Magical Origins
Author Notes: After rereading the story, I fixed many of the grammar mistakes. Should be better
Year 5: The Sneak's Curse
While the loss of Professor Trelawney hadn't been a huge upset, as everyone thought she was odd, it did have a profound impact within Hogwarts. Students felt it was unfair for Umbridge to sack her as some of her predictions have come true.
Lavender Brown and Parvati Patil were devastated and tried many times to talk to their favorite teacher to bring her out of her funk.
Umbridge was livid over the fact that Dumbledore brought in a Centaur inside the castle. She absolutely refused to speak to him or even look in his directions.
The Circle began to fear Umbridge's reign of terror had only begun. It was no secret she despises Professor Gorloisen, and the fact she stood up to her, they feared she would be next to go. Countless students loved Professor Gorloisen's lessons, with many boys openly flirt with her in hopes she would give them a more hands-on 'private' lesson. She never did respond to the teenagers attracted by her charms.
Harry swiftly got his revenge on Umbridge by freezing her quarters in the middle of the night. Umbridge woke up to see her entire living quarters covered in ice with the temperature far below freezing. Filch came running upon hearing her screams, and the two had no idea what happened to her office as they been forced to seal it off.
Lily also gave Peeves several supplies of dung bombs and many other items that weren't pleasant. Peeves would pop up out of nowhere and pelt Umbridge with whatever he had in his hands, causing her to cry out in frustration.
With Trelawney gone, Umbridge's wrath was now taken out on Hagrid, who had lost all courage in his lessons. Care of Magical Creatures lessons quickly became dull and boring.
For Hagrid, things got worse when members of the Committee for the Disposal of Dangerous Creatures arrived and went into the forest, setting a large portion of the forest ablaze. Hagrid felt the death of the Acromantula colony was unjustified as Aragog and his family were now being hunted by the wizards.
Hagrid wisely kept his mouth shut, but Lily told Harry he was heartbroken. Kept sobbing, fearing Aragog would die. Hagrid also blamed Harry for telling Samuel about the Acromantula's, proclaiming there was nothing but misunderstood creatures.
Lily didn't speak much to Hagrid after his tearful loss of the Acromantula colony. She also didn't report Hagrid's involvement with the Acromantula's to any of the teachers knowing if Umbridge found out, there would be hell to pay.
The students kept reading the Daily Prophet for news, hoping for news on the ten most notorious Death Eaters having been sighted or captured.
Harry and Lily finally started teaching the rest of the Circle the Patronus Charm to the rest of their peers. Something everyone has been very keen on learning since they formed the Circle. The charm was considered to be so difficult, only a handful of wizards were capable of producing a corporeal Patronus.
Before they started teaching the charm, they had everyone practice its incantation before they came in to actually practice the charm.
"The Patronus Charm is a guardian to protect you against Dementor's and even other creatures and some spells," Harry explains as everyone gathers around listening eagerly. "The basic practice form is to think and reflect upon a happy memory. Something strong and powerful that will repel any negative influence upon you. This is merely the first step. Professor Lupin taught Lily and me in our third year because the dementors influence us strongly. Now it's gotten to the point we can cast the Patronus Charm with ease. For all of you, I want you to focus on that happy memory while casting the incantations."
"A Patronus takes the form of an animal that speaks to you on your own inner personality. It reflects who you are," Lily explains. "Mine (Lily conjures her Patronus) is a Hō-ō, a Japanese Phoenix. "
Everyone immediately began to work as they started practicing the Patronus Charm.
It was, without a doubt, the most fun they've ever had learning defensive magic since studying under Professor Lupin. Professor Gorloisen's lessons were fun at the start of the school year. Since Umbridge became High Inquisitor, she's put a real damper on the defense lessons.
An hour into the lesson, almost everyone had a Patronus running around. Neville had a large male lion that was both amazing and intimidating. Cho Chang had produced a magnificent swan that flew around the room.
Luna had conjured a hare, that happily hops around the room in joy.
Seamus Finnigan, no doubt his mind in the gutter about shaggy Lavender Brown, had a fox Patronus running around.
Granger had produced an otter that happily floats around her.
Ernie had a boar that seem to love charging at the other students causing them to fall over.
Everyone clearly was having fun as they all look at their Patronus running around the Chamber of Secrets.
The chamber doors open, revealing a small House-Elf walking forward wearing a very unusual set of clothes. Including several hats on his head concealing his bat ears and an odd pair of socks on his feet.
"Hello, Dobby," Harry said, looking at the devote elf who wanted to serve Harry more than anymore.
"Harry Potter, sir," Dobby said in his high pitch voice. "the House-Elves have been warned not to say a word, and if she finds outs, Dobby will be punished."
Harry knew at once he was referring to Umbridge.
"Is she coming?" Harry asks at once.
"Is she at the bathroom's entrance?" Lily asks.
Dobby nods his head at once.
"She's not alone, is she?" Harry said, knowing she wouldn't come here alone.
"She's with dark wizards and bad students," Dobby said.
Harry knew at once Umbridge would be posted outside the bathroom, hoping for when the students came out, she could capture them as evidence of Dumbledore's plot to overthrow the Ministry.
"Everyone head to your dorms now," Harry orders. "take the path that leads outside your dormitories."
Everyone quickly scatters, heading to the exits that led outside their dorms.
Harry and Lily instead head to the seventh floor, towards the Room of Requirements. Knowing it was the perfect place to hide in this situation. When Harry pulls out the Marauder's Map, he could see Umbridge and Filch along with several students waiting outside the second-floor bathroom.
Harry already had a brief idea of the students Umbridge has collected to her side. Umbridge was a sadist who loved controlling others, and in simple terms, a bully. Students who flock under her banner were those seeking to use her power to torment others, and seeking a promising future.
Harry dispels the maps as he and Lily head up to the seventh floor. They didn't run, as it would have caused some questions about why they were running. If anyone asked why they were wondering this area, they could easily use their Prefect duties as an excuse.
A sudden trip jinx caught both of them off-guard as they turn the corner before the impediment jinx was placed upon both of them.
"Thought you would sneak off around here, Potter," Draco said, stepping behind the suit of armor. "I remember last year you were seen in this area a lot. Stay put, I'm going to call Madam Umbridge."
Draco didn't leave, meaning he was using a different kind of communication to alert Umbridge he succeed in his task.
After several minutes of lying there with both of them having the impediment jinx on them, and with Draco holding his wand on them. Harry and Lily remain motionless. Harry looks at Lily, knowing she wanted to burn Draco into a roast pig. He looks at her telling her to do nothing, knowing it would make matters worse.
It took several moments, but Umbridge's heels could be heard down the corridor. When she arrived, she was huffing heavily as if she had run a marathon.
"Oh, it's them," Umbridge said in delight. "well done, Draco, a hundred points to Slytherin. Up you get Potter, Morris. How long I've looked forward to this day."
The impediment jinx was lifted as Umbridge used her wand to forcefully have Lily and Harry up on their feet.
"Check the bathrooms and library Draco," Umbridge's orders at once. "I have no doubt several students will flee there at once. It seems they've received a tipoff upon this little raid. Miss Parkinson can do the girls. Have Filch head to the Owlery at once with several other students."
Draco says nothing as he takes off to carry out his task.
"Start marching," Umbridge barks as she jabs her wand into Harry's back. "to the Headmaster's office. Your expulsion awaits."
Harry and Lily walk forward with Umbridge holding her wand tightly as they head towards the Headmaster's office.
"Fizzing Whizbee," sang Umbridge happily. The stone gargoyle jumps aside, as the wall splits open, revealing the hidden passage. Umbridge again pushes her wand into their backs, forcing them into the staircase towards Dumbledore's office.
Umbridge didn't bother knocking on the door, something is considering to be highly rude, opens the door with her wand as Harry and Lily walk inside.
The office was full of people.
Dumbledore sat behind his desk, with Professor McGonagall, Professor Gorloisen, and Professor Snape. Cornelius Fudge was also present, as was Percy Weasley. Both looking very delighted for obvious reasons. Percy Weasley already had a quill and parchment ready to take notes, clearly enjoying the fact that he could shame Harry publicly again.
There was also Auror's present. Four Aurors, to be exact. Kingsley Shacklebolt, two other wizards whom name Harry did not know. The other was a witch with an eyepatch over her left eye has scars on her face.
The portraits of the old headmasters and headmistresses were not shamming sleep. They were wide awake, taking a keen interest in what was going on.
Umbridge sits Lily and Harry before Dumbledore's desk and retreating to the door, taking a position there.
"Well, Potter in trouble," Fudge said with a broad smile plastered on his face.
"He was wondering the fifth-floor corridors," Umbridge reports. "Young Draco Malfoy captured him."
"Did he?" said Fudge in amusement. "Do make a note for me to tell Lucius. Well then Potter, you, of course, know why you are here."
"Nope," Harrys said bluntly and quickly.
Fudge took almost an automatic step backward in somewhat shock and disbelief.
"You don't?" Fudge said with a lockjaw. "you have no idea why you have been brought here?"
"Is there something that requires my immediate attention?" Harry said with a raised eyebrow.
Fudge glares at Harry in frustration.
"So you have no idea," Fudge said with half-dry sarcasm. "why Madam Umbridge brought you here? You haven't broken any rules?"
"I never have," Harry said coolly.
"Or Educational Decrees!" Fudge shouted in frustration.
"None that are applied to this school," Harry replies with a smirk.
By now, Fudge's face was steaming red, knowing he couldn't get a confession out of Potter, as he wanted. Fudge stood there holding his bowler hat, and half look like he was about to tear his hat apart.
"So," Fudge said in apparent frustration, and thick with anger. "you haven't heard of any illegal student organization that has been recently discovered?"
"I thought all student activities have been banned by your decrees," Harry said with a raised eyebrow. "I mean, wasn't that the purpose of your educational decree? To ban the joy out of the student body?"
Fudge's face turns from red to purple at the insult Harry threw at Fudge, knowing this wasn't going the way he wanted.
"I think Minister," Umbridge said happily from the sidelines. "we might make more productive progress if I fetch our informant."
"Yes, yes, please do," Fudge said with a nod. He clearly looked joyful at the thought. Umbridge turns and walks out of the office. "nothing like a good witness is there, Dumbledore?"
"Depends," Dumbledore said, glaring at Fudge, who cringes under Dumbledore glare.
No one said anything as everyone waits for Umbridge to return.
After nearly thirty minutes of waiting, with Fudge growing impatient as he began to rock on his feet in place. The door finally opens with Umbridge returning with a Ravenclaw sixth year behind her.
Marietta Edgecombe, Cho Chang's friend who attended a few of the meetings. Marietta Edgecombe had her Ravenclaw scarf wrap around her lower face as she kept her head down.
"Don't be afraid, my dear," Umbridge said in her false sweet voice. "The Minister will be telling your mother what a good girl you've been. Marietta Edgecombe's mother, Minister – is Madam Teresa Edgecombe from the Department of Magical Transportation, part of the Floo Network office. She's been helping us monitor Hogwarts fires, in case of any unauthorized communication with outside parties."
"Jolly good," Fudge said happily. "like mother like daughter."
Harry begins chuckling as Fudge and Umbridge turn to look at him in confusion.
"Interesting choice for a witness, Umbridge," Harry said as he looks at Fudge with a smirk.
"You doubt the word of my witness?" Fudge hiss at once.
"I do," Harry said. "for one, her word isn't exactly credible."
Umbridge lets out a false, short laugh.
"Credible, you say?" Umbridge said, looking down at Harry. "you surely like to spin many tall tales, Potter."
"Interestingly, you would bring in a student whose mother works for the Ministry," Harry said, pointing out this very fact. "That would imply either blackmail or a backdoor deal was implicated here."
Fudge pales as he ponders over Harry's statement. He looks at his Undersectracty with weary eyes.
"Second," Harry continues as if they were back in the courtroom. "Marietta Edgecombe does not like me. This is a well-known fact as she's spread countless rumors about me since I've arrived at Hogwarts. Given the fact I've never spoken two words with her, I wouldn't invite her to any student organization I would be running. She would rat me out faster than you could give her a knut."
Fudge grabs his hat and twirls it in his hand.
"What do we know for sure?" Fudge asked, turning to Umbridge. He tried to ignore Harry's statement, but the two facts stuck hard.
"Go on, my dear," Umbridge said, pushing Marietta forward as 'near' gently as she could.
"Galloping Gargoyles!" Fudge cried out upon seeing Marietta's face for the first time.
Umbridge had given Marietta a harder shove that caused her scarf to lower from her face. The illuminating light from Dumbledore fire revealed her face for all to see.
Her eyes had turned blood red and leaking blood tears.
Marietta let out a muffled cry as she brings her scarf back up to her face.
"My dear, we'll get you a counter-curse to remove whoever placed this upon you," Umbridge said, trying to get Marietta to talk. Marietta shook her head and gave another squeal. "Oh very well, I'll tell the Minister."
Umbridge stands up and gives her a smile to the Minister. "Well, Minister, Miss Edgecombe came to my office after dinner today telling me that Potter had been running a secret organization within the school of countless students. She went on to explain on the second floor, in a girl's bathroom – was the hidden Chamber of Secrets. She told me every Sunday night, students gather there to learn defensive magic under Potter. I pushed her for more information, and she admitted to being apart of this illegal group. Before I could question her further, this jinx started to come into effect. She refuses to speak another word upon seeing the jinx in the reflection of my mirror."
"I admire your bravery Miss Edgecombe," Fudge said with a smile towards Marietta. "You did the right thing. Can you tell us who was at this meeting? What was its purpose? Who was involved?"
Marietta simply shook her head, holding her scarf closer to her face.
"Have you found a counter-jinx to this?" Fudge asked Umbridge impatiently. "so she can speak freely?"
"I haven't found one that is successful," Umbridge admitted through the grit of her teeth.
Harry had to hold back a smile, knowing they would never find one. The Shaltear Jinx could only be found in the Black Family Library. It was a jinx meant to punish an oathbreaker for the rest of their lives. Harry knew no better jinx to punish someone who betrayed their fellow students for selfish reasons.
"But it doesn't matter if she won't speak, I can take up the story from here," Umbridge said, trying to regain her composure. "You will remember Minister, I sent you a report back in October that Potter had met several fellow students near the Shrieking Shack."
"How is that even relevant?" Harry snaps.
"I have the testimony from William 'Willy' Wildershins, Potter," Umbridge hissed back, not bothering to hide her dislike towards Harry. "He was heavily bandaged at the time, and he didn't hear what you said. But he heard some of the students talking about learning 'illegal' defensive magic. It didn't take long to put two and two together."
"That's highly irrelevant," Harry said in a cold voice. "That little gathering is a Hogwarts tradition for many students. We gather there, bring food, tricks, games, share stories, have fun. It's a way for us to wind down and socialize. Putting accusations in something that didn't happen doesn't make it facts, much less from a known criminal who says so to avoid imprisonment and fines."
Umbridge glares at Harry as once again, he was beating them at their own game.
"You will also find yourself, wrong in your statements, Dolores," Dumbledore said as he glares at Umbridge.
"Oho!" Fudge said, bouncing on his feet in joy. "Yes, let's hear the latest cock-bull story to get Potter out of trouble this time. William Widdershins was lying, was he? Or it was Potter's identical twin that day? Or is there the usual simple involving a reversal of time? A dead man coming back to life and the existence of non-existing dementors?"
Umbridge smiles at Fudge as Percy lets out a bark of laughter as if this was the funniest thing he's ever heard.
"Oh, very good Minister," Percy said heartily.
Dumbledore continues to give Fudge a deep smile.
"I'm saying nothing of the sort," Dumbledore said. "I'm merely pointing out that Dolores is mistaken in pointing out that this gathering at the time – was illegal. I can verify this along with countless Hogwarts Professors that many students venture near the Shrieking in their social gatherings away from Hogwarts Professors. In case you are forgetting, Educational Decree number Twenty-Four that banned all student groups wasn't put in place until two days after the gathering. Even so, a gathering like this is a social event – not a student organization."
Fudge and Umbridge both had their jaws wide open. Dumbledore's statement and facts were too hard to deny.
Harry and Lily try hard not to stare at Dumbledore, who was covering for them and saving them from getting expelled.
Percy had frozen stiff, unable to move, and it looks like his brain had officially stopped working.
Fudge also was frozen stiff, standing on his toes as he stopped in mid bounce.
"That's very fine, Headmaster," Umbridge said, smiling sweetly. "But we're now nearly six months into Educational Decree Number Twenty-Four. Even if that was a social event, Miss Edgecombe has reported there have been countless meetings on learning illegal magic."
"That would be true if there have been meetings," Dumbledore said, leaning back in his chair. "I trust you've found evidence to support such claims."
Marietta, who stood near Harry, suddenly and silently enter what could only be a trance. Harry stared her out of the corner of his eyes and knew at once her memory was being wiped. Harry assumed it was Kingsley as he stood in the corner behind Umbridge. Everyone else was focused on Dumbledore, who had been speaking.
"Evidence?" Umbridge repeated in a false laugh. "I can understand you may have hard hearing Dumbledore, but have you've not been listening? Why do you think Madam Edgecombe is here?"
"Her statements are noted," Dumbledore said firmly. "they are, however, merely words. Did you capture any other student that had exited Moaning Myrtle's bathroom? Or find any insignificant proof that there have been meetings for over six months?"
Umbridge faced faltered. Not a single student was captured or appeared near the bathroom. Even the students she sent out to check the Owlery, the Library, and the Bathrooms had turned up empty.
"Miss Edgecombe," Umbridge said at once, rebounding quickly. "can you tell us how long these meetings have been going on?"
Marietta Edgecombe remains still as a statue, unmoving and unphased as everyone looks at her.
"You can simply nod or shake your head, dear," Umbridge said sweetly. "That won't implicate the jinx further. Now, Potter has been running these meetings for six months, no?"
Marietta shakes her head.
Umbridge took a step back in disbelief before she turns to look at Fudge, who turns back to Marietta.
"I don't think you understand the question, dear," Umbridge said sweetly. "Did Potter recruit you to join an illegal student organization to learn and practice magic the Ministry has deemed unfit for school children?"
Marietta again shakes her head.
Umbridge takes a set back, almost in disbelief and in shock as her attempts to have Harry expelled were disappearing fast.
"What do you mean by shaking your head, you silly girl?" Umbridge shrieked, unable to hide her panic. "You told me Potter organize this group! You told me where the meeting was taken place! You told me!'
Umbridge grabs Marietta's shoulders and begins to shake her violently.
Dumbledore stood up that instant, his wand in his hand. A deep tremor could be felt within the room, causing Umbridge to jump backward in shock and fear.
"I cannot allow you to harm my students, Dolores!" Dumbledore booms in a commanding voice.
Kingsley walks forward.
"You want to control yourself, Madam Umbridge," Kingsley said in his deep voice. "You don't want to do something that will land you in trouble."
"No, I," Umbridge began in a small voice. "I mean, yes, yes, of course, you are right, Shacklebolt. I – I merely forgot myself."
"Is your memory charm on Marietta starting to fail?" Harry said as he leans back in amusement.
Umbridge and Fudge turn to look at Potter in shock and disbelief.
"You dare accuse me of such accusations Potter?" Umbridge hissed dangerously.
"It would explain my Marietta is unable to speak on said organization," Harry said. "What did you do? Bring her into your office, place a memory charm on her to make her believe she was apart of a defensive group, then placed a curse on her to make it look like she had been jinxed for speaking?"
Fudge looks at Potter but slowly turns to Umbridge with questionable eyes.
"How dare you!" Umbridge shrieked. "I am the Undersecretary to the Minister! You dare accuse me of such barbaric methods, in front of the Minister no less."
"Well, can anyone verify your story and accusations?" Harry says with a raised eyebrow. "It does look questionable, doesn't it? I mean a month ago, my article on Voldemort's return comes out that also points out some questionable decisions Fudge has been taking. You're more than welcome to expel me. Though I'm sure when you explain to the public your expelling students for learning magic base on the subjects will cause many questions to be asked – about your – state of mind."
Fudge could no longer hide the fact that he didn't have any rights to expel Harry. If he expelled Harry, solely on the base accusations of running an illegal defensive magic group, then he would be called into question. Already Madam Bones has been hammering him on his dealing with former Death Eaters and his business deals with them. If he expelled Harry, then he could already see Madam Bones and the Wizarding Community.
Fudge twirls his hat once again in his hands, trying to rack his brains to salvage this situation.
Umbridge stares at Harry, unable to hide her disgust that he had once again managed to slither his way out of trouble.
"Minister," one of the Aurors suddenly said, calling Fudge over. "you need to look at this."
The Auror had picked up a parchment on the side of Dumbledore's desk and picked it up.
Fudge walks over and looks at the parchment in shock before he grows a grin from ear to ear.
"Well, well," Fudge said, turning to Dumbledore. "I came here expecting to expel Potter. Instead, it looks like I'll be sending you to Azkaban after all, Dumbledore."
Harry turns to Fudge in confusion, half wishing he could use Legilimency on Fudge to know what was going on.
"Base on what facts, Cornelius," Dumbledore said warmly, though his eyes had a dark glare at the Minister.
"You better explain to me why you have Ministry documents in your office?" Fudge said, holding up several parchments in his hands.
"I keep a close eye on many things, Cornelius," Dumbledore said calmly.
"Weasley, report this at once to the Daily Prophet!" Fudge barks at once. "Dumbledore was caught in possession of stolen Ministry documents. If you hurry, we'll make the morning edition."
"Yes, sir!" Percy said happily as he gets up and rushes towards the Owlery.
"As for you, Dumbledore," Fudge said, glaring at Dumbledore. "You shall be escorted back to the Ministry to await trial where you then be sentenced to Azkaban."
"Surely you jest, Cornelius," Dumbledore said with a smile. "Azkaban? You already know that I can easily break out, and that would be a waste of time for everybody."
Fudge glares at Dumbledore before turning to a rough-looking wizard and nods his head.
The wizard pulls out his wand and walks forward.
"Don't be foolish, Dawlish," Dumbledore said kindly. "I sure you're an excellent Auror. I seemed to remember you getting nothing but O's in all your N.E.W.T.s. but if you force my hand, I will hurt you."
Dawlish blinks unsure of what to do before he turns back to Fudge.
"So, you intent do take on myself, Umbridge, and four Aurors to you?" Fudge said, trying to stand tall.
"Merlin's beard no," Dumbledore said with a smile. "not unless you are foolish enough to force my hand."
Umbridge didn't waste any time and launches the first curse at Dumbledore. Harry and Lily were blasted off their feet and lands on the ground as several cries and spells could be heard above them.
Then it was over.
Harry and Lily stand up to see Fudge, Umbridge, and all the Aurors were on the ground, unconscious.
"Unfortunately, I had to hex Kingsley as well, or it would have looked suspicious," Dumbledore said, holding his wand out. "He was remarkably quick modifying Miss Edgecombe's memory. We only have a moment, and they assume no time has passed between when they wake."
"Where will you go, Albus?" Professor McGonagall asked. "Grimmauld Place?"
"I'm not running to hide," Dumbledore said. "Fudge will regret the day he'll force my hand, that I assure you. There is work to be done, and I can make better preparations outside of Hogwarts. Remain at Hogwarts, protect the students. Voldemort will surely act upon my absence."
Professor McGonagall nods her head.
"Harry, you must learn Occlumency," Dumbledore said, looking at Harry for the first time in months. Harry suddenly felt a desire to strike and hurt the man in front of him. "I wish I can tell you why right now, but I'm short on time."
Fawkes lets out a cry as he flaps his wings above Dumbledore. Dumbledore holds onto one of his long tail feathers and disappears in a burst of fire.
"Where is he?!" Fudge shouted as he climbs to his feet the moment Dumbledore had vanished.
"He can't have disapparated!" Umbridge shrieked. "You can't in this school!"
"The stairs!" Dawlish breathes as all the Aurors except Kingsley's run out the room and down the stairs. Umbridge follows, huffing and puffing as she follows the Aurors.
"Get them to bed," Fudge spats at the teachers who remain behind looking on in amusement.
"I would be careful if I were you, Minister," Professor Gorloisen said with a twinkle in her eye. "You're biting off more than you can chew."
Fudge said nothing as he looks down upon Marietta Edgecombe, who wasn't even aware of what was happening. She remains still and unaware of what was going on around her.
Harry and Lily get up smirking at Fudge, who was going to have a field day at the Ministry when he had to explain Dumbledore's departure.
Harry and Lily get up and leave the Headmaster's office, heading back to the Room of Requirements.
