In the Crosshairs
Dragon Voldemort
Chapter 40: Hogsmeade II
Professor McGonagall walked up the stairs. Just as quickly as she strolled along the second floor corridor, Professor Snape strode along. Both of them came to the waiting Stone Gargoyle, stepped on, and ascended.
"Any surprises over what this is about?" asked Professor Snape.
They entered the Headmaster's office. Professor Dumbledore was already standing behind his desk, shaking on his cane with one hand, a muggle envelope in the other.
"An incident has occurred in Hogsmeade," Professor Dumbledore said, "Hagrid is getting a carriage ready for me so I can be there when the investigator shows up. Investigate together, however, you both will find the crucial piece of evidence located—" he handed the muggle envelope over to Professor McGonagall. "Directions to find it, use the Post Office. Go there after you're confident that Hogsmeade is secure."
"Certainly," said Professor McGonagall.
"Severus?" Professor Dumbledore asked.
"Yes," said Professor Snape.
"Do not tip my hand," said Professor Dumbledore.
Professors McGonagall and Snape left.
"His deck is short," said Professor Snape as they descended, "The Floo Network—"
"You know the toll that exerts on Albus!" Professor McGonagall said, "A brisk walk does us good."
They remained quiet as they left the castle, into the snow covered path, and walked fast to Hogsmeade. Pink snow on the high road, three white blankets hid the bodies beneath.
"I am surprised the Headmaster did not wish to tend to this personally," said the Minister of Magic, in his sky blue robes, in front of the Three Broomsticks.
"He will be along shortly," Professor McGonagall said, "He no longer has the advantage of youth."
"Where are the suspects?" asked Professor Snape.
"This way," the Minister said. He led them into the Three Broomsticks.
"Going to expel Potter now?" asked Seamus Finnigan, from a nearby table.
"Kiss them!" said Ernie Macmillan while Madam Pomfrey worked ointment on the cut across his neck.
"They should be separated—" Professor McGonagall said.
"Statements have already been taken from the cooperative," said the Minister, "And before you object, this is now a Ministry affair."
Crackling, laughter, came from the tiny wrought iron cages in the rear. Professor McGonagall recognized the thin frame, the black hair, the bottle green eyes of the slender teenage boy standing with his hands tied behind his back in the cage that nearly squeezed upon him.
"Hi there!" exclaimed 'Harry', "We had quite a party! Can you have Dumbledore unlock this so we can continue?"
"Were they not silenced?" Professor Snape asked.
"I can forward a copy of their confessions to your Headmaster," said the Minister.
"When were they first spotted?" Professor Snape asked.
"Last night when they rented a room from Madam Rosmerta," said Minister Fallerschain, "Off and on, but Potter came down about two hours ago, had a few rounds before going out for a slaughter."
"Two hours?" Professor Snape asked.
"I know what you're considering," said the Minister, "They are being kept here, confined, so they can be observed by everybody, until we question them in more detail once your Headmaster arrives. I have sent for Boderick Bode to see if he can uncover any other possibility, however, I'm afraid we have the genuine suspects."
"They can't even turn around," Professor McGonagall said.
"They don't have to," said Victor Fallerschain, "It's not like I want to empty out the Three Broomsticks of all Madam Rosmerta's paying customers. It was either this, or keep them outside in the snow, or impose a harsh trip to Azkaban for your ailing Headmaster to interview — I am doing you a favor! Be grateful."
"Did we have further business?" Professor Snape asked Professor McGonagall.
"Nothing that cannot wait," said Professor McGonagall said.
"Do not forget to inform the Headmaster that I will be sending them to Azkaban," the Minister said, "To await trial."
"Understood," Professor McGonagall said.
Professors Snape and McGonagall left the Three Broomsticks.
"Where, may I ask, are we going to?" Professor Snape asked.
"It should become apparent in a short bit," Professor McGonagall said, as she took out the envelope.
They entered the Post Office.
"Ron," Harry said as they left the lodge at Les Pierre, "I figured it out, it's bloody easy."
Harry placed his face mask onto his head before he put his black snowboard with red lions down onto the snow, put his left foot in.
"No, I am sticking to skis," Ron stated, putting his on.
Harry hopped over toward the ski lift.
"We could join Hermione," Ron said, "Thankfully she's finally seen sense, she can always go shopping at home!"
"Green circle?" Harry said, "Dull, boring."
They shifted their weight, went for the next lift.
"She wants to go slow, look at the wildlife," Ron said, "Properly, these skis should fly."
"At least they're back out on the slopes," Harry said, "It's the point of a skiing holiday."
"True," Ron said.
"Enjoy your date last night with Hermione?" Harry asked.
"Better believe it," Ron said.
They neared the top of the lift.
"Just remember, the RIGHT fork," Harry said.
They shifted their weight and started down the slope. They passed the blue square marking the trail, steered right.
"That's a jump?" Ron said, "I'd like to try it."
"Next run," Harry said, "They're fun."
Harry and Ron gained speed, weaved their way down the two mile long slope. Harry leaned as he weaved, his knees loose and lumber, kept his balance as he turned. Ahead, Harry spotted Professors Snape and McGonagall standing right in front of the snow backstop; they were in their classic robes, black for Professor Snape, emerald green for Professor McGonagall. Harry knew the intended message, he was expecting it, however, he was a bit curious. Harry swerved hard, his snowboard showered a fine spray of snow onto Professor Snape.
"Watch where you're going, you—you Muggle!" Professor Snape shouted.
Harry let his momentum carry him back to the ski lift; Ron followed and sat on the chair. .
"We should've stopped and talked to them," Ron said.
"What?!" Harry exclaimed, "Let Snape ruin a perfectly good holiday?!"
Ron laughed. "Do you suppose?"
"Yeah," Harry said, "Only reason." He knew it was going to be bad news, he just didn't know how bad, one more run before he had to face it.
Off this lift, onto the next, and they rode to the top.
"Ready?" Harry asked.
"Yeah," Ron replied.
They sailed off the chairs, turned, and went over the edge of the slope. Again, they gained speed, Ron crouched while Harry surfed his board down the hill. Harry leaned backward, took the left fork, Ron followed.
"Bold!" Ron shouted, the air and snow rushed past them.
"Bit late!" Harry replied.
It's lip came fast, the up turn that sent them airborne. Harry glanced down, where both Professors Snape and McGonagall loitered, nearly directly beneath the jump on the ski run.
"Albus said they'd be here," Professor McGonagall said as Harry began to plummet.
"We have to sort them out from—" Professor Snape said.
"LOOK OUT!" Harry shouted.
Both Professors McGonagall and Snape turned around, both heads looked around them but not upward.
"GERONIMO!" Harry shouted as he hit the snow, his momentum still carried him toward his teachers.
Harry tried to flex on his board, but it merely snagged, forced him into a tumble and slide, before he fell. Harry cartwheeled down the slope as Ron rolled past Professor McGonagall. Harry simply waved his arms, unable to recall the charm to stop, and slammed into Professor Snape. Black robes billowed as they both rammed the snow.
"Blasted Muggle!" Professor Snape yelled.
"Standing in the middle of the ski run?!" Harry said, "Didn't realize you were that daft, Snape."
"If you are alright Mr. Potter," Professor McGonagall said, "We want a word with you."
Ron came back and pulled Harry up onto his snowboard. Professor Snape stood back and shook the snow off of himself.
"Inside," Harry said, "There's a spot we can go."
Harry removed his snowboard, carried ot the lodge, placed it into the outside rack, for suite 409, along with Ron's skis. They stepped inside, where Harry removed his boots. Like Harry, Ron removed his boots.
"This way," Ron said.
Harry and Ron led the way up the stairs. Harry walked along a series of private parlors. Harry picked the one in the middle, entered, with a small bench, along with a table that overlooked the slopes. Harry laid his jacket on the bench.
"I understand a fair bit of martial cheating goes on in these," Harry said as he sat on the left side. Ron entered the parlor carrying two mugs. Ron dropped his ski jacket onto Harry's, before handing one mug to Harry.
"Is it too hot Weasley?" Professor Snape asked as glared at both Ron in a T–shirt and trousers like Harry.
"Just right," Ron said as he sat down next to Harry.
Harry pointed. Professors McGonagall and Professor Snape sat down on the other side of the table. Harry sipped on his drink, felt the smoothness of the lager.
"Underage drinking?" Professor Snape asked.
"Legal in for me in France," Harry quipped.
"You're into skiing?" Ron asked Professor Snape, "Let us know where to avoid."
"I see no value in partaking," Professor Snape said, "Frivolous snow snorting is atypical for Hogwarts suspensions or a murderous relaxation. International travel just to find you."
"You found us," Ron stated.
Professor Snape's mouth began to open, a glance from Professor McGonagall, and it closed.
"Quiet, all of you," said Professor McGonagall said, "We need to verify your whereabouts, specifically for today."
"Been quite crowded," Harry said as he sipped on his drink. "Been here since late Wednesday. No, it's been a pleasant holiday…until now."
"Three murdered in Hogsmeade and all you can be concerned about—" Professor Snape said dryly.
"Three—killed?" Harry asked, any sense of hunger evaporated and he pushed his drink aside, "Who?"
"They bore your likeness," Professor Snape said.
"Unfortunate," Ron said, "We certainly didn't want the deaths, but those impostors played right into our hand, just like Dumbledore hoped for."
"You planned—?" Professor Snape asked.
"Don't be so daft," Harry said.
"Why else do you think you brewed that potion?" Ron asked.
"Your attempted murder in Potions—" Professor Snape started.
"MY murder, of me! Yes, I could easily have died," Harry said, "Where would that put you with Voldemort?"
Professor Snape glared at Harry, however, Harry turned his eyes toward Professor McGonagall.
"All day lesson in Potions?" Harry said, "It's obvious, with our already having this trip booked!"
"That is true," Professor McGonagall said to Professor Snape, "Albus instructed Mr. Potter to plan a trip."
"As I'm the one under investigation, I can't go around collecting the evidence," Harry said, "Therefore, I shall leave that in your oh–so–capable hands, and I'll get back to the slopes."
Harry stood.
"Take care not to break your neck," Professor McGonagall said.
"I no longer care." Harry turned a cold stare onto Professor Snape. "Come on Ron."
Harry grabbed his ski jacket as he left the parlor with Ron, however, Harry loitered just outside, glanced at a mirror.
"Do you finally understand my warnings about mixing childish vendettas with—" Professor McGonagall started.
"We had better hurry before the rest of your lot adopt Potter's irresponsible attitude," Professor Snape said.
"Can you put your hatred for everything Potter aside?!" Professor McGonagall stood up.
Harry ran, back down the steps, hurriedly put his boots and ski trousers back on, went outside.
"Harry!" Hermione exclaimed as he reached the rack.
Harry glanced at her, bundled up.
"Jump?" Ron asked.
Harry glanced at it, the allure.
"You're not planning to, are you?" Hermione asked.
"We already did," Harry said.
"It's fun," Ron said. Harry caught the dagger eyes.
"It's better than Snape—" Harry started.
"Do you want to spoil your holiday?" Hermione asked.
"As expected," Harry said, "He's here."
"That isn't funny," Hermione said.
"Nor should it Miss Granger."
Hermione tumbled backward off her skis. Professor McGonagall flicked her wand, pulled her back up.
"Sorry Professor," Hermione said.
"I had wanted to speak further with you Mr. Potter," Professor McGonagall said, "May I?"
"Back inside," Harry said as he put the snowboard back.
"I need some coffee," Hermione said as they entered the lodge.
They went straight, turned, entered the room with the breakfast bar. A few danishes remained with the coffee pots. Harry and Ron stood, while Professor McGonagall sat with Hermione at the table. Hermione flicked her wand, a coffee cup moved as a pot moved, poured as it floated over.
"Careful of muggles," said Professor McGonagall said.
"I am," Hermione said as she sipped the cup.
"As I have informed Mr. Potter and Mr. Weasley," Professor McGonagall said, "An incident occurred at Hogsmeade today—three were murdered. Based on their reactions, this was not entirely a surprise."
"They've been hinting," Hermione said.
"Not murder," Harry said, "We weren't expecting that."
"The Headmaster was just as surprised by the savagery," Professor McGonagall said, "Regardless, I'm appalled by the callousness of the other Hogwarts students toward yourselves. You do not deserve their mistreatment. Even though Professor Snape was out of line with awarding the detention, your housemates had to help with clearing the mess, to speed up the restoration for the Potions classroom."
"Get a different Potions teacher," Harry said, "Perhaps it'll last longer."
"The matter of staff rests in the hands of the Headmaster," Professor McGonagall said, "In the meanwhile, I personally ask you, Mr. Potter, to remain in attendance after your holiday. While I understand the suffering that others are imposing, do not let them be the persuading argument, do not appease their methods."
"We will make him—" Hermione started.
"You will let him make up his own mind, Miss. Granger," Professor McGonagall said, "Now, if you will excuse me, I must hurry back."
Professor McGonagall got up.
"Just a moment," Harry said as he rushed over to grab a bit of paper from a pad, and a pen, "I need you to deliver this to Dumbledore—and no, it's not a resignation, not yet."
Harry quickly wrote about Voldemort being in Hogsmeade, folded it up.
"Do NOT let Snape know about this," Harry said as he handed it over.
"Certainly," Professor McGonagall said, "Enjoy your holiday."
"Ta," Harry said.
Professor McGonagall left the parlor. Harry caught the glares, both from Hermione, and Ron's penetrating gaze.
"Stop it!" Harry said to Ron.
"You're thinking of quitting—again?" Hermione asked.
"Three people dead?" Harry said, "People are dying, of course I want to stop it."
Harry grimaced, his hand briefly reached upward before he forced it back down, gritted his teeth.
"We can do this the easy way or the hard way," Ron said.
"If he wants to be…" Hermione's eyes stared at Ron's blue, she stopped talking.
"Come on Mate," Ron said to Harry.
"Voldemort is laughing," Harry said, "He's about to…it's not over."
"Want to try to find her?" Ron asked.
Harry ran, guessed, and went for the front door. He felt the cold as he ran out, spotted the emerald green and black robes, against the bushes.
"Professors!" Harry shouted.
Pop!
Both Professors McGonagall and Snape vanished.
Professors McGonagall and Snape walked out of the fireplace into the Headmaster's Office at Hogwarts.
"And?" Professor Dumbledore asked.
"That was clearly Potter," said Professor Snape.
"Which begs the question—who are those in Hogsmeade?" Professor McGonagall said.
"Shall we find out?" Professor Dumbledore asked, motioned for the door.
Before Professor Dumbledore's right hand made it to his cane, the doors opened fast. Minister Fallerschain stormed into the office, coat tails of his sky blue robes billowed as he came across, and he slammed three wands down onto the desk; a holly, a walnut, and a vine.
"You are to surrender—" the Minister started.
"I was under the impression that you had caught them," said Professor Snape.
"I gave you a bit of courtesy given your ailment," the Minister said to the Headmaster, ignoring Professor Snape, "And this is how you repay the bit of time I gave you? Arranging to break Potter out and absconding with him? Where did you hide him? In the dungeons?"
"Mr. Potter is not here," said Professor McGonagall.
"Perhaps you were preoccupied with murdering an Auror," Minister Fallerschain said, "However, you forgot to collect their wands in the rush."
"These are not their wands," said Professor Dumbledore as he examined them, "Summon Mr. Ollivander as he sold them their wands, so he could—"
"What?!" Minister Fallerschain said, "These were confiscated—or perhaps you provided spare wands to cover their misdeeds."
Professor Dumbledore paused for a moment, breathed slowly.
"False wands are pointless," Professor Dumbledore said, "Unless you have something more substantial—"
"Substantial?" the Minister asked, "Look here—" he pointed his finger directly at the Headmaster. "Many witnesses. Victim's families are already demanding justice and I am not going to stand in the prosecutor's way! Not again! You had better produce the culprits by the trial or I'll have you kissed as an accessory to murder! In the meanwhile, I think the board of governors should find themselves a Headmaster that accepts the truth."
The Minister moved his feet, spun himself fast, and left the office.
"Assuming the Ministry has not spoiled the evidence," Professor Dumbledore said, "I need you to collect as much as you can."
"In the meanwhile, the students have been left with a bad impression," said Professor McGonagall.
"That cannot be helped," Professor Dumbledore replied.