Snape's Grudge Part 1
No one in Gryffindor Tower slept that night... to tell them that he had again escaped.
The teachers sighed. The children should have been asleep.
Throughout the day... tiny cracks in the walls to mouse holes.
"Surely you should have taken all the security measures possible before the children even returned to school," Kingsley said.
"Why weren't the aurors there?" Amelia asked.
"We were all searching Hogsmeade," Kingsley said, "in case he was still in the area."
Sir Cadogan had been fired.
"Good riddance," George muttered.
His portrait had been taken back... comparing the size of their clubs.
"Security trolls?" Sirius actually laughed. He'd have gotten past them easily.
Harry couldn't help noticing... the hidden passageway within it.
Minerva frowned at that. It was very concerning that there were ways in and out of the school that the staff knew nothing about.
"D'you reckon we should tell someone?"... he would never be able to go into Hogsmeade again.
"There was always next year," Hermione said.
"Uncle Vernon wouldn't sign the form," young Harry said. "I'll never get permission."
Sirius wrapped the boy up in his arms. He'd make sure he had the full Hogwarts experience, Hogsmeade weekends and everything.
Ron had become an instant celebrity... with a wealth of detail.
"Did you even think about how Harry felt?" Remus asked as gently as he could. "You thought Sirius was trying to kill Harry. Did you think to check if he was concerned?"
Ron blushed. No. He hadn't thought about that.
"His safest place in the school, possibly his entire world, had been violated," Remus continued. "Did any of the teachers check if he was okay?"
The teachers all looked more ashamed than Ron. Remus wondered if he'd checked. He could only hope that his older self had had the sense to do so.
". . . I was asleep... and then I yelled, and he scampered.
Remus rolled his eyes. He couldn't help but wonder if Ron was only Harry's friend because of his fame. Sure, he'd seen some better qualities in the young man in the earlier books but he didn't like this. It didn't sit well with him at all.
"Why, though?"... "Why did he run?"
"Good question," Moody growled.
Harry had been wondering the same thing... four of whom were asleep.
"Very good point," Tonks said. It amazed her how much Harry thought like an auror. Even at thirteen.
"He must've known he'd have a job ... then he would've met the teachers. . . "
That was a reasonable assumption. Although, all good aurors knew never to assume. Tonks still thought the boy had a good head on his shoulders all the same. He certainly had more sense than she did at that age.
Neville was in total disgrace... given him a detention,
"For the year?" Remus asked.
Minerva nodded.
Remus sighed. It wasn't the worst punishment the head of house had awarded in these books so far.
and forbidden anyone to give him the password... unpleasantly at him.
"Now that is unreasonable!" Remus almost shouted. "You can't lock him out of his own common room and dorm."
The parents in the chamber certainly looked ready to put up a stink about it. Minerva sighed. "I will admit I was too heavy handed."
Her younger self even glared at her. That was definitely a bad sign. "You think?"
Augusta hadn't said anything yet, but her face was bright red and she looked about ready to explode. Her younger self was glaring at the teachers.
"In what world did you think that was a -" Augusta paused, taking a deep breath, struggling to rein her temper in. "What in the name of Merlin, possessed you to..."
The elderly witch looked down at her grandson and grimaced. "Minerva, I'm actually lost for words. You honestly thought that it was alright to restrict my... to restrict a student's access to their common room and dormitory? I - I - I cannot fathom what you were thinking. As far as you knew, there was a murderer on the loose. One that had broken into the castle twice. And you left my grandson to what... wander the castle, waiting for help, each and every night. It's disgraceful. It's callous. He was a child. He made a mistake. What you did... I have no words for what you did. You ENDANGERED MY GRANDSON, the heir of my house, all I have left in this world, as some sort of petty punishment for a mistake. A mistake."
"A mistake that was born out of the school's poor choice of house portrait, might I add," her younger self pointed out. "If he hadn't been changing the password every few hours, Neville might not have felt the need to write them all down."
Minerva didn't speak. She felt utterly tongue-tied.
"You should thank Merlin, I didn't know about this," Augusta continued, "or I promise you I'd have had you out of your job before Yule."
"I'm sorry," Minerva said eventually.
"I don't want to hear it. We send our children to Hogwarts for nine months out of the year, for seven years. We give you them to care for. We entrust them into your hands. And THIS is what you do with them?" Augusta glared at the other witch. "You leave them out in the cold, scared and alone. What lesson does that teach?" She shook her head.
"That they're alone," Remus said. "That adults can't be trusted. That forgiveness even for mistakes is unattainable..."
"I'm quite sure those are lessons I would rather my grandson not learn," Augusta said. "Perhaps, I've put too much trust in Hogwarts."
None of these punishments... a Howler.
"I shouldn't have done that," Augusta said with a heavy sigh. "And Neville, I promise you, had I known the nature of your punishment, I'd have shown up at the castle and demanded your removal. Our family might have a long history of attending Hogwarts, but traditions can be changed."
"Howlers should not be allowed at Hogwarts," Remus said. "If parents or guardians want to speak to their children, they should come to the school for a meeting."
Augusta nodded her head in agreement. She had been wrong to send the howler.
The school owls swooped into the Great Hall... shame on the whole family.
"I'm so sorry, Neville," Augusta murmured quietly.
Her grandson looked almost terrified to receive an apology from her. Was it really that unusual for her to admit when she was wrong?
Harry was too busy feeling sorry for Neville... "He probably wants to hear all about Black!" said Ron.
Everyone sighed - or at least all the Weasley children did. Ron was insufferable when he was the center of attention.
So at six o'clock that afternoon... "Oh," said Ron, looking slightly put out.
The twins laughed.
The first thing they saw... completely forgotten that Buckbeak's trial was so near,
"It wasn' your fault, Harry," Hagrid said. "You had a lot on yer mind."
and judging by the uneasy look on Ron's face, he had too.
Sirius might agree with Hagrid that Harry had reason to forget but he didn't think Ron had that excuse. Not that he really thought it was their responsibility but they had made a promise. And promises to friends mattered.
They had also forgotten their promise... driven it clean out of their minds.
Sirius frowned. That wasn't really a good enough reason. But it was possible Harry was just trying to focus on positive things, instead of all the things that had him worried.
Hagrid poured them tea... experience with Hagrid's cooking.
Hagrid laughed at that.
"I got somethin' ter discuss with you two,"... now yer not talkin' to her because her cat -"
Sirius smiled. Finally an adult was interceding between them. Maybe this drama would be put to rest.
"ate Scabbers!"... reckon he'll stand a good chance now. . . "
Hermione smiled at Hagrid. She hadn't known he'd done this.
"Hagrid, we should've helped as well... more'n broomsticks or rats. Tha's all. "
Sirius frowned. Harry shouldn't be lumped in with Ron. He'd already talked to Hermione. It wasn't his fault he was stuck in the middle.
Harry and Ron exchanged uncomfortable looks... an' you two not talkin' to her -"
"I wasn't not talking to her," Harry said. "But its hard to spend time with her when she's studying all the time. It's not like she wanted me to disturb her studying."
He'd been shouted at enough times for trying to do that to last a lifetime.
"If she'd just get rid of that cat, I'd speak to her again!" Ron said angrily.
"That's an unreasonable demand," Claudius said. "Ultimatums like that never end well."
"I was angry," Ron said, folding his arms.
"I know. And I think you had good reason to be angry," Claudius replied. "But anger is a very destructive emotion and usually we feel it when we don't understand our true feelings."
Ron looked confused as the mind healer continued. "Anger masks other emotions. Usually sadness. You were sad because your pet was dead and felt your friend didn't care. But you won't face that pain until you allow yourself to feel it instead of holding on to your anger."
"Huh," Ron tilted his head thoughtfully.
"But she's still sticking up... few ferret bones onto Hagrid's pillow.
Everyone laughed. They knew enough about Hagrid and his pets.
They spent the rest of their visit... passage into Honeydukes. . . " Harry said, even more quietly.
Sirius frowned. This really was a risk Harry shouldn't have been taking.
"Harry, you can't!" Mrs Weasley began but Sirius raised his hand, cutting the woman off before she could start ranting. She looked highly indignant.
"Harry, you really thought I wanted to kill you?" Sirius asked.
"Yes," Harry answered, giving him a wary look.
"And you thought I'd broken into the castle twice to kill you?"
"Yes."
"And so it was fair to assume I was still in the area?"
"I suppose."
"Which is more important a trip to Hogsmeade or your life?"
Harry looked unsure how to answer. Obviously his life was more important.
"I don't know why going to Hogsmeade felt so important," Harry said eventually.
"I do," Sirius said, softly. "You wanted to be just like everyone else and everyone else was going to Hogsmeade. This was just one more thing that made you different. I understand, but I need you to know that your life is more important. Going to Hogsmeade without permission is even more dangerous than if you'd gone with it. The teachers would think you were safe in the castle. They might never know if something happened to you while you were sneaking out."
"You sneaked out!" Harry tried to argue, even though he knew it was rather childish.
"Yes, but what sort of role model, am I?" Sirius said with a harsh laugh.
"Alright. I get it. I shouldn't have gone," Harry said with a sigh. He knew his godfather was right. He'd known it was wrong. But he couldn't help but think it was one of the very few times where he broke the rules for himself. Where he did what he wanted instead of what everyone else expected.
"Harry!"... I'll tell Professor McGonagall about that map!" said Hermione.
Sirius sighed. That would not help.
George and the younger twins looked highly offended.
"Can you hear someone talking, Harry?" growled Ron, not looking at Hermione.
Hagrid sighed. Clearly his little talk had had no effect at all.
"Ron, how can you let him... I mean it, I'll tell -"
"Ron doesn't let me do anything, Hermione," Harry said crossly. "He's not my dad and your not my mum. I make my own decisions."
Hermione blinked, taken aback.
Galenius sighed. "Hermione, you came into this conversation in a confrontational way. You couldn't possibly have expected to get a positive response. Threatening your friends is not the answer. Share your concerns, by all means. But don't just threaten them with teachers. While I think we can all agree Harry should not be going to Hogsmeade under the circumstances, this was not the way to get him to see sense. And Ron, did you not listen to anything Hagrid said to you?"
Ron blushed.
"We all have tempers," Galenius said, "but if you keep letting yours get the better of you, you will find eventually there will be consequences that will be far harder to overcome than a simple falling out between friends."
Albus shared a look with his brother. This was a lesson they'd learned the hard way.
"So now you're trying to get Harry expelled!"... and hurried away toward the girls' dormitories.
Sirius and Remus exchanged a look. These two were ridiculous. Harry hadn't even gotten a chance to say anything.
"So how about it?"... You haven't even been inside Zonko's yet!"
"Ronald, you shouldn't be encouraging Harry to put his life in danger!" Mrs Weasley scolded. She was trying very hard to master her own temper which was threatening to overwhelm her, but Galenius was right. And Molly was beginning to wonder if this was her fault. She'd always been hot headed herself. Perhaps she should sign herself up for one of those private sessions with them.
Harry looked around to check... the Invisibility Cloak this time. "
Sirius sighed. It was better than nothing he supposed.
On Saturday morning... "See you when you get back!"
The adults in the chamber were certain something would go wrong.
Ron grinned and winked.
Sirius groaned. Ron had no sense of secrecy.
Harry hurried up to the third floor... Neville Longbottom.
"Should have just stayed with Neville," Harry muttered to himself.
Harry quickly pulled out his wand... "Want a game of Exploding Snap?"
Harry gave Neville an apologetic smile.
"Er - not now -... I forgot, I finished it last night!"
Sirius shook his head, feeling a little disappointed. Harry was nicer than this. He should have just told Neville something closer to the truth. Said he wanted some time alone or something. Or better yet, played bloody exploding snap.
"Great, you can help me!"... "An odd place to meet -"
Sirius rolled his eyes. Severus was always so suspicious.
To Harry's immense disquiet... where you belong. "
Minerva frowned at that. While she agreed Harry shouldn't be trying to sneak out, Severus shouldn't constantly be trying to shut him up in the tower. The students had the run of the school on weekends. And Harry should be no different.
Harry and Neville set off without another word... examining it closely.
Sirius exchanged a look with Severus. The bat was definitely too clever for his own good.
Harry managed to shake Neville off... "Snape was hanging around. "
"Bets on how long it takes for Harry to get into trouble?" George asked. "House bet is an hour."
"Ten minutes," Lee Jordan said.
Draco rolled his eyes. He remembered this day.
They set off up the High Street... sat in the palm of Harry's hand.
The girls in the chamber cooed.
Then they visited Zonko's... a Nose-Biting Teacup apiece.
"All banned at Hogwarts," George said sadly.
The day was fine and breezy... but all the entrances are sealed shut. . . "
"For good reason," Remus said.
Harry, feeling hot from their climb... about how I couldn't use it for three months. . . "
"I did nothing of the sort," Lucius said. "I told the truth - well, close to. Said that you were attacked. I never told them your injury lasted because unlike you son, I do try not to lie when I can help it."
"No, father," Draco said softly.
Crabbe and Goyle sniggered... That Hippogriff's as good as dead -"
"That's not something to be proud of," Amos said. "My department hates putting down well behaved beasts. I promise you that if I'd known you'd baited the poor thing, I'd have had you charged for hippogriff baiting."
Draco gulped. He hadn't even known that was a crime.
Malfoy suddenly caught sight of Ron... all sleep in one room - is that true?"
Lucius wondered if he needed to apologise for his son again. He was getting quite irritated with it.
Harry seized the back of Ron's robes to stop him from leaping on Malfoy.
Galenius sighed. There was that temper again.
"Leave him to me,"... blond hair was suddenly dripping in muck.
The young lions all laughed.
"What the... trying to rub it out of his small, dull eyes.
Minerva thought she should probably say something but really what was the point? This happened years ago. And she was actually a little unnerved by what Augusta had said. She'd failed one of her lions. In fact, it seemed she'd failed more than one and she was beginning to question her own judgement.
"It came from over there!"... Malfoy stared at him.
Sirius facepalmed. He'd been seen.
"AAARGH!"... you'd better get back to the castle, quick -"
"You think," Remus said with a roll of his eyes.
"See you later,"... if Malfoy said anything -
Dumbledore himself frowned. He wondered how his older self would deal with that?
Back into Honeydukes... he heard quick footsteps approaching.
"My bet is on Snape," George said.