Saved By An Act Of Betrayal Keeperoliver Chapter 15
Harry was having a nightmare. He dreamed that the goblins had never learned of his attempt to break in to Bella's vault. Hermione, Ron and he got the cup, escaped on a dragon and made to Hogsmeade, where death eaters were waiting for them. They were rescued by Aberforth Dumbledore, Albus's brother. They were then led to Hogwart's by Neville, ending up in the Room of Requirement. There were so many DA members there that it was amazing they had room to move around. And more were coming through the portrait they had just come through. Fred, George, Ginny, Mr. and Mrs. Weasley. Remus, and Tonks, Bill, and Fleur Weasley, and many more Order members. He dreamed of going to the Ravenclaw common room to learn of the lost diadem, and Ron and Hermione going to the Chamber of Secrets to obtain more basilisk fangs.
He then found himself, Ron and Hermione making their way towards the great hall, when there was an explosion, and Fred was killed by the wall collapsing on him, He made it to the Great Hall. where he learned that Remus and Tonks had died, and then someone had brought in Colin Creevey's body. Then he made his way to the Shrieking Shack to find Voldemort and Nagini. He had summoned Severus to him, where he had Nagini kill him so that Tom would have mastery of the Elder wand. He then left. Harry went in to try and help Severus, but it was of no use. Severus pulled out some memories, put them in a vile, and gave them to Harry, after which, Severus died.
Harry dreamed on, visiting the Headmaster's office, looking through Severus' memories, learning of the love he carried for his mother, his betrayal of his family, his pain for the death of Lily, his service to Dumbledore as a double agent against Tom, why he had to kill Dumbledore, how Harry was a Horcrux and finally how he had protected the students during the last year from the Carrows.
Then Harry started his trip to the Forbidden Forrest, tellind Neville he had to kill the snake that belonged to Voldemort, passing Ginny on the grounds, comforting a young girl. He continued to walk to the forrest, taking out the snitch, summoning his parents, Sirius and Remus. Walking to the clearing, and finally, Voldemort hitting him with the killing curse. It was at this point he woke himself up with a scream, finding he was being comforted by Dobby and Draco, at the same time as the door being opened by the rest of his family, Ginny, Hermione and Narcissa. Harry was so shaken, he could hardly talk. Ginny and Hermione came over to hug him and comfort him. There seemed to be no comforting for a while. Finally, They got him calm enough to find out what had happened. He told them, holding nothing back, and there was not a dry eye in the room, to include Narcissa and Draco. Remus and Tonks came over to kneel in frony of Harry to ensure him they were alright.
There was no way anyone was going back to sleep, and it was 6AM, so they all went done fore some tea, coffee or juice to talk about what they had just listened to. If what Harry had dreamed would have been what happened, there would have been a heavy loss to the side of the light.
It wasn't twenty minutes later when the was a floo message from Neville, asking to come through. after being granted access, he came through, and you could tell he had been crying. Ginny rushed over to him, hugging him and asking what had happened. Neville just held the hug for a little bit longer, to calm himself, and then seperated himself from her. He walked over to Harry and hugged him, and held this one for a while, before he broke it. Then he said, "Thanks to you, there are awake."
Harry thought a minute, and then said, "It worked?"
"After a few modifications, they tried it on my father first. It took about 15 minutes, but he then woke up. They then gave it to mom, and it took a little longer, maybe 5 minutes, but then she was awake. Harry, I don't know how to thank you. You have given me what no one else had ever thought, I could have, my parents. What can I do to repay you, anything I have is your's, just name it."
"Neville, I know you don't mean that, but thank you for the offer. I want you to know, that I had nothing to do with that potion, that was all Severus Snape and Ron. If Ron had not been infected with that poison, I would have never known about it. I am just glad that Poppy acted on my suggestion, and that it all worked. How are your parents doing by the way?"
"They are doing great, and they want to meet and thank you in person, Harry. Now before I go, could you introduce me to your new friends, I know every one here but these two, but they look so familiar." And as he turned to Harry, and saw him and Ginny standing next to each other, and looked back to the couple he was talking about, it was like doing a double take. Every body started laughing at the expression on Neville's face.
"Neville, I would like you to meet James and Lily Potter, and, before I forget, I would like you to meet King Eldonrod, king of all elves." Harry was pulling Dobby to his side as he said this.
"Harry, is this some kind of a joke, these two look more like your brother and sister, and I know this is Dobby?"
"Well you're right on both, but wrong on both."
"Look if you want me to leave just say so, but you don't have to drive me insane to drive me out."
"No Neville, that is not what i want to do. What you said is true, they do look like my brother and sister, and this is Dobby. but you're wrong, because these are my mother and father, and this is King Eldonrod, king of the house-elves. I thought you would have seen them come through when the others were called back."
"Well, I had heard what you had done, but when Poppy came to me and told me what you had asked her to do, I went with her to St Mungo's, and have been there ever since. Sorry I missed you magic act, it sounded like one for the ages."
"Well, I did kind of leave them breathless, and I had them fainting in the stands, and I did leave to a standing ovation, so I must have put on a pretty good show."
"Listen, I have to get back to mom and dad, I think their are getting ready to release them, and I want to be there for that. I hope you can come by later to meet them, and bring your two brothers and sister, your dogfather, your two lovely lady friends, Wolfie and his mate and pup."
"Will do Nevvie."
"Watch it Potter, I.........Harry, is that Malfoy standing behind Sirius?"
"Yes, Neville, that is Draco and his mother, Narcissa, I will tell you about it later, but please call him Draco."
"I will Harry, and look forward to your explanation. I'll talk to you all later." and he left.
Harry turned to Draco and Narcissa and apologised, to which they both said it wasn't necessary. as Neville was unaware of what was going on. They all then went upstairs to get ready for Severus' trial.
They all arrived at the Ministry at 9:45Am and proceeded to courtroom 9. where the trial was taking place. When they got seated, they looked around, and there were only half of the Wizengamot officials there that Harry thought there should have been. He asked one of them behind him why this was, and he said that the others were either Death eaters are supporters of the Dark Lord, and removed from the group, and imprisoned, waiting for trial dates.
Severus was then led into the courtroom by a couple of Aurors . As Severus walked by Harry he nodded and then stopped, and tears started to leak from his eyes as he saw Lily. The Aurors started to push him forward, and Harry asked them to wait a minute. Harry stood up and changed seats with his mom, so that her and Severus could speak for a minute. He couldn't hear what they said, but it was short, and they were soon seperated. Harry and his mother then changed seats again as she said later they would talk.
Soon every one was standing as Minister Shacklebolt entered the courtroom. He asked them all to be seated. The trial was then started, with all the charges against Severus told to the court. they asked him how he pled, and he answered, "Not guilty."
The Prosecutor then went on to plead his case to the court, calling witnesses to testify against Severus, with none of them holding a strong conviction. They had told of his treatment of the students at Hogwarts, of his favoritism to his house and his and displeasure to all other house. How they witnessed him being with other death eaters, his association with Lucius Malfoy, and the fact that he carried the mark on his left arm. The Prosecutor had done his best to build a strong case against him, but all in attendence felt the same way, Severus Snape had played his part well in fooling the Dark Lord as to his allegiance.
Then, it was Severus's attorney's time. He told the story of why Severus had to maintain his demeanor as a prejudice instructor in order for supporters of Voldemort to pass on this information to keep his cover. He then started to call his witnesses, and then he called for Ginny to take the stand. Ginny went forward, took the oath, and sat down. They asked her how her last year in school was, and she said terrible. He asked why, and she said the Carrows. He asked if Professor Snape was in any way a part of her terrible year. "Professor Snape, had saved many a student from some hurtful situations by placing detentions on them that consisted of helping the groundskeeper with work. He was constantly stepping between the Carrows and the students, controlling a possible disasterous situation. He never helped the Carrows with their detentions and often, put detentions on students that bullied other students. He even helped students that were to injured to move on their own, and made them as comfortable as possible. He did all this without putting himself in danger of being exposed to Voldemort as a weakling. If not for his acting on the behalf of the students, I fear there may have been rapes and maybe even murders at Hogwarts this past year." Ginny was excused when she was finished, and was replaced by Harry.
Harry took the oath, and was seated. They then went through the same questions with Harry, asking him if he felt that Snape was bias as a teacher, and if he had seen Snape ever hurt anyone, Harry said that in order for the Professor to maintain his cover, he had to maintain his facade of being prejudice. He knew this was not true, as the Professor could not be as he himself was a halfblood. He was asked if there was anything else he had to say, and Harry told the whole story of Severus' allegiance to Dumbledore and the Order. His promise to protect Harry, and the reason for his murder of Dumbledore. This Harry had to be very careful in the wording, as to take any doubt from the court, that Severus did not want to do this, but Dumbledore had made him promise to do it, in order to keep Draco from committing an act, for which there is no hiding from. He had agreed to this, although grudgingly. Harry and Ginny together, had built a strong defense for Severus, without ever telling his reason for it was all due to his love of Lily Evans Potter.
Both sides made their closing comments, and the court was put in recess for an hour to have lunch and would return for the verdict.
They went to the cafeteria for lunch, and while there, they met Amelia and Susan Bones, who they asked to join them, for which they agreed. Amelia sat with Sirius, Lily and James, while Susan sat with Harry, Ginny, Draco, Dobby, and Luna. She happened to sit between Harry and Draco, and seemed to strike up quite a conversation with the seemingly pleased Draco. Before they parted company, Draco approached Amelia, and asked if it would be alright with Susan and her, if he could ask her out on a date, They both agreed and Draco had a date set up for the next night with dinner and dancing. He also asked if it was alright if Harry, Ginny, Hermione, Dobby, and Luna could join them, and Susan was pleased with this and said it was fine.
They then all ,except for Susan and Amelia, went back down to the courtroom. On the way back, Harry asked Draco why he wanted them to go with him, on his date, and Draco said that he didn't know Susan that well, but wanted to, and the best way to do that was to bring someone along who she knew and got along with. Harry couldn'ty find anything wrong with that logic and asked the rest if they wanted to go, to which they all said with aloud response YES. And so, Draco had a date with the beautiful Hufflepuff redhead and people he would hope to consider friends very soon.
When they got back, and took their seats, it wasn't long before Kingsley made it back into the courtroom, and the trial was continued.
After the charges were restated, one by one, the court was asked to pass a verdict, and to every charge, except one, he was found not guilty. His one guilty charge was prejudice against students, while in a teaching situation, and his sentence was a one year probation period, in which he would have a member of the board governing Hogwarts sit in on his classes, to ensure that he teach his classes showing no favoritism, and showing the respect to his students, that he expected from them towards him. This was agreeds upon, and the court was dismissed.
The courtroom cleared except for Severus and the Potters, Blacks, Lupins and the Malfoys. They sat in the courtroom for two hours, until it was time for dinner, to which Lily asked Severus if he would join them.
Severus was so overcome with emotion, that he almost refused. Sirius then said that if Severus wished to remain whole, then he should not go against Lily's wishes, as she cruel way to make you change your mind. Severus took his word for it and agreed to dinner. They then walked back to the atrium, not bothering with the elevators as there was just too many of them to fit in one. they then flooed to Sirius' home and sat in the den, awaiting dinner.
Severus then made the statement that everyone had been waiting for him to ask, "Lily, James, has anyone asked you why you are so young, and still be parents to an 18 year old?"
"Alright, the next person to ask me that, or make a statement about me and James being Harry's brother and sister will pay dearly for their remark. It is only because you have just found out that we have returned that you are saved from this Severus, and are forgiven. Now, when Harry brought us back to the living, we were brought back to the age we died, which is 21. As for how we are going to explain it, we are not. We will just say that we are older than we look, and leave it at that. End of story."
"I can live with that. Now Narcissa, what are you planning to do?"
This caught Narcissa unprepaired. She sat there for a minute, and said "Well, I have asked Sirius for help, and he brought us back into the Black Family, along with Andy. I really haven't asked Draco yet what he wanted to do."
"Mother, if it is alright Sirius, I would not mind staying here, that is if you don't mind?"
"Well if you prefer, you can stay at Spinner's End with me. I have plenty of room and would welcome the company?"
"Severus, thank you for the offer, it is appreciated, but I believe Draco needs to be in this environment, with people his own age. But if you wouldn't mind me coming to visit once in awhile, I would like that?"
"I already look forward to your visits. When can I expect your first?"
"Well Draco and his friends have a date tomorrow night, how about then?"
"Perfect."
Kreacher then called everyone to dinner, that was being served in the dining hall.
While they were eating, James asked Harry if they knew where they were going for their date the next night. Harry said to dinner and dancing, and then asked if they wanted to go. James said if they didn't mind, they would love to go, and Lily nodded her head, probably with a little more emphasis then she intended to show. She looked around the table at the rest of the people going, and they all had smiles on their faces. Sounding like oe person they all yes, and the party list was growing. Harry had an idea and excused himself for a bit, and came back about 10 minutes later. While Harry was gone, Severus aked Narcissa if she would prefer to go to dinner with them, and she said only if you come with us, and he agreed.
Hermione asked what he did, and Harry said it was a surprise, and then he asked Ginny if, after dinner, she would floo Ron and see if he would like to ask Padma and join the group for what is sizing up to quite an evening. Ginny finished her dinner and went in and flooed Ron. It took a bit of ear turning, but Ron finally agreed. She went back and told Harry and he said excellent. He then asked everyone if they could think of anyone else? Draco looked over to Harry and said "Harry, this isn't going to be a very intimate setting, if you keep asking people to join us?"
"Draco, trust me, it will be as intimate as you want it to be, or as friendly as you want it to be."
Ginny cut in and asked, "Harry, what about Neville and Hannah, do you think they might want to come? And Frank and Alice?"
"Great idea Ginny, and how about Fred and Angelina and George and Katie."
Harry looked around and saw looks that were showing bewilderment, so he had to tell them of his surprise, "Listen up please everyone, when I talked to Griphook, he told me that by investing my money, he made me the owner of a dinner and dance club in the magical world called the Magical Menagerie, it holds 500 customers, and right now, we don't even have a hundred, and I booked the entire club for tomorrow evening. So if you have anyone that you wish to ask, feel free. Hermione, would you do me a favor, and write down the names as you get them, and watch the numbers, so that we don't over book. And we must ask the Professors at school if they wish to attend, to include Hagrid."
Hernione was thrilled to be a part of this whirlwind of excitement. This was going to be a magical evening. Harry had one more idea and asked if Draco wished to join him for a trip. Draco was ready to get out this madhouse and readily agreed. He asked where they were going and Harry said, "I'm going to see my cousin Dudley."
"I didn't know you had a cousin Dudley?"
"Well, until last year, I didn't want anyone to know, but now, I want every one to know."
They aparated to the park about 1 block from 4 Privot Drive and walked to the house. Before they got there, Harry remembered about them being moved to a safe house, and didn't know if they had been returned yet. Oh well they were here, so might as well try it. Harry knocked on the door, and soon, Aunt Petunia answered the door. She looked around, and not seeing anyone she pulled them in the house. She glared at Harry and Draco and said, "What are you doing here?"
"Well it's good to see you too Aunt Petunia. Is Dudley home?"
"What do you want to see Dudders for? If you hurt him I will have you arrested."
"I just wish to talk to him and ask him something, no threats or promises."
"Just a minute, I'll see if he wants to talk to you."
A minute later Dudley came running down the stairs to greet Harry. "Harry, it's great to see you, you're looking good. And who's your friend?"
"Dudley, this Draco Malfoy, Draco, this is Dudley Dursley, but he likes to be called Big D, or at least he used to."
"Still do, but for different reasons. So what brings you over to this neck of the woods?"
"I wanted to know if you would like to come visit for a few days with us in London. We are going out tomorrow and I would like it if you came with us. Do you have a girlfriend?"
"Ya, and I think you might know her."
"Oh really, and who might that be, I didn't know many non magical girls?"
"No, she's a witch by the name of Lisa."
"Lisa Turpin?"
"That's her. So you do know her? I met her during the time we were relocated to the safe house. She and her parents were , but managed to escape. her dad was hurt pretty bad, and her mother was hurt, but not severly. They stayed with us for about 7 Months. I got to know her real well. She kept telling me about this guy in her year that was supposed to be the one to finally defeat this dark lord, and how he taught her how to defend herself. She said that if he wasn't smitten with this Ravenclaw girl, she would have liked to have gotten to know him. I told her I had a cousin going there as well. When she asked me who it was, and I told her it was you, she almost knocked me out, literaly. She thought I was joking, because of what she told me.I asked her what she was talking about, and she said it was you who was supposed to be the one to defeat Voldmort, and that it was you that taught her how to defend her self. It was because of what you taught her, that they were able to escape. From there on, our relationship just sort of bloomed. She told me all about your adventures while going there. Did you really battle a 60' snake?"
"Yup."
"And a three headed dog, and a troll and a giant spider and more of those Dementors and a dragon and mermen?"
"Yup to all of them."
"Damn, I wish I could have gone there."
Draco looked at him kind of wierd and said, "Why, would you like to have faced all those, because I know I wouldn't. and I was there."
"No, I wouldn't liked to face them either, but I would like to have been there to brag about being his cousin. Draws girls like crazy he does."
"I'll say, you should she the two girls he has with him now, both knockouts."
"Two, really, son of a bitch, Harry, you're a babe magnet."
"You guys do realise that I am right here don't you. And yes Big D, I have two beautiful girls at home waiting for me, so if you're coming, then I suggest you go grab you some clothes and move your ass."
Dudley grabbed a suitcase, threw some clothes in it, told his mom and dad where he was going, and that he would be gone a few days. They walked back to the park, aparated back to the park across the street from Black manor, where Harry had to tell Dudley the address, and then had to tell him the biggest news of all.
"D, before we go in there, I have to tell you something."
"What's that Harry, you were pulling my leg about having two girlfriends?"
"No that's the truth, when we get in there, I am going to introduce you to someone, and you won't believe me, but it is who I say they are. Please do not say anything about their age, as they are quite sensitive about it, OK?"
"Sure Harry, if their that old, it probably does hurt to be kept reminded of it."
"D, you don't know the half of it."
Harry led them in the house where Harry was attacked by a red and brown blur, "Where have you two been, we have been looking all over for you?" They were saying this as they were kissing him all over the face.
Dudley stood there watching them, with another Kodak moment look on his face. Draco looked at Dudley, and started laughing so hard it hurt him, but he couldn't stop, that drew Dobby out, looking at Draco, which pointed at Dudley which was staring at Harry and two of the most beautiful women he had ever seen, which were kissing Harry all over the face. This started Dobby. The hallway was full of people wondering what was going on. Draco and Dobby were laughing, the stranger was staring and Harry, Hermione and Ginny were snogging. Luna pushed her way to the front, crossed her arms over her chest, and yelled, "STOP." Hermione and Ginny pulled away from Harry , who had a dazed goofy happy look on his face, Dudley turned and saw another beautiful woman, and Draco and Dobby froze with huge grins on their face. "Can someone please, tell me what's going on here?"
Draco tried to explain, but couldn't help but start laughing again. which got Dobby going again. Harry pulled Ginny and Hermione with him to the front and explained to every one what was going on. He then reached back and pulled Dudley to the front with him, Ginny and Hermione and told everyone who he was. "Everyone, this is Dudley Dursley, Dudley, this is Narcissa Malfoy, Draco's mother, this is Sirius Black, my godfather, this is Remus and Nymphadora Lupin, but just call her Tonks, if you want to live to see tomorrow, this laughing hyena is my brother Dobby, and his fiance Luna Lovegood, you have already met Draco, this is Hermione Granger, and this is Ginevra Weasley, but call her Ginny, and last but not least, I want you to meet James and Lily Potter, my mom and dad."
SHIT, ANOTHER MEDICAL ALERT. WE NEED BETTER HEALTH CARE BENEFITS AROUND HERE THE WAY WE ARE GOING DOWN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
