A/N- Beth is on a roll. Yes, I have another chapter out for all my
wonderful readers already. Depending on how much time I get to write in
the next week or two between work and painting my room (and all that
wonderful stuff), I may have two more chapters out for you in rapid
succession. Again, much thanks goes to Endora, without whom I'd be lost.
She gives me so much insight. ^.^ Thanks are also due to all my reviewers,
even though I only gave you two days to review the last chapter. Enjoy!
Bonds of Pain
Chapter Twenty-two
In which there is Fudge, breakfast, and Transfiguration with a headmaster
Severus found himself eagerly awaiting Remus Lupin's knock on his door Thursday morning, as the werewolf would be delivering the results of the Wolfsbane Potion Mark Two. Despite the kidnapping, the battle in the Entrance Hall had gone remarkably well for the school's defenders. None of the professors had been hurt, nor had the four animals or the three who had wielded Muggle weapons, according to Albus. Among the enemy casualties had been MacNair, Avery, and Wormtail. Each captured Death Eater had been locked into a warded cell in the dungeons, with no chance of escape. Snape had never even known the rooms existed, despite having taught for years in the same area of the castle.
When the door slammed open shortly after dawn, bouncing back from the stone wall, Severus nearly jumped out of his skin. Lupin charged into his parlour, looking younger than he had in many years. The silver strands had completely disappeared from his hair, as well as the drawn and ill look from his face. His eyes were no longer the amber Severus had always known, but turquoise.
"Thank you!" the man cried, leaping on the thoroughly startled Potions Master. "I took the final dose before moonrise, and I didn't change! Then when I concentrated on the wolf, I popped and was the wolf with my mind, just like an Animagus!" Stepping back, the man made a quick demonstration. Pop! Wolf. Pop! Lupin again. "I can't thank you enough, Severus!"
"Excellent." A slow grin spread across the tall man's face. "Artemis will be so happy when she hears. I finally found the solution." The realization hit him full force at that moment, and he whooped. Others had been searching for a cure for centuries, and not only had he found a way to tame the wolf, he had created one that turned the curse into Animagus ability. "I found it!" he crowed. So he would be heard. Who cared? He'd found a cure.
Severus was still doing a very undignified victory dance when the flames on his hearth whooshed and turned green. Albus' head appeared in them without the dark man noticing, and Remus began to laugh before Severus noticed his mentor watching him.
"Intriguing ritual, Severus. Would both of you mind coming up to my office? Cornelius Fudge is on his way, and your success would be a bit of good news to offset the bad of last night's encounter." A wicked gleam lit the headmaster's eyes. Severus had no doubt that the Minister was in for a very big shock. Rather than being good news to the bigoted idiot, Severus' potion would be another blow. He would finally get that Order of Merlin, and maybe his Wolfsbane would actually be credited to him as well. Not to mention the dent that would be made in the Dark Lord's recruitment plans.
"We'll be right there, Albus, if you'll keep the fire going." The ancient wizard nodded in response, and his head disappeared. An unusual smile gracing his aquiline features, the Potions Master offered his guest the bowl of Floo Powder from the mantle. With a wink, the former werewolf took a pinch and stepped through the flames. Severus grinned as he replaced the bowl and followed.
"I must say, Severus, your cure seems to be most effective. The Animagus transformation is a wonderful bonus. Remus certainly would have missed being able to run in the forest with a certain friend if that had not been a side effect." The sallow professor found himself flushing at the unexpected praise from his mentor.
"Actually, Albus, that bit was completely unpredicted. I don't know if it will work the same on everyone, but I wouldn't be surprised." Not now that he actually had the proof that it worked. Ha. Take that, Fudge, you dolt! Smirking, he leaned against the wall just to the hinged side of the door, where the Minister would never see him.
He had moved none too soon, as the door opened and the foremost wizard in Britain entered, wearing his favourite pinstriped emerald suit and bowler. The man looked and acted terrified, as well he should. If Death Eaters could abduct a professor from inside the very walls of Hogwarts, where would he be safe from them?
"Albus, I cannot tell the public about this! They would vote me out of office." BANG!! The wizened headmaster had slammed his open hands onto his desk to silence the man, and Remus turned to face them both with a book in hand, as if the scene had been rehearsed.
"Cornelius, you can no longer lie to the public. They will not stand for it any longer." Albus was snarling at the Minister. "Now sit!" The ancient wizard pointed at a stiff-backed wooden chair, and the frightened visitor obeyed, his precious bowler gripped tightly in both hands. On cue, Lupin moved forward to greet Fudge.
"Minister Fudge. I'm sure you remember me. Remus Lupin, we met almost a year and a half ago in this very room." Fudge spluttered for a moment before finding his voice, not shaking the offered hand.
"B-but. you're a werewolf!"
"Not anymore." Lupin flashed his teeth in a mockery of a grin, having obviously retained nearly thirty years of the memories of the wolf's behaviour. That smile was meant for pure intimidation. "I have been kindly presented with a cure. As you might know, the full moon was just last night, and I didn't transform."
Fudge looked as though he had just swallowed a lemon-whole. Severus glided from the shadows in his most threatening manner, a sneer on his lips.
"You knew I was attempting a cure, Minister. I will have credit for this one." He was still needled by the fact that he had been denied a patent on the Wolfsbane. "You should listen to the headmaster, Fudge. He knows all about people." He's probably taught a good half of those who can vote in this country. His word means a great deal to a great many.
"Now, Cornelius," Albus spoke, his soft tone belying his fury. "Not only have you been lying to your constituents, you have been trying to tarnish the reputations of two of their favourite public figures: Harry Potter and myself. Did you know that fifteen-year-old boy sees nearly every attack where Voldemort is present?" The plump little man shuddered as the forbidden name was uttered. "He wakes in the middle of the night with nightmares, reliving the Third Task, his account of which you so callously dismissed as ravings of a disturbed mind. He is one of six reasons this school escaped massive damage last night, one of the reasons there are no casualties among the staff and students. Yes, Minerva has been abducted, but she is unhurt. Now, if you don't mind," and Albus turned to his grate, "I must fire-call Ms. Skeeter and let her know what has occurred for her article in the evening edition." A careless hand motioned in the direction of the door. "Have the Aurors take the prisoners off my hands. This is a school, not a detention centre for heinous criminals." As Albus pulled down his pot of Floo Powder, Fudge fled the room, white with terror. The door banged closed, and Severus howled with laughter.
"Did. did you see the look. the look on his face?" he gasped between paroxysms. "Like he. he saw a ghost!" He was laughing so hard he didn't even notice the ghost float through the wall.
"Well hello to you too, Severus." At Myrtle's exasperated tone, the Potions Master blinked and began to calm down. The spectre turned to the headmaster with a frown. "Violet said Min was kidnapped. Is it true? She was so nice to me while I was alive."
Albus sighed and took off his half-moon glasses. "Yes, Myrtle, it is. Tom has her, and we have had no luck finding him so far. Have you?"
"Not yet, sir. I'll get right back on it. You'll want location, defences, and wards, I imagine?" There was a steely glint in the shade's eyes, and she even had a bit of colour in her. The Dark Lord would regret the day he made Moaning Myrtle so irritated.
"Yes dear. Be careful." The ghost simply nodded before zooming back out through the same wall.
Severus blinked. "Myrtle is trying to find him? Why?" Albus' smile gave him chills. It was as vicious as the one Remus had shown Fudge.
"Tom killed her. She wants vengeance. Much better for her to be our spy than someone living who can actually be hurt. It was the idea of Mr. Potter and Mr. Malfoy." Severus nodded. Trust those two to come up with something so ingenious. "Now, Severus, breakfast will be served soon, and the Interim Deputy Headmaster should be there before he has classes." Blink. "Shoo, Severus. Your students need you." The lean professor fled before he completely lost his composure, Lupin's amusement floating down the staircase after him. By the time he reached the Great Hall, he was the normal snarky Severus Snape again.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
{Haaaarry.} Groggily, the teenager began to wake to the sound of his name. {Harry, time for breakfast.} The last word drew him upright in his bed, the covers pooling in his lap. Only then did he realize that the soprano voice had been entirely in his head. He briefly fondled the silver band on his left hand before climbing out of the four-poster.
~I will retaliate, Gin. For God's sake, it's only half six!~ He heard a fleeting mental giggle and decided to get up anyway. After all, he would have the showers mostly to himself at this hour.
Twenty minutes later, the tall boy wore a fluffy red towel around his waist and was briskly drying his hair with another when Seamus walked into the bathroom. The blond Irish boy stopped and looked his roommate up and down slowly. The lingering gaze had Harry squirming before Finnegan spoke.
"Bloody hell, Harry. When're ye gonna stop growin'?" The other Gryffindor stepped up next to him and looked in the mirror. "I mean, last year ye were th' only one not sprouting, and now ye jus' don' stop. Yer robes is gettin' short again. I doubt there's anythin' left for th' house-elves to let out." Harry blinked at the reflection. Seamus barely made it to his eyes. Two weeks ago, they'd been even.
"I think the Dursleys were stunting my growth," the raven-haired boy mused. He slung the extra towel over his shoulder and raked a hand through his unruly locks in a half-hearted attempt to settle them. "Besides, I've been doing loads more physical work this year. It's put a lot of muscle on me." Instead of being skinny, as had been the case halfway through the summer, the young man was now simply lean, with whip-cords of muscle taut on every inch of his body. Well, maybe not every inch.
Seamus turned out to be right about his clothes, as usual. His trousers were a good two inches above his ankles again, his trainers were pinching his toes, and his robes were dangerously tight across his shoulders. He was going to have to stop into Gladrags soon.
Later, Harry was double-checking his Potions homework for the day and waiting for the rest of the group to appear. As the time neared half seven, Draco managed to make a dramatic entrance in the near-empty commons.
{Are they all idiots?} the white-blond boy asked, looking at Harry. {Even Nev's already gone to breakfast.} The darker boy just shrugged in return. When he noticed the glare from the former Slytherin, however, he strengthened his shields.
{EVERYONE UP! FRONT AND CENTRE! GRUB TIME!} Even with full shields, Harry winced at the mental parade-ground voice. That would wake Ron.
{Oi, loudmouth, shut it!} Ginny's soprano scolded. The girl paused. {Bloody hell, it's half seven! Coming immediately, sir!}
{I was almost done, you blockhead!} Lavender chided. {I would have been down in five.}
{Hunh?} Ron's baritone, unlike the girls' voices, was rough with sleep.
{I'll get Sir Lazybones,} Hermione's crisp alto reassured. {Go on, we'll catch you up.}
~All right. See you downstairs, 'Mione.~ Harry sighed. If anyone could wake Ron, it was the redhead's girlfriend. The two boys waited for their own girlfriends to join them before hefting their booksacks and climbing through the portrait hole. The Fat Lady sniffed a tearful "Good morning" at them as they left, a lacy hankie clutched in her hand still.
"I wonder if last night's. incident. will be in the Daily Prophet this morning," Ginny commented. Every clump of students they passed was whispering, and it was all too easy to hear snatches of the conversations, all mentioning something that had happened the previous evening.
"Dunno," Draco replied with a shrug. "They might print a special evening edition if they couldn't get enough information by press time. I wouldn't be surprised if Aunt Rita got the article." Harry responded with a noncommittal grunt, sinking into his own thoughts about the battle.
If I'd thought of my broom sooner, Professor McGonagall might still be here and safe, he thought. It's my fault they got away. His dark musing was interrupted by a sharp elbow to the ribs. He looked up to meet a pair of chocolate eyes.
{Stop blaming yourself,} Ginny's soprano hissed in his head. {You did everything you could. Besides, you got Myrtle to help. Give yourself some slack. You don't have to be a perfect hero.} As she bespoke him, the auburn-haired girl slipped her hand into his. The warm silver of her promise ring gave him a fuzzy, pleasant feeling as it touched his skin.
~Sorry, love. I can't help but feel responsible. I guess it's just something I do.~ He squeezed the petite girl's hand. As they sat down, he continued to hold the delicate hand, only letting go when Ginny made to free it. Draco and Lav, noticing this behaviour, glanced at each other oddly.
"Ahem." Harry cleared his throat pointedly. "I'd rather you talked to me, not about me." Draco sighed and massaged his temples, while Lav threw up her hands and rolled her eyes before smearing marmalade on a slice of toast.
Hermione and Ron arrived about five minutes later, both gasping for breath and Ron still rubbing the sleep out of his eyes. As usual, the gangly boy ploughed into a bowl of porridge. Hermione sat down calmly and began to butter several slices of toast before reaching for the strawberry preserves.
At ten minutes until eight, Dumbledore strode into the Great Hall. Conversations at the House tables hushed as he made his way up to the head table. The elderly wizard stood for a moment beside his chair there, Snape seated on one side and McGonagall's empty chair on the other. The few murmurings of the students ceased.
"Last night, Voldemort attacked this school, giving us a glimpse at his plans. Professor McGonagall was abducted during the skirmish, despite the efforts of those fighting on our side. Many of the Death Eaters were captured, including one of the men who orchestrated last year's attempt on the life of Harry Potter. Because this man has been apprehended, another man will go free who has been wrongly imprisoned." The headmaster looked directly at Harry, and he felt a swell of joy. The bearded man could only mean that Fudge was pardoning Sirius. The raven-haired Gryffindor had to stifle a cheer as the wizened man continued to speak. "While Voldemort may have taken Professor McGonagall from our presence, we have taken one of his most prized servants and, at the same time, freed a powerful ally for the Light."
With a deep Breath, Dumbledore folded his hands and made his last announcement. "Until our Deputy Headmistress is returned to us and in full health, I will be teaching Transfiguration classes, and Madam Hooch will take the duties of Gryffindor's Head of House. Professor Snape will be the temporary Deputy Headmaster. Efforts are underway as I speak to find our missing Professor. The best thing all of you can do is to go on with your daily lives. Voldemort wants most to disrupt your lives; life defeats him." The ancient wizard sat down, and murmurs broke out all over the room.
"Impressive," Draco muttered. "Did he imply that Fudge saw the rat and freed Snuffles?"
"Yup." Harry could feel a grin stretching from ear to ear. "Or at least as good as. That means we should be seeing Mr. Padfoot any time now."
"What about Mr. Padfoot?" Fred asked, leaning forward to peer down the table at the group. Lee Jordan's dreadlocks and George's red hair joined Fred.
"Come down here so we don't have to yell at you," Ginny said scornfully, and the three seventh-years obeyed quickly, sitting at the end of the table with the Dream Team.
"Mr. Prongs was my father," Harry murmured, just loud enough for the prankster trio to hear. Fred dropped his spoon into his porridge with a loud plop.
"Moony is Professor Lupin, Wormtail is Peter Pettigrew and the real betrayer of the Potters, and Padfoot is Sirius Black, Harry's godfather." Ginny's voice was low and secretive. Ron gripped Harry's shoulder supportively before speaking.
"Pettigrew faked his own death at Sirius' hands and hid as a rat for twelve years. In fact, he was very close to Harry here at Hogwarts. He was Scabbers." The disgust coloured the older boy's voice.
"Merlin. You mean Perce's rat is the reason an honorary Weasley has to live with awful Muggles?" George asked. The entire younger group nodded as one.
"I'll thrash the bastard when I find him." Fred growled. A wry smile spread across Draco's pale features.
"He's somewhere in the castle, if you want to go looking. As long as Sirius is officially free first, you're welcome to him. He's the important Death Eater Dumbledore mentioned." The vicious smirks in response to the statement made each of the six teens shudder.
{Remind me never to get on their bad side,} Hermione telepathed. {I'd really hate to be in the rat's shoes.}
"Speaking of the rat," Harry piped, perking up a bit. Abuse to Wormtail did that to him. "Who got him?" The older trio took this question as their cue to leave, picking up their knapsacks as they stood.
"I think it might have been me," Ron admitted sheepishly. "I can't be sure, because the rage had me well and good, but I think I nearly took his head off." The gangly redhead made a sweeping gesture with one hand to mimic what he had done several times during the battle with paws the size of frying pans.
"Wicked job, mate. I think I broke several wand arms, myself." Draco wore a vaguely gleeful look on his narrow features.
"A lot of our damage might have been just the impression we made, though," Harry said thoughtfully. Two of the biggest felines in the world, a hawk, and a huge constrictor would probably scare anyone.
"I thought Professor Snape was going to faint when he saw Harry and Ron," Lavender commented. "Draco and SkyStrike didn't bother him at all, but you two did." The blond boy's face met his hands for the second time that morning.
"Bloody hell," he moaned. "I forgot. His only phobia is big cats." The others exchanged incredulous looks. "It's because they're the only large animals that can actually sneak up on him and do him harm. Uncle Sev hates being taken by surprise." This time, everyone nodded in understanding.
"Well then, we should apologize after Potions." Harry groaned at Hermione's statement. They had double Potions again. How could he have forgotten when he had been reviewing the homework only an hour ago?
"Well, I'm off to Herbology," Ginny declared, slinging her bag over one shoulder. "I'll see you at lunch." The auburn-haired girl bent to brush her lips briefly against Harry's before heading for the door. The boy sighed, raking a hand through his ebony locks.
"Oi, mate, what time is it?" Ron asked him. With a move that was now habit, Harry slipped his father's pocketwatch into his hand an thumbed the catch. Inside, the mundane clock read 7:55, and the magical "Time to sprint to Potions." Five hands stood on that legend, with Ginny's at "Going to class," Remus' at "Reading a good book," and Sirius' at "Wandering Hogwarts."
"Time to go," Harry replied, grinning. Whoever had enchanted the watch must have had a good sense of humour. Why else would the watch tell him to sprint to Potions or Divination, while his other classes always read "head for" unless he was late?
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Draco fidgeted throughout the long Potions class. He didn't know how Uncle Sev was going to react to the group's capabilities. Of course, the blond knew what the reactions to the animals would be. The man would be impressed with the owl and rabbit, aww over the cardinal, and fawn over the constrictor, but the panther and lion would have him quaking in fear.
When the Slytherins and Gryffindors left the room, the blond stepped toward his godfather. Once again, Neville had managed to avoid disaster in his least favourite class.
"Er, Uncle Sev?" he asked. The Potions Master looked up, tucking a stray lock of hair behind his ear. The rest of the mass, heavily conditioned as usual, was tied into a queue with a strip of dark green silk.
"Yes, Draco?"
"Sorry if any of us scared you last night." A blank look was all the response he got. "With our Animagus forms, I mean." Realization dawned on the older man's sallow features.
"I see. Was Mr. Weasley the lion?" Draco felt a wry grin tug at the corners of his mouth.
"Yes, sir. Harry is the panther, and I'm the boa." His godfather glanced at Lavender and Hermione, and the blond continued. "Lav is a cotton-tailed rabbit, 'Mione a barn owl, and Gin a cardinal." The smile on the professor's lips relieved the former Slytherin.
"Well, then, I hope I don't have to watch for sneak attacks." There was a warning tone in Uncle Sev's voice, and the man leaned forward to speak quietly. "At least I know who the beasts are." Draco had to smother a snigger. Severus sat back and waved off the group of Gryffindors. "Go on. You don't want to be late for your first class with the headmaster." Cheeky smiles and scurrying feet were the wordless answer.
Outside the Transfiguration classroom, the other six fifth-year Gryffindors were chattering, waiting for Dumbledore. The door was closed and evidently locked.
"Oi, Harry!" Dean Thomas called. "What d'you think the old man will do?" Harry's groan was just barely audible. Draco simply put his head in his hand before answering for his friend.
"He hasn't a clue, Dean. None of us do, because Dumbledore is a barmy old coot, and he knows he is. What does an insane person teach?" The dark- skinned student frowned and leaned against the wall, pulling a sketchbook from his satchel and flipping through it. The blond thought he glimpsed a dancing couple among the rough drawings, but he decided to ask in the common room after classes.
Two minutes later, the classroom door audibly unlocked, and the other Gryffindors charged inside, leaving the Dream Team to find five seats in the back. As usual, Dumbledore wore deep purple robes, these stitched to resemble the night sky. The wizard's half-moon glasses rested high on his prominent nose. His examination of the smiling man over, Draco took in the classroom.
Simple stone and blackboards had been replaced with a skilful reproduction of a sunny summer day. Trees in full leaf stood in small clumps around rolling green hills. The floor beneath the desks was a gently sloping hillside, and the front of the classroom was a level spot in a valley. Four trees bore three large canvasses where the blackboards had been. The desks had changed from stark wood to elegant sculptures of stone and wood, and the stiff, uncomfortable chairs were now more padded and relaxed, though not enough for one to fall asleep. Stunned by the changes, Draco stared at the headmaster.
"Welcome to my class," the ancient wizard intoned, spreading his arms. "You may have realized this does not look like your normal classroom. In fact, for now, the castle is kindly connecting this room to the door of your regular classroom to minimize confusion. This room was originally created by a Professor John Fairbanks, who taught Transfiguration before I came here. Over the years, I have made a few improvements. This room is its own small reality. One can walk quite a ways in any direction, but the only way out I know of is through the door in the tree." Indeed, there was a large tree to the right of the canvasses, and a simple door on the side was closed.
{Wicked,} Ron's baritone murmured. From the astonished looks of the rest of the class, it seemed to be unanimous. Transfiguration was everyone's new favourite class.
What is going on with Neville in Potions? Where is Minerva? What will Voldemort do to her? Find out next chapter!
Beth Weasley
Bonds of Pain
Chapter Twenty-two
In which there is Fudge, breakfast, and Transfiguration with a headmaster
Severus found himself eagerly awaiting Remus Lupin's knock on his door Thursday morning, as the werewolf would be delivering the results of the Wolfsbane Potion Mark Two. Despite the kidnapping, the battle in the Entrance Hall had gone remarkably well for the school's defenders. None of the professors had been hurt, nor had the four animals or the three who had wielded Muggle weapons, according to Albus. Among the enemy casualties had been MacNair, Avery, and Wormtail. Each captured Death Eater had been locked into a warded cell in the dungeons, with no chance of escape. Snape had never even known the rooms existed, despite having taught for years in the same area of the castle.
When the door slammed open shortly after dawn, bouncing back from the stone wall, Severus nearly jumped out of his skin. Lupin charged into his parlour, looking younger than he had in many years. The silver strands had completely disappeared from his hair, as well as the drawn and ill look from his face. His eyes were no longer the amber Severus had always known, but turquoise.
"Thank you!" the man cried, leaping on the thoroughly startled Potions Master. "I took the final dose before moonrise, and I didn't change! Then when I concentrated on the wolf, I popped and was the wolf with my mind, just like an Animagus!" Stepping back, the man made a quick demonstration. Pop! Wolf. Pop! Lupin again. "I can't thank you enough, Severus!"
"Excellent." A slow grin spread across the tall man's face. "Artemis will be so happy when she hears. I finally found the solution." The realization hit him full force at that moment, and he whooped. Others had been searching for a cure for centuries, and not only had he found a way to tame the wolf, he had created one that turned the curse into Animagus ability. "I found it!" he crowed. So he would be heard. Who cared? He'd found a cure.
Severus was still doing a very undignified victory dance when the flames on his hearth whooshed and turned green. Albus' head appeared in them without the dark man noticing, and Remus began to laugh before Severus noticed his mentor watching him.
"Intriguing ritual, Severus. Would both of you mind coming up to my office? Cornelius Fudge is on his way, and your success would be a bit of good news to offset the bad of last night's encounter." A wicked gleam lit the headmaster's eyes. Severus had no doubt that the Minister was in for a very big shock. Rather than being good news to the bigoted idiot, Severus' potion would be another blow. He would finally get that Order of Merlin, and maybe his Wolfsbane would actually be credited to him as well. Not to mention the dent that would be made in the Dark Lord's recruitment plans.
"We'll be right there, Albus, if you'll keep the fire going." The ancient wizard nodded in response, and his head disappeared. An unusual smile gracing his aquiline features, the Potions Master offered his guest the bowl of Floo Powder from the mantle. With a wink, the former werewolf took a pinch and stepped through the flames. Severus grinned as he replaced the bowl and followed.
"I must say, Severus, your cure seems to be most effective. The Animagus transformation is a wonderful bonus. Remus certainly would have missed being able to run in the forest with a certain friend if that had not been a side effect." The sallow professor found himself flushing at the unexpected praise from his mentor.
"Actually, Albus, that bit was completely unpredicted. I don't know if it will work the same on everyone, but I wouldn't be surprised." Not now that he actually had the proof that it worked. Ha. Take that, Fudge, you dolt! Smirking, he leaned against the wall just to the hinged side of the door, where the Minister would never see him.
He had moved none too soon, as the door opened and the foremost wizard in Britain entered, wearing his favourite pinstriped emerald suit and bowler. The man looked and acted terrified, as well he should. If Death Eaters could abduct a professor from inside the very walls of Hogwarts, where would he be safe from them?
"Albus, I cannot tell the public about this! They would vote me out of office." BANG!! The wizened headmaster had slammed his open hands onto his desk to silence the man, and Remus turned to face them both with a book in hand, as if the scene had been rehearsed.
"Cornelius, you can no longer lie to the public. They will not stand for it any longer." Albus was snarling at the Minister. "Now sit!" The ancient wizard pointed at a stiff-backed wooden chair, and the frightened visitor obeyed, his precious bowler gripped tightly in both hands. On cue, Lupin moved forward to greet Fudge.
"Minister Fudge. I'm sure you remember me. Remus Lupin, we met almost a year and a half ago in this very room." Fudge spluttered for a moment before finding his voice, not shaking the offered hand.
"B-but. you're a werewolf!"
"Not anymore." Lupin flashed his teeth in a mockery of a grin, having obviously retained nearly thirty years of the memories of the wolf's behaviour. That smile was meant for pure intimidation. "I have been kindly presented with a cure. As you might know, the full moon was just last night, and I didn't transform."
Fudge looked as though he had just swallowed a lemon-whole. Severus glided from the shadows in his most threatening manner, a sneer on his lips.
"You knew I was attempting a cure, Minister. I will have credit for this one." He was still needled by the fact that he had been denied a patent on the Wolfsbane. "You should listen to the headmaster, Fudge. He knows all about people." He's probably taught a good half of those who can vote in this country. His word means a great deal to a great many.
"Now, Cornelius," Albus spoke, his soft tone belying his fury. "Not only have you been lying to your constituents, you have been trying to tarnish the reputations of two of their favourite public figures: Harry Potter and myself. Did you know that fifteen-year-old boy sees nearly every attack where Voldemort is present?" The plump little man shuddered as the forbidden name was uttered. "He wakes in the middle of the night with nightmares, reliving the Third Task, his account of which you so callously dismissed as ravings of a disturbed mind. He is one of six reasons this school escaped massive damage last night, one of the reasons there are no casualties among the staff and students. Yes, Minerva has been abducted, but she is unhurt. Now, if you don't mind," and Albus turned to his grate, "I must fire-call Ms. Skeeter and let her know what has occurred for her article in the evening edition." A careless hand motioned in the direction of the door. "Have the Aurors take the prisoners off my hands. This is a school, not a detention centre for heinous criminals." As Albus pulled down his pot of Floo Powder, Fudge fled the room, white with terror. The door banged closed, and Severus howled with laughter.
"Did. did you see the look. the look on his face?" he gasped between paroxysms. "Like he. he saw a ghost!" He was laughing so hard he didn't even notice the ghost float through the wall.
"Well hello to you too, Severus." At Myrtle's exasperated tone, the Potions Master blinked and began to calm down. The spectre turned to the headmaster with a frown. "Violet said Min was kidnapped. Is it true? She was so nice to me while I was alive."
Albus sighed and took off his half-moon glasses. "Yes, Myrtle, it is. Tom has her, and we have had no luck finding him so far. Have you?"
"Not yet, sir. I'll get right back on it. You'll want location, defences, and wards, I imagine?" There was a steely glint in the shade's eyes, and she even had a bit of colour in her. The Dark Lord would regret the day he made Moaning Myrtle so irritated.
"Yes dear. Be careful." The ghost simply nodded before zooming back out through the same wall.
Severus blinked. "Myrtle is trying to find him? Why?" Albus' smile gave him chills. It was as vicious as the one Remus had shown Fudge.
"Tom killed her. She wants vengeance. Much better for her to be our spy than someone living who can actually be hurt. It was the idea of Mr. Potter and Mr. Malfoy." Severus nodded. Trust those two to come up with something so ingenious. "Now, Severus, breakfast will be served soon, and the Interim Deputy Headmaster should be there before he has classes." Blink. "Shoo, Severus. Your students need you." The lean professor fled before he completely lost his composure, Lupin's amusement floating down the staircase after him. By the time he reached the Great Hall, he was the normal snarky Severus Snape again.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
{Haaaarry.} Groggily, the teenager began to wake to the sound of his name. {Harry, time for breakfast.} The last word drew him upright in his bed, the covers pooling in his lap. Only then did he realize that the soprano voice had been entirely in his head. He briefly fondled the silver band on his left hand before climbing out of the four-poster.
~I will retaliate, Gin. For God's sake, it's only half six!~ He heard a fleeting mental giggle and decided to get up anyway. After all, he would have the showers mostly to himself at this hour.
Twenty minutes later, the tall boy wore a fluffy red towel around his waist and was briskly drying his hair with another when Seamus walked into the bathroom. The blond Irish boy stopped and looked his roommate up and down slowly. The lingering gaze had Harry squirming before Finnegan spoke.
"Bloody hell, Harry. When're ye gonna stop growin'?" The other Gryffindor stepped up next to him and looked in the mirror. "I mean, last year ye were th' only one not sprouting, and now ye jus' don' stop. Yer robes is gettin' short again. I doubt there's anythin' left for th' house-elves to let out." Harry blinked at the reflection. Seamus barely made it to his eyes. Two weeks ago, they'd been even.
"I think the Dursleys were stunting my growth," the raven-haired boy mused. He slung the extra towel over his shoulder and raked a hand through his unruly locks in a half-hearted attempt to settle them. "Besides, I've been doing loads more physical work this year. It's put a lot of muscle on me." Instead of being skinny, as had been the case halfway through the summer, the young man was now simply lean, with whip-cords of muscle taut on every inch of his body. Well, maybe not every inch.
Seamus turned out to be right about his clothes, as usual. His trousers were a good two inches above his ankles again, his trainers were pinching his toes, and his robes were dangerously tight across his shoulders. He was going to have to stop into Gladrags soon.
Later, Harry was double-checking his Potions homework for the day and waiting for the rest of the group to appear. As the time neared half seven, Draco managed to make a dramatic entrance in the near-empty commons.
{Are they all idiots?} the white-blond boy asked, looking at Harry. {Even Nev's already gone to breakfast.} The darker boy just shrugged in return. When he noticed the glare from the former Slytherin, however, he strengthened his shields.
{EVERYONE UP! FRONT AND CENTRE! GRUB TIME!} Even with full shields, Harry winced at the mental parade-ground voice. That would wake Ron.
{Oi, loudmouth, shut it!} Ginny's soprano scolded. The girl paused. {Bloody hell, it's half seven! Coming immediately, sir!}
{I was almost done, you blockhead!} Lavender chided. {I would have been down in five.}
{Hunh?} Ron's baritone, unlike the girls' voices, was rough with sleep.
{I'll get Sir Lazybones,} Hermione's crisp alto reassured. {Go on, we'll catch you up.}
~All right. See you downstairs, 'Mione.~ Harry sighed. If anyone could wake Ron, it was the redhead's girlfriend. The two boys waited for their own girlfriends to join them before hefting their booksacks and climbing through the portrait hole. The Fat Lady sniffed a tearful "Good morning" at them as they left, a lacy hankie clutched in her hand still.
"I wonder if last night's. incident. will be in the Daily Prophet this morning," Ginny commented. Every clump of students they passed was whispering, and it was all too easy to hear snatches of the conversations, all mentioning something that had happened the previous evening.
"Dunno," Draco replied with a shrug. "They might print a special evening edition if they couldn't get enough information by press time. I wouldn't be surprised if Aunt Rita got the article." Harry responded with a noncommittal grunt, sinking into his own thoughts about the battle.
If I'd thought of my broom sooner, Professor McGonagall might still be here and safe, he thought. It's my fault they got away. His dark musing was interrupted by a sharp elbow to the ribs. He looked up to meet a pair of chocolate eyes.
{Stop blaming yourself,} Ginny's soprano hissed in his head. {You did everything you could. Besides, you got Myrtle to help. Give yourself some slack. You don't have to be a perfect hero.} As she bespoke him, the auburn-haired girl slipped her hand into his. The warm silver of her promise ring gave him a fuzzy, pleasant feeling as it touched his skin.
~Sorry, love. I can't help but feel responsible. I guess it's just something I do.~ He squeezed the petite girl's hand. As they sat down, he continued to hold the delicate hand, only letting go when Ginny made to free it. Draco and Lav, noticing this behaviour, glanced at each other oddly.
"Ahem." Harry cleared his throat pointedly. "I'd rather you talked to me, not about me." Draco sighed and massaged his temples, while Lav threw up her hands and rolled her eyes before smearing marmalade on a slice of toast.
Hermione and Ron arrived about five minutes later, both gasping for breath and Ron still rubbing the sleep out of his eyes. As usual, the gangly boy ploughed into a bowl of porridge. Hermione sat down calmly and began to butter several slices of toast before reaching for the strawberry preserves.
At ten minutes until eight, Dumbledore strode into the Great Hall. Conversations at the House tables hushed as he made his way up to the head table. The elderly wizard stood for a moment beside his chair there, Snape seated on one side and McGonagall's empty chair on the other. The few murmurings of the students ceased.
"Last night, Voldemort attacked this school, giving us a glimpse at his plans. Professor McGonagall was abducted during the skirmish, despite the efforts of those fighting on our side. Many of the Death Eaters were captured, including one of the men who orchestrated last year's attempt on the life of Harry Potter. Because this man has been apprehended, another man will go free who has been wrongly imprisoned." The headmaster looked directly at Harry, and he felt a swell of joy. The bearded man could only mean that Fudge was pardoning Sirius. The raven-haired Gryffindor had to stifle a cheer as the wizened man continued to speak. "While Voldemort may have taken Professor McGonagall from our presence, we have taken one of his most prized servants and, at the same time, freed a powerful ally for the Light."
With a deep Breath, Dumbledore folded his hands and made his last announcement. "Until our Deputy Headmistress is returned to us and in full health, I will be teaching Transfiguration classes, and Madam Hooch will take the duties of Gryffindor's Head of House. Professor Snape will be the temporary Deputy Headmaster. Efforts are underway as I speak to find our missing Professor. The best thing all of you can do is to go on with your daily lives. Voldemort wants most to disrupt your lives; life defeats him." The ancient wizard sat down, and murmurs broke out all over the room.
"Impressive," Draco muttered. "Did he imply that Fudge saw the rat and freed Snuffles?"
"Yup." Harry could feel a grin stretching from ear to ear. "Or at least as good as. That means we should be seeing Mr. Padfoot any time now."
"What about Mr. Padfoot?" Fred asked, leaning forward to peer down the table at the group. Lee Jordan's dreadlocks and George's red hair joined Fred.
"Come down here so we don't have to yell at you," Ginny said scornfully, and the three seventh-years obeyed quickly, sitting at the end of the table with the Dream Team.
"Mr. Prongs was my father," Harry murmured, just loud enough for the prankster trio to hear. Fred dropped his spoon into his porridge with a loud plop.
"Moony is Professor Lupin, Wormtail is Peter Pettigrew and the real betrayer of the Potters, and Padfoot is Sirius Black, Harry's godfather." Ginny's voice was low and secretive. Ron gripped Harry's shoulder supportively before speaking.
"Pettigrew faked his own death at Sirius' hands and hid as a rat for twelve years. In fact, he was very close to Harry here at Hogwarts. He was Scabbers." The disgust coloured the older boy's voice.
"Merlin. You mean Perce's rat is the reason an honorary Weasley has to live with awful Muggles?" George asked. The entire younger group nodded as one.
"I'll thrash the bastard when I find him." Fred growled. A wry smile spread across Draco's pale features.
"He's somewhere in the castle, if you want to go looking. As long as Sirius is officially free first, you're welcome to him. He's the important Death Eater Dumbledore mentioned." The vicious smirks in response to the statement made each of the six teens shudder.
{Remind me never to get on their bad side,} Hermione telepathed. {I'd really hate to be in the rat's shoes.}
"Speaking of the rat," Harry piped, perking up a bit. Abuse to Wormtail did that to him. "Who got him?" The older trio took this question as their cue to leave, picking up their knapsacks as they stood.
"I think it might have been me," Ron admitted sheepishly. "I can't be sure, because the rage had me well and good, but I think I nearly took his head off." The gangly redhead made a sweeping gesture with one hand to mimic what he had done several times during the battle with paws the size of frying pans.
"Wicked job, mate. I think I broke several wand arms, myself." Draco wore a vaguely gleeful look on his narrow features.
"A lot of our damage might have been just the impression we made, though," Harry said thoughtfully. Two of the biggest felines in the world, a hawk, and a huge constrictor would probably scare anyone.
"I thought Professor Snape was going to faint when he saw Harry and Ron," Lavender commented. "Draco and SkyStrike didn't bother him at all, but you two did." The blond boy's face met his hands for the second time that morning.
"Bloody hell," he moaned. "I forgot. His only phobia is big cats." The others exchanged incredulous looks. "It's because they're the only large animals that can actually sneak up on him and do him harm. Uncle Sev hates being taken by surprise." This time, everyone nodded in understanding.
"Well then, we should apologize after Potions." Harry groaned at Hermione's statement. They had double Potions again. How could he have forgotten when he had been reviewing the homework only an hour ago?
"Well, I'm off to Herbology," Ginny declared, slinging her bag over one shoulder. "I'll see you at lunch." The auburn-haired girl bent to brush her lips briefly against Harry's before heading for the door. The boy sighed, raking a hand through his ebony locks.
"Oi, mate, what time is it?" Ron asked him. With a move that was now habit, Harry slipped his father's pocketwatch into his hand an thumbed the catch. Inside, the mundane clock read 7:55, and the magical "Time to sprint to Potions." Five hands stood on that legend, with Ginny's at "Going to class," Remus' at "Reading a good book," and Sirius' at "Wandering Hogwarts."
"Time to go," Harry replied, grinning. Whoever had enchanted the watch must have had a good sense of humour. Why else would the watch tell him to sprint to Potions or Divination, while his other classes always read "head for" unless he was late?
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Draco fidgeted throughout the long Potions class. He didn't know how Uncle Sev was going to react to the group's capabilities. Of course, the blond knew what the reactions to the animals would be. The man would be impressed with the owl and rabbit, aww over the cardinal, and fawn over the constrictor, but the panther and lion would have him quaking in fear.
When the Slytherins and Gryffindors left the room, the blond stepped toward his godfather. Once again, Neville had managed to avoid disaster in his least favourite class.
"Er, Uncle Sev?" he asked. The Potions Master looked up, tucking a stray lock of hair behind his ear. The rest of the mass, heavily conditioned as usual, was tied into a queue with a strip of dark green silk.
"Yes, Draco?"
"Sorry if any of us scared you last night." A blank look was all the response he got. "With our Animagus forms, I mean." Realization dawned on the older man's sallow features.
"I see. Was Mr. Weasley the lion?" Draco felt a wry grin tug at the corners of his mouth.
"Yes, sir. Harry is the panther, and I'm the boa." His godfather glanced at Lavender and Hermione, and the blond continued. "Lav is a cotton-tailed rabbit, 'Mione a barn owl, and Gin a cardinal." The smile on the professor's lips relieved the former Slytherin.
"Well, then, I hope I don't have to watch for sneak attacks." There was a warning tone in Uncle Sev's voice, and the man leaned forward to speak quietly. "At least I know who the beasts are." Draco had to smother a snigger. Severus sat back and waved off the group of Gryffindors. "Go on. You don't want to be late for your first class with the headmaster." Cheeky smiles and scurrying feet were the wordless answer.
Outside the Transfiguration classroom, the other six fifth-year Gryffindors were chattering, waiting for Dumbledore. The door was closed and evidently locked.
"Oi, Harry!" Dean Thomas called. "What d'you think the old man will do?" Harry's groan was just barely audible. Draco simply put his head in his hand before answering for his friend.
"He hasn't a clue, Dean. None of us do, because Dumbledore is a barmy old coot, and he knows he is. What does an insane person teach?" The dark- skinned student frowned and leaned against the wall, pulling a sketchbook from his satchel and flipping through it. The blond thought he glimpsed a dancing couple among the rough drawings, but he decided to ask in the common room after classes.
Two minutes later, the classroom door audibly unlocked, and the other Gryffindors charged inside, leaving the Dream Team to find five seats in the back. As usual, Dumbledore wore deep purple robes, these stitched to resemble the night sky. The wizard's half-moon glasses rested high on his prominent nose. His examination of the smiling man over, Draco took in the classroom.
Simple stone and blackboards had been replaced with a skilful reproduction of a sunny summer day. Trees in full leaf stood in small clumps around rolling green hills. The floor beneath the desks was a gently sloping hillside, and the front of the classroom was a level spot in a valley. Four trees bore three large canvasses where the blackboards had been. The desks had changed from stark wood to elegant sculptures of stone and wood, and the stiff, uncomfortable chairs were now more padded and relaxed, though not enough for one to fall asleep. Stunned by the changes, Draco stared at the headmaster.
"Welcome to my class," the ancient wizard intoned, spreading his arms. "You may have realized this does not look like your normal classroom. In fact, for now, the castle is kindly connecting this room to the door of your regular classroom to minimize confusion. This room was originally created by a Professor John Fairbanks, who taught Transfiguration before I came here. Over the years, I have made a few improvements. This room is its own small reality. One can walk quite a ways in any direction, but the only way out I know of is through the door in the tree." Indeed, there was a large tree to the right of the canvasses, and a simple door on the side was closed.
{Wicked,} Ron's baritone murmured. From the astonished looks of the rest of the class, it seemed to be unanimous. Transfiguration was everyone's new favourite class.
What is going on with Neville in Potions? Where is Minerva? What will Voldemort do to her? Find out next chapter!
Beth Weasley