Hey everyone,
BLEEDING MOTHER OF MERLIN, SAVE ME NOW! BLAST THIS CHAPTER FROM THE BOOKS! DELIVER ME FROM THE HORRIBLE TERROR THAT IS UMBRIDGE AND HER NATURAL ABILITY TO MAKE ME HATE HER BASED ON HER CHARACTER, EGO AND BLASTED BEING ALONE.
Okay, rant over,
Venquine1990
PS. Sorry if that annoyed you, had to do it.
Chapter 28
Harmonious Problems
13th of August 1995
Longbottom Hall
Augusta's POV
It really is a sad day in the existence of the Alliance when its members actually need several glares and even a mention or two of either blackmail or a debt or two to gather at its once former place of glory and I definitely feel nothing but loathing for what it currently stands for, glad beyond words that Charlus isn't here to see this.
"I cannot believe you lot." I snarl at them as they all sit in small groups together and mutter in such volume I can't really hear all they say, but can easily hear the words of contempt aimed at the Heir to this place as well as their tones of disrespect and say: "And here I was thinking your parents taught you basic respect.
You are in the house of the Leader of this alliance and you don't even have the decency to keep your contempt at home? You think so high of yourself and so low of the, until recently, orphaned Heir to this very alliance that you dare enter his place and speak with each other as if it's your home instead of his? You are that arrogant?"
And luckily enough do at least some of those around me have the decency to look ashamed, but then another, Lord Elderon Smith, snaps: "And why should we show any – ahem respect to someone who shows no interest in the Alliance in the first place, Augusta?" To which I force him into sitting down with a furious glare and say:
"First off, Elderon, you are at the bottom of the food chain when it comes to this Alliance, so show those higher up and who have proven they care for the Alliance some decent respect. Also, isn't it the job of the lowest in the Alliance to inform the unknowing members? So why has your son been failing in his righteous duty, huh?"
And the man shrinks down, having obviously believed that I had somehow forgotten this rule or something and I snap: "I didn't earn my reputation by sitting behind a pair of begonias, as you well know." And the man nods before I say: "Now onto two problems that are currently at hand and are soon to happen."
And instantly I have everyone's attention and I decide to be as stern and tough as these people know me to be as I ask: "Tell me, whose family does this House belong to?" And Amos Diggory answers: "The Most Noble and Most Ancient House of Potter." At which I nod and I ask: "And who almost massacred said Ancient House?"
At which many of those around me shudder, but I glare at them all, daring them to answer and again it's Amos who speaks: "Voldemort, the same monster who ordered the death of my poor Cedric. Don't worry, Augusta, I know where you're headed and you're right. Just like about my son's murderer, Harry would never lie of this either.
It's Skeeter and, through Skeeter, Fudge who is the liar and – if it weren't for the financial war that was won by the Purebloods since 1985 –." At this I nod as I know there are plenty enough here who are losing more and more of the inheritance they want to pass onto their Heirs due to this horrible war and I say:
"I understand, Amos, and trust me, neither Lord Potter, Lord Black, I myself, my grandson Neville, Heir Sora, my grandson Riku or Heir Harry are going to leave that at what it is for much longer. I'm just glad that war never reached the families of those in the Alliance who currently rely on their Heirs like House Potter."
At this the others nod and then Lord Pardeshi Patill asks: "So he's – he's really back?" And I nod before the man says: "Then I need to make sure Lord Potter agrees to a marriage contract with Padma or Parvati at earliest convenience." And while this shocks me, do I notice that several others who have daughters seem to think the same.
"Sorry, my dear friends, but you are too little too late with that. Heir Potter is already engaged by Veela bond to three different men and they are both quite loving of him and very possessively protective of the boy as well. So, even if he weren't engaged, it doesn't seem as if any of your girls would ever catch his eye."
This shocks the men around the room and I take a deep breath before I say: "Now, onto the problem that our Heirs and Heiresses may come to experience if we don't take action sooner rather than later. Fudge is about to go so far, he will go way beyond going too far. He will pass that line so far, he will forget what it looks like."
"How will he do that?" Amelia asks and I say: "He plans to have Dolores Jane Umbridge, his Secretary, take on the DADA position." This confuses the others and I nod at them to acknowledge their confusion as I say: "Now this wouldn't be a problem – if Dorea Potter hadn't written up a contract for Umbridge.
One where she would be granted acceptable N.E.W.T. scores if in return she promised never to return to Hogwarts again. See where I'm getting at?" And instantly everyone nods and Amos says: "Fudge is planning to not just slander Heir Potter, he's planning to slander the entire Ancient House by going against this contract."
And I nod as I say: "Now, we only have another two to three weeks of holiday left – and even less if you take the new Ministerial Decree into account, so we need to take action. At the current moment Lord Potter is a bit busy, but once he is ready, I will inform him of the Financial war issue and we will come with a solution.
However, I do have an idea of my own." Here everyone looks at me and I say: "Lord Potter helping all of you at the same time will just further feed Fudge's crazy beliefs that either Dumbledore or Potter are trying to overthrow him and whatnot, but if Lord Potter were to just keep the help to one of you, at least for now –."
And instantly Amelia says: "Then that person can quit their job at the Ministry, temporarily live off the help of House Potter and then take the DADA position before Fudge can try and throw Umbridge in." And I nod as I say: "We just need to make sure that Albus himself takes full credit for the hiring part of all this."
"Why is that?" Amos asks and I answer: "Because Albus has years of experience dealing with people thinking him power hungry, mad and whatnot. Heir Potter, who Fudge will chose to target over his mother, Lord Potter, does not and does not deserve such treatment." At which all of the others nod and Lord Jason Abbott asks:
"How do we convince Albus of this?" At which I answer: "Leave that to Alastor and me. Also, please know that Albus has been banned from Potter property due to his stubborn belief that, even now that things are improving, they should go back to how he planned them to go. More details later." At which the Alliance nods, while shocked.
A little later
In the arena
Harry's POV
It's one thing to know that your House's mascot is a lion, it's a whole other to see your House's mascot turn to life in the form of a handsome, strong male lion with tan-colored fur all over his body, bar his stomach and with gorgeous auburn red mane. The great beast looks and even breaths every bit the king of the jungle.
He then looks at Sora and asks: "Kairi said your brother needs to feel like a true lion. Where is he?" And my brother motions for me, the lion itself nodding, while some of us are shocked at hearing it actually speak and dad mutters: "This is so unlike us being Animagus." And mum nods as Simba comes over.
And while he makes sure that dad and I are still seated close against each other, does the lion then lie himself so that I can lean against him and lies his head on my lap, allowing me to softly run my hand through his soft, thick mane, which I just know will be a great relief for me if the rest of this book continues down the current trend.
Then I hear Kairi grunt in disgust and I look at her as she says: "Next chapter is all about that blasted woman we heard about in last chapter. Her name is even in the title." And this instantly makes me grip onto the mane of the lion as she sighs and says: "Might as well get used to it." Before Kingsley reaches out and says:
"Just let me read, Kairi. I got more and more used to – well, her – since I started growing as an Auror." And the red-haired girl gives him a look of pitying comfort as she hands him the book, the man actually snickering as he says: "I didn't say I deal with her on a daily basis." At which I think: "Lucky you." As he starts to read.
Professor Umbridge
Seamus dressed … his socks.
"Is he a member of your pack?" The Lion asks, but I shake my head and say: "Not in the way you think. I do have my pack right here, but the boy read about is part of a group I share a room with when studying magic. By the way, what is your name?" And the Lion answers: "I'm Simba." At which we all nod as Kingsley reads on.
"Does he … of sight.
"They think you a nutter?" Simba asks shocked and I sigh as Sora answers: "This world is like a huge pack with smaller packs divided over the entire pack. And unfortunately the king of the pack believes he can have the whole pack believe that my little brother lies about the killer of his aunt." Which shocks the lion greatly.
He then stands up and moves slightly out of the arena until he has one of his front legs set on the top of the stands and he breaths in before letting out a roar that shocks me with how furiously powerful it sounds before he goes back to lying with me. Yet while he seems calmed, do I get the feeling that the roar has a hidden meaning.
At the same time
Fudge's POV
So much has been going wrong since Potter got his mother back and the queen decided to break the Statute of Secrecy and interfere with matters that weren't hers to deal with and I can only grumble about everything else that has been going wrong since that meeting when suddenly I get a shock unlike any other this summer.
The door to my office opens by some kind of magic I have never felt before and then, before I can do more than try to move out of my seat to wonder who could have done that, do I get forced back into my throne-like chair – that looks more regal than Dumbledore's at Hogwarts – by a ferocious and feral sounding roar of a lion.
And while the fact that a sound like that could have the magic to open my door without anyone being there confuses me and while the feral sound of the roar scares me, do I actually feel it reach deep inside me and to my shock do I feel a form of magic attack my own, as if the roar is challenging me to fight back or something.
I focus onto my – admittedly – weak core and try to empower it with all of the fury, annoyance and rage that Dumbledore and Potter have been causing, but then get shocked as the former actually does strengthen my chances against the attack, yet the latter instantly takes away my advantage and I instantly change my focus.
"Dumbledore! He's the cause behind all this! He's just useless! He's trying to overthrow me and with that undo all the hard work I have been trying to accomplished over the last five years. He is such a hypocrite! He can never have my job. He will never be able to do what I have managed, even with how unpopular I am."
And as I think this, using these thoughts to fight back against the challenge of the roar, do I realize something: "Dumbledore is slandering Potter. He is letting me slander a fifteen year old. He is encouraging me to publicly humiliate and destroy the image of a young teenage boy. And he's the boy's Headmaster to boot!"
And that thought seems to do the trick as the roar finally dies out, yet I still feel crazily weakened and realize that the battle between us ended on a stale and that it was just my new reason to hate Dumbledore but stop hating Potter that made sure I didn't lose. And with that do I lounge back in my chair, panting in exhaustion.
Back at the arena
Harry's POV
"The enemy of my enemy is my friend. Well done, Simba." Kairi suddenly says as if she can sense something and the lion smirks as we look at him and he says: "I challenged your leader to see if he would cease his slandering of you or not. Seems he has given in on that request." And this shocks me as Kingsley continues reading.
"Don't worry … to take?
"No more, pup. At least not in here anymore." Dad tells me as he pulls me close against his side and then Lady Longbottom says: "Especially considering the fact that you now have the whole Alliance backing you up which is about 80% of your year mates." This makes me smile at the two of them in relief as Kingsley reads on.
"What's the … own risk.)
"Do you have a contract set up for whoever decides to agree on this, boys? Or perhaps an agreement with Poppy that she will heal whatever goes wrong?" Mr. Weasley asks, but the twins look at each other and then smile at him as Fred says: "Dad, trust me when I say, we got this." And before his father can speak, George says:
"Also, knowing Prefect Hermione, she is going to try and interfere and we will probably, sooner or later, prove that we have it covered. We promise." At this the man nods, while Hermione glares at them, but then Ron whispers: "Don't bother, it's just a matter of different interests." And the girl sighs as Kingsley continues reading.
"They are … them, Ron."
"Hermione, sweetie, you're trying too hard. First off, Ron needs to first prove his worth as Prefect on others before Fred and George respect either him or the title enough to listen to him and second, you've only been Prefect for less than a day; you don't have a reputation to which they will listen." Bill tells the girl, who snaps:
"But it's –." But then I say: "Hermione, don't treat that title the same way Percy did." And the girl looks at me shocked as I say: "To you, title means respect. To the twins, proving you've earned or can earn the title means respect. They haven't had any positive figure heads to prove that Prefect title deserves respect, so they don't respect it."
"But – but – but –." Hermione stutters and I frown before I sigh and say: "Hermione, you've been raised to trust in adults, because your year mates were always bullies. I was raised to distrust adults because they always motivated my year mates to be bullies. And the twins have been raised with adults that were – mediocre.
And with that I mean Mrs. Weasley, Dumbledore and his supposedly great reputation, McGonagall who doesn't even come true on her own duties as Head of House and their closest older brother, who put so much power behind certain titles and reputations, they sound stupid in the ears of pranksters like Fred and George.
It's just a matter of how one gets raised and what their personalities are like. And in my eyes, a good leader, be they Prefect, Head of House or even Minister, learns about these matters of upbringing and character and adepts both his rule book and his care for those under him to those matters. That, to me, truly earns respect."
By now Hermione has her mouth wide open in shock and then the twins chorus: "WHY THE HECK AREN'T YOU PREFECT?" And instantly I turn beat red as Simba says: "You certainly are a king I would love to follow." Which makes me feel even more touched and embarrassed and while others nod in agreement, does Kingsley read on.
Ron looked … of thing!"
"No, it's up to you to make sure they do this responsibly, not stop it all together." Ariel mutters and the twins smile at her in gratitude as they chorus: "Like we said, we've got this covered." Yet I can already see that Hermione just doesn't want to believe this, which makes me really worry for her stubbornness as Kingsley reads on.
Ron said … with dignity.
"Which is utterly stupid and hypocritical." Neville mutters and instantly he has everyone's attention as Hermione asks: "So you don't think Harry was wrong to yell at me like that?" But Neville answers: "No, I just think it's about time that Harry treats you the same way you do him." Which shocks the girl and quickly Kingsley reads on.
Then she … and trust –'"
"Yeah, and telling friends not to write each other, continuing to inspire a Minister to slander a fifteen year old and telling Order members to be more afraid of being cautious than actually doing their appointed jobs really proves that Dumbledore still remembers his own words." Sora snarls to himself at which Kingsley sighs and reads on.
"How do … Hermione crossly.
"And now we will probably get to see exactly what I meant earlier. Those two are fighting, so it's only a matter of time." Neville grumbles at which I sigh as I know exactly what he means, but think: "What can I do about it? I don't want to speak up and lose my friends, but –." Yet instead of thinking further, do I listen to Kingsley reading.
They had … Harry sarcastically.
"I usually sleep in on the first morning, you know." Luna suddenly says and this makes me look up at her, having kind of forgotten that she was there because of the whole thing with Ron and Hermione and I smile at her as she says: "I believe He Who Must Not Be Named is back and I believe you fought him and escaped from him."
At this everyone else also smiles at the girl and Simba says: "You have good pack members. A bit disorganized here and there, but your pack is strong, I can tell." And while the fact that he hints at calling me the leader of the pack makes me fight a blush, do I also fight down tears of relieved gratitude as Kingsley reads on.
They followed … being here."
"Then he should have mentioned it. Anyone who's been at Hogwarts for even two years will notice it and question it and not giving that information will just arouse suspicion, which will feed Umbridge's determination to spy." Tonks groans to herself and Moody growls: "Albus, what are you thinking?" As Kingsley reads on.
"What d'you … Quidditch Captain."
"WHAT IS DUMBLEDORE'S BLEEDING PROBLEM?" The twins suddenly chorus and when we look at them, George says: "Angelina gets send to the Hospital Wing for Calming Draught every year when exams start approaching. Having her focus on N.E.W.T.s and Captaincy? We're going to get a second Oliver – maybe even worse!"
At this I cringe as I just know this will be another thing I will worry about in the book, but then dad mutters: "I wonder. Who would you have picked as Team Captain, boys?" And the twins instantly chorus: "Harry." Shocking me and Hermione asks: "But you just said it was a bad idea for Angelina to do it and Harry has O.W.L.s."
But the twins roll their eyes and Fred says: "But Harry isn't Angelina." And George goes on: "And Quidditch is something Harry finds relief in." Then Fred goes on: "So giving Harry a lead position on something he can relax with." And the twins chorus: "Can only help him and send a positive message of supporting Harry to the crowd."
And the astounded look Hermione gives the two only further reminds me of how stubborn she looked before when the twins told us they got things covered when it comes to their advertisement and I bite my lip, wondering when my best friend turned so judgmental of people who could help and support me as Kingsley reads on.
"Nice one … fit in."
"She should have told him that in the common room. Now that she did it in the Great Hall, it will give teachers who don't like Harry – like Snape and Umbridge – the knowledge to decide when to give him detention." Tonks mutters and Hermione asks: "Didn't you just slander Dumbledore for not remembering his own words?"
Yet to this Tonks retorts: "There's showing support and there's being cautious, Hermione. And when it comes to things like this, those two can easily be merged together and they would have been if she had told him this somewhere private. It would have proven Angelina knew that Harry was being watched." To which Hermione yelps:
"But she's not supposed to know that! Even Harry didn't!" At which Kingsley, Tonks, Moody and even Ron groan and Ron says: "Hermione, she meant that Harry was being watched by those who want to make his life miserable by taking him chances to make him happy." And the girl turns red in shame as Kingsley reads on.
"Okay," said … one day!
"It's official, the teachers have lost it. Who plans four classes that are known to have the worst reputation of all in one day? Are they trying to exhaust the students even before the week is halfway through or something?" Dad asks in shock and the other adults all seem to share in his disagreement as Kingsley continues reading.
I wish … a kipper.
Yet here Mr. Weasley glares at his sons and says: "Fred, George, there's messing with your little brother and there's endangering his health. And willingly selling him something you know isn't safe yet; that doesn't prove that you got this covered." At this the twins cringe and mutter their apologies as Kingsley continues reading.
"Cheers," said … Ron hastily.
And the boy in question says the same thing here, to which Hermione snarls: "Ron, you can't expect me to take those two on by myself." Yet to this Mr. Weasley glares at her and says: "No, but neither can you constantly force him into confrontations he doesn't want." And the girl looks at this shocked as Kingsley reads on.
Hermione glared … George sniggered.
"Thanks for helping me get them to respect us, Ron." Hermione mutters, but then Luna says: "You can't force respect by constantly interfering and roping others into doing your bidding, you know." "What do you know?" Hermione snarls at her, yet by now I am done and say: "Just knock it off already, Hermione."
And the girl looks at me as if I just destroyed her dream, but I glare at her and say: "You're the one in the wrong here, Hermione, and not even your Prefect status makes you right about this. Don't let your stubbornness overwhelm your sense of justice." And while the girl keeps looking at me as if I just spoke Chinese, does Kingsley read on.
"You'll be … said George.
"May I ask where the powder came from?" Dad asks and Fred answers: "We made it ourselves, though we practiced the recipe forty-three times before we did this." At this dad nods in acceptance as the twins chorus: "And we use the same precaution for all things pranking." At which their dad smiles at them as I read on.
"Oh yeah … academic achievement."
Yet by now I have been staring at my two mates intensely ever since they started about Fifth year and O.W.L.s and when the twins chorus: "What's wrong, Harry?" Do I answer: "She's not here to call you liars now, you know?" And instantly the two shout: "HOW DID YOU FIND OUT?" And I shrug at them as I say:
"Heard Lee ask you about it back at the World Cup. Heard him say that the Examiners consider only three O.W.L.s a fail and how he worried that he'd be sharing the dorm with just Kenneth, who he apparently didn't like or something?" Making the two groan as Mr. Weasley asks: "What are you three talking about?"
And the twins sigh as Fred says: "Harry is right. Examiners don't accept anything other than four and a half O.W.L.s as a pass. It's just – we got three Outstanding scores in three different subjects each and got Mastery scores in the rest. We just asked the Examiners to use the special scores on our letters when send home."
"Special scores?" Hermione asks and George answers: "PADOTEE! That's the score written down for those who scored high enough to be considered a Master in the subject, but – well, that's not exactly common knowledge and most parents – they just focus on the first letter and believe the score to be a Poor; a fail."
This shocks the entire group and then Hermione asks: "You guys got Masteries? Actual Masteries?" And I feel a new wave of rage filling me up from within as I can easily hear how hard she is trying to hide her disbelief and I want to stand up and snap at her, when dad says: "Hermione, if you're really smart, you stop now."
The girl looks at him in shocked confusion and he says: "If you keep up vocally distrusting and disbelieving the twins like that, either Lea or Harry will have the right to challenge you to a duel to defend their honor. And we both know you can't win against either of them." And the girl looks shocked as Kingsley reads on.
"We seriously … given them.
"Which is nothing compared to the fortune you now have a right to, now that you are Potters by Bond. And sorry, Ron, but unless either Harry or the twins give you permission, the Potter vaults are still theirs, not yours. You can have access to it, but only if either of them or Jamie gives that." At this Ron nods and Kingsley reads on.
"– now that … the demand."
This makes Mr. Weasley smile and he says: "Which makes the whole advertisement thing part of that very plan for your last year there, am I right? You two really do have it covered. I'm proud of you." And just by looking at my mates can I easily see that this praise means the world to the two and then Hermione asks:
"Mr. Potter, can I talk to you for a minute?" And just by her tone of voice do I know that she is planning something not unlike what she did when she went to McGonagall about my Firebolt and then I hear Ron tell me: "It's about the fortune. I saw her turn thoughtful when Sirius mentioned it." At which I groan and Lea says:
"Leave it to me." And instantly the lad disappears in a swirl of dark shadows, while Ron and I share a look and I ask: "What is that girl's problem?" But Ron mutters: "You're asking me? You get girls way more than I do." Which I personally disagree with, considering the fact that my destined mates are of the same gender.
A little bit away
Lea's POV
"Hermione, I am not going to tell the twins to use my fortune for anything other than their dreams to open a joke shop." I hear the mother of my beloved mate tell the supposedly intelligent girl once they are sure they are far enough away not to be overheard and while the girl looks startled, does she recover and say:
"But why not? It's just such a useless dream. They seem to actually be a lot smarter than I thought they were, so why are they wasting it on something so – frivolous? I mean, even you and Sirius were pranksters, but you chose actual jobs afterwards. Surely –." But then James says: "But neither Sirius nor I are inventors."
At this the girl scoffs and James asks: "Tell me, Hermione, what potion allows someone to have a nosebleed?" And the girl opens her mouth, only to falter and James goes on and asks: "Or a spell that can contain two very different potions in a single small container? Or a potion that is supposed to work like a transfiguration spell?"
"Why are you asking these questions? Those spells and potions don't even exist!" Hermione yells, but then James says: "Yes, they do; in the Canary Canoes, the Nosebleed Nougats and the other prank products Fred and George are creating out of their self-invented spells and potions. And that is why I won't change their dreams."
The girl looks shocked and James says: "Hermione, you are not looking past the surface when it comes to Fred, George and their dreams, yet you think you can use me as an example that what they're doing is wrong? No, Hermione, that won't work and, even if it wasn't for their inventing skills, I have another reason not to change them."
"What – what reason?" The girl asks, obviously shocked that an adult is taking a side other than her own, which reminds me of what Harry told us earlier and then James says: "They make Harry happy. They make him smile, they make him laugh. And that matters to me." And with that does he lead her back and do I vanish from sight.
Back at the arena
Harry's POV
A bit of conversation has erupted amongst everyone since Hermione and mum walked off and while Ron seems most curious of what Hermione could be trying and whether or not she would succeed, do neither Luna nor Neville seem to share his slight belief that the girl will succeed and then Lea reappears and confirms the latter's beliefs as he says:
"She failed." Making me sigh in relief as I know firsthand how convincing Hermione can be and then Lea turns to the twins and says: "Our new mother by bond seems to know more about you two than I thought he did. He'll make you very happy, got it memorized." And the two beam at this as Kingsley reads on while the others return.
"But where … before Herbology."
"You made those on the train, didn't you?" Mr. Weasley asks and Fred answers: "We probably did. We wrote Lee right after mum destroyed our last batch and he gathered us the ingredients we needed. He's also pretty good with Potions and Stasis spells, so we had him start a few necessary ones." At which Kingsley reads on.
Harry emerged … dangerous waters.
"Are you ever planning to tell us about this?" Hermione actually attacks me, proving that she really doesn't like it that she couldn't convince my mum of her beliefs, but then Neville says: "Who knows, he might keep it a secret for three whole years.""That's not even possible. The twins will graduate this year. Honestly, Neville!"
Hermione snarls, but then Ron groans: "Hermione, he meant you keeping the time turner a secret in third. Even I got that one." The girl looks startled for a second, but then shouts: "THAT WAS DIFFERENT!" But I say: "No, it wasn't. You respect McGonagall and I respect the twins." And Kingsley quickly reads on.
"D'you reckon … each other.
"Surely you two are going to help me with that once we graduate, aren't you?" Hermione asks outraged and I answer: "We will, once you adept your desires to respect the fact that this has been part of the Wizarding world for as long as it has." Yet the girl snaps back: "But that just proves how much this needs to change."
To which, before I can do anything, Luna says: "No, you're just proving how much Muggleborns disrespect Wizarding History." And this instantly makes everyone turn to her, Hermione looking at her as if she's grown an extra head as Luna says: "Muggles should stop using guns; they were used in the War of the 40's after all."
"That is utterly ridiculous! You can't tell Muggles to stop using guns! They'll never listen to you." Hermione almost shouts and Luna asks: "And how does that feel? Being on the side of those who get told they need to change?" And Hermione screams: "BUT HOUSE-ELVES ARE NOTHING MORE THAN SLAVES!"
And while I see Lupin wince at the screeching sound that comes from Hermione's scream, does Luna keep calm and say: "And guns are nothing more than weapons of murder, so which is worse?" And while Hermione wants to continue screaming, do I then hiss: "Full moon." And the girl stops, looking at Lupin as Kingsley reads on.
History of … this year?"
"Why lend them your notes? Why not just have them join the History study group?" Luna asks, but instantly I can tell by looking around that she made a huge mistake as Neville and the twins all cringe in anguish and Hermione asks: "There's a History study group? Since when? Why didn't anyone tell me about it?"
And Fred answers: "Because the last study group you joined." And George goes on: "You forced your way into the leading role." Then Fred says: "Started delegating things that had already been covered." And George says: "And then glared at the study group when they told you this." By now Hermione looks mortified and Neville says:
"Ever since talks of study groups have been done outside of your hearing range. You're too adamant in your belief that you know everything there is to know about studying and you just don't realize that others study in methods other than your own. You make studying annoying." And while the girl looks mortified, does Kingsley read on.
"We'd fail … own again.
And instantly I groan and hide my face in the fluffy mane of the huge lion whose head is back on my lap and he asks: "Is she your mate?" But I shake my head and say: "Just a lioness I – well, someone I felt could help me hide who I am meant to be." At this the lion sighs and says: "I know how that feels." Making me look at him.
He sighs again and says: "When I was a young cub, I was tricked into believing that I was responsible for my father's murder and I fled my own Kingdom. Years later, I had found a life in which I could forget how horrible that felt and I did everything I could to keep fighting like that, even when I heard my kingdom was in peril."
At this I look at the lion in concern and he sighs as he says: "Amazingly enough an old friend of my father helped me realize that, no matter how dark the past, it is still in the past and the only thing one can do from it is learn." At which I sigh and think: "Wish the Purebloods did that from the last war." As Kingsley reads on.
This was … you know…"
"She's playing you, you know?" Luna suddenly asks and we all look at her as she says: "She's actually wearing a whole lot of Glamours and the Glamours are especially designed to make her look like the perfect girl, even for those who swing for the same team." This shocks us all and I ask: "So those – aren't her real looks?"
And Luna shakes her head as Hermione asks: "But why would anyone want to do such a thing?" And Luna answers: "Not all smart girls are saints, you know? Some of us just love using our knowledge for the darker sides of life. Intelligence is never equal to proper behavior." And while Hermione looks thoughtful at this, does Kingsley read on.
"Is that … the bandwagon –"
"You didn't even see a badge on her, did you?" Neville asks and Hermione answers: "I'm not sure, but I'm going to assume not. I just wonder one thing. If Chang is using those Glamours, then how is it she looks the same to Harry and me?" And Luna answers: "Because you know Harry has a crush on her." At which Kingsley reads on.
"That's the … the country.
"And thank Merlin for that!" The twins, Lea and I shout, to which I spot my dad share a look with Mr. Weasley and then dad says: "Ron, Neville, I hereby appoint you official Hogwarts chaperones of my son with the duty to keep anyone and everyone who wants to break my sons or interfere with their bond away from them."
This shocks the two boys and Hermione groans: "You can't be serious." But then dad turns stern and says: "I am and seeing as how we made the bonds official at Harry's trial I can only imagine how people like Fudge will inspire other teens to do exactly that. There are, after all, plenty of people who would love to get Potter gold."
"But if they want it, why didn't they try and get Harry before he was bonded? Surely they would try and get in his good books long before now if they wanted that." Yet to this Neville answers: "Because they knew Harry didn't know and because they thought Harry too young." Which turns Hermione thoughtful as Kingsley reads on.
And yet … spirits rose.
"And apparently she managed to add those cheering charms to her Glamour as well." Luna mutters unhappily and instantly the twins look at each other, yet I also notice Ron and Neville sharing a glance and then Neville tells the twins: "Leave her to us; we'll take care of her." At which the twins grin at the boy and Kingsley reads on.
Even the … who gulped.
"Is he like that to you all the time?" Riku asks his little brother and Neville sighs as he says: "Let's just say, he's not my Boggart without reason." At which Riku turns angry and I can easily tell that, where Chang just became a target for Ron and Neville, Snape has just gotten targeted by Riku at which I think:
"I wonder how Dumbledore will respond to that? The knowledge that someone who was send to the past to better the future thinks Snape a part of the problem." And while I slightly worry for what either of the two men could do to Riku, do I then remember that Lady Longbottom is here too and this makes me happily listen as Kingsley reads.
"After this … fifth year.
"But you need Potions if you want to be an Auror." Tonks tells me, making Ron and me groan, even though I'm really not sure if I still agree with my best friend about whether or not I want to be an Auror when I grow up and while I will admit that the job does sound wicked, do I keep contemplating it as Kingsley reads on.
"But we … half… start."
"Hold on just one minute! What is that bastard doing?" Moody suddenly asks, both of his eyes aimed at the book in a ferocious glare and Tonks shrugs as she says: "Teaching, the way he always does." "That is the kind of teaching you passed your Potions with?" Moody asks and Tonks nods before the man turns to us and asks:
"And this is the same teaching you've had over the last four years?" And we all nod as the twins answer: "We don't know any different, why?" And Moody grins in a kind of glee that almost makes me feel a little sick as he says: "Cause now I can arrest him for severely endangering minors and no one is able to stop me."
"How does that even make sense?" Ron asks and Moody asks: "What is the one thing most dangerous about potions going wrong?" And the boy answers: "The potion and sometimes cauldron exploding?" At which Kingsley asks: "And how can you prevent that?" At which Neville answers: "By learning how to handle ingredients."
This makes Ron and me share a glance and Moody says: "Exactly. And due to Potions becoming more dangerous the higher your year, it becomes more and more important that you get this precautious Handling class at the start of each year, at least starting from third if not fourth year. And Snape is ignoring that importance."
"But how does that prove that no one can stop you from arresting him? Surely either Lucius Malfoy or Dumbledore will –." But Moody grins at her and says: "Oh contraire, little lass. Neither of them will want to fight me on this, not if they want to be seen as careless to the students' health and safety." At which Kingsley reads on grinning.
Just as … the dungeon.
"And another health hazard I can add to his charges. Oh Albus, Albus, Albus. If only you had let me at him when you first hired him. At least back then the idiot would be more cautious with toeing the line. Now, he's so sure that you'll keep his safe, he is basically giving me a bucket list of charges with easy witnesses to boot."
"But how on earth could you blame this one on Snape? Harry was –." Hermione wants to object, to which Tonks asks: "Who's side are you on anyway?" And Hermione falters as Moody says: "As for how I can blame this one on Snape? Can you honestly tell me that all potion fumes are safe all the time throughout the brewing?"
The girl frowns at this and Lady Longbottom sighs as she says: "I hate saying this, but Fudge is at least right about one thing; Hogwarts needs to change." At this we all nod, some of us looking concerned for all that needs to change, others looking as if they're hesitant on wanting to help cause the changes as Kingsley reads on.
"'Add powdered … empty cauldron.
"That is utterly ridiculous. Yes, Draught of Peace can be dangerous if brewed wrong, but the step Harry missed doesn't fall under that problem. It just turns the Draught of Peace into a weak version of a Dreamless Sleep potion. Snape could have – oh , who am I kidding, it's Snape." Kingsley groans at the end and I ask:
"I actually made a weak Dreamless Sleep Potion?" And I nod as I say: "One that only helps people who have anxiety issues, but the only thing it does is helping them take naps from time to time. The potion really wouldn't be stronger than that." And while I feel amazed that I did such a thing in the book, does Kingsley read on.
"Those of … day's work.
"Harry, there was –!" Hermione wants to snap, but then quarrels under the united glares of both my parents and Sirius snarls: "Just because you don't spite other teens when you do something wrong, doesn't mean Harry doesn't! Stop taking him his rights to childhood." And the girl winces back in her seat as Kingsley reads on.
He stuffed … and everything."
"Hermione, that doesn't many any sense, especially not from you. If anything, the war and the whole Snape is a spy thing would have been an excuse for Snape to be even worse, if only to please Voldemort and stay in his good graces." Lupin tells the girl and she hums: "That does make more sense." As Kingsley reads on.
"Poisonous toadstools … for You-Know-Who?"
Here I see my parents share a look and then Lupin says: "I think we all know what makes Dumbledore trust Snape, don't we?" And my parents nod before mum says: "Alastor, please go and escort Snape to the third door on the left of the front door, take the staircase down and then guide him to the third door on the left in the left hallway."
And the former Auror nods before I ask: "What is down there, mum?" And the man answers: "It's a Vault I had set up to keep safe all of Lily's valuables in case something happened to us. It's a safety precaution Potters execute in when they bond to someone or sire a child during war; it helps keep safe family valuables."
This amazes me and I ask: "And you think taking Snape to see Aunt Lily's stuff will help him?" At which all three men nod before Sora asks: "Is there anything else down there?" And dad nods as he says: "I actually saved all of my own valuables down there too when I ran away from home; good thing too, seeing Azkaban."
At this Sora and I nod and mum says: "Those valuables are actually in the room mirroring your aunt's room and the four doors between that and the staircase, the two on each side, are probably filled with valuables we had set up for you, Sora and myself and finally all family treasures that were in Godric's Hollow on Halloween."
By now I feel right amazed and intrigued at the idea of what could be in those rooms, especially the room that holds my family treasure, but also whatever it could be that my mum gathered for me when I was still an infant and I swear to myself to go take a look inside those doors once I'm sure Snape is gone and Kingsley reads on.
"I think … sitting there.
And before the two mentioned in the book can do anything to me in the arena, do they get shocked when the twins, Neville and even Luna all shout: "GOOD MERLIN, FINALLY!" Before the twins actually start bowing to me and say: "All hail the patience. All hail the patience. How long has it lasted! How long has it lasted!"
"What the heck are you two talking about?" Hermione snaps and Neville growls: "Exactly what Kingsley just read. You two are always having a go at each other and it drives us up the wall more often than not. And we're barely ever in the crossfire!" And while Hermione looks at the boy shocked does Kingsley read on.
He walked … the wall…
"I wouldn't be surprised if some of the students use that as a reason to believe that you really have gone off the rear-end." Neville then says, to which Ron looks at him shocked, but then Hermione scoffs and says: "We don't fight that much." But she rears back when she sees the rest gaze at her incredulously as Kingsley reads on.
He passed … bell rang.
"Oooooh, I love this class." Luna suddenly says and we all look at her as she says: "Oh sure, Professor Trelawney has such an open mind. She's a bit stubborn in her ways, but she knows there are things outside the written word. I love her for it." And while Hermione looks at her as if she committed a sin, does Kingsley read on.
After Potions … her eyes.
"Oh dear." Luna mutters and Hermione asks: "Is she still your favorite?" And I really want to glare at her for her superior tone, but then Luna turns to me and asks: "Harry, has she ever made a prophesy about you?" And instantly I get the answer as all the Order members around me try not to flinch or look too guilty.
"Apparently, though I can't say I ever heard it. Then again, I was witness to a prophesy that, well, that predicted Voldemort's return and – and I did play a role in making sure it would come true and – and Dumbledore did say that this was her second prophesy ever." At this Luna nods sagely and then she shocks me as she says:
"That's her reason. She must somehow have sensed that you are part of one of her prophesies. You see, True Seers don't remember making the prophesy, but they are able to sense the presence of those the prophesy concerns. She must be constantly doing that, because she believes that her prophesy foretold your death."
"Why would she think that?" Hermione snarls indignantly, but Luna shrugs and says: "She is known to sense and predict things like illnesses and death sentences. Must be a combination of pride, stubbornness and simply a sense of familiarity.""And you're okay with that?" Hermione shrieks at her, probably due to her lofty tone.
Yet then Luna turns to the girl and instantly I know that Hermione has crossed the line as the aura of derpy goofiness has completely vanished from around the girl and someone who could easily be related to Madam Prince sits before us as Luna says: "We all deal with pain differently, thank you." Shocking Hermione and us.
She then turns away, yet just by looking at the slightly younger girl as she pulls back her aura of sweet airiness, do I finally get what makes this girl so adorably intriguing and I think: "It's a test. Her air-headed loftiness is a test to see if people are willing to go deeper; to put effort in being her friend; it's a defense mechanism."
I look at the girl shocked and then turn to Ron who is sitting next to me with Simba between us and I whisper: "Hey Ron, when did this loftiness of Luna get this – intense?" And Ron looks thoughtful before he mutters: "Before our third, I think." At which I remember Ginny and think: "That makes sense." As Kingsley reads on.
She was … said Ron.
"EXCUSE ME!" The twins and Neville scream and the twins chorus: "YOU TWO DO THAT ALL THE TIME!" At which Hermione shouts: "WE DO NOT!" But at this I see my chance and ask: "Firebolt?" At which Hermione looks at me, her wide eyes proving how shocked she is that I am taking the twins' side.
"You had an entire morning to tell me you thought there was something wrong with my Firebolt and because of an argument with Ron, you just kept your mouth shut, kept glaring at me as if I personally insulted you and then went behind my back to report it to McGonagall. And you never apologized for any of it either."
"Why should I apologize for trying to protect you?" Hermione snarls and Sirius snaps back: "You should apologize for not trusting your friend enough to tell him of your concerns." At which I say: "Exactly." And Hermione looks at me shocked and I say: "And that's just one major example to what the twins said."
"Well, if we're such horrible friends, maybe you should just tell us to leave you alone already." Hermione then snaps at me, which makes me cringe in painful fear that my worst fear is about to come true, but then Neville laughs and says: "Oh please, you and Ron wouldn't last half a week without Harry and you know it."
"And what makes you so sure about that?" Hermione snarls and Neville states: "Experience. I saw how you and Ron interacted last year. It was almost painful to see how cautious you two were constantly around each other. You know without Harry you do nothing but argue and last year proved it, painfully so."
This makes Ron twinge as he seems to realize how true this is, whereas Hermione looks shocked and then Tonks sighs and says: "And besides, if I have to be honest, I am getting a little sick of you myself, Hermione. You're acting holier than thou and sound as if your mistakes are the fault of others; as if you don't make any mistakes.
I mean, take that Firebolt story just now. Even I could tell that Harry was angry at you for not apologizing over the fact that you distrusted him that much due to a fight you had with Ron instead of him and you thought it was a possession he was angry over and tried making him feel your supposed guilt. Honestly girl."
Yet this seems to be too much for the girl to handle and she shouts: "JUST SHUT UP ALL OF YOU!" Before she dashes out of the arena, me once again seeing a trail of tears follow her as they fall from her squinted eyes and Queen Ariel sighs as she says: "Just read on, I'll calm her down." And we all nod as Kingsley reads on.
"I'm not … treat you."
"That wasn't even the reason for Harry shouting at you." Neville says shocked and Ron sighs as he says: "I see that now. Though you can't blame me for thinking it is. Harry does know how to hold a grudge after all and Seamus is supposed to be his friend." At this Neville grudgingly nods and Kingsley sighs as he reads on.
"I never … you would.
"Wow, this sounds nothing like the Trelawney I know." Luna mutters, having stopped looking away into the distance after she seemed to have felt insulted by Hermione's earlier insinuation, yet she seems to have also completely missed most of my argument with Hermione from before and while this amazes me, does Kingsley read on.
"You will … examination, so…"
"What kind of nonsense is that? None of the Professional Seers, who search the world for apprentices ever take one in when the apprentice hasn't even passed any examinations. Heck, some don't even take apprentices unless they passed a mastery with severely high scores. Surely she knows this." Tonks mutters and Luna answers:
"It might be that she knows it, but doesn't believe in it. She really is quite the stubborn one, remember? I never really saw it in her, but it could be that she is so stubborn that she only accepts her own beliefs of Divinations as the right beliefs." At this I just can't help myself but compare Trelawney to Hermione as Kingsley reads on.
Her voice … tell him.
"I can understand why you wouldn't want to share that kind of dream in a place like that, kiddo, but I would feel better if you would at least share it with someone – and I mean outside of this reading as this can't make that easier." Dad tells me and I sigh, feeling touched that he gets me so well, yet hating his request at the same time.
I then look around, knowing he can easily get the others to help him convince me of this if I don't do something and then I ask: "Riku, would you mind?" And the silver-haired boy looks startled for a minute before he smiles and asks: "Around dinner?" And I nod gratefully back, dad giving me a warm, proud hug as Kingsley reads on.
"Well, I … without interest.
"You are really horrible at picking up hints, aren't you?" Luna suddenly asks and my eyes widen as I realize why she asks, but then think things through and say: "Ron, try and wait till next year." Shocking the boy as I turn to the twins and say: "Just to make sure you avoid the twins taking the mickey out of you there too."
And the two look at me shocked as I ask: "Am I wrong?" And the two look at each other questioningly before they sigh and shake their heads at which I hear Lupin mutter: "Harry really needs to be Team Captain this year. He can be the perfect mediator between those three Weasleys." At which Kingsley nods before he reads on.
It was … larger toad.
Here Kingsley sighs and says: "Well, this chapter has already proven just fine how hard this story is going to be, but still – I can't help but feel that – that that is going to make things a crap ton harder." At which most of us nod, while I myself return my focus to Simba lying his head in my lap and his mane in my hands as Kingsley reads.
The class … out, please."
"You shouldn't have listened." Tonks mutters and she goes on: "That was her first test of power. That you answered her the way she wanted will only fuel her arrogance and make her believe she can do whatever she wants. She'll be sure to bait you lot now." And this makes my tighten one of my hands in Simba's mane as Kingsley reads.
Many of … following, please."
"I'm sorry, a carefully structured – what?" Madam Longbottom asks and she goes on: "Is she crazy? DADA is a class that is based on practice and repetitions. Surely she's going to – ugh, Fudge. Of course, he makes a mistake like this." And by now I am wondering if I won't pull some hairs from Simba's mane as Kingsley reads on.
She rapped … practical use.
And instantly all adults groan as Kingsley says: "That fancy text is just a bleeding cover-up to hide how little Fudge cares for whether or not students will pass the class. If students were to follow those rules, they will become so slow and dependent on others, they will be easy targets for whoever is fast enough with a wand."
This makes me share a worried look with the others who are all going to be students this year and then Neville sighs and says: "You know what, let's just take the rest of this chapter with the following mindset. The worse the book sounds, the better this year can get now that Umbridge won't teach." At which we all nod as Kingsley reads.
For a … the room.
"And another battle won for the toad." Kingsley sighs and Sora asks: "Are battles like that really important?" And dad answers: "For those in high positions, like Minster Fudge and Lords of Ancient Houses, yes son, yes they are." At which Sora groans and says: "Wow, I am going to suck at being a Lord, for sure."
Yet at this Riku smirks and says: "But Sora, my love. Unless I am very much mistaken, I am your Dominant and that will make me the Ruling Lord of the family once you and I make it official." At which dad hums and says: "Had the Longbottoms been a class under the Blacks, you would have been wrong, but luckily for you –."
And while Sora turns red at the implications and glares at his mate at this, do I ask: "What does that say about me and my mates?" At which mum sighs: "You remain the Head in that case, but that is only because Lea doesn't have an Ancient title and because the twins are third in line." At this I grimace and nod as Kingsley reads.
"Good," said … few words.
"That can't be right." Dad growls and then mum says: "Classile." And a small female House Elf arrives and smiles at mum as he pulls some money from a pocket as he says: "Please see about purchasing the book that Fudge will assign my son in case Umbridge tries to become the new DADA teacher if you would."
And the elf bows, while I personally feel amazed at how caring and respectful mum treats the House Elf and then asks: "Can't you show that kind of treatment of them to Hermione? It might actually dampen her need to free the Elves." And mum looks thoughtful as he says: "I'll think about it." Before the Elf returns.
Instantly mum levitates the book over to Kingsley as the Elf says: "Papa James, book shop owner be saying book was reserved for young boy Harry, Papa James." At which all adults grimace and I let my own worried gaze follow the book as it reaches the Head Auror, who keeps it afloat in front of him as he draws his wand.
"Hey, what's going on here?" I then hear and see that Hermione and Queen Ariel have joined again as Kingsley says: "Fudge is practically on the warpath is what, Hermione. Classile, when was this book reserved?" And while Hermione looks at the healthy looking elf in shock, does it answer: "Earlier this morning, brother Kingsley."
And while the Head Auror seems shocked to be called Brother, does he glare at the book and say: "Not surprising, this book has its ink replaced with special ink that can actually hide all kinds of spells when put in the right words. And the spellwork is definitely dark of mind if not of class." Here we all look shocked and he says:
"A temper spell, a focus-irritation spell, an inhibition lowering curse and a spell that makes the target suspect to reverse psychology. Though there is also a pride spell added to the wording and that one seems, strangely enough, linked to the word punishment and words similar to that. I don't get that one, to be quite honest."
But here I see dad turning murderous and he says: "I do." His tone actually making everyone look at him startled as he says: "It's a spell my mum used to love casting on me when she knew her punishment went past the point of moral return. It's to make sure that Umbridge can do harmful things for detention and Harry won't report it."
And instantly the twins almost Apparate themselves over to where Ron was sitting, Lea still seated between them and his hands stuck in his robe to prove how much he is fighting the urge to conjure his weapons and while disgust has dominated my feelings for the woman so far, do I now feel a sliver of fear enter the equation.
"She will not hurt him." The twins growl and Lea proves that he is growing closer to them as he goes on: "We won't let her." And to my amazement does Simba growl at this as if agreeing with them and I send each of them as well as my parents, Sora and Riku a grateful smile as Kingsley smiles at seeing us all together before he reads on.
Several silent … said Hermione.
"Bad idea." Neville instantly says and when Hermione turns to him, he says: "Hermione, Umbridge is a bigger Muggleborn hater than Malfoy. If you had trouble with the course aims, you should have approached me, Parvati or someone else who is in your Year and Pureblood.""But that is so racist! Why should I –?"
Hermione wants to object when Neville asks: "Why would you not want to rely on someone you know can handle people like that better, simply because they know – from years of experience – how people like that think and have, over the years, learned to play people like that to get what they want." This shocks Hermione and Neville says:
"Hermione, there is nothing wrong with your drive, your need to prove yourself or your magical talent and intelligence. However, the Magical World isn't the Muggle world. It's not a world based on talent, it's a world based on opportunity and knowing how to achieve your goals. And yes, I know how Slytherin that sounds."
The boy states at the end and he goes on: "However, as much as dozens of Light Wizards would love to deny it, each of them – Weasleys, Potters, Abbotts, Bones, Longbottoms, Lovegoods – have at least half a dozen Snakes somewhere down their lines and most of those lines owe their incredible line and wealth – to those snakes.
The whole There's not a single witch or wizard who went bad who wasn't in Slytherin is a much more recent statement than some people realize, but that's mostly because it is strongly linked with the Chamber incident of 1942 as well as how Voldemort recruited more Slytherins than any other witches or wizards during the war."
And then Luna seems to hit the final nail on the coffin as she asks: "And besides, why would you want to work hard to prove yourself to people who didn't care for you before you joined their world and who would just as rather see you leave anyway? Why not just prove yourself worthy of someone who cares and then let them help you?"
And while I have no doubt that the girl is slightly hinting at how badly she wants someone to rely on, do her words seem to have an impact on both Hermione and myself as well as the girl looks deeply thoughtful and I turn to my mates, all of them giving me warm smiles of assurance that they will indeed do so as Kingsley reads on.
Professor Umbridge … during class?"
"Your class isn't about what happens in class, you twit. It's to prepare for what happens outside of your classroom. And if you want to say nothing happens, THEN WHAT DO I HAVE A JOB FOR?" Tonks shouts at the end and instantly Kingsley is besides her and muttering soft words to calm her down before he reads on.
"We're not … addressed Hermione.
"Harry, baby, I know Umbridge won't be getting this chance in the real world, but if you ever find yourself encountering Umbridge with others, please just leave things to them, okay?" Mum asks and I ask: "Even if I become Head of the Family?" And mum nods as he says: "That's what the Alliance is for." At which I nod and Kingsley reads.
"Yes, Miss … of study.
"She means herself." Tonks states humorlessly and she says: "The amount of time I have heard her use those exact words when she tries to convince us of something she didn't get approved by Madam Bones or those who are superior to her when it comes to our Department, honestly." And she rolls her eyes as Kingsley reads on.
You will … dangerous half-breeds."
At this Lupin winces, but then dad says: "Remember what Luna said, mate. Umbridge will never matter. We matter." At this Lupin smiles at him, but then we all get shocked when Classile appears in the middle of the ring and she says: "Papa James, Cousin Umbridge be standing outside the wards. She be trying to force entry."
"I knew I was sensing something off. Augusta, join me?" And the woman nods as I ask: "Can I come too?" But mum shakes his head and I ask: "Not even from a distance? To see if –." And instantly mum realizes why I am so persistent and asks: "Lea?" And the fiery redhead nods, making me sigh in relief and smile at him gratefully.
At the Gates
James' POV
"I should have taken Tonks with me. She's family of Sirius, she would have a perfectly good reason to come visit her acquitted cousin." Goes through my mind when I see Umbridge use curses on my family wards that are borderline dark and that make it really hard for me not to wince now that I am this close to the source.
"Madam Umbridge, care to explain why you are making an attempt on the health of an Ancient House's lord?" Augusta then asks the woman, while I spot a shadow of a nearby tree shimmer in a non-existent breeze and I know that Lea is there to keep an eye on things as I approach the now sweetly-smiling woman.
"I was just trying to get Lord Potter's attention, is all." The woman says and I smile back at her as I say: "Well, there is definitely one Potter who's attention you got; my ancestor, Odeleros Potter, who bound his dying soul to the wards to ensure that any spells ever added, removed or cast upon the wards would be forever recorded."
And instantly the woman whitens as she must not have known this of my family home and I smirk as I decide not to tell her about a few restrictions that have been placed on Odeleros' portrait since its creation and ask: "So, why were you so desperate for my attention, Lady Umbridge?" And the woman regains herself as she says:
"I am here to tell you that interfering with the decisions of the Ministry –." Yet here I stop her and say: "Are for the best of the school and the student body, especially when all the Ministry wants is to ensure that our children get only the most qualified of teachers, don't you agree?" And the woman glares at me, but I think:
"Give me a break, you are easier than most Snakes were when I was still a student." Before Umbridge again regains herself and says: "Lord Potter, I don't know what makes you think that slight against my House is acceptable, but I can assure you –." And I say: "The memory of my mother writing up your contract is what."
And the woman reels back at this answer and I smile widely as I say: "Yes, the 4th of December 1970, the year before I myself started my first year. I remember that as Mother dear was a member of the Board of Governors and I was excited to learn everything she did for the Board and the school. I remember that day well."
The woman looks at me shocked and I say: "You passed your NEWTs on nothing but a bunch of Acceptables and you know it. You are unqualified as a teacher and you are unqualified to deal with hormonal teenagers. Do not assume I don't remember what you said when you signed that contract that day, Umbridge, I was there."
And by now the woman is looking as if I signed her death contract and I mutter: "At least I will be gone from those lesser than me. Those were your words and I doubt you have changed your mind about that. You have no educational or social skills and as such, you are not teacher material – and then I'm ignoring the life ban."
By now the woman has regained herself from her shock and fear and has turned furious as she says: "It is not up to –." But then I say: "Oh contraire, I am the Head of an Alliance of people of who I know are in the Board of Governors, not to mention I have 14 years of captivity to catch up on. My son's education is up to me."
And with that does the woman want to aim her strangely short wand at me when I hear a gush of wind blowing past us and from that I hear the word: "Fire." Being whispered almost soundlessly and a small ball of ember shoots from the wind and hits the wand dead on, causing the woman to shriek and let go off the now smoldering bit of wood.
"YOU WILL PAY FOR THAT!" The woman shrieks and I retort: "I will happily compensate you the money needed for a new wand, Madam Umbridge, but neither I nor my family wards accept any kind of hints at an attack on either myself or those I call my guests. And we all know most defensive wards are Elemental Based."
And the woman glares at me before she hisses: "Stay out of the Minister's way." To which I retort: "Leave my family out of the press." Making her glare at me before she twists on the spot and vanishes with a pop that is loud enough I feel my own ears pop and I groan: "Now that is just immature." At which Augusta nods.
"Sorry about that, I think I took my job a little too seriously." Lea then says as he comes out of the shadow, but I shake my head and say: "The wind was evidence of my words being true. Potter wards are actually aero based in their defenses, but only those in the Alliance know that. That and we both know you were holding back."
At this Lea shrugs and then Augusta asks: "So, what was I needed for again?" And I smirk at her as I answer: "Witness, Augusta. We both know this will come down to a battle of her word against mine and I doubt your fierce reputation has dwindled over the years." And while the elder lady laughs at this, do we walk back.
Back at the arena
Harry's POV
Seeing mum, Lea and Lady Longbottom return safe and sound is something my friends and dad have been telling me would happen this entire time and yet I can't help the sigh of relief at seeing it happen and the two men instantly take a place at each of my sides, giving me a warm, comforting hug each as Kingsley reads on.
"If you … learned loads."
"And you will be learning loads more now that Umbridge knows not to try and get herself that job. Though we can't hire someone in the Alliance, that will just fuel Fudge's bleeding paranoia." Mum mutters and Lady Longbottom says: "Actually, the Alliance is planning to do just that." And instantly we all turn to her.
The woman sighs and says: "In 1985 Purebloods like Malfoy, Nott, Macnair, Avery and a few other started bringing small changes to laws that concerned the income of certain groups and factions of the Ministry and while Lines like my own, the Bones, the Abbotts and others have tried ending those changes, did we fail.
And because, at the same time, those same Purebloods began a campaign of goodwill and charity, did powerhouses like Bagnold and Fudge not even notice that it was only Light Houses and Houses who were once targets of Voldemort who were losing income. Only a few Lines like your own were spared this – financial war."
"How bad did it turn out?" Ron asks, him sounding more shocked that this is happening than anyone else and his eyes widen when Lady Longbottom answers: "Susan Bones is wearing her grandmother's robes and has been doing so for the last four years. Amelia just stitched a cheering charm in to keep Susan from noticing."
This makes the Weasleys all look at each other and then Lady Longbottom turns to my mother and says: "The Alliance is in danger, James, grave danger. Half of them are on the brink of bankruptcy and each of them has had to either give up a certain bit of their inheritance for their kids or sell things like houses and companies.
And it's constantly Purebloods like Malfoy and his ilk that they have to sell it to and those bastards even wait with accepting the payment until the profit is at its lowest for the families selling the companies. So many of them are only listening to Fudge's words because their jobs at the Ministry is all the income they have left."
By now I feel anger, hurt, regret, disbelief, hatred and disgust rushing through me and fueling the energy that rushes through me and I ask: "What about your own House, Lady Longbottom?" But the woman gives me a sliver of comfort as she shakes her head and says: "My reputation protects me from having them try this on me."
And I sigh in relief before I ask: "So how does this connect to your desire to have an Alliance member take the DADA job?" And the woman sighs as she says: "It's not the ideal solution, but – being seen helping all families at the same time will just entice Fudge's paranoia. No, we need James to pick one family to help, only one."
"But how is that fair?" Hermione asks, tears showing in her eyes and the woman sighs as she says: "Dear girl, this isn't a case of whether or not something's fair. It's a case of whether or not one can openly do good for many and then receive backslash that hurts all or openly do good for one and secretly do good for many.
And as much as I hate saying this, life just isn't about playing fair. If you need to trick Fudge into believing you abandoned Harry, just so you can send him secret care packages, wouldn't you do that?" And the girl, to my utter relief, does indeed nod in acceptance to that example and the woman says: "Exactly." To which mum asks:
"So, what's the plan?" And Lady Longbottom answers: "You make sure you help one member of the Alliance, they make a loud statement as to why you had to help them and their opinion on that need of help and then quit their jobs. They sustain themselves off of your help for a while and then take the DADA job after that."
At this mum nods and then Moody shocks us as he says: "I'll see you when I get back." And we see him turning around on the top of the staircase leading to the center of the arena and I ask: "Snape?" And the man says: "He came, he saw, he accepted a gift, he left." At which I nod in relief and the man leaves as Kingsley reads.
"Your hand … said softly.
"And the main source of existence of a school is to teach teenagers how to get ready to deal with the real world, so simulating things that could happen in the real world is one thing a school should be able to do. Not this rubbish Umbridge is sprouting." Lady Longbottom mutters to herself and we all nod at her as Kingsley reads on.
"So we're … Lord Voldemort!"
And instantly I dump my face in the mane still lying in my lap as Lea made sure to keep Simba between us when he took his seat and the man in question rubs comforting circles on my back as I groan: "How? Why did I not notice her tricking me? Why do they always trick me like that?" And I groan again as Kingsley reads on.
Ron gasped … a lie."
By now I am wondering how I haven't caused Simba to lose parts of his mane or why the lion isn't showing signs of discomfort over the fact that I have taken one of his front paws into a death grip and the atmosphere with the others isn't much better as everyone is either glaring at the book or muttering all kinds of obscenities.
"You are my world, my darling. What a wonderful world, I see. You are the song I'm singing. You're my beautiful Melody!" A gorgeous voice then suddenly sings and we all look up as we see Ariel with her hands rubbing soothing circles over her pregnant belly and she says: "I'm sorry, but I needed to calm you all down."
Yet instead of feeling angry at her for doing so, do I feel guilty over the fact that I didn't even think of how our anger could affect her pregnancy and then Erik asks: "Melody?" And his wife smiles at him as she says: "Never doubt a mother's instinct." At which we all laugh, the tension broken even if only until Kingsley goes back to reading.
"It is … for Beginners'."
"She sure is one heck of a hypocrite." Luna suddenly says and we all look at her, all of us desperate for her to break the tension like Ariel did before and she says: "She thinks that Dumbledore is gathering an army to overthrow the Ministry, yet here she admits to want to recruit Students for her own cause."
And instantly we all share shocked looks and Hermione asks: "How on earth did I not see that?" And Luna calmly says: "You see things that are on the surface, I like reading between the lines. Different kinds of intelligence, different ways of gathering knowledge." And Hermione actually sends her an appreciative smile as Kingsley reads on.
Professor Umbridge … said coldly.
"Something I would love to hear her say to Amos' face." Lady Longbottom snarls, but then my own eyes widen and I ask: "Wait a second, what were Mr. Diggory's NEWT scores on Defense?" And instantly everyone seems to get what I'm getting at and Lady Longbottom says: "I'll be right back. Genius thought, Harry."
And I smile at her as she actually rushes out of the arena, yet when she is out of sight does Hermione ask: "Is it really a good idea?" And instantly mum answers: "It's better than that; it's the perfect choice. It's one neither Dumbledore nor Fudge can refuse without looking bad themselves, especially seeing Cedric.
Amos has the perfect alibi to go and take the job; he needs an income that only Hogwarts can provide, his son's death is being slandered by his boss, but due to the financial war he can't speak up and he will have the perfect reason for wanting to make sure incidents like his son's never take place at Hogwarts again.
Dumbledore will have to hire him to prove that he is willing to meet direct and indirect victims of murder, especially seeing as how the murder victim is one of his own and Fudge will want to make sure he gets the job, because he thinks he can use Amos to ensure that things change at Hogwarts according to how he wants them to."
"And Mr. Diggory won't be a victim of them both? He'll be alright?" Hermione asks which turns mum somber and he says: "At the current moment, all of Hogwarts already is a victim of those two. However, no, Amos won't be a victim. He won't have to listen to either of them, because of one very simple factor.
Even if Fudge tries to implement the same financial rules at Hogwarts as there are at the Ministry or if Dumbledore will uphold his paycheck until Amos tells him what he wants to know or does as he wants – Amos won't have to give in as he will be getting Potter financial support before he takes the job." At which Kingsley happily reads on.
"It was … behind him.
"Had you not slammed the door, you would have actually won that bit of powerplay. Especially if you managed to keep the anger off of showing on your face. And seeing as how Umbridge was trying to lure you out by hiding what she was writing, I would have to say that you were." Tonks happily tells me and I smile as Kingsley reads.
He walked … he's mad – "
"Looks like I'll need to have words with Peeves sometime soon." Mum mutters and we all look at him shocked as he says: "It's the left shoe he wears; it was a bit of charms work done by an ancestor of ours. As long as Peeves wears that, no one can remove him from Hogwarts. I wonder what made him forget about that."
"Wait, Peeves actually listens to your House?" Hermione asks shocked, but mum shakes his head and says: "No, just treats us with enough respect to not pull lowlife stunts like this. Peeves must know that Harry is telling the truth and normally that would be enough not to have him be like this." And while the man hums, does Kingsley read on.
"SHUT UP!" … biscuit, Potter."
"Oh crud." Dad groans and we all turn to him as he says: "The last time she offered someone a biscuit was when mum refused to accept that I wanted to stay at Hogwarts over summer. It's a sign that she's already resigned herself to what is going on and that she's lost all reason to fight. This isn't good." And Kingsley reads on tensely.
"Have – what?"… Quidditch team.
"Ehm, excuse me?" Dad suddenly asks and I groan as I ask: "Can you blame me? She caught me in Flying class, looked more furious than the Horntail of the First Task, told me to follow her and then first took me to Flitwick's office where she asked for Wood before taking me to an abandoned classroom. What was I supposed to think?"
And the man looks at me as he sighs and says: "And of course your upbringing before then can't have helped." At which I wince and mutter: "Guess that's another thing I might as well talk to Riku about." And the man nods as Riku, who somehow heard me, sends me a proud and accepting smile at hearing this before Kingsley reads on.
He sank … than usual.
"Wait, she actually uses her teacher's voice when speaking to you in the Common room meetings?" Dad asks shocked and I growl: "The last meeting was your attack on Ron." And the man looks shocked as he says: "Right, you mentioned that back in London, I forgot." And I sigh and lean back against Simba as Kingsley reads on.
"Misbehavior in … Dolores Umbridge."
"That is utter bullshit! A Head of House might not have the right to dismiss a detention, but they have every right to have the detention change teachers if they believe the teacher in charge has ill will to the student serving the detention." Tonks snarls, yet this makes me share shocked glances with my friends and I turn to her as I ask:
"Then why does she keep accepting unfair detentions I have to serve with Snape?" And the Auror groans as she says: "Cause stupidly enough one Head of House can't change a detention supervised by another Head of House. They can alter the teacher, but only if that teacher isn't a Head." And I grumble at this as Kingsley reads.
"But I … under control!"
"She did NOT just say that!" Tonks shouts furiously and she goes on: "This is only the first day! Umbridge has done nothing more than hold a speech and issue a detention. How can she just give up already? And just like that?" Yet while the adults share her disbelief, do I sigh and passively caress Simba's mane as Kingsley reads.
She stood … her office.
"Now that is just a whole new level of unfair!" Mum shouts and he glares at the book as he says: "I'm sorry, but we need to break. I need to teach a Head of House what her job's description actually entails and to see why a certain Poltergeist is treating the House he respects so disrespectfully." And with that the man leaves.
Instantly I turn to Lea and the man nods before vanishing in a swirling mist of darkness, to which dad asks: "When are you going to start trusting that your mum can defend himself, kiddo?" And I answer: "When the memory of him having been kept from us for all these years isn't a few days old." And the man sighs in accepted resignation.
GOOD GRIEF THAT WAS HARD!
Also I will say this. I still hate Umbridge with a passion, but this chapter has also reminded me of a lot of other reasons why this book is at the absolute bottom of my Top 7 Harry Potter Book list. Because of this, do I just want to let you all know that there is a very high chance that I will start to use this story as a need to vent.
Sorry if that annoys you,
Venquine1990
PS. I don't think guns are just as wrong as Hermione thinks House Elf "Slavery" to be; it was just an example I decided to use.
