The Leader

Chapter 52

"Is there any chance that you might be wrong? That you're seeing it all in a way that could be interpreted in a different way?" Tonks asked her tone slightly desperate, "I mean this is Dumbledore we're talking about here, he always goes out of his way to help people, and I mean he gave you a second chance." Tonks leaned forward, her face tense, her left brow frowning, she honestly didn't know what to think anymore. How could Dumbledore do such a thing to someone who had risked life and limb to give the light side the upper hand in the darkness that was spreading? And had spread, since he'd been a spy during the first war, however short it may have been he had still sought redemption.

Don't get them wrong, neither of them was particularly fond of Severus, he was much too acidic for their tastes, and constantly sneered at everyone, putting them down, making them feel inferior. Tonks had been in Hufflepuff at Hogwarts, and as a teacher, Snape didn't seem to bother them as much as the Gryffindors. She'd been one of the better students; obviously, she had to be in order to become an Auror so he'd never been as restrictive and downright nasty towards her. Yet they would never condone what Dumbledore was doing, or even be party to it, and they were if it was true since they were in the Order.

"The biggest clue of all has been right in front of you for ages, and nobody has wondered about it," Severus pointed out, taking Harry's advice. "Or figured it out. Especially both of you, seen you are Aurors and should have put the clues together before this,"

"Excuse me?" Shacklebolt's deep voice asked confusion obvious to hear and see.

"Black," Severus prompted his lip curling at the blank look on their faces, honestly.

"Sirius? What do you mean what clue?" Tonks asked intently, Sirius was family, well, the family that accepted her at any rate, probably the only Black alive that did, excluding her mother, naturally. "Do you know where he is? Is he safe? Is Remus with him?" she was on a roll.

"Haven't you wondered how the Auror's just happened upon Black the very day he declared himself a non-member of Dumbledore's Order, rescinding his permission for the use of Headquarters? A wizard who never left the property?" Severus stated, finding it increasingly difficult not to sneer derisively. "The anonymous missive they received? Find it and you'll find certain characteristics in the writing will match Dumbledore's perfectly." while you could change your handwriting a little, you couldn't completely, and some things would slip by unnoticed. They would have no trouble getting the letter; they were Auror's it would take only a few moments to search through the files.

Shacklebolt nodded absently, he had been wondering about it admittedly, "I had wondered, are Sirius and Remus still alive? Have you seen them?" he had no doubt that they were together, wherever they were. "Does he even know he's been found innocent?" that was something else that had piqued his curiosity, the fact Sirius hadn't come out of hiding after the truth had come out. He pondered on the idea that wherever they were the two of them weren't receiving mail of any kind.

"They are, and yes, he knows," Severus admitted, "They also know that Dumbledore was responsible for Black's near capture and kiss."

"Why haven't they gone to the Ministry then?" Tonks insisted indignantly. "If they have proof of his wrongdoing they should file charges!" it didn't matter what Dumbledore had done in the past or was trying to do now, nobody was above the law. Not even a man she had admired until a few weeks ago when she began to doubt her very role in the Order and the wizard himself. It was just some things didn't add up,

Severus snorted derisively; while the anonymous letter could be used…it wasn't solid proof, not unless they had Dumbledore confessing to sending it. "Proof? Hardly, he's far too good at what he does to leave evidence blatantly lying around, he could say he didn't send the anonymous letter and everyone would believe him." he was Albus Dumbledore after all. Although, given what he had once seen in Dumbledore's folder at Harry's place, the world would be soon disenchanted with him when and if Harry decided to release the information. He rather hoped he would, nothing would please him more than seeing Dumbledore going from being revered to utterly despised for what he was.

That quietened Tonks, who was making a mental note to find the anonymous letter, see what she could do. She was relieved that Sirius and Remus were alright but angry that they were having to hide because of Dumbledore.

"Does Harry have a plan on dealing with Voldemort?" Shacklebolt questioned.

Severus suddenly smirked, and both Aurors were baffled as to why.

"I do," came a disembodied voice causing the two Aurors to jump, reflexively their wands dropped into their hands as they aimed it at the newcomer, who they realized was Harry Potter.

"Bloody hell," Tonks muttered breathing heavily, "You're lucky we didn't curse you!" she tried to make it sound like a reprimand but it came out a weak croak.

"Please, I could have avoided anything you threw my way," Harry drawled as he lazily made his way over, taking a seat and his presence made everyone sit up and pay attention to him. They were aware of every move he made, more intense than the likes of Dumbledore or Moody. Amused by their sudden stillness it was obvious neither Auror knew what to do with the sudden confrontation of being face to face with Harry Potter, especially a confident one. One that most certainly did not require their aid.

Tonks regained some of her bearings, enough so she just blindly sat down again, she knew he was a vampire but he wasn't what she expected. He was cool, aloof, confident, poised, amused, wearing the best clothes the wizarding world knew how to make, not at all like a Muggle-raised child, his aristocratic features were very prominent, more so than they had been on his father before him or grandfather. She was slightly envious of his poise; she couldn't achieve that if she tried. "Where have you been all these years?"

"Do I owe you an explanation? We are not closely related, I've never met you before, what makes you think you have the Merlin given right to ask me that?" Harry asked bluntly, what was it with the magical world thinking they damn well owed him because of what happened the night his parents died?

Tonks found herself staring at the floor unable to meet those glacial green eyes, admitting even if only to herself, that he was right.

"Closely related?" Shacklebolt questioned his tone as always smooth.

"Sirius Black and my father were second cousins, three generations back Dorea Black married Charles Potter," Harry informed him his face blank as he gazed at them.

Tonks reeled at that information, her eyes nearly popping out of their sockets, Harry had been sent to Muggles because he didn't have 'any other family' according to Dumbledore. It was always the excuse he used when Fudge had tried to reintroduce Harry into the magical world sooner…with Dumbledore being his 'magical guardian' the Minster hadn't stood a chance. So Harry had been left to grow up in the Muggle world. To think she could have grown up with him, her mother would have taken him in within seconds if she had known.

"If you had a magical family you shouldn't have grown up in the Muggle world at all!" Tonks stated indignantly, "I er…don't mean to offend your Muggle family," she added realizing how she probably sounds.

"By all means, please, insult away," Harry said sardonically, "I'm assuming Dumbledore hasn't shared everything we discussed at our little tête-à-tête?"

"I'm surprised myself, I would have thought Granger or Weasley would have let something slip," Severus admitted, "Especially Weasley, he has no filter."

"What do you mean?" both Aurors asked as one, sharing an amused look despite the occasion.

"Why don't you ask him?" Harry asked derisively, he loathed Dumbledore and hated to speak of him.

"I am asking you," Tonks pointed out.

"You're probably better off asking Weasley if you want an honest answer," Severus imputed, knowing that Harry had no desire to discuss it, least of all with the two Aurors. He obviously didn't have a problem with it getting around otherwise he wouldn't have suggested it. Was it another part of the grand plan he had in his scheme of things? Nothing would surprise him if that were the case. Harry had so many players on his chessboard that he didn't know about, and he still couldn't get the scope of his influence.

"Indeed," Harry conceded after a few moments of silence after he spoke Harry stood, "If you'll excuse me, I have other business to attend." he was not going to be late to the goblin auction, he had something important to acquire. It was infinitely more important and pressing than engaging and confirming in the Auror's fears.

Tonks and Shacklebolt stood in surprise at the abrupt end to the conversation; they had so many unanswered questions they wanted to ask him. Regretfully, Harry didn't give them a chance to protest or ask them, as he made his way out of the room too quick for the Auror's to see.

"Be careful where you look for answers," Severus cautioned them grimly, "Bad things tend to happen to those who outlive their usefulness." with one last serious look that conveyed the seriousness of his convictions he too left, he had been amused by the conversation…but seeing the looks on their faces as he left did diminish the amusement he got. It truly was no laughing matter, he had almost died because he had outlived his usefulness to the old fool, thankfully he hadn't been himself, having been tortured beyond endurance, otherwise, he wouldn't have the life or freedom he did now.

Tonks and Shacklebolt

Tonks swallowed thickly at Severus' words, feeling utterly terrified, she wanted to run and hide just in case Dumbledore found out. Perhaps that's how Sirius and Remus felt; if that was the case she couldn't blame them for this sort of fear. She's always been aware of the level of control Dumbledore had, but she'd thought he'd never misuse it, now that she knew he did, it was quite worrisome.

Both of them stood there in silence, for who knows how long, before they heard the telltale sound of housekeeping coming to presumably clean the room for the next person who wished to have the room. Giving each other a look Tonks more worried than Shacklebolt - or at least showing it, they hastily made their way down the stairs, eyes cautiously looking around before Shacklebolt grabbed her and they sat in a corner booth, silencing spells immediately went up to protect their privacy.

"We need to decide what to do," Shacklebolt filled in the silence with the grimness that he never usually displayed unless the occasion called for it.

"What do you mean what to do?" Tonks whispered heatedly despite the charms in place.

"We can go about this two ways, one forget everything we've learned, stay in the Order and try to make a difference," Shacklebolt, whether he preferred this or not did not appear on his face. "Or we can go and see if Snape was telling the truth, by that I mean proof, even though I already suspect he was telling the truth." his shoulders slumped before straightening back up.

"Alright," Tonks said, relaxing at hearing a plan of sorts, "I'm on duty in five minutes, I can get the letter that was sent,"

Shacklebolt grimaced with the only option that left him with - Weasley. Well, at least he knew where the idiot was, at the Burrow, he rarely left home, and Mrs. Weasley when she wasn't looking for jobs above her qualifications - which was none - was also at the Burrow. "Fine, I'll get answers out of Weasley," he already found it a most odious task and he hadn't even spoken to the wizard yet.

Severus stalked through Gringotts with Harry, shoulder to shoulder as they made their way passed goblins and dozens of rooms as they made for the one they used as an auction room. Severus hadn't been so far into Gringotts before, he knew of the actions of course, but he'd assumed they were done through the magazine, not actually housing auctions here in Gringotts.

"Ticket, please," grumbled a bored looking goblin, not even glancing at whom he was dealing with just sticking out his hand expectantly. That was until Harry who was going under the name 'Blake' for this as usual, handed over the ticket causing its black eyes to widen and straighten up. Somehow managing to look apologetic despite its stern features. "Welcome to Gringotts Lord Thorn, Lord Prince," who was obviously attending as Lord Thorns 'plus one'.

Harry nodded curtly, "My thanks,"

Severus gazed around; room had definitely not been the correct word to describe where they were. It was a Grand Hall, much bigger than even the Great Hall at Hogwarts. Everything they were selling was on display in glass cases with goblin guards on the items to ensure no copies were made and traded for the false one presumably - or to prevent any thievery. They were displayed by items, antiques to the left, potions, herbs, ingredients and all manner of packed seeds to the right. He couldn't help but wander over in a bid to investigate them thoroughly.

Harry left him to it, he already knew of every single item of sale tonight and nothing struck his fancy - except the obvious. It was about to start, so Harry took a seat, saving the one next to him for Severus. He saw Writ standing near the podium, and Harry nodded curtly in thanks, knowing it was down to him that this was happening tonight. If he hadn't said anything to the goblin king…it would have been infinitely more difficult.

Writ just smirked in return, whether it was because he knew what Harry had attempted or just pride in his abilities to please the Lord estate he was managing remained to be seen. Writ, could remember the look on his King's face when the reality of what he had done sunk in.

-0 Flash Back 0-

"My King…do you realize who you just insulted?" Writ asked his eyes and face comical, especially for a Goblin who didn't show emotion often or at all.

"Just because the humans choose to worship him it doesn't mean we need to follow suit," Ragnuk retorted sharply, not liking the fact he was being questioned at all. Especially not by his bank manager, who was obviously biased in favor of the human he was working with.

"He goes by two names, one is Lord Harry James Potter, the other is Darnell Raven Thorn, he's the sole owner of five individual estates, and he's made us millions of galleons in the last few years…." Writ explained, disbelief still coating his voice.

"Five?" Ragnuk asked, his beady eyes becoming decidedly more nervous.

"Slytherin, by right of conquest, something I recently made happen, Peverell, Black, Potter, and Thorn," Writ explained, "And Gryffindor." Black was disowned, Harry had taken on the mantel before Sirius Black was proven innocent, and it was why he was able to take on the seat at the Wizengamot as well. Black had no idea, he still thought he was the heir, he used Grimmauld Place with technically belonged to Harry if he wanted to he could take it. Harry had not taken on the Peverell name within the Wizengamot; if he had he would have automatically won the title of chief warlock. Evidently, he had something up his sleeve when it came to that matter. "He's the richest client Gringotts has, the second richest would need to triple their income to come close." he had helped, he made no attempt to hide the smugness he felt for being the Manager to such extensive account holder.

Ragnuk gaped, his pointed teeth showing, his heart pounded erratically, what the hell had he just done? If he didn't fix this mistake he would be beheaded! He had been elected 'king' by popular choice, due to the fact the line the previous king had died out. He would be immediately cast out if this wasn't fixed post-haste.

"How do you wish to handle this?" Writ questioned, knowing without a doubt he would fix his screw up, he probably valued his life too much.

Ragnuk straightened up, his face becoming impassive once more, he would need to do this very carefully, he couldn't just hand out the bloody cup to the wizard, not without risking Gringotts entirely, and that he absolutely refused to do. The silence continued as he thought on what to do for what felt like forever before an idea was literally handed to him.

"How about putting the Hufflepuff cup up for auction? Lord Potter likes to attend them frequently, as a mere copy, of course, only we and Lord Potter would know the truth. This way he can get what he wants, we save face and business added along with a simple apology?" Writ suggested, his mind coming up with various scenarios but decided on the most straightforward one for the moment.

"Exactly what I would have suggested," Ragnuk proclaimed, "Get to it, and keep this quiet," with that he stomped away, showing none of the worries he felt.

"My King," Writ replied bowing his head in agreement. Sighing in resignation, it seemed it would be left up to him to correct his mistakes as well as giving him the idea, to begin with. Ragnuk wouldn't have come up with the idea, he was more simple-minded, his ideas would not have ended well. As a Goblin King he should have been aware of the power Harry wielded, it showed he was not doing his job correctly. He couldn't help but secretly hope that this information got out.

So without more ado, he sat down and began to do what was required of him. To keep absolutely everyone happy. Except for Ragnuk he'd expect.

-0 End Flash Back 0-

Severus looked up when he heard the Goblins speaking, introducing the first item to be sold. A jewel encrusted Pensive, starting bid twenty-five thousand Galleons. He had to admit it was a sight to see, absolutely gorgeous, but the price would probably end up being diabolical. He made his way over to Harry, able to find him through scent alone, and took his seat as the price went up to thirty thousand.

"Thirty-five,"

"Forty,"

"Forty-five,"

"Fifty,"

"Fifty-five thousand,"

On and on it continued until more people began to drop out of the bidding war, leaving only the victor of a jewel encrusted pensive which she had bought for seventy-five thousand galleons, well over it's worth but to each their own.

"Sold to Lady Fawley," the goblin stated sharply, while the pensive was squared away and another item was brought forth.

"Next, lot number 210, five Ashwinder eggs,"

"To start off, ten Galleons," Writ called, doing the speaking.

A wand rose, and Writ nodded, showing he had seen.

"Fifteen," a second person called.

"Twenty,"

"Twenty-five,"

"Thirty,"

The wizard shook his head negative, he wasn't willing to go any higher, and he could have them if he was willing to pay that price.

"Sold to Lord Patterson for thirty galleons," Writ continued, "Now our next item, a copy of Helga Hufflepuff's chalice, we shall start the bidding at ten galleons?"

Nobody moved.

Severus glanced at Harry perturbed, why wasn't he moving? Why wasn't he bidding?

"No takers?" Writ questioned, not at all concerned.

"Ten galleons," Harry stated nodding his head firmly.

"Ten galleons," echoed Writ.

"Fifty," another voice called, causing Harry to hiss in annoyance.

"One hundred gallons," Harry stated.

"One fifty,"

"Two hundred,"

"Two fifty," Harry continued to put it up; regardless of the price he was walking away with the cup today.

Severus gaped, why the hell was the wizard so desperate to get it? No, not just any wizard, this was Zachariah Smith, one of his old students. Did they realise it was the genuine thing? Any other alternative didn't make sense; it was supposed to just be a cheap copy of a relic. If they knew it was genuine then that would make things a little tricky for the Goblins if word got out. It was like everyone was watching a tennis match, as they bobbed their heads back and forth, eyes becoming wide as the price rose way above any understandable price for the piece.

It was obvious towards the end he was struggling with his conscience, whether it was practical to spend what was probably his entire fortune on a cup. He was getting slower in his bids, sweating enormously, but Severus had to hand it to him, he was remaining firm, staring at Harry or rather 'Lord Thorn' without wilting under the glare.

"Eighty thousand," Harry retorted sharply, ignoring the exclamations that were coming out of everyone's mouth, as a vampire he could hear everything, even when they whispered - which was what they were doing - or thought they were, there was no privacy to be had when a vampire was around.

Smith pursed his lips, the urge to call out more was strong but it was money he just did not have. His eyes flashed hatefully, he was so goddamned sick of all those smarmy pureblood's who had more money than sense. This cup had sentimental attachment for him, especially since his the real thing was stolen when his grandmother died before he was born. The real thing belonged with him, but even having a copy was better than nothing. Yes, he knew of his heritage, or what was left of it, the seat within the Wizengamot had been sold by his grandmother in order to pay for all the antiques she liked buying, she'd left them broke. His father had sold everything in the house, but it hadn't got them back a smidgen of what she'd spent over the years.

"Sold to Lord Thorn for eighty thousand," Writ said, the only show of his shock was his subtle widened eyes.

Harry settled back, content to wait until the auction ended.

In the end, Harry left with the cup, and Severus left with seven different potion ingredients, Demiguise hair, Occamy egg remains, Phoenix feathers, Thunderbird feathers, bicorn, Unicorn horn and Moke scales.

They thoroughly enjoyed themselves; it was just a shame that neither Tonks nor Shacklebolt could say the same.

Sorry, I've not been updating RL just completely got in the way! I hope you can forgive me for that, and here we go :) the next chapter so what will Shacklebolt and Tonks do with the information? Will Harry convince them to hold off? Or will they go ahead stubbornly causing more havoc than the Weasley twins combined? R&R please