The Headmaster

Chapter 12 The Headmaster

Severus sputtered and coughed, having to drink some water to clear his throat. Minerva had put up a silencing charm after she had entered the room and now was pleased that she did. She knew that the Healer would have thrown her out on her arse for upsetting his patient.

“If you’re done stalling, you can answer the question.”

“Minerva, you wound me. I was truly choking and not trying to stall for time. Now tell me about what the sniveling little shit doing to Hogwarts?”

‘If Severus wants to play, well so can I,’ Minerva considered. “He’s quite amazing. In but a few months he has totally restructured the schooling system. They’re going to be elementary schools for young wizards so the transition to Hogwarts won’t be so traumatic. Counselling and testing to find the students’ strong points and where their interests lie. There will be cultural changes with the other magical schools around the world…”

“Why that little thief…”

“Is there something wrong?” Minerva asked innocently.

“He stole my ideas. That conniving little… It wasn’t good enough that he left me broken hearted, now he has to steal my ideas. What’s next… is he going to teach Potions?”

“He just might, if he doesn’t find a replacement very soon… Now what were you saying about him breaking your heart?”

Severus’ eyes narrowed. “You are truly evil.”

“I’ve been told that before. Now talk.”

“Harry… Mr. Potter was adrift in his seventh year. Scared of what each day could bring, scared of his sexuality, he searched me out to ‘counsel’ him. He knew of my preference and that I lived much of my life scared of the future. On these subjects we felt… simpatico. He talked about his fears and I listened. That was all there was for the longest of time. I don’t remember the moment, I certain that Potter doesn’t, but we caught ourselves laughing. Together, we were laughing at the world around us. He was so beautiful and I, for a moment, didn’t feel ugly. I kissed him. Not a passionate, not even sexual kiss but a tender, understandings kiss. I was lost in him. You asked if I was in love with him. Given a little more time with him, I think, I would have never have survived without him.”

“What happened?”

“He wanted it all… and didn’t want to wait. It was but a few months short of his graduation and I wanted to be sure we both understood the huge step we were about to take. Can you imagine the headlines, ‘Potter falls for greasy git of a Death Eater’?”

“Did he break up with you?”

“You make it sound like we were together, we weren’t. There were a few sweet moments. A kiss and a promise…” Severus drifted for a moment, “always.”

“I’m sorry?”

“I promised that we could be together… always. He had to be patience. Before we could make up from our tiff, Harry defeated Voldemort and was sent to St. Mungo’s. Did you know I tried to see him every day he was there? Delirious and fevered, they caught me crawling down the hall of the hospital, to Harry. After that, they let me used a charmed wheelchair, to sit outside of his room. For six months, two weeks, and one day, I went to see the savior of the wizarding world and was turned away, until one day I showed up and he was gone. No notice, no fanfare, he just disappeared. Did you ever wonder why I helped all of his friends?”

“There were times, yes.”

“I thought that one of them might hear a word about the boy and accidentally let it slip where he was. Then I believed that if I was nice to his friends that one day, he might come back to me. Strange at it seems I did find some friends along the way.”

“Yes you did and they are waiting anxiously outside the door to see you. Before I go I need to know if Harry needs you now, more than ever, would you be there for him?”

“Always.”

“Good. I’ve taken up too much of your time.” Minerva kissed Severus’ cheek and wished him well, as she let Draco in as she left.

Each of Severus’ friend spent a few moments with him. By the time Remus left, Severus was sleeping peacefully. It did the werewolf’s heart good to see him serenely asleep. Remus pulled the blanket higher to cover the sleeping man’s shoulders and tucked in the sides. Before he went to catch up with the others, he gave a friendly pat to Severus’ shoulder.

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Remus was happy to climb back into the warmth of Draco’s ship. He went directly for the hot toddy that was waiting for him. As his chilled body warmed by the drink Remus noticed that Draco knelt down by a small fireplace having a fire call. Minerva and Hermione were listening intently, weren’t even aware that he had returned.

Finishing his conversation, Draco rose and cracked his back as he stretched from his kneeling position.

“Do any of you have anything to do for the next few hours, if not I think a side trip to Istanbul would be a marvelous idea?

“Istanbul? What’s in Istanbul would we be interested in?” Remus asked, setting his drink down and joining the small group of friends.

“Warden Smyth!” Minerva replied with the nastiest grin on her face.

“So right, my investigators easily found him. It seemed he has a big mouth and deep pockets. Would any of you like to join me and meet Mr. Smyth?”

“I wouldn’t miss this for the world.” Remus knew the next few hours were going to be very interesting.

Draco called on the intercom to the ship’s captain. “Captain, we have a course change. Istanbul, and hurry, we have people to meet.”

“Yes sir!”

The ship shimmied and rattled sending everyone to their seats. From the portholes they could see glistening silver wings grow from it sides. Much more graceful than you would think, the huge, bulky cruise liner raised high into the air. Turning east, the ship was heading in a new direction.

“Please relax and eat. I need to call the Missus and explain to her why I’ll be late. Looking at her, you would never know that she can throw a real donnybrook if not kept informed. You should see her at the Prophet; everyone toes the line.” He left to make his fire call leaving the three alone.

“Severus looked better than I thought he would,” Hermione broke the silence.

“He looked like hell and you know it. I’ve seen corpses that had more color than Severus,” Minerva grumbled.

“Just a few days and we’ll get him out of there,” Remus added. A little protective of his fiancé he pulled her closer to his side.

“With a little luck.” Draco was back quickly from his call. “Before I could fire call Luna I received one from Severus’ lawyer. He’s pleased at the progress and believes that there is an 85% chance of getting Severus released on Friday but if we could get Harry to say a few words on his behalf the odds go even higher.”

“He would rather end up in Azkaban himself, than to give Severus any credit.”

“Remus?” Minerva studied her fingernails.

“Yes?”

“What would you say Harry cherishes the most and would be unwilling to give up?”

“I don’t know… I guess, if I have to answer you, I would say his good name and the adulation of the public.”

“Yes so would I. And if someone had information that could tarnish that image what do you think he would do?”

“Just about anything to keep it quiet… are you saying that you have such evidence?”

“It’s weak but yes I do and I may just be able to persuade him to testify on Severus’ behalf.”

“Minerva, have I ever told you how much I admire you?” Draco beamed at her. She blushed shyly. “What a hell of a Slytherin you would have been.”

“Thank you Draco, that means a lot to me.”

“But I think I should be the one to do the blackmailing. He already hates me.”

“I deeply appreciate the offer but this is something I must do. If you wish to join me, it would be welcomed.”

“I’ll be right by your side.” Draco gave the older witch a warm hug.

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Smyth found the dirtiest, dingiest part of Istanbul he could find to hide in. The scum of the earth found their way to this hole in the wall. It was a world where people turned a blind eye to what was happening around them.

Smyth wasn’t there for more than a few hours and a few dark ails before he started to brag about him knowing the Savior-of-the-wizarding-world. They scoffed and ridiculed him until he pulled from his pocket the letters that Harry had sent him. There is no honor among thieves, especially when Draco had offered 50,000 Galleons for apprehension of Warden Smith. Word spread fast and Draco’s investigators had Smyth in custody within forty-eight hours of his disappearance.

Hermione, in fear for her life, clung onto Remus. Minerva gave the surly group a look that made strong men turn away. Draco giggled all the way to the back of the bar where his men were detaining the once warden.

“Mr. Smyth, it so nice to see you again.” Minerva raised her wand to hex Smyth. Remus grabbed her around the waist, lifting her off the ground. With his free hand, he pulled the raised wand from her hand. Smyth was already tied and beaten. He sat with his head bowed down in the middle of the room.

“You! I should have known. I am a British citizen I demand my rights.”

“You are in Istanbul, you have no rights,” Draco leered. Without looking away Draco reached out to his investigator and said, “The letters please.” They were quickly placed into the palm of his hand.

“They’re mine, give them back,” Smyth wined. Draco stepped away and started to read the letters. With each page Draco’s smile widened. “I believe our position has gotten a lot stronger.” He handed the letters to Remus. The ladies read over his arm.

“When do we meet with Mr. Potter?” Minerva asked.

“Would both of you hold off for a day. We find ourselves in a situation of strength. Let us use this information to our best advantage and demand more than his good word for Severus. This is pure gold and I don’t want to waste it.”

“What do you suggest, darling?” Hermione looked at her fiancé with admiration.

“Let me speak with Adam and the staff of St. Mungo’s. Harry needs help and this maybe the only way we can get it for him.”

“Can everyone make it over to our home at around seven?” Hermione asked. “That will give time for us all to think and Remus time to do his research. Draco, please bring Luna and Ludra. Luna may at times be off the wall, but she seems to always get to the crux of the matter. Her perspective will be invaluable.”

“Dinner it is.” Draco turned to his agent and told him, “Keep him safe and alive. If these letters don’t do the trick we may need him to testify. Do you understand?”

“I will take care of him as if he was my own.” The investigator’s smile was not reassuring.