Heroes and Villains

Chapter Eight

Heroes and Villains

"Thank you for coming to see me, Severus."

"I could hardly decline an invitation from the Minister for Magic."

Kingsley Shacklebolt reached out to shake Severus's hand. His grip was firm, his hands were warm, and dark eyes sparkled when he smiled.

As they took their seats either side of the ministerial desk, Severus surveyed the room. He'd never been called to the official office of the Minister for Magic before, and he immediately noticed the absence of predecessors' portraits.

Severus reflected how valuable the provision of aid from former Headteachers of Hogwarts had been during his internment as Headmaster, and he wondered how the lack of advice from ministerial forbearers impacted upon the decision-making of the highest wizarding authority.

The office was large in size, clad in darkened oak panels with an elegant marble fireplace worthy of Malfoy Manor, all very different to the greenish tiled surfaces found elsewhere in the underground government hub.

"For someone who has won a first-class Order of Merlin, you remain decidedly modest," Shacklebolt remarked.

The warmth in his slow, deep voice conveyed layers of hidden meaning, and Severus was momentarily unable to meet the minister's eye.

"I'm sorry about hoodwinking you into attending the award ceremony last week," Shacklebolt continued, and his apology sounded truly genuine. "I had it on good authority that you'd do anything to escape such publicity, and I admit I used your appearance at the ceremony for political reasons."

Severus had suspected as much. "It seems you learned a few things during your time as secretary to the Muggle Prime Minister. I assume you realise the Muggle government is far from a paragon of virtue?"

"Without a doubt, I witnessed many things at number ten, Downing Street, and being privy to all of their Prime Minister's communications was incredibly informative." Shacklebolt leaned back in his chair, resting his hands on his lap.

"So, what were these political motives for my public outing?" Severus asked, betraying no emotion in his voice.

"The initial euphoria from the fall of Voldemort had died down, and the ministry needed to boost morale. Your return was... timely."

"As I understand it, my return shortly followed your official inauguration as Minister for Magic."

"Yes, indeed it did. And over the past few weeks I've had to make many difficult decisions, Severus. The ministry employs hundreds of people who served Voldemort because it was safer or easier to do so, and a great many more employees who were puppets, doing as they were told for fear of dire consequences. But there are also a substantial number whose allegiance is dubious, including those such as Dolores Umbridge who took advantage of the situation for personal gain."

"I believe that the Madam Undersecretary is spending her days at Azkaban, awaiting trial for crimes against Muggle-borns," Severus remarked with satisfaction. "Perhaps the Dementors will cure her irritating cough."

Shacklebolt didn't even flinch. He leaned forward solemnly. "You have struck upon the nub of the problem, Severus. I can't take punitive action against everyone who served Voldemort. We don't have enough cells in Azkaban. Nor can we punish people for acting out of fear for their families and friends. I don't wish to encourage further discrimination. We need to bring the wizarding world back together to heal our wounds."

"And so the reincarnation of a heroic wizard who subversively assisted in the Dark Lord's downfall has become an exemplar for the Ministry masses?"

Shacklebolt fiddled with his gold hoop earring. "Yes, you could put it like that."

Severus almost spat.

"There's a fine line to be drawn between those who willingly committed serious crimes under Voldemort's rule and those whose actions fall within the shades of grey between Light and Dark. Take Lucius Malfoy, for instance. The decision to pardon the Malfoy family was controversial; nevertheless, if they hadn't switched sides, the outcome of the battle might have been very different."

"Malfoy motives are byzantine at best," Severus replied.

"Indeed. They made so many enemies because of their quest for power and status. But they also had other motives: shame, and deep love for their family. The problem is that people simply see their villainy and don't notice the good in their actions." Shacklebolt paused for a moment, tilting his head. "However, your motives were easier to understand, Severus. And because of this you are viewed as a hero by some. Me included."

Severus shook his head and muttered wearily, "I'm not a hero."

"I'm not surprised that you disagree, knowing you as I do."

This statement caused Severus to lift his head, and he noted the understanding air with which Shacklebolt regarded him.

"I've seen your memories. I know why you protected Harry Potter, why your allegiance changed. It wasn't because you chose Light over Dark."

"Finally, someone who appreciates me," Severus said, his voice laced with sarcasm.

Shacklebolt continued undeterred. "This is why you don't like being called a 'hero' – you don't believe your motives were heroic."

Severus held his gaze levelly. Shacklebolt had identified the nugget which had so far evaded society's notice. Not even The Quibbler's article had revealed this deeply-held personal truth.

"Don't worry, I'm not about to reveal your insecurities to the world at large, Severus. But I do want you to know that I admire the strength of your commitment to protecting The Boy Who Lived, years after the death of the woman you loved. You could have chosen a multitude of different paths, but you honoured Lily Potter until the day you died and placed yourself in mortal danger for her, and that, in my opinion, is what makes you heroic."

"And this is why you awarded me the Order of Merlin?" Severus asked, even though he already knew the answer.

"Yes."

Silence followed for the space of a few uncomfortable heartbeats as Severus processed the Shacklebolt's insight and wisdom.

Feeling slightly queasy, Severus glanced around the office, looking for distraction. "Now that an attempt has been made to stroke my ego, perhaps the Minister for Magic will reveal the real reason for the summons? Plainly, you want something from me."

Shacklebolt smiled briefly and held Severus's gaze.

"Let me see," Severus continued, twisting his entwined fingers. "Perhaps you're inviting me to return to Hogwarts?"

The Minister for Magic gave him a patient look, but it only served to add fuel to his fire.

"Or maybe I could head up the Auror Department?" Severus's voice became harsher with each passing sentence. "Then again, perhaps I should take my rightful place on the Wizengamot? Obviously, a wizard of my calibre and distinction should have all his ambitions immediately realised." Severus paused, noticing Shacklebolt's increasing discomfort. "I'm sure you can convince society that I can be trusted with such power," he finished bitterly.

"I see your sarcasm survived revivification intact." Shacklebolt smiled crookedly, but then his expression became business-like. "I'm sure I could find a suitable position for you at the Ministry, should you be interested..." He let the implied question hang in the air for a moment, and when Severus gave no reply, Shacklebolt continued earnestly, "But I rather hoped you could be persuaded to work as a consultant."

Severus watched as the Minister rose from his chair and walked ponderously around the room. "We have need of your experience, Severus. Further assistance in tracking down the most loyal of Voldemort's remaining supporters would be very useful."

"I have no intention of working alongside your Aurors, Kingsley, so you can set aside that notion with immediate effect."

"That's not what I'm looking for, although, naturally, any information you can provide would be most welcome. I'm pleased to say that Lucius Malfoy has been more than willing to redeem himself of late, and he's liaising with the Aurors to uncover hidden accomplices."

Severus's interest piqued. "So, what do you want from me?"

Shacklebolt stopped pacing and regarded him seriously. "I want you to write a book, Severus."

"I beg your pardon?"

"We have need for an updated training manual for Aurors. I've worked alongside you in the Order of the Phoenix, so I know you have the skill, the experience and the intelligence for such an endeavour."

"I'm not a writer," Severus said in a clipped voice.

"No, but you are, or rather were, a teacher. You are pragmatic and concise, and you have extensive knowledge of the Dark Arts. Let us learn from you, Severus. Help us trace Voldemort's sneakiest supporters. You know their tricks. Share your knowledge; not only can you help our Aurors, you can also assist me in rooting out the extremists in our midst."

Severus considered the proposal. "And what will you do once they've been identified? Sack them? Imprison them?"

"Not unless they've committed a serious crime," Shacklebolt replied with a degree of impatience. "I'll reassign them if necessary, but ultimately I want people to have a second chance: an opportunity to re-enter and engage with society rather than hide themselves away."

"That all sounds very noble, but how am I to trust you'll use this information wisely?"

The minister ceased pacing the room, saying, "All I can give you is my word. And I offer it to you, unequivocally."

Shacklebolt sounded sincere, and Severus was well acquainted enough with the new Minister for Magic to feel certain he would strive for equality and diversity. Nonetheless, Severus needed time to contemplate the offer.

"I shall think about it."

"You will be well-compensated, I can assure you." Shacklebolt leaned against his desk, preparing to resume his seat. "There is, of course, another matter which we need to discuss."

"Oh?"

Shacklebolt sat down and clasped his hands upon the desktop. "You're aware that receivers of first-class Orders of Merlin are offered three wishes which the Minister of Magic endeavours to grant?"

"Ah, yes." Severus had heard of this, but had not set much stock to the rumour.

"Any thoughts?"

Severus thought carefully for a moment. "Just one."

"Proceed, and I shall endeavour to assist you."

"I wish to request that your door remains open to me, Kingsley, at any time."

Shacklebolt smiled broadly. "A wise choice, Severus, as I would expect from you. I shall be honoured to make it so."

Severus nodded and gathered himself to leave.

"Anything else?"

"I'll get back to you, if I may?"

Shacklebolt arose to walk his visitor to the door. "Whenever you're ready."