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.
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Chapter 60: The Resistance Sparks
It was amazing to see how much an efficient whisper network could accomplish in a short amount of time. They had returned to school on January 2nd, when they had heard of Umbridge striking at the clubs. Now it was January 6th, and in mere four days a lot had been accomplished. It all was on a to-know basis and students were highly careful with who to share it with.
Thew news had been spread discreetly during lessons when practical work was being required, in bathrooms, during walks over the vast school grounds or in the safety of dorm rooms. No one felt that was over the top considering the things Umbridge had already pulled and the things she was very capable of pulling in the future.
"I wish all of this wouldn't be necessary. Honestly, this is a school and we now have to act like it's the middle of hostile territory," Hermione commented while Harry again checked the map to ensure the path was free.
"The way Umbridge is acting, she probably wants to turn the school into a prison," Ginny remarked, her tone biting.
Harry then looked up from the Marauders Map. "You know, I wouldn't put it above her to ensure we can no longer reveal all the shit she's pulling here. And the path is clear."
It had only taken little time for them to decide that the Room of Requirement was the ideal place for them to use. After all, not only could it take any form they needed, it also was secure from anyone surprising them. That also was due to Umbridge having no idea it even existed. That required either the elves telling her - which was highly unlikely considering how racist she was - or one student turning traitor, which they hoped wouldn't happen.
They did reach the hidden door without trouble and did remember how to use it from last year.
"And you are sure what Dobby told you is correct?" Neville asked Harry while they entered.
"Yes. He explained it to me that if someone wants the same room as us while we are inside, the door will appear, but we have to open it from the inside." Harry then remembered more of his conversation with the elf. "I should really get him something nice, considering how much he admires me."
"Admire?" Ron asked. "It's like he worships the ground you walk upon. I think he honestly needs a girlfriend in order to direct his attention elsewhere."
Hermione tried hard not to roll her eyes. "Little problem there is, that as a free elf Dobby can't exactly impress many female elves due to the social stigma. It would take a really progressive one to find him attractive."
Looking around, they saw the specifics they had asked for - and what had been told to those who would join them - were honored by the room, making it the perfect place for teaching Defense spells. Besides an area for training the spells in question, there were shelves full with various instruments as well as books and scrolls which had to be filled with the needed spell instructions. Just to make sure Hermione checked some of the books then nodded in approval.
"Now we need to wait for the others to arrive," Luna remarked, pointing to several rows of big silk cushions.
They did not have to wait for long to hear knocking on the door and admit the first participants. It were students from all houses and not just from their year. However, as they had stressed, the groups couldn't be too big, so teaching everyone at the same time was out. It would take some logistical juggling to get it right, but that were details they would solve on the way.
Finally, with twenty people - the Six included - every cushion was occupied, meaning this group was now complete. Harry gave a nod to their three Slytherin friends, knowing that Dudley, Millicent and Daphne were already fearing something could happen to them, which had resulted in them being moved into the guest building for the time being.
Dean Thomas looked around, whistling. "Now, I honestly didn't believe it when you told us about this room. A room that becomes anything you need. Kind of wild."
"And no one followed you? No snoopers?" Ron asked, wanting to make sure. He thanked all goodness that Fred and George were not in this group, but in the next one.
"We made sure," Seamus promised, knowing why there was this secrecy. There was agreement from the rest that they did so as well.
"All right." Harry stood up so he could address everyone. "I don't think I have to explain why all of us are here, do I?"
"We all know too well," Padma Patil from Ravenclaw said. "Magical Britain is sliding into deep crap and the Ministry doesn't want to admit it. -snort- All of us experienced first hand what's going on and they have the gall to tell us we are wrong? And now Umbridge tries her best to turn us into helpless sheep."
Parvati gave her twin sister a startled look, obviously not having expected this. Then Astoria spoke up. "The younger Hufflepuffs can't stand her. Though the ones from non-magical families used some names I don't understand. Who are Beria and Himmler?"
"Eh... I'll tell you later, all right?" Hermione told the girl, knowing where those comparisons came from. "On the other hand, all of you are on the same page."
"That's good; it means I can get right to the point. Since Umbridge wants us to learn nothing about Defense and days ago sabotaged Professor Snape, it's up to us now t pull our weight. The Headmaster is informed and actually approves of the plan, since he feels what the Ministry is doing is irresponsible," Harry started to explain.
Some were reassured that the Headmaster actually knew of this secret. His stamp of approval gave the whole thing an official feel. Harry then continued "I know it won't be easy, but it's not like we have much of a choice."
"So, how exactly does this work?" Lavender asked, also being part of this group. "Is Harry going to be our teacher?"
"Why does everyone assume that, just because I'm really good at Defense?" Harry wondered.
Ron actually snorted. "Mate, it's more like you are acing the subject. It's like it comes easy to you. There's a running bet that you'll surpass Hermione at that OWL."
"Thanks a lot, Ron..." Hermione hated to admit it, but Defense being more on the practical side was one subject where she was sure she wouldn't get the top mark of their year. "But no, while Harry most certainly will help, it's not only him of course. I've worked hard to hash out the important things we have to learn."
"Hey, Harry, I know many have already seen it, but show them the big one," Ginny then said.
"Ah, yes. Besides all the normal stuff, it was decided that in light of all those dementors now being free and an alternate way of communication being needed, the first big goal is learning the Patronus Charm," Harry announced.
Harry then took out his wand and conjured his Patronus, everyone looking in awe at the glowing fox. Harry would not tell that there first had been some discussion with his friends about the matter. They had remembered their utter failure to replicate Harry's feat from about two years ago. Harry however had reminded them that they were now older and wiser, and thus it now should be possible for them to do so. And considering the advantages of the charm, others learning it as well could only be a good thing.
"When can we learn that?" Seamus wondered, looking strangely fascinated with the fox.
"Let's better wait a few weeks before we start that particular training," Harry decided.
"Before we start, we still need to give this whole thing a name! Every secret organization needs one!" Colin suddenly said, looking a bit excited since it felt like one of these spy films.
"Maybe 'Those Who Kick Umbridge's Arse'?" Dean suggested.
"Boys..." Padma snorted, not being impressed.
"No no, think about it..." Colin reminded them. "We are sort of the guardians of Hogwarts now, who want to make sure the Ministry can't take it with their greedy fingers."
"You've read too many comic books," Astoria remarked, finding Colin a bit immature. "However, why not? Though guardians sounds a bit too much like it comes out of a story book."
"The Defenders of Hogwarts." Everyone looked to Luna, who had made that suggestion. "I feel this sounds fitting."
There quickly was a agreement that it indeed was a fitting name and many also coined the short form 'DoH'. The name had the advantage that is also just sounded like any student organization with a pretentious name. If the name did slip, it meant very little to those not in the know. Hell, Umbridge would probably think it's some brats imagining themselves to be superheroes.
"Now, before we start, we'll avoid any kind of evidence of what we are doing, so we won't write down any names, thus better memorize who is part of this," Harry warned everyone, having gotten that advice from Sirius, who ironically had used his time as a Marauder for advice. "Also, Hermione is preparing something for us."
"I won't reveal for now what it is, as it's not yet ready, but once I'm done we'll have a way to always convey the date of the next meeting and Umbridge will be none the wiser," Hermione promised.
"Admit it, you like us guessing what you are doing," Lavender accused Hermione, but Hermione refused to comment on that.
She's not wrong. I like it when I know things that other's don't, Hermione however admitted to herself, though she would never say so aloud.
Seeing that there were no more questions, Harry decided now was a good time to get to the meat of the matter. "Now that this is all out of the way, we felt that first thing we should do is to see how well you can disarm an opponent, before we continue with the more complex stuff..."
...the morning of January 19th...
We should have known she would do something, Harry thought while walking into the great hall for breakfast.
Things with the DoH had been going well, especially after Hermione had given out fake Galleons - taking inspiration from the Leprechaun gold - which instead of the serial number displayed the date of the next meeting for the person in question and grew warm if there was a change. It honestly was genius, since no one would blink an eye at students having coins in their pockets.
It also was interesting how she had taken a perverse concept - Voldemort branding his followers so that he put them onto a leash - and transformed it into something useful. The principle of the mechanism that Voldemort used to summon his followers over the mark, she had applied to the fake coins. Ron had openly called her a genius for this, causing Hermione to fight a losing battle with a blush.
The meetings of the DoH also had gone well. No one outside of their circle know about it and the lessons were also going well, though the constant questions when they finally would start to learn about the Patronus made Harry show new appreciation to how patient of a teacher Remus was. He would soon give in, just to make them realize it's not easy.
Everything went well. Should have known that it also would mean we had to expect something to happen, Harry thought while sitting down at the Gryffindor table.
"Yuck, the toad is looking way too smug. She seems really proud of her newest brainchild," Ginny spat, having lost most of her appetite after the news hanging at the bulletin board.
"We should have expected this," Luna said calmly, though they could hear some concern in her voice. "Every dictatorship, regardless of size, needs those who do the dirty work for those at the top."
"Yes, but 'Inquisitorial Squad'? That's not even hiding the purpose," Harry argued.
They of course were talking about what they had read on the bulletin board, where another educational decree had given Umbridge the right to recruit helpers from the students to 'enforce order'. It had been accompanied by a message about an Inquisitorial Squad being formed to ensure the rules - that means Umbridge's rules - are being enforced. They had a good guess that Umbridge was getting impatient and now started to resort to more crude methods.
"Them not even hiding it any longer shows how secure they already feel in their position. I already have an idea who she's going to recruit..." Ron then twisted his face in disgust. "Ah, and there they already come."
They saw what Ron meant when seeing Draco and Pansy approach.
Those two looked really smug, but the most notable change was a new badge on their uniform jackets. Unlike the badges of the Prefects and others student officials, this one didn't have the coat of arms of Hogwarts as the background, instead showing the seal of the Ministry of Magic. Prominent also was a capital letter 'I'. Those two wouldn't have to say a word, the badge alone already was telling the story.
"Well well, well... Potty and his loser friends," Draco said, making no secret of how smug he felt.
"What? You suddenly feel powerful because of a stupid badge?" Harry shot back,.
"If anything, it's your badges that are now stupid," Pansy gloated, pointing at the Prefect badges on Harry's and Ginny's jackets. "They are utterly impotent in the face of true power."
"You mean power that Umbridge gave you so that you act as her lackeys?" Ron snorted, not being very impressed.
"Better watch your mouth, Weasel. The High Inquisitor gave us permission to discipline students, as we see fit," Malfoy said with a grin. "Just count yourselves lucky we have bigger fish to fry than waste our time with you. For now..."
"So that's what you were so smug about all the time. You seem awfully proud considering it's no merit of your own, just your parents having an agreement with Umbridge and you getting the crumbs," Hermione said with a biting undertone.
"What do you know, dirty mudblood?" Pansy said, causing others to look disgusted, but she didn't look afraid to say that openly. Pansy had always had a special dislike for Hermione. "Just wait for it and then I'll enjoy wiping that dirty grin off your ugly face."
Malfoy and Parkinson then left, laughing. They saw them meet with a group of other students all wearing the same badge. Most of them were Slytherins, like the two idiots Crabbe and Goyle, the brutish Sevenstone or Ciella the acne-girl. However, it was not only Slytherins, but also some from the other three Houses - a fact that said Houses were taking badly, most students seeing them as traitors.
"Damn tossers... However, what did they mean with that. I thought they would enjoy tormenting us without having to fear any consequences?" Ginny wondered, having expected those two to get nasty right away.
"They are saving us for later. I guess Umbridge wants to deal with us herself or doesn't trust her new lackeys not to screw it up," Harry guessed.
Hermione meanwhile watched Draco getting verbally nasty against some of the Slytherin first-years from non-magical families while Crabbe and Goyle threateningly showed their fists. "They are like the SA - brutes to spread terror while the brains of the whole thing keeps clean hands."
Harry knew what Hermione meant, but the others looked a bit lost. "SA? What's that?" Ron then asked.
Hermione sighed, realizing history in primary school wouldn't have covered that. "I'll show you in a history book. Don't make that face, it's not magical history. However, this is only the start. Better expect them to get way worse."
"I'm kind of embarrassed that I didn't think of them also getting members from Houses other than Slytherin," Neville admitted, having been surprised by that development.
"Everyone has their biases, ourselves included," Luna remarked while playing with her butterbeer cork pendant - a tic of hers when she was nervous. "That means we do have to be careful, since we no longer can be sure about the sanctity of our dorms."
"Yes, but still... I would have never thought that loser McLaggen would get butthurt enough over his failures to get into the team that he decides to help them," Ron commented, watching said McLaggen return to the Gryffindor table and everyone there giving him the cold shoulder and no one wanting to sit next to him.
"Sad fact that such people always exist." Harry had to think of Pettigrew, who had felt like the fifth wheel on the wagon and in the end became a traitor. "Still, Umbridge now has an official goon squad. We better be careful."
They understood what Harry meant. It was a certainty that the Inquisitorial Squad would at some point start to snoop into their matters to try and find anything to report to Umbridge. That was a serious threat to the DoH, so they had to talk about that during the next meetings. In a way it really felt like Umbridge was attempting to transform Hogwarts into her personal prison colony.
It made them worry what Umbridge's next steps would be.
o
It had been a long day, especially due to witnessing multiple times how the Inquisitorial Squad had become more and more comfortable in using the power Umbridge had given them. They didn't even bother to hide their activities from the teachers, feeling secure in the knowledge that Umbridge would protect them.
Now it was evening, Harry and Ginny walking at patrol through the silent castle as part of their Prefect duties.
"It's frightening to watch the whole thing. It's like officially sanctioned bullying," Ginny admitted to Harry while they walked down a corridor.
"Yes, I remember Parkinson openly humiliating that girl right in front of Flitwick and he was powerless to do anything about it." Harry then stopped next to one of the animated suits of armor. "Nothing happened here, right?" he asked and the suit of armor nodded.
"I'm concerned for the first-years. They have come here to learn about magic, and looked very eager to do so. Now they are afraid they could be targeted by Umbridge's goons. Also remember that among the first-years, students from non-magical families are close to the absolute majority," Ginny reminded Harry.
Harry knew all too well. The shifting composition of the Hogwarts students had become obvious over the years. It was simple mathematics that drove the whole issue, since the genetics that determined magic had over the centuries spread among the general population and now reached critical mass for a resurge, resulting in more and more magical children in non-magical families. The population base of Magical Britain itself was shrinking while the new muggleborn students hailed from a vastly larger population pool, thus their numbers were bound to only grow further.
In a way, their year in Hogwarts felt like a last hurrah of the old times with the number of pure-blood students. Hell, even Ron, Ginny, Luna and Neville counted as that, though they gave a rat's ass about that status. After their year that well had mostly dried up. Of course the fanatics felt threatened by that development - especially since students from non-magical families outright refused to change their lifestyle to conform to Magical Britain.
"I remember the sorting and the sheer disgust on the faces of Malfoy and company when realizing how many new Slytherins are not from magical families," Harry agreed. "I can only hope we end this madness before something serious is done to them."
"You think they would be capable of..." Ginny didn't dare to finish the thought.
"Not yet." However, Harry's simple words made it clear that he knew this very well could be an extreme outcome. "To be honest, all of this is doomed to fail for Fudge and Umbridge. The more of this crap they enact, the bigger the outrage against them once it hits the public. Turning Hogwarts into a concentration camp? They won't politically survive that."
"I think Umbridge knows that while Fudge doesn't, though he does already know his re-election is impossible. She'll act like 'I only followed orders' and dump all the responisibility at Fudge's feet." Ginny was very cynical about that, knowing someone as slimy as Umbridge also had an exit strategy. "It would take something really big to block that path for her."
They just turned another corner into one of the more remote corridors, when they heard a whimper fro a nearby broom cabinet. "What the...?" Looking to the door in question, Harry saw the key in the lock and a wand dumped into a flower pot a few meters away. "I have a bad feeling about this..."
Unlocking the door, he opened it, only to be greeted by the sight of a student he did recognize as a Syltherin first-year girl. The girl looked like she had went through emotional hell, her eyes red from crying, her face covered in dried tears and her uniform looking like someone had roughly manhandled her.
Ginny tried her best to calm down the sobbing girl, proving how Dumbledore had been correct in selecting her as a Prefect when her efforts paid off. Once the girl had sufficiently calmed down, Ginny first asked for her name, which turned out to be Lizz Blair - a name that already made it clear she was from no wizarding family. Now even more concerned, Ginny asked the obvious question.
"What happened that you ended up locked in there?" she gently asked Lizz.
"It... it was..." Finally Lizz got it out. "It was the Inquisition... those two big brutes." Harry and Ginny knew that had to mean Crabbe and Goyle. "They called me a disgusting error that has no right to be here... They took away my wand, saying I have no right to it, before stuffing me into the closet..."
Considering the time of the day, she must have been in there for several hours. Looking discreetly back into the closet, they did spot a puddle and quickly looked away. It was proof the girl had been in there long enough that she had been forced to resort to the humiliating act of peeing onto the floor to relieve her bladder. This was only the first day of Umbridge's goon squad and already a hint of how bad things would get.
"Wait..." Wanting to take Lizz's mind off that, Harry picked up the wand from the flower pot. "Is this yours?"
"My wand!" The girl quickly took it, checking if it was damaged - which it thankfully wasn't. "God, I don't want to go back there... they are waiting..."
"Let's get you to Professor Slughorn. Perhaps he can help," Ginny offered.
They knew Professor Slughorn at this time of the day would be found in his unofficial office - the one with all the creature comforts where he also held the meetings of the Slug Club. Escorting young Lizz there, they already knew him to be present when hearing piano music. Slughorn loved playing the piano when being bored.
The music stopped when Harry knocked on the door. Moments later Slughorn opened it. "Ahhh, Harry and Ginny, how good to see you! Can I... oh dear." Seeing the condition that Lizz was in, Slughorn knew something had happened. "All of you, come in."
With Lizz being distracted from her earlier ordeal by the big soft seat she sat in and the crystallized pineapple Slughorn had given her to help calm down, he was being told by Harry and Ginny what exactly had happened in whisper, not wanting to embarrass the girl even more by letting her hear them go into the details of what they had found.
Slughorn frowned once they were done with their report, his demeanor having turned very serious. "You did right to come to me first thing. As of this morning however, the situation has become very difficult. Due to the new decree the members of the Inquisitorial Squad are under special protection. Any punishment from my side would just be overturned."
"Does that mean nothing can be done for her?" Ginny looked very unsettled. "She's even afraid to return to the dorms, saying they are just waiting there for her."
"That is why they are doing this. They want to bully everyone out of Slytherin who doesn't conform to their bigoted, hateful image of what the House should be," Harry added, feeling sick at the mere idea.
Slughorn as well looked highly disturbed. He felt proud of how Slytherin in recent years had begun to be re-integrated into the bigger student body, thanks to his strict policies and muggleborn students again entering the House after decades of there having been none. He honestly had expected the bigoted faction to do something before it was too late for them, but this went beyond what he had imagined.
"I said that I can't effectively punish these miscreants. However, considering how afraid the poor dear is of returning to the dorms, this is something where I can help," Slughorn told them.
They understood, after all Dudley and his friends having told them of their change in living place in Hogwarts. At least that way those that were bullied the worst would be offered a refuge in the guest building. They knew that Moody wouldn't be intimidated at all by the Inquisitorial Squad and tell them to piss off or suffer his displeasure.
Moody not being a teacher gave him leeway in a way that the teachers didn't have. And as much as Umbridge hated him, gitting rid of him would only be possible after getting the school under full Ministry control.
For the time being that had to suffice.
...February 5th...
It was frightening how in a little over two weeks the atmosphere in Hogwarts could change so much. Granted, it already had been bad due to what Umbridge was doing, but now it was an unholy mixture of fear and boundless anger. Reason of course was the Inquisitorial Squad and their actions. That they were allowed to humiliate and bully other students, not to speak of them being informers for Umbridge, had shown without doubt where the voyage was going.
Umbridge herself was acting like she had little to do with what the Inquisitorial Squad was doing, though everyone knew she was encouraging them, or even gave orders to target specific students. Of course the Squad had their own agenda as well, most visibly shown by three more Slytherin students - all muggleborn - being moved into the guest building due to them having become too afraid to stay in the dorms.
Of course all that bullshit had not stayed undetected by the wider public.
Students had written to their parents and the whole thing quickly became a topic in the opposition press as even more evidence of how out of control Fudge and those under him - like Umbridge - had become. Not to speak of angry parents - not only from the affected students - publicly ripping into the Ministry and openly comparing it to a dictatorship.
Fudge of course either said nothing or declared that as totally overblown tales from whiny children. That did not change the fact that it only added to the picture of him being a terrible Minister and by now many felt he was only holding on because booting him out would be a massive hassle for everyone involved.
To make it short, those that could depose him hoped the problem would go away once his term as Minister was over and decided for now to sit it out.
"Disgusting pricks," Millicent growled when seeing the members of the Inquisitorial Squad while sitting down at the Slytherin table. Since no one wanted to sit next to the Squad, they all sat at one end of the table, with a big gap between them and the rest of the Slytherins. "Just take a look at how proud Parkinson looks of herself."
"Little wonder considering what she did to that poor girl yesterday," Daphne added. "They are cowards. They are too chicken to try something with us, knowing we would fight back anyway, so they pick the lower years as their victims."
Her friends knew what Daphne was talking about. Yesterday Daphne had stumbled upon Pansy being especially cruel to a second year Huffelpuff girl in a bathroom. She had taken away the girl's wand and tried to force her to drink from the toilet, threatening she otherwise would flush down the wand. Daphne had snatched the wand out of Pansy's hand and given it back to the girl, who then had promptly run away in fear.
Pansy of course had not been amused by the interference and threatened Daphne that the Greengrass name meant nothing. When Daphne had dared her to do something to her, Pansy had used many nasty words to hide that right now she didn't have the courage to do that. It however had shown that it was a danger for the future.
"I'm a bit surprised they haven't forced you and Nott to surrender the Prefect status to them," Millicent remarked, her friends knowing she meant Malfoy and Parkinson.
"I wondered about that as well, but I guess they think being Prefect is not worth much, considering the position they are holding," Daphne explained her thoughts on the matter.
"It's the truth." That was Zabini. "Draco told me to the face that my Prefect badge means nothing compared to him being a member of the Inquisition. Of course, he hasn't arranged for your friends to be removed from the team, either."
"That's something I'm still wondering about," Millicent voiced her confusion why Dudley and her were still on the Quidditch team.
"Hem-hem!" That was Umbridge, having risen from her seat when seeing that there would be no more students arriving.
"Oh shit, looks like Umbridge is about to make an announcement!" Dudley groaned, having a feeling this could only mean trouble.
"Thank you for your attention." Umbridge ignored how the vast majority despised her very presence. "The Headmaster was gracious to give me the chance to make this announcement to you in person."
Judging by the expression of Dumbledore and the teachers, despite them trying to put on an emotional mask, the news couldn't be good. Not to speak that Umbridge more likely told them stopping her would mean obstruction or some other kind of vaguely defined offense. They would not risk her using even the smallest excuse to make them lose their jobs.
Umbridge then continued "Much has already been accomplished to improve Hogwarts and ensure it's place as one of the leading magical schools in Europe and the world. However, much still has to be done and the Ministry of Magic will work hard to get the needed work done. Unfortunately, the Ministry's efforts to improve Hogwarts are not appreciated by those suffering from shortsightedness for the bigger picture."
That already raised alarm bells.
"The Ministry of Magic therefore decided due to the unjustified attacks from certain parts of the press to no longer publish their Educational Decrees. Also, in order to prevent any unfortunate indiscretions to happen from students, the newest decree states that from now on any outside communication in any form by students has to be approved by the High Inquisitor. Should teachers try to circumvent this rule by enabling students or themselves doing so, it's reason for immediate termination of contract Additionally, students are forbidden from leaving the school for the remainder of the school year."
They knew that this essentially was turning Hogwarts into a prison, the Ministry not wanting the public to know what was going on until unchangeable facts had been created. Of course it was dumb, since parents would quickly realize that contact to their children had suddenly come to a halt, but it seemed the Ministry was going to accept that hit.
However, Umbridge was not yet done. "Furthermore, in order to facilitate the ongoing improvement of Hogwarts, the Ministry of Magic enacted a further Educational Decree. The Hogwarts High Inquisitor as of today is empowered to overrule certain educational decisions made by the teaching staff and as well has it at their direction to to decide upon and overlook punishments."
"Have I heard this right?" Dudley asked after Umbridge was done.
"You did," Millicent said. "I can guess that also means that her little goon squad is now fully insulated from any consequences, considering how pleased they look."
"Of course they already knew." Dudley then looked over to the Gryffindor table. "I have the feeling she'll use that to finally get Harry. Remember, she's been trying to do something for months."
Millicent and Daphne knew all too well. They had been told about how Umbridge was using any opportunity to bait Harry and God only knows what she would do to him when being alone with him. Up until this point Harry had managed to not give her any excuse for a detention with her, but with these new rules it looked like Umbridge could just make up shit to get Harry into trouble.
That was exactly the topic over at the Gryffindor table.
"I know we talked about it, but it literally is like she's turning us into prisoners," Ron said, making no secret of what he felt the whole thing really was about.
"I'm more concerned about her meddling even more in school matters." Neville then looked to Harry. "Harry, man, better watch out. I have the feeling she now won't even need a real - even if stupid - reason to do something to you."
Harry himself knew so as well. "Crap, you are right. She now very well could just invent some bogus reason in order to get some alone time with me."
"Worst is, it's no longer up to you what happens now," Hermione said, while looking at the faculty table. "The teachers must have been informed a bit before us... Oh, take a look at Filch."
They did and got a terrifying sight. Argus Filch looked like someone who looked down and ready to kill someone. It wasn't hot anger - it was cold anger. Thinking about it, his mood did make sense, since with her new powers, Umbridge had invaded into his responsibilities, effectively being able to override him or set out punishments on her own.
"She already was on his bad side, but I can't see him now giving her even the slightest help. It is dangerous to humiliate those you see as lesser, since you never know when you suddenly have to rely on them," Luna remarked.
They knew Luna was right.
Over at the staff table Filch indeed felt like getting his hunting rifle and blowing Umbridge's head off. However, he kept that anger internal, saving it up for a time when it would be useful. While that didn't stop him from showing his cold anger, he was not acting on it - for the time being. This was only the latest in a series of humiliations done by Umbridge.
Filch knew that Umbridge looked down on him due to not having magic of his own. Her behavior brought old and painful memories back to the surface. As much as he was for discipline, he right then reaffirmed his decision that once Umbridge would get into trouble, he would be as unhelpful as possible to make her life difficult.
It was true: treating others as lesser was dangerous, since you never knew when you would need them.
o
Umbridge's announcement, if anything, had been like a signal to the Inquisitorial Squad that they were safer than ever and could now act even more freely than before. That sadly also meant more and stronger terror was being spread now. The school day was just over, and already they had shown they now were starting to settle old scores.
However, if Umbridge thought that she could this way intimidate the students of Hogwards in fearful compliance, she was plain wrong. Those that had the correct feeling on the mood of the students could tell that if anything her methods were only causing immense resentment to grow and it was only a matter of time before the lid would be blown off the overheating pot.
The Six were thinking of that as well, but right now after leaving the Defense classroom after another of Umbridge's pointless 'lessons', something else was even more on their minds.
"I honestly thought she would jump at the chance to finally nail me with a bogus offense, but she did nothing at all, not even a single baiting. She outright ignored me," Harry wondered, puzzled about Umbridge's behavior.
"Better watch out," Luna warned him. "Umbridge while not particularly smart, is still clever. She has proven so multiple times. There has to be a reason why she has backed off right at this moment."
"Luna is right, Harry," Hermione agreed. "Better watch out. This feels like she wants to try and catch you when you least expect it."
"Lucky me..." Harry honestly dreaded to be even more on his guard around Umbridge. "At least we should be thankful the toad can't use Legilimency."
"Harry, don't give us that mental picture!" Neville said with a gasp, though it was too late and the disgusting image had already formed.
"Thanks, mate, now I doubt I have much of an appetite for dinner," Ron grumbled.
"This is one of those times where I actually think that's really the case," Ginny added, knowing how normally her brother's appetite was unfazed by many things.
"You should not have laughed about me, you midget."
They stopped when hearing the voice, which they correctly identified as Sevenstone, from around a corner. Already having an idea what was going on, they hurried and then saw what they had feared they would see. Sevenstone had cornered a second-year Ravenclaw boy, who looked utterly frightened at being confronted with the muscular girl.
"Let's see if you still laugh once I hold you by the ankles and dunk you head-first into a toilet," Sevenstone said and was about to make good on that threat.
"Keep your hands off him!" Harry shouted.
Her attention being drawn away, the Ravenclaw boy bolted. Sevenstone however chuckled. "Ah, the great Harry Potter. You are lucky that Umbridge told us you are off-limits for the time being. But come, if you are so eager to put me into my place..."
Harry was tempted to draw his wand, but then realized that her doing that would never have come from her. Instead, Umbridge must have given them instructions, should he confront them. That in turn made him realize that that most likely was a trap set by Umbridge. Should he lose his temper with the Squad, Umbridge would eagerly use that as an excuse to get him into detention with her.
Taking a deep breath and drawing on his Occlumency training, he calmed down. "You would like that, wouldn't you? Tell Umbridge I won't do her that favor."
Sevenstone scowled. "Just wait for it, Potter. Soon enough you'll get what's coming for you." She then left.
"She baited me as well. Wanted me to doing anything to her so she could run to the toad and tell on me," Harry told his friends.
"Not stupid at all," Ginny had to admit. "Though, with her now really going all out to get an excuse to get a hold of you... I shudder to imagine once she no longer even looks for excuses for what she does."
The thought indeed was disturbing.
...February 7th, Defense class...
They dreaded the next Defense class of the week. Over the past two days incidents involving the Inquisitorial Squad had become depressingly common and the teachers - unable to to do anything against the whole madness - started to look openly disgusted by this point. The members of the Squad didn't seem to care that they were burning all and every bridge with how they were acting, most likely believing that Umbridge's changes would be permanent.
Dudley had had a very close call with Malfoy just yesterday. Malfoy clearly had tried to ambush Dudley, fully intent to harm him. It was only thanks to another student warning Dudley that he had avoided the ambush. Since then Dudley and his friends had grown rather paranoid about that happening again.
As usual they saw Umbridge already being present in the classroom while they walked in and sat down. Also again she acted like she wasn't giving Harry any attention at all, though they all knew it had to be an act and Harry had to be careful with what he did and said.
"What is today's topic?" Neville wondered, reading the blackboard. "Any idea what that is about?"
"If I have to make an educated guess, today is the theory behind basic wand movements. Basically pointless," Hermione explained after reading the topic name several times.
"So stuff we've learned way back in first year?" Harry wondered.
"In our first semester. Though, considering how exhaustive that book is about a simple movement, our teachers back then explaining a movement in a few minutes was way more efficient," Hermione told them, already seeing today's lesson as another waste of their time.
Harry snorted. "All of these lessons are pointless. She just wants us to stay ignorant little sheep ready for the slaughterhouse."
Then a nightmare came true, because all of a sudden Umbridge was right next to them. "I've heard that, Mr. Potter. Blatant disrespect to the teacher - that has just gained you a detention with me this evening at seven. I will ensure that you understand that authorities have to be given the proper respect."
Though Umbridge was trying to look neutral, they all could see a slight smirk of triumph at finally having an - even if very flimsy - excuse to slap Harry with a detention. She then left as if nothing was wrong, while the Six were suddenly overcome with worry for Harry.
"Mate, don't go!" Ron warned Harry.
"What choice do I have? If I stay away, I will be accused of more." Harry sounded rather helpless, this having come out of nowhere.
I also don't want to imagine what she is planning for that detention, Harry thought with dread.
Umbridge meanwhile was pleased.
She had felt annoyed by this point at how good Potter had been at keeping out of trouble and keeping his temper under control. So finally she had decided that since he wouldn't give her real cause, she would just construct a reason. Her new powers had come from that decision as well. Her acting like she was ignoring him had made Potter say something he normally wouldn't in the open.
Now she finally could show Potter that he was fully at her mercy. Too bad that he with the news block in place he was unable to run crying to Black directly. That would have made sure that man would lose his temper and do something dumb, giving the Ministry cause to lock him up. Sadly, she couldn't have everything.
Showing Potter the folly of being against her would have to be enough for the moment. She knew he still would run to Dumbledore to tell on her, even though it would change nothing at all for him. However, it would send the message to Dumbledore and Black that she had found their weakness and was not afraid to exploit it. With that in mind, they would think twice before continuing their activities against the Ministry. Just like she had planned from the start.
This evening, Potter would be a pawn. Her pawn to be exact.
o
Harry felt like barfing when seeing what Umbridge's office looked like. Her taste in clothes already was bad, but this was worse. Even the descriptions he had heard of Madam Puddifoot's paled in comparison to this. Hell, even Lockhart's office, complete with his numerous ginning self-portraits, paled compared to this nightmare. That was made worse by the fact that he would have to spend two long hours in this place together with Umbridge. She was waiting for him and her grin already told him he would be in for a hard time.
"Welcome, Mr. Potter. I've been waiting for you," Umbridge greeted him with false warmth.
I'm sure you did, Harry thought, but wouldn't say so aloud. "To be honest, Professor, what kind of work am I supposed to do in this detention?"
"Oh, don't worry, it is something very simple: you are going to write lines," Umbridge explained to him, sounding far too happy.
Harry looked to a table, where he spotted parchment and a quill. "Professor, I hope you know that I've never before used a quill."
Umbridge barely held back an annoyed expression. Once the Ministry had control over Hogwarts, all these annoyances like the usage of those Muggle fountain pens would be a thing of the past. "I'm sure you'll learn fast enough."
Harry didn't like that - it looked far too innocent. He then looked at the quill. It did look strange, being thin, black and having an unusually sharp point. He then noticed something else. "Professor, there is no inkwell."
"Don't you worry. For this kind of quill you won't need ink," Umbridge told him. "Now, you will write 'I shall not speak badly of others' until I'm satisfied."
Harry wondered how that was supposed to work, but then decided to try it anyway. "Ah!" As soon as he had started to write, the words did appear on the paper, but not in what at first looked like red ink, but in blood - his blood. At the same time bleeding cuts had appeared on his hands, though those just as fast healed for the most part, but some injury remained. "What the...?!"
"Ah, I see you have discovered how I tend to ensure that the lesson does stick," Umbridge told him, looking very pleased with herself.
It was at this moment that Harry decided to drop all pretense. "Let's be frank. This is not because of me, isn't it? You are doing this because you feel you can hurt my godfather this way, don't you?"
"I knew you aren't as dumb as others say you are," Umbridge said with a chuckle, also dropping all pretense. "Despite what Minister Fudge might think and all that talk about a 'Boy Who Lived', you are not that important, Potter. However, to me you have a certain worth."
"No, let me guess... You want me to tell the Headmaster what you've done, so he tells my godfather. You want to use me as leverage to force them into compliance, don't you?" Harry knew this was bad.
"Indeed, not dumb at all." Umbridge gave him a disgusting smile. "They both care a lot for you, so if they don't want me forcing you to carve your own hand to pieces, they better stop what they are doing against the Ministry."
"And you honestly think you can get away with all of that scot-free once Fudge is gone?" Harry wondered.
"Oh, please... That man is a huge moron. I know he'll be gone in due time, but not too soon and by then the changes can't be undone. Even if I am questioned then, my word is worth much more than yours and I have only followed orders," Umbridge waved that off.
"And now...?" Harry dreaded what the answer would be.
Umbridge now actually looked sinister. "Now... you will be a good boy and do your lines to my satisfaction. The message after all has to be clear."
Over two hours later Harry finally stumbled out of Umbridge's office.
He was barely aware of where he was going, his right hand bloody and badly cut up while he was in tremendous pain. Umbridge had forced him to write lines with his own blood until his hand was too injured to write anymore and he had fallen out of the chair in pain. She was a sadistic bitch like that and a harsh reminder to Harry how dangerous she truly was.
He had no idea how long it was when he stumbled and almost fell, but someone prevented him from doing so. "Harry? Great goodness, it's even worse than we thought!"
Trying to shake off the haze of pain, Harry realized he was looking at Percy. He also saw Penelope running to them, looking shocked when seeing how messed p his right hand was. "Penny! We... we have to get him to the hospital wing! He's badly hurt!" Percy called to his girlfriend.
"Oh no! How did that happen? Was that Umbridge?" Penelope gasped.
Harry felt very light all of a sudden, realizing he was hovering between them while they pulled him along. With the strain having to keep standing gone, Herry finally found the energy to ask "How did you know where I was?"
Penelope tried to calm herself while she answered. "Ron was hammering on our door, shouting that it feels like someone is carving up his right hand and that he has a terrible feeling something horrible is happening to you. Your other friends followed shortly later."
"She... she knows?" Harry asked Percy.
Percy sighed. "I had to tell her of your bond after that. Penny even offered to take an oath to keep it secret, though I think we won't need to go that far. Harry, what happened to you?"
"It was Umbridge..." Harry saw no need to keep this a secret. "She forced me to write lines with a quill that uses my own blood as ink and carved up my writing hand." Harry grimaced at the pain erupting from said hand. "That sadistic cow wants to use me as leverage against Uncle Sirius and the Headmaster. Either they stop their opposition, or she'll do more harm to me."
"That is sick..." Penelope looked ready to hurl. Then her expression hardened. "She needs to be gone. The sooner, the better."
Percy agreed with his girlfriend, his more aggressive side, which had become more prominent since Greyback had attacked him, screaming that Umbridge had to pay. "Yes... The time for holding back is over."
...three days later, Hogsmeade...
It was a small wonder that with everything going on, Umbridge and her goons had not gotten the idea to take away Hogsmeade privileges as well. For the students it was a relief to get out of the castle and off the grounds. Of course Umbridge's influence was still felt, like the post office being closed for this day on her orders.
An interesting meeting was taking place in the Three Broomsticks.
"I honestly can understand why you have posted guards to ensure no one listens to our conversation," George said, looking at Harry's hand, which still looked not fully healed. "How bad is it now?"
"I have full movement in my fingers, thank goodness, but Madam Pomfrey says it'll take almost two weeks before it's fully healed due to it being caused by magical means," Harry said, grimacing at the feeling in his hand. "She's optimistic that by Monday I can again write with my right hand."
There were grimaces of sympathy when hearing that and Harry understood too well.
The aftermath of Umbridge forcing Harry to maim his own hand with that quill had not been pretty. Madam Pomfrey being woken up for such a nasty injury had of course also quickly involved McGonagall and Dumbledore. Harry had not held back any details of what Umbridge had done and why. He had been forced to spend the following two days in the hospital wing, Pomfrey saying how difficult to heal his hand would be.
Dumbledore and McGonagall had visited his guardians and Sirius to tell them about what had happened. Needless to say emotions had boiled over and the only reason Sirius had not murdered Umbridge was Diane handcuffing him to the stove and taking away his wand until she had managed to make him see reason. After all, no one messed with Diane Black.
Thomas and Veronica had been difficult in their own way. It had taken Dumbledore and McGonagall over an hour to convince them to not pull Harry from the school, but they had made it clear that should Umbridge hurt Harry again, they would do so and to hell with the consequences. It showed how much both of them cared for Harry. It also showed Harry that he had to watch out, or his guardians would make good on their promise.
That of course meant to Sirius and Dumbledore they indeed would have to become less overt in their activities, lest they risk Umbridge wanting to reinforce her threat, which would cause Harry's guardians to pull him out of Hogwarts. In a perverse way Umbridge's threat was actually working.
"But we are not here because of that, right?" Fred asked, having a feeling what this was about.
It was an... interesting group the Six were meeting. Besides Fred and George there were some other students from the upper years and different Houses, among them the twins' friend Lee Jordan. At first glance these students had nothing in common, but when looking closer one would realize they all were connected to Fred and George.
"Not exactly..." Ginny knew her brothers and that they were already having an idea what this was about. "This is about making life hell for Umbridge and her cronies."
"You know officially we can't do anything or we risk losing our chance to make NEWTs," George reminded everyone, though everyone also know the word was 'officially'.
"Don't act dumb." The days when Ron was shying away from telling the twins his opinion were long past. "You want to pay them back as much as everyone else. You have the connections, you have the means."
"You certainly have become a lot more confident since you've got money, Ronnie," Fred commented, actually feeling proud of his younger brother.
"It's more than just that," Ron waved it aside, actually feeling a bit insulted that Fred was reducing it to money.
"Let's get back on track. Ron's right that both of you have the means and the connections to organize making the lives of Umbridge and her toadies a living hell. I assume there is lots of your merchandise in the school?" Harry asked.
"In stock and circulating. We can now even produce lots of candies for nosebleeds and vomiting after finally ensuring there are no heath complications." George remembered too well how those at first had gone wrong on them.
"Please tell me you don't plan on selling those as a regular item," Hermioned the twins.
"Of course not. After our experiences, we know that could get us in trouble." Fred then laughed. "However, this is a special situation. You've asked for it and we will deliver. However, we'll need some time to prepare and start small to ensure they'll be driven to despair."
"It's not like we will be idle, either. There are some interesting blackmail photos of Malfoy and Parkinson we still have at hand," Luna said.
Now Lee Jordan laughed. "God, you guys most certainly have been busy. How interesting are we talking about?"
"Interesting enough that that if those two hadn't already destroyed their own reputation, it would be gone once those photos start to circulate. We have to ask Colin to duplicate them in big numbers. Can we count on you to plaster them all over the school?" Neville asked.
George chuckled. "All of you do have a prankster side. You've hidden it well."
"I never thought I would be part of something like this, but it's for a good cause." Hermione liked order, but knew this had to be done to push back hard. "As long as you don't cause real, permanent harm, go wild."
"I actually like you being lawful. You also know when you have to set it aside," Ron said, then saw Hermione blush a little.
"Give us a signal once you are ready, and involve us. Let's see how we can turn Hogwarts into a madhouse for them," Harry decided.
...February 17th, Quidditch pitch...
Normally, the atmosphere already would be tense at a Gryffindor vs. Slytherin Quidditch game. However, with recent events and the terror the Inquisitorial Squad - mainly consisting of Slytherin students - was spreading, the whole thing now was loaded even more. The actions of the Inquisitorial Squad had damaged relations with Slytherin, despite Slytherin also suffering a lot - if not even more -from terror.
Inside the Slytherin changing room a division had become all too clear.
There was an icy silence, no one saying even a single word while they were getting ready for the game. There also was a huge empty zone around Draco; no one wanting to be anywhere near him after one month of him and his cronies pulling all that crap. They thanked all goodness that Pansy wasn't a player and that no one else of the squad was a Quidditch player.
Draco for his part didn't show if he had even noticed this cold exclusion. His place on the team had been more of a necessary evil ever since his first messed-up game and over the years opinion about him and his skills had worsened. Before the current mess it honestly only had been fear of how Lucius would react that had kept the Captain from booting him out entirely. Thus it was possible, due to already having been unpopular before, that he hadn't even noticed.
Millicent for her part gave Draco a cold look after emerging from behind the divider that separated the male and female parts of the changing room. She then wordlessly walked over to Dudley. "Have you noticed?" she whispered to him.
"Yes, I did notice," he whispered back. "He looks way too smug, so there is something afoot."
"Considering the stuff he's already pulled over the past weeks, I don't want to imagine what it could be," Millicent whispered, sounding a bit afraid.
They had good reason to be afraid. Two days ago Pansy had amushed Daphne and hexed her pretty badly. Daphne had been forced to spend the night in the hospital wing to recover and still looked a bit pale this morning. They knew this meant Malfoy and company were getting bolder, no longer shying away from targeting them, and soon enough things would get ugly.
"I still wonder why he doesn't bother with whining to Umbridge to remove us fro mthe team?" Dudley wondered.
"I think he doesn't care anymore, now that imagines himself being called for bigger things," Millicent said while shaking her head.
Over at the Gryffindor changing room meanwhile, Ron was doing a last-minute address.
"All right, people. I know we are not playing in ideal conditions," Ron started.
He promptly was interrupted by a snort from Alicia. "Be blunt with us, Ron. Right now we suck."
Ron rolled his eyes, before he continued "As Alicia has put it, we do suck. We all know we are much better than that, but sadly the problem is in our heads. This specific team was formed out of need due to outside meddling."
Now it was Ginny who interrupted. "Ron, don't mince words. We all know it was Umbridge being a petty toad who got us into this problem by banning over half of our team for bullshit reasons."
"All right, I'll try and stop being motivational. It's not working," Ron finally decided. "Look, we all know in our current condition we can hardly expect to win, but that doesn't mean we shouldn't still give it our best. Let's give the students something that takes their mind off the current mess."
That finally got a nod of approval from the team.
Up in the stands meanwhile, Harry felt a bit weird.
"Feels really strange for me to be up here while our team is playing. I normally am on the team or at lest sit down there on the reserve bench," Harry commented while they waited for the teams to enter the pitch.
"I think the twins and Angelina feel the same way," Neville added, looking to where the three in question sat several seats away. "How bad do you think the game will go?"
"It will be a shit show." That was Daphne, who had decided to avoid the Slytherins and instead sit with them. She still looked a bit under then weather after what had happened to her. "Besides how you told me your team is demoralized, who knows what kind of crap Malfoy will pull out of his hat, now that he is under Umbridge's protection?"
"After their behavior over the past month, we better expect something dirty." Hermione for her part remembered too well the nastiness of the Inquisitorial Squad. How they were openly insulting her even in front of teachers with the dirtiest racial slurs.
As far as Hermione was concerned, she felt that all the members of the Inquisitional Squad were finally showing their true colors openly, now that they were no longer fearing any kind of consequences for their actions. It was only fear of consequences that had kept them from being so openly vile and now they were showing their true faces.
Though at least she was not a muggleborn Slytherin. As far as she had been told, those were being downright terrorized by the Squad, who were acting on some sort of sick desire to 'cleanse' House Slytherin of all those them deemed as undesirable. Of course in reality they had seen their power dwindle and realized this year was their last chance before the number of bigoted pure-bloods in Slytherin would grow too small to anymore hold any power.
"Who knows what kind of stunt Malfoy is going to pull..." Harry said while flexing his right hand. Even after nine days and help from Madam Pomfrey, it still was in the process of healing.
The memory of what had happened with that quill had confirmed to Harry what kind of sociopath Umbridge was. That, and to be more careful. Should Umbridge find out what they were doing under her nose, she would do a lot worse than forcing him to use an enchanted quill that carved open your hand and used your blood instead of ink. Remembering the dementors from the summer, there was no doubt she was capable of murder if it furthered her goals.
Harry's dark thoughts were interrupted when the teams walked onto the pitch. The usual ceremony between the Captains took place, but then suddenly Draco walked to Madam Hooch and gave her some sort of paper.
"What is he doing down there? Did he give her some kind of note?" Daphne wondered.
Harry used his omnioculars to take a closer look. "Hmm... Yes, it's a note and Madam Hooch is reading it, though judging by her expression she looked down and ready to strangle someone."
Then Madam Hooch gave back the note to Draco and used her broom to fly up to the commentator platform, where she then announced something. "ATTENTION. DUE TO A WAIVER SIGNED BY THE HIGH INQUISITOR, THE SLYTHERIN SEEKER IS EXEMPTED FROM ANY KIND OF PENALTY, REGARDLESS WHAT THE INFRACTION. ANY INFRACTION AGAINST HIM IS STRICTLY FORBIDDEN."
The was stunned silence for a moment, before a chorus of boos answered what the students thought of that: that it was utter bullshit.
"Umbridge is behind this. She knows Malfoy can't resist the opportunity to hurt others and get away with it. Better be prepared for something really ugly to happen," Luna commented, worry creeping into her voice.
The game then started and soon enough it was shown to be a farce. Instead of looking for the snitch, Malfoy gleefully attacked the Gryffindor players by trying to ram into them or 'accidentally' flying a sharp curve in front of them, hitting them with his feet. There was a moment where Ron barely avoided a kick to the head. Judging by Draco's grin, he really enjoyed letting loose like this.
"That little piece of SHIT!" Daphne cursed loudly, forgetting all of her manners when seeing how Draco was brutalizing the Gryffindor players, even mockingly daring them to defend themselves from his attacks.
"He's enjoying it. All right, the gloves are off..." Harry growled. While they had already decided to fight back, now they would do so dirty as well.
Clearly, what Draco was doing was disgusting the Slytherin team as well. By this point they had stopped any serious attempt at playing this match and instead had started to help Draco's unfortunate victims, fully turning the entire match into a farce. It looked like everyone was starting to realize this was bullshit and Ron was already preparing himself to announce that they would refuse to play under such circumstances, accepting the loss.
I'll make his life hell, Ron thought, watching in disgust how Draco was using Umbridge protecting him to its fullest.
It was that moment that Ginny spotted the snitch and decided to end this all on their terms. She raced towards the snitch and was about to grab it, when. -crac- "Oooouuugh!"
Her face had slammed right into the sole of Draco's boot, him having raced ahead and doing that instead of trying to get the snitch right away. Ginny barely managed keep her hold on her broom, pain exploding in her. Her nose had shattered, spraying blood over her face, and some of her teeth had been knocked loose, causing her to bleed from her mouth as well.
-slap- A hard backhand slap against her head finally was too much and Ginny fell off her broom. loud gasps erupted from the stands. Nearby players, from both teams, reacted on instinct and caught her before she could hit the ground.
Ginny! Shit! Ron no longer bothered with protecting the goals, racing to be at his sister's side. He had felt the echo of Ginny's pain through the bond, which only made him worry more.
Draco meanwhile grinned while holding the snitch in his other hand, looking really smug about his win.
However, there was silence.
Looking around, Draco saw his own team turning their backs on him and join the Gryffindor team on the ground, where Madam Hooch was already being busy with transporting the injured Ginny to the hospital wing as fast as possible after halfheartedly blowing the whistle to signal that the game was over. The symbolism was clear: what Draco had just done had completed his alienation from the rest of the team.
The silence from the stands was deafening, everyone stunned that Draco had decided to do something like that. While injuries were a given in this sport, and even expected with rough playing style, attacking someone directly like that was a big no-no. Finally, the silence shatted and the pitch quickly shifted to the other extreme.
"BOOOO! BOOOO! BOOOOO!" The booing from the stands slammed into Draco like a tidal wave. Then all kind of stuff was thrown at him. Half-full cups with drinks, snack foods and lots of other trash. Scared by this sudden reaction, Draco fled from this rain of projectiles.
"That bastard! I'll kill him!" Harry raged among the chaos, being about to draw his wand. The four of them had all felt an echo of Ginny's pain through the bond and it had made the whole thing even more shocking for them.
It was Luna who stopped him by holding tight onto his arm. "Don't. That's exactly what she wants."
The confusing statement brought Harry out of his rage. "W-what?"
Luna's blue eyes gave him a deep look, which helped to further quell his fury. She then explained "That was a set-up. Umbridge gave that waiver to Malfoy because she knew perfectly well he would love to target Ginny. She most likely even told him to do so."
Luna's words were like ice-water. "You mean... she allowed Malfoy to hurt others, and especially Ginny, just so she has an excuse to do more horrible things to Harry?" Neville asked, horrified because part of him knew Umbridge would do that.
"Yes. She knows Ginny is Harry's girlfriend, so she must have felt allowing Malfoy to hurt her would cause Harry to lose his temper and do something stupid. And then..." Luna didn't need to finish the thought.
It made sense in a sick way. Umbridge wanted to hammer home to Harry that he was at her mercy now and that a repeat performance of his last detention with her - or worse - also would be useful in her eyes to send a reminder to Sirius and Dumbledore to back off. It only reinforced the picture of Umbridge as a complete sociopath.
"And of course he liked to go along with the plan, considering how he hates us." Harry was trembling, but managed to control himself. He had been close to an end result of his guardians pulling him out of Hogwarts. "Oh, they will both pay, but not in they way the expect it... Excuse me, I need to be at Ginny's side."
Harry then left, not caring about the possibility that Madam Pomfrey could tell him to wait outside while she was treating Ginny's injuries.
"Many in Slytherin already hate Draco and the Inquisitorial Squad, but now he made it even worse," Daphne said, grappling with her own emotions. "When Umbridge loses, he has burned all his bridges."
o
Hermione had waited until news had come that Madam Pomfrey could fix Ginny's injuries before she would do anything else. Ginny would recover, but right now she was in tons of pain while the school nurse was undoing the damage. Emotions were still running high, especially since Draco would get away with it scot-free thanks to Umbridge.
Now however something else was important: she had not seen Ron at all since the incident. Having a feeling where he could be, after not finding him in Gryffindor tower, she walked to the Gryffindor changing rooms at the pitch, where she found Katie Bell standing outside, looking rather unsure with what to do next.
"Is Ron still in there?" Hermione asked, knowing at some point he had to take off his uniform and unlike two months ago the showers were operational again.
"He is. He's sitting under the shower still in his Quidditch uniform. It's like he's trying to drown himself there and none of us managed to make him stop it. Maybe you can do something?" Katie confirmed, feeling out her her depth with this.
Hermione had an idea why Ron was acting like that. "Leave it to me."
That said, Hermione walked into the changing room. Inside, the sound of the shower was the only thing piercing the silence. She had been in here a few times over the years, so she knew where to go - though that would have been easy anyway. Walking to the shower area, she found Ron, still in Quidditch uniform, sitting under one. He looked utterly soaked and utterly miserable.
"Ron, what are you doing there?" Hermione asked to get his attention.
Ron did look up. "Hermione? Please go and let me be miserable..."
Leaving was the furthest thing on her mind. Instead, she decided to be direct, since she knew that always worked best with Ron. "It's because Ginny got hurt, isn't it? You in some way feel responsible for it?"
"You don't understand," Ron said while finally standing up, feeling awkward having to look up to Hermione. "I promised to myself I would always look out for Ginny, and now look what happened to her."
"I honestly don't understand you. That's not the first time something happened to Ginny, or have you forgotten things like the Chamber of Secrets or that cursed hate mail?"
"I haven't! That's why I decided to watch out for her!" Ron looked like he wanted to go back to sitting under the shower. "You have no idea how that feels like."
"Excuse me?!" That had hit a nerve with Hermione. "Have you forgotten I'm an older sister? I most certainly would feel guilty should Jonathan get hurt."
"That's different!" Ron said, becoming defensive.
"Oh, you..." Hermione didn't understand it, but these simple words angered her so much that she walked right in front of Ron, not caring that the shower now soaked her as well. "You don't want to admit that Ginny is capable of looking after herself so you can feel sorry for yourself."
"Take that back!" Ron shouted, now getting angry as well. "It's not only that, I have plenty of reasons to feel like crap!"
"Oh, really?!" Hermione clearly didn't believe him. "And what could be so bad for you?!"
By now Ron was so riled up that none of his usual hesitation about certain topics. "Because I have a complete block when it comes to acting on how I like you more than just a friend! Damn, it's mutual and both of us seem incapable on acting on it, constantly delaying even talking about it!"
"Ron?" Hermione gasped, honestly not having expected that.
However, Ron now couldn't stop himself. "Damn, everyone made it clear they saw it, but we dance around the issue like around the forbidden fruit! You are a great girl, Hermione, don't let anyone tell you different! You have no idea how tempting it is to sweep you off your feet and snog you senseless!"
By now Hermione was blushing hotly at that confession. This confession was so Ron-esque that Hermione knew he had meant every word of it. Her heart was beating faster. "Ron, this is..."
Ron for his part finally had calmed a bit and now seemed to realize what he had all said. "Hermione, I..."
However, Hermione didn't let him continue when she hugged him, her face ending up only centimeters from his. While she was a girl of knowledge and logic, right now she was led by her heart. She gave Ron a look that spoke volumes. It was: 'What are you waiting for? Now be a man and don't chicken out after you've confessed!'.
Ron understood and then he gently kissed her. Granted, it was a bit clumsy, but it was the thought that counted. Hermione didn't think she would have gathered the courage to do so - this kind of courage being quite different from the one she got in spades.
When their lips parted again, Ron looked happy, but also confused "I never thought it would be like this."
"Neither did I," Hermione admitted. "Before you wonder, I do like you for who you are. You are brave and you do have great qualities. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise."
Both of them knew that while the barrier was gone, they still would need time to get used to the change. Then they both realized they still were under the running shower. "Oh no!" Hermione gasped, quickly turning it off. "We are both soaked and I have nothing to change into."
There was no way Hermione could walk around outside during a cool February while being soaked. Ron understood the problem. "Do you know a charm to dry yourself?"
Hermione grimaced. "I know there is one, but I thought it wouldn't be useful. Now I regret my decision... Please, get changed and then tell Luna to get me some of my clothes from our dorm... or Katie, if she's still waiting outside. No way I step outside like this."
Considering how they just had a major break-through, it was amazing how fast mundane problems could catch up with you.
to be continued...
Next Episode:
"Mayhem at Hogwarts"
Notes:
Here the notes.
I hope the scene where the Defenders of Hogwarts meet for the first time was detailled enough. That scene is mostly character-driven as it gave me the chance for many people to interact with each other and also give some information on what else is going on.
Yep, we just saw the Inquisitorial Squad come into being, and it already is way worse than what we saw in canon. Here they really are like the SA, meant to spread terror, which is causing them to stop bother with holding up their masks. That will have severe consquences later on. The scene with Lizz Blair also showcases their fanatical wish to 'cleanse' Slytherin.
Typical totalitarian reaction. The public is outraged at what is going on at Hogwarts? They censor the news, thinking no news getting out of Hogwarts fixes the problem.
Of course it HAD to happen that Umbridge finally gets Harry to be alone with Harry. She does not bother with a mask then, knowing there is no need for it. And boy is what happens nasty. Though, in a sick sense Umbridge knew her plan did work.
Naturally, the gloves are about to come off, only to then have Draco compound on it with what he does to Ginny. This is the very moment where Draco has burnt all and every bridge, as the reaction of the students shows.
However, there is hope, shown at the end where Ron and Hermione do share their first kiss. Granted, it's under a cold shower, but this is a turning point for them, but it'll take for Year 6 for them to become shameless...