Chapter 15: Trouble on the pitch and a meeting
A couple of days after what happened in the Hogsmeade village, with the Dementors attacking the students and the villagers, both Dumbledore and the Ministry of Magic—mainly Cornelius and the people from his office—were under scrutiny. Enraged parents had sent angry letters and howlers demanding answers.
Harry and his friends had written to their guardians, explaining what had happened, and even filed complaints to the DMLE. The former had written two complaints and created a duplicate. The original copies had been sent to the Auror office and the others to Nymphadora. Needless to say, she was not pleased by what had happened, though the same could not be said for his aunt Andi. She was angrier than her daughter and looked seconds away from tearing Fudge and the people who recommended the Dementors be on school grounds a new one. It had taken much persuasion from her husband, Sirius, and Harry to convince her otherwise. Instead, Andromeda looked into the people who came up with the idea to have the Dementors near the school grounds in the first place.
Sirius could say a lot about his cousin, but Andromeda was a bloody menace when she lost her temper. If the people viewed Bellatrix Lestrange as highly dangerous, they had obviously never met an angry Andromeda. Sirius had even shuddered when she gotthatlook in her eyes.
Dora took the complaint forms to her mentor, Alastor Moody, so he could verify them and keep them on file. After they were documented, she gave the confirmation papers to her Mum.
Then there was the matter of dealing with the cloaks from the dead Dementors. By the old laws of the Wizarding World and at the Ministry of Magic, Harry had a right to claim the cloaks as a right of conquest. The ICW had sent him the paperwork confirming that he had claimed the basilisk's hide a couple of days after slaying it. But just to be safe in case anyone said anything, he made copies and had them safely locked away at Potter Manor.
Harry and his friend were having breakfast at the Ravenclaw table when the owls came flying in with the latest news report from the Daily Prophet. He had to resist the urge to roll his eyes after reading the headline:
Harry Potter: Hero or Dark Wizard?
By: Rita Skeeter
Mr. Potter, aka The Boy-Who-Lived, has once again surprised magical Britain with his actions a couple of days ago in the Hogsmeade village. What was supposed to be a relaxing trip to the village for third years and above turned into a nightmare. The Dementors who were stationed on the school grounds and near the village to safeguard the students from the escaped mass murder Sirius Black had unexpectedly attacked. Through the chaos in the small village, Mr. Potter had used some incredible pieces of magic. The patronus charm and an unknown spell.
Yes, my readers, you heard right. A thirteen-year-old boy was actually capable of producing a corporeal patronus. Something that most adults often struggle to accomplish. Mr. Potter had managed to drive off almost a hundred of the Dementors with his patronus. However, his next spell was questionable, something no one had ever seen. A handful of Dementors were hovering above a group of students, ready to administer the Kiss when Mr. Potter cast the spell. Some of the witnesses claim that the spell took the form of a fiery black creature that not only drove the Dementors away but managed to kill them? That's right. Potter's unknown spell had killed six Dementors, leaving nothing but their cloaks behind, which he took for himself.
Another shocking fact is that the Unspeakables of the Department of Mysteries were unable to figure out the type of magic used to create the spell. The only thing they were able to find out is that the spell is dark in nature and extremely powerful. Now, that is something very concerning. Is the Boy-Who-Lived studying Dark magic? Is Harry Potter a hero, or is he on the road to becoming the next Dark Lord?
Page 3:More on what the Unspeakables had to say regarding Mr. Potter's spell.
Page 5:How Harry Potter has changed since rejoining the Wizarding World.
Harry put the newspaper down and, with a wave of his wand, summoned his patronus charm. Everyone in the Hall was surprised to see his ouroboros dragon, not that he cared in the slightest, as he whispered something to the dragon before sending it off.
". . . I know that look," Blaise commented with a hint of amusement in his voice. Harry cast a glance at him when he put his copy of the Daily Prophet down. "Someone is about to get their butt kicked."
"Let's just say that Cuffe better get a hold of Skeeter before my lawyer does," Harry replied with an even tone.
"I will never understand how Rita Skeeter has been able to avoid serving time in Azkaban. The woman has certainly made a lot of enemies. A handful of them are high-ranking individuals. Any personal or private conversations they've had ended up in the Daily Prophet, courtesy of that woman," Tracey said. Skeeter was well-known for writing disparaging stories about people and ruining their lives. What is really surprising is how she can get her information, as some of the things she writes about are classified. Tracey shook her head a bit, "no matter what, she would want people to think we know the truth. You saved a great number of people in the village."
"I appreciate it, Tracey," Harry replied and went to finish eating his toast.
At the end of breakfast, they all went to their classes for the day, though Harry continued to be the best, much to Granger's annoyance. Several students, including her, had approached him about where he learned the patronus charm, what spell he used against the Dementors, and what he intended to do with their remains. However, their questions fell on deaf ears, as Harry refused to say anything except that he learned the patronus charm from his mentor. The young Gryffindor had other things on his mind. One of them happened to be his former friend Granger, who had taken to shadowing him wherever he went. While he had no trouble dodging the girl's attempts to corner him in the corridors. The annoying ginger was becoming a real nuisance with that time-turner she got from Dumbledore. He would need to get the thing away from her.
(00)
As the days to the first Quidditch match of the year drew closer, Harry continued his routine of attending classes, training under his mentors in Salazar's chamber, and learning under both his ancestors. Under their watchful eyes, he'd been practicing more powerful spells, studying ancient magic, and refining his dueling skills in his two different styles. He was quite pleased with the results and wanted to take them to the highest levels possible. However, the new style he had been working on had the foundations of his two primary styles and would serve him well. That was because he could be unpredictable, swift, take on multiple powerful opponents at once, conserve energy, and unleash powerful attacks. If people had thought he was formidable before, they had no idea what he would be capable of in the future.
In addition, he began studying Voldemort and the members of his inner circle, as well as their histories, philosophies, dueling styles, and tactics. Learning who they were inside and out. To defeat your enemy, you must know them. Their strengths and weaknesses. This was made a lot easier with the information his ancestors, grandfather, great uncle, aunt Andromeda, and Severus had on them. Plus, all the information Dobby had managed to acquire from his time serving under the Malfoys would prove invaluable. The illegal possessions Lucius and his friends had, as well as their known associates, actions during the last war, shadier dealings, etc. Know thy enemy.
If they believe themselves invincible, then they have another thing coming. Voldemort may have survived, thanks to his Horcruxes. Four of them may have been destroyed, but three of them were still out there. So, as long as they remain hidden, Voldemort will keep coming back. One thing was sure, though. . .the damn bastard was relentless. Severus once commented that he would never rest until he achieved what he desired. The best anyone can do is delay him.
This was not going to be easy, and on top of that, he would have to deal with Dumbledore. However, that would be something to think about at a later time. Pushing those thoughts aside, he walked to the DADA classroom with Blaise, Neville, and the others. The three boys were walking in front while Daphne and Tracey were following behind.
"How long do you think this storm will continue?" Blaise asked. It had been raining hard for the past couple of days and didn't look like it would let up anytime soon.
"Couldn't tell you," Harry replied, shrugging his shoulders. "Best guess it'll continue for the rest of the week."
"Are you worried about tomorrow?" Neville inquired to his godbrother. "The first quidditch match of the year is between Gryffindor and Hufflepuff, and if the storm doesn't let up, then it could be problematic. Not to mention, the Dementors are still around," feeling a cold shiver run down his spine. His Gran had been absolutely furious after hearing about the attack in Hogsmeade. She sent angry letters to both the Minister of Magic's office and Professor Dumbledore and even called an emergency session with the Board of Governors.
"Let's hope things don't turn out like last time," Harry replied, thinking back to what Oliver had said about them facing Hufflepuff instead of Slytherin. Malfoy had gotten into some trouble with a couple of sixth-years, and his arm was in a sling. In reality, Harry couldn't find it within himself to really care. Whatever happened to Malfoy was not his concern, as the blonde prick could end up dead or in a coma for all he cared.
Entering the classroom, the five of them took their seats. Harry and Blaise sat next to the window, with Daphne and Tracey at the table behind them, and Neville sat at the table beside the two formers. After a few minutes, the rest of the students walked in to take their seats.
Harry nudged Blaise's shoulder and discreetly gestured to the third empty table in the middle row. Both Granger and Weasley were absent. They weren't too worried about the latter as he'd probably be late from trying to eat some last-minute lunch in the Hall. But the former was another matter; Harry had warned Blaise, Daphne, and Tracey that Dumbledore had given Granger a time-turner at the beginning of the term. The three were shocked that Granger had a powerful magical device and more so upon hearing that Dumbledore was the one who gave it to her.
If they thought Dumbledore was crazy before. . .then he was outright insane now. Who in their right mind would give a fourteen-year-old girl an object like that? Especially an arrogant, condescending, self-righteous teacher's pet like Granger?
She would likely use the time-turner to appear at the empty table. It didn't matter much since they now knew how she appeared to be in two places at once. While the lions were adamantly chatting away, waiting for Professor Lupin to arrive, the snakes remained mostly quiet. That was until the bell rang and the door opened, revealing Professor Snape entering, not Professor Lupin. The man came in with his robes billowing and wand in hand, flicking it at the windows to shut them. He whirled around and addressed the students. "Turn to page 394," he sternly commanded in a no-nonsense tone.
Around a few minutes after the bell rang, Weasley came rushing in. The redhead was out of breath. O-Oh, you gotta be kidding me," Ron said, stunned to see Professor Snape in the room.
"Yes, and here's something else to laugh about," Snape's cold smile grew slightly bigger. "Due to your tardiness, you have lost your house 10 points. Take a seat."
Ron grumbled something unintelligent before sitting at the empty table and taking his book out. "As I said before, Mr. Weasley so abruptly interrupted, page 394," Severus sneered at Ron, who lazily turned the pages in his book.
While the rest of the students turned the appropriate page, Dean went to ask. "Sir, where is Professor Lupin?"
Severus sneered at him. "Suffice it to say that Professor Lupin finds himself ill-suited to teach at the present time. Page 394," he rolled down the projector screen and went to start the projector. Tapping his wand on it a few times, he activated it and turned his gaze to Weasley, who was still lazily turning the pages in his book. Waving his wand at the idiot's book, he made it turn to the required page.
"Werewolves," Ron confusingly said.
The next moment, Hermione appeared beside him and replied. "Please, sir, we've done Boggarts, Red Caps, Kappas, and Grindylows, and we're just about to start. . ." Harry resisted the urge to roll his eyes as she used her time-turner to appear like she had been in the class all along.
"Quiet," Severus said in a cold voice. "I did not ask for information. I was merely rectifying Professor Lupin's lack of organization."
"He's the best Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher we've ever had," said Seamus Finnegan boldly, and there was a murmur of agreement from the rest of the class. Snape looked more menacing than ever.
"That will be 5 points from Gryffindor for speaking out of turn, Mr. Finnegan," he stared daggers at the dark-skinned boy, which made him shrink. "You are easily satisfied. Lupin is hardly overtaxing you. . .I would expect first years to be able to deal with Red Caps and Grindylows. Today, we shall be discussing werewolves."
"But, sir," said Hermione, seemingly unable to restrain herself, "we're not supposed to do werewolves yet; we're due to start Hinkypunks. . ."
"Miss Granger," said Snape in a calm, deadly voice, "I was under the impression that I am teaching this lesson, not you. And I am telling you all to turn to page 394." He glanced around again."All of you! Now!"
A silent grumble enveloped the class as everyone turned to the page they were supposed to.
When everyone was on the same page. Severus began, "Which of you can tell me how we distinguish between the werewolf and the true wolf?".
Several of the students sat in motionless silence. Hermione's hand immediately shot straight into the air like it normally did. Harry had a feeling this would be coming up. He heard about the lethal prank Sirius had played on him when they were back in school, so his issues with werewolves were understandable.
"Anyone?" Snape said, ignoring Hermione. His twisted smile was back. "Are you telling me that Professor Lupin hasn't even taught you the basic distinction between. . ."
"We told you," said Seamus suddenly, "we haven't got as far as werewolves yet. We're still on. . ."
"Silence!" snarled Snape. "Well, well, well, I never thought I'd meet a third-year class who wouldn't even recognize a werewolf when they saw one. I shall make a point of informing Professor Dumbledore how very behind you all are. . ."
"Please, sir," said Hermione, whose hand was still in the air, "the werewolf differs from the true wolf in several small ways. The snout of the werewolf. . ."
"That is the second time you have spoken out of turn, Miss Granger," said Snape coolly. "Are you incapable of restraining yourself, or do you take pride in being an insufferable bucktoothed know-it-all? With the way you strut around this castle, acting like you know everything, it's a wonder how you have any friends at all. 10 points from Gryffindor."
Hermione went very red, put down her hand, and stared at the floor with her eyes full of tears. Many of the Gryffindors were staring, loathing at Snape. They were already aware of the man's reputation for being cynical and cold. They didn't expect him to say that. Many of them have called her a know-it-all, including Ron, who called her that at least twice a week, but it never held such ice-cold venom. The redheaded boy stared daggers at him for what he said to Hermione, "you greasy-haired bastard. You asked us a question, and she knows the answer! Why ask if you don't want to be told?"
The class knew instantly he'd gone too far. Snape advanced on Ron slowly, and the room held its breath. "15 more points from Gryffindor points and three nights of detention, Weasley," Snape said silkily, his face very close to Ron's. "And if I ever hear you criticize the way I teach a class again, you will be very sorry indeed."
"That's not fair," Ron said, red in the face, "you asked her a question she. . ."
"That will be another detention, Weasley," Snape talked over him. "Do you want a five?" he said in a cold voice.
"I don't want five—" Weasley tried to protest but was cut off.
"That will be another detention. Next time you speak, it will be 25 points from your house," he warned the boy. Ron looked ready to retort but was cut off.
"Ron, for once, will you please stop running your mouth?" Neville hissed. That got an irate look from the youngest male, Weasley, that he brushed off.
No one made a sound throughout the rest of the lesson. They sat and made notes on werewolves from the textbook while Snape prowled up and down the rows of desks, examining the work they had been doing with Professor Lupin.
"Very poorly explained... That is incorrect; the Kappa is more commonly found in Mongolia. . . Professor Lupin gave this eight out of ten? I wouldn't have given it three. . ."
When the bell rang, at last, Snape held them back. "You will each write an essay, to be handed into me, on the ways you recognize and kill werewolves. I want two rolls of parchment on the subject, and I want them by Monday morning. It is time somebody took this class in hand."
"But it's Quidditch tomorrow," Ron blurted out, unable to restrain himself. However, he instantly regretted it when Snape got in his face, and his cold black eyes met his brown ones.
"Then pray tell Mr. Weasley, are you on the Quidditch team," Snape coldly inquired.
"W-Well no. . .but Harry is," he said, pointing at Harry, who glared at him for putting him on the spot. "Come on, Harry. Aren't you going to say something?" He looked at his former friend like he expected him to say something about their homework assignment.
Everyone in the class turned their attention to Harry to see what his response would be. Harry surprised them with his reply, "I don't know why you're bringing me into this. Last I checked, you're not on the Gryffindor Quidditch team, so you should have ample time to get the essay done. After all, it's not like you have anything important to do." With that said, he left the room with his friends, leaving a good portion of the students at a loss for words and a fuming Ron.
Before he could follow behind, Snape's voice cut across the classroom. "Congratulations, Weasley, you just earned your sixth detention. Now, take a seat so we can arrange your detentions."
By the time he left the class, Ron was red with anger, while Hermione was still silently crying.
The five of them attended their remaining classes for the day before heading into the library to finish some of their homework assignments. Harry had already finished most of his assignments for the week, so he only had to complete the homework essay he got today and the day before, which wasn't much. By the time they were through, the group went to the Hall for dinner. Sitting at the Ravenclaw table, Blaise looked over his shoulder at the Gryffindor table to see Weasley ranting about the detentions he got from Professor Snape and the amount of points he took. Meanwhile, Harry was still laughing a bit after reading the letter he received from Dora.
After the Daily Prophet's latest edition about what happened in the Hogsmeade village, Andromeda went there to inform Cuffe that she was suing them again for what Skeeter had written. It was an open-and-shut case that resulted in Cuffe paying a fine of 52,000 galleons, Skeeter being suspended for three weeks without pay, and them having to print an apology to Harry. Again, the bug-eyed woman was furious about being suspended, but there was nothing she could do.
(00)
The next day, in the Gryffindor changing room, the Gryffindor Quidditch team was preparing for their match against Hufflepuff. Yet their Captain Oliver was worried because of how heavy the storm was. He was so nervous that he was sweating bullets, and it took Harry's calming charm to get him to settle down. "Take a breath, Wood. This match is as good as ours. So long as we stick to the plan, we should come out on top."
"Harry's right," Angelina spoke up. "We're not scared of playing in the rain. We just have to avoid getting hit by lightning and ensure that Harry catches the snitch before Diggory."
"You-You-re right," Oliver took a few deep breaths. He then looked at Harry, "Harry, as soon as you get the chance, grab that snitch, but be on your guard out there. Diggory is a very talented Seeker with a Nimbus 2001, so he will be a challenge."
"Relax, Wood. I got this," Harry replied with a grin. "You just make sure you keep the 'Puffs from scoring." He then looked at the three Chasers, "ladies it's time to put your strong arms to work. Score as many points as you can out there."
"We'll do our best," Katie replied with a grin that was matched by Angelina and Alicia's. The two determinedly nodded their heads.
"Fred, George. . ." He gave the two a knowing look.
"Say no more, Harry. . ." Fred began.
"We got this covered," George finished.
"All right, one more thing," Harry stopped them from leaving. He told them to cast the impervius charm on their goggles so they could see through the rain. Once they had all cast the spell, the group waited in their tent for a few more minutes. A part of Harry had a feeling something bad was going to happen during the game; however, he brushed it aside to think about the Hufflepuff team, namely their Seeker. From what he knew, they would not do anything underhanded, and Diggory was an alright bloke. The fifth-year was a Prefect who had been fair with him last year; never once did he ostracize, bully, or accuse him of being the one behind the attacks on muggle-borns. They may not be friends, but Diggory had earned the benefit of the doubt.
When the time came for them to leave, they all went to the entrance of the quidditch pitch. The winds were so strong that they staggered sideways as they walked out onto the field. If the crowd was cheering, they couldn't hear it over the fresh rolls of thunder. In Harry's opinion, this was going to be a difficult game. The Hufflepuffs were approaching from the opposite side of the field, wearing canary-yellow robes. The Captains walked up to each other and shook hands; Diggory smiled at Wood, but Wood now looked as though he had lockjaw and merely nodded. Harry heard Madam Hooch say, "mount your brooms." He pulled his right foot out of the mud with a squelch and swung it over his Nimbus 2000. Madam Hooch put her whistle to her lips and gave it a blast that sounded shrill and distant —they were off.
Time didn't seem to matter to Harry as he was only concerned with ending the game so they could head back in. He wasn't worried about himself but the others, as Oliver, Fred, and George looked a little uncomfortable playing in the rain.
As the winds were raging, the commentary could be heard through the winds. After hiding in the clouds for two hours, he heard that they were in the lead by 110 points, and as luck would have it, he spotted the snitch. Immediately, he pushed his broom to its limit and raced toward the snitch. Unfortunately, Diggory had also seen the snitch. Cedric may have had the faster broom, but Harry was the better Seeker. Just as he was about to get close enough, something unexpected happened.
The cold air instantly got colder, and hundreds of Dementors emerged from hiding in the dark clouds to surround them. "Diggory, look out," Harry shouted as a group of Dementors flew straight at him. Before the older boy could react, they had knocked him off his broom when Harry flicked his wand out and cast his ouroboros patronus. His dragon sent the Dementors away just as he caught the snitch in his left hand before diving after Diggory.
He kicked his broom into overdrive."Accio Diggory,"he said mentally, and instead of falling, Diggory shot straight up for Harry to grab the boy's arm. He threw the unconscious boy across his shoulders and made his way to the ground, where Madam Hooch caught sight of him. A second later, Madam Pomfrey arrived on the field with a conjured stretcher for Diggory.
Carefully loading the Hufflepuff boy up, Harry showed Madam Hooch he had caught the snitch. Lee announced the winner when she blew her whistle and received confirmation that he had the snitch. "Ladies and Gentlemen, Harry Potter has caught the snitch! Gryffindor wins 310 to 30!"
The other members of the Gryffindor team flew down to congratulate Harry for not only catching the snitch but for saving Diggory's life. Wood had actually fainted when they entered the locker room. Katie, though, revived him by blasting a stream of hot water in his face. "We actually won!"
"Easy Wood. We don't want you to pass out again," Harry joked. That earned a few chuckles from the twins and some light giggling from the girls. "Besides, I have a feeling there will be a party after dinner tonight in the common room."
"Took the words right out," George began.
"Of our mouths, Harriken," Fred completed.
(00)
The rest of Gryffindor's house was in high spirits after the first match; when dinner was over, Fred and George had started a party in the common room. However, Harry went to the hospital wing to check on Cedric. They may not be friends, but the least he could do was be cordial with him. Walking inside, he saw the Hufflepuff sitting in his bed, eating dinner from the Great Hall.
"Hey, Diggory," Harry said, getting his attention while approaching him.
"Hey, Potter," he cordially said back. There was a bit of awkwardness between them as they hardly ever spoke to one another. Cedric cleared his throat. "My team told me what happened during the match. Thanks for saving my skin when those Dementors knocked me off my broom. I owe you one."
"You don't owe me anything," Harry waved it off. "Personally, I'm surprised the Dementors are still here. I thought they would have been sent away after what happened last week at Hogsmeade."
"Right." Cedric agreed. This time, he chuckled. "My parents were absolutely furious about what happened. Dad had spent a good hour ranting about how the Dementors needed to be sent back to Azkaban and that it was foolish to have them on the school grounds."
Harry sat in the chair beside him. "How are you feeling?"
Cedric grunted. "After being knocked off my broom and falling hundreds of feet only to be magically pulled up. I say I'm alright," chuckling a bit. "Though I am a little disappointed about not being able to catch the snitch. . .in the end, you proved to be the better Seeker. It also didn't help that the weather was less than ideal."
"Touche," Harry commented with a small smile. "But this is not the way I wanted to win. If it means anything, we can consider the match a draw." Cedric blinked at him with surprise. He was about to speak—probably protest—when Harry raised a hand. "Here me out. Because of what happened, I would like to propose an alternative to see who the better Seeker is."
"I'm listening," he leaned a little, intrigued by what he had in mind.
"What say when the storm passes and when the Dementors leave, we have a real match? No interference. No underhanded tactics. We can use the snitch in the school's quidditch shed," Harry proposed.
Cedric laughed. "Sounds good to me. However, this is one problem: I no longer have a broom anymore." A wave of sadness fell on his face.
"What are you talking about?" Harry raised an eyebrow.
Cedric pointed to the chair on his other side. There rested the pieces of his destroyed broom. "According to Professor Flitwick, it flew into the whomping willow. He says there's no chance of fixing it, so I'm disadvantaged. I paid a good amount of money for this broom, and now it's being destroyed. So, I'm at a disadvantage."
"Not necessarily," Harry shook his head. "We can use the school's brooms. This way, we can have a fair match. There is no honor in winning a match unless we're on the same plane."
After hearing what Potter said, the Prefect stared at Potter with wide eyes. Several other people would have capitalized on what happened earlier today, yet here sat a boy younger than him with an offer for a fair match. Cedric was not one too much trust in rumors, especially not the ones surrounding Potter. And there were plenty of rumors about him.
A soft smile appeared on his face. "You're very honorable, you know. All right, Potter, you got yourself a match."
The two shook hands. "Thanks again for checking in on me."
Harry gave him a nod before getting up. "See you later, Diggory," he said, walking out of the Hospital wing.
At the end of the week in the Headmaster's office, Minerva inhaled a sharp breath about the impending meeting that would happen in a few minutes. Due to what happened yesterday, the Minister of Magic, the Board of Governors, and Professor Dumbledore had called an emergency meeting this morning. They would be arriving shortly to debate on the best course of action. A handful of people were already present and accounted for her, Professors Dumbledore, Flitwick, Snape, and Lupin for Hogwarts, and Augusta Longbottom for the Board of Governors. The only people who have yet to arrive are from the Ministry and the Malfoys. Already, she had a feeling that this would be a long meeting and a calming Draught would be needed. Probably a headache potion as well.
While it was understandable that the Minister and a couple of people from the Ministry would be present, she wondered why the Malfoys had to be included in the meeting. After waiting a few minutes, Dumbledore said, "come in, Cornelius."
A half second later, the Headmaster's office door opened, and Cornelius, along with his Undersecretary Delores Umbridge, the Head of the DMLE Amelia Bones, Head Auror Rufus Scrimgeour, Aurors John Dawlish, Kingsley Shacklebolt, Alastor Moody, his protege Nymphadora Tonks, and the Head of the DoM Saul Croaker entered the room. They were followed by Lucius Malfoy, his wife Narcissa, and their son Draco.
"Thank you, all, for coming on such short notice," Dumbledore began with his calm, grandfatherly persona. "As I am sure many of you are aware, we are to discuss the Dementors returning to Azkaban, where they can be away from the students. But before we begin, I would like to inquire why Mr. Malfoy's son is here," he said as his blue eyes fell on the Malfoys, namely Draco.
"I agree these are adult concerns, and Mr. Malfoy has no business being present during our meeting," said Minerva, narrowing her eyes at the Malfoy heir. Draco frowned, and his father sneered.
"My son was one of the students who had been attacked last week by those wretched creatures stationed in the village. As a witness, he has a right to be here."
"I seem to recall that you were one of the individuals who recommended that Dementors be placed on the school grounds and in the village before the school year began," Moody grunted in displeasure. He never liked Malfoy or his associates. After being captured at the end of the first war with Voldemort, they pleaded to be under the imperius curse and got off with only a slap on the wrist. Complete dragon dung, in his opinion. Malfoy was also a conniving, slippery bastard. "If there is anyone that should be blamed for what's been happening as of late. . . It's you and your lots!"
Lucius angrily stared at the grizzled Auror. "Hem, Hem," Delores Umbridge coughed, bringing everyone's attention to her. "I do believe I misheard you, Auror Moody. Lord Malfoy and the others only recommended that the Dementors be placed here in the best interest of the students. A madman has escaped Azkaban and. . ."
"And yet, if the Dementors remain in this school any longer, then someone will likely end up dead," Amelia's voice cut across the room. Amelia despised Delores with a passion as she was a right bitch. It was well known that the toad-like woman was the most loathed individual to ever work in the Ministry. There were many people, especially in her department, who would like to see the woman either fired or carted off to Azkaban. "They have caused more than enough problems these past couple of months than Sirius Black has since the day it was discovered that he escaped Azkaban. It is not hard to figure out which is more of a security risk. Wouldn't you agree?" She said sharply. True to the deal she made with Potter that day, she looked into the file regarding Sirius Black's trial but found nothing. There was no transcript or evidence that he had been given a trial.
"Then wouldn't this be something you and the members of your Department should have handled by now?" Delores inquired in a fake, sugary voice. "If this is a matter of security like you say, then why haven't you done anything to remedy this problem with the Dementors? After all, it's the job of the Director of Law Enforcement to ensure that this country's citizens are protected."
Amelia flared her nostrils and narrowed her eyes at the woman's statement. "True. But that is easier said than done since my Department has to clean up the incompetent actions of others. Particularly of those who like to meddle and interfere in matters that do not concern them or those who like to twist things to their advantage," she passed a quick withering look at Lucius before zeroing in on Umbridge. "I even remember a certain squat woman with a superiority complex who has proven time and time again to be a complete nuisance in overstepping her boundaries. Often doing things outside of her job description."
"This person had again overstepped her boundaries during the meeting about voicing her opinion of the Dementors being placed near a school. A school that is currently housing hundreds of students." Delores' expression done a complete one-eighty as she loathingly stared at the Director of Law Enforcement. But Amelia was far from done. "Incidentally, her arrogance and shortsightedness have blinded her to the problems caused by the Dementors. And furthermore, she is once again making a nuisance of herself by not only telling me how to run my Department but is also neglecting to do her own job."
Nymphadora almost burst out laughing, though quickly grunted to cover it. Like her Auror mentor and many others, she hated the foul woman with a passion. From what she heard, the wench delighted in making the lives of others hell. So it was refreshing to see her boss tell Umbitch off. Alastor certainly agreed as he looked pleasantly amused, and even Professor McGonagall's lips curled into a small, barely visible smile.
"How dare you," a fuming Delores said. "I am the Senior Undersecretary to the Minister of Magic, Amelia, and you will remember who it is you are speaking to or—"
"Or what? You'll fire me?" Amelia challenged. "Go ahead, and we'll see how the other Department Heads and the Wizengamot members react. Do you really think your reputation and job can handle the backlash?"
"Now shut your trap and get back to work!"
Cornelius interrupted when Delores was about to say something. "Come, come, you two, there is no need for hostility," he offered, trying to defuse the tension. The last thing he wanted to do was deal with a spat between his Undersecretary and the Head of DMLE. "We are here to find a way to rectify the problems caused by the Dementors and Sirius Black." Much like Madam Bones said, complaints from angry parents and guardians have been rolling since the disaster in the Hogsmeade village. If that weren't enough, the reporters from the Daily Prophet have been in a feeding frenzy demanding answers. Thankfully, with Lucius's help, he was able to pacify them for a time. But this was only a temporary solution.
The politics demanded that someone take the fall for this current situation, and the last thing he wanted was for that to be the Ministry, namely him. So, it was essential that this situation be remedied quickly. "Delores, Amelia, please let us stay on task in accomplishing what needs to be done," he then turned to the Deputy headmistress. "Professor McGonagall, Mr. Malfoy was one of the victims who'd been attacked, so his assistance will be invaluable."
"Very well," Minerva flared her nostrils. "However, he must remain quiet and not involve himself unless his input is requested."
"That is perfectly agreeable. Mr. Malfoy does have the unfortunate habit of running his mouth and making situations worse," Augusta snidely commented, earning a glare from the Malfoys. Albus nodded his head in agreement, and Lucius angrily gripped his cane before telling Draco to remain quiet. "Madam Umbridge, I believe you are missing some materials. The other Governors will demand a report of this meeting, or do you possess the capability to remember every important detail discussed?"
"I have a quill and some parchment in case you need them," Albus offered, reaching into one of his desk drawers and pulling out a few pieces of blank parchment and a quill.
An angry Delores snatched the pieces of parchment and quill from the Headmaster's desk while glaring at him and Lady Regent Longbottom.
"Now as we were," Augusta cleared her throat, "we are here to discuss the recent Dementor attacks. While I agree that security around this school is needed, the incident yesterday on the Quidditch pitch and the attack in Hogsmeade cannot be overlooked."
"Indeed," Dumbledore spoke up in an even voice. "If you recall, Cornelius, I sent you an order form about removing them from the school grounds after they attacked last week. Many of the students and villagers who were present at the time can testify that the Dementors attacked without authorization; a handful of them—Mr. Malfoy here included—almost had their souls sucked out." He may have been calm, but the twinkle in his blue eyes had been nonexistent. "This latest incident with them attacking Mr. Cedric Diggory and Mr. Harry Potter is unacceptable. Mr. Diggory would probably be dead after they knocked him off his broom, but that had been avoided due to Mr. Potter's quick actions."
Lucius had to resist the powerful urge to sneer, though the same couldn't be said for his son. Draco had a deep frown on his face; he didn't want to hear the old fool glorify Potter. The filthy half-blood had only gotten this far due to being lucky.
"Here, here," Rufus said. "I read that he used an unknown spell to kill half a dozen Dementors. Is that true?"
"Yes, it is," Filius said with pride in his voice. "Professors Dumbledore, McGonagall, and I examined the cloaks they left behind to confirm their origins. Undoubtedly, they belonged to the Dementors he killed."
"Then they should have been returned to the Ministry, and the boy should have been brought in for questioning," Delores vehemently interjected. "If this is true, he should be brought up on charges for destroying Ministry property and illegally possessing the Dementors' remains."
Nymphadora looked ready to tell the woman off, but Alastor interjected. "Are you mad, woman? You want to arrest the boy for defending himself against those foul creatures! Given the situation, the Potter lad was within his rights to kill those creatures and claim their remains as a right of conquest. 'Far as I'm concerned, those creatures posed a greater threat to him than Black ever has."
Filius followed up by adding, "Mr. Potter is also my protege. That puts him under my jurisdiction when his guardians aren't present." Dora shot him a grateful look.
"Even then, you cannot arrest him without my consent," Amelia firmly stated.
The situation would have dropped, but Dawlish quickly spoke with an arrogant smirk. "Be that as it may, Director. Potter is still responsible for the loss of six guards of Azkaban. In this instance, Madam Umbridge is right that the boy should at least be brought in to answer some questions."
Professors McGonagall, Flitwick, and Lupin shot him a distasteful glare. Severus was internally cursing the fool for his impudence regarding the boy, and Dora was doing the same. Meanwhile, Amelia sent the man a cold, withering glare. Dawlish may be a high-ranking Auror, but he was too much in Cornelius' pocket, not to mention a real arse-kisser. Cornelius then cleared his throat, bringing the attention to him. "Perhaps it would be best to have Mr. Potter come in and answer some questions. Nice thinking, Delores, Auror Dawlish. I, too, was wondering why Mr. Potter was not present at the moment."
"Allow Madam Umbridge and me to go get him," Dawlish offered, taking a step forward with a superior grin.
Minerva curled her lips in disapproval. "I would advise against that, as Mr. Potter will not respond well if he feels like we're forcing him. If you act aggressively toward him, then he'll respond in a similar manner. Besides, he's probably working on something important." She paused for a minute. "Plus, he can be anywhere in the castle right now, and attempting to find him will be anything but easy."
"Then why not have the boy's teacher summon him," Lucius suggested, eyeing Professor Flitwick. "Since you've taken him under your wing and are likely giving him special treatment, you probably have an inkling of where he might be."
Filius frowned as he did not miss the look in the Malfoy patriarch's eyes. Fudge quickly capitalized on the suggestion, "that's a good idea, Lucius. Professor Flitwick, can you go fetch Mr. Potter?"
Instead of responding or leaving the office, Filius flicked out his wand to cast the patronus charm. A silvery eagle flew out from the tip of his wand, landing in front of him where he whispered something before sending it off. At the same time, Dora had cast her patronus, and the silver form of a jackrabbit came out, where she sent him off with a message of her own. Not three minutes later, a familiar dragon patronus entered the room. "On my way," Harry's voice was heard.
"He'll be here shortly," replied Filius. He gave a faux sigh, "it never ceases to impress me with how far my protege has come since entering this castle. A thirteen-year-old boy who can conjure a corporeal patronus powerful enough to drive off hundreds of Dementors and create his own spells is what I call exceptional. Yet, it is so hard to find talented students these days. Many of them are either too arrogant, lazy, happy to use their family name and influence to get by or become bullies who like to strut around as if they're Merlin's gift. It's so hard to find good parents to teach their children right from wrong. Wouldn't you agree, Mr. Malfoy?"
Lucius' knuckles became white as he gripped his cane tighter at the diminutive professor's sharp jab at him and his son. A few of the people present were momentarily amused. Dora had to stop herself from laughing.
"Come in, Mr. Potter," Dumbledore said before Lucius could retort. When he said that, everyone turned their attention to the entrance when the door opened to see Harry walking in with a calm, cool expression. Dumbledore eerily reminded him of a version of Tom when he was still in school; Harry had the same type of air around him that sent shivers down his back. However, he quickly composed himself. "I trust your day has been fine."
"It was until you had Professor Flitwick bring me here while I was in the middle of doing something important," Harry replied in a cool voice that surprised many of the occupants. He turned his head a little to the left, where he noticed the Malfoys. Malfoy and his father were sneering at him, and Lady Malfoy held her nose up like some haughty pureblood princess. A soft smile soon crossed his lips when he saw the familiar bubblegum hair that belonged to Dora. "But it appears there's one good thing here."
Dora surprised several of them by walking toward Harry and pulling him into a tight hug, which he returned. "Wotcher, little brother. You've been rather busy lately, haven't you? Driving off hundreds of Dementors and killing a handful with a spell you created is bound to bring unwanted attention."
"Is that true, boy?" Everyone turned their attention to the former Headmaster, Phineas Nigellus Black. The man looked at Harry with a severe look, though there was a small glint in his grey eyes. "You drove off hundreds of those soul bastards with a patronus charm and succeeded in creating a spell that killed some of them?"
"Yes, ancestor. Due to the sheer arrogance and idiocy of others. . ." glancing at Lord Malfoy, the Minister of Magic, his Undersecretary, and at Dumbledore. "I was forced to once again clean up the mistakes of others. However, instead of thanking me, it seems like I am being made the scapegoat so that the people responsible can save face."
"You don't say." He said in a cold, steel voice. "Child, you continue to impress, though the same cannot be said for others who have become a disappointment."
Phineas saw who the boy was referring to and narrowed his eyes at his other descendants. Despite being dead, his cold death glare made Narcissa pale a bit, as she knew her ancestor was not at all pleased. "It surprises me that even though he's a half-blood, he shows more promise than that pathetic brat you helped bring into this world! Were if Arcturus here, then he'd bevery disappointedwith how the members of our House have turned out."
Narcissa visibly gulped at the memory of what her grandfather was like whenever he was angry or disappointed. It'd be an experience that would leave his victims with nightmares.
"I assure you, Mr. Potter, you are in no trouble," Cornelius responded in his best diplomatic voice, trying to ease the tension in the room. "Allow me to introduce myself. I am the Minister of Magic, Cornelius Fudge, and I assure you that you are not in trouble; however, the situation with the Dementors and your actions last week need to be discussed."
"Very well, Minister. Please forgive my rudeness, but for most of my life, I was raised by my filthy muggle relatives and had no knowledge of my heritage nor how things worked in the Wizarding world," offering a respectful bow.
"Forgiven, dear boy. But what did you mean about not knowing your heritage? You also appear to have a negative view of your relatives."
"It's like you heard. I was dropped on a doorstep like a common milk bottle by Professor Dumbledore to be raised by my abusive muggle relatives and was kept ignorant of my standing in the Wizarding world as the Heir to the House of Potter. It was only near the end of my second year that I learned the truth about where I came from." Looks of anger and disappointment—mostly anger—were directed at Dumbledore, who paled a bit. "Every time I bring up the subject, he tells me I am exaggerating and claims that being there will keep me safe. Fortunately, I never have to return to that hellhole since they've been arrested, and the people who now have custody of me have been great."
"You better have a real good explanation, Dumbledore," Madam Bones sharply looked at Dumbledore.
"Pardon me, Director, but there is a more important matter that needs to be dealt with first," Kingsley stepped in after sensing things were about to get ugly. "There will be time to address Professor Dumbledore's poor decisions once our initial business is through."
"Correct, Kingsley." Harry's eyes fell on a short, squat woman in horrible pink holding a quill and parchment. Dora had a noticeable frown that he noticed and could tell she did not think highly of the person. The woman walked toward him, "You young man have done a great disservice to the Ministry of Magic and are violating the wizarding law of magical Britain and Ireland. Not only are you responsible for the destruction of Ministry property—the loss of six Dementors—you are also in the illegal possession of their cloaks. Those should have been returned to the Ministry after their demise."
"Who's the ugly toad with a superiority complex in a horrible amount of pink? She doesn't appear to be important," Harry inquired.
"Aye, you're right about that, Potter," Alastor burst out laughing at how he described the horrid woman. There were a handful of chuckles and amused expressions from the people in the room. "The woman is Madam Umbridge. The Senior Undersecretary to the Minister of Magic and can be a real pain in the arse to others."
"In other words, she is nothing more than a self-important paper pusher who should stick to her job of taking notes rather than making demands of others," Harry clarified with a hint of amusement dripping down his voice. He almost missed the ghost smile on McGonagall's face.
"Couldn't have said it better," Alastor agreed.
"Agreed," Rufus grunted in amusement.
A red-faced Delores looked murderous. "How dare you! Young man, I am the Senior Undersecretary to the Minister of Magic and will be addressed with the proper respect," Delores said, fuming about the lack of respect Potter had shown her. "You will hand over the Dementor cloaks now, or I will have you brought before the Wizengamot to stand trial for their illegal possession!"
"I would really love to see you try because I am pretty sure the Ancient House will become very interested in hearing how a person from the Office of the Minister of Magic is attempting to arrest and steal from one of their members' right of conquest," Harry retorted, making Fudge go pale. The Ancient Houses would tear him to shreds. "As for showing you respect? Respect is earned, not given on a silver platter. You think that just because you're the Minister's secretary, you have the power to order and demand respect. Well, you don't! You're nothing more than a glorified paper pusher who can easily be replaced!"
"Moreover, you do not have the authority to arrest me. That honor goes to the Head of the DMLE, Head Auror, Chief Warlock, and the Minister of Magic. And you hold none of those positions. So, back up, stop acting like you have any real power, and start doing your job of taking notes."
Positively infuriated. A red-faced Delores stepped forward, prepared to give this half-blood upstart his place. Her attempt to pull her wand out from her handbag fell short as she quickly had two wants pointed at her face. Filius had his wand pointed at her back with a spell on his lips.
"Give me a reason. I beg you," Dora hissed. "You harm my little brother and answer to me!"
"Stand down! All of you!" Dumbledore ordered. Quicker than anyone suspected, he was standing at his full height. Almost everyone in the room had their wands drawn. Narcissa had pulled her son behind her while Lucius had his wand out. "Mr. Potter, lower your wand."
"Get Umbitch back in line, or the Minister will be looking for a new secretary," Harry firmly stated.
Dumbledore immediately knew he would not win this argument with the boy, so he switched tactics. "Cornelius, please tell Madam Umbridge to stand down."
"Yes, yes," the portly Minister agreed. "There is no need for violence here. Delores, stand down," he ordered.
Delores looked at Cornelius like she didn't want to, but his stern look made her comply. Grudgingly and very reluctantly, she returned her wand to her handbag and backed up to stand beside her employer. Everyone else who had their wands out lowered them.
"Let me make this perfectly clear," said Harry, looking at everyone in the room. "I will not say another word until one of my guardians arrives."
"That won't be much longer since she's on her way here," Dora quipped. Harry shot her a grateful look. "Mum was not happy when she found out about what happened in Hogsmeade. She was angrier after hearing what happened yesterday. Be glad her anger is not directed at you."
"How long do you think it will. . ." He stopped after hearing the door to the Headmaster's office fly open, and Andromeda walked in. One look in her grey eyes showed she was very unhappy. "Never mind."
"Mrs. Tonks," Narcissa was the first to regain her wits and neutrally greeted the woman, though there was a slight pain in her chest. It had been many years since she had seen her older sister. She was heartbroken when their parents disowned Andromeda for marrying a then, there hasn't been a day when she didn't think, stop loving, or desire to get back in touch with her.
"Lady Malfoy," Andromeda said evenly, but her voice had a subtle amount of ice. She gave her younger sister a curt nod.
"Andromeda. . ." Narcissa tried to speak.
"Don't talk to me, and cut that uppity attitude of yours out before I make you," Andromeda's cold voice made Narcissa step back with a paled expression. She knew better than to push her sister when she was angry.
"Would one of you like to tell me why my ward was summoned without his guardian present?" Andromeda demanded. "If these two," she pointed at Lucius and Narcissa, "are here for their child, then I should have been brought in for mine."
Madam Bones then answered. "You are, of course, correct, Mrs. Tonks. You should have been brought in, given the recent developments involving the Dementors and Mr. Potter. Right Minister?" She gave Cornelius a stern, pointed look.
"Yes, you are absolutely right, Amelia," said Fudge. The man was already sweating and felt like he was going to need a glass of Firewhiskey tonight. "Our apologies, Mrs. Tonks." He then cleared his throat, "on the matter of why Mr. Potter was asked here today has to do with the Dementors. . ."
"You mean the Dementors that you had stationed here. . .in a school full of children at the suggestion of this man and his friends," Andromeda sharply retorted and pointed an accusing finger at Lucius. "This is not the first time they have attacked my child. There was the incident on the train before school started, in Hogsmeade last week, and yesterday during a Quidditch match. Three times. Three times, they attacked him and the other students, and each time, he filled out a complaint form."
"I think we would have a record of Potter ever submitting a complaint form," Dawlish sneered. "I had looked through every form this morning and never once saw a complaint from him."
"There you have it," Umbridge immediately pounced, ready to capitalize on the Auror's words. "The boy never filed a complaint, showing he has lied to just get sympathy from everyone."
"Who let the ugly toad talk?" Andromeda inquired. She pulled out her wand and a shrunken black briefcase. Andromeda placed her briefcase on Dumbledore's table before flicking her wand, returning it to normal size. Undoing the locks, she opened her case, pulled out a few documents, and gave them to Amelia and Rufus. "You'll find that these documents are from the DMLE and prove that the complaint forms were received. They were submitted twice. One set had been sent through my daughter to Auror Moody, and the other was sent to Auror Dawlish."
"Aye. I remember Nymphadora giving me the forms and personally signed them to confirm they'd been reviewed and on file," Moody said while ignoring the agitated look of his protege for using her first name.
Dawlish was torn between anger and fear. After they confirmed the forms were authentic, his superiors' cold, severe glares made him pale. Amelia's nostrils flared. "Care to explain?" Her tone may have been even; however, they were laced with dangerous thorns that told him he better have a good explanation.
"I was doing my job. When the documents were received, there was no proof that what had been written had taken place. Naturally, I assumed it was a made-up story created by an overdramatic and attention-seeking teenager," John defended.
The Auror groaned in pain when Rufus hit him hard in the back of the head. "Had it not occurred to you to verify what Potter said was true? For that matter, what of the other complaints sent to the DMLE? Did you write them off, too?" Rufus scolded.
"I'll deal with you when we get back to the Ministry, Dawlish," the cold fire that dripped down Amelia's voice told him they would indeed be having words.
The Head of the Unspeakables then spoke up. "Furthermore, Madam Umbridge would like Mr. Potter to stand trial for not only killing the Dementors but claims he has illegally taken possession of their cloaks."
"Does she now?" Andromeda looked at the Undersecretary with fire in her grey eyes. The temperature in the room suddenly got very cold. Narcissa had her son's wrist in a vice grip, making him wince in pain as he stood behind her. Dora stood in front of Harry, having him take a couple of steps back.
"Stay behind me," she warned him. The look in her Mum's eyes would be enough to scare a full-grown dragon.
"We are talking about the Dementors that the Ministry stationed in Hogsmeade? The same Dementors that attacked several students and villagers last week—Lord Malfoy's son and his friends included. Who, I might add, almost received the Dementors' Kiss, which my son had to step in and save their hides from."
"That be the one," Lupin commented.
"I wonder what the Ancient and Noble Houses would say if they heard how a person from the Minister of Magic's office tried to arrest and steal from the person who saved several people from losing their souls to the Dementors. Can you imagine what they might do to the people in that office? More importantly, to you?" Andromeda's cold, venomous voice made Cornelius go ghostly pale and start sweating bullets.
"Attempting to steal from the Ancient Houses is a very serious crime. Are you prepared to deal with them?" she inquired. The woman looked like a predator, ready to pounce on her prey. She pulled out another form from her briefcase. "As for their cloaks, you will find that he has properly claimed them as his right of conquest," she said, giving the form to Unspeakable Croaker.
He showed the form to Dumbledore, Madam Bones, and Cornelius, who all confirmed its authenticity. "By the laws of the Wizarding world and the Ministry, the cloaks legally belong to Mr. Potter," Croaker said.
"Your move," Andromeda challenged, getting in Umbridge's face even though she was taller than the woman. "You can bring this matter before the Wizengamot, but if you do, the consequences will be severe for you and the Minister of Magic. So, what's it going to be?"
Cornelius was now really nervous. He was sweating so much that he could pass off as a fountain, and his heart was beating like a rabbit. The man looked like he was on the verge of either fainting or having a heart attack—probably both. Umbridge, though, looked torn between being angry and afraid. Reluctantly, she backed down.
"That's what I thought," said Andromeda, turning her eyes toward the Malfoys. "Now, it's time to deal with another matter, starting with you," she said, looking directly at a pale Lucius.
"Seeing as how you were one of the individuals who suggested the Dementors be placed on the school's grounds, that makes you an associate to child endangerment. Not only that, but the House of Malfoy has yet to compensate the House of Potter for saving its heir not once. . .buttwice." There was some bite in her voice when she said the last word.
"That's a lie! Didn't help me with that filthy Hippogriff. He was saving that worthless oath, Hagrid!" Draco blurted out.
"That'll be 25 points from Slytherin for insulting another Professor," McGonagall sternly said.
"But that's not fair! I don't owe this worthless half-blood a life debt, and Potter's spell could have killed me," Draco complained. That earned him a cold, severe glare from every professor in the room, minus Severus, who only regarded him with a stern look that saidbe quiet. The Aurors, the Head of DoM, Andromeda, and Nymphadora were also less than pleased with him.
"Be quiet, Draco," Lucius hissed, silencing his son from saying anything further.
"Congratulations, Mr. Malfoy. You lost another twenty-five points and earned three nights of detention with Mr. Filch," said Professor Flitwick, visibly displeased.
Draco wanted to retort, but his father's stern glare stopped him. Severus then stepped in. "Perhaps it would be beneficial to hear from Mr. Malfoy's perspective," he suggested. "There should be proof to back up what Potter's guardian has claimed about Mr. Malfoy owing Potter such a thing."
Lucius gave Severus a curt nod in gratitude. "Yes, there should be proof, as I do not recall any mention of Potter saving my son. In fact, he probably took out the Dementors to attack my son himself. Draco has often told me that Potter has attacked in the past without provocation," he lied smoothly.
"See! The Potter boy is a danger not only to Mr. Malfoy but also to the other students. It's only a matter of time before he goes too far and seriously injures or kills someone!" Umbridge perked up.
The temperature soon fell again; this time, it was much colder as several occupants felt a cold shiver run down their backs. They looked at Harry, who had a cold, dark expression. The fire behind his green eyes emulated his anger and power. Harry was about to retort when Andromeda shook her head. "That is rather funny coming from a gutless waste of space who likes to ruin the lives of others. One more word about my son's character, and I will sue you for defamation of character."
"Permission to cast a silencing or, better yet, a stunning spell on the toad," Alastor looked at Amelia, Rufus, and Croaker with hope in his eyes.
"Granted," the three of them said in unison.
Before Umbridge could protest, she was hit with two spells that made her drop like a sack of potatoes. The room occupants looked at Harry, who had his wand still trained on Umbridge, with a mixture of impressed and surprised. "Ha," Moody barked out laughing, "nice shot, Potter. Glad to see someone in this school got some balls."
"Auror Moody, please, there are children present," Minerva chided, though she was internally glad her lion did what he did as she wanted to do the same. "Mr. Potter, that will be twenty points for attacking someone and a night of detention." She gave him a ghost smile.
"Worth it," Harry uncaringly shrugged his shoulders. "Besides, she had it coming, and what better way to stop a toad from croaking than by stunning and putting a silencing charm on her."
"Dang Potter," Rufus grunted with a light smile, "if you ever want to be an Auror, let me know."
"I should also mention that the silencing charm was reinforced with runic arrays that will prevent her from speaking for two weeks. Any attempt to remove it will impede her voice for a month," he added. Rufus let out an impressed whistle.
"I'm liking you more and more," Kingsley commented with a grin.
"Can we continue now?" Saul asked. The smile on his face was still present. "I believe Malfoy's son was about to share his perspective."
Lucius beckoned his son to start talking. Draco cleared his throat, "during my first class with that—" the looks he was receiving from the other professors, except for his head of house, had told him to choose his words carefully, "that Hippogriff the professor brought in. I walked toward the creature to prove it was harmless, and it attacked me. The stupid creature would have taken my arm off had a brick wall not appeared before me."
"And you did not do anything to provoke the Hippogriff?" Rufus questioned.
"Not that I know of," Malfoy answered with a scowl.
"All right," Saul turned to Harry. "Mr. Potter, you were present during the incident. Does your viewpoint align with Mr. Malfoy's?"
"It does," Harry answered, surprising everyone, including the Malfoys, with his response. "However, he left out some important details."
"Such as?"
Harry looked at the Head Auror. "For example, Professor Hagrid informed us that Hippogriffs were proud creatures and advised everyonepaying attentionnot to insult them. Whether Mr. Malfoy was paying attention is questionable as he approached Buckbeak, calling hima great big ugly brute. Due to the Hippogriff's nature, it was greatly offended and tried to attack. That was when I conjured a brick wall to separate the two," Harry explained. "Allow me to be blunt in saying that I couldn't care less for what might have happened to this cowardly idiot. The only reason I stepped in was to protect Hagrid and Buckbeak." He ignored Snape deducting ten points from him for name-calling, though it was for appearance's sake. Severus had to appear as if he hated him in front of everyone.
"If any of you doubt my words, then I am more than willing to show a memory of the incident and swear a magical vow that it's true," Harry challenged.
"I would be very interested in seeing what happened," Amelia said firmly.
"As would I," McGonagall said, taking a step forward.
A couple more agreed, wanting to view the memory. Fudge, Dawlish, Severus, and Lucius tried to protest, but the others overruled them. "Then allow me to retrieve my pensieve," Dumbledore stood up from his golden chair and walked over to the cabinet by the wall. Pulling his device out, he tapped a couple of runes so multiple people could go in and view the memory and had it hover in the center of the room.
"All right, Mr. Potter, I need you to—" The professor approached him with his wand out.
"I don't trust you to extract the memory," said Harry, making Dumbledore frown. "Plus, I already know how to do it myself." Calmly stepping toward the pensieve, he pointed the tip of his wand at his forehead and extracted the memory, placing it inside. He then gave the magical vow, swearing on his magic that the memory had not been tampered with. To demonstrate he still had his magic, he conjured a pair of fluffy white earmuffs with black spots. Professor McGonagall awarded him ten points and complimented his conjuration skills.
They entered the pensieve to watch the memory. When done, Harry retrieved the memory, returning it to his mind while silently enjoying the nervous expression on Malfoy's face from the multiple glares being directed at him. His father looked particularly angry at his son. "Round one goes to Harry," Dora quipped. "Time for Round two." Her hair was cycling through many different colors, showing she was happy.
"You know, just to save time. How about I show the memory of what happened in Hogsmeade?" Harry matched his sister's smile. He performed the vow and extracted the memory from his mind to put it in the pensieve.
Similar to the last time they watched the memory of what happened in the village. In the end, Harry returned the memory to his mind. Draco was now completely pale from the look his father was giving him. To say that Malfoy. Sr was angry would be like saying that fire was hot. The man's face was red, and his grey eyes burned with anger. However, Andromeda was far from done with him. If Malfoy was angry now, he would be furious with what she had in store for him.
"Now, with that out of the way, we can get down to business." A dark smile crossed her face as she looked at the Malfoy patriarch. "The House of Malfoy is not only associated with three counts of child endangerment but has failed on two occasions to offer any form of compensation to the House of Potter for saving its only heir. If they got wind of your House's transgressions, one could only imagine how much of a field day the reporters from the Daily Prophet will have and what the other Lords and Ladies in the Wizengamot would say and do."
Lucius was positively seething, his face purple with rage. Right now, his anger was pointed at two different people. His son for involving himself in those two situations and this infernal woman for threatening to reveal this information to the Wizengamot and the public at large. Much as he would like to contest against the woman. She had him trapped. One word from her and the amount of evidence against him could severely damage his House. Angrily, bitterly, and reluctantly, he had no choice but to concede. "What do you want?" Gritting his teeth while gripping his cane.
"I'm so glad you asked," Andromeda said. A simple wave from her wand levitated her case, which followed her. She motioned him to follow her away from the others and created a privacy ward around them.
A few minutes later, the ward came down with a furious Lucius Malfoy, positively seething with anger, walking towards Dumbledore. "I require a piece of parchment and a quill."
Dumbledore looked at him for half a second before handing him his request. Lucius furiously wrote a few sentences before signing it with his initials and pressing his Lord's ring beside it. This afternoon had been a day from hell. The heifer had demanded a couple of things from him. One was a monetary compensation of 13.35 million galleons. Walking back over, he handed Potter the roll of parchment.
"Father. . ." Draco tried to say something else, but his father's angry expression silenced him.
"Draco, you are to apologize to Mr. Potter for all the times you've insulted him," Lucius said, grinding his teeth. He hated being put in this position with every fiber of his being.
"But, father. Why do I have to apologize to—" A baffled Draco tried to complain.
"Now!" Lucius angrily ordered.
The Malfoy heir recoiled at his father's harsh voice. Even though he did not want to, he had no choice. Looking like he had swallowed a bad lemon, Draco stepped forward to look at Potter. He then muttered something under his breath.
"I'm sorry I didn't hear you. Were you trying to say something?" said Harry. If looks could kill, then Harry would be dead based on the look Malfoy was giving him.
Great, reluctant Draco spoke again, this time a little louder. "I said I am sorry."
"For?" Harry raised an eyebrow.
"For always insulting you and your parentage," Malfoy bowed. Practically everyone in the room was stunned to stillness by what was happening.
"Accepted," Harry replied. "Now get out!"
As the Malfoys prepared to leave, Andromeda stopped them in their tracks. "And Lord Malfoy, please give these forms to Lords Goyle, Crabbe, Parkinson, and Avery. Tell them they have one week to get the money to my client, or we will settle this in court." She passed him four more rolls of parchment.
Angrily taking them, Lucius marched out of the office with his wife and son. Andromeda turned her attention to a still-sweating Cornelius. The man was using his handkerchief to wipe the sweat from his face. "Seeing as how the Ministry has royally fucked up these past few months. . . What with the Dementors attacking my child was attempting to steal his right of conquest, have him arrested and tried in front of the Wizengamot, and trying to hide the complaint forms he sent. I believe the Ministry should make restitution for all the trouble it's caused. Would you agree, Minister?"
"Um, yes. You are, of course, right, Mrs. Tonks," Fudge said. By Merlin's magic, he wanted this matter to be over so he could put out the PR fire and get back in the public's good graces.
Receiving a nod from his aunt, Harry stepped forward to assume control. "You can relax, Minister. I'd be willing to overlook the Dementor attacks on the train ride and on the quidditch pitch in exchange for three things, and they do not include money or any political favors."
Fudge breathed a sigh of relief.
"Would you like a Calming Draught?" He pulled a vial of the potion from his pocket and handed it to the man, who eagerly took it.
"Thank you." Fudge quickly uncorked the vial and downed the potion.
"Okay. Number one: I want those Dementors sent back to Azkaban. If I am not mistaken, that is the job of an Auror. So why not have them patrol the grounds."
"He is right," commented Amelia.
"Agreed. However, Mr. Potter, I must insist you have a guard," Fudge attempted to negotiate. "Sirius Black is still on the loose and is after you."
"May I suggest that Aurors Alastor Moody or Kingsley Shacklebolt be his guard," Dumbledore said. His blue eyes looked at both Cornelius and Harry. "Mr. Potter, I know you do not think so highly of me at the moment, but your safety is paramount, and I must insist that you have a guard."
There it was again. Dumbledore tried to control him by having someone he knew keep tabs on him. The fact that he suggested either of the two Aurors was proof of that, as he had known them for years. They were members of his inner circle and had been a part of the Order of Phoenix during the first war against Voldemort.
"I will agree to a guard. But only if that person is Auror trainee Nymphadora Tonks. My sister," he bargained. "You see, professor, I don't trust you or anyone you may choose. It's nothing against the two of you," he said, looking at Alastor and Kingsley. "However, I don't know you two well enough. For all I know, you might try to curse me when no one is around, and my back is turned. Adding to that, there's a chance he or someone else will use you to spy on me, and the last thing I want is a dog barking on my heels."
Alastor started laughing. "Constant vigilance lad. You have good instincts, Potter. Never blindly trust anyone, or you'll end up regretting it."
Kingsley's lips tugged to form a smile. "Director?"
"Auror trainee Nymphadora Tonks will be assigned as Mr. Potter's guard," Amelia declared.
"Number Two: I would like a tour of the Ministry's Departments. After I get my NEWT results, I will be able to apply for a job. At the moment, I am not interested in working for the Ministry, but that might change in the future."
"Done. Once a proper date has been decided, a Ministry employee will take you through the Departments," Fudge replied. Silently glad the boy's requests were not strenuous.
"I'd be happy to show him around," Amelia chimed.
"Is that agreeable, Mr. Potter?"
"Absolutely," Harry nodded his head. "Number three: I would like for the kiss on sight for the criminal known as Sirius Black to be removed so that he may be brought before the Wizengamot to stand trial." Fudge's eyes widened in surprise, as did the Aurors, Dumbledore, McGonagall, and Lupin. He raised a hand when Fudge was about to speak, "yes, I heard how he betrayed my parents to Vol—him,butIwant to know why. I only want to know why he betrayed me and his best friends. If he is indeed guilty, then he won't have to worry about being sent back to Azkaban, or the Dementors, or being pushed through the Veil of Death. Because I'll finish him myself!"
Dumbledore balked at the cold steel in Harry's voice, which filled him with dread. For some odd reason, he felt the boy would follow through with his promise.
Cornelius thought for a couple of minutes, weighing the pros and cons of the boy's final request. This was definitely a real dynamic. Internally struggling, he ultimately agreed. "Very well. I'll have the Kiss on Sight removed and open a trial for Sirius Black. But I want to clarify that whatever happens—whatever he does will not be on me."
"Then we have a deal," Harry held out a hand. "A pleasure doing business with you, Minister," he said when the man shook his hand.
"Aunt Andi, I leave the rest to you," he said, hugging the woman and handing her the signed roll of parchment he got from Malfoy before leaving the office.
Amelia motioned for Dora to follow him and turned to leave with everyone else. She told Dawlish to take the still-stunned Umbridge back to the Ministry and be in her office in half an hour.
Once they were gone, the only people left in the office were Dumbledore, the other professors, and Andromeda. "Don't get too comfortable, Mr. Dumbledore," she said when he sat back down in his chair. "There is along and serious conversationyou and I need to have."
The aged Warlock felt a big headache coming on. He did not like the glint in her grey eyes.
A/N: I'm back baby. Now that the semester is over I now have more time to work on my stories. Anyway Skeeter is up to her old tricks in trying to make Harry's life hell. The Dementors have once again attacked, though this time during a quidditch match; instead of Harry being the one to be thrown off his broom and his Nimbus 2000 being destroyed it was Cedric and his Nimbus 2001.
During the meeting; the people who were unaware that Dora's mum is now Harry's guardian are going to be in for a real surprise, especially, (Dumbledore, Fudge, Umbridge, and the Malfoys). As expected Umbitch has tried to cause hell by painting Harry in a bad light and so did Lucius. However, little did they know was that Andromeda came prepared and ready to play.
Malfoy and his people are going to learn the hard way of what happens of you mess with Andromeda when she is protecting someone she loves like her own child. Harry's requests have a purpose.
Next Chapter: Know why and an agreement