I do not own Harry Potter, only the OC
Hello guys, Badger here. How are you all today? Oh, you're feeling down? Have a cookie. If you don't have a cookie, then maybe the new chapter will help you. Chapter 69 [lol]. This chapter is longer then a few of the previous chapters, because there is quite a bit that happens in this chapter. Because quite a bit happens, a few parts may be a bit of a mess, but I'll let you decide that.
There was a slight delay with writing this chapter. Having to look after the house, and dog, for a week, along with personal art projects and making videos for Badger_Shorts made it difficult to find time to write, but it's done and a new chapter has been published. On that note, read on, I hope you enjoy and I will see you at the end.
Chapter 69
A Clean Slate
Harry walked across the Hogwarts grounds, towards Hagrid's hut. The friendly Half-Giant asked if he wanted to come round for some tea and Harry happily accepted. The last few days have been very interesting. Umbridge had been found guilty of multiple crimes, including murder and her house was searched when, under Veritaserum, Umbridge claimed Voldemort was using it as a base of operations. He must have been alerted, however, because the house was empty when Aurors stormed the place. Umbridge was currently residing in a cell in the Ministry, until they can figure out what to do with her, since Azkaban was destroyed. Harry didn't care what happened to her, as long as she burned in hell. With Umbridge now locked up, Remus agreed to return for the rest of the year, much to everyone's joy. When Harry knocked on Hagrid's door, he was greeted with a warm smile.
"Harry!" Hagrid said cheerfully "I'm glad you came…come in, come in, just prepared the tea"
"Thanks Hagrid" Harry smiled, he always enjoyed seeing Hagrid
"It's been a while since we spoke last Harry" Hagrid said, as he handed Harry a cup of hot tea "How have you been?"
"I've been okay" Harry nodded, taking a sip "Things have definitely been better, since Umbridge was arrested"
"Yes, I never liked that woman much, even before she started teaching here" Hagrid frowned "I heard about what happened…you're not hurt at all, are you?"
"No, I'm fine" Harry smiled "But how have you been?"
"Oh, I've been grand, the jobs kept me busy, it's nice having something to do" Hagrid replied "I enjoy teaching kids about things I'm passionate about"
"You have a knack for it" Harry said "Though, you may want to consider teaching students about less dangerous creatures…especially the younger years"
"Yeah, I have had similar thoughts" Hagrid smiled, a small hint of red touching his cheeks "But what about you, with this Duelling Club I've heard about?"
"Oh that" Harry smiled "Originally it was a way to defy Umbridge and learn magic…when she was arrested, I thought there would be no need to even start the Club, but Dumbledore thought it would be a good idea to keep it"
"I agree, students need to know how to defend themselves" Hagrid replied, before his expression turned to one of concern "Harry, may I ask you a question?"
"You can ask me anything" Harry replied, drinking his tea"
"The spells you learn…" Hagrid said, being careful of his words "They aren't…dark are they?"
"Why do you ask?" Harry raised an eyebrow
"I don't mean anything by it Harry" Hagrid reassured, raising a calm hand "It's just…well…we all saw you go up against You-Know-Who in the Tournament…the spells you used…there have been many witches and wizards who have gone insane and obsessed with power, learning such spells and more…You-Know-Who and Grindelwald come to mind…I just don't want you going down such a path either"
"You don't have to worry Hagrid" Harry smiled "I may learn spells that are dangerous and lethal, but I haven't learnt anything considered dark"
"Well that's good" Hagrid sighed in relief "So, what else have you been up too"
…
Voldemort paced back and forth, whilst Michael tortured one of his Death Eaters for him. That Umbridge woman infuriated him. Why he recruited her to his cause, he would never know. Now, she was locked in a cell and he had to move his operations once more, to a knew safe house. Thankfully, Dolohov had a cabin that no one knows the location of. But that didn't mean he was happy. Umbridge tried to kill Potter. Potter was off limits to everyone, except himself.
"Nott" He said suddenly "Any progress on the Werewolf colonies?"
"Yes, my lord" Nott Sr bowed "Many chose to join our side, especially Greyback and his pack, though few have chosen to remain neutral and stay out of the upcoming war"
"Hmm, no matter, you have done well" Voldemort replied "But, never mind that, you have connections with our friends in the Ministry, do you not?"
"Yes, my lord" Nott nodded
"Good, because something needs to be done about Umbridge" Voldemort sneered "I want you to send someone to…take care of her…she tried to kill Potter and so, needs to be punished"
"Why can't I do it myself, my lord?" Nott asked
"You are too important to the cause" Voldemort replied "Too important to be caught, imprisoned and likely executed…as soon as you can, send someone to handle the Umbridge woman"
"Yes, my lord" Nott bowed, he had the perfect person in mind
…
Harry and James stood in the Great Hall, alongside Professor Flitwick, who was addressing the students who came for the first day of the Duelling Club. Almost every student had come and they were all excited. It kind of unnerved Harry, just how many there are. After Flitwick finished addressing the crowd, he turned to Harry and James.
"Seems they are eager" He commented "As mentioned, I'll take the First, Sixth and Seventh Years, you'll take rest"
Harry and James nodded in response. As Flitwick walked away, Harry looked at the massive crowd of students they had to teach. Not knowing where to start, he turned to James.
"What shall we do?" He asked
"I'll take the Second and Third Years, teach them a few basics" James replied "You take the Fourth and Fifth Years, teach them to dodge, like we were…it's going to be essential"
Harry nodded before he called out:
"Fourth and Fifth Years, with me!" He said, moving towards an empty area in the Great Hall, where a few training dummies stood "Okay…before I teach you any spells, I will be teaching you how to dodge…"
"Are you serious" Ernie Macmillan yelled out, interrupting Harry "Why would we need to learn how to dodge?"
"Step forward a moment" Harry replied, not liking the boys attitude, Ernie had always been a thorn in his side
When Ernie stepped forward, Harry flicked his wand into his hand.
"Think fast" Harry said, hitting Ernie with a powerful stinging hex, which caused the boy pain in his chest "THAT, is why you need to learn how to dodge…if you are unable to block or counter a spell, your only chance of survival, is to dodge…always keep on the move, stay in one spot, Voldemort and his followers will be able to easily kill you…these training dummies will act as part of the test, each of you will take it in turns to dodge, once you're hit, you're out…get started"
Across the hall, James was watching the Second and Third years. He had taught them a simple stunning spell to get them started and had them partner up and practice. He had a Seventh Year Head Boy on standby, to help wake up any students that are knocked unconscious. After a few moments, Luna approached, as she still had a while to wait, until her turn with the training dummies. She lay her head on his shoulder, to which he instinctively wrapped an arm around her waist and lay his head on top of hers.
"You look sad" Luna commented
"I feel like we're training them for war" James replied, keeping his gaze on the Second and Third Years
"You think a war will happen?" Luna asked, half question, half statement
"It seems to have already happened" James sighed "With several Death Eaters pushed through the Veil and Azkaban being destroyed, its only a matter of time until something happens…and anyone who is against Voldemort's cause is automatically the enemy…if a fight comes to Hogwarts, I hope the First, Second and maybe also the Third Years are taken to safety…they're too young to fight in a war…"
"They're only a few years younger then us" Luna pointed out "What about you, would you stand and fight?"
"Absolutely, I'm a fighter, not a runner" James replied, before looking at her "Does the Seer in you see a glimpse of the future"
"It's hazy" Luna answered, after a moment "There may be good times ahead, but I also feel there will be bad times ahead too…dark times are coming"
James nodded, closing his eyes, as he thought about everything that had happened. They stood there for a moment, until James saw a Third Year call to him, looking a little annoyed.
"Seems you are needed" Luna commented
"Seems so" James replied, placing a gentle kiss on her lips "See you later"
As Luna headed back to Harry's lesson, James made his way over to the Third Year that called to him.
"What is the problem here?" He asked
"I need help" The Third Year replied "I am unable to perform the spell"
James nodded, before he helped the student do the correct wand movement and pronounce the incantation correctly. He didn't notice Ron Weasley looking at him from across the room.
…
"I must say guys, that was a pretty good first day for the club" Neville said as he followed the Trio out of the Great Hall
"I agree" Daphne nodded "There were a few protests and problems to begin with, but things went pretty smoothly"
"I feel like we should give the club a name" Harry commented "It doesn't really feel like a Duelling Club"
"How about The Hogwarts Institution?" James spoke up, as he twirled his wand around in his hand
"That doesn't sound to bad" Neville replied, after a moment's thought
"I agree, The Hogwarts Institution it is" Harry smiled, before he looked at James "Did you just make that up on the spot?"
"No, I always wanted to use the name, I just never had a chance" James shrugged
That caused the others to laugh, but they stopped when they were approached by Ron, who looked a little nervous.
"Can we help you Weasley?" James asked
"I…I wanted to apologise…for everything" Ron replied "The way I have treated you and Harry…Not only did Harry save Ginny, but everything with You-Know-Who…it…it's made me think a little clearer…I understand if you don't want to be friends, but I hope we can try…"
Harry wasn't sure what to think. Ron may not have said or done anything to him or James over the last couple of years, but he remembered First Year. Ron wasn't exactly the kindest person at the time. James, however, had a thoughtful look on his face, before he nodded.
"It may take time, but I'm all for wiping the slate clean" He said after a moment "What do you think Harry?"
"I'm willing to try it, if you are" Harry shrugged
"That's great" Ron smiled "I'll see you guys later, I need to go and do something"
Harry watched as Ron rushed off, down the corridor. He remembered what James said about Ron, when they first met. Ron seemed to be pretty genuine in his reasons for wanting to be friends, today, but Harry wasn't too sure. He hoped there were no other motives.
…
Umbridge sat, fuming, in her cell. She couldn't believe she was locked up. She should be thanked and respected for killing worthless mudbloods and beasts that don't belong in their society. They were nothing but Blood Traitors. No matter, it won't be long until she was let free. She looked up, when she heard the cell door open, and saw Corban Yaxley, standing in front of her.
"Your time has come Umbridge" He said
"It doesn't matter" Umbridge sneered "My Master will kill you all!"
"I know, considering your Master, is my Master" Yaxley replied, revealing his Dark Mark
"You're a Death Eater" Umbridge gasped, before she sensed an opportunity "Please, help me escape, we can kill these blood traitors…"
"I'm afraid that won't be happening Umbridge" Yaxley interrupted, taking out his wand "You see…the Dark Lord was less then happy when he found out you tried to kill Potter…Potter is off limits to all but him…you were also captured and arrested…you are a failure and Voldemort has requested your termination"
"No!" Umbridge yelled, as he pointed his wand at her "Wait, I…"
"Avada Kedavra!"
Umbridge slumped against the wall, dead, as the Killing Curse hit her, the ominous green glow lighting up the entire room. The sound of a tray hitting the floor alerted Yaxley of another person. He turned to see Nymphadora Tonks standing behind him in shock. She was bringing Umbridge her meal, when she walked in on Yaxley killing the vile woman. Getting over her shock, she pulled out her wand, and pointed it at him.
"Corban Yaxley" She said, trying to stop herself from shaking "By law, you are under arrest for murder and use of the Killing Curse"
"Arrest me all you won't, it will be of no use, the Dark Lord will take over the Ministry soon enough" Yaxley replied, pointing his wand against his chin "Reducto!"
The result of the spell, blew of Yaxley's head, in a crimson mist of blood, flesh and bone, which scattered about the room, as his body fell onto the floor with a hard thud. Nymphadora fell to the ground, in shock and terror at what just happened. She continued staring at the headless body in front of her, until Amelia Bones appeared, having heard the commotion.
"Auror Tonks, what happened here?" She asked, shocked at the sight
"Yaxley…I…I saw him kill Umbridge" Tonks replied, her voice shaky and quiet "He then killed himself, when I tried to arrest him"
Amelia looked at the scene in front of her, before checking Tonks' wand. Whilst she believed Tonks, by law and regulations, she had to check her wand to make sure Tonks was not involved with the murder. Finding nothing, Amelia nodded, handing the wand back.
"This will be investigated" She said, noting the panicked look on Tonks' face "May I suggest you take the rest of the day off…you are quite shook up"
"Yeah…I could do with a day off…and a drink, right now" Tonks replied, walking off, a little unsteady.
Amelia watched, deep in thought, as Tonks walked off. She surveyed the scene, of Umbridge's dead body and Yaxley's headless form. If someone was to ask her why and how this happened, she would be at a complete loss. She was going to have to inform the Minister about this.
…
YES! UMBRIDGE IS DEAD!
I mean...oh dear...how sad. Let's be honest, we are all glad to see her dead, aren't we? This moment was actually supposed to happen a bit later in the story, but I felt like it wouldn't make sense, story wise, for why Voldemort would wait so long to have her killed.
The starting section was a fun one to write. I always enjoy writing Hagrid into the story and I felt like hasn't had a scene in quite a while, so I added his fun, loving personality in here for everyone to enjoy. We also have a Ron scene for the first time in ages. I was always on the fence about this, but I chose to give Ron, some kind of redemption and have him become friends with Harry and James, I felt like it would be interesting, though I can't be certain how important he will be in future chapters. In fact, Ron's redemption and Umbridge's death is why the Chapter is called, A Clean Slate...see, I'm clever. Anyway, the first Duelling Club was originally going to be longer, but I felt like I would be repeating myself over and over again, so I shortened it. But this does lead us too:
QUESTION OF THE CHAPTER - If you were a character in Harry Potter, would you fight in the war, which side would you fight for and why? [leave answers in review section]
It's a different QUESTION OF THE CHAPTER, but I thought it would be fun. Finally, there is a new poll on my profile, feel free to check it out. In the previous poll, everyone who voted, all said yes to a Dark James Badger story, with James as the main focus, so expect such a story sometime after this one is finished.
That's all for now. I hope you enjoyed and I will see you in the next one.
Badger Out.
