The Privy Councilors 3/35

[herumtreiber]

Title: The Privy Councilors 3/35
Chapter: Spills and planning - 2/2
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: ~3,580 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


2a. Spills and planning - part 1


In the potions lab in the Dungeons, Severus Snape was busy trying to hide the potion he'd used on Albus. Being a Potions Master, he was loath to destroy a good potion, which he could boast was his greatest invention but the liquid needed to be hidden at all costs.

He'd poured the potion in Dumbledore's tea whilst he listened to the headmaster ranting about troublesome Potter. It removed magic selectively. If Dumbledore should use Legilimency on an innocent or if he cast a spell affecting someone, part of his powers would be stripped.

Severus smirked, recalling the Headmaster's boasting over tea one rainy day. He mixed the potion with unicorn tears and Dragon's blood; a new use for it which mighty Dumbledore did not know about.

To reconstitute the potion all he would have to do later was a magical distillation.

Given Dumbledore's tendencies, Snape expected his powers would not pose danger for long.

Unfortunately Severus didn't notice Fawkes suddenly appearing in mid-air. The phoenix swooped down and his wings touched several vials, which tumbled down. One spilled and the brownish liquid fell on the cauldron, mixing with the unicorn tears and other ingredients. It bubbled and part of the potion exploded, splashing the robes of the Potions Master, his neck, and hands.

Severus went to the magical showers and opened the faucet. The water rinsed some of the liquid but the damage was done.

When the potion made him very weak, he realized he had little time. He shook his wet robes, not bothering to change them and made his way out of the Dungeons. He would go to the bloody trial, hoping to get a glimpse of Draco, his beloved brat of a godson. Maybe he would get a last glance at Potter's green eyes, which reminded him so much of his beloved Lily's.

He made it to the Great Hall before he passed out. Fortunately Remus was sipping a butterbeer on the teacher's table. Watching the unsteady gait of the Potions Master, the werewolf rushed to his aid and was able to break the fall. Remus checked his pulse, noticing that the pale skin was quite cold.

Remus was in a quandary. It was useless to take Severus to the Infirmary because Madame Pomfrey refused to treat people who didn't come with the express authorization of Dumbledore. Remus could Apparate them to St. Mungo's, but he doubted Severus would get good medical care.

Remus was openly discriminated against because he was a werewolf whilst Severus was loathed by those who knew he was a Death Eater.

Remus needed someone with influence and money to bluff through the hypocrites' nest. He needed a Malfoy! But the Manor was unplottable and he couldn't get Narcissa. Remus felt sure that at Harry's trial in the Ministry he'd Draco Malfoy. The blond was probably jeering at poor Harry with the rest of them, but Malfoy would not refuse to help his godfather.

Remus Apparated them to the Ministry. He walked around and minutes later, after checking Severus' temperature and finding it suspiciously low, he realized he was near the Office of Misuse of Magical Devices. He noticed Seamus Finnigan and Dean Thomas nearby, looking as lost as he felt, and nowhere near the trial chamber. Remus puzzled his brow as he connected all the information available, coming to the conclusion that the doors to the place where the corrupt Wizengamot held the trial were charmed against Harry's supporters.

Remus despaired of succour, for he could not get inside. Severus, his enemy and erstwhile friend, would depart from this mortal coil having endured a less than thrilling stay on this world, thanks in part to the redoubtable Marauders.

He recalled Sirius's admonition in his last will, 'Let the wolf free!' Remus had the inner certainty that his wolf could succeed against the hellish spells of the so-called Light warriors.

Remus let his wolf roam free. No longer would he try to curb his curiosity, anger or strength. The mental abilities and construct of the wolf fully sprang into being, no longer did the wolf had to struggle against the man. Outwardly Remus appeared as human as the rest - it was not the full moon - whilst inwardly he cavorted and pranced.

He easily picked up Severus' body, and cradling tenderly, he ran through the corridors at a fast trot towards the place he felt their cubs.

Passing several astounded officials, Remus snorted and grinned at them wolfishly until they arrived at the Chamber. He took his wand and swished it at the closed wooden doors, muttering Alahomora, but nothing happened.

Remus bent and put Severus on the floor and heaved himself against the wood, using fully his wolf strength, the bloody doors creaked and the clanking sounds of the bolts hitting the marble floor meant he was succeeding. Finally, the doors collapsed.

The werewolf walked into the chamber, carrying Severus.

oOoOo

Within the bubble of suspended time in the Wizengamot chamber, Harry and Draco walked back to their fellow councilors.

Draco grinned vindictively. "Now we shall enact a little revenge. For too long Dumbledore and the Dark Lord have done what they wanted. They need a strong hand to show them what is right."

Harry nudged the blond's elbow. "I reckon that's fine. But please tell me, what does it mean, being a Privy--"

"Councilor?" Draco smiled and touched briefly Harry's shoulder.

"Well, we do have some nifty privileges." Sporting a Slytherin smirk, the blond put his hand on the table. "During the Plantagenet rule, the Kings frequently left England and dwelled on their Angevin properties on the other side of the Channel. Fair Normandy and Aquitaine seemed better to them than plain England. The kings had many problems with the budding Wizarding society though, and often thought about abolishing it altogether."

Pansy brushed her bangs whilst she sneered. "They didn't, though."

"Right, Pansy." Draco nodded at his fellow councilor and went on. "Wizarding nobles, including our ancestors, proved useful to the king. To show his appreciation he created the Privy Council as it exists today in the Wizengamot. Charged with providing advice, the privy councilors initially dealt mainly with Wizarding aspects."

Blaise stood up and crossing his arms, he voiced the question he wanted answered. "What kept the Wizarding councilors from taking power and usurping the monarchy?"

"You are aware of the hierarchical nature of magic." Draco took out his hawthorn wand, caressing its smooth finish appreciatively. He lifted it and showed it to the others. "This is plainly seen even in wands, the legend of the Deathly Hallows says that the Elder wand holds sway over all the others. But… the magic of the Wizarding World must always submit to the will of the Sovereign. This is why any Dark-Light dispute - however heated - won't threaten the Monarchy."

"Fine with me," piped up Blaise. "I'm not interested in the Dark Arts… much."

Draco shook his head at the black Slytherin. He waved at the immobile figures of the Wizengamot members outside the bubble. "The will of the Sovereign regarding the magical subjects, by custom and law, is expressed through the Privy Council."

The blond pocketed his wand and put his palms on the table, leaning forward as he looked intently at the other privy councilors. "Shakespeare was right when he wrote that all the water in the ocean cannot remove the oil of an anointed prince, for all the hexes in the world are powerless against him."

Draco sat down and steepled his fingers under his chin. "You see? Our position is a delicate one, fraught with rewards but also touching many other lives."

The blond didn't speak for a while, letting them digest the news.

Harry grew a bit bored, wanting to get to the action and face the bloody Wizengamot. He was curious about something Draco told him. Cocking his eyebrows at the blond, he said, "Did you use Hermione's spell to sidestep the traps at the door?"

Draco sneered. "Luna and Neville bypassed those using spells to obfuscate the charms, but I didn't." He motioned at the other side of the table, where his Slytherin friends sat. "Pansy and Blaise have the Slytherin mindset of looking at things from diametrically opposed angles, advocating alternatively one or the other. It is an ability I share with them."

Draco shrugged nonchalantly. "I just followed the mental construct of an Über-Draco that hates all things Potter, though it was a chore at times."

Harry scowled at his rescuer, recalling their many fights through the years. Smirking sardonically, the Gryffindor said, "Bet it was difficult!"

The blond glared at the sarcastic Gryffindor. With a sweet smile that didn't fool Harry, he said, "Won't you sleep some more?"

Harry scowled, planting his feet on the floor. "Why?"

Pansy sighed and tried to defuse the confrontation of the Seekers, knowing Draco and Harry liked to fight with the slightest excuse. "We need to sleep a bit. We need to be at our best to defeat the Dumbledorians!"

Draco smirked until Pansy scowled at him. Realizing the brunette girl was right, he took out his wand, decreasing the light.

The students tried to find a comfortable position; eventually most of them fell asleep.

In his position near Draco, Harry could hear their snores and breathing. He marvelled at the pluck of his friends and his former enemy, and the terrific and strange team they made. He muttered in Draco's direction, "Thanks."

Draco replied gruffly, "Go to sleep, Potter! You've been through a lot and need to be at your best. Otherwise Hermione will crucify me, and that'll hurt!"

oOoOo

When Hermione kept stumbling upon mentions of the privy councilors in Wizarding history books she discovered Binns kept hidden. She asked Draco Malfoy for information, knowing he was one of the few students that paid attention during Binns' boring classes.

She expected him to laugh in her face as was his wont, but instead the silver-haired Slytherin had shared what he knew about this topic. Together with family books he brought from Malfoy Manor, they were able to unravel the mystery.

During summer vacation, when all the odd occurrences multiplied – she was forbidden to Harry, and Ron and she were forced to stay in the hospital far too long. Draco came up with surprising news. The import of the information was such that Hermione was astounded. She earnestly garnered Ron's support as the three prepared to weather the storm. Even if it meant relying on Draco and developing a spell to hide one's thoughts.

oOoOo

Hermione held Ron's arm near her waist, wanting to feel the assurance of his presence. Her warm brown eyes continually sought contact with Ron's. In her mind, she earnestly hoped one day they'd have the leisure to explore the physical aspects of their relationship. She was touching the Portkey with her left hand. She wanted to see how the trial went before she shouted the password to disappear from the dratted Ministry and the Wizarding World that dared rebel against its saviour.

Hermione breathed a sigh of relief when she saw the councilors sit around the table and the silver energy field appeared, keeping everybody out. Hopefully Dumbledore couldn't breach it. She was trying very hard not to call the headmaster's attention to herself. She had the certainty that if Dumbledore noticed her and probed her mind, things would become ugly.

After five minutes, the shield disappeared and the Hogwarts students came out.

Councilor Malfoy sauntered to the podium which faced the Wizengamot benches, flanked by Harry and Blaise. Taking out his wand, he twirled it between his fingers, announcing to the chamber, "The trial of Lord Harry Potter will commence, under the auspices and direction of the Privy Council."

Dumbledore started to shout but Draco drawled menacingly, "You will keep your mouth shut by order of the Privy Council, Headmaster."

The blond smiled in a sinister fashion. He knew that the privy councilors' vote would ensure the majority. The person who commanded the majority of the vote in the Wizengamot became its head. Dumbledore obviously was well acquainted with this fact, because he obeyed, fingering his white beard whilst he glared at the students.

Draco frowned at the members, who were whispering amongst themselves. Most of them shoot him suspicious glares. "Anyone has the temerity of interrupting? If you do you I assure you… you will be dealt with. In the matter of the trial against Lord Potter, I understand Dumbledore is a capital witness, along with Auror Shacklebolt. I suspect though, their testimony is unreliable." Draco took out a vial from the pocket of his robes. "To substantiate this claim, I offer this Pensieve memory."

Draco flicked his wand energetically, and a Malfoy elf popped into the chamber, holding a Pensieve. The blond put it on exposition mode, and the audience was treated to the tumultuous scene which transpired during the reading of Sirius Black's will. They observed Fudges and Bones refusing to deal with the Headmaster.

A few seconds later, though, a disturbing sound was heard. The members looked at the doors, some of them grabbing their strange hats in alarm.

Draco walked tentatively to the door, Neville and Harry flanking him. The Slytherin and Longbottom brandished their wands whilst Harry unobtrusively flexed his fingers around his invisible wand.

Luna rolled her eyes whilst Pansy grabbed her wand. Meanwhile Blaise sighed, tapping his foot against the marble floor.

Harry nudged Draco's side when he saw Remus, looking quite more defiant than before. The Marauder clutched the unconscious Potions Master.

Draco held up his hands. "Hold it! We'll be right back!" He muttered to Harry, "Come on, Harry. Our godfathers need us!"

They walked to the corner of a bench where Harry cast his privacy charms. Remus explained what had occurred and why he needed someone with influence to help Severus.

The Marauder ruffled his hair. "If we go to St. Mungo's like this." He motioned to the prostrate Snape. "We'll lose all day. They'll tell us it is full and make us wait. Severus will die!"

Draco nodded energetically, his gaze sweeping the members of the Wizengamot who were scowling at them. He contemplated their options until he visibly roused himself. He pointed to Severus. "Remember that Severus is a Potions Master. He has to handle strange brews, which can result in poisonous combinations. I think he got poisoned by one of his brews."

Harry offered his insight. "Did you notice that wet patch on his robes? I know because when Neville exploded his cauldron one time, it looked like that."

Draco nodded appreciatively at the Gryffindor. "Probably after he was exposed he sought to remove the noxious agents from his skin."

Remus looked at Snape with apprehension. "So what will we do? I don't know much about potions, that is Severus' forte."

"There's a very useful spell that all potion apprentices learn by rote." Draco swished his wand, muttering, "Venenum exagito."

Severus' neck and hands changed colour, becoming a bright pink whilst letters appeared in the skin. Draco bent down to read. "Unicorn tears, amortentia, Dragon's blood. Quite a very powerful mix, I'm afraid."

He stood up and took a ring from his pocket. "Knowing what the poisons are is a big help, they'll be able to treat him faster." He handed the ring to Remus. "To make sure they pay attention, go to my.

Draco pointed at the ring. "This is a Portkey to my home. Because you will be travelling with Severus, you can use it to appear in any room of the Manor. If you have trouble locating my mother or she doesn't want to go - which I doubt - you can use the Portkey to return."

The blond rummaged inside his robes, finally taking out a small purse which he handed over to Remus with a flourish. "This is charmed to weigh little, but has an ample provision of gold. If you've problems at St. Mungo's? Use the money to buy goodwill." He pointed at Harry. "I'd go but we're in the midst of a war to ensure Potter's freedom."

The Marauder nodded solemnly at the boys and left, holding Severus in his arms.

The blond stared at Harry whilst he shook his head sadly. "Now I must do what I swore I'd never do. As is her wont, Granger prevailed on us so we'd learn to cast her mind-cloaking charm. She said we might have to use it. She was right, of course."

Draco took out the hawthorn wand, looking at it contemplatively for a few seconds. At any rate, this opportunity would allow him to teach Harry how the spell functioned. Potter might have to use it later, just like he had to do now.

"I'll cast the charm on myself. You see, I'm torn in two." Draco pointed at the door. "I want to see if Severus is safe, but I also want to help your cause! I can't do both things at once; I need a clear mind to face Dumbledore!"

"Do you think Snape will be truly safe?" said Harry. He didn't want the Potions Master to die, not if it caused Malfoy pain. Despite their enmity, the blond had helped him immensely, and Harry didn't want the Slytherin to suffer.

Draco nodded. "I'm counting on Lupin finding mother, and both of them taking Sev to get treatment. But if I went? I'd be like another Thestral on the Hogwarts carriage."

Harry touched Malfoy, wondering at the softness of his robes and the firmness of the muscles in his slim shoulders. "Why don't we delay the trial? I reckon that would buy you time."

The blond shook his head. "This would just give Dumbledore more time to try feints and manoeuvres. The old coot is smart." He pointed at Ron and Hermione. "Not to mention it would be dangerous for the other members of the Trio. The trial must be resolved as soon as possible. I can help sway results so they favour us. Still… I worry about Severus and your friends."

Whilst Malfoy smiled wistfully, Harry realized he hadn't really seen that gesture on the Slytherin. It became him, certainly more than his usual sneer.

Draco shrugged. "The worry? It means I'm alive, I guess. Subject to the vagaries of the world." He laid a hand on Harry's shoulder and squeezed it almost painfully. "The spell will close off my memories concerning my caring godfather. The one who made me realize I'd do all right by myself, not listening to my father's views. It'll make me forget for a while his sarcastic opinions about life and magic, and his sage and plain advice. I'll key the mind-cloaking spell to your voice, you'll have to say something unusual… let's see. Rampaging snorkacks!"

Draco swished his wand, pointing it to his head whilst he muttered, "Immolatio mens!"

After the spell, the blond appeared to be unaffected, though Harry noticed his grey eyes were subdued. They had lost a great deal of the spark they held seconds before.

oOoOo

Draco addressed the hapless Wizengamot members gleefully. "I want you to witness what Dumbledore does when he doesn't get what he wants. The supposed wise wizard and saviour of us all. He tried to kill, you know." He hit the table, scaring a woman who had fallen sleep. "Since Albus Wulfric, etc., is the head Gryffindor, he may attack whomever he likes, knowing that the Minister and deputy Minister will look the other way, most assuredly."

The blond directed his gaze at the privy councilors. "Therefore, I call a vote for the impeachment of Minister Fudge and Amelia Bones. They are certainly unworthy to hold their lofty jobs."

A majority of Wizengamot members voted for the miscreants. When the turn of the Privy councilors came, they all sided with Draco. The Slytherin grinned malevolently as he announced the results. "Most of the Wizengamot voted for Fudge and Bones, yet the Privy Council is in agreement regarding the impeachment. Given the combined weight of our votes, 180, we've the majority. The motion is carried out."

He pointed at the trembling Fudge. "The Minister and Bones are hereby expelled from the Wizengamot and any present or future political post in the Wizarding World. We'll address later the possible administrative or judicial punishments."

Most of the Wizengamot members were quite enraged. A few took their hats and threw them at Draco. The blond shrugged whilst he vanished the hats. "You haven't understood that we are above the Wizengamot. I think is providential because too many miscreants found their abode here."

With a flourish, Draco ceded the floor to Neville. The Gryffindor, having been briefed for this moment, stood up and walked to the center of the chamber. "We will conduct the Veritaserum testimony of Harry Potter."

Draco interrupted him, holding up his hand. "Wait, there's no need to administer the truth serum to a privy councilor. We will put Harry's memory in the Pensieve so all can see." He approached the brunet and his wand gently alit on Harry's temple. Draco whispered softly, "With this recollection, I promise you we'll dig Dumbledore's grave, Potter."

Then the newly minted Head of the Wizengamot put the memory in the Pensieve, flicking it to exposition mode.

3. Rescue rangers