Chapter 11:
Rising Tension
The next morning, Cedric informed McGonagall. She was instantly livid by Dolores's actions. She immediately sent word to the Ministry and assured Cedric she'd handle the matter.
An hour later, all the students were sitting in the Great Hall. Most had finished their breakfast, and were starting to head towards their first class. Hermione decided to glance at a copy of The Daily Prophet. She was instantly disgusted, when she saw the front headline: Dumbledore May Be Losing His Touch!
"What total rubbish! Now, Fudge is trying to claim Dumbledore is losing his mind!"
Before either Harry or Ron could reply, they heard voices coming from the hallway. Hermione turned, as they heard McGonagall and Umbridge arguing. As their voices got louder, they, along with most of the students started to exit the Great Hall. Once they did, they saw the two women heading up the stairs. Umbridge was now wearing a pink, woolen poncho, with a mink collar and checkered black stripes. She also had the same pink broach pinned on the right shoulder.
"What exactly are you insinuating!?" Umbridge stammered, turning back to face the other woman.
"I'm merely requesting that when it comes to my students, you conform to the prescribed disciplinary practises!" McGonagall exclaimed, glaring down at her.
"So silly of me, but it sounds as if you're questioning my authority, in my own classroom...Minerva," she remarked, walking up two steps, so their eyes were leveled.
"Not at all, Dolores! Merely your medieval methods!" The other woman hissed, walking up two steps as well; glaring down at her.
Dolores huffed. "I'm sorry, dear. But, to question my practises is to question the Ministry, and by extension, the Minister, himself," she stated in a grim whisper. "I'm a tolerant woman, but the one thing for which I will not stand is disloyalty."
Minerva stepped down a couple of stairs, so her eyes were level with Dolores. "Disloyalty?" She sputtered, rolling her eyes.
"Things at Hogwarts are far worse than I feared! Cornelius will want to take immediate action."
"That he will, Dolores!" Caldora bellowed, quickly walking through the main doors.
Both the professors and the students turned, while Ms. Wood walked past the students; towards the two women on the staircase. She was still completely dressed in black. Her blazer, her pants; even her heeled shoes. Only her blouse was white. Harry then noticed she now had a platinum, blue rose broach pinned to the right shoulder of her blazer. Once she was parallel to McGonagall, he saw Caldora was just a couple inches taller than her.
"Caldora?" Dolores questioned, as they turned to face her. "Why, whatever are you doing here, dear?"
"Minerva sent word you brazenly assaulted a student. I am here to put an immediate stop to this ruthless behaviour!"
"My dear woman, you have no grounds on which to question me or my authority."
"Oh, on the contrary, I do. You are still under my supervision."
"That may be. But, the Minister, himself, placed me here. As a professor, I have complete authority over my classroom!"
"Even Cornelius is not above the law, Dolores. You were placed here to teach, not to use primeval methods of punishment that were abolished centuries ago!"
"My disciplinary actions were more than justified. Mr. Potter blatantly called me a liar! The boy insists on spreading false rumours."
"Mere backtalk hardly justifies your actions!" Caldora retorted.
"Caldora, do forgive me, but I'm beginning to sense you're questioning the very laws upon which the Ministry was built."
"Just the opposite. I am doing everything in my power to see those laws are upheld! There is a code of ethics, which we all must follow. It appears you have sorely forgotten them."
Most of the students started laugh. Minerva gave them gave them a stern glare; causing them to immediately stop.
"Caldora, the Minister personally assigned me this position..."
"As a teacher, yes. Not to torture innocent children," Caldora chided, pulling out an envelope; which was sealed with the Ministry's crest. "This is a direct order from The Ministry; hereby forbidding you to use any form of discipline on your students. You will refrain from this behaviour, and focus only on their education. Do I make myself clear?"
Dolores immediately took it out of her hand. "Very well. However, I must warn you, Cornelius will hear of this. I will not not stand for this brutal abuse of power! I can see you have clearly become bias, when it comes to Mr. Potter. I have no doubt this has to do with your son."
Harry's eyes widened, as Caldora icily stared at Dolores. "I would tread very carefully on that subject, if I were you. His life is my affair, not yours!"
Dolores gave her an evil glare, then angrily raced up the stairs.
"Brutal abuse of power, indeed!" Caldora scowled. "That woman need only look in a mirror." She turned to face McGonagall. "Minerva, I need borrow Potter. May I use your office?"
"Of course." The older woman nodded, glancing at Harry.
Caldora met Harry's anxious gaze, and motioned him to follow her.
When they entered McGonagall's classroom, Caldora headed towards the back of the room; and opened the door to her office. "Step inside, please," she calmly spoke.
Harry nervously walked past her. Once he entered, Caldora shut the door behind them.
"Now, I must see your hand." She could tell the young boy was nervous. He looked as though he was expecting her to attack. "What's the matter? It's a hand, not a shark. I understand your apprehension, but I promise you're safe with me."
Harry could see the sincerity in her expression. Unlike her confrontation with Oliver, her tone was now calm and inviting. He extended his left hand, letting her cup it with her own.
"You poor boy!" She exclaimed, glancing at the writing on his flesh. "I'm so dreadfully sorry, Harry. I knew that woman was brash, yet never in my wildest dreams did I imagine she'd attack a child."
"What exactly did she do to me?"
Caldora sighed. "She bewitched your veins; forcing them to use use your blood as ink. This method of torture was banned from practise in the sixteenth century. It's inhumane for adults, let alone children."
"How long will it stay there?"
"A few days. But, don't worry. There is a way to expedite the process." She pulled a small, silver vial out of her pocket. "I must warn you, it will sting for a second; but it will quickly heal your skin," she delineated, opening the vial. She then poured a few drops onto Harry's hand.
Harry groaned, when he felt his skin immediately absorb the crystal clear liquid. Caldora was right. It did sting, but the pain quickly subsided. He then saw the writing on his hand instantly dissolve; allowing a new layer of skin to grow.
"There." She grinned, closing the vial; before putting it back in her robe. "Much better. That liquid will also make you immune to that particular spell. Not that this incident will ever be repeated."
"Thank you!" Harry smiled, as their eyes met.
"My pleasure. The safety of students is The Ministry's main concern. Even if both the Minister and Dolores refuse to comprehend it," she scoffed, rolling her eyes.
"Why is he so afraid to admit the truth?" Harry asked. "Ms. Wood, you must believe me. Voldemort is back! Cedric and I are not lying!"
"Relax, Harry. You needn't worry about convincing me. I believe you. I admit during your trial, I was hesitant to do so. But, the more I think about it, the more clearer things seem. It's not just Fudge. The entire atmosphere of the Ministry has changed. Not only has Cornelius become corrupt with power, he's allowed his paranoia to drive him to the brink of insanity. If...Voldemort has returned, we must prepare ourselves for his attack. Foolishly ignoring the signs of his return will only cost more innocent lives."
"Is there anything you can do to stop him?"
"Alone, no. But, a few of us are attempting to have Cornelius removed. It's clear his mental state has become unbalanced."
"According to the Prophet, Fudge is trying to claim Dumbledore is losing his mind."
"He has no grounds on which to question Dumbledore's state of mind; yet that hasn't stopped him. I only hope there's enough of us that are still loyal to the Ministry, not just Fudge," she solemnly stated. "Anyway, you'd best get to class. I mustn't keep you."
Harry headed towards the door. After he opened it, he turned to face her. "Ms. Wood, I'm sorry. I never meant to get Oliver involved."
"I know, dear. I'm the one who owes you an apology. I was too quick to judge you and Cedric. Please, forgive me."
"You don't need to apologise. You just want what's best for him. I know Oliver was harsh, but I know he loves you."
Caldora sighed heavily. "I hope you're right. But, enough talk. Back to class, young man," she ordered, trying to laugh.
News of Caldora's entrance spread quickly throughout the castle. When Harry told Cedric, he was instantly shocked by her sudden change of demeanour. Not only did she help Harry, she believed them. She was doing everything in her power to have Fudge removed from office.
"I can't believe it..." Cedric spoke, as they stood in the stone courtyard.
"I knew she cared deep down," Harry remarked. "Do you think she'll be able to remove Fudge?"
Cedric shrugged. "Who knows. We know he has many supporters. But, Caldora has a lot of friends. If they side with her, he and Umbridge won't stand a chance."
"Let's just hope she succeeds. We have to be ready for his attack."
"I know. Fudge is playing into his hands. At this rate, no one will suspect an attack till it happens." He sighed, feeling take his hand.
"Hogsmeade, this Saturday?"
The older boy smiled. "Are you asking out on a date?"
"Maybe." Harry winked.
"Sounds perfect," Cedric stated, feeling Harry wrap his arms around him.
"It's a date." Harry smiled. "Do mind if we get there early?"
"I have no problem with that. You mean when they first open?"
"Yeah. I'll be up by 5."
"You're certainly ardent." Cedric laughed.
"When it comes to spending time with you, always." The younger boy laughed as well.
That Saturday morning, the boys arrived in Hogsmeade at 7:30. The only store open was Brews and Stews Café. Once they entered the café, they sat across from each other in a booth and waited for their order to be taken.
"Good morning." A waiter spoke, walking towards them.
The boys looked up to see the dark skinned woman, with sleek black hair smiling at them. She wore a brown corduroy jacket with a white polo, ivory slacks and flat, black mules.
"What may I get for you?"
"A black iced tea with lemon for me," Cedric replied, turning to face Harry.
"A large mocha for me, please." The younger boy grinned.
"Coming right up." She turned and headed back to the bar.
"A large mocha?" Cedric questioned.
Harry shrugged. "I just love chocolate mixed with espresso."
"You must be tired. All that caffeine."
"I didn't sleep a wink last night," Harry confessed.
Cedric laughed then sighed. "Now, I feel horrible. Agreeing to get here so early."
"How could I sleep when I knew I had a date with you?" Harry smirked, as their drinks floated to them.
Harry quickly took a few sips of his mocha. "Do we have any plans for the day? If not, we can always go to the tower." He winked.
"Oh, you are naughty." Cedric smirked. "Well, I did want to visit some of the shops, but if you'd rather head straight to the tower..."
"I just want to spend the day with you. I don't really mind where we go," Harry assured.
"That's all I want too." The older boy smiled. "Once we finish our drinks, we'll go exploring."
After they left the café, the two started to venture through the village. Harry marvelled each store they visited. Hogsmeade really was one of the most eclectic places in Britain. He decided to wait outside, while Cedric browsed through Gladrags Wizardwear. Glancing across the street, he noticed the jewelry shop. He knew it was idiotic, but he really wanted to buy something for Cedric. Even though he knew Cedric would laugh; claiming it cost too much. But lord knows, he could easily afford it. Besides, his birthday was next month. Harry quickly crossed the street, and walled to the shop at the end of the corner.
When he opened the door, he saw the small shop was filled with lovely stones and precious gems. Harry hardly knew exactly what to pick. His gaze then drifted towards the display case in front of him. The one thing inside it that really caught his eye was a wide platinum bracelet.
"Ah, a customer," an elderly witch spoke. "How may I assist you, sir?
Harry turned to face her; seeing her long white hair and dark brown eyes. The woman was dressed similar to Caldora. A black, zipped suede jacket with black slacks and ankle boots. On her neck she wore a white gold necklace, with a sapphire pendant. "Oh...I was looking to purchase a bracelet."
"I see that lovely gem right there caught your eye. Well, I'd be happy to sell it to you. But, I'm afraid it costs 1200 pounds."
"Oh, that's all right," Harry replied, pulling out a few gold coins."
"Mercy me!" She gasped, using her wand to open the case. "This must be some special young man."
"Believe me, he is!"
The witch sighed. "Ah, young love. So pure." She then levitates the bracelet out of the case. "Would you like it wrapped? Or, personalised?"
"Umm, sure. But, not wrapped."
"What would you like it to say?"
"Cedric. All my love, Harry.
She waved her wand; making the bracelet spin between them. Seconds later, writing appeared on the inner band of the bracelet. She then motioned her wand towards Harry, causing the bracelet to land in his hands.
"Well Harry, I wish you and Cedric every happiness."
"Thank you." Harry smiled, handing her the gold coins.
"Take care of yourself, dear." She waved, watching the young boy leave.
"You as well, ma'am." Harry waved as well, then placed the bracelet in his pocket.
"Harry!" Cedric called, seeing the younger boy walk down the stairs.
Harry watched him cross the street, before rushing towards him.
"I was wondering where you had gone."
"Oh, sorry. I was buying something. Looks like you did too." He glanced at the bags in Cedric's hand.
"Just a few things," Cedric stated, looking at the jewelry shop. "You went shopping there?"
"Yeah," Harry replied, pulling the bracelet out of his pocket.
"Harry! You..." Cedric stammered, seeing Harry hold it up for him to see.
"Bought you this." He laughed, seeing Cedric's dumbfounded expression. "I wanted to give you something, and this was the first thing that came to mind. Now, don't fuss about the price. It was nothing."
"How much?" Cedric was almost afraid to ask.
"Money was not an issue," Harry reassured. "But, 1200 pounds."
"1200...!?"
"It was worth it, love!" Harry exclaimed, watching Cedric set his bags on the ground. Once he did, he handed him the bracelet.
Cedric smiled, as he read the inscription. "Oh Harry, I love it! I wish I could afford to buy you something in return."
"You don't need to get me anything!" Harry smiled. "I just love being with you."
Cedric pulled him close; as their lips blended.
Suddenly, they heard a camera flash. Both boys quickly turned to see Rita Skeeter, standing next to her assistant, who was holding the camera. A young man with tan skin, auburn hair and blue eyes. He was dressed in a light blue denim jacket, with a green t-shirt. His jeans were a faded shade of blue and his tennis shoes were white with black stripes.
"Young love! It just keeps blossoming every day," she remarked, smirking; walking towards the boys. She then noticed the bracelet in Cedric's hand. "Oh, what a precious gift to give your sweetheart," the blonde woman remarked, moving her gaze to meet Harry. "I assume in three years, you'll be buying him a ring."
"Just stop!" Harry bellowed, giving her an icy glare.
"You have no right to take our picture! This is an invasion of privacy!" Cedric quipped.
"Don't you boys know the two of you are a hot topic? All my readers are begging for an inside story."
"Well, they're not going to get it!" Harry blurted.
"Harry, dear. You and Cedric would be fully compensated for your corporation."
"Not enough money in the world," Cedric scoffed.
"Rita Skeeter!" The old witch shrieked, standing in the doorway of her jewelry shop.
Her voice was so loud, all four of them immediately turned to face her.
"You and your damn Prophet have no right to invade their privacy; nor the privacy of anyone else. Unless you've been consent, you could easily find yourself facing a lawsuit. I'm sure your readers would love reading about you facing trial," she cackled, as Rita's face became pale.
"Well...no matter. I got my story anyway. Even if it's only brief glimpse. I am well within my rights to publish human interest stories." She giggled. "Riley, we're finished here. Good day, all." She waved, as they walked away.
"That wretched woman literally has no shame!" The elderly witch exclaimed, shaking her head; before averting her gaze back to the boys. "Oh, my dears, I'm so dreadfully sorry."
"It's all right." Cedric suspired. "Harry and I are used to scandals. Never a dull moment with us." He slightly laughed, lowering his head.
Harry touched his shoulder. "Come on. Let's go to the tower. We can spend the rest of the day there," he whispered, while Cedric placed the bracelet in his pocket and picked up his bags.
They headed back to the coffee shop. Once they were in the alley behind it, they quickly disapparated.
Hermione woke; extended her arms over her head, then got off her bed. She saw a few of the other girls were still asleep. But, she heard voices coming from the common room. She decided to quickly get dressed and head down the stairs. When she opened the door to the girl's dormitory, she saw Ron and Ginny sitting on the sofa.
"Good morning." She smiled, walking towards them.
"Hey!" Ginny waved, moving so the other girl could sit next to her. "How'd you sleep?"
Hermione groaned. "Terribly! I was awake nearly all night."
"Why?" The younger girl asked, giving her a quizzical look.
"I had to write the introduction to Harry and Ron's essays."
"Ron! You beast!" His sister chided, glaring at het brother.
"Hey! It's only the introduction! She's not writing the entire thing for me," he defensively replied.
"You're impossible," Ginny remarked, rolling her eyes; as she turned back to face Hermione.
"Why are you yelling at me? She's helping Harry too!"
"Harry is going through a lot right now. Especially since that Umbridge woman invaded the school," Hermione scoffed. "I mean, she attacked him!"
"I want to hex her so badly!" Ginny bellowed.
"Me too. But, we did tell McGonagall; and Ms. Wood literally scolded Umbridge in front of us."
"That was bloody brilliant!" Ron exclaimed, chuckling.
"I agree. But, I'm also worried that Umbridge won't back down that easily. There's no telling what she's planning now."
"By the way, where is Harry?" Ginny asked. "Ron said his bed was empty when he woke up."
"Most likely at Hogsmeade. He and Cedric planned to go there this morning," Hermione answered.
"You think he'd wait for us."
"Ron! Harry was going on a date. You really think he'd want us to tag along?"
"Well...we are his best friends."
"But, Cedric is his boyfriend!" Ginny exclaimed. "Speaking of dates, has Viktor written you yet?"
"Not yet." Hermione sighed.
"I hope he will soon. I can't wait to hear about his travels."
"Don't get too absorbed with Viktor Krum," Ron blurted.
"That does it!" Hermione snarled. "Viktor is a good person! He has a large heart. Yet, you constantly berate him every chance you get! I'm sick of this, Ron!"
"Hermione, you barely see him. Sure, you did last summer, but now he's touring the world! There's no telling how many girls he'll meet."
Hermione scowled, as she quickly stood and glared icily at him. "Now, you're telling me he's going to go shagging with countless quidditch groupies! Are there no depths to which you won't sink?"
Ron was rendered speechless; wearing a dumbfounded expression on his face.
"If you continue acting like this, you can start writing your own introductions!" Hermione quipped, glancing at Ginny. "I'm going to get a little fresh air. Care to join me?" She asked the younger girl.
Sure!" She eagerly replied, standing as well.
The two immediately left the common room, and headed towards the Grand Staircase. As they walked down the empty hallway, Hermione knew it was safe to tell Ginny about the old sorcerer's portrait, and the astronomy tower.
"Aww. That's so sweet! Who would have thought the old astronomy tower could be so romantic?" Ginny laughed.
"Apparently, no one." The older girl chuckled. "But, you mustn't breathe a word of this to anyone. This must stay a complete secret!"
"What about Ron?"
"I'll tell him later; if his demeanour has improved I know he'll keep it secret, but I don't want anyone else to overhear."
"He's only acting this way because he likes you."
"I beg your pardon?"
"I'm surprised you didn't notice. He used to worship Viktor. But, when he learned you were dating him, his attitude completely changed."
"Ron...likes me?" Hermione was genuinely shocked. She never once thought of Ron that way. She couldn't imagine why Ron would fall for her. "Are you certain?"
"No doubt about it. It's plainly obvious." Ginny sniggered, seeing Hermione's flabbergasted expression. She decided she'd better change the subject. "Do you think you'll see Viktor at Christmas?"
"He wants to see me, but it might not happen." Hermione sighed. "We may not see each other till next summer."
"Knowing Viktor, he'll find a way to see you," Ginny winked. "I saw the way you looked at each other. It's the same look Harry and Cedric have."
Hermione's face immediately flushed. "I never knew you were this perceptive."
"When one is normally silent, they see and hear everything."
"How true."
"Have you kissed yet?"
"Ginny!" Hermione laughed.
"Well, have you?" She laughed as well. "I won't tell a soul."
Hermione waved her forefinger at her. "All right. Yes, we have."
"I knew it!" She giggled. "I wish I had been able to see it! Come to think of it, I haven't even seen Harry kiss Cedric."
"I have. A few times, actually."
"Aah!" The younger girl squealed. "I'm so jealous. Those two are just so damn cute together!"
"They are that," Hermione remarked, as they left the tower.
Seeing the Grand Staircase was crowded, both girls walked in silence. Once they left the castle, they deliberated about what they could do next.
"You want to go to Hogsmeade? We can get a quick snack there, then head back?"
Hermione nodded.
"Who knows, maybe we'll see Cedric and Harry. Unless, they're using the tower." Ginny smirked.
"You do have a dirty mind." Hermione laughed, following her towards the village.
When they arrived, they saw Seamus and Dean standing outside The Three Broomsticks."
"Can you believe the nerve of that woman!?" Seamus huffed. "She just brazenly took their picture."
"Aye. You'd think the Prophet would be tired of always having Cedric and Harry on the front cover!" Dean bellowed.
"Yeah. Only this time, they'll be snogging on the front page!"
"Guys? What happened!?" Hermione asked.
The boys turned to see the girls approaching them.
"Rita Skeeter happened! That's what," Seamus replied.
"She caught them kissing outside Ms. Kepper's jewelry shop. She got rid of her, but Rita's still going to publish an article with their picture!"
"That wretched woman!" Hermione snarled; covering her forehead with her right hand. "When did this happen?"
"Around a half hour ago," Dean stated.
"Damn! Well, we know they definitely won't be here now. Ginny, we've got to find them."
Ginny nodded, before they raced back to the castle.
As the girls walled through the main doors, they saw Caldora and Fudge walking up thr stairs. Both were arguing quite loudly.
"Ginny! Hide!" Hermione pulled Ginny her around the corner; as the pair walked up the stairs.
"This is a horrific thing to do!" Caldora stammered. "Putting that...woman in charge!? After what she did to Potter!"
"Ms. Wood, I agree with to your order. Ms. Umbridge is hereby prohibited to use use any form of punishment on the students. I will enforce her to abide by that order. However, I still must assign her this position."
"You have no grounds to do this, Cornelius!"
"I fear most are more starting to become more loyal to Albus, rather than The Ministry."
"You act as though they intend to create some sort of army. What in heaven's name gives you the right to accuse them of treachery!?"
"Albus has constantly questioned my authority! He has accused me of both lying, and putting us all in immediate danger. There is no danger! This is nothing but a network of lies, created by him and those boys!"
"If you're so adamant to disprove Dumbledore, why don't you prove be hasn't returned. Inform all the aurors from each country. If he has not returned, we can put these rumours to rest. If he has, then we can put a stop to his tyranny!"
"Caldora, don't tell me you're starting to believe all this rubbish."
"It's starting to make more sense than the balderdash you're spouting! My good man, you've allowed your paranoia to take control of your mind. Why would the boys lie!? I mean, look at all the scandal they've been forced to endure. The poor dears have been constantly ridiculed. You can't seriously believe they did all this just for attention!"
Fudge seemed to process her words. His fuming expression turned into a solemn stare. "Very well. I will do as you request. But, if I'm right..."
"We'll deal with that matter later," Caldora interrupted. "Meanwhile, we must address Dolores."
"I'm still promoting her to becoming Hogwart's first High Inquisitor."
"But...that's preposterous! This school has no need for such a role!"
"My dear, Ms. Wood. The Witches and Wizards of the Wizengamot unanimously passed Educational Degree 23. I am within my full rights to give Ms. Umbridge complete authority of the school!"
"Not quite!" Caldora quipped. "She cannot legally banish any member of the staff or teacher from the grounds. She only has the right to dismiss them from their post."
"Which is all I require of her. I'm not a tyrant! I will not allow anyone to be banished. I merely want a full account of the daily activities that take place at Hogwarts."
"Why not assign me this role? I've been your right hand ever since you got this position."
"With all due respect, my dear, I fear you have become too emotionally involved."
"Emotionally involved? Cornelius Oswald Fudge, how dare you question my loyalty!"
"You son is in league with Potter! Most of the Wizengamot members feel your opinions would be bias.
"In league? You act as though they're nothing but a group of desperadoes. They're innocent boys!"
"Regardless, I am forced to assign this position to Ms. Umbridge. However, I will appoint you to find a suitable replacement for her class," he blurted, before he turned and continued to walk up the stairs.
Caldora scowled loudly. "Damn the Wizengamot! Damn Dolores and damn you! High Inquisitor, indeed. One might as well say she's the new headmistress!" She then quickly turned and raced down the stairs.
Hermione and Ginny didn't dare move muscle, when they watched her walk past them; towards the main doors. As soon as she was outside, Caldora slammed the doors shut, then immediately disapparated.
"Oh, God! Can things get any worse!?" Hermione huffed. "Now that bitch is practically running Hogwarts!"
"I wish there was something we could do!"
"Wait. Maybe there is something we can do. Come on, we need to get to the tower!"
The girls quickly headed to the seventh floor, and ran towards the old sorcerer's portrait. Hermione whispered the password, then the pair raced up the stairs.
Harry? Cedric?" Hermione called.
"Hermione?" Harry questioned, as he and Cedric saw the girls reach the top of the staircase.
"I'm sorry, but we had to come here," she stated. "We just heard Fudge and Caldora on the main floor. I was afraid Umbridge would find a way to retaliate. Now, Fudge has made her a High Inquisitor. She nearly has as much authority as Dumbledore now!"
"You've got to be joking!" Cedric stammered. "Why does he still trust her? She attacked Harry!"
"Caldora asked him that too. Fudge claims she's become too emotionally involved. He doesn't trust her anymore. He only trusts Umbridge."
"Can't Dumbledore do anything?" Harry asked.
"I'm don't know. The way things are going now, I think Fudge is really trying to remove him from Hogwarts. That's why we came here. Harry, if they won't protect us, we'll have to fight alone! You know more about defensive magic than anyone I know. We need you to teach us."
"I..." Harry stuttered.
"Please! I know it's a lot to ask, but we don't have any other options."
Harry sighed, knowing she was right. Yet, this was much easier said than done. He knew more defensive spells, but could he really teach them? He glanced at Cedric.
"We'd have to rally the students together," the older boy stated. "Anyone that believes us, and wants to help."
"We can do that," Hermione replied.
"We can use the Shrieking Shack as a meeting place!" Ginny interjected.
"Good idea," Hermione replied, glancing at her. "We'll hold the meeting tomorrow afternoon. Ginny, we better tell Ron. He can help us gather everyone."
Both girls ran down the stairs, leaving the boys alone in the tower.
"Ced...I don't know about this."
"Harry, you can do this! You taught Oliver and I how to generate a patronus. We were clueless without you."
"That was different. You both believed in me. Here, I'm an outcast. Most everyone thinks we're liars!"
"We have to change that." Cedric suspired, touching the younger boy's shoulders. "Once we face them, we can challenge the scandals and prove we're not lying. I know it's going to be scary. I'm not thrilled about it either, but this is the only way we can help Dumbledore."
Harry sighed, as their eyes met.
"I believe in you," Cedric reassured "You just need to believe in yourself."
"What about Skeeter's article?"
"Hey," he whispered. "We've been through worse. Everyone already knows we're together. That's hardly a new topic." He slightly laughed, seeing Harry was still anxious. "We're in this together, Harry. We will get through this."
"First Skeeter, now this! God! Today didn't go anywhere near as planned."
"True, but I did get a very special gift," Cedric remarked; pulling his bracelet out of his jacket pocket. "I'm not going anywhere without this. Now, I'll always have a part of you with me." He smiled, as Harry pulled him close; brushing his lips with his own.