Disclaimer: view Chapter 01 for that one
Enjoy this chapter and feel encouraged to leave me a tiny little review ^_^.
Chapter 19 - Memories and New Talents or Valentines Day and Trouble
The girl was thankfully thrown out of the vision when Voldemort cast the curse on Malfoy the second time that night. She woke up with a cry and felt someone pulling her into a tight embrace. Carya struggled at first but the soothing hisses from the person behind her reached her mind soon.
~Shhh, it's okay, Carya. It's over for now. Please, calm down!~ the male said and Carya recognised him.
~Tom? Oh god, it was so horrible. I ... Tom, I have to get to Snape. It's very important. Voldemort, he will try and get into that room. I couldn't stop it this time.
It was impossible and I ... Tom I was in his mind all the time,~ she rambled and Tom didn't understand anything besides that she had important news for the Order of the Phoenix.
The boy gave his girlfriend the proper potions and together they made their way down to Snape's office, hoping he was there but it was empty. Carya had miraculously thought of bring the Marauder's Map though and they managed to find Snape's private quarters.
The teens knocked on the door and waited for a few minutes. A sleepy looking Snape in a crumpled robe opened the door surly.
"Professor, I'm sorry to wake you but ... it's important!" Carya murmured and Severus could see that she meant every word.
He had a good idea what this was about since he could see how much her muscles were trembling right then. She had another vision and it must have been pretty much painful this time. The professor took a look down the corridor and let both teenagers inside.
"Care to tell me how you found these rooms?" he inquired while he fetched some vials from a nearby cabinet.
"Eh, the map, sir," Tom said biting his lower lip.
Severus just raised an eyebrow. He had heard about a Map at the end of the kids fourth year when they'd found Crouch. He gave Carya the vials and she relaxed. The girl asked for the Pensieve they'd used before and he fetched it quickly.
After Carya had put both memories into the bowl she started telling her professor what had been happening. She had found a duplication charms for memory beads and it worked quite well. She could put the memory into the Pensieve and still fully remember what happened.
"I ... I had one of those dreams again tonight and it scared me. I couldn't stop it. Not even affect it at all and that scares me. You'll see why I'm so much disturbed when you look at it but I'm warning you, sir. It's horrifying for the most part," Carya said sounding very tired.
"I have the feeling we should call the headmaster down here, Miss Potter," Severus stated worried and walked over to the fireplace where he threw some lilac powder into the flames, "Albus Dumbledore's Chambers!"
"Good morning Severus, what can I do for you?" the quite awake seeming Headmaster asked his young colleague.
"Your presence is required here, Albus. It's quite important I believe," Snape replied and closed the connection.
He explained them why it had been safe to talk like that though.
"The powder I used is an invention that I was able to make from an idea of Alastor Moody. It's safer than normal calling-powder since it's not traceable and only connects two fires," he told them.
Albus came through the door a moment later. He raised his eyebrows when he saw the two children sitting on the couch but he didn't question it when he saw the heavy tremors that shot through Carya's body.
"Miss Potter, did you have a vision tonight?" he asked and she just nodded.
"I also had one of those damned dreams but I couldn't fucking stop it. I tried but I couldn't," she growled looking at her lap.
"Language, Carya!" Snape scolded mildly but he smiled slightly at her.
The girl looked up at him and when she saw his smile she relaxed a bit more. The professor was just teasing her. She took a deep breath and leaned into Tom's side.
"Perhaps you should just look at the memory, headmaster. But be careful, I find it very disturbing, the first one I mean. It's the 'dream' I had just before the vision and I hate it," Carya said scowling.
Together they looked into the Pensieve and found themselves in the strange room which was identified as the room where Carya had found Tom in. It was located at Riddle Manor. Just like Carya had they all saw the memory through the same eyes as Carya had.
A horrified gasp could be heard when they emerged from the Pensieve after the dream sequence. Carya sat on the couch panting hard with her eyes pressed tightly together. She started talking first while the three males looked at her in concern.
"I believe that you can imagine my horror when I saw the image in the mirror. Not only that but I know what happened before. In that corridor. It was the same mind but a different body. He possessed his snake those times," Carya explained and shocked them even more.
"I think we'll take a look at that vision of yours now, child. You should stay here though as you've already experienced that," Dumbledore said and Carya shook her head lightly.
"I can't, I ... it's better if I go as well. I might have missed something the first time," she stammered and Albus just sighed.
When they got back the Headmaster and the Potions professor looked at her in shock. If her visions always were like that they didn't want to know how she had managed to hide them for so long. She had felt three of those curses that night and was still conscious.
Sure, the potions she kept in her room would help but no child should be able to take it that well. It proved how strong she was when she had to. Physical pain didn't hurt her as much as anything emotional did.
Severus thanked Merlin that only they knew about that. If Voldemort figured out how to break her, he would surely try that. Having her on his side would be disastrous for the light forces.
"This was really important. We know now where he is looking for that 'weapon'," Dumbledore said without going further.
When he turned to leave Carya spoke up again,
"It's in the 'Department of Mysteries', isn't it? Bode and Croaker worked there. Bode was killed around Christmas and Croaker is missing right now, most likely dead as well. Rookwood worked for the same Department before he was found out. All three have been Unspeakables."
Severus heard Albus sigh heavily,
"Yes it is, Miss Potter. You have made the right conclusions. I must ask you though to keep this to yourself. Your friends might know through your brother already but don't tell anyone else. Those who have to know I will inform myself."
"Yes, headmaster. I won't tell anyone ... I ... Professor Snape? Would you ... can you give me some Dreamless Sleep Potion for tonight and tomorrow? I have so much work right now and I don't want to have any of these dreams or vision until at least the weekend.
There's a Quidditch match on Sunday and we want to win. We don't have a replacement Keeper right now," she pleaded and looked at the two adults.
"Alright Carya, but only for those two days. It still is addictive and I don't want you depending on this potion to get any sleep at all!" Severus said in his classroom voice.
"Yes, sir. I won't disappoint you. I'm just tired of this crap and want a break for once. I'm wondering why I couldn't stop the dream though. Do you think that physical exhaustion can lessen my resistance level?" the girl inquired.
"That could very well be. Perhaps we should try our training after your quidditch practise from now on. It would simulate that situation better," Severus said and the children were sent back to bed.
Severus and Albus talked a bit longer. The headmaster was worried as he now had a fairly good idea what the Dark Lord was after in the first place. When Carya and Tom returned to their dorm the boy stayed with his girlfriend.
Yue made an appearance as well. She had sensed her mistress distress and came to help. Her soft song helped to relax Carya even further before she fell asleep. The potion was not needed now because Tom was with her and Yue was singing for her.
The next morning was pure torture for the girl. She had trouble getting up because her whole body was hurting. A hot shower and a couple of muscle relaxants helped but a certain soreness remained.
Harry felt a little better but not much. He was just as exhausted although he didn't have the dream.
/That's really strange. Are you sure you didn't have it Harry?/ she asked him.
/Absolutely. I would remember that, Carya. I didn't have any dreams apart from the blasted vision where Avery and Malfoy got cursed. I don't even know why they were being punished by Voldie,/ he replied.
/I have a very bad feeling about this. Harry, do you think that I unconsciously want to find out what Voldie's planning and that I'm the one who initiates the connection?/ she asked sounding terrified for once.
/No idea, but perhaps you should ask Snape about it. He might be able to tell if you are. If you do then you have to find a way to stop that. It's dangerous for yourself,/ her brother said worried.
Dumbledore held the friends back after Wandless Magic that afternoon and asked how they felt. The twins stated that they were 'fine' but the looks the rest of the six gave them told more than thousand words. Dumbledore nodded and dismissed them.
He had noticed that the six friends were some of the few who would most likely be successful at this course. Neville Longbottom, Susan Bones and Blaise Zabini were making progress as well. These nine were the most promising candidates.
He had also heard that the 'Slytherin Six' had made quite some progress at Telepathy with Remus Lupin. They had told their teacher that they could sense the other's emotions now. Not like Carya could but they were vaguely aware of what they felt and whom it was directed to.
That evening was the last Quidditch practise before the game. Harry had decided to give his team two days to gather their strength. They would need that. Hufflepuff might have lost Diggory but they were still dangerous even if they had lost another player this year.
Carya and Tom would be brewing another type of potion that Thursday evening. It was a poison. It was one of those they needed to know if they seriously considered becoming someone's apprentices after school or if they attempted the Mastery Exams then.
Snape had been the youngest Potions Master ever when he took these tests. He had started school when he was ten which was one year early and finished his mastery exams long before graduation at age fifteen.
If Carya and Tom worked hard over the next two years they probably would be able to do it right after graduation. The girl seemed more than worried when she entered his lab that night. They worked on the potion for an hour before it had to cool and sit for two hours.
"Professor, can I ask you something?" she inquired and Severus looked curious.
Her tone was sounding almost frightened and she was talking very quietly.
"What is it, Carya?" he asked softly in order not to scare her away since it seemed really important.
"It's about the dream, sir. I ...Harry didn't have it. He had all those before, just like me but not the one last night. I was unable to stop it with what you taught me and that made me think. I should have been able to at least affect it since I stopped the last two pretty soon as you know.
At first ... first I thought it was because it was Voldemort's real mind this time and not only him possessing someone but ... when Harry said he didn't have a dream I was confused. Sir, could it ... do you think that I unconsciously could want to know what the bastard is planning?
That I'm the one who initiates the connection? I mean ... it would explain why the techniques I used wouldn't work and it also would explain why Harry didn't dream until the vision," she asked without looking up.
Her voice was quivering now and she seemed truly scared about something. Severus carefully thought about his answer. It could be possible but she had to be a natural at Legilimency for that to work properly. Though it was worth a try.
"I think that could be Carya, but why should you want to know what he's doing? I find that hard to believe that you would even try that unconsciously," he questioned softly.
"I don't know. I want to defeat him and I'd do almost everything to accomplish that. I'm no expert for human minds, professor and I most likely never will be because it confuses me. If he find's out, I'd be in danger and possibly pose a threat to all those around me," she said tiredly.
"We could always try if you can do it. I had to be good at Occlumency because of Voldemort. But we will try it with your boyfriend here first. I believe there is little you don't know about him and I'm sure he wouldn't mind if you discovered a secret," Snape said and Carya knew exactly why he suggested that.
He had too many things that he didn't want anyone to know. And the girl understood that. She often felt the same way and there were a few things that only Tom knew about her. Not even their friends and family knew those things and they never told.
Severus explained the concept and theory of Legilimency to Carya while Tom half watched over the potions and half listened to Snape's explanations. An hour later they seemed to be finished with the theory and Carya was about to try the spell on Tom.
She felt awkward and guilty about doing this to her boyfriend but he assured her that he didn't mind. He was going to fight though and try to prevent her from getting inside his mind. The girl took a deep breath and pointed her wand at Tom.
"Legilimens!" she said firmly and tried to pry into the boys mind.
It worked and she found no resistance at all. That wasn't supposed to be. She had hoped that she wouldn't succeed at all but the opposite was the case. Everything was available and she carefully probed deeper and deeper until she came across the Chamber of Secrets incident.
A soft cry from Tom made her break the connection. When she saw him trembling like mad she dropped her wand and pulled him into her embrace while trying to comfort him.
"I'm sorry Tom, please forgive me," she said feeling guilty for doing this,
~I didn't know you felt that bad about it. Everything will work out. I'll never leave you. Don't you worry about that ever again. I couldn't leave you willingly, you know? You mean more to me than my own life, Tom,~ she whispered softly.
The boy slowly stopped trembling and shivering and his breathing evened as well. Severus had only watched them and was shocked about the outcome. He could tell that the boy had fought with his whole strength but that she had simply overpowered him.
'This is unbelievable. Could it be that her being an Empath has to do with this? Because she already knows how to access the emotions of the person, how to sense them when they are around?' Severus thought and frowned.
"Carya, we need to talk to the headmaster. I believe that this could have to do with the fact that you inherited some of Rowena Ravenclaws powers. I can tell that Tom fought as hard as he could but he was no match for you here," he said and called the headmaster.
To say that Albus was shocked was an understatement. The girl was a natural at one of the most difficult abilities they knew of. It made her a very dangerous enemy. They agreed that Severus would teach her how to control that in order to keep her from initiating the contact.
Harry and Tom would have to help them though. They would continue the Occlumency training as it was still important. When the children left after completing the poison with a perfect result he mused about the whole situation.
'I wonder if Voldemort is able to do Occlumency. If he isn't he will have a hard time facing Carya when she's fully educated. The girl could be the most powerful witch since the Founders times. And she will be a dangerous enemy to those who oppose her.
She's not only good with magic, she's a natural leader if she wants to. She has more charisma than Voldemort ever had. If he had been anything like her the world would be ruled by darkness now. I only hope she doesn't decide to take such a path', he thought and sleep evaded him that night.
Carya thought about Tom the whole night instead of taking the Dreamless Sleep potion. She felt horrible about going through his mind but knowing what she knew now was disturbing at best. He still felt guilty about the Chamber incident.
She knew that this caused his insecurity about their relationship. Carya decided to try something. Something that Rowena's portrait had taught her during the last month. She would attempt a little bit of Heart Magic which was easier if you were an Empath.
(A/N: I've first read about this type of magic in Midnight Blue's 'The Mirror of Maybe'. If anyone should be credited for that it should be Midnight Blue. I'm just borrowing it for my story ^_^)
She knew Tom was awake because she could sense him. The girl relaxed her mind and took all her positive feelings for Tom, her love, her protectiveness and everything good she had and felt for the other. She sent them over to him a second later and managed to reach his mind with that.
Carya sensed the surprise he felt before he came through the door. He had experienced the most confusing thing just now. He had felt someone's affection, love and adoration as well as utter protectiveness in his heart but those feelings hadn't been his own.
A few seconds later he new whom these emotions belonged to. They were Carya's and it was how she felt about him. He got up and went to her room. The boy carefully opened the door and saw her gazing at him curiously.
"Does that answer your questions, love?" she inquired softly smiling at her boyfriend and sent the same feelings once again.
Tom was overwhelmed by that and started crying silently. Carya had meanwhile gotten up and started kissing him. She wiped his tears away before she pulled her boyfriend into a loving embrace.
"I love you Tom. I cannot leave you. It would tear me apart if we were separated. Please believe me when I tell you that I can't live without you at my side and in my heart," she murmured softly.
Tom shifted in her arms and put his own around her back pulling her closer. He rested his head on her shoulder and buried his face in her neck. They stood like that for what seemed like eternity.
When they were stiff from standing like that Carya took Tom's hand and the again slept in the same bed. The two teens were curled up against each other and slept peacefully until the alarm clock went off. Carya groaned and threw the item against the wall where it shattered and fell to the ground.
A few minutes later they were both getting up and dressed for the day. Friday wasn't really that difficult. Charms was the only practical class and they merely had to listen to theory most of the time. Although Advanced Defence was the most interesting theory they'd get.
Saturday wasn't really different. They went to Latin first thing that morning and Telepathy after that. Carya and Tom had a major breakthrough though as they started to converse in bit's and pieces now.
They told Remus after class and he was proud of the two. He told them what they should practise next and they did just that. Since Survival and Duelling had been forbidden they could spend the whole Saturday in the Founder's Chambers.
The six met up there and first did their homework before doing what they liked most. Harry and Hermione spent the time playing chess or arguing about classes. Draco and Ginny tried to think of new way's to prank the Gryffindor's.
They needed a retaliation plan for the prank Carya and Tom had thought of. Carya and Tom practised Telepathy and brooded over books and magazines about potions. Neither of them thought about the Quidditch match that would take place the next day.
The game didn't take long though. Slytherin was 80 points in the lead when Harry spotted the snitch. After only fifteen minutes Slytherin beat Hufflepuff with 230 to 0 and was now leading in the Quidditch Cup with over 100 points.
Several students had placed bets that day and many had lost some galleons as they hadn't believed that Slytherin could beat a team like that and certainly not that quickly. Fact was though that the Slytherin's had the best team Hogwarts had seen during the last fifty years.
Those who knew about the 'Slytherin Six's' game against the Irish National team had known it since the World Cup. Other had to be convinced first but even the Gryffindors didn't think they could actually win against Slytherin if Harry caught the snitch before Ron did.
Severus was pleased with his students performance and thought of their game with obvious pride. His students had played very well and could only be beaten by themselves if they got too arrogant to consider the others as worthy opponents.
Thanks to Harry Potter that would hardly ever happen. They boy knew of their strength but he pushed the team regardless how strong the others were. The kids were all now looking forward to the fourteenth as that was Valentine's Day.
Carya had opted for that day to carry out their revenge. She and Tom had found a way to make their potion last exactly twelve hours and it had quite funny effects. The robes of the victims would turn bright pink with white hearts all over it.
The hair was a matching shade of pink and it's tips would be white as well. Dobby had helped them this time. He absolutely loved Harry and Hermione and it had been easy to convince him to put the potion into the Gryffindor's pumpkin juice after reassuring him that it wouldn't harm the kids.
It was a simple and not exactly inventive prank but it was effective and positively embarrassing for the lions. The best was that even changing clothes wouldn't work as long as the potions magic would be active in the victims system.
When the students sat down for breakfast on February 14th no one noticed the excited glances the six friends shot towards the Gryffindor table. Neville sat with Blaise as usual. They had taken that habit since the last pranks and the poor boy had been victim to the Weasley's prank as well.
The potion was timed again to make sure everyone had drunken some juice before it was being activated. About fifteen minutes into breakfast all Gryffindor's had drunken from their goblets and the 'Slytherin Six' had become unusually quiet which didn't go unnoticed by the teachers.
Severus, Albus, Remus and Minerva just knew that they were up to something. And a couple of minutes later it happened. It was quite a shock for everyone to see the Gryffindor students like that and it reminded everyone of the dreadful Valentine's day of 1994 when Lockhart had been teaching.
Most Gryffindor's were screaming bloody murder by the time everyone was laughing at them. Some even demanded to know who had done it although they should by then have known about the prank competition between the 'Slytherin Six' and the infamous Weasley twins.
Fred and George had remained sitting. They were too embarrassed to even get mad at the snakes who had done this. Their liquid Canary Creams had been a good humiliation but this was worse. It seemed impossible to top the Potter twins when it came to pranks.
The Defence Association had a meeting the same night and by the time they met the potion had worn off. Fred glared at Carya when he entered the Survival room through the secret passage. George was still embarrassed and looked away when she grinned at him.
Some of the students in the Defence Association managed to get a large cloud of white mist by now. No one had a corporeal Patronus though. Ginny was close as was Draco. Hermione had a bit more problems but she would succeed given some time.
The only one who absolutely disapproved of those pranks was Dolores Umbridge. The six friends sank in her favour more and more with each odd behaviour. They didn't mind though. They kept up the act in class since they'd started the pranks.
It had become easier to act like that after they'd given Rita that interview for the 'Quibbler'. The children's Occlumency lessons went quite well now and the boys had managed to block Snape a few times. Carya was struggling a bit harder since she had to learn two things but she managed nicely.
Neither Harry nor Carya had had any of those weird dreams inside Voldemort's mind again which was very comforting for everyone. Severus had even agreed to let her try her skills on him after Easter if she could control it by then.
The next big event was the official dismissal of Sybil Trelawney on March 1st. Umbridge had declared her unfit of teaching and dismissed her from the teaching post but Dumbledore had made sure that he could keep her in the castle as his guest.
The headmaster had even talked to the Centaurs and tried to get one of them to teach Divination for now. They had refused at first but when the headmaster described what was currently happening they reluctantly agreed to provide someone.
Firenze was willing to help out but his people forbade him to teach their innermost secrets. It was agreed that he would stay until the year was over. Hopefully Dolores Umbridge would be gone then and Sybil could resume her teaching.
Dolores Umbridge had been furious about that and tried her best to make the Professor's life miserable. She didn't succeed fully and the students weren't that scared of her anymore. Every DA member had learned a bunch of healing spells.
These helped the victims of one of those dreadful detentions with Dolores. After healing the wounds they applied glamour charms which resembled the wounds and faded like real cuts would. No one questioned where these students got the knowledge because they all were really grateful for that.
Some time during March Carya had another dream about Voldemort but the second she noticed it she closed all the connections and drifted back to sleep. Harry had needed a few seconds longer but he had succeeded as well. Severus was pleased to hear that.
When no one made any more progress in conjuring a Patronus by the middle of March they started on other defensive and some slightly offensive spells just in case something happened. They also had started to teach the handling of several weapons including knifes and clubs.
Those who wanted to know more would have to join Survival when it was reinstated or learn in a course at the ministry later. Classes were becoming very difficult now and the load of homework increased beyond imagination. Most afternoons were now spent in the library doing these essays.
The 'Slytherin Six' disappeared regularly now and still no one could figure out where they went. Cat, Terence, Blaise, and Neville had become good friends and spent most of their time together. Unbeknownst to everyone Cat and Terence taught Blaise and Neville how to become Animagi.
Neville would learn it in seventh year though as he was participating in Advanced Transfiguration. He could honestly say that McGonagall was pleased with his performance until then. Gone were most of his insecurities and his fear of failure.
He was even able to come out of one of Snape's thorough yelling fits without shaking like a leaf in the wind. The Potter twins did have two more visions about Voldemort torturing a muggle family and a couple of wizards though.
They'd helped to prevent six attacks through these visions. Voldemort was naturally furious since he now thought that there was another spy in his inner circle. He had been aware that there was a certain connection to the Potter twins.
But he would never believe that they could see what he was doing when he felt angry or excited which was most of the time. Dolores Umbridge had been even more wary about her former favourite six students.
There were rumours that they'd openly defied her by secretly practising Defence spells. She didn't have any proof but she observed them closely. So far there hadn't been any change in behaviour. It was on March 29th something terrible happened.
The kids had just finished their latest DA session and were silently creeping back to their Common Rooms when a few of them were caught out after curfew by Umbridge. The caught students were Tom and Carya.
They'd made sure everyone else could get away with that. Harry would be able to lead the group should they actually be expelled. Dobby had come and warned them that a teacher had heard the voices in the corridors.
Harry then had forbidden Dobby to tell anyone and he also forbade him to punish himself for that. Dobby was eternally grateful for it because it meant even if he was being questioned he could say that there hadn't been any meetings at all.
The fuming teacher demanded what they were doing out after hours and they couldn't help but say a half-truth. Carya explained that they'd wanted to practise some Charms they'd learned from Flitwick because they felt the need to have some extra training in them.
She had heard them talking about healing spells when they were caught so it wasn't unlikely. The woman dragged the two students up to Dumbledore's office where a couple of people were already waiting. Fudge was there as well as Kingsley Shacklebolt, Percy Weasley and Professor Snape.
Professor Umbridge dragged the two students inside and gave Carya a last shove before closing the door. The girl glared at her rubbing her right arm. Tom stood calmly beside his girlfriend and soon Carya put on her usual mask as well.
Fudge looked at Carya with some kind of scared satisfaction. She looked directly at him without so much as blinking and he looked away quickly before addressing them.
"Well, Potter, Riddle, I believe you know why you have been brought here?" Fudge inquired.
"No, minister. I'm afraid we don't know," Carya said calmly and Tom nodded his consent.
"I beg your pardon?" Fudge sputtered.
"I said 'No', minister. We do not know why we have been brought here by Professor Umbridge," she repeated and Fudge looked flustered for a second.
The Minister of Magic looked at his friend and professor before glancing at the children and Dumbledore. When he looked away Tom could see the tiniest signs of a smile on Albus Dumbledore's face.
"You are telling me you have no idea that you have broken any school rules at all?" the pudgy man asked further.
"Not that I'm aware of," said Tom firmly but still very polite.
"Well, Educational Decrees then?" Fudge queried and looked at the teens.
"No, I don't think we did," Tom continued.
Only Snape could tell how nervous the two children actually were. The sign weren't obvious if you didn't know where to look. But they were there.
"So you are telling me that you have no knowledge of a secret and illegal student organisation that exists in this school under your leadership?" Fudge wanted to know.
Carya managed a convincing look of utter confusion and surprise.
"Sir? Why would we do such a thing? It's against Professor Umbridge's Educational Decrees!" the girl said sounding quite offended by the accusation.
"Well, perhaps we should fetch our witness then, shall we?" said Dolores silkily and walked out of the office into an adjourning room.
She returned two minutes later with a student from Hufflepuff who looked as if he had been crying a lot during the last few minutes. Dolores Umbridge managed to get the boy to sit down in one of the chairs and the Slytherin couple looked at him curiously.
Chapter 20 - A Stupid Dictator and DA Meetings or Holidays and Bans
The two teenagers silently thanked Slytherin that they'd made much progress at Telepathy and could communicate if they were near each other now.
/Tom, I think we're safe if we play this right. He is no member of the group. We just have to be convincing enough,/ Carya sent to him.
/You're right, love. But she can still expel us for practising these spells we talked about to rescue the other's it's still forbidden as they belong to Defence in some way,/ Tom shot back and Carya sighed mentally.
Umbridge tried to get the boy to talk but when he saw whom he would have to accuse right now he cowered in fright. Carya's reputation in school was certainly adding to his fears. When he refused talking Dolores started telling the assembled people what he had told her.
Carya and Tom remained emotionless through the tale and were watched closely by the adults. The act was flawless until now but they knew someone would get punished for this incident.
"Well, as you can see the boy has overheard some students talking about secret group who is practising how to duel. I believe that this adds to the gathering of students in the Hogs Head at the beginning of the school-year and that article of lies that has been published in the 'Quibbler' not too long ago," she said and looked pointedly at Dumbledore and Fudge.
"I believe you are wrong here Dolores," Dumbledore said and everyone stared at him, "The day they met in the Hog's Head was before your Decree was put into effect. I am aware that almost all students there were members of one of the four Quidditch teams.
Many people have told me that they were discussing Quidditch and how they should behave on the pitch now that they could play again. I think I am right when one Auror who was there undercover reported the same. Is that correct, Auror Shacklebolt?" the headmaster asked.
Kingsley sighed and told what he knew, "Yes Headmaster Dumbledore that has indeed occurred. My agent told that the children were discussing Quidditch the whole time."
Umbridge and Fudge looked like beaten puppies for a second before launching the next attack.
"Well, there is still the fact that they were leading an illegal group and practising spells that were considered unfit for students this age," Dolores said.
"Do you have evidence for these accusations Dolores?" Albus asked and looked curious.
"Evidence? Why do you think the boy is here? Come now dear, tell us what you told me, will you?" the woman coaxed and the Hufflepuff nodded.
"They were always talking about that, the students I mean. And then there's this house-elf that follows Potter around. I think it's name is Dobby," the boy said.
"Ah, let's call the creature than," Fudge said and Dumbledore complied.
Dobby appeared and looked a bit more fearful than a proper house-elf would.
"Elf, what do you know about a secret and illegal student organisation at Hogwarts?" Fudge inquired.
Carya was fuming inwardly because of Fudge's treatment towards Dobby but outwardly she just smiled at the tiny elf.
"Dobby is not knowing about such things, sir, Minister Fudge, sir. Dobby is working in the kitchen with all the other elves, sir," the elf replied.
Dumbledore had the feeling that he knew what was going on and asked Dobby something, "Dobby, are you telling the truth?"
"Dobby is not lying sir. Dobby cannot lie to his Master, Professor Dumbledore, sir," the elf said firmly.
This convinced the Auror and even Percy Weasley. Fudge remained suspicious but dropped the topic.
"There is still the practise of forbidden spells tonight. And after curfew nonetheless. I believe that these two misused their status as prefect," Dolores accused them.
Dumbledore made a very difficult decision then and decided to help the teens. Umbridge didn't have any evidence for the existence of the DA and only could accuse the children of tonight events if they were even true.
"I think you are at fault here Cornelius, Dolores. I was the one who allowed and encouraged these two to practise these sort of charms. The are going to become potions apprentices and could probably pursue a career in the medical field.
If you think this if offence enough to punish someone then you'd have to punish me," the old headmaster said and Fudge looked as if christmas had come early.
"Weasley, do you have that? His confession?" Fudge blurted out and Percy nodded after skimming through his notes once again.
Fudge started rambling about Dumbledore going to Azkaban and Snape noticed the panicked look that crossed Carya's features as well as Tom's for a second.
"Ah, I don't think that you'll send me to Azkaban, Cornelius. Although I could always break out it would be such a waste of time. And a quiet departure is the last thing I would want now, isn't it?" Dumbledore said smiling his irritating smile.
Fudge was sputtering and yelled at the aurors to take him. Before they could move a muscle a blinding sliver flash of light filled the room and the two Slytherin's were brought down by a dark figure.
When they recovered from the sudden impact with the floor they saw Dumbledore and Fawkes coming over.
"Severus, I trust you will look after the students along with Minerva. Take care of yourselves you two. You were very brave tonight, protecting your friends like that, but we need you here, in safety. I have to go, they will wake soon," the headmaster said.
Carya was almost crying by now. Dumbledore had given up everything for them even if it could be temporary. She looked at him with teary eyes.
"Thank you headmaster, I ... we'll do everything you asked and learn those things from Professor Snape, sir. I ... I think I trust you more now," she said and looked at him with sad eyes.
Albus smiled. This one statement meant very much to him and he disappeared down the stairs with Fawkes following him. Carya and Tom reacted quickly when they heard someone stirring behind them and dropped to the floor once again.
Severus was puzzled for a second and then mimicked their actions. Fudge saw them getting of the floor when he came to as did Umbridge. The whole office was a mess and the phoenix was gone as well.
Fudge was angry and told Snape to get his students to bed. They went down to the dungeons together and Severus noticed that his assistants were lost in thought. He asked them into his office first and talked to them about the whole situation.
"I know it's our fault sir, we should have paid more attention to our surroundings. I had no idea they'd be so careless and talk in the hallways. It's a good thing that no one willingly provided the information. At least I think no one did.
If anyone is running around with more pustules than Eloise Midgeon tomorrow then we have a traitor in our group if not it was just an accident with heavy repercussions. I still can't believe that he did this for us," Carya said in a small voice feeling guilty.
"The headmaster thought it was the best course of actions. Don't doubt his decision. He won't be far, Carya," Severus said and sent them to bed.
The next morning was terrible. Chaos broke out when everyone heard that Dumbledore was gone. A few Slytherin's looked smug but they were the vast minority. Before breakfast started a note appeared on every noticeboard in school.
By Order Of The Ministry Of Magic
Dolores Jane Umbridge (High Inquisitor) has replaced Albus Dumbledore as Head of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
The above is in accordance with Educational Decree Number Twenty-eight.
Signed: Cornelius Oswald Fudge, Minister for Magic
"This can't be happening, tell me this isn't true!" said one of the seventh year Gryffindor's who had been in trouble with Umbridge very often.
But it was true and everyone dreaded what would happen now. One of the Ravenclaws provided the student body a rather amusing story though. It seemed that this very morning Umbridge had tried to get back into Dumbledore's old office but she couldn't get past the Gargoyle.
The stone statue had started shouting insults at her when she used brute force in her attempts. The day passed in strained silence and everyone tried to get used to the new situation. The DA was put on hold until they knew who had caused this mess but none of the actual members were guilty.
The days until the easter holidays couldn't go over quickly enough for everyone. Not one student wanted to stay over easter. It as only four days until they could take the train back home. Carya was adamant to apologise to Dumbledore should she get the chance.
He had truly earned their full trust for now. Even the rest of the 'Slytherin Six' thought that. Umbridge kept a close eye on the six but couldn't find any change in behaviour. They still behaved like angels in her class although they seemed to feel uncomfortable under her scrutinising gazes.
Soon it was April 4th and the students boarded the Hogwarts Express after breakfast. Snape had given the friends some instructions on how to practise during the free days before telling them to be careful when they went outside of the grounds of Black Manor.
He had changed since his cover as a spy had been blown. Sure, he was still the same greasy bastard git of a Potions Professor most of the time but he was a bit 'nicer' nowadays. Especially Carya and Tom got along better with him.
After endless hours of boredom the train arrived at King's Cross. The friends quickly got off the train and stepped through the barrier. The Weasley's, Granger's as well as Sirius and Remus were waiting for them.
Hermione and Ginny had to go home for the holidays the first day but would be allowed to stay at Black Manor for the rest of their holidays. Sirius had invited the Granger's as well but they were still uncomfortable around too many wizards.
Molly and Arthur had declined as well since they knew what would happen if Fred and George were unsupervised. And having them in the same house as the 'Slytherin Six' would be even worse. The friends waved goodbye before Harry, Carya, Tom, Draco and their two guardians floo-ed home.
Remus was aware of the strained silence that had settled over the group when they'd parted from their two friends. He also knew that it had something to do with Dumbledore loosing his post as headmaster of Hogwarts a few days prior.
Sirius knew about Dumbledore's problem but he didn't know the reasons behind that. He was as always oblivious to most things but that was just the way he was. Moony knew that the friends would be expected at the next order meeting and told them so.
"Carya, Tom, Harry, Draco, you and the other two are expected to attend the next meeting. It'll take place tomorrow night. By then Hermione and Ginny should be here. I hope that you can explain what happened at Hogwarts because Albus refused to give any information," Remus said.
"Okay, Moony. May we go upstairs now? I'm really tired. That Umbridge woman is getting on my nerves. We'll all probably need a year worth of vacation to recover from her once the year is over," Carya replied and started walking away.
Tom quickly followed her. The other two boys explained why the couple was so tired and the adults understood. They'd spent almost every evening of the last few days in Snape's office for training or in their rooms doing homework. They were bound to be exhausted.
All four teens woke up early that Friday morning. They met downstairs for breakfast before Carya and Tom went outside to go for a walk. Draco and Harry continued their heated discussion about professional Quidditch teams.
When Remus called them inside to get ready for lunch the two lovebirds where nowhere to be found. Harry looked on the first floor and found them in their favourite spot. They sat on the windowsill in Carya's room, listened to their song and were fast asleep.
Carya's phoenix had returned to the manor and was sleeping on her stand next to the girl's desk. Every now and then the bird would open her eyes to take a look at the sleeping couple though. The boy quietly left the room and told his family about his discovery.
"I think we should let them sleep. Slytherin knows they need it. I wouldn't have been able to do that. We play that act for Umbridge, they have those potions lessons, Occlumency training, the Defence Association, Quidditch and homework on top.
All that would've been far too much for me even for one single week. I don't get it. Where do they get the energy to carry on like that?" Draco asked confused.
"It's not that difficult Draco. Carya and Tom love each other deeply. They most likely have already formed something akin to a heart bond and both suffer if one of them is hurt. The draw their strength from their relationship.
I think that even you can feel how strong it has become since Tom has been kidnapped by the Dark Lord. They work for something that they think is worth the effort and that boosts their strength even more," Remus explained.
Draco and Harry nodded. They both didn't think they could've handled all the workload without fainting from exhaustion after the first few days. Both boys admired and sometimes envied their 'siblings' for this kind of relationship though. They truly had each other's hearts.
Hermione and Ginny were their girlfriends but they weren't as close as Tom and Carya were. Every relationship needed time to grow and blossom and perhaps they would grow even closer given time too.
Shortly before Sirius came into the girls room she and Tom woke up. They had dreamt of the past year. About their love and what it had already cost them. Both believed that they gained far more than they lost though and that was a soothing conclusion.
Sirius asked them to get dressed and come down for a quick dinner before they'd portkey over to Grimmauld Place. The two youths blushed at the grins that had shown on the faces of the other occupants in the kitchen.
The light mood was dampened even more as dinner progressed. Remus assumed that it had to do with what happened at school a few days ago. Soon they got ready and touched the timed portkey that would transport them to the Order Headquarters.
They arrived in the library and felt the wards surrounding them. After a second the pressure was gone and they could leave the room. When the group reached the study they could hear snippets of a conversation.
"Really, Albus. What is so important about that incident that you cannot tell us why they kicked you out?" Molly's voice echoed through the room.
"That is not my place to tell Molly and I don't think that you need to know," the former Headmaster of Hogwarts answered.
"But Albus, you surely understand that ...," Arthur began before he was cut off by Moody.
"Stop it, Arthur. Albus thinks we don't need to know. Leave it at that. He'll tell us if we need to know anything," the old auror replied grumpily.
That second Remus rapped on the door and the six friends entered along with their guardians. Everyone turned towards them but the children showed no emotion at all apart from not wanting to meet the headmasters gaze.
Albus asked them to sit down and they did so reluctantly. Especially Carya and Tom who took a seat as far away from the headmaster as possible. It seemed normal to those who had heard what happened the last year though.
Albus talked about upcoming events and missions that were common knowledge in the Orders Inner Circle. He then summarised what Severus had told him about the potions projects he was currently pursuing with the help of Tom and Carya.
That was the point where both teens started fidgeting in their seats. Dumbledore had just complimented them cheerfully about their good work. He then asked Tom, Harry and Carya about their training with Severus.
"Eh, ... I think we are doing ... okay but Professor Snape might be better at analysing our progress," the girl said softly while both boys just nodded.
"They are indeed progressing but not as fast as we all would hope for. A few more weeks before they have control over most dreams I presume," Snape said and looked at the kids with his usual classroom sneer.
Carya couldn't stand any it anymore and spoke up again, "Headmaster, I wanted to apologise for what happened. I'm sorry, sir. We thought that we had everything under control. That was stupid. Teenagers are bound to talk sometime. But I'm glad none of us directly tried to tell on our group.
We would have know because we cursed the parchment and the quill which were used to sign down their names. I apologise for getting ourselves in trouble and therefore removing you from your position, sir.
Although we didn't mean to get caught, it's our fault that all this happened. Why did you take the blame, sir?"
Dumbledore looked as surprised as the rest did upon hearing an apology from the girl. She hardly ever apologised and she'd disliked the headmaster a lot during the last year. And she had even addressed him with anything but professor or headmaster for the first time they knew about.
"I did what I had to, Miss Potter. You have to stay at school for various reasons but I think you already know that. As for taking the blame, well, I knew the Minister and Dolores would sooner or later try to remove me from my place at Hogwarts.
It was not your fault, don't worry about that. It is not as bad as it seems. Did you say you cursed the parchment? What did you use to ensure that you'd find the culprit?" he stated calmly.
The teens looked confused. They hadn't expected that but now that he had said it out loud it really made sense. Dumbledore could protect himself but even though they were more powerful than their year-mates they were still children and not able to fend for themselves all alone outside the school.
Carya just nodded but she still looked quite miserable even when there was a little smirk on her face at the headmaster's question about the parchment.
"I understand, sir but that doesn't mean I have to like it. Everyone misses you, even many Slytherin's do. She's a horrible woman if you can even call her that and I'd like nothing more than to hex her from now until the end of time.
As for the protection we used to assure no one could betray us, we used a few ... interesting charms. The spell on the quill would make them forget for seventy two hours what they know about us. Enough time to find them out.
And the curse on the parchment, well, lets say that what they'd look like would made Eloise Midgeon look like a goddess even with her terrible acne, sir," she said and those who knew the unfortunate girl gulped.
"I believe that you and Miss Weasley had your hands on that, right, "Albus asked and both girls nodded.
Bill Weasley was the one who voiced what many were thinking. "Geez, kids, I don't want to get on your bad side now and certainly not once you're grown up!"
The six kids laughed at that and Harry said something in their Defence,
"Oh come now Bill, we aren't that bad. Only a little bit. And it's not like we attack family, isn't it?" he asked before Carya added.
"We only prank family when they actually deserve it, right Paddy?" she asked her godfather who blushed remembering the last prank on him.
~*~*~ Flashback ~*~*~
Sirius had once again woken up the children by drenching them in ice-cold water. Carya and Harry had been furious with him as had been Tom and Draco. They vowed revenge and they got it the next day.
Sirius was sleeping in his armchair in the study when they cursed him. Once the animagus woke up they could see him in all his glory. The best was that he'd be oblivious to everything until someone told him what was wrong.
Remus had done that when the children had still been lying on the floor from laughing so hard. Carya even had taken a photo and Padfoot didn't want to know what it would do to his reputation if anyone got to see that picture.
They had thoroughly cursed him and he had been walking on a duck's feet and his ears had been the ones of a cat. A very embarrassing experience which he would have gladly forgotten.
~*~*~ Flashback ~*~*~
Severus was curious when he saw Sirius flushed face but the children did not tell further. He was dragged back to the actual conversation when he heard Carya's voice continue their tale.
"Her threats and punishments have become harsher over these few last days. I don't doubt that she is trying to find out what really happened that night. To be honest I think that she already suspects us but she has no proof right now.
That won't be for long though. She'll undoubtedly use what Professor Snape likes to threaten insolent students with, sir. Her decrees even give her the right to do that," Tom added and grimaced at the last few sentences.
"What option are you talking about Potter?" growled Moody curiously.
"Veritaserum, Mister Moody. The woman is ruthless, even more so than Voldie is. The only difference is that she is not running rampant and killing opponents - yet. I still say we stun and tie her up before sending her off to Voldie as a present. They'd be good for each other," the girl continued.
"She will use that threat, Miss Potter. She has already requested a batch from me," Snape threw in after Carya was finished.
The children paled at the thought of the truth serum. They knew that hardly anyone could try and resist answering at all. How were they supposed to keep their group a secret then? It was Draco who broke the silence.
"If that happens we can only hope that she'll interrogate Carya then, right?" Draco queried and looked at his friends and family.
The order members looked confused at that and asked why he thought that.
"What do you mean by that, Mister Malfoy?" Tonks asked bewildered.
"He is saying that Miss Potter would be the best candidate of their whole group because she's the only one her age or of any age I know of who can at least partly resist the serum. I doubt that she'd give away too much if Umbridge really drugged her," Snape said offhandedly.
"What?" came the common exclamation of disbelief but Albus, Severus, Remus and Sirius just smiled knowingly.
"You heard him right. Carya has been able to partly resist the potion. I don't know how she did that but she did," Sirius stated proudly.
That shut them all up. The reports were continued after that and no one questioned the headmaster about his removal from Hogwarts again. They now knew it had something to do with Carya Potter but they did not ask again.
The kids returned to Black Manor when their presence wasn't needed anymore. The three couples left the study to activate their portkeys. While leaving Carya said something that gave everyone a lot to think about.
"Bye then. We'll see you in school Professor Snape," she said before adding, "That Umbridge cow will wish she'd never heard our names. And I know the same goes for Fred and George. You'll be back at Hogwarts soon, headmaster."
With that the kids left and even their guardians looked confused. Something had almost erased the teens animosity towards Dumbledore and that was thoroughly surprising. The children went to bed quickly that night because they wanted to get their homework done the next day before discussing on a course of action in the project 'Getting-rid-of-Dolores-Umbridge'.
They were planning and plotting for the better half of their easter holidays. Soon it was time to get back to school though. The friends had decided to continue with pranks and to act as if nothing had happened.
They were very much aware of the problems they'd have should Umbridge really use Veritaserum to question any of them. The Defence Association would have another meeting in secret to determine if they should continue or not. Harry had also contacted Krum to talk to him about a few things.
The Potter twins and their friends certainly would continue and they did not doubt that Fred and George Weasley would stay either. Neville and Blaise probably would do the same since it was the only time when they could be themselves around other students.
All kids had received a few easter gifts from friends and family. Molly Weasley had sent cream-filled chocolate eggs as she did every year. Ginny had giggled when she realised that and the others had laughed along with her.
On April 8th the children took the train back Hogsmeade. When they arrived at the castle they all noticed that nothing had changed. The coldness that had settled over Hogwarts after Dumbledore's departure was still there and Umbridge was still headmistress.
Carya caught the eyes of the Weasley twins when she waked up to the Slytherin table. They were looking quite displeased about something. The professors didn't really look alright either. There was a strained silence in the Great Hall that evening.
They soon found out why that was. In the middle of dinner Umbridge declared that it was now forbidden to sit at a house table that was not your own. Many students were arguing over that but those who were the most vocal didn't really care.
Those who were actually affected by that decision were too shocked to give any reply at all. The couples looked each other in the eyes not wanting to believe this. Hermione was close to tears as was Blaise. Neville looked as miserable as Harry and Cat did. Terence looked furious.
Carya who by now was quite skilled at sending telepathic messages told Hermione to meet them in the Founder's chambers after dinner. Once all six had arrived there the started raging about the injustice of it all.
"I can't believe it. That ... that ... woman. How dare she take that away from us? I could kill her. You know what? Now we really should continue the Defence Association, just to spite her. She'll get what she deserves and if it's the last thing I do at Hogwarts!" Carya ranted until Tom captured her in a kiss to calm her down.
"I know, love. We all feel this way but we have to try a logical approach unless we want to get expelled in a second," the crimson eyed youth told his girlfriend.
"Tom is right, Carya. I completely agree with him," Harry said while he hugged Hermione close.
"So we all know what we want to do but what do we do about that?" Draco inquired and confused them all with his choice of words.
"No idea, Dray but we have to act soon before Hogwarts falls apart under Umbridge. We all need to work together, all four houses. It's very important that we stay united. Umbridge just tried to destroy the delicate bonds between the houses.
Our few inter-house couples have started to bind the houses together but now I'm not so sure anymore. I don't know if Neville and Blaise's or Cat and Terence's relationships can survive through this. It's good that they all are in the Defence Association though," Ginny remarked.
"That's right, Ginny. We really have to continue the group as it shows the united force of the Hogwarts students. Let's contact the other's tomorrow to schedule a meeting in the 'Room of Requirement'," Harry suggested.
"Let's get to bed then. I don't fancy being late on the first day of classes. Harry, you should bring Hermione to the Ravenclaw Common Room. I don't think she should walk around alone. Use the cloak for that. I don't trust Umbridge not to try anything at night," Carya told her brother.
The next morning they all got up early to send the messages to the DA members before breakfast. The trusted ones of each house gave a tiny nod once Carya entered the Great Hall signalling her that they'd be there that evening.
Arithmancy wasn't very interesting that day and Professor Vector carefully let his students know that Umbridge had declared his former curriculum unfit for fifth years. The professor secretly tried to give them as much information on his old lesson plans as possible without alarming anyone.
Professor Snape whom they had for Advanced Potion after Arithmancy was in a sour mood. He had obviously had the same problems as Vector. They were making a simple healing salve that day when Umbridge stopped by in the classroom.
Snape had almost looked apologetic towards his students when the woman exited through the door after fifteen minutes. He gave them written assignments which had nothing to do with healing salves and assigned a very small essay on that days potion.
It was nothing they all couldn't copy from previous years. The new assignment would never appear in the records until the exams were due though. He would make sure this class didn't fail their Potions Owls.
Carya and Tom stayed behind. Harry would excuse them in Charms and they knew Professor Flitwick wouldn't mind. He was fond of the six friends because they were quite good in his subject and Ginny always excelled there.
"Professor, are we going to continue the lessons or is the 'headmistress' going to interfere with us being your assistants?" Tom asked.
"You'll come to my lab as usual. I won't let her ruin the work we have done so far. Be down here Thursday after dinner. Yes, Carya I know about your little meeting tonight," Snape said and sent them off to Charms.
They were only a couple of minutes late and Flitwick was just smiling at them. He hadn't suffered so many changes to his curriculum as Charms was not yet on the restrictions list. They continued on Banishing Charms and started to take notes about simple conjuring charms.
The friends smiled when they thought about the bowls of milk they always conjured for Mrs. Norris when they met her in the hallways. What would their professor think if he knew they already mastered the simpler ones a few years ago?
Theory of Magic was as dull as Arithmancy. Umbridge obviously believed they'd be analysing dark curses and had restricted the charms and spells they were allowed to talk about. Leila Greenwood was doing something similar to Snape though.
She assigned simple homework on the working of Lumos, again, and gave them 'extra assignments' to be handed in with the other one. After class they all got to know that most subjects were under restrictions now.
Every teacher tried his best to go as far as they could without exactly breaking those new rules. The friends went to dinner that evening acting like they'd just had a completely normal day of classes. Most students followed their example.
They'd be damned if they let Umbridge know how much she'd upset all of them. Around eight twenty-six students were out of their common Rooms wandering around the hallways. One after another disappeared though and did not resurface until early morning.