Chapter 17

Information.

It had been four weeks since the Quibbler had been banned, but that wasn't stopping Hermione reading the latest issue at the breakfast table. Professor McGonagall had informed the school of the ban in accordance with the inevitable Ministerial decree that had accompanied it. She had also informed the whole school that anyone found reading a copy could expect to receive a criminal record. However the manner in which she delivered the news left no one in any doubt that the staff would make no effort to enforce the law.

Other publications were being steadily added to the banned list, but none had been as fully prepared for operating outside of the law as the Quibbler had been. They were now the sole representative of the free press, much to Hermione's pleasure and irritation at the same time. Pleasure that the truth was being spread, and irritation that they were still running their more outlandish stories.

The most pleasing aspect though was the reaction of the other students. Only a small proportion actually subscribed to the Daily Prophet but as far as Harry could tell nearly all of them had cancelled it. That hadn't stopped them trying to deliver it though. Every morning there were mini fights with the delivery owls who insisted on being paid, but no one was prepared to part with money for the pack of lies and half truths they carried. After a short tussle the owl would eventually give up. Leaving the unpaid for paper behind.

This was the fact that pleased them more than any other. The Prophet was having difficulty selling itself. Being stuck at Hogwarts meant they were cut off from finding out directly what the general population thought of the last few month's events. Letters from the outside gave the odd clue though.

"Did you hear the latest rumour," Ron said as he shoved three slices of bacon in a sliced roll that had been smeared in butter and ketchup.

"Is this the one that says Julie Murray's pregnant, because it's not true," Ginny said handing Harry three slices of toast covered in strawberry jam. "Her wand backfired when she was trying an enlarging charm."

"Eew sounds nasty," Ron said remembering his own mishap with a malfunctioning wand."

"Is it the rumour that Scrimgeour has been found, because that's not true either," Harry said.

"Well where is he then. No one's seen him since the beginning of November?" Hermione asked.

"I can't help thinking that something unpleasant has happened to him," Harry answered. "He's the only person with the authority to stop what's going on."

"I'd like to argue with you Harry, but I can't," Hermione said sighing.

"Not much we can do about that though," Ginny added.

"Look do you want to hear the rumour or not," Ron said dripping tomato sauce all over the table.

"Well anything's better than seeing you eat," Ginny said curling her lip in disgust. Ron choose to ignore her and placed the half eaten roll back onto his plate.

"It seems that a group of about three hundred people or so were demonstrating in the Ministry hall…"

"About what?" Hermione asked.

"I've no idea, but it seems it got out of hand and a mini riot ensued…"

"Was anybody hurt?"

"For goodness sake Hermione let him finish," Harry said.

"Quite a few were hospitalised I gather. That's where the rumour came from, but that's not the important bit. It seems that when the demonstrators wouldn't leave peacefully Umbridge called in the Aurors to evict them by force…"

"The evil cow," Hermione said.

"Ssh," Harry and Ginny said together.

"That's the point she called them in, but they refused to intervene. Apparently they said the demonstration was peaceful and using force would only result in serious injury or death."

"I bet that made the toad blow her top," Ginny said with a vindictive grin.

"Oh damn right she did. She suspended every Auror in the building, and then grabbed a lot of other like minded officials and started the riot."

"There's no hope that she was one of those injured?" Harry said wistfully.

"No such luck I'm afraid."

"It was too much to hope for," Harry said. "I expect she was gallantly leading them from her office."

"When did this happen?" Hermione asked.

"Two days ago I think."

"Well the Prophet hasn't even mentioned it."

"You're still reading that thing?" Ron said.

"Of course, we need to know what the enemy's up to."

"That pile of rubbish isn't going to tell you anything useful. It's a lie from the front to the back."

"Just because it says the Canons lost their eighth match in a row, a new record, doesn't mean there aren't useful facts in here. Besides it's what they don't say that's just as important." Harry knew the crack about the Canons would set the two off, and chose not to listen any further. Ron and Hermione rarely argued as much these days, but the Canons seemed to be one subject that could keep them going for days. They were much friendlier about it now, it had become a game to them. Ginny had told him that they probably missed their fights subconsciously, and over time had found safe subjects on which to disagree.

Gazing around Harry noticed a small unpleasant looking person standing in the doorway looking around the room. Dressed in what looked like a purple uniform he was well past his best years and Harry's first impression from his face was that this person was mean and bitter. Whatever the reason was for him being here he could tell it wasn't going to be for anybody's benefit. Harry slide his hand over, and squeezed Ginny's arm. When she looked at him he nodded towards the strange man who was now striding up alongside the Ravenclaw table.

"He's after Luna," Ginny said instantly. Harry could she that she was right as the mans gaze never left the back of the strange girls head as he homed in on her. The most direct route for them both to get there would mean walking across two tables which would cause more commotion than Harry really wanted. They would have to take the longer route.

"Come on love," Harry said quietly standing up. With Ginny right behind him they walked as quickly as they could down to the Hall's doors. They rounded the ends of the Gryffindor and Ravenclaw tables and began the march back up to where Luna was sitting.

The man was now standing right behind an apparent oblivious Luna who was concentrating on the runic puzzle in the Quibbler. He stood there for a moment waiting to be noticed, but it seemed everybody but Luna knew that he was there. Harry though suspected that Luna wasn't quite as oblivious as she seemed.

"Miss Lovegood you do realise that reading the Quibbler is a criminal offence," the man eventually said.

"Oh I'm not reading it," Luna said still staring intently at the paper. "I'm trying to work out the puzzle."

"Miss Lovegood I've come to find out where your father is hiding."

"Why?" she said. Harry and Ginny were now just a few feet from them both. Harry wanted to intervene immediately, but Ginny stopped him by putting her arm in front of his chest, a small smile on her face.

"Why what?"

"Why do you want to know where my father is?"

"He has broken Ministerial law you foolish girl, and must be arrested." The man was now speaking as though he was talking to a difficult four year old.

"Has he?"

"I've just told you that he has. Now where is he?" it was clear that Luna's vague attitude was starting to anger the man.

"Who are you?" Luna asked finally turning round and looking him over.

"Don't change the subject. Now answer the question. Where is your father?"

"You're very rude you know. I don't talk to rude people." She then turned away from him and began to study the Quibbler puzzle again. By this time the whole hall was silent and avivdly watching the exchange. Many of them were watching Harry and Ginny who had still not been noticed by this interloper.

"I'm arresting you Miss Lovegood for obstructing the Department of Magical Law Enforcement in an on going investigation."

"I think you better go before you get hurt," Luna said twisting the Quibbler upside down again.

"You think you can beat me, get up now!"

"Oh I'm sure I can beat you. You don't seem very competent, or very bright, but I won't have to my friends Ginny and Harry will do that for me." The man drew his wand from his robes, and made to point it at Luna, but to his horror it flew out of his hand before he could even raise his arm.

"I can guess who sent you, but who are you?" Harry asked his voice calm but there was a chill to it. The man almost seemed to jump in shock when he turned and saw who was standing there.

"My wand," he stuttered.

"I'll keep it for the moment," Ginny said twirling it in her left hand, while her own wand was now pointing at just below his waist. Harry had his arms folded across his chest, with no wand visible.

"I'll not ask again, who are you?" Harry said locking eyes with the man.

"My name is Obadiah Schwitch and I'm here carrying out Ministry business. You're in enough trouble already Mr Potter, don't do anything foolish. Miss Lovegood is to accompany me back to the Ministry for questioning."

"I can't allow that," Harry said.

"It is not up to you to say what is and what isn't allowed," he seemed to have got over his initial shock. "This is a Ministry matter and you cannot interfere with it."

"Wrong!" Harry snapped. "It clearly states in the Hogwarts' rule book Chapter five, sub section eleven, paragraph three. No student of Hogwarts can leave the grounds without the written permission of their parent or guardian."

"That doesn't apply to Ministry business," Schwitch blustered.

"This is Hogwarts and the safety of students comes first," Ginny chipped in.

"We have no idea who you are. You come here unannounced, and then try and kidnap Luna here," Harry said.

"I am on official Ministry business," Schwitch shouted.

"So you say, prove it."

"I don't have to prove anything to you."

"Then prove it to me," a sharp edged voice said behind Harry and Ginny. "As Headmistress of this school I take the safety of my students very seriously." Harry turned his head to see Professor McGonagall as angry as he had ever seen her. Right behind her left shoulder was Professor Urquhart with a icy look that sent a shiver down his spine

"My identity," Schwitch said handing over a small scroll of parchment. McGonagall took the scroll, and unrolled it with the tips of her fingers as though it was contaminated with some of the worst contagious diseases known to mankind.

"Well this does state you work for the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, but what on earth is an Enforcement Official? I thought that's what the Aurors were for, and you are no Auror," her disgust dripping from every syllable.

"The Auror's can no longer be trusted with the security of the Ministry. I am a member of the new Enforcement Squad," Schwitch said with pride.

"Do you have an arrest warrant on you?"

"I don't need one."

"Without an arrest warrant you have no business being here. Leave now before I call a proper Auror." Schwitch looked for a moment as though he had been slapped, but then the realisation dawned on him that he didn't have a friend or ally in the room, or for that matter even a wand.

"This doesn't end here," he said trying to muster as much dignity as he could, which was very little.

"I'm sure you think that," Harry said. "Just be sure to tell the toad you work for that she's made a bad mistake, and it has to be paid for."

"Are you threatening the Director? That's a crime under Ministerial Decree number thirty nine."

"I don't threaten. I make, and I keep promises. Leave now." Harry then slowly and deliberately drew his wand out of his robes his eyes though never leaving Schwitch.

"I need my wand," he said stretching out his hand towards Ginny. Ginny glanced at Harry, and seeing his agreement offered the wand to Schwitch. Just before his hand reached it Ginny dropped it so it clattered on the floor. He glared at Ginny before bending down and picking it up. With as much dignity, which wasn't much, and as quickly as possible Schwitch left the Great Hall watched, in the main part, by a silent school.

"Odious little wart wasn't he," Ginny said. "Fancy having the nerve to come here without any back up."

"I wouldn't call it nerve," Harry said. "Gross stupidity more like."

"Perhaps I should make sure he leaves Professor," Urquhart said.

"I have a better idea," Harry said with a sly grin. "We can get Peeves to see him off."

"Do you really think Peeves will listen to you Mr Potter," McGonagall said.

"No he won't listen to me, but he'll listen to Ginny."

"And why would he do that?" she asked raising her eyebrows.

"He says he's in love with me Professor," Ginny said trying to keep a straight face.

"Really, well that'll be a first. I didn't think that Poltergeist had the ability to feel anything other than a love of chaos and mayhem," McGonagall said.

"Peeves feels undying love for the most beautiful and majestic Lady Ginny," the Poltergeist said suddenly appearing above the group floating in mid air. "He thinks you look like a wrinkled old prune. Does my one true love require my assistance, or can I sing you another song. I've made up a new one!"

"No... no songs just now Peeves," Ginny said quickly, knowing the types of lyrics his songs usually contained, "maybe later. I would like you to make sure that man who left here just now leaves the ground as soon as possible."

"Call me by that special name," Peeves said his cheeks flushing.

"My dear little Pee Wee would you please do as I asked," Ginny said trying not to laugh.

"At once my Lady," and Peeves was off with an insane cackle only pausing to pick up a jug of pumpkin juice, and another one of milk. Those students that had heard the exchange burst out laughing. Harry, who had become used to Peeves strange behaviour over the last few months, wished he had a camera to record the look on Professor McGonagall's face.

"I… what… how long has he been like this?" she eventually stuttered out.

"Since September Professor," Harry answered.

"Be grateful I stopped him from singing his song. They're not suitable for young ears," Ginny said.

"They're not suitable for older ones either," Harry added. "The songs are bad enough, but what's worse is his acting out the words to the song."

"That's too much information Mr Potter."

"Sorry Professor."

"Tell me Mr Potter when did you read the Hogwarts rule book? I don't remember that rule you quoted."

"Er never Professor. In fact I didn't even realise there was one," Harry answered.

"Your behaviour over the last few years makes that more than obvious Mr Potter."

"I've got it!" Luna suddenly exclaimed.

"What have you got Miss Lovegood?" Harry had never seen his Transfiguration teacher be surprised so often in so short a time.

"The answer to the runic puzzle Professor. It's Stubby Boardman he used to play for the Hobgoblins you know. The only trouble is that they misspelled his name. I'll have to let Daddy know about that, and everything else." Luna then stood up and walked out of the hall. McGonagall's mouth half opened as though to say something, but it seemed that nearly seven years of teaching the strange Ravenclaw had made her realise the total pointlessness of doing so.

Harry and Ginny returned to the Gryffindor table to collect their bags and along with Hermione and Ron they followed the stream of students heading for the first class of the day. Unusually none of the four of them had a class for the first period, so Hermione dragged them all into an empty classroom. She locked the door behind them and put a silencing charm on them.

"What's the matter?" Harry asked.

"I wanted to know how Ginny got on with Professor Rossi," Hermione replied. All of them looked at Ginny, who just shrugged her shoulders in defeat.

"I still don't like her. She gives me the creeps. Every time I tried to ask her about herself she changed the subject. She's definitely trying to hide something."

"Yea but what?" Ron asked.

"If I knew that Ron I'd tell you. She wouldn't even talk about Italy and where she lived there. Shame really I've always wanted to visit. At least in the day time."

"Yea it was a bit dark when we were there," Ron said.

"Just because she has something to hide doesn't mean it has anything to do with us," Harry said.

"Why are you defending her?" Ginny snapped.

"I'm not defending her, but just because you don't like her doesn't make her guilty," Harry said.

"It doesn't make her innocent either."

"She really gets you two going," Ron said.

"Keep out of this Ron, or I'll tell you what Hermione really thinks of the Canons," Ginny said glaring at her brother. Ron held up his hands as though he was surrendering.

"This isn't helping," Hermione said, "we don't have enough evidence to make a judgement. So I propose that I contact Rita Skeeter and see if she can dig up anything."

"Well there might be a problem there," Harry said.

"Why?"

"Because I've asked her to dig up dirt on the Wizengamot."

"Wow cool," Ron said.

"Are you sure that's wise?" Hermione asked biting her bottom lip.

"Oh she's already agreed to send whatever she finds out straight to me or Ginny."

"That wasn't what I meant Harry. I meant do you really want to sink to their level, if somebody finds out what you're doing it could really damage your reputation."

"What you want me to take the moral high ground. I don't care Hermione! These bloody people are threatening me and Ginny and I won't have it. Don't think for a moment that once they've finished with us they won't try and get you too," Harry shouted.

"But you're talking about blackmail Harry."

"Damn right I am. If that's what it takes to have a normal life then that's what I'll do." Harry was trying to keep his emotions in check, but over the last few weeks he had come to the conclusion that he was going to do anything short of murder to make sure he wasn't railroaded into jail, and there were times when even that possibility wasn't ruled out.

"What about your reputation Harry. I know you don't really want to believe it but the public now hold you in as much regard as they once did Dumbledore."

"I'm long past caring what others think of me, and anyway where is the public! Why are they putting up with a Wizengamot that's running rough shod over them?"

"They're not Harry. I told you about that mini riot at the Ministry," Ron said his voice rose as well. "And don't shout at Hermione she's trying to help." Harry closed his eyes took a deep breath.

"I'm sorry Hermione. I didn't mean to shout at you, but I intend to win this fight anyway I can. I'm not prepared to wait for the average Wizard or Witch to get off their behinds and do the right thing."

"I understand Harry, but you have to realise most people don't think like you. When trouble appears you go charging in. Everybody else just hunkers down and hopes for it to past them by."

"Well they shouldn't!"

"They need a leader," Ginny said. "Like you."

"Don't look at me. I'm eighteen, and about to take my Newts. Never mind the fact we're about to be put on trial for using an Unforgivable amongst other things. I don't have enough hours in the day to lead some sort of rebellion as well, even if I wanted to. And I don't!"

"Nobody's asking you to lead a rebellion," Hermione said throwing her arms up into the air.

"Well I am," Ginny said. Harry looked at her aghast. Hermione's and Ron's expressions weren't much better. He could tell though that Ginny wasn't joking.

"Gin you're being ridiculous no ones going to follow me."

"The Aurors will."

"Oh come on Gin be reasonable. I know you're thinking about what Shacklebolt told us on the train, but this hardly covers a life debt."

"Of course it does, and with the way Umbridge is behaving at the moment they'd probably follow you without it." Harry was about to snap back at her that it was nonsense, but he could see that she had a point.

"Well I'm not doing it!"

"Well don't complain about others doing nothing when you're in a position to act yourself."

"I think you better consider yourself roundly ticked off Harry," Ron said.

"You don't agree with Ginny, do you Hermione?" Harry wanted to know her opinion, of the four of them she was the most level headed. The least likely to let her emotions run away with her. Hermione looked at them all and walked over towards the window staring out over the ground. No one said anything when she got like this it was best to let her think. The longer she stood there the more nervous Harry got. He was sure Hermione would have dismissed Ginny's statement out of hand.

"No Harry I don't agree with Ginny, although it may come to that in the end," Harry was startled that Hermione thought things had got so bad. "I did have one idea though."

"What's that then?" Harry asked trying to avoid looking at Ginny's scowling face.

"If most of the Auror's are suspended as Ron's rumour suggests then why don't you ask them if they can investigate the Wizengamot members."

"Brilliant Hermione," Ron cried out. "They'll find out much quicker than that Skeeter woman, it's what they're trained for."

"Don't under estimate Rita she has her own abilities," Hermione said happy at Ron's praise.

"We'll do that. Any advantage we can get I'll take."

"I thought you said you weren't going to take it lying down," Ginny said.

"I'm not."

"It seems like it to me," Harry could feel that Ginny was getting angry.

"Alright then love what do you suggest we do?"

"Remove the Wizengamot."

"That's it!"

"Yea."

"What happens next Gin? Who governs the Wizarding World, because somebody has to?"

"Well you…"

"Don't even go there," Harry said cutting her off. "I'll contact Shacklebolt and see what he says."

"That could be risky Harry," Hermione said." The post is probably being monitored."

"Hedwig can get round that," Harry said showing his pride in his owl.

"You don't need to," Ron said. "You can pass a message to him this evening at this careers thing we have to go to. There's bound to be an Auror representative there."

"Good thinking Ron I'll wait till then." Ginny was still smouldering on the desk she was sitting on, and when Harry saw her he couldn't stop himself from sighing. "Honestly Gin I don't want to be the Minister of Magic, can't you hear how daft that sounds."

"You'd make a good one Harry," she said.

"Yea well thanks for the high opinion, I love you too, but let's be honest Hermione would make a much better one. Anyway if I was Minister you'd have to wear posh frocks every day, we wouldn't want you to let the side down." Hermione and Ron both burst out laughing at the look of disgust on Ginny's face.

"Come on then we'd better get ready for Potions," Hermione said. The four of them moved towards the exit, with Hermione removing the silencing charm and unlocking the door, which swung open to reveal Sean Palladino. Bundled in his arm were a number of scrolls of parchment which he proceeded to hand over to Harry.

"They'll be more," he said and walked away down the empty corridor.

"What are those?" Hermione asked causing Harry to pass a scroll over to her. He suspected her knew what they were and eagerly unrolled one dropping several others as he did so. The note was brief but to the point and it was just what he was waiting for. He lifted his eyes from the parchment and noticed the others were already avidly reading one of the scrolls he had dropped. Hermione was already on her second.

"Merlin's beard," Ron exclaimed. "This wizard is revolting."

"Why what's he meant to have done?" Harry asked.

"You don't really want to know Harry trust me," he answered but handed the scroll over anyway."

"How can a person like this be on the Wizengamot? If the muggles ever found out what this scum was up to they'd declare war on all Wizards. In fact I might join them."

For several minutes in silence they all read the scrolls which had details on seven members of the Wizengamot that they wouldn't like made public. Four of them were accused of taking bribes, one that had been doing it for the last eleven years involving a total of over a million galleons. Two had been up to their necks in a property scandal which had netted hundreds of thousands of galleons. What revolted them all the most was the one that involved muggle children, and a widespread use of memory charms.

"You need to send these to the Quibbler Harry," Hermione said her face angry.

"What do you think Gin?"

"Publish them," she answered. It was clear that she was as disgusted as Hermione.

"Ron?"

"No, save them for the right moment."
"Ron you can't be serious. This…this person can't be allowed to get away with it." Harry was impressed with Ron who didn't buckle under Hermione's piecing gaze and verbal assault.

"He won't, once Harry and Ginny are clear of this nonsense we'll turn him in."

"But he could assault more children before then!"

"Look at the dates," Ron said handing the offending scroll back to her. "He hasn't done anything in years. I expect whoever found out about it has stopped him from continuing."

"We don't know that Ron."

"No we don't, but this is hardly proof unless you can use Veritaserum, and that's not likely to happen at the moment, is it?." Hermione was about to interrupt but Ron stopped her with a raised hand. "Even if we could prove this, and they were all sent to Azkaban they'd just be replaced with seven other people, and then we'd have to start all over again."

"Alright we don't publish anything about the corrupt ones, I get that, but this man is a monster. We can't let him get away with it."

"I agree…"

"Harry you need him every vote could be crucial," Ron pleaded.

"I agree he needs to be stopped. He needs to be sent a letter, a very threatening letter." Ginny perked up when he said that.

"What did you have in mind?"

"Well nothing subtle that's for sure. I was thinking about an old fashioned death threat if he even considers returning to his old ways."

"Oh that's not quite enough," Ginny said. "I think a Furnunculus curse embedded in the parchment would help get our point across."

"I could add a charm to it that would have it burst into flames after he read. That way there wouldn't be any evidence you sent it," Hermione said warming to the challenge.

"No I want him to be sure he knows it's from me, and not somebody else on my behalf."

"Use Hedwig she's recognisable," Ron said, "just make sure she delivers it when the scumbag is on his own."

"We'll do it at lunchtime," Hermione said. "We need to get to Potions now. I want to get on with the project."

"Wait a moment we can't carry these around with us," Harry said holding up the rolls of parchment." Give them here and I'll put them in the safe."

"I'll do it," Ginny said grabbing them out of Ron and Hermione's hands.

"You can't do that Ginny you need to speak Parseltongue to open it," Ron said. There was a sudden silence as Harry's and Ginny's faces said more than words ever could.

"A gift from Riddle," Harry said weakly, wondering what his friend's reaction was going to be.

"Of course Ginny should be able to speak it," Hermione exclaimed. "I should have thought of it myself. Why didn't you say anything earlier?"

"Ginny wasn't sure what your reactions would be."

"Honestly Ginny why would you think that? Harry's been our friend for years and it's never bothered us." Ginny looked sheepish her reticent had been based on ingrained prejudices, not common sense.

"Blimey," Ron suddenly said. "Do you think your kids will be able to speak it?" This possibility had never occurred to Harry and filled him with alarm at what they might have to face from the Wizarding World.

"Well if they can," Ginny said, "I'm sure they'll enjoy setting snakes on their Uncle Ron."

"I'm sure they'll be very well behaved," Harry said enjoying the startled look on Ron's face, "and set them on all their Uncles."

"Well so long as they can't talk to spiders," Ron said.

"Look I'll take the scrolls," Harry said lifting them out of Ginny's hand, "while you continue terrorising your brother, you're much better at it than I am. I'll meet you there."