The Leader

Chapter 53

Shacklebolt stared at the Burrow in the distance scowling darkly; he wasn't in the mood to play Ronald Weasley, even though it would be extremely easy to do. The idiot was well…an idiot, he wouldn't notice he was digging for information. Granger would though, which was why he had called in a favour to ensure she was out of the house, an interview from the Ministry for a position would definitely ensure that. He'd made it explicitly clear that it was only an interview, to keep her distracted for an hour or so, using a favour the guy owed him to ensure Samuel did it.

The owl had reached Granger (if it was Samuels owl) so why the hell wasn't she gone already? Grumbling inwardly, waiting impatiently. She wouldn't use the Floo, she rarely did, preferring to Apparate everywhere. Eyes dark eyes narrowed in on movement, a smirk slowly spreading across his features, bingo, that was Granger alright, in the best clothes she had, Muggle clothes, she never learned, shaking his head, Granger was the worst part of being in the Order…or had been before this whole thing with Dumbledore had appeared. Now she had been removed to a feeling of malaise if that. A bug you swatted for bothering you, not worthy two seconds of your thoughts.

Once the only obstruction to his mission was gone, Shacklebolt began to walk briskly towards the Burrow, passing the wards as he did so, they allowed him entrance due to the fact he was keyed into them as an Order member. They were using the Burrow more often now due to the fact they no longer had Grimmauld Place to use as a meeting place.

Knocking briskly on the lower half of the door, the top half was swung open inside of the house, trying to relax but remain impassive which was his usual self around everyone. The smell of food wafted from the door, the house always smelt of cooking or baking.

"Kingsley! Is everything aright? Everyone safe?" Molly asked bustling over a look of true concern on her face as she gestures for him to come in, "Come on in! You don't have to knock! You're always welcome here!" without even waiting to see whether her concerns were real or not.

"They're fine, as far as I know," Shacklebolt replied in his usual voice which was quiet but determined at the same time. Molly returned to the cooker, flicking her wand as plates floated through the air, she was putting two plates down. "I just came to talk to Arthur," he added, already having a reason up his sleeve the next time they met. It was lunch time; Weasley wouldn't miss a meal, so he knew he would be there sooner or later. According to the Weasley clock, Molly and Ron were the only occupants with their hands at 'home' at some point they'd put Granger on as well, since she as a 'Weasley' now.

"Thank you," he said politely, accepting the food.

"RONALD! LUNCH IS READY!" Molly called, shaking her head at her lazy son, the only one without a job, honestly, at the same time she loved babying her children. "It's nothing," waving of his thanks, there was always enough food to go around.

Shacklebolt ate as Molly bustled around, doing chores, she was either leaving lunch until after she was finished or she'd already eaten earlier. She plucked up a basket of clothes, before she was out of the room, just as Ron entered, and Merlin, Shacklebolt thanked his lucky stars.

Ron didn't say anything, he just sat down and immediately began to gobble down his food like a starved man, occasionally plucking his goblet and drinking deeply from the goblet.

"You were at the meeting with Albus and Potter weren't you?" Shacklebolt said, disinterestedly, still eating his food, with a lot more class than the boy across from him.

Ron shuddered visibly, as the greasy piece of bacon fell onto his clothes clinging to it with the brown sauce. Just remembering the meeting caused humiliation and fear course through him. Potter was so different, not the Harry he used to know. He was so cold and distant; he didn't want to spend a second more in his presence again. He was dreading when Dumbledore managed to get through to him - and he would his belief in Dumbledore was resolute.

"What did you talk about? Did Albus tell him about the Order and the good we do?" Shacklebolt continued, making it seem like he was more interested in the things to do with the Order. Hopefully the boy would reveal everything, it must be something otherwise Harry wouldn't have edged him in this direction. There was something Dumbledore hadn't revealed, didn't want revealed.

Ron grimaced, "Not so much, Potter was just being impossible!" he complained. "I can't believe I used to be friends with that…that…creature!"

Shacklebolt sighed, "What did he do?" shaking his head in faux disappointment. His sigh however, wasn't fake, it was dawning on him that this was going to take forever, and Weasley was going to complain and moan the entire time.

"He thought he was being funny with his stupid play on words!" Ron scowled, "Giving it all that about being Lord Potter and calling the Headmaster out for saying 'my boy' to Harry as if he was better than him. Calling the Headmaster Mr. Dumbledore as well of all the disrespect," stuffing the last of his cooling meal into his mouth.

Shacklebolt nodded solemnly, unsurprised by this Harry hated Dumbledore for some reason, "Very disrespectful," he said, unable to totally conceal his sarcasm but as always Weasley was oblivious to it nodded eagerly in agreement.

"I know, right?!" Ron said, spewing bits of food out as he did so. "He even insulted Hermione!"

"No," Shacklebolt said aghast, "What did he say?" truly curious, whatever it was it had to be down right vicious.

"He said she still had her head still firmly lodged up the rectum of any authority figure she comes across," Ron said bitterly, "She doesn't deserve that, she's smart and good and everything anyone could want in a friend or wife." he cared a great deal for Hermione, she was beautiful, smart and amazing he didn't know what he would do without her. Although he wished she could cook more like his mum, her food wasn't all that nice thank Merlin they stayed here otherwise he'd end up starving.

Shacklebolt bit his tongue, his face twisting in pain as he tried to stop himself laughing in amusement. He could just imagine Harry saying that too, he was a very curt and honest individual. He was worse than Severus actually, in terms of…well everything really. Instead of talking Shacklebolt tried to put a sincere look on his face as he nodded in what was supposed to be agreement. Once his tongue stopped hurting, and the urge to laugh in amusement passed, he spoke again, "What else happened?"

"Well the Headmaster asked about his exams, but Potter had already taken them, Mione didn't like that, he passed his exams at thirteen and got fourteen outstanding N.E.W.T's grade." Ron snorted derisively; he didn't believe it anymore than Dumbledore and Hermione did.

Shacklebolt arched an eyebrow that was impressive, evidently the boy didn't believe Harry, but he doubted the young man had any reason to lie. While three years was enough time to get a grip on the magical world, there was no way he could have memories enough to take his OWLS and NEWTS in that time, he must have already been a vampire, it was the only way it was possible, since Harry wasn't a magical genius, his IQ wasn't off the charts, that's not to say he wasn't smart, he just wasn't good enough with only a human brain to take his exams so early. How had he become a vampire so young and look so old? He looked as though he'd only become a vampire lately. He wasn't sure he'd ever get an answer from the young man which was quite disappointing but he made a mental note to ask. He seemed to like those that were straightforward to maybe he would get lucky.

"Did Potter ever say why he left?" Shacklebolt asked, "Did he keep in touch with the Muggles he was raised with? Did they lie to us?" realizing he was going to actually have to ask and finding the best way to do so. He needed to be quick, Arthur sometimes left work early when there was nothing to do, and it would just be the thing that today would be one of those days, he was surprised Molly was still outside to be honest.

Ron frowned, "Well, no, he said they were abusive," he whispered, a sound of regret in his voice, "I sort of wondered if they were, he didn't talk about them and they didn't give him anything at Christmas, he said he wouldn't get anything so I made sure mum knew so he could open something on Christmas day."

Shacklebolt's jaw tightened, unable to or unwilling to conceal his reaction.

"Harry's really angry about that, at Dumbledore I mean, it's like he blames Dumbledore for what happened." Ron said quietly, "Harry said he knew the timeline of the attack, when his parents died I mean, and he told Dumbledore he knew Dumbledore had ordered Hagrid to remove Harry from the house and take him to Privet Drive twenty-four hours before Sirius was even arrested."

Shacklebolt sat straighter, completely stiff.

"Harry even implied that there was something Dumbledore could do, why he didn't question Sirius when he was arrested to get more information. He said it was a bit too convenient that he didn't want to gather as much information on You-Know-Who…with them knowing he wasn't really dead and all…the Headmaster didn't like that." Ron fiddled with his goblet as he spoke, never once looking at Shacklebolt.

Shacklebolt however, was looking at Ron as if he hadn't seen him before, realizing for the first time that he was still just a kid really. It was obvious all this was bothering him, and not having anyone to talk to…it was wearing on him. Perhaps Ron wasn't as stupid as he seemed, given what he was revealing.

"Dumbledore continued to defend himself, saying that there were Death Eaters out there, suggesting that the Longbottom attack was because they were looking for Harry. Then he went on to say how his mum had given him unprecedented protection by her sacrifice, saying it in different ways as if he was trying to make him feel guilty about their death…to feel at fault for what happened." Ron continued, relief spreading through him as he spoke. "Then Harry asked about two watchers, the Headmaster was stunned, he obviously didn't expect it."

"Harry said he knew about the 'old man' and the 'squib' he placed nearby," Ron said, rubbing his head, as if he was deeply conflicted but nonetheless he continued talking. "When it was obvious Dumbledore wasn't going to admit anything, his own culpability he said, Harry decided enough was enough and was about to leave…to get him to stay the Headmaster told him about the prophecy and how important it was." he couldn't tell anyone, he had been forced to take an oath, Mione too probably.

Shacklebolt felt suddenly drained, Harry hated the Dursley's he'd obviously been abused…and he blamed Dumbledore he must have some sort of proof. Why the hell would he leave Harry to be abused? He had other family out there for Merlin's sake and Dumbledore had to have known that! Charles Potter must have been ages with Dumbledore, maybe even in school with him for Merlin's sake. This was getting way too deep, he just didn't understand anything anymore, and everything Dumbledore had told them was a big fat lie. He had to get out of here. He was feeling suffocated.

"Are you staying for coffee, Kingsley?" Molly asked making her way inside again, her empty basket placed on the kitchen counter.

Bless Molly Weasley, he thought with relief.

"Isn't Arthur usually home by now?" Shacklebolt enquired.

"Oh, he's been taking overtime as often as possible," Molly answered, "Today must be one of those days!" her husband worked so hard, but with so many people coming and going from home the food was going at an alarming rate, which meant Arthur tended to work longer hours.

"I see," Shacklebolt frowned, "Well maybe he will still be working when it's my shift, I'm sure I can get in to see him then, if not there's always the Order meeting." he said with a small smile, however, tense it was Molly didn't notice.

"Are you sure you don't want to stay for a coffee?" Molly asked, her question sincere, her son wasn't much of a conversationalist.

"I'd love to but I can't…another time?" he suggested, feeling bad for getting out of there since she was always so welcoming but he couldn't remain here, he wanted out.

"Of course, you're always welcome!" Molly said, putting the kettle on for herself.

"I'll see you both later," Shacklebolt said as he stood, nodding to both of them, for all the world, Ron looked as if he had forgotten the conversation, and he would have believed that himself if not for the look Ron gave him. It was a sad faraway look, that spoke of sadness and longing as if he wanted to follow Shacklebolt but couldn't…he stared at Ron for a few seconds longer before he left. His brow was still furrowed and thoughts still on Weasley when he quickly stalked away from the Burrow breathing for the first time since he asked those questions.

Tonks wasn't going to like this. He needed to meet up with Harry again, plus he had to find out if there was something wrong with Ronald Weasley.

Shacklebolt scoffed, who would have thought he would be betraying the Order and Dumbledore? It set his pulse quickening in his veins. He needed to see what Tonks had found out then they needed to discuss this. He honestly felt paranoid, as if he was being stalked and watched each step he took. With a decision made and a destination in mind Shacklebolt Apparated to the atrium of the Ministry of magic. Flicking his wand out he used a locating charm, following the pull of his wand towards Tonks.

Meanwhile earlier with Tonks

Tonks blushed furiously at her failure at Apparating, she was well off her destination, but her mind was all over the place. Her eyes roamed over the atrium, feeling extremely jittery, Dumbledore wasn't as good and law abiding as she thought, as any of them thought. Did he have people to do his dirty work? People they didn't know? He did go on about having contacts they'd never met. Had people figured it out before? What if the Order member's demise wasn't always caused by Death Eaters like they believed? Bloody hell, this wasn't happening, damn it all to hell.

With shaky legs, she propelled herself forward, apologising awkwardly to those she accidentally bumped into. They merely rolled their eyes and continued on, used to her clumsy ways, although she was never normally this bad, but her nerves were totally fried. Getting into the lift, closing the doors abruptly she pressed the button a dozen times, "Come on, come on!" Tonks grunted, it was empty, she didn't want anyone in the lift with her, not right now, she felt hyper vigilant.

A sigh of relief left her lips when it began moving, eyes widening she grasped a hold of the grip strap as the lift zoomed towards her intended destination. Even over the fast speed of the lift, she could feel her heart pounding away like an erratic drum. Swallowing thickly, trying to stop her legs from shaking, she was an Auror she was always in control.

She was still trying to convince herself of that as she stepped out of the elevator, bypassing those who wanted to get on, thankfully not bumping or tripping into them. Breathing through her mouth a few times, she nodded to herself, she could do this, she wasn't doing anything wrong or illegal, she was just going to look into some boxes, the archives to find a few things…the only thing was that they weren't related to any active cases.

She bypassed the file room for the active cases and cold cases and made her way to the closed files room. There was nobody around, thankfully, as she slid into the room. The oil lamps flared to life immediately, causing her to jump, clutching her chest dramatically she cursed herself inwardly for being an idiot.

She didn't need to go far, the note would be amongst everything in Sirius' Black's file, which was situated alphabetically after making her way through the 'A's' which was a lot of Avery's, "A…B…C…D…E…F…G…H…I…J…K…L…M…N…O…P…Q…R…S, ha! Here we go!" she murmured absently as she grabbed the box and moved over to the middle of the room where metal chairs and a large table was situated.

Yanking the lid off she began to shift through all the documents related to the investigation until she found that odd piece of parchment that didn't fit in with the rest of the official work. Her eyes narrowed in on the parchment, as if she could single-handedly detect whether it was Dumbledore's writing off bat. She couldn't unfortunately, so without more ado, she copied the letter, stuffed the original back in place before shoving it all back in the box. Shoving the copied letter into her cloak pocket in paranoia worried someone would come in.

Replacing Sirius Black's box, her eyes filtered towards Benjy Fenwick, he was an Order member…only pieces of him were found scattered all over the place. One of the worst Death Eater attacks known to the organization…until Frank and Alice. Closing her eyes, she remembered the conversation Alastor had with her about all previous Order members, especially those who had 'disappeared' summoning Benjy Fenwick's box, Gideon and Fabian Prewitt, the McKinnon family copying their entire boxes which took time and she shrunk her copies down and put them in her pocket. Realizing how much time had passed, she swiftly replaced their boxes just as the door began to open.

Stiffening, she stared wide eyed at the door, not even capable of rational thought. The sight of Shacklebolt caused Tonks to whimper in relief, and fall towards the table, which she gripped tightly, "Merlin, what are you doing here?"

"A better question would be why you're still down here?" Shacklebolt pondered, giving her an understanding look. He felt the same way.

"I was just gathering some stuff," Tonks admitted, "I'm going to put in notice for a few days off, we should get out of here, I should have a letter from Dumbledore in my flat from the last Order meeting, it was right away I didn't remember to burn it."

"You have the ann…" Shacklebolt didn't get to finish.

"Yes, so let's get out of here." Tonks urged, stepping forward finding her strength, her partner would have her back - he made her feel a lot stronger just by being a solid presence.

"We need to get in touch with him again," Shacklebolt stated as they left the room, not saying his name, as occupied as they were, they didn't notice the interest a particular wizard had with their presence in that room. Nor the fact he flicked his wand after they came out, removing the eavesdropping charm.

"Wasn't once enough for the day?" Tonks breathed out, Harry Potter was bloody intense, he made Severus look bloody mind by comparison.

"You don't understand…what I learned…Tonks its worse than we thought," Shacklebolt murmured his eyes shadowed and drawn.

Tonk's breathing hitched at the haunted look on her partners face, "Merlin," she wasn't sure she even wanted to know, but she would do what was right, not what was easy. Forgetting what they'd learned would be easy, not right, but they had a duty, and if Dumbledore was abusing his positions then she'd damn well uncover everything and do what needed to be done.

"Let's just go," Shacklebolt wasn't going to risk telling her here of all places.

With that both of them Apparated to Tonks' flat, but before they could even understand what was happening the world went dark with two calls of "Stupefy!" ringing off her flat walls, they didn't hear the thump of their bodies as they connected with the wooden floor nor did they really have time to build up a sense of fear about what would happen.

Five minutes later Tonks' flat was empty.

So will this be Dumbledore and the way everyone gets their proof or is it Harry making sure the two Auror's didn't screw with his plans? Both have their own spies within the Ministry along with Voldemort of course...so many ways it can go! R&R please!