Chapter 23 Those Who Care and Those Who Control
Harry woke slowly, and for a moment, didn't know where he was. He heard silence around him rather than the snoring of his dorm mates, and the bed didn't feel quite the same. He blinked his eyes open and sat up, turning his head, then the memories of the previous night came back to him. The Ministry of Magic really were idiots, Harry thought to himself as he carefully climbed from bed. A soft bark caught his attention and he felt something large bump his legs, reaching down and feeling the thin dog rising up from the floor.
"Hey, Sirius." Harry said quietly, opening himself to Magic's knowledge for a moment. "Sharen's asleep on Magic in the living room, but it's..." He checked his watch, which told him it was seven in the morning. "We can eat if you want to transform and follow me."
He felt Sirius transform in front of him, then he whispered back to him, "Thanks. You sure we should eat if Sharen's asleep?"
"Yeah. It's fine." Harry replied.
"She was really sad the previous night, though I don't blame her." Sirius whispered. "Her parents sounded like they loved her, unlike mine." Sirius added the last part bitterly.
"What were you doing sleeping on the floor as a dog in here, anyway?" Harry asked.
"I... I haven't seen you in so long, and I wanted to keep you safe, and it was more comfortable, too. I don't want to take up any resources or extra room if I don't have to." Sirius said.
"Well, I'll tell you what." Harry responded as he started to walk from the room, still whispering, his head turned to face him. "I'll just expand the house on the inside and create another room for you to use."
"Do you even realize how advanced such magic is?" Sirius asked. "And you talk about performing it so casually."
"It's not advanced to me." Harry responded. "Besides, my trunk does the same thing, it'll be easy. But I'll ask Sharen first before I do any of that. Come on."
Harry entered the hall, and from there, went into the living room where Sharen was asleep, curled on Magic and clutching her hands. After listening for a moment, he turned around with a bit of a smile and entered the kitchen, placing a sound barrier up so Sharen could continue to get her sleep.
"We can talk normally now if you want." Harry said as he opened the fridge. "So, how hungry are you. Very hungry, or just a little?"
"Very." Sirius replied. "I haven't had a proper meal in... A little less than thirteen years or so."
"What would you like?" Harry asked.
"Anything'll do. Anything's better than the slop they feed you at Azkaban." Sirius said.
Harry chuckled, then said, "You know the Ministry tried to put me in Azkaban? They said if I didn't go with Mrs. Landry, to be in their custody since I didn't give them this address... Oh, my."
"Exactly what's the story with that, anyway?" Sirius asked.
"Well, you know I'm blind, of course." Harry said. "And, because of that, they thought I'd faked my exam results. Apparently, in their eyes, a blind person isn't fit to perform magic. It's as if all my intelligence is just stripped away if I'm blind, like losing your vision will prevent you from doing anything safely."
"In a way, I'd understand them if you used magic conventionally." Sirius said. "If you think about it, using a wand's like using a gun. It can be very dangerous, and since you can't see where you're aiming the gun, there could be problems, rather serious ones."
"Right." Harry said. "I'd never use a gun for that reason. But I don't use magic that way, I can feel and manipulate it directly because, well, of how advanced a magical user I am I suppose. But they didn't even want to take the time to determine that. Off with you, they said."
"Who needs them, anyway?" Sirius asked. "I might have been in prison for thirteen years, but this old dog's still got some knowledge and skills. I could teach you a thing or two about magic, I'm sure of it."
"Well, I've got all my books. Magic could make print copies for you to read if you wanted to teach me. I still want to study magic." Harry said.
"I'd be willing to help you." Sirius responded. "Just what are you making, Harry?"
"waffles." Harry responded with a grin. "Pancakes, which are pretty hard for me, eggs, bacon, and sausages. Sounds hearty, doesn't it?"
"It sure does." Sirius said. "I'll stay quiet, then, and won't disturb you."
"You're not disturbing me." Harry said. "I want to talk with you and get to know you. Tell me about your marauder days at school. I'd like to hear about some of the pranks you pulled, that should prove amusing."
"I wouldn't want to tarnish that good image you've got of your parents." Sirius said.
"I'm sure, like everyone else, James Potter did stupid things. No one's perfect, and no one is larger than life, either." Harry responded. "It's an unfortunate, but necessary reality of good old humans." He chuckled a bit.
"You know, for being expelled, having to leave all your friends, you're in pretty good spirits, Harry." Sirius said.
"I suppose I am." Harry replied. "But I'm sure I won't be expelled forever. Unless, of course, the media's manipulated to suit what they want, which wouldn't at all surprise me."
"You could always show up at the Daily Prophet and talk to the reporters directly." Sirius said.
"No, I'll just leave them be." Harry replied. "My friends know me, they know who I am. That's all that really matters. If they want to drag my name through the mud, so be it." Harry shrugged.
"I guess I'm more hot headed than you are." Sirius said. "I wouldn't just take it lying down like that."
"Why?" Harry asked. "I'll still be getting an education."
"Because it's all about pride, about correcting wrongs." Sirius said. "They wronged you by expelling you from Hogwarts for no reason at all, Harry. And you don't even care? You're going to just let them get away with it? Stand up for yourself, make them see you aren't who they think you are!"
"You're one to talk." Harry said.
"What's that supposed to mean?" Sirius asked.
"You talk to me about correcting wrongs, and you were going to murder Peter Pettigrew because of his betrayal. Now how would that have looked on your record, how is that right? Killing's wrong, Sirius, and I don't care what the reason behind it is, unless you're defending yourself and it... It happens." Harry let out a sigh. "So. You talk to me about standing up for myself, and you couldn't even do the right thing, gain your freedom and take care of me before murdering your betraying friend."
"I know." Sirius sighed. "I know, Harry. I just... Being in that place, being around the Dementors for so long, and already not thinking clearly about the situation, I lost it."
"I see." Harry responded. "Well then, maybe until you regain it, you can sit there and be happy, you mangy old dog, and don't shed on the furniture." Harry grinned. Sirius let out a bark of laughter.
It was about fifteen minutes later that Harry felt his flame of magic change slightly, opening his awareness to Magic and realizing that Sharen had woken up. He put down the barrier blocking sound as he continued mixing the batter for the pancakes and waffles in the mixing bowl, whistling cheerfully to himself. Sharen entered the kitchen with Magic behind her, saying calmly, but dully, "Morning Harry, Sirius."
"Hi there." Harry replied, still smiling. "Ready for some great breakfast?"
"Sure." Sharen responded, though her voice was still sad. Harry heard her sit down, then heard a soft, but audible ding indicating mail had been received.
"Check that please, Magic." Sharen said.
Harry turned the mixer off and scraped the edges of the bowl, gathering the batter in the center of the bowl again before turning it back on, but on low. He heard paper being turned, then Magic stated, "It's the Daily Prophet."
"What are they saying about me?" Harry asked.
"Boy-Who-Lived Expelled From Hogwarts. Mid day yesterday, Harry Potter, the boy who vanquished He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named, was expelled from Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. This was done at the request of the Minister of Magic himself, and seemingly, without any just cause behind it. Harry Potter, who has attended Hogwarts school for two years prior, has shown an aptitude for advanced magic, and despite the blindness he's been cursed with, has shown himself to be quite proficient in the grasp of magic and its theory. This reporter wonders precisely why the Ministry of Magic has expelled one of the most famous students to grace the walls of Hogwarts in quite some time. Speculation is that his expulsion was a ploy by the Ministry, to protect him against mass murderer Sirius Black. For further details on this story, visit page three." Magic stated placidly.
Sirius chuckled, then said, "If they only knew where I was."
"Yep." Harry responded. "Oh, what will we ever do! The Ministry's plan's failed again, it's Black in the house with us here, and now! They just couldn't keep me away from him, dear, dear!"
Sharen let out a slight chuckle and Harry felt elated that she could still laugh, even after the tragedy of the deaths of her parents.
"The Ministry's never been great at planning anything well." Sirius said. "I worked for them as an Auror before my time in Azkaban, and always knew they were a bunch of blundering idiots."
"Then why'd you work for them?" Harry asked.
"Because I could do more to stop Voldemort and his minions being an Auror, then doing nothing at all." Sirius said. "But, here I am, doing nothing. I should have stayed out of all of it."
"Na, I bet you did a lot of good." Harry replied.
"Sure." Sirius said bitterly. "A lot of good getting blamed for betraying the Potter's, and getting no trial at all."
"What kind of justice system gives a man a prison sentence without a trial?" Sharen asked, a bit of anger in her voice.
"A stupid one." Sirius replied.
"I want to apologize for last night, Sirius, and Harry." Sharen said. "I was just really distraught about what happened to my parents. I didn't mean to take it out on all of you. And I probably made you uncomfortable, Magic."
"No." Magic stated. "You required someone to listen to your stories. Harry wanted me to listen to you. I don't experience physical discomfort."
"That's good." Sharen said. "Well, thanks, then. I appreciate what you did."
"I did as Harry wished me to do." Magic said.
"And you're welcome." Harry added.
Harry finished mixing the batter, and after getting out a measuring cup and the waffle iron, started to cook the waffles. He'd already started to fry up sausages in a pan, and checked them, turning them and making sure they were cooking evenly as best they could. He put some of the batter for the waffles into a pan for pancakes as well, setting a timer to time what he was doing with precision.
"Let's hope this works." Harry said to himself. "If not, it'll be another Harry Potter cooking disaster."
"Do you cook often, Harry?" Sirius asked.
"Every once in a while, a few times a week." Harry said. "I like to keep my cooking skills sharp, especially after not using them for the entire school year, which won't be a problem any longer." Harry heard another ping and said, "Is that mine, Magic?"
"Yes." Magic stated. "A letter from Ron Weasley."
"Read it to me, will you?" Harry asked.
He heard the envelope being opened, then Magic said sedately, "Harry, what happened to you after the feast last night, and why haven't you returned to the dorm? Are you doing okay? There's some speculation that you're in trouble with the Ministry because that Umbridge woman took you from the entrance hall. Write back to us and let us know what's going on."
"Well, I'm guessing Ron wrote that last night and sent it early this morning." Harry said.
"Yes." Magic stated.
"Is it dated?" Harry asked.
"No." Magic responded. "It's a logical explanation."
"And you being so good at logic would know, I guess." Harry smiled. "They should get my letter I wrote to Daphne last night, and probably will hear about my expulsion this morning."
"There's a letter from the Ministry of Magic." Magic stated.
"Oh, great." Harry responded in an unenthusiastic voice. "What's that say?"
He heard tearing paper, then Magic said, "Dear Mr. Potter. We, at the Ministry of Magic, are sending an official notice that you are to attend a Wizengamot hearing on the tenth of September, 1993, at nine AM, due to your resist of detention by Ministry representative Dolores Jane Umbridge. Penalty of your refusal to attend this hearing will involve a one month stay in Azkaban prison, and the binding of your magic. Yours sincerely, Minister of Magic. Cornelius Fudge."
"Well." Harry stated. "Maybe I'll have an opportunity to present my side of the story."
"They're holding a full Wizengamot hearing for a minor?" Sirius asked. "That's very unusual. Why would they do that, and without notifying you, Sharen?"
"Because the Ministry's a bunch of fools." Sharen stated, then sighed. "Harry, do you know how to get to the Ministry of Magic?"
"Sure." Harry responded. "Go to Hogwarts, let them take me there. I'm sure that'll work."
"It seems a Ministry official is pacing outside and attempting to find the house." Magic stated. "Rose Landry."
"Oh." Harry said. "Wonderful."
"If you're going out there to meet her, I'm coming with you." Sharen said, determined.
"Magic, keep an eye on the cooking. You know what to do." Harry instructed.
Magic walked calmly over to the items of food as Harry went to the front door. He and Sharen put on their shoes, stepping outside the house together.
"Yep, there she is." Sharen remarked.
Harry took her arm and let her lead him down the driveway. As they reached the end and stepped onto the sidewalk, Rose gasped at the surprise of their sudden appearance.
"Good morning, Mrs. Landry." Harry stated. "What work are you here to do this time?"
"I'm here to speak with your guardian, Sharen, Harry." Rose responded calmly, her voice sad.
"And?" Sharen asked.
"I'm sorry." Rose said as Harry heard parchment being unrolled. "By order of the Ministry of Magic, you are to immediately give the address of Harry Potter's residence, or face time in Azkaban for interfering with a Ministry investigation."
"Listen, very carefully." Harry said with a sigh. "If this keeps up, then the Ministry of Magic isn't going to remember who I am, nor will you, or Sharen, or anyone else."
"And how do you plan to do that?" Sharen asked.
"By placing the Fidelius Charm of both myself and Magic." Harry stated. "It won't be hard to duplicate, and I do believe the results would be everyone forgetting about me. Maybe not entirely, but they won't know who I am anymore, so the Ministry won't be going after me."
"You could do that?" Rose asked in an impressed voice.
"Sure." Harry said. "So, shall we stop this now, or what? Because I'm really getting tired of this nonsense."
"The Fidelius Charm can't be placed on a person by its very nature." Rose said.
"It can in my case, when it's changed a little." Harry responded. "The Ministry refuses to believe I can perform magic. So, they want to arrest me even after I clearly demonstrate that I can perform magic by stopping the attempt, then leaving Hogwarts. And, they now want to put me on trial for not disclosing my residence, which is none of their business anyway.
"You don't understand." Rose said. "Do you know how much power it would take to wipe or block knowledge of you from people's minds?"
"Not enough to cause me any harm." Harry stated. "Are we really going to go through this song and dance, or do I hide myself forever?"
Rose sighed, then said, "I've given the message. And I'm here to carry out my duties. I'm only doing my job, Harry, but I really am sorry. They shouldn't be doing this to you."
"Then don't just keep doing your job, stand up and do something!" Sharen shot back angrily. "You sit there and talk about how you don't like what the Ministry's doing, well, show it! Walk away! Tell the public, the media the truth!"
"Unfortunately, some rather power politicians who I, personally, believe are death eaters, have threatened to cause some... Unwanted things to happen to my family if I don't comply with my job." Rose responded coldly. "I know what they're really saying. Have you ever, ever tried to work under the threat of your family being killed? I know exactly where this is going, too. The Ministry's trying to discredit you, Harry, and all that you've done."
"Then maybe it's time I disappear." Harry said.
"And don't tell me who you are after." Sharen added quickly. "I don't want to know where you are, who you are, or what you're up to. The Ministry already knows I'm related to you, and will still know I'm related in some way to someone that I've kept them from finding, even if they won't know who you are. If I know anything about you, I might give something away."
"But..." Harry felt a deep sense of loss and rejection slam into him at her words. "I thought you loved me. I can hide you, too..."
"Maybe you'll be able to hide yourself, but not me." Sharen said. "I have a job that I can't just walk away from, Harry, nor would I want to."
"I'm confident you won't tell them anything about me." Harry said. "But let's talk about this, before I do anything. Goodbye, Rose, and good luck."
Before Rose could do anything, Harry grabbed Sharen and pulled her into the driveway. He heard Rose let out a sigh as he walked up to the front door, entering the house and closing the door behind him a bit harder than usual.
"When will this ever end?" He asked.
"I don't know, Harry, I truly don't know." Sharen responded heavily. "But don't hide yourself. I have an idea."
"And what's that?" Harry asked.
"We'll go to the source of the slander. The Daily Prophet itself." Sharen stated.
"Who writes for the ministry?" Harry asked. "No thanks."
"You don't know that until we try." Sharen stated angrily. "I just lost my parents, I don't want to lose you too!"
Harry let out a deep sigh as he took off his shoes, entering the kitchen and sitting down, hearing Magic continuing the cooking with her machine-like efficiency. From across from him, Sirius asked, "What's going on now?"
"Harry wants to do something stupid." Sharen stated furiously as she sat down next to him, slamming her hands on the table.
"Sharen, I..." Harry began.
"You've always been impulsive, even if you think about it more than others! So just don't!" Sharen shouted, and Harry heard her voice shaking. Briefly, Harry thought back on some of the things he'd done, wondering if that was a true statement, or one clouded by emotion.
"Look." Harry said. "Let's all just talk about it. The Ministry are being idiots. They're after me unjustly, and I have a solution. The Fidelius Charm can be placed on myself and Magic, by me, hiding us both from the Ministry, so they'll stop looking for me. Looking for a nameless person won't be so good for them."
"And looking for you, when you aren't hidden, won't be good for them, either." Sirius said. "What have you really done to be expelled?"
"Nothing." Harry said. "Except be blind."
"Exactly." Sirius replied. "They're going to get a public outcry from people about their article, and I doubt they'll like the results. They basically said that you were expelled for being blind, which is really their only reason behind it anyway."
"No doubt they'll manipulate it to suit their own ends, give me that." Sharen said, and Harry heard paper being turned furiously, then heard it slammed down on the table. "Magic a danger to those around him due to his lack of vision and being able to aim spells properly? This is utter stupidity!"
"Students have proven false this statement by the Ministry, as Harry's spell work in classes has proven unsurpassed by teachers, and has been unfailingly accurate." Magic serenely stated after a moment. Harry realized she must have glanced at the paper.
"Is that what the paper says?" Harry asked.
"Yes." Magic responded, placing a plate in front of Sirius.
"Thanks, Magic." Sirius said.
"Thank Harry. I do as he wishes." Magic said.
"But you did it, and that's what counts." Sirius responded. "But if you insist, thanks, Harry."
"They can't just do this!" Sharen burst out as Harry heard ripping paper.
"Hey hey hey!" Harry tried to reach for it.
"I swear I'm going up there and I'm going to give them a peace of my mind!" Sharen shouted as Harry heard her tossing the torn pages into the rubbish bin. Through her actions, Harry realized just how rash he was about to be in hiding himself from everyone, and let out a sigh. He didn't want to lose those who cared for him.
"Well, at least they can't find me here." Harry said.
"No, but they can find me." Sharen stated furiously. "I have a job, Harry, and I work for a living, and that's public record. And I've got to go. Undoubtedly they'll take me in and perform a little obliviation on my Muggle supervisors and the people I work with. People with magic, thinking they can just do whatever they want with people's lives! It's ridiculous!"
"What should I do, then, Sharen?" Harry asked with a sigh. "Hide myself? Stay here and do nothing, what?"
Sharen sighed.
"I don't know." She said. "I just don't know. Just don't do anything. Take care of Sirius. And if I'm not back by tonight, or someone else finds their way into the house... Do what you have to do, Harry. Disappear." Harry heard Sharen grab her keys, then storm from the house, slamming the door and roughly locking it behind her. He sighed as Magic placed a plate in front of him.
"Thanks." Harry said.
Magic said nothing, but as always, Harry felt the soothing rush of his flame of magic getting closer to him. Silently, he began to eat his cut waffles and strips of bacon. The minutes passed without anyone saying a word. Magic silently sat next to Harry and mechanically began eating her food. A few minutes after she started, Sirius asked, "Harry, is there anyone else who cares about you, anyone you might be able to get advice on what to do?"
"You." Harry responded.
"I'm probably not the best person to ask." Sirius said. "Being at Azkaban hasn't done much good for my mental state, and after Magic's true, and blunt words to me, I realized I need to be more responsible if I'm to properly take care of you. And part of that is knowing when I might not be able to give you clear advice."
"What do you have for me anyway?" Harry asked.
"Leaving the country, going elsewhere. Hiding, like you've already talked about." Sirius said.
"Well, there's my friends at school." Harry replied.
"Maybe they could help you, but I don't know. I was thinking more of adults who could help." Sirius said.
"There's the Weasley's." Harry responded. "I know where they live, and could take us there."
"The Weasley's." Sirius replied curiously. "I remember meeting one of them. Molly. Quite a mother, that woman is. I'm sure she wouldn't hesitate to help you. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if she's doing something already."
"Neither would I, now that you mention it." Harry said. "Well, I suppose we'll just wait here for now."
"That'd probably be best." Sirius replied. "Though I've never been one for waiting."
"I know, as your actions attest to." Harry said, smirking a little. Despite his conversation with Sirius, Harry felt like there was something he was missing.
*** HOGWARTS, GREAT HALL ***
It was unusual for Professor Dumbledore to stand and give a speech before breakfast, Hermione thought. In fact, he was standing to make a speech before the post had even arrived. As she always did, Hermione gazed over at him. The twinkle, normally present in his blue eyes, was dim. His face, usually welcoming, only held an expression of calm resignation, though looking at him, she thought she could see a spark of hope within his eyes. For an instant, Professor Dumbledore's eyes caught hers and his mouth twitched in a bit of a smile. Next to where he sat was the toad-like Umbridge, who's speech the previous night had informed her of all she needed to know. The Ministry of Magic was interfering at Hogwarts. It seemed, however, that Professor Dumbledore wasn't simply going to allow it to happen, and she found herself curiously wondering exactly what he was about to do.
"Good morning, everyone." He said in a calm tone of voice. "I ask for your attention, for just a moment."
Those who had been talking fell silent, and looking around her, Hermione noticed the students exchanging glances. At the Slytherin table, Tracey Davis caught her gaze and rose an eyebrow, her face otherwise carefully composed, though she didn't look at her long.
"Some of you will, undoubtedly, be receiving the Daily Prophet, but I believe it prudent to inform you of a piece of news before you read it in the paper, as it's a rare occurrence to see everyone gathered together before the post arrives, especially on the morning after the beginning of year feast. One of our very own students, whom many of you know, has been unjustly expelled for his lack of sight."
Hermione heard students starting to whisper and talk around her, glancing quickly at one another.
"I am speaking, of course, of Harry Potter." Professor Dumbledore said, and with a wave of his wand, expanded what looked to be an article from the Daily Prophet. Everyone, including her, was reading it. When Ron spoke out, however, Hermione wasn't surprised.
"This is ridiculous!" His voice was angry. "They can't just do this to..."
Sitting next to him, Daphne Greengrass placed a hand firmly on his shoulder, then stood and smoothly began walking toward the front of the great hall. Everyone pointed at her and were whispering, wondering exactly what she was doing. Hermione watched her long strides, and once at the front of the great hall, she turned to face them, blue eyes hard as she looked around at everyone watching her.
"I have only one question for all of you!" She called in a raised voice, but one that contained a steely calm. "Would any of you ever disown a family member because they couldn't do something you expected them to? Because that's what we are here at Hogwarts, a family! Those who don't stand behind Harry's unjust expulsion..."
"Hem, hem!" Hermione heard the cough of Professor Umbridge interrupt, but Daphne continued on.
"Are supporting the family that we are! And those who stand behind the Ministry's decision are unwilling to examine the events of Harry Potter's time here at Hogwarts! Not only did he slay the Basilisk the previous year, which had petrified students and killed two people, but he has repeatedly shown great courage! And what is the Ministry doing? Throwing all of that away! Saying that because he's blind, Harry Potter is worthless!"
"Hem! Hem!" Umbridge was coughing louder now, and Hermione thought she saw a glimpse of anger on Umbridge's face.
"Whoever's with me now, let's show the Ministry that we're just like Harry, worth something, even if they don't see it! I know some of you believe studying is important! But what is more important? Family, or an education! I choose family! And if Harry can't be here at Hogwarts, then I don't care what happens! You can take points from my house! You can give me as many detentions as you want! But until Harry Potter returns, I refuse to study! The more that stand behind me, the more the Ministry will see the wrong they've done! I am worth something, and so is Harry! This injustice isn't something I'm going to stand for!"
Daphne began to walk back to the Gryffindor table, head held high with pride, determination on her face.
"Hem, hem!" Umbridge coughed.
Daphne didn't turn around.
"Miss McGonagall!" Umbridge said.
Daphne turned to face her.
"Yes?" She asked pleasantly.
"I will not stand for this..." Umbridge began. Ron stood up, looking fiercely determined.
"I'm with Daphne, and I'm with Harry!" He shouted.
Hermione stood.
"So am I!"
"And us, too!" The Weasley twins also stood.
Trembling, Neville Longbottom did the same. Students around the hall began to stand and declare their support for Harry, even students that he'd not met before. One of the older students shouted, "Reverse the expulsion! Reverse the expulsion!" Gradually, the students in support of Harry began to pick up the chant. "Reverse, the, expulsion! Reverse, the, expulsion!"
"Hem! Hem!" Umbridge was loudly coughing, but the students were louder, and Hermione could see Hagrid, up at the professors table, also standing. His booming voice joined the rest.
"Reverse, the, expulsion!"
"Hem! Hem!" Umbridge still coughed, but by this moment, no one was listening.
Another teacher joined the chant. To Hermione's surprise, it was Professor McGonagall. Then, a rather sickly looking Professor Lupin, who looked almost dead on his feet, but who's voice joined the rest. Then, a beaming Professor Dumbledore, who's blue eyes were twinkling madly with happiness. And finally, Professor Flitwick, and to her pure shock, Professor Snape.
"Silence!" Professor Snape roared, raising his wand and producing some bangs from his wand.
Figures, Hermione thought angrily as she, along with everyone else, went silent. She could see the sneer of contempt on his face, but noticed that he wasn't gazing at the students, but at Umbridge, his black eyes cold.
"You, madam, are doing nothing but taking advantage of one who's power you can't begin to comprehend." Professor Snape stated in his cold tones that could silence a class, and it seemed the Great Hall as well, with no effort at all. "You see, now, that Mr. Potter need not even be here, and people are already in support of him, and against you. I can only imagine what will happen when everyone else subscribed to the Daily Prophet reads the paper. I am quite certain that the Ministry of Magic is about to be seen for the foolish organization of incompetent fools that it has become."
"How dare you insult the Ministry of Magic!" Umbridge shouted angrily.
"It is not an insult, Umbridge, merely an undeniable fact. A fact that, I'm certain, will become quite evident to the public very, very shortly. Expelling a student for being blind, for being true to their nature, without just cause? This, is the height of politicians and bureaucracy at their finest. Bumbling buffoons that wouldn't know a dangerous fire, even with a sign proclaiming it so. Those who play with fire inevitably get burned, Umbridge, and that is where this Ministry is heading very, very shortly. You would be wise to do as the students have stated. Reverse... The... Expulsion."
The cheering, clapping, shouting, and whistling that followed was louder than anything she'd heard before. Joining in and staring around, Hermione saw faces of many students that she'd not even met, set in determination. Feebly, Umbridge attempted, and failed to gain silence from the students and teachers who joined in, and up at the teachers table, Professor Snape was smirking coldly at Umbridge, who was looking almost panicked. It didn't take her long to leave the Great Hall with pure fury on her face.
*** HARRY POTTER'S RESIDENCE ***
Despite his words to Sirius, Harry couldn't help but be worried about Sharen. He was sure the Ministry had her by now, feeling a sick feeling in the pit of his stomach as he sat silently on the couch with Sirius, having put a movie on for them to watch. Magic sat with her arm around him, though despite the physical closeness, and the feeling of his flame embracing him, he couldn't help but feel anxiety. When he felt the feeling of another magical user outside, his heart pounded. He could also feel something else as well, as if something was manipulating the magic or being of someone else. The familiar sound of the door being unlocked followed and he stood.
"Stay here." Harry stated as Magic quickly paused the movie. Quietly, but quickly, Harry made his way toward the front door. He froze when he heard a very familiar cough.
"Hem, hem!"
Harry couldn't believe it. Somehow, some way, Umbridge had broken through the Fidelius Charm as well as the magic binding Sharen to prevent her from revealing the information. Harry felt a deep rage within him, along with a guilt that made him feel sick and almost immediately calmed his fury.
"You will come with me, Mr. Potter." Umbridge said in that high voice of hers.
"I want to know how you got in here." Harry stated with resignation. There was no escape for him, it seemed.
"Go on, dear, tell him!" Umbridge said.
Harry heard Sharen begin speaking in a cold, machine-like voice that wasn't her own, and realized that Umbridge was performing the manipulating magic.
"I was found, due to public records about my job. I was given a truth potion, revealing the conditions of my bind to you. I was then placed under the Imperius Curse, and we apparated to a place close to the neighborhood. I was ordered to take Umbridge by the hand and lead her to the house. I didn't reveal the information of its location to her, but she now knows it. The oath was circumvented." Sharen stated.
"Is that what you're doing to her?" Harry asked, feeling the anger rising in him again. "Is that why I feel like something's manipulating Sharen, taking over her will? How dare you do this!"
With pure rage within him, and hardly thinking at all, Harry ensured he was still shielded against threats, dispelled the magic controlling Sharen, then jumped forward and hit Umbridge, knocking her to the ground.
"I won't let you hurt them!" Harry shouted wildly, hands balled into fists as he hit her, punching her face over and over as he screamed at her. "How dare you control her and make her do this! I'll make you forget! I'll..."
"Stop!" Sharen shouted, and Harry felt her grab him and pull him away from Umbridge. Still furious, Harry sent a thought to Magic and Sharen's hands were wrenched from him as he barreled into Umbridge again, grabbing her throat with both hands and slamming her against the wall.
"You can't hurt me but I'll hurt you for controlling Sharen! How dare you do this, make me leave Hogwarts and all my friends!" As he screamed, he felt hot tears rolling down his face, feeling a bundle of fury, guilt, sadness and pure frustration all twisting inside him painfully, shaking and starting to cry. "I'll, make you... Forget! I'll... You won't... Get away with this..."
The flame of magic rose up inside him and he felt it twist within him, almost seeming to turn against what he wanted before he was in snared and yanked back. Magic's arms locked around him from behind and she stated, "This won't help you. This won't help Sharen. You're hurting your chances of remaining free of prison. You wish me to do what will help you."
"And what about her!" Harry screamed, turning to face Magic as he heard Umbridge coughing behind him.
"Our mutual innocent source on magic has informed me that performing the Imperius Curse is illegal. A memory from you is admissible in court. Go with Umbridge to the Ministry. I've protected our mutual, innocent source of magical information. You've frightened Sharen. Apologize to her." Magic stated.
Harry slumped against Magic, sobbing hard. He felt so confused, he didn't know what to do.
"Sharen I'm sorry! I'm sorry!" Harry cried wildly, desperately. "Don't send me away!"
"Oh, Harry." Sharen said, sounding equally emotional as she grabbed he and Magic in a hug. "No, Harry, no, I won't ever, ever send you away. It's okay, Harry, it's okay." Sharen rocked them both as she also cried with him, but in moments, he heard the familiar cough of Umbridge, which sounded rather shaky and nervous this time.
"Hem hem... You, you need not say anything, just... Just come with me Harry and everything will be fine, just fine." Umbridge was speaking a bit quicker than usual, sounding rattled. Harry took a shaky breath.
"Calm me please, Magic." Harry said quietly.
"This is not good to do for long." Magic stated as he felt his emotions calm, taking a deep, controlled breath. "Emotional release is required."
"I know." Harry responded clearly. "I just need calm for a sec." He pulled from Magic and turned to face Umbridge. "So. The Imperius Curse. Illegal, is it? And you performed it on Sharen, just to find me?"
"There's no, no need to mention that to anyone." Umbridge stated nervously. "Just come along now, Mr. Potter."
"Sure." Harry said. "I'll come with you. No problem at all."
"And you as well Sharen dear, come along now." Umbridge said. "But you." Umbridge was likely speaking to Magic. "You won't be coming with us, but you will leave this house by order of the Ministry of Magic."
"Okay." Magic stated.
"Go." Harry said. "Be with our source of magical information."
"Which you will explain, Mr. Potter." Umbridge stated as Harry felt Magic disappear, felt his flame yanked on like a rubber band being stretched uncomfortably far. He shouted out in surprise and grabbed at his chest, but in moments, the feeling faded.
"Harry!" Sharen cried frantically. "Harry, are you okay?"
"Yeah." Harry replied, trembling. "I'm... I'm okay..."
All the emotions Magic had temporarily suppressed were coming back to him, a little stronger than before. Hot tears rolled down his cheeks and he quietly sobbed as he was led by Umbridge from the house. He gasped at the familiar, crushing feel of apparation, and heard Sharen stagger beside him, though everything around him was a bit vague. He shamelessly cried as he heard people talking and gasping around him, being led into some type of elevator who's floors were announced by a cool, female voice that reminded him of Magic's tones. After a few minutes, Harry found himself locked in some type of prison cell, found a hard bench behind him that was probably used for both sleeping and sitting, sat down, and let himself cry hard from the emotional rollercoaster he'd been put on. Umbridge, Sharen, Sirius, everything that had happened, the curse that had controlled Sharen against her will, his reaction, everything ran through his mind over and over again as he cried. After about thirty minutes, he stopped crying, feeling emotionally exhausted. Silence fell and he simply sat, doing nothing for the moment, waiting for whatever would happen next.