A/N: Okay I'm working well!! I at least have an idea where I'm going with this –Grins- I PROMISE this is the last fill in chapter –Does Marauder-swear on her dogs life- After this the next few chapters will be getting into the story (Well more into it!). Right this chapter's here to answer the questions about Minerva's strange behavior. As some people mentioned I have described her slightly out of character in previous chapters.. But all will now be revealed!!! So I hope this explains a few things.
A/N2: IM SOOOOO SORRY THIS HAS TAKEN A HORRENDOUSLY LONG TIME TO GET OUT! I REALLY REALLY AM! I just sorta lost track of it…. Sorry –Looks ashamed-
Sovereign Of The Heart
Chapter Seven: The First Visit
-No matter how I push you away
-I've known right from the start
-That you're the only one for me
-The sovereign of my heart
Anon
The room was dark, curtains shut to prevent any light from getting in or out and to stop prying eyes from peeping. The only light came from the dim candles, placed strategically around the room. In the center of the room there was a circle of chairs, some full and others devoid of occupants. Muted chatter circled around the room as though those there were waiting for something to happen. Suddenly the fireplace burst into life and two robed, hooded figures emerged brushing off ash and soot. Instantly the seated figures rose and bowed to the newest occupant.
"My lord" said the closest of the figures, the voice recognizable as Lucius Malfoy's
"Lucius" The man replied, voice cold and calculated. His gave traveled around the room noting the people present.
"Wormtail" He said softly, although he may have bellowed it and received a less fearful reply "Get me a seat."
The one known as Wormtail whimpered slightly, and drew up the nearest chair allowing the 'Lord' to sit at the head of the group. He gestured to the others and taking the silent invitation they to sat and waited for the other man to speak.
"My loyal followers…" He began "I have called you here to share with you a wonderful plan that has been taking shape over the last few weeks.. That if all goes accordingly will ensure the overthrow of our greatest foe."
A collective gasp went around the group, some were shocked at Voldemort's confidence and some were simply aggrieved that they hadn't been informed sooner.
"I am of course speaking of that do-gooding bastard Dumbledore." This was spoken quite venomously and the group shared a collective shudder.
"My Lord.. How is this possible? How have you been able to infiltrate into the school?"
Voldemort gave a harsh grating chuckle "Your stupidity amazes me Nott. Haven't you been reading the Daily Prophet recently? That idiot Fudge has allowed us all the access we need."
Those who had read the recent Prophet knew exactly what Voldemort was talking about, and suppressed a laugh at their companions' ignorance.
"Lucius if you'd kindly explain to our….. Friend here just what the plan is."
Lucius stood and bowed slightly "Yes master."
All eyes suddenly turned on him and the older Death-eater began his explanation.
"As you well know we have been trying to infiltrate Hogwarts for quite some time. Now however we have been given a golden opportunity and the fool Fudge doesn't even realize it." He gave a slight laugh "The Ministry has sanctioned weekly visits to the school…. Partially as a way of keeping a check on Dumbledore and partially due to the Ministry's obligation to the parents of the students. I have been chosen to lead the visits, the upstanding citizen that I am." The fellow members of the room could 'feel' the sardonic smile even if they couldn't see it, he continued.
" I am therefore using this chance to gather information on the school defenses which would not have previously been accessible."
There was a murmur of agreement around the room and the group listened with growing awe. Lucius thrived in this kind of attention, he loved the way people hung on his every word and relished the fact that this had been his own idea.
"However this is only the first faze of the plan. The second phase has already been put into action. Our second task is to instate someone from our gathering and implant them into Hogwarts on a 24/7 basis."
"That's impossible!" Cried Macnair "How can you expect to get anyone there under Dumbledore's crooked nose. The only way would be to get rid of one of the present teachers and that a task in itself…. Especially not making it seem suspicious! And the HOW are you going to be certain that one of our number is chosen to replace them."
Lucius gave the same evil smile as before "Walden, Walden do hush… If you give me chance I will explain just how we are doing it." Macnair shut his mouth and fell silent.
"Right as I was saying before I was interrupted… we are planning to get one of us into Hogwarts on a permanent basis. Walden had the right idea we are getting rid of one of those do-Gooding prats, but it is not as impossible as it seems."
This got everyone's attention and no one breathed for a second.
"You see my dear friends we do not have to make one of them 'disappear' we just simply have to discredit them in their profession… that way it would make them seem unfit to teach and so therefore giving us our opening. And obviously I could use my 'influences' at the Ministry to ensure a 'suitable' candidate is chosen to replace the poor unfortunate person who has lost their head."
A quiet laugh went around the room and the approval at the plan fairly radiated from every member.
"So Lucius… You've explained 'What' is happening. But I'd like to know 'How' we're getting rid of this person and 'Who' this person is."
The elder Malfoy surveyed the gathering with cold gray eyes and nodded his agreement.
"That's a fair question Wilkes. Well first I'll explain 'How' we're doing it." He took a breath "As you all know there are three unforgivable curses. Imperious, Cruiatius and Avada Kadavara. However during the dark ages of Wizardry there were four. I found the fourth unforgivable curse in an ancient text that had been passed down through my family. The fourth curse was forgotten because of the time span it took to work effectively. The three known today are instant curses that require a lot of power. This curse takes little power to cast but takes time to work fully."
"So what is this curse?" Piped up a squeaky voice, Wormtail Lucius recognized.
"It's known as the Darantius curse. Like I said earlier it is a very old and ancient spell that is very potent once fully in affect. To put it simply it puts an unnatural all consuming fear into the victim. As I said before it does take a long time to take full effect but once it has taken full effect the person cannot even stay within the presence of the caster and quite often anyone else they normally associate with, driving them eventually, to insanity."
The Death-eaters looked on in awe, at the evil malevolence and genius of Malfoy. This plan was exactly what they had been waiting for and it presented them with a golden opportunity.
"So who is the lucky person?" asked Nott, his curiosity getting the better of him.
Malfoy cracked his most evil smile, setting his eyes alight with unholy joy "There could only be one person, obviously we would have loved to have gotten Dumbledore but that's impossible and he would have been able to counter it to quickly. So we chose someone close to him."
"Who?" came the obvious question after a few moments of contemplation.
"Minerva McGonagall" replied Lucius, his smile if possible turning eviler and sending shivers down his companions spines while Voldemort smiled with Demonic glee.
"Excellent" he cooed malevolently "excellent my servant, you shall be richly rewarded when Hogwarts falls under my command."
"Minerva…. Minerva!"
Minerva snapped out of her temporary daze and looked around the staff room. The faculty of Hogwarts were all staring at her oddly and she felt a blush creep up her face.
"Er… sorry I was a little distracted…. You were saying Professor?"
Dumbledore gave her a brief piercing stare and then returned to the line of conversation.
"As I was saying…. The visits begin tomorrow and we must ensure the safety of the students. I have a very bad feeling about these 'Checks'. But there is very little I can actually do. If I show defiance then Fudge will think I am working against him, he already suspects. I do not want to give him any solid proof."
There was a small grunt of agreement from the staff members, and Dumbledore concluded the meeting. Slowly the various members of the faculty filtered out the ancient staff room. Minerva was one of the last to leave. She stepped out the door intent on getting back to her rooms before anyone could question her about her strange behavior. However she was unsuccessful, no sooner had she stuck her head out the door than a voice was calling her name from down the corridor.
"Minerva…. MINERVA!"
Minerva groaned inwardly. Could that man not leave her alone for a few minutes, frustrated she turned around, hiding her annoyance under a mask of stoic calm.
"Yes Remus, what is it?"
The honey haired man stopped a few footsteps in front of her a smiled a weak smile.
"Are you okay?… I mean you've sort of been a bit out of it the last few days. I was worried."
The dark haired Professor almost laughed.
"Honestly I'm fine… I just haven't been sleeping to well."
This wasn't entirely true, deep down she knew there was something wrong but she couldn't quite figure out what. The part about her not sleeping to well however was very true, frighteningly so. As the nights had progressed she had been getting more and more nightmares, each more vivid than the last. She had actually woken up several times screaming, but then couldn't remember exactly what she'd been screaming for. The dream had vanished from her memory, but the memory of the fear remained. Remus gave her a sympathetic look.
"I see, I haven't been sleeping to well myself. What with all these visits planned is it any wonder that any of us are getting any sleep recently."
Ah. The visits. Now she knew the real reason as to his approach.
"Listen Remus.. I'm fine. I'm not going to crumble just because Lucius Malfoy is a dirty little pervert trying to throw me off balance. I don't need protecting. I can look after myself. I'm not a child!"
Her temper was flaring and she couldn't figure out why. All she knew was that she wanted to be alone, away from all these chattering twits, pretending to be concerned for her. However at the look of deep rooted hurt on the werewolf face the previous outburst died away.
"I'm sorry Minerva, I'll take my leave."
He turned and walked away down the corridor, leaving Minerva as she desired, alone. She looked down in shame. That had been totally unfair and she had hurt someone who really was concerned about her.
'You think he is really concerned about you. He's a man they're all after the same thing.'
'Huh? Where did that come from.' She thought, confusion spreading on her face.
'I came from inside you, it's what you really think. After all you don't need them not really, you don't need anyone.'
'Shut up!'
'But you know it's true. They only want to hurt you! That's all you're here for… to be hurt, used.'
'Shut up, shut up SHUT UP!!! I'm not like that!! They're not like that!! HE'S not like that'
'Who's he… you mean wolf boy. Hah he's the worst of the lot… he cares for no one but himself. Like you should.'
'You're wrong!'
'Am I?'
'Go away. I'm not listening anymore… you're not a part of me.' Tears were beginning to form in her eyes.
'Just wait and see Minerva… I'll be the only one you can turn to soon. They won't understand you anymore… only I will understand.'
'JUST GO AWAY!!!!!'
The voice was silent.
And Minerva McGonagall broke down into hearty sobs collapsing on the floor, fear and apprehension clouding her mind. And the only person who could possibly help, she had just driven away.
'Perhaps the voice is right…. Maybe no one does care for me?'
The few days remaining before the first visit passed terribly quickly. Both Remus and Minerva had avoided one another since the incident outside the staffroom, each becoming increasingly more distant, locked in their own separate turmoil's. Remus was worried, very worried, so worried it was really starting to scare him. Minerva had changed, he wasn't quite sure how but there was some form of alteration in her and it was tearing her apart, and with that himself also. He just couldn't figure out why she had gone off like that. It was so frustrating.
However for the moment there was not much to be done. He had a class in a minute and his first inspection was about to take place. Thank god it was the Gryffindors, if it had been the Slytherins they would have caused absolute chaos, just to make him look bad. If he didn't know any better, he would have been sure Snape put them up to it. But now was not the time to dwell on petty schoolboy grudges. Now it was time to get serious.
In another part of the castle Minerva was having a similar sort of conversation with herself. She was irritable and could not at all be bothered with the 'Party'. In her own opinion they were invading her space and that was something she did not like at all. Ad joy of bloody joys she had the sixth year Slytherins. Clearly Lady Luck was not on her side today.
The class lined up outside and chatted animatedly, sending evil smirks at the Professor. She knew what they were planning, if it had been her thirty years ago she would have done the exact same. But it was not thirty years ago, it was now and she was not going to allow these spoilt brats tarnish her reputation.
One of the two 'Party' groups came into view and Minerva was sure her heart froze in her chest.
'Bloody Malfoy! bastard! Probably picked my class on purpose. Hope Remus is faring better'
At the thought of her colleague her heart ached, she still hadn't apologized to him and was still feeling rather rotten over her outburst. She only hoped that he hadn't taken it to heart.
"Would you lead in Professor?" Asked Malfoy in a smooth voice, at the back of the line Draco grinned malevolently, this was going to be one fun lesson.
They entered the classroom and the Slytherins took their appointed seats. Minerva walked straight to the front and faced the class.
"As you can see we have some 'Visitors' with us today. But this does not mean I will tolerate any interruptions. Now open your books to where we left off and we'll continue."
Minerva looked straight at the 'Party' members and gave them a look daring them to interrupt her teaching. The two other members cowered slightly, but Lucius just sat there as if on a throne. He gave Minerva a cruel grin and waved his hand, signaling for her to continue. Minerva felt the hairs on the back of her neck stand on end and her blood turn to ice.
'I really hope Remus is fairing better' she thought with a hint of sadness.
Unfortunately Remus was not fairing any better than his colleague. The moment his 'guests' had walked up, he knew he was in trouble.
The Gryffindors filed in silently and took their seats, followed by Remus, who was followed in by his officials: Gerald Brankin, a stout looking man who he heard being called Smith and of course, as he expected McNair. He could already feel the wolf bristling under his skin, pleading with him to free him just this once. To exact vengeance, to taste blood. But it was far from the full moon so he could easily control these urges, although he too in some small way wanted the same.
"Right Class, Today we are going to learn about practical defence techniques. Open your books to page 345."
Remus moved around to the blackboard, preparing to write down his goals for the day when a sneering voice called.
"Don't you think this is a little… advanced for these students?" It was McNair.
The werewolf swiveled around defiance burning in his eyes, turning the almost golden. His reply however was polite and courteous.
"No I do not… I have faith in my students abilities, and it is something they need to know."
The students were sat on the edge of their seats, they could feel the tension in the room. It was so thick you could cut it with a knife. McNair's face turned into a sneer.
"Really, I don't believe that this is in the actual curriculum. So therefore I think they don't need to know it."
Remus bristled again, the man was purposely trying to piss him off. But he refused to take the bait.
"Really," He replied in the same mocking voice McNair had used " It may not be on the actual curriculum but 'I' believe it IS something they need to know. And as 'I'M' the Professor here, not you. I would prefer it if you didn't criticize my teaching thank you very much!"
There was only silence, for a whole minute, silence.
"I would be careful what you say 'Professor' Lupin" McNair spat the word as if it hurt his tongue "Strong opinions like that may land you in trouble" The voice was shaking with anger.
In their seats Harry, Ron and Hermione watched the exchange, seeing the loathing in both pairs of eyes. This was going to get very ugly, very fast because Lupin was clearly winning this battle of wills.
"I'm not a man for trouble 'Mister' McNair. But I'm prepared for it should it come, as you well know." Remus spat back with equal contempt.
"Now if you will excuse me gentlemen, I have a class to teach."
The officials had no reply to this.
"Remus Lupin 1, Ministry losers 0" He muttered under his breath, so that only the first row, which consisted of Harry and his friends, could hear. The grinned in reply. The rest of the lesson passed rather uneventfully and at long last the torturous hour had passed, the bell rang and Remus dismissed the class.
Harry accompanied by his friends were the last to leave the classroom following McNair and his now dubbed 'Goons'
"I don't know how they let a 'Thing' like that teach in here." McNair's gruff voice muttered, as he walked out the door.
The trio heard the remark and decided to take a stand.
"Don't talk about Professor Lupin like that!" Shrieked Hermione angrily.
Her outburst caused the officials to jump. They clearly had not thought anyone was behind them.
"What was that!" Growled McNair, snarling fiercely at the girl.
"I said don't talk about Professor Lupin like that!"
"Yeah!" Chorused Ron "He's not a 'Thing' he's a human being. Show some respect! He's teaching your children after all."
McNair's eyes looked as if they were about to pop out of his skull, how DARE these little pipsqueaks tell him what to do. He was a ministry official, they should not talk to him like that.
"Why you insolent little brats!" He barked.
"We may be insolent" Commented Harry a look of pure mischief in his eyes " But we a certainly not brats. Just because we say what we think and refuse to believe your out dated prejudice doesn't make us brats!"
"Very true!" Came an amused voice and Remus stepped out into the corridor.
"Er… Professor.." Stuttered Hermione, blushing along with the two boys "You heard…"
"Yes I heard ALL of it." He glared at the three men, amber eyes flashing dangerously.
The three blushed even deeper.
"McNair… do not take your petty grudges against me out on my students. Just because they do not believe you puritan beliefs doesn't mean they are wrong. If you have a problem with me take it up with me, or face the consequences!" There was no hint of threat in his voice. It WAS a threat and McNair knew it.
"Come on gentlemen, we'll be leaving." He said hurriedly, clearing his throat. And with that they left.
"Professor… we're…."
"It's okay. I guess I should be thanking you. It's not often people come to my defense."
Harry smiled wanly "He really seems to hate you."
"Tell me about it!" remarked Lupin, running a hand through his hair.
"Hm.. yes but it doesn't appear to be one way does it." Hermione shot a look at her Professor, urging him to 'fess up'.
Remus wasn't fooled "Nice try Miss Granger! It might have worked, but I invented that technique."
Now he was hit with three curious stares and knew he couldn't hide from them forever. They were going to keep nagging until he told them, he didn't like delving into most of his past, but then again it may give himself some reprieve.
"Do you really want to know?"
The three nodded somberly.
"Fine in here then."
The three followed him back into the defence classroom, quite unprepared for what they were about to hear.