The Protector and the Four Guardians

by TigerSwarm9122

Sequel to the Protector of Magic! The Wizarding World will likely be in trouble now that Voldemort is back. However, that does not mean that Harry is out of the game yet. Can he and his allies bring an end to Voldemort and his Death Eaters or will the Dark Lord finally get what he wants? Rated M! Language, Violence, ancient Magic, etc.

22. Chapter 22

Chapter 22: Centaur and Traitors

Also, thank you two, Mark1, for pointing out that Neville Longbottom was not mentioned in the report from the International News. I don't know why that happened because I remember putting his name down when I was doing the chapter.

February ended with no issues save for the drama that was going on in Britain as Fudge was trying to restore his good name to the public; however, that was not an easy task. The portly Minister of Magic looked like he had seen better days, as it was obvious that several of the employees at the ministry wanted him gone and were dissatisfied with him. Everywhere he walked, people would shoot him hateful glares. Poor Cornelius felt like he had hit rock bottom and knew his career as Minister of Magic was in jeopardy. There were whispers among the Department Heads, Lords, and Ladies about having him removed by the end of the year. For mercy's sake, if the Wizengamot found out that he'd violated the terms of his probation, then they would have his head on a pipe.

What's more, there was another problem: Delores had shared some information with him about the Potter boy meeting with the Supreme Mugwump. The Supreme Mugwump of all people met with the boy. What did they discuss? When he tried to go speak with the man himself, Mr. Akingbade called him a useless sack of shit and slammed the door in his face. Fudge was in a real dilemma. Potter was gaining influence in the Ministry and had the support of many of the students. While he would like nothing more than to throw the boy in Azkaban-he couldn't as the boy did nothing illegal.

Resigning himself, he silently hoped that either Delores or Lucius could make a miracle happen or help him find a way to turn everything around.

(0^0)

In the hospital wing, Susan sat on a chair next to a sleeping Hannah. Like the other fifth-years who have been feeling the strain of their upcoming O.W.L exams, Hannah had also been working hard. But today, halfway through Herbology, she had a nervous breakdown, saying she would not be able to retain the information needed to complete her exam. Grabbing her best friend's hand, Susan gave the girl a sad smile.

"Stay strong, Hannah. School will be over soon," she said before getting up and leaving as one of the students serving under Madam Pomfrey went to check on the sleeping girl.

"...O.W.L syndrome?" Susan looked forward to see Neville and Luna approaching.

"They're getting to her," a ghost smile tugged against her lips at Neville's nickname for the stress of their upcoming exams. "Hannah's strong she'll pull through."

"We only just heard and came to check on her," Luna said. She and Neville walked into the hospital wing to check on their friend. Just when they were about to enter-a woman screamed.

They whirled around. "That sounded bad," Neville commented, narrowing his eyes. Several of the other students seemed to have heard the scream and went to see where it came from.

Then another scream was heard. "What's going-" Luna attempted to say but was cut off by a third scream.

The screams were indeed coming from outside of the castle. They grew louder as the three ran into Blaise and the others. "What's going on? What's all the fuss about?" Asked Susan. When they approached the big doors.

"It's Professor Trelawney," Aaron said as they walked to the Viaduct courtyard.

Students were coming in all directions to see what was happening. Soon they were all outside-near the entrance-or watching from the sides. Many of them were shocked and angry, and others were even frightened. Padma, who stood beside her sobbing sister, attempted to console her by holding her close. Tracey handed her a tissue which she accepted.

"This sucks," Astoria muttered. A few of the students agreed with her as they watched Filch drop a suitcase in front of the Divination teacher.

Professor Trelawney was standing in the middle of the courtyard with her wand in one hand and a handbag in the other, looking crossed between angry and sad. Her hair was sticking up on end, her glasses were lopsided so that one eye was magnified more than the other; her in numerable shawls and scarves were trailing haphazardly from her shoulders, giving the impression that she was falling apart at the seams. Two large trunks lay on the floor behind her, one upside down; it looked like it had been thrown down the stairs. Professor Trelawney was staring, apparently terrified, at something hardly any of the younger students could see from behind the older students. But the ones in front who had a clear view glared menacingly at the person approaching.

"No!" she shrieked. "NO! This cannot be happening. . . It cannot. . . I refuse to accept it!"

"You didn't realize this was coming?" said a high girlish voice, sounding callously amused. Umbridge was alone as none of the students nor the professors present found the scenery entertaining in the slightest. "Incapable though you are of predicting even tomorrow's weather, you must surely have realized that your pitiful performance during my inspections and the lack of any improvement would make it inevitable you would be sacked?"

"You c-can't!" howled Professor Trelawney, tears streaming down her face from behind her enormous lenses, "you c-can't sack me! I've been here for six-sixteen years! H-Hogwarts is m-my h-home!"

"It was your home," said Professor Umbridge. A handful of the students seemed revolted at how Umbitch enjoyed tormenting Sybil. The toadlike woman only gave a sadistic smile as she watched Professor Trelawney sank, sobbing uncontrollably, onto one of her trunks, "until an hour ago, when the Minister of Magic countersigned the order for your dismissal. Now kindly remove yourself from the castle. You are embarrassing us."

But she stood and watched, with an expression of gloating enjoyment, as Professor Trelawney shuddered and moaned, rocking backward and forward on her trunk in paroxysms of grief. Lavender and Parvati were crying the hardest as they watched their favorite teacher being forced to leave.

Having heard enough, Professors McGonagall, Vector, and Pomona had broken away from the spectators and marched straight toward their colleague. Minerva and Vector patted her on the back while Pomona withdrew a large handkerchief from her robes.

"Something you three would like to say?" Delores asked in her annoying sugar-sweet voice.

"Oh, there are several things I would like to say," Minerva said with a lot of cold fury in her voice. Her eyes burned with rage, indicating she would like nothing more than to curse Umbridge within an inch of her life. Pomona and Septima were also shaking with fury. The former seemed only seconds away from pulling her wand out and would have had it not been for her friend, who kept a hand on her arm and gave a meaningful look.

"There, there, Sibyll . . . Calm down. . . Blow your nose on this. . . It's not as bad as you think, now. . . You are not going to have to leave Hogwarts. . ."

"Oh really, Professor McGonagall?" enquired Umbridge in a deadly voice, turning her eyes away from the other two professors and taking a few steps forward. "And your authority for that statement is . . . ?"

"That would be ours; you jumped up, frog," said a deep voice.

The oak front doors had swung open. Students beside them moved out of the way as Dumbledore and Potter appeared at the entrance. What surprised everyone was that the two were seen together despite the amount of baggage between the two. Leaving the doors wide behind, they strode forward through the crowd of onlookers toward the place where the professors were. Professor Trelawney sat, tearstained and trembling, upon her trunk, Professors McGonagall, Sprout, and Vector alongside her.

"Yours? Professor Dumbledore? Mr. Potter?" Umbridge did not want to address Potter as a Professor. "I'm afraid the two of you do not understand the position. I have here" — she pulled a parchment scroll from within her robes — "an Order of Dismissal signed by myself and the Minister of Magic. Under the terms of Educational Decree #1, the High Inquisitor of Hogwarts has the power to inspect, place upon probation, and sack any teacher she — that is to say, I — feel is not performing up to the standard required by the Ministry of Magic. I have decided that Professor Trelawney is not up to scratch."

"You can shove that order of dismissal up your arse bitch," Harry said, his voice devoid of any emotions, yet his eyes said it all. "Seems you have forgotten a few key details: Unlike you and that miserable swine Filch. Professor Trelawney is actually liked and wanted here."

"How many of you here want Professor Trelawney to remain in the castle?" Turning his head to the students. Several of them raised their hands. "Those opposed?" Only a few raised their hands though they were members of the Inquisitorial Squad, yet two didn't. "Professor McGonagall, Professor Sprout, would it be wrong if I asked the two of you to escort Sybil back to her quarters?"

"Sybil dear. This way," Minerva guided the woman back inside with the help of Pomona.

"T-Thank you," cryingly and shakingly. She reaches out a hand to both of them.

"My dear, you are free to stay. We will handle this," Dumbledore softly said.

"Though, I think Divination is a useless subject... You have earned your place within these hallowed halls," Harry added.

Dumbledore went on to speak with a smile as Pomona and Minerva took Sybil into the castle. He looked down at the squat professor, "You are quite right, of course, Professor Umbridge. As High Inquisitor, you have every right to dismiss our teachers. You do not, however, have the authority to banish them from the grounds." With a courteous little bow, he went on, "that power still resides with the headmaster and owner of this castle, and it is our wish that Professor Trelawney continues to live at Hogwarts."

Professors Flitwick and Vector waved their wands, applying the levitation charm to Professor Trelawney's luggage, raising it into the air and following behind their fellow professors. Meanwhile, Delores pointed accusatory fingers at them. "I knew it. I knew you two were working together..."

Harry cut off her rambling with a wandless silencing charm "... let's get one thing straight here. I am not working with the Headmaster. But for this rare occasion, I am not against him." Then with another wave of his hand fired a tripping jinx that made her fall to the stone ground.

Rising back up, she was visibly angry as she used her wand to remove the silencing charm. Her face was red in embarrassment.

"This decision is final, Delores. Whether you like it or not." Dumbledore continued smiling.

Professor Umbridge stood stock-still, staring at Dumbledore and Potter, who seemed undeterred. "And what," she said in a whisper that nevertheless carried all around the courtyard, "are you going to do with her once I appoint a new Divination teacher who needs her lodgings?"

"Oh, that won't be a problem," said Dumbledore pleasantly. "We have already found a new Divination teacher, and he will prefer lodgings on the ground floor."

"You've found — ?" said Umbridge shrilly. "You've found? Might I remind you, Dumbledore, that under Educational Decree Number One —"

"— the Ministry has the right to appoint a suitable candidate if —and only if — the Headmaster or Owner is unable to find one," Dumbledore finished. "And I am happy to say that on this occasion, we have succeeded. May I introduce you?"

Harry couldn't hold back the smirk that crossed his lips as a set of hooves was heard from the other side.

"This is Firenze," said Dumbledore happily to a thunderstruck Umbridge. "I think you'll find him suitable."

"Good evening, Firenze," Harry bumped into Umbridge's shoulder as he went to meet the centaur halfway. "Once again, I like to thank you for donating your time to teach in the castle." Giving a small bow.

"Think nothing of it, Hadrian," cordially returning the bow. "This will definitely be a new experience."

"Well, if you head inside, I'd be happy to show you around."

"This is not proper. I will not allow a filthy abomination to teach at this school," Delores screamed for all to hear. "Cornelius would never approve of it. I want him and that useless fraud Trelawny removed from this school."

"You foul, evil, loathsome wench," someone screamed from the side. Everyone turned to the source as soon as a rock nailed Umbridge in the head.

Umbridge darted her eyes at a furious Parvati Patil, whose tear-filled red eyes soon turned furious. "That will be a month of detention for attacking a Professor and the High Inquisitor, Miss. Patil!"

Suddenly more rocks were thrown at her, along with various insults from the other students. A handful of students summoned crates filled with tomatoes and began pelting Umbridge and Filch with them.

"We want you gone!"

"Die bitch!"

"Why the fuck is Filch still here?! He's just as bad as her!"

"Get them out of here!"

Pandemonium had broken out as the students hurled rocks, tomatoes, and insults at the two. The members of the Inquisitorial squad did not fair any differently because when they were also targeted when they tried to on her behalf.

Unless something was done, the students might have started firing spells while Harry enjoyed the show. However, he was a Professor and had to stop the situation before it escalated. So, reluctantly he raised his hand in the air and let out a couple cannon blasts to make the students stop while Dumbledore escorted Firenze inside. He then cast a sonorous charm on himself. "That is enough! If I see anyone hurl another rock or tomato, they will serve detention with me for the next two months! Listen, people, I don't like these idiots..." gesturing to Argus and Delores, who were racing back inside the castle, likely to clean off the tomato blood stains on them. "... any more than you do. And believe me, I have more than enough reason to hate them. But acting like this will not change a thing! I speak mainly to the fifth-years and up. You all are old enough to not resort to throwing things like five-year-olds. Need I remind you, people, that June will be here before long, and you all know what that means. So, rather than waste your time throwing objects or insults, you should prepare for your exams. Now all of you better be back inside within the next minute...anyone still out here will find themselves in detention for a month! Now move! Quietus."

The students practically ran back inside. Members of the Inquisitorial Squad were sporting different injuries as they headed to the hospital wing. Harry's green eyes soon found Parvati. "Miss Patil." His voice made her stop dead in her tracks. Beside her was Padma, who gave her sister another tissue so she could wipe her eyes. "Please come with me. We need to have a chat. Your sister may come if she wishes."

They could hear the firm tone in his voice and knew he was serious. The Patil twins followed him up the stairs and into his office. When the door closed behind Parvati, he took his wand and conjured two chairs for them while he moved to sit behind his desk.

Harry handed the Gryffindor Patil a box of tissues when she sat down, soon followed by her sister. Giving the girl a minute to compose herself, he began, "now Parvati..." sucking in a breath, "...I understand your feelings regarding Professor Trelawny and Umbridge, and believe me, no one wants her gone more than me. But hurling insults and throwing rocks is unacceptable. No matter how much she deserves it or how much you dislike her, she is still...regrettably, a professor at this school."

"But Professor Potter, you heard..." Harry cut her off by raising a hand.

"I know what she said - I know what she is. By all accounts, she should have never been allowed to enter this castle. That said, the way you acted was out of line."

"He's right, Pav," Padma said, taking her sister's hand in her own. "We all know she is a horrible teacher and an even worse person. You are not the only one who dislikes having her here; I'm sure the other professors feel the same." She understood what Parvati was thinking, and while sympathizing with what she did, Harry was right.

Bringing his fingers together, "right then. Miss. Patil, you will be serving four nights of detention with Professor Snape and have lost thirty points. However, thirty-five points will be awarded to you for standing up for what was right and defending the honor of a fellow professor against that toad tyrant. Tell anyone about the last thing I said, and your detentions will be doubled." A ghost smile tugged against his lips.

He watched as they got up and exited his office. Before he could release a long sigh, a familiar presence was sensed on the opposite side of the door.

"Come in, Minerva," the door opened, revealing the stern visage of the school's resident transfiguration teacher. However, her eyes indicated a message to him. "How much of that did you hear?"

"All of it," she stepped into the office, closed the door behind her, and sat in one of the conjured chairs. "That was an excellent form of discipline...despite your animosity with Delores, you did the right thing in punishing Ms. Patil. I only just heard what happened in the courtyard. If it weren't for the fact that Sybil needed someone, the number of students present, and the Ministry (Minister) being involved, then I would have thrown curses at Delores until she vacated the school entirely."

A short chuckle exited his mouth. "How is Sybil at the moment?" Traces of concern were etched in his voice.

"Septima gave her a calming draught and will likely indulge herself in bottles of scotch and mead for the next couple of days."

"I thought professors were forbidden to consume alcohol on school grounds."

"Frowned upon," she corrected. "But we're allowed to indulge every once in a while so long as we do not go overboard."

Harry's eyes twinkled, "really?"

"Don't even think about it, young man," she stopped his train of thought after seeing the glint in his eyes and the change in his voice. "Your grandmother and mother would skin me in the afterlife if they discovered you were drinking on school grounds because of me."

"All right, all right. I'll stay clear of alcohol for the time being," a cheeky smile formed on his lips.

This was rewarded with a stern glare from the older woman, who then released a long breath. "I am certainly glad you have more self-control than your father or godfather when they were your age. One time after winning a quidditch game, they smuggled Firewhiskey into the common room. They probably believed that I wouldn't have noticed, but they neglected to vanish the smells of alcohol from their breaths the next morning and get rid of one of the bottles."

"I hope you punished them."

"They received a month of detention and a long lecture about underage drinking."

Harry accidentally snorted, "come on, Minerva. You could have done better than that..."

She regarded what he said with a look, "...perhaps. However, the punishment your mum gave them was also bad."

"My mum punished them?"

"Oh, she did," Minerva's lips curled into a small smile. "The only thing I will say is that the two could not sit right for a few weeks."

That caused Harry to laugh as he silently wondered what type of punishment his mother inflicted upon them. He would need to ask Remus the next time he saw him.

(0^0)

A few days later, the students were in the Great Hall having breakfast and discussing what had occurred in the courtyard. The members of the Inquisitorial squad look like they have seen better days; less than popular would not fit their current situation as they became the school's most hated individuals.

"I can't take it anymore," Goyle groaned in agitation. "This is not how things were supposed to go... We were supposed to be feared and revered, yet instead, we're being treated like dirt." He looked at the head table and shot a dirty look at Potter. One way or another, he would make him pay. Potter killed his father and took his family's wealth and businesses. The only person he had left was his mum.

"Sit down, Goyle," Draco gritted his teeth, and his blood boiled as he caught sight of the person the gorilla-like boy was looking at. Potter had been the bane of his existence; since he stole his right to become Heir to the House of Black. He was sure he had tampered with the Black family grimoire so it wouldn't choose him. This year alone had been a nightmare as he had spent one too many days in detention with that oaf Hagrid and Squib Filch. What's worse is that no matter how hard, his father and Professor Umbridge had been blocked at every turn. Add insult to injury. He couldn't get near the Heiress to the House of Greengrass.

That girl had been something that he had been wanting for a long time. Daphne Greengrass was not only smart and powerful but also exceptionally beautiful, and he would often jerk himself off while thinking of her. Moreover, she was in the middle of having her magical maturity proving that she would become a powerful witch once it's been completed. Pansy was fine for now, but she was only a slag whom he would be glad to toss aside.

But thanks to his bastard of a cousin, that goal had been reduced to ashes as he saw the ring on her finger and knew what it meant. Furthermore, whenever he tried to woo or impress her, she would look at him as if he were a filthy mudblood or a piece of garbage. He was Draco Lucius Malfoy. Heir to the Most Noble House of Malfoy. As a Malfoy, he was supposed to have the best of everything: money, power, respect, and girls ready to spread their legs for him and be feared and revered. But, more importantly, he was meant to have the hottest girl in school on his arm. She would be a good little wife and sire him an heir when he took the mantle of Lord. Once the Dark Lord succeeds in conquering the world, he will be back on top where he belongs.

"This is not the time nor the place. Potter will get what is coming to him in due time," he promised. This was far from over; eventually, he would get what he was owed.

Unfortunately, Malfoy and his friend, Harry, were several steps ahead of them, and if they tried anything, then the consequences would be severe. But, being the son, nephew, and Lord Slytherin, he had made contingencies for different outcomes. They had no idea who they were messing with.

Over at the Gryffindor table, a shocked and speechless Hermione watched as Parvati angrily walked out of the Hall. "What's her problem? All I was doing was telling the truth."

Luna frowned at her. For someone who doesn't like to be underestimated or discriminated against because of her blood status, Hermione sure had no problems doing it to others. As much as she wanted to say something, she turned away to resume talking with the others.

"That was a nice wedding Ulrich and Bianca had... it was even better when some people weren't allowed to come."

"I'll say," Lilith looked up from this month's Teen Witch Weekly magazine. "My brother told me they would be spending their honeymoon three in the Bahamas for the next three weeks."

"Lucky," Tracey looked in awe. She wouldn't mind taking a trip there in the future. "I do not know about you lot...but I think we can all use a vacation when school is over."

"Here, here. You know what we need? A girls' day out," Susan suggested. The girls immediately perked up while the boys wisely kept their mouths shut.

"... That's actually a good idea," Daphne snapped her fingers. "After all, the guys had one last summer. So why shouldn't we?"

At that moment, they began making plans while the guys slipped away, having no wish to hear their conversation. Astoria loved the conversation more with each passing second. "We can also head to the Spa in Diagon Alley. In addition to the deep tissue massages and outdoor hot springs, the steam room is calling my name."

"Well, ladies, as entertaining as this conversation is...we have classes to attend," Tracey took a final swig of her pumpkin juice before grabbing her bag and leaving the table.

The others followed suit as they gathered their things and vacated the Hall.

For the rest of the day, things passed relatively smoothly, save for an incident during Potions class where Goyle and Nott needed to have their potions vanished. The two angrily shouted threats and insults at Professor Potter and were rewarded with a week of detention and lost twenty points. Goyle being the not-so-intelligent person that he was, attempted to argue the point, saying that even though his father was gone, his family still had influence in the Wizengamot and threatened to make him suffer. His threat earned him an additional two weeks of detention and thirty points deduction from his house.

After classes ended for the day, Harry went to the room of requirement and sat in his chair behind his desk. Several things were running through his mind...one thing, in particular, was his discussion with his father. When he was doing an inventory of the potion, storerooms and found something disturbing, or rather some missing potions. Delores paid him a visit yesterday before dinner, demanding his entire store of veritaserum. While he didn't want to, he had little choice but to comply when she presented a letter of authorization from Fudge. However, he discretely hid one vial in his robes while she made off with the others. This was a bold or foolish move on Fudge's part, as he did not have the power nor authorization to grant someone the use of veritaserum.

Harry was so deep in thought that he did not notice the door open. "... Merlin, I wish this year would just finish already."

"Trust me, Sue. We all feel the same way," Hannah watched as Susan threw herself face-first into a sofa the room materialized. Though, the expression on her face showed she was thinking the same thing.

Releasing a tired breath, Blaise took a seat next to the fire. "Guys, we got to get a grip. Our O.W.L and N.E.W.T exams will be here before long, and once they're out of the way, we can relax. But, for now, we have to complete today's mountain of homework."

"Lord help us all," Adrian walked over to his friend. "Hey, Harry, can you give me a hand with this Charms essay?" When he was about to ask again, he noticed the distant look in his friend's eyes and knew something was up. "You all right?"

Snapping himself back to reality, he noticed the others in the room. "When did you guys get in here? Never mind, there's something you lot need to know..."

"The warning in your voice says this is serious... what's the problem?" Neville asked.

"Umbridge took my dad's entire supply of veritaserum and is going to start questioning students soon," wandlessly, he levitated the letter Fudge sent her to Emily.

She read the letter twice to make sure she wasn't imagining things. "This is illegal. The Wizengamot would never approve of veritaserum being used on minors." She looked at the others.

"Fudge is becoming desperate. He knows his position as Minister of Magic is in jeopardy. With his reputation in tatters and people actively voicing for him to hand in his resignation, this is a last-ditch effort for him to show the people he is right about everything." Susan raised her head from the pillow she was resting on.

"This is being done out of desperation," Neville added. "Fudge may be an idiot, but he isn't stupid, and neither is Umbridge. My guess is that she will obliviate the students once she's done questioning them so they don't remember being with her." A small grin crossed his lips, "...as a matter of fact, this can be the final nail we need to finally be rid of both of them."

"Go on..." Harry implored.

(0^0)

On the eleventh, Harry and Susan were at St. Mungo's, waiting outside of the delivery room with the other members of their family. Sirius contacted them this morning, explaining that Amelia had gone into labor last night. The man's expression was comical as he was torn between excitement and fear. Today was the day he become a father. Emily wanted to be present but couldn't because she was stuck in Japan doing her exams. The only thing that stopped her from sneaking out of Mahoutokoro was that Harry promised to send her mental images of the newborns.

At around ten, the Healer stepped through the doors and allowed them inside. Susan practically bolted inside, with Andromeda and Arcturus bringing up the rear and the rest following behind. They saw Amelia still lying in bed, holding one child in her arms and Sirius holding the other.

"Everyone we like you to meet, Regulus James Black," nodding to the child in his arms. "And Brian Alexander Black," the baby in Amelia's arms. Tears of joy rolled down his eyes.

"Harry, Remus. Will the two of you be their godfathers?"

Remus instantly agreed with Harry following suit. "It would be an honor. May I..." gesturing to the boy in Sirius' arms.

"Mind his head," he handed his son to Harry.

"Hello, little one. I'm your godfather, Harry," smiling down at the child in his arms. The baby's silver eyes met his green ones. "I swear that I will always look after you and your brother. Welcome to the family." Baby Regulus cooed at him.

Twenty minutes later, the family went home so Amelia and the twins could get some rest. Sirius helped Harry and Remus perform the godfather ritual so they would be recognized as Regulus and Brian's legit godfathers in the eyes of the magical world. As soon as the rituals were done and the twins were upstairs asleep, the adults, minus Amelia's father, who had returned home, remained in the sitting room. What was once a happy atmosphere suddenly became cold.

"It is like we thought," Susan began, "Umbridge is using veritaserum on the students and then wiping their memories. Madam Pomfrey has even verified that they've been subjected to the truth serum and memory alterations."

"Does she have the medical reports? How many students has she questioned?" Arcturus' knuckles became white as he clenched his fist.

"Yes to the first and unknown to the second," Harry replied. "The only thing we can be sure about is that more students will be questioned. However, I have already spoken with Poppy, and she's agreed to make copies." He went on to explain the plan he and the others cooked up and how they neutralized the effects of the serum.

"I don't like this," said Sirius, who had a questionable expression.

"Believe me, Sirius, we don't either, but if we're going to take Umbridge and Fudge down, then this is necessary. We're taking all the necessary precautions," Harry explained. "Fudge knows he's on thin ice and has unknowingly sealed his fate. There is more than enough evidence to have him brought before the entire Wizengamot and show everyone the kind of person he really is. The time is drawing near. I can feel it. We just need to bide our time."

Sirius let out a breath, "it both scares and impresses me how smart and cunning you are. You have definitely spent too much time with Severus and Cassiopeia."

"I'll take that as a compliment," a new voice entered the room. Severus wore a proud grin. "Never in a million years would I ever think you'd be ready to have kids...but after these last few years. I have to say that you've proven me wrong. Congratulations on your boys." Offering a hand.

"Thank you, Severus," accepting the gesture, he took his hand and shook it. "How are things in Voldemort's camp?"

"Dolohov and Lucius have just returned from the continent. Their assignment was unknown to everyone save for the Dark Lord. The only thing I know for sure is that he was extremely pleased to hear that their mission was a success..." Severus continued to relay what he knew about Voldemort's current goals and the assignments of the other Death Eaters within his inner circle.

Later that day, Harry teleported Susan back to Hogwarts and gave her a pass to get to Arithmancy, so Professor Vector would overlook why she was late. He then went to Charms to help out Filius, who was currently teaching some fourth years the banishing charm. Unfortunately for the young apprentice, the resident Charms Professor seemed too happy to push the rest of the class onto Harry the minute he walked in. However, that wasn't all because the diminutive professor gave him the essays they handed in at the start of the period for grading. Dutifully, Harry put them in a folder and in his watch so that he could help prepare for the sixth-year students.

Surprisingly, his next class went by relatively smoothly as he explained the theory of tying two spells together and gave an example using the blasting and banishing charm. "...Do not discount the possibility of when you need to combine some spells. While they're effective...it will be more draining if used too often." He pointed at someone who raised their hand.

"Professor, is it possible to combine every spell together?" A sixth-year Ravenclaw asked.

"Normally, no. Some spells were designed not to be merged or altered. Attempting to do so would be potentially lethal if not suicidal." He then told them to write down a list of spells and practice combining them to get different effects. At the end of the period, he assigned them three rolls of parchment on what spells can and cannot be combined and why it was important to keep some spells away from one another.

Filius flashed him an approving smile when they left the classroom. "Their control over magic has become more refined. The other professors and I, minus Delores, are all pleased. Teaching them to manipulate magic was a stroke of genius and has made my life a lot easier."

"Glad to see I was able to help. Will I see you tonight in the Room of Requirement?"

"Of course," Filius squeaked. "Severus and I will be teaching some of the advanced spells."

Giving him a nod, Harry teleported out of the room. "Oh, I would love to know how he does that," bouncing on the balls of his feet.

Appearing in his office, Harry found his girlfriend sitting on one of the sofas, reading through her family grimoire. Iroh was fast asleep near the fire. "How was it?" she closed her book and looked up.

"Sirius almost started dancing like a loon when he introduced the twins. He also made Remus and me their godfathers." Harry kissed her on the lips before taking a seat beside her. "Regulus and Brian will be in good hands."

Thinking of those two made him wonder about his own future kids. What they'll be like. While his ultimate goal was to have his own children someday, he would want to have them after Voldemort had been vanquished and Dumbledore was out of the way. The kids would run around the castle and in the backyard playing games, and he would smile while watching them. That would be a future worth fighting for. Daphne saw the deep longing expression on his face and took his hand into her own.

"One day, my love," she said when he looked at her. "When all of this mess is over with, we will be able to have a life."

"I hope," leaning back in his seat. "What do you want to do before you start working on your masteries and settling into being an Unspeakable?"

"How about a long vacation?" Resting her head on his shoulder. "I hear the Bahamas, Jamaica, and Cancun are nice during the summer."

"Sounds nice. Hopefully, after all this is said and done, we can take a long vacation," stretching the word 'long' to show he meant more than two months. "Perhaps we can visit some of the magical attractions."

She then sighed when she rubbed her arm to feel the bracelet, "this thing is torture. I wish this magical maturity business would end soon."

He briefly chuckled, "welcome to what Miwa and I had to deal with. Trust me, you will be glad once it's off, and you're a lot more powerful than ever before." Mentally glad that the shoe was now on someone else's foot.

"If I remember correctly, your maturity lasted 61 days, and Miwa's was 52 days. I'd like to know what day mine will come off, as it's been 30 days since this was put on me."

"Oh..." Harry groaned, "... don't tell me you two are competing again."

Daphne giggled and kissed him on the cheek. "You really think you boys were the only ones who liked to compete with one another? We girls like to challenge ourselves as well, you know."

"Merlin save me," shaking his head as a big smile crossed her lips. "I can already see it now. The Ice Phoenix vs. the Thunderbird. This will yield explosive results. God help us all. Note to self: Do not attempt to interfere."

"Smart..." she couldn't help but laugh.

(0^0)

The final day in March, Harry, Miwa, Griselda, Rufus, Alastor, and Arcturus were heading to the ICW for a meeting with the Supreme Mugwump and ICW Commanders and Captains. Entering the building, they rode the elevator up to the desired floor and headed for the office. "Good day, madam. We have a meeting with Mr. Akingbade."

Candice looked at Mr. Akingbade's schedule planner to see if he was expecting them. Then, after quickly verifying that they were telling the truth, she escorted them inside. "Hello, sir. Your 5 o'clock appointment is here."

Babajide gave her a nod and motioned for the new occupants to sit on the sofa opposite of him. Everyone stayed silent for a moment before Mr. Akingbade broke it. "Are they ready?"

"Yes," Miwa answered; reaching into her watch, she pulled out a silver briefcase and opened it. "My project, Nargravitz, can now shield against the cruciatus curse for a grand total of twelve times before having to recharge itself.

Ignoring Alastor and Rufus's shocked expressions, she explained how it worked. "Similar to Harry's, Project: Guardian. My Nargravitz is also used to repel one of the three unforgivables: the Cruciatus Curse. Unlike his green orb, which can shield against the killing curse, the red orb can shield against the torture curse. Though it can repel up to twelve curses, it'll take fifteen minutes to charge back up again if you use them all up. So whatever situation you're in, you better either defeat your opponent or get out of there before the count hits zero."

"Interesting. May I see a demonstration?"

She stood up, took her wand, and conjured a wooden dummy. Then she put the gauntlet on the dummy's right arm. Next, commander Taymore took his own wand and, with a nod of approval from the Supreme Mugwump, cast the spell. "Crucio!" The red spell left his wand and would have hit the dummy square in the chest had a shield not materialized before it.

The people unaware of Miwa's project stared in complete shock, with jaws hitting the ground. Rufus had to pinch himself to ensure he wasn't dreaming. Taymore used the curse a few more times to assure everyone that Ms. Kawada's project was the real deal. "The shield works," Miwa said proudly before removing the dummy's gauntlet and showing them the number of counters it had left. They watched as the red orb showed the number 7. "This is how many more times the anti-cruciatus shield can appear before it has to recharge."

"As of right now, I have 78 of them ready." She raised a hand when one of the Commanders was about to speak. "However, there are two downsides. First: the gauntlet has to be made of Archfiend steel. Second: it takes four days to complete a batch of six at a time."

"Why four days?" The ICW's Germany Captain asked.

"Because that is how long the magic will need to settle after it gets put into the orb. If anything happens to disrupt the magic flow, then it can explode and likely kill anyone within a ten-mile radius."

"Excellent work, Ms. Kawada," Babajide congratulated her before turning his head. "What about your project, Mr. Potter?"

Harry brought Guardian out and demonstrated what it could do, the number of shields that could be manifest before it needed to recharge, and how long it took to make. "So far, there are 65 ready. There would be more if not for the number of things I have to deal with at Hogwarts, those shits at the Ministry, and my other responsibilities."

Moody grunted, "Fudge, Umbridge, and her squad of amateurs." A mild amount of irritation dripped in his voice. "Given the chance, I'd happily arrest the two incompetent fuckers myself."

A smile broke out on Harry's face, "you just might get your wish, Mad-Eye." He pulled out three packets and gave them to Rufus. The Head Auror accepted them and opened the first one.

"Back to the main point," Babajide cleared his throat. "What we have right here is good, but we'll need more. Is there a way for you two to make more?"

Harry and Miwa looked at each other for a minute, like they were sharing a silent discussion. But before they could respond, Dopey popped into the room, looking frantic.

"What is the meaning of this?" The Chinese ICW Commander demanded.

"It's fine. Dopey is one of the house elves that work at Hogwarts," Harry answered. He looked down at the elf, "what's wrong, my friend?"

"The D.A...has been...betrayed. Nasty witch is on her... way to... apprehend them."

Harry's blood immediately ran cold, "get the other elves and have them evacuate as many of the students as possible." The elf immediately popped back to Hogwarts. "I'm sorry, I have to get back to the castle! Something tells me that Umbitch and Fudge are about to make a serious move."

"I'm with you, partner," Miwa was also immediately on her feet. Lord Black, Rufus, Alastor, Mr. Akingbade, and Jack agreed to accompany him.

"Then hang on to me," he said, not in the mood to explain what he intended to do. "Now!" Once they all placed a hand on him, he teleported them out of the room and to the seventh-floor corridor.

Not wasting a second, Harry expanded his senses to see that no one was in the room of requirement and broke into a mad dash towards the Headmaster's office. The others were hot on his heels, with only Miwa being able to more-or-less keep up with him.

Just as they passed the bathroom and were about to round the corner, five people yelled, "confringo." Thinking quickly, the two conjured some shields to absorb the spells. Four Slytherins had their wands trained on them, looking ever so smug. Malfoy, Goyle, Nott, Warrington, and Millicent Bulstrode looked only seconds away from firing another set of spells. Then it happened. A small duel quickly broke out with the five Slytherins against Harry and Miwa.

"We don't have time for this!" Harry and Miwa worked in concert and combined banishing, bone-breaking, and chain-conjuring spells to subdue their opponents. The Slytherin quickly lost their composure as they were defeated by the duo; Millicent and Nott were bound in chains with a few broken bones, while Malfoy, Goyle, and Warrington each had several cuts and multiple broken bones. The last three were now angry, especially Draco and Gregory, who sneered at the two as they had no injuries. "It would be in your best interests to lower your wands and let us pass. Just so you three are aware... we're holding back. If you three want to continue...this pointless duel, then the consequences will be on your heads."

Draco sneered. "Relinquish your wand, Potter. The High Inquisitor wants to see you immediately." Even though his wand was trained on Harry, his hand was shaking. "You're already in a lot of trouble as the Minister of Magic is here. He is most eager to chat with you and your runt of a sister."

"And tell your friend to lower her wand as she has no business being here," Goyle pointed at her with a superior smile.

"Malfoy, I swear to Merlin's name if you or any member of your High dragon's dung of a squad harmed my sister or the others, then you will experience the true meaning of the words' pain and suffering." The cold venom in his voice, along with his darkening green eyes, sent shivers down their spines.

"There will be no more spells used in the corridors!" Minerva McGonagall, along with the others, came. "Dueling is absolutely forbidden! Everyone, drop your wands now!" The Head of Gryffindor House was not at all happy, as the expression on her face showed her displeasure that would make most students whimper in fear.

Goyle chose not to listen and used a blood-boiling curse on an unfamiliar dark-skinned man. Harry intervened by using a banishing charm to move Babajide out of the way. A furious McGonagall stared intently at the boy, "I said that was enough, Mr. Goyle!" Her expression became much darker. "Hand over your-"

"Enough is Enough!" Harry and Miwa raced forward and knocked their wands out of their hands. Seizing the moment, they subdued the three with their muggle combat techniques. Miwa swiftly defeated Nott with a couple of punches to the face, followed by a few jabs to the stomach. When the lanky boy tried to strike back, the fist that would have connected with her face was caught in a vice grip. Miwa then broke his arm with a punch to the elbow and flipped the boy over so he was completely on the ground.

Harry easily bested Goyle. The gorilla-like boy tried to punch him with a right hook, but Harry ducked under it and delivered a hard punch to the fool's abdomen knocking the wind out of him. Goyle then received a low-sweep kick to his legs breaking one of them. Harry then knocked him out with a front kick to the face breaking his nose and some teeth.

The two then set their sights on Malfoy when he tried to attack Miwa, but it was blocked effortlessly. Malfoy was utterly defeated in the next two minutes as he was no match for them and found himself on his knees clutching his stomach. Harry then went to pick up Goyle by the hair when the boy regained consciousness and attempted to get up. In a quick motion, before anyone could say anything, he slammed the boy's face against the stone wall four times.

"You're a real idiot. Attacking the Supreme Mugwump of all people!" He brought the boy close to look him directly in the eyes. "I knew you were not the brightest Slytherin, but your blood-boiling curse would have instantly killed him. I'll make sure you're punished severely for this... That I promise you!"

"That is enough!" Minerva snapped. "Mr. Potter, release him at once!" Reluctantly he did as she said and let the boy fall to the ground. "Now, Mr. Malfoy," she narrowed her eyes at the blonde boy. "We are going to the Headmaster's office to see what this mess is about." She picked up his wand as he was about to grab it.

"I was only doing what the High Inquisitor told me to do," trying to regain some of his dignity.

"Sounds like your Death Eater of a father," Harry commented. Draco glared at him, and before he could retort, he was bound in chains along with his friends Nott and Goyle. "Do not think for one minute that you or your friends are getting off scot-free. Now let's go." Summoning the other wands, he gave them to Arcturus, who levitated Bulstrode, Goyle, and Warrington into the air. Nott was lifted to his feet by Mad-Eye and dragged along.

When they arrived at the gargoyle, Harry said the password, "Fizzing Whizbee," and the stone gargoyle jumped aside. The wall behind split open, and they ascended the moving stone staircase. They reached the polished door with the griffin knocker, and Miwa instantly strode inside with the others.

The office was full of people. Dumbledore was sitting behind his desk, his expression serene, the tips of his long fingers together. Professors Vector and Flitwick stood rigidly beside him. Cornelius Fudge, Minister of Magic, was rocking backward and forward on his toes beside the fire, apparently immensely pleased with the situation. Kingsley Shacklebolt, John Dawlish, and the Auror who threatened to have Byakko kissed by the Dementors, and the freckled, bespectacled form of Percy Weasley hovered excitedly beside the wall, a quill and a heavy scroll of parchment in his hands apparently poised to take notes.

Everyone in the room quickly froze when the British Head Auror, the Captain of the ICW, and Supreme Mugwump entered. Harry glared intently at Umbridge, who stood beside Cornelius. "I believe this trash belongs to you," grabbing Malfoy by the collar of his robes and throwing him at her feet. This was soon followed by the other four Slytherins, still bound in chains.

"How dare you injure members of my Inquisitorial squad," a red face Delores was shaking in anger. I will have you kissed by the Dementors by tomorrow morning. Aurors arrest him!"

"Aurors, stand down!" Rufus ordered when Dawlish and Ridgeback drew their wands. Luckily the people behind Harry were faster.

"I order you to stand down now," the Supreme Mugwump demanded. The two Aurors lowered their wands as Kingsley, Flitwick, and Septima vanished the chains around the five Slytherins.

Cornelius's gleeful smile vanished and was replaced by one of pure nervousness and fear when he looked at the Supreme Mugwump. "Mr. Akingbade, this is a Ministry matter, and you have no jurisdiction-"

"Shut it, Fudge! You are already in enough trouble as it is. Don't make the situation worse."

Draco dusted his robes off before looking at the High Inquisitor, "we encountered Potter and his friend as they ran through the hallways, just like you expected, ma'am. They were obviously heading somewhere secluded to likely hatch another plan to overthrow the Ministry. Luckily, we got to them just in time."

Goyle added, "to our shame, they overpowered and would have finished us had the adults not shown up when they did." Through his busted-up face, he attempted to look superior.

"No need to worry. You five did extremely well!" She said jubilantly at the sight of Harry on the floor. "Excellent, Draco, excellent, oh, very good — sixty points to Slytherin."

"That is an absolute lie! They attacked us without provocation, and even when we warned them to stop, they continued attacking us." Harry intervened. "Eighty points from Slytherin."

"It is the truth," Miwa stepped in. "We were on our way here when they ambushed and assaulted us with the blasting curse. Not only that, but this dumbass nearly killed the Supreme Mugwump with the blood-boiling curse," looking directly at Goyle.

"Now see here, little girl. Mr. Goyle is a respected member of this institution, whereas you are not." Cornelius stepped into Gregory's defense and attempted to assert dominance over Miwa.

Harry stepped in and looked him dead in the eyes. "Have care of how you speak to my sister Fudge, or it will be the last thing that you ever do."

"What are you threatening me?" His face was red.

"There will be no more of that," Dumbledore interjected, standing up to his full height. Before he could say more, the door to his office opened, and the remaining members of the Inquisitorial Squad, along with a facially disfigured Marietta Edgecombe who seemed to have gained two hundred pounds (the girl heavily resembled a character from that muggle cartoon show Fat Albert). Next to her was Seamus Finnegan, who looked like he had seen better days as his appearance was similar, though he had a few bruises next to his pimple-covered face. On their foreheads, the pimples spelled traitorous bitch, were thrown down hard on the cold, stone floor by Emily, Daphne, Aaron, Katie, and Adrian.

"Emily," Jack pulled his daughter into a hug before inspecting her for injuries.

"Relax, dad, I'm fine." She assured him. "They attacked us while we were walking through the corridors."

"Nevertheless, I'm glad you are safe."

"As touching as this is, we have a matter to deal with," Dumbledore said, regaining control of the situation. "Alastor, Filius, please escort the members of the Inquisitorial Squad to the Hospital wing." He said with no room for argument, giving a sharp look at Draco, who wanted to protest. Minerva and Arcturus put the wands they confiscated from the students on Albus's desk. "Thank you. Shall we continue?"

"Yes, Fudge, do enlighten us as to why you are making an incompetent arse of yourself again. Or maybe you can explain why your undersecretary's little bully group attacked us without a valid reason," Harry bit back.

"Mr. Potter was hiding somewhere in the castle with Ms. Kawada, and I sent my Inquisitors to apprehend them before they could escape." Said Umbridge. There was an indecent excitement in her voice; the same callous pleasure was heard as she watched Professor Trelawney dissolving with misery out in the courtyard. "The Malfoy boy cornered him."

"Did he, did he?" said Fudge appreciatively. "I must remember to tell Lucius. Well, Potter . . . I expect you know why you are here?"

"Obviously, you're going deaf, Fudge, as we are on our way here," Harry replied. "Weasley put your wand away before you find rammed up your arse." Percy gulped and went pale when everyone looked at him. "And I was not hiding anywhere as I was having a meeting with Mr. Akingbade and the ICW Commanders and Captains."

"That is beside the point, as you were are a child and should not have left."

"I am an emancipated minor and a Lord Fudge, meaning I can leave," Harry firmly said. "Now, why is it so important that I need to be here?"

"You don't know?" Fudge grew angrier.

"Yeh — no."

"I beg your pardon?" Said Fudge.

"I said "no" you worthless sack of shite. Do I need to spell it out for you?"

"You don't know why you are here?"

"No, I don't," said Harry.

Fudge looked crossed between anger and incredulously from Harry to Professor Umbridge; Harry took advantage of his momentary inattention to steal another quick look at Dumbledore, who gave the carpet the tiniest of nods and the shadow of a wink.

"So you have no idea," said Fudge in a voice positively sagging with sarcasm, "why Professor Umbridge has brought you to this office? You are not aware that you have broken any school rules?"

"School rules?" said Harry. "No."

"Or Ministry decrees?" amended Fudge angrily.

"Not that I'm aware of," said Harry blandly. "I've been so caught up with my apprenticeships and other projects. Also, as the owner of this castle, I wield the same amount of power as the Headmaster." It wasn't a complete lie, though he did have more power than Dumbledore did.

"So it's news to you, is it," said Fudge, his voice now thick with anger, "that an illegal student organization has been discovered within this school?"

"The only things dangerous in this school are Umbridge's placement as the High Inquisitor, her pathetic group of bullies, and her inability to teach the students proper Defense Against the Dark Arts." Watching Umbridge and Fudge become angry was amusing to Harry. For they did not know that he was about to tear into them.

"I think, Minister," said Umbridge silkily from beside him, "we might make better progress if I allow our informants to speak." She would relish in the fact of having Potter put in Azkaban.

"Yes, yes, do," said Fudge, nodding, and he glanced maliciously at Dumbledore as Umbridge left the room. "There's nothing like a good witness, is there, Dumbledore?"

"Nothing at all, Cornelius," said Dumbledore gravely, inclining his head. He watched as Seamus Finnegan and Marietta Edgecombe were brought forward though they tried to hide their disfigured faces.

"Don't be scared, dears, don't be frightened," said Professor Umbridge softly, patting them on the back, "it's quite all right now. The two of you have done the right thing. The Minister is very pleased with you. He'll tell your guardians what brave things you did for the Ministry. Marietta's mother, Minister," she added, looking up at Fudge, "is Madam Edgecombe from the Department of Magical Transportation. Floo Network office — she's been helping us police the Hogwarts fires, you know. And Mr. Finnegan's mother works for a company that creates wards. I will, of course, tell Ms. Patil what you did for her young man."

"Jolly good, jolly good!" said Fudge heartily. "Very well done, you two. Well, come on, now, look up, don't be shy, let's hear what you've got to — galloping gargoyles!"

Seamus and Marietta raised their heads; Fudge leapt backward in shock, nearly landing himself in the fire. (Though Harry wished he did.) He cursed and stamped on the hem of his cloak, which had started to smoke. Marietta wailed as she pulled the neck of her robes right up to her eyes, but Seamus did not as he looked at the floor with sadness. However, that did not conceal his horribly disfigured face or the words.

"Never mind the spots now," said Umbridge impatiently at Marietta, "just take your robes away from your mouth and tell the Minister —"

But Marietta gave another muffled wail and shook her head frantically. Then, when she tried to get Seamus to say something, he shook his head as he was overcome with grief.

"Oh, very well, you two, I'll tell him," snapped Umbridge. She hitched her sickly smile back onto her face and said, "Well, Minister, Ms. Edgecombe and Mr. Finnegan came to my office shortly after dinner this evening and told me they had something they wanted to tell me. Mr. Finnegan said that if I proceeded to a secret room on the seventh floor, sometimes known as the Room of Requirement, I would find out something to my advantage. I questioned them a little further, and they admitted there would be some kind of meeting there. Unfortunately, at that point, this hex," she waved impatiently at two's faces, "came into operation, and upon catching sight of their face in my mirror, they became too distressed to tell me anymore."

"Well, now," said Fudge, fixing Marietta and Seamus with what he evidently imagined was a kind and fatherly look. "That is very brave of you two, coming to tell Professor Umbridge you did exactly the right thing. Now, will either of you tell me what happened at this meeting? What was its purpose? Who was there?"

But neither of them would speak. Instead, they merely shook their head again, their eyes wide and fearful.

"Haven't we got a counter jinx for this?" Fudge asked Umbridge impatiently, gesturing at Marietta's face. "So she can speak freely?"

"I have not yet managed to find one," Umbridge admitted grudgingly.

Harry snorted, "how humiliating. The Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor can't undo a simple jinx. Guess she is all bark and no bite. But, then again, it should be expected."

Delores sent a murderous glare at him. "But it doesn't matter if she won't speak; I can take up the story from here."

"You will remember, Minister, that I sent you a report back in October that Potter had met a number of fellow students in the Hog's Head in Hogsmeade —"

"And what is your evidence for that?" cut in Professor McGonagall.

"I have testimony from Willy Widdershins, Minerva, who happened to be in the bar at the time. He was heavily bandaged, it is true, but his hearing was quite unimpaired," said Umbridge smugly. "He heard every word Potter said and hastened straight to the school to report to me —"

"Oh, so that's why he wasn't prosecuted for setting up all those regurgitating toilets!" said Professor McGonagall, raising her eyebrows. "What an interesting insight into our justice system!"

Rufus narrowed his eyes at Ridgeback. "You and I are going to have a long conversation when we get back to the Ministry." The man took a step back as he was the one who made the arrest.

"Blatant corruption!" roared the portrait of the corpulent, red-nosed wizard on the wall behind Dumbledore's desk. "The Ministry did not cut deals with petty criminals in my day, no sir, they did not!"

"Thank you, Fortescue, that will do," said Dumbledore softly.

"The purpose of Potter's meeting with these students," continued Professor Umbridge, "was to persuade them to join an illegal society, whose aim was to learn spells and curses the Ministry has decided are inappropriate for school-age —"

Harry barked out, laughing. "Oh, please stop. Yet again, you reveal your incompetence. I didn't think it was possible, but you're even stupider than I gave you credit for."

Everyone in the room looked at him with wide eyes. Delores looked moments away from yelling at the top of her lungs.

"Oho!" said Fudge, bouncing up and down on the balls of his feet again. "Yes, do let's hear the latest cock-and-bull story you designed to pull yourself out of trouble! Go on, then, Potter, go on — Willy Widdershins was lying, was he? Or was it your identical twin in the Hog's Head that day? Or is there the usual simple explanation involving a reversal of time, a dead man coming back to life, and a couple of invisible dementors?"

Percy Weasley let out a hearty laugh. "Oh, very good, Minister, very good!" But he quickly froze in fear at the look Arcturus gave him.

Harry smirked at the man. "I did not go to Hogsmeade as I was working on an assignment for Professor Flitwick. The Fidelius Charm. The charm, while formidable, had a major flaw in its design. A flaw I fixed and later demonstrated to Professors McGonagall, Flitwick, and Burbage."

"I can personally attest to that as a witness. The improvements made were master level and would certainly have granted Mr. Potter a mastery in Charms." Minerva said with pride in her voice. "His research was already submitted to the guild and made quite a splash in the Charms Weekly Article."

"As it so happens, I have the article about the Fidelius Charm right here," Albus reached into his desk and pulled the article from the guild. "Also, Mr. Potter is not one to shirk his responsibilities and has a schedule planner. Rather ingenious, as he is more organized than me." Giving Harry a nod of approval. "And I have it on good authority that he was in his office working and not at my brother's bar. Though if you doubt my word, you can bring Aberforth to the castle or show that Mr. Widdershins report suggests otherwise."

Cornelius narrowed his eyes at Dumbledore before turning to his secretary, "where is Willy's report? I'm sure it mentions Mr. Potter being present at the meeting."

Umbridge frowned and lowered her a bit, "Mr. Widdershins' report states that the students were talking about Potter, not that he was in the bar..."

"Delores," Cornelius groaned in irritation. "It was your job to make sure that everything was correct."

Harry then decided to but in. "Furthermore, do you have any concrete evidence that these so-called illegal meetings have been happening? The only thing I see here is you trying to make a fool of yourself again. Since I know you're slow on the uptake, allow me to put this as plain and simple. I have not broken any school rules or any Educational Decrees, not that they affect me in any way. If any of them were broken, then as a Professor, it would be my job to put an end to it. That is our job, isn't it, Headmaster?"

"Yes, it is." Albus nod

"But as you can see, there is no illegal group or organization. Your second Educational Decree woefully bans any and all such things. I would also like to point out that since your decree came after the meeting at the Hog's Head, which is not illegal. Also, before I forget," he looked at Albus. "Headmaster, please advise your brother to verify the student's ages and not sell any of the sixth or seventh years alcohol on Sundays."

"I will indeed have a word with Aberforth," Albus let out a long breath.

"That is all well and good," a fuming Delores gritted her teeth, "But we are now nearly six months on from the introduction of Educational Decree Number 2. If the first meeting was not illegal, all those that have happened since most certainly are."

"Then I ask where is your evidence," said Harry, smiling as he watched Umbridge's face redden with anger. "Surely, you can provide this information for us," gesturing to everyone in the room.

"Evidence?" repeated Umbridge with that horrible wide toadlike smile. "Have you not been listening, Dumbledore? Why do you think Mr. Finnegan and Ms. Edgecombe are here?"

"Oh, can she tell us about six months' worth of meetings?" Rufus raised his eyebrows. "I was under the impression that she was merely reporting a meeting tonight."

"All right, you two," said Umbridge at once, "tell us how long these meetings have been going on. You can simply nod or shake your head; I'm sure that won't make the spots worse. Have they been happening regularly over the last six months?"

Harry was mentally glad he put a security spell on the paper the students signed. If not, every student on the list would be in serious trouble.

"Just nod or shake your heads," Umbridge said coaxingly to the two. "Come on, now, that won't activate the jinx further. . ."

Everyone in the room was gazing at the top of Seamus and Marietta's faces. Only the former's eyes were visible between the pulled-up robes and her curly fringe. Perhaps it was a trick of the firelight, but their expressions looked oddly blank. Finally, Seamus and Marietta shook their heads.

Umbridge looked quickly at Fudge and then back at Marietta and Seamus.

"I don't think you two understood the question, did either of you? I'm asking whether you've been going to these meetings for the past six months? You have, haven't you?"

Again, they shook their head.

"What do you mean by shaking your head, dear?" said Umbridge in a testy voice.

"I would have thought her meaning was quite clear," said Professor McGonagall harshly. "There have been no secret meetings for the past six months. Is that correct?"

They nodded.

"But there was a meeting tonight!" said Umbridge furiously. "There was a meeting, you both told me about it, in the Room of Requirement! And Potter was the leader, was he not, Potter organized it, Potter — why are you two shaking your heads?"

"Well, usually when a person shakes their head," said McGonagall coldly, "they mean 'no.' So unless they're using a form of sign language as yet unknown to humans —"

Professor Umbridge seized them, pulled her around to face her, and began shaking her very hard. A split second later, Dumbledore was on his feet, his wand raised. Kingsley started forward, and Umbridge leapt back from the Ravenclaw and Gryffindor, waving her hands in the air as though they had been burned.

"I cannot allow you to manhandle my students, Dolores," said Dumbledore, and for the first time, he looked angry.

"You want to calm yourself, Madam Umbridge," said Kingsley in his deep, slow voice. "You don't want to get yourself into trouble now."

No," said Umbridge breathlessly, glancing up at the towering figure of Kingsley. "I mean, yes — you're right, Shacklebolt — I — I forgot myself."

"That happens a lot," Emily laughed. The others soon joined her.

"Dolores," said Fudge, with the air of trying to settle something once and for all, "the meeting tonight — the one we know definitely happened —"

"Yes," said Umbridge, pulling herself together, "yes . . . well, Ms. Edgecombe and Mr. Finnegan tipped me off, and I proceeded at once to the seventh floor, accompanied by certain trustworthy students, so as to catch those in the meeting red-handed. It appears that they were forewarned of my arrival, however, because when we reached the seventh floor, they were running in every direction. Potter somehow got out of the castle and went to attend a faux meeting with the Supreme Mugwump."

Harry snorted. "Miwa, you hear this? I left the castle through the gates and apparated to the ICW."

"This is one of the reasons why I can't stand the British Ministry." Shaking her head. "They're run by idiots who are only interested in furthering their own agendas."

"It does not matter, however. I have all their names here; Ms. Parkinson ran into the Room of Requirement for me to see if they had left anything behind. . . We needed evidence and the room provided . . ."

Harry cast a look at Dumbledore, telling him to do nothing.

Delores revealed a piece of parchment with a list of names. "The moment I saw Potter's name on the list, I knew what we were dealing with," she said softly.

"Hold on a second," Harry cut in. "I never put my initials or signature on anything save for my reports and other business deals. Give me that" he then snatched it out of her hand. His name was indeed on it, but so was his sister's, girlfriend's, and friends. "I smell a rat as this is dragon's dung. Head Auror Scrimgeour, can you verify these names because I'm pretty sure some were recently added?"

"That is unnecessary, as we have all the evidence to prove that you were the mastermind behind an illegal organization to overthrow the Ministry," Delores screamed. However, she quickly backed off when Jack and Arcturus sent her a withering glare.

"Back it up, toad. Now!" Arcturus roared, his silver eyes burning into hers. "If what you say is true, then I will handle my heir. Unless you have something to hide, then be quiet and allow Rufus to validate your claim."

"Get on with it, Rufus," Cornelius groaned, wanting to get this situation over with as soon as possible.

The Head Auror twice waved his wand over the list, running diagnostic spells. "The names on this list are valid; however," he raised a hand, cutting off anyone from interrupting, "a few names were only recently added and not part of the magic embedded in this parchment."

"Can you tell us their names?" Adrian asked.

Clearing his throat, "Adrian Puecy, Aaron Vaisey, Lilith Moon, Katie Bell, Daphne and Astoria Greengrass, Luna Lovegood, Neville Longbottom, Hannah Abbott, Susan Bones, Harry Potter, Emily Stevenson, Alicia Spinnet, and Angelina Johnson."

The room fell silent. Though the temperature decreased significantly as Harry became angry, "you fuckin' bitch," he punched the toadlike woman in the face breaking her nose. He pushed her against the wall and wrapped his hands around her neck. "I should end your worthless existence right now! It wasn't bad enough that you and Weasley have been torturing my students! You tried to falsify evidence against my friends and family- my sister!" Tightening his grip over her neck. Percy did not get a chance to react as Arcturus immediately fired a banishing charm that sent him flying to the wall, and a loud crunching noise was heard. Obviously, some of his ribs were broken from the amount of power he used in the spell. Lord Black then followed up by binding him in chains.

"Mr. Potter, let her go!" Albus ordered when Alastor returned to witness what was happening. "Let her go!"

Emily walked to her brother's side and placed a comforting hand on his arm. "Brother darling, there is no need to worry, as she will not be allowed to hurt anyone else ever again. While she deserves to suffer for all she's done...it'll be better to show the people the type of person she really is. Please drop her."

Harry's anger diminished a bit, even though he was prepared to exact his own brand of justice on this miserable excuse for a witch. He knew Emily was right. Closing his eyes for a minute, he released his grip on Delores's throat and let her slide down, coughing and gasping for air.

"I- I will see- you put in Azkaban for th-," she was cut off by a punch to the face knocking out two of her teeth in the process, thanks to Emily.

The little girl glared murderously at the woman. "It's time to reap the harvest of what you've sown." She took her wand and, with two waves, summoned Delores's and bound the woman in chains.

Rufus let out a cannon blast from his wand. "Stand down, all of you!" He gave a pointed look at Cornelius, who looked ready to start ranting, and John and Ridgeback, who were about to draw their wands. "Before we continue this meeting, I have some questions I like to ask."

He looked at Harry and went into Head Auror mode. "Lord Potter, you said she and Mr. Weasley were torturing students. Do you have proof?"

"It's a lie! I have never tortured," Delores was cut off with a silencing charm from Kingsley.

"As a matter of fact, I do," he reached into his watch and pulled out a box with the initials D.U. Delores looked indigenous as she tried to scream that the box was hers. Harry ignored her and opened the box to reveal five black quills. "Do you know what these are?"

The adults of the room looked murderous as they looked at the quills. "Those are blood quills, Potter," Alastor growled. "They're a Class B dark object. Where did you get them?"

"I confiscated them from Umbridge's office this morning," handing the box of quills over to the grizzled Auror. "Mr. Scrimgeour, if you recall, I gave you three packets. Bring them out."

Rufus pulled out the packets and placed them in Potter's hand. They watched as he opened the first packet and pulled out the medical reports. "These documents were reviewed and signed by the school's matron. As you can see from these documents, Delores Umbridge has used blood quills on no less than twenty students. Some more than once. But that's not all. A handful of the students reported that Percy Weasley assigned them detention with her."

"No, I would never torture a student! All I did was assign them detentions! I swear on my life that I didn't know she was using blood quills during the detentions," Percy cried.

"Whether that is true or not, Weasley. The fact remains that you were her assistant and should have been present during the detentions. So that tells me one of two things: A) You knew she was torturing the students and looked the other way. B) You consciously ignored the fact that the students were crying and clutching their hands. No matter how you spin it, you are an accessory to child endangerment and neglect."

"Please, I didn't know anything about it," tears ran down his face as he pleadingly begged for mercy. Then, faster than anyone could see, Harry flicked his wand out and bound Fudge in rope before putting a silencing charm on the man and kicking him in the crotch. The portly man fell to his knees, silently screaming in pain. "Since Dumbridge is your secretary and you placed her here as a teacher, that makes you also an accessory to her crimes."

"Another thing she did was use this," grabbing another packet from Emily and opening it. He pulled out a small green bottle. The room's occupants were shocked when he held up a small green bottle, "this is Veritaserum. Imagine my shock when I found out that Professor Snape's entire supply was gone while I was doing an inventory of ingredients in his storerooms."

"The use of Veritaserum is illegal unless you have permission from the ICW, Wizengamot, or DMLE," said the Supreme Mugwump.

"That did not stop her from using it to question the students and later obliviating them. Here are the reports. I assure you that they've been documented," handing the packet to him. "You will also find that Fudge wrote her a letter that said she could use the serum on the students."

Babajide scowled after finding the letter and reading it along with the reports.

"Then we get to the next order of business regarding the Dementors that attacked my sister and me this summer." Opening the final packet, "as I'm sure everyone remembers, that I was put on trial for having to cast the patronus charm against a pair of Dementors that attacked my sister and me. Well, I found something of great interest: The order came from the Office of Minister of Magic."

This time Jack exploded, "You sent Dementors after my family?!" He looked moments away from attacking Fudge.

"No, I was only trying to discredit him. I never wanted to kill him," Cornelius replied in a panic-filled voice after regaining his voice thanks to Ridgeback removing the silencing spell.

"For once, he's telling the truth," Harry said. "Remember that Dementors are not that smart and do not know how to tell one form of handwriting from another. While the order did come from his office, this handwriting belongs to another-, and that person is: Delores Umbridge."

"Prove it, Potter," Marcus Ridgeback demanded since Umbridge couldn't speak for herself.

"Sure thing," said Harry with a smug grin and looked at Mad-Eye. "Alastor Moody, as someone who has been an Auror for over forty-five years, how adept would you say you are at identifying someone's handwriting?"

Alastor gave him a proud smile and barked out laughing. "I like the way you're thinking, Potter! As a Master Auror and a detective, I am highly accomplished when it comes to deducing someone's handwriting."

"Then would you compare the handwriting on this form to this one," pulling out a second form and giving it to the grizzled man. After taking a few minutes to examine the handwriting, he said, "they're different. This one came from Fudge himself. I recognize his chicken scratch of handwriting on some of the laws he drew up," gesturing to the form in his left hand. "This one, on the other hand, is someone else's," the form in his right hand.

"Now take a look at this," pulling out the repelled werewolf registration law. "The same form of handwriting, correct?"

"Aye, it's an exact match," Moody replied after examining the handwriting.

"Are you happy, Ridgeback?" Shooting a grin at the fuming Auror. Despite wanting to say something, the man remained quiet. "Still, I'm a little embarrassed for you. I'll have to admit. For a man who has been in the Auror Corp for more than twenty years, your detective skills suck balls. Being shown up by a fifteen-year-old is just sad." Moody barked out laughing, as did the other teenagers; meanwhile, the professors were covering their mouths' trying to stifle their amusements, and Jack and Babajide looked momentarily confused before composing themselves. Yet that was easier said than done as their eyes twinkled with mirth.

"This is one of the main reasons why I don't want to join the Corp. Most of the Aurors are either fat, lazy, or too happy to sit at their desk eating jelly donuts, doing half-arse work and not noticing subtle pieces of evidence, and taking bribes from others instead of doing the right thing." He then flashed a look at Rufus, Alastor, and Kingsley. "Sorry, no offense, but most of your Aurors are shite."

"None taken, Lord Potter," Rufus grinned at him. "Is there anything else you like to reveal?"

"One thing," with a wide wave of his wand, the sleeves of Auror Ridgeback and Umbridge were raised, and the concealment charms on their left forearms were removed. "I believe you know what mark this is and what it means."

The dark mark was revealed on their arms. Adrian, Daphne, Katie, and Aaron quickly cursed the exposed Death Eater Auror. Ridgeback fell to the floor unconscious in a full body bind, a handful of broken bones bound in chains.

"Dang, you kids are fast. Nice to see that some people in this school are prepared and ready to spring into action," Moody praised.

"Well, it looks like the show is over. Retired Auror Moody, would you like to close the curtains?" Harry's question was rewarded with a smile and a loud laugh.

"More than happy to Potter." Alastor looked like Christmas had come early. "Can't say I'm not enjoying this, but it has been a long time, so let me see if I remember how to do this: Cornelius Oswald Fudge, Delores Jane Umbridge, PercyIgnatius Weasley, and Marcus Eugene Ridgeback, you are all under arrest."

A/N: Sirius and Amelia's children have finally arrived, and Harry and Remus will be their godfathers. I know you have all been waiting for this, as Umbridge and Percy are finally going to be removed from Hogwarts. Do not worry, as the fun has only just begun as she, Fudge, and Percy are about to reap the harvest of the poor choices they have sown. I know many of you have been wondering about how many days it took for Miwa's magical maturity to complete, and that is now available. Also, Umbitch and Filch had it coming, with the students throwing insults, rocks, and food at them.

I should also mention that I never liked Seamus in either the book or movie, as I often found him to be an ass. Also, in the book Marietta Edgecombe got off too easy when she sold out the D.A. I am a man of my word, and believe me when I say that both she and Seamus' punishments have only just begun! And let's not forget about the Inquisitorial Squad. It has always bothered me that they were never punished for their actions, neither in the book nor in the movie. Well, that is not going to happen in this story, as it is time for them to know how it feels to be miserable. I have a few surprises in store for them, especially Goyle.

The Inquisitorial Squad, Filch, Fudge, Umbridge, and Percy… They're all about to feel a reckoning.

Next Chapter: Ruinations and Ascensions