Notes: Here she is, the only villain worse than Voldemort
Disclaimer: I don't own the Harry Potter or Yu-Gi-Oh franchises
Harry Potter and the Resistance
Ch. 3: Trouble with a Capital T
"Another hearty welcome to all newcomers, and a congratulations to all those who moved up to the next dormitory. To those who did not, rest assured you will have a chance by the end of the year. Some of the very testers you see before you will be heading the D-Wheel class for those interested. I'm happy to see that none of our previous students left after what happened last semester. Extra security, headed up by Alastor Moody himself, who's quite eager to get back at the Death Eaters for keeping him locked away for so long, will be put into place. Now if there's nothing else -"
That's when it seemed to echo through the room. It was so soft, and yet so forceful. Everyone turned to look when they heard that, "Ahem."
A rather short and somewhat squat woman clad in all pink clothes was standing by the door. She walked up to the podium, followed by a tall blonde man who kept waving at everyone.
"I recognize him," Hermione said, "That's the infamous Gilderoy Lockhart."
"That fellow who's always bragging about doing things that have yet to be proven?" Ron asked.
"That's definitely him," Ginny said.
The toad woman, as Harry described her, walked up to Dumbledore and whispered a few words. He nodded and stepped back, allowing her to talk at the podium.
"Greetings, my dear students," she said in a sickeningly sweet voice, "I am Dolores Jane Umbridge. I'm sure we'll all get along very well."
Looks were exchanged throughout the aisles.
"Minister Fudge has appointed me here to help get things back in order. I have been given the title of High Inquisitor so that I may conduct interviews and investigations, and perhaps doing so will help to make things more efficient. We've also taken the liberty of appointing a new teacher. I'm sure some of you recognize him. He's quite the hero in his own right: Gilderoy Lockhart."
He swaggered up to the podium.
"So nice to meet my fans. I'm sure I'll teach you plenty."
Umbridge gently shoved him back into place and continued.
"Thank you, Professor Lockhart. Many of your teachers, professors, and principals have brought different things to the table. However, progress for the sake of progress must be discouraged. Security is all well and good, but we must also maintain order and perhaps even instate new rules. I shall try and collaborate with Principal Dumbledore and all the other teachers to make sure all students are kept safe."
Harry looked over at Hermione, and she had the meanest look he'd ever seen. Even all the times Ron had annoyed her she never had a look so filled with contempt. Most everyone else looked either confused or suspicious. The only other person who looked angry was Astoria.
"That was an...interesting and informative speech, High Inquisitor Umbridge," Dumbledore said, "But now, I suggest we all head for our dormitories for the day. Cheerio!"
It was at this moment that Harry remembered that he was alone in that department. He didn't say anything as they walked across the yard. Ginny didn't say anything either, but she gave him a look and held his hand.
"Hey, wait a minute," Ron said, "Harry's still in Ra Yellow."
"Oh good," Hermione said, "You remembered."
"How could they not advance him to Obelisk Blue?"
"That is an excellent question. Something tells me that Umbridge woman is behind it."
"How could she do that? Why would she do that?"
"They want to make Harry look foolish, so they must've pulled strings and made threats to keep him from advancing. I'll bet if they could've, they'd have bumped him back down to Osiris Red. They also want to make Harry feel alone and isolated."
"Yeah? Well the joke's on them," Harry said, "Because I already went through my angry loner phase."
Everyone had a good chuckle.
"But anyway," Hermine continued, "I'm going to get to the bottom of this."
"Well, Hermione Holmes, if you're going to investigate, you can count on me to be Ron Watson."
She gave him a peck on the cheek, "I appreciate that."
"You sure you'll be okay, Harry?" Ginny asked.
"I've had some experience being alone. Besides, you all are just a brief walk away."
They all said their goodbyes for now. Harry was soon sitting alone in his Ra Yellow room.
"I'm actually glad I don't have a roommate. One less thing to worry about."
Harry took a quick nap, and then later joined his friends for dinner. Thankfully, the rest of the day was rather uneventful.
The next day
Harry woke bright and early for his first class. While he knew he had to sit through all the normal classes, it was the extra class he elected to take that he was most excited for. At last, a chance to learn to drive a D-Wheel. Unfortunately, the class right before it was the one taught by Gilderoy Lockhart. No one knew exactly what the class was supposed to be, but everyone was required to take it. Harry and friends walked into the classroom, and at the head of the room, Lockhart was looking at himself in a mirror. Umbridge was sitting in an elaborate chair in the corner, clearly waiting for something she didn't approve of to happen.
"Hello, class," Lockhart said, "Today we'll simply being having a few friendly duels. Now I now all of your are eager to challenge me, but to make a true spectacle of it, I shall be dueling my fellow teacher: Severus Snape."
The class went very quiet as the door opened on cue. Snape seemed to glide through the room and came to a stop next to Lockhart. He narrowed his eyes as Lockhart put his hand on his shoulder.
"My dear friend Severus here has agreed to duel me. Just nice and friendly, nothing more."
Lockhart, who was wearing his coat over his shoulders like a cape, threw it onto his desk as he walked over to one side of the room. His Duel Disk was very shiny, covered in sequins to draw extra attention. Snape's Duel Disk, on the other hand, was black.
GL: 8000
SS: 8000
"Watch and learn, class. This is why I'm on magazine covers. Well actually it's because of my dashing good looks. I play Pot of Greed, and then I set my Pendulum Scale. On one side, Twilight Ninja - Jogen."
Twilight Ninja Jogen
LV7
Pendulum Scale 1
Dark
Warrior/Pendulum/Effect
2000/1000
A ninja in gold armor and a red scarf appeared, holding a large kunai attached to a chain.
"And on the other side, Twilight Ninja - Kagen."
Twilight Ninja Kagen
LV1
Pendulum Scale 10
Dark
Warrior/Pendulum/Effect
0/2000
This other ninja wore purple and silver armor with a purple cape.
"Now I can Pendulum summon my other ninja monsters. Twilight Ninja Shogun - Getsuga in defense."
Twilight Ninja Getsuga, the Shogun
LV8
Dark
Warrior/Effect
2000/3000
An imposing ninja in purple armor now knelt on the field. He had a pair of flags on his back. His left arm was covered in armor. He had two right arms, both of which grasped a halberd.
"Next up is Silver Ninja."
Senior Silver Ninja
LV6
Earth
Warrior/Effect
2300/2200
A ninja in shiny silver armor stood on the field, arms crossed.
"Followed by Weighted Ninja - Jio in defense."
Jio the Stacked Ninja
LV8
Earth
Rock/Effect
2300/2900
A muscular man with flowing white hair landed on the field with a loud thud.
"Swift Black Ninja to finish up."
Strike Ninja
LV4
Dark
Warrior/Effect
1700/1200
A tall ninja dressed in black leapt onto the field, his red scarf trailing. He had a kunai in each hand.
"I set a card and end my turn."
Snape looked over the field for a second, and then began his turn.
"Pot of Greed. I discard Evil Hero Aduster Gold to add Dark Fusion to my hand from my deck. I control no monsters, so I special summon Evil Hero Hell Brat from my hand."
Evil HERO Infernal Prodigy
LV2
Dark
Fiend/Effect
300/600
A small sinister imp creature with a wicked grin was now on the field.
"Since my opponent controls a monster, I only need one tribute, Hell Brat, to summon Evil Hero Malicious Edge."
Evil HERO Malicious Edge
LV7
Earth
Fiend/Effect
2600/1800
A tall thin monster clad in leather and spikes leapt onto the field. He had three sharps claws on each glove.
"Is that an evil Wolverine?" Ron wondered.
"I activate Dark Fusion. Elemental Hero Sparkman."
Elemental HERO Sparkman
LV4
Light
Warrior/Normal
1600/1400
Most everyone had seen a Sparkman before, but while this one still had gold armor, the blue armor and leather were now black.
"Elemental Hero Clayman."
Elemental HERO Clayman
LV4
Earth
Warrior/Normal
800/2000
Clayman looked more or less the same, albeit his armor was darker.
"Fusion summon - Evil Hero Lightning Golem."
Evil HERO Lightning Golem
LV6
Light
Fiend/Fusion/Effect
2400/1500
A large hero in a purple, teal, and gold costume now appeared. His mask covered the top half of his face, but the lower half was visible, and a creepy grin could be seen.
"Once per turn, I can target one monster on the field and destroy it. Destroy Jio. Voltic Ball."
Lightning Golem raised his arms and channeled a bolt of lightning between his hands. He then shot it at the ninja.
"Cyclone will destroy your face-down card."
It was Holy Barrier - Mirror Force.
"Lightning Golem, attack the Silver Ninja. Hell Lightning."
Lightning shot from the hands of the Evil Hero and electrocuted the ninja.
GL: 7900
"Malicious Edge, attack Swift Black Ninja. Needle Burst."
The other Evil Hero charged at the ninja claws first.
GL: 7000
"I end my turn."
"Lucky shot, Severus. I set a card and end my turn."
"Pot of Greed and Wealth. I set a card. Lightning Golem uses his effect to destroy Getsuga. Voltic Ball."
The anti-hero once again sent a bolt of lightning shooting across the field. The final ninja was destroyed.
"I end my turn."
"I summon Ninja Master Sasuke."
Ninja Grandmaster Sasuke
LV4
Light
Warrior/Effect
1800/1000
This new ninja was covered in both armor and bandages. A kunai was in each hand.
"I end my turn."
"Trap card, Thunder Break. I discard a card to target one card and destroy it. I choose your face-down card."
It was Divine Wind Barrier - Air Force.
"Dark Calling to Fusion summon a monster by removing from play monsters from my hand or graveyard. Evil Hero Aduster Gold."
Evil HERO Adusted Gold
LV4
Light
Fiend/Effect
2100/800
A tall hero in gold armor and a purple cape leapt out of the graveyard and stood on the field. He crossed his arms to look extra imposing.
"Magnetic Warrior Magnet Valkyrion."
Valkyrion the Magna Warrior
LV8
Earth
Rock/Effect
3500/3850
It was the powerful magnet warrior that everyone remembered Cedric used in his duel against Krum.
"Fusion summon - Evil Hero Dark Gaia."
Evil HERO Dark Gaia
LV8
Earth
Fiend/Fusion/Effect
?/0
A tall sinister hero covered in rock-like armor now appeared. He had a large pair of bat wings on his back, and a long demon tail. Volcanic veins could be seen on the parts of his body not covered by armor.
"This monster's attack becomes the combined attack of the Fusion materials."
EHDG: ?/0 - 5600/0
"Lightning Golem, attack his ninja. Hell Lightning."
The ninja was obliterated by a lightning strike.
GL: 6400
"Malicious Edge, direct attack. Needle Burst."
The demonic hero slashed at Lockhart's Duel Disk.
GL: 3800
"Dark Gaia, finish this. Dark Catastrophe."
The anti-hero sent rocks flying, and lava shot up from the earth.
GL: 0
Lockhart stumbled backwards, falling flat on his back. Umbridge said nothing, only facepalmed. Lockhart slowly stood up, dusting himself off.
"Well, that's your demonstration for today. Thank you very much, Severus."
Snape was already walking out the door.
"Yes...now then, class, let's all pair up and, uh..."
He looked over at Umbridge, who motioned to him. He rushed over, and then she whispered something to him.
"Oh, yes, of course, discuss strategies. How could the outcome of that duel have been different?"
Hermione raised her hand, "Professor, wouldn't you like to duel one of the students now?"
"Oh, well, naturally I'd like to, but unfortunately I left the rest of my cards in my office. You've all seen my deck, so it wouldn't be enough of a challenge for you."
"This class," Umbridge spoke up, "Focuses on the more strategic and academic aspects of dueling. Those are, after all, equally as important as actually playing the game, are they not? I trust no one objects to that?"
That last sentence definitely had a bit of threat behind it. Harry wanted to say something, but he didn't want anything to interfere with his D-Wheel class, so he bit his tongue. Draco, meanwhile, was making a plan.
He stood up, "High Inquisitor, I absolutely agree. When my father hears of this, I'm sure he'll approve. You know, he's close personal friends with Minister Fudge. I believe he recently made a donation."
Her smiled seemed to waver, "I'm well aware."
"Then I ask your permission to show the class a duel approved by the ministry."
"Is that so? You have a suitable opponent in mind?"
"If I may use my cellphone?"
"Permission granted."
Draco made his call, "I'm in the new class. Now's your chance."
He hung up and looked at the clock on his phone. In a few minutes, Astoria came through the door.
"Astoria Greengrass?" Umbridge said, "You come from a very well-known family. I managed to see your entrance exam duel. You were most impressive."
"You flatter me, High Inquisitor. My parents have always spoke of how good a job Fudge has done. I'm sure that's mostly thanks to you."
Umbridge now had a smug smile on her face. She poked Lockhart in the ribs to get his attention, as he was busy looking at himself on his cellphone's camera.
"Oh, uh, pay attention, class. It seems we're in for another treat. Draco Malfoy vs. Astoria Greengrass."
Draco walked over to the spot that Lockhart had been earlier, while Astoria took Snape's spot. Harry and company, meanwhile, didn't know what to think.
DM: 8000
AG: 8000
"You first, my dear."
"Oh, no, Draco, I insist."
"If you say so. Pot of Greed...I reveal a Blue-Eyes White Dragon in my hand so I can special summon Blue-Eyes Alternative White Dragon."
Blue-Eyes Alternative White Dragon
LV8
Light
Dragon/Effect
3000/2500
This monster looked similar to the original Blue-Eyes, but spikier, and with glowing lines across the body.
"Next, I summon Lord of Dragon - Controller of Dragons."
The King of D.
LV4
Dark
Spellcaster/Effect
1200/1100
A man in draconic armor and a red cape now stood on the field. He held a large blue electric guitar with three necks, each topped with a Blue-Eyes White Dragon head.
"I activate The Flute of Summoning Dragon to special summon two Dragons from my hand. First is Deep of Blue-Eyes."
The whistle appeared in front of the Dragon Lord, and then he grabbed it and sounded off.
Blue-Eyes Abyss Dragon
LV8
Light
Dragon/Effect
2500/2500
This dragon looked similar to the original Blue-Eyes, but bigger, a more slender build, and four wings instead of two.
"When this Dragon is special summoned, I can add a Ritual Spell or the Fusion spell from my deck to my hand. My second dragon is the original Blue-Eyes White Dragon."
Blue-Eyes White Dragon
LV8
Light
Dragon/Normal
3000/2500
Draco's favorite monster now appeared.
"I activate the spell Fusion that I just added to my hand. I fuse the Blue-Eyes White Dragon on the field with the two still in my hand to Fusion summon Neo Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon."
Neo Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon
LV12
Light
Dragon/Fusion/Effect
4500/3800
A crystalline dragon with three heads now dominated the field.
"You can't target my dragons with card effects, and I already have three heavy hitters. Let's see you top that, gorgeous."
"I play Pot of Greed, and then I summon Raid Raptors - Vanishing Lanius."
Raidraptor - Vanishing Lanius
LV4
Dark
Winged Beast/Effect
1300/1600
An odd-looking robotic bird of green, blue, and silver now flew over the field. At least it mostly looked like a bird. It had no proper legs and a long neck. It stared at Draco with its single blue eye. On its chest was a crest that looked like a pair of red Rs.
"Once per turn, during my main phase, if Vanishing Lanius was normal or special summoned this turn: I can special summon one Level 4 or lower Raid Raptor from my hand. I summon Raid Raptors - Mimicry Lanius."
Raidraptor - Mimicry Lanius
LV4
Dark
Winged Beast/Effect
1100/1900
This robot bird was mostly yellow. It was apparently wearing a headset, and its wings had...speakers?
"I play a Continuous Spell, Raid Raptors - Nest. If I control two or more Raid Raptor monsters, I can add one Raid Raptor monster my deck or graveyard to my hand. I can only use this effect once per turn. If I control a Raid Raptor monster other than the one I'm about to summon, I can special summon it from my hand. I special summon Raid Raptors - Fuzzy Lanius."
Raidraptor - Fuzzy Lanius
LV4
Dark
Winged Beast/Effect
500/1500
A dark purple robot bird now appeared. Nothing fuzzy about it.
"I target one Raid Raptor monster I control that has a level, take damage equal to its attack or defense (whichever is lower), and then special summon this monster, changing its level to match that of the target Raid Raptor. I target Fuzzy Lanius to special summon Raid Raptors - Pain Lanius, so I take 500 damage."
Fuzzy Lanius turned around and pecked at Astoria.
AG: 7500
Raidraptor - Pain Lanius
LV1
Dark
Winged Beast/Effect
100/100
A small, kind of round, robotic, green and silver bird with three red eyes joined its comrades.
RR-PL: LV1 - LV4
"Since I took damage, I can special summon this monster from my hand. Come on out, Raid Raptors - Avenge Vulture."
Raidraptor - Avenge Vulture
LV4
Dark
Winged Beast/Effect
1700/100
This large robot bird was brown, black, and gold, with a single red eye. It had the long neck and large wings of its namesake.
"I play this spell, Wing Requital. If all the monsters I control are Winged Beasts and I control at least two monsters with different original names, I pay 600 life points to draw two cards. I can only activate one of this card per turn."
AG: 6900
"If I could interrupt you real quick here."
"Yes, Draco?"
"I know what a vulture is, but what does Lanius mean?"
"Lanius is a genus of perching birds known as the typical shrikes. A shrike is basically if you took a bird of prey a stuck it in the body of an ordinary bird. Shrikes lack the proper grasping talons of true birds of prey, so they instead use their beak to break their prey's neck, and then impale it on thorns or barbed wire so they can tear it apart."
"...wow, that's kind of dark."
"Nature can be cruel, Draco. May I continue?"
"Please do."
"I set Mimicry Lanius and Fuzzy Lanius in the Link Markers. Appear, the circuit that guides us towards rebellion! Wise hunter who watches from the skies! Spread your wings in the fierce battle and show our enemies your greatness! Link summon, Raid Raptors - Wise Strix!"
Raidraptor - Wise Strix
Bottom Left, Bottom Right
Dark
Winged Beast/Link/Effect
1400/Link 2
A large silvery-blue owl now hovered over the field. Several screens appeared in front of her.
"When she's Link summoned, I can special summon one Level 4 Dark Winged Beast monster from my deck in defense position with its effects negated. I summon Raid Raptors - Necro Vulture."
Raidraptor - Necro Vulture
LV4
Dark
Winged Beast/Effect
1000/1600
This purple and black robot vulture spread her large wings as she hovered low to the ground. She had six green eyes on her head.
"When Fuzzy Lanius is sent to the graveyard, I can add another Fuzzy Lanius from my deck to my hand. During the main phase, if Mimicry Lanius is in my graveyard, I can banish it to add one Raid Raptor card from my deck to my hand. Necro Vulture, Pain Lanius, Overlay! Avian hunter of the afterlife, seek the truth with your dark eyes, and grasp glory with your sharp talons! Xyz summon, Raid Raptors - Force Strix!"
Raidraptor - Force Strix
Rank 4
Dark
Winged Beast/Xyz/Effect
100/2000
A large beige and blue owl flew onto the field and spread her massive wings. Two energy orbs circled her. She was at least a head taller than Astoria.
"Once per turn, I can detach one material from my Force Strix to activate her effect. I add one Level 4 Dark Winged Beast monster from my deck to my hand. If a Raid Raptor Xyz monster activates its effect, Wise Strix lets me set one Rank-Up-Magic directly from my deck."
The Link owl began using her talons to press several different buttons on her display screens. A face-down card then appeared on the field.
"Since I control a face-up Xyz monster, I can special summon this monster from my hand. Raid Raptors - Singing Lanius."
Raidraptor - Singing Lanius
LV4
Dark
Winged Beast/Effect
100/100
This monster was a small, gold and black robot bird.
"Since I control a Dark monster, I can special summon this monster from my hand. Raid Raptors - Strangle Lanius."
Raidraptor - Strangle Lanius
LV4
Dark
Winged Beast/Effect
1600/1100
A silver robot bird with four green eyes now flew above the field,
"Fuzzy Lanius, Singing Lanius, Overlay! Awaken, the monster with the two souls dwelling in! Xyz summon, Raider's Knight!"
Raider's Knight
Rank 4
Dark
Warrior/Xyz/Effect
2000/0
It was the large armored knight and horse from her last duel. Seeing the pipes that spewed blue flames on their bodies made the Raid Raptor connection more obvious.
"This monster is treated as both a Phantom Knight and a Raid Raptor. I detach one material to use his effect. I use him as material to Xyz summon a Raid Raptor monster one Rank higher. The unseen bold falcon, reveal your wings' unknown power here and now! Raid Raptors - Étranger Falcon!"
Raidraptor - Stranger Falcon
Rank 5
Dark
Winged Beast/Xyz/Effect
2000/2000
A very large robot falcon of purple and gold now appeared. She had glowing pink lines all over her body.
"If my falcon has an Xyz monster as Xyz material, she gains this effect. Once per turn: I can detach 1 Xyz material from this card, then target 1 monster you control and destroy it. If it is destroyed, you take damage equal its original attack. I choose your Dragon Lord, which means you lose 1200 life points."
A pair of cannons on the falcon's shoulders fired at the Dragon Controller. The mage's guitar fell to the floor.
DM: 6800
"Can I just interrupt again real quick?"
"Go ahead."
"Those look like owls, so what's a Strix?"
"Strix is Latin for owl. These days, though, it refers to a genus known as the earless owls or wood owls. One species found here is the tawny owl."
"Okay, and why do you keep giving your stronger bird monsters female pronouns?"
"That's a force of habit on my part. With most birds of prey, the female is bigger and/or heavier, so I automatically refer to my Raid Raptors as female."
"Just asking."
"If I control an Xyz monster that has a Dark Xyz monster as material, I can use the other effect of Strangle Lanius. I special summon one Level 4 or lower Raid Raptor from my graveyard with its effects negated, Come back, Vanishing Lanius."
The bird reappeared, now hovering near the ground.
"Avenge Vulture, Vanishing Lanius, Strangle Lanius, Overlay! Obscured falcon, raise your sharpened talons in front of adversity, spread your wings of rebellion! Xyz summon, Raid Raptors - Rise Falcon!"
Raidraptor - Rise Falcon
Rank 4
Dark
Winged Beast/Xyz/Effect
100/2000
This robot falcon of blue, cyan, and silver looked large enough to ride on. She had six glowing red eyes, but the strangest part was the pair of tiny arms she had, making one think of a Tyrannosaur.
"Isn't my falcon beautiful? She can attack every special summoned monster you control."
"That monster only has 100 attack points."
"You know better than to underestimate any of my monsters. Once per turn, I detach one material from my Rise falcon to target one face-up special summoned monster you control. She gains attack equal to that monster's current attack. I choose your Fusion dragon."
Rise Falcon was now surrounded by flames, just like a phoenix.
RR-RF: 100/2000 - 4600/2000
"I'm sure you've noticed, but Force Strix gains 500 attack and defense for each Winged Beast monster I control except herself."
RR-FS: 100/2000 - 1600/3500
"Rise Falcon, attack all three of his dragons. Brave Claw Revolution!"
Rise Falcon flew high into the air let out a battle cry. She then dove talons first and struck the middle head of the dragon. The middle head went limp, while the other two heads roared in pain.
DM: 6700
She flew around and dove again, this time striking the Alternative Dragon in the head.
DM: 5100
Another circle around the room, and the falcon once again did a dive, now striking the head of Deep of Blue-Eyes.
DM: 3000
Draco was both annoyed and impressed.
"Wise Strix, attack him directly!"
The owl looked up from the display screens to stare intently at Draco. Her head tilted from one side to another. The screens disappeared as she flew higher into the air. She then dived at Draco with a shriek, striking him with her talons.
DM: 1600
"Force Strix, my proud beauty, finish him off!"
The owl let out a low hoot as she flew past Draco. He stood there, looking around, wondering what happened. Suddenly, the owl dived down from out of nowhere. Draco instinctively flinched as the owl struck his Duel Disk with her large talons.
DM: 0
Draco and Astoria turned to Umbridge and gave a small bow. While everyone was confused as to what Draco and Astoria were trying to accomplish with Umbridge, what really surprised them was how effortlessly Astoria won the duel.
"I have to tell Ginny about this," Harry thought, "She'll be itching to test her Black Feathers against those Raptors."
"An excellent duel," Umbridge said, "You're truly an inspiration."
She then nudged Lockhart again.
"Oh, uh, yes, we still have a few minutes. Also talk about how the outcome of that duel could've been different."
The students talked amongst themselves for the remainder of the class.
"Time's up, students," Lockhart said, "I hope to see you all again soon."
As the students began to leave...
"Mr. Potter," Umbridge called out, "Could you stay behind, please?"
Harry took a deep breath, "Of course, High Inquisitor."
After every students left the room, he was beckoned to Umbridge's chair. Ron, Hermione, and Neville were waiting on the other side of the door, straining to hear.
"I understand you don't like me, Mr. Potter."
"I hardly know you, ma'am."
"But you know what I represent. You know why I'm really here. Do you deny it?"
"...no, ma'am."
"Good. Now then, I understand that you're eager to take the D-Wheel class this year."
"Yes, ma'am."
"It would be a shame if something was to happen to prevent you from taking that course."
"Excuse me?"
"You're no more a fool than I am. It was I who pulled strings to prevent you from advancing to Obelisk Blue. Now unless you'd like any more privileges stripped away, I suggest you keep your mouth shut."
"You can't get away with this."
"Oh, how droll. I assure you I can do almost anything with the authority I've been given. Not just by Fudge, mind you, but by the people. It would, I believe the phrase is, blow your mind, with what I've gotten away with. Oh, I know exactly how you and your friends think. You want to be free to do whatever you'd like. Well I will not allow anyone to disrupt the order that I've created. You have no idea what I can do, will do, and have done to stay in power. You really think that Lord Voldemort returning will change anything? Everyone already knows that several ministry employees used to work for him. The fact that they did is exactly why we employed them. Never let a crisis go to waste, Potter. We will use this incident to our advantage just like any other. After all, you can't simply take away someone's freedom. You have to make them give it up willingly. While you and your little friends have been worrying about the Death Eaters, the ministry has been waiting in the wings anticipating the Dark Lord's return. If you try anything funny, if you you step out of line, we will destroy you, Potter. The ministry may not control the Academy, but give it time."
"Are you saying that the ministry would willingly work with Tom Riddle?"
"Don't be ridiculous. That man is still a terrorist, and thus a liability. If he wasn't so insane, he really ought to be working for us. Speaking of which, I want no mention of that man if at all possible. No point in worrying people."
"So you admit he's back, but you don't want people to think about it."
"Out of sight, out of mind."
Harry looked at Lockhart, "And what do you think about all this?"
"He thinks what I tell him to think."
"I frankly couldn't care less about the situation," Lockhart replied, "I'm getting paid. That's all that matters."
"That's why we hired him, Potter. I believe I've taken up enough of your time. Do be careful on that D-Wheel."
Harry said nothing and left the room.
"Gilderoy, I still don't trust him. He held his tongue this time, but eventually he'll slip up. If I can catch him breaking any rules I put into place, I can turn everyone in the country against him."
"Sounds delightful...what's your plan exactly?"
"I am the High Inquisitor, am I not? So what this academy really needs, is an inquisition."
"I didn't expect that."
Harry just wanted to get to the D-Wheel class, so he walked right past his friends.
"Harry, wait," Hermione called, "We waited for you. We couldn't hear everything she said."
He stopped to take a deep breath.
"Sorry, guys...I...I just wanted to get away from her. The last thing I should do is push you away. That's exactly what she wants."
He proceeded to tell them everything as they continued to the D-Wheel class.
"That wicked old witch," Hermione snarled, "There are plenty of people working in the ministry who want to do a good job, but she thinks it's just a get out of jail free card. I'll show her."
"You will?" Ron questioned, "How?"
"I don't know yet, but somehow, one of these days, I'll make sure she pays for this. Making threats and bragging about corruption. She's an absolute disgrace."
They finally reached the stadium. Several students were already there.
"Hey, Harry," Ginny said, "My other classes are over, so I came to watch. I still hate having to wait until next year to actually take the class. Oh, and look who else is here."
Harry did a doubletake, "Fleur? You're not the teacher, are you?"
"I cannot be the teacher since I did not attend. I am what you would call the assistant. Are you the only one taking the class?"
"Well now that you mention it -"
"I'm taking it," Ron spoke up.
"You are?" Harry asked.
"YOU ARE!?" Hermione exclaimed.
"I didn't think you had it in you, Weasley," Draco commented.
They all looked up to see Draco sitting in a higher aisle, Astoria beside him.
"Things change," was all Ron said.
Fleur smiled, "In that case, all those who are actually taking the course, step forward. The rest of you find a seat. The professor will be here shortly."
Ron walked forward, with Harry right next to him.
"I thought you said this wasn't for you?" Harry whispered.
"I was on the fence about it, Harry. I've finally decided. You can't be the only one on the team to be able to drive one of these. Do you think Hermione's mad?"
"No, just confused and worried. I've already practiced a bit, you know."
"You have?"
"Every other night I'd sneak out and Sirius would teach me a few things."
"Afternoon class," came a familiar voice.
"I should've known," Ron said, his face sporting a grin.
"I'm your instructor William Weasley, but you can call me Bill."