Severus strode down the corridor having split up with Barty at some point previously. Barty had retired to his chambers knowing that Dumbledore would call him soon enough when he found out from Severus about the Dark Lord’s supposed return. Dumbledore would want to gather his most trusted and loyal followers around him when he found out that Voldemort had returned.
Severus knew that it would have looked suspicious if he and Barty disguised as Alastor “Mad-Eye” Moody turned up together. Severus Snape was after all a known ex-Death Eater and Alastor Moody hated all Death Eaters even Severus who was cleared by Dumbledore himself. Severus meanwhile was wary of the ex-Auror who was known to be gunning for the blood of all Death Eaters who like Severus had escaped justice.
‘Chocoballs,’ Severus sneered.
Dumbledore constantly set sweet themed passwords that were pointless. Severus knew that the password could be guessed by any absent minded first year. Many had done so over the years. Severus wondered why Albus even bothered to have a password that anyone could guess.
He may as well just have an open office like Severus so that his Slytherins could come to him any time of the day. The only time Severus’ office was locked was when Severus was not present due to classes, sleep, patrolling or meals.
‘Severus,’ Dumbledore greeted.
Severus didn’t say anything just struck out his arm and pulled up his robe. Displayed clearly was the Dark Mark clear as the day it was made although not burning black as it would when the Dark Lord called them. Dumbledore’s face grew very grim as he surveyed the Dark Mark as he realised what it meant.
‘It would appear that the Dark Lord has returned,’ Dumbledore said grimly.
Severus didn’t say anything knowing that Dumbledore wouldn’t expect him to. Severus Snape had never believed in idle chit chat. Severus watched as the old man’s bright blue eyes flicked. Dumbledore was clearly thinking quickly about what to do next.
‘Have you been called?’ Dumbledore asked sharply.
It was there that Snape saw the warrior rather than the genial grandfatherly figure that Dumbledore preferred to present to the ignorant masses. This, however, was the strategist who was happy to sacrifice his followers for the greater good. The manipulator who was not above kidnapping and murder to get his way.
‘I have not,’ Snape replied. ‘I have checked in with old acquaintances none of whom have been called.’
Severus had indeed soon as he returned to the Castle gone to his rooms and Flooed all those who Dumbledore knew had Death Eater ties. He even Flooed Malfoy Manor despite knowing Lucius wouldn’t be there so that if Dumbledore checked the Floo logs it wouldn’t look suspicious that Severus wasn’t contacting Lucius Malfoy. There was a reason that Severus had lasted so long as a spy in the Dark Lord’s ranks; he made sure that he always had the story to back it up even going so far as to stage memories should it be needed.
Dumbledore sent out three Phoenix Patroni that split off. Severus kept quiet ready to report to the Dark Lord everything that happened in the first war meeting since the Dark Lord had fallen all those years ago. Severus guessed that they would be sent to Minerva, Alastor and Fudge.
Minerva and Alastor were the only members of the Order who Dumbledore thought he could trust in making his plans. Hagrid, on the other hand, would never be able to keep a secret or at least not with a few drinks down him. Both Moody and Minerva had worked for the DMLE and to this day were highly skilled in Defensive spells.
Fudge meanwhile was needed – if not wanted – as Dumbledore would need the Ministry’s support or more exactly the DMLE’s Aurors if they were to start preparing for the war that would start soon. Severus privately thought that Dumbledore was deluded if he thought that Fudge would be willing to believe Voldemort’s return based on his and Dumbledore’s word alone. Not when Fudge was so bloody terrified of Voldemort and motivated mainly by his own political gain.
Minerva was the first to arrive striding into the office looking more frazzled than she usually did probably due to the Dark Lord’s son using the Weasley twins as a distraction. Severus wondered what would happen when she realised her precious James and Harry Potter were the husband and son of the Dark Lord. Severus somehow didn’t think that these revelations would be received well by the Light witch.
‘Albus, Severus, what has happened?’ Minerva demanded.
‘I am afraid that the Dark Lord has returned,’ Dumbledore said gravely.
Minerva gasped in horror, ‘how?’
‘Of how I cannot yet say,’ Albus replied.
Minerva’s eyes zeroed on Severus, ‘have you been called?’
‘Not yet,’ Severus replied grimly.
‘What are we going to do?’ demanded Minerva.
‘First we will speak to Cornelius,’ Dumbledore said.
Minerva’s lips thinned, ‘do you really think that Cornelius Fudge will do anything of use? You know what Cornelius is like!’
As Minerva spoke her Scottish brogue became more and more clear. Severus was amused that Minerva was far more on the ball that Dumbledore. If there was even a chance Cornelius would help them it was dashed with both Dolores Umbridge and Lucius Malfoy whispering in both the Minister of Magic’s ears.
‘I believe that Cornelius will do what he needs to in order to protect his people,’ Albus spoke softly.
Both Severus and Minerva snorted at the same time. Severus may have known that Dumbledore didn’t see the goodness in people as much as he claimed to as was evidenced by how he abused the Dark Lord’s son but Minerva did. And she had seen with the Chamber and the Black incident how the Minister looked after his people.
‘You know as well as I Albus that Fudge will only want to be seen doing something,’ Minerva said. ‘That man works for his own ends only. And no one will want to believe the Dark Lord has returned until they have no option but to accept the truth!’
Fudge came in next with Barty following after the Minister of Magic. Fudge did not look happy at being called away from the party that Severus knew would be still taking place. Severus was sure that the Minister of Magic would be busy boasting to the international representatives that their student had won especially since he was three years younger than the other three champions.
‘Cornelius, Alastor,’ greeted Dumbledore. ‘I’m afraid to be the one to tell you that Lord Voldemort has returned.’
‘You-Know-Who … returned? Preposterous. Come now, Dumbledore …’ Fudge stuttered going pale and reacting just as they had predicted Fudge would.
“Alastor” scowled at Severus, ‘should this really be discussed here?’
Severus knew what the man was implying. That Severus was reporting to the Dark Lord which of course both he and Barty were. As well as exactly what Alastor Moody would be expected to say. Nor would Moody be surprised that the Dark Lord had returned. If anything Moody would be shocked it hadn’t happened before.
‘Alastor,’ Dumbledore said warningly. ‘We have spoken about this before. Severus has my complete trust. Cornelius, I have it on good authority from a trusted source that Voldemort has returned.’
‘See here, Dumbledore,’ said Fudge a smile dawning on his face. ‘You – you – can’t seriously believe that You-Know-Who is back?’
‘Voldemort has returned,’ Dumbledore repeated. ‘If you accept that straight away, Fudge, and take the necessary measures, we may still be able to save this situation. The first and most essential step is to remove Azkaban from the control of the Dementors –‘
‘As you should have done when they betrayed us in the last war,’ Moody said darkly. ‘And now we have those Dark creatures solely responsible for the Death Eaters continued incarceration! It will not be long before Voldemort releases his most loyal and murderous followers!’
Fudge was shaking his head desperately, ‘preposterous!’ Fudge shouted.
Severus shared a look with Minerva whose lips were thin, cheeks flushed and hands clenched. She like everyone else in the room had realised that Fudge would never believe them. Severus wondered why Dumbledore had ever believed that Cornelius Oswald Fudge would believe anything else!
‘Remove the Dementors? I’d be kicked out of office for suggesting it!’ Fudge snapped furiously.
Severus rolled his eyes at the man. Just like they had predicted Fudge was far more concerned with his power than with the good of the Wizarding World. This of course was good for the Dark side but terrible for the Light side.
‘Half of us only feel safe in our beds at night because we know that the Dementors are standing guard at Azkaban,’ Fudge blustered.
Severus doubted he’d feel the same when the Dark Lord broke his most loyal followers out of jail. Nor did he think Fudge would feel the same when the Dementors broke free from the Ministry’s oppressive control. The Dementors would be far happier with the freedom they would be given in the Dark Lord’s control.
‘The rest of us sleep less soundly in our beds, Cornelius, knowing that you have put the Dark Lord’s most dangerous supporters who will join him the instant he asks them!’ said Dumbledore gravely. ‘They will not remain loyal to you, Fudge!’
‘Not when Voldemort offers them such a larger range of meals,’ sneered Moody.
‘With the Dementors behind him, and his old supporters returned to him, you will be hard-pressed to stop him regaining the sort of power he had thirteen years ago!’ Dumbledore warned.
Severus watched as Fudge opened and closed his mouth. Severus could have smirked. Dumbledore didn’t realise he was playing right into the Dark Lord’s hands. Dumbledore was used to being able to manipulate people into doing what he wanted out of fear. Fudge, however, was more likely to avoid the problem rather than respond to the perceived threat especially if it threatened his power base which it would.
‘The second step you must take – and at once is to send envoys to the giants,’ Dumbledore continued.
Dumbledore was once again digging himself into a bigger hole. Fudge would never think of allying himself with the giants for two reasons. Firstly, he was the typical anti-creature Pure Blood. Secondly, his opposition would call a Vote of No Confidence if he tried to make an alliance with giant who were hated and feared in equal measures.
‘Envoys to the giants!’ Fudge shrieked face turning puce which was always a bad sign. ‘What madness is this!?’ Fudge demanded fear and outrage competing with the Minister.
‘Extend them the hand of friendship, now, before it is too late,’ Dumbledore urged the Minister urgently and fruitlessly, ‘or Voldemort will persuade them, as he did before, that he alone among wizards will give them their rights and their freedom!’
Quite rightfully thought Severus as there was no way either the Light or Neutral wizards would give any non-human their rights. Many had promised over the years for a huge variety of reasons but they all fell through because they didn’t care about the plights of the creatures which were a threat to them. It was only someone like the Dark Lord who saw that the hatred and prejudice of witches and wizards was tearing their tiny community apart. Unless someone did something about it soon their society would become too fractured to survive!
‘You - you cannot be serious!’ Fudge gasped, shaking his head and retreating further from Dumbledore. ‘If the magical community got wind that I had approached the giants -people hate them, Dumbledore - end of my career –‘
Fudge hit the point that he found most important in all this. Not the threat of war. Not the terrible state of magical Britain and to varying extents the rest of the world. No Fudge’s motives were greed and power. All in Fudge was acting exactly as they had expected him to.
Barty snorted, ‘and it still will be if the people find out you were warned about the Dark Lord’s return and did NOTHING!’ Barty shouted causing everyone to jump.
‘You are blinded!’ Dumbledore said fury and power making a shiver run through the gathered witch and wizards. ‘By the love of the office you hold, Cornelius!’
Dumbledore had obviously realised that Fudge was not going to listen to reason or Dumbledore’s manipulations. Scaring Fudge into action was his last resort. One that Dumbledore rarely used as fear tended to lead to betrayal but Dumbledore was desperate as Fudge was not playing Dumbledore’s game.
‘You place too much importance, and you always have done, on the so-called purity of blood!’ Dumbledore accurately summarised. ‘You fail to recognize that it matters not what someone is born, but what they grow to be!’
Dumbledore may have been right about Fudge but he was just as narrow minded. Dumbledore would always see any child or adult Dark witch or wizard as evil no matter their actions. Hence, why he had let Black rot without so much of a trial because he knew that Black was Dark by nature if not choice.
‘I tell you now-take the steps I have suggested, and you will be remembered, in office or out, as one of the bravest and greatest Ministers of Magic we have ever known. Fail to act - and history will remember you as the man who stepped aside and allowed Voldemort a second chance to destroy the world we have tried to rebuild!’ Dumbledore warned.
Severus doubted that would happen as if everything went according to plan the Wizarding World would never know that Voldemort had returned. Nor would they realise that the complete changing of their society was due to the Voldemort’s actions. Of course, once Fudge had outlived his usefulness he would be replaced with one of their own.
‘Insane … mad …’ Fudge whispered.
‘If your determination to shut your eyes will carry you as far as this, Cornelius…,’ Dumbledore sighed as though the thought physically pained him, ‘…we have reached a parting of the ways. You must act as you see fit. And I - I shall act as I see fit.’
Severus repressed a smirk once more knowing that if Dumbledore had resorted to thinly veiled threats then he like everyone in the room had come to the conclusion that Cornelius could not be convinced. Not that there had ever been any hope of that. Fudge was a man who was more concerned about himself than anyone else so Voldemort’s return would do nothing but harm his reputation.
‘Now, see here, Dumbledore,’ Fudge said, waving a threatening finger at the most powerful Light wizard in Britain and probably Europe. ‘I've given you free rein, always. I've had a lot of respect for you. I might not have agreed with some of your decisions, but I've kept quiet. There aren't many who'd have let you hire werewolves, or keep Hagrid, or decide what to teach your students without reference to the Ministry. But if you're going to work against me –‘
‘The only one against who I attend to work is Lord Voldemort,’ Dumbledore said simply completing cutting off Fudge’s tirade. ‘If you are against him, then we remain, Cornelius, on the same side –‘
‘He can’t be back, Dumbledore, he just can’t be,’ Fudge said desperately backing away as though physical distance would change the truth of Dumbledore’s words.
‘Don’t yer be so obtuse, Fudge,’ Minerva said her Scottish brogue coming out. ‘He is back and if yer don’t do yer part then we’ve lost the war before its even begun!’
‘I don't know what you and your staff are playing at, Dumbledore, but I have heard enough. I have no more to add. I will be in touch with you tomorrow, Dumbledore, to discuss the running of this school. I must return to the Ministry,’ Fudge said.
Fudge strode out as quickly as possible without actually running away from the problem. Severus and Barty’s eyes met. Just like they had expected Fudge was avoiding the problem and turning against Dumbledore.
Now it was Lucius’ job.
‘There is work to be done,’ Dumbledore said turning to them. ‘Minerva all those that we can persuade of the truth must be notified immediately. Inform them that there shall be a meeting first thing tomorrow morning. I shall have Fawkes deliver messages with the time and date.’
Minerva nodded, ‘yes, Albus,’ she said before Flooing off.
‘Alastor, I want to see Hagrid and Madam Maxime in my office as soon as possible,’ Dumbledore turned to the Auror obviously planning to send the two half-giants as envoys to the giants as Fudge would not. ‘Then contact any contacts you have in the Ministry who will be persuaded of the truth.’
Barty nodded once to Fudge and strode off to get Hagrid. Severus waited for his own instructions knowing that he would not be in the room for the half-giants debriefing. Dumbledore preferred not to have anyone but him know the details of all the plans.
‘Severus, talk to your contacts,’ Albus ordered.
Severus bowed his head and used the headmaster’s Floo to get to Lucius’. Luckily it was exactly where Dumbledore expected him to be going. Severus planned to report directly to the Dark Lord about Dumbledore’s plans.
‘Severus,’ nodded Lucius.
‘Lucius,’ Severus replied. ‘Fudge will likely be contacting you.’
‘So Dumbledore informed him,’ Lucius said not posing it as a question.
Severus nodded, ‘not that Fudge believed him.’
‘Of course not,’ sneered Lucius.
Severus used Lucius’ Floo to Floo to the Dark Lord’s Manor. The Dark Lord was sitting in his high backed armchair in the drawing room sipping a glass of mead with a piece of parchment in his other hand. The Potter boy wasn’t present.
‘Severus,’ the Dark Lord spoke. ‘What is Dumbledore planning?’
Severus reiterated everything that had happened in Dumbledore’s office. The Dark Lord nodded looking pleased with what had happened. This didn’t surprise Severus as so far things were going to plan.
‘Keep me informed,’ instructed the Dark Lord.
‘Of course, my Lord,’ Severus bowed.
‘Bring Black to me,’ the Dark Lord added.
‘Yes, my Lord,’ bowed Severus.
Severus went back to the Apparation point not looking forward to the conversation which was to follow with Black. He Apparated to the cave in which Black was staying glad to see that the mutt was still there frowning at a parchment in his hands. Dumbledore had clearly already contacted the Animagus.
‘Voldemort’s back,’ commented Black.
‘Indeed,’ Severus replied dryly suppressing a flinch at the Dark Lord’s name.
‘Who are you here for?’ asked the dog.
‘The Dark Lord,’ Severus replied.
Much to Severus’ surprise the mutt looked relieved that he wasn’t being sent by Dumbledore. Severus raised his eyebrows at the Animagus questioning him on his reaction. Black didn’t answer glowering at Severus.
‘Shut up, Snivellus!’ snapped Black.
Severus smirked, ‘the Dark Lord has requested your presence.’
‘Of course he has,’ muttered Sirius. ‘Alright then take me to your Leader!’
Severus rolled his eyes at the Pure-Blood’s immaturity at the same time wondering who had introduced the Black heir to that particular Muggle phrase. Either the half-blood wolf or Lily Severus thought. Unless it was when Black was rebelling against his parents as a teenager.
Severus held out his arm for Black. Black sneered at him looking very unhappy at the situation but took his arm with little grace. Severus wondered if he should inform Black that his beloved godson was there but decided there was no point.
Severus Apparated both of them back to the Dark Lord’s castle where he strode on keen to be finished with his loathsome job. Severus didn’t glance back at Black knowing that Black was following him as he could hear his breath behind him. Severus lead Black to the entrance of the Drawing Room that Severus had last seen the Dark Lord.
‘My Lord,’ Severus said.
‘Severus,’ the Dark Lord nodded. ‘Go back to Dumbledore and tell him that none of the Death Eaters you have spoken to know where I am or have been contacted.’
‘Yes, my Lord,’ Severus agreed quickly.
Severus exited the Dark Lord’s drawing room wondering what Dumbledore would make of Voldemort’s continued silence. Hopefully Dumbledore would assume that Voldemort was gathering strength before he contacted potentially power hungry Death Eaters whose loyalty had not been assured. Severus knew that was the theory he’d be presenting to Dumbledore.
Severus returned to Hogwarts through Egbert King’s Floo. Albus looked tired as he looked up at the sound of the Floo but as Severus stepped into the Headmaster’s study the old man sat up straight clearly hoping for good news of some sort. Unfortunately for Dumbledore Severus was going to have to disappoint him with no information.
‘Any news?’ asked Dumbledore.
Severus shook his head, ‘no one has heard anything from the Dark Lord since the Dark Mark burned black.’
Dumbledore made a sound of discontentment, ‘do any of them have any idea why the Dark Lord hasn’t contacted you?’
Severus shook his head, ‘it’s making many nervous. They believe that the Dark Lord is unhappy with them for not looking for him.’
‘They are quite right,’ Dumbledore said grimly.
Severus nodded in agreement, ‘there are those who are under the belief that he is not calling them because he no longer considers them loyal to the Dark. And the Dark Lord does not allow the disloyal to just leave him!’
Albus nodded light shining in his eyes before shaking his head, ‘Voldemort is not in a position to turn down followers although they should expect punishment.’ Dumbledore wore a very contemplative expression on his lined face, ‘do you think it would be possible to dissuade them that there only choice is to gain protection from their master with the Light?’
Severus shook his head, ‘unlikely. Very few of them would contemplate joining the Light and if I asked even one wrong person it would get back to the Dark Lord.’
Albus nodded once more before frowning clearly wondering what Voldemort was up to. Then another idea appeared to occur to the intelligent wizard. Severus wondered what Dumbledore had thought of now.
‘Is it possible that you are known to be a traitor?’ questioned Albus. ‘That the Death Eaters are not revealing information to you due to that fact.’
Severus shook his head, ‘if I was so much as suspected to be a traitor the Dark Lord would have summoned me to make an example of me.’
Albus nodded, ‘unless he wants me to believe he is not back.’
Severus bowed his head trying to think of a way to make sure that Dumbledore believed he was still useful. Severus knew perfectly well that if he lost his uses then Dumbledore would no longer bother trying to protect him from being persecuted for his crimes as Death Eaters. Severus had seen with Black what happened to people who were no longer useful to the manipulative, old headmaster!
‘Possible,’ Severus conceded, ‘but unlikely I met with several of my old associates. They were acting nervous that the Dark Lord believed they were no longer loyal to him but if they thought that I was no longer loyal they wouldn’t have said such potentially damning statements. If they knew I was betraying them there would be tells. No, it’s more likely that the Dark Lord hasn’t contacted them possibly he is still weak and doesn’t trust his power hungry followers at the present time.’
Dumbledore nodded, ‘I had considered the possibly that Voldemort wasn’t ready to call his followers but there has to be someone other than Wormtail helping him.’
Severus nodded, ‘of course, but I did not know everyone. No one did except the Dark Lord so he could have someone never connected with the Dark Lord or new followers. Have you any idea how he could have returned?’ asked Severus.
‘Many,’ admitted Dumbledore, ‘but which one he used l cannot say. I have, of course, narrowed it down but that is all I am able to do.’