AN: Well, finally getting this chapter out. It definitely took me a while, both just with some struggles getting it on paper (metaphorically), and with just how busy I've been between work and life. I'm going to try and get back to posting on Sundays, but now every two weeks. I just don't have the time to post weekly, and I feel a bit frustrated when I can't make those deadlines, even if its a self-imposed deadline that is easily shifted. Hopefully I can find some balance and get back to writing, but right now, it's just not doable at the same old pace I was going at. Maybe if I hit a roll and cruise again, but we'll see. However, I did mean to have this posted earlier this week, so the next post will be in a week and a half (9 November). As always, thanks for all the support, and I hope you enjoy.

Mando-Vet - Thanks! Glad you enjoy the Weasleys new changing fortune.

Nightwing2013 - Glad you enjoyed the political intrigue and Tina bringing the pain. It's been fun developing the Wizengamot and making it more important in this story. Been a great way to mix up Year 5 too.

Alix33 - Chicken fettuccine is quite good if you ever get the chance. Fettuccine is one of my favorites. Tina shall continue to rain hell down on those who get in her way, so I'm glad you enjoyed that. Dolores Umbridge's fate is approaching.

GreengrassRebel - I guess you'll just have to see! Yes, good prediction on Tina. Newt just is too nice, yes. Kingsley was a lightning expert just as a happy coincidence. I wasn't really thinking about it when I wrote him dueling back in the dueling tournament oh so long ago, and when I looked back, I saw that I wrote him creating storms, so there we go, air and lightning. Yeah, thought it was fun to give the "Ice Queen" skill with ice. I imagine she does love ice cream, and might show some light heartedness with that later. Percy will get revealed in the not too far future.

Arctic Wolf Fury - Damn it, Ron, is correct.

stars90 - Poor Ron jinxed them all.

Chapter 63

MASS BREAKOUT FROM AZKABAN

MINISTRY FEARS PETTIGREW IS 'RALLYING POINT' FOR OLD DEATH EATERS

Under the headline were fourteen black-and-white photographs that filled the whole of the front page, eleven showing wizards' faces and the remaining, a witchs'. Some of the people in the photographs were silently jeering; others were tapping their fingers on the frame of their pictures, looking insolent. One pair, a witch and wizard, looked frantic and sad. Each picture was captioned with a name and the crime for which the person had been sent to Azkaban: Antonin Dolohov, Augustus Rookwood, Preston Mulciber Jr., Samuel Travers, Thorfin Rowle, Edward Jugson, Winston Gibbon, Emerson Lee, Levina Lee, Samuel Snyde, Jocelyn Snyde, Rodolphus Lestrange, Rabastan Lestrange, and lastly Bellatrix Lestrange.

Almost as one, everyone turned and leveled a look at Ron, whose jaw was dropped open, staring incredulously.

"Oh come on!" he exclaimed.

"Nice job, Ron," Ginny said acidly. "You just had to open your fat mouth yesterday!"

"You can't blame this on me!" Ron protested. "They had to have been planning this for months!"

"I'm sorry, but you jinxed us," Katie disagreed, with a shake of her head, her eyes glinting with mischief. "This is definitely your fault. You tempted Fate. We don't make the rules."

"Well, fuck me," Ron cursed.

"I can't believe they're trying to blame this on Pettigrew," Harry muttered angrily, with a shake of his head. "As if that spineless coward would be able to pull this off."

"Sirius and Dora are probably livid," Angelina said sadly. "Bellatrix should have been freed by now."

They glanced at the woman's picture, and all grimaced. She had long, dark hair that looked unkempt and straggly in the picture, though Harry had seen it sleek, thick and shining in old photos. She glared up at them through heavily lidded eyes, an arrogant, disdainful smile playing around her thin mouth. Like Sirius, she retained vestiges of great good looks, but something-perhaps Azkaban-had taken most of her beauty.

"If Fudge would get his head out of his ass, they might have been able to prevent this entire escape," Harry said angrily.

"The Ministry of Magic announced late last night that there has been a mass breakout from Azkaban," Hermione read. "Speaking to reporters in his private office, Cornelius Fudge, Minister for Magic, confirmed that fourteen high-security prisoners escaped in the early hours of yesterday evening and that he has already informed the Muggle Prime Minister of the dangerous nature of these individuals."

"We find ourselves, most unfortunately, in the same position we were two and a half years ago when Sirius Black escaped," Hermione continued to read, shaking her head at Fudge's comment. "While Lord Black was proven innocent, we do believe his escape and this one are related, and we are currently looking at all angles about whether Black's methods might have been used once again. An escape of this magnitude suggests outside help, and while Black was shown to be innocent, the murderer Peter Pettigrew is still at large, and was good friends with Lord Black. It is possible, intentionally or not, that Lord Black's actions led to this escape. It has been noted that Lord Black's cousin was one of the escapees and he did try to have her freed months ago, claiming her innocence by means of the Imperius Curse. She of course was tried properly and found guilty, so he was rebuffed . . ."

"He's really trying to pawn the blame off on Sirius?!" Harry nearly exclaimed in outrage.

"And doing his best to leave it at insinuations without outright making a claim," Alicia said with disapproval.

"Anything else, Hermione?" Ginny asked.

"Not really," Hermione responded. "The Prophet does lay some blame at Amelia Bones's feet for the escape, and even insinuated that this might not have happened if a certain someone hadn't killed quite a few of the dementors."

"Really?" Katie exclaimed in outrage. "They're trying to insinuate that this is partially Harry's fault!"

"What does the Shadow Chronicle say?" Neville asked, glaring at the Prophet.

He, and all the Longbottoms, had been brought in on Bellatrix's fate, and while Harry wasn't sure that Neville or Madam Longbottom had completely lost their resentment, having had it for so long, he knew that they were at the same time grateful that the research to heal her had healed Frank and Alice. They also agreed she deserved to be free. Of course, Frank and Alice, not having much memory, had easily focused their hate on the two male Lestranges and Barty Crouch Jr.

"Jamie was the reporter and she ripped Fudge and the Prophet a new one," Ginny said gleefully, glancing at it.

"Really?" Angelina asked eagerly.

"My sister's the best," Alicia said proudly.

"Damn right she is," Katie, Angelina, and Ginny agreed.

"Apparently Fudge didn't even call the Chronicle," Hermione said. "Either Rita or a contact at the Prophet must have alerted them. She says he tried to stop her from entering and taking part in the interview too, which he says was just a misunderstanding . . . after she revealed a recording spell. She asked if the 45% of the Wizarding population that subscribe to the paper don't deserve to be alerted to the danger simply because they don't subscribe to the Prophet?"

"Bloody hell," Ron said, grinning wide.

"I didn't realize the Chronicle had grown that mucn," Harry said, impressed.

"Getting into the actual interview, she first asked why the Minister thought he could imply that Sirius was responsible," Hermione said, eyes glinting with mirth. "She pointed out that it was well known Sirius escaped due to his animagus abilities, and it was suspected that Pettigrew did the same to escape the Ministry Holding Cells. So how could all of these Death Eaters use the same method, unless they all became animagi while in Azkaban? Fudge stuttered out that it was just a theory they were running with. She wanted clarification if that was his theory or the actual DMLEs? He refused to make a comment."

Harry grinned, along with the rest of his friends and family.

"She also asked if Azkaban had received any protections to counter animagi since Sirius's escape, and Fudge responded, rather embarrassed, that yes, enchantments had been placed to prevent animagus transformations in Azkaban."

"Why didn't he change the Prophet article then?" Alicia asked, amazed.

"Apparently he had the Prophet reporter leave after he'd gotten all his questions done so that he could get the article out," Hermione said. "Jamie made note of that, especially since none of her questions were answered until he'd left."

"Meaning, he was hoping that the Prophet would make the narrative, and the Chronicle would have nothing," Angelina muttered darkly.

"It just gets better," Hermione said with a smile. "She asked if the theory that Pettigrew was involved was, again, a personal theory or a DMLE theory, seeing as how Pettigrew had never escaped Azkaban and would have no knowledge of the prison, and Pettigrew had not been seen, except supposedly by Harry, since his escape almost two years ago."

"Let me guess, no comment?" Katie asked, grinning.

"You got it," Hermione agreed with a smile. "She then asked how this might tie into yours and Professor Dumbledore's claims of Voldemort returning, which Fudge denied vehemently, saying that the claims had no bearing on the investigation. He actually insulted you and Dumbledore in his claim."

"That won't be good for him," Ginny pointed out. "People are already starting to wonder a bit, especially with the lack of investigations. Flat out claiming that they won't even entertain Voldemort being the reason fourteen Death Eaters escaped will only create panic."

"It just keeps going," Hermione said, shaking her head in amazement. "She asked how the Minister could allow blame to be foisted on Amelia Bones, when he has lobbied and cut funding for the DMLE for nearly a decade, which included many of the witch and wizard guards at the prison, citing that he had faith in the dementors."

Angelina whistled.

"Then she asked how any blame could get foisted on Harry for destroying dementors in self-defense, when it was the Ministry who couldn't keep the dementors in line and allowed them to attack an underaged wizard multiple times. Additionally, if the Ministry thougth losing those dementors deteriorated the protections at the prison so much, then why didn't they increase security by adding guards or further enchantments?"

"Brilliant," Katie said with relish.

"Lastly, she brought up Fudge's bringing up of Bellatrix, asking why Sirius would want his cousin free, when he was proven innocent, if she was not also innocent? She pointed out that a great many of Fudge's supporters are those who did not go to Azkaban because of the Imperius defense, so why were Sirius's claims outright ignored? Fudge had no comment to that either, and it looks like she must have immediately went to Shado Hold, because she has an interview with Sirius."

"Wow, he's revealing it," Harry said softly, peering over Hermione's shoulder as she mentioned the interview. "He revealed that he told Fudge it wasn't the Imperius, but that it was other dark magic which controlled Bellatrix . . . magic that can be potentially countered by the ritual that helped revive the Longbottoms."

"A counter that he and Dora worked on with Dumbledore," Hermione finished with a nod. "The Longbottoms corroborated his story. He also revealed that Fudge denied him unless he had you retract your claims about Voldemort's return."

"This might be the end of Fudge's career," Alicia said, eyes wide. "If this is investigated, and it will be, it'll show that Fudge possibly deliberately let an innocent woman rot in prison in order to force your guardian to influence your story."

"Fudge was a complete fool to even give that interview," Harry said with a snort.

"50 points from Gryffindor, Mr. Potter," a usually simpering voice said angrily, and they turned to see Umbridge glaring at them.

"For what?" Harry demanded.

"For lack of respect and speaking about things that you know very little about," Umbridge responded with a smile.

"What does that even mean?" Harry said with a glare, standing up.

"You lack respect, something I have tried to rectify," Umbridge said with a simpering smile. "You must show the Minister respect, for he is much greater than you will ever be. Someone of your station must learn his place."

"Is that so?" a voice asked disapprovingly, and they all glanced to see Professor McGonagall, Professor Dumbledore, Dora, and someone that Harry didn't recognize.

Dora's eyes were an icy, cold blue, her hair midnight black and almost jagged as she glared.

Harry glanced around for a moment, and was both unsurprised, and yet partially surprised to see the altercation the focus of most of the Hall. However, unlike in the past, he saw many pitying or sympathetic looks being sent his way. Others were shooting angry and resentful looks at Umbridge, whether for her continued persecution of Harry or just her persecution of others in general, Harry wasn't sure, but it was a much smaller portion of people who were looking at Harry with grins, eager to see his suffering. He glanced back to

Umbridge looked a bit startled at the third person, but finally smiled in a placating way.

"I'm just trying to teach Mr. Potter respect," Umbridge said. "He must be punished if he can't be respectful."

"I completely agree," the unknown person said to Umbridge's surprise. "However, what does respect have to do with knowing his place and his station? Also, what right do you have to teach him his place or station?"

Umbridge opened her mouth to respond when the unknown person cut her off.

"What did he say that was disrespectful?"

"He insulted the Minister!" Umbridge exclaimed

"How?" McGonagall asked firmly.

"I said Fudge was a complete fool to give that interview," Harry said, still glaring at Umbridge.

"I see," the woman said slowly, "well, Professor, I could agree with you, with Mr. Potter referring to the Minister informally in a public space, even if only to his friends and family. However, in this instance, I believe Mr. Potter must be given latitude."

"Whatever for?!" Umbridge demanded angrily.

"Because Minister Fudge has repeatedly shown great disrespect, publicly, for Mr. Potter over the past six months," the woman answered firmly. "In fact, Minister Fudge insulted Mr. Potter in the article that brought this interaction about. Lady Spinnet asked Minister Fudge an apt question about Voldemort (Umbridge flinched and nearly squeaked in outrage), and Minister Fudge said 'Potter's mad ravings and Dumbledore's foolish beliefs have no bearing on the investigation,' or I believe those were the exact words," the woman said.

"That woman asked an inappropriate and stupid question," Umbridge retorted nastily, and Alicia rose to her feet, eyes flashing.

"Lady Spinnet, for she is now a member of the Black and Potter families, is due the same respect you demand from Mr. Potter," Dumbledore interjected severely, and Umbridge's eyes widened in surprise.

"Indeed," the woman agreed sternly. "We cannot demand that Mr. Potter show respect to someone who continuously disrespects him. Why should Mr. Potter give Minister Fudge his title when Minister Fudge continuously fails to do so in return? Until Minister Fudge issues a proper apology, Mr. Potter is well within his right to speak ill of the minister. That he has done so mostly in private is a credit to his character. Now, you will apologize to Ms. Spinnet, Ms. Potter, and Mr. Potter for disrespecting their family member."

"I believe this also merits a formal write up to be presented to the Wizengamot against Professor Umbridge," McGonagall said firmly.

"I agree," the unknown woman agreed.

"The Wizengamot will not stand —" Umbridge started to protest angrily only to be cut off by the woman stepping forward, and her magical aura pressing out.

"Madam, I was prepared to give you a fresh start," the woman said. "I love my brother-in-law, but I know what he can be like. Sure, I don't think he was overstating how immature, power hungry, delusional, and selfish you are, but I was prepared to give you a new start, given that Theseus's perception might be colored by how he feels you affect the Ministry. This is my first real introduction to you though, and I must say, you are not making a good first impression. You clearly revel in your position and ability to abuse students who should be looking to you for guidance. You clearly are delusional, since you are trying to tell the Lord of a Noble House, and members of an Ancient House, that they must learn their place, and you are a fool for trying to demand or teach respect when you have none."

The woman shook her head in disapproval.

"Lady Spinnet's question was not out of turn, considering this is now possibly the second or even third attack by Death Eaters within six months. Fourteen Death Eaters are now on the loose, and now there have been two murder attempts at St. Mungo's in less than a week, one on my brother-in-law, and another on an unspeakable who was recovering. That both attempts were foiled means nothing. All of those point towards the very real possibility that Harry Potter was telling the truth, and the Ministry does owe the people an investigation to see if Mr. Potter was lying or not. Yours and the Minister's opinions are not things you can punish students for not believing."

"Clearly all of House Scamander is biased," Umbridge said with a glare. "I will be speaking to the Wizengamot about –"

"Speak to them if you like," Lady Scamander cut her off again, with an indifferent shrug. "The Minister was warned to stay out of DMLE affairs. Mr. Potter is correct in that Minister Fudge was a complete fool to give that interview, not having the Head of the DMLE, and even the Head Auror and Head Hitwizard with him when he gave that brief. They could have at the bare minimum restricted answers, but instead he tried to use this to further discredit Mr. Potter and even took a stab at Lord Black, which will have repercussions, especially since the Ministry will now have to give a retraction in the paper, unless the DMLE truly does believe that Sirius Black helped orchestrate the breakout. However, insinuating in a paper can have grave consequences when people are already upset about the open persecution of House Potter and House Black."

"There is no persecution –" Umbridge tried to protest, going back to her simpering look, but Lady Scamander's power flared again.

"Are you lying to me or are you really that delusional?" Lady Scamander asked sternly, and Umbridge blinked in surprise. "The persecution is plain as day to people all over. It doesn't matter if you feel it is justified, due to your belief in his possible risk to the populace. It is still persecution. Now, I will be observing your classes. I wish to see your most recent graded papers as well . . . the ones that Theseus never reviewed. Have them ready for me when I show up to your first class."

Umbridge glared, but nodded.

"You will report to my office immediately following this to discuss the professionalism expected of Professors at my school," Dumbledore said, surprising many of them, and Umbridge balked at that.

"You have no right –"

"He does," Lady Scamander cut her off. "He is the Headmaster and you are here to assist him. It is time you figured out your station. I am only going to observe you for the next month. After that, your fate will be sealed, one way or another. Trust me, the Wizengamot is tired of you. In the past month, we've gotten nearly three hundred complaints from students' parents about your conduct. Considering two weeks of that was a holiday break makes it quite startling."

"That was all directed by Lord Scamander," Umbridge said brightly, with relish.

"I would agree, if all the complaints didn't explicitly mention the times when Theseus was gone, and how you were only better at times because you had a Wizengamot member looking over your shoulder," Lady Scamander responded with narrowed eyes, and Umbridge gaped in surprise. "The complaints were all leveled to request a Wizengamot member to be here full time to curb your actions."

"The parents only know what the students tell them," Umbridge responded forcefully. "The students here do not like being held to a standard, as the professors are all lax and supportive of their disruptive behaviors."

"An opinion that you will be hard pressed to sell," McGonagall said with derisive snort. "Our test scores are still impressive, and many of the faculty you are accusing of being soft taught their parents. Their parents know what we are like."

"The students, especially those not of pure blood," Lady Scamander said with a bite in her tone, "don't like a Professor abusing their position and effectively torturing them. I can't say I blame them."

"I've done nothing wr-" Umbridge started to say, in her fake sweet voice, but once again she was cut off.

"Professor, I don't care what you think," Lady Scamander said. "I'm here to observe your teaching and your professionalism. Your ideals and opinions outside of those mean nothing to me. The fact you haven't yet realized that is frankly alarming."

"Then why aren't the other teachers being held to the same standard?" Umbridge demanded. "Why are only my ideals stifled?"

"Other than Professor Dumbledore's support of Voldemort's return, which he has not pushed at this school, last I checked," Lady Scamander said archly, while Umbridge and many others flinched, "please give me specific examples of professors at this school actively preaching ideals about how students must live, and how their opinions must be strictly followed."

"But Potter has been speaking of Voldemort!" Umbridge exclaimed. "Clearly on Dumbledore's orders!"

Lady Scamander's lips thinned. "Evidence of that claim?"

"The fact Potter continues with his lies is proof enough!" Umbridge said.

Lady Scamander shook her head, while McGonagall snorted in disbelief, and Dumbledore gave a disappointed look.

"That is not proof that would hold up anywhere since Mr. Potter was the first one to make the claim," Lady Scamander said firmly. "Within one conversation, you have already, once again, broached impropriety against a student, publicly."

Lady Scamander turned to Dumbledore.

"Albus, I will head to her classroom. Please send her my way after you have formally counseled her about professionalism. I will be bringing this up at the next Wizengamot meeting."

"Very well, Porpentina," Dumbledore said with a nod, and she sighed, and leveled a glare at him and he chuckled. "Very well, Tina."

"A woman after Dora's heart," Harry muttered, getting snorts of agreement from his friends.

"Professor, I expect you in your classroom after your counseling," Tina said, leveling a look at Umbridge. "We will have a discussion and I will review your graded papers."

She didn't wait for a reply, and simply turned and walked away leaving a glaring Umbridge.

Harry grinned at his friends, a smile that was being echoed around the room, with vicious smirks being sent Umbridge's way.

Even when Harry had been very unpopular, Umbridge had not ingratiated herself I. The school, except for with the most influential old families in many of the Houses, but mainly Slytherin. Since Harry had been following Alicia's advice, being more open with the rest of his fellow students, being more social, Umbridge's popularity and only gotten worse.

Looking around, Harry was sure that everyone was hoping Tina Scamander would finish what Theseus had started, and remove the vile toad.

By the end of the day, everyone was sure that Umbridge's days truly were numbered. Tina Scamander was just as knowledgeable and helpful as Theseus. She was less formal, and overall seemed kinder, but she had steel when it came to keeping Umbridge in line, and it was clear that Umbridge was already chafing under the supervision. Bets were already going on when Umbridge would snap and lose her position before Tina had even reached the end of the month.

*HP*

"Dora!" Harry, Katie, and Ginny exclaimed in delight.

They rushed forward and Dora, grinning brightly, met them in a group hug. Thankfully it had been the three of them rushing at her, so when she had inevitably tripped into them, they were able to keep her upright and none of them fell over.

"What are you doing here?" Harry asked, pulling back and smiling.

"Dumbledore thought Remmy, Rick, and I could come and help out with your Grim Consortium meeting," Dora answered.

Harry glanced over to see Rick and Remus already talking to several Consortium members.

"I honestly didn't realize he knew about the Consortium," Harry admitted, a bit impressed. "He really is trying to be more involved and change. He already stood up to Umbridge today and now he's working to actually help us train."

"Well, he knows that you have become very dedicated to making sure that all of your friends, old and new, are capable of protecting themselves if they and their families are attacked," Dora said.

"Truthfully, the Consortium also serves to help protect the school," Harry admitted. "The teachers can only do so much, and if Hogsmeade was hit, during a weekend, Consortium members can help protect the younger students . . . well, if they choose to do so."

"Which many of them would, I think," Katie added.

"So, you effectively created a small army," Dora muttered thoughtfully before she brightened. "Well, let's see what they're made of!"

Dora guided them over to the others, and then Harry signaled for all the members that were spread out in the room chatting to gather around.

"As you can see, we have three guest instructors today," Harry said gesturing to Rick, Dora, and Remus. "You all know Professor Lupin, of course, who has his Mastery in Offensive and Defensive Sorcery."

Remus smiled slightly, before his eyes widened slightly and his smile grew as many of the Consortium cheered or clapped to have him back helping them. Even most of those who weren't clapping or cheering looked pleased to see him, including many of the Slytherins.

"With him is my big sister, Dora Potter, who is an Auror, with a Mastery in Transfiguration and Transmutation and who is weeks away from her Mastery in Offensive and Defensive Sorcery. Some of you probably recognize her from her victory at the Dueling Tournament, two years ago, where she took 1st place in the Under 21 Bracket. She, along with Mad-Eye and Remus, taught me much of what I know."

There were impressed murmurs at that, with many of those who had seen her duel giving her respectful or eager looks.

"Lastly is Auror Captain Rick Savage, Earth and Fire Elemental, Master of Offensive and Defensive Sorcery, Transfiguration and Transmutation, and often in the top 20 for the European Open Dueling Tournament."'m

Another round of impressed murmurs, with some of the purebloods and halfbloods giving Rick friendly smiles, knowing him through their parents.

"Today, we want to evaluate all of you to get a feel of where you are and what specifically you can improve on," Dora said, stepping forward. "I helped train Harry personally, so I have no doubt he is helping you all greatly."

There were many grunts or calls of agreement, and Harry blushed as Katie and Ginny hugged his side.

"However," Dora continued, "there's always room for improvement, and we hope that with our own experience, combined with there being more of us, we can help focus on more of you as individuals. Additionally, we are working with Harry and Professor Dumbledore to ensure more of us, that is guest instructors, will be coming more regularly to help Harry with his instruction and help all of you, assuming you are interested in that sort of thing."

Harry glanced at his sister, surprised at this, certainly not having "worked" with her or Dumbledore to make this happen.

"Will the others be as good as you three?" Zachary Smith asked obnoxiously, and Harry glared in disapproval.

"Well, as much as I hate to say it," Rick said with a grin. "Some will be better. Some, perhaps not as skilled in dueling, but specialized in other areas. Harry's reached out to many of his friends and family that are experts in their fields to come and help pass on their knowledge to all of you."

"Bloody hell," Seamus muttered, looking in awe, probably a bit overwhelmed seeing as how this was his first meeting. He'd just joined after reading about all the Death Eaters escaping from Azkaban. He'd apologized to Harry, admitting that everything was making it hard to deny that Harry had been telling the truth.

"Yes," Dora said. "We'll have curse breakers, Aurors, defensive experts, warders, and specialists in Transfiguration and Charms coming to help you all survive should be attacked, and helping others survive, should you have the chance and be willing to help save them in case of a public attack."

Everyone glanced at Harry in awe, and he just gave what he hoped was a confident smile.

"So, Potter's not our instructor anymore, is that it?" Smith demanded. "What, are we starting to catch up to him? He can't teach us anymore?"

"No, we will all fall under Harry's instruction plan," Dora said firmly, eyeing Smith. "He has adapted his own plan, using a mixture of many different instructors to make something quite special. We are just going to help him. All decisions on ways forward will be his."

"You expect me to believe that Auror Captains and even better are going to listen to him?" Marietta asked incredulously. "Surely you all could beat him easily."

Rick, Dora, and Remus all snorted.

"Beat him? Likely," Rick agreed. "Easily? Not even close."

"I think Harry owes a real demonstration," Dora said, and Harry frowned at her.

"Dora, they've seen me duel."

"They've seen you duel everyone here, and even people back during the Triwizard, but you're better now than you were back then," Dora disagreed. "Frankly speaking, they've never seen you pushed to your limits . . . or seen how you can push others."

"Let's let the siblings give us a proper demonstration," Rick said grinning. "First though, what are the major areas of focus one needs to consider to improve their dueling abilities?"

Unsurprisingly, Hermione's hand was the first in the air.

Rick chuckled. "Ah, so I finally got to see the famous Granger Hand Raise."

There were many sounds of amusement around the room at that and Hermione blushed.

"Alright, Hermione," Rick said. "You may answer one, but then your fellow Consortium members must do the rest. So, pick a good one."

Hermione looked a bit disappointed at that before she frowned thoughtfully and then said, "Awareness."

"Good," Rick approved with a nod. "This is both magical and physical awareness of surroundings. What are the physical aspects, Hermione?"

"The senses," she answered immediately.

"Good, and the magical aspects?"

"The mind arts," she answered, a bit less confidently.

"Two of them," Rick agreed. "Sensing directly affects your awareness of enchantments and spells, and even people or animals, if they don't or can't conceal themselves. Legilimency, when advanced enough for passive use, can help reveal people and will also possibly help reveal what they might attempt to cast. Alright, what's the next one?" Rick asked, looking around at the group.

"Wand movement speed," Astoria offered up.

"Which is closely linked and tied to what?" Rick asked.

"Spellcasting speed," she answered.

"Correct," Rick said, nodding in approval. "It doesn't do much good to be much faster in one compared to the other. Usually this happens once you learn nonverbal casting, with your thoughts just being faster than your wand can move. It's important to keep them tied or you'll start getting shoddy spells that might even backfire. Some consider these two to be the most important areas of focus."

Smith snorted. "Obviously."

Rick raised an eyebrow at him, while Harry, among others, glared or frowned at him for his rudeness.

"Personally, I disagree," Rick said, and Smith stared at the Auror incredulously. "There are several other areas of focus that can neutralize an opponent who is quick with his or her wand. It doesn't help that many sacrifice one of the area focus areas for speed. Which area do you think that is?"

"Accuracy," Ernie Macmillan muttered.

"Correct," Rick said, and Harry nodded at Wrnir, knowing accuracy along with casting wand speed had been three of the things they worked on the most with him. "Speed means very little if you can't hit your target. Next area?"

"Physical endurance and movement," Tracey offered up, having worked on it with Harry

"Excellent," Rick said, "and what is it tied to?"

"Magical power," Tracey responded.

"Another one of the areas people think is the most important," Rick said. "Power is not to be underestimated, but it can be defeated. Physical endurance can help, especially if your magical core isn't as strong as others. You keep moving, and they wear themselves out. Now what else?"

"Spell repertoire," Lavender offered up tentatively.

"Partially right," Rick said. "Can you be more specific."

"Defensive spells," she said after a moment, sounding hopeful.

"Correct," Rick praised, and Lavender beamed in pride. "Which makes the last . . ."

"Offensive spell repertoire," Ava said.

"Bingo," Rick agreed. "Defensive and offensive spells are two different focus areas. There are defensive duelists who know counters, shields, and conjurations to counter damn near anything, but only know a few key offensive spells. On the flip side, there are people who put all their effort into aggressive attacks with no effort made to defend, relying on their speed, endurance, and spell knowledge to overwhelm an opponent's defenses."

"Alright," Remus said. "Let's have Dora and Harry give their demonstration and then Dora, Rick, and I will be evaluating each of you individually to help better assess how to assist all of you as well as Harry."

Everyone cleared the space, and Harry and Dora moved apart from each other, and Harry grinned. Dora smiled at first before she morphed, turning her hair dark and curly, creating a dark eyeliner appearance around her eyes which were an icy cold blue. Now she looked like a younger version of her aunt Bellatrix and her mother, Andromeda. Fierce and dangerous.

There were shudders or gasps around the room, but Harry wasn't one of them. He raised an eyebrow at his sister appraisingly.

"Am I supposed to be scared, Nymphadora?" Harry asked with a smirk.

"I'm not going to take it easy on you, little brother," Dora warned.

"I did always say I'd beat you in a duel," Harry said nonchalantly. "Maybe it's time I make that a reality, Nymphadora."

"Oh, I'm going to enjoy this," Dora said with relish.

"Duelist," Rick said with a grin. "Begin!"

Dora and Harry both drew their wands at the same impressive speed, surprising many, both because of the speed and because Harry was as fast as Dora.

Harry launched a crackling yellow bolt of lightning which rushed to meet Dora's blue paralyzing spell. The two crashed into each other, creating a greenish center to their connecting beams as they started a power struggle, like Harry had done against Voldemort.

Harry started pushing the center back towards Dora, using his strength to his advantage when Dora flicked her wrist sending both spells into the sky with a loud boom of thunder that caused flinches throughout the room.

Dora took no time to start firing off a ferocious volley of bludgeoning curses, bonebreakers, blasting curses, and advanced stunners, along with the occasional simple, but fast and effective jinx or hex like the jellyfingers jinx or sneezing hex.

Harry was surprising everyone though as he gracefully bobbed and weaved around the spells, raised shields, or slapped spells away, showing a mastery of a defensive style of dueling that his Consortium members never saw, he always usually favoring aggressive, offensive style against all of them.

Harry slapped away a spell and then managed to spin into an opening before retaliating with his own blasting curse, which caused Dora's offensive to falter. Harry continued to fire his own volley back, taking them into a more balanced slugfest of spells.

Finally, Harry started really going for the win. He started firing shadow bolts and sleeping spells, animating the shadows and using them to remove Dora's mobility, mixing it up and throwing lightning bolts every now and then to force her to raise a shield, since his lightning bolts couldn't be slapped away.

Once he felt he had her boxed in with shadow, he created a storm of lightning and bolts of lightning started flying at Dora, and she hunkered down raising a powerful shield that was slowly being worn down. He stared at her determined expression, and then she gave him a wink and a grin, and Harry knew he was in trouble.

Dora blasted apart his shadow with an impressive mixture of some sort of shield and a magical battering ram, before she launched three spells at Harry, putting him back on the defensive. That's when she started showing him just what she could do with transfiguration.

She started conjuring animals that ran at him from all directions. Thankfully Harry had become quite proficient at vanishing because of Mad-Eye forcing him to learn a good defensive style to make up for his youth and lack of offensive spells . . . at least at the time. Still, she was just testing him, and he knew it.

Soon, she took it up to the next level, creating vines, trees, and walls, forcing Harry to burn away plants trying to snatch him, blast walls that were obstructing his view, and being forced to move by the ground rising at his feet.

Harry grimaced, knowing he was in bad shape, fighting Dora's conjurations more than she was actually fighting Dora who was smiling wide, enjoying herself and really just toying with him at this point. So, Harry dug deep, and started firing fast explosive curses, shadow bolts, and lightning strikes, trying to brute force his way through Dora's work, and she gave him a proud look before she blew his mind.

Harry felt himself moving, and he looked down to see that Dora had somehow managed to change the floor into some sort of moving floor, forcing him to move to the left, and putting him right into the line of fire that Dora wanted. He quickly started running opposite of the moving direction, but it just sped up to match his pace. He dived under a spell, and then rolled forward only to find himself on another moving floor going in the opposite direction.

Dora started walking forward, firing low level, but incredibly fast spells, and Harry was put on a defensive, while trying to deal with the floor constantly shifting which way it was moving, putting him off balance. He held her off valiantly for far longer than any of his friends thought he would, but finally a trip jinx sent him to the floor hard and she summoned his wand before canceling all the spells and grinning triumphantly.

Cheers echoed around the room, and Harry sighed, nodding at Dora with respect, and her eyes were filled with pride as she moved forward and hugged him hard.

"Alright, everyone," Harry called out. "Get into pairs and continue working on your shields and whatever offensive spell you are currently assigned to. Our guests will pull you out to get evaluated by one of them when they are ready."

"You've done great work here, little brother," Dora said, watching as everyone hopped to follow his instruction and Rick and Remus went and selected their first members: Cho Chang and Christopher Flack.

"I had great role models," Harry responded.

"Well, I should go save our sister and grab my first evaluee," Dora said, glancing over to where Angelina was barely holding onto her patience, despite only just barely starting to work with Smith.

"He and Marietta Edgecomb are problems," Harry admitted. "There are a few other minor problems, but since they are at least learning how to defend themselves, it doesn't feel right asking them to leave."

"That's good of you, Harry," Dora admitted. "It's the right thing to do, even if they are problems."

"Well, let's go save our sister."

They moved over and Dora pulled Zacharias Smith away, while Harry moved next to Angelina, and she hugged him with a huff.

"I swear, the smarmy git gets worse every fucking week," Angelina muttered. "He told me that if I wanted to be with a real man, he could make some time for me."

"You didn't hex him?" Harry asked, legitimately surprised.

"I was close," Angelina admitted. "He's just such a sleaze. He and Marietta need to go. Frankly, I'm kind of surprised they're still here, and that also includes Corner."

Harry glanced over at the boy in question who had, of course, was attempting to cozy up to Ginny and talk with her, and he could see his girlfriend was not happy that he had done so, and based on the fact she was looking more and more unhappy, Harry could assume that she did not like what he was saying.

"Stupid bugger won't take a hint," Harry agreed darkly.

"I'm kind of interested in what he's saying," Angelina said, and flicked her wrist creating a listening spell.

"Come on, Gin," Corner pleaded. "Aren't you tired of having to share Potter? Trust me, I'll treat you much better, and give you the attention you deserve."

"Michael, if you haven't fucking listened before, I don't know why you'd listen now, but I'm HAPPY with Harry and Kaite. I never turned you down because of Harry. I turned you down because I was already dating Katie! Katie and I are dating. We share Harry, but he has to share us."

"Well, I won't stop you from fulfilling those urges, if you need to," Michael offered up, "I'm happy to let you bring some fun to our relationship, but surely you can do better than Katie Bell. She's been with half of the school, if the rumors are to be believed. Besides, she's definitely just using you to keep Harry happy."

"Michael, this is your last warning," Ginny said with dangerous edge to her voice. "Insult my girlfriend, who is also one of my best friends, again, and I will put you in the hospital wing. Katie is one of the sweetest people I've ever met, and she has not been with half the school. She's barely dated anyone. She just likes to flirt. That's not a crime! Now, go find yourself another fucking partner because I'm done working with you. Don't talk to me in the halls either."

Ginny stormed away, and Angelina and Harry both glowered at Corner who was gazing after Ginny with barely concealed lust.

"I thought Smith was a prick, but I might kill him," Angelina said.

"I'll help," Harry agreed savagely. "How dare he insult Katie!"

"It might be worth talking to the rest of the members, in small groups or one by one and figuring out their opinions on our few problems," Angelina said with a shake of her head. "This has really become something special, to a lot of us, but those few are pissing quite a few of us off. It might be worth seeing if its time to cut them loose. Let them do their own damn thing, or make them apologize and cut out their bullshit if they want to stay."

"I doubt anyone wants Smith to stay," Harry said. "Daphne and Tracey both loathe the git. Even Astoria, Hazel, and Diana have nothing nice to say and they have nice things to say about damn near anyone!"

"He's a bastard to Luna, though she never lets him get to her," Angelina added. "Obviously our closest friends hate the little shit. Marina scares the hell out of him so she isn't usually bothered by him, but I'm sure she'll be happy to kick him to the curb. She thinks he's a waste of space. Ava and Gabrielle are tired of him hitting on them and acting all superior."

"Yeah, he's a blood purist, that's for sure," Harry muttered quietly. "There's only one or two of the Slytherins that seem to have that type of mindset, unless more are hiding it, , and even the ones who I think are, seem to be reevaluating themselves, within this mix, but I'm sure he is. He isn't changing either. He definitely believes his name means everything . . . that he's untouchable. He's just here because he thinks we can help him grow more powerful, which will help him gain more prestige. I doubt he has any worries about Death Eater attacks."

"I doubt he believes you at all," Angelina agreed. "I think there's a few others that are still doubtful, leaning more towards you don't really understand what you saw, but pretty much everyone in the Consortium knows you now, and they are sure that someone attacked you and Cedric."

"It won't be long before they all know," Harry said softly. "I'm sure of it."

"Me too," Angelina agreed. "We're running low on time before the war picks up."

"We just have to get stronger . . . and stick together."

"Family," Angelina agreed with a smile.

"Things are already looking brighter," Harry said. "Dumbledore's finally on our side, for real, and we've got a meeting with him later this week."

"Which isn't going to be intimidating at all," Angelina said, eying Harry. "The rest of us don't have you relationship with the man."

Harry chuckled. "You'll be fine. I'll be there, after all."

"Like you always are," Angelina agreed, with a slightly teasing tone.

"And always will," Harry finished, ". . . except when you're alone with George."

They looked over at their three guests slowly working their way through the Consortium, talking to each one, and taking notes. Harry knew that some, like Alicia and Angelina, might join the Order or the Ministry after graduation, and this might help them survive the coming war, and as for the rest of them, Harry suspected the war would come to Hogwarts eventually, and the Grim Consortium might be what tips the scale between victory and death.