The Vow And Its Consequences
Chapter 39
It felt like days to Severus as he waited for the others to return, an hour into reading the First Grade Potions text Harry had fallen asleep. He had continued reading it just to make sure Harry was properly asleep for ten minutes before putting it aside and summoning a book he was in the process of reading and that's what he did, read, that is until the others returned. He was extremely pleased to see them; waiting for word had been extremely long and excruciating even reading an interesting tome to take his mind off the matter at hand. None of their expressions gave away the results, if anything they just looked exhausted.
"How did it go?" Severus enquired, sitting up straighter as he placed the book aside on the table next to the one he'd read from earlier. "Sit down, do you wish for some refreshments?"
"Do you want the pensive memory or just the short version?" Lucius asked, taking a seat his lips quirking just slightly at the sight of Harry curled up over his dragon fast asleep. It was odd to think just a few months ago Harry had been so much smaller and shorter than Draco despite them both being the same age. He was catching up, as evidence by the fact when Draco had been there hadn't been too much of a noticeable difference in either of them.
"I wouldn't mind a cuppa, Severus," Minerva admitted, both Remus and Sirius nodded in silent agreement
"Both," Severus replied immediately. "Flippy? Bring up some refreshments for all of us," he said after a seconds pause until the House-elf showed up.
"Yes Sir!" Flippy chirped disappearing on the spot to do as asked.
"Good news is that he got a prison sentence," Lucius started off with that, it was good, he was glad the older wizard's reputation was ripped to shreds and he was going to Azkaban where he deserved. He was extremely vexed that it wasn't as long as he'd hoped, especially after sitting on a cold hard bench in the Ministry of magic for hours. Sure it had been fun watching the chaos to start with, but it had gotten boring quickly.
"And the bad news?" Severus demanded his tone low so he didn't wake Harry up, he didn't even blink when the platter of food and drink appeared on the table in the middle of the room. He was expecting them to tell him Dumbledore only got one or two years in Azkaban or something, judging by the statement Lucius gave.
"He only got thirteen years," Lucius ground out through gritted teeth, "If you hadn't actually found Harry…he would be responsible for his death, he placed him there and prevented him being taken by the Muggle authorities multiple times. Stopped him being saved by anyone that had his best interests at heart…and he's only going to suffer for thirteen years." oh, he was more than angry he was frothing at the mouth. If that had been his son…he would have wanted proper justice. The only reason it was so 'lenient' was because they couldn't find Harry's body, they had no solid proof of his death and they feared they never would. Harry deserved a proper burial, as far as they were concerned, to be laid to rest beside his parents and given a proper send off.
Sirius paled at the words, vividly reminded by what he had seen in the pensive, he'd sat through the entire meeting being restrained by Remus furious beyond words, but he'd behaved himself - Harry's new life had relied on it. He hated the fact Harry hadn't warmed up to him, he'd loved him when he was young, used to squeal whenever he was around absolutely loved being with 'Padfoot'. He was trying to be patient though, trying to give Harry the time he needed to come around but it was the most difficult thing he'd ever had to endure. Hell Azkaban had been a cakewalk compared to seeing his own godson scared witless of him.
"Good," Severus replied relaxing somewhat.
"Wa…good?" Lucius' face morphed into one of shocked disbelief, so caught off guard that he'd actually stuttered for the first time in a very long time.
"Harry will have graduated from Hogwarts by then, legally an adult; there is absolutely nothing he can do, that is if he survives the hell in there. With all he's done, whether it's his greater good or not, the Dementors will feed from it and with some luck he will die after a few years locked up in there." Severus said vindictively.
"You are alright with this?" Minerva asked in surprise.
"Honestly? Yes, I was expecting a suspended sentence or forced house arrest I didn't think they'd really sentence him." Severus admitted his deepest fear. "As I said the sentence he'll serve will ensure Harry's an adult and safe from him. When and if he gets out there will be nothing he can do - even if he miraculously retains a support base."
"I suppose it is better than it could have turned out to be," Remus sighed, rubbing at his face. He couldn't believe how calm Snape was being over this; they'd all expected him to be furious over the verdict. Was he hiding his true feelings? No, he wasn't one to do that sort of thing - well unless Harry was around these days Remus silently supposed. Harry was asleep right now so maybe he actually was?
"Do you have a vial, Severus?" Lucius enquired, he had other things that needed his urgent attention so he couldn't remain for long today.
"Accio vial!" Severus whispered but no less determinedly, then whistling could be heard before the vial ran with a smack into Severus' open hand before his fingers closed around it keeping it secure in his hand. He absently added a stronger non-breaking charm to it before handing it over to Lucius.
Lucius removed the memory, using his wand to guide the misty floating fluid into the small vial before sealing it closed.
"Are you sure you're okay?" Minerva asked again cautiously, it just wasn't like Severus…unless Harry truly had changed him.
"I'm just glad its over," Severus stated, accepting the vial back, amused by their antics, it was as if they expected him to explode, Dumbledore was out of the way, Harry was safe from his manipulation way into adulthood and by then he would be well aware of Dumbledore's disreputable character and would know better than to believe anything the old fool said or did. "Harry is safe that is the most important thing right now." he glanced over at the sleeping child. He'd loved Lily, unrequited the way he wished, and when she'd had that baby, he'd been so envious; it could have been his if he had spoken up or actually shut up and not called her that foul loathsome name. Who would have thought that he'd adopt Harry? He certainly hadn't seen it coming a mile away but having Harry in his life now, he was glad for that. The best thing of all there was no way anyone would suspect he would take Harry Potter in. The hatred he'd felt for James Potter was too well known in all circles. "Has he been sent straight to Azkaban or has he been given the opportunity of speaking to his brother before being transported?"
"Aberforth did not attend," Sirius admitted it was one of the things he'd allowed himself to be distracted about. "Now that Dumbledore is gone…we should focus on the last thing needed for Harry to be safe."
"Voldemort's main soul piece," Remus asked and Sirius nodded in confirmation.
"One thing at a time, lad," Minerva said, "At least let us feel a small sense of success."
"I trust you were made Headmistress?" Severus asked realizing he hadn't thought to enquire earlier. The Ministry might insist on interfering with Dumbledore out of the way. He sincerely hoped that wasn't the case, even if it was he would be fired anyway, which was what he wanted, out of his contract.
"Yes," Minerva answered immediately giving a strict nod. "The first thing I'm going to do is get you out of your contract don't worry. Although it's going to be difficult getting teachers especially so close to Hogwarts starting back up. Hopefully Filius will help with the interviews and we can come up with a few possible candidates."
"If you will, do not put advertisements in the Daily Prophet. Those worthy of the position of teaching children do not look for jobs in the pathetic selection that newspaper has to offer. Use the Transfiguration monthly and the Potioneer magazines it will ensure all those that apply are aptly qualified for the positions." Lucius said smoothly, giving up his advice on how best to get the best candidates.
"The only decent advertisement in the Daily Prophet are the ones for Ministry positions, even then half the idiots that show up aren't even slightly qualified. I remember I had half a dozen interviews for new recruits, most of them didn't even have the necessary N.E.W.T's to get accepted." Sirius agreed grudgingly more put out by the fact it was Malfoy giving sound advice than anything else.
"Both magazines are due out in two days, you have enough time to get a slot before the weekend," Severus pointed out, he knew both magazines but rarely bought Transfiguration monthly, now Potioneer was definitely something he bought.
"That's right, they do," Minerva nodded, her subscription was due in two days time, she had to get a letter to both magazines off tonight.
"I'm heading to the Auror office; I want to find out what kind of investigating they did on Voldemort after…what happened." Sirius stated he wasn't going to rest until Voldemort was dead; he wasn't going to let anything risk his godson whether Harry hated him or not didn't come into it.
"And you think you'll be able to get the files?" Severus asked sardonically.
"I still have friends in the department, one of them is family, and I'll get the information one way or another." Sirius told him with determination.
"Is is possible the Auror's actually got anywhere? Surely they wouldn't know something and continue the lie that Voldemort was dead if he wasn't!" Remus was aghast at the thought.
"Who knows? Any of the really decent Aurors ended up dead, retired, in Azkaban…or worse," Sirius' voice wobbled thinking of the Longbottoms. They had been very good people, they certainly hadn't deserved what had happened to them. "Moody might even know something." that was someone else he was surprised that hadn't shown up. Moody had been good friends with Dumbledore, he'd either been too paranoid to attend or he was too ashamed by his association of him? Hopefully he would be able to cough up some useful information.
"Then do it," Severus stated sharply, it looked as if he wasn't going to stop anyway, and he wanted to savour this small victory before worrying about a disembodied Dark Lord. That's not to say he wasn't worried, he was, twenty-four seven.
Sirius stared surprised by the words, "Alright," he retorted standing up; he knew when he wasn't wanted.
"I'll come," Remus added hastily, also standing. "We'll be by later."
"I must take my leave also, Severus, I have letters of advertisements to write, and a new deputy to appoint." Minerva admitted.
"I also," Lucius said bemused. "I'm sure you've got a pensive memory to view."
"I won't be going in while I'm on my own, I cannot risk Harry wakening up and thinking he's alone." Severus shook his head, standing up being a proper host. "I'll see you all soon."
"You will, I'll be back to see Harry soon," Minerva promised. She wasn't going to let her godson think for a second she was abandoning him.
"Draco is looking forward to their play date; I have a funny feeling he will be demanding them constantly soon enough." Lucius chuckled in dry amusement, and what his son wanted…he got. Well as long as it didn't interfere with his education that he wouldn't condone or allow.
"As long as Harry is fine with that then I see no problem with it," Severus smiled, he was very glad that his godson and son were getting on. It could be the beginnings of a beautiful friendship as long as Draco didn't get too demanding with Harry until he grew into his own and actually said no or whatever when they were playing and it wasn't something Harry wanted to do. If anything Draco might help Harry come further out of his shell.
"It did go well," Minerva admitted as they waited for Sirius and Remus to Floo away leaving the network open for Lucius. She never thought she'd see the day where she was actually on friendly terms with the Malfoy family; they were a motley bunch for damn sure.
"You'll let me know if they find anything?" Lucius asked, standing in the fireplace, still looking regal despite the fact he was squashed into a small enclosed dirty fireplace.
"You'll be the first," Severus told Lucius honestly.
"I better be the second," Minerva warned him, as the fireplace flared to life after both men had given nods goodbye.
"Of course," Severus agreed, "But the chances…" he trailed off not needing to say anything.
"I agree." Minerva nodded her agreement. The chances were pretty damn slim or the Auror's would have taken that chance of hunting him down while he was weakened beyond belief. They wouldn't wait until he was back and wreaking havoc on the magical world once more.
Unbeknown to them, they were in for a rude awakening by the information they would soon receive.
There we go short I know for some reason i'm not getting out the chapters in the lengths i'm used to hopefully that will change! so what information will they get? have the aurors buried the information? or has Dumbledore ensured it remained hidden and Sirius able to find it? R&R PLEASE