Quick A/N: I want it known real quick that I DO remember the sentencing that I put on Molly Weasley and there will be an explaination for how she got away with sending the tart and stuff to Hermione and the others here soon. If you remember, her letters and packages were supposed to be monitored by someone from the ministry, as well as an interpreter for when she needed to talk to someone over something. So where has that person been this entire time? And who was it that was set to watch her?
A real quick super thank you to Green Eyed Lana Lee for making my night the other night with all the reviews! The feedback from you made my night!
Also Rest in Peace Robbie Coltrane. You made Rubeus Hagrid a giant Reality for all of us Potterheads around the world and you will be missed for years to come by fans and future potterheads who will never get to thank you for bringing the friendly Giant to life on the big screen and brightening our childhoods
Chapter Twenty-Four: You've Got To Be Fucking Kidding Me
Poppy Pompfrey had seen many things in her life. She had seen broken bones, been around when the Weasley Twins were at their worst here at Hogwarts. She had dealt with homesickness, real sickness, and many other things most school nurses see in their tenure. She had also seen students petrified, her collegues memory scrambled, terrified of centaurs and much more. She had also seen more of Severus Snape in her life than she had ever wished to in either of their lives she was sure. So when he came storming into her infirmary last night with his oldest friend- and mother to young Theodore Nott- Aroura, Rory levitating two stretchers with students on them while Severus carried a very unconcious and bleeding Hermione Granger in his arms, Rory's son and Miss Granger's two female friends Miss Lovegood and Miss Weasley trailing after them with Theo in hysterics... She upped the bar for her level of things that could surprise the Matron of Hogwarts.
It took an hour to stablize Mr Malfoy. It took Six to stablize Miss Granger. It took almost ten to stablize Mr Potter and flush his system of the toxins coursing through his system from some unknown potion. Miss Granger seemed to have the remnants of one in her system as well, but it had seemed to have flushed itself. Mr Potter's levels had almost been at a level of overdose and she was itching to ask Severus what the hell had happened, but he had dissappeared the moment she had begun working and hadnt returned since. The other three children of the group had absolutely refused to leave, even upon threat of point loss (something she couldnt really do) and detention (something she technically could). So they had stayed, one of each of them sitting at the beds of one of their friends. She was surprised to see Mr Nott sitting with Miss Granger, while Miss Weasley sat near Mr Malfoy, and Miss Lovegood took up vigil next to Mr Potter. She had heard rumors abounding the school as of late about how the two Slytherins had ended up friends with the Three Gryffindors and lone Ravenclaw, but seeing as she didnt see much of the shcool outside the four walls of her infirmary, she didnt really see any of what the others did as much. She vaguely remembered seeing Mr Malfoy with the elder two Gryffindors at the beginning of the year when Miss Granger had saved the young Jamie Passel from drowning, but she hadnt really seen either of the three since the incident, and rumors only got one so far in this school.
It was going on the eighteenth hour since the three students had arrived and she had already recieved and sent patroni back and forth to Minerva about the missing students that were currently glued to their chairs and refusing to leave. Two house elves had already been in and out of the infirmary, leaving sandwhiches and pumpkin juice for the students who were concious, as well as their school work and books. Each of them was speaking quietly over their charge to the other as they completed their school work that they had missed. It was during this time that she overheard a snippet of conversation she hadnt been expecting to hear.
"Does anyone know if Ari finished the potion in the shift lab?" Theo asked quietly as they sat there doing their charms essays. Ginny's head snapped up and looked around quickly, making sure they werent to be overheard. The only person she saw was the Matron, and she didnt think she could hear them all the way over where she was. She leaned over her spot near Draco to answer his question, not realizing yet that the Blonde heir was no longer breathing as deeply as he had been when he was unconcious; he was faking. "I believe she still has a month left for curing it before its ready to bottle. It takes a total of six months to brew and she had to move it from the lab to the apartment. I have no idea what might have happened to it when the break in happened but Ari seemed perfectly happy with its prgress at the time before she was called last night."
"The Felix Felicis is Fine Red, and its not something we should talk about in present unconcious company, just in case there is listening charms on the boy-who-lived-to-cock-block," Draco's raspy voice said, causing everyone in the room to jerk and look in his direction. "DRACO!" Draco winced as everyone yelled in his direction, even though it was in excitement. Smirking at them all he started to sit up when he caught sight of Hermione in the Bed between him and Harry. "Someone fill in the blanks for me please. Cause last time I knew Ari had been very much concious when I blacked out."
"I too would like some answers Mr. Malfoy, if you may indulge me." Everyone turned, gasping as they caught sight of the one person none of them wanted to see in that moment.
Albus Dumbledore, in all his Haggard looking Headmaster glory, stood there- stooped there more like, as he was leaning heavily against one of the frames of the privacy curtains- looking very much his hundred year old age in that minute.
It was then all hell broke loose.
~M~
Minerva was waiting at the gates of Hogwarts, Severus in tow as they sat there waiting for the Aurors they had called to the school. She scowled at Severus as he grumbled darkly and paced back and forth, forming a rut in the grounds next to the gate. Minerva had called Kingsley and Robbards the moment Severus and Aroura had barged into her chambers at Midnight last night and filled her in on the events of what had happened. She didnt know how Mr. Weasley planned to talk himself out of this one, nor Molly for that matter. Finding out that Molly Weasley had been using a compulsion potion on Mr Potter and Miss Granger... or was it Snape now? She honestly hadnt had a moment to ask the girl herself what she would like to be referred as, even if only in private. Either way, finding out that two of her cubs had been put under the influence of a compulsion potion and a lust potion made Minervas claws extend in anger, wanting to rip apart the person who decided it was okay to do something so heinous. Finding out it was Molly Weasley made it all the worse.
The sharp crack of appiration caught both Heads of House in surprise momentarily, until they saw Kingsley and Robbards walking up to the gates with a contingient of Guards, including the thunking sound of one Alastor Moody. That was surprising, at least slightly so. Minerva had only asked for the two, not a whole hit squad. "Kingley, Mr Robbards," Minerva said as they reached the gates. Kingsley and Gawain Robbards inclinded their heads in greetings as Severus opened the gates with a wave of his wand. If Robbards was surprised at the Head of Slytherin house being there, he didnt show it. Kingsley on the other hand smiled at the Head of Slytherin and reached a hand out to shake his hand. Severus took it and shook once in a firm grip, nodding his head in greeting. He then turned and nodded at Alastor who gave him a customary glare, the only greeting the man ever gave anyone.
The contingient of Aurors and School heads began to make their way up to the castle, Minerva talking with Kingsley about what she knew, while Severus dropped back to the rear to speak quietly with Alastor. The grizzled old auror noticed this and slowed his stride to let the group get more ahead so they could speak in reletive privacy. "So is someone going to tell me what the fuck happened to the Ministry detail that was supposed to be set on Molly Weasley to PREVENT something like this from happening in the first bloody place?" Severus asked quietly, his lips barely moving with his words. Alastor had the appropriate expression to look chastised. "I only just found out what happened to them. Seems Molly was more determined than she seemed. They sent Oleander Harpis to the house to monitor her."
The sound of a loud smack rent the air as Severus lowered himself enough to actually facepalm. "Mr. Harpis was one of the most oblivious people to ever step foot on Hogwarts Grounds Alastor, and that's saying something as we have Luna Lovegood in current resident! How could this happen? And what happened to the Green Boy?" He spat at the Auror, For his credit, Alastor didnt even flinch. "He was found staying at the local pub in Ottery St Catchpole, mumbling about how he missed the good Missus cooking from up the road. Always tasted divine and slightly addictive. We tested him for poisons, spells, potions, the lot of it. Found family magic was used but werent able to pin it completely till today when you told us about what happened to Ariadne and Potter. We triple traced the remains of the tart yu sent against the blood sample from Mungo's for Harpis and they match perfectly for ingredients and magical signature. We sent someone to raid the Burrow after we told Arthur." Alastor sighed at this. "Arthur has already begun moving his things out of the Burrow. Has been slowly since the trial in September. Originally he was going to ask Harry if he'd allow him and Ginerva to move into the Black house, but after the meeting we had at Christmas, he's asked the twins instead. They have a spare room for the girl and Arthur has offered himself for the couch. He didnt bother to pack up the youngest Male Weasley's items since he was found to be in cahoots with his mother on things."
Severus nodded, his mind turning quickly on the news he was given. He sighed as the thought occured to him. If it wasnt for the youngest Weasley being there for his daughter then this wouldnt even come into question for him, But... "I have somewhere they can stay. Somewhere no one will expect them to be, nor can it be attacked by the Dark Lord as he doesnt know of its exsistence." Alastor raised a brow at him questioningly. "If your talking about Kaelence's place, Ive already offered. As has Seph and Lence herself. Arthur declined the three of us. Said he couldnt impose." Severus was already shaking his head. "No, I wouldnt impose on Lencey anymore than she already has. She has Ari's adoptive parents there already last I knew, though I didnt see them over the holidays. I dont want to ask her for more at this time." Severus, to his credit as his mind was whirling with his thoughts, didnt immediately catch that Alastor had stopped dead just over the rise of the hill they had been going over as they reached the doors to the castle. "I was thinking of a small estate for the Prince Family. It went to me as inheritor when my Maternal grandmother finally passed, but I have yet to look at it. I had seen more than enough from the main Manor the Prince's lived in for hundreds of years, I just left things as they were. The house elves there take turns at all the estates to keep them up to date, and the one I have on offer is actually in a muggle town so Arthur will have a field day learning everything he's ever wanted about Muggles. The estate itself is small but big enough for him, Ginerva and the Twins to stay, and the yard is big enough for a makeshift quidditch pitch if they want to put it there." Finally, Severus took note of the fact the Auror was no longer following him. "Alastor?"
"You werent told what happened?"
A cold shiver ran down Severus's spine at those words. "What happened?" was all he could ask.
"It was the other reason Im here, Snape," the look on Alastors face was not helping the dreadfilled feeling that was filling the pit of his stomach. "Something happened to Hermione's adoptive parents." Ice filled Severus's veins at those words. "Tell me everything Alastor." The grizled auror nodded and began walking again, beginning his tale that started three days ago.
~D~
"You will give me the details of what has transpired here this night Mister Malfoy or I will have to take action against your education here at Hogwarts."
Draco sat there glaring at the Headmaster, arms crossed over his chest as he laid up against the pillows Ginny had been nice enough to fluff up for him so he could sit properly. "I will not say a damn word to you without either my and Hermione and Harry's lawyers present or official Ministry authority Headmaster. According to section 36b sub paragraph G in the code set down by the board of Govenors for Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, a student has the right to legal counsel and Ministry authority in the event of ANY legal incidents set upon Hogwarts grounds. Furthermore, the Headmaster of the school must abide by this bylaw and accept the concequences of the judgement of the officials brought in for impartiality under the effect of should he try and interfere with the inquiry or future proceedings, his title as Headmaster will be brought forth into question as to why he refused any student, staff or visitor who is the claimant victim in attacks upon their person, and will therefore be suspended from his duties following an impartial investigation into the motives of the Headmaster."
Dumbledore sat there fuming at the blonde snake, his teeth grinding harshly against each other as he slapped him in the face with the codes of the board of govenors. He breathed deeply before he spoke, trying hard to keep his composure. "I am aware of the Bylaws set down by our board of Govenors Mister Malfoy, I do not need you to recite them for me."
The floo in the infirmary suddenly flared green and out stepped Christopher Cerulli walked out. Draco looked surprised but at the nod from Theo he knew the other Slytherin had sent a patronus to his Barrister. Good. "Then Headmaster you will understand why it is that I am here," the Barrister said as he walked out of the grate. Dumbledore looked at the man as if he was about to explode from rage. Christopher just smirked and walked over to his charges. Right as Dumbledore was about to explode on the barrister the infirmry doors opened and in came a contingent of Aurors with Minerva, Severus and Alastor Moody. Moody was barking orders at the Aurors as he came in and Severus's face was extremely grim. "Minnie will you take them up to the tower so they can get the suspect and any evidence they need?" Moody asked her, his scottish accent coming out when he spoke her name. Minerva nodded and waved at the aurors before a small contingent of them left the room with her.
"Alastor?" Dumbledore said, his mask of grandfather back in full force. "What do I owe the pleasure of your company and your aurors on Hogwarts grounds this afternoon?" Alastor looked at the man in confusion for a moment, turning to look at Kingsley and Robbards. He turned back to the elderly headmaster before he spoke. "Albus, its almost seven in the evening man, Id hardly say thats 'afternoon'." Dumbledore just waved him away with his blackened hand, seemingly forgetting momentarily that he was trying to hide it. It was no longer hidden now, as everyone in the room saw it, though with a shake of Moody's head no one said anything for the time being. It was something to be filed away for later use. "Forgive me Alastor, the day has seemed to have gotten away from me. Though to bring us back to the point, I do not see why a contingent of Aurors ia needed here at the school. As you can see it is just some boyish pranks gone wrong, nothing more."
An angry scoff caused everyone to look over at Severus, who had his hands clenched behind his back and was very clearly trying to occlude the anger from his face. Dumbledore raised a bushy white eyebrow at his potions master, his blue eyes hardening into chips of flinty ice as he stared the Head of Slytherin down. "Do you have something you wish to add to this sentiment Severus?" The tone clearly said "Keep your mouth shut Snape I own you" and everyone could hear it. But Snape wasnt having it. Snakes or otherwise, the children in this room had become a full family and if he was anything after his own childhood, it was protective of the ones he considered family. Straightening his spine he went to speak but was suprisingly cut off by Luna Lovegood, who had suddenly lost the dreamy look about her and was staring at the headmaster with cold eyes of ice, a fire flickering behind the blues.
"Headmaster, this was no boyish prank. This was an attempt at control through coersion via potions illegally given to a victim. While I wish to believe that the boy in question wasnt doing it with ill intent towards Harry or Hermione, I am sadly not so sure how far his mothers influence really goes in the situation. He has been extremely put out by not getting Hermione like he wanted in the summer and this isnt the first time his mother has attempted to make all of us bend to her will. Just over christmas I found treats next to my familys tree from her and decided to pick them apart for their components just to see, cause I always try to figure out the recipes for homemade treats. Imagine my surprise when I found components to a compulsion potion inside? Once I broke down the components I found that they were meant to make me angry and resentful of Ginny here. Which tells me the sender didnt want the two of us in a relationship together. When I met Ginny over the hols she said she was almost force fed treats herself. She slipped them past to make sure she didnt eat them because the way the person was trying to basically force them on her.
"After I took a look at the base components of the treats she had smuggled away I saw a similar compulsion. It was then I started checking my friends and family as well. We were all given compulsions. I even talked to Hermione through owl, and she checked the ones that were sent to her. It was a compulsion to get her to leave Draco and Harry and return to what the potion considered her intended." She looked at the Headmaster with fire blazing in her eyes in that moment as she spoke. "Soemone has been trying to mess with all of our lives, possibly with members of your staff as well as Harry, Ginny, and myself. Hermione is in the state that shes in now due to her being given a treat under the guise of being from Draco that had a Lust compulsion potion in it. This is not Boyish Pranks Headmaster. This is coersion and attempted rape, as well as a possible impirius potion to commit murder if what Draco told us about what happened to Harry is anything to go by."
Dumbledore looked almost apopoleptic in that moment. His voice though remained as calm and controlled as ever as he spoke. "Be that as it may Miss Lovegood, this is all speculation as you did not even name the person you believed to be the one to cause it all. For all I would know it could be Miss Granger meddling with all of these lives for more attention. She could have doesed herself with the potion to cause a bought of drama around the school and cause another scene like she did on the train and at the Ministry." He stood back, looking smug in that moment. The immediate uproar of voices almost shocked him, but one voice rose over all the others and made all in the room quiet. "You have got to be fucking kidding me." Everyone's heads turned to look at the pale witch sitting up in her hospital bed.
Hermione Granger was awake at last.
Authors Note: Im sorry for the cliffie but Ive decided to break the chapter here, I am already working on the next part and Im sorry its taken me so long to get this out you guys. Things have been absolute chaos the past couple of months. Im trying to get new drs for counciling and my medications that I havent had for two years (since I was pregnant with my son) and trying to file dor disabilty with my husband as well. That all went out the window this last week when, after our appointment to talk about our options, my entire family came down sick and my son ended up with the family curse of Croup, something I know intimately because I had it every winter until I was thirteen (your only supposed to get it up until age five so I was just royally fucked by the fates it seems). So there were a lot of nights cuddling in the bedroom with a wheezing bab next to a humidifier and our room smelled of viks for DAYS even after it was over. All in all it really sucked and on top of it Ive been having... female issues that have been lasting for two months and have an appointment on thursday to talk about my options that will hopefully lead to getting the hystarectomy I want. Living with PCOS since I was thirteen has made my life hell and although I wouldnt change anything cause of the child I was able to keep, my little rainbow miracle, I dont plan on having anymore children. Just the one almost killed me so Im not too keen on a repeat performance. So heres hoping the docs listen to me this time and give me what I want cause I cant continually be bedridden by this when I have a child to rear and am working as an in home caretaker for my mother. It just doesnt work like that.
Sorry for the dump of shit that is my life lately lmao but I am currently working on 25 and will try and have it up as soon as I can. I am also working on Trouble with Time when writers block hits me here, so if Im not working on one Im working on the other.