Author's Note
I summarize the books for copyright purposes, however, in the story the characters are watching the books. I do, however, quote passages in the book that I want to emphasize for discussion purposes.
I don't own any of the characters
Harry is seen being attacked by Dementors then is first brought to Grimmauld Place. And discovering what the Order of the Phoenix is. And that the Ministry of magic is corrupt and has been building a case all summer. The image goes black as Sirius' voice is heard.
"In the old days, he had huge numbers at his command: witches and wizards he'd bullied or bewitched into following him, his faithful Death Eaters, a great variety of Dark creatures. You heard him planning to recruit the giants; well, they'll be just one of the groups he's after. He's certainly not going to try and take on the Ministry of Magic with only a dozen Death Eaters."
"Like a weapon. Something he didn't have last time." The darkness of the cube begins to show a picture. A picture of a man on a tapestry. One that can be recognized as the Black family tree.
"My idiot brother... he joined the Death Eaters. He was murdered by Voldemort. Or on Voldemort's orders, more likely; I doubt Regulus was ever important enough to be killed by Voldemort in person. From what I found out after he died, he got in so far, then panicked about what he: was being asked to do and tried to back out. Well, you don't just hand in your resignation to Voldemort. It's a lifetime of service or death."
The scene swirled again.
"Cleared of all charges" rang out as the scene showed a picture of the original Order of the Phoenix. Mad-eye could be heard detailing fates of some of the members.
"That's Marlene McKinnon, she was killed two weeks after this was taken, they got her whole family. That's Frank and Alice Longbottom - poor devils. Better dead than what happened to them…. Benjy Fenwick, he copped it too, we only ever found bits of him… That's Edgar Bones, brother of Amelia Bones, they got him and his family, too, he was a great wizard. Gideon Prewett, it took five Death Eaters to kill him and his brother Fabian, they fought like heroes . . . that's Dorcas Meadows, Voldemort killed her personally."
The great hall is then shown during the opening feast where they are introduced to the newest addition to the staff.
"Professor Umbridge, our new Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher" Dumbeldore's voice boomed.
"Yes, it certainly was illuminating," said Hermione in a low voice. "How about progress for progress's sake must be discouraged? How about pruning wherever we find practices that ought to be prohibited?"
"Well, what does that mean?" said Ron impatiently.
"'It means the Ministry's interfering at Hogwarts."
During class, Umbridge explains that the Ministry does not want underage wizards practicing spells that are dangerous and unnecessary. Harry receives detention for speaking out of turn. And is later shown writing lines with a blood quill that engraves the words "I must not tell lies" onto the back of his hand.
The Daily Prophet states that Dolores Umbridge has been named High Inquisitor, granting the Ministry of Magic an unprecedented level of control at Hogwarts.
"We'll learn Defence Against the Dark Arts ourselves." Hermione could be seen talking to Harry and Ron.
'We need a teacher, a proper one," she continued. 'I'm talking about you, Harry.'
A meeting is held during Hogsmeade where several students join in learning defence. They even sign a parchment that Hermione later says is jinxed. The students are shown entering the room of requirement. They decide to name it Dumbledore's army. (D.A. for short)
"I was thinking, the first thing we should do is Expelliarmus, you know, the Disarming Charm. 'I've used it against him,' said Harry quietly. 'It saved my life in June."
It was quite apparent that they lacked practical skills but slowly started to improve. Neville had successfully disarmed Hermione, Colin Creevey had mastered the Impediment Jinx and Parvati Patil had produced such a good Reductor Curse that she had reduced the table carrying all the Sneakoscope to dust. A galleon is seen being held up in Hermione's hand as she addresses the group.
"On these fake coins, though, the numbers will change to reflect the time and date of the next meeting. The coins will grow hot when the date changes, so if you're carrying them in a pocket you'll be able to feel them. We take one each, and when Harry sets the date of the next meeting he'll change the numbers on his coin, and because I've put a Protean Charm on them, they'll all change to mimic his." The scene blacked out after that sufficiently coming to an end.
Narcissa's POV
"How has it come to this?" Mr. Potter said from his seat. His hands were wound up in fists. "The ministry is so corrupted and naive that it has come to this. Everything we've been fighting for clearly means nothing to these people. Justice, Liberty, Equality. I thought that we were past such trivial things." I couldn't help but silently agree with his statement. I was taught that muggle-borns are a disgrace to our magic community. However, more and more muggle-borns are coming to Hogwarts every year. And the old families are thinning out. My own sister married a muggle-born even though it meant disownment from the family. Sirius has always made his objection to our beliefs known. Even now Regulus is sitting in a room politely with muggle-borns and blood traitors. The old ways have been changing. Advancing even. But this isn't progress, this is purely money. I want to be comfortable in my life. And for my family to be well provided for. That isn't a sin. Many would do the same. But at what cost. I can't help but think. "How can the people have elected a Minister so incapable..." He ran a hand through his messy hair. "Merlin, I am almost glad that I didn't have to live to see this."
"Honey, don't say such a thing," His wife admonished.
"Sorry, it's just so frustrating," And it was. To watch as someone you would care about being unfairly punished. Watching these memories, I know that all of his statements were correct. But to accuse a child of such lies is one thing but to trial him in front of the entire Wizengamot and be punished with a blood quill is unthinkable. I couldn't help but imagine how I would feel if my son was in this position. He would never be, for the simple reason that he is a pureblood. Restrictions in the wizarding community that prevent underage magic can easily be fooled when a child performs magic in a magic home. It's only when it is performed in the muggle world where the incident is investigated. As a child, all of my siblings were given a chance to practice during the holidays. Including myself. Draco would be given the same luxury. Lucius would insist. Draco. I am pleased to note that he will take the Black family tradition for the naming ceremony. He is so handsome. Takes after his father in his features but he does carry the Black's stormy grey eyes. His taunting, however, is not acceptable behaviour. He should never have stooped so low as to be bullying. Even if it is to muggle-borns. I will have to look into this. Nonetheless, watching him is a gift in itself. I had feared that I would fail my duty in providing an heir. I was told that I am not infertile, however, an accidental pregnancy this year resulted in a miscarriage regardless. But seeing my son gives me hope for the future. I steer my mind away from my musings back to the conversation at hand.
"We can do better, we must do better," Mrs. Potter said.
"And how are we supposed to do this. You saw what I saw, these types of people don't listen to reason," Mr. Potter said, grimly.
"We'll find a way. We always do."
"What are you doing there Moony?" My cousin asked his shaggy, scared, blond friend who was scribbling away at a piece of paper.
"Oh you know adding a couple more names to my shit list," He said sardonically.
"Umbridge." He spelt out her name one syllable at a time. "My dad has mentioned her name a few times but I've never met her." At everyone's curious looks he explained. "She's working on implementing werewolf laws that prohibit a werewolf from working in the ministry."
"That's preposterous. Where are you supposed to find employment then?" Lily Evans said, predictably. I on the other hand am not surprised by the revelation of Lupin being a werewolf. Lucius mentioned at dinner one evening. He had found his name on the registry. And made his disdain quite known.
"That's the point. They want us to leave the wizarding community." I couldn't help but silently agree that werewolves are not fit for wizarding society. But we are better equipped to control them then muggles are.
"I've met her. She's currently just a low-level administrator but she is quickly rising with her ideas with those that follow the old ways. I can full-heartedly agree that she is exactly as Harry shows her," Mr. Potter said. I can't help but remember that he is one of the sacred 28. He, like Lucius, would be more involved with the ministry then I would be. However, I don't believe I have ever heard her name until today. From what I watched though, I can't help but think of it as a blessing. I dread the thought of having to act polite to that thing in a public setting.
"How is she even able to work here?" I ask. "Surely Dumbledore wouldn't allow that woman to be a Professor here," I add conversationally.
"I don't think Dumbledore would have many choices," Regulus said. His nose has bruised over the past couple of hours but luckily does not appear to be broken.
"What do you mean?" I ask.
"Well, it seems the curse is still in place after all of these years. We've never had the same Defence teacher two years in a row and neither had Harry. It must be hard to find one every year."
"Nonetheless a Blood quill. Honestly, that was outlawed a decade ago and is only used by the goblins at Gringotts in certain cases." Mrs. Potter said indignantly. I sometimes forget that she was once a Black before she married Potter. She grew up in the same social customs training as I have. She would be very familiar with such knowledge.
"Ohh who else is already on there," Sirius asks his friend referring back to the list.
"Fudge, Malfoy; no offence Narcissa, Lockhart, You."
"Me? What have I done?" I couldn't help but snort at that. Everyone knows that Sirius is no saint. Even as a child he was a little terror.
"Nothing, that's the point. I know that in this future you went through hell Pads. I can't possibly imagine what he has endured and I hope I never have to. But you're acting childish. And irresponsible. Your Harry's godfather. You're supposed to be helping him, not dragging him down with your mood. You need to grow up. And I'm not just referring to this future. But now. We are graduating this year. You are of age. An adult. You need to start acting like it." I can't help but be slightly impressed by his lecture. Merlin knows I have been thinking the same thing for years.
"In his defence, he was imprisoned while he was still fairly young. He was trapped in that hell hole for over a decade," Regulus said coming to the defence of his elder brother. "He went in young so maybe he came out with a young mentality. He never had a chance to mature."
"It's okay to have a laugh and joke around. But sometimes you take it too far. You need to start being more accountable and responsible for your actions. You need to realize that your actions do have consequences." I can't help but notice the pointed look that Lupin gives to Sirius. In fact, Sirius almost looks embarrassed even ashamed by whatever memory was induced. It has left us all in awkward silence.
"Well at least I know what happened to me now," Regulus said, trying to fill the silence. I can't help but feel sorry that he would die so young. "That was kind of a mystery until now."
"You die in two years," Sirius says, realizing the implications.
"Ya, that kinda sucks."
"Kinda," Sirius says, looking like Regulus has just grown three heads. His eye was also twitching. "Bloody hell you have been living with our family for two long. Your own death doesn't even matter to you. You should be terrified."
"I guess it was always inevitable."
"Not this time," Sirius said strongly.
"And how are you planning on changing this?"
"For one you aren't going back there."
"Ya, and where will I go?" Regulus asked.
"You are going to move in with me." This was surprising. Sirius had always done everything humanly possible to disassociate himself with the family and yet he is going to have his brother come live with him. He is going to try to take care of his brother. Another living human being. I don't think he can even take care of himself. When was the last time that he cooked for himself?
"Sirius!" Mrs. Potter exclaimed, looking both surprised and sad.
"I was already looking at moving out anyway. I was gonna check out a vacant apartment next week." He said looking apologetic at the Potters. "I will always appreciate everything you two have done for me. But I think it's time I start to build my own life. And you are coming with me," He said redirecting his attention to his brother. "I know that we haven't gotten along. And that I have been ignoring you for a while now. But you are my brother and it is my responsibility as the eldest to look after you." He finished before Regulus threw himself at him hugging him. For the first time in at least five years. This I think surprises a lot of people. When Sirius came to Hogwarts he was immediately ostracized by the rest of the family. It was easier to separate himself from Regulus, what with him remaining at home. I also doubt aunt Walburga would allow that to have any contact regardless. Then the distance between them continued to grow. But I remember a time before when the two were inseparable. They were the Black brothers. Close friends. Now if it wasn't for the eyes. You wouldn't even think they were related by the way they acted.
"I love you too kid," Sirius said hugging him back.
"I never said that," Regulus denied.
"You didn't have to."
Once both Regulus and Sirius regained their composure and returned to their seats. Everyone continued to discuss little bits of information that they viewed. Everyone was getting along fairly well, even Severus was contributing and I can't help but think what is my place in all of this. I wasn't included when everyone was at first summoned. So why would I be included now? I wasn't even shown in the memories. At least those I have viewed. So what could I possibly contribute? If they needed a Slytherin Pureblood to enact changes then they already chose Regulus and even Severus would be better at changing the future. Both would already have more people willing to listen to them simply because they are male. Perhaps that is the issue. They aren't familiar with the society that is pureblood witches. They aren't females. And maybe that is what this male dominant society needs. For women to take a stand. From the moment I could talk I was drilled with rules and social customs. I always knew my place in the world. Marry well and have children. There would be no need to work since the head male will provide. We were told to sit still and remain quiet. But they don't know that when we gather together, we women talk. Discuss things we would never be allowed to in the company of men since it was simply never our place. Us witches are not all about supporting the husbands, having tea parties and discussing the newest fashion trends. Not many people are aware of the influences that women can be on their husbands. Or what we can accomplish when we unite. Perhaps that is my place in all of this. The unseen force that orchestrates a revolution behind the ranks of those I am supposed to be supporting. I love Lucius, but I will not go down a path that will jeopardize or place my family in harm's way. And that seems to be our fate if I follow the Dark Lord.
"I'm surprised by how unskilled, for a lack of a word, by the students' defence abilities. They kinda suck." I say distracting myself from my inner monologue and dilemma.
"They don't exactly have a great teacher to actually teach them." Lupin pointed out.
"But still, some of them were struggling with the Expelierumus and even Stupefy. We had those mastered by our fourth year," James Potter said agreeing with my assessment.
"True but we also had a lot more practice at duelling," Lupin said.
"That's not a bad idea. Why don't we have a duel later," Sirius suggested.
"A duel?" Severus asked suspiciously.
"Mock, of course," Sirius assured. "We could turn it into a bit of a competition. One on one. Until there's only one winner. See which one of us is the best." He says conspiratorially. He probably wanted one more chance at fighting Severus before their truce begins. However, I couldn't help but be curious about how skilled he was in an actual fight. I heard from Lucius that he was good. But I've never seen him fight before.
"That's not a bad idea. We could see everyone's different fighting styles." Lupin said. I see the smirk on Severus' face and can't help but think they have no idea what they have gotten themselves in.
"This is supposed to be fun not a learning experience," Sirius whined.
"Why not be both."