Chapter 9 - Letters from Fudge

Harry spent the next few days seeking out different members of the household to apologize for the way he had been acting. Even though everyone had immediately forgiven him, Harry continued to feel awful for his behaviour. He had treated the most important people in his life horribly. He felt even guiltier when he had seen how much work was done on the house during his three-day refuge in his bedroom.

It was truly amazing how the house had been transformed. The wooden floors gleamed and the chandeliers sparkled. Mrs. Weasley and Remus had gone outside one night and used a very powerful Scouring Charm to clean off the years of grime on the windows. Harry had been quite surprised to wake up one morning to find the sun shining on his face.

Harry decided to stay in Sirius's old bedroom. He rather enjoyed the large, four-poster bed, compared to the small bed he had in the bedroom he shared with Ron. The bedroom also had a small rectangular table with four chairs next to a large picture window. On the wall opposite the bed was a writing desk and a large armchair. The room had everything Harry needed, whether he wanted to read, get a start on his summer homework, or just spend time alone. He finally had a bedroom he felt was his.

Harry yawned and stretched his arms and legs. He felt exhausted; he had spent the previous afternoon working in the drawing room with Mrs. Weasley, Remus, Ron, Hermione, and Ginny. Mrs. Weasley believed she had found a spell that would counteract the Permanent Sticking Charm that Sirius's mother had placed on the tapestry in the drawing room. Mrs. Weasley and Remus had cast the spell together, while Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Ginny pulled on the tapestry. They had eventually been successful in removing the tapestry from the wall. However, the tapestry had then thrown itself at Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Ginny, managing to trap Harry and Hermione in its folds. It had taken another hour for Mrs. Weasley and Remus to figure out how to free them, while Ron and Ginny tried to contain their laughter as the tapestry threw Harry and Hermione around the room.

A knock on the door prompted Harry to lift his aching body from the bed.

"Come in," he said groggily, as he sat up and pushed his glasses onto his face.

Mrs. Weasley bustled in, carrying a glass of bright purple liquid.

"How are you feeling, dear?" Mrs. Weasley asked, placing a hand on Harry's forehead.

Harry shrugged. "I've felt worse."

Mrs. Weasley pursed her lips together and frowned at Harry. "You've been doing too much. You should rest this morning."

Harry shook his head. "Honestly, Mrs. Weasley, I feel fine. Just a little banged up."

She nodded and handed him the glass. "Drink this, dear. It will take the aches away."

Harry took the glass from her and eyed the purple liquid. He now noticed it was fizzing slightly and smelled extremely sweet. He downed it quickly, knowing from past experiences how awful most potions tasted. Harry felt an odd tingling going through his body, tickling his insides. He shivered and then, just as quickly, the sensation stopped. He could no longer feel any of the bruises he knew were covering his body.

"Thanks, Mrs. Weasley," Harry said. "I feel loads better already."

She looked at him, frowning. "Do you feel well enough for an Occlumency lesson this afternoon? Dumbledore Flooed earlier to say he'd be coming by."

Harry had not had a session with Dumbledore since the day before his birthday. Dumbledore had been doing his own investigation into the fireworks incident and had not been by the house since.

Harry swallowed, wondering if Dumbledore had any new information. The newspapers did not indicate that the Ministry had got any closer to finding out who was behind the attack.

Mrs. Weasley peered into Harry's face. "If you don't feel up to it, you don't have to do it, Harry."

Harry shook his head. "No. It's important. I need the lessons."

Mrs. Weasley looked at Harry sadly. "You've been through so much for someone so young. I wish I could protect you from all that pain," she said quietly.

Harry felt his throat tighten at Mrs. Weasley's words. Mrs. Weasley was the closest thing to a mother that Harry ever had, and her kindness touched him.

"You do more than enough, Mrs. Weasley," Harry said, his voice cracking.

Mrs. Weasley smiled at Harry and have him a warm hug. "Why don't you get dressed and come down for breakfast? Everyone else should be up by now."

Harry watched Mrs. Weasley close his bedroom door behind her. He rolled out of bed and walked over to his wardrobe. He stripped off his pajamas and pulled on his jeans and t-shirt. He combed his hair, pulled on his socks, and went downstairs to the kitchen.

Remus and Tonks were standing at the kitchen counter, spooning scrambled eggs onto plates. Remus seemed to be insisting that he carry the plates to the table instead of Tonks. Ginny was pouring glasses of pumpkin juice at the table, and Hermione was sitting at the table beside Ron. He was fighting off Mrs. Weasley, who was armed with a comb in her hand.

"Honestly, Mum!" Ron exclaimed, batting Mrs. Weasley's arm away. "I think I'm old enough to comb my own hair."

"But it's always such a mess! Just let me run the comb through it," Mrs. Weasley said, trying to come at Ron from another angle.

"No! Go find someone else to fuss over," Ron argued.

Harry grinned as he sat at the table across from Ron and Hermione.

"Morning, Harry," Hermione said, trying to hold back her laughter as Ron batted off Mrs. Weasley yet again.

"Morning, Hermione," Harry said, grinning. "How are you feeling?"

Hermione shrugged. "A lot better after taking Mrs. Weasley's Anti-Aching Ale."

Harry smiled. While he had simply taken the potion Mrs. Weasley had given him, he could just imagine the string of questions Hermione would have had, wanting to learn all about the potion.

"Remus, I'm not completely incompetent," Tonks said. Harry looked over to see Tonks shaking her head and picking up two plates piled with eggs and toast. She walked over to the table and set the plates down in front of Hermione and Ron. "See? No harm done!" Tonks said triumphantly, putting her hands on her hips.

Remus smiled as he placed a plate in front of Harry. "Sorry," he said, winking at Tonks. "I didn't mean to underestimate you."

"Hmph!" Tonks put her nose up in the air and spun on her heel to return to the counter. Unfortunately, Ginny was right behind her.

"Oh!" Tonks cried as she smashed into Ginny.

Ginny fell backwards, her eyes opened wide as the pitcher of pumpkin juice slipped out of her hand. She landed with a thud on the floor as the pitcher smashed beside her, spilling its contents on the floor.

"Oh, Ginny!" Tonks said, rushing to her. "I'm so sorry. Are you okay?"

Mrs. Weasley rushed over and vanished the glass shards and spilled juice from the floor with one sweep of her wand.

"I'm fine," said Ginny, as Tonks and Mrs. Weasley helped her to her feet. "No need to worry."

"Ginny, dear, sit down," Mrs. Weasley said, ushering Ginny to a chair beside Hermione.

Remus walked over and put his arm around Tonks. "Come on. You should sit down as well."

"But -- " Tonks began, turning her head to look at the remaining plates still on the counter.

"Don't worry," Remus said, pulling out the chair beside Harry, "I can get the rest."

Tonks sat down looking bewildered. She looked at Harry. "I'm hopeless."

Harry grinned at her. "No, you're not hopeless. You're just an absolute nightmare in the kitchen."

Tonks stared at Harry, then grinned. "I suppose that leaves Remus to clean up."

Remus raised an eyebrow at Tonks as he set a plate down in front of her. "Is that right?" he asked, sitting beside her.

She slipped her arm through his and rested her head on his shoulder. She opened her eyes wide and looked up at him, batting her eyelashes. "You wouldn't want me to get hurt, would you?"

Remus looked down at her and then rolled his eyes. "You're impossible."

Harry grinned as he noticed a smile tugging at the corners of Remus's mouth.

Tonks smiled at Remus, and then straightened herself in her chair. She glanced around the table to see everyone grinning at her.

She flushed slightly, then said, "Well, dig in everyone. There's nothing worse than cold eggs."

Tonks picked up her fork and glanced at Remus from the corner of her eye. She turned to Harry, who was grinning at her madly. She kicked his leg under the table.

Remus cleared his throat. "So, Molly. Do you think we can manage to take care of Mrs. Black today?"

Remus was referring to the life-size portrait of Sirius's mother that was in the front hallway. Everyone had learned to creep silently past the painting, or else suffer the wrath of her screams and insults. They believed her portrait had the same Permanent Sticking Charm as the tapestry in the drawing room. They hoped the spells they had used the previous day would be as effective, minus the attack Harry and Hermione had endured.

Mrs. Weasley smiled at Remus's obvious attempt to shift everyone's focus. "Yes, Remus, I think we should give it a try. I think we've lived with that painting long enough."

Remus nodded. "Indeed." He turned to Tonks and asked, "Since you're not working this morning, maybe you could give us a hand?"

Tonks grinned. "I'd love to get rid of that old nutter. Count me in!"

"What can we do to help?" Hermione asked.

Mrs. Weasley's eyes darted to Harry for a fraction of a second, before she turned her gaze to Hermione. She smiled and replied, "I think the four of you should take the morning off. I'll have some work for you this afternoon."

After everyone had sufficiently cleared off their breakfast plates, Harry, Hermione, Ron and Ginny settled themselves in Harry's bedroom. Harry and Ron sat at the table playing a game of Wizard's Chess. Hermione sat in the armchair reading, while Ginny sat cross-legged on Harry's bed, flipping through one of his Quidditch books. Intermittently, a shrill wail from Mrs. Black filtered up the stairwell, as Mrs. Weasley, Remus, and Tonks attempted to remove the portrait.

Hermione snapped her book shut. "I wish there was something we could do to help. That screaming is really annoying."

"Well, hopefully they'll be successful and we won't have to deal with it ever again," Harry said, surveying the chessboard.

Ginny sighed as she walked over to the window. "I wish we could go outside."

Harry frowned. He looked at Ginny as she stared out the window, her slight frame silhouetted against the bright sky outside. He, too, would give anything to go outside.

Ginny leaned forward, squinting. "Harry, is Hedwig outside?"

Harry stood and walked to the window. "Yeah. She's been out since last night."

"I think that's her," Ginny said pointing into the sky.

Harry followed Ginny's pointed finger. A white speck could be seen against the brilliant blue of the sky. The speck seemed to be getting larger and larger.

"It does look like her," Harry said, opening his window. "It looks like she's carrying something."

They watched Hedwig approach, jealous of her freedom and mesmerized by the graceful batting of her wings as she soared towards them.

Hedwig flew in through the open window and landed gracefully on the table. She held her leg out for Harry, where several envelopes were tied.

"Hermione, can you grab a few owl treats off my desk?" Harry asked as he untied the envelopes. He looked at the envelopes and recognized the writing. "It's our letters from Hogwarts."

Hedwig flew to Hermione, nipped the owl treats from Hermione's open hand, and flew to the top of the wardrobe where she nestled into her cage.

"Well, of course they are," Hermione said walking over to Harry. "It's about time, too. I'm so anxious to get my new book list so I can start reading for my classes."

Harry hid his grin at the exasperated look Ron gave Hermione. He handed out the envelopes and tore open his own, intrigued by the thickness of the envelope.

Harry scanned the first sheet of parchment. It was the usual list of required supplies, and the time and date the students were to board the Hogwarts Express. He turned to the second sheet and saw an official-looking letter from the Minister of Magic, Cornelius Fudge.

Dear student,

Congratulations on entering another year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. On behalf of the Ministry, I would like to send our best wishes to you on a successful year of study.

As it appears we are entering a dark time, the Ministry would like to assure all parents and students that extra safety measures have been implemented to ensure a safe school year. Several Ministry officials have been assigned to a Security Task Force at the school and additional protective spells have been cast over the Hogwarts School grounds.

The safety of the students is the Ministry's primary concern. As a result, the Ministry has reserved the right to withdraw student privileges as it sees fit. We hope that such a measure will not be required, but will be invoked if deemed necessary.

In addition, the Ministry feels it is necessary to prepare our youth for the dangers our world faces. In cooperation with the Hogwarts new Defense Against the Dark Arts professor, the Ministry has approved a Battle Training course. This course will be held outside of regular school hours so as not to conflict with academic classes. This course is open to all students in fifth year or higher. The Ministry strongly encourages student participation in this course. Enclosed you will find a permission form which must be signed by a parent or guardian, with the exception of students who are already of age.

The Ministry looks forward to the continued support and cooperation of all Hogwarts students.

Sincerely,

Cornelius Fudge

Minister of Magic

Harry stared at the letter in his had, trying to comprehend all of the information he had just absorbed. He looked up and saw Ron staring at this letter with his mouth gaping. Both Hermione and Ginny frowned as they read their letters.

Ron looked at Harry. "Battle Training?" Ron questioned, his voice cracking.

"Mum is going to have kittens," Ginny said looking up. "She won't like this at all."

"How can he do this?" Hermione asked angrily. "We need to be focusing on our classes!"

Harry studied Hermione.

"I think it's a good idea," Harry said quietly.

"What?" Hermione and Ron said together.

Harry looked at the surprised faces of his friends. He glanced at Ginny who was staring at him intently.

Harry shrugged. "I know that I'm a target. I wouldn't mind getting all the training I can get to fight against Voldemort." He paused and looked at his friends. "It would also make me feel better to know that my friends were prepared as well. You're in danger because you're associated with me. Don't you think surviving is more important than giving up time for homework?"

Hermione squirmed uncomfortably. "But can't we learn what we need to know in our Defense Against the Dark Arts classes? As long as the new teacher is competent, that is. How can Dumbledore allow his school to become a military recruitment centre for the Ministry?"

Harry shook his head. "Dumbledore won't allow the Ministry to change the nature of Hogwarts. I'm sure he will be keeping a close eye on how the course is managed."

Hermione wasn't quite ready to give up. "But, what about O.W.L.s and N.E.W.T.s? Fifth- and seventh-years have enough to worry about with their exams in June!"

Harry looked at the floor and swallowed hard. "Maybe Fudge doesn't think we have that long."

The room was silent as everyone contemplated Harry's words. Even Mrs. Black's screams from downstairs had been silenced.

"Do you think things will get that bad, Harry?" Ginny asked, her eyes wide.

Harry looked at her sadly. "I think Fudge is worried. Last year, he wouldn't admit that Voldemort was back and did everything in his power to prevent us from improving our defenses. Now, he has completely changed his position. He's scared and he's realizing how much trouble he's in. He's got so many people upset with him, his only hope is to recruit students."

"You're right, Harry," Hermione said, shaking her head. "I wasn't thinking of the whole picture. We don't know what Fudge will do, being as desperate as he is. It's better for us to be prepared for anything."

Everyone was silent for a few moments, wondering what Fudge had got the entire wizarding community into due to his own cowardice.

"Sorry, Hermione," Ron said, frowning slightly. "Could you repeat that first part? I don't think I heard you right."

Hermione looked at Ron, knitting her eyebrows together. She then rolled her eyes and smiled. "I said Harry was right." She shook her head. "Harry was right, I was wrong. Happy now, Ronald?"

Ron closed his eyes and smiled. "Ah, yes!"

Harry laughed as Hermione rolled her eyes again.

"Well, at least I'll be able to cheer Mum up with this," Ginny said, holding up a silver badge with a "P" inscribed on it.

"Oh, Ginny!" Hermione squealed, rushing over and hugging her. "You're a prefect!"

"Well done, Ginny!" Ron said hugging his sister after Hermione had released her. "Mum will be so proud."

Harry walked over and gave Ginny a hug. "Congratulations, Ginny. I'm happy for you."

Ginny smiled ruefully. "Fred and George will be so disappointed. They had such high hopes that I would follow in their footsteps."

Harry and Ron laughed as Hermione clicked her tongue. "Don't let them bother you, Ginny," Hermione said sternly. "It's a privilege to be named prefect. Professor Dumbledore only picks the best students for prefect duty."

"Yeah," Harry said, shaking his head. "You wouldn't want to be lumped together with other scum like me."

Hermione flushed brightly. "Harry...you're not...I didn't mean --"

Harry laughed. "I'm just teasing you, Hermione. Not many people can say their best friends are the best students in their year. My three best friends have all been made prefects; I couldn't be happier."

Hermione and Ron smiled widely. Ginny's eyes shined brightly as she grinned at Harry.

"Well, we should head downstairs and --" Harry began, looking back at the contents of his envelope. "What's this other letter?" he asked, noticing another piece of parchment.

"What other letter?" Ron asked, looking through the papers in his hand and then looking at Harry. "I haven't got another one."

Hermione and Ginny looked through their letters and shook their heads.

Harry returned his eyes to his letter.

Dear Mr. Potter,

This letter hereby revokes your ban from playing Quidditch, and places you on probation for one year. If there are no further incidents of misconduct, the probation will be lifted at the end of the school year.

Sincerely,

Cornelius Fudge

Minister of Magic

Harry felt a grin spread across his face.

"What is it Harry?" Ron asked.

Harry read the letter to his friends.

"I knew it!" said Ron, punching his fist in the air. "I bet it was old McGonagall. She wasn't going to let Umbridge keep you from playing."

"Harry, that's so great!" Hermione said, hugging him hard. "I know how much this means to you."

Harry was elated. He could not wait to get back to Hogwarts and jump on his Firebolt.

"Let's go downstairs and tell everyone, "Ron said, practically running to the door. "This is going to be the best Quidditch season ever!"

Harry laughed at Ron's enthusiasm and began to follow him to the door.

"Harry, can I talk to you for a minute?"

Harry turned and saw Ginny looking at him tentatively. Hermione glanced at Ginny and pushed Ron out the door. "Come on, Ron. We'll see you two downstairs," Hermione said, shutting the door behind her and Ron.

"What's wrong, Ginny?" Harry asked. He swallowed hard, wondering why he was feeling nervous.

She smiled. "Oh, nothing's wrong. I just wanted to ask you something."

Harry swallowed hard again, and shoved his sweaty palms into his back pockets. He cleared his throat. "Shoot."

Ginny bit her lip. "I was just wondering if you meant what you said before," Ginny said, staring at the floor. "When you said your three best friends."

Harry stared at her confused. "Sorry?"

Ginny shifted uncomfortably. "You said your three best friends were made prefects. Not two. Three. Do you really consider me one of your best friends, Harry?"

Harry stared at her. "Of course I do, Ginny."

Ginny shook her head and smiled slightly. "You must think I'm so stupid," Ginny said, embarrassed. "I've always been Ron's little sister, tagging along. Sometimes I wonder if you're sick of me being around."

Harry smiled at her. It had been just he, Ron, and Hermione for so long, he could understand how she might feel like she was intruding or didn't belong.

"First of all, Ginny, I will never think you're stupid. Second, I will never get sick of you…" He paused, staring at her. He continued quietly, "If it wasn't for you, I would probably still be stuck in this bedroom alone, pushing everyone away. You were able to put things into perspective for me when no one else could. I would never want to lose you as a friend, Ginny."

Ginny smiled as a few tears escaped her eyes and slipped down her cheeks. "Thank you, Harry," she whispered. She walked over, rose on her tiptoes, and kissed his cheek. "That really means a lot to me."

Harry smiled down at her and rubbed the tears off her cheek with his thumbs. He stared into her eyes and felt a lump forming in his throat.

"Well, we should head downstairs," Ginny said, turning towards the door, "before Ron starts theorizing about what we're doing up here."

She grinned at Harry and opened the door.

Harry stared after her, watching her red hair sway across her back as she walked. He followed her down the stairs and wondered why his heart was beating so fast, and noticing that his cheek still tingled where Ginny's lips had brushed it.

A/N: Kudos to my fabulous beta, TheGiantSquid! Thank you for making everything so much better!