PART 2
Ch. 18- High Inquisitor
I DO NOT OWN THE RIGHTS TO HARRY POTTER
The Gryffindor common room was empty, all except Hermione. The fire, which had not been properly added to was dying in the corner. It was late, and she had just finished her reading. Sleep evaded her as she paced furiously back and forth, her wand in the air practicing her motions. She groaned to herself. Hermione stopped pacing and looked down at her planner. The ministry of magic was not supposed to interfere at Hogwarts. Professor Umbridge was not supposed to give her an inadequate school year. She needed to learn now more than ever, how to protect herself. You-know-who and his band of followers would not care that she was not taught to protect herself, they would kill her just for being muggle born. Hermione groaned again, extremely frustrated. She pulled down another flyer George and Fred had put up for their business. She sat down and held on tightly to her necklace. Hermione scribbled in the planner. She had been toying with the idea to teach herself defensive spells, but she knew she would not be able to do so alone. She needed help. Harry for instance. Or perhaps an older student, tired of Umbridge as well. She knew who she would have asked for help last year. This was the sort of thing Draco excelled at. She knew how gifted he was, and he was bound to know much more about this then she did. She felt unprepared for the coming fight and was frustrated that with the Ministry. Just earlier that night, Percy had written Ron a letter and it had triggered something in her. She had always looked up to Percy and had always valued his opinion. Now he had turned his back on his family and broken poor Mrs. Weasley's heart. Hermione shook her head and tied her hair back. She should be sleeping, but still she was wide awake. Hermione grabbed her old Defense against the dark arts book, the one Professor Lupin had required and headed towards the window, to read in the moonlight. As she read, something caught her eye and her heart thudded loudly. Hagrid's hut! Something was moving along, close to Hagrid's hut. But to her dismay Hagrid's Hut was still dark. The cloaked figure retreated into the cover of the dark forest and disappeared. Hermione continued to stare, hoping to see who might be roaming the grounds at the late hour, but no one did. Finally, as the late hour progressed, Hermione decided to try and lie down.
In the morning, Hermione was tired. It had not been a good idea to go to sleep so late. She got ready at her usual time and beat both Harry and Ron down to the breakfast table. She was anxious to see what Percy had described in his letter. He had told Ron to look for the morning Prophet. She read as she waited. At this rate, she would finish with all her textbook, before the first month was completed. The morning post began to arrive, just as Ron and Harry joined her at the table. Hermione's mouth fell open as she read the paper over quickly.
"What is it?" Harry asked.
"It must be awful, look at her." Ron said. Hermione laid the paper down and the three of them came closer together.
"The Ministry has now passed Educational Decree Number Twenty-three, which creates the new position of Hogwarts High Inquisitor. This is an exciting new phase in the Minister's plan to get to grips with what some are calling the falling standards at Hogwarts. The Inquisitor will have powers to inspect her fellow educators and make sure that they are coming up to scratch. Professor Umbridge has been offered this position in addition to her own teaching post and we are delighted to say that she has accepted." Hermione read quickly through as Ron looked over her shoulder at Percy standing close by the Minister of Magic, as he reads the announcement. Hermione's anger flooded through her. She could not meet Harry's gaze as Professor Umbridge walked up towards the staff table in a haughty manor. A slight playful smile across her face. Harry clenched his fist as she passed him.
"Let's go." Ron suggested and the three of them stand up and head out of the great hall. The three of them stop just outside the doors as they spot the tall Kingsley Shakelbolt. Hermione's eyes move from Kingsley to the girl walking beside him. The girl was dressed in dark colored robes, her soft pink dress peeking through. Her hair was long and dark and tied with a lace bow at the nape of her neck and placed over her shoulder. She did not smile as she walked beside Kingsley, but her eyes looked around at everything. When she saw them standing there, she gave them a long look, before offering a polite smile. Harry took a step towards them, but Kingsley speaks and stops Harry in his tracks.
"I believe that the Headmaster and Professor Umbridge are still at breakfast, but we can meet them outside the headmaster's office." Kingsley said in a deep voice.
"Thank you, Mr. Shakelbolt. You were very kind to escort me." She said so politely and sweet. Harry, Ron, and Hermione just stared at her. As they walked past the doors to the great hall. "I wonder if you would mind if I just peer inside quickly?" She asked. "My mother told me about the enchanted ceilings." She smiled and Kingsley smiled and stopped. As she peered into the door, Harry shot Kingsley a look and he shook his head. "Amazing. Thank you." She said and they turned to head for the stairs.
"Who is that?" Harry asked.
"She looks familiar." Hermione said, but she just looked after the girl.
"Here comes trouble." Ron muttered just as Draco appeared, running past them towards the girl.
"Rose!" He called out and she turned abruptly and smiled widely. When he reaches her, he hugs her tightly and Hermione's hand wraps around her necklace. "What are you doing here?" The girl looks up at Kingsley.
"I don't think I have time to explain right now. But I promise I will find you when I can, alright?" She said sweetly and Ron rolled his eyes. Draco nodded, noticing for the first time, Kingsley figure beside her.
"Alright." He told her and watched as she continued up the stairs. Draco turned away from them and noticed Hermione, Ron, and Harry.
"Who's your friend, Malfoy?" Harry asked and Draco smirked at Harry.
"I don't think she's your type, Potter." He joked and tried to walk past them.
"Not likely given she's friends with you." Harry told him. Draco continued to walk away.
"You know what Harry? I reckon that's the girl everyone was going on about on the train. The Avery girl." Ron told him and Draco stopped.
"Why was everyone going on about her?" Harry asked, unaware that Draco was still there.
"You know what?" Draco said. "Why don't you just mind your business and leave her alone? Everyone just needs to stop running their mouth about her. They don't know anything."
"Touchy." Ron laughed, but Harry stared at him.
"Just leave her alone." He said and walked away from them in a huff. Hermione stared after him.
"I wonder why he's so defensive." Harry asked the others, Hermione shrugged.
"I don't know, but I wonder what she's doing here." She asked them. The three of them continued up the stairs towards their first classes.
Draco waited after every class, roaming the halls. He could not spot Rose anywhere and by the end of the day, he grew very nervous. As supper commenced and the food arrived, Draco sat beside Pansy who was deep in conversation with the other girls.
"Draco will know." She muttered as he sat. "Draco, do you know why your summer friend is here?" His eyes glanced around the room, until he spotted Rose, walking down the aisle with Professor Umbridge.
"Mr. Malfoy." Umbridge's sweet voice said from the other side of the table. "Will you see to it, that Ms. Avery has a proper seat at the Slytherin table for supper?" Draco stood up.
"Of course, Professor." He said and waited for Rose to come around the other side of the table. Pansy had slid down further to allow room for her. Everyone's eyes were transfixed on her. Her cheeks were flushed pink. As she sat down, Draco gave her a relieved smile and she laughed.
"Stop it. Do you know that everyone has been looking at me all day long?" She whispered to him.
"That's because you're the most interesting news since Potter losing his marbles this summer." Pansy said from her other side. Rose looked at her and waited for an elaboration, but none came. "Pansy Parkinson." Pansy held out her hand and Rose took it.
"Primrose Avery." She spoke.
"So, tell me. What are you doing here?" Draco called her attention back to him.
"I've got a sort of Internship with Professor Umbridge. I'll be sort of like her assistant during her inspections. The minister of Magic himself appointed me." She told him and Pansy listened in.
"So, you'll be here through out the school year? Brilliant." Draco told her.
"I'll have a lot of work to do, but if everything goes accordingly, I'll be able to take my OWL's when you do." She said and Pansy scoffed.
"I thought you've never been to school. How is it possible that they are letting you start so late?" Pansy asked. Rose turned, while Draco rolled his eyes at her.
"Perhaps they are aware of who my family is and what we are all capable of." Rose smiled, but it was threatening, and Pansy's eyes narrowed. "Regardless, my uncle is expecting Outstanding across the board." She said turning back towards to Draco who laughed. They spent the better part of the supper hour, speaking about mundane things. Slowly people stopped gawking at her. When Professor Umbridge was finished with her meal, she came over to their table once more.
"Did you have a pleasant meal?" She asked. And Rose stood up and smiled. She was back up to playing a role.
"It was very Pleasant. Thank you, Ma'am." She told her.
"Wonderful. You are to report to me straight after breakfast tomorrow in my classroom." She smiled. Rose nodded.
"Yes, Professor."
"When you are finished, Professor McGonagall will show you to your quarters." Rose nodded again politely. "Have a good night dear." She said sweetly.
"Thank you. You as well." Rose waited until she was gone and sat back down. "This is going to be great." Rose whispered.
"I'm glad you are here." Draco told her and Pansy stood up and left with her band of followers. Zabini slid down closer to Rose's other side and Crabbe and Goyle did the same across from Draco.
"So, are you two an item?" Zabini asked and Draco rolled his eyes again. Rose laughed.
"Why? Were you hoping to take me out?" She asked him.
"Well since you offered." Zabini laughed and Draco shook his head.
"Unfortunately for you, it wasn't an offer and I believe Professor McGonagall is waiting for me." She stood up again. "Will you walk me?" She asked Draco, who laughed at Zabini's face.
"Let's go." Draco walked close beside Rose, laughing as he did so freely when he was around her. Professor McGonagall was waiting for them.
"Ms. Avery." She spoke. "Welcome to Hogwarts." She said and Rose was back in character.
"Thank you, Professor."
"Mr. Malfoy, will you be joining us?" She asked curiously.
"I've asked him to walk me if that's alright Professor. I spent part of my summer with his family, and we were catching up."
"I suppose he may." Draco smiled.
"Thank you, Professor." The three of them walked out into the hall and up the stairs. They were heading towards the seventh floor.
"Professor Umbridge was very clear that she did not want you in any of the house's dormitories." She said bitterly. "So, Professor Dumbledore arranged for this room to be made for your accommodations." She led them down the seventh-floor corridor.
"Thank you."
"I hope you understand that the same rules will apply to you none the less. We do not allow for students or in your case Ministry assistants to wander the halls at night."
"I understand Professor."
"And that no boys are allowed in your sleeping quarters either. Do I make myself clear?" The question was not meant for Rose. It was to Draco.
"Crystal Clear professor." Draco said.
"If you are anything like your mother, I expect that you will have no problems adhering to the rules."
"You remember my mother?" Rose asked, forgetting her polite act, and seeming genuinely interested.
"Very well. She was bright and kind and an absolute delight to have in my classroom. You look very much like her." Rose's genuine smile shone through.
"You're very kind." She told her.
"Well, you have thirty minutes until the students need to be in their houses. And then I expect you to be in your room Mr. Malfoy."
"Yes professor." Draco said.
"Good night professor." Rose called out.
"Goodnight dear." McGonagall spoke. Draco waited until her footsteps retreated.
"Should we go inside?" Draco asked.
"We'd better not. I don't know who may see and If I want to stay here, I have to be useful." She spoke. "Tell me what you found." She asked him, looking around to be sure, no one had heard her.
"I unlocked the book." He said excitedly.
"It was a riddle. The answering being 'My heart'." He told her and she smiled.
"From the story. Of course. How could I have forgotten it?" She spoke. "Do you have it with you?" Draco now looked around and slid from his robes the book, he had invested so much of his time in.
"Here." She smiled at him. Together they opened the book and rose said the words to open it. Her eyes flooded with tears when she saw the words appeared.
"You've done it. I can't believe it. Draco you are brilliant." She spoke. "Thank you." She looked at the words and read slowly sentence after sentence. Her eyes filled with more tears.
"Are you alright?" He asked her.
"It's just a lot. Here I hold love letters between my parents. I was starting to believe I would not find him." She said and he shook his head. "Do you mind if I read it for myself and we can speak about it tomorrow?" She asked.
"Of course." Draco wiped the tears from her eyes. "Get some rest and I'll meet you here before breakfast." He told her. Rose smiled and hugged him again.
"Thank you, Draco." She said and opened the door. Draco listened as it locked behind her and walked away and towards the stairs.
"What are you doing here?" Ron's voice carried from the opposite direction.
"What's it to you Weaselby?" He asked him, but then he spotted Hermione close by.
"Your common room is no where near here. Why don't you just slither on down to where you belong?" Draco hesitated for a moment. Draco clenched his fist and took a quick breath.
"You're right Weasley. I'm off." He turned away from them and then stopped at the last moment. "Goodnight Hermione." He said and Hermione stared at him, her cheeks flushed. He smiled and left. It was petty but Draco felt better. The look on Ron's face was enough to shut him up for good.
The following morning as Draco climbed up the stairs towards Rose's new sleeping quarters, he caught sight of her with Professor Dumbledore. As he came close enough to ear shot.
"I'm afraid I don't understand Professor." Rose told him. When Dumbledore spotted Draco, he cleared his throat and smiled.
"Mr. Malfoy, I see you're up with the sun this morning." He mentioned and Draco nodded. Dumbledore had never actually been particularly fond of Draco. He seemed different today, almost excited to see him. "Ms. Avery, we shall continue our conversation in due time. Until then, enjoy Hogwarts. This castle has far more to offer, then just classrooms." He said and took his leave. Rose did not speak, as he walked away, but cleared her throat and became stiff again.
"Did I interrupt something?" Draco asked. She shook her head, as they walked towards the great hall.
"He was telling me about my mother. Apparently, she kept up with him over the years. He knew more about me, then I thought possible." She said and Draco looked at her confused.
"That always seems to be the case with Dumbledore." He said to her. "How did you sleep?" He asked her, as people stared at her. She wore simple black robes and a gold color sink ribbon in her hair.
"I didn't sleep much. I was reading until very late." She told him and he looked interested. "The book is not what I expected. Did you notice that it begins when they were rather young?" She told him, but Draco shrugged.
"How do you know? It doesn't have any dates written in." He tells her.
"There's one passage about my mother breaking her arm, falling from a broom. She told me that story as well. It's why I wasn't allowed to have one. It happened when she was only thirteen." She said and Draco nodded along.
"So, they knew each other well since they began at Hogwarts?" Draco offered.
"I think longer. The one about the creature in the forest happened before coming to Hogwarts." Draco looked confused again. He hadn't gotten that far into the book.
"I didn't see anything about the creature."
"I've spent most of the night reading it. It probably didn't fascinate you, like it would me." She told him.
"On the contrary. It felt like an intrusion on their private thoughts." He told them.
"I am curious about your head of house." She told him. "He's mentioned in the book."
"He is?" Draco asked.
"Apparently, they were quite close, he and my mother. In the same year, in the same advanced classes. I'm curious if he was privy to who she would be spending time with all those years." She spoke. They walked into the great hall and Professor Snape was leaned in close to Professor McGonagall. Not many people had arrived at breakfast yet and they looked up as they entered.
"Perhaps we should find out." Draco added, his eyes still looking up at Professor Snape.