Chapter 17:- The Potion Master's Secret
Dark silence reigned over Hogwarts. Harry, Ron and Hermione helped the teachers to get Ginny and Neville to the infirmary. Madam Pomphrey was of the opinion that they were stunned by an unknown spell. Dennis Creevey was beside himself. The students found it very difficult to console him.
"Students," began Dumbledore. "I know this is a shocking moment. I ask you not to panic. We must wait till Miss Weasley and Mr. Longbottom regain consciousness. Then only we can investigate in the matters."
"What's there to investigate sir." said Dennis Creevey. "This is all Potter's fault. He is responsible for my brother's death."
"Dennis! I am sure you don't mean that." said Hermione.
"Yes I do. See the people who get attacked all the time. They are either Potter's friends who are attacked by you-know-who or people who Potter does not like."
"He is right." every turned around to see Cho Chang. "I am sure you all remember how Cedric died. I know brave Potter told a story which everyone believed but even if he was killed by you-know-who, I ask you whose fault was it. Honestly Potter how many, haw many more people will die because of you. Were your parents not enough?"
"Silence Miss Chang." spoke MacGonagall.
"I am sorry Madam but I must speak on behalf of my house. We feel Harry Potter is a threat to Hogwarts and us students. We do not want this threat to loom over our heads. The only reason you-know-who would keep attacking Hogwarts, is because this place offers sanctuary to Harry Potter. We request you, for the sake of all the remaining students, to ask Harry to leave."
"NO ONE HAS TO ASK ME." shouted Harry, tears running down his face. He turned to Dumbledore and spoke, "I told you did I not? I want out. I can't take this. I begged you to let me leave. But you and then Enemar promised that I will be able to fight back. Is this How I am supposed to fight back? Seeing my friends die. Watching unknown assailants attack my Girlfriend? You are right Cho. I am a threat to all of you. Today I will leave Hogwarts never to return again, I hope in my absence this place will finally be safe."
With that he barged out of the room without giving anyone a chance to say anything.
============================================================================ ==================================================
"Sir you have to do something." pleaded Hermione and Ron.
The entire staff and the prefects had assembled at the Headmaster's office. Dumbledore sat in his chair immersed in a deep grave thought.
"I am afraid the students have a very good point. Every problem at Hogwarts has coincided with arrival of Potter. And even we have to admit quite a bit of it is his own fault." said Snape.
"How dare you?" said Lupin.
"Remus." said Dumbledore in an authoritative tone. "I will answer him."
"You Severus Snape, what may I ask you is Harry Potter's fault. You of all people have seen Lord Voldemort from the closest. You have seen him exactly as others have only read. And yet you say it is his fault. Tell me Severus eighteen years ago was it your fault?"
Snape remained silent.
"Your loyalty against the dark forces and towards Hogwarts has bought my silence but both of us remember that night, don't we. If you are a true man why don't you tell everyone what happened then and let them decide if that was your fault."
============================================================================ ==================================================
Lightning cracked against the blue sky. Severus Snape's world had just come shattering around him. The effect of the imperious still made him dizzy. But nothing was as revolting as the scene before him. His entire family, his parents his little brother only twelve years old lay before him. Dead. He killed them. He killed them all. True he was under the Imperious Curse and no matter how much he tried he could not fight the curse of the Dark Lord. His father, a very long servant of the dark lord had failed him. He was unable to secure the location of Lily and James. Severus was asked by his father to join Voldemort a month ago. He had refused. He was man enough not to be a slave to anyone. Today he paid for his father's failure and his own refusal. Lord Voldemort was successful in drenching his hand with blood.
Albus Dumbledore was the first to arrive at the scene.
"Sir, I killed them. He made me kill them. My father failed to do his bidding and he made me kill him."
"Severus, I know it is difficult for you but you have to get a hold of yourself. The ministry is already looking for you. Regulus Black just provided evidence against you that you are a death eater. I am afraid this looks very bad for you."
"Bad sir." Snape gave a mock laugh. "I just killed my entire family and the ministry thinks that I am a death eater. Furthermore that mongrel's brother framed me into this mess. What may I ask you can possibly be worse?"
Dumbledore remained silent.
"I will surrender to the ministry and let the Dementors have my soul. Anyway there is no purpose left for me. All I can do now is, be a hindrance to others."
"Severus, you were one of my best students. I can not let you destroy yourself like this. What if I gave you something worth living for?"
"How? Don't you see this? I killed my entire family."
"I will testify against Regulus Black. I will say that you were with me when this happened. Millicent Bagnold the minister will believe in my testimony."
"But why sir? I have even let you down. I refused to join the Order of the Phoenix in spite you asking me personally. My issues with Lily, James, Lupin and that Greyhound will always be there. Why do you still believe in me?"
"I have always believed in you Severus. You are what you are because of the way you were brought up. I know you are not a very strong man. Your hatred for James comes because of the difference between your two families. But still you have shown enough character when you refused to become a death eater."
"What do you want me to do?" asked Snape.
"Become a death eater."
============================================================================ ==================================================
The entire staff were in shock and dismay on hearing the eighteen year old story buried till date by the headmaster. Severus Snape buried his head between his legs and wept like a man who has never cried before. Ron and Hermione were shocked beyond belief. They could hardly imagine this kind of emotional outburst from their mean, strict professor.
"I am sorry Severus. I did not mean to hurt you. But you must answer me with all honesty. If I ask every member in this room, they will say that the death of your family was not your fault. But will you agree with them."
"No." said Severus not raising his head.
"But how can it be your fault." said Hermione. "Voldemort made you do it."
"But it still happened because of me did it not?"
"Welcome Severus Snape to Harry Potter's world. I don't need to say anything else. You know much about Harry. All of you have seen him fight for others and always take the blame. Few months ago when I told him the prophecy he decided to help me prepare for the last battle. Why may I ask you does a sixteen year old boy even bother to do this? For his own life? Who is he living for? Make no mistake. Without Harry there will be nothing to stop Riddle. We will be crushed under his dark hands. I ask you all do you still want Harry Potter to leave Hogwarts."
"But Sir. Even if we don't blame Potter still it is true that everything bad that has happened in Hogwarts happened around him." said Malfoy in a superior tone.
"Oh really? Let me see now. You think what happened with the Philosopher's Stone, The Chamber of Secrets, The Triwizards Tournament everything was Potter's fault." said Umor.
"Yes. It was in all these events only one person was centrally involved. Potter."
"NO. These things have been involved around one person. Voldemort. He tried to steal the Philosopher's Stone to become immortal. Harry stopped him."
"And killed your brother in the process." added Malfoy.
To every one's surprise Quirrell totally ignored Draco's comment.
"In your second year, again it was Voldemort who opened the chamber of secrets. Harry killed the Basilisk and saved the students. In the Triwizards tournament if Harry had not won Cedric would had been killed anyway and Voldemort would had used his blood to resurrect himself. But it was Harry who at least let Cedric's parent say farewell to their son. So you see Mr. Malfoy. These events in Hogwarts are not revolving around Harry it is revolving around your great Voldemort. The only thing Potter can be blamed for is thwarting Voldemort over and over again. Even before Harry Potter came here, Hogwarts was a target of Voldemort, and it will remain that way even if Harry leaves. The only difference Harry's departure is going to make is that, there will be no one to stop Voldemort."
Just then Madam Pomphrey came into the room.
"Sir she has woken up." ============================================================================ ==================================================
Harry sat by Ginny's side the youngest Weasley was truly shocked by Harry's decision to leave and protested as vocally as she could even in her weakened state.
"No Ginny. Don't you see? My staying here only puts you in further danger." said Harry.
"No Harry. It does not. You are the one who is destined to save us. Your leaving poses more danger to us."
"I agree to Miss Weasley Harry." said Dumbledore entering the room accompanied by the Heads of the Houses and Quirrell. "And that is why I can not let you leave."
"I am NOT your bloody weapon. I am not here to save you lot and take the blame and see my friends get hurt."
"Let us have this argument later." interrupted Snape, his voice still a bit shaky. "Miss Weasley, who attacked you?"
"As Colin and I were headed down the stair Neville really started screaming in agony. Colin suggested I rush towards Madam Pomphrey to get her, but as soon as I turned the corner I heard first Colin and then Neville scream. I ran back but was hit hard on my head from behind. Just before I lost senses the last thing I remember seeing was.." she started weakly sobbing, "Poor Colin. His body was on fire, he was trying to scream but no words came out of his mouth. I also heard a male voice from behind me. I said something like it all being Harry's fault and that the Dark Lord will give him back what is most precious to him."
"Take rest Virginia." said Dumbledore. "Madam Pomphrey, what about Neville?"
"Well the boy has recovered from the injury that was on his head due to falling down. But he still rather inexplicably has not retained senses. I must say Albus, I have never seen the use of this kind of magic."
"Keep me updated on his condition. Harry you will now follow me to the Great Hall. We have an all staff meeting to attend."
"But sir."
"No. You are still my student and you will listen to me. You must remember you are not yet an adult. Remus and I are still your guardians. Come with me and I will show you some reasons to stay back at Hogwarts."
============================================================================ ==================================================
"Aradha. How is the preparation going?"
"Very well my Lord. How was the attack carried out?"
"With perfect precision. Now when will you hand Enemar to me?"
"Soon master he is almost under my possession."
"Almost? You told me that he was ready. What about the scepter?"
"The scepter is ready and has been sent for you my Lord."
"Very Good. As soon as Enemar is ready take him and head for Hogwarts. Things are going perfectly."
"As you wish my Lord."
As soon as Voldemort's face disappeared from the fire Aradha cursed silently.
"Not ready yet. As if its child's play. Does he have any idea who we are dealing with?"
From the back of the room came a voice, "Neither do you, you filthy Ghost."
The psychic blast from Enemar passed right through the specter.
"You foolish mortal your powers are no match for me."
"It is you who is a fool. Your powers are neither that of the heir nor your own. Don't you see you are a ghost and spirits don't have hearts? It is time someone tamed you."
Enemar held out his hand and a white beam emanating from it hit Aradha. Aradha shrieked in pain.
"I heard your death was quite painless may be this will give you an idea of what you give others. Now be nice and tell me where the jewel is?"
Aradha remained silent.
"TELL ME NOW. I COMMAND YOU." shouted Enemar.
"I have sent it to Voldemort along with the scepter."
"Have you realized what the jewel does?"
"Yes."
"What about the casing?"
"It is here underneath the throne."
"Last question before I send you to kingdom come. Who is Riddle's spy at Hogwarts?"
"Draco Malfoy. But .."
Suddenly Aradha's ghostly black body started shaking violently and then in a wisp of smoke he disappeared.
"Damn you Riddle;" Howled Enemar. "And damn you Itra for underestimating that Snake."
He reached under the throne and took out grey rock. It emanated a green glow.
"Finally the balance is set. Just one more stop before Hogwarts though, The Tomb Of Merlin."
With that Enemar disappeared from the chamber as well.
============================================================================ ==================================================
"Master your plan did not go well. Creevey got in the way. I am afraid Weasley might remember me."
"No she did not. But you none the less managed to bungle up my perfect plan. When Malfoy sent me a message saying that one of the students was killed I assumed you had succeeded but you obviously failed. And you had two chances."
"The spell weakened me master. I did not have enough strength to hit a fatal blow on her."
"You are a puny worthless man. If I did not have plans for you on Halloween you would be disposed of by now. Need I remind you what is at stake?"
"N-no master. I will not fail you. Do you want me to finish the job now?"
"No, but your urgency pleases me. Let Longbottom and Weasley stay where they are. Do you understand?"
"Yes master."
"Also stay away from both Umor Quirrell and another tall dark skinned man called Reet. The latter is good psychic. He can expose you."
"I will do so master."
The image of the Dark Lord disappeared from the paper. The short man sat in his bed, recollecting his conversation. He hated himself. He hated to call that snake his master, he hated to hurt or kill innocents, he hated his own fear, he hated his own weakness, but above all he hated HARRY POTTER.
End of Chapter 17
Dark silence reigned over Hogwarts. Harry, Ron and Hermione helped the teachers to get Ginny and Neville to the infirmary. Madam Pomphrey was of the opinion that they were stunned by an unknown spell. Dennis Creevey was beside himself. The students found it very difficult to console him.
"Students," began Dumbledore. "I know this is a shocking moment. I ask you not to panic. We must wait till Miss Weasley and Mr. Longbottom regain consciousness. Then only we can investigate in the matters."
"What's there to investigate sir." said Dennis Creevey. "This is all Potter's fault. He is responsible for my brother's death."
"Dennis! I am sure you don't mean that." said Hermione.
"Yes I do. See the people who get attacked all the time. They are either Potter's friends who are attacked by you-know-who or people who Potter does not like."
"He is right." every turned around to see Cho Chang. "I am sure you all remember how Cedric died. I know brave Potter told a story which everyone believed but even if he was killed by you-know-who, I ask you whose fault was it. Honestly Potter how many, haw many more people will die because of you. Were your parents not enough?"
"Silence Miss Chang." spoke MacGonagall.
"I am sorry Madam but I must speak on behalf of my house. We feel Harry Potter is a threat to Hogwarts and us students. We do not want this threat to loom over our heads. The only reason you-know-who would keep attacking Hogwarts, is because this place offers sanctuary to Harry Potter. We request you, for the sake of all the remaining students, to ask Harry to leave."
"NO ONE HAS TO ASK ME." shouted Harry, tears running down his face. He turned to Dumbledore and spoke, "I told you did I not? I want out. I can't take this. I begged you to let me leave. But you and then Enemar promised that I will be able to fight back. Is this How I am supposed to fight back? Seeing my friends die. Watching unknown assailants attack my Girlfriend? You are right Cho. I am a threat to all of you. Today I will leave Hogwarts never to return again, I hope in my absence this place will finally be safe."
With that he barged out of the room without giving anyone a chance to say anything.
============================================================================ ==================================================
"Sir you have to do something." pleaded Hermione and Ron.
The entire staff and the prefects had assembled at the Headmaster's office. Dumbledore sat in his chair immersed in a deep grave thought.
"I am afraid the students have a very good point. Every problem at Hogwarts has coincided with arrival of Potter. And even we have to admit quite a bit of it is his own fault." said Snape.
"How dare you?" said Lupin.
"Remus." said Dumbledore in an authoritative tone. "I will answer him."
"You Severus Snape, what may I ask you is Harry Potter's fault. You of all people have seen Lord Voldemort from the closest. You have seen him exactly as others have only read. And yet you say it is his fault. Tell me Severus eighteen years ago was it your fault?"
Snape remained silent.
"Your loyalty against the dark forces and towards Hogwarts has bought my silence but both of us remember that night, don't we. If you are a true man why don't you tell everyone what happened then and let them decide if that was your fault."
============================================================================ ==================================================
Lightning cracked against the blue sky. Severus Snape's world had just come shattering around him. The effect of the imperious still made him dizzy. But nothing was as revolting as the scene before him. His entire family, his parents his little brother only twelve years old lay before him. Dead. He killed them. He killed them all. True he was under the Imperious Curse and no matter how much he tried he could not fight the curse of the Dark Lord. His father, a very long servant of the dark lord had failed him. He was unable to secure the location of Lily and James. Severus was asked by his father to join Voldemort a month ago. He had refused. He was man enough not to be a slave to anyone. Today he paid for his father's failure and his own refusal. Lord Voldemort was successful in drenching his hand with blood.
Albus Dumbledore was the first to arrive at the scene.
"Sir, I killed them. He made me kill them. My father failed to do his bidding and he made me kill him."
"Severus, I know it is difficult for you but you have to get a hold of yourself. The ministry is already looking for you. Regulus Black just provided evidence against you that you are a death eater. I am afraid this looks very bad for you."
"Bad sir." Snape gave a mock laugh. "I just killed my entire family and the ministry thinks that I am a death eater. Furthermore that mongrel's brother framed me into this mess. What may I ask you can possibly be worse?"
Dumbledore remained silent.
"I will surrender to the ministry and let the Dementors have my soul. Anyway there is no purpose left for me. All I can do now is, be a hindrance to others."
"Severus, you were one of my best students. I can not let you destroy yourself like this. What if I gave you something worth living for?"
"How? Don't you see this? I killed my entire family."
"I will testify against Regulus Black. I will say that you were with me when this happened. Millicent Bagnold the minister will believe in my testimony."
"But why sir? I have even let you down. I refused to join the Order of the Phoenix in spite you asking me personally. My issues with Lily, James, Lupin and that Greyhound will always be there. Why do you still believe in me?"
"I have always believed in you Severus. You are what you are because of the way you were brought up. I know you are not a very strong man. Your hatred for James comes because of the difference between your two families. But still you have shown enough character when you refused to become a death eater."
"What do you want me to do?" asked Snape.
"Become a death eater."
============================================================================ ==================================================
The entire staff were in shock and dismay on hearing the eighteen year old story buried till date by the headmaster. Severus Snape buried his head between his legs and wept like a man who has never cried before. Ron and Hermione were shocked beyond belief. They could hardly imagine this kind of emotional outburst from their mean, strict professor.
"I am sorry Severus. I did not mean to hurt you. But you must answer me with all honesty. If I ask every member in this room, they will say that the death of your family was not your fault. But will you agree with them."
"No." said Severus not raising his head.
"But how can it be your fault." said Hermione. "Voldemort made you do it."
"But it still happened because of me did it not?"
"Welcome Severus Snape to Harry Potter's world. I don't need to say anything else. You know much about Harry. All of you have seen him fight for others and always take the blame. Few months ago when I told him the prophecy he decided to help me prepare for the last battle. Why may I ask you does a sixteen year old boy even bother to do this? For his own life? Who is he living for? Make no mistake. Without Harry there will be nothing to stop Riddle. We will be crushed under his dark hands. I ask you all do you still want Harry Potter to leave Hogwarts."
"But Sir. Even if we don't blame Potter still it is true that everything bad that has happened in Hogwarts happened around him." said Malfoy in a superior tone.
"Oh really? Let me see now. You think what happened with the Philosopher's Stone, The Chamber of Secrets, The Triwizards Tournament everything was Potter's fault." said Umor.
"Yes. It was in all these events only one person was centrally involved. Potter."
"NO. These things have been involved around one person. Voldemort. He tried to steal the Philosopher's Stone to become immortal. Harry stopped him."
"And killed your brother in the process." added Malfoy.
To every one's surprise Quirrell totally ignored Draco's comment.
"In your second year, again it was Voldemort who opened the chamber of secrets. Harry killed the Basilisk and saved the students. In the Triwizards tournament if Harry had not won Cedric would had been killed anyway and Voldemort would had used his blood to resurrect himself. But it was Harry who at least let Cedric's parent say farewell to their son. So you see Mr. Malfoy. These events in Hogwarts are not revolving around Harry it is revolving around your great Voldemort. The only thing Potter can be blamed for is thwarting Voldemort over and over again. Even before Harry Potter came here, Hogwarts was a target of Voldemort, and it will remain that way even if Harry leaves. The only difference Harry's departure is going to make is that, there will be no one to stop Voldemort."
Just then Madam Pomphrey came into the room.
"Sir she has woken up." ============================================================================ ==================================================
Harry sat by Ginny's side the youngest Weasley was truly shocked by Harry's decision to leave and protested as vocally as she could even in her weakened state.
"No Ginny. Don't you see? My staying here only puts you in further danger." said Harry.
"No Harry. It does not. You are the one who is destined to save us. Your leaving poses more danger to us."
"I agree to Miss Weasley Harry." said Dumbledore entering the room accompanied by the Heads of the Houses and Quirrell. "And that is why I can not let you leave."
"I am NOT your bloody weapon. I am not here to save you lot and take the blame and see my friends get hurt."
"Let us have this argument later." interrupted Snape, his voice still a bit shaky. "Miss Weasley, who attacked you?"
"As Colin and I were headed down the stair Neville really started screaming in agony. Colin suggested I rush towards Madam Pomphrey to get her, but as soon as I turned the corner I heard first Colin and then Neville scream. I ran back but was hit hard on my head from behind. Just before I lost senses the last thing I remember seeing was.." she started weakly sobbing, "Poor Colin. His body was on fire, he was trying to scream but no words came out of his mouth. I also heard a male voice from behind me. I said something like it all being Harry's fault and that the Dark Lord will give him back what is most precious to him."
"Take rest Virginia." said Dumbledore. "Madam Pomphrey, what about Neville?"
"Well the boy has recovered from the injury that was on his head due to falling down. But he still rather inexplicably has not retained senses. I must say Albus, I have never seen the use of this kind of magic."
"Keep me updated on his condition. Harry you will now follow me to the Great Hall. We have an all staff meeting to attend."
"But sir."
"No. You are still my student and you will listen to me. You must remember you are not yet an adult. Remus and I are still your guardians. Come with me and I will show you some reasons to stay back at Hogwarts."
============================================================================ ==================================================
"Aradha. How is the preparation going?"
"Very well my Lord. How was the attack carried out?"
"With perfect precision. Now when will you hand Enemar to me?"
"Soon master he is almost under my possession."
"Almost? You told me that he was ready. What about the scepter?"
"The scepter is ready and has been sent for you my Lord."
"Very Good. As soon as Enemar is ready take him and head for Hogwarts. Things are going perfectly."
"As you wish my Lord."
As soon as Voldemort's face disappeared from the fire Aradha cursed silently.
"Not ready yet. As if its child's play. Does he have any idea who we are dealing with?"
From the back of the room came a voice, "Neither do you, you filthy Ghost."
The psychic blast from Enemar passed right through the specter.
"You foolish mortal your powers are no match for me."
"It is you who is a fool. Your powers are neither that of the heir nor your own. Don't you see you are a ghost and spirits don't have hearts? It is time someone tamed you."
Enemar held out his hand and a white beam emanating from it hit Aradha. Aradha shrieked in pain.
"I heard your death was quite painless may be this will give you an idea of what you give others. Now be nice and tell me where the jewel is?"
Aradha remained silent.
"TELL ME NOW. I COMMAND YOU." shouted Enemar.
"I have sent it to Voldemort along with the scepter."
"Have you realized what the jewel does?"
"Yes."
"What about the casing?"
"It is here underneath the throne."
"Last question before I send you to kingdom come. Who is Riddle's spy at Hogwarts?"
"Draco Malfoy. But .."
Suddenly Aradha's ghostly black body started shaking violently and then in a wisp of smoke he disappeared.
"Damn you Riddle;" Howled Enemar. "And damn you Itra for underestimating that Snake."
He reached under the throne and took out grey rock. It emanated a green glow.
"Finally the balance is set. Just one more stop before Hogwarts though, The Tomb Of Merlin."
With that Enemar disappeared from the chamber as well.
============================================================================ ==================================================
"Master your plan did not go well. Creevey got in the way. I am afraid Weasley might remember me."
"No she did not. But you none the less managed to bungle up my perfect plan. When Malfoy sent me a message saying that one of the students was killed I assumed you had succeeded but you obviously failed. And you had two chances."
"The spell weakened me master. I did not have enough strength to hit a fatal blow on her."
"You are a puny worthless man. If I did not have plans for you on Halloween you would be disposed of by now. Need I remind you what is at stake?"
"N-no master. I will not fail you. Do you want me to finish the job now?"
"No, but your urgency pleases me. Let Longbottom and Weasley stay where they are. Do you understand?"
"Yes master."
"Also stay away from both Umor Quirrell and another tall dark skinned man called Reet. The latter is good psychic. He can expose you."
"I will do so master."
The image of the Dark Lord disappeared from the paper. The short man sat in his bed, recollecting his conversation. He hated himself. He hated to call that snake his master, he hated to hurt or kill innocents, he hated his own fear, he hated his own weakness, but above all he hated HARRY POTTER.
End of Chapter 17