New Beginnings

Chapter 39

Severus, though he loathed to admit it, had a grudging respect for Dumbledore. Despite the old man foolishly leaving his memories in such an open space, there was just no rhyme or rhythm to how the memories where ordered. Figuring what went where in terms of chronology proved more difficult than most potions.

There was simply so much to sort through, including several mundane memories used as a decoy, (Dumbledore shaving his beard was horrifying). 

Severus desperately hoped that there was more. Already he could have Dumbledore charged with kidnapping and line theft, but he was looking for something that would force the ministry's hand for good. Something that would end with a dementors kiss.

Barry had been helping, with renewed energy following the finding of their son. Only he'd been at a loss too. Dumbledore wasn't exactly a young wizard and he half expected that most of the memories were bordering on meaningless because Dumbledore had begun to lose his marbles.

There was simply too much for two people to sort through quickly and Tom was of no help as he had begun to breakout the Lestranges quietly. 

Softly sighing Severus slumped in his seat. The paintings were of no help, though that was expected however there must've been something the paintings knew. Nobody wanted to stop until the old fool was gone for good and currently the ministry were trying to just stick their heads in the sand.

Honestly he had no idea how anything got done in Britain. At least most of Europe had some form of government or Britain would have fallen years ago.

Barty was close to just going to the old man and getting answers from him, but knew that Dumbledore would try one of his usual tricks, wand or no. Which reminded him...

"Sev, what did they do with Dumbles wand?" 

His husband shrugged, "they won't have snapped it yet. I guess they're holding it."

Barty sucked in a horrified breath, "we need to call Tom."

Unfortunately they were too late and ended up being the one to tell Harry and Draco before the news went public.

Both boys gripped the other's hand nervously, not knowing why the adults were so shaken but wanting the contact.

The last time Harry had seen them like this was when they'd been trying to tell him his parentage.

"What's happened?" Harry started, eyes flicking between everyone.

Barty coughed, drawing attention to himself. "I realised today that a good way to incriminate Dumbledore was through his wand. Obviously we can't see the whole history but the last five years should be recorded on it. Only we didn't know where Dumbledores wand was and the people guarding him are..."

"Order members." Draco caught on quickly and he could see the pieces connecting in Harry's mind. 

The second they connected everyone saw the dawning horror on Harry's eyes. "He's not there is he."

Draco's head snapped to Severus, hoping that it was all a lie. There was absolutely no way Dumbledore had managed to escape, only it was the truth.

"Someone gave him his wand and have been hiding his escape for weeks. Whenever someone else checks they get spelled by the Order." Severus answered. He ran a hand through his already tousled hair, the stress of it all starting to get to him.

"The Order members have been convicted right?" Harry asked desperately. There had to be some good news to hold onto.

"Nope." Barty popped the p loudly. "They hid the evidence better than Dumbledore ever has."

"So he's free than and has been for a while now."

A small pause followed Harrys outburst as it occurred to them all that Harry was the first person Dumbledore would go for. He was the lights poster child.

"He's not getting anywhere near you." Draco growled. "Is there anywhere he could be?"

"Godrics Hollow is one."

The old, half destroyed shack wasn't exactly suitable for inhabitants however none of them doubted the old man had thought he'd be back in power by now. The arrogance of Dumbledore had always been annoying but now could be played to their advantage, as long as he hadnt left already.

"Call Tom again."

------

The raid on Godrics Hollow proved fruitless. Apart from evidence that someone had been living in the house, there was none to suggest it was Dumbledore or give any hints as to where he went.

Though greatly disappointing, it was more than they'd had a few days ago when Dumbledore had lulled them into a false sense of security.

Severus and Barty were particularly worried about their son who probably wasn't ready to be overly emotional around them. They hoped that Draco was taking care of him and could imagine what the news had done to Harry.

The boy in question had been bawling into Draco's shoulder. He didn't want to be drugged or forced to fight Tom. There was no way he could fight his godfather and kill him.

Sirius and Remus hadn't known either and had been assured by the other Order members that it was simply because both were trapped in Grimmauld place. Additionally, despite it being an obvious place to go, Dumbledore had somewhere better.

No one knew what that entailed and right now no one cared. They just wanted Dumbledore gone for good and Tom had ordered kill on sight. No exceptions.

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