¡New Chapter, I hope you enjoy it!
It was late at night and almost everyone was sleeping peacefully in their beds, all except one person. It was always the same, his former rival and partner Cedric Diggory died in front of his eyes without even being able to defend himself, and then he returned to the same thing: a long hallway with different doors but all of them were insignificant, the most important one was at the end, he wanted to enter , he had to go in and take what he wanted so much ¿But how? ¿HOW?!...
-¡Potter! ¡Potter, wake up! - and a slap brought him to the real world. His cheek hurt a little but not as much as the scar, which burned like it rarely did. He had his body drenched in sweat, even for a summer night. If he hadn't put on his glasses he wouldn't have believed what his eyes saw -¿Draco? What are you doing here?-
-I'm also happy to see your cracked face. From now on I'm your roommate, humiliating for me, but I guess my options were limited-
-I don't understand ¿Did something happen in...?" and after the lights in the room were amplified he could see a small bruise on the left side of his face, almost near his mouth ¿What happened to you? he asked surprised. and angry, but his friend did not answer and a dark thought appeared in his head - ¿Was it your father? - the boy still did not respond, although the expression that gave the answer was "yes."
-Please tell me what happened, I know you don't want to have to relive it. This is coming from someone who had to recount several times how Cedric died without him being able to do a damn thing to help him and then having to fight Vol...You-Know-Who. Then you will feel better and I promise you that what is said here, it stays here, you have my word - he concluded.
Draco took a breath -The dark lord called a meeting shortly after the tournament with his vassals and ordered that all those who have children in advanced education at Hogwarts must be initiated and receive the mark, and that those who belonged to the inner circle must do so now, no matter how old his descendants were, as punishment to his parents for not having shown any indication that they continued searching for him all these years and that they had stopped attacking Muggles in his name. My mother was adamantly opposed, she said that I was too young and that I would never let them brand me like a cattle, like they did with him. My father got very angry about that and slapped her, told her that she was an idiot if she thought she was going to go against his master. I wanted to defend her but I froze, I never thought he was capable of...Then I got angry and pointed my wand at him. Things got worse...it was all very fast, there were blows, spells, insults... Anyway, we managed to knock my father unconscious and we fled from there. Your godfather offered her to stay here too but she refused, said that it was likely that they would find her sooner or later so she will go out of the country, she will try to be seen from time to time so that they have spies looking for her and not me. I told her that I would accompany her, that she would not leave her alone, but she insisted that I should return to school where is safer. If only she knew the things we have faced there in recent years- he said with sarcasm and anger.
They were both silent for a few moments until Harry spoke -I'm sorry Draco- he said, resting his hand on his shoulder -Your father may be an idiot, but you have an incredibly brave mother who was willing to face him for you and I don't doubt that she would face him to Voldemort himself to protect you. It's something we have in common-
-She always did what she was taught, marry a pureblood, maintain the reputation of her family and avoid those who were not worthy of her. "I wonder if she was ever happy," he said, muttering more to himself, as if he were coming out of a trance.
-Maybe she now has the opportunity, she did what she was told all her life and for the first time she made a decision on her own, just like you. You should be proud of her-Lo estoy. Aunque me preocupa que no pueda sobrevivir sola-
-I'm sure he's smart enough to hide and stay off the Death Eaters' radar. I know it hasn't been easy having to fight against your father, I also understand that now you won't be able to return home and I have no doubt that your classmates will disown you even more. You are a loyal and brave friend...you would have been a good Griffindor-
-¿Is that a compliment? I'm starting to think that I still have time to go over to the side,-he told him, looking at him with threatening coldness.
Harry just smiled -I missed you-
-I know- he replied, returning the gesture with self-sufficiency and then his expression changed-Have you had a lot of nightmares lately?-
-Yes, they are becoming more frequent but there is nothing I can do, it is not something I control. Anyway, now that you're here, I could use your help.
-¿To practice spells?-
-Not quite. Need someone who has your "refined" taste - and with a wave of his wand he made a bucket of paint and other items appear.
-¿Are you going to make me paint this house as if I were a muggle? You must be kidding me! Not to mention Weasley would die laughing if he saw me-
-As if you wouldn't do it if you saw him do it. Although I bet Hermione would be amazed that Master Malfoy is able to do chores without needing a house elf or a wand.
-I'm not useless like the Squib, I'll show you. But first let's eat something, I'm hungry-
-You're starting to talk like Ron- and his friend gave him a "Go to hell" look.
This vacation is going to be more interesting now
The next few days were improving, living with his friend made the confinement more enjoyable and some rooms had been cleaned and remodeled, the hallways and his room once again shone green and black, it almost looked like an extra room in the Common Room. Slytherin.
-Finally we're done with this muggle-style decoration nonsense. I'm going to have a bath-
-Don't worry, I'll tell Hermione and Ron that you really sweated and got your fine manicured hands dirty-
-Just because we are "heroes" doesn't mean we have to be dirty- he replied, shrugging his shoulders while looking at his nails. And he left in the direction of the shower. Taking advantage of the fact that no one was looking, he made a movement with his hand and the chair that was a few meters away from him moved to his side and he took a long sigh as he collapsed on the old but comfortable piece of furniture.
-Impressive- said a voice. And Harry started and turned his head back and that's when he saw the picture of Sirius's mother. He had completely forgotten she was there. Since she hadn't shouted in several days, most of those who frequented the house stopped paying attention to him, generally he only made sounds of displeasure and disdain when Sirius passed in front of him, although according to him, it was an improvement.
-Thank you. I hope the colors we chose are to his liking he responded while wiping the sweat from his forehead, a product of both the shock and the effort he had been making with his friend.
-Your friend has good taste. They have raised him well, which leads me to ask what two Slytherins with as much potential as you are doing interacting with people like my son and his friends.
Harry wanted to get angry and yell at him again, but this time he had no desire to let himself go and sighed -I don't care if they're pure-blooded, half-blooded, or muggle-born, just as I don't care if they're werewolves or half-bloods, giant. The only beings I despise are Dementors and Voldemort-
-I see that you are not afraid to say his name. Brave, or maybe too arrogant ¿Are you aware of the path you choose? You could die by facing the dark lord, it would be easier if you followed in his footsteps, you would have a long life and I have no doubt that you would be very powerful-
-¿Work with the monster that murdered my parents? ¿To hundreds of innocent people? -And then he paused -And also to Regulus, his favorite son-
-¡Don't you dare talk about him! He was a good son, obedient, proud of his lineage, he knew his place... it was the aurors who killed him. My poor Regulus...-
-¿Is that what they told you? ¿Or is that what you prefer to believe? Sirius told me that he had joined the Death Eaters because he truly believed in "pure blood", but when he saw what they were willing to do, such as mercilessly torturing and killing both Muggles and anyone who thought differently, he wanted to leave him and that's how they responded: betraying him and being discarded as something worthless. Just like Barty Crouch's son. At least Regulus was able to keep his soul, the dementors kissed Barty-
The woman looked at him with hatred and amazement at what she was telling him. It reminded him of his Aunt Petuniia, when she made her see that all her life she had been jealous of her witch sister and she took it out on him for as long as Harry could remember and the worst thing was that she also incited her cousin Dudley to do the same - I'm sorry that you son has died, but it is the truth. I understand that it is not easy to digest, I will leave it alone. I'll lower the curtains for a few days so she has time to process it. Then I'll open them again-
-¿How do I know you're not lying to me?-
-I already have too many problems to add another one. Just because we don't like each other doesn't mean we have to argue all the time- he responded, shrugging his shoulders. And the room fell silent again.
That afternoon, different members gathered that Harry knew as Lupin, Auror Moody (the real one) and an Aurora named Tonks, who unlike the others seemed friendlier. They did not want to give them many details, telling them that they were too young to participate, which frustrated them a lot. They had already faced the dark side and felt they deserved to be there.
-It's nonsense that they don't tell us anything! We can't even get out of here to see if anyone heard a rumor or something. "For our safety.." ¡What nonsense! We could easily use our invisible cloaks and take a walk without anyone seeing us- said Draco.
-Shh, lower your voice. I considered that idea too, but we must take precautions first. I've been trying to memorize the times of who enters and leaves here. I have to set up a time and place where we can escape for a few hours at least and come back without them noticing.
-¿Don't you find the lack of news strange? While you were showering I started reading some newspapers from "The Profet". There were no attacks, no reports of missing people or that someone had cast the Dark Mark like at the Quidditch World Cup last year.
-¿What are you implying?-
-If the lord of darkness has returned and has not yet gone out to shout it everywhere so that the magical community returns to panic and chaos, that means that he is up to something.
-¿Do you say he is making some plan to destroy us?-
-It makes sense, he spent a long time planning the Triwizard Tournament, patient to wait a whole year for the fake Moody to do his thing-
-Yes... that means he is very busy with something. It must be something very creative and unpredictable, enough to fool Dumbledore and the Aurors. And if he has not yet made public his return, it is because he is not ready yet, perhaps not all of his vassals are with him. You have good ideas and you are a good strategist like Ron, maybe better Ron-
-Bha, I'm better than Weasley in everything, it's no joke-
-Try not to compete too much when you see each other, we are not at school, and here rivalries do not exist, only unity. But don't worry, I have no intention of leaving them the House Cup this year, and let's not even talk about how we'll blame Snape when we win the Quidditch Cup too. At that moment, the front door opened and Mr. Weasley appeared, accompanied by the twins, Ron, Ginny and Hermione.
-¡Hi guys! Look, Harry, we have passed our apparition exam-Fred said and both he and his twin immediately appeared next to him.
-¡Incredible!-
-Just because they have reached the age of majority and have permission to appear does not mean that you do so all the time to go from one room to another!- Mrs. Weasley said, raising her voice. And when she approached she gave him a big hug Harry found it difficult to breathe but he had gotten used to it.
-It's also nice to see you again, Mrs. Weasley- he said, catching the breath. Mrs. Weasley turned to his friend and took her hand while she rested the other on his heek -It's good to see you, dear. I know things have been difficult for you and your mother. Whatever you need we are here to help you-
-Thank you very much, ma'am- he said, surprised by such a motherly gesture and then quickly went to greet Ginny, who gave him a friendly blow on the arm.
-Nice to to see you, I see that you are taller. I hope you're fit, I want my Quidditch teammates to be optimal-
-Of course Draco ¿Hello Harry, how are you? -She said shyly and he returned her greeting, almost in the same way. Then she shook hands with Ron and Hermione gave him a hug, but without taking the wind out of him like his friend's mother.
-Granger, Weasley- Malfoy said with that enthusiasm that characterized him so much.
-I think you can call us by our name now. After all, we've known each other for a while-
-It's an old habit. Maybe next time- and while they caught up, the adults went to the other room where the other members of the Order were waiting for them.
-¿Any news from outside?- They keep us here almost all day cleaning the place and they don't tell us anything.
-They say that "we are too young"-
-Yep, the same for us. Fred and I are already of legal age, but they say it's because we're not part of the Order- George commented.
-Not to mention that they always get into trouble- said Bill Weasley, the oldest brother of all, who had entered the room. With her vest, her earring and her hair in a ponytail-
-Bill, the curse breaker and mommy and daddy's favorite, has arrived- said Fred.
-It's not my fault that I set the bar very high, I always had high grades and I was a prefect. Well I'm sorry I can't stay but I have to get back to Gringotts, I have a meeting and then I'll have lunch with Fleur-
-¿Fleur Delacour? Is she here? -
-Yes, she got a job at Gringotts, "coincidentally" where our brother works-
-And it seems that she has had many lunches with the Beauxbatons girl. How lucky you are- Fred joked.
-She is a very competent co-worker and she doesn't know anyone here, and she still has problems learning the language, so I'm helping her and she teaches me hers, it's always good to learn a new one- he responded blushing -Anyway, I dismissal try not to cause mom to scream to the heavens-
-Of course the young prefect who never caused problems-
-Yes, but not as many as you and I was smart enough not to get caught, while you love being the center of attention- he said laughing and -Oh, and please, avoid mentioning Percy...you know how mom and dad get- he said before walking out the door and showing a serious expression.
-¿What happened to him?- Harry asked. Ron told him that his brother and his parents had had a fight, apparently the Minister still did not believe that Voldemort had returned and that is why he has been making many negative comments against Dumbledore and him in the newspaper, accusing them of spreading lies about the Unmentionable and implying that the director was already old and losing his mind and that he was just a boy who wanted attention because fame had gone to his head due to his status, not to mention his participation and victory in the previous year's event-
-Apparently Percy was appointed Junior Assistant to the minister. Which is very strange given that he only finished school two years ago and also he spent the whole year working with Crouch and never noticed that he was crazy-
-He wasn't crazy, he was under the Imperius curse- he told them.
-We know that, but Fudge couldn't go around saying that a Death Eater had put a spell on someone so important right under his nose, not to mention that he was an escaped from Azkaban, which is supposed to be the most secure prison in the world. So they invent anything that denies the return of the Unspeakable-
-Dad told him that he had only been promoted so he could spy on Dumbledore since he knows that our family has always had good relations with him," Ginny added. "Percy responded by saying that he was a fool for supporting Dumbledore and also for not having political ambitions that is why we have never had much money. He said that when Dumbledore and Dad go down for betraying the Ministry, he would make it clear that he has nothing to do with us and walked away. He now lives in London- she concluded sadly.
-I can't believe it- said Harry, and then Malfoy went towards the girl and, to everyone's surprise, took her by the hand.
-Your brother is a complete idiot, but I suppose every family has one. Believe me, tell you from someone who knows- he said, making a face and the girl smiled again.
-Very kind of you, Malfoy. But you can let go of our sister's hand now- said George.
-¡I take the hand of whoever I want! The girl replied -Whether it's Draco's, or Harry's- and she grabbed his hand as if to demonstrate her position. Harry's heart started beating very hard and apparently the redhead started to realize that maybe she shouldn't have done it and she got nervous too.
-Okay, okay, we get it Ginny. Wow, it's obvious that you inherited mom's character. Anyway, we have managed to listen to some conversations of the Order - commented Fred-
-¿How?-
-We have been creating new products. Here's a sample: extendable ears - and they took out of their pocket a pair of ears joined by a rope, which allowed one to slide under a door while through the other you could hear everything that was said from the door. other side of the room.
-¡Great!- Harry said surprised -It's like Muggle microphones-
-¿Have muggles already invented something similar? ¡Wow! Maybe dad is right about them having extraordinary inventions. Anyway, we know that He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named has tried to recruit more followers, in addition to Death Eaters he plans to call on giants, werewolves and other dark creatures, vampires perhaps- The blonde made a sullen gesture. Harry knew how much he disliked them, as much as he disliked the dementors.
-It's a shame that mom discovered us, so they probably already put spells on the door, but anyway. You can ask them after dinner, I imagine they won't say no. "Since I think you deserve to know what's happening- George finished and they both disappeared from there and went up the stairs.
-How they like to brag that they have passed the apparition exam- Malfoy commented.
-Wouldn't you do the same thing in front of my brother if you had passed and he hadn't?- Ginny asked. And the blonde had to admit that he probably did and everyone laughed, even Ron cracked a smile. Harry had already gotten used to competing with the blonde but without going overboard. After a dinner prepared by Ron's mother, all the adults sent them out of the room to tell them that they had to leave, except Harry who they had to talk to.
-¿Why can he stay and we can't?- Ron asked. And after telling them that they had faced worse things in previous years and that even if they were forced to leave, Harry would tell them anyway, so the only one they forced to leave was Ginny, who obviously didn't take it very good. Apparently the Order had been working trying to recruit more members, the same as Voldemort who was adding followers to his cause.
-¿Why hasn't he made public his return yet?-
-He is not ready, Dumbledore believes that he did not count on you surviving the duel but now he knows that we are alert. And as we all know he is the only one he has always been afraid of. That is why he has tried to keep a low profile so as not to attract his attention and also that of the Ministry-
-¿Is there anything we can do to help? "We should do our part too," Harry said and Sirius smiled and winked at him. But Mrs. Weasley was adamantly against it, she said that they were too young and that they should concentrate on their studies, even former Professor Lupine agreed.
-I was told that the minister still refuses to believe that Voldemort has returned-
-Fudge is afraid, he knows that Dumbledore is much smarter and more capable than him. He thinks that he wants his position and all this is a plan to overthrow him and take his place-
-¡What a stupid thing!-
-Certainly, but we can't do anything. While the Minister insists that there is nothing to fear from Voldemort it is difficult to convince people that he has returned, especially since they don't really want to believe it. Furthermore, the Ministry has pressured the Prophet not to report on what they call rumors, most of the wizarding community is completely unaware of the things that have happened, and this makes them easy targets for the Death Eaters if they use the Imperius Curse. Furthermore, he does not go around recruiting in person, he sends his vassals to threaten, blackmail or cast a spell on anyone who may pose an obstacle-
-¿Any idea what his plans are?-
-Dumbledore has some ideas. He believes that he is searching for something, something powerful-
-¿More powerful than "Avada Kedavra?"- Harry asked. And Ron's mother interrupted the conversation. She said that they had already given too much information and that the director had ordered that they not give him more information than was necessary and that despite everything they had been through, they were very young and he did not want them to interfere in the affairs of the Order, so he sent them everyone went to their rooms, Sirius disagreed but Lupin agreed with her and they had no choice but to go to sleep.
Harry and his friends had gone out for a few moments to help with the house shopping. Normally they wouldn't have let him go out alone but since there were several of them, the chances of something bad happening were slim. Furthermore only the keeper of the secrets, that is Dumbledore, knew where he was staying during the holidays.
-Wow, look at how many stores, the Muggles' capacity for invention is incredible- said Mr. Weasley as he passed by an electronics store where new televisions and sound equipment had arrived.
-Let's take advantage and go for a walk before they send us back to confinement- the blonde commented in a low voice. While the adult was almost hypnotized by seeing those devices.
-It's not a bad idea-
-Harry is dangerous ¿What if a Death Eater appears?-
-There are still quite a few people turning around and it is still sunny Herms. Don't worry, it'll just be a look- and after a quick getaway and seeing different businesses Harry felt that something wasn't right. The air felt colder, which was strange since it was the middle of summer and that's when he realized it.
-¡Dementors!- Hermione shouted and one of the figures took her by surprise and began to weaken her. While another charged at Harry before he could pull his wand out of him. Luckily Draco and Ron managed to distract him enough for him to compose himself and take his wand -¡Expecto Patronum! -And the huge silver deer charged at the creatures, forcing them to get out of there.
-Thank you, Prongs- he said to his patronus, who bowed her head and then disappeared.
-¡Merlín! ¿What the hell just happened? - said Mr. Weasley who had appeared there and was scared to see them in such a state.
-Dementors Mr Weasley. They tried to attack us- said Hermione, who was still a little nervous from the effect of having been in contact with the creatures.
-¿Dementors? Here?-
-Luckily Harry knows how to repel them-
-¿Do you know how to do the Patronus charm? I shouldn't be surprised and... - his shocked expression was replaced by concern - ¿Did you use your wand? Oh no-
-¿What's wrong dad?-
-Potter just used magic outside of school and being a minor it is a crime- Malfoy said and just at that moment a shouter appeared in front of them. The letter began to speak telling Harry that what he had done was against the law and that he must appear before a hearing at the Ministry to clarify the matter and give explanations to justify his actions.
-¿What other explanation can I give? ¡They attacked us!" Harry said angrily as Ron's father escorted them back to Grimmauld Place.-
-I know and that's why you shouldn't worry. I'm sure there won't be any problems, at least I hope so. I'll go inform Dumbledore right away. From now on you won't be able to leave the house Harry, it's the best-
-But...- he said trying to protest but Malfoy interrupted him -He's right, right now you are in the crosshairs of both the Dark Lord and the Ministry, and I'm sure they will take advantage of any opportunity against you, whether to attack you or take your wand. and expel you from school. If you go out again you will make things easier for them- And faced with that logic he had to admit that his friend was right. There was nothing else to do now except wait to be summoned to the Ministry and start reading magic books. At least inside his godfather's house he could do magic without being detected.
-We haven't even started school and you're already in trouble,-Hermione said.
-I don't look for problems, they look for me- she finished with a shrug.
Harry and Hermione were trying to figure out how the Dementors showed up in London without warning or someone telling them to. Meanwhile, Draco and Ron were playing wizard chess, both were very focused on the game but still paying attention to the conversation.
-I bet Fudge sent them to silence you,-Ron commented as he ordered a piece to move in the direction of his opponent.
-Use the brain Weasley. Fudge is a pompous fool but he is also a politician and a rather cowardly one at that. He wouldn't dare do something like that. He also imagines the scandal that would be if "The Daily Prophet" published that there are dementors attacking without authorization - he responded while defending himself from the attack of his rival.
-Do you think they did it by order of the Unmentionable?- asked the redhead.
-Could be. Although it is also unlikely - Harry responded - The times we have fought we did so without anyone's intervention, if he wanted to finish me off he would do it on his own. Like in the duel in the cemetery, even though he was losing the advantage he didn't want his Death Eaters to help him, he wanted to do it in person.
-Do you think your father had something to do with it?- Ron asked and everyone looked at him as if he had said a bad word ¿What? Don't tell me you didn't think about it too, all the possibilities and details must be covered. No offense- he said to the blonde.
-I'm not offended. It would be a good theory if my father had jurisdiction in that department. But it takes a higher rank than his to summon dementors. "Try not to be so obvious with your prejudice towards my last name Weasley," he responded and then smiled "Checkmate" and the figurine moved to the other end and caused the queen to fall.
-Wait...it can't be..." said Ron, stunned and then he had to admit it -Yes...checkmate...Not bad, Malfoy, not bad-
-I say the same- and at that moment Ginny entered her room asking if anyone could help her with some chores that her mother had entrusted to her.
-I'll accompany you, in the meantime your brother can think of a strategy that is not so easy to defeat-
-Believe me, it won't be so easy next time. You only won because he was distracted- responded his rival. And they both smiled.
-Don't worry about the audience, Harry, you'll be fine. You can use magic even if you are a minor if your life or that of another person is in danger. The difficult thing will be to convince them that you were attacked by Dementors- said Hermione.
-¿With Dumbledore supporting you, everyone will surely believe you-
-I hope so- said Harry, meanwhile he began to discuss the study material and the classes he would take this year with his friend. Meanwhile Ron was reading a book on advanced chess moves, he was not going to let the other beat him again.
Draco and Ginny were arranging some boxes and junk they found in the basement of the house, while at the same time taking care of the mess caused by some mischievous Doxys who had managed to escape the fumigation.
-¿Do you think it will be a complicated year?- asked the girl.
-¿When was simple?-
-I'm just saying...I imagine that several of our classmates will already be informed by their parents about what is happening. And I don't think they'll take kindly to you continuing to hang out with muggle-borns and blood traitors. They won't make it easy for us, I'm sure they will make comments against you more than once-
-As if I cared about the opinion of inferior idiots. I'm not afraid of them, I had to leave my house, leave my mother alone, turn my back on my father and everything that comes with being a Malfoy. I have nothing to lose- he said seriously and with a slight tone of bitterness.
The redhead left the box on the floor, approached him and gave him a hug -You still have us Draco. Always- she told him. At first he was surprised by her gesture but then he reciprocated. If it had been anyone else I would have pushed him away immediately, but with her it was different. Ginny was the only one he felt a bond that he couldn't explain.
Harry felt time pass slowly as he waited for his audience in the Ministry room. He was escorted by Mr. Weasley to the room where the Wizengamot and its staff looked at him sternly.
-You are late, Mr. Potter- the Minister said coldly. Mr. Weasley explained that they did not know that the time had changed but the man ignored him and the trial began. Harry patiently answered all the questions but few seemed to want to give him the benefit of the doubt. At that moment Albus Dumbledore himself entered the room and Harry felt safer having him at his side.
-¿Are you aware that using magic outside of school as a minor is a serious crime?-
-I know, but I only did it for the dementors. They attacked me and my friends too-
-Dementors?- asked a surprised woman named Amelia Bones, who seemed to be the only one paying attention to him. The Minister mocked, implying that he had invented this, knowing that Muggles cannot see them, but Harry continued to insist, but unfortunately few believed him.
-My friends were there as witnesses, Ronald Weasley, Hermione Granger, Draco Malfoy...-
-¿Malfoy? I thought Lucius told us that his son was on vacation with his mother. If you try to deceive this court with lies, try to make them more credible- said Fudge. Obviously Draco's father didn't tell anyone about the fact that his wife and son had abandoned him and of course he couldn't say that Draco was now living with him because they refused to follow Voldemort's orders.
-Young Malfoy has been spending the last few days with Mr. Potter, they are both very close and also housemates-
-Yes, yes, we are aware that Mr. Potter is a member of Slytherin house. In fact, certain rumors have reached us about his taste for certain companies and creatures... - added the Minister. Harry knew he was referring to his friendship with Hagrid and his ability to talk to snakes. He wanted to tell him to go to hell but fortunately the director spoke.
-Mr. Potter has been an exceptional student who always gets high grades and in case you don't remember Cornelius, you gave him the prize to the winner, when he was declared champion of the Triwizard Tournament last year- and at that comment many murmured .
-Amazing, winning the tournament and also being able to make a corporeal Patronus at such a young age- said Mrs. Bones.
-¡The surprising thing here is that this boy lives breaking the rules and has never been punished for it! You have always overlooked his transgressions, Albus-
-The times he has broken the rules he has been punished appropriately, you can ask his Head of House if you don't believe me. But we are not here to judge him for his behavior at school but outside of it. Harry says that he was attacked by dementors and there is nothing that makes me doubt his word. Maybe the problem is that the guardians of Azkaban are beginning to rebel against your authority-
-¡Dementors do exactly what we tell them! They have never disobeyed an order and I can attest that no one here has given them the order to walk around where Potter and his friends were - Fudge replied, raising his voice. Harry felt a strong desire to curse him, unfortunately that would only make things worse. After calling a woman named Dolores Umbridgue who, apparently, was the vice minister, he flatly denied that anyone had given orders to the dementors, there was something about that woman that he deeply disliked, but he didn't know why.
-We are wasting time- said the minister. We will put it to a vote. Who is in favor of not pressing charges against Harry Potter and declaring him innocent? - and several raised their hands, when he saw that more than half had voted in his favor he felt great euphoria but tried to contain himself -¿Against ?- and although there were several, they were not enough. The trial was over-
-Well, I think there's nothing more to say- said the school principal and left without even speaking to Harry or at least looking at his face. Despite that he was smiling from ear to ear, until he crossed paths with Lucius Malfoy. Who not long ago was next to him watching as Voldemort tortured him with the Cruciatus curse.
-Well, well Patronus Potter, always getting rid of the worst situations-
-It seems so, something similar to you. Only I get it through my talent and not with gold- he replied and the man only gave him an icy look. He hadn't even asked about Draco. As he headed out with Ron's father he asked him if anyone had made sure that he had put a spell on the Minister to control him. As they had done with Mr Crouch last year.
-Yes, we think the same. But Dumbledore assures us that for now Fudge is acting of his own free will, which is no consolation, since his refusal to acknowledge the seriousness of the situation only makes our job more difficult. Let's go back to the barracks, Molly will be happy to know that the charges have been dismissed-
The euphoria of having escaped successfully did not last long. Order meetings and membership were still off-limits to Harry and his friends, the extendable ears no longer working with door spells or any other tactics they tried. Just then Fred and George appeared next to him with a bag.
-¿What's that?-
-Our latest invention, nougat bleeds noses, vomiting pills, you eat half, you break down in front of the class so they don't think you're pretending, and when you leave for the infirmary you eat the other part, canceling the effects and you have a couple of hours free from leisure to use it as you see fit. Also other tricks but we are saving the best for when we go to school. We must have to impress the future clientele.
-Brilliant. It would be useful in Professor Binns' history classes- said Ron.
-I think it's a waste of brain- Hermione said, shrugging her shoulders. Letters arrived from school reminding us of the start date of school and the list of books, nothing new except a couple."
-Has Dumbledore gotten a new Defense teacher? It shouldn't have been easy- Malfoy commented, reminding him of the previous ones. None had stayed more than a year.
-¿What do you have there Ron?- and the boy was stunned by what he had received in the mail. His Prefect badge, the same one Hermione and Draco had in their hands.
-Prefect,¿YOU?- Fred asked.
-Impossible, it must be a mistake- his twin added.
-For the first time we agree,-the blonde concluded -Ronald Weasley, an example of authority and good behavior? This year is going to be interesting - and at that moment Mrs. Weasley came into her room to talk to her about the uniform they should buy that year and when she found out that her son had been made prefect she was shocked.
-¡I can not believe it! ¡Oh Ronnie! A prefect, like everyone in the family...-
-I guess Fred and I are either adopted or we don't count- George said and his mother pushed him away and ran to hug Ron. The twins made gagging gestures when they saw the maternal affection that their brother received and at that moment he turned to Hermione, congratulating her as well and then she approached Draco -Congratulations dear, I don't think there is anyone more suitable to keep order in your house and make sure our Ginny doesn't get into trouble. Your mother would be proud, I know- she told him, passing her hand on his cheek in an affectionate gesture, the blonde smiled.
-Thank you very much, ma'am- and like a good high-class pureblood, he leaned down and kissed her hand. The twins began to laugh loudly until her mother turned around with red cheeks and slapped them, making them almost bump their heads - ¡You could learn a thing or two from this charming and prefect young man! It's more than what you have achieved! It's your last year so I hope you take advantage of it and think about your future- she told them before leaving and breaking the news about Ron to the others.
-Congratulations Malfoy, you are officially mom's new favorite along with Ron and Harry- they told him before disappearing from there.
The happiness of being named prefect lasted for several days for Ron. His mother had promised to give him a broom, not a very expensive one. They had made a sign that said "CONGRATULATIONS TO THE NEW PREFECTS" and there was a small banquet in honor of his friends.
-Congratulations Weasley. Enjoy your brief moment of glory- the blonde said to the redhead, raising his glass.
-I say the same, and it won't be brief. With my new broom we will win the Quidditch cup-
-I think someone put something strange in your glass. Draco has a Nimbus 2001 and Harry has the Firebolt that Sirius gave him- Ginny said mockingly and her housemate gave her a knowing smile-
Thank you, little sister- he said bitterly. While she was talking to the auror named Tonks about the gift Harry would receive she excused herself saying that he wanted to study for a while. He made his way to Sirius's father's study where he was normally quiet. He thought there was no one there, but he heard sobbing in the darkness, when he turned on the light he saw Ron's lifeless body. For a few seconds his heart skipped a beat at the sight of his dead friend, but then his brain reacted and he remembered that Ron was in the other room. It wasn't real, and when he cleared some of the darkness he saw Mrs. Weasley on the floor, tears streaming down her face as she shakily pointed her wand at Ron's body.
-¡Ri-Riddikulus!-And the corpse transformed into that of her eldest son Bill, then Percy, Mr. Weasley -¡N-NO! RIDDIKULUS!- and the being changed shape again, the twins, Ginny, Draco, Harry, etc...
-¡Mrs. Weasley Leave it! Riddikulus! - and immediately a false dementor appeared in front of him. With a wave of her wand he got rid of the creature
-¡I see them all the time, in my dreams! I'm afraid of falling asleep and that the next day an owl will arrive giving us bad news about someone. I'm so sorry Harry ¿What must you think of me, so stupid that I couldn't even handle a dumb Boggart?-
-Don't worry, Mrs. Weasley. Everything will be fine-he told her, comforting her. You'll see- and then Moody and Lupine appeared and accompanied her out of it. Lupin helped her get over it by telling her to stop thinking about it and that if something happened to them everyone would help her children, every last one.
-Percy will realize his mistake. When the world knows the truth the Ministry will come to beg us for forgiveness, especially Dumbledore and Harry.
-Don't expect me to give them a hug- he responded, snorting. When Harry was left alone in the room he meditated a little and started to feel like a fool because until a few minutes ago he was frustrated at not being elected prefect as well. There were much more important things to worry about than a silly badge, he cast the summoning spell and from the other room he had a small bag brought in, he reached into it and pulled out several books. Whatever he had to face this year, he would do it by being prepared.
The entire group was on the platform going towards the train that would take them to school. Sirius accompanied them in his dog form, although Mrs. Weasley did not agree and she became angry when she saw that he did not act like a normal dog while walking close to Harry. After a quick goodbye they left.
-¿Shall we find a compartment?- Harry asked.
-We have to go to the other one, you know, the prefects- Hermione said. He had forgotten that they should meet with the others from the other houses and years to organize themselves.
-Don't worry, it will be a quick meeting and then they will send us to patrol the cars-
-Don't worry, I'll look for an empty compartment and read a book quietly- Most of them were busy and he just ran into one where Neville Longbottom and a girl were reading a magazine upside down, then he recognized her right away. She was Luna Lovegood, or as some called her "Lunatic", but despite her weirdness she was a good and interesting person.
-¿Hello, I'm sorry to bother, can I sit with you? There is a lot of noise in the others and I need silence to review-
-Y-yes, no problem," Longbottom responded nervously.
-Thank you- and he started to review his fifth year potions book, he had already read it before but he wanted to give it one last review. Of the ones that they would learn that year, such as the peace filter and others, it was the one that he was most interested in preparing, and in the process getting a couple in his reserve, they were the fortifying and the invigorating, which increase strength and repair energy if You are very exhausted, which was useful in fighting situations, as was the potion that sharpens your wits and nullifies the effects of the confundus curse.
-¿Are you eager to start classes" asked the girl with silver hair and bulging eyes.
-The truth is, yes, I missed school ¿How were your summers?-
-I was with my grandmother but it wasn't very fun. She wants me to get better grades this year.
-You are already good with herbology, now you just need to improve in the others, such as Defense or potions. I've noticed that Professor Snape's presence affects you a little-
-He is very gloomy and can be cruel at times. Except with those in his house-
-Yes, I know that sometimes he may seem evil but he barks more than he bites. The trick is not to be intimidated and concentrate on the job, if you make a good potion it will leave you alone. "You're a Griffindor, show some bravery and you'll see that you're stronger than you thought," he told him and the boy smiled shyly.
When they got off the train they ran into Daphne. The girl looked changed, she obviously had grown up just like Ginny but she seemed different in another way, like something had affected her, but she assumed it was because of the typical changes that everyone was going through.
-¡First years over here!- shouted Madame Hooch who taught Quidditch and was the referee during the matches.
-¿Where is Hagrid? He is always the one who escorts the new ones-
-I hope nothing happened to him- and then he saw the carriages that used to take those who were not first years to school.
There were some creatures tied to the carriages. Although they were shaped like a reptile and had no meat on the outside, making every bone visible. Their heads were dragon-like, and their eyes were pupilless, white and fixed, and they had large, leather-textured wings that looked like bats -¿What are those creatures?- he asked, surprised since it was the first time he had noticed them despite having seen them. used that transport in previous years.
-¿What creatures?-
-¿The ones that pull the carriage, don't you see them?-
-¿What are you taking about? The carriages move on their own-
-Don't worry, I can see them too. Since my first year we go on the boats to school - commented the Lovegood girl.
-¿Really?-
-Yes do not worry. You are as sane as I am,- he replied. She didn't make him feel very safe though.
That year's ceremony had been short, although the sorting hat song was quite long and concise, implying that alliances between houses were more necessary than ever. Harry couldn't help but notice two things: that his half-giant friend was not present and that there were two new teachers. One of them was in Hagrid´s place and the other next to the director. Hagrid's substitute teacher was called Grubby Plank and the Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher was Dolores Umbridge, the same one who had been at Harry's audience. Professor Dumbledore was constantly interrupted by the new teacher, who pretended to cough and didn't let him finish his sentence. The toad-faced woman gave a quick speech that seemed friendly, but there was something that made him suspect she was referring to something else.
-It was subtle- Malfoy said sarcastically.
-¿What do you think he really meant?-
-She meant that the Ministry sent her here to spy on Dumbledore and try to control us- he answered quietly.
-¿Will we ever have a Defense professor worth it? Except for Lupine of course- he commented. After a welcome banquet they went to their rooms. Harry noticed that some of his classmates were whispering among themselves and a couple were glancing at them both.
-Hey Malfoy, I found out that your father kicked you out of your house and now you live in an orphanage with Potter. That happens when you forget your place and hang out with traitors like the Weasleys and mudbloods like Granger- said Graham Montague, a troublemaker from his house.
-Use that word in front of me again and you'll regret it- Harry told him.
-¿Are you going to attack your housemate? I'm sure Professor Snape will love it-
-You better shut your mouth, Montague, and go to sleep,-said Ginny, who had just entered the common room.
-I wasn't talking to you Weasley. Nice tunic ¿Did you get it in a charity shop or did you take it from a homeless person?-
The girl was embarrassed for a few moments, Harry wanted to go to her defense but his friend stopped him from intervening. Ginny looked like she was going to crestfallen, but she quickly regained her strength and adopted a defiant stance -It must hurt you a lot, that I ended up in Slytherin house and got excellent grades since my first year, while your father had to talk to Professor Snape to ask him not to fail you in the last exams of last year in exchange for doing extra homework. I won't have your family´s money but I have the talent and intelligence to get anywhere ¿What will you do when you finish school? ¿Cry to daddy for an assistant job at the Ministry? Maybe they need someone to help the house elves do the cleaning, since I doubt that anyone with common sense would want to employ a brainless person who looks like a squib having so little ability for magic - and at that response the bully was shocked. All the members present celebrated the redhead's verbal attack. Harry was as surprised as his classmates, while Draco smiled with satisfaction after seeing Ginny's actions. The girl walked towards the girls' room who welcomed her with applause.
-Not everyone needs you to save them all the time. "Sometimes you have to let them fight their own battles," she told him. "Come, let's go to sleep, tomorrow we have a long day with the new teacher."
-The Weasley girl has guts- Zabinni commented as he followed they -¿Do you know if she has a boyfriend?-
-She is far from your league, find another one. Maybe one of her friends- Malfoy responded.
-¿Are you kidding? ¿"Lunatic" Lovegood? No thanks ¿Daphne? Even less so, her family and mine prefer to avoid each other. When I can, I'll try my luck and ask Ginevra Weasley out, you'll see,- he said before going to her room.
¿What did you mean by your families avoiding each other?-
-All I can tell you is that some alliances and relationships changed in the previous war and now that the dark lord has returned that relationship has become more complicated-
The next day Harry ran into Hermione and Ron who told him that some of their classmates asked them about him and if they believed that Voldemort had returned. Evidently their families had read "The Daily Prophet" and supported the coward Fudge. Harry felt angry for that man and those who believed him, but there was nothing he could do. It was best to focus on her studies and his magical education.
-Hello Harry- said the girl named Cho Chang from Ravenclaw, who had appeared along with Luna and Daphne. For some reason he started to get nervous -H..hello, ¿How are you? How was your summer?-And the moment his words left his mouth he regretted having said them. Cedric was his boyfriend and had died during the Triwizard Tournament. If it bothered him, he couldn't imagine what she must have felt all this time.
-Oh it was good... you know- and Ron just made a negative comment about the badge she was wearing on her tunic, which belonged to "The Tornados", a Quidditch team, asking if she had always been a fan or just since his streak improved last year. She responded angrily that she had been a follower of hers since she was a girl and she left there with her housemates. Both Harry and the others looked at him with a dirty look.
-You're rude, Ronald- Hermione told him.
-¿What? ¿What is the problem?-
-¡Merlin Weasley!- added the blonde, covering his eyes with his hand -It's obvious that she wanted to talk to him-
-She could have done it, I didn't forbid it- and they went into potions. The man with greasy hair told them that in July they would have the OWLs and that those who do not get an "Extraordinary" will not be able to take classes with him in the sixth grade. Today he asked them to prepare "The Drink of Peace", a potion to calm anxiety and agitation.
-If they go overboard with the ingredients they can put the person who drinks it into a deep and sometimes irreversible sleep, so they must pay close attention to what they do- he said, looking at Neville and others, especially staring at Harry. Ifhe tried to intimidate him she wouldn't succeed. After ten minutes the cauldron should emit silvery steam, but few had achieved that result. Only Harry and Hermione had reached the goal. Malfoy's potion had reached a dark vapor, Hermione wanted to help him but he refused, his pride wouldn't let him, especially not in Snape's class. Meanwhile Ron's was not very different from Neville's, the contents of which looked like cement.
-Evidently only a few will be in my classes next year- he said, without complimenting either of them and then he sent them homework related to the potion and its ingredients. Divination wasn't much better, as always it was just riddles and quackery, only Harry and Dumbledore knew that the woman could actually see the future but it was a gift she wasn't aware of and didn't control so they couldn't do anything about it. . And if he thought that at least the Defense class would be the best of the day, he was terribly wrong, she only gave them theoretical books that seemed made for beginners, that is, people who had barely entered school or who had never had contact with magic like him and Muggle-borns, like the case of Hermione. She was the one who dared to interrupt the class, something that was unusual for her-
-Excuse me, do you want us to learn only theory through books and not practice magic in class? What good will it do if we are attacked?
-¿Do you expect someone to attack the school? As far as I know, it is the safest place in the world besides Gringotts and our great ministry- she said with a sweet smile that detonated hidden evil.
-Inside or outside of school. It is important to know how to defend yourself and know both defensive and offensive attacks- added Ron.
-The hand Mr. Weasley-
Harry raised his -Yes, Mr. Potter?-
-¿How will theory serve us when we fight against what is outside?-
-¿And what is that, Mr. Potter?- She asked, changing the tone of his voice slightly.
-¿I don't know, maybe giants, dementors, death eaters and Voldemort?- And at the mention of that the whole class fell silent and the woman's face changed although she tried to maintain a smile, which was having a hard time.
-Well, let's be direct: rumors and gossip have been circulating that there is a certain dark wizard out there, generating unnecessary panic and trying to destabilize the order and peace that we have worked so hard to establish in recent years. I repeat, there is no such Dark Lord out there, they are all lies and inventions...-
-It's not a lie ¡I fought with him! ¡He killed Cedric Diggory! - Anger and guilt took over him again. Many whispered and made gestures with their faces, both for and against his attitude.
-¡5 points less for Slytherin! It is evident Mr. Potter that you still suffering from the death of his partner and rival, but that is no excuse for telling lies and causing panic in the magical community. We must accept that some accidents...
-It was not an accident and you and the minister know it. He himself saw his body but it is obvious that he is afraid to accept it-
-¡10 points less for Slytherin! Enough, apparently the school is worse than he thought, sit down. I will send it to his Head of House and as for the rest, start reading Right Now! - She said, raising his voice but maintaining that cynical smile. After finishing writing a note he put a spell on it so that he couldn't open it and sent him to Professor Snape. When he knocked on his office she saw that he was teaching. He let his students out first, who celebrated but then changed their mood when he saw that he gave them extra homework, to make up for those few minutes of class that were still left, leaving them with homework that would take them hours to finish.
-Thank your classmate, Potter, for interrupting class- and several looked at him angrily -Great, what I needed: more people who hate me-
-¿What are you doing here, Potter?- And when he handed him the note, which he read quickly, he made him sit down -I thought you were just arrogant, but evidently also a fool-
-¡Telling the truth is not foolish!-
-It is when that starts a fight in which you already plays at a disadvantage ¿What did you think was going to happen? ¿That this woman would admit what happened to Diggory and the Dark Lord? You created a circus in class and disrespected her teacher, who has every right to punish you and take points away from your house. And if you thinking of doing something reckless like challenging her to a duel or attacking her, I remind you that it is a huge crime and you would end up in Azkaban and then your former Hufflepuff rival would have died for nothing. You let your emotions take over you, Mr. Potter, just like in the second trial of the Triwizard tournament- he reminded him, and at that comment he felt a splash of cold water that brought him back to reality. As detestable as the Head of his house is about him, he was absolutely right, once again he let himself get carried away by that impulsive side, which is not normally expected of a cunning Slytherin.
Harry gave a heavy sigh -You're right sir, I was a fool. I let my anger cloud my judgment and took it out on someone who had no chance of beating him, given her status as a teacher...and also as the Minister's spy-
-Well, I'm glad to see that at least you listen to Draco Malfoy. Serve whatever punishment she gives you, whatever it may be, and don't let your temper cost our house points or worse. Keep your mouth closed, your head down and your notes high, got it?
-Yes sir-
When he returned to class no one said anything, he was waiting for comments but everyone continued reading in silence. No one dared after seeing what had happened to him. As they left the classroom they began to murmur:
-He says he saw Diggory die-
-He is crazy-
-Fame went to his head- and the list went on...
-¿Why doesn't anyone believe that he has returned? Everyone heard Dumbledore, he himself confirmed last year -he said, sitting down to eat something quick in the garden before returning to class.
-You have to understand- said Hermione -You appeared in the middle of the courtyard, holding Cedric's body... none of us could see what happened inside the maze... the only thing we had was Dumbledore's word to tell us that You-Know-Who had come back, killed Cedric and fought with you-
-But that's exactly what happened!-
-We know, of course we believe you. The thing is that by the time summer arrived and all the students would have time to explain to their parents and accept what was happening, the newspapers from "The Daily Prophet" began to reach them saying that you were a crazy person trying to get attention and that Dumbledore is senile
-It is obvious that this woman is here to inform the ministry of what the director is doing and forbidding us to use magic. "The less we know how to fight, the better for them," added Malfoy, who approached and took part of his sandwich and took a bite.
-That's my Sandwich-
-It WAS your sandwich, if you lower your defenses and let your emotions cloud your judgment you lose- he responded just as Professor Snape told him.
-I know, it is not necessary to repeat it to me. What does the minister think, that Dumbledore is assembling an army of students to take power and that is why they do not teach us how to defend ourselves? - and faced with that theory the group realized that such Maybe it wasn't such a crazy idea.
-What nonsense!- Hermione criticized.
-Fear makes people act like this,- his partner said, shrugging her shoulders. And Ron just appeared and took the rest of the sandwich from him.
-I'm sorry ¿You are going to finish it?- He asked him when he had already bitten him and when he saw Draco and Ron he laughed while eating his food and laughed.
-¿Do you find what happens at school its funny?-
-No, it's funny to see how much you two look alike-
-¡Take that back!/No way!- said the blonde and the redhead at the same time.
After the short break, Charms and Transfigurations followed. Professors Flitwick and McGonagall each spent fifteen minutes at the beginning of their classes reminding them of the importance of OWLs and that it was crucial that they try their hardest since their grades that year would decide whether they would get to take NEWTs with them next year. They began to cast summoning charms, which Harry found frustrating since he knew them well and had practiced them dozens of times, so it was not a challenge for him. As for Mc Gonagall's class, at least he was able to perform different banishing spells, some easy, others extremely complex, but none that were exhausting: He only felt like this when he practiced wandless magic or when he cast a spell on his friend Basilisk's cave, to keep it cold and moist permanently. That was magic worth practicing.
-Well, ten points for Griffindor and Slyhterin- the woman said as she saw how he and Hermione made the objects she had placed on her desk disappear. While the rest of the class struggled to dispel the snails -Potter, please stay after class, I want to talk to you-
-¿Is something wrong, professor?-
-Take a cookie Potter- she told him, showing him a can with several of them. Not having been able to enjoy his previous snack, he grab a couple -I understand that in your first Defense class you caused quite a stir and you already managed to get yourself punished-
-I just said the truth. But Professor Snape explained to me that right now the truth doesn't matter, not unless it can be proven. "And I shouldn't let my emotions dominate me or it will cost me several points or worse, they will expel me- he responded as he bit into the cookie.
-Correct, I'm glad to see that you understood it. You won't always be able to win all your battles, Potter, and you must choose wisely when to fight and when to retreat. You are smart and I imagine that by now you know who the teacher is and why she is really here, so please keep a low profile and avoid disrespecting her during her class-
-¿Can I call her "Toad Face" when Im not present in Defense class? -he asked, smiling as she finished the candy.
-¡You better hurry or you'll be late to Care of Magical Creatures!- She snapped at him rudely for that comment. And when she was alone, she shook her head from one side to the other - "Toad face..." Every day he is more like his father - she said to herself, making a face that was almost It seemed like a smile.
After classes finished for the day he went to do detention with Umbridge, she gave him a blank parchment and a quill and asked her to write "I must not tell lies" as many times as necessary.
-You haven't given me ink, teacher-
-You don't need it, it's a special pen. You'll see- she said, smiling, and when he wrote the phrase for the first time, the letters on the parchment turned red and a stab of pain appeared in his arm and the phrase seemed to have appeared on the back of his hand, as if they had been marked by a surgeon's scalpel. The wound closed but the words had remained marked on her skin. Harry looked at her with a surprised face at such a punishment.
-¿Yes?- She asked with a honeyed tone but one that denoted pure venom.
-Remember, comply with the punishment I give you, whatever it may be and stay quiet- he said to himself - Nothing, Professor - and so he continued writing on the parchment with his own blood for hours. It hurt him, but he wasn't going to give that woman the satisfaction, he shouldn't show weakness.
-Oh, oh. It seems we haven't done a good job. No problem, we will continue tomorrow and the next day - and so the following days continued. Harry had only told his friends about writing the words but he didn't mention the bleeding to them, he knew they would make a fuss and he had to avoid it. Just as he returned from his punishment he passed Ron and Draco who were carrying his brooms.
-¿What are you doing here so late?-
-Well...I...- Ron said, somewhat embarrassed. Apparently he had been practicing to run for Guardian, now that Wood was gone and they needed new players and Malfoy was helping him by charming the Quaffles so that they would go to the hoops and he would have to catch them.
-¿Draco Malfoy helping a Griffindor? It was worth being punished-
-I expected him to hit something and fall off the broom. Besides, it wouldn't be fun if we won so easily and it's not like his broom could beat my Nimbus 2001 and your Firebolt.
-Thank you Malfoy, you always know how to make me feel better-
-Any time, Weasley- and his face changed when he saw the back of his hand, which he had used to scratch his chin -¿What happened to you?- And he tried to hide the cut but it was too late.
-¡Merlín! I thought he just made you copy words on a scroll ¡That woman is crazy! ¡You should tell Snape or McGonagall, or better yet Dumbledore- Ron shouted.
-No, I don't want to give you that satisfaction. I will serve whatever punishment is necessary and then I will play Quidditch again. In the meantime you and Ginny can practice with the team-
-Don't worry. We will win the cup with or without your help- Draco told him.
The following days were very diverse, they were learning, at least most of them, but Harry was frustrated by not learning anything new, since almost all of the fifth grade material, along with the complementary material, in addition to half of sixth grade, he had already seen before. to go back to school. He admitted that he had a hard time with History of Magic because he found it extremely boring and with Divination, it's not like he excelled much either. He kept himself busy doing homework and doing detention with Umbridge. When it was getting dark a few drops from his arm ended up on the parchment. He knew that even if the wound closed the scar would remain, but at least it was not in a visible place like the one on his forehead.
He tried to forget about the pain by thinking about the news from outside, there was nothing about Voldemort or Death Eaters, the most notable thing was that someone had spread the rumor that Sirius had been seen in London, and taking advantage of his status as an escapee from Azkaban and a mass murderer. The community was on alert and that also meant that Dumbeldore would no longer let him out even in his Animagus form, since Wormtail must have probably told his master about Sirius's ability and in turn his infiltrators in the ministry would take care of it. to keep an eye out for a big black dog. He also read something about an Order member being arrested for hanging around ministry areas because he was not authorized to be there. He had no idea why the man was there, but he knew that it would increase Fudge's paranoia that Dumbledore wants to overthrow him and that would make things worse for the Order.
-Well well. He looks like your are learning, doesn't, Mr. Potter? -And she grabbed his arm to see the red-hot letters. The pain was strong but not in the arm but in the head, the scar began to hurt again.
-Yes, it hurts ¿Right? Sometimes the harshest methods are usually the most efficient. You can leave- and he left quickly, wondering if he had been referring to the scar on his head or the scar on his hand. For a moment he thought that it was like in his first year where Quirrel was possessed by Voldemort but then he discarded that idea, since now he did not need a body because he had recovered his own and he did not believe that the woman was under the influence of the Imperius curse, everything he did was of his own free will and evil. He thought about talking to the headmaster but decided it was better to write a letter to Sirius, he changed his name to "Snouts" and didn't give many details, he only talked about his new teacher and that she reminded him a lot of his mother and that he missed her. He missed Hagrid, although he admitted that the Care of Magical Creatures classes had become more popular and that last year's annoyance (his scar hurting) had returned.
-I know it says Snouts, but it's for Sirius. You know where he lives- he said to his owl, Archimedes, who hooted and took flight. When he was about to leave he ran into Cho Chang and his heart skipped a little -H-Hello...-
-Oh...hello Harry. I came to send a gift to my mother, it's her birthday-and she showed him a package.
-That's good...- something was happening to him, he felt nervous and it was difficult for him to articulate the words, he wanted to say something funny or clever but he couldn't - I saw Ron and Draco practicing Quidditch, apparently this year the competition is going to be hard for the Ravenclaws- he said, trying to get a topic of conversation.
-¿Weasley? ¿The one who doesn't like "The Tornados"? ¿And he is good?
-I couldn't say, the times they were practicing I was punished with Umbridge-
-¡That woman is horrible! Punishing you just because you told the truth about...what happened. You were very brave to confront him - and at that comment he felt her confidence and verbal abilities increase.
-And a little silly too, we Slytherins are supposed to be clever. Talking like that to a teacher and making my house lose points, I think it would be the same as if you yelled at Professor Snape- and the girl laughed. Unfortunately they were interrupted by the guard Filch, who accused him of ordering stink bombs by mail. Harry denied it and told her that he had only sent a personal letter and was leaving.
-If I notice the slightest smell...- he told him in a threatening tone. Harry just snorted, he knew the man was surly and unpleasant, but he was harmless.
He passed Ron, Hermione and Daphne who was sitting with them, the girl greeted him and they caught up. She told them that her vacation had been pretty boring and also that she totally believed what Harry had said about Voldemort's return. It was a comfort to see that Ravenclaw had some support since, according to Hermione, few Griffindors accepted the truth.
-Luna also supports you and apparently so does Cho Chang. She heard that some people were talking badly about you and blaming you for Diggory and she came to your defense-
-¿Really?- He asked quite excitedly. It means that the girl didn't hate him for what happened and that she was in fact on his side.
-You like her ¿Don't you? -She asked and he blushed a little and she smiled -I'll try to find out if she's interested too. I have to go, I stayed with Ginny and Luna to do some homework, see you later - and she said goodbye smiling.
-¡Thank you very much!-he responded enthusiastically. Finally something good was happening to her after what she had had to endure the last few days. Just at that moment a bird from the Ministry arrived, he believed it was some intimation or they were accusing him of some misdeed again but it was directed at Ron.
-¡It's from Percy's!- He said, amazed. They began to read the content and the surprise was replaced by disappointment and anger when his brother congratulated him for having been named prefect and that he suggested that he cut ties with Harry and Dumbledore, that his loyalty should be with the school and the Ministry, that Dumbledore's time was running out and he had to think about where his loyalties should lie if he ever wanted to get a good position like him. He insisted that he should not let his family ties cloud his judgment and that he hoped that one day his parents would realize the mistake they were making in supporting the principal and that he would gladly accept her apology when that day comes.
-It's a complete- and he began to tear the letter -Idiot- he continued destroying the paper -¡And miserable idiot!-
-Don't let it get to you Ron, I'm sure your brother will end up coming to his senses- Hermione told him.
-I know your brother did wrong, but he is still your family. There are many people besides him who think the same, we can't force them to choose our side. That's what Voldemort does - and at the mention of his enemy, Ron shuddered - I think it's time you called him by his name. He's not going to show up here just because you mention it out loud. Say it, I want to hear it- Harry said in a serious voice.
-¿For what?-
-Do it. We're not leaving here until you say so. The hat sent you to the lions for a reason, Hermione isn't afraid to say it, Sirius, Remus and your parents aren't either. If you're scared, think about the Quaffles Draco threw at you. You weren't afraid to fight them even if you could get seriously hurt-
-You can't compare Quaffles thrown by Malfoy to fighting the Inn...- and seeing his expression and Hermione's gaze fixed on him, he had no choice but to accept it. His parents, Bill and the others risked their lives daily with the Order and he was not able to even say the name of the enemy. It's not something a brave Griffindor would do and neither would a Weasley, at least not this Weasley, he took a breath -V...V...Voldemort...-
-Good- Harry responded, smiling and giving him a friendly pat on the shoulder -Well done Ron. I'm hungry. let's get something to eat. We need to be fed if we want to support Umbridge all this year-he joked. And they ran towards the dining room.
-¡Mens!- Hermione commented and she followed them.
The next day they saw in the newspaper that Professor Umbridge had been appointed "Supreme Inquisitor" by order of the Ministry, which gave her certain powers and authority over the school, such as evaluating teachers and deciding whether they are suitable to teach there. The excuse was that they were doing it in favor of the students and trying to improve the situation of the institution. There was a small paragraph detailed by Ron's brother explaining the matter and Lucius Malfoy himself saying that he fully approves of the supervision of the school where his son attends since in previous years there were various incidents and as a "concerned parent" he wants to make sure that the students be safe and receive proper magical education.
-Now it will be more difficult for him to leave. The only good thing will be to see when he evaluates Snape- Ron said with a smile.
-I prefer him to a useless guy like Lockhart or a Fudge infiltrator, with whom we wouldn't learn anything useful- Harry commented -Speaking of my head of house, we better go to class, I don't want to be late and give him more reasons to punish us - once inside the classroom he returned the homework he had given them, Harry expected that he would give it a low grade but curiously he had given it the highest grade, just like Draco who surreptitiously showed him the sheet where his grade was visible. score, while smiling pleased.
-I have given them the score they would receive if they had taken the OWLs. I see that few have understood how to follow the instructions to the letter, some have barely reached the minimum level and as for the majority... -he said, looking askance at Ron and Neville -They will no longer be my problem next year. and some of his housemates laughed at the mockery.
Later divination with Trelawney, she was one of the first to be reviewed by Umbridge, she asked her how long she had been teaching and if she could make a prediction. The woman was trying to make some predictions but she didn't seem very credible, she seemed less like a witch and more like a muggle scammer that usually appears at fairs and carnivals. With Care of Magical Creatures she was the only one who had no friction, she assumed that since she was newer she would not have as much loyalty to Dumbledore and it would be easier to join her side for fear of losing her job.
Later in Transfiguration class, the head of house of her friends seemed to get uncomfortable with the continuous interruptions of Fudge's right hand, the vice principal was beginning to lose her temper. When she began to question the woman's class and tell her if she wasn't thinking about backing out from her, the woman angrily snapped that she still had many more ahead of her.
-¡And she dares to lecture me about not losing my temper with that harpy!-
-There is a difference, they cannot take away points from her or punish or expel her-
-Not yet, it will be a matter of time before Fudge gives him more authority and takes control of the school, in some way. Let's go to his damn class, I want the day to be over so I can study on my own- When they entered the class no one spoke, they simply read the boring and meaningless teaching material that he gave them. The minutes seemed endless until Hermione raised her hand-
-¿Yes, Miss Granger?- the woman asked and when her friend began to ask her if they could start with the practice since it would be more useful and for that and other questions she took five points off her house. Ron told him it was unfair and that's when the Griffindors lost ten more points. At that moment the scar burned again, her anger increased without him being able to control it, he knew that she was connected to the mark on his forehead, and witnessing such injustice in front of him and being unable to do anything only made things worse. things.
-¿Anything you want to tell me, Mr. Potter?- She evidently noticed the expression on her face and she was testing him.
-Many things, but I'm avoiding problems-
-Well, I see that he is learning, but just in case, one more day of punishment wouldn't hurt. This way we will be sure that she understood the message-
-But...-Hermione said, about to protest. Her friend grabbed her hand.
-¿Yes?-
-Nothing, professor- Harry responded, using all of his willpower to not fall into her game again.