The Privy Councilors 27/33

[herumtreiber]

Title: The Privy Councilors 27/33
Chapter: The wrath of Pansy
Author:herumtreiber 
Genre: AU to HBP, romance, adventure
Disclaimer:  I do not own Harry Potter or related characters. Nor do I make any money from the writing of these stories.
Rating: PG-13
Warnings: None
Epilogue compliant? No way!
Chapter length:  ~4,778 words
Summary: Draco/Harry, Luna/Neville, Ron/Hermione, Narcissa/???  Harry is about to be sent to Azkaban. The story explores  Wizengamot politics and the fight against evil Dumbledore -  where he gets vanquished early and does not prattle on and  on - but is he gone? Plus de-aging. Someone returns whose name begins with S. (And my revenge on characters whose accents are hard to read – like Hagrid and Fleur ;-)


Table of contents


26. Feline issues


I found a picture of you,
Those were the happiest days of my life
Like a break in the battle was your part
In the wretched life of a lonely heart
(Back on the chain gang; Chrissie Hynde)

In Voldemort's hideout the Dark Lord was ready for good news. He felt good after torturing at leisure some hapless followers. His top lieutenants told him about the plans to launch several strikes at the Wizarding World, informing him of the progress reported by their Hogwarts spy. The Dark Lord chuckled maliciously, picturing the shock in Potter's eyes when he realized who had betrayed him.

Things looked promising for Voldemort. Dumbledore was no more and Potter had taken himself out of circulation as the Boy who lived. Of course, the Dark Lord intended to make Potter pay but that would occur in its own sweet time. The Dark Lord himself had suffered casualties in his Inner Circle, amongst them Wormtail. Lucius Malfoy and his impeccable planning were unavailable for the time being. Severus Snape had shown his true colours, acting now as an independent agent at Hogwarts.

If there were faults in his plans, it was because of that meddlesome youth! But the Dark Lord would treasure the look on Potter's face when he realized there was no escape.

oOoOo

The Dark Lord launched frequent attacks on the Wizarding folk. Diagon Alley, Gringott's, Mungo's and Hogsmeade, all were subjected to his wrath.

People realized that with Dumbledore gone and Harry forsaking them, they were alone. Instead of taking up their defence and signing up for the policemen's workshop on Dark Magic, many took to bemoaning their fate and doing nothing, like sheep.

The journalists started following Harry, pestering him with questions and petitions to take up their defence. They continued doing this until Harry, completely angered, took to hexing journalists on sight. They learned that if they valued their health, they shouldn't bother Harry.

After Harry caught the Creevey kid snapping an unauthorized photo of him, he brandished the camera, threatening him to make it stick to his privates for a month. Nevertheless, Creevey continued and Harry fulfilled his threat.

The teachers tried to take off the camera, but they were unable to.

Ron met him one day. Whilst the student glared at him, the redhead smirked. "Why so angry? Now you'll understand what it means being stuck."

oOoOo

The situation between the friends remained tense. Hermione was hurt and Harry was still mad at her. They worked in the projects they had already agreed upon, but they kept silent and refused to make new plans.

Hermione was researching in the library when she was jostled. She looked up at the smirking face of Malfoy.

Hermione pointed to her manuscripts. Draco took them and tried to interpret them. They were treatises on Ancient Runes. Apparently great magic could be done with these Runes and Hermione wanted to learn it.

Draco knew what he had to do. He engaged Hermione in conversation about their respective faults.

He said soberly, "You are too overbearing, Hermione. You stand with your convictions and believe that everybody else should follow them, while you explain why elves should be free or whatever strikes your fancy."

"I don't really do that, Malfoy!"

Draco rolled his eyes. "That's what happened with Harry. You were angry that he chose to break one of your golden rules and took a human life, so you let loose on him. Do you expect him to acquiesce meekly and submit to your whims? You treat him as if he were an empty doll that had to fulfil your every wish."

Hermione made a fist, pondering whether she should slap Draco like she did before.

"I'm sorry to break it to you," said the blond, oblivious to the danger. "None of us is a doll, to behave according to your wish, not even Ron. We all have our own wishes and needs. Your friends are grown, they're no longer kids. If you keep treating them like that you'll alienate them forever."

The witch lifted her hand to the ceiling. "I only want what's best for Harry! You know that!"

Draco nodded. "Let me tell you a story about someone you know. He was full of ambition like his father; he imbibed the man's ideals and tried to practice them. But he came to notice several discrepancies between his father's ambitions and the real world. He thought long and hard about breaking free. It came to pass that his father was taken from him. Feeling bereft, he blamed his rival, his father, everybody really."

Hermione shuddered; her warm brown eyes staring kindly at the blond.

"Things looked grim. But then he found a curious book, he wrote in it and it replied. Having no confidants at the moment, he wrote his misgivings and the book answered. The book's acid comments and snide asides were too much, he got quite angry. Eventually the book, or should I say, Sirius, offered quite insightful comment and a point of view similar to his own. The book indubitably knew what it was talking about, and he made his choice."

Hermione laid his hand on Draco's shoulder and squeezed it gently whilst she said, "I'm glad he chose the right way, Draco."

The blond smiled and grabbed her elbow. "He decided to escape his fate, laid down before his birth. He sought an alliance with light students. To do that, he had to control his sarcastic comments. A little fine, but he knew that a lot of snark would alienate him from his putative allies." Draco sighed, recalling those times. "It was the hardest thing he had to do. Many times he was on the brink of using his tongue to thoroughly chastise them, but he reined himself in."

He brushed aside a curl of her hair and gently cupped her cheek. "So you see, it was a bit hard but kept the peace. More importantly, I gained wonderful friends through my restraint."

She growled. "But I was right, Draco! He had no right taking a human life like that!"

Draco grimaced. "You are answering unimaginatively, you're listening to your Muggle middle-class, comfortable life. All your life you've had your parents, who cared for you. You went to Hogwarts, and learned all you could about magic, which is so enchanting to you because you don't see how it can be subverted!"

Recalling her confrontation with the troll and their adventures at Hogwarts, Hermione huffed. "I do know how it can be used against me, Malfoy!"

"I submit to you that you would react very differently if you came from a different background." He knew he had to convince the brunette or their friendship would suffer. He said softly. "Suppose you were mercilessly browbeaten for something that wasn't your fault, and your family never told you why. At Hogwarts? They put you on a pedestal; you're both the saviour and the sacrificial lamb. Every year you suffer a traumatic test, courtesy of Dumbles, until he tries to send you to Azkaban. You see the depths of betrayal."

Hermione nodded. "Harry has suffered a lot; I grant you that but still--"

Draco said, "The person you thought was your first friend? He turns out to be a betrayer. Hagrid tried to kill McGonagall in the most painful way; he used this spell to get to us and kill us. What would you do, Granger? Answer honestly."

Hermione meditated about the question. She recalled his words; she even imagined a scenario where they grievously hurt a house-elf and Lavender, turned out to be that person and then taunted her. Hermione realized what she had to do.

She said, "I'd do as he did to get rid of the imminent danger. There was no redeeming possibility for Hagrid."

Draco was visibly relieved. "That's right! Now imagine you are Harry. You took that step and nipped danger in the bud and then your best friend…. she turns on you and starts spewing recriminations. You'd be angry."

Hermione started crying. Draco tentatively hugged her. She laid her head on his chest and sobbed whilst he patted her head. "Hermione, no one wants you beaten and depressed. We need your fury and passion. It's just that we don't want to be ordered like house-elves."

He brushed her curls aside and wiped her cheeks with a handkerchief he took from his pocket. "Like me, you have to practice tact and restraint. I don't regret it. I wouldn't change it for the world for it has given me what I yearned for, friendship and camaraderie."

oOoOo

Harry was practicing their team's moves in the Pitch. He was flying too lazily. Ron swooped down towards him. "Oi, Harry. You asleep or what? In punishment, you'll have to run a lap around the Pitch."

After the session, when all players were gone, Ron approached Harry. "What's the matter, mate?"

Harry looked at the castle and sighed. "Mione." "I'm sure she'll come around."

Harry choked back a sob. "What if she doesn't want to?"

The two Gryffindors made their way to the shed.

"She will, mate! Mione never doubted you, Harry. When we heard the accusations, I only had to look at her face to know that she thought they were rubbish!"

The redhead put his broom on the bench. "Though she has the awful habit of behaving like a sergeant who wants everybody to move to her tune. She'll outgrow it. What we have is very powerful and not to be undone lightly."

oOoOo

Neville escorted Luna to Ravenclaw. After the attack, Neville had kept a firm eye on Luna. She seemed unaware, but Neville knew she was Watching carefully.

Luna said, "The Ravenclaws seem a bit different. There's a clue, something I've met before but can't quite comprehend. The girls are in awe of Cho Chang, you know. She managed what no one else has, to capture the heart of Harry Potter."

Neville brushed her snowy hair lovingly. "Should we tell Draco?"

She sighed. "And have him hex Chang into the Infirmary? Let's just see what happens."

Neville nervously shuffled his shoes on the stone floor. "Professor Sprout talked to me after class. She mentioned I might be able to find a job here as Herbology teacher."

Luna smiled beautifully, cupping the Gryffindor's cheek. "That's wonderful, Nev!"

He stopped on the corner just before the entrance to Ravenclaw Tower. "What about you and the newspaper? Don't you want to be near to keep watch?"

She skipped her feet on the floor until she reached him. "I can take care of that from afar. I'll always remain by your side, Nev." She leaned forward to kiss him, murmuring against his cheek. "I want you to be the best you can be."

oOoOo

The Weasley Twins were talking in their dormitory. It was unintelligible to casual observers. A dictionary of Twinese was necessary to decipher the strange meanings and pauses, as Draco discovered with chagrin when he managed to use the Extendable Ears Extended against their creators.

Untranslated, the conversation would go like this:

".. not nice time"

".. Wormtail"

"Ravenclaw sucks"

"Slyths too."

Using clever translation Charms, this could be construed thus:

"This is not a nice time to be a Prowler, Sirius and Remus are watching us with keen eyes"

"Luckily for us, we have the Marauder's Map, but the map is in Harry's hands and he refuses to let us use it. He's behaving like Wormtail!"

"At any rate, the next Quidditch match should be interesting, Gred. It will pit Gryffindors with their reinstated Seeker Potter against Ravenclaw and the aforesaid Seeker's ex, Cho Chang. Sure sucks to be a Ravenclaw."

"Not as much as it sucks to be a Slytherin, Forge. Turns out Draco will play as Chaser and Pansy will be the Seeker! Can you believe that?"

oOoOo

Pandemonium reigned in the Slytherin Dungeon whilst Draco made his bold declaration, relinquishing the Seeker position. The blond had meditated why Harry was so good in a broom, wondering if it was connected to his bat Animagus. It could explain why he had never beaten Harry. If so, Slytherin was doomed unless a player had a flying Animagus. Pansy came to mind.

After testing her, Draco was convinced. Even though she hadn't played for real in years, Pansy was very graceful and managed to easily catch the Snitch.

The Slytherins moaned their future losses until an enraged Blaise told them to shut up, "Draco generally has good ideas and Pansy is good in a broom. I'll wait and see what happens. I know Pansy will play very well."

Draco left early whilst Blaise waited for Pansy to answer the Slyths' confused questions. He escorted her to her dorm. At the entrance, Pansy hugged him, "Thanks! It means a lot that you defend me. Yours is the only voice I really listen to, apart from Draco and sometimes Sirius."

Blaise twirled a curl of her hair between his fingers. "I know, Pansy. In return I get to see you behave shyly once in a while."

She smacked him in the arm. "I've never been shy, dear Blaise. You'd do well to remember that."

Weary of her temper, Blaise answered conciliatory, "Course not, Pans!"

oOoOo

Remus said incredulously, "He did what?"

His informant nervously stepped back, swirling his black cloak to cover him completely.

Remus waved his hand. "Step inside, Severus! You are no longer a spy, don't behave as one."

Snape entered the DADA teacher's chambers and beheld a sight that once had turned his stomach, a black dog sprawled on the coach. The canine turned his muzzle towards Severus, his tongue lolling. Then he transformed into Sirius Black.

Both Marauders listened to the strange tale. Severus told them his godson had come and informed him of his decision to leave the Seeker role in the Slytherin Quidditch team and take the position of Chaser. He proposed Pansy Parkinson as his replacement. Draco did not doubt Pansy would bring honour to the team.

Remus and Sirius were gobsmacked. They had the sneaking suspicion that it was a prank but they couldn't prove it.

After Severus left the Marauders consulted other people about the bothersome news.

Remus Apparated to Tonks' office and waited for her to finish her daily work. After they kissed, Remus told her about the curious news of the Seeker's decision to quit being a Seeker.

Tonks snorted. "About time, my cousin is finally showing his colours, isn't he?"

"You mean Sirius?"

"No, Remmy, Draco is also my cousin. He is a Black, too. Up till now his Malfoy features have been plain to see. But this move shows he's developing Black qualities too."

Tonks changed her hair to a bright scarlet shade. "I will explain. A Black does what he must to get the job done. Does it require Dark Arts? Then he learns them. Does it need something else? He'll get it. Obviously the task of winning at Quidditch required him to give up his post. That's what Draco did, just like a Black."

oOoOo

Sirius had gone to Narcissa's sumptuous quarters to consult with the blonde. He found her listening intently to a small device she called Walkman. She was listening to an album by a Muggle group. She was humming the song before Sirius interrupted her.

Once the Animagus informed her of his befuddlement at the news, Narcissa bristled and said suavely, "What is it you don't understand, Sirius? My son's need to win, his decision to do what is best for the team? Are those qualities unexpected for a Slytherin?"

Sirius looked nervously around. Fortunately there was no cutlery, though that music device might prove dangerous. He answered calmly, "It's hard to understand, Cissa. He's always looked forward to do battle with Harry, and now he chooses to fill a different position?"

Narcissa reminisced about her son, saying wistfully, "Ever since he learned Quidditch Draco always wanted to be a Chaser. But Lucius pushed him to become a Seeker so he would shine more, so he could beat Potter. When my son couldn't win, Lucius snubbed him cruelly. It was Calvary for him. I'm not surprised he's freeing himself from Lucius' shackles, good for him!"

oOoOo

The next day at breakfast, an irate Harry confronted Draco. "Heard you quit the Quidditch team!"

Draco frowned at the angry Gryffindor. "I merely changed positions. I won't be the Seeker, but a Chaser."

Harry sneered. "Who will be Seeker then?"

Draco pointed at the Slytherin girl who was glaring murderously at Harry. "Pansy will be the new Seeker."

Harry's eyes widened in astonishment. He laughed richly and pointed at Pansy. "You can't play; I reckon you've no chance against me! That'll be so easy, it will be like…"

Harry could not finish due to the fact that the diminutive new Seeker, deeply hurt by his behaviour, decided to employ the Bat Bogey Hex.

Whilst bats poured from his nostrils, Harry moaned that it wasn't fair! Now that Ginny was out of Hogwarts, he was sure he was free from that Hex, but Pansy knew it.

Furthermore, none of his friends had protected him from the wrath of Pansy, not even Draco.

It was Hermione who muttered the countercurse and accompanied him for a check up with Pomfrey. During the walk, they managed to apologize to each other and the atmosphere cleared for the two Gryffindors.

oOoOo

Across the Channel, in France, Ginny was preparing for the visit of her brothers. She would meet Bill, Charlie and Percy. The next time she saw them would be during Christmas Break.

Bill was the first to appear. With his long hair and earring, he managed to catch the glances of many female admirers. He was wary about blondes though, considering his last experience.

Charlie was next. He was still calm and collected, but he couldn't avoid examining his meals very determinedly, hoping to stop any pranks.

Percy was much more easygoing than before. Dealing with numbers had its unique beauty; it also helped while he grew slowly accustomed to the jungle of the real world.

Ginny also invited the Twins and Ron, but they were busy playing in a Quidditch game, which she was sure Harry would win.

They went to the restaurant Ginny selected, where they had hors d'oeuvres and a light repast consisting of diverse salads, ending with a delicious cake.

She told them about her new environment, the few girls who had tried to humiliate her and how she had dealt with them -courtesy of good spells learned from her brothers, present and absent.

Bill informed them about his job, how he was considered for a promotion which entailed the supervision of Gringott's in the United Kingdom.

Charlie told them the dragons were restless. It was as if they sensed something wrong but were powerless to interfere. At any rate, his job went on as usual.

Percy related that he had only two more practical courses to follow and he would earn his Accountant degree. Given his understanding of magic, he could work in the Wizarding or Muggle world. He wanted to be a mediator between them.

oOoOo

In Hogwarts, everything was ready for the long-awaited Gryffindor-Ravenclaw match. People would get to see the erstwhile couple pitted against each other, Harry Potter and Cho Chang.

Chang's admiring Ravenclaw mates put a dent on everybody's mood for a celebration. The other Houses slowly came to the conclusion they wanted Gryffindor to win, if only to stop those Ravenclaws from gloating too much! Draco and Blaise were a sprinkling of green in the orange mass. The blond asked Pansy to come with them to the Gryffindor stands but the Slytherin had denied the request, saying she had to concentrate on the game that mattered, Slytherin-Gryffindor.

As Draco watched the game, he realized that Harry flew better than ever. Obviously time spent as a bat had been worthwhile. If Draco tried to compete with him, he was sure Harry would win. But who could fly better, a bat or an eagle?

Eagles had very good vision, which bats didn't. The next game would show it all.

Harry flew lackadaisically. He felt no sense of danger or urgency from Cho. Playing opposite Draco always got him to give his best shot, no matter what. Their rivalry made him pay more attention to his environment. The grass seemed greener and the sky bluer, whilst the peril of losing loomed nearer. It added spice to his life. All he felt with Cho was boredom and familiarity, none of which pushed him to give it his all.

Eventually Harry grew bored. When he caught sight of the Snitch, he performed a Wronski feint that completely baffled Cho and easily grabbed the fluttery ball, winning the game 320 vs. 120.

oOoOo

McGonagall kept getting better. They felt it was unwieldy to call a tabby cat 'McGonagall' so they all called her Minnie.

Minnie could walk now. She had grown accustomed to being around a ginger cat and other felines, even owls, eagles and foxes. The tabby cat resented when a big black dog came upon her and slobbered all over her. And the sudden appearance of a bat out of hell certainly baffled her.

After a particularly trying night, the tiger and lion were roughhousing when Minnie decided it was time to impose some authority. She snarled and directed mortal glares at the two big felines who stopped what they were doing and meekly acquiesced.

Luckily Harry was in bat form or he would have started laughing like crazy. It was funny watching the tiger and the lion looking scared of a tabby cat that was one tenth their size. Of course, that cat was also their teacher. They must have been remembering some detentions with McGonagall to judge from their contrite feline expression. Minnie was a meanie!

But what Sirius had told them was true. McGonagall could only free herself when she was at her peak. Everyone conjectured what that meant, no one really knew.

oOoOo

The Prowler was considerably more subtle than everyone gave him credit for. He managed to walk past their wards and stuff. People didn't notice him when the ginger cat didn't want them to because he was the Prowler.

He made his way to the tabby cat's room. He knew what the tabby cat needed; it was the same thing he wanted sometimes. He walked up to her and after rubbing her nose, he led her out of the rooms.

They made their leisure way to the old Southern corridor where Crookshanks led the tabby cat to a particularly promising point. The tabby cat, immersed in the instincts of cats, saw a nice mouse. Doing what cats do best, she pounced on the mouse and caught it easily. At that moment she was at her peak. She yearned to be whole, her inner magic reacted to her strong intentions and thus the curse was broken.

She transformed into Minerva McGonagall. The witch bowed and thanked Crookshanks for handling the situation with the required finesse.

Meanwhile there was confusion in the room. The students noticed her absence and were worried. The Twins and Draco transformed into felines, to see if they could glean more information. Hermione and Pansy also changed into their Animagus forms to see if they could see where she went. They knew they were inside a building so flying would not prove very useful, but they transformed nonetheless.

Tonks, who was visiting, had transformed into a wolf whilst Sirius became a Grim. Everyone was getting on everyone's way and they were getting more nervous.

"Interesting to see so many animals." McGonagall stepped into the room, walking to the big felines whilst she mused. "Two Siberian tigers, I feel that I know you. You have the same mischievousness as the Weasley Twins."

Then she looked at the lion. "A blond lion? There's only someone who fits the bill; Malfoy."

She glanced up at the birds. "An owl, I know one person who would be one, Miss Granger. A raptor? An eagle can soar so free, right, Miss Parkinson?"

Then she looked at the Grim. "Sirius, I'm glad you're back. The wolf is no current student. But I wonder, there's a hint of Black. I'd say it is Nymphadora."

The wolf growled at her.

McGonagall snorted. "Sorry, Tonks."

She nodded to the bat. "Good day, Mr. Potter."

McGonagall proceeded to look for Remus. When she didn't find the Werewolf, she asked Harry where the Marauder was. He sent him a message through his Patronus, asking him to come to Minnie's quarters, blushing whilst McGonagall raised one eyebrow regally.

Presently the Werewolf and Severus arrived, they were ushered inside. Remus gaped at McGonagall whilst Severus raised an eyebrow, nodding to his colleague.

"I want to say how thankful I am for all of your care," said Minerva.

"In the beginning I just wanted to warn you about Dumbledore's manipulations, I was ready to go on the next adventure." She directed a piercing look at Draco. "But you were intent on me staying around. Despite impossible odds, you lot succeeded, based on the strength of your love. When I was in despair and barely knew anything, I recognized warmth from fellow creatures. Your constant care has brought me back, and I am in all your debt."

Remus took a goblet of pumpkin juice from the table and handed it to Minerva. She nodded gratefully at the Marauder and took a sip.

"While I was in feline form, the Unbreakable Vow Dumbledore imposed on me disappeared, it vanished." McGonagall smiled ruefully. "I had been goaded to the point that I took the Oath. Later Dumbledore showed his true colours but it was too late. Only the experience of many years taught me how to successfully defy the Headmaster, whilst faithfully following his commands."

"Indeed…. I know how demanding that is, Minerva," drawled Snape.

McGonagall nodded thankfully. "Wherever I could, I tried to deflect his anger and evil intent. Most times, it wasn't enough."

Taking a deep breath, Minerva sipped her drink. Then she pointed at Remus. "I must tell you, Remus, you are under a curse cast by Dumbledore. According to its conditions, when the war reaches its climax, you will willingly offer yourself as a sacrifice. Seeking battle, the enemy to kill you."

Minerva reclined on the chair, smiling weakly at Tonks. "Dumbledore thought you were Remus' mate. My dear, you are under that curse too and would duly perish so that your son can be raised according to the Potter formula."

Harry mumbled, "What do you mean?"

McGonagall answered soberly, "Dumbledore was extremely gratified with the way things happened with you, Harry. Having endured the Dursleys' ministrations, he could influence you. Dumbledore wanted you in Gryffindor, listening to his words and his puppets. Dumbledore desired more of the same, another 'Harry' cycle with the son of Remus and Tonks. The poor child would become an orphan like you, agreeable to his words."

Draco embraced Harry from behind, reclining his head on his shoulder, making the brunet forget for a second Dumbledore's evil plans. He drawled, "Why do you mention puppets and not Dumbles himself?"

McGonagall nodded curtly. "Albus originally planned his own death, using you and Severus as pawns. Making it your fault which would be the case, but you would act under Dumbledore's weft like all of us. This seemingly heroic death would buy Albus the unending loyalty of Harry, to the point that Harry would willingly go to Voldemort and allow him to kill him."

Harry shuddered and leaned into the comforting embrace of the blond whilst McGonagall continued. "Voldemort and Harry would be no more and after a suitable number of years, Dumbledore would be raised from the dead using his horcrux."

Trying to dispel the sombre mood her words had created, Minerva pointed at the Marauder. "Remus and Tonks, do you want me to cast the countercurse?"

Tonks smiled whilst her hair turned a bright scarlet shade. "Sure thing!"

Sirius gave McGonagall her wand, and she cast the counterspell, her wand swishing in a complicated pattern.

She pointed her wand at Remus. "Mostran!"

After noting the results, Minerva cast the same spell on Tonks.

Her lips tightened in a prim line, McGonagall said, "You're free of the curse. If you go off gallivanting into danger, it is your Gryffindor side and not a curse."

28. The song is about...