A/N After reading this chapter, before sending me howlers, please read the title of the story again.
Redwoman I am a horrible liar. I couldn't bear to put everything in one chapter, so I made it two. But I will try posting both today.
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Late the next afternoon, Harry found himself in the middle of the entrance hall of Hogwarts, holding a piece of silverware bearing the Black family crest. It was so odd seeing the castle this empty. Even at Christmas holidays a few students and Professors almost always remained.
'Harry, so good to see you. How are you?"
Harry turned to greet Nearly Headless Nick. After exchanging pleasantries, the Gryffindor ghost informed him of the current password to the Headmaster's office. His task complete, Sir Nicholas turned to leave, after a final piece of advice.
"Avoid the Transfiguration corridor on your way. Professor McGonagall is there, but Peeves is in a particularly…unpleasant mood today."
Harry ignored Sir Nicholas's advice and went out of his way to pass the Transfiguration classroom. He still didn't quite understand what happened yesterday, but he wanted to see how Professor McGonagall was.
Before he even got to the classroom door, he could hear Professor McGonagall's usual tones.
"Put that owl down!"
Harry grinned. Peeves could be rather annoying, especially with his fondness for water balloons and songs featuring the words 'Potter you rotter.' But it was certainly entertaining the way he kept the professors on their toes.
He remained in the doorway, unobserved, and listened to the exchange.
"Doesn't like it here when no ones here."
Now that the owl was no longer in danger, Professor McGonagall's voice was gentler, as if she were speaking to a young child. She corrected,
"I do not like it here when no one is here."
Professor McGonagall sighed. "I know. They will be back in a few months."
"Wants to go with childrens."
"I want to go with the children."
Peeves ignored the corrections.
"Wants to go to the pictures with others."
"I want to go to the pictures with the others - And you know you are not allowed to go without Albus or myself."
Peeves scowled, but Professor McGonagall just found a new name from the ornate book in front of her and kept writing. Each time she finished a letter, one of the numerous owls fluttering about the room would step forward to take it. Some seemed particularly eager to receive a letter and get away from Peeves.
"Likes popcorn and jujubeads."
"I like popcorn and - what was the other thing?"
"Jujubeads. Mudblood candies."
"Muggle candies. Regardless, I do not like jujubeads. You, for that matter, do not eat them either."
Peeves sat sullenly on a desk and mumbled.
"Likes to throw them."
"Yes, I am well aware of that fact. That is why you are not allowed to go to the pictures, unless accompanied by Albus or myself."
"Doesn't like him anymore." muttered Peeves.
Harry didn't understand the brief smile on Professor McGonagall's face when Peeves said he didn't like Professor Dumbledore.
"Won't takes me bowling."
"Really Peeves, what do you expect? You are not supposed to throw the ball down other people's lanes, never mind at other people."
She sighed.
"If you are going to sit there, you could work on your penmanship. Half the time no one can even read what you write on the chalkboards."
Peeves continued pouting for a few minutes and then suddenly decided to take Professor McGonagall's advice.
"Use the chalkboard to write on, not the owls." was Professor McGonagall's sharp reply.
Peeves threw the chalk in response.
"I need to finish these letters if you would like new 'Ickle Firsties' to play with in September."
Remembering Peeves behavior his first year, Harry couldn't help but wonder what kind of childhood Professor McGonagall had if she considered dropping walking sticks on Neville 'playing.'
"Go play with the suits of armor if you are bored here."
Peeves mumbled something about not fun without filth to pick them up.
Professor McGonagall's lips began to curl into a smile.
"Filch. And he will be back in a week. Do you know, I am beginning to think you miss him."
Peeves snarled in response.
"Why did you come back earlier than you planned?"
When Peeves didn't answer, Professor McGonagall looked up from her writing for the first time. Peeves was frowning. It was odd that the poltergeist could look so like a real person sometimes.
"Peeves?"
Peeves sank lower and mumbled in reply.
"Said let me go cause you were moving away again and didn't want to take me."
Professor McGonagall frowned.
"Peeves, he tricked you. I am not going anywhere without telling you. I let you go because you would have been intolerable if I did not."
"Peeves squirmed in his seat as if he didn't believe her.
McGonagall's voice was sharper now.
"Need I remind you, you were the one that choose to leave me last time."
Peeves shrunk into his seat.
"Changed my mind but the house was gone."
Neither spoke for a few minutes.
"If, if I can finish these before it gets too late, we will go see a picture. I assume it does not matter which one since after all we will not be allowed to stay much past the opening credits."
Peeves leaned forward excitedly.
"Popcorn and jujubeads?"
"Do you give me your word you will not throw them?"
Peeves who couldn't actually eat them frowned and considered the matter.
"Wants me to lie?"
Professor McGonagall put a hand to the bridge of her nose in an attempt to hide her smile.
"Fine. You can have popcorn or jujubeads."
"Popcorn and jujubeads. Needs a beverage too."
Professor McGonagall sighed.
"Popcorn and jujubeads. No beverage. Your aim is atrocious, you always get some on me."
"Needs the straw." Peeves continued solemnly. "Will use to practice."
Harry found this form of negotiation highly amusing.
"Who are you going to practice on?" asked Professor McGonagall suspiciously.
"Filth." said Peeves eagerly.
"I think not."
Peeves tried again more carefully.
"I am to practice on Mrs. Norris?"
The scritch of Professor McGonagall's quill paused as she considered.
"I better not find you using it on the first years."
Happy again, Peeves began swinging his legs, such as they were, and kicking the desk petulantly.
Without ever looking to the doorway where Harry stood, Professor McGonagall spoke.
"Mr. Potter, Professor Dumbledore is a very important man with many responsibilities. I can not take house points this early, but I still do not recommend keeping him waiting."
***********************************
When Harry arrived at Professor Dumbledore's office, he could see Professor Dumbledore still feeding strands to the pensive. The mist was so think and swirled so quickly, Harry knew there must be a great number of memories in there.
Dumbledore greeted Harry with a warm smile.
"I was beginning to grow concerned. The portkey was after all timed. Peeves has been in a horrid mood since returning from Ireland, I hope he didn't trouble you."
Harry blushed.
"Is he Professor McGonagall's poltergeist?"
Dumbledore had a thoughtful expression as he answered.
"Since before you were born, Peeves has been bonded to this castle. He, believe it or not, is one of the many protections surrounding the castle and its inhabitants. He may depart of his own choosing at any time, but can never forcefully be removed."
Dumbledore smiled and his eyes sparkled.
"As to whom he originally was bound, that is a question I am not at liberty to answer for fear of a most swift and fierce retaliation."
Harry grinned, taking that as a yes.
"Now have you been practicing clearing your mind in the evenings?"
"Err. Sometimes."
Dumbledore frowned. "Please begin doing it every night. This is of the utmost importance."
After a nod from Harry, they began.
"Legilimens!"
A scene from yesterday's Wizengot began to play.
Moody released his hold on Harry's shoulder after a final piece of advice.
"I tried to argue their tongues were dangerous items, but no one would let me remove them."
Moody kept his magical eye fixed on Draco as Harry approached him.
Draco's expression and voice exuded contempt.
"Rather pleased with yourself today, Potter. This isn't over you know."
"It is over for your father, Malfoy."
Draco's eyes flashed with anger before a smirk settled on his features.
"Shame your little pooch couldn't come with you today, Potter."
Seeing he had hit his mark, Draco continued.
"I'm sure he would have been a great comfort to you. At least my father is still alive. When this is all over, my father will be set free, but you'll still be out a mongrel."
"Voldemort isn't going to win, Draco. Your father is just as good as dead for you."
Draco's temper was rising too. "Who's going to stop him? You? I don't think so, Potty."
Harry took a step closer to Draco.
"I won't be alone. The Ministry, Professor Dumbledore, Professor McGonagall, they are all onto your master's plans. He won't succeed. So be a good little ferret and go run on back to your mummy."
Draco peered Harry up and down. He gave Harry a look of pity as if Harry was a simpleton.
"Still haven't got a clue about what's really going on, do you, Potter?"
Draco's question was delivered more as a comment.
"You think you are so righteous. You don't even know what it is they have you fighting for."
Harry fought back and the memory ended.
A few minutes later, they tried again. The same memory played, but a different part.
"Sod off, you little ferret."
Draco smirked. "Don't believe me, do you?"
"Whatever gave you that idea?" said Harry sarcastically.
Draco's smile took up more of his face.
"Don't take my word for it, Potter. Ask him. Ask your great hero and look into his eyes when you do. Forget what he says, just watch for the answer in his eyes. You'll know then, I'm telling the truth."
Again, Harry managed to make the memory stop.
Professor Dumbledore observed him for a moment.
"I do not wish to pry about a memory you unwillingly shared with me, but something young Mr. Malfoy said at the Wizengot appears to be bothering you. Was there something you would like to ask me?"
Harry flushed and shook his head.
Dumbledore replied, "Very well," but still kept looking at him.
When the tap at the window by an owl diverted Dumbledore's attention, Harry was grateful.
Dumbledore apologized. The owl needed an immediate response, but it would only take a few minutes. After offering Harry a chocolate frog from a container of several on his desk, Dumbledore sat down to reply.
Once the owl had his reply, they began again.
"Legilimens!"
The same memory began again.
Draco peered Harry up and down. He gave Harry a look of pity as if Harry was a simpleton.
"Still haven't got a clue about what's really going on, do you, Potter?"
Draco's question was delivered more as a comment.
"You think you are so righteous. You don't even know what it is they have you fighting for."
Harry kept his face neutral. "And I suppose you are going to explain it all for me?"
"You still think Dumbledore is the great protector. You think all of this is a fight between good and evil. Well, sorry to disappoint you, Potter-"
This wasn't happening. Harry would not show Professor Dumbledore the disgusting lies Draco Malfoy had said about him and Professor McGonagall. With all his concentration, Harry resisted.
The scene shifted.
It was Hogwarts again, but it wasn't the Headmaster's office. It was the Great Hall. Professor Dumbledore was standing. He was younger than now, his hair was all auburn without even a touch of silver. All around him screams could be heard.
The other professors were rising from their seats. Harry recognized Armando Dippet, but none of the other professors looked familiar. Everyone was shouting out spells. Some were the same, but the people weren't organized. The spells weren't going off at the same time.
Harry could see long tables of terrified children. Everyone, professors, students, everyone either had their faces upturned to the same exact spot in horrified awe or were attempting to flee from the spot. But Harry couldn't see what it was they saw, it was too high for his line of vision.
In the present, Dumbledore shifted the focus back.
Draco was so worked up, spittle was flying from his mouth as he spoke.
"You think Dumbledore is so good and noble.
Harry pushed back again.
This time the Wizengot was replaced by a room Harry had never been in before. It was easy enough to identify it by the tile and the bathtub though. Something was wrong with the bathtub. The water looked black.
Dumbledore was on his knees before the bathtub. This memory was more recent. His hair was silver, but somehow, he looked older than now.
Dumbledore was pulling something out of the water. No, not something, someone. The face was obscured by long black hair plastered to it. It had been the hair floating that made the water appear black at first glance.
Even with the hair in the way and some kind of cloth around it, the unnatural angle of the neck was clear. Cradling her against him with one arm, Dumbledore used the other hand to very gently begin clearing away the strands obscuring the woman's face.
A new hand reached out to touch something on the neck. When it did, a low voice growled.
"Merlin's beard! She is breathing still. Quick! Put her back under the water."
As the memory was ended by Albus Dumbledore, Harry was almost certain the older man was being persuaded to hold the woman under the water again.
Then it was the Headmaster's office again.
Dumbledore looked utterly shocked. His voice was not well.
"It would appear Professor Snape underestimated in his evaluation of your skill."
Dumbledore was clearly distressed by the memory he had just seen.
"Indeed if he evaluates Potions work on the same scale, I believe I will need to discuss a change in grading policy with him."
Dumbledore wasn't the only one distressed. Harry couldn't stop staring at Professor Dumbledore.
"What was that last memory?"
Professor Dumbledore looked shattered by the memory. He shook his head.
"That was a private memory. Much like yourself with Mr. Malfoy, I too have things I did not intend to share."
Harry was still staring at Professor Dumbledore, but the older man was not facing him.
Glancing at the Pensive, Dumbledore went on.
"I must admit, given Professor Snape's appraisal of your skills, I only took the time to remove those memories that would be a security risk to the Order."
Harry didn't really need to have the last memory explained to him to understand. The last memory had been stopped so quickly, that if it weren't for what Luna had said a few days ago, Harry would have had no idea what he had really seen. But given what Luna had said, it was clear what had been going on.
Albus Dumbledore, Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Order of Merlin First Class, Grand Sorcerer, Chief Warlock of the Wizengot, Supreme Mugwump, International Confederation of Wizards had been drowning a woman. Harry hadn't actually been able to make out the woman's face, but he had a pretty good idea of who the woman was.
"I think we have had enough practice for one day. I will send you back to The Burrow and we can continue this tomorrow."
When Professor Dumbledore took a breath to steady himself and turned to face Harry, Harry looked him in the eye.
"Draco Malfoy told me things…He said you…Have you ever used the Imperius Curse on Professor McGonagall?"
Professor Dumbledore didn't answer. Not in words. But like Malfoy had suggested, Harry looked in Professor Dumbledore's eyes. Words were not necessary once he did. The blue eyes were not twinkling now. Instead they held such an admission of guilt, that Harry had to look away.
When Professor Dumbledore opened his mouth to respond, Harry interrupted.
"I think I would like that portkey now."
A thousand thoughts whirled through Harry's mind. Bellatrix had said not to harm Professor McGonagall, Voldemort wanted her alive. Cedric Diggory's father had been so eager to get at Professor McGonagall. Her own muggle nephew's apparent disregard for her. Cornelius Fudge's response to the attacks yesterday. The way Kingsley Shacklebolt refused to even look at her when he delivered the letter. Was Professor McGonagall a Death Eater being held here against her will?
Draco Malfoy said Harry didn't even know what Dumbledore had him fighting for. That Harry wasn't fighting for the side of right. What had he meant by that?
Suddenly a lot of things were becoming clear to Harry. Now all those reassuring glances Harry had witnessed didn't seem so reassuring after all. The way no matter what happened, Professor McGonagall was so much more at ease when Professor Dumbledore was around had an entirely new meaning. As Snape once told him, 'Time and space matter in magic.' Was it Dumbledore reinforcing, strengthening the curse?
McGonagall's smile when Peeves said he didn't like Professor Dumbledore had a meaning now.
The growl telling Dumbledore to put her back under the water had been Alastor Moody's growl. Now Harry realized why Professor McGonagall had tensed when Moody tried to approach her the night of the attack. Why Moody had told Harry he would always be a monster to her. The other emotion on Moody's face, the one Harry couldn't quite place when he described Professor McGonagall's lack of reaction to the Cruciatus curse. Now Harry realized it was guilt. But then, if you are going to use one Unforgivable curse, why not use two of them?
Again Dumbledore began to speak and again Harry cut him off.
"The portkey please."
"Harry-"
"-I just want to leave."
Finally, Dumbledore did as he asked.
It wasn't just the jerking motion of the portkey that made Harry's insides churn as the portkey went off.
**********************************
After arriving at The Burrow, Harry was too confused to want to speak with the others about what had happened or even try to think about it.
It was only late that night when the rest of the house was asleep that Harry tried to focus his mind on the day's events.
It didn't make sense. There had to be another explanation. After all, if it was true, if Professor Dumbledore was capable of such things, why hadn't Professor Dumbledore obliviated him? Altered or just removed the memory entirely? Draco Malfoy was a liar, he always had been.
But there was no denying the look of guilt in Professor Dumbledore's eyes when he had asked Draco Malfoy's question. And if it wasn't true, how had Malfoy known the look would be there?
Redwoman I am a horrible liar. I couldn't bear to put everything in one chapter, so I made it two. But I will try posting both today.
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Late the next afternoon, Harry found himself in the middle of the entrance hall of Hogwarts, holding a piece of silverware bearing the Black family crest. It was so odd seeing the castle this empty. Even at Christmas holidays a few students and Professors almost always remained.
'Harry, so good to see you. How are you?"
Harry turned to greet Nearly Headless Nick. After exchanging pleasantries, the Gryffindor ghost informed him of the current password to the Headmaster's office. His task complete, Sir Nicholas turned to leave, after a final piece of advice.
"Avoid the Transfiguration corridor on your way. Professor McGonagall is there, but Peeves is in a particularly…unpleasant mood today."
Harry ignored Sir Nicholas's advice and went out of his way to pass the Transfiguration classroom. He still didn't quite understand what happened yesterday, but he wanted to see how Professor McGonagall was.
Before he even got to the classroom door, he could hear Professor McGonagall's usual tones.
"Put that owl down!"
Harry grinned. Peeves could be rather annoying, especially with his fondness for water balloons and songs featuring the words 'Potter you rotter.' But it was certainly entertaining the way he kept the professors on their toes.
He remained in the doorway, unobserved, and listened to the exchange.
"Doesn't like it here when no ones here."
Now that the owl was no longer in danger, Professor McGonagall's voice was gentler, as if she were speaking to a young child. She corrected,
"I do not like it here when no one is here."
Professor McGonagall sighed. "I know. They will be back in a few months."
"Wants to go with childrens."
"I want to go with the children."
Peeves ignored the corrections.
"Wants to go to the pictures with others."
"I want to go to the pictures with the others - And you know you are not allowed to go without Albus or myself."
Peeves scowled, but Professor McGonagall just found a new name from the ornate book in front of her and kept writing. Each time she finished a letter, one of the numerous owls fluttering about the room would step forward to take it. Some seemed particularly eager to receive a letter and get away from Peeves.
"Likes popcorn and jujubeads."
"I like popcorn and - what was the other thing?"
"Jujubeads. Mudblood candies."
"Muggle candies. Regardless, I do not like jujubeads. You, for that matter, do not eat them either."
Peeves sat sullenly on a desk and mumbled.
"Likes to throw them."
"Yes, I am well aware of that fact. That is why you are not allowed to go to the pictures, unless accompanied by Albus or myself."
"Doesn't like him anymore." muttered Peeves.
Harry didn't understand the brief smile on Professor McGonagall's face when Peeves said he didn't like Professor Dumbledore.
"Won't takes me bowling."
"Really Peeves, what do you expect? You are not supposed to throw the ball down other people's lanes, never mind at other people."
She sighed.
"If you are going to sit there, you could work on your penmanship. Half the time no one can even read what you write on the chalkboards."
Peeves continued pouting for a few minutes and then suddenly decided to take Professor McGonagall's advice.
"Use the chalkboard to write on, not the owls." was Professor McGonagall's sharp reply.
Peeves threw the chalk in response.
"I need to finish these letters if you would like new 'Ickle Firsties' to play with in September."
Remembering Peeves behavior his first year, Harry couldn't help but wonder what kind of childhood Professor McGonagall had if she considered dropping walking sticks on Neville 'playing.'
"Go play with the suits of armor if you are bored here."
Peeves mumbled something about not fun without filth to pick them up.
Professor McGonagall's lips began to curl into a smile.
"Filch. And he will be back in a week. Do you know, I am beginning to think you miss him."
Peeves snarled in response.
"Why did you come back earlier than you planned?"
When Peeves didn't answer, Professor McGonagall looked up from her writing for the first time. Peeves was frowning. It was odd that the poltergeist could look so like a real person sometimes.
"Peeves?"
Peeves sank lower and mumbled in reply.
"Said let me go cause you were moving away again and didn't want to take me."
Professor McGonagall frowned.
"Peeves, he tricked you. I am not going anywhere without telling you. I let you go because you would have been intolerable if I did not."
"Peeves squirmed in his seat as if he didn't believe her.
McGonagall's voice was sharper now.
"Need I remind you, you were the one that choose to leave me last time."
Peeves shrunk into his seat.
"Changed my mind but the house was gone."
Neither spoke for a few minutes.
"If, if I can finish these before it gets too late, we will go see a picture. I assume it does not matter which one since after all we will not be allowed to stay much past the opening credits."
Peeves leaned forward excitedly.
"Popcorn and jujubeads?"
"Do you give me your word you will not throw them?"
Peeves who couldn't actually eat them frowned and considered the matter.
"Wants me to lie?"
Professor McGonagall put a hand to the bridge of her nose in an attempt to hide her smile.
"Fine. You can have popcorn or jujubeads."
"Popcorn and jujubeads. Needs a beverage too."
Professor McGonagall sighed.
"Popcorn and jujubeads. No beverage. Your aim is atrocious, you always get some on me."
"Needs the straw." Peeves continued solemnly. "Will use to practice."
Harry found this form of negotiation highly amusing.
"Who are you going to practice on?" asked Professor McGonagall suspiciously.
"Filth." said Peeves eagerly.
"I think not."
Peeves tried again more carefully.
"I am to practice on Mrs. Norris?"
The scritch of Professor McGonagall's quill paused as she considered.
"I better not find you using it on the first years."
Happy again, Peeves began swinging his legs, such as they were, and kicking the desk petulantly.
Without ever looking to the doorway where Harry stood, Professor McGonagall spoke.
"Mr. Potter, Professor Dumbledore is a very important man with many responsibilities. I can not take house points this early, but I still do not recommend keeping him waiting."
***********************************
When Harry arrived at Professor Dumbledore's office, he could see Professor Dumbledore still feeding strands to the pensive. The mist was so think and swirled so quickly, Harry knew there must be a great number of memories in there.
Dumbledore greeted Harry with a warm smile.
"I was beginning to grow concerned. The portkey was after all timed. Peeves has been in a horrid mood since returning from Ireland, I hope he didn't trouble you."
Harry blushed.
"Is he Professor McGonagall's poltergeist?"
Dumbledore had a thoughtful expression as he answered.
"Since before you were born, Peeves has been bonded to this castle. He, believe it or not, is one of the many protections surrounding the castle and its inhabitants. He may depart of his own choosing at any time, but can never forcefully be removed."
Dumbledore smiled and his eyes sparkled.
"As to whom he originally was bound, that is a question I am not at liberty to answer for fear of a most swift and fierce retaliation."
Harry grinned, taking that as a yes.
"Now have you been practicing clearing your mind in the evenings?"
"Err. Sometimes."
Dumbledore frowned. "Please begin doing it every night. This is of the utmost importance."
After a nod from Harry, they began.
"Legilimens!"
A scene from yesterday's Wizengot began to play.
Moody released his hold on Harry's shoulder after a final piece of advice.
"I tried to argue their tongues were dangerous items, but no one would let me remove them."
Moody kept his magical eye fixed on Draco as Harry approached him.
Draco's expression and voice exuded contempt.
"Rather pleased with yourself today, Potter. This isn't over you know."
"It is over for your father, Malfoy."
Draco's eyes flashed with anger before a smirk settled on his features.
"Shame your little pooch couldn't come with you today, Potter."
Seeing he had hit his mark, Draco continued.
"I'm sure he would have been a great comfort to you. At least my father is still alive. When this is all over, my father will be set free, but you'll still be out a mongrel."
"Voldemort isn't going to win, Draco. Your father is just as good as dead for you."
Draco's temper was rising too. "Who's going to stop him? You? I don't think so, Potty."
Harry took a step closer to Draco.
"I won't be alone. The Ministry, Professor Dumbledore, Professor McGonagall, they are all onto your master's plans. He won't succeed. So be a good little ferret and go run on back to your mummy."
Draco peered Harry up and down. He gave Harry a look of pity as if Harry was a simpleton.
"Still haven't got a clue about what's really going on, do you, Potter?"
Draco's question was delivered more as a comment.
"You think you are so righteous. You don't even know what it is they have you fighting for."
Harry fought back and the memory ended.
A few minutes later, they tried again. The same memory played, but a different part.
"Sod off, you little ferret."
Draco smirked. "Don't believe me, do you?"
"Whatever gave you that idea?" said Harry sarcastically.
Draco's smile took up more of his face.
"Don't take my word for it, Potter. Ask him. Ask your great hero and look into his eyes when you do. Forget what he says, just watch for the answer in his eyes. You'll know then, I'm telling the truth."
Again, Harry managed to make the memory stop.
Professor Dumbledore observed him for a moment.
"I do not wish to pry about a memory you unwillingly shared with me, but something young Mr. Malfoy said at the Wizengot appears to be bothering you. Was there something you would like to ask me?"
Harry flushed and shook his head.
Dumbledore replied, "Very well," but still kept looking at him.
When the tap at the window by an owl diverted Dumbledore's attention, Harry was grateful.
Dumbledore apologized. The owl needed an immediate response, but it would only take a few minutes. After offering Harry a chocolate frog from a container of several on his desk, Dumbledore sat down to reply.
Once the owl had his reply, they began again.
"Legilimens!"
The same memory began again.
Draco peered Harry up and down. He gave Harry a look of pity as if Harry was a simpleton.
"Still haven't got a clue about what's really going on, do you, Potter?"
Draco's question was delivered more as a comment.
"You think you are so righteous. You don't even know what it is they have you fighting for."
Harry kept his face neutral. "And I suppose you are going to explain it all for me?"
"You still think Dumbledore is the great protector. You think all of this is a fight between good and evil. Well, sorry to disappoint you, Potter-"
This wasn't happening. Harry would not show Professor Dumbledore the disgusting lies Draco Malfoy had said about him and Professor McGonagall. With all his concentration, Harry resisted.
The scene shifted.
It was Hogwarts again, but it wasn't the Headmaster's office. It was the Great Hall. Professor Dumbledore was standing. He was younger than now, his hair was all auburn without even a touch of silver. All around him screams could be heard.
The other professors were rising from their seats. Harry recognized Armando Dippet, but none of the other professors looked familiar. Everyone was shouting out spells. Some were the same, but the people weren't organized. The spells weren't going off at the same time.
Harry could see long tables of terrified children. Everyone, professors, students, everyone either had their faces upturned to the same exact spot in horrified awe or were attempting to flee from the spot. But Harry couldn't see what it was they saw, it was too high for his line of vision.
In the present, Dumbledore shifted the focus back.
Draco was so worked up, spittle was flying from his mouth as he spoke.
"You think Dumbledore is so good and noble.
Harry pushed back again.
This time the Wizengot was replaced by a room Harry had never been in before. It was easy enough to identify it by the tile and the bathtub though. Something was wrong with the bathtub. The water looked black.
Dumbledore was on his knees before the bathtub. This memory was more recent. His hair was silver, but somehow, he looked older than now.
Dumbledore was pulling something out of the water. No, not something, someone. The face was obscured by long black hair plastered to it. It had been the hair floating that made the water appear black at first glance.
Even with the hair in the way and some kind of cloth around it, the unnatural angle of the neck was clear. Cradling her against him with one arm, Dumbledore used the other hand to very gently begin clearing away the strands obscuring the woman's face.
A new hand reached out to touch something on the neck. When it did, a low voice growled.
"Merlin's beard! She is breathing still. Quick! Put her back under the water."
As the memory was ended by Albus Dumbledore, Harry was almost certain the older man was being persuaded to hold the woman under the water again.
Then it was the Headmaster's office again.
Dumbledore looked utterly shocked. His voice was not well.
"It would appear Professor Snape underestimated in his evaluation of your skill."
Dumbledore was clearly distressed by the memory he had just seen.
"Indeed if he evaluates Potions work on the same scale, I believe I will need to discuss a change in grading policy with him."
Dumbledore wasn't the only one distressed. Harry couldn't stop staring at Professor Dumbledore.
"What was that last memory?"
Professor Dumbledore looked shattered by the memory. He shook his head.
"That was a private memory. Much like yourself with Mr. Malfoy, I too have things I did not intend to share."
Harry was still staring at Professor Dumbledore, but the older man was not facing him.
Glancing at the Pensive, Dumbledore went on.
"I must admit, given Professor Snape's appraisal of your skills, I only took the time to remove those memories that would be a security risk to the Order."
Harry didn't really need to have the last memory explained to him to understand. The last memory had been stopped so quickly, that if it weren't for what Luna had said a few days ago, Harry would have had no idea what he had really seen. But given what Luna had said, it was clear what had been going on.
Albus Dumbledore, Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Order of Merlin First Class, Grand Sorcerer, Chief Warlock of the Wizengot, Supreme Mugwump, International Confederation of Wizards had been drowning a woman. Harry hadn't actually been able to make out the woman's face, but he had a pretty good idea of who the woman was.
"I think we have had enough practice for one day. I will send you back to The Burrow and we can continue this tomorrow."
When Professor Dumbledore took a breath to steady himself and turned to face Harry, Harry looked him in the eye.
"Draco Malfoy told me things…He said you…Have you ever used the Imperius Curse on Professor McGonagall?"
Professor Dumbledore didn't answer. Not in words. But like Malfoy had suggested, Harry looked in Professor Dumbledore's eyes. Words were not necessary once he did. The blue eyes were not twinkling now. Instead they held such an admission of guilt, that Harry had to look away.
When Professor Dumbledore opened his mouth to respond, Harry interrupted.
"I think I would like that portkey now."
A thousand thoughts whirled through Harry's mind. Bellatrix had said not to harm Professor McGonagall, Voldemort wanted her alive. Cedric Diggory's father had been so eager to get at Professor McGonagall. Her own muggle nephew's apparent disregard for her. Cornelius Fudge's response to the attacks yesterday. The way Kingsley Shacklebolt refused to even look at her when he delivered the letter. Was Professor McGonagall a Death Eater being held here against her will?
Draco Malfoy said Harry didn't even know what Dumbledore had him fighting for. That Harry wasn't fighting for the side of right. What had he meant by that?
Suddenly a lot of things were becoming clear to Harry. Now all those reassuring glances Harry had witnessed didn't seem so reassuring after all. The way no matter what happened, Professor McGonagall was so much more at ease when Professor Dumbledore was around had an entirely new meaning. As Snape once told him, 'Time and space matter in magic.' Was it Dumbledore reinforcing, strengthening the curse?
McGonagall's smile when Peeves said he didn't like Professor Dumbledore had a meaning now.
The growl telling Dumbledore to put her back under the water had been Alastor Moody's growl. Now Harry realized why Professor McGonagall had tensed when Moody tried to approach her the night of the attack. Why Moody had told Harry he would always be a monster to her. The other emotion on Moody's face, the one Harry couldn't quite place when he described Professor McGonagall's lack of reaction to the Cruciatus curse. Now Harry realized it was guilt. But then, if you are going to use one Unforgivable curse, why not use two of them?
Again Dumbledore began to speak and again Harry cut him off.
"The portkey please."
"Harry-"
"-I just want to leave."
Finally, Dumbledore did as he asked.
It wasn't just the jerking motion of the portkey that made Harry's insides churn as the portkey went off.
**********************************
After arriving at The Burrow, Harry was too confused to want to speak with the others about what had happened or even try to think about it.
It was only late that night when the rest of the house was asleep that Harry tried to focus his mind on the day's events.
It didn't make sense. There had to be another explanation. After all, if it was true, if Professor Dumbledore was capable of such things, why hadn't Professor Dumbledore obliviated him? Altered or just removed the memory entirely? Draco Malfoy was a liar, he always had been.
But there was no denying the look of guilt in Professor Dumbledore's eyes when he had asked Draco Malfoy's question. And if it wasn't true, how had Malfoy known the look would be there?