Jigsaw

CHAPTER 29

Harry watched carefully as Draco Malfoy moved back into his seat in the auditorium having taken the short interval in Snape’s trial as an opportunity to stretch his legs. Harry had never known such a complicated, farcical and long-winded trial the ministry was conducting. Having spent all morning working out the specifics of the case against Snape, they’d then spent an hour at lunch before returning to hear Dumbledore’s defence of the wizard. It was now 7.30 in the evening and the council of witches and wizard’s who were overseeing the trial had retired to a separate chamber to make their decision. All the while Snape had been made to sit in front of their bench, two Auror’s standing guard over him like he was dangerous. On the upside however Dumbledore and Hermione had done an excellent job and Harry was sure more than ever the council couldn’t convict Snape. Although he was confident that Snape would be freed, his attention now focused on Malfoy.

The blonde haired wizard had come alone, dressed immaculately in only the finest of robes just like his father did when he was alive. Draco didn’t walk either he strode with arrogant confidence his beaming smile positively sickening. Draco was the epitome of his father the smug, self-righteousness that came with being a Malfoy turning Harry’s stomach. How Draco had even the guts to turn up to Snape’s trial was beyond him, after all it wasn’t too long ago Draco had sat where Snape was sitting now.

It had been decided that Harry wouldn’t make a public appearance at Snape’s trial, Dumbledore still cautious to distance Harry from the potions professor. So Harry had come under hood and cloak, sitting on the back row of the public gallery as far away from the other order members as possible. In this position though he had a perfect view to keep an eye on Malfoy, who as Sirius and he had worked out last night would undoubtedly have a plan of his own. Snape was as valuable to Malfoy as he was to Harry, and the trial was a perfect opportunity for Draco to make his move. Harry however hoped he was going to beat the blonde to it. Making sure that no one was paying attention to him, Harry moved down the seats towards where Malfoy was sitting, waiting for the anticipated return of the council. Without a sound Harry sat himself down in the seat beside Malfoy who didn’t even flinch at the sudden, heavily cloaked company.

“Ah Potter, I knew you couldn’t resist being here.” Malfoy didn’t even look at Harry as he spoke, the pair of them knowing that should anyone be watching it wouldn’t do either of their profiles any good to be seen talking together. “I must confess I’m quite disappointed I expected it to be you who faced the council today.” From beneath the hood of his cloak Harry could see the smug smile on Draco’s lips, and Harry longed to put his fist in the blonde’s face.

“I see you share my disappointment then, I had hoped for it to be you.” Draco chuckled at Harry’s comment his hands tightening in his lap a sure sign of his aggravation even if his expression didn’t let on.

“You forget, I have already had my day in front of the council and I was cleared of all charges.” Harry smiled inwardly to himself; easily falling back into the cutting war of words he and Draco had often shared as school children.

“Cleared because you offered them something, or someone more precisely, who was worth much more than your sorry arse was to them. You were only ever the son of a death eater Draco, and even though you had his mark, to him you were dispensable.” Harry knew he’d won their war of words Draco’s smile fading rapidly at the cutting barb Harry had thrown at him.

“What do you want Potter.” Draco snapped his confident smiling mask falling away as he began to lose his temper.

“I could ask you the same.” Harry spat watching as the blonde finally glanced over to him the steel blue eyes piercing the dark shadow of the hood that Harry used to hide his identity.

“You know what I want Potter, and he has it. If you don’t give me what I want, I will simply take it from the source directly and I know how much you wouldn’t want your dear old potions master to come to any harm especially having gone to all this trouble to clear his name.” Draco stared at Harry who swallowed nervously, knowing all to well that Draco was capable of hurting Snape to get what he wanted.

Before Harry could reply though the council reappeared from their chamber the minister of magic calling for silence as everyone settled back in their seats. Harry remained where he was sitting beside Draco as Fudge stood up and cleared his throat, a large roll of parchment in his hands. Silently Harry crossed his fingers as Fudge began to read out all the legal stuff he was required, until finally he came to the council’s decision.

“…We the wizarding high council find Severus Snape not guilty of all charges, and that his self sacrifices made in the line of duty for the Order of the Phoenix, negate the crimes he committed as spy while in the dark lords service.” Harry sighed with relief but glanced across at Draco watching as the blonde’s smug smirk had returned to his face, the twinkling of success in the blonde’s blue eyes making Harry’s blood run cold. “Severus Snape, you are free to go…” No sooner had Fudge read out the words than there was an almighty crack and Harry watched helplessly as six fully masked and robed death eaters apperated around Snape. They hauled a struggling Snape up before firing off a few unforgivables at the unprepared Auror’s before disapperating again with another thunderous crack, taking Snape with them. The entire council chamber was in chaos, witches and wizard alike screaming and running about in confusion. Harry however remained seated and looked steadily across at Draco who was sitting back calmly in his seat, an expression of satisfaction settling on his face.

“I believe Potter the ball is now in your court. Bring me, what I want to the Hogshead Pub in Hogsmead tomorrow at 8am. If you fail to show, I will extract the information I need from him in the old fashioned way.” Draco stood up, calmly straightening his robes as he pushed past Harry into the chaos of the aisle. Glancing back over his shoulder Draco continued, as if an after thought. “Oh and if you bring anyone else with you I’ll kill him.” With a polite smile Draco strode off into the chaos, his blonde hair disappearing leaving Harry silently seething in his chair. Draco Malfoy had no idea what he’d just done, and if the blonde wanted to play like that then Harry was going to play too.

“Harry he’s…” Harry ignored the concerned glances of his friends, all of whom had now found him and were worriedly waiting for what he had to say. Even Dumbledore looked shocked and flustered by what he’d just seen.

“…gone. Yes I know.” Harry whispered from between his clenched teeth his hatred for the Malfoy’s increasing ten fold. “Thank-you all for helping me do this, but I believe I have to go in search of a gravestone with Draco Malfoy’s name on it.” Harry stepped over the dividing wall separating the seats from the council chamber floor, and headed through the chaos towards the exit, pausing half way there to glance back at his friends and family. “Well are you all coming or not? I think if we’re early enough there will be a bit of death eater for everyone to have a go at.” Harry smiled as he saw them all nod, and before he knew it he was being ushered by his friends out of the door, leaving the ministry in chaos behind them.

TBC>>>>>>>>>>>>>