Chapter 4 - beta'd 5/7/04
As Harry made his way to Whomping Willow and saw the light on in Hagrid's cabin. He decided to go see him before setting off to Shrieking Shack. He climbed up the stairs that lead to the front door of the hut. He knocked twice nervously. He heard Fang's barking madly up at the door, and Hagrid called out.
"Who's there?!"
"It's me . . ." Harry said as softly as he could say. As soon he said those words, the door swung open madly.
"Get in here!" Harry obeyed and walked in. He closed the door. "Harry, you can' be here!"
"Hagrid, I don't have much time," he started, taking off the invisiblity cloak.
"Don' have time fer wha' 'Arry?" Hagrid asked, pressing him.
"I may be expelled--"
"What?! Ruddy hell, are you?!"
"No, at least not yet, so I have to go into hiding. So, I just want to say goodbye, and to let you know I'm going someplace safe. I can't tell you where." Harry saw the hurt look appearing on his face, he quickly added, "Not that I don't trust you. You . . . just have a tendency to blurt things out, I would tell you, but it's for my own safefty you know."
"Oh alrigh' Harry, but I don't approve of you going into hidin'!"
"Sorry friend," Harry said, half-hugging him, seeing that Hagrid is much bigger than he is. "But I have to go, I will attend some of your classes as much as I can okay?"
"No!" he said a bit too loudly. Then he added, "Umbridge is righ' there, so don' even think about comin'."
"You're right, damn her. It's all her bloody fault!"
Hagrid sighed, "Me too Harry."
"Well," Harry said, "I must go."
"Oh, Harry?"
"Yeah?" he stopped befroe swinging the cloak over him.
"Are you going to attend Ron's match?"
"'Course I will," Harry said, grinning.
"Great, tha's good to hear. Good, good..." he said a bit too distractedly. Harry got a bit suspicious of Hagrid, and shrugged it off.
"Bye Hagrid, I suspect we'll be in touch soon," he said as he swung over the cloak.
"Bye Harry," Hagrid replied, opening the door for Harry. He left the hut and made his way to the Whomping Willow. He hestiated, and wondered if the tree could see him or feel his presence. Deciding not to take chances, he made his way towards the Forbidden forest. He found a long stagging stick. He check to see if it's dark enough that people won't look out their window and find it floating. There was no moon tonight, so he felt safe. He carried the stick and found the knobby root which would suspend the tree for only short while. He struck the stick to the point that prevents the tree from moving, and started to make way towards the hole. But after getting rid of the stick by using the vanishing spell.
He climbed through the tunnel, and after a while, the tunnel went up and made his way into the Shrieking Shack.He stood up and looked around. He could hardly see anything.
"Lumos," Harry said, lighting his wand and saw that everything remained exactly as it is. The last time he was here, was only in his third year. Where he learned the truth about Sirius, Remus, and Peter the rat. He shook his head, thinking about how could the betrayer be a Ron's pet for those three years. He casted fire spell on each torch and candles around the room to brighten the place. He set to work in the area that he would sleep in. Right now, it's nearing midnight, and is up on second floor, a room away from where the place that held all the actions those two years ago.
Sasitfied, he conjured a simple blanket and pillow and put it on the torn sofa, which no matter how many times he tried saying "Reparo," and still, some did repair. But still worse for wear. Not minding this, he plopped onto the couch and went to sleep after extinquishing the candles and torches. He dared not set the fireplace on, for the Hogsmead inhabitants will notice. Harry was glad that every single window and doors that lead into the house from outside being boarded up or he would have not used candles at all.
Next day proved to be a day where Umbridge, Fudge, and Percy to be having one of the worst days yet. If it were possible, the students were even more rowdy than ever. And the news that Harry was gone from Hogwarts. The rumors were flying that someone in Slytherin had jinix Umbridge for the frog-language. Saying him or her had done it in secrecy from the door or the window where she could not see who jinix her. So that it would look like the slytherin was trying to frame Harry or McGonagall.
Luckily, most students attended the breakfast that morning so Fudge could at least tell most of the student population about the punishment to those who do not cease their rebillions.
"Students!" Fudge yelled, purple in face again. This didn't make the kids quieten down. "Ahem, Sonorus!" His voice now booming over in the Great Hall. Which seem to even shatter the ceiling that matched the skies above them. "THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR BEING QUIET NOW!" He said, sarcastically, apparently not very pleased with the student population. "IF YOU DO NOT STOP THIS MADDNESS, I WILL BE SURE THAT THIS WILL GO ON YOUR PERMAMENT RECORD AS WELL AS EXPULSION FROM HOGWARTS IMMEDIATELY!"
This broke out loud murmurings between student's nieghbors, and seem to have decided to ignore his warnings. They all went back to eating and shooting off funny charms, and eating from one of Skiving Snackboxes. This behavior only made the three Ministry of Magic staff to go red in the face.
"STUDENTS! I AM WARNING YOU RIGHT NOW! THIS IS NOT A JOKE." The students still ignored the Minister. "FINE! HOGWARTS WILL CLOSE DOWN FOREVER IF YOU DON'T STOP THIS CRAZINESS! I WILL SEE TO THAT IT WILL CLOSE TODAY AT NOON IF YOU DROP THIS AND ATTEND TO CLASSES!"
This apparently had left some effect on the population, and most of rebellion acts have quietened down. "THANK YOU SO MUCH! Quietus!" By the time he said Quietus, everyone have ceased to no rebellion acts at all.
"Oh thank you so much Minister," Umbridge said, smiling sweetly at him.
"I would say pleasure's all mine, but it wasn't exactly a pleasure . . ." he said cooly.
"I agree Mr. Fudge, I agree. Terrible, terrible students . . ."
"Well Dolores, we'll stay around and make sure that they're still under control. Should any, I mean ANY of them do that again, contact me at once."
"I'll do that Minister," she replied sugary.
"Anyways, where is Mr. Potter?" Fudge asked, searching at the Gryffindor table.
"I haven't seen him... you don't suppose he disappeared somewhere in this castle?"
"Perhaps . . ." Fudge replied, thinking. "Well, if you see him, give him a LESSON," he put a lot of emphasis on the word 'lesson', to have Umbridge take the hint, "that he will never forget."
"Oh yes, the pleasure would be wonderful Fudge. Nasty busissness, but it should be done only to teach him. He still won't learn you know. Such a difficult child."
"Indeed he is, I'm so disappointed in him . . ." Fudge said, shaking his head. "He's gone mad I tell you." He sighed, frowning. "Well, we best be off . . ."
"Yes, I quite agree," Umbridge said.
"Good bye miss," Percy said.
"Yes, yes, bye Dolores, and I would be happy if you can owl me once a day. A paragraph would be just fine if you don't find anything worthy to report as you usually do, we'll be off."
"I'll do that. Bye Minister, bye Mr. Weasely," she smiled at them, and the two were gone. For the rest of the day, Umbridge had set out to find Mr. Potter herself. Seeking teachers and some of the trustworthy students to keep an eye out for him.
Little did she know, Harry had been under the invisiblity cloak, and had listened to half the conversation the three had. Needless to say, he was very glad he'd gone into hiding. He had a good idea of what lesson Fudge mentioned. But he wouldn't believe that he would actually suggest it. It was out of the line. Way too surreal. The idea of Minister of Magic, suggesting to use an Unforgiveable to Harry for a 'lesson'.
The class that Ron, Harry, and Hermione attended was the Charms class. Which was good because it provided a private conversation with the other two, and made it look like that Hermione was doing the work, when actually Harry practicing. Flitwick noticed that Hermione was having problems trying to change the surface of the table into niches of moss.
"Something wrong Ms. Granger? First you had it right, and suddenly you can't do it right anymore, what's wrong?"
"Oh, it's fine professor, I'm just trying to grow some thicker niche Professor Flitwick."
"If you say so Ms. Granger," he replied, going back to helping other students. Then Harry began to fill in what the three staffs from Ministry of Magic was saying, including the bit about the 'lesson'.
"Oh, OUTRAGEOUS!" blurted Hermione.
"Something you wish to share with the class Ms. Granger?" Flitwick looked postiviely worred about his best student in the class.
"Oh no not right now Professor, I'm just, I'm just..."
"She's lost her confidence Professor," piped Ron.
"Outrageous!" Hermione half yelled.
"Oh poor dear, do you need calming drought, is it because of upcoming O.W.L.s?"
That did it, Hermione broke into small sobs, "I can't do it pr- professor!" The class had been watching her and Professor Flitwick, wide eyed.
"Ms. Granger, you'll be okay! I think you should go see Madam Pomfrey," he suggested.
"Sir . . ." Ron started.
"Yes, yes I think you should go with her as well . . . say, have you two seen Harry lately?"
"Not since early evening last night Professor," Ron replied sadly.
"Hmm, very well, go on," seeing that Hermione was still sobbing miserably. Once the door closed behind the two, er three students.
"Harry?" Ron said, bearly below a whisper.
"I'm here mate, are you okay Hermione?"
"Oh, just fine, that was an act you know," she said casually.
". . . You do make a great actress Hermione," Ron said, smiling. She blushed at his compliment.
"We've got to do with that evil woman though! I can't believe Fudge would suggest that!" she said, as they made their way to the lake, seeking privacy there.
"I know, unbelieveable, but they've been that way lately. They only SEE me as an attention-seeking-prat," Harry spat furiously.
"True, but that shouldn't be a reason for them to do that," Hermione said, worriedly. "I'm glad that you did decide to go into hiding when you're not really into HIDING."
"Yeah mate, and I bet after she's done with you, she'll find a reason to expell you."
Harry sighed, he was glad for the fact that he had such supportive friends who stuck with him. Even when he was being a prat, and sometimes very unfair.
"It's nearly time for Transfiguration, we should go. I think Harry should do some of Ron's work this time. Charms was just too... risky. We can'd do that anymore."
"Yeah, I agree, don't want to get sent out again because Hermione's losing her marbles," Ron snickered. Hermione smacked upside the head and huffed. Harrry laughed at that reaction and shook his head. Not that anyone could even see him now besides Sirius.
Sirius. He need to talk to him as soon as he gets back to the Shrieking Shack and tell him about his situation. If Snape hadn't gone to do so. Transfiguration class didn't raise any suspicions now that Harry was pretending to be Ron who acted as normaly as he can. Professor McGonagall tried to help him and Harry improved because of her.
Before she left Hermione and Ron, she asked them to hold back when the bell rang. Harry, and the other two had an inkling of what was going to be about. And they were right. The bell rang, and all but the two, and secretly, the third students held back for her.
"Weasely, Granger, do you know where Potter is?" The two shook their heads sadly.
" I tried to find him in the dormitory, some of the places he usually goes for thinking and I can't find him anywhere else he could be. He did say something aboug going into hiding professor."
"I was afriad of that answer. If indeed he did go into hiding, things would complicate so much more . . ." she said, fixing a stern, yet worried look on her face. "I'm worried about him taking the O.W.L.s.."
"I, I have a feeling that he'll still take them Professor."
"Really? I do hope so, now why would you say that?"
"He also said that he would still do O.W.L.s. somehow."
"Rubbish, he can't take them out of Hogwarts!" she said. "Is there anything else you wish to share?" Hermione hesitated, opening her mouth and clsoing. "Yes?" she pressed her on.
"P-professor this morning, we accidentally overheard bits er bits of conversation between Fudge and Umbridge . . ." she began. She felt a press against her shouler, letting her know to continue on the conversation. Feeling more confident that Harry gave an okay. "I-I heard that if they did find Harry, they're going to teach him an awful, awful lesson. The way that Fudge puts it, it sounds like he's giving her the permission to use an Unforgiveable on Harry. Then perhaps trying to find a reason to expell him!" She was in tears by now.
McGonagall paled at the new relevation and looked to Ron for confirmation.
"Yeah, I heard them saying that, we think that Harry felt that he could be expelled so he'd gone into hiding . . ." Ron said.
"And he also said that there's a possiblity of having you sacked Professor!"
"My goodness, that doesn't sound good at all is it?" she sat down in her chair, clearly surprised of what the two students told her. "You two aren't making this up are you?" Then she thought about the past, of how they had known about Sorcer's Stone, the times that they had been telling the truth.
"Why would we?" Hermione asked softly.
"R-right, I-I shall try and do something," stammered McGonagall. The two never saw her breaking down in a bit before. "First Dumbledore, then this! Hogwarts will surely be destroyed by them very soon!" Hermione and Ron looked at each other. "Very well, you two go for lunch."
After lunch, where the three had eaten in the kitchens so Harry can eat some food seeing that he didn't get a chance to do so this morning for breakfast. They had gone for Potions. Double potions as well, and in roomful of Slytherins and the hypocritical, mean teacher. Proir to that, where no students haven't arrived but Ron and Hermione.
"Professor," Hermione began, as Ron shut the door. "Er--" she looked around the room tentatively.
"Ah, he's here isn't he?" he asked, getting up. I have prepared an place that's invisble to students so he can prepare in secrecy and leave the results on the table when he's done. Unfortunely, I won't be able to critizize him when he does something wrong and cause explosion. That's the only bad risk he has to take." He drawled, staring at the empty space that's between Ron and Hermione.
"Yes sir," came Harry's reply and followed Snape to the furthest back of the room, in the dark corner where no students would not go. Harry sat down in the chair and waited for the students to file in the room. 'So far, all the classes except Charms have been smooth, how else can it go wrong?' Harry thought happily at the thought of Snape leaving him alone because he was invisble and would raise suspicions. And he had a more of a reason to pay more attention as not to do any accidents. He felt that at last, that he can do potions right. Maybe, for the rest of the year, he can scrape an E, or even an O, which he badly needed for the Auror career. If he couldn't, he could always play for Quidditch team after Hogwarts . . .
At the end of Potions class, doing a brew for the today's assignment and poured some of the fluids in and corked it. As Professor Snape had said, he left it there and cleaned up his mess, feeling proud of himself. He went out of the dungeon and with Hermione and Ron.
"How'd you do Harry?" Hermione asked.
"I'd would say that I'll be damned if he gives me an Acceptable for the potion we brewed today." Harry replied softly.
"That good of a job then?" Hermione inquired, raising eyebrows.
"Of course, the thought of not being able to be ridiculed by Snape or even the Slytherins. Though they shouldn't be nice tomorrow. But I'll try to not get defensive over you guys, can't do anything with him around breathing down our necks."
"True..." Hermione said.
"Well, we're off to Hagrid's lessons now, I don't think you're coming are you?" Ron asked.
"No," came the answer. "I think I'll visit the restricted section." He said causually.
"Harry!" came the two hushed voices.
"Joking, joking, but I wouldn't be if I need to learn more about defensive spells..."
"Perhaps, but not when you're in this much danger already Harry," Hermione said. They reached the Entrance Hall. "Well, we'll talk to you later then." Hermione and Ron set off towards Hagrid's cabin. Harry made up his mind and went after them. It shouldn't hurt right? He thought.
When Hagrid did his lesson on Chizpurfles, he regretted. Another boring, but fusterating lesson with Umbridge around making a lot of lout scribbling noises with her quill. Making Hagrid nervous and distracted. Harry wanted to spook the bloody hell out of Umbridge right there and now. But he had to hold himself back. There are plenty of opportunities for that later. Right now, the slytherins are now making crude things to Hermione and Ron about Harry.
"Hey Granger, where's your scar-headed friend?" Draco asked. "Did he end up in St. Mungos now, and without Umbridge knowing?" he made a gesture of clutching to his forehead and collaspsing and faking convulsions. The slytherins cracked up loudly. Umbridge saw the commotion and walked towards them.
"What's going on?' she asked softly.
"Oh I was just asking them about where Potter is."
"I assure you Mr. Malfoy that we're doing everything we can to find the boy," she said sweetly.
"Oh but these two," pointing to Ron and Hermione, "might know where he is."
"Perhaps they do . . ." she replied, staring at the two intently. "Can you two come to my office after the lesson is over?"
"Yes Professor Umbridge," the two chorused.
"Splendid," she went back to where she had been observing Hagrid. Ten minutes later, the bell rang, Hermione, Ron, and without their knowledge, Harry trooped up towards the Entrance Hall. Harry checked around and saw that was clear an spoke to them.
"I came to his lesson anyway," Harry said softly. The two widened their eyes. "Yes, whole lesson of it," he answered thier unasked question. "So, let's go and see what SHE has to say about me, and asking you questions. I'm glad I didn't tell you where I'm hiding..." They stopped next to the door that lead to Professor Umbridge's office.
Then she entered in view from the end of corridor, smiling widely at them as if they were two year olds. She unlocked her door, and what damage the nifflers had done, it seems as if they never invaded in the first place. Everything was in exact order before nifflers had attacked. "Come on in you two," she said, and they all three entered the room. "Please have a seat. I wish to serve you something to drink. Would you like some biscuits?" She offered.
"Oh no thank you," Hermione replied.
"Yes, I'll have some butterbeer please," Ron said at th same time as her. She shot him a look. "Er, actually, nevermind Professor."
"Please, I wish to share something with you before our real conversation begin.
"Oh very well," Hermione sighed.
"Okay, well can I have some butterbeer?" Ron asked hopeful. He felt a sharp jab in the shoulder blade. He made no look of pain or any reaction. Harry saw a bit of compherhension dawning on him and faded away.
"Of course Weasely," Umbridge said, smiling, picking something from under the desk and busied herself. "What about you dear?"
"A tea will be fine Professor," she said, impatiently but nervous.
"Okay," She busied herself some more, and while she was busy. Harry quickly whispered to their ears for everytime Umbridge clinked cups under the desk.
'Pretend to drink,' he had said and the two nodded very slightly. Then Umbridge served them their drinks. The two began drinking their cups of tea or the Butterbeer. But not actually swallowing them and set them on the desk. What came next had taken them by surprise except for Harry.
As Harry made his way to Whomping Willow and saw the light on in Hagrid's cabin. He decided to go see him before setting off to Shrieking Shack. He climbed up the stairs that lead to the front door of the hut. He knocked twice nervously. He heard Fang's barking madly up at the door, and Hagrid called out.
"Who's there?!"
"It's me . . ." Harry said as softly as he could say. As soon he said those words, the door swung open madly.
"Get in here!" Harry obeyed and walked in. He closed the door. "Harry, you can' be here!"
"Hagrid, I don't have much time," he started, taking off the invisiblity cloak.
"Don' have time fer wha' 'Arry?" Hagrid asked, pressing him.
"I may be expelled--"
"What?! Ruddy hell, are you?!"
"No, at least not yet, so I have to go into hiding. So, I just want to say goodbye, and to let you know I'm going someplace safe. I can't tell you where." Harry saw the hurt look appearing on his face, he quickly added, "Not that I don't trust you. You . . . just have a tendency to blurt things out, I would tell you, but it's for my own safefty you know."
"Oh alrigh' Harry, but I don't approve of you going into hidin'!"
"Sorry friend," Harry said, half-hugging him, seeing that Hagrid is much bigger than he is. "But I have to go, I will attend some of your classes as much as I can okay?"
"No!" he said a bit too loudly. Then he added, "Umbridge is righ' there, so don' even think about comin'."
"You're right, damn her. It's all her bloody fault!"
Hagrid sighed, "Me too Harry."
"Well," Harry said, "I must go."
"Oh, Harry?"
"Yeah?" he stopped befroe swinging the cloak over him.
"Are you going to attend Ron's match?"
"'Course I will," Harry said, grinning.
"Great, tha's good to hear. Good, good..." he said a bit too distractedly. Harry got a bit suspicious of Hagrid, and shrugged it off.
"Bye Hagrid, I suspect we'll be in touch soon," he said as he swung over the cloak.
"Bye Harry," Hagrid replied, opening the door for Harry. He left the hut and made his way to the Whomping Willow. He hestiated, and wondered if the tree could see him or feel his presence. Deciding not to take chances, he made his way towards the Forbidden forest. He found a long stagging stick. He check to see if it's dark enough that people won't look out their window and find it floating. There was no moon tonight, so he felt safe. He carried the stick and found the knobby root which would suspend the tree for only short while. He struck the stick to the point that prevents the tree from moving, and started to make way towards the hole. But after getting rid of the stick by using the vanishing spell.
He climbed through the tunnel, and after a while, the tunnel went up and made his way into the Shrieking Shack.He stood up and looked around. He could hardly see anything.
"Lumos," Harry said, lighting his wand and saw that everything remained exactly as it is. The last time he was here, was only in his third year. Where he learned the truth about Sirius, Remus, and Peter the rat. He shook his head, thinking about how could the betrayer be a Ron's pet for those three years. He casted fire spell on each torch and candles around the room to brighten the place. He set to work in the area that he would sleep in. Right now, it's nearing midnight, and is up on second floor, a room away from where the place that held all the actions those two years ago.
Sasitfied, he conjured a simple blanket and pillow and put it on the torn sofa, which no matter how many times he tried saying "Reparo," and still, some did repair. But still worse for wear. Not minding this, he plopped onto the couch and went to sleep after extinquishing the candles and torches. He dared not set the fireplace on, for the Hogsmead inhabitants will notice. Harry was glad that every single window and doors that lead into the house from outside being boarded up or he would have not used candles at all.
Next day proved to be a day where Umbridge, Fudge, and Percy to be having one of the worst days yet. If it were possible, the students were even more rowdy than ever. And the news that Harry was gone from Hogwarts. The rumors were flying that someone in Slytherin had jinix Umbridge for the frog-language. Saying him or her had done it in secrecy from the door or the window where she could not see who jinix her. So that it would look like the slytherin was trying to frame Harry or McGonagall.
Luckily, most students attended the breakfast that morning so Fudge could at least tell most of the student population about the punishment to those who do not cease their rebillions.
"Students!" Fudge yelled, purple in face again. This didn't make the kids quieten down. "Ahem, Sonorus!" His voice now booming over in the Great Hall. Which seem to even shatter the ceiling that matched the skies above them. "THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR BEING QUIET NOW!" He said, sarcastically, apparently not very pleased with the student population. "IF YOU DO NOT STOP THIS MADDNESS, I WILL BE SURE THAT THIS WILL GO ON YOUR PERMAMENT RECORD AS WELL AS EXPULSION FROM HOGWARTS IMMEDIATELY!"
This broke out loud murmurings between student's nieghbors, and seem to have decided to ignore his warnings. They all went back to eating and shooting off funny charms, and eating from one of Skiving Snackboxes. This behavior only made the three Ministry of Magic staff to go red in the face.
"STUDENTS! I AM WARNING YOU RIGHT NOW! THIS IS NOT A JOKE." The students still ignored the Minister. "FINE! HOGWARTS WILL CLOSE DOWN FOREVER IF YOU DON'T STOP THIS CRAZINESS! I WILL SEE TO THAT IT WILL CLOSE TODAY AT NOON IF YOU DROP THIS AND ATTEND TO CLASSES!"
This apparently had left some effect on the population, and most of rebellion acts have quietened down. "THANK YOU SO MUCH! Quietus!" By the time he said Quietus, everyone have ceased to no rebellion acts at all.
"Oh thank you so much Minister," Umbridge said, smiling sweetly at him.
"I would say pleasure's all mine, but it wasn't exactly a pleasure . . ." he said cooly.
"I agree Mr. Fudge, I agree. Terrible, terrible students . . ."
"Well Dolores, we'll stay around and make sure that they're still under control. Should any, I mean ANY of them do that again, contact me at once."
"I'll do that Minister," she replied sugary.
"Anyways, where is Mr. Potter?" Fudge asked, searching at the Gryffindor table.
"I haven't seen him... you don't suppose he disappeared somewhere in this castle?"
"Perhaps . . ." Fudge replied, thinking. "Well, if you see him, give him a LESSON," he put a lot of emphasis on the word 'lesson', to have Umbridge take the hint, "that he will never forget."
"Oh yes, the pleasure would be wonderful Fudge. Nasty busissness, but it should be done only to teach him. He still won't learn you know. Such a difficult child."
"Indeed he is, I'm so disappointed in him . . ." Fudge said, shaking his head. "He's gone mad I tell you." He sighed, frowning. "Well, we best be off . . ."
"Yes, I quite agree," Umbridge said.
"Good bye miss," Percy said.
"Yes, yes, bye Dolores, and I would be happy if you can owl me once a day. A paragraph would be just fine if you don't find anything worthy to report as you usually do, we'll be off."
"I'll do that. Bye Minister, bye Mr. Weasely," she smiled at them, and the two were gone. For the rest of the day, Umbridge had set out to find Mr. Potter herself. Seeking teachers and some of the trustworthy students to keep an eye out for him.
Little did she know, Harry had been under the invisiblity cloak, and had listened to half the conversation the three had. Needless to say, he was very glad he'd gone into hiding. He had a good idea of what lesson Fudge mentioned. But he wouldn't believe that he would actually suggest it. It was out of the line. Way too surreal. The idea of Minister of Magic, suggesting to use an Unforgiveable to Harry for a 'lesson'.
The class that Ron, Harry, and Hermione attended was the Charms class. Which was good because it provided a private conversation with the other two, and made it look like that Hermione was doing the work, when actually Harry practicing. Flitwick noticed that Hermione was having problems trying to change the surface of the table into niches of moss.
"Something wrong Ms. Granger? First you had it right, and suddenly you can't do it right anymore, what's wrong?"
"Oh, it's fine professor, I'm just trying to grow some thicker niche Professor Flitwick."
"If you say so Ms. Granger," he replied, going back to helping other students. Then Harry began to fill in what the three staffs from Ministry of Magic was saying, including the bit about the 'lesson'.
"Oh, OUTRAGEOUS!" blurted Hermione.
"Something you wish to share with the class Ms. Granger?" Flitwick looked postiviely worred about his best student in the class.
"Oh no not right now Professor, I'm just, I'm just..."
"She's lost her confidence Professor," piped Ron.
"Outrageous!" Hermione half yelled.
"Oh poor dear, do you need calming drought, is it because of upcoming O.W.L.s?"
That did it, Hermione broke into small sobs, "I can't do it pr- professor!" The class had been watching her and Professor Flitwick, wide eyed.
"Ms. Granger, you'll be okay! I think you should go see Madam Pomfrey," he suggested.
"Sir . . ." Ron started.
"Yes, yes I think you should go with her as well . . . say, have you two seen Harry lately?"
"Not since early evening last night Professor," Ron replied sadly.
"Hmm, very well, go on," seeing that Hermione was still sobbing miserably. Once the door closed behind the two, er three students.
"Harry?" Ron said, bearly below a whisper.
"I'm here mate, are you okay Hermione?"
"Oh, just fine, that was an act you know," she said casually.
". . . You do make a great actress Hermione," Ron said, smiling. She blushed at his compliment.
"We've got to do with that evil woman though! I can't believe Fudge would suggest that!" she said, as they made their way to the lake, seeking privacy there.
"I know, unbelieveable, but they've been that way lately. They only SEE me as an attention-seeking-prat," Harry spat furiously.
"True, but that shouldn't be a reason for them to do that," Hermione said, worriedly. "I'm glad that you did decide to go into hiding when you're not really into HIDING."
"Yeah mate, and I bet after she's done with you, she'll find a reason to expell you."
Harry sighed, he was glad for the fact that he had such supportive friends who stuck with him. Even when he was being a prat, and sometimes very unfair.
"It's nearly time for Transfiguration, we should go. I think Harry should do some of Ron's work this time. Charms was just too... risky. We can'd do that anymore."
"Yeah, I agree, don't want to get sent out again because Hermione's losing her marbles," Ron snickered. Hermione smacked upside the head and huffed. Harrry laughed at that reaction and shook his head. Not that anyone could even see him now besides Sirius.
Sirius. He need to talk to him as soon as he gets back to the Shrieking Shack and tell him about his situation. If Snape hadn't gone to do so. Transfiguration class didn't raise any suspicions now that Harry was pretending to be Ron who acted as normaly as he can. Professor McGonagall tried to help him and Harry improved because of her.
Before she left Hermione and Ron, she asked them to hold back when the bell rang. Harry, and the other two had an inkling of what was going to be about. And they were right. The bell rang, and all but the two, and secretly, the third students held back for her.
"Weasely, Granger, do you know where Potter is?" The two shook their heads sadly.
" I tried to find him in the dormitory, some of the places he usually goes for thinking and I can't find him anywhere else he could be. He did say something aboug going into hiding professor."
"I was afriad of that answer. If indeed he did go into hiding, things would complicate so much more . . ." she said, fixing a stern, yet worried look on her face. "I'm worried about him taking the O.W.L.s.."
"I, I have a feeling that he'll still take them Professor."
"Really? I do hope so, now why would you say that?"
"He also said that he would still do O.W.L.s. somehow."
"Rubbish, he can't take them out of Hogwarts!" she said. "Is there anything else you wish to share?" Hermione hesitated, opening her mouth and clsoing. "Yes?" she pressed her on.
"P-professor this morning, we accidentally overheard bits er bits of conversation between Fudge and Umbridge . . ." she began. She felt a press against her shouler, letting her know to continue on the conversation. Feeling more confident that Harry gave an okay. "I-I heard that if they did find Harry, they're going to teach him an awful, awful lesson. The way that Fudge puts it, it sounds like he's giving her the permission to use an Unforgiveable on Harry. Then perhaps trying to find a reason to expell him!" She was in tears by now.
McGonagall paled at the new relevation and looked to Ron for confirmation.
"Yeah, I heard them saying that, we think that Harry felt that he could be expelled so he'd gone into hiding . . ." Ron said.
"And he also said that there's a possiblity of having you sacked Professor!"
"My goodness, that doesn't sound good at all is it?" she sat down in her chair, clearly surprised of what the two students told her. "You two aren't making this up are you?" Then she thought about the past, of how they had known about Sorcer's Stone, the times that they had been telling the truth.
"Why would we?" Hermione asked softly.
"R-right, I-I shall try and do something," stammered McGonagall. The two never saw her breaking down in a bit before. "First Dumbledore, then this! Hogwarts will surely be destroyed by them very soon!" Hermione and Ron looked at each other. "Very well, you two go for lunch."
After lunch, where the three had eaten in the kitchens so Harry can eat some food seeing that he didn't get a chance to do so this morning for breakfast. They had gone for Potions. Double potions as well, and in roomful of Slytherins and the hypocritical, mean teacher. Proir to that, where no students haven't arrived but Ron and Hermione.
"Professor," Hermione began, as Ron shut the door. "Er--" she looked around the room tentatively.
"Ah, he's here isn't he?" he asked, getting up. I have prepared an place that's invisble to students so he can prepare in secrecy and leave the results on the table when he's done. Unfortunely, I won't be able to critizize him when he does something wrong and cause explosion. That's the only bad risk he has to take." He drawled, staring at the empty space that's between Ron and Hermione.
"Yes sir," came Harry's reply and followed Snape to the furthest back of the room, in the dark corner where no students would not go. Harry sat down in the chair and waited for the students to file in the room. 'So far, all the classes except Charms have been smooth, how else can it go wrong?' Harry thought happily at the thought of Snape leaving him alone because he was invisble and would raise suspicions. And he had a more of a reason to pay more attention as not to do any accidents. He felt that at last, that he can do potions right. Maybe, for the rest of the year, he can scrape an E, or even an O, which he badly needed for the Auror career. If he couldn't, he could always play for Quidditch team after Hogwarts . . .
At the end of Potions class, doing a brew for the today's assignment and poured some of the fluids in and corked it. As Professor Snape had said, he left it there and cleaned up his mess, feeling proud of himself. He went out of the dungeon and with Hermione and Ron.
"How'd you do Harry?" Hermione asked.
"I'd would say that I'll be damned if he gives me an Acceptable for the potion we brewed today." Harry replied softly.
"That good of a job then?" Hermione inquired, raising eyebrows.
"Of course, the thought of not being able to be ridiculed by Snape or even the Slytherins. Though they shouldn't be nice tomorrow. But I'll try to not get defensive over you guys, can't do anything with him around breathing down our necks."
"True..." Hermione said.
"Well, we're off to Hagrid's lessons now, I don't think you're coming are you?" Ron asked.
"No," came the answer. "I think I'll visit the restricted section." He said causually.
"Harry!" came the two hushed voices.
"Joking, joking, but I wouldn't be if I need to learn more about defensive spells..."
"Perhaps, but not when you're in this much danger already Harry," Hermione said. They reached the Entrance Hall. "Well, we'll talk to you later then." Hermione and Ron set off towards Hagrid's cabin. Harry made up his mind and went after them. It shouldn't hurt right? He thought.
When Hagrid did his lesson on Chizpurfles, he regretted. Another boring, but fusterating lesson with Umbridge around making a lot of lout scribbling noises with her quill. Making Hagrid nervous and distracted. Harry wanted to spook the bloody hell out of Umbridge right there and now. But he had to hold himself back. There are plenty of opportunities for that later. Right now, the slytherins are now making crude things to Hermione and Ron about Harry.
"Hey Granger, where's your scar-headed friend?" Draco asked. "Did he end up in St. Mungos now, and without Umbridge knowing?" he made a gesture of clutching to his forehead and collaspsing and faking convulsions. The slytherins cracked up loudly. Umbridge saw the commotion and walked towards them.
"What's going on?' she asked softly.
"Oh I was just asking them about where Potter is."
"I assure you Mr. Malfoy that we're doing everything we can to find the boy," she said sweetly.
"Oh but these two," pointing to Ron and Hermione, "might know where he is."
"Perhaps they do . . ." she replied, staring at the two intently. "Can you two come to my office after the lesson is over?"
"Yes Professor Umbridge," the two chorused.
"Splendid," she went back to where she had been observing Hagrid. Ten minutes later, the bell rang, Hermione, Ron, and without their knowledge, Harry trooped up towards the Entrance Hall. Harry checked around and saw that was clear an spoke to them.
"I came to his lesson anyway," Harry said softly. The two widened their eyes. "Yes, whole lesson of it," he answered thier unasked question. "So, let's go and see what SHE has to say about me, and asking you questions. I'm glad I didn't tell you where I'm hiding..." They stopped next to the door that lead to Professor Umbridge's office.
Then she entered in view from the end of corridor, smiling widely at them as if they were two year olds. She unlocked her door, and what damage the nifflers had done, it seems as if they never invaded in the first place. Everything was in exact order before nifflers had attacked. "Come on in you two," she said, and they all three entered the room. "Please have a seat. I wish to serve you something to drink. Would you like some biscuits?" She offered.
"Oh no thank you," Hermione replied.
"Yes, I'll have some butterbeer please," Ron said at th same time as her. She shot him a look. "Er, actually, nevermind Professor."
"Please, I wish to share something with you before our real conversation begin.
"Oh very well," Hermione sighed.
"Okay, well can I have some butterbeer?" Ron asked hopeful. He felt a sharp jab in the shoulder blade. He made no look of pain or any reaction. Harry saw a bit of compherhension dawning on him and faded away.
"Of course Weasely," Umbridge said, smiling, picking something from under the desk and busied herself. "What about you dear?"
"A tea will be fine Professor," she said, impatiently but nervous.
"Okay," She busied herself some more, and while she was busy. Harry quickly whispered to their ears for everytime Umbridge clinked cups under the desk.
'Pretend to drink,' he had said and the two nodded very slightly. Then Umbridge served them their drinks. The two began drinking their cups of tea or the Butterbeer. But not actually swallowing them and set them on the desk. What came next had taken them by surprise except for Harry.