Umbridge's vendetta against Harry seemed to be going steady. She had created a decree banning the magazine Luna Lovegood's father writes and publishes, and if anyone was caught with one they were to be expelled. I thought it was completely bogus to ban a magazine that was hardly popular in the first place. But, apparently, the fact that the magazine had an article about Harry was enough for her to cause a bit more chaos in the castle.\

Hermione seemed to be the only one not phased by the ban and possible expulsion. In fact, every time she passed by the posted decree, a wild grin would bloom on her face. At first I thought she was with the decree, until I remembered that she was the one whom convinced Harry to do the interview. When Harry finally got freaked out enough to ask her why she was smiling so much, she gave an honest answer: if Umbridge banned the magazine, then there must be something worth reading in it.

She was right.

Every time I turned around I caught a glimpse of the cover, or the insides of the magazine if there was a glamouring charm on it to disguise it as some other piece of literature. It was interesting how creative the students had become in hiding the magazine. The students, and the teachers, were reading Harry's side of the story, and they seem to believe him. Some nights I could hear the Gryiffindors carrying-on in their common room all the way in my own dormitory. The teachers would reward Harry sporadically with House points or treats; Harry had gotten a laugh out of emptying a box of sugar mice Flitwick gave him in my dorm and watching me scramble to catch them all.

After a few days though, the excitement started to simmer down. Then it almost completely died after the Quidditch match against Hufflepuff. The Slytherins had created some little jingle called "Weasley Is Our King." It was highly annoying, and I started taking points from any student I caught singing it. Even Filch had grown tired of the song and banned it in the halls.

"I hate it so much!" Harry's angry voice caught my attention. I shook my head to clear it and rejoined him in the present. "Those lessons with Snape are a fucking nuisance," he snarled.

I looked down at him; his head was resting on my lap. We were relaxing on my sofa in my dormitory. Harry had just finished a special lesson with Snape, which I guess had not gone the way Harry wanted it to go. His green eyes blazed as he stared at the ceiling. "Love, you know those lessons are important." I gently brushed his bangs away from his forehead. "Snape can be a dick, but I think he means well."

Harry closed his eyes as I traced his lightning-shaped scar with the tip of my forefinger. "I can't stand the lessons or the greasy dungeon bat."

"If I knew how to do it, I'd give you those lessons," I said quietly, "but I don't have that kind of concentration or skill. All I can do is be here to kiss you and hold you and tell you everything will be okay whenever you get done dealing with Snape."

"Why do you have to be so perfect?" Harry asked, opening his eyes.

"I'm only perfect in your eyes, my love."

Harry sat up slowly and twisted to face me. "That's okay for me," he said. "Actually, I don't want or need you to be perfect. I just need you here."

"I'll always be here." I leaned forward and softly kissed him. "You don't have to worry about that."

"What about this summer?" Harry reached up to gently trace his forefinger over my own cursed scar. I closed my eyes at the touch. "Where will you go? And what will I do without you?"

"I'll always be with you, love," I answered quietly. "I'll probably go to Uncle Salo's hideaway during the summer. But you can guarantee I'll be visiting you as often as I can."

"I wish I could hide you under my bed at the Dursleys."

"It may be a bit cramped," I joked, smiling. "But, for you, it would be worth it."

Harry nuzzled my nose with his, chuckling softly. "Talis?"

"Yes?"

"I -"

A loud racket interrupted him. My eyes flew open. I backed away and stared at the back of the portrait. Something was going on in the castle. I glanced at Harry, and when he nodded, we rose from the sofa, slipped on our sneakers and hurried out of my quarters.

"Death Eaters?" asked Harry as we rounded a corner.

"I'm not sure," I replied, "but I'm going to find out."

I secretly hoped it was not Death Eaters infiltrating the castle. That would be horrible. So many untrained students fighting against killers . . . It was enough to make my nails start to lengthen and a growl to rumble up my throat.

When we reached the entrance hall , we were met with the sight of a drunken Trelawney. She had her wand in one hand and an empty sherry bottle in the other. I knew she had taken to drinking to overcome her fear of Umbridge, but this was too much. Her glasses were lopsided on her face. The numerous shawls and scarves she loved to decorated herself with were haphazardly hanging off her shoulders. A couple large trunks sat at her feet. She was staring at something at the foot of the stairs.

I left Harry's side to stand beside Trelawney. The Seerer was shaking with either drunkenness or fear, or a combination of both. I stared across the circle of students to see Umbridge grinning up at her, a piece of parchment clutched in her pudgy hand. She looked like a toad that had snagged a particularly juicy fly.

"You didn't see this coming?" Umbridge asked in that simpering voice I hated so much. "Even though you can not predict the weather for tomorrow, you must have foreseen that your miserable performance, especially during my inspections, would make it inevitable that you would be sacked?"

Trelawney let out a howl of misery. "Y-You can't! I've b-been here six-sixteen years! Hogwarts is my home!" Tears streamed down her face.

"It was your home, my dear." Umbridge's smile seemed to grow wider and more sinister. "The Minister of Magic countersigned for your dismissal, so Hogwarts was your home until about an hour ago."

The distraught professor sank down onto one of her trunks, hands covering her eyes. Her cried echoed off the walls.

"Come now, dear. Please remove yourself from the castle. You are embarrassing us."

I took a step forward and to the side, shielding Trelawney from Umbridge's penetrating gaze. "Who is this 'us' you speak of?" I asked Umbridge in a low growl. "There are plenty of students and staff in this castle whom adore and respect Professor Trelawney." From the corner of my eye, I could Parvati and Lavender or Gryffindor tearfully nodding in agreement, holding each other. "Her predictions may sound uninteresting and unreliable to you, but, Professor Umbridge, you may have missed the day your class studied Seerers. Their predictions are not some circus act. They can not just give you a look into the future when you snap your fingers and demand it." I lowered myself a bit into a protective crouch, staring straight into Umbridge's beady little eyes. "Trelawney stays."

"I do not believe that is up to you, Mr. Creary," said Umbridge, her smile becoming more dangerous. "Now, please stand aside and allow the civilized to talk."

My lips curled in a snarl. "Trelawney stays," I repeated.

"Mr. Creary, if you do not step aside and allow Sibyll to leave the castle, I will be forced to take extreme measures."

I took another step closer, glaring at the corrupted professor. "I am not afraid of you." I bared my growing canines at her. I could hear the students start to murmur quietly among themselves. Apparently they were surprised their assistant teacher was as ferocious as the rumors made me out to be. The growing teeth and nails were also a shock. "You may scare others with your decrees and rules, but I am not afraid of you," I repeated.

"Now, now, Creary, we do not want to make a scene." Umbridge looked around with a wide smile. "Will someone please hand me a leash so I may restrain this beast?" She meant it as a joke, but the glint in her eyes told another story.

Footsteps reached my ears, too business-like to be Harry. Instead, Minerva appeared at my side, producing a giant handkerchief from her pocket. "Calm down, Sibyll . . . Here. Blow your nose with this . . . It's not so bad . . . You're staying here. You will not leave Hogwarts."

"Are you sure, Professor McGonagall?" Umbridge's voice turned even more deadly. "And the authority for your statement is . . .?"

"That would be mine."

The giant oak doors parted dramatically. Dumbledore strode forward in through the cluster of students and teachers to Trelawney's side, giving me a smile as he approached. What he was doing on the grounds was none of my business, but I'm glad he managed to get inside before Umbridge or I did some real damage to each other.

"Yours, Professor Dumbledore? I'm afraid you do not understand the position. I have an Order of Dismissal sighed by myself and the Minister of Magic. Under the terms of Educational Decree Number Twenty-three, the High Inquisitor of Hogwarts has the power to inspect, place upon probation, and sack any teacher she - or I, in this case - feel is not performing up the standards required but the Ministry of Magic." Her beady eyes gleamed. "I have dismissed her."

This time I let my growl be heard. It rumbled up my throat and echoed quietly in the now silent room.

"Mr. Creary, please keep silent," Umbridge continued with a warning tone. "If you can not silence yourself, then I will have to dismiss you as well."

I narrowed my eyes at her.

"You are quite right, Professor Umbridge. You do have the right, as High Inquisitor, to dismiss my teachers. However, you do not have the authority to send them away from the castle." Dumbledore's smile seemed to grow, but there was something scary about it. He gave a little bow, which I knew was meant to poke fun at the official. "I am afraid that power still resides with the headmaster. It is my wish that Professor Trelawney continues to live at the castle, and Mr. Creary, as well, if you decide to dismiss him, as you have suggested you might."

Trelawney let out a hiccup-ridden laugh. "I'll g-go, Dumbledore! I'll s-seek my fortune elsewhere."

Dumbledore shook his head. "No," he said sharply. "You shall remain here, Sibyll." He turned to Minerva, whom was still standing over Trelawney. "Please escort Sibyll back upstairs. Her tower is awaiting her return."

Professors Sprout and Flitwick hurried from the crowd to help. Pomona and Minerva each took hold of Sibyll's arms and guided her past Umbridge and up the stairs. Filius levitated the Seer's luggage with a quick spell and hurried after them. It wasn't until they were out of earshot did I straighten my back and returned to my full height. Dumbledore took a step to stand by my side, a smile still shining on his old face.

Umbridge did not look pleased at all. I guess she really had her dark, cold heart set on permanently removing Trelawney from the school. "And what are you going to do with her once I appoint a new Divination teacher who needs her lodgings?"

"That will not be a problem," said Dumbledore, still smiling pleasantly. "I have already found a new Divination teacher, you see, and he will prefer lodgings on the ground floor."

"You've found another teacher?" Umbridge asked in disbelief. "Certainly not Mr. Creary. He has shown no talent in the field of Divination. And, as you know, under Education Decree Twenty-two -"

" - The Ministry has the right to appoint a suitable candidate if - and only if - the headmaster is unable to find one. And I have found one. May I introduce you?"

The sound of hooves filled the silence, and from the mist-shrouded front doors came a figure that looked familiar. The students nearest the door hurried out of the way as a the centaur entered the castle. He had a palomino horse lower half. White-blonde hair was windswept, and bright blue eyes stared around at the students.

"This is Firenze, and you may find him suitable."

I caught the centaur's eye, and we exchanged a nod of recognition. According to my uncle, this centaur was the one who found me, naked, in the middle of the forest and brought me to the edge so someone could find me. He must have seen the creature I had become. I knew he would keep my secret away from the others.

-tc-tc-tc-tc-tc-tc-tc-tc-tc-tc-tc-tc-tc-tc-tc-tc-tc-tc-tc-tc-

I knew something was going to happen. I couldn't figure out what, though. But it was there, like a bruise or an aching pain that would not go away. I didn't want to tell Harry about the strange feeling that plagued me; he was stressed enough as it was. The fifth years O.W.L.s were about to begin, and Harry had become something akin to a male form of Hermione, burying himself in books and homework. It left little time to spend with me in my quarters, but I fully understood. I had to reassure him that I knew he still loved me after we made love for the first time in a couple weeks.

The feeling continued to get worse as I helped Hagrid with his Care of Magical Creatures Class. Umbridge had taken it upon herself to sit through each lesson, beady eyes narrowed as she waited for the opportune moment to get rid of Hagrid permanently. The feeling always seemed to be worse whenever Umbridge was near. Maybe it was because she threatened to dismiss me? I didn't think that was it; I wasn't afraid of her, and Dumbledore said I could remain at the castle if I were dismissed. Maybe it was because she knew my heritage and could reveal it at any given moment? Now, that was something I was afraid of . . . I had worked hard to gain the trust and respect of the students. I was not going to let that go to waste.

The one thing that kept me distracted, apart from Harry, was the D.A. meetings. The students had taken a turn for the better, and were working harder then ever. Harry and I had joked that Umbridge would implode if all of the D.A. fifth years received "Outstanding" on the Defense Against the Dark Arts sections. I had taught them as much as I could about the common Dark Creatures, such as Acromantulas (it was funny watching Ron squirm), Erklings, Manticores, and a few uncommon ones, like the Nundu and Quintapeds. I did not know if they would show up on their tests, because an assistant teacher did not help create the them, but I wanted them to be prepared just in case.

Recently, Harry had been teaching them about Patronuses, and they had been practicing them for the past couple meetings.

"Now remember," said Harry one afternoon as I watched the students produce vapor from their wands, "a Patronus is easier to produce when actually threatened by a Dementor, rather than in a brightly lit classroom."

"Don't be such a killjoy," Cho chided. She waved her wand, and from the tip came a shiny silver swan. I blinked at the majestic bird as it soared around the room. Though I would not say it aloud, I was impressed with her Patronus. It was very pretty. Cho voiced an agreement, her eyes never leaving the swan.

"They're not supposed to be pretty, though," said Harry patiently. He wandered around to the other students, helping them with their wand placement and the incantation. "When I started learning how to produce a Patronus, I used a boggart that was pretending to be a Dementor." I remembered he told me Lupin had helped him conjure his Patronus during his third year. "It wasn't the same as the real thing, but it helped. Unfortunately, I couldn't find a boggart for us to practice on."

Lavender shot silver vapor from her wand. "I still - can't - do it."

Neville was not having as much luck as some of the others. He was producing tiny wisps of smoke from his wand. I hated how crestfallen he looked so I headed towards him. "How goes, Neville?"

The teen gave me a gloomy look. "I can't do it," he muttered. He glanced over at the pictures we had glued to a small section of the mirror-like wall. His parents beamed encouragingly from a photo in the upper right corner. "I bet they could."

"Neville, remember what I told you all those months ago? Your parents were brave, and you are just as brave as them. You were sorted into Gryffindor for a reason. You have the courage to stand up to anything." I smiled at the younger teenager. "You have to find it, though, Neville. I know it's there." I rested my hand on his shoulder. "Now, let's think. What is the happiest memory you have?"

Neville shook his head. "I can't think of any."

I blinked. "Surely there must be something." I thought for a moment. "What about your parents?" I glanced around to make sure no one was listening to us. "I know you visit them in the hospital. Tell me, do you feel happy when you see them?"

"Yes. Even though they don't know who I am."

"But you feel happy. You're happy to see them even though your gran does not seem to bother with them much. Your interactions with them make you feel better. You feel the courage to make them proud of you, to make them feel just as happy as you feel when you see them." I beamed at the teen. "Do you understand what I'm saying?"

Neville was quiet for a few moments, then a shy smile appeared on his sullen face. "I think I do. Thank you, Talis."

"It's no problem at all."

"Can I ask a question?"

"Of course."

"What is your happiest memory?"

"Meeting the love of my life," I replied without hesitation.

"That is so sweet," came a voice on our left.

Neville and I looked over to see the students closest to us had stopped to listen. It was Parvati who spoke. I smiled at the girl. "My Patronus, though, is a bit unusual for a person like me."

"And what is your Patronus, Mr. Creary?" Harry's voice drifted from across the room.

I looked over at him, kind of surprised to see every eye on me. Honestly, I wasn't expecting to reveal my Patronus to anyone. It did not reflect my heritage in any way, which shocked me when I first saw it. "I'll show you." I pulled my wand from its sheath on my thigh and held it out. The memory of the first time Harry told me he loved me shot forward in my mind. I smiled softly as I murmured, "Expecto Patronum." Warmth flooded my body and traveled down my arm to my wand. Something small and silver appeared from the tip. The little bird fluttered in front of me, staring with its beady little eyes. It gave a few chirps before flying over to Hermione's beautiful otter Patronus.

"A robin?"

"Yes." I smiled fondly at the little bird. "I thought it would be a wolf or something canine the first time. But I like it."

The door to the Room of Requirement opening then shutting caught my attention. It broke my concentration on my happy memory, and my robin disappeared in a poof of silver vapor. All around us, the conjured Patronuses were vanishing. The students were staring at something that was traveling through the crowd to Harry. I looked over and saw a house elf talking to Harry. It was Dobby, an elf Harry had introduced me to some time ago. I winced as the elf tried to run into the wall. Apparently he was taught to punish himself, which was just sad. The elf bounced off the wall, thanks to the many hats piled on top of his head.

"Dobby, what's happened?" Harry asked, holding the elf still.

"Harry Potter . . . she . . . she . . ." The elf smacked himself on his long pointy nose; Harry snagged that hand as well.

"Who is 'she,' Dobby?" Harry paused, thoughtful. Then his face morphed into one of fear. My eyes widened as I realised what was going on. "Umbridge?" Harry gasped out.

Dobby nodded, then tried to smack himself with Harry's knees. Harry stopped him quickly.

"What about her?" I called out. "Has she found out about D.A.?"

The elf looked over his shoulder at me. He then promptly tried to kick himself then fell to the floor, pulling Harry down a bit with him.

"Is she coming here?" asked Harry quietly.

The howl the elf unleashed sent fear through me; it could only mean one thing. This was the feeling of dread. Umbridge knew. "Yes, Harry Potter, yes!"

Harry released the elf and straightened. His wide emerald eyes stared at the other students before finding me. "WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? RUN!"

"RUN FOR IT!" I snarled at the same moment.

There was a sudden rush to get to the door. I hung back so I could not get caught in the fray. The swarm disapated quickly as the students fled. "Head to the library! Or the Owlery! Just hide!" I yelled to the students as they rushed past. I saw a few nod in understanding, but the rest seemed to not have heard.

"Harry, Talis! Come on!" shrieked Hermione from somewhere in the mess of students.

Harry snatched up the crying house elf before rushing to join me at the back of the fading crowd. "Dobby, get back to the kitchen with the other elves, and if she asks you if you warned us, lie and tell her no. This is an order. And do not hurt yourself, I forbid it!" He dropped the elf as I shoved him through the door and slammed the door shut. I could hear it slither back into the wall.

Dobby squeaked a thank you to Harry before racing off in the direction of the kitchens.

I pushed Harry forwards. "Please don't get caught."

Harry nodded then darted towards a hallway on the right. I took a moment to compose myself so it appeared as if I was just patrolling the castle. There was a scream of pain and anger coming from the direction Harry went. I heard a horrid laugh then someone yell for a professor. I hurried to see what was going on.

Harry was on his stomach on the floor. Draco Malfoy was standing over him with his wand in his hand, laughing joyfully.

"What's going on here?" I asked.

Before Malfoy could answer, Umbridge appeared around the opposite corner, out of breath, but looking pleased with herself. "It's him! Excellent, Draco! Fifty points to Slytherin! I'll take him from here. Stand up, Potter!"

"What is the meaning of this?" I demanded.

Umbridge looked up at me, shocked for moment as if she had not seen me standing there, and frowned. "What are you doing here, Mr. Creary?" She spat my name with poison.

"I was doing some rounds - Dumbledore asked me to - and I witnessed an unprovoked attack on a student by another." I turned to look at the sneering Malfoy. "I'm sure Dumbledore will agree with me when I say twenty-five points from Slytherin for such an attack." That wiped the smile off his pointy face. I knew I couldn't take all the points Umbridge awarded him, but halving it was enough. "What are you doing here, Professor?"

Umbridge's smile was venomous. "I don't believe that is any of your business, Mr. Creary." She looked at Draco. "Go on and see if you can round up anymore of them. Tell the others to check the bathroom - the girls in the girls' and the boys in the boys' - and the library. Look for anyone out of breath. Off you go." She waited until Malfoy was out of sight before rounding on us. "Mr. Creary, seeing as you were not too far from where Mr. Malfoy caught Potter, you will accompany us to the headmaster's office."

Harry got painfully to his feet as I nodded and growled, "Of course, Professor."

We were at the gargoyle guarding Dumbledore's office within minutes. I was cursing Umbridge under my breath every step of the way. When I knew no one was looking, I would brushed the back of my hand against Harry's, hoping to reassure him. I hoped the others had not gotten caught. Mrs. Weasley would kill Ron for being in a group that was explicitly against the rules. Hermione would feel like a failure for the rest of her life if she were expelled before she could experience the hell that was O.W.L.s. Tonight had actually been Seamus's first meet and he was showing such promise. Even Neville had been doing so great; his progress meant the most to me out of all the students.

"Fizzing Whizbee," said Umbridge in a singsong voice. The gargoyle sprang to the side, the wall opened, and we climbed onto the moving stone steps to the polished door with the golden griffin knocker. I raised my hand to knock politely but Umbridge had other plans. She barged right inside.

Rude.

There were more people in the office than I thought. I had expected only Dumbledore, possibly even Minerva. Both were there, as was Cornelius Fudge, the Minister of Magic, who was looking rather pleased at the sight of his biggest ass-kisser; Kingsley Shacklebolt, a dark-skinned wizard whom I had immense respect for; an older wizrd with short, wiry hair I had not seen before; and Ron's older brother Percy, equipted with a quill and a thick roll of parchment.

Fudge smiled at Harry with vicious satisfaction as Umbridge shoved him forward, away from me. I snarled and took the step to return to his side. "Well, well, well . . ."

"He was heading back to Gryffindor Tower," said Umbridge. "The Malfoy boy caught him. And Mr. Creary was nearby so I brought him as well. Maybe he knows something."

I shot a glare over my shoulder at her. "I am here to prove Harry's innocence," I snapped.

Fudge muttered something under his breath that sounded a lot like "filthy blood" before addressing Harry. "Potter, so you know why you are here?"

Dumbledore shook his head a fraction of an inch. A movement unseen by the others, and I growled quietly.

"No," said Harry.

"I beg your pardon?"

"No," Harry repeated.

"You don't know why you are here?"

"No, I don't."

Fudge looked incredulously from Harry to me to Umbridge. "So you have no idea," Fudge said sarcastically, "why Professor Umbridge has brought you here? You are not aware that you have broken any rules?"

"School rules? No."

"Or Ministry decrees?"

"Not that I am aware of."

It was kind of interesting to watch Fudge as his blood pressure started to rise. His face was turning an angry red color. An angry apple red. Amusing.

"So you were completely unaware that an illegal student organization has been discovered within this school?"

"Yes. I was unaware."

Fudge turned his mad eyes to me. I just blinked in a bored way. "Mr. Creary, were you aware of the fact that students were gathering in an illegal organization within these very walls?"

"I was not." I felt Harry tense beside me. "The decrees Filch has kindly nailed into the wall can be seen quite clearly by all those who walk by them. The students obviously know they would be in great trouble were they to start such an organization." I watched as Fudge's face grew redder still. "I believe these accusations are unfounded. There is no proof of such a group existing."

"I think, Minister, we would make more progress if we brought in our informant," said Umbridge in an alarmingly calm tone.

I spared her a swift glance. An informant? Who the hell would risk giving away our group?

"Yes, yes," said Fudge, nodding, and Umbridge left the room. "A good witness. There's nothing like it, right, Dumbledore?"

"Nothing at all," agreed Dumbledore in a somewhat weary tone.

After a few minutes of waiting, in which I did my best to carefully brush Harry's hand with my own, just to let him know that I was still with him, Umbridge returned. I turned slightly to watch her escort Cho's curly-haired friend Marietta into the room. The girl was cowering behind her hands.

"Don't be scared, dear," said Umbridge softly, patting her on the back. "There's no need to be frightened." I almost snorted a laugh. "You have done the right thing. The Minister is very pleased with what you have done. He'll tell your mother about what a good girl you have been. Her mother is Madam Edgecombe of the Department of Magical Transportation," Umbridge added, looking at Fudge. "The Floo Network Office."

"Jolly good!" said Fudge heartily, though he still looked upset. "Like mother, like daughter! Now, don't be shy, dear. Let's hear what you've got to - galloping gargoyles!"

When Marietta finally lowered her hands, Fudge lept back and almost landed in the fire. The hem of his cloak started to smolder and he stomped it out with a quiet swear. Marietta let out a wail of fright and yanked her robes up to her eyes. I was amazed at what I had seen. Her face had been disfigured by a swath of purple pimples that formed the word "SNEAK" across her nose and cheeks.

"Never mind the spots, my dear," said Umbridge. "Just tell the Minister what you told me."

Marietta let out another cry, refusing to drop her robes.

"Very well then, you silly girl, I'll tell him." Umbridge turned away from the distressed teen, plastering a smile on her toad-like face. "Miss Edgecombe came to my office not long after dinner this evening and told me she had something to tell me. She said that if I went to a secret room in the castle, known by others as the Room of Requirement, I would find something to my advantage. I wanted to question her a bit further about these activities, and she admitted there was a meeting taking place. Unfortunately that hex came to be and she became too distressed to tell me more, after she caught sight of her face in a mirror."

Fudge looked at Marietta in a very convincing fatherly look. It was rather scary to witness. "That was very brave of you, my dear, for going to Professor Umbridge with this information." He clear his throat and shot a glare at me. I returned it with as innocent a look as I could muster. "Will you please tell me what was happening at the meeting? Who was there?"

Marietta squeaked and shook her head.

"Surely there is a counter-jinx for this?" Fudge asked impatiently, gesturing to Marietta's covered face. "So she can freely speak?"

Umbridge shook her head. "I haven't yet managed to find me."

I almost smiled with pride at Hermione's perfect jinxing skills. She would make a deadly ally in any battle; not that I wanted her to be part of a war.

"You will remember, Minister, that I sent you a report back in October, about Potter and a number of fellow students, and Creary, meeting in the Hog's Head in Hogsmeade -"

"And what is your evidence for that?" asked Minerva angrily.

A smug smile plastered itself on Umbridge's wide face. "I have testimony from Willy Widdershins, who happened to be there at the time. He was heavily bandaged, poor dear, but his hearing still works perfectly. He heard every word Potter and Creary said and reported to me as soon as he could."

"So that's why he was prosecuted for setting up all those regurgitating toilets." Minerva's eyebrow arched in disgust. "What an interesting insight into our justice system!"

The portrait of a red-nosed wizard behind Dumbledore's desk made a noise of agreement. "In my day, the Ministry did not cut deals with petty criminals. This is blatant corruption!"

Dumbledore thanks the portrait for voicing his opinion in a quiet voice.

I nodded minutely at the portrait in agreement.

"The reasoning behind the meeting Potter organized was to persuade them to join an illegal society. One whose aim to learn spells and curses the Ministry has decided are inappropriate -"

"I believe you will find you're wrong, Professor," Dumbledore interrupted, looking over his half-moon glasses.

I blinked in confusion at the old wizard. From the rumors and whispers I heard while floating around the Ministry in search of work, I had heard about Dumbledore being about to talk his way out of situations as if he were an expert silver-tongue.

"Oho!" Fudge interrupted my thoughts. "Yes! Let's hear the latest cock-and-bull story to get Potter out of trouble!" Fudge started to bounce on the balls of his feet. " Well, then, Dumbledore, go on. Willy Widdershins was laying, was he? Or was Harry's identical twin brother in Hog's Head that day? Or is it the usual explanation of a reversal of time, a dead man coming back to life, and a couple of invisible dementors?"

Percy Weasley let out a loud laugh. I narrowed my eyes at the redhead, feeling sorry for Arthur and Molly for putting up with his stuck-up shit for too long. How can a family so humble and nice produce that dick? He caught sight of my glare and promptly shut his mouth.

"Cornelius, I do not deny - and nor does Harry or Talis - that they were in the Hog's Head that day, nor that they were trying to recruit students to a Defense Against the Dark Arts group. I am merely pointing out that Dolores is wrong to suggest that such a group was, at the time, illegal. As you might remember, the Ministry decree banning student activities was not put into effect until two days after Harry's and Talis's Hogmeade meeting, therefore they were not breaking any rules."

I had to bite my lower lip to keep from smirking as Fudge gaped at the older wizard.

Umbridge finally spoke up after a few moments of silence. "That's all very well, Headmaster," she said, poisonous smile returning. "But we are nearly six months on from the introduction of Educational Decree Number Twenty-four. If the first meeting was not illegal, then all of those afterwards most certainly are."

Dumbledore smile calmly at the toad-like woman. "Well, they certainly would be, if they had continued after the decree came into effect. Do you, perhaps, have any evidence that these meetings continued?"

A rustling sound reached my ears, and, by the way Harry had tensed a bit, he had heard it too. Something was moving behind us, and Kingsley muttered something under his breath. A very, very faint breeze brushed against my side, and I knew Kingsley was up to something interesting. I felt Harry's eyes on me for a split second, and gave a small twitch of my head. Hopefully, he knew better than to say something.

"Evidence?" Umbridge repeated. "Why do you think Miss Edgecombe is here? Have you not been listening, Dumbledore?"

The old wizard raised his silvery eyebrows. "Oh? Can she tell us about six months' worth of meetings? I was under the impression that she was reporting a meeting tonight."

Umbridge glowered at Dumbledore then turned back to Marietta. "Miss Edgecombe, will you please tell us how long these meetings have been going on? You can nod or shake your head. I am quite sure doing so will not make the spots worse. Have they been happening over the past six months, regularly? Just nod or shake your head," Umbridge repeated sweetly.

Marietta seemed to not have heard the question, but, just as Umbridge was opened her mouth to repeat herself, she shook her head.

I blinked then bit the inside of cheek. Kingsley's spell was working.

Umbridge looked from Marietta to Fudge, confused, then back to Marietta. "Did you not understand the question, my dear? I'm asking you if these meetings have been going on the past six months?

Once again, Marietta shook her head.

"What do you mean by shaking your head, dear?" Anger was starting to edge into the toad's voice.

"I believe her meaning was quite clear," said Minerva harshly. "There have been no secret meetings for the past six months. Am I correct, Miss Edgecombe?"

Marietta nodded.

"But there was meeting tonight!" Umbridge crowed, beyond angry. "You told me about a meeting, Miss Edgecome, in the Room of Requirement! And Potter was the leader, and Creary was another leader, were they not? They organized it - Why are you shaking your head, girl?!"

"Usually when a person shakes their head, Dolores, they mean 'no.'" Minerva took a step forward. "Unless Miss Edgecombe is using some sort of sigh language unknown to humans -"

In the blink of an eye, Umbridge grabbed a hold of Marietta's upper arms, pulled her around to face her, then started to shake her violently. A snarl nearly ripped my throat in half the same moment Dumbledore lept to his feet with his wand raised. Kingsley moved forward, but Umbridge had released the teenager as if she had been burnt. I swiftly moved to stand between the girl and the deranged professor, crouching a bit, ready to spring. Faintly, I heard Harry gasp quietly. My lips curled back in a snarl. How dare she touch one of my students?!

"I cannot allow you to manhandle my students." Dumbledore's voice thrummed with anger.

"You want to calm yourself, Madam Umbridge," said Kingsley in his deep, slow voice. "You don't want to cause trouble for yourself."

Umbridge took her eyes off of me. "No," she breathed. "I mean, yes, yes, Shacklebolt. I forgot myself."

"At ease, Talis," Kingsley continued.

I glanced over my shoulder at him then nodded tensely. My spine uncurved, and I straightened to my normal height, though I did not remove myself from between Marietta and Umbridge. The young teenager's eyes were still a bit unfocused.

"Dolores," said Fduge after clearing his throat. "The meeting tonight, the one we know definitely happened -"

Umbridge pulled herself together quicky. "Yes, yes, well, Miss Edgecombe tipped me off and I went to the seventh floor at once with some certain trustworthy students, so as to catch those in the meeting red-handed. It is believed they were forewarned about my arrival as they were running in all directions. Miss Parkinson, a dear student of mine, ran into the Room of Requirement for me to see if they had left anything behind. We needed evidence, and the room provided," she finished, smiling.

She reached into her pocket and withdrew a familiar piece of parchment. I narrowed my eyes at the list of names, knowing mine was at the bottom with that wretched heart. She handed the parchment to Fudge.

"The moment I saw Potter's and Creary's names on the list, I knew what we were dealing with."

A smile spread across Fudge's pompous face. "Excellent! Excellent, Dolores. And . . . by thunder . . ." He looked up at Dumbledore, who was still standing with his wand in his hand. "Do you see what they named themselves?" Asked Fudge in a quiet, sinister voice. "Dumbledore's Army."

Dumbledore took the parchment from Fudge. He was quiet for a few moments, while the rest of us waited, then smiled. "Well, I believe the game is up," he said brightly. "Would you like a written statement, or will a statement before these witnesses suffice?"

I shared a look with Kingsley and Minerva. They were thinking the same thing as myself: What the hell was he going on about? Fear shone in their eyes.

"Statement?" asked Fudge slowly.

"It says Dumbledore's Army, Cornelius. Not Potter's Army. Not Creary's Army. Dumbledore's Army."

"But- but -" Understanding brightened Fudge's face for a moment before fear set in. He yelped and took a step backward before leaping out of the fire again. Silently, I wondered why he was standing so close to the fire in the first damn place. What a moron. "You?"

"That's right."

"You organized this group?"

"I did."

"You recruited students for your a-army?"

Dumbledore nodded. "Tonight was supposed to be the very first meeting. I merely wanted to see whether they would be interested in joining me to create this merry group. I see, now, that it was a mistake to ask Miss Edgecombe to join."

Marietta nodded, eyes still blank.

Fudge seemed to swell up like a balloon. "Then you have been plotting against me?" he yelled.

"That's right." Dumbledore was being too cheerful.

"NO!" Harry cried out suddenly.

I snapped my gaze to my boyfriend and let out a nearly soundless snarl. I understood Dumbledore's plan, and, apparently, so did Harry. I loved the younger teenager, but he needed to learn when to shut his mouth . . .

"Be quiet, Harry, or I am afraid you will have to leave my office," Dumbledore said calmly.

"Yes, shut up, Potter!" Fudge agreed, ignoring my growl and ogling Dumbledore in horrified delight. "Well, I came here to expel Potter, and possibly dismiss Creary, and instead -"

"Instead you get to arrest me," said Dumbledore. "It's almost like losing a Knut and finding a Galleon, isn't it?"

"Weasley, have you written all this down, his confession, everything?" Fudge was nearly bouncing with glee.

"I think so, sir!" said Percy eagerly. His nose had ink splattered on it from his frantic writing. I rolled my eyes at the Ministry pup. Fuck, I should have beaten his ass when we were in school just for the sake of beating his ass.

"Well, then, copy your notes, Weasley, and send a copy to the newspaper at once. If we send a fast owl we should make the morning paper." Fudge turned back to Dumbledore as Percy darted out the door, slamming it shut behind him. "You will now be escorted to the Ministry, Dumbledore, where you will be formally charged then sent to Azkaban to await trial!" He wrung his hands together in glee.

"Ah, yes, I thought we might hit this snag," said Dumbledore, "sooner or later."

"Snag? I see no snag, Dumbledore!"

"Well, I'm afraid I do," said Dumbledore apologetically.

"Oh really?"

"Yes. It seems as if you believe I will - what is the phrase? 'Come quietly.' I am afraid I will not be going quietly, Cornelius. I have absolutely no intention of being sent to Azkaban Prison. I could, and possibly would, break out, but what a waste of time, and I have a while list of others important things to take care of."

Fudge made a weird choking noise and turned to look at Kingsley and the unknown wizard. The unnamed man stepped away from the wall and his hand drifted towards his pocket, where his wand was most likely hidden. My own hand inched towards my wand's sheath.

"Don't be silly, Dawlish," said Dumbledore kindly. "I'm sure you are an excellent Auror. I believe, if my memory is correct, that you received 'Outstanding' on all your N.E.W.T.s, but if you attempt to 'bring me in with force,' then I will have to hurt you. I really do not want to do such a thing."

Fudge sneered at Dumbledore. "So, you plan to take on Dawlish, Shacklebolt, Dolores, and myself, do you?"

"Oh, Merlin's beard, no! Not unless you force me to."

Minerva plunged her hand into her pocket. "He will not be alone," she said harshly, starting to withdraw her wand.

"Minerva! Hogwarts needs you."

"Enough!" Fudge snarled. "Dawlish, Kingsley! Seize him!"

A loud bang rang through the air. A silvery light blinded everyone in the room. The floor pitched back and forth. I grabbed the back of Harry's shirt with one hand and Marietta's arm with the other. I yanked both to the floor with a crash. Fawkes let out an earsplitting screech. Someone screamed. I stared into Harry's fearful eyes. Dust swirled around in the air. Glass broke. Footsteps shuffled around. A groan.

Then silence.

I raised my head. Fudge, Umbridge, Dawlish and Kingsley were all laying on the floor, knocked out. Fawkes was circling the room, which was covered in a fine layer of dust, and the floor had bits of silver scattered everywhere; the spell must have broken Dumbledore's little trinkets.

"Talis?"

I moved back to allow Harry to stand. He looked around at the damage then took a step to the side so I could get to my feet. "Is everyone okay?"

Minerva appeared from behind Dumbledore's desk as the Headmaster surveyed the damage of his office. Most of the things would be easy to repair, at least for Dumbledore. Marietta stood up as well, eyes still a bit blank.

"I had to hex Kingsley too," said Dumbledore. "It would have looked suspicious if I hadn't. He was very quick, to modify Miss Edgecombe's memory like that. Please thank him for me, Minerva." He glanced over at the four bodies lying haphazardly on the office floor. "They will wake up soon. You must act as if no time had passed, as if they were merely knocked down for a moment."

"Where will you go?" I asked, holding onto Marietta's shoulders as she stumbled a bit. The spell must be wearing off.

"Will you be going to Grimmauld Place?" asked Minerva.

Dumbledore shook his head. "No. I will not be leaving to go into hiding. Oh no. Fudge will wish he never removed me from the castle." He turned to my boyfriend. "Harry, you must study Occlumency with Professor Snape. Study as hard as you can, and practice it every night before you sleep so you are not plagued with bad dreams. Promise me to close your mind."

The four on the ground were starting to stir. Fawkes swooped low over Dumbledore. The wizard grabbed the long golden tail feathers of the phoenix, and in a flash of fire both were gone.

"Where is he?" Fudge lept to his feet and stared at the spot where Dumbledore just vanished.

"I don't know!" Kingsley replied, getting to his feet as well.

"He could not have Apparated." Umbridge looked around wildly. "You can't do that inside the school."

"The stairs!" Dawlish flung open the door and raced down them, Kingsley and Umbridge at his heels.

"I'm afraid this is the end of your old friend, eh, Minerva?" Fudge sneered, brushing dust off his cloak.

Minerva scowled at the Minister. "Talis," she ground out, turning to me and the younger teenagers. "Please take Mr. Potter and Miss Edgecombe to their dormitories."

I nodded tensely and, with my arm around Marietta's shoulder, guided the students out of the office.

-tc-tc-tc-tc-tc-tc-tc-tc-tc-tc-tc-tc-tc-tc-tc-tc-tc-tc-tc-tc-

"What is going to happen now, Talis?" Harry paused in front of the wolf's portrait. He glanced at it anxiously then frowned when I shook my head. "I can't stay with you?"

"Not right now, love," I answered quietly. "With Dumbledore gone, who knows whom will be tailing you to see what you are doing. If someone catches you going in or coming out of my quarters, there could be hell to pay. We're in enough trouble as it is."

Harry crossed his arms over his chest. "It's not fair."

"I know." I gently nudged him away from the portrait. "Come on. Let's get you to your dorm. It's late, and you need your sleep. You're still a growing boy." Even my light joking did not lift the mood. "Don't worry, Harry." I glanced around before taking his hand in my own. "This will not last long. Umbridge thinks she has won, but it won't be long until Dumbledore is back." I sighed quietly, squeezing Harry's fingers. "Umbridge succeeded in getting Dumbledore out of the castle. What more could she do?"