Chapter 54: Umbridge in Charge
December 21st, 1997
Percy was punctual to his meeting with Acting Minister for Magic Umbridge. He suspected he was about to be fired, but something was off about Umbridge's demeanor. Surely even if Fudge hadn't told her that he was Harry's spy, Snape had.
Yet when Umbridge sat him down in a friendly manner, he suspected she didn't know at all. Which was confusing, but Percy wasn't about to look a gift horse in the mouth.
"So we've had some bad blood, haven't we Percy," started Umbridge.
"I don't see it that way," said Percy, "My job was to protect Minister Fudge, and I did so. I would do so for any Minister I was working for."
Umbridge smiled warmly. "Yes, yes, that is what I thought. Your sister was always careful to stay out of my way at Hogwarts."
"I gave her that advice," said Percy carefully, "she seemed happy to follow it. My sister is a bit… secretive though. She rarely explains herself to me."
Umbridge nodded. "A colleague of mine says you are the black sheep of the Weasley family."
That had to be Snape's doing. So Snape was lying to his fellow Death Eaters. Interesting. And Umbridge was now trying to recruit him.
"A bit, I had a bit of a row with my Mum a while back," admitted Percy, omitting their reconciliation.
"Well if you show me the loyalty you showed Fudge, especially when family is concerned, you will do very well. If you still want the job that is."
Translation: she at least knows a little of what Ginny has been up to. But she is also certain I'm not involved.
Still, his path was clear. "I would be delighted," said Percy, committing himself to another stint as Harry Potter's spy in the Minister's office.
XXXXX
January 5th, 1998
The news that Percy had managed to retain his position in the Ministry had been a slight silver lining to Harry and his friends. Amelia firing Rufus Scrimgoeur had also been quite fun. But on the whole, Harry had to admit that things had gone rather poorly for them recently.
The Army of the Triumvirate had lent their wands to the project of getting the Hogwarts school wards back up, and it had been done and done well. The school was even more secure than before. And given what was coming, Harry was glad about that.
Nott had been practically inconsolable about his inability to rescue Narcissa Malfoy. Harry and Ginny had both reassured him that Narcissa had forced him to leave for his own protection, and she had been right to do so. Especially given the treasure trove of knowledge that Narcissa had given Nott.
"The key to it all is my mother," said Blaise, "She basically is the only one who can get Voldemort more manpower. If my Mum goes away, so does pretty much Voldemort's entire force."
"The real danger will be if Umbridge manages to stay in power until the end of the school year," said Harry, "Then she'll be able to ensure that Voldemort is able to capture Hogwarts. Once that happens the two of them will be able to squeeze Magical Britain until it falls to the both of them."
The plan was actually simple. Umbridge's tenure as Interim Minister would expire at the end of the next Wizengamot meeting, so it was in her interest to postpone that meeting as long as possible. Umbridge would fake a crisis of some sort, and when that happened and everyone was distracted, Voldemort would attack Hogwarts. Once he'd taken the castle, he'd hole up in it, summoning the purebloods for an open rebellion. Umbridge could use the crisis to get appointed as Acting Minister, but would then be ineffectual, making sure no one could take back the school. As such, she'd have a harsh political crackdown, after which Amelia would be dealt with and the Death Eaterization of the Ministry would begin.
But it would all fall apart if Amelia kept blocking Umbridge's plans. Which so far she had. Still, Voldemort had managed to work himself into a position which Harry had hoped he was far past, a position where he was close to getting his hands on the reigns of power.
The fact was that Umbridge couldn't fire Amelia, which angered her to no end. She was only the Interim Minister which was on a timer and required the Wizengamot to approve her decisions, not the Acting Minister who would serve out Fudge's term. Umbridge wanted total control, and the DMLE refused to bend to her. It was going to be an entertaining battle between the two of them.
But it was also incredibly fortuitous that Fudge had, as his last act, given Amelia the right to fire anyone under her. And she'd used that power. She'd fired Scrimgoeur and appointed Kingsley Shacklebolt as Head Auror. Umbridge had been furious, and she'd revoked Amelia's power to fire people, or at least tried to. But it did no good. Amelia was already completely in control of her department, and she wasn't giving up that power, no matter what.
Harry had considered leaving Hogwarts and going on the offensive. But Amelia wouldn't agree to it. She would only act once Umbridge stuck out her neck far enough to get it chopped off cleanly. And Harry understood. The Wizengamot, by not calling itself into session, was tacitly approving of Umbridge's administration. Amelia wanted to stay on their good side. But even she was beginning to see the truth.
If Harry moved against Umbridge when the Wizengamot was not in session, they would gather elsewhere and remove Amelia and declare the Triumvirate traitors. Which meant that he would need to deal with the Wizengamot either before or at the same time as Umbridge. Suddenly the reason Riddle had chosen to have Fudge self destruct had become obvious to Harry. Removing a Minister was one of the few things that would get the Wizengamot in their separate groups for an extended period of time. But even the full Wizengamot didn't meet outside of meetings very often.
The Wizengamot was now part of the problem. Which meant that dealing with them would be a very simple thing indeed. But one fraught with peril if not handled correctly. And Harry knew exactly what would be needed there.
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February 4th, 1998
One other good thing that had come of this fiasco was that Tracey and Daphne had finally put aside their differences. Tracey had moved back in with Daphne to make sure she was all right, given her father's betrayal. At some point, the two of them had had a heart to heart.
And there was no way around it, Bryant Greengrasses betrayal had devastated Daphne. She had honestly thought that she had been getting through to him. The fact that she hadn't, and he had done this, it had nearly broken her. Luckily, Tracey and Millie had both worked hard to help her recover. And she largely had, though it took a few weeks once school started.
Astoria, on the other hand, seemed to take it in stride. She had a much better grip on who her father was apparently. Astoria was the one who had insisted that the two of them break all contact with their father. Astoria still wrote to her mother on occasion, but she had threatened to stop even doing that when her mother had tried to get her to write to her father. Astoria had let her mother know in no uncertain terms that she should be grateful for what she had been given, and that attempting to put them in contact with their father would be a bad idea that would result in all letters ceasing. She also said that she would be living with her sister once school ended this year.
Harry admired Astoria. She really had come a long way from the girl who had a crush on Draco Malfoy. He almost wished that she had had her older sister's interest in politics. Merlin, Harry could use two of them for sure. But Daphne's skills would have to be enough.
But Harry hadn't told Daphne what he needed her for, so one day Harry, Hermione and Ginny had invited Daphne to speak with them in the Head Boy and Girl's sitting room.
"You asked me to come?" asked Daphne.
"We have an issue that we need to discuss with you," said Hermione, "I won't lie, we're going to be asking a lot of you. But events have forced our hand."
Harry was standing and pacing. He didn't want to do this. But they had no choice.
"Umbridge's assumption of the title of Minister for Magic was an illegal coup," said Harry, "I spoke to Amelia, and she agrees. Which means that the entire state apparatus which is supporting her is illegal. This includes the Wizengamot, at least as it is currently formulated."
"I agree," said Daphne, "aside from Augusta Longbottom, who is still in St. Mungo's, the entire Wizengamot as it currently exists is illegitimate."
"We are going to have to overthrow it," said Harry.
"I agree with that as well," said Daphne.
"You understand that the Triumvirate cannot assume the role of leadership, correct?" asked Ginny, "If we did so it would be disastrous. We need someone whom all sides can consider trusting to take up the role of Minister for Magic."
"Amelia would be the best bet," said Daphne.
"She can't," said Harry, "she's going to have to betray the Ministry and overthrow the Wizengamot. We cannot establish a precedent of that being an activity that allows the head of the DMLE to become the Minister for Magic, otherwise every head of the DMLE will be doing it."
"You know, that's true," said Daphne thoughtfully.
"I need someone I can trust," said Harry, "someone who will be acceptable to purebloods, while not giving a damn what they think. Someone who knows politics. I need you, Daphne."
Daphne's jaw dropped.
XXXXX
February 7th, 1998
A few days later the news got even grimmer.
"Danny O'Keefe is dead," said Blaise without preamble as he entered the Head Students' sitting room.
"Dammit," said Harry sadly.
"Was it the Death Eaters or Umbridge?" asked Hermione.
"It was Umbridge. She's setting up a secret militia group of her own, using Ministry resources," said Blaise, "It's still a secret, she doesn't want the DMLE getting wind of it yet. But she sicced them on the Irish underground."
"Where does that put us?" asked Harry.
"Danny's been succeeded by a guy named Conner Murphy," said Blaise, "He's cautious by nature. My mother isn't in any position to be striking back right now, but Conner isn't going to be trying to take control of the English Underworld anytime soon."
"Well, maybe that's not such a bad thing," said Hermione, "Do we really want all of Britain's magical underworld unified once this is all over? Not that I'm saying that it is good that Danny died."
"That's probably true," said Blaise, "but it does mean that the Death Eaters will have a little less to worry about."
"Are you okay?" asked Harry.
Blaise nodded. "Danny was… well, not a good man, but he was kind to me. I'll miss him, but he kind of had this coming. He did a lot for the cause though. This will make Umbridge's attempt to do things in the shadows easier."
Harry wasn't sure what to feel, aside from being pressured from all sides. He felt that all the time now.
XXXXX
February 10th, 1998
Umbridge went public with her Magical Security Force, as she called it, mere days later. She put it in charge of all aspects of her own security, and gave it control of several secure areas in the Ministry of Magic. Rufus Scrimgoeur was revealed to be the head of this new Security Force. Amelia was outraged, but there was nothing she could do aside from forcibly removing them from the Ministry. Amelia would probably win that fight, but it would have repercussions later most likely.
But Umbridge finally had an enforcement arm, even if it was one that had no official power. And Amelia had made it clear, if this group tried to arrest anyone, she'd haul them in herself. Still, everyone had to admit that Umbridge was slowly solidifying her position.
XXXXX
February 13th, 1998
Narcissa Malfoy was not having a good time.
Voldemort had a positively vicious streak, and finding new ways to embarrass, humiliate or hurt her seemed to be his pleasure. Clarise Zabini seemed to be moderately upset at the way Narcissa was forced to do everything naked, and Draco wasn't even able to look at her. Well, Narcissa supposed she was naked. Funny how quickly you could get used to something like that.
She wasn't the only person on Voldemort's shit list. Rookwood had been told to get the book that would tell them how to fix Voldemort's soul or die trying, and he was still alive, having merely lost an arm. Voldemort begrudgingly admitted that Rookwood had tried to die getting the book, but it was only Snape's intervention that had saved him. And now Snape was the favourite again. Of course.
Despite constantly being tortured, Narcissa wasn't doing that badly though. Part of it was that Voldemort was quite angry about how the attack on the Ministry had turned out. So he'd ignored her for some time, other than using her as a personal decoration in his room while he slept at least. Narcissa was determined to do something about that. She had only one goal at this point, and it was going to be hard to achieve if she spent most of her time hanging from a chain.
She spent what time she wasn't on the chain in the kitchens washing dishes or cleaning various rooms in the Manor. She'd not been harassed by Voldemort, but some of the hired wands Clarise had brought in had copped a feel. Luckily for Narcissa almost everyone thought that Voldemort was 'using' her, and that made them hesitant to go any further.
As Voldemort chained her up again one evening, she decided to make a move. "You know," she said, "it wasn't about you, or your ideals."
Voldemort nearly slapped her, but held back. "What are you talking about?" he asked dangerously.
"I didn't try to run away because I didn't believe in you," said Narcissa, "It was because of Draco. I hated what he was becoming. He killed Pansy, a decent pureblood girl. I'm his mother. I know why you haven't punished him, but it still was unbearable for me to watch."
"And that is how you excuse your betrayal," breathed Voldemort as he was suddenly right in front of her. This was the most dangerous moment.
"I never, ever would have betrayed you," said Narcissa, "I just wanted to get away. Not from you, but from Draco. If Draco had been able to return to school I could have coped just fine."
"And what makes you say this now?" said Voldemort, "why just come up with this? Are you trying to get me to be lenient."
"I deserve my punishment for abandoning you," said Narcissa, "but you need me. Rookwood is intelligent, but he isn't quite grounded. Parkinson is starting to hate you because you let Draco kill his daughter. Nott is loyal, but he's too wrapped up working with Umbridge right now. And Snape only cares about that red headed bitch. I am the only person who is thinking clearly right now. Even Clarise is distracted by what happened to her son."
"So I should just forgive and forget then?" said Voldemort, but his voice sounded amused rather than angry.
"I'm not that naive," said Narcissa, "I am well aware of how far I have to go to make things up to you."
Voldemort seemed to consider this. Finally he sat down, his eyes now furrowed. "You think I don't see all this clearly?"
"I think that your… condition has you concerned about other things," said Narcissa, "the others don't understand how close Potter has pushed you to the brink mentally by destroying your horcruxes. But I see it! And I can help you. If only by keeping you apprised of how the others are positioning themselves."
Suddenly Voldemort smiled, which was the scariest thing Narcissa had ever seen. His smile contained no genuine happiness, no humanity. Just hunger. "Bellatrix once offered the same thing to me," said Voldemort, "of course, she was a bit lost after spending so long in Azkaban. But she was surprisingly effective."
"My sister was very special," said Narcissa, "her loss has hurt me more than anything else."
Suddenly Voldemort was eyeing Narcissa up and down, his eyes resting on all of her most womanly features. "You know, I never realized it, but there is a bit of a resemblance between you, in the face and body," said Voldemort, "perhaps there is another service that you could provide me that your sister did on occasion."
Internally Narcissa was repulsed. But she didn't hesitate. That would mean death. "I'd be honoured, my Lord," she said trying to sound eager.
Voldemort released her chains, and she fell to the floor. She managed to keep her feet, but quickly fell to her knees in front of Voldemort. Much as she hated this, she'd finally been given her chance.
And she wasn't going to waste it. Even if it meant she had to have sex with the man she hated.
XXXXX
February, 21st 1998
The Ravenclaw team was all new this year. Cho had been the last of the old team, and now they were fielding two new beaters as well as a brilliant new chaser. They were very close to being very good. Their seeker was also quite good, thought Harry. She was a second year named Carrie Elder. Her flying skills were second to none, but she was a bit overeager.
In truth, Harry realized that the Ravenclaws were coming together nicely. They still weren't quite used to being a team, but that seemed to be changing. They were playing much better against Slytherin than they had against Hufflepuff.
However, one thing they didn't have yet was a decent keeper, and that held the Ravenclaws back. The truth was that in terms of talent, the chasers and beaters on Ravenclaw were better than the Slytherins. But the Slytherin team knew each other well, had finally settled into a rhythm, and absolutely tore through the Ravenclaw defense.
As a result, they began racking up the score, even though the rough skills of the teams weren't that disparate. Tracey had an amazing game, scoring ten goals all by herself. And in the end, Harry tipped the balance as his greater experience allowed him to fake out Carrie and claim the snitch.
Gryffindor won against Hufflepuff, but it was a narrow thing. Harry guessed that it was Ron's leadership keeping them afloat more than anything. Hufflepuff was legitimately good this year, and Ravenclaw was getting there. Harry suspected that the next few years would belong to those two houses. And that was fine with him.
XXXXX
March 3rd, 1998
"Are you sure you wouldn't rather I wait outside?" Harry asked for the third time.
"You can't very well try to help me if you don't take part in examining me," said Astoria testily, "For Merlin's sake, it's just my underwear."
Harry and Hermione had both learned a lot from their time working under Madam Pomfrey, so much so that they had decided to bring her in on what they were doing with Astoria. Madam Pomfrey had been horrified that they had tried treating her at first, but when they explained what they were doing she had become very interested.
The only problem was that Astoria had to take her outer clothes off to be properly examined, and that made Harry just a bit uncomfortable.
"Listen Harry, I am perfectly content for you to examine me," said Astoria, "It is a bit sweet that it makes you so uncomfortable, but please get over it. I don't need you treating me as if I was fragile."
"Her mother has given you permission as well, Harry," said Madam Pomfrey, "But it is a good thing to be conscientious about a patient's privacy, especially minors."
Harry nodded in acquiescence. He quickly began running his wand over her body. Slowly an image of her began to form.
"Remarkable," said Madam Pomfrey, "Her magical energy is almost completely normal."
"In theory, we could slowly drain away the curse using a similar spell, perhaps even built into the same amulet," said Hermione, "Of course the blood curse would still be on the Greengrass family. The next daughter who isn't heir would still get it."
"Removing the curse entirely would require true soul healing," said Harry.
"That curse draining spell sounds dangerous," said Madam Pomfrey.
"That's why we haven't done anything about it yet," said Hermione, "Making sure Astoria was full on magical power was completely safe, but we need to know a lot more about curses before we will try anything more."
"So one of you is going to get healer training, while the other trains as a curse breaker?" asked Astoria.
"Maybe," said Hermione, "We were thinking Harry would train as a healer."
"I'm not bad at it," admitted Harry.
"I am actually considering doing something a bit different," said Hermione.
"Oh?" asked Madam Pomfrey.
"She wants to take the courses for being a Mind Healer," said Harry, "then combine that with muggle psychiatry." They'd only recently been able to discuss this. Hermione had been worried that Harry wouldn't understand. Hermione wanted to do something for her career on her own. Harry did understand. They needed their own lives, even more so once they were married.
"That would also be incredibly useful," said Madam Pomfrey.
Harry cast another spell on Astoria. This showed her general physical energy level.
"Incredible," said Pomfrey, "she's got the energy of a normal 15 year old girl."
"That's all we need," said Harry, turning his head away. Astoria threw on her robes, and a few minutes later was gone.
XXXXX
April 24th, 1998
By the time April was coming to a close, Harry was getting impatient. Daphne had refused to give him a yes or no to him when he'd told her that he needed her to be Minister for Magic. He'd understood at the time, but the time when they would be taking action was less than two months out at this point. He needed her on board.
So that was how he found himself in the Slytherin common room making his way into the seventh-year corridor. He knocked on Daphne's door, as he looked over at the room he had once shared with Hermione. Time moved on, he thought, no point in being maudlin about it.
"Who is it?" asked Daphne through the door.
"It's Harry," he said.
Daphne opened the door. She was wearing a large thick bathrobe, and her hair was wet. "Come on in," she said.
Harry stepped in. Tracey was there, laying across her bed on her stomach wearing jeans and a t-shirt. She was studying.
"I could have waited for you to get dressed," said Harry.
Daphne shrugged. "I wasn't planning on getting dressed. If you are distracted…"
"Astoria said you were getting a bit prudish," said Tracey, her eyes shining mischievously.
"I'm fine," said Harry, "so long as the robe stays on. I did want to talk to you about that… offer I made you Daphne." He looked at Tracey as if to ask if she knew what was going on.
Daphne shook her head. "Hey Tracey, can you give us a moment? Secret Army business."
"Yes, sir!" said Tracey, with no hint of sarcasm. She knew the drill.
Once Tracey was gone Daphne sighed. "I'm sorry Harry, I should have talked to you ages ago. Hermione's been hounding me about it as well. I guess if you really need me to do this, I will. But I am worried. I'm going to need a lot of advice."
"And you'll have it," said Harry, "Both Amelia and Dumbledore will be there for you. Say what you will about Dumbledore, politically, he's reliable. As long as he isn't drugged."
"Crazy that we're talking about this," said Daphne, "Remember when you stayed over at my house and I had that huge crush on you? I always did go for the unattainable guys."
"Yeah," agreed Harry.
"Well, I just want you to know that I'm with you until the end, Harry," said Daphne.
"All good?" said Tracey, who had quickly poked her head into the room.
"Yeah, I'm done," said Harry.
Tracey walked back into the room. "Good, I need to study," she said.
Harry smiled and waved goodbye, closing the door behind him.
And he went over to the sixth year hall to speak to Ginny. But when he knocked on her door, only Luna answered. She was, thankfully, fully dressed.
"I'm sorry, Harry," said Luna, "now that I'm with Neville I can't answer the door for you naked. If you want to see me naked we'll have to do another couple's bath."
"Oh, well thanks for the explanation," said Harry with a slight grin, "I was looking for Ginny."
"She's not here," said Luna, "you know, if we do another couple's bath we should invite Ginny and Justin."
"Definitely," said Harry, "Do you know where she is?"
"I'm not sure, but I think she might be with Justin," said Luna, "I'm sorry that I couldn't be more help. Also, I've decided that Neville can't be allowed to change me like that. If I want to answer the door naked, then I will answer the door naked."
Harry briefly wondered how Luna's mind did that. "Well, good for you Luna," said Harry, "Do whatever makes you feel good."
Luna threw her arms around Harry's neck and kissed him on the lips. Luna did keep her mouth closed as she kissed Harry, but she let it go on perhaps a little too long before letting go. Then she spun around and closed the door.
Harry decided to give up looking for Ginny for now and headed back to the Head Boy's room. That was enough of that for one night! But when he entered the sitting room he heard Ginny's voice coming out of Hermione's room. Harry walked over to Hermione's door and knocked.
"Come in Harry," said Hermione. Harry opened the door to see both Ginny and Hermione there. They had clothes out on the bed and were clearly trying to decide something. All of the outfits were a bit… brief, in Harry's opinion.
"I'm helping Ginny decide what to wear for Justin on their next date," said Hermione.
Harry took a deep breath. "What is with today?" he wondered, "Daphne met with me only wearing a robe, Luna kissed me, and now this."
"Luna kissed you?" Hermione asked teasingly.
"I told her she should do whatever made her feel good," admitted Harry.
"You're lucky she didn't strip naked," said Ginny.
"She was of two minds as to whether that was permissible, given her relationship with Neville," admitted Harry.
"There would never be any confusion as to whether that would be permissible with my relationship with Justin," said Ginny.
"That's smart," said Harry.
"It is totally okay for me to do that," said Ginny as she pulled off her shirt.
"What are you doing?" asked Harry.
"Changing," said Ginny before she pulled off her slacks.
"Okay! I'm out!" said Harry as he marched over to his room.
About half an hour later, Hermione came into Harry's room, in her underwear. Harry was lying on his bed reading. He put his book down as Hermione entered.
"Sorry about Ginny," said Hermione, "Some of the girls may have decided to start pushing your buttons. I think it may have been intentional."
"Hmph," said Harry, understanding but not wanting to sound too enthusiastic.
"I think you handled that very well," said Hermione, "in fact, I think you deserve a reward. Though I will admit, I am surprised you didn't watch Ginny for longer."
"Oh?" asked Harry, "Is it because you want me to compare the two of you? Because I think you have her beat in just about every department."
Hermione climbed on top of Harry. "You keep earning rewards tonight. I need to shut you up."
And that's when she started kissing him, and suddenly he wasn't thinking about anything else.
XXXXX
April 25th, 1998
"Okay, so maybe I owe you an apology for yesterday," Ginny said the next day, "I went a little too far."
"A little?" asked Harry as he threw his robes on over his clothes. Ginny just shrugged at him
"Hmmph," grunted Harry, "In any event, Daphne agreed to our plan. We need to get a meeting with Amelia and Dumbledore."
"Makes me wish I wasn't going to be in school next year," said Ginny, "Do you think they'll make me Quidditch Captain?"
"They're more likely to make you Head Girl," said Hermione, who came out of Harry's bedroom, fully dressed.
Ginny smirked. "Merlin! Don't they have a better option?"
Harry, Hermione and Ginny all walked down to breakfast. Daphne was waiting for them. She was holding a copy of the Prophet.
"Umbridge just announced blood purity standards for high office in the Ministry," said Daphne, "to be enforced by her Magical Security Force, of course."
"And Death Eaters attacked the homes of several prominent Muggleborn witches and wizards," said Ron who was sitting next to Tracey, his arm around her waist.
"Time to let the press off the leash then," said Harry, "I'll make sure the Prophet and all of its affiliates cover this. Luna…"
"If I know Daddy, he's already hard at work on a story for the next Quibbler," said Luna.
Harry nodded. It was time to take a more active role in this war again.
XXXXX
May 1st, 1998
Bryant Greengrass was a patient man, but he had assumed his daughters would get over their anger at him sooner than this. Still, he'd known that they would be angry. He'd been willing to endure a lengthy freezeout. But neither he nor his wife had heard anything from Daphne. Astoria had written a couple perfunctory letters to Philomena, but that was it.
But this last letter from Astoria was too much. She'd again said that she wouldn't be returning home after school this year, but would be moving in with her sister. She definitely didn't have permission for that. However, she would be 16. Traditionally, if 16 year old witches or wizards decided to run away from home, the Ministry didn't get involved, so long as they had a place to stay. Well, pureblood witches and wizards, at least.
Still, Bryant had a mind to stop it. Unfortunately he couldn't go to the Wizengamot, as it wasn't in session. He also couldn't go to Amelia, because there was no way Potter would let her arrest Astoria. Bryant was very wary of Umbridge's Magical Security Force. She hadn't discussed that with him, and it made him nervous. No, he'd have to do it himself. The problem was that Daphne might be skilled enough to prevent it.
"Honey, we have an invitation to dine with Augusta Longbottom," said Philomena, reading another letter, "or at least you do."
"So she's finally receiving visitors then?" asked Bryant, "Good! I wonder what she wants to talk about?"
XXXXX
May 16th, 1998
The final Quidditch match of Harry's career at Hogwarts was a disaster. The Hufflepuffs were good. Very good. Gryffindor had beaten them with an early snitch catch. The Ravenclaws had fallen to Hufflepuff early for the same reason. But Millie seemed to have no answer for the extremely good Hufflepuff chasers. It was a very long game, with both sides playing well, but when the score was 370 to 200, Harry realized they weren't pulling this one out. So, he caught the snitch. This kept Slytherin in the lead for the Quidditch Cup.
"It's all right, Millie," said Tracey in the postgame discussion, "You were great in our game with Ravenclaw. Everyone has an off day, and we're still ahead to win the Cup."
Millie nodded, but she was clearly not convinced.
"You all right, Millie?" Harry asked.
"Just a personal issue," said Millie, "My head wasn't in it today, that was all."
So Harry let it go. In retrospect, he really shouldn't have.
Author's Note: Not a lot to say this time. Everyone is waiting for the right moment to jump. As things are, I'm now setting up the finale. And yes, there is a big battle at Hogwarts. One thing I do want to point out is that Harry's reluctance to lead is really beginning to show again. He never wanted to be in charge in the first place, and he is now looking for a way out. Harry has ambitions, like any good Slytherin, but political leadership is not among them. In fact, that is what I want the story to be about. Slytherin ambition should be about wanting to change the world for the better, not just politics and power plays.
So I have news! First, the last couple of weeks have been very fruitful. I wrote almost 3 chapters of Harriet Potter, as well as a first outline for Avatars and Archons. I actually did chapter counts on all my stories. Twisted Path is going to be 60 chapters long, counting the epilogue, that is definite. Harriet Potter is going to be approximately 120 chapters long in 10 parts though Harriet Potter chapters are generally shorter than Twisted Path Chapters. Killing Hermione will be about 18 chapters long or so, maybe 20 if I have to split a chapter or two. And Avatars and Archons is actually slated to be shorter than I expected, at 43 chapters long over 4 parts, including the epilogue.
Next Time: Harry and Hermione say their goodbyes to Hogwarts as students. Meanwhile Umbridge makes her move. And Snape makes a move of his own.