I certainly have no rights to Harry Potter, but this won't stop me writing this story. However, you probably already know this. As it is my specialty, and as in my other big stories, this shows how things go if something went different right at the beginning. Please note that I'm not a fan of bashing and also don't expect the two main pairings to differ from canon. However, the path to them certainly will be quite different. I also want to try and subvert certain plots and things that became common in the fandom over the years.
I do my normal rythm of publishing every second Saturday, until the year is complete. Then the story will go on hiatus again to give me time to write ahead so I can have a publishing schedule.
I'll try to answer all my reviews, since I do like the feedback for improvement. So please tell me your thoughts on the story in reviews. I would appreciate it. The more feedback I get, the more I can improve the story even further.
This story does have a TvTropes page. You can find the link in my bio. Feel free to visit and contribute to it.
Chapter 59: Harry Potter - Rebel
The Divination lesson of this Wednesday had just ended and Professor Trelawney had reminded her students of the homework for next week before observing them leave the classroom through the spiral staircase that led downstairs. She had tried for the sake of her students to give them their normal lessons, but she had no illusions that most of them had seen through the act; especially considering what the stated goal of this course was.
How long until they ask questions? she wondered.
Looking up, she saw that one student had not left and instead had approached her desk. In a way it was a pity that the girl had no seer blood in herself, since she was her best student; very diligent and open-minded about the subject. She already had a suspicion what she could want to ask her.
"Miss Lovegood, is there anything I can help you with?" Trelawney asked.
Luna gave her a calculating look from behind her glasses. "Professor, something is wrong with you. It was obvious throughout the lesson."
Trelawney sighed after having been seen through so easily. "It was that obvious? Sorry, but I'm currently dealing with difficulties and have trouble to concentrate on the lessons."
Luna blinked a few times, thinking, before having found a conclusion. "Your employment with the school is in danger, isn't it?"
"It looks like little escapes your sharp mind. No wonder the Sorting Hat said you also have Ravenclaw traits." Trelawney then sat down to sort the papers on the desk. "The High Inquisitor put me on probation. That means if she can find some sort of cause, she can lay me off."
"Ah. It is not a far reach to conclude that Professor Umbridge is no friend of Divination?" Luna asked.
"Most certainly not. To put it politely, she believes that Divination is nothing more than cheap guesswork with no substance." Trelawney looked highly insulted. "Granted, it is no exact science, but it does have its value. She does not understand the true goals of this course."
"That, or she understands it too well..." Luna said ominously, playing at the fact that outside of detecting true seers, the course mainly dealt with finding out hidden truths and the motivations of others as well as using mundane means to determine the most likely outcome of events.
Despite her mood, Trelawney gave Luna a proud look. "You have proven again why you are my best student in this year. Your mind is sharp and the motivations of others are an open book to you. A pity that many underestimate you due to your character."
"I would not see that as a weakness." Luna looked down for a moment. "Nonetheless, thank you for your time, Professor." There was no answer. "Professor?"
Luna looked up and froze. Professor Trelawney looked strange, like she had entered a trance. Remembering the memories of the two prophecies she had made, Luna knew right away that she was about to witness her making another one. This was something she honestly felt unprepared for, but there was little choice when Trelawney started to speak in the same voice she had used in the memories.
"It will happen before the longest day of the year ... In the year where pride turns against the toad. ... The Dark Lord is powerful and his rise shall be announced when the blood of the innocent is spilled onto the cobblestones. ... Yet from the spilled blood not only fear but also resistance will grow, for the Dark Lord does not know... the source of true strength..."
There were some moments of silence, Luna trying very hard to understand what the prophecy could have been about, until Trelawney blinked. "Uhm... what... I?" She then understood and pulled out her recording necklace, its gem flashing. She then listened to her prophecy and it was only after being done that she noticed Luna was still there. "Oh dear..."
"Professor, that prophecy..." Luna was trying to find words, but failed. Watching an actual prophecy being made had hit her unprepared; not to speak of its contents.
"I know..." Trelawney also looked unnerved by the contents of the prophecy. "I need to talk to the Headmaster as fast as possible. Please excuse me, but this can't wait..."
Watching the Professor leave, Luna felt she should better hurry and tell her friends about this. She had to admit that witnessing an actual prophecy being made had unnerved her more than she at first had thought. She needed someone to talk with about this.
Blood will be spilled to announce Voldemort's return to the world. Before the summer solstice. The toad must be Umbridge, Luna tried to put the pieces together while hurrying to get back to Gryffindor tower.
A short time later it was impressive how fast things could move in case of an emergency.
A small emergency meeting had been set up in the Headmaster's office in a matter of minutes, consisting of the Headmaster himself, McGonagall, Snape and Trelawney. It would be impossible to include more people without attracting attention, though of course the news would be conveyed to the wider Order as soon as possible. Thankfully, it was the end of the school day, so none of the had any pressing engagements.
They all did listen to the recording of the prophecy, their expressions showing concern.
Once the recording was done, Trelawney looked up. "I know I'm not an active member on your side, Headmaster, but please don't lock me out of this, saying it's for my own good."
"No... It would do you no favor to be kept ignorant, Sybill." The Headmaster made no secret how this prophecy had hit him unprepared.
"I'm a bit concerned that my prophecies only seem to have Lord Voldemort in them," Trelawney said, sounding like she wanted to make prophecies about anyone but him.
"Sadly, Lord Voldemort is such a huge influence on our lives, it often comes back to him. It's only natural that the prophecies have him as the main topic." The Headmaster then finally had collected himself. "Minerva, Severus, what do you think about the contents of the prophecy?"
McGonagall frowned. "Blood on the cobblestones... Voldemort most likely stops hiding and reveals himself in a spectacular way that involves murder. I shudder to think that he could soon feel ready to stop hiding."
Snape for his part thought about something else. "The Dark Lord has not lost a single word about his plans in that regard. He still is careful what to reveal to me. However, the wording indicates that it happens before the summer solstice. As for the toad..."
"Severus, we all know that it can only mean Umbridge. Everyone calls her that in secret and I very much doubt a real toad is meant. Thank all goodness it also talks about resistance, but I'm a bit stumped at the source of true strength which Voldemort knows not," McGonagall admitted.
Trelawney also scratched her head. "I honestly wonder if that is meant literally. Prophecies can be very tricky in that regard."
"I can make an educated guess about that." Dumbledore then saw he did have their attention. "Lord Voldemort... is incapable of understanding positive matters of the heart. Love, trust, compassion... those are things he is incapable of understanding. He feels that in the end everyone is like him; egoistic to the core and seeing others only as tools for your own success. Not a nice world to live in."
"You mean his weakness is, that he is incapable of understanding how powerful emotional bonds can be?" Snape had to admit, there was something to it. After all, it was his feelings concerning Lily, and his shame over his actions concerning her, which had made him turn against Voldemort.
"From very early on Tom had discarded emotional bonds as a weakness. He never learned - outright refused to learn - how to form and maintain them. In his world, everything is driven by egoistical self-interest. Think about the implications," Dumbledore reminded them, remembering his interactions with a young Tom Riddle.
They understood. Someone like Voldermort could never understand someone doing something without anything being in for them. Actions born of love or selflessness were alien to him. And because he didn't understand them, he would be bound to make errors when it came to them.
...Gryffindor common room, December 9th...
The weather had taken a turn for the worse, temperatures starting to drop and cold winds blasting the castle. It was only a matter of time now before it would start snowing as well. That was why most students didn't even bother with going outside, preferring to spend this Saturday in their dorms, doing all kind of things to spend their time. Only the most diligent ones were using this time to do their homework early.
Hermione Granger was not one of those people, but that was due to her already having done her homework, meaning she now had time on her hands for other activities. In this case it was her writing down things she wanted to ask the elves in the kitchen the next time she would visit them. She had read a lot of books about house-elves by now, but their origin and how they came to end up in their current role still was unclear.
The cynical part of Hermione thought that this was on purpose, since the elves were less likely to get ideas if their past was erased, making the world think they always had been servants.
Makes sense. Without the idea that they had been something else before the current status quo, they are much less likely to want some change, she thought, theorizing that the elves must have been helpful by nature and wizards in ancient times somehow twisted that into absolute servitude.
-Bang- Raising her head, she looked to where Harry, Neville and Luna were playing Exploding Snap. In her eyes the game was quite juvenile, though that had not stopped her from playing numerous games herself over the years. She knew they had put off doing their remaining homework until tomorrow, but by now she knew better than to nag them about it.
Then however she heard steps coming from the portrait hole and saw...
It was Ron and Ginny. Today had been one of the days where Ron was trying his hardest to form a new team after Umbridge had banned over half of the old one from playing - being desperate enough to train even in such a weather. While he did have players at hand right away from the reserve team, another of Umbridge's rules said that more tryouts and to go over her desk, and the petty little tyrant of course had said no to Ron wanting to fill the reserve team.
From all what she had heard, while the reserve players were not bad - especially Ginny was good - the circumstances forcing the creation of this patchwork team had thrown them off their game a lot. The severely damaged morale was making things a lot more difficult than they should have been. Right now Ron and Ginny both looked to be in a bad mood and for some reason they were caked with mud.
"How in all names did the two of you get caked with mud? It's freezing out there," Hermione then asked, honestly wondering how that had come to pass.
"Someone thought it would be a good idea to make the pitch softer in case we fall," Ginny grumbled while trying futilely to get some of the mud out of her long hair. "And of course the showers in the changing rooms are currently out of order."
"Training was that bad?" Hermione asked. Even if she knew little about the deeper tactics of the game, she knew when something had not gone according to plan.
"The way this new team was forced to come together makes it an uphill battle," Ron said with a sigh, looking tired. "They are giving it their best, but none of them wanted to advance to the main team this way and it shows."
Ginny rolled her eyes. "Ron, be frank and just say we sucked big time. Even I was way below what I can normally do on the pitch." She then did one last attempt to get some mud out of her hair before giving up. "If you excuse me, I have that very feminine desire for a very warm shower."
Ginny walked to the stairs, then stopped when seeing Harry look at her. "Yes, Harry?"
Harry looked a few seconds more before he addressed her. "I had thought it's hyperbole, but now you literally are splattered from head to toe in mud and yet it actually makes me think you are not afraid to get dirty. I realized how attractive that is."
Ginny remembered those words. Luna had first told them to her and Harry had heard them sometime over the summer. To hear that it was very true made her feel a bit better. "Thanks, but better wait until I'm clean before you tell me in detail how attractive you think I am."
Ginny then went up the stairs, leaving behind a blushing Harry, though his smile betrayed how he was looking forward to it.
"Do they have to be so blatant about it?" Ron wondered. While he honestly was happy for Harry and Ginny, he held little desire to see his little sister - his tomboyish little sister at that - doing the things that teenage girls did with their boyfriends.
"You want to tell Ginny to tone it down?" Hermione asked.
"Hell, no! You know how she would take that." Ron would most certainly not tell his sister what to do in regards to Harry.
Hermione then looked Ron up and down. "You know, you kind of look a soldier after the battle. Despite how dirty you are, it does have a certain appeal."
"A certain appeal? What do you mean with that?" Ron wondered.
"Some would say it looks manly." Hermione waited for a moment, seeing Ron actually look at bit flustered at that compliment. "But you are still dirty, so better get under a shower and send the uniform to the wash."
"Eh, yes... Right away." Ron then quickly went up the stairs and out of sight.
Hermione then noticed Harry, Neville and Luna giving her an interesting look. "What are you looking at?" she asked, sounding a bit annoyed.
"Eh, yes, sure Hermione," Harry said with a shrug, making it clear he didn't believe her.
Luna gave Hermione a deep look. "And you accuse me at times being oblivious."
What in all names does she mean with that? Hermione wondered while Luna turned her attention back to the game of Exploding Snap. I'm not oblivious! I... I'm... I don't know what's holding me back.
...December 13th...
"I wonder what kind of creature Hagrid will present today. He made a big production out of the announcement," Neville wondered while they waited close to Hagrid's hut for their next creatures lesson.
"Whatever it is, I'm glad Hagrid made some fires for us to keep warm. It's damn cold right now," Ron said, keeping close to one of said fires.
The others couldn't blame Ron, since they themselves felt cold as well. Over the past week temperatures had dropped a lot, not to speak of the snow, which had painted everything white and went as high as to their knees. Winters in northern Scotland after all were rather harsh. The weather conditions however also meant that Hagrid would have to present them with creatures that could tolerate the cold weather.
"Have you noticed? Hagrid seemed to be a little down over the past days, but now it's especially noticeable," Harry asked, feeling he could gauge the big man's moods rather well. Not that it was too difficult anyway.
"After Luna told us what happened to Professor Trelawney, I can harbor a good guess that Umbridge put him on probation as well," Hermione said, keeping silent about the prophecy. "She's flexing her muscles and Hagrid is an obvious target."
"Poor Hagrid. I wonder why she isn't going after Moody, considering she most likely can't stand the man?" Ginny wondered.
"That would be difficult for her," Luna explained. "Mr. Moody is not a teacher. He is employed by the school for security. Umbridge would need to take over the school fully before she can remove him."
That much was true. Alastor Moody had developed into a constant annoyance for Umbridge, especially because he was not intimidated by her and there was no easy way for her to punish him or fire him. Moody used many opportunities to remind her of his presence in the background, which Umbridge tried to counter by acting like the man was not even present.
"Let's hope she's stopped before that happens..."Ron then warmed his hands over the fire again. "Have you noticed that Filch also gives her angry looks?"
Harry snorted. "Well, that is little wonder. Considering how racist Umbridge is, she of course also has something against squibs. That was bound to get her on Filch's bad side."
That also was true. Argus Filch in general reacted very poorly to people who showed contempt to squibs and Umbridge, even without holding that against him directly, had shown all to clearly what she thought of people like him. By now students even whispered that he would love nothing more than to let her hang from the chains he was keeping in his office.
"Fascinating to observe that she has ensured to have no allies at all in the staff of Hogwarts. It does create the question how she intends to get the school under control," Luna wondered aloud.
It was that moment that Hagrid returned.
"All of you are here. Good!" Hagrid was clearly trying to be his normal self, but it was obvious something was pulling him down. Also, that he was carrying what looked like half of a dead cow over his shoulder was not very reassuring. "We need to be closer to the forest for today's lesson, so follow the path I've made in the snow."
"Hagrid carrying a dead cow makes me dread a little what kind of creature we could see today," Neville whispered, knowing of Hagrid's love for creatures that could potentially be dangerous.
"Have a little more trust. Up until now Hagrid has always made sure our lessons are safe," Ginny reminded him.
At least the creatures he does show during lessons are safe, what he does in his leisure time is an entirely different matter, Ginny added silently, having to think of Norberta or Hagrid breeding Aragog in his youth.
They walked until only being a few meters away from the age line that separated the school grounds from the Forbidden Forest. Hagrid dumped the dead cow next to the age line and then made a strange call before he looked to his class. "The meat should attract them... Now, I want to make sure no one is surprised. Today's lesson is on Thestrals."
"Y-you mean those bat-winged horse-things pulling the carriages?" Lavender asked, looking a bit afraid.
Hagrid knew after all the things that had happened, it was no wonder all the students could see them. "They are misunderstood creatures and lots of superstition is surrounding them. Don't think they are unlucky because you can only see them after witnessing and understanding death. The only sad thing is, that all of you are able to see them after what happened."
It was right then when a Thestral appeared and some in the class gasped. "Oh... are they harmless? I mean, they are eating meat," Mandy Brocklehurst asked, looking a bit nervous when the Thestral started to eat from the carcass and more started to appear.
"Oh, don't worry. They are not aggressive. As long you don't attack them, you are fine. Instead, they are very clever and loyal and it's sad they have such a bad reputation," Hagrid told the class.
The rest of the lesson then actually was quite informative and the students did learn quite a lot about Thestrals. While it was a bit depressing that all of them could see them - and Hagrid did bet his best shirt the majority of the school could - the Thestrals had proven to be a peaceful lot and had even allowed some students a quick flight, clearly being eager to stretch their wings a bit. They also seemed to have a healthy appetite, since by the end of the lesson, the carcass was fully gone, only some bones remaining.
"Hagrid, is something wrong?" Harry asked after the other students had already left, the Six wanting to make sure Hagrid was all right.
"Saw right through me, eh?" Hagrid then no longer bothered to keep up a front. "I got put on probation. Ruddy woman, I know exactly why she did that."
They knew Hagrid meant Umbridge's blatant racism. "Hagrid, none of us think any less of you. Hating you just for who your parents are is just plain wrong. She is no better than those blood-supremacists," Neville told Hagrid, seeing how hurt he looked.
"You are all good children that you don't think like them." Hagrid looked honestly moved at the loyalty they were showing him. "That woman even told me that me being declared innocent of all charges looks suspicious. -snort- I know in her ideal world, there would be no place for people like me."
"You know everything she says is crap?" Harry asked to make sure.
"Of course I know. But her only barely disguising it while telling me still hurts." Hagrid then pulled a big pocket watch out of his coat. "Better go now, or you'll be to late for your next class."
Hagrid watched them leave and couldn't help but to be proud of them. All of them were growing up to be strong in their conviction to stand against all those dark things that were tearing Magical Britain apart. Not only that, but their conviction was also starting to influence others around them. They themselves had no idea of that, but Hagrid had a feeling about the future.
As for himself, he was right now looking forward for winter break. It would allow him to visit Olympe and have some private time with her.
...Slytherin dorms, December 21st...
I'll be downright happy I won't have to see her face for some time starting tomorrow, Dudley thought while the door to the Slytherin dorms opened after the magical eye had confirmed his identity.
Granted, it wasn't him who Umbridge had in her sights - that questionable honor went to Harry - but Umbridge's mere presence in the hall during mealtimes was enough that it by now threatened to spoil his appetite. The things she had pulled up until now had angered many students, but there also was an underlying fear that there could be more to come.
Dudley honestly felt that all the things that were happening at the school on top of his personal problems were making things stressful for him. He also knew that Christmas this year would be awkward, so shortly after his father's prison sentence and his mother divorcing Vernon, not to speak of what would come in the future. His life had went off the rails, that was for sure.
Finally reaching his dorms, Dudley stopped when seeing a note on his bed.
Dudley looked around, but saw no one. Malfoy and his goons were still out and had not yet returned, and he knew Zabini and Nott were being busy in the common room. Quickly checking if all his things were at the correct place - and they were - Dudley then carefully checked the note with his wand for any nasty surprises. After what happened last year with the hate mail, he had become careful.
Finding nothing, he picked up the note and read it.
You better not feel secure here. Very soon you and those who have sided with you will learn you can't enjoy life anymore. Don't think Slughorn can protect you then. Things will be very different soon enough and then old scores will be settled. Let's see if you can be vigilant while sleeping. The same goes for your fellow traitors to Slytherin.
There was no name, but Dudley had the good guess the note had to be from Malfoy. The wording did fit perfectly and Dudley knew what Malfoy thought of him.
Considering everything Harry told me is going on with Umbridge, I have a feeling where this is going, Dudley thought.
Draco and Pansy had been seen several times conversing with Umbridge, looking like they were all on the same page about something. Considering what Umbridge was at the school for, that already had been alarming. But now seeing this note, Dudley knew Malfoy was very well capable of doing him harm if he was under Umbridge's protection.
Crap! I had not thought about that! Dudley cursed himself for not considering that possibility. No, stay cool! Alert someone to this first.
Leaving as quick as he could, Dudley hoped that Slughorn was following his usual routine and was doing some leisure work in his 'unofficial' office, which he was using to coordinate his personal activities. Slughorn had said that students with problems were welcome there as well and Dudley right at the moment was quite troubled.
Reaching the door after some minutes, Dudley knocked. "Come in, come in!" Slughorn called from behind the door and Dudley did so.
This office was a contrast to his rather functional official office for school-related work. It was very cozy and reflected Slughorn's personality very much, as he very much was about creature comforts, with a big piano being quite prominent in one corner. However, Dudley stopped when seeing that Slughorn seemed to hold a meeting with some members of the Slug Club. He did spot Harry, though not Harry's friends, in the group.
"Oh, I'm sorry Professor. Looks like I'm intruding..." Dudley started to excuse himself.
"No need to apology, my boy. Students are always welcome at my door." Slughorn then saw the note in Dudley's hand. "Which raises the question what brings you to my door."
Dudley would have been more comfortable without so many people around, but decided to go forward anyway. "I found this on my bed."
Slughorn took the note and read it, his expression turning more somber when he did so. He then looked to the members of the Slug Club. "I'm very sorry, but we have to cut our meeting short. A serious matter has arisen. ... Thank you for understanding."
Slughorn waited until the others were gone before he addressed Dudley. "Mr. Dursley, this is a very serious situation. Do you know who could have written this?"
"I have no proof, but I very much suspect Malfoy. He has a vendetta against me and access to the dorm room. Not to speak of the threat against Millicent and Daphne. Of course with no proof it will be hard to do anything about it," Dudley said right away, knowing he couldn't be wishy-washy about it.
"Of course it would fit to that boy. Sad, sad story. So much wasted potential due to a bad upbringing..." Slughorn looked a bit scared as well, since he knew who Draco's parents were. "The implications that he can do so without having to fear punishment is truly troubling. Be ensured however that I will bring this to the attention of the Headmaster right away."
Slughorn quickly escorted Dudley out and then locked the door before leaving for the Headmaster's office. Dudley was about to return to the Slytherin dorms, now actually feeling unsafe in them, when he noticed that Harry was waiting for him. He should have expected that Harry would ask what was wrong.
"Big D, what happened? You looked kind of scared by that note," Harry then asked.
"It boils down to Malfoy telling me that soon enough Umbridge will give him all the protection needed that he can do something nasty to me in my sleep. Millie and Daphne were threatened as well. Shit, after what happened in the past, I should have known better," Dudley cursed himself. He then told Harry what exactly had been in the note.
"He has written that?" Harry was taken aback, since leaving such a note meant Malfoy felt very sure of himself, not fearing any kind of consequences or retribution. He had a feeling that all too soon the blackmail with the photos would no longer work.
"He did. It couldn't have been anyone else but him, though I suspect Parkinson helped him with it, since she is just as nasty," Dudley added, knowing he had to tell Millicent and Daphne to be weary of Parkinson.
"You warn them while I tell the others. Crap, perhaps Ron's been right and we should have gone ahead with our plans regardless." Harry now kind of regretted that they had decided to wait with actively undermining Umbridge, if Malfoy had gotten her help with something.
Dudley knew what Harry was talking about. "We are always smarter after the fact. Right, you warn them and I do them same on my side. I have a feeling things will get ugly after we return from Christmas."
Both boys quickly went their separate ways.
...platform 9¾, the next day...
It seemed this year there were more parents than ever on the platform when the Hogwarts Express came to a halt inside King's Cross. That however was little wonder considering past events as well as the worsening social climate.
Parents were especially outraged since some weeks prior 'someone' had leaked what really was going on at Hogwarts, and how all the flowerly-worded articles in the Daily Prophet were just an attempt of the Ministry to hide their ongoing attempt to take over Hogwarts. Considering the school had been independent over the centuries for a good reason, it had caused the opposition press to heavily attack the Ministry. Despite them being small compared to the Daily Prophet, their voices were being heard while the Daily Prophet was suffering from eroding confidence in it.
It seemed however that Fudge by this point already was too far gone to any longer care about such things and gave no hint he would abandon that fool's quest. He seemed to have realized he would not get another term, but it only caused him to double down and compound on his errors in some sort of crusade. It was a sign that things only would get worse, but the pressure was not yet big enough that it could topple the Minister.
After all, it would need something truly big in order to get the huge majority needed for throwing the Minister out of office.
That all however was not on Dudley's mind when he disembarked the train. He saw his mother waiting for him on the platform, her looking fully recovered from what had happened to her during the Summer. However it was her expression that made Dudley stop for a second before he realized what that had to be about.
Dudley showed no resistance to his mother hugging him, which considering their difference in body size looked almost comical. When they parted again, Dudley finally asked "Mum, did happen what we feared would happen?"
Petunia knew her son needed to know now. "It did. Vernon set everything in motion that we'll lose the house. I'm fighting it, but I know I will lose, since the property is in his name only."
Dudley had known this would happen - after all Vernon had said he would do so from prison - but it now becoming reality felt different. "And... what will happen now?" he wondered.
"Please don't worry about it and leave it to me. I want to enjoy my time with you." Petunia told Dudley.
Dudley knew this was his mother's way of keeping him away from the issue, indirectly telling him that it was her mess to deal with. He then noticed his friends approach, looking concerned when reading the mood between mother and son.
"Hello Mrs. D..." Daphne started, then stopped herself and looked a bit embarrassed. "I'm sorry, Miss Evans."
"No, it is a big change and you are bound to slip up. Even I myself do so at times," Petunia admitted, still feeling strange when signing things with 'Petunia Evans'.
When divorcing Vernon, she had returned to her maiden name, feeling the Dursley name now held too big of a stigma, though Dudley had convinced her to not change his last name until he had finished school, since his connection to the Evans family - and thus Harry - could otherwise become obvious. Considering the things Dudley had told - and confessed - to her, she understood that it was for everyone's safety that it stayed confidential.
"Dudley, is...?" Millicent started, then stopped herself. "No, I can see it did happen."
"Yes... Dad has set things in motion to evict us." Even if the other stuff had not happened, Vernon wanting to make his mother homeless would have destroyed the relationship with his father for good. "Mum says to leave it to her, but I can't help but to worry."
"Oh dear..." Millicent knew according to Dudley it was bound to happen, but hearing it... "Mum said we would like for both of you to spend Christmas with us this year as well. And before you say it, that's not out of pity."
Daphne gave Dudley an interesting look which he understood perfectly fine. Convince your mother to accept. It was Millicent's idea.
Other families were watching the whole thing from a healthy distance.
"Truth to be told, it's still highly unusual for me to see Petunia act so different. For years I've witnessed her bad behavior, and now..." Thomas said, being tempted to see the past Petunia and the current one as two entirely separate people.
"I know what you mean and it now feels weird to actually feel sorry for her. Life has really screwed her over," Veronica agreed with her husband. "I wonder what will happen with them once they have lost the house?"
They knew that because news traveled fast in Little Whinging and Petunia and Dudley now being close to getting evicted out of the house by the imprisoned Vernon had spread like wildfire. The sad thing was, that due to her past behavior Petunia had no allies in the neighborhood after Vernon had ensured the social fall of the Dursleys.
"Dudley actually hinted to me while staying with us that she's going to get one of those cheap flats in one of the residential towers at the edge of Little Whinging." Thomas knew the reputation of those towers and grimaced, as that was quite the social descent. "Though Dursley won't have much of the house, either."
"Wait a moment." That was Diane, who had heard that. "What do you mean, Dursley won't have much of the house?"
"It's because of the debt he has to shoulder from the case against him, the money he had to pay to his now ex-wife for her injuries as well him having to shoulder her hospital bills, not to speak of her getting a good chunk of what was left in the divorce. So basically, he's broke and I heard he can't even pay half of it," Thomas explained.
"Wait, so that means the house...?" Veronica asked.
Thomas nodded. "Yes. He might be able to evict them, but fact is the house is bound to be sold so he can pay his remaining debt. So it's only a Pyrrhic victory for him."
"So the house will go up for sale...?" Diane thought aloud
"Eh, Diane?" Veronica asked, wondering what her friend was scheming. She after all by now knew that look. Diane always looked like that when she was planning something.
"Nothing, nothing..." Diane waved it off, though if anything it made Veronica wonder even more what was going on in Diane's head.
They couldn't waste another thought about the matter when the children finally emerged from the train.
...December 25th, 12 Grimmauld Place...
Just like last year, Sirius was again entertaining guests at 12 Grimmauld Place at Christmas.
While last year it had been in order to make a statement about him claiming his place on the political scene, this year it was due to his new alliances with the Bulstrodes and the Greengrasses. Such an alliance, especially with how it was announced, was equal to a declaration of war against those who were the enemies of House Black.
Battle lines had been drawn and in the middle of the explosive political climate - especially after the disaster in Azkaban - it was obvious that numerous families were starting to understand that it would be impossible not to pick a side. Thus this year the composition of guests was quite different compared to the previous year. There was no doubt that the Malfoys were holding a similar event to draw unsure families onto their side. An event Sirius knew would be filled with Death Eaters as well.
Sirius had even gotten reinforcements. Basically, the Blacks on his side were helping out. Andromeda and Ted were working wonders on showing that while the Tonks family was part of the bigger Black clan, they represented the new House of Black. Dora also was present and Remus being with her also was a test to reveal possible bigotry. The allied families - Weasley, Longbottom, Greengrass and Bulstrode - were also present.
"As you can see, Black, this is a huge game of thrones," said Scrimgeour, who also was a guest. "Gaining the official alliance of two important families, you kicked up a lot of dust and made it clear it soon will be time to chose sides."
"I wish I could spend the day with my children, but with things being the way they are, I have little choice but to use every chance to help prepare for the coming storm," Sirius said, watching Diane talking with the wife of one of his guests. At least the evening would be for the family.
"The signs are clear, but sadly our esteemed Minister refuses to see the threat. I lost a number of my best people simply due to him thinking they are conspiring against him." Scrimgeour made no secret how bitter he felt over the lost staff in his department due to Fudge's paranoia.
"And where will you stand once the storm arrives?" Sirius asked.
"I've sworn to protect the people of Magical Britain. Should the worst come to pass, that also means to protect them from those who were supposed to govern it for them," Scrimgeour said, making his position clear.
That moment Diane returned. "Sirius, can we take a break from this?"
"No problem. If you may excuse us, Scrimgeour?" Said man gave Sirius a nod and turned his attention elsewhere.
They both left the ballroom for a moment and Diane sighed. "Granted, the company is much better than last year and I've had many interesting conversations, but can I spend a few minutes just with you?"
The drawing room was close by and the two of them retreated into it.
"Honestly, I feel like the wife of a politician in the House of Commons. It's not my world and trying to smooth-talk with the guests wile wearing a pimped-up evening dress makes me feel uncomfortable," Diane confessed to her husband after he had closed the door behind them.
"Your inner tomboy is rearing her head?" Sirius asked, knowing Diane's femininity was not of the overly traditional sort.
Diane took a look at her dress. "Let's put it this way, I feel way more comfortable in simple casual clothes than in this." She then looked around. "It''s been some time since I last saw all of this, and even then it was only a glance"
Sirius knew what she meant. Diane had only visited Grimmauld Place for the first time at last year's Christmas. Before that it had been Sirius' reluctance to show her the house he had grown up in - a reluctance Diane understood perfectly considering she knew what said upbringing included - which had kept her away from it. She had only seen the drawing room for a short moment, but it had given a lasting impression.
"When I was young, I hated this room. Being forced to memorize the family tapestry does that to you," Sirius said, giving said tapestry a dark look. "At least the damn thing is more useful now."
"Part of me is a bit concerned how it not only updated to include me with my proper data, but even made such a good likeness of my face," Diane said when inspecting her own entry on the tapestry. "Even the drawings of Steve and Kathleen are up to date."
"That's one of the reasons I lock the drawing room when we have company. No need for others to snoop into family matters." Sirius then took a closer look at the tapestry. "At least I know how my parents knew for sure that Reggie had died. Even the date of his death is on here."
Diane knew better than to ask Sirius about his brother. Regulus, even after all these years, still was something he didn't like to talk about in detail. Instead, she shifted her attention to the items that were displayed under glass cases.
"What are all these things?" she asked, hoping it would distract her husband.
Thankfully, it did. "Half of the stuff I do recognize as ah-so-important heirlooms of the Blacks which my family put so much meaning on. Kreacher for some reason thought displaying them like this makes them look more impressive. Good that he removed all the nasty enchantments first."
"And the other half?" Diane asked.
"All kind of junk my family acquired which I don't even recognize." Sirius look at the various cases, until pointing out one in particular. "Take that locket for example."
Diane looked at the locket in question. It looked big, was made of gold and had an engraved, emerald-covered S on its front. "That thing looks really expensive. Gold and emeralds don't come cheap."
"Yes. Considering the S and the emeralds, I can harbor a guess that it's some kind of jewelry in honor of Slytherin, and my family just couldn't resist." Sirius then snorted. "I bet some families would pay a fortune for something like that."
"Master? Mistress?"
They looked to the door and saw that Kreacher had entered. The elf had looked especially happy with the fact that Sirius again was entertaining guests. He'd been very busy with serving drinks, so it was a bit surprising to see him here.
"Yes, Kreacher, is something wrong?" Sirius asked, even after years enjoying how polite that elf had become compared to his prior behavior towards him.
"Master Sirius, the guests are wondering where Master and Mistress are," Kreacher told him.
Sirius sighed. "Looks like it's back to shaking hands and verbal politics."
"Yes. Again, while it's a much better crowd, it's not my world," Diane agreed.
Watching them both walk past him, Kreacher looked to the case they had inspected. He'd been a bit panicked when seeing them take a closer look at the locket, so it was fortunate he'd had news that would make them leave. That locket symbolized his greatest failure, and it being whole reminded him of it each time he saw it.
Kreacher hated the locket, but it had to be kept safe until he could finally get an idea how to fulfill Master Regulus' final order.
o
Of course while the adults were being busy, the teenagers were up to their own things during Christmas day - the evening being reserved for being with the family. At the Longbottom manor, Neville and Luna were using the time to relax, sitting back on a very comfortable couch while watching the snow fall outside. Next to the couch was a small table holding two mugs with warm chocolate, a small charm keeping it warm.
Luna's parents had been a bit disappointed that she wouldn't spend Selene's first Christmas with the family, but they also had looked excited when hearing why and gave hints which had caused even Luna to blush. She honestly had not wanted to see the conventional wisdom, that parents are there to embarrass their children, to be proven that way!
Well, one way or another, the first few days had been great, though the hiccup had been, that Mr. and Mrs. Longbottom, despite trying to be discreet, had been a little too nosy, despite them having heard Augusta scolding those two to be less intrusive. Despite Augusta not being impressed with Luna's background, she after all was from a different time with different social norms, she trusted them enough to know nothing untoward would happen.
Now however, they were alone. The parents were at Grimmauld Place to help Sirius with his guests for politics, Augusta was taking an afternoon nap and the elves were being busy with preparations for the evening. Granted, there also was Trevor the toad, but he was just lazing in his terrarium and didn't count.
"Your parents are very nice... but also a little too interested in certain things," Luna finally said, the light blush on her cheeks showing the effect it had on her.
"I'm sorry, but since I'm their only child, I think they read a little too much into you wanting to spend Christmas with my family," Neville apologized, having a good idea why Luna up until now had said nothing about the matter.
"There was enough truth in what they were reading into it," Luna then said, causing Neville to stop. "Being together with you... on our own... I have difficulties describing it," Luna tried to describe it.
"You mean a warm feeling... A feeling you want more of?" Neville asked.
Luna nodded. "It's strange. I did start to have that kind of... interest in you at the end of our second year, getting frustrated when you didn't notice." Luna would never admit how often she had to 'take care' of her resulting physical needs. "Yet when you started to show that kind of interest in me, I suddenly became shy about it."
"I don't think you became shy. You just were a bit at a loss what exactly to do." Neville then leaned a bit closer. "To be honest, there was no big moment when I realized I feel like that for you. You've been my friend for years and gradually my perspective... shifted. I only became aware of how much my perspective had changed at the Yule Ball a year ago."
"That day changed a lot for all of us." Luna knew Neville had already started to see her as a girl beginning in their fourth year, but it was the Yule Ball where he for the first time had openly shown he thought of her as a desirable girl in a romantic and sexual way.
"I think it's good we've been friends for years before..." Neville blushed a little. "Let's say I get interesting dreams about both of us being together. It's a good thing we already knew each other so well before that happened. It... it makes me appreciate you for who you are. Strange habits and everything."
"Oh, I don't know what to say..." Luna then noticed they had moved closer together during their conversation and their faces were only centimeters apart. "Did our bodies move on their own? ... Neville, I..."
Seeing Luna struggle for words but having a feeling what she wanted, their faces closed in onto each other, until their lips gently met. First kisses were always a bit messy due to lack of experience, but to them it more was them overcoming this invisible barrier. Their lips parted for a moment and they looked into the others' eyes, before carefully doing it again.
When they finally parted again, both of them were blushing but regretted nothing. "This is nothing like in the books... In a good way," Luna said, sporting a dreamy look way stronger than normal.
"I know..." Neville was unable to add much to that. For several minutes they just looked at each other, before Neville spoke up. "You know, we maybe should keep this secret for a bit. Not that I mistrust our friends, but..."
Luna understood. "We are not like Harry and Ginny. They try to keep the displays down, but they also make no secret of them being together."
Seeing how both of them were in agreement, they reached for their mugs with warm chocolate, content to now just relax. Though, looking closely, one would see them sit very close together and other small signs they had made an important step.
...January 2nd 1996...
It was with mixed feelings that Dudley returned to Hogwarts. Normally, he always was happy to return to the castle, but not this time. It was not only due to Umbridge, but also due a feeling of being in danger returning. He had not forgotten the note, but hadn't heard anything about it yet. Perhaps the teachers had been unable to do anything about it. That was a depressing thought for him.
"From the outside the castle looks so peaceful. Nothing hints at how things are getting worse," Daphne commented during the ride up to the castle.
"I'm honestly afraid now to sleep in the same room as Malfoy. Over the past days my imagination went wild what he could do to me if not being kept in check," Dudley again voiced his fears, knowing the girls took that seriously.
"It's not only you." Millicent also looked uneasy. "I had tried to push the whole thing to the side, but considering Parkinson had to have been involved with it, I also fear for Daphne and myself. I doubt Tracey would have the courage to stand up to Parkinson should things get serious."
And that was the problem. In the boys' dorm, while Nott and Zabini held no love for Draco, they also held no chance against Crabbe and Goyle should something nasty happen. In the girls' dorm, Tracey Davis was the only other girl, and should Parkinson get truly nasty against those she disliked, then Davis was unlikely to step in due to not exactly being the bravest person around.
"And my parents told me that school is supposed to be the happiest part of life," Daphne said with a biting undertone, most likely to hide the undercurrent of worry in her voice.
Soon enough they had entered the castle and were about to walk to the door that would lead them to the stairs down to the dungeons, when they noticed Professor Slughorn standing next to the door. He must have waited for them, since once he spotted them, he walked towards them. This gave Dudley some hope that maybe something had come out of it.
"Ahh, Mr. Dursley, Miss Bulstrode and Miss Greengrass! I've been waiting for the three of you!" Slughorn called them, sounding much less concerned than when Dudley had shown him the note.
"Professor, is it about what I showed you?" Dudley asked, not wanting to say too much out in the open.
Slughorn nodded, the motion causing his big belly to quake a bit. "Yes, yes. I brought it to the attention of the Headmaster and he agreed that different arrangement have to be made for the three of you for the time being. If you follow me..."
They did follow him, and to their surprise he led them back out of the castle and towards the guest building.
"Professor, any reason why we are walking to the guest building?" Daphne asked, though she did have a hunch."
"Have some patience, my dear, then everything will be explained," Slughorn told her.
It was only when they had entered the guest building that Slughorn explained what was going on. "The Headmaster took the threats against you very seriously. Thus is was decided to relocate you away from the Slytherin dorms for the time bein. It's for your own safety and not intended as a punishment."
Millicent looked around. "No, it's great, but what is stopping them from trying anything here? It's not like the building is locked."
"We have something better than that," Slughorn said with a bit of amusement.
"I hope so!" Turning to the entrance, they saw Mad-Eye Moody enter, as always checking everything with his magical eye. "I'm living here and made damn sure that no one dicks around here as they please."
Slughorn didn't stop looking amused. "Alastor here outright refused to sleep in the castle, even during the days of the Triwizard Tournament. His quarters are in this building and no one dares to cross him on his own turf."
"If they try anyway, they will learn fast not to." Moody then gave the three students his attention. "Dumbledore told me of the threat against you. Good that you right away brought that to our attention. We do take such things very seriously."
"I... thank you for taking this seriously. I had feared you could decide to ignore it," Daphne admitted.
"No, never." Moody's expression darkened. "If it's as you say that Malfoy boy, then you have every right to be concerned. The apple has not fallen far from the tree and I don't have to explain what he's capable of should he truly get Umbridge's backing, do I?"
All three of them gulped at Moody's words, knowing very well by now of the things that Lucius Malfoy was capable of. Draco following in his footsteps could only mean serious trouble for them. Millicent had directly suffered due to Malfoy Sr. and his plots, Dudley had been involved in her rescue and Daphne was in the crosshairs of those like Malfoy due to her family and their stance.
However, Moody was not done yet. "Speaking of Umbridge. There is something else you need to know about..."
o
At the same time the Six were making themselves at home again in their dorms. Up in the girls' dorms they were unpacking when Lavender noticed how Luna's behavior had shifted from what it had been before Christmas.
"I smell that something interesting must have happened Just look at how different she acts from normal," she finally said, not being bothering to whisper.
The other girls had noticed as well and Parvati, after taking another look, thought aloud "Considering how aloof she normally is, it has to be something serious. Judging by her expression, it has to be a boy."
They stopped when Luna suddenly turned to them. "It's considered very rude to talk about someone behind their back, especially if you don't even make the effort to hide it." The way she despite her biting words didn't shift her relaxed expression was quite intimidating.
Luna then returned to unpacking. Hermione could only shake her head.
"That was very rude of them. It's like their need to gossip overrides their common sense. In a way I'm relieved I was socially excluded during primary school, since it means I never developed such habits," Hermione commented while taking Crookshanks off her bed before his claws could cause damage to the sheets.
"So you won't ask me about that topic?" Luna asked while putting her underwear into a drawer.
"I won't. While I know something must have happened between you and Neville, that's a private matter," Hermione explained her stance.
-WHAM!- The door to the dorm room was slammed open violently, causing everyone to jump. It was Angelina and she didn't look happy at all.
"Angelina, what the...?" Ginny started, but was cut off quickly.
"Get down to the bulletin board now! That damn toad has done something during our absence," Angelina barked, not bothering at all with politeness.
The girls - even Luna - flinched at that. If Angelina was like that, then Umbridge must have done something serious. Everyone dropped whatever they had been doing and raced down the stairs to the common room, where the bulletin board was. Seeing how at least half of the House already was gathered around it, it truly had to be something serious.
Hermione was the first of them to make it to the board and what she read was not good.
BY ORDER OF THE HOGWARTS HIGH INQUISITOR
In accordance with today's enacted Educational Decree 27, which does grant the High Inquisitor the final say in all club-related activities at Hogwarts, all clubs are as of this day dissolved. The petition to have a club re-instated has to go to the High Inquisitor herself. Violating the dissolution of a club will, following the new decree, will be persecuted by the courts.
Hermione had known this ultimately would happen, but knowing and seeing it become reality were two very different things. On one hand she felt anger that Umbridge had decided to pull the nuclear option, on the other hand she felt a growing discomfort with their chosen course of inaction . While this was exactly what they had waited for with said course, she didn't feel any satisfaction.
The others by now had read the new decree as well and heated discussion was breaking out, the overwhelming majority of students being angry at such a dictatorial action. Many of the students from non-magical families were saying that this was straight out of the dictatorship playbook and that they had to do something before it was too late.
The Six meanwhile retreated to a table the furthest away from the board.
"Aren't you happy? What you've been waiting for has happened; the toad has gone too far just to stop Snape from teaching us how to defend ourselves properly," Ron said to his friends, making no attempt to hide the hurt and accusing undertone.
Even Hermione couldn't fault Ron for feeling he had been right all along. However, him being angry was not very constructive. "Ron, please..."
"No, I said it from the start, but all of you said 'no need yet' and 'let her go too far'. Well, now it has happened!" Ron told them, thought it seemed Ron was most angry with himself for not being more insistent.
His friends were silent for a moment, knowing that despite all points they had made about it, in retrospect it had been them being too chicken to do something right away. It was Luna who finally spelled it out. "We are always smarter after the fact. I admit that even I was too careful; having been unwilling to risk anything due to us still getting Defense lessons."
Hearing that admission from Luna of all people, Ron calmed down a bit. "So now what?"
"We do what you wanted; take action," Harry said, his expression hardening. "And we can do that by first ensuring that Umbridge won't be able to sabotage us when it comes to Defense."
"Ehm, as much as I like how determined you now are, Harry, maybe we should make sure that at least the Headmaster gives us the OK to go ahead with it?" Neville asked. "Not that we strictly need it, but it would make me feel better."
"I have to agree with Neville," Ginny said. "As much as a secret rebellion has its charm, I would feel better if some adults can give us their support."
As angry as Harry was about the situation - and at himself for having done exactly what Ron had accused them of - he knew this was reality and not some spy novel. "Uncle Sirius needs to know first. I need his help if I want to get past Ms. Spencer to Dumbledore."
They all nodded, remembering Dumbledore's secretary all too well. Ms. Spencer was sure to still be in the anteroom to do some paperwork relating to the school being open again tomorrow. Without a good reason she would not let students into the Headmaster's office. Some students over the years had tried to bully her into compliance, but that had resulted in them getting slapped with detentions.
No, in order to get past Ms. Spencer, Sirius had to contact the Headmaster, so that Dumbledore would actually ask for Harry to be in his office.
Ron meanwhile had read the decree again, this time to the end, then returned. "Funny, there is an exemption for Quidditch teams near the end. Those are still going on as normal. How did that get in there?"
Ginny snorted. "I bet it was Malfoy, complaining to Umbridge that he doesn't want to lose his position on the team."
Considering all they knew of Malfoy's character, that was a very distinct possibility.
o
"Where is he?!" Draco hissed when seeing that Dudley's bed was gone and none of his things were in their dorm. "I won't believe for a second that he left the school. I saw him on the train."
Crabbe and Goyle also looked clueless about the matter. "No idea. Haven't seen him anywhere," Goyle said, looking perplexed (which in his case was no difficult accomplishment).
"Cripes, you are useless..." Draco groaned, by now no longer hiding what he really thought of the due.
"Jeez, Malfoy, stop making an arse of yourself," Theodore Nott complained while taking items out of his trunk. "You ranting about the obvious won't magically make him appear."
"Are you giving me cheek, Nott?" Draco asked pointedly, daring Nott to say the wrong thing.
Nott however was too smart to fall into such an obvious trap and he also saw the warning look that Zabini gave him. "No. I only tell you that you can do something more constructive than this."
"Yeah, sure!" Draco of course didn't believe it, but then decided to do something else. "Crabbe, Goyle! With me! Let's see if Pansy has something to say about this."
Watching them leave, Zabini looked to Nott. "Try to control yourself better. You know the whispers that Malfoy could soon enough settle old scores without having to fear consequences."
Nott nodded. "Yes, and I'm not delusional and know I can't hide behind my name, either. My old man would love nothing more than to press me into servitude to the Dark Lord. Another reason to despise my so-called father."
Zabini gave him a silent nod of agreement, since both their family situations were terrible.
In the common room meanwhile, Draco was waiting for Pansy to appear, having bullied a female first-year student into telling Pansy that he was waiting. He didn't have to wait for too long before Pansy appeared, looking just as annoyed as he did. That was adding to the puzzle, since something must have happened in the girls' dorm as well.
"Pansy, what happened?" Draco asked, already having a good guess.
"Bulstrode and Greengrass are gone. None of their things are in the dorm room and even the beds are missing. Even Bulstrode's annoying cat is not present," Pansy told him what had happened.
Draco now knew something was up. "Let me guess, Davis has no idea what happend, right?"
"She is completely clueless. I know I've seen them board the train, so there's no way they could have left the school. But where are they?" Pansy wondered. "Maybe we shouldn't have written that note?"
In retrospect Draco realized that perhaps alerting the people you have a grudge against hadn't been such a smart idea. " All right... No idea where they are, but they have to be somewhere in the school. That has to be Slughorn's doing."
"He's starting to prove troublesome," Pansy said. It was not only that but also several years of hurt pride that Slughorn had not given her any kind of special attention, feeling jealous of the attention the Six were getting from the man.
"Patience. Soon enough he won't be able to any longer derail our plans," Draco told her, playing at what they knew would happen soon enough.
Pansy then sighed. "I know. I also know it will restrict the time I can spend with you."
Draco made a gesture to Crabbe and Goyle to get lost. As soon as the two grunts were gone, Draco held Pansy close. "Don't worry. Soon enough they'll kneel before us and plead to be shown lenience. Then we'll have more than enough time for ourselves."
He again made sure no one would witness it, before kissing Pansy - something she very much enjoyed.
...some time later, office of the Headmaster...
Harry had to admit that this was perhaps one of the stranger meetings he'd been in. While Sirius was attending through the mirror connection - a little fact Umbridge of course had no idea about - it not only was the Headmaster being present, but also McGonagall and - to his surprise - Snape.
Granted, when thinking about it Snape's presence did make sense, since even under the difficult circumstances it up until this point had been him who had been teaching them Defense. Harry had no trouble to see how displeased Snape was with now being completely unable to do so, though there also was a form of bitter acceptance, like he had expected that to happen sooner or later.
Harry had spent minutes explaining what exactly they wanted to do and the adults had listened carefully. Now however Harry was coming to the end of the explanation. "...and thus that room would be very safe from Umbridge trying to snoop after us.. However, we would prefer to only go ahead when having your blessing."
"I must say, Harry, I'm impressed. You and your friends have put much thought into this," Dumbledore admitted, making no secret of how proud he felt. He then saw Snape's expression. "You also want to add something, Severus?"
Snape snorted. "Only that either he's smarter than his father, or he got smarter friends than him. James Potter would have itched to have some big showdown with Umbridge instead of doing the smart thing."
"As much as I want to defend James, that actually does sound like him before he got his act together," Sirius admitted, feeling a bit dirty he was agreeing with Snape.
"I never would have thought the day would come where we are in agreement about something." From the sound of it, Snape for his part also felt uncomfortable with that fact.
As much as Harry wanted to defend his father, he kept his cool. "I guess there is a reason why the Sorting Hat said that Ron and me also have Slytherin traits."
"Exactly." That was the Sorting Hat, actually commenting from where it sat on display. "It warms me that you understand my reasoning. No person after all is defined by just one trait. Maybe I should mention secondary traits more often."
Sirius meanwhile addressed Harry. "It is the smart thing to do, Snape is correct about that. Better believe however that I will tell Thomas and Veronica what you are about to do. They are already concerned enough considering what is happening at the moment."
"Uncle Sirius, please don't try to make me feel guilty. You know as well as me that we have to do that. Otherwise we'll be caught with out trousers down once things get truly nasty," Harry reminded Sirius.
"Maybe we can return to the issue at hand?" McGonagall asked, looking a bit impatient. "Judging by your reaction, Albus, you are going to allow this to happen."
"Ah yes, excuse us, Minerva," Dumbledore said, returning to the matter at hand. "I indeed will not put any stones in the way, though perhaps you should put a bit more effort into making sure the truth about what you are about to do won't reach the wrong ears, Harry."
Harry knew that as well. "Well... Hermione already said she's planning something, but told us to show some patience, since it's not easy according to her. Eh... just to make sure..." Harry then looked to Snape. "I hope it's nothing too personal, Professor, but from all we know, when he wants something, he does let his followers know with the Dark Mark on their arms, correct?"
Snape instinctively touched his covered forearm. That mark to him was a mark of shame and a banding showing the errors he made in his youth. "Yes, that generally is how the Dark Lord demands someone's presence," Snape then said, his voice dangerously devoid of emotion. He should have know that Potter and friends had been told of that fact.
Harry did notice Snape reacting badly. "That is all I need to know, Sir. Hermione is planning something on the same principle, but without a branding on the skin."
"Your friend is one of the smartest people of her generation, so I have no doubt she will solve the problem. I've heard Filus bemoan more than once that the Sorting Hat didn't put her into his House," Dumbledore mused.
"My decision stands. No amount of complaining will change it. Perhaps knowing of her other qualities besides her courage showed a road not traveled," the Sorting Hat said, even sounding a bit smug.
"One's loss is an other's gain;" McGonagall said under her breath, having made little secret how she felt Hermione had enriched House Gryffindor many times over.
In the mirror, Sirius nodded in acceptance. "There is little I can say to make you rethink, and as long as you take no risks, I won't do anything about it. Though better expect a call from your guardians in the near future."
"You had to remind me..." Harry knew Thomas and Veronica only acted like that due to wanting his best, but his teenage self at times was irrational.
"That's my job, Harry. Until later." Sirius then turned off the mirror and Harry pocketed it.
"You better believe that I check your progress once this situation is dealt with," Snape told Harry and Harry knew the man would be extra critical of them to ensure they had not done their DIY-learning wrong.
"There is one question I still have, Headmaster," Harry then asked Dumbledore. "You said to prepare us for what is to come and over the summer we did get training, especially in Occlumency, but now we have to do this ourselves. Is that also due to Umbridge?"
Dumbledore sighed. "I had planned for Severus to be especially thorough with your year, but I also had planned for special lessons which would have taught you things not conveyed in normal school lessons. Sadly, due to what happened, that currently is not possible."
"At least not without attracting the attention of the toad," Harry finished the thought. "I know it is not your fault, Sir. We'll all breathe in relief once she is gone. Now I better go back..."
"Let me escort you back to Gryffindor tower," McGonagall said, making it clear that this was no suggestion.
Dumbledore and Snape remained in the office and waited until the door had closed, before Snape became less rigid. "I dread the day he learns that it was me who originally gave the Dark Lord the information about the prophecy."
"Right now there are only three people who know that information. Lord Voldemort, yourself and myself. As cruel as it sounds, I am very certain that sometime in the future Tom will use that information in order to emotionally hurt Harry and to test your resolve," Dumbledore said with a sigh.
Snape grimaced, since that was exactly the type of thing Voldemort would do. "That would fit, as my current situation is still not yet secure. Good that he doesn't blame me for the failure in the Department of Mysteries."
Snape did remember Voldemort's mood after that failure, as it had been downright chilling. Voldemort had demanded his presence and then asked him point-blank to repeat everything he knew Dumbledore had done regarding the prophecy. Thankfully, the ruse, firmly planted as a false memory that Dumbledore had kept his cards very close, had worked, thus Voldemort had decided that Snape had not been in the know, either.
"We should be thankful for that. In his eyes, the blunder of others raises your worth to him," Dumbledore mused.
Snape knew it was a cynical way of thinking, but nonetheless very true. "The Dark Lord thinks that I am on his side and that while you sent me to spy on him, I actually am loyal to him and became a double-agent for him. -snort- Ironic that his idea was correct, but he got the loyalties wrong."
That was the whole idea behind Snape's role in the whole mess. Voldemort thought that Snape was still loyal to him and was double-crossing Dumbledore. Instead, Snape was very much loyal to Dumbledore and was using Voldemort's ego against him. Snape was a double-agent, only for Dumbledore against Voldemort, and not the other way around. The truly tricky part was to raise Snape's worth to Voldemort without doing actual damage to their own side.
He knew there was a good chance he would not survive this, but considering what laid in the past, he had grimly accepted those odds.
to be continued...
Next Episode:
"The Resistance Sparks"
Notes:
Here the notes.
Since Divination is not a hard science, Trelawney of course again is in danger. You also see, I love prophecies quite a bit as a plot device. I of course won't tell you what exactly this prophecy means, since that would be spoilers.
A little more teenage sexual tension as well as me making good on something that was said. Harry does find Ginny sexy, even if she is splattered from head to toe with mud.
I really wanted to still include the thestral lesson, though of course this time all students see them, which makes the lesson easier (and in some ways harder) on them. Of course Hagrid is targeted as well, this time it's Umbridge's racism at work.
You didn't really think Dudley would be left alone forever, do you? Malfoy and Parkinson are getting bolder, though as we see later in the chapter, that also backfired on them, thus hinting they are not as smart as they think they are. Also more of Vernon still causing trouble.
More from the political side at Grimmauld Place and Sirius working behind the scenes (which will be important from Book Six onward). Neville and Luna in my mind are rather private people, so they won't do publice displays of affection, even after this chapter.
And of course the reason for the chapter title... Due to her pettiness, Umbridge is her own worst enemy. However, despite seeing the Six finally taking the initiative, we also see something that is only waiting to rear its ugly head at the worst possible moment...