All recognized characters belong to J.K. Rowling
Everything else is mine.
R – for violence, language, and adult content
Contains male/male pairings
Contains spoilers from all five published books-- do not read this without reading them.
This book takes place after book 4 and takes only some elements from book 5 into account. There are no spoilers from book 6 in this chapter.
Thanks to Boas for editing for me.
This chapter was lat updated on November 1, 2005. The changes are grammatical only.
Harry Potter and the Parliament of DreamsChapter 29: Comes the Inquisitor
Ron stumbled into the Gryffindor Flat with the Daily Prophet still clutched in his hand. He stopped dead when he saw Harry and Draco curled up together in front of the fire place on a great bear rug.
He stared for a long time, feeling somewhat jealous at how close the two boys were. While he certainly was getting closer to Hermione, he would never be that close. He relaxed though and smiled because he knew that with Hermione he would be as close as he could be with someone else.
Harry stirred first and noticed Ron. He yawned deeply before talking. "Good morning Ron. What brings you up here?"
Ron smiled at his almost-brother, "Good morning Harry. I'm afraid I have some bad news for you and I didn't want you two to be surprised by it."
"If it's about Draco's parents, we know," Harry waved somewhat dismissively.
"It is about that in a way. It is on the front page of The Daily Prophet. That means that everyone still here at school will know about it and that everyone coming back in a few days will know about it too.
"Thanks Weasley," Draco drawled quietly from behind Harry.
"I didn't think you'd want to get surprised. I'm sure everyone will be staring at you and I know Harry hates that," Ron said quietly.
Draco blinked and nodded his head, catching all of the meaning that Ron was trying to convey.
Harry looked on oblivious to the deeper implications in Ron's statement.
The next day at school passed quietly enough. Since there were so few students staying over Christmas break, everyone, including the professors, was sharing the same table. Most of the other students were staring at Draco. Draco had more or less withdrawn into Harry's embrace. Harry was feeding him off from his plate and he was being stubborn about eating it.
Students from all the houses gave their condolences to Draco and Draco responded with a gracious thanks. Overall, the day passed quietly. Harry and Draco spent most of the day in the Great Hall with Ron playing wizarding chess. Ron won all but two of the matches. Harry managed to stalemate him and Draco managed to beat him. Ron won the other ten games they played. Hermione showed up halfway through the tournament, sat down next to Ron, and read over some advanced Arithmancy books. She also had a genealogy book tucked into her knapsack, which she picked up and read through every so often.
The Daily Prophet
January 2, 1996
The Boy Who Prophesized?By Newton Isaac Figg
It has been brought to the attention of The Daily Prophet from numerous confirmed sources that Harry Potter inflicted upon the entire population of Hogwarts a stunning vision of the death of his mother and his own attack, at age one, by He Who Must Not Be Named.
The vision, which was reported in two different ways, either as a vision floating in the air of the Great Hall at Hogwarts, or, more frequently, as if the person was experiencing the same events that Harry Potter experienced as a baby.
The incident occurred before Hogwarts' Christmas break, according to our sources. We have had the story, but felt it was our oath bound duty to research all the facts before releasing a story of this magnitude.
Neither Hogwarts officials nor officials from the Ministry of Magic commented, despite numerous attempts to contact both.
Speculation is running rampant on just how dangerous Harry Potter may be. Without a doubt, there has been only one recorded person in history to be able to induce a vision in so many wizards and witches at one time. One would have to reach back a very long way for that person. He was the most powerful wizard of all.
Rumors and legend state that Godric Gryffindor had a similar power, though not nearly on the same scale.
As news becomes available, you, the faithful readers of The Daily Prophet, will be alerted immediately.
Hermione plunked her paper down in surprise when she got to the end of the article. All of the Hogwarts students had arrived back at the school the night before. She was one of the first people in the Great Hall and her newspaper had arrived early. She picked up a book and read from it while she waited for everyone else to arrive.
All of the Gryffindors, and most of the other houses arrived en masse. Everyone was settled and eating when Neville walked into the Great Hall, a little later than usual, for his breakfast. He approached the Gryffindor table noticing that it was nearly full. Fred was sitting there with Zavien. Harry and Draco were there. Blaise Zabini was sitting between George Weasley and Draco. Neville shook his head and asked aloud, "When did I miss the fashion about being gay?"
Everyone turned to look at him.
"I didn't mean it as a bad thing. I was just commenting that I felt that I was finally fitting in and it seems everyone around here is gay."
"I'm bisexual, I just happen to love Blaise right now," George stated. Blaise blushed in surprise of the proclamation.
"I'm bisexual too. Zavien here is just so hot, I can't think of anyone else," Fred smirked in a Slytherin manner.
Draco snorted into his pumpkin juice.
Zavien blushed too.
"Dating a Weasley has its dangers doesn't it?" Dean Thomas spoke up. "Besides Neville, I'm straight and so is Ron."
"Damn straight," Ron agreed.
"Aye, but I'm not. I've got Colin here and he's hot," Seamus said slyly.
"I don't know if I am yet. It sure is nice to have someone hug me though, especially when I miss my parents," Mickey addressed the older students. The girls at that end of the table all started looking motherly towards the boy.
Seamus put his arm around the boy and gave him a little hug.
Hermione set down her book, "A Modern Look at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry" by Joanne K. Rowling.
"According to this book by this J.K. Rowling person, there are over one thousand students here at Hogwarts," Hermione looked at everyone wryly. "Assuming she is correct, and she is the documented expert on Hogwarts, that means we would have roughly one hundred gay and lesbian students here. This is also assuming that wizards have about the same percentage of homosexuals Muggles do. Therefore, while the ten or so sitting here may seem like a large number, there are ninety more we are not talking about. That's hardly everyone being gay, now is it, Neville?"
"When you put it like that Hermione, I think you're right. I just don't think we have one thousand students here."
"Like I said, Ms. Rowling was very specific on that number, and she is the expert."
Neville shrugged.
"Well, I guess that puts that subject to bed," Harry said brightly. Everyone looked anywhere but at Harry and Ron suddenly brought up Quidditch, which triggered a new discussion.
Draco rolled his eyes, which no one except Blaise noticed. Draco raised his cup to Blaise in salute and Blaise returned it.
Ministry of Magic Building, London
"I said that it would be unnecessary," the Minister of Magic, Arthur Weasley, said firmly.
"The school governors disagree and they have asked me to look into it. This is a prevue of the governors, not of the Ministry," Dolores Umbridge replied coldly.
Arthur Weasley turned dark red in his face as if an explosion of anger was going to erupt. Instead, he replied tightly, "Very well. Do not disturb the daily routine at the school, Ms. Umbridge. I daresay you would regret disturbing Mr. Potter, Mr. Malfoy, or Albus Dumbledore. I will be talking to the governors and you can rest assured your trip to Hogwarts shall be short."
Dolores Umbridge had a look of triumph in her eyes.
"Don't gloat too much Ms. Umbridge. If you harm a hair on that boy's head, you won't live long enough to receive the Dementor's Kiss," Arthur Weasley stated so coldly no one would have recognized him.
Dolores Umbridge left the meeting feeling smug, despite the red-haired Minister of Magic's threat. She held in her hand orders from the school governors declaring her High Inquisitor and authorizing her to investigate the matter of Harry Potter and his dangerous and subversive activities.
Monday morning, the first day after break started roughly for Harry. He woke up and was on edge immediately. Something felt very much out of balance. Draco woke up and felt unsettled as well. By the time they made it down to breakfast, they were both feeling extremely uncomfortable. It took an increasing amount of effort to keep their emotions from leaking.
There was an additional person at the head table when they arrived for breakfast. She was small, but she radiated malevolence. She focused a glare on Harry as he started to sit down. He lost his focus for a few moments but managed to clamp down hard before his emotions leaked.
He managed to ignore her for a few minutes, but she suddenly stalked up to him. Dumbledore was trailing behind her, "This is most irregular Ms. Umbridge. I must insist on seeing Ministry Approval before allowing you to talk to any students here."
"I have all the authority I need from the Hogwarts Board of Governors. I will be talking to Mr. Potter right now."
Harry looked up at the malevolent little woman and kept his face blank.
"Hem, Hem," the malevolent little witch cleared her throat to get Harry's attention.
Albus Dumbledore took an involuntary step back. Harry's power signature went from subdued to blinding. "Ms. Umbridge, right now might be a really bad time to do this."
"Get out of my way Dumbledore. I'll have you sacked if you don't stay quiet."
The entire Great Hall went dead quiet as the students and staff watched the drama playing out before them.
"Mr. Potter. You will answer a few questions right this minute," the diminutive bitch demanded of him.
"I'd really rather not, thank you all the same," Harry replied blandly.
Just before Umbridge tried to answer, a resounding thunder crash rocked the room. The ceiling overhead had gone from sunny to dangerous storm with no warning.
Albus's eyes widened in surprise before he barked, "We should at least do this in my office."
The old witch seemed to think this was wise and backed off slightly.
Draco's hand dug into Harry's leg and he whispered urgently in his ear.
"Boys, if you would be so kind as to report to my office?" Dumbledore asked Harry and Draco.
"I don't need to speak to that blond haired cur. I only need to speak to Mr. Potter."
Draco was on his feet and in her face before she could say another thing. In a voice that dripped venom he laid into Umbridge, "I'll have you know Ms. Umbridge that I'm Draco Lucius Malfoy and I am nobody's cur." When her eyes widened in surprise he seized his opportunity. "Oh yes, I know who you are. You are Cornelius Fudge's lackey. I would imagine that you could be bought just as easily as he could. So, who is paying you to cause trouble?" Draco demanded.
Umbridge was looking shocked. She overcame it quickly enough. "You're nothing."
Draco's normally pale face turned a much darker shade of red and in a voice that could cut steel he replied, "With my parent's dead, I am Lord Malfoy now. I am the richest wizard in all of Britain. I control a seat on the Hogwarts Board of Governors, as does Harry James Potter. I think you will find that no matter what vendetta you are trying to pursue, or what you said to convince the Board of Governors to give you permission, when they see the facts, you will be left blowing in the wind. Do you really want to go that far out on the limb? I don't think Azkaban is all that pleasant this time of year."
She sucked in her breath and built up to what looked like a huge and loud retort when she stopped, turned, and walked out the exit. Dumbledore said quietly, "Go to my office please, gentlemen. I'd like her to complete her business and get on her way."
"Yes, Headmaster," Draco replied quietly.
Albus lay his hand on Draco's shoulder and led him towards the corridor. He whispered quietly in his ear, "Well said Mr. Malfoy. Ten points to Slytherin."
Harry took several deep breaths and stood to join Draco. The Headmaster turned and pulled him close. Harry did not resist and found himself securely next to the old man. "Ten points to Gryffindor for not blasting her out of existence."
Harry laughed quietly, his tension draining away.
The quartet made it to the Headmaster's office without any more outbursts. The Headmaster could still feel the power roiling under Harry's delicate control.
As soon as everyone sat down, Dumbledore looked sternly at Ms. Umbridge. Fawkes, meantime, flew off his stand, landed on the chair next to Harry, and trilled softly at him until Harry reached over and started to rub Fawkes's head lightly. The trilling phoenix song turned into something akin to a purr. Dumbledore, Umbridge, and Draco all stared in shock. Phoenixes never allowed others to pet them. Harry seemed to lose himself in the song.
"Ms. Umbridge, I do believe you are here to investigate Mr. Potter's ability to project visions to others. I am afraid you will have to accept that it is a natural gift. As you are no doubt aware, it is a gift that comes on its own and does, as it needs to do. It is not something that can be controlled."
"Our reports indicate that Potter deliberately and willfully endangered the lives of the entire population of this school. At the very least, expel him and send him to trial. He deserves to be in Azkaban."
Fawkes let out an angry squawk towards the old witch.
Harry looked rather dazed as he continued to scratch the phoenix.
"Mr. Potter did no such thing. Nobody at Hogwarts was in any danger from the vision. If anything at all happened, many students were frightened away from Voldemort's cause."
"Don't say that name," Umbridge hissed.
"Ms. Umbridge, fear of a name increases the fear of the beast himself. I prefer to call him Tom, since that is his true name. He was such a talented young man, but his heart was so shriveled."
"Potter is dangerous," the old witch hissed.
"He is no such thing. He is the only thing that is preventing Voldemort's full return to power and his eventual rule of all of Britain."
"How could you put such thoughts in a child's mind? No wonder he thinks he can break any rule he wants and walk away without consequence! This is your fault Dumbledore! I will speak with you now, boy," Umbridge snarled at Harry, in an unconscious duplication of Vernon Dursly.
Harry's attention returned to the lunatic woman. His power level spiked up sharply again he started to vibrate with the strain of containing it all. Draco grasped Harry hard on his thigh and whispered fiercely in his ear to try to get him to maintain his control.
"Stupefy!" Umbridge suddenly yelled, casting it at Draco.
Dumbledore cast the strongest shielding spell he knew, drawing on the wards of Hogwarts itself. A spell wall appeared around Umbridge and Harry, effectively sealing her into whatever maelstrom Potter unleashed and protecting Draco and himself.
Draco slipped into unconsciousness, as the shock of the spell rebounded down their link to Harry. The spell wall shoved Draco away from Harry as he fell.
Harry froze up. There was an unworldly amount of magical energy whirling around him in a nearly visible maelstrom. Harry locked down his control over his magic because he did not want to hurt Draco, Fawkes, or the Headmaster.
Umbridge realized her tactile error immediately. If looks could kill, the amount of anger on Harry's face should have melted her on the spot. She even felt Harry's power raging now.
Harry waved his empty hand in Draco's direction and Draco woke back up. "I have no wish to speak with you now or ever, woman. Go away."
Harry's voice was as cold as death. Draco shivered at the tone of the words.
Umbridge narrowed her beady eyes at him and started her own tirade.
Harry waved his hand and her voice cut off in a fit of coughing. He then yelled in a voice that would put a Howler to shame "GO AWAY!"
Umbridge seem to be determined to say something and she stepped closer.
Harry moved his arm violently away from himself and stated strongly "I said GO AWAY!"
She disappeared with a loud bang.
You could hear a pin drop in Dumbledore's office.
"Harry," Dumbledore said gently after he took down his shield, "do you know where you sent her?"
"Over the lake, I think."
"Ah yes, that would be a good spot," Dumbledore replied, his mind whirling. The amount of power it takes to banish someone, without a wand, was staggering. Especially when considering that Harry had never been taught that level of banishment charm.
"You two may return to your breakfast," Albus said as he made a shooing motion with his hands. Both boys stood up and left his office quietly.
As soon as they were gone, Albus took out a scrying crystal and watched as the giant squid threw the hapless witch onto the shoreline. Albus merely shook his head.
He waved his wand at the fire and shouted, "Arthur Weasley."
A moment later, Minister of Magic Arthur Weasley's head appeared in the fire. "Yes Albus?"
"Arthur, that woman you allowed to come here must be removed immediately! She is a danger to herself and to the children of this school."
"What did she do Albus?"
"She got extremely aggressive in trying to question Mr. Potter. It upset him a great deal and as Mr. Malfoy attempted to calm him down, she stunned the poor boy. Mr. Potter lost his tenuous control and banished the woman over the lake… without using his wand."
Arthur stared out of the fire with a stunned look on his face. "I'll send some Aurors immediately to defend and train the boys."
"That should do. Mr. Malfoy was raided here in the Wizarding world is more than familiar with politics and made some rumblings at that woman. He is going to be seeking revenge for what she did to him and it is not going to be pretty. I will be contacting my representative and Mr. Potter's on the Hogwarts Board of Governors, but I hope you will do the same. Stop this woman before our best and only hope of defeating Voldemort is hurt, or worse, hurts someone else. He would never forgive himself if he did that and I won't allow that."
"I will see to it at once, Albus."
"Thank you Arthur."
Albus left to recover Umbridge after quickly flooing his brother and Harry Potter's Governor Seat representative, Ms. Arabella Figg.
The Daily ProphetYou Know Who Invades France
By Cornwall Wallace
The Dark Lord that has terrorized Britain has jumped across the channel and is terrorizing France. In a non-surprising gesture, France was unable to defend itself and British Minister of Magic Arthur Weasley refused to aid France, stating that our trying to deal with the Dark Lord on our own for too long has already greatly diminished our resources. "The government of France has a nasty habit of supporting and appeasing dictators and we will not render aid to them, especially as we have none left to give. I have also consulted with the Prime Minister of Britain's Muggle government, who plans to refuse to assist the French Muggle government."
President of the American Magical Government, Walker G. Shrub, order of Merlin First Class, said today, "As ever, the American Magical Government stands with our friend and ally, the British Magical Government. Though we will not be aiding the magical government of France, we are sending a crack squad of Aurors to Bauxbaton to honor the request of its Headmistress."
Minister of Magic, Arthur Weasley, also added that he had dispatched several special services wizards to Bauxbaton to assist the American Aurors and French professors in defending the school.
Dark Lord Headquarters, Versailles, France
"As you thought, Lord Voldemort, the French surrendered without more than a token resistance."
"The French haven't really stood for much of anything in the last two hundred years, you can hardly expect for them to start now," McNair added snidely.
"Enough," Voldemort said quietly. "We have been unable to find Bauxbaton in order to attack it. There are now reports that both Britain and America have responded to the headmistress' pleas for assistance. You need to find all the Dark Wizards that exist here and across Europe. Do so quickly. They won't expect us to return to Britain so quickly."
"He's gone nutters," Crabbe whispered to Goyle.
"Crucio!" Voldemort screamed in response. His eyes glinted madly as he watched his subordinate writhe in pain.
The rest of the Death Eaters left quickly to follow orders, leaving Crabbe to suffer for the thoughts they all had. Crabbe was the only one dumb enough to express those opinions.
"We will retake Britain, and that Muggle-loving fool Dumbledore will fall," the man hissed and then cackled manically.
Harry and Draco were finishing breakfast when the Headmaster returned alone. The old man barely got into his seat when three more people arrived. They made their way to Dumbledore immediately. After briefing consulting him, two of the three made their way in the direction that Albus pointed. They walked straight to Harry Potter.
"Mr. Potter."
"Professor Moody."
"That's Auror Moody now, Mr. Potter. This is my associate, Auror Nymphadora Tonks. She's your godfather's cousin."
"Wocher Harry," the pink haired witch said.
"A pleasure Auror Tonks," Harry replied smoothly, glad for the lessons in manners that Draco had been giving him.
"Minister Weasley has assigned us to you until the mess with the Hogwarts Board of Governors has been resolved. You will not be attending regular classes, but you and Mr. Malfoy will be attending private training with the two of us."
Draco swallowed somewhat loudly.
"Mr. Malfoy, I've been well aware of your contributions and I know that you aren't your father. Furthermore, the man that transfigured you has received the Dementor's Kiss. It certainly wasn't me."
"Yes, sir," Draco replied strongly.
Moody nodded in acknowledgement and respect, though his magical eye did spend some time staring through him.
The tension throughout the castle was very high. The Hogwarts Board of Governor's High Inquisitor was upsetting everyone. It affected Harry most of all. Despite having his own Auror assigned to him and Draco, and missing all classes, he could still feel the unease she was causing everyone else.
Albus Dumbledore could not help but notice that the enchanted ceiling of the Great Hall turned stormy, each time Harry walked into the room. He also observed more than once that the stairs started to behave strangely, whenever Dolores Umbridge was anywhere near them. Fred and George Weasley were getting more and more out of control with their jokes, all aimed at the vile woman. Albus quietly negated the fifty-point loss to Gryffindor for the spectacular swamp the twins made on the third floor. Umbridge took over three hours trying to get out of her guest quarters. The portraits started doing things to distract her. The ghosts, and Peeves especially, were spending a large amount of time tormenting her. The magical defenses of the school were also responding to the vile woman. The suits of armor frequently attacked her when she strayed to close. Dumbledore sighed when he saw her approaching.
"Hem, hem. Headmaster Dumbledore, I demand that you punish these dangerous brats."
"You demand?" Albus replied quietly, a single eyebrow rose. The entire Great Hall quieted down to absolute silence.
"You need to control these brats so that I can continue my investigation."
"These children are responsible young wizards and witches and when they require punishment, they receive it," Dumbledore replied mildly.
"That is not good enough! Those Weasley brats need to be punished for turning the hall outside my quarters into a swamp."
"They were punished. They are serving detentions every night this week in the potions laboratory."
"They will no doubt be working on more of these foul potions."
"No doubt," Dumbledore smiled at her, his eyes twinkling.
"I demand that you give that Potter-brat over for questioning. I cannot continue my investigation without talking to him privately. Furthermore, you must confiscate his wand beforehand."
"I will do no such thing," Dumbledore replied sternly.
A commotion broke out over at the Gryffindor that had Fred and George forcibly holding Ron down. Ron's voice broke above the sudden murmur around the room, "That insufferable, slack-jawed…"
"RONALD WEASLEY DON'T YOU DARE SAY ANOTHER WORD!" Molly Weasley's voice boomed through the Great Hall.
Umbridge spun around in a fit. She then turned very pale. Arthur Weasley and five Aurors accompanied Mrs. Weasley.
"Ah, Dolores, there you are. I believe you know Auror Kingsley Shacklebolt. He will be taking you under arrest."
"What am I charged with?" Umbridge demanded.
"You are charged with: Magical Assault of a minor, Magical Assault of a LifeBonded wizard, Bribery, and conspiracy to murder. We have evidence that you are working to support Voldemort. I'm afraid that you will be facing life in Azkaban."
"I did no such thing!"
"I am sorry; Ms. Umbridge, but you committed the first two crimes in front of a member of the Wizengamot. We arrested Mr. Parkinson earlier this evening. During his interrogation, he admits to paying money to you to try to get Mr. Potter out of the way. You knowingly accepted the money to complete this task, which would further You Know Who's agenda. Since his agenda has included murder of a large number of people, you are charged with conspiracy to murder. I'm afraid you won't be able to mount much of a defense."
There were gasps around the hall. They were short-lived because of more racket near the entrance. Two ghosts appeared in the door followed moments later by Peeves the Poltergeist.
Nearly Headless Nick stood by as the Bloody Baron rumbled out, "Ready! Aim! FIRE!"
The whole hall stared in shock as a balloon full of some sort of glowing liquid flew through the air towards Umbridge. The Minister and company wisely moved, leaving Umbridge staring in shock as the balloon burst on her chest. She turned a very brilliant orange color and inflated into a huge orange. Silence reigned for a few more moments before laughter broke out. Soon after the launch, the entire hall was laughing loudly, except the Weasley twins.
"PEEVES! That formula is still under experimentation!" George shouted angrily as he whipped out his wand and started to give chase to the poltergeist. Peeves squeaked and disappeared rather than face the angry redhead.
"Finite Incantatum!" Arthur Weasley cast the spell on her and she promptly turned a startling bright shade of purple.
"George Weasley!" he shouted.
"It wasn't supposed to be used, Da! He stole it out of my laboratory," George said while walking back to his father and the large grape woman.
"How do we get her back to normal?" an Auror asked.
"Try it again."
They did, and she turned a violent shade of pink, but decreased to about half the size she was after she was inflated.
"Do it again."
This time, Dolores turned shocking yellow, but returned to her original size.
"One more time, please. I hope."
The Auror cast it one last time and Dolores returned to normal.
"I want that young man punished for magical assault!" Dolores demanded.
Ron Weasley roared out again, "I'll give you magical assault you stupid…"
"RONALD WEASLEY!" Molly bellowed.
Ron sat down sharply but shut his mouth.
"I'm afraid I didn't do anything to you. You'll have to try to charge Peeves," George replied smugly.
"The boy is quite right," Auror Shacklebolt interjected. "He can't very well help who raided his potions lab."
"Take her away," Minister Weasley ordered.
"Thank you very much for your help today, Minister," Dumbledore said respectively.
"Of course, Albus. I will leave you to the rest of your day. The two Aurors will be staying to assist in the defense training of Mr. Potter and Mr. Malfoy. Good day to you."
"And to you Minister."
The Aurors started to escort Dolores Umbridge out of the hall to a more private place to put her in bindings and take her wand. They were not expecting her to get so desperate. She kicked an Auror, spun around, and cast a more powerful diffindo charm on George, causing several cuts to split open his skin making him bleed profusely. She cackled as she disappeared, using an illegal portkey.
The Aurors were left standing slack jawed at the chaos around them.
End of Chapter 29