I apologize for updating so late. I was on vacation and then reading The Order of the Phoenix. I was quite overjoyed to find there were new spells and situations that will fit excellently with my own plot. If any of you have not read the fifth book, don't worry too much, I will mark the chapters that involve spoilers.
This chapter has some slight references to Black's family as described in the fifth book. I did take liberty to play with Black's mother's personality based on the brief conversations held about her.
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Chapter 21
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Lucius stared dispassionately as the Aurors did their work. He wasn't a stranger to their methods, nor did he disprove of them. He was after all a practitioner. The vaguely bored expression was the only thing keeping Snape from reading his true thoughts. That and the continuous attention Moody demanded from him. If Snape had any reaction to Malfoy's presence, he was currently in too much pain to show it, if notice it at all.
He had enter after the questioning had begun. The Governors demanded that at least one of them was present for the initial questioning. This was the first time Lucius had volunteered. None of the others had stayed beyond the first round of the question/answer time. All had left before things really developed. The only reason he was currently here was to listen for any information that could be used against Severus Snape and presented to the Dark Lord as evidence.
Unfortunately, Snape was a tight-mouthed man who appeared to know nothing. Or perhaps the Aurors were just asking the wrong questions, the wizard was under Veritaserum. Given half a chance, Lucius could uncover secrets the Aurors never dreamed of, but doing that would lend suspicion on himself for knowing what to ask.
All he needed, however, was anything that directly tied him to working against Lord Voldemort. All the Aurors wanted was to hear how he was working for the Dark Lord. Two separate goals and only one way to achieve either. If Lucius had his way, he would leave Snape in Azkaban to rot until the Lord choose to capture the fortress. It was an easy way to be rid of him. And the Dark Lord saw differently. Apparently he had other plans for Snape. Ones Lucius did not know about, and wondered if Snape even suspected.
No, Lucius was not just here of his own agenda. He was here appealing Severus's case. Eventually Fudge would back down and listen to Malfoy. Eventually. That definitely did not mean any time soon. Not when the fool thought he had the traitor in his grasp. Traitor as Severus was, he was not the one Fudge needed to be looking for. Lucius knew that, but not who was the actual spy. Which meant Severus knew nothing.
So after the short round of simple questions, the force came into play. Veritaserum or not, a Potions Master must know a way around it. It almost made Lucius cringe when he watched what could easily be himself in that chair if suspicion ever fell the wrong way too strongly. Even he knew money could only buy off so many people.
He tried to turn his attention back to the interrogation.
"Who's in a position to inform Voldemort?"
"Anyone." Snape's answer was immediate and hoarse. So far no one had resorted to anything Unforgivable, but that did not mean there weren't plenty of substitutes.
"Does Voldemort have spies in the Ministry?"
"Yes."
"Who?"
"I don't know."
Lucius smiled slightly. Of course Snape wouldn't know. Lucius had been keeping the knowledge far from Snape's grasp, making sure the Dark Lord always suspected the Potions Master of spouting off more information to Dumbledore than allowed. It wouldn't do for their 'double-agent' to know more than what was desired.
Malfoy began to tune out most of the questions and answers, listening mainly to the tortured sounds of a man having to believe his own lies crafted on the spot to satisfy the Aurors need for secrets.
A sickening crunch broke Malfoy's thoughts. He glanced up casually and found Severus whimpering, head bowed over his chest. One of the punches must have landed harder than expected. That or Severus was much weaker than he let on. Which wasn't really surprising, the wizard had be subjected to this for a couple of weeks now.
"We won't get anymore out of him tonight," Moody growled. "Call in a medi-wizard. We'll reconvene once he's fit enough to talk." The Aurors began to file past Lucius, Mad-Eye Moody closing the rear. "Coming?"
The disgust and mistrust in the voice was almost palatable. "Give me a moment," he stated, knowing full well he would be granted what he asked. It was one of the things Governors were permitted. Moody glared but left, locking the cell behind. If Lucius wasn't careful, he might find himself sharing the room in a chair along side his one time comrade.
He purposely moved directly in front of the captive. Placing a finger beneath the prisoner's chin, he lifted it until he could see into the man's eyes. Black eyes glazed over in pain and the distance created by Veritaserum. "Well now, it appears as though you are ignorant. Which you probably are. While this is where you should spend the rest of your days, there are more forces working to free you than Dumbledore. Forces that will have more success. Though you probably knew that. If left to Dumbledore you would be rotting in here until the Dementors are given your soul. I'll return for you when I am able."
The eyes returned a dull haze, very little understanding filtered through. But just enough did for him to know the repercussions of the statement.
"One last thing, does Dumbledore know about you last little project?"
"I don't know," the words intoned, slurred slightly as an affect of the serum.
"Did you ever plan on telling him?"
"No."
"But you did leave something behind in case he goes looking, correct?"
"Yes."
"How unfortunate for you." Lucius left it at that. If Severus left something explaining what he had done, then Malfoy had something with which to prove Snape's disloyalty. He just needed to get his hands on it.
* * * * * * * *
It was coming on two weeks since his discussion with Evan and the spider was starting to question his resolve. A very uncomfortable situation, having a nonhuman all but berating you. It had all but stated that Harry was waiting for Snape to return just to avoid talking to the Slytherins. Just to prove it wrong, Harry was doing the last thing any sane Gryffindor wanted, search for Malfoy. Well the last thing preceded only by voluntarily searching for Snape.
Why was it whoever you were looking for seemed to disappear when wanted them and show up when you didn't? Malfoy was the same in that aspect. He had spent the entire day looking for Malfoy and never saw him once. He saw Crabbe and Goyle, but no Malfoy. He had even asked Evan if he knew where to find that particular Slytherin. With no luck.
He was becoming dismayed as the day wore on. The only thing he was thankful for was that Ron and Hermione were not worrying about where he was. Hermione would understand why he was doing this, but Ron. Ron didn't seem to understand anything about this protest.
Harry only knew his decision, but he wanted to know the others'. He wanted to know if he was right.
He was on his way to Gryffindor Tower when he saw a platinum blonde Slytherin slip into the library.
* * * * * * * *
Draco was sick and tired of dealing with Vincent and Gregory at the moment. They were fine when he needed the extra muscle for intimidation. But when it came to studying, those two were about as helpful as a lump on a log. He did much better studying alone, at least then he didn't have to worry about steeping in stupidity.
"Hey, Malfoy, you got a minute?"
He looked up to see who was idiotic enough to call him. No one in Slytherin would have the nerve. "Well, if it isn't the Great Harry Potter. I suppose I am just suppose to drop whatever I am doing to accommodate you. Is that it?" He would have rather hexed the Boy-Who-Lived, but that would have gotten him kicked out of the library and he preferred to study here.
"Whatever works," Potter mumbles as he sat across from him. "Look, I wanted to talk to you about your protest."
"Is the concept so far above your head?" he sneered, enjoying the sight of Potter seethe in anger. "We are mad that the Aurors came and took our Professor without any legitimate reason."
"Oh, I had thought there might be something more," Potter said more to himself than to Draco. Something more? Perhaps he meant the protest the Hufflepuffs and Ravenclaws were holding against the way Professor Snape was taken. He was certain most of those could care less about the man. But why had Potter walked out? As much as he hated the Boy Wonder, he was curious. Professor Snape never missed a chance to insult Potter, so why was it that Potter seemed to support Snape?
"Perhaps because there is," he said. He could easily explain this conversation away as collecting the necessary information should any catch him talking to the enemy. The less he said and the more he got the better.
"What do you mean?" Merlin, was Potter really this dense? Probably so, if his current love life was anything to measure by. The fool could even understand who to talk to a girl without making her upset. The Mud-blood he hangs out with not included.
"You didn't see the other houses walking out because they liked Professor Snape. And I know for a fact you don't." There. That was an adequate way of informing Potter he knew the Gryffindor left in protest as well. Something the whole of Slytherin was trying to figure out. Well, point to him if he discovered why.
"Well, the Ministry shouldn't be able to do that," Potter mumbled. Did the idiot even realize who he was talking to? Likely not.
But at least Draco knew why Potter left. He was embarrassed for the Ministry. 'Should not be able to do that.' Ha. Surely he knew that the Ministry does as it damn well pleases when it comes to Death Eaters. You have only to look at the Sirius Black case for confirmation. And from what his father had told him, Black was as innocent of that crime as he was of plotting to kill the Minister and they all knew his father much preferred Fudge as a puppet Minister anyway. His mother had told him of the rage Black's mother raised when she found out her estranged son was being imprisoned for something he would never do.
He had always found that amusing. Mrs. Black ranting and raging that her son was innocent, not because she felt any loyalty to her family, but because she refused to let her blood to be condemned for something she was proud of. Now if it had been Regulus, the witch would he beating down the down with praise. But the Ministry took her rants to mean the Sirius Black as guilty as charged. That was irony.
"I had thought Weasel would have explained it to you," Draco sneered. It wasn't as good as his father's and nowhere near as good as Professor Snape's, but he was working on it. "That is how it is done."
"Is there some sort of rule book that says all this? That is exactly what Ron said." Draco glanced up, certain Potter no longer knew who he was talking to. As expected, Harry Potter was staring off into space, clueless as to his surroundings. At least that is what he though until green eyes meet his. "I've been wondering about the Slytherin change in attitude."
"What change in attitude?" Draco wasn't interested in perusing that topic so he pack his books and left. He had Quidditch practice soon anyway and needed to change. He never saw the puzzled expression Potter pulled behind his back. He didn't need to. There was a slight change in the Slytherin attitude towards their classmates. And it was solely Brentwood's suggestion. And he had met quite a bit of arguing to get his housemates to agree to it.
Basically, Slytherins were to do nothing that would cost them points while Snape was gone. That included no smart remarks, even toward Irvan who they were certain wouldn't mind. They were to tolerate the other house, most especially those who participated in the impromptu protest. That included Harry Potter. Most of the House would have rather not listen to Brentwood because of this, but the reasoning the Head Boy laid out was indisputable. Any violent reaction would only cause the Ministry to think Snape was influencing them negatively. Since they were already labeled junior Death Eaters, there was a need to prove that that was not necessarily true. And violent protests were sure signs of them being followers of the Dark Lord.
They all agreed in unison, even if very few of them actually liked it. It was a mark of a Slytherin to do as was needed, not what was desired.
Draco didn't like it. Not taking the opportunity to hex Potter rankled his nerves. Thankfully he heard from his father that he was working to release Snape. Draco knew the Minister was in his father's pockets and nothing Dumbledore could do would change that.
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AN: I'll try to get back to my usual schedule now that I am returned from vacation. Again I apologize for being late.
This chapter has some slight references to Black's family as described in the fifth book. I did take liberty to play with Black's mother's personality based on the brief conversations held about her.
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Chapter 21
___________________________________
Lucius stared dispassionately as the Aurors did their work. He wasn't a stranger to their methods, nor did he disprove of them. He was after all a practitioner. The vaguely bored expression was the only thing keeping Snape from reading his true thoughts. That and the continuous attention Moody demanded from him. If Snape had any reaction to Malfoy's presence, he was currently in too much pain to show it, if notice it at all.
He had enter after the questioning had begun. The Governors demanded that at least one of them was present for the initial questioning. This was the first time Lucius had volunteered. None of the others had stayed beyond the first round of the question/answer time. All had left before things really developed. The only reason he was currently here was to listen for any information that could be used against Severus Snape and presented to the Dark Lord as evidence.
Unfortunately, Snape was a tight-mouthed man who appeared to know nothing. Or perhaps the Aurors were just asking the wrong questions, the wizard was under Veritaserum. Given half a chance, Lucius could uncover secrets the Aurors never dreamed of, but doing that would lend suspicion on himself for knowing what to ask.
All he needed, however, was anything that directly tied him to working against Lord Voldemort. All the Aurors wanted was to hear how he was working for the Dark Lord. Two separate goals and only one way to achieve either. If Lucius had his way, he would leave Snape in Azkaban to rot until the Lord choose to capture the fortress. It was an easy way to be rid of him. And the Dark Lord saw differently. Apparently he had other plans for Snape. Ones Lucius did not know about, and wondered if Snape even suspected.
No, Lucius was not just here of his own agenda. He was here appealing Severus's case. Eventually Fudge would back down and listen to Malfoy. Eventually. That definitely did not mean any time soon. Not when the fool thought he had the traitor in his grasp. Traitor as Severus was, he was not the one Fudge needed to be looking for. Lucius knew that, but not who was the actual spy. Which meant Severus knew nothing.
So after the short round of simple questions, the force came into play. Veritaserum or not, a Potions Master must know a way around it. It almost made Lucius cringe when he watched what could easily be himself in that chair if suspicion ever fell the wrong way too strongly. Even he knew money could only buy off so many people.
He tried to turn his attention back to the interrogation.
"Who's in a position to inform Voldemort?"
"Anyone." Snape's answer was immediate and hoarse. So far no one had resorted to anything Unforgivable, but that did not mean there weren't plenty of substitutes.
"Does Voldemort have spies in the Ministry?"
"Yes."
"Who?"
"I don't know."
Lucius smiled slightly. Of course Snape wouldn't know. Lucius had been keeping the knowledge far from Snape's grasp, making sure the Dark Lord always suspected the Potions Master of spouting off more information to Dumbledore than allowed. It wouldn't do for their 'double-agent' to know more than what was desired.
Malfoy began to tune out most of the questions and answers, listening mainly to the tortured sounds of a man having to believe his own lies crafted on the spot to satisfy the Aurors need for secrets.
A sickening crunch broke Malfoy's thoughts. He glanced up casually and found Severus whimpering, head bowed over his chest. One of the punches must have landed harder than expected. That or Severus was much weaker than he let on. Which wasn't really surprising, the wizard had be subjected to this for a couple of weeks now.
"We won't get anymore out of him tonight," Moody growled. "Call in a medi-wizard. We'll reconvene once he's fit enough to talk." The Aurors began to file past Lucius, Mad-Eye Moody closing the rear. "Coming?"
The disgust and mistrust in the voice was almost palatable. "Give me a moment," he stated, knowing full well he would be granted what he asked. It was one of the things Governors were permitted. Moody glared but left, locking the cell behind. If Lucius wasn't careful, he might find himself sharing the room in a chair along side his one time comrade.
He purposely moved directly in front of the captive. Placing a finger beneath the prisoner's chin, he lifted it until he could see into the man's eyes. Black eyes glazed over in pain and the distance created by Veritaserum. "Well now, it appears as though you are ignorant. Which you probably are. While this is where you should spend the rest of your days, there are more forces working to free you than Dumbledore. Forces that will have more success. Though you probably knew that. If left to Dumbledore you would be rotting in here until the Dementors are given your soul. I'll return for you when I am able."
The eyes returned a dull haze, very little understanding filtered through. But just enough did for him to know the repercussions of the statement.
"One last thing, does Dumbledore know about you last little project?"
"I don't know," the words intoned, slurred slightly as an affect of the serum.
"Did you ever plan on telling him?"
"No."
"But you did leave something behind in case he goes looking, correct?"
"Yes."
"How unfortunate for you." Lucius left it at that. If Severus left something explaining what he had done, then Malfoy had something with which to prove Snape's disloyalty. He just needed to get his hands on it.
* * * * * * * *
It was coming on two weeks since his discussion with Evan and the spider was starting to question his resolve. A very uncomfortable situation, having a nonhuman all but berating you. It had all but stated that Harry was waiting for Snape to return just to avoid talking to the Slytherins. Just to prove it wrong, Harry was doing the last thing any sane Gryffindor wanted, search for Malfoy. Well the last thing preceded only by voluntarily searching for Snape.
Why was it whoever you were looking for seemed to disappear when wanted them and show up when you didn't? Malfoy was the same in that aspect. He had spent the entire day looking for Malfoy and never saw him once. He saw Crabbe and Goyle, but no Malfoy. He had even asked Evan if he knew where to find that particular Slytherin. With no luck.
He was becoming dismayed as the day wore on. The only thing he was thankful for was that Ron and Hermione were not worrying about where he was. Hermione would understand why he was doing this, but Ron. Ron didn't seem to understand anything about this protest.
Harry only knew his decision, but he wanted to know the others'. He wanted to know if he was right.
He was on his way to Gryffindor Tower when he saw a platinum blonde Slytherin slip into the library.
* * * * * * * *
Draco was sick and tired of dealing with Vincent and Gregory at the moment. They were fine when he needed the extra muscle for intimidation. But when it came to studying, those two were about as helpful as a lump on a log. He did much better studying alone, at least then he didn't have to worry about steeping in stupidity.
"Hey, Malfoy, you got a minute?"
He looked up to see who was idiotic enough to call him. No one in Slytherin would have the nerve. "Well, if it isn't the Great Harry Potter. I suppose I am just suppose to drop whatever I am doing to accommodate you. Is that it?" He would have rather hexed the Boy-Who-Lived, but that would have gotten him kicked out of the library and he preferred to study here.
"Whatever works," Potter mumbles as he sat across from him. "Look, I wanted to talk to you about your protest."
"Is the concept so far above your head?" he sneered, enjoying the sight of Potter seethe in anger. "We are mad that the Aurors came and took our Professor without any legitimate reason."
"Oh, I had thought there might be something more," Potter said more to himself than to Draco. Something more? Perhaps he meant the protest the Hufflepuffs and Ravenclaws were holding against the way Professor Snape was taken. He was certain most of those could care less about the man. But why had Potter walked out? As much as he hated the Boy Wonder, he was curious. Professor Snape never missed a chance to insult Potter, so why was it that Potter seemed to support Snape?
"Perhaps because there is," he said. He could easily explain this conversation away as collecting the necessary information should any catch him talking to the enemy. The less he said and the more he got the better.
"What do you mean?" Merlin, was Potter really this dense? Probably so, if his current love life was anything to measure by. The fool could even understand who to talk to a girl without making her upset. The Mud-blood he hangs out with not included.
"You didn't see the other houses walking out because they liked Professor Snape. And I know for a fact you don't." There. That was an adequate way of informing Potter he knew the Gryffindor left in protest as well. Something the whole of Slytherin was trying to figure out. Well, point to him if he discovered why.
"Well, the Ministry shouldn't be able to do that," Potter mumbled. Did the idiot even realize who he was talking to? Likely not.
But at least Draco knew why Potter left. He was embarrassed for the Ministry. 'Should not be able to do that.' Ha. Surely he knew that the Ministry does as it damn well pleases when it comes to Death Eaters. You have only to look at the Sirius Black case for confirmation. And from what his father had told him, Black was as innocent of that crime as he was of plotting to kill the Minister and they all knew his father much preferred Fudge as a puppet Minister anyway. His mother had told him of the rage Black's mother raised when she found out her estranged son was being imprisoned for something he would never do.
He had always found that amusing. Mrs. Black ranting and raging that her son was innocent, not because she felt any loyalty to her family, but because she refused to let her blood to be condemned for something she was proud of. Now if it had been Regulus, the witch would he beating down the down with praise. But the Ministry took her rants to mean the Sirius Black as guilty as charged. That was irony.
"I had thought Weasel would have explained it to you," Draco sneered. It wasn't as good as his father's and nowhere near as good as Professor Snape's, but he was working on it. "That is how it is done."
"Is there some sort of rule book that says all this? That is exactly what Ron said." Draco glanced up, certain Potter no longer knew who he was talking to. As expected, Harry Potter was staring off into space, clueless as to his surroundings. At least that is what he though until green eyes meet his. "I've been wondering about the Slytherin change in attitude."
"What change in attitude?" Draco wasn't interested in perusing that topic so he pack his books and left. He had Quidditch practice soon anyway and needed to change. He never saw the puzzled expression Potter pulled behind his back. He didn't need to. There was a slight change in the Slytherin attitude towards their classmates. And it was solely Brentwood's suggestion. And he had met quite a bit of arguing to get his housemates to agree to it.
Basically, Slytherins were to do nothing that would cost them points while Snape was gone. That included no smart remarks, even toward Irvan who they were certain wouldn't mind. They were to tolerate the other house, most especially those who participated in the impromptu protest. That included Harry Potter. Most of the House would have rather not listen to Brentwood because of this, but the reasoning the Head Boy laid out was indisputable. Any violent reaction would only cause the Ministry to think Snape was influencing them negatively. Since they were already labeled junior Death Eaters, there was a need to prove that that was not necessarily true. And violent protests were sure signs of them being followers of the Dark Lord.
They all agreed in unison, even if very few of them actually liked it. It was a mark of a Slytherin to do as was needed, not what was desired.
Draco didn't like it. Not taking the opportunity to hex Potter rankled his nerves. Thankfully he heard from his father that he was working to release Snape. Draco knew the Minister was in his father's pockets and nothing Dumbledore could do would change that.
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AN: I'll try to get back to my usual schedule now that I am returned from vacation. Again I apologize for being late.