Chapter 10: Learning the hard way. Tiger Vs. Toad
Opening his eyes as the smell of vanilla and mint invaded his nose, Harry unwrapped his arms from around Daphne's waist and carefully got out of bed. Waving his right hand over his night clothes he transfigured them into a wetsuit; then teleported to the shoreline of the black lake. But, just as he was about to dive in, the presence of another appeared behind him.
"I was beginning to think you wouldn't show," he said without turning around.
Walking up beside him, "believe me, I almost didn't," Blaise replied, wearing his own wetsuit. "You know how much I loathe getting up early."
An amused look came across Harry as they began swimming. The lake was large and deep enough for them to get a decent morning workout. After completing their laps, they got out, fired some warming and drying charms, then returned to the castle. Teleporting back to his quarters, he went to grab a shower. Walking upstairs, he saw an already-dressed Daphne brushing her hair.
"Morning," giving her a quick kiss on the cheek.
"Morning," she replied, turning to him. "You ready for today?"
"Should be. Though I cannot shake this feeling that next week will be difficult," thinking through multiple scenarios on what might transpire. "Inform the others they need to be careful and to watch their backs." Noticing the tone in his voice, she nodded.
Harry grabbed a change of clothes and a towel and went for a shower.
Daphne understood why he seemed to be on edge. Juggling multiple jobs is no easy task, given how things are. He might be able to hide it from most, but she could tell he was tired. And when he felt something wrong was going to happen, it usually would. Most people would succumb and look for a way out, but Harry was different as he welcomed the challenge. A trait she had come to admire as he would never give up without a fight. Remembering a conversation with his mum and grandmother, she knew that the Potter males were ruthless and stubborn in their endeavors. She only hoped this conflict would be over soon so he could finally rest.
Putting her brush down, she went to the closet and pulled out her dragon hide boots. When done, she grabbed a pair of her school's robes. Ensuring it was on, she turned around when the door to the bathroom opened to see Harry dressed in pristine robes.
"Those robes suit you well," commenting on his outfit. This was met by his signature grin. She noticed that his hair was as unruly as ever.
"Ready to go?" He asked. She responded with a nod. Then, holding out a hand, she took it, and he teleported them to the Great Hall.
Daphne had to admit she liked this new form of travel as it didn't feel like she was being squeezed through a tube. Being some of the first few to enter, they went to their separate tables—Harry at the head table. Daphne took a seat at the Ravenclaw. Almost immediately after sitting down, Harry poured himself a cup of coffee as the remaining students came in. His attention, though, wasn't on them but on the other professors. Everyone but Dumbledore and Umbridge was present. Then turning his attention back to his breakfast.
As the last of the students came in, Professors McGonagall, Snape, Flitwick, and Sprout got up to deliver the timetables. Tracey sat amongst her friends at the Ravenclaw, talking about her animagus form. "Soon, I'll be able to make a full transformation. I know this would normally take years to master, but with Harry's new style, I managed to cut the time down."
"You and I both," Neville joined in. "Probably in another two weeks, I'll be able to transform."
"Don't forget that we need to register," Adrian reminded. The last thing any of them wanted to deal with was any legal actions for being an unregistered animagus.
Lilith was the next to speak, "did you guys check your schedules?"
"History of magic, double Potions, Arithmancy, and double Defense Against the Dark Arts," Neville groaned as the last subject would be with Umbridge. "This is going to be a long day. I can already tell."
"Part of me is that I no longer have to deal with the stress of having O. anymore," Aaron commented. "But I do feel bad for you guys as you're not going to learn anything from Umbitch over there," lazily pointing to the head table where Delores was scanning the student body.
"I might end up self-studying the entire Defense course myself or ask Harry to teach me. Hopefully, the latter."
"Can I get in on that?" Katie asked with pleading eyes.
"I'll talk to him," he replied.
When breakfast ended, the students went to attend their morning classes. The fifth and seventh years released a loud groan as they knew they'd likely end up with a massive amount of homework. History of magic may have been one of the most boring classes within the school, but ever since Roxanne replaced Binns as the professor, things have been looking up as several students became more engaged in the subject. After class, Neville went to the dungeons for double Potions. Being the first lion to arrive, he was greeted by Blaise, Tracey, and Lilith, who were in the middle of a silent discussion about what to expect today.
"You guys ready to do this?" Neville asked in a shaking voice, as potions had never been his best subject.
"As ready as we'll ever be," Lilith said. "At least we got our green-eyed friend today; with any luck, we won't have to deal with Malfoy or any member of his little gang."
"Speak of the devils," Tracey sighed as the said boy and friends approached with the rest of the students.
Before Draco could say anything, the classroom door creaked open, letting everyone know they better enter and be quick about it. Everyone saw Snape sitting in his chair behind his desk, Harry standing next to it with a couple of files. Thanks to last night's news about Harry being made an apprentice and will be assisting in classes, some of the people have had different reactions, with several of them being good. Others, not so much.
"Settle down," said Snape coldly, shutting the door behind them with a wave of his hand.
There was no real need for the call to order; the moment the class had heard the door close, quiet had fallen, and all fidgeting stopped. Snape's mere presence was usually enough to ensure a class's silence.
"Before we begin today's lesson," said Snape, sweeping over to his desk and staring around at them all, "I think it appropriate to remind you that next June, you will be sitting an important examination, during which you will prove how much you have learned about the composition and use of magical potions. Moronic though some of this class undoubtedly are, I expect you to scrape an 'Acceptable' in your O.W.L., or suffer my . . . displeasure."
His gaze lingered this time on Ron, Seamus, and Dean and briefly passed to Gregory and Vincent.
"After this year, of course, many of you will cease studying with me," Snape went on. "I take only the very best into my N.E.W.T. Potions class, which means that some of us will certainly be saying goodbye."
"But we have another year to go before that happy moment of farewell," said Snape softly, "so whether you are intending to attempt N.E.W.T. or not, I advise all of you to concentrate your efforts upon maintaining the high-pass level I have come to expect from my O.W.L. students."
His gaze then went to everyone in the classroom, "also, as I'm sure many of you already know… Mr. Potter will be assisting me throughout the year. Meaning, you will afford him the same level of respect you all have shown me."
"Which is none. Greasy-haired bat," Seamus whispered to Dean and Ron, who chuckled. But, unfortunately for them, Severus heard them and sent an ice-cold glare, "congratulations, Mr. Finnegan, you have just earned yourself two nights of detention. Hardly a surprise given who you hang around with," shifting his gaze to Ron and Dean.
Seamus frowned and started grumbling.
"Today, we will be mixing a potion that often comes up at Ordinary Wizarding Level: the Draught of Peace, a potion to calm anxiety and soothe agitation. Be warned: If you are too heavy-handed with the ingredients, you will put the drinker into a heavy and sometimes irreversible sleep, so you will need to pay close attention to what you are doing." Snape continued as if there were no interruptions. "The ingredients and method" — Snape flicked his wand — "are on the blackboard" — (they appeared there) — "you will find everything you need" — he flicked his wand again — "in the store cupboard" — (the door of the said cupboard sprang open) — "you have an hour and a half. . . . Start."
"Mr. Potter," Harry turned to him, "you will evaluate the student's progress. If anything dangerous should happen, then I will hold you personally responsible. I am not risking my job or reputation should an incident occur."
"Understood, sir," Harry said as he evaluated the students' potions.
Halfway through class, Harry walked around evaluating everyone's progress; passing over Neville's potion, he gave him a nod saying it was fine. He momentarily stopped to see Crabbe about to fling an ingredient into Lavender's potion. Using his incredible speed he intercepted by catching the stewed mandrake in his left hand.
"Congratulations, Mr. Crabbe, on earning four nights of detention and losing twenty points," he said in a neutral voice.
"What? I didn't do anything wrong," the gorilla-like boy protested.
"Do you take me for a fool? I saw you trying to toss this into Ms. Brown's cauldron," showing the ingredient. "Had you been successful, she'd be put into a deep irreversible sleep." Lavender smiled flirtatiously at him, which he ignored. "You've failed to comprehend how dangerous mandrake ingredients are when shaken up. Furthermore, your potion is all wrong, as this would be expected from a first year," looking over the potion as it smelled like rotten eggs and looked moments away from melting the cauldron. Taking the initiative, he flicked out his wand and vanished the contents.
"Mr. Potter," Snape stood up, causing everyone to stop what they were doing, "explain yourself." His cold voice made Crabbe smile as he figured Potter would get in trouble.
"Quite simple, professor," Harry began, "Mr. Crabbe's potion was completely wrong. If he had continued by adding a moonstone, it would have released into the air, rendering everyone in the room unconscious. And like you said, it was my responsibility to oversee the potions, and rather than risking an incident, I took the initiative to ensure that nothing irreparable happened."
Severus curled his lips as if thinking about the logic presented, "you are—correct," grudgingly admitting much to the shock of the entire class. "Proceed!"
Harry gave the nod, then turned back at Crabbe, "you will receive a zero for the day. It seems as if you take the joy out of making others suffer, though I'm not that surprised given who your father is," his cold voice caused a shiver to run down the boy's spine while his friends stared angrily at Potter. "As for your potion skills, I find it interesting how someone of your caliber could make it this far without blowing himself up. Tell me, are you incapable of following basic instructions, or do you take pride in being a brainless overweight gorilla?"
Crabbe was crossed between confused, angry, and embarrassed.
"Everyone back to work," Harry said. He continued walking around, offering helpful hints throughout the period.
During the last stretch of time, he had to vanish Ron's potion as it reeked of an odor of rotten eggs and wasn't the right shade of color. Harry's eyes offered no warmth when the redhead protested.
"What was that for? I was nearly done," a sweating Ron exclaimed.
"At this stage, you're a light silver vapor should now be rising from your potion," replied Harry, with ten minutes left to go. "Yours, however, gave off a nasty shade of orange. This is because you failed to read the fourth and fifth lines and were too heavy-handed when applying the mixtures."
"That's rubbish! I followed the rules," claimed Ron. Who looked at the chalkboard.
Harry raised an eyebrow, "did you know? Because it seems like you missed a couple of details," taking the boy's potion book, he turned to the page and pointed to the steps he missed. "Had you taken the time to write down the steps from both the board and your book, then maybe your potion wouldn't have needed to vanish."
"How is that fair? You can't fault me for having a bad potion when some of the instructions were missing from the board," Ron's cheeks started becoming red with anger.
"Can't I? Why don't you take a look at Ms. Patil's potion?" looking at Parvati, who was two rows ahead. "Her potion is giving off the appropriate fumes. Why? Because she had the foresight to write down instructions from the book and the board. Excellent work, Ms. Patil. Five points to Gryffindor for thinking ahead."
Parvati smiled while Ron looked down at his lap, grumbling that it was not fair for him to be singled out.
Having seen enough, Severus stood up to address the class, "those of you who have managed to read the instructions, fill one flagon with a sample of your potion, label it clearly with your name, and bring it up to my desk for testing," said Snape. "Homework: twelve inches of parchment on the properties of moonstone and its uses in potion-making, to be handed in on Thursday."
When the bell rang, Ron and Seamus were some of the first people out, having already been humiliated enough for one day. Hermione shot Harry a look of annoyance which he ignored as he didn't much care about her opinion. Crabbe also shot a hateful glare at him for his punishment during class. Ever since Vaisey and Potter became professor assistants, he couldn't get away with what he used to do. It was bad enough that he spent most of last year in detention, but now it looked like a repeat which stinks. Something would need to be done quickly. Hopefully, after the duel, Potter would end up being put in his place or dead.
Harry waved his hand to close the door as soon as everyone was gone. He then added a privacy ward.
"Impressive work today," Severus grunted. "You didn't give any quarters when it came to disciplining them. You also prevented a catastrophe by vanishing Crabbe and Weasley's potions."
"I am to please," he cheekily commented. "Besides, I decided to take a page from your playbook." A large smile plastered on his face.
"Then you should have no problem grading the potions on my desk," Severus returned. "I was going to do it myself, but since you decided to take a page from me, you should start grading. Most kind of you," rising from his seat and leaving a frowning Harry in the dungeon.
"Me and my big mouth," groaned Harry. His father twisted his words and played him.
With a sigh, he went to the table containing everybody's potions, examined them, and marked them in the grade book. Granger's potion sample came first, and after carefully examining it, marked it down as a 98. Dean got an 82. Seamus is a 76. Draco: 81.
This continued for forty-five minutes as he spent a good part of the lunch period grading; luckily, the house elves sensed he'd be hungry and brought him a sandwich and some pumpkin juice.
(0^0)
Ron, Seamus, and Dean ranted about how much homework they were given; Dean did not complain as much. He merely groaned and returned to his food. He shook his head after Seamus complained about the three nights of detention he got.
"Like it or not, you should know better than to mouth off in potions that Snape's place of power," chastising his best mate. "And in case you haven't noticed, we are in our fifth year—by definition, we're going to get a lot of homework."
"That doesn't mean we have to like it," replied Seamus. "Still cannot believe the staff made Harry a professor."
Ron readily agreed with his sentiment, "he purposefully sabotaged me. So what if I missed a step or two? It's not like anyone got hurt. At least he got rid of Crabbe and Goyle's potions and humiliated the former."
Hermione was torn between comforting or reprimanding him. "I do not like how Harry spoke to you, but he is right. It would help if you had read the book and jotted down the instructions before brewing. The board can only hold so much information."
"You're taking his side?" Ron accused. "Not everyone likes reading books; most of us would like to have fun."
"I'm not taking anyone's side," Hermione snapped. "And people read for more than entertainment. They do it to prepare for different subjects. Something you should do," giving a pointed glare.
The people around them groaned as it seemed like Hermione and Ron would start bickering again. In the years they've been at Hogwarts, the two would bicker over every little thing, much to the annoyance of the other students.
"Can the two of you not go without arguing for two weeks? Is that so much to ask?" Alicia slammed her fist on the table, obviously not in the mood to hear them. Fortunately, she wasn't alone. Angelina added some words of her own.
"For real, you two sound like an old married couple. Always fighting with each other," the dark-skinned girl snapped. "Here's a reality check everyone in Gryffindor is tired of you constantly going at it. Either get together already or take your arguments somewhere else. Choose one!"
After lunch, a relatively subdued Hermione and Ron went to their respective classes. Ancient Rune and Divination. Ron hated the subject with a passion; to him, it was in the same category he put potions in. Meanwhile, Hermione loved Ancient Runes as it was one of her favorite subjects. Entering the classroom, she sat in the front, like always, near the teacher's desk. Pulling out her supplies, she rested them on her desk as her fellow classmates started piling in. There were noticeably more people this year than the last, likely because they switched out of Divination and Muggle Studies. Her eyes soon fell upon Neville as he arrived with Blaise Zabini, Lilith Moon, and Tracey Davis. How they got along so well was a mystery to her. Next came the Patil twins, Sui Li, Lisa Turpin, and many others.
When the bell rang, signaling that class was in session, Professor Babbling began by reminding the students that this was their O.W.L year and their exams would be in June. She then had them review everything they'd learned since the beginning of third year. The professor then started asking questions which prompted Hermione to predictably raise her hand so she could answer. After answering two and earning ten points, she shot a superior look to Tracey. Needless to say, it annoyed the brunette and a handful of others. Particularly Padma and Lisa. Blaise rubbed his head as he saw the expression on his girlfriend's face. She'd get like this whenever Granger would start acting all high and mighty. Tracey answered the next three questions earning twenty points, and was the first to demonstrate how some runes and matrixes worked. Thus earning twenty-five more points, much to Granger's annoyance.
Blaise grabbed her hand from underneath the shared table and gently squeezed it, "easy, love. Take a breath. This is not a competition."
"Sorry," Tracey put her quill down and took a breath. "She annoys me so much. Seriously how someone can be so arrogant and believe that reading a couple of books is so grand shouldn't be possible," she said in a low enough voice.
"Believe me, I know," understanding her annoyance as Granger desperately needed a reality check. "Come on. We only have a quarter of an hour left. Try to ignore her."
He would have said more but was cut off, "Mr. Zabini," Babbling called out. "Since you have found the time to talk during my class, I assume you are done with today's assignment. Is this true?"
Hermione smiled as she thought the dark-skinned Slytherin would be in trouble.
"Yes, ma'am, my work is completed," rounding his seat with the packet in his right hand, he made it to the front and handed it to her.
Checking through his work for any errors, she finished after finding nothing wrong, "all of them are correct; well done. But, again, please refrain from speaking in my class in the future." Giving the booklet back to him after marking down the grade.
He gave her a nod, took his book back, and returned to his seat while at the same time ignoring the scathing glare from the bushy-haired girl.
Then finally, during the last few minutes of class, everyone wrapped up by finishing the rest of their work; then submitted them for grading. Mercifully the bell rang, and just as they were about to leave, Burbage announced they would get their grades back by next class. Soon the room was empty as the students went to their last class.
Already a good portion of them were regretting it as they would have to endure DADA with Delores Umbridge. Venturing through the corridors, a collective amount of groans and sighs escaped each of the mouths. Arriving near the door to class, Neville resigned himself and opened the door.
When they entered the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom, they found Professor Umbridge already seated at the teacher's desk, wearing the fluffy pink cardigan of the night before and the black velvet bow on top of her head. Standing next to her was Percy as he was dressed in ministry robes. He then gestured for his brother to sit near the front of the room. Ron gave him a look of plea, which was entirely ignored; rather than getting into trouble, he took a seat in the second row. The class was quiet as it entered the room; Professor Umbridge was more than likely to make this the worst year ever.
Well, good afternoon!" she said when finally the whole class had sat down.
A few people mumbled "Good afternoon" in reply.
"Tut, tut," said Professor Umbridge. "That won't do, now, will it? I should like you, please, to reply, 'Good afternoon, Professor Umbridge.' One more time, please. Good afternoon, class!"
"Good afternoon, Professor Umbridge," they chanted back at her.
"There, now," said Professor Umbridge sweetly. "That wasn't too difficult, was it? Wands away and quills out, please."
Many of the class exchanged gloomy looks; the order "wands away" had never yet been followed by a lesson they had found interesting.
Groaning again, the students shoved their wands back into their bags and pulled out quills, ink, and parchment. Professor Umbridge opened her handbag, extracted her own wand, which was an unusually short one, and tapped the blackboard sharply with it; words appeared on the board at once:
Defense Against the Dark Arts
A Return to Basic Principles.
"Well now, your teaching in this subject has been rather disrupted and fragmented, hasn't it?" stated Professor Umbridge, turning to face the class with her hands clasped neatly in front of her. "The constant changing of teachers, many of whom do not seem to have followed any Ministry-approved curriculum, has unfortunately resulted in your being far below the standard we would expect to see in your O.W.L. year."
"You will be pleased to know, however, that these problems are now to be rectified. We will be following a carefully structured, theory centered, Ministry-approved course of defensive magic this year. Copy down the following, please."
She rapped the blackboard again; the first message vanished and
was replaced by:
Course aims:
1. Understanding the principles underlying defensive magic.
2. Learning to recognize situations in which defensive magic
can legally be used.
3. Placing the use of defensive magic in a context for practical use.
For a couple of minutes, the room was full of the sound of scratching quills on parchment. When everyone had copied down Professor Umbridge's three-course aims, she said, "Has everybody got a copy of Defensive Magical Theory by Wilbert Slinkhard?" There was a dull murmur of assent throughout the class. "I think we'll try that again," said Professor Umbridge. "When I ask you a question, I should like you to reply 'Yes, Professor Umbridge,' or 'No, Professor Umbridge.' So, has everyone got a copy of Defensive Magical Theory by Wilbert Slinkhard?"
"Yes, Professor Umbridge," rang through the room.
"Good," said Professor Umbridge. "I should like you to turn to page five and read chapter one, 'Basics for Beginners.' There will be no need to talk."
"Kill me now," Blaise whispered to Neville, who silently agreed, wishing for the same thing.
Professor Umbridge left the blackboard and settled herself in the chair behind the teacher's desk, observing them all with those pouchy toad's eyes. Everyone turned to page five of their copy of Defensive Magical Theory and started reading. Meanwhile, Ron gave his brother a pleading look that said this was a nightmare. Percy shook his head and motioned for him to read.
It was desperately dull, quite as bad as listening to their former History of magic professor. Several silent minutes passed. Many of them already detested the book and wished the ground would swallow them up. Hermione had yet to open her copy of Defensive Magical Theory. She was staring fixedly at Professor Umbridge with her hand in the air.
Tracey and Lilith shook their heads as they had a feeling about where this was about to go.
Professor Umbridge took notice of the girl when more than half of the class turned away from their books.
"Did you want to ask something about the chapter, dear?" she asked Hermione as though she had only just noticed her.
"Not about the chapter, no," said Hermione.
"Well, we're reading just now," said Professor Umbridge, showing her small, pointed teeth. "If you have other queries, we can deal with them at the end of class."
"I've got a query about your course aims," said Hermione.
"Here we go," Neville mouthed.
Professor Umbridge raised her eyebrows.
"And your name is — ?"
"Hermione Granger," said Hermione.
"Well, Miss Granger, I think the course aims are perfectly clear if you read them through carefully," said Professor Umbridge in a voice of determined sweetness.
"Well, I don't," said Hermione bluntly. "There's nothing written up there about using defensive spells."
There was a short silence in which many members of the class
turned their heads to frown at the three course aims still written on
the blackboard.
"Using defensive spells?" Professor Umbridge repeated with a little laugh. "Why, I can't imagine any situation arising in my classroom that would require you to use a defensive spell, Miss Granger. You surely aren't expecting to be attacked during class?"
"We're not going to use magic?" Ron ejaculated loudly.
"Students raise their hands when they wish to speak in my class, Mr. — ?"
"Weasley," said Ron, thrusting his hand into the air. "I'm Percy's brother," he said while ignoring the look Percy was giving him.
This time Umbridge replaced her sugary smile with a simple look with her eyes saying you're not worth my time. She tore her attention away when Hermione raised her hand again.
"Yes, Miss Granger? You wanted to ask something else?"
"Yes," said Hermione. "Surely the whole point of Defense Against the Dark Arts is to practice defensive spells?"
"Are you a Ministry-trained educational expert, Miss Granger?" asked Professor Umbridge in her falsely sweet voice.
"No, but —"
"Well then, I'm afraid you are not qualified to decide what the 'whole point' of any class is. Wizards much older and cleverer than you have devised our new program of study. You will be learning about defensive spells in a secure, risk-free way —"
Neville had enough and raised his hand.
"And your name is?" Professor Umbridge raised an eyebrow.
"Neville Longbottom. What use is that? Both my parents are Aurors, and even they know something is happening," Neville said in a clear voice. That got some of the other students to raise their hands.
"And your name is?" Professor Umbridge said to Dean.
"Dean Thomas."
"Well, Mr. Thomas?"
"Well, it's like Neville said, isn't it?" said Dean. "If we're going to be attacked, it won't be risk-free —"
"I repeat," said Professor Umbridge, smiling in a very irritating fashion at Dean, "do you expect to be attacked during my classes?"
"No, but —"
Professor Umbridge talked over him. "I do not wish to criticize the way things have been run in this school," she said, an unconvincing smile stretching her wide mouth, "but you have been exposed to some very irresponsible wizards in this class, very irresponsible indeed — not to mention," she gave a nasty little laugh, "extremely dangerous half-breeds."
Tracey raised her hand, struggling to control her rising anger. When the squat woman nodded at her, she lowered her hand and spoke, "Professor, I sure hope you were not speaking of my mother that way," she said in a dangerous voice. "And let's not forget professor Black as she was effective, and we learned a lot," purposefully, leaving out her head of house.
Delores gulped as she knew Lady Davis and her husband wield a lot of influence, and she feared what might happen if Lord Black himself heard about this interaction... "No, my apologies. I did not mean to insinuate that Lady Davis and Ms. Black are incompetent!" Turning her head away to address the class, "as I was saying — you have been introduced to spells that have been complex, inappropriate to your age group, and potentially lethal. You have been frightened into believing that you are likely to meet Dark attacks every other day —"
"No, we haven't," Hermione said, "we just —"
"Your hand is not up, Miss Granger!" Umbridge interrupted.
A few more people raised their hands and started asking questions which seemed to get on her nerves. Then finally, she looked at Parvati, who had her hand raised.
"Parvati Patil, and isn't there a practical bit in our Defense Against the Dark Arts O.W.L.? Aren't we supposed to show that we can actually do the counter curses and things?"
"As long as you have studied the theory hard enough, there is no reason why you should not be able to perform the spells under carefully controlled examination conditions," said Professor Umbridge dismissively.
Without ever practicing them before?" said Parvati incredulously. "Are you telling us that the first time we'll get to do the spells will be during our exam?"
"I repeat, as long as you have studied the theory hard enough —"
"And what good's theory going to be in the real world?" said Blaise enquired, ready to tear his ears off.
Professor Umbridge looked up. "This is school, Mr. Potter, not the real world," she said softly.
"So we're not supposed to be prepared for what's waiting out there?" an agitated Neville asked.
"There is nothing waiting out there, Mr. Longbottom."
"Do you want a bet?" said Neville. His temper, which seemed to have been bubbling just beneath the surface all day, was reaching boiling point.
"Who do you imagine wants to attack children like yourselves?" inquired Professor Umbridge in a horribly honeyed voice.
He knew what she was getting at as she wanted him to say something about Voldemort being back. Both his parents supported Dumbledore during the last war, something she obviously knew about. However, his father warned him about her and that things in the Ministry were tense.
"Oh, I don't know…" said Neville in a mock thoughtful voice, "maybe the Lestranges, Dolohov, and the other death eaters that escaped Azkaban?"
Everyone looked at their partners with concern save for Draco, Nott, Goyle, Crabbe, and Nott, who were trying to conceal a glee smile as they wanted to see Longbottom get in trouble.
"Now let's clear up a few things there will be no more talk about dark wizards and witches in my class, and the Aurors are on the case. As it is their job. The Ministry is doing everything it can to recapture them." Delores said as her honey-sweet voice began to falter.
"Of course, and the Ministry never makes a mistake," commented Blaise as he rolled his eyes.
"Your hand Mr. Zabini!"
Ignoring her, Blaise continued, "the Ministry of Magic is full of corruption that is run by an incompetent idiot who is too happy to take bribes." That statement caused the smile on Delores's face to fall completely, and everyone in the class watched as the two had a stare-off.
Having enough, Delores ordered everyone to read in silence for the rest of the period, even when it could be plainly seen that they wanted to do something else and learn some spells for their upcoming exams. Blaise had to physically restrain Neville from speaking, as nothing good would come of it should he decide to say anything further. Tracey, however, had to put a silencing charm on herself as she looked about ready to rip the woman in half.
(0^0)
The following day dawned just as leaden and rainy as the previous one. Many fifth-years were positively annoyed as they unconsciously agreed they would likely need help this year in Defense Against the Dark Arts.
Since it was a new day, the Gryffindors and Hufflepuffs had double Charms, which would then lead to double Transfigurations after. Upon entering the Charms classroom, the students saw Professors Potter and Flitwick conversing about what they were going to do today. As soon as everyone was seated, the diminutive professor began lecturing them on the importance of O.W.L.s.
"What you must remember," said little Professor Flitwick squeakily, perched as ever on a pile of books so that he could see over the top of his desk, "is that these examinations may influence your futures for many years to come! So, if you have not already given serious thought to your careers, now is the time to do so. And in the meantime, I'm afraid we shall be working harder than ever to ensure that you all do yourselves justice!"
Harry then followed up with a lecture of his own. "This mainly applies to any of you who like to play around rather than focus on performing the spells correctly. You know who you are," scanning the room looking at everyone. "Keep in mind that these O.W.L.s will help influence your careers once you leave school. So I strongly urge you to focus and be diligent in your work—as the exams will be here before you know it. We will start by reviewing everything you have learned from the last four years. If you are struggling, then do not be afraid to ask for help."
For more than an hour, the students reviewed everything they've previously learned. Quite a couple of them had to ask for help, and Harry was happy to offer some assistance. Professor Flitwick was bouncing up and down when he saw some students performing silent casting. Ten minutes before the end of the period, Hannah raised her hand.
"Yes, Ms. Abbott. You have a question?" he asked.
"I was just wondering if you were still holding your after-school sessions?" asked Hannah, who seemed to be a little nervous.
"Worry not as I am," he replied. "You and everyone else are free to join if that is what you wish."
Many of them breathed a sigh of relief as they enjoyed the after-school sessions with him, as he made understanding the process a lot easier.
After class, he assigned them a lot of homework, making them groan.
Professor Flitwick offered a nod of appreciation. "Well done, Harry. You did a marvelous job in helping me today. Stressing the importance of the year and providing aide when needed demonstrates the qualities of a person who knows what they're doing."
"Thank you, Filius. He cordially replied. "Well, if that is all, then I'll be spending the rest of the day with Professor McGonagall."
"Of course, of course," Filius said. Before he knew it, Harry teleported out of the room. "I have to figure out that spell," he squeaked.
Arriving in the Transfiguration class Harry greeted Minerva, took his wand, and conjured a mahogany desk with five drawers near the window. "Impressive, Hadrian. I daresay that your father would be most impressed with your transfiguration abilities. Despite being a prodigy himself, your skills are superior."
"Thank you, Minerva," nodding at her.
"I like you to take control of the class today as it will give me an idea of how well you can impart your knowledge to the students." She said. "Don't worry. I'll step in if you need any help."
Releasing a breath he agreed, "somehow, I'm getting the feeling you are enjoying this a little too much."
A smile came across her face, "what would give you that impression?" Truthfully she was as this certainly freed up time for her to handle her other classes.
Rolling his eyes, Harry leaned against his desk.
In truth, she was delighted to have him as her apprentice. She could tell he was eager to learn more and sensed a lot of potential within him. Moreover, despite everything that's happened in their past, he agreed to be fair and civil with her. Minerva silently hoped that Dorea would forgive her for her actions all those years ago and made a vow to do better.
Pretty soon the door opened with the fifth-year Gryffindor and Slytherin students coming in. To McGonagall's surprise, there wasn't as much tension between the two houses. Casting a glance at Harry who responded with a smirk. 'I guess miracles can happen,' she thought to herself.
"How'd you get here so fast, Potter?" Seamus exclaimed.
"That will be five points from Gryffindor for your lack of respect," narrowing his eyes at the Irish boy. "To your question that is my business."
Seamus grumbled and took a seat next to Ron. Hermione stared at Harry with loathing eyes as it was clear that she desired to be the apprentice to their Transfiguration professor.
Once everyone was seated, McGonagall addressed them by explaining the significance of their end-of-year exam in Transfigurations. After a couple of minutes, she allowed Harry to continue.
"You cannot hope to pass an O.W.L.," said Professor Potter grimly, "without serious application, practice, and study. There shouldn't be any reason why everybody in this class should not achieve an O.W.L. in Transfiguration as long as they put in the work." Looking directly at Ron, Seamus, Crabbe, Goyle, and Parkinson. "As some of you like to pass notes, snide remarks, or whatever, consider this…if you fail, then your chances of getting a decent or satisfying job will be less than achievable."
"Remember that if you work hard and properly study, then you'll be able to earn the grade you want. And if you hope to build a better life for yourselves after leaving, I suggest you put forth the effort and not whine to anyone, as there will not always be someone to help you. You all are old enough to take responsibility for your actions and how you want your futures to turn out." Minerva smiled as she liked the way he summed it up.
"So. . . today we are starting Vanishing Spells. These are easier and the polar opposite of Conjuring Spells, contrary to what some people may think. I believe it'd best to understand the origin of the two so you can properly master them before the exams.
"Can anyone tell me the purpose of the vanishing spell and how many variants there are?"
Hermione's hand immediately shot up, as with a few others. Harry nodded to her and, like usual, recited it word for word from a textbook. As its name suggests, the vanishing spell vanishes both animate and inanimate objects into non-being, which is to say, everything. As for the variations, there are only two: the standard vanishing charm and the one for snakes."
"Correct, five points to Gryffindor," Harry rolled his eyes.
"What are the limitations of this branch of magic?"
Once again, Hermione answered, "it becomes more difficult with the complexity of the animal to be vanished; for instance, a snail, as an invertebrate, is rather simple, whereas a mouse, as a mammal, would present a great challenge. People could enchant certain objects to resist vanishing spells, such as fireworks."
Noticing the irritated looks on the other students' faces, Harry responded, "a textbook-oriented, but nonetheless correct. Tell me Ms. Granger do you take pride in regurgitating information out of a book because I'm pretty sure your fellow classmates do not enjoy hearing a textbook answer." Hermione's cheeks flushed as she momentarily looked down at her book. "Let this be a lesson to everyone. If you only follow what is written in books, then your future will not be pleasant."
"Damn, bastard! Who does he think he is?" Ron asked in a low voice. Unfortunately for him, Harry and Minerva heard him.
"That will be ten points from Gryffindor and detention tonight, Weasley," Harry said in a cold voice.
"That's not fair!" Ron shouted. "You asked Hermione a question, and she answered. So what if it was from a textbook? It is still correct." Hermione nodded in agreement.
"Mr. Weasley, you are out of—" McGonagall never got to finish as Harry cut her off.
"Thank you, professor, I will handle this…" Harry gave her a reassuring smile, then turned back to the ginger with a frown "…so you believe I am being unfair towards your friend? Hmm. Let us test that preference." He looked at everybody else. "First, let me guarantee that none of you will be punished if you answer honestly. How many of you believe that Ms. Granger gives more textbook answers instead of forming her own?"
Several students instantly raised their hands, and even McGonagall did somewhat grudgingly.
"And how many of you are sick of it?" None of their hands went down. Harry turned his attention back to Weasley, "there you have it. The other students do not wish to have an answer regurgitated out of a book. By forming your own conclusions, you will be a lot better off. Also, that will be another two nights of detention and fifteen points from your house."
Ron scowled in anger and looked ready to retort, but wisely stayed quiet.
"Good. Can anyone tell me which aspects the two sub-branches are derived from?" He asked.
Hermione raised her hand again but glared at Harry for commenting about how she answered questions. Not even looking at her, he saw that Lilith and Tracey raised their hands. Motioning for Lilith to speak.
"Destruction and Creation," she replied. Then, after getting a nod from him, she continued, "the reason they are so different is that they come from two opposing forces. Like you said, the vanishing spell is much easier as we are essentially destroying something, whereas conjuring means we are creating."
"Fifteen points to Slytherin," awarding her points. "Ms. Moon is absolutely correct. Now, before I show any of you how the spell works I caution you all to concentrate as there multiple things that can go wrong should your focus waiver. It should also be noted that the banishing charm and vanishing charm are more similar than many of you would like to think."
As the students looked at each other with confusion as they did not know what he meant, he placed snails in front of them. Then, ensuring everyone had a snail, he put one on his desk and demonstrated the proper wand movement. A second later, the snail on his desk had vanished in thin air. He then set them off to attempt the spell on their own.
Meanwhile, he walked around evaluating their progress and offered some hints. Shockingly enough Neville, Lilith, Blaise, and Tracey were the first to vanish their snails thus earning ten points each. What got his attention was that they managed to accomplish the task with hardly any difficulties. Impressed by their work, he conjured some more non-mammals and set them to work while he evaluated their progress. When coming across the desk Parvati and Lavender shared he noticed how the former vanished her snail on the fourth try and managed to get rid of the slime. Giving the girl a smile he continued his rounds as she helped her friend.
Thirty-five minutes later, he noticed that Hermione started acting like a scolding mother towards Ron and Seamus as the duo hadn't yet managed to vanish their snails. She finally crossed the line when she also started vanishing their snails. She may have gotten rid of her snail but failed to get rid of the slime.
"That will be enough, you three," the calm, firmness of his voice caused everyone to turn in their general direction. "You continue to astound me, Granger…seems you cannot live with the fact of being outperformed by your peers. I saw you looking at the other students who have already vanished their animals and have moved on to others; whereas you may have been able to vanish your snail, you failed to get rid of the slime. And now you think you can do it for others," the condescending tone in his voice rang throughout the room.
"I was only—" he cut her off. "What you were doing was their work for them. Your insistence on trying to help will only help you not them. Please allow them to either pass or fail on their own as you are not their mother and will not be taking the exams for them. Take a look at the other students who have begun working with different animals." Turning their attention to the Gryffindors and Slytherins students who were working with some of the animals. "The next time you decide to help someone I suggest you leave that bossy and condescending tone of yours along with your petty jealousy and constant need to be first out of it."
"What, but I—"
Cutting her off again, "were doing their work for them. Doing that will make them dependent on you and negate their abilities to learn for themselves. It's quite clear that you refuse to see things from a different angle and have failed to learn some crucial lessons while growing up." Docking another ten points, he turned to leave but was stopped when she spoke.
"Oh, and what lessons were those?" The irritation in her voice rose considerably as her bushy hair became even bushier.
"If I tell you, you'd immediately head to the library and spend hours trying to find the answers in a book. You believe that you are the only one who knows everything, like a certain someone I know. Until you can accept the fact that you're not always right or number one, then you will always be second-rate." That utterly shut Hermione up as she felt like her brain had been fried. She could only look at him with anger. The other students were shocked to stillness at the way he put her down.
At the end of class, only a few more students could perform the spell. Goyle somehow managed to blow up his snail, causing McGonagall to give him a frowny face. She assigned them two rolls of parchment on the different functions of the vanishing charm and its strengths and weaknesses.
When the rest of the students left, Minerva asked Harry to accompany her to her office. Closing the door she took a seat behind her desk, "Harry, don't you think you were a little hard on Ms. Granger? I know she can be a handful, and you two do not get along. But the way you put her down was excessive and something I expect to come from Severus."
"I admit that my method of teaching may be somewhat harsh, but you need to consider the overall feelings of the other students," Harry bit back. "While I agree that she is a good student, the way she acts when it comes to helping others is another story. You've spent four years teaching her-never said anything regarding her attitude towards those that disagree or do better than her."
Minerva agreed with him, "on that we are of the same mind. However, Ms. Granger believes she is doing the right thing."
"Maybe, perhaps, that is a problem," he suggested. "She's spent her whole thinking she knows best, but in doing so, has alienated herself from others. The girl needs to learn humility and know when and how to get involved in someone else's affairs. People like Granger need to be hit over the head with something hard or heavy to get the message across; only then will they learn. To her books, rules, and authority figures should be followed without any hesitation. What she fails to realize is that, at times, they are wrong."
"What about Mr.'s. Finnigan and Weasley?"
"The same principle will apply to them. Mr. Finnigan's biggest issues are his lack of concentration, desire to play around, and only doing the bare minimum. The same could be said for Weasley and there's the fact that he depends too much on Granger to help him. He's grown too dependent on her and believes he'll get by with her doing his work for him. The boy must also learn humility, step out of his brother's shadows, and get over himself."
"These are hard lessons they should and need to learn to survive in the real world." Stated Harry.
She had no idea how he came up with this logic and found it hard to disagree with him. Regardless of what many would like to think no one is infallible. Even the greatest and wisest of wizards and witches are not incapable of making mistakes. Releasing an exasperated sigh she leaned back in her chair.
"While your arguments are valid. I ask that you'd at least temper your teaching methods. Is that fair?"
"Deal," he said.
"From what I saw last year, you have the makings of a great instructor," having no problem admitting the truth. "The way you kept the students interested in their subjects and helped them to better understand the importance behind some of the spells is brilliant."
(0^0)
The first week continued to fly by, with everyone going about their business. Several of the new fifth and seventh years quickly found themselves with piles of essays they needed to complete. Luckily, they managed to find aid as Harry made good on his promise to continue his after-class study sessions. Thankfully unlike the other classrooms, the room of requirement could accommodate a large number of people. An additional benefit was that the students were starting to get along and help one another. However, he quickly realized that the ones who'd have to take their O.W.L.s and N.E.W.T.s will likely need more time to prepare for June and granted them more time in the room after dinner.
But of course, some did not view him in such a good light, particularly the members of Draco's gang, Seamus, Hermione, and Delores. Those individuals had a real knack for driving him up a wall. Only the first week back, he had to assign detention to Crabbe, Goyle, and Parkinson for being tardy and trying to sabotage another person's potion. Crabbe and Goyle tried to throw their weight around the younger kids and lost twenty points each. The professors repeatedly told Seamus that he needed to pay attention in class. The fifth-year Gryffindor had been sent to McGonagall for an hour-long scolding. Hermione looked like she'd seen better days, with her hair turning into a bushy mess. Hardly any of the professors would call on her to answer questions, something they got from one of the newest staff members. They apparently heard what happened in Transfigurations and decided to try the same method.
Then finally, there was Delores Umbridge, the woman who had been trying to get him alone to discuss what he was doing with the other professors. Naturally, he would vanish when her back was turned or closed her eyes as he had no desire to be in her presence. The pink monstrosity wanted to evaluate his progress but got nothing as he gave no time for her to question him. In short, the game was simple: avoid any unnecessary conversations with Delores. Other than that, he was training with his friends, reviewing the school's budget, working with the professors to study for his masteries, and gathering intelligence on what was happening at the Ministry.
Finding some downtime, he sat in his office, relishing in the quiet it afforded him. The office was spacious enough with a large bookshelf, two filing cabinets, a couch in front of the fireplace, and a passageway to his apartment.
When his eyes were about to close, Byakko and Genbu came into the via flame travel courtesy of Suzaku. The feathery companion flew to Harry's left shoulder and nuzzled against his face, inciting a jealous Byakko to jump on the couch and rest his head on the boy's lap.
"How are you guys doing?" Scratching Byakko's head, then Suzaku's underbelly.
"We're fine," Genbu acknowledged Dayvee. "Our meeting with the Ancient mother went better than expected and she granted permission for you to do what is necessary for your upcoming battle."
Naga hissed, then added, "all the same, you will need to be careful, as I've enjoyed having you around."
Harry laughed, "the feeling is mutual." He glanced at the clock to see that it was almost time for him to leave for a meeting in the Headmaster's office. Something he was dreading. According to his sources within the Ministry, Fudge has become scared and desperate as he is slowly losing the people's faith and growing out of favor with the members of the Wizengamot. In addition, Ulrich contacted him yesterday regarding an educational decree that Cornelius recently created. To say that Harry was angry would be an understatement, as the Minister was beginning to push his luck.
However, this gave him some information and insight into what the so-called Minister was aiming for: get back in the public's good graces, play the role of a benevolent leader, and have the people believe what he wanted. Harry snorted at that scenario because little did Fudge know that he had made the foolish mistake of sending Umbridge to fill the role of DADA professor. She will undoubtedly be the architect of his destruction.
"This meeting will be illuminating," he got up. Feeling a tug on his robes, he felt Byakko jump down from the couch to give him a meaningful glare. "All right, you can come too. What about the rest of you?" Glancing at the others.
Suzaku went to sit near the window, and Genbu maneuvered themselves to the couch to watch the fire.
"Just you and me," Byakko said.
Together they left the office, venturing to the Headmaster's office. The few dozens of students walking in the corridors stared at the duo (mainly at Byakko) with reverence. However, when they came across Crabbe and Goyle, the two immediately froze upon seeing them. They looked ready to say something stupid, but when Byakko revealed his sharp fangs, they ran the other way.
Narrowing his eyes, he had a feeling they were in this general area for a reason, as their body language and ugly grins said a lot. On the same floor as the Headmaster's office was no mere coincidence. Continuing, they made a left at the next juncture and arrived at the gargoyle entrance.
Without wasting a breath, the gargoyle turned to grant them access. Another perk of being the castle owner was that he didn't need a password to enter the Headmaster's office. Trotting up the stairs, Harry could sense the magical signatures of a couple of others. Not waiting for an invitation, he opened the door to see Dumbledore sitting behind his desk, Professors Snape, Minerva, and Septima flanking him on both sides. Standing opposite of them were Fudge, Umbridge, Percy, Shacklebolt, Dawlish, and an unknown Auror.
"Ah, Professor Potter, please come," Dumbledore beckoned him to come forward as Cornelius and his entourage sent a malevolent glare.
"What are you doing here, boy?" Umbridge asked in a falsely sweet voice.
"Obviously, you are lacking in the intelligence department, so I will overlook your lack of decorum," addressing the woman in a slow cold voice. "You appear to have forgotten that I am not only a Lord but also the owner of this castle, meaning I have the same amount of power within these walls as the Headmaster. Which means I am your superior!"
The smile on her face quickly vanished to form a frown, and she shot daggers with her eyes.
Strolling forward, he greeted Kingsley with a bow, "master Shacklebolt, I trust you are having a good day?"
The dark-skinned Auror responded with a smile, "I've certainly had better days, master Potter," returning the bow.
Harry turned his attention to Fudge, "why are you here? Doing more of what your friends tell you in exchange for money?"
Cornelius's cheeks went red, but he paled slightly at the sight of the white tiger. The hungry look on its face let him know he'd better choose his words carefully. Then, regaining his wits and composing himself, "we are here to ensure that order is being maintained in this school and have received intelligence on how you've been abusing your position."
Snape's face carried no expression, but his black eyes said more than enough. Meanwhile, Minerva and Septima looked at the Minister as if he had grown a second head. Percy made sure to stay behind the Aurors to avoid any of Potter's wrath. Delores, on the other hand, looked with glee.
"Is that a fact?" Harry crossed his arms over his chest. "Then pray tell how did I abuse my position?" He challenged.
"Mr.'s. Crabbe and Goyle explained how you unjustly punished them this week by docking points and giving them detentions." Fudge looked almost too happy.
"A likely story. I'm surprised the two of them were able to do something without being told by Draco," he sarcastically said. That made Cornelius lose his smile.
"You think they are lying?" he accused. "Those two come from distinguished families and were distraught over cruelty towards them."
"Yes, yes. Let's ignore that their imperiused death eater fathers funded your campaign and have been depositing gold into your vault since before their incarceration. No, doubt you are trying to replenish your empty vault. How did it feel to lose all that money and your villa?" Asking in a facetious voice. He knew exactly how to push the man's buttons.
"That has nothing to do with this," Cornelius raised his voice. His face was red with anger, "you have abused two future upstanding Lords and…"
"I was doing my job, you worthless sack of shit," dispensing with pleasantries and narrowing his eyes. "Then again, I wouldn't expect you to know anything about that, considering you only do what you're told."
The unknown Auror stepped forward and arrogantly spoke, "watch yourself, Potter. You may have gotten off on a technicality, but you are nothing more than a spoiled and overprivileged brat. The moment you step out of line, I will personally put you in an Azkaban cell and have that pussy cat of yours kissed by the Dementors."
Byakko angrily growled at the man's comment. "Pussy cat? Pussy cat! I am a freakin' god, you pathetic meat sack. My power strikes fear in the hearts of millions," he yelled through the link he shared with Harry.
"Easy, Takashi," rubbing his friend's head as he stared dangerously at the Auror. Then, finally, the man himself began losing some bravado and backed up. "My true familiar here did not enjoy that comment, and I strongly urge you to apologize before you become his dinner."
"What! I will not apologize to an overgrown cat—" the poor fool didn't say anymore as he laid flat on his back with the tiger's teeth inches from his neck. Scared out of his mind, he couldn't even scream as the 500-pound tiger rendered him silent. He could only whimper in fear with both his arms broken and a smashed breast bone.
Before anyone could say anything, Delores sent a curse at the angry tiger, but it never reached as Harry conjured a shield and disarmed the woman. Takashi then pounced on her breaking the bones in her chest and using his sharp claws to leave deep scratches. After leaving some scratches he began biting different areas of her body while avoiding anything vital. Then finally, he used his powerful mouth to bite down on her right leg and shake her around like a ragdoll. The only thing that could be heard were the screams from Delores as the tiger threw her across the office while at the same time ripping her leg off.
"That's enough, Takashi. Don't ruin your appetite over that toad," came a firm voice from Harry.
Sending a growl towards the mauled lady, he spat out her leg and trotted back to Hadrian's side. "I'd put that wand away if I were you, Dawlish," recommending to the Auror who had his wand trained on him. "Attempt to attack my companion or me, and you'll likely be spending the next couple of days resting in St. Mungo…and that's if you're lucky."
Kingsley halted the man from speaking, "there are laws protecting a person and their familiar and any action taken will be justified," he warned.
"Quite right, wouldn't you say, Cornelius," Dumbledore frowned. Before receiving a response he turned to Septima, "please escort Delores to St. Mungo Professor Vector."
Septima was torn between leaving Delores where she was and complying with Albus's wishes. Mercifully she did what he asked. Rounding his desk used her wand to levitate the woman to her, then used the newly created portkey he created to take the woman away. With a silent pop, the two, along with Delores's detached leg, were whisked away.
The room's occupants stayed silent for a while, with Dawlish helping his colleague to his feet and then taking him to the floo. Then, grabbing a pinch of floo powder, he had him transported to the Aurors medical ward at the Ministry.
Percy somewhat regained himself, "um, perhaps we should continue Minister…as I'm sure there are other things that need to be done."
"Yes, yes," the color returned to Cornelius's face with his eyes looking directly at Harry. "You have wrongfully punished two fine men…"
"Their punishments were justified," Harry talked over him. "I caught them red-handed trying to fling random ingredients into some volatile potions which would have put the entire class into an irreversible sleep or potentially ended another student's life. I also caught them picking on a second year. I'm willing to give a magical vow or show the memory…so whether you like it or not, their punishments stand. And there's nothing you can do about it." He said with a hint of finality.
The blustering Minister spluttered incoherently at how this was not over, only to back off when Takashi growled. The rest of the meeting continued with Dumbledore trying to ease the tension. But, unfortunately, Cornelius wasn't having it and pulled something out of the pocket of his robes. Already aware, Harry had prepared for this. Fudge lectured on how the new educational department and a handful of others wanted to know what was happening within the school and felt that change was needed. Harry, of course, argued by pointing out that Madam Marchbanks, the W.E.A. Director never approved of this matter, and all correspondence between the Ministry and Hogwarts had to be filtered through her department first.
"What a gutless move. You're pathetic, Fudge," Harry replied. "This is nothing more than a pitiful excuse for you to try and take control of the school; no doubt your death-eater friends told you to do this. Hardly a surprise considering that you're so willing to do whatever they ask or say; even look the other way."
Cornelius stared, loathing at him, "what do you imply, Potter?"
Harry stood to full height, towering over the man with a look of disgust, "that is Lord Potter toyou," his voice became dangerously cold causing the portly man to take a step back. "As I said, this is no big surprise as this was approved by people who were blackmailed and bribed by you and your so-called friends. I know how you bend and break the laws when it suits your purpose."
Ignoring what he said. "I will have you know that I went through the proper channels," Cornelius defended. "The good people who agree with me are on board with what I have been saying the past couple of months. This school will once again be in the hands of the Ministry of Magic."
"Over my dead," his eyes burned with magic. "The public will know the truth, not the garbage you've been feeding them."
"The people will know what I want them to know," Cornelius furiously said. "And once you're exposed as the deranged person you are, then I…"
"… you'll what? Drag me in front of the Wizengamot again? Pour Veritaserum down my throat?" Harry's lips formed a dark smile that sent shivers down Fudge's spine. The other people were watching with anticipation, with Dumbledore shaking his head at Harry, trying to say, 'don't do anything reckless. "I'd love to see you try because they might become very interested in learning about some of your extracurricular activities."
Then taking a step forward, "know this: if any harm comes to my students, then nothing will be able to keep you safe from me. Everything you ever knew and loved will be gone, and I will make your life a living nightmare. I will protect the people who reside in this castle against all insurgencies, including you."
"Is that a threat?" Fudge's bravado began to fall.
"A promise!" Harry hissed. "If you want a war with me, then say the word."
"There are people behind me."
"You're going to need all of them," Harry struggled to keep his inner beast from surfacing as they roared, begging to be released. "Keep in mind that you only have two days left to get me answers about the dementor attacks."
Fudge turned to Kingsley, asking for the report. The dark-skinned Auror reached into the pocket of his robes and pulled out a file. Harry saw the expression on Kingsley's hardened face and could tell he wasn't happy with the Minister.
"Here is the investigation report," Cornelius handed the folder over. "Do with it what you will."
Harry snatched it from his hand, "you better hope this is legit."
Cornelius put his bowler on and left, with Kingsley and Percy following behind.
"You should not have done that," a disappointed Dumbledore sighed. "Harry, please consider the cost of what you are doing. Cornelius will use this encounter to gain support and make things much harder."
"Well, I don't mind doing things the hard way," Harry bit back. "Unlike you, Albus, I'm not going to sit back and let him do as he pleases. You may be content with being passive, but I will not allow him to make an example of this school to satisfy his goals. And I would strongly recommend that you grow a pair and focus on the here and now. Starting with Umbridge. She's been here for less than a week and is already making it impossible for the fifth and seventh-year students who will have to sit their end-of-year exams."
"What would you have me do?" Albus questioned, the twinkle absent from his eyes. "She is an employee of the Ministry and was placed here by Cornelius himself. If I do anything to oppose her position, then Cornelius will use that as leverage and have me removed. Should that happen, I will be unable to protect the students."
"And you've done such a great job thus far," Harry sarcastically added. "We're in this situation because of your machinations and unwillingness to do what is right. It astounds me how blind you've become. By allowing the death eaters who pleaded to be imperiused to walk free, you've opened the gates for them free reign in the Wizengamot and have therefore allowed them to influence that joke we call a wizard to take office."
"Cornelius will be dealt with as soon as Voldemort makes the mistake of revealing himself," Dumbledore irritatingly assured.
Harry snorted, "and when do you expect that to be? Instead of waiting for him to make a mistake, you should force him. Starting by removing Fudge from his position. He's a fool who should have been removed years ago."
Reaching for a sherbet lemon, he popped one in his mouth, "I'm afraid we will have to agree to disagree. A fool Cornelius may be; no matter his claims or mistakes, it is simply not the best time to destabilize the government. I promise as soon as Voldemort reveals himself, we will overturn all of Cornelius's decrees and any laws he creates."
"So that's it? You're just going to sit by and allow him to do as he pleases." Flaring his nostrils, showing he was not happy with the Headmaster's plan. "Classic Albus Dumbledore, too happy to let things go to hell at the expense of the people you were supposed to protect. You're just hoping for things to go bad, aren't you? It must make you happy to see the people you're supposed to protect suffer. Pathetic. You and Voldemort are no different from each other."
That accusation made Dumbledore's face harden as he stood out of his seat at full height, surprising the other professors. "Do you truly believe that I would purposefully allow any harm to come to the students? I may not be proud of my past actions, but I am doing what is best for everyone."
"Your recent track record says otherwise. Perhaps if you stop with this whole passive crap and allowing those idiots in the Ministry free access to do what they want here, then maybe this school will actually get the recognition it deserves," Harry vehemently argued.
The two wizards locked eyes and channeled their magic's for what seemed like years but a couple of minutes. Minerva and Severus were certainly feeling the magic pouring out of them; it was taking a large amount of their own to keep the office from tearing apart.
"Enough, both of you!" Minerva chastised in a firm voice. "If we had shown half this spine towards the Minister, then we would not be in this situation." She turned to the young man, "Harry I understand your reasoning and sympathize that this school needs to improve in certain areas. But we have to consider how to do it first."
Shifting her gaze, "Albus, for many years, you have asked me to follow your actions, and while I may not agree with most of them, they have produced results, good and bad. However, there comes a time when change is needed. Starting with this school's lack of enforcing rules and other half-measures. The students will not learn from their mistakes if we are too lenient in handling situations that endanger them."
Harry and Dumbledore stopped releasing their magic in waves and averted their eyes away.
Minerva breathed a sigh of release, "good now we can discuss the continuation of Muggle Studies and Divination as they hardly hold any real importance, let alone are needed for job requirements."
"My thoughts exactly," said Harry. "Of all the subjects taught at Hogwarts, those two are the least helpful. If removed, the school will have more of a budget to work with and hopefully bring in some new courses. I've looked over the books for the school's operating budget and the statistics for the classes and found them unnecessary…"
They continued talking about the possibility of removing the two subjects, but naturally, Dumbledore overruled it by saying they were required. Harry suspected he had another motive for keeping them but didn't say anything. The meeting went on for another, with them discussing many things.
A/N: The point of this chapter is to show those who like to revel in the fact of either causing trouble, going after those who cannot fight back, like to be always right, and slack off that there are consequences. Learning lessons in humility and restraint are necessary. I've read the books and multiple fanfictions where they show how Malfoy and his friends act both in potions class and outside of it. They either sabotage another students potions or pick on people; hardly if ever facing the consequences for their actions. All because of who their fathers are and how close they are with Fudge. Well no more! They're going to learn the hard way that they can no longer get whatever they want by tormenting others.
As for Hermione. Ugh what can I say the girl needs to be taken down a couple of pegs as she needs to realize that she doesn't know everything. I've worked with people like her in school and at work; each time I'm almost ready to claw my eyes or begin thinking of how I'd like to tell them off. I'm sorry to all of you Hermione fans, but I have to say this: the girl is a constant nuisance and a mini-parent. No wonder she didn't have any friends before attending Hogwarts. Damn teacher's pet.
In accordance with the polls I have tallied the results from my last chapter on where Harry should build a villa and what style it should be. Style: Luxury. Where: Lake Maggiore.
Next Chapter: Here comes trouble