The Tempest

The Tempest


By: Max

[Disclaimer: see chapter 1]

Chapter 8: Escaping


Diary of Severus Snape, Potion Master
Hogwarts School of Wizardry and Witchcraft
Scotland, May 27, 1997

Damn and blast! I’ve always known: The name “Potter” – if it means James Bloody Potter or Harry Idiot Potter – is a synonym for “Severus, you’re in trouble!” But today the boy-who-lived-to-be-a-pain-in-my-arse really exceeded even my expectations in his talent to drive everybody around him into misery. In a time we really can’t afford any distraction from our war against the dark lord, in a time the order needs a strong, concentrated leader and the school somebody who’s able to stand up against this abdominal Umbridge toad our dear Potter managed to bring himself into such a spot, Dumbledore had to throw himself into the battle to save the git’s sorry arse.

I could climb walls by thinking about it and for once in my life I’m in total agreement not only with Minerva McGonagall, but with Filch too. The boy should be chained upside down to a wall for a night! Perhaps he’d get enough blood into his brain for thinking once.

Minerva is livid – and the floor of my chambers is now swept. She paced one hour in front of my fireplace, ranting about how often she warned the little idiot about Umbridge and how she told him to lie low for a while. But what did this brainless sorry excuse for a wizard? He went and founded a student’s club, called “Dumbledore’s Army” for training defence.

Great idea indeed! For every person who’s got at least five working brain cells, one think should be clear: If you want to keep something a secret, keep it for you. The more people that are involved the less chances you have not to be betrayed. And with almost 35 students involved – Merlin’s balls! Something announced in the great hall during dinner has a bigger chance to remain a secret than a club with 35 students! In the hall no one ever listens to what is announced, but such a club makes for good talking.

I wonder why the Granger chick didn’t stop Potter. Normally she does all his thinking and I have to admit: She isn’t bad at it. But this time she obviously didn’t understand the situation either.

I bet my arse and all my potion stores: Tomorrow Umbridge will provide us with Degree No. 1248. And so we’ll learn that she’s now Headmistress. She was after Albus’ job since she came here and now, with him accused of high treason – I wonder: How can you do “high” treason when our ministry is as low as ever before? – And wanted, she’ll certainly get the job. Doesn’t that sound like glorious days for Hogwarts? If there is somebody who can’t lead a school, it’s her – and if it weren’t for the danger from the dark lord – I shudder by the thought of what he’d do when he learns about our new situation! – I’d probably lean back, looking forward to the turmoil we’ll get the next days. For one thing I’m sure: Peeves will have an entire row of field days now. I haven’t seen him since Albus’ great exit, but I don’t think that he’d joined the other ghosts in conference. Probably he loiters hidden in Umbridge’s office and plans how he’ll play with her in the next days to come.

It really could be fun, but I’m afraid I won’t be able to enjoy it very much. Our dear headmaster who’s in a league with Potter when it comes to miserable timing didn’t know better than to fall in love just a few weeks ago. And that wasn’t enough. Instead of somebody uncomplicated or at least Sinistra – who was after him for years and would really need to get laid soon (besides I’m sure: She’d win over the dark lord single handed if only it would help her to keep Albus in bed) – the old fool fell for a woman who is officially dead and therefore in hiding. Which gives me the chance to play shining knight to Dumbledore’s damsel in distress?

Admittedly I must say that he actually showed a better taste than I’ve expected. I mean, the man’s a Gryffindor and I sometimes was afraid he’d fall one day victim to a Molly Weasley type: Voluptuous titts – he’s a titt’s man, our dear headmaster and that was probably the reason bony Sinistra never stood a chance with him – fat arse, even bigger mouth and bossier than Granger in an especially bad mood. Sometimes I see ourselves already being hauled down the aisle by our collars – me as the best man on the left, Albus as the bridegroom on the right – by a very energetic witch while McGonagall marches in front of uhrowhrowing flowers.

Albus did better. At least in the appearance department. Albus caught the beauty queen of our world: Mistress Narcissa Black-Malfoy. Better than you can get – in the appearance department. She’s absolutely ravishing. Yet I wonder how he manages to defrost this walking ice cube at least so much he doesn’t get chill blades on his private parts when in bed with her. Or is he already so old he becomes satisfied in only looking and adoring her?

I will never know. Yet I must admit that she makes him obviously happy – and by doing so over the last weeks I thought she’s not only the best thing which could happen to Albus, but to the ortoo.too. I worried a big deal about Albus in the last years. Although he’d always knew that the dark lord would come back one day and though he was prepared for the war – he’s not a young man anymore. And although people never see it with him having the social skills I’m so entirely lacking – Albus was in a way as lonely as I am. He carries the responsibility for the school and the order and too much secrets he can’t share with any one. Andn inn in being a Gryffindor, he knows about keeping secrets.

Narcissa is not my cup of tea (I never liked my tea chilly), but she’s intelligent and trustworthy. She risked her life in spying on Lucius, she showed outstanding courage in that and she’s someone who’d rather die than to betray a secret. I don’t know what Albus does in bed with her, but for one thing I’m sure: He can talk to her. She is a confidant he can absolutely trust in.

Only at the moment I’m afraid she is a burden to him too. As long as she isn’t saved he will worry about her. And knowing him – he’s a Gryffindor! – I wouldn’t wonder if he’d do something rash. He loves her. But with aurors all over the place searching for him – Fudge really tops his thickness these days! The half of the aurors Fudge sent wouldn’t stand a chance against Albus even if they would catch him without his wand in the middle of a shag. And the other half – actually the better half – only wants to catch him to offer a better hiding place – he can’t risk anything. He certainly would go away, but with Narcissa it becomes difficult. I think she is highly able to defend herself. But as soon as anybody sees only a glimpse of her Lucius would know she’s still alive – and then he would be behind Albus too.

So I’m going to risk my reputation now – and I can only hope I won’t have to go the entire way. If I really have to lay Sibyl – I don’t know what Albus might do then to make it up!

Diary of Severus Snape, Potion Master
Hogwarts School of Wizardry and Witchcraft
Scotland, June 10, 1997

Albus bloody Dumbledore! I know you are around here some place, but I only can advise you: Don’t come close to me! I’m just in the mood to – well, no, I wouldn’t give you over to Fudge. I even wouldn’t give you (stunned and neatly tied up with ribbons in the Gryffindor colours) as a gift to the dark lord. But I’d like so much to get you myself! And then I would dismember you and use your balls for feeding Hagrid’s damn animals and the world wouldn’t be poorer for that.

Merlin’s genitals! I thought myself lucky because I managed to get a hair from Sybil without having to lay her – a thought which makes my member try to grow inwards! Yet for your bloody sake I would have done so, sending the bill for at least five years of therapy with the ladies from the poshest brothel in London to you afterwards. But our dear Sybil’s liking for Sherry a dro drop of a nice, strong sleeping potion was enough. She was out like a light and she wouldn’t probably have noticed if I’d cut her entire hair off.

Narcissa showed bravery – in everything. She even didn’t cringe by drinking polyjuice and she didn’t ask any unnecessary questions, but even acted perfect “sybilish” with idiotic giggling and inviting the aurors at the gates to have a drink with us too and after even flirting with the younger of them – I thought it was a mercy that Kingsley Shacklebolt obliviated him afterwards. I mean the boy’s just out of the academy and far too young to already become impotent.

But by talking about impotence: I wish you were, Albus! Damn you – since when do you think with your cock? I really thought you’re too old for that, but how’s the old saying? “There’s no bigger fool then an old fool.”

Actually: I’d like to see your face when Narcissa tells you. And I’m greatly looking forward to the day Minerva will n. In. It will be fun to watch you while you explain to Poppy Pomfrey why your deputy fainted. And Lucius – my, my, Albus, you really have good reason to win this war! And the sooner you manage the better.




Letter from:
Minerva McGonagall to her husband,
Augustus McGonagall
London, St. Mungo’s Hospital for magical maladies,
June 30, 1997

My beloved husband,

Thank you very much for your note which arrived this morning. I’m glad you arrived safely and in time arlinrlin and that you found everything in the hotel to your liking.

Thank you also for the lovely roses you sent. This display of your affection was what saved my day which would have been a total disaster without it. I was in the morning so hopeful I could convince the healers to release me and I assure you: I really feel well enough. But Mr Sumners showed himself once again as exceptional stubborn and so I’m still stuck in the hospital, worrying day and night about the school. I d82178217;t believe this can be healthy. I’m absolutely sure I’d feel much better if I finally permission get to go back to my duties.

Besides I feel terrible about Albus. You keep saying that I shouldn’t worry so much, you keep saying that Albus can very well look after himself and that there’s no need to fear for him. But I can’t stop worrying and I can’t stop feeling guilty. How could I be so stupid to let Umbridge get me like that? Albus said “Hogwarts needs you” and I feel as if I would have let him down. He trusted me to keep the children safe – and now I’m in a hospital bed, useless and away from the place where I’m needed.

But the probably the worse thing in my laying around her is that I starting to feel paranoid. Yesterday Percy Weasley came to see me – with a bunch of flowers and the “best wishes” from the minister who – I quote Weasley – “unfortunately is so busy he couldn’t come himself”, which he regrets very much (so at least Weasley said). Besides our dear minister wanted me to know that he’s “deeply sorry” for the “incident” and he will – of course – tell Madame U., that I’m to get a “formal apology”.

Yet the best was still to come. After this speech Weasley dared to tell me that Minister Fudge wonders about “my loyalty” and asks me to think about it. I certainly would know myself that my position in Hogwarts would make for “certain obligations” to the ministry. Keeping the whereabouts of a – I hope you sit for reading this! – “Wanted criminal” a secret would make my loyalty doubtful and give the minister – poor man he is – a great deal of distress.

At this point I couldn’t keep my temper any longer. I told Weasley that I’m ashamed of him and kicked him out. I know myself that this wasn’t wise, but Augustus, I ask you: Could you remain calm if such a brat would name Albus a “wanted criminal” in front of you?

Now I wouldn’t wonder if the healer doesn’t want to release me because Fudge ordered him. I even wonder if Cracklebell’s urgent wish to have you in Berlin just now … but no, I don’t think so. Cracklebell never was with Fugde and he wouldn’t play a part in such a game. Probably I’m really becoming paranoid.

I stop ranting now. But be assured that I’ll be very glad when you’re back.
Your loving wife – M.


Letter from:
Draco Malfoy to Ginevra Weasley
Malfoy Mansion, July 10, 1997

Sweetest Ginny,

I’ve got your own just now and I’d like so much to come to you and to comfort you. Please, please – don’t cry about what happened in the train! An uncle picked me up at the station and for him it wasn’t a problem to get rid off the jinxes your brothers provided me with.

Sorry, I was just interrupted by another owl and I’m glad about it because I’ve waited for it even more than I’ve longed to hear from you. And now I’m in for a rather long letter to you. I only don’t know how to start.

Probably it’s best I copy the note I just got:

Forwarded letter from:
Albus Dumbledore to Draco Malfoy
Hogwarts, July 10, 1997

Dear Draco,

You chose very well. I share your trust and I think it’s the right thing to tell Miss Weasley the truth. If you want me to, I’ll speak with her parents too.

Your mother sends her warmest regards. She says she’s well, but I think she needs to see you as soon as possible. Unfortunately I have urgent business to attend to first, but if you’ll wait at 4:30 p.m. at your gates, I’ll pick you up and bring you to her. Just drop me a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ with the owl back.

Sorry, I’m in a hurry – yours A.D.


So – there’s that and within the most important thing I have to tell you: My mother is alive. At the moment I don’t know where she is, but until the day Dumbledore went into hiding – or whatever he was during the time Umbridge was Headmistress – she lived with him in his private chambers in the main tower. And yes, Ginny, you got this right: My mother and our headmaster are an item.

The entire story is pretty complicated. You know that my mother never loved the man who sired me (I really can’t bring myself to name him “father” because he never was one to me). She only married him because my grandfather ‘”sold” her to the Malfoys. So she hadn’t another choice than to suffer through this farce of a marriage.

Until the dark lord rose again, mother was pretty passive. I think she was even in a kind of depression because she saw no way out of her situation. But then, as my progenitor became a death eater and the dark lord’s right hand, my mother came to live. Fearing that#821#8217;d make me a death eater too – and you know he would have! – She asked Dumbledore who wasn’t her lover at this time although she already was in love with him, to protect me and offered to spy on my progenitor.

After a pretty long time – she managed for over a year – my progenitor caught her. For “her luck”, as she always says, he didn’t kill her instantly, but cast “crucio” on her and beat her badly. Nevertheless she managed to apparate to the Hogwarts gates. Lucius followed her – she had told him that she was in love with Dumbledore. This time he tried to kill her, but Dumbledore’s phoenix got between her and Lucius’ killing curse. The flame in which the phoenix did – to raise from the ashes shortly after – my progenitor took for my mother’s soul. Yet he hadn’t much of a chance to dwell on the pleasure to see her go because Dumbledore came. My progenitor fled, telling the world about my mother jumping from the tower.

I knew the truth and believe me: I wanted very much to tell you, but Dumbledore didn’t give me permission. He trusts you – see his letter – but my mother’s safety was the most important thing to him and as long as my progenitor was free, Dumbledore wanted to keep the circle of people knowing as small as possible. So it was only Poppy Pomfrey (she had tended to my mother after her encounter with Lucius), Dumbledore, Snape and I.

During this time at Hogwarts I visited my mother every day in the main tower. When ever you and other people thought I was helping Snape in the lab, I was in fact with my mother.

You can probably imagine how I felt when I learned that Dumbledore had taken flight. A few hours later Snape told me that he would smuggle my mother out of the castle at night. He got her to a safe place and he ordered me to do what my father would want from me. He said I couldn’t go into hiding too because Lucius would become suspicious then and probably he’d even see the connection between Dumbledore and me disappearing at the same time. For my mother’s and my own safety I had to act the baby death eater and to help Umbridge.

You know how much I hated it, but – as odd as it may sound to you: I love my mother very much. She was more than once willing to give her life for me and she was before I meet you the only person I could ever trust.

Nevertheless I hope very much that I can finish acting soon. My progenitor is in Azkaban and I hope very much he’ll get sentenced to the dementor’s kiss in the trial next week. He’s a monster and the world will become a better place when he’s gone. And probably my mother’s and my life will become better too.

I hope very much mother and I can live our lives openly then. I know your family won’t like you to be with me, but perhaps when Dumbledore talks to them, they will at least try to accept it. And I’m sure with time they’ll learn that I love you and that I would never hurt you.

Yours – ever
Draco

Letter from: Ginevra Weasley
To Draco Malfoy
The Burrow, July 10, 1997

Your owl is waiting and I don’t want it to be seen in my room, therefore only in short:

1. You’re an idiot. You don’t sound “odd” when you write you love your mother. She sounds like a remarkable witch.

2. My family will love you as soon as they get to know you as I do.

3. I love you.

4. Give your mother a kiss from me. I’m glad she lives.

Yours – forever
Ginny


To be continued ...