This story is based on characters and developed from some situations created and owned by JK Rowling, various publishers including but not limited to Bloomsbury Books, Scholastic Books and Raincoast Books, and Warner Bros., Inc. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended.
Chapter 2
The Hanging Muggle.
Seven days later. 4th July.
The grim Victorian terraced house was, outwardly at least, just like all the others in the run down area of the mill town. Built to house the workers close to where they were needed, Black from the soot of the factory chimneys, brick, and tile stained from the years of exposure. Once light grey concrete between the bricks was now dark the paths dulled with the grime of dirty boots and rain made filthy by the pollution from decades of smoke from the Mills.
This was one of the few heavily industrialised towns left in England, even so, it had lost over half it's factories and little had come in to replace them or redevelop the disused buildings, which were slowly decaying. The departure of so many employers had left the town economy much reduced and many residents out of work. The lucky residents who were still employed, simply waiting for the axe to fall as their companies built new, cleaner factories away from the town. Soon there would be no factories left, no work for the large majority, many were leaving in search of work wherever they could find it. One by one the shops were closing in the small precinct, several pubs already stood empty due to lack of custom, the post office had closed, even the small local hospital was under threat. The decline was even showing in the traditionally wealthier parts of the town, the houses built for Mill owners, board members and Managers were also suffering now, the occupants moving away from the declining town. Slowly the community was being strangled, and its buildings reflected the dark mood, as the people who could not move, struggled to adapt. Despite the decay and decline most who remained took a pride, as much as possible, in the interiors of their homes, defiantly keeping a beacon against the gloom for their families.
The walls and closed curtains of this particular house, unlike most of the others, hid an equally grim interior, neglected by lack of regular occupancy over the years. Like many such terrace houses in many such Victorian purpose built industrial towns and communities, this house was internally larger than the frontage would indicate. In fact this particular house held far more rooms than any of its neighbours, and included a laboratory and sizeable library amongst the large number of spaces within its walls. All of which were contrary to the appearance outside, of just one more unremarkable house in an unremarkable terrace. This was, of course, because it belonged to a wizard. Not just any Wizard, but one who was also the most feared teacher at a very special school in a remote castle, next to a magical village in Scotland.
The house was not what he would have chosen, it held too many memories, ones he would rather forget. It was his fathers house, until the man had thankfully died. Naturally he had tried to sell it then, but no one wanted it, it was not in the small desirable area of the town, built for the factory bosses, away from the pollution, literally a leafy suburb. That was where his only childhood friend and her sister had lived, where he had escaped his father too, knowing it was one place the man would not follow him, or think to look. So he was stuck with the place, he did not need it, he could live all year at Hogwarts, but that would leave him at the beck and call of Dumbledore, who pestered him enough as it was. So he had magically enhance and alter the interior to suit his needs, including a laboratory for his researches. The house became his bolthole, where few of his own kind would venture, and few Muggles ventured, neither finding it desirable to visit, which suited him. Much as he disliked the house, it became his refuge, so much so that he resented any intrusion, including having to teach. If he had not needed to earn money to live he would have told Albus where to stick the job.
As far as his neighbours were concerned the house was normally empty of course, the owner working away for almost ten months of the year, the local residents were quite used to his long absences. They were also used to the fact that even when the owner was there, he did not welcome their attentions, and would not socialise, though he was polite if abrupt when greeted. Few of his neighbours even knew his name, just one or two still here who remembered him as a child, growing up in that house, inheriting it when his father had died. Not one of them would have been able to contact him, should anything happen to the property whilst he was away, though they suspected he would somehow know. Usually none in the sociable street even spoke of the enigma the man had become to them. There were of course, a number of rarely spoken rumours about him, which all seemed to know and few disbelieved. This summer was different though, this year he was the talk of the street. This holiday he had not returned to his house alone, which had been observed and almost before the pair had entered, was being spoken about over back walls.
The presence of his companion was a trigger that seemingly confirmed what many believed about the man's orientation and desires. None were particularly bothered about that rumour apparently being confirmed, though they were surprised that the cold man had managed to attract anyone at all. That said his companion certainly did not appear to be much of a catch, appearing almost rat like, and was probably simply desperate for any attention. Some were quite amused that on their arrival that their neighbours new partner seemed to be completely subservient to him, increasing talk of him and his tastes, which now included new theories, overnight.
Severus Snape, the last remaining member of the Prince family, felt his neighbours eyes examining him knowingly, as he walked up the street to his front door a week into his summer break. He had heard some of the speculation about him, carelessly, loudly whispered as he had passed people, since he had returned to his home along with his uninvited house guest. Caring little for the gossip of those he only had to suffer for a couple of months each year, he ignored them. His only objection to the rumour being that his neighbours believed he would stoop so low as to sleep with anyone like Wormtail, he would never be that desperate to copulate. He never failed to be disappointed by the puerile rumours the human mind could invent, especially when those voicing them were judging by what he presumed must be their own standards. Life was, he knew from bitter experience, too short to worry or care about what others thought. He ignored the gossips he had overheard, guessing they were hoping for a response to add fuel to the stories about him. None of them mattered to him in any case, so what they believed about him was of no importance, he had other, more important matters to concern him.
The wretched rat had been foisted on his hospitality, because the Dark Lord was tired of the snivelling man's company. He also wished to punish the potions master for his late response to the summons, on the night of his rebirth. The only reason that the freshly resurrected Voldemort had not used the Cruciatus curse on him this time, was the information Severus had been able to provide about the capture of Crouch. He had also been able to provide the only accurate report on the actions of Dumbledore and Potter that night. Similarly, the only reason that Pettigrew was still alive, was because he could be used as punishment for Severus. Of course Wormtail believed differently, he chose to think the dark Lord had rewarded him for his loyal service in sacrificing his hand to bring his master back. He was convinced he had been given the chance to enjoy himself on his own, under cover of staying anonymously with Severus, so as not to raise the suspicions of the Muggles or ministry. As a result, the wretched rodent had taken to absenting himself whenever Severus was elsewhere, or working in his Lab, which was where he spent most of his time. It was here that he made the potions needed by the school or Voldemort during the summer weeks, it was also where he did most of his research work towards creating new potions. It was most annoying to have a house guest at all, let alone one who created so much distraction from his work.
The potions master was returning home, that evening, following a meeting with the Dark Lord to which Pettigrew had not been summoned, as had become usual. In the short time since his resurrection, Voldemort had begun recruiting followers, albeit as covertly as possible. It was, he had decided, not yet time to reveal his return, especially as the Ministry was doing so well in denying that fact, despite the testimonies it had received and evidence left at the graveyard. The Dark Lord was positively gleeful at the stupidity of the Ministry, a sight almost as worrying as his anger, each day brought fresh articles discrediting Dumbledore and Potter appeared in the Daily Prophet.
Entering his house Severus instantly knew it was empty, the useless Rat had gone out once again, despite instructions otherwise. The idiot was convinced that despite his supposed death being infamous in the Wizarding community, he could go drinking in the bars frequented by the dregs of society without repercussions of any kind. The fool had also failed to lock the door, in his rush to demonstrate his independence. Severus shrugged, the man, if he could be described as such, would be back after closing time at whichever bar he had gone to, if he knew what was good for him.
Severus called his Hogwarts elf and ordered his supper, before settling in his favourite chair. Turning on the radio to listen to the news and the daily potions points segment that followed it. It had been his habit to listen to the points ever since he had begun studying Potions, it had been most useful to him in those early days, though perhaps not so much now. He still listened each evening, going so far as to ensure all in Slytherin House listened regularly as well, he did not tell any others, but those who showed promise in the subject that the segment would be useful to their studies. If they didn't know about it for themselves, then they had not demonstrated sufficient intelligence to look up resources helpful for their studies, then they did not deserved to know of it. It was now his habit to listen while he ate, and his radio had warmed sufficiently he could hear the presenter, when the elf brought the light meal to him on a tray. The elf busied itself about the house while he ate, but was at his side after he had swallowed the last morsel, with a drink for him, then had taken away the tray. Severus turned off the radio and entered his laboratory to continue his experiments and brewing. It was well after midnight when he emerged again, there was still no sign of his unwelcome house guest, who had obviously retired to a sewer or drain somewhere to sleep it off. Severus secured the house then, retired for the night.
Whilst it was widely known of, it was rarely mentioned in polite company, that Knockturn Alley led to a far darker place at its furthest end. A small, secretive place, where no probing questions were asked by those who frequented it, it was a place where the very air seemed dark and oppressive. Here the darkest of objects were traded, almost openly. Items that none, even in Knockturn, would dare display and would avoid at all costs if they were offered them. Here few took any notice of what went on, or who and what frequented this place. Most respectable members of Magical society avoided the place completely, even a large portion of those who frequented Knockturn Alley treated the place with extreme caution. This was the one place vampires, hags, werewolves, and dark Wizards felt entirely safe, where they could go with relative impunity.
It was to this triangular yard that, a week after the Weasleys had arrived at Grimmauld Place, that three Aurors were, once again, headed. For as long as anyone could remember, their department had visited this place and discovered much about criminal and dark activity, simply by sitting in the pub that was there. It seemed that those involved in such activity, often could not resist talking about it where they felt safe. Rarely did the Aurors make any arrests there, it was not their intent to make the place uncomfortable for those who frequented it, they simply gathered information to use in their investigations. It was to their advantage for it to remain seen as a place where the dregs could be safe, but that did not mean they would not act if they needed to. It was their duty to do so in order to protect others, or if they found a suspect who they knew would flee.
The three Aurors made their way along Knockturn Alley, giving all they passed no more than a cursory glance, noting who they were and if there was a threat, as was customary amongst those who frequented the Alley. All there wanting to maintain plausible deniability as much as they could, should they be asked who they had seen there. Doing this whilst remaining aware enough of their surroundings to remain safe, was an important part of survival in this Alley, achieving it effectively was quite an art.
The group of Aurors saw a number of members of the Wizangamot as they progressed, some amongst the highest of society, who scurried away towards Diagon Alley when they in turn recognised who the three were, not wanting to be seen about whatever business they had been conducting here. This surprised none of the Aurors, it was something they saw whenever they walked this street. Not everything sold in it was illegal, despite the reputation it had. In fact most of the shops did not cause a problem at all, though most sold items were perhaps a little darker than desirable, there were only a small number of objects available that had only dark uses. The Aurors were not usually interested in finding items that lay dormant on a shop shelf, or even most of the folk that shopped there, it was not illegal to trade in the Alley, unless it were in forbidden merchandise. Sometimes their interest was in the illegal activities here, but today their interest lay further along the alley, they needed to be at the pub in the yard, listening for information. Particularly anything that told them anything more about the events after the Triwizard finale, where the son of an important Ministry departmental head had died, along with anything else that might help any ongoing investigations.
Carnifex Yard certainly lived up to the foreboding forewarned by its name, a warning that it should not be entered lightly, or without being on your guard, just as the Aurors did. They entered the narrow passageway between the two shops at the end of Knock turn Alley, immediately feeling the temperature drop. The first time newly qualified Aurors were brought here they often believed that it was infested with Dementors, but it was simply that this area was hidden from the heat of the sun. They walked in single file, they had no choice, there was only enough space to allow that, until the passage widened as it reached the peak of the yard. It was a dark enclosed yard, usually damp under foot, insufficient sunlight reached the ground to dry the stone sets.
The yard itself was right at the edge of the small exclusively magical area of London and looked disused. Its narrow entrance, a steep sided valley between two shops, easy to miss by those who did not know of it. On entry through the passageway the yard opened up behind the shops, though not by much immediately. To the right and the left were the blank brick walls of two Muggle warehouses, forming a long triangular space, with the pub filling the space at the far end. The walls bore the scars from numerous miss aimed curses, cast during the frequent drunken fights that spilled on to the filthy stone setts that paved the area. The two high, windowless walls of the Muggle buildings on either side, ensured the space between was in constant shadow. The only business in the yard was the pub, a place which no one would admit to visiting, so a place where it was safe to meet in relative privacy and anonymity.
The destination of the trio of law enforcers, the Inn, was at the far end of the yard, directly facing the entrance, all who approached could be observed from within, making direct raids difficult. Those within, while appearing trapped at first glance, would have plenty of time to Floo away, Apparate or even Portkey and escape. The building itself was an old timber framed building, unpainted or cared for. What could easily have been a beautiful building in any other location, was instead a filthy black structure overlooking the yard. It was a dark depressing place, filled with the stench of rotting debris, evil, and death. The atmosphere of dread in the yard and about the pub, was not alleviated by the human skeleton bound by chains, hanging in a rusting steel gibbet, suspended on a gallows over the front door. The macabre sight was known by historians and the Ministry to be the remains of an executed Muggle, a murderer, sentenced not just to death, but also to be hung in chains, rather than buried, as well. The skeleton and Gibbet had been stolen from the muggles over two hundred years ago, the bones stained with the same grime the building was and was now acting as the pub sign. This was the Hanging Muggle, known as the most notorious Inn of the Wizarding world.
Criminal and dark activity was openly displayed in the bar of this pub. It was the only place in Wizarding Britain left where such practises could be conducted relatively freely, outside the privacy of the homes of those who wished to participate at least. Those who dealt in the darkest arts imaginable, felt relatively safe to conduct their business there. Anyone who wanted not to be noticed by authority could drink here secure in the knowledge that they were unlikely to be found, although every so often an arrest was made in the yard or pub. On those few occasions, the one arrested would not get any help from any other in the bar, they did not want to draw attention to themselves for fear of being detained themselves. The bars' main usefulness to the Aurors was as a place to gain information though, and that these activities were contained there, which prevented it from being closed by the ministry.
The three Aurors entered the Hanging Muggle, not entirely comfortably, it was a depressingly dark place to them. Kingsley in the lead, he led them across the mouldy straw strewn earth floor to a table from where, between them, they could observe every part of the only public room. They ordered a round of drinks from the bar as they passed, which they paid for moments later when the glasses arrived and observed the low ceilinged room, which was lit by candles in lanterns along the cobwebbed walls. The pictures between the lamps were of Muggles being disembowelled or similarly mutilated, preserved examples of the heads of various beasts displaying attitudes of agony were added to the decorations, that did nothing to encourage a conducive atmosphere. Tonks assumed they must appeal to some, though why on earth they would, she couldn't fathom. Even Grimmauld place, which certainly had some macabre decoration, was nowhere near as obviously dark as this place. Scrimgeour was the final member of this team for this duty, which always had a minimum of three to enable them to observe the whole bar, which currently held fewer than a dozen others.
The occupants of the bar included a couple of vampires, some hags and what looked like a werewolf amongst the shifty looking humans. They noticed the clientele included a member of the Wizangamot who was in deep conversation with a known thief, neither of whom had noticed the three Aurors. A crone sat spinning with a drop spindle in a corner, pausing periodically to take a drink from a smoking and frothing tankard. She was muttering as the thread grew, only when the tool touched the floor would she wind her work on to the weight, before resuming her occupation. Each occupant was noted and where possible identified, for later reference, at the very least a detailed description was made of them, so they could be checked later, to see if they were of interest. The intelligence gathered would at least add to the records in their department and could be useful in any one of their investigations. Often this duty would last for hours with little else happening, it seemed that this may well be the case this time too. For the first sixty minutes since they arrived, very little happened, only a couple of people arrived, including a deliveryman, who was also the only departure. He clearly was not happy to have to come here, he quickly completed the delivery, levitating the barrels and crates in, getting the landlords' signature, then hurried away as fast as he could with the empties.
As time passed, with nothing new happening, Tonks allowed her mind to wander, back over the events at the new headquarters of the Order of the Phoenix. She and Kingsley were both new members of Dumbledores Order and had been taken there the day after he had installed Molly and her family there. She already knew of the house, and had visited it as she grew, a fact that would have surprised a number of people who thought her Mother had been disowned from the Black family. That story was one that was far less interesting than it appeared, as if the family would disown one of their own simply for marrying a Muggle, especially after the disappearance of Carina. It was in fact intended as a ruse, come with by her sisters to prank other members of the family that had got out of hand. It actually helped to fool pure blood extremists into believing the Blacks sympathised with their cause, when in fact they just gathered information for their own purposes as the members of the Alliance knew. The story that they were dark gained strength though, and was soon widely believed, which suited her Aunt, Sirius mum, who found it very amusing and played to it at every opportunity.
The house now belonged to her cousin, who, despite being a fugitive she knew to be innocent, had told her where it was almost immediately that he had moved into the house. Dumbledore was unaware that she had known, the house prior to him taking her there. He did not even know that she had been visiting her cousin regularly, before he had allowed part of the house to be leased to the Order. So far as Albus and the rest of the world knew, the two branches of the family were estranged, so he believed she had only been there, on business that he had sanctioned. She had surreptitiously visited her cousin most days since he had reopened the house, including during the last week. She was well aware of the manner that Molly had treated her cousin and her attempts to force him into allowing the use of the entire house, berating him for not giving control of it to Dumbledore and herself. Molly was quite simply trying to bully Sirius, though she was not getting far, even the portrait of his Mother joined in and the Weasley Matriarch joined Albus as the paintings' favourite target.
Of all the Weasleys, only Ginny knew that Tonks had been a regular visitor, at times other than Order meetings. She had been helping to keep her cousin company on the upper floors, which were out of bounds to most Order members and not part of the agreement. Ginny had taken as many opportunities as she could to keep clear of her family, since she and Sirius had discovered the attempts to manipulate her, and had enjoyed spending time with the two cousins and Remus Lupin. Remus was the only other Order member who spent time at the house when not summoned by Dumbledore, both he and Tonks were amongst the few who had access to Floo directly to Sirius Quarters. That access was another subject that the members of the Order knew nothing about, Dumbledore believing he alone had control of how the house was accessed by others.
Tonks liked Ginny, who enjoyed spending time with them. She had spirit and was very strong, with a wicked sense of humour. She still didn't know why Kreacher had taken such an interest in the girl, but the Elf had told Sirius she must be protected. Ginny had happily joined in the banter between the three who were more familiar with each other, teasing the two men as much as they teased her, just as Tonks did. The four of them had already built a rapport of familiarity that was comfortable for them all. A mild prank war was a permanent feature of their socialising, for once Sirius had to be subtle in his pranking, none of them believed it wise to draw attention to their little group by entering a full-blown prank fest. So far the other occupants of the house were oblivious to it all, which they regarded as the best prank of all. Tonks was beginning to wonder if the Order would be of any use at all, if they could not even notice this happening right under their collective noses. She was, in any case, having doubts that Dumbledores policies would have the effect they all desired, and was wondering if joining the group had been the right thing to do after all. However, she was yet to see a good alternative in opposing the so-called Dark Lord, so she would remain with the Order, for the time being, at least.
Thanks to Kreacher they had discovered that Ginny was being fed potions and had loyalty charms applied, Sirius removed them for her, and showed her how to detect the potion subtly, and she always had the antidote handy. They discovered that the potion was always added to her food, prepared by Molly, and they knew that the spells were being reapplied daily. They would need to find a more effective defence against them for her, that would not be obvious to those applying them, until it was safe to act so openly for her, in the meantime they did what they could. Kreacher had also told her that there were other magical factors binding her, which none of them knew how to break, or in some cases could identify. It was again something they could deal with when she was better protected, or when she came of age and could legally request it without others knowledge.
Molly was very adept at finding tasks for her family to do in the house, or at least those parts the Order had use of. She had kept them busy for much of the time over the last seven days, though now the twins could use magic they spent a lot of the time they saved in their room, busily up to something. The other Weasleys and Hermione were busy cleaning the rooms the Order had the use of, removing items that were believed to be dark. Arthur was at work as usual and each day Molly would lock horns with Sirius over the rooms they were not allowed to use. More than once she had trespassed up to those levels of the house that he had retained for his private quarters, to try to gain access to the rooms there and claim them. It had become so frequent that Sirius had set alarms to warn him who was coming up the stairs. Molly was furious that Sirius would not cave to her and allow the use, she even stooped to using the name of his Godson to try to force him to comply. Tonks didn't know Harry particularly well, but she knew enough to know that Harry would not have liked his name being used in this way. Even if she hadn't, the horrified looks on the faces of Hermione and Ginny, who was furious with her mother for it, would have told her. It had been the aftermath of that incident that had convinced her of Ginny's strength, the girl had exploded at her mother and a furious row between the two women had erupted, one which Ginny did not lose. Molly, of course did not apologise for it, but had, in the end, huffed and walked away from her daughter.
Sirius' reaction to her comment had been to just look at the Weasley Matriarch disappointedly and reply. "The answer is still emphatically no Molly, no matter what dirty tricks you try, this is my house and I shall do as I wish with it. The Order has sufficient rooms for its needs, you will not use any more without my express permission" He said forcefully, then turned away from her, which had been when Ginny had started berating her mother.
Tonks noticed that apart from some attention from the twins and Arthur, Ginny was largely ignored by her family, which enabled her to spend her free time upstairs with them. The twins were quite preoccupied, and Arthur distracted by Molly moaning about the twins or Sirius when he was home. He spent most of those conversations trying to keep the peace, but they did their best to spend time with Ginny if they could. Kreacher quickly ruled those three out as the ones casting spells on her. The Elf was rarely far from her, doing the best he could to protect her when he could without being noticed, which was most of the time she spent downstairs. The Elf would fetch them if Ginny needed them at all, and he could not help her himself. This was another thing no one in the Order seemed to notice, that either Sirius, Remus or herself would appear if anyone was causing Ginny problems. It was also interesting that of them all, including herself, only Ginny was yet to trigger the curtains swinging open on the Portrait, so she had yet to see it, or be seen by it.
Tonks had come to know Ginny quite well, they had quickly become close Girlfriends, something both of them lacked before, though for different reasons. Sirius and Remus would tease the pair good naturedly when they were huddled in a corner talking and often giggling. They would frequently be talking about boys, of course. Tonks confided her feelings about Remus to Ginny, having not divulged it to anyone else. In turn Ginny had revealed how she felt for Harry, and Tonks had recognised just how deep the younger girls' feelings for him really were. She was pleased that Ginny was beginning to find herself and her confidence, after the effect of the potions had been removed. She was a fiery young woman, with a strength many failed to recognise, Harry would be a lucky man, when he realised her feelings for him and if he had the courage to accept them. They were all anticipating his arrival, they knew Sirius was looking forward to when his Godson arrived, even if they would be stuck in the house. Though his impatience for the arrival of Harry, was probably not so great as that felt by Ginny.
Tonks was contemplating a conversation she had, had with Ginny last night about trying to get Remus to ask her out on a date. Naturally it was a discussion that had brought up a mixture of both serious and comical ideas, their laughter raising much puzzlement from the two Marauders, who both began to look worried about what the pair might be planning.
Her thoughts were abruptly interrupted, when she heard the door to the pub swing open again, bringing her back to the task at hand in the Hanging Muggle.
Rufus was facing the door when it opened, his eyes watched the figure who entered followed by a rat, which in itself was not unusual in this bar. He watched the man join the thief and the member of the Wizangamot, the rat left his view towards the bar, he bent to make his notes and Tonks casually turned her head to continue observations. It was her sharp intake of breath that alerted him, drawing his attention from his notes about the new arrival.
"Careful Tonks, what's wrong?" Kingsley asked his partner, shaken from his own thoughts of the events of the last seven days at the order of the Phoenix meetings in the new headquarters. He, too, was aware of the rows that had ensued between Sirius and Molly after them, over the use of rooms he had retained.
"The rat is stood at the bar, Animagus." She whispered.
Scrimgeour's interest had already been caught by the Animagus at the bar. His face uncharacteristically draining of colour as he looked at the man, there was not much that shocked him these days, but this was one to add to that short list. His eyes widened in astonishment. "That's impossible." He murmured.
"Don't be daft Rufus, we see Animagus all the time, just wasn't expecting a rat to be one, that's all." Tonks whispered.
Scrimgeour looked at her in disbelief, then relaxed and spoke in an urgent whisper. "Of course it was before either of you two's time, though you will know some of the story, regardless. In any case, it's not so much what he is, but who it is, that is surprising. That man should be dead, he was supposedly killed in 1981, but I would recognise the idiot anywhere. That, my friends, is Peter Pettigrew, supposed third death the night the Potters were killed, we seem to have found the parts that the finger we located that day left behind. We never knew he was an Animagus until afterwards, that's when Remus Lupin told the department. It is still not widely known, what was the point of registering a dead man on the Animagus register, or let the public know for that matter.
That man was unremarkable in so many ways, except for one thing. Pettigrew is the only known Rat Animagus in a couple of hundred years."
Kingsley and Tonks both stiffened. "What!" They exclaimed.
Of course, they knew of the case, everyone in the Wizarding world knew the basics at least, most knew the details of what had happened as well, it was told every Halloween if not more often after all.
Their exclamation had drawn all eyes to them, luckily their faces were obscured, so no one recognised who they were and slowly everyone returned to their own business. Bored when a fight, for their entertainment, did not ensue. Pettigrew simply propped up the bar, drinking, completely unconcerned in the only pub in Magical Britain where he could drink openly.
"Calm down you two, do you want everyone to know who we are?." Rufus hissed. "Yes I know, a man is on the run from Azkaban, where he spent years for that individuals murder. Yet there the supposed cadaver stands, apparently either a remarkably well-preserved Inferius, or, as seems much more likely, very much alive."
"Yes, my cousin is that escapee and if Pettigrew is alive, then that is one charge Sirius is innocent of, there may, possibly, be more." Tonks hissed.
"Indeed so!" Rufus acknowledged. "Pettigrew is also mentioned in young Harry Potter's version of the events we are here to gather information about, despite Fudge. Thankfully Amelia is more inquisitive than that idiot, I expect she would like to reacquaint herself with our ratty friend over there, after all, we don't find a dead man in a bar every day."
"True!" Agreed Tonks. "And that in itself suggests he has more than a few questions to answer. Might I suggest we use strategy A. I quite like the direct approach, and it would cause the least disruption of the possible methods we have discussed."
"Agreed!" Scrimgeour said.
Kingsley nodded and surreptitiously cast a temporary ward, to prevent Pettigrew transforming, over the pub, it would not last long, they had only a few minutes to act before it wore off. They knew what they would do, it was a plan that they had agreed before leaving the office that morning, one they had used quite often when the situation demanded, before. Each of them in turn moved towards the bar, Tonks leading the way.
Leaning on the bar, next to the Animagus she looked up at him smiling, and enlarged her breasts, before he noticed her. "Hello sweetie, all alone?" She asked in a sultry voice attracting his attention. "Are you looking for some company?"
Peter looked at her surprised at first, then a smile grew on his face, his eyes taking in her large bosom, not noticing Kingsley, who took position on his other side. "Well aren't you a sexy young thing." Peter grinned to her lustily, unable to believe his luck.
Kingsley chuckled. "Why thank you, Peter, but you are not my type and my wife might object." He said.
Peter whipped round, drawing his wand, stepping back to give himself space to defend himself, he bumped into Rufus who was standing right behind him, unnoticed until now. Tonks knocked his wand from his hand, Kingsley caught it as Rufus grabbed Pettigrew, by the elbows.
"Now Peter, you are certainly lively for a man killed over ten years ago, calm down we just want a little chat." Rufus growled in the now trapped Animagus ear.
Tonks had magic suppressing handcuffs ready, Peter was struggling, but could not escape Rufus iron grip, and no one in the bar would help him, in fact most were ignoring what was happening. As he struggled, his arms were drawn behind his back, and Tonks got the handcuffs on him. The three finally had him restrained, and he stopped resisting, hoping to lull them into a sense of security from which he could break free. He knew his arrest and discovery would mean punishment from the Dark Lord, if he heard of it, far better to escape before he was missed.
The Aurors began leading him from the bar, Rufus holding him firmly, when someone shouted. "Oi, he hasn't paid for his drink yet."
Kingsley turned, reached in his pocket and tossed a coin to the landlord. "Here, that should cover it, see you soon."
"I bloody hope not." The man growled catching the coin in mid-flight. "You don't spend nearly enough to make it worth it."
Kingsley laughed and followed the others out. Once in the yard, Rufus produced a port key, which the three Aurors touched, Rufus still holding onto Pettigrew, ensuring he was also in contact with the key, a sticking charm ensuring he was taken by it. The Animagus once again began to struggle, his expression full of fear, he saw any chance of escape fading before his eyes. Tonks activated it, they disappeared from the yard, the Port Key whisked all four of them directly to the ministry cells.
Once they arrived at the cells, Rufus relinquished his hold on Pettigrew, as Kingsley took the prisoners' other arm. He cancelled the sticking charm, allowing the now spent Portkey to fall to the ground, useless until it was charmed once more. Rufus picked it up as he went quickly to report to Amelia, tossing the used port key into a box next to the entrance, ready to be prepared for reuse on another mission. Kingsley and Tonks locked Pettigrew in an Animagus proof cell, and saw to booking him in with the duty guard, who was looking stunned at who it was that they had just brought in.
They had just completed the process when Amelia arrived at a swift pace. "Let's get him interviewed under Veritaserum before we leave for the night. If he is who he looks like, we are in for an interesting few days." She ordered.
The head of the Department of Law Enforcement had no idea how right she was.
5th July. Day 8.
Severus woke early the next morning, knowing he had much to do for both the Dark Lord and Dumbledore in his Lab. Both assumed he would have nothing he would rather do than spend his summer in his lab, brewing potions for them. While it was true that he could think of nothing he would rather do than spend his time in his Laboratory, he would, by far, prefer to be continuing his researches into new potions, instead of brewing whatever potions they ordered him to. The routine of brewing known recipes of ingredients was something he found dull, but necessary, he needed the challenges of creating new potions was the most valuable use of his talents, as far as he was concerned.
As was his habit when he rose this summer, he checked his house for others with his wand, he was alone in the building, Wormtail had still not returned. By the time Severus had completed his morning routine and dressed, an owl had arrived with his copy of the morning edition of the Prophet. He read it whilst he ate the breakfast the Elf brought him, noting that the paper's headline was a call to remove Dumbledore as Chief Warlock for his scaremongering in insisting Voldemort had returned. He could imagine how Albus would react to that when he returned from his conference of the international confederation, it could be interesting at the next Order meeting. That would be only the second one he would attend, in the week since they had occupied the new Headquarters. He hoped it would be entertaining, but rather doubted it would be any less pointless than it had been previously. Shaking his head in amused anticipation, he finished eating, then went down to his laboratory and resumed his work.
It was late into the evening when he finally emerged back from the Laboratory, he had only realised the time when the Elf had appeared to tell him his dinner was ready and ask why his lunch was untouched. Severus could not recall being told it was ready, but knew the Elf would have done so, he had been so absorbed in his research work. He had managed to complete sufficient batches of the routine Potions quickly enough that he could resume one of his projects earlier than hoped. The remaining potions which he was mass-producing bubbled and simmered away, soon to be completed, bottled and placed ready to be delivered.
He emerged from his Laboratory to a house that was as empty now as it had been when he had entered it that morning. He was not surprised that Pettigrew was yet to reappear, the wards on his home would have signalled the Animagus return, if there had been any sign of him near the property, in whichever of his forms. Knowing that he would have noticed that if it had happened, it was hard to ignore the noise he had set that ward to make directly into his ear. Snape sat and began his meal, considering the next step he would have to take, perhaps a search would be needed. He knew he would have to inform the Dark Lord as soon as he finished his food, a task fraught with risk, Voldemort liked answers, not mysteries. This had not been the first time the Rat had snuck out, but he had always returned by the next morning before, and the Dark Lord was well aware of that. Snape was not worried how Pettigrew would be brought to heel, that was not his concern. Despite the metal hand he had been rewarded with, Wormtail was as likely to suffer as would any one of them. No it was how Voldemort would react to himself that was Severus main worry, that he could not predict. Finishing his meal with a sigh, Severus summoned a variety of healing potions to the table, ready for use on his return if need be, then left to fulfil the unexpected, unpleasant task.
Arriving outside Malfoy Manor, where the Dark Lord was currently in residence, he made his way through the grounds and into the house swiftly, knowing his arrival would have been detected. He knew the Malfoys were playing reluctant host to the Dark Lord, who had taken over a suite of rooms, which he treated as his own. The family providing what he required, but only seeing him when summoned to his presence. Woe betide them if they presumed to interrupt him without invitation, even in their own home, he did not even want to see them in the grounds outside his windows. It was in fact only Lucius who was keen to have the house guest, believing it to be some kind of honour, his wife, and son simply accepted that as Lord, he could invite who he liked to the house. Severus' sympathy lay with Narcissa and Draco, having the Dark Lord as his house guest was an honour he could easily do without.
Making polite, if necessarily cursory, greetings to the family who were entering their dining room, then made his way to the Dark Lords meeting room and knocked. He waited until the door opened, allowing him admittance. He entered the meeting room deferentially, as was required, where Voldemort sat in state on a high backed chair, he was alone with the Dark Lord. Severus was indifferent to the fact that he was alone with one of the most powerful Wizards alive, he concentrated on his task, allowing only thoughts of that to enter his mind. He crossed the room and bowed low before the throne. "My lord, I have news of some concern to bring for you."
Acknowledging the directness appreciatively, Voldemort nodded. "Speak Severus." He hissed.
Only now did the potions master rise. "My Lord, when I left you last night, I returned once again to an empty house. Pettigrew had once again wandered off, whilst I was attending you my lord. At the time of my leaving to attend you this night, he had yet to return." Severus finished and fought to maintain his composure, masking his fear of the response his report may elicit, which could be very painful, if he was found to have failed in some way.
Voldemort appeared thoughtful, rather than angry, Severus waited nervously for several minutes before any response came. "The Rat has, I believe, already outlived his usefulness Severus, it has not taken him long. He has served his purpose in enabling my return and has been rewarded, which appears to have given him a belief that he is now irreplaceable to us. Such a belief, in one who lacks talent to the extent he does, is not only misplaced, but has led him to carelessness. I will not tolerate such arrogance from my followers, especially one of such limited use, such as he. He must be dealt with and doing so risks revealing that I am returned as the fool Dumbledore has claimed. Wormtail is already believed to be dead, it is time that became a reality I believe. Pass the word Severus, Pettigrew is to be killed on sight, his body brought to me to feed Nagini."
"Yes My Lord." Severus recognised the dismissal and bowing backed out of the room, relieved at how unexpectedly easy this audience had gone.
He quickly left the house and returned home, ignoring the evening edition of the Prophet which reported on the trial of the subject of the conversation he had just had and lay on his favourite chair on his arrival. Instead, he sent the Potions he had left out back into the cupboard, then retired for the night.
Sirius knew he had disappointed Dumbledore again the last time they had spoken, bluntly he could not care less. He had been more than generous to the old goat, allowing the order the use of some of the rooms in his family home, including the principle reception ones on the ground floor, he would not allow the old goat to take complete control of it. He knew that was not the main disappointment he had caused Albus, though. There was no way he was going to repeat the mistakes of the past, so had refused to rejoin the Order. He did not intend to have to stand by, while the Order allowed so many unnecessary deaths to occur, as they had under Dumbledores orders last time. He would fight his own way in the expected war that was coming, of that he was determined, and he would prepare his Godson as well, if he could, despite the Order. This time he was not going to give the posturing Prima Donna any more power over him than was strictly necessary to avoid being sent back to Azkaban before he had the chance to somehow prove his innocence.
He knew the Headmaster needed him just as much as he needed the chief warlock, at least for the present. No other current member of the Order had a property that was suitable for what it required, or that was as well protected as this one was. If his parents house was to be his prison for the time being, then he was going to ensure his own comfort and that of his godson when he arrived. He knew he was lucky that the house was big enough to allow him that luxury. The Chief Warlock, though, held his freedom in his power, so much as he would like to, he could not completely rebel. He just hoped that he would not live to regret his decision, and he could not shake the feeling that Albus knew more about his case than he had let on.
He was very well aware of the headmasters' disappointment at his stand, and knew the man would continue to press him to agree to his demands, in the hope of wearing him down. At least he would, once the bearded wonder returned from his meeting of the international confederation, in the meantime Molly Weasley was keeping up the pressure, though no more effectively.
A week ago the bewhiskered dandy had moved the Weasley's and Hermione Granger into the accommodation available to the Order, ostensibly to get the rooms ready for Order use. Within minutes of arrival Molly had her gaggle organised to the task and had begun to regularly berate him for not giving up more of the house. The first of her attempts to force the issue had not been before Kreacher had given him some interesting news about, as the elf put it. "The girl is not who she appears to be, she must be helped to rediscover herself and protected in the meantime."
Which left Sirius thoughtful, as he pondered the problem, and had discussed it with Remus and Tonks, especially when they had discovered she was being effectively drugged and had spells regularly applied to her.
Contrary to common belief in the Order, Sirius did not hate the family House elf, though both enjoyed keeping up the game in public, as an ongoing prank, which was linked to an older one in similar vein. Indeed, with the news the elf had brought, it would appear that, that was not the only deception within these walls. Realising he could not be seen constantly at Ginnys' side, without it being noticed and commented on, Sirius had ordered Kreacher to ensure she was protected. It was an order that the Elf had said was unnecessary as he was already doing so and would fetch Master, or Mistress Tonks or Master Mooney if he needed help. The four of them had met, sometimes with Kreacher present as well, and talked each day since the Elf had brought the news of the Girl. She had been a welcome addition to his evenings, and was a very inventive prankster, which he naturally appreciated. Since they had discovered what was being done to her, they had taught her the spells to protect herself from the potion. Soon after that they had discovered just how deep her feelings for his Godson were, her true feelings for him were being allowed to emerge.
6th July. Day 9.
The Ministry was in uproar, the rumour mill had been working overtime for the whole of the day before, even if the minister had forbidden anyone from the department of law enforcement from having any in the latest budget cuts. The Auror's had been especially targeted, for these cuts by the Minister. Fudge had reached a political decision, that despite the latest of a year of tragic and unfortunate events, there were actually too few specific threats for them to actually investigate. Even though when the Triwizard tournament had ended with the death of Director Diggory's only son under mysterious circumstances, he could sanction no action. He seemed convinced that there was too little dark activity to warrant the budget they had used in previous years. The official line he had issued regarding the events of only a few weeks ago, was that it had been a tragic accident. Sad, of course, but with the nature of the tournament not completely surprising. Young Diggory was not the first competitor to have died during the tournament, so it was, according to Fudge, stupid to believe no one would have in this one. No one was to blame, but the ones who had organised the task. That Dumbledore suggested otherwise, was simply evidence that he wanted to spread fear, even to oust him, and was further evidence that the Chief Warlock was desperate for control. Many in the Ministry believed that Fudge would say anything to deflect where blame should lay, so while they did not just accept what Dumbledore claimed, neither did they think what Fudge said could be completely relied on.
For the gossips, Harry Potters' involvement in the event added spice to the story, of course. Enabling the rumourmongers to embellish it as they wished, using the stories about the boy from the daily prophet to add a kind of legitimacy to their tales. However, privately many in the ministry doubted the official line and despite the ministers claims in his pet publication, most, at the very least, suspected there was more to it than was yet public. Not that the general population had grounds for such suspicion, yet. Although it did add to the puzzle of the boy who was yet to claim his inheritance, which many had hoped he would do on his return to this part of Britain, four years ago. Even so, that was only one of the matters that were currently creating the hubbub within the ministry.
Another, even more surprising event had come to light within the walls of the Ministry, only a day ago. Although most had been completely unaware of what had happened until the events of yesterday which followed them. The summoning of the Wizangamot for urgent session without the Chief Warlock present, had inspired a further thrill of anticipation around the halls of the civil service machinations and the political intrigues within the ministry. It was then that a man, mentioned by some as central to the death of Diggory junior, an apparent hero long thought dead, murdered in fact, was reportedly found alive and well. Which indicated plainly, that he was not as heroic a person as had been believed.
This surprising event had led to the Wizangamot being called in emergency session yesterday, and not long after there was an announcement, declaring Sirius Black innocent of all charges against him. All warrants for him were cancelled, along with the return of his title to him, with all properties, rights, and responsibilities that had been confiscated after his mothers' death. The announcement had followed a report on the interrogation of the prisoner under Veritaserum, in his cell which had been conducted within minutes of his arrest. After the first declaration the Wizangamot went silent for several hours, while it carried out a full interrogation of the captive, and heard his testimony under Veritaserum. As was usual, once the session had started, no one else was allowed to enter or leave the chamber, apart from at designated recesses. As a result few witnessed the proceedings, and no press were present, however by the end of the day a guilty verdict sent Peter Pettigrew through the veil and the Ministry grapevine into overdrive.
There was now more than enough evidence to cause a massive change in Ministry policies, despite the Minister and his views. It was noteworthy that it had all happened smoothly and efficiently, in the absence of the Chief Warlock, or the Minister himself.
Although he had been with the British delegation at the meeting of the International Confederation during the day, while the unexpected trial had taken place, the Minister learned of the events as soon as he returned to his official residence. The Evening Prophet was full of reports about Peter's capture and sentencing, though not the freeing of Lord Black. Of course, thanks to his undersecretary writing the press release, the Minister was portrayed as central to ensuring the capture and trial of the Death Eater could be carried out in his absence, at least according to the paper. It claimed that it was entirely due to his policies, that any of it had been possible. The report also noted that the Chief Warlock was absent from proceedings, though did not say why in that article. It suited the Minister to have people believe that Dumbledore was so senile, that he simply did not respond to the summons. Only the most observant and avid of readers might have noticed a tiny article, in the midst of a page which was usually full of adverts for items nobody wanted, about Dumbledore chairing an International Confederation of Wizards meeting.
There had been a press release written about Lord Blacks release, but it had not been sent by the press office until after the deadline for last night's Evening Prophet. To the anger of Amelia Bones, it had been held under an order given by the Senior Undersecretary, that only releases from the Ministers' office were to be sent immediately, all others to be quadruple checked before dispatch. It was also standard practise that they were not sent to broadcast media until the publication time of printed media, so announcements were made at the same time. Although the press release had been submitted in plenty of time, it had been held up during the checking process, Amelia knew it was deliberate, but could not prove it. As a result it would not appear until this morning's edition, which for some reason had not been released at its usual time, which frustrated Amelia even more.
The rumours circulating within the ministry said that just this morning Amelia Bones, had acted. She was reported as being frustrated that an innocent man did not know he was free, even the morning after the decision had been made, and was presumably on the run and living in fear of capture. She was said to have sent a messenger Patronus, to seek out the new Lord Black and summon him to attend the Ministry. Assuring him that despite the lack of public announcement, at least until this morning's paper, he should have no further fear of arrest. The rumour was, in this instance, correct. The head of the Department of magical law enforcement had indeed sent a Patronus to her old classmate and friend to inform him he was free. She naturally assumed that, when he arrived an hour later, that it had found him. It hadn't!
Unknown to Amelia, two of her Aurors had known Sirius Blacks' exact location for some time. Both Kingsley and Tonks knew exactly where he was and how to reach him. As members of the Order of the Phoenix they knew that as soon as the school year had finished, he had taken up residence at his family's London house. They knew that he had allowed part of it to be used by the Order as a headquarters, complete with emergency accommodation, they had not revealed this to any of their colleagues. As well as various family wards, the house was protected with a Fidelius charm, so neither Auror could have told their superior its whereabouts or even where Sirius was, even if they had wanted to. They had been present when their boss had sent the Patronus, within minutes of her arrival that morning. Tonks had been the one who had quietly suggested to Kingsley that she should go to tell Sirius personally, in case it either didn't find him, or he still believed it to be a trap. She told Kingsley where she was going and why, she had a copy of the Wizangamots order with her. Even though it was as yet not signed by the Chief Warlock, the other signatures on it were in fact the important ones. Tonks had quickly left to see her cousin after the two had made a plan.
Tonks soon discovered that her cousin had not received the Patronus, which was only slightly odd, but she convinced him he was free and would not be returned to Azkaban if he Apparated to the department with her. She had sent Kingsley a Patronus when she and Sirius were setting off, so Kingsley was waiting at the Apparition point next to the Auror department for them to arrive. They would both then escort him, safely, to Amelia's office, just in case there were those who had not heard the news and tried to forcibly apprehend him.
"How do Shack." Sirius grinned at the sight of the tall Auror. "I told you I would only let a pretty Auror bring me in."
Kingsley grinned back "Now then Sirius, I'm amazed you came quietly, now I know why? I should have tried it and sent your little cousin to fetch you months ago."
The pair laughed as Tonks arrived and joined them, with a puzzled expression, knowing the signs of missing a joke, she rolled her eyes and said. "When you two have quite finished the mutual male appreciation society meeting, shall we go and let the boss help put my cousin's life back together with him?" She indicated that they should head for the head of departments office.
Amelia was not surprised to see Sirius Black escorted into her office, after she had sent her Patronus. She did not know that it had been intercepted by a ward Dumbledore had placed on him, using a little known spell. His intention in using it was to encourage the man's isolation, by controlling any communications Black may otherwise receive. The spell simply stopped any magical messages that had been sent from reaching him, it did not alert anyone to the message or tell Albus what it contained, just simply destroyed it. He needed Black isolated, to make it easier to keep him under his control. To ensure the order would soon be able to take over the entirety of number twelve Grimmauld Place, and to prevent him getting too close to Harry. He did not want the man interfering in his control over the Boy, or his plans for him.
However, in turn, the Hogwarts headmaster did not know that two members of his Order had been instrumental in organising for Sirius to visit the Ministry, which he would not have wanted. One of those Aurors had revealed the content of the Patronus his spell had intercepted, which Dumbledore would certainly not have approved of. That they were both being more than friendly towards Black and planning to help him to put his life back together sufficiently that the man would be independent of him. Would have sent him into full disappointed grandfather mode, with them, if he had known.
Amelia greeted the newly freed Lord Black warmly, as she always had at Hogwarts, she was one of the few he had befriended outside the marauders, though she was not one of his famous conquests. " Good to see you at last Sirius, take a seat and I shall explain what has happened in the last couple of days that has brought us here. I suggest we move quite quickly, as things beyond my control seem to be conspiring to delay the public release of this information as much as possible." She smiled and indicated a chair.
Sirius sat. "Good to see you too Amelia, it's been a long time. I take it from what I have been told, you are not about to summon Dementors?"
"No Sirius, quite the contrary in fact." She beamed, then proceeded to explain the capture of Peter Pettigrew.
Authors Notes:
Many thanks for the reads, reviews, favourites and follows for chapter 1 and the story, they are much appreciated and I look forward to seeing any comments you leave for this chapter too.
Next chapter will be up soon.
Best wishes to you all.
Tgfoy