Harry Potter belongs to J.K. Rowling
"Are you sure you're okay?" Harry asked Ron, visibly worried.
"Don't bother, let's talk about how you're gonna win us the cup this year-"
"Come on, Ron. There's clearly something going on. You're not yourself recently."
Ron frowned at Harry, his eyes now encased in black circles. He was paler than usual.
"Look, is your classroom free right now?" Ron whispered.
"Yes, why?"
"Let's go there."
...
...
"Did you cast the imperturbable charm?" Ron was looking at the door of the Transfiguration classroom.
"Don't worry, I did," Harry was muttering something while checking the enchantments around the room. "Now, will you tell me what's going on?"
"Well, I know it sounds like I'm paranoid, but hear me out, alright?"
"Go ahead. I won't chase you out of the classroom."
"I've been having these weird, vivid dreams recently. But really, they don't feel like dreams — they feel like they are something more than that," Ron muttered, uncertain if he should go on.
"Different dreams?" Harry asked, his smile fading.
"No, it's pretty much the same one, a little bit varying each time, but it is basically the same thing."
"What happens in this dream?"
"I'm laying down in some weird, empty space — there's nothing in there but me and another figure. The figure comes forward and it turns out it's Sirius."
Harry was the one frowning now. "And?" he asked.
"I try to move, but can't budge an inch. I can just look at him. And then he sort of smiles this creepy smile and puts me under the Cruciatus Curse," Ron whispered.
"W-What? Sirius is torturing you?" Harry blinked.
"Sure, and the lad seems to be enjoying himself as well..."
Harry blinked at Ron a few more times before bursting into a soft laughter. "Oh come on Ron, you don't seriously believe Sirius would do that?"
Ron caught Harry's shoulder, pressing it with his hand while cutting him off from talking.
"Listen! I know it sounds ridiculous. I know it sounds like some bad dream and I'm panicking over nothing. But this is something more, trust me on this," he looked at Harry meaningfully.
"I don't like you being this serious, Ron..."
"I wouldn't be if this didn't bother me so much. There's something there."
"Alright, I believe you."
Ron exhaled, a bit of relief washing over him. "Thanks, mate. I've been cooking inside ever since they started. Feels good to be able to get it out for once."
"No problem. Now..." Harry scratched his chin. "I was already thinking of putting my parseltongue to good use. I've been reading some literature on how to use the gift to reveal visions and mental projections. After I get the hang of it, let's try to do the ritual, alright?"
Ron's eyes went wide. "You can do that with parseltongue?" he blurted.
"The library's restricted section truly has some hidden treasures, believe me," Harry smirked.
"Wow. Let's hope this actually works, then. You think we should go to Dumbledore?" Ron asked.
"Headmaster seems really busy now. I'd rather not. Plus, we still don't know what this is. I just can't imagine Sirius ever using the torturing curse on anyone. You don't think it's another vision, do you?"
"I really hope not..."
"Damn it, it's not really telling us anything. I mean, a weird space, Sirius coming to you and using Cruciatus, what the hell does that mean?" Harry hissed.
Ron shrugged. "Now you understand why I felt uneasy."
"No kidding, especially since you actually have to live through it..."
"So, how was saving the day like, hero?" Merula sniggered.
"Like any other day, just being me," Sirius smirked.
"The entire auror corps is in an uproar, you know. Nobody is really sure who to trust now that you can't discern who is Dumbledore's man and who's loyal to the ministry," Merula chuckled.
"You seem to be enjoying yourself," Sirius noted, looking at her.
"Oh well, it's an opportunity to garner the trust of some key figures, maybe curry a favor with the higher ranks..."
Sirius snorted derisively. "You are gonna be their lapdog? For what?"
Merula shrugged. "For a position, naturally. Why do you think I put up with them?"
"Why is working for a ministry as corrupt as this so important to you anyway?" Sirius frowned.
"Why not? Getting to a powerful position and making connections along the way could actually allow you to achieve some change. I mean, look at Horace Slughorn. Half of some departments would do a favor for him if he asked."
"Horace is a retired professor organizing tea parties..."
"That's not my point, Sirius. I could have personnel under me that are loyal to me only. I could have "friends" willing to lend an ear when needed. It won't make the whole department a clean slate, but at least we will be."
"Pretty small goal for such an ambitious lady..."
"Well, I don't really want to bump any heads, like you are doing. I'd like to save my own skin."
"Of course, you would like that. Why did I ever doubt you..." Sirius stabbed.
"And how exactly has work with Dumbledore paid off for you?" Merula's voice was filling with frustration. "What have you gotten out of it? A decade in Azkaban. Your best friend is dead. Another close friend, a traitor nonetheless, also dead. And you are here now once again, ready to put your neck on the line."
"I didn't join the Order so I could "get something out of it". I joined because it was the right thing to do. And I will gladly continue again if people close to me are avenged," Sirius raised his voice.
"You'd do yourself better to just join the ministry and work with me, honestly. This kind of stubbornness is getting you nowhere."
"Right, I'd rather not take lessons from someone only out for herself, to be fair to you."
"So, what's your life's plan, Sirius?" Merula was close to yelling. "What exactly are you hoping for achieving here?! You getting out of Azkaban was pure luck. I don't like the chance of you getting out alive from a tussle with the Dark Lord and his little cronies. No, forget the Dark Lord, look at what happened already. Didn't you get wounded in your fight against that damned Greyback? So what, you're gonna be Dumbledore's little personal soldier until you croak somewhere, forgotten? That's what you want?"
"It's not like the ministry would survive the coming of the Dark Lord either, you know," Sirius was now getting agitated too.
"So what?! I'll look out for what's best for me, avoid each side unless completely necessary — what's so wrong with that?! No, the right path for you is staying focused on revenge, of course. Don't act so noble in front of me, Sirius. You are far from a saint yourself, that's for sure."
"What's that supposed to mean, exactly?" Sirius glared at Merula.
"You know what it means. You act all noble and heroic, and there is good in you, but believe me, you are far from the goody-two-shoes you've convinced yourself to be..."
"How dare you..." Sirius stood up, Merula following immediately after.
"How dare I? Thank the healers of Hogwarts for not having a gigantic scar over your shoulder right now, you reckless moron!"
"Why do you care so much anyway, great princess?! Go ahead and have fun with your ministry-"
"Because I like you, that's why I care..."
"What...?"
"No matter how fucking insane you are, I like you, I still like you, I don't even know why, exactly. I was waiting on you to say it because you can't understand how embarrassing this is, but since you are so very emotionally expressive, I have to do this... damn it..." Merula looked to the side, not sure whether to laugh, cry, or do both at Sirius' shocked face.
"But... what... huh?" Sirius stammered, still looking at Merula.
"Oh, just shut the fuck up..." in a brash move worthy of Sirius, Merula embraced him and pressed her lips against his. Though shocked at first, he responded in kind.
...
...
"Your bedroom is awful. Why so many muggle women around?" Merula looked at the part of the walls filled with unmoving posters of muggle women in bikinis.
"Nothing "awful" about muggle women. Did it to spite my mother. There were many more around, I just keep these ones as memory. You just need to feel the pure enjoyment of seeing her wails of despair at my permanent sticking charms to understand. My entire room was filled with Gryffindor decor much more than before. It was redder than your face right now."
"Oh, you definitely have no issues at all..." Merula giggled.
Sirius looked at Merula who snuggled close to him. "Merlin, what the hell am I doing, sleeping with a ministry agent..."
"Right~ I'm here on orders to poison you. The better question would be what the hell am I doing, sleeping with an insurgent."
"So, what do we do now?" Sirius asked, looking at the ceiling.
"I don't know, what do you want to do?"
"And I know? All I know is that this feels really good right now, and I don't want the feeling to go."
"I'm close to having the same opinion, really."
"I- I, uh, I haven't been with anyone... before."
"You're joking!" Merula gushed, a grin on her face. "Sirius Black has never been with anyone?"
"Well... there have been a few snogs here and there, but then the war came and it all went to hell..."
"I haven't been serious with anyone either," Merula whispered.
"And you mean to say you will be with me?" Sirius looked at her.
"Maybe?"
"Imagine the headlines — promising young auror involved in a scandalous affair with a Hogwarts professor..."
"Shut up! You better keep your mouth shut, you got it?"
"I mean, I can't promise not telling Harry or Remus anything... they are going to be around, as you know. Not like we can hide it from them."
Merula pursed her lips. "Can you trust them fully?"
"I can trust them with my life, Merula. Well, Harry needs a little bit more experience, but you get the idea-"
"That actually inspires confidence, hearing you of all people say that," Merula sighed. "Good, then I can sleep somewhat easier."
"About what we talked about before..."
"Let's just ignore that for now."
"Right. So, we are actually doing this?" Sirius grinned.
Merula blushed. "Do you need me to say it out loud?!"
"Your testimony can either be an extracted and pristine memory, or you can attend the Wizengamot hearing in person in addition to the extraction. Albus says that you should do the latter, but I don't agree," Remus frowned.
"I have made sure your identity is kept concealed after the hearing. All members are obliged to respect the vow they made in exchange for your direct attendance," Dumbledore said. "You shall do no damage to the school or be isolated from this."
"I wouldn't care either way. I'm going to testify directly," Hermione said, showing a determined face.
Remus shifted uncomfortably. "Hermione, they are going to ask some pretty nasty questions. You will have to recall everything that happened. Are you sure about this?"
"I've already made up my mind long ago," Hermione replied, her voice filled with hatred. "I'm also going to try and make a good impression, for my future as well. Though getting justice is my main reason, I wouldn't disregard this opportunity for career prospects."
Now both Remus and Dumbledore stared at her in surprise.
"My..." Dumbledore uttered. "Admirable, Ms. Granger, to think of that amidst all of this."
A grin flashed across Hermione's face. "Thank you. That means a lot, coming from you..."
Dumbledore chuckled. "Great with words at this age. I look forward to what you achieve, young miss."
Hermione nodded, smiling.
...
...
"Are you sure this is the right decision, Albus? I don't feel comfortable with her bringing that memory to light," Remus looked at Dumbledore. They were alone in the Headmaster's office.
"I will make sure she doesn't need to testify if it's too much for her. Aside from that, she has expressed an explicit desire to do so," Dumbledore said.
"I know what she said. It's just... I haven't expected this."
"You have my word this will go as intended. Please be at peace, Remus."
"You are going to use her testimony to curry favor with more members, aren't you?"
"I shall try, though there is considerable tact needed. After that, perhaps I will speak to Horace."
"So you still haven't given up on making him promote your medicine?"
"No. He is very vital to our plans. He must be persuaded."
"I just hope we put this behind us soon," Remus sighed, clear strains of his efforts now etched on his tired face.
"Me too, my friend."
"Greetings, Albus. What brings the most powerful wizard to our country so urgently?" a middle-aged man approached Dumbledore at the fountain of a remote park. The park looked upkept, though its vegetation was starting to take human handcraft over somewhat.
"You flatter me, Robert. We all know there are a few figures around who could parry me quite well," Dumbledore looked at Robert.
"I'd rather not try. Us two duking it out would be quite a catastrophe..." Robert laughed loudly. "Anyway, what you have told me about your letter has distressed me a fair bit."
Dumbledore nodded. "Me too. This is why we need to talk in private. I fear another powerful magical is on the rise. One like Wei Jiang. And I also fear this will not be an isolated incident like it was before. I fear this issue will go beyond one country."
Robert frowned, looking at the old wizard. "You can't be serious, can you?"
"What they sent in that letter... that was a show of power. "You will know my name soon" was akin to a threat. I don't like the Dark Lord's inactivity, Robert. All of this is giving me cause for alarm."
"You can't be thinking that Tom is out to reach this person, can you?"
"I'm not sure about anything, my friend. You've heard what happened to our spy in India. There's also the matter of new prophecy..."
"A new prophecy?"
"Yes. I believe it concerns Harry once again. Though some of its verses... they imply to war, a war far worse than one Britain had not long ago."
"But what about the previous one? What happened?"
"It seems that this one merely continues upon Sybill's previous episode; at least, that's the image that fits."
"But... the world is heading for unprecedented peace. There's Akari of Japan, you and me here, we could form an alliance were any threats to arise..."
"There's one more person, possibly."
Robert stared at Dumbledore. "You can't mean..."
"Yes, Robert. The prophecy also stands in line with the fact. Harry will, in time, reach very, very great power. I also suspect... a part of it has to do with me."
"Jesus, Albus. You should have kept me more up to date..."
"My apologies. There have been some very unforeseen threats."
"I can see that...Isn't that a good thing? That makes us much more able to control the impact of dark magic on the world. What's the problem?"
"What we know, we have to assume they do as well. Yet I still received the letter. I think we have to proceed with preemptive actions."
"And you suggest we do what?"
"I preside over the Confederation — I might be able to influence them enough to move Gellert Grindelwald to a more hidden spot. Can you use your powers as a minister to push for a more combat-ready education and training of some of the normal populace?"
Robert sighed. "I don't know if that can be done, Albus. Some of the Confederation is surely to accuse you of alarmism. Quite the same thing for me in America. No, forget that, it's even more present here. We've been following the pacifist-isolationist doctrine for way too long for me to implement such change so quickly."
"I will remind you that this will at least point them in the right direction."
"Or it will make them double down on their claims there are no threats. We need to approach this delicately," Robert warned. "I also have to worry about South American Union — our relations have never been worse."
"I am aware. I am also aware India could see them as a potential ally. South American representatives have been fairly adamant about securing their trade with Indonesia. Of course, for a good reason. You are more than knowledgeable of how they are faring with the outbreak of dragonpox."
"Yes, Albus, I'm aware of it all," Robert rubbed his forehead. "Look, I can't promise you anything. I will try to push for readying the population for combat, but it will be a damn hard business with most of the notorious wizards out of the public picture. My thinking is that I will still need more tangible evidence for such an effort to be passed by the ministry."
"You could use your executive powers if the time is right," Albus reminded.
"Such a drastic move... I'm not sure if I can keep my position that way. If they oust me, they'll just revert the decree and we'll be in an even worse position," Robert shook his head. "Tell you what, I'll approach this with a slower pace. Magical America is nowhere near ready for a threat of the scale you're telling me about. But I'll start rallying people and raising awareness. It's a shame your spy in India failed — that would've been a nice argument for what you're going for."
"Please do, and keep me in the know," Albus nodded, smiling.
"Always. Let's not risk more time to be seen together. I'll see you soon," Robert nodded back.
The pair apparated away.
"I'll be with you throughout the entire thing — I've been allowed presence," Remus said.
"Thanks, it means a lot..." Hermione smiled.
"This is the last chance to change your mind, we could just give them your memory. You don't have to actively participate..." Remus reminded her, looking worried.
"I have to do this, Mr. Remus. I haven't changed my mind," Hermione shook her head.
"If that's what you want, then let's go."
...
...
"Ms. Hermione Granger, correct?" Amelia Bones asked.
"That's right."
"You are currently a student in Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry?"
"Yes."
The Wizengamot chamber was filled with gasps as Amelia ordered silence.
"I would like to remind everyone that you are under an oath to keep the matter secret in exchange for this student's full testimony. This also means keeping her testimony solely for the purpose of this trial," Dumbledore said.
"We are aware, Mr. Dumbledore," Amelia replied.
"Have you known Fenrir Greyback before your unfortunate encounter?" Amelia continued.
"Only from Mr. Remus Lupin's occasional mention."
"Were there any threats directed against you before the attack?"
"Not that I know of. This was supposed to be a sudden and shocking threat to Mr. Remus, there were no previous attempts," Hermione replied, her voice a bit unsteady.
"Can you describe what happened?"
"My parents and I have just gotten back from our vacation. We were planning on spending more special time... together before I went back to Hogwarts. My mom was just about to buy me a gift for my success in school..." Hermione swallowed, her eyes getting teary. "Dad was a bit tired, so he went to sleep earlier. I was... talking to my mom about going back to school. She said she missed me greatly, that she was still getting used to my absence..." she stopped, wiping a tear away before looking at Remus, who nodded gravely.
"So, after she went to bed, I was gonna stay up for a brief period to read at my leisure, before I heard a banging sound," she winced. "The banging kept getting louder and louder until the door was pulled from its hinges... I..." she paused again, mustering the strength to speak. "I saw the... changed form of this man, who howled and pounced me, biting me straight in the shoulder. I was... uh... I was paralyzed by fear, I just... couldn't do anything. After that, I felt immense pain, then my consciousness faded to black. I... didn't see what happened to my parents, or at least don't remember it," Greyback, who was present, grinned from his seat, and Hermione looked away in disgust, her face pale.
"Next thing I do remember is being surrounded by teachers and friends. They comforted me and told me the news," she suppressed a sob. "My family was killed and I was doomed to be cursed with this disease. From what Mr. Remus has told me, all of this was done for vile mockery of him. This man here saw it fit to destroy three lives just to play and torment another person. Mr. Remus himself suffered a great tragedy because of this criminal, as you have come to know already at this trial," She looked at Greyback again, now determined not to avert her gaze.
"It's truly a tragedy to hear what happened, but how was an infected student kept hidden and unregistered for so long, and at Hogwarts no less?!" one of the Wizengamot members asked.
"Let her finish," Amelia interjected.
"Mister, I understand your concerns, but I have been under the care of Mr. Remus and kept away from others during the full moon. Mr. Remus has also supplied me with the appropriate dose of the wolfsbane potion. Need I remind you that my being here is on the promise this doesn't get used for anything other than the trial itself?" Hermione stabbed.
The man muttered something, though didn't reply. Some murmurs were heard, as a glint of a smile showed across Amelia's face.
"That's the problem, isn't it? Forceful registration, discrimination, immense pressure. Yet, you all talk about "risk reduction", but have you really seen who most incidents are caused by? This man and his own group, who are now both detained!" Hermione declared. The man shook his head, now clearly embarrassed he spoke up.
"Strides are being made to make the medicine — we are close to getting the right formula, at Hogwarts no less. My friend is one of the main participants in this project. What was I supposed to do after this tragedy happened?! Stand by and see my life crumble before me? Get spat on by my own classmates who were best friends with me a day prior? Perhaps go homeless on the street, that would surely have made me a lesser threat than being in the care of a school."
"With all due respect, we're getting off rails-"
"As Ms. Bones said, let her finish," Dumbledore cut in now.
"What are you really achieving by implementing this act? Just more misery, that's what. But now the main culprit behind so many tragedies is safely detained. Are we just gonna get stomped on again, and again, until another Greyback decides it's "fun" to torture a family?" Hermione said, raising her voice. Remus stared at her, a curious smile on his face.
"This is getting ridiculous, this is a trial-"
"She can continue. Ms. Granger has my support," Dumbledore said, beaming at Hermione. A good portion of Wizengamot shot thoughtful looks at him.
Fudge looked furious. He whispered to Amelia "Stop her now, or I will stop her myself."
"Go ahead, look like a fool in front of the entire Wizengamot," Amelia shot back.
Fudge stuttered a bit, before leaning back in his seat, looking at Hermione in rage.
"I talked to the former Professor Slughorn myself, being a student of the school he still comes to often. He's willing to endorse this medicine! Even if it takes us a few more years, do the victims really deserve this kind of treatment? If soon, they will be the same as all of you, does this law make sense? Instead of funding a simple potion, money is wasted on forceful registration and persecution even if they are a tad bit cheaper."
She paused for a moment, and the chamber was filled with silence.
"Please... all I ask is for a chance at life. I... my family has been destroyed, partly fueled by the harsh treatment which allowed this man here to become influential enough to do such an atrocity. Don't let another evil like him rise. Reconsider what you have been doing. I hope that there will be a brighter future for people like us. That is all. Thank you."
Dumbledore was the first one to rise and applaud her, followed by Remus, Hawkworth, and Scrimgeour. Soon, most of the Wizengamot rose in unison for applause.
Fudge was petrified in shock. "This was supposed to be a hearing... Instead, we got a speech! A bloody campaign!" he looked at Dumbledore, whose eyes twinkled at Hermione. "Now I see what this is," Fudge spat. "It's always you, isn't it? It's always you behind jabs like these. We will see for how long..."
"I'll ask you all for order!" Amelia yelled as the applause subsided. "I admire your courage young girl, but I will have to ask you not to detract from the contents of this trial further," she said, though she was clearly amused with Hermione's speech.
"I refused to be silent about such an important matter, but I was too arrogant. I apologize."
"That is quite alright. Let's go on with the process."