OLD MAGIC
Chapter 67: First Mission Completed
As Snape walked Madame Bones to the gates he remembered the message he was supposed to deliver to her. "Madame Bones, I nearly forgot that I had intended to see you today to brief you on how you'll be transported to the Elder Headquarters."
"Oh? Then I am glad you remembered." She paused at the gates and eyed him questioningly.
"There is a spelled device the Dwarves have developed that is, I'm told, much more efficient and secure than port keys. I will be receiving ten of these devices and a Dwarf for each one. Though the devices have been tested, the Dwarves insist on monitoring their use to ensure there will be no problems and fix any that might occur. After all, we do want to ensure everyone is transported safely."
"Ah, well, good reason for them to be along. My only question now is where I should I establish a staging area for my people. I assume you have that covered as well?"
Snape nodded. "The place I have in mind is unplottable and perfect for our needs. Queerditch Marsh." Her eyes widened a moment in surprise at the location but she remained silent and waited for what else he might have to say.
"I'll give you the coordinates so you can pass it along to your agents. It's important you take a head count, insuring all are present, then break them into groups of ten. A Dwarf will join each group. You and I will tag-a-long on one of them. As the Elder Council leader has ordered, we leave at precisely nine."
"An excellent plan and location. I commend you," she said bobbing her head briefly at him. "I take it the Order will be gathering and departing from that mansion of theirs, yes?"
Snape nodded.
"Good! What time do you intend to join us?"
"Hopefully, by eight-thirty, if I'm not held up by problems," he promised.
"Understood. See you on Monday then Professor Snape." Giving him a brief smile, she slipped through the gates and apparated away.
Since he was out and about already and had the time, Snape decided to go to see Blayrock and Jason. The half-giant was going to be thrilled by the news of the inner circle's capture.
Smiling broadly, he stepped through the gates and apparated. Upon his arrival, he was met by security. Due to the need to control the comings and goings of so many people, it had been decided a central point for apparition would be set up in the foyer of the Elder Headquarters. It was a rather large, white featureless, room just off the foyer entrance ... perfect for what was needed. On his arrival, his identity was confirmed quickly, then he was directed to meet Jason in the strategy room ... no surprise there.
Hurrying off, he was soon striding into the busy command center and heading for the huge conference table where Jason was in discussion with a few other councilors. The half-giant spotted him and pointed at the seat next to him. Snape quickly hurried across the space, dodging people going about their business, taking the seat and nodding at the others sitting there. Aestra sat at the end of the table with Annis Black. On the other side of Jason was his secretary, Draylin, and next to him were Blodrig and Magorian, who stood hipshot with arms crossed over his chest, his horsy body turned against the table so no one would run into him.
Snape noted how tired Jason looked. Dark rings pulled the skin below his expressive eyes and his mouth drooped. The news he brought should lift the half-giant's spirits.
"What brings you here this evening, Severus? Something momentous I hope?" Jason asked, a smile tugging at his lips.
"Definitely momentous, Jason," Snape said giving the leader a broad smile which had everyone at the table perking up with excitement. "We weren't able to inform you of this information at the time as things were moving too fast. Here's at least the gist of my message ... there was the sudden arrival of an outsider house elf named Kreacher a night ago. There's an interesting story surround his appearance but it's more important that you know that Dobby managed to convince Kreacher to volunteer to be summoned again by Bellatrix who had sent him to Hogwarts in the first place. The elf was instructed to immediately capture the inner circle upon his arrival, snapping them into cells within the Dark Tower of Hogwarts. It was very successful. Only one managed to slip the noose, Lucius Malfoy. He'd apparently escaped just before the capture went down. But his freedom was short. Dobby was asked to track him and Rookwood, a Death Eater who has been missing since Voldemort's original death. Malfoy was quickly taken but Rookwood will take a bit longer according to Dobby. But he has promised the enemy would be captured before this evening."
A loud cheer greeted his news. Jason was grinning broadly and gave Snape a friendly, but gentle slap to the back.
"That be excellent news indeed. We can now move forward," Jason said, pleased at this new development and the bloodless capture of the enemy. It bode a very good start in ending the war the same way. "However, since it be late to do much about that news tonight, I would like very much to hear the back story behind this House Elf's defection and decision to aid the light in such a dangerous mission. Though house elves be brave creatures, they aren't known to volunteer for something that has nothing to do with whom they owe allegiance."
Relaxing now that he had relayed the most important part of his message, Snape settled into telling the whole story of the house elf's involvement, starting with Kreacher's Hogwarts appearance, who sent him, and the subsequent actions that occurred from that point on. All at the table were glued to his story, no one interrupted.
"Well, well, what an amazing tale. Thank you for relaying it to us. And, as for this act of heroism by Kreacher, I think we can all agree it goes far toward his making amends for his part in working for the enemy and earning our trust. I believe there will be a place for him here if he desires it," Jason said. The councilors around him were nodding or shouting their endorsement of the brave little house elf. Snape sighed in relief that the elf would be treated fairly and find a better life here.
"Though slow you be in realizing a house elf's worth, at least you be smart enough to switch your thinking with this wonderful result," Magorian added his own thankfulness to the bravery of a house elf. "Methinks, this be a good omen that the rest of our plans will be just as successful, he added"
That sparked a roar of approval, with broad smiles on most faces and slaps to the table in joyful agreement that the first step of the war, the capture of the inner circle was completed so swiftly.
"So what disposition of the prisoners has Madame Bones settled on?" Jason asked when things quieted down a bit, concerned about just how secure were the prisoners at the moment.
"She has asked and been granted permission by Headmaster Dumbledore to leave them in the Dark Tower of Hogwarts with Hogwarts and house elves on watch duty," Snape told him. "Their wands have been confiscated and none possess wandless magic."
"Excellent and no one knows about them being captured except for you, the Headmaster of Hogwarts, Madame Bones, Dobby, Kreacher, and Hagrid, yes?"
"That's correct, sir."
"Brilliant! Then we can move onto our next step which is meeting the rest of our allies and integrating them within our army, the cleansing of Hogwarts, and setting the date and time of our attack on the Ministry of Magic's Death Eaters. And, last of all, regroup to take out the army before they learn of their leaders capture. These last steps must be handled quietly, efficiently, and, above all, swiftly," Jason summed up.
Another roar of agreement went up among those listening and by the techs and auxiliary personnel hanging about.
Focusing his attention once more on Snape, Jason raised a questioning eyebrow. "I feel you still may have business with me, eh?"
"Well not you exactly ... I need to speak with Blayrock but I see he's not here among you," Snape said, looking around for the Dwarf.
"That be because he is very busy making those spelled devices before Monday's deadline. Since I dare not pull him away from that important task, you may relay your message through me. I will be sure he hears it," Jason assured him.
Snape nodded. "Thank you, sir. I have the information Blayrock required for number of devices needed and locations for their delivery. The Order of the Phoenix will only require one device and they will gather within their meeting place at No. 12 Grimmauld Place, London on Monday." Snape paused to ask, "Do you want me to escort the Dwarves to these locations or have a house elf take them?"
Jason thought a moment before answering then said, "I believe it will be more efficient if our house elves take on the task. You will be far too busy, Severus."
Snape nodded. "Good, then all you need is the location for the Aurors. I am having them meet at Queerditch Marsh. Madame Bones will take a head count to ensure her people have all arrived then separate them into groups of ten. That means ten devices and Dwarves. I will be transporting in one of those groups with her."
Jason looked surprised. Snape shrugged and gave a deprecating smile. "I wanted to test this method of transport for myself." The leader gave a sharp laugh at that admission.
"Good idea. I haven't had the opportunity meself to test it so, please, let me know how it went for you," Jason requested. He turned to make sure Draylin, his secretary had gotten all the information needed before turning back to Snape. "Thank you for getting that all arranged, Severus. If there be nothing else …." he eyed the potion's professor a moment. It was obvious, he was pressed to finish the evening's business Snape had interrupted.
Snape shook his head. "Good, then we be seeing you on Monday," Jason said with a wave of his hand before turning back to his council. But before he had a chance to say anything, Snape, who had risen to leave, suddenly halted as a thought occurred to him. He swiftly regained the leader's attention.
"Your pardon, Jason, but I just had a brilliant idea that I need your permission for," he interrupted yet again.
Surprised, Jason and the others paused to eye him questioningly.
"Does the cleansing of Hogwarts need to wait at all?"
Magorian frowned at him in confusion, "What?"
"Hogwarts is remote enough that no one but the students would be aware of what is planned so it seems more expedient to get the cleansing done now rather than days later." Stunned looks greeted his suggestion. Snape plowed hurriedly on before any could respond. "We put the students on lock down with no contact with the outside world. This means the public will not find out about what is happening until we decide that. The house elves are already poised to take action as soon as we give the order. The corrupted are all students except for one adult, that we know of. We also have the capability of keeping them sequestered and monitored away from the rest. Also, the Hogwarts House Elf leader, Firg, has already insisted he would be responsible for the punishment of those few corrupted house elves found. That is true of the leader for the ministry elves as well.
"Wait, you not be thinking to incarcerate children?" Aestra objected, sharply, focusing on that part of the cleansing.
"No, Dumbledore and I have been planning a new method of dealing with children who have turned to the dark but only because of the influence of their parents," Snape soothed her quickly.
"And what plan could this be?" She demanded, undeterred.
"We give them a choice … return to their parents and be expelled from Hogwarts or remain at school under our protection temporarily. And, for those that do choose to go home we leave them an escape clause. If home is a threat to them, they may request removal and a house elf will instantly return them to Hogwarts. Others that aren't sure of their reception from their parents can go home and see if things will be well. If not, they too can request rescue. All of these students that make the choice to return will be given the option to cut ties with home and request sanctuary from Hogwarts. We are working to build a legal defense that allows Hogwarts to become a foster home for those displaced students. They would become wards of a guardianship program we will set up to take care of their needs until they graduate. We see this as an opportunity to save our children. With so much loss due to the war, we can ill afford to toss any child out for things in their life they had no control over," Snape said passionately.
The council stared at him in utter astonishment. It was Jason who finally broke the stunned silence.
"Severus, that is an amazingly benevolent and forward thinking solution to saving these children. You are right. Putting them in prison wont help them nor will sending them back into the care of abusive guardians. I hope you and the Hogwarts staff are able to pull this miracle off," Jason said warmly but with some reservation. It was an ambitious plan they were attempting and many things could go wrong trying to implement it.
"Aye, I agree. It's a wonderful thing you wish to do. Children are precious and any effort is worth it if it may save them to become worthwhile adults," Aestra said, pleased at such an audacious plan. It wasn't something she would have thought of under the circumstances.
"Well, that all be for later. Right now, Council, what say you on an immediate cleansing at Hogwarts?" Jason asked of the members watching and listening intently.
"I see no problem with that suggestion, Jason," Magorian spoke up first.
"Nay, nor do I," Blodrig put in his opinion.
"I too concur with this suggestion. It would mean more people can be sent to the Ministry cleansing instead," Aestra pointed out.
Jason nodded. "That be certainly true, Aestra." He turned back to Snape. "Severus, you have the permission of the council to initiate the cleansing of Hogwarts as swiftly as that can be done. So when do ye think you can get it done then?"
Snape hadn't quite got that far and had to think a moment about the logistics of it all. Finally, he said, hesitantly, "Obviously, I need to speak to Dumbledore, Fawkes, Hagrid, the teachers, and Firg on the plan, coordination, and day and time for the effort. I dare say, with so few students involved, I do not believe we need more than a day to get it done ... tomorrow morning perhaps or the following morning."
"Brilliant and well thought out. I agree with you that, barring any unforeseen mishap, the cleansing shouldn't take long at all. But, remember to get a report off to us on how it went when you are done," Jason said in approval.
"Of course, sir. Thank you, everyone. We will have them all by week's end for certain," Snape assured him. "I will take my leave then. See you on Monday."
Jason nodded and smiled as did the rest of the council.
With barely restrained excitement in his step, Snape couldn't wait to tell Dumbledore and Hagrid they could move forward in cleansing Hogwarts of the enemy by end of this weekend. The finish line was almost in sight. He apparated home.
Dinner was being served when he got back to Hogwarts and since his stomach was complaining, he strode into the great hall, children's voices filling the air as he went up to the teacher's table and to his seat. Food appeared promptly before him and he quickly focused his attention on it.
At the Gryffindor table, Harry noted Snape's late arrival but decided not to disturb the professor with questions. A feeling of excitement grew within him making him think something momentous was about to happen this weekend. He wished he knew what it was but suspected he wouldn't find out for a while yet. Sighing inwardly he applied himself to his food just as the professor was doing.
When dinner was finished and the students were streaming to their dorms and other pursuits, Snape quickly caught up with Dumbledore as the man headed toward his office.
"I have something to discuss with you," Snape said, coming up on the headmaster's left side. Dumbledore eyed him in surprise but nodded and continued on to his office.
Snape then spotted Hagrid just heading for the great doors. He quickly mentally hailed the half-giant," Hagrid, come with us!" Hagrid's head turned to see him then changed direction and joined the pair as they reached the gargoyle.
Once inside the headmaster's office Snape immediately launched into what he had asked of Jason.
"When I finished briefing Jason about the transport for Monday it occurred to me that we shouldn't wait to do our cleansing of Hogwarts. My reasoning was we have fewer spies and could have the house elves take them now. Jason and a few others of the council that was there agreed this would be a good idea. This would have the additional benefit of freeing up you, me, Hagrid, and Dobby for the clean out of the Ministry as there are more infiltrators and traitors there than here. And, I don't think I mentioned this, but Fawkes informed me that Firg has made it clear they will take care of their own wayward house elves not the Aurors. That includes Jeg at the ministry."
"Oh, well that's the first time I have heard such a thing from house elves but I wont say they haven't the right," Dumbledore said. "And your suggestion to move forward with our own cleansing is brilliant. I concur that this would be a more efficient use of our manpower. I take it you have a time table of when you want to do this?" Dumbledore was very pleased to be doing something constructive than sitting around waiting which had grown quite tedious.
"I thought tomorrow morning?" Snape suggested. "We need to gather the teachers for a quick meeting in the room of requirement tonight and bring them up to date. If we expect them to keep the students on lock down at Hogwarts then we need them to be aware what has been going on. Besides, once our cleansing is done it shouldn't be too many days before the next stage of the operation will be accomplished. And that might be quicker than we first thought because of the capture of the inner circle and now our own cleansing completed this weekend."
"It's a good plan and I'm with you on it except ... where do you intend to imprison the guilty children?" Hagrid asked, concerned.
"Since we have no intention of locking them up, I thought it would make sense to turn the room of requirement into a dorm with house elves as guards. The students would be presented with the choice you and I worked up headmaster, then allow them to think about it as we can't let them go home anyway until the operation is completely over and it's mostly safe for them to go or they learn they have no home to go to," Snape recommended. "And the only adult can be put in the tower as there are a couple of cells left."
Dumbledore frowned in thought. He walked up to his desk and dropped into his seat. He went over Severus' idea but couldn't find any real objections nor flaws in it.
He sighed and nodded. Suddenly, Fawkes sang out. Both Hagrid and Snape turned to him and listened.
"Plan you have, Severus, be excellent and well thought out. I concur that tomorrow be advantageous giving time to plan and brief everyone needed for this action. The children will need to be sent to their houses after breakfast and have their Heads of House be their guard so children don't go off wandering. Head count should be taken and most importantly, insure all familiars are accounted for … no leaks do we need from those familiars that are on the side of darkness. Firg can aid in this as well. Need to be sure none escape net and give secret action away to the enemy. Give me a time you wish to do this and I will relay to Firg.
Snape responded, "Those are good suggestions, thank you. We will do that after meeting with the teachers. Do you wish to attend too?"
"Nay, I be with Firg preparing," Fawkes demurred.
Snape nodded then he and Hagrid turned to Dumbledore. He quickly relayed Fawkes' suggestions. "I will need a sub for my house though. You have anyone that will be suitable, sir?"
Dumbledore didn't answer Snape immediately as he eyed his bird with only a small amount of annoyance but had no real objections to the Phoenix's suggestions. "You are wise and those are excellent suggestions, Fawkes. But there is one thing missing from them. I require the list of those identified so I don't make the mistake of informing someone that might be on it when I brief my staff."
Fawkes gave an irritated chirp, wings spread. "My apologizes, familiar. That I did not think to remember you would require this. Get you the list immediately I will." Snape translated.
"Good, thank you. At least now I feel like I am contributing rather than just following," Dumbledore snorted in good humor then turned to Severus to answer his question. "I will decide on your sub at the staff meeting," he told the potion's master. Snape nodded. Over all, Albus was pleased by this plan of action but before he could say anything more, Hagrid interrupted.
"The suggestions are good but there is one area we haven't covered … the perimeter of the school. Though a head count is good there still be a chance one manages to slip away or a familiar does the same. Though none should escape the house elves notice it stills pays to err on the side of caution. This be too important for errors now. If yeu have no objection, headmaster, I would like my friend Thiralon to do a fly over to check for any escapees that might try to slip through. I also strongly recommend the owlery be locked so no owls leave," Hagrid urged.
"Thank you that is indeed something we should have considered," Dumbledore nodded, thankful Hagrid had noted this hole in their plans. "Yes, please do that. Which I think means you intend to be part of that outside perimeter. I would like to add Firenze too."
Hagrid nodded. "Good idea, sir. Yes I did intend to do the outside guarding and Firenze is a good addition as he isn't as useful in the castle."
"Seems as if we have covered everything. I will send a summons to everyone to meet tonight at seven pm in the room of requirements. Tomorrow will see an end to this part of the operation. I will see you both later."
Smiling with pleasure and excitement Hagrid and Snape left Dumbledore for their own quarters. Fawkes disappeared to speak to Firg.
As soon as he left the castle, Hagrid immediately set out for the forest. Only going about two miles, he gave a high whistle and waited. Ten minutes later a huge, graceful Hippogriff landed before him. Thiralon bowed and Hagrid bowed back before he quickly explained what he needed.
"I need yeu to be my eyes in the sky, old friend. Make sure no one gets past our outside guard to escape Hogwarts proper. There be a few we need to take into custody but yeu know children, they be sneaky and there be the familiars as well."
The Hippogriff gave his version of an amused snort and a nod. Hagrid smiled.
"Are you willing to do this for me?"
Thiralon trumpeted his agreement, nearly rising on his hind feet in his excitement.
"Excellent! Then I will see yeu tomorrow morning when the sun clears the forest and hits the highest towers, my friend."
Trumpeting again, the Hippogriff nodded its head in agreement before opening its wings and running until his pinions caught the thermals and he lifted into the sky once more.
True to his word, Fawkes got the list from Firg. The house elf leader was excited they were finally putting an end to the danger within the school at last.
"This be great news, my friend. Impatient to finish this part of war we be here. Plans for attack be excellent but one change I must make to them."
"What be that?" Fawkes asked, surprised.
"All house elves that have been corrupted will be collected tonight, no wait for tomorrow. They be faster at escaping and if they learn they are being hunted they run and they might tell their contacts within and without the school that we are on to them giving the enemy wizards a chance to evade our net," Firg warned.
Fawkes made a disgusted sound in his chest. "Smart you be Firg. Ruin our plans this would cause and that must not happen. Do what you need to do to remove that threat immediately. Have place for their prison?"
Firg gave the Phoenix a grim look. "There be only fifteen involved with the enemy. Of them only five are redeemable and will be rehabilitated but the rest..." he didn't finish his sentence but Fawkes understood his meaning.
"Understood. You only can decide. They be your people. So you have place for those you intend healing? And please notify me when you finish your work so I may pass it onto my familiar, yes?"
"Of course. Ones we keep will be locked up in safe room we know in castle. Do not concern yourself about them. Whole action should be no more than an hour or so once I collect my hunters. With them secured, my hunters will meet in Room of Requirement for meeting with teachers tonight so they be knowing who is taking and watching children," Firg promised.
"That be good. How many are you providing? I know you must maintain a working force to keep the children safe."
"Need only twenty for collecting those on lists and another twenty to do sweeps to ensure cleansing be thorough. Assume I do that children will be kept to dorms, no contact with outside, no owls or other familiars allowed to depart, yes?"
"Will you be able to keep familiars under control and within the castle?" Fawkes counter asked.
"Aye, easily."
Fawkes nodded. "Yes, my familiar intends to lock down the school and during hunt children will be confined to their houses with House Leaders watching. Familiars added to lock down and head count. We want to ensure our little warriors, who feel they need to aid us, are discouraged from doing so," The Phoenix gave a trill of amusement.
Firg chuckled. "Oh aye, think of one or two can I that would definitely want to be at front of battle line." Then his ugly face grew serious again. "But confine one in particular, absolutely, must be done though angry he will be. Suggest Dobby be required to guard Harry Potter. Our savior he be and his life must not be risked."
"Not like he will listen, but you be correct. Make him understand I will. Thank you. Hear from you later," Fawkes ended their conversation and disappeared taking a copy of the precious list with him.
He appeared not in the headmaster's office but in an empty dorm room on a particular bed. He sent a message out mentally then waited. Wine had seen him and joined him on the bed and the pair traded information while the Phoenix waited.
Harry arrived in the Gryffindor dorm after working in the library, weary from doing more than two feet of homework for potions, so was startled to find Fawkes and Wine sitting on his bed seemingly waiting for him. Immediately a knock hit his mental shield and it could only be Fawkes since he wasn't expecting a call from Snape.
"Yes Fawkes?"
"Harry Potter, have message I wish to convey to you. Please heed and obey." The Phoenix didn't wait for Harry to respond before continuing, "A mission is being planned for tomorrow morning. All students will be required to remain in their dorms during it and that means especially you. Dobby will be asked to guard you during that time. No argument will be accepted. You are too important to the future of wizard kind to be risked in a simple cleansing."
Harry stared at Fawkes with a mix of surprise and annoyance. "Then the mission is moving ahead with the cleansing of Hogwarts. That's brilliant. But there was no need to protect me over everyone else. I promise I will not step outside the Gryffindor common room. I well understand I would be more of a detriment than a help for something like this. I am only glad it is finally being done."
"Thank you for your understanding and willingness to remain safe. Yes, progress is welcome and leads to more very soon. Those involved now will be available for cleansing of the Ministry of Magic next which is why Hogwarts is being done now. I must go. Sleep well." Fawkes vanished
Harry smiled and sighed, he sat on his bed and petted Wine. "Finally, things are moving ahead. It looks like people will feel safe once more and maybe will be open to what the Elder Council wants the government to listen to them about. At least one can hope." Wine just meowed his agreement.