Tethered Serpent: An answer to your inquiry is in this chapter. Thanks for your input! Oh, on the side. JKR hardly scorched the vampire 'connection'. Unlike the rumors about Percy, which she was pretty clear, she typed the 'Err' and 'I don't think so' – personally I think she was avoiding the question.
Damia Rose: I sometimes forget too… J If it weren't for my outline and notes I'd probably would have given up. However, if you ever wanted a story with twists and requiring a scorecard, you should try "Any Means Necessary" by Winky's Conscience (I don't know the website, as the author pulled the story from here some time ago). This is a Dick and Jane story by comparison. (There's more than a few ideas/nods from that story I have in here…)
ExcessivelyPerky: I never pictured Snape as a suave lover, but more of a color-by-numbers type of guy. You know, part A goes into slot B type of thing.
SilverThread & Ezmerelda: Oh, you'll never guess where he'll end up. Wait until the next chapter! Poor Snape, Karma is a… well you know… J
To the rest, I'm glad you are enjoying and I appreciate the comments. Thanks again!
Chapter 18: The Knights of Walpurgis…"Come on dear," Molly Weasley soothing voice doted over the boy as she heaped a stack of pancakes on Harry's plate. "You were defending yourself. That Death Eater could have left just like the others but he chose to stay."
"He would have killed you," Ron agreed, spitting some pancake across the table, as his mouth was full. He looked down at his plate as his mother scowled at him. Swallowing his food, he added, "If he didn't kill you right there and then, he would have taken you to... HIM..."
"But Voldemort called them back," Harry said, ignoring everyone's grimace as he said the dreaded name out loud. He turned to Arthur who was listening with great interest. "I really need to talk to Dumbledore. Voldemort did something that Dumbledore and I need to discuss."
"Oh, double-super-secret Order of the Phoenix stuff," Ron lamented.
"No," Harry replied, trying hard not to get mad. "Something I have to talk to Dumbledore directly..."
"Regardless," Molly said, "I'd wager that you have not had a decent meal since you left Hogwarts."
Harry nodded and began to add some butter and syrup to his pancakes. As he reached across the table, he felt a paper that rested in his shirt pocket. Retrieving it, he opened it up and noticed it was the clarification Professor Lestrange gave him. "The wizard I killed... it was Rabastan Lestrange... right?"
"Yes, I believe so," Arthur said. "What do you have there?"
"Oh, nothing," Harry said while he folded up the paper and put it back all the while looking quite guilty.
"Well, get eating because we want to open our gifts," Fred and George said in unison.
"Oh speaking of which," Fred continued. "Mum, Dad… we wanted to get you a..." He stopped abruptly as Errol slammed into the window, crashing through it. The family, in a practiced move, picked up their plates as the owl skidded down the table.
"Get you an owl..." George finished. "Granted we do love Errol," he continued as he picked up the unconscious bird and retrieved the mail, keeping the Daily Prophet for himself. "But we think he needs a bit of a retirement."
"An owl!" Molly said, "That's just too much..."
"Well, let me contribute a bit," Ginny said. When everyone turned to look at her, she said quickly, "I saved up some money and...err... made a few Galleons tutoring here and there."
"Oh yes," Fred and George said in unison, "She 'tutored' every Saturday during Quidditch season."
Harry saw Ginny mouth a discreet, 'shut up' to her twin brothers but thought nothing of it. Sighing, he began to dig into his food, his rumbling stomach getting the better of him. It was delicious and he began to eat faster, adding more slices of bacon to the plate.
"Well Christmas has come to all Hogwart's students!" George said with relish. He held up the paper for all to see. The headline read 'Death Eaters Attack Muggles' apparently referring to the attack on Hermione's neighborhood. A subtitle read, 'Harry Potter slays Rabastan Lestrange' and then a large side column had bold letters 'Hogwarts Professor Missing, Presumed Dead.'
"What!" Arthur called over the paper with a clap of his hands. "Let's see..." Arthur said as he scanned the article. Summarizing, he began, "Narcissa Black, cousin of Severus Snape, stated that she reported his disappearance the day before yesterday. A number of family portraits had reported to her hearing screams a few days ago. When she tried to contact him, she was unsuccessful. Inspector Blogs, Chief Auror, states that Ruedella Lestrange is the main suspect as he believes that she was the only one, save for the elves, who was in the home. Because the home is unplottable, the witch is still at large."
"Oh, dear!" Molly Weasley cried. "A huge blow to the Order! I figured she was after his money... getting him into some sort of trap! Snape is quite clever, but she has some of the most notorious family blood running through her veins!"
"Well, hold on," Arthur said, holding up his hand while he scanned the article some more. "It says here that the Inspector cannot determine a real motive as she is not entitled to anything as their contract was not bound..."
"They were contracted?" Molly exclaimed. "He never mentioned it..." The rest of the family looked at Arthur, all quite surprised.
"What is 'contracted'?" Harry asked.
"It's an old pureblood family thing," Molly said quickly. "Meaning that she was given to him to bind a family alliance." She frowned deeply, "Quite medieval."
"Married," George and Fred said quite solemnly, their faces crinkling with disgust.
George continued, "Surprised that you didn't know…"
"Snape is not one to wear his heart on his sleeve and neither is Lestrange," Harry said as he filled his fork with food trying to steer away from a sensitive Order topic. Looking back at Arthur he asked quizzically, "What does it mean that the contract was not bound?"
Fred and George laughed. "It means," Fred said. "That they didn't do the nasty..."
George finished, "You know... consummate... shag..."
Harry let his fork fall to his plate. "Thanks... thatimage has completely destroyed my appetite."
"Ahem…" Arthur interrupted. "Contracts are filed with the Ministry, just like regular marriage certificates. The couple, as well as certain family members, retain copies. When the couple…err…" he motioned vaguely with his hand, turning slightly red in the face.
"Really now," George quipped, "the way you are going one would never think you fathered seven children!"
"So, in other words, the contracts magically register the 'acceptance' so to speak of the contract by both parties," Harry said quickly, understanding the implication and trying to spare Mr. Weasley from any further painful elaboration. He rubbed his nose and then leaned back in his chair, tilting his head back as he thought. Harry sorted through the various memories he had shared with the witch and then he slapped his hand on the table. "I don't believe for an instant that she did anything!"
[SECTION]
"Oh Ginny, this is lovely!" Molly held up a fine gold necklace. "You must have tutored for a hundred hours."
"Oh, you wanna bet?" Fred said quickly, ducking as Ginny threw his a dirty look.
"Well, anyhow... thank you," Molly said as she put the necklace on. "Harry, dear, it is your turn." She levitated a large soft package to the boy. "I suppose you know what it is."
"It is wonderful!" Harry said, smiling broadly as he tore into the package. "I outgrew the other one." He smiled as he pulled out the purple wool sweater and put it on. He watched as the family opened the rest of their few packages. After they cleaned up, Fred, George and Ginny left while the rest stayed in the living room.
After a half hour, Ron and Harry proceeded upstairs.
"How do you know she didn't do it?" Ron said. "It's not like Snape flew off to some exotic location for holiday."
Harry stammered for a few moments and then stopped in the hall. "Listen, you know on Sunday and Wednesday when I go off?"
"Yeah?" Ron said, nodding his head.
"Dumbledore asked that I continue my Occlumency lessons..."
"With Snape?!" Ron exclaimed.
"Shh..." Harry said. "Your parents know, as do Fred and George, but I'm trying to keep this quiet. Not with Snape but Lestrange. Dumbledore thought she needed the practice too..."
"She's a spy like Snape?" Ron asked.
"Yeah, I think," Harry said. "Or at least she's in a position that Dumbledore thinks this is necessary. I get the impression that she doesn't know what side Snape is on either..."
"What did you see?" Ron said. "I mean you do have to see her memories when she tries to block you back, right?" The boy leaned towards his friend, hanging on every word.
Harry paused and leaned against the wall. "It's private... but I really don't think she could kill him. At least on purpose. I guess it's another reason that I need to contact Dumbledore."
"Well, the report was started by Narcissa Malfoy, so I wouldn't be surprised if she was the one who offed him," Ron said quite seriously. "I mean if Lestrange wasn't going to gain, what was her motivation? I'd wager that a real Slytherin would put a bag over his head and get it over with and then AK the git for the mansion and the Galleons."
[SECTION]
Chief Inspector Blogs watched as the witch tossed the empty teacup to the side and then covered her ashen face with her hands. Taking up the cup, he peered at the leaves.
"A Grim," Ruedella said.
"Looks like a big bat to me," the Inspector said offhandedly. "I think you're a bit stressed."
"My brother is in the morgue, my cousin is in custody, and I am the prime suspect in Severus' disappearance!" Ruedella shot back. "A bit stressed… do you think?!"
"Actually," the Auror said matter-of-factly, "we think Severus Snape has been murdered."
"Is that what Narcissa believes?" Ruedella asked sulkily.
"If it were her word alone, we would still investigate but be suspicious," the wizard said truthfully. "However, Albus Dumbledore interrogated his portrait of Phineus Nigelus on our behalf and the former Headmaster confirmed that he did, indeed, hear some rather disturbing sounds. And, no one, including Dumbledore has heard from him since the last day of classes." He looked at her sternly and folded his arms. "Except for you."
A sharp knock at the door turned their attention. With a snap, the inspector unlocked and opened the door revealing another Auror and Dumbledore.
"He insisted on being here," the young Auror said nodding towards Dumbledore. "Claims to be her defense solicitor."
Blogs looked up to the elderly wizard. "You're one of the main witnesses!"
"Well," Albus said as he sat down next to the witch. "As much respect as I would like to extend to your office, suffice it to say that I have been rather disappointed at the lack of council and fair trials supplied during more trying times." Pulling out of a pocket in his robes he procured a stack of papers. "Phineus was kind enough to interview most of the portraits in Grimmauld Place. Of course, you can use my office to access him for cross-examination and he said that he would try his best to pull in as many portraits as possible, although the cooperation from certain ones might not be guaranteed. To be honest, I was surprised that he is actually cooperating to this extent."
"Perhaps Professor Lestrange could be kind enough to take her to Grimmauld Place for our own investigation?" Blogs asked.
"It is under a Fidelus Charm," Ruedella said. "I could bring you to the location, but the house would only appear for me. We would have more luck bringing Muggles to the Ministry or Hogwarts for that matter."
"Which is very concrete evidence that Severus Snape is still alive," Dumbledore said. "I stopped by the location this morning – or at least where I last knew the approximate location. The house never appeared, even using some of the more advanced revealing and location charms I know. This, of course, implies that its secret-keeper is quite alive."
"So you care to tell your version? Why you never responded to the letters or summons?" Blogs turned to Ruedella.
"I have been out looking for Severus," Ruedella explained. She reached in her pocket and pulled out a neat stack of letters, most showing the Malfoy family crest. "Narcissa has been badgering me about a number of things. When I cancelled Severus' Christmas Eve get-together the day after Severus went missing, the letters multiplied."
"Was one of the things she was badgering you about had to do with your weekly visits with her son in the Hogs Head Inn?" Blogs asked. He smiled triumphantly as the information seemed to surprise Dumbledore.
"A rather obscure family tradition that my cousin Lucius insisted upon," Ruedella said. "There is a small, latent, talent of Rune divination in our family. However, in the case of this boy, I fear that I have seen Romani Muggles with more inherent, natural talent. At least his skill at reading Runes has increased appreciably, but I daresay that he couldn't forecast what he wanted for dinner that evening, let alone anything of interest." She looked at Dumbledore, "Given that his skills are of no threat or worth to anyone, I felt it was not necessary to concern you." She looked at the old wizard in the eyes, dropping her defenses for the moment. She turned away when the Dumbledore nodded; indicating that he was satisfied with her explanation, but not keen that she was so elusive regarding it.
She continued, addressing Blogs, "I was so preoccupied with finding Severus that I took the other missives but never read them – I assumed they were from Narcissa or someone else who could wait…" The witch dropped her arms onto the table and buried her head in them and began to sob.
Blogs nodded and then took the papers Dumbledore had in front of him. Giving Ruedella several minutes to pull herself together, he read the reports, taking a few notes. He cleared his throat and pulled out another stack of papers from his drawer, quickly checking through them.
"So," Blogs began with a low drawl, "I understand that the portraits last reported the two of you in the Master Bedroom. All normal… except for him sleeping mostly in the chair…" He raised an eyebrow and continued. "Then it was apparent that you two were getting intimate and the portraits vacated their frames to give you privacy. A portrait of a young Sirius Black stole into the corner of Brewtus Black's for a bit… however his deposition consisted mainly of a few crude comments about Professor Snape and that he was glad Phineus dragged him out before he disrobed. Then, when the room was empty, they heard the Professor's screams echo from the room." He put the papers in the pile and smirked. "I assume it wasn't foreplay…?"
Dumbledore, listening patiently, grabbed Ruedella's teacup and looked into it. "Well, at least it isn't a dark hooded figure, is it?" he said with a light air trying to do something to change the mood and lighten Ruedella's complete embarrassment.
"She claims it is a Grim," Blogs said, twirling his finger by his temple.
"I am not insane!" Ruedella shot back.
"Let's see… confusing a House Elf for the deceased Regulus Black, believing that you're a fourth year Hogwarts student arriving home for Yule break, confusing young Harry Potter for his father and then causing a near riot by naming a werewolf in public and accusing him of murder." Blogs leaned over the table, "And let's not go into earlier this year with that Boggart…"
"You have no idea!" Ruedella yelled, standing up and leaning over the table, her breath disturbing the Auror's impeccable hair.
"Do you really think I wish to be here today? Of all days?" Blogs yelled back. "I'd just as soon throw you in a cell and wait until after the holidays!"
"I need to find Severus!" she shouted back.
"WELL THEN TELL US WHAT HAPPENED!" Blogs shouted. Frowning, he leaned back in his chair, "And, if Snape was indeed 'just lost' and 'disoriented' as you claim, why didn't the Knight Bus pick him up? They're constantly dumping off stranded and disoriented wizards and witches at St. Mungo's…"
"I don't believe," Dumbledore interrupted, "that this is very productive." He smiled at Blogs. "Kindly give us some time and then we will be happy to assist in the best way we can."
[SECTION]
The moment the door clicked behind the Inspector, Ruedella turned to Dumbledore.
"I know," he said calmly, holding up his hand. "You tried to tell me, but I purposely stayed out of your way. It was a plan Severus and I concocted after that little incident on Halloween. I don't blame you of course…"
"But he has the prophecy!" Ruedella exclaimed. "I don't mean this to be heartless, but sacrificing the boy would be a trade for ridding the world of that evil… I can see why you withheld it, but it certainly isn't your method…"
"Considering that boy killed your brother…"
"I understand Rabastan invaded him home, threatened Potter and his family and the death was an accident," Ruedella said. "I am upset, but glad that Rabastan is now free…" She sobbed and gratefully took Dumbledore's offered handkerchief. "I hold no grudge against Potter but it does little to lessen the pain…"
"Then kindly teach that trait to your husband as it would eliminate probably 30 percent of my nightly pacing," Dumbledore said as he put a reassuring arm around her shoulder. "Voldemort…" He shook his head as Lestrange cringed. "Voldemort does have the prophesy but that isn't my concern now…" He folded his hands on his lap. "Now Ruedella, I need to know what happened… Without the truth I cannot help you and considering the current mentality, the Aurors are chomping at the bit to throw you in a cell with your cousin and lock the door."
"Well, at least I would have company," Ruedella said.
"Until they throw him through the Veil," Dumbledore said sadly. "Perhaps he deserves it… but even wiser men that I would shirk from determining who should live or who should die."
"Lucius never had a problem with that dilemma," Ruedella said. "He might enjoy the irony…"
"So, tell me what happened," Dumbledore asked softly, changing the subject.
"Oh, he can be so infuriating," Ruedella lamented. "Accuses everyone else of being a know-it-all, but he should take a look in the mirror himself." She shook her head and added, "You know what I mean…" She got up and paced the room. "I wanted to show him a taste of what it was like to have no choices – put him in a cage as it were…"
Dumbledore nodded and regarded her silently for a few moments. "Severus knows very well what it is like to be in a cage. I don't believe you were the one to teach him any lessons regarding choices, freedom and reciprocity." The wizard's voice was authoritative, but not unkind. "He is a difficult man to work with and you are one of the few of his contemporaries to which he is civil. He is not one to show affection, but the fact he took a risk to save you and went out of his way to formulate a most intricate and delicate plan shows me that there is something – buried deep and concealed lest it be exposed as a weakness – that could one day redeem him and perhaps save him in a time of great need."
"Severus saved me to further some other agenda," Ruedella said. "I assure you. Perhaps part to further his alliance with you through hoodwinking my relatives and the Dark Lord, perhaps something else... If there was any affection in his heart it died along with a certain red-haired, green eyed Muggle-born witch."
"She had a talent of seeing the good in everyone," Dumbledore interjected. "But what she offered him was a glimpse of self-worth. Not much different than what I offered him and in many ways what you offered him when you were children – although I am afraid that he chose to ignore your overtures. Severus was always a realistic boy and never pretended that her kindness should be construed as other affection. And, perhaps the memory of her kindness makes his obligation to protect Harry more palatable. A bit more balanced, I suppose, than a few other of James' contemporaries…" He said the last part sadly. "However," he croaked, clearing his throat, "could you confide in me what happened? Solicitor privilege, I suppose…" He leaned in and smiled, a twinkle entering his blue eyes, "Keeping in mind, that although his secretive nature does make him a bit of an enigma, that I have some awareness of his… shall we say… extracurricular activities…"
[SECTION]
"A little family reunion until they can figure out what to do with you…" the guard led the witch by the arm into a dank dungeon. Dragging her to a cell with a heavy metal door, he opened the small port on the door and called in. "Malfoy! Stand back you scum! Got a little visitor for you…" The guard then laughed and opened the door with his wand, immediately throwing Ruedella in and then slamming the door behind her.
Ruedella stumbled forward and nearly fell but was caught. She felt strong arm grab her and lead her to a bunk where she sat down. "Your eyes will adjust soon enough," Lucius said. "Are you here because you were found out…?"
"No," she said. Her gray eyes were beginning to adjust to the light. She saw Lucius' tall, lean figure and then, as the darkness faded, noticed he was clad in basic trousers and a shirt – almost looking like a common laborer. "Stupid fool…" she hissed, "you have no idea what you nearly did!"
"What did I 'nearly do'?" Lucius asked, grabbing her by the throat. "Sans, the fool comment."
"The boy," she croaked. Digging her nails into Lucius' hand until he let go, she caught her breath. "Potter and the Dark Lord are connected. He summoned you and you failed to follow!"
"How do you… you were there!?" Lucius inquired. He took a seat next to her and whispered. "Keep your voice low as the steel doors are thick, but the wall are quite thin."
"I finished recreating the prophecy," she said. "Had you killed Potter, you would have killed the Dark Lord!"
"Really?" Lucius said, a bright smile crossed his face. "Hmm…" he rubbed his chin and leaned back against the dank, cold stone wall. "So, why are you here."
"Severus disappeared and I am under suspicion…"
"Did you do it?"
"I did not kill him, but I am responsible for his… err… rather flighty frame of mind. He is lost and I am trying to find him… or at least was trying to find him if it weren't from your wife's interruptions." Ruedella replied. "Dumbledore is negotiating my release as we speak so that I can FIX what I've started." She nodded by the door, "What not a single Yule gift or fruit basket from the Dark Lord? A planned jail breakout to rescue his prized servant?" She shook her head, "You relied far too much on bribery. When the money and connections are gone…"
Lucius slammed her against the wall. "I do not need a lecture from you, little one. I bore his mark before that silly Sorting Hat knew where to put your scrawny little head." He released her. "So killing Potter would kill the Dark Lord?"
"It appears so," Ruedella said.
"That fits with the other clarification," Lucius remarked, closing his eyes slightly as he processed the information. "The charm that Potter's mother placed, must have, in turn, saved the Dark Lord as well. Meaning that they boy escaped death – or should have died – would then implied that so should have the Dark Lord…" Lucius stood and began to pace the room. After a few minutes, he resumed his seat next to her. "I have come to the conclusion that Severus was quite aware of your talents. Clever wizard, always one to keep his assets hidden… including his loyalties." He edged closer to his cousin. "You never struck me as one to be delusional. Occasionally naïve, but not stupid… but one who can see opportunities. Yes, of course, that is why Severus chose you. He can see…" Lucius pointed to her forehead. "A gift that is only shared by a handful of the most powerful wizards and those few touched by Dark influences."
"You're talking in circles," Ruedella said. "And high praise for a wizard that you call a 'half breed' behind his back."
"I don't disapprove of him," Lucius said. "He is a pureblood that came across an unfortunate accident. Not a result of a lack of poor breeding – well not entirely -- or some freak of nature like the Mudbloods. However, although I am not particularly keen on all aspects of his lineage, I suppose that given his help and support in our common goals, I should be more forgiving as he is a very powerful and important ally." He looked at her in distain, "Given your age and lack of comeliness, you should be pleased that at least your supposed intellectual prowess attracted a wizard of upcoming status. If he continues to assist me then, I suppose, in time, I could overlook a few things…"
Ruedella listened calmly; Severus had taught her how to not to take the emotional bait -- although it was a lesson she applied unevenly. "Common goals?" she asked, focusing on the part of the monologue that didn't completely offend her.
"Do you know why I took the mark?" Lucius asked.
"I had heard a story that our families owed an allegiance to the Dark Lord. A wizard bond or something of that nature. Father never felt it extended to me, as he assumed I would marry and not carry the Lestrange name for long I suppose…"
"Oh, so you think your family is nothing more than a bunch of obedient lapdogs?" Lucius snapped.
"Well, more like crups going after a Muggle groin than lapdogs," Ruedella said. She smiled slightly as Lucius allowed a rare chuckle. "Let me guess… power…"
"Precisely the same reason Severus joined his fold. A bright boy talented beyond his years in Dark Arts but small and scrawny, unattractive, ill-tempered and disliked by all except for those who could see his hidden talents. The Dark Lord taught us more than you could imagine, Ruedella. Ability to do things we never dreamed possible. But…" he leaned closer, "I have my own plans. You see I no longer wish to be the servant."
"A revolution?" Ruedella asked.
"Severus never…" Lucius asked, his head tilted to register his curiosity.
"Oh, he revealed some plans, but never the big picture," Ruedella said.
"I knew that my best chance is to find the Dark Lord's equal and cultivate them, mentor them, if you will, to see things my way," Lucius began.
"A puppet?"
"Of a certain nature," Lucius said. "One that would be powerful enough to vanquish most foes and one who would look to me as his main mentor. When I believed the Dark Lord to be dead, I started at the most natural place. My son, however, in his bungling, turned off Potter and made him an enemy. My second try was with Riddle's Diary. I came up with a plan, put a few key allies in place – as well as discussing my plan with Riddle's embedded personality – and put the plan in action. Severus, suspicious that Potter had some sort of odd connection with the Dark Lord, laid a plan to make Potter look like the Heir of Slytherin. Had the school closed, we could finish the process undeterred…"
"With an estranged Potter, young, vulnerable and seeking his roots, perhaps more open to take the spot should you find a reconstituted Riddle too much to handle?" Ruedella concluded.
"So," Lucius said calmly, a smile crossing his face that made Ruedella quite uneasy, "Tell me exactly what you know."
[SECTION]
"C'mon in boy!" Mad Eye Moody's booming voice called out responding to Harry's somewhat timid knock. The man slapped a mangled hand on a chair and beckoned the boy to join him. "Got ya a bit of a present," the man thrust a parcel wrapped in plain brown paper into the boy's hands as he sat down. "Something to help you with N.E.W.T.s."
Harry tore open the gift. In it was a soft-bound leather book. He leafed through it and noticed that all the pages were blank. "A notebook, Sir?" Harry asked, perplexed.
"No, no…" Moody said. "Sorry, here…" He took out his wand and tapped the spine and said, "Monstrare Transfiguration." The book shimmered for a second and then Moody opened it. "Here, an advanced study guide on Transfiguration. Notes, illustrations, what have you. Could almost skip class – something I am not advocating mind you – and still pass your N.E.W.T.s with flying colors. Just had it re-charmed last year for new information." He handed Harry the book, which the boy took eagerly. "The best part is that it's charmed for just about anything. Potions, Herbology, Charms…"
Harry stood up and paced the room, book in hand. "This is brilliant… but it must have cost a fortune…" He looked at Moody. "It's wonderful, but really… I cannot…"
"Boy, it's yours," Moody said, forcing a rare smile on what remained of his lips. "You're the best chance we have – we all have – in defeating this monster and I want to make sure you're up to the task."
Harry eagerly flipped through the book and, under Moody's initial guidance, changed it to different topics, finally settling on Potions. "Might need this," Harry said with a sigh as he pointed to the pages, "Given Dumbledore's luck, except for this year of course, in hiring for D.A.D.A. I should expect some bumps regarding the new Potions instructor."
"Well," Moody said as he took a seat next to Harry, "I don't know much other than Snape is missing. Lestrange must have done something…"
"I don't think she did," Harry said. "I mean… there might have been an accident…"
"Indeed, just an accident and a bit of misunderstanding…" Dumbledore's voice assured as the old wizard walked through the door.
"Care to explain?" Moody asked.
"She is free, under my supervision. I have tasked her with fixing her little problem and I assume that she is heading back home to rest before setting out again," Dumbledore explained.
Moody's jaw fell and he slapped his forehead with such force that his magical eye fell out and rolled across the table, eventually falling to the floor. Harry scooped it up and gingerly handed it to him. "You just let her go?" his voice dripped of incredulousness.
"Well, she is under my custody," Dumbledore said as he took a seat.
"Oh, and that cockamamie scheme regarding her and the prophesy…" Moody inquired.
"Voldemort has the prophecy in hand," Dumbledore said. "What he chooses to believe is another issue though…"
"Why don't we just put a bow on Harry's head, release Lucius Malfoy and hand Harry over to him to deliver to Voldemort himself?" Moody asked. "A bit less effort than this cloak-and-dagger…"
"Hmm…" Dumbledore looked at Harry and then back at Moody. "Do you actually think that would work?" Seeing Moody's jaw drop again, he chuckled, "Oh you do have a wonderful sense of humor." He watched as Moody slammed his chair back and stomped out of the room.
"He's pretty cheesed off," Harry said. "And I'm not particularly keen myself…"
"Voldemort called his Death Eaters off you, didn't he?" Dumbledore asked. He saw Harry's confused expression. "Well of course he did, otherwise you wouldn't be sitting here. Unless Nollo did his job."
"May we start at the beginning?" Harry asked.
"Good place to start, provided you know where the beginning begins…" Dumbledore agreed.
"Well… okay," Harry scratched his head. "Why didn't you tell me about the house elf…"
"Not exactly the beginning," Dumbledore noted as he shrugged. "I will answer that question and then I'll start at the beginning." Harry nodded in agreement. "First, I was not entirely aware that Nollo was even alive. Your father had Nollo bring me his invisibility cloak right before his murder. I assumed that the elf returned and was eventually killed as well. I would have thought that your Aunt would have contacted me."
"My Aunt is a woman of her own convenience," Harry muttered. "But I don't understand how Nollo could have been in the house all these years. I mean, like when Dobby showed up…"
"Dobby, perhaps, was not perceived as a real threat," Dumbledore said thoughtfully. "House Elves are typically not offensive. Dumping a cake on a house guest isn't exactly being aggressive, although I am sure Nollo was watching Dobby's every move. Had he made an aggressive move towards you or harmed someone in the house, I think the outcome of Dobby's visit would have been very different." He cleared his throat and said, "Now let's start at the beginning. One thousand years ago…"
"I know about the four founders," Harry interrupted impatiently.
"This reminds me of a storyteller who was constantly interrupted by his audience. Some thought that they were so clever and would spit out what they thought the plot or ending would be or how they thought a character would behave in a different way than the storyteller portrayed. The short of it was that the storyteller was both amused and frustrated – amused at the arrogance of some of his audience in not simply enjoying the story and learning from it and frustrated as some of his audience would leave so convinced that their assumptions were correct in that they rudely informed the storyteller that they were not going to waste any more time as they had completely divined the story and its intentions simply by applying their own highly-regarded and self-proclaimed intellect…"
"So in other word, shut up and wait until you finish the story because although I can assume…" Harry said.
"Those who assume inevitably end up just stopping at the first three letters," Dumbledore said, nodding. Seeing the boy blush, he kindly patted him on the shoulder and conjured a plate of tea and some snacks. "One thousand years ago, our community was besieged by attacks from Muggles. Any child or person showing the least bit of magical ability were tortured and murdered. The rampage was so total that Muggles even killed other Muggles simply out of ignorance spurred by the frenzy. The founders established Hogwarts as an institution to teach magic and as a base to establish a central wizarding community. Even then, Muggle-borns and those of mixed heritage were looked upon as spies and traitors – that their wizarding talents would only be corrupted and used by Muggles or that they would turn against their fellow wizards and turn them in for prosecution." Dumbledore sighed. "Unfortunately, that fear was not completely unfounded as some did, under pressure from their parents – who turned them over to local religious authorities – did reveal the names of other wizards and witches.
"To help protect ourselves, it was decided that the best course of action was to step away from Muggle society and isolate ourselves. Eventually, we began manipulating their society slowly introducing the idea that magic was 'bunk' and did not exist. This allowed us to continue educating our young and, through other carefully considered measures, bring in Muggle-borns and those of mixed heritage more fully into the fold. However, as some were working on these more subversive, yet diplomatic measures, others, namely the more established wizarding families with a particular allegiance to Salazar Slytherin, took matters in their own hands. Slytherin, when he fled Hogwards, went to central Europe – some believe he had a hand in the founding of Durmstrang, but that is legend with little fact backing it. Considering themselves to be 'natures aristocracy,' they, under the leadership of Slytherin himself, formed the Knights of the Walpurgis, and organization aimed at keeping Muggles away from wizards and rescuing innocent wizards who fell into Muggle hands. "
"And Muggle-borns in their place," Harry added.
"Their treatment of Muggle-borns was one of necessity – or what they thought at the time – versus the raw prejudice and hatred that evolved into what you see now. At one time they felt Muggle-born or Half wizard could marry into wizarding society and receive some training once they've shown their loyalty. Although looked down as second-class citizens, in no way did the Knights, at least at the beginning, have the intention of killing them." Dumbledore took a slow sip of tea and set down his cup. "After we managed to separate wizarding society completely from Muggles – completed approximately the mid-fourteenth century, the power and influence of Knights and their families faded, their traditions upheld by only a few clans – Malfoy, Black and Snape were a few key families in Britian. Karkaroff, Dolohov and a few other names that you might recognize," he said the last carefully, "were influential families in Central and Eastern Europe."
"Snape?" Harry said, not exactly sure why he found that surprising.
"Once a very wealthy and powerful family until a few hundred years ago. When I was a boy my great-grandfather told me stories of the gala events they used to have. The best Goblin silverware and elegant gold-thread tapestries that hung their walls – loomed, I heard, from faeries. But, I am getting off the track…" The old wizard rubbed his beard. "Oh, yes… Over time the Knights became all but inactive until about 200 years ago. Given the increase in population, which increased the number of Muggle-Wizard incidents, it was believed that all the Anti-Muggle efforts of the Ministry would, in time, not be enough. The Knights recruited heavily in many now considered to be old-blood families – Bones, Prewett, Weasley and even Potter… even I joined when I was young. I was under the impression that I was doing something to help and protect. Their recruiting efforts, mind you, completely hid their more… shall we say… unsavory intentions.
"However, as the Knights gained power and influence, the underlying stewed hatred began to show. Missions turned from rescuing wizards from Muggles became searches to interrogate and intimidate Muggle-borns. Their elders became very selective in who they would let in and expelled those who did not meet their seven generation criteria. By the time the twentieth century came around, the Knights consisted of a core group of ancient families and their pure-blood supporters who had come to believe that any influence of Muggles – through marriage or other areas – would eventually spell the decline of wizarding society.
"During their resurrection, the Knights began to steep themselves in the Dark Arts. Some whisper that there is a Dark Arts Guild and if there is, I would not be surprised that the Knights were behind its creation. Even during my few years with them, I learned some terrible things – naïve in my youth thinking that I needed to be aggressive to uphold my status as a so-called Knight. One Knight rose up through the ranks and eventually usurped Thebes Slytherin – he became known simply as Grindelwald. He took the Knights in a more murderous direction, directing 'cleansing' efforts towards Muggle-borns and murdering mixed marriage families."
"Did you not eventually kill Grindelwald?" Harry asked.
"Yes, yes I did," Dumbledore said. "Although some prefer to use the word 'vanquished.'" He sighed and rubbed his face, taking off his glasses and cleaning them before returning to his story. "Grindelwald recruited the best and brightest. A couple of years before his fall, he took on a young apprentice. Part in that he was enamored by the young wizard's power and second to appease the hard-core Knights who were starting to splinter away. Thuban Malfoy, grandfather to both Lucius Malfoy and Ruedella Lestrange, was concerned that following a single wizard versus a cause would eventually lead the group astray. So, to appease Malfoy, Grindelwald took on Tom Riddle as his apprentice…"
"I understand," Harry said, "from some research that Hermione was doing that the Malfoys and Lestranges owed a life debt to Riddle…"
"I suspected long ago that Riddle orchestrated the whole incident simply to save their lives," Dumbledore said. "I had taken to keeping a very close eye on the boy…"
"He had to return a time turner," Harry said. "Our theory is that he used it to save his classmates. Ron thinks he used it as an alibi to kill his family."
"Perhaps. The first I have no doubt and for the second, it is more plausible as I consider it," Dumbledore said solemnly.
"So Riddle put his well, for a lack of a better word, friends in danger simply to later save them so that these two powerful families would owe him a life debt?" Harry asked rhetorically as he summarized. "Let me guess, he received another 'Special Award' too?" Harry looked down on the floor. "Which reminds me, sir… Did my father receive an award for saving Snape or was it for something else?"
"He did," Dumbledore nodded.
"Why should someone get an award for doing what was right? I mean, Sirius tried to kill Snape and…" he trailed off, looking at Dumbledore who was looking quite tired. He paused. "I know there is something else. More to it. Remus thinks so too… and Lestrange… there was a reason she reacted the way she did to the boggart-werewolf and the boy—one of the boys was Snape." Harry continued, ignoring Dumbledore's widening eyes. "I saw a vision – a memory of Lestrange when she was weak. I know this is private and I won't comment about the other things I've seen… but my Dad was with her in the cave leading to the Shrieking Shack… the walls were covered with blood and Dad was holding his arm and telling her to run…" Harry started to shake, "But this couldn't have happened… maybe she is just insane… I hear the Aurors talking in the hall… they all think she is insane."
Dumbledore held up his hand to silence the boy. Closing his eyes, the old wizard drew in a deep breath and reached out with his hand and grabbed Harry's. Harry felt the old, gnarled hands, somewhat cold to the touch yet he could sense the immense power that surged under the skin. "Harry," Dumbledore said softly, not opening his eyes, "of the horrors I have witnessed all my years, there are few that bring me into such a condition. I plead with you to please set aside your curiosity…"
"But," Harry began to protest.
"Please," Dumbledore said simply. The wizard made a small motion with his hands. "Arthur Weasley should be by shortly. Enjoy your Yule dinner and I shall see you when the new term begins."
[END CHAPTER]
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