A/N: Happy New Year! I rang 2024 in quietly with my pups, which is the ideal night for me as I'm a 90 year old trapped in a mid-thirty body. I hope this year is better for everyone than the last. I appreciate all the interaction with the story, and the fact that so many of you have favorited/followed. If I'd guessed what those numbers would be this far in when I started writing, I'd have guessed the slimmest of fractions of where we are.
Chapter 29
January 7, 1996
Daphne forced everyone to Platform 9 ¾ early, as she wanted to grab one of the few larger carriages. It had been hard to say goodbye to her parents knowing how dangerous things were turning, but she managed it without tears. She knew they would be as safe as possible, and that's all anyone could ask.
It felt weird without Harry on the platform, but he was giving his interview to Mr. Lovegood as the man wanted the story to drop the next day. Luna traveled with her family and the Weasleys, and Xenophilius had been grateful for the large escort. The girl sat in the corner of their carriage, lost in her book, though Daphne knew she was more perceptive than she appeared.
"Anything else happen we should know about?" Blaise asked sarcastically after hearing about the attack on the Burrow.
"Don't mess with Harry," she answered simply. "He's a bit quick to react right now. I think the attacks on my home and the Weasleys' got to him."
"Messing with Harry was already at the bottom of my to-do list, but I'll add a few blank pages in front of it."
"I'm really sorry about your house, Ginny," Tracey added sincerely.
"It's okay actually," the redhead shrugged. "Dumbledore put it under a Fidelius. It didn't take much damage due to Bill's wards, but Mum doesn't feel safe there with everything going on."
"I don't blame her. Are you staying in the Village or at Harry's?"
"I've been bunking with Astoria, and Ron with Neville, but the twins and my parents both have cute little houses in the village."
"The twins are unsupervised?" Blaise asked with a shudder.
"I tried telling Harry it's a bad idea," Neville laughed.
"He'll figure it out when the Village starts levitating."
"Fred and George are different now," Luna countered with certainty, not looking up from her book. "I believe they may be growing up."
"Scary thought," Blaise mused. "Are they coming back with Harry?"
"They'll be back in the Room before we get there," Daphne answered, loving how safe the thought made her feel.
A knock on the door interrupted the conversation, and Neville opened the curtain to make sure it was Ron and Hermione. The prefects' meeting must've concluded, as the pair entered glumly, relocking the door behind them.
"Guess who's the new Head Auror," Ron muttered darkly as he collapsed into his seat.
"Not Malfoy," Daphne gasped, knowing the redhead's hatred for the family.
"The announcement will be in tomorrow's paper," Hermione confirmed. "Draco was crowing about it during the meeting… he's going to be even more insufferable."
"Fudge is really going for broke," Tracey added with a scowl.
"Harry's not going to be pleased," Neville noted.
"The Wizengamot should have Hogwarts figured out soon," Daphne soothed. "If we can make it to February it'll be fine."
"And if Malfoy makes a move before?"
"Then Harry will make sure he regrets it."
—
The tension at dinner was palpable. The troubles outside the castle had clearly begun to have an effect on those inside, and Daphne guessed she wasn't the only one who wished she was still at home. Umbridge sat in her throne, her obnoxious smile pasted to her face, looking much more rested than she had before the break. The entire student population elected to go home for the holidays, so the Headmistress was also able escape the incessant alarms for a couple weeks.
Daphne knew the woman's peace would be disrupted soon though, and couldn't find any sympathy in her heart. She was truly a disgusting human, and the atmosphere in the school was painful because of her leadership.
"Greengrass," a hated voice interrupted her thoughts. "I was worried to hear of the attack on your home."
"Thanks, Malfoy," she replied shortly in an effort to keep her temper.
"It's unnecessary, Daphne. All this unpleasantness can be avoided."
"And I'm assuming you'd like to help me with that?"
"I would," the boy agreed with a cocky grin, ignoring her sarcasm. "My father's power is growing every day. I could speak with him for you."
"How's he doing since your Mum walked out?"
"How did you…" Draco's shock quickly turned to anger, and his voice grew as dangerous as he could manage. "What do you know about my mother's disappearance?"
"I know she's safe," Daphne answered casually. "And much better off. I'd bet she finds another man before long. Maybe she can put her nightmare as a Malfoy behind her."
"You know nothing about my family."
"I heard your father made a fool of himself in the Wizengamot and ran away with his tail between his legs like the coward he is."
"My father was only acting in the best interest of the people. It's your father that should be ashamed. The mighty Lord Greengrass finally comes down from his high horse, only to ruin the Wizengamot that's been around for centuries. Absolutely disgraceful."
"Don't forget my boyfriend," Daphne added happily. "Harry helped him ruin it."
"So the rumors are true. You've really lowered yourself to Potter's level."
"I jumped at the chance."
"You'll regret it," the boy snapped. "You could've had everything. Instead, I'll have to figure out a better way to get what I want."
"Oh Draco," she sighed condescendingly. "You really are deluded. I'll mention your threat to Harry, though. He'll appreciate the extra motive to kill you before this is over."
"Potter won't last the year," he scoffed. "He doesn't understand what's coming."
"If it's Death Eaters of your caliber, Voldemort will need a few hundred thousand."
Draco raged to his feet, and Daphne drew her wand under the table. She knew he wasn't much of a threat, but was happy to teach the idiot another lesson if he needed one.
"Sit down, Malfoy," Blaise spat threateningly from her left.
Daphne could feel the anger radiating off her friend, and bit down on her shock as he rarely involved himself in house squabbles. Draco was also surprised by the intervention, and turned to him disdainfully.
"You too, Zabini? My, my. Poor choices run rampant it seems."
"The only poor choice I see is you not doing as instructed. Sit down."
"Is there a problem, Mr. Malfoy?" Snape asked as he approached from the head table.
"Just trying to convince a few classmates to make better decisions, sir."
"A worthy goal," Severus replied smoothly. "Unfortunately, I don't believe anyone in this group is capable of change in that regard. Please return to your seat."
The boy did so, but Daphne's appetite had been successfully ruined. She stood to leave, joined by Blaise, Tracey, and Astoria. She was stopped in the entrance hall, however, by Professor McGonagall who must have also followed.
"Miss Greengrass," she began politely. "It would be best to keep your head down this semester. This school is likely to turn dangerous, and I'd hate to see anyone get hurt."
"Keeping my head down and being walked over are two different things, Professor," she replied respectfully. "I won't instigate anything, but I'll react when necessary."
"I'm ashamed that I've underestimated you in the past," the normally stern woman said with a smile. "It's been a joy to watch you this year."
"It's your golden boy's fault. He corrupted me."
"Yes, he seems to have a talent for that. Tell him I said hello."
—
January 12, 1996
Harry removed the Cloak once he was free of the castle grounds, glad for a chance at some fresh air. Jean Delacour had written to him earlier in the week, inviting him to lunch at The Three Broomsticks. The man invited Albus and Sirius along as well, and he saw his godfather waiting for him at the edge of town.
"How's school?" the man asked when he approached.
"More like a prison at the moment. The Quibbler article didn't go over so well with Umbridge."
The article had been rushed out Monday morning, and Harry ordered a few hundred copies to be delivered randomly throughout the great hall. His story completely overshadowed the Prophet's article about Malfoy Sr., and he was told Draco's reaction to the dismissal was entertaining to watch. Umbridge banned the article and any discussion of it immediately, but there were still copies in circulation. Xenophilius had published the interview word for word, without embellishment or editorial, which Harry was thankful for after the interesting conversation.
"It was well written," Sirius offered, leading the way through the town. "The number of villagers and names added to our lists has exploded because of it."
"Good. Any recruits?"
"Moody is starting the second Company this weekend, and the third will follow a week after. The problem now is a lack of leaders, if you can believe it."
"I should've thought of doing an interview earlier."
"Hindsight's fun isn't it? You're doing the best you can, which is way more than anyone else would've done. Your fan mail's getting a bit ridiculous, though."
Harry chuckled in response, not wanting to think about it. The article didn't mention his time on the other side, but it did go into detail about the night in the graveyard. He wasn't scared to name the wizards he recognized, nor was he hesitant to share what he thought of the Ministry's response. Constant protests took place on the steps of the Ministry once more, but Harry knew the concerned citizens were playing a dangerous game. Malfoy wouldn't hesitate to charge them with trumped up crimes, and the State of Emergency gave him the power to do so.
Harry followed Sirius into the inn, both wizards scanning the occupants carefully. Finding no danger, he moved towards Albus and Jean, feeling privacy wards as he approached the table.
"Harry," Jean said warmly, shaking his hand. "Thank you for coming."
"Your trip was much longer than mine, sir. I should be thanking you."
"My government was impatient for our discussion after your recent interview. The Quibbler was the highest grossing news source in our country this week."
"Mr. Lovegood will be happy to hear that."
The wizards took their seats, and Sirius winked dramatically at Rosie as she took their orders. The men chatted inconsequentially for a few moments, but when their food arrived Harry cast a few more privacy spells.
"Albus told me we may expect some help from your country," he began. "I'll be deeply in your debt for that."
"I was able to sell it as self-preservation," the man admitted while he cut into his steak. "If Voldemort isn't stopped in Britain, we'll be the next to feel his wrath. His people, in fact, have already come recruiting. A notorious band of blood purists was recently seen emigrating to your shores."
"Great. How many?"
"Our best guess is under a hundred, but we can't be sure."
"I won't show mercy, regardless of nationality, Jean."
"I wouldn't ask you to. This needs to be a decisive victory for all, and the world will be better off without them."
"Your letter to Mr. Krum has also borne fruit," Albus interjected. "The ICW has had appeals from the Bulgarian, Russian, Ukrainian, and Polish governments. The confederation is currently devising a plan for aide when the war finally opens."
"Add in our own recruits and we aren't in a bad spot," Sirius added. "In a few months we should be able to field a capable force, with more in training."
"Jean," Harry said after a moment. "I'm sorry to be rude, but have you given Albus an oath?"
"I signed what he referred to as your 'secondary agreement' at the party, and I've worked within those constraints when briefing our Minister."
"Thank you for that."
"I've done the same with the ICW," Albus agreed. "But at some point they'll need further details. I'll work with Remus on how to do so."
The men ate in silence for a few minutes before Jean cleared his throat.
"I believe I can convince the Minister to allow more men than I originally promised, as the interview has pulled a collective heart string in my country. I wanted to mention, however, that the Minister is retiring at the end of this year, and has promised to support me in my own election for the position."
"Congratulations, sir."
"Thank you, though I don't mention it to brag. Only to explain that though you may not receive the numbers you require while he's in office, I promise you will if I'm elected. My opponent would likely end all aid, but I'll work with my people to find a way to work around that if it comes to pass."
"I appreciate your support, and I'll speak publicly in yours if you'd like me to."
"I'll keep that in mind, and may reach out if the race is close. But I'm curious as to what's happening in regards to the school. Have you found a way to remove Fudge's influence?"
"A subcommittee will be proposing a bill to do so later in the month," Albus answered.
"I'm hoping to get it taken care of sooner than that," Harry countered. "Umbridge is beginning to feel safe in her seat again, and some of my team believe she's already used blood quills in detentions."
"Blood quills?" Jean whispered harshly. "Surely not."
"She had a whole case of them. Her original stash is now unavailable to her, but a couple friends of mine have noticed a few students returning from detentions rubbing their hands, with no clear memory of the punishment."
"What's your plan, kiddo?" Sirius asked.
"Ron's volunteered to get a detention, and as soon as he writes his first line, he's going to send me a Patronus."
"And if his wand is taken from him?"
"I'll work with the twins to spy on the punishment," Harry answered, not having thought of the possibility. "I'll wait outside the door in my Cloak, and stop the nonsense before he has to suffer."
"Blood quills carry a life sentence in my country," Jean added darkly. "May I suggest you take her to the ICW courts instead of your own?"
"But we own the Wizengamot. I planned to have Albus call an emergency session."
"No, he's right," Albus countered. "If we can charge her internationally, Fudge will not have an open avenue to assist her."
"I believe the Supreme Mugwump here could charge him, too," Jean added. "The fact that she's using the horrid objects on minors, and is working at his behest, could see him charged as an accessory at the very least."
"And it could be a perfect opportunity to build international support for our cause," Sirius cut in.
"Obviously we'll go that route, and I'm glad Jean mentioned it. Where are the courts located?"
"They rotate," Albus explained. "They spend three years in a country before moving on. This year they operate out of Florence, Italy."
"Will they require witnesses throughout the proceedings?"
"Normally the witnesses could be questioned in their home country, but I'm assuming you have a better idea?"
"Not really," Harry admitted with a grin. "Just thinking the idea of an Italian vacation sounds pretty nice."
"See if you can get Daphne and Hermione involved," Sirius smiled in return. "We'll go as a group."
—
January 19, 1996
Harry used the next week to build a solid plan, and to drive Umbridge crazy with incessant alarms. Ron and Hermione let themselves be heard taking credit for the prank, and as neither of them had fallen foul of any decrees yet, their detention was a foregone conclusion. The first was scheduled for Friday night in the Defense classroom, which made Harry's job that much easier.
Hermione didn't like the idea of willingly getting detention, but when Harry explained why, she happily agreed. She wrote to her parents asking for permission to attend the hopefully upcoming trial, and they quickly replied saying they'd take a few days off and turn it into a mini-holiday.
He and Daphne used the Room's connecting door to the Defense professor's original office, and waited for the trio to appear after dinner.
"This room is disgusting," Daphne noticed with a shudder.
"Why d'you think I didn't use it to disrupt class more often?"
"Dropping the nifflers in last week was incredible," she answered, smiling at the memory.
"I wanted an excuse to use the niffler alarm," he shrugged with a grin.
"Were you planning on getting trolls to attack next?"
"Nah. Too dangerous. But I do have Fred and George working on a troll-flavored prank."
"Scented, Harry!" she yelped in disgust. "Troll-scented."
"Huh! I wonder if I phrased it correctly to the twins. They need very precise instructions."
"You didn't!"
"They deserved payback for the constant catcalls! Watching them taste different ingredients for a week seemed fitting."
"What'd they say when you told them it was a joke?"
"Now why would I do that?" he answered with a smirk.
"You Slytherin," she accused, her eyes alight with humor.
"Don't look at me like that," he whined instead of defending himself. "You're entirely too kissable right now, but I'm pretty sure kissing you in this room would cause some sort of mental trauma that would pass on to any future generations."
"It absolutely would," she agreed, releasing the hand she was holding. "Hands and lips to yourself, sir."
The pair grinned at each other, and Harry realized he still hadn't figured out how he was so comfortable around the girl. He shook the thought away and pulled his communication mirror, calling Sirius.
"You ready, kiddo?"
"We are. I hate that Ron and Hermione are having to do this, but if we're right it'll be worth it."
"Albus, Arthur, Daniel and myself are just outside the wards. Leave the mirror active in your pocket so I can hear when to head your way."
"What about the ICW?"
"Albus is gonna call them when we enter the grounds, as he didn't want to raise any flags by them being early. Chances are Fudge has a way to monitor his biggest fan, but we four will be enough to convince him to not interfere."
"I almost hope he tries."
"I just got scolded for saying that exact thing," Sirius said with a laugh. "It's about that time, so put me in your pocket and try to speak loudly."
"See you in a few."
Harry and Daphne shared another excited smile, but kept their flirting minimal because of their new audience. After a few more moments of waiting, the classroom door finally opened. Umbridge led the two Gryffindors into seats, and approached her own with a demented smirk.
"You'll be writing lines," she began sweetly. "And though that may seem like a lenient punishment for your transgressions, I promise you it will not be enjoyable. Please come take one of my special quills, and leave your wands on my desk."
The woman grabbed a case very similar to the previous one from a desk drawer, opening it with a wave of her wand as she sat it on the desk. Ron approached first, swapping his wand for a quill, and Hermione followed nervously. Harry's stomach clenched painfully, but he saw Ron give his girlfriend a comforting smile.
"What will we be writing, Professor?" he asked politely.
"I will show my betters the respect they deserve."
"How many times?"
"Until I think you've learned the lesson."
"We don't have any ink," Hermione offered innocently.
"You won't need any," Umbridge snapped, losing patience. "You will write without ink, and you'll shut your mouths while you do so. The frustration you've subjected me to for weeks has ensured this will not be a short punishment. Begin."
Ron looked at Hermione and shook his head tersely, grabbing her quill when Umbridge looked down to close the case. Harry watched her eyes widen in surprise, and he grinned at the redhead, realizing how good a man his friend really was. Hermione shuffled her parchment a few times, drawing the ire of the professor, but any reprimand was stopped before it began.
"What the hell is this!?" Ron yelled, standing from his seat and looking at his quill in mock confusion.
"It is your punishment, Weasley. Now return to it."
"Absolutely not! This is torture, not detention!"
He tossed both quills angrily at Umbridge's feet, and Harry watched the vile woman draw her wand, an evil smile gracing her face.
"You want the honors, Daph?" he asked with a grin.
"I'd love them," she whispered.
She stepped closer to the edge of the wards, but Harry held her back with a hand on her wrist. He knew the woman was about to dig herself in deeper, and that Ron and Hermione both had the space and training to dodge if he was wrong.
"You pathetic excuse for a pure blood."
Harry smiled, realizing he was correct.
"Your behavior shows exactly how poorly you were raised," Umbridge continued, rising to her feet and stepping in front of her desk. "Your blatant disrespect for your betters, your disregard for simple instructions, and most importantly, your inability to keep your hands off a mudblood are all perfect examples of why the Ministry needs more power over its people."
Harry released Daphne's wrist, as all four students reddened in anger.
"Your parents should be ashamed, but…"
Her tirade was left unfinished, as Daphne banished the woman into the wall with every bit of power she had. Umbridge was unconscious before she slid to the floor, but Harry followed the impressive spell with a stunner just to be certain. He grabbed Daphne's hand and led her down the stairs, moving towards their shocked friends.
"I thought you were gonna stun her," Ron said with a laugh.
"I did," Harry countered, smirking at Daphne.
"What?" Daphne defended when all three looked at her. "You think I'm going to let that disgusting bitch say that about you two without doing something about it?"
Harry leaned over and kissed the still-angry witch, immediately breaking her from her fury. Hermione quickly followed by hugging Daphne tight, both breaking into relieved laughter.
"You alright, Ron?" Harry asked seriously, clapping his friend on the shoulder.
"Yeah, I'm fine. The fact that she's doing that shit to first years makes me want to curse her again, though."
"Ignore that desire, mate. You can curse her once she's conscious."
Harry reached into his bag and grabbed the ward stone, manipulating a school-wide alarm so he could speak into it. The claxon sounded loudly, but silenced after a few seconds. He raised the stone to his mouth and cleared his throat, the sound reverberating through the alarm system.
"Er… if I could get all students, teachers, support staff, and hidden mischief-makers to come to the great hall immediately… that'd be swell. I'm not going to end the alarm until everyone's there, so be quick about it. Hogwarts elves… you may continue to work if you want, and I'll shut the alarms off in the kitchen. Thank you for your attention, and Malfoy's a dick."
He shut off the alarm to the kitchens and the room they were in, and ended his connection to the alarm. He turned to see two snickering faces and one scowling, and held his hands up in surrender.
"I'm sorry! I have problems with intrusive thoughts sometimes. I'm speaking to my healer about it."
"Harry James Potter," Hermione scolded, though she wasn't able to maintain the scowl. "First years heard that!"
"They needed to know!"
"And you, Bilius," she snapped, changing her target. "You… are an incredibly sweet boyfriend."
Her angry facade quickly fell as she kissed the redhead.
"You're crazy if you think I'm going to let you get hurt if there's something I can do about it," Ron replied with a happy smile.
"Well isn't that lovely."
"No, Harry," Hermione snapped. "I'm still trying to be mad at you."
"Uh… guys?"
The voice was distant, and Harry was confused for a moment before he remembered Sirius in his pocket. He drew the mirror to reveal his godfather wiping tears of laughter from his eyes.
"Harry, Albus just told me that new alarms are permanently added to the ward scheme. Hogwarts now has a permanent 'Malfoy's a dick' alarm."
"It's a good one to have," Harry argued seriously as his friends broke into laughter. "Lucius will love it. Meet you four in the great hall?"
"We'll be there in a few."
Harry ended the connection with a grin, turning back to his friends. Daphne and Ron looked at him expectantly, while Hermione began going through Umbridge's desk.
"I'm really leaning towards keeping the ward stone now, even if Albus comes back. A nightly reminder about Malfoy would be too much fun."
"Oh hush," Daphne said, returning the grin. "Go collect our esteemed headmistress."
"Yes ma'am."
"Fudge signed his own warrant," Hermione called with a victorious grin, waving a piece of parchment in the air before reading it aloud. "'Dolores, I've enclosed the requested quills, and urge you to make sure the students do not remember using them. A memory of a very unpleasant detention should suffice. Destroy this letter upon reading. Yours, Cornelius Fudge.'"
"Well that's just making things too easy," Daphne replied.
"They truly are an idiotic match made in a lab somewhere," Harry agreed. "I'll grab Umbridge, you three lead the way."
The corridors were empty as they moved from the room, though the doors to the great hall were buzzing from within. When Ron pushed them open dramatically, the buzz turned into a roar. Harry levitated the unconscious woman in front of them as the four made their way to the head table to raucous applause. Harry quickly ended the alarm that still sounded, causing the applause to grow louder.
McGonagall looked at Harry in concern, but the look quickly turned to match his confident grin. Harry placed the Headmistress into her throne, her body slumping comically.
"I trust this is a good thing?" McGonagall asked.
"Any doubt on your part would feel offensive," Harry replied cockily.
He waited until the students' reaction died down, though excited whispers were rampant as they returned to their seats. He grinned when he saw Draco's angry glare and winked at the boy. His pale face quickly purpled in rage, and Harry hoped he'd have a chance to ruin the boy's night further. He held up his hands from his spot next to Umbridge, and silence quickly fell over the room.
"I wanna start by saying everyone remains perfectly safe," he began, his voice carrying easily. "And that anyone that calls Malfoy a dick will be rewarded house points."
"Mr. Potter."
"So sorry, Professor.
He waited until the laughing students quieted once more before continuing.
"Our illustrious Headmistress was a very bad toad, and she will be punished for it. Professor Dumbledore is on his way here as we speak, and he'll help us navigate whatever this transition looks like. I want full transparency of the action, which is why I asked for your attendance. Also, so you can all see the bitch gets what she deserves."
"Mr. Potter!"
"So so sorry, Professor. Everybody sit tight for a few moments, and enjoy the show. Except you Malfoy, you dick."
"MR. POTTER!"
Harry turned to the woman, and laughed at the mirth that hid behind her scowl. He stepped away from the table and gestured for McGonagall to follow.
"You couldn't have given me a heads up?" the woman muttered, her lips curling slightly.
"I didn't wanna ruin the surprise. We're gonna give her to the ICW, so Albus may be unavailable for a bit during the trial. I'm going to ask for an emergency session of the Wizengamot to go ahead and remove Hogwarts from Ministry control, but some of the responsibility may fall to you if that's okay."
"Of course it is, Harry. And I thank you for removing our… problem."
"I only wish I could have earlier."
The pair turned as the doors opened, both smiling at Dumbledore's triumphant return. The four men quickly marched through the excited students, approaching Harry determinedly. Arthur turned to Ron with a concerned look, but the teen waved his father off with a grin.
"What a pleasure it is to see you all," Harry said with an elaborate bow.
"We just got word from a connection in the Ministry," Daniel said in lieu of a response. "Fudge and Malfoy are on the way with a handful of aurors. Albus has already called the ICW, and Sirius called for some help from home."
"Excellent," Harry cheered at the serious men. "We can go ahead and ship Fudge off, too. Hermione, if you don't mind sharing our new evidence."
She handed the parchment to Daniel, his face lighting up as he read. He passed it to Albus absentmindedly before grinning at Harry.
"It's unbelievable how quickly you manage to do things entire groups of grown people struggle with."
"I did nothing!" Harry defended. "Ron used the quill, Hermione found the paper, and your daughter blasted the bitch. If anything, I'm just along for the ride on this one."
"Sure you are," Daniel grinned before being interrupted by his youngest daughter approaching from behind.
Fred, George, and Ginny joined them, the youngest hugging her dad, and the older two repeating the gesture with a disgruntled Deputy Headmistress.
"Knock it off, you two," McGonagall demanded when George went in for a second hug, though her eyes were shining. "I'd say your presence was missed, but I think everyone is sick of all the dung bombs and random explosions."
"It was our pleasure, Madam," Fred replied with a bow, choosing to take her words as a compliment.
"And shall I expect your foolishness back in the population after this?"
"Unfortunately not," George answered. "We weren't lying when we said we've outgrown this place. We're headed back to the Village."
"The school truly won't be the same without you," McGonagall offered sincerely. "And I thank you for leaving it."
"You'll miss us."
"Probably," the woman admitted, finally allowing herself a small smile.
Harry moved to stand next to Sirius, and the man nudged his shoulder playfully.
"What about you, kiddo? You coming back?"
"I haven't thought about it. My first instinct is that I should just head home to help run things there. but…"
He trailed off as his eyes found Daphne's, the girl smiling as she cuddled into her father's shoulder.
"But you're a lovesick fool, and can't bear the thought of being away from your girlfriend," Sirius finished with a grin.
"Hey! You may be right, but I don't appreciate the tone."
"Stick it out until after OWLs. We can decide how to move forward over the summer."
Harry nodded thoughtfully, but any response was cut short by the doors slamming open again. He grinned as Fudge entered looking murderous, Malfoy and six aurors trailing behind. The man's eyes found his, and Harry waved happily.
"Potter, you're under arrest for assaulting a respected member of our society," the Minister called as he approached.
"And you're a fliffering winkskerpoodle," he called back brightly. "I love when people tell me what I am. You go again… I'll think of a better response this time."
"What are you talking about?" Fudge demanded loudly, clearly thinking volume equated power.
"Just trying to put a smile on that pretty face, Minister."
The face in question reddened in anger, and Lucius stepped forward, wand drawn. Harry drew his own and nodded at the new threat.
"Lord Potter," he began imperiously. "We've come without patience, and we've come without humor."
"Did you come without packages, boxes or bags?"
Harry grinned at Hermione as she broke into laughter, but quickly returned his gaze to a very confused Head Auror.
"You know, you actually remind me of the Grinch… without the whole character development thing."
"What are you trying to do here, boy?" Fudge asked in confusion.
"Stall," he answered honestly.
"Stall… What are you talking about? Aurors arrest Lord Potter!"
"The first person to step forward," Fred called loudly. "Gets a bludger to the face."
The aurors seemed to hesitate, though whether it was from the threat of the bludger or the drawn wands from the group around Harry could be argued over. He grinned as Malfoy finally stepped forward menacingly, and George threw a firework directly above them.
The explosion was impressive and Lucius' eyes followed the magic warily, before turning back with a sneer. The effect was lessened by the conjured bludger that Fred timed perfectly. The ball caught the man directly in the forehead, knocking him backwards off his feet.
His son and various hangers-on jumped to their feet in indignation, moving to stand behind the aurors. Harry noticed Warrington looked especially furious, his fist clenching his wand so tight it was bending, and made a mental note to keep an eye on him. Lucius took some time to recover, which Harry used to congratulate the twins on their success. When the man finally returned to his feet, a large goose egg growing on his head, he raised his wand dramatically.
"Lucius!" Dumbledore intoned powerfully. "This will only end badly for you. We have evidence that proves Dolores and Cornelius conspired to torture our nation's children, and they will soon be arrested by the ICW. If you decide to turn this room into a battlefield, I'll ensure you'll be locked up next to them."
"He won't survive that long," Harry argued, stepping forward.
"Kill him, Father!" Draco called from behind the man. "He called me a dick three times! That's enough of an insult to our family to demand a duel."
"I did not, you dick!" Harry argued with a grin. "I called you a dick twice, and told the students they were allowed to as well. That's two and a half times at best."
"You really do wish for death," Lucius hissed, clearly confused by the evening's proceedings.
"Sure I do. Draco's, then yours, then your master's… but the order isn't a sticking point for me."
Harry allowed his power to build behind his eyes, and an unnatural wind whipped at his hair and clothes. He allowed the magic to infuse his voice as he continued.
"Follow your child's advice if you'd like. We can knock out the first two now."
Before the furious man could respond, the doors swung open behind him. Remus led Moody, Amelia, Robards, Shacklebolt, and Tonks into the room, the group moving forward and fanning out to stand in front of the silent student body, wands leveled.
The aurors and Slytherins behind Lucius were quick to drop theirs, and Fudge looked nervous at his new outnumbered position.
"I am the Minister for Magic!" he spat.
"Not for long, Cornelius," Albus replied calmly. "Your incompetent reign has come to an end, and the disastrous circumstances you've left this country in will take the blood of its citizens to fix. Drop your wand. I won't ask a second time."
Lucius seemed to recognize defeat, and the fact that he was not yet implicated in any wrongdoing. He lowered his wand, causing Fudge to look at him in desperation. The arrogant blonde shook his head at the Minister's questioning look, and Cornelius' face grew pale.
The doors banged open once more, and a group of stern looking wizards in matching dark blue robes marched into the room. Harry's group lowered their wands immediately, expecting the intrusion. The witch in charge quickly took stock of the situation, and followed her earlier instruction.
"Dolores Umbridge, you are charged with mistreatment of minors, and possession and usage of controlled dark artifacts. Cornelius Fudge, you are charged as an accessory to those crimes. My men will take your wands and place you in restraints, before transporting you to holding cells in Florence at the bequest of the International Confederation of Wizards. Surrender your wands."
Fudge did so immediately, tears quickly filling his eyes, though Umbridge was a bit slower to act. The ICW force seemed unsure of how to proceed, until Harry hit the woman with a silent Ennervate. She jerked upright in her seat, gasping for breath, completely unaware of what had taken place. Her eyes quickly found Harry's, and her gaze turned furious.
"POTTER, WORLD'S BEST SEEKER!" she cried in hilarious outrage, breaking the tension of the shocked student body. "I'll have you in Azkaban for this!"
"Er… I think that might be tough to do," Harry answered with a grin as the woman was quickly placed in cuffs.
"Unhand me, sir! What is going on!? Cornelius! Help me!"
Her cries went unanswered, and the students cheered once more as the woman was led from the room, fighting the whole way. Lucius and his aurors left without another word, clearly deciding discretion was the better part of valor.
Harry turned to find Daphne, and her smile was radiant. An evil magic popped into existence before he could return it, however, a spell from Cassius Warrington fired as his back was turned.
His heart dropped to his feet as he saw Daphne's eyes widen in fear, her body moving without thought to intercept the sudden Killing Curse.
Time seemed to slow as she moved, and Harry felt Daniel, Sirius, and Albus moving behind him. He raised his hand instinctually, creating a large concrete wall in front of the group, as he prepared to safely catch Daphne as she leapt.
The wall was quickly turned to powder as the curse struck, and Daphne slammed into him a split second after.
The impact was immediately followed by Sirius', and Daniel's in the next moment knocked all four to the floor. Harry saw Albus' own conjured wall standing tall, and felt Remus immediately fire a stunner on the other side. Ron, Hermione, and McGonagall were quick to approach, all three also moving at the sight of the spell.
Harry lay at the bottom of the pile, unsure whether to be angry or grateful. He noticed Daphne's eyes closed in fear above him, and placed a light kiss on her forehead.
"We're all going to have a long conversation about what just happened," he said dryly. "But first, perhaps Sirius could remove his knee from my groin."
A/N: Umbridge's downfall was originally much longer, and there was an entire chapter dedicated to the pranks the trio+ Peeves were pulling, but it wasn't funny enough to include. Less was definitely more in this situation. Thanks for reading!