Dumbledore Leader of the Light Or Dark Lord in Hiding?!
By Peter Willow – Court Correspondent
Yesterday was the trial of one Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore on charges against Heir Harry Potter and Lord Sirius Black. Dumbledore was found guilty of child abuse, child endangerment, child neglect, steeling, forgery, blocking of official mail, illegal use of wards, and custodial interference pertaining to Heir Potter, as well as unlawful imprisonment, steeling, forgery, custodial interference and withholding of evidence pertaining to Lord Black. The court has yet to pass down a final sentencing to go along with time Dumbledore will already face for sentencing Lord Black, then Heir Black, to Azkaban without a trial along with Bartemius Crouch Sr., because of other crimes that have come to light.
Some of the charges are as follows, with a brief description following:
Pertaining to Severus Snape – Interfering with family lordship, endangerment while a minor, blocking of official mail, forgery and monetary interference.
While in court, Dumbledore admitted that he knew that Professor Snape was being abused at home as a child and did nothing to intervene, something that as a headmaster of a school Dumbledore was bound to do. It also came out that the former Lord and Lady Prince, Professor Snape's grandparents, tried to make contact with Professor Snape during his time as a student at Hogwarts, but Dumbledore blocked all attempts to do so. Dumbledore even went so far as to block official notices that Professor Snape was the Heir to the Prince line during his fifth year and eventual title of Lord Prince during his seventh year.
Pertaining to Reubis Hagrid – Judicial interference
While in court, Dumbledore admitted that he had evidence to prove Mr. Hagrid's innocents. The reason that Dumbledore didn't is because he lacked evidence against the true perpetrator. Since Dumbledore didn't trust in the Aurors to truly investigate the matter, an innocent man had his wand snapped. Dumbledore hiring Mr. Hagrid as a grounds keeper, and eventually Keeper of the Keys, does not make up for the loss of education and future job opportunities.
Pertaining to Sara Baltimore – Child endangerment, judicial interference, accessory after the fact, bribery and two counts murder
While in court, Dumbledore admitted to covering up the rape of Sara Baltimore during her sixth year by a seventh year. Dumbledore also took money from the perpetrator's family to prevent Ms. Baltimore from going to the proper authorities, aborting or putting up for adoption the product of her rape, and eventual forced marriage between the victim and rapist. Ms. Baltimore was so distraught over the ordeal and pressure that she killed her rapist, then herself and her unborn child.
Pertaining to Perry Smith – Betrayal of Amnesty, Bribery, and Knowledge of Line-theft
While in court, Dumbledore admitted that a former student came to him after graduation for amnesty. Dumbledore granted Heir Smith the amnesty and took him into his protection. When Lord Smith came after his son, who is a confirmed male carrier, Dumbledore handed Heir Smith over for 10,000 galleons. Dumbledore then admitted that he knows that Heir Smith was forced into marrying an older wizard by use of love potions. Heir Smith has two children, with a third on the way.
Further investigation has already started before the Wizengamont excused themselves for a private meeting happening right after the trial. Meanwhile, the Aurors have already brought people in for questioning in regards to the Perry Smith and Sara Baltimore cases. On the case of Reubis Hagrid, a review of Albus Dumbledore possessions have found some evidence towards Mr. Hagrid's innocence. If everything checks out, he will be able to receive a new wand and continue his education. The Severus Snape case also has merit considering letters for Professor Snape was found in Dumbledore's possessions. More information from the Ministry is forthcoming once the cases are further along.
Full Charges & Descriptions Facing Dumbledore pg 3
History of the Chamber of Secrets pg 7
History of the Prince Line pg 8
Severus was looking at the paper and was thankful that the writer wasn't Rita. Peter Willow was known for writing factual, and usually dry articles, without much fluff or exaggeration like Rita was known to do. But looking around the Great Hall and the looks he was getting from the student population made him want to go back to his quarters and sleep the rest of the day away. It also didn't help that the hangover potion hadn't fully kicked in yet and it was a sunny day. Severus really wishes he could dim the brightness of the ceiling at the moment.
"If you glare any harder, Severus, you're going to set one of our students on fire." Flitwick's high voice made him wince. The only reason Severus didn't snap at him was because he was one of the few professors here that he didn't need a time limit to be around.
"If it keeps them quit, then I'm fine glaring at the little cretins. And is there any way to dim the ceiling? My headache is not appreciating the light at the moment." Flitwick couldn't help the little laugh that escaped him, even when Snape sent him one of his fiercer glares.
"I'm guessing that you had a nice bottle of scotch to go with the news yesterday." A low growl was his only answer. Flitwick guessed that if the students weren't here, Severus would be pouting at the moment. Severus on the other hand couldn't help but think of yesterday when Septima came to his quarters while Rolanda went to Hagrid. Come to think of it, Severus finally noticed that Hagrid wasn't in the Great Hall. He couldn't help cursing the half-giant in his head. If Severus had to suffer through the day, so could he.
0000000000000 Yesterday – Severus Snape 0000000000000000000
Severus was going over the lists he compiled for his possible apprentice as well as the responsibilities and requirements needed. Looking at his two lists, they were longer than he thought, but he felt a sense of accomplishment. The twenty-three students were the best in potions and had the love for the art to become a Potions Master. Setting the parchments down, Severus stretched, groaning at the pops he heard. A muscle relaxant was in his future. And considering that it was a couple of hours before the staff meeting, Severus had a chance to catch up on some reading he's been too busy to indulge in. Severus smirked at the thought of being able to sit before the fire to read one of those mindless books gifted to him, or the newest potion text that others in his field sent him for possible teaching material. Merlin knows that most of the dunderheads didn't know where the potion section was located in the library, let along the book stores.
A knock on his door brought Severus out of his thoughts with a curse. Couldn't he get one Saturday night alone without any of his students bothering him? The school year wasn't even a month in, so there shouldn't be any panic attacks yet, even for the annoying overachievers. Opening his door, Severus was surprised to see Septima at his door. Considering he was going to see her at the meeting after dinner tonight, he couldn't think of a reason for her to be here.
"Severus, may I come in for a moment?"
"Of course, Septima, although I wasn't expecting to see you until dinner tonight." Septima caught the unasked question and almost smirked at the 'polite' way Severus asked why she was here. Classic Slytherian politeness.
"I just returned from Dumbledore's trial and felt that some of the things reveled should be delivered in person. I doubt that you would like to be made aware by the Daily Profit first." Severus arched an eyebrow before offering her a seat.
"And what could Albus revel that caused such consideration?" Septima winced at that, making Severus wary. Out of all the teachers, Septima was one of the best, after himself, at guarding her emotions. Whatever was reveled during the trial was bad, even though Severus knew of some of the more dirty things Albus did. All in the name of the Greater Good of course, but Severus wasn't as blinded by Albus' grandfatherly persona.
"I would suggest a Calming Draught before I tell you."
"You make it seem like I'm going to become hysterical."
"Hysterical, no. Mad beyond all reason on the other hand is another matter." Severus let his disbelief show. He hasn't lost control of his emotions since the night Lily died, but looking at Septima, Severus could tell that he wasn't going to get any answers without taking the draught first. With a small sigh Severus went to his personal stores and retrieved the correct vial. He felt Septima's eyes on him and took the potion in clear view of her before setting the vial down. Retaking his seat Severus motioned for her to continue.
Septima took a fortifying breath, with a silent regret that she couldn't brew her own Calming Draught. Unfortunately, with her lack of skills in potions it would be lethal.
"It seems that Albus not taking appropriate actions when it comes to known abused children is a recurring theme of his." Severus tensed at that. If this conversation was going where he thought it was going, than Severus could understand the Calming Draught. To think that Albus would allow one of the students to be in a dangerous situation without intervening was sickening to Severus and would make his blood boil. And with Septima coming to him, it would mean that one or more of his Slytherins that he missed. Unfortunately for Severus, the news delivered to him will hit much closer to home.
"Who has Albus let slip through the cracks?"
"You, Severus. In court today, he admitted under Veritaserum that he knew that you were abused at home and did nothing about it." Septima stopped when she heard something crack and noticed the lamp on the side table have a large crack in the middle and was still vibrating before it stilled. For Severus to still do that under the effects of a Calming Draught showed just how strong Severus' emotions were, even though his face didn't reveal anything. With a near silent gulp, Septima continued on. "He also admits to not pulling the Marauders back when they were bullying you while you were in school. From what I gathered, Dumbledore hoped to approach you at some point with a proposition. He calls off the Marauders if you spy on the Death Eaters that were in the school, and eventually become a spy against Voldemort. The only reason it didn't work out is because you joined before he could approach you." The lamp shattered. Septima sat perfectly still while Severus' eyes blazed with fury.
It was one thing if Severus was to shout. It meant that he was getting the anger out of his system with there being little danger. Severus being deadly silent while he stalked around his chambers like a caged animal on the other hand was extremely dangerous. It meant that he was extremely close to losing his control. Any movement on her part and he might take it as an act of aggression and attack without meaning to. The best that she could hope for was some of his furniture being replaced. A loud bang brought Septima's attention back to the present and she turned behind her. Bits of wood were by the fireplace and Septima realized that Severus had sent a wordless Bombarda to the woodpile by the fireplace. She was thankful that he hadn't aimed at the lit logs in the fireplace.
"He knew. That bastard knew! And he did nothing?!" BANG! A chair by his fireplace was his next victim. "He could have helped not only me, but my mother as well! But no, the great Albus fucking Dumbledore knew better than everyone and let my worthless drunk of a father beat my mother to death. He left me alone with him for his Greater Good!" BANG! A love table in the corner received a cannon sized hole. Severus murmured a few other things that Septima couldn't hear, but she was glad that the Calming Draught was kicking in again. She could see how Severus was resisting the potion, but he finally calmed down enough for him to do some breathing exercises to help calm himself down further. Another few seconds of tense silence passed before Severus was able to calm himself enough to retake his seat in front of Septima.
"I am sorry you had to see that, Septima. At least you got the worst out of the way." Septima's silence brought Severus' attention away from removing some pieces of wood from his robes. "What else is there?" Septima was already making excuses to use for Severus not showing up to the meeting later tonight.
"I would like to remind you that the student dorms aren't that far away and to keep the destructive noise down to a minimum." Severus nodded at that. "It seems that Lord and Lady Prince, your grandparents, came to Hogwarts to talk to you and to explain the situation between your mother and them. From what Dumbledore said, your mother being cast out for marrying your father wasn't the whole truth. Dumbledore also blocked all mail coming from them, including the Heir Prince notification in your fifth year and eventual Lord Prince notification in your seventh year. You are Lord Severus Snape-Prince, at least once you claim your inheritance." Severus sat like a statue and Septima was starting to get worried.
"I have a Lordship?"
"Yes."
"And Albus knew about it, but hid it from me?"
"Yes." Severus closed his eyes and took a deep breath.
"Is there anything else that fool did?"
"He informed everyone that you were a spy during the war. I'm not sure what is going to come of that after everything else he's reveled, it might slip most people's minds until everything calms down. He also admitted to other crimes but that can be discussed later." Severus nodded. Opening his eyes, Septima could see the boiling rage in their dark depths.
"Please tell the others that I will not be at the meeting tonight."
"Of course, Severus. I'll see you tomorrow." Septima quickly let herself out. The moment the door closed behind her, Septima felt wards going up and not a sound coming through. She could only hope that Severus would be okay and wouldn't do anything rash. Even the most disciplined of people have their breaking point. Making a quick stop to the Slytherin dorms to make sure Severus wasn't disturbed, Septima went to her own rooms before the meeting took place.
00000000000000000000000000000000000000000
Severus was glad that none of his Slytherins came yesterday. With the mood he was in at the moment, he doubted the he would have been any good to them. Severus was brought out of his thoughts by Headmistress Doris.
"Severus, sorry to disturb you during breakfast, but a Ministry representative his here to talk to you in my office. It seems he has some questions about your time as Dumbledore's spy during the war." Severus bit back a groan and nodded at Doris. "Also, as a warning, there are a group of reporters by the front gate. I'm guessing they would like nothing more than an interview from you or Mr. Potter. I thought you would like to know if you have any plans outside the castle grounds after classes and to inform Mr. Potter not to wonder towards the gates today."
"Of course those vultures would turn up today. Thank you for the warning and I will pass it on to Mr. Potter and the rest of my House as well. No need for them to try something."
"I'll be making an announcement during breakfast, I just thought you might want to talk to Mr. Potter privately if needed." Severus bowed his head in thanks before standing up.
"Might as well get this interrogation over with."
"Oh, Severus, I'm sure it won't be that bad." Flitwick said with a chuckle. Severus sent him a glare before gliding out of the room. Flitwick could stop the thought of why many of the students thought Severus was part vampire.
0000000000 Headmistress Office 00000000000000000000
Auror Kingsley Shacklebolt sat in the Headmistress office, wishing the he wasn't the one to do this. Even if this is technically a friendly questioning, Kingsley was sure the Severus wouldn't see it that way, with good reason. It didn't matter that they were both once a part of the Order of the Phoenix, Kingsley being an auror might be a problem. Severus' treatment when he was brought in after the fall of Voldemort wasn't by the book, and he had every right to be wary about the questioning. It didn't matter that Dumbledore got Severus cleared, the whole situation would make the most forgiving man want vengeance at the injustice of the entire thing. Shaking his head, Kingsley brought himself back to the matter at hand and the questions Amelia sent him to ask. It was only a moment when Severus walked in.
"Auror Shacklebolt, I wish I could say it was a pleasure, but considering the recent circumstances…"
"Understandable. I just have some questions about your role as spy and if you wish to press charges against Dumbledore for interfering with the claiming of your Lordship."
"And the charges against him concerning the treatment of me while I was a minor?"
"That will automatically be going through, but since it's been longer than three years after you graduated, the only thing he can be charged with is going against the Headmaster position that keeps Hogwarts separate from the Ministry. 3-5 years added on his already considerable sentence." Severus nodded in understanding. He may not like it, but him getting anything at all left him with little satisfaction.
"Now, onto the reason why I am here. Madam Bones wishes to clear up some things about your time as a spy for our records. You have the choice on not answering these questions if you wish." Severus nodded and for the next half hour they went through the questions needed. When they were done, the Headmistress came through the door.
"Ohh. Are you both done with the questioning? I can come back if not."
"That is alright, Headmistress Doris, we just finished. Thank you for the use of your office. Professor Snape, thank you for your time as well. And just so you know, you can go to Gringotts any time to claim your Lordship. Once that is done, a Ministry owl will deliver the schedule of upcoming Wizengmont meetings for the year, rules and regulations, and the agenda of the upcoming meeting. If you have any questions, the Ministry will be happy to answer them. I will also inform Madam Bones to continue with the case against Dumbledore concerning interference of a lordship."
"Thank you. If you both will excuse me, I have some students to speak to and classes to prepare for."
"Of course, thank you Professor Snape." When the door closed behind Severus, Doris turned towards the auror in her office.
"Thank you again, Headmistress for allowing this. I know neither of you or Professor Snape needed to be bothered with everything that is going on at the moment."
"Yes, well unfortunately somethings can't be helped. I am actually glad that someone from your department is here. Please have a seat." Kingsley retook his seat while Doris walked around to hers. "Soon, there are going to be health checks for all the students taking place. Hopefully, the only serious problems we face are muggleborn and raised students not being up to date on shots, but I'm sure that we both know that might not be the case. I was wondering if we could have a point of contact for those cases that need additional investigation."
"I will talk to Madam Bones about that and have an answer for you soon. Is there anything else you have concerns about?"
"Our groundskeeper, Ruebis Hagrid. When do you see him being cleared for the crime he was framed for? I would like to have him resume his education as soon as possible."
"Of course, we are still going through everything, but unofficially Hagrid should receive something by owl next week."
"Thank you. That will work perfectly, and I will tell him to be on the lookout for the next two weeks just to be safe. I'm sure that everyone is extremely busy currently because of the resent trials. Will you need to talk to Hagrid at any time?"
"Not at this time. Dumbledore kept records that the beast Hagrid was taking care of was a young acromantula that escaped into the Forbidden Forest. Dumbledore later noted that Hagrid brought another acromantula to mate with the one previously released, but after that there is no further mention of acromantula."
"Excuse me, are you saying that we have a possible acromantula colony in the forest that children reside near?!"
"We are not sure. There are still papers to go through, but I suggest talking with Hagrid about this. If there is a colony in the Forbidden Forest, please contact the Ministry's Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures about relocating them."
"Will there be any charges brought against Hagrid if there is a colony?"
"No. Hagrid was a minor at the time and Dumbledore should have taken care of the problem, and he might have. At the moment this falls on Dumbledore for allowing a XXXXX creature on school grounds without knowing about it, the proper authorization, or at least coming forward with knowledge of a possible dangerous colony when he first realized that one was forming." Doris nodded in understanding while hoping that Dumbledore didn't leave another mess for them to clean up. Shaking her head, Doris turned back to the matter at hand.
"Thank you for your candor. And before I forget, how does one get rid of reporters that seem to be camping outside our gates. I do not want them troubling the students or professors."
"I can take care of that on my way out and remind the reporters that they can't talk to minors without guardian permission. If you have any more trouble with them, please don't hesitate to contact our department." Doris couldn't help the smile the crossed her features with the almost giddy tone Kingsley spoke with. It was no secret that many aurors would love to arrest a reporter considering some of the articles they've written in the past.
"Thank you and I'll let you get back to work. I will walk you to the gate, Auror Shackbolt."
"Thank you, Headmistress."
00000000 Fred & George Weasley – Free period 00000000000
In a previously unused classroom, Fred and George sat together over plans for the welcome prank of the year. It had to be bigger and better than everything beforehand. With everything coming out about the previous Headmaster and Harry Potter, the Hogwarts' residents needed an awe inspiring and amazing event.
"Hey, Fred, how about we have the professors burst out in song?"
"Considering how Professor Snape was already doing a death glare not even a week into the school year, George, I think that is something we do as an after-graduation prank. Like a year, or three, after-graduation prank." George nodded at that.
"Right thinking, handsome brother of mine. That means leaving the Slytherians out of whatever we decide."
"Especially Harry Potter, brilliant brother of mine. I've seen him taking potions during meal time and we don't want a repeat of the bald day. Especially since we don't know everything he's on and how they could react to any other potion or spell."
"Right, George, mother might actually let Professor Snape use us as potion ingredients like he's always threating to do, or worse send us to Aunt Muriel. That means we have to do something environmental while not affecting anyone in the castle."
"Yeah, but what." Both brothers sat in the room until George got an idea. "How about we charm the suits of armor to sing songs or flatter whenever someone passes it."
"Bigger brother. We could use them to provide a dinner show. I'm sure a nice, upbeat musical play with costumes would be perfect."
"With a firework ending."
"Perfect." Two manic grins formed before two twins started rummaging threw their notes about charming the suits and transfiguring for costumes. If any of the professors saw their focus on research, they would be proud, and slightly disturbed.
