Coin of Life
Chapter 2
"It's obvious," declared Hermione, "that we will learn nothing in that class!"
"Maybe it's a good thing; if nobody can pass their exams, they'll have to fire Umbridge." Ron was unconcerned.
The mere thought of failing to pass an exam made Hermione blanch. "We have to do something! Harry?"
"Well, we can study on our own," he offered.
Hermione gave him a look of disbelief. "On our own? On our own? Seriously?"
"What choice have we?"
Harry didn't really care. What he needed was to get away from everyone else, and try to make plans. He counted himself lucky that neither of his friends had noticed anything different about him. Ron…well. He could discount Ron, but he'd have to be careful around Hermione.
Fortunately for him, she was currently focused on the shortcomings of Professor Umbridge.
Hermione huffed. "I'm going to see Professor McGonagall!"
Once she had flounced away, Harry found it a simple matter to ditch Ron by mentioning he intended to visit the library. Instead, he made his way to the Room of Requirement.
It was clear that he'd have to relive the past, but with his memory of the future intact. Somehow, some way, he hadn't regained the horcrux either…he could sense that it was gone. Great! This time he'd do it right, correct his past errors, and…save Sirius?
"Sirius Black!" Harry fairly shouted into the mirror that Sirius had given him.
Sirius' delighted face appeared. "Harry! How's…"
"Sirius!" Harry interrupted. "Don't allow anyone else into Grimmauld Place!"
"What? What's going on…"
"Never mind that now! Don't let Dumbledore use it for the Order, don't let anyone use it for a safe house! Lock it down!"
Sirius stared, baffled. "Uh, Moony is already here."
Harry considered. He'd liked Remus Lupin in the past, even though he found the man's self-pity unattractive. But Sirius should not be isolated in that dark house.
"Okay, Moony, but nobody else. We have so much to talk about!"
"I'm taking a lot on faith here, Harry," Sirius pointed out. "Of course, I will do as you ask."
"Thanks, Padfoot! Oh, and don't make Dumbledore your Secret-Keeper."
"Right," said Sirius slowly. "I will be the Secret-Keeper, and send you the address."
"Good! This is a Hogsmeade weekend, so I will make sure to get away and join you."
Harry felt a lot better, knowing he'd warned his godfather. Hopefully, this weekend he'd have located the locket, and one more horcrux would be destroyed.
Harry suddenly yelped, and summoned the diadem of Ravenclaw. One killing curse later, and it was no more. Before he left, he also shattered the vanishing cabinet.
Even if Malfoy somehow discovered the Room, it would avail him nothing.
That done, he looked around the Room in satisfaction. There was no way he'd teach a lot of students in here, thus revealing the location to all sorts. It was his, and he was keeping it!
A nondescript owl delivered a scroll at breakfast; true to his word, Sirius had sent the location of his house to Harry. Moreover, the parchment caught fire as soon as Harry finished reading.
Hedwig landed on the table, glaring at the interloper.
"Hey, girl," Harry handed his owl a piece of sausage. "It's so good to see you!" No one would ever harm Hedwig again, Harry vowed. He was determined to keep her safe. He stroked her feathers as she rubbed her head against him.
"Mr. Potter!" Umbridge was standing over him, her beady eyes avid. "It is not permissible to cast fire spells in the Great Hall!"
"I didn't cast it, Professor," answered Harry calmly. "I'm afraid the sender did…although it was unsigned. At least it wasn't a howler."
Umbridge's toad-like face took on an expression of deep satisfaction. "If you are going to tell lies, Mr. Potter, you must expect people to become annoyed."
Harry made no reply, which seemed to anger her. "Perhaps a detention is called for."
"For what reason, Professor?"
Her anger intensified. "For causing disruption, and disrespect!"
Harry did not argue. He decided he might as well deal with Umbridge sooner, rather than later.