Book One of the Heritage Series:

Harry Potter and the Return of Heritage

Chapter Twelve

A Message from Hermes

Harry rose early the next morning, dressing quickly before making his way down to the common room. He sat in his favourite armchair near the now extinguished fire, pulled over the small table and set out his parchment and quill from his schoolbag. Harry penned a letter to Andromeda and Ted Tonks. He had missed them whilst he was at Hogwarts, he had stayed in contact with Remus and Sirius but he felt a pull towards them as members of his family.

Dear Aunt Dromeda and Uncle Ted,

I hope this letter finds you in good health. I have enjoyed the first week even if it has been slightly hard.

We have a new DADA teacher, Professor Dolores Umbridge. She is about as nice as your Aunt Wulburga. She has it out for me but I think I have managed to keep her at arm's length. I am just glad she hasn't brought up Sirius, my parents or even Cedric.

I was wondering if we would be seeing you for Christmas, or are you planning to spend it at home with just the two of you and Dora?

Is there any news with you?

Yours,

Harry.

He placed it into an envelope and was about to leave when Ginny walked down with a similar envelope in her hand.

"Oh, morning Harry, are you going to the Owlery?" she asked, stifling a small yawn.

"Morning." he said smiling, "Yeah, I have a letter to send to Aunt Dromeda."

They walked out of the portrait hole.

"Would I be able to attach this with you then? I am sending a letter to Tonks." she asked.

"Of course." he replied, he felt something stir in his belly but he chose to ignore it. "How have you found your first week back?"

To his surprise, Ginny blushed. "It has been good." she said, "I am glad to see my friends again."

Harry chuckled at her, "You are hiding something from me Miss Weasley."

She went a darker shade of red, "You cannot tell Ron, but I am dating Michael Corner."

Harry looked at her in surprise, he had not known that she was seeing anyone. "I see. How long have you been dating?"

"We met at the Yule Ball," she said, "and we started talking a lot after."

"Pray tell, how you have hidden this from your brothers?"

"They always seem to forget that I am a girl. They all still see me as a little girl." she said heatedly.

"You are probably right about that, although I am sure they'll think differently when you have cursed them with your famous Bat Bogey Hex."

They both laughed at that, Ginny had proven her brothers words of her being a powerhouse when she was angry, and many students knew to avoid her when she was in a bad mood.

As they rounded the corner, they were interrupted.

"I would not go that way if I were you two." said Nearly Headless Nick, drifting through a wall next to them, "Peeves has planned to drop the large bust of Paracelsus onto the next person who walks down that hallway."

"Thank you, Nick" Harry said. "We will go round the other way."

"I heard you so I thought I should warn you." he replied, "I was on my way to get the Bloody Baron, he should be able to stop him."

They quickly went around the hallway through a number of passages and came to the corridor to the Owlery. They came across Mrs Noris who was watching them from a hidden corner.

"Go away you menace, we're not doing anything wrong." Ginny said. The cat just glared at her and as they got closer she ran away. "She has not liked me since my first year, and she often follows me around the castle as though I am under the influence of Tom again."

"It would seem that she holds a grudge." Harry said, skirting over the point she made about the Chamber of Secrets. "In first year, I was very tempted to give her a sharp kick from under my invisibility cloak, I am glad I didn't now. I would never have a moment's peace."

"That is the dream of many students who know of her." Ginny said with a smile.

"I thought you liked cats."

"I do, just not that cat." she said unashamedly, making Harry laugh.

They managed to get to the Owlery with no other interruptions. When they got there, Harry looked up and couldn't see Hedwig's snowy feathers so he whistled slightly, and she suddenly flew down on to his outstretched arm.

"She is a beautiful owl; it has always amazed me how intelligent she is." Ginny said whilst stroking her plumage. Hedwig pecked her finger affectionately, Harry assumed she was pleased at the compliment and laughed, he too had noticed that his owl was highly intelligent.

"She is at that, although she can sometimes be a nuisance when she is not in a good mood." Harry said as he tied the letters to her outstretched leg. He got a hoot and a look for his words.

Hedwig bit his finger in a small goodbye and flew off out of the glassless windows.

"How have your lessons been with Umbridge?" Ginny asked as they walked down the stairs from the Owlery.

"The same as yours I would imagine." Harry said with a tone that indicated his displeasure of the woman.

"Reading that awful book, whilst she tries to bait you with certain topics?" she asked, at Harry's nod she continued "She is an awful woman…"

They got to the bottom of the stairs when the door was suddenly banged open and Filch the caretaker came wheezing in. He was out of breath which meant he had obviously run to catch them but Harry was not sure why he would bother.

"Aha!" he said when he saw Harry, "Where is it then?"

"Can I help you Mr Filch?" Harry asked in confusion.

"I had an anonymous tip that you were sending a letter ordering dung bombs." he snapped.

"Well I do not know who your informant was but as I only decided to write the letter this morning, I don't know how they would have known I was sending an owl." Harry said.

"So you admit it! You have ordered them!" he exclaimed and he lunged for Harry.

But Harry sidestepped him. "If you must know, I was writing to my Aunt."

"Well why don't you show me the letter and we shall see." Filch said with a sneer.

"I have already sent it." Harry said, he was wondering what this was all about now.

"How do I know you don't still have it in your pocket?" Filch spat out.

"You are welcome to go through my pockets, but you will end up looking more of a fool that you already do." Harry said opening his arms.

"And I also saw him send the letter." Ginny said forcibly, "Now who tipped you off?"

"My sources are my own!" Filch spat out, "If I get so much as a slight hint of the smell of a dung bomb I will have you in the dungeons hung up by your thumbs."

He then stormed out of the Owlery.

"Well that was different." Ginny said, "I wonder if Umbridge was behind that."

"I wouldn't put it past her." Harry said, "If she is, she wouldn't have got anything out of my letter."

They slowly walked back up to the dormitory talking about the upcoming Quidditch season. He found himself enjoying her company more, he had noticed only over the summer that she was now more comfortable in his presence that she used to be.

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Harry spent the next few hours finishing all of his homework that he had been set and was in the middle of reading up on runes for his next lessons when Ron and Hermione asked if he was ready for breakfast. He nodded and they began the long walk down to the Great Hall.

Ron was in a rather glum mood, he wasn't talking much but both Harry and Hermione knew that it was because of today's upcoming Quidditch match. "Why are you in such a good mood anyway?" Hermione asked as they took their seats.

"No reason." Harry said quickly and he helped himself to some eggs whilst Hermione looked through the Prophet.

Ron was nibbling on a piece of toast and he looked over at the prophet and pointed with his toast. "Anything interesting?" he asked.

Hermione however didn't answer looked up at Harry with a look of surprise. "Harry did you know about this?" Harry frowned in confusion, and she passed the paper over.

DAILY PROPHET UNDER THREAT

Sirius Black, Lord of the House of Black and Lord Regent of the House of Potter, has filed complaints with the Wizengamot regarding our esteemed paper. Lord Black, who has been recently proven innocent of the murder of twelve Muggle's and for betraying the parents of the Boy-Who-Lived, is pressing charges for the printing of the story that all believed to be true regarding his sentencing.

Lord Black is also placing charges against the Prophet for the printing of articles of his son Harry James Potter, 15 who is currently at Hogwarts School. He is claiming that the Prophet must have the permission of his guardian to print stories on him.

However we at the prophet believe that as he is a national public figure, we therefore we are able to print his name freely. We at the Prophet feel that Lord Black is trying to stop all the news from the British wizarding community reaching its members.

Many will remember the notoriety that the Black family had; they are reputedly the family with the darkest history among the Ancient Houses. Black's own cousin Bellatrix Lestrange Née Black was a convicted Death Eater and was responsible for the incapacitating of the highly respected Aurors Frank and Alice Longbottom of the Ancient and Most Noble House of Longbottom. Also Cassiopeia Black, Lord Blacks great aunt is a known controversial writer of many books that discussed the use of the darkest arts, the importance of the heritage in the pureblood families and also of the opinion that the Dark arts should be taught, for without that knowledge how can they be fought.

We at the prophet are confident that we will weather this storm as we have the full support of our financial backers.

Harry smiled. "So Sirius is pursuing them."

"You knew about this?" Hermione asked, extremely surprised.

"Of course." Harry said nodding.

"But they are now printing that he is a dark wizard, and they believe that they will win any court case." Hermione said pointing to the article

"I am not that sure." Harry said, placing his knife and fork down, "they are mistaken however; they do not have the full support of their financial backers."

"How do you know?" Ron asked.

"Because Sirius and myself are two of the financial backers of the paper." Harry whispered.

Both Ron and Hermione were shocked at the news.

"I notice that they are again not using your actual name." Hermione said with distaste.

"Most don't use my name, whilst I am fine being called Harry, as I'm still not used to using it however not being called Black-Potter is irritating" Harry said bracingly.

"Hey, look at this." Hermione said in an alarmed hushed whisper she showed them a small article in the middle of the paper.

TRESPASS AT MINISTRY

Sturgis Podmore, 38, of number two, Laburnum Garden's, Clapham, has appeared in front of the Wizengamot charged with trespass and attempted robbery at the Ministry of Magic on 31st August. Podmore was arrested by Ministry of Magic watchwizard Eric Munch, who found him attempting to force his way through a top-security door at one o'clock in the morning. Podmore, who refused to speak in his own defense, was convicted on both charges and sentenced to six months in Azkaban.

"Wasn't Podmore the bloke we met the first day we went to the House?" Ron asked Hermione. "He was the one who nearly wet himself when that portrait woke up for the first time."

"That's him" Hermione said. "But why would he be trying to break into the Ministry?"

"Maybe it was a mission for the Order?" Harry said in a whisper.

"It must have been." Hermione said, "I am sure the only crook in the Order is Mundungus."

They sat eating the rest of their breakfast in silence, Harry was wondering if he should call Sirius but he changed his mind for now, he was sure that Sirius was on the warpath at the moment because of the Prophet's article. He spent the rest of the day helping Ron with Quidditch before their first team practice.

Harry and Ron met Hermione in the Common room later that evening after practise. The practise itself could have gone better Harry supposed, but it wasn't a complete disaster. Ron had done well for the first hour or so; but the Slytherins sat in the stands (conducted by Draco Malfoy) caused his nerves to get the better of him and he managed throw the Quaffle into Katie Bells' nose so hard that it broke. After that, it only went downhill.

"How was practice?" Hermione asked as they joined her in front of the Gryffindor fire.

"Rubbish!" Ron said, disheartened.

"No, it was fine but the Slytherins turned up and managed to ruin things like normal." Harry said.

"Stop sugar-coating it, Harry!" Ron snapped and he marched off towards the boys' dormitories.

Hermione raised an eyebrow at Harry.

"You know what he is like when his nerves get the better of him." Harry said in way of an explanation, "He was doing extremely well before Draco turned up."

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On Sunday, they spent the majority of the day in the common room with their heads in their books. Ron was quite far behind on his essays and Hermione was spending the time having Harry teach her a few defensive spells working on stunning and shield charms. The other students had learnt over the years that the armchairs near the fire were their domain and they left them alone mostly.

Hermione and Harry then looked over Ron's essays for him to make sure that he hadn't done anything seriously wrong. Harry gave him back his potions essay with another sheet of parchment with his own notes on.

"Your essay was fine, Ron." Harry said, "Just read through my notes and add a few facts and things to your conclusion."

"Thanks." Ron said and within ten minutes, it was finally completed. The only one left was his astronomy essay (which Hermione was proofreading for him) and an essay for McGonagall had set on Inanimatus Conjurus Spells.

"Your essay is ok Ron; you have missed quite a bit though." Hermione said, handing over her own sheet of notes "add those into the essay and finish with the conclusion I have written based on what you have already written."

"Thanks." Ron said, his eyes now had gone bright red with after the amount of time he has spent squinting at his books and parchment. He went to take the essay and parchment back when Hermione stopped in passing it back, her gaze fixed behind them. Harry and Ron tried to follow her gaze but could not find anything untoward. "What's wrong, Hermione?"

"Ron? Is that Hermes?" she said pointing out the window where a very handsome screech owl was standing; staring intently at Ron, but it didn't seem to want to catch their attention.

"Blimey," Ron said, getting up. "It is!"

He walked over to the window and opened it; the owl reluctantly flew inside and held his leg out to give Ron the letter and then flew away quickly. "Why would Percy be writing to me?"

He showed them the slightly damp scroll of parchment, onto which was written; Ronald Weasley, Gryffindor House, Hogwarts.

"What do you think he wants?" he asked.

"Open it!" Hermione said eagerly and Harry nodded.

Dear Ron,

I have only just heard from the Minister for Magic himself, who has it from your new teacher, Professor Umbridge, that you have become a Hogwarts prefect. I was most pleasantly surprised when I heard this news and must firstly offer my congratulations. I was quite afraid that you would take what we might call the 'Fred and George' route. I am happy that you have been given this responsibility; however I must urge you now more than ever that you would do well to avoid flouting authority.

But I am not writing just to congratulate you, Ron, I need to give you a warning, which is why I have had to send you Hermes at night rather than by the usual morning post.

From something the Minister let slip when telling me you are now a prefect, I gather that you are still seeing a lot of Harrison Black-Potter. I must tell you Ron that nothing could put you in more danger of being expelled than your friendship with him.

Yes, I am sure you are surprised to hear this from me – after the way I left the family over the summer. I feel bound to tell you that Dumbledore may not be in charge at Hogwarts much longer and the people who count have their eyes set on Hogwarts.

I shall say no more here, but if you look at the Daily Prophet tomorrow you will get a good idea of the way the wind is blowing.

Seriously Ron, you do need to be careful, and I would urge you to warn both Harry and Hermione as I know you are such close friends – if they are not already reading this with you. I have come to realise that the Minister seems to be fixated on hurting both Dumbledore and Harry, and not on the issues that he was elected for. I realised in Harry's hearing that things are not what they seem, I do not want to accept that He-who-must-not-be-named has returned but I am wondering if there is truth to this not that I dare say so openly for fear of losing my position in the Minister's office. I have spoken to father and we have come to an agreement so do not speak of this with him.

Do not get on the wrong side of Dolores Umbridge, she is a dangerous enemy to have and she sometimes has a hidden agenda that is difficult to spot.

This leads me to my other bit of advice. As I have said above, Dumbledore's regime at Hogwarts could soon be over. Your loyalty should be to him and to the school, not to the Ministry. I have heard that so far, Professor Umbridge is encountering very little cooperation from the staff as she strives to make changes within Hogwarts that Fudge so ardently desires (although she should find this easier from next week — again, see the Daily Prophet tomorrow!).

I am sorry that I was unable to see more of you over the summer. It pains me to remember the argument between myself and Father. I have always been ambitious and I couldn't understand why he was not happy for me. I did not agree with the way his held Dumbledore in such high esteem but I do now.

Whilst I feel that our family will not be full again for a while due to a blind mistake on my part, I do hope you will listen to what I have said. The Ministry is drawing battle lines against Dumbledore, and if Dumbledore and Harry are right so too will you-know-who.

Try to keep you head down and be mindful than now more than ever you are being watched closely

Your brother,

Percy

Ron looked up "What do you make of that?"

"I don't know." Hermione said biting her lip. "I suppose it's possible that he has realised that he was wrong."

"I remember after my hearing that he looked like he wanted to speak to your dad but he didn't" Harry said.

"I wonder what Umbridge has gone and done now?" Ron said, re-reading the letter. "He says something will be in the Prophet tomorrow.

"I don't know, I suppose that we will have to wait until tomorrow." Hermione said.

"Well as he was worried about secrecy, I can think of only one place to put this." Ron said with a slight amount of venom in his voice and he threw the letter into the fire. He then sat back down and began his transfiguration essay, using a selection of notes made by all three of them.

Harry went back to showing Hermione another defensive spell after another hour Ron was finally finished all of his essays so Harry taught the spells to him too, he was caught by a stinging hex when he felt his mirror glow hot in his pocket.

"Sorry Harry," Ron said sheepishly, "what's wrong?"

Harry quickly reversed the stinging hex and then pulled out the mirror and propped it up so they all could see. He then held their arms so that the privacy charms included them and said, "Sirius Black"

Sirius' faced appeared.

"Ah, I thought you would be in bed. Hello Hermione and Ron." Sirius said.

They both said hello.

"Sirius, did you see the Prophet today?"

"Yes I did, and they have just dug themselves a deep hole." Sirius said with a smile. "I think they have forgotten that both of us jointly own twenty-two per cent of the company. I think that Fudge is leaning on them again to print what they did."

"Will you take them up in front of the Wizengamot?" Hermione asked.

"Possibly, but I think that I will pay the editor a little visit first" Sirius said, "I don't want to have to bankrupt them but I will if I have to. Now what news have you got?"

They told him quickly about Percy's letter.

"Well, he has spoken to Arthur, I know that much." he said, ruffling his hair. "But we are not so sure what he is doing, he lost all of our trust and we are not going to trust him quickly."

"What do you know about tomorrow's Prophet?" Hermione asked.

"Not much." he said "We have an order member at the Prophet and all we have been told is that the Minister has given them something to print but we haven't been able to find out what."

"Do you have any clue where Hagrid is?" Ron asked concerned.

"Ah." he said and he looked hesitant, "Well, we are not too sure; he was on a mission in the mountains in France with Madame Maxime but she has got back to her school safely so we assume that Hagrid is on his way. Hagrid will be fine though so don't worry, just try not to draw attention to him being missing."

"What happened with Podmore?" Harry asked.

"We are not sure about that either." Sirius said honestly. "He was on a mission but something went wrong and we are not sure how he was caught."

"Was it Voldemort or Fudge?" Harry asked.

"We think it was Fudge but we are not certain." Sirius said. "Now while I remember, Remus told me to tell you that your essay was good. He gave you an Outstanding on it but he told me to tell you that you need to also remember the simpler spells that could have been used."

Harry nodded at that, "Tell him I look forward to speaking to him tomorrow."

Sirius nodded. "He also mentioned that you are a lot further ahead than most fifth years."

"He is. He has been teaching Ron and I." Hermione said earnestly.

"Good." Sirius said smiling. "Have you thought about teaching more of your friends?"

"Yeah I have." Harry said truthfully, thinking of Neville and Ginny.

"But where can we practise?" Hermione asked, "I doubt Umbridge would let us practise without her approval."

"You could try and get a classroom." Sirius suggested.

"Wouldn't work, Umbridge would stop us." Hermione said bitterly. "She doesn't want any magic practised."

"Well, I will think on it." Sirius said thoughtfully, "But you should try and start as soon as possible, the war is coming and I want all of you to be ready."

They said goodnight to Sirius and went to bed. Harry looked over the marauder's map when he was behind his curtains lit by wand light; looking for a good place practice, but none of the places he saw looked like a secure enough. There was only one place he could think of, but it was a long shot and he was not sure if it would be accessible. He realised that he would have to go and look. It would be incredibly risky.

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