Draco Malfoy walked into the Headmaster's private rooms and saw Severus sat in front of his fire reading a book. “Severus? I need your help.”
“What have you done?”
“What makes you think I have done something?” At Severus’ raised brow, Draco sighed. “Okay I may have suggested something to Harry.”
Severus stood up and slowly walked over to his godson. “I knew something was up when Harry came in here and took some papers and left mumbling under his breath.”
Draco hurried forwards. “You're Headmaster. Has Harry left the wards?”
Severus closed his eyes and concentrated. “No. He's still on Hogwarts grounds. Now. What did you do?”
“Well we were talking about how to get Fudge out of office and I just said it's a shame he hasn't got the dark mark. He can be arrested then. Harry said the papers don't only show how to remove it. But to also give someone the mark.” Draco jumped when Severus advanced on him and fisted his top.
“You should go and visit Charlie on the dragon reserve while he's finishing up, you'll be safer with those dragons than you are with me right now.”
Draco took Severus’ hands and tried to get himself free. “I didn't tell him to do it.”
“No but you put the idea in his head! Imbecile!” Severus snapped and stormed from the room.
Severus walked into the room of requirement and saw Harry sitting at a table surrounded by books. “Harry?”
Harry jumped a little and looked up. “Severus!” He gasped as he hurriedly tried to hide the papers in front of him.
“Very subtle Harry. Draco has just proved he is spending too much time with a Gryffindor as he was brave enough to tell me what you are doing.”
“What did you do to him?”
“Merely told him living on a dragon reserve is safer than him being in my company after planting the idea in your head.”
Harry sat up straighter as Severus conjured another chair and sat down facing him. “Draco didn't tell me to do anything, but it did make me realise. The biggest criminals in the ministry now are Fudge and Umbridge. Come on Severus, even you have to admit all they have done…”
“There is no way you will get close enough to them to put the mark on them and I won't let you. Harry, your soul is pure. Marking someone requires dark magic. I will do it.”
Harry frowned. “But Severus. It has to be spoken in parseltongue.”
“Being there when I got marked I am aware Harry.”
“But if you get caught…”
Severus placed his hand on his chest. “A spy for twenty years…” he placed the same hand on Harry's chest. “Reckless Gryffindor.” He smirked when Harry gave a little laugh. “I have more chance of doing it and getting away with it.”
“Fudge isn't stupid Severus, he will think one of us did it and try and prove it.”
“You forget one thing, my little imp. Fudge may be clever in some areas, but he has nothing on me.”
Harry looked closely at his lover and grinned. “You have a plan.”
Severus only gave a smirk as answer.
It was two days later when Severus walked into his rooms and saw Draco sitting next to Harry on the sofa in front of his fire. “Draco. Charlie, I understand, is back home now. Why are you not with him?”
“Well Charlie is catching up with his brothers. Harry here is going to attempt to teach you to speak parseltongue. This is more entertaining.”
Severus gave his godson one of his deadliest glares. “You say one word and you will regret it.”
Harry cleared his throat and stood up. “I still see no reason to teach you. I can do it.”
“And I have told you Harry. To create the mark is using dark magic. You are too pure, I will do it. Hopefully it will be the last dark thing I do.”
“But they will suspect you more because of your past!” Harry argued.
“Harry you trust Severus with your life so trust him with this. If he didn't know what he was doing he wouldn't do it.” Draco said.
Harry sighed. “Okay, let's get started.”
After an hour, Draco couldn't hold it any longer, he burst out laughing.
Severus raised a brow at the young Slytherin. “And what. May I ask. Is so funny?”
“Well. Harry here is talking parseltongue. You. You just sound like you're shushing someone.”
Harry turned his head to hide his smile.
“I warned you Draco.”
“You warned me to not say one word and I didn't. I said several.”
Harry gasped at how fast Severus moved. One second he was standing facing him, next second, he was throwing what looked like a white ferret into green flames as he shouted out ‘the Burrow.’
“Severus!”
“I warned him. This is getting us nowhere.” He snapped as he stormed over to the door.
“Where are you going?”
“To do what I should have done in the first place!”
Charlie Weasley jumped when the fire flared to life and a ferret came flying out which he dived across the sofa to catch. Landing on his back on the sofa, he looked down at the ferret on his chest that transfigured back into Draco when he saw Bill wave his wand. “Draco what did you do? I warned you not to piss your godfather off.”
“I couldn't help myself!”
Harry walked into the round circular room and looked around before his eyes landed on Albus Dumbledore's portrait. “Where is he sir?”
“He removed a memory from his head and went to have a look.”
Harry nodded. “Is there a chance I can see what he is watching without actually going in?”
Even though Albus was now a portrait, his eyes still seemed to twinkle. “Yes you can Harry but if you trust Severus in what he is doing and you've learned your lesson from the last time you saw one of his memories…”
Harry sighed and nodded his head. “You are right of course, he will probably say as well the less I know the better.”
“That is true. He is clever in telling his plans to me because as a portrait nothing I say will hold anything against Severus or yourself.”
Harry was about to answer when Severus reappeared. “Severus.”
“I'm fine Harry,” Severus whispered as he placed his hands on the Gryffindors shoulders and kissed his temple. “The sooner I do this the better.”
Draco walked into the study at the Manor and saw his mother staring out at the grounds. “Mother.”
Narcissa turned and gave her son a small smile. “My dragon.”
Draco walked further into the room and took his mother's hands, holding tightly. “Mother Harry needs your help. Severus does. I do.”
“What can I do?”
Severus sneered down at Fudge sleeping, mumbling as he turned onto his back. He looked down at the wand in his hand and gave a defeated sigh. Tightening his grip, he pointed the wand at Fudge's arm.
As he raised his arm, a hand circled his arm and stopped him. He turned and was shocked at who was standing next to him.
“No Severus. I'll do it.” The man said as took the wand out of Severus' hand.
Harry moaned when he felt himself being roughly shook awake. “What?”
“Get your arse out of bed scarhead, we need to get to the ministry.”
“The first morning we have a chance to lie in and you wake us like this. Perhaps me turning you into a ferret yesterday didn't make you learn the lesson of just what I will do to you if you anger me.” A voice from under the covers snapped.
Draco looked at Harry. “I'm guessing you are the morning person.”
The covers got thrown back and Severus sat up. “Do you want to be a dead one?” he threatened Draco.
“Okay okay I'm going but this is important. You need to be at the ministry talking to Kingsley within the hour. All will be revealed.” he said before quickly leaving.
Harry threw the covers back and stood up. “Shower together I think to save time.”
“Showering together in your current state we won't be saving anytime. Go shower Harry. I will go afterwards.”
Harry laughed and hurried into the bathroom.
Severus walked into the ministry with Harry and looked around as he made his way to the lifts. “Did he give any specific instructions?” he whispered.
“No. Charlie said to just make sure we are there talking to Kingsley. I am as much in the dark as you are.”
“I don't like this.” Severus murmured as he and Harry stepped into the lifts. “Being kept in the dark.”
Harry laughed. “Now you know how I felt all through school with Albus.”
When they arrived at the auror department they saw Kingsley and headed over to him.
“Kingsley! How has it been?” Harry asked.
Kingsley turned and smiled when he saw them both. “Extremely busy. Honestly, arresting everyone who has a dark mark. We are talking about sixteen year olds that were forced by their parents as well.”
Severus opened his mouth to reply when he heard a woman screaming Fudge’s name. Turning he saw Narcissa walk up to Kingsley.
“I demand to see Fudge right now. I mean it Kingsley!”
“He should be on his way here Mrs Malfoy to oversee the arrests, is there anything I can help with?”
Narcissa looked over Kingsley's shoulder and lifted her arm and pointed. “Yes! You can arrest Fudge.”
Fudge who had just walked in, froze at Narcissa’s words. “What is going on here.”
Harry watched as Narcissa walked over to Fudge and slapped him around the face.
“Hypocrite! You storm into Hogwarts, tell my son he is to be arrested and thrown in azkaban for having the mark when you have it also!”
“What?” Kingsley asked as he hurried over. “Fudge has a bare arm.”
Narcissa glared at Kingsley. “There are spells to hide it. I know he has the mark as I was there when he had it done! Making a deal with that madman wanting power. Him and that nasty woman dressed in pink.”
“Umbridge?” Harry asked, looking shocked.
Narcissa turned and gave Harry a little smile. “Hello Harry dear. And yes. That awful woman. All she was bothered about after getting her mark is wanting order!”
Kingsley looked over his shoulder. “Stevens! Go and get Umbridge, she is needed now.” He said before walking over to Fudge. “Sleeve up minister.”
“Absolutely not!” Fudge spluttered. “This Is ridiculous!”
“On the contrary Minister, you are having everyone you suspect checked, surely it isn't one rule for us and a different one for you.” Severus said.
Fudge glared. “This has nothing to do with you Snape, what are you even doing here?”
“He and Harry are here because I needed to see them, now stop stalling, Minister, your arm!” Kingsley snapped just as Stevens came back with Umbridge.
“Unhand me you appalling man!” she snapped.
“Ah. Now you are here, we can begin. I have been informed that both you and the minister have the mark on your arm so if I can just see.” When Umbridge folded her arms, Kingsley sighed. “Come on now, either show us willingly or be forced, you know the procedure, as its been pointed out to Fudge, it isn't one rule for one and a different for others. Someone has come forward saying they saw you both receive the mark.”
“Then use veritaserum on them!” Umbridge screeched.
“If neither of you have the mark, the potion will be used to find out why the allegation. Now willingly or forced?” Kingsley asked.
With two death glares aimed at Kingsley, as one, Fudge and Umbridge lifted the sleeve of their arm.
“See! Two bare arms.” Fudge said.
“It can be hidden like you state Minister. “ Kingsley said and waved his wand and everyone watched as a dark mark appeared on not only Fudge’s arm. But Umbridge as well.
Severus and Harry watched as Fudge and Umbridge started sputtering and swearing and shouting about it not being real and a set up before Fudge looked at Harry and Severus.
“You! Both of you have done something! I know of it. I didn't have this yesterday, they have done something. Check their wands!”
“Now Fudge think on what you are saying. It takes dark magic to do it.” Kingsley said.
“I don't care, check their wands.”
Harry tried not to let his panic show when he and Severus offered their wands to Kingsley. He didn't know if Severus used his own or Harry’s to do the dark mark.
Everyone watched as spells were shown.
“Well I have checked both wands, gone back as far as the last sixty spells. I see no dark magic and all the spells that were used are everyday ones.”
“That nasty brat has got one of his friends to do it.” Umbridge screeched.
“I can honestly say I haven't got my friends to do anything. After all. It's what you taught me. I must not tell lies.” Harry said.
“You are quite welcome to check wands of the order Kingsley. I am sure they won't mind.” Severus offered.
“Thank you Severus. I will have to check everyone's.” he said before turning to Stevens. “Arrest these two now.”
“No!” Fudge shouted as he tried to get out of the aurors hold. “I am Minister!”
“I would like to help, but like you said, you've made it law so even I can't change it.” Harry said.
As Fudge and Umbridge got led away and Kingsley thanked Narcissa for coming in, Harry sidled up to Severus. “What are we going to do with all the wands being checked?”
“Don't worry Harry he won't find anything.”
“He will check all wands registered to us all!” Harry whispered.
“He still won't find the wand.”
Harry looked closely at Severus. “What have you done?”
Severus glanced around before dropping his head. “It was Albus’ wand that did it before I returned it back to him.”
Harry blinked in shock as Severus called out to Kingsley and walked over to him and Narcissa, not sure what to think of Severus’ answer.
When they arrived back at Hogwarts, they walked into Severus' private rooms and stopped when they saw Draco sitting in the chair with his arms folded and Lucius and Narcissa sitting on the sofa.
“Malfoy? I thought you were already in azkaban.”
“I will be within the next week. I went into hiding to spend time with Narcissa before I get taken in. I just wanted to help an old friend for old times sake one last time.”
Draco looked from his father to Harry. “He stopped Severus, he put the mark on Fudge and Umbridge’s arm.” he explained.
“Of course I did. Severus hasn't done anything dark in years. He isn't starting now, he has turned his life around and is free.” Lucius stood up. “I know I will be going to azkaban for the crimes I have committed and I hold my hands up to all of them. But knowing that brown nose of a man and that toad face woman is in there with me makes it all the more bearable.” he walked over to Severus and held his hand out. “I am sorry old friend. Truly.”
Severus took Lucius’ hand and shook it. “Thank you.”
“Thank you for this Lucius. I-”
Lucius cut across Harry. “It's fine, Potter. Thank you for saving my son by removing the mark, I am fine going to azkaban. I just ask if you can use your name and do something for me?”
“If I can. What is it?”
Lucius smirked.
It was three months later when Harry walked through the doors of azkaban and held on close to Severus. “How did Sirius last all those years in here?”
“You didn't have to come, Harry.” Severus said as he tightened his hold on the younger man.
“I wouldn't miss this!” Harry said as they stopped in front of a door. “Lucius? We are here to pick you up.”
Bars rattled and Harry and Severus saw Fudge appear. “What? What's going on? He is not allowed out! He has the mark!”
Lucius walked out of his cell and shook Severus’ hand.
Harry smiled. “It is true and you did make it law how any who have the mark is to be placed in azkaban. But you never stated for how long. I used who I am to get Lucius out.”
“You can get me out then Potter.”
“I could, but I only got Lucius out because of his wife and son. But I have done something for you."
Lucius smirked. “Meet your new neighbour!”
Fudge watched from the bars as Umbridge was struggling against the hold the guard had on her.
“No! I shouldn't even be here. All those filthy half breeds should be in here. I should be at my rightful place.”
“Well your place at the ministry was by the minister's side. Now you are back in your rightful place.” Severus said.
As they all started to leave the place all they could hear was Fudge and Umbridge shouting after them.
Walking out the main doors, Lucius saw Narcissa and Draco standing there. His son holding the hand of who he suspected was Charlie, given his dragon earring. He thanked Harry and Severus and walked over to greet his wife and son.
Harry looked up at Severus. “Can we get on with our lives now and live how we want to live?”
Severus wrapped his arms around Harry and looked down at him, smirking a little. “Yes.” he answered before joining lips with his Gryffindor.
The end.