Disclaimer: Everything belongs to J.K.R!

This story is a collaboration's work between Avoranger and Cal the Wandcrafter!

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We are sorry it took a little long to post.

I know this a cliche reason but we've both been a little busy and slightly sick at times, besides that... we have no idea why but the newest chapter is a little tough to write lol

But hey we finished it!
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You can also read a few next chapters!
The link is at the end of this chapter! *wink*

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Hope you like this chapter!

Enjoy! \(OvO)9

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"Ah, well I was afraid of this possibility." Dumbledore spoke calmly, "You see, Cornelius, I am fine with you throwing accusations towards me as much as you want, but now you are targeting my students in an attempt to get to me."

"It's your fault for involving children in your war against me! None of this would have happened if you would have simply kept your mouth shut and done as you were told! Dolores was right! You will now be escorted back to the Ministry, where you will be formally charged and then sent to Azkaban to await trial!"

"Ah," Dumbledore interjected gently, "Yes, I anticipated this little snag."

"Snag?" Fudge exclaimed, still jubilant. "I see no snag, Dumbledore!"

"Well," Dumbledore apologised, "Unfortunately, I do."

"Is that so?"

"Well — it's just that you seem to be labouring under the delusion that I am going to — what is the phrase? 'Come quietly.' I am afraid I am not going to come quietly at all, Cornelius. I have absolutely no intention of being sent to Azkaban. I could break out, of course — but what a waste of time, and frankly, I can think of a whole host of things I would rather be doing."

As Harry's adventure with Daphne began, he pondered if déjà vu was possible when travelling to the past, knowing what to expect, but he had to admit that he looked forward to witnessing the unfolding events again, restraining a grin as Dawlish reached for his wand and Fudge.

"Don't be foolish, Dawlish," Dumbledore said kindly. "While you're undoubtedly skilled - I seem to remember that you achieved 'Outstanding' in all your N.E.W.T.s - but if you attempt to — er — 'bring me in' by force, I will have to hurt you."

"So," sneered Fudge, regaining composure, "you plan to take on Dawlish, Dolores, and myself alone, Dumbledore? You're confessing to attacking the Ministry!"

"Goodness, no," Dumbledore smiled. "I see no Ministry here. Only a politician who believes himself above the law, a vile woman, and an Auror in over his head. If you push me, the consequences won't be to your liking."

"And if you do, he will not be single-handed!" said Professor McGonagall loudly,

plunging her hand inside her robes.

"Oh yes he will, Minerva!" said Dumbledore sharply. "Hogwarts needs you!"

"Enough of this rubbish!" said Fudge, pulling out his own wand. "Albus Dumbledore, you are under arrest for conspiracy against the Ministry of Magic, attempted assault on the Minister Of Magic, and whatever else I damn well choose! Dawlish, seize him!"

A silver streak illuminated the room, followed by a thunderous bang that shook the floor. Harry was pulled down by the scruff of his neck as a second flash of silver erupted, causing chaos. Portraits yelled, Fawkes screeched, and dust filled the air. Amidst the commotion, a dark figure collapsed before Harry, followed by cries and the sound of breaking glass.

Coughing in the dust, Harry found Professor McGonagall beside him, having shielded him and Hermione from harm. As the dust settled, a tall figure approached.

"Are you all right?" Dumbledore inquired.

"Yes," Professor McGonagall replied, helping Harry and Hermione to their feet.

Feeling dizzy, Harry instinctively waved his hand to dispel the effects of Dumbledore's hex, clearing the room of unconscious bodies and wreckage. Dumbledore, acknowledging Harry's action without comment, focused on McGonagall, expressing pride in his actions.

"Unfortunately, I had to incapacitate Dawlish," Dumbledore explained quietly. "A pity, I had hoped to recruit him. But now, I cannot allow Ms. Granger's future to be jeopardised over a mere letter. Despite their many flaws, I do quite envy The Americans and their first amendment," he added, turning to Hermione with a reassuring smile. "Ms. Granger, how are you holding up?" Harry squeezed her hand, offering comfort and assurance, as the tears streamed down her face.

"Headmaster… I—I don't want to be expelled! I don't want to leave the magical world!" Hermione pleaded, her desperation evident. McGonagall embraced her tightly, her heart breaking for her exceptional student.

"No need to worry, Ms. Granger. Expulsion is out of the question because you're coming with me," Dumbledore reassured her once more, surprising the trio with his decision.

"What— what do you mean, Albus?!"

"That's exactly what I mean... Minerva, will you keep an eye on the castle and the students for me?" Dumbledore requested.

Minerva appeared conflicted but eventually nodded, embracing Hermione tightly, as if she understood Dumbledore's plan. Harry felt a wave of relief knowing Hermione would be safe under Dumbledore's care. But where would he take her?

"Soon, they will awaken, and it's crucial they remain unaware of our conversation. Act as though no time has passed, as if they simply fell to the ground. They won't recall anything," Dumbledore instructed.

"Where are we headed, Dumbledore?" Professor McGonagall whispered anxiously, her eyes reflecting both concern and curiosity.

Dumbledore's expression remained inscrutable for a moment before he replied with a grim smile, "Somewhere safe. Fudge will soon regret ever forcing me out of Hogwarts, I assure you. There are plans in motion that will make him wish otherwise."

McGonagall's eyes widened in understanding, but she still looked apprehensive. "But where will you go, Albus? And what about Hermione?"

Dumbledore's gaze softened as he considered McGonagall's questions. "As for Hermione," he began, "she will be safe, and somewhere the ministry will not be able to find her. But as for my destination, I will not be going to hide, however it's best you don't know, Minerva. The fewer people who are aware of my whereabouts, the better."

Dumbledore then turned to Harry and regarded him with a knowing look, as if he could see right through him. "Listen to me, Harry," he said, his voice grave yet reassuring. "Continue your activities with Ms. Greengrass and your other allies. Keep honing your defensive skills, despite Umbridge's punishments. Don't let them hinder your progress. And as for Hermione, trust that she is in safe hands."

Harry's eyes widened in astonishment. "How do you know about me and Daphne's group?" he exclaimed, startled by Dumbledore's insight.

Dumbledore chuckled softly. "Why magic, of course," he replied cryptically. "Just remember, there are forces at work beyond what you can see. Stay vigilant, and above all, stay true to yourself."

As Dumbledore finished speaking, they heard a stirring from the corner of the room. Dawlish was beginning to regain consciousness, signalling that their time was running out.

"Come here, Ms. Granger… time to go," Dumbledore beckoned, extending his hand towards Hermione. She reluctantly released McGonagall's hand and embraced Harry tightly before stepping beside Dumbledore.

"You'll be fine, Hermione. Trust him!" Harry reassured her, his voice filled with conviction. Before they vanished, Fawkes circled the office and swooped low over them, Dumbledore grasping the phoenix's tail.

In a flash of fire, they disappeared from sight, right as Fudge and Umbridge had begun to stir.

"Where is he?" Fudge bellowed, pushing himself up from the ground, his frustration palpable.

"Where is Ms. Granger!" Umbridge chimed in simultaneously, her shrill voice echoing Fudge's concern.

"Well, they can't have Disapparated!" Umbridge insisted, her certainty faltering.

"The stairs!" Dawlish exclaimed, hurling himself towards the door and disappearing, followed closely by Umbridge. Fudge hesitated for a moment, then slowly rose to his feet, brushing dust from his front. A heavy silence descended upon the room, filled with uncertainty and tension.

"Well, Minerva," Fudge sneered, straightening his torn shirtsleeve, "I'm afraid this is the end of your friend Dumbledore."

"You think so, do you? Just wait." Professor McGonagall retorted scornfully, her defiance cutting through the air.

Ignoring McGonagall's rebuttal, Fudge surveyed the wreckage of the office. The portraits hissed disapprovingly at him, some even making rude gestures with their hands, but Fudge seemed unaffected by their disdain.

"You'd better get him off to bed," Fudge directed, casting a dismissive glance towards Harry as he addressed Professor McGonagall. Without a word, McGonagall complied, leading Harry towards the door. As it swung shut behind them, the voice of Phineas Nigellus drifted through the room.

"You know, Minister, I disagree with Dumbledore on many counts… but you cannot deny he's got style…"

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The next day, news of Hermione's expulsion and Dumbledore's escape from the castle spread like wildfire among the students, dominating conversations in every corner of the school. As Harry entered the Great Hall for breakfast, he felt the weight of the stares and judgmental glances directed at him, reminiscent of the scrutiny he faced during his fourth year when he was unexpectedly named the fourth Triwizard champion. The whispers that followed him seemed to echo in his ears, each word a reminder of the isolation he felt.

Not only did Harry endure the piercing gazes, but he also had to contend with the audible mutterings deliberately aimed at him. Some students even attempted to hex him, though he deflected their spells with ease. Fortunately, Ron and Daphne came to his defence, offering sharp retorts and protective glares to those who dared to challenge him.

Despite their unwavering support, Harry couldn't shake the guilt that weighed heavily on him for involving his friends in his troubles. Daphne expressed her frustration at being unable to aid him and Hermione against Umbridge's tyranny, her sense of helplessness palpable in her words. Ron, too, blamed himself for not being more proactive, willing to endure detention if it meant standing up for his best friend.

The solidarity of his friends provided some solace amidst the storm of humiliation and accusations. With them by his side, Harry found the ordeal more bearable than he had anticipated. Their unwavering loyalty and determination bolstered his spirits, reminding him of the strength of their bond.

However, the pinnacle of Harry's humiliation came when Angelina cornered him in the common room, flanked by her fellow Quidditch teammates. Despite Katie's apologetic gaze from the sidelines, Angelina interrogated Harry in front of their peers, demanding answers about Hermione's expulsion and Harry's ban from Quidditch. Accusations of negligence and sabotage were hurled at him, painting him as a traitor to Gryffindor House—a betrayal that cut deeper than any spell.

As Angelina emphasised the importance of Quidditch above all else, Harry's frustration simmered, his previous passion for the sport fading in the face of her single-minded focus. Did they not consider Hermione's plight? Did they not care about his feelings? The absurdity of the situation grated on him, and he couldn't help but resent being thrust back into the same petty conflicts of his past.

Despite his rising anger, Harry knew he had to maintain his composure. He was the adult among them, even if his physical appearance belied his maturity. Taking a deep breath, he steeled himself to respond calmly, refusing to stoop to Angelina's level.

"Why are you so silent, Potter? Didn't you hear me?" Angelina demanded, snatching the parchment from under Harry's parchment, forcibly drawing his attention.

Harry met her gaze evenly. "Isn't it impolite for you to ignore my words, Potter?" she countered sharply.

With a heavy sigh, Harry replied, his tone dry, "What do you want me to say? You already know why Umbridge banned me from playing. Why ask me again? Give me back my parchment," he requested, his frustration palpable.

"You seem to have forgotten that this is my last year," Angelina retorted, her gaze piercing. "First the twins get booted off the team, now you have to fuck it up as well. Are you trying to ruin my prospects for being scouted?" Harry noticed Ron poised to intervene but signalled for him to hold back.

Annoyed, Harry shrugged nonchalantly. "You can easily find a replacement for me," he remarked, idly toying with his quill.

Angelina was momentarily speechless at Harry's response. "You shouldn't have gone that far, Potter! Whatever it is you and Granger did, I don't care! We're going to lose the Quidditch cup and it's going to be all your fault!" she exclaimed, her words stinging with hurt. Though her expression briefly betrayed regret, she quickly composed herself, leaving Harry without returning the parchment. Ron offered a reassuring pat on Harry's shoulder as Angelina departed, her departure leaving a lingering sense of unease in its wake.

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"Potter! Rub it with all your might!" Filch's command felt like a stroke of luck, especially after Umbridge announced that Filch would be responsible for Harry's detention until the OWLs. Filch had been eagerly awaiting this moment, relishing the chance to exact revenge for the mistreatment he had endured at the hands of the students, even if it was only directed towards Potter. He was determined not to let this opportunity slip through his fingers. Hence his current predicament, polishing door knobs in an old abandoned hallway he was expected to completely clean.

Umbridge's sinister directive didn't stop there; she also ordered the professors to assign additional tasks to Harry. While some of the professors seemed remorseful as they burdened him with more work, Snape appeared all too eager to pile on the assignments.

With his workload mounting, Harry found himself with little time to spare. He could hardly meet with Daphne in person, resorting to mirror-calls instead, and his interactions with Ron were limited to the confines of the classroom. Despite neglecting his study group, Susan and the others reassured him that they would find a way to support him. Their unwavering loyalty brought tears to Harry's eyes; this time, he truly felt their friendship.

Amidst his isolation, Harry couldn't help but worry about Hermione. Was she safe? In the days after Hermione's expulsion, it had seemed that a large part of her study group had taken to retaliation against Umbridge, and had completely wrecked the entirety of the fourth floor in an all-out war of dumb bombs and hexes, which had him worried for the safety of the group. Surprisingly, Umbridge seemed unfazed by the disturbance, her mood perhaps buoyed by her success in removing Dumbledore and ensnaring Harry in a web of detention.

As McGonagall took charge of disciplining the students, Harry couldn't help but chuckle at their misfortune. They deserved a taste of their own medicine, he reasoned, though he couldn't help but feel a twinge of sympathy for them. After all, he would be the one more likely than not forced to clean up the mess under the spiteful gaze of Argus Filch.

"Potter! I'll be patrolling the corridors. I expect all of this to be cleaned by the time I return, or you'll have even more to do!" Filch's parting words grated on Harry's nerves, but he remained outwardly composed.

Once Filch was out of sight, Harry leaned against the wall, using his wandless magic with a lazy wave of his hand to enchant the broom to clean the floors autonomously. Filch's eagerness to confiscate his wand during detention only earned a scoff from Harry; thankfully, he still had his wandless abilities at his disposal. He amused himself by pretending to manually clean whenever Filch or Umbridge approached, reserving his true efforts for when he was left alone.

Boredom gnawed at Harry as he contemplated using the empty classroom next to him. He yearned for a mirror-call with Daphne, but she was busy with the study club. Lost in thought, Harry couldn't help but wonder about obtaining a second wand after his fifth year… it would be nice to be able to use magic before the trace expired.

Dumbledore's parting words echoed in his mind, reminding Harry of the importance of perseverance. He resolved to continue his exercises, devising a plan to make the most of his detention. Dumbledore's awareness of the study group surprised him, but he shouldn't have been shocked; the castle's paintings always kept him informed. Grateful for their allegiance, Harry made a mental note to enlist Dobby and Winky's help in gathering information about Hermione's whereabouts.

Checking the coast was clear, Harry cast the alarm spell along the corridor, ensuring no one would interrupt his plans as he slipped into the empty classroom. With his surroundings secure, he began his exercises, focusing his mind and channelling his magic with precision. Something gave him the feeling he would need all of the serenity that occlumency could offer him in the next few days.

An hour later, Filch made his customary appearance, his disdain evident in his tone as he surveyed the clean corridor. "You finished, Potter?!" he grumbled suspiciously, his eyes darting around for any signs of foul play. "You didn't use magic, did you?!"

Harry couldn't help but roll his eyes at Filch's scepticism. "Did you happen to notice that I have my wand?" he retorted sarcastically, holding up his wand for emphasis.

Reluctantly, Filch returned Harry's wand. "Tomorrow, same time!" he grunted before departing, leaving Harry alone once more.

As Harry prepared to make his way back to the dormitory, a voice called out from his pocket. "Harry Potter?"

"Daphne! I miss you!" Harry exclaimed, answering the mirror with a mixture of relief and excitement.

Daphne's laughter echoed through the mirror. "I miss you too! Come to the Room of Requirement now if you're done with your detention," she instructed.

"On it! You're right on time because I just finished!" Harry replied, grinning from ear to ear as he eagerly made his way to meet her.

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"HARRY! I'M SO SORRY I CAN'T STOP ANGELINA!" Katie's voice trembled with guilt.

"It's okay, Katie. I understand," Harry reassured her, his tone gentle and understanding.

"No, it's not ok! Angelina has gone too far, even Alicia thinks so, even though she will not admit it. The reserves are angry at her too, and Fred and George are livid. We're planning on quitting practices until she gets it through her stupid head, but we don't know how long it will take."

"Don't do that Katie, that will just make her mad at you as well. I don't want her taking anything out on the team."

The chaser nodded with a grumble, and still looked unhappy, but seemed to give in for the moment as other members of the study group wandered into the Room Of Requirement.

"I'm sorry about your detention, Harry. But what Umbridge did was completely unfair," Padma lamented, her frustration evident in her voice. "You didn't deserve that kind of punishment!"

Harry shrugged, flashing an innocent grin. "Eh, I kinda saw it coming when Hermione's letter failed to reach its destination," he admitted casually.

Neville furrowed his brow in concern. "How can you be so relaxed, Harry? It's detention! Every day until our OWLs exams! Do you even have time to study? And was the letter Hermione sent really worth it if it caused all this?"

Harry nodded thoughtfully. "It was definitely worth it. It could shake up the entire wizarding world if it got out," he replied, then turned to Susan, acknowledging her concern. "I could have asked my house-elf instead, but I didn't have the contact I needed for this particular 'reporter'."

Susan's eyes widened in realisation. "Is this about what happened last year when…" She trailed off, unable to bring herself to say Cedric's name, the pain still fresh in her heart.

Harry nodded somberly. "Yes, it is. And is it okay with you and the other Hufflepuffs?" he inquired, seeking their opinion.

"Why?" Susan asked, her expression puzzled. "Why do you want to share it? Personally, I want to know what happened to him, but with the lingering resentment towards you, I think others would want to know too. Especially his parents—they deserve to know the truth about their son's death. Mr. Diggory still blames you, you know."

Harry's surprise was evident as he absorbed this new information about Mr. Diggory's feelings towards him. He winced, scratching the back of his head as he carefully considered his response. "Aside from wanting the slander against me to stop, I also want Cedric to receive the justice he deserves. And everyone needs to be aware of the looming threat of war. Keeping them in the dark would only lead to disaster," he explained earnestly.

"The Daily Prophet really went too far, didn't they? They have no idea what the truth is, yet they smear your name without hesitation. Whoever wrote that article clearly had a personal vendetta against you," Padma interjected, her words resonating with everyone in the room, except for Daphne.

Daphne, however, remained silent, her expression unreadable, as she listened to the discussion unfold.

Seeing Daphne nod with a small smile gave Harry the encouragement he needed to continue. He rubbed his face wearily before speaking again. "It was my fault… I asked him, no, I forced him to touch the Cup with me so we could both be champions together. If I had known the Cup was a portkey to the graveyard, I would have been selfish and grabbed it by myself. Cedric would still be alive with us," he admitted, his tone heavy with guilt.

"A graveyard?" Susan's voice quivered with apprehension. "And how..." she trailed off, unable to finish her sentence.

"Voldemort needed ingredients from his forefather's grave to be reborn, so he chose that place. Wormtail killed Cedric because he was an uninvited guest there," Harry explained, his words sending shivers down everyone's spine.

"Wormtail?" Astoria interjected, her confusion evident as she shook off the unease settling in the room. "What kind of parents name their child Wormtail!" she exclaimed, her disgust palpable.

"Well, 'Wormtail' is just a nickname. His real name is Peter Pettigrew," Harry clarified.

"Peter Pettigrew? Isn't he dead? Sirius Black killed him, didn't he?" Tracey's eyes widened in shock.

"Uh, Wormtail has been alive and disguised as my... pet rat for the past twelve years. We had no idea he was an animagus," Ron admitted, feeling embarrassed by the revelation.

"Wait, you had a pet rat?" Katie looked horrified. "And Percy was so fond of it!"

Ron chuckled dryly. "Yeah, it was Percy's at first. He gave it to me when he got an owl from my parents for becoming Head Boy. We didn't suspect anything when Scabbers lived longer than expected. We thought it was because he lived in a magical household and was influenced by magic, not because he wasn't a real rat," he explained sheepishly.

"It wasn't your fault, Ron! Animagi are rare, and no one would have thought to suspect a pet rat," Padma reassured him.

"Padma's right. After knowing the truth, it's creepy, but most animals that become pets are smart and loyal to their owners. It's hard to distinguish between a real animal and an animagus if you don't know the signs," Neville added, trying to ease the tension.

"The only thing we can do now is catch Wormtail, right?" Susan declared, her voice tinged with determination, a sentiment echoed by everyone in the room except for Harry and Daphne.

'If only it were that easy,' Harry thought to himself. 'I want to catch him too, so Sirius can be free.' Suddenly, he felt a small hug around his right arm, to his surprise the normally mischievous Astoria had wrapped herself around his forearm with a concerned expression.

"Given everything that's happened, do you still want to go ahead with your plan?" Astoria redirected the conversation, recalling the previous disasters. "You need to locate Hermione's contacts and revise the letter. If Umbridge catches wind of it again, the consequences could be dire. You could end up facing the same fate as Hermione, despite your caution. I don't want that for you." Daphne chimed in, echoing Astoria's concerns. "Harry, I support your plan, but the risks are more significant than I anticipated. Perhaps it's worth reconsidering?"

Astoria's words struck a chord with Harry, prompting him to reconsider his plan. The risks were undeniable, and he couldn't ignore the possibility of facing consequences similar to Hermione's if he proceeded recklessly.

"Astoria is right, Harry," Daphne chimed in, her concern evident in her voice. "The potential consequences outweigh the benefits. Perhaps it's worth reevaluating your approach."

Harry sighed heavily, feeling the weight of the decision pressing down on him. He wanted to stay true to the original timeline, but the unforeseen consequences of their actions had thrown everything into disarray. Was it worth risking further trouble just to maintain the course of events?

As he pondered Astoria's words and weighed the potential outcomes, Harry's head began to ache with the complexity of the situation. Would it be more prudent to delay spreading the information and focus on minimising the immediate risks? Or was the urgency of the situation too great to ignore?

"I'll think about it," Harry finally conceded, his tone reflecting his uncertainty. "But for now, let's continue with our exercise. I have a new idea that I think we'll all enjoy," he suggested, eager to shift the focus away from the daunting decision hanging over them.

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"After some thought, I've decided not to reach out to Skeeter," Harry disclosed days later, conversing in the kitchen post-detention. "Given recent events, it felt like the right call."

"What prompted the change?" Daphne inquired.

"I concluded it wasn't worth the trouble anymore, especially considering the current circumstances. Plus, and this is going to sound very Slytherin of me so forgive me," Daphne looks slightly amused at this, "We'll inform them about Voldemort's emergence at the Ministry. We tell the world what happened to Hermione, Dumbledore can back up the claim. It will help paint Fudge as an ostrich it's head in the sand," Harry clarified. "We tried to get the word out, we tried to tell the truth, we tried to warn the world, but when we did he sanctions the expulsion of the top student in her year, and the torture of the boy who lived."

"Sending a message, huh? Don't let a good crisis go to waste, after all, especially if you're willing to throw around your fame. Sounds like Umbridge is starting to piss you off more than you thought you she would." Daphne observed with a smirk.

"Don't you think the people need a lesson in not believing everything the Ministry and the Prophet tells them?" Harry retorted, rolling his eyes. "And honestly, I never really cared. Initially, it was about avoiding too much timeline interference. From my admittedly brief experience with time partners, what happens is what should happen. We can't meddle with that."

"But our presence here has already altered a lot," Daphne noted.

"I'm aware. During detention, I questioned whether we should even concern ourselves with the differences from the previous timeline. But freeing Sirius remains my priority, so I at least want to try that. My worry is that what if we do something and something worse happens? What if we get Umbridge sacked, and then somehow Malfoy becomes minister?" Harry concluded.

Daphne looked pensive. Isn't that a little bit of a stretch? I mean I know time travel can be unpredictable, but isn't life also unpredictable? How about we don't entirely change everything, but we just start with small stuff. We have insight into the next decade, Harry! Certain events can't be ignored—freeing Sirius, defeating Voldemort, identifying the bomber, our future together. These are crucial events that we have to do, but at the same time, we could also be doing small things that could add up. Not everything has to be a challenge of figuring out if we're going to rip the universe apart by misplacing a chair in a room."

"Indeed, but now our current challenges are compounded by our recent actions," Harry acknowledged.

"Umbridge's conduct stands out, particularly her animosity towards you," Daphne remarked.

"And Dumbledore... he hasn't been avoiding me this year. He's been as cordial as he was in my first three years at Hogwarts. Regarding Umbridge, I believe I understand what triggered her behaviour towards me," Harry added.

"Yes, your courtroom performance was undoubtedly so stunning it gave the toad brain damage. Well done with your Shakespearean performance. I think maybe we could get you a roll on Law and Order." Daphne remarked sarcastically.

Harry chuckled. "You're never going to stop teasing me about that trial are you? Well, I'm glad to hear that Umbridge doesn't seem to enjoy losing, maybe she's feeling a bit humiliated?"

"Absolutely. Did you know Umbridge always emerges victorious in every trial she's part of? You're the first to beat her and the Ministry fair and square, humiliating her in front of the entire Wizengamot," Daphne giggled. "But enough about Umbridge, what about Dumbledore? Have you figured out where they are?"

"Winky hasn't given me any information about Hermione's whereabouts yet, and Sirius hasn't responded to my mirror calls, which worries me."

"You didn't ask Kreacher to check? What if Sirius can't respond because of Dumbledore?"

"Kreacher? Of course, how could I forget? He's got respect for me this time around." Harry rolled his eyes in frustration, while Daphne mocked him with a giggle. "Hey, Kreacher!"

"Master is summoning Kreacher? Kreacher is ready to serve the acceptable half-blood master!" Kreacher responded with a grin that seemed rather unsettling. Was that a smile of happiness?

"Hello, Kreacher. Is Sirius at home?" Harry asked bluntly.

"Master Sirius Black is at home, sir," Kreacher answered sharply, "as are the werewolf and the mudblood!" he grumbled.

"Kreacher… please refrain from using those words in my presence," Harry said sternly.

Kreacher flinched at Harry's tone. "Yes, master," he said obediently, his large eyes filled with concern.

"Besides Sirius, is anyone else home?" Harry continued, his tone returning to normal.

"Apart from Sirius Black, there is the werewolf and the muggleborn who knits, sir, occasionally the not-family shape changer visits for a chat," Kreacher replied. Harry exchanged a relieved glance with Daphne upon hearing Hermione mentioned.

"When was the last time Professor Dumbledore was there?"

Kreacher pondered for a moment. "About a few weeks ago, the white-bearded headmaster arrived with her in the middle of the night, brought by his firebird. The white-bearded headmaster only stayed briefly after conversing with the werewolf, then departed on his firebird."

"Do you know what they were discussing?" Harry asked, but Kreacher shook his head.

"Alright, Kreacher. I'm counting on you. Please keep an eye on them for me. Don't let them know I asked you to do so. You can return home and resume your duties," Harry instructed, his tone softening.

"Yes, master!" Kreacher responded before vanishing from their sight.

"Hermione is safe at home with Sirius," Daphne announced with a bright smile.

"I'm relieved to hear that. At least she's in a secure place."

"But Dumbledore didn't stay hidden there," Daphne frowned.

"Dumbledore mentioned he wouldn't hide, before leaving. Last time after his departure, Umbridge called me to her office, interrogating me about Dumbledore's and... Sirius's whereabouts. I think she mixed Veritaserum in the tea she served, or maybe Snape messed with the vial or who knows what, because I was able to resist it. But she didn't do that this time." Harry shared.

"Umbridge would rather keep you preoccupied with detentions and isolated from everyone else than inquire about Dumbledore and Hermione's whereabouts," Daphne added.

"Keeping me isolated and hindering my studies seems to be her aim," Harry sighed.

"Because she wants you to fail your exams, Harry. By preventing you from studying and interacting with your friends, she hopes to frustrate you, drain your motivation, and make you lose focus. If you fail, you'll be held back, and if you are unable to take your NEWTs because you cannot pass your OWLs, it will greatly affect your future in the wizarding world. Hermione was merely a pawn; Umbridge's real target is you," Daphne explained.

Harry winced at the revelation. "Well, then I look forward to seeing her reaction when I excel despite not studying at all!" he declared confidently.

"I can't wait to see it either!" Daphne grinned.

"I wonder if anyone else in the Ministry is aware that Umbridge expelled Hermione," Harry pondered.

"I doubt Fudge would want any of this getting out. Maybe you could try writing to Amelia Bones for help, you know, Susan offered you yesterday that she would be willing to send a letter through her secret system if you wanted."

"Amelia… yes, I'll ask her for a favour for Hermione and maybe report what's happening in the castle through my point of view? Because I know she already know the gist what happened in the castle through Susan and your father from you,"

"Tell her what happened to you too, Harry. It could be a nice addition for her crime list,"

"Sure, I will! Anyway, It's quite late… I don't want them to find me still wandering around at curfew,"

"What a good boy, should I escort you all the way to Gryffindor tower?" teased Daphne,

"Hey! Didn't we agree, no serious messing around until we graduate? Having teenage bodies is so weird!"

"Oh shut up Harry, you know I didn't mean it like that." The wad of napkins he received to the face as a result of his hysterical laughter was well worth it.

.


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"Mr. Potter, please remain in your seat," McGonagall instructed after the bell rang, signalling the end of Transfiguration class. Harry nodded, quietly packing his books into his bag and settling back in his chair, awaiting further instruction. Ron gave his shoulder a supportive pat before heading out with the rest of the class.

Once the room emptied, McGonagall waved her wand to close and lock the door.

"Do you have any other classes after this, Mr. Potter?" she inquired, her tone now softer, almost maternal.

Harry shook his head. "No, professor. This is my last class for today. I'm just headed to the library to finish my Charms homework due tomorrow morning, and then off to Filch's for my detention."

McGonagall seemed to consider this for a moment before speaking again. "You need not worry about the additional essay assigned by Professor Flitwick. Simply submit a blank parchment to him tomorrow so as not to arouse suspicion. I'll take care of it. And as for Filch, I'll inform him that you have detention with me tonight. You'll be helping me here," she concluded firmly.

"Are you sure, professor? I don't want you to get into trouble with Umbridge," Harry expressed his concern.

"I can handle her," McGonagall asserted confidently. "Let's move to my office, Mr. Potter."

"Very well, professor," Harry acquiesced, following McGonagall into her office.

"Please, have a seat, Mr. Potter. How are you?" she inquired as she poured tea into a cup and handed it to him.

"Despite being busier than usual, I'm fine, Professor," Harry replied, expressing gratitude before adding sugar and a touch of lemon to his tea.

"I'm sorry I can't offer you more assistance, Mr. Potter," McGonagall said with regret.

"Professor, simply being here, having tea with you like this, is more help than I could ask for. It gives me a moment to catch my breath," Harry reassured her with a warm, confident smile.

McGonagall still appeared somewhat doubtful with Harry's response, but she decided to move on to another topic. "How is your relationship with Ms. Greengrass? Do you still see her often?"

"My relationship with Daphne is fine, professor. Although we don't meet as frequently as we used to," Harry replied, a hint of disappointment evident in his expression at the decreased frequency of their meetings. McGonagall nodded, a hint of amusement in her eyes.

"I see... Well, Mr. Potter, if you ever need assistance, please don't hesitate to come to me, even if my help may be limited," she offered.

"Professor, as I mentioned earlier, simply having tea with you like this feels like a great help. Thank you," Harry expressed sincerely.

"You truly are Lily's son. While you may resemble James, your character is more akin to your mother's," McGonagall remarked.

Harry blushed slightly. "I've heard plenty about my father, but not much about my mother. Did she have any close friends?"

"Lily was quite sociable and made friends easily across all houses. She was well-liked, particularly by your father and her childhood best friend," McGonagall replied, avoiding mentioning the name of Lily's friend, to which Harry visibly raised an eyebrow. "Any news about Ms. Granger, Mr. Potter?" She quickly changed the subject, catching Harry's attention with her intentional avoidance of his mother's friend's name.

Harry took a sip of his tea before responding calmly. "I've heard from a reliable source that she's at Padfoot's house, professor," he revealed, noticing McGonagall's widened eyes at the information. "But I have no idea about Professor Dumbledore's whereabouts."

McGonagall visibly relaxed upon hearing that one of her brilliant students was safe, then simply nodded regarding Dumbledore's location. "Thankfully, the most important thing is knowing she's in a safe place, and I trust the headmaster is safe wherever he may be," she remarked.

"I'm relieved to hear that too, professor," Harry agreed with a smile. "Um, could you pass a message along to her when you visit there, professor?" he asked cautiously.

"Certainly, Mr. Potter! I'd be glad to deliver your message! Write it down and give it to me next week in Transfiguration class, slip it between the parchment of the assignment I assigned today," McGonagall instructed.

"Yes, professor!" Harry replied eagerly.

"We still have plenty of time before dinner and your detention with me later. Is there anything you'd like to discuss?" McGonagall inquired.

Harry grinned mischievously. "Hmm, did I ever mention that I wanted to become an Animagus?"

McGonagall paused, recollecting. "Yes, I recall you expressing interest in learning the process. Have you made any progress with what I suggested?"

Harry nodded eagerly. "While meditating, I think I've discovered what animal I might transform into!"

"Excellent! Please, do tell me more, Mr. Potter," McGonagall encouraged, refilling his teacup and listening attentively as Harry animatedly shared his progress in mastering the Animagus transformation.

.


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Susan stood in front of the entrance to the Hufflepuff dormitory, surveying the mess of vinegar puddles left by students who failed to hit the right note while attempting to enter. It was a sight that usually only plagued the first few weeks of term with first-years, but with the end of the school year approaching, the persistence of the puddles was truly embarrassing.

"Susan! I thought we agreed to meet by the painting on the way to the kitchen," Harry called out as he approached.

"You weren't specific enough," Susan replied irritably.

"Sorry about that! Can you wait for me in the kitchen? I'll clean this up in a flash!" Harry apologised.

Susan simply nodded and swiftly made her way to the kitchen. With his wand, which Filch always confiscated, Harry swiftly waved his hand, and the traces of vinegar vanished instantly. Satisfied that everything was now as it should be, Harry hurried to join Susan in the kitchen.

"Hey, did I keep you waiting?" Harry asked, surprising Susan, who was indulging in cheesecake.

"Not really, just annoyed that I stood around for ages in front of a puddle of vinegar," she replied sarcastically.

Harry grimaced, offering her an apologetic look.

"So... what did you want to talk to me about? Don't tell me you... have a crush on me?" Susan pretended to be shocked.

"Very funny, Sue! I'm loyal and in love with Daphne Greengrass, of course!" Harry retorted with a grin.

Susan laughed. "So?"

"You offered to send me a letter, right?" Harry reminded her.

Susan nodded, recalling her offer. "Don't you have a house-elf? Winky, isn't it?"

"Well, yes. But I think it's more appropriate to give it to you directly, and have you send it to... your aunt," Harry explained.

"A letter to my aunt," Susan repeated, understanding dawning on her. "About that incident with Dumbledore leaving and Hermione Granger's expulsion from Hogwarts, right?"

"Yes! You catch on quickly, Sue!" Harry praised.

"Don't underestimate me! I aim to surpass my aunt and become the best Auror candidate in the future!" Susan declared confidently.

Harry grinned at his friend's ambition. "I have no doubt you'll achieve it."

"Don't try to flatter me, Potter! I'll report you to Daphne," Susan teased, though she blushed slightly.

"Hey, it's the truth! Your progress in class is remarkable," Harry insisted with a wink.

"Stop teasing me, Potter, or I'll tell Daphne," Susan threatened, though her smile betrayed her amusement.

Harry chuckled. "No need for that! I haven't done anything, and Daphne knows I'm here with you."

Susan chuckled. "I thought you were meeting me here in secret."

"That's wishful thinking on your part. So, can you send the letter?" Harry asked.

"Of course! It'll reach her safely soon enough. I'll send my own letter this weekend, so make sure yours is ready before Friday ends!" Susan warned, pointing her fork at him. "But do you need a response?"

"Hmm, yes! When do you think I'll receive one?"

"Usually about a week after I send the letter. Is that okay with you?" Susan inquired.

Harry nodded. "That's fine by me, as long as the letter reaches her."

"Great! Aren't you eating?" Susan offered, noticing Harry hadn't touched his food yet.

"Maybe a plate of last night's roast beef wouldn't go amiss," Harry mused, and almost immediately, a house-elf appeared with a plate of roast beef and assorted side dishes, along with a glass of pumpkin juice.

"How are you?" Susan asked, digging into her second plate of cake, now with tiramisu.

"Well, Filch had me cleaning up a prank in the fourth-year bathroom. He wouldn't let me leave until it was spotless again. Luckily, he allowed me to use my wand on the harder stains," Harry explained.

Susan's expression softened, concern evident in her eyes. "Harry, you... didn't use your wand during detention with Filch, did you?"

Harry shook his head, his mouth still partly full. "The Toad thought it would be more 'fun' for me to do detention without magic, and Filch was all too eager to support her suggestion. So, every detention was wandless for me," he explained.

"I hope your letter can really help my aunt get rid of Umbridge as soon as possible, so you can be free from that ridiculous punishment!" Susan exclaimed, her frustration evident.

"Here's hoping," Harry chuckled.

"Come on, eat up. You're already skinny enough; don't get even skinnier because you're not eating enough!" Susan urged, adding another piece of meat to Harry's plate. "Does Daphne know about this?"

Harry shook his head weakly. "Daphne would be upset if she found out, and I don't want her to get into trouble just because she wants to help me with every detention I have."

"Don't keep this from Daphne. You need to tell her as soon as possible, or she'll be even more upset," Susan advised firmly.

"You're right. Maybe I'll tell her later... if I remember," Harry said with an innocent grin.

Susan simply shook her head, adding another piece of meat to his plate.

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Let's join 'Avo & Cal's Pages' ➡ discord .gg/Y34hGyFZWg

By the way, for whoever wants to read next three chapters, it's already on my Pat-site. Besides that, there's also exclusive oneshots in the same universe as 'The Time Bomb'. Sixth oneshots already released! The newest is 'The calm before storm'!

Besides the next few chapters of 'The Time Bomb' and the Special oneshots, there's also a new WIP: "Twenty One". So far it has three chapters!

Summary: If the contract remains unfulfilled, time will continue to loop endlessly, repeating the same events over and over until the obligation is finally met. Sure is a shame nobody included that in the fine print.

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