OLD MAGIC

Chapter 57: Bringing all Parties Together - Second Step

About an hour after the dinner meal most students had retired to their houses or library to do their homework. But unlike them, Harry was waiting impatiently near the main doors for his guest to arrive. So he wouldn't get into trouble, Snape was hanging nearby as well.

"Where is he?" Harry grumbled softly. "It's already forty minutes past the time he said he would be here."

"Punctuality was never his thing," Snape said in his blandest tone though his eyes gave away his amusement.

Harry rolled his eyes but before he could offer a retort the door next to him finally swung open with a blast of cold air leading the way before the snow covered form of the black haired man ducked inside, shutting the door quickly behind him.

"Sorry I'm late. Blasted storm kept trying to blow me back over the gates," Sirius grumbled as he removed the muffler hiding his face.

Harry just shook his head and gave his Godfather a quick hug. "At least you finally got here. Come on, we've been standing around here too long already." He pulled on Sirius' coat sleeve to get the man moving toward the stairs.

"What's going on? What's the emergency?" Sirius asked, frowning but following swiftly on Harry's heels while quickly passing a drying spell over his clothing and hair.

"Can't discuss that here. Wait until we reach the tower," Harry warned him in a low tone.

"Tower?!" Sirius asked, confused, nearly halting in his tracks but moving again when Snape shoved his back none too gently. "Watch yourself there, Snape!" He snapped.

Snape just snorted and moved ahead of them both. "Harry still has homework to do so hold your questions and hurry up."

Sirius nearly snarled back but sensing something very serious going on here, he managed to keep his mouth shut and continued upward behind the others.

Breathless and feeling the tightness in his legs from the rapid climb some ten minutes later, Sirius looked around the landing a moment while Snape opened the heavy tower door and stepped inside. Sirius shivered a bit when he stood in the center of the cage filled room. He had used this as a hiding place once a upon a time when he was avoiding his enemies during his school years. He never did it again as it gave him the creeps.

"Quite the dreary place, isn't it?" He muttered. Then his eyes caught sight of the prisoner. "What the devil is a house elf doing here?" He walked closer and gaped. "Kreacher!" He hissed not happy to see the foul mouthed and evil house elf again.

Kreacher stood and glared at Sirius but wisely said nothing. He turned his head to stare at Snape and waited.

"Dobby," Snape said to the air. Instantly the free house elf appeared.

"Ah good, Dobby sees you were able to summon Mr. Black."

"Yes, and I think it should be you who explains what is going on here and the pledge you made about Kreacher," Snape told him.

Dobby looked momentarily startled by being asked to do such an important thing but quickly rallied and did what Snape requested. "Kreacher was forced to spy on us by nasty Death Eaters. They wished to find out what happened to rat wizard, Pettigrew. That bad person was taken while here in his rat form. He is now in wizard Moody's hands. Hogwarts captured Kreacher when he tried to sneak down to Slytherin House. Professor Snape knows what happened outside at the Whopping Willow with Death Eaters, that be his story to tell. But Kreacher and I spoke of his future. Freedom and banishment away from these lands or redeem himself by helping the Elder Council. He chose to attempt being accepted by the Elders. But to do it and not be summoned again by House of Black, Kreacher needs to be set free. He doesn't want freedom but understands until he accepts service with the Elders he must accept this situation for a time. He's willing. This why you Sirius Black have been asked here. A member of the House of Black must be the one to free their house elf with an item of their own clothing. Will you do this, Sirius Black?" Dobby finished and waited for the man's response.

Sirius could only gape at Dobby in shock. He had never dealt much with house elves but one this articulate was unheard of in his circle. They weren't given much to speaking in long sentences much less presently a report this long, that he knew of. Shaking his head, he frowned then looked over at Snape.

"So what happened that caused all this?" He asked. Snape took a few minutes to bring him up to date on the infiltration but nothing else.

Sirius looked unhappy as he too now remembered that secret tunnel well. "Ahh shite! How could we have forgotten that bugger all tunnel? Glad it's no more at least. Too bad you didn't get the chance to nab those bastards." He paused to turn and stare at Kreacher. "You really want to do this?"

Kreacher hissed but said civil enough, "No! But no choice if want to leave here alive."

"Well at least you are being honest." Sirius sighed then narrowed his eyes and gave the house elf a hard stare. "You think after doing so many evil things you can do this without turning traitor? You will be taking a giant step toward doing something important for once in your worthless life."

The Black house elf glared back at the family wizard he had hated for so long without saying anything for a few minutes. Then he huffed, "Yes! Hates war! Tired of fighting and losing everything. Want chance to try something different. Dunno if I be good at it but try I will."

Sirius stared at him for a few minutes more seeming to try and see into the creature's soul.

"I think he means it Sirius and every creature should be given the chance to redeem themselves," Harry said quietly.

Sirius nodded then looked over at Snape. "What do you think, Snape?"

Snape shrugged. "I'm not any more sanguine to this than you are but Dobby has vouched for him and pledges to monitor his behavior so that will have to be good enough for us. Besides, he still has to be accepted by the Elder Council."

"That's true though I know nothing of this council … yet." He gave Snape a piercing stare that promised he would insist on answers before he left tonight.

"You will soon," Snape said unruffled.

Coming to a decision, Sirius patted his body a moment before coming up with a monogrammed handkerchief. "Alright let's do this. So I simply give this to you, eh?"

"That's right, Sirius," Harry said. "Draco did it to free Dobby."

Sirius whipped his head to gape at Harry. "Why would Draco do that?"

Harry smiled and shook his head. "Sorry, I forgot you haven't been made privy to what's been going on here at school. I'll explain as soon as we are through here."

"Seems there have been a lot of things happening lately at Hogwarts I don't know about," Sirius muttered. "Alright Kreacher let's do this. With this … " He reached through the bars and handed the handkerchief to the elf, "... I free you from the service of the House of Black. Do not shame your former house or the name of Black with your freedom."

Kreacher took the handkerchief with shaking hands, his eyes wide with awe and fear. "Kreacher free." He clutched the bit of material tighter and sank to knees. "I do not like freedom," he whimpered.

"Be not distressed, Kreacher. Feeling will ease somewhat but not gone. Member you can find a new master, and hopefully be happier," Dobby said gently.

"Kreacher know but still hurts," the other elf whispered, tears falling down his ugly face.

"Do you want to take charge of him now, Dobby?" Snape asked, feeling bad about causing the creature pain.

"Certainly sir." Dobby opened the cage, reached for the reluctantly freed elf who hesitantly allowed his hand to be taken then the two were gone.

"Right, so that's done, now for that explanation," Sirius said, wanting to move past this unsettling moment.

"Certainly. Let's head back to my house and I'll bring you up to date. I suppose, Professor Snape can tell his part first though because I haven't heard it yet either," Harry said giving Snape a questioning eye as they all left the tower.

"Very well. Last night Hogwarts …" Snape began but was interrupted.

"Wait that's the second time someone said Hogwarts as if it was supposed to mean something other than just the castle's name. What aren't you telling me?" Sirius asked, frowning.

"You do know Hogwarts is sentient, yes?" Snape asked, one eyebrow raised.

Sirius blinked. "I believe I heard that but had no reason to believe it was anything more than a myth."

"Oh no, Sirius. Hogwarts is very much aware of what is going on within it's walls and it has spoken to me. It spoke to Kreacher as well as to the four Slytherin it taught a lesson to when they broke the rules of the school by drawing wands on Draco."

"What?!"

"Uh look let Professor Snape explain the infiltration then I'll tell you about the other things that went on … though the professor actually knows more about what went on with his house after the incident in question ...", Harry said slowly.

Sirius rolled his eyes and huffed. "Alright, I will try not to interrupt again until you tell me all that went on."

"Most intelligent thing you have said yet Black," Snape snorted.

"Just get on with it, you," Sirius growled. Snape just smiled but did as asked.

It took the whole trip back downstairs then down the hall to Gryffindor's door before they finished debriefing Sirius.

The man could only shake his head. "That is a lot to happen in just a few days and it does explain some of the rumors circulating in town."

"What have you heard? We don't want too much released beyond what the Elders sent out," Snape asked quickly, wanting to know just how much information was being passed around the local area. This would be of interest to Jason when next he spoke with him.

"Only that there was an incident with the Malfoy heir, the message from the Elders of course, and the Death Eaters still being reported hanging about London and Hogsmead," Sirius said readily enough.

"Good! That is all we want known right now. But things are about to pick up speed so keep yourself close to the Order so you don't miss a call out," Snape warned him.

If he had been in dog form, Sirius' ears would have pricked up. "Really? Something more perhaps than running around trying to find the enemy?"

"How about actually taking them down," Snape said in a low voice, smiling wickedly.

For the first time since he'd arrived, Sirius actually smiled back. "Brilliant! Can't wait! Soon you say?"

"Yes, perhaps within a week. So stay close."

"I will and keep my ears to the ground about where Malfoy and his group might be hiding."

"Good because we still don't know that," Snape said, sourly.

Just as he was ready to say goodnight to his Godson something that had been tickling the back of Harry's mind shot to the front. "Wait! I have a brilliant idea." He paused and looked around then quickly cast a privacy spell. "Don't want anyone hearing this," he quickly explained. "What I just thought of was why don't we have Kreacher respond to a call from Bellatrix instead of ignoring her? That would lead us directly to where they are, right?!"

Snape blinked in shock for a moment before cursing his slowness. "Of course! I should have thought of that myself."

"Don't feel badly, professor. No way have you had time to think of every little thing as you have been running your feet off for weeks now for the council," Harry soothed. "But now that we have thought of it, will Kreacher be willing?"

"Why not? This could be the first test of his willingness to help the Light," Sirius said, excitedly.

"Well, it is dangerous for him ..." the boy added hesitantly, not wanting the house elf to come to any harm.

"How?" Sirius interrupted Harry. "He's an elf and a free one at that which Bellatrix wont know so he can apparate away the instant he sees where they are."

"Oh, that's true. Should we call them back? We have any idea if or when she will try to summon him? She might not even try if they felt it wasn't worth a repeat effort," Harry asked in rapid fire fashion.

"Well that is certainly true. But it is late and we are all tired. I'm thinking tomorrow should be soon enough and I'll leave that to the two of you but it certainly would make their capture faster and quicker," Sirius agreed, provisionally.

"Yes ….wait …. I just had another thought," Harry said, excitedly. "If Kreacher can see where they are why couldn't he simply snap them to the tower. Like you said house elves are powerful. No chance of them escaping before they are caught!"

"Bugger it! He's right! We could have them locked and under guard in seconds with no casualties," Sirius gasped, shocked no one had thought of this.

Snape shook his head and felt like kicking himself. Why had none of them thought of this resource? House elves could have done much to end things so much faster if only wizards hadn't carried so many prejudices about them. Well that stopped now. He knew a certain old bird who would be pleased that his people could be the key to putting an end to this evil bloodlessly and swiftly.

But wait … if that was true why hadn't Fawkes suggested it at the beginning of this ruinous war? Even more importantly, why hadn't they been used in the first war with Grindelwald? Were they missing something vital here? Something important.

"Wait you two. Before we rush off with what seems like a perfect solution, I believe I need to find out if what we are planning is even doable, " he cautioned.

"Huh? Why wouldn't it be?" Harry demanded, surprised Snape was hesitating.

"Because if it was possible for house elves to be used this way why weren't they used during the war with Grindelwald?" Snape asked reasonably.

Harry shot back immediately, "I would say for the same reason it hasn't been thought of now … because of wizard kind's prejudices."

"Well, shows what you think of us, Harry," Sirius said, a bit surprised at Harry's rather caustic response.

The boy's face burned with shame. "Sorry. That did come out with extreme prejudice didn't it?"

"Just a little but certainly justified under these circumstances," Snape said gently, understanding completely why Harry was disappointed in wizard kind.

"Yes, well, justified or not, we need to look into this immediately or rather in the morning since it is getting very late," Sirius said.

"I promise to speak to the appropriate party tomorrow. Don't mention this to anyone especially Dumbledore. After all, we really don't know if the house elves would even be willing to do such a massive undertaking."

"You're right. Don't want to get all excited about this and then learn they wouldn't or couldn't do it. But I am discussing it with Remus. He needs to know and wont tell anyone. I hope you get a quick answer because after what you've told me tonight, events are indeed moving forward fast," Sirius warned.

Snape only nodded.

"But if it is possible it would mean an end to this whole mess, quickly and neatly. It bothers me that wizards have perpetuated this prejudice against non-humans for so long to their detriment. Can you imagine how our world could have been if we had been more open minded? It makes me sad to think of all that wasted time and two wars." Harry shook his head at the lost opportunities.

Sirius clapped his Godson on the back. "So true, Harry. But enough of this or we will be talking all night long and you have home work to still get done so let us say good night and hope for good news soon." He hugged Harry then shoved the boy towards his house door.

Harry grinned, said the password, and disappeared through the portal which shut quietly behind him.

"That is one incredible young boy," Sirius said, proudly.

"He is indeed."

Sirius eyed Snape quietly for a moment. "I am sorry about the shit I caused you when we attended school together and as adults. Though you did do something truly stupid with Lilly." Snape hissed but Sirius ignored that and continued on. "It takes a brave and ballsy man to realize he had made a mistake then take on such a dangerous task as playing a double agent that could have ended your life at any time and to do so for such a long time. Even more astonishing to have survived and be telling about it and still doing your part to end this war."

"Don't give me too much credit, Black. If it hadn't been for Voldemort killing Lily I might still be working for them," Snape said in self disgust.

Sirius' eyes widened at that admission. "You cared that much for Lily?"

Snape's eyes darkened with loss. "Yes."

Sirius stared at the black haired man for some minutes then reached out and surprised Snape by rubbing his shoulder for a moment before stepping back.

"Though you hurt her with that ugly comment that cost you her friendship, I'm sorry for your loss. It seems we both lost something important that day and after," he murmured, his words sincere.

Snape stared at him in confusion.

The other man shrugged and explained. "You lost her with your angry last words and I lost them both because of the enemy that used us both."

Snape's mouth opened but he couldn't think of what to say in response. What Sirius said was the truth. "That's … very perceptive of you and unexpected."

"Yeah, well, I feel like an ass for not seeing what was under my nose and being just as stupid as you had been about who was friend and who was foe. I never guessed Peter would betray us like he did. The war has made asses of us both and we've lost too much to continue it or he would win after all. So I forgive you, if you'll forgive me for failing you when you needed a friend on your side. I promise to be that friend now and I will ensure Remus sees it too. We've lost so many friends. We need to remake our ties and be stronger for it if we are to see a brighter future for us and the ones after us," Sirius said passionately, feeling this was something he needed to do and it felt right.

That's quite profound Bla … er Sirius. And I agree with that sentiment despite how strange it seems to hear you say it. But not as strange as how my life has changed so much since meeting Harry for the first time. I have since learned there is hope after all and it is wrapped up in that growing young boy."

"Is it now?" Sirius asked, confused and intrigued at the same time.

Snape's smile was secretive. "Oh, yes. There are depths you haven't seen with your Godson yet. He is the future of wizarding kind and you will learn why when this damnable war is through."

"Well, now you have me very curious but you're not talking, eh?" Sirius said, rubbing his chin and eyeing the man with new eyes.

Snape shook his head and continued to smile. "Just know I care about the boy and would lay down my life for him. And I'm not trying to steal his affections from you. I already know he cares for you a great deal but I know you would be surprised to learn he cares for me as well. And I treasure that in my heart to have someone knows me for who I am and doesn't care for what I've done in the past. He is an amazing boy who will become an incredibly powerful man."

"Truly? I did notice he is very friendly with you so that's not a surprise really though shocking as it seemed to me when I first witnessed it. But what has me even more surprised is how close he is to Draco Malfoy. I sorely misjudged that poor child. I more or less discounted that a Slytherin could hate who they are but that was wrong headed as well. It's now obvious to me that not all Slytherins are evil just some of them. I'm glad Harry has managed to save Draco from future heartache and danger. Did you have a hand in his change of house?"

"Yes with the approval and signature of Narcissa. She too is concerned for her son's welfare and safety and hardily tired of this useless war. So Draco is safe from his father's reach for now at least."

"Now that is good news. By the way, you know more about Lucius than any of us here. Do you think he is the new leader or do you think he will cut and run?

Snape frowned in thought. "I wouldn't put it past him to have taken over but as our forces close in on him, it is possible he might run out on his so-called allies and head for Narcissa. Under all that arrogance and need for power, is a man who cares for his family and, of course, his own survival. But is his familial ties strong enough to make him run for certain? I really don't know."

Sirius sighed. "I do remember the arrogance but I was never sure about his bravery. I think he might cut and run if he finally realizes he can't win. But who knows what's in that head of his. Guess we'll deal with it when or if it happens. I would think Draco would be devastated at losing his father, yes?"

Snape nodded.

"Then let's hope he makes the right decision. Right, then, I need to hurry off. It's late." He reached out and shook Snape's hand to the man's surprise who returned it firmly before letting go. "As far as I'm concerned the hatchet between us is buried. Lily would have wanted that."

Snape swallowed a sudden surge of emotion at the mention of his former love. "Yes, I believe she would have. Let me escort you to the door and you can ask me anything we might have forgotten."

"Thank you." Sirius smiled to himself. It felt good to let go of the hatred he had held for Snape all these years. He did feel he'd been unfair to the man and that shamed him. This feeling of kinship building between them felt right and since he and Severus had an invested interest in Harry, it seemed right and proper that they become allies if not friends though that might change the more he learned of the real man before him rather than memories of the past.

As he said farewell at the door and then hurried across the lawn for the gates, he grinned as he thought of Remus' reaction when he told his friend all he had learned this evening. It should be priceless.

As he made his way to the dungeons, Snape realized he had added yet more to his list of tasks. Sighing, he accepted it and hurried to get some much needed rest before another long day beset him despite it being a Saturday. He was beyond tired of waiting for this war to be over.