The Leader
Chapter 47
"What exactly does that Potion do?" Severus asked suspiciously having just watched Harry administer the potion and observed Rodolphus Lestrange succumbed to sleep directly afterwards. He took the vial from Harry and began to sniff at the dregs left behind. He was able to discern all ingredients within in. He suspected what it did, but he desired to know just exactly how it worked. He was rather envious of all the potions Harry had created in the past few years, it was his passion, and unfortunately he hadn't been able to brew what he wanted let alone create. Between teaching, brewing the potions for the hospital wing and twice being a spy he had barely any time to sleep let alone do anything else.
Harry turned and gestured for both of them to leave the room, he swiftly walked passed the other Death Eaters, leaving them terrified and worried about what he was doing. As soon as Severus stepped outside, Harry closed the door firmly. "It seeps into their magic, their mind, makes them very susceptible to suggestion from a single source, which in this case is me."
"Such as?" Severus queried, his black eyes gleaming greedily for information. His fingers absently twirling the empty vial as he waited for information both of them just standing there. He nodded absently to Wyatt as the half-vampire passed by.
"Once the potion takes hold, which is anywhere from twelve to twenty-four hours to be on the safe side, I give a list of demands and he would have no choice but to comply with them." Harry explained smugly, "Afterwards they'll remember what they've done but assume it was their idea, and they'd continue on with their lives, it can be activated again, if the need arises" he added knowing it was potentially a question Severus would ask.
"Twelve hours?" Severus asked incredulously.
Harry hummed out a sound of agreement, "It is a long time, its much more subtle than the Imperius Curse, as I said."
"Have you used it before?" Severus questioned, not sure if he actually wanted an answer to that question or not.
"Once," Harry's tone went dark. "A Vampire, he was part of the group that killed Kai, I wanted him to get something for me before I killed him. A list, of every single member of the coven, it was how I found out where to best hit them when they'd be together." none other than Callahan had survived, big mistake that had been but no matter, that mistake had been rectified and he now knew better than to be merciful. He'd had a lot less people on his side at the time back then, but he'd been no less determined.
"Vampires are different from wizards, it may not even take twelve hours," Severus pointed out thoughtfully, his mind running trying to calculate the potential differences. Unfortunately the potential differences were too numerous to calculate accurately, it was why potions required testers. Not many had the guts to consume potions that that weren't even past the trial stages. Only those desperate for money would do it, and it was a pittance, five sickles, then again it's more than those in the ministry made in a week.
"It's possible, the human mind is definitely more fragile and less used than a vampire mind," Harry agreed, after all humans might use one hundred percent of their brain, but much of what they see, smell or hear remains in the background but as vampires they were able to keep all information in the forefront. Reaching out grasping Severus' shoulder he Apparated them out of the warehouse.
Severus blinked in confusion, why were they in the middle of nowhere? Giving Harry a questioning glance. Harry chuckled dryly, handing over a piece of paper, which Severus read and out of nowhere the building shimmered into view. Of course, the Fidelius Charm, this must be the new prison Harry had spoken about. It was polar opposite from Azkaban, it looked like a normal manor, he could feel the magic in the air telling him that a lot of work had gone into making it as secure as possible. There was definitely not going to be breakouts from this facility. At least not very easily, but if he knew anything about Harry was that he checked for each possible outcome.
"I must admit, this wasn't what I was expecting," Severus admitted, other than the building itself, the place was practically bare, gravel went as far as the eye could see. No flowers, nothing appealing at all, but considering the alternative those in Azkaban were going to find this place paradise.
"Azkaban violates every humans right act 1998 came up with," Harry informed him, "Whether we like it or not, the magical Ministry is held in the same regards as the Muggle law. The Minister's didn't care for it, they didn't believe prisoners deserve the basics, warmth, decent food or even an habitable cell. Each day they're tortured mentally, physically and emotionally…so much so that when they do come out of Azkaban they're libel to commit another crime due to the fact they're mentally unhinged after such a long exposure to Dementors."
"You do not plan on allowing Azkaban to be used again," Severus deduced, nodding in understanding, and truthfully he didn't blame him, Azkaban was a terrible place that nobody deserved to be within its cold corrugated walls.
"No," Harry revealed, "Nor will I allow anyone innocent to be housed within any of these cells." it was time the magical world came forth from the fifties in which it had been permanently submerged in. Voldemort had once tried to make change but it had fallen through and he'd lost himself and his cause a long time ago. Something he had worked hard to make sure didn't happen to him, but he had no desire to create Horcruxes so he doubted very much he would.
"Dobby?" Harry called out curtly after glancing at the time. The prisoners were going to be coming any second now.
"What can Dobby do for Master Harry?" Dobby asked, as always able to come to his Master's side when called, no matter what wards he was under. He was also able to see the prison since his magic was also imbued in it, only certain house-elves would be able to get in and out of the new prison.
"The prisoners will be arriving any moment now, ensure everything is prepared," Harry demanded, "Rick will remain behind I want a written report of everything and everyone inside. Once that is done, take those in the warehouse cells and bring them here, they will not need the same report. Rodolphus Lestrange will transported separately later, I have a need of him still."
"Yes, Sir," Dobby declared, popping away just as Harry's allied vampires began to all Portkey to the location with at least one prisoner secured by either being subdued by their strength or bound by magic. Most of them were disorientated and confused, not quite able to understand what was going on, it would take a while for the affects of the soul sucking creatures to fade.
"Take them in, give the prisoner number to Rick or Dobby along with the cell number to make it easier to identify them." Harry called out, watching his men escort the prisoners to their new abode, he was pleased that they were being careful with them. Especially considering they had no idea what they had done. Some people might deserve some rough handling but they were already in prison and now under his care. The relevant information would then be passed onto Amelia Bones.
Harry hadn't seen the place since he had bought it, or rather Darnell Raven Thorn had. He'd been updated on the project of course, but that was about it. He waited until the first of the prisoners had been situated and the others had Apparated back to the island, before he wandered in. Harry arched an impressed eyebrow, they'd completely changed the entire layout of the building, his eyes roamed over the ground floor, twenty-five cells had been installed, each had walls between them and a metal door, giving them much more privacy than Azkaban had.
Severus who had followed him peered into the cell, "There's two beds," he commented in silent surprise. All Azkaban inmates had been separated from each other not even allowing minimal contact with another human being. There was also a privacy screen where they could go to the toilet without being watched. A small cubical he could see with a shower head just showing over the top. Two small tables at either side of the cell, there was a black shower bag in the middle he thought. This was probably going to be heaven for them, compared to the hole in the floor and the straw bed and filthy blankets. Not to mention the constant water flooding the cells.
"Depending on the crime and temperament people will be roomed together," Harry explained, "You have no idea how it feels to be locked up in a tiny room without a shred of human interaction. Drowning in your own misery and desires, nobody deserves that." he remembered how it felt to be constantly locked up in the cupboard, drowning in his desire to be loved by his family, feeling miserable as he listened to them all laugh and have fun, purposefully excluding him. He'd had no idea how to be a friend, what to say or do, Kai had been his friend, his mentor and a father figure, helping him work all that out. He'd just pretended at Hogwarts, made it seem like he knew what he was doing.
Severus met steely green eyes, even when underhandedly revealing information about himself he was very composed. He honestly didn't think he could talk about his upbringing (which incidentally hadn't been as bad as Harry's by all indications) without anger and frustration pouring out of him. Harry was using his own experiences in life for the betterment of the magical community. Every piece of new information he learned caused respect soaring to greater heights than he thought possible.
"Thank you," Severus said quietly, as more and more prisoners were escorted passed them. They were still in the black and white prison suits. He absently wondered how long it would take for them to come around and truly be able to understand what was going on.
Harry turned back, quirking his eyebrow, "For what?" Harry asked in amused contemplation.
"For allowing me to be a part of this," Severus revealed honestly, the magical world was changing and for the first time he began to comprehend the extent of it. It wasn't just the corruption at the Ministry of magic, it was everything. He was seeing a new world born slowly creeping out of the ashes of the old one done in such an intricate manner that he was left almost speechless.
"Don't thank me, it was your own actions that led to this," Harry replied without preamble. "Making that Vow was the best thing you ever did." he was always honest to a fault, but he knew Severus would appreciate that. To begin with he and Severus hadn't been together, he hadn't known he was his mate. What they knew now couldn't be used to build a false image of a perfect meeting or some such nonsense most people liked to create or themselves when they were asked about their first meeting.
"Touché," Severus dipped his head in agreement. "You say that House-elves will be looking after them?"
"Technically, much like Hogwarts kitchens, the food will be brought up to their tables each day. The amount the Ministry has each month for the prisoners is truly diabolical. It isn't enough to feed a family for a month let alone everyone." Harry admitted, "Much of it has been going to 'charities' that have been set up, it goes into a dummy account then to the vaults, its just as quickly taken out and used for bribes and the like."
"That would mean the Minister and the Wizengamot is involved." Severus commented, wishing he could say he was surprised but honestly, he wasn't. half the Death Eaters had gotten off by bribing the Ministry workers. They had been free to roam around after everything they'd done. The Muggle Ministry was probably the same in that regard.
"There is a small collection of people who are honest," Harry stated, stepping aside to let Carson put his prisoner into the cell. He or she was unconscious so they were placed on the bed and Carson exited it, closing it firmly behind him, magic flaring up. "Although the list of those who have accepted at least one bribe or another is staggering." disgust thrummed through him, he loathed people who had no loyalty except to money. No morals, no loyalty except to the highest bidder, it was distasteful and he'd never trust anyone who acted in such a way.
"That's everyone situated," Rick came forward, writing swiftly as he spoke onto a piece of paper attached to a clipboard. Writing down the prisoner number Carson recited for him as well as the number for the cell. "It will take me and Darius a few hours at least to give them a thorough checking, I will give you the report as soon as we are done."
"Good," Harry nodded firmly, "Inform Dobby he will find me, I may not be available." he had a Horcrux to get out of Gringotts. He wasn't happy with the goblins at all, in fact he was tempted to take his business elsewhere. Why should he allow them to continue to profit from his business when they had insulted him so grievously?
"I will," Rick commented, before he raced up the stairs, he and Darius were starting from the top and working their way to the bottom.
"Did Amelia give you the money?" Harry asked Carson, wishing to make sure.
"She did, it's already been passed along to everyone." the vampire answered, it might only be a galleon but it went a long way for them since they couldn't get work anywhere due to the restrictions on them. Like everyone else he couldn't wait until their leader took over and they were able to work and be treated fairly. It was all most of them had ever wanted, family, love, acceptance. Most of them hadn't been willingly turned, a rotten hand they'd been dealt and continued to do so by the prejudice they faced with the wizards and witches who thought themselves so superior. Harry and Severus were the opposite, they had willing changed to be what they were, and quite honestly he was amazed at their attitude, they just didn't care what people thought.
"Good, glad to hear it," Harry nodded, pleased he could truly trust her to hold her word. Especially given it had been a last minute request to allow his vampires to pick the prisoners up and take them here. Then again she was in a position of power, it wouldn't be difficult to find the funds required to pay his people. "The rest of you can clear out now, thank you for offering your services."
"What next?" Severus mused thoughtfully, watching the others Apparate away now that they were no longer needed.
"Now we wait," Harry informed him, "I will check on Lestrange in a few hours to see if your suggestion holds any merits. He might just be ready to do what I require him to do."
Harry entered the first cell much to Severus' surprise and actually began to diagnose the unconscious wizard. The paper that appeared out of thin air was rather long. Too long really for comfort, he had been hurt a lot during his life by the look of it. Or the worse scenario been hurt by the wizard guards in Azkaban. "Hmm, untreated breaks in five bones, pneumonia, wizard Flu, it's little wonder he's unconscious."
"Pneumonia, how long has he had it?" Severus asked quite frankly alarmed. Absently checking both forearms but they were free of any sign of a Dark Mark. He'd suspected not, this wizard wasn't familiar to him at all, and if he had to gauge he'd say the pale wizard was perhaps ten years older than him. It might be deceiving Azkaban wasn't kind to anything let alone a persons looks.
"He will soon die if he doesn't get help if that's what you mean, I'm surprised he's not coughing in his sleep." Harry stated sharply, how had the damn medic missed this? Of course, they didn't give a damn about anyone in that prison. Another one for his list, he was going to make sure the person responsible didn't get to practice healing again. He and Severus glanced up when they heard Dobby insisting he had to go back to the manor, before he popped away.
"That was…very peculiar," Severus stated, from what he knew of Dobby it wasn't his normal behaviour.
"He felt the wards shift to let an owl into the manor," Harry brushed it off as inconsequential. Dobby was obviously just putting his duties in the manor before everything else, it was instinctive after all and Harry had no intention of preventing Dobby from doing what came naturally to the House-elf. Rick would be just fine on his own, he hardly needed Dobby, but any and all help was welcomed. Especially to get everything done in a timely manner which was something he liked.
The problem with Bellatrix Lestrange has been sorted from the last chapter. R&R please