(a/n): And a long-awaited update. I was online several months back and my screen went dark. All I got was the C:\ prompt. No warning everything just stopped. What was bad was I had Chapt 22 on it. With parts of 23 and 24 on another computer. And down the line outlines. But no record anywhere of the #22 I'd written. I'll never retrieve whatever it was. So had to write backwards using the end of #21 and the beginning of #23 as points of reference.

The original idea for Dumbledore's loyalty to Snape is still here. But I only vaguely remember what the original chapter was like. And the Malfoy plot as it kicks off was never there, but I liked it.

I got the Commissioner's rank off Wikipedia. And, admittedly I didn't think of it at the time, but a policeman's gun is a great cover for a Witch's wand. Amelia's rank as Head of the DMLE, I think, does equal the Commissioner's rank. The fact of British police not carrying guns just somehow doesn't seem real when every cop you see has one.

Back to the Granger attack on Harry at King's Cross. There have been quite a few interpretations I've read in reviews. How I saw it as I wrote it, was that it was Michelle's fault entirely. She saw Harry and saw red. Though she really intended nothing more than a slap in the face. Harry's reflexes were just that exact speed to make the whole thing the mess it became. Hermione was completely blameless in the entire incident. I never envisioned her as arranging for her mother to attack Harry. That fact just never seems to make it into any of the conversations because of the circumstances.

Fudge is just the personification of corruption. To my friend OldCrow I reply that he wasn't so much worried about the Ministry getting its fair slice. Cornelius was fishing for HIS own piece. But Amelia frustrated him by simply following the law. Never mind the complexities of real life tax law :)

Barty Jr. he went the way of his master.

And I hope I'm not dashing anyone's opinions, but I don't hate Hermione. Any more than I hated Ginny, as some saw it, while I wrote Not the Only Redhead.

Wow was it really February? Hope everyone comes back!

22 – The Downfall of Severus Snape

Malfoy Manor, the estate had been in the family for over six centuries. It extends for nearly two square miles and is an important supplier to Ogden, the manufacturer of Firewhisky. The family were not Death Eaters, but the indirect support was extremely valuable. Of late, however, crop yields were slipping.

"There is only one explanation that fits all the facts, Lucius." Said Narcissa Malfoy (nee Black)

No one other than Draco was present, but the Head of the Family was still regally formal with his wife "Please, enlighten us my wife. My son, pay attention."

"Yes Father." The soon-to-be Sixth Year student answered dutifully. He had little interest in farming. After all The Manor had House Elves working the fields.

The Lady of the Manor spread a massive, heavily lined, tiny numbered roll of parchment. It ran the length of the table before she stopped it. "Someday," she complained "someone will have to come up with a way to make going through large accounting rolls simpler."

"I fail to see the necessity." Lucius observed "The same method of accounting has been used back to my Great-Grandfather's time at the very least. If it served Albus Malfoy it is good enough for us."

Where one of Draco's female peers would giggle, his mother's tone was one of wry amusement "And how does your master feel about your ancestor's name?"

"You mock the Dark Lord at your peril, my dear." Lucius warned.

She gave a derisive snort and retorted "It seems to me I am more imperiled from what he calls your incompetence. I do not disagree either. Bones is doing a nice job of twisting the screws. But forget about that. Look at the facts. Your master stayed here from 1974 through his disappearance in 1981. By then, yields had fallen 36%. By 1985 they even exceeded the record outputs under Abraxas in the '40s. Now, again, areas of blight are present. These documents prove it if you analyze them properly. Production will be down by perhaps 8%."

"Sounds as if those field elves need a lashing." Said Draco.

Narcissa gave a displeased roll of her eyes "If you expect to effectively run this Family someday, Draco, you must learn subtlety. Our vast enterprises require monitoring, lest they be stolen out from under us."

"Father would destroy anyone who-" the teen began.

His Mother cut him off brusquely "You have been using that as a bully stick since your first year! What WILL YOU DO when it happens to you? And it will if you do not pay attention! Now, husband, what is the one thing these production slumps have in common? His presence on our property. Banish him today and a can almost guarantee a return to normal levels next growing season."

"The cause, Mother-"

She slapped him, ringingly across the cheek "Cause be damned! You CAN NOT let someone pauperize you!"

"These temporary setbacks are minor." Lucius said, smoothly "Once the Dark Lord's power base is secure we will be repaid fifty fold."

Narcissa gave a cold, empty expression "There was a time" she said "when Malfoy stood for the power of Purebloods. And were the most important of families. Yet you dishonor us every time you bend your knee!"

"Shut up woman!" Lucius commanded.

She sneered at him "Afraid to speak in your own house? Tell me, husband, just whose house is this?"

"An interesting question, Mrs. Malfoy." The sickly green-blue colored form of Lord Voldemort entered the room. "Let me ask you, Mrs. Malfoy. Does a leader have to explain his motivations to his followers?"

She held a regal pose and shot back "A proper leader treats his followers with respect. And a guest treats his hosts the same. Or the guest leaves."

"But, I am not a mere guest, Mrs. Malfoy." The Dark Lord said smoothly "I am the future of the Wizarding World. Your husband recognizes this, as did his father before him. As, I am sure, his son will. I do not encourage questioning by those of you under me. However such occurrences are opportunities for learning. And Lord Voldemort is more than willing to offer all the lessons you need."

Narcissa shot a questioning look at Lucius, which turned contemptuous as he stood unmoving. She whipped out her wand, with the Killing Curse on her lips "Avada Ke-!"

"Accio Draco!" countered the Dark Lord. And the Malfoy heir flew into his grasp. He laughed cruelly at the futilely struggling teen and the defeated expression on the mother's face "Your wand, Mrs. Malfoy, drop it. Crucio!"

A masked Death Eater entered the room, masked to keep a spy's identity secret. The voice was even disguised to the point of not being able to tell the whether it was male or female. "Master, some information you may find valuable. Snape was just brought into St. Mungo's. Unconscious. Potter's protectrix argued with the Olde Fool."

"And what did Severus do this time?" asked Volcemort.

The spy's shoulders sagged "Forgive me, My Lord, but with the time allotted I only heard part of the conversation. Snape was definitely teaching the boy Occlumency, however I did not hear his technique."

"Your report is adequate for the moment." Voldemort acknowledged "You have 24 hours to produce the entire case file. I want to know everything that happened before the Wizengamot does. Even information from the Muggles might be useful. See to it."

The spy bowed out of the room "Yes, My Lord."

Narcissa Malfoy had been screaming the entire time the spy was reporting. It said something about the Dark Lord's abilities that he could be focused on a conversation and meanwhile maintain one of the most powerful curses.

x x x x x

At 3:30 the next morning, Draco's lean body was dangling over the sides of his couch. His Mother was tucked in his bed, she awoke coughing and wheezing weakly "Water."

"Yes, Mum." He replied, instantly awake. A House Elf appeared with a pitcher and glass and was harshly dismissed. Showing a tenderness he never displayed elsewhere, Draco lifted her head and helped her drink "That was stupid!"

Swallowing was an effort but she succeeded "Telling the truth D-*cough* is never stupid. And facts -*cough*-*cough*-*cough*-*cough* are facts. This will not end well for us, I think."

"Especially if you keep defying Him!" Draco complained.

Narcissa glared at the capitalization she heard in her son's reference to Voldemort "You are a Malfoy, son. And you are also a Black. Among the most ancient of the Great Houses. A rare union. *cough*-*cough*-*cough*-*cough* No, I am getting better. What disgusts me is the way your father bows and scrapes before that thing. Unfortunately, he is in too deep."

Draco protested "But Father says-"

"We will ride high!" she exclaimed, finishing the boast "Centaur droppings! And at least they are a recognized species! NO! This Family survives because of Albus Malfoy and because of Black genius. Your Father has cunning, so does a dog. But he is blind to what he serves. Your Grandfather was old and weak when this Dark Lord rose to power. Would you be true to your heritage?"

He held her hand and replied "Of course Mother. I hate how he treats you. And I hate how Father just stands by and allows it!"

"Then you must do as I say." She said "Find Sirius, align yourself with him. If you cannot, claim the Black Family. And bring Andromeda back into the fold."

Draco's face twisted in loathing "She married a Muggle!"

"She is my sister! And that is an order!" Narcissa snapped, now fully recovered from the torture. Or at least ignoring the pain in lieu of parental duty "And you will like this one even less. Parkinson is a cow. Your marriage to her is only to gain access to their wealth. Granted, they are the richest family in Britain, but she is not worthy of your blood. One of the Greengrasses is a much more suitable candidate. Astoria, I should think."

Draco saw the calculation in her expression and pointed out "Father would not be pleased. We could gain enough wealth to reach 10 votes in the Wizengamot."

"Perhaps." She admitted "But, wealth obtained too easily is too easily lost. You would do better earning it in partnership with a Greengrass. They have real wits. As for your Father, if necessary dispose of him. My last instruction, you will want to refuse but it is the most logical. The only real way for you to get out from under this so-called Dark Lord is for him to lose the coming war."

Draco slammed a fist on the mattress and shouted "NO! ANSOLUTELY NOT!"

"I have noted that there are four factions in the coming war." She said "There is the vast majority of Wizard-kind who will not get involved. Families for whom business will go on as usual regardless of the outcome."

Draco spat "Cowards!"

"Never! And I mean NEVER! Say that in public!" she commanded "Dumbledore leads a large, but splintered, faction. He has the power, but lacks the will to do what must be done. Lucius fancies himself Second-in-Command of a small tight-knit group with a single agenda. Bringing their leader to power. But ask any of them, what next? I see the final faction forming among your peers. Large and diverse, yes. But willing to accept leadership from only one person."

Draco rubbed his temples in an effort to fight off a coming migraine "Do not say his name, Mother." He said, insistently. "Saint Potter!"

"Obviously I do not need to." She said with a smirk "But I only draw conclusions from your own letters. What you must do is approach Dumbledore, or Potter, or better yet both. Your classmate does have an active dislike for the man. Offer them both information about Death Eater activity. Promise, but do not necessarily deliver information to each about the other. Do what they want you to do, without putting yourself and House Malfoy at risk, of course."

He gave Narcissa a resentful glare, saying angrily "And, will you Mother, keep yourself alive AND healthy? You are rather useless as a source if you are constantly being Crucioed."

"I obey, my son." She replied "I shall be your father's dutiful ornament and a loyal member of the cause until IT is dead. Will that please you?"

Draco's voice cracked as he replied "Yes Mother."

"Now leave me." She commanded, fully aware that she was actually in her son's bed "I must dress for breakfast."

x x x x x

The end of August was fast approaching. All things considered, it had not been a bad month for Harry. Word reached most everyone in the Privet Dr. /Wisteria Way neighborhood that the pariah of the street was actually nobility. Whispering persisted concerning Harry's relationship vis a vis Susan and Ginny, however no one said anything rude in their presence. Local boys were quietly jealous. Young girls giggled among themselves. Older ones expressed their disapproval while wishing they were either girl. The Dursleys had been vastly demoted in Little Whinging society. Vernon and Petunia did not receive a hint of their nephew's reflected status.

What persisted was Harry's acrimonious relationship with a certain phoenix. The very wards that Dumbledore created caused trouble for Fawkes. Harry delighted in making him wait outside his bedroom window unnecessarily. A letter from the Headmaster came at 6AM one morning. Harry looked out the window, yawned, stretched and promptly went to the loo. On a similar occasion, he showered before opening the window to allow delivery. During an afternoon with Ron, the boys lingered in McDonald's for an hour knowing that the phoenix needed to deliver a letter in a Muggle-free area.

"Well, what do you want this time?" Harry demanded, impatiently.

Fawkes squawked at him indignantly and offered a leg. A human might have said "You know perfectly well I have a letter! And I have better things to do with my time! Now take the bloody thing!"

"Same old story. Trust Snivellus, Save Snivellus." Said Harry, grumpily "Well I don't have anything to write with this time so here's today's answer." He ripped the parchment in two and tossed the pieces. Glaring at Fawkes he ordered "Now scram ya ruddy pigeon!"

The first time he'd seen it, Ron looked stunned. This was the third. He just chuckled "Hey, mate, while you're in a good mood…. I want to talk about my wedding."

"You can still back out, y'know." Commented Harry. It was somewhere between a joke and a serious suggestion.

Sirius, who was visiting in his Animagus form, barked. Which could have been agreement with Harry or support of Ron.

"I'm doing what I have to, mate." Said Ron "One, I do love her. She is going to be the mother of my child. Hopefully children. Maybe I wouldn't have if she wasn't preggers, but I can't change that either. Don't wanna, to be honest. You still haven't changed your mind about being best man? Or even … in the party … at least?"

Harry shook his head "Sorry, Ron, but no. I'd do it in a minute if you were marrying … say … Lavender Brown or Parvati Patil. But, Granger? Can't do it. She doesn't want me anyway. You know that."

"I hate how things went so wrong." Ron complained "If I had one of them bloody time tuners I'd go back and fix it, too. Tell me this. Do you really think Mrs. Granger really meant to …ahhh…well…. Y'know?" He gestured vaguely and uncomfortably at his friend's eyepatch.

Harry grimaced, knowing exactly what he was asking, and answered "Maybe, maybe not. But does it really matter? Even if Dumbledore removed his objection and I got my eye back, I could never forget the pain. It was right up there with the Cruciatus. They haven't apologized, anyway, so I won't forgive."

"Yeah." Ron acknowledged. His discussion with his future wife and in-laws went little different, if more shrill. "Can I ask one favor? Just for that day, at least? Please don't … I mean … Can you wear one that doesn't have their name on it?"

Harry thought for a bit, then nodded "Sure Ron. I … you should have a happy wedding day. I even promise not to start anything. I'll do my best to get away from anyone who does. There's some things I won't though."

"On to cheery stuff, though!" Ron grinned, deliberately changing the subject "You're gonna string greasy by his balls?"

Harry looked sickened "If you ever talk about Snape's balls again I'll—" he punched Ron in the arm.

"OKOKOK! I get the message!" the redhead exclaimed, though it turned into a laugh. "Well?"

Harry shrugged "I plan on it. But you know how I've been screwed by the system. And Dumbledore is using every arm-twist he knows. And this is just to stop a trial. Amelia's trying to cover all the bribery. And Augusta is on blackmail."

"For someone who didn't even know we existed" commented Ron "You sure do know some pretty important people."

Rolling his eyes, Harry said "Most of the people who are important to me have red hair. And it's not because of their jobs."

"No need to get all serious, mate." Ron grumbled, but he was smiling too.

Harry stopped walking and petted Snuffles, who took off at a run for no reason other than that's what a dog might do.

x x x x x

"This special session of the Wizengamot is now called to order!" Augusta Longbottom announced in a voice that echoed through the chamber "The Chief Warlock had requested the session in order to rule on the necessity of a trial for one Severus Tobias Snape! Is the accused present?"

Of course, he was. But this was the procedure "Yes, Madam Chancellor." Replied Snape "Although I protest the appellation 'accused.'

"Your objection is noted." She replied "What are the charges?"

Madam Bones stood and opened a scroll "Madam Chancellor. I charge the accused with Teaching without a License, Physical Assault, Mental Assault, Assault on a Minor, and most seriously, Violation of Mental Intergrity."

"Who are you?" Madam Longbottom asked formally.

Formal reply was "Amelia Susan Bones."

"By what authority do you make these charges?" was the second question.

Amelia answered "Two-fold Madam Chancellor. First, as Director of Magical Law enforcement and Secondly in defense of House Potter of which I am de jure and de facto Head. The titular Head, and victim of these crimes, is Harry Potter."

"Is Harry Potter present?" another formal question.

The Customary formula went "With the permission of Madam Potter. Yes, Chancellor."

"Your Regent is pressing these charges in your name, Earl Potter." Asked Augusta "Do you support, or reject, pursuing this case?"

Harry answered "Madam Chancellor, the accused has insulted my Family honor since the day I met him. And for no cause whatsoever. All this time he has been protected from retribution by …. Certain parties …. Further, my Regent has managed my House excellently since accepting the post. To not fully support her in this action would be to question her judgment, which I will not do. I endorse the charges being debated here today."

"Be it understood that this committee of the whole is not here to try this case." Said Augusta "Only and specifically to determine if trial is warranted. Who speaks for the accused?"

White, groomed beard and tall, meticulous stood "I, Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore. Madam Chancellor, having discussed the matter at great length with Severus, I do realize there has been a mutually antagonistic relationship between himself and young Harry. That said it seems that Harry stepped over the line."

"You sent that greasy git to mind rape me!" shouted Harry. While name calling might have cost him points in the minds of the Wizengamot members, all were highly sensitive to mental intrusion. Privacy had a much more detailed definition in Wizarding Law than it did in Muggle codes.

Lucius was able to bring numerous arguments to the Potion Mater's defense "Madam Chancellor, I find the entire matter alarming. There has been, since the disappearance of He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named, a noticeable rise in anti-Slytherin sentiment. This case is just the latest symptom. Here, an esteemed Professor, even willing to give of himself outside his normal duties is dragged before us as a criminal. We frequently disagree, Professor Dumbledore and I, but in this case I agree. My son, Draco, has repeatedly complained in letters to me of persecution by Potter and his friends."

"Yes, Duke Malfoy" Amelia acknowledged sarcastically "and you have, of course, never committed any transgressions worthy of note against House Potter."

He sneered at her "Madam, your accusations will eventually prove to be frivolous. House Malfoy has more than adequate wealth-"

"Naturally" she interrupted "As it has made great use of at least one other House's wealth for its own nefarious agenda. I caution you, fellow nobles, do not let Lucius near your Gringotts safe. You could find yourself applying for part-time employment."

That brought hisses and catcalls. With wealth came titles, but few members of the Wizengamot wanted to consider the opposite. And it was impolite to point out. What Amelia had just said, if not for the open case, would have been cause for a duel even.

"Silence!" demanded Chancellor Longbottom, making heavy use of her gavel. "Madam Bones, you will refrain from another such remark, or risk censure. A brief summary of the allegations, please."

Bowing to the Chair, Amelia apologized "Forgive me Madam Chancellor. Two days ago, Severus Snape entered Earl Potter's residence. He immediately began ritually insulting the victim, gave about one sentence instruction in the Arte of Occlumency, then savagely attacked Harry Potter's mind."

"Madam Chancellor" Dumbledore interrupted "Can we not have a simple statement without all the derogatory adjectives?"

When the Wizengamot acted as a legislature the Great Families voted based on their wealth and prestige. Today, when acted as a jury, each had just a single vote. A large faction simply was not interested, so the actual count was rather low it went 20 – 6 in favor of proceeding to trial. The accused was not especially popular.

x x x x x

"Susan, tell the good Professor what you've learned." Amelia said with a faint hint of smugness. They were in a small conference room in the Ministry. The table only sat six and there were three other chairs. There were only four people present.

The girl opened a folder "Tribunal selection is complete, Auntie. Oliver Zeller, his daughter is a Hufflepuff. Snape has made her run out of the dungeons on three occasions, crying. Stamford Jorkins, a neutral but he tends to vote against Malfoy interests. Alberic Grunnion, he was in the very first class Snape taught as a professor. Interesting thing about him everyone these days says how he looks like Remus Lupin. Lord Ollivander, father of the man we got our wands from, Harry. His only interest is in making money. But being the only wandmaker in England gives his House quite a secure income."

"There is it." Said Amelia "Two guaranteed guilty votes. Even if you convince the other members, the tie gets broken by the Chief Warlock. Ordinarily, that is you. But-"

Dumbledore lowered his eyes "As I have presented myself as Severus' advocate, the tiebreaker goes to the Chancellor."

"You're an idiot, Longbottom!" Harry exclaimed, imitating the Potion Master's voice "You're a loser, Longbottom. How can you be so incompetent, Longbottom? Think Madam Longbottom might think of her grandson as she votes?" He leaned back in his chair with a gloating expression.

The Headmaster took off his spectacles and pinched the bridge of his nose "What Harry?" he asked in a defeated tone "will it take to keep this from going to trial?"

"Why should we even consider it?" asked Amelia "Sometimes the criminal just needs to pay for his crimes. Harry mentioned Neville Longbottom. Should the Lestranges have just, say, paid a fine and been sent on their way? As things are, it would have been better for them to be executed as they are now free thanks to the breakout."

Dumbledore sighed, and addressed himself to Harry "My boy, if you were to know all the details of Professor Snape's life I think you would see the enormous similarities between him and yourself. And, your Mother, were she here… I am certain would counsel mercy and understanding."

"I've discussed Snape with my parents' paintings." Harry offered, then fell silent.

Dumbledore hedged "Of course, you realize that magical paintings are not necessarily perfect representations as they rarely contain every moment of the person's life. But, I would be very interested particularly in knowing Lily's thoughts on the matter."

"Why do you care so much?" Harry demanded "What is he? Your love child, or something?" It was a totally sarcastic question on his part.

But it struck a nerve, the ancient face froze. It lasted for barely a second but it was enough.

"Now that is very interesting." Amelia observed, a politician and experienced Auror, could read any facial twitch or body language "It has long been known that you are homosexual. Explain."

Harry and Susan blinked and stared at each other, then at the adults in the room. They were shocked into silence.

"It is not precisely accurate. Severus is not a blood relation to myself." Dumbledore explained "The one great love of my youth was Gellert Grindelwald. He was the prime mover in the Great War stretching from 1914 through 1946. Muggles believe them two separate wars. It was, in fact, Gellert's personality that controlled Adolph Hitler. History aside, during that period, Gellert had a relationship with a woman. Joanne Prince. They never married and Gellert has been in prison since. The Princes were a Minor House at the time, however their wealth was wiped out during the war. Joanne had a daughter, by Gellert, whom she named Eileen. I helped the family quietly, from a distance. Eileen came to Hogwarts, did fairly well and after graduation married a man named Tobias Snape."

Amelia looked horrified "You allowed! And nurtured! The bloodline of that monster!"

"Have you any idea what it is like to be responsible for the imprisonment of someone you love, Madam Bones?" asked Dumbledore, coldly. His emotional state betrayed also by departure from his customary use of first names. "Would you judge a man by the actions of his parents?"

Harry broke in "My parents were pretty good. So were Susan's. So why not? And your judgment pretty much sucks."

"Harry, Severus has legitimate grievances with your father." The Headmaster pointed out "Many of James' disciplinary problems were directly related to his treatment of Severus."

Harry stood and slapped the table violently "HAD!" he shouted "MY FATHER IS DEAD! WHY'D HE TAKE IT OUT ON ME? WHY'D YOU LET HIM?"

"I am unaware of any discrimination on Severus' part toward you, Harry." Dumbledore said calmly.

Harry flopped down in his chair, kicked it away from the table and sneered "Then you're an idiot!"

Accumulation of evidence had taken the Headmaster down several pegs in Susan's estimation. But her boyfriend's remark still shocked her.

"Madam Pince supplied Hogwarts' disciplinary records for the last five years."Amelia said, by way of introduction. And Susan pulled another scroll out of her bag. Amelia nodded to her in thanks and resumed "Some comparisons are quite revealing. Draco Malfoy, for example, has been awarded 1628 points by Professor Snape over five years. Over the same time, he has been penalized 201 points by Professor Snape. He incurred 28 hours in detentions assigned. Harry, and bearing in mind he missed most of his fifth year, was penalized 2110 points and assigned 106 hours in detentions. Now, how would the Tribunal interpret that?"

"And before you ask." Harry added "We did not forget to count Points Awarded. There aren't any!"

Amelia's next words were delivered with icy certainty "Do not even think of Obliviating us, Albus. Perhaps you could outdraw all of us. But, Harry, tell him the name of your new friend."

"Luna Lovegood." He said "Her Father feels obligated to me. He holds copies of everything. If Snivellus is suddenly free, The Quibbler will have its best day ever."

Dumbledore gave his best 'disappointed look' and replied "Harry, Amelia, let me assure you I would never threaten either of you. Now please, let us reason together. I need Severus where he is, doing what he is doing."

"Abusing students?" asked Amelia "I think not. It seems to me that you made this commitment more than a simple promise to an old friend. Am I right?"

To be so thoroughly read distressed the Headmaster no end. "I think I will keep private matters, private." He answered.

"Well, no problem there." Said Harry in a false-friendly tone "Let's just go have a trial then, shall we."

Completely trapped, Dumbledore nodded and said "I swore, to Gellert, that I would protect his progeny all my life."

"Not a word!" Amelia ordered of the two suddenly babbling teens "Out! Now! A brief adjournment is in order."

THE QUIBBLER

CHIEF WARLOCK ANNOUNCES MAJOR SHAKEUP

This morning, in a special unscheduled session of the Wizengamot, Albus Dumbledore announced sweeping changes in the Government. "The Ministry has not acted in the best interests of the people. As such I must resign my post as its representative to the International Confederation of Wizards. Cornelius Fudge, while perhaps an acceptable peacetime Minister of Magic, is not up to the rigors of war. I shall seek a vote of No Confidence in the Minister later today. I have resisted calls for me to take the post previously. Assuming I do obtain the post, I will take a sabbatical as Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Minerva McGonagall has served as Deputy for almost two decades and has my full confidence."

Dumbledore's departure from the International Confederation of Wizards also opens up the Supreme Mugwumpship. Almost immediately, several candidates appeared; among them Alberto Fujimori of Peru, Quentin Bryce of Australia and Stanislav Krum of Bulgaria.

Within hours, Dumbledore was sworn in as Minister of Magic. At 115, that makes him the third oldest on record. With his swearing in, the post of Chief Warlock was vacated. Maneuvering is intense and as of this printing no candidates have emerged from the pack.

Most surprising, was Amelia Bones appointment as House Dumbledore's proxy in the Wizengamot. A sitting Minister cannot cast his House's votes according Wizengamot rules. Madam Bones is gathering an impressive voting block add House Bones' 7, to House Potter's 6 votes and now House Dumbledore's 10. And those names carry significant prestige, undoubtedly bringing more votes.

x x x x x

"And where is Severus now?" the Dark Lord demanded.

Rabastan Lestrange knelt and answered "At this point, we do not know Master. Our sources report that Potter, and the Blood Traitor Bones met with the Olde Fool. What was said is not known due to privacy spells. There was a brief break in the meeting, after which Snape vanished from a holding cell. He is not in any Ministry property, or Hogwarts. A report of his appearance in Diagon Alley was proved false. Bella amused herself with the liar for quite some time. I do not believe he is on the Islands any longer."

"Find him. Kill him." Voldemort passed sentence "Karkaroff did not escape my justice. Neither will Snape. Next item on the agenda - Lucius."

The Head of House Malfoy also got to one knee and replied "My Lord?"

"Bones is becoming a threat to my cause." Voldemort declared "Draw on what resources you deem appropriate. That woman must die."

x x x x x

On a point of land jutting out from the Rock of Gibraltar stood two wizards, one dressed in all black, the other with a long white beard that merged with all white hair. "Amelia was most thorough in tying my hands within Britain; however she does not know everything. You will have adequate resources to draw upon. What, Severus, was so hard about complying with my orders?"

"The brat is impossible, Headmaster." The black-clad wizard replied "And you are at fault! You should have foreseen that entire chain of events!"

Dumbledore looked away "Perhaps so, Severus, perhaps so. But I shall pay for my own errors soon enough. You are most skilled at the arts of concealment. Hide yourself well. When the time is right, use the Portkey I gave you. Some will undoubtedly call you a traitor, others a hero. But I will have fulfilled my pledge. You will survive this war."

"You have never explained why you care. Do I not have a right to know!" demanded Snape.

Dumbledore shook his head "Not while I live. Seek out Harry, circumstances required me to reveal the secret to him. No doubt he will actually enjoy telling the tale. Were it within my power I would go back and compel you to show a different face to young Mr. Potter. He may look like James, but even when he is arguing with me all I hear is Lily."

"He taunted me! Mocked me! Provoked me!" shouted Snape.

Dumbledore held up his hand and said "Enough! Severus, when next we meet there will be no time for words. What I say will have two meanings. Obey my true wishes. Now go."

x x x x x

Time – 8:30AM / Date - September 1, 1996

The Dursleys hadn't bothered to hang around. Vernon left at 6AM, essentially for the same place Harry was going. Petunia took Dudley to his first day of school at Smeltings, leaving just twenty minutes prior.

"Cheerio!" Harry waved airily to the deserted house. For appearance sake, he allowed the limousine driver to load his luggage. He grinned at Colin Creevey and his brother, Dennis, who were in the passenger section of their company's largest vehicle. They were not on duty today. "No Snivellus! Looking forward to this year!"

They both cheered back and Dennis patted the driver's shoulder "Let's go Hector."

This seemed like a very strong place to restore Harry's eye. I'd think some even expected it here. But I'm saving it for a different place