"Harry slow down. What are you talking about!" Professor McGonagall asked for the second time.
"Moody, or someone posing as him, has someone locked up in his trunk inside his office!" Harry replied irritably. He didn't necessarily like having to explain things twice.
"How do you know this?"
"I heard it while I was in my animagus form! We have to go!" Harry didn't wait any longer and rushed out of the professors private quarters and back down the hall.
"This boy." She muttered under her breath. She quickly grabbed a cloak that hung nearby and threw it around her. By the time she had stepped out of her office, Harry was already almost at the end of the corridor.
She quickly sent off a message to Dumbledore to meet them at the DADA classroom. She the transformed into her cat form to catch back up to Harry. As she ran, she passed Professor Snape who was lying on the ground, his wand beside him. She quickly checked and saw that the professor was stunned. Harry must have ran into him and instead of getting into an argument, he simply knocked Snape out. This night was quickly getting out of control.
She finally caught up to Harry who had already made it to the fourth floor and was just outside the DADA classroom. "I think he is still in there." Harry hissed. He had his ear pressed up to the door of the classroom.
"Harry, did you attack Professor Snape?" She whispered as soon as she transformed back.
"He tried to stop me. Did you warn Dumbledore?"
"Yes, he should be on his way. What exactly was your plan. You've attacked a teacher and your what? Planning on attacking another?"
Harry at least had the decency to look guilty. "Look, we can do this later. Right now, we have a man, locked in a trunk under pain of death."
"Harry we should wait. Dumbledore will be here in a few minutes." Harry either didn't hear her, or ignored her and quietly opened the door, slipping into the room before she could question further.
The room was empty, the chairs and desks pushed to the side. The office door was shut and no light was coming from underneath the crack in the door. Minerva slipped inside behind him, her wand drawn. "Harry if you're wrong, and we attack a professor, I could lose my job."
He winked at her, "When have I ever been wrong." Harry knew full well that this was Professor McGonagall putting her complete faith in him. She may not have believed him the past, but here she was making up for past sins.
Harry silenced his feet and crept closer to the office. He reached out and touched the door handle. As soon as his skin touched the cold metal, a loud siren sounded through the whole class and torches on the walls flared to life. "Shit!" Harry cursed. He stepped to the side just in time as the office door was blasted off its hinges.
A man wearing a black trench coat appeared in the smoke and debris. He was tall with shaggy brown hair and a goatee. His black, twisted wand was pointed directly at Professor McGonagall who had thrown herself out of the way of the door as well.
Harry noticed the tick he had seen so many times, the man licked his lips much like a snake. "How did you find out!" The mans voice was gruff and harsh.
"What have you done with Moody!" Harry demanded, bringing up his wand.
The man turned to face Harry. "Ah, Potter. The Dark Lord would reward me greatly for bringing you to him." The man flicked his wand and sent a simple stunner at Harry. He batted it away with practiced ease, sending his own blasting hex back.
Professor McGonagall quickly joined in and transfigured a nearby desk into a full grown brown bear. It roared to life and charged, but the man was quick and was able to slice the legs off the bear with well placed cutting curses.
Harry began rapid firing increasingly dangerous and dark curses. This man was well practiced and rather powerful. Who ever this was, he was well trained. The man sent a flame cutter curse that Harry dodged just missing him by an inch. He could feel the heat from the spell as it passed by him.
Harry replied with one of Dumbledore's more dangerous curses, the wind hammer. It created an invisible wall of wind that smash its target down into the ground like a hammer would a nail. The man surprised Harry by not only knowing the spell, but being able to shield himself from it. This man was not your average wizard.
Professor McGonagall used the mans distraction to conjure several birds that flew at their opponent and began to peck at him. "Avada Kedavra!" The man shouted at Professor McGonagall. This caught the Professor off-guard and her eyes widened as the spell flew towards her. In such close quarters she had no time to dodge.
Harry though, was quick from hours of training. "Accio desk!" Just in time, the professors desk flew into the path of the killing curse. The force of the spell caused the desk to explode and the resulting shockwave blew Professor McGonagall back into a wall, knocking her out.
Harry gritted his teeth. Things had just gotten serious. He was trying to capture this man after hearing him speak of the Dark Lord, but now this man was resorting to killing curses.
"Aww Potter. Stopping my fun." The man mocked.
"Who are you?"
A sickly laugh escaped the mans lips. "It doesn't matter since you soon will be dead."
"I thought you said you wanted to take me back alive?" Harry asked, circling around the classroom, keeping a close eye on the mans wand.
"I'm sure the Dark Lord would appreciate me bringing your head just as much."
"I don't think so." Harry conjured three steel rods and sent them flying at his opponent. The man side stepped them, snapping off two piercing hexes, conjuring a silver sword in his off hand and charged Harry. Harry dodged the two piercing hexes and snapped off his own in reply hoping to catch his opponent. The man nimbly dodged the two piercing hexes Harry sent at him and closed the distance.
Harry could see the bloodlust in the mans eyes as he raised his gleaming sword and brought it down towards Harry's head. He ducked the swing, punching the man in the gut as hard as he could, rolled off him and raised his hand into the air. "Gryffindor!" A flash of fire appeared in Harry's hand and when the flames died, the sword of Gryffindor shined proudly in the flickering torches of the room.
As Harry spun, he brought the sword up and the two swords clashed, sparks flying off the both of them. The mans eyes widened, "That sword..."
Harry smirked, "I know." He pushed off the man and was about to raise his wand, but the other man didn't need to. He fired off a bombarda, causing the floor beneath Harry to explode. Harry fell, but as he fell, he aimed his wand at the floor beneath the man and sent his own bombarded.
He was rewarded with a yelp as the man fell into the abandoned classroom below the DADA class. Harry hit the ground like a sack of bricks, the wind getting knocked out of him. He concentrated on the falling figure and sent three incarcerous' at the spot the man was falling on, hoping to catch him.
"Riddle!" The man shouted a second before Harry's thick black chains reached their target. The man disappeared, a loud crack sounding through the entire castle as the portkey wards failed and the man was successfully transported away.
"Fuck!" Harry cursed, groaning as he got up.
"Harry, are you alright?" He heard Dumbledores voice coming from above him.
"Yeah! 'Bout time you showed up old man. How is Professor McGonagall?"
"Unconscious, but alive."
Harry nodded. He stepped over to a wall and rested against it. "Check the professors office. I think there is a chest in there with the real Alastor Moody."
Harry slid down to the ground, the adrenaline beginning to leave him. He let the sword drop from his grasp and began checking his body for any wounds. He found two large wooden splinters embedded in his right leg, blood beginning to seep from the wounds.
"Also professor! Can you send for Madame Pomfrey! I may have gotten myself stuck by some stray pieces of wood!" Harry called from underneath. He looked up to see the Headmaster poke his head through the hole. He could see Dumbledore moves his lips, but no sound came out.
A second later, Fawkes appeared above Harry, grabbed onto his collar, and flashed away. They reappeared a moment later inside the hospital wing, the phoenix dropping him into his cot.
"Harry Potter! You survive a dragon yet you somehow wound yourself in the after party?" Poppy exclaimed, striding out of her office.
"Not exactly Madame." He winced, gingerly placing his wounded leg into a more comfortable position.
"What kind of trouble did you get yourself into now?" She took out her wand and began waving it about in front of his leg.
"Oh you know. The usual kind. Fighting other professors." Madame Pomfrey grasped one of the splinters and yanked it out of Harry's leg. "Ouch! Couldn't you warn me first?" Without replying, she yanked the other splinter.
"Couldn't you not cause trouble for once Mr. Potter?"
"Well, the trouble I get into has a purpose. This time I helped free a professor that was locked in a chest."
"I thought you said you fought a professor." She asked skeptically. Pomfrey grabbed a few ointments and began dabbing at the wounds.
"I had to fight someone impersonating a professor to get to that chest. But don't just blame me, Professor McGonagall was with me this time." The doors to the infirmary opened and an unconscious Professor Snape was led in by Professor Flitwick. Harry groaned, "Shit..."
"Have anything to do with that Mister Potter?" Poppy asked, hearing his groan as she went to check on Snape.
"Of course not!" Harry called out.
"That's not what I heard." Flitwick said, though his expression was much more amused. "As always Mister Potter, you liven up this castle."
"I do try professor." Professor Flitwick chuckled and left the infirmary, presumably headed back up to the warzone on the fourth floor.
"Are there any more injured professors you should tell me about?"
"Nope. Just me, possibly the real Professor Moody, Professor McGonagall, and that git." Madame Pomfrey just rolled her eyes but didn't reprimand him. He knew she had a dislike for the potions master as well. Potions class was known to have the most accidents that resulted in students being sent to the hospital wing, something she attributed to Snapes teaching, or lack there of.
"Harry! Are you alright?" Professor McGonagall walked in. He could see a small cut on her cheek, and she was holding her head gingerly. Besides that night in the Chamber of Secrets, he had never seen her face with so much emotion. Worry and sadness were etched into her wrinkles, making her look years older.
"I'm okay Professor. Thank you. How about you?"
Minerva sat down on a stool next to Harry. "I'm okay. Just a little woozy. We apparently got to Moody just in time. He was being given a slow drip poison, one that if taken any longer than a few more hours would eventually have killed Moody."
"Is he okay though?"
"Alastor is tough and will be fine. He'll need to go to St. Mungos for some time to make a full recovery though. I'm sure the old bastard won't like that too much." Harry raised his eyebrows but didn't say anything. He never would have imagined his venerable Professor swearing, but I guess tonight would crack anyone.
"Harry, I have to say thank you. If it wasn't for you, I would've been dead."
Harry shook his head, "If it wasn't for me, you never would have been in that position. I acted brashly. You're right, we should have waited for Dumbledore or gotten others. Maybe we would have been able to capture the man with help."
"Hindsight is 20/20 Harry. You heard someone being threatened with death and you acted quickly and decisively. That's what we're training you to do."
"Maybe, but I was also impulsive and didn't stop to think. I wasn't careful and it almost got you killed."
Professor McGonagall gave him a soft smile. "You're still young and learning. In time, you will learn patience, but for now, be happy with what you accomplished tonight. You were able to save Moody from imprisonment and protected the students from a dangerous impostor."
"Sirius? The ministry? What's happening there? And where is Dumbledore?" He asked, changing the subject.
"The aurors stationed at the school have already been alerted. They will probably be here to take your statement soon. Dumbledore is already on his way to notify Sirius."
"Thank you for following me Professor." Harry said honestly.
She patted him on the cheek, "I think I've learned my lesson well to always follow you. Not that you gave me much of a choice mind you."
"Did you recognize the man we fought?"
Minerva shook her head, "I thought I did, but that man is dead and it couldn't be him. Maybe the ministry will know once the aurors take our memories of the event."
"Hopefully. He said he wanted to take me back to the Dark Lord. He must have been a death eater."
"Maybe. How could I not know? I was around the impostor for much of the year and never knew that he wasn't the real Moody."
"I think the real question is how didn't Dumbledore know. Weren't they supposed to be close friends? Surely he could tell the difference between the two men."
Minerva sighed, "I don't know. I fear a lot will be happening after tonight."
Harry nodded, "A lot will change."
–
"I think we have everything we need. Thank you Mister Potter." The auror who was dispatched to interview Harry walked out of the infirmary. He groaned, laying his head back onto his pillow. Madame Pomfrey had forced him to stay the night. She was giving him a supply of blood replenishing potions and pain killers.
Sirius came to Hogwarts immediately once he heard what happened. He didn't stay long though, the minister apparently wanted a meeting. A visit from the minister might be on his plate soon as well.
Dumbledore was acting slightly odd about everything. Harry didn't blame him either. A possible Death Eater posing as a professor would always dent the reputation of a headmaster, even the famous Albus Dumbledore. Still, something was off about the old man, more-so than usual.
If the auror report did confirm that the man was a Death Eater, the news that this Death Eater had contact with Voldemort himself would also send shockwaves through the whole wizarding world. A lot will change based on that report and the events of this night.
Harry sighed, going through his fight this evening. He knew he held back, wanting to capture this person. He had valuable information, but now he wondered if maybe he used more force, he would have gotten the job done. It wasn't possible to say, and difficult to figure out the right use of force in the moment.
Like Professor McGonagall said, hind-sight was 20/20. Neither Professor McGonagall or himself were seriously injured and at least they still walked away with some information. Also, he had the man dead to rights with those incarcerous chains. Somehow the man had a portkey that allowed him to rip right through the wards of Hogwarts. That wasn't something he could have possible accounted for.
Now that the possible Death Eater within the castle was gone, that meant he was probably safe from further tampering in the tournament. That made him feel a little better about the whole thing. Hopefully this was Voldemort's only spy within castle.
He peaked over his bed side and saw Professor Snape, still asleep. Hell was definitely going to be paid once that man woke up. It wasn't going to be a fun year of potions, but thank fully he could skip them anytime he wished.
Tomorrow is going to be a hell of a day.
–
"What the hell happened this evening Dumbledore! The press are on my arse about this and I have nothing to give them at the moment." Minister Fudge growled. They sat in a large conference room. Also in attendance was Sirius, Madame Bones, Director of the DMLE, and Madame Umbridge.
"I think I can answer for the Headmaster." Sirius began, shooting the old wizard a deadly look. "He has no clue what happened this evening, or does, and chooses not to say anything."
"Now, now Sirius. Lets not throw around blame. I had no idea of Moody being an impostor."
"But you should have. This has happened too many times Dumbledore. How can we possibly continue to expect you to protect the students when you have failed to do so, so many times before?" Fudge asked.
"Surely you can't really think me incapable of protecting the students Cornelius?"
"Your recent track record has proven you can't Headmaster." Amelia Bones chimed in. "On the other side, again we find it to be Mr. Potter once again doing your job and protecting the students."
"Not only did that boy put on an impressive fight against a dragon, later this very night he freed one of the ministries most honored aurors." Fudge continued.
"Of course, the boy should be commended. I agree."
"He already is for the events of saving the school in second year. He may very well have just done it again tonight as well." Sirius said. He took a great amount of pride in his godsons achievements. "First though, shouldn't we discuss the possibility of Voldemort being involved in this?"
"Sirius, you as well as I, know that that man isn't alive any longer. He can't be! That's another thing your godson is credited with doing."
Sirius held his hands up, "I'm not saying that he definitely is. All I'm saying is that Death Eater activity, or at least dark wizard activity, is on the rise."
"I can confirm Lord Blacks statement Cornelius. Within the last year alone we have seen an increase in crime by 150%, most of the attacks targeted at muggles and muggleborns."
"Even if that is true, you know I can't do anything about it. The Wizengamot is the group responsible for the ministry's budget."
"That may be, but if you were to support an increased budget for the DMLE I am sure we can get it passed." Amelia responded.
"I'm not too sure Amelia. Malfoy holds much influence, and his gold can persuade many tongues." Everyone in the room knew that was a jab at the minister from Dumbledore. It was a well known secret that Minister Fudge was open to gold persuasion by the wealthy Malfoy family.
"What are you insinuating Headmaster?" Umbridge spoke up for the first time. She plastered a sickly smile on her face.
"I am not insinuating anything my dear Dolores." Dumbledore responded. "I am merely stating it won't be so easy to pass a new budget."
"What about Harry?" Minister Fudge asked.
"What about him?" Sirius responded cautiously.
"He is already expected to be awarded the Order of Merlin First Class this winter. If he were to, maybe give a few interviews, demanding the country be further protected, it might help to sway a few votes."
"I don't know. The kid already has a lot on his plate with the TriWizard Tournament and all. I'm not sure it would be good to thrust this upon him as well. He is only a fourteen year old boy." Sirius reasoned.
"It would just be a few interviews. Nothing too painful I promise. After the news breaks out tomorrow that Harry was involved in removing an impostor professor from Hogwarts, he will once again be lauded a hero. It would be the perfect time to press for a new security budget." Fudge wasn't a dumb man. He was a skilled politician and knew full well which way public opinion was blowing. Right now, the public loved Harry Potter, a boy of just fourteen who has proven time and time again to be a hero. He may already be a legend, but after today, he might just be cemented as a god in their country.
"Cornelius, I don't think it would be a good idea to reveal that there was an impostor inside Hogwarts." Dumbledore stated.
Amelia scoffed, "What? So your precious reputation can be protected? You may not truly be responsible for what happened to Alastor, but you know full well the politics when taking the position of Headmaster of a school. If something bad happens within those halls, it comes down on your head."
"I'm not thinking of my reputation Madame Bones but the schools of course."
Amelia narrowed her eyes, "If you were so worried about the reputation of the school, maybe you should have done better to protect it! I saw that Defense classroom, it was a goddamn warzone! Not to mention every student and even some Hogsmeade residents heard the portkey wards around the school shatter when that man broke through them."
Dumbledore in that moment looked a hundred years older than he normal. He knew full well that tomorrow was going to be a very tough day for him. He would be lucky to keep his job as Headmaster after these events, and even luckier to keep his positions as Supreme Mugwump and Chief Warlock. Too many people didn't fear him anymore or look to him as the Leader of the Light. That torch had just transferred to young Harry Potter.
"Well if we have nothing else to discuss, I will return to my school." Dumbledore muttered. For the first time in his life, he wasn't sure what to do. His plans had all crashed and burned. Harry was quickly becoming beyond his control. The only good thing that came out of this night was that Harry failed to capture Barty Crouch Jr. If he had, the ministry might have been able to find the obliviated memories of his chat with the Death Eater. Instead of expulsion as Headmaster, he would be facing criminal charges.
Now faced with the possible expulsion as Headmaster to the school, he would have even less influence over the boy. But perhaps not all was lost. Being without his other duties would leave him more time to scheme and shape the world into what its supposed to be. Yes, maybe it would do him good to disappear for some time.
After all, once their precious hero has died at the hands of Voldemort, they will naturally look to him once again to lead them. All will be right in the world in the end.
Dumbledore left the conference room and headed back to the Ministry floos where he left for his office. "Do you think Harry would agree to a few interviews Sirius?" Minister Fudge spoke up once the tired Headmaster left.
"If I explained what they were for, most likely yes."
"Good. Well for tonight I think we have talked about all we can. I have a meeting with the Hogwarts Board of Governors tomorrow morning to discuss the events of this night. Amelia, come to me as soon as Professor McGonagalls and Harrys memories are thoroughly examined."
"Will do minister. Sirius can I speak with you alone for a moment?" Sirius nodded, looking quizzically at the Department Head. Minister Fudge and Dolores Umbridge excused themselves, giving them the conference room.
Amelia produced a piece of paper from her jacket and slid it over to Sirius. His eyes widened when he saw it. "It'll cover Harry legally for his animagus transformation. As you can see, it states he's a cat, which is technically true."
"Its dated for two weeks ago?" Sirius stated, looking over the document.
"I think it best Harry doesn't get tied up in a legal battle over his surprising ability to be an animagus. Many of his enemies I'm sure would try and take advantage of it."
Sirius nodded, folding up the paper, and slipped it into his jacket. "Thank you Amelia."
"Susan tells me your godson and her have become quite good friends this year."
"Harry has told me the same thing."
Amelia smiled, "Maybe there will be wedding bells in the future?"
Sirius chuckled, "I'm afraid my godson is already smitten with another."
"Ah, Miss Delacour I presume? I've heard much about her. That relationship alone will create change in our world."
Sirius grinned, "My godson knows very well how to create change."
"So how are you and Emmy?" Amelia asked, her face reddening slightly.
Sirius raised his eyebrows. "Amy, you know we talked about this. We both want different things. I have Harry to worry about and you, your job and Susan. Emmy is good for me, and Harry. They get along well."
Amelia sighed, "I know. I just sometimes wonder how different things would have been if you weren't wrongfully sent to Azkaban. I should have known you were innocent. I'm so sorry."
Sirius got up from his chair and placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "You had no reason to believe I was innocent. I don't blame you for anything. But...the past is the past. We can't change it."
Amelia gave him a soft smile and stood up from her chair. "I should get going. Shacklebolt is looking over Harrys memories now."
"Keep me in the loop?"
"Will do." With that, Amelia walked out of the door, leaving Sirius alone.
–
Harry slowly stirred from his sleep. Yesterdays activities had caught up with him and so he slept like a log once allowed to go to sleep. Opening his eyes, he noticed it was daytime now. He felt something in his hand and looking down, he saw a hand intertwined with his. Fleur was sitting in the chair next to him, fast asleep.
He smiled at the beautiful silver haired goddess. She looked so peaceful, but he figured that position couldn't be in any way comfortable. He gave her hand a gentle squeeze to wake her.
"You're up!" Fleur exclaimed, waking up. She wasted no time and climbed onto his bed. Harry wrapped his arms around her, squeezing her close. She pressed her lips onto his. At first the kiss was tender, but just like their first kiss, it grew passionate. Fleur broke the kiss once they both ran out air. She began pecking his nose affectionately, before relaxing into his side.
"I cannot believe you. Some'ow you walk away un'armed by a dragon, yet you end up in ze 'ospital wing afterwards?"
"It wouldn't be a school year without a Potter spending time in my ward." Poppy's voice rang out. Harry was glad that Fleur didn't make to move. Instead she let out a contented sigh and burrowed further into his side, resting her head on his chest.
"Lord Black and Madame Bones are in the classroom opposite the ward waiting for you Mister Potter."
Harry nodded, "My friends? Where are they?" The hospital ward was empty besides him, Fleur, and Poppy. Professor Snape must have woken up sometime earlier and walked out. He thanked his lucky stars that the professor hadn't sabotaged any of his potions in the night.
"Zey are in class. Eets already midday." Fleur explained.
"I was out for that long?"
"Oui. You 'ave a lot to explain to me mister." She poked him in the side.
"I'm sure I do. Do you have any idea what Sirius wants?" Fleur shook her head. Harry groaned as he swung his legs over the side of the cot. Fleur whined when he moved away from her. "Come on."
"Really?" She asked.
"I would tell you whatever happened in the meeting anyways, so you might as well come along and save me some breath."
Fleur smirked, "So that you can use that breath for better things?" She asked in a sultry voice before kissing him soundly.
"Mister Potter, before leaving my ward, I suggest you put some clothes on first." Harry looked down and noticed he wasn't wearing a shirt. He turned beet red and hurried over to the nightstand where one of his shirts was neatly folded. Fleur chuckled behind him and he maturely stuck his tongue out at her.
The two of them walked out of the hospital wing and just before Harry opened the door to the opposite classroom he stopped to face Fleur. "Look, I know this probably isn't the best time, or in anyway romantic or anything." Harry started, looking around embarrassed and suddenly nervous.
"Of course I'll be your girlfriend." She cut him off, kissing him softly. She giggled, seeing the goofy grin on his face.
"You didn't let me finish."
"You didn't need to. I knew what you trying to ask." Harry smiled at her. He had a connection with her like no other. He placed another chaste kiss on her lips before turning the handle.
Both Amelia and Sirius were sitting at a table talking quietly. They looked up when Harry and Fleur walked in hand in hand. "Harry I think you hit the gold mine last night!" Sirius exclaimed.
Harry looked at his godfather quizzically. "What are you talking about?"
"Mister Potter."
"Harry, please Madame Bones. Your niece and I are good friends."
She gave him a warm smile. "Harry, last night, do you know the man you and Professor McGonagall faced?"
Harry shook his head, "I didn't. Professor McGonagall thought she recognized him but he was supposed to be dead or something."
"Well your professor is correct. The man you faced was Barty Crouch Jr."
Harry's eyes went wide. "Wait. You mean Barty Crouch Sr.'s son? He was the one impersonating Professor Moody?"
Amelia nodded, "We have already been able to confirm the story from Barty Crouch Sr. Apparently his sickly wife had taken their sons place in Azkaban. For the last decade he had been living in the Crouch home."
"What was 'e in Azkaban for?" Fleur asked.
"He was a convicted Death Eater." Fleur gasped, her hand squeezing his tighter. "The comment he made to you has me most interested."
"That he wanted to capture me for the Dark Lord?" Amelia nodded. "Yeah I picked up on that too. Its proof I think, that he was in touch with Voldemort. I wanted to capture him, but you saw how that went."
"I see those sword lessons paid off." Sirius smirked.
"How was I supposed to know a wizard would resort to a sword."
"I must ask, how did you know the Gryffindor Sword would go to you like that?" Madame Bones asked.
Harry shrugged, "I didn't. Just had a hunch."
"You've got to be kidding me Harry. That hunch could have gotten you killed!" Sirius exclaimed.
"My hunches tend to be damned good ones."
"Language." Fleur hissed causing Harry to just roll his eyes and give her a pointed look.
Sirius watched their small exchange with a wide grin. "Something I should know about you?"
Harry went beet red and did his best to look anywhere but at his godfather. This moment he knew all to well was going to be one told by his godfather for years to come. "We are togezzer." Fleur smiled brightly.
"Lucky dog you." Sirius grinned. "Wait I can't you dog or pup anymore. Bloody cat." Fleur looked oddly at Harry. He mouth 'later' to her.
"Congratulations you two. We are still looking into how a portkey was able to rip through Hogwarts wards." Madame Bones said, getting back on track.
"What about Dumbledore? I'm sure this recent news doesn't put him in a favorable light."
"Last nights events will definitely impact Dumbledore harshly. The board of governors are convening today. The Wizengamot has a meeting tomorrow, and the ICW has a meeting in two weeks." Sirius answered.
"So, if how all of those meetings go how I think they would, what does that mean for this school?"
Amelia shrugged, "Probably Deputy Headmistress McGonagall would take over as Headmistress. She, after all, is being lauded as a hero right along you for her actions last night." Harry nodded, liking that news. She would make a fine Headmistress, much better than Dumbledore no doubt. "The Supreme Mugwump will be a toss up between several wizards, one including Monsieur Delacour. Lastly, the Chief Warlock position is already being debated between Mister Diggory and Lucious Malfoy."
Harry frowned at that last name. English wizarding culture would suffer greatly if Malfoy was able to take over as Chief Warlock. "Is there any way to help secure Diggory's position?"
Sirius grinned, "I hoped you would ask. The Minister wants you to conduct a few interviews. We are planning on putting forth a new budget to the Wizenmagot that would increase the DMLE's budget. Also you could put in a good word and endorse Diggory's position as Chief Warlock."
Fleur looked at Sirius skeptically, "And whats ze catch? There's always a catch."
Sirius shrugged, "Right now, I don't think there is one. The minister is firmly on your side and wants your help in this. Have you read this mornings headlines?" Harry shook his head and so Sirius produced a paper from his jacket. He tossed it over to Fleur and Harry who began to read the front page.
Battling a Dragon and Protecting the School!
Harry James Potter, famed slayer of basilisks, conqueror of dementors, and savior of witches has once again defied all odds and battled a dragon. During the TriWizard Tournament, young Harry Potter, the youngest in the competition by three years, took on the ferocious Hungarian Horntail. For our readers who aren't knowledgeable in dragon lore, we have included a picture below of the beast young Harry was forced to fight yesterday.
And fight is exactly what he did. Harry Potter used highly advanced magic to subdue the dragon and even used impressive wandless magic to ensure his victory in the first task!
But of course this wasn't enough for our young hero! No, Harry uncovered a nefarious plot by an impostor professor with the help of one of his teachers, Professor Minerva McGonagall. Together they were able to free the highly decorated Master Auror, Alastor Moody from imprisonment inside a chest. Though the impostor was able to escape during the ensuing battle, valuable information as to who the man was, was uncovered.
The once thought dead Death Eater, Barty Crouch Jr., was the man behind the mask. He has successfully fooled the magical community for the last decade, and lately was posing as famed auror Moody.
We at the Daily Prophet call upon Albus Dumbledore to resign from his position as Headmaster of Hogwarts effective immediately. It is now too obvious to run away from that Dumbledore no longer can create a safe learning environment for his students. Several times, thanks to the heroics of Mister Potter, the school was saved from grave danger. A rogue teacher three years ago, and a basilisk in second year. Now this year an impostor and former Death Eater threatened the safety of our students by posing as a professor teaching Defense Against the Dark Arts. This shows a pattern of lack of ability by Headmaster Dumbledore to protect our precious children from dangers.
Lastly at the Prophet, we would like to say a thank you to Mister Harry Potter. Once again you have proven to be the hero our country so desperately is in need of. Without your good deeds, we would be in a much worse state. Our country supports you in your endeavors during the TriWizard Tournament and anything else you tackle.
The article continued on to cite information and quotes from those inside the ministry. Harry just rolled his eyes at the colorful language meant to prop him up as a hero.
"So is he finished?" Harry asked, reading through the whole article.
"Its likely. But tell me the truth Harry. Is Voldemort still alive?" Harry glanced at Sirius who nodded his head in approval.
"He is. I never killed him that October night. I think Dumbledore knows how Voldemort stayed alive but he isn't talking."
"Of course he isn't." Amelia said bitterly. "Are you sure?"
Harry nodded, "I've faced Voldemort several times at this point." He looked to Sirius for approval again and was given it. "During my second year, Riddle was close to returning to full form. When I mean close, I mean seconds away."
"Riddle?"
Harry laughed out loud. "You mean the ministry actually doesn't even know Voldemort's name? Shouldn't you try and figure out who your enemies are before you fight them? Maybe that's why you lost the war so badly."
Amelia narrowed her eyes at the teenager. "I would greatly appreciate you filling me in Mister Potter."
"Well, Voldemort is just an anagram for his real name, Tom Marvolo Riddle. He's a half-blood that was in Slytherin house during the forties. You can't fight an enemy you don't understand."
"And you understand that raving lunatic?" She asked skeptically.
"Better than most."
Thank you to everyone that has favorited/reviewed/and followed. I have reach 1000+ favorites and am blown am amazed at the response I have been given for this story. I hope you enjoyed the fight scene and a little look into the politics.