Magical Origins
Author Notes: Damn Year 5 is looong! Over Twenty Chapters Long! Don't worry, it's almost over. Two more chapters than we enter Year 6. I hope everyone enjoys the chapter!
Year 5: Secrets
The month passed quickly. Harry spent almost every day at Grimmauld Place, traveling in secret to have Occlumency lessons with Olivia. Harry still struggled, but he was improving.
Isabelle also pulled through, when she told Harry that Fudge's hearing had finally begun. She told them it would be the perfect time to lure the Dark Lord into the Ministry.
They planned and agreed to do so early in the morning, with few Ministry employees, and take the prophecy from the Hall of Prophecy. None of his Vassals and allies knew the exact contents of the prophecy, only that Voldemort wanted to hear its words.
Harry wasn't curious to know what the prophecy stated. All he wanted was to help get rid of Voldemort so he could live a normal life.
The date was set, and the trap would be ready. Tonks said she would send out an alert to all Auror's the moment the Death Eaters showed up in the Ministry of Magic.
Harry and Lily also began making their own plans with the information they had to infiltrate the Ministry and steal from the Department of Mysteries. It was risky as they could face series charges on theft and breaking and entering. On the upside, with the Minister hellbent on raging war against Harry by whatever means, it no longer matters.
On the eve before their plan, Harry had finally returned to the Great Hall and was seated down eating with his house. Everyone was stun by his appearance as he hasn't been seen all year long in the Great Hall. The rain outside had made things wet and difficult to go out and wasn't showing any signs of letting up.
Harry was eating and drinking his food everyone was looking at him in surprise.
"Mr. Potter," said Umbridge as she stands before Harry.
"What is it, Madam Hag?" said Harry in a bored tone.
Umbridge's face tries to hold her false smile, but she looks at him in frustration over his lack of respect.
"You haven't reported for any of your detentions I've given you," said Umbridge.
"Nor will I," said Harry taking a bit in his steak.
"Mr. Potter, if you don't report for your detentions, I'll have no choice but to suspend you, or expel you," said Umbridge in a soft voice for the Great Hall.
"Okay," said Harry simply.
The Great Hall had fallen silent over what Harry had said. He didn't care he would be expelled.
"Give me your wand, Mr. Potter," said Umbridge with her hand outright. "You are expelled."
"Don't care," said Harry simply.
Umbridge began to show signs of frustration.
"I think it's about time to set an example to the rest of the students that this is my school," said Umbridge. "You got a beating coming to you that has been long overdue."
"You have no authority here," said Harry.
"I am Senior Undersecretary to the Minister!" shrieked Umbridge. "Appointed as the Headmistress of Hogwarts by Cornelius himself!"
"Even as Senior Undersecretary, you have no right to enforce your will at Hogwarts. None of your Ministry Decrees are even legal," said Harry.
"More of your lies, Potter!" shouted Umbridge.
"Who passes the Educational Decrees at Hogwarts?" said Harry looking up at Umbridge for the first time.
"That would be," began Umbridge. Her voice trailed off, realizing the answer.
"Hogwarts Board of Governors," said Harry firmly. "The last Educational Decree they passed, was Educational Decree number twenty-two. Where the Ministry of Magic could provide a teacher to Hogwarts if the Headmaster is unable to find one. All the others that you've been enforcing aren't even legal. The Minister of Magic doesn't have the right or authority to pass Educational Decrees simply because he wants them passed. Speaking of which, I'll be taking my Firebolt back."
Umbridge's face had trouble keeping straight. She tried so hard to keep that false smile on her face, and at the same time, she was sneering at Harry.
"I am still the Headmistress at this school," said Umbridge.
"No, you're merely pushing yourself to the top," said Harry. "You haven't been at Hogwarts long, and you really think you are more worthy of being the Headmistress of Hogwarts? The only reason why you're even here is that you're threatening everyone with expulsions and time in Azkaban. Other than that, you are worthless and unwelcome at Hogwarts."
"Filch!" shouted Umbridge. "Bring the Auror's!"
Filch standing by the door turns and runs off as Umbridge points her wand at Harry, looking at him nasty.
"You know," said Umbridge softly as she raises her wand. "I really hate children."
"That's hardly surprising," said Harry. "That was obvious from the start."
Umbridge looks at Harry with pure disgust, no longer trying to hide her dislike.
No one in the Great Hall, notice a stream of water moving on the ground like a snake towards Harry and Umbridge.
Filch came running back with that one leg, holding it as he runs towards Umbridge.
"None of the Auror's are at their post, Madam," said Filch.
"Where are they?!" shrieked Umbridge.
"Above you," said Harry as several bodies drop around Umbridge.
Umbridge looks at the dead Auror's, realizing they've been killed for some time.
"You're going to Azkaban Potter!" shouted Umbridge. "Not only threatening a Ministry employee, but you've killed several Auror's of the Ministry!"
Harry lets out a bark of laughter.
"The day I enter Azkaban is the day gold will shower us from the heavens,' said Harry. "You're done, you old hag. The moment the school year is over, what do you think every student you've tormented is going to do when they get home? They will tell their parents all about you and lounge countless complaints against you and Fudge. Thus, Fudge's little reign will officially come to an end. The Daily Prophet is going to have a field day upon learning that the Minister of Magic sent a torturer to the students of Hogwarts."
Umbridge's face began to pale upon hearing Harry's words.
"No one would believe you," said Umbridge softly.
"I'm not the one who will be speaking," said Harry. "Unless you plan to kill every student in Hogwarts, then you better look forward to your time in Azkaban."
"You cannot threaten me, Potter," said Umbridge. "If you won't do what I tell you, then the Cruciatus Curse will make you think twice about crossing the Minister."
Harry smiles at Umbridge, unwavered by her threat.
"I'm not frightened of you," said Harry. "You are not Voldemort. In fact, I won't even need my wand to defeat you."
"You have a big mouth, Potter!" shrieked Umbridge. "Cruci –"
Before Umbridge could finish her spell, something flew upwards, slicing her wand arm, causing her severed arm to fall on the Slytherin dining table. Everyone was silent at what they had witnessed. Though some students soon realize what had happened and looked very sick.
Umbridge shrieked and lots out a howl of pain now holding her severed arm.
"What did you do, Potter?!" shouted Umbridge.
"I told you I didn't need my wand," said Harry lazily.
Umbridge looks at Potter before looking at her severed arm and reaches for her wand. Something else flew upwards, slicing Umbridge's sausages fingers so she couldn't grab her wand.
Umbridge screams as she looks at what remains of her hand.
"What sort of devilry are you using Potter!" shouted Umbridge.
"Do you want to see?" said Harry with a grin. "Here, I'll show you."
Several water drops began to rise from the ground floating around Harry, gathering and merging together. Soon a water bubble was floating around Harry as he sits there without a care in the world.
"How are you?!" said Umbridge baffled.
"Still haven't figured it out," said Harry grinning. "I'm sure Voldemort knows by now, or he suspects what I am, I'm a Water Elemental."
Umbridge's face falters upon hearing those words.
"Potter, I meant no harm," plead Umbridge.
"Sorry, but I don't believe you," said Harry.
The water bubble launched into Umbridge's face, and she looks at Harry in disbelief and fear.
Her body slowly starts turning into ice as she tries to escape her fate. It didn't take long for her body to completely turn ice. The ice starts to crack before it shatters and hits the ground.
Everyone looks at Harry before they suddenly register that he had killed Umbridge.
Before anyone could bombard Harry with questions, he dissolves into a puddle of water and vanishes. Everyone turns to their neighbors and immediately began talking about Harry's abilities and what he had done.
Hermione and Ron were in a state of shock over what Harry had done, they didn't notice Lily disappearing in ash. The two were talking about Harry's power finally revealed to the students at Hogwarts. The appearance of an Elemental was powerful to change the power of balance.
Lily walks inside the Room of Requirements seeing Harry standing over by the balcony looking down at the courtyard. The sun was still up but could be seen setting over the western mountains.
"That was quite a show you put on," said Lily.
"I doubt anyone would complain over Umbridge's death," said Harry.
"True," said Lily with a smile. "Even if the Minister finds out, it will be too late. As you said, the number of things she did all with his approval is enough for him to be put in Azkaban. His only hope is to deny any involvement and claim he was under the Imperius Curse."
"A blatant lie," said Harry. "It may save him from earning a trip to Azkaban, but he'll still be removed from office. I'm guessing Fudge will be removed from office tomorrow before noon once an emergency session is called once Voldemort is seen within the Ministry."
"Fudge needs to go," said Lily. "I can't believe we've had to wait a year to have him removed from office."
"Now you can see why I hate politics," said Harry. "It takes forever to decide on any course of action."
"You know Fudge is going to end up kissing your ass before tomorrow is said and done right," said Lily.
"He can rot in Azkaban," said Harry bitterly. "Let's head back to Grimmauld Place. We need to get up early to ambush Voldemort at the Ministry."
Harry and Lily disappear in a whirl of fire before they reappear inside Grimmauld Place.
Harry and Lily fell asleep in the Master Bedroom, with Artemis joining them soon after.
Harry lies there as Artemis and Lily both cling to him, neither of them letting go of his arm. Harry falls asleep with both girls in his arms, dreaming about a life without Voldemort alive.
Harry and Lily woke up at four in the morning and quickly prepared to get ready. Artemis wouldn't be going with them, much to her dismay. She understood she had to stay behind with her mother to prepare for any injuries that could appear.
Harry and Lily showered and put on their new robes. Harry's robes were dark blue and far more comfortable to wear than his school robes.
As for Lily, her robes were very revealing. Her upper robes were cut off above her belly. Harry had no idea why Lily would wear such revealing robes. Then again, it most likely beat wearing a corset.
Harry half-wonder if Artemis set her up on wearing this robe. Or if Lily herself made these robes. Lily always said Hogwarts robes were more baggage than needed.
Lily throws on her hood, and the two quickly walk out the house, heading towards the Ministry of Magic. Harry didn't, or rather he couldn't take the Floo towards his family chambers within the Ministry. Fudge had his chamber watched and would jump on him faster than the Golden Snitch disappearing in a Quidditch Match.
Instead, they had to enter the Ministry through the main entrance, something that wasn't very promising. They would only have to deal with the standard watch-wizard at the front desk.
Harry and Lily follow Isabelle's instructions to the least security entrance to the Ministry. They enter a unisex gender bathroom in the muggle world that had a sign that read 'Out-of-Order' step inside before they flushed the toilet.
Harry and Lily step out of the fireplace and into the Atrium towards the entrance of the Ministry.
Harry and Lily paused as they look at the fountain. A mermaid, a centaur, a wizard, a witch, a goblin, and a house-elf. The fountain itself was beautiful as Harry and Lily look upon the fountain.
"Shame that this fountain, which stands as the Ministry's purpose, has lost its meaning," said Harry.
"They have long lost their way," said Lily.
They said nothing more as they walk around the fountain and see a lone wizard behind a desk.
"Can I help," said the watch-wizard before Lily flicks her wand, stunning the wizard.
"That will wear off in thirty minutes," said Lily.
"Thirty minutes is all we need," said Harry. He waves his wand concealing the wizard's body. "We need him alive to raise the alarm."
Before they could turn the corner, they heard a noise behind them.
Neville, Luna, Granger, Daphne, Tracy, Blaise, Susan, Ernie, Hannah, and Cho Chang could be seen lurking behind the fountain.
"What are you guys doing here?" said Harry.
"We well figure you would come here," said Daphne.
"How did you know we would be here?" demanded Lily.
"Well, after you killed Umbridge, and disappeared," said Blaise sheepishly. "We realize you were making a move against Fudge. We had to guess time and realize the best time was when no one was awake and when the Ministry would be mostly deserted. A good time to also get Ministry employees to arrive quickly would be in the early morning before their shift began."
"Then how did you get here?" said Lily. "The Floo Network within Hogwarts is being watched. I doubt any of you had the skills to make a portkey."
"We got a ride," said Luna dreamily.
"A ride?" repeated Lily in disbelief.
"Thestrals," said Neville. "They're very smart and got us here quickly. They seemed to have understood our urge to come here to help you."
Harry and Lily were against the idea of their friends joining them on this mission, but they were against the clock, and they knew their friends wouldn't simply leave them alone on this mission.
"We have to move quickly," said Harry. "We're against the clock. I'm not here to take down Fudge, that will happen soon enough if we're lucky. We're here to stop Voldemort from claiming something within the Ministry. We grab it, get out, and we go back to Hogwarts."
Harry walks towards the elevator, with the others following. With twelve people, the elevator was packed.
"Level two, Department of Mysteries," Harry grunted by the wall.
The elevator heads downwards to level two.
No one said anything as they were all squeezing against one another. Generally, these elevators were meant to hold up to eight people, and there were twelve of them.
Once the doors open, everyone walks out of the elevator and heads towards the Department of Mysteries. Harry opens the door as he walks in, and they quickly follow the route Harry's been dreaming about for months.
"How do you know the way?" asked Neville.
"Because I've been dreaming of this passage for months," said Harry.
"Are you a seer?" asked Ernie.
"No," said Harry. "All I know is Voldemort wants something here that concerns some sort of prophecy. I don't know the contents of this prophecy, only that Voldemort wants to hear its words."
"Is that bad?" said Granger.
"Are you daft Granger?" hissed Daphne. "If the Dark Lord wants something, yes, it's bad."
"You don't have to be a smart mouth," said Granger.
"Looks who's talking," said Tracy.
"Quiet," hissed Harry. "Death Eaters could be lurking in the area. They've had this placed heavily watched for months. We get in, get out, and no one would be any the wiser, and stop being clumsy Granger!"
Granger would occasionally collide into someone or something, making their presence heard. She was very clingy towards her peers as they would try to shake her off them.
"It's not my fault," protested Granger.
"Don't you understand the word 'subtlety' Granger?" said Daphne.
"Of course, I know!" snaps Granger.
"Then why can't you be quiet?" hissed Daphne. "or are you incapable of being quiet for once in your life!"
Granger said nothing as she looks at Daphne in frustration. Granger didn't have many friends, and Lily barely tolerated her. Lily was perhaps her only friend she had, and she was distancing herself from her.
"If Granger can't remain quiet, we'll stun her and leave her for the Ministry to find," said Harry.
Harry turns the corner and quickly moves down the hallway causing Granger to wonder at how he could move so swiftly and gracefully without causing a single disturbance.
Everyone follows suit, sticking close to Harry and Lily, who clearly knew what they were doing.
They finally reach the aisle where the prophecies were kept. Harry looks around at the countless prophecies in white orbs with smoke inside of them. Some of the prophecies were dated back centuries ago.
"Harry, this has got your name on it," said Neville.
Harry turns around and looks at the prophecy Neville was pointing towards. Harry looks at it carefully.
'The Dark Lord and (?) Harry Potter'
Harry reaches up and makes it to grab it from the shelf.
"Don't touch it," said Granger grabbing Harry's wrist, preventing him from removing the prophecy.
Harry turns and gives Granger a cold stare. Granger quickly removes her hand from his wrist, knowing that he didn't value her opinion.
Harry grabs the prophecy and removes it from the shelf.
Nothing happened as Harry looks at the misty orb.
"Very good, Potter," said the voice of Lucius Malfoy. "Now, turn around slowly and give that to me."
Harry turns and looks at Lucius Malfoy and several Death Eaters appearing all around them. Emerging from the shadows.
"Hello, Malfoy," said Harry smiling. "How's old snake-face? I trust he's healed up since our duel."
Malfoy's jaw locks up in annoyance.
"The Dark Lord sends you his regards," said Malfoy. "Now, if you give me that prophecy, you and the others can return to Hogwarts, no harm, no foul. I'll even convince Dolores Umbridge to not have any of you expelled."
So they didn't know that Umbridge was killed last night.
"You really think I'm going to let Voldemort take this prophecy?" said Harry holding it upright for Malfoy to see. "Do you really believe that I believe you're going to simply let us go?"
"ACCIO!" a woman voiced shrieked behind Lucius.
"Finite!" said Harry preventing the orb from escaping his grip. The orb made an attempt to leave his hand before Harry cast the counter-spell that cancels the summoning charm.
"Oh, baby Potter knows how to play," giggled the woman.
She steps forward, and the dim lighting reveals the gaunt face of Bellatrix Lestrange. The once beautiful witch now appeared more sickly than her sisters.
"Bellatrix Lestrange," said Neville stepping forward.
"The Longbottom welp," said Bellatrix with a smile. "How's mum and dad?"
"Better now that they're going to be avenged," said Neville raising his wand arm.
Bellatrix quickly cast a curse at Neville, but Harry wisely steps in front of Neville. Lucius, who sees what was going to happen, cast a quickly counter-curse, canceling Bellatrix curse from hitting Potter.
"You fool!" shouted Lucius upon Bellatrix. "Are you trying to have the Dark Lord flay you alive?!"
"It wouldn't have killed him," hissed Bellatrix to Lucius.
"Did you forget the Dark Lord's instructions?" hissed Lucius. "Are you trying to betray him?"
"Don't you dare!" snarled Bellatrix upon her brother-in-law. "I went to Azkaban for him! I remain faithful, unlike you!"
"Yes, Bellatrix," said Harry smirking at the older witch. "Please do curse me. I know for a fact that Voldemort doesn't want anyone to harm me so he can prove he's better than me. Those that do place any spell or curse on me, well – I know for a fact what awaits you isn't going to be pleasant."
Bellatrix turns and glares at Harry murderously.
"Give us the prophecy, and we'll go our separate ways," said Lucius brings his arms up, mostly to prevent Bellatrix from doing something stupid.
"Why would I do that?" said Harry.
Lucius looks at Harry before he grows a smile.
"Could this be," said Lucius softly. "Now that explains everything. No wonder why it took so long for you to come here. You're telling me, Dumbledore never told you the truth behind the death of your parents and the reason why you have that scar?"
No, Dumbledore never did tell Harry anything about his parent's death or why Voldemort targeted him in the first place. Lucius seemed to have guessed the truth.
"Perhaps Dumbledore doesn't trust you as we've been falsely led to believe," said Lucius. "The Dark Lord thought you would be coming down here at once, to hear the prophecies words. To know why your parents and so many others died for you. About what makes you so special."
"You're telling me the answers to Voldemort's madness, is in my hands?" said Harry.
"Madness?" shrieked Bellatrix. "He's the greatest sorcerer alive, Potter! His quest to purify our world was nearly complete! Until you were born!"
"Then you're truly deluded, Lestrange," said Harry. "Do you genuinely believe he's purifying our world?"
"A half-blood mongrel wouldn't understand the Dark Lord's quest," hissed Bellatrix.
"Did you know he's a half-blood mongrel too," said Harry with a smirk. "His mother may have been a witch, but his father was a muggle with no magical talent!"
"Cruico!" bellowed Bellatrix. A look of fury on her face as she glares at Potter.
"NO!" shouted Lucius casting a nonverbal spell that caused several orbs to fly in the path of Bellatrix spell, shielding Harry from harm.
"He dares," mutters Bellatrix. "he dares,"
"No harm is to come upon Potter!" bellowed Lucius at Bellatrix.
"Filthy half-blood," mutters Bellatrix. "Speaking of such lies about the Dark Lord."
"I'm not lying," said Harry smirking. "He's a Half-Blood. Grew up in a muggle orphanage with no knowledge of his magical lineage."
Bellatrix shrieks out as she tries to attack Potter once again. Lucius grabs her wand out of her hands.
"You fool!" shouted Lucius. "You're playing right into his hands! Are you going to let a mere child, outwit you!"
Bellatrix curse as she tries to reclaim her wand so she could curse Harry.
"Enough of this," said another Death Eater. "The Dark Lord's instructions are clear. We are not to harm Potter. But nothing was said about the others."
The Death Eaters all began to draw their wands before Harry steps forward and presses his wand against the orb.
"If any of you cast a single spell," said Harry loudly so they all could hear them. "I'll destroy the prophecy at once. I wonder what your master would do once he learns you allowed the prophecy he spent an entire year trying to acquire, be destroyed so easily."
None of the Death Eaters moved, and remain still as statues. Harry could sense they were unclear on what to do.
"Don't be foolish Potter," said Lucius, clearly the only one remaining calm enough to negotiate. "There are over twenty of us, and only twelve of you. You can't win this fight. I'll swear an oath that my brethren and I will let you and your companions go unharmed if you give me the prophecy."
Even if the Death Eaters could overpower them, the risk of damaging the prophecy meant a terrible fate awaited them upon their return.
Harry lets out a bark of laughter.
"Are you an idiot or a coward like Fudge?" said Harry. "Do you really believe once the Dark Lord wins – you'll truly be free? Do you think you'll be useful to him anymore? The Dark Lord isn't loyal to anyone except to himself. He sees you all as nothing more than instruments with no value of life. Voldemort is nothing like Grindewald – whose goals were clear. Your master is nothing but a psychopath and a murder with no interest in purifying the wizarding world. He would rather see it burn and have all magical lineage destroyed."
"You don't know the Dark Lord's plans, Potter," said Lucius.
"And you do?" said Harry with a raised eyebrow. "Can you honestly stand there and tell me that you would trust the Dark Lord with your son's life? That he won't kill your son and end your noble lineage that has date back centuries?"
Lucius said nothing as he stands there.
"Accio!" a Death Eater shouted. He had tried to take advantage of the conversation Harry and Lucius were having by summoning the prophecy to him.
Lily responds quickly, launching a blazing fireball into the man's face.
The spell ends, but the man stood up as the fire quickly doses out on the Death Eaters robe.
"Fire repellent charms," said Harry looking at the Death Eater. "Precautions against Lily's fire."
"That filthy little mudblood shouldn't have the right to wield such power," hissed Bellatrix. "Such power is reserve only for the Dark Lord and those who serve him."
"Perhaps that's why it was denied to him," said Harry smiling. "Perhaps the very magic you say is sacred has chosen a muggle over the Dark Lord to be blessed by the Fire Spirits."
"Never!" shouted Bellatrix.
"You may have taken precautions against Lily's fire," said Harry. "But it appears you didn't take any precautions against mine."
Before anyone could say anything, several ice pillars rose from the ground. Causing mad confusion within the Death Eaters as several ice pillars impale a few of them killing them outright. Others were quick to use their magic to shield them from the unexpected onslaught.
"Reducto!" came the cries of Harry's group as they several Death Eaters off their feet.
Harry immediately conjures a mist, concealing the group as they take off into the darkness.
Bellatrix screams as she cast the killing curse over their heads, missing terribly.
Lily waves her wand and sends Bellatrix flying into the shelves of countless prophecies. They fall on her head, before concealing her shortly in mist.
The group runs back to the entrance, not looking back as they took advantage of the distraction they had provided.
"Leave them," shouted Lucius. "Leave them! The Dark Lord will not be so forgiving if you fail to retrieve the prophecy! They will be heading back to the Atrium! Cut them off, do not let them escape with the prophecy!"
"We need to leave," said Hannah.
"You walked into a trap," said Granger. "I can't believe you would be so stupid."
"Shut up, or we'll leave you behind so the Death Eaters can have their way with you," hissed Harry.
"The alarm has been sent," said Lily as they stop as they reach the door. "The Aurors are on their way."
"I've also sent a message to my aunt," said Susan. "She's coming with reinforcements."
"When did you manage to do that?" asked Harry.
Susan holds up her necklace, and Harry could see the small locket with several words. 'Death Eaters Breached Department of Mysteries'
"You took my idea and made a Protean Charm with your aunt," said Harry.
"Well, she said you were a real genius in the making," said Susan. "She was impressed, you know, on how you made Fudge look like an idiot. When I told her you could cast a Protean Charm, she did the same with two necklaces. One I kept, and the other she wore at all times. She knows everything Umbridge has been doing."
Did wizards and witches have so little imagination?
"We need to get topside as soon as possible," said Lily. "Down here, we're in trouble."
"Then let's stop wasting time," said Harry running down the rows of desks.
