Bunny: Snape threatens Harry with Veritaserum and Harry takes him up on it.

"Do you know what this is. Potter?" Snape said, his eyes glittering dangerously again.

"No," said Harry, with complete honesty this time.

"It is Veritaserum - a Truth Potion so powerful that three drops would have you spilling your innermost secrets for this entire class to hear," said Snape viciously. "Now, the use of this potion is controlled by very strict Ministry guidelines. But unless you watch your step, you might just find that my hand slips" - he shook the crystal bottle slightly - "right over your evening pumpkin juice. And then, Potter . . . then we'll find out whether you've been in my office or not."

Harry walked back toward the Gryffindor common room, thinking about Snape's threat. Would that be so bad? The only thing he was worried talking about was Sirius, but if there was some control in place … suddenly he had an idea.

He turned the other way and rushed to the one place Hermione would be: The library.

Harry rushed in and said in a harsh whisper, "Hermione!"

Hermione turned and saw a very agitated Harry. "Shhh! What is it?" she whispered.

"I need some help understanding magical contracts … and the laws on the restrictions on Veritaserum."

Hermione looked at Harry with a confused expression but immediately went to retrieve the books she had found earlier in the year after Harry's name came from the Goblet of Fire.

Severus Snape sat within his quarters, sipping brandy and reviewing a rare potions text. He was first and foremost a Potions Master – and one did not stay ahead without continuous effort.

Suddenly, there was a knock on the door. He seriously considered ignoring it, but in the end he put his book aside, pushed his brandy further away so as not to spill it, and got up to answer the door.

Upon opening it, he saw a robed Auror standing there. As a former Death Eater, this triggered a deep uneasiness which he made every effort to hide. "Yes?"

"Good evening, Potions Master Snape. The DMLE has been sent a request which requires your expertise. May I come in?"

Snape nodded and backed away to allow the man entrance.

"Please have a seat. Brandy?" Snape asked.

The man shook his head. "No, but thank you. My name is Kingsley Shacklebolt, Senior Auror. The Director of the DMLE received an unusual request. Did you recently review the properties of the Veritaserum potion with your fourth-year students?"

Snape stilled for a moment. "A passing comment during a lesson. It was used as an example in one of my lessons."

Kingsley nodded. "I see. And did you offer to allow Mr. Harry Potter to be questioned as regards possible illegal activity at Hogwarts? Something about potions ingredients?"

Snape really was uncomfortable. "I explained the potion to make an attempt to … enlighten the students regarding a few potions ingredients that have recently come up missing. Mr. Potter has a history of rule-breaking. However, I did not actually use the potion – nor did I demand he take it. It is, after all, restricted."

"Yes. Of course. However, Mr. Potter – after consideration – requested that you be allowed to question him using the potion as regards this matter and other previous concerns that you have voiced as regards his activities. Under Wizengamot 346.34, Veritaserum may be employed in an investigation – provided that the limits of its use are strictly set and agreed to prior to its use." Kingsley paused. "Why he would subject himself willingly is a question Madam Bones was curious about – but it is within his right to request."

Snape sat back, inwardly cursing the sudden elation he felt at the thought. The idea of having Potter under full control was a delicious thought. "And what would be the limitations?"

"Well, there will be a set of strictly defined questions asked. You are free to come up with up to twenty questions. Mr. Potter would also be free to come up with up to twenty questions. Once the Director has reviewed the questions, a contract will be put into place which will magically bind both yourself and Mr. Potter. You will ask the questions – all the questions and no additional ones – and Mr. Potter will be obligated under contract to allow this."

Severus Snape was inwardly feeling glee – even if no one would be able to detect it. "And where would this questioning take place?"

Kingsley paused. "Well, it would be done after dinner in the Great Hall. No student or visitor would be either forced to attend or denied attendance. The limitation on the questioning is only to ensure that no questions would be asked which might put him into jeopardy."

Snape gave every indication of thoughtful reluctance – even if it was an act. "I am not certain that it would be in his best interest. Some of my questions might be … uncomfortable."

Kingsley nodded. "That was understood. Mr. Potter was very specific in his inquiry and his request. He was certain that your viewpoint was emblematic of what he wished to answer."

Snape sat back and then nodded. "When would the questions be needed for review?"

"You can owl me by this Friday – or put them together now. It's up to you. A neutral party will review them to ensure there are no security concerns and then you will get a chance to review the changes. You will not see the questions he supplies until the questioning takes place, and he will not see your questions."

Snape had a twinge of concern. Nobody opened themselves up that much willingly – there had to be a trap. However, he KNEW that the boy had no cunning – so he would be very sure that he would use this opportunity to show the dunderhead's adoring public exactly what he was.

Snape said, "I will have the questions delivered by Friday next."

Severus Snape reviewed the questions that he had been sent back. He was somewhat disappointed that the questions as regards Black's escape had been altered due to security concerns – but he was overjoyed that the questions he had carefully worded to destroy the boy's image were unchanged. He hid his unholy glee – it would not do to allow the DMLE representatives to see that.

He returned the note acknowledging receipt and prepared himself. It was a Hogsmeade weekend and the contract would be completed in a private room in the Three Broomsticks. He mentally prepared himself to not allow his emotions to be visible.

He would be vindicated!

The next morning, he carefully excused himself from any staff obligations by informing Minerva that he had personal business to attend to and he wouldn't be available until 1:00.

At 11:30, he knocked on the door to the private room. The door opened and Severus saw several people inside. The Director of the DMLE was present, as were the Auror and the brat himself. Also present was a Gringotts goblin.

The goblin was the one to address him. "Severus Tobias Snape. My name is Griphook. I am here to act as an uninvolved third party to this agreement so that I may witness the contract. Do you accept myself as a witness or would you prefer another?"

Snape, having moved inside, nodded curtly. "You are acceptable."

Amelia Bones just watched.

Shacklbolt nodded. "Very well. We have the contract here. The questions have all been reviewed by the DMLE to ensure no security concerns are violated. Both parties have presented a list of questions which have only been seen by the party providing the questions and the Director of the DMLE, Madam Amelia Bones. Do you both understand?"

Potter said, "I do."

Severus just nodded curtly.

Kingsley said, "Very well. As this will be a binding contract, your signatures are required and they must be in blood. Therefore, we will be using a contract quill – only possible because a Gringotts employee stands witness. Do you both understand?"

"Yes."

"Alright."

"You will both review the contract first." He handed the contract first to Snape. He had to once again suppress his glee. This would put Potter right where he wanted him.

Snape returned the contract and Potter reviewed it. Snape had a question. "Can Potter sign this without a guardian?"

Amelia Bones actually answered that. "Upon review, it was determined that Mr. Potter being forced to compete in the Triwizard Tournament did, in fact, provide limited emancipation. As the Ministry, the Chief Warlock, the Supreme Mugwump, and the Hogwarts staff acknowledged his ability to be a party to a contract without a guardian's approval, he is now magically authorized to enter into any binding contract he so wishes."

Snape nodded and watched as Potter completed perusing the document. He was surprised that there was very little emotion present.

Finally, Potter returned the contract to Kingsley with a nod.

All three parties signed off on it (the DMLE had to be included as it involved a regulated potion) and the goblin witnessed it. Magically, three copies were provided which went to each party. The original was taken by the goblin.

"The contract has been signed. The questioning will take place at 7:30 tonight. The Deputy Headmistress will be advised that the facility will be provided and that all students may attend if they so desire.

Snape nodded and then retreated – he really wanted to shout for joy but did not want any witnesses for it.

Amelia Bones watched Severus Snape exit and Griphook portkey away. Kingsley excused himself and made his way out. She finally turned to Harry. "I hope you know what you're doing. I'm only going along with this because a number of questions that I have had will be answered. And because you were right about Black receiving no trial." She paused. "You know that if I am embarrassed by this, I will make it my life's work to return the favor right?"

Harry nodded. And then began grinning viciously. "You are not the target of tonight's entertainment. I don't care anymore about certain things being known – I get tired of the lies anyway. I look forward to seeing you there."

Amelia nodded and then said ruefully. "You so remind me of your father at his worst when you smile like that."

Harry just grinned wider. "Why, thank you!"

Severus Snape could barely contain himself. He was joyfully eating dinner when the Deputy Headmistress got everyone's attention.

She didn't look happy.

"Once dinner is concluded and the tables are cleared, the Great Hall will be in use tonight. A Veritaserum question has been agreed to. Severus Snape will be questioning Harry Potter regarding a number of issues. All students are invited to stay but it is not required." She paused and almost had to force herself to continue. "Attending will be members of the Board of Governors, the Press, the DMLE Director, and members of staff. It will begin at 7:30. That is all."

She sat down.

Albus Dumbledore was flummoxed. He began immediately protesting.

Minerva, who had put up a privacy charm, had only one reply. "It is a magically binding agreement which follows the regulations involved. There's nothing we can do about it."

Dumbledore did not have a pleasant hour, seeing as every effort he made to stop this was denied.

Part two of this will follow in a few days. But anyone who wants to is free to run with it from here.