Chapter XXV – Back to School

On September 1st the members of the order escorted the students to the train station to be sure there was no ambush on the way. Ron was the only one actually happy to be getting back because he wouldn't have to room with Hermione; and he knew she wouldn't be getting whipped by Sirius anymore. Though he still loved her he couldn't bring himself to condone her sexual activities.

Hermione was sad to go back to school for the first time in her life because it meant leaving Sirius and the great sex behind. She didn't know if she would ever see him again.

Everyone else felt as usual about school as they boarded the train.

Sirius had let Hermione take several other sex books from the Black family library with her; and once on the train, she settled down to start reading one while the others talked with friends they hadn't seen in two months.

A few hours into the trip Malfoy, along with Crabbe and Goyle, came into their compartment to harass Harry and his friends as they did every time they had the chance. Draco picked up first with the propaganda line from the ministry and the Daily Prophet; that Harry was a liar for saying Voldemort was back and that he just wanted attention.

When Ginny asserted that it was the ministry and the Prophet that were lying because they were afraid to admit Voldemort had returned Malfoy turned on her with, "Nobody believes your lies either you little slut; you'll say anything to support his lies just so you can keep sleeping with him."

Ginny's chain began to glow and Harry stood up. He was so angry that rather than using magic, he tried to go after Malfoy physically even though Crabbe and Goyle moved forward to block Harry's attempt to get to Draco.

That was when Hermione spoke up saying, "Draco, you talk a lot about things that you have no right to. You weren't there in the cemetery; so you don't know what did or didn't happen. Wait a minute, unless you father told you; Harry did see your father there groveling at his master's feet."

"Shut up you Mudblood whore." Malfoy said. "Nobody wants to hear your lies either; nobody believes the ravings of a slut that sleeps with every boy that would have her."

Hermione stood up and walked toward Draco. Crabbe and Goyle move to get between them and Hermione stopped; she looked first into Crabbe's eyes, then Goyle's, as she said in a soft strange tone, "I won't hurt him; you can step out of the way."

They both hesitated, but only a second; then both move out of her way. She took another step toward Draco, looked into his eyes and said in that same odd voice, "You don't understand Draco; you have the wrong idea about me."

As Malfoy stood like he was paralyzed; she reached for his hand and took it in hers; stroking the back of his hand with her thumb as she continued to talk. "You're starting to believe your own rumors about me; it was you and your Slytherin friends that started all the rumors about me sleeping with boys.

In truth, I'm saving myself for a real man; you have to forget those rumors and start seeing the real me. If of course you think of yourself as man enough for me."

Malfoy stood there looking back into her eyes as she reached up with her other hand and stroked his cheek continuing, "You know the truth but don't want to admit it; you know you always liked me but you're afraid to say so in front of your Slytherin friends."

After a few seconds of her rubbing his cheek Malfoy suddenly shook his head; he seemed to just realize she was touching him. He took a step back, and after another second or two said, "Don't touch me you dirty Mudblood; now I have to go wash your filth off me."

He turned and walked to the door but stopped and turned to look at Hermione. It looked like he wanted to say something; his mouth opened but no sound came out; Ginny thought his lips formed the word, "Yes."

Hermione said, "Think about the truth Draco."

He blinked; then he left taking Crabbe and Goyle with him.

"Bloody hell!" Ron said. "What was that all about? When you got up and went towards him I thought you were going to hex him into next week and you talked to him like you want a date."

She looked a Ron and said, "We've been hexing him for four years and haven't changed him one bit; I just thought I'd try a different approach. Who knows Ron; if he changes maybe I will want a date."

She turned toward Harry and Ginny and said, "I'm going to the Loo." and left with Ron standing with his mouth open.

Ginny said, "I'll go with her." and she got up following Hermione.

In the Loo, Ginny checked that there was nobody else around before saying, "Alright Hermione, what's going on? I saw what happened; have you learned hypnotism, because that's what it looked like to me."

"It's a form of sexual magic;" she answered "from another one of Sirius' books. While they were busy with Harry I used my wand to cast a sexual spell on all three of them. It wasn't as powerful as I hoped; they should have done anything I asked them to, thinking they could have sex with me as a reward.

It worked better on Crabbe and Goyle; they're so weak minded. But even they hesitated before doing what I asked. Malfoy will be harder to make cooperate; he has a good mind but I hope he's not smart enough to realize what I did to him before I get the spell down right and can make him stop harassing us."

You're not really thinking of having sex with any of them?" Ginny said.

"Not Crabbe or Goyle;" Hermione said "they're of no consequence. But if I get a chance to use a sexual spell to steal Malfoy's magical powers; I think that having sex with him would be worth while, don't you. Imagine Malfoy left powerless without knowing why he lost his powers; a present foe and potential future Death Eater removed as a threat."

"But Hermione," Ginny said "if he has sex with you and can't do magic the next morning, he bound to know it was you that stole his powers."

"You're thinking of the spell in the book I loaned you; that one is meant to protect yourself if captured and your enemy rapes you. There is another spell that works more subtly. I'll have to have sex with him several times over a period of months; then his powers fade gradually over a period of many other months. It's meant to allow the woman acting as a spy to break off the relationship and escape before the target knows what was done to him."

"But still," Ginny said "having sex with him to do that, eugh, it's disgusting."

"Another factor is that I need to practice these sexual spells." Hermione said. "You have your ring and chain and connection to Harry to protect you; you can do magic without a wand. What if I should get captured by Death Eaters someday; using a sexual spell on them might be my only way to survive.

I have to practice those spells on someone, and Draco is one of my few options. Or would you prefer I do it with Crabbe, Goyle, or some other Slytherin?"

"Eugh again!"Ginny said. "I understand what you're saying; but do you really think you'll ever have to use those spells?"

"Who knows;" Hermione said "better to be prepared than not.

By the way, did you use the spell I told you about to surprise Harry?"

"You mean making myself a virgin again?" Ginny asked. "I planned on trying it tonight; I'm still pretty tight as is, I wonder if he'll notice the difference?"

Hermione laughed silently; she hadn't told Ginny that besides tightening her cunny the charm also regrew her hymen. Harry wouldn't be the only one surprised when they had sex tonight.

"We should both do it on ourselves now." Hermione said. "You may not get a chance to be alone later; and I don't know how my spell on Malfoy will affect him. If my spell worked, there is a possibility he may come after me tonight for sex and I need him to believe I'm a virgin. Or, if it didn't work, and he realizes I cast a spell on him he may come after me for revenge."

"What will you do?" Ginny asked as she slid her wand into her cunny and completed the Virginia charm on herself while slowly sliding the wand back out.

Hermione shrugged as she also inserted her wand up her cunny and did the charm. Then she said, "If he wants sex, I'll start draining his powers tonight; if he wants revenge, I'll defend myself. Now that we're both virgins again, let's get back to the compartment; the boys will be wondering where we are."

As new prefects, Hermione and Ron had to guide the new first years to the boats that take them to the castle and then get them lined up so McGonagall could bring them in for sorting. Malfoy should have also helped; but he looked at Hermione once and left, shirking his duty.

The opening banquet held a bad surprise for Harry and Ginny; Delores Umbridge was there and Dumbledore announced that she would be the new DADA professor. Mentally, Harry and Ginny went over the bad news and what they thought it might mean for them.

After the opening banquet, as Ron and Hermione were leading the first years up to Gryffindor tower the head boy stopped Hermione and said, Dumbledore wants to see you tonight after you get the first years settled. Take him some Fizzing Whizbees."

Hermione knew that Fizzing Whizbees were really balls of Sherbert that levitated themselves up into your mouth; but, in this case she realized the name was the password for the gargoyle that guarded Dumbledore's office. On the way she tried but, couldn't imagine why he wanted to see her.

At the top of the circular staircase was the ornate door to his office and she knocked. "Come in Miss Granger." he called.

After she closed the door she said," I was told you want to see me Head Master?"

"Please sit Miss Granger;" he said "would you like a pepper snap? I'm partial to them but they are quite strong."

"No thank you;" she said "the banquet has me quite filled." She decided not to ask what he wanted; he would tell her when he was ready, so she sat looking at him.

"I have two reasons for asking you here Miss Granger." he said. "First, you've been living for the last month in close contact with Mr. Potter and Miss Weasley. You know of their mental connection; they can see each other's thoughts and therefore can talk to each other at great distances.

Have they given you any reason to think they can receive the thoughts of anyone else? Has either of them mentioned having the thoughts of someone else enter their mind; perhaps as a dream?"

"Sir, do you mean have they read my thoughts; or Ron's?" she asked.

"Not necessarily yours;" Dumbledore said "anyone at all."

"No sir;" she said "I'm sure they would have mentioned that. We agreed that any changes in their mental abilities could be a clue at to what's causing it and they've always told me when anything new happened; and it's been a year since they dreamt about Voldemort's return.

Sir, you didn't just ask this without a reason; is it because Voldemort actually has returned? Do you think Harry and Ginny might have an increasingly strong connection to him because he's the cause of their powers? That was the first thing we considered but we have no proof."

I believe both things you said could be correct;" Dumbledore said "but I too have no proof. I do however want you to tell me if such a connection does appear with either of them. Don't tell them of this conversation; they may never make a connection to Voldemort and I don't want to give them anything new to worry about unnecessarily."

"Sir," Hermione said, "since we're discussing Harry and Ginny's powers; would you tell me something."

"That depends on what you want to know;" Dumbledore said "go ahead and ask."

Hermione thought of how to word the question for a moment then asked, "Before you even knew of their connection and mental powers; you gave Harry the rings and chains. As you explained the importance of those things I knew Harry would ask Ginny to accept the promise ring; and I had the feeling you knew what he would too.

You wanted them to become bonded together. Why? You must have had a reason; and it must be connected to what happened in the Chamber of Secrets. Can you tell me what that reason is?"

Now Dumbledore hesitated for a few seconds before saying, "I can tell you this much; after Harry gave me Tom Riddle's diary and told me what happened I suspected that wasn't the end of the story.

The diary was a most unusual and powerful magical object and I thought both Harry and Ginny might need help overcoming its effects. What could be better than having them help each other?

I explained that the Potter men always found their mate at an early age. After talking with her parents I knew of Ginny's feeling for Harry and I thought Harry might develop feelings for his best friend's sister given that they spent so much time near each other. Besides Ginny is a remarkable girl in her own right; intelligent, magically powerful, and if I must say so quite attractive. She will make a good wife and will help Harry tremendously in his fight against Voldemort.

In the first few weeks of school my thoughts about them were confirmed; so I decided to let them know what they were doing was okay by telling them the story and giving them the rings and chains. I did not however know they would develop such powers.

I'm afraid that's all I can tell you for now."

"So you admit you acted as a matchmaker for them." Hermione said.

Dumbledore smiled and said, "Not exactly, as you know they had already made their own match; I just encouraged them. Isn't that just what you and Ginny did for the Colin Creevey and Miss Lovegood; and Dennis Creevey and Miss Harrison too?"

Hermione said, "That's different, we helped them get a first date; not to give promise rings and to take vows. What you did is a whole other level."

Dumbledore said, "Harry and Ginny's relationship required a higher level of commitment, I don't think Harry would be alive now if Ginny hadn't helped him during the encounter with Voldemort during the third Tri-Wizard task. The next time, even with her help it may not be enough. I did what I thought best to assure their survival and you'll have to accept my word on that.

Now for the second matter, I talk with Sirius almost daily and he told me about your discovery of sexual magic books in the Black family library. I told you some time ago I don't interfere with student's sexual lives; but I feel I must warn you of the dangers of sexual magic."

Hermione's face got bright red and she said, "Sir, exactly did Sirius tell you?"

Dumbledore's expression didn't change as he said, "Nothing specific Miss Granger; so there's no need to be embarrassed. I understand with a group of teens locked together in a house all summer that there would be a measure of sexual activity; as I said it is not my concern with whom you sleep. But sexual magic is another thing.

I know you are best in your class at spells, perhaps best in the school; but the spells in the books you borrowed can be extremely dangerous. I must ask you if you intend to use any of them; and specifically which ones, and on whom?"

Hermione's face reddened again as she said, "I've already used one. On the train, Malfoy, Crabbe, and Goyle came into our compartment and started harassing Harry and Ginny. I used the "Infatuation control" charm on all three of them.

Our encounters with them often lead to fights and curses being cast and I thought if I could get them to leave us alone without cursing them it would help the situation. I never practiced it so it only partially worked. They left after some hesitation; and I intend to use it on them again if needed.

I also tried the "Virginia restora" charm on myself because it sounded interesting and could prove useful should I ever find myself in a situation where I'm captured. I also learned several power stealing charms for the same reason but haven't used any of them yet."

"Hum," Dumbledore said as he rubbed his chin, "those charms you already used are for the most part harmless; but I don't like the "yet" you added. I presume it means you are thinking about using a power stealing charm on somebody; Mr. Malfoy perhaps."

"Yes," she said "if I can't get him to stop harassing us with the Infatuation charm that was my next alternative."

"Which charm do you intend to use on him?" Dumbledore asked.

"Erg deletere;" she answered "the draining of magical energy charm."

"I see;" Dumbledore said. "You know that charm only weakens the subject's power by about a tenth; and you would have to have sex with him a dozen times over a period of a year to completely remove his power. You are willing to do that?"

Yes," she said "if I have to too stop him from bothering us."

"Did you know his power will return eventually?" Dumbledore asked. "It will be back to full strength in about a year after you stop having sex to drain him; even quicker if you stop before he's totally drained."

"Yes, I know." she said. "Who knows what could happen in a year? Perhaps he'll change and I won't have to drain his powers all the way, or at all. But if he doesn't stop harassing us on his own, I intend to stop him."

Dumbledore waited a few seconds as if he was picking exactly the right words, then he said, "His mother and father are knowledgeable in sexual magic. If they see his powers failing and question him; he may tell them about having a sexual relationship with you and they'll know what you're doing immediately. They may come after you."

"To him and his parents, I'm a Mudblood;" she said "he would never admit to them that he had sex with me."

"Still," he said "if they start question him about having sex with anyone but another Slytherin; he may figure out what you're doing to him and seek revenge."

"If I weaken him enough, that won't matter either;" she said "at least for a year after he discovers what I did."

"He may seek physical revenge rather than magical."Dumbledore said "Consider that; or that he may get someone else to help him get revenge on you."

"I've considered all those things and plan to do it anyway. Are you telling me you won't allow me to use sexual magic on him sir?" she asked.

"No," Dumbledore said "I am well aware of how badly Mr. Malfoy has treated you and your friends. The charm you propose to use on him will cause no permanent harm and stripping him of his powers may actually make him reconsider his actions.

But, understand Miss Granger; do not use any other sexual charms on him or anyone else without talking to me first. Some of those charms remove a person's magic permanently and some can cause brain damage. The use of those types of charms is illegal and punishable by years in Azkaban. If you do, I may have to punish you severely; and should the ministry find out you used them I will be unable to protect you.

You may go now; I know you have an early class tomorrow."

As she walked back to Gryffindor common room Hermione ran through her mind all that Dumbledore had said. She had thought he would make some comment about her willingness to have sex repeatedly with her enemy but he didn't.

Perhaps he thought she was old enough and wise enough to decide that on her own. Or perhaps, Dumbledore simply accepted it as a normal method of operation; because, the use of young women having sex as a weapon to attack one's enemy had been going on for thousands of years.

The next day Harry, Ginny, Ron, and Hermione went to breakfast together. As they ate Malfoy came in with Crabbe and Goyle. Hermione noticed the three Slytherins all kept glancing her way as they ate; and she realized her Infatuation charm must still be working weakly on them.

Ginny left for her class, the first DADA with Umbridge, which had her and Harry both worried about how Umbridge would treat her. Hermione got up to leave with Ron and Harry for their first class, transfiguration. She held her wand by her side in case; and sure enough the three Slytherins got up to follow even though they were supposed to go to a different class. As they all got to the door, Hermione surreptitiously used her wand to do the Infatuation charm again, strengthening it.

When they arrived at McGonagall's transfiguration class the Slytherins were still following and as Hermione sat down Crabbe and Goyle followed her in and stood around her staring at her. Malfoy stopped in the doorway and looked at her from a distance.

Professor McGonagall arrived but couldn't enter because Malfoy was blocking the door. When he didn't move to let her in she said, "Mr. Malfoy, why are you here? This class is for 5th year Gryffindors and Ravenclaws; shouldn't you be in Professor Flitwick's charms class? Get moving before you're late."

Malfoy looked at McGonagall, then back at Hermione, and finally stepped aside. McGonagall walked into the room and when she saw Crabbe and Goyle standing by Hermione's desk she said, "Crabbe, Goyle, go with Mr. Malfoy." They didn't move until Hermione said, "Go to your charms class." The two boys turned and walked out and down the hall with Malfoy.

McGonagall started class by showing a new spell to transform a book into a dish, knife, and fork. She set the class to practicing and walked over to Hermione. "I need to speak to you in the hall Miss Granger." she said.

Hermione followed her out and McGonagall said, "You cast an Infatuation charm on Malfoy, Goyle, and Crabbe; didn't you?"

"Yes Professor." Hermione said.

"I'm afraid I'll have to tell Professor Dumbledore." McGonagall said. "You know it's against school rules to use an Infatuation charm or love potion on another student; and for the life of me I can't understand why a nice girl like you would want to do such a thing to any of those three.

Why would any girl want to attract Crabbe or Goyle? Mr. Malfoy's family is rich; but I can't see you as the type of girl that would go after a boy for money."

Hermione answered, "The charm makes them do whatever I want them to do. I don't want to attract them; I want to make them stay away from me and my friends. They harass us constantly and we haven't been able to scare them into leaving us alone so I thought I would try this.

Professor Dumbledore already knows; I talked with him last night and he gave me permission to use this charm; but not some others we discussed. You can check with him if you don't believe me."

McGonagall looked at Hermione then said, "I believe you Miss Granger; I've seen some of the things Malfoy has done. I must warn you; that charm can be broken by their friends if they realize Malfoy and the others are acting too strangely.

You have to admit, following you about is pretty strange behavior for the three of them and besides, so far you've failed to keep them away from you."

Hermione answered, "I know, I've never done this charm before and I'll have to learn quickly before their friends notice."

"It's not that hard;" McGonagall said "let me give you some tips."

She explained the theory to Hermione and made a suggestion on how to word orders that would make the three Slytherins keep their distance without out actually getting up and running out of a room if Hermione entered.

Hermione never told McGonagall that she only wanted to keep Crabbe and Goyle away. Despite what she had said to Dumbledore about only draining his powers if the Infatuation charm didn't work; over night she decided she wanted Malfoy to be attracted.

The thought of having sex with him had been in the back of her mind since she saw him naked at the World Cup and this would let her indulge her fantasy. Also she might as well use the power draining spell on him at the same time.

They went back into the room and the first thing Hermione noticed was that Harry seemed worried. "What's wrong?" she asked.

"It's Ginny;" he said "Umbridge is giving her a hard time."

Harry and Ginny had shuddered when Umbridge had been introduced the night of the opening banquet. After Ginny had done wand less magic on her at the ministry, they had hoped never to see her again.

When she got to the classroom for DADA, Ginny had taken a back seat to be as far from Umbridge as possible. As roll was taken, Ginny waited for her name to come up.

Umbridge called, "Seth Thomas."

"Present Professor." the Hufflepuff said.

Umbridge called, Ginevra Weas… ; Oh, Miss Weasley, we meet again. I hope you don't think you can defy my instructions in class like you did at the hearing. I will not be as lenient with punishment as Minister Fudge was."

When Ginny said nothing; Umbridge stared at her for a moment and said, "Well, are you going to respond to the roll call?"

Ginny thought to herself, "Why, obviously you know I'm here you moron." but simply said aloud, "Present Professor."

Umbridge smiled in such a way it made Ginny shiver again then finished the roll with, "Reginald Young."

"Present Professor." the boy responded.

"Well, welcome all of you to Fourth Year Defense Against the Dark Arts." Umbridge said. "Records show that your training during the past three years has been unsteady and I believe I would like to start by testing your skills.

We'll go backward alphabetically; Mr. Young, please stand, take out your wand, and produce a shield charm, I will cast a spell at you and you will repel it."

"Professor," the boy said as he stood "we've never been shown the spell for a shield charm."

"Oh dear," Umbridge said "this class is farther behind than I thought. Move your wand like this, in front of your body and as you do say Protego."

Reggie did so and a faint glow of a shield shown about him. Umbridge pointed her wand at him and said softly, "Petrificus totalus"

The weak glow of the hex hit Reggie's shield and was partially stopped; knocking him back but not petrifying him.

Umbridge said, "Not too bad for the first time; now Miss Weasley, your next."

As Ginny stood her chain began to glow and before she was all the way out of her seat and could even draw her wand Umbridge pointed her wand and shouted, "Stupefy."

The red glow of the stunner hit the brilliant silvery glow of the shield charm that had come from Ginny's ring and the reflected stunner bounced straight back knocking Umbridge unconscious on the floor.

Some students screamed either from the shock of seeing their teacher knocked out, or from the tremendous bang made when the stunner hit the shield.

"Get help;" someone called "someone go for Madam Pomfrey."

Three boys started for the door; but stopped when the door opened from the outside and Dumbledore walked in. "Everyone will please take their seats and be quiet." he said as he walked to where Umbridge lay on the floor.

As he knelt next to her; Professors McGonagall and Flitwick entered and McGonagall asked, "What was that noise? For Merlin's sake Delores, there are other classes going on next door."

Then she saw Umbridge on the floor with Dumbledore kneeling next to her and said, "Albus, what happened?"

"I was about to ask that same question of the class." Dumbledore said. "I was passing by the room when I heard the bang and came in to find Delores on the floor. Who can tell me what happened?"

He placed his hand on Umbridge's forehead and said, "Enervate."

She groaned, opened her eyes and tried to sit up.

Ginny stood up and said, "Professor Dumbledore, I did it. Professor Umbridge was testing student's ability to make a shield charm; and her stunner bounced off my shield right back on her."

"Then it was an accident." McGonagall said said.

"No," one of Ginny's roommates said. "Professor Umbridge tried to stun Ginny; she didn't even give Ginny a chance to get her wand out before firing the stunner. It wasn't fair."

"That's right;" another girl said "and we told Professor Umbridge we were never taught shield charms before. I don't know how Ginny managed to make such a strong shield so quickly."

"Is that true Miss Weasley?" Dumbledore asked. "Did Professor Umbridge try to stun you before you could get up a shield?"

Ginny hesitated; she knew Fudge had assigned Umbridge to the post of DADA teacher and Ginny wasn't sure Dumbledore had the authority to fire her. She didn't want to accuse Umbridge of something that couldn't be proven; because, if Dumbledore couldn't fire her, Ginny knew she would have to face Umbridge three times a week for class all year.

Finally Ginny said, "Professor Umbridge knew I could make a shield from the hearing in August and may have wanted to test my speed at casting it. I wasn't hurt and I don't think the Professor will feel the need to test me again now that she knows I am able to defend myself."

Umbridge had revived enough by that point to say, "She did that on purpose; she deliberately made my spell rebound; she attacked me."

McGonagall said, "That's a serious accusation Delores. Especially since Ginny did no more than you asked her to; she made a shield. I've never heard of anyone being able to control which direction a spell goes when it rebounds."

"That's correct." Professor Flitwick said. "In all the duels I been in and witnessed; nobody was ever able to do such a thing. A person who could would win every duel. "

"Well," Dumbledore said, "we'll have to put this down as an unfortunate random accident. I suggest however Delores that you cut back on the power of your spells. Partially to avoid another such accident; but mostly because if your other students are not as adept at shield charms as Miss Weasley is, one of them may not be able to stop so powerful a charm and they could be hurt seriously."

After Dumbledore, McGonagall, and Flitwick left, Umbridge tried to test another student's shield; but she was dizzy and dismissed the class early.

The next day Harry and the other fifth years had first DADA class with the Slytherins. After Ginny told everyone what happened in her class, Harry expected Umbridge to try and stun him.

He knew she would want to get even with him to; so he sat and waited to see what she would do. He didn't have to wait long to discover Umbridge had changed her lesson plan after the incident with Ginny. She announced they would only learn theoretical defenses and not actually practice spells.

Several students complained; but Umbridge looked right at Harry as she said, "There is no reason to practice spells because there is nothing that will try to hurt you here in my class."

Though he knew he should keep quiet Harry couldn't stop himself from saying, "What about when we get out into the real world; we will need to defend ourselves."

Umbridge stared at him and said, "There is nothing out in the real world that will hurt you either."

Harry lost his temper and said, What about Voldemort. He won't only try to hurt us; he'll try to kill us."

"Detention, Mr. Potter." she said as she walked up to Harry's seat. Then she called him a liar; saying that Voldemort hadn't returned.

Harry stood up as he said, "Then what about Cedric Diggory; I saw Peter Pettigrew killed him on Voldemort's order."

"You're lying again." She said. "Peter Pettigrew was killed fifteen years ago; everyone knows it. Mr. Diggory's death was an accident."

"It was murder; and you know it!" Harry yelled.

Umbridge walked back to her desk and wrote something on a piece of paper, folded the paper, and sealed it with her wand. "Mr. Potter, you will give this to Professor McGonagall."

Harry took the paper and walked to McGonagall's office. When he knocked she called, "Come in." and he opened the door. She was at her desk and Harry held out the paper.

She read the note and looked at Harry with a frown asking, "Is this true?"

"Is what true?" Harry asked back with a snarl.

"You accused Professor Umbridge of lying about Mr. Diggory's death?" she said.

"Yes," Harry said "because she did lie; she said his death was an accident when she knows Voldemort had him killed but is afraid to admit it."

"Sit down Mr. Potter," McGonagall said "have a biscuit."

After Harry was seated she said, "Being involved with Miss Weasley these past two years hasn't taught you very much about controlling you temper.

You must know that yesterday Professor Umbridge tried to stun her in class. She protected herself; but refused to accuse Professor Umbridge of attacking her even though two other girls said that's what happened. Your girlfriend is smart enough to know that getting in an argument with Professor Umbridge will do no good. Why aren't you that smart?"

Harry felt embarrassed and said, "I know it; but she made me so angry saying Cedric's death was an accident that I couldn't just let that pass. I was there, I saw Wormtail kill Cedric on Voldemort's orders, everyone must know the truth if we're to fight him. If her lies are what people believe they won't prepare themselves, Voldemort will win."

"Yes, Mr. Potter;" McGonagall said "but arguing with Professor Umbridge won't change anything, it will just get you more detentions. You must ignore her and do what you can to prepare yourself and anyone else that will listen to the truth; that's how we will defeat Voldemort."

Harry replied, "I'll try Professor. I'll do my best to see that my detention tonight with Professor Umbridge is my last; but I can't make any promises."

McGonagall said, "Potter, didn't Professor Umbridge tell you what was in this note?"

"No Professor," Harry said "she sealed it and told me to take it to you."

"Well Potter, it's to notify me as head of Gryffindor that she has give you detention every night for a week."

Harry's jaw dropped; and he said, "Detention for a week, that's not fair. Can't you do something?"

"I'm afraid I can't;" she answered "teachers are permitted to give detention as they see fit for any student offense; and calling your teacher a liar in front of the class certainly deserves a week's detention."

"But Professor," Harry said "she is a liar; you know it and so does Professor Dumbledore."

"Yes," McGonagall said "I do know it; but you haven't been listening to me; even though it is true you can't say so aloud. And Potter, don't go to the Headmaster either; you must understand the Minister Fudge appointed Professor Umbridge so there is nothing Professor Dumbledore and do about it. Serve your detentions and don't do anything to get any more. Now go to your next class and think of what I've told you."