Apologies for the lateness. I've been neglecting my account lately.

"So," he continued. "New York, huh?"

"Yep!"

"You've still got to tell mum and dad."

"Damn."

Chapter 7

As it happened, mum and dad stayed undisturbed.

"It is my duty to announce," proclaimed Professor Umbridge, a smug, sickly smile on her face. "That Albus Dumbledore has been removed from the position of headmaster."

Umbridge now held the school more firmly in her grasp. A few weeks into the spring term, Dumbledore was driven out of the school. No-one was quite sure what had happened, but the rumour mill was working harder than ever. The wildest story that Billy heard was that the headmaster had battled his way through thirty aurors, and left the minister sitting in St Mungos with a pumpkin for a head.

Umbridge was now acting head teacher, but apparently had failed to gain entrance to Dumbledore's study.

"She threw a hissy fit in the corridor," reported Sharpe, his voice full of poorly disguised glee. "Screaming at the gargoyle, she was. The place has sealed itself against her. The pictures are refusing to report to her as well. They're still all loyal to Dumbledore. She will probably have them taken down soon."

"She's going to get rid of the portraits?" asked Lyra in astonishment. "That's outrageous, some of them have been hanging on the walls of the castle for centuries!"

"There's nothing we can do. Umbridge has complete control over the school, and holds a great deal of power in the Wizengamot."

"Fluffy pink witch," mumbled Thomas. The others nodded in agreement.

Sharpe's prediction came true within days. The castle was stripped of it's paintings, and the walls were left bare and colourless. Stricter curfews were imposed, and the Quidditch teams were disbanded. The upper years howled in protest as all Hogsmeade trips were cancelled. Slowly their freedom was being chipped away, and the school was becoming a miserable place. The news from the outside wasn't much better, mysterious disappearances were being reported almost daily in the Prophet, and they all knew there were plenty more that didn't make it into the paper.

By the time easter came around the lies the ministry were spouting were beginning to lose their effectiveness.

XXX

"So," said Piper from the doorway. "You changed your mind."

Billy looked up from his trunk, where he was packing the few things he'd need for the Easter Holidays.

"It's a better option than staying here with her," he said. "Besides, Emily is going to tell mum about New York this holiday. I want to be there to see the explosion."

Piper chuckled. "Is your pal Fraser staying again?"

"Yeah. I think he's mad."

"I'm inclined to agree. How are you getting on with that essay I set you?"

"It's coming. I have until after the holidays, right? You promised!"

"Yes, yes," said Piper with a grin. "I did give you a decent amount of time. It had better be good."

"It will be."

Now, Billy threw the roll of parchment on his desk, along with the rest of his holiday homework and flopped down happily on his bed. This holiday was much better than Christmas, possibly because he appreciated it more. Three, blessed, toad free weeks. One had already passed, but there were still two left.

His joy lasted only a few moments before there was the sound of raised voices from downstairs. There was a soft knock on his door.

"Come in."

Emily sidled into the room, sitting on the end of the bed.

"What's going on now?" asked Billy.

"Mum's losing it," said Emily worriedly. "Apparently the whole Order of the Phoenix is meeting at our house tonight, even though it clearly isn't big enough…"

There was another inaudible shout from the kitchen, and both children flinched.

"When do they arrive?"

"Seven, and apparently we're to keep well out of the way. It's so unfair. I'm seventeen, I don't see why I can't join."

Billy shrugged.

"It's half past six now," he told her. If we sit at the top of the stairs we might be able to make out something."

They crept out of Billy's room to the railings on the landing. As they passed the twin's room they heard soft music.

"Jessica's new obsession," said Emily, pulling a face. "I don't know what's gotten into her lately, she's changed so much…"

"No she hasn't," said Billy. At his sister's questioning glance he explained. "Jessica is exactly the same as she was last year. You're the one who's changed."

Emily frowned. "I didn't think of it like that. Was that really how I used to act."

"Yep."

"Bloody hell."

Billy laughed, but Emily shushed him as the doorbell rang. They watched as James answered it.

"It's Mad-Eye and Tonks!" whispered Billy excitedly. Emily smiled at his enthusiasm, and they watched the rest of the order arrive in dribs and drabs. Some were strangers, but others were familiar. Sirius gave them a cheery wave as he walked in, immediately spotting their hiding place. Bill Weasley winked at them, and Dumbledore's eyes twinkled in their direction.

And then Snape arrived.

"Professor!" cried Billy in surprise. He leapt from the floor, and slid down the banister. He landed before his father, and wrapped his arms around the startled potions master. "I didn't know you were coming! Um… I mean…"

He stepped backwards bashfully, straightening his jumper and holding out his hand.

"It's good to see you, sir."

"And you, Mr Potter," said Snape, a strange glint of amusement in his dark eyes.

"Billy…" said James warningly, but Billy ignored him.

"We're not in school now, Professor," said Billy pointedly. Snape raised his eyebrows.

"I am aware of that, Mr Potter."

"You can call me William, if you like."

There was an annoyed snort from behind them, and James withdrew back into the kitchen with a scowl. Snape seemed to be struggling with an internal battle.

"Very well, and you can call me Severus… William."

Billy grinned, and took Snape's hand.

"I'll show you where the kitchen is, as dad seems to have disappeared."

"I know where the kitchen is…" but Snape's argument was drowned by Billy's next burst of chatter, telling Snape anything and everything he could think of. Snape had to admire the boy's distraction techniques. He made a note to tell Piper to lay off with whatever he was teaching the child. He obviously needed no more practice.

The kitchen was almost full, and no-one paid attention to Snape as he entered. Billy sat at his teacher's ankles, still talking about anything and everything.

"Alright," called Dumbledore. "Are we ready to start?"

Silence fell as Snape spoke up.

"Not quite, Albus. Off you go, William."

"But Severus…"

"No, don't start talking, you'll have them all at your feet."

There was muffled laughter as Billy pouted, but slunk obediently from the kitchen.