Monday was the worst day of the week. First up, Dudley had Muggle Studies, which was boring, but since Dudley was muggleborn, he found the class easy. None of his other Gryffindor friends took the class. Hermione used to, but she dropped out after her third year, so Dudley usually ended up sitting with Susan Bones and Hannah Abbot.
Sure enough, the two Hufflepuff girls were waiting outside. To Dudley's annoyance, they were talking to Ernie Macmillan and Justin Finch-Fletchley, neither of whom Dudley liked.
"Hi Susan, Hannah," Dudley greeted.
"Hi, Dud," Susan smiled at him. "I heard you made the quidditch team. Nice one."
"Cheers," Dudley said.
"Hello, Dursley," Ernie said.
Dudley merely nodded and Ernie looked uncomfortable.
"Listen, erm, Dursley, we've never got along much but, we fought together against the Death Eaters and Dementors, didn't we?"
That was a stretch, Dudley thought. Ernie hadn't contributed much, but still, he had at least shown willingness to fight, if not the ability.
"Yeah," Dudley smiled slightly.
"Well, I rather thought we'd let bygones be bygones—start a fresh. We've both done some pretty rotten stuff to each other. Why not put it in the past? What do you Dursley—Dudley?" He offered his fat hand.
Dudley hesitated a moment, then, noticing Susan give a nod. Shook Ernie's hand, then shook Justin Finch-Fletchley.
"That Tonks is looking like a good replacement for Moody," Ernie said approvingly. "I can tell healing spells are going to be a lot of good. And we definitely need to know how to fight." he said as they trooped inside.
"Right class," Professor Burbage said, without preamble. "We're going to be studying muggle medicine today. Similar to potions in many ways—similar, but greatly different as you'll soon learn."
Dudley sighed, they were studying something that he knew nothing about, which meant he would have to actually pay attention since he didn't have Hermione to copy from. Why couldn't they do muggle sports again? That had been easy.
"Are you still friends with Minister Lockhart?" Susan whispered.
"Yeah—well, I haven't much from him this year, I expect he's busy as Minister."
"Auntie Amelia was disappointed she didn't win," said Susan. "She had a lot of ideas to guide the Ministry. Still, she's glad that Lockhart's kept some of her policies. She thinks defence is the best course of action."
Dudley disagreed, the Ministry needed to go on the attack. The best way to stop your enemy was to give him a good hard proverbial punch on the nose. "We need to attack though."
"Auntie Amelia says that's rash, let him make the first move, then we counter," said Susan.
"Yeah, but that just gives him the advantage. Strike first—strike hard," said Dudley. "I reckon Lockhart was right to launch that raid. A bunch of Death Eaters got locked up."
"Yes, well … if they are Death Eaters," Susan said. "Auntie Amelia said they're probably not."
Dudley was getting annoyed at hearing the words 'Auntie Amelia'. "You don't know the Malfoys like I do. The whole family is up to their noses in the dark arts."
"Yes, but Auntie Amelia says just because somebody likes dark magic, that doesn't make them a Death Eater," said Susan.
Dudley gave a sigh and filled in his work, tiring of the talk and especially tiring about hearing about Auntie Amelia.
They all had a free period together next, accept for Hermione, who had Ancient Runes.
"I love not working when she is," Ron smugly, working hard at choosing which flavor of Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Beans to try.
Fred and George were at the other end of the common room, taking advantage of Hermione's absence to trial their Feinting Fancies on some first years who passed out, dropped to the floor and were then rejuvenated by Fred.
Ron was pointedly ignoring them. Dudley felt glad that their products seemed to be working. He was an investor in Weasley's Wizarding Wheezes after all.
Angelina was in the common room too, sat with Katie and Alicia going over quidditch tactics. Alicia, Dudley noticed, was acting very frosty towards Angelina and Angelina was clearly looking irritated at her friend's attitude.
She noticed Dudley looking and smiled. "First practice tomorrow, Dudley—Ron, make sure Ginny knows. I want to get a head start on the other teams."
"Not exactly a head start, Cho's having her first practice today," Ron said, sounding disappointed.
Dean noticed. "Missing your kissing?" he said with a smirk.
"Yeah," Ron admitted. "Maybe she'll finish early. How about you? Asked out Romilda yet?"
"Not yet," said Dean. "I haven't seen her around much. I think I'm going to ask her for a game of wizard's chess—I heard she plays."
"You're awful at wizard's chess," Dudley pointed out. "Even I beat you."
"Yeah, but at least she'll be in a good mood when she wins," replied Dean. "Then I can ask her to Hogsmeade when she's all chirpy."
"Smooth," said Ron. He popped an Every-Flavor bean in his mouth and spat it out. "Yuck—corned beef. I thought it would be cherry.''
Dudley grabbed one himself and got milk.
After lunch, they had Transfiguration, which along with potions was one of the hardest subjects in the curriculum. This year seemed like it would be just as tricky as usual.
"So... today we are starting Vanishing Spells. These are easier than Conjuring Spells, which you would not usually attempt until N.E.W.T. level, but they are still among the most difficult magic you will be tested on in your O.W.L." McGonagall said, after greeting the class.
Dudley wasn't very good at Transfiguration. He barely managed to pass each year by the skin of his teeth, and that was usually because of Hermione's help. Sure enough, by the end of the class, his snail was only paler, whereas Hermione only had a tiny bit of shell visible. It came as no surprise when he was given extra homework.
"When am I going to have time to get this done?" he muttered as they trooped down to History of Magic.
"Tonight?" said Dean.
"I can't, I've got my extra class with Snape," replied Dudley.
"Oh yeah—I forgot about that. I wonder what he's going to teach you?" said Dean.
Dudley looked around to make sure nobody was nearby. "Well, Dumbledore said it was going to be about the Death Eaters and how they operate and work."
"I expect Dumbledore thinks if you know how they work, you'll have a better chance of surviving when they come for you," said Dean.
"Wouldn't a good curse do more good?" said Ron.
"Nah, knowing your enemy is important—what kind of spells to use or what they're weak against or what they might be plotting," said Dean. "It's a good idea. I wish I could go too."
"Yeah, why is it just you?" said Ron.
"Prophecy," said Dudley with a shrug. "Dumbledore reckons Voldemort thinks it's all about me doesn't he. I expect I'm one of his main targets." He wasn't hugely worried—he trusted the castle was well protected this year and, besides, he had survived Voldemort and his Death Eaters before.
History of Magic, as always, was boring. Dudley didn't even attempt to listen as Binns droned on and on about the Medieval Assembly of European Wizards. He doubted any of that would be useful in the future. He instead made a start on his extra transfiguration assignment while Hermione kept glaring at him.
"You should at least try," she said, frostily when they left. "You put zero effort in. How would you feel if I put zero effort in tutoring you?"
"It's not like I ever pass History of Magic anyway," Dudley.
"I mean in anything," Hermione said. "No charms, no potions, no transfiguration ..."
Dudley paled. "I'll try harder," he promised while Ron and Dean laughed.
At 6 o'clock, Dudley headed to the potions room. He knocked on the door.
"Enter," said Snape.
Dudley entered. Snape was sat behind his desk. "Sit," he said, gesturing to an empty chair.
Dudley did as he was told.
"You know why you are here, Dursley?" he said.
"Yeah, to learn about the Death Eaters and Voldemort ..."
"Don't say that name!" Snape said, fiercely. "You may think it's big and clever to speak the Dark Lod's name out loud, but it isn't. Don't say it in my presence, understood?"
"Yes," said Dudley, glaring at Snape. Coward-fancy been afraid of a name?
"This is still a class, Dursley, and I am still your teacher. You will call me sir or professor, understood?"
"Yes, professor," said Dudley.
"We are going to start with the history of the Death Eaters," said Snape. "I have spoken with Professor Binns ..." he put a very slight emphasis on the word 'professor' as if he didn't care much about Binns and his teaching.
"Despite thinking your name is Diddikins ..." Snape trailed off and smirked slightly. "He says your are an attentive student."
Some of Dudley's surprise must have shown on his face because Snape smirked again.
"Of course, Professor Binns is barely aware of anything that goes on in his class. I doubt he even knows who you are. So, I checked your past history exams ..."
Dudley knew what was coming.
'First year-fail. Second year-fail. Third year-fail." said Snape. "Now, I don't care what you do in your other classes, but in my class-including this one, I expect your full attention. Understood?"
"Yes, professor," said Dudley hating Snape.
"I am giving up an hour of my own free time for this. I expect to see you paying your upmost attention and putting as much effort into learning what I have to tell you as I am in teaching you. Understood?"
"Yes, professor."
"Good," said Snape, and gave a small nod. "Tell me, Dursley-what do you know about the Death Eaters so far?"
"They're Vol ... You-Know-Who's followers," said Dudley. "They carry out his orders-killing and torture. They erm, they hate muggleborns and muggles. Practice dark spells ..."
"In short, the mere basics," said Snape. He sighed. "A first year could have told me as much."
Dudley glared at him. It wasn't like Death Eaters was a subject at school.
"The Death Eaters aren't the Dark Lord's only followers. They are his most ardent supporters-the ones allowed to wear his robes and receive the Dark Mark. And, of course, their are ranks even within the Death Eaters ..." he trailed off and let the silence hang for a few seconds. "But we are getting ahead of ourselves."
"The origins of the Death Eaters began when the Dark Lord was at school-you know his true name?"
"Tom Riddle," said Dudley.
"Yes. Riddle. He was at Hogwarts before my time, so I can't offer a firsthand look at his goings on during that time. Riddle was a bright student, handsome and charming. He was popular with both his peers and his professors. He had a certain ... knack ... for getting what he wanted on charm alone. People trusted Riddle."
"How do you know, this Professor?" asked Dudley.
Snape looked irritated at the interruption, but evidently decided the question was a worthwhile one. "Professor Dumbledore was his transfiguration teacher. He remembers Riddle well. While at Hogwarts he gathered a gang of fellow Slytherin students-the weak seeking protection, the ambitious seeking glory and the thuggish seeking new ways of cruelty towards others. Many nasty incidents happened at Hogwarts during this time, though Riddle was smart enough so that none were linked to this group." said Snape.
"Many of this group went on to become the first Death Eaters. Some remained mere supporters. Some of these names may be familiar to you. Cantankerous Nott ..."
"Lockhart had him arrested!" Dudley said, quickly.
"I asked you to call me, professor," Snape said dangerously.
"Sorry, professor," said Dudley.
"I see you have paid some attention. Yes, Cantankerous Nott was part of Tom Riddle's gang. He became a Death Eater, but has been inactive because of his age and failing health. His son, Abaddon Nott, and of course, your associate, Theodore Nott, are also Death Eaters."
"The group also featured Julian Avery I, Jedediah Mulciber-he died, his son, Maximillian is a current Death Eater, as is his son, Magnus-a trio of Death Eaters. Reuben Lestrange ... you may recognise that name?"
"Yes, Professor-some Lestranges escaped Azkaban. I don't recognise Reuden Lestrange."
"He died," Snape said, simply. "In the first War. Killed by Barty Crouch in a duel. His sons, Rodolphus and Rabastan are currently Death Eaters. Others in Tom Riddle's clan include Rosco Rosier-he was killed by Alastor Moody along with his son, Evan. Sixtus Snyde-he died in Azkaban along with his wife. Quentin Travers-he's still active."
"Many of the original lot are dead," Snape said. "Julian Avery I, Quentin Travers and Cantankerous Nott are the only surviving members ... and Cantankerous Nott is infirm. Of course, many had sons and daughters who carry on their fathers ... legacy. Julian Avery II, Abaddon and Theodore Nott, Rabastan and Rodolphus Lestrange, Maximillian Mulciber."
"How many Death Eaters does he have?" Dudley asked. "Professor," he added quickly.
"I suppose it is useful for you to know their names," said Professor Snape. "Very well-The Dark Lord is the leader, under him are his three most loyal followers-the Lestranges, Rabastan, Rodolphus and Bellatrix," said Snape. "They are not to be messed with. If you encounter any of them, do not even think about fighting."
Dudley gave a nod. He had heard all about that twisted family.
"Then there is Corban Yaxley-he is the Dark Lord's spy in the ministry. Antonin Dolohov-very dangerous. Throfinn Rowle-one of the Dark Lords top lieutenants. Dolohov and Rowle often work together. Walden Macnair-he is an expert in dark creatures. Quentin Travers-an old timer, very experienced. Percival Pyrites-probably the smartest of his Death Eaters, the Dark Lord uses him for research. Your old friend, Lucius Malfoy, of course. A few father and son pairs-Julian Avery I and Julian Avery II, Abaddon Nott and Theodore Nott, Maximillian Mulciber and Magnus Mulciber. There is a husband and wife pair, Ivan Lee and Rosemary Lee-both are as twisted as each other. A brother and sister paid-Alecto and Amycus Carrow, both idiots but powerful duelers. Then, there are some new recruits, Jeremy Gibbon and Kenny Jugson-Jugson graduated Hogwarts the year you joined, a Ravenclaw-one of the few non-Slytherins. Charles Pucey also graduated the year you joined Hogwarts, his son is still at school-I fear he will follow the same path. Then, there are a few behind bars-Crabbe , Goyle, Myles Selwyn and Augustus Rookwood."
Dudley thought on what Snape said. "There are a lot from the same family."
"Yes, the Dark Arts run deep in some families-the Blacks, the Notts, the Malfoys, the Mulcibers, the Lestranges-all have produced many dark witches and wizards. Of course, that's not always the case-Kenny Jugson comes from a very respectable family. As do the Carrow twins. The Selwyns are a mixed bag."
Dudley nodded. He was surprised but now the lesson had started in earnest, Snape was actually being ... dare he say it, decent. It was the first time he had addressed Dudley without sneering and was actually willing to answer questions.
"Let's continue," said Snape. "You recall where we were?"
"yeah, um ... Vol ... the Dark Lord, had a gang at school who became the original Death Eaters. Most are dead, except for, erm, Cantakerous Nott, Travers and ... and ... Avery I!"
Snape nodded slightly. "Before they became the Death Eaters, they were called the Knights of Walpurgis, after a notabed 15th century muggle hater," Snape said, dryly. "They later started calling themselves the Death Eaters. Initially, they were little more than a gang of thugs-but over the years they gravitated to becoming more of a cult. Masks, the Dark Mark, initiation ceremonies, rituals ... all worshipping the Dark Lord."
Snape explained more about the Death Eaters and their early activities, how they tended to follow Lord Voldemort on his travels across Europe. During this time, they didn't seem to show any inclination of taking over the wizarding world, but nasty incidents towards muggle and mudbloods occurred wherever they went.
"We don't fully know what they were doing during that time," said Snape. "I wasn't a member then. And those who were are dead or still Death Eaters, and of course, they won't give up their secrets. We do know he journeyed to Eastern Europe, possibly to pick up new recruits as Igor Karkaroff and Antonin Dolohov joined his ranks, along with a pair of brothers called Ruslan and Artem Zolotov. They both died, murdered on the Dark Lord's orders after trying to leave."
Snape looked at the clock. "We will stop there," he decided. "Our next class will be next Monday, at the same time. Do not be late, and do not tell anyone else ... except your friends, what we discussed." He stared at Dudley for a few seconds. "Only your closest friends. Be careful who you trust, Dursley."
Dudley returned to the common room, surprised. The lesson had been informative, and it was a little worrying how many members the Death Eaters had. He wished Snape was like that during potions. He had been entirely reasonable. Somehow, Dudley suspected that he would be back to his old self come potions-rude, sarcasting, bitter and cruel.
Albus Dumbledore
Dumbledore picked his words carefully. He needed Lockhart to fall in line with his plan, but he didn't want to give too much away. Lockhart could never know why he needed Umbridge's memories removed.
"I don't think Dolores Umbridge is a Detah Eater, Minister," said Dumbledore. "But I fear she is close to those who may pass on information."
Lockhart nodded. "I've long had my eye on here," he bragged. "Ever since the campaign to be Minister I thought, 'a-ha, Gilderoy! There's a woman who can't be trusted. Keep your friends close, your enemies closer and all that."
"Very wise, Minister," said Dumbledore. Flattery was the way to go with Gilderoy Lockhart, and it didn't even have to be subtle. "Many people trust Dolores Umbridge—like Fudge—but I always knew she wouldn't be able to pull the wool over your eyes!"
"Of course not," Lockhart said, indignantly.
"Well, I am sure you have come to same conclusion as I that having the locations of the many Death Eaters you have captured known to her would be risky," said Dumbledore.
"Well …" Lockhart began, but Dumbledore pressed on.
"…after all, it would undo all of your hard work if Lord Voldemort …"
Lockhart jumped, upending his glass of wine at the mention of the name.
"… Were to just free them again."
"It wouldn't, wouldn't it?" said Lockhart. "Quite a masterstroke putting the likes of Narcissa Malfoy and Cantankerous Nott behind bars."
"Not to mention Crabbe and Goyle—two of Lockhart's most feared lieutenants. Excellent work in apprehending them," said Dumbledore. In truth, that had been Moody and Figg's work, but he was OK with giving Lockhart the credit if it buttered him up.
"Most feared lieutenants, you say?" Lockhart said, raising his eyebrows and looking pleased. "It was rather a coup of mine, wasn't it."
"Quite," said Dumbledore.
"Well, yes—you raise an interesting point, Dumbledore. I've long suspected Dolores of being a risk, so it's good to have it confirmed … now, I believe I shall remove her from her post …"
"She will still have the memories of the location inside her," Dumbledore pointed out.
Lockhart didn't miss a beat. "… after I remove all knowledge of the containment facility from her mind, of course. I'm a dab hand at memory charms, you know?"
"Among other things," Dumbledore said, laying it on thick.
"It's why the Wizengamot selected me to lead the nation. You did well to bring this to my attention, Albus! I'm glad to see you're cooperating with the Ministry, and I hope we can continue to work each other. You scratch my back, I'll scratch yours … in fact, I already have scratched your back I think by finding you a very capable Defence Against the Dakr Arts professor," Lockhart said with a wink.
"Nymphadora is doing very well in her role," Dumbledore said. "Excellent pick, Minister. Now, about Dolores …"
"I'll see to it at my next meeting with her," Lockhart promised.
Dumbledore smiled. It was so easy to get Lockhart to do as asked. Flatter him and he'd do anything. Dolores had realized that by getting a number of her proposals pushed through. Thankfully, he had held firm at some of her more extreme measures. Still, Dolores Umbridge wouldn't be a problem anymore.
It was regrettable that she would likely die, but it was all for the greater good and of the choices, Dumbledore felt she would be better to sacrifice for the wizarding world than Madame Bones or Kingsley Shacklebolt.
Dumbledore picked his words carefully. He needed Lockhart to fall in line with his plan, but he didn't want to give too much away. Lockhart could never know why he needed Umbridge's memories removed.
"I don't think Dolores Umbridge is a Detah Eater, Minister," said Dumbledore. "But I fear she is close to those who may pass on information."
Lockhart nodded. "I've long had my eye on here," he bragged. "Ever since the campaign to be Minister I thought, 'a-ha, Gilderoy! There's a woman who can't be trusted. Keep your friends close, your enemies closer and all that."
"Very wise, Minister," said Dumbledore. Flattery was the way to go with Gilderoy Lockhart, and it didn't even have to be subtle. "Many people trust Dolores Umbridge—like Fudge—but I always knew she wouldn't be able to pull the wool over your eyes!"
"Of course not," Lockhart said, indignantly.
"Well, I am sure you have come to same conclusion as I that having the locations of the many Death Eaters you have captured known to her would be risky," said Dumbledore.
"Well …" Lockhart began, but Dumbledore pressed on.
"…after all, it would undo all of your hard work if Lord Voldemort …"
Lockhart jumped, upending his glass of wine at the mention of the name.
"… Were to just free them again."
"It wouldn't, wouldn't it?" said Lockhart. "Quite a masterstroke putting the likes of Narcissa Malfoy and Cantankerous Nott behind bars."
"Not to mention Crabbe and Goyle—two of Lockhart's most feared lieutenants. Excellent work in apprehending them," said Dumbledore. In truth, that had been Moody and Figg's work, but he was OK with giving Lockhart the credit if it buttered him up.
"Most feared lieutenants, you say?" Lockhart said, raising his eyebrows and looking pleased. "It was rather a coup of mine, wasn't it."
"Quite," said Dumbledore.
"Well, yes—you raise an interesting point, Dumbledore. I've long suspected Dolores of being a risk, so it's good to have it confirmed … now, I believe I shall remove her from her post …"
"She will still have the memories of the location inside her," Dumbledore pointed out.
Lockhart didn't miss a beat. "… after I remove all knowledge of the containment facility from her mind, of course. I'm a dab hand at memory charms, you know?"
"Among other things," Dumbledore said, laying it on thick.
"It's why the Wizengamot selected me to lead the nation. You did well to bring this to my attention, Albus! I'm glad to see you're cooperating with the Ministry, and I hope we can continue to work each other. You scratch my back, I'll scratch yours … in fact, I already have scratched your back I think by finding you a very capable Defence Against the Dakr Arts professor," Lockhart said with a wink.
"Nymphadora is doing very well in her role," Dumbledore said. "Excellent pick, Minister. Now, about Dolores …"
"I'll see to it at my next meeting with her," Lockhart promised.
Dumbledore smiled. It was so easy to get Lockhart to do as asked. Flatter him and he'd do anything. Dolores had realized that by getting a number of her proposals pushed through. Thankfully, he had held firm at some of her more extreme measures. Still, Dolores Umbridge wouldn't be a problem anymore.
It was regrettable that she would likely die, but it was all for the greater good and of the choices, Dumbledore felt she would be better to sacrifice for the wizarding world than Madame Bones or Kingsley Shacklebolt.