A/N: Thank you all for the great comments, suggestions and theories! Keep them coming - they sometimes inspire me to write something totally different than what I had planned ;)
ThePhoenixandtheDragon: Her treatment will be paid by Dumbledore - he was the headmaster and should have told her parents to get her treatment (paid by Lucius) when it first happened instead of using it to his own advantages. There are not that many death here in Austria through alcohol poisoning but still enough happens. Teachers are usually pretty open about the effects and we learn about it in school. My parents were also very direct when I was about 15 (legal drinking age is 16). I'm sure Harry won't touch any bottle even with gloves on in the near future ;)
geekymom: Hahahahaha :D I never even thought about that...
tefe203: I don't think so. I believe it will end before that but maybe I'll write another story with Tom as teacher ;) He would be a great one :)
JasminSky: I'm sure the goblins know something far better than a crucio and they know something that they can legally use against him since he tried to steal from the bank :D
Kanisha Agarwal: Nice that I could surprise you :) Yeah I also do that with certain fanfics :D
Dixie.f.9: Yeah... it will probably take a long time but she will get better eventually :) Sirius is in deep trouble :P
Disclaimer: Harry Potter belongs to J.K. Rowling - I just played a bit in her universe.
Thanks to miu-sama95 for prereading, betaing and helping with the storyline ;)
Chapter 40: Interviews
Words: 3382
Sometimes Amelia just hated her job. Don't get her wrong – she loves what she is doing! But sometimes she just hates it. Just as she had done the last few days. She knew she was doing an important work to bring justice to people in their world and right now there was this huge case that was just full of injustices committed against innocent people.
Amelia knew getting this mess sorted would bring her prestige like no other case ever would – except maybe one involving You-Know-Who. But still she hated it because the case took up all of her time and thus she had not yet really had any free time to spend with her niece.
Susan had only been back from Hogwarts for about a week and the sweet girl was very understanding of the importance of her aunt's work but that didn't stop the feeling of guilt building in Amelia's stomach. Hopefully she could clear this up soon and take the loyal girl on a much earned holiday.
With one last deep breath Amelia shoved these thoughts aside and concentrated on the matter at hand. She and her aurors had spent the last few days checking the information they had received from the goblins, taking statements and conducting interviews to build their case.
Now there were only a few things left to do. First she had to interview the barmy old fool that was the headmaster of Hogwarts before she had to get statements of Harry Potter, Sirius Black and actually the whole Prince – Slytherin family. She hoped they were residing in the same place at the moment because it would greatly accelerate her work.
But first meddling old coots.
Amelia strode into Gringotts Bank with purpose and bypassing the regular tellers went straight to the head teller.
"May your mountains always stay golden." She greeted the goblin.
"And may your enemies always fear you. What can we do for you today?"
"Madame Bones, in my official capacity as the head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, I am here to see account manager Griphook and king Ragnok."
The head teller scrutinized her for a moment before waving a letter goblin over to him and gave him a command in their native tongue.
"Clawhide will take you there, Madame Bones."
"Thank you. May your spears always meet their mark."
"May your funds ever grow."
Amelia followed the goblin down a series of halls and corridors and after a few twist and turns she was happy to have a guide since she had completely lost her sense of orientation. She wondered if it was some kind of protection charm like the confundus charm or just the dark corridors without any natural light crisscrossing in every way.
After a few minutes they reached a door much too big for humans let alone goblins but with a light push from the goblin it swung open quite easily to reveal a simple office. He waved her inside and with a bow closed the door behind her again.
"Good morning, Madame Bones. Please take a seat." Griphook greeted her from his desk.
"Good morning, Griphook." Amelia had a quick look around the office while she made her way to the conference table the goblin had indicated. He also came over and took a seat opposite her.
"Thank you again for giving me all the evidence against Dumbledore."
"I hope you used it well?"
"Yes. Investigations are being conducted and we were already able to declare Black innocent due to a lucky coincident that brought Peter Pettigrew into our custody."
"That sounds promising. What can I help you with today?"
"First, although I know he now falls under goblin law, I would like to interview Dumbledore. If possible under Veritaserum. I know of this wonderful old law that actually allows us to conduct a trial without the accused being present."
"Excellent!" Griphook's grin was so wide, all his pointy teeth showed. "We knew you were the right person to get all this information."
"Thank you. Which brings me to the second part of my request. I need to interview the Prince – Slytherin family as well as Sirius Black. I have no idea where they are residing at the moment and hoped you could help me get in contact with the."
"Usually we don't give out personal information about our clients but since it is important for the case we are allowed to establish a floo connection from here for you."
"That would be greatly appreciated." Amelia thanked him. This would make her life so much easier. She couldn't phantom why her aurors never thought of asking the goblins for help. She should tell them that. After all they knew nearly everything.
"Would you like a cup of tea while I have Dumbledore moved to an interview room?"
"Yes, please."
Griphook went to his desk and pressed a rune stone before talking to it in gobbledegook. Mere minutes later they were chatting over a nice cup of tea. Since Griphook was the one to arrest Dumbledore he already had a bit of information about his current condition.
Not even fifteen minutes later the office door opened and the goblin that had led her here stepped into the office. He didn't say a word, just looked at them.
"He is ready for you now. I shall accompany you since you don't have an auror with you." Griphook told her.
"That would be very helpful." Amelia said and let herself be led down the corridors again. Another law many people forgot was that a goblin from Gringotts counted as second witness to any interview as long as the interviewer was a senior auror.
Once they arrived at the interview room Amelia was asked to leave her wand in a safety boy outside as to minimize Dumbledore's escape chances. The head of the DMLE quickly set up her dictaquill and got the Veritaserum ready before she followed Griphook into the room.
Albus was more than just disgruntled. After being held captive for who knew how long with only a bit of light when he got meals he had finally been let out of that room only to be put into another one. This one was a conference room and had at least light.
There were no mirrors but he knew he looked awful. Not only that he hadn't had a proper bath since the day of his capture but they also took his wand and only gave him simple bread and water.
Without his wand he couldn't hold onto his glamour for long thus he couldn't make himself look more agile and younger than he was. The simple food also greatly reduced his usual sugar intake through lemon drops as well as all the protection potions he took on a daily basis.
He rather hoped that whoever wished to talk to him was a friendly face and would help him out of here. Even these creatures couldn't keep him here forever – he was after all Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore, headmaster of Hogwarts, head of the Wizengamot and British representative to the ICW. They couldn't keep him here.
He was a bit surprised when Amelia Bones entered the room behind a goblin. He would have expected it to be Minnie but (if he had given it any thought) how should she have known where he was.
"Ahhh… Amelia! How nice to see you!" He greeted her with his usual grandfatherly expression. At least he gave it his best shot since it also involved a glamour he could not cast at the moment.
"Albus. I was informed by the goblins that you were arrested for attempted line theft."
"That was all just a minor misunderstanding, you see. If they had just let me explain…"
"Maybe. Still I need to launch an official investigation into this."
"Do you really? Can't we just forget about this and enjoy the summer?" He tried persuasively.
"We must. It is the law, after all." Amelia stated. "The law also stated I have to interview all involved parties under Veritaserum."
Amelia had a hard time hiding her smirk when she saw Albus' expression. He was apparently very bad at hiding his emotions without the help of spells. It was obvious he didn't approve of her following the law to the letter.
"My dear, there is no need for that. Have I ever been anything but honest with you?" He tried again. He was sure his anti – Veritaserum – potion had been washed out of his system by the simple food and not taking the potion for too long. "I promise, I would never lie to you."
"Be that as it may, the law is the law and if you continue to refuse it will be seen as admittance to guilt."
Amelia enjoyed watching the emotions and thoughts flicker over his face greatly. She was sure he had no idea that he was displaying them. It was obvious that the old coot had gotten used to using spells and potions to hide them and couldn't do it without anymore.
"Alright. I will take the serum." Albus finally conceded. He just hoped she would only ask about the incident with the bank and nothing else.
"Open your mouth and stick your tongue out." The head of the DMLE instructed and once he complied she let three drops fall from the bottle onto his tongue.
"Veritaserum administered on Sunday, July ninth 1995 at 9:45 to Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore by Amelia Bones, head of the DMLE. Witness is mister Griphook from Gringotts Bank." Amelia stated for the dictaquill before she started her questioning.
"What is your full name?"
"Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore."
"When were you born?"
"October 20th, 1881."
"What is your occupation?"
"I am the headmaster of Hogwarts, head of the Wizengamot and British representative to the ICW."
"Were you the one to send James and Lily Potter into hiding?"
"Yes."
"Why?"
"It was the only way for my plan to work."
"Which plan?"
"To take over the wizarding world."
"How did the Potters fit into that?"
"There was a prophecy and their son was the closest fit."
"Which prophecy?"
"The one with the power to vanquish the two evil Lords and bring peace to all will be born as the seventh month dies. Born to those of light and darkness, he will have support the evil Lords know not and they will mark him as their equal."
"That does not sound like Harry Potter at all. How did you decide on them?"
"Their son was born on July 31st."
"That still doesn't fit completely. Did you change the prophecy?" Amelia asked incredulous.
"Yes."
"To what did you change it?"
"The one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord will be born as the seventh month dies. Born to those who have trice defied him and he will have power the Dark Lord knows not and he will mark him as his equal."
"Who was the Potter's secret keeper?" Amelia changed the subject.
"Peter Pettigrew."
"How did you know?"
"I taught him the spell."
"Did you know he was a Death Eater?"
"Yes."
"Why didn't you turn hi in?"
"That would not have fit my plans. I still needed him."
"Did you remove Harry from Potter Cottage on October 31st 1981?"
"No."
"Who did?"
"Rubeus Hagrid."
"On whose orders?"
"Mine."
"Where was Sirius Black? Shouldn't Harry have gone to him?"
"I gave him a few ideas to go after Peter so I could get Harry to his aunt."
"Why didn't you speak up for Black?"
"I couldn't have him in the way of my plans. Shipping him off to Azkaban was the easiest way."
"Did you know Harry was being abused by his relatives?"
"Oh please! That whiny brat needed a firm hand to be pliable enough to do my bidding."
"Did you bind his magic?"
"Of course. I couldn't have anyone more powerful than myself."
Amelia had to take a moment to get her rage at the wizard in front of her under control. How dare he meddle in other people's lives like that? What gave him the right to play with everyone as if they were a wizard's chess?
Once she had calmed down a bit further she started with her questions about all of his wizengamot decisions and those he made as a headmaster. It was a really long and exhausting interview.
When they were finally done she was starving and her throat was dry from all the talking. They had gathered so much information that it would take her at least three to four days to get everything in order with their already existing evidence.
On behalf of the goblins she had also questioned him on his embezzlement and hadn't that been interesting. It seemed as if Dumbledore had lost all his family's money – not that there was a lot to begin with – in the war with Grindelwald.
She also found out he had actually been friends with the evil wizard before he killed his little sister Ariadne in an accident.
After saying a proper farewell to the goblins she made her way into Diagon Alley and went straight to the next restaurant for a late lunch. She couldn't believe it was already past two in the afternoon.
While enjoying a nice fresh salad and a lemonade she thought about her next steps. Before going to the bank this morning she had planned to visit the Prince – Slytherin family as well as Sirius Black this it seemed as if she didn't have enough time for that.
Especially since it would be a lot easier if she had sorted through Dumbledore's testimony first. That way she would have an easier time asking the right questions. She should also update her auror squad. Since they had nearly all hands on deck there was a lot going on in the department at all times of the day.
After finishing her lunch Amelia disapparated from the Alley only to materialize in the auror receiving room moments later. She strode out into the open office area and gave commands as soon as she was far enough in the room to be noticed.
"All head aurors currently present please come into my office! Those who work on the illegal Wizengamot proxies get in contact with Gringotts and follow the money trail. Tonks! I need you to go to Hogwarts and get McGonagall. She's acting headmistress until the governors arrive to swear her into the seat."
Amelia strode into her office with five men and women following her. Once the doors had been closed she asked a house elf for tee before she began her debriefing.
After Dumbledore's interview this could take some time.
For the first time in his life Ron was not the last of the family to wake up. For the first time he was actually the very first one. Since his Mum and Dad were still at the hospital with his baby sister he started a big pot of tea.
Ron was completely exhausted. After the emotionally tiring day yesterday he had not been able to fall asleep and once he did it was a restless sleep which caused him to wake up after a nightmare at six o'clock. At seven he couldn't stand lying in bed anymore so he had snuck down to the kitchen for a cup.
Many wouldn't believe it but their mother had made sure that all Weasley children knew how to cook enough to survive. Ron actually enjoyed making the food just as much as he enjoyed eating it.
So after he had had his first cup of tea and the house slowly started waking up he began with breakfast. Although he of course didn't stand a chance against his mother his breakfast was still rather decent.
It didn't take long for all his brothers to be woken by the smell of pancakes and bacon. Bill and Charlie were the first one in the kitchen and after good-morning-grunts they helped him with the food and setting the table.
By nine o'clock all six boys were sitting at the breakfast table enjoying the food. The mood was still very somber and there was not a lot of talking.
After they all had finished the twins offered to do the dishes while Bill and Charlie went to relieve their parents. Percy and Ron went up to get ready for the day since they both hadn't had the chance before breakfast.
Ron had had this weird feeling in the pit of his stomach and had decided to floo Harry to see if everything was alright.
Once he was ready for the day he told the twins where he was going and went to their fireplace. He knew it was not seen kindly to if one flooed over without calling first but he wanted to keep the connection clear for his parents. Without thinking too long about it he threw a pinch of floo powder into the fire and stepped into the green flames before shouting.
"Snake Pit! Serpens Mortiferum!"
The moment he stepped out of the fireplace a house elf popped into existence before him.
"What cans Kari bes doing for yous, sir?"
"Erm… I'd like to see my boyfriend Harry, please. I'm Ron Weasley."
"One moment, please. Kari will bes informing masters of your arrival." Please take a seats."
With a quiet pop the house elf vanished and Ron sat down on one of the sofas in the room.
Kari arrived in her master's potions laboratory to find both masters in a tight embrace.
"Masters yous have guest. Misters Wheezy says he wants to sees little master."!
The sudden voice of one of their elves surprised the two wizards and they jumped out of each other's arms in shock. Marvolo recovered quicker and after deciphering what she had meant addressed the elf.
"Please show him to Harry's room. We will meet you there, Kari."
Once she had vanished he looked over to his lover and addressed him.
"Do you want to stay down here a bit longer?"
"No, I think I'll join you. I'm curious what Ron is doing here without calling first."
"Then let's go."
They walked out of the lab hand in hand and met up with the youngest Weasley boy and their elf at the bottom of the stairs.
"Thank you, Kari." Severus dismissed her before turning to the teen. "Good morning, Mister Weasley. What rings you here this early in the day?"
"Good morning, Professor, sir. Erm… well… something happened with Ginny yesterday and ever since I woke up in the morning I had this feeling in my gut that I needed to see Harry as soon as possible. Sorry that I just flooed in without notice but I wanted to keep the floo open for my parents."
Severus and Marvolo started leading the way upstairs before answering.
"By the way, I'm Marvolo Slytherin, Severus' husband." Marvolo introduced himself.
"I am curious as to what happened with your sister. Will you tell us once we are with Harry?"
"Yes, sir. I don't mind you knowing."
"I would presume your gut tells you when Harry is in trouble." Severus mused. "If it happens again I don't have a problem with you coming by unannounced."
"What happened?" Ron asked with trepidation. Even he could read between the lines sometimes.
"Sirius though it would be a fine idea to introduce my son to firewhiskey last night. Harry has been feeling rather poorly since he woke up."
"Oh…"
Ron didn't knew what else to say to that but thankfully they had arrived and Severus and Marvolo marched into Harry's room and over to his bed with Ron following behind.
Harry was awake but Sirius, who was next to him, was out cold snoring like a lumberjack. That was probably why Harry was even awake since he had only fallen asleep two hours ago.
"Ron!" The teen exclaimed tiredly but happily when he saw his boyfriend.
"Hi Harry!" Ron perched on the edge of the bed and took the other boy's hand in his own.
"Now, you said something about your sister." Severus prompted after a few moments.
"Yeah… She… She was admitted to St. Mungo's ward for mental illness."
"WHAT!?"
TBC
What else do you think Amelia found out in the interview? I held a few things back for the trial :D
How will her interview with the Prince-Slytherin go?
Ron and Harry are finally back together! YAY! ;) Although it has not even been a week since they last saw each other...
First posted on: 04. March2018
Next update planned: 18. March 2018