Daunting Decisions – Chapter 3 (Revelations)

The first thing that Harry noticed one morning was the absence of Umbridge at the Head Table. She wasn't as early as some of the other professors, namely Professor McGonagall and Professor Snape. So, it wasn't a surprise to see those professors there when he walked in the door. But it was still a noticeable difference.

It did make Harry think that something did happen.

And Harry wasn't the only one that noticed her sudden absence. The Gryffindor had noticed that many eyes glanced over to the Head Table. Some of them being able to hide their surprise, others not so much.

Harry's eyes wandered over to Graham at the Slytherin Table, he was currently eating. But he didn't once see him glance over to notice the missing faculty member. It made Harry wonder if the Slytherin already knew that she was missing, or he honestly didn't care to look over there. He figured that he could always question the Slytherin about it later. But first he had Transfiguration with Professor McGonagall.

That was a class nobody wanted to miss. Professor McGonagall had a no-nonsense reputation for a reason.

But for the first time that year, Harry wished he had Defense that morning, maybe then he could find out if she was indeed missing or not.

Well… maybe not… because Professor McGongall was doing a refresher for the upcoming OWLS. And Harry probably needed all the practice he could get before the actual exam.

It wouldn't be until Harry had a free period, the only reason he had that was because of when he dropped Divination. And he had never bothered to add another elective in its place. But he decided to seek out Graham now instead of waiting till the evening.

It wasn't that hard to find him. Usually Harry tried for the library first, since he was in his seventh year. Which meant he had to study for NEWTS. From there they made their way towards an abandoned corridor. It wouldn't be filled with students until the next bell rang.

"Did you notice that Umbridge wasn't at any of the meals?" Harry asked.

"Do you ever read the Prophet?" Graham raised an eyebrow at him.

Harry glared at him, "why would I do that?! So, I can hear more lies about myself..."

Graham rolled his eyes, "if you had, maybe you would have known the Goblins took her yesterday."

"Wait…So, she's not coming back?" Harry tried to make his voice not sound too hopeful. By Graham's amused look, he failed.

"Nobody makes it back once you violate a Goblin sanctioned matter."

Harry's eyes went wide, he didn't think it was in horror. Because he still didn't feel sorry for her. She had tortured him with that quill and even attempted the Cruciatus Curse on him. If anyone thought he should feel guilty, he didn't in the slightest.

"Do you think something will happen to her?"

Graham smirked, "of course."

Though it was a few hours later that Graham commented something to him.

"Maybe there is some Slytherin in you, after all. Here I thought the hat must be mistaken in your first year."

Harry had a slight blush; he knew that Graham was complimenting him in his own way. That was said before he was dragged into a kiss.

It wouldn't be until the following morning that he would know more about what happened to Umbridge. As well as the entire school. And not a single student had a Defense class that day.

Hogwarts Inquisitor Faces Goblin Inquisition

In a bizarre twist of events, Dolores Jane Umbridge, Hogwarts High Inquisitor, former Senior Under Secretary to the Minister of Magic, was taken into custody by the goblins of Gringotts last night after violating a number of goblin laws and regulations. Ms. Umbridge will be beheaded by goblin officials if found guilty by the Goblin High Court. The Daily Prophet will be following this story closely, as will the Minister for Magic, Cornelius Fudge, who was rushed to St Mungo's last night in a state of shock at the news.

Harry laid the paper down on the table, he blinked several times. As if he couldn't believe what he just read. One thing, Graham hadn't been wrong. And he knew that the goblins wouldn't allow her actions to go unpunished. He had known that for years, though having Graham's point of view did help get a better understanding of that. Though the Slytherin had probably been dealing with goblins his entire life and he actually learned about them before he turned eleven.

The Gryffindor's eyes glanced over to Graham, who was still reading the same paper that he just finished. He didn't even try to look over at his friends.

"What laws and regulations?" Hermione wondered out loud.

Nobody answered her, maybe that was because none of the Gryffindors actually knew, besides Harry. And he wasn't going to tell her, not yet anyways. Knowing her, she would be able to figure it out without anyone saying a word to her.

Harry locked eyes with Neville, he gave a slight nod at him. He realized with a jolt that Neville knew why. Did Umbridge force him to write with that Blood Quill? He hoped not. But with the amount of Gryffindors that were forced to write with that quill, it was very likely he was in that number. He knew that Fred and George had, but that was before they left the school. He wondered if they knew about Umbridge's fate.

Harry decided to excuse himself and make it out of the Great Hall. He didn't have to look to know that Graham followed him. He was greeted with a hot kiss and left with a dopey smile.

"I think I can get used to that," Harry grinned at him.

Graham snorted, though he had a hint of a smile on his lips.

"You knew this would happen," Harry stated.

"I had an idea. Once you reported it to them, I knew they wouldn't leave the matter alone. Not only did she somehow get her hands on an official artifact of the bank. She also harmed one of their top clients."

Harry nodded; Graham had already explained this to him. That had been one of the reasons for the thank you letter. Had it been anyone else, they wouldn't haven't even graced him with a letter. That wasn't to say they would brush the matter aside like the Ministry would have. The reason for the letter was because he was such a valued client to Gringotts and the bank. Though Harry felt a little of it had to due with that he actually showed respect to them every time he went to the bank. Most wizards and witches believed they were beneath them. Which didn't make sense to him, they handled their money, why wouldn't you show respect to them.

"Do you think she'll be beheaded?"

"Without a doubt. You may see an article about it in the next few days," Graham smirked.

Harry thought he was going to be sick when that article finally hit the paper. Because there was an image taken of the beheaded professor. He didn't even need to read the article for what it said. Because the image had been enough to tell him, and he knew he would never get that image out of his mind.

But it was obvious what the ruling was in the case at the Goblin High Court. If Harry was thankful for one thing, that woman would no longer be able to torture himself or any other student.

The Ministry did appoint another professor in place of Umbridge. Harry was just glad that it was someone he actually knew. Something he would mention to Graham later.

The Slytherin rolled his eyes, "after what happened, did you really expect them to allow the Minister to choose another for the Defense position?"

Harry's cheeks tinted pink.

"Thought as much. Madam Bones was the one to appoint someone to fill in until the end of the year. I am not surprised that she would choose one of her Aurors, at least they know what the expectations of such a position."

Harry nodded; he knew what he meant. Considering Professor McGonagall had been the one to tell him that a NEWT in Defense was required to be an Auror. And he actually didn't mind this one, they were nothing like Umbridge. Though the different colored hair could be considered to be a bit of a distraction. But at least maybe he could pass his OWLS this year. But he wasn't sure if being an Auror was what he wanted anymore. But he still had 2 more years to fully decide on that.

Harry let his eyes shift closed before kissing Graham. This was one thing he was going to miss next year. Since Graham was graduating, but hopefully the Hogsmeade weekends would rectify that. But he didn't think he would ever be tired of feeling Graham's lips and body against his.

But right now, he didn't want to think of his exams in the next few weeks. He didn't want to think of Umbridge or the Goblins. He wanted a distraction and he knew that Graham wouldn't mind one bit.

As if proven right, Harry felt a pair of arms wrap around his waist. He definitely could get used to this.