PB6

Disclaimer – I own nothing and make no money on JKR's characters.

Chapter 6

Severus waited a day or two, mentally sorting the information he had gathered from Albus and adding a bit that Albus didn't know. For someone so smart, Albus had made little headway in the search for the Horcruxes, but he suspected that was on purpose. Severus made a few firecalls to old friends with ominous tattoos on their left forearms that he'd not contacted much over the last decade. They were suspicious, but Severus pretended to be 'surprised by Lucius' actions' and 'what did they think of it all?'

This thawed them out nicely and they discussed Lucius at length. Severus then steered the conversation to artifacts that the Dark Lord had obtained at one point or another. He paid particular attention to mention of artifacts that had belonged to the founders. It was surprising how much many of them knew in spite of the fact that the Dark Lord was trying to be secretive.

At last - at Albus' urging – he 'reluctantly' made another trip to the Malfoy's, grumbling all the way to the floo. He sat in Lucius' study with Narcissa and Lucius and told them what Dumbledore had revealed to him about the Horcruxes … and his plan that Harry be dead at the end of the battles.

Lucius turned white with rage and paced the study, muttering about hateful old men looking to leave a 'legacy' no matter what the cost – or who paid for it. Narcissa narrowed her eyes, stirring her cup of tea and mentally running through all the untraceable poisons she knew of.

Severus let them stew in the knowledge that Albus intended to sacrifice their ticket to redemption for 'the greater good'. Then he told them about the firecalls to the other Death Eaters, the tales about the Dark Lord acquiring things belonging to the founders.

Narcissa brightened and told about her sister placing a gold cup in her vault – and the whispers in the Black family that it was the 'Hufflepuff cup'. Severus smiled in relief – a Horcrux found already! Lucius, though had an odd look on his face, and he went to a portrait of his father, Abraxas. The picture had been hexed silent long ago. Lucius moved the portrait aside after a brief struggle, and opened a safe. He retrieved a small book and set it on the desk.

"My father was given the task of guarding this by the Dark Lord, many years ago – even before I was born. He didn't really know why – and he said he did not dare look too closely at it." Lucius looked a bit ill as he looked at it.

The three of them stared at the small book intently. Narcissa put a hand out – stretching it over the book without actually touching it. She grimaced in distaste.

"A very dark artifact … but I can't tell if it is a Horcrux or not." Narcissa said with a sigh. "I believe it is one – but we need more information."

"We need to make Albus move his plans up – pressure him into acting before he gains ground back with the wizarding world." Lucius said, thoughts whirling. Above all they needed to keep Harry safe from Albus' plans – the best way was to keep Albus off balance.

Severus nodded and gave them the bare bones of his plans for Albus and the Dark Lord. Narcissa and Lucius gaped a little before pulling on their unruffled Slytherin personas. The Headmaster had truly crossed the line with Severus if the Potions Master was willing to do this. Lucius and Narcissa smiled at each other a bit and Narcissa brightly announced that lunch was ready.

Severus visited with the three boys after lunch, listening to plans for the school year. Dudley was eager as well – Narcissa had belatedly realized that Dudley had wanted to attend the same school his father had – some place with the odd name of 'Smeltings'. She was willing to do whatever it took to keep Dudley happy with his family – Harry in particular. His goodwill toward his cousin helped provide protection. Jealousy could only hinder that. She immediately had pressed Vernon into allowing her to pay for that year's tuition for Dudley. Vernon was no match for a determined Narcissa and gave in quickly … after all it was for Dudley.

The three boys compared curriculums and giggled over the disparities. "Well, it's not like many of the courses in muggle school would help in the wizarding world – we get a good grounding in mathematics, writing, spelling and all that before Hogwarts. Arithmancy takes up where math leaves off and we get counted off if we spell wrong – we learn to look things up if we want good grades on our essays. Our sciences are Potions, Charms and Transfiguration. We probably learn as much about plants and animals as you in Herbology and Care of magical creatures."

Harry laughed. "I know if we asked Uncle Vernon how much he uses his 'advanced Algebra' or chemistry and all that stuff - he'll say 'never'."

"Knowledge is never wasted." Dudley said stoutly, quoting his mother. "Still, if you don't need it in the Wizarding world – and you do need the other stuff … I suppose you have to make the trade-off."

"Well, there is a 'muggle studies' class … but Uncle Severus says it is really inaccurate." Draco said hesitantly. "I don't know why it has to be that way – there are plenty of muggleborns – or even half-bloods that should be able to make it interesting and informative."

Severus listened to their conversation, mulling over the implications. He'd often wondered why the muggle studies program at Hogwarts was so shoddy. In most classes Hogwarts had stellar teachers – the reason Hogwarts was always in the top five wizarding world schools. Even some of the muggleborn students could have helped improve the Muggle Studies program. Yet the 'I love muggles and muggleborns' Headmaster let the class slip into the ridiculous.

Severus had brought a few more beginning books on several subjects and went over the chapters Harry and Draco had already reviewed, Dudley listening in with a rapt look. Harry demonstrated a few more spells he'd mastered wandlessly – carefully using his left hand. Draco watched with a captivated expression. Lucius and Narcissa watched from the doorway with glee. Harry was proving more powerful by the day. If things went the way they planned the Dark Lord didn't have a prayer.

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Severus returned to Hogwarts and began his campaign, slowly convincing Albus that he needed to destroy at least some of the Horcruxes now – at least the ones that Lucius and he couldn't find. Between Albus and the Malfoys they should be able to get all five.

Albus was reluctant. "I don't want the war ended so quickly," Albus muttered when Severus broached the subject. "The wizarding world needs to see that they are in danger, or they won't transfer their loyalties back to me in the hopes that I can lead them to victory again." Albus looked at Severus intently. "Harry Potter must become loyal to me – the wizarding world needs to see that I'm his mentor. When Harry makes his sacrifice, I'll be able to lead them in the direction the wizarding world needs to go." Albus sat back, face now sorrowful, but determined - a faint light of fanaticism showing in his eyes.

Severus resisted the urge to ask the Headmaster if he'd really been in Gryffindor while in school. He hunched his shoulders instead, hiding his clenched jaw behind the curtain of hair, looking cowed into agreement. "Still, Headmaster, if we had already started on the task – it would be easier to draw the boy into the 'little adventure' … as Potter is likely to look at it in that way." Severus managed a sneer, though his heart wasn't in it. Albus looked thoughtful, stroking his beard – yes, that might work – keep the child busy …

"Yes, I suppose we could … since the boy will be here in the castle, we can have him look for Ravenclaw's diadem … I'm sure that Voldemort found it and he likely hid it here in the castle when he applied to be the DADA teacher – that's when he cursed the position." Albus' eyes began to gleam again. "… and I believe I can track down a certain ring … I have suspicions about the stone in it …" Albus gripped his wand a little harder and smiled in a way that chilled Severus. "Yes, - we'll set young Harry the beginnings of a task, along with him helping watch over the Sorcerer's Stone … he'll learn to come to me for information."

Severus nodded in what he hoped was an agreeable manner and left. He went straight to his quarters and took a long hot shower, feeling a little unclean. The Headmaster had been adamant that the Dark Lord had intended to make six Horcruxes - but had been stopped in the middle of the sixth. Severus now knew of the diadem, a ring, the cup and likely the diary – they just needed one more and the Dark Lord would be finished, except for Harry – and he had a plan for that.

In retaliation for having to listen to all Albus' vile plots, Severus ran off and stirred all the other teachers up – subtly, of course. The staff meeting that occurred that evening was one irritation for Albus after another. Flitwick and Sprout, along with Vector harangued Albus about the disgrace that History of Magic had become – the only reason students still passed their OWLs and NEWTs was that there was a very clear syllabus for them to follow.

Albus fielded their snarls as best he could – usually he could throw them off easily, now everyone was questioning his decisions and he had to promise to interview other teachers for the coming year. He would have preferred history stay a little murky for the students – just an overview of events without 'in depth discussions' that would perhaps insist on looking at more than one perspective on events.

Albus needed 'history' – particularly recent history - to be told the way he wished. A rather select group of books was 'suggested' in the syllabus if any students insisted on reading more than just 'A History of Magic'. Albus hadn't dared purge the library, though he'd slowly managed to get a few tomes moved to the restricted section as being 'too violent' or 'too disturbing' for the very young.

Still if he dragged a year or two before getting a new teacher … and did not let them change the syllabus quickly – at least Harry Potter would not be infected with too much forward thinking. He gave Minerva the job of gathering resumes to be reviewed, giving her a speaking glance.

Then, to his shock, the teachers started in on the Muggle Studies course. This alarmed him greatly. The last thing he needed was for purebloods to come to any understanding of muggles – and he preferred that the muggleborns thought wizards and witches to be a bit stupid to believe what was in their course-book. It had taken him years to find one as unhelpful and inaccurate as the one in use. It was bad enough that half-bloods spread as much information as they did to both sides.

"Now, we have a new teacher this year – a Charity Burbage – who I'm sure will do a fine job." Albus tried to soothe them.

"Charity Burbage!" Sprout nearly shouted. "She's never stepped foot in the muggle world – after Hogwarts she went on to get a Mastery in Divination – I'm quite sure she never even took a muggle studies course."

Albus reined in his temper with difficulty – his staff never took him to task in this manner – they never questioned his judgment. Charity was a well-born pureblood and very light witch who would follow his every directive, and he wanted her here. She'd been a Gryffindor – but only because he'd told the hat to place her there, and Minerva had gotten her quite well indoctrinated.

Minerva tried to jolly the teachers around but they would have none of it. At the end they had a list of muggleborns they would have assist Burbage in 'straightening out the class' and Flitwick had produced a very excellent book for the course that Albus had been avoiding for over a decade. They would have to hurry and get it placed on the list at the bookstores, Flitwick said with a happy smile.

Professor Babbling sniffed after that, "Well, a few improvements, at least. We'll have to hope that Professor Quirrell is still as competent as he was at the end of last year – when he took over the Defense against the Dark Arts class for that poor Lydia Burke when she got splinched … such a shame."

The teachers nodded to the Headmaster as they left - he was agitatedly shuffling his papers and not looking at any of them. Severus filed out behind them as they left, smothering a smile.

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Severus put off going to Malfoy Manor for a few days – though he sent an owl to update them. He was appearing to sulk while reading the Daily Prophet's lengthy articles on Harry while eating breakfast … Harry and Vernon and Dudley, Harry and Draco, Harry and the Horses, Harry and the Malfoys, 'the tragic tale of the sainted Petunia Dursley … and Harry'. The whole 'Defeat of You-Know-Who' by Harry' was re – examined and more speculation was put forth. The wizarding world was having an orgy of Harry Potter madness.

Even Rita Skeeter seemed to be charmed into bestowing some kind words on Harry – if only so she could skewer Dumbledore better. Narcissa had said she'd noticed Rita crying just a bit during Harry's rant at Albus. Perhaps it had been just a pretense on her part – but no one was watching her – except for Narcissa, no there was no point. Whatever the reason … Rita was cutting them some slack, and her interview with Harry had been favorable. She dropped the bomb that Harry had been 'speaking' to the horses in an article just morning.

All the teachers whispered excitedly at that, the newspapers rustling and rattling as they discussed it. Severus saw Albus' eyebrows raise in what Severus thought might be alarm. Albus tilted his head toward his office a bit and glanced at Minerva. An old signal – and one that Severus had been waiting for. This was a conversation not to be missed. Severus stood and cast the paper onto the table, as if in a temper, stalking away.

Severus went outside, ducking into an alcove and changed into a raven. It was a bright, warm day and Albus' windows would be open – even the small one in a nook above the portraits – where none of the portraits would see him and too high for the human occupants to easily see him, either. Severus flew in silently and ducked behind the small curtain, and peeked out carefully.

Albus was already there and had taken down the sorting hat. "… I insist … Harry Potter simply must be in Gryffindor." The hat grumbled unhappily and Albus continued. "He's already becoming powerful and he needs to be under Minerva's control so he can learn responsibility."

"As I recall placing you in Gryffindor didn't teach you that right away." The hat snapped back, impressing Severus with its audacity. "… you insisted I put you in Gryffindor instead of Slytherin where your father had been … you were afraid that everyone would think you were a muggle – hater like him."

"He disgraced his family." Albus practically shouted.

"His mistake was not telling the Wizengamot what had happened to your sister – not telling them that her injuries were why he lost control and harmed the muggles." The hat answered sadly. "His family – the Dumbledores – would have helped with Arianna if he had asked … even if your mother had asked, afterwards - if she hadn't run away to Godric's Hollow with the three of you."

"Water under the bridge." Albus muttered, shaking his head. He straightened back up as Minerva entered the room, scrolls tucked under her arms. "We need to discuss protecting the children that are here. You have the lists of children entering Hogwarts this year … and your interviews?"

Minerva nodded and smiled, looking quite smug. "I'm quite sure I've found just the Muggleborns for you, Albus." She rolled out some parchment. "There are two boys in particular that should be useful. Seamus Finnegan is a half blood and after talking to him … he isn't likely to ask questions – he'll be too busy looking for ways to sneak in firewhiskey and starting betting pools. The other is Dean Thomas – a muggleborn and quite smart, but he knows nothing about the wizarding world and is unlikely to talk to Harry Potter about politics."

Albus nodded, good he needed Harry Potter to listen to Severus – and then Minerva and finally learn to listen to him, Albus. He knew Harry would not trust him immediately – he had fence-mending to do. Severus had orders to get Harry to understand that Albus was a busy man and simply couldn't see to everything – and Harry would have to be very selfish indeed to expect the Head of the Wizengamot to see to every little thing in Harry's life. If Harry had been in a home that had been a little less loving – as Albus had expected - Harry would never have looked for special treatment in any form. He would have been thrilled to have Hagrid burst in and rescue him from the drudgery of muggle life.

"Any very smart ones that can help steer him where we wish to go?" Albus asked, "The Weasley boy, perhaps?"

Minerva's lips tightened, "Ronald may have all the correct ideas – about listening to you and about distrusting Slytherins, etc. But he is unlikely to lead anywhere except to a Quidditch game or other unproductive pursuits." Minerva shuffled through her interviews. "There is a muggleborn girl – a Hermione Granger – she is sharp enough that she'll likely be in Ravenclaw, but she is at that age where she has a very narrow idea of right and wrong and tends to believe that teachers – and others in positions of power must absolutely be right. She can be steered with no problem, and with guidance she should stay that way. I left her several books – 'Hogwarts a History', 'The Rise of the Dark' - the one about your leadership in the war with Grindelwald and the first rise of 'you know who', I also left a book that details the lives of prominent Gryffindors."

Albus nodded with a smile. "Hat – those four must definitely be put in Gryffindor, along with Harry Potter, he is already proving to be far too powerful to be left without careful guidance."

The hat frowned at Albus. "I did tell you that I would let you advise on a small number of students every year – I do hope that these will be enough. Though I must protest you putting all the Weasley children in Gryffindor … Percival should definitely been in Ravenclaw – or at least Hufflepuff …" the Hat turned toward Minerva, "… and no matter what you say – those twins should have been in Slytherin …"

Albus merely frowned while Minerva turned a bit pink with temper. The Headmaster stared at a parchment in front of him, "The Abbott and Bones girls – put them both in Hufflepuff, though Ravenclaw would do if you wish. Their families are both purebloods, and their families view are a bit … repressive … even if they are light families."

"Too bad …" The hat sniffed "… many of the Bones' made fine lions, back in the day – but you are right, they would likely tell the twins they are just shy of being outright bullies – a couple more years and they'll likely be causing injuries … though just like in the past you might not mind as long as it is Slytherins being damaged."

"That will be enough, hat." Minerva hissed. She hated it when even an oblique mention was made of the Marauders.

Severus was still a bit stunned by the news that the Headmaster interfered with the sorting of some students. It did explain some odd sortings.

Albus cleared his throat and gave the hat a small glare. "The Greengrass girl needs to go into Slytherin, where her cousins went in past years. The Greengrass family is pureblood and they were no friends to our cause in the first war."

"They were neutral, though …" Minerva began, and subsided at Albus' look.

"During war there is no neutral." Albus intoned, "We need to separate those that are of use, and those we can expect to help once there is an obvious threat and keep them in our realm of influence … the ones we know that will either fight for Voldemort … or will want someone other than I to lead against him need to be separated – into Slytherin if possible, or Hufflepuff when not."

"I won't let you choose for everyone – I told you … just a few, because you insist." The hat objected. "You have skewed enough lives. And, there are some you should not have tampered with … especially some of the muggleborns and halfbloods who would have been in Slytherin and helped them see the foolishness of their prejudice."

"There are still half-bloods and muggleborns in Slytherin … though not as many." Albus retorted defensively. Albus once again listed the students he had definite houses for – Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger in particular. "I will visit the Weasleys and see if I can drop a few hints at Mr. Ron Weasley – Minerva, visit the Grangers once more – see if you can steer the girl to befriend Mr Potter, hint that we are hoping she can help him and protect him from the dark wizards at Hogwarts."

Minerva nodded with a smile. She did enjoy talking to the young students, steering their thoughts in the right direction, watching as they went down the correct path she had pointed out.

Severus danced from foot to foot, listening to Albus and Minerva discuss the uprising among the staff. The decided to 'play along' for now – once the war got underway they would forget about it. The Stone was discussed and the 'gauntlet' of tasks was gone over. Albus seemed quite satisfied.

"We can urge Harry Potter's friends to encourage him to rescue the Stone from Dark Wizards – running this gauntlet will teach him some of the skills he'll need and he can learn to turn to me for guidance." Albus sat back with a smug smile, feeling that he had it all worked out.

Severus sneered mentally. Albus' plan was packed full of holes – all of it depended on Harry and the other children interacting – and reacting just as he planned. He should realize that eleven year olds simply aren't that predictable … unfortunately, Severus thought.

Minerva and Albus finally left and Severus scuttled out the window. He made it back into Hogwarts and down to the dungeons quickly. He now had a wealth of information of how to outmaneuver Albus and Minerva. He was a bit disappointed in his colleague. He'd thought she was an unwilling or oblivious accomplice … but, no, she seemed well aware of what was happening – although Severus doubted she knew the darker things – the Dark Lord's Horcruxes for instance. He sincerely hoped she was not aware of Albus' expectation that Harry needed to die.

Severus waited around the following morning, pretending to resentfully glare at the Daily Prophet full of pictures of Harry attending a race – cheering wildly for 'Rusty', a picture of Harry with the triumphant thoroughbred in the winner's circle. There were now a fair number of wizards and witches entering the muggle world to attend races – at least at the Salisbury track where they might spot Harry Potter.

There had been a special section in one of the Prophets giving advice on how to attend a race 'without attracting unwanted muggle attention'.

Finally, at Albus' pointed look, Severus dragged to the floo in the Great Hall and dispiritedly cast the floo powder down while Albus watched. Dudley was being seen off to Smeltings and Albus wanted him there 'to support Harry and put in a few good words about Hogwarts'. He smirked as he got out and was greeted by Harry with enthusiasm.

Severus gathered the Malfoys and Dursleys and sat down with Harry and told them the latest information. Lucius and Narcissa reacted with horror – tampering with a child's sorting? … it was a heinous violation in the eyes of the wizarding world. And suborning two children into doing his dirty work – unconscionable.

"Well with any luck this will be the last year he can fiddle with things like that." Harry spoke up. He was determined that Dumbledore be ousted from his position of authority. "We have our own plans in place and they should not be able to cause trouble with that. As long as I know who to look out for … this Ron and Hermione … I can avoid their traps."

Severus frowned and tapped his fingers to his lips. "Don't avoid them completely … Ronald Weasley will be in your dorm, and you can't dodge him totally anyway. Don't be hostile – if you don't fall in with his plans, he's likely to be the one that acts hostile and the other students will see that. Apparently the girl is very smart – just give reasoned arguments for not doing as she says, but don't let her draw you into a debate."

"I can always just make friends with the other two – Dean Thomas and Seamus Finnegan. Dumbledore can't object to that." Harry smirked, plotting with Severus was rather fun.

"Just don't forget to write, you two." Dudley broke in, he wasn't looking forward to separating from his cousin and new friend.

"Don't you forget – I need to keep up on the Soccer teams." Draco said, "And we'll let you know how the plots are working."

Lucius nodded at Severus, much of the upcoming battle plans rested squarely on Severus and Harry, with Draco providing assistance. He hoped they would be successful, a great deal depended on it. At last they could put it off no longer and they piled into the Malfoy's wizardspaced limo and enjoyed the hour's ride to Smeltings. The people at the school were quite impressed by the limo and the Malfoys, and they gave Vernon and Dudley a heartier welcome than they had intended.

Draco and Harry helped drag Dudley's stuff to his dorm. Draco looked around the school with interest. Very different in some ways to what he knew was at Hogwarts, but some things were the same – dorm rooms, trunks, classrooms. It just wasn't in a magic castle.

Goodbyes were said and Vernon waved to his son a bit sadly. Soon all three boys would be off to school. Part of him was very happy … against all odds Dudley was at Smeltings and Harry would be off to Hogwarts just as he and Petunia had always hoped. Still, he knew he would be a bit lonely. Narcissa watched him as they drove back to Malfoy Manor.

"It will be Christmas break in no time, Vernon; the time will go faster than you think." Narcissa could remember thinking it would be forever before she saw home again when she first went to school.

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Harry ran his hands over the beautiful trunk at the shop that sold them. He had all the books – they'd sent for the ones needed months ago, to read ahead, but they had gotten a few more while they were here. Severus and Lucius were with them as they got their wands. The creepy old man had delivered a scary rant about the wand and they left quickly. Now he needed a good trunk. This one was a beautiful cherrywood with three different sections, depending on which latch he opened 'so he would have triple the room'. The trunk was a lot deeper than the outside dimensions could account for. He simply loved it.

The eager salesman put his monogram in gold across the front. Harry looked around quickly, there was a bit of a crowd watching and pretending not to. Harry told himself he didn't care, Severus and Lucius wouldn't let them get out of hand.

Severus shrank the trunk and Harry put it in his pocket with a grin. Magic really was brilliant. "I don't have a cage for Ditto … and I should get him some treats and all, too." Harry was glad to have him back and wanted to take him to Hogwarts. The cage was obtained and Harry stopped in front of the Quidditch store. The game looked like a lot of fun. Draco was enthusiastic and Harry had enjoyed the games they'd attended.

A pack of redheads lined up beside him. The youngest boy stared at Harry's scar. "You really are Harry Potter, aren't you?" Harry was a little taken aback, but nodded. The boy grabbed Harry's hand and shook it heartily. "Ron Weasley … we'll be in Gryffindor together this year."

"We haven't been sorted, yet, maybe I'll be in another house." Harry extracted his hand, determined to not look annoyed. So this was Ron? Not terribly subtle.

A pair of red-haired twins chortled. "No way you'll be anything else …" One said. "… both your parents were Gryffindors." The other continued.

"Well, I don't remember them," Harry answered craftily. "My Aunt Petunia raised me and she said that if she'd been a witch she'd have been in Slytherin … even my mother Lily said she would have been." Harry escaped with a chuckle and an approving look from Severus. They left the group of red haired children with horrified looks on their faces.

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Lucius, Narcissa and Vernon took the boys to Kings Cross the next day, and they scuttled through the gateway at 9 ¾ with a laugh. Harry was enjoying the wizarding world more and more. There were reporters at the outskirts of the crowd of parents and children, all wanting a shot of Harry Potter getting on the Hogwarts Express. Lucius and Vernon manfully shook the boys' hands, Narcissa hugged them both and kissed their foreheads. Harry was very glad her lipstick was spelled to not come off.

They quickly found an empty compartment and settled in. They grinned at each other and waited for the assault.

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A/N – The sorting is next. I promise it will be fun.