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Chapter 13
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Remus lead the way into an empty, dusty classroom with the intention of discovering exactly what the dark creature was doing on the premise. He knew he had no right to eradicate the vampire, as much as he wanted to. He found it impossible to believe Severus's story, but he had no determine Dumbledore's policy concerning trust. He did, however, consider it his duty to protect Harry, so long as Sirius was unable to do so.
"What are you doing here?" he pressed.
"I told you. Doing as Severus requested," Irvan grounded out.
The answer frustrated Remus. There was more to it. There had to be. "You are a threat here."
"And what are you?" Irvan had him there. Werewolves were a cause for alarm, but only for one night of the month. Twelve maybe thirteen a year. Vampires on the other hand were always considered dangerous. If only because you never knew when it would go into Bloodlust.
Remus didn't smell blood on the vampire, nor anything else that would indicate he had been causing trouble. But he did smell the tangy scent of fear. Interesting coming from one of the most feared creatures in existence. "Unlike you, I have a method of control. But explaining that to you is inconsequential."
"Wolfsbane, I believe," the vampire interrupted with a sneer. Afraid he might be, but he was still disdainful. It seemed to be Irvan's personality. Remus just happened to be on the wrong side of it. "Yes, I would called that an adequate method of control." Fear certainly didn't stop it from dwelling on sarcasm.
Remus growled. He was going to find out everything the vampire was doing on school grounds. And Hogemeade if he could manage. "With you on free reign, it is only a matter of time before some unsuspecting victim comes your way at the wrong time."
Irvan frowned. "I thought that had been made clear to you earlier this year. I simply cannot intentionally harm anyone directly associated to this school."
"There are still many ways for you to get around that one."
"Unfortunately, no." The creature actually sounded depressed. Was it possible Severus had him bound stronger than he thought? Remus doubted it. "Promises seem to carry over through Lust quite effectively. Though the full moon is coming in a few days. Perhaps you should look into your little control method."
"I do not need you to tell me what to do." Damn the man. Turning everything on end.
"But it appears you can't control yourself otherwise."
"That is none of your business."
"Perhaps it should be. One threat keeping an eye on the other. Pretty effective, don't you think."
"Don't you have your hands full with Harry? If one thing goes wrong, I'm going to personally take you out."
"Not if you are detained by the Ministry." Remus was shocked. This thing should not know anything about the Ministry interrogations, but it acts as though it knew everything. "I'm sure they won't keep you too long. Maybe just a month or so to study your transformation. Without Wolfsbane. Who knows they might find something useful."
"How do you know about that?" he demanded hotly, taking the vampire by the collar.
"Why does it matter? I already know," Irvan gave a slight smile. Despite positions, it appeared the vampire had gained control of the conversation.
"May I ask what is going on?" Remus turned startled by the soft inquiry. Ablus Dumbledore had entered their abandoned classroom. Behind him stood the sour faced Severus Snape.
"A simple discussion on his methods of keeping an eye on Harry," Remus explained, removing his hand from the vampire. No need to make things appear worse than they were.
"Is that all? Then is there a problem with the way Irvan is accomplishing his assignment?"
"Only that he won't tell me what he is doing, Professor."
"It's all for the best, Remus," Dumbledore explained. "Should too many know, it would jeopardize his ability to remain hidden."
"But it's too dangerous. If we don't know where he is constantly, then someone is bound to get hurt."
"I assure you both Severus and I know what he is doing at any particular time." Remus nodded at the finality of the statement. There would be no arguing on that point. "Now, Irvan, I overheard you mentioning the Ministry." The vampire nodded, suddenly looking for all the world as though someone had just placed him on the top of the menu. "I do not know how you became familiar with the threat of interrogations for both Remus and Severus, but the details are not for you to know."
"And why is that?" The question was voiced low, not threatening but not humble either.
"They do not concern you."
"I would think the absence of Severus would concern me greatly." Now the vampire sounded slightly threatening.
"That is for Severus to decide." Dumbledore looked over to the Potions Master who gave the barest shrug of his shoulders. The Headmaster nodded as though he understood. Pulling out a letter, he turned to the werewolf. "Now, Remus, I have some news concerning your impending meeting with the Ministry. It appears that Percival Weasley has stepped in to assist you. After some observation and questioning here at the school, we think you won't be asked to participate any longer. At least not in serious interrogations."
"So they are using their collective brain and remembering that I had nothing to do with You-Know-Who's first rise to power."
"It appears that way," Dumbledore smiled slightly at Remus's sarcasm. It was a rare event when Remus Lupin used that method to get his point across. In most conversations he participated in with the Headmaster, it was Severus Snape who took the market on sarcasm.
"Who is presiding over the observations?" Remus asked, eager to know how he could prepare for the upcoming day.
"I'm afraid I do not know at the moment. Fudge has not decided on an official."
"What about the dates?"
"The week after the full moon, I believe."
"That's good. I was thinking they would choose to come during the full moon."
"I wouldn't be too surprised if they change their minds. I heard them mention Alastor Moody as the observer. If he gets his way he might change the date."
"So long as Severus is here to make the Wolfsbane. What do they have planned for Severus anyway?" he said turning his attention to the surly Potions Professor.
"Why does it matter to you, Lupin?" Snape interjected, focusing his frown on the Defense Professor. Remus couldn't decide if Snape's hatred for him came from the mere fact he was a werewolf, his position on the staff, or a combination of things relating mostly from the past.
"I'm just concerned, that's all."
"Touching," he sneered.
"Severus," Dumbledore spoke softly, but there was warning behind his voice. "I have not received much word on your case. Though Fudge did mention, in the letter about Remus, his intention to have you brought in for questioning."
"I thought as much. Those stupid bureaucrats will do anything to find a scapegoat," Severus mumbled to no one.
"Don't give up all hope, Severus. I'm still trying to dissuade them on the grounds that they are interfering with Hogwarts's business." Remus was certain the Headmaster would have placed a hand on Snape's shoulder, if he had thought it would do any good. But it seemed Dumbledore didn't dare at the moment.
"No offense, Headmaster, but I would rather not place all my faith in your ability with words. Just look at what they did to Hagrid two years ago. You were not able to dissuade the Ministry then and only managed to facilitate your temporary removal. The more you fight this one the more likely the Governors will look to your permanent removal."
"I seriously doubt, Severus," Remus spoke up. "The only reason he was removed that year was because Lucius Malfoy threaten most of the Board. I don't think he will try that again."
"You are forgetting, Lupin, who they want to get rid of first. Now if you will excuse me," he said as he turned to escape from the room. Sometime during the conversation Irvan had found his way to Severus's side. No doubt relishing the opportunity to escape from the werewolf.
"Severus," Dumbledore said, holding the Potions Professor in check for a moment. "I am doing what I can. Try to keep some hope."
Snape turned to face the headmaster before replying. The pause seemed to last forever. "There is no hope where I am concerned with the Ministry." He turned and walked out of the room with a determined flare. The vampire on the other hand just seemed to flee. What was it that made him terrified of werewolves. He certainly had never smelled that level of fear on it before. Could there be something more? Perhaps something to do with Trelawney. Remus made a mental note to ask the divinations teacher what was discussed.
"Is there a chance that the Ministry will leave Severus alone?" he asked Dumbledore.
"There is a chance, but a small one. We must keep trying to find that chance. Otherwise I fear what the Ministry will do to Severus. The last time he was held by the Ministry he almost broke."
"Was it that bad?"
"He never did tell me what exactly happened, but he was never the same." Remus saw the distance look swim in Dumbledore's normally twinkling eyes as he remembered a part of a troubled past. "This trip will not be any better. Perhaps worse. But we need to keep Irvan's identity and assignment hidden as much as possible. If only to keep Harry safe."
"Is he really doing that much?"
"Yes. What he is doing should not be undervalued. I think until we can understand Harry's connection to Voldemort, we don't have much of a choice in the matter."
* * * * * * *
"Ron, have you seen Evan?" Harry asked as they sat down for lunch. It wasn't odd for the spider to go missing at odd hours of the day, but usually it was accompanied by thought before it left. This time he heard nothing telling him where Evan had gone, nor had he seen hide nor hair of the arachnid. In short he was concerned.
"No." Ron's mouth was already full of food. "Why?"
Filling his plate, Harry continued conversationally, "I lost track of him in Potions. At least he wasn't there when I looked for him."
"So?"
"Ron, it was a gift from Hagrid. I don't particularly want to loose it." Perhaps he said that a little too exasperated because Ron's expression suddenly turned defensive.
"Harry, I'm sure he's not lost," Hermione consoled. "Magical creatures are intelligent. He's probably out exploring. He'll come back eventually."
"I suppose so." He wish he knew what happened to the arachnid. He hoped he didn't leave it in Trelawney's tower. He could have sworn the spider was in his bag when they left. He knew he had seen Evan out and about during the lesson. * Evan, where are you? * he thought carelessly.
* Exploring. * The intrusion of thought startled Harry yet again. He really should be expecting this by now.
* What? * he responded out of instinct.
* Don't tell me you have already forgotten about this little line of communication. * Evan sounded slightly amused, though he was still annoyed. When had Evan not been annoyed when they talked. It seemed impossible to find a time when he wasn't. Perhaps the spider was just generally annoyed about the entire situation.
* Uh, no. *
* Thought so. In case of your query, I have been wandering this castle out of curiosity. If you are worried about my ability to find my way back to Griffindor Tower, you shouldn't be. I am quite capable of returning to that location. *
* Oh. Where are you now? *
* Searching the third level for anything interesting. *
* Oh. Have fun. *
* Thank you. * Evan added wryly.
Thinking over that conversation, he thought Evan sounded a little terse. He wondered if the spider had a run in with Mrs. Norris. It would have been amusing to see if the reaction was the same as Crookshanks. His thoughts strayed as Ron engaged him in a conversation about Quidditch and the possibilities for this year. It seemed a given that Griffindor would win the Cup again this year. The only question was how badly were the Slytherins willing to fight with the knowledge the would lose anyway. Malfoy was not a terrible Seeker, but he always seemed to be preoccupied with distracting Harry.
He did notice Snape walk in late followed by Irvan, through his animated discussion. The two seemed to be deep in conversation themselves, to the point of ignoring the curious stares they received from the other professors. Harry was curious himself as to way the vampire would grace the Great Hall with his presence. But since Dumbledore did not seem concerned, then the man was there for a reason. He just wanted to know what that reason was. He also wondered what topic of conversation would be so fascinating. Then decided the topic probably wouldn't interest him. Especially if it was about potions. If it was about the Dark Arts, he might listen.
Chapter 13
_______________________
Remus lead the way into an empty, dusty classroom with the intention of discovering exactly what the dark creature was doing on the premise. He knew he had no right to eradicate the vampire, as much as he wanted to. He found it impossible to believe Severus's story, but he had no determine Dumbledore's policy concerning trust. He did, however, consider it his duty to protect Harry, so long as Sirius was unable to do so.
"What are you doing here?" he pressed.
"I told you. Doing as Severus requested," Irvan grounded out.
The answer frustrated Remus. There was more to it. There had to be. "You are a threat here."
"And what are you?" Irvan had him there. Werewolves were a cause for alarm, but only for one night of the month. Twelve maybe thirteen a year. Vampires on the other hand were always considered dangerous. If only because you never knew when it would go into Bloodlust.
Remus didn't smell blood on the vampire, nor anything else that would indicate he had been causing trouble. But he did smell the tangy scent of fear. Interesting coming from one of the most feared creatures in existence. "Unlike you, I have a method of control. But explaining that to you is inconsequential."
"Wolfsbane, I believe," the vampire interrupted with a sneer. Afraid he might be, but he was still disdainful. It seemed to be Irvan's personality. Remus just happened to be on the wrong side of it. "Yes, I would called that an adequate method of control." Fear certainly didn't stop it from dwelling on sarcasm.
Remus growled. He was going to find out everything the vampire was doing on school grounds. And Hogemeade if he could manage. "With you on free reign, it is only a matter of time before some unsuspecting victim comes your way at the wrong time."
Irvan frowned. "I thought that had been made clear to you earlier this year. I simply cannot intentionally harm anyone directly associated to this school."
"There are still many ways for you to get around that one."
"Unfortunately, no." The creature actually sounded depressed. Was it possible Severus had him bound stronger than he thought? Remus doubted it. "Promises seem to carry over through Lust quite effectively. Though the full moon is coming in a few days. Perhaps you should look into your little control method."
"I do not need you to tell me what to do." Damn the man. Turning everything on end.
"But it appears you can't control yourself otherwise."
"That is none of your business."
"Perhaps it should be. One threat keeping an eye on the other. Pretty effective, don't you think."
"Don't you have your hands full with Harry? If one thing goes wrong, I'm going to personally take you out."
"Not if you are detained by the Ministry." Remus was shocked. This thing should not know anything about the Ministry interrogations, but it acts as though it knew everything. "I'm sure they won't keep you too long. Maybe just a month or so to study your transformation. Without Wolfsbane. Who knows they might find something useful."
"How do you know about that?" he demanded hotly, taking the vampire by the collar.
"Why does it matter? I already know," Irvan gave a slight smile. Despite positions, it appeared the vampire had gained control of the conversation.
"May I ask what is going on?" Remus turned startled by the soft inquiry. Ablus Dumbledore had entered their abandoned classroom. Behind him stood the sour faced Severus Snape.
"A simple discussion on his methods of keeping an eye on Harry," Remus explained, removing his hand from the vampire. No need to make things appear worse than they were.
"Is that all? Then is there a problem with the way Irvan is accomplishing his assignment?"
"Only that he won't tell me what he is doing, Professor."
"It's all for the best, Remus," Dumbledore explained. "Should too many know, it would jeopardize his ability to remain hidden."
"But it's too dangerous. If we don't know where he is constantly, then someone is bound to get hurt."
"I assure you both Severus and I know what he is doing at any particular time." Remus nodded at the finality of the statement. There would be no arguing on that point. "Now, Irvan, I overheard you mentioning the Ministry." The vampire nodded, suddenly looking for all the world as though someone had just placed him on the top of the menu. "I do not know how you became familiar with the threat of interrogations for both Remus and Severus, but the details are not for you to know."
"And why is that?" The question was voiced low, not threatening but not humble either.
"They do not concern you."
"I would think the absence of Severus would concern me greatly." Now the vampire sounded slightly threatening.
"That is for Severus to decide." Dumbledore looked over to the Potions Master who gave the barest shrug of his shoulders. The Headmaster nodded as though he understood. Pulling out a letter, he turned to the werewolf. "Now, Remus, I have some news concerning your impending meeting with the Ministry. It appears that Percival Weasley has stepped in to assist you. After some observation and questioning here at the school, we think you won't be asked to participate any longer. At least not in serious interrogations."
"So they are using their collective brain and remembering that I had nothing to do with You-Know-Who's first rise to power."
"It appears that way," Dumbledore smiled slightly at Remus's sarcasm. It was a rare event when Remus Lupin used that method to get his point across. In most conversations he participated in with the Headmaster, it was Severus Snape who took the market on sarcasm.
"Who is presiding over the observations?" Remus asked, eager to know how he could prepare for the upcoming day.
"I'm afraid I do not know at the moment. Fudge has not decided on an official."
"What about the dates?"
"The week after the full moon, I believe."
"That's good. I was thinking they would choose to come during the full moon."
"I wouldn't be too surprised if they change their minds. I heard them mention Alastor Moody as the observer. If he gets his way he might change the date."
"So long as Severus is here to make the Wolfsbane. What do they have planned for Severus anyway?" he said turning his attention to the surly Potions Professor.
"Why does it matter to you, Lupin?" Snape interjected, focusing his frown on the Defense Professor. Remus couldn't decide if Snape's hatred for him came from the mere fact he was a werewolf, his position on the staff, or a combination of things relating mostly from the past.
"I'm just concerned, that's all."
"Touching," he sneered.
"Severus," Dumbledore spoke softly, but there was warning behind his voice. "I have not received much word on your case. Though Fudge did mention, in the letter about Remus, his intention to have you brought in for questioning."
"I thought as much. Those stupid bureaucrats will do anything to find a scapegoat," Severus mumbled to no one.
"Don't give up all hope, Severus. I'm still trying to dissuade them on the grounds that they are interfering with Hogwarts's business." Remus was certain the Headmaster would have placed a hand on Snape's shoulder, if he had thought it would do any good. But it seemed Dumbledore didn't dare at the moment.
"No offense, Headmaster, but I would rather not place all my faith in your ability with words. Just look at what they did to Hagrid two years ago. You were not able to dissuade the Ministry then and only managed to facilitate your temporary removal. The more you fight this one the more likely the Governors will look to your permanent removal."
"I seriously doubt, Severus," Remus spoke up. "The only reason he was removed that year was because Lucius Malfoy threaten most of the Board. I don't think he will try that again."
"You are forgetting, Lupin, who they want to get rid of first. Now if you will excuse me," he said as he turned to escape from the room. Sometime during the conversation Irvan had found his way to Severus's side. No doubt relishing the opportunity to escape from the werewolf.
"Severus," Dumbledore said, holding the Potions Professor in check for a moment. "I am doing what I can. Try to keep some hope."
Snape turned to face the headmaster before replying. The pause seemed to last forever. "There is no hope where I am concerned with the Ministry." He turned and walked out of the room with a determined flare. The vampire on the other hand just seemed to flee. What was it that made him terrified of werewolves. He certainly had never smelled that level of fear on it before. Could there be something more? Perhaps something to do with Trelawney. Remus made a mental note to ask the divinations teacher what was discussed.
"Is there a chance that the Ministry will leave Severus alone?" he asked Dumbledore.
"There is a chance, but a small one. We must keep trying to find that chance. Otherwise I fear what the Ministry will do to Severus. The last time he was held by the Ministry he almost broke."
"Was it that bad?"
"He never did tell me what exactly happened, but he was never the same." Remus saw the distance look swim in Dumbledore's normally twinkling eyes as he remembered a part of a troubled past. "This trip will not be any better. Perhaps worse. But we need to keep Irvan's identity and assignment hidden as much as possible. If only to keep Harry safe."
"Is he really doing that much?"
"Yes. What he is doing should not be undervalued. I think until we can understand Harry's connection to Voldemort, we don't have much of a choice in the matter."
* * * * * * *
"Ron, have you seen Evan?" Harry asked as they sat down for lunch. It wasn't odd for the spider to go missing at odd hours of the day, but usually it was accompanied by thought before it left. This time he heard nothing telling him where Evan had gone, nor had he seen hide nor hair of the arachnid. In short he was concerned.
"No." Ron's mouth was already full of food. "Why?"
Filling his plate, Harry continued conversationally, "I lost track of him in Potions. At least he wasn't there when I looked for him."
"So?"
"Ron, it was a gift from Hagrid. I don't particularly want to loose it." Perhaps he said that a little too exasperated because Ron's expression suddenly turned defensive.
"Harry, I'm sure he's not lost," Hermione consoled. "Magical creatures are intelligent. He's probably out exploring. He'll come back eventually."
"I suppose so." He wish he knew what happened to the arachnid. He hoped he didn't leave it in Trelawney's tower. He could have sworn the spider was in his bag when they left. He knew he had seen Evan out and about during the lesson. * Evan, where are you? * he thought carelessly.
* Exploring. * The intrusion of thought startled Harry yet again. He really should be expecting this by now.
* What? * he responded out of instinct.
* Don't tell me you have already forgotten about this little line of communication. * Evan sounded slightly amused, though he was still annoyed. When had Evan not been annoyed when they talked. It seemed impossible to find a time when he wasn't. Perhaps the spider was just generally annoyed about the entire situation.
* Uh, no. *
* Thought so. In case of your query, I have been wandering this castle out of curiosity. If you are worried about my ability to find my way back to Griffindor Tower, you shouldn't be. I am quite capable of returning to that location. *
* Oh. Where are you now? *
* Searching the third level for anything interesting. *
* Oh. Have fun. *
* Thank you. * Evan added wryly.
Thinking over that conversation, he thought Evan sounded a little terse. He wondered if the spider had a run in with Mrs. Norris. It would have been amusing to see if the reaction was the same as Crookshanks. His thoughts strayed as Ron engaged him in a conversation about Quidditch and the possibilities for this year. It seemed a given that Griffindor would win the Cup again this year. The only question was how badly were the Slytherins willing to fight with the knowledge the would lose anyway. Malfoy was not a terrible Seeker, but he always seemed to be preoccupied with distracting Harry.
He did notice Snape walk in late followed by Irvan, through his animated discussion. The two seemed to be deep in conversation themselves, to the point of ignoring the curious stares they received from the other professors. Harry was curious himself as to way the vampire would grace the Great Hall with his presence. But since Dumbledore did not seem concerned, then the man was there for a reason. He just wanted to know what that reason was. He also wondered what topic of conversation would be so fascinating. Then decided the topic probably wouldn't interest him. Especially if it was about potions. If it was about the Dark Arts, he might listen.