Chapter 4: Return to Hogwarts
"-and then, she just fell off her broom. Said later she heard something in the forest," Harry said, taking another bite of his chocolate frog.
Hermione looked worried. "Playing Quidditch when it's dark is very risky, Harry. I'm surprised Dumbledore or McGonagall didn't say anything about it."
Ron yawned. The three friends stayed up late talking about Harry's visit to the Minister of Magic's house.
"I dunno, this Vega seems like a real piece of work. Sounds like she'll be sorted into Slytherin or something," Ron said.
"Whatever it was, what Vega heard made Dumbledore and McGonagall nervous. We got out of there as fast as we could. The Minister gave us a Portkey to use so we could get home faster."
"Can we discuss this in the morning? I'm t-t-tired," Ron said between yawns.
Harry nodded, and Hermione went up to her room, and the two boys fell fast asleep.
Several weeks passed since Harry's visit to the Minister of Magic's house. It was now time for Harry to return to school, something Harry was looking forward too. He couldn't wait to start playing Quidditch again, Harry had a feeling this year was going to be the best ever.
"Come on, we're going to be late!" Hermione said, helping Ron carry his trunk downstairs.
"Are we walking?" Harry asked. He saw Tonks shake her head no.
"We've got some cars from the Ministry."
Even with all their stuff, Ron, Harry, Hermione, and Ginny were able to fit inside one car along with Moody, Lupin, Tonks, and Mr. And Mrs. Weasley. The ride to Platform Nine and Three Quarters was short and sweet, and to Harry's delight, there were no major distractions. Unless, of course, you count one of Fred and George's fireworks accidentally getting set off by Crookshanks.
After Harry, Ron, and Hermione lugged their heavy trunks to a compartment onto the train, Lupin took Harry aside.
"Ah, Harry, I know- this year will be particularly tough for you, especially without Sirius. I just wanted to let you know, if you need anything, don't hesitate to write. Just promise me, you won't go breaking into anyone's office to use their fire, alright?" Lupin said with a laugh.
"Thanks, Professor. I appreciate it," Harry said.
"Please, call me Remus. I'm not a Professor anymore. Besides, I can't imagine what your Dad would say if he heard you calling me Professor. And Harry, take it easy on Snape. He may not like you, but he's a great wizard. I wouldn't want to cross him."
"Come, on the train, Harry, it's about to leave!" Mrs. Weasley hissed in his ear. Lupin gave Harry an awkward sort of hug. He hurried onto the train, and followed Ron and Hermione to a window.
"I'll be seeing you soon, I expect," Harry heard Tonks say. Lupin nudged Tonks, and she smiled mischievously.
The train left the station, and for the next several house, Harry looked out the window at the ever-changing country side.
"Harry, come on, come play some Exploding Snap or something," Ron begged. He held out his cards.
"No thanks," Harry said. He continued to stare out the window. He closed his eyes, and fell into a deep sleep.
"Oh please, Wormtail, the new Minister of Magic is no match for myself," Voldemort said. He laughed, a high pitched laugh that could make anyone shudder.
"I have heard reports, Master. From international wizards, My Lord. We need more of them, it's the only way we can defeat Harry Potter, sit," Wormtail's voice rang out.
"SILENCE! Do not tell me what I need to do, Wormtail. I already know we must begin recruiting more international wizards. Once we break the others out of Azkaban, we must begin immediately," Voldemort replied.
"When- when can we break them out, Master? What can I do to help?" Wormtail asked excitedly.
"Soon, soon. The Dementors will help us, of course. They know Azkaban better than anymore. And those fools at the Ministry think they can keep Azkaban safe." Voldemort laughed. "They are clearly mistaken. It's only a matter of time. Death is coming for Harry Potter, Wormtail."
"But Master, Fudge is no longer at the Ministry. He helped us greatly by pretending you weren't back. Surely Conall must-"
"Do not question me, Wormtail! Crucio!" Wormtail twitched violently on the ground, crying in pain.
"Harry? Harry? Are you alright?" Harry awoke to find himself on the cold, hard ground of the compartment floor. He felt the train moving beneath him. He stood up slowly, his eyes blurry. He searched to find his glasses, which were lying on the floor next to Ron's feet.
"What- what happened?" Harry asked.
"You fell asleep, mate. Then I dunno, you fell to the ground and started twitching," Ron said.
"Did you have another dream, Harry?" Hermione asked.
Harry shook his head. "It wasn't a dream. I was there- Voldemort- oh stop it, Ron- he's going to recruit more wizards. And he's going to break everyone out of Azkaban again."
Hermione looked worried. "Did he know you were there? You remember what Dumbledore said. Oh Harry, if he finds out-"
"Dumbledore isn't going to find out, Hermione," Harry said sternly. "At least not right away. Let's wait until after the feast. Then he'll find out."
Hermione nodded. "You should put your robes on. We'll be at Hogwarts soon."
Hermione was right. They arrived at Hogwarts within the hour. Harry got off the train, looking around for Hagrid.
"Firs' years! Firs' years this way!" Harry heard Hagrid's voice call. Harry smiled, thinking about how good it was to finally hear Hagrid's voice again. The previous year, Hagrid was making the long journey home with his younger giant brother, Grawp.
"Doin' alrigh' there, Harry?" Hagrid said, winking. Harry smiled. He walked over to the carriages, which to his chagrin, still had horses. Thestrals were what pulled the carriages, and they were only visible to those who had seen death. Unfortunately for Harry, he had the unpleasant experience of watching Cedric Diggory being killed by Lord Voldemort.
After an uneventful journey to the castle, Harry took his usual seat next to Ron and Hermione. Neville Longbottom sat across from Harry. He pulled out a long box, which was dark black.
"Look Harry! I got a new wand over the summer!" Neville said proudly, opening the black box. He pulled out a wand, which was indeed brand new. Neville's old wand had been smashed as they fought Death Eaters in the Department of Mysteries.
"Twelve inches, made of holly and a unicorn tail," Neville said. "Gran wasn't mad at all. I thought she'd be furious, smashing my Dad's wand and all. She said-" Neville's voice was a whisper. "-Said I would've made my mum and Dad proud, what we did in the Department of Mysteries."
Harry smiled, not wanting to be rude. He was proud of Neville, he had come a long way. But Harry, he lost Sirius there, and he wasn't about to relive those moments. Harry was greatful when Professor Dumbledore broke the loud chatter in the hall.
"Welcome-" he said, gazing around to all the students, "to another year. Mr. Filch has asked me to tell you magic is prohibited in the corridors between classes. The list of banned items has now been changed to include most of the Weasleys' Wizarding Wheezes items. The full list can be found in Mr. Filch's office. I must all remind you that the Forbidden Forest is out-of-bounds for all students."
Harry, Ron, and Hermione all exchanged significant looks. They all managed to end up in the forest year after year, despite this warning.
"I am happy to say, that any and all Decrees passed by Dolores Umbridge are now considered null and void." Harry heard the entire hall erupt in cheers, and he noticed even some of the staff was clapping, too. "And I would also like to introduce our new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher. Miss Nymphadora Tonks." Harry hadn't noticed Tonks sitting up at the staff table. But then again, she didn't look like herself. Harry could have kicked himself for that comment. Of course she didn't look like herself, she was a Metamorphmagus, meaning she could change her appearance at will.
"Why is she coming to teach at Hogwarts? I thought she was an Auror," Harry said, picking up a chicken leg after the sorting.
"She's still weak from the attack at the Ministry," Hermione said nonchalantly. Ron and Harry looked at her, both raising eyebrows.
"I heard Mrs. Weasley and Charlie talking before we left," Hermione said.
"Were you going to tell us this, Hermione?" Ron asked.
"Mrs. Weasley caught me listening. I promised I wouldn't tell," Hermione said sheepishly. "Don't be mad, ok?"
Ron grumbled something, but continued eating. Harry scanned the Staff Table. Professor Dumbledore was deep in conversation with Professor McGonagall, but it didn't seem to be anything serious when Professor Dumbledore tipped his head back and laughed heartily. Hagrid and Tonks were talking, and Tonks was changing her appearance at will for him. Hagrid found this amusing, clapping every time her hair changed color. Harry's eyes locked with Professor Snape's. Snape didn't seem happy about something, and Harry could sense it.
After the Feast was over, Harry headed up to the dormitories with Ron and Hermione. Ginny had been made a prefect- "Oh, it's everyone in the family!" Mrs. Weasley gushed- and was now showing the first years the best path to the dormitories.
"Harry, weren't you going to talk to Dumbledore?" Hermione asked, in a stern sort of way.
"Yes, yes I suppose I should," Harry said, not wanting an argument. He turned left as the rest of the Gryffindors turned right, and found himself in front of the gargoyle of Dumbledore's office.
"Er…" Harry began. He realized he didn't know the password. "Sherbert lemon?" No, that couldn't be it, that was already a password before. "Sugar quills? Cockroach cluster? Chocolate frogs?" Harry sighed, the gargoyle hadn't moved. But then, Harry had an idea.
"Skiving snackboxes." The gargoyle jumped aside, and Harry walked up the circular staircase. He knocked on the door.
"Come in, please," came Dumbledore's voice. Harry walked in, and saw Professor McGonagall, Dumbledore, and Vega Conall sitting in a chair.
"What are you doing up here, Potter? Please don't tell me you've gotten into trouble already," Vega said playfully.
"You wish, Conall," Harry replied, smiling.
"I was just about to sort Miss Conall. Would you mind if he stayed to watch, Miss Conall?" Professor McGonagall said. Vega shrugged, and handed Vega the hat. She put it on her head.
"Interesting, very interesting. Lots of mixture in this one. A lot of determination, just enough brains. Tricky as you are, I believe you'll be good in- GRYFFINDOR!" Vega smiled and took off the hat.
"Looks like I won't have a chance to knock you off your broom during Quidditch, Potter," Vega said. "I was so hoping to repay you for this summer."
"Well, since being a Seeker is so easy, I'd just catch the Snitch as fast as I could so you wouldn't have the chance, Conall," Harry replied. He loved this verbal sparring with Vega. Sure, he had it with Malfoy, but he wasn't exactly playing with Malfoy.
"I'll see you on the Quidditch pitch, Potter," Vega said, and walked passed him. She closed the door behind her, and Harry let out a small laugh.
"What can I do for you, Mr. Potter?" Dumbledore asked. Harry reverted back to the train.
"I fell asleep on the train, sir. I- I must've gotten into Voldemort's head or something. I don't really remember much," Harry began.
"What did you see?"
"Voldemort and Wormtail. Voldemort said he was going to begin recruiting more foreign wizards. He said he didn't think the Ministry could handle him. And then- then he said he's going to try and break everyone out of Azkaban."
Dumbledore frowned. "Did he say when this would all happen?"
Harry shook his head. "He just said soon."
Dumbledore and McGonagall were quiet. Harry wondered if telling them this was even a good idea. It hadn't occurred to Harry, but both Dumbledore and McGonagall looked much older this year. Perhaps it was a lack of sleep, which Harry doubted. Harry knew Four Stunning Spells to the chest wasn't exactly going to make a person younger. He was still surprised McGonagall was still here. He hadn't expected her to return to Hogwarts. But McGonagall was tough, and everyone knew it.
"Does Voldemort know you were there?" Dumbledore finally asked.
Harry shook his head. "I don't think so. He talked about me- I don't think he would've done that if he knew I was there, right?" Dumbledore frowned.
Harry sighed. "Forget I even told you. It's probably just another fake vision of Voldemort's. Don't do anything, Professor. I don't want either of you killed too."
Harry slumped in his seat. He looked away from his teachers, hoping they wouldn't notice his eyes were beginning to tear up.
"Harry, with your permission, I would like to see your dream. I can then judge whether or not it was planted. If you do not trust me, or do not wish for me to invade your mind, then it shall be so."
"No, go ahead Professor." Harry suddenly felt his mind at ease, and he saw flashes of the dream he had on the train. Suddenly, he was sitting back in Dumbledore's office.
"Well, Albus?" Professor McGonagall asked.
"It doesn't appear to be planted, however even the greatest wizards can be fooled. We seem to be in no harm at the moment. I'll alert the Order of this, but we will not act just yet," Dumbledore replied. Harry nodded. He turned to leave.
"Mr. Potter?" came Professor McGonagall's voice. "I have you Firebolt in my office. I daresay you'll be wanting it back, soon enough." Harry cracked a smile.
"Thank you, Professor. Was it really it the dungeons?" Harry asked. His transfiguration teacher nodded.
"I'm afraid the rumors weren't true, however. When I went to retrieve it, there was not a troll in sight," McGonagall said sadly. "Do try and win the Cup again this year, Potter. It's been sitting in my office for the past two and a half years, I don't think I could bear to part with it."
"I'll do my best, Professor."
Harry groaned as he received his schedule from Professor McGonagall. "Potions, Transfigurations and Dark Arts all in one day?"
"Here, Fred and George gave me some skiving snackboxes. I've got plenty for the whole year," Ron said, shoving some into Harry's hand.
"Harry, those are illegal, you heard what Dumbledore said," Hermione warned. She took them from Harry and put them in her bag. Harry wasn't up to fighting, not just yet. Harry knew Hermione had his best interests at heart, and besides, it was too early to start skiving off lessons.
But at the beginning of Potions, Harry wished he had some skiving snackboxes. Snape was already in the dungeons as the class filed in. Harry surveyed his N.E.W.T Potions class. It was mostly Slytherins; Malfoy, Crabbe, Goyle, Nott, and Pansy Parkinson. Harry, Ron, and Hermione were the only Gryffindors who managed to skate by, Justin Finch-Fletchly and Susan Bones were the only Hufflepuffs, and Harry didn't even know the Ravenclaws in his class.
Professor Snape stood at the front of the class and smirked. "Some of you have managed to make it into my N.E.W.T. Potions class, and how, I'll never know," he said, staring straight at Harry. "And some of you, I wouldn't have expected anything less." He stared at Malfoy. "If you do not keep up in this class, then I will tell you to leave and you will never come back. There will be no horsing around. Anyone who does not obey the rules will be severly punished. The potions we will be making will be more complex and dangerous than ever. You have been warned."
Harry thought his first day of Potions could have gone worse. Snape ignored him, which suited Harry just fine. Harry's potion was a bit more runny than Hermione's, but he felt satisfied as he bottled it up and took it to Snape to grade.
"Mr. Potter, a word at the end of class," Snape said as Harry handed him his vial. Harry nodded, and returned to his seat to clean up his things. The bell rang, and as the rest of the class filed out of the room, Harry approached Snape's desk.
Snape sneered at Harry, but instead of loosing his temper, Harry tried to make himself as calm and as relaxed as possible. Harry already had an outburst at Snape once, and Harry didn't want to jeopardize his house and his Quidditch because of Snape.
"What can I do for you, sir?" Harry asked.
"Dumbledore has informed me of you latest- ehm, vision," Snape said, smirking. "He has asked me to resume giving you Occlumency lessons." Harry groaned. "Silence! I told him I wished not to do so, but you seem to be a law unto yourself, Potter."
Harry would have given everything and anything not to be having this conversation with Snape. Harry detested Snape, and the feeling was mutual. It didn't matter what Dumbledore thought about Snape, Harry would not and could not believe him.
"I agreed to think about it, Potter. You have a meeting with Professor Dumbledore tomorrow night after dinner. He wishes to discuss some things with you. Now get out of my sight." Snape waved Harry off, and Harry couldn't be more glad to leave. He rushed up to the Defense Against the Dark Arts, just barely making it to class on time.
He was excited to see Tonks again, and Harry knew he'd have another teacher on his side this year. He wasn't sure exactly how her class would go, Tonks was still a kid herself. But Tonks's class surprised Harry, she seemed more authoritative than usual, but winked at Harry as he showed the class his Patronus. Most of the class consisted of the D.A., so they had already seen his Patronus.
Harry drudged up the cold, stone steps on his way to Transfiguration after lunch. Today had been extra long, and it didn't help McGonagall's class was probably going to be one of the toughest classes yet.
"I can't believe her, she's going to be an awful teacher. And besides, who'd name their child Nymphadora?" Malfoy laughed, throwing his nose up in the air.
Harry felt himself growing hotter. "You're aunt, Malfoy. Or did you forget your mother was sisters with Andromeda?"
Harry seemed to have hit a nerve. "We don't associate with people who decide to marry Muggles," Malfoy spat back.
"Why, afraid your Dad might torture them?" Harry smirked. Malfoy brought out his wand, Harry did the same.
"You leave my Dad out of this, Potter," Malfoy said, his eyes narrowing at Harry.
"It shouldn't be that hard, he is in Azkaban, after all." Harry took a few steps towards Malfoy.
"Harry!" Hermione whispered worridly. She held onto the back of Harry's robes to keep him from charging after Malfoy.
"POTTER! MALFOY! Put those wands away this instant!" came Professor McGonagall's voice. Her walk became more fast paced the closer she got to the two boys. "Everyone else into the classroom. You two stay out here."
Harry reluctantly put his wand away, and after his was safely in the pocket of his robes, Malfoy did the same. "Fighting outside the classroom? The term has just started! Mr. Potter, I am extremely ashamed of you." Harry saw McGonagall's beady eyes looking straight down upon him with disappointment. "Twenty points will be taken from Slytherin, Mr. Malfoy. Now get into class."
Malfoy nodded, and hurried into the transfiguration classroom. Harry breathed deeply, he knew he was in for it. "Never in my life, Potter, have I seen two young men such as yourselves behave in this manner! You will receive a detention, which will be served tonight. Ten points will be taken from Gryffindor as well. I expect to see you tonight at eight o'clock sharp. Do you understand?" Harry nodded. "Good. Now get into class."
"McGonagall only took off twenty points? He started it. She should've expelled him," Ron said that night at dinner. He stuffed another roll into his mouth.
Harry sighed. "I need to go, I want to get some of this Transfiguration homework done before detention." Hermione and Ron nodded, and Harry went up to Gryffindor tower. At a quarter to seven, Harry set down his quill and headed to McGonagall's office. With a knock on her door, Harry walked in. She motioned for Harry to sit down in the seat in front of her desk. He did so, lightly tapping his foot against the leg of his chair.
"Your behavior today was extremely inappropriate, Potter. I expected better out of you," Professor McGonagall began.
"He was making fun of his own cousin, Professor! And besides, Tonks is my friend. She nearly died for me, I can't let someone like Malfoy berate her," Harry argued.
"I understand your position quite well. But think who Malfoy is reporting to."
Harry thought for a moment. His first thought was Snape. It was the most logical guess, but Harry remembered, Snape was supposed to be on his side. "Lucius Malfoy, who reports directly to Voldemort," Harry sighed. McGonagall nodded.
"Here, take this," she said, thrusting a black quill and a piece of parchment at Harry. Harry stared at her outstretched hand, memories of last year flooding back to him.
Tut, tut. I don't seem to have made much of an impression yet. Well, we'll just have to try again tomorrow evening, won't we?
Harry stared at McGonagall's outstretched hand. He would never intentionally defy a teacher like McGonagall, but Harry didn't want the humiliation of having to 'write lines'. He remembered how much his hand hurt after his detentions, and the look of amusement of Umbridge's face after Harry was done.
"Mr. Potter? Did you not understand what I just said?" Professor McGonagall said, beginning to look impatient. "Take this. Now."
"I- I can't, Professor." Harry's breathing became heavier as memories of Dolores Umbridge plagued his mind. "I won't," Harry said forcefully.
"Mr. Potter, you have already lost your House ten points, don't make it worse," his teacher threatened.
Harry suddenly became aware he was beginning to sweat. His hands were beginning to shake. He wasn't going through this again. Harry got up and turned to leave, when the door shut and magically locked.
"Sit down, Mr. Potter!" McGonagall said. Her voice had changed from irritated to furious. "Do not ignore my instructions! What has gotten into you?"
When Harry turned around to face his Transfiguration teacher, his face was full of fear. Harry saw McGonagall's demeanor change from furious to concerned. "What is it, Mr. Potter?"
I must not tell lies, I must not tell lies, I must not tell lies.
The black quill wasn't going away. Harry took out his wand and pointed it at the black quill. "Expelliarmus!" he heard McGonagall say, and Harry lost his balance as the spell hit him. His wand flew across the room, and Harry slid down the cold stone wall. He closed his eyes, the face of Dolores Umbridge plaguing his mind.
"Mr. Potter? Are you ill? Do I need to get Madam Pomfrey?"
Harry shook his head no. Putting his hands against the wall, he helped himself up, even though he was slightly dizzy. Professor McGonagall had gotten out from the brown leather chair behind her desk and helped Harry back to his seat. She looked genuinely concerned now.
"What is it, Mr. Potter? I've never seen you act like that before."
"That- that quill. Put it away," Harry said forcefully. Not wanting to upset her student more, Professor McGonagall took the quill and tucked it safely away in her desk.
Harry rubbed his eyes, hoping the room would come back into complete focus. Harry's hands were shaking as he took back his wand from McGonagall's outstretched hand.
"I've never seen you act this way before, Potter. Why did you want me to put that quill away?"
Harry looked away. "Umbridge," he muttered quietly.
"What did you say, Potter?"
"P-P-Professor Umbridge," Harry managed to spit out. "Had a quill- did weird things- blood on the paper- more scars-"
It took her a few moments to answer. She seemed to be piecing together the pieces of a puzzle that should have been put together long ago. "Did Dolores Umbridge use a blood quill, Harry?" McGonagall sounded furious again. At least it wasn't with him.
"I think so, Professor," Harry said quietly. He stared at the floor. "She made me write lines during her detentions." Harry stuck out his right hand, and Harry felt McGonagall's hand smooth over the faint scars of 'I must not tell lies'.
McGonagall remembered her own words. She is your teacher and has every right to give you detention. "No wonder you were so jumpy, Potter."
"I'm sorry I acted that way, Professor. It was wrong, it won't happen again," Harry said, sighing. "I won't blame you if you give me more detentions."
"Did it ever occur to you, Potter, that what Dolores Umbridge was doing was wrong and illegal? The Ministry of Magic had Blood Quills outlawed in 1887! I should give you a week's detention for not alerting me the moment you stepped out of her office! Why didn't you come straight to me?"
"She was going on a rampage, Professor! I knew if you went to her-"
"I wouldn't have gone to her, Potter. I would have gone straight to Dumbledore!"
"And he would've gone to her, Professor. And then she'd get another decree saying Dumbledore was sacked and that you'd be going with him. I didn't want that to happen, Professor. If Dumbledore left, a-a-and then you left…" Harry trailed off.
"As furious as I am with you not telling me, I'm thankful you weren't seriously hurt. Blood quills can cause extreme damage, even death with cause of blood loss." Harry noticed McGonagall's voice shook.
"I'm sorry I didn't tell you, Professor. I thought if I kept it to myself, you'd be safe and so would everyone else."
Never in her life had Minerva McGonagall had a student look of for her, she was usually having to look out for her students. Her face softened, and she looked at the student in front of her. He had grown up so much over the past six years. Though Harry had the arrogant streak his father possessed, he was just as kind and gentle as his mother.
"I'm flattered you needed to look out for me, Potter. It was a very noble thing to do. Dolores Umbridge was a foul woman who should have never been allowed to step foot inside this school. Did this event happen to anyone else?"
"Only one that I'm sure of- Lee Jordan. After Educational Decree Number Twenty-Six was passed, you know, the one that said teachers couldn't give students any information unrelated to what they were paid to teach-" Harry cracked a grin- "Lee Jordan told her off one day after she told Fred and George Weasley they weren't allowed to play Exploding Snap in the back of class. Said it had nothing to do with Defense Against the Dark Arts, wasn't related to the subject she was paid to teach."
Harry saw Professor McGonagall crack a rare smile. "Why don't you head back to Gryffindor tower, Mr. Potter. It's getting late."
"I'm sorry for not telling you, Professor. I figured you had a lot on your plate already, and you didn't need me adding to the pile."
"Mr. Potter, did you know your father was one of the best students I ever had?" Harry shook his head no. "After he graduated, I made sure to keep in touch. Not only was he an excellent person, he was happier than anyone I knew when he was with your mother. After they died-" McGonagall's voice wavered, "-I've been worrying about you since you were born, Potter. Don't think it won't stop now. In fact, I think I worry more about you than I ever have before."
Harry stared at her, not believing what he just heard. Had she just said all that?
"If you need anything, Mr. Potter, please feel free to ask. It might be best, especially now, to talk to someone. I know with the loss of Sirius you must be feeling angry."
"Thank you, Professor."
"Thank you, Mr. Potter."