Thank you to those who have reviewed so far. The story is coming along slowly.
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Flashes from camera's and screaming reporters filled the central hall of the Ministry. News spread quickly about the incident that landed Harry Potter in St. Mungo's due to Headmaster Umbridge's use of The Needle. The treatment of students and the illogical ministry restrictions had reached a breaking point and the public was demanding answers and changes.
Dolores Umbridge was currently in her old office putting her things back into place. Things seems to fit perfectly as she placed her kitten plates on the wall to look down on those entering in judgement. She refused to give up a position in the ministry especially when she thought it was over the proper treatment of a troublemaker.
"You certainly caused a fuss." Lucius Malfoy drawled as he entered Umbridge's office. He sneered at her décor and the kittens in turn hissed and looked down on him in disapproval.
"It's ludicrous. Over a foolish boy." She disliked Malfoy as she did all those that were known to be supporters of Voldemort but he was a powerful player in the ministry and it would be unwise to displease him.
Lucius smirked taking pleasure in the woman's downfall. "That foolish boy is beloved by the public. Even if he wasn't I am sure that there are regulations against using torture on a student."
"Is there something I can help you with Mr. Malfoy?"
"Yes, you can sign this." He handed her a parchment.
She looked at it then at him with surprise. "I sign this and I get to remain in the ministry with no charges? As you said I did use torture on a student beloved by the public."
"This position would suit you perfectly. Someone with a sense of dignity and pureblooded understanding is required for this task."
Umbridge read it again and wondered what the catch is. "And if I don't sign this?"
"You would be judged based on public opinion. Some are calling for the Dementor's kiss. I think that would be a waste of talent. Wouldn't you agree?" He smiled again knowing the answer already.
"I think I could make this work." She signed it and handed it back to Malfoy.
"I'm in agreement with you. Good day to you." He left without another word.
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Harry was forced into a deep sleep and fought it despite the pain he was in. The physicians at St. Mungo's found a way to remove the needle but he had to be asleep for the procedure to work. Harry never really understood how medical treatment was done at this level. Despite his many, many trips to the infirmary he never saw how surgery was done as there were no advanced medical devices like that in Muggle hospitals.
Physician Mopet sat down next to him and handed him a small vial of clear liquid. "This is to ensure you don't wake up during the procedure. After you will wake up and feel slightly droggy. You will feel some pain as your body would have been through an ordeal but that will fade in a few days time."
Harry took the vial and drank the contents. He fell back to the bed and soon he felt his eyes close as his body gave into the potions he was given and he fell into a deep darkness.
He didn't have any dark dreams. They were actually rather pleasant. The physicians informed him that they would be good as it helped with the healing process.
Harry woke up in pain but not as much as he had expected. He looked down at his arm and noticed that it was bandaged. Physician Mopet approached Harry. "I'm glad that you are awake. I need to explain the procedure that was done and the side effects of such a procedure. First let me cast a silencing spell so no unwanted ears can listen in. You are a high profile patient after all."
Harry's scar burned and the Doctor's eyes turned red for a moment then went away. "Hello Harry. I am so glad that you made it out of the procedure in good health."
Harry knew who was speaking and he wanted none of it. "I'm leaving." Harry made to get up but the possessed doctor injected Harry with something before Harry could move. His body went limp but he was still very aware of his surroundings, only able to move his head.
"Now, now Harry the good physician needs to tell you a few things. First is that you will no longer feel pain by the Needle as it has been embedded into your proximal ulnar. It will allow you to detect anyone lying to you from now on but if anyone knows of its existence you will never be able to lie to them and be forced to answer their questions or else you will be in exquisite pain."
Harry realized what had been done to him. "I suppose all your followers will know this soon enough."
The doctor laughed like Voldemort and tsked. "Some things belong to me alone Harry."
"You could have killed me, kidnapped me at any time."
"I have no intentions on interrupting your studies Harry." With that the doctor got up and removed the silencing spell and walked away, leaving Harry to ponder the odd words and what he assumed what the out of character behavior of his nemesis. That only brought Harry to wonder about the man who was bend on destroying his life.
Harry found he was able to get up after 15 minutes. He was discharged shortly after and he was greeted by someone he was very surprised to see. The fun just didn't seem to stop.
"I am glad you are feeling better Mr. Potter. I am to escort you back to the castle as I have been appointed Headmaster of Hogwarts."
Harry looked at him in shock. "You can't be serious."
Lucius was enjoying every moment of this. "I am very serious Mr. Potter. After Mdme Umbridge respectfully resigned I felt it was my duty to ensure that the educational standards were upheld…and reinstated."
"So you could spy on the students you mean?"
"Your words wound me Mr. Potter." He continued to hold that classic Malfoy smirk. "As a father I was deeply appalled by the treatment of students at Hogwarts."
Harry looked around for a way to escape. Lucius knew what he was doing. "I wouldn't try anything foolish Mr. Potter. Your wand is still in the care of the good staff of this hospital. Also I have heard that your procedure has some interesting side effects that only you and one other are privileged to know about."
This did indeed keep Harry from running. His wand was his lifeline and he would get it back soon.
The reporters were anxious to ask questions and Lucius Malfoy was ready for the cameras to show his support for Harry as he brought him back to the school. Harry cringed knowing what the headlines would be like tomorrow morning.
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The smell of coffee was something Draco rather enjoyed and he wondered why the wizarding world was so fond of tea in comparison. There was something refreshing about a freshly brewed cup with a little bit of cream. Really good coffee he would drink black. He was able to get away for the weekend and delve a little deeper into the muggle world.
This location had good but not exceptional coffee. He opened a device that fascinated him. It was called a laptop and from what he saw few people had one so he got a few smiles thrown his way at having something so new. Most were at computer terminals still. He also loved the fact he knew something his father would never understand. This space was his and this knowledge gave him access to information that so few from his world understood.
He knew that his father's minions would not be able to get any information as they saw everything from the muggle world as primitive and of no use. Draco loved the internet and those he spoke to. He even asked if anyone knew a Myra Gray.
The only lead he got from the message boards was a company called Greymyra. It was an engineering firm that dealt with residential construction and international staffing.
He was interrupted by a man who was obviously from his world. Draco gave him a rude look letting the stranger know that he was not welcome to sit with him.
"Excuse me but do you have to sit at this table?"
The man was cleanly dressed but did not have the correct colors for a man of his age. "Your father wants you to know that he knows about your visits here and that you know more about this muggle technology than you let on."
Draco hid his emotions but realized that this man was one of his father's spies. "No one from our world understands this technology or how muggles think."
"You seriously believe no one has cracked that little secret? Witches and Wizards chose not to understand. You're different than your father, aren't you?"
"In some regards."
The man in question paused knowing that the young man before him held no trust in him. "In what regards exactly."
"Ask my father if you really want to know."
"I'm asking you for him." The man was getting testy.
Draco knew that he was very close to finding an answer but he didn't want this man to know what he found out. The man wanted some dirt to hand to his father. Draco knew what to offer. "My father is a fool to think that all muggle technology is useless. He's a brilliant man but he's blind when it comes to things that he was not raised with. Now take that back to my father like the good mutt that you are."
The man was in shock that Draco would speak so boldly about his father. "Very well." He left and Draco decided to stay or else it would look suspicious. Another coffee later he was once again faced with an intruder at his table.
This time it was an Asian woman dressed in what Draco could only describe as business wear. She had her hair up in a bun with thick glasses. "So glad to finally meet you Draco Malfoy."
"And who may I ask are you?"
"I'm Myra Gray. Hope you enjoyed your coffee."
Draco looked down at the coffee and the mug went blurry. He looked around and saw everyone staring at him with odd smiles on their faces. He made and attempt to get up but fell to the floor. All Draco saw before he closed his eyes were a pair of expensive shoes tapping on the floor.
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Hermione studied the book she was given and absorbed more and more spells and knowledge. Anything to distract her from the dream she had. There had been times when she was interested in Snape and she heard other students talk about their teenage fantasies but this was far more than a simple curiosity.
Had something been done to her? That is what she was currently researching. She had arrived to class early to do some studying and made sure to bring the book with her. Snape entered the class from his study and paused to find Hermione at her station.
"I assume you are doing better Miss Granger?"
Hermione looked up. "Yes, Professor thank you." She blushed slightly and went directly back at the book.
Snape caught the blush and knew that he was the subject in her rather intense dream. He approached her as he crossed his arms. "I have decided to forgo any further training as I have accepted you as my apprentice. I have written a letter to the council and they see no issue with the matter."
Hermione was speechless. "That means I will be the youngest potions apprentice in over three hundred years."
"Indeed, tonight I will give you instruction and your head of house will be here as well. Be here at 7pm sharp."
She should have been pleased beyond measure but she was smart enough to understand that if there was no war brewing she would not be so easily accepted. "I'll be there Professor."
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