Chapter 20
Down with Umbridge
(Opening song. Danger Danger by FZMZ feat. icy.)
(Hogwarts Express, Early Morning)
Was this why Dumbledore wouldn't look Harry in the eyes? Did he expect to see Voldemort staring out of them, afraid, perhaps, that their vivid green might turn suddenly to scarlet, with catlike slits for pupils? Harry remembered how the snakelike face of Voldemort had once forced itself out of the back of Professor Quirrell's head and ran his hand over the back of his own, wondering what it would feel like if Voldemort burst out of his skull.
He felt dirty, contaminated, as though he were carrying some deadly germ, unworthy to sit on the train back to Hogwarts with innocent, clean people whose minds and bodies were free of the taint of Voldemort… he had not merely seen the snake, he had been the snake, he knew it now… A truly terrible thought then occurred to him, a memory bobbing to the surface of his mind, one that made his insides writhe and squirm like serpents.
"What's he after, apart from followers?
"Stuff he can only get by stealth… like a weapon. Something he didn't have last time."
"I'm the weapon," Harry thought, and it was as though poison were pumping through his veins, chilling him, bringing him out in a sweat as he swayed with the train through the dark tunnel.
"I'm the one Voldemorts trying to use, that's why they've got guards around me everywhere I go, it's not for my protection, it's for other people's, only it's not working, they can't have someone on me all the time at Hogwarts… I did attack Mr. Weasley last night, it was me. Voldemort made me do it and he could be inside me, listening to my thoughts right now"
"Harry?" Ginny asked in a soft voice. Harry looked up at her, his eyes heavy from fatigue. He had spent the whole night up, while Fred, George, and Ron were fast asleep next to them.
"Yeah?" he responded, trying to sound casual. It wasn't easy, given the turmoil inside of him.
"You look like you haven't slept a wink," Ginny said in a worried voice.
Harry took a deep breath and looked up at her. "I'm afraid Ginny... The visions, the anger I've been feeling. It's like I'm already starting to turn into him." he said and then looked down at his hands again.
"Harry, you're not turning into him. You're not like him at all," she said reaching and taking his hand.
Harry looked up at her, his eyes betraying the storm of emotions within him. "You don't understand... I attacked your father. It was Voldemort, inside me..."
Ginny's grip on his hand tightened. "That wasn't you, Harry. You saw through that snake's eyes, that's not the same thing as being like him. You're fighting him, not becoming him."
"You heard Moody, even Dumbledore's starting to think it. Just like he did with Quirrell during my first year" he answered with his fingers trembling a bit in her hand.
"Moody's paranoid. Dumbledore's just being cautious. That doesn't mean they think you'll turn into him."
Harry let out a heavy sigh, feeling a bit defeated. "How can you be so sure, Ginny?"
Ginny looked him right in the eyes, her gaze steady and unwavering. "Because I know you, Harry. I know your heart, your soul. And I know you'd never let him take control of you. You defeated him twice before, and you can do it again."
Harry looked at Ginny with wide eyes, his turbulent emotions still swirling inside him. But seeing her confidence in him, something began to settle within him.
"You really believe that, don't you?" he asked, a hint of uncertainty in his voice.
"Saved me from him my first year at Hogwarts didn't you?" Ginny asked him despite knowing the answer. Her thumb made subtle circular motions in between Harry's index finger and thumb, which for some reason had a calming effect on him.
"I guess I did, didn't I" Harry replied, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips. He took a deep breath, trying to steady himself. "I just... I don't want to be a danger to anyone. I don't want to be a weapon he can use against the ones I care about."
"Harry, you're not a danger. You're not some weapon. You're a person. And a good person at that. Voldemort may try to use you, but you're the one in control. You've fought him off before, and you can do it again."
Harry felt a flicker of hope in his chest. Ginny's words echoed in his mind. "I... I hope you're right."
The train suddenly lurched forward as Harry saw the silhouette of Hogwarts out of the window. The castle looked like nothing more than a shadow as it covered the morning sun. Fred stirred in his sleep, a loud yawn escaping his lips. He sat up, rubbing his eyes and looking bleary.
"Are we there yet?" he muttered, still half-asleep.
Yup," Ginny replied, giving Fred a small smile. Harry watched as the twins groaned and stretched, trying to shake off the drowsiness of the night.
"I could use a good stretch," said George, rubbing his sore neck.
As the train came to a stop, the five of them filed out into the chilly morning air. The castle loomed above them, its turrets and spires silhouetted against the lightening sky. The platform was deserted, and the surroundings were eerily silent. The only sound they could hear was the whispers of the wind rustling through the trees. Fred and George shivered, rubbing their arms for warmth.
"Brrrr, it's bloody cold today," Fred complained.
"More the reason to go and get some breakfast," Ron said.
The five of them made their way up to the entrance and into the Grand Hall where all the students sat. They were greeted by the welcoming scent of eggs, sausage, and pumpkin juice. Their stomachs growled in response to the delicious smells, but they were too exhausted to eat more than a few bites. The excitement and tension of the train ride faded away as they focused on the food.
Harry's eyes kept darting towards the staff table, where Dumbledore sat. A feeling of anxiety rose within him, mingling with the tiredness and exhaustion.
"I need to talk to Dumbledore at some point," he muttered, more to himself than to the others. "After breakfast, I guess."
"You sure you don't want to rest up first? You look knackered, mate," Ron asked, casting a glance at Harry's tired face.
"No, it's alright," he said, shaking his head slightly. "I'm fine. I just need to get this over with."
Just then they heard footsteps coming up from beside them. It was Hermoine who came up to them in a walk walk half jog, and took her seat by Ron. "Oh good you're all back!" she sighed in relief. "How's your dad Ron? I could hardly focus yesterday just thinking about the whole thing once Professor McGonagall told me what happened"
Ron returned Hermione's hug, looking a bit sheepish. "Yeah, Dad's alright. He'll be out in a few days, thanks to Harry."
Hermione turned her attention to Harry, her eyes full of worry. "Are you alright, Harry?"
Harry shrugged, forcing a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. "I'm fine, Hermione. Just a bit tired, that's all."
"Don't lie to me Harry Potter, you haven't slept at all"
"It's… look I'll tell you this evening once classes are done..ok?"
Hermione looked skeptical but didn't press the matter. Fred and George finished their breakfast and let out twin yawns.
"How were things yesterday, Umbridge give anyone grief about why we were gone?" Fred asked her
"Oh, you have no idea. She was in a foul mood, and she questioned us about the five of you. She seemed... suspicious, to say the least." Hermione said rolling her eyes.
Harry leaned in closer so no one around them could hear "And any activity from the Triad?"
Hermoine leaned in close to make sure no one else could hear the conversation. "None at all. But Umbridge was acting even more paranoid and strict than usual. It's like she's on edge, waiting for something to happen." she answered her voice barely above a whisper.
"Can't say I blame her for that one. Considering what Lovecraft did to her," George said his voice just as low. Hermoine looked at him in shock. Before she could say anything Harry stopped her. "We told them about Yuno while we were waiting to see Mr. Weasley"
Hermione's eyes widened. "You... told them?" She looked around, making sure no one else was listening in on their conversation. "Are you sure that was a good idea?"
"Sirius didn't give much of a choice," Harry said. "But that said, you three better not after him alright?" Harry said to Fred, George, and Ginny.
"Trust me mate, I'm not too keen on going after anyone who helped break Grindlewald out of prison and kill over ninety aurors in a single night" Fred whispered back shaking his head
Hermione almost spit out her pumpkin juice at Fred's words. She quickly swallowed the juice and looked at him, her eyes bugging out of her head. "NINETY!?" she shouted.
The other students sitting nearby began to look in their direction. Fred put a finger to his lips, gesturing for Hermione to keep her voice down.
"Maybe keep the details down Hermoine," George said in a hushed tone. "You're kind of drawing attention. But yeah, it's bloody mental that just three people did that."
Hermoine blushed slightly and her voice became a whisper once again. "Mental!? it's completely unheard of! and-oh god, it's just barbaric! How'd they even get to Austria without anyone noticing!? What do they even want with him!?" she asked still in shock.
"We don't know, but nothing good seeing how Yuno operates," Harry said quietly, glancing around to make sure no one was eavesdropping.
"Harry... we have to tell Dumbledore that they're here, They're too much of a threat," Hermoine said with a worried voice.
"I know-I know I plan to, but we have to be careful. Dumbledore has his methods and his own reasons for keeping things from us. We have to walk a fine line here, Hermoine. Give him enough to be cautious, but not so much that he shuts us out." Harry sighed.
Hermoine gave a worried look to Ron, who also shared the same expression. "Sounds like you're playing a game of wizard poker with Dumbledore, mate, Why are you trying to be so secretive with him?" Ron asked.
Harry grimaced slightly at the question, he couldn't deny that he was angry with Dumbledore, especially after what Moody had said about the possibility of Voldemort taking possession of him, or how he had been so dismissive of Harry when he was having that vision.
"It's complicated," he said, avoiding the direct answer. "Dumbledore has a habit of keeping things close to the chest. I don't want him to start hiding things from me, not if I can help it."
The others exchanged glances, clearly not entirely convinced by Harry's explanation. But they also knew that he had reasons to be cautious. Just then, the sound of the first-period class bell echoed through the Great Hall, cutting off any further discussion. The students began to rise from their seats, gathering their belongings and heading out of the hall. The six of them stood, gathering their things and mentally bracing themselves for the day ahead.
"I'll try to talk to Dumbledore sometime once classes are over," Harry reassured them.
As students began to file out of the room, Harry's gaze drifted once again towards Dumbledore's empty seat at the staff table.
(Defense Against The Dark Arts)
Harry could feel the daggers Umbridge was giving him and the rest of the students. Some of the hair on the top of her head was now gone giving her a noticeable bald spot that looked like a bullseye. The air in the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom was tense. Umbridge, with her bald spot and cane, hobbled about, her girlish voice now replaced with a high-pitched, toad-like sound. Her demeanor had significantly darkened over the past few days, her false sweetness replaced by a bitter, demanding nature.
The students, including Harry, Hermione, and Ron, cautiously followed her instructions, feeling her constant scrutiny. The class read from their textbooks in silence, the atmosphere suffocating and oppressive. Umbridge's eyes lingered on Harry more than on others, but she didn't vocalize her dislike. Instead, she hobbled around the classroom, occasionally squeaking out orders for everyone to keep reading.
Amidst the gloomy environment, Harry and his friends exchanged silent glances, sharing a mutual sense of unease. They could feel Umbridge's animosity, even though she didn't directly address it. The tension in the room was almost palpable.
The collective sigh of relief that echoed through the classroom as the bell finally rang was almost palpable, the long, tense 50 minutes had felt like an eternity. Students began packing up their textbooks, eager to escape the oppressive atmosphere of the classroom.
Umbridge, noticing the movement, slowly hobbled to the front of the class. "You are dismissed," she squeaked "Be prepared for tomorrow's lesson."
The class didn't need to be told twice. Students quickly gathered their bags and hurried out of the classroom, wanting to put as much distance between themselves and Umbridge as possible. The door closed behind them, shutting out the tension and oppressive aura of the room.
As Harry, Ron, and Hermione exited the classroom, letting out a collective sigh.
"I thought she was nasty before, she's ten times worse than she was at the beginning of the year," Ron said
Hermione nodded her head in agreement, her expression reflecting her distaste. The change in Umbridge's demeanor was undeniably evident. "She's become even more unpleasant. How is that even possible?" she muttered.
"I don't know, but I'm glad it's over for today. Let's just hope tomorrow isn't as bad." Harry said
The trio made their way around the corner and were greeted by the sight of Draco, Crabbe, and Goyle.
"Well, well, look who's finally crawled out of Umbridge's classroom, Potty, Weasel King, and the-know-it-all" he sneered, his tone dripping with disdain.
Crabbe and Goyle stood behind him, their dumb grins mirroring Draco's smug expression.
Harry's hand instinctively clenched into a fist, but he forced himself not to rise to the bait. "What do you want, Malfoy?" he asked, his voice laced with irritation.
Draco's smirk didn't waver. "Just wanted to say hello, Potter. I'm surprised you haven't been assigned to detention with Umbridge yet. You know, for being such a disrespectful twat this year."
Ron, unable to hold his tongue, piped up. "Yeah, because she's a complete nightmare. Can't you find someone else to pick on, you prat?"
Draco's smirk faded slightly, replaced by a flash of annoyance."Oh, Weasel King, always the loyal attack dog for his master," Draco sneered. "Can't think for himself, can he? Just barks when Potter tells him to."
"At least he has friends that actually like him, Malfoy," Hermione shot back. "Unlike you, surrounded by nothing but brainless minions."
Draco's eyes flickered with anger and sneered at her, but before he could say anything a voice from behind them cut him off,
"Brainless minon? Is that really the best you come up with Granger?" Arianna said as she walked up from behind them and stood by Draco's side. Harry, Ron, and Hermoine tensed up at the rogue Gryffindor's arrival. She put one of her hands on his shoulder and sized the trio up herself. His expression softened almost immediately at the sight of her, but he kept up his sneer.
"Oh, look who decided to grace us with her presence," Draco said turning his eyes to Arianna, with a hint of mockery in his voice.
"Seems you're getting used to it though" Arianna giggled as one of her fingers traced small circles on the shoulder she rested her hand on.
Draco's cheek turned the slightest shade of pink as Arianna touched him. He tried to keep his cool, but a small smirk tugged at the corner of his mouth. Crabbe and Goyle shifted uncomfortably giving each other nervous glances. How he had been interacting with her for the last couple of weeks had been off-putting to the two big Slytherin boys.
"Why don't you bud out fan-girl!" Ron spat at Arianna.
Arianna gave a dry chuckle. "Suppose I am one for the Slytherin team. Beats rooting for a team that's keeper is afraid of the Quaffle." she taunted
Ron's face grew even more flushed with anger, his jaw clenched tightly. "Why you-"
"Piss off Darkwood" Harry snapped cutting off Ron, his anger rising at the mention of the Quidditch game against Slytherin.
"Or what, Potter?" Arianna replied, her smirk growing wider. "You going to do something about it? We all saw how that worked out last time."
Harry's grip on his wand tightened, but Hermione intervened before things escalated further.
"That's enough, both of you. We don't need a repeat of last time."
Arianna smirked and stepped closer, standing between Draco and Harry"So you'll use a wand when someone bruises your ego, but you hesitate when someone you don't like is in danger?"
Harry's eyes narrowed at her words, a mix of anger and confusion crossing his face. "What are you talking about? When have I ever hesitated?"
"Hesitated with Diggory didn't you?" Arianna said coldly.
The mention of Cedric Diggory hit a nerve, and Harry's expression darkened. Hermione looked taken aback, but before she could respond Harry shouted: "-Don't you dare bring Cedric into this!"
"Why? You could've coasted through the Tri-wizard tournament if you wanted to. From what I've read and heard, you didn't even want to compete in the first place. Yet, you tried so hard to win it all." she shot back.
"That's the whole point of any competition!" his anger was flaring up further. "Are you seriously faulting me for trying to win?"
"Maybe if you hadn't been so desperate to win, Cedric would still be alive…Ever think about that?"
Harry's eyes widened and his skin went as white as a sheet at her words. The mention of Cedric's death, along with the implication that it might have been his fault, sent a pang of guilt shooting through his chest. He wanted to retort, to defend himself, but the words failed him. Harry could barely hear Hermoine and Rom coming to his defense as his ears began to ring.
("That was completely uncalled for, Darkwood," Hermoine shouted angrily.)
He didn't deny that part of him did feel, responsible for Cedric's death. However, for someone to say it to his face felt like a gunshot to the chest. The thought of Cedrics death suddenly brought up one of Hagrids first classes. Harry then looked up at Arianna, remembering that she could see Thestrals, just like he could.
He looked up at her and scowled "Sounds like you're talking from experience, Darkwood,"
Arianna's smirk faded and looked at him with slight surprise, and a bit of annoyance. "Ha, Color me impressed, Potter. Guess you do have the guts to hit below the belt."
Harry clenched his jaw, not backing down. "I could say the same for you,"
The two glared at each other, the corridor was silent, and the other students exchanged nervous glances, sensing the tension in the air. Everyone despite Harry and Arianna glanced around, fearing that either of the emerald-eyed students was about to start a fight with the other.
"Knock it off, both of you," Hermione interrupted, standing between them and trying to diffuse the situation. "This is not the time or place for a fight," she said more to Harry
But Harry and Arianna continued to glare at each other, their eyes filled with anger, and their deep-seated animosity towards each other.
"I think that little insult of yours just got the three of you a mandatory investigation from the Inquisitorial Squad," Arianna said finally. She then looked back at Crabbe and Goyle with an icy glance.
"You two, search them" she ordered looking back at Crabbe and Goyle. Both of them blinked in surprise and sneers formed on their faces.
"Don't you dare talk us like that you dirty mudblood" Goyle snapped at her.
"Goyle" Draco said in a low and menacing tone. "Do as she says, and you apologize to her."
"Apologize? Are you daft!?" Goyle protested, looking at Draco aghast. "Why should we listen to her?"
"Yeah, we don't take orders from mudbloods!" Crabbe added,
"I said do it, or I'll have Father see to it that you're both expelled for poor grades," Draco ordered his voice still menacing and giving a cold glare. Arianna smiled at Draco's order and stepped back to stand beside him again, all while not looking away from Crabbe and Goyle as they stared wide-eyed at Draco taking a step back from him. After a moment, they followed his orders.
"Sorry," Goyle said through gritted teeth still scowling at Arianna.
The two big Slytherins eventfully, albeit reluctantly, began to search Harry, Ron, and Hermione's belongings. They grumbled as they searched through their pockets and bags.
"You really, think we have something?" Ron scoffed, his annoyance evident as the two began rummaging through their bags, scattering their belongings on the floor without care.
Hermione let out a frustrated sigh. "This is unnecessary and disrespectful!"
As Crabbe and Goyle continued their search, making a mess as they went, Arianna leaned into Draco. "See, you are sweet when you want to be"
"Piss off," he said dryly, a hint of feigning annoyance in his voice.
As Goyle rummaged through Ron's bag, a large coin purse suddenly fell out of it.
"What's that?" Arianna barked at him.
Goyle picked up the small pouch and examined it with a puzzled expression. "It's just a purse or something," he said, waving it carelessly in his hand.
"Let me see that," she demanded.
He hesitantly handed over the purse to her, as she started rummaging through its contents, seeing that it was filled with galleons.
"What is it?" Draco asked, peering over Arianna's shoulder to get a better look.
"Galleons," Arianna replied, holding the pouch open so Draco could see the contents. "Looks like someone has been hoarding some chips."
Draco arched an eyebrow, a small, smug smirk forming on his face. "A bit suspicious, don't you think?" he said, looking at her and then back at the pouch.
"I'd say so, dragon. A bit too much just for school supplies," Arianna said with a sly smirk. "I think we can count most of these as contraband, wouldn't ya say?"
"What!?" Ron exclaimed at the statement.
Draco's smirk widened as he caught on to what Arianna was implying. "I'd say so, and that's enough to warrant a thorough investigation."
"No need to bother The High Inquisitor with such a small matter," she answered glancing back up at him with a smirk. " I think just taking a few of these will suffice. No harm, no foul as they say." Arianna then pocketed most of the galleons from Ron's coin purse, tossing it back at him when she was done taking what she wanted.
"What the bloody hell!? That's thief!?" Ron exclaimed, looking at her with a mix of anger and disbelief, catching the coin purse. She ignored his protest and turned to face Draco.
"So I got a few extra galleons on me, care to get a bite to eat at Hogsmeade?"
Draco blinked, his smug expression falling. "What?" he asked, caught off guard.
"You heard me. You and me grab some food, my treat." Arianna said patting her pocket that held the galleons she swiped.
"And why would I say yes to that?" he asked, crossing his arms over his chest and furrowing his brow.
"Free meal using Weaselys money. Can't tell me you're not tempted" she replied with a smug smirk.
Draco's resistance crumbled at the mention of a free meal. Draco's eyes narrowed as he weighed his options for a moment. It was true, the idea of a free meal was tempting, and using the money of a Weasley was just icing on the cake. But then again...
"Fine," he finally relented. "But just this once. I still have dignity after all,"
"I'm sure it will be," she giggled. "Let's get going"
Arianna grabbed Draco's hand and started pulling him towards the stairwell excitedly. He let out a small yelp of protest as their hands interlocked.
"Hey, wait a second!" he protested, despite not fighting her pull, as the two went towards the stairwell leading to the Great Hall. Crabbe and Goyle looked at each other dumbfounded and then turned in the opposite direction of where Arianna and Draco were heading.
"She just robbed me! My money!" Ron yelled helplessly watching Draco and Arianna disappear down the stairs.
"It's just a few galleons, Ron. You'll get more," Hermione tried to calm him down, though she couldn't mask the slight hint of annoyance in her voice.
"Just a few galleons!?" he exclaimed. "That's not the point, Hermione. She bloody well stole from me! And what's worse, she's taking the ferret to Hogsmeade!" Ron complained as he held up his now lighter purse of coins. "Just wait til I tell Fred and George about this! She doesn't know who she's messing with!"
Hermione sighed, trying to reason with Ron. "It's not worth the grief or detentions from Umbridge."
"Besides, Darkwood can wait. After dinner, we go straight to Dumbledore about the Triad" Harry said sternly, still angry from the encounter.
"Glad to see you're going through with it, at least" Hermoine sighed as she gathered her things that were still on the floor.
Ron grumbled but relented, stuffing his coin purse into his pocket. "Alright, alright," he conceded, still visibly steamed about the money.
They walked down the spiraling staircases of the Grand Staircase, the stone steps gradually descending from the seventh floor to the entrance hall. The air was filled with the usual chatter and footsteps of students making their way to the Great Hall for dinner.
(A few hours later, Dumberdores office)
Harry cleared his throat and spoke up confidently. "Lemon drop," he said clearly, speaking the password.
The gargoyle shuddered slightly then sprang to life, hopping aside and revealing the revolving staircase behind it. They climbed the steps, their footsteps echoing in the silence, and finally reached the door to Dumbledore's office.
Knocking on the door, they waited for a response. After a moment, Dumbledore's voice echoed from inside. "Come in."
Taking a deep breath, Harry pushed open the door and stepped in, followed closely by Ron and Hermione. They were met with the familiar sight of Dumbledore's cluttered and cozy office. Books, magical artifacts, and other objects cluttered every available space, the office being lit by a small flickering fire in the fireplace.
"I hope you don't mind seeing us pass curfew, Professor," Hermoine said
Dumbledore smiled warmly at them from behind his desk, gesturing for them to take a seat. "Not at all, I always have time for my favorite students," he said, his blue eyes twinkling behind his half-moon spectacles.
"Good because we-" Hermoine began. "I wanted to ask you about that vision I had yesterday, the one where I saw through the eyes of Voldemort's snake," Harry said before Hermoine could finish
Dumbledore's smile faded, replaced by a more serious expression. He leaned back in his chair and folded his hands together. "Ah, yes. Voldemort's snake. I was going to discuss that with you, Harry."
"Were you? Cause recently you seem like you've been keeping me in the dark" Harry said with a hint of bitterness
Dumbledore bowed his head in acknowledgment. "I understand your frustration, Harry. But there are things I cannot disclose yet. Not even to you."
Harry felt a pang of disappointment and frustration. It was becoming a recurring theme with Dumbledore. Whenever he needed answers, Dumbledore always seemed to skirt around the issue.
"Like how Voldemort is trying to possess me you mean" Harry said his bitterness growing
"He's trying to what!?" Hermoine exclaimed her hand going to her mouth in shock
Dumbledore's eyes widened slightly, but they quickly narrowed, and he regarded Harry with a serious, yet regretful look. "Yes, like that."
Harry fidgeted, the anger in his gut mixing with the disappointment swirling within him. "Why didn't you tell me," he snapped. "I have a right to know about something like that!"
"Harry, it's not about rights," he said, his voice soft. "It's about protecting you. I'm sorry, I wish I could tell you more, but it's crucial for your safety and the safety of others that certain things remain concealed for the time being."
"Protecting me!? What about them?! I saw firsthand what he did to Quirrel my first year! What was going to happen when he did the same to me and went after my friends!" Harry said angrily with a now raised voice.
Dumbledore's eyes never wavered, "Which is precisely why you must trust me, Harry. I've taken every precaution to ensure your safety," he said, his voice firm but gentle soothingness to it
Harry's frustration only grew. "Have you? Or are you gambling with this connection I have with him and putting everyone around me in danger?"
"I've been making every decision with your well-being and the well-being of others in mind. I understand your frustration, Harry, but you must trust me in this." Dumbledore said calmly. "I've been working diligently to ensure that Voldemort cannot possess you."
Harry sighed, his anger simmering down a bit, now replaced with curiosity.
"How?" he asked.
Dumbledore took his spectacles to pinch his brow."I'm sorry, but I can't disclose at this time. I know it's not the answer you want, but please, I have my plan in motion to keep you and your friends safe"
Harry's anger flared again and he slammed his fist on the table. "Is it always plans and schemes with you!?" he shouted. "Why can't you just tell me?"
Hermoine put her hand on Harry's shoulder. "Harry look I get that you're frustrated at him, and frankly so am I," Hermoine said glancing up at Dumbledore with a disapproving look. "But, that's not what we came up here to talk about"
Harry's expression hardened, but he knew Hermoine was right. He wasn't going to get any further answers from Dumbledore and arguing further would be pointless. He took a deep breath and sat back in his chair, gesturing for Hermoine to speak.
"Professor we think a group of dark wizards has infiltrated the school," Hermoine said
"Death Eaters in Hogwarts, Miss Granger?" he echoed, his voice laced with some interest.
"No... I believe this particular group has their own separate agenda from Voldemort," Heromine explained
This was the first time the trio had seen Dumbledore's visibility confused. He sat up straight and furrowed his brow. "A group separate from Voldemort? That is rather concerning," he said his voice holding some unease at the news. He took a long pause, deep in thought, before he spoke again, speaking slowly.
"And what makes you think this group has infiltrated the school?"
Hermoine looked between Harry and Ron. They both nodded signaling her to continue. "We-"
"FIRE! FIRE NEAR THE GRAND ENTRANCE!" Everard yelled from his portrait urgently cutting Hermoine off.
They all jumped at Everard's sudden outburst. Dumbledore's expression changed from perplexed to one of alarm. "Fire? How did this happen?"
"We don't know! One of the portraits from the second floor said they saw black smoke coming from the Grand Staircase. We tried to get to the first-floor portraits, but we couldn't get into their paintings! Somethings blocking us!" Dilys said with a panicked voice
Dumbledore's eyes widened, and he stood up from his chair abruptly. "We must get to the first floor immediately!"
He walked quickly to the fireplace and grabbed a handful of Floo powder from a pot on the mantle. He glanced back at the trio looking stern, Stay here."
Dumbledore threw the Floo powder into his fireplace and stepped through the flames. However, he came out of the green flames immediately and stepped back into his office facing the trio
The trio exchanged puzzled looks, confusion etched on their faces.
"Professor?" Hermoine said looking perplexed.
Dumbledore looked equally bewildered, his eyebrows knitted together in surprise. He tried again, repeating the process, but the same result occurred. He stepped out from the fireplace facing the trio once again, looking more frustrated this time.
"This is impossible," he muttered to himself.
Without waiting for a response, he walked out of his office.
"Are we-" Ron started
"We're following him," Harry and Hermoine said in unison.
They quickly followed Dumbledore, hurrying down the corridors, their footsteps echoing loudly in the empty castle. The air was filled with the smell of smoke, causing them to cough as they got closer to the source of the fire.
As they turned a corner, they saw that the second-floor corridor was engulfed in flames. Smoke billowed from the windows and into the air. Dumbledore's face was etched with concern as he assessed the situation.
As they followed close behind, Dumbledore stopped when he spotted someone lying on the floor His eyes widened as he noticed the unconscious form of the cantankerous caretaker, his neck covered in red and purple marks.
"Argus!" Dumbledore shouted kneeling down to wake up the unconscious Filch, who was unresponsive.
"Did someone choke him out?" Ron muttered as the trio peered around the corner making sure the headmaster didn't notice them.
Dumbledore stood up, silently cursing he couldn't wake up the hunchbacked caretaker, and continued his way down the spiraling staircases with the trio close behind, their hearts pounding as the smoke grew noticeably thicker. The air was becoming more and more difficult to breathe with every step. Hermoine held up a sleeve to her nose, clearly alarmed by the amount of smoke.
As they reached the bottom of the stairs and looked at the portraits, and saw they were all frozen in place like muggle paintings
What on earth!?" muttered Dumbledore, his voice laced with confusion.
The portraits, normally bustling and moving, stood motionless. Their faces were locked in frozen expressions. It was as if they had been trapped within the frames of their paintings, frozen in time. Dumbledore approached one of the portraits, trying to touch the canvas. His hand pressed on the painting, and it remained unresponsive.
"What is this?" he muttered his eyes swept across the silent portraits, his mind racing to comprehend the situation. A sense of foreboding washed over them.
"There's something sinister at work here,"
He turned and began making his way down the hall, the trio following closely behind in secret. They moved cautiously, their wands at the ready as they navigated through the smoky halls. The silence that enveloped them was almost eerie, and every creak and groan was amplified by the tense atmosphere.
They finally rounded the corner and came to the source of the fire. Harry, Ron, and Hermione faces paled as they saw the inferno. Dumbledore's own eyes went wide at the message the fire was made to spell out.
"Shite," Dumbledore whispered to himself
The message read:
DOWN WITH UMBRIDGE!
DUMBLEDORE'S ARMY!