OLD MAGIC

Chapter 58: Getting Some Answers

Morning arrived early for Snape as he rose to quickly get ready for the day. Thankfully, it was Saturday and though he wished he could sleep in, he knew there were things he needed to do and people he needed to speak to then he might be able to take some much needed down time on Sunday before Monday's meetings.

Since he didn't want to mix with the students nor speak with Dumbledore yet, he opted for having breakfast in his quarters. Finished with his toilet and ready for the day he walked into his parlor where his breakfast waited before a freshly laid fire that was burning merrily, taking the chill off the room.

While he made quick work of his meal and prepared himself for departure, he summoned Dobby.

A surprised house elf appeared. "You wanted me, sir?" Dobby had already delivered the answers Snape had wanted so was confused as to why he was needed again so soon.

"Yes, where is Kreacher?"

"He be still sleeping, sir. Very emotionally exhausted he is. Being freed is very hard on most house elves."

"I'm sorry to hear that but I'm glad he is still here. I was afraid you had already taken him to the Elders."

"Not yet, sir. He needs rest and to get his feet under him before facing them," Dobby said, sadly.

Snape frowned. "Do you think he might be emotionally able to do a mission for the Light?"

Now it was Dobby's turn to frown. "Dobby not certain, Professor Snape. What be the mission?"

"Harry had the brilliant insight that since Kreacher had been summoned by Bellatrix once that she might summon him again and that we should allow him to be called. Though we can't be certain she'd be forced to do it, we're going with the plan that if she does, we want Kreacher to quickly apparate them, the moment he arrives, to the dark tower cells. Could he do this?"

Dobby's eyes widened in surprise. "Professor Snape, Dobby thinks that be a brilliant idea but not certain Kreacher will or could do it. If you had asked me to do the task, I would be honored and willing, but Kreacher has no attachments now and may not do this for the sake of just asking and he might not be strong enough for that large of a transport."

"Is being attached to someone that important?" Snape asked frowning.

"A house elf's highest law is his Master's bidding. We be born and bred to serve wizards and it is normally an honor to do so. But Kreacher has been corrupted a long time in the Black household and that has made him bitter and unhappy."

"But you told us to give him a chance to redeem himself ..." Snape began, confused.

"Oh yes, Dobby did and Dobby still believe it be possible as Dobby has seen other mistreated elves recover but some have not. Dobby not know which Kreacher will be. It is too early to tell."

Snape sighed and wondered if their plan was doomed already.

Seeing how important this was to the wizard, Dobby frowned and thought a moment.

"Sir, all Dobby can do is ask if Kreacher be willing to do this to redeem himself. Could tell him it would help show Elder Council that he be serious about turning from evil and helping the Light."

"Then would you do that please? Do understand, though, we really don't know if Bellatrix will try again but we thought it would help find Malfoy and his followers faster and without harm to everyone involved if this does happen," Snape repeated.

"Dobby understand, Professor Snape. End war sooner is all house elves desire. Doing this … capturing the inner circle … would help make that come true faster. House elves are always willing to do what is necessary to protect our masters and our homes. Let me see if Dobby can coax Kreacher to do this for the chance to prove himself trustworthy to all. If he is, do you want Dobby to guard him until he is summoned and how long do you wish to wait on this chance?"

"I really wish I knew but I can only guess knowing Bellatrix somewhat better than anyone here that she might see this as another chance to get what they need. I would think they would be desperate by this time. And I would guess if she's going to do it, it should be within the week as we have bottled them up which will only make them more anxious and irritable if they aren't already."

"Then let us see if we even have a chance at all. Dobby go now." The house elf raised his finger to snap but Snape still had one more thing to add.

"Alert me immediately if he volunteers and then when he, hopefully, is contacted by Bellatrix." Dobby nodded his understanding and snapped his fingers.

"Well that didn't go as resoundingly as I hoped. Perhaps Fawkes will have more insight on the subject about house elves," Snape thought as he sent a mental call to the Phoenix.

"Yes, flight brother," Fawkes responded immediately.

"Are you able to get away right now? I would like to speak with you in my quarters . I am need of some answers that only you might have, Snape asked, politely.

Fawkes looked over to where his familiar was busy reading several documents he'd received that morning. It appeared he would be occupied for some time.

"Spare some time, I can for a short period. Be there in a moment," Fawkes said then disappeared from his perch.

The flash of his movement caught Dumbledore's attention. He looked over his reading glasses at the now empty perch. A frown graced his face a moment but then he sighed, shook his head and returned to his work.

His familiar's more frequent comings and goings recently disturbed him more than he wanted to let on and it did not help that Fawkes was no more forthcoming than he had been before Christmas on what was occupying his time.

Dumbledore was resigned to be somewhat in the dark since he now understood what position Fawkes held in the Elder Council. He only hoped Fawkes would tell him soon what was up as he sensed events moving quickly toward some resolution he wasn't privy to and he'd much rather not be in the dark when it burst upon them all.

Sighing he returned his focus on this work.

Meanwhile, Fawkes appeared in Snape's quarters only seconds after leaving the headmaster's office. He flew to the opposite stuffed chair to alight on the top of it, flicking his wings to his back as he settled.

"Thanks for coming so quickly. Let me give you a quick run down of what I need to know," Snape said getting down to business quickly. His morning appointments were drawing near and he needed to be off soon. "Are you aware of the attempted infiltration night before last?"

"Heard it from my familiar, yes."

"Good, then let me tell you what happened after that and the meeting last night ..." Snape brought the Phoenix up to date on the issue with Kreacher, his arrangements to see the two Aurors, the meeting with Sirius Black last night, and his recent conversation with Dobby.

"Now my question to you is what Harry brought up last night. Is it possible to get the house elves assistance in taking the enemy into custody, once they have been identified of course, by snapping them into cells with their magic? Their method of instantaneously sending things would ensure the enemy is taken all at once with no chance of some slipping away to continue this endless war."

"One major problem is there in doing what you ask, Severus. Logistically, each house elf is limited by how much they can manage at one time. What you suggest would require many house elves and only those who's masters are threatened would do it without hesitation. Ministry of Magic Headquarters has numerous house elves that serve them. Would have to speak to their leader to see if this be feasible there. As for other places … " Fawkes sighed a moment in thought. "Huge endeavor this is … as large as the one planned by the council. I concede that the house elves could make this work with less bloodshed but speak to them I must before I can definitively give you the answer you seek."

"I never realized it would take so much but then that is why I asked. And I do realize we must take this up with Jason and his staff as well. Could you do your research then as soon as possible so we may present it to Jason before too much more time passes? I feel we are running out of that precious commodity," Snape said worriedly.

"Agree with you, I do. Feel pressure of passing moments as keenly. My familiar is losing patience with me but holds his tongue." Fawkes sighed again. "Do this I will and swiftly. Good luck and success to you in those appointments Monday, flight brother."

"And good fortune to you, Fawkes," Snape said warmly. The Phoenix raised his wings and disappeared.

He was very pleased by his success so far and he hadn't even left his quarters. Since he now had time while others sought what he needed, Snape decided now would be a good time to be with his Godson as he didn't think he would have another chance to do so. And perhaps he should also include Harry … pausing he thought about where they should meet. His quarters wouldn't be ideal and they still wanted to keep their relationship a secret.

"Best be Hagrid's cabin then." Decision made he called out to Harry.

"Yes, sir, need something?" Harry responded promptly.

"Where are you right now?"

"Breakfast, sir."

"What are your plans for the day?"

"Uhm, well I do have some homework to do and my friends want me to spend some time with them as well," Harry said. "I have been remiss in hanging around with them and they have noticed it." Harry sounded a bit embarrassed by that omission.

Friend were important, Snape understood that and knew Harry needed that kind of support now in his life. So, though he would like to get together now, he would have to find something else to do while he gave Harry the time he needed.

"I understand, Harry so go ahead and do what you've planned. However, I would like to see you and Draco sometime later today. Thought we would meet up at Hagrid's cabin. I believe he is away at the moment so we have it to ourselves. I haven't had time to speak to either of you and Draco needs to be brought up to speed on what is going on since he is working with you on a great many things. I take it you haven't had much time to speak with him either, eh?"

He felt a blush from Harry. "No, I haven't, Severus. We have been busy catching up from all the interruptions that have happened since New Years. Getting together would be a brilliant idea. I do feel out of the loop somewhat too but I'm sure Draco's fairly eaten up by wanting to know what's been going on. I will have Wine give him a message after breakfast then I'll let you know when we can both break away to meet. Obviously, we will depart separately. I do hope Draco doesn't run into trouble though..."

"I have dealt with my Slytherins so there shouldn't be any problems," Snape assured him.

"Pardon me, Severus, I had heard what you did with your house however, that may not stop a few of them with thicker skulls than most," Harry warned.

"Oh, who do you suspect?" Snape asked, frowning. He thought the punishment threat he had set down would have been enough to keep his snakes under control.

"One female comes to mind. Her mouth is always charging ahead of her brain … if she even has one," Harry snorted but didn't give a name of the offender.

"Ah, I believe I know who you mean. Unfortunately, there is nothing more I can do about that than I already have. If she breaks the rules the house elves will see to it that she doesn't get to repeat it... even if it takes multiple times to get through to her."

Harry laughed. "Oh I did forget that. Yeah, it might take that to get through that thick head of hers. I will get back to you very soon. Hopefully after lunch we can meet."

"Until then," Snape said and closed the connection. "Well since my plans are on hold, and I have to wait for other information to come to me, I might as well use the time catch up on a few lesson plans I've had to put aside for awhile." He rose and went into the class room next door. Sitting at his desk he made his work appear and set to clearing his backlog.

Meanwhile, Harry finished his breakfast and made a stop at the bathroom with Ron. As he chose a stall and Ron went to a urinal, Harry sent a mental call to his familiar. In minutes a small body appeared in his stall.

Harry smiled and rubbed Wine's head. Then he whispered, "I need you to take a message to Draco for me." Taking out the small tube he used for Wine to carry messages, he handed it off to Wine who took it in his mouth and quietly disappeared.

Finished with his business, Harry joined Ron and the two of them caught up with Hermione.

"So Library or go for a walk about before getting homework done?" Hermione asked as the threesome headed down the hall.

"Walk!" Ron said immediately, not liking the idea being locked down studying this early in the day and, after all, it was Saturday.

Hermione grimaced but wasn't surprised by Ron's desire to avoid homework.

Harry was a bit more undecided but then realized he needed time for a message to get back to him from Draco so perhaps going for a walk would be a good idea. It would allow him to spend some time with his friends before ditching them.

"Getting some fresh air sounds like a good use of the morning to me. Let's go!" He led the way to the front doors.

Apparently, they weren't the only ones wanting some outside time despite how cold it was. A small crowd of students were making their way into the bitter cold. At least it was sunny which helped some with the temps. Older students made their way to the gates for a trip to Hogsmead to do some shopping. The younger ones like Harry and his friends weren't allowed to go without chaperon's which chaffed at times.

Two hours later, after an impromptu snow ball fight and a game of tag, the three ran back inside to the welcome warmth and smell of hot chocolate. The house elves had put out a huge cauldron of cocoa at the teacher's table and were serving it up to the returning students in a steady stream. Though the elves certainly could serve all at the same time, they took the time to ask what each student wanted in or on their cocoa like, cream, marshmallows, a dash of cinnamon, or whipped cream and nuts on top.

Ten minutes later Ron, Hermione, and Harry were holding their own special cup of cocoa and savoring the hot sweetness.

"So library next?" Hermione asked.

"No way. After what we did outside I'm for a short nap before lunch," Ron said, firmly, a whipped cream mustache on his upper lip that he was now licking off.

Hermione rolled her eyes in annoyance. But before she could object, Harry spoke up next. "I second that 'mione. Though I have an errand to do before I can get some sack time." He made his cup disappear to the kitchen. "I'll see you two at lunch, maybe but if I don't then the library later."

"Oy, where you be off too?" Ron demanded, frowning in confusion.

Harry simply smiled, waved his friend off and hurried away back toward the main entrance. Ron growled, sent his cup away, and turned to Hermione who was just finishing her drink. "Where does he go, I'd like to know?" Ron huffed.

Hermione sighed and sent her own cup away before answering. "There's a lot he doesn't share with anyone, Ron. And getting huffy about it won't help. I'm frustrated too by all his secrecy but we agreed not to harass Harry when he wont talk so just drop it, please. I'm going to the library to find a book to take to my room. See you at lunch," she said heading off.

Ron stood in the great hall for a few minutes more, fuming. Then he sighed and headed back to Gryffindor and his bed or perhaps a couch near the fire in the common room if it was quiet enough.

Draco Malfoy had been enjoying some time playing chess with his new house mate, Terry Boot, after breakfast. The quiet ambiance of the large common room was soothing to his spirit which was a good thing as he hadn't wanted to go out and be accosted by the lump headed female, Millicent Bulstrode. Despite the level of threat promised for harassing him, she was so stupid that the fact she had been in the tower no less than four times showed how poor a learner she was.

He was studying his next move while Terry was making his when he felt something rub against his leg. Without giving away anything was up, he reached a hand down as if he was going to scratch his ankle and encountered Wine's head. Feeling the face of the kneazle he found the message capsule. Taking it in his hand, he tried to think how he was going to read it much less send an answer back when Terry gave him the perfect opening.

"Oy, I need the loo. Mind you don't touch the pieces," Terry said in mock threat.

Draco snorted, smiling at the departing boy in good humor, then leaning back in his comfortable chair, the picture of relaxed ease. Once Terry was out of sight and no one was paying him any attention, he carefully kept his hands beneath the table edge as he dumped the missive into his left hand, placing the tube between his legs, before bringing the note up to read.

He smiled at what it said. He checked the time then made a small piece of parchment and quill appear, quickly wrote a short note back, disappeared the quill and then fed the rolled up note into the tube before handing it off to Wine who took the tube and vanished again.

The whole action was done swiftly enough that he was again studying his next move when Terry returned. Now he had to figure out how to leave to make his appointment with Harry. He did have time to finish the game then he needed to make some kind of legitimate reason to leave and maybe not be back before lunch. It had to be a good excuse though as he didn't like lying to his new housemates.

Ah, he had the perfect excuse and it was the truth as well. Now to put it to good use.

"By the way Terry, while you were gone I got a fire call from Professor Snape asking me to come see him in an about two hours," Draco said nonchalantly.

Terry looked up in surprise. "Oy, why would Snape be wanting to see you?" He asked, frowning.

"I thought everyone knew he is my Godfather," Draco said, casually, not certain that was generally known but this was a good way to find out.

Terry's mouth gaped open in shock then snapped shut again. Tilting his head at the blond headed boy, he said drolly, "Why no, I don't believe you ever did tell us that. I don't believe any of us would have forgotten that little important fact."

Draco shrugged and gave the other a small smile. "Oh, then now you know. We haven't had much time to get together since I was moved to Ravenclaw so I'm not surprised he would like to see how I'm doing."

"No, that's perfectly understandable what with all the problems many families are having lately keeping in touch. Since all the troubles within Slytherin House I can see how it would be difficult for the professor to make time as well. Hope it is a pleasant visit for you both," he said warmly. "Will we see you at lunch then?" He asked, moving his pawn.

"I don't know, actually. But I will be back sometime after so I can get my homework assignment done for Herbology," Draco said easily as he moved his own chess piece to block Terry.

The boy grimaced at the move and studied the board with a scowl. Draco just smiled. "That had been easy," he thought. "Can't wait to see Harry and Severus. Should be an interesting visit."

Harry slipped out and hurried off across the grounds but didn't go directly to Hagrid's cabin as there were lots of students still outside playing and walking about. Taking the most circumspect pathway he could, he finally managed to sneak up to the Gamekeeper's hut and slip inside.

The big boar hound wasn't around which told Harry the dog was most likely with his master somewhere in the forest or even at the Hagrid home on the far side of the Forbidden Forest.

Shivering from the cold, Harry set about fixing cocoa for them all. It was steaming gently in three mugs on the table when Draco was the next to scurry within. Shaking his coat off, the boy grinned widely at his friend and hung his cloak on the back of the door next to Harry's.

Going up to the black haired boy, Draco impulsively gave him a hug. "I've missed you," he said quietly.

"As I have you," Harry said warmly returning the hug. They stepped away and took a seat at the table. "You are looking happier."

Draco grinned widely. "I am. Thank you so much for your assistance in getting me away."

"Humph, I really didn't have much to do with that. It was your mother and Severus that did the major maneuvering that got it done," Harry said, deprecatingly.

Before Draco could respond, the door opened again and in walked Snape. He nodded at both boys before shutting the door snugly then removing his cloak and hanging it up with theirs.

Draco jumped up and ran to his Godfather to give him a hard hug. Snape smiled fondly down at his Godson and hugged him back. "So good to see you looking less careworn and more relaxed," he murmured in the boy's hair.

"Oh yes, ever so happy. I hadn't realized how tense and unhappy I was until I wasn't. Ravenclaw is the right fit for me. I feel very comfortable there and nearly everyone is nice to me. Those that don't care for me that much are still friendly enough in their own way," Draco said in a rush.

"That is good to know. Professor Flitwick says you are doing well in your studies and he agrees that your inclusion into Ravenclaw was fairly smooth despite the first day problems."

"That's good to know. Well come on, have a sit and give me all the news you're allowed to tell me. I know a lot has been going on behind the scenes especially after the message from the Elders was broadcast," Draco said more seriously, taking his seat again.

Sitting down as well, Snape sighed and drank the welcome warmth of the cocoa. "Where to begin..." He murmured. "Harry has only been privy to a couple of events, the rest has been happening very fast and has me on the run a lot. I have been given a myriad of tasks to accomplish and us gathering now is most likely the only time I'll have to even speak to you both as things are transpiring much quicker than we anticipated but that is all to the better."

"Well I guess you better start from where Harry had his part then to what's going on now," Draco said reasonably.

Snape nodded and proceeded to tell his Godson of the infiltration of a house elf into the castle and the intrusion of Death Eaters in the Whomping Willow and subsequent destruction of the hidden tunnel.

"Blimey! There was a secret tunnel into Hogwarts? How on earth did that happen?" Draco interrupted.

"That is a secret you aren't to be privy to. Suffice it to say there was a good reason for its existence at the time when I attended Hogwarts as a student and now there is no need of it," Snape said firmly. "Now for the more important news ..." He went on to tell them of the meetings that he was going to be attending that would bring new allies to the cause. Then he mentioned the possibility of using house elves to aid in the war effort.

"Oh, did my idea seem feasible to Fawkes?" Harry asked, excited.

"Almost. Apparently, house elves are driven to protect their masters and their abode but if the problem doesn't involve those two things then they are unlikely to be willing to help out. So that limits their use in some instances but not in others. Right now Hogwarts elves will be identifying all those with Death Eater leanings. Meanwhile a meeting by Fawkes with certain agents within the Ministry of Magic and their house elf leader will be tasked with the job of finishing up the ID process already started and then help with the arrests after. By using the house elves, it is hoped the arrests will go more smoothly and with less likelihood of any of the enemy escaping the net."

Harry was beside himself with joy. "Brilliant! So glad my suggestion is going to end things faster."

Snape smiled at the boy's enthusiasm. "Yes, it was a brilliant idea. And that's all I have to impart to you both. On Monday I will know if we have new allies. Then if we do I have to set up a meeting between Madame Bones and the Order besides telling the Headmaster that such a meeting is required," he paused to drink more of his cocoa. "And finally, everyone must meet the Elder Council to make plans for the attack."

"Blimey, that's a lot to get done, Severus," Draco said, shaking his head at the massive endeavor and his Godfather's part in it.

"I'll say." Harry agreed, wishing he could do more to be of help. "And you say, you have a use for Kreacher as well?"

"Maybe. That's if Bellatrix recalls him. If she does, we are hoping Kreacher will volunteer to answer the summons then surprise the inner circle by summarily sending them all to the dark tower … no questions … no hesitations just snap and take them in one sweep."

Harry frowned. "But that means Kreacher can't pause. He has to act the moment he arrives. In his present emotional state do you think he can be that fast or even be willing to risk his life to do it at all? After all, he no longer has any ties and you say Dobby is concerned about his mental state."

Snape sighed and nodded. "Yes, that is of concern to me as well but what else can we do? We have no idea where the group is and we have no time for a prolonged search. After all, the Aurors and the Order have been looking for them for months without luck. Only Kreacher has the chance to find them and take them. We just have to hope he'll take this chance to redeem himself for his sake and ours."

Both Draco and Harry felt uneasy about this step but Severus was right, what else could they do but hope. But relying on a house elf that had been on the side of evil for so long to do something for the opposite side that could cost him his life was a lot to base their hopes on.

"Well nothing to do but pray there is some redeeming quality within Kreacher that will let him do this," Harry said soberly.

"As do we all," Snape agreed.

Silence except for the crackling of the fire and the snow shushing off the roof filled the cozy cabin for a little while.

Eventually, they said their farewells, cleaned up their presence, then individually made their way back to the castle and their after lunch chores. It would be a at least days or weeks before they could once again meet.