Here's ch. 20! Notes at the end - enjoy!

Ch.21 - The Lynx And The Cat

Upon entering the grand sitting room, Harry halted in his steps, slightly out of breath. Standing in the middle of the grand room were, indeed, Snape, McGonagall, and Kingsley, all of who had, apparently, been waiting for him, none looking too happily at him. McGonagall's lips were in a tight line, a sure sign of warning, and Harry mentally braced himself.

"HAROLD JAMES EVANS POTTER!" she burst out.

Yep, there it was.

The aged witch, wearing tartan robes and with her hair kept in a dishevelled-like state, rounded on him, her crisp, cutting voice slicing through the air. "Out of all the imbecilic, foolish —" to Harry's surprise —"Gryffindor-ish things to have done! Do you realise the absurdity of your actions; the risk at which you had put the Weasleys, Miss Granger, and yourself into!? You were tortured, for heaven's sake — we are most fortunate you are still alive, let alone sane! Had it not been for the young Weasley…"

For a moment, McGonagall looked almost tearful and relieved, but quickly schooled her features. She went on, her hands on her hips in a Molly gesture. "I suppose I shouldn't have expected more from one of my Gryffindors," she sniffed. "Just so, even your father and godfather had had more common sense to them than what you've just displayed! Honestly, Mr. Potter, did you have a death wish, stepping foot into that enemy-infested house!?"

Harry just stood there, enduring the witch's rant. At this point, it seemed more like she was rambling randomly, as if unsure of what to say and in what precedence. It wouldn't do to contradict her, though, and Harry knew that what she was saying was true. It was at times like these that he felt like an utter child, not taken seriously. He hadn't missed her comment about his dad and Sirius, and he couldn't help but feel, not only a pang of shame at himself, but also a pang of hurt at being compared to them.

Why did everyone always compare him to people he had barely known; people who were long dead?

McGonagall sighed wearily, with no-one daring to speak. Harry felt as if he'd just been caught out of bed at Hogwarts. "Mr. Potter," she began more briskly but calmly. "Mr. Weasley, Miss Weasley, and Miss. Granger have already filled us in on what had happened, and I dare say that your reasons for such a thoughtless excursion are far from merited. You must understand that you are not obligated to hunt down every Death Eater that's out there. It isn't your duty, and I am quite disappointed that you hadn't consulted either one of us regarding such a serious matter. This is specifically our job, and we've placed you here with Severus for the sake of your protection."

Harry clenched his fists as the woman continued her speech, sharp eyes scrutinising him. They wouldn't understand, he reminded himself. It was his duty, he had decided this long ago. Besides, hadn't he 'confided' in them in first year? Second year? almost every other? No. He had to do this on his own. It was his fight. It was him, and him alone, that had to end all of this.

But they wouldn't understand. They wouldn't, couldn't, and Harry would simply have to nod his head in agreement and compliance with his fingers crossed behind his back.

This time, it was Kingsley who spoke up. "I must side with Minerva. For a while, a publicly-anonymous party of our carefully-selected and trusted Aurors had been preparing to make a move and infiltrate the building. And your actions have caused quite a hindrance in their other operation plans," he said grimly.

Harry suddenly got a queasy pang in his stomach, and frowned. He spoke for the first time. "What do you mean? We — Snape got all the Death Eaters, didn't he?"

The wizard shook his head. "Essentially, yes. However, Lucius Malfoy had managed to escape via portkey just when you and Severus had departed from Grimmauld Place. As of now, we know not of his whereabouts, though we believe he will put the other Death Eater strongholds on guard, which complicates their chances of a surprise attack on them."

Harry scuffed his feet, not sure how to respond. Sorry would just sound very inappropriate at this point. Fortunately, Snape broke the silence, sounding tired and worn out; Harry purposely ignored him, unwilling to meet his eyes.

"Perhaps we should sit?" he suggested, and Harry thought he felt the man's eyes linger on him for a minute. The other two adults acquiesced, reluctantly choosing their seat upon the couches and plush chairs set up in a semi-circle before the grate. Taking cue, Harry cautiously perched atop an armrest of an empty chair.

McGonagall sighed. "Potter." Their eyes met. "What are we going to do with you? You are of age — act like it, for sweet Merlin's sake! What, in the name of all that's magical, were you thinking!? You were tortured — you could have died, if not driven into insanity! And Miss Granger and the Weasleys?"

Harry took a shaky breath at the reminder of his friends, but steeled himself. "I had to do it." he stated determinately. "Grimmauld Place was Sirius' home and our headquarters — I couldn't just let the Death Eaters stay there! Also, they could have tortured Kreacher for information, and no-one deserves that," he answered. "Look, I'm sorry for what happened, alright? I know it was stupid, and I shouldn't have rushed in like that, but…" you just wouldn't understand. "But I couldn't — can't — just sit around and do nothing, and you can't expect me to! They are after me in particular, and they are hurting other people to get to me."

"Mr. Potter, that is—"

"How are Hermione and the Weasleys?" he asked hastily, hoping against hope to distract them.

The aged shot him a disapproving glare, and then shook her head in exasperation. Unbelievably, she muttered, "Gryffindors," under her breath, and actually answered his question. "They are quite alright, and they were frightfully concerned regarding your physical health."

Harry sighed in relief, but also scratched his head at this. "That sounds oddly specific..?"

She smirked, looking at her ex-colleague. "In truth, we were all concerned over what Severus would do to you now that you were at his mercy. Perhaps he was low on a few ingredients?"

Sevrus snorted at her remark, speaking for the first time in his dry voice. "Believe me, Minerva, no potion would produce potent results from containing Potter in it," he replied. Harry wasn't quite sure whether to feel relieved or offended. It belatedly came to him that Snape had been very quiet, and had barely said anything.

"Just so, Mr. Potter," she replied to his earlier words. "Though you may be their primary target, you are under a false impression. They are also targeting many muggleborn families, as well as 'blood traitors', I'm afraid. And get this silly notion out of your head that you must do something about it! For Merlin's sake, Potter, haven't you suffered enough?" she finished sadly.

Harry didn't reply to that, knowing it would be futile to argue with her. They simply wouldn't understand, he calmly reminded himself again, and nodded his head in acknowledgement for the sake of moving away from the topic.

Luckily, though, Kingsley chose that moment to clear his throat.

"Mr. Potter," said the Minister. "Regarding your earlier concerns, I can assure you that the house elf is alive and well. Your safety, however, is our number one priority. I am hopeful to see more forethought from you in the future. Please, the Ministry is on your side." Harry opened his mouth to protest, but Kingsley interjected. "Yes, I do realise that the Ministry hasn't been kind to you over the years, but things are changing, that I can assure you of."

In conclusion, the man in the turquoise robes and a hoop earring said, "We must learn from the past and prepare for the future, for we are stronger when united." He paused, letting the message sink in. "Now, I do bring news regarding the Ministry, and Minerva and I have very limited time."

Snape nodded. "Indeed. What had occurred post our departure?"

Harry was very grateful for the quick change of topic, and he perked up at the new topic, trying to focus solely on Kingsley and not the still-disapproving glare he was getting from Minerva, and trying to ignore Snape's gaze.

The Minister answered. "In abridged form, our anonymous Auror party had searched the place upon your departure. They had discovered traces of your magic, Severus, though I had neither confirmed nor denied your earlier presence there. The Aurors were unsuccessful in acquiring anything that might reveal the locations or plans of the other Death Eaters, yet they had concluded that yourself and Lucius are the ones leading them. Grimmauld Place is currently under numerous protective wards, and under careful Auror watch.

Snape snorted dryly, his only response to the news. Kingsley made a 'Well, you know how it is' gesture with his hand.

"This further complicates the process of exonerating your case and clearing your name, of course," he went on, "thus why it is essential for you to remain in hiding until we have gathered enough proof to support your case. The Ministry no longer takes even the word of Death Eaters under Veritaserum, as they believe that the imposters inside the ministry have tampered with their stocks."

Severus shook his head in disbelief. "A bunch of thick-headed idiots, they are," he growled disapprovingly. "Veritaserum cannot be altered even in the slightest, as the key components of the potion are extremely sensitive. It is one of the Seven Untamperables in Potions Making, and the fact that this has slipped the minds of those so-called potions masters makes me question their field of knowledge."

Kingsley nodded in agreement. "Yes, well, not many are available, unfortunately, thus why you had been our main potions supplier all those years. But that is beyond the point. In conclusion, it is pivotal that you lay now, especially during these times. And, Mr. Potter," the man turned to Harry, seriousness in his eyes.

"This also concerns yourself. Keep vigilant. The most help you could do is to leave everything to the Aurors. We are well underway of tracking them down, and we will not give up until every one of them has met justice, that I promise you. You may also help in gathering proof to support Severus' case, as we have close to none."

Harry nodded in reply, but he was not prepared for what McGonagall said next.

"Another thing, Mr. Potter," she added, somewhat regrettably. "We also have reason to believe that the floo network is being monitored by the Death Eaters. I'm afraid travelling by floo is a great risk — myself and Kingsley have taken a great one by simply coming here… I'm afraid it is best that you do not visit the Weasleys for a while, and vice versa, as I'm sure you have been thinking along those lines," she said downcastly. "Before our coming here, I did bring a letter to you from them, however."

She reached into an inner pocket of her robes and pulled out an envelope. Harry's eyes threatened to water when he recognised Mrs. Weasley's handwriting, a pit in his stomach growing at the thought of her telling him how disappointed they were in him. Harry forced his thoughts to stray, however, and nodded as he accepted the letter. McGonagall's words took a little longer for them to fully sink in, and when they did, it was like a punch to the gut of disappointment and sadness.

He decided he would open the letter later, however.

He hadn't even noticed until now that the witch was still talking until then. "... will keep in touch minimally, Severus, and refrain from owl mail, as there have been several reported cases of them being intercepted. This concerns you as well, Potter," she informed briskly. "Which means no letters… I'm sorry."

Kingsley checked the clock on the mantel and suddenly bolted from his seat. "It is time we were leaving. Minerva and I have a meeting in less than five minutes with the Wizengamot and Hartling." At this, Minerva stood after him and followed the man to the fireplace. Harry and Snape stood as well.

Before reaching for the floo powder, however, Kingsley reached into his turquoise robes and pulled out something silky and neatly folded.

Harry's breath caught in his throat. His invisibility cloak!

"For Merlin's sake, Potter, use it well," warned Minerva as Harry solemnly accepted the item. He nodded, revelling in the feeling of safety that suddenly enveloped him.

"Thank you for coming, Minister, Minerva," thanked Severus, shaking each of their hands reverently. Harry did the same, apologising quietly another time. Once the two had disappeared into the green flames, Harry and Snape were left alone, an awkward silence ensuing between them.

Harry still couldn't meet Snape's gaze, and had just been about to leave when the man spoke abruptly.

"Potter," he called stiffly, the tiniest note of desperation in his voice mixed with clear exhaustion. Perhaps it was just that that made Harry finally cave and look up. It was the first time that evening that Harry actually looked at the man, and the sight that met him almost threw his off-guard.

Dark circles lined his obsidian eyes, and his greasy hair hung frazzled, as if he'd been sleeping and had been assaulted by his pillow. His usual black suit appeared creased and wrinkled, and his expression was guarded, too.

Snape shifted uncomfortably, standing stiffly within a foot of Harry, his obsidian eyes locked on him. "Potter," he repeated, his voice softer and weaker than Harry had expected. "We need to talk."

What did you think of the 'Seven Untamperables'? That was a sponteneous idea that just came to me out of nowhere.

Expect the next chapter somewhere mid-week! As always, please review, as it really helps. I really hope I've made Kingsley and McGonagall in-character, as I had really struggled with that. BTW, in case some of you were confused about the chapter title, Kingsley's Patronus is a lynx, and McGonagall's is a cat.

PS: I just finished writing the 33rd chapter, and all I can say is that there is quite a bit of upcoming drama;) As I had mentioned once, I have 29 chapters pre-written, and I overlooked to mention that I am yet to write the other chapters. I have 33 as of now, and it's slow going because I've been mostly busy editing the pre-written chapters(my old writing is so bad, lol, and I am slightly tweaking some things here and there.)