Sorry this is very late, but I have experienced several power cuts which always happened in my free time, and had to go to school. But... I was sent home on Wednesday and couldn't go in on today, so I luckily for you guys, caught up!
Hope you enjoy this!
P.S. This is dedicated to B Michi, who noticed a spelling mistake and helpfully pointed it out because it confusd him so much!
Merlin's Guide as to Why You Shouldn't be Voldemort
Chapter 20 – Percy, Padfoot and Puzzles
After Hermione had rushed off to the Library, the happy atmosphere around the super table slowly died as Merlin grew more sombre and distant towards the others. The thought that had occurred to him (and indeed, Hermione) had been so terrible he didn't even want to consider it. But he had to, for it would concern his future and the future of Hogwarts, hell, even the entire Wizarding World.
Because what Britain's Ministry of Magic was doing was repeating the past. Oh, they might not know they were doing so, but it was still happening. They were still getting rid of any evidence that Harry and Dumbledore were right and Voldemort was back and making them out to be duffs. And horrifically, it reminded Merlin of what had happened before. When a man had decided that what he thought was right, and no one else mattered.
Uther. That was what the whole situation reminded him of. Fudge (though not cruel like Uther, Merlin felt he had to point out) was certainly going the same way as him. He was basically re-enacting the Great Purge, except that his wasn't against the magical folk, but instead against Voldemort and proof of his revival. Fudge was getting so desperate that he was resorting to slander to keep his profile true.
And with his Powers of foresight and attention to history, Merlin knew that soon, assassination attempts from the Wizarding Community against Dumbledore and Harry would start. That thought made Merlin pause and what caused him to open his mouth.
"Harry?" Merlin asked suddenly, causing his friend to stop talking to Ginny who had joined them and look over to where Merlin sat.
"Yes?"
"In the summer, you were attacked by Dementors, weren't you?"
Harry looked surprised at this, then answered; "Surely you read it in the Daily Prophet? You know..." He added, seeing Merlin's look of confusion, "About how I made it all up?"
"No," Merlin answered with a smile. "I don't read the papers. If something interesting is happening, I'll know about it anyway." And what he said was true; if something big happened, the Old Religion would tell him so (and most likely warn him not to get involved) and the Old Warlock would be able to sense it, being attuned as he was to the use of powerful magic. Sometimes being over thirteen hundred is handy; you certainly learned a lot.
"Well, yes. I did get attacked by Dementors where I lived. Why?" Harry said, looking curious the complete irrelevance of the question.
But Merlin ignored his question and continued his interrogation saying; "And you never found out who it was?"
"No," Harry said thoughtfully. "But it will either be that Voldemort sent them, or the Ministry's losing control, surely?"
"No." Merlin replied, much to the shock of the others at the table. "You've missed out the third option."
"What third option?" Ron asked in confusion.
"Exactly..." Murmured Merlin, once again deep in his thoughts that consumed him. Absentmindedly, he noticed Harry give a small shrug and turn back to face Ginny and they started off a conversation again, with each of them staring at him once in a while, but he didn't mind.
For it was exactly as he had predicted; someone had tried to kill Harry. Yes, it could have been Voldemort, or the Dementors simply going AWOL, but Merlin didn't think so. No. Instead, the Ancient Warlock thought it was something that could be far, far worse... And it had happened like he had feared; someone at the Ministry had sent them.
Future and the power of Foresight, another thing he hated. Briefly smiling before the irony of it faded away, Merlin reflected about the long list of things he hated and most of them had stemmed from when he was acting out his part in Destiny. For Merlin was old, old beyond his years, beyond his time. There was no-one he could connect to, no-one who would understand his pain. Apart from, of course, the Dragons, but the Ancient Warlock didn't want to talk to them, didn't want to see them.
He pondered on that thought as the Golden Duo rose from the table and headed back to Gryffindor Tower. Silently, he fell into step behind them, not listening to their chatter and instead, reflecting.
In a foolish, selfish way, Merlin blamed Arthur's death and the fall of Albion on them. And once everybody had died, had ceased to exist, it was just the three of them; Kiligarrah, Aithusa and Merlin. After hundred years, it was hard not to hate them completely, even though they were innocent for the part they played. It wasn't Aithusa's fault, Merlin knew, that Morgana had tricked and enslaved her to do her bidding. It wasn't Kiligarrah's fault that he hadn't been able to get the Warlock and the Once and Future King to Avalon because he was ill and touched by time. And yet... a part of him still blamed them, and Merlin supposed that a part of him always will.
Gradually, they had became more distant from the other, yet closer in their over whelming grief for the people and the Nation which had Passed that collectively, they shared. And when people began to colonise Britain extremely fast, the Dragons were running out of room to hide and take shelter it, for people were developing it quickly for farming or for housing.
So they left. Kiligarrah first, grumbling about how the primitive humans where destroying land that wasn't theirs. Merlin knew he had been heading towards Ireland; the cradle of magic, but he didn't know for sure, and he never checked. Kiligarrah was old, older then he, so the Ancient Warlock presumed he could look after himself.
That left Aithusa and himself and for twenty years, they were content in each other's company. But when Merlin kept on replaying the death of Arthur in his head, Aithusa took off. Because in the telepathy that they shared, Merlin had unconsciously retold his memories to the White Dragon, and in particular depth, reflecting on the small part of him that had blamed Aithusa for Arthur's downfall. She couldn't live with the blame that both she and Merlin bestowed on her. No wonder she abandoned him, and the Ancient Warlock couldn't blame her.
Thankfully, they had arrived at the Fat Lady's portrait where she let the large crowd through (Dean, Seamus, Neville and Ginny were behind them talking about Quidditch). Immediately, Harry and Ron gravitated towards the comfy chairs by the fire and sat down.
Taking out their pieces of Parchment, they began to construct the beginnings of the Astronomy chart that Trelawney had set them, demanding to know what house each of the planets were in and what that would entail for the future. Just when they had finished this, Hermione entered the Common Room, where she promptly made their way towards them and flopped into the free chair beside them.
"I'm exhausted," She exclaimed.
"Finally decided to make an appearance then?" Ron quizzed as he wrote about what Jupiter got up to when in the fourth house.
"Obviously." Hermione retorted, which made Merlin try and fail to hide the smile at her answer.
"Are you going to tell us what in the name of Merlin," which made the said Wizard jump, until he relaxed once he realised that Ron wasn't talking to him, "You were doing."
"I was in the Library, Ronald." Hermione said, exaggerating the word to annoy the Ginger. "What else do you think I'd be doing apart from reading and researching?"
Merlin's shoulders started to shake at this, for Ron's face was amusing to watch as Hermione purposefully answered his questions in a round –a-bout manner.
"What Ron meant," Harry interjected, "Was what were you and Myrddin talking about at dinner. And did you find out whatever you were looking for."
"No, I didn't" Hermione sighed in a tired fashion, slumping in her chair. "There wasn't any record of it happening before and whether it could even take place."
"Oh, it will." Merlin said, speaking for the first time since she had sat by them. "Mark my words. I've seen it happened before." It was true, what he was saying to Hermione, he had seen it before, many a time.
Ron and Harry's head turned from side to side as they looked between Merlin's serious expressions to Hermione's confused, in denial but also had a strange kind of acceptance.
"Fine." Ron suddenly said, causing everyone to look at him. "Fine. It's ok. Just go ahead with your strange conversation and if you guys ever feel like telling us, well, just let Harry and I know." His tone was sarcastic, his anger bubbling near the surface, threatening to overflow.
There was silence after his words for a few minutes, with Merlin able to complete his Astronomy chart and help Harry (Ron refused his help because of his anger, but Harry was fine with it).
Hermione was the first to break the quiet; "Ron, Th-"
"I don't want to hear about it." Ron said, cutting across Hermione's speech.
"But-"
"No, Hermione. What's so hard to understand?"
"But look!" She exclaimed, pointing towards the window where a Screech Owl was tapping at the glass, attempting to get in. Merlin had no idea who the owl belonged to, but at Hermione's exclamation of; "Isn't that Hermes?" It was evident that the trio did.
"Blimey, it is!" Ron said quietly, setting down his quill and getting to his feet. "What's Percy writing to me for?"
Merlin felt a shock ripple through his body, but careful to control his emotions, whispered to Hermione who was standing next to him; "Who's 'Percy'?"
"Ron's brother." She answered quietly, in a rather terse manner, which Merlin found odd. Surely if it was another (how many are there) Weasley, they should be excited?
Frowning slightly in puzzlement, Merlin watched as Ron went over to the window and opened it, letting Hermes into the warm room. Immediately, the owl offered its leg to Ron, who took the scroll. The owl departed at once, leaving a trail of inky footprints across Ron's Astronomy Chart.
"That's definitely Percy's (and here, Merlin gave another guilt wrenching start) handwriting," said Rom, sinking back into his chair and staring at the words on the outside of the scroll: Ronald Weasley, Gryffindor House, and Hogwarts. He looked up at the other two. "What d'you reckon?"
"Open it!" Harry said eagerly, with Hermione and Merlin nodding.
Ron unrolled the scroll and began to read. The further down the parchment his eyes travelled, the more pronounced became his scowl. When he had finished reading, he looked disgusted. This caused Harry to prompt him, by asking; "What does it say?"
"Read for yourself." Ron said, throwing the letter over to where Hermione and Harry were standing. They too started to read, and Merlin (who was tall enough) stood behind them, looking over their shoulder.
Dear Ron,
I have only just heard (from no less a person than 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 must admit that I have always been afraid that you would take what we might call the "Fred and George" route, rather than following in my footsteps, so you can imagine my feelings on hearing you have stopped flouting authority and have decided to shoulder some real responsibility.
But I want to give you more than congratulations, Ron, I want to give you some advice, which is why I am sending this at night rather than by the usual morning post. Hopefully you will be able to read this away from prying eyes and avoid awkward questions.
From something the Minister let slip when telling me you are now a prefect, I gather that you are still seeing a lot of Harry Potter. I must tell you, Ron, that nothing could put you in danger of losing your badge more than continued fraternisation with that boy. Yes, I am sure you are surprised to hear this - no doubt you will say that Potter has always been Dumbledore's favourite - but I feel bound to tell you that Dumbledore may not be in charge at Hogwarts much longer and the people who count have a very different - and probably more accurate - view of Potter's behaviour. 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 - and see if you can spot yours truly!
Seriously, Ron, you do not want to be tarred with the same brush as Potter, it could be very damaging to your future prospects, and I am talking here about life after school too. As you must be aware, given that our father escorted him to court, Potter had a disciplinary hearing this summer in front of the whole Wizengamot and he did not come out of it looking too good. He got off on a mere technicality if you ask me and many of the people I've spoken to remain convinced of his guilt.
It may be that you are afraid to sever ties with Potter - I know that he can be unbalanced and, for all I know violent - but if you have any worries about this, or have spotted anything else in Potter's behaviour that is troubling you, I urge you to speak to Dolores Umbridge, a really delightful woman, who I know will be only too happy to advise you.
This leaves me to my other bit of advice. As I have hinted above, Dumbledore's regime at Hogwarts may soon be over. Your loyalty, Ron, should be not to him, but to the school and the Ministry. I am very sorry to hear that so far Professor Umbridge is encountering very little cooperation from staff as she strives to make those necessary changes within Hogwarts that the Ministry so ardently desires (although she should find this easier from next week - again, see the Prophet tomorrow!). I shall say only this - a student who shows himself willing to help Professor Umbridge now may be very well placed for Head Boyship in a couple of years!
I am sorry that I was unable to see more of you over the summer. It pains me to criticise our parents, but I am afraid I can no longer live under their roof while they remain mixed up with the dangerous crowd around Dumbledore (if you are writing to Mother at any point, you might tell her that a certain Sturgis Podmore, who is a great friend of Dumbledore's, has recently been sent to Azkaban for trespass at the Ministry. Perhaps that will open their eyes to the kind of petty criminals with whom they are currently rubbing shoulders). I count myself very lucky to have escaped the stigma of association with such people - the Minister really could not be more gracious to me - and I do hope, Ron, that you will not allow family ties to blind you to the misguided nature of our parents' beliefs and actions either. I sincerely hope that, in time, they will realise how mistaken they were and I shall, of course, be ready to accept a full apology when that day comes.
Please think over what I have said most carefully, particularly the bit about Harry Potter, and congratulations again on becoming prefect.
Your brother,
Percy
There was silence after Harry had read through the letter, one which Hermione and Merlin dared not to break.
Merlin felt a pang of sadness at the name 'Percy' signed at the bottom. It reminded him of his old Giant of a friend, but it seemed that apart from the name in which they shared, there was no other connection. His Percy would never walk out on his friend and advise him to take the side of the delusional authority. This brother of Ron's no right to be named after one of the gentlest and loving man there ever was.
Harry looked up at Ron.
"Well," he said, trying and failing to sound as if he found the whole thing a joke. "If you want to –er- what is it?" – Harry checked Percy's letter which he was still holding in his hand – "Oh yeah – 'sever ties' with me, I swear I won't get violent."
"Give it back," Ron said, holding out his hand. "He is," Ron said jerkily, tearing Percy's letter in half "The world's –" he tore it into quarters –"biggest"- he tore it into eights "git." With that, he threw the pieces into the fire and in satisfaction, watched them burn.
When he turned around, he immediately went back to his chair beside the fire. Then, much to the amazement (and respect) of Merlin, said briskly; "Come on, we've got to get this finished sometime before mid-night. I'd rather it sooner than later."
"Oh, give them here." Merlin said abruptly, startling the others.
"What?" said Harry, clearly bewildered by Merlin.
"Give them to me," the Ancient Warlock repeated. "I'll look through them and correct them."
Seeing the others expressions, he hastily added, momentarily forgetting that he shouldn't know anything. "My Uncle was obsessed with Destiny and the lark. Often, he'd look up at the stars. He taught me quite a bit."
"Are you serious? Ah, Myrddin, you're a life saver," said Ron. "What can I-"
"What you can say is; 'Never question what I say again, no matter what happens tomorrow or the day after."
"Thanks a million, Myrddin," Harry said weakly, passing his essay over and sinking back into his armchair, rubbing his eyes and looking deep into the fire.
Steadily, Merlin worked through the essays with Hermione helping. Even though she didn't do Divination, she was still an aid; whilst she pointed out and wrote where all the planets should be; Merlin completed what should happen when the planets were aligned.
"OK, write that down," Hermione said to Ron, pushing his essay and a sheet covered in her own writing back to Ron. "Then add this conclusion Myrddin kindly made for you."
"You two are honestly the most wonderful people I have ever met," Ron replied weakly. "And if I'm ever rude again –"
"I'll know you're back to normal." Hermione completed, causing a grin from Merlin and Ron.
"Harry, yours is OK except for this bit of the end, where I and Myrddin are sure you misheard; when Europa's in conjunction with Venus, it saves lives, not causes hives... Harry?"
"Er –Harry?" Ron asked uncertainly. "Why are you down there?"
Down there apparently meant kneeling down on the hearth and looking deep into the flames that were present.
"Because I've just seen Snuffles head in the fire." Harry replied, as though it was perfectly normal.
"Who's Snuffles?" Merlin asked to nobody in particular.
"Sirius's head?" Hermione repeated.
"Ah, so Snuffles is called Sirius. Ok, I can live with that." Merlin said, still apparently talking to himself.
But Hermione continued, ignoring Merlin's comments. "You mean like when he wanted to talk to you during the Triwizard Tournament? But he wouldn't do that now, it would be too – Sirius!"
She gasped, gazing at the fire, with Ron and Merlin joining in; for there in the middle of the dancing flames sat a man's head. Even though it was hard to tell because it wasn't the man's real head, but one mimicked by the fire,
Merlin thought he had fair skin with dark, long matted locks. He obviously hadn't shaved in a while and he had a desperate look about him, as if he had been cooped up in one place for too long. But it was his eyes that startled him the most; they were striking, but they held sadness and a special kind of madness that those who had lived through a terrible time and survived carried around with them for the rest of their days. It was clear that the man had been hunted.
"I was starting to think you'd gone to bed before everybody else had disappeared," he said. "I've been checking every hour."
"You've been popping into the fire every hour?" Harry said incredulously, half laughing.
"Just for a few seconds to see if the coast was clear."
"But what if you'd been seen?" Hermione asked anxiously.
"Well, only one person's seen me I think. A girl –first year, by the look of her – might've caught a glimpse of me earlier, but don't worry," Sirius added hastily as Hermione clapped a hand to her mouth. "I was gone the moment she looked back at me and I'll bet she probably thought I was an odd-shaped log or something."
"And me," Merlin added. "I can see you."
For the first time, 'Sirius' looked up, and noticed for the first time that there was someone else grouped around the fireplace. Someone who he didn't recognise. He gave a shark toothed grin, and said in a dark manner; "Just run along boy and pretend this never happened."
Harry turned around too, and said in a panicked tone; "Myrddin it's not what you think! He's innocent!"
But Merlin just stood there, blinking in reply. "Why would I think this man," He said, waving a hand towards the fiery head. "Is guilty?"
All four of them looked shocked as he said this, and 'Sirius' was the first person who spoke. "You don't know who I am?"
"Of course I do." Merlin said in an I-can't-believe- how-thick-you-are tone of voice. "You are called 'Sirius' (which I feel for you, by the way, it's truly a horrendous name) but goes by the name of Snuggles."
This resulted in 'Sirius' opening and shutting his mouth, but no sound came out.
"You really don't know who he is?" Ron asked incredulously.
"No." Merlin said simply.
"I am Sirius Black." Sirius said from the fireplace.
"And I am Myrddin Ambrosia. Pleased to meet you." Merlin replied, smiling.
Everybody looked flabbergasted when Merlin didn't react to Sirius' full name.
"Blimey!" Ron breathed his eyes wide. "You weren't lying when you said you don't read the papers."
"Why would I?" He countered.
"You've never read the papers? Never heard about me?" Sirius interrupted, causing Merlin to look down.
"Myrddin here was home schooled for most of his life." Harry interjected. "First by his parents, but when they..."
"Died." Merlin supplied, when it seemed Harry was going to try and avoid the word.
"When they died, his Uncle took him in and tutored him."
"But in the summer," Merlin said, taking over his cover story. "He sadly passed away and I decided to carry out his wish; that I would be taught/finish my education at Hogwarts. So I came. I'm new this term."
"I'm sorry for your loss kid." Sirius said. "You don't deserve to go through that at such a young age."
"Thank you." Was all Merlin said, not trusting himself to say anymore for fear of what he would blurt out.
"Now, apologies for doing this, but there's some private things I need to talk about with my God-son here. Would you-"
"Sure," Merlin interrupted before Sirius could finish. "I was getting tired anyway. I'm going to need all of my wits about me when the second half of my prank reveals itself tomorrow. Especially after what his brother" he said, jerking his thumb towards Ron. "Wrote in his letter. Word will get out and I'll be screwed if I'm not careful."
"Prank?" Sirius asked, looking interested. "What prank?"
"I ah, got caught up in a challenge with Fred and George." Merlin said, but Ron apparently felt the need to explain.
"It was bloody brilliant! His bird (who's amazing by the way) spiked Umbridge's drink by pouring a potion into it. Then, loads of birds somehow came into the hall, and when they all exited, they left a little message all over the Toad. And, speaking of toads," Ron continued, his smile getting wider. "His prank was to get Umbridge to cough them up!"
Sirius started to laugh aloud, a barking sound, his head thrown back.
"But, and here's the best bit!" Harry excited added. "The effects of the potion? Every time Umbridge tells lies -"
"Particularly ones about Harry and Dumbledore that aren't true," Hermione interjected.
"Umbridge will be unable to complete them, as another toad will appear from her mouth!"
"Ron's right." Sirius said, gazing up at Merlin. "That is brilliant! We should exchange ideas some time."
"Another time perhaps." Merlin said, "I'm rather tired, and you guys have some catching up to do. Night all."
And with that, he went up the stairs and into his dormitory, where he quickly got changed, before getting into bed. He wasn't lying to Sirius; he really was tired and would need his wits about him the next day.
Merlin had fully expected to comb Hermione's Daily Prophet carefully the next morning to find the article that the man who didn't deserve to be called Percy mentioned in his letter. However, the departing delivery owl had barely cleared the top of the milk jug when Hermione let out a huge gasp and flattened the newspaper to reveal a picture of Dolores Umbridge.
MINISTRY SEEKS EDUCATIONAL REFORM
DOLORES UMBRIDGE APPOINTED FIRST-EVER "HIGH INQUISITOR
"Umbridge – High Inquisitor?" said Harry darkly, his half eaten piece of toast slipping from his fingers. "What does that mean?"
Hermione read aloud;
In a surprise move last night the Ministry of Magic passed new legislation giving itself an unprecedented level of control at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. "The Minister for Magic has been growing uneasy about goings-on at Hogwarts for some time" said Junior Assistant to the Minister for MagicPercy Weasley. "He is now responding to concerns voiced by anxious parents, who feel the school may be moving in a direction they do not approve."
This is not the first time in recent weeks Fudge has used new laws to effect improvements at the wizarding school. As recently as 30 AugustEducational Decree Twenty-two was passed, to ensure that, in the event of the current headmaster being unable to provide a candidate for a teaching post, the Ministry should select an appropriate person.
"That's how Dolores Umbridge came to be appointed to the teaching staff at Hogwarts," said Weasley last night. "Dumbledore couldn't find anyone, so the Minister put in Umbridge and of course, she's been an immediate success –"
"She's been a WHAT?" Ron said loudly.
"Wait there's more," Hermione said grimly.
Totally revolutionising the teaching of Defence against the Dark Arts and providing the Minister with on-the-ground feedback about what's really happening at Hogwarts."'It is this last function that the Ministry has now formalised with the passing of Educational Decree Twenty-three, which creates the new position of Hogwarts High Inquisitor.
"This is an exciting new phase in the Minister's plan to get to grips with what some are calling the falling standards at Hogwarts", said Weasley. "The Inquisitor will have powers to inspect her fellow educators and make sure that they are coming up to scratch. Professor Umbridge has been offered this position in addition to her own teaching post, and we are delighted to say that she has accepted." The Ministry's new moves have received enthusiastic support from parents of students at Hogwarts.
"I feel much easier in my mind now that I know that Dumbledore is being subjected to fair and objective evaluation," said Lucius Malfoy, 41, speaking from his Wiltshire mansion last night. "Many of us with our children's best interests at heart have been concerned about some of Dumbledore's eccentric decisions in the last few years and will be glad to know that the Ministry is keeping an eye on the situation." Among those 'eccentric decisions' are undoubtedly the controversial staff appointments previously described in this newspaper, which have included the hiring of werewolf Remus Lupin, half-giantRubeus Hagrid and delusional ex-Auror'Mad-Eye' Moody.
Rumours abound, of course, that Albus Dumbledore, once Supreme Mugwump of the International Confederation of Wizards and Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot, is not longer up to the task of managing the prestigious school of Hogwarts. "I think the appointment of the Inquisitor is a first step toward ensuring that Hogwarts has a headmaster in whom we can all repose confidence" said a Ministry insider last night."Wizengamot elders Griselda Marchbanks and Tiberius Ogden have resigned in protest at the introduction of the post of Inquisitor to Hogwarts.
"Hogwarts is a school, not an outpost of Cornelius Fudge's office", said Madam Marchbanks. "This is a further disgusting attempt to discredit Albus Dumbledore." (For a full account of Madam Marchbanks' alleged links to subversive goblin groups, turn to page 17).
But perhaps what the worst thing about the article was the photo that had accompanied it. Because even though it must have been one of the best days of Dolores Umbridge's life, her photo self tried hard to hide herself. And when she appeared, it was clear to see why.
Because complete with the total anger and hatred that appeared on her face was the fact that Umbridge was missing something. Something important. Because overnight, Dolores Umbridge had gone bald.
HAHA! I hope you liked the cliff hanger! Now, the story will start to move quicker now, so it'll be more interesting, I promise you!
I know that I said I'd answer your questions, but we've just recieved warning from our friends that their power has cut off... again. It'll be us soon and I don't want to risk it. Better you have a chapter rather then me answering your questions but not getting it till tomorrow!
As always REVIEW!