AN: Thank you for the amazing feedback for the last few chapters.
Enjoy this one!
Chapter 56
September 11th, 1995
Return of the Pureblood Assassin
By Rita Skeeter
The members of Britain's magical society are shocked, as once more the mysterious killer has returned. Last night, at approximately 1:00 am, Mr. Thomas Avery was found dead. However, the circumstances of his death are very similar to those of Randolf Crabbe, from a few weeks ago.
"We found Mr. Avery under the Dark Mark, in a Graveyard in the small village of Little Hangleton. As of yet, it is unknown how Mr. Avery ended up in this village. According to our records, no magicals have lived here for over 50 years." Says our anonymous source from inside the DMLE.
However, this is not all. Mr. Avery's body was gruesomely violated post-Morten: "We suspect that the murder of Mr. Avery and Mr. Crabbe are connected. Both victims were found in very similar conditions, showing signs of torture. In addition, the killer has left another message, carved into the skin of his victim."
At first, our contact within the DMLE did not feel comfortable releasing sensitive information. However, after insisting on it, we were finally told the following:
"The message was carved into the skin of the victim, just as it had been done the last time. It read:
"13 years, from 13 followers"
"We are unsure what exactly is meant by that. So far, we can only speculate."
Who is this Mysterious killer and what does he try to gain by leaving seemingly random messages? Minister of Magic, Cornelius Fudge, is outraged by the cowardness behind the murders:
"We have a lunatic running around, murdering esteemed members of Britain's pureblood society in cold blood. As Minister of Magic, I promise those I serve, that I will do my utmost to catch the culprit, soon. We are already following several leads. I am certain that he will be found and kissed by the Dementors well before Christmas."
The Minister did not comment what exact leads the DMLE was currently following, however, he did state this:
"Our lead investigators assume that the murders are connected with the disappearance of the five other purebloods, who are still missed since the end of June. It seems we are dealing with someone following a personal Vendetta against Britain's purebloods and the values they represent in our magical society. Perhaps it is even a radical muggle-born."
The Minister also ensures the public that the repeated usage of the Dark Mark might simply be a decoy:
"As we know since the World Cup last year, knowledge on how to cast the Dark Mark has leaked to the general public at some point in time during the war. However, we can ensure the public that this is not the work of any Death Eaters. All of those are sitting in Azkaban currently, guarded by our trusted Dementors. There is absolutely no reason to panic over the cowardly work of a single lunatic."
We from the Daily Prophet will keep you updated on any developments on the case and once again express our condolences for the cold-blooded murder of Thomas Avery.
Harry returned back to his breakfast with a chuckle. It was amazing, how the Daily Prophet always managed to spin a story in whatever direction they seem to favor. Not once had they managed, that Avery was found with the Dark Mark on his arm or his trials after the war. Instead, they keep spouting about honorable members of pureblood society...
Harry looked over at the Slytherin table. Avery himself had died childless, but the man had two nieces, in third and first-year respectively. Condolences were offered to both of them for various other members of their house. However, Harry also noticed the nervousness and fear among some of the older members.
Good... they should be nervous. Just as their parents and family, or anyone else with Death Eater relations should be... Harry grinned, remembering last night.
Flashback
Harry placed the mirror on the table next to him. Fleur had stayed the night with him in the Chamber before returning to Beauxbaton the next morning after Dobby prepared them some breakfast.
Sirius should be calling anytime, now... a few days ago, he had told the man to notify him, as soon as there was a meeting of the Order. Just then the mirror glowed and he could hear voices from the other end of the connection. Sirius must have taken him into the meeting already.
He could make out Dumbledore's voice: "I hereby call the beginning of this emergency meeting. Please take a seat, we have much to discuss. Kingsley, your report?"
"There has been another attack... Thomas Avery was found dead under the Dark Mark last night around 1:00 am. Nothing that would lead back to the killer was found at the crime scene. However, he did leave a message once again."
"What did it say this time?" That must have been the older Weasley, William, or whatever his name was.
"It was carved across his chest..." Kingsley says. He paused briefly:
"13 years, from 13 followers..."
It was quiet on the other end for a few seconds.
"Albus, what does this mean?" Arthur Weasley asked.
The headmaster was silent for half a minute before answering: "When Harry was taken to the Graveyard, Voldemort was very displeased with his Death Eaters. From Harry's memory, I remember Voldemort torturing Avery and telling him that to earn his forgiveness, he wanted the 13 years since his banishment back..."
"But this means it has to be him, right?" Lupin spoke up. "Is he killing his own followers to remind them to be more loyal to him?"
"The Dark Lord has once again denied his involvement. He was enraged when he heard of Avery's death." Snape spoke up: "However, he has also learned. Instead of torturing more of his followers, he has barricaded himself and has not spoken to anyone since. I assume he is planning his next steppes."
"What about the Death Eaters?" Lupin inquired.
"Many are scared... Either their own Lord or someone very powerful on a Vendetta against Dark Lord's followers is hunting them for sport. Now, many decided to only go on missions together."
"There are not many people, who are skilled enough to take out a high-ranking Death Eater like Thomas Avery. There are even fewer, who could hide their magical signature so well, that even the Unspeakables can't trace it back." Kingsley stated.
"Well, the Dark Lord himself could be one of them." Moody growled: "But you still don't think so, do you Snape?"
The man must be shaking his head, because the next moment Molly Weasley spoke up: "Who do you think is behind this, Albus."
"I honestly can't say for certain, Molly. I have a few theories, one less likely than the other. Voldemort is a very resourceful person Yet, over the years he went through certain changes... both physically as well as, mentally. The idea of him killing his own followers is not too far-fetched in my opinion. The alternative is that there is a new player... and he is powerful."
"Harry and I met an Unspeakable in the Department of Mysteries. He called himself Croaker and was powerful enough to breach Harry's mind if he wanted to. He also seemed very knowledgeable... Perhaps it's him, who is taking out the Death Eaters, he is certainly powerful enough." Sirius mused loudly.
Silence followed his statement, then Lupin spoke up again: "What about Harry himself? We know he is powerful, though none of us know the full extend by now. He has killed Death Eaters before, the latest being Barty Crouch Jr. Harry also has a better motive than anyone else..."
"How would he even leave Hogwarts?" William Weasley asked: "I was certain that the wards would notify you as the Headmaster, Professor."
"I am afraid Harry has found a way around those wards a long time ago. However, I can assure you it was not him... At least not last night."
"And how do you know that?" Tonks, Sirius's cousin, asked.
"Harry and I had one of our sessions last night and he was with me until approximately 12:30 am. I am certain he would not have been able to set up and execute this entire attack, right after meeting with me."
"Well, he needs to be careful." Kingsley chimed in. "There are already voices in the ministry, calling for him to be questioned about the events. One of the loudest is the Minister himself."
"Unless they have concrete evidence, there is nothing they can do," Sirius growled.
"We will watch and see how the situation develops then. I might not agree with the person's methods, but he is making our task considerably easier." Dumbledore closed the meeting.
End of Flashback
It was just as Harry had hoped. Voldemort was enraged and his Death Eaters were scared. But Harry needed to continue his mission. There were further targets. He made his way up to the Defense classroom. Yesterday, Harry had decided to drop Defense with Umbridge. As a NEWT student, who had completed his OWLs, he was allowed to drop subjects he did not enjoy or wish to further pursue.
Therefore, he had prepared a short note for Umbridge. Talking about the woman... The Undersecretary will start inspecting her colleagues starting this week. Harry was eager to see what the results of an inspection in McGonagall's lessons might be like.
He entered the classroom with the rest of the students who took their seats. Harry passed the spot he had occupied the last two times and walked up to the front. He felt the stares of his peers behind him.
"Mr. Potter?" Umbridge frowned and spoke his name in a sweet, girlish voice: "I would like to start my class. Take a seat, now."
"I apologize for having to take away time from the impeccable experience of being taught by you, Ma'am. However, unfortunately, I will not be joining this class any longer."
Exciting whispers broke out behind his back.
"What do you mean Mr. Potter?" Umbridge said through clenched teeth: "You have signed up for this class and you will be taking it."
Harry shook his head: "I am afraid I will not, ma'am. I have completed my OWLs in Defense against the Dark Arts. However, no offense to your outstanding teaching qualities, but I find myself disappointed with the NEWT curriculum."
"How dare, you!" Umbridge retorted: " I am fully qualified teaching professional. Besides, last week ago, you desperately wanted to remain in my class."
"I assure you; my decision was not influenced by your exceptional qualifications and experience in the subject. I am certain, you have gotten Outstandings in Defense Against the Dark Arts in both, your OWls and NEWTs." Harry smirked.
"My school grades are not the topic of this discussion, Potter." Umbridge spat.
"Indeed, ma'am... They are not. I am simply here to tell you that I am dropping your class. Then, I will be on my way again." Harry replied neutrally
"Drop my class?" Umbridge spat, she had been turning red in anger at hearing Harry's last sentences: "You cannot simply drop my class, Potter!"
Harry gave the tiny woman a cold smile: "You are wrong, ma'am. I can and I will drop your class. I am taking more than enough other subjects right now and according to the Hogwarts Rules of Education, I am allowed to drop a NEWT class, as long as I am taking five other subjects."
He paused for a second and enjoyed the angry glare from the woman and the snickers behind him: "You will be pleased to hear, that I am taking more than five classes right now. Therefore, I will simply drop yours. If I ever take an interest in Defense against the Dark Arts again, I could always practice some self-study after all, isn't that so?"
Many other people behind him started to agree, as Harry could tell by their murmurs. Umbridge seemed to have realized the same: "You will not get away with this Potter. I will not simply let you drop my class. You will stay here. Now take a seat!"
Harry's eyes narrowed dangerously and glowed a bright green ever so slightly: "I am following official Hogwarts Education Guidelines. If you disagree with them, as a Prefect..." Harry tapped his badge and smiled: "... I can always arrange a meeting between the two of us and the Deputy Headmistress. I am sure we will be able to resolve the issue there. Until then, I will take my leave."
Umbridge's eyes flickered over to the wand in her handbag and her fingers twitched ever so slightly. Harry begged her to do something as stupid as attacking him in a class full of students. He would enjoy "defending" himself.
The woman seemed to have realized her mistake and refrained from grabbing her wand. After she did not do anything besides glaring at Harry for almost half a minute, Harry decided to leave:
"Have a good day, professor." He smirked at her and turned around, still feeling her glare on him. Once again, he winked at a few people and earned a fair share of thumbs-up, for standing up to the toad. However, Harry had the feeling that she would not let this rest so easily.
September 13th, 1995
"Very well done, Mr. Potter." McGonagall gave him rare praise: "You are only a few steps away from completing a full transformation."
"It still feels very strange." Harry frowned as he reverted the last few deep black feathers back into his normal human skin and sat down on the chair offered to him.
"You will get used to the feeling gradually, Mr. Potter." McGonagall explained: " I remember Albus teasing me with a ball of wool for at least a month after I first managed my full transformation. I have never been able to resist it."
"Are you saying, I will feel similar urges? In line with the behavior, my Animagus form usually practices?" Harry frowned.
Tonight, had been the first time he had changed each part of his body, one after another. The next big step would involve changing his entire lower or upper half. Then, finally, they could attempt a full transformation.
"Indeed, Mr. Potter, you most likely will." The Scottish woman nodded: "However, as a practitioner of the mind arts, you will be able to easier differentiate between your human and Animagus side."
"Have you never studied the mind arts, Professor?" Harry asked curiously.
"I would not call myself a complete novice. However, my abilities fade in comparison to the headmaster's or my potions colleague's," McGonagall replied.
Talking about the headmaster... It was then, that a bright Phoenix Patronus broke through the ceiling and spoke in the calm and slightly amused voice of the headmaster.
"Minerva, I require your assistance in a matter related to the core subjects, taught at Hogwarts. I have an impatient Minister and his Undersecretary, currently in my office. You can allow young Harry to tag along. Perhaps that will be the easiest way."
McGonagall frowned and was about to pull her wand to send her response when Harry offered to perform the charm: "Allow me, Professor."
Her thin lips curved into a slight smile in one corner and she gave him a nod: "Very well then, Mr. Potter."
Thinking about the last weekend spent with Fleur, Harry flicked his wand into his palm and conjured the bright silvery Thestral: "Let the headmaster know that we are on our way."
Together, they left the Transfiguration professor's office and walked up to the seventh floor. A few meters away from the headmaster's office, they could already make out voices.
"Kinder-Egg" McGonagall spoke to the Garyole and the two walked up the small passageway and entered the office.
"Now, see here, Dumbledore. We really believe this is for the best of the students. I am certain that the Governors will agree with it." Harry could make out Cornelius Fudge.
"I will repeat myself, Minister. This new decree is completely unnecessary and even the Governors will not support you in it." Dumbledore replied. Then, he spotted McGonagall and Harry.
"Minerva, Harry, thank you for joining us."
"What is he doing here?" Umbridge spat. "He has no business being here right now. I want him removed before we further discuss the topic."
"That would be unwise, don't you think so, Dolores? Especially since Harry is the main subject of your latest Decree?" Dumbledore replied with a twinkle.
"Albus, what is going on here?" McGonagall frowned.
"I am sorry for interrupting your private tutoring, Minerva, but I really needed yo..."
"What do you mean private tutoring?" Umbridge inquired: "How come I was not told of this? What are you teaching the boy?"
"I am right here, ma'am. And you may address me as Mr. Potter." Harry interfered: "After all, traditions like those formalities, how did you call it? "Ought to be preserved", should they not?"
Umbridge and Fudge seemed about ready to fume when McGonagall quickly stepped in: "The contents of my tutoring lessons are none of your concern. You gained permission to inspect my regular lessons, Dolores... Not anything outside of that curriculum."
"Perhaps we shall return to the original cause of this meeting then..." Dumbledore spoke up: "Cornelius and Dolores just handed me the draft to a new Educational Decree, which would make Defense against the Dark Arts compulsory for all fifth-year students."
Harry chuckled while McGonagall glared from Fudge to Umbridge: "That is ridiculous... The class is already part of the curriculum for any students from the years one to five."
She cast a side glance at Harry: "The only thing you would gain from this, is having Mr. Potter returned to your class. Something he was free to drop after he completed his OWLs."
"He should have never been allowed to take those exams early!" Fudge fumed: "And since the Headmaster has been too lenient with Potter's behavior, we would like to keep a closer eye on him."
"As I explained before to you secretary... You have no jurisdiction over the Department of Education, which deals with OWL and NEWT regulations." McGonagall retorted.
Fudge ignored her: "Well, since Potter is here already, this will make things easier." He turned towards him: "Where have you been the night from September 9th to 10th?"
"I don't see how that's any of your concern?" Harry replied neutrally: "Besides, you neither look like Madam Bones, nor any of her Aurors... Interrogating me without prior notification or my consent?" Harry chuckled: "Are we back to bending laws whichever way we like?"
"I am the Minister of Magic, boy. How dare?!"
"Are you here on behalf of Madam Bones, then?" Harry grinned.
"We know you are behind these murders, Potter, and we will get you for it!" Fudge spat.
"Baseless accusation... but feel free to drag me back into some courtroom. Perhaps this time you will have the balls to allow Veritaserum to be used?"
Harry smirked: "But then again... Who knows what I might be talking about? Do you think you will still be able to control Rita Skeeter after I slip her information about the current Minister of Magic accepting bribes from active Death Eaters?"
"That is enough, Harry" Dumbledore spoke up: "As far as I can see, the matter is settled, Cornelius. Feel free to propose your draft to the Board of Governors. If they vote for it, Harry here will be returning to Dolores' class. Otherwise, things will remain as they are."
After another ten minutes of arguing, Fudge and Umbridge finally left the office. Both felt confident, that the board would immediately accept their proposal.
"Minerva, if you could give me a few minutes with Harry?" Dumbledore asked the headmistress.
The woman nodded: "Same time next week, Mr. Potter. Once again, well done on your progress." Then, she left the office.
Harry took a seat in front of Dumbledore's desk and waiting, as the headmaster regarded him over his half-moon glasses: "I take it your Animagus training is going well, then?"
"Indeed, sir." Harry nodded: "Soon I will make a full transformation."
"Well done, Harry." Dumbledore smiled kindly. Then, he grew serious again: "Harry, I was wondering if there was any truth to Minister Fudge's accusation against you?"
Harry laughed: "Well, of course, there is, Headmaster."
"Is there? Would you mind elaborating?"
"Sir, you already know that the disappearance of five "prestigious members of pureblood society" back in June was my work."
"Very well, Harry. You are right of course. Let me rephrase my question, then. Do you know anything about the two latest cases? I am talking about Mr. Crabbe and Mr. Avery, of course."
"I can assure you, I am not involved in them, sir." Harry replied neutrally: "I mean, I was not exactly heartbroken when I read about them, but I think that's understandable given my recent encounters with either..."
"Do you mind me asking where you have been during both occasions?" Dumbledore inquired curiously.
"You may, headmaster." Harry nodded: "As you remember, I learned about Crabbe's death the very next day, during my first Order Meeting. I have spent the day prior with my lovely girlfriend in France."
"You have an international Portkey, then?" Dumbledore chuckled.
"Fleur and I enjoy seeing each other regularly... I am sure you understand." Harry grinned.
"Very well, please continue. What about the night just mentioned by our Minister?"
"Sir... I was with you that night... Remember?" Harry asked tentatively.
Dumbledore looked at him for almost another minute: "Very well, Harry. Now, I know this mysterious person must look like an ally to you. In a way, he is. However, killing those men will not do us a favor in the long run..."
Harry decided that there was no point in arguing: "I understand, headmaster."
"I am glad you do. Now, as your lesson with Minerva was interrupted, what do you think about continuing with me where we left of last time?"
"I'd love to, sir," Harry replied earnestly. The last session with Dumbledore had been incredibly interesting. The headmaster had demonstrated highly advanced animations, one of the most complex branches of transfigurations.
"Well, as you remember, last time, you have demonstrated the animation you had used to obtain your owls." The headmaster smiled: "I was really impressed. It would have most likely granted you a NEWT in transfiguration, already. However, do you remember the biggest difference between your and my animation?"
Harry went back to the last session. The headmaster and he had stepped out of the office and Dumbledore had animated two suits of armor to duel each other with their swords.
He frowned while letting the scene replay in his mind: "You somehow animated the suits to have a sort of consciousness, a mind of their own... My model of the Beauxbaton carriage and the horses followed the path set for them. They did not think for themselves."
"However, your suits possessed some artificial intelligence... They analyzed the patterns of attack of another, reacted depending on the situation, and even initiated surprise attacks on their own."
"Brilliantly observed, Harry. Indeed, one could almost say that my animations had a mind of their own. They were conscious of their surroundings and able to adapt to changes in their environment." Dumbledore smiled.
"And how do you perform such magic?" Harry asked with a frown: "I wouldn't believe something as simple as a single incantation could create such a feat."
"Indeed, there is no incantation for that. The animation simply obeys your intent." The headmaster explained patiently: "It is a hefty feat of magic, right after the beginning. The more magic you push into the spell, the longer your animation will stay alive and the stronger their own consciousness."
"How much magic is required to keep them alive? Do they feed on your own magic and slowly drain you?" Harry asked curiously.
"That is the beautiful part about animation, Harry. Once they are cast, they will act independently by themselves, following their creator's intent. They do not require a constant supply of magic from their caster."
"So, they do not act like my special defense against the Dementors and they behave very similar to Inferi, instead?" Harry mused.
Dumbledore frowned ever so slightly as Harry mentioned this dark branch of magic: "Have you encountered Inferi, Harry?"
"No, headmaster... I simply read about them in the restricted sections... After all, I am a Prefect, now." Harry grinned.
"As if something like those rules would have ever stopped you from acquiring knowledge, which you might still be a bit too young for..."
Dumbledore shook his head and chuckled: "But indeed advanced animations share more similarities to Inferi compared to your... unique defense against Dementors... What do you call it by the way? I was always interested in it..."
"My Thestral? "Harry grinned: "I just call it my Inimicus..."
"Well, the name certainly fits from what I have seen so far... It's an extraordinary piece of magic, but unlike your brilliant Dragonfly-spell, I do not think you have invented it yourself... After all, you were barely thirteen when you first cast it."
"You are correct, headmaster." Harry smiled.
"Well, how about the following, Harry?" Dumbledore suggested: "Your Dragonfly-spell, from what I have seen, is incredible on its own already. But perhaps, you already have an idea how advanced animations could be incorporated in it, to increase its efficiency even further?"
Harry frowned and thought for a few seconds... What could be improved even more? Then, he had an idea.
"We could animate the individual dragonflies in a way that they recognize a spell coming at them within the split second they have been conjured. Next, they will actively move towards the spell, sacrificing themselves for me... That way I could diminish the chance of an Unforgivable somehow breaking through a tiny gap within my shield."
Dumbledore beamed brightly at him, his blue eyes twinkling madly: "Very well done, Harry. That could be an interesting project, don't you think?"
Harry nodded: He did not doubt that he needed the headmaster's help for this kind of advanced magic: "I will need a few days to gather my notes on the spell. But I should have them ready for our next meeting."
"Excellent, how about we practice a bit until then?" Dumbledore chuckled as he rose from his chair: "I always wanted to animate that gargoyle guarding my office."
September 15th, 1995
Only two days later, Harry groaned as he noticed a new Educational Decree hanging from the BlackBoard in the Great Hall.
"All students of year five and lower are required to take Defense against the Dark Arts as a core subject. Only students who have completed their OWL in the subject AND have visited classes at Hogwarts for longer than five years are exempt from this rule."
"The following is in accordance with Educational Decree 24"
The new decree was laughed upon by almost all students. Soon, however, everyone in the castle figured out that it pretty much only applied to one student: Harry Potter.
Whereas Draco Malfoy and his gang, and a few upper years from various houses found it immensely funny that Harry was targeted by the ministry, most students agreed that it was simply ridiculous.
Harry himself, was already working on a way to fight back. Umbridge was taking valuable time off of him. Time, he could use to progress in his private studies, prepare his next attack, or work on some of his other mysteries and projects.
Her credibility had already dropped, after the various ridiculous decrees, which she had posted so far, but perhaps Harry could help out even more. What he needed were files... Files with information on Dolores Umbridge, which would hopefully ruin her reputation as a teacher. But for those files, he needed to get either into her office or into the ministry.
Harry decided to check her office first:
"Dooby!"
"Harry Potter, sir, has called Dobby."
"Dobby, you are currently my elf, but the Hogwarts elves and wards still recognize you as an elf of the castle, too. Is that correct?"
The small elf nodded: "Headmaster Dumbles has granted Dobby permissions and the same rights as any other Hogwarts elf, sir."
"What does that actually mean, Dobby?" Harry asked curiously: "You are allowed in the common rooms and dorms of the students, correct?"
"Yes, Harry Potter, sir."
"What about the offices of the professors?"
"House-elves are able to enter, sir, but they are told to only do so after being allowed inside by the professors."
"So, you can apparate inside an office?"
"Yes, sir, but some professors, like the greasy bat, have but up special wards... Dobby cannot pass them."
Harry chuckled at Dobby's description of Snape: "That's fine, Dobby. It is not Snape's office that I wish to enter."
Harry checked the map. Umbridge was currently still at the staff table for dinner in the Great Hall. It was 6:30 pm and she usually remained down there until 7:00 pm. Was half an hour enough to search her office?
"Listen carefully, Dobby. I need you to apparate me into Umbridge's office and remain as a lookout outside in the corridor. As soon as she approaches, you will apparate back inside and get me out of there, understood?"
"Dobby understands, sir. Harry Potter will break into the office of the pink toad."
"Exactly, Dobby." Harry grinned: "Now, just to be on the safe side, I will also take my Cloak with me."
He pulled out the cloak and covered himself from head to toe: "Alright, take me there, now."
The elf held out his hand and Harry grabbed it. A second later, he stood in the Defense against the Dark Arts Professor's office. Dobby popped back out and Harry cast a look around.
There were several vases full of dried flowers, each residing on its own doily, and on the walls was a collection of ornament plates, each decorated with a large technicolor kitten wearing a different bow around its neck.
Harry cringed at the sight before quickly moving over to the large desk that stood at one side of the office. He tentatively grabbed the first drawer and pulled the handle. To his surprise, it opened without the need for any locking spells. However, this one only held notes and references to her classes.
The next drawer was full of files with notes on the students. Harry resisted the urge to look up his own files... He could imagine what kind of comments Umbridge might be writing about him.
The last drawer was locked... By using a simple unlocking charm in a school of magic, he did not run any risk of leaving a trace. However, n Alohomora did not work.
Luckily, a slightly stronger unlocking charm, which he had learned from Sirius, did the job just fine. Harry could imagine that it had been dead useful during his days as a marauder.
Inside the last drawer was personal correspondence with various people, important-looking documents, and drafts. All the way at the bottom of the drawer was also a file, labeled personal documents. Harry quickly pulled out the file and placed it on the desk. He started skimming through it.
The first documents were all about her latest promotion and job at the ministry. Harry decided to just skip all the way to the first few pieces of parchment and start from down there.
Finally, he found a very familiar-looking OWLs letter, signed by the department of education. He cringed at the grades he saw, but his work was not done yet. A few documents further, he found a NEWTs letter as well. He was about to look for any further important documents when Dobby popped back in.
He had no time to even cast a simple duplication charm on the documents. Instead, he grabbed both letters, just as Dobby's hand connected with his and vanished from the office...
The drawers were still open... The file was spread across her desk, and it would only take her a minute to figure out which documents were missing... But Harry did not care... The mission was a huge success.