Chapter Forty-Five: A Suspect

There was a knock on the door and Severus woke up, Harry attached to his side, his shirt off. Nothing had happened last night between them but sleep—or lack of for him. It wasn't the fact that he wouldn't have minded being intimate with Harry, it was just the fact that he doubted he could really concentrate on something like that in a time like this.
Moving slowly, he was able to silently slip himself out from underneath the Gryffindor (who had a habit of clinging onto him during sleep) and moved towards the office door. He closed the bedroom door so Harry could be kept in peace.
Before he opened the door, he patted himself down, still wearing a long sleeved shirt from sleep. Surprised that it wasn't Kingsley, he opened the door further. "Headmistress, what can I do for you?" he asked, the smaller of the two Auror's now on duty. Last night he had been forced to have dinner here so the remaining students wouldn't get any ideas. Harry was able to go to the Great Hall but he offered to stay. Thankfully, his ingredients had been returned to him and he had been able to distract himself for a little while before Harry took a shower and they went to bed.

"May I?" she asked, Severus letting her in. It wasn't just Harry and Severus worried about all of this, but she was too. She didn't care that Hogwarts would be on the front page, potentially saying that they housed and protected a Death Eater, she cared about how the both of them were handling this.
"How is Potter?" she asked, Severus still in his pyjamas. It was quite early but breakfast for the students here would be served soon—not that Severus would be able to attend. The papers would also be arriving shortly.

"He's asleep," said Snape, the witch giving him a pushing look. "He's putting on a brave face, just like every Gryffindor," he muttered. Moving over to the desk, he got himself a mug and requested one of the elves who filled it up with tea for him.

"Kingsley will be keeping in contact with us. Right now, all you can do is wait for another message from the sender," said McGonagall. "The mail will be arriving shortly."

Taking a sip, Snape stood, leaning against the wall and putting his weight onto one foot. "Do you think they will publish anything? Honestly?" he asked. Not as professors, but as friends.

Minerva's expression was uncertain. "I can't say, Severus," she said, her shoulders lightly shrugging. "I am in the dark about this just as much as you are. Kingsley is trying not to involve other members as he wishes it all to be hush. After the amount of traitors to the Ministry during the last few years, he only trusts few to work so closely and quietly for him."

Snape just gazed across the room for a moment. "I can't believe one stupid slip of the tongue and I could be prosecuted as a Death Eater. After everything I've done." He scoffed. "Whatever happened to freedom of speech?"

"You know very well that people are still very sensitive. It's been months, yes, but people lost their lives, their loved ones, to people who…"

"Yes?"

"I don't need to say it," said the Headmistress. "I know you didn't mean it like that, I've known you a long enough time to draw that conclusion. But you must be more careful."

"I don't need another lecture," muttered the Slytherin, pushing himself back up. "I am well aware of what I have done and the consequences that may pursue it. It still seems utterly ridiculous and unfair but… I suppose that is what happens when you're dating a hero and were formally a soldier to Lord Voldemort," he muttered in disgust.

"That's not it at all," said Minerva reassuringly. "Any witch or wizard would be dying to be in your position with Potter. Most celebrities don't have enemies that would go out and kill them. Some psychopaths, I'm sure-,"

"Yes, but either way, it's all for Harry's sake. He is the popular one. The reason why I could possibly go to prison. You and I both know very well that if it wasn't Potter I was dating, then none of this would be happening."

Minerva shook her head. "You are just as famous as Harry is now. Don't you realise that? I can't say how many witches and wizards have also been whispering about you and what you're like in the-,"

"Oh, Merlin, that is far from what I meant," Severus pushed, putting his mug down onto the desk. "I have little time to care for how popular I am with witches and wizards. I don't care for any of that. I am in this because of my feelings for Harry. And I would take it day after day to be with him and now because of what I've done, we could be split apart. Azkaban is not a life," he stressed.
"And having Harry come and visit me if I'm even alive long enough for a visitation right? I'd rather die than have him see me as such filth…" He slumped himself down onto the seat of his desk, massaging his forehead.

"Kingsley is doing all he can so that will not happen… Even if this did reach the public, I doubt it would have the negative effect you are thinking," explained the Headmistress. "Perhaps even just a public apology would be more than enough in the eyes of the wizarding world."

"I should not have to apologise for anything. The Dursleys deserved it," muttered the Slytherin.

"Yes, well, as much as you detest them, they are still Muggles and what you said was still a racist remark. With your history-,"

"Yes, I know," Severus butted in, "I am well aware of what people would think with my past status to the Dark Lord. Let Rita Skeeter off the hook, she's alright—she wasn't a Death Eater—yet she exposed private moments and was on Hogwarts grounds whilst it was closed." He gave a frustrated huff.

Minerva wasn't any more happy about Skeeter than Severus was, but Kingsley was right—she knew powerful people that could make their lives miserable in the long run. She was a bad enemy to have, and one that was not worth the fight.
She was about to open her mouth when the door to the other room opened, a very scruffy Potter popping out. She looked him up and down.

Thankful that Harry had managed to put a shirt on before entering his office, Severus picked his mug back up, taking a sip.

"Um… I'm not interrupting, am I?" asked Harry. "I thought there might be some news…"

"No, Potter, you're quite fine. I should be going now anyway. If there are any updates, you will contact me?"

"I shall," noted Snape with a nod. McGonagall let herself out and Harry moved forward, slumping himself down into the seat before his desk.

"Is everything okay?" Harry asked, settling himself down.

"The papers won't arrive until an hour or so," Snape stated, putting his mug down. "I won't be able to attend breakfast in the Great Hall. Maliki is still standing outside."

"Maliki? Oh, the Auror…" Harry nodded. "The short one, or the big guy?"

"Short." Severus stood up. "I need to get changed. I will be in my lab if you need anything." When he passed up Harry, he was tugged on the arm and stopped, looking down at the younger wizard.

"I'll stay with you. We can have breakfast together." Harry moved and stood up from his seat. "I'd rather spend it here with you anyway then at the Gryffindor table all by myself."

Severus smirked a little. "Your friends will be arriving soon, I hope you know. School starts in just a few days."

"Yeah and that's more the reason to spend it with you," said the Gryffindor, although he was more worried about Severus being taken away from him and locked up forever rather than having to stay in the Gryffindor common-room for the remainder of the school year.

The Slytherin felt his shoulders drop a little. He didn't need to read Harry's mind to know what he was thinking. "Kingsley is working on it," he reassured, turning to face Harry. He believed little of what he was saying but it was better lying to Harry and giving him hope than telling him the horrid truth—or mostly his own personal thoughts which were nothing but negative.

Harry tried his best to look like he believed Severus but he was worried—and scared. At the same time, he didn't particularly wish to think on it either.
"I'm sure he is…" he murmured softly, feeling Severus' hand trace against his cheek. He looked up and put on a smile. "How about that breakfast?"

Severus nodded. "I need to get dressed." He moved back into the bedroom and got changed, Harry did so, too, before he summoned and elf back and they shared breakfast together in the lounge.

*****
It was lunchtime when Harry walked back into the dungeons. He didn't generally leave Severus behind, but he needed a bit of fresh air outside and some time to think to himself (and Snape couldn't leave the Auror's sight). He was a Gryffindor after all, and being stuck down in the dungeons could become quite suffocating.
When he opened the door, he was surprised to see McGonagall, the two Aurors and Kingsley inside. Somehow the tension in the air seemed not as strong as usual between all of the people. Something must have gone right, then?

"Potter," said McGonagall, giving a polite nod of her head to acknowledge his presence in the room.

"What's going on?" Harry asked, moving further inside and taking a look at Severus.

"We've arrested your previous professor," informed Kingsley. "She's in holding at the moment back in the Ministry."

"What…? She confessed? Did she really do it?" Harry's voice raised an octave.

Severus stood. "Highly doubtful she would confess, Potter, not with her attitude." Well, not without… 'influence' anyway.

"Do you think she did it?" Harry moved over to his bondmate and looked him in the eyes for an honest answer.

"I know as much as you," Severus stated, putting his hands behind his back. "I was just on my way to the Ministry to watch her interrogation. Is Harry's presence going to be an issue?"

The Minister stood up from his own seat. "Of course not. You are more than welcome to join us, Harry. But you must stay with Maliki at all times. John will be interrogating her."

Harry looked at the taller Auror. John? Really? He was expecting something much more dramatic. However, despite the Auror's name, he was a burley and powerful wizard. He had no issue with John interrogating ex-Professor Desiree with the number he'd done to Severus' eye.

When Kingsley left through the Floo, they all followed after. Severus made sure to keep a close eye on Harry while they wondered the halls of the Ministry. Thankfully, they Flooed down in the holding cells where there wasn't many witches and wizards to hound or see them around (this was restricted to Aurors, witnesses and suspected criminals—no reporters allowed). Kingsley knew the more discrete paths, which he certainly wasn't complaining about.

"Did you bring it?" asked John, having dropped behind the group with Severus.

Snape pulled a phial from his pocket and handed it over. "The strongest," he said softly.

Harry looked behind him for a moment to see the very dodgy transaction between the two. He knew what that was. Snape was a Potions master and he'd seen it in his fourth year at Hogwarts. Veritaserum. Truth serum. Was that even legal? To give it to someone? He supposed it was if they'd given it to Barty Crouch Jr. all those years ago. But would it really hold up in court?
Still, he looked at Severus as John separated from them and walked past him. "Are you allowed to do that?" he asked worriedly as he slowed down to Severus—who instantly picked up his pace. Hogwarts was one thing, but they were at the Ministry of Magic right now.

"Potter, Aurors use much worse means of punishment whilst interrogating. This is the easiest way," stated Severus. "Besides… if she is intelligent enough, she can counter the serum. But I am not letting her get away if she is guilty."

Harry wasn't convinced, though. "That's not what I asked. Doesn't she have to consent to that?" Kingsley called their names and Harry's eyes left Snape's, the Potions master moving into the viewing room—leaving him with no answer. He had a feeling this wasn't very legal at all.
What happened in Hogwarts was different. Barty Crouch Jr. was weak and vulnerable to the potion. Desiree wasn't—that he knew of. He gathered, really… what was the harm if it didn't even end up working?
Following Severus, Kingsley closed in behind them. It wasn't a two may mirror like he was expecting—that would be too Muggle-like. Instead, they were perfectly in view! This was just a trial. Not even an interrogation. It was just the way things had been when he was getting into trouble for using magic underage.
Moving uncomfortably into the seat next to Severus, he saw the empty seat where Desiree would be moved to. He gathered John was getting her prepared—and most likely slipping her a truth potion. He thought that there would be some kind of magic against that. But being an Auror, he knew John would know his ways around the wards in the Ministry.

"Don't look so nervous," said Severus, looking at the younger wizard, "Besides, this is my life on the line here, not yours."

That didn't make Harry feel any better. He just sighed. He wanted the truth more than anyone in this room he thought, and if breaking the law to get it done was the only way, then so be it. Besides, he couldn't exactly say anything—he wasn't one to ever follow the rules, was he?
The door opened from down the stairs and he saw the ex-professor being led to the lonely chair in the middle of the room. Such a spotlight. He remembered when he was sitting there and how terrifying it had been. Kingsley moved up to the stand, John staying downstairs as if to make sure the prisoner knew she wasn't going to get away.
"Darlene Desiree," started Kingsley. Harry seemed to focus precisely on the Slytherin woman, blocking out much—if not all—of what Kingsley was saying as he swore her in. She seemed relaxed, which made him feel even more nervous. Severus was just sitting beside him, watching and listening. He didn't seem nervous at all! How could Snape just play this all off like it was nothing? If Desiree wasn't the one behind these attacks… who the hell could it possibly be?

"Ha!" came the voice of Darlene as she sat on the chair. "You've got no proof it was me. What grounds are you even holding me on?"

"We know that you tried to intervene with Mister Snape's and Mister Potter's relationship. You also wanted the Potions position at Hogwarts." Kingsley held up the letter that had been sent to Severus. "This states for Severus Snape to stand down. A mere coincidence?"

Darlene just waved her hand, eyes latching onto the dark ones of the Potions master. She smirked. "Alright… I wanted his position. I can admit that," she said honestly, looking at Kingsley.

Severus remained expressionless despite the mental sneer he was giving the woman on the seat. He had no idea if the truth serum made it into the witch, but he was hoping not to be disappointed. He couldn't say she was exceedingly smart, so perhaps she didn't know she was being fed the potion? Perhaps she couldn't actually fight it like some? Veritaserum didn't always hold up, which was why it wasn't solid evidence in court—and was why he didn't inform Kingsley he was using it.

"And you wrote him these threatening messages," accused Kingsley.

This time, Darlene smirked and shook her head. "I didn't write those, Minister. Does that look like my handwriting?" she scoffed, "Most certainly not."

Harry felt his gut tighten as dread gripped his heart. She didn't write them? But he was sure they had someone. If not Desiree, then who? It could be anyone out there! He looked at Severus but the older wizard's expression was still unreadable.
Before he could stop himself, he stood up and yelled across the room, "Then tell us who did!" All eyes turned to him and he felt nervous. Nervous but angry. He knew Desiree was up to something. Maybe John just didn't give her the Veritaserum. And perhaps if she had taken it, Kingsley hadn't asked the right question.

Kingsley stood from his seat, looking at Harry with a warning look. His head turned back to the witch before him as a noise came from the back of her throat, though. She was trying to say something. Or… possibly keep something in?

Harry's eyes narrowed as Desiree's hands tightened on the chair she was sitting in before saying something so soft that it was barely a mumble. "She knows who did it," he said to Severus. Finally, the Potions master showed an expression on his face. Something of surprise and satisfaction. Or was it curiosity or victory? To be honest, even that expression was hard to read.

"Pardon?" said Kingsley, looking at the witch. "I will repeat what Mister Potter said. Do you know who wrote these letters to Severus?"

Desiree's face contorted as she tried to keep back the words from her lips. Instantly, she knew she'd been dosed with a truth serum. She should have never trusted that damn Auror to get her a drink. He'd drugged it! But they'd kept her in holding so long that she had started getting horribly thirsty in that hot, stuffy little room. Damnit, she didn't even see it coming! How could she had missed that? How could this have possibly slipped her mind?
Unable to control herself, she yelled across the room, "Yes!" the words echoing through the entire chamber. "Of course I know who did it!" she revealed. "It was perfect! Muggles are so weak to a Veela and who would suspect them? That moron fell to his knees as soon as he saw me and I just knew he was the one! A neutral Muggle, always blogging wizarding news and taking photographs. He was much too easy to manipulate!"

Harry's jaw went tight at the pride in Desiree's voice. He wanted to yell and scream at her but he stopped when he felt a hand go to his shoulder as he'd stood up from his seat. Severus' hand made him sit back down.

Looking at the Potions master, Darlene scoffed. "You're not a Slytherin! You put us all to shame! Dating a Gryffindor. Being in the spotlight. You'll always be his shadow!"

"Shut up!" Harry yelled from his seat. This time, he pushed Snape's hand away. "He is a hero! More than you ever will be! Being a Slytherin isn't all about cheating to get your way to the top! Making false accusations about people and bribing them. For what!? So you could teach at Hogwarts again!? Professor McGonagall never would have allowed you back, you lousy git!"

On the other side of Severus, McGonagall was not shocked by the outburst from Harry. He always had a way for sticking up for people, even if they didn't want it. He was right, though. She never would have allowed Desiree to teach at Hogwarts again. She never should have allowed her to in the first place, but the attack had been so quick and Darlene was high up on the list for Potions—and eager. Perhaps that should have sent up a warning flag.

"Hogwarts isn't exactly known for an immaculate record, Potter!" Desiree sneered from her seat. "Allowing Death Eaters to teach. Worse, creatures and not even humans—werewolves!"

At the mention of Lupin, Harry felt his hands shake as rage strangled his heart. "You bitch! Leave him out of this! Remus was a great man!" he yelled, tears glazing his now glassy eyes.

"Harry," said Severus, standing up and putting his hand to his partner's shoulder. "Minerva, please escort Potter out of here before he blows the place up."

"No, I want to see this witch burn!" Harry yelled. "She deserves it! She's insulting you. She's insulting Lupin! She can't get away with it. How dare you say those things about Severus being racist when you're worse than he ever will be!"
His fiery green eyes turned back to the witch. "You're nothing! You have no life that you have to stalk someone and make their life a living hell when they make a tiny mistake!? You won't get away with it!"

"Mister Potter!" Kingsley finally stepped in, getting the attention of Harry as McGonagall had moved over to his other side to take him out. "Minerva, please escort the boy from the room."

"Come, Potter, before you make things worse."

Harry looked at Snape for some kind of assistance but the older wizard simply had an empty look. Why wasn't he supporting him? This was Snape's life! This witch could have ruined his life! Could have gotten him locked up on Azkaban. And they still didn't know who the other person was who was behind this! If they had a means of blogging this somewhere then they had to stop him!
"Severus… please, this is your life. I won't say anything again, I'll be quiet," he said almost desperately, his eyes still watery—though looking up when hands cupped his cheeks.

"Go with the Headmistress. I will be with you when this is finalised." The teary eyes before him widened in shock and hurt as he didn't stand up for Harry and allow him to stay, but this was for the better of Harry. He was upset in here and he didn't wish to see him even more so. Desiree was not worth that. Not to mention she knew how to clearly push his buttons.

Harry just swallowed hard, the hands leaving his cheek. Fine. He turned around, ignoring the noises from within the chamber as he pushed past McGonagall and headed back outside. Maliki tailed them, obviously not wanting them walking around by themselves.
When he finally stopped because he was lost in the complex, he leant his back against the wall, fighting back tears. He wasn't so much sad as angry now. He really didn't understand why Severus made him leave. He wanted to know the truth, too! He loved Severus, he deserved to know what was happening in that trial!

"Potter, it will be quite alright," reassured McGonagall. "Maliki, would you please escort us back upstairs. I think Mister Potter would like some fresh air. Somewhere discreet, please. No reporters."

The Auror nodded, leading the two of them outside into the backstreets where Muggles wouldn't see them and most of the witches and wizards weren't allowed to go. McGonagall put up a ward so that Muggles wouldn't see them just in case.

Harry slid his back down the stone wall of the building they were behind and sat on the pavement, knees up and hands hugging around them. He didn't want to be away from Severus. He wanted to know what was happening. He just didn't understand how Severus could think it was okay to send him out. He wasn't a kid that was getting sent out of the classroom to get detention afterwards. He was his partner, his lover! He should be in there. Unfortunately, all he could do was sit here and wait…

*****
It was a while before Severus stepped outside and exhaled softly, looking down the street where he could see Harry's back (only Muggles couldn't see through the ward). He was standing now, pacing back and forth. He was stressed, it wasn't hard to tell. Having pushed Harry away wasn't exactly what Potter would have liked—he knew that. But it was the right thing to do. He couldn't stand seeing him distressed like that. Not over him.
It seemed like hours he was sitting in the chamber. Hours of facing that witch and listening to her curse out everything he had ever done. Looks like the serum worked perfectly as planned. The witch couldn't prove it if she took that to trial. As far as Kingsley knew—well, he didn't. It was no secret, considering Potter knew, but Kingsley wanted this sorted and that's what he got. Even at her next trial (her final one), the truth was already out. Everybody in the room had heard her confess.
Right now, John and another Auror were hunting down the Muggle male who Desiree had used her Veela powers over to persuade him to do her dirty work. They'd have to get trained staff to take a look at his computer and all that other Muggle rubbish that Severus didn't care too much for. As long as he was caught and everything was wiped, he would be pleased.

Seeing something from the corner of his eye, Harry stopped pacing, Maliki and McGonagall having turned as well. Severus was alone, but nonetheless, he quickly jogged his way over. "So? How'd it go? What's happening?" he asked all at once despite still being pissed off over being removed.

Severus put his hands behind his back as the other two caught up. He frowned a little, and Harry's eyes instantly widened.

"No! I won't let them take you!" yelled Harry, instantly clinging himself around the taller wizard.

Not expecting the reaction, Severus stumbled a little but kept his feet, giving a smirk. "Luckily for them, they're not taking me anywhere." Harry looked up and he gave a small smile, one that wasn't easily shared in public.

"You jerk!" Harry said, smacking his palm against the Potion master's chest. "You had me going there. I thought they were going to lock you up for good!" He pouted, though giving a relieved sigh, his fingers running through his messy hair. All the weight in the world seemed to lift off his shoulders at hearing this. His body still trembled from the shock of it all.

Severus just smirked. "Desiree will be given a final trial. Right now, they are searching for the Muggle male. He should be easy to find," he informed the others and Harry. "As of now, I am a free wizard. However, if this Muggle has already informed others, then we shall have to wait and see."

"But they're going to catch him, right?" Harry asked, looking at Maliki and back to Snape.

"I am certain they are doing their best," noted Severus. "There is little any of us can do at this stage."

McGonagall lifted her hand to Snape's shoulder. "Why don't you and Potter return to Hogwarts and get some rest. Kingsley will inform you of any changes, I am sure." She had to get back to Hogwarts as it was, there were still children around—even though there were plenty of staff around the school.

Severus nodded. "I will escort Potter back," he stated, Minerva returning the nod. When the two others disapparated, Severus motioned to where they had to go back to get into the Ministry and use the Floo network (as they couldn't apparate back into Hogwarts).

Harry followed Severus back through the Floo and into the comfort of the dungeons. Comfort? He never thought he'd call the dungeons comforting, but it was like a home now. He was more than happy to be back here, away from the trouble, away from the drama, and away from the Ministry.

Author's comment:

Really late update, and I hope everyone's doing well! Happy late Valentines Day! I also found work as well. :)