-Chapter 11—
Brooke never though much of what her life would be like if she were a prisoner, as a kid you learn that prisoners are bad people that are dangerous to themselves or society, so the good guys keep them locked away so they can't harm anyone anymore. They don't tell you that sometimes the good ones are the ones that are locked up, Sirius for example was locked away for 13 years before he managed to escape, and then there were people like Lucius Malfoy and Peter Pettigrew that got to live free.
Sirius use to tell her stories earlier in the summer, explaining to her that he thought he would lose his mind sometimes staring at the same four walls, hearing the shrieks from other inmates whether they were being tortured or lost in the nightmare of their own mind. Brooke was starting to understand the feeling.
"Come on some fresh air will do us all some good." Hermione lectured as she and Ron led Brooke outside a few days later.
"I just don't get it!" she complained, pushing a piece of hair out of her face, "How can we protect ourselves if these idiots are trying to pretend like nothing is happening?"
Ron shrugged, stuffing his hands into his jean pockets, "Dad says things are getting worse at the Ministry by the day."
Brooke shook her head, kicking a stone as they made their way along the bridge.
"Jus the three I was lo'kin for, co'me with me you th'ree," Hagrid said, not waiting to see if the three followed.
"Hagrid!" Hermione reprimanded as they ducked through trees of the Forbidden Forest, "We aren't suppose to be in here!"
Just as she spoke a heard of Centaurs came rushing by, yelling horrible things as they galloped on through.
"What the bloody hell is going on Hagrid?" Ron bellowed, holding a branch as Brooke passed through.
"The Ministry," she breathed, watching the herd disappear, "They keep placing regulations on the forest."
Hermione shook her head, "Those big headed idiots, don't they realize how dangerous that is?"
"That's just it they don't care!" Brooke growled, "Hagrid why are we here?"
Hagrid looked down, ringing his big hands together, "Seein' how things are go'in up the're without Dumbledore, I'm think'in I'm getting sacked soon."
Brooke's eyes widened as she took a step forward.
"I can't be goi'n without te'llin you bout my bro'tha!"
The ground started to shack slightly under the trio's feet, and she only managed to stay on her feet because of Ron's hands that kept her in place.
"Grawp!" Hagrid boomed.
Brooke inhaled sharply when the tree looking thing in front of her turned, stumbling around as he stood even taller. The three started to take startling steps backwards, Hermione's hand clenched onto her forearm painfully as she pulled Brooke backwards.
"It's al'right you th'ree, Grawp won't hurt you!" Hagrid was explaining as the three stumbled backwards.
"Hagrid this is your brother?" Hermione shrieked, "Do you know how much trouble you could get into if Umbridge were to find out?"
Hagrid sighed, looking sheepish, "I know…But I cou'ldn't just leave him without te'llin someone!"
"AHH!" Brooke yelled as Grawp latched onto her and sent her soaring up and into his hand.
"Hagrid!" Hermione yelled, "DO something!"
Ron yanked his wand outl, "I don't care if that's your brother or not Hagrid, I'll curse him if he doesn't put her down!"
"Ron!" Hermione growled, yanking his wand arm down, "You can't curse giants the same way you can wizards!"
"Fine!" he huffed, looking around and grabbing a chunk of wood, tossing it hard at Grawp's head.
"Careful!" Hermione lectured, "You could hit Brooke!"
Ron rolled his eyes huffing, "Fine then what is your brilliant idea?"
"Grwarp!" Hermione yelled, drawing the giants attention, "Put Brooke down right now!" she lectured, her hand pointing up at the Giant as though her were in trouble.
For a moment Brooke wasn't sure the thing was going to listen to Hermione, but soon she was lowered until her feet were planted firmly back on the ground, and being gently pulled slightly behind Ron, whose chest was puffed out as though he were preparing for battle.
Hermione smiled, giving Brooke a wink, "I think you may have an admirer Brooke."
Ron growled low in his throat, "You just stay away from her you!"
Brooke blushed as his voice cracked slightly, while Hermione rolled her eyes knowingly.
"You see I can't jus't lea've him out here all a'lone." Hagrid started to explain, giving the three a sheepish expression, "Do you thi'nk you can check on him every now and th'en?"
Brooke smiled, "Of course we will Hagrid!"
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"Of course we will Hagrid!" Ron mimicked for what seemed like the millionth time on the trios track back up to the school, "Have you gone mental Brooke, you just agreed that we were going to go checking on that giant, who might I remind you almost ate your head off a few moments ago!"
"Give it a rest Ron!" Hermione reprimanded, "What else could we say no?"
"Exactly!" Ron growled.
Brooke rolled her eyes at the twos bantering, "You heard him Ron, Grwarp is all Hagrid had left, I couldn't tell him to just leave him!"
Ron grumbled a few more choice words under his breath as the three made it back into the school.
"Oh be quiet!" Brooke teased as she poked him in the chest, "Or you'll make 'Mione remember what we are really supposed to be doing right now!"
Hermione stopped her walking from a few feet ahead of them, "Oh my goodness how could I forget?"
Ron moaned.
"The OWLS are tomorrow we need to go and study right now!" she shrieked, making a few 3rd year Hufflepuffs passing by quickly run the opposite way, "I will meet you two in the library, I need to go grab my study charts I prepared for us!" she explained before running off towards the tower.
Ron turned and threw her a glare, "You jinxed us Brooke!"
She sighed, "UGH!"
He chuckled as he made his way towards her, slinging an arm around her shoulder, "Well look at it this way at least were in it together.
Brooke shivered slightly at the feeling of his breath right above her head, Hermione's voice coming back to her about Ron.
"Say do you have your invisibility coat with you?" he asked excitedly.
"Actually-"
"Potter Weasley separate at once!" a voice shrieked from a bit in front of them, about the same time a force pushed them both away from each other.
Brooke righted herself just as Umbridge came into view, and was proud of herself when she didn't say exactly what she was thinking about the old bitch.
"You two know the rules!" She barked, giving them a disapproving look, "Go along!"
Ron glared, as Brooke fell in step beside him, "I'll tell you one thing, that woman has something coming her way." He growled low under his breath.
Brooke nodded, her hand coming to rest on his fingers for a moment and giving it a squeeze before releasing it, "Just think only 1 month until summer break, it's not far at all!"
He threw her his famous lop sided smile, "I suppose."
The two had made their way into the library, setting their stuff down on an empty table.
"You think anything fun will happen this summer?" Ron asked.
Brooke shrugged, "You never know, with Fred, George, Remus, and Sirius anything is possible."
Ron chuckled, nodding in agreement.
"Okay!" Hermione declared as she threw 30 or so charts on the table, slightly out of breath, "I managed to get everything down that I think will be most important."
Brooke eyed the charts, "Well at least that isn't too many."
Ron nodded in agreement.
Hermione gave the two a frown, "No silly, those are just for History of Magic, I have more for-"
A loud groan sounded from Ron.
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The swinging of the clock in the Great Hall had Brooke hypnotized as she sat tapping her quill to try and concentrate on the test that lay in front of her. Umbridge was standing at the top of the stairs where the teachers table normally stood. Hermione sat a few tables in front, her head going up and down at a rapid pace. Ron sat a few tables beside her, and he looked to be having just as difficult of a time trying to concentrate as she did.
She hadn't got a good night sleep last night, her dreams plaguing her, and now sitting for the OWLS, she had a weird feeling in the pit of her stomach. Hermione had insisted it had to do with the OWLS, but she was sure it was something else.
A swishing sound from outside the door had Brooke looking behind her in confusion, not sure what it was.
"ALL EYES TO THE FRONT!" Umbridge shrieked.
Rolling her eyes, Brooke picked up her Quill again, twirling it between her fingers when the swish came again.
By now more people continued to look up as the sound escalated until it sounded right outside the Great Hall doors.
Umbridge looked livid as she made her way to the front of the Great hall doors, whispers following as she continued to descend down the hall.
"What do you reckon it is?" Ron whispered to her and Neville.
Brooke shrugged, turning in her seat to see what exactly it was; she felt the tip of her wand in her robe pocket and relaxed slightly.
By now the doors were swinging open, and Umbridge was entering the hall, looking to see of any disturbance. Brooke knew all the students were sent to their dormitory's and were on strict orders to remain there until released by their Head of House so no disturbances would interfere with their test.
A flicker of light buzzed through the main entrance, by passing Umbridge and sending fireworks into the room to explode. A few chuckles escaped from some of their mouths, and then silence descended upon everyone.
Brooke was just about to turn back to her test when she heard the clear sound of swishing as it came closer and closer.
"WHOOOOOAAA!"
Brooke turned in a flash, spotting Fred and George racing in on their brooms, sending off fireworks and throwing the OWL papers all around the room. Laughter and cheer escaped the students as people stood.
"Bloody hell Mum is going to kill them!" Ron mumbled, as he came to stand beside Brooke, he threw her a lopsided smile, "I hope I am home by the time Mum finds out!"
Brook laughed loudly, the tension in her shoulders draining, and the knot in her stomach loosening as more fireworks sounded, and the room went into chaos.
"Those stupid brothers of yours Ron!" Hermione yelled, trying to grab the flying papers from beside the trio.
Ron grinned, and slung an arm around Brooke's shoulders as the fireworks continued to spray around, chasing some students and then exploding into the air.
Brooke waved when she saw the twins grinning above their heads.
"See you two this summer were out of here!" Fred laughed, throwing one last firework into the air.
It was the biggest one Brooke had seen yet, flying through the air straight towards Umbridge who was already trying to make a great escape out of the doors. The student body followed after the twins, laughing hysterically, and cheering loudly.
Brooke grabbed a hold of Hermione's arm as they made their way outside into the courtyard, where even more fireworks were going off. The remainder of the student body must have heard the commotion and came out to celebrate with everyone.
Ron sighed happily from beside her, grinning up into the sky to watch his brothers laughing and clapping hands as they caused more mayhem. Even Umbridge and Filtch's screaming were getting drowned out by the cheering that was going on around them.
A feeling of cold dark magic swept up through her back, a feeling of dread that had her breath getting knocked out of her, she could feel her knees buckling as she slipped to the ground, Ron's quick reflexes keeping her from crashing. She vaguely heard Ron asking her what was wrong, shaking her slightly as Hermione's concerned face came into view.
"Give it to us Black we know you have it!" Voldemort growled, circling Sirius' tied up from. "I need that Prophecy!"
Sirius cocked an unimpressed eyebrow up, "You'll have to kill me first."
Voldemort grinned, "That can be arranged, but first….CRUCIO!"
Sirius yelled out, convulsing on the floor as the spell took effect.
"BROOKE!" Hermione shrieked, shaking the girls arm.
Brooke shook her head, her green eyes filled with tears, "Oh my Merlin!" she choked as Ron helped her to her feet, not letting her go even once she was standing, "They have Sirius!"
She felt her feet moving on her own, vaguely feeling Ron and Hermione fall into step beside her as she pushed her way through the cheering crowd, finally managing to make it into the hallway.
"What are you talking about Brooke?" Hermione asked, her hair looking frizzier than ever.
"Voldemort, in that room I've been dreaming about it's in the Ministry, and he has Sirius there!" she growled out, running a hand through her hair.
Ron looked shocked, "How do you-"
"A vision, it was like my dreams, but this time when we were standing there it just crept into my mind!"
"Brooke this could be a trap, Voldemort could want you to see this!" Hermione exclaimed, "What if he wants you to see it just so you come to him?"
Brooke shrugged, "It doesn't really matter, I'm finding out…" she growled, "We need a floo network."
"Umbridge is the only office that is connected to the floo!" Ron growled, as the trio raced towards the office.
"Brooke this is a really bad idea!" Hermione hissed as they entered the office.
"Fine then I will go by myself!"
Hermione glared, grabbing a hold of her arm tightly, "When are you going to get it Brooke we are in this together?"
Brooke sighed, "Look I have to-"
"I knew I would find you three here!"
The three jumped in surprise, turning to find Umbridge, her little Inquisitorial Squad, Ginny, Neville, and Luna.
"I just knew when those fireworks were done and you three wondered off that you would be coming here to finish the job!" she growled, shoving Brooke into a chair while Crabbe and Goyle grabbed Ron and Hermione by the collar of their shirts.
"Hey!" they squeaked in unison.
"Shut up!" Umbridge roared at the two, before her eyes turned back to Brooke's small form, "Now Miss Potter you will tell me where Dumbledore is, I know that is who you were going to see!"
Brooke glared, "I don't know what you are talking about-"
A stinging slap to her cheek had her flinching.
"Enough Miss Potter you will tell me-"
"Excuse me."
Brooke sighed in relief when the deep voice of Snape came into the room.
"Am I interrupting something?" he questioned, his deep black eyes glaring at Umbridge's form.
She stood, straightening her pink robes, "No Severus you are not, I am just trying to get answers from Miss Potter here…Have you brought me what I asked for?"
His black eyes swept across the room, "NO unfortunately we have none left, I will go and work on a batch."
"He's got Padfoot!" Brooke yelled out, drawing the attention of the room onto her, "He has got Padfoot at the place where it is hidden!"
Severus watched her closely, his face a perfect mask of blankness.
Umbridge looked between the two in a huff, "What is she talking about Severus?"
He turned his back on the group, "I have no idea." He growled, before sweeping out of the door entrance and back into the hall way.
Umbridge sighed, turning towards her desk, her pink dress robes a dark mess of soot and paper particles. "Well Miss Potter I suppose I don't have a choice then, if you are going to leave me with no other option, I will have to use the Cruciatus curse on you."
The students in the group took a collective deep inhale of breath, even those in the Inquisitorial Squad.
"That's illegal!" Hermione shrieked from her spot.
"Yeah you blimy bat you will get sacked for sure for that one!" Ron bit in, his deep brown eyes glowing with hatred.
Umbridge pursed her lips at the two, "What the Minister doesn't know won't hurt him," She hummed, drawing her want and pointing it at Brooke's small form.
"TELL HER BROOKE!" Hermione shrieked just as Umbridge took a breath to say the spell.
Umbridge turned, her wand still trained on Brooke, "Tell me what?"
Brooke turned shocked eyes to Hermione's angry form.
Hermione sighed in relief slightly, her shoulders shaking, "Well Brooke if you won't tell her where it is than I will!" she declared.
Umbridge looked between the two girls, "Where what is?"
"Dumbledore's secret weapon."