Over the next months, classes had become exercises in exhaustion for fifth and seventh year students. The closer the exams got, the more homework and studying the students had to do. There was a steady increase in tension throughout the castle.
At the beginning of April, the fifth year students met with their heads of house to get career guidance, in order for them to plan their next two years of study. There had been a flood of pamphlets about every career the wizarding world offered for their young, and Harry Potter and his friends had spent a great deal of time trying to figure out their futures.
Harry's meeting with Professor McGonagall had been an eye opening experience, as Professor Umbridge had decided to sit in, and after Harry had confessed to wanting to be an Auror, a very heated argument broke out between McGonagall and Umbridge.
"Potter, I promise you that if it is the last thin I do on this plane of existence, I will see you become an Auror." McGonagall had shouted, her fists pounding her desk in utter frustration.
"Harry Potter will never be an Auror. He will spend his life in prison where he belongs. I swear it!" Umbridge had replied with deathly calm before waddling out of McGonagall's office.
Harry looked at McGonagall, who was breathing hard, as if she'd sprinted across all of the British Isles. She was staring at her door looking as if she wanted to chase down Umbridge and hex her to tiny, miniscule pieces.
"Professor?" Harry asked, jarring the Transfiguration teacher back to the present. "Did she really mean that? Does she really want me in prison?"
McGonagall couldn't even look at Harry. That alone confirmed it, and Harry felt as if someone had just gut checked him. He reached out to grasp his Head of House's desk to prevent himself from falling off his chair.
"Why?"
"Do not worry about it. It will never happen. We are finished here, Potter. I think you have homework to be getting on with." McGonagall said without even looking at the young man. Harry nodded and retreated from the office, feeling no comfort that Umbridge would not get her way.
Ever since the Quibbler article had come out, things within Hogwarts had become even more oppressive. Umbridge had done everything she could think of to break the will of the students. First she had banned any more trips to Hogsmeade, followed by strict dress codes Stricter curfews, and more and more rules that in many students opinions, were seriously insane. The High inquisitor had then eliminated all clubs that were not devoted to study, and those that were, she monitored very carefully.
Between classes, Umbridge and her goon squad would patrol the halls, breaking up any groups of more than two students. She had all but eliminated the Prefects. Anyone caught out of their common room after curfew faced seriously punishments, and the Inquisitorial squad looked in every broom cupboard, empty class, alcove, and bathroom stall searching for violator. There was no place left where couples could go for to snog anymore, and with no outlets left to vent any sort of tensions, tempers were quickly rising.
Easily the most disturbing new development were the invitations to join the Defense teacher for tea. She seemed to be working her way through the entire student populace. Only a handful of students spoke about it, while others couldn't recall ever sitting with the toad. It was clear that Umbridge obliviated those who she had not had success with.
However, a handful of students were managing to keep their spirits up, thanks to their now twice weekly meetings to learn defensive magics. After Umbridge had eliminated every single club…again, The DA had voted to start meeting more frequently. This had a profound effect on the members, as they were now getting in more time to learn everything. Most every person had managed a full corporeal Patronus. Every person could disarm an opponent easily, and they were integrating hand to hand combat in their dueling now.
Harry and his friends had quickly put a new schedule together in which one night they would practice new spells together, and the next time they met, they would have duels. Sometimes it was one against one, and others, Harry would create teams so they could all learn to work together.
Harry stood watching as Neville was pitted against three others. Zacharias Smith, Dean Thomas, and Padma Patil. Neville had shown the most improvement in the past few months, much to Harry's surprise. He guessed Hermione's constant influence might have had something to do with it all. The once forgetful boy now stood tall when he walked the halls. He'd become stronger in his school work, and he never cowered against opposition now. Even Snape didn't bother Neville any longer.
Neville side stepped a curse thrown by Padma, and launched a curse at Dean who had broken from cover to get a shot in. Neville's spell hit Dean square in the face, knocking the tall dark skinned boy onto his butt. Zacharias tried to take advantage of Dean's mistake, thinking Neville might be to preoccupied with taking out his Housemate, but Neville had anticipated and had his shield up instantly. The crowd cheered for Neville as he tripped Zacharias and bound him in rope with tow quick flicks of his wand.
Unfortunately, he'd forgotten about Padma. The lithe Indian girl came out of nowhere to knock Neville to the ground, using all of her might. She tripped herself in the process, but rolled to her feet instantly. More cheers rose up, mostly from the girls, as Padma stalked towards Neville, who had lost his wand.
Padma smiled like a cat when she aimed her wand for Neville. But Neville surprised everyone when he rolled out of the way when Padma fired her curse. On his feet again, Neville lunged for Padma, who froze with shock. Neville tackled the girl, grabbing her wand arm and twisting up behind her back, and taking her wand from her. This only served to anger the girl, who kicked at Neville's shin with all her might.
Neville grunted in agony, lost his balance and landed hard on his back. Padma snatched up her wand, and much to everyone's shock and amazement, petrified Neville without saying the incantation.
Harry blew the whistle and the duel ended. Hermione rushed forward and undid the spell on Neville, while Tracey freed Zacharias and checked on Dean, who had been knocked out when he hit his head on the floor.
"Well done, Padma." Harry said coming forward. "Well done to all of you. Neville, nice spell work, but you've got to remember to watch all your opponents. You forgot Padma while dealing with Zacharias. She was able to sneak up on you because you were to focused on Smith. Padma, you got a bit over confident when you tackled Neville. You could have petrified him instead of tackling him, though it was a good hit."
"But I tripped and almost…"
"You did trip, but it's okay. The real mistake was going after him in the first place. While he was dealing with Zacharias, you had the advantage. There was no need to take him down physically because you had the element of surprise.."
There was a crack in the back of the room, followed by several shouts of surprise. Harry turned as the crowd began parting and to Harry's great shock, Dobby the House Elf came forward looking seriously frightened.
"Harry Potter, sir."
"Dobby? What is it?" Harry asked, kneeling in front of the rather shaky elf.
"Dobby has come to warn you, Harry Potter sir. The Pink Lady is coming for you. She has learned of your secret meetings. Dobby only just learned of it sir. You must flee."
Ron had begun moving just as soon as he'd heard Dobby's reference to Umbridge. He'd gone to Harry's cloak and dug the Marauder's map from its pockets. He opened it and found that Umbridge, Filch and all of the toad's Inquisitorial squad was outside the Room of Requirement as they spoke.
"Oh no." He muttered, just as the room shook with a ear splitting boom. Everyone looked at the door, chills running up their spines as it cracked.
"We've been sold out." Ron said, looking to Harry. Harry felt someone take his hand, and turned to see Daphne looking worried.
"Harry, what do you want to do?" Fred asked. George looked as if he was ready to fight as well. In fact, everyone in the room looked ready to defend themselves. Harry felt a surge of pride at the people around him. They were united with him, ready to fight against Umbridge for what they all believed in. Him.
Harry Potter.
And Harry knew then that this was not their fight. It was his, and he would not allow anyone to take the fall for him. Not if he could help it. No, he would face the consequences of his actions, no matter the price.
There was another loud boom and the door creaked ominously. They all knew it wouldn't hold up much longer.
"Get ready to run." Harry said. They all looked at him with shock. "They won't be able to catch all of us. Run, and run fast."
Everyone stared back at Harry with confusion, but they all gathered their things and prepared to do as Harry had told them. Harry hung in the back of the room, knowing that it was really him that Umbridge wanted. He was resigned to his fate when Daphne took his hand again.
"I'm not letting you do this alone." She said.
"Us either." Hermione said firmly. She, Neville, Ron and Tracey all stood with him. Even Astoria joined them. And then, one by one, The others all came back to stand around their leader. Their friend. Watch of them unwilling to abandon Harry to his fate.
With a series of loud creaks, cracks and snaps, the door finally gave way in a cloud of splinters and dust. A moment later, Dolores Umbridge walked in looking absolutely delighted.
"As I'm sure your all aware, you are in violation of several Educational Decrees not the least of which is being out past curfew. I can also see plainly that this is some sort of club, which is against the rules as well. Now, who is the leader of this club?" Umbridge was staring hard at Harry.
"No one is the leader."
Umbridge blinked once and then turned to look at Colin Creevey.
"We never had a leader, we were just all trying to help each other." The skinny fourth year boy said, looking to the others around him.
"I see, and what exactly were you helping each other with?"
"Baking." George grinned.
"Yeah, we're all terrible cooks, and none of us fancy eating out all the time." Fred added.
"Have you seen prices in pubs lately?" George went on.
"Bloody robbery." The Weasley Twins said at once.
Umbridge's smile faltered. She gave her wand a swish, and the Weasley twins found they could no longer talk. They both glared murderously at the High Inquisitor.
"Professor, This will give you your answers." Draco smiled, handing a familiar parchment to Umbridge.
"Where did you find this?" Umbridge asked, looking quite greedy.
"Granger's bag."
"You can't just go snooping in other people's things!" Hermione shouted indignantly.
"I'd hold my tongue if I were you, Miss Granger. You see, you are in serious trouble this evening. You may even be expelled.
Harry knew by Neville's sharp intake of breath that Hermione must have just squeezed his hand very tightly. It was Hermione's biggest fear to be thrown out of school.
"Well, Mister Potter, it appears you and I have an appointment with the Headmaster. The rest of you will return to your Houses. Tomorrow we will be discussing punishments."
Umbridge stood aside watching each and every student pass her on their way to their houses, each and everyone of the glaring contemptuously at her.
"That includes you as well, Miss Greengrass. Do not make things worse for yourself." Umbridge smiled. Daphne looked to Harry who nodded for her to go. Daphne wanted very much to stay next to Harry, but he gave her a soft push, and she knew he was going to face Umbridge alone, and she could do nothing for him.
"Draco, see that she gets back to her house." Umbridge said, and Draco gave a triumphant smile to her, and a wicked grin to Harry, who was now starting to get angry.
"Follow me, Mister Potter." Umbridge said, all sweetness gone from her tone.
"And if I refuse?"
Umbridge's smile fell at once and she walked to Harry, and stared coldly up at him, as he was a head taller than her.
"I am not asking you, boy." She said venomously. "I've finally caught you, and you are going to be punished, as you should have been all along. Even the Great Albus Dumbledore," She sneered, icy bitterness in her tone. "Won't be able to save you now."
Umbridge grabbed Harry by the front of his robes and shoved him past her. Harry, caught off guard by the stubby little woman's strength stumbled, tripped on the hem of his robes and fell forward. The two way mirror slide out of his pocket and skidded along the floor.
"What is that?" Umbridge asked.
"Nothing." Harry said, trying to reach it, but Umbridge was quicker.
"Accio."
The mirror shot up and into the fat little fingers of the High Inquisitor.
"Let's find out. Specialis Revelio"
Harry stared in horror as the mirror glowed white and then blue.
"A communication device. How extraordinary. With whom have you been speaking to? More reporters?"
"No." Harry shook his head. "It's a joke item I got at Zonko's" Harry lied, thinking quickly.
"LIES!" Umbridge shrieked. "I will not tolerate lying." She threw the mirror across the hall and into the stone wall where it shattered into a thousand sparkling pieces. Harry felt his heart sink. Without his mirror he could not speak to Sirius. His blood now on fire, Harry turned back to Umbridge, who was once again smiling.
"No more exclusives for you, Mister Potter." She laughed.
Harry drew his wand now, his rage getting the best of him. However, Umbridge had been waiting for it, and Harry found himself bound and unable to move. Harry cursed himself for falling for her trap. She'd had her wand out the entire time, just waiting for the moment he lost his temper. Now instead of walking to the Headmaster's office, he was being floated along.
As soon as they entered Dumbledore's office, Harry heard McGonagall gasp.
"What is the meaning of this?" The Transfiguration teacher asked angrily. "Release him at once."
"I do not think so." Umbridge simpered. "The boy is dangerous. He tried to attack me only a moment ago."
"I seriously doubt that." McGonagall said gruffly.
Harry felt his body relax as the curse was lifted, and he quickly got to his feet. It was clear from the death glares from Umbridge that Dumbledore had released the spell. Harry saw that they were not alone. The Minister of Magic was there, looking extremely pleased, along with two Aurors, one of which he recognized. However, before he could greet the man, Kingsley Shacklebolt gave the smallest shake of his head.
"Now that we are all here, I think we should get to the bottom of this." Dumbledore said, bringing the attention of the room to him.
"Quite right. I am a very busy man these days. A lot of problems with foreign Ministries. Seems they don't trust me anymore." Fudge said, giving a scathing look to Harry who merely shrugged.
"Maybe if you weren't so close-minded, and idiotic." Harry said softly.
"What was that?" Fudge asked.
"Keep your mouth shut, Boy!" Umbridge hissed.
"Enough. What is this all about?" Dumbledore asked, looking for the first time, quite irritated.
"Very well, Minister, you may recall that we spoke on several occasions about my suspicions of Potter leading a secret group within the castle. Well, tonight we finally caught them, thanks in no small part from one of the groups own members."
"And what proof do you have that this group is anything more than a study group?" Dumbledore asked. "OWL and NEWT exams are coming ever closer."
"Perhaps we should bring in our witness." Umbridge suggested. "It might make things go smoother."
"Quite right." Fudge smiled. "There's nothing better than a good witness, is there Albus?" Fudge said sarcastically.
"Nothing at all." Dumbledore smiled benignly.
The door to the Headmaster's office opened and a girl that Harry recognized as Marietta, Cho Chang's best friend walked in. She looked horrid. Her eyes were bright red and puffy as if she'd been crying all day long. It was clear as to the reason why.
On her forehead, in very large ugly looking purple pimples was the word SNEAK. Harry felt his stomach turn a bit at the sight, as the pustules looked rather painful.
"My gods, what has happened to her?" Fudge recoiled in fright, and Marietta burst into tears.
"My dear, everything is alright." Umbridge said, wrapping a comforting arm around the girl. "This is Marietta Edgecombe, Minister. Her mother works in the Department of Magical Transportation. Now, dear, I just need you to tell the Minister exactly what you told me."
Marietta hid her face in her hands, shaking her head violently. She had her face almost completely hidden, using the sleeves of her robes to cover her face.
"Dear, I'm sure it won't make things any worse. You do want to make your mother proud of you, don't you?" Umbridge tried, but Marietta refused to speak. She tried to turn away from Umbridge, who kept her firmly rooted next to herself.
"Very well." Umbridge sighed. "Miss Edgecombe and I were having tea together this afternoon, and she confessed that she had been part of an illegal group, led by Mister Potter. She informed me of where I could find this group this evening. That's when this…blemish appeared, and she refused to say anymore on the matter. However, I had all the information I needed."
"And exactly how did you question her?" Harry asked angrily. "You wouldn't have happened to slip a few drops of Veritaserum into her tea, would you?"
"Mind your tongue, Mister Potter. You're only making things harder on yourself." Umbridge scowled.
"It's a very interesting question, Dolores." McGonagall said. "Did Miss Edgecombe offer the information of her own accord, or was it coerced from her?"
"That isn't the point." Fudge said testily.
"It might be, Cornelius." Dumbledore said. "If Veritaserum was used without her knowledge, her testimony will be inadmissible."
"It doesn't matter, because I caught them all." Umbridge smiled, pulling the parchment from her pocket. "I have each of their names, so I know exactly who was involved. And it implicates you, Albus."
"Does it?" Dumbledore looked interestedly at the parchment.
Umbridge laid the parchment out on the desk for them all to see. There at the top, written in Hermione's elegant hand was the name they had given themselves so many months ago.
Dumbledore's Army.
"Well, I guess that is that.." Dumbledore said, rising to his feet. "Would you like a written confession, Cornelius?"
Fudge blinked for several moments while his brain tried to work out what was happening.
"You? You really…I can't believe this. I KNEW IT! You were conspiring against me all this time. Using children to fight your battle."
"Clearly." Dumbledore smiled. "I asked Harry to probe the students, and see who might be interested in helping me with your downfall. Quite ingenious, if I do say so myself. You see, Harry is quite well thought of by most of the student body, and he trusts me. He had no idea what I was getting him into."
"No." Harry shouted, but no one paid him any mind.
"Do not patronize me." Umbridge glowered. "This boy is no less guilty of crimes than you are, Dumbledore. He's been sowing insurrection among the students, and lying to the press about the ineffectiveness of our government. Plus, he clearly was the one to murder Cedric Diggory last year."
"That's a lie!" Harry shouted, but Umbridge had had enough, and back handed Harry across the mouth. Harry instantly made to lung at the squat woman, who was staring at him with contempt. He wanted to get his hands around her fat throat and remind her that she shouldn't tell lies. Unfortunately, Both McGonagall and Kingsley had restrained him.
"Dolores!" Fudge shouted. "Control yourself. It wouldn't do if the boy is able to generate any more sympathy. Things are bad enough re he's concerned."
"Harry did not murder Cedric Last year." Dumbledore said calmly. "Mister Diggory was murdered with the Killing Curse, and Harry's wand was cleared. The only thing he is guilty of is working under my influence."
"We can deal with the boy later." Fudge insisted. "For now, Shacklebolt, Dawlish, please take the Headmaster into custody."
"Oh, yes. I had nearly forgotten." Dumbledore smiled. "I do not intend to be taken in, as the muggles say. Farewell."
"GRAB HIM!" Umbridge shouted.
Harry was pushed down onto the floor and there was a blinding light. Harry squeezed his eyes shut, but he still was momentarily blinded.
"Harry?"
Harry looked up to see Dumbledore reaching out his hand. Harry was helped to his feet and saw that everyone in the room had been knocked unconscious, except him.
"Kingsley did a good job. I will need to tell him so later. Now listen to me, this is very important. Do not do anything to allow Professor Umbridge to get leverage upon you. I had hoped we would be starting our lessons within the next few weeks, but I'm afraid it will have to wait until the summer. We have so much to discuss."
"What's going to happen, Professor?" Harry asked, glancing around the office quickly.
"I will have to go into hiding for a while. Rest assured that I will do my utmost to make sure the public believes you to be innocent. I have set up meetings with the reporters who wrote those very eye opening articles. I think we will be able to generate enough support so that the Minister can not move against you. Keep your head down, and study hard for your exams and keep up your Occlumency lessons with Professor Snape. I promise that we will see each other soon."
With that, the Headmaster wandered back around his desk, picking up a few items and shoving them into a small bag. He then whistled and Fawkes, the brilliant red phoenix flew from his perch latched his feet around the Headmaster's arm and in a flash of flame, vanished.
"Where is he?" Fudge asked, being the first to recover. Harry saw that Umbridge, the Aurors, McGonagall and even Marietta were also stirring now.
"Damn it!" Fudge screamed. "Get up. Get UP!"
Dawlish and Kingsley got shakily to their feet. Fudge was mutilating his favorite lime green bowler hat in his anger. "I want every Auror we have hunting him. Get back to the Ministry and tell Madam Bones I want to see her immediately."
Dawlish bowed and left at once with Kingsley following him. Fudge turned back to the two teachers.
"Dolores, you are officially promoted to Headmistress for the interim The Board of Governors will be notified, and I'm sure they will vote you as the new Headmistress permanently. Minerva will serve as your Deputy until further notice."
Umbridge looked about ready to squeal with delight, while McGonagall looked ready to vomit.
"What of Potter?" Umbridge said, still smiling delightedly.
"Without Dumbledore, he's harmless." Fudge said offhandedly. "he's of no more concern. We have much bigger fish to catch."
Fudge turned and gave a warning look to Umbridge who nodded her understanding. When Fudge turned around to leave, Umbridge gave a very disturbing look to Harry, which chilled him deeply.
Harry knew then that despite what support Dumbledore promised to drum up, or Fudge's reprimands, it was not going to stop Umbridge from getting Harry. She saw him as a poison that desperately needed to be eradicated before it spread and infected her new order that she had only just won.
Summer could not get here fast enough.