Previously on Defiance...
Daphne let out an elated sigh. "How will I find you?"
"Figure that yourself. You seem to be very... accomplished at that."
Daphne ignored the taunt.
"What?" Potter pressed.
"My wand, Potter."
"Huh?"
"My... wand."
"Oh." He handed her the wand, making sure that the tip was still towards her. Daphne slowly took the wand and sent it to the holster in her waist. For precautionary reasons, she cast an anti-summoning charm on it.
"I will see you tomorrow Potter."
Potter shrugged. Daphne turned to look at the corridor behind her and then-
Potter had disappeared again.
Damn.
"What do you think I should do, Sirius?"
Sirius Black considered the question. The Greengrass family, while not an open supporter of the dark lord, was one of those particular families that believed in the power of leverage. They put their resources on either side, making sure that they were not traumatized or harmed by either side. In the previous war, they had supplied donations to both the dark lord's forces as well as on the Light side. Completely neutral- that was exactly what they are.
"I can tell you what I think of it. The decision however, rests on your shoulders. You are the Lord Potter and Black, and this is your first test at choosing a possible alliance."
Harry nodded, staring into the mirror.
"I knew her father while in school. A sharp man with quick intellect, that one. He was a Ravenclaw and a year senior to me. If I understand it well, he is going to bid a deal with Malfoy too."
Harry scrunched his face in confusion.
"Consider this. The man has stayed neutral all his life. Now, he sees Voldemort on the rise again but for the sake of his neutrality, he is now deciding his moves. It is completely natural that he will try to test you out before trying to decide where he should invest on."
"So this help for DADA is-"
"A plausible excuse, but even then, it is not a lie. If you are a good DADA teacher for his daughter, it gives him surety that you can hold your ground in the war. Besides, as you told me, the Ministry hag isn't going to teach anyone anything. A free, quality DADA education plus a chance to feel out Harry Potter- where are the negatives?"
Nothing.
"So what you are saying is that a treaty of mutual aid and support is out of the question, since Greengrass is inherently neutral."
"Yes, and they view you as someone from the Light faction because the Potters have always stayed in the Light faction since several decades, just like the Black family has been predominantly dark since the birth of the Wizengamot."
"And Dumbledore leads the Light while Lucius Malfoy leads the dark?"
"Not quite." Sirius explained sagely. "The Dark faction is divided into several parts. Lucius is simply the most popular and the most predominantly active in the Wizengamot session. There are two other factions- one lead by Tiberius Nott and the other led by Atticus Selwyn."
"Death eaters?"
"Not quite. Tiberius Nott was a supporter. Quite high on Voldemort's list of benefactors but a supporter nevertheless. Mostly neutral but follower of the pureblood doctrine."
"And Selwyn?"
"The Selwyns have always believed in one thing. Support the winner and take advantage. As long as the dark lord held the ground, the Selwyns supported him. They are a family notorious for their underhanded dealings and hold the biggest underworld network of abduction, extortion and sale of dark artifacts. In a way, they are as dangerous as Voldemort, except that they always attack from the shadows."
"I thought everyone rallied under Voldemort's banner." Harry quipped.
Sirius shook his head. "Not so simple, godson. Everyone has agendas- some direct, and some hidden. If you were to observe it properly, most families prefer peace instead of war between our own. After all, we are all magical. Yet, why do you think the dark families supported the Dark Lord?"
Harry thought for a moment. "Because he was supporting the Pureblood cause?"
"Top marks." Sirius exclaimed. "The dark lord was championing their rights, and winning. It is natural for people to flock towards a winner. Like after Dumbledore defeated Grindelwald, everyone, Light, neutral or Dark—all flocked to him like sheep, because he was the winner. People get attracted to winners; simply because they are the ones who make things happen."
"For someone who has spent the last decade in Azkaban, you are fairly well informed." Harry returned.
Sirius smirked. "I was an Auror, plus the blood heir of Black. Grandfather made me study files of other families while growing up."
Harry felt nauseous at that.
"Perks of being Pureblood." Sirius grinned. "So tell me godson, snagged any birds yet?"
Daphne was walking with her friend Tracey Davis on the second-floor, coming from their latest Transfiguration class with the Gryffindors. Unlike Daphne, Tracey had a rather bubble personality, though the other girl knew it well that her bubble personality was simply an attempt at misdirection. The brunette was vicious, and highly protective of Daphne. There was after all, a reason why the Lord Greengrass treated a half-blood like Davis like a daughter.
"Did you notice how the know-it-all was behaving? I swear sometimes I feel like punching her face with my hook."
Daphne smirked. Trust Tracey to resort to brawnish activities over trifles. If not for her cunning mindset, she would have made a quintessential Gryffindor; such was her outward appearance and behavior.
"Say something, Daph."
"What do you expect me to say?"
Tracey grunted in indignation. "I swear I am going to curse her to oblivion and back someday. Tear her abdomen, expelling her intestines out and make her it eat all."
Daphne cringed. Tracey was too imaginative in such cases, and her imaginations tended to be full of gore, something not even close to her range of comforts. "Please Tracey; keep your horrible, gruesome imagination to yourself." She returned, her face seeming as if she had just tasted a bad egg.
Tracey huffed and changed the topic. "Fine. Tell me about your latest victim then."
Daphne drew her eyebrows high enough for them to get lost amidst her hair. "My victim?"
"Potter." Tracey clarified.
"Potter is not my victim." She drawled. Far from it.
"What does your father say about this?"
"He is... interested in knowing what Potter presents as his requirements. Knowing what he does, he wants to; at least, hear him out before deciding on the next course of action."
Tracey nodded thoughtfully. "I am surprised by the changes in him. If I didn't know any better, I would say he is not Potter at all, given what you told me about him."
Right. Only that I myself am not sure if he is indeed Harry Potter in the first place.
"When are you meeting him?"
"Evening."
"Okay. I will make sure the coast is clear then."
Daphne nodded.
Daphne walked slowly across the sixth-floor corridor, only that this time, she was not disillusioned. She hoped that Potter would come by this way just as he did every time. Impatient of strolling mindlessly, she cast a tempus charm.
04:35 P.M.
He should be coming anytime now.
Her wand held tightly in her palm, she walked slowly, her mind reliving the conversation with Potter. It was pathetic, the ease with which he had completely overpowered her and had her at his mercy. If it had been anyone else, Daphne was sure that by now, her father would be reading some bad news... The ease at which Potter seemed to overpower her was frightening and...
Attractive.
Daphne loved power. She wasn't close-minded like the likes of Malfoy, who believed that blood mattered more than everything else did. She did not agree with the likes of Dumbledore either, who openly preached against the use of any kind of dark magic. For her, power was everything. Blood meant nothing, fame meant nothing, and wealth meant nothing when you had that kind of power. Her father, Lord Cyrus Greengrass was a businessperson at heart, and had brought her up according to his ideals. True Power was what actually mattered. Nobody cared what the dark lord's true parentage was. Nobody cared that Albus Dumbledore was a half-blood. All that mattered was that both of them held great power at their fingertips.
Just like Potter.
She had made a bit of research into Potter's family. The Potters were descendants of one of the original Ancient Houses that ruled Magical Britain, before the birth of the Wizengamot. Today, only two other families of old retained their powers- The House of Black and the House of Selwyn. Despite how much Malfoy might strut around, it was clear as daylight that the House of Malfoy was a new House, established in Magical Britain some eighty-five years ago. In terms of societal hierarchy, they were still novou.
Since her mother Victoria worked in the Department of familial records at the Ministry, Daphne had come across some very interesting information. Apparently, Potter had become the Lord Potter and Lord Black this past summer, and though he had yet to take up his Lordship and seat at the Wizengamot, it did not negate the fact that the boy was now the Lord of two Ancient, and unbelievably powerful and wealthy families. In fact, Potter could be considered the wealthiest Lord in Magical Britain at the moment.
And all he did these past years was dress up in rags.
Daphne scoffed. Potter was an enigma. She had long left trying to match the two different Harry Potters and tried to focus her attention to the one present at the moment. Whether the change was because of some dark magic, ritual or merlin-knows-what changes, the new Harry Potter was going to create waves in town and seemed to be certain and confident of his knowledge of the scheme of things. She wondered what Potter would ask for in return of teaching her. His powers were... unique. She pondered over the information she had received from her father.
The Potters have had Warmages in their family and it is believed that their family magic revolves around battle-transfiguration. The Blacks on the other hand, were notorious for the use of illusions in their battles. If Potter is demonstrating illusions in public, it simply indicates that the boy has his hands on the Black family magic.
She couldn't help but feel a little uncomfortable while dealing with Potter. She had been in the business of dealing with people since her second year itself, then what was it that was making her feel that she had bitten more than she could chew?
I wonder what other powers Potter has been hiding...
"Not disillusioned, this time?" A disembodied voice carried over her shoulder. Daphne spun to her right, but there was no one. Disappointed and exhilarated at the same time, she turned back front and found herself staring into the bright green eyes of Harry Potter.
"I never took you for the theatrical kind, Potter." She scoffed with exasperation.
"Theatricality and deception are powerful tools. I would have thought that a Slytherin would have known that."
Theatricality and Deception are powerful tools. It was one of the many messages engraved in the walls inside the Slytherin dungeons. How on earth did Potter know it? Daphne wondered.
"Have you decided on our little arrangement?" Daphne pressed, not wanting to give him any chance to make her flustered.
"Why yes, I did." Potter gave her a bright smile, which Daphne automatically chose to mean fake. "I have decided what I need in return of... helping you in DADA. I need one simple favor, one simple oath and one simple information."
That is strange.
"Okay," Daphne pressed her lips. "Let's hear it then."
Harry smiled. "The favor first? I want an audience with Lord Greengrass and one person shall be accompanying me. I want you to ensure that the meeting shall be made under the oath of silence."
"Easily done. Next?"
"The oath. I want you to give me an oath of détente on behalf of Lord Greengrass. In case you cannot, your father is welcome to take the oath."
Interesting. Daphne surmised. "And what exactly does this détente cover?"
"Simple. We agree not to raise wands against each other."
Daphne raised her eyebrows. This was new.
"Fine, but I will need to conform it with my father before taking the oath. I hope you understand?"
"Of course."
Daphne allowed a ghost of a smile float on her lips. "The third?"
"The information. I want you to truthfully tell me if your father is playing both sides to stay neutral for this war, or not."
Daphne widened her eyebrows, and instantly cursed her reaction. Potter smirked. The sudden reaction from her was more than enough to answer his suspicions, she garnered.
Very well played, Potter.
"I hope you understand that I won't be able to conform it unless I speak to my father."
"Of course, Miss Greengrass. Take your time. After all, I am not the one with the need for the DADA lessons."
Daphne pursed her lips. "Of course." She replied stiffly. "Will that be all?"
Potter shrugged as he turned back and continued walking towards the seventh floor. Suddenly, he stopped, and replied, "Yes, unless of course you want to follow me while disillusioned. As I might have mentioned it previously, it was great fun playing chase with you."
Daphne grit her teeth.
It was time for the Defense against the Dark arts class once again. As usual, Umbridge sat upon her chair, busy doing her private stuff while the rest of the class had to sit quietly and mindlessly drone on over what Slinkhard had to say over the subject. Hermione looked like she was about to burst a nerve, while Ron looked bored as ever. In fact, Seamus Finnegan and Dean Thomas were engaged in some kind of game on paper, unseen by Umbridge.
"Professor?"
Umbridge looked up. To her surprise, it was Theodore Nott. A Slytherin. Knowing that his father was a Lord in the Wizengamot and had considerable political clout, she decided to tread carefully around the boy. "Yes, Mr. Nott?"
"I was wondering if the OWL exams were going to be just as theoretical and according to the Ministry-approved syllabus, as the texts are."
Umbridge frowned. The Wizarding Examinations Authority was an autonomous department of the Ministry and made their own set of question papers for the OWLS and NEWTS. It did not matter to them what the schools taught. They only cared if a student was able to answer, or not.
She cleared her throat. "The Ministry of magic believes that-"
"Excuse me professor, I have a question," asked an irate-looking Hermione Granger.
"Yes, Miss Granger?" Umbridge asked, thinning her lips to the point of non-existence.
"Are you here as the spokesperson of the Ministry or do you actually have any qualifications to handle the job of the DADA professor?" Hermione questioned- much to the surprise of the others. While the muggleborn was notorious for her snappish behavior at pretty much every wizarding tradition, she was a well-known teacher's pet. For her to question a professor's qualifications, it was almost unfathomable.
"MISS GRANGER! FIFTY POINTS FROM GRYFFINDOR!" screamed Dolores, standing up from her easy chair, wand in hand. She was fuming with anger, glaring daggers at the muggleborn girl. Hermione looked back defiantly; completely confident in her decision to question the hag she had to endure.
"She is RIGHT," reasoned Ron Weasley, now standing up from his seat. Daphne closed her book and looked at the happenings. Things were about to turn very interesting. She cast a quick glance at Potter who still seemed to be completely subjugated by Umbridge's power and was meticulously reading the Slinkhard book. It was so fake that even Daphne rolled her eyes.
"ANOTHER THIRTY POINTS FROM GRYFFINDOR AND DETENTION FOR BOTH OF YOU TOMORROW EVENING!" Dolores screamed in fury, before she raised her wand. "I am here because the Ministry-"
FAAAAART!
A huge sound of someone farting originated from her posterior, making Umbridge flush in embarrassment while the rest of the class dissolved in laughter. Even Daphne was chuckling. Potter was, as usual, busy with his Slinkhard book though she could see the ghost of a smile on his face.
"WHO EVER DID THIS WILL SUFFER! I WILL NOT ENDURE THIS ANY LONG-CROOOOAK!" Dolores shut her mouth, much to everyone's amusement. Ron and Dean were now rolling on the floor, laughing their heart out, holding their stomachs with their hands. Hermione was openly chuckling and even Daphne could not help but be amused. Tracy was already beating her fist on the desk as she giggled.
Dolores tried to open up her mouth a little and speak again. "I will...CROAAK! What is CROAA... penning?"
It was complete madness. Even Daphne was laughing now.
Dolores decided to save whatever remained of her dignity and stomped out of the room.
"Minister, it is going beyond acceptable limits now." Dolores fumed. Gone was her sickly sweet voice. She was downright glaring at the Minister as if it were entirely his fault. Not that anyone could blame her. She had had to spend full four hours at the hospital wing, with that blasted school matron forcing vile liquids down her throat. The entire experience was completely horrible, considering how one of the potions she had to ingest tasted like vomit. She was sure that the blasted nurse made the potions taste like that intentionally.
Fudge looked at her sympathetically. "I completely understand, Dolores. I am afraid it is all Dumbledore's plan to out you from there. I wouldn't be surprised if it was him behind these... pranks." The last word was spoken as if it were the vilest thing on earth. "You have to bear and control the-"
"But Minister this is beyond my patience." She screamed. "I am the senior undersecretary and I do not-"
"Dolores!" Fudge snapped. Dolores shut up instantly, fearing that she had touched a raw nerve to make the Minister snap like that. "Need I remind you that you were the one to put your name for the DADA position? Besides, such a thing would not have happened if you had taught them a little. The conversation with Young Nott is giving off waves of rebellion. If the Pureblood heirs begin to rebel against us, the Ministry will have nowhere to stand upon. You have to teach them something, or else get yourself off from the job. I will think of something else. As it is, you have been unable to get Potter reveal anything about his or Dumbledore's secret plans."
Dolores bit her tongue. It was true that she was the one who had the bright idea to put her name for the DADA post. She had thought that her position as senior undersecretary would be more than enough to inhibit the voices of liars in the school. Apparently, it wasn't so. In fact, it was only the Granger girl and the Weasley boy who were reacting to her actions. Potter was... Damn... she could not understand him. She had all but called him a liar indirectly and he was yet to provide any kind of response. It was almost like her actions and taunts fell on deaf ears.
I guess I will have to do with Granger and Weasley then.
Dolores looked back at the now-fuming Minister. "I am so sorry Minister for angering you at this hour. I will make sure everything goes according to our plan." Her mock-sweet voice was back.
"See that you do." Cornelius huffed as he shut down the Floo connection, leaving Dolores alone in her room to conspire a plan to deal with the devils.
Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley.
The next day...
The entire student body of Hogwarts was gathered near the corridor leading to the great Hall as they looked with anticipation as Argus Filch pinned what seemed to be a very large-looking notice on the wall. It was an issue of proclamation by the defense instructor, Dolores Umbridge. To everyone's surprise, it read...
By order of
THE DEFENSE AGAINST THE DARK ARTS PROFESSOR
AND SENIOR UNDERSECRETARY TO THE MINISTER
IN ORDER TO MAINTAIN THE PROPER LEVEL OF KNOWLEDGE AND PRACTICE IN THE ARTS OF MAGICAL DEFENSE AND FOR PROMOTING EXCELLENCE IN THE OWLS AND NEWTS...
STUDENTS ARE HENCEFORTH REQUIRED TO SIGN UP FOR THE NEWLY ESTABLISHED STUDY GROUP SPEARHEADED BY MADAM DOLORES UMBRIDGE. THE NEWLY COINED GROUP IS TO BE KNOWN AS THE DEFENSE ASSOCIATION (DA).
THE ATTENDANCE IS MANDATORY.
The general reaction of the entire student population was surprisingly common. It all started and finished in a single phrase and three words.
What the Fuck?