Everything I Do, I Do It For You

A/N:- Since most of this was written pre-HBP it is now AU and not at all canon. I don’t plan on changing it since I didn’t really like HBP. Once again please review so I can make my chapters better.

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Chapter 9:- Dumbledore Confronts The Ministry

Dumbledore knew it was time for a meeting with Cornelius Fudge at the Ministry of Magic. He had been putting it off for too long, although he had to let the parents know what was going on before he could even contemplate leaving. With the last of the owls sent off, he decided that today was the day. He was fuming inside as he collected his travel cloak from the hook in his office, and putting it on, made his way to the fireplace. The previous Headmasters and Headmistress in the portraits around his office murmured their consent and well wishes. He grabbed a pinch of Floo powder off the mantle and tossing it into fire, stated loudly, “Ministry of Magic, Cornelius Fudge’s office.” Stepping into the now green flames he disappeared.

Cornelius Fudge was sitting at his desk concentrating on the mounting paperwork that had accumulated over the last couple of days. He was frustrated and loathed paperwork however; he thought to himself that it was better than being out in the field. He sighed as he dug his heels in and started on the top memo. He was too engrossed in his work to notice the flames in the fireplace turn green. Albus Dumbledore stepped from the fireplace and onto the rug in Cornelius’ office, shaking himself to get the excess ash off his cloak. Cornelius looking up was shocked to see Albus in his office, as he was given no prior warning to the intrusion.

“What can I do for you, Albus?” he asked in a harsh voice. “I am very busy today and no time for small talk.” Cornelius continued waving his hands at the paperwork on his desk.

When Albus said nothing, Cornelius gazed into his eyes with a perturbed look on his face. He was taken aback to see Albus standing there on his rug in an irate manner. He stood up to his full height pushing the chair he was seated on backwards; it fell with a loud thud. There was a couple of feet difference between Cornelius and Albus so he puffed out his large chest. No one was going to come into his office and act like this, even if it was Albus Dumbledore, the prestigious Headmaster of Hogwarts.

“I’ll repeat my last question, what can I do for you, Albus?” Cornelius asked, now obviously flustered.

Albus Dumbledore took a long and drawn out breath in, he was clearly troubled about something. Anyone who knew the Headmaster knew that it took a lot to get him this angry.

“Where were the Aurors?” Dumbledore asked in a calm voice that his features didn’t illustrate.

“What are you on about, Albus?” Cornelius replied in a slightly tight voice.

“The Aurors, where were they when we needed them?” came Dumbledore’s reply.

“The rumours that you are going senile are evidently true then,” Cornelius said, trying to side step the question.

“Don’t you dare try my patience,” Dumbledore shot back at him; a warning glow had started to emanate his face.

“Or you’ll do what?” Cornelius asked, his voice wavering.

“You sound very confident,” said Dumbledore derisively, “so I’ll ignore that last comment as there are more pressing matters at hand.”

Cornelius tried to regain himself however his gaze faltered and left Dumbledore’s face.

“What pressing matters?” Cornelius asked, his gaze had still not returned to the Headmaster’s face and he felt like a child being berated for some nasty school yard prank.

“The matter of not sending Aurors to Hogwarts during the battle with Voldemort,” Dumbledore explained.

Cornelius winced at the mention of Voldemort's name. Looking up he faced the elderly wizard, his features showing utter bewilderment. “But our inside sources said nothing of a threat to Hogwarts,” he stammered. “Besides why would ‘He Who Must Not Be Named’ go willingly into Hogwarts and face off with the only wizard he ever feared?”

“What about my own admittance to you, I told you time and time again that Voldemort was planning something momentous,” Albus shot back.

Cornelius half-choked on Dumbledore's last words. True, he had been stating for the last half a year that ‘He Who Must Not Be Named’ was planning something, but to hit Hogwarts, that was almost unheard of. Cornelius braced both of his hands on the desk in front of him.

“Some of Voldemort's Death Eaters have escaped.” Dumbledore paused as he weighed his next sentence. “I have given Severus Snape total reign in bringing them in-dead or alive.”

Cornelius stared at the Headmaster in utter disbelief.

“But you have no power for such things; you have to go through me before…” He was cut off at the look on Dumbledore's face.

Cornelius continued weighing his thoughts carefully before he spoke.

“Severus Snape, but he’s one of them.” Disbelief edged in his now raised voice.

“Was,” Dumbledore stated calmly. “If you cared to listen, he was a spy working for me; I have stated this to you on several occasions though you chose not to pay attention to that rather important point.”

“But, but, when? How? Why we didn’t know, Albus, truly...” Cornelius started, at a loss for words.

“Harry is dead.” Dumbledore sighed cutting Cornelius off.

“What?” Cornelius managed to choke out.

“Along with the Weasleys, most of my staff and… Hermione Granger, is missing.” Dumbledore continued as though he had not been interrupted.

At this Cornelius swayed slightly before asking the question that had been plaguing him for almost seven years.

“He is gone?” It was spoken in almost whisper.

“Yes, Voldemort is dead.”

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A/N:- Yadda yadda yadda- Please review!!!!! Got to love Dumbledore!!! That's why I was sooooo sad when HBP came out.. AHHHHHHH!!!

Thanks goes out to my wonderful beta, LydiaCarol. You're the best! Also to all of my great reviewers, cheers.

Disclaimer:- I don't own it, just having some fun with J.K's characters.