Disclaimer: I own none of the things you already know of.
Disclaimer: Last Chapter, for those who skipped it, Fleur and Harry went on a date on a Hogsmeade Weekend and enjoyed themselves.
Harry Potter and the Smallest Change.
Chapter 46. Fifth Year, Part 4. 1995.
Harry looked around the abandoned classroom on the eight floor, he stood in front of Holly and his friends, as well as Neville and Ronald.
'Tonight, we're going to start on the Disillusionment and Silencing Charms. A versatile combination.' Harry said.
Neville frowned.
'What for? They won't help us fight, will they?' the Boy-Who-Lived asked and Daphne scoffed.
'You can't be that stupid, can you, Longbottom? Look around the damned school since Umbridge started on her warpath.' Daphne snapped.
Neville shrugged.
'So? What do these spells have to do with that?' Neville asked and Ginny looked down at the floor and covered her face.
Hermione placed a hand on Neville's shoulder.
'Neville? These spells can help us move around the castle, almost invisible and silent. Since Umbridge banned student groups, we are in danger of being expelled right now.' Hermione explained.
Susan shook her head.
'It's more than that, though Hermione. These spells can help us to sneak up on our opponents and attack them from an unexpected angle, making us better able to defend ourselves, or the castle if it were attacked.' Susan said and Hermione gaped at her.
Hermione turned to Harry, who nodded.
'You're both right, which is why I want you all to learn these spells. Short term to evade Umbridge and her enforcers, and long term to defend ourselves from larger threats.' Harry explained, ending with a look at Neville, who nodded.
Harry paused and met the gaze of each member of their little group.
'Does anybody already know these spells?' he asked.
Both Hermione and Daphne put their hands up.
Harry smiled.
'Can you both cast them without issue?' he asked.
'I can't have both of them up together.' Admitted Hermione.
'Me either.' Daphne sighed.
Harry nodded.
'That's fine, now Daphne. Can you explain how the Disillusionment Charm feels when you cast it?' he asked, and she nodded.
Daphne cleared her throat.
'It feels weird, like an egg is cracked on your head and it sort of trickles down to cover all of you.' She said.
Harry nodded.
'Hermione, can you please cast the spell?' he asked, and Hermione tapped the top of her head with her wand.
The bushy haired witch faded from view, top to bottom.
'Good work. Now can you show the group the limitations of the spell?' Harry asked.
'Okay.' Hermione's voice came from a metre away from where she'd been earlier.
Harry turned to the rest of the group.
'Send a Tickling Charm to wherever you think Hermione is right now.' He said and half a dozen Tickling Charms sped out from the group in different directions, to hit nothing.
Harry sighed.
'Did you just fire randomly? Stop for a second and look around the room.' Harry said and a few seconds later, Holly fired a Tickling Charm which splashed harmlessly on the stone wall.
Ronald growled.
'This is impossible. How can we see someone who's invisible?' he whined.
Harry fired a Tickling Charm at the far-left corner from the door and Hermione collapsed into a fit of giggles. She became visible as her charm failed.
'There's a trick to it. When someone is disillusioned, they are almost invisible. But if they move, there's a slight blurring effect as the charm tries to adapt to the moving surroundings around it.' Harry explained.
Hermione had tears in her eyes from giggling, and Harry cringed.
'Sorry Hermione.' He said and cancelled the spell, allowing her to take a deep breath.
Hermione glared at him.
Harry turned back to the group.
'Now, before I teach you the spells. I have a little exercise for you to complete, to get you a little more comfortable with what the spells do.' Harry said and turned to Daphne, then Hermione.
'These two are going to be disillusioned and will try to stun the rest of you.' Harry said, and the two girls behind him shared a glance and a tiny grin between them.
'Go.' Harry said and a moment later, both Hermione and Daphne faded from view.
Pandemonium ensued.
The next night, Harry sat in Flitwick's office after their first lesson of duelling practice.
Flitwick sat in his chair behind his desk with his fingers steepled in front of his moustache.
'Mister Potter, I wonder if you would be interested in competing in the duelling circuit? You have the skillset and I think you would do quite well.' The Professor mused.
Harry grinned.
'I appreciate the thought, and I would probably be interested if there wasn't a war going on.' Harry said, and Flitwick gave a solemn nod.
'So, if the war were over, would you be interested in officially wearing the Hogwarts crest on the circuit?' he asked, and Harry paused.
Harry ran a hand through his hair.
'Sir, that sounds brilliant. But I don't think I'll still be a student here when the war ends.' He admitted, and Flitwick smirked.
'Then perhaps I might sponsor your inclusion in the circuit. I used to be the Champion. That would likely get you in, give you a chance to show your skills.' Flitwick offered and Harry blinked.
'Now, no need to answer so quickly. I believe we are still on for tomorrow night? Minerva said that she was interested in your progress.' Flitwick said and Harry nodded.
'That would be great, thank you for your time and patience Professor.' Harry said.
The next night, Flitwick and Harry stood opposite each other in the Charms classroom with all the desks stacked up against the walls.
Professor McGonagall stood beside the door, leaning against the wall.
Professor Flitwick drew his wand and sent a quick glance toward Professor McGonagall before he turned back to Harry.
'Are you ready, Mister Potter?' he asked, and Harry drew his own wand.
'Yes.' Harry said as he sunk into a combat posture.
Harry twisted so that he stood side on to the Charms Professor, his wand pointed at the ground. He leaned forward on his forward leg, adopting an aggressive posture which the diminutive Professor opposite him mirrored with a blank face.
McGonagall blinked at the two for a moment before she shook herself and cleared her throat.
'Begin.' She called in her Scottish brogue.
Harry burst into action, taking the initiative, and fired a half dozen flashy concussion spells that splashed harmlessly on Flitwick's shield. Before the smaller man could wrest the initiative off him, Harry transfigured one of the desks against the wall into a wolf and in between sending a handful of distracting spells that resembled muggle flash-bang grenades, he enchanted the wolf to be resistant to magic.
But Flitwick capitalised on Harry's lack of offensive spells and Harry leaped out of the way of a powerful Bludgeoning Hex, which missed him by centimetres.
Harry growled, and the two fell into trading spells and dodging or shielding the other's spells.
Harry sent a mental command to his transfigured wolf, which attacked the Professor from behind, but only got within a few steps of the Duelling Champion.
Thick, sticky webs burst out of the stone floor as if from an invisible bomb and covered the wolf. The wolf struggled inside the web, but could only whimper in dismay.
Harry rolled his eyes and returned to the offensive, momentarily bothered that he had to hold back in these duels.
But then he realised that's what duelling was. It was supposed to be non fatal. He'd been training since he was eleven to fight to survive, to fight to protect his loved ones.
Harry fell on his back to avoid a spell he didn't recognise, so lost in his thoughts as he was. He growled, more at himself than at the situation.
He rolled to the side to avoid another few spells, which splashed on the stone floor where he'd just been.
Harry leapt to his feet and wandlessly levitated a chair behind Flitwick with his off hand, then with a pulling motion, summoned it toward him.
The chair crashed into Flitwick, who released a yelp and fell to the floor, where Harry promptly stunned him.
Harry let out an explosive sigh and leant over, his hands on his knees to catch his breath.
Professor McGonagall cleared her throat.
'Mister Potter, that, that was astounding. I think I will need to revise what I plan to cover in these lessons. Your use of transfiguration and enchanting was impressive, even if it didn't work in the end.' She said.
Harry turned to her with a small grin, still catching his breath.
'Thank you, Professor, though I'm a little disappointed in myself for getting distracted toward the end there.' He admitted, and she narrowed her eyes.
'Yes, I did notice that. Also, how did you manage that piece of wandless magic? I've never seen you use it before.' She asked, and Harry let out a chuckle.
'No, I've tried to keep that a little secret in case it comes in handy in the future.' Harry said, and she gave a small nod.
'Understood Mister Potter, I won't tell a soul outside the three of us.' She declared, and Harry smiled.
'I appreciate that, Professor. Now, shall we wake up our Charms Professor?' Harry asked.
He was sure he saw a small smile on McGonagall's face for a moment.
The weekend came and went with Harry in the Room of Requirement along with Fleur. She taught him how curse breaking worked, using items taken from her work as examples. Together, they worked on their various projects, and their nights spent with each other were just as tiring as their days.
An hour before Fleur was due to leave for work on Monday morning, the two lay in a bed the room provided, and Fleur snuggled into his chest as they relished the last moments together until the next weekend.
'Fleur?' Harry whispered, and she pulled away from where she had been burrowed into his neck.
'Hmm?' she looked at him.
Harry kissed her brow and pulled away. He rolled over to the bedside table the room had provided and opened a drawer.
Fleur crawled up to rest her chin on his shoulder.
''Arry? What are you doing?' she murmured and trailed a hand down his bare arm.
Harry pulled out a small wooden box from the drawer and rolled back toward Fleur. He moved closer to catch her lips in a brief kiss.
'I finished this yesterday and then we got… distracted.' Harry trailed off and Fleur wore a smug grin.
'Oui, we got very… distracted.' She purred, then closed her eyes and stretched beside him.
Harry watched her body and struggled to keep his mind focussed.
It was hard.
Fleur moaned as she finished her stretch, and a shiver ran down Harry's spine.
He growled and kissed her again. This time it lasted for a few minutes, and it only ended when Harry pulled away to look into her eyes.
Fleur wore a hungry expression for a moment before she trailed a hand down his cheek.
'We have time, my love. Do you not want another round before I leave?' she asked.
Harry tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear.
'I finished this yesterday, I figured it might help.' Harry said.
He held the box in front of her and she blinked.
'What is it?' she asked.
'Open it and have a look, I hope you like it.' he said.
Fleur took the wooden box and opened it. Inside sat a silver charm shaped like a heart.
She frowned and met his gaze.
'What does this one do?' she asked.
'This one should allow you more control over your Allure. I've been working on it since last year.' Harry said.
Fleur stared at him for a few seconds, her eyes wide.
'You really finished it? I never thought you would, what with everything else we've been doing.' She breathed.
She turned her gaze to the silver heart shaped charm.
Harry waited a few moments. He watched as she stared at the charm.
'Do you like it?' he asked, doubt creeping into his words.
She remained silent and stared at the charm in her hands.
'Fleur?' he asked.
Fleur blinked and met his gaze.
''Arry. You don't know how much this means to me. To all Veela.' She breathed.
Harry smiled and his gaze fell to the charm.
'We don't know if it works yet.' He murmured.
Fleur leapt on top of him in an instant. She pulled him into a passionate kiss, which lasted a few minutes.
She pulled away to catch her breath.
''Arry. Can you put it on for me?' she asked.
With a smile, Harry reached out to attach the new charm to her charm bracelet. The moment he connected the two together, Fleur gasped.
Harry frowned.
'What? What's wrong?' he asked.
Fleur raised the charm bracelet up in front of her eyes and peered at the jewellery.
'I, I can feel it. I feel, different. Like myself, but more.' She murmured.
Harry's frown deepened.
'It shouldn't have had that much of an effect so quickly.' He said.
Fleur closed her eyes and let out a long breath. Then another, and another.
Harry watched as she breathed. He frowned as he noticed something different about her Allure. He was always aware of its presence, even though it didn't affect him. But now, it seemed stronger, but at the same time, it was more controlled.
She opened her eyes.
''Arry, it worked. Until now, there's always been a part of the Allure that escaped. Like water from a cracked bowl.' She paused, a frown on her face.
Fleur touched the heart shaped charm on her wrist.
'Now it's as if that crack is gone. My Allure is entirely under my control. I never dared to believe that you'd be able to do it.' She breathed.
She turned her gaze to him.
'Can you make one for Gabrielle?' she asked, and Harry nodded.
'It'll take some time, but the process is the same. I'll have to attune the charm to her unique Allure. It won't work if you just give her yours.' He said, and she nodded.
'That's okay. With this, we might finally be able to be treated as normal people and not objects by the world at large.' She said.
Fleur shook her head and met his gaze with a hungry expression.
'We've got about forty minutes before I need to go. I'm going to make them count. You need to be rewarded, my love.' She purred.
He grinned.
Fleur pulled him into a searing kiss.
Forty-five minutes later, Fleur followed Harry under his invisibility cloak out of the castle as he began his morning run around the lake. She gave him a lingering kiss before she crossed the ward line near the edge of the Forbidden Forest and disapparated.
He sat at the Hufflepuff table after his run and heard whispers as students started to trickle into the Great Hall.
Harry waited with a sense of dread in the pit of his stomach until he noticed Holly and Luna enter the Hall and head straight for him.
Each girl took a side.
'Harry, I assume you haven't heard?' Holly whispered, and Harry sighed.
'What did I miss now?' he asked, and she glared at him.
'A sixth year Ravenclaw was found by patrolling prefects last night unconscious in an abandoned classroom with no memory of what happened and with her clothes in disarray.' Holly hissed, and Harry's eyes narrowed.
Luna leant into his ear.
'We heard Harriet Ellesmere is in Madame Pomphrey's care right now. Do you think it might be the Nargles?' she asked, her usually spacey voice so quiet only he heard it.
Harry turned and pulled Luna into a hug. He held her for a few seconds before he released her and turned to Holly.
'Neither of you should walk anywhere in this castle alone or by yourselves. In fact, don't go anywhere in groups less than four or five.' Harry said and tapped his watch while his gaze was locked on Holly's.
Holly paled and her hand brushed over her pendant that was under her robes.
Harry squeezed her leg, then patted Luna's leg and looked up at the head table.
'It's going to be okay.' He whispered and stood from his seat.
'Where are you going?' Holly whispered.
Harry turned back to her and gave her a soft smile.
'To talk to a man about a map.' He said, and Holly's face took on a look of understanding.
She nodded.
Harry strode past the other students sitting at their tables and stopped in front of Professor Flitwick, who put down the piece of bacon he was about to eat.
'Mister Potter, usually this precedes bad news.' Flitwick gestured to each of their positions.
Harry nodded, a grim expression on his face.
'I heard about Harriet Ellesmere, Professor.' Harry whispered.
Flitwick's eyes darted to Holly and Luna, who both sat at the Hufflepuff table, watching their interaction.
Professor Flitwick sighed and wiped his mouth with a napkin.
'Yes, we don't know what happened, only rumours as she doesn't remember anything.' Flitwick said, his voice low.
Harry nodded.
'Are the Professors still using the maps I got for them last year?' he asked, and the little man blinked owlishly for a moment.
'No, we haven't been. Since we came back for this term, they have been somewhat forgotten, I'm afraid.' Flitwick admitted, a thoughtful frown on his face.
'But I appreciate you bringing their continued existence to my attention. I will remind the rest of the staff of the importance of the maps.' Flitwick continued and Harry nodded.
'I'm glad they are getting used.' Harry smiled and, with a final nod from the Professor, went to re-join his friends at the Hufflepuff table.
The next morning, Harry entered the Great Hall beside Susan and Hannah. Harry took a seat beside a pale Daphne while Susan and Hannah sat opposite.
'What's wrong?' Harry asked, and Daphne blinked at him.
'Malfoy.' she whispered.
Harry's eyes narrowed and his jaw clenched.
'What did he do?' Harry whispered and put his hand over Daphne's.
'He was caught outside the common room after curfew with Crabbe, Goyle and Nott.' She said, her blue eyes locked on his.
Harry tensed.
Daphne gripped his hand.
'We lost two hundred points, and I heard some of the other girls talking. They think that maybe it was Malfoy and his friends who attacked Harriet Ellesmere.' She whispered.
Daphne schooled her features a moment later and her usual expression of cold detachment reasserted itself.
She cleared her throat.
'Keep an eye out for those boys. The girls in my dorm believe that Harriet suffered more than being roughed up a little.' Daphne's gaze flicked over to Susan and Hannah.
Susan paled and clutched the charm bracelet Harry had given her in their third year.
A week later, the four Slytherin boys were caught again outside of curfew and lost another two hundred points for Slytherin house. But nobody else was attacked.
October ended, and for the first time since Harry and his friends arrived, Halloween passed uneventfully.
November moved quickly. Harry's time was taken up by training and extra lessons from Flitwick and McGonagall. Most of his Professors gave him advanced work, beyond NEWT level as if he were going for his Mastery in them.
Professor Flitwick, in particular, was ecstatic at Harry's performance.
December began, and Harry stood in the Room of Requirement. He looked at the clock, waiting for Fleur to arrive.
The clock on the wall read eight forty-five pm, on the eighth of December.
He frowned as his pocket vibrated. Harry dug into his robes and pulled out his Potter family mirror.
He looked at it and Holly's face appeared. Tear tracks ran down her cheeks, and she looked miserable.
'Holly? What's wrong? What happened?' he asked.
Harry watched as Holly closed her eyes and wiped her tears with a bandaged hand.
'What happened to your hand? Where are you?' Harry said, and Holly held up a hand to stop him.
'Harry, stop. Just let me talk.' She whispered, and Harry froze.
He stared at the mirror and etched every detail into his Occlumency enhanced mind.
'Harry, I just got out of a detention with Umbridge. She had me write lines.' Holly started, and Harry frowned.
'Wait, why did she pull you into detention? What do you mean lines? What would that accomplish?' Harry asked, and Holly sniffled.
Holly's face moved, like she placed her mirror down onto a desk or bed.
'She insulted you in the middle of her class today. She said you were a cheater and that there's no way that you were able to skip a year without cheating.' Holly said as she unravelled a bandage wrapped around her hand.
'I told her that you were brilliant, that you earned being able to skip a grade. We got into an argument, and she called me a liar for defending you.' She whispered.
The bandage unwound and Harry only saw it for a moment every few seconds as she removed it, layer by layer.
It was red.
The door to the Room of Requirement opened to reveal Fleur as she entered. She wore a beaming smile as she stepped into the room.
But her smile died when she saw his face.
''Arry?' she asked and moved to stand beside him when he motioned to join him with a jerk of his head.
She peered over his shoulder into the mirror with him.
Holly put the back of her hand in front of the mirror.
Carved into the flesh of her hand was a single line.
'I shall not tell lies.'
Harry tensed and Fleur took his free hand in hers.
'Breathe, my love.' She whispered in his ear.
Harry took a deep breath and swallowed his rage.
'Holly. I want you to come up to the Room of Requirement. We'll call mum and dad, and together, we're going to make Umbridge regret the day she stepped foot in this school.' Harry snarled, and Holly blinked.
'Harry? Are you sure? Its past curfew.' She muttered and Harry took another calming breath and squeezed Fleur's hand.
'Yeah, I'm sure. This goes beyond school rules; besides, you know how to use the Disillusionment and Silencing Charms. I'll keep an eye on you with my map as well.' Harry said and Holly sighed.
'Okay. If you're sure.' She nodded and turned off her mirror.
Harry put the mirror in his pocket of his robes and pulled out his map.
He turned to Fleur.
'Sorry, we may have to hold off on practice until this is sorted.' Harry said, and Fleur frowned.
''Arry, don't be silly. This takes precedence. She is your sister, everything else can wait.' She shook her head and brushed a hand through his hair.
'What are we going to do to this Umbridge woman?' she asked.
Harry led Fleur over to a couch and coffee table that appeared with a thought.
He spread the map out on the coffee table and tapped it with his wand.
'I solemnly swear that I am up to no good.' He intoned, and the map activated.
Harry watched Holly's dot leave the Ravenclaw dorms and move toward the central staircase.
He squeezed Fleur's hand.
'I am going to destroy her for harming my family.' Harry declared, his voice low and calm.
She squeezed his hand.
'How?' she asked with a raised eyebrow.
'I have been watching her trying to increase her power in this school, she's up to something. She's playing politics both here and in the Ministry. I'm going to use that to get rid of her.' He said.
Harry's eyes never left Holly's dot on the map as it slowly moved toward the seventh floor.
'Hogwarts House-Elf please.' Harry called and a moment later, one appeared.
'Young Mister Potter sir, what can Kilby help you's with?' it asked, and Harry tore his gaze from the map and looked at the creature.
'Is it possible to have one of the House-Elves keeping an eye on Professor Umbridge at all times that she's in this school?' he asked, and the little creature looked uncomfortable.
'I only ask because the woman has injured my sister, a student here, and I want to make sure she doesn't do it to anyone else.' Harry continued.
The little creature blinked, then its face hardened, taking Harry aback.
'Nasty Professor is harming students?' it asked, its voice losing the usual cheerfulness its race usually held.
Harry nodded.
'My sister is coming here now to show me, and I was hoping that you and the other House-Elves might help us to stop any other students being harmed in this school.' Harry said and the little House-Elf stared at him with narrowed eyes before it nodded.
'We's will help you, young Mister Potter. Just call for us if you need us. One of us will always be watching the nasty Professor.' Kilby said before it disappeared with a pop.
Fleur whistled and quirked an eyebrow at Harry.
'These House-Elves must trust you.' She said, and Harry frowned.
'What do you mean?' he asked, and she rolled her eyes.
'You just asked them to spy on a Professor and they agreed. As far as I am aware, only the Headmaster should be able to order them to spy on a Professor.' She explained, and Harry shook his head and turned back to the map.
'I didn't order them to do anything. I asked. Kilby could have said no.' Harry disagreed and stared at Holly's dot as it entered the seventh-floor corridor from the central staircase.
Fleur laughed.
'Fair enough, all I'm saying is that you have some serious influence with the House-Elves of Hogwarts. Or maybe it's all House-Elves. I know the ones back at Delacour Manor adore you, as do the ones at Potter Manor.' She mused, and Harry glanced at her for a moment and shook his head.
'It's only because I'm polite and respect them. I find its surprisingly rare for people to treat them properly, especially in Britain.' Harry groused and looked up at the door.
The door opened and Holly stepped in. As she closed the door behind her, she sent a small smile to Fleur.
'Do I have you to thank for stopping my stupid, overprotective brother from going off and attacking a Professor?' she asked Fleur and Harry spluttered.
'Hey.' He said, and both girls rolled their eyes.
Fleur turned to him.
''Arry, admit it, you felt the need to punish the vile woman when you first heard.' Fleur said.
Harry opened his mouth to reply but froze, then closed it.
'Yeah, I suppose.' He admitted, and both girls shared smug looks.
Harry cleared his throat and tapped the couch between him and Fleur.
'Come, sit. I'll call mum and dad in a moment.' Harry said and Holly nodded and moved to sit between them.
Fleur shifted to make room and rubbed Holly's back when she sat.
'Oh 'Olly. This looks terrible.' Fleur whispered as she examined the letters carved into the younger girl's hand.
Holly took a breath and winced as she moved her fingers.
'Can you two heal it?' she asked, and Fleur nodded and pulled out her wand.
Holly groaned and shook her head, she pulled her hand out of Fleur's grip, then sighed.
'Wait.' Holly said.
Harry and Fleur stared at her.
'What for?' Fleur asked.
Holly pulled out her family mirror.
'We need to show mum and dad first. I thought about it on the way here. Without evidence, we can't do anything to stop Umbridge from doing it to anyone else.' Holly said.
Harry nodded, and hated that he knew where her thoughts were leading to.
Fleur glared at Harry.
'You want to leave your sister in pain to resolve your need for revenge?' she asked, her ice-blue eyes flashed.
Harry spun to Fleur.
'Never.' Harry snapped.
'Both of you, stop it.' Holly hissed, first looking at Harry, then at Fleur.
Harry blinked and hung his head.
'I'm sorry, both of you.' Harry whispered.
Holly turned to Fleur.
'It's okay, Fleur. While my hand hurts, I'm not dying or anything. This is my idea, if it takes a little pain and discomfort to put a leash on Umbridge, then I will.' She said and looked deep into Fleur's ice-blue eyes.
'Harry, I need your help to pull this off.' Holly said, and turned back to Harry.
'You'll help, right?' she asked.
Harry sighed, then nodded.
'I'm sorry 'Arry, I shouldn't have said that.' Fleur said and Harry shook his head.
'No, you're right. I hate that I am agreeing to this.' Harry admitted, and met Fleur's gaze.
Holly rolled her eyes.
'You two can make it up to each other after we've dealt with this. I know what you two do in here all weekend, and it's not training, not entirely.' Holly said, and Fleur blushed.
Harry cleared his throat and tried to keep the red out of his cheeks.
'So, I'm going to call mum and dad now.' He said, drawing a snicker from Holly.
'Smooth.' she said and Harry huffed.
Harry took a deep breath and let it out, he pulled up his mirror and held it in front of his face.
'James Potter.' He called and a few seconds later, his father's face appeared in the mirror.
'Harry? I didn't think we had a call scheduled. Is everything okay?' James asked.
'Dad, is mum there with you?' Harry asked, and his father blinked.
'Yeah, why didn't you just call her?' James asked, and Harry shook his head.
'Can you just get her; I have Holly and Fleur here, and we need to tell you two about something that's happened here.' Harry said, and James' eyes widened.
'Okay, hold on, I'll go get her.' James said and the mirror's view changed to the ceiling.
Holly frowned.
'Did dad just put the mirror down on a table or something?' she asked, and Harry nodded.
'You did the same thing earlier; I got a good view up your nose for a few minutes.' Harry said and Holly scrunched up her face.
'Remind me to not do that again.' Holly muttered and Fleur laughed.
'I forget that you're not as used to these mirrors as we are 'Olly.' Fleur said and earned a glare from Holly.
Fleur's reply never came as the view on the mirror changed to show both James and Lily, they wore worried expressions.
'Harry? We're both here now, what happened?' Lily said and Harry moved his mirror to show both Holly and Fleur as well.
With a thought, the room provided a small pipe buried in the table and Harry placed the mirrors handle in it so all three of them could be in view of the mirror.
'Long story short, we want you two to come to Hogwarts and confront Umbridge. She attacked Holly with what looks like a blood quill. Holly?' Harry gestured to the mirror and Holly took a deep breath and moved her hand in front of the mirror.
Holly held the back of her hand up near the mirror and judging by the gasps from the mirror, their parents saw the words.
'How dare she do that to my little girl?' Lily hissed.
Holly pulled her hand away from the mirror.
James' red face was twisted in a snarl.
'I'll kill that woman for touching you Holly.' James declared and Holly shook her head.
'No, we have a plan.' Holly said and both James and Lily froze.
'What? What's going on?' James asked.
Holly looked at Harry.
Harry sighed.
'I want you two to come into the school, tomorrow morning during breakfast. We want witnesses. What she has done is illegal, especially to a daughter of an Ancient and Noble House.' Harry said and James sighed.
'Harry, I don't like that you're making sense.' James muttered and Lily lay a hand on his shoulder.
'Go on dear.' Lily said.
Harry ran a hand through his hair.
'If Umbridge has help with her plans from Fudge, this could cause some serious trouble for both of them in the Ministry. Which might help our greater plans.' Harry explained and James grit his teeth.
'I see where you're going with this Harry.' He started; his brown eyes moved to Holly for a moment then back to Harry.
'You want to put your sister on display for political gain?' James asked, his voice low.
Holly growled.
'Dad, its not like that. This is my idea, besides, Harry could have gone in and attacked Umbridge, like you want to. But where would that get him? Azkaban, or a Ministry holding cell.' Holly snapped.
Holly cradled her injured hand with her other one.
'This way, we might be able to remove her from the school for good. I don't think I'm the only student who has suffered this detention either.' Holly said and Lily's eyes shot to her.
'Detention?' Lily asked.
Holly sighed.
'Yeah, Umbridge insulted Harry in my class and I wasn't going to stand for it. We got into an argument, and she gave me detention where I wrote this line at least a hundred times.' Holly said, looking down at her hand.
James growled deep in his throat and turned his gaze from Holly to Harry.
'I'm in for this plan of yours. Tell me everything.' James said.
Harry ran a hand down his face.
'Okay, here's what we'll do.' He began.
The next morning was a Saturday and Harry sat in the Great Hall at the Hufflepuff table, surrounded by his friends. Holly sat beside him with her hand bandaged.
Students gave Harry odd looks.
Holly smirked and leant in toward him.
'They know something is happening, I don't think you've ever been in the Great Hall on a weekend without Fleur.' She whispered and Harry rolled his eyes.
'Oh, hush you. Now, the show should be starting soon.' Harry muttered.
Daphne cocked her head to the side.
'Is there a reason why you're joining us this morning for breakfast? This isn't normal.' She remarked and Harry quirked an eyebrow.
'Holly had a detention with Umbridge last night, she was injured, and our parents are due here any minute.' Harry said and Daphne's eyes widened and turned to Holly.
'That pink monstrosity hurt you?' Daphne breathed and Holly raised her bandaged hand.
'It's okay, I'm going to get it healed after breakfast.' Holly said.
Holly turned to Harry and leant closer to his ear.
'Where's Fleur?' she asked, and Harry smirked.
'She's under my invisibility cloak by the head table. Dumbledore is giving her a strange look right now.' Harry whispered and Holly turned to look up at the head table and smothered a snort.
Dumbledore frowned at a space past Professor Snape who looked uncomfortable, likely assuming that the Headmaster was frowning at him.
Then the doors to the Great Hall burst open, James and Lily Potter strode in. Gasps filled the Hall as the two stalked toward the head table, bypassing Dumbledore and went straight to Umbridge.
James slammed his hands on the table, knocking over the pink clad woman's cup of tea.
Harry watched with narrowed eyes, he could see the magic coming off his father, it was radiating from him. He thought for a moment, and likely the only one who could generate the same or more power was Dumbledore, who was no longer frowning at Fleur under Harry's invisibility cloak.
'Dolores Jane Umbridge. How dare you use a blood quill on our daughter? As Senior Undersecretary to the Minister, you should know that they are only used to sign legally binding documents in the Ministry or Gringotts.' He roared.
Lily put a hand on his shoulder and glared at the pale woman.
'If you put so much as a foot out of line, the Ancient and Noble House of Potter will take legal action against you, and if the Minister is involved in your petty vendetta, then him as well.' Lily hissed, though her voice carried throughout the Great Hall.
James' lip twitched.
'Do not push me on this, or you will find that your fathers' old job as a Janitor will soon be yours.' James growled and Umbridge paled.
James turned to Dumbledore.
'Keep your staff on a leash Headmaster, this is her only warning. She won't get another.' James declared and turned away.
Lily took his hand and together, the two stormed out of the Great Hall, James gave a wink to Harry and Holly as they passed.
As soon as James and Lily left the Hall, Dumbledore stood.
'Mister and Miss Potter, will you join me in my office?' the Headmaster called.
Harry turned to Holly, who nodded.
Harry stood and helped Holly up with her uninjured hand. He turned to Dumbledore and nodded.
'Of course sir, we'll make out way there now.' He said and led Holly out of the Great Hall.
Harry stood in front of the Gargoyle that blocked the entrance to the Headmaster's office, Holly beside him.
'That seemed to go well.' Holly said and Harry smiled at her.
'So far, though I think she won't accept the limitations on her, I think that she'll lash out at us.' Harry mused but paused as Dumbledore strode toward them from down the corridor, Umbridge trailed along behind him, her face was almost purple.
'This could be interesting.' He whispered before Dumbledore approached them.
Dumbledore looked at the Gargoyle.
'Smarties.' He said, and the Gargoyle leapt to the side.
'Come, let us speak in my office.' Dumbledore said and stepped past them onto the newly revealed staircase.
Harry held Holly's uninjured hand and followed suit, behind them stomped the pink clad woman whose red face resembled an eggplant.
Once inside the Headmasters Office, Dumbledore conjured three overstuffed chairs opposite his desk and he sat, steepling his fingers in front of his face.
'Lemon drop?' the old man offered and both Harry and Holly shook their heads, Umbridge only glared at the two students.
After a few moments Umbridge growled.
'Are you going to discipline these two delinquents, Headmaster?' she hissed, and Dumbledore turned a raised eyebrow at her.
'What for my dear?' Dumbledore asked and gestured toward Holly's hand.
'I have witnessed nothing untoward from the two of them. It was their parents who made a scene.' The ancient wizard said and looked at Holly.
'Can you please remove the bandage?' he asked.
Holly looked to Harry, who nodded.
Harry watched as she unwound the bandage, once again, the fabric was stained red.
Dumbledore stilled as he saw the raw wound.
'I shall not tell lies? Dolores, would you care to explain?' Dumbledore asked, his voice low and did nothing to contain the wrath hidden deep inside it.
Umbridge's face twisted in a scowl.
'How am I supposed to know what foolish children will do to themselves in their hormone addled angst?' the pink woman shrugged.
Harry glared at her.
'So, you deny the Potter's accusations that you forced Miss Potter here to use a blood quill during a detention?' Dumbledore asked, his voice cold.
'Of course I do, its blatantly untrue.' Umbridge shook her head.
'I don't know what I did to earn the ire of these two children, perhaps telling lies is something they picked up from their parents.' Umbridge offered.
Harry clenched his fist under the table, on his lap and resisted the urge to injure the horrid woman.
Dumbledore sighed and looked between Harry, Holly and Umbridge.
'I believe that this meeting is over. I don't want to hear of this any further, from any of you.' Dumbledore said and Umbridge stamped to her feet and stalked out of the room.
Harry watched her go and turned to Dumbledore.
'Are you sure Headmaster?' Harry asked and Dumbledore turned cold eyes on him.
'Mister Potter, you are playing a dangerous game in my school. How you managed to talk your parents into it is beyond me. But be careful, you are playing for larger stakes that you realise.' Dumbledore warned, and gestured to the door.
In the Room of Requirement a few minutes later, Harry knelt beside Holly who sat on a couch.
Fleur knelt on her other side.
Fleur waved her wand over the wound and muttered words that Harry couldn't make out, though he knew the spells she was using.
Holly turned to him.
'I thought you two could cast silently?' she whispered, and Harry smiled at her.
'We can, its just that some spells work better when used audibly, and healing your hand is something we want to do properly.' Harry explained and Holly smiled.
'Thank you, both of you.' Holly said, flexing her hand after Fleur tucked away her wand, her healing complete.
Fleur smiled.
'I'm glad we finally healed it; I wasn't comfortable leaving it for this long.' She said and Holly pulled her into an embrace.
'Thank you Fleur, you've left no trace of it, you're amazing.' She gushed and ran a finger over where the words had been.
Fleur's eyes twinkled.
'Any time 'Olly. You are like a sister to me and seeing you in pain is not something I want to see again.' She said and squeezed Holly against her.
Fleur turned to Harry.
'Was your scheme worth it?' she asked, her voice held a slight chill.
Harry sighed and Holly gripped his hand.
'Yes, my plan did. That vile woman will think twice before she harms anyone else, and while she'll certainly do it again, we'll be ready.' Holly said and kissed Harry's cheek.
'This is going to work Harry, don't doubt yourself. I believe in you.' Holly said and took a breath.
Holly stood and stepped away from the two.
'I'm going to go fill the others in on everything that's happened.' Holly said and looked between Harry and Fleur.
'I don't like how distant you two are. Work it out, please?' Holly asked and Harry met her eyes and nodded, followed by Fleur.
'Okay. Bye guys, thanks for everything.' Holly grinned and ran out of the Room of Requirement.
Harry sighed and turned to Fleur.
'I'm sorry.' They both said at the same time.
They laughed.
Harry took her hand.
'Fleur, I know what you mean. Now that I'm looking at this whole thing from an outside perspective, that is exactly how it looks.' He admitted and looked down at her hand in his.
'And that makes me feel horrible. I've spent my whole life trying to protect Holly from danger, and then this happens. Her plan was the only way I could see to stop it from happening again that had even a reasonable chance of success.' Harry said, a severe frown on his face.
'Well murdering the woman probably would have worked, but that's different from accidentally hurting or killing them.' Harry whispered.
Fleur raised his hands to her lips.
'No Harry, murdering the woman would not have worked. This was the best way to deal with the situation, I just don't like what it means. I think we may have to make harder choices than this to fix the world like we plan to.' She whispered.
Harry nodded.
Fleur kissed his knuckles.
'You didn't murder her; you know that right?' Fleur said.
Harry blinked.
'The future me. You didn't murder her. It was an accident, and she wanted to die after giving you her warning.' Fleur whispered.
A tear slid down Harry's cheek.
'I still killed her; it was my spell.' He whispered; bitterness hung heavy in his heart.
Fleur cupped his face with her hands, letting his fall to his lap.
'Harry, listen to me. I love you, if I thought, even for an instant that you meant to harm my future self, I wouldn't be with you. She is gone, but she gave us the chance to change the future for the better.' She said and pressed her forehead to his.
Harry took a deep breath before he released it.
'You're right, I'm sorry.' He said.
Fleur wrapped him in a tight embrace.
'Now, we're behind schedule, we have a lot to do before I leave.' Fleur kissed his cheek and Harry forced a smile on his face.
'You're right, lets get to work.' He agreed and stood.
A week passed and Harry heard nothing from the House-Elves watching Umbridge. He spent another weekend with Fleur in the Room of Requirement and after seeing her off during his morning run, Harry sat at the Hufflepuff table.
Harry watched with a frown as Hermione made her way to him. She sat down beside him, and he saw her eyes were red and she looked like she hadn't slept.
'Hermione, what's wrong?' he asked, keeping his voice low.
Hermione ran a hand through her messy hair.
'Mister Weasley was attacked last night, and Neville saw it in a vision. Neville thinks Mister Weasley was guarding something at the Department of Mysteries.' She blurted and Harry blinked.
'Is he all right?' Harry asked and Hermione closed her eyes and took a breath.
'He's in Saint Mungo's right now, the Weasley's are there with him, same with Neville.' She explained and Harry nodded.
He put a hand on her back and rubbed it in circles as their other friends started to enter the Great Hall.
'Maybe you should stick close to us until the end of term. I assume you'll be going to stay with the Weasleys over the holidays?' he asked, and she nodded.
Harry smiled at her.
'Mister Weasley will be fine, magical medicine is really quite versatile. If something doesn't kill you outright, magic will usually get you fit and healthy within a week.' He said, then frowned.
'With a few exceptions of course.' He added and Hermione frowned at him.
'Moody?' she asked, and Harry laughed.
'Moody.' He agreed.