Chapter: Two: Truth and Remember

Hello as with all writers my writing has undergone changes. I am looking for a beta reader. Please re-read all chapters a lot of the story has changed. Chapter 5 is new

I KNOW THIS STORY IS NOT ONE OF MY MORE POPULAR ONE BUT TRUST ME IT WILL BE JUST AS GOOD AND IT IS AN ORGINAL PLOT.

Leaky Caldron 3:00PM

A Ministry owl just arrived carrying the letter informing me that my husband had been released from prison and that he appeared to be sane and good heath. Snorting, "That would be because of me." Looking at the owl, "They seem to be disappointed at the fact the my husband is well, they should be very thankful that I learned about his plight before it was too late. Obviously they don't realize what I would have done to them if he came back to me less that what he was." Looking around I located a bag of expensive Owl food. Picking up a few I reached my hand out to the owl, "Here is a treat, it is pack with magic and nutrition that your caretakers must not know you need." With that the owl took a couple of bites of the owl treats then hooted its thanks, "sweet bird do you think you could carry a message for me?" The owl look like it was sizing me up then hooted yes. "Thank you, take this letter to Severus Snape, he should be at Hogwarts." I tied the letter to its leg, slipped a pouch full of treats around its neck as thanks and then it took off.

Headquarters of the Order of the Phoenix Hogwarts

1:30 PM

Members of the Order began to arrive for the emergency meeting called to learn the details of the unfortunate meeting at the Ministry. So far in the conference room was Albus Dumbledore, Molly, Arthur, Bill, Charlie, Fred, George Ron and Ginny Weasley, Severus Snape, Minerva McGongall, Mad Eye Moody, Remus Lupin, Nymphadora Tonks, Arabella Figg, Hermione Granger, Harry Potter, Emma Longbottom, Amelia Bones, Kingsley Shacklebolt, Amos Diggory, Fluer Delacour, to name the important members. At 1:45 PM the meeting started.

Albus' voice rose above the dim and the room went quiet, "Quite a few things have happened since we last met. Most of you know that we lost Sirius Black in Voldemort's raid on the Department of the Mysteries." All those that knew nodded their head, the ones who didn't were given a few minutes to let the news settle in. Continuing in a sadden but determined voice, "Sirius is the first in a long line of people that will be killed before this war is over. Being a member of the Order will place addition risk and allow for more chances that you might die. If any of you wish to leave the Order because of this, none will look down on you but this is the time to do so." Everyone look around but no one left the table.

Albus smiled, "Good, I am glad all of you have chosen to remain a member, it is your help that will help to defeat Voldemort. Also since this war has a major impact on the life of Harry Potter and his friends Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger I have decided to allow them to become quasi members. While they can voice an opinion and have limited voting power depending on the topic, they will not be sent out on missions until they have graduated from school.

Seeing the nodding heads he continued, "Although we have suffered a setback with Sirius' death we did gain some ground: 1st . Minister Fudge no longer denies that Voldemort is back and that Death Eaters are now active. To help stem the spread of Voldemort's influence I have been working with the Minister to sure up the holes in the Ministry. As result all those positively implicated with Voldemort during his last reign are now being watched. We are also looking out for possible new recruits, we expect to find this among the older followers children, thus we have been granted the right to closely monitor those suspected children. Sadly to say I believe that we will find these children in one house only and that is among the pureblood Slytherins.

That a side, right now we are working on showing a untied front, we don't want the public to panic. S while we will keep them informed we will try keep things normal for as long as possible, thus the Minister has decided not institute Marshall Law.

However, the Ministry and the Magical Law Department is now taking proactive steps to protect people, both magical and muggle. We know from Voldemort's last campaign he will target muggle born Witches and Wizards, so we have begun to install a mixture of alarm spells and muggle devices on their homes. This process was started about two weeks ago it will take a long time especially since we are starting with home where there are muggle born students since they are prohibited from doing magic during the summer. By the end of summer we are hoping to have all of their homes done. Minister Fudge has met with the British Prime Minister and MI 6, they have agreed to a joint effort to install such a system in muggle and Wizard villages, towns and cities throughout England, Scotland and Ireland. The Ministry has created a new department yet to be named, to monitor the alarms 24/7. Plus we are working on protective spells and charms to make sure that no one can tampers with these monitoring spells. The Department will be staffed with Magical and non-magical people. We hope to have the entire system functioning by the New Year.

2nd As a result of the Department of the Mysteries incident, most of Voldemort's inner circle was captured. This will set him back for a while, on my urging the Minister has had their assets seized for the war effort. Unfortunately, the purebloods have ancient vaults that we can't touch, so we placed spells on them preventing them from accessing them, until after the war. So for now most of them are lacking funds and will be in no position to help the Dark Lord, for the foreseeable future. However, we did subtract payment for their minor children's school tuitions in full for the remainder of their learning, so that the children would be at school rather than joining the Dark Lord."

In the background Ron Weasley's voice could be heard saying, "Whoopee now I can rub the fact that he is poorer than me in Malfoy's face. Life is good."

Eyes twinkling, Dumbledore commented, "That is true Mr. Weasley but please keep it to a minimum we don't need too much extra fighting." Molly was about to say when Albus shook his head and she settled down.

"Albus." Amelia Bones called out.

"Yes Amelia."

Amelia projected her voice with a confidence that she was not feeling. "Well it seems that what you said is slightly untrue."

The twinkling in Albus' eyes dimmed, "What do you mean?"

Sighing, "Two days ago, a Ms. Tower came to the Ministry with a Magical contract/treaty signed in 1979, between the Ministry and herself. Due to the terms of the treaty we were in violation of the contract as a result we were faced with the choice to either release Lucius Malfoy or face the consequences. Thus we released him."

There was dead silence in the room after her announcement, everyone was thinking how could Voldemort's right hand man once again wiggle out of his deserved punishment. After a few minutes of silence the cursing and questions flew.

"What! How could the Ministry let this happen?"

"Damn that slippery bastard."

"Does he get his money back?"

"What does it take to get rid of that bastard?"

"Why didn't the Ministry just break the contract?"

"Does this mean we can't touch him period, that he will continue to do evil and run around free?"

"Does this treaty apply to Belletrix LeStrange?" Harry Potter asked this question.

Albus raised his hand for quiet, "Please everyone lets give Amelia a chance to speak." Everyone reluctantly quieted down, "Proceed Amelia."

"Thank you." Amelia began to recall what happened at the meeting to the Order members in detail until she got to the point where the Ministry tried to break the contact.

"Well, if the Ministry informed her that they intended to break the contract how did she convince you not to do so?" Albus said.

"Well she simply explained the consequences of the Ministry breaking the contract, after hearing them we gave into her terms."

Remus looked up and growled, "Surely having Malfoy free to aid Voldemort is a greater threat than anything contained in a contract?" Shaking his head and slamming his fist down on the table as his anger increased. He would not allow one of Sirius' murderers to go free; he'd take him out himself if he had to. "I am sure that the consequences couldn't have been that serious, so what if the Ministry loses some money they can't let Malfoy out." Many of the members agreed and nodded their heads in agreement with Remus' words.

Anger rose in Amelia, 'how dare they pass judgment they were not there. Snapping her voice filled with disgust she said, "I hope you are not insinuating that I let money dictate my actions in the courtroom, I have sworn an Oath to do what is right for our world and not my own personal agenda." Taking a deep breath Amelia began to calm down. "You know what your right we should have kept Malfoy, I mean I am sure you'll all agree that breaking the contract was more important than:

Losing the Omega Stone that helps to protect, the Ministry, Hogwarts, Bueationix and Durmstrang institute from attack to her.

Having all the ministry officials, Aurors, wizmort officials and the international wizard council being stripped of their magic. Plus having all of them and their descendants bound to her for eternity.

Then while are top leaders gone and all our most secure building rendered defenseless, having her declared war on us and using any means necessary to get Malfoy back. Including her most likely making a deal with Voldemort.

And yes, these consequences were confirmed both legally and magically, should we break faith with the contract. She had the Magic on her side, there were no out options opened to us. When the Ministry and wizmont entered into the contract they desperately needed the Omega Stone and they figured that what she wanted was the lesser of two evils. So now in about an hour Lucius Malfoy will be delivered safely to his front door by the Ministry."

Ron asked out loud, "What about the Malfoy money did you have to get it back?"

Smiling, "Yes, but we honestly don't have it to give back so now it is officially a loan and starting 5 years after the official end of the war, we have to pay it back at a very high interest rate. So even if we win, it might bankrupt whatever government is in place. So yes the Malfoys are still poor. However, this brings me to the last thing, we demanded some form of retribution and punishment since Sirius was killed. Although, Ms. Tower commented on the fact that Sirius was innocent and imply that if we had given him a trial an administered a truth serum he would be free and alive today. Anyway, to make a long story short she used our request against us, she made Lucius Malfoy retribution and punishment to be the new Defense of the Dark Arts Professor here at Hogwarts, until the end of the war."

Albus was no longer smiling and his eyes were dead, anger radiated off him in waves. "Do we have to accept him in that position?"

"Yes. Although we were able to limit the damage that he could do, we promised that Lucius Malfoy would teach Defense of the Dark Arts to only the 6th and 7th year NEWT level classes and any advance or independent studies students wanted to take. Also Harry Potter cannot be de-enrolled from the class. In fact all the rolls were frozen. She also requested rooms for him and his family to live in the dungeons, she will be here on site to monitor his punishment. In an effort to minimize the damage of this we also passed a resolution that would allow Remus Lupin or any other Professor you choose Albus to become the DADA Professor of the 1 - 5 years, giving them a firm foundation thus Malfoy can't sabotage their learning. I know it is not much but at least it is something."

Albus thought about it, "Fine, Remus will you come back and teach the 1st through 5th?" Seeing Remus nod his head yes, he continued, "And since we have no choice Lucius Malfoy will teach the 6th and 7th years. Plus he will take over Remus' classes the day after the full moon. Remus I would you like to keep a close watch on what he does in his classes I will not allow him to corrupt them to the Dark side. If that is all then this meeting is dismissed." Dumbledore got up and left immediately. People milled around and talked about the meeting,

Amelia Bones got up and walked to Harry, "I heard your question before, if the contract applies to Belletrix, I have no clear answer. But my gut feeling is that no it does not apply to her." With that she turned to leave.

"Thank you for answering my question." Harry called out. But Amelia's answer if there was one, was lost in the noise of the crowd. Harry returned to Ron and Hermione and jumped into the conversation about Malfoy.

Hogwarts: 4:00 PM Outside the Meeting Room

Snape walked out of the meeting, with the intentions of going to his dungeons to rest. But as soon as he stepped out the door an owl delivering the afternoon post assaulted him. Taking the letter from the bird he opened it and read it.

Dear Severus;
I know you have questions about the accident that took your family away from you. Well I can provide you with the answers to those questions. If you want to know the truth then meetme at Malfoy Manor at 5:00PM.

I am sure you have heard what happened at the Ministry of Magic already, so you know that I am for real. This is a private meeting, until you have heard the truth, I do not want you telling anyone about this meeting, so I have placed a spell on this letter that will prevent you from talking to others about this. This is a onetime offer.

Ms. Tower

Snape felt such rage at this Bitch, how dear this woman bargain with him, taunting him with information about his family. Tears came to his eyes but he refused to cry. Closing his eyes Severus thought, 'How could this woman know what happened that night, the place of the accident had been secluded for her to know she would have had to be there and if she was their then she was involved and most likely working for Voldemort.' Quickly getting himself together Severus made his way to his rooms once there he started picking up and throwing phials containing potions. "Damn this woman, how dare she remind me, of my failure as a man, husband and father." For that was what he was a failure, he allowed his family to die, while he survived and to make matters worst he can't even remember the details of what happened. After 15 minutes Snape regained his focus and looked down at the mess he created, looking at the area where more than one potion combined checking to see if it was having any kind of reaction. Seeing none Snape pulled out his wand and created a vanishing charm to remove the remnants of the mess.

Walking into the bathroom Severus stripped and took a nice long hot shower. First he washed his hair, using the special potion he developed to get rid of the grease and harsh potion chemicals out of his hair, then after rinsing it out he added the conditioner to his hair to leave it soft and silky. Then he stood in under the hot pulsating water for about 20 minutes letting his muscles relax and unclench. When he was done he stepped out of the shower and cast a drying charm on his hair and body. Walking over to his dresser he put lotion on his body, he opened the top draw and took out a pair of black silk boxers, black dress sock and slipped into both. Finally he went to his wardrobe and pulled out a conservative black button shirt and Black dress pants. After he was dressed he styled his hair, brushed his teeth. Looking at himself in the mirror Snape smiled, "Wouldn't my students and colleagues love to see me now?" Then he walked out his door determined to get answers. He walked beyond the wards of Hogwarts he Apparated to Malfoy Manor at 5:00Pm exactly.

Malfoy Manor: 4:50 PM

Rhiannikki teleported to the gates of Malfoy Manor and quickly punched a neat hole in the wards around the Manor after stepping through she repaired it. She walked up the drive and greeted the Manor properly cutting her hand she dropped blood on the stones. The house recognized her as its true Mistress and granted her admission. Making her way though the house, she entered the sitting room and sat in the armchair facing the door. As soon as she was comfortable a House elf popped into the room.

"Excuse me Mistress but you do not belong here." Said the frighten elf.

"Smiling sweetly I replied, "If I did not belong here I would not have been able to get into the house. Do not worry little one your family will be back soon. Now in preparation of their return I would like you to make a 5 course meal for 4 normal appetites and 1 for someone who has just been released from prison." The house elf did not know that to do, so it disappeared to take care of the assigned task.

At 5:00 PM on the clock, I heard Severus, Lucius, Draco and Narcissa pop in. I heard the stilted conversation and Draco's suggestion to move into the sitting room. I sat there facing the door as they all walked in a few minutes later Severus saw me.

"I presume that you are Ms. Towers" Severus asked

Smiling an indulgent smile, "At one point in time that was my name; however I am now bonded to my husbands make that name obsolete."

Lucius was looking pale and drawn but under it you could tell he was not very happy, in fact he looked mad. "How the hell did you get through the wards and into the house? And what gives you the right to call meetings at my home. Finally who the hell are you?"

Ignoring his questions for the moment I turn my gaze towards Narcissa who was been standing there looking at me with disbelief and with her back ridged. It seemed that upon seeing me all the color drained from her already pale face. Shooting her a sparkling smile, I said, "Narcissa darling come here child. Don't I get a proper hello?"

Narcissa looked at me, then moved from behind Lucius and walked to me. Stopping in front of me she bent over and hugged and kissed my cheeks, "Hello Rhiannikki, I guess my judgment day is at hand." Her comment was a statement and not question. Rhiannikki did not bother to answer her.

Looking into her sister's ice blue eyes, "Yes sister of mines, your judgment day is indeed at hand."

Smiling, Narcissa stood up and said, "Is it safe to say that you are Lucius's mystery benefactor?"

Raising an elegant eyebrow, "Yes. I enforced my family's rights under an old contract."

"That is good, I had no clue how I was going to get him out of this mess." Narcissa said as she chose a seat to my right.

Both Lucius and Severus listened to the conversation between Narcissa and myself as well as studied at me while we talked. I could tell that both of them as well as Draco had reached for their wand. Lucius was still weak from his ordeal, so without appearing to look weak he took a seat in a single armchair close to the roaring fire.

Looking to Narcissa I saw that the little color she had was returning to her face and the previous fear she had shown was replaced with confidence. She had accepted that her day had come and wanted to enjoy her last hours alive with her sister. "Well it seems that my secret is out. How are you going to proceed?"

Grey eyes harden to Black eyes, "I intend to take back my family. I intend to punish you. And I intend to live happily fucking ever after. The end."

Lucius spoke "Narcissa stand back, I will take care of this."

Looking back at her husband, she smiled a sad smile and said, "Oh how I wish that you could, but it seems that my mistakes, betrayals and treachery have come back to haunt me and now it is time that I answer for my crimes against my sister and her family." Then she turned back to me and in a clear voice she asked, "Do you intend to kill me?"

The three men behind her gasp and looked at Narcissa as if she lost her mind. Looking at her, I replied, "No, you are my beloved baby sister, and if anyone is to blame for your actions it is I. It seemed that somewhere along the line I failed to teach you right from wrong. You little one are still a member of this family and despite everything I still love you. However, after today, I do not wish to see you for a long time. And I am sure they will need time to sort out all that was done and find forgiveness."

The relief was evident in her posture and eyes. Without thinking about her actions she through herself into arms and started to cry. "I am sorry, soo sorry!" was all she said over and over. My little Cissa never knew that her eyes always told me everything. Rubbing her back I gave her the comfort that she needed. The men behind us looked at me with confusion and anger on their faces. But now was not the time to answer their question, Narcissa needed me. After a time she calmed down and spoke, "Have you decided my punishment?"

Smiling, "Well what does one assign as punishment for stealing ones family?" I waited for her to answer but she said nothing, so I continued. "Until you are forgiven you will be assigned to the white room."

Her eyes widen at that, I think that scared her, but she wisely choose not to argue the point with me.

Reaching up kiss my cheek, "I wish I could take back what I did but I can't. But I have tried to do right by them. I have loved the opportunities these last 16 years have giving me. But I do regret the pain I have caused you, and I hope one day you will understand and forgive me. When do I leave?"

Looking up into her eyes, you will stay until the mess is cleared up. I think you will be here at least until tomorrow.

Lucius again interrupted, "What the hell is going on here. Narcissa I know your family and this is not one of your sisters. This mystery ends now I want answers and I will not tolerate being ignored in my own home." The anger was clear in his voice.

Getting up I walked over to stand in front of him and Draco. "I am Rhiannikki Snape-Malfoy, I am the wife of Severus Snape and Lucius Malfoy." With that I leaned forward and blew, a wisp of my breath towards them and said one word, "Remember." And with that both men and the boy closed their eyes and fainted.