Ch 23: - Umbridge and Umbrage

Harry spent the last quarter of an hour before Dumbledore arrived memorising the view from the centre of the library of number 12. He'd then insisted Dobby mark the area he'd been standing in and ensure it was kept free. This had been another of the Headmaster's ideas the previous evening.

Harry knew why he had to memorise the view, he just couldn't imagine any situation where he would try underage disapparation, except at Hogwarts.

When Harry and Dumbldore arrived in the main hall, the Ministry seemed somehow even emptier than the day before. They once more seated themselves in the waiting room and settled down to await the call to see the Minister.

At twenty nine minutes past ten, Percy Weasley had poked his head round the door and informed them that Minister Fudge was ready. Professor Dumbledore stalked out of the waiting room and down the corridor with Harry at his heels.

Percy Weasley was almost running to make sure he got to the door of Fudge's office before the Headmaster. He barely had time to open the door and announce Dumbledore before the Headmaster swept into the room and strode over to the Minister's desk.

Fudge was now ensconced in his bat-winged swivel chair, looking slightly panicky as Dumbledore towered over him. The headmaster looked disdainfully down his nose at the Minister before stepping backwards and looking at the Minister's assistant sitting beside him. The frog like face and dumpy body were instantly recognisable.

At once, Harry heard that hated voice.

'Ah, - Professor, - so good to see you, and Mister Potter, we have so many shared memories, don't we, Harry?'

The girlish voice and the upward questioning lilt on the last word made Harry cringe, he covered his scarred hand with the other and concentrated on hiding his anger; he had no intention of letting Dolores Umbridge see him rattled.

The Headmaster considered the Minister's assistant for several seconds with a complete lack of expression, before turning again to Fudge. The Minister still seemed apprehensive.

'Good morning, Minister.' began Dumbledore, 'So good of you to see us at such short notice.'

Fudge looked furtively at Umbridge. Harry could have sworn Umbridge had nodded slightly to the Minister, as if to encourage him.

'Yes, - well Dumbledore, we - that is to say the Ministry - need to urgently consider the use of an unforgivable curse in the grounds of Hogwarts school, last weekend.'

Harry was about to protest that he'd used the curse to save his own life, but a warning look from the Headmaster made him hesitate - and before he could say anything, Fudge continued.

'We've had a number of conflicting reports of an attack on Hogwarts school, Dumbledore. We know the Cruciatus curse was used and our records show that Mr Potter here was the perpetrator. We are well aware that normally the Ministry has no jurisdiction over activity within the grounds of Hogwarts, however this is obviously an exceptional case.'

Fudge smiled ingratiatingly at Dumbledore.

'We were hoping you could enlighten us as to the precise events of a week ago yesterday.'

Harry realised that Umbridge was looking at the Minister with consternation and more than a trace of annoyance.

'But Minister,' she interjected hotly, 'I was under the impression that the relevant facts were simply that Potter used an unforgivable curse. Our duty should be to judge him on those facts!'

Harry could hear the word Askaban in every phrase.

Fudge looked briefly irritated but covered it well.

'Well, - yes – Dolores, but – I believe we should be considering the incident holistically, considering both the action, the context within which the action was taken, the reasons for the action and the results of the action, before considering our recommendations. This is only an investigation, after all. Professor Dumbledore does have primary jurisdiction within Hogwarts, and we must observe the propriety of the relationship between education and government.'

Harry was listening in mounting amazement. So far Fudge hadn't called for Harry's expulsion from Hogwarts, or the confiscation of his wand, or even mentioned Askaban. Umbridge, on the other hand, looked as though she remembered only too well the fact that Dumbledore held primary responsibility for Hogwarts.

Harry had a sudden certainty that it had been Umbridge who had insisted that Fudge become competent in the prolix jargon he had been spouting. He had always been a pompous ass, but never with such a mind numbing sense of purpose.

The exchange also highlighted a growing tension between Fudge and Umbridge, with Fudge tending to favour Harry against his assistant!

The Professor had been observing the exchange silently. He suddenly turned and produced two easy chairs out of thin air, waved Harry to one and taken the other himself. He smiled lightly.

'Very well Minister, I'm sure Harry would be delighted to give you a first hand account. Perhaps you would like to question him?'

Fudge was about to open his mouth when a side door opened and Madam Amelia Bones strode into the study. Her gaze swept round the room before alighting on Fudge.

'Afternoon Minister. Just passing by earlier and young Weasley told me you'd be meeting here about the Hogwarts attack! Thought I'd better be here, magical laws broken, auror hurt, that sort of thing…. Have I missed anything?'

Fudge looked grateful for a couple of seconds before noticing the look on Umbridge's face. Things didn't bode too well for Percy.

'Well – no – but it's not really necessary, Madam Bones. We're only having an investigation at this stage –'

'Course it's necessary, Minister.' boomed Madam Bones. 'Can't consider the problem properly without knowing all the facts.' She looked around for a chair, but the Headmaster produced another chair like Umbridge's, placed on the opposite side of Fudge.

Madam Bones sat down without thanking the headmaster and looked expectantly at Harry.

Harry spent the next half an hour describing the attack and the injuries to Dora. He based his account on his second report, the one that didn't mention the marauders' map or his telepathy with Ginny Weasley. Fudge asked a number of questions, but once Dumbledore had produced Bellatrix Lestrange's wand and Fudge himself had performed the Priori Incantato spell upon it to verify the owner, his heart didn't seem to be in it.

Madam Bones mostly kept quiet, only asking for clarification twice, though Harry could see she suspected that there was a little more to the story than Harry was willing to tell. He refrained from looking at her more than absolutely necessary. He doubted Fudge had any inkling that she was a member of the Order and he didn't want that sort of suspicion blossoming in Fudge's somewhat over active mind.

It was Umbridge who persisted in trying to trick Harry into admitting first use of an unforgivable curse. She went back, time and again, to the point at which Harry had stated that Bellatrix Lestrange began to say the death curse. Time and again, Harry repeated the words she had spoken before he used the cruciatus curse.

Fudge was obviously uncomfortable with the persistence of his assistant and Madam Bones was beginning to fidget and eye Umbridge with barely concealed loathing. Eventually Dumbledore interrupted Umbridge's umpteenth repetition of the same question.

'Perhaps, Minister,' suggested The Headmaster, 'Mr. Potter could allow Ms. Umbridge to inspect the evidence within his memory?'

Harry mentally recoiled in horror at the thought of the odious Umbridge looking into his mind, but he had to admit the idea had merit. As Fudge nodded to Umbridge, Harry braced himself for the unwanted intrusion; He wondered how good a Legilimens Umbridge was, and prepared to fight to remove her once she had seen the bare minimum.

In the end, he need not have worried. Umbridge had stared into his eyes with a smug smile on her face and whispered the words of the spell.

Immediately Harry could feel the unwelcome presence in his mind, a gloating slithering sensation deep in his brain, but his preparation had been so good she was faced with the roiling greyness that he used to drive others out. Her abilities were feeble compared to Dumbledore and Snape and Harry had little difficulty in retaining control as he played back the scene of Bellatrix Lestrange preparing to attack him first.

Umbridge's face had registered slight surprise as she had realised Harry had let her in, rather than being forced to reveal his thoughts. Her face had, however, registered shock, bewilderment and then anger, as Harry had unceremoniously pushed her out of his mind once she had seen him activate the cruciatus curse. He had simply smiled slightly, which had only served to infuriate Umbridge further.

Fudge broke the ensuing silence. 'Well, Dolores,' he asked testily. 'Was Potter telling the truth?'

Umbridge managed to get her temper under control. 'So it would seem, Minister; although I emphasise the word seem.'

Fudge and Madam Bones both looked slightly askance, although Dumbledore stared at Umbridge completely expressionlessly. Harry glared at her, although this seemed to increase her resolve.

'In fact, I do not believe what I have seen.' Her voice was beginning to take on a slightly hysterical tone. 'I believe this boy has fabricated certain parts of this story to cover his illegal first use of the Cruciatus Curse! You know my thoughts on whether the headmaster of a SCHOOL should be able to authorise the use of that curse defensively. It would seem that the good Professor is conniving to protect this evil boy when it seems obvious to me, at least, that this unforgivable curse was used in an offensive role!'

Harry was about to leap forward to defend both himself and the Headmaster but Dumbledore put out a hand to stop him. The Headmaster shook his head slightly then turned to the quivering Umbridge.

'So Ms. Umbridge,' he said frostily. 'You believe that a sixteen year old boy can accomplish a feat that only the most advanced wizards and witches can achieve? Can you mind lie? Could you modify your memories in such a manner?'

It was Fudge who tried to offer an escape route for Umbridge. He turned to Dumbledore and Harry. 'I think you'll have to forgive my assistant, Dumbledore, - Potter...The effects of the – er – Forbidden Forest – are still causing her a certain amount of distress, you see.'

This explanation did not have the effect the Minister had hoped, however, at the words "Forbidden Forest" Umbridge became even more agitated.

'That is another subject upon which I believe the Ministry should be acting.' she railed. 'That Forest is a danger to Wizardkind and Muggles alike! Full of halfbreeds and giants and – spiders and – and – ' she suddenly stopped ranting and sat staring at the wall over Harry's left shoulder.

Fudge regarded his assistant like a potion that hadn't worked but was vibrating slightly and fizzing gently in its crucible; the magic equivalent of a hand grenade with the pin out.

'I think perhaps you'd better go, Dumbledore,' he muttered. He was almost pleading.

'In the circumstances, the use of the Cruciatus curse is a minor transgression compared to an attack on Hogwarts by death eaters. I'll have to discuss this with my assistant and Madam Bones, of course,'

'Of course.' replied Dumbledore.

Fudge continued quickly; 'perhaps you could return in say a week or two? I'll send an owl?'

Dumbledore hesitated before nodding once. 'Very well, Minister. Perhaps your assistant would benefit from an extended period of rest in St Mungo's?'

Fudge looked at Umbridge, sighed and shook his head. 'Tried it, Dumbledore, she only came back three weeks ago!'

The Headmaster inclined his head to Fudge and Madam Bones then turned to leave. As he followed the Headmaster, Harry heard Umbridge's voice once more. She seemed to have regained some of her equilibrium, although her voice was still shaky. 'I think Mr Potter should leave his wand with me, Minister. We don't want him transgressing again, do we?'

Harry turned to look at the despised woman. She was staring at him with a slight smile on her face, and he had to admire her persistence. He had a sudden flash of inspiration. He strode back into the room and laid his wand on a chair against the wall, then backed toward the door.

'I could leave you my wand,' he said to the room in general - and then summoned the wand back to his hand without saying a word.

'What difference would it make, though?' he mused, before smiling at the stunned Minister and his assistants and turning to go.

He was out of the door before Umbridge's shriek of rage reached full volume.

- o -

Dolores Umbridge's screams of rage faded as Dumbledore led Harry through the high wooden doors and through the lift hall into the main atrium.

'Very interesting, Harry. Do you not think so?' asked Dumbledore, as he guided Harry to the portkey departure point.

The Headmaster didn't wait for an answer. 'You did well to keep your temper, even though it was quite obvious that the Minister had already made up his mind not to try to interfere. I feel your display at the end was a little juvenile, however.'

Harry's reply was interrupted by the transfer to Grimmauld place. By the time he had reoriented himself, the Headmaster was heading toward the study. Harry went down to the kitchen to find Dobby; it looked as though the Headmaster had invited himself to another meal.

Seated in the study, Harry and Dumbledore were soon eating an early lunch, whilst the Headmaster considered the events of the morning.

'It would seem that the Minister is now at odds with his most trusted advisor, Harry.' began Dumbldore. 'It was not necessary to introduce the evidence of Ms Umbridge ordering Dementors to attack you or her use of the replicator curse, to upset the balance of power in the Ministry.'

'Will I ever be able to use that evidence, Professor?'

'Perhaps, Harry. This episode is not over yet. You noticed, I hope, that we are expected to be available for further discussion?'

Harry nodded. 'The period the Minister mentioned includes the weekend of the first quidditch match, Professor.' Dumbledore raised an eyebrow. 'It almost seems like the dates have been chosen to cause me as much aggravation as possible!'

Dumbledore raised the other eyebrow. 'Do you feel that the Ministry is persecuting you Harry?'

'Not the Ministry, Professor - Umbridge. I bet she's the one who's arranged the times. She banned me from quidditch last year, just to annoy me.'

'She seems to have been successful.' opined the Headmaster. Harry snorted. 'Nonetheless,' continued Dumbledore, 'it is interesting that she is the one who is behind this attempt to interfere, yet again, with the internal affairs of the school.'

'She's not the type to forget, Professor.' muttered Harry.

'Indeed not. The Minister seems quite unconcerned with your action, though, and I am not sure what Dolores Umbridge expects to achieve by trying to force him to confront me.'

'Well, Professor, you said you thought there was more to this than just a Cruciatus Curse.'

Dumbledore ate thoughtfully for a while. Dobby had managed to rustle up a respectable meal in almost no time at all, though Harry decided he shouldn't be too surprised, given the magical abilities of the House Elf species. Dobby had even managed to find a bottle of nettle wine, which the Professor was drinking with apparent relish. Harry was having to be content with butterbeer.

Eventually the Headmaster laid down his knife and fork and sat back with glass in hand. 'The Forbidden Forest, Harry. I believe that is the key to this bizarre behaviour.'

'Umbridge hates the Forest, that's for sure, Professor, though I'm not surprised when she was taken in there by the Centaurs.'

A twinkle appeared in Dumbledore's eye. 'And of course, she will not have forgotten who tricked her into the forest at the end of last term, Harry?'

'Or who rescued her, Professor? I often wondered how you persuade them to let her go.'

Dumbledore ignored Harry's implied question, making him suddenly realise that he had been talking to the Headmaster almost as an equal. He mentally cringed at his own presumption'

'The Forest is the key, Harry, I am sure of it. Now, if you would collect your luggage whilst I thank Dobby, I believe we should be on our way.'

Harry's face fell, 'But what about St Mungo's, Professor?'

'I am sorry Harry. I have a school to run, and several things to think about, such as how Dolores Umbridge knew when you would be practising quidditch.' In response to Harry's questioning look, the Headmaster continued, 'The first meeting yesterday was supposed to occur at exactly the time you were supposed to be practising. How did the Minister's assistant know that?'

Harry felt slightly silly as he realised he had missed something as obvious as that. He considered the question briefly before growling, 'Malfoy! He and Umbridge were thick as thieves last year, - or on second thoughts, Filch! He was so disappointed that Umbridge was removed before he could whip anyone.'

Dumbledore smiled slightly. 'Perhaps, Harry, although I am interested to note that you do not include Professor Snape. Perhaps we should prepare to depart, the sooner we can get back to Hogwarts, the quicker I can begin to investigate.'

- o -

London had been cold and wet, although Harry hadn't been outside a building the whole time he had been there. Hogwarts was even colder and wetter and as Harry left the Headmaster's study, the draught along the corridor made him shiver slightly. It was Slytherin's turn to practice that afternoon and Harry couldn't resist a quick trip to classroom fourteen to watch them out of the window. The sight of the soaked Malfoy and the rest of the team struggling to dodge bludgers half hidden by the rain, whilst trying to pass the sodden quaffle back and forth, improved Harry's temper no end.

The common room was fairly full when Harry arrived. Standing in front of the closing porthole, he surveyed the faces for his friends. The first faces to respond were those of Alison Linney and Natalie McDonald. They were playing chess with Colin and Dennis Creevey but they smiled and waved enthusiastically to Harry, much to the disgust of the two boys, and to the amusement of Parvati and Lavender. Harry smiled and was giving them a little wave back when he spotted Ron and Hermione in one corner, surrounded by books and deep in conversation with Neville. He strolled over and took the vacant chair beside them.

'Hi all. How's things then?'

Hermione gasped as she realised Harry had arrived, 'Harry!' she squeaked, 'What happened? Why did it take so long? Did that bat Umbridge wind you up? Where's? Who's? what's…Just tell me everything!'

Harry was chuckling by the time she had finished, 'Oh! Hi Hermione.' he said breezily. 'How did practice go, Ron, did Jack turn up to calm Katie down? - and how's Luna, Neville?'

Ron was already laughing, so Neville started telling Harry about Luna's latest contribution to the Quibbler, about finding Stubby Boardman working in a Pumpkin Pie shop in the magical quarter of Cumbernauld. Ron was almost hysterical by the time Neville had finished his tale then stuffed his knuckle into his mouth to stop himself from giggling. Hermione was reaching boiling point by this time and it was only Harry's turning to her and smiling sweetly that avoided a catastrophic explosion, - until he said, 'Sorry Hermione, - you were saying?'

- o -

Half an hour later, Harry had managed to explain the two visits to the Ministry and had taken great pleasure in describing Umbridge's howl of rage at least twice. Hermione had asked a lot of questions about Fudge and Umbridge and then gone silent as she thought. Harry also told them about his discussions with the Headmaster.

'So you're Dumbledore's advisor and general right hand man, now?' chuckled Hermione, leaving her thought processes on hold.

'Well, hardly his advisor – ' faltered Harry, as he realised Hermione was getting her own back. 'Alright,' he said wryly, 'I suppose I deserved that.'

Hermione's expression had turned serious, however, ' You haven't mentioned St Mungo's, Harry.' she accused. Ron sat up a little straighter and Neville looked slightly puzzled.

Harry sighed. 'I went to St Mungo's – and saw Dora. What else do you want me to say?' Neville's face cleared as he realised they were talking about the injured auror.

'How was she? What did she say?' She persisted. 'Ginny's been quite worried about you, Harry, wondering how you were doing and whether you'd seen Dora.'

At the mention of Ginny's name Harry's spirits plummeted. She hadn't been around when he'd arrived and he'd been hoping to avoid talking to her or about her, at least for a while. He sighed. 'She was much better than I thought she'd be, and we talked for an hour or so. The curse is taking a long time to disperse though.'

'Hardly surprising, Harry.' added Ron. 'The latest Death Eater spell isn't going to go away just because we say please.'

'The Ministry needs to get a move on!' muttered Neville.

'They've only had a week since the spell was identified, Neville!' argued Ron.

'Still, - ' Neville was not to be mollified. 'I'm going down to Ravenclaw to find Luna,' he mumbled. Harry had sat back and tried to keep out of the argument. Now he watched as Neville's slightly podgy frame eased itself through the Porthole and disappeared.

Hermione still had something on her mind though. 'You'd better find Ginny, and tell her you're back, Harry,' she demanded.

Harry could feel the guilty look stealing across his face. 'Hermione, why would I go and do a silly thing like that? She could be anywhere! She's probably in the library, or she could be in a potting shed or something, with Dean, I've no intention of hunting her down just to spoil her fun.'

As he subsided, Harry realised that Ron was looking at him with a frown on his face. 'D'you really think she could be in a potting shed with Dean?' he asked quietly.

Harry realised he'd opened his mouth just a little too wide. 'Figure of speech, mate,' he murmured, 'I've no idea where she is.'

Ron didn't seem particularly keen to drop the subject, but Hermione had seen the look on his face and came to Harry's aid. 'I think she went to the library, actually.'

'And where did Dean go?' asked Ron, looking round the common room again.

'The library, Ron.' snarled Hermione. 'It's where students who want to pass their exams go to study! You remember? Back in the dim and distant past? When even you actually studied?'

Ron grunted noncommittally.

'In other words, Ron, he's just working! Like you should be.'

'Yeah. Okay Hermione, maybe you're right. I'll head over to the library and see if I can get this DADA essay finished.' He stopped. 'Here, Harry, have you finished yours?'

Harry was laughing at Ron's sudden casual decision to go to the library. 'Nah, mate,' he chuckled. 'I s'pose I'd better get on with it though. Should be simple enough.'

Ron gathered some books from the table and slouched over to the porthole, muttering about one hundred and twelve percent. He'd almost reached it when it opened and Ginny breezed into the common room.

'Hi Ron, going to do some work at last?'

Ron looked forlornly back at the table but finally shook his head and continued out into the corridor. Ginny, meanwhile, had been scanning faces. She suddenly stopped as she noticed Harry. Several expressions chased across her features before they settled for a look of concern with slightly fey overtones. Not a happy combination, thought Harry. Seconds later she had settled herself into Neville's recently vacated seat, put her elbows on the table, and was staring at Harry as if waiting for the answers to questions that hadn't even been asked.

'Well?' she asked belligerently.

Harry stared at her. He knew she could be abrupt, but this was abruptness distilled. He wondered what on earth was wrong.

'Well what?' he countered.

'Did you see her?'

'Yes, - I saw her.'

'And?'

Harry decided saying "and what" would get him slapped.

'She's getting better, she didn't have any tubes or whatever stuck in her, as far as I could see.'

Ginny started to relax slightly. 'Did you tell her all about how you rescued her?'

'How WE rescued her. Yes, - though you obviously told her most of it yourself.'

'Anything else?'

'Well, we talked for quite a while, she said Charlie told her about getting angry with us.'

Ginny looked slightly uncomfortable. The belligerence was fading fast.

''Dora was really quite upset you hadn't turned up to visit her, you know,' she muttered. 'I gave Charlie a bloody good talking to later. He said he'd apologised.'

'Yeah, he did.'

'And you didn't tell me?'

Harry hesitated. Ginny had possibly just told him a lie. 'By the time I saw you, I'd forgotten it.'

Ginny just raised her eyebrows at him.

'And she said you told her about our mind link thing,' he added quietly.

Ginny blushed. 'Yeah, - sorry.'

'She didn't seem to mind.'

Ginny muttered something like 'She wouldn't.' but before Harry could ask her to repeat it, she was hailed by Dean, as he came in through the porthole. She looked round and smiled at him then gathered herself to stand up. Harry touched her arm, making her jump.

'By the way, Sweetie' he hissed in a sarcastic tone of voice, 'In case you might have been interested, Fudge wanted to forget the curse, It's Umbridge who's stirring it.'

Ginny was looking at him in total confusion. To disconcert her further, Dean called to her again, his voice showing more than a hint of impatience. Her eyes suddenly hardened 'Glad to hear it – Sweetie! – Oh and remind me tomorrow, I've got a broom of yours!'

Harry watched her flounce off to join Dean, with a sinking heart.

'Harry, you really know how to sweet talk a girl, don't you?' chuckled Hermione.

He realised she'd been sitting there quietly all through his exchange with Ginny. The words 'and', 'up' 'curl' and 'die' arranged themselves behind the words 'I wish I could', in his head.

'I wasn't trying to chat – she wasn't – I just – she doesn't – I don't – '

Hermione sighed. 'I know Harry, but there was still no need to be nasty.'

Harry got up. 'You're right, Hermione, - there wasn't. Ah well, another apology to make tomorrow.'

'Another?'

Harry smiled wryly at Hermione. 'There's bound to be someone I need to apologise to. I think the DADA essay sounds like a good idea, I'm off to Classroom fourteen.' She waved vaguely at him as he turned towards the porthole.

'Later then , Harry.'

As Harry made his way to his classroom, two things vied for attention in his brain.

Firstly, he'd just called Ginny 'Sweetie' and she'd called him the same thing; it was just a pity about the hatred in their voices.

Secondly, Ginny had said Dora had been upset that he'd not gone to see her on the day after the attack – Harry remembered Dora had said it was Ginny who had been upset.

Another puzzle, he thought - as if he didn't have enough already.