Walk the Shadows

'But,' Severus sputtered, 'but he didn't actually cast the spell! How can they charge him with use of magic?'

'Lucius has claimed another incident for that charge. The spells Harry cast to try and protect himself from his kidnappers.'

Severus shut his eyes. 'Against Bellatrix, Nott and me.'

'Yes.'

'Merlin, it never stops, does it?'

'Tom Riddle will do anything in his power to destroy Harry,' Albus said wearily. 'Even work within the constraints of our own laws.'

Severus shook his head. 'But it was self-defense! They can't charge him for that!'

'A year ago, they did just that, if you'll remember.'

'But Fudge is an idiot! And the Dementors were sent by Umbridge, weren't they? Harry was exonerated. Isn't Scrimgeour supposed to be better than that?'

'He's a politician, Severus. And newly elected.'

'But Lucius is supposed to be in Azkaban! How can he bring charges when he himself is . . .' He stopped. Shook his head. 'He's somehow gotten his own conviction overturned, hasn't he?' he asked tonelessly.

'He has.' Albus sighed and took a small sip of tea. His fingers traced the patterns on the cup, and he did not meet Severus' eyes.

Severus watched him carefully, his expression closed and carefully blank. 'No.'

Albus closed his eyes. 'You have to understand--'

'What I understand is that you are expecting me to turn my ward over to a cock up of a court, where he can be tried and sentenced by those who wish him dead or worse. And I will not have it.'

'I . . .' Albus let out another sigh. 'I did not expect you to, no.'

'Good. Then we understand each other. Don't we.' It was not a question, and Albus did him the courtesy of not replying. Still, Severus glared at him, and his tone was icy as he said, 'I don't know how you could even consider doing what they wanted. What is wrong with you?'

'It's . . . complicated.'

'Uncomplicate it for me.'

'The Order is coming under fire from the Ministry--'

'Again. That is nothing new.'

'Severus, please, you asked for an explanation.'

Severus gave a tight nod and waved his hand, wondering what could have brought Albus to this lunacy, after all that had happened between him and Harry . . . or perhaps that was it. Perhaps he feared for himself, or his own power and was willing to sacrifice Harry -- again! -- to make sure his position on the side of Light was assured. No. Severus did not want to believe that, and yet . . . this was the same man who wanted to send Harry to St. Mungo's when he'd first come back from Topsham. He was fully capable of anything. And he was afraid, Severus knew, of Harry and the power he had shown last week, which had brought both of them low.

'As I said, the Order is coming under fire. If we do not have access to