A/N: Here we are! We have an extended chapter for you this time, and I really hope you like it. Don't worry folks, things are moving forward for the group! Ginny will eventually die, but there are reasons for not outright murdering her, if only because one spec of suspicion on to Harry or his friends could result in their deaths – so please bear with me!
Oh, and this chapter jumps from perspective a few times.
Disclaimer: I'm not J.K, but you know this plot is mine :P
Warning: Slash, mentions of violence, language – the usual!
Parsel
Chapter 41:
"Don't make me leave," Harry begged desperately. He had managed to wrap himself around Tom like a sloth and he absolutely refused to let go, Tom was looking at him with amused exasperation as he tried to get dressed. It was lucky he was much stronger than most, and knew how to magically enhance his abilities, or he would not have been able to move around at all that morning.
"As much as I would rather you not leave my sight, you have to keep Dumbledore off your back and I have to teach." Tom pointed out, his anger at the situation apparent in his emotions.
"Why do you have to talk sense?" Harry demanded, still refusing to let go.
"Because your Miss Lovegood is currently not with us, which leaves me to make sure you don't get yourself killed." Tom pointed out and Harry huffed.
"Damn," He sighed.
"That also means you have to release me and stop acting like a sloth." Tom told him and Harry looked at him in betrayal, he uncurled himself and landed on his own feet.
"I'm sad now." Harry informed him and Tom kissed the pout from his face.
"Poor you,"
"I thought we had the conversation of you being nice to me." Harry said, thrusting his bottom lip out in exaggeration. Tom took it upon himself to bite said lip and Harry hissed slightly at the sting.
"I'm not a nice person," Tom said.
"Hm, we can agree on that." Harry allowed, "Leave the connection open somewhat today, as much as I wear my marks with pride, I like the ability to walk."
"I still may remove that ability." Tom decided, "But yes, I shall leave the connection open."
"Good," Harry pressed a light kiss to his lips and skipped towards the door. "Oh, there's a strong possibility that Ginny will believe I'll be sleeping with her tonight." And he vanished in to the shadows. Tom's fury was felt in his scar, but Harry was pleased to be feeling it rather than the nothing he felt yesterday. He didn't know how, but Ginny managed to attach herself to his arm before he had even reached the Great Hall and greeted him with a morning kiss, much to his disgust. She was extra chirpy that morning, prattling on about something that Harry didn't care to pay attention to, nodding in all the right places instead.
He walked her to her first lesson as usual, surprisingly happy about the searing lingering behind his scar as he left the hall. As he knew that it was going to be theory classes from here on out, he sat at the back of his lessons and let his mind wander at what was to come, there were so many variable that Harry was a mix between excited and fearful. If but one thing were to go wrong then it was game over. It was an exhilarating thought, Harry decided as he walked towards Herbology, he caught sight off Luna as he went and she nodded with a bright smile; Harry breathed in relief. It looked as if he was implementing one of the plans that night, he would just have to wait on the twins now. He caught up with Ginny at lunch and kept himself all smiles and laughs, assuring her that they would get some time to themselves later.
"It's a surprise." Harry insisted, laughing as she pretended to pout and latch on to his arm.
"But Harry…"
"Ah ah, nope. I'm not telling you." He said firmly, "You'll have to wait." She pouted some more but then huffed and relented.
"Fine,"
"It'll be really good," He assured, "I promise."
"You'll meet me in the entrance hall for dinner?" She asked and he nodded.
"Of course, I wouldn't miss it."
They parted after she kissed him on the cheek and he walked to defence, it was his last lesson which gave him time to prepare. Tom was, by the pounding behind his eyes, in a delightful mood and Harry offered the man a bright smile when he entered the classroom, to which he got a flare of pain and a flash of disdain. Even as a professor Tom was a little snappy, but it motivated the students to perform at the best of their abilities. Harry perched on his desk when the rest of the class piled out and raised an eyebrow at Tom's brusque question of his presence.
"Are you not a delightful ray of sunshine?" Harry questioned brightly and Tom hissed.
"Do not push my patience." He warned and Harry rolled his eyes.
"I fail to see why you are in such a mood, you know exactly who I am coming back to tonight." Harry pointed out and Tom sighed.
"I am well aware." He said, "But her presence is infuriating, she clutches you like a trophy."
"And you know its fake, on my behalf at least."
"Just get this over with," Tom sighed and Harry smiled slightly.
"Don't worry, Tom. Rita should have performed her usual magic by now." He said, "I'm hoping this will be the last day."
"Very well. See you tonight."
"Bye," Harry waved and headed to his room. Luna and the twins were there and they each gave him a rather frightening grin, which Harry returned with one of his own.
"Gentlemen, sister, how lovely to see you." He greeted smoothly. "I hope everything is going well."
"Oh more than well, Snake." The twins told him, their voiced darkly gleeful. "It's ready." Fred held out a small circular disk which was absolutely riddled in Runes and Harry grinned.
"Wonderful," He purred, "This is just wonderful." He took the disk and turned it over in his hands, it was incredibly detailed, beyond what he could understand but he had faith in the twins. "How long do I have?"
"It will last around twenty minutes for everything to happen." George told him.
"You'll need to leave when it starts and return just before it ends." Fred continued.
"Got it." He slipped the disk in his pocket and flopped down in his chair. "I've got some time before I need to meet her again, but there is nothing to be doing right now."
"Just relax for a bit," Luna suggested, "Until the article comes out there isn't much to be doing anyway, you've already looked over Paws plans and we don't need to meet until Dumbledore is out."
"Sounds like a plan," Harry decided, sitting back and closing his eyes. "Roll on the holidays!"
"You mean roll on the article to make sure the holidays are perfectly relaxed." Fred corrected and Harry snorted.
"That's the one."
"How do you think Rita did?" George asked and Harry shrugged.
"I highly doubt it can be any better than the last one, but its going to be bad. It is Rita, after all." Harry said thoughtfully, "I really cannot wait."
"I hope this is the last thing needed to get Dumbledore out." Luna sighed, "I hate hiding."
"I know, but it should be better after this." Harry soothed, cracking open his eyes to look at his sister, "And once he's gone, we're free in here."
"Thankfully,"
CRACK!
"Kreacher?"
"Master Harry is telling Kreacher to tell him when the old man is hearing about the cave." The house elf told him, his voice croaky as always and Harry sat up straight.
"Has he taken the bait?" Harry questioned in excitement and Kreacher nodded his aged head.
"Yes, Master Harry. And he was cornering Kreacher asking questions, and when Kreacher is answering them he was looking very pleased and he rushed off." Kreacher explained and Harry let out a whoop of joy.
"He's taken the bait." Harry crowed, "Oh this is so perfect."
"Now for the article and life is good."
"I can face the rest of this day with a damn skip in my step." Harry cheered, "Oh thank you Kreacher."
"Kreacher is happy to serve the Lord to the House of Black."
"Return to our house, Kreacher. Make sure they are not taking our things."
"Right away, Master Harry." He bowed and left and Harry wanted to jump around. Dumbledore would be pissed if he got removed from the school, but with this bit of information it would keep him distracted and that was exactly what they needed.
"So you just have tonight to deal with her and hopefully Rita pulls through." Luna said pleased. "You haven't got a letter yet, but I will let you know if you do and I'll send of an affirmative reply."
"Thanks! I'll finish the rest of my holiday work now before heading out." Harry said. "Get it out of the way." Thankfully, it really wasn't all that difficult, especially given the fact that he could write more like himself as it was to be handed in after Yule, and if Dumbledore wasn't out of the castle by the time then Harry wouldn't be in the castle. Once he put the finishing touches to his potions essay he got up and stretched, his back cracking as he did so.
"I'm going to head down." He told them, "Wish me luck,"
"Everything will be fine," Luna assured him, "Just keep to the time," Harry nodded and left, he ran up to the seventh floor and planned the room he wanted in the RoR, he tried to make it perfectly romantic but when he asked the room to do that it came up with something that looked oddly like Tom's study at Malfoy Manor much to his confusion.
He shook his head and shut the door, clearing his thoughts to everything and just pictured one of the scenes he had once seen on Lavender Brown's romance novels she had left in the common room. When he opened the door again he grinned, it was perfect for Ginny, a pretty, big bed with rose petals scattered on the covers, two big, artificial windows framing it. Harry shut the door and strolled down to the Great Hall, Ginny wasn't yet there but he leant against the wall and kept his eye out, though he didn't have to wait long before she came down with two girls he didn't recognise.
They spotted him and they did that Merlin-cursed giggly thing that only girls can do, he tried his best not to cringe or curse them and hitched on his best abashed smile. For a reason completely unknown to Harry, the two girls either side of Ginny sighed happily and left her at the foot of the stairs, where Ginny all but skipped over to him.
"Hey, Harry,"
"Hi, Gin. Good day?" He asked as she took his arm. He turned to lead her in to the Great Hall as she told him just about everything that had happened to her since she had woken up that morning, he nodded in all the right places and laughed when he was supposed to; please let Rita have something magical for him.
"But obviously the main thing that's been on my mind is my surprise." She finished dramatically and Harry laughed.
"I should hope so, I have it all planned out." Harry told her grinning crookedly and she beamed.
"I really can't wait!" She placed herself in his lap and Harry wrapped his arm around her and pressed a light kiss to her shoulder as he had seen the other guys doing to their girlfriends, his almost cried and as a wave of pure lava ripped through his scar and he masked his violent flinch as a motion to grab some food. He bit his tongue and locked away the pain and slowly released the breath he didn't know he was holding, Harry's eyes flickered up to the head table and sighed; his head was only going to become worse. He put his focus back on Ginny so he could at least pretend to listen to her, it looked, to the outside world, as if they were in their own little bubble, but Harry was acutely aware of the world around him. Ginny finished the last bite of her dessert and looked at him expectantly, Harry laughed fondly at her and stood up.
"Come on," He said, "Let's go,"
"Oh Harry, I'm so excited." She squealed. Harry brought her back up to the Room of Requirement and walked passed the wall three times, he covered her eyes and led her in to the room.
"Ready?"
"YES!" She cried and Harry let her see, she sucked in a sharp breath as she looked around the room. "Wow,"
"Do you like it?" Harry asked nervously and without warning she threw herself at him and attached her lips to his. He froze for a second before forcing his body to respond, she was very eager so it wasn't hard for Harry to push her back on to the bed. He slipped his disk out of the pocket as she tugged his robes off and he threw hers away, following his example, she ripped off the top half of her clothes and kissed him again. Harry pressed the disk to her back as she pushed her body closer to him and pushed magic in to it, he saw the Runes flare and he stepped back.
His eyes widened in shock as he saw Ginny's version of him continue where he left off, and Harry cast a hasty disillusion as the scene in front of him got heated. It was completely bizarre and Harry shuddered, he shadowed out of the room and directly to Tom's rooms. He had forgotten, in his haste to leave, that he had to begin with Ginny so his appearance was rather mussed, Tom's eyes snapped to him and they flashed furiously, Harry's scar seared and he swore Tom apparated over to him with the speed in which he moved.
The possessive feelings Harry was familiar with flared up with abandon and Tom was kissing him before he could even speak, his school shirt was literally ripped from his body, the buttons spilling everywhere and making him hiss as the fabric burn. Tom licked, bit and kissed all of the exposed skin he could, he wanted to remove all traces of that harpy from Harry, the thought of her all over the teen nearly sent him in to a blind rage. It disgusted him, and he loathed it.
"Tom," Harry gasped, "15 minutes,"
"Don't remind me," Tom growled, biting down harder than intended and drawing blood, Harry yelped and pulled Tom's hair. The wound was soothed by Tom's tongue before the man was kissing him again, Harry surrounded himself with Tom's magic and presents and let all thoughts of Ginny leave his mind. Tom pulled him back in to the bedroom not breaking his fierce kiss, Harry hit the bed and fell back, his breaths coming in pants and his lips bruised. He climbed up to his knees, his eyes dark and gaze heavy as he looked at Tom, a burning need in the pit of his stomach.
"I want you," Harry whispered, pulling him forward by the front of his robes. "I want you to fuck me." He kissed his jaw as his hands ran down Tom's chest removing the robes. "I want you to remove her from my mind," He bit down on his ear lobe making him hiss and sly hands ran up Harry's legs to rest on his hips. "I want you. I want all of you, Dark Lord. I want Voldemort."
As soon as the name had left his lips he felt a change, the hands on his hips went painfully tight and Tom's entire body stiffened. His head was abruptly yanked back by his hair and he gasped, his eyes found familiar crimson and found them glowing like freshly spilt blood. He was kissed harshly and Harry tasted blood, the Dark Lord climbed on to the bed pushing Harry down and pinning to him.
Turn around, Voldemort ordered and Harry complied instantly. He dropped to his hand when pressure was applied to his neck, his trousers were vanished and he felt the magic preparing him. Scream for me.Harry felt like he was being ripped apart and he screamed, but he wasn't given time to recover as the Dark Lord pulled out thrust back in sharply, this time hitting the bundle of nerves that made Harry cry out. His vision swam as pain and pleasure clashing, overloading his already frayed system, but he wanted more. Voldemort kept up his brutal pace, letting the cries and the pleas wash over him, egging him to do more, to push more. Anything to clear the foul, red headed harpy out of his teen's mind.
Voldemort! More, My Lord, pleas-AH! Harry felt his body arch and his spot was abused, he was reaching his edge rapidly, the heat in his stomach growing with each thrust and he came hard when Tom hit his prostate and bit down on his shoulder. The Dark Lord felt Harry constrict around him, the teen's back bowing as his release hit and screamed out his relief, and Tom followed his younger lover after a few more thrusts. Harry's arms shook and collapsed underneath him, he felt Tom drop down next to him once he had vanished the mess they had made, the man's hand gently resting on his bruised hip. They led there for a few moments, the only sounds their slowing breath and Harry relished in the moment with just the two of them.
"You will need to be healed." Tom murmured, his voice lined with a touch of concern, "You are bleeding."
Harry rolled over carefully, his entire body protesting the movement vehemently but he looked up at Tom with nothing but satisfaction on his face.
"It's fine," He said, not breaking eye contact, "I wanted it. You wouldn't have if I hadn't."
"Even still," Tom ran his hand down his spine slowly and down over his ass, Harry sighed softly as he felt the healing magic work. He kissed him gently in thanks and smiled, he leaned his head against Tom's chest just taking in the man's scent before he was forced back in to his current reality.
"I just need to check in with Luna before I come back." Harry told him, "She'll pass on the message if needed."
"That's fine." Tom replied, "You'll need to see if Skeeter has responded."
"I do, and I really hope that she has." Harry agreed. He pulled himself up with great reluctance and rolled his shoulders before climbing out of the bed. He raised an eyebrow at the bruises he could already see developing on his pale skin, but he didn't even bother to glamour them, it was a reminder for him and he needed the grounding. He pulled on his trousers, shrank Tom's shirt seeing as his was shredded, he pressed a kiss to Tom's cheek before leaving the room to grab his shoes and shadow back to the RoR. He stayed back until he watched illusion him lie down next to Ginny, her eyes closed in bliss and he took his shot, he darted forward, dropping his clothes as he went and slipped the disk from her skin making other him vanish. Ginny rolled over and curled in to his arms, sighing in apparent happiness and a disgustingly bright smile on her face.
"That was amazing." She breathed and Harry huffed a laugh.
"I know." But he was pretty sure they were thinking about different experience. They led there for a few moments before Ginny sighed and sat up, Harry cast a tempus and pretended to huff.
"He have to get going, I need to get you back to the tower before curfew." Harry told her, making sure to have the right amount of reluctance in his tone to keep her happy. She pouted but nodded in understanding, she got up, showing no shame in her body at all as she fetched her clothes. She didn't need to if he was being completely fair, she was a very pretty girl and she had a great figure which she kept up together with extensive Quidditch training. If she wasn't a conniving, manipulative, gold digging bitch, she would make someone a very nice girlfriend/wife, but that was exactly what she was so it was a moot point.
Harry collected his own clothes and threw them on without fuss, making sure she never saw his torso or back else she see his Rune tattoo that couldn't be glamoured, he didn't bother to neaten himself out because he wasn't planning on staying in his uniform. Once she was dressed Ginny latched on to his arm, Harry smiled at her and they left the room together. They didn't talk much on the way to the tower and for that Harry was thankful, he needed a break soon, he was just so tired of it all. He kissed her at the Fat Lady and made sure she was out of sight before turning on his heal and running back down the corridor, he found a shadowed archway and jumped through to his rooms where Luna was curled up on the sofa with Neville, the twins, and Bleach.
"Hey guys," He greeted, and they flashed him looks of varied concern.
"Well?" Fred finally demanded, when Harry didn't speak up.
"It was possibly the strangest thing I have ever seen in my entire life, but it went perfectly fine." Harry relented and they all breathed in relief.
"Thank Merlin," George slumped, "When you weren't back after half an hour we were beginning to panic."
"I had to walk her to the tower." Harry erased their worry, "It was fine, and she is very happy."
"So that should keep things pretty for at least two days." Neville said, "What about the article?"
"Ah," Luna gave them all a rather vindictive smirk, "Rita has delivered."
"Oh, let me see." Harry asked and Luna shook her head.
"Nope, this time I'm going to keep it a secret." She declared and Harry pouted.
"That's mean." He informed her and Luna laughed.
"I know."
"Hey! That's my line."
"Not today." She returned simply, "Now, go and relax and we will see you tomorrow in the great hall."
"Yes Ma'am," He saluted her and vanished. Tom was waiting for him and as soon as they got there the man was pulling him closer, Harry smiled and reached up to pressed their lips together. Tom slowly ran a hand through his hair and tugged his head back, he sensually trailed his tongue alone Harry's neck and revealed the bite mark that was hidden under glamour.
"You take a perverse pleasure in that mark." Harry murmured and he felt Tom smile against his neck.
"Do you want to see how much?" He offered and Harry knew, in the back of his mind, that it was a bad idea to answer in the positive, however, the words were out of his mouth before he could censor them. Tom looked way too pleased at that as he led him back to the bedroom and Harry thought he would really enjoy the rest of this night.
"Did you speak with Miss Lovegood last night?" Tom asked, he was sat up in bed but didn't seem to be inclined to move just yet.
"The article is in, but she wouldn't let me preview it so I honestly cannot tell you what's to come." Harry said with a sigh, "Not that it's going to take much to push the Governors now."
"No, he set himself up really badly. It's the first time I haven't seen him have a cover for himself ready."
"Especially given the fact that it was obvious what was coming."
"Minus the brutality of it. I do not think anyone was expecting that from our favourite journalist." Tom said with amusement.
"I still can't believe how harsh she was!" Harry exclaimed, "If I didn't hate Dumbledore more than anything else in this universe, I would feel pity."
"I have to agree." Tom allowed, "But he didn't help himself."
"No, he sunk his own ship there too." Harry grinned, "Poor thing."
"You are so convincing."
"I know. Don't I just sell it?"
"We need to get up." Tom pointed out and Harry huffed.
"Please don't remind me." Harry groaned, "I was doing so well not thinking about it."
"I apologise, but if anything does happen with the article I would like to be there witnessing it." Tom told him and Harry nodded.
"Yeah, there is that." He sat up with a stretch, "I'm getting in the shower. And no," He turned around and pointed at Tom, "You are not joining me."
"Such a wasted opportunity." He complained and Harry raised an eyebrow.
"Have you forgotten last night already?"
"No, merely interested in continuing it."
"Insatiable." Harry stated and Tom leered at him.
"I know."
Harry went straight in to the shower and let the water wash over to him, they were close and at the same time they were no-where near finished. Harry had yet to go and see Remus properly, so he didn't even know what was going on at the wolf sanctuary so they would have to see if Moony could get to their next meeting. He had been spending most of his time working on his magics and solidifying all the information gathered for the ministry.
His clothes were waiting for him when he got out and he threw them on, he dried his hair by running his hands through it and left it how it fell. It needed cutting badly, he had removed the lengthening charm he had put on it back in Malfoy Manor but it had still managed to grow out and longer. It was starting to irritate him if he was honest, it was reaching his shoulders. He grabbed his bag from the sitting room and waited for Tom, now that Dumbledore had caught the scent of the fake Horcrux, Harry was desperately hoping the man was going to go hunting instead of focussing all of his energy on Harry. He was in the middle of putting his glamour up when Tom swept in to the room already looking like his professor self, and Harry found himself rather thankful that the man had to wear a glamour while teaching. He would hate to have to gouge out so many students' eyes for eyeing Tom. Harry shook his head, frowning at that thought; where had that come from?
"What's wrong?" Tom asked, noticing the look.
"Strange thoughts." Harry said, "My mind has been doing that recently."
"Oh? Perhaps it's stress." Tom suggested and Harry smiled.
"Yeah, that's probably it." He agreed. "Let's go and see what Rita has got for us."
"Are you going to be meeting with your friends?" Tom inquired and Harry nodded.
"Yes, and I am hoping to get Moony here too." Harry replied, "That way, we can discuss what's going on with the wolves and you can check in and see how your people are working with Moony."
"I can get him from the Gryffindor rooms, if you wish?" Tom offered, "I will need new books soon, I can go up today."
"Thanks." Harry cast a tempus, "Now, the paper is due in 10 minutes, so I can go down with a smile on my face despite having to deal with her."
"The one redeemable feature," Tom muttered. Harry laughed and waved as he stepped through the shadows, he came out by the Chamber of Secrets and continue on down without missing a beat. The entrance hall was rather busy and Harry spotted Ginny waiting for him, he hitched on a smile as he made his way over and allowed her to snuggle in to his arm. They sat down for breakfast and Tom had somehow beat him there again, the man had engaged Snape in conversation about something but his eyes flicked to Harry every now and then. Harry had just taken a bite out of his bacon sandwich when the owls flew in, Hedwig came without a letter, she just wanted her own bacon and Harry was only too happy to feed her. He was showering her in affection and many of the girls around him cooed as she butted at his hand, Harry smiled, he did so adore his owl.
"You are so lucky to have such a pretty owl." Ginny commented wistfully and it told Harry all he needed to know about Ginny's character when Hedwig paid absolutely no attention to the compliment.
"Thanks, she is the best owl in the world." Harry agreed and Hedwig straightened up proudly, much to his amusement. Ginny took the paper that got dropped off in front of him and opened it, her gasp of horror told Harry that Rita had achieved another headline.
Torturing Teachers!
Children forced to endure torturous detentions,
Boy-Who-Lived Victimised!
Where were Fudge and Dumbledore?
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry is often regaled as the greatest school for magic in Europe, possibly further. With its rich history, number masters of their fields, and wards created by some of the greatest witches and wizards known to man. Everyone knows this. So last year, when the Minister announced that he was sending his very own undersecretary to handle the apparent low standards of our great school, it caused a number of controversial opinions.
Minister Fudge backed his decision to interfere in the school process amidst allegations that Headmaster Albus Dumbledore was losing his touch. Dumbledore faced repetitive defamation from the ministry last year for backing up Harry Potter's announcement of the return of He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named, which were later discovered to be truthful and the ministry failed to do anything about the situation, choosing to bury its head in the sand instead. It has come to light now that, despite Fudge's raving review of the late Dolores Umbridge's performance, not everything is as it seems. An inside source has revealed that instead of aiding our great school to rise above the others, Umbridge used her ministerial power to create a tyrannical ruling that drove students to rebellion. To keep the students in line, she issued an unprecedented amount of detentions, and it was there in which the true horror began. Umbridge's method of punishment seems benign, simple lines to establish what the student had done wrong, a boring and tedious task lasting hours to make sure the message was clear. But the punishment becomes a whole lot more sinister when it is revealed that she forced the students to complete these lines with an illegal blood quill. Hour after hour, our students, our children, were forced to write in their own blood to satisfy her bloodlust, and if that wasn't enough to turn your stomachs, readers, then picture this. Official detention records, from inside the school itself, reveal that students as young as eleven years old were subjected to this barbaric punishment repeatedly.
There was one person who was subjected to Umbridge's relentless tirade more than any other, and it was all because he tried to warn the world of the danger we were facing. Harry James Potter, now 16, was targeted by Umbridge with accusations of lying, attention seeking and other crimes that we all know now to be completely false. The records reveal that Mr Potter received an astronomical 126 detentions, lasting between 4 and 7 hours long, from Umbridge during her time at the castle and he received no aid. Told to keep his head down and to keep quiet, our saviour suffered her hateful wrath for trying to help us all, and there was no one there to help him when he needed it. Aren't our children supposed to be able to rely on teachers and the ministry? How are they supposed to know that there is someone there for them when this happens and nothing is done about it?
It begs the question, ladies and gentlemen; where was the Great Albus Dumbledore? He was headmaster for most of the year, and this was happening under his crooked nose? Was he unknowing, or did he choose to ignore the pleas of the students in an effort to save his own reputation? If he can allow so many to suffer under his command, then is he safe to keep in such a position of power? Dumbledore has been revealed to have been hiding so many secrets, can we add the suffering of our children to that list?
And what of Fudge? Is it possible that he didn't know what Umbridge was up to, despite being the one to put her in the position and constantly sing her praises? Doesn't he have the power to grant wavers on illegal, non-tradable items, such as the blood quill? Or does it lie more sinister than that, and he was the mastermind behind the whole scheme? Merely wishing to silence those who could upset his precious position of power. Are our children safe with people like these in charge? We can only guess and hope for what the future might bring.
Rita Skeeter, Daily Prophet Correspondent.
p.2 for pictures of the blood quill damage.
p.4 for the detention records.
Well. That ought to get people's attention. Harry blinked at the paper a few times, it was so honest that it seemed all the worse. It would force people in to action, it had to! A yell of fury shook his from his thoughts and he looked up to see Dumbledore being swarmed by a large quantity of red letters, each of them approaching their time at different moments much to Harry's delight. Dumbledore banished them when they came, but he looked panicked, he had to know how bad this was looking for him.
"How did she even get this information?" Ginny demanded and Harry shook his head.
"I have no idea!" He exclaimed, "I haven't seen or heard anything about this getting out." And he was also secretly a Chinese man named Keith.
"What do you think is going to happen?" She asked worriedly.
"I really have no idea." Harry said, and he actually wasn't lying.
Lucius Malfoy swept in to the meeting room with all the arrogance, pride and elegance that was needed to be a Malfoy, his head was tilted at the perfect angle to make him seem approachable but still make people feel about an inch tall; it was an art he perfected. His morning was already a good one, he had received three frantic floo calls from Fudge already and now he had been called to an emergency Board of Governors meeting; very few things could make this day any better for him. As per usual, the room settled when he entered and Lucius looked around the room. Lord's Davis, Spinett, Smith and Abbott were sat there in a visible rage and Lucius bit back the urge to smile, this was going to be very interesting and he walked forward to take his seat at the head. It really had not taken him very long to worm his way back in to his positions, and the spot at the Governors was so convenient when he wanted to aggravate Dumbledore.
"Lucius, clear this up for us as Skeeter is known to exaggerate." Lord Nott spoke evenly, and Lucius refrained from rolling his eyes; him and his vendetta against Potter-Black.
"I had the same belief." Lucius began, his voice calm, even, "However, this time, it seems Ms Skeeter has actually left out details to lessen the severity of the happenings within the school last year."
Shocked silence met his words and he counted back in his head from 5, which is why he wasn't surprised when Lord Peter Smith jumped from his seat and started shouting.
"I will have Dumbledore's head on a pike." He roared, spittle flying everywhere in his apoplectic rage, "I've supported him for nearly my entire adult life, I've never questioned his odd methods but this is too far. He is done! No longer is he fit for headmaster."
"Peter, you need to calm down." Lord Gamp told him and Smith span to face him.
"Calm down, CALM DOWN!" He exploded, "That man, that disgusting, odious man allowed my son, MY SON AND HEIR, to be abused with a blood quill." And that would explain his violent reaction, Lucius surmised, and it would also account for the foursome's dark expressions. All four of them had children in Hogwarts last year that were taught by Potter, which meant, all of them were punished for it for weeks afterwards. Of course, the main thing was all of the people here had children in Hogwarts, which is why they were on the Board in the first place, and no one in the room wanted to even contemplate their child being subjected to such a device; Lucius included.
"Fudge has to answer as well." Lord Davis stated and there were murmurs of agreement, and then the man smiled a truly nasty smile, "Lord Greengrass is less than pleased." Which Lucius took to mean Hadrian was on a war path.
"Before we make a decision on what to do about this situation, because something does need to be done," Lucius said, "We will need to review the evidence before us." He pulled out the folder Harry had given him and allowed it to be passed around.
"This is the official documents of everything Skeeter claimed, and as you can see, she left a few things out." Lucius told them all and then sat back to watch the inevitable happen. There was shaking heads and angry mutters as the detention records, the hospital records and the photos were revealed before them, but if that wasn't enough, he needed to twist the knife.
"We also must consider the recent articles about Dumbledore." Lucius put in, "This allegation has been proven to be true, so we have to look at the others. I have found the arrest record for Percival Dumbledore's attack on the muggle children." Here he pulled out the folder that he had "borrowed" from the DMLE records, "I have found a small article detailing the fight at Kendra Dumbledore's funeral where Aberforth physically attacked his brother." He produced a paper and indicated the small article that had taken him a while to find. "I discovered the lack of medical records for Ariana Dumbledore, showing she was never at St Mungos, and other than a marriage certificate, I can find nothing about Kendra Dumbledore."
"Dumbledore's indiscretions can no longer be ignored." Lord Ogden stated, his voice cold and stiff. "We have to primarily think of the next generation and this illustrates that Dumbledore no longer has the school, and its students', best interests at the forefront of his mind."
"So we vote?" Lucius asked.
"Yes, we vote."
"All those in favour of removing Dumbledore as headmaster of Hogwarts, effective immediately?" He questioned the room.
"Aye." Came the unanimous reply and it took all of Lucius' self-control not to grin like the cat who got the cream, it was finally happening, Dumbledore was finally getting some of his just deserts. Lucius summoned their official documentation parchment and began meticulously filling out the form, the name, the reason for the action of dismissal before it got passed around the room to be signed and stamped by the twelve Lords.
"Let us journey to the school, gentlemen." Lucius said coolly, rising to his feet and grabbing his cane. "We must act now."
"Yes. Dumbledore has already been allowed too much leeway." Lord Ogden agreed. The twelve Lords rose and headed towards the end of the wards, it was quiet between them, a stony silence resting heavily around the group as they span on the spot and disapperated. When they appeared in the Hogsmead village, there were early signs of the businesses opening and people already discussing the paper. As they made their way towards the school it was obvious they had been spotted and Lucius wouldn't be surprised if it had already gotten back to the ministry that they were there.
They were admitted to the school without fuss, the wards recognising their positions and allowing them through. Lucius felt excitement build within him when he walked in to the entrance hall, the students were coming down to lunch and they were looking at the Governors with curiosity, the Malfoy Lord spotted his son coming from the dungeons with Izar's son and the Zabini heir.
"Draco," He called and his son turned to face him, the smile that came to Draco's face when he saw him was positively evil and Lucius felt him own face mirror his son's before the Malfoy masks came in to place.
"Father, how very pleasant to see you." He greeted.
"Yes, official business." Lucius said and Draco nodded.
"I shall let you continue. I would not want to keep you from your duties." Draco said, but they both know he wanted to get a good seat in the great hall to watch the show. Lucius led the Governors in to the Great Hall and took a twisted amount of pleasure when Dumbledore spotted them straight away, the old man knew, by the looks of things, but he was trying to keep his grandfatherly image in place. Lucius was really going to enjoy this.
Harry jumped violently when the connection between him and his friends flared to life at the exact same moment his scar also seared, he sent a jab of annoyance at Tom and opened the connection between his friends.
Yes.
GET TO THRE GREAT HALL RIGHT NOW. They yelled at him together and Harry blinked.
I'll get right on that. Harry assured slowly, wondering what all the fuss was about.
Hurry. The Governors have just arrived. Harry literally slung his book to the side, made sure his glamour was in place and threw himself through the shadows, falling out on the first floor and running all the way down to the Great Hall. He slipped in and just caught sight of Lucius at the front, making his way to the centre of the hall. Harry dropped down at the Gryffindor table, his whole body thrumming with hope and excitement as he looked at the Governors.
"Ah, gentlemen," Dumbledore greeted cautiously, "How may I help you?"
"It has come to the attention of the Governors that, Dumbledore, you are no longer able to correctly and professionally handle the position of Headmaster of Hogwarts School or Witchcraft and Wizardry."
"Surely we can discuss this in a calm manor. Let us adjourn to my office, I am sure we can reach a decision that with only strengthen us all." Dumbledore said pleasantly, but Harry could see his eyes were cautious.
"This is not time for discussion." Lord Smith sneered.
"Come now-,"
"Our decision has been made." Lord Ogden stated.
"By Order of the Board of Governors, effective immediately, you are hence forth removed from your position as Headmaster." Lucius announced, his expression not giving away how happy he was to be informing the old man of this. Harry sat there unmoving, he feared that should he move too look at his friends, Tom or Dumbledore then his entire façade would break and he would get up and start cheering madly. He kept his eyes on the Malfoy Lord even as the hall burst in to speech, some were cheering, some were yelling in anger and some were merely gossiping, and Harry only looked away from Malfoy sr when Dumbledore rose to his feet in anger.
"You cannot do this." He stated firmly, his voice cold and his eyes dangerous.
"I assure, Dumbledore, I can." Lucius returned, "It has been decided, by the Board, your conduct of this school has been getting increasingly worse over the years, and this latest one has finally become too much."
"It is merely a scandalous story." Dumbledore insisted and Lucius finally broke his emotionless mask to flash an ever so slight smirk.
"I have records of all allegations, including detention records, photographs and medical records to correspond." Lucius countered, "To subject our children to blood quills is something even I never thought you would sink to."
"You cannot remove me from my position, I am Albus Dumbledore. I have been Headmaster of this school for nearly 50 years."
"Dumbledore, you have already been removed, we have already passed the action. We are merely here as a formality to inform you of what has happened." Lucius told him shortly.
"You cannot make me leave."
"You are lucky not to be facing child endangerment charges." Lucius stated, "Should you refuse to leave, the aurors shall be summoned and you shall be brought before the Wizengamot for formal charges of breach of position, trespassing, multiple counts of gross negligent child endangerment and child abuse joint enterprise." Dumbledore went pale at that. He knew he was backed in to a corner, if he refused to go then the aurors would arrest him, he could then escape but he would be on the run and away from the castle and would have to remain hidden, or he could leave willingly and legally be active.
It would enable him to search for Voldemort's horcrux without having to dodge the ministry at every movement, and he could use the Order more actively. He wouldn't be able to keep a close eye on his weapon, but the Weasley girl would be sticking extra close to him so he would receive regular updates. It was problematic but it was manageable.
"Very well, gentlemen. I see you have left me with no choice." Dumbledore said calmly, "But remember this, I shall not be gone for long." He walked swiftly around the table and down through the middle of the Great Hall to meet Lucius, Malfoy, ever the gracious Lord, motioned his arm for Dumbledore to go first and lead them out. The entire Great Hall was in utter silence as they watched the Great Albus Dumbledore be escorted from the Hall dismissed from his position. The doors swung shut and no one in the hall seemed to move, even the teachers were frozen in utter disbelief.
Suddenly, as one, the teachers rose and all but ran out of the side door and that's when the hall burst in to sound. It was louder than ever before, reminding Harry of the Quidditch stadium as everyone seemed to be screaming at everyone, he didn't know what to do. This was actually happening, Dumbledore had just been relieved of duty and Harry felt his entire body sag in utter relief; they had done it.
"What just happened?" A voice asked from next to him, and Harry almost groaned when he remembered Ginny.
"I really don't know." Harry said and he wasn't even lying. When it seemed as if the hall was getting out of control, McGonagall strode in with Snape and Flitwick next to her and the sound in the hall plummeted faster than what should have been humanly possible.
"The Board of Governors have decided that Professor Albus Dumbledore should be dismissed form his position, so from this day forward, I am Headmistress." She announced and there was a round of applause, especially from the Gryffindor table and she offered them a tiny smile in thanks. "Within the next few days, as per Hogwarts tradition, the new Deputy Headmaster shall be selected and it shall either be Professor Flitwick or Professor Snape." Silence met the last name and Harry found himself torn between wanting a decent Deputy Head or a strategic one.
"Classes will resume as normal." She told them, "Of you go," the students filed out at their own speeds, everyone talking about what had happened with Dumbledore and Harry split from Ginny without even kissing her goodbye. He all but ran up to his rooms and fell in, the twins, Venom, Bleach and Luna were already there, he flashed a grin just as Badger came in and Swift and Paws appeared in a swarm of shadows.
"It actually happened." Swift stated, his voice and layered with disbelief. They all looked at each other in a sort of stunned excitement before Harry spoke.
"Dumbledore is no longer Headmaster, he's gone."
They burst in to cheers, there was a lot of hugging and an even bigger cheer went up when Swift finally kissed Venom in the middle of the group.
"We did it, we actually did it." Bleach exclaimed.
"Skeeter is going to be receiving so many gifts." Paws declared, "I'll buy her freakin Mansion if she wants."
"We have nearly a week of Dumbledore free time on our hands." Harry said, "This is the best day ever."
"I see you are already celebrating." A voice noted from the door.
"Tom!" Harry all but threw himself at the man in excitement, and Tom couldn't find it in himself to complain about having an excitable teen wrapped around him. "Isn't this the best news?" Tom lowered Harry back to his feet and just kept an arm around him, neither of them noticed the knowing and slightly worried looks his friends shared.
"It is pleasing." Tom agreed, "I have just spoken to Lucius, and what Dumbledore is unaware is as he has been formally dismissed unanimously by the Governors, he is unable to ever take back the position as Headmaster of the school." Harry's eyes lit up.
"I bet he's going to love that when he finds out."
"I am saddened that I will not be able to a witness his reaction. Lucius is heading to the ministry so his information shall be with us this evening." Tom told him and Harry nodded.
"Well folks, we have lessons but we have breathing room for sure." Harry said delightedly, "And it means I can finally go back to my experiments full time, I'm on the verge of a breakthrough for an edited spell."
"What spell?" Bleach asked.
"I can't tell you that, where would be the surprise?" Harry returned and Bleach glowered.
"So it isn't just me you do that to?" Tom said amused.
"He takes a perverse pleasure in being aggravatingly vague." Paws assured him, shooting Harry a less than impressed look.
"I'm not even sorry." He said without blinking, "Though, I don't know what you are complaining about, I'll be sending my Arithmancy work to you for verification – just like I always do."
"Yeah, but you know Hermione, if she doesn't know everything she believes the world is slowly coming to a tragic and painful end." Swift put in with a sly look and she threw a stinging hex at his face, lucky he blocked it but the thought was there.
"I have to teach now," Tom told Harry, turning the teen so he was facing him. "Are you still wishing to meet?"
"Yes, so can you get Moony for me?"
"Of course, I should have the information from Lucius then so we can discuss that also." Tom said.
"Good, I'll get mine and we'll come straight there."
"Until later then,"
Harry kissed him goodbye and went back to his friends, who were giving him rather odd looks.
"What?"
They seemed to blink and their expressions cleared, Harry raised an eyebrow and looked at them in question.
"Meeting?" Luna asked, her voice confused as she covered their lapse.
"Oh that. We need to meet and just run through everything. Last time was an emergency and only focusing on how we were going to get me out of the shit hole Dumbledore dropped me in." Harry explained, "I was just asking Tom to get Moony because we haven't heard from him in a while and I know he's been out on his own hunt and Tom said that he should have the information from the ministry later too."
"Oh, ok then." Paws answered, "It makes things easier because I have a few things I wanted to go through and I know Venom has as well."
"Yes, I believe I've had a bit of breakthrough." He agreed.
"Brilliant, so we'll meet here and go to Tom's rooms to speak with him and Moony." Harry said.
"We are going to be meeting with the Dark Lord." Bleach hedged, sounding slightly worried.
"Yeah, Tom's interested in how we work."
"When did he mention that?" Swift asked and Harry shot him a confused look.
"He didn't say anything, but I can tell he is. It's obvious, he just would never say it."
"Ah ok. Well we have lessons now so we'll meet after dinner?" Bleach suggested and everyone nodded.
"Have fun, everyone, and do try to look disappointed." Luna said with a smirk and Harry laughed.
"My darling sister," Harry said, "I need a favour before I leave."
"Sit down and I'll sort it out, it's looking a bit of a mess anyway and if you hadn't of asked I would have cut it in your sleep." She told him primly and he laughed.
"Thanks," He sat on the table and didn't move as she did her work, he trusted her to make him look good and if he didn't like it he could magically make it grow and start again. She eventually tapped his shoulder and he got up rolling his shoulders, he turned around and Luna held up a mirror for him to inspect. Harry smirked in to the mirror, she had cut it so it was just grazing his neck, using its natural disorder to allow it to fall just over his scar and around his ears.
"You are the best." He told her, kissing her cheek.
"I know," She agreed, "Now, off you go to lesson and do keep your excitement in check around her."
"I will, I promise." Harry assured her before he grabbed his bag and left to face the rest of the day.
It was a positively stunning day, Lucius surmised as he walked through the halls of the frantically buzzing ministry. He would have to pick his wife up some flowers in celebration, perhaps even take her out, yes, that was much more appropriate, and some new jewellery too. After years of trying to remove Dumbledore from his powerful positions he had finally legally removed the old fool from his most dangerous one, and he felt liberated.
As he waited for the elevator to arrive, he couldn't help but overhear many ministry personnel practically slaying Dumbledore and Fudge, it made him want to smirk in delight. Despite the rough start, Lucius truly liked the Potter-Black teen, he was more cunning and manipulative than he could have ever expected and have a vicious streak that was almost on par with his Lord. His work against Dumbledore in just these four months had managed to overthrow the old man, get a competent person at a key point in the ministry, put Fudge on his last legs, and save nearly the entire country's werewolf population.
Lucius would love to watch the teen's team at work, he had seen them, the ones he knew were to be working with Potter-Black, and if he hadn't known about what they were doing then he would have never even suspected them. The mudblood girl and the Weasley boy were in the middle of the table, the girl with her nose stuck in a book and the boy stuffing his face with atrocious manners, Potter-Black at the very end with the Weasley girl hanging on his arm looking like he was with the love of his life and finally the Lovegood heiress was sat with a staring vacantly up at the enchanted ceiling.
It was rather astounding how they controlled every single part of their movements as well as plan everything else to receive results such as this. But Lucius wasn't about to complain about his luck of understanding, especially as he was striding towards the minister's office watching the lesser beings around him scurry out of his way. He was the Lord Marques Lucius Malfoy after all, and for him to be here of all days was bound to be interesting. Lucius spotted Hadrian Greengrass, just the man he had come to see, and the man cut a direct path towards the blond, an expression of burning fire and his entire body radiating fury, Lucius wanted to grin. If there was anyone he would be wary of ever challenging, other than his Lord, it was the man who now stood before him.
"Lucius," He greeted tersely.
"Hadrian," Lucius returned, "How goes the ministry?"
The man's eyes flashed before he answered, motioning for the Malfoy Lord to follow him.
"About to go under a very abrupt change." Hadrian stated, waving his wand to open his door and flicking it when they both had entered. The office was large and the wards on it were extensive, showing how much so when they flared to life.
"I see you have read the latest?" Lucius offered, taking the indicated seat.
"Oh I have seen it alright." Hadrian snapped, his angry leaking through now out of the eyes of the public. Lucius allowed himself a small smirk and Hadrian's eyes narrowed. "Potter-Black I assume?"
"Yes, and unfortunately there was a lot left out. None of it, minus the spiel that it came from the top down, was fabrication. I have the evidence if you wish?"
"No, I don't need it. And that 'spiel' that you mentioned, isn't so exaggerated after all." Hadrian flung a scroll of parchment down on his desk for Lucius to read and the blond took it eagerly. He unrolled it and felt his eyebrows climb up his head when he saw the signed and sealed authorisation from Fudge to the use of restricted item and the written confirmation that it was a blood quill. Whatever it was, Lucius had not expected this. He hadn't actually believed that Fudge was that stupid to allow Umbridge to use a blood quill, and on children.
"What is wrong with the man!?" He exclaimed, dropping the scroll back on the desk.
"He has finally gone too far." Hadrian declared, "I have found so many administrative errors streaming from his office, dodgy dealings and pay offs. And as if that wasn't enough, a Lord to a Noble and Most Ancient House was thrown in Azkaban without a trial or even a Priori Incantatum."
"He's on probation. He is probably scraping to save his pathetic career." Lucius pointed out and Hadrian sneered.
"No, I do not believe that he should be given a chance to even try." Hadrian murmured, his eyes narrowed in thought and Lucius sat forward.
"Oh?"
"No, the man is as good as gone. I will use everything in my power to make sure that deplorable, piteous man is out of his position by the next session." Hadrian decided, "A vote of no confidence will be called, and I shall use the Yule circuit to make it happen."
"It is ambitious." Lucius said.
"Perhaps." He mused, "Can I count on your support, Lucius?"
"It would be my utmost pleasure, Hadrian." Lucius agreed without even thinking. "I am currently proxy for another house as Narcissa is to Black, we will both vote with you."
"Thank you, my friend." Hadrian said graciously. "Now, what brings you to the ministry?"
"Ah, rather the same thing. Only, I have already been successful." Lucius told him rather smugly, and Hadrian raised an amused eyebrow at his tone.
"Is that so? And just what has this latest scandal caused to put you in such a joyous mood?"
"I have just come from Hogwarts itself." Lucius began, a shark-like smirk appearing on his face. "There has been a change in positions." Hadrian's eyes widened slightly before he chuckled.
"Dumbledore had been pushed from his post." He said pleased, "I bet he was absolutely delighted with that fact."
"Oh yes, he was positively glowing with happiness." Lucius agreed sarcastically, "We had to list the charges he would face if he didn't passively leave the castle immediately."
"An immediate dismissal, they must have been displeased."
"Lords Smith, Abbott, Davis and Spinett were the forerunners, but it was Lord Smith who settled it. The man was livid."
"He has an heir does he not?" Hadrian confirmed and Lucius nodded.
"Yes, one that happened to be on the receiving end of said blood quill."
"His support is guaranteed then." Hadrian noted.
"I would say so."
"So McGonagall has taken over, who is in place as deputy?" Hadrian asked.
"It has yet to be decided, but it is between Severus Snape and Fillius Flitwick."
"How is it decided?"
"No one knows, it's just Hogwarts protocol and the Board has to approve." Lucius said with a careless wave. "Either would be approved due their qualifications and their long term careers at the school."
"Yes, both would never allow the utter dregs that Dumbledore pulled." Hadrian allowed.
"Things are becoming blurry." Lucius said, "Dumbledore is out of the castle but not out of the spotlight and he is still dangerous."
"There lies the problem." Hadrian leaned back on his chair, "Though I am sure your associates are planning."
"No doubt they are." Lucius acknowledged, "However, we also have to consider what the opposing side is planning. Dumbledore won't be idle and he has been pushed in to a corner, he will already have a plan."
"Yes, I see the dilemma and it is a great one, however, not one we will be able to accomplish anything with yet."
"Indeed."
"During the circuit will be the best time to gather information." Hadrian said.
"Most definitely, and I am looking forward to this year's circuit. We have new players."
"Yes, the recovered Lord Prewett and discovered Lord or Lady McKinnon. We received their R.S.V.P also."
"I was surprised that Lord Prewett answered in the positive so suddenly. Even this summer I received a negative reply."
"Perhaps he is doing as we will be, gathering information. A lot has changed within the past four months, and Yule is prime time."
"I will be interested to finally be able to meet him."
"Yes, though I think I have more of an interest in the mysterious McKinnon." Hadrian said thoughtfully, "They have not voted for anything since they have been discovered and gained another seat."
"Yes, I have been curious about them, I thought they'd attend the session after their seat gain." Lucius confessed, "Your ball has claimed the opening spot."
"Yes, and given the current happenings I am most pleased." Hadrian remarked, a ghost of a smirk on his face, and Lucius chuckled.
"I can imagine." Lucius conceded, "We have claimed the final slot again, though Narcissa has made changes to the menu."
"So close to the event? Naomi has everything sealed already."
"I do not interfere, Hadrian."
"Wise decision."
They both shared a shudder at the thought of their respective wife angry with them, it wasn't a pleasant thought. There was a knock at the door and the Weasley boy entered when called, he started when he saw Lucius Malfoy but composed himself and looked at Hadrian.
"The minister would like to arrange a meeting with the entire of the ministerial staff." Percy told him primly and Hadrian raised an eyebrow.
"Very well," He said and motioned for Percy to leave and turned back to Lucius. "It seems I have to go and visit our beloved Minister."
"I do not envy you, friend." Lucius said rising to his feet. "Until later,"
"Until later."
Lucius left the office swiftly, he needn't speak to Fudge, the man would be losing power faster than he could predict so it would be a useless waste of time. He needed to shop for his wife and then he had a meeting with his Lord to attend; the man would want to know of Hadrian's decision.
YES! Its finally happened, they have Dumbledore out of the castle! I know, you've been waiting for it and now its happened just in time for Yule. So please let me know what you think and I'll get typing on the next chapter XD
Jess*