Chapter 73
A Mischievous Flight
Note from J.M. Jackson: I wasn't sure if I'd get round to uploading today, since it's my birthday, but I managed to find time. So we're moving closer to the end of year five, and so much is going to happen. What happened in canon is not what's going to happen, so I hope we're doing well at building a good story for all of you.
By the time Lily reached breakfast the next morning, word had spread around the school that Dumbledore had defeated Umbridge, White, and all those with him, and was now on the run. Umbridge was also furious; after she had tried to return to Dumbledore's office to claim it, the statue had refused to move, and so no one could get in.
"Apparently, Umbridge had a tantrum about not being able to get in," Ernie McMillan said.
"I'm not surprised," Hermione replied. "I expect she was looking forward to lording it over everyone, the arrogant…"
"I'd be careful what you say, Granger," Malfoy spoke smugly, before docking points from everyone. It came out that Umbridge had set up an 'Inquisitorial Squad' which could dock points, hand out punishments to anyone, and practically do whatever they like. By the time Malfoy had left, Gryffindor were down a lot of points.
Fred and George explained how they'd forced Montague, a large Slytherin student, into a vanishing cabinet, before he could dock the two of them any points, before saying how they were planning to leave Hogwarts soon.
It wasn't long before Filch had found Potter, telling her that Umbridge wanted to see her.
"What for? I haven't done anything," Lily protested.
"I know, Potter," Filch said kindly, in a tone that surprised Lily. She hadn't ever expected him to be kind to her. "She's making a lot of changes, including planning to bring back caning, and signing an order of expulsion of Peeves."
"She must be loving it," Lily scoffed.
"You need to be careful, Potter," Filch warned. "She's looking for any excuse to question or punish you."
"Not that I'm ungrateful, but…" Lily started, with Filch taking over.
"Why am I warning you? I've never forgot how kind you were when Mrs. Norris was petrified, and how you helped watch her in your third year," Filch replied. "She's like my child."
"Cats often are, Mr. Filch. I had one when I was younger, she was so beautiful, but she passed away when I was nine," Lily explained.
"I know you've caused some trouble, but you're not that bad, not really," Filch said softly, before they reached Umbridge's office.
As Filch left, Lily noticed Fred and George's broomsticks chained to the wall, just as Umbridge kindly invited her to sit down.
"Something to drink? Tea? Pumpkin juice? Or Pineapple juice; I understand you like it?" Umbridge asked sweetly.
"Oh, I… I'm not thirsty, thank you," Lily replied.
"Oh, come now Miss Potter, a little drink won't hurt you," Umbridge insisted, carefully pouring the two of them some tea. Lily was forced to accept the tea, and brought the cup to her lips, faking taking a sip. She didn't trust that it wasn't poisoned. She swallowed some saliva and put the cup down.
"Thank you," Lily said. Umbridge smiled.
"You're welcome. Now, where is Albus Dumbledore?" Umbridge asked.
"I don't know," Lily replied, looking at her.
"Oh, drink up dear," Umbridge said. Lily suspected that she had put something into the tea; poison, perhaps? Or even Veritaserum? That had to be it! Lily pretended to take another sip of the tea, not actually swallowing any of it.
"Excellent," Umbridge said. "Were you behind the formation of the group known as Dumbledore's Army?"
"No, Professor," Lily replied calmly, her heart racing as she felt the familiar tingle of Umbridge trying to read her mind. Before Umbridge could, however, do anything more, they were disturbed by a loud bang from the corridor.
Umbridge led the way to the corridor, and down towards the source of the sound, where a large number of fireworks were flying around the main hall, exploding in the air and sending out images of birds, dragons, and other flying creatures. The students were looking and laughing happily at them, apart from the Slytherin's, who were trying to help stop them. Lily walked away from Umbridge, who began to join her Inquisitorial Squad, ordering them not to stun them since that didn't work.
"Oh, I hope she tries to vanish them next," Fred whispered softly.
"They multiply by ten every time that happens," George added, with the crowd laughing as Malfoy clearly attempted to vanish one.
"You know you'll be expelled if she figures out it was you," Hermione commented softly, as they walked away from the scene.
"Haven't you figured it out yet, Hermione?" Fred asked.
"We don't care if we get expelled. We're done here anyway," George added.
"We're not bothered about exams and Newts. We have our shop now, we just have to move in and start it up," Fred finished.
"With fireworks like those, you'll do brilliantly," Lily complimented.
"Thanks Lily," George grinned at the compliment.
"We need to make more, though. We just used our entirely supply, save something very special, but you'll see that soon enough," Fred added.
"Oh, that sounds exciting," Lily smiled, as they came across Cho exiting a girl's toilet, who was looking like she'd been crying. "Cho?" Lily asked.
"Oh, Lily," Cho said, wiping her eyes. "Sorry, I didn't know anyone was around here."
"Oh, just some… interesting parts of today," Lily said, before embracing her friend in a hug. She already suspected she knew what Cho was upset about. "Don't you dare blame yourself."
"How can I not?" Cho asked, confirming Lily's thoughts. Lily subtly motioned for the others to give them some space, which they did, as Lily led Cho outside a side entrance so they could get some fresh air.
"She was in a difficult position. Her mother supports White, and Umbridge, and that can't be easy to reconcile," Lily said softly.
"And yet I was supposed to be her best friend, and she betrayed me. She betrayed all of us," Cho's voice was close to breaking. "Hermione's hex was pretty brilliant though."
"Did you argue, then?" Lily asked, wanting to help her friend. Cho nodded.
"I asked her how she could have done such a thing," Cho explained. "She told me that it was her duty to help the school, and mine as well, before spouting off rude things about Hermione and the hex."
"I can't really fault someone for following what they believe. Marietta clearly believed the Minister and Umbridge, and with her mother being close to the Minister, why wouldn't she?" Lily asked. Cho smiled softly.
"You're so quick to forgive people, and see the good in them," Cho said. "You and Cedric really are alike."
"He's an awesome guy," Lily told her. "You both are. One day soon, the truth will come out, and everyone will know that Voldemort is back. On that day, Marietta is going to need her best friend to help her."
"You really are amazing," Cho said, embracing Lily in a hug. "I'm glad we're friends."
"So am I," Lily told her. "There's something Uncle Sirius always tells me. It doesn't matter what someone looks like, or where they're from. The measure of a person is shown in the size of their heart, and the strength of their character."
"You always show the strength of yours, Lily," Cho complimented. "Thank you, for being here."
"Anytime," Lily replied. "Go and write a letter to Cedric, see if that'll help you feel better. Be careful; all mail is being opened and searched by the damned Inquisitorial Squad," Lily warned.
"Oh, Cedric and I have more reliable ways of talking," Cho grinned. She smiled at Lily before heading off, leaving Lily alone for a moment, until she saw Ginny approaching.
"Everything okay? What did Umbridge want?" Ginny asked. Lily explained what had happened. "That evil cow," Ginny said bitterly.
"Don't worry, things are gonna change soon," Lily replied, holding Ginny's hand. "I don't know how, but soon enough, things are going to change."
The next two weeks passed without incident, with everyone starting to prepare for the upcoming exams, as well as Apparition lessons, which everyone signed up to, including Lily. Every class was focused on studying, with a lot of homework being given out. The only two people who weren't seemingly worried about the exams were, of course, Fred and George, who spent a lot of time huddled together, planning something.
The piles of homework were getting bigger, as were the number of people being forced to do detention because of Umbridge. Lily's own hand seemed to be clearly saying what Umbridge wanted, although she wasn't the only one with the scar forming on her right hand.
Lily refused to tell anyone how much her hand was hurting, although thankfully her scar hadn't been hurting. She wasn't talking much outside of the common room, especially since there always seemed to be a member of the Inquisitorial Squad, or Umbridge, near to her at all times.
She was thankful that Hedwig was still able to get her medication from Lana without being seen, although Lana had slightly increased her dosage of anti-depressants. She was feeling the need for them, especially with the news in the story continually attacking Dumbledore, trying to make him sound like he was crazy, and out of control.
Thankfully, Umbridge had believed Snape's story, so Lily and Ginny were once more in Snape's classroom one evening, practicing their occlumency shields, with Snape pushing them harder than before, as if they were having an exam.
"Since you've become aware of Umbridge continuing to attempt to breach your privacy, it is of the utmost importance that your mental shields are stronger than ever," Snape said.
"Professor, how is it that it's even legal for her to do so?" Ginny asked.
"It isn't. However, I do not believe she, or the Minister of Magic, care about that right now," Snape replied. "You have much you need to learn about how the world works, both of you do."
"Yes, sir," Lily and Ginny said at the same time.
"With things the way they are, you need to be extra cautious," Snape said. "I am aware that you have been struggling with much as of late. You need to find a way to focus, otherwise Umbridge, or others, will end up being able to breach your mental shields."
"We're trying, sir, but there isn't much we can do. The Room of Requirement is being watched all the time now, and we're trying to use the martial arts exercises we've been learning to clear our mind," Lily explained. Snape looked at them.
"Then I suggest you attempt meditation. I spend time learning mental discipline every day, even though I am already well versed. Your education does not end when you leave school," Snape explained.
"Using the techniques you already taught us about clearing our minds?" Ginny asked.
"Yes. You have made… acceptable progress, and Miss Potter, your work on potions continues to improve. I am satisfied that you will be able to make it into my NEWT class next year," Snape stated.
"Thank you, Professor," Lily said, with a small smile.
"We are done for today, though I wish to speak to you alone Miss Potter," Snape said. Lily and Ginny looked at one another before Lily nodded softly. Ginny smiled at her, and left the room, leaving Snape and Lily alone.
"How can I help you, Professor?" Lily asked.
"Miss Potter… the next few years are going to be… exceptionally difficult for you," Snape said. "There is much you have not been told, for your… protection. Many have faith in you, Potter, but without telling you the whole truth… I fail to believe in that faith," Snape said.
Lily couldn't believe what she was hearing; Snape had been… different over the last three years, since Sirius began to teach… or was it since they had fought the Basilisk together? The changes had happened slowly, but something big had happened. But what was it? It then struck her.
Lily… her mother… she looked like her mother. Was this Snape wanting to act differently, kinder, because now he wondered how things would have played out if her mother had gotten with him? Did Snape see her as the daughter he'd never had? That was a thought that Lily wasn't sure of, and yet… she couldn't deny how different Snape had been.
"What haven't I been told?" Lily asked.
"To begin with, what it is the Dark Lord is after, and why he has yet to reveal himself to the wizarding world," Snape said. "There is something within the Ministry, a prophecy, that you do not know of, one that the Dark Lord feels he needs to know, if he is to succeed in destroying you."
"Why can't he just walk in and get it?" Lily asked.
"If he were to do so, the world would know he was back. There is also some level of protection on the prophecy so that you alone can touch it," Snape explained. "I do not know if it, but there is…"
Before Snape could continue, there was an almighty roar that could be heard through the corridors of the school. Snape and Lily both ran from the dungeon towards the main hall, where the noise had come from.
As Snape and Lily reached the main hall, there was a large crowd of students gathered, with Umbridge and members of her Inquisitorial Squad standing in front of Fred and George, both of whom were smirking as they stood there.
"I suppose you think this was a funny prank?" Umbridge asked, her sickly-sweet smile on her face.
"Well, yeah, we do," Fred confirmed.
"That's why we did it," George added, still smirking.
"You won't in a moment. Now I know who has been behind all these pranks, and now you thought it funny to create a swamp in my school?" Umbridge demanded, as Filch arrived, carrying a whip.
"Hey, it's a good swamp," Fred stated.
"Good luck trying to remove it," George chuckled as the two of them looked at one another.
"You know, George, I think we've finally outgrown school," Fred said.
"Oh, I entirely agree," George confirmed.
"I don't think we'll be seeing you around," Fred said, as he and George suddenly produced their wands from their sleeves, and with a loud bang, Umbridge and the Inquisitorial Squad were sent stumbling backwards.
"Accio Brooms!" Both teens called out. Their brooms came flying into the main hall, with both of them climbing aboard and kicking off from the ground before they could be stopped.
"If anyone fancies buying a portable swamp, as demonstrated upstairs," Fred called out.
"Come to number ninety-three Diagon Alley – Weasleys' Wizarding Wheezes," George added.
"Special discounts to Hogwarts students who swear they'll use our products to get rid of this old bat!" both exclaimed, before flying off, dodging the curses that Umbridge and Malfoy, along with the other Slytherin's, were casting.
"Give her hell from us, Peeves!" Fred called out. Peeves, who had never followed anyone's orders, bowed and smiled. Lily couldn't help but chuckle; Fred and George had just fired a new volley in the war against Umbridge, and right now, she felt like she, and the others, could do anything, and in that moment, she also felt sure of one thing; they were going to win.
