Disclaimer: This story is for entertainment purposes and no money is
changing hands. I do not own any of the 'Harry Potter' characters.
Severus Snape was tired, and not very happy. He wanted to sleep but had to tell the Headmaster the thing he had not spoken of when the others were present. With all of the recent events, he knew that things would be bad.
Now this had to happen and make everything else seem pleasant. He had thought himself to finally be free. Just as he finished telling Albus Dumbledore that the Potter boy said Hogwarts was alive, something horrible happened. "I thought I was finally free of you when you died. I celebrated my freedom for three days and now you come back." It was just too much for him to bear. To be faced with this was a thing of nightmares. "What do you want Black?"
He couldn't help saying those words. All of his frustration, hatred, anger, confusion, and other emotions he couldn't name forced him to speak. As soon as he saw the man on the other side that strange portal he knew that his problems were just beginning.
"Hello Snivellus. It's so nice to see you too."
The smile on Black's face made Snape want to scream. He remained as controlled as possible as he responded. "You aren't a ghost Black. Go back to where you came from so that those of us who are alive can find some peace. Isn't it bad enough that we have to put up with Peeves?"
Turning from Black he could see a smile trying to form on the Headmaster's face. His only choice at this point was to curl his lip and growl softly in frustration.
"Relax Snape. I won't be here much longer and then you can have the joy of celebrating all over again. I have certain tasks before I go back across the 'Veil'. Harry's situation required someone from the other side to give explanations and do certain things. I was the lucky person to get sent back. You wouldn't believe how many people were demanding to be the one, but I got to come because of my wonderful good looks and charming personality." Black's smile just kept growing with each new word to leave his mouth.
"Well go and speak to him then, and leave the living to rest in peace. When you see him pass along the message that he has a detention. I should give him more than one, but having heard about his condition I will forgo that pleasure, for now." Severus felt pleased at how bored he had made his voice sound.
Black's look of joy didn't fade in the slightest, and hearing Black's retort just increased his feelings of frustration. "Sorry old boy, but Harry isn't a student here anymore. He says that he needs to see you though, so feel free to treat him as badly as you always have if you want. I don't recommend it though. You will probably just get a lot of people angry." Before Snape could come up with a fitting retort Black had turned from him and faced the Headmaster. "Harry decided to stay in the land of the living. I need to get his sword, in addition to taking Snape to Harry. I don't know what he plans but it has been decided that he should have it. That and anything else of his that you have. Sorry but I'm not allowed to answer any of your questions Albus. I can just tell you what needs to be done. There is a photo album and several other things hidden beneath a loose floorboard in his old room at Privet drive. Get those and anything else to Madame Pomfrey so she can take them to Harry. You may face some difficulty from the Ministry getting his wand, but you need to do it. Now may I have the sword so I can take it and Snape? We need to talk about some potions while I guide him to Harry." There was silence as Snape watched Dumbledore rise and carry Gryffindor's sword to the door of light. "Well Snape, it's time to go. Harry is waiting."
Severus was furious. He was used to the insults between himself and Black. That was normal and to be expected. What he could not stand was thought of passively accepting the summons that Black had just delivered. "Ah yes, we must all jump when the great Harry Potter speaks mustn't we. His every desire must be fulfilled. Sorry Black, but I'm not his servant to come running at his slightest whim. I have important things to discuss with the Headmaster, and then I need sleep." Severus felt better after saying this. Some of his frustration had been released allowing him to regain a measure of calm.
"He said it was important to see you, but if you are too proud to help him then so be it. I'll just take this sword and leave. Nobody can or will force you to come with me. The choice is yours. We need to go now if you're going to come, so decide quickly."
Now the frustration was back, and both indignation and anger joined it. "Fine, I'll follow you, but I will not endure your ridicule, or any of Potter's games." Standing, he walked through the door pushing Sirius aside as he did. "Well, let's be going so I can get on with my life, and you can go back to being dead."
"Very well Severus. I have a book of potions I'm sure you'll find interesting. Of course, there is a catch." The door closed behind them cutting off any hope for him to escape the new torments that he expected to receive.
**
This day was strange. He still didn't know what had caused the explosion last night. There were other mysteries as well. Like where Hermione was. Her roommates said that Professor McGonagall had come for her in the night and she hadn't come back. He'd waited for her, hoping she would know about the explosion or at least have some ideas, but had finally come down for breakfast alone. Looking around he could see that other people were missing as well, Professors McGonagall and Snape weren't at the Head table. He also saw that Malfoy was absent from the Slytherin table.
His eyes drifted to another mystery as he wondered where those people were. Sitting apart from the other students was his sister. She no longer talked to anyone but Luna. They were the only ones that hadn't accepted the fact that HE was evil. She had been there and seen when HE had killed Seamus; she had seen the other things that HE had done as well. Yet she wouldn't believe what everyone else knew. Before she had withdrawn she told people that it hadn't been HIM. She admitted that she didn't know why she was so sure that HE was innocent. No evidence would change what she believed though, not even what she had seen herself.
Suddenly he was distracted from these thoughts by Professor McGonagall and Hermione entering the Great Hall together. Their faces were drawn and he felt worried. Hermione's parents had been attacked once already. No one knew who had saved her parents, but now he was afraid that there had been another attack. He saw Hermione nod at something she was told and move towards a door on the side of the room. Professor McGonagall held up a scroll and started speaking.
"I would like to ask that the following students accompany Miss Granger." As he heard the names, which included his own and his sisters he stood and moved towards Hermione. She wasn't looking at anyone, or saying anything other than that the students should move through the door beside her. As he got close he started to ask her what was going on, but she just shook her head and gave a strange look towards Ginny.
**
They hadn't expected to be called to Hogwarts. It was nice to be coming back, even though they would have to open their shop a little later than normal. It was surprising to see their brothers and parents when they arrived at the Apparition point a short distance from the school grounds. Professor Flitwick had met them as well as several members of the Order, and several other people they didn't recognize. None of the family or the other people they met while walking up to the school knew why they had been called, and Flitwick refused to tell.
Somehow they ended up a short distance behind the group following Professor Flitwick. A door of light suddenly appeared between them and the rest of the group. From the other side of the opening a voice came to them.
"Gred and Forge Weasley I need to speak with you. I have an offer I think you will find interesting. This job should be a challenge for such skilled pranksters as you."
The twins stopped and looked at each other. They could see a figure wrapped completely in robes, with Madame Pomfrey standing to the side. The voice had been soft, and they didn't feel threatened. With smiles on their faces they stepped through this door in hopes of finding some new mischief in the place where they found so much in the past.
**
Ron had been surprised to see his family and all the other people when he stepped through the door. His mother pulled him and then his sister into fierce hugs speaking of how worried she had been when she was called to the school. It took some time to settle his mother so that the family could find seats beside the Grangers. Hermione had moved to the front of the room and was joined by Professor McGonagall. He could see the Headmaster sitting with a confused looking Minister of Magic and several other people from the Ministry.
Snape was talking to Professor Dumbledore and he caught several words. "Just looked at me.. Didn't say a word.. He smiled when.." Ron had no idea of what was happening. He just wished that things would start happening so he could stop being confused.
Suddenly there was a new distraction. A door filled with light appeared near the front of the room and his twin brothers stepped out laughing.
"Would the two of you care to share the joke?" Snape's voice cut sharply through the confused babble that began as they appeared. They just looked at Snape and giggled for a while.
Ron was ready to scream at his brothers to stop laughing. He wanted to know what was going on, and they were causing problems as usual.
"So sorry to be late."
"Yes, Unavoidably detained on business you know."
"Special commission and all."
After saying this they looked at each other and bust out laughing again.
Finally the Headmaster addressed the twins. Ron hoped that this would finally lead to at least one explanation. "Mrs. Weasley I see that you have been contacted. Can you tell us about your meeting?"
The twins appeared to force themselves under control finally. Ron smiled to himself. That simple question from Dumbledore had a power that even his mother had never had. The twins actually looked serious when they responded.
"We encountered someone who had a special order for our shop." Fred answered.
George spoke up next. "Yes, a special costume, and some other items. We aren't sure why he needs them."
Fred jumped in looking towards the Matriarch of the family. "Madame Pomfrey was there so we knew he wasn't evil. Never did get his name though."
"Odd that, usually customers with special orders enjoy speaking more."
"True my dear George. He did say that we needed to get to this meeting."
"Yes Fred. He also said Madame Pomfrey wanted the meeting to be brief. Something about injuries and rest."
Ron couldn't help but smile a bit at his brothers' antics. It had been a long time since he had smiled. Not since the day HE had killed Seamus.
Dumbledore was looking slightly confused but still smiling. "Can you tell us what these other things are? It may help us. It may also be important to this meeting. As we will be discussing your benefactor."
The twins now looked exited and he knew the meeting would be delayed some more. Their faces held a look he had only seen when they were plotting some new secret mischief.
"We're sorry Headmaster. He said he wanted us to make him three balls using a special spell. We aren't allowed to share it with anyone else."
"Yes, those and a special project. Oh the fame."
"The glory."
"The advertising." When Fred said this last the twins burst into laughter again.
Dumbledore stood at this point still smiling. "Well, as you two are the last to arrive we should begin." The smile faded from the old man's face as he began speaking. "I will start by telling you all that Draco Malfoy has been banished from Hogwarts."
The Minister of Magic was on his feet after hearing this. "Surely you are mistaken Dumbledore. No one has the authority to do that." This statement confused Ron. Of course Malfoy could be thrown out of Hogwarts. It didn't happen often but students had been expelled. Why was everybody acting so confused or exited?
"I assure you that there is no mistake Cornelius. Young Mr. Malfoy was prevented from setting foot on the grounds last night in a rather explosive demonstration of the banishment." Snape was smiling as he said this. Ron was shocked to see the look of pleasure on his face as he talked about his pet student.
Fudge seemed unable to accept what he was being told. "Now see here. Banishment is just not possible any longer. They have restricted themselves. They have not chosen anyone in centuries. I mean it can't be true. After all for a banishment there would have to be.." Fudge stopped and looked at Dumbledore his eyes wide.
"Yes Cornelius, it would take a True Lord chosen by the Others. One has been chosen, and passed Judgment upon Mr. Malfoy. I do not know if the Judgement has been extended beyond Hogwarts and the Forbidden Forest, but it has been made." The headmaster had a strange smile on his face as he continued. "One of the reasons I asked you to attend this meeting was due to this. There are certain matters that relate to these events which must be dealt with."
Ron was getting more confused by the moment. He had never heard of a True Lord. What was the big deal about Malfoy being thrown out of school, and why did it take someone special to do it. Hagrid had been expelled and it hadn't taken anything other than the Board of Governors as far as he knew.
Dumbledore started to speak again. "The first matter that must be dealt with is the fact that we have found that Harry Potter is alive."
He couldn't help himself. When he heard that name and alive together he exploded. "What are we doing here then. HE needs to be hunted down and killed. If this Lord guy has some power have HIM banished or worse. After what HE's done there shouldn't need to be any talk, just destroy HIM."
The memory of that day came back. It overwhelmed him and suddenly he was there again. He was in Diagon Alley trying to forget what people were saying about his best friend. Harry had vanished a couple weeks ago, and several days later the stories had started. He couldn't believe that Harry could ever do what people were saying. Sure there were eyewitnesses, but he wouldn't believe it. It had to be a mistake.
Then the screams began. He looked over and saw HIM standing over Seamus with hatred written on his face. Hermione was on the ground writhing in agony. He believed then. He knew the truth. Harry Potter was evil. Before he could even move there was a flash of green and HE had killed Seamus.
It was too much to bear. Hermione being tortured, and Seamus dead. He charged screaming at the monster that had once been his friend. That was when the Cruciatus struck. The pain was so great he fell to the ground unable to think of anything but how much he hated HIM.
He came back to the present with that hate filled laugh still ringing in his ears. He couldn't stop shaking. It was so bad that he could almost feel the pain again. He didn't care what else Dumbledore had to say. He would go out and find HIM. He would stop HIM from hurting anyone else. He had to.
As he started to leave Dumbledore's voice broke through the memories. "I'm sorry Mr. Weasley, I know that the memory is painful for you but we were tricked. Harry is innocent."
He couldn't believe what he had just heard. How could Dumbledore say something like that? "I can't believe you said that. I saw HIS face when he cursed me. I saw HIM kill Seamus. Hermione would have died if the Aurors hadn't arrived. They found HIS leg. HIS wand was there. HE did those things and you know it." He was screaming now. He didn't care anymore. It felt good to let out the pain from HIS betrayal. He didn't even try to hold back. "You examined his wand yourself. You told the press HE was guilty. How dare you try to say HE was innocent."
"I am truly sorry Mr. Weasley but you need to listen to what I have to say." Dumbledore's hand moved and all sound in the room stopped. His anger was growing now but he had no way to express it. He couldn't even walk out because his body wasn't working. "We have evidence that prove Mr. Potter's innocence as I said. We also have two witnesses of to his present condition and they can and have stated that it was impossible for him to have committed the crimes nearly all of us believed he had." Dumbledore was now looking at Ginny. "I'm sorry I doubted you. I think I now know how you could be so sure of his innocence."
" If you would Miss Granger, please show everyone the rings."
Rings? How could some rings prove that HE was innocent? No, HE was guilty. Nothing could change that.
Hermione took a ring out of the box before her and started to speak. "Harry made these to protect his friends and people he thought were in greater danger because they were close to him. I'm sorry Ron; he didn't do any of those things. He couldn't have while these are still here. Think about it Ron, remember when Harry made them? Ron these are the Heart Rings. You know what they mean. You told me so many stories about Heart Rings. We both knew about them, and we could have proved that what people were saying was wrong. We failed him Ron, he didn't hurt us or anyone else."
He saw the ring and knew. Now he could feel a new pain. He had thought nothing could ever hurt more than the Cruciatus curse. Now he knew that there were far worse pains. He could feel the tears start from his eyes as his heart broke. He knew that Hermione felt the same pain, it was clear in her eyes. As Hermione's last words repeated themselves in his mind his hatred turned inward. He had failed Harry again. This was so much worse than the Tri-Wizard Tournament. He felt himself falling to the floor as he realized that he hadn't only failed his best friend but had hurt his sister as well. She had known, he didn't understand how, but she had. The way he had treated her. The things he had said about both her and Harry. He couldn't bear the pain any longer. Finally darkness took him and the pain was gone.
**
A/N: I'm sorry this wasn't up earlier. I foolishly thought that this chapter would be easy. I said to myself. Hey it's just some little bits. It will be easy. Oh how wrong I was. Jumping around was hard. I had to keep switching gears in my head. Then the end just sort of jumped out and grabbed me. Looking at it I'm thinking to myself 'WOW where did that come from?' I had planned to give some more information this chapter and had thought it would be light and easy. Did I say yet that I'm an idiot and a fool? Well, after thinking this would be easy I have to say that I am.
The chapter still doesn't feel entirely right to me. The problem is I don't know how to change it for the better. Oh well, it works and I can move on. Maybe I'll figure out something later and come back to fix it.
Reviews: Thank you all.
There are quite a few of you who have written to say how I am doing a good job and that you enjoy the story. I really appreciate all of your support and kind words. As I have said before they make this worthwhile.
Many have commented on Sirius, and I have to say that he was fun to write.
As to Harry. That was hard to write. I really hope that I don't find myself writing anything like that again. The scene with Poppy Pomfrey yelling at people was hard. Harry is a wonderful character and it hurt me to do those things to him.
The flashback that Ron had this chapter was really hard for me as well. I had planned on a bit about why people hated Harry this chapter but it just took off on it's own. As I have said before, I have an idea when I start a chapter or story and then it grows as I write. As strange as it may sound I really don't know where some of this comes from, and I don't have a lot of control.
Shellbert: I'm glad you understood why I did those things to Harry. As I said above it was hard to do. I hadn't planned to be as detailed or do quite so much. It just happened.
A.M.bookworm247: Thank you so much. I find that in a lot of these parts I feel what the character I'm writing about feels. Like Ron's anger this chapter. It's wonderful to hear that I can get that emotion across in my story.
Wadeki: Thank you for your thoughts. I have tried to avoid the things I've seen in the other FanFics I've read. It's hard to avoid doing some things like others as there are so may stories out there. I'm glad you like the story.
I want to say thank you to all the other wonderful reviewers who voiced their support.
Severus Snape was tired, and not very happy. He wanted to sleep but had to tell the Headmaster the thing he had not spoken of when the others were present. With all of the recent events, he knew that things would be bad.
Now this had to happen and make everything else seem pleasant. He had thought himself to finally be free. Just as he finished telling Albus Dumbledore that the Potter boy said Hogwarts was alive, something horrible happened. "I thought I was finally free of you when you died. I celebrated my freedom for three days and now you come back." It was just too much for him to bear. To be faced with this was a thing of nightmares. "What do you want Black?"
He couldn't help saying those words. All of his frustration, hatred, anger, confusion, and other emotions he couldn't name forced him to speak. As soon as he saw the man on the other side that strange portal he knew that his problems were just beginning.
"Hello Snivellus. It's so nice to see you too."
The smile on Black's face made Snape want to scream. He remained as controlled as possible as he responded. "You aren't a ghost Black. Go back to where you came from so that those of us who are alive can find some peace. Isn't it bad enough that we have to put up with Peeves?"
Turning from Black he could see a smile trying to form on the Headmaster's face. His only choice at this point was to curl his lip and growl softly in frustration.
"Relax Snape. I won't be here much longer and then you can have the joy of celebrating all over again. I have certain tasks before I go back across the 'Veil'. Harry's situation required someone from the other side to give explanations and do certain things. I was the lucky person to get sent back. You wouldn't believe how many people were demanding to be the one, but I got to come because of my wonderful good looks and charming personality." Black's smile just kept growing with each new word to leave his mouth.
"Well go and speak to him then, and leave the living to rest in peace. When you see him pass along the message that he has a detention. I should give him more than one, but having heard about his condition I will forgo that pleasure, for now." Severus felt pleased at how bored he had made his voice sound.
Black's look of joy didn't fade in the slightest, and hearing Black's retort just increased his feelings of frustration. "Sorry old boy, but Harry isn't a student here anymore. He says that he needs to see you though, so feel free to treat him as badly as you always have if you want. I don't recommend it though. You will probably just get a lot of people angry." Before Snape could come up with a fitting retort Black had turned from him and faced the Headmaster. "Harry decided to stay in the land of the living. I need to get his sword, in addition to taking Snape to Harry. I don't know what he plans but it has been decided that he should have it. That and anything else of his that you have. Sorry but I'm not allowed to answer any of your questions Albus. I can just tell you what needs to be done. There is a photo album and several other things hidden beneath a loose floorboard in his old room at Privet drive. Get those and anything else to Madame Pomfrey so she can take them to Harry. You may face some difficulty from the Ministry getting his wand, but you need to do it. Now may I have the sword so I can take it and Snape? We need to talk about some potions while I guide him to Harry." There was silence as Snape watched Dumbledore rise and carry Gryffindor's sword to the door of light. "Well Snape, it's time to go. Harry is waiting."
Severus was furious. He was used to the insults between himself and Black. That was normal and to be expected. What he could not stand was thought of passively accepting the summons that Black had just delivered. "Ah yes, we must all jump when the great Harry Potter speaks mustn't we. His every desire must be fulfilled. Sorry Black, but I'm not his servant to come running at his slightest whim. I have important things to discuss with the Headmaster, and then I need sleep." Severus felt better after saying this. Some of his frustration had been released allowing him to regain a measure of calm.
"He said it was important to see you, but if you are too proud to help him then so be it. I'll just take this sword and leave. Nobody can or will force you to come with me. The choice is yours. We need to go now if you're going to come, so decide quickly."
Now the frustration was back, and both indignation and anger joined it. "Fine, I'll follow you, but I will not endure your ridicule, or any of Potter's games." Standing, he walked through the door pushing Sirius aside as he did. "Well, let's be going so I can get on with my life, and you can go back to being dead."
"Very well Severus. I have a book of potions I'm sure you'll find interesting. Of course, there is a catch." The door closed behind them cutting off any hope for him to escape the new torments that he expected to receive.
**
This day was strange. He still didn't know what had caused the explosion last night. There were other mysteries as well. Like where Hermione was. Her roommates said that Professor McGonagall had come for her in the night and she hadn't come back. He'd waited for her, hoping she would know about the explosion or at least have some ideas, but had finally come down for breakfast alone. Looking around he could see that other people were missing as well, Professors McGonagall and Snape weren't at the Head table. He also saw that Malfoy was absent from the Slytherin table.
His eyes drifted to another mystery as he wondered where those people were. Sitting apart from the other students was his sister. She no longer talked to anyone but Luna. They were the only ones that hadn't accepted the fact that HE was evil. She had been there and seen when HE had killed Seamus; she had seen the other things that HE had done as well. Yet she wouldn't believe what everyone else knew. Before she had withdrawn she told people that it hadn't been HIM. She admitted that she didn't know why she was so sure that HE was innocent. No evidence would change what she believed though, not even what she had seen herself.
Suddenly he was distracted from these thoughts by Professor McGonagall and Hermione entering the Great Hall together. Their faces were drawn and he felt worried. Hermione's parents had been attacked once already. No one knew who had saved her parents, but now he was afraid that there had been another attack. He saw Hermione nod at something she was told and move towards a door on the side of the room. Professor McGonagall held up a scroll and started speaking.
"I would like to ask that the following students accompany Miss Granger." As he heard the names, which included his own and his sisters he stood and moved towards Hermione. She wasn't looking at anyone, or saying anything other than that the students should move through the door beside her. As he got close he started to ask her what was going on, but she just shook her head and gave a strange look towards Ginny.
**
They hadn't expected to be called to Hogwarts. It was nice to be coming back, even though they would have to open their shop a little later than normal. It was surprising to see their brothers and parents when they arrived at the Apparition point a short distance from the school grounds. Professor Flitwick had met them as well as several members of the Order, and several other people they didn't recognize. None of the family or the other people they met while walking up to the school knew why they had been called, and Flitwick refused to tell.
Somehow they ended up a short distance behind the group following Professor Flitwick. A door of light suddenly appeared between them and the rest of the group. From the other side of the opening a voice came to them.
"Gred and Forge Weasley I need to speak with you. I have an offer I think you will find interesting. This job should be a challenge for such skilled pranksters as you."
The twins stopped and looked at each other. They could see a figure wrapped completely in robes, with Madame Pomfrey standing to the side. The voice had been soft, and they didn't feel threatened. With smiles on their faces they stepped through this door in hopes of finding some new mischief in the place where they found so much in the past.
**
Ron had been surprised to see his family and all the other people when he stepped through the door. His mother pulled him and then his sister into fierce hugs speaking of how worried she had been when she was called to the school. It took some time to settle his mother so that the family could find seats beside the Grangers. Hermione had moved to the front of the room and was joined by Professor McGonagall. He could see the Headmaster sitting with a confused looking Minister of Magic and several other people from the Ministry.
Snape was talking to Professor Dumbledore and he caught several words. "Just looked at me.. Didn't say a word.. He smiled when.." Ron had no idea of what was happening. He just wished that things would start happening so he could stop being confused.
Suddenly there was a new distraction. A door filled with light appeared near the front of the room and his twin brothers stepped out laughing.
"Would the two of you care to share the joke?" Snape's voice cut sharply through the confused babble that began as they appeared. They just looked at Snape and giggled for a while.
Ron was ready to scream at his brothers to stop laughing. He wanted to know what was going on, and they were causing problems as usual.
"So sorry to be late."
"Yes, Unavoidably detained on business you know."
"Special commission and all."
After saying this they looked at each other and bust out laughing again.
Finally the Headmaster addressed the twins. Ron hoped that this would finally lead to at least one explanation. "Mrs. Weasley I see that you have been contacted. Can you tell us about your meeting?"
The twins appeared to force themselves under control finally. Ron smiled to himself. That simple question from Dumbledore had a power that even his mother had never had. The twins actually looked serious when they responded.
"We encountered someone who had a special order for our shop." Fred answered.
George spoke up next. "Yes, a special costume, and some other items. We aren't sure why he needs them."
Fred jumped in looking towards the Matriarch of the family. "Madame Pomfrey was there so we knew he wasn't evil. Never did get his name though."
"Odd that, usually customers with special orders enjoy speaking more."
"True my dear George. He did say that we needed to get to this meeting."
"Yes Fred. He also said Madame Pomfrey wanted the meeting to be brief. Something about injuries and rest."
Ron couldn't help but smile a bit at his brothers' antics. It had been a long time since he had smiled. Not since the day HE had killed Seamus.
Dumbledore was looking slightly confused but still smiling. "Can you tell us what these other things are? It may help us. It may also be important to this meeting. As we will be discussing your benefactor."
The twins now looked exited and he knew the meeting would be delayed some more. Their faces held a look he had only seen when they were plotting some new secret mischief.
"We're sorry Headmaster. He said he wanted us to make him three balls using a special spell. We aren't allowed to share it with anyone else."
"Yes, those and a special project. Oh the fame."
"The glory."
"The advertising." When Fred said this last the twins burst into laughter again.
Dumbledore stood at this point still smiling. "Well, as you two are the last to arrive we should begin." The smile faded from the old man's face as he began speaking. "I will start by telling you all that Draco Malfoy has been banished from Hogwarts."
The Minister of Magic was on his feet after hearing this. "Surely you are mistaken Dumbledore. No one has the authority to do that." This statement confused Ron. Of course Malfoy could be thrown out of Hogwarts. It didn't happen often but students had been expelled. Why was everybody acting so confused or exited?
"I assure you that there is no mistake Cornelius. Young Mr. Malfoy was prevented from setting foot on the grounds last night in a rather explosive demonstration of the banishment." Snape was smiling as he said this. Ron was shocked to see the look of pleasure on his face as he talked about his pet student.
Fudge seemed unable to accept what he was being told. "Now see here. Banishment is just not possible any longer. They have restricted themselves. They have not chosen anyone in centuries. I mean it can't be true. After all for a banishment there would have to be.." Fudge stopped and looked at Dumbledore his eyes wide.
"Yes Cornelius, it would take a True Lord chosen by the Others. One has been chosen, and passed Judgment upon Mr. Malfoy. I do not know if the Judgement has been extended beyond Hogwarts and the Forbidden Forest, but it has been made." The headmaster had a strange smile on his face as he continued. "One of the reasons I asked you to attend this meeting was due to this. There are certain matters that relate to these events which must be dealt with."
Ron was getting more confused by the moment. He had never heard of a True Lord. What was the big deal about Malfoy being thrown out of school, and why did it take someone special to do it. Hagrid had been expelled and it hadn't taken anything other than the Board of Governors as far as he knew.
Dumbledore started to speak again. "The first matter that must be dealt with is the fact that we have found that Harry Potter is alive."
He couldn't help himself. When he heard that name and alive together he exploded. "What are we doing here then. HE needs to be hunted down and killed. If this Lord guy has some power have HIM banished or worse. After what HE's done there shouldn't need to be any talk, just destroy HIM."
The memory of that day came back. It overwhelmed him and suddenly he was there again. He was in Diagon Alley trying to forget what people were saying about his best friend. Harry had vanished a couple weeks ago, and several days later the stories had started. He couldn't believe that Harry could ever do what people were saying. Sure there were eyewitnesses, but he wouldn't believe it. It had to be a mistake.
Then the screams began. He looked over and saw HIM standing over Seamus with hatred written on his face. Hermione was on the ground writhing in agony. He believed then. He knew the truth. Harry Potter was evil. Before he could even move there was a flash of green and HE had killed Seamus.
It was too much to bear. Hermione being tortured, and Seamus dead. He charged screaming at the monster that had once been his friend. That was when the Cruciatus struck. The pain was so great he fell to the ground unable to think of anything but how much he hated HIM.
He came back to the present with that hate filled laugh still ringing in his ears. He couldn't stop shaking. It was so bad that he could almost feel the pain again. He didn't care what else Dumbledore had to say. He would go out and find HIM. He would stop HIM from hurting anyone else. He had to.
As he started to leave Dumbledore's voice broke through the memories. "I'm sorry Mr. Weasley, I know that the memory is painful for you but we were tricked. Harry is innocent."
He couldn't believe what he had just heard. How could Dumbledore say something like that? "I can't believe you said that. I saw HIS face when he cursed me. I saw HIM kill Seamus. Hermione would have died if the Aurors hadn't arrived. They found HIS leg. HIS wand was there. HE did those things and you know it." He was screaming now. He didn't care anymore. It felt good to let out the pain from HIS betrayal. He didn't even try to hold back. "You examined his wand yourself. You told the press HE was guilty. How dare you try to say HE was innocent."
"I am truly sorry Mr. Weasley but you need to listen to what I have to say." Dumbledore's hand moved and all sound in the room stopped. His anger was growing now but he had no way to express it. He couldn't even walk out because his body wasn't working. "We have evidence that prove Mr. Potter's innocence as I said. We also have two witnesses of to his present condition and they can and have stated that it was impossible for him to have committed the crimes nearly all of us believed he had." Dumbledore was now looking at Ginny. "I'm sorry I doubted you. I think I now know how you could be so sure of his innocence."
" If you would Miss Granger, please show everyone the rings."
Rings? How could some rings prove that HE was innocent? No, HE was guilty. Nothing could change that.
Hermione took a ring out of the box before her and started to speak. "Harry made these to protect his friends and people he thought were in greater danger because they were close to him. I'm sorry Ron; he didn't do any of those things. He couldn't have while these are still here. Think about it Ron, remember when Harry made them? Ron these are the Heart Rings. You know what they mean. You told me so many stories about Heart Rings. We both knew about them, and we could have proved that what people were saying was wrong. We failed him Ron, he didn't hurt us or anyone else."
He saw the ring and knew. Now he could feel a new pain. He had thought nothing could ever hurt more than the Cruciatus curse. Now he knew that there were far worse pains. He could feel the tears start from his eyes as his heart broke. He knew that Hermione felt the same pain, it was clear in her eyes. As Hermione's last words repeated themselves in his mind his hatred turned inward. He had failed Harry again. This was so much worse than the Tri-Wizard Tournament. He felt himself falling to the floor as he realized that he hadn't only failed his best friend but had hurt his sister as well. She had known, he didn't understand how, but she had. The way he had treated her. The things he had said about both her and Harry. He couldn't bear the pain any longer. Finally darkness took him and the pain was gone.
**
A/N: I'm sorry this wasn't up earlier. I foolishly thought that this chapter would be easy. I said to myself. Hey it's just some little bits. It will be easy. Oh how wrong I was. Jumping around was hard. I had to keep switching gears in my head. Then the end just sort of jumped out and grabbed me. Looking at it I'm thinking to myself 'WOW where did that come from?' I had planned to give some more information this chapter and had thought it would be light and easy. Did I say yet that I'm an idiot and a fool? Well, after thinking this would be easy I have to say that I am.
The chapter still doesn't feel entirely right to me. The problem is I don't know how to change it for the better. Oh well, it works and I can move on. Maybe I'll figure out something later and come back to fix it.
Reviews: Thank you all.
There are quite a few of you who have written to say how I am doing a good job and that you enjoy the story. I really appreciate all of your support and kind words. As I have said before they make this worthwhile.
Many have commented on Sirius, and I have to say that he was fun to write.
As to Harry. That was hard to write. I really hope that I don't find myself writing anything like that again. The scene with Poppy Pomfrey yelling at people was hard. Harry is a wonderful character and it hurt me to do those things to him.
The flashback that Ron had this chapter was really hard for me as well. I had planned on a bit about why people hated Harry this chapter but it just took off on it's own. As I have said before, I have an idea when I start a chapter or story and then it grows as I write. As strange as it may sound I really don't know where some of this comes from, and I don't have a lot of control.
Shellbert: I'm glad you understood why I did those things to Harry. As I said above it was hard to do. I hadn't planned to be as detailed or do quite so much. It just happened.
A.M.bookworm247: Thank you so much. I find that in a lot of these parts I feel what the character I'm writing about feels. Like Ron's anger this chapter. It's wonderful to hear that I can get that emotion across in my story.
Wadeki: Thank you for your thoughts. I have tried to avoid the things I've seen in the other FanFics I've read. It's hard to avoid doing some things like others as there are so may stories out there. I'm glad you like the story.
I want to say thank you to all the other wonderful reviewers who voiced their support.