Harry wandered the halls before lunch started. OWLs kept coming closer and everyone was stressed. The DA was still running and Seamus had shown up at their last lesson but people were still opposed to a Slytherin joining them despite Helena signing the same parchment as they all had. He only had the DA left everything else was taken from him by Umbridge. He clenched his fists frustrated with how everything he loved about Hogwarts was being suppressed. Harry heard footsteps coming from the side corridor.
"Potter, ten points from Gryffindor for meandering the corridors," said Snape sweeping into view with Helena by his side.
"Class is dismissed, Professor," said Harry curtly. "It's about to be lunch anyway."
"Then why are you not in the Great Hall or your common room?"
"I'm not hungry right now."
"Then return to your common room instead of idling around."
Harry turned to go not willing to be near Snape.
"Wait, Harry, if you're not busy want to join us outside?" asked Helena.
"Outside?" said Harry perplexed.
"Yeah, I don't know why but Dick said I should be outdoors by noon. Professor Snape is coming along too. You would be closer to the Great Hall by the time lunch starts."
Harry hesitated not wanting to spend any more time with Snape than he was required to but accepted seeing the kind smile on Helena's face.
"Sure," he said not wanting to head back to the tower only to come down minutes later.
"Great," said Helena.
They made their way outside in silence. Helena lost in her own world. Harry didn't want to disturb her and definitely didn't want to speak to Snape.
"So he said to wait for noon and look up," said Helena once they walked on to the grounds. "Doesn't really make sense if he sent something by owl though."
Harry looked up wondering what there was to see.
"Where is your broomstick, Miss Wayne?" asked Snape.
"In my bag," she said gesturing to the ever-present bag along her shoulder.
"Have you flown with it, yet?" asked Harry.
"No, I have no idea how to. I'm thinking about asking Ron the next time I see him."
"Ron?" asked Harry confused.
"Yeah, him or Ginny. They're the only ones I've seen fly that I know."
"I can teach you if you like," said Harry. "I was on the team before Umbridge banned me."
"Oh right," she said distractedly surveying the sky. "Tracey mentioned it during the last match. You played Seeker right?"
"Yeah."
"I'll take you up on that off-"
Harry saw her cut off and widen her eyes. He looked back up to see a dot slowly getting larger.
"He didn't." He heard Helena say next to him. "He did. Of course, he did."
"Er- what is he doing?" asked Harry.
"Skydiving. It's his hobby," replied Helena.
The dot kept getting larger and closer until they could see the shape of a man. Snape had drawn his wand pointing it at him.
FWAPP! His descent slowed as the parachute opened and the man landed without incident close to where they were standing.
"Vanish this for me, will you?" said Dick taking off the straps.
"I can't vanish all that," said Helena punching his arm. "I can only do small objects."
"Allow me," said Snape vanishing the parachute with a gesture of his wand.
"Our plane?" asked Helena.
"A charter," he said shaking his head.
"I take it you are here to speak with the Headmaster," said Snape.
"Straight to business, I see. That's correct Professor. Helena will be joining me," he said looking at her then turned his gaze to Harry. "And Harry if he wants to."
"I absolutely want to," said Harry tired of Dumbledore avoiding him.
"That would be unwise," said Snape. "Your arrival will cause quite a stir and given Mr. Potter's proclivities there will be undue attention to Miss Wayne." He turned his gaze towards her. "Specifically from Dolores Umbridge."
"Why would Dolores Umbridge be interested in Helena?" asked Dick incredulously.
"Cause she's a fascist. She's obsessed with control over everything and everyone," said Helena.
"Miss Wayne was given a weeks detention by Professor Umbridge during one of their first classes together. It had some consequences," Snape began explaining.
While Snape and Dick were speaking about Helena, Harry turned to her.
"You had detention with Umbridge?" asked Harry.
"Yeah, just the first one. I wasn't going to stand for her methods," said Helena roughly.
Harry turned his left hand away slowly so it would be covered by the sleeves of his robe hoping she wouldn't notice.
"Harry, let me see your hand," said Helena.
"It's nothing," said Harry.
"You've had detentions too, haven't you? It was enough to leave some scarring I take it," said Helena softly.
Harry glared. He hadn't wanted her to know or anyone else for that matter. "You know nothing about-"
"Don't Harry," interrupted Helena. "I'm a detective. I'm only going to say one thing. Next time she gives you detention don't go. That's not detention she's giving, it's physical mutilation akin to torture." She turned to look at Dick. "And now Professor Snape is going to tell that to dearest brother of mine."
"She now serves her detentions with me and Professor McGonagall where we use the time to further her magical education," finished Snape.
"Helena," said Dick, "your hand." It sounded more like a command and his voice changed slightly.
"It's okay, Dick," said Helena showing her hand to him. "It was one line and it faded away immediately."
He observed her hand some more. "All right then. Let's go see the Headmaster."
"Mr. Grayson, I must insist-" said Snape.
"I heard what you have to say, Professor Snape and I don't really care about Umbridge. Helena can take care of herself and I'm sure Harry can as well."
Snape had an impassive look on his face. "Very well. If you will follow me."
"Ready for your tests, you two?" asked Dick.
"Er- yeah," said Harry. Not like he needed to be reminded again.
"That's all I ever hear right now. OWLs this and OWLs that as they come closer. Not you too," complained Helena.
"Well what are you averaging?" he asked.
"A's," said Helena with a smile.
Harry quickly turned his head away hiding his own smile.
"That's great. Can't wait to see you do magic once you get home."
"That would not be possible, Mr. Grayson due to the restriction of minors using magic outside of Hogwarts," said Snape.
By now they had reached the stone gargoyle guarding Dumbledore's office.
"Fizzing Whizbee," said Snape. The stone gargoyle jumped aside, the wall split open and they ascended the moving staircase.
Snape knocked on the door.
"Enter."
"Ah, Professor Snape⦠and Mr. Grayson. What a pleasant surprise."
"Professor Dumbledore, how good to see you as well," said Dick pompously with a small bow.
Harry tried to suppress his laugh at how grandiose he was acting.
"May we sit?"
"Of course, of course," said Dumbledore conjuring armchairs for the four of them as he took his own seat behind his desk. "Now what can I do for you, Mr. Grayson?"
"Call off my tails. I'm busy enough at night," said Dick abruptly. "They have better things to do like dealing with your Dark Lord problem than following me around."
"Well, Mr. Grayson, it is a matter of security for your sake."
"It ends now. I can take care of my own security. Your priorities should lie elsewhere. And as for Helena, I've heard about Umbridge. Make sure she knows the line has been drawn," said Dick his voice getting low and strict.
"The line, Mr. Grayson?" asked Dumbledore his eyes twinkling.
"If anything is to happen to my sister. Whatever Helena's response may be will have my full support," said Dick in a serious tone before going back to his regular tone.
"And there are some additional conditions to Helena's enrollment here. We will be hiring a wizard or witch who is capable both in the magical and regular world. I will be giving Helena the details and any assistance to help her find a suitable candidate will be appreciated. She is to be free to conduct her business and visit Hogsmeade to use the post office whenever she likes. I might even drop by from time to time. Is that acceptable?"
"It is Mr. Grayson. I will accept your wishes but there are certain concerns I will have to clarify with you in private," said Dumbledore.
"I have nothing to hide from Helena or anyone else she trusts to bring along with her," said Dick smoothly.
Harry was glad he wasn't dismissed as Snape had been trying since Helena asked if he wanted to join her.
Dumbledore sighed his eyes losing their twinkle. "Very well, the Ministry is watching me closely. There may be a time in the distant future where I will be removed from my post whereupon Dolores Umbridge will replace me. Any protection, any condition we set will become useless at that point. Miss Wayne will have to conform to the Ministry standards as every other student. I suggest you do not return to visit here. Professor Snape will see to it that Miss Wayne is able to conduct her business without risking his position at Hogwarts. The protection and safety of the students will rest in the hands of the remaining staff and if the visits need to be curtailed they will be."
"That's fine. Helena can take care of herself. And I believe Harry wants to speak with you."
"Professor," began Harry unsure of what to say now that he was finally able to speak to him without any pressing issues.
"Harry," said Dumbledore softly still avoiding him, "You must focus on doing the best you can to learn occlumency. It is of vital importance. Only once you do so will you understand."
Dumbledore stood up.
"Is there anything else I can do for you, Mr. Grayson?"
"I think we've covered it all for now," said Dick as he rose from his seat along with the rest.
Dumbledore nodded. "Professor Snape if you would escort our guest to the grounds."
"Actually Headmaster, Dick is going to stay for some time longer before he leaves," said Helena.
"Very well, Miss Wayne. Take car-"
He was interrupted by a knock on the door.
"Enter," he said his face looking tired for a moment.
In walked Umbridge with a sickeningly sweet smile. "Hem hem, I see I've made it at the end of the meeting," she said as her eyes roved past those in the office narrowing at the sight of Harry and widening at the sight of Helena and even more at her companion.
"Mr. Wayne," she simpered. "How good to see you. I have been trying to get in touch for some time now."
"Really, about what?" asked Dick sternly.
"As Hogwarts High Inquisitor appointed by the Minister, it is my duty to make sure all students succeed in their magical education. And as such this is matter is about your daughter, I'm afraid her behavior in my class and refusal to work on any assignments is detrimental to her success. She may even fail her OWLs."
"Helena mentioned she's getting all As in her classes. I don't see that as close to failing."
Harry coughed to stifle his laugh and locked eyes with Helena getting a wink in return.
"You don't see a problem with receiving an A?" asked Umbridge in slight surprise.
"I don't. Is there anything else you needed to discuss?"
"That is all Mr. Wayne," she simpered.
"Great, now that that's cleared up good day to you all," said Dick walking past Umbridge.
"I will escort you to the gates," said Snape.
They walked in silence for a bit.
"Um, Professor Snape. If you don't mind I want to show Dick something," said Helena hesitantly.
"Would this something be where you disappear for hours on end?" asked Snape.
"Wait, disappear for hours. Have you been isolating yourself again?" asked Dick.
Helena flushed. She didn't want Dick to know that or for it to be expressed out in the open for others to hear. "Uh kinda."
"Hel, we talked about this," said Dick softly.
"I know but you'll understand when I show you."
"I will allow half an hour," said Snape sternly. "After the time ends we will meet at the main doors."
"Okay thanks, Professor," said Helena.
Snape nodded and strode away.
"Well? Going to explain or not?"
"In a moment, it's not far," said Helena leading the way.
"It's home," said Harry. He knew all too well how Helena was feeling from when she showed them the Batcave as she called it weeks ago. It was her home just as Hogwarts was home to him. She felt out of place just as he did whenever he went to the Dursleys. But Helena wouldn't be able to go home anymore. Home for her no longer existed. He hoped Hogwarts would always be home for him and wouldn't be taken away.
"She found a cave system under the school?" asked Dick.
"Er- no it's the Room of Requirement. It shifts to form a room of whatever you need," said Harry.
Helena paced across a wall and a door materialized where she entered followed by Dick and Harry.
"This is his room," said Dick
"Technically it became my room," said Helena.
"That it did," said Dick softly. "You've been sleeping here, Hel?"
"Yeah, and the training in the adjoining room. It makes an exact replica of the cave's training system."
"Hel," said Dick softly. "I understand but it needs to stop. Go back to your dorm and only come back here for training. And no training constantly, keep it limited say once a week?"
"Three."
"Two."
"Fine."
"Good. I'll leave you to your room and see myself out but Professor Snape will keep an eye on you at my request and you will start moving forward."
"Fine, Dick, I'll just stuff my emotions away like you've been doing the past couple years," said Helena with heat.
Dick's eyes flashed. He stood there all rigid then gave a nod to Harry and walked out.
Harry felt awkward witnessing the clash between the 'siblings'. Since they arrived they seemed to be so attached to each other even more than the Weasleys.
"Er- Want to grab lunch in the kitchens then have your first flying lesson?" he asked.
"Yeah, let's do that."
"How did you know where the kitchens were?" asked Harry. He had followed her from the Room of Requirement. He saw a glimpse of her furrowed brows and cool eyes as she swept past him at a fast pace. Once they reached the kitchens her demeanor changed rapidly again to a more composed and resigned look.
"Found out from a house elf. Caught her cleaning the common room very early in the morning," replied Helena.
"She makes me all my favorite foods." Helena turned to him with bright happy eyes.
He was perplexed at least Cho would only change to one form of emotion, sadness. Helena would go from anger to composed to happy in mere minutes.
"I'm a big foodie. Food is everything joyful in life. And Kinky loves to make me anything I ask," she said with a smile patting the head of a house elf that showed up next to her.
"I do miss, I do. What would miss like?" said Kinky enthusiastically.
"I'm in the mood for French today. What about you Harry?"
"Only French cooking I've had is bouillabaisse," he said.
"Tsk tsk, you're limiting yourself. I'll have menu four please Kinky."
"Of course, miss," said Kinky as she scurried away.
"Menu four?" asked Harry thinking of Hermione's organization.
"Food connoisseur monsieur," said Helena with a mock bow. "I have many menus prepared for Kinky. All tailored to specific culinary moods."
"What's with the perfect French accent?" he asked sitting across from her.
"I grew up in France with my Mom. She worked as a curator and appraiser. Lived in Paris with occasional excursions wherever Mom's work led her."
"It's really good."
"Well perfect fluency is important." Helena took a plate from Kinky. "Perfection, in general, is important," she said with a sigh.
Harry chose to look at his food instead. He never was really good with the changing emotions of people especially girls. Prime example his somewhat relationship with Cho. He took a bite.
"Well?"
Harry looked up to Helena looking at him expectantly.
"How did you like it?"
"It's good," he said. It really was good. He hadn't really eaten much of the French cuisine the previous year. The elves had kept the food mostly to the Ravenclaw table after the first few days.
They ate in silence. Harry thought it was best to keep quiet since Helena looked deep in thought. He was wondering how he would teach her to fly. He hadn't needed instruction other than his first lesson back in first year. Flying came easily to him, landing him a spot on the Quidditch team minutes after his first and only flight. Helena didn't seem to be afraid of heights so that was a good factor. He watched as she polished off two desserts. She really liked her food just like Ron but with better more polished manners.
"Alright now that we've eaten a nice meal. We should be fit for our nightly activities cavorting rooftops," said Helena amused.
"Er- what?" asked Harry.
She was smiling again. "Nothing just something someone special would say after we ate one of his meals completely."
"Oh right, so ready to fly?"
"Absolutely."
The pitch was empty, lunch was still in progress. Harry hoped Umbridge would be occupied.
"Where's your broom?" asked Helena after she pulled out her own from her bag.
"Umbridge took it after our match against Slytherin. I kind of got into a fight with Malfoy and so did George. She kicked us off the team along with Fred and locked up our brooms. I've got a ban on playing Quidditch," he answered.
"Well technically this isn't Quidditch so you should be fine," said Helena.
"Yeah," said Harry with a smile. "I've missed flying."
"The only thing I've ever flown is a plane."
"You're a pilot?"
"One of the best with over 4000 hours. Most of them were in space though."
"In space? But only astronauts go to space," said Harry not believing her. Very few people went to space it was difficult especially with the recent disaster sometime back.
"Different worlds, Harry," said Helena. "Space travel was necessary with the first ever intergalactic war."
"You had a war in space?" asked Harry thinking about how ridiculous it sounded. It could be possible though he hadn't even known the magical world existed and all those creatures. There could be aliens out there for all he knew.
"Yeah, a long, difficult war," said Helena. "Well, are you going to teach me or just ask questions?"
"Right so place your broom on the ground. Put your hand above it and say 'Up'", instructed Harry.
This would not do. She knew practically nothing about the Wayne family. The American ministry refused to share files on their citizens unless she had reason to suspect they were criminals. Yes, they weren't criminals but showing up randomly and being enrolled in a prestigious school without paperwork was criminal in her opinion.
The British Ministry of Magic would not stand for this. She would know, being a high ranking member of said Ministry. Everywhere she inquired there were no results or information about the Wayne family.
It was by chance she had made it in time to the Headmasters office. The little meeting was at an end when she arrived. Mr. Wayne was indifferent to her and didn't care that his daughter was barely passing with Acceptables in all her classes.
He was quite handsome though and she was sure they were purebloods with their mannerisms. But the girl was insolent similar to Potter and his friends. Always questioning and doing their own thing not conforming to discipline. She had hoped to discipline the girl properly and teach her the importance of listening to authority. It hadn't worked as she had expected. There was only one option left, a heavily restricted option but one she would get around with her position. She would have to phrase it delicately and Cornelius would undoubtedly approve. It was for the best interests of the students after all.
D.A. lessons were all that he enjoyed these days. It was truly phenomenal helping his fellow D.A. members become skilled at Defense. It was just like when he, Hermione, and Ron would practice together but on a larger scale with more people. He couldn't wait to see the look on Umbridge's face when everyone in the D.A. got an 'O' on their OWLs.
They were working on Patronuses again. The first time there were only wisps and smoke but this time he could see a few corporeal ones. Cho had a swan. Hermione an otter. Ron would get a decent amount of white wisps into a blob and kept getting frustrated when they wouldn't solidify. Neville had small wisps of silver smoke that came forth too slowly to be any good. Still not bad for their second formal try. Harry had high hopes they would all have corporeal Patronuses as they practiced.
He walked over to Helena who had a blank look on her face. She was the only one who had nothing coming from her wand when she attempted the spell. She hadn't complained of the difficulty or done anything at all. She stayed in a little corner and would whisper the spell every so often. Harry hadn't gotten the chance to get to her yet and walked over.
"Hey."
"Hey."
"Having trouble with the spell?"
She gave him an unreadable look.
"Yes."
"What are you having trouble with?" Harry asked patiently.
"I'm not sure."
"Well, I know you're saying the incantation right so it could be the memory. Er- when I first tried it was my first time flying a broom which was happy but not enough for the spell. Based on how a Patronus is a positive force the memory should give you strong feelings of happiness. So you need a memory strong enough."
"Right," said Helena with a sigh. She raised her wand from her side. "Expecto Patronum." Nothing came out from her wand not even a small wisp of white smoke.
Helena looked at him expectantly.
Harry was confused practically everyone had something coming out from their wand even on their first try. It depended on the strength of the memory powering the spell if it became corporeal and how powerful it was.
"Er- the only thing that makes sense to me-," he cut off as the door to the Room of Requirement opened then closed. Harry looked to see who entered and saw no one until he felt a tug on his robes.
"Dobby! Good to- What's wrong?"
Dobby's eyes were wide and he was shaking. The room had fallen silent and everyone was looking at the elf.
"Harry Potter, sir," he squeaked. "Dobby has come to warn but we were told not to tell." He shifted as though he were going to bolt for it and stopped himself after shaking his head vigorously.
"Harry Potter, sir, they- she-"
"Umbridge?" asked Helena.
Dobby looked horrified and smacked himself across his face. He then nodded.
Harry grabbed both of Dobby's hands. "Does she know? Is she coming?"
Dobby tried to bang his head on Harry's knees. Harry held him tight.
"Yes, Harry Potter," he whispered.
Harry stood up straight. He looked around to see everyone watching them.
"WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?" Harry yelled. "RUN!"
Harry scooped up Dobby as everyone ran for the door. "Dobby, this is an order. If anyone asks if you warned me lie and say no. Go straight to the kitchens and I forbid you to hurt yourself."
Dobby nodded before scurrying off. Harry looked left and right seeing only glimpses of people as they disappeared from the corridor. He started to run right when he was held back.
"Wha-?" he started to ask when a finger was put on his mouth by Helena.
"Don't run," she whispered. "Draws attention."
"There's a boys' bathroom close by," he whispered back.
She shook her head and drew him close to an alcove. "Walk with me quietly and we should be okay. Show me the way to your common room."
"Right it's this way," he whispered pointing down the corridor.
They walked along slowly on the side of the corridor lined with vases and other decorations. It was slow going but he could hear no one coming their way but something caught him around his ankles and he fell down followed by Helena falling half on top of him.
"Got you, Potter," said Malfoy coming out from behind a tastelessly overshaped dragon vase. "Professor, PROFESSOR! I've got two!"
He looked closely at Helena before recognition set in. "Wayne? What are you doing with Potter?" he asked.
Before Helena could answer Umbridge came huffing from behind a corner with a delighted smile. "It's him," she said happily seeing Harry. "Excellent Draco, and who else? Miss Wayne. How disappointing to see you. I will have to write your father. Take fifty points for Slytherin, Draco. I'll take them from here."
Umbridge took Harry in a strong grip. "See if you can find more Draco. Tell the others to look in bathrooms or the library anyone out of breath."
"Yes, Professor," said Malfoy. "Can't believe a pureblood like you is making friends with the wrong sort, Wayne."
"Better than being a lackey trying to be seen favorable," said Helena scathingly.
A pink tinge appeared on Draco's pale cheeks.
"Run along now, Draco," said Umbridge kindly watching him stalk off then added in a hissing voice, "you two will come with me to the Headmasters office."
They were at the stone gargoyle in minutes. "Fizzing Whizbee," sang Umbridge. The stone gargoyle jumped aside and they ascended the moving staircase. Umbridge strode directly inside with them not bothering to knock.
The office was full of people. Dumbledore sitting at his desk calmly with Professor McGonagall standing rigid beside him. Cornelius Fudge rocking on his toes near the fire. Kingsley and another wizard near the doors and an excited Percy with a quill and parchment in his hands.
All the portraits of headmasters and headmistresses were not feigning sleep but watching alert and serious. As he entered they went into other frames and started whispering.
Harry pulled himself free from Umbridge's grasp as the door shut behind them. He looked over to Helena and saw her looking completely unconcerned. She didn't even bother getting free from Umbridge. He turned again to see Fudge glaring at him.
"Well, well, well," he said.
"He was heading back to Gryffindor Tower," said Umbridge. She had the vindictive tone in her voice now the same tone she had when getting rid of Trelawney the joy she got from the misery of others. "The Malfoy boy cornered him."
"Did he?" said Fudge happily. "I will be sure to tell Lucius. Well Potter, do you know why you're here?"
Harry was about to defiantly say yes.
"Of course he doesn't and neither do I. Not like I seem to exist with the fixation you have on Harry," said Helena snidely.
Fudge turned to look at Helena incredulously. "And who might you be?"
"Helena Wayne."
"This does not concern you, Miss Wayne. It concerns Mr. Potter," said Fudge dismissingly.
"It does concern me since I am here," said Helena sharply.
"Girl, this is the Minister. Adjust your tone," said Umbridge roughly. "You have been caught running away from the scene of where an illegal student organization was meeting thereby breaking school rules and ministry decrees."
"What the Minister has nothing better to do that he comes to handle students misbehaving," retorted Helena. "And for the record, we were taking a walk together not participating in whatever crazy accusation you're making."
"I think I should bring in our informant," said Umbridge silkily.
Harry's heart thudded. He had no idea how they were going to get out of this. Especially if someone had told Umbridge about the D.A. It would only be a matter of time before he was suspended. There was a wait of several minutes where no one looked at each other. He chanced a glance at Helena to see her looking straight at him. She gave a small smile and looked towards Dumbledore then McGonagall and every other person in turn then came back to him again. Eventually, Umbridge came into the room gripping Cho's friend, Marietta who was hiding her face in her hands.
"Don't be frightened, dear," said Umbridge softly. "You've done the right thing. The Minister is very pleased and will be telling your mother how good you've been."
"Marietta's mother is Madam Edgecombe from the Floo Network office. She's been helping us police the Hogwarts fires."
"Jolly good. Like mother, like daughter," said Fudge.
Harry heard Helena scoff.
"Well come on dear look up, don't be shy, tell us- galloping gargoyles!"
When Marietta raised her head, Fudge jumped back. Marietta wailed and pulled her robes up to her eyes but not before everyone had seen the pimples arranged across her face to say SNEAK.
"Never mind the spots, dear. Just tell the Minister-."
She didn't answer and tears started coming from her eyes.
"Oh fine then," snapped Umbridge. "Marietta came to this evening telling me I would find a secret student organization meeting in a room on the seventh floor. Unfortunately, as soon as she finished this hex came into play and she became too distressed to tell me more."
"That was very brave of you, my dear," said Fudge to Marietta in a kindly way. "Now what was the purpose of this meeting?"
Marietta refused to answer the tears from her eyes coming in small streams now.
"Don't we have a counter-jinx?" Fudge asked Umbridge impatiently.
"I have not been able to find one yet," said Umbridge.
Harry felt pride in Hermione's jinxing ability. Served Marietta right for selling them all out.
"It does not matter if she can't continue. I have found Potter was the mastermind behind this group. It appeared they had been warned prior to my arrival but I have their names all here."
She withdrew the list of names from her pocket that had been pinned onto the Room of Requirement's wall and handed it to Fudge.
"Excellent," said Fudge. "Merlin, see what they have named themselves. Dumbledore's Army."
Dumbledore reached out and took the parchment gazing at the heading Hermione had written months prior.
"I knew you were conspiring against me!" barked Fudge.
"Yes I believe so," said Dumbledore calmly.
"You will now be escorted to the Ministry where you will be charged then sent to Azkaban to await trial."
"Ah yes thought we might hit that snag."
"I see no snag Dumbledore."
"You seem to think I will come quietly. I do not wish to go to Azkaban. I could break out of course but there's so much more I could be doing instead."
Fudge stared at Dumbledore not believing a word. He choked on his voice and gestured to Kingsley and the other Auror.
The man gave a reassuring nod and his hand drifted to his wand pocket.
"Don't be silly Dawlish. I do not wish to hurt you."
Suddenly a streak of silver flashed across the room with a bang like gunshot. An arm pushed him down to the floor harshly. He turned to look at who pushed him to find Professor McGonagall had forced him, Helena, and Marietta out of the way.
Fawkes sang as he flew in circles above them.
A tall figure came close to them. "Are you all right?" asked Dumbledore.
"Yes," said Professor McGonagall getting up with Marietta and Harry. Helena had already gotten up her eyes narrowed.
"It's best I take my leave before they wake."
"Tell my brother what happened here," said Helena.
"I shall send word."
"Professor," said Harry unsure on what to say.
"Listen to me, Harry. Just as we spoke earlier it is important for you to learn Occlumency."
The others began to stir.
Fawkes swooped down toward Dumbledore who grabbed onto his golden tail. There was a flash of fire and they were gone.
A/N: Reviews appreciated. Please do mention what you liked or disliked or anything I could improve. Thanks for reading.
