Septembral Shenanigans

Saturday 9th September.

The first weekend after lessons had begun for the students in the castle was always significant, students catching up with homework, attending the first meetings of the clubs that had so far been approved by the Headmaster, or just socialising. Having enjoyed the previous weekend in the castle without those pressures, many things that would usually happen had already taken place, though. To many of the students who had been at the school a few years, this weekend seemed oddly incomplete, they were not used to the year starting as it had. They woke to their second Saturday having had a full week of lessons, yet they felt unsettled by the different start to the school year. On the plus side, the first years were more settled than usual, having had the first couple of days to get used to the Castle and get to know people, rather than diving straight into lessons. Certainly the castle even felt different, oddly warmer and friendlier somehow. The main topic among the students eating breakfast in the great hall, was what they could do that day, mostly other than homework.

For the staff this first weekend after the start of lessons, always began with the first term time staff meeting. It was usually held in the staff room, straight after breakfast, but this year Albus summoned them to his office. Most of the staff arrived as soon as breakfast was over, they were surprised to find Umbridge sat next to the headmaster waiting for them in the place customarily occupied by Minerva. When she arrived, together with the other three heads of house, the staff held their breath.

"Delores, you are out of place." Snape sneered. "In more ways than one on this occasion."

"Oh is that so." Umbridge simpered looking round the room. "There seem to be plenty of chairs."

Snape snorted. "Indeed there are, so you shall have no trouble finding one suitable for your use. There are formalities that must be observed, as you say we must respect those who have earned positions above us."

Umbridge huffed, but moved, allowing Minerva to take her place as Deputy Head, Filius next to her, while Severus and Pomona took seats on the other side of the headmaster facing the staff.

"Was that really necessary Severus." Asked the Headmaster.

"If you wish to retain order amongst your staff Albus, it was." Severus replied. "As you should know if you weren't so obsessed with other matters of lesser consequence."

Albus coughed slightly, then replied. "Very well, let's begin. How are the first years settling in, Filius perhaps we should start with you."

"Very well headmaster, I am sure my fellow heads of house will agree they benefitted from having last weekend to settle without the worry of lessons beginning straight away. However, I am surprised you are not mentioning the improvement in the wards of the Castle first, and how they have benefitted the school as a whole. Bullying is down already, the atmosphere in the school is much improved, surely you have noticed."

Dumbledore looked puzzled. "I had not noticed that much of a change, though I must admit to not really paying that much attention to it. There were of course the incidents last weekend when the Castle appears to have repaired itself for some reason, though I have been unable to discover why that suddenly occurred, perhaps I should attempt to investigate further."

Snape sneered. "Once again you show you are too distracted with personal matters, to notice the bigger picture in the school. I would think it was obvious, the reason for the Castle restoring itself that is."

Delores huffed. "Clearly if the headmaster has detected no change, then there has not been one worthy of notice, after all only he can adjust the wards."

"That is not strictly true Delores, although it is the usual way of things and has been for several Centuries." Pomona Sprout told them.

Again Umbridge scoffed. "Don't be ridiculous, who else could control the wards over such an area other than one supported by the Castle magics itself?"

"The Heirs of Hogwarts, as they are called, of course, who else?." Snape answered. "If they have returned to Hogwarts, as has been suggested amongst us before, then they would gain the strength of the castle and control of the wards. There is no doubt that if the direct Heirs of each of the founders were present in this Castle, and bonded, then a reaction from Hogwarts, such as has been seen, would be the likely result."

"You are undoubtably correct Severus." Agreed Filius. "After all the magic's in this place would be bound to react to their presence."

Pomona nodded in agreement. "I believe their can be little doubt that their return would cause such a reaction, they are, after all, the rightful owners of the Castle, and estate including the village."

"What rot, there are no Heirs, if there were the Ministry would know about them." Delores informed them confidently. "This is fiction, the fact is that the Hogwarts estate belongs to the Ministry, though they leave the management of it to the Schools governors of course."

"I am sorry Delores, but that is not quite correct." Albus conceded. "The school and estate are independent of the Ministry, held in trust by the Governors."

Delores tilted her head. "Even so, it is not owned by any individual, or individuals, and my point stands. There are no Heirs, they do not exist, the Ministry would know if they did." Umbridge responded.

"In which case, perhaps our esteemed new colleague, could share with us quite how the Ministry might be aware of these things? Surely Hogwarts herself would be the first to know. How is it that the Ministry are unaware of the changes at the school, not least the obvious removal of darkness from the wards. If the Ministry is, as is suggested all knowing then I am sure we are all agog to learn the reason for this." Snape sneered.

Albus had realised that the arrival of the Heirs could easily explain many events recently, not least the fact he was no longer in control of the wards, he could not acknowledge it publicly though, not even with the staff. He knew he had to alter his priorities, he would need to discover and gain control of the Heirs, or Heir, only then could he regain the wards, and then he would be certain to regain Potter. He interrupted the conversation before it deteriorated further. "Be all that as it may, I see no reason for this topic to interfere in our meeting. Filius if you would make your report as requested, and please limit it to that topic."

Filius shrugged. "Very well Headmaster." He said with a glance at the other three heads, then he began to speak.

As usual, they heard reports about each year group in each house, before moving on to the reports from subject teachers, which as the term had just started were brief, until they reached Defence Against the Dark Arts.

"The teaching of my subject in anything resembling a safe manner, is constantly disrupted by those students who are from families associated with the Potter led Alliance. All they seem to want to do is mess about with wands in class, they are so resistant to being taught safely. I am firmly of the opinion that there is no need for wands within class, they are simply too dangerous in the hands of these children for use in lessons. It is perfectly possible to teach the subject from books, with no unnecessary spell casting, but that group particularly object to my methods, disrupting the class with pointless debate. Every year group is infected by that boys defiance of authority, and entitlement. It must be stamped out by a united front from all staff, or we shall lose control of the entire school." She demanded. "It is imperative that we unite to put Potter in his place."

None of the staff reacted, there was silence for a moment, until Dumbledore spoke. "I have to say that I have to agree with the observations and solution proposed by Delores. Poor Harry has, over the summer, been taken from the correct path and must be guided back to his proper place among us. He has been taken along a route that has misguided him into believing things about his family that are no longer true, and have not been for some considerable time. We must bring him back into the fold and show him the error of what he has been led to believe. It is vital for the future path he must follow, not to mention of our world that he act for the greater good, and that he be guided by those of us who truly have the wisdom to do so."

Umbridge grinned, believing she had the support of the staff, just as she did the headmaster. "In which case, I believe that the proper course of action is for him to be restricted by the Ministry, under Auror guard, or even better in a holding cell when not in class. At least until he demonstrates proper compliance, and abandons all this nonsense."

The other teachers who had been looking at the headmaster open mouthed in disbelief, Now turned to her in utter horror at her suggestion, only to turn back as the headmaster spoke again.

"Well, reluctantly, I believe that might well be the best course of action." He said shaking his head sadly. "Unless there are any objections, or further comments, I believe we are all agreed that this is the only course open to us at present."

The Staff could not believe the headmaster had just supported effectively targeting and imprisoning a single student who, so far, had not broken any rules, they hardly knew what to say.

"I would advise caution." Minerva spoke calmly, but sternly. "I am surprised that you have not learned from your experiences during the summer, either of you. Delores you are lucky to be in the position you are in, rather than the lowly post in the Ministry you were demoted to only a few weeks ago. Albus. each time you have attempted to force the Earl back into your care, not only did he refuse, but you ended up in Ministry holding cells at the very least, and you are facing a hearing soon as a result. It would seem that force is only going to drive him further away from you, it will not work."

"So what would you suggest we do? You seem ready to feed his delusions by using the title he has adopted without cause." Umbridge asked with contempt.

"Delores, you seem to forget, the Ministry, Gringotts and even Magic itself has accepted his new-found position, one they all say he should have been made aware of as soon as possible after the death of his parents. Serious questions are being asked, as to why he wasn't and the motives of those who should have informed him are. From what we have all heard, you were quite firmly reminded of that, in no uncertain and if the rumours are correct, humiliating terms, after your first encounter with him in your classroom." Snape sneered.

"Enough!" Dumbledore stopped the conversation before it degenerated further, or any of the rest of his staff could speak. "I expect the hearing will never happen and steps are being taken to rectify those matters concerning myself. Although it seems my senior staff believe the sensible suggestion from Delores is too much at this time, and from the expressions on all your faces you all agree with them, I shall leave that in abeyance. Still the fact remains that Harry must be retrieved, even if it is against his will. I am sure that will become clear to you all soon and that we do not come to regret your choice today. This meeting is over, you are all excused to your duties!"

Muttering the staff left the room, followed by the four heads who turned and looked at the once great man behind the desk.

"Albus, I never thought I would say this to you, but I believe you have made an incredibly foolish mistake over this. Not to mention your appointment to the staff of a woman who, at best, was a mediocre, spoiled, student." Pomona said sadly and was the last to leave the room. "No matter what you believe, your intransigence in this is ensuring your standing is being eroded by your own actions, such a shame."

Rather than return to their rooms, as was usual, the staff congregated in the staff room, all except Dumbledore and Umbridge. As soon as the four heads of house arrived and the door shut, their colleagues turned to face them.

Minerva looked at her fellow heads of house, and the members of staff in the Alliance, who nodded at her unasked question. She turned back to look at their colleagues, all of whom had served the school for years, all of them owed their position to Dumbledore.

"I believe we all feel the same way about what we just witnessed. Appalled at the apparent victimization of Harry and the Alliance that we have seen this morning." Minerva began. "Please know that I have no intention of changing how I treat any student, whether, or not they are part of any particular group. I suggest we all simply continue to carry out our duties as usual, there is little anyone can do differently in any case. The board of Governors does not support Albus in this matter, nor of his appointment of Umbridge onto the staff, particularly given her reputation. They, like those of us who taught her, recall her entitled and manipulative behaviour throughout her years at the school, her self belief massively out weighs her abilities, although she can be very vindictive. Naturally, as Albus has seen fit to go against the Governors' advice, they are keeping more than an eye on the situation. For those too young to remember, the Alliance is not a particular worry, it never was, the three families helped look after the students when they were here, even when there youngsters were pranksters."

Severus scowled.

"Yes Severus, even you and you know it. They only ever responded in kind to your bullying of others at the time." Minerva said firmly. "Even the infamous incident where you claim they were to kill you was not all it seemed, you set that up to try to trap them and contrary to popular belief, Remus prevented them from falling for it. It really is time you dropped the victim act and stopped blaming them for seeing through your little plan."

Severus scowled again, but did not disagree.

Minerva continued. "The alliance was politically powerful, due to how long it had existed before a number of tragedies ensured the three families began to lay low and slowly disintegrate during and after the last war. However, the member families kept its activities quietly going, mostly unnoticed, but in the absence of the leadership of the three head families, they could do little more than keep it alive. Now that those families have re-emerged and at least some of their old privileges appear to have been revived, I suspect they will become powerful in our government, economy and society again, returning to the position they held for centuries. I believe that fear of this, or a desire to hold that power, may well be behind some of the worry their revival has generated in some quarters, fear of losing influence to them as well. That said we should not let such matters unduly affect our actions in the care of our charges in this castle. We are here to teach our students and act as their guardians in this school, looking out for their education and welfare while in our care, without fear or favour."

"That may be so, but what are we to do about that display we just witnessed. It is clear that the school is not as important to him, as is gaining control of Potter?" Charity Burbage asked.

"Nothing, yet Charity, we need more information and to collate it with what has already been gathered by the alliance." Minerva replied, treading carefully, not wanting to expose here allegiance to the Alliance to others not in it just yet, aware that it could be interpreted as her having divided loyalties. "However, each of you will have noticed the changes to the fabric of the castle, as well as the charged atmosphere, I am sure."

The staff nodded, agreeing that they had.

"This has been directly caused by the arrival of the heirs of the founders into the castle, the actual owners of the castle and estate, they are more than legend. It is they who have caused the restoration of the wards, as originally created, a feat only they could have achieved alongside their friends with them. Their actions and presence that created the circumstances enabling the removal of the curses that had been attached to the wards over the centuries, enabling the magic in the Castle to repair it completely. A fact denied by Albus and Delores of course, while the Headmaster seems to be in denial, it is doubtful our esteemed new colleague is even aware of it at all. I would also note that I am aware that the Alliance Dormitory has reopened, giving those students direct access to various parts of the castle from it. In light of this, and a number of other indicators, I would not advise unjustified punishments of the members of the Alliance, or in fact anyone within the castle. Though it has to be said that, that is sound policy for all in any case. However, such treatment of students could lead to stronger consequences now than before, the headmaster is not likely to be able to set aside anything that happens. If I remember correctly, this Castle is quite capable of taking matters into its own hands when at full power, at least according to what I have read. From what I remember of the early school records, Hogwarts is quite capable of protecting those within it, particularly the Heirs themselves. Please also remember that should the Headmaster request a meeting with the Earl, Countess or both, then their guardians, Lord and Lady Black should be advised immediately. In fact I believe that it would be advisable that a member of staff should accompany any student summoned to his office, from today. I shall seek a directive on that from the governors if need be, but in the meantime if in doubt refer it to myself." She finished.

"Or one of the heads of house if need be." Filius added, Pomona and even Severus indicated their agreement.

Minerva smiled as the staff voiced their agreement. "Thank you all, I think we are once again in for an interesting term, now shall we summon refreshment and discuss what we didn't get chance to in that meeting?"

Harry and Ginny were sat in the Alliance common room, having just returned after breakfast, trying to decide how to fill the day. They had both completed what little homework had been set that week, much to the pleasure of Hermione who had looked over their work and been impressed. Some of the students were at the tables around the central pit busily at work with their own, a few of the older students, including themselves, had made it know that they were available to help the younger ones if need be. Harry was pleased to see that the first years all seemed to be settling in, he had spoken with them all through the week, especially the lad whose family they had rescued from Dementors in Diagon Alley. While the first years seemed to just simply mix between houses, even outside the Alliance, it was taking the older students a little longer to mix as readily. Some house divisions remained, especially from the Slytherins, who were still being pressured by their non alliance house mates. Significantly Harry, Ginny, Neville and Hermione had all noticed some of their own housemates being standoffish when they had visited that common room, but only Ron had an actively hostile demeanour to them.

They knew Dumbledore had made efforts to contact Ron, so far they had been clumsy and unsuccessful, thanks to the twins. It had been the twins who had told them of the attempts, and that the Headmaster had tried to convince them that allowing Ron to act for him was for the Greater Good. Naturally the Twins had acted as if interested in what the man suggested, then refused him, they had also reported the attempts to his father, who had expected the attempts to take place. They too had noticed their housemates behaviour towards those in the Alliance, it seemed that rumour had been spread that the members were dangerous and should be avoided. Umbridges work it seemed, Fred and George were working to dispel the tale, though they expected that Umbridges own teaching methods and demeanour would work against her.

All in all the couple regarded their first week back at school a success, but wanted a break. "You know Mary wants us to visit when we can, and Charles and Liz did say we were welcome, particularly at weekends." Ginny said.

Harry nodded. "Lets Floo them, we could go later and help her with her homework."

It didn't take long to call the family, who were pleased to welcome them to their home later in the afternoon, for the evening.

Saturday 16th September.

The following week followed a similar pattern to the first, with only a few exceptions. Umbridge had decided their class should not be allowed to speak, they simply sat reading under her angry glare, which was not quite as disconcerting as it was perhaps intended. Other than the usual stepping up of homework and increase in extracurricular activities. Each of the Quidditch teams had begun training, each having an evening to themselves during the week, leaving three nights for other activities, or extra practise when games drew closer.

After a week of lessons and activity for most, the Alliance students sat in their common room doing their work, or simply socialising. Most of them had spent some nights with friends in their house dormitories, using their rooms here as refuges to retreat to. Harry and Ginny had preferred to stay here, on the occasions that they had ventured Into the Gryffindor common room, while they had enjoyed their time with their friends, Ron had made it quite uncomfortable for them.

It was raining outside and from the common room in the Alliance quarters they could look up at the domed ceiling and see the droplets falling towards them to land on the roof. The drops of water collecting as they ran down the dome, gathering together before running off in rivulets which wove together as they flowed over the domed roof above, to disappear off the edge. Some were watching the strangely hypnotic, ever changing, paths of water form, run and disappear once they had reached the edges The fire in the centre of the room was lit and cast a warmth through the room, which was comforting, but not overwhelming. It was, as usual, a relaxed atmosphere, though at present only a limited amount of chat could be heard, out of respect for those who were working. Older students were assisting younger ones, a few were playing games, others were simply relaxing in huddles with their friends. They knew that some were not present in the room, either because they were elsewhere in the castle, or in the case of a couple of them, yet to emerge from their Family rooms. They would appear when they wished, it was Saturday after all, and there was no compulsion for anyone to be here, today was a day to catch up, relax or both.

It was almost lunchtime when the door from the Defence corridor opened admitting two first years, one helping the other, who was white as a sheet and appeared to be bleeding from one hand.

"Harry!" The uninjured one called out. "I need help!"

Harry looked up, recognising that the one who had called him was the boy from the family who had been targetted by the Dementors in Diagon Alley. Not recognising the girl he was helping, Harry and Ginny stood and rushed over. "What happened?"

"I don't really know, she had a detention with Umbridge for using a pen rather than a Quill in her class. I found her curled up in the corridor just now." The boy answered. "She won't tell me what happened and won't let me take her to the hospital wing, so I brought her here. I hope that was okay, I know she isn't in an Alliance family."

Harry glanced over to Hermione, who nodded and headed for the door that led to the hospital wing. Ginny took the girl to one of the seats near the fire and sat her down, her arms round her, comforting the frightened first year.

"You did the right thing Philip, I take it she is a friend of yours?"

The boy shrugged. "I knew her at primary school a little, she was so surprised to find me here on the boats over the lake. We have kind of stuck together ever since."

"I see." Smiled Harry comfortingly. "So she is Muggle born, and from her robes a Gryffindor like us."

Philip nodded as they walked over to join Ginny and the Girl.

Ginny smiled as they approached. "Harry this is Jennifer, Jennifer this is Harry, don't worry, he is friendly, at least most of the time, and I promise he will help you if he can, just like I said."

Just then the door from the Hospital wing opened, and Madam Pomfrey hurried in, led by Hermione. Glancing round the room, she saw them and rushed over.

"How can I help?" She called.

"Over here Poppy." Harry called. "We have a young lady who needs your attention."

The nurse smiled as she saw the frightened first year. "Not to worry my dear, we shall have you fixed up in a jiffy, I am sure." She sat down with the girl, gently calming her, and stemming the blood from the injury on her hand.

After several minutes, she stood, and Jennifer had her hand in a bowl, Poppy waved Harry over to the side of the room, while Philip moved to sit with his friend.

The nurse looked at Harry and spoke gravely. "That is one scared girl, who actually would go home, give up learning Magic, if it wasn't for her friend over there. I will explain, but could you quietly get Professor McGonagall to come here please, we need to let her know what is going on."

"Of course." He responded, he nodded to Neville, who disappeared through the door that led to the corridor the deputy Headmistress's office was on.

Poppy returned to her patient, who was looking a lot better than she had, under the care of those around her.

Again it took only a short while for the member of staff requested to arrive, Minerva entered the room a look of concern on her face. She spotted the nurse, and made her way straight over to her, Jennifer looked nervous at her approach.

"Don't worry Jennifer." Ginny reassured her. "I promise you, you are not in trouble, but Professor McGonagall needs to know what is going on so that she can help. She may be a little stern, but she will be fair and is really quite kind-hearted, besides you are not in any trouble, I promise you."

The first year nodded nervously, but gave a weak smile as the formidable figure approached. "Thank you for that appraisal Lady Potter." Minerva grinned. "Now what has been going on this morning, Poppy, I take it your services where required?"

"Indeed they were Minerva, and I have rarely had to treat such an injury, though naturally I could recognise the cause, it is unique and quite distinctive. It is appalling that such an object is in the school again. Miss Clarke here was given lines in detention, using a Blood Quill." The Nurse informed her.

"A Blood Quill? I thought we had destroyed all the ones that were in the school during the ritual."

Poppy nodded. "As did I, but it seems another one, or more, has been brought into the school and is being used as a punishment. This is precisely why they are illegal outside strictly controlled and authorised places, which as you know does not include this Castle. Such use is a guaranteed term in Azkaban, so I expect the teacher using this is confident that she can get away with it, even if challenged."

"Let me guess, Delores." Minerva sighed, rolling her eyes as Poppy nodded. "So neither Albus, nor the Minister will do anything, so it is up to us."

Harry interjected. "I could have the wards destroy any in the school, and see if we can set a ward to prevent more being brought in."

"That might be a good idea, Lord Potter, but I have a feeling we shall need to be more subtle, unfortunately. We know what she is doing, but we shall need solid proof that she cannot wriggle out of, though we do need to protect students as well." Minerva said thoughtfully. "Miss Clarke, although we are only just getting to know you, from what I have observed, I have the impression that you are not the type of person who would normally earn a detention, please tell me the whole story. It might be important in helping to protect you and your fellow Students."

Jennifer timidly told the story of her experience in the Defence Against the Dark Arts class and what followed. She told them that she had gone into the class the day before, settled at the same desk and as usual set out her pen alongside the parchment, ready to take notes in the class. Professor Umbridge either hadn't spotted the pen previously, or had ignored it, she had seemed to follow that practise to begin with this lesson too. None of the other teachers who had spotted it in their class had said anything untoward, so she thought it was okay to use it. Over halfway through the lesson, Jennifer had been making notes on what they were reading.

"Things that had puzzled me or caught my interest mainly, so I could look them up again later in the library." She commented. "That was when Professor Umbridge definitely saw me using the pen, and asked what it was. I told her it was a pen, she asked where I had got it, I told her my father owns a factory that makes them. She got angry and gave me detention this morning for disrespect to Magical custom. I was very upset, but didn't argue, though I was crying when we left the classroom at the end of the lesson. Philip tried to console me, but I was upset again when I had to leave the common room, though it helped that Philip, walked with me to the door of the Professor's office. I went in, it is very pink in there. She told me to sit at a desk in front of her own and said that I was to write lines as a way to learn how to use a quill, and to never use those filthy Muggle instruments again." She faltered as tears began to appear and run down her cheeks again, Philip instantly squeezed her hand.

She looked up at him and smiled falteringly in gratitude, he smiled back at her. "It's Okay, it's not your fault."

Professor McGonagall smiled at the friendship the two shared and compassion the boy demonstrated to the Girl. "Your friend is correct, Miss. Clarke, you have done nothing wrong, there is no rule that you cannot use a pen, although I admit not many in our world do choose to, for some reason, and they are not sold in the Wizarding world."

Harry made a mental note of that, it had never occurred to him that such a simple item was not available in this community, it was something easily put right through the Alliance. Certainly pens, even fountain pens, were much more convenient than Quills, he was certain there were other things that the Wizarding world could catch up with as well, perhaps Jennifer's father might be a good contact for this. Pulling his thoughts back to the present. "Jennifer, would a drink help you?" He asked kindly.

She nodded. "Yes please Harry. Oh, is it alright to call you that?"

"Of course it is." Harry chuckled. "I am really quite friendly, and we are fellow students after all, now what's your favourite drink?"

"Dandelion and Burdock, but I am only allowed it occasionally."

"Oh I think it will be fine this time. Dobby!" Harry smiled and the Elf appeared. "Ah Dobby do you think we could get some Dandelion and Burdock for Miss Jennifer to drink please?"

"Of course, Master Harry." The Elf disappeared, returning only a moment later with a crate of twelve bottles and some glasses full of the dark fizzy drink.

"Thank you Dobby." Harry smiled while the Elf distributed glasses to them all, before disappearing again.

Nursing her glass, Minerva was looking at it a little doubtfully. "I don't believe I have tasted this before, but nothing ventured nothing gained." She brought the glass which she had been given to her lips and tasted the effervescent liquid it contained. "Oh, that is different, I can quite see why you enjoy this Miss Clarke, it is very tasty, I think I might have to add some of this to my drinks cabinet."

Jennifer had drunk most of her first glass and Ginny was refilling it for her from one of the bottles. "I think I can tell you the rest now, if you want me too." She said.

"Please do, Miss Clarke. So long as you are ready." Minerva smiled.

The girl took another swig of her drink, then a deep breath and continued her story.

Falteringly she told them that she had been given parchment and a black Quill at a desk and told to write. "I must use a Quill." Until the instruction sank in. There was no ink, but she was told she would not need it, so not wanting to upset the Professor she had dried her eyes and begun to write. Although the ink was red, she had thought it worked like her pen, until she began to feel pain on the back of her hand. She had begun to cry again, but the teacher made her keep writing, until the pain was so much she could not even hold the Quill any more. Having looked at the back of her hand, which was dripping with blood, she had been dismissed with the instruction not to go to the hospital wing. She had left the room, but not gone far before she felt faint, and simply sat down crying and nursing her hand. Which was where Philip had wrapped her in his arms, she had forgotten he might be there and had rushed past him as she had left the room. He had caught up with her when she had sat, and seen the blood dripping from her hand, and brought her here when she had refused to go to the Hospital wing.

Minerva was shocked. "Miss Clarke, thank you, that cannot have been easy. Keep your hand in the bowl until Madam Pomfrey says that you need do so no longer, thankfully because of your friends quick actions, the Murtlap will prevent the wounds from leaving a scar. The next thing I must say is that no matter what it is quite wrong for anyone, anyone at all, to forbid you from going to the Hospital wing as soon as you can should you need to. Now might I make a suggestion. I know you are not from a family of the Alliance, being the first Witch in your family, but I think it would be a good idea if you spent tonight here in these quarters. That way you will not be far from your friend here, he can comfort you as needed and you will be safe. I assume your family suite can provide a second room Mr. Cooper? I don't think it is a good idea that Miss Clarke be left alone after such a distressing experience."

"Can it Harry?" Philip asked.

Harry Nodded. "I believe it already has, Philip, so once her hand is done, I suggest you take her there, in the meantime we need to get some things for Jennifer. Winky!" The house Elf appeared. "Jennifer, tell Winky what you need from your room, and she will fetch it for you. Winky would you look after Jennifer tonight, she has had a very upsetting time and will be staying in the Cooper suite tonight."

"Certainly Master, I would be happy to." The Elf replied and turned to her charge.

"Are you sure?" Jennifer asked.

Ginny smiled. "Of course we are, now I will leave you to sort things out with Winky, Philip and Madam Pomfrey."

She stood, indicating to Harry and Professor McGonagall to follow her, once they were out of earshot, she stopped, and they huddled together to talk. "Professor, we need to do something to control this, I understand we need evidence to make this stick, but Umbridge cannot be allowed to get away with this." Harry nodded his agreement.

"I agree, I shall remind staff that although unusual, pens are allowed to be used if a student so desires. I shall also issue a reminder that any staff found forbidding a student proper medical attention shall not be on staff much longer." She agreed. "That said I need to work out what we can do, Blood Quills are illegal, and for good reason, but easily hidden. Harry is there anyway that the wards could be set to tell us when one is being used in the Castle, so medical aid can be given quickly to the victim?"

Poppy joined them while Minerva spoke, Winky was with Jennifer and Philip, moving towards the suite, the elf ensuring the girls hand stayed in the bowl, while the boy supported his friend as they walked. The Nurse nodded her agreement with the request.

Harry and Ginny closed their eyes for a moment, when they opened them they nodded. "It's done, Hogwarts will ensure that Madam Pomfrey is notified and the victim shall be guided towards the Hospital wing if she cannot get there in time." Harry said.

"Good, I shall let her know to be ready. In the meantime I shall have heads of houses notified to be ready, and we need advice." Minerva added. "Now we have the problem of protecting the students, it would help if Umbridge were too busy to take detentions personally and had to pass them onto her colleagues to oversee."

"I can see the sense in that." Harry said. "How much Admin could you send her way?"

Minerva smiled. "Some, but nowhere near enough, we need other things too."

"You could always ask her to fill out reports on the progress of her students on a weekly basis." Poppy grinned.

Minerva laughed. "That's naughty Poppy, but as she seems to not to want to attend staff meetings unless Albus is there, good idea. On top of these Educational decrees that she has started producing, that would add to her workload, but she can do those while overseeing Detentions if she chooses."

"True!" Said Ginny. "So we need something that will keep her occupied away from her desk."

Hermione was looking thoughtful. "What about something that forces her to actually teach her subject, rather than just watching us read that useless book?"

"How about a Duelling club?" Harry suggested.

"What!" Exclaimed Poppy. "That would give her more chance to torture students, it's very dangerous."

Harry smiled. "Not if she is charged with running it, but other teachers are present to actually oversee it."

Minerva paused in thought, before speaking. "It would help take up her time, especially organising the help required. I shall speak to the Governors about it, they are a little cautious after the one run by Lockhart of course, but I suspect they shall see the use of it. I shall also have her assigned more oversight of some of the other activities in the school that require her to be out of her office, force her to pass on some of her detentions to other staff, where at least the students will be employed usefully, and safer than in her office. It will take a while to arrange though, certainly the club. I shall try to get it all in place as soon as I can, get the staff on board as well, but it will take time."

"Meanwhile I shall ensure I have plenty of Murtlap ready for those who need it, when Hogwarts lets me know I am needed I can usually wait just down the corridor. I may need to ensure cover when I have patients in the Hospital though, perhaps a prefect or the Head boy and Girl." Poppy told them.

"That can be arranged." Minerva agreed.

Harry nodded. "This is all good as a stop gap, but we need a better solution until we can ensure that those things cannot be brought into the school."

"I have an idea." Ginny said. "Susan, do you have a moment?" She called.

"Sure Ginny." Susan Bones called and walked over to them.

Ginny smiled. "We might not get anywhere with Dumbledore or the Minister, but I guess Amelia will be interested."

"Of course." Minerva agreed. "Miss Bones we are in need of some advice from your Aunt, preferably without the Headmaster or the Minister knowing. I assume you have a way of getting in touch with her quietly, I wonder if it could be arranged that I could use it."

"I assume this has to do with why the young girl was bleeding." Susan observed and received confirmation from them. "In which case, follow me Professor, I am sure my Aunt will be very interested." She added, then led the way to her suite.

23rd September.

During the week, Minerva had altered the staff rota, subtly so it would not be too obvious immediately, and was preparing the case for the duelling club to go before the Governors at their next meeting. She had confided in the heads of House, who were helping to prepare the proposal, and had committed that at least one of them would attend each meeting of it. This would ensure that Umbridge was not the senior member of staff present, and could not bully other members of staff. They agreed that she would be the one to organise it, the job of the Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher by both tradition, and by subject. The report she was preparing included the necessity of practical use of the spells in order for students to pass their exams. The number of students with wounds from a Blood Quill was growing, each one receiving appropriate treatment promptly. Concern among the staff grew along with it, the heads of houses and Poppy reporting each incident directly to Amelia, along with copies of the detention record. The head of Magical law enforcement was, in turn, growing more frustrated that a Ministry official should feel untouchable enough to torture any child under the cover of a position of trust. She could do little, but record what was reported and add it to the report in readiness for when the perpetrator could be brought to justice.

The information would also be useful in the trial of the headmaster, proof that he was neglecting the safety of the students however, thanks to the Minister, that hearing had now been postponed, at least until after Christmas. It seemed that Fudge had his own agenda and would not allow the usual course take place, for fear it would disrupt his own plans and knew such a trial would have repercussions he could not control.

He used the excuse that it was such a high profile case that it should not be heard without a Chief Warlock in post and completely settled into the post, but few believed him. She knew he was fuming that the Alliance vote had forced the restart of the process of nominations and publication, of the candidates. Today was the new closing day for names to be added to the ballot, tomorrow the date set for mandatory publication of those names under Wizangamot authority.

The nominations had been received by the clerk of the Wizangamot, Percy Weasley, who had been required to take a magical oath to ensure he could not be influenced by anyone to act in any way improperly and to report any attempts to influence him by anyone to Magical Law enforcement. His main task so far had been to validate the nominations, ensuring those named fitted the requirements laid out to be eligible for the post. Both she and Amos had assisted in that, as heads of department, but according to his oaths could not reveal the names, until they were published. This was the process Fudge, as Minister, should have followed, but had failed to do and was not happy when the meeting had removed that power from him, by restarting the process. So now he had taken the only action he could to show he still had power over the Wizangamot, and postponed the trial of Dumbledore, the Dursleys and of Molly and Ron, in retaliation for the Alliance supporting the move. Of course a new Minister could overrule that, but now, those trials could not be held before then, even if Fudge were to be overthrown today. There simply was not the time for another to be elected, and in post, to bring the timing forward.

Frustrating as that may be, Amelia was not going to waste that time. She would use it to gather more and more evidence, and Umbridge was proving to be the source of much of it, even if she was unaware of that.

With the notable exception of Umbridge issuing decrees, which could largely be quietly ignored and the increase in the number of Students injured by her Blood Quill, things were otherwise quieter. Umbridge would announce a new decree at most meals and a copy would be posted on the wall near the entrance to the hall, suitably framed. Some would be objected to by staff quoting the established rules and would be withdrawn within the day, others were quietly withdrawn with no explanation. Though given their nature it was suspected that the absurdity of them led to them simply being withdrawn. However, a number of the decrees which simply reiterated existing rules remained, though were easily circumvented as necessary, as they always had been. She had noticed that her detentions were ineffective, the lack of scars on the hands of students attested to that, and that despite her instructions they were all leaving her office and going straight to the Hospital wing. She had, without mentioning the Blood Quill, instructed the Nurse not to treat such students, threatening the power of the Ministry, but that had resulted in another awkward session with Cornelius and the head of St Mungos. During which she had clearly been told that she may not interfere with medical matters at the school, regardless of her perceived authority. She had tried to have Albus intervene, but he had told her in no uncertain terms that he could not do so in this matter. She had stewed over the matter while overseeing the students studying in the library, those she had given detention to for that evening employed by Severus cleaning Cauldrons, instead of with her truly being taught their lesson.

It was known by staff and students alike, that she was becoming more and more frustrated, and it showed. Her classes were nothing more than study sessions, during which she only spoke in attempts to ingratiate herself on them, attempts that had little success even with the first years. Questions in the class were frowned upon, even if they were to do with what they were reading. She had no ability to teach and believed their silence was evidence that she had convinced them that her way of self learning, as she described it, was correct. The staff knew that she, reported such to Cornelius and to the headmaster. She believed that her classes, and the control she had over the students in them, were signs that her methods were a rousing success, the saving grace of all that was not going the way she wished. However, her temper was showing in the corridors and Great Hall, she was isolated from the rest of the staff, though she saw little use in fraternizing with them in any case. She had expected their cooperation at the least, and was frustrated that not a single one of them, not even the caretaker, had shown any support. She had believed they would be demoralised by the students behaviour, and lack of support in disciplinary matters. Instead, they appeared to have accepted the status quo in the school and even tolerated Potter's deluded actions, it seemed.

Albus was also frustrated, not only had he made no progress in identifying who might be the Heirs, although his staff seemed to know and find it funny that he did not, but he also knew that the Alliance students were meeting together in the school. However, he had no clue as to how, or even where, it was impossible that the old rumoured common room had re-opened, he would know if it had, he reasoned. Of course that he had not known where the Chamber of Secrets was when that had reopened was irrelevant, he hardly thought that this was on the same level to the Castle. The Chamber had been a founder's secret after all, and the influence of the Alliance had never been as powerful in this place at least. He knew many of his staff were supporting Potter and those around him, but could do nothing about it. The staff meetings he called were a waste of time, when only Delores reported any problems, and they were usually about the failure of the latest of her decrees to have any effect. Otherwise, there were no more than the usual school challenges, which were easily remedied by his staff in their meetings in the Staff room, at least he supposed they were, he was not informed what was discussed there.

All of his usual channels for information in the castle were closed to him now, though he did not know how that had been achieved. It was something he needed to know, so that he could remedy it, yet he remained in the dark. His only reliable source was Delores, and she had her own prejudices which clouded her view of matters, so he had to glean what he could through the fog of her own agenda. She had managed to isolate herself from the rest of the staff by trying to blame them for not enforcing the demands she made. He had to admit that he was disappointed at her clumsy attempts to control the school, especially those that were clearly against the rules agreed by the governors over the years.

He had made more than one attempt to get near Ron, but was thwarted at every attempt, usually by his brothers, who kept a close watch over the boy. His only glimmer had been when news that his trial was being postponed on the orders of the Minister had come. He had announced to the whole school that it was clear that none of the accusations could be proven against him. He had expected there to be expressions of joy, but the announcement was met with silence then the students and staff had resumed their own conversations, leaving him standing, ignored, in front of them. Then, once he had returned to his office, he saw how it had been reported in the Prophet, his attempt had been undermined before he had even made the attempt. Before that, however, he had, however attempted to speak with Potter as the boy had left the Great Hall.

"Ah Harry my boy, your little game has come to nothing, so perhaps now you will drop this act and allow me to resume my duties as your Guardian." He had cheerfully told him in his Grandfatherly manner, but the boy simply ignored him, so he had tried again. "I assure you I hold no grudge, it was all just a youthful rebellion, misguided by those who should no better, a dalliance easily resolved, there is no need to worry."

Again he was ignored, so he had tried a firmer tack.

"Mr. Potter, you will not ignore me, I am your rightful Guardian and Headmaster."

This time he was relieved to see Miss Granger turn to face him, the new Phoenix on her shoulder as usual. She had always been co-operative, she would persuade Potter, he smiled benevolently.

"Professor!" She said in a disappointed tone. "Please stop interfering in matters not of your concern. You are not Lord Potter's Guardian, never were and if you require to see him on School matters then I believe your employers have made clear the circumstances under which that may happen. I am however disappointed at your continued refusal to accept reality and attempts to try to fool us that matters have taken turns they have not. I can assure you we are quite aware, and up to date with events."

The Girl had turned on her heel and left him standing there, she swiftly disappeared up the stairs, where the Boy and his friends had already gone. Opportunity lost, the headmaster turned and walked slowly towards his office, unable to move any faster. Soon after he found himself being admonished like a schoolboy by his deputy, then later being roasted by Amelia and Bellatrix in the presence of the Minister, who was clearly unable to contradict them.

His plans for the ease of regaining control of Potter in tatters, he realised it would take more of an effort despite his position in the castle, and his few allies within the walls were either hamstrung, in the case of Weasley, unreliably unpredictable in the case of Delores or uncertain on the part of Severus, who he dare not approach on this matter as a result. With his power and physical strength weakened, the loss of Fawkes and his link to the Castle wards, he had only once before in his life felt so isolated and alone. The report in the Prophet ensured he would also have few allies outside the school, his influence was diminishing quicker than he could have imagined just a few short weeks ago.

30th September.

Harry and Ginny had been looking forward to this evening all day, their weekly Floo visit with there soon to be God Daughter and her family had become a highlight of their week. They would have some time with Mary, hear her news, help with her homework, then perhaps play a game. Harry had to read her a bedtime story, only then would she obediently go for her bath, and then to bed with Ginny to truck her in as a treat, instead of her Mother. While Ginny looked after Mary, her parents shared other news from the village and elsewhere, both Wizarding and Muggle. The couple had visited her every week since term started, and the visit had become a routine that was very much looked forward to by them all.

They stepped through the Floo at the right time on what would be their last visit of September, and Mary ran to greet them as usual and their evening began. They had talked about what each other were doing at School, Mary told them of her latest antics with her friends and told them of the fun she had with daisy that week when they had visited the Abbey. Her parents smiled at her excitement, as she settled to play a game with them, that she had learned from some of the Muggle children at school called snakes and ladders which they could all join in with. In fact she won the game, fair and square. Her parents had never advocated letting her win just because of her age, which they had explained to Harry and Ginny. Mary would actually get quite upset if she thought anyone was letting her win, she had told Sirius off once when he had joined them and was letting her win a game of Snap. She had made him promise not to do it again and then made him begin the game from scratch. It had made them all grin, the manner in which she had spoken, like he was a naughty child. Bella had told them that she had threatened to set Mary on him more than once at home, when he had misbehaved.

Once the game was over and put away, Harry took his customary seat and Mary fetched the book she wanted him to read, he was quite surprised to see it wasn't her usual choice of Paddington Bear.

"I found this in the School Library, it has four stories in one book and I thought it was fun, and you would like it too, Harry." She told him and handed the light Blue book to him, then climbed up to sit on his knee as he looked at the title.

"Thomas the Tank Engine." He said. "Interesting, I happen to know that Paul, the Vicar at the church, likes these stories. I see it is number two of the Railway Series, not number one?"

"No, that wasn't there, someone else has borrowed it, but there are lots of books about Thomas and the other Engines, so I got this one. Daddy read the first two stories to me, so you need to read the third one in this book." She said.

Harry flipped through the pages, he saw that one page had the writing while the facing one had a wonderfully detailed illustration. Finding the correct story, he began to read, as the youngster snuggled up to him. He quite enjoyed the story of the cheeky little engine wanting to explore more of the railway, but his inexperience meaning it all almost ended in disaster. He was almost as disappointed as Mary when the story was over, leaving the last one in this book for her father to read the following night.

Mary put the book away safely in her school bag, then starting with her Mum went round them in turn, wishing them goodnight and giving them a hug, until she reached Ginny who she simply held out her hand for. Knowing what was expected, Ginny allowed herself to be jokingly pulled up from her chair and led off to give Mary her bath and tuck her into bed. They left the room with Mary calling a final goodnight, her mother followed them out, but headed for the Kitchen to make some drinks, leaving her husband and Harry alone.

"Sorry about that Harry." Mary's Father said,

"What about Charles?" Mary's Parents had long since insisted he and Ginny address them by name.

"Oh she thought that because you have a Railway you would like the story as much as she does. I think she might be dropping a hint about yours needing a small tank engine too."

Harry Laughed. "Well it was a good story, I quite enjoyed it to be honest, though I did miss the Marmalade sandwiches. I am not sure about the Tank engine, if it would be useful or not, I shall have to ask the Elves. It is a shame not to get more use from the Abbey Railway, especially with the doubling of the track and the Elves building another new Locomotive. In fact when we aren't there it is a shame the estate can't be used to benefit the town somehow."

"Ah well, I have a favour to ask actually Harry, out of earshot of Mary."

"Of course Charles, if I can help I shall, you know that."

"Careful Harry, you don't know what it is yet." Charles laughed. "Actually you do have time to think, you see I have long been on the organising group for the towns Christmas Festival, and we have a problem. The farm where we normally have the Santa's Grotto has changed hands, the old farmer died and had no children so it was sold off. The new owner is busy renovating the building we used to use, into a house for his son, while he moves into the main house. Anyway as a result we have nowhere for a Grotto this year and I wondered if you could help?"

"Right so tell me about the festival, when does it happen and what is entailed, I am sure we can work something out." Harry said.

"Well it's all of Advent really, though the Grotto is only on the weekend before Christmas itself. It starts with the arrival, erection and decorating the tree as well as the erection of decorations in the town. That starts in the morning of the Saturday and continues on into the afternoon of the Sunday of the first weekend of Advent. After a service in the church there are Hot dogs, drinks and the like as we all gather in the square for the official switch on of lights to round off the first weekend. The lights are on every evening after that, until twelfth night of course. The second weekend is the house decoration competition, which no one takes too seriously, but is a lot of fun. Decorating takes most of the weekend, with a tour round them all from night fall ending with carols in the square round the tree. Well Carols happen each of the weekends to be honest, they are quite popular. The third weekend there is a Christmas Market, and a Pantomime which is held in the church hall. Then on the last weekend before Christmas the Grotto is opened during the day and the Manger is set up at the Vicarage garden in the evening, before we process through town with lanterns and candles, singing carols of course. We would then hold a dance in the same building where the grotto was. It's all done to bring the community together and we raise funds for the Hospice on the edge of town in the process, it serves this half of the county and people come from miles to our Christmas events."

Harry nodded. "I am sure we can help, I take it the idea is to raise as much money as possible for the Hospice?"

"Yes, the town lights are the talk of the area, they are enhanced of course, and donations are collected each night throughout the month while they are lit. The residents make a donation when they enter the competition and the Market stallholders rent goes into the pot as does any revenue from the Grotto. Ah Liz, Ginny you are back." He added as the ladies re entered the room.

Mary's mother, Elizabeth or Liz, handed out mugs of hot chocolate as Ginny took her seat.

"So what are you two plotting?" Ginny asked.

Harry explained the situation and what it was all for.

"Well of course we shall help, what are you thinking?" Ginny said.

Harry chuckled. "We had not got to that bit yet, but at the very least somewhere for the Grotto."

"The caves would be magical." Ginny observed. "I think that the Grotto in the grounds would perhaps be too open to have much going on in the winter, but maybe it is worth looking at too."

Harry was thoughtful. "Yes, but both are a long walk in the cold. The walk from the square is not too bad, but once they get into the grounds it would be a bit much, especially if the weather is bad. Perhaps we could run the trains there and back though, especially if any of the double track has been completed by then. How many people came last year?"

"To the Grotto? About five thousand children, plus their parents or guardians. We actually had more than one Santa, each out of sight of the other, so we didn't spoil the illusion for the children." Charles told them. "Any that do spot it usually accept that one is his helper and the elves ensure the real one knows what they asked for."

"Wow, I think we had better get the Elves here, this sounds like another big event." Harry replied and called for Elie and Titchy, who arrived with a gentle pop each.

The idea was outlined to them, and the two seemed eager to put the event on.

"I would advise the Caves rather than the Grotto." Titchy observed. "We have double track constructed from the Engine sheds, through the ruin that side so far. It won't take much to expand that at this end to the stable yard station at this end. The other side is still single track so more restricted, though still usable of course, so we can use that for either extra capacity, or positioning the trains as needed. We can also decorate the caves, and we can use notice me not charms to conceal how many Father Christmases there are. As for the Dance, I would suggest in the house itself, rather than the caves, with a hot buffet type supper, it would be easier to organise there than in the caves, easier for guests to get to as well."

Harry nodded. "Good, now I think we could do more to attract people during the day, even those without children. How about setting up the fair on the lawns between the house and the station, it could be available all day and into the evening as well, would that work?"

Charles thought for a moment. "Yes, enough to attract them, but not so much that visitors don't have time to visit the shops in the square during the day or participate with the manger and procession in the evening."

"How about the Grotto and Fair close down, to allow for the procession and Manger, then reopen for during the dance? It would give time to tidy up here in between times too, that way there are fewer distractions." Ginny added.

Charles nodded. "That would work, start the procession as usual, but after the Manger it resumes and ends here."

Harry smiled. "Okay and perhaps for the fair, the Merry go round, Helter skelter and perhaps one other, with a stand and refreshments during the day, just the rides at night. Admission to the dance for those with tickets and any who processed up from the Manger perhaps, priority to the townsfolk of course."

"There are a few who would come to watch the dancing, but could not do the whole route of the procession." Liz observed.

Harry nodded. "Fair enough, so those with tickets only, but still those who live here have first refusal. Now what about refreshments during the day, what do we give them?"

"Perhaps Mince pies and Mulled wine for the Adults then Cookies and Juice for the Children." Elie suggested.

"All sounds good to me, and don't worry, you won't have to supply the gifts for the children, we have that all arranged." Charles smiled.

"The house elves would be pleased to bring them to the Santa for the child, add some real Magic to it for the children, don't worry Harry, it won't be detected by the Ministry." Elie smiled. "Oh and we can keep Daisy out of the way, she spends most of the winter in a stable at the station, so she can be one of Santa's creatures, most muggles will not realise that she is real."

Titchy nodded. "We shall add extra decorations to the two stations and the line in between, and have all the trains available."

"I suggest you liaise with Charles and Liz to get all the arrangements finalised." Harry told them.

The two elves nodded.

"Thank you Harry, I know the village will appreciate this." Charles said. "I suggest that we meet with the elves once a week, so we can help each other, if that is acceptable?"

"Oh yes sir that is quite alright, we shall go and brief the others, so work can begin." Elie responded, then both elves bowed and with a pop disappeared.

Harry and Ginny stayed a little longer before returning to the school.

Once they had arrived in their quarters they went out into the common room, to let their friends know they were back, finding a group of them gathered round Hermione, talking animatedly.

"Hey Guys we're back." Ginny called.

Hermione looked round sharply. "Oh good we have a problem. The headmaster has discovered who Fawkes is and is not happy."

"Well we should expect that, but what does he think he can do about it?" Harry asked. "I mean he can hardly force Fawkes to leave you."

"Not that he isn't trying." Hermione huffed. "Apparently he will have me charged with theft and corruption of a Light Magical Creature. The staff are all horrified by that, except Umbridge of course. She took great delight in telling me that if I didn't hand Fawkes back then I would be prosecuted and the punishment for the crime is the Dementors kiss. She tried to grab Fawkes, who flamed me up here to safety."

Harry shook his head. "Susan, could you contact your Aunt, I suspect she will be interested in this."

"Already done Harry, she is on her way." Susan called. "She said she will only be a few minutes."

"When did this happen Hermione?" Ginny asked.

"About half an hour ago, I was on my way from the Great Hall, most of the staff were there still. I didn't notice Umbridge or Dumbledore, and was talking to Fawkes, they overheard me mention his name and that was it."

"Sounds to me like they took the opportunity that presented itself, have you checked if such a law exists?" Harry asked.

"We are looking into it." A call came from a group of Ravenclaws from the tables across the room.

Minerva came into the room, with the other Alliance staff. "That man will stop at nothing." She fumed. "I swear he has lost it completely, Hermione don't worry my dear he shall do nothing, he is however fully expecting Harry to go storming into his office to defend you. He truly believes he can then convince you to return to the path he has laid for you, if he can only get his hands on you, and he will use those close to you to get to you. He thinks that by threatening Hermione, he has leverage over you and will be able to regain control over your life again. The man is cock-a-hoop at this opportunity presenting itself, he believes that he has outwitted you at last."

"He never learns!" Harry shook his head. "He still has a trial hanging over him, and he still has to play his games. That law will be real though, he will know that back to front, after all he would need to know what laws he has broken, so he would know how to get out of it if caught. I doubt Umbridge was right regarding the penalty though, she is sly and manipulative, but I suspect not as clever as she thinks she is. Anyway they are in for a shock, Amelia is on the case. In fact, unless I am much mistaken, she has just entered the Castle wards."


Authors Note:

My apologies that it has taken so long to get this ready. I oticed while editing the last chapter that it was becoming painful to use the computer and difficult to type. This got progressively worse to the stage I could do little at all for two months. During that time I have been diagnosed with Inflamatory Rhumatoid Arthritis, and am now beginning a period of balancing the correct dosage of drugs to relieve the symptoms of the condition which is incurable. This is on top of all the other diagnosis I have had over the last year or so. This does mean progress going forward will be slow, especially until the tablets are settled on, but I am not giving up and am determined to complete this story as I have planned it and not to be tempted to go at it half cocked.

My thanks to you all for your patience as I work. Thanks also to those of you who have favourited this story, and my other works, and especially to those who have left reviews. I hope the wait has been worth it.

Best wishes.

Tgfoy