Chapter 7: Arrest
Neville was casually walking over to the Gryffindor Table for breakfast when he passed by a familiar raven haired boy with his head plopped on a table and his arms spread eagle. He paused at the foot of the Hufflepuff Table to stare at the odd sight when he heard the thing moan in pain. "What the bloody hell happened to him?"
Hannah, without turning to look at Neville, answered. "Quidditch Practice."
"Quidditch Practice?" Neville repeated questioningly. "Quidditch Practice managed to reduce Harry into…into this?" He said, unable to find an accurate word in his vocabulary to describe what he was seeing.
"It was not Quidditch Practice." Harry said, his voice coming out muffled.
Hannah spared him a glance. "So he decides to speak once more." She remarked dryly.
Harry ignored her side comment. "It was Hell!" He muttered, raising his head. "Someone, who shall remain unnamed for his safety," Harry shot a glare at Cedric, "decided to have a team practice at bloody three o' clock in the morning."
Neville winced. While it was not unheard of for Captains to hold early morning Quidditch practices, that was a bit extreme. "First, he made us do a hundred laps around the field." Harry continued, still trying to see if he would somehow gain the ability to shoot laser beams out of his eyes and lobotomize his Quidditch Captain. "Then, we had a three hour practice. For Chasers, it was focused on shooting, teamwork, and coordinated plays while dodging bludgers."
Ah that explains why his arms seemed to be bruising. Neville thought sympathetically. Poor chap…
"The worst part was when he made us jog around the Black Lake thrice!"
"Thrice? Why would he make you do that?" Neville asked, frowning.
"Some nonsense training regime he read about on Quidditch Weekly." Harry mumbled, still having no such luck on trying to lobotomize the badger with his eyes. "Or as he puts it, 'to build up some muscles in our scrawny forms.' It's a bloody good thing I know about Enhancement Treatment or my legs would have given out halfway through."
"Well, I don't see your teammates complaining about practice." Neville said, thinking his friend was overreacting.
"That's because none of them are here." Harry hissed. "They all collapsed the moment we hit the common room. I'm lucky I even managed to get myself here. We ran 6.8 kilometers, flew nearly two thousand kilometers worth of laps and practice, and had to throw around two pounds balls hundreds of times using various kinds of passes while getting pummeled by those monstrosities called bludgers."
"That's…that's brutal mate." Neville patted his friend's back sympathetically, but stopped once he saw him wincing in pain from the gesture.
Harry laid his head back on the table. "I'm going to murder bloody Cedric Diggory once I've recovered." He mumbled. "Zacharias!" Harry barked. The blonde snapped to attention at his leader's voice. "Remind me to murder Diggory once I've recovered." He instructed. The blonde nodded hesitantly, writing the note down on a random piece of parchment, though unsure if Harry was serious.
Neville turned to face Hannah and quirked his left eyebrow. His expression asking "what's that all about" without using words.
Sighing exasperatedly, Hannah answered his silent query vocally. "Ever since he got elected into the Synod of Hufflepuff, the other 'Puffs have been taking random orders from him."
"The Synod of Hufflepuff?"
"It's sort of like the Slytherin Council, but a lot less violent and political. To become a member, you have to get elected by your peers, and then you act as representative for your year level. The Synod makes sure everyone in our House is taken care of, and on occasion, decides on courses of action." She explained.
"Won't you get in trouble for revealing a House secret to me?" Neville asked, slightly elated that she had taken him into her confidence nonetheless.
Hannah shrugged. "Not really. It's not something we actively hide, just not something we shout out to the world though. And ever since he," she jerked her thumb at the fatigued boy beside her, "made me his vice, I get a bit more leeway."
Harry moaned yet again. "It's surprising really. You'd think that he would be tough enough to handle some pain, being a dueling finalist, Quidditch Chaser and a Synod member." She whispered to Neville.
Neville turned his attention back to Harry. "Look at the bright side to this Harry. All this conditioning ought to help you in the next stage of Dueling. This reminds me by the way, how did you beat Montague?"
"It was simple. I goaded him, made him lose focus. That's how I always win." Harry explained.
Both his companions stared at him incredulously. "That's your secret to victory? Goading people?" Hannah asked.
"It's more than just goading, of course. It takes months of practice to be able to mock people that you're able to do it without thinking too much. That way, I'm able to keep most of my attention on the fight while effectively halving my opponent's. It makes them sloppy, and best of all, stupid." Harry explained.
"You're kidding. You have to be. You're pulling one over us aren't you?" Hannah asked accusatorily.
"I'm serious. Montague couldn't concentrate on using his fire whip and he burned his magic at thrice the normal rate because of his irritation. Pucey couldn't aim well because he was angry I insulted his heritage. One of the Weasley Twins got distracted when I told them I was related to a Marauder and I stunned him. That Ravenclaw fifth year got so caught up in an intellectual debate with me he didn't see the table I summoned from behind him. Daphne Greengrass tried to 'charm' me. She was actually the toughest of them lot. Perfect control over her emotions that one. Good thing I had two wands so I managed to overpower her when she stumbled. That other Hufflepuff I fought was a little dazed when she saw me. I think she fancied me a little. And of course, Neville over here was busy chatting up with me to completely concentrate."
"You expect us to believe what you just said?" Hannah asked. She turned to Neville. "Can you believe this twit has the nerve to lie to us?"
Neville looked thoughtful. "I wouldn't be so quick to call it completely absurd. It does make some sense, Hannah." He said placatingly. "After all, I fought him. And what he says does fit how he acted in the duel."
Just then, Sprout walked up to the trio. "Mr. Potter? Are you alright?"
Harry moaned for the umpteenth time. "Go away. I'm in pain."
She frowned at his words, a little bemused. "He's being a tad overdramatic, Professor Sprout. He'll be fine after a day or two of rest." Hannah answered on her friend's behalf.
"I see." Sprout said. "Well then, Mr. Potter. The Headmaster requests your presence immediately."
"Did he say what about?" Harry asked.
"Nothing specific, Mr. Potter, he just said that you should come immediately."
Harry sighed, standing up and ignoring his aching muscles. He walked after his Head of House, each step a test of his endurance against pain. After what seemed like an eternity, they managed to reach the entrance to the Headmaster's Office.
"The Password is Mars Bars." Sprout said calmly, watching the Gargoyle leap aside. "You will have to go in by yourself Mr. Potter. I have other matters to attend to. Good Day."
"Good day to you Professor." Harry called out, walking up the stairway leading to the Headmaster's Office.
"Come in Mr. Potter." He heard Dumbledore's voice.
Tentatively, Harry opened the door and stepped in. Inside was the Headmaster, accommodating two men wearing cowls. "You called for me, Headmaster?" Harry asked.
"I did, Mr. Potter. These gentlemen would like to speak with you." The aged wizard said, stroking his ridiculously long beard.
"Mr. Potter, I am Unspeakable Jackson, and this is my partner, Unspeakable Sanders. Amelia Bones requested us to look into the matter of an Obliviation reversal you requested. We'll need some more information before we proceed."
"Of course, Unspeakable Jackson. I would be happy to help you in anyway that I can." Harry answered coolly.
"First of, do you have any suspects to the case?"
"I have some suspicions, but I cannot be completely certain. First, I would like to present some of my initial observations. When I first met Ginny Weasley, on the Hogwart's Express that is, I noticed some signs of memory gaps and blankness whenever we approached the subject of Professor Lockhart's exploits last year. She also showed extreme discomfort. According to Ronald Weasley, Neville Longbottom was also suffering some odd symptoms, allegedly from getting his by a stray curse. I did some research and found nothing on it. Odd, wouldn't you agree, that the curse was never identified by the press. Unexplained forgetfulness served to increase my suspicions."
"What's the point to all this, Mr. Potter?" Albus asked.
"I'm getting there, Headmaster. Now, with what we know, it is safe to suppose that he was struck by the Obliviation Charm some time during his time in the Chamber, given the claims. The only person present at the time who could possibly cast such a spell is Lockhart. Considering his history in the Ministry as part of the Memory Reversal Squad, he is more than qualified to pull off such a stunt."
"Couldn't the apparition of Tom Riddle have also caused it?" Unspeakable Jackson asked. "Headmaster, you were one of those on the scene earliest. What is your opinion?"
Dumbledore sighed. "Tom Riddle's memory would have had no motive to do such. He would have preferred far more damaging spells than a simple memory charm. I said as much in my report to the DMLE."
Jackson seemed to whisper to his partner to consult on some matter. "Chief Warlock, we would like to request permission to apprehend Gilderoy Lockhart for further questioning."
Dumbledore didn't answer, walking towards his fireplace in anger. With practiced ease, he threw in some Floo Powder into the fire, and watched as it turned green. "Department of Magical Law Enforcement, Head Office!" His voice filled with malice.
"Dumbledore's pissed." Unspeakable Sanders muttered. His partner and Harry nodded in agreement, watching with some fascination as one of the most powerful political entities in the UK brought his full force to bear.
"Dumbledore? What is it?" They heard Amelia Bones's voice.
"As Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot, and Supreme Mugwump representing Europe in the International Confederation of Wizards, I am ordering you to send two squads of Hit Wizards to apprehend the wizard known as Gilderoy Lockhart for Fraud, Use of Memory Charms on a Minor without consent, assault on a minor, acting as an accomplice to murder, and violation of the Pureblood Protection Act. The use of lethal force against him has been authorized should he resist. Furthermore, I am ordering the need of a team of Healers from St. Mungo's specializing in Brain Damage and a squad of Obliviators with a specialty in Memory Charm Reversal. An additional three Obliviator experts are ordered to help to be requested from the Department of Mysteries, without delay." He said, the intensity of his words clearly seen in his eyes. The fire of hatred was there.
"If I may be so bold sir, I'd suggest to place a trusted Auror Squad to guard the two. There may be some people who would want to strike at the boy-who-lived in his vulnerable state. Perhaps to gain a political advantage?" Harry suggested.
"Wise words, Mr. Potter." Dumbledore said, acknowledging him. "We will be needing that as well."
"You can't be serious Albus?" Amelia's shocked voice was heard. "That's a serious mobilization of Ministry resources to apprehend one man? Surely we don't need that many people involved?"
"That man," Dumbledore hissed venomously, "has almost ruined the mind of two brilliant minors. If you do not have those people here within ten minutes I will be charging you with accomplice to murder, aiding and abetting a wanted man, and subversion of authority! Nine minutes and forty nine seconds left, Amelia." He closed down the connection before she could answer. Dumbledore was starting to show just exactly why he was someone you did not want to cross.
"Pleased as I am by how seriously you are taking all this, I sincerely doubt it would take ten Hit Wizards to take down Lockhart, sir." Harry commented.
"Do not underestimate him. A duel has rules, Mr. Potter. Circumstances are different when one feels no such moral restraints. He may use humans shields, or worse. Jackson, Sanders, move to the Hospital Wing. I will be sending Mr. Longbottom and Ms. Weasley soon."
"Yes, Chief Warlock." Both Unspeakables answered in chorus, the admiration and fear clear in their voices and faces. Harry swore he saw one of them give a slight bow even!
"Lockhart's not going to stand a chance." Harry remarked once the two had left.
"That is the point exactly." Dumbledore replied, then paused. "You are an enigma, Harry Potter." He stated bluntly.
"What ever do you mean, Headmaster?" Harry asked.
"You were able to uncover something that I could not. A sign of remarkable intelligence at the very least. I am ashamed to say that for all my power and knowledge, I was not able to uncover this."
"Don't be too hard on yourself, Headmaster. You are, after all, a very busy person." Harry answered. "Besides, it should have been nearly undetectable via magic, unless you were looking for it specifically, like I was doing. Lockhart was clever to cover up most magical traces. Too bad he forgot about behavioral symptoms."
"And how, pray tell, did you know what to look for?"
"Like I said, I took all the behavioral oddities, and with a bit of logic, I pieced together the most conceivable story before acting." Harry explained. He felt a slight pressure in his head as the Headmaster did a light mental probe, and decided to let him see the relevant memories.
After a minute had passed, Dumbledore relaxed somewhat, leaning back into his chair. "Very well, Mr. Potter. You may leave. I believe Professor Sprout asked me to tell you to report to your common room after our business here was settled."
"Much obliged, Headmaster." Harry said. "But they can wait. I think watching dearest Gilderoy get arrested is infinitely more fun then meeting up with my beloved Head of House. That is, if you don't mind, Headmaster."
"How would you protect yourself if you are somehow caught in the crossfire?"
Harry grinned cockily, and raised his glove in answer.
"Ah yes, the infamous Potter Gloves I hear my Staff ranting about. Given the circumstances, I am feeling particularly vindictive. I will allow you to come with us, Mr. Potter."
Just then, the fireplace roared into life as a group of red robed wizards stepped out of the flames and stood at attention. One of them stepped forward. "Chief Warlock, Captain Niles of Hit Squad Zeta, reporting!"
Yet another wizard stepped up as well. "Chief Warlock, Captain O'Neil of Hit Squad Epsilon, awaiting your orders!"
"Men, the primary objective is to secure and detain Gilderoy Lockhart. Lethal force is authorized should he resist arrest. Secondary objectives include the safety of other parties, to coerce him into undoing his charm or revealing any information relevant to the successful reversal of his memory charms. Questions?"
"Plan of assault, sir?"
"I will summon him to my office to discuss some matters. As he stands outside my office, you will ambush him from both sides of the corridor. Keep yourself hidden with disillusionment charms. Move out."
"Yes sir!" The men streamed out in an orderly fashion.
As Harry turned to follow, Dumbledore slammed the door shut with his magic. "You will stay here and watch his arrest via surveillance mirror, Mr. Potter." Dumbledore said coolly. "I will not have you risk yourself unnecessarily, even if I did agree to your request."
Harry pouted and positioned himself to get the best view possible of the mirror. Dumbledore hastily scribbled a note and sent Fawkes with it. Suffice to say, it took the phoenix mere seconds to return.
Watching the surveillance mirror with keen interest, Harry waited expectantly for the blonde to appear. His patience was rewarded when he saw the man appear after a few minutes had passed, humming to himself. As Lockhart stopped in front of the gargoyle, ten stunning spells struck him concurrently, assuring that he was completely knocked out. In a few effective motions, the Hit Wizards had subdued the man, taken his wand, stripped him of anything that could be dangerous, and bound him to a chair for the Headmaster to interrogate, albeit still unconscious.
"Do any of you have some Veritaserum handy?" Dumbledore asked.
"I have some with me, Chief Warlock." The Captain from Epsilon took out a flask filled with the potion.
"Enervate!" The soon to be convicted criminal woke up gasping for air and struggling against the invisible chains that kept him in place. His shook his head wildly, the fear could be seen.
"Why am I here? Albus? What's going on?" He asked frantically, seeing the Hit Wizards with their wands pointed at him.
"We are here to clear up a little matter, Gilderoy. Captain, if you would." The red robed man moved forward and attempted to administer the potion. When Gilderoy, as expected, resisted, he delivered a punch to his diaphragm, making the captive open his mouth instinctively to breath in more air. Three drops of the wonderful concoction found itself on his tongue and he was spilling his beans to anyone who would ask.
"What is your name?"
"Gilderoy Theodore Lockhart."
"Did you cast a memory charm on Neville Longbottom and Ginevra Weasley?"
"Yes."
"For what purpose?"
"To alter their memories of the event."
"What really happened in the chamber of secrets?"
"Neville Longbottom managed to slay the Basilisk with the Sword of Gryffindor while I had been busy fighting against Riddle's manifestation. Once the diary was destroyed, I stunned them both in order to alter their memories so I could take full credit of the event."
"Have you ever cast a memory charm in order to steal the exploits of others?" Harry managed to ask before Dumbledore could continue his interrogation. Dumbledore glared at him.
"Yes." Harry smirked triumphantly at Dumbledore in return.
"What other accomplishments did you take credit for?" Albus asked, now genuinely curious.
"All of them, except for my victories in Witch Weekly, and the slaying of the Cannibal Yeti."
"What charm did you use on Neville Longbottom and Ginny Weasley?"
"A modified Obliviation Charm of my design. It's supposed to leave no obvious magical traces." He said this with a hint of pride.
"Administer the antidote, Captain. And take this man to a holding cell. Mr. Potter, I suggest you go to your Head of House now." Dumbledore instructed dictatorially.
Everyone obeyed immediately. There was no room for argument in the tone the Chief Warlock was taking.
"Nice of you to join us, Harry." Cedric said cheerily.
Harry glared at him. Most of his previous delight at seeing one of his enemies getting arrested gone once he was reminded of who had caused him so much physical pain recently. "I still hate you for practice."
Cedric's grin, if possible, grew even wider. "Settle down." Sprout butted in. "Let's get this over with. Synod Presidents, any updates?"
"Seventh years are all fine and working hard for their Newts."
"Fifth years are the same."
"Sixth years, I think Summers is falling behind in Charms."
"Fourth years, some sort of split is occurring. Arguments about magical blood erupted the other day in class.
"Third years, nothing to report." Harry said calmly. "Abbott has been getting a bit friendly with Longbottom though. Methinks a couple they might be in the future." And there were no second or first year representatives because no distinct leader showed up during those early years.
"Tell Summers that I'd be happy to arrange a tutor for her." Michael Owens, the seventh year representative, said.
"As for the fourth years, try to keep them together, Stevens." Sprout said.
"I'm doing my best, but they're getting more and more rebellious."
"Very well, I will be having words with them." Sprout said. "Are there any other issues to acknowledge?"
"Gilderoy got arrested about six minutes ago." Harry said casually, twirling his wand.
Everyone turned to look at him in a surprising show of cohesion. "What?" They all exclaimed in unison.
"Yup, I had front row seats and all. Something about using memory charms on minors. And Amy, you owe me eight galleons because I just won our bet." He said to the fifth year female representative. She glared at him, but otherwise handed over the money. "Told you he would get arrested this week."
"You totally set this up!" She hissed.
Harry tilted his head at her. "I did." He admitted unabashedly.
She screamed in frustration and walked out. Harry grinned cheekily at her retreating form. "I always wanted to see if I could make her walk out."
"Very well, Council adjourned." Sprout said, recovering from the revelation of the shocking news.
AN: I am suffering from Writer's Overflow. Which is what I suppose is the opposite of Writer's Block. Instead of having nothing to write, I find myself having too much to write. If you've been paying attention to my profile, this past few days I've been hit with several new story ideas, two of which are already in the final planning stages. The first would be a history on the elder wand, and the second is about a Mastermind! Harry.