MAGIC AND US

A/N - Hey there! I just want to say thanks for reading (if you are) and pls, pls, pls, R&R! I realize the chapters are short right now, but things will pick up and chapters will be longer as I go along! Promise! Anyway, I hope you're enjoying the story. And enjoy this chapter! ;)

CHAPTER 4 – WHEN THE DEAD COME WALKING IN

It was a good thing the uproar at number 12 Grimmauld Place couldn’t be heard by the muggle neighbors peacefully eating dinner and watching the telly. The magical occupants crowding the living room fought on and on to no end. Mrs. Weasley was frantically fanning herself and collapsed dramatically onto the couch. Her distress over Ginny being arrested and put in Azkaban was encouraged by Fred and George, who mercilessly joked about it (and thought it was wicked cool how much of a bloody badass their little sister was for being a lag). No amount of shrieking from Mrs. Weasley would stop Fred and George’s humorous assault, however. Severus, Minerva, Remus, and Draco were locked in their own battle that was shortly cut off when the front door flung open. Tonks came storming down the entrance hall (much like Hermione had earlier that evening) and rounded on Draco.

“You,” she said angrily. “I hope you know this is your fault!”

Draco sneered and rolled his eyes. “Of course, dear cousin. Because when others make bad choices, it’s my fault.”

Tonks glared and shoved his arm. “If you would’ve told her the truth at Malfoy Manor, none of this would’ve happened!”

“Think you’re clever?” he crossed his arms. “Think you could’ve handled it better?”

“I know I could’ve,” she said confidently. “So why didn’t you?”

“You don’t know Granger. She would’ve persisted to come along and help—that idiotic hero complex her and Potter share—she would’ve been killed!” he finished frustrated.

Him and Tonks scowled at each other until Severus spoke up, “He’s right.”

Everyone stared at the dark, brooding wizard waiting for him to say something else.

“Miss Granger is indeed highly logical,” he drawled. “For any other occasion she would’ve seen reason. When it comes to immediate danger, however, she acts impulsively.”

“See, dear cousin,” Draco said smugly. “Someone intelligent enough to understand.”

Tonks seethed. “Since you can handle things so much better than I can, you can find a way to free Hermione and Ginny from Azkaban. The Wizengamot has voted on a life sentence for Hermione and ten years for Ginny—” everybody gasped in shock and looked around at each other, while a ghastly wail and outcry from Mrs. Weasley echoed around them as Tonks continued, “—and they’re adamant in keeping it that way.”

“There hasn’t even been a proper trial yet!” Minerva cried. “They can’t do this!”

Tonks looked at Minerva and frowned. “The Wizengamot is no longer a just court.”

“The Dark Lord now controls the Ministry and the Wizengamot,” Severus said. “We must act quickly…”

“Severus is right,” Remus jumped in. “They’ll pass the verdict tonight if they already haven’t. The public will never find out about it.”

“And what do you suggest, Severus? We have limited resources! We were counting on the boy to bring an end to this war!”

“Ah, yes,” a strong, deep voice filled the room. 

Everybody fell silent as they looked to the stairs in disbelief. Standing on the top step in regal grey robes and half-moon spectacles was none other than Albus Dumbledore. His blue eyes twinkled with mirth, but his old face remained calm and ready to face any challenge.

“You must have questions, and while there is much I have to say, I am afraid I must do so at another time.”

He swooped down the steps to stand next to Severus, who nodded his head once as if he was expecting him.

“Albus,” Severus said in greeting.

“Severus, old friend.” Dumbledore replied.

“Severus!” Minerva blurted. “You knew Albus was alive?”

“Yes,” Severus said. “We faked his death so I could fully gain the Dark Lord’s trust and allegiance.”

“I knew it,” Draco said smugly, staring at his godfather. When Severus scowled at him, he shrugged his shoulders and looked away, but then Draco’s eyes trailed over to Dumbledore who smiled gently.

“It pleases me to see you amongst us, Mr. Malfoy.”

Hearing this brightened Draco’s eyes, but he didn’t give his emotions away. He nodded respectfully.

“Now,” Dumbledore said, pulling a lemon drop from his pocket and popping it into his mouth. “I believe we were planning the rescue of Miss Granger and Miss Weasley.”