Thanks to everyone who took the time to review my story!
AN: Chapter betaed by Miette and dstone12 :) This story would not be the same without them, without their "oh maybe something like this could happen" and BAM, two new chapters ^^
AN-2: Considering the enthusiasm and conjectures from the two previous chapters, I thought I'd remind you that we only have 6 chapters/interludes left, not counting the epilogues.
AN-3: Before going on to read this chapter, I suggest you re-read the Interlude II of the story as well as the Hogwarts part of the chapter Arc IV – Treasure hunt as a long time has passed since they were published.
Severus walked as quickly as he could without appearing suspicious, the box containing the diadem safely hidden from view in his briefcase. He could not take the risk to shrink the box, but the briefcase was big enough to contain it without the box showing.
He had not managed to escape the students and the faculty's attention before supper, so he had taken the pretext of a private talk with Professor Flitwick to remain in Hogwarts afterwards. The Charms Professor had been delighted to discuss Severus' future ambitions and projects for a good hour before bidding Severus goodbye. It was not the first time he remained that late at school to speak with either Hagrid or one of the Professors he actually appreciated.
Severus' floo was not connected to Hogwarts so he had had the excuse of using apparation to go back home to walk the castle's corridors. Again, it was not the first time he had done so. He had not needed more than ten minutes to retrieve the diadem and put it safely into the containing box. Just the right amount of time to give himself a scare as the hidden room had shimmered for several seconds just after he had put the Horcrux in the containing box, making him wonder if he was going to be whisked away to another dimension or worse. Their "Horcrux reunification group" had been so focused on the fact that preventing the Horcrux's wrongness from infecting Hogwarts was a good thing that they had not imagined that Hogwarts could react badly to having her connection to it severed.
Thank Helhest, the shimmer had been her only reaction. Though Severus could not help but think that the castle was supporting his action, as he had not met any living or non-living souls since leaving Flitwick's office. He had only been able to warn the Baron of his plan this morning, but the Ghost had seemed earnest in his promise to help Severus get away undiscovered. Of course, it could be a ploy of the Headmaster, waiting to see what Severus was doing before coming down on him.
Anyway, he was now on Hogwarts' grounds, feeling more and more hopeful that he would reach the ward's limit and flow-travel away before anything went wrong.
"Severus."
He froze in dismay at Dumbledore's voice. Severus had not Sensed him. The Headmaster must have used his link to Hogwarts' Magic to hide his presence.
"I must admit, you are a better actor than I thought," said the Headmaster mildly as Severus turned to face him, several feet separating them. "I was almost convinced you had no further motive than learning from Minerva and converting easily influenced young minds to your Slytherin's ways when nothing happened these past months."
"Learning from Professor McGonagall is an honour," replied Severus evenly, determined to remain as cool as the older man despite his racing heart.
"Indeed," agreed Dumbledore genially, making the hairs on Severus' arms stand. "What did you do to hide the Darkness?"
Severus only hid his surprise thanks to his goblin training. The Headmaster had been able to Sense the Horcrux' influence on Hogwarts and had done nothing to destroy it. It made no sense.
"I don't understand what you mean," answered Severus calmly.
The older man tilted his head with an aggravated air.
"Please Severus. I have felt Slytherin's darkness spread over Hogwarts for many years, ever since that arrogant boy tried to fool me into thinking he deserved to become one of Hogwarts' professors. I felt it grow even stronger over the past couple of years. I know it has not disappeared with a flip of a wand. It explains why you needed to gain access to Hogwarts. So I ask again, how did you manage to hide the darkness?"
"I assure you I did not hide any darkness," answered Severus truthfully.
The Headmaster sighed.
"Very well, my boy. I suppose I should have begun with an easier question. What did you steal from Hogwarts?"
There went his hope that Dumbledore had not noticed his little detour to the hidden room.
"Nothing," replied Severus.
"Don't lie to me, my boy," chided the Headmaster.
"I didn't steal anything," retorted Severus.
"What did you take from the seventh floor then?" asked Dumbledore, his tone conveying that he was humouring Severus though his eyes had lost some of their usual sparkle.
"No one can take anything from Hogwarts without her consent," replied Severus, raising an eyebrow in defiance.
He barely had the time to react as the Headmaster cast a ripping spell on the briefcase, blocking the following Accio and catching the box as it fell from the shredded leather. Severus kept a wary eye on the Headmaster as he called for Dhaal's help. This was a fine mess. He had not planned on getting caught by Dumbledore. What would happen if he called the Aurors on Severus? It should be his words against the Headmaster's, but the Aurors were on the Ministry's side while Severus was on Lord Voldemort's.
Dumbledore hummed as he took a step closer to Severus, wand at ready — and why was Dumbledore holding a wand when he had a Familiar?
"Your Apprenticeship changed you. You can still make the right choice, Severus. What's in this box?"
"Nothing that belongs in Hogwarts," answered Severus truthfully.
"Don't play with me, boy!" warned Dumbledore, a stunning spell landing in front of Severus' feet in warning.
Severus' answer was lost as an irate Dhaal flew past him and rushed on Dumbledore, planning on using his invisibility to surprise the older man and knock him over. But Dumbledore was not surprised and adroitly avoided Dhaal. The man had Sensed him.
"You're not playing fair, my boy," chided the Headmaster. "Calling in your Familiar to do your dirty work. I must say I was surprised when I learned you had passed the Ritual and gained a Thestral. They are beautiful and loyal creatures. You don't deserve him," he stated, coldly.
Suddenly, Dumbledore was projecting, and Severus could not help but take a step back. He had seen Drunek projecting. He had seen the change it brought to his Grandfather's presence. Dumbledore brought it up to an entirely different level, above even Voktere Jung. Severus could Sense Magic ready to strike at the older man's command. Hogwarts' Magic was his to use.
"Don't let him impress you, we are better!" Sensed Dhaal, snapping Severus out of his flight reflex.
His Familiar was right, they had the power of their House behind them. While he should not underestimate Dumbledore, Severus was not harmless either. He and Dhaal had practised fighting together.
Severus looked back at the Headmaster, right into his eyes, and projected. At the same moment, Dhaal Screamed, the scream which had put Werewolves and Faes on their knees back in Kyirong.
Dumbledore had clearly not expected this kind of attack. His wand fell on the ground as he fought to remain upright. He tried to use a shield against the Scream, but Severus expertly cut off the spell by seizing its magic flow as Dhaal increased his Scream. Dumbledore dropped to his knees, body rigid as he fought against Dhaal's attack. Severus cast Stupefy.
The spell aimed true, yet Dumbledore disappeared just before it could touch him. Dhaal flew down next to Severus, both of them Sensing as far as they could for the Headmaster's presence. He was still on the grounds, but his presence was muted and melted with Hogwarts'. Severus was unable to know where the man was.
However, Severus did not need to win a duel against Dumbledore. He only needed to bring the Horcrux to Prince Manor. As long as the Horcrux was hidden, there would be no proof he had stolen anything from Hogwarts.
"We need to hurry. Do you think I can fly on you?" asked Severus to Dhaal.
Neither of them had truly enjoyed their previous trials at flying together, but it would be faster to reach the anti-flow-travelling wards limit than Severus running.
"Yes. Let's go before the old one tries to stop us again."
Severus awkwardly climbed on his Familiar's back, still clutching the containing box against himself. His hold on Dhaal was shaky but it would be enough for the short distance required.
Dhaal took off, using his Sense to fly straight to the closer end of the wards. For a few seconds, Severus thought they would make it. Then, he heard the sound of other flying creatures.
"Other Thestrals are chasing us," Sensed Dhaal frustrated as he tried to increase their speed, yet remained limited by the anti-apparation wards.
Soon, they were surrounded by six Thestrals. They did not Scream at them. They did not try to hurt them. However, they blocked their path and angled them back toward the castle. With Severus on his back, Dhaal was less agile than them and could not easily perform evasive manoeuvres. Severus could not think of any spell which could clear them the way without hurting the beautiful creatures.
"I'm going to jump back to the ground and try running," Sensed Severus to his Familiar.
"Alright. I'll try to talk them into letting us go."
Severus used his expertise on the levitation spell to make it to the ground on his feet and in one piece. He had not taken one step that Dumbledore was in front of him.
"Clever, my boy. But you've got nothing on me."
His smile was cold as he fired spell after spell on Severus. Severus managed to evade the first one and block the second but the impact of the spell on his shield was enough to knock him back a few steps. The power of Hogwarts was behind Dumbledore's spell. Severus once more avoided and blocked a series of spells, cursing to himself as he realised that the Headmaster was slowly pushing him back toward the castle and Severus could do nothing to stop it. Sensing allowed Severus to anticipate the coming spells, however he could not prevent Dumbledore from using the Magic flows without Dhaal's help. Worse, he could feel that Dumbledore's pounding on his Sensing shields were tiring him. It almost felt like fighting against the voktere. The fact that he would have already lost without the added power that adopting new House's members had brought him was a small comfort.
Severus kept on alternating with avoiding and blocking spells, knowing it was only a matter of time before Dumbledore finally managed to break through his shields thanks to sheer power, his only consolation being that the Headmaster was using non lethal spells. He gripped the box tightly, racking his mind to find an edge when he was completely underpowered and hampered in his physical move by the necessity of holding the box containing the Horcrux. It was completely different from his fights against the Marauders as Dumbledore's cumulative power, knowledge and technique were on par with Severus'. He could not afford to think the old man was better.
Dhaal did not seem to fare any better against the Hogwarts' Herd. They were not hurting him, but they were preventing him from coming to Severus' help. He could Sense his Familiar's growing anger and urgency as he tried to convince them to let him go.
Severus felt his head ring as his shield absorbed another powerful spell, his hands numb from the impact.
He cursed himself as he felt the box slip from his hands. He could not lose the Horcrux.
Severus focused his entire will on the magic flow the Headmaster was using to Accio the box. He pushed all his intent and power on the sole task of seizing this flow. He could have cried when he grabbed one end of it, halting the box mid-distance between Dumbledore and himself as the Headmaster held the other end of the flow.
The box hovered in the air between them, held by their wills alone before finally falling to the earth. It popped open upon impact, revealing the Horcrux's presence.
For the first time, Severus saw surprise on Dumbledore's face.
The Headmaster looked at him sharply.
"Do you know what this is, Severus?"
Severus did not answer, trying to catch his breath and fight his looming sense of failure.
"This is a Horcrux," stated Dumbledore, watching Severus like a hawk. "But you knew this. Of course. Yours? No, you wouldn't. No, it can only belong to Tom," sneered the Headmaster. "His stooping so deep into the Dark Arts explains so many things."
"Tom?" asked Severus, as if he did not understand who the Headmaster was speaking of, shelving in one corner of his mind the Headmaster's last comment. Now was not the time for speculations.
Dumbledore smirked in triumph.
"You call him Lord Voldemort I believe. Didn't know he was a Halfblood, did you?"
"As a matter of fact, I did," sneered back Severus.
For the second time, Dumbledore looked surprised, then calculating.
"Are you going to destroy it then? Did you come to your senses and realise he was not the saviour you thought?"
He smiled at Severus, suddenly looking far less dangerous and more like the benevolent man he presented himself as in front of the public.
"I suppose this is the logical next step after helping protect Lily's son with that stone of yours. I seem to have been hasty in my first accusation tonight. This is the root of the darkness I was feeling, and you are taking it away. I must say I am amazed that a Slytherin managed to find the power of love."
The man was definitely senile. But Severus might as well play along.
"I have a plan to deal with the Horcrux, so will you let me go with it?" asked Severus.
"My boy, it would be easier to destroy it right now," answered Dumbledore. "Fiendfyre is a difficult spell, I wouldn't want you to hurt yourself or others. I will destroy it with Hogwarts' help."
"You can't take the risk of contaminating Hogwarts!" exclaimed Severus, hoping to build himself a convincing reason for not wanting to destroy the Horcrux on the castle's grounds.
"It's nice of you to care, Severus," replied the Headmaster with a beaming smile. "But don't worry, Hogwarts has seen far worse than this. She doesn't want you to get hurt."
"I'm not a student anymore, I can take care of this," countered Severus, even though he knew Dumbledore would not trust him.
He Sensed the moment the Headmaster was casting Fiendfyre and put a shield around the Horcrux to protect it as he ran toward it. He needed to put it back into the box and get out of here now.
Of course, the Headmaster had no intention of making this easy. As soon as he realised his Fiendfyre was not reaching the Horcrux, he focused his attention on preventing Severus from approaching it.
They were both careful to avoid the Horcrux as they exchanged spells. None were lethal, both trying to gauge their opponent. To Severus' surprise, they seemed to be evenly matched. Hogwarts did not seem to increase Dumbledore's power anymore. Unless the man was trying to lure Severus in a false sense of safety.
He was once more racking his brain for an idea on how to get out of this mess when the Headmaster spoke again.
"I don't understand you, Severus. Lily Potter speaks highly of you. So do Filius, Hagrid and Minerva. I assure you it won't hurt Hogwarts. So why don't you let me destroy this abomination?"
The Headmaster looked so concerned. If he had not known him, Severus could have fallen for his act. Did the man really think that the benevolent old man character would work on him when he had made Severus swear a Constraining Oath at fifteen?
"I have no wish to destroy Lord Voldemort. I want to save him," answered Severus, trying to gain some time to think.
Dumbledore's laugh was dreadful, echoing in the night like a curse.
"Save Tom? He does not deserve to be saved."
"Why not?" shot back Severus. "Aren't you the king of second chances? Sirius Black, Hagrid,... Even Grindelwald. You did not kill him and he committed atrocious acts."
Severus almost took a step back as Dumbledore's eyes took a maddening glint.
"Lord Voldemort must die. Disappear. Like all useless Slytherins."
"Why do you hate Slytherins?" asked Severus, realising he might finally learn why Dumbledore despised his House and buy himself some time in the meantime.
"Why do I hate Slytherins?" mocked Dumbledore. "Because you ruined everything. It's your fault I had to imprison Gellert. It's your fault he became a killer!"
"Certainly not!" protested Severus. "Slytherin does not teach us to kill!"
"No, you just manipulate people and put ideas in their heads. You destroy everything. You say you want to protect Magic but you hide like cowards, afraid of being discovered by Muggles. Magic is not to be hidden, it wants to be free all over the world. Magical creatures should be free to roam the world instead of dying from Muggles' pollution and Wizards' trafficking!" exclaimed Dumbledore.
"I don't understand what you are accusing Slytherin of," admitted Severus, hoping to keep the older man talking.
"We had a plan. We were going to expose the statute of secrecy and rule the entire world. We were going to convince Muggleborns that Wizards were not dangerous. We were going to change the Wizarding World so that it would not scare Muggles and they would accept us as their benevolent leaders! But of course, Slytherins did not agree. Gellert's slytherin friends mocked and ridiculed him when he told them of our ideals and plans. They told him Wizards should not need to change their ways to accommodate lesser beings. He became obsessed with proving them he was right. He wanted to show them he was better than them. That's the only reason he tried to gain power using violence! The only reason we fought and Ariana was killed! This is all your fault!" shouted Dumbledore as Severus stared at him dumbfounded.
In his stupefaction, he almost failed to block the Headmaster's next spell. This time, the older man was furious and did not pull his punches. Severus narrowly avoided two other spells and cursed to himself as he felt Dumbledore apply pressure on his Sensing shield, trying to find or create a flaw he could use to imbalance Severus' defence and gain even more control of the magic flows surrounding them. Severus ground his teeth as sweat glistened on his forehead. The older man's power was impressive and increasing with each spell. Several times, only his recent practice with the voktere coupled with his Taichichuan training allowed him to avoid a spell as he failed to erect a shield quickly enough. The old codger had been trying to get Severus to let his guard down by not using Hogwarts' power.
"It's a shame you were sorted into Slytherin," stated Dumbledore conversely, his voice betraying no discomfort even as Severus was panting harshly. "You show true promise. I truly wish I could meet with your Master. He has taken on very few students, all of them gifted, but you're the first I met who possessed inner shields. You demonstrate an impressive understanding of Magic for your age, but sadly for you, you are young. It was foolish to come on my territory. I am Hogwarts' Headmaster, and her Magic is my own!"
"It's a wonder she's still supporting you when you wish to destroy a part of her!" retorted Severus breathlessly as he ducked under another spell, rolling back to prevent Dumbledore from approaching the Horcrux. "Salazar Slytherin was one of Hogwarts' Founders and you would erase him from this world, you would negate his entire legacy!"
"I was chosen by Hogwarts," replied Dumbledore smugly, "I—"
"Sooooo nice to call me to share the fun!"
Severus watched in surprise as Peeves zoomed over the Headmaster while throwing dungbombs at him.
"Peeves!" thundered the Headmaster. "Stop this ridiculousness this instant!"
"Oh no, Peeves mustn't stop, you've been naughty, Headmaster!" cackled the Poltergeist as he zoomed back and threw an impressive assortment of water bombs, fire crackers and whistle chasers instead.
Dumbledore deflected the various bombs and projectiles, but released the pressure on Severus' shields in the meantime. Severus did not take the time to ponder his good fortune, took a deep breath and then advanced on the Headmaster while launching a battery of spells.
With Peeves distracting Dumbledore, they were evenly matched. Neither managed to come closer to the Horcrux or gain the upper hand. Severus had no idea how long he could last, avoiding a spell, blocking the next, launching his own attack then back to avoiding one again. His only satisfaction was to see Dumbledore getting more dishevelled as time passed.
"Heeeeeeeee!"
Severus almost froze as Peeves screamed, hurt by a spell coming from Dumbledore. He recoiled as he Sensed the hurt suddenly permeating the Magic around them. Hogwarts was hurting as she fought herself. He tightened his Sensing shield and jumped to the side as a blasting spell flew close to his cheek. The niceties were over. Severus threw back a Bombardio that the older man blocked with a shield.
"You will paaaaaay!"
Severus took a step back as Peeves launched himself at Dumbledore, the Poltergeist's body ensconced inside an energy akin to lightning. The Headmaster had to throw himself to the ground as his shield crumbled under Peeves' assault. He immediately jumped back to his feet and conjured a big rock he threw at the Poltergeist.
Severus carefully but quickly got to the Horcrux, taking advantage of Dumbledore's distraction to put it back inside the containing box but still careful not to touch it with his bare hands.
Severus startled as a loud crack thundered in the night. He blinked. Dumbledore's Phoenix was here.
Severus immediately tightened his Occlumency and Sensing shields as he watched the bird warily. However, it only hovered over Peeves and Dumbledore and began singing.
The melody was beautiful. Relaxing. Calming. He could lose himself in it. He closed his eyes as the melody filled him with a peace he had not felt since his Apprenticeship. He basked in the warm feeling, uncaring of the time passing.
Severus winced as the melody was disturbed by a dissonance. Who dared perturb the harmony of the song?
Severus opened his eyes, not comprehending why Dhaal was Screaming in the face of the Phoenix. He watched as the Phoenix struggled to keep singing then finally went silent as he turned his focus on the Thestral and attacked him.
It shook Severus out of his stupor. He cast his Patronus, a translucent Kea dispelling the last of the Phoenix's snare.
"Thank you," he Sensed to Dhaal, grateful, as he hastily took a step back and threw up a Protego around himself to counter Dumbledore's Knockback Jinx.
Severus cursed to himself as he realised he had left the box on the ground, now three feet away from him.
"The Herd finally agreed to stop bothering me," Sensed back his Familiar. "Of course, a Phoenix is not exactly better."
"Be careful!"
"Take care of the old codger now," replied Dhaal snarkily.
Severus looked toward Dumbledore. Peeves was nowhere in sight. However, the Headmaster looked furious. Severus soon realised why. His spells were no longer more powerful than Severus'. Hogwarts was no longer lending him her Magic. Hogwarts and the creatures on her grounds were staying out of the fight. They were on equal footing, one Head of House against another. He briefly wondered how many members the House of Dumbledore claimed. He had only ever heard about the Headmaster's brother.
Once more, they traded spells, circling around the Horcrux, neither giving up their ground.
Dumbledore huffed a laugh.
"Don't get confident, boy. I bested Gellert once, before when I was only a professor. I will best you too. Then I will burn the Horcrux and Tom will be destroyed when he tries to murder a baby, as the Prophecy predicted. And then, Slytherin will be reviled forever as they tried to kill those they claimed to cherish!"
Severus wanted to roll his eyes. Did he really believe in this too?
"This is not what the Prophecy foresaw," replied Severus, hoping to distract the man.
"It is. Though you might be missing a part of the Prophecy," taunted Dumbledore.
Lily had truly kept their talks secret. He was not going to disabuse the Headmaster of this notion.
"You really believe our destinies are carved in stone? That a prophecy will seal the fate of a man?"
"Of course!" exclaimed Dumbledore. "Prophecies are the voice of Magic!"
"And this one says that Lord Voldemort will be destroyed by a baby?" said Severus, openly showing his doubt.
"I might as well tell you." answered the Headmaster with a smirk. "The one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord approaches... born to those who have thrice defied him, born as the seventh month dies... and the Dark Lord will mark him as his equal, but he will have power the Dark Lord knows not… And either must die at the hand of the other for neither can live while the other survives… the one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord will be born as the seventh month dies.…"
"It doesn't say Lord Voldemort will be the one to be defeated," pointed out Severus.
Dumbledore looked at him with false disappointment.
"I thought you were rational, according to Mrs Potter's description. You should not let your desires blind you to the facts."
Seriously?
Severus could not help but let a short laugh escape him.
"Neither should you. Lord Voldemort is not a Dark Lord."
Dumbledore clearly was not expecting his reply, as he almost missed a step.
"Why are you saying this? Is it not the reason you're following him? For his mastery of the Dark Arts?" asked Dumbledore, trying to hide his confusion.
"I follow him because I believe in his propositions," answered Severus as he cast a new barrage of Impedimenta and Bombardio. "But he's not a Dark Lord. You should know, you bested the last known wizard Dark Lord."
"But… Tom is worse than Gellert ever was! He is ready to kill a baby to save himself! Soon the entire world will know his cowardice! He has to be a Dark Lord! Why are you denying it?" exclaimed Dumbledore, failing to block completely one Bombardio and grunting in pain, his right hand coming to rub his left arm where the spell had bruised the skin.
Severus could not believe that this was what could make Dumbledore falter, but he was not questioning his luck. This was the opportunity he had been waiting for. The older man was tired, his attention partly gone from the fight as he pondered Severus' words.
Severus cast five Stupefy in rapid succession while he ran the four steps separating him from Dumbledore. The man managed to block the incoming spells but did not expect the following physical attack as Severus came down on him and pressed on one pressure point at the base of the Headmaster's neck.
The older man crumbled on the floor. Severus immediately cast Stupefy on him, to immobilise his body magically, then Incarcero to bind his body physically.
He looked up to check that Dhaal was still occupying the Phoenix, and was surprised to see that the two Familiars had stopped fighting, locked in stalemate as neither managed to take over the other.
Keeping an eye on them, Severus went and picked up the containing box, then walked back to Dumbledore. He considered his options before quickly sketching a null circle around the Headmaster, using the runes of his containing boxes to render the interior of the circle impervious to magic flows. Better safe than sorry, though it would not last more than one hour, two at best.
Severus let out a breath and closed his eyes one second. What should he do with Dumbledore? He had no doubt the man would come after him the moment he was freed. Helhest help them, the fool would certainly manage to make the reunification fail one way or another. But Severus could not keep him captive for up to ten days, even fifteen if it came to that! He did not dare imagine the uproar that Dumbledore's disappearance would create. And even if Severus managed to keep the man captive for the necessary amount of time, what would happen once he finally released him?
Severus sighed as he felt a headache coming. Dhaal might have an idea. Which brought up another huge difficulty. The Phoenix would never let Dumbledore remain in Severus' hands.
The two Familiars were still hovering face to face. The Phoenix had to know Dumbledore was down. Was he going to try to attack Severus? To get a hold of Dumbledore and disappear him inside the castle? Should Severus intervene in their standstill? How long before someone noticed his presence on the grounds? It was already a miracle nobody had either seen or heard the sounds of their duel. He did not relish the idea of Hagrid finding him with Dumbledore bound on the ground during one of his patrols.
Severus waited, undecided, for far too long. He was on the verge of calling out to Dhaal when his Familiar flew back and landed in front of him, facing the Phoenix. The Phoenix followed slowly but stopped when Dhaal reared back.
Severus tightened his Occlumency shields and cast his Patronus when he realised the Phoenix was going to use his bewitching chant once more. To his utter surprise, the song now had words. Words he understood. Words which were addressed to him.
"Greetings, Broer of Dhaal. I am Fawkes. As you know, Albus is my Tsure. I would offer a truce as after speaking with Dhaal, I understand our goals converge."
"Speaking?" Sensed Severus to Dhaal, incredulous.
"I believe we've come to an agreement," Sensed back Dhaal smugly.
"Greetings, Fawkes," answered Severus, bowing slightly. "My Familiar assures me the two of you have found common ground, though your Tsure was the one who attacked me while I was trying to help Hogwarts. I trust Dhaal's judgement so I will hear your proposal."
"I thank you for your forbearance, and recognise that the Bloody Baron was right to claim you as Hogwarts' Protector. You were trying to remove the foreign Magic which has tainted Hogwarts for years without her being able to remove it when my Tsure attacked you, and for this you have my heartfelt apologies."
"Thank you Fawkes, I accept your apologies though your Tsure is the one who ought to offer them," answered Severus, mollified, though he was unsure of the Phoenix's sincerity and could not help but note that Protector definitely was an official title. What had he gotten himself into this time?
"I agree," confirmed the Phoenix, "and this is why I believe we can help each other. My Tsure was chosen as Hogwarts' Headmaster more than twenty years ago because he embodied her goals and loved Magic and all of her creatures. Neither Hogwarts nor I realised that he was broken inside and that the wound would fester until it would spread inside Hogwarts. My Tsure wants to annihilate a part of Hogwarts. Her representative hates a part of herself, and it's destroying her. Sadly, Hogwarts' Headmasters are chosen to serve until they die, unless they choose to renounce their title. My Tsure is too proud, too sure of himself to leave Hogwarts, and too powerful to succumb to assassination attempts. If we want to save Hogwarts, we need to heal him."
That Dumbledore hated Slytherins was no surprise. That it hurt Hogwarts had become obvious when Peeves had helped Severus. What stunned Severus was the Phoenix's plea to help him heal Dumbledore. Fawkes had said the Headmaster had been wounded for a long time. From the Headmaster's rant during their duel, Severus understood that Grindelwald was the root of the problem. Could it mean the Dark Lord had hurt the Headmaster during their last confrontation with a spell that possessed no counter-curse?
"I hear what you are saying, Fawkes, but I would need to know more about this wound before agreeing to help you," answered Severus as he looked at the Phoenix, squarely.
"It's not an easy wound to see, as this wound is not physical. My Tsure and Lord Grindelwald once were lovers," revealed the Phoenix to a stunned Severus. "My Tsure even uses his wand to cast spells, as a reminder of their broken love! He believes that Slytherin is at the root of his broken heart. His heart must be mended if my Tsure is to accept Slytherin once more."
"And how do you suppose we mend his heart?" asked Severus dubiously.
Between prophecies and affairs of the heart, he was beginning to wonder if all powerful Wizards became crazy once they reached an advanced age.
"My Tsure needs to speak with his old lover and hopefully reconcile. He has not been to see Grindelwald since his imprisonment. They must talk."
The Phoenix wanted Dumbledore to get couple therapy. This was…
"How would you make him go if he hasn't in forty years?" asked Severus, curious to hear the Phoenix's answer.
"We must lock him up with Grindelwald in the Dark Lord's tower."
The evening was getting curiouser and curiouser. Though Dumbledore imprisoned in Russia would guarantee that the old man would not meddle with the Horcruxes' reunification.
"How would you bring him there without Ministry involvement?"
"I'll fly him over."
Right, Phoenix here. Focus Severus.
"How would you ensure that your Tsure remained within the tower?"
The Phoenix trilled, unimpressed.
"Dhaal told me you would take care of it."
Severus raised an eyebrow at his Familiar in disbelief but Dhaal snorted at him.
"Goblins are among those who guard the Dark Lord," Sensed Dhaal. "Clan Röykkiö must be among them."
"But they won't imprison Hogwarts' Headmaster, once Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot and one of Britain's most powerful Wizards just on my say-so!" exclaimed Severus.
"Don't we have grounds to arrest him?" asked Dhaal, his anger perceptible through their bond. "For what he dared do to you when you were under his protection?"
It brought Severus short. Dumbledore's actions during his fifth year had been illegal. He had endangered a minor, which meant Azkaban certainly was an option if he was found guilty. Sending him to a Russian prison instead made no difference, but would the Goblins think so? And would the coalition guarding Grindelwald think the same?
"Goblins are not the only ones guarding Grindelwald. Remember, Augustus told us it was a coalition of all magic races."
"And you already have Goblins, Vampires, Werewolves, and House Elves for allies," countered Dhaal.
"If I may interrupt," thrilled Fawkes. "After his first arrest by American Aurors, Grindelwald became well known for escaping custody in several jurisdictions while awaiting trial. In his quest for world domination, he performed more and more cruel and Dark acts, until he was finally defeated by my Tsure. After that, he was locked down without trial. His tower allows him more comfort than most prisons, and he has killed enough beings that none of the races desired to push for a trial."
"I don't think this is enough," countered Severus. "Grindelwald murdered dozens of people and escaped several times before they gave up, citing the extreme security risks inherent in giving him a trial. Remember, Dumbledore is a famous hero all around the world with many admirers. We would need something far worse than the subjective evidence of bias against Slytherin to convince the coalition to imprison him on our say-so, even with Clan Röykkiö's backing..."
Severus trailed off as a ludicrous idea came to his mind. It was completely ridiculous, yet, the more he considered it, the more he was certain that this could convince the coalition to put Dumbledore in that tower.
He nodded slowly.
"Let's say we convince the coalition to lock Dumbledore in Nurmengard Tower, what of Hogwarts?" asked Severus, trying to find a flaw in their scenario.
"If her Headmaster remains away from Hogwarts' grounds for more than 371 days, then he is considered dead and the castle is free to choose another," answered the Phoenix with a happy note.
"Even if he's kept under duress?"
"Even then. Such a weakness cannot be allowed," stated Fawkes. "I will tell you if he changes his mind on Slytherin before that time. But if he doesn't, he cannot be allowed to hurt Hogwarts again."
This was one more argument in favour of locking Dumbledore with his old lover and throwing away the key.
"Can you watch over your Tsure to ensure that he won't get away as I negotiate his stay in Russia?" asked Severus to the Phoenix.
"Even my Tsure would have a hard time getting free of the constraints you've put on him," trilled Fawkes, though he inclined his head.
"I'll keep watch too," Sensed Dhaal to Severus as he walked with the Phoenix to stand guard over Dumbledore's immobile body. "I'll warn you if anyone comes."
Severus took a deep breath to focus his mind then took hold of the goblin stone he always wore around his neck and called Drunek.
His Master answered quickly, not giving him time to imagine every way this could go wrong.
"Daoack? Is everything alright?" asked Drunek, worry showing through his voice.
"I'm sorry to call you so late, Master," answered Severus with a wince as he realised they were getting close to midnight. "I need your help. The clan's help."
"Do you need me to come to you?"
"No. I need to ask you for a favour," said Severus, impressed his voice was not shaking.
"I'm listening."
"I'm going to lock Albus Dumbledore inside Lord Grindelwald's tower, and I need you to help me assure he will under no circumstances be allowed to leave," stated Severus, entirely aware of how crazy his demand sounded.
"Explain."
"Have you heard of last year's wizard Prophecy?"
There was a pause then Drunek spoke.
"We should speak in person. Where are you?"
"Hogwarts' grounds."
"I'll be here in ten minutes."
Severus was surprised at the relief he felt. His Master understood this was no laughing matter. Though how he would come to Hogwarts without alerting her House Elves was a mystery.
He paced as he waited for Drunek, rehearsing his arguments, trying to put them in the best light to convince the Goblin, and only stopping when he Sensed his Master's presence alongside two others'. Drunek was walking quickly, followed by Richtigk and Hoardrock.
Severus swallowed, throat suddenly dry.
"They know you wouldn't have called without reason," Sensed Dhaal soothingly. "You did much for them, it's time they earn their part of your Alliance."
Trust his Familiar to remind Severus that he was not the only one who had duties in his Alliance with the clan.
"Yíngjiē Daoack," greeted Drunek gravely.
"Yíngjiē Master."
"Considering your request, I thought it best to come with reinforcement," said Drunek wryly.
Whether they were to help or hinder Severus depended on his being convincing.
"Thank you, Masters," answered Severus as he bowed slightly to the two other Masters.
They bowed back but their expressions remained sombre.
"Drunek told us you wanted to lock Headmaster Dumbledore away with Lord Grindelwald," said Hoardrock, face impassive but voice coloured with disbelief.
"I believe we agreed on letting Daoack explain his reasoning," chided Drunek lightly as he gestured for Severus to start speaking now.
"I know my request can seem completely out of bonds, Masters. Before I explain my reasoning, have you heard of last year's wizard Prophecy?"
Hoardrock let out a low growl.
"I wasn't aware Wizards had finally received their Prophecy."
Interesting that his Grandfather had not told his clan.
"Neither was I," echoed Richtigk.
"I didn't know either, and I must say I would have liked to hear about it Daoack," answered Drunek pointedly.
Severus wanted to roll his eyes.
"I'm sorry, Masters. I only learnt of this Prophecy a few months ago and then its interpretation gave me some trouble as I did not agree with the most popular one."
The three Goblins were listening with interest, and Severus hurried before they lost patience with him.
"The Prophecy was given to Headmaster Dumbledore by Sybil Trelawney when they were in a pub. I know she's considered a fraud but those who witnessed the interaction agree that it was markedly different from her usual act. According to Dumbledore, it says The one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord approaches... born to those who have thrice defied him, born as the seventh month dies...and the Dark Lord will mark him as his equal, but he will have power the Dark Lord knows not…And either must die at the hand of the other for neither can live while the other survives…the one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord will be born as the seventh month dies. I specify they were in a pub because I believe some of the words are not exact," explained Severus.
"Alright," nodded Drunek. "What is the common interpretation?"
"Most people, including Dumbledore, believe the Dark Lord to be Lord Voldemort. They think that a baby born last year on the last day of July will kill him."
Richtigk snorted while Drunek and Hoardrock looked stunned.
"Yes, I see why you don't agree with this interpretation. What do you think, Daoack?" asked Richtigk.
"The only wizard Dark Lord I know of is Grindelwald, and Dumbledore was sitting in front of Trelawney when she spoke her Prophecy, so I believe the sentence The one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord approaches applies to them. Born to those who have thrice defied him cannot apply to them, but if the word was not defied but defiled, it does as Grindelwald's mother is believed to have had an affair with a Quidditch player who could be Grindelwald's true father. The next sentence confirms this as Dumbledore was born the day the Giant who at the time represented July died, so born as the seventh month dies checks out."
So far, the three Goblins were listening.
"Then we have and the Dark Lord will mark him as his equal, I believe Grindelwald and Dumbledore once shared a blood pact which was the reason Dumbledore waited a long time before duelling Grindelwald in the past, though I don't have any proof," admitted Severus.
Hoardrock nodded.
"We know of this rumour, and we tend to agree with it."
"But he will have a power the Dark Lord knows not could refer to Dumbledore's Familiar as Grindelwald does not possess a Familiar," continued Severus. "And either must die at the hand of the other for neither can live while the other survives… Apparently, Dumbledore and Grindelwald were lovers, and according to Fawkes, Dumbledore's Phoenix, their break-up wounded Dumbledore badly, so it could be meant metaphorically. As for the last sentence, I believe they heard the words wrong as it makes no sense for the Prophecy to repeat the same sentence. So I think that the correct words were in fact the one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord will be lorn as he severs Yulmonth ties, which would reinforce the theory that Dumbledore's broken relationship with Grindelwald is essential to understand this Prophecy."
Severus waited as the three Goblins remained silent for an eternity, crossing his fingers for his gamble to pay. He watched as they seemed to converse with each other through subtle physical signs, and had to wonder if Goblins possessed a secret sign language similar to the House Elves'.
Finally, Hoardrock spoke.
"Let's say your interpretation of the Prophecy is right. I don't understand why you want to imprison Headmaster Dumbledore with Lord Grindelwald."
Severus nodded.
"Drunek told me that Prophecies are warnings from Magic when it feels threatened. I was given to understand that Grindelwald has free reign over his tower, that as long as he remains inside and the surveillance spells don't show suspicious readings, his guards remain outside and leave him be."
"You are correct," confirmed Richtigk.
"You know how powerful Grindelwald is, he is a Dark Lord. For Magic to send us a warning, he must be entertaining something we cannot imagine. We know that he and Dumbledore have a past together and that Dumbledore is one of the most cunning and powerful Wizards of his time. Sending him over to keep Grindelwald in check, and possibly give him a reason to stop his folly by mending their relationship seems to be the only available solution," said Severus, pouring his entire conviction of being right in his voice.
"I understand your reasoning, Severus, however you would convict an innocent man to a possible lifetime imprisonment for… the greater good, as Grindelwald was fond of saying?" asked Drunek, frowning.
"First, Dumbledore's Familiar is the one who proposed this solution," replied Severus, repressing a smirk as he saw the Masters' eyes widen in surprise. "He proposed his service to transport him to the tower, and is guarding him right now along with Dhaal to ensure he doesn't escape."
"I doubt Merlin himself could have broken free from the restraints you've put on him, Daoack," said Drunek with a small smile, "but I see your point. I do hope you have other arguments as Familiars' jealousy has been known to rival women's."
Severus looked at the three Goblins gravely.
"Secondly, I wouldn't call Dumbledore innocent. He's extremely biassed against all Slytherins as he's persuaded that they are the reason Grindelwald and he broke up. He admitted tonight that Lord Voldemort has to die like all useless Slytherins. He influences his students' minds so they will attack their slytherin comrades and he covers this up by saying that boys will be boys. He... He once made me swear a Silencing Oath when I was fifteen. When I refused and asked for my Guardian, he countered saying that the school was acting in loco parentis. He intimated he could have me expelled and that I would be unable to pursue any further education if I did not swear this Oath."
"What did he want to prevent you from saying?" asked Richtigk, his ears' flicker betraying his dismay.
Hoardrock seemed surprised too. Drunek's face was hard as stone.
Severus felt a rush of affection for his Master despite the gravity of the situation. He had kept Severus' confidence.
"A few minutes before, I had been attacked by a Werewolf. Almost none of the staff and students knew he was one since, at that time, it was illegal for Werewolves to attend Hogwarts. I was lured into the Werewolf's holding room during a full moon by another student who wanted to scare me," said Severus bitterly.
"Kark!"
If looks could kill, Dumbledore would no longer be breathing. Richtigk's and Hoardrock's faces were cold as ice.
Once more, they conversed silently as Severus waited.
"We are convinced. Give us thirty minutes to arrange everything with the coalition," said Drunek firmly.
"Thank you, Masters," answered Severus with a bow, pushing his relief behind his Occlumency shields so he would not topple over.
The hardest task was yet to come, but at least, the reunification would not fail because of the old fool.
The three Goblins left Hogwarts with a determined step. Severus settled against Dhaal's side to wait, drawing strength from his Familiar. He would give almost anything for his bed.
While they waited for Drunek's call, a House Elf came to collect Grindelwald's wand and put it inside one of Hogwarts' vaults. Severus wondered exactly what the relationship between his clan and Hogwarts' House Elves was, that the latter were not even trying to defend the Headmaster.
He gained a new respect for his Master as true to his word, thirty minutes later, Drunek confirmed that Grindelwald's guards had agreed to their plan. Immediately, Fawkes transported Dumbledore to Grindelwald's tower and left him there, guarded by a coalition of various races sworn to secrecy who would let neither of the two men leave.
Just like that, Albus Dumbledore disappeared.
Severus let out a relieved sigh and finally left Hogwarts to bring the Horcrux to Prince Manor, proudly escorted by his smug Familiar.