Damage Control
The news that something had happened overnight in the Slytherin Common Room was of course secret. The entire School knew most of the details by 9am. Hermione comforted Harry who had told her he feared for the lives of Tori and Tracy who still not come round from their injuries – though this was to be expected after all.
"Madam Pomfrey can do wonders" Hermione assured him, "I mean she fixed all of our injuries pretty quickly" and her brother had to admit his sister was correct.
"But Tori had part of skull flapping like some damned bloody scrap of paper in the wind" Harry countered. "Even I wasn't that bad when Ron punched me" he added.
"True" Hermione said, and then she managed to get Harry's attention on to the Charms homework they had still to complete. Harry did so with a heavy heart. After several days, both girls woke up, and Tracy was able to return to Gryffindor tower. When she saw Zabini, the other Slytherin said she forgave her. But it was McGonagall who gave Harry the bad news about Astoria.
#
"I'm glad I managed to catch you, Harry" said the headmistress, "No doubt you've seen Miss Davis up and about. I only wish that better news was to come for Miss Greengrass" and Harry looked at her from his seat.
"What do you mean, Professor?" he asked.
"Madam Pomfrey has informed me that, while Miss Greengrass is awake and talking, I'm afraid that she has lost parts of her memory. She can speak, and speak well enough, the problem lies with the fact she can not read or write. She also did not know where she was, but Madam Pomfrey believes that little part will pass shortly. As for the reading and writing… I fear that she will never regain that. And as for her parents, her whole family have disowned her, and she is now without a home." and she watched as Harry jumped to his feet, the action sent the seat spinning into a wall.
"Excuse me" he said, and went to the door.
"Where are you going?" asked McGonagall, hurrying after him.
"Out" Harry said, and he stormed out the office and returned to Gryffindor.
#
The entrance to the common room swung open and Harry came steaming in. People looked away in horror when they saw Harry's face. It was a very good thing that Pansy Parkinson was not in the school right now or else Harry might well have murdered her on sight. Hermione went after him and into his dorm except to find he had vanished, and she hoped he wasn't going to do anything foolish. She looked at his truck which had the hidden money bag and his Nimbus 2000 and noted both where missing. The girl darted over to the window in time to see Harry fly to the school gates. Leaving the room, Hermione rushed to find the nearest teacher and tell them Harry had done a runner.
#
The Knight Bus went and dropped Harry off outside Diagon Alley, and Harry popped into the Leaky Cauldron and asked Tom to look after his broom until he returned. Once that was over with, Harry went into Muggle London and went to purchase books of a special kind. Knowing that Tori had lost her entire knowledge of the English language, and that she couldn't write either, Harry got books that were meant for nursery children. He was going to help Astoria get better again if it was the last thing that he ever did. He returned several times with bags full of books to the pub, until he caught the Knight Bus back to Hogwarts. He was glad that he had learned the featherweight charm as he could carry all the books at once – casting the spell the minute he was inside Hogwarts grounds. Slotting the handle of his broom through the handles of the carrier bags, Harry gently kicked off the ground and flew silently to the Hospital Wing.
#
"I wonder if they will expel him?" Hermione worried. "You don't suppose that he'll try to kill Pansy do you?" she added fearful that it was what he was doing.
"I'm sure that he wou… hello" Fred stopped speaking. Harry's name had just appeared on the map and he saw it moving at a speed reached only by brooms. Hermione saw the same thing, and noted that he was heading towards the hospital wing.
"Tell Flitwick I'll be late" she called, as she raced from Gryffindor tower, and towards where her brother was.
"NO RUNNING IN THE CORRIDORS!" yelled Filch and he brandished a large broom to block her.
"Oh for heavens sake, will you fuck off?" she swore, and Hermione slammed into the caretaker, and just kept on going until she stopped when she saw some professors standing at the entrance to the hospital wing. "What is he doing?" she asked in wonder.
"We found him like this" McGonagall said, voice hushed a little. "He's come with dozens of muggle books that are supposed to help little children to read. He's decided to undertake the re-education of Miss Greengrass himself" and Hermione shook her head at her brother.
"He feels it is his responsibility to help her get better" she said after a while. "The same as he tried to fight Ron Weasley and Draco Malfoy after they insulted me" and McGonagall looked down at Hermione.
"It's his loyalty streak" the headmistress said. "His Gryffindor mind takes over until he is satisfied that a person is alright" and she, Hermione, Flitwick (sat on Sprout's shoulders) and Sprout looked as Harry did his best to undo the damage that had been sustained.
#
"Try again" Harry urged her.
"Alright" said Tori, and she looked at the book again. "Arghple... appelle... apple" she said at last, and Harry smiled as Tori's face lit up as she got the word correct.
"That's good progress" Harry said, "This is going better then I ever could have thought" he assured her. It sickened him and twisted at his insides to have to talk to her like this, but he knew he was doing the right thing.
"It's nice that you want to spend time with me, even if I couldn't remember your name at first" Tori said.
"I told you before that you are one of my friends, and that friend's stick together" Harry told her.
"You say that I have a family?" Tori asked, pushing herself up to a better sitting up position. Harry's smile fell a little and that told Tori something. "What?" she pushed at him. Harry didn't know what to say to her, so he started by explaining the whole situation concerning Purebloods, half bloods and muggleborns.
"So in the end they decided that they would much rather disown you, and they've cast you out of the family" Harry finished. Tori burst into tears and started crying. Harry wished that the fleas of a thousand Arab camels infested the pubic regions of the Greengrass family. Tori was still crying, so Harry sat on the bed next to her and held her to his chest until she was exhausted. Once she was fast asleep, Harry wiped the tears from her eyes and cheeks, tucked her into bed quietly and put the books away into the little cabinet that sat next to the bed. Harry stood up and looked down at the sleeping and peaceful face of Astoria Greengrass and promised that he would take care of her – just like he promised to take care of Hermione.
"200 points to Gryffindor" McGonagall said to him when he stood in front of her. She, the other teachers and Hermione had watched him single handled take on the re-education of Tori and it touched her heart as well as those of the others.
"Thank you, Professor. I am sorry I was very rude to you this morning" Harry apologised.
"I am sure you was under a great deal of worry" McGonagall said dismissively. "I take it that you told her about her parents and family wanting nothing to do with her?" and Harry nodded.
"She would have found out sooner or later. Better for her to cry in here then if out in corridors or a classroom" Harry said, and everyone agreed. Harry ran a hand through his hair and undid the top button of the shirt he was wearing under his robes. "Tori is getting there, but I know it is going to be a long and difficult recovery for her" and Hermione went over and hugged him tightly.
"I'm going to be there for you, and so are our friends. We'll make sure that Tori is alright" she said, and Harry knew she was telling the truth.
"What will happen to Tori now?" he asked McGonagall, and the Professor hesitated before answering.
"Subject to our laws, she will all traces of our world wiped from her mind, her magic bound for all time and sent to live as a muggle" and Hermione shivered while Harry's tired face morphed into one of total fury.
"I'd like to see them try that" he growled, his voice full of anger. "Is there anything that we can do?" Harry asked.
"Only that we keep Miss Greengrass comfortable until Aurors come to do the procedure" Flitwick spoke sadly.
"What if someone was to take Tori in? I mean something like foster care or maybe even adoption" Harry suggested, and McGonagall conceded the point.
"It is of course entirely possible, but it requires a Head of House" she said.
"What about my parents? I'm sure that they wouldn't mind until something came up for Tori" Hermione said, but McGonagall had to say no.
"It has to be a magical family" she told them, "Undersecretary Umbridge drafted those laws in, and Fudge approved them. Until the case is sorted out, nothing can happen except for low level rules and laws" and Hermione felt upset and sad for Tori.
"Well it just so happens that I'm a head of house" Harry said, "Is there any restrictions on how old someone has to be?" he asked.
"None whatsoever" the older witch said. "I believe you know the way to London" and Harry thanked her, and dragged a puzzled Hermione away with him.
#
"Good Afternoon" Harry said to the witch, "My name is Harry Potter, I'm 5ft 8, student at Hogwarts, I'm very hungry and completely ticked at the Ministry. May I see your boss please?" he finished sweetly.
"I'm afraid that Madam Bones is not in at the moment" replied the witch in the front office. She was about to send for a couple of Aurors when Harry and Hermione vanished abruptly out the office.
"She's in there" Harry said, and Hermione nodded
"Let's do it your way" she gave in.
"Thank you" Harry said, and give his sister a quick kiss on the lips. They went back into the office with black as thunder looks upon their faces. "I want to see your boss in under a minute. If not, then I'm going to blow that door off it's hinges. Would you care to watch?" and the secretary saw who she had been rude to.
"I'm screwed" she said, and waved them into the office behind her.
"Mr Potter! Miss Granger!" said Madam Bones with surprise. "What are you doing here?" she asked as the pair sat down in the large leather armchairs.
"Do you know about Astoria Greengrass?" asked Hermione, and Madam Bones nodded sadly.
"I was about to sign the papers for her magic to be bound" she said, "I wouldn't do it myself but it is the law" and Harry for some reason she couldn't quite figure out suddenly smiled.
"I know someone who is willing to take her in and foster her – if not outright adopt her" he told her, and the quill she was using was put back on the table.
"Who did you find?" asked Madam Bones.
"He is sitting right in front of you" Hermione beamed. Madam Bones was not expecting that at all, and she had to let her mind process that information before replying.
"But you are only 11 years old" she told him, "You can't make decisions like this until you have a family of your own" and Harry actually nodded at that.
"I understand that, and Hermione helped me look over the Wizarding laws before coming over. But I have been declared the head of my family, such as it is, and therefore can make decisions concerning the Potter family" Harry explained his position, and madam Bones listened to everything.
'This boy is going to grow up to be a very great person. He even forgives people who attacked his friends. I'll do what I can to help… the least I can do after making friends with my niece'.
"I'll get the papers myself" she promised, "Just wait here until…" she was cut off by McGonagall suddenly coming through the door.
"She's gone" she panted; Harry immediately got up and gave her his seat.
"Who has gone, professor?" asked Hermione.
"A squad of four Aurors came and removed Astoria Greengrass from the hospital wing" McGonagall said.
"Who issued the order?" Madam Bones said, "I certainly didn't – these two stopped me from doing it" she added, indicating Hermione and Harry.
"The order was signed by Delores Umbridge" McGonagall said, "I couldn't do a bloody thing to stop them" and Harry leant down to Hermione's head and started to whisper. The two adults didn't pay them attention as they discussed what to do next.
"It's worth a try" Hermione said, "You are the head of the Potter family after all" she pointed out. Harry flashed her a brilliant smile before turning to the talking adults.
"Astoria Greengrass was under the protection of the Potter family, and therefore was already being looked after me. She should not have been taken without my consent and I would not have given it anyway" and Madam Bones and McGonagall both turned to look at him. It was odd to find an 11 year old speaking like this, but it was how Harry and Hermione had been brought up.
"Bu that isn't the problem, Mr Potter" McGonagall said.
"No. And it's not going to be a problem in about ten minutes" Harry said.
"Would you explain, Mr Potter?" asked Madam Bones, "I can not see where you are going with this" and he nodded before he stopped leaning on the chair Hermione was sat on. Harry decided that he better be standing upright for his request – better to be looking formal and unafraid even if he was slightly nervous.
"I request the use of Aurors in order to rescue Astoria Greengrass – a child under my protection. I request them urgently as I believe her to in mortal danger" Harry said. "I also wish to have Delores Umbridge arrested on charges of kidnapping" Harry said. Madam Bones could well have refused a request from Harry Potter. What she couldn't do was refuse a request from the head of the Potter family.
"I do not suppose that you have anyone in mind?" Bones asked him.
"I request the aid of Aurors Black and Tonks plus anyone who you completely trust" Harry said.
"There are one or two others I trust very well" Bones replied, and she left the room for a short time and came back with Sirius, Tonks and two Aurors Harry knew only by sight.
"Hi Harry" Sirius said, "What is going on then?" he asked.
"It's a kidnapping" said Hermione. "Some woman called Umbridge has taken one of our friends to St Mungos in order for them to have their memories wiped of our world" and Harry nodded.
"Private room then" Tonks mused. "This isn't just something you want doing is it?" she asked.
"I made the request as head of the Potter family" Harry told her.
"Well that makes all the difference" Sirius said and then looked to the other two Aurors. "I know Umbridge, and she is a right evil bit..."
"Sirius!" Madam Bones cut in, "Not in front of the children" and Harry and Hermione chuckled.
"We've heard worse" they said at the same time.
"I suggest that we return to Hogwarts and await the arrival of Miss Greengrass" McGonagall said, getting up from her chair.
"I can't do that, Professor" Harry said, "Can't really explain why, but this is something that I need to be there for" and Hermione slipped her hand into his.
"My place is with Harry" she said determinedly. "We're both going. It'll prove to people that we do not hate Slytherins as a whole" and Harry said that he agreed with that.
"We better hurry" Madam Bones said, "We might not have much time to stop Umbridge from doing what she is planning" and Harry suddenly was alarmed.
"We're not going to have time to get down to the right department for me to sign the papers" he said quickly, but Bones replied that they could use the Floo to go to the right department, collect and sign the papers, and then head to St Mungos to save Tori.
#
The group simply bypassed the welcome desk, and took a lift to the private rooms. They found a pair of Aurors guarding a single room.
"I have orders for no one to enter" said the one in charge.
"I'm the head of the DMLE" Bones said, "Let me pass" but the Auror shook his head.
"I'm not allowed to let anyone in" he said.
"Is Umbridge inside?" Harry asked.
"She is just about to perform the spells along with the healers" said the second Auror – a woman. At that exact moment, there was the very loud scream of a young girl in extreme pain.
"If you don't get out of my way, then I am personally going to allow Harry to use every hex and curse he knows" Bones said, but the Aurors stood their ground.
"We are not letting you pass" they both said.
"Fine" Sirius said, "You win" and he, Tonks and the two Aurors turned away. Suddenly they turned right back again and blasted their colleagues with multiple spells and charms before they could go for their wands.
"Nice" McGonagall said, "Very nice indeed" and Harry simply blasted the door off the hinges with Hermione's help.
"EVERYONE STAND STILL!" Bones bellowed. "Healers are to stand aside. This girl has been adopted by the Potter family, and can not be forced from our world" Bones said, and Umbridge turned. She was still the same evil toad looking woman that Harry had seen when he had gone to the Ministry for the various trials he had to be at.
"She is too dangerous to be allowed any magic" Umbridge said, "I have to complete the spell" and she turned and raised her wand. "Memoriam Vani…" she was cut off by a combined effort of Harry and Hermione.
"BANZAI!" they yelled, and jumped on her back and tried to snatch her wand but she through them off. None of the others could fire spells for fear of hitting Tori. Hermione fell to the floor, but Harry was thrown over the bed his Slytherin friend was in – just catching a heavy blow on her head. Tori's eyes closed for a minute and then opened wide and looked around.
"HARRY!" she yelled, "I've got my memory back!" and then shifted so a spell didn't hit her.
"Here" Harry said, and threw her his wand. "Expeliarmus" he told her. Tori caught it, and aimed at Umbridge – just catching her left armpit.
"Expelliarmus" she said, and though it was Harry's wand, it did the job good enough. Umbridge was sent flying through the air and landed in a heap on the floor. At that instant, six different wands issued ropes and bound her like a mummy. Sirius leant out the doorway and did the same for the two opposing Aurors.
"That's done it" he said with a smile, then looked at the sight of a crying Tori being hugged by Harry and Hermione.
"I thought that I wasn't going to see you again" she sobbed.
"Well the good news is that you don't have to leave Hogwarts" Hermione said.
"I don't?" sniffed the girl.
"Nope" Harry grinned, "Because I adopted you" and Astoria looked at him in surprise.
"You what?" she asked.
"I did it to stop you having our magic bound, and your memories of our world wiped from your brain" and Harry hugged her tightly. "I told you before – friends help friends out when in trouble" and Tori kissed him on the cheek.
"You're sweet" she told him, and Harry blushed deeply.
"Everything is going to be alright" Hermione said, "All your friends at Hogwarts have been waiting for news on your recovery. Dean volunteered to help save you from the Slytherin common room" and Tori blinked.
"He… he was?" she asked, going a very nice shade of crimson. Everyone in the room suspected that Tori had a crush on Dean – it was well known about the one shared between Seamus and Tracy.
"He said that he didn't want any harm to come to you" Harry said, and he helped Tori off the bed and to stand upright.
"Oh that will never do" McGonagall said, and she flicked her wand at the pyjamas that the girl was wearing. They changed into a full set of Hogwarts robes with one tiny little difference to Tori's regular set. Where the Slytherin patch was, now sat the red and gold shield with a lion on the font – the symbol of Gryffindor. "I think you will find that you are not the only other ones to change houses today" McGonagall said, and Tori gasped.
"Tracy too?" she asked, and McGonagall only hummed to herself.
"Come on, Tori" Harry said, "Let's go home" and they headed back to Hogwarts. Once there, it was discovered that Tracy as well as Zabini had also changed houses. When she saw Tori, Zabini said that she was sorry that she had harmed her, and that she would do anything to prove her worth to Tori and Tracy. Tori's reply was to say that if Zabini was willing to give evidence against all those who had conspired to hurt herself and Tracy, then it would be even.
#
In the end, it made for a rather nice lot of suspects – Harry ensured that the Daily Prophet printed the list in full. This was achieved by Sirius and Tonks taking a squad of trainees out to the offices of the paper on a field trip.
DEFENDANTS TO BE TRIED IN ONE CASE.
We publish a full list of those people who are to be tried in the cases of assault on Astoria Greengrass and Tracy Davis.
Lucius Malfoy
Draco Malfoy
Pansy Parkinson
Delores Umbridge
Auror Stu Pid Mirage
Auror Dumbs Hit Dragon
Zabini Blaise has been given immunity in exchange for naming the people who ordered her to attack the two girls.
Everyone at the Prophet wishes Miss Greengrass and Miss Davis a speedy recovery, and hope to see them continue at Hogwarts – and who knows what next?...
"Amazing what a squad of 50 Aurors can get you" Harry said, as he put up his feet on the coffee table in the Gryffindor common room.
"I hope that my parents don't do anything because I went against the Slytherins" Zabini said.
"If they kick you out, then I'll simply adopt you as well. I'm already a daddy" Harry said, glancing at Tori. For this, Harry was rewarded with half a dozen cushions intersecting on his head.
"I just want to know where we are going to live" Hermione said.
"I know we only have a three bedroom house" Harry said, "but we could always move into one of the houses that I own in London" and Hermione made a note to ask their parents about it next chance she could.
A/N:
Soooooooooooooooooo Tracy and Tori are alright, though it was nearly touch and go with Tori for a minute there! Well I hope you liked what Harry did to help her, and it is true about what Hermione said. Harry puts others first before thinking of himself.
Only two references here – both in the list of people on trial, and I suggest that you read the Aurors names very fast.
If you liked the chapter, then please review. If you had problems with the chapter, then please review. If you are called Mirage, then please tell me what your real name ids – or else your review will get deleted. If your name is Trax – STOP GOING ON ABOUT MY GRAMMER! This is my fanfiction story, and ergo it is my rules.
Regards
Pixel
The best Harry Potter fanfic author that you could ever hope to meet.