OLD MAGIC
Chapter 56: Bringing all Parties Together - First Step
While Malfoy and his fellow Death Eaters continued to be thwarted in their efforts to learn what their enemies were up to, Snape and Hagrid were preparing to move to the next step in the Elder Council's plans for the Death Eaters mass capture or "Operation: Death Eater Cleanup" as it was now being called. It was deep in February now and it was hoped they could end the war before Spring came.
As Snape stared into his bathroom mirror the next morning after that emergency with the Death Eaters on the school grounds and the house elf spy, he noted how pale he appeared and sighed. A headache was trying to manifest as he stood there going over what would be yet another hectic day and a Friday to boot as well. Maybe he could catch a break over the weekend, he'd have to wait and see how the day goes.
For a moment, he allowed himself to succumb to the overwhelming feeling of mental exhaustion. Not for the last time, he fervently wished he was not a teacher. There just wasn't enough time in the day any longer what with all the other tasks he had been given by the Elder Council and his responsibilities to the Order of the Phoenix, to give any time to his lesson plans much less to actual teaching. Oh, and let's not forget the thankless job of keeping watch over a house full of teens and preteens full of angst and attitudes, twenty-fours hours a day
Perhaps he should try and look for a replacement for the job of Potion's Instructor … "Oh yes, let us just add yet another task to the list," he thought mirthlessly. "But if I don't want to feel constantly overwhelmed to the point I will begin to make mistakes or forget something important then I better start paring down some of my jobs beginning with quitting as a teacher."
Though there weren't that many good candidates for the position, Snape promised to get that one task done soon. Feeling a bit better about making a firm decision on his future, he finished getting himself ready and was soon on his way to breakfast.
The walk to the great hall was used to continue figuring out how to get the days tasks accomplished. Since there was no action he could take, at the moment, about the Death Eaters that had tried to infiltrate Hogwarts, he went on to the next problem he had to deal with … speaking with Harry on setting up a meet with Sirius Black on the matter of Kreacher. He needed to catch the boy during breakfast for a brief chat while they both ate their meals.
Then, he needed to set up an appointment for himself and Hagrid with Amelia Bones and Kingsley Shacklebolt. This could not wait as this latest incursion by the Death Eaters showed time was running out. All parties needed to be on board for the massive push to be rid of the evil completely before the enemy finally got their act together to restart the war.
Fortunately for the Light, the enemy was still struggling to pick a leader (which didn't seem to have happened as far as they were able to ascertain), they might still be attempting to translate the Elder's message, still trying unsuccessfully to gain information on what the Light was doing about them, and, finally, keeping ahead of capture from the Auror's which they still weren't certain was even happening though they certainly knew Death Eaters in general were being hunted.
Snape found a perverse humor in Malfoy, Bellatrix, Nott, Avery, Fenrir, the Carrow twins, Crabb, Goyle, Mulciber and whoever else might be left of the inner circle, running around like so many brainless chickens trying to determine if their name was on the Aurors hit list. With all that going on, the time for the Light to strike was now so they needed to get all their allies together.
However, setting up such a meeting while retaining tight security was the real problem. But not impossible. He already knew where the meeting should be held, one that didn't involve known places the Light met normally. Obviously, it could not be held anywhere within the Ministry of Magic due to its infestation of enemy spies. So only one place left met that need.
He sighed again as he reached his place at the teacher's table. Yet another thing he needed to do after he spoke with Harry. Fortunately the persons he needed to speak with could be reached mentally except for one, so no one would be the wiser and security would be maintained.
Harry would be easy. The second person could slip in without being seen and not be held up by the Ministry's security measures and had enough intelligence to relay the verbal messages with no misunderstandings occurring. Then there was the next messenger, they might have a small problem getting free but once they did, they would have no difficulty making the arrangements with the third person at the end of the chain at the location for the meet. If all went well, the meetings should be held Monday. And then, he and Hagrid had to sell the Elders plans to both parties. Personally, he didn't think either would refuse but one never knew.
He was so wrapped up in his thoughts that he never acknowledged Professor Sinestra, sitting beside him, attempting to get his attention. She wore a frown of concern but stopped her efforts when it was obvious he was too inwardly focused to pay attention to any and all things around him . She sighed and turned her attention to the headmaster who was speaking.
With all he had on his plate, Snape would be lucky if he kept his head about himself with all the hurry needed to get so many things done in as little time as possible. He barely restrained himself from shaking his head to relieve the growing pressure.
He had not heard a word of what Dumbledore had said to the students before his breakfast appeared before him. He reached for his silverware then stared down at his usual porridge with berries on top, pumpkin juice, bit of bacon and a hard boiled egg … what? He blinked at the crispy piece of meat and poached egg in confusion. He didn't usually imbibe in these items at breakfast but someone, maybe Dobby, felt he needed a bit more protein for the day's exertion's. He shrugged and dug in. Perhaps the house elf was right. It just felt strange to be taken care of in this way.
It felt ... nice.
While he ate he sent a gentle tendril of mental energy to knock at Harry's mind shield.
He watched as the boy blinked in mild surprise but that was the only sign he showed that he was being hailed, his expression remained outwardly casual. No one would be aware anything untoward was happening.
"Good morning, sir. What can I do for you ?" Harry asked politely as he picked up his cup of pumpkin juice and took a large swallow.
Snape smiled inwardly. It was refreshing dealing with someone who willingly did as asked without question … sometimes. "Good morning, Harry. Some interesting things occurred last night ..." he said proceeding to give the boy a quick update on the attempted infiltration last night and about Pettigrew's capture.
"Woah, didn't know there was a secret way into Hogwarts! Glad that entry has been destroyed. I'm not surprised at their desperation though," Harry said, smirking mentally. "After all, we have kept their spies a bit preoccupied with other things which, though unintentional, did benefit us."
"Yes, I suppose one could see it that way," Snape snorted, also amused.
"So, we have a house elf spy, eh. What do you intend to do with him?"
"Something surprising. Apparently, Dobby spoke with Kreacher alone last night and got him to accept working for the Elder Council, if they will accept him. But to do this we need to free him of the House of Black's influence. To do that before Bellatrix forces him back to her is to reach out to Sirius and ask him to release Kreacher. That will prevent anyone else from trying the spy trick again," Snape explained.
Harry said nothing for a few minutes ... surprise and worry clouding his mind for a moment. "You sure he can be trusted?" He inquired cautiously.
"No. But I get the impression Dobby will keep him under close observation and if he steps back into his evil ways, Dobby will ensure it will be his last."
That terse response made a shiver run down Harry's spine. Then he sighed and shook it off. Well what else could they do. "I don't like the idea of harming one of them but I understand the need in this case. I'll get Hedwig to take a message as soon as possible to Sirius and warn him time is tight on this. Work for you?"
"Yes that will be perfect and thank you, Harry."
"You are welcome. And now I have the sorry task of telling Ron that his missing rat was an enemy Animagus. That won't be fun as I can't tell him much more than that. Hmm, you know I need to see about perhaps getting him another familiar ... that is if he will let me. He does have a lot of pride," Harry sighed.
"He does indeed and that overweening pride could be his undoing one day," Snape snorted. "However, it is very kind of you to want to help. I hope just this once Weasley might unbend enough to realize how useful a good familiar could be for learning to curb that temper of his and give him better focus when training his magic ... he sadly needs that right now. I will wish you good luck on that endeavor. Oh, and thank you for the sour candy, I love it."
Harry snorted. "It was my pleasure. And I will do all I can to try and convince Ron to let me help him. Anyway, see you in class later." Then he closed his shield.
Satisfied that his first task would be taken care of, Severus finished his breakfast then sent another mental message out, this time to Fawkes.
"What need you, flight brother?" Fawkes voice resounded promptly in his mind.
"I need a favor," Snape said without preamble.
"Ask!"
Snape quickly relayed who he wanted the message sent to, why the location chosen, and what the message would say.
"Since my familiar be at breakfast then an errand after, I am not needed for some time. Will go now," Fawkes responded then closed the mental connection.
Relieved Fawkes had time to do this now eased some of his stress. Another task down. Now for the last contact of the morning then he could head off to class. Sending his mind out again he tapped a mind already on its way out of the hall.
"Ye need me for somethin' Severus?" Hagrid asked, halting at the entrance to the hall so he could give the professor his full attention while not actually looking at the man, his eyes scanning the room constantly watching for any kind of trouble as the children parted like a stream around him heading to classes.
"I don't know if you heard ..." Snape relayed all that went down the night before just as he had with Harry.
"Wist now! No rumor of that came my way. That be a lot of action going on with none but you and the headmaster aware. Kreacher be still in the tower and Pettigrew is in Moody's custody?"
"Yes, for now at least for Kreacher."
"So, what be your plans for him?"
Snape repeated what he had just asked of Harry.
"Aye that be a good plan. And what about those Death Eaters? Is Dumbledore doing somethin' about them?"
"No, not at the moment since that is all wrapped up in the main plan to take them all out soon. So he knows to keep it under his cap though that makes him more than a little annoyed. At least those bastards are scrambling and wasting their time so at least that will keep them off balance until we can pick them up," Snape said smirking.
"Hmm, well that is certainly true. Whelp, let that be for now. So, there be more bothering you. I can sense it. Give over!" Hagrid said sternly.
"I am that opaque, eh?"
"Oh aye. I can feel yeu brain spinning like a wee hamster in a cage," Hagrid chuckled but then turned serious once more. "Ye know ye can pass some of the tasks on to me kenna?"
"Yes, of course, but some of them are ones I must do personally. Though truthfully, I am about ready to pass off some of this enormous undertaking off to others so don't feel slighted. You will get your chance to be even more loaded down as I soon enough."
"Aye, I be certain of that. But that's not the only thing you needed to speak to me about, eh?"
"True. You remember we two are supposed to speak with Amelia Bones about joining us and have her meet with the Order if all goes well?"
"Yes, are yeu ready to do that?" Hagrid perked up. This was what he had been waiting for but they had been both too busy to address it yet.
"I have sent a messenger to ask a certain someone to set up a meeting for us in the only place safe to do it. I should have an answer, with date and time today. I did request the meetings be Monday." He heard the start of an objection from Hagrid but cut it off. "Believe me, I know there's urgency to get this done as soon as possible but it being Friday we will have better luck with the availability of Bones by waiting until Monday."
"Aye ye be right about that. And I assume a meeting with Kingsley Shacklebolt be included in that message?"
"Of course, he's just as difficult to pin down as her. I'll send you a message with our success or failure, which I don't expect to happen. So make sure to leave time Monday …. morning side after breakfast open and we will meet separately at the location as planned."
"I can do that, fortunately. The Elders haven't set me any tasks over what I have already been given so I be free … mostly." He snorted. His schedule was as packed as Severus' but he would make the time.
"Excellent, until later ... " Snape said readying to break their connection.
"Wait, Severus. Yeu still haven't told me what else is niggling yeu and I have an idea it has nothing to do with the Elder's tasks," Hagrid halted him firmly.
Snape was silent for a moment confused before realizing what Hagrid had perceived which always disturbed him a bit by that skill from the half giant. "I feel overwhelmed not because of the tasks set me but because I must still teach and I simply don't have the time to do it properly any longer."
"Ahh ... yes that be a lot to ask of yeu and I agree that perhaps another should take the task that yeu truly never enjoyed." Hagrid's humor coming through clearly. "Also, I've always suspected yere one true love was potion's research, eh?" Snape made a sound of surprise. "I must admit I think your talent are being wasted within Hogwarts. Have yeu begun a search for a replacement yet?"
"No, there's been no time and that was what got me thinking about how little time I have to be an adequate teacher with all the other demands on my time for this war to end completely. But I have decided to put some feelers out to see if anyone is interested, if I can find a moment to do that. Finding one isn't going to be easy either as I have lost contact with those colleagues I used to know but then being a possible Death Eater and spy would have kept them away from me," Snape sighed. "I can only hope there is someone who wants a change of pace or challenge since teaching young minds is exhausting but rewarding when they actually listen."
Hagrid chuckled mentally. "Oh aye, there be not too many aspiring potion's apprentices in our latest batch of students sad to say but the students still must learn the basics. And, who knows there may be a retiree who's bored and might like a teaching job or, better yet, perhaps a brilliant potion's student who has finished their studies and apprenticeship who be hunting a challenging job. To find such a person we should be extending our search to schools outside of the United Kingdom. You mind if I send out some feelers for yeu as well?"
Snape sent the feeling of surprise through their link. "I never thought you would have that kind of connections."
Again Hagrid smiled. "Oh, I know many people and they know many more. Between yours and mine we may get lucky finding some candidates."
"Thank you. That would be much appreciated," Snape said, pleased to have such help. "Of course, I will have to be the one that vets them before sending them onto Dumbledore."
"Of course, that's understood. By the by, have you even mentioned the desire to quit teaching to the headmaster?"
Snape grimaced and sighed. "No. I wanted to present some candidates before dropping that in his lap. I'm thinking none of this will happen until the upcoming mission has been accomplished anyway."
"Aye that be a good plan and you be right. No time for personal business yet but it wont be much longer You have a good day Severus and I will see you soon I'm certain. Something is always happening."
"Too true. Later." They broke the connection at the same time and Hagrid headed out to do his Hogwart's chores.
Feeling he had done all he could for now and extra pleased that he would have aid in finding a replacement Snape felt more at ease at his decision. But what had surprised him most was Hagrid's support of his desire to stop teaching. He never argued that Snape should remain as his duty to Hogwarts and recompense for having been a fool to work with the enemy in the beginning. Nay, Hagrid actually encouraged him to move on. This warmed Snape's heart that he had made such a wonderful friend who cared about him and what he wanted in life.
Breakfast done, he rose from his seat and made for his class room. He had just enough time to get the lesson set up before the children came tumbling in and to send his last messenger off.
Entering his classroom, he shut the door behind him, needing the privacy to speak with that special person.
"Dobby!" The house elf appeared instantly. "What you need Professor Snape, sir?
"I need you to deliver two verbal messages for me. Listen closely …." Snape relayed the carefully worded messages for Dobby. "Repeat them back to me please." Dobby did so.
"Excellent! Go first to Amelia Bones then seek out Kingsley Shacklebolt at the Ministry of Magic Headquarters. Let no one see you and take care as there is heavy security in place for where you intend to go and they might shoot first before asking why you are there," Snape warned.
"Dobby will be fine, Professor Snape. When you want messages delivered?"
"Both should be at work right now so if you're able, go now."
"Dobby free, sir. Want secrecy when Dobby return with answers, sir?"
"Yes. Wait till I'm alone and thank you Dobby," Snape said smiling.
Dobby smiled shyly back. "Dobby always willing to aid the Light, sir. Until later ..." then he snapped himself away.
With his last messenger on his way, Snape opened the classroom door then went to the blackboard to put up the day's lesson. As he worked, he suddenly realized he still had not told the headmaster what was being done about Kreacher.
Cursing himself, he quickly decided a message would be easier and faster. Pulling parchment and quill to him, he carefully worded his report. It didn't help that he couldn't give a complete answer, what with this new development occurring, but at least Dumbledore wouldn't worry about the house elf still hanging about especially if all went well with Black tonight. He sent it off by house elf then returned to putting up the day's lessons getting done just in time for the bell and the noisy influx of students.
~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~
Amelia Bones, Head of the Magical Law Enforcement Office, was working hard at her desk on level two of the Ministry of Magic Headquarters when she was surprised by the appearance of an unknown house elf. Though house elves did work in the ministry, they were not allowed to just appear within certain offices for security reasons, and hers was one of them.
"Who are you and how did you get permission to enter my office?" She demanded, holding her wand at the intruder.
"Dobby apologizes, Madame Bones, but Dobby has an urgent and secret message for you alone and none must know of my visit."
"But who sent you?"
"Professor Severus Snape of Hogwarts at the behest of the Elder Council," Dobby said promptly.
Bones froze at that announcement. Everyone in the wizarding world had now heard of the Elder Council though none knew them personally. This was her first contact about those mysterious personages who had sent the wireless message that had caused quite the stir among wizarding kind. She did know who Severus Snape was though and was more than a little suspicious about how he was involved in all this. She tabled her uneasiness and lowered her wand but didn't put it away.
"What is the message?"
"Your presence is requested at a secret meeting to discuss matters concerning the Death Eaters still at large. The meeting will be held at Gringotts Bank. Seek the goblin named Griphook. No one else. Meeting is set for Monday at nine in the morning. Will you come?" Dobby repeated the message by rote that he had been given by Snape.
She eyed him for several minutes before checking her calendar for that day's schedule. She found she could just manage such a meeting. And, besides, she realized, this trumped anything else going on right now and how ridiculously busy she was. Anything to do with this mysterious Elder Council deserved her immediate attention though that didn't mean she didn't have a few misgivings about going alone especially as it was a former Death Eater she was meeting with. However, it was being held in a very public and secure place ...
"The answer is yes," She said without further hesitation. Dobby nodded and disappeared. She sat there staring at the far wall for some time after.
Less than ten minutes after arriving at the ministry, Dobby appeared elsewhere within the Magical Law Enforcement Office. This time looking for Kingsley Shacklebolt. The man was meeting with a couple of other Aurors so Dobby had to wait a bit, hiding from sight. As soon as his target was alone, he snapped himself in the office.
Like Madame Bones, Shacklebolt was startled by Dobby's sudden appearance but not by Dobby himself since he had seen the house elf before ... at the home of the Malfoys. Though he was damned if he knew why Malfoy would have sent the elf here of all places, he prepared for whatever it was.
"Dobby I presume?"
"Yes sir."
"Who sent you and why are you here?"
"I have a message for you sir from Professor Snape at the behest of the Elder Council. Your presence is requested at a secret meeting to discuss your part in aiding the Elder Council in facilitating the capture of the Death Eaters still at large. The meeting will be held at Gringotts Bank. Seek the goblin named Griphook. No one else. Meeting is set for Monday at ten-thirty in the morning. Will you come?"
The message was obviously by rote, Shacklebolt realized and its content had rocked him back on his feet with shock and surprise. This was definitely not what he had expected to hear.
"You are not here from Lucius Malfoy?"
"Dobby is a free house elf, sir. I work at Hogwarts."
"Well damn! So you don't know where Malfoy is at all then?"
"No sir."
Shaking his head, Shacklebolt stared at the house elf in amazement. Malfoy was in the wind and here was his old house elf working for the Light apparently. And this Elder Council wanted to speak with him. What on earth was going on? Well no matter what, this wasn't a meeting he could afford to miss so he was going to this mysterious meeting if he wanted to know just what was going on.
"Yes I'll go." Dobby nodded and was gone in a second leaving a bewildered but thoughtful Auror behind.
Harry tried to send a message off that morning so there was time for it to get to Sirius but something or someone was always interrupting. Now with just fifteen minutes before heading to another class, he ducked into the boy's bathroom and made for a stall. Slapping the door shut, he mentally called for his familiar, Wine.
Since he did need to use the facility, he did so and before he was about to open the stall door again Wine appeared. He gave a soft questioning mew.
Whispering Harry said, "Yes, I need you to take this message to Hedwig and have her deliver it to Sirius but to wait for a return response. I need it soonest, okay?"
Wine nodded. Harry smiled and caressed his familiar's head then handed an already tubed message to the kneazle. With it firmly clenched in his mouth, Wine turned invisible and hurried off on his errand.
Relieved in more than one way, Harry hurriedly washed his hands then raced for class. He hoped to have an answer by after lunch. It would be great to have all this taken care of by today even if it might be after nightfall.
Sooner than he could have hoped for, right at start of lunch Hedwig flew into the great hall and dropped a message capsule into Harry's waiting hands. Since the food had already arrived, Harry gave her a nice piece of chicken which she eagerly gulped down, received a quick pet by Harry before flying back to the owlery.
"Oy, Harry a message at lunch … must be important," Ron said as casually as he could, eaten up with curiosity.
"Oh, it's just some information I asked for from my friend and this was the only time he could send it," Harry said offhandedly stop-gaping Ron as he hurriedly read the missive. He smiled then rolled it up and tucked it into his robe. Sirius would be here just after the dinner meal. Perfect!
"Obviously, it was what you wanted," Ron said, trying to wheedle the information out of his friend. But Harry was closemouthed and simply smiled. Ron rolled his eyes and addressed his food instead. Harry could be so secretive with his outside Hogwarts friends and it bothered Ron a lot but he dared say nothing. At least Harry was still talking to him after that awful and humiliating moment a few days ago.
Hermione was also chaffing under Harry's secretiveness which had increased since Christmas. She had a feeling a lot was going on behind the scenes at Hogwarts and that Harry was privy to all of it. She wished he felt their friendship was strong enough to trust them but apparently not. It made her feel sad.
From the Ravenclaw's table, Draco eyed his friend with curiosity. He hadn't had much time to visit with Harry since his return at New Years and he missed that but then so much was going on right now and he had only just changed houses. But knowing events outside the school were moving at a fast pace while they were stuck inside had him antsy. Even his Godfather was unreachable as every moment he seemed off on some errand so Draco was never able to catch him at all.
He felt out of the loop and he didn't like it much. He needed to change that soon. Focusing his attention on his food, he put those concerns in the back of his mind and reentered the conversations around him with his new housemates. He would make an effort to try and connect with Harry soon … perhaps this weekend.