Chapter 36: The Fall of the IUC
September 1st, 1995
"She is here," said Daphne miserably, "My year just got a whole lot more horrible."
"Who?" asked Ginny as she scarfed down another bite of food.
"Dolores Umbridge," explained Harry, "Apparently she was appointed by the Ministry as the new Defense professor."
"I bet she had a speech all prepared for us," said Daphne, "And I bet she had to change it too."
"What do you mean?" asked Hermione.
Daphne handed Hermione a copy of the Daily Prophet. The main headline was "Fudge Admits Death Eaters Again Active." The subheading was "Minister still skeptical on Dark Lord's return."
"Ouch, that's got to hurt," said Harry.
"Well, at the last Wizengamot meeting, my father excoriated Fudge over not taking any precautions in case You-Know-Who was back," explained Daphne, "Furthermore, there was a motion to vote to force Fudge declare a state of emergency. It failed by only a single vote. He has to take action at this point, because the Prophet is making him look weak. There has been an upsurge in attacks on muggles in the last three months. Fudge is issuing a travel advisory to foreign witches and wizards, but he is resisting informing the muggle Prime Minister."
"The pressure is going to get worse," said Ginny, "My brother Bill is in France now, and the French Ministry have formally asked the ICW to investigate whether Fudge is doing enough to protect the Statute of Secrecy against 'internal problems.' Apparently the ICW is taking this very seriously, especially since Dumbledore is the Supreme Mugwump."
"Bill pays a lot of attention to French politics then?" asked Blaise.
"Well, he has been since he started dating Fleur Delacour," said Ginny with a smirk.
"Oh, nice," said Harry, "I thought I saw something there."
"Yes, yes, congratulations on setting my brother up," said Ginny, "Mum's gonna flip. She gets a bit insecure around a certain class of people, given that she used to be in that class of people."
"I hadn't noticed," said Harry dryly, "It's not as if she is constantly wielding your lack of money like a club to beat everyone with."
"The Prewitt family was well off, but most of the family money is gone now," said Ginny, "Mum gets really sensitive about it at times, but it isn't like she's unhappy. She just doesn't feel like she relates to those people anymore."
A few minutes later Dumbledore got up to give his beginning of the year speech. However, as he finished introducing Umbridge, the new defense teacher interrupted him and started giving a speech.
"Thank you for the introduction," said Umbridge, "I have come here to teach you Defense against the Dark Arts. Now this is no doubt an important subject, one that the Ministry takes very seriously. Indeed, given the upswing in Dark magic users in recent months, it is imperative that we keep up our guard. But we must do so sensibly, without resorting to panic or unconfirmed rumour. Magical society is still strong, and by taking a hand in properly training the next generation of witches and wizards, we will remain strong."
"Sounds like the Ministry line is starting to budge," noted Hermione.
"Umbridge, doesn't give a damn about muggle-baiting," said Daphne critically, "Whatever she's going to do, it isn't going to change. It's just the rhetoric and justifications that have changed."
"Hagrid isn't up there," said Harry.
"What do you bet Dumbledore sent him to meet with the giants?" asked Blaise.
"I don't take sucker bets," said Tracey.
"Oooh, I'd like to meet a full-blooded giant," said Luna, "Too bad most of them were killed by the Rotfang Conspiracy."
"How was your summer, Luna?" asked Hermione.
"I learned a lot of new magic over the break," said Luna.
"What sort of magic?" asked Harry.
"Useful magic," answered Luna, "Mostly illusions and the like. Also some other mind-affecting spells."
"So, you are saying that you want to spread your break from reality around?" asked Blaise.
"That is a really artful, yet mean and condescending way to put it, Blaise," said Luna with the straight face that Harry knew meant she was joking. Mostly.
"Uhhh, sorry, I meant…" stammered Blaise
"It's all right Blaise, I know you love me anyway," said Luna, "It isn't your fault you were raised to treat everything as a joke."
Harry had to admit, Luna was definitely capable of being completely savage.
XXXXX
Harry and Hermione had led the first year Slytherins to the secret entrance to the common room. "Password is Dignified," said Harry as the wall to the common room opened up. With that dealt with, both of them headed up to the Head Boy and Girl's quarters. Arriving there they found McGonagall waiting there with the Head Boy and Girl, as well as the other prefects.
"Good," said McGonagall as they arrived. "The prefects have a special bathroom, as you are no doubt are aware. The password this year is Clean Room. I would… suggest that you show a certain degree of restraint in how you use the prefect's bathroom. Try not to engage in any unbecoming activities."
"What do you consider unbecoming activities?" asked Parvati, a bit archly.
"No shagging in the bathroom," ordered Rebecca firmly.
"Seventh years have school patrol tonight," said Cedric, "fifth years should patrol common rooms."
"Got it," said Harry.
"All right, we'll have another meeting tomorrow," said Cedric.
"One thing," said McGonagall, stopping Harry and Hermione, "I appreciate you two looking after my lions on the train. Malfoy has filed a grievance against you, but I rejected it. I am very proud of how you have already shown impartiality towards your own house. Two points to Slytherin."
Harry grinned. "We'll head back down to the common room then," he said, taking Hermione's hand.
McGonagall's eyes widened a bit. "Am I to assume that the two of you are finally an item then?"
"Yes, we are," said Hermione.
"Well," said McGonagall after a moment, "I suppose it's about time."
XXXXX
September 4th, 1995
Umbridge's class was worse than useless. The fifth year Slytherins in Harry's group decided to commiserate together as they headed to charms.
'She is deliberately trying to keep us from learning anything in Defense against the Dark Arts!" protested Hermione.
"I know," said Harry, "I have certain advantages, and I'll be glad to help any of you. But I can hardly teach the whole school how to use Defensive magic, can I? Not at the same time when I'm a student."
"Umbridge is clearly worried that Dumbledore is trying to recruit an army out of Hogwarts," said Daphne.
"Well, that is a legitimate concern," admitted Hermione, "I mean Voldemort did it during the last war."
"But she isn't worried about Voldemort," insisted Tracey, "She's worried about Dumbledore."
"And us," said Harry.
"Well, assuming I get re-elected president of the IUC, I think that maybe we can take a look at helping at least the O.W.L. students," said Daphne.
"That's a good idea," said Hermione.
"The Defense position is probably cursed," said Tracey, "so we probably will be rid of Umbridge after this year. We just have to wait it out."
"I agree," said Blaise, "But we should try to collect dirt on her if we can, just in case."
"I'll keep an ear open from the people she assigns detention to," said Harry.
"And you keep your head down around her Harry," insisted Hermione.
"And you too, Daphne," said Tracey, "You humiliated her. She won't forget that."
XXXXX
September 6th, 1995
The first IUC meeting decisively turned out Daphne as third time president of the club.
"Thank you!" said Daphne with a bow. Harry noticed that Dolores Umbridge was in attendance today. More unusual was Snape's attendance. He had never seemed to have much use for the IUC before.
"So in order to help everyone the most, we're going to do some more units on defense this year," said Daphne, "I think everyone can agree that it is important that the new Ministry approved curriculum is a success. So we will be providing a safe environment for older students to help younger students practice what we are being taught. We are going to prioritize O.W.L. level studies, but anyone is free to ask for help on anything."
There was a huge sigh of relief from the student body. At least they would get some practice with defensive spells this year, given that Umbridge had more or less banned practical lessons. Blaise had conjectured that Umbridge wasn't capable of giving the lessons. Harry wouldn't be shocked if that was true.
"Now we will be taking suggestions on what to focus on at the next meeting, so please, drop a suggestion in the box!" Daphne pointed at a suggestion box that was placed outside the Great Hall."
As the meeting wrapped up, Umbridge approached Daphne. Harry saw Snape narrow his eyes. So that was why he was here.
"So, what is the purpose of this club?" asked Umbridge.
"The IUC is about helping others," said Daphne, "It started as students coming together to prevent the bullying of others, but we have expanded into helping in other areas. What is most important is that the people of the different houses come together and form friendships outside their houses. This will lead to a more prosperous and fruitful magical society in the long run. In the IUC we don't have Hufflepuffs, or Slytherins, or Gryffindors or Ravenclaws. We are all students of Hogwarts."
"Most admirable," said Umbridge, though her voice seemed to indicate it was anything but, "did you start the club?"
"Harry came up with the idea two years ago," said Daphne, "But he decided to allow others to run it, so that it wouldn't appear as if he was trying to push his personal agenda on the IUC."
"I see," said Umbridge, her tone a bit amused. She clearly didn't believe that Harry was so uninvolved as that.
"I am a bit concerned that you seem to be delving into areas of study that are under my supervision however," said Umbridge, "I would be grateful if you didn't use this group to involve yourself in tutoring defense."
"It would defeat the purpose of this club to exclude a subject from discussion," argued Daphne.
"Whether it does or not, I do not want the IUC helping students with their Defense work!" said Umbridge, her eyes flashing.
"You do not have the authority to say we can't help each other study!" said Daphne.
"Detention, Miss Greengrass!" shouted Umbridge angrily.
Suddenly Snape was there. "Now, really Dolores, that was uncalled for. Miss Greengrass is quite right, you were out of line asking her not to hold what amounts to a school sponsored study group. The IUC has the blessing of the Headmaster and the Deputy Headmistress. And students are definitely allowed to study with whom they see fit in general."
"Professor Snape," said Umbridge dangerously.
"And furthermore, Miss Greengrass is a member of Slytherin house, and as such I will not allow her to be subject to your… revenge fantasies," snapped Snape angrily, "While I am aware the two of you have differences, you will not let that impact your professional behavior towards her. Or you will have me to deal with. Am I absolutely clear?"
That last sentence was spoken with such cold directness, that Umbridge took a step back. Snape seemed on the verge of stepping on her like a bug. For once, Harry appreciated Snape as the head of Slytherin house.
"I will take this to the headmaster," said Umbridge.
"That was the proper course to begin with, not leveling unfair punishments at a member of one of the Sacred Twenty-Eight families," said Snape.
Umbridge stared at Daphne angrily, then stormed out.
Harry walked up to Snape and Daphne.
"Umbridge is going to be trouble," said Harry, "and apparently she has decided to go after you."
"Fudge probably ordered her to stay away from you," guessed Daphne, "Lucky me."
XXXXX
Later that evening, Harry was sitting quietly in the common room. He had a bad feeling about what had happened earlier with Umbridge. He wasn't sure, but her targeting the IUC did not seem random, nor did it seem to merely be a hit job on Daphne. Which could be very bad, all in all. Umbridge was a blood supremacist, and it was possible that the idea of helping muggleborns was somehow offensive to her.
"Harry," said Astoria Greengrass, breaking Harry out of his reverie, "Professor Snape wants to see you in his office."
"I'll be right there," said Harry, "Oh, and did I hear that you were going to try out for the house team this year from someone?"
Astoria grinned, "My father will probably have a fit if I do, but I don't see why not. Daphne doesn't necessarily object, but she says I'd have to be careful."
"What's their problem with it?" asked Harry.
"I've never been really healthy," admitted Astoria, "I've done better at Hogwarts, because of all the magic around here."
"Magical ailment of some type?" asked Harry.
"Actually, years ago an enemy of the Greengrass family put a blood curse on us," said Astoria, "I'm just the first girl who isn't an heir who has been born since then."
"Ouch," said Harry, "Sorry."
"I try not to let it run my life," said Astoria.
"Nor should you," agreed Harry, "Well I shouldn't keep Snape waiting."
Harry left the common room and made his way to Snape's office. He knocked on the door.
"Enter," said Snape.
Harry walked into the office, and closed the door behind him. Snape had never asked him to come here alone before. This was a new one to him.
"You took your time, Potter," said Snape accusingly.
"That was because I hadn't talked to Astoria in a while," admitted Harry, "I wanted to check up on her a bit."
"You aren't going to be ridiculously overprotective of her because of her… condition, are you?" demanded Snape.
"I didn't even know about her condition until two minutes ago," said Harry, "And I agree, it would be silly to overprotect her when she is doing so well."
Snape nodded. "Blood curses that old seldom have that much power left, but the worst thing you can do to a person who suffers from one is to coddle them. Astoria needs to be building up her physical and mental strength, daily if possible."
"That sounds reasonable," said Harry, "But you would certainly know better than I would."
"Yes, I would," said Snape.
Snape sighed slightly. "Look Potter, this is not easy for me. I find myself… concerned for your well being. It has not escaped my attention that you and the headmaster are not getting along. Normally I would put this down to your arrogant and stubborn nature, but recently I have started to see things that concern me."
"What have you seen?" asked Harry neutrally. He hadn't forgotten Snape's role in his parent's deaths. Nor had he forgotten Snape's role in the fiasco with Hermione this last summer, but then again, Harry hadn't heard Snape's side of that story.
"For one thing, Professor Dumbledore blamed me for what happened with Miss Granger this summer. I did not tell him that she could not contact you. I did tell him that everyone living at 12 Grimmauld Place would need to be extraordinarily cautious in corresponding to anyone outside of it. He took that to mean no contact with people he considered risks. Mind you, it is a legitimate interpretation of what I asked, but from what I gather, he told you that I said that Miss Granger specifically couldn't contact you. That is not true."
Harry's blood went cold. This was far worse than he had expected. If Snape was telling the truth.
"Also, he has begun to distance himself from the IUC ever since Umbridge objected to it. I think he is going to tell Daphne to weaken her curriculum according to instructions from Umbridge. I do not approve of this at all."
Harry sputtered. "W-w-why? That makes no sense."
Snape shook his head, "Unfortunately it does Harry. It makes perfect sense. He is trying to force you back to the table with him. And it could work. You care a great deal about Daphne and the IUC, and seeing her hurt might get you to turn to Dumbledore for help, even if you don't think you can trust him."
Harry considered this. He was suspicious of this of course. If he didn't know any better he would consider this a ploy to deepen the rift between him and Dumbledore. Yet he couldn't quite shake a sense of uneasiness about this whole thing. Would Snape do that? In Voldemort's memories, the memory of Snape begging for Lily Potter's life loomed large in Harry's mind. And Harry wasn't stupid. He could read between the lines. But now he needed to hear it from Snape's own mouth.
"Why are you saying this?" asked Harry, "If I didn't know better, I would say this was a Death Eater trick. So why did you switch sides?"
"The Dark Lord threatened the life of someone dear to me," said Snape, "Beyond that…"
"My mother," said Harry, "It was my mother. You were still in love with her."
Snape looked at Harry in surprise, then hung his head, "It would be more accurate to say that I still loved her. Saying I was in love with her would imply a relationship that we never had."
Harry began to rub his forehead, "That doesn't explain why you want to help me. You hated my father, and you seem to hate me."
"You look so much like your father Harry," said Snape, "You have no idea what he did to me."
"He bullied you," said Harry, "That much is obvious. It makes sense. He was a privileged boy from a well off family, you were the half-blood son of a nobody, and you dared try to take the girl he wanted."
Snape's eyes flashed.
"Of course, from his perspective you were probably fairly sinister, the Slytherin boy trying to tempt the poor innocent muggleborn Lily Evans, not knowing that she could never have a future in the world he undoubtedly wanted to create," said Harry.
"I was never aligned with the Death Eaters before I had my falling out with Lily!" shouted Snape.
"Oh? You didn't have any Death Eater friends? You didn't privately call muggleborns mudbloods and mock them? How did a half-blood like you survive in the old Slytherin house then?" demanded Harry.
Snape glared at him angrily.
"You have every reason to hate me, and I have lots of reasons to hate you," said Harry, "So I hope you understand when I say that I can't take what you say on faith. Why are you helping me?"
Snape finally sagged in defeat. "You are still her son. You are all that is left of her in the world. If I could change that, then maybe I wouldn't feel as I do. But as things are, I have to keep you alive. Otherwise, I failed Lily entirely. You see…"
Snape stopped, as if paralyzed by what he was saying. Finally he spoke again. "I was the one who set the Dark Lord upon you Harry. It was by accident. I overheard part of a prophecy, and I relayed what I heard to him. But when I discovered it meant Lily… I begged him to spare her, but… so I went to Dumbledore. To save her."
Harry looked at Snape dumbly. He hadn't actually expected the man to admit it.
"Well," said Harry, "I knew most of that already."
Snape's eyes widened.
"Don't worry, Voldemort doesn't have access to my mind, no matter what the Headmaster seems to think," said Harry.
"Thank you for your honesty," said Harry after a moment, "I don't necessarily think better of you, but I can accept that as a reason for your assistance."
Snape nodded somberly.
As Harry returned to the common room to inform Daphne and the rest about what was going on, he started to wonder, had he misjudged Snape?
XXXXX
September 10th, 1995
"Everyone line up!" yelled Tracey, "Seekers to the left, then beaters, then chasers, and finally keepers!"
The Slytherin team tryouts were far less crowded than they had been during Harry's second year. Harry noticed, as he stood to Tracey's left, that no one else came and stood near him.
"Well, guess you are Seeker by default Harry," said Tracey, "Why don't you come over here and give me a hand then?"
Tracey wanted a completely new tryout, but Harry wasn't sure why she'd bothered. Crabbe and Goyle were the only two people trying out for the beater positions. Millicent didn't have any competition either. The open chaser spot had attracted about six people vying for it. But that was about it.
Blaise and Nott weren't really in any danger. Crabbe and Goyle were better than they had been last time they tried out, but Blaise and Nott were now an experienced team. They utterly dominated Malfoy's personal goons.
As Nott finished up, he flew down past the chasers and gave Ginny a wink. Ginny rolled her eyes, then picked up her broom. Chasers were next.
And once again, she showed just how dominant she was at chaser. She put on a nearly flawless trial run. As she flew back to the ground, Blaise started clapping.
"Nice one, Weasley!" he shouted, before he began hooting and chanting at her.
"Thanks Blaise," she said wryly. She didn't like people making a big fuss about her usually, but Blaise doing so was weird. But then Harry noticed the glare Nott was giving Blaise, which explained everything, really. Blaise had intentionally done this to prevent Nott from having the opportunity to compliment Ginny himself.
"Everything all right?" Harry whispered to Ginny.
"Nott's been flirting with me recently," she said quietly, "It's annoying."
Harry nodded. "More annoying than Blaise hooting at you like that?" he asked.
"It is rather close," Ginny admitted.
Most of the other chasers were rather good, but none was a stand out among the others. Until Astoria flew. Harry had seen Daphne fly before, and she'd been rather good. But Astoria was a much better flyer. She didn't have Ginny's killer instincts, but she seemed comfortable in even the most dangerous situations she flew in.
"Astoria is just dying to live a little," said Harry to Tracey after everyone had left, "She's the best flyer by far, though her quaffle handling skills are a little rusty."
"That could be taken care of," said Tracey, "though I'm afraid what Daphne will say to me if I put her sister on the Quidditch team."
"Because of the curse?" Harry asked quietly.
Tracey nodded. "Daphne didn't want to discourage her sister, but she is really scared that the curse will leave her weakened if she gets hurt at Quidditch."
"I don't think that would be a problem at Hogwarts," said Harry, "The extra magic here should buffer her natural magical healthiness."
"I agree," said Tracey with a shake of her head, "I don't suppose you'd care to tell Daphne?"
"It's Bryant who's gonna flip," said Harry.
"Don't I know it," sighed Tracey.
XXXXX
September 16th, 1995
"We need to have a meeting of the war council," said Harry the next weekend, "but I don't want Umbridge finding us."
"Ohh, we need a secret room," said Luna excitedly, "We could use it to throw parties!"
Harry grinned. "That's exactly what we need," said Harry.
"Why not ask Dobby?" suggested Hermione, "The house elves know this castle better than anyone."
Harry grinned. Yes, Dobby would be the perfect person to ask.
XXXXX
September 18th, 1995
"So Dobby told you about this place?" asked Cedric.
"Yeah," said Harry, "the elves call it the Come and Go room, but it's proper name is the Room of Requirement, because it comes when you require it." It was also the place Lord Voldemort had deposited the diadem of Rowena Ravenclaw, which he had turned into one of his horcruxes. Harry had thought about destroying it already, but he was reluctant to do so while Dumbledore was in the castle, or while Umbridge was here. Plus, he and Ginny had just absorbed horcruxes this summer. He wasn't absolutely sure that there would be no ill effects from absorbing them, so he wanted to wait a while before absorbing another one.
The war council had already started to arrive. It had become an impressive group. Ron, Neville, Dean, Parvati, Lavender, Fred, George, Angelina Johnson, Alicia Spinnet and Colin and Dennis Creevey had come from Gryffindor. Ernie, Justin, Susan, Hannah, and Cedric were there from Hufflepuff. Padma, Sue, Cho, Anthony Goldstein, Michael Corner and Rebecca had come from Ravenclaw. And of course, from Slytherin, Harry himself plus Hermione, Ginny, Daphne, Tracey, Luna, and Astoria. Blaise still refused to take part on account of his 'shady' connections, and Seamus had said his connections were no better. Harry suspected they were up to something of their own to fight Voldemort, but he wasn't about to question them. He'd still keep trying to get them back though, they'd both be damned useful.
"So, the first thing we need to do is identify who is supporting the Death Eaters," said Hermione.
"If we find that out, what can we do about it?" asked Padma.
"Not much yet," said Harry, "but that should change fairly soon. We don't have a real plan yet, and won't until we get a handle on how big our problem actually is."
"There never were a lot of Death Eaters," said Neville, "or even supporters of the Death Eaters. It's just that the ones who were involved were influential."
"I might be able to get some ideas out of my aunt," said Susan, "If I frame in terms of who to avoid…"
"Worth a shot," said Harry, "And that being said, we need to start training with each other. Not necessarily in a big group, but we can coordinate practice sessions, so it won't seem as if anything special is going on. Everyone in this group has to be able to defend themselves."
"Isn't the IUC going to help there?" asked Cedric.
"It would," said Daphne, her voice sounding depressed, "and it will as much as it can. But I'm getting real pushback from Umbridge." Ron put his arm around her shoulders. Daphne lay her head back against his shoulder contentedly.
"Dumbledore is trying to pressure the IUC in order to get me to go along with his idea of how to fix things," said Harry.
"Maybe you should listen to the Headmaster," said Rebecca.
"He wants my cooperation? I'm willing. I told him what he had to do. He needs to come clean with me about the things he's lied to me about," Harry shook his head, "But after he failed me so spectacularly last year, It would be irresponsible for us to trust him implicitly."
Hermione nodded. "We have inside information that says the Headmaster intends to torpedo the IUC. It won't be too long now."
"Why not go to the Board of Governors?" demanded Angelina, "Surely Bryant Greengrass…"
"Since Daphne is involved in this, he can't take the lead in this," said Harry.
"Do you want us to prank Umbridge?" asked Fred.
"We'd make it a good one!" insisted George.
Harry shook his head. "Right now everything is under wraps. We don't need everything to spin out of control. Let's just keep our heads down for the time being, and see what Umbridge's next play is. That being said, be careful. That woman sent two dementors after me, and I'm not sure if she was just trying to get me expelled, or whether she actually wanted them to kill me."
"Another thing we should consider," said Daphne, "The war council is getting a bit unwieldy. Maybe we need to reorganize it. Centralize control…"
Harry shook his head. "The last thing we need is Fudge thinking I'm gathering an army, at least until we are certain he is no longer going to see us as a threat."
Everyone nodded.
"All right, now that we have a safe meeting place…" started Cedric.
"It's even safer than you might think," said Neville, "I bet if I experiment with this place I can get it to open doors all over the castle. We might be able to call meetings without anyone being the wiser."
Harry grinned. He hadn't even thought of that!
XXXXX
Ginny was one of the last to leave. She was certain Nott would be waiting for her in the Slytherin common room. He usually was. She turned to Luna, but her roommate had suddenly vanished.
"Have something on your mind?" asked Justin, who had just sat down next to her.
"A bit," said Ginny, "I certainly am not excited to have Nott fawning all over me."
"I heard he's been giving you trouble," said Justin, his voice suddenly tense.
"He isn't exactly," said Ginny, "He hasn't really done anything inappropriate yet. He asked me to dance at the Yule Ball and that was it. He just really obviously likes me, and I'm not interested in him at all. I wish he would come out and say it, then I could politely decline his offer. But he keeps acting all mysterious about it!"
"So you aren't looking for a date right now," said Justin.
"Well, that would depend on who was asking," said Ginny.
"What if I was asking you to go to the next Hogsmeade weekend with me?" asked Justin.
Ginny barely stopped herself from gasping. "I'd, uh, be glad to. I really would!"
"All right then," said Justin happily.
Ginny was so happy she couldn't contain it and ran out of the Room. She found Luna just outside.
"So, did he ask you?" Luna said expectantly.
"You knew he was going to, didn't you?" asked Ginny.
Luna nodded.
"Your aura sense must come in handy." said Ginny.
"It does," said Luna, "But that has nothing to do with this. He told me he was thinking of asking you and wanted to know if you would say yes."
"What did you tell him?" asked Ginny.
"Well he did ask you, didn't he?" said Luna with a wink.
Ginny couldn't argue with that.
XXXXX
September 20th, 1995
The second IUC meeting had gone well, thought Harry. Daphne had done a refresher course on the Patronus charm, which was always a fun thing to practice. Many of the older students who had taken Lupin's course had produced corporeal patroni, including Daphne herself. Harry had left the meeting feeling that things had gone very well.
But then Daphne hadn't come back. Harry and Hermione waited and waited for her to return, along with Tracey. Finally she charged into the common room, her eyes full of unshed tears.
"Dumbledore has disbanded the IUC," said Daphne, her voice thick with both anger and sadness as she threw herself on one of the sofas. Crookshanks leapt up onto her lap and Daphne began stroking the cat absently.
"What!?" demanded Hermione.
"Umbridge said the Patronus charm was too difficult for us to be casting without adult supervision," said Daphne, "Dumbledore disagreed, but was forced to admit it was within her rights as Defense teacher to insist we not practice it. I stood up for my people, said that we had a right to defend ourselves. And then I said… I said that the woman who sent two dementors to kill someone had no right to determine whether anyone else should be using the Patronus charm or not."
"Oh," said Tracey with a grimace.
"She blew up and immediately gave me detention. She demanded that the IUC be disbanded or she would bring this up with the Minster as an example of 'dangerous propaganda' brought up at Hogwarts." Daphne hung her head, "I'm so sorry, this is all my fault."
Harry shook his head as he gripped Daphne by both shoulders, "Telling the truth is never your fault. We shouldn't have to lie, and the fact that we do is their fault, not ours. What you did might not have been wise, but it was right. Never forget that, Daphne." And as he finished, he hugged her.
"Thanks Harry," said Daphne, "It means a lot to hear that."
"When is your detention?" asked Tracey.
"Next week," said Daphne.
XXXXX
September 21st, 1995
Harry wasn't about to take this lying down. Working with the war council, he quickly spread the word among the houses. When he stood up the next morning, everyone should be following his lead.
Harry waited until almost everyone was in the Great Hall for breakfast. When Dumbledore finally arrived Harry stood, immediately everyone in the hall hushed or was hushed. Harry walked up and stood in front of the staff table.
"Headmaster, would you care to explain why you have disbanded the Inter-house Unity Committee?" demanded Harry, "It seems to me that just because one teacher had a grudge against its president is not a good reason to disband it."
"Harry," said Dumbledore good-naturedly, "Professor Umbridge felt that it was serving as a distraction from her class."
Harry's eyes flashed dangerously. "I disagree, and I don't think I'm the only one." Harry held out his hand, holding the petition Hermione and Ginny had helped him write. "I have written a petition to the Board of Governors. I will be in the entrance hall if anyone wants to sign."
About half of the school stood up and followed him out immediately. About half of the rest followed a few moments later.
Harry couldn't be sure, but he thought that the headmaster was actually smiling.
XXXXX
September 27th, 1995
Despite their petition, the Board of Governors wasn't likely to meet for a few weeks, given how close to the start of term it was. So Harry had little to do but wait. Umbridge had not replied to Harry's stunt in the Great Hall yet.
That being said, Harry was worried about Daphne. So the evening of her detention he'd made sure to send her off with a hug and a smile. Surely nothing Umbridge would do as a Professor could be all that bad.
The next morning however, Daphne was nowhere to be found.
"She didn't come back at all last night!" said Tracey frantically.
Harry considered this a moment. "Maybe she went to the Room of Requirement," he said.
"Why would she do that?" asked Tracey.
"Because she wanted to see Ron afterwards, obviously," said Harry.
Harry made a beeline for the Room, Tracey and Hermione right behind him. He arrived, only to discover the room was already in use. Luckily the door wasn't closed against him, so Harry went right in.
The room was comfortably furnished with couches and chairs. On one of the couches, Ron was sitting, with Daphne clinging to him, her head buried in his chest. They were both dressed in their robes, and were asleep.
"There you are Daphne!" shouted Tracey, "I was so worried about you!"
"Oh, Merlin, Tracey! I forgot about you!" said Daphne.
"W-w-we didn't do anything!" shouted Ron as he woke up.
"I don't care what you did or didn't do in the slightest," said Harry, "Daphne, what did she do to you?"
Daphne shuddered, and extended her hand. On it seemed to be lightly carved into her flesh the words, "I will not talk back to my teachers."
Harry's world went red. "Ron, you need any help killing Umbridge?" Harry asked.
"Harry, no," said Daphne, who was smiling through her obvious discomfort, "We have her."
Author's Note: Some people have been complaining about the characterization for Luna. Which is fair, Luna never acted like this in canon. But I have two points. One, Luna never really screwed up like she did in my story in actual canon. And two, Luna hasn't given her side of that story yet, we just have Daphne's speculation. Luna's storyline has it's climax between years 5 and 6, so you won't have to wait that long to get her side of things. But as you can all see, Luna didn't just sit around and wallow in her sorrow. Luna has a huge role to play in the very near future.
I'm not going to say much about the next chapter right now. Just that in the next chapter Harry and friends make their first big moves.
