Chapter 1 The Aftermath
(Scotland, July 25, 1998)
THE DAILY PROPHET SPECIAL EDITION:
The Boy Who Lived to Defeat the Dark Lord, Still Missing
By Artie Kester
Weeks after his spectacular defeat of He-Who-Must-Not-be-Named, Wizarding Savior, Harry James Potter, 17, has still yet to make an appearance to the general public. As of press time, no one seems to know the actual location or circumstance of our reluctant hero, although we have been repeatedly assured by certain individuals who are reportedly close to Mr. Potter that even if they have yet to see him after the Great Battle of Hogwarts, he is in good condition and is only preferring isolation at the moment.
The general public however should be cautioned not to take these words at face value. Rumours that Mr. Potter has taken the brunt of the magical backlash, resulting from the destruction of the Dark Lord, reducing him to almost a squib, still abound. Until we see our saviour for our own eyes, we reserve the right to speculate on what has truly become of the one and the only Harry Potter.
New Appointees in the Ministry
By David Scarborough
In an unprecedented stroke of genius, Minister of Magic, Cornelius Fudge, has approved the appointments of Dolores Jane Umbridge as Chief of Wizengamot, and Rufus Srimgeour as Deputy Minister… (Continued in page 8)
Werewolf and Half-Breed Registry Legislation to be Sponsored Personally by Chief of Wizengamot
By Ares Magnum
New Wizengamot Chief, Dolores Umbridge, has pushed for a new legislation decreeing that all werewolves and half-breeds such as vampires and half-giants register themselves together with other creatures with the Department of Control and Regulation of Magical Creatures. The new proposal also further suggests the banning of the use of wands for these said half-breeds as well as the prohibition for them to receive magical education… (Continued in page 6)
Segregation of Muggleborns
By Tory Moonstone
Wizengamot Head, Dolores Umbridge is campaigning for the proposed segregation of Muggleborn Witches and Wizards. In the final draft she has submitted for the Wizengamot deliberations, this said segregation is suggested to be applied on all those with no magical parentage residing within Wizarding Britain. This law, once effective shall encompass living conditions, education, rights and benefits, taxes and the like… (Continued in page 6)
Death Eater Round-Ups
By Anita Primrose
The Department of Magical Law Enforcement is pleased to announce that all known Death Eaters have either been apprehended and detained, or dead and accounted for. In a statement, DMLE head Amelia Bones has confirmed this most wonderful news. Trials and subsequent sentencing schedules shall be released in the following days.
Hogwarts: Revamped and Ready; Snape reinstated as Deputy and Potions Master
By Devon Frigate
Newly instated Headmistress, Minerva McGonagall, has issued a statement that Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry shall be opened and ready for occupancy come September 1st.
Just a few months after its destruction, Headmistress McGonagall and her dedicated team had been successful in rebuilding the premier magical school in Great Britain, as well as fill in the staffing that had been decimated tremendously during the last war.
In a controversial move, the Board of School Governors had also approved the appointment and reinstatement of Severus Tobias Snape, 38, as Deputy Headmaster and Potions Professor. Professor Snape, as we all know and remember, had been appointed by You-Know-Who as Headmaster during his brief reign of terror and has subsequently relinquished the position. Insider information reveals that the top Potions Master of Britain (second only to the late Horace Slughorn) had been working as a spy for the side of the Light (together with Lucius Malfoy and family who were earlier sent into exile by Ministerial Decree 1803-98) and had been vouched for by the late Albus Dumbledore, former Chief of Wizengamot, Supreme Mugwump and Headmaster of Hogwarts. However, the truth to this matter remains to be undetermined as no solid proof remained, proceeding the death of the former Chief Warlock. And while Hogwarts and the Board had expressed their support for the Ex-Death Eater, Minister Cornelius Fudge and Wizengamot Chief Dolores Umbridge remain convinced that Severus Snape is a danger to our free society. And although the man has played a role in the destruction of You-Know-Who, certain restrictions have to be placed to guarantee the safety of our people. A trial and criminal sentencing is pushed for… (Continued in page 10)
Severus Snape: Saint or Scoundrel?
By Artie Kester
In the absence of our boy hero, Harry Potter, the mantle of the most controversial figure post-war, falls unto the sinewy shoulders of Death Eater Severus Snape. IN the past it is widely known that the sketchy Potions Master has been vouched for by Albus Dumbledore. But following the former Hogwarts Headmaster's demise in his charge's own hands, this act comes into considerable question and scrutiny.
As this reporter had previously written, a mysterious vial containing what turned out to be memories, had been delivered to the desk of DMLE Head Amelia Bones, only hours after the defeat of He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named. And while the DMLE denies knowing the origin or the content of the said vial, insider information confirms that this actually holds memories of a certain kind, pertaining to the innocence of one Severus Snape –and that the vial also contains magical signatures of Albus Dumbledore and Harry Potter.
Many express doubt over its authenticity, however, including top figures in the Ministry. For one, this reporter supposes, why would Dumbledore help clear the name of his murderer? And two, animosity between Mr. Potter and Professor Snape is legendary, as attested to by people close to the two –why would Harry Potter work to exonerate his most hated Professor? We can only guess, dear readers, as to the truth of the matter, as both surviving parties remain unavailable for comments…
01010101010101010
"Unavailable for comments? UNAVAILABLE my arse!"
Severus Snape breathed heavily through his gritted teeth as he threw the newspaper he was reading. It landed in his bowl of porridge, causing a spray of cereal to land on the front of his otherwise pristine robes. To his immediate left, Minerva McGonagall sighed.
"Calm down, Severus. Those who matter know of your innocence. Since when did you care for public perception anyway?"
"Since Dolores Umbridge." The Potions Master muttered darkly, reaching into his robes. He then produced a heavily crumpled piece of parchment and threw it at the Headmistress' plate. Minerva eyed the scroll warily.
"From the Ministry?" she confirmed, seeing the familiar seal of the Wizengamot. When her Deputy said nothing further, she grabbed the letter and began to read:
Dear Severus,
I am sure you are aware of the current situation concerning your liberties. With your loyalties still in question, I have devised a way for you to escape punishment should the courts declare you guilty.
I have convinced Cornelius to release you into my custody and bind you to me in marriage –only for public safety, of course. Consider it as a Slytherin helping another. No need to thank me as we would both benefit from this arrangement, for sure.
Yours,
Dolores
Minerva could not help but gag on the bacon she was munching on. Aurora Sinistra who was on her left, noticed and started rubbing circles on her back. Minerva smiled gratefully at the new Head of Ravenclaw House. She then eyed Severus.
"Severus, I –"
"I should just throw myself to the Dementors of Azkaban. I'd rather be Kissed than bond with that hag!" The new Deputy Headmaster (He relinquished Headship of Slytherin to Septima Vector) growled. "After all that I've done, after all that I've given up –" he picked up the letter Minerva had laid back on the table. "THIS –this is what I get?"
Minerva sighed once more.
"Severus, of all, you will not stand trial as a common criminal, I will not allow it. You have the confidence of the Board –"
"What good would that do it that cow, Umbridge, has the Ministry in her back pocket? That bitch has had it for me since she became High Inquisitor! If I knew this was to happen, I should have just let Nagini finish me off instead of downing that anti-venom –"
"But what would she gain by binding you to her in marriage?" Minerva asked. "Not that I'm saying it will happen, but –"
"My magic." Severus spat out angrily. Minerva stared at him thoughtfully. That made sense. With Albus and Voldemort gone, Severus Snape was one of the most powerful wizards alive, second to none, perhaps only Harry potter. A wizarding bond would allow for a sharing of magic between two parties. She let out a deep breath.
"Don't worry Severus, if it ever comes to a trial, you will have my testimony for your defense –all of us –the Order, the Board –"
"It will not matter, Minerva." Severus shook his head. "Fudge and Umbridge has it in the bag, so to speak. Anything short of Albus Dumbledore's personal appearance to speak on my behalf would not convince he Wizengamot of my innocence. In theirs, and the public's eye as well, I am already guilty –might as well kill myself now, before that toad forces me into marriage." He shuddered at the thought. "Damn Ministry bigots!"
"What about Harry's testimony, Severus?"
The Potions Master grimaced.
"Do you happen to know where the esteemed Mr. Potter is Minerva? I have it on good authority that the Daily Prophet is offering galleons in exchange for any information on his whereabouts."
Minerva folded her arms across her chest.
"Well, we can try to locate him. I wonder if Remus –"
"Minerva, if the brat wished to be located, we would not be having this conversation. To tell you frankly, I am quite surprised that Potter has managed to escape the prying eyes of the Ministry. For once, he has employed whatever little common sense he had –"
"Severus!"
"What? It's true. I will only say this once; it was an unusual inspired stroke of genius on his part, to let himself fad in the shadows. Do you have any idea what would happen if he was here? The Ministry would stop at nothing until they have the Boy-Who-Lived working as their poster boy."
"He will not have a moment's peace," Minerva murmured.
"Precisely. And besides, you've read the general consensus. The brat loathes me. No matter what we have accomplished together, he still hates me. What makes you think that he will come into my defense?"
"Severus, Harry does not hate you. He respects you and values your contribution to –"
"Says who?"
Minerva glared at him.
"He did show me the vial, Severus –before he took it to Amelia's office. He would not have sealed it with his magical signature if he did not believe your innocence."
Severus snorted.
"The good that it did. Potter hates me. I hate him back. Let us keep at least that as a universal truth. My sanity depends on it." He sighed. "Very well, Headmistress, I shall take my leave. I have affairs to sort out before I hand myself over to the Dementors." He stood up to leave, but before he could get far, he was hit by a mild stinging hex from behind. The Potions Master turned to face a grim-faced Headmistress and a snickering faculty.
"Don't you dare throw away your life like that, Severus Snape! If anybody deserves a life after all of this, it is you!"
"Minerva –"
"Nonsense! You may not be one of my Lions, but I consider you as my son. I will not allow you to marry that Ogre –"
"Minerva," Severus found himself tearing up inside on that pronouncement coming from the formidable witch –not that he would ever admit it. "I thank you for your kind words. You and Albus are the few that I look up to –"
"Oh, my dear boy –" Severus then found himself being crushed into a tight hug. His stoic face betrayed his discomfort at the gesture, causing those at the summer staff table to burst into undignified giggles. Severus especially glared at Hagrid, but the half-giant seemed immune to his patented Death Glare #43 –the one he used to reduce a human colleague into a pulp.
"Minerva, I said I look up to you –but kindly remove yourself from my body immediately."
"Oh, will you just let an old woman have her way for once!" She smiled as she let her Deputy go. "We will get you through this,"
Severus stepped away from the sentimental witch.
"As I have said, Minerva, I appreciate your enthusiasm regarding the matter, but there is nothing we can do. Fudge controls the Ministry; that toad Umbridge has Wizengamot –"
"Ah, but that's where you're wrong, my boy." Minerva waved a finger at him. "She does not ultimately control Wizengamot –"
"She is the Chief, Headmistress."
"Chief –nothing but a presiding officer."
Severus frowned.
"Is this going anywhere, besides giving me false hopes?"
"I am not giving you false hopes, young man. True, there seems to be no other avenue to take out of this farce given the current set up of the Ministry, but –"
"But what?" Severus asked impatiently. "Are you telling me that Fudge is all of a sudden going to choke on Chocolate Frogs and die, and that toad Umbridge is going to spontaneously combust? Because that would be the only way for me to get a fair trial and sentence."
"Oh, nobody needs to die, Severus." Minerva admonished him. "Walk me to my office, will you?"
"I do not see how walking you to your office would help me I my current predicament, Minerva."
The Headmistress glared at him.
"No, it does not, per se. But surely a Potions Master such as yourself can appreciate the process it takes to come up with a successful brew."
Severus raised his eyebrows.
"Pray tell me then, at least, before I go about this long and winding procedure, of what end product I should expect."
Minerva gave him s smirk worthy of Salazar Slytherin.
"A place for everything, and everything in its place,"
"A Gryffindor, waxing philosophical?"
"Philosophical? Me? Dear no, Professor Snape." The Headmistress let out a girlish giggle. Severus frowned. There must be some correlation between the Headmastership and losing one's sanity; Albus with his damned twinkling eyes, and now, Minerva and her giggles. Good thing he did not last long in the position. He sighed as he faced the chuckling witch.
"At least tell me of your diabolical plan of doom before I commit myself to it –and at the mental ward at St. Mungo's."
Minerva ignored his half-hearted diatribe and smiled.
"What do you know of the High Lord of Wizengamot, Severus?"