Chapter 34 The Questioning

Amelia's POV

Amelia Bones sat opposite from the prisoner, setting aside a legal pad and pen, waving her wand for them to start writing, and then folding her hands and resting them on the table. "The Questioning of Professor Severus Tobias Snape…" the Head of the DMLE started rattling off all the legal jargon that was needed for a formal statement. When she finished making the report proper, she turned back to the man and asked, "Tell me, Mr. Snape, why is it that you have a potion that can render a person without memory?"

They had only just gotten all those they arrested into separate rooms, and now it was time for questioning. So far it had been a long day. She just got off the Floo with St. Mungo's and they were not hopeful that Crouch Jr. would recover. She had dug up everything she could on the three men in her care, but there was little to be of use. The only one with a dark past was the man sitting at the table. Which was frustrating, since it was up to her, or another higher member of the DMLE, to present the cases before the Wizengamot. She was personally going to take this case, and that of Crouch Sr. She still had doubts about holding Dumbledore. That man was just too manipulative.

The room was empty but for the metal table, four hard and bolted down chairs, and the hanging candle globe above their heads. There was a two-way mirror on the west wall, which they hardly ever used. The only time it was used, was when the Minister, or members of the Wizengamot, wanted to see the questioning. Right now, she had four guards posted there. She was positive that this man was dangerous. She didn't give a good goddamn that Albus Bloody Dumbledore thought him safe. She never underestimated Death Eaters, be they 'reformed' or not. No, they were all to be treated with great caution.

"I will not answer that without the Headmaster present," the now ex-professor stated, also putting his clasped hands on the table. Outside he looked the epitome of calm, but inside he was a mass of conflicting emotions. On one hand, he was angry at Potter for getting him into this mess. Couldn't that blasted boy keep his mouth shut? How did he regain the memory of that night anyway? Were his other memories coming back? That would be troublesome.

On the other, he was relieved that perhaps all the spying and role-playing might be over. The line was getting thinner as to who would win, and he didn't want to be caught in the middle. He knew the Dark Lord would come back, and this might actually work in his favor in getting on the… man's good side. However, it might go against him with Dumbledore. Burning the candle at both ends was now getting him… well, burned.

Severus fretted that the Headmaster couldn't get him out of this, or want to, and he would spend time in Azkaban, making him lose his reputation and any prestige that he had in the community as the youngest potions master of the century. No, if he were found guilty of Oblivating the Boy-Who-Lived, he would be ruined.

Right now, he was shoring up his mind's defenses. He was sure that with his Occlumency he would not be overwhelmed by the Dementors. If that was to be his fate. That and he was positive that his crime was not worth a lifelong sentence. After all, it was only an accident which, when all was said and done, was caused by the boy. There was no way they could pin this completely on him.

"The Headmaster holds no say in how I run my department. Therefore, you will answer me, or we will force Veritaserum down your throat. I have no qualms about dosing you, Snape. The Headmaster may have stood up for you before, but this time it will not happen, since you were caught with your hand in the biscuit jar, so to speak," she stated, giving him an evil smile.

Severus glared at her and opened his mouth to snip back, when she interrupted him.

"You can call a lawyer, of course. Though, I don't see what good it would do you. We have the memory of that night from Mr. Potter, and his conversation with the ghost. You could do yourself a favor and cooperate. Then perhaps we can get you a lighter sentence. But know this, Mr. Snape, you will be serving time," the head of the DMLE stated, tapping her index finger on the table to make sure the man understood that he was in deep trouble.

"Memories can be faked; I can do such. All it takes is one proficient in Occlumency, and they can make all the memories they want," the Potions Master said snidely.

"Oh, I didn't know you thought so highly of Mr. Potter. I don't know of any Muggle-raised teen that is proficient in shielding their mind. Perhaps we should question others, and yourself, about who would teach a child such a thing, and why they would feel the need to do so," she stated with the lifting of an eyebrow. She had heard rumors that this man read the minds of children, but it was very hard to prove. Another question to ask if they got him under the serum.

"Potter is a weak wizard at best. I am sure that he is in cahoots with Black. That man would teach his godson how to fake a memory, if only to spite people. Perhaps, you should do your duty, and find and arrest the man who broke out of your prison," he said with a sneer, looking down his long, hooked nose at her.

"Oh, didn't you know?" Amelia asked sweetly, leaning forward as if to tell him a great secret. "Mr. Black is this close to being found innocent," she said, indicating with her finger and thumb a very small space. She then sat back in her chair and watched the reaction. She wasn't disappointed, though he did react much more volatile than she thought he would. She knew they were childhood rival's, but really it was over seventeen years ago.

"What!? How could you possible let that killer go!? He tried to kill me as a teen! He came to me not long ago and threatened my life!" Snape shouted, standing from the chair, pacing as far as his side of the room would let him, and throwing his cuffed arms into the air in exasperation. His face took on a purple hue, which made him look ridiculous. However, he was fuming at what he thought was the DMLE letting the ball drop— again. He never seemed to catch a break when it came to Sirius Black.

"We're not here to discuss Black," Amelia barked as she too stood. "We're here to find out what your crimes are. If after we are done, and you've cooperated, then we can talk about his past. Until then, you will sit down and answer my questions," she stated, pointing her wand at the irate prisoner.

Severus glared at her in a condescending way, but nevertheless took his seat, letting Amelia follow suit, though her wand was now held in her hand. He would have folded his arms were he not cuffed. "I refuse to answer anything without the Headmaster present as my councilor," he demanded more firmly.

"Dumbledore will be undergoing his own interrogation, therefore cannot act in that capacity. Now, are you going to do as I asked or am I going to have to get the serum?" she asked one more time. If he was still stubborn after this then he would be forced to comply.

Snape just snarled at her.

"Fine, Dawlish, bring the Veritaserum," she said to the mirror.

"Wait, I'll answer your questions," Severus said quickly. He really didn't think they would resort to the truth serum right away. He thought if he was stubborn enough, then they would bring Albus in. He really couldn't afford to be questioned while dosed. There were too many secrets that he needed to hide. Damn Dumbledore and his plans. Albus was just so sure that they would call him in, were Snape ever captured.

"Too late. You had your chance. Now we do it my way," the head of the DMLE stated with a sweet smile. She had been waiting to get this man in her grasp since she took over the Department. Oh, she wanted to get all the Death Eaters that walked free, and he was a good start. Perhaps after his trial she could ask him about his… activities while serving He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named. However, this session of questioning must be on track.

Dawlish came in with a vile of clear liquid. He placed it in front of his boss, and then left the room.

Snape started to sweat as he kept his mouth closed.

Amelia waved her wand and force his head to tilt back and his tongue to stick out. It was a spell she used when Susan was younger and didn't want to take her potions. She had only had to use it twice on her niece, but found it very helpful here at work. She stood, took the vile, placed three drops on the prisoner's tongue and then recapped the tube , released the spell and sat. "Why do you have a potion that is the equivalent of the Imperius and Obliviatation spells?" was the first question. The pen continued to write, and Bones knew she would have to keep the questions short and concise.

"I have many enemies, and they are blackmailing me. This potion was supposed to take the memories from them, and implant the suggestion that they leave me alone," Snape said in a flat voice, indicating that the potion was working.

"How did Mr. Potter get ahold of it?"

"I do not know. It was in a warded cabinet that he should not have been able to open."

'Shite, that might hurt the case,' she thought and then went on. "Why did you have such a volatile potion in the school?"

"Where else was I to brew? I am in the school most of the year. The Headmaster has me on a pretty tight leash. That and I did not think the dunderheads would be able to get past my wards."

"Was your intention to ever use this potion to control someone?" she asked, and thought, 'There, that might help, pending on his answer.'

"Yes, I wanted Black, and a few others, under my complete control."

"What was your plan for Black?" she inquired, thinking that this man really had it out for Sirius Black.

"It was my intention to make him pay for all the tricks he foisted on me when we attended school together."

"How?"

"He was going to be my slave."

"And Mr. Potter? Did you intend to use it on him as well?"

Snape fought the serum, but it held him tight in its grip. He attempted to hold his tongue, but the truth potion forced him to reply. "Yes," he bit out.

"In what manner?"

"I was going to wipe his memory of the way I treated him in class, and make him more compliant with my style of instruction. If the Board found out, then my career would be over."

"Why didn't you?"

"As it was, the public always saw him as the next Dark Lord, or an attention-seeking child, and I did not need to use it. However, were the tide to turn, then I would have dosed him without regret."

"Do you read the minds of children?"

"Yes."

"Why?"

"Those little devils are always up to something. They call me names behind my back, and I need to know what the children of Death Eaters are thinking. I am in a very precarious position."

Thanks to that answer, she could now ask this question, "Tell me, Mr. Snape, are you a Death Eater?"

"Yes."

"Did you become one willingly?"

"Yes."

"Are you a spy for Albus Dumbledore?"

"When it suits me."

"Then you are also a spy for He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named?"

"Yes."

With that statement the questioning came to a close, for it sealed his fate. There was no way he would be exonerated. She finished the report, making it official, picked up the serum, and pocketing it as she left. The truth serum would wear off on its own. She went down the hall and entered the room that held Crouch Sr.

"Hello, Barty," she said as she took her seat.

"Amelia," he answered with a nod.

"It's a shame to see you here. Well, let's get started. Hopefully you are more cooperative than my last prisoner," she stated, setting up her pad and pen.

Her statement made Crouch flinch. He never thought he would be on the other side of these tables. Oh, he knew he had broken the law, but to be caught never entered his mind. Damn his son for getting his free will back. At this moment in time, he hoped that bloody Death Eater died. "Yes, a shame," he answered through gritted teeth.

"Now, tell me how your son got out of prison," she said with a questioning tone.

"I'm sure I have no idea," the man lied. He was going to stick to that answer, knowing they wouldn't dare to question him with Veritaserum. Not without evidence, which was lacking.

"You see; I don't believe you. You were the last person to see him, before he was 'found dead'. Coincidently that was the same time your wife died. Now I, for one, don't believe in coincidences, so you had better have a better story than that." She narrowed her eyes at the man, and restlessly tapped her finger on the table. She had known and worked with this man for years, and she didn't want to believe that he broke the law. However, she also knew that he would have done anything for his ailing wife. She would not put it past the then dying woman to request that her son be freed as her last wish. "How did your son escape?"

"I'm sure I have no idea," he said again.

"Barty, please don't make me dig up that grave. If I find your wife in there, then I will have no choice but to throw the book at you," she all but pleaded.

"I'm sure I have no idea," he once more stated, though now he was worried. 'Would there be enough of a body left to be of evidence? No, there can't be, too much time has passed. I don't want them to defile my wife's remains; however, I'm sure it will lead to nothing,' he thought as he went over what little wizards knew about corpses. They relied on spells to see what was what. He was sure that by now the Polyjuice would have dissipated, and no spell that he knew of could tell what gender a skeleton was.

Little did he know that Amelia had other ways to tell. She had been studying some Muggle ways and now could tell the difference between a male skeleton and a female's. It was simple for the trained eye, that and if there was any indication of Polyjuice, then the man before her was doomed.

"Okay, Barty. I'm going to dig up that grave, and if what I think is correct, then you will be put under Veritaserum and made to answer my questions." The only reason she wasn't dosing him to the gills, was because she didn't have the leeway she had with Snape. This man was a respected government official, so she had to proceed more carefully. "One last time, how did your son escape?"

"I'm… I'm sure I have no idea."

"Fine," she all but snarled as she snatched up her things and left the room. "Get that grave dug up and bring a picture of the remains. Check them for Polyjuice. If you have to, bring the whole thing here," she ordered, pointing at two Aurors that had been listening to the questioning.

The two men scrambled to comply.

She stomped down the hall and entered the room with Albus Dumbledore. "Headmaster," she addressed him, taking the chair opposite of him, and setting up her pad and pen.

"Why am I here, Amelia?" the grandfatherly man asked as he sat back, like he was the one in charge. "Everything I have done was within my capacity."

"How can you even ask that?" she asked, gobsmacked that this man thought what he did was okay. "You kidnapped a minor and threw him in front of a dragon," she answered as if it were obvious, which it should have been. "That is attempted murder at best. What if the dragon had breathed fire on him, before he got his shield up? You left him laying on the ground, unconscious, and only revived him when he was in great danger."

"I was making sure that young Harry competed. It was imperative that the boy not lose his magic. He is needed for the return of Voldemort. For only he can defeat him," Albus stated as if it were fact and nothing anyone said would change his mind. Which, of course, was true, once he got an idea in his head, it rarely left, or altered.

"You have spouted this statement off for years; however, you have yet to give one shred of evidence that You-Know-Who will return. Now you are adding that Harry Potter is essential in his defeat, can you elaborate on that?" she asked with a lifting of an eyebrow, though she had a great deal of doubt that he would. No, Dumbledore kept his facts to himself, only giving tidbits of information at a time.

"You and the Ministry are not equipped to handle such information. You merely have to take my word that Voldemort will return, and only Harry can defeat him," was the evasive answer, complete with twinkling eyes as he tried to read her reaction to that. Oh, he wasn't as far gone as to enter her mind, no, but he wanted to gage her response. His eyes just tended to twinkle when he was concentrating. It was his own fault, when he was young he spelled his eyes to do that when he was happy, but instead they would twinkle when he concentrated hard at anything.

"Albus, unless you can tell me more, these charges will bring you before the Wizengamot. I implore you to tell me what you know," Amelia tried to reason with the stubborn man. She looked at a spot above his shoulder. Like Snape there were many rumors, including Potter's recent accusation of mind-rape, that this man had no issue violating people's privacy. However, unless she got him under the serum, then there was no way to prove it. She could take Potter's case and run with it, but the old man had been within his rights.

"I have no doubt that they will take my word that I was doing the right thing. Now, tell me what is happening with Severus. He has my complete confidence," Dumbledore questioned, dismissing his own charges as unimportant. He knew that he was just too important to the Wizarding World to worry about jail time.

"I can't tell you. There is an ongoing investigation. You're going to have to wait," she said through clenched teeth. She really hated it when this man waved her away, like an annoying fly. His condescending attitude really got on her nerves. "Albus, tell me why you felt the need to put the Wizarding World's boy hero in danger?" she asked, hoping to get back on track.

"He was never in danger. There were many precautions to prevent death," the Headmaster once more waved the question away.

"What kind of precautions?"

"I cannot tell you that. I am sworn to secrecy on everything to do with the tournament," was the kind answer, which was technically true, though only half so. He couldn't reveal the tasks, but the protections were not under the oath. Mostly because there were so few. For example, the first task only had the dragon handlers, who were instructed to not interfere unless the beast got free, or the contestant was on fire, and only then if the fire lasted more than two minutes. However, the Ministry didn't need to know that.

"Albus, I'm going to need more than that," she snapped. This was not a good day, the questioning was not going as smoothly as she had hoped, and she really didn't want to deal with this man's cunning ways.

"Alas, Amelia, I am afraid I have nothing more to give," Dumbledore replied in his most sincere voice.

"Then you will be facing charges. You are to remain here until such time as a trial can be arranged."

"Very well," the old man sighed as he waved his hand and cast a cushioning charm on the hard chair. It was the most he could really do wandlessly. He was glad that handing over the Elder Wand did not make it change masters.

The head of the DMLE left the room and started barking orders. She was going to make a case on these three men if it was the last thing she did.