still own nothing here folks marvel and rowling own their respective characters.


The quintet watched anxiously as the owl post came in that morning the group all huddled around Hermione's newspaper and looked down to see what it had to say. "As if we didn't see her enough already." Kitty muttered, as they all saw that Umbridge's face was plastered across the front of the paper.

"Quiet!" Hermione snapped at her dorm mate as she then began to read the article out loud to them.

MINISTRY SEEKS EDUCATIONAL REFORM

DOLORES UMBRIDGE APPOINTED FIRST-EVER

"HIGH INQUISITOR"

[You want the article pick up the book.

Hermione read the article to them all, and they all just sat there stunned for a moment before Hermione began ranting about how unjust the entire situation was. "These entire educational decrees are completely."

"Unethical?" Peter asked her with a grin. "I think these little school laws may be just the thing that we need to challenge the government, since I don't think that this can exactly be a legal course of action. Besides, I don't really want to go through a 'Toad' Inquisition myself."

"Think there's any chance that she might have some Spanish blood in her?" Kitty asked her friends, which got a strained smile from the muggle raised members of the group.

"Why does she need to be Spanish?" Ron asked Kitty curiously.

"Purebloods." Hermione, Kitty and Peter grumbled rolling their eyes in annoyance.

"We're talking about the Spanish Inquisition Ron, it was when the Church made working by the bible law and made it extremely difficult for anyone to have any kind of life. I'm sure a number of witches and wizards disappeared and maybe even created the wizard world around that time rather than worry about being caught by some of the people that were running those sorts of things since witchcraft was a crime punishable by death. In fact I wouldn't be surprised if a number of muggleborns ran and hid in the wizarding world because of that and it may have even helped to establish some of the secrecy laws that we have to this day." Hermione mused to herself. "Honestly Ron, if you even bothered to listen during History of Magic you might know some of these things already." The witch huffed at her friend in annoyance.

"I don't know," Peter said, "this may not be so much a reenactment of the Inquisition as it will be of a lot of stuff done during World War Two or maybe the Cold War."

"When did the whole world go to war? And how can you tell if a war is hot or cold?" Kitty held back a laugh while Peter thumped his head against the table in frustration and disbelief at the questions that he was being asked.

Hermione quickly began instructing her friend. "Well Ron, while the wizarding world was fighting with Grindwald, and trying to deal with some of the stuff going on because of that the muggle world was fighting a war on a much larger scale. Now Grindwald was mainly concerned with only certain parts of Europe that were more to the North of us, and the Axis which was a combination of several countries that were fighting the Allied Nations."

"Or to put it in simpler terms the whole world was fighting with each other." Kitty explained, "and as for the Cold War, well that was as much a war for information and such as anything else."

"Great." Ron said, looking slightly sick at the thought of so much fighting.

"Anyways, back to what we're really talking about." Harry said, stopping his friend from asking any more questions for the moment. "How are we going to deal with Umbridge with this mess?"

"We don't," Hermione, answered miserably, "we leave her alone, and let the real teachers deal with her."

"C'mon," Ron said, "I can't wait till we see how McGonagall takes her inspection, Umbridge won't know what hit her."

Umbridge didn't feel the need to bother the ghost though nor did it seem that she felt the need to inspect Snape who was in rare form that day as he handed out the results of the Moonstone Essays that he had graded. "I have awarded you the grades you would have received if you presented this work in your O.W.L," Snape said with a malicious smirk as he past Harry and Ron. "This should give you a realistic idea of what to expect in your examination."

"Well then I don't have to worry to much then do I?" Peter asked as he looked at the results of his paper. "Good thing considering I didn't have you teach me anything isn't it professor?" Peter said with a sarcastic grin, daring the dark haired wizard to say something as he tossed his paper down carelessly letting everyone see his O.

"10 points from Gryffindor for interrupting a Professor." Snape returned with an angry look on his face. "And another five for unneeded bragging." The Gryffindors all smirked though, as Peter gave them the backbone that they had been in need of.

"The general standard of this homework was abysmal. Most of you would have failed had this been your examination. I expect to see a great deal more effort for this week's essay on the various varieties of venom antidotes, or I shall start handing out detentions to those dunces who got D's, and since Mr. Parker is so confident in his abilities he can be prepared to keep up his O status unless he wishes to join them isn't that right?"

"Bring it on professor." Peter said, meeting the man's stare. "I happen to look forward to the challenge, even it's not a scientific one." He goaded the man. Snape sneered at the teen before twirling away from the student in front of him. The rest of the lesson proceeded without interruption and ended without any other point losses since Snape was busy watching Peter hoping that he would make a mistake of some kind.

During the lunch period they spent most of their time listening to Hermione ramble on about grades and their meanings. The twins joined them and corrected Hermione on the way the point system worked, a conversation that Harry seemed not to want to take any part in for some reason. The group split up after that, Harry and Ron heading for Divination, while the other three fifth years headed for Arithmancy.

Peter and Kitty handed both of their calculations in to the teacher, done in both the muggle way and the wizarding way. Professor Vector nodded in appreciation of the work that the two of them had done. "This is great work, both of you." The professor complimented them as he examined the muggle papers with interest despite the scowls that some of the Pure Bloods were sending them. "Simply incredible! You have calculated a way to increase the spell power by a factor of point 5 giving you enough control to perform the spell with hardly any wand movement at all. Unfortunately, if the two of you ever think about using this style in your O.W.L's though you would be dismissed almost at once though." Vector told them sadly. "Still though, this is an amazing breakthrough, and I can hardly wait to see if you decide to continue with this method of your schoolwork. As long as it doesn't interfere with your official schoolwork that is." He added as he looked over the papers one more time before he continued on with the rest of his class.

The three of them were a bit late for DADA since professor Vector, who had congratulated them one more time on their work, had stopped them. He told them that he had never seen such calculations, and asked them if they absolutely positive that their calculations were in fact correct. Kitty had then pulled out her calculator and gone through one off the more difficult homework problems, and showed him the calculations while reading the numbers off to Peter who wrote them down along with Hermione proving that the numbers were in fact correct impressing the Professor even more. Harry and Ron had a quick whispered conversation with them when they entered, telling them about their 'inspected lesson' before they could ask anything though the class had begun.

The lesson started with Hermione's interruptions again, where she and Umbridge discussed things about the book for a couple of minutes. Hermione making it obvious that she thought the writer not very impressive, and since she had already read the entire book and could quote random chapters back at Umbridge she probably know knew the book better than the toad did. When the woman took away five points Harry bristled angrily at what his friend was being subjected to when he found what she said of actual use.

"I am here to teach you using Ministry approved method that does not include inviting students to give their opinions on matters which they understand very little." Umbridge informed Harry when he rose to his friend's defense.

"Really?" Kitty said disbelievingly, "So you can tell me what Auror's and or Hit wizards had a hand on assisting in the design of this program of yours then correct?"

"Why would a lowly Auror have had anything to do with the teachings of Hogwarts?" Umbridge said with a simpering smile at Kitty. "And what Hit Wizard would have been bothered about this sort of thing?"

"Well considering that it's their job to know these sorts of things, I would imagine that they were the ones that you would consult on a matter like this. Particularly when you consider the fact that Ministry sent someone over who has most likely spent the last few years driving a desk. Having someone who knows the appropriate level of magical curses who could vouch for the reasoning of teaching, or in your case not teaching certain spell skills would be of some use, and might make the more concerned people at least consider what you have to say." Hermione said quickly latching onto what the American was saying

"Of course, then we would want to know why this Auror would think such skills were unsafe or unneeded to learn." Dean added in, adding something else under his breath, which caused Seamus who was sitting beside him to snicker.

"The people that helped to put this curriculum together for your safety is of no consequence, and they prefer to remain anomalous at this time." Umbridge returned with clenched teeth.

"In other words, if this little experiment fails and blows up in their faces they can pin it all on someone else later." Peter said with a smirk.

"These are not experiments Mr. Parker, and I think another week in detention will serve you well."

Peter shrugged as if saying 'whatever you say.'

"Now then, as I was saying, these are Ministry approved methods. Your previous teachers may have allowed more license – with the possible exception of Professor Quirrell, who did at least appear to have restricted himself to age appropriate subjects and would have passed a Ministry inspection."

Harry snorted at this comment. "Yeah, Quirrell was a great teacher," Harry said loud enough for everyone to hear him, "there was just that minor drawback of having Lord Voldemort in his head though."

Dead silence followed at that for a moment. "I think another week's detention would do you some good as well Mr. Potter." Umbridge said smugly before she made them all turn back to their books.


Harry nervously put the glove on his arm, flexing it a few times as it conformed to his arm. "You think this thing of yours will still work?" Harry asked Peter, who was waiting beside Harry as he got used to the glove.

"I'd say trust me, but you got no reason to." Peter said indifferently, "So I suggest that we try something else if you have any better ideas use them, otherwise your going to have to deal with that." Peter said nodding toward the glove, Hermione, Kitty, the twins and he had worked a number of protective spells into the glove trying to increase its defensive abilities.

"Great." Harry muttered as he clenched his hand over the skintight glove one last time before he headed down the hallway where they had another joint detention.


Harry's hand had finally stopped bleeding the next morning. Harry couldn't help but be proud of the sense of victory that he had gotten from that while he was in detention. Harry's happiness was short lived though since Angelina decided to confront him over getting yet another week's worth of detention. "POTTER! What in Merlin's pants is your problem?" The Quidditch captain asked the Seeker angrily. "Are you no longer interested in playing Quidditch anymore?" The dark skinned girl then began to verbally rip into the tired teen, who really could care less about what the girl had to say since he was to tired to really care right now.

As Angelina was about to continue McGonagall came sweeping down on top of them. "Miss Johnson, how dare you make such a racket in the Great Hall! Five points from Gryffindor!

"Yeah Johnson, how dare a teenager raise their voice." Peter sarcastically mocked. "I mean who ever heard of such a thing?"

"True, its out right scandalous it is." George said nodding in agreement.

"Not to mention it's simply disgraceful." Fred finished off, shaking his head in mock shame of the Gryffindor Chaser Captain.

McGonagall glowered at the three boys, and while Peter met her glare with a bored look of annoyance, Fred and George just sent her cocky grins, though there was a small amount of fear in their eyes.

Angelina took her moment of silence to argue her case back at her Head of House. "But Professor, he's gone and landed himself in detention again."

"What's this Potter?" McGonagall said turning away from the three smart mouthed boys and looking at Harry. "Detentions? From whom?"

"From Umbridge." Harry muttered, not daring to look at his teacher. He wouldn't risk her job by getting her involved in his problems; even of she was making it a bit more difficult at times.

McGonagall lowered her voice to a decidedly cooler level so that no one but the Gryffindors in front of her could hear her. "Are you telling me, that after the warning I gave you last Monday you lost your temper in front of Professor Umbridge's class again?"

"Yes." Harry ground out not meeting her eyes.

Potter you must get a grip on yourself! You are heading for serious trouble! Another five points from Gryffindor!"

But, what? Professor, no!" Harry said angry displayed on his face at this injustice. "I'm already being punished by her, why do you have to take points as well?"

"Because you're a threat, and constant reminder of things not being right." Peter said matter of factly. "She's angry cause you have more guts than she does, and by doing what you do you show that your not going to simply compromise like so many other people are willing to. Your showing the truth the only way you know how, and unless the Headmaster thinks its all right she disagrees, and since Dumbledore is content to let this go as it is at the moment she'll back him up not even realizing that she is putting her students second."

"Yes Harry, Peter is right, there is a verse in the bible that describes this particular problem correctly." Kitty said not even bothering to turn to look at McGonagall as she was being spoken down to.

"The two of you seem to think me little better than a Death Eater the way you describe me." McGonagall said bristling.

"Aren't you Professor?" Angelina asked her mutinously. "Look around you professor, the house of the brave is being told to act like a bunch of Huffelpuffs. A lot of what she's doing isn't right you know it, yet your letting her get away with it."

McGonagall looked shocked at this before she replied stiffly. "Not all battles can be fought charging headlong into trouble Miss. Johnson. Sometimes you must use different manners to fight your opponents."

"Yeah?" Peter said loudly, so all could hear him, "and sometimes you have to stand up to bullies and others who would try and intimidate and scare you or they'll walk all over you. What do you think would have happened if the FF had never stood up to Galactus, or if the Avengers had never stood up against Kang? I'll tell you, the world wouldn't be worth living in no matter what. But because those people had the courage and determination to stand up for what was right, people are alive today."

"I sincerely doubt that some American muggles had that big of an impact on the world today." McGonagall said patronizingly.

"Hermione, you want to deal with this one?" Kitty said with annoyance. "Otherwise we might be here all day. Maybe if she hears it from you she'll believe us somewhat."

Hermione squirmed under the gaze of most of her house table and a number of other people who were now watching the conversation with undisguised interest. "Its true professor, both of those groups have stopped a number of disasters that would have destroyed our world and just because they're not wizards doesn't mean that they're not people that didn't help save the world, in fact if its all to be believed they've saved the world more times than even Professor Dumbledore has."

"Here we do things differently though." McGonagall said, surprised that her prize student was backing up the American troublemakers rather than her. She had to nip this uprising in the bud before her students got hurt listening to such talk. "We are not people who are doing things that they could die in without the chance of escape. I will hear no more of this talk now we have more important things to do now than how people perceive you."

"Really, then why are you playing their game?" Ron grumbled, as McGonagall swept off.

"So what was that bible verse that you were telling us about?" Lavender Brown asked with interest.

"What is right isn't always popular what is popular isn't always right. " Kitty quoted to them.

"Good words."

"And you think McGonagall is right?" Harry asked Hermione, since his friend had contributed very little to the conversation until she had been forced.

"Well I think that she's right about the loosing your temper. Hermione admitted to him. "Though I do wish she hadn't taken the points."

"So you think that we should just accept tyrants when they show up?" Kitty said in disbelief. "Remember what happened when Germany allowed that sort of thing to happen we had two world wars. Are you sure that you want to bend over backwards and allow more wars to happen because you wouldn't stand up and face oppression when it shows itself? What about Genosha? Are you saying that the people there were wrong to rebel and fight for their freedom? Or how about the Vietnam War when the Government rounded up all of the American citizens of Oriental descent and placed them in camps? Of course that was for their 'protection' so it was all right." Kitty mocked at the witch.

"I don't know." Hermione admitted, though she looked troubled and conflicted about those comparisons.

"Just remember, that as far as most people are concerned that witches and wizards are probably no better than mutants when it comes down to it." Kitty said, as she stood up and stalked away before she did something she might regret since Hermione seemed to be undecided for the moment.


Kitty, Peter and Harry stayed away from Hermione during Charms while she tried to figure out where she stood in this sort of problem. The argument was shelved briefly though when they saw that Umbridge was in Transfiguration and they all watched as an annoyed McGonagall put the toad woman in her place. Peter and Kitty exchanged a look wondering if what they had said had caused the woman to act so coolly toward Umbridge or if this was the normal way that the two of them acted around each other.

They then watched as Umbridge inspected their class with grubby-plank. "Harry keep cool." Peter whispered out of the side of his mouth. "I think she's hoping that after you got dressed down by two people that you'll say or do something else stupid which is why she's chosen today to follow you in some of your classes today." Harry grunted and nodded in understanding.

They all watched coolly as Umbridge questioned Dean and some of the Slytherians about the COMC class, and gave Harry another day's worth of detention as he angrily called Malfoy on why he had been injured by a Hippogriff.

"So I'm curious," Kitty drawled out to the woman, "are you giving him detention because he said something you didn't want to hear or because he spoke out of turn? "

"Because he lied that is why." Umbridge said scowling at Kitty.

"Well I suppose you'll have to get the testimony of professor Hagrid before you can be sure of that though." Kitty reasoned before turning to talk with Hermione about the animal of the day. Umbridge scowled, but kept her mouth shut, she did not particularly want both of the American's in her detention at the same time again, besides Parker was a handful without any help.


It was nearing midnight when Peter and Harry were finally released from detention Harry's hand was dripping blood into his scarf despite the protection that the charmed glove had given him. The other three met them inside the common room Hermione closed her book and Ron and Kitty got up from their chess game where Kitty had been slaughtering the wizard. While Ron and Hermione helped Harry to soak his hand, Kitty helped Peter out of his shirt as she examined his injuries critically. They were both force-fed their blood replinishers at they were checked over. Peter and Kitty then watched silently as Hermione and Ron tried to convince Harry to report Umbridge, which he was steadily refusing to do.

"He's right, there's nothing you can do against her without a mountain's worth of evidence." Peter said to them. "When you've got problems like this with politicians or their buddies you have to take into account what their connections might be able to do for them."

"What do you mean?"

Kitty sighed before she began explaining to them. "Well, they could do something like say some of you evidence isn't useable in a court, or they could make a law that says that the way that you acquired your evidence isn't dependable or acceptable in a court of law or something like that. That doesn't even include the fact that they might try and simply steal or destroy whatever evidence you might have against her. Face it guys, for the moment the woman is untouchable as far as we're concerned if you want to take her on legally."

"Blimey they can do stuff like that?" Ron asked in awe as he considered what he was hearing.

"Its been done before and it'll be done again." Peter said indifferently, he had personally seen it done to many times to count, and by the supportive nod of her head Kitty had seen much of the same. "And with the way that the British Magical Government is being run at the moment it wouldn't be to surprising to see it happen here, and that's without including bribes, favors and threats that are a way of life for politicians. Particularly the crooked ones."

"Great, so there's not a thing that we can do then?" Ron Weasley asked, scowling at the table as if it was at fault somehow for their problems.

"That's the way it is at the moment Ron." Harry said dully shrugging, as his hand soaked in the potion Hermione had made while he was in detention. "Sides if we tried anything right now how long do you think that it would be till an educational decree blocking whoever it was that was helping us?" He asked them cynically, Hermione nodded her head in reluctant agreement while Ron looked around the room desperately for some type of inspiration to keep them going.

Hermione looked up from where she was tracing swirls on the table. "She's an awful woman Harry, there has to be something that we can do about her. I was saying just that to Ron before you came in."

"I suggested poison." Ron supplied.

"No, I told you, you want to make it look like an accident." Kitty said, waving the suggestion off.

"Totally." Peter said, nodding his head in agreement. "If there's poison they'll have proof that someone did something. If it was an 'accident' though, all they'll have is suspicions, and since the last few DADA teachers have met less than enjoyable endings in most cases they might just be forced to chock it up to the curse on the position."

"Your right an accident would work better." The redhead said agreeing with Kitty.

"Honestly can't you act serious for just a moment?" Hermione asked in annoyance.

"Why? Someone has to keep the situation light, and if we only depended on the twins to do that they'd never have any time for the little bit of their schoolwork that they do bother themselves with doing." Peter pointed out to the witch who shot a death glare at him.

"What I meant to say is that we need to do something about her horrid teaching since we're not going to learn anything at this rate." Hermione said with an exasperated tone.

"Well, what are we gonna do about that?" Ron asked her curiously. "Not like we can get a different teacher now right? We're stuck with her till something happens to her. Much as we don't like it she's here to stay, Fudge'll make sure of that you can count on it." Ron grumbled.

"Well," Hermione said unsurely, "I was thinking that maybe we should, oh I dunno know just do it ourselves."

"Do what ourselves?" Harry asked suspiciously, as though he had a vague idea of what his friend meant.

"Well learn DADA ourselves of course." Hermione said as if it was a simple as that.

"Your taking the Mickey out on us right?" Ron asked as his shoulders slumped in defeat. "There's no way that Harry and me could hope to keep up with teaching ourselves along with everything else that we got going on! Bloody hell Hermione, we're behind as it is and it's only the second week! Blimey not all of us are anywhere near your skills."

"But this is so much more important than homework!" Hermione exclaimed to her two friends who merely sat there in stunned silence at those words coming out of their friend's mouth.

"And where are you going to get a teacher to teach you the kind of stuff that you want to learn?" Kitty asked curiously, cause books can only take you so far in this sort of thing."

"True," the bushy haired witch conceded. "We have gone beyond simply looking things up in books. We need a proper teacher, one that can show us the spells, and correct us if we are performing them incorrectly."

"If you're talking about Lupin." Harry said doubtfully.

"No of course not, besides he seems to be much to busy doing things for the Order and the only times we would be able to see him with Umbridge around would be during Hogsmeade visits and that is nowhere near enough time to do those sorts of things."

"But it would be a good chance to go through some review of what you've been doing." Peter said thoughtfully. "Get another perspective on what your doing."

"True." Hermione said.

"Isn't Flitwick supposed to be some type of former dueling champion of some kind?" Kitty asked the trio. "I seem to recall hearing someone mentioning that somewhere."

"He might be able to help, but it would have to be done where he wouldn't be caught, he does have to live here as well." Hermione pointed out to them all.

"Which is why it will be simple spell review." Harry answered with a smirk. "Nothing anyone should worry about, the fact that a number of defensive spells just happen to have Charms in them, and if Professor Flitwick wanted to test the strength of say our shield charm."

"He would then show us the movements of various spells that he was casting." Hermione finished, catching onto what he was saying, smiling proudly at the dark haired boy.

"That sounds almost Slytherian mate." Ron said with a grin.

"Hey it'll work if we can convince the professor." Harry said.

"You shouldn't depend too much on him though." Peter told them thoughtfully. "If we were also to train when he wasn't around we would need a sort of team captain or someone we can meet with all of the time."

Harry sighed, "Who then?"

Hermione rolled her eyes. "Well, before you all got caught up on the idea of using professors I was thinking of someone else actually."

"All right I'll bite, who did you have in mind?" Harry asked with interest.

"Isn't it obvious Harry? I'm talking about you!" Hermione said with annoyance. "You can teach us DADA."

"That's an idea." Ron said, agreeing with her while Harry shot both of his friend's incredulous looks.

"What's an idea?" Harry said hoping his friend wasn't really considering what Hermione had just suggested.

"You teaching us of course." Ron answered.

Harry grinned convinced that they were now having him on. Peter and Kitty remained quiet, it seemed that this was something that the other two would have to convince Harry of if he was to do it. They then listened as Ron and gave reasons why Harry should be the teacher, and Harry gave feeble arguments about why he shouldn't be teaching anybody anything.

"Sounds to me like you got yourself a batch of survivors guilt there Harry." Kitty told the teen, "I'm good with that, I've gone through it a couple of times myself actually. Trust me on this part, it's not the greatest feeling in the world, but if you let Diggory's death make you incapable of action then you let the bad guys win. You're going to have to be strong and fight back or they've already won."

"You don't understand," Harry snarled at all of them, knocking the bowl he had been soaking his hand in over. "Fighting like this is a lot more than they let you believe. You think fighting Voldemort is all about memorizing spells so that you can throw them at Voldemort well I have a news flash for you. Its not! In real life he shoots back with a lot worse than what you're sending at him."

"When you're in a fight it never is simple." Peter said with warning in his voice. "Just don't discount me unless your prepared to do some hurting, Dumbledore has and look where he is."

"Do you know what it takes to fight?" Harry asked them coldly. "Do you know what it really takes, or is it just that training of yours all that you have?"

"Sure, you have to move on your instincts and hope that it's enough to stop whatever madman it is that you're dealing with." Kitty said shrugging. "More times than not you face more grief for the choices you made than you would want to, but you still move onwards because for our kind there really isn't much of a choice."

"And what are our kind?" Harry asked curiously, but with a note of defiance in his voice.

"Heroes." Peter answered. "We're the ones that do the job that no one else will do despite the fact there are plenty of others who could do these things, but for various reasons they won't or can't, and its up to us to stop the people that hide in the shadows."

"Don't bother asking how we know that sort of stuff either, suffice it to say that we know what its like to face someone who could wave their arms and snuff you out. We all have our own wars that we have to fight, some more than others though." Kitty said looking at the trio sternly.

"You and I have our own trust issues, but I'm willing to play as honest with you as I dare, which so happens to be more than Dumbledore wants to be with you for the moment."

"But why?"

"Honestly? No idea. I think he honestly cares about you three, but I think that his methods are off as well though."

"Harry don't you see? This is why we need you to teach us DADA." Hermione said earnestly, as the two boys nodded in grim acceptance of each other. "Also, I don't want you to be alone when you face him anymore." Harry didn't answer, his mind a blur of thoughts. "Will you at least consider it?" She asked him softly her, brown eyes pleading him. Harry looked her in the eyes before he grunted and nodded in agreement. Ron and Hermione quickly disappeared up to their rooms leaving Harry alone in his thoughts. Peter and Kitty merely sat and watched as Harry repaired the bowl before they walked to the other side of the room leaving the Gryffindor lost in his own thoughts.


The two Americans waited and watched as Harry finally retreated upstairs to bed. "You ready to go check her office out?" Peter asked her.

"Yeah, but I think this requires work clothes instead of these." Kitty returned as she gestured to her schoolgirl uniform.

"What, you don't think you want to do any types of gymnastics while in that?" Peter asked with a smirk at her.

He got a deadly glare for that and an evil answering smirk. "Should I tell Logan that you want to me do gymnastics in schoolgirl clothes?" She questioned, enjoying the bulge of fear his eyes took, unfortunately that was the only emotional response he gave, and something in his eyes seemed to shut off. He wasn't ready to talk yet it seemed, she thought sadly, she missed the Spiderman who wore his emotions on his sleeve.

"See you in 15?" Peter said emotionlessly.

"Yeah sure, one question though?"

"What?" He asked suspicion in his voice, he really didn't want another argument over his attitude.

"Primary work outfit, or the alternate outfits that no one will recognize?"

Peter sighed in relief. "Go for alternate, I've been thinking about this, and someone like Hermione might get suspicious if Spiderman showed up, but if someone new shows up it might not set off all of her alarms just yet." Kitty nodded her agreement with this plan having had her own worries. The two rushed up to their dorms and found the required costumes and brought them back downstairs, the two made their way outside and headed for a pair of bathrooms and quickly changed into their outfits.

Peter looked into a mirror as he looked at the uniform he was now wearing, it was a lot like his Spiderman costumes, but instead of being made out of cloth or spandex this one was made out of the unstable molecular armor/costume material that the X-Teams and the Fantastic Four usually wore in their costumes. The costume itself was made in dark colors, the normally bright red and blue costume that he normally wore was now dark blues and a dominance in gray, he noted there was also a weapons holster similar to a gun holster at his side for his wand. He would have to ask Daredevil to send him a version of his Billy club holster for him, he thought before he stepped out of the bathroom.

A few minutes later a ninja silently slipped out of the girls bathroom and stood before him. The two nodded to each other silently, and then without a word rushed side by side toward Umbridge's office. As they passed by a number of windows Spiderman leapt out and began running alongside the outside of the wall, trusting in his spider senses to tell him what window it was that wanted to go through. He found the window that was required; he carefully jimmied the lock with his usual abilities and dove through clinging to the ceiling on the off chance that there was something on the floor that might detect him. A few moments later Shadowcat phased through the wall behind Umbridge's desk, the mutant remained partially phased allowing herself to air walk a couple of inches off of the ground. They both looked around making sure that the room was empty before they did anything else, not wanting to take a chance Spider man also shot webbing over the various pictures in case they ever woke up. The two hero intruders then began to carefully go through the various papers on the desk, most of them were school papers, though some of them were interesting. Pne of them included a roll call with the names of all of the students next to each name was a list of items next to their names. They found Ron Weasley's name near the bottom and looked it over.

Pureblood: Ronald B. Weasley: Fifth yr Gryffindor, Prefect. Potter and Dumbledore supporter: Political Connections: (See Harry Potter) Family Monetary Wealth Level: None. Ministry Threat Level: Medium Notes Unusable to the Ministry at this time. Keep under observation may make a suitable leverage against Potter. Keep under mid level observation.

"Great." Spiderman muttered, as he looked the notes over. His eyes skimmed up toward the P's wondering what he would find.

"This is going to take to long." Shadowcat complained to him. "There may be other things we need to look over."

"Your right." Spiderman said, he then reached down and pulled out his hidden camera, and began to take shots of the roll call; they could examine the papers that way in the safety of their dorm. The two resumed their search after the political roll call had been photographed and returned to its place. The blood quills were absent along with any other obvious evidence that something might be going on, though there were several letters to Fudge describing things in Hogwarts.

"Looks like she's not a complete idiot." Spiderman muttered with irritation. "We're going to have to find out where her quarters are, or we'll never learn anything."

"Agreed, for now we should probably go though."

"Alright, find a bathroom and change." Spiderman said, as he leapt off the wall where he had been clinging, and flew through the air. As he was falling he shot out a webline, and shot upward disappearing into the night. Shadowcat disappeared into the wall leaving the room in the same condition as it had been when they had first entered, the only proof that they had been in there was the webbing that covered the various pictures, and by the time a house elf would pop in, all it would find was several small piles of dust scattered around the room below each of the paintings.

The two joined together a few hours later outside the castle photo room, where people for the most part applied their potions to photos. Peter had spent an hour rigging it up so that it would work for regular methods of photo development, there was already a number of the required supplies in the room since Colin Creevey had been doing photography as a sort of hobby in the castle for the past few years. Peter was walking out and Kitty was waiting impatiently for him by the door, not really wanting to damage any of the pictures that they had managed to get on accident.

"Well?" Kitty asked, wondering what they had managed to get their hands on.

"There are a ton of dossiers here, there's one for practically every person living in the school." Peter said, as he tossed down the photos on a table. "All the way from Rose L. Zeller a First year Hufflepuff, to Headmaster Albus P. W. B Dumbledore. Look here is the P's." Peter said, as he handed her a couple sheathes of paper.

Kitty took the offered papers and began reading through some of the Fifth year dossiers that were written there.

Squib Descendant and possible Halfblood: Peter Parker: Fifth year Gryffindor transfer student. Possible Potter supporter, unlikely Dumbledore supporter. Political Connections: Current Heir to the Moody Judicial vote, familia connection to the Longbottoms, possible muggle connections. Monetary Wealth Level. Unknown. Ministry Threat Level: Unknown. Notes: Possible use to the Ministry at this time.Has angry tendency and no respect for authority figures whether they be Ministry or Dumbledore ones. Requires more information on Loyalties. Has a tendency to use muggle created monstrosities while doing schoolwork, wards of Hogwarts should be charged soon to counter abominations. Need to find out where Parker learned magic, may be a weak point in Dumbledore's secret base. Keep under mid level observation.

"So she doesn't know what to make of you yet big surprise there." Kitty said smirking at her friend. "You keep jumping from angry and impulsive to unfeeling and mysterious so often that no one is real sure how you'll react."

"Uh huh read yours." Peter said pointing at the second sheet of paper that had her name on it.

Mudblood: Katherine Pryde: Fifth year Gryffindor transfer student. Possible Potter, unlikely Dumbledore supporter. Political Connections. (See Peter Parker file.) Unknown muggle connections. Monetary Wealth Level: Medium. Ministry Threat Level: Unknown. Notes: Unusable to the Ministry at this time.Has no respect for authority figures whether they be Ministry or Dumbledore ones, requires more information on loyalties. Has a tendency to use muggle created monstrosities while doing schoolwork, wards of Hogwarts should be charged soon to counter abominations. Need to find out where Pryde learned magic, may be a weak point in Dumbledore's secret base. Keep under mid level observation.

"So she doesn't know where either of us stands, that's better than nothing I suppose." Kitty said frowning, as she looked her own information over.

"Maybe, but it will change to supporter if we remain with Harry and the others much longer. Not that I intend to pull out of helping the guy, just figure its something you should be aware of."

"Yeah, well you know what my family is like, we're not happy unless we're either fighting oppression or being treated like pariahs."

"I know how that last part feels." Peter said grinning, "Any other files we should check tonight?"

"Harry, Hermione and Dumbledore, I want to know what their files say, then we can pack it in." Kitty answered, already searching out for the required names on the roster/dossier file. "Here." She said, as she pointed on the P list.

Halfblood: Harry J. Potter, A.K.A Boy-Who-Lived: Fifth Year Gryffindor. Known Dumbledore supporter. Political Connections: House seats in Wizengott, Albus Dumbledore, B.W.L titles. Monetary Wealth Level: High. Ministry Threat Level: High. Notes: Unusable to the Ministry at this time.Constant liar, has no respect for Ministry authority figures, requires multiple punishments, short temper. Possible weak point into Dumbledore's secret base. Keep under high observation.

Kitty then pointed to another name on the same list.

Pureblood: Draco Malfoy: Fifth Year Slytherian, Prefect. Known Ministry Supporter. Political Connections: (See Gov. L Malfoy.) Monetary Wealth Level: Supreme. Ministry Threat Level: None. Notes: Useableto the Ministry at this time.Likely recruit to ferret out disobedience and noncompliance in students choosing to be difficult during Ministry required changes. No observation required.

"Nicest way I've ever seen anyone be called an ass kisser." Kitty quipped, as she continued to look for other names that she knew.

"Yeah, but what all are the Ministry required changes that she's writing about? Are they this whole High Inquisitor crap that she's got going or is there more to it than that? Cause she hardly needs a bootlicker for what she's currently got going around here at the moment."

"Who knows, this may be a power grab that has been in the works for a while and is finally being put in place."

"If it is, then they're working on a rushed schedule then with the way that they're doing it. The new rules are coming out to fast instead of easing them in."

"So you think this was a safety net the Ministry's been working on in case Dumbledore ever made trouble, but are now having to use before they were really ready?" Kitty questioned him.

"It makes sense, otherwise I'm sure that they would be a bit more subtle about how they went about doing it. The way that they're acting though is like the Rhino in a china shop. Not that he'd really know what to do if he were ever actually in a China Shop of course."

"Your right, so either Fudge has given her blanket approval here, not realizing what she would do, or this is a rushed operation and they're having to make several adjustments as they go along and are rushing themselves."

"Makes since, I really doubt Fudge is really as incompetent as he is showing. You have to have some brains to get to be Minister of Magic right?"

"One can only hope that's right." Peter said as he returned to the paper.

Mudblood: Hermione J. Granger: Fifth Year Gryffindor Prefect. Known Potter and Dumbledore Supporter. Political connections: (See Harry Potter) Monetary Wealth Level: Low to Medium. Ministry Threat Level: Medium. Notes: Unusable to the Ministry at this time. Instigator for Potter, and causes unnecessary disruptions in classes allowing Potter to spread his lies, unknown whether this is planned disturbance at this time requires more investigation. Supposed 'brains and know-it- all' for H. Potter and Gryffindor House. Has made disparaging remarks to Ministry approved books. Noted for high intelligence. Keep under Medium Level of observation.

"And here we have the one and only Dumbledore." Peter said, as he pulled out another paper.

Pureblood: Albus P.W.B. Dumbledore: Gryffindor alumni Hogwarts Headmaster. Known Potter supporter. Political connections: Multi linguist of multiple magical languages primarily in the tongues of lesser beings has multiple supporters in Ministry and Wizengott. Monetary Wealth Level: High to Supreme. Ministry Threat Level: Supreme. Notes: Unusable to Ministry at this time. Removal of power base is likely to weaken political power and strengthen Ministry's, weakening how many hear voice of Dumbledore. Suggested course of action is to make sure Dumbledore is permanently removed from Hogwarts and is incapable of interfering in Hogwart's operations.

The smirks that the two had been wearing had died as the two had read what they had. "So that's their plan, they want to eventually remove Dumbledore and either place that Umbridge woman or some other ineffective toadie in his place making this a governmental controlled school of some sort." Peter said with a frown creasing his face, as he was lost in thought on how best they could block the Ministry from taking control of Hogwart's. It was obvious to the two of them that if the Ministry of Magic actually managed to gain control of the Magical School that things would quickly go even farther downhill than they already were at the moment. And lists like the ones that they had just gone over would be used to determine who had an easy school life and who had a hard one, it might even go as far as effecting the quality of teachers there were to teach the people with political leanings that disagreed with the Ministry.

"This is bad, really bad." Kitty said biting her lip with worry if they're allowed to do this stuff they could have a political brainwashing center set up and running without anyone being the wiser to it in a couple of years, and no one would even realize it until it is most likely to late. Even with the help from the Prime Minister and the rest of the British Government. I'm not sure what it is that we can do in this world; it's already gotten to be pretty corrupt as far as I can tell. I'm also not seeing an end to its bad parts either."

"We'll simply have to be ready within our world then, and Excalibur shall be the mighty blade that cleaves into the enemy of Britain." Peter said with a melodramatic grin, as he acted as if he was striking some unseen enemy with his wand.

"Just be sure you don't hurt yourself," Kitty teased him, "After all we wouldn't want you to hurt yourself with that it would be so embarrassing for you to explain to Brian and Kurt."

Peter nodded his head in quick agreement, knowing that the two of them would then tell Logan, who would then tell Ben during one of their monthly poker games with Fury, who would then tell Johnny, who would tell everybody that he saw. "Come on, we can still get a couple of hours of sleep before we have to get up for training."

Kitty nodded her head in agreement, stretching herself out and letting a large yawn slip out from between her lips. "You gotta tell me the secret to your ability to patrol New York all night and still be able to get up at early times. I mean Blade has the whole excuse of being what he is and all, but how do you do it?"

"Simple really," Peter said, "it's a very time honored secret that people have handed down through the ages for at over two hundred years, probably a lot more than that now that I think about it actually."

"And what would this secret be?" Kitty purred to her friend. "You going to share your mighty secret with me?"

Peter grinned at her with an evil glint in his eye. "What's it worth to you?"

Kitty smirked at him. "I revoke my need to challenge a Boggart, and agree to let you beat it up. How's that sound to you?"

Peter grinned even wider at this. "Deal."

"So, what's the secret?" Kitty pressed.

" Coffee."

"Coffee?" Kitty asked in shock. "I just gave up head cracking time to be told about coffee?"

"Yup." Peter winked at her mischievously. "You didn't think that us night patrollers had some type of miracle drug or something that had granted us the super power to restock our energy as it got later at night right?" Kitty just glared daggers at Peter. "And on that note I think I'll take these things and go and get some sleep now." Peter grabbed the photo sheets, and made a mad dash up the stairs chuckling at the fuming X-Man.

"You are so dead bub." Kitty Pryde growled silently up the stairs, she was going to make him regret this little stunt.


The group met downstairs and the conversation about teaching magical combat was not broached by any of them as they went about their usual routines nothing odd happened really until they got to the table for breakfast and despite the desperate looks that Peter sent up and down the table he could not find what he was looking for. "Missing something Petey?" Kitty asked with a smirk, as she took a drink from her mug.

"Oh no you didn't." Peter said, horror lacing his voice as he looked at his friend.

"What, what'd she do this time?" George asked as he slid in next to Kitty.

"Or is it a case of what she didn't do this time?" Fred asked, while he slid in on the opposite side of the table alongside of Peter.

Peter looked at Kitty in shock and betrayal. "She somehow convinced the elves not to serve up any coffee with breakfast this morning." Peter mournfully told the twins.

Hermione's eyes bulged out as she looked up and down and found out that Peter was correct there was not a single pot of coffee anywhere in the Great Hall today. She then cast a glare at Peter as if it was somehow his fault that there was no coffee for her drink this morning. "Find a way to take care of this or I'll hex you to London and back." She threatened, before turning to her breakfast without her usual cup of coffee.

"Tough break mate."

"Having both of those girls."

"Mad at you." The twins finished with smirks as they grabbed some pitchers of pumpkin juice.

Peter turned to look at Kitty who was smirking at him triumphantly. "Yes?"

"Fine, I don't hold you to that promise last night." Peter grumbled to her.

"I suppose that will have to do." Kitty said with a smirk she did a double clap and the pitchers containing coffee suddenly appeared around the room. "Next time though you have to get on you hands and knees though." She threatened him. "That, or wear a girls school uniform to the Great Hall." Hermione nodded in satisfaction as she got her coffee, while the twins just snickered at a paling Peter. "Just remember this, you may have all the slick tricks up your sleeve web-head, but I was trained by the best, and revenge is something he taught me how to do real well. Got it?" Kitty asked raising her eyebrows in Peter's direction. Peter just nodded in agreement. "Glad we had this talk." Kitty said cheerfully before everyone's eyes turned upward and saw the flock of owls bearing mail come in. Hedwig Wolvie and Lockheed were in the flock most of the owls were giving the small dragon plenty of room as he headed for his mistress.

Hermione accepted her paper from the delivery owl and unfurled it she then spat the coffee out all over George and Peter who were covered in coffee. People laughed as Peter was now covered in the coffee. "What's wrong Hermione? I promise I really took a shower this morning."

"So did I," George pointed out, "there was no reason to bombard us with another one, though coffee showers could easily become the latest thing." He added with a grin.

Hermione ignored the twins and pointed to the two headline articles. "Look!"

Muggle Prime Minister Forces Prophet to print articles!

In a surprising and unknown reason the Muggle Prime Minister had the Daily Prophet print an article in the Prophet after viewing this article though we at the Daily Prophet cannot help but to express our concerns about the mental health of the Prime Minister or it could be that said Prime Minister is actually under the imperious curse one of the three unforgivable curse that can land a person in Azkaban. If it is true that the Muggle Prime Minister is under the imperious curse then one would have to question who would be devious and daring enough to actually flaunt that they are performing this curse on the Prime Minister himself. Though there are no confirmed suspects at this time, but due to the nature of the article we can only presume that the unforgivable and the article were either done by Sirus Black or done on his orders. 'The manhunt for the infamous murderer Sirus Black may take a change in its course, and hopefully the man will be caught and be brought to justice. With this and other information that the Ministry has their hands on we are sure that Black will be returned to Azakaban soon.' Ministry employee was quoted at saying. (For more on Sirus Black and his atrocities page 14)

"Nice to see they're being so objective and understanding." Kitty remarked to the others who nodded in agreement before turning to the second article.

Black Guilty or Innocent?

By Ben Reilly

The last several months have been spent gathering information from various sources, and have come up with some rather disturbing information. While going through sources of both the Ministry of Magic and the Muggle Ministry it has been learned that Sirus Black supposed 'mass murder, and betrayer of the Potter family' may actually be innocent. Despite what popular opinion is on this person one must wonder how such a mistake might have been made.

It has been learned that this possible mistake was made by the former administration of the Ministry when Mr. Crouch was on his Death Eater headhunt, or Mask Hunt as it was often referred to. Then Minister of Magic and several other key officials allowed several cases to be tried without due process. 'A practice that should never have been practiced in England.' The Prime Minister says.

Following up on a few reliable sources, it has been learned that due to the length that Sirus Black was placed in prison he is actually supposed to be given a chance to present himself and given a chance for a trial which he has not had. It also brings many questions to mind. If Black had really been as powerful as the then Ministry said, then why was he not kissed? Could it be that he had allies that kept him alive, or in what is more likely by evidence seen was Black nothing more than a scapegoat that people wanted to torment? So far the only ways that Ministry personal has greeted Black has been by the promises and attempts of the Dementors Kiss. (For more on Dementors see page 9) Sirus Black is still to be considered a dangerous wizard though and will probably not submit himself to trial without a wizard's oath from the current Minister of Magic himself. The Prime Minister has already given his word that Black should be allowed a trial, and if found innocent be given adequate compensation for his illegal imprisonment for the past 12 years.

"This is bloody brilliant!" Ron said with a wide grin. "Who do you think this Ben Riley bloke is?"

"Someone working for Dumbledore most likely." Hermione told the redhead. "He must be new though since we haven't met him."

"Actually, I don't think so." Peter said looking around at a now buzzing hall. "Dumbledore has no contact with the Prime Minister, so the Prime Minister either has a magical connection, or someone is working through him. Dumbledore just seems to stay as far as he can from the muggle side of things if you think about it."

"Your right," Hermione said reluctantly after thinking for a moment.

"Who cares?" Ron said gleefully. "Look at Umbridge though." They all turned and saw a red Umbridge glaring at their group as if they were somehow responsible for what was in the Daily Prophet today. As if the article was somehow their fault and they had been the ones to take the large bit of the spotlight that the Ministry had put on her and turned it onto Sirus Black and the question of his innocence.

"You know I think that she looks rather mad about right now." George said with a cocky grin as he picked up the Prophet from the middle of the group and looking it over with interest.

"Well maybe not mad, cause it was already a guarantee that she was mad after all that she's done maybe angry would be a better word for it." Fred said, as he read the paper over his twin's shoulder.

"Would love to meet this bloke though, sounds like he knows what he's saying."

"Yeah, well did you notice this writer didn't seem to add in any personal opinions about what is going on?" Peter asked the two of them. "Unless you count the writer writing in favor of Black that is. Although its to bad it takes the government being ordered to print this, it makes you wonder if the Ministry is trying to hide something or if they didn't really know what was going on." He finished in a raised voice.

"You got a point." Dean said as he thought about things for a moment, thinking out what he had been told, and what he had just read.

"And if the Ministry is really unable or unwilling to see these kinds of facts, what do you think it means about other things? Could there be other things that we're not being told, and if the world isn't being told what does it mean for other things?"

"Let me guess, your going to jump on the You-Know-Who is alive train." Seamus said from where he was sitting. "I still don't buy that."

"Has Harry ever told you a lie about something this big?" Hermione asked the Irish boy angrily. "Harry's a lot of things, but if he counts you at least as even a partially decent friend he doesn't lie to you, and you say that he would lie to not only me and Ron but to Dumbledore, McGonagall and Hagrid? You all know that Harry looks up to Dumbledore and Hagrid and you think he would make those kinds of lies?"

"Well um." Seamus looked away unable to answer the question being thrown at him.

"Forget that for now, we have an Umbridge alert." Kitty warned them all as she watched the toad like woman heading toward their table. "And I don't think arguing in front of that hag is something any of us want to do." She finished, giving Hermione a look.

The bushy haired witch nodded reluctantly and backed down from the confrontation that had been brewing between her and the half-blood wizard. "We'll discuss this in the tower later." Hermione promised, before sitting back up leaving Seamus swallowing nervously in fear.

"Potter what is the meaning of this garbage?" Umbridge asked, as she bore down on the Gryffindor table that bristled in indignation for one of their own.

"Wish it had been me professor, but I had no idea about this." Harry honestly told her. "Besides, do you really think I would have talked about the Ministry like that?" He asked her curiously.

"He's right ma'm, Harry has a hate-hate relationship with the Ministry going on right now." Peter told the angry woman. "Not to mention Harry here hasn't got a politically savvy bone in his entire body, unless it's buried beneath a lot of extra skin somewhere."

"So, that's what was in the bones that Lockhart vanished back in second year after our match." Fred said with interest.

I suppose so dear brother I guess there is a limit to even what Madame Pomfrey can bring back." George bantered back at his twin.

"Potter, if I find that you had anything to do with these trashy articles I will see to it that every night you have detention! Do I make myself absolutely clear?"

"Crystal." Harry growled at her shooting daggers at her.

"So, you're saying that anyone that doesn't politically agree with you, and by extension the Ministry, they will be punished in some way or other. Is that what you are saying?" Peter questioned the woman with a glint in his eyes that was reflected in both Hermione and Kitty's eyes as they all waited eagerly for the woman to answer the question.

"The Ministry's opinion is the only one that should and does matter." Umbridge growled out at the teen.

"You didn't answer the question though." Peter pointed out, fighting off a smirk, and ignoring the odd looks that the other Gryffindors were shooting at him. "Will someone be punished for giving an opinion that counters that of you and the Ministry give to people?"

"Any student that attempts to go against the Ministry while I am here shall be dealt with the full power that I have at my disposal." The woman said with a snarl.

"Thank you Madame Umbridge while your discussion has been most informative." Dumbledore said to the woman with a trace of smugness in his voice. Umbridge looked up and glared defiantly at the old wizard. "I am sure that this information that we have all heard will be information that we will all take to heart." Dumbledore added, driving in a closing remark before he returned to his seat, leaving Umbridge to realize with a bit of horror that she had just admitted to political ties being a factor here in the Great Hall in front of all of the students and teachers. If the Ministry ever lost their foothold grasp here she would most likely be booted from the very school itself because of her admittance of just a few moments ago.

Umbridge stormed away not wanting to chance that she might let something else slip and put her behind the Ministry's schedule. If she did not watch herself she could loose some of her power, fortunately all that she had let known was already knowledge to all, this way it had merely become official is all. Still though, she really needed to do something about that Parker boy. He and the Pryde girl were both proving to be a bit of a bother to her plans. She needed to make sure they could not do anything to counter the Ministry plans that had already been set into motion before they reached the point of no return. The two of them were already interfering with her plans in breaking Potter giving him the strength somehow to continue on despite the cuts in his hands from her Blood Quill. The only good thing about that mess was that Potter still refused to go to any of the other Professor's for assistance, in fact she was pretty sure that he had yet to even go to the school nurse for his injuries.

"Thanks for the save." Harry said with relief.

"Don't worry about it." Peter said distractedly, as he nodded in return to Dumbledore who had raised his glass in a silent toast toward him. All of Hogwarts benefited from having that bit of information and it would hopefully either keep Dumbledore off his back, or it would put the man back on his and Kitty's case where he tried to ferret out their secrets again. He would have to wait and see what the man's next move was before he made another of his own besides now they actually had some rather interesting information that they might even be willing to share.

"Come on, we have classes to get to." Hermione told them all, ushering her group of friends towards the doors.


Dumbledore watched the group leave and marveled at the types of people that surrounded Harry. The two Americans may not trust anyone but they were willing to help Harry. Peter in a way reminded him of a much lighter hearted Alastor, though admittedly his friend hadn't been as cautious and watchful when he had been that age. Most of the paranoia that Alastor had become so famous for had come from his years of hunting dark wizards, not from when he had grown up, despite what a number of people might think. Mr. Parker on the other hand seemed to already have a number of the basics already learned, and could probably give Tonks a run for her money in duel, which was a disturbing thought. How had a boy like this come into being? There were also the questions of why he was teaching any Gryffindor fifth years how to fight, so far only the trio had accepted the offer but he also knew that Neville Longbottom had been tempted by the offer and was wrestling with his choice. He would have to wait see what was happening before he made his move, he would try and talk to the two separately next month, hopefully by that time their mental defenses would not be as strong if they were a bit more comfortable with their surroundings and would allow him to know what they knew. The thought that those two had it within their power to assists him in proving Voldemort was around to the wizarding world was a frustrating thing. Still though, the two of them provided a number of interesting puzzles that he would enjoy figuring out.

"Tell me Minerva what do you think of the latest inclusions to Mr. Potter's entourage?"

"Don't start Albus; they don't trust anyone enough to do anything for you. They are both near the level of Mr. Potter or Miss Granger when it comes to magical power though, the only thing that they have that Potter and Granger don't have is the self confidence to complete their jobs."

"I never imagined that Miss Granger had confidence problems Minerva." Albus said startled.

"Please Albus, it is easy to see if you look for the signs how many people can actually memorize thousand page books at the age of thirteen, or make 112 percent on their first year Charm essays? No Albus, they all have their own feelings of inadequacies. I think you need to understand that they are not the Marauders."

"I never thought that they were Minerva." Dumbledore argued with her.

"I'm not so sure that you do sometimes Albus." Minerva said frowning at her friend. "Those three have grown up here knowing that you were at least willing to listen to them, but now you have shut them out and left them floundering. I will watch them in class today, but I think your going to have to choose what's more important, your relationship with Harry or the secrets your keeping from him, because sooner or later your methods are going to get someone killed at this rate."

"I know Minerva but what can I do?"

"Only that which makes you feel right. At the moment though Harry thinks that his scar is the only part of him that you even care for."

Dumledore's shoulders slumped slightly before he looked back up. "As soon as he learns how to occlude his mind I will tell him I promise."

McGonagall didn't say anything, but arched an eyebrow at Albus. The only person on the Hogwarts teaching staff that could teach Harry that particular rare magical ability would be either Serverus or Albus himself. She already knew that the Headmaster could not or would not chance Harry learning anything about what was going on through those lessons, which meant that Severus would have to be the one to teach the boy no doubt. That was a problem, since she had her doubts about the methods that the man would use on Harry to teach him the art. It saddened her to know that Lily's once best friend was so vindictive of her son because of who his father was. Unfortunately she knew that most of it was no longer an act like it had been in the trio's first year, particularly after third year when Harry and Hermione helped to free Sirus. It saddened her when she thought of the similar lives that the two had led should have bridged the gap between the two of them, instead it was ignored. "I do hope you know what your doing Albus." She said, as she left the Great Hall to teach her own classes.


Kitty and Peter were walking a bit behind the others and were having a soft conversation. "Ben Riley?" The X-Man questioned her friend.

"Seemed like a good name to me." Peter said shrugging, a bit embarrassed.

"It mean anything?"

"You do know that curiosity killed the cat right?" Kitty just glared at him at the old joke. "Yeah, Ben was my uncle's name, he died right about the time I first started experimenting with what made me different." Peter said with a trace of bitterness in his voice, as he remembered how selfish he had been back then, and what the consequences of that selfishness had cost him before he finally got his head screwed on correctly. "Riley was my Aunt May's maiden name, and since they pretty much raised me I figure that it was the best way that I could honor them right now."

"Cool." Kitty said before they entered the Charms classroom, wondering idly what it was that Peter wasn't telling her about the name. She shrugged off the concern; with Spiderman or Peter Parker you just had to deal with the secrecy that he came with, maybe someday someone would be able to open up the mystery that he was.