Ch 31
A/N: This chapter is a little shorter than the last ones have been, but I was determined to get it posted. I've had a lot of aggravation and a lot of fun with this chapter. I would like to thank slenderpanda597 once again for being my beta for one part of this. I would also like to thank 13Sarah94 and Cruella95 for letting me vent when I was upset with part of this. As always please let me know what you think.
...
The halls were oddly quiet for being early evening. It was true that classes had ended for the evening. The Great Hall was already empty since dinner had finished nearly an hour ago; however the lack of students milling about was unnerving. Usually there were at least a few people making their way to the library to study or to a professor's office to ask questions. Tonight there seemed to be no one moving about.
As Victoria made her way passed the DADA classroom she couldn't resist taking a look inside. Stepping into the classroom that had once been her's she couldn't help shaking her head. The once warm and inviting atmosphere she'd strived to create was completely gone. When she'd been there one wall had been covered by bookshelves packed with books on dark wizards and witches, dark creatures, common defense strategies, and miscellaneous books she'd picked up over the years. She'd placed posters throughout the room depicting some of the greatest battles in history, inspirational sayings, and great witches and wizards. The thing that made her the most upset was the lack of her favorite item in the room, the dragon skeleton that had been hanging there since before she'd moved into the room. She didn't know why but it just added something special.
Now the room looked as if it could serve as a large jail cell. The stone walls were bare, with only the windows to break up the monotony. The student's desks, the front desk, and a chalk board were the only items in the room. To say it was depressing would have been an understatement. She couldn't understand how any student could be engaged in this classroom.
Just as she was about to make her way out of the foreboding classroom she heard a wailing scream. Had she been in her feline form, her ears would have perked up instantly. Bolting out of the room at top speed she made her way through the corridor as she heard another wail. Turning the corner sharply, towards the staircase she saw a strange sight coming up it. A very disheveled Professor Trelawney was being practically carried up the stairs by Minerva and Professor Sprout. Trelawney was holding her wand in one hand, which was draped around Minerva, while holding an empty sherry bottle with the other which was around Professor Sprout. Her countless shawls dragged the ground giving her an almost ghostly appearance, along with the moaning wails still coming from her.
"What happened?" Victoria asked, quickly looking over the woman for injuries.
"Umbridge," Minerva answered in a growl.
"Sibyll has been… let go," Sprout added in a whisper.
Trelawney gave a loud moan once again at hearing this. Her body sagged, causing Sprout to nearly loose her balance. Rushing to help Victoria took her arm from Sprout's shoulders. "I'll take her Pomona."
Sprout nodded, massaging her own shoulder gently where Trelawney had been leaning, "Are you sure?"
Victoria nodded silently giving a slight smile, "We'll be fine."
Pomona gave a nod and headed back towards the grounds.
Trelawney looked at Victoria and with a sniff said, "16 years Victoria! 16 years I've lived and taught here. I have devoted my life to these children and this school. What am I to do now?"
Victoria gave her a slight smile, "Sibyll, you are not worthless."
"How can you say that?" Trelawney moaned in response. "I am a teacher. Without my students I have nothing to live for. I am nothing!"
Minerva and Victoria stopped directly in front of the trap door to her room, disentangling themselves from Trelawney, who slumped against the stairs, looking much like a pile of material. Minerva pulled herself back up to her full height and gave Trelawney a piercing stare, "Sibyll, although it is true that you and I have had our differences through the years as to your chosen discipline, you are a Hogwarts teacher. It may be true that as of right now you will not be teaching your students in the customary way; you still will teach them through the way you choose to contend with this situation. It may not be the most pleasant of circumstances you find yourself in, but your students are still looking to you for guidance. Would you like to have them cry and carry on when life doesn't go their way, or would you like them to be able to push through their disappointments with decorum? As of this moment the choice is yours."
Trelawney stared at Minerva for a long moment, her eyes seemingly popping out of her head. She didn't know whether to cry or shout at her for what she'd said. After a while Trelawney's eyes narrowed, her jaw set, and her shoulders squared. "You're right Minerva. I may no longer be employed here; however I am still an example to my students. Thank you Minerva and you Victoria." Pulling down the trap door Trelawney disappeared through it.
Victoria looked at Minerva with a smile after Trelawney was gone, "Well done Minerva."
Minerva shook her head, "I couldn't handle another moment of her moaning. I had to do something."
Victoria gave a slight laugh, starting down the corridor with Minerva. "Even so, it was nice of you to say. You really got through to her."
"For how long we may never know," Minerva said with a sigh.
Victoria nodded remaining quiet for a moment, then looking back at Minerva she asked, "So what are we going to do about Umbridge?"
Minerva let out a low growl, "Unfortunately we have no choice but to endure. The Minister will hear nothing of removing her from the post."
"But there has to be something we can do," Victoria shook her head.
"I fear there is not. She is to remain here for the duration," Minerva said sadly.
"These few months are going to drag on, aren't they," Victoria grumbled.
"That they will."
…
"Miss Knight, Miss Tonks, come with me." Umbridge said suddenly from behind the two as they were making their way to start their nightly search of the castle. They gave each other a wary look, but decided the simplest course of action would be to follow. They followed the woman until they reached the stone griffin guarding Dumbledore's office.
"Fizzing Whizbee," she said with an unnecessary authority, making the griffin jump to the side. Up the stairs the three went, still in silence until they reached the door to the headmaster's office. Instead of knocking on the door, she barged right in.
Victoria was surprised to see the amount of people that were there as she entered the room. Kingsley and Dawlish were standing on one side of the room, Kingsley giving them an imperceptible nod as they entered. To the side stood the Minister of Magic himself, Cornelius Fudge, a malevolent grin forming on his face. Behind the little group stood the gangly Percy Weasley, quill and parchment in hand, much like Victoria remembered him in school. On the other side of the room stood Minerva her eyes shooting daggers at the woman in pink, obviously enraged. What surprised them was the lack of a headmaster; Dumbledore was nowhere to be seen.
"Miss Knight, and Miss Tonks please come in." Minerva said coldly, but obviously did not intend her tone for them as she continued to stare at the Minister.
"Enough of the pleasantries Minerva," Fudge said angrily. "These women are here for questioning."
"Questioning," Tonks asked with confusion and a bit of indignation, "what for?"
Umbridge looked at them with a malicious glint in her eyes; her tone seemed to drip venom, "How dare you speak to the Minister in such a tone!"
Ignoring Umbridge's outburst Fudge started again, "Have you or have you not been patrolling the school since the beginning of the year?"
"We have," Victoria answered in an easy tone before Tonks had a chance to fully lose her temper. Out of the corner of her eye Victoria watched as Tonks's hair started to slowly turn a scarlet from her customary bubblegum pink.
"Then how is it that you have failed to notice a group of students?" He asked rocking back and forth on his toes gently.
"What do you mean?" Tonks asked her tone now waspish.
"He means," answered Umbridge pacing back and forth in front of the two menacingly, "that there has been an illegal student group meeting for the last six months, a blatant disregard for Magical Decree Number 24, and that neither of you have noticed it."
Tonks and Victoria shared a confused look. Turning back to the woman Victoria spoke first, "To our knowledge, no such group exists."
"Lies!" Umbridge bellowed, her face turning a bright red, clashing horribly with her pink outfit.
"If this is your idea of Auror work, what is it, pray tell, that the Ministry is paying you for?" Fudge asked crossing his arms in front of his chest.
Victoria looked up into Minerva's eyes pleading, "Professor, you have to believe us. If this is true we had no idea."
"We already have proof of this from one of the group's members." Umbridge said pulling their attention back to her.
"If it was a secret group, they obviously didn't want us to know either," Tonks countered.
Umbridge positively shook with rage at this point, "Enough! It is obvious that these women are useless in their position. I propose that they are dismissed here and now!"
"They will not be going anywhere," Minerva's voice held more of the Scottish brogue than normal, indicating her anger without raising her voice.
"What is this Minerva?" Fudge asked turning on her, "Are you planning to pay for their services yourself?"
"If that is what it takes to keep the students of Hogwarts from harm so be it." Minerva answered tersely.
Fudge studied her curiously, "And how is it that these women have kept the students from harm so far?"
"Cornelius," Minerva spoke with ill-concealed fury, "if you wish to put the students in danger with the Dark Lord on the loose that is your choice, however, I will do no such thing. They will stay."
Fudge started to shake with anger himself. Finally finding his tongue once again, he spat, "Do what you wish with them. Now that Dumbledore is gone there will be no one to save them from further action." With that the Minister opened the door and ushered the group around him to leave, slamming it closed on their departure.
Victoria looked to Minerva as the door closed, "What did he mean, 'now that Dumbledore's gone'?"
Minerva slid into a chair, resentment still evident in her eyes as she explained, "Fudge attempted to have Albus arrested. The group they spoke of called themselves 'Dumbledore's Army'." She took a deep breath trying to calm her nerves, "To save Potter and the rest of the students he said that he had told Potter to start this group to fight the Ministry."
"How'd he get away?" Tonks asked, her hair now starting to lighten again.
"With a combination of well used stunning spells and Fawkes," Minerva answered with a bit of a smirk.
"So Dumbledore's really gone?" Victoria stated more than asked, trying to believe the truth herself.
"For the time being," Minerva nodded, staring off into the fireplace.
Tonks shook her head and flopped into the chair next to Minerva. Sighing deeply she summed up what they were all thinking in a few short words, "Well, we're screwed."
…
A few months after Dumbledore's departure, they were to have another Order meeting. As usual, Victoria was one of the first in Grimauld place, walking through the quiet halls she started to wonder if Sirius was even around. After a moment she heard a commotion coming from the sitting room.
Making her way towards the sounds she opened the door, finding Sirius, but much to her shock not in the way she'd expected. He was wrapped around a witch, their black hair entangling making it impossible to tell whose it was. The soft moans escaping the woman made Victoria turn immediately on her heel making a quick exit.
Closing the door behind her she leaned heavily against it, the pure shock of the image still lingering before her eyes. 'This is his house,' she reasoned to herself as she made her way to the kitchen.
Pulling out a Butterbeer from the fridge she took a seat at the table. It was a strange feeling that enveloped her as she thought about Sirius once more. She had told him that they could never be together and she still felt that way, but strangely enough she felt jealous. She was happy for Sirius that he had found someone and she wasn't jealous of the woman he was with. It was the simple fact that he was with someone and she couldn't be. She felt petty and selfish, but it was her feelings nonetheless.
A few minutes later she heard another set of footsteps in the hall. A moment later she heard a door open and the distinct voice of Tonks say, "Oh sorry, I'll just go."
Victoria couldn't help the smirk that crossed her features as Tonks walked into the room with a slight shudder. "That wasn't what I was expecting," she said helping herself to a Butterbeer as well.
"Neither was I," Victoria laughed lightly.
Tonks took a seat next to her, "You saw it too."
Victoria nodded taking a long pull from her bottle.
"Who was with him?" Tonks turned to her curiously.
Victoria shrugged, "I don't know. All I saw was black hair."
"It couldn't be…" Tonks said thoughtfully, trailing off.
"Who?" Victoria asked.
"Well there is only one other witch in the Order, aside from yourself," Tonks smirked picking up a piece of Victoria's hair, "with black hair."
"You don't mean Hestia?" Victoria asked shocked.
"Who else? You and Minerva are the only others with black hair, and I don't know about you, but I can't see Minerva snogging my cousin." Tonks said with a slight laugh.
Thinking about that for a moment made Victoria shudder, "Well I hope she knows what she's in for."
Tonks shrugged, "Didn't look like she minded too much. And if she makes him happy it's all the better."
"But isn't she a bit young for him?" Victoria asked thinking about it for a moment.
"So?" Tonks asked averting her gaze.
"She just turned eighteen, it's a tad much."
"Vicky, not everyone worries about that." Tonks said stiffly.
Victoria smirked knowing exactly who the younger witch was thinking about. Finally conceding Victoria nodded, "You're right. Whatever makes him happy."
…
Nearly an hour later the meeting was coming to a close. Most of the meeting had to do with Dumbledore being kicked out of Hogwarts and Umbridge taking over. There was unfortunately nothing that could be done about the situation at present, but seeing Albus alive and well was reassuring to everyone. Finally standing to close the meeting he smiled at them. "I would like to take this time to introduce our newest members." He opened the door and revealed two men with flaming red hair and stocky builds. For a moment Victoria thought she was looking at Fabian and Gideon again, but as they sauntered into the room with matching smirks she recognized them.
"Fred and George Weasley have graciously decided to join our ranks," Dumbledore continued ushering them into two seats near Sirius. Looking down the line Victoria noticed Molly looked none too happy at the prospect of more of her children joining the Order.
"Yeah," Fred started, "decided our talents could be used in other ways."
George added, "It didn't hurt when we were kicked out for turning a corridor into a swamp."
The people that had encountered the twins chuckled lightly.
"Well we are glad to have such… enthusiastic young people." Dumbledore said with a smile. "That is all for this meeting. As always I would like to remind all of you to stay vigilant. Have a good evening."
With those words people started making their way out of the house or into other areas, leaving only two in the room. Simultaneously Minerva and Albus got up from their seats. Flicking his hand at the door he sealed it as she wrapped her arms around him. He held her tightly as if holding her for the last time. "Minerva, you have no idea how wondrous it feels to hold you once again."
"I believe I do," Minerva smirked into his hair, giving him a tight squeeze. "I have missed you so."
"And I you," he said pulling back slightly to give her a tender kiss.
After a moment she pulled away, still remaining in his embrace, "Where have you been staying?"
He pushed a stray lock of hair behind her ear, "In a cave just outside Hogsmeade. Sirius told me about it long ago."
Minerva looked at him surprised, "How are you getting food?"
"When I need it I stop in and see Aberforth. He has no qualms with harboring a fugitive." He said with a small smile brushing his thumb across her cheek.
"I should hope not," she said tersely, "since he has had his fair share of run-ins with the law."
He cupped her face with his hand for a moment, looking deep into her eyes, "How are you doing my dear?"
She leaned into his touch, "I have been better," she answered honestly. "I fear Umbridge and I got into a… tussle over Harry a few days ago."
Albus gave a low chuckle, "Can I guess who won?"
Minerva gave a slight smirk, "I still may have overstepped the line."
He looked at her incredulously, a false shocked tone entering his voice "I would never believe it Professor McGonagall."
She leaned into him once again, "However, now Delores seems to want me out as well. I do not know how much longer I can stand her Albus. Not without you."
"I will return. Have no fear," he said holding her tightly to him.
"It cannot be soon enough," she said into his hair. "I need you back with me."
"I know my love. Soon, I shall be home soon," he pulled back looking into her eyes once again.
"I will hold you to that," she leaned in capturing his lips with her's once again.
…
It was after midnight when Victoria patrolled the grounds nearly a month later. She was coming to the front of the castle, where she was to meet up with Tonks to see if anything out of the ordinary had happened on her side, when the doors to the castle opened wide. Half a dozen people exited the castle, led by the squat, ever pink Umbridge. She watched as the small group walked down the path and stopped in front of Hagrid's door. Wondering what on Earth was going on she continued to watch as they entered the hut and the door was closed behind them.
In her observation Victoria didn't hear Tonks come up to her. "What's that about do you suppose?"
"I don't know," Victoria answered honestly, still confusedly watching the hut, "but it can't be good if they're there after midnight."
They watched in silence, but took out their wands expectantly. Hagrid stood in the doorway illuminated by the light from behind him, roaring and waving his fists. The group around him were throwing stunner after stunner at the half giant to no avail as they were bouncing off of him.
"Be reasonable, Hagrid," she heard Dawlish shout over Hagrid's roars.
"Reasonable be damned, yeh won' take me like this, Dawlish!" Hagrid thundered back as Fang came bounding out of the hut in an attempt to defend Hagrid. A stunning spell hit the dog squarely, causing him to fall to the ground. Hagrid gave a furious howl and lifted the man into the air, throwing him nearly ten feet and watching as he came crashing back down unmoving.
A moment later the doors to the castle opened next to them. Victoria saw Minerva's long silhouette striding across the lawn, "Leave him alone! Alone, I say!" she bellowed. "On what grounds are you attacking him? He has done nothing, nothing to warrant such –"
"No!" Victoria cried involuntarily, watching in horror as four of the group turned on her stunning her where she stood. For a moment her body shot into the air, eerily lit by the crimson glow of the stunners. She landed hard on her back and did not move. Victoria flew to her side, performing diagnostic spells as fast as she could.
"COWARDS!" Hagrid thundered, "RUDDY COWARDS! HAVE SOME O' THAT – AN' THAT –" He took two massive swipes at the three men closest to him, his fists connecting brutally with them and leaving them out cold.
"Get him, get him!" Umbridge screamed at the last man remaining. He, however, was backing away from Hagrid, and tripped over one of the men on the ground, falling over next to him. Hagrid had already picked up Fang and started running with him as Umbridge sent one last Stunning spell at him.
The diagnostic spells finished and finding that Minerva was stunned, but not mortally hurt, Victoria rose to her feet. "Take her to Poppy," Victoria said quickly to Tonks, gripping her wand tighter in anger, "I have something I need to take care of."
Tonks could only nod in response as Victoria had already stalked off to find Umbridge. Halfway to Hagrid's hut Victoria bellowed, "How dare you, you Bitch!"
"Miss Knight, I would…" Umbridge started, but never had the chance to finish as she was struck by a spell to her chest. The squat witch was thrown from her feet and landed hard on the ground, but got back up. Victoria didn't hesitate, but continued to throw spells in her direction until she had her pinned to the ground. Finally standing over her Victoria put her wand away and put her hand to the woman's throat. "What right do you have to attack innocent people?" Victoria growled in the woman's face.
"I would hardly call Hagrid or Minerva innocent."
Victoria pressed down a bit harder, "All they've done is try to protect these students, which is much more than I can say for you."
"Miss Knight… I must tell you… that you are hereby terminated… from this school," she choked out.
Victoria gave a dry laugh, "Good luck with your school, Professor," pulling her fist back she punched her with all her might. She could hear the bones in her face crack under the force and Umbridge was knocked unconscious.
…