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 62: Blood in Diagon Alley
There was an air of excitement in the Room of Requirement. Today was the day when they presented to each other the end result of their Patronus training. Thankfully, Harry's hope that someone more older and mature had an easier time learning the spell had proven to be correct. Everyone in their group had managed to actually learn it, as did many in the other two groups.
Everyone felt that it was Harry's own skill in Defense and his ability to actually teach things to others which had enabled them to learn this spell in such a relatively short time. Harry had blushed a bit when being told that, but in the end had to accept that praise, knowing there was little way he could deny it. Part of him also felt proud at his accomplishment, and that was not just because it made Umbridge's life more difficult.
They right now were each presenting their Patronus to the group, even though some of them were already well-known by this point due to having been seen during training.
"Ohhhh, this is a beautiful one, Ginny," Lavender said in awe when seeing Ginny's horse Patronus.
"Careful, Ginny, otherwise people could think you are like those girls who want a pony," Ron joked, brushing off the look his sister gave him.
"Har har, very funny. You want to to kicked by a horse?" Ginny asked Ron, her threat making him shut up.
Harry for his part tried his best to stay serious, not wanting to annoy his girlfriend. "I know I saw that before, but only as part of something bigger. The complete one looks impressive."
Ginny dismissed her Patronus. "I admit I had a phase where I was thinking of ponies, but that was even before primary school."
"Ginny, we won't judge you for that. Ron, you are next," Harry said.
Ron stepped forward. He'd had difficulties with the Patronus, until his relationship with Hermione had evolved. After that, things had come easier for him. Conjuring it, he let everyone see the glowing bulldog. "Am I good, or something?"
"Well, it's indeed a bit stereotypical for a British citizen, but it does fit with how protective you can be," Hermione commented, making no secret that she very much appreciated Ron's protective streak.
"Wow, a true British Bulldog," Dean commented with a laugh, though only few understood the pop culture reference.
Dudley for his part grimaced. "Eh, sorry, Ron. It just reminded me for a moment of Ripper, the ill-behaved bulldog of my Aunt Marge."
"No offense taken." After some bad run-ins of his own with ill-behaved dogs, Ron knew where Dudley was coming from. "Why don't you try next?"
"No problem." Dudley stepped forward, concentrated and then conjured his Patronus. He'd been a bit insulted at first that his animal turned out to be a pig of all things, until seeing that it actually was a wild boar. Considering the strength of one of those, Dudley had accepted it, though he had said there better be no Asterix jokes.
"Looks quite fierce, like you at times," Millicent remarked, giving Dudley an interesting look.
Dudley knew what she meant. "Please, Millie, not in front of the others."
Seamus was next and there was some laughter when he conjured his Patronus, since it was a fox. It was nothing against Seamus, just the fact that his Patronus had the same animal as Harry's. Seamus had defended himself after it's first manifestation, saying there only are so many animals and this was bound to happen sooner or later. Thankfully, the foxes did look different.
Neville was next, and his Patronus was a dove - somewhat fitting to the fact he was a more forgiving personality. Luna looked at the glowing dove with fascination. "Interesting, so you want peace, but you are not afraid to take up arms, if the need arises."
Neville for his part took his girlfriend's explanation in stride. "Nothing wrong with wanting things to be more peaceful. Sadly, reality often doesn't agree."
"This is one of the things that makes you such a good person," Luna said without blinking an eye,
Some of them complained that all the flirting was getting a bit much.
Then it was Hermione's turn and she noticed the attention on her animal. Harry then asked the obvious question. "Why an otter of all things?"
"To be honest, I don't know either," Hermione admitted, having been surprised by her Patronus. However, she had quickly fallen in love with her otter Patronus. "I'm speculating it's because I'm also interested in protecting the environment, but I'm honestly a bit stumped."
"Makes you wonder if it's that what you would turn into if you were an Animagus," Ron wondered, trying to imagine Hermione doing the transformation.
"As fascinating as learning such a transformation would be, I hardly have the time for such a big project," Hermione admitted, knowing from Sirius how time-consuming the whole process was.
Now came Luna, and everyone wanted to see what her Patronus was, since none had seen it yet, Luna having had her breakthrough while trying on her own. Finally, Luna did conjure it and everyone was silent, trying to process what the hell that animal was. Everyone was drawing a blank, though Ginny felt there was a distant memory of her remembering having seen something looking like that.
Harry then asked the question. "Luna, what exactly is that supposed to be?"
Luna looked really proud. "It is a Crumple-Horned Snorkack."
"Huh?" was the not very helpful reaction from Ron.
That finally roused Ginny's memory. "Now I remember. It's an animal Luna thinks does exist, but has found no trace of. I think it's a product of her great imagination."
"This here is real enough for me." Luna had admitted to herself by now that the existence of the Crumple-Horned Snorkack was highly unlikely, thus it had come as a wonderful surprise when her Patronus had taken its form. It was a nice consolation prize for her.
They wanted to continue, by were interrupted when an elf popped in.
Harry did recognize him right away. "Ah, hello Dobby. What brings you here?"
"Dobby is here to warn Harry Potter and friends. The High Inquisitor is conducting a search of this wing of the castle," Dobby warned him, looking quite concerned.
Harry quickly pulled out the map and then checked their surroundings (by this point Sirius and Remus had added the room to the map). "Indeed, there is Umbridge and a number of her goons. Looks like they are trying to catch someone with something. We have to wait until they are gone before we can leave. The door is still invisible after all."
"Thanks for the save, otherwise we would have run right into them," Ginny thanked Dobby, who beamed with pride.
"While we are waiting, there is something I need to ask you, Dobby," Hermione told the elf.
"Dobby is always eager to answer the questions of Harry Potter's friends," Dobby said eagerly.
"Dobby, you were able to warn us. Was that because you are a free elf?" Hermione wanted to know.
"Dobby is not bound to the castle like the other elves. Dobby is employed and still a free elf, not held down by bonds. Dobby has the freedom to not follow an order if he wishes," Dobby explained, looking quite happy. "If High Inquisitor gives orders to other elves, they have to obey unless Headmaster Dumbledore overrules her."
"Just to make sure: you still get all the benefits of a fulfilling job but you are not bound like the other elves?" Hermione asked, wanting to make sure.
The way Dobby's ears moved show how happy he was. "Oh yes." Then his mood got less excited. "The other elves don't understand Dobby; think Dobby is not entirely right in the head. No respectable female elf gives Dobby attention..."
"You mean they are picky and don't want to get into a relationship with you because you are not conforming to the social norms of house-elf society?" Harry asked carefully, knowing this had to be a sensitive topic.
Dobby's ears now drooped considerably. "It's a sad truth, but deviation from the norm is not seen favorably."
They felt sorry for the poor guy. He had gained his personal freedom, but at the cost of other elves seeing him as a weirdo and thus shooting his chances at a meaningful relationship to hell. It was unfair that he was punished for having gained his personal freedom, but it was the truth that social norms that had been set in stone for centuries were very powerful.
It would take quite an unusual female elf to ignore the social stigma and see Dobby for who he was.
...the morning of March 25th...
"This looks like another announcement from the toad," Millicent groaned when seeing Umbridge waiting to make an announcement. "Well, there goes my appetite."
"Guess she still hasn't gotten over how her order to deny us food for two days has backfired on her," Dudley remarked, remembering that all too well. "She also looks a bit unhinged to be honest."
"You only notice now, but that was a gradual thing," Daphne added. "I observed it closely. Ever since she failed to fire Trelawney on the spot, she has started to fall apart. It's like losing control so badly is causing her to slide down the slope."
There was something to that, now that they were thinking about it. Millicent then again looked at Umbridge. "If that's the case, you think she could get worse than that?"
"Let's better not tempt fate..." Daphne had heard of that problem from their friends and had no wish to test the theory.
"Hm..." Millicent looked around, then stopped and looked again to make sure. "Daphne, why is Finch-Fletchley from Huffepuff giving you those looks?"
"Eh..." Daphne cursed her pale skin, since she was sure a light blush had appeared on her face. "We... well, it started when we were working together in that..." They knew she meant the DoH training. "We are working really well together and it started with us talking about our respective social status."
"Daphne, honestly?" Millicent said, rolling her eyes. "Still, looks like something came out of that."
"I... We are still testing the waters. Too bad that the school is right now in a state of emergency, or we could have tested out the waters better. Daphne made it clear this was the end of that particular topic.
"Yes, please drop it, Millie. After all, Daphne gave us our privacy as well," Dudley reminded Millicent.
That moment the hall fell silent when Umbridge spoke up.
"It is with great disappointment that I had to ensure myself, that the discipline methods of Hogwarts have proven to in insufficient to deal with the problems that had sprung up in the school. The Ministry of Magic therefore has deemed it urgent to ensure that discipline is to be restored as soon as possible."
They knew what she meant. She would now get nasty in order to try and destroy all resistance and break the students. They also saw the teachers looking grave, some even giving Umbridge looks of utter loathing.
"As of today in its newest Educational Decree, the Ministry of Magic has enacted, that corporal punishment is re-instated at Hogwarts. It was a serious mistake made by the current Headmaster to abolish such a central part of discipline. Those punishments are to be decided upon either by the High Inquisitor or the Inquisitorial Squad and are carried out by the latter."
The students only now realized that the members of the Inquisitorial Squad were now being equipped with nasty-looking rattan canes, no doubt being intended to be used often to get the students under control by spreading fear. Even worse was, that Umbridge's goons now were allowed to openly beat up other students according to their whims.
Everyone knew Umbridge had finally gone off the deep end and was not even pretending any more.
Umbridge however was not yet done. "Additionally, if parents want to withdraw their children from Hogwarts, they now have to get the permission of the Ministry of Magic, which from this point onward has the final say in the matter."
The students knew those decrees were not being made public, so the Ministry was planning ahead to ensure that once these things do come out, enraged parents wouldn't be able to remove their children from Umbridge's presence or the toxic place the Ministry wanted to turn Hogwarts into. Everyone knew with the Inquisitorial Squad having a free pass to beat up students, this would get really dirty now.
At the Gryffindor table, the mood was explosive.
"So she has given herself and her toadies a license to beat up students at their whim." Angelina looked quite angry at that new development.
"My parents told me of when teachers were still allowed to use corporal punishment during their school days, but I fear this will be just them beating up anyone they don't like," Colin added, looking quite scared of the idea.
"It's not only that." Hermione then noticed she got the attention of a good part of the table. "Take a look at the teachers."
They did and the mood at the faculty table was clear. "They look down and ready to rip Umbridge to pieces," Ron observed, being astounded that the normally controlled teachers now looked ready to commit murder.
"It's part of her plan; I'm sure of that. She wants to get rid of the teachers as well, and what is better than to provoke them until they forget themselves, then have them arrested?" Hermione explained.
"Despite her starting to lose it, it does not make her any less dangerous," Luna added dryly. "In fact, now that she has lost all restraint, she is bound to do something worse."
"Worse than...?" Harry stopped, looking to his now fully healed hand. "I take it back, I know she is fully capable of worse things."
"Look over there. Filch looks like he's ready to murder Umbridge even worse than the teachers do. Weird for him to react that way," Neville wondered, having always thought Filch was big on punishment.
"You forget that with that, Filch essentially is being made ready to be laid off, so no wonder he is angry. With that decree his position at the school essentially is being made redundant," Hermione explained. "I also think despite rumors of him wanting corporal punishment back, he never wanted something like this."
Indeed, over that the faculty table, Filch was angry for those exact reasons.
He knew that Umbrige was fully willing to make him collateral damge by making his job as a school disciplinarian redundant, now that she and her toadies could freely give out punishments and especially beatings. And yes, while he was for corporal punishment, it was within reason and under strict rules. What Umbridge had created however was just a terror instrument to literally beat the students into submission.
Suddenly the attention of everyone was on a scene.
Crabbe, seemingly not wanting to waste any time to put his new authority to good use, had confronted a Slytherin girl they knew came from a magical family that was quite progressive. He screamed at her what dirty traitors her family were to have turned their backs on magical society, then pulled out his rattan cane. Everyone watched in horror and disgust how Crabbe started to beat the girl with a grin on his face like the sadistic bastard he was.
"That monster..." Ginny said, unable to stop her tears at the terrible sight.
"He's just painted a huge target onto himself," Harry said darkly, knowing after that Crabbe could expect no mercy. "Not that they'll break the code, even for a sadistic piece of crap like him, but he's bound to get a reserved bed in the hospital wing."
Harry of course was talking about the code of all students that got back at the Inquisitorial Squad and Umbridge for all the shit they were pulling. There were lines they would never cross, even though Umbridge especially deserved it. They would never do permanent harm; though that didn't mean that some of the things they did would be easy to undo.
Finally, that terrible display was over and Professor Slughorn, having completely lost his appetite after having to witness that display of savagery, made haste to hover the girl to the hospital wing. Crabbe on the other hand displayed a grin that enraged students even more.
"Look at him. That Neanderthal is enjoying that he can now beat up students without having to fear any consequences," Hermione said with open disgust.
"They have not thought this through," Luna said coldly, her expression having darkened. "They might not suffer legal consequences, but with each terrible act they are ensuring that everyone remembers them as sadistic animals that are not to be trusted at all."
That made Luna's friends stop and think. They then realized that Luna was correct about that.
The members of the Inquisitorial Squad were actively destroying their own lives. They were openly practicing their sadism and other negative traits in front of all students - students that basically represented the future of Magical Britain. It went deeper than those bullies just destroying any chance to stay at Hogwarts once this was over. No, everyone at this school would remember what they had done and carry that into the future. Regardless how rich some of the families of Squad members were, what use was that when everyone knew what kind of disgusting persons they really were?
Though that was only a small consolation for all the violence that was sure to be unleashed now.
...later that day, Umbridge's office...
I should have known she would try something, Harry thought when the door slammed shut behind him.
The day already had been bad, with the Inquisitorial Squad having lost all restraint - and Harry knew this would have terrifying consequences, even if it not resulted in the Squad members being held accountable personally - and it had made him inattentive for a moment. Umbridge had ambushed him at that moment and told him in no uncertain terms it was either coming with her, or suffer the consequences.
Considering what had happened the last time, question was what was worse: what she wanted to do to him or suffering the consequences. Harry felt resisting would only result in her doing worse things to him, so he gave in, hoping that his friends, who had observed the whole thing, would get help in time - no way they would let him suffer a repeat.
Umbridge for her part had sat down behind the desk of her recently rebuilt office. "Sit down, Mr. Potter, we have a lot to talk about."
"I bet you do..." Harry did sit down, only to then realize it was like he was glued to the seat, being stuck. He looked up to Umbridge. "Let's drop all pretense, you want something from me."
"Right you are. I indeed want something from you." Umbridge also made no effort to keep up a mask. "I bet you found the whole mess of the past weeks very funny, don't you?"
"I don't know who does it, but considering the results, I say 'bravo'," Harry told her, feeling no need to be polite in any way. "You should give them credit."
Wordlessly, Umbridge stood up, walked over to him and... -slap- She slapped him hard, nearly causing his glasses to fall off. Harry even felt that her rings had left behind scratches. "Insolent brat! You are just as bad as that godfather of yours."
Despite the pain Harry only became more confrontational. "Sirius is a great man, unlike that moron Fudge. I still don't get why you attached yourself to him of all people."
"Because he's useful - though his usefulness will come to an end at some point." Umbridge made no secret of her low opinion of Fudge.
Truth to be told, Umbridge knew that Fudge's end of usefulness to her was approaching fast. He had been highly reluctant to actually create the new decrees that allowed corporal punishment and basically made it impossible for parents to withdraw their children from Hogwarts. While Fudge no longer believed he would get re-elected, he had become spooked that his term could get cut short.
Spineless weakling, Umbridge thought, then returned her attention to Harry. "Once he has served his purpose, it will be no problem to find the next fool to advance my career even further. However, there are annoyances."
"You mean my godfather, don't you?" Harry knew that Sirius was busy on the political side to undermine Fudge, though he had been forced to become more secretive about or, or Harry could suffer again from Umbridge's sadism.
Umbridge actually growled. "That man still is a huge thorn in my side! It's like all his actions are meant to make my life difficult. However, this right now is not about him."
"And what is it that you dragged me here for?" Harry asked, stalling for time.
"Very easy. I know that you know things about that insurrection which has as its goal to undermine my authority. Nothing worked to root this annoyance out, thus I will resort to other means." Umbridge leaned forward so that her face was uncomfortable close to Harry's. "You will help me to finally get rid of that annoying litte revolt."
Harry snorted. "Even if I would know something about that, do you honestly expect me to talk?"
"No, Mr. Potter, I know you will talk."Umbridge then walked over to her desk and pulled something out of a drawer. "I have the means to make you talk."
Harry had a good idea what Umbridge meant when seeing her put a small bottle onto the desk, which did contain a colorless potion. "Truth potion? Isn't that highly illegal?" He didn't want to show that he now was getting nervous.
"Those who make the laws decide what is illegal," Umbridge waved that aside. "Now, let's..." -toc toc toc- Someone knocking on the door interrupted her. "Yes?!"
The door opened and at first Harry couldn't see who it was, but then he saw Professor Snape walk to Umbridge. Umbridge for her part looked annoyed. "What is it? I was just about to carry out discipline."
"High Inquisitor, the Headmaster wants to speak with you. Right away," Snape told her, trying hard to hide how much she disgusted him.
"Let's see what he wants..." Umbridge grumbled while walking over to the fireplace to contact Dumbledore.
Snape meanwhile turned his attention to Harry. A small gesture from Snape was enough for Harry to know he should play along and keep silent. While Umbridge was busy talking to the Headmaster - about something that was rather irrelevant - Snape's wand poked out of his sleeve and touched the bottle for a moment. He had said nothing, but spell must have been cast, because for a moment the potion glowed before seemingly returning to normal.
Umbridge was done a few moments later, but to her it looked like nothing had happened. "Wasting my time like that... Now back to business."
"High Inquisitor, I see you were about to feed Potter a potion. That could be dangerous by causing unintended side-effects," Snape told Umbridge, looking at the bottle.
If anything, Umbridge honestly didn't care if something happened to Harry, but she also knew she then would have to fear getting killed by Black. "If you are that concerned about it, then feel free to watch."
Watching her uncork the bottle, Harry played along. "Give it to me. I have nothing to hide."
"We'll see..." Umbridge then forced Harry to drink. Harry felt it tasted nasty. Umbridge then waited for something, but didn't see the usual trance the potion should cause. "It should have worked by now..."
"I don't feel anything," Harry told her. "Not that it makes a difference, I have nothing I could tell you."
"It's not working..." Umbridge looked quite displeased.
Playing his role, Snape looked to the bottle. "High Inquisitor, how long did you have that Veritaserum?"
"Several months, why do you ask?" she told him, not being afraid to admit that.
"As an expert Potions Master I can tell you right away that Veritaserum does spoil and lose its effect if it sits on a shelf for a longer time. That is why it most often is brewed fresh so it has the best effect," Snape told Umbridge, though it sounded like a lecture.
Feeling angry, also at herself for making such a stupid error, Umbridge released Harry from the seat. "Take him and get out of here! I don't want to be disturbed."
They did leave and Harry waited until they were a comfortable distance away from Umbridge's office, before he dared to speak up. "Thank you, Professor, that was a save at the last moment."
"Thank not me, but those friends of yours who had run to the Headmaster right away," Snape corrected Harry, not wanting Harry's gratitude. "I just followed orders."
Hearing that, Harry knew that due to the past Snape honestly didn't want Harry to be in his debt. That would have been too uncomfortable for him. "Still, Sir, thank you."
Snape then asked "Potter, what is that on your face?"
Touching his face, Harry realized what Snape meant. "Umbridge didn't like my non-reaction to her threats and slapped me." Seeing Snape just nod, Harry decided to ask the question he was sitting on. "Professor, was it the truth that the potion can spoil, or did you make it up, knowing Umbridge wouldn't know any better?"
Harry tried not to look uncomfortable at the look Snape gave him, even feeling the need to strengthen his Occlumency shields. "Of course it's true, only a dunderhead would tell an easy to disprove lie. Though her potion wasn't spoiled yet, so I hastened the process."
"That was an example on non-verbal magic?" Harry then again had to brave the looks Snape gave him. "We did read ahead, Sir."
Snape then finally nodded. "Yes, that's on the plan for next year. Perhaps there is hope for you."
That coming from him actually was quite encouraging, considering history and what a perfectionist he was. Harry knew not to test his luck any further, since Professor Snape was in no mood for conversation.
Snape for his part was working hard not to show anything.
He had gotten there just in time to prevent a disaster which could have had unbelievable consequences. Thankfully, the danger now was neutralized, since he honestly doubted that Umbridge could get her hands onto a new batch of the potion anytime soon. That however didn't mean the general danger was over. Granted, he knew that Potter was not like his father and wouldn't seek out danger out of bravado, but that made a bad situation only a bit less dangerous.
Combine that with having to regain the favor of the Dark Lord and his stress levels were rising through the roof.
...March 29th...
If Umbridge had thought that enabling her goons to beat up students as they pleased would break the resistance against her, she had been dead wrong. If anything, the brutality showcased by the Inquisitorial Squad had only lit a fire under the students and they became... creative in their retaliation. If the Squad had been paranoid before, they now were so doubly.
Squad members had become a common sight in the hospital wing, suffering from various curses and other afflictions that would need time to be undone. It was impressive how creative students could become when permanent harm was out of question. Like at the moment that girl Ciella having to lie front down in a hospital bed due to her back being littered with hedgehog spines - which combined with her having grown a scaly tail also made it impossible for her to wear anything, only a cloth over her ass preserving her modesty.
It wasn't that Madam Pomfrey didn't help them - she was taking her healer's oath quite seriously - but unless there was an actual reason for her to hurry, like something causing them pain, she was taking her time. That in turn enraged Umbridge, since it meant that she never had the full number of underlings available. However, there was little she could hold against the school nurse.
As if that was not enough, Alastor Moody seemed to have found a new hobby by always being in her vicinity and watching her with that magical eye of his. The first time she had tried to tell him to get lost, only for him to inform her that if she does have a problem with him, to better bring it up with the Headmaster. In fact, she held no doubt that he was not seeing her as having any authority - a fact that was enraging her.
Said Moody right at the moment was sitting in the Headmaster's office.
"They are creative, I have to give them that. Umbridge slowly looks ready for the loony bin," Moody said before drinking from his hip flask.
Dumbledore gave Fawkes some attention while talking, knowing that Moody wouldn't mind. "Yes, they are fighting back, but it does not erase the fact that the students are suffering. Those senseless beatings Umbridge's helpers are dishing out are a blight on Hogwarts."
Moody snorted. "Those little snots think they are bigwigs, but the only thing they did was to drop the mask. Will you remove them as soon as that disciple woman is gone?"
"As much as I want to, none the least for the peace in the school, there are complex mechanisms at work that unlike Umbridge will make them escape direct punishment," Dumbledore said with a sigh while offering Fawkes some meat which the phoenix gladly accepted.
Those news caused Moody's mood to darken. "So they get away with it?!"
"Hardly." Dumbledore then sat down behind his desk. "Sure, they won't be subject to direct punishment for all of their horrible deeds, but there are other ways."
"Better tell me, Albus," Moody said, looking impatient.
"Very well, Alastor." Dumbledore then started to explain while taking a Sherbet Lemon out of a tin. "While I can't remove them, them being utterly powerless in a school full of students who hate their guts will ensure they will stay isolated for the remainder of the school year after all this is over. And after that, they will want to leave Hogwarts and never return."
"Still not much of a punishment," Moody grumbled, having witnessed all of the shit those students had pulled under Umbridge's protection and being utterly disgusted with them.
"Then there also is the fact there is lots of proof of how those students have acted. As soon as Cornelius is tumbling, all the evidence of what really has happened at Hogwarts will be published. Normally I dislike having to resort to such tactics, but after all I had to witness, it has to be done," Dumbledore explained.
Moody finally understood. "So you want everyone to know what kind of scum those snots really are? -snort- They have been busy with destroying their own future. Though, you do know what that also means?"
Now Dumbldore looked older than he already was. "I know. This no doubt was planned by Voldemort. Once the dust has settled, he will have new recruits and there is nothing we can do about that."
The thought was sobering.
...Hogwarts great hall, April 8th...
The day of the students of Hogwarts got rudely interrupted when an announcement was made that everyone had to gather in the great hall right away. The suddenness of this caused concerned whispering while students moved to the great hall.
The past week had been the most intense one up to now. The school had turned into a complete madhouse for Umbridge and her little toadies, and Umbridge reacted by generously giving out corporal punishment against students she suspected were somehow involved in the whole thing. However, those painful beatings only seemed to make students more determined to top each other in making Umbridge miserable.
Basically, the school was in open rebellion and Umbridge was rather ineffective against it, if not outright helpless. By now it seemed to drive her nuts and increasingly desperate. Just this morning a swamp had sprung up right in front of Umbridge's office door, making it next to impossible to enter. Umbridge herself was incapable of removing the swamp and the teachers would not do her that favor.
There was a feeling this sudden development could be about that.
"I have a bad feeling about this. You think it's about that swamp that suddenly has sprung up in the corridor directly at Umbridge's office door?" Neville asked while they sat down at the Gryffindor table, hoping they wouldn't have to witness something nasty.
"Has to be. I can't imagine what else could cause her to want a big audience," Ginny said, also being a bit nervous about this.
"Better hope this is about nothing serious. Remember how unhinged she is becoming," Harry reminded them.
They knew what he meant. Harry had told them of her trying to get truth potion into him in order to then learn all of his secrets. He had been damn lucky that Snape had managed to get him out of that sticky situation at the last moment. Ever since then, they had become quite paranoid what Umbridge could be planning next. In her anger and desperation, Umbridge was starting to lose it as her behavior as of late showed.
Looking down the table, Ron noticed something. "Hey, where are Fred and George?"
Now that he had said it, the twins indeed were absent, which was weird due to everyone else being present. Angelina looked with worry at the empty seats. "We haven't seen them for a while. I worry that they have gotten into serious trouble."
They knew that considering the reputation of the twins, it meant truly serious trouble.
Why do I have the bad feeling that my brothers got themselves backed into a corner? Ginny asked herself, hoping that she was wrong about that.
Alas, at that moment the door opened and Umbridge walked in. Compared to how she had acted at the start of the school year, she had lost her aura of smug superiority and now looked stressed and worn out. The open rebellion of the students had taken its toll on her and by this point she was no longer caring about subtlety, She now wanted to bring the school to heel by force and it was only a matter of time before the Ministry would just try to dispose of Dumbledore without any pretense.
Umbridge then addressed the students. "This morning, serious damage to the school proper was done by a swamp springing up in the corridor where my office is located. Any attempt to remove it has failed, so that is destruction of school property."
So it was about that swamp. Considering how this did have the handwriting of Fred and George, things now looked bad for them. Of course it in a flood of jeers and mocking laughter from the students - so many of them that it was impossible for Umbridge to weed out anyone for punishment.
"So, you find that funny, do you? Well, see if you still find it funny in a moment." Umbridge then continued "The suspects are denying any involvement, but we will see about that..."
Now that caused unrest. Umbridge had actually caught suspects? Ron again looked to the empty seats of the twins. "I have a REALLY bad feeling about this."
That moment the big doors of the great hall opened and everyone - students and teachers alike, gasped. It were Fred and George and they here hanging on hovering chains that were cuffed to their wrists - a fact that was causing them considerable distress. Their upper bodies were bare as well. They were surrounded by members of the Inquisitorial Squad who were pushing them into the hall until reaching the spot next to Umbridge.
Filch for his part growled when seeing this display. He had been for re-introducing corporal punishment until seeing Umbridge using it to spread terror. He honestly had lost any wish to properly re-introduce it now after seeing it being used like that. And now he also knew why the chains in his office had vanished. Seeing them being used like that, he knew he would be unable to ever again make that empty threat of using them to students. Not after everyone saw them being used for real.
"Oh crap..." While Ginny was at times annoyed with the twins, she never wished for them to end up in such a bad situation.
Umbridge meanwhile turned to the twins. "Both of you are being accused of creating that swamp. What do you have to say in your defense?"
"That's defamation!" George complained loudly, so everyone could hear. "You are only accusing us because you don't like us."
"Yes, that's total despotism. We have nothing to do with that, you just want us to be," Fred agreed, trying not to show how painful hanging like that was for them.
"So, you are still denying it. You'll soon change your minds" Umbridge turned to the Inquisitorial Squad. "I need two volunteers."
Two of the Squad members almost literally jumped at the opportunity, stepping forward the moment Umbridge had said that. One of them was Sevenstone, and the other one - a bit surprising - was McLaggen. Everyone who knew a bit more about this knew this had to be Quidditch-related. McLaggen had a serious beef with the twins and Sevestone also had grown to intensely dislike the twins.
"No hesitation. Very good." Umbridge then gave them each a long, wooden stick that easily was an inch in diameter. "I don't have to tell you what the punishment for those two is, do I?"
"We are in the know..." Sevenstone then picked Fred while McLaggen walked over to George. "Looks like the tables have turned."
McLaggen couldn't help but to look gleeful. "You shouldn't have laughed at me and made fun of my aspiration being sabotaged."
Fred and George honestly had no witty reply, instead being quite scared at what would come next, though that wouldn't lessen their determination to admit nothing. McLaggen and Sevenstone then held their sticks high and...
"No. No... I can't watch this!" Ginny turned away from the sight of her brothers getting beaten up, having paled. However, she was unable to block out the sound of the beating and the twins' cries of pain.
That toad is DEAD! Ron thought in helpless anger, not even wanting to imagine the reaction of his parents once this came out.
The others watched and helpless anger as well, fighting against the urge to do something, since they knew that would end badly for them. They however were not alone, as many looked horrified at the public beating, yet in many the horror was transforming into anger. Even the teachers looked like it took them all their discipline to not do something drastic. Penelope had to literally hold down Percy, whose expression had grown murderous.
"Those animals..." Angelina didn't even bother to hide her tears.
It seemed to take an eternity, but finally the beating stopped. Fred and George were now a mess of bruises and the felt that they were suffering from several broken bones. It was brutal and normally would have no place in a school environment, and thus was proof how far things already had escalated.
Umbridge looked pleased with the result. "Now, are you willing to confess to your crime?"
George gave her a cold look. "What crime? We have done nothing. What do you want to do? Beat us to death unless we act as your scapegoats?"
Umbridge looked displeased. McLaggen and Sevenstone looked ready to go another roud of beating them up, but Umbridge held up her hand to stop them. "So you won't confess. What a pity you don't believe in justice." Suddenly the magic in the chains was gone, causing the twins to fall to the floor and them cry out in pain.
"Let that be your warning," Umbridge told the gathered students. "From this moment on, there will be zero tolerance for any further attempts to disrupt the school peace." Umbridge then ignored the murderous looks of defiance she got while leaving.
As soon as she and her goons were gone, all other Weasleys in the hall made a run towards the twins, as did Angelina.
"Shit, they did a real number on you," Ron gasped when seeing up close how badly the twins got beaten up.
"Crap, that hurts..." Fred gasped, spitting out some blood. "Though I'm more concerned what happens when Mum hears of this."
"Yes..." George agreed with a groan. "She'll want the toad's head on a pike."
Percy looked like this was the middle of a terrible nightmare. "You know officially no word of this can leave the castle?" His expression then hardened. "The Headmaster still will tell them, though he has to talk to Father first."
"Dad can actually break the news to her without her right away marching to the castle," Ginny agreed. "Eh... I don't think you can move?"
"Ginny, are you kidding...? Ow!" George groaned, though that was answer enough.
Fred then let out a pained chuckle. "Still, totally worth it."
"You think so as well, George?" Angelina asked the twin in question and got no answer, though his expression said it all, causing her to sigh. "If I hadn't already known what I'm getting into by dating you..."
"All right, enough." That was Madam Pomfrey, so someone must have called her. "Oh dear, this looks highly unpleasant." She looked to the teachers. "Help me get them to the hospital wing."
Her voice left no room for discussion.
...Creatures class, April 10th...
The past two days had been, if anything, kind of a peak of Umbridge and her helpers being buried in trouble. Them beating Fred and George green and blue in front of everyone had not had the effect Umbridge had desired. In the contrary, the reprisal was swift and harsh, resulting in almost the entire Inquisitorial Squad suffering from one highly embarrassing aliment or another.
From what came out, Parkinson right now looked like a human fish, Malfoy was constantly pissing himself, Sevenstone had uncontrollable bowel movements and that tosser McLaggen sported the head of a cow, mooing instead of speaking. Madam Pomfrey had given up and reserved an entire section of the hospital wing for them, knowing the beds would be in constant use.
It seemed that those jerks had finally gotten the memo, not daring to any longer interfere with the other students and even no longer having the courage to do something when Umbridge herself ordered them. They simply had become too afraid of then suffering the next accident. Those still in the hospital wing, as much as rumors said, knew when to fold them and would follow that example.
Her lack of troops on the ground in turn had made Umbridge finally realize that her latest stunt instead of making her position stronger had pulled the rug from under her own feet.
Sure, Umbridge could still try to use legal tricks, but her attempts to install herself as absolute authority at Hogwarts had failed miserably. The students were openly rebelling against her and gave a damn about her orders now, some openly telling her she could go to hell and they would not stand for any punishments she would try to cook up.
Umbridge had become desperate enough to ask Fudge for law enforcement to get the situation under control. However, Fudge was highly reluctant to do that. Sure, he had done a lot of crap over the past year - a lot of it very much not legal - but he knew that sending law enforcement to basically occupy Hogwarts could break his neck very quickly. Thus he had denied Umbridge's request, too afraid of the consequences.
What Fudge had not told her was, that Scrimgeour had told him point-blank that while he might be the Minister, his actions had eroded his authority and should he order the Auror Deaptment to get Hogwarts under control, then his Aurors would refuse the order. That was the real reason Fudge had been unable to help Umbridge with law enforcement.
One positive effect had been Umbridge pretty much sequestering herself in her temporary office (due to the swamp), thus students were being spared her presence. Rumor had it that she was falling apart emotionally and thus didn't want to show herself.
No one felt in any way sorry for her.
However, while taking care of fairies in Care for Magical Creatures - something that caused most of the girls in the class to go completely gaga - there was discussion what that could also mean. Well, discussion while also trying to take care of their fairies, which brought out some interesting revelations.
"Careful, Ginny, you know you have a reputation to keep," Ron teased his sister when seeing her act quite like the stereotypical teenage girl when taking care of her fairy.
"I can be a tomboy and still have some girlish interests," Ginny defended herself, not even trying to deny it.
"Wow, Luna, you are really good with that," Neville commented when seeing Luna taking wonderful care of her fairy, who was very much enjoying the attention.
"I treat them as people and they appreciate it if treated as such. The Ministry dismissing them as mere creatures due to some factors is just awful." Luna then gave Neville a proud smile. "You are really good at this as well. You want us to try together?"
Neville blushed a little but then moved closer, not wanting to admit that seeing Luna like that had provoked the thought that she looked like a mother taking care of a child and that, despite what others might think, she showed she could be a very caring mother.
"Good thing Umbridge has sequestered herself, but you look like you don't like it," Harry observed, seeing Hermione being a bit stiff.
"She has lost the battle inside Hogwarts and she knows it. The students ignore even direct orders from her and her little helpers refuse to any longer take the heat for her. That however doesn't mean she's done for. You better believe she's now working to use the legal crowbar to get everything done de jure," Hermione reminded Harry.
"Nothing we can do about that. It's Dumbledore and Uncle Sirius who have to deal with that," Harry said, knowing there was little they could do about Fudge twisting the law. "Eh... have you noticed how Hagrid acts?"
Hermione knew what Harry meant, since Hagrid seemed distracted. "Hard to miss that. We better ask him about that after class."
Class went by without a problem.
Hagrid saw them staying behind and already knew what that was about. "Guess you've noticed I was not giving it my all?"
"Hagrid, what's wrong? You normally always are enthusiastic about your lessons," Neville asked, looking a bit concerned.
"Ah, it's that ruddy woman." Hagrid didn't bother with a name, since they knew who he meant with that. "Dumbledore told me she's attempting to have me removed. Dumbledore is working on stopping that, but I can't help to worry."
"After what Umbridge did with Professor Trelawney you have every right to worry," Luna added, remembering Umbridge's cruel attempt to fire Trelawney.
"You probably know she still hasn't recovered from that, is now constantly afraid she has to leave," Hagrid said and Luna's pained expression was answer enough. "The Headmaster told me in a bizarre way something good came out of it. After that bust, they are reluctant to try the same with me."
"I really hope we don't have to endure her for much longer. Can't that damn curse hurry up?" Harry grumbled, paying upon the fact that the Defense position was cursed.
"She most certainly has amassed enough bad karma," Luna mused. "I would expect the curse to hit her extra hard for all the things she has done in her arrogance, including wanting to teach all students in Defense."
"Normally, I would scold you for wanting harm to befall another," Hagrid said, but even then there wasn't much strength in it. "However, that woman did enough that even I no longer care. Never thought I would feel like that."
"We know. It's like all of it is starting to bring a side of us to the surface that we don't like." Ginny knew that she didn't like the thoughts she had at times, feeling this had to end soon, before it would get worse.
All of them by now hoped it would be over soon.
...Little Whinging, April 13th...
The residential towers at the edge of Little Whinging did have a questionable reputation, being seen as a hive of poverty. Only those that had no other choice were living in them; meaning people that were closer to the lower end of the social ladder. To the great embarrassment of Petunia Evans, that now also included her.
Looking out of the window of her cheap flat in one of the towers, she again was confronted with the depressing surroundings, which were so unlike the neighborhood she had lived in before. Sadly, that was the best she could afford without endangering her monthly budget. It was a nasty reminder how many things she had taken for granted up until recently.
Looking at the flat itself, she couldn't help but compare it to the one she had moved into after leaving the parental home.
It's just a bit more than what I had during my time as a switchboard operator; before meeting Vernon, Petunia thought, seeing a strange irony that the circle now was complete.
There was an unpleasant truth. She was a woman closing in on forty years who had been out of the labor market for almost seventeen of those. She also held no skills that would give her a job that was paid better. She knew soon enough she would have to go the next step on her walk of humiliation and look for a menial job.
All my life I looked down on people like cashiers and now I'm forced to become one of them myself. Petunia saw the sick sense of humor fate had when it came to her.
The flat also looked a bit empty despite its size. A number of things she had to sell off when leaving the house, due to her being unable to take them with her. They now were included with the house and the one to buy it would get more than normal out of the purchase. It was strangely symbolic for how her life had become a mess.
She dreaded the moment Dudley was back from school and how embarrassing it would be to show him what they were being reduced to.
-riiing- That was the doorbell, which made her wonder who it could be. After all, there was no one who would want to visit her.
Walking to the door, she looked through the peephole to see who it was. To her surprise, it was her former neighbor, Diane Black. She wondered what that woman could want from her, since their interactions in the past had not exactly been friendly, almost entirely due to herself.
She did open the door. "Hello, though I honestly can not imagine why you would want to visit me."
Diane for her part knew that compared to the past this was a friendly greeting. "Part of me also wonders why I do so. However, the door is not the fitting place for what I have to discuss with you."
Remembering her manners, Petunia did allow her in. Diane had noticed how embarrassed Petunia was with her seeing how much she had fallen down the social ladder, thus she tried to not react to her surroundings. After all, that would have been like rubbing salt into the wound. In her mind you don't kick someone who already was down.
Once they had both sat down at the table, Petunia decided to get to the meat of the matter right away. "Well? I don't think this visit is to rub my misfortune into my face." That sounded a bit more bitter than she had intended it to be.
Diane understood where that was coming from.
"All right, I'll get to the point right away. My husband bought Privet Drive No. 4." Diane then saw Petunia clearing thinking this was about mocking her. "And now we want to offer to you that you can live in it paying the same rent you pay for... this."
Petunia would have thought of it as some sort of condescending compassion, if not for the fact that she was supposed to still pay rent. After some moments, she had gathered herself. "Forgive me when I say that I doubt that this is coming from selfless compassion."
Diane honestly had expected that. "Don't worry, I don't mind. It's not because of you, but because of your son."
"Dudley?" Petunia then understood. "You don't want him to live in such conditions."
"You worked very hard for years to give everyone a terrible impression of you, so it's little wonder why few want to help you. Dudley has worked hard on improving himself and he was nothing but pleasant while he stayed with the Evans." Diane's expression then softened. "Don't misunderstand, however. As much as this is for your son, a small part of this is for you."
"I honestly don't understand," Petunia admitted. "For years I had been jealous that you were a better woman and a better mother. You know that, so it's confusing why you are giving me that chance."
"It's because I learned something from my husband. It's unhealthy to hold onto old grudges. He managed to let go of his grudge with Severus Snape..." Diane saw Petunia flinch and knew that the woman knew of Snape. "...so it would be hypocritical of me to keep my grudges even when there is no longer a basis for it."
"If anything, it makes me feel worse... But I'll still do it for Dudley's sake." Petunia then stopped. "He has not written to me in a while. I'm starting to get concerned."
Diane then realized that Petunia has no way of knowing that Hogwarts was under a contact block. In fact, she didn't know how much Dudley had actually told his mother. It was very likely that Petunia had no idea of what currently was going on, which made things much more complicated for her.
Damn it, why me? Diane wondered, knowing that Petunia needed to know.
"You see, there is an interesting story behind that..." Diane started to explain, hoping Petunia wouldn't take it too badly.
...April 16th...
It was a house visit of the kind that few would see as something wonderful. However, for the Malfoys it was a great honor that the Dark Lord was in their home to hear reports on the current situation in Hogwarts. However, to their dislike, the Parkinsons were being present as well, as the Dark Lord had ordered.
Voldemort enjoyed stoking that fire, seeing it as useful.
"And that is what your children are telling you?" Voldemort questioned, wanting to make sure.
"Yes, my Lord," Mrs. Parkinson confirmed. "Umbridge has lost control of the school and is desperately trying to get crude force to wipe the slate clean."
"How is that going for her, Lucius?" Voldemort then asked.
"It's going nowhere. Fudge is scared that if he sends law enforcement, it will utterly destroy his position. As if his actions up to this point haven't already done so. He's even too afraid now to hasten anymore decrees." Lucius made no secret of his contempt. "Whatever Umbridge herself tries, Dumbledore is now able to delay to neverday."
"And your social circles, Narcissa? What do they say?" Voldemort questioned.
"They all think by now that Fudge is an ineffective fool who made himself way too many enemies," Narcissa said, trying to hide how nervous she was.
While the presence of the Dark Lord already was a good way to be nervous, it was who was with him that made her so nervous. Not Barty, he was civilized enough. It was her sister Bellatrix. Even during their young years Bellatrix had made her nervous, and being in her presence again after so many years made her realize how much her sister was judging her.
She knew Bella had not forgiven her for enjoying a lavish lifestyle while she had stayed firm to the Dark Lord and had spent over a decade in Azkaban. Bellatrix had reminded her of that fact multiple times, making no secret that she thought of her sister as soft and spoiled. As much as Bella's words hurt, Narcissa had difficulties defending herself, considering the truth behind the accusation.
Voldemort meanwhile leaned back in his seat. "Just as I thought... Minister Fudge has outlived his usefulness. He has burned up all and any goodwill and political capital and the gain from keeping him going is now too small. We've gotten all out of the situation that we could have hoped for."
"We are to eliminate that little worm, Master?" Bellatrix asked, looking quite eager to do so.
"Oh Bella, why so dramatic? No, it will be way more amusing to watch him being forced to lay down in the grave he has dug for himself." Voldemort looked darkly amused at how eager Bellatrix was to kill in order to please him.
"Now I see, my Lord. That could indeed be amusing to watch," Bellatrix admitted, letting out a giggle of glee that was downright frightening.
Now, a cautious and careful strategist would try to keep hidden for as long as possible. Hoever, that went against two of Voldemort's fundemental character traits. First of course was his ego, as he felt the need to be known as the one to spread the terror. There also was his old love for big displays, a habit from his childhood days that was very alive and needed to be statisfied.
"Lucius! We will strike this afternoon. Make sure that we will not be disturbed when I make my announcement. This is calling for a dramatic entrance and I have no wish for that to be ruined. If it is, you'll suffer the consequences," Voldemort told Lucius, making it clear that was no idle threat.
"I understand Master. I will make sure of it." Lucius knew, even after almost two years he still was on thin ice with Voldemort.
On the way out, Bellatrix could no longer hold it in. "While it will be great to finally announce your return, my Lord, I'm disgusted with that worm Malfoy. He is not very sincere with his desire to be your servant."
"I have to agree with Bellatrix, Master," Barty added. "Malfoy might do as you demand, but there is no conviction behind it. He's only doing so to escape your wrath but is insincere about it."
"I know. However, I'm not worried. Our dear Lucius after all is close to outliving his own usefulness as well," Voldemort remarked calmly.
"Ah, of course..." Barty understood instantly and started to chuckle.
Bellatrix however didn't make the connection and Voldemort took pity on her. "The greatest capital Lucius has on his side is his influence on the Minister. I'm a bit disappointed that he has not realized that once Fudge is gone his worth to us diminishes greatly. He was foolish and made himself replaceable by allowing Narcissa into our ranks. She also allows us to use the Malfoy fortune to our advantage."
"Ha ha ha ha ha!" Bellatrix laughed in sick amusement. "You truly know the best punishments, Master."
"Indeed. He thought he has gotten back into my good graces, but now that he has done his duty like the good soldier he is, his punishment will resume. After all, he has caused me an irreplaceable loss - a loss that Lord Voldemort can never forgive."
It was truly telling that Voldemort had waited until he had squeezed all use out of Lucius before he would continue to punish him for being responsible that one of his insurances got destroyed. That indeed was something he could never forgive.
He had simply lied to Lucius when telling him that hard work of thirteen year would mean the debt was repaid.
o
It was a busy day in Diagon Alley, as usual. It being the main shopping district of Magical Britain meant that there always was traffic in Diagon Alley. It was like a beating heart - proof of Magical Britain being alive and well. Little did the people know that said heart would very soon almost be sent into cardiac arrest.
The everyday business was stopped all of a sudden when the sky started to darken with an unnatural cloud cover. Those that had lived through the last war began to panic right away, remembering very well what kind of sign that was, while those that were too young to remember nonetheless had the terrible feeling that something nasty was about to happen.
That prediction came true much faster than they would have thought.
Granted, normally apparating in just made you appear, but the invaders had mixed in something extra - black smoke exploding from where they appeared, turning the whole atmosphere very dark almost instantly. Screams of terror erupted from the crowd when the older people recognized the masks and robes of Death Eaters; it was like a nightmare had come to life.
The panic that erupted in the crowd made many try to flee, but there was nowhere to go.
Many of the shops had barricaded their doors right away, those inside fearfully hoping that the Death Eaters would not try to break in. Fleeing to Gringotts also was impossible, as the guards had reacted quickly and locked the massive doors from the inside, the goblins not wanting to be drawn into the conflicts of wizards. Those that tried to flee down the street were stopped by Death Eaters and the few who were brave enough to draw their wands were quickly downed with stunners.
It had taken less than five minutes before the Death Eaters had brought the crowd under control, herding them to a conjured stage, and there was no sign of law enforcement anywhere, making the people feel abandoned. However, things were about to get more horrifying very fast.
"All of you, be in awe! The Dark Lord has deemed you worthy to listen to his words!" one Death Eater shouted.
Screams of terror erupted when the crowd saw who was entering the makeshift stage. They had thought him dead, but his face was something burned into the memories of many and there was no doubt it was him. Their worst nightmare had come true and Lord Voldemort had returned.
"Thank you so much," Voldemort said without any irony, treating the screams of terror like applause.
Voldemort made a short, dramatic pause, before he continued. "You are not imagining things; Lord Voldemort is alive and well. Surely you wonder... why has the Ministry so steadfastly denied that there even is any kind of danger? They knew better, but they have lied to you."
Voldemort was enjoying the unrest this brought into the crowd. Those that had blindly believed the Ministry now were confronted with the fact that they had believed the Ministry like dumb lemmings. Just as intended this would damage the Ministry even further and undermine the trust the people still held in it. Besides being dramatic, this show was meant to do the maximum of damage.
"Also ask yourselves: where is the Ministry now? No enforcer of the law is in sight." That was to rub salt into it. "Now then, I am here to announce that soon enough Lord Voldemort will rule Magical Britain and lead it into a new, better age! Magical Britain has become weak, starting to accept those without magic to mingle with them. That soon will be a thing of the past. Of course there are those who are catering to those without magic. An example has to be made!"
The crowd then gasped when they saw three Death Eaters manhandling Mr. Fortescue, the owner of the ice cream parlor, dragging him onto the stage before forcing him to his knees in front of Voldemort. The man was filled with terror, looking at Voldemort like seeing the grim reaper.
"No, please, no!" he begged, knowing what was about to happen.
"You are catering to Muggles, even encourage them to be patrons in your business. That is intolerable, as no magical business should lower itself to serve Muggles. For that Lord Voldemort declares you guilty and the sentence is death," Voldemort announced.
Mr. Fortescue's eyes widened in terror, but then a non-verbal spell from Voldemort brutally ripped open his throat. The Death Eaters then threw the dying man off the stage and he impacted hard onto the cobblestones of the street, his blood painting the cobblestones red. The crowd was horrified at the example that had just been made of this friendly, innocent man, some trying to understand while watching the growing pool of blood.
"Look closely, as that is the future of all those who have diluted Magical Britain. Soon the cleaning will begin." Voldemort then held his wand aloft. "Morsmordre!"
Screams erupted from the crowd again when they saw the Dark Mark rise into the sky. At the same time Voldemort and the Death Eaters departed, the deed having been done. With them gone, panic gripped the people and they tried to flee the scene of the crime as fast as they could. Soon enough the news of what had happened would go out into the world and turn everything upside-down.
It was only at that point that law enforcement finally arrived - way too late thanks to something having been done to delay them. It was chaos. People were screaming in terror, the shops were closed up, a dead body laid in a growing pool of blood and above all of it the Dark Mark gloatingly told the story. The Aurors were desperately trying to get some order into the chaos.
Inside Gingotts everyone had seen what was happening through the big windows, the goblins not having bothered to lower the armored shutters. By a coincidence they had a premium view of the corpse of Mr. Fortescue, numerous bank patrons having to throw up at the sight.
Bill and Fleuer had been caught at the desks by the alarm and had run into the main hall, only to witness at a window what was happening. They had not been able to hear any sound, but the visuals alone had spoken a clear language. Fleur had emptied her stomach after witnessing the murder of Mr. Fortescue and now Bill was holding her close protectively, ignoring the goblins having become quite hectic at this sudden turn of events. Not that the goblins cared for wizard lives, but all this would be bad for business.
"Mon dieu... Bill," Fleur told Bill weakly. She most certaily was not used to such murderousness.
"I know, Fleur. This is horrible. He has declared open war upon Magical Britain." Bill knew this was the turning point. All the denial of Fudge and those around him would now collapse.
"I... I knew what I was getting into when staying in Britain, but this was reminding me of what was done to poor Cedric," Fleur admitted.
Bill knew why he was reacting less. After seeing several co-workers die in magically protected tombs, as well as seeing some of the horrifying things ancient wizards had done to people, he was to a point desensitized to the sight of death. It was alarming for him how little he reacted and thus in retrospect a good thing he had changed to a desk job.
Bill again felt the weight of what was in his pocket. Fleur and him had come a long way. Mum and Dad told me it was the feeling that you never knew who could be next that made them marry early.
"Bill, we need to tell everyone," Fleur then reminded him.
That shook Bill out of his thoughts. He knew the time had not come yet. "Yes, as soon as we are free to go."
Watching the Aurors finally manage to get some order in the chaos outside on the street, Bill and Fleur both knew that the cold war and turned into a hot one. The mask had fallen and Voldemort had declared his intentions to everyone.
There was no going back from that
to be continued...
Next Episode:
"The Sacking of Dolores Umbridge"
Notes:
Here the notes.
I took my time to give details to the Patronus the various people do have. I hope you like my reasoning for them and the humor surrounding the scene. I also remembered that Dobby has made a regular work contract instead of being bound to the school, so he's perfectly capable of warning them about danger.
Yep, Umbridge has now gone to the deep end by allowing her goons to beat up students like they please. And not only that, but she of course goes after Harry again. I hope you like how I've written Snape.
As you can see, the public beating of Fred and George was the final act of Umbridge and her goons. The students after that pushed back so hard, that further atrocities were made impossible. And even Fudge is now getting cold feet, finally starting to understand this could have terrible consequences for him.
We do see how Petunia is faring - not great and it has humbled her a lot. However, Diane does have a heart, and even though she says it's for Dudley, part of her thinks that even Petunia doesn't deserve to suffer from Vernon's jerkassery.
You should worry, Lucius...
And finally the blood did happen. As it's typical for Tommy-boy, he wants to make a dramatic production of it. He most certainly succeeded with that. I hope the whole scene was horrifying enough to convey how that must have felt to the people in Diagon Alley. Of course, with this the end for Fudge and Umbridge has arrived.