Knowledge is Power

Chapter 51

"Are you ready then," Mira called down to them.
Filius nodded, then realized that the elf couldn't see him from where he was...way down in Albus's grave. Squeezing his eyes closed the charms master took a deep steadying breath.
"Can you take my hand, Albus," he asked, reaching downward, and hoping he didn't accidentally touch the coffin and set off another round of his own screaming.

After a moment of what was likely Albus fumbling about in the darkness and mid air, Filius felt a firm grip on his hand.
"We're ready," Filius called up to Mira. With a pop the two were on the floor of the library of WestCraven manor.
"I filled in the grave, reapparating the dirt back in place as we left," Mira told Filius.
Then with a frown she added, "What was all the screaming about? I had to put up a barrier of silence charm so the entire school wouldn't come running."

Filius doubted the entire school would've heard his screams from all the way outside, but perhaps Hagrid may have or one of the ghosts, and one person knowing what had just happened was one too many. Sighing he nodded.
"Thank you, Mira. I have a fear of graves and I must have gotten a little set off."

Severus, who had rushed to embrace Albus and ask if he was alright turned to Filius with an incredulous look and highly raised brows.
"Graves?"
Filius shuddered.
"Don't judge me."
"I wasn't judging," Severus said.
"Well don't question a man's fears," Filius snapped.
"Are fears ever rational?"

"Sometimes."
It was Raislen who had spoken from across the room where he stood beside a corner book shelf.
"Welcome to our home, Headmaster. It's good to see you again...alive especially," he added to Dumbledore.
Albus gave a faint smile as he allowed Severus to help him into the nearest chair.
"Thank you, Raislen. It's nice to see you again."
"The hospitality of our home is yours. You will stay for as long as you need, or Severus will lose his mind," Raislen said with a boyish grin.

"I don't want to put your family to any trouble," Albus said.
"We need you for this fight. Consider this us doing our part," Raislen insisted.
"Then thank you very much," Albus said.
"I'm certain no one will look for me here."

"You've not eaten in three days so you need to do that," Severus said.
"Mira, can you bring him something?"
The elf nodded and vanished with a crack.
"I've also slept for three days, but I'm sure I shall feel hungry soon," Albus said.
"Right now I must admit to still feeling rather drugged."
"I'm just glad it worked," Severus said fervently.

"And that you both are safe," Mag added with a sigh.
"Right now I get to play the role of wanted criminal," Severus told Albus with a frown of displeasure.
"Because it played out as it did, everyone believes I murdered you for Voldemort."
"Severus, I am so sorry it came to that," Albus said regretfully.
Severus shrugged.
"Hopefully this too shall pass."
Most things did after all, eventually.

"Of course I shall clear your name as soon as it is possible. I will reveal myself as alive and well the instant I'm certain it won't ruin all we've set in motion thus far," Albus promised.
Severus nodded, shrugging.
"I really don't care what people think aside from getting locked up in Azkaban for a murder I did not commit."
"I promise, that won't happen," Albus said.
Severus frowned.
"I'm still more upset about the fact you actually asked me to kill you than what any idiots who never liked me anyway wrongly believe that I did!"

Albus sighed.
"Why must we revisit this again? I told you that I don't know what came over me, Severus. I have apologized many times over."
Severus's mouth remained tightly set.
"I just don't understand how a wizard like you, of such high moral standing could ask me to do something that you believe would rip my soul."

"I wouldn't have asked you, had I been in my right mind, Severus," Albus said, tone tired and resigned.
"Leave him alone, Severus," Raislen chastised.
"He just woke up from a three day long sleep after helping you fake his death. He's alive and safe. Just be grateful for that."
Mira returned with a tray of food and hot tea for Albus before Severus could reply. The tray held a plate of sliced fruit, ham and cheese and a bowl of chicken soup. There was even a slice of chocolate cake for dessert. Of course as soon as Albus took the tray and thanked Mira, he went directly for the chocolate cake.