Chapter 33
-oOo-
March 21, 1995
Elephantine, Egypt
Severus had lost count of the time he had been in this prison. The three rooms that had been given to him were not overly large. The walls were thick and looked to be mud covered. Furnished with good quality, utilitarian furniture that was the vogue in probably 3000 B.C., he found himself frustrated beyond belief.
Moving from the cool interior to the unrelenting sun, he looked out over the city from the balcony of his prison.
The City of the Dead spread out before him. The streets were empty, except for the obsidian servants of the three 'Gods' that ruled over the city. He yearned to go beyond the walls, but without his wand, his last two escape attempts had landed him back here. Each time he was denied access to the only thing that was occupying his mind: a library of scrolls and books that held more than five-thousand years of history and magical knowledge.
Reading them was nice.
Not being able to brew or use his wand to use that knowledge was not.
He put his only hand onto the balustrade to hold his weight up. His missing arm still send out ghost pains and he found himself at times trying to use it before he realized it was missing.
The door to his room opened.
"You come to mock me again?" he probed with a sneer.
The 'god' Neferkare replied, "You do not need to be so unkind."
"How should I act? Thankful you separated me from that man by taking my arm and wand?" Snape retorted.
The god let out a soft hiss. "You are trying my patience, young one. I have been very gracious to you because I see potential. Do not press me."
Snape kept his mouth shut. Since that day Severus had not been hurt. Instead, he had been healed, well-kept and fed.
"Have you thought of my offer?"
Snape snorted. "You free me from one Lord and ask that I serve another? Unless you are going to kill me if I say no, give me my wand and let me go."
There was a silence for a few minutes. While he waited for Neferkare to answer, he felt a little twinge at his magic. It wasn't unpleasant, but it was irksome. It lasted a few minutes and then was done. When it was, Severus found himself leaning heavily against the balustrade and sweating profusely.
"Interesting. I thought I had removed all the taint," Neferkare commented as though he hadn't seen anything so interesting in a long time.
Severus panted, "What was that?" He had never felt anything like it.
"I would say that was the toll you gave to my old student, Tom. He claimed the magic that was so freely given. Though, with your separation already, I would say you paid a very small price. I wonder how much others paid?" The old obsidian, snake-headed, demon sounded pensive.
Severus looked up at him alarm. "My wand! I must have my wand!"
The 'god' tilted his head to look down at him. "I told you, you no longer need such a crude implement. If you pledge yourself to me, then I will reward you with powers that will be beyond that stick."
"And be an undead abomination like your other servants?" Severus snarled. He did not desire to live forever, but he was not ready to die.
"They are not abominations, young one. Those that serve me, and my siblings, are honoured and revered above all others. You could be high in their order. There is much potential in you to advance our knowledge of potions," Neferkare told him.
Severus looked at the thing with contempt, finally feeling the strength to stand. This was it. He was finally free of the Dark Lord. With that, his vows to Albus were fulfilled. His vow to see the devil spawn of Potter survive until Albus told him it was time to die were over. For the first time since he was sixteen, Severus Snape was the master of his own life.
To be free was something he had contemplated. Those contemplations had included fleeing England. They had not included the mess he was in right now. As honeyed the voice of this god were, he knew he was approaching the end of the deity's patience. How much longer before he would be killed? Or forced to have his soul put into one of those statues for all eternity?
He did not like the odds. Would he be able to attempt one more escape?
He looked out over the city, detesting it. He wanted to find a nice quiet place where he would be his own master. Looking down, he was a good ninety feet or more from the sandstone clad plaza below.
"I will give you one last sunrise to make your decision, Severus Snape."
Severus didn't look back and the door closed a moment later.
He seriously considered his options.
If he stayed, he would be able to practice his trade, but would never be able to hold a wand again. He would never be able to really do magic again. That was what separated him from his father and the other filthy mudbloods.
Severus really did have a loathing for most muggles.
To lose the ability to use magic would put him on the same level as those he hated.
He looked back at the door, then the plaza again.
He really didn't want to die, but there could be worse fates and he saw the life of living as a soul stuck in those lifeless bodies, and unable to do what set him above those he loathed, as the worst fate he could imagine.
Looking around, he confirmed there was no way off this balcony except to go back into his room or jump. The wall was a good twenty feet or more above him. Being perfectly smooth, and him not having any way to make a rope, the only thing he could think of was the one way he hadn't wanted.
Climbing up onto the balustrade, his last thoughts were that he would not be a servant again and he would not be a muggle like his father.
Tipping himself over, the last thing he saw was the ground racing to meet his face...
-oOo-
The same day...
Rotherham, England
Daphne stood at the window of the family tearoom. Her mother was keeping an eye on her, as were the two Hit Wizards that Madam Bones had assigned to her.
Her stomach was a knot of worry as she just looked out the window. All she had going through her head was 'Where is he?'.
That was often followed by 'I'll kill the bastards that took him'.
Of course, that was if Harry didn't do that himself. As much as the boy was sweet, sometimes unsure of himself and not prone to violence, she couldn't help but notice that when confronted by danger, he didn't hesitate.
As she thought about it, her right hand went to the wand up her sleeve, her fingertips rubbing the polished wood, while her left hand touched the handle of the knife she always carried on her in the other sleeve.
"Daphne, come and have some tea and a snack," her mother offered.
"Harry is still missing," she told her mother, as though that would explain everything.
"It will do him no good if you don't eat or drink," her mother tried to press on her.
Since Harry was taken yesterday, she hadn't been able to keep anything solid down. Her nerves were too frayed. "I should be out there looking for him."
Her mother sighed. "Daphne, you are only fifteen. What would you be able to do that Amelia and the Aurors are not?"
She huffed. "I don't know! Something! I can't just sit here."
Her mother got up. When she got to Daphne, her mother did something that she hadn't for a long time. She wrapped her arms around Daphne's middle. Daphne felt a little comforted but didn't relax.
It was a cloudy day outside Greencross. Something that fit her mood well.
"Mother, there has to be something I can do," she told her mother, leaning her head against her mothers, that was now resting on her shoulder.
"We can wait and be there when your Scion is back. He may need you," her mother told her.
She huffed and straightened up. "He needs me now. There aren't any tracking charms on him? Madam Bones or Sirius can't use any house magic? I know you and father have some of Astoria and mine blood in case anything like this happens. There has to be something!" she demanded.
Her mother squeezed her midsection before letting her go. "I am sure they are doing everything they can." Daphne's stomach gurgled. She was feeling a little hungry, but still wasn't sure she could keep anything down. "You really should eat something, even if it is just toast. Ginger?"
Her mother's elf came scurrying into the room a moment later. Daphne sniffed, the emotions starting to get to her.
"Can you get some fresh toast and marmalade? Also, do you know where Anders is?" her mother asked.
Daphne stiffened even more.
"Lord Greengrass is in his study, Mistress," the small elf replied.
"How do you know that?" Daphne asked, turning on the elf.
Ginger and her mother looked at her. "Sorry, Missy Daphne, how does Ginger know what?"
"Where my father is?" she demanded, the gears in her head starting to whirl.
"Mistress asks and Lord Greengrass is being family," Ginger answered as though confused why this would even be a question.
Her mother looked at her, the same thoughts echoing in her eyes.
"DOBBY!" Daphne yelled out.
A second later, a green-eyed elf in a nice suit with the Potter crest on it popped in. "Mistress Daphne call Dobby?"
Daphne didn't stop to think of the implications that she could call Harry's elf, or that he was able to come through their wards. "Dobby, can you find Harry?"
Dobby looked at her and grabbed an ear. After a moment, Dobby used his other hand to point in a north-westerly direction. "The Great Harry is that way."
Daphne dropped to her feet and hugged the surprised elf. "Take me to him," she demanded.
Dobby didn't hesitate at the command, his hand raising and fingers snapping as her mother cried out, "Daphne, wait!"
A second later, Dobby dropped them into a room. She blinked for a second to take things in. Her eyes fell onto Harry, who was propped against a wall. His eyes were wide open, a sword and a wand pointing right at them. "HARRY!" she yelled out, forgetting all the training they had been through this year. She scrambled across the floor to the relief of Harry. His arms fell heavily to his side, the sword clattering as it landed and the wand rattling as it rolled away.
She hugged him tight before backing off and looking him over. There was a rip along his robes on the left shoulder. He looked tired. "Daph, what are you doing here?"
"I am getting you out of here. What happened?"
He nodded over her shoulder. When she looked, she saw the crumpled form of Albus Dumbledore. She caught the burnt skin on the back of his head. It was all she registered before she pulled her wand. "Stupefy!"
The red light impacted, and Dumbledore rolled over.
Harry gave a weak chuckle. "You should have done that first."
She whirled on him. "Don't you get cheeky with me, Harry James Potter!"
"Of course not, luv," he replied with a wan smile.
Her anger wasn't at him. She leaned down again, looking him over. "Are you hurt?"
"Just a little tired. My shoulder has been bothering me since I leaned against the wall," he told her.
She looked in the ripped robes, eventually just severing the rest of the material to look at a poorly healed gash. Dried blood was all over his shoulder and arm. "We need to get you to St. Mungo's."
"Help is on the way," he assured her. As though prophesizing it, many pops sounded from outside the building.
Daphne shouted out, "We are in here!"
It wasn't long before the sounds of a door being blasted off its hinges sounded below them. They could hear the Aurors stomping through the house, shouting out, "Clear" or other phrases.
A group came charging up the stairs. She was surprised to see Madam Bones was leading a group of four hit wizards. The second she stepped into the room; her wand was shooting off a stunner at Dumbledore while the other four raised wands at them.
Daphne still had her wand at her side. "Drop the wand!" one of them ordered.
"Holster that wand," Madam Bones commanded. "Daphne, why are you here?"
"Dobby took me here," she said, indicating the elf that was wringing his ears. Madam Bones looked at the elf. "Dobby, you took her here?"
"Mistress commanded it. Dobby is a good elf, and the Great Harry needed his Daphne and Dobby," the elf said, speaking in a stronger tone and standing up as he spoke.
"Boss, the downstairs is clear," an Auror yelled running into the room.
"Right. Harry, are you alright?" Madam Bones demanded.
"Been better. I think Andi needs to make sure Dumbledore and Tom didn't leave anything in my mind. Thanks for coming, Auntie Amelia," Harry said.
She whipped her head to Harry. His eyes were dropping, as though he was exhausted.
"Jones and Heschel, get them to St. Mungo's. I want four hit wizards on them. Only Andromeda Tonks, myself, Sirius Black or Lord or Lady Greengrass as to be allowed near them until I get there," she barked.
One man and one woman stepped away from her. "Yes, boss. Now, if you two don't mind, you can take hold of this necklace," the man said, pulling a tarnished silver necklace from his pocket.
"Bind that old fool. I want him under triple guard. Only Scrimgeour and I are allowed to be near Dumbledore. If anyone besides the guards or us even enters the cell block, I'll have all your badges," she said, whirling on the three Aurors that had come into the room. All three of them flinched at the stormy look on her face.
Harry chuckled. "Auntie is a little scary when she wants to be," Harry said, sounding as though he was a little punch drunk.
Daphne blinked at him. Harry could be just as bad when he was going.
"Please, take this."
Daphne took his hand and threaded her fingers into his as she took the portkey. "We are having a talk about your humour later."
Harry gave her a smile as the familiar tug of a hook behind her navel took them away.
-oOo-
March 23, 1995
London, England
Amelia was tired. She hadn't really slept in three days now. When she was younger, she could do this and still go out for a date. Now, she was starting to feel the fifty-nine years she had lived.
Thus, Andromeda found the woman leaning against the door jamb of the open door.
Amelia was looking into the room. In the corner, Sirius was in a chair, his head back and mouth open. He had been out with the search parties the last two days. He refused to walk away from Harry until he was safely back at Grace Hall.
Next to him were Harry and Daphne. The dark hair girl had refused to leave his side since he had come here yesterday. Even now, she had her hand in his and had her head on his pillow as she leaned over the bed from her chair. It was a cute scene that showed how much the teens cared for each other, Amelia just wished it had occurred after a long day of fun, not like this.
"Daphne won't leave his side until I release him," Andi said, taking up the other side of the door jamb.
"I never noticed," Amelia said tiredly.
Andi chuckled. "As much as I hate the courting rituals, you and Anders better have that betrothal agreement ironed out when they both turn sixteen. I don't see them fizzling out like most relationships do at that age."
"It's already done. Anders insisted on it when we signed the courtship. I just need to go over it with Harry next year to see if he wants to change anything," Amelia replied, then sighed. "I don't think Susan and Ernie will last though. She already seems to be getting bored with him."
"Good. They shouldn't limit their choices at that age," Andi said.
Amelia shook her head. "Charles and I met and started a courtship when I was fourteen and he fifteen. He was the love of my life," she told her.
"And I was forced into almost marrying Lucius Malfoy at the age of sixteen. We were to marry the summer after I graduated Hogwarts. He only wanted me to be a trophy wife. Seen, not heard. No career. I know it wasn't the best way to get pregnant with Nymphadora just before graduation, but it saved me. I really love Ted. It was Sissy that really wanted Lucius, and look how that turned out," Andi said, sounding forlorn.
Amelia frowned. "I think magic has decided them a good pair and I won't stop it."
Andi smiled. "I won't either."
"Dobby came to her call and is looking at her as his mistress," Amelia added.
"I'm not surprised," Andi remarked.
Amelia looked to the other woman and rose an eyebrow. "Why do you say that? They are only in a courtship. They are not betrothed or married yet."
Andi nodded her head towards Harry. "Harry let me into his mind and showed me what happened. It wasn't Lily's love that protected him from Voldemort. Not like it had in the past. It was Daphne."
"Are you saying they are truly in love? Even I admit that seems unlikely at their age. I didn't feel that way for Charles until I was closer to sixteen, and we didn't really acknowledge it until we were seventeen," Amelia admitted.
Andi nodded her head towards the teens. "You know, as well as I, that Harry has not had an easy life. He looks at you and Susan as his family. His true family. Sirius and Remus are his uncles. Daphne though, he is already dedicating his life to her. He desperately wants a family of his own when he gets older. He wants everything he was denied. Daphne is it. If she was ever to do anything to reject him, I don't know if we will ever be able to pick up the pieces."
Amelia looked a little concerned. "He's only fourteen. I know what his life was like."
"I don't think you or anyone else really do. I only know because he has allowed me into his deepest thoughts and feelings. Except for Hermione, and that other one, Ronald Weasley, Harry had no one in his life that he felt safe with or even would stand up for him. No adults. No family. Nothing, Amelia. What you have done for him is a small miracle. Only Hermione is viewed higher than you and Susan. Well, that is until Daphne. What that girl means to him is his life. Luckily, Daphne appears to feel the same." Andi smiled at the young couple. Daphne had shifted and Harry rolled over so that their faces were just a few inches apart.
Amelia regarded them, looking closer. She very much liked and approved of Daphne. It was very apparent the change they were both making in each other, and it was because of each other. She was pretty sure Anders had originally viewed this relationship as a political and necessary move. He firmly believes that magic needs new blood, but he was still unwilling to give up the old ways. Amelia was not as set in her ways and would never force anyone together.
Daphne and Harry, as unlikely they may have seemed to some, were not forced and were already making a strong bond.
With a heavy sigh, Amelia rubbed her face. "Is he going to be alright?"
Andi took her time to respond. "In the long run, I have no doubt. He may be jumpy for a while and will most definitely be rather protective of his family. He is unwilling to lose any of you. That being said, I want him to stay for another day, maybe two."
"I thought you said he is healed?"
"His body, yes. His mind will take a little bit but having Daphne and his family around will help that along. I am more concerned with his magic. Amelia, Dumbledore may be weaker than he once was, but his strength still rivals my own, and I am not a weak witch. You-Know-Who had leached off of Dumbledore for weeks and had gained enough strength to match any seventh-year. With both of them inside his head, Harry was able to control how things went. He blocked their magic for a bit. Then used some Black family magic I taught him as a last resort that relies heavily on being of equal, if not stronger, strength of the invading wizard. He was magically exhausted yesterday. It has come back, but I feel he is still a little unstable," the Healer in Andi told her.
Amelia nodded. "Just let me know when he will be ready to leave. I am thinking of keeping him at Grace Hall until after Easter."
"I think Harry will want to return to Hogwarts. The routine and his friends will be good for him," Andi disagreed.
"Are you sure?" Amelia questioned.
"Yes," Andi simply answered.
"Fine. I am going to go back to the office, finish some paperwork and then find a cot to crash on," she told Andi.
"Go home. Sleep until you wake in the morning, and then come back here in the afternoon," Andi ordered her. "Sirius is here and won't let anything happen to them."
"I can't. We are rushing Dumbledore's trial for Monday. I want to walk him into the Veil myself." Her bitterness and anger were not hidden in her statement.
"If you don't, I will," Andi replied with a fire of her own.
Amelia gave a wicked smile. "I'm afraid we may both have to wait in line. I will see the man put into the veil though."
Andi nodded. Harry said something in his sleep that sounded a lot like, "...you don't need a shirt..."
Both woman shared an amused smile. As young they were, Amelia and Andi both knew how hormones worked in young witches and wizards. They could be as raging as their magic at that age, and when you threw in the attraction that magic could have, it made it worse.
Amelia was hoping they could keep them from going too far until they were sixteen.
Andi, changing the subject, asked, "I have heard a rumor. Is it true about those at Azkaban?"
Amelia pursed her lips. She had a good idea what Andi wanted to know, and Amelia wanted to tell her that all those marked had gone through something that had broken their magics. Most were barely above squibs now, probably only capable of doing first year spells with a wand, and it happened about the same time Harry said he defeated Voldemort. "You know I can't deny or confirm anything until it is official."
Andi looked at her for a long moment. "I can't deny or confirm that eight others were admitted with a strange illness that shatter their magical cores two days ago."
Now this was news. Amelia had not heard about that. She had been convinced they had finally got all those with Dark Marks, but apparently not. "I see. I will contact Rufus to investigate this strange illness."
"I would recommend a warrant. Patient confidentiality and all that," Andi replied.
Amelia nodded. They watched the teens for a few more minutes before she took her leave. Tomorrow she would have to let Susan and Hermione know. It was late enough they should both be sleeping now. She was sure they would be worrying about Harry.
-oOo-
March 24, 1995
London, England
Harry was walking down the hallway with the Hit Wizards trailing him. He had to get out of his room for a few and Daphne had to leave with her parents. They would see each other again tomorrow when they got back to school. In the meantime, he needed to stretch his legs.
Wandering down the hallway, he heard a baby crying. He was wondering if it was a newborn or if something was wrong with the child when the door next to him slammed open. He went to grab his wand as a small blonde girl burst out. "LINNIS!" someone shouted out.
"Stop her," one of the hit wizards yelled.
It was too late. The bouncy, excited girl gave out a short scream before she bowled into him. Harry was just able to brace himself enough to not get knocked over. The girl instead landed on her bottom. She looked so shocked.
The Hit Wizards were moving to get the girl away when Harry held up a hand. "Are you alright?" he asked as the door closed behind her. She looked up, bright green eyes under her golden locks. When her eyes took him in, her face went an impressive shade of red.
"I... iiiiii... I'm sorry," she squeaked out. The door burst open again and the Hit Wizards had their wands up.
"Linnis, I told you not..." a man said before coming up short. Seeing two wands of two men in black leather robes had him throwing his hands up.
"Who are you!" one of his guards demanded.
"Caradoc Crabtree," the man answered.
"What are you doing here?"
The man swallowed, his eyes going cross-eyed to look down the wand in his face. The man looked much like the girl that was still on the floor. "My wife. She just gave birth. I am taking my daughter to see her and my new son."
Harry looked down and saw that the girl was still in Hogwarts robes with Hufflepuff colours on the collar of her jumper and the ties in her hair. "I didn't mean too," the girl said.
After a second, the Hit Wizards calmed and put their wands away. "Our apologies, Mr. Crabtree. We are responsible for Scion Potter and were unsure what was going on."
The man relaxed. "Understandable."
Harry reached a hand down. "Linnis, was it?" Harry asked.
The girl nodded, looking like she couldn't say anything. After a moment, she took his hand and allowed him to pull her up. Her eyes were huge, and she grabbed his hand very tightly. After a moment, Harry looked to her father, who was looking at him.
"Is it Harry Potter?" her father asked.
"Yes, sir," Harry said. He would shake hands with the man, but Linnis was still holding his.
The man nodded. "It is a pleasure to meet you. Linnis, you can say hi."
Her face was still bright as she seemed to shake herself out of her stupor. "I see you all the time sitting at our table and around the hall. You are always with Susan Bones and Hannah Abbott. They are really nice and have said you are too. Is it true that Susan is your cousin? What about Daphne Greengrass? Is she your intended? She is really pretty. I hope I can be pretty like her someday. I can't believe you beat that basilisk. Were you scared? How did you do it? Some say you died. Well, obviously you didn't. I mean you are here. But, Harry Potter! Rose will never believe this."
Harry chuckled at her.
Her father put a hand on her shoulder. "That's enough, Linnis. Maybe you can talk to Mr. Potter when you get back to school?"
"Oh, that would be wonderful," Linnis said. "Can I sit with you some day? My friends would love to meet you."
Harry dumbly nodded, unsure what to do with this fireball. She was more hyper than Luna. "Sure. Is that your baby brother crying?"
"Oh, mum! I'll see you at school," she said excitedly, rushing down the hall and disappearing into the room.
Her father chuckled. "Excuse Linnis. She can be excitable and has always loved the stories of the Boy-Who-Lived."
Harry made a face. "Please don't call me that, Mr. Crabtree. I am just Harry Potter. Calling me that name just brings up bad memories."
"Excuse me. I didn't mean to do that. I'll talk to Linnis to calm down. If you will excuse me, I would like to get to my wife?" the man said, moving past them.
Harry shook his head. The Hit Wizard that had talked with the man asked, "Your life is never dull, is it, Scion Potter?"
Harry gave a wry smile. "You don't know the half of it."
As he walked past the room, he saw the family. Linnis was happily telling her mother about meeting Harry Potter as she looked at a small bundle. Harry was afraid he had just made a new fan and hoped Daphne didn't mind.
-oOo-
March 28, 1995
Daily Prophet
-Special Edition-
Albus Dumbledore: The liar, manipulator and Dark Lord?
By Peter Daily
Yesterday was the first day of the Trial of Albus Wulfric Brian Dumbledore, former Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, former Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot, former Head Mugwump of the International Confederation of Wizards and the former guardian of the Boy-Who-Lived.
One may wonder why all these venerable positions might be mentioned. Well, they are at the center of the case presented yesterday.
When the day started, a rather meek figure was escorted into Courtroom ten by three Hit Wizards and four Aurors. This once venerable man that most will remember as full of life and having a commanding presence was nothing the like from my days at Hogwarts. His eyes were sunken, his skin aged with many lines and slightly yellowish. The long beard and hair that was synonymous with the word wizard was now shaved and bald. It is unknown what has occurred to bring this man to such lows, but it was almost pitiable to see him bound by the black chains of the accused until the charges were read.
It took over thirty minutes to go through a litany of crimes that a dozen Death Eaters couldn't match, never mind this once revered man. The charges included eight line theft, four line denial, two line ending charges and the abuse or neglect of no less than eight heirs of important houses. The charges span an eighty-year period, two wars and other smaller conflicts.
In the opening speeches, the old man tried to explain many of them as actions for the 'Greater Good of all Wizards'. That was a line often used by the Dark Lord Gellert Grindelwald during the Great Wizard Wars of the 1930's and 1940's.
Needless to say, the mood of the courtroom grew darker with his opening statement in the case. It soon became apparent the old man should have taken on a solicitor as he bumbled and incriminated himself in more crimes. At one point, the Chief Warlock called a recess to convince the man to take on a solicitor, only for all parties to come back fifteen minutes later and Albus Dumbledore being led back to his chair without a solicitor.
By the end of the day, the fate of the first fifteen charges were looking to not be in Dumbledore's favor. Tomorrow the charges of child abuse will be discussed and the potential line theft of Harry Potter and Sirius Black...
-oOo-
Hermione stopped at the mention of Harry. He had come back on Friday. Daphne had only left his side when required. He was shadowed at all times by two Hit Wizards and none of them let him go off alone. She figured this would settle once the trial was over, but for now none of them were going to let anything happen to him.
He sat rather rigidly, acting more like the society peers that they used to balk against. His eyes were moving back and forth as he read through a charms text. Daphne had her hand in his, as though afraid if she let go he wouldn't be there.
Tracey sat next to her, with Neville reading the paper on Tracey's other side.
Blaise leaned over her shoulder. "I hope he is kissed then left out for the werewolves," Blaise commented as he read the article.
Harry just pursed his lips.
She wasn't sure if he was regretting not killing the man or not. She hoped that wasn't the case. Harry was a good person that didn't need his soul broken by falling to Dumbledore's level.
"He deserves to suffer like all his victims," Tracey said a little darkly from across the table.
Harry's hold on Daphne's hand seemed to tighten. She winced a little, but let Harry be. It was Susan that helped their friend. "Harry, I think you are hurting Daphne," she said gently.
Harry looked up, startled and then gave Daphne a guilty look. "I'm so sorry, Daph."
She gave him a small smile. "It's alright. What time is Madam Bones going to be here?"
Harry sighed. "Sirius and Remus should pick me up about nine. The trial starts at ten today. If things go well, the barrister should call be early and I will be back by noon."
Hermione frowned. He was going to be called as one of the witnesses today.
As a sign of how out of sorts both her friends were, Daphne lifted his hand and kissed the back of it. Harry and her liked to show their feelings when it was just their friends, but not usually in the middle of the great hall. Harry gave her a small smile that showed his thanks.
"We'll be here when you get back. Daphne and I will get you any notes you need," Hermione assured him.
"So, he gets to play hooky and you will cover for him, but you won't let me skip one History of Magic class?" Blaise put to her.
Harry gave her boyfriend a smirk. "You are talking to the girl that would rather die than be expelled."
"Hey!" she protested. "I've changed since then."
"What? You'd rather snog Blaise than be expelled now?" Susan said with a big smirk.
Most of them laughed at her bright face. "I was twelve and thought studying was rather important."
Blaise leaned in and whispered, "Snogging does sound better."
This made her face burn even more. "Only if you behave," she said out of the side of her mouth.
Blaise just winked when she caught sight of his face. This brought out more laughter and good-natured ribbing. The fact Harry was smiling when they left the great hall had Hermione counting the joking at her expense was worth it.
Blaise took her hand. "I'm going to escort you to Transfiguration."
"Blaise, you have History of Magic. That's a floor down," she protested. She would be safe with Neville and the other Gryffindors.
"I want to see you there safe. Until this trial is over, I don't want any chance that you will be taken," he told her. Even if it was a bit of an old-fashioned idea, she found herself holding his hand just a little tighter.
When they got to the door, she noticed that Theodore Nott was nearby. Blaise hadn't introduced them yet, but she knew the two boys were back on good terms since his father had been sent to Azkaban. When Nott noticed that she saw him, he went to turn away.
"Mr. Nott," she called out. She wanted to call him Scion, but their house was not on the Wizengamot anymore, so he didn't deserve that title.
Blaise turned and saw the boy. "Theo, it's fine to come over."
Theodore Nott was about the same height at Blaise, but broader of shoulder and looked like he would be a big man when he was fully grown. Nott gave her a bow when he came over. "Heiress Granger, I am sorry to have disturbed you."
"You didn't," she said. "I know you and Blaise are friends. You don't need to stay away."
"Hermione, are you sure? You are an Heiress to a house aligned with some of the most powerful houses in the Wizengamot. I don't want your reputation affected," Blaise said.
She gave him a rather unimpressed look. "It is sentiments like that that I thought we were against, Blaise Zabini, Scion of House Thatcher. You have told me how close you and Nott were. If he is your friend, then he is mine. Do you have any ill intentions to us?" she put to Nott.
The boy looked like he was trying not to smirk. "No. I have no ill intentions, Heiress Granger. I am actually rather grateful that my father is where he is. You weren't kidding that she is opinionated."
"Theo," Blaise said in a harsh whisper.
Hermione gave her boyfriend the stink eye. "Rather opinionated?"
Blaise gave her a roguish smirk. "You are. I never said in a bad way. The prat is just trying to get me into trouble."
Nott gave a mischievous grin. "Just doing what you would do."
She let out a breath before the bell tolled. She moved in, huffed and then gave him a peck on the lips. "Go before you are late. Nott, if you want, you can join us for lunch."
Nott gave her another bow. "I will consider your offer."
Blaise cuffed Nott off the top of the head. "Don't insult her. You'll be there."
Nott rubbed the top of his head. "Do you have to be so abusive?"
She sniggered as they walked away. Neville was walking towards her after taking Tracey to her class. He gave the boys a look and then her a questioning one when he got closer. "What was that?"
"A new friend, I think," she told him.
Neville looked back as the boys turned down a corridor to head down a floor. After a moment, he shrugged. "He's never bothered us. I'll give him a chance. Daphne has said he isn't bad."
She nodded. "The only way to change is to work with everyone."
Neville gave her a raised brow. "What are you thinking?"
She gave a small smile to think about some of the deep conversations with Blaise. "Revolution," she simply replied before walking into the Transfiguration room just before the nine-thirty bell.
Neville looked at her rather dubiously.
-oOo-
That night...
Hogwarts, Scotland
Daphne had Harry's hand in hers as they lazily strolled in the upper corridors. He had been pretty quiet for the last few days. Since meeting back up with him at dinner, he hadn't really said anything.
She didn't like him quiet like this, so she stopped by a window. The lights of Hogsmeade could be seen in the distance, and stars littered the night sky. The moon was just a sliver in the sky. None of that mattered though as she leaned against the sill and pulled Harry to her.
He stepped in, his eyes not really meeting hers. Taking his face gently in her hands, she looked up at him. "Harry, do you need to talk?"
It took a minute or two before his emerald orbs met hers. He looked to be in pain. Out of instinct, she pulled him down just a little to kiss his forehead. He had had that look since last week. "Tell me."
He let out a long breath before meeting her eyes again. They didn't say anything for a few as it looked like he was trying to find the words to put to his thoughts. When he spoke, it was a soft whisper. "Daph, I love you."
She froze. Her breath caught and her heart thudded against her ribs.
His eyes did not waiver and he didn't pull away. By the way his eyes filled with power and grew brighter, she knew he was telling her that he really loved her. Harry Potter… her intended… her boyfriend… really loved her.
"I love you too," she found herself saying back.
Some of the sadness in his eyes faded away. He leaned in and gave her a long, lingering, sweet kiss that sent shockwaves through her. It was like when they had their heavy snogging sessions and she let his hands wander over her. This time though, it was just his magic, flowing through a kiss that was meant to show how he felt. She shuttered at the feel.
When he pulled back, all she wanted to do was go find a broom closet. Harry took in a long breath. "I love you, Daphne Greengrass. It was you that saved me last week," he told her. He hadn't talked with her about what happened, and she had been told not to press him.
Her mouth opened, closed and then she asked, "How?"
He let his breath out and moved to sit next to her. His wand came out and he muttered, "Mufliato."
"What is that?"
"A privacy spell that Sirius taught me the other day. He said it would be useful when I wanted to talk with you," Harry told her, a serious look on his face.
"Can you teach me?"
"Later."
She nodded. "How did I save you?"
He took both her hands in his. "The night my mother died, her love for me activated some old magic she had put on the house. It is what saved me and why Dumbledore sent me to my relatives. The protection of her love kept me save from Voldemort or his followers from finding me."
She blinked. "When did you find that out?"
"I knew about the wards, but not why. It came out in the trial today," Harry answered.
"I don't understand how this means I saved you," she said confused.
Harry gave her a shy smile and her insides did flips. "I love you, Daph, and you appear to love me. Andi thinks that Voldemort was so corrupt, his soul so fractured, that he couldn't understand love and the power of those that have sacrificed themselves for me, and love me now, was part of why I was able to defeat him last week."
She clutched his hands hard. "What do you mean you defeated him last week?"
Harry sighed. "What was left of Voldemort had partially possessed Dumbledore. They used Legilimency on me. When my thoughts of you got close to Voldemort, it caused him pain. It looked like the Cruciatus curse had been cast on him."
"That's horrible. They were inside your head? Are you alright? Is that why Healer Tonks was working with you and asked if she could test my own shields? What happened?" Daphne needed to know.
He held her hands tight as he told her what happened. When he was done, Daphne had her arms around him, hugging him tight. "Merlin, Harry. I love you," she whispered.
He just held her equally as tight. "I love you too."
It was the clearing of a throat that disturbed them. Professor Flitwick was standing there with Chang and Bell. Harry flicked his wand to get rid of the spell they were under. "Evening, Professor," Harry said.
"Evening, Mr. Potter, Ms. Greengrass. I think it time you went back to your dorms for the night," the man said, not sounding angry they had been caught after curfew.
Harry got up and extended a hand to her. "I'm sorry, sir. I will see Ms. Greengrass back to Slytherin and then get straight back to Gryffindor."
The man nodded. "I expect we will be patrolling that route in about fifteen minutes. I don't want to find you," Professor Flitwick ordered. Chang and Bell looked like they wanted to laugh at them.
"Yes, sir."
Daphne was more than happy to wrap both her arms around his left arm as he walked her down. They didn't say anything until they stood outside the Slytherin common room. She hugged him tight, before giving him a long, languid kiss.
He waited outside the door until it closed.
When she came into her dorm, Tracey and Millie were playing snaps while Pansy read the newest Witch Weeklymagazine. Tracey looked up and gave her a questioning look. Daphne just gave a sort of confused smile. "You alright, Daph?" Tracey asked.
This naturally had the other two looking at her.
"I don't know," she answered honestly. Part of her was elated, the other scared for her Harry.
Tracey put her smoking cards onto the bed. "You look... odd."
"Harry told me he loved me," she said, a smile full of wonder starting to creep onto her face.
"OH MY GODS! He did not!" Tracey squealed. She jumped up and rushed to hug her. Daphne, caught up in her friend's excitement at her own fortune, started to jump with her. When she stopped, Pansy had gone back to her magazine, it was pulled up to her face. Millie was smiling at her. "Congratulations," Millie told her.
Daphne was very happy. Tracey, her deplorable... adorable friend, stopped bouncing. She gave Daphne and appraising look. "There is something else. What?"
Daphne sighed. "Not tonight, Trace. I don't think this is really something I should share. He said he loves me though." A slight smile came back on her face.
Tracey looked torn before saying, "You have to tell me how. Did he say he wanted to go straight to a betrothal? How can I get Neville to tell me he loved me? You love him, don't you?"
"Of course," she answered the last question. Tonight was going to be a long night...
-oOo-
March 30, 1995
DAILY PROPHET
GUILTY! Albus Dumbledore found guilty on 82 of 106 charges!
By Barnabas Cuff
Never in all my years of reporting have I ever witnessed such a trial! Even at the height of the Death Eater trials there wasn't as many revolting revelations or the realization that who we thought to be our biggest hero, next to Harry Potter, was actually one of our most vial villains!
Yesterday afternoon, Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore was convicted of murder, attempted murder, line theft, line blockage and line denial. Three of those convictions carry the death penalty by Veil, Dementor or beheading, depending on which law the court decides to give to the full Wizengamot on Monday.
Reactions vary from disbelief to those wanting him to walk through the Veil at this moment.
What is irrefutable is that the twenty-eight-member board voted almost unanimously on those crimes that could be proven. This included members from all three factions, including eight Houses from the Light faction, which Dumbledore led for more than thirty years, until February of last year.
For more details, see The Lies and Manipulations of Albus Dumbledore on page 3 and 4.
The list of all charges and the verdict are available on page 2.
The Daily Prophet will bring you more on the sentencing hearing on Monday.
-oOo-
April 3, 1995
London, England
Amelia stood in the first row of stone benches. Two hit wizards and five Aurors stood on the large, raised platform in the center of the room. A large stone archway with a fluttering black veil stood before the guards and the hunched figure of a man that most thought near a god not but a year ago.
The blue robes he had on looked to be hanging off a narrow frame. His wire rim glasses did little to hide the way the man's once vibrant eyes were now a dull blue. He looked older than anyone she could ever remember seeing.
"Albus Wulfric Percival Brian Dumbledore, you are hereby presented before the Veil of Death to be judged for your crimes as prescribed by a court of your peers and of the Wizengamot. As prescribed, sentence to be carried out before sunset, the third of April, Nineteen-hundred and ninety-five. Do you wish to have any last words?" the executioner asked. No one knew who the person was as they wore black robes, gloves and a hood to hide any identifying markers.
Albus lifted his head, his eyes taking on a little of the sparkle they once held. "I would like to give my apologies to those that I hurt. I was so consumed with what was the Greater Good for our society, I never noticed the irreparable harm I had done." He turned to scan the crowd. In attendance was most of the Wizengamot. He stopped at a few people, a sad expression and what felt like empty platitudes given. When he saw her, he looked truly sad. "Please tell Harry that I thought I was doing what was best."
She sniffed and didn't say a word. She wanted to rant and rave against the man for what he had done to her nephew. Only her need for justice and to see it done as soon as possible kept her from saying anything.
Albus' shoulders slumped a little when she didn't respond. After another moment, the manacles were removed from his wrists and ankles. "You won't need those wands. I will go," Albus said to the quiet room. With this head held high, he took the two long strides it would take him to reach the veil. As he put his first foot in, his last words came to them. "I am truly sorry."
Then he was through the veil that separates this world from the next. There was a collective holding of their breaths, and when he didn't emerge from the other side, the room let the breaths out.
"Thus, the sentence of death by Veil is carried out. Magic has taken him, body and soul. May the gods show him pity if he is thus deserving," the executioner said, and it was done.
Anders turned to her. "Shouldn't Harry had been here?"
"He didn't want to be. I think he just wants a quiet life," she told Anders.
He shook his head. "I doubt it will be that quiet should he marry Daphne."
She gave him a wan smile. "Perhaps not, but I think it will make him happy. I am going to go to Hogwarts to let him, Susan and Hermione know of this. Would you care to accompany me?"
Anders nodded. "I am sure Daphne and Astoria would like to know."
She nodded and turned towards the door that would take them out of the Department of Mysteries.
-oOo-
A/N: This chapter marks the end of the main story arc for the antagonists. I am in works on the last chapter to button up some stuff I want to and then most likely an epilog. I hope you stick around for that.
-oOo-
OMAKE
A recent reviewer asked about Hermione when Madam Bulstrode suggested she be tested. In all my machinations, I forgot to follow up on that. This is a small omake to fix that.
Over the summer of 1994
London, England
Her parents were with her as Madam Bones escorted them to a teller. It had been recommended that she do that, since blood tests were usually only for those with known magical blood and enough money to make it worth the goblin's time.
They walked up to a counter when indicated. The grizzled looking teller looked down at them. "May I help you today?"
"Yes, Teller Rotgut. I would like to see the Bones family agent," Madam Bones said in a rather regal fashion.
"Why aren't we just requesting it out here?" her mother asked when they were let to a set of doors at the end of the teller booths.
"It is better that we talk with one that is used to these things," Madam Bones told them, still holding stiff. Hermione copied her, thinking of the lessons.
They were shown into a small room for all of them, perhaps eight-feet on the side. Behind a desk sat a goblin that didn't look much older than the teller that had just shown them in but had three gold earrings on his right ear. The one that had shown them in only had two silver ones. She wondered if that was a show of rank to the goblins.
"How may Gringotts help you today, Regent Bones?" the goblin asked.
"Hello, account manager. May your enemies blood flow and your coffers grow," Madam Bones said.
Her parents shifted uncomfortably at the toothy grin the goblin gave her. "The same to you, Madam Bones. Now, if we are done with pleasantries, I am being paid fifteen galleons an hour."
"Yes. I am the magical guardian to Ms. Hermione Granger, and these are her parents. It has been recommended that she get a test to determine if she is related to any other magical families," Madam Bones said.
It was so hard to keep her mouth shut.
"Yes, I am rather curious," her father admitted.
The goblin's eyes looked greedy. "That can be done. Preferred terms are fifty galleons per generation and twenty-percent to the goblins and ten to the Ministry of any vaults or other money's she may be eligible to receive."
"Twenty-percent!" her mother and her exclaimed.
"Fifty galleons is two-hundred and fifty quid," her father said.
"Done," Madam Bones intoned.
The goblin looked between them.
"Amelia, you can't be serious?" her mother complained. "That is highway robbery!"
The goblin raised an eyebrow. "I could charge you our standard rates."
"And what are those," her father asked before Madam Bones could say anything.
The feral grin had Hermione looking a little dubiously at the goblin. "Seventy-galleons and twenty-eight percent to the goblins."
Her father spluttered and Madam Bones gave them a look. "Your original terms are acceptable. Funds are to be removed from my accounts for the test."
"What are you doing, Amelia?" her mother questioned.
"We can talk of it later. Now, please," she said to the account manager, who nodded.
Hermione watched in interest as a small pestle was taken out of a draw. What looked like sulfur and some leaves were put in and ground up. Within a moment, he took out a knife and handed it to Hermione. "Please cut your hand and I will tell you when to stop."
She swallowed. "How much blood will be required?"
"No one said anything about blood," her mother said in a hushed tone.
"You will know when the powder stops reacting. The more magic, the less you need," the goblins said, looking please she was going to have to cut herself. She knew this would happen, but it didn't mean she didn't have to force herself to not shake as she held her hand over the pestle before she cut it.
It stung and she had to clamp her jaw to not let out a sound of pain. The blood hit the powder and it was like watching baking soda and vinegar react. It took a few seconds to stop. Once it did, she clamped her hand shut.
The goblin raised an eyebrow. "I thought that would take longer," he commented. "How many generations?"
"If nothing shows within ten, we will stop. If she is shown to link to a magical relative before then, I will let you know to stop," Madam Bones demanded.
The goblin took out four quills and dipped them into the solution before putting them onto a parchment. He then used one of his long fingernails to take out some of her bloody slurry and draw two runes on the paper. Once done, the runes shown a bright red and the quills all stood up. "What runes are those?" she asked, not recognizing them.
"That will cost fifteen-hundred galleons," the goblin said.
Hermione's eyes went wide, and she shut her mouth, watching the feathers starting to write. She watched in fascination. The tree that started with her expanded out. Her parents. Her grandparents. She saw the three brothers of one of her grandparents, but it didn't go any further in that direction. It went to her great-great-great-great grandparents when one of the feathers stopped.
The others went for two more generations before Amelia called a halt.
Looking at the paper, Hermione asked, "Penhurst? Who are the Penhursts?"
"Well, the last Penhurst I knew married Xenophilius Lovegood," Amelia told them.
"Who?" her father asked.
"The Penhursts are an old family, rumored to trace their line back to Rowena Ravenclaw. I am disappointed to tell you that there will be no vaults to claim since the family is still extant." The goblin sounded disappointed. Hermione realized he may have lost out on money. "Is there any other business today, Regent Bones?"
"No, that will do. I am sure you can ask Madam Bulstrode if you want to know more, but with that many separations you are not part of that family anymore," Madam Bones told them.
Hermione was too busy thinking about what the goblin said. "Did you say Rowena Ravenclaw?"