A Different Kind of Magic--UNDERGOING EDIT

Chapter 55- Roles Defined


The special session of the Order of the Phoenix was called to order by a very stern Headmistress. It was going to be a tense meeting. Hermione was seated next her followed by a wan-looking Severus. He was glaring down the table at the empty chair which sat there with something akin to vapid hate. Arthur Weasley was one seat down with Professor’s Vector and Fishwick. Harry sat on the other end of the table with an empty seat to his right. Neville was next, Ginny, Ava and then Lupin.

The air was thick with hostility. More than one member glanced uneasily at the seat that sat unoccupied by Harry. All eyes except Snape’s went to Minerva as she began to speak. He was embroiled in another hexing fantasy, eyes like coal black diamond’s glittering dangerously.

“As you are all aware, there have been some events of import the last few weeks. We have been blessed with the return of Teddy and Severus to our ranks, but that has raised with it other concerns.”

She waited until the brief mutterings died down. “Not all of you are aware of recent events, and it is with great hesitation I make everyone aware of them. I expect full diplomacy and respect prior to voicing these concerns. Do I have your full cooperation with these terms?” she asked the table.

One by one each person inclined their head except for Severus.

“Severus!” His head snapped to her gaze. “Do I have your word to maintain your self control at this meeting?”

The slightest twitch of a nod inclined from the dark haired man toward Minerva was her only acknowledgment of his assent.

She sighed and moved on. “Very well. I wish to make you all aware that the return of Severus and Teddy was not a coincidence. In the past, our dear late Headmaster felt it necessary to keep information from each of you. I have made the decision to keep you all informed. The Dark Lord is no longer in power and our assailant is no Legilimens.”

Snape started suddenly and just as quickly regained his composure.

“The person responsible for these attacks is none other than Lucius Malfoy.”

A collective gasp travelled around the room. Hands were brought to mouths, fists clenched under the table and shoulders leaned forward with anticipation and outrage.

“It appears Lucius has gained significantly in power since his escape from the last great battle. Severus went through unspeakable horrors, risking his life once again to bring us this information. He has suffered more than any ten men in one lifetime for the good of Wizarding England.”

Hermione placed a hand on his arm, squeezing it gently. Open admiration was directed at him, but the gratitude was lost on the dour wizard.

“This brings us to the next point. Lucius Malfoy is controlling Kingsley Shacklebolt, and by extension, the Ministry of Magic, through intimidation and control via the Imperius Curse. His headquarters are in the Shacklebolt Estate, the Minister and his family held hostage. It is safe to assume the Auror department and others are under this direct control as well.”

Harry shot up out of his seat. “That’s impossible! I’m Legilimens and I’ve never seen a bit of that in the head of my department!”

“Mr. Potter, have you met your new department head?”

“Yes, he seems like a nice enough fellow. Very personable. He even took us all out for Butterbeers the first day!”

“Did he not put you on guard duty outside the Shacklebolt residence, and at the end of the week rescind the position?”

“Well yes but-“

“And do you think there is no connection between seeing Draco Malfoy there, the note you received was from him and the happenstance of apprehending Teddy and Severus from his hand, presumably?”

Hermione rolled her eyes. The Boy-Who-Lived was definitely no Boy-Turned-Sherlock-Holmes.

Comprehension dawned in his eyes. “Draco betrayed his father.”

“Bravo, Mr. Potter,” drawled Snape, scowling at the pathetic excuse for an Auror. He wondered how Potter ever managed to defeat the Dark Lord. He certainly wasn’t winning any awards for his brain power.

Harry gave Snape a dirty look but sat back down.

“This revelation concludes we are up against a much larger force than we reckoned. The tendrils of deceit go much deeper and farther than we ever imagined. Danger is literally around every corner. We know the Burrow is being watched so Severus, Hermione and Teddy have all been moved to a secure location.”

Minerva paused, loathe to reveal her most coveted information to the entire Order, but feeling pushed into a corner with the strain of trying to maintain control by herself. She was just going to have trust her staff. Drawing in a large breath, she began to weave the tale of the Blood Prophecy, surveying the rapt fascination and horror washing over the faces of each person who had previously been unaware of this particular link to the Ministry and its still undefined role in understanding the mysteries surrounding it. After fielding a few questions, she delved on into the next bit of the conversation.

“With the first scroll of the Prophecy decoded, we are well on our way to discovering the location of the second.”

“I didn’t think we were able to find out the identifying information we needed to look for the second scroll,” piped in Arthur Weasley.

“We’ve made a breakthrough in that regard Mr. Weasley. That is where our Deputy Headmaster comes in to play.”

Rabastan Lestrange stepped into the room on cue as if from thin air. Shouts of indignation, anger and disgust rose from all sides of the table as wands were drawn and pointed in his direction.

“What is he doing here? He should be locked up!” hissed Snape.

“Why is he still part of the Order? I thought you removed him from his post!” shouted Arthur.

Similar cries of disapproval raged around the room in a cacophony of discord.

“There will be order!” thundered Minerva, spelling a blast of light over the table to get their attention.

“You all assured me at the start of the meeting there would be no outbursts in this manner so sit down!”

Wary eyes and shaking hands sheathed wands as, one by one, the witches and wizards resumed their places uneasily.

“You are all aware of an incident between Miss Granger and Professor Lestrange. It has been determined that incident was caused by a curse placed upon Miss Granger that resulted in the victimization both parties.”

“That’s a lie!”

“He’s shown his true colors!”

“Filthy rapist!” Severus thundered, drowning out all the others to a shocked silence. “Rabastan Lestrange has always taken his pleasure cruelly! If you think he has changed out of the goodness of his heart for Albus bloody Dumbledore, you are all as dimwitted and foolish as he ever was!”

“You. Will. Sit. Down. Severus.” came the dry, halting command from the head of the table.

She managed to get him to back off, but he did not sit down. The fury in him, even without magic, was incredibly intimidating.

“Rabastan is not on trial for any of you to question. Albus himself has confirmed the legitimacy of the curse after conferring with his past colleagues. A similar incident during the reign of our founders regarding a familiar of a Dark wizard also occurred. Rabastan has submitted to Legilimens not a few hours ago from Harry.”

Harry nodded to confirm this was, indeed, true. “There was no way for him to control his actions. The curse acts almost like a form of possession. The person has no control over their body until the intended act is completed.” He didn’t need to articulate what act that was.

Rabastan finally sheathed his wand but noticeably kept his fingers playing at the edge of his sleeve.

Minerva gestured to the big man. “Rabastan, if you please.”

He nodded curtly and strode confidently to the front of the room, tightly gripping the back of the Headmistress’ chair. His eyes strayed for a moment to lock with Hermione’s and he saw great pain and sadness in her eyes. I’m sorry! he wanted to cry, but instead let the moment pass to do what was needed.

“You are all familiar with my position within the Order. My last visit to the Ministry yielded a surprise visit from the same captor of our two comrades. Lucius Malfoy.”

Every pair of eyes trained on him then. The silence was deafening.

“There has been a severe shakedown at the Ministry. The loss of his two captives greatly undermined his intended effort. It appears there is a connection between the boy and the Prophecy. Lucius was most distraught to have lost him.”

“What did he say about Teddy?” Remus asked, jumping from his chair to stand next to Rabastan.

“The boy is believed to be some sort of sacrifice or key to power according to Lucius. He has promised just about anything to get his hands on him again.”

Lupin’s blood ran cold. No! Not Teddy!

“This is the reason we have moved you three to the new location,” Minerva clarified.

“Yes, but the traitor knows where it is!” Severus thundered.

“That will be enough, Severus! Rabastan is a loyal Order member, and Lucius has no way of knowing his true loyalty unless someone informs him of that!”

“It’s still an unnecessary risk to take. Surely you realize that.”

“We are doing the best we can at the moment. There are many more hands at play than the lives of you three.”

He snorted, but fell quiet.

Rabastan continued. “Lucius is most desperate to unlock the location to the second scroll. Miss Granger pinpointed numbers on the scroll that gave us the location of Snape Manor.”

Severus’ eyebrow shot up, but otherwise showed no emotion. He hadn’t been to his ancestral home for many years. He had no idea what had happened to it in that time.

“We did not know who owns the Manor until now. There was no record of transaction that could be found. Lucius has given me a free hand within the Ministry after the failure of his other lackeys. He believes my connection with the Dark Lord binds me to him and had me swear fealty. Not a wizard’s oath, mind you.” He saw a few shoulders visibly relax. “He is overconfident and delusional as to the extent of power this prophecy will provide him in the end. He is making mistakes and moving too quickly. His thirst for blood and power blind him.

“I was able to do some discreet digging. Snape Manor is owned by Lucius Malfoy.”

The room erupted again into shouts and protests. None was more surprised than Snape himself.

“What would Malfoy want with my old ancestral home?” he mused.

The thought was not lost on Rabastan. “That is the question, isn’t it?”

Severus simply responded with a cold glare.

“How are we going to get into Snape Manor if Lucius has wards on it? No one from the Order is going to be able to enter it to look for the next scroll!”

“There is one person who will be able to enter the Manor.”

“Who?” asked Remus, puzzled.

“Me.”

Minerva rose from her chair to gaze around the room. “It is imperative that Rabastan have your full cooperation in whatever manner he needs your assistance. He is walking a thin line and must report to Lucius as well as provide us with the same information while keeping us a step ahead. I have decided Rabastan will no longer be Miss Granger’s contact at their new location and have adjusted the wards accordingly. Professor Lupin will resume the duty of transporting information and supplies. This will also give him time to spend with his son.” She smiled kindly at him then. It warmed her heart to be able to do one small good deed amongst the difficulties they all faced.

Severus was not surprised that Minerva took credit for the change in contact. It was exactly the type of thing Albus would have done.

Minerva continued. “Rabastan has informed me Lucius is most desperate to get his hands on Severus, Hermione, and Teddy. He is aware of Miss Granger’s escape from the Manor house when Severus was under threat of torture.”

A tight grimace marked the Professor’s face, thunderclouds threatening to overcome his resolve to stay silent. He did not like his weaknesses being flaunted before everyone so flagrantly.

“Miss Granger will continue her translation. Rabastan will continue to aid us but he will need a great deal of support to allow him to fulfill the difficult tasks set before him.” She turned to Severus. “Would you consider teaching Potions in his absences and keeping up our potions stock for Poppy?”

He started, “What? That’s preposterous. I’d be instantly recognized. You must be mad!”

Minerva patted his head like she would a small child. “My dear, we have ways of changing appearance. Professor Flitwick has been most inventive this past year. It would be a last resort, of course, but there is no one else qualified to teach the class. I cannot have his presence missed if he is on an Order mission. Lucius would be instantly aware of his absence.”

Snape ground his teeth in frustration. “If it is your wish to debase me further, I believe you have succeeded, Headmistress. I refuse, most adamantly. I will not be subjected any longer to being the bitch of your precious Lestrange!”

“Thank you Severus, that will be quite enough,” Minerva calmly replied, ignoring his outburst. “I have provided a basic potions lab for you to work in relative safety at your new location to provide the basics our school needs. You will find supplies have been provided for you. Will you, at least, provide for the infirmary?”

“Very well,” he acquiesced begrudgingly.

Rabastan interceded quietly. “Lucius has informed me of his intention to appoint a replacement substitute if he requires me for long stretches of time. It would be wise to let the position remain unfilled or it will raise his suspicions. We will simply have to be wary of his choice of replacement.”

Minerva nodded in response. “Very well.”

Changing the subject abruptly, she swept her hand out in front of her, indicating down the table. “Mr. Fishwick will be our new direct liaison to aid Rabastan in his search for the scrolls. Professor Lestrange will introduce Colin to Lucius. We believe the gamble of providing a second spy within the castle that is a member of the Order will be too much for Lucius to resist. He is unaware of Rabastan’s role in the order. We feel this calculated risk will increase our chances of staying ahead of the game.”

“You are being foolish, Minerva!” Severus shouted again, his voice rising. “Albus was a bloody fool, but what you are suggesting is suicide for a gormless American halfwit who knows nothing of the politics of Wizarding Britain!”

Fishwick’s face turned a bright red and his fists clenched on the table.

“Severus, I grow tired of your outbursts. This is not up for discussion. Professor Fishwick is well qualified to handle any eventuality with Lucius Malfoy, I assure you. Kindly keep your unwanted opinions to yourself and sit down!”

Rabastan shot Snape a triumphant sneer as the dark haired man stiffly planted himself down.

“There is much to prepare for the coming school year,” McGonagall continued. “Everyone has their usual workloads to bear before the students arrive in a few weeks. We will have one more Order meeting before then, but until we get more information on the Scrolls we are all to remain static within the roles I have assigned. There will be ongoing reconstruction of the damaged portions of the castle as well. Everyone would do well to watch their step with the added workers that will inevitably be coming to and from the Great Hall for meals. Is that clear?”

“Yes Headmistress,” came the diminutive round of acknowledgement.

“This meeting is adjourned.”

Nervous chatter filtered out of the room, leaving Lupin, Snape and Hermione still at the table. Arthur Weasley paused at the door, then turned and shook his head as if deciding against a prior action.

“What’s your problem?” Lupin asked in a low voice, his stance a tad aggressive.

“Are you a fool as well, Lupin? This entire scheme of Minerva’s is nothing but folly! She is taking too many risks. The students will be in grave danger, she is putting all of our safety at risk and practically handing Lucius the keys to Order secrets by allowing the American to come under his employ!”

Severus smirked nastily at Lupin, deciding to take him to task for the other little tidbit he had been meaning to address. “It has come to my attention you took it upon yourself to denounce me while I was being tortured by Malfoy. You had the tenacity to abduct Miss Granger, associating her with what you assumed was a filthy traitor. How does it feel to know you’re the laughingstock of your precious Order, Lupin?” That silky smooth voice made Hermione shiver.

“I was under a lot of stress!” Remus snapped. “My son had been taken and I didn’t know what to think. It seemed pretty obvious to me at the time. I plead insanity. I didn’t hurt Hermione!”

“No, but if that scum Rabastan hadn’t of stepped in, you sure would have. You can’t fool me, Lupin. I know what you used to do during the full moon. Hunt down anything that moved, rut like the mutt you are with young virgins, turning the innocent into the half-breed trash that you are!”

Remus couldn’t stop the instant burning that snarled to the surface, unleashing the beastly emotions that sparked from the incendiary insults.“That’s just fucking rich, Snape, coming from you. Severus Snape, Death Eater Extraordinaire, and failure. I know what I am, Snape. I have never made any excuses for it. I don’t hide it. Hermione has forgiven me, and your insignificant drivel doesn’t mean shit to me!”

Hermione had to hold Severus back with both arms and a minor binding charm. If he had had his full strength, she very much doubted she could have held him. Wand or no wand, the sheer fury he exuded would be a force to be reckoned with.

“Hermione may forgive you, but I trust you like I would a thief at Gringotts with the Master key. You may be her contact at this point in time, but if you put your flea infested hands on her again it’ll be the last thing you see.” The deadly calm in his voice was a fact, not a threat.

“I don’t think you have any say over who Hermione chooses to spend her time with, Snape. God knows why she’d choose to debase herself with a carrion-eating vulture like you.”

“Would you two stop arguing like a couple of fourth years? I hate being discussed like I am not even here! If you both keep it up I won’t speak with either of you!”

Hermione gave the chair next to her a violent shove. She released the binding charm and stormed out of the room.

“I may have to work with you, but I don’t have to like you. Don’t think I won’t be watching you as well. So much for letting bygones be bygones, eh old man?” The disgusted Lupin adjusted the lapels of his shabby overcoat with both hands.

“Fuck off Lupin. You’re giving me a headache.”

Remus contorted his face momentarily, but shook it off. “I am walking away from this for Hermione’s sake. Get over yourself.” Then he was gone as well, leaving Snape alone in the Weasley dining room.

“Indeed,” muttered Snape, suddenly feeling incredibly drained. What he wouldn’t give for a stiff drink.

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