They will take it soon."
"Yes, Severus," Lupin said calmly. "We know. They have been planning that for a long time now."
Snape shook his head. "No, Lupin, it's no longer just a plan. The Dementors – they are only waiting for Voldemort's sign to take over the prison. Perhaps a week from now."
Lupin's smile froze. "A week? Are you sure? That's what Malfoy told you, isn't it? Gods…" He stared blankly at the wall behind Snape.
"You have to-" Snape begun but had to wince as Lupin touched another injury.
"I know, Severus." Lupin said gently.
"But that is none of your concern right now. Dumbledore knows what to do. Harry will call Peer and then you'll finally rest. And I strongly advise you to do just that. You're of no use to us when you're dead, Severus, do you understand?"
Snape sighed, finally giving in.
"Yes, Lupin, I hear you just fine. I'll rest."
Lupin smiled, satisfied, and turned to Harry.
"I trust Peer is not to far from here. Could you please call him and tell him to bring some mediwizards?"
Harry nodded. "Sure, Remus."
He opened the door and scanned the corridor for the guard.
As it turned out, Lupin was right. Not too far away, Peer was leaning against a wall, obviously waiting for new orders.
Breathing deeply, Harry prepared himself for playing Bransom once more.
"Peer?" he called. "We need some mediwizards in the cell. Our prisoner has confessed at last. I never thought I'd see that happen. However, we need to put him into a more presentable shape for his trial."
Peer walked over to were Harry stood.
"Of course, sir. Give me one minute."
With that he reached into his pocked and took out some sort of stone. He murmured a few words and a moment later he was gone.
Satisfied with himself, Harry returned to the cell.
The smile on his lips died, however, when he saw Lupin.
His former professor was bent over Snape, slapping him in the face and constantly talking to him.
Carefully, Harry went closer.
"Remus, is there a problem?" he asked cautiously.
"Did you get Peer?" Lupin asked without looking up, ignoring Harry's question completely.
"Yes, he'll be here in a few moments. Remus, what happened? When I walked out of this room a minute ago you two were talking and all. And now…"
Lupin shook his head, still shaking Snape lightly.
"I don't know. It was too damn fast. Come on, Severus. You can sleep later, come on, wake up!" Lupin tried again but with no success. Snape remained unconscious.
In that moment the door opened and Peer, accompanied by two other men, entered.
"Sir, the mediwizards."
Lupin stepped away from Snape.
"Good, good. I am afraid this man here didn't react too well to our treatment."
The wizards nodded and went to Snape. Although he was already unconscious they placed a binding spell on him before freeing him of his chains. Carefully, the two men laid him onto the floor and began to check him.
While he was watching the scene, Harry simply couldn't remember how it had been in potions class when Snape had made his life hell with all his sarcasm and malice. Was this only an act has well? What was the real Snape like? Was there even such a person? Harry could only guess.
One of the mediwizards then turned to Lupin.
"We have to take him to the infirmary for at least two or three days. And I would advise you not to be too hard on him for the next few weeks. Not everything can be restored with a potion or a spell and we can hardly take him to St. Mungo's."
Lupin nodded.
" Keep him in there as long as you want. We're done with him anyway. In fact I want him to be as healthy as can be for his trial. Never give anybody a reason to say we treat our prisoners badly." Harry didn't know how, but Lupin managed an evil smile full of malice.
The medic nodded.
"Alright, sir. We'll keep an eye on him, though. We've already heard he is a rather troublesome fellow."
The two mediwizards pulled Snape to his feet, after which one of them took a port stone out, similar to the one Peer had used. With another nod at Lupin and Harry, Snape and his escorts were gone.
Now that their mission had come to an end quite suddenly, Harry felt a bit lost. They had accomplished everything they had planned, even more. Malfoy's visit had certainly come totally unexpected. Harry didn't want to think about what might have happened if the real Bransom and Conald had been there instead of Lupin and him.
Trying to block out these thoughts, Harry focussed on the current situation again. After all, their mission wasn't finished yet, although the most dangerous and complicated part was over.
Thus, he addressed Peer once more.
"So Peer, it seems we are done. It has been quite a piece of work, I can tell you, but our dear Mr. Snape has finally given in."
Peer nodded.
"To be perfectly honest, sir, I already began to doubt he would confess at all."
Lupin snorted.
"Well, in the end he did and I am eternally grateful for that because it means I can finally leave this not quite comfortable place."
He shuddered which made Peer laugh.
"Well," he said. "At least you can leave, sirs. I for one am grateful that I'm only guarding the cells and not actually inside one of them."
"Trust me, Peer," Harry replied. "I most certainly wouldn't want your job."
He took in the cell with one last glance.
"Now, I am afraid, we must leave this lovely ambience and return to London for the debriefing. Hopefully, that will only take a short time, given our success today."
"Of course, Mr. Bransom." Peer replied.
This said, the three of them left the cell. As Peer led them through the labyrinth-like corridors of Azkaban, Harry finally began to realize that it was over, that they had succeeded. This feeling overwhelmed him. He suddenly felt light and happy – although he was inside one of the most feared buildings of the whole wizarding world.
The way back to the front doors seemed to be much shorter to Harry than before. This time he didn't even try to remember were they were going: It didn't matter anyway. He hoped that he would never have to go in there again.
After a final handshake with Peer, Harry and Lupin finally left the prison of Azkaban.
Silently, Harry and Remus walked the few yards until they were at the same spot the portkey had transported them to almost two hours ago. Had it really just been two hours? More importantly: Would they really be in London just a few seconds from now? London, a place as different from this one as possible. And after that: Hogwarts. With an almost longing glance, Harry looked at Lupin.
"Yes, Bransom," he said, not daring to use their real names while on Azkaban territory. "We can leave. It's over." He smiled at Harry and pulled the portkey from his pocket. Moments later they were gone.
As always, the last words are for my reviewers:
Taracollowen: Your comment about Fudge is absolutely correct!!!
Demeter: Yes, I think Draco likes Snape, too.
Miche: Wow! That's more than I could have hoped for. Thanks a lot.
Elwen: I like cliffies - unless they are in stories I read... You are right, Snape had to
confess or the game would have been up.
Saint Fool: You figured it out! Congratulations!!!
Ostia: Thanks a lot! I hope you like this chapter as well.
J. Lynn: The story is not over, yet, but I won't do anything too evil (or will I?).
Annakas: I dropped enough hints for you to guess what would come - but I am
pleased to hear I surprised you. ; ) About Draco: you'll see.
Huzerchik: I'd never let you down.
Barmybeth: I hope that one was soon enough! Glad you liked it.
I hope you like this one. Well, like always: HAVE FUN!
1
2 THE CHAOS BEGINS
2.1 From: Caius Julius
Chapter 14: Mission's End
This time Harry didn't need to hide his surprise.
"Mr. Malfoy, Sir. What, if I may be so bold as to ask, are you doing here?" Harry inquired.
Malfoy held up a hand, which seemed a rather arrogant gesture to Harry.
"I am here on business, Bransom. That should be enough for you." Malfoy said jovially. "And now I must ask you to remain silent once more. Mr. Snape and I have something to discuss." With that he turned to the Potions Master, leaving Harry and Remus more or less to themselves.
Snape eyed Malfoy with a smirk.
"Lucius. Really, and there I was, thinking you – that means the esteemed Mr. Ludwick - were one of those idiots. So I assume they" he looked in Harry's direction, "are loyal to him as well?"
Malfoy nodded.
"The plan was perfect. Your arrest, Dumbledore's doubt-"
"Torturing me as well," Snape interrupted him coolly. "Wasn't it, Lucius? Don't pretend you don't know what I am talking about. That would be an insult to my intelligence. You were right about one thing, though. This plan was indeed perfect – perfect to show you if I really was on your side. I guess this was the whole purpose of it. All facts considered, your trust in me must be nearly nonexistent." He raised an eyebrow.
"Really, Lucius, I can be glad to be still alive. Obviously, playing with me was more fun than killing me right away." His voice was even icier than before.
"Do you know how difficult it was to keep this charade up with your friend Bransom and later his dear colleague visiting me almost every night – and not for mere small talk, I assure you.
"Trust me on this, my friend, if I had only an ounce of respect or loyalty for Dumbledore and a shadow of doubt about our Master's goals I would have changed sides. Your lapdogs slightly overdid it."
He shot Bransom and Conald a glance full of disgust and hatred. Harry was glad this wasn't directed at him personally but at the man now safely secured in the Headmaster's office.
Malfoy only sighed.
"See, Severus, our Master had his doubts, I admit that. You have been under Dumbledore's nose for quite a long time. It could have been possible for you to – excuse me – change sides, possible that you were no longer with us."
Snape's expression became even angrier.
"How dare you! I could say the same thing about you, meeting with honoured members of the Ministry every week and talking about bringing down the Dark Side for good!"
He had to stop because once again he had to give in to a coughing fit. Obviously, talking was too exhausting for him right now
Malfoy laid a hand on his shoulder.
"You are probably right, Severus. We didn't play fair, but then again, we're Slytherins, aren't we?"
Snape gave him a look that clearly said he doubted that this was a proper excuse.
"Anyway," Malfoy continued. "Your interrogations will of course come to an end. As you have so eloquently put it yourself, their purpose is fulfilled. On top of that, I have even better news: Soon, my friend, you will be free again. Free and able to serve the Dark Lord once more."
Snape beamed. "How? And more important: when?"
Malfoy turned to Harry once more.
"I am sorry, Bransom, but I am afraid this matter is a bit too important for your ears. Don't take this as an insult."
Without waiting for a reply Malfoy stepped closer to Snape and whispered something into his ear. Unfortunately, it was to low for Harry to understand.
He didn't miss Snape's triumphant look, though. Again, Harry hoped desperately that this was only a gigantic act to fool Malfoy.
"I see," Snape said carefully. "Very well, I will wait."
Malfoy nodded, satisfied. "Good. I knew you'd understand. After all it is for the sake of our final goal. So, now that my work here is done, you'll have to excuse me, Severus. I must be going. Another urgent business is requiring my attention."
Malfoy drew another vial out of his pockets and drank its contents. Seconds later he had fully changed into Ludwick.
Malfoy patted Snape on the shoulder.
"I will see you as soon as… you know when."
Snape nodded.
Malfoy went to the door but stopped right at the threshold.
"Before I forget," he said and looked directly at Bransom.
"Bransom, Conald. Please see to it that he spends some time in the infirmary. Your job here is done."
"Yes, Sir." Harry nodded.
With a last nod into Snape's direction, Malfoy was gone.
As soon as the door was closed once again, Lupin rushed over to Snape.
"Severus, are you alright?" He asked, sounding more than concerned. Carefully, he began to check Snape for injuries again.
For the second time of the evening the Potions Master let his mask slip, obviously unable to hold it up much longer.
"I am afraid I'm not, Lupin," he replied. "That bastard takes too much delight in inflicting pain for my liking." He groaned as Lupin touched a rather painful spot above his stomach.
"Well," Lupin said with a slight grin. "At least we are finally allowed to put you under proper medical care. You'll feel better soon."
Snape sighed. Then, he closed his eyes as if to concentrate.
"Lupin," he began."
"Shhh, Severus," Remus broke him off. "It's better if you don't talk right now."
Snape shook his head, reminding Harry of a stubborn child.
"No, Lupin. This is important. Listen! What Lucius told me. Azkaban. They will take it soon."
"Yes, Severus," Lupin said calmly. "We know. They have been planning that for a long time now."
Snape shook his head. "No, Lupin, it's no longer just a plan. The Dementors – they are only waiting for Voldemort's sign to take over the prison. Perhaps a week from now."
Lupin's smile froze. "A week? Are you sure? That's what Malfoy told you, isn't it? Gods…" He stared blankly at the wall behind Snape.
"You have to-" Snape begun but had to wince as Lupin touched another injury.
"I know, Severus." Lupin said gently.
"But that is none of your concern right now. Dumbledore knows what to do. Harry will call Peer and then you'll finally rest. And I strongly advise you to do just that. You're of no use to us when you're dead, Severus, do you understand?"
Snape sighed, finally giving in.
"Yes, Lupin, I hear you just fine. I'll rest."
Lupin smiled, satisfied, and turned to Harry.
"I trust Peer is not to far from here. Could you please call him and tell him to bring some mediwizards?"
Harry nodded. "Sure, Remus."
He opened the door and scanned the corridor for the guard.
As it turned out, Lupin was right. Not too far away, Peer was leaning against a wall, obviously waiting for new orders.
Breathing deeply, Harry prepared himself for playing Bransom once more.
"Peer?" he called. "We need some mediwizards in the cell. Our prisoner has confessed at last. I never thought I'd see that happen. However, we need to put him into a more presentable shape for his trial."
Peer walked over to were Harry stood.
"Of course, sir. Give me one minute."
With that he reached into his pocked and took out some sort of stone. He murmured a few words and a moment later he was gone.
Satisfied with himself, Harry returned to the cell.
The smile on his lips died, however, when he saw Lupin.
His former professor was bent over Snape, slapping him in the face and constantly talking to him.
Carefully, Harry went closer.
"Remus, is there a problem?" he asked cautiously.
"Did you get Peer?" Lupin asked without looking up, ignoring Harry's question completely.
"Yes, he'll be here in a few moments. Remus, what happened? When I walked out of this room a minute ago you two were talking and all. And now…"
Lupin shook his head, still shaking Snape lightly.
"I don't know. It was too damn fast. Come on, Severus. You can sleep later, come on, wake up!" Lupin tried again but with no success. Snape remained unconscious.
In that moment the door opened and Peer, accompanied by two other men, entered.
"Sir, the mediwizards."
Lupin stepped away from Snape.
"Good, good. I am afraid this man here didn't react too well to our treatment."
The wizards nodded and went to Snape. Although he was already unconscious they placed a binding spell on him before freeing him of his chains. Carefully, the two men laid him onto the floor and began to check him.
While he was watching the scene, Harry simply couldn't remember how it had been in potions class when Snape had made his life hell with all his sarcasm and malice. Was this only an act has well? What was the real Snape like? Was there even such a person? Harry could only guess.
One of the mediwizards then turned to Lupin.
"We have to take him to the infirmary for at least two or three days. And I would advise you not to be too hard on him for the next few weeks. Not everything can be restored with a potion or a spell and we can hardly take him to St. Mungo's."
Lupin nodded.
" Keep him in there as long as you want. We're done with him anyway. In fact I want him to be as healthy as can be for his trial. Never give anybody a reason to say we treat our prisoners badly." Harry didn't know how, but Lupin managed an evil smile full of malice.
The medic nodded.
"Alright, sir. We'll keep an eye on him, though. We've already heard he is a rather troublesome fellow."
The two mediwizards pulled Snape to his feet, after which one of them took a port stone out, similar to the one Peer had used. With another nod at Lupin and Harry, Snape and his escorts were gone.
Now that their mission had come to an end quite suddenly, Harry felt a bit lost. They had accomplished everything they had planned, even more. Malfoy's visit had certainly come totally unexpected. Harry didn't want to think about what might have happened if the real Bransom and Conald had been there instead of Lupin and him.
Trying to block out these thoughts, Harry focussed on the current situation again. After all, their mission wasn't finished yet, although the most dangerous and complicated part was over.
Thus, he addressed Peer once more.
"So Peer, it seems we are done. It has been quite a piece of work, I can tell you, but our dear Mr. Snape has finally given in."
Peer nodded.
"To be perfectly honest, sir, I already began to doubt he would confess at all."
Lupin snorted.
"Well, in the end he did and I am eternally grateful for that because it means I can finally leave this not quite comfortable place."
He shuddered which made Peer laugh.
"Well," he said. "At least you can leave, sirs. I for one am grateful that I'm only guarding the cells and not actually inside one of them."
"Trust me, Peer," Harry replied. "I most certainly wouldn't want your job."
He took in the cell with one last glance.
"Now, I am afraid, we must leave this lovely ambience and return to London for the debriefing. Hopefully, that will only take a short time, given our success today."
"Of course, Mr. Bransom." Peer replied.
This said, the three of them left the cell. As Peer led them through the labyrinth-like corridors of Azkaban, Harry finally began to realize that it was over, that they had succeeded. This feeling overwhelmed him. He suddenly felt light and happy – although he was inside one of the most feared buildings of the whole wizarding world.
The way back to the front doors seemed to be much shorter to Harry than before. This time he didn't even try to remember were they were going: It didn't matter anyway. He hoped that he would never have to go in there again.
After a final handshake with Peer, Harry and Lupin finally left the prison of Azkaban.
Silently, Harry and Remus walked the few yards until they were at the same spot the portkey had transported them to almost two hours ago. Had it really just been two hours? More importantly: Would they really be in London just a few seconds from now? London, a place as different from this one as possible. And after that: Hogwarts. With an almost longing glance, Harry looked at Lupin.
"Yes, Bransom," he said, not daring to use their real names while on Azkaban territory. "We can leave. It's over." He smiled at Harry and pulled the portkey from his pocket. Moments later they were gone.
As always, the last words are for my reviewers:
Taracollowen: Your comment about Fudge is absolutely correct!!!
Demeter: Yes, I think Draco likes Snape, too.
Miche: Wow! That's more than I could have hoped for. Thanks a lot.
Elwen: I like cliffies - unless they are in stories I read... You are right, Snape had to
confess or the game would have been up.
Saint Fool: You figured it out! Congratulations!!!
Ostia: Thanks a lot! I hope you like this chapter as well.
J. Lynn: The story is not over, yet, but I won't do anything too evil (or will I?).
Annakas: I dropped enough hints for you to guess what would come - but I am
pleased to hear I surprised you. ; ) About Draco: you'll see.
Huzerchik: I'd never let you down.
Barmybeth: I hope that one was soon enough! Glad you liked it.