title: Summer Lessons
chapter 5: Executions
author: Raven Dancer

disclaimer: All characters property of JK Rowlings with the exceptions of the Drs. Barnes. I receive no monetary compensation for these works.


And you don't know the extent of his injuries? the floating head of Jeffrey Barnes pursued.

Just what Dobby told us, Dumbledore replied firmly. He did not want to speculate on what could have happened to Snape. He could not afford to lose focus.

Da and I will be there within the half-hour, Barnes said simply.

I need to speak with Dobby, a second voice chimed in from the flame.

He's here James. Please hurry, the Headmaster couldn't control the slight hitch in his voice. The face nodded tightly then disappeared as the connection broke off. The older wizard looked around at his table mates.

You really think you can just waltz in and take Severus
out? Black continued his argument, voice painted in incredulity.

No, I don't think I can just waltz into Malfoy Mansion Sirius, Dumbledore sighed.
But I do think I can slip into the dungeon sometime before
dawn and find Severus.

Lupin and Black exchanged doubtful looks. Harry considered the Headmaster carefully.

How can you slip' in? How can you hide yourself? the young wizard asked skeptically.

From all the information I've gained over the years I know
that the Death Eaters will torture and torment Severus most
of tonight. They'll then go back upstairs to celebrate their
capture and wait for Voldemort, Dumbledore said with grim assurance.

It's no secret Voldemort wants to punish and kill Severus
himself, Lupin mused.

He'll want Severus aware of who's there so Malfoy and his
gang can't completely destroy him, Black added.

But that still leaves the little matter of you sneaking in! Harry blurted out.

There are personal wards I will weave around myself. Old
magics I haven't used since well before any of you were
born. If I don't wish to be seen, I won't be, the Headmaster said with such conviction Harry finally felt assured.

You may go in alone Albus, but I'm going to go to the
manor with you, Black declared.
In my animagus form I can patrol the immediate area and
guard your entrance.

Thank you, Sirius. I will need both you and Jeffrey with me.
Once Severus, Dobby, and I are clear of the manor's grounds
we'll need to get back here, Dumbledore said gratefully.

You'll need to use a port key, probably two, coming back.
Severus might be too fragile to apparate, Lupin said carefully.
I'll take care of them.

That will be much appreciated Remus. Two should be
sufficient, the Headmaster responded. He planned not to leave a trail.



*At least I'm wide awake* Black thought to himself as he flew silently behind Dumbledore. Dr. James introduced them all to the benefits of something called venti expresso. Jeffrey had muttered something about feeling jittery.

It was nearly three in the morning UK time and the countryside was dark beneath the starlight. A few scattered points of light marked the buildings that dared be near the Malfoy estate.

There was no mistaking that place. The manor loomed ahead visible over the treetops. A weak yellow escaped through a window doing nothing to dispel the feeling of gloom. It was an imposing structure even veiled in the dark.

Dobby gestured directing the riders down near the thick hedge and tree line that branded the border of the property. The three human riders pulled to graceful landings as the house elf tumbled into a heap.

Here? This is the safe' entrance? Barnes muttered quietly.
There's nothing here but an impenetrable thicket!

Dobby leapt up silently and pointed towards the hedge. Following his broad gesture Dumbledore stepped forward and carefully prodded the foliage.

No resistance. No crackling of leaves or branches. The cloaked wizard put his entire arm into the hedge and warily felt in the shadows.

It is an illusion. Feel... Dumbledore stepped aside letting the Healer inspect the space.

The old master sneak out sometimes. Late at night the
old master would leave. The old master did not want to
be seen on the road, Dobby's scratchy whisper seemed to blend into the darkness.

A bolt-hole for the bastard, Black snarled.

Malfoy must have his own anti-apparation charms in effect. To keep the aurors from popping in to check on him, Barnes added.

He does, Dumbledore confirmed. Years ago Severus
reported all the defenses he knew of for this manor as well
as for other Death Eater strongholds.

They stood for a moment unwilling to move. Finally Barnes turned away and faced the dark forest.

You'd best be off Albus, he murmured.