What a Strange and Mysterious Thing It Is

Disclaimer All characters and references to Harry Potter mythology are the sole property of the amazing J.K. Rowling. I write for fun only, besides lawyers make me nervous.

Summary: Following the death of Sirius, truths emerge from everywhere. Harry must learn to cope with them and perhaps find what he has been seeking. This story, in keeping with the style of Ms. Rowling, is in Harry's point of view. It is mostly about Harry and Professor McGonagall, but there is a lot of AD/MM as well. It is rated PG-13 for some violence in later chapters. Please read and review! Enjoy!

A/N: I am not sure what happened with the site last night, but I know most, if not all of you, did not receive the Author Alert for chapter six. So make sure you read chapter six before you go on, or you will be really confused! And since I only had one new review since my last post just let me send out a big thank you to Joelpup62 and all of my wonderful readers who do not send reviews. I still appreciate everyone who reads my work!

Chapter Seven: Truth Be Told

The next day was Saturday and Harry allowed himself the luxury of sleeping in. When he could no longer ignore the shouts and laughter of his fellow students from either the common room or out on the grounds, Harry arose and quickly dressed. He knew it was late morning, but thought he might try to make the tail end of breakfast. Skipping down the dormitory steps Harry arrived in the common room where Ron and Hermione were sitting in their usual spot by the fireplace. The fire had extinguished from the night before, but Harry supposed his friends' chosen lounge was more out of habit than anything.

"Harry!" Hermione announced cheerfully seeing him at last.

"Hey, mate," Ron also volunteered. "McGonagall must have really kept you at it, I didn't hear you come back." Harry just shrugged. He was not sure why, but he did not feel much in the mood to discuss the previous night.

"I'm going to run down to the Great Hall to see if I can't make the end of breakfast," he replied instead. "See you later?" His friends nodded and Harry crawled out of the portrait hole.

The Great Hall was almost completely empty when he reached it. Of the students still remaining, few were actually eating. Most had long finished breakfast and were using the hall to chat with their friends from other houses. As Harry sat down at the Gryffindor table he noticed Professor Dumbledore walk past the huge double doors. Curiosity proved too strong for Harry. He quickly wrapped a few pieces of toast in a napkin and sneaked out into the Entrance Hall just in time to see his wizened, old professor exiting the front oak doors.

Harry was not sure why he felt the need to check up on Professor Dumbledore, so to speak, but he did not want the Headmaster to realize he was following him either. So, leaving the castle Harry walked toward Hagrid's cabin under the pretext to visit his giant friend. As he walked Harry alternatively munched on his toast and threw sideways glances to see where Dumbledore was headed. A sinking feeling entered Harry's stomach when he saw Professor Dumbledore making his way once again toward the lake, though this did not surprise him much.

Harry snapped out of his contemplation when he suddenly found himself already at Hagrid's front door. When he knocked Fang began to bark excitedly and must have been trying to make a mad dash for the door as Harry could hear furniture falling over with a crash.

"Calm down yeh silly creature," Hagrid scolded. Harry chuckled to himself picturing Hagrid trying to restrain the boar hound. The door opened to reveal a smiling Hagrid.

"Hi, Hagrid," Harry greeted.

"I wondered if yeh would be comin' down today!" Hagrid exclaimed happily. "Where's Ron and Hermione?" he asked peering around as though they may have been hiding around the corner.

"They're up at the castle," Harry explained.

"Ah," Hagrid understood. "Well, no use not enjoyin' yer visit! How 'bout a cuppa tea while yer here?"

"Sure," Harry responded.

"So, what brings yeh to see me?" Hagrid asked busying himself making the tea.

"Oh, just thought I'd come say hello," Harry lied. "I haven't been down that much this year, you know." Harry looked at his shoes for a minute. Hagrid seemed to sense that something was troubling his young friend because he had walked over and placed an over-sized hand on Harry's shoulder.

"What's troublin' yeh, Harry?" he asked and Harry could hear the hint of concern in his voice.

"Hagrid," he spoke honestly, "how long has Professor Dumbledore been taking his walks around the lake?"

Hagrid looked to the ceiling of his cabin and scratched his chin. "Oh, 'bout four or five weeks I'd say," he replied. His expression fell as he thought about the man he admired so. "I haven't seen him this troubled fer a long time," Hagrid added. "On'y wish I knew what was botherin' him so I could maybe help. Not that Professor Dumbledore is one to be askin' fer help. He'll do anythin' for others, but won't look fer it from those who care 'bout him. Very independent he is."

A profound revelation began to formulate in Harry's mind and he knew he must act upon it. He began to understand that Dumbledore's current state of dismay must have started that fateful day in the Headmaster's office. So much needless worry and regret emanated from the people around him and Harry knew that he could at least nudge a few people in the right direction.

Besides catching up on homework and quidditch practice, Harry spent the remainder of the weekend trying to concoct a plan that he hoped would alleviate Professor Dumbledore's pain. Though she never stated it, Harry had a sneaky suspicion that perhaps Professor McGonagall shared some of those feelings left over from long ago. Harry decided his best chance would lie with her. The trouble was coming up with a plan that was not openly obvious. He had to remain as subtle as possible, or he may risk embarrassing all of the parties involved. All the while Dumbledore could be found lake side. So, it was with a heavy heart that Harry arrived at "detention" with McGonagall on Monday evening.

"Good evening," Professor McGonagall stated when Harry entered her office.

"Good evening, Professor," Harry responded, though he sensed that she seemed slightly distant tonight. He was unsure as to whether it was how he left her last Friday or if there were new thoughts plaguing her. Maybe it's both, Harry thought.

"Harry, since you are not exactly in detention with me, perhaps it would be best if you used this as an opportunity to complete your assignments," McGonagall explained. "Does that suit you?"

"Actually, that'd be great," Harry replied. "I was kind of distracted over the weekend." So Harry set about working upon his mountain of homework. Once he completed an essay for Snape, Harry practiced the Conjuring Charm Professor Flitwick had assigned. This proved not an easy task for Harry. Every time he attempted it, he would conjure his desired item, but it never came out quite right. Around the tenth time his daisies were conjured with paper clips instead of petals, Professor McGonagall stepped forward.

"Do you need assistance, Potter?" she asked.

"Yes!" Harry exclaimed exasperated. "I can't get anything to work out right!"

"It's all right, Harry," McGonagall stated comfortingly. "You already admitted to being distracted. Distraction will make it extremely difficult to achieve the desired effect." She moved around to the other side of him and Harry's eyes followed her as she walked. "Now, close your eyes," the professor commanded softly. Harry peered at her skeptically. "Trust me," Professor McGonagall encouraged. She placed a hand over his eyes to stimulate their closing. As she pulled her hand away Harry noticed the faint scent of cinnamon. He smiled to himself as McGonagall proceeded. "Picture the daisies you wish to conjure in your mind. Do not just see, know what color they are. How many are there? How big are they? Ask yourself everything you can about them until you sense that they are real and not just in your brain. Are they real to you, Harry?"

Harry slowly opened his eyes. "They are," he grinned.

"Very well, try again," Professor McGonagall prodded.

Harry turned to look straight ahead, clasping his wand tightly. He raised it before him and in a strong, clear voice, "Creo daisies!" Before him appeared a bouquet of a dozen beautifully white daisies. "I did it!" Harry exclaimed. Professor McGonagall was beaming.

"Well done!" She exclaimed.

"Here," Harry said, "you have these." He handed the daisies to his Transfiguration professor gratefully. She blushed slightly and pulled them to her nose when she started to chuckle softly. "What?" Harry asked sheepishly.

"They smell like cinnamon," McGonagall replied smiling.

"I suppose that's because I could smell cinnamon from you when you covered my eyes," Harry explained taking his turn to blush. This answer made Professor McGonagall smile even more broadly and Harry wondered why she did not do it more often.

"Here," he said taking the flowers from her again. Her eyes addressed him questioningly. "Creo vase!" Harry shouted with a flick of his wand. A simple, but beautiful crystal vase appeared out of thin air. He placed the daisies in it and handed it over to McGonagall.

"Thank you, Harry," she breathed. "I think you had better go for the night, or I doubt my blush shall subside by morning."

And so detentions with Professor McGonagall went over the week. He continued to work on homework, using McGonagall for a resource when he needed. However, following Wednesday night's detention he still had not figured out how to subtlely express to her Dumbledore's feelings. Harry awoke Thursday morning feeling subdued. Hermione and Ron accompanied him to the Great Hall for breakfast.

"Harry, why have you been so quiet these last few days?" Hermione asked finally.

"I don't know," Harry lied. "Just tired I guess."

"What has McGonagall been making you do all night this past week?" Ron queried suspiciously. "You come back to the tower late every night, and the next day you seem dog-tired."

"Actually, detention's been fine," Harry replied. "I've just been doing homework." Ron did not seem convinced by this response, but did not say anything. They reached the long house table and sat down. Neville and Ginny were talking animatedly about something and glanced up startled when the trio arrived.

"What are you two gawking at?" Ron blurted. Before either Gryffindor could answer, however, Hermione gasped and covered her mouth.

"What the bloody hell is going on?" Ron chastised again. Luna was rushing over to them from the Ravenclaw table and the sight of hundreds of turned heads filled Harry with a sense of foreboding.

"Can you believe it?" Luna asked, trying to catch her breath.

"Will someone please tell me for the love of God what is going on!" Ron yelled. He was red with anger at being kept in the dark.

"Oh, relax, Ron!" Hermione scolded. She rolled her eyes and pushed her copy of the Daily Prophet that had apparently been delivered toward he and Harry. The headline screamed at them and Harry quickly understood why so many in the hall were stunned.

Former Senior Undersecretary to the Minister
Sentenced to Twenty Years in Azkaban

Dolores Jane Umbridge; former Senior Undersecretary to the Minister, former Hogwarts High Inquisitor, and temporary Headmistress of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry; was sentenced to a term of twenty years in Azkaban Prison Wednesday night for crimes she committed while in her tenure at the school. An anonymous source alleged that Ms. Umbridge committed acts of abuse against students, abused her power as a professor, physically attacked students and colleagues, authorized students to assault classmates, and threatened the use of the Cruciatus Curse.

Looking into the allegations, the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, headed by Madame Amelia Bones, found corroborating evidence based on testimony of four Aurors. Nathaniel Dawlish, 47, testified that, "Madame Umbridge ordered an attack on Rubeus Hagrid on the night of June 5th of the previous year. Likewise, it was also ordered by Madame Umbridge to stun any individual without warning who would attempt to stop us from taking Hagrid into custody. Of course, it is then that Professor McGonagall did indeed make such an attempt. It is with regret that myself, and the other Aurors, acted on this order." When asked if either Rubeus Hagrid or Minerva McGonagall had committed any crimes to warrant such an attack Dawlish denied this claim.

Based upon the evidence Umbridge was taken into custody for questioning. The interrogation, administered under Veritaserum, confirmed the allegations. Umbridge admitted to using a Blood Quill on several students, intentionally planning to harm Hagrid and McGonagall, tormenting students, and authorizing physical actions toward students. Umbridge's confession lasted three hours as the list of transgressions compounded.

The Ministry of Magic issued a statement apologizing for the behavior of its former employee. The Ministry also explained a plan of restitution to those individuals who suffered under than hands of Umbridge (A list of those receiving restitution and the abuses suffered can be found on page twelve).

Albus Dumbledore, Headmaster of Hogwarts, and his staff declined to comment Wednesday night.

Harry looked from Ron to Hermione with mouth open in shock. Harry grabbed the paper from Ron and hurriedly flipped to page twelve. He was horrified to think that Umbridge had abused so many as to warrant a three hour confession. When Harry reached page twelve he was completely taken aback by what he saw. The entire page was devoted to the list of individuals who had suffered at the hands of Umbridge. It took four complete columns to list everyone. Most were listed as "harassed", but many others were abused physically as Harry had been. Harry scanned over the list occasionally stopping at a name to read more carefully.

Abbott, Hannah – harassed
Bell, Katie – harassed
Bones, Susan – harassed
Boot, Terry – harassed
Brown, Lavender – harassed
Chang, Cho – harassed
Corner, Michael – harassed
Creevey, Colin – harassed
Creevey, Dennis - harassed
Dumbledore, Albus – harassed, attempted assault
Edgecomb, Marietta – harassed, physically assaulted
Finch-Fletchley, Justin – harassed
Finnigan, Seamus – harassed
Flitwick, Filius – harassed
Goldstein, Anthony – harassed
Granger, Hermione – harassed, physically assaulted
Hagrid, Rubeus – harassed, physically assaulted, slandered
Johnson, Angelina – harassed
Jordan, Lee – harassed, forced to use a Blood Quill
Longbottom, Neville – harassed, physically assaulted
Lovegood, Luna – harassed, physically assaulted
McGonagall, Minerva – harassed, physically assaulted, attempted grave injury
MacMillan, Ernie – harassed
Patil, Padma – harassed
Patil, Parvati – harassed
Pince, Irma – harassed
Pomfrey, Poppy – harassed
Potter, Harry – harassed, physically assaulted, attempted use of Cruciatus Curse, forced to use a Blood Quill, illegal use of Veritaserum, slander, unjustified quidditch ban
Sinistra, Diana – harassed
Smith, Zacharias – harassed
Snape, Severus – harassed
Spinnet, Alicia – harassed
Sprout, Pamona – harassed
Thomas, Dean – harassed
Trelawney, Sybill – harassed, mentally assaulted
Vector, Bina – harassed
Weasley, Fred – harassed, unjustified quidditch ban, attempted assault
Weasley, George – harassed, unjustified quidditch ban, attempted assault
Weasley, Ginevra - harassed, physically assaulted
Weasley, Ronald – harassed, physically assaulted

"She harassed the entire D.A.," Ron said appalled.

"I suppose Umbridge kept a close eye on everyone who was on that list she found in the Room of Requirement. She would have been ecstatic to expel everyone on that list," Harry explained.

"I can't believe this," Hermione wept. Ron put a comforting arm around Hermione's shoulder. "I can't believe all the stuff she did to everyone."

"What do they mean by 'restitution?'" Neville chimed in.

"I suppose they are going to pay us," Harry shrugged.

"Don't get me wrong," Ron seethed, "I could use the money. But it was ministry fools who forced her on us in the first place!" Many heads nodded in agreement at this.

"Why is the ministry acting on this now though?" Ginny asked. "I mean, it's months after the fact. Seems strange, doesn't it?"

"It says that they were tipped off anonymously," Hermione relayed perusing the article again. "But who?"

Harry shot a glance at the head table. All the professors were huddled together, and Harry surmised they too were discussing what had just transpired. Professor McGonagall looked up for a moment. Their eyes met and Harry knew at once it must have been her. He did not share his suspicions with his fellow students, however. He knew McGonagall felt guilty about her inability to act the previous year. He supposed this was how she could make sure justice was rendered.

Umbridge's fate had an overwhelming effect on the school. The teachers had decided that it was best to cancel classes for the day. Harry was glad that everything that had occurred was now out in the open. He knew those who had been tormented no longer feared discussing what happened to them. As Hermione, Ron, and Harry walked down to see Hagrid that afternoon it was not unusual to see clusters of students sniffling or comforting one another. The atmosphere was awkward, but Harry could feel the tension releasing from the students. Whatever Umbridge had done to them, they had not been alone. Now the school could heal and go forward.

As five o'clock approached that evening Harry became increasingly nervous. It would be his last detention with Professor McGonagall and he had failed in his quest to figure out how to tell her of Professor Dumbledore's feelings. Harry grabbed his bag for detention and noticed how much lighter it seemed. Not only because of a day's worth less homework, but also doing homework with McGonagall made it very easy to stick to the task at hand. When Harry reached the Transfiguration office he knocked softly before entering.

"Mr. Potter," Professor McGonagall said looking up at him surprised. "I must confess I thought you would not come tonight."

"Well, it's my last detention so I thought I'd get it out of the way, you know?" Harry explained.

Professor McGonagall smiled weakly. "I told you that you did not need to serve them anymore."

"Yeah, about that," Harry started, "can you confess something else to me?" McGonagall did not respond, but peered at him quizzically. "You informed the ministry of what happened here last year, you are the anonymous source, aren't you?"

McGonagall stood from her desk and approached Harry. She placed a hand gently on his shoulder. "Harry," she began, "after what you told me Friday I could no longer look the other way as if last year was merely an unfortunate incident. Dolores Umbridge committed many wrongs, severe wrongs, against those whom it was her responsibility to protect. No one knows you were involved in my decision to act. I did not mean to make you uncomfortable, and I hope you can forgive-"

"Professor," Harry interrupted, "are you under the impression I am upset with you?"

"Well," Professor McGonagall stammered, "I suppose I am."

Harry waved her off, "Professor, I am relieved at what you did. Surely you noticed the students have begun to talk about what they suffered? No one is bottling it inside any longer and we have you to thank for that. I know that I can go forward without feeling alone or isolated. You may think that you betrayed my trust, but in this case, you set me free."

"Thank you, Mr. Potter," she swallowed, her eyes shining with tears. "I am glad for you." She paused a minute trying to regain her composure. She straightened up and blinked the tears from her eyes before addressing Harry once more. "Now Harry, I want you to have a work free evening. Is that understood?"

Harry grinned, "Yes, ma'am."

"Good," Professor McGonagall said. She grabbed Harry by the shoulders, turned him around, and softly pushed him toward the door. "Now get out of here."

Harry started to leave the office when a sudden catch in his chest compelled him to pause in the doorway. He glanced over his shoulder at his professor who had returned to her desk and was apparently scanning over students' homework. He understood why Dumbledore had always felt the way he had for her. Later he could not conceive what made him speak, but the truth inside him fought its way to the surface and escaped his lips.

"He loves you," Harry stated simply, but softly. "He always has. He thought he was protecting you."

Professor McGonagall was staring at him looking utterly shocked. "What?" she gasped.

"He loves you," he repeated and slipped out the door before McGonagall could respond.