Chapitre 5: 5
Time flies by when you're having fun. That's why Benedict Everest felt each passing second as another slap to the face. While he solved the problem of one pink hag, he got caught in a landslide of repercussions.
"You have to write it a couple of times to get rid of it all."
Harry 'I wonder how I'm still alive' Potter had used the magical quill four times, and yet there was still some residue left. However, the Griffindor wasn't the problem. After his monumental act of defiance against the Ministry's brown nosing machine, he was called to the Headmaster's office. When he climbed up the hidden behind the Gargoyle statue staircase he was met with the stares of five people.
'What's with this foreboding sensation?' He didn't like the veiled smile of his mentor. He never saw her making that face before.
"Ah, it's good of you to finally join us, Mr. Everest." Dumbledore looked too happy for the teen's taste.
"I've came as quick as I possibly could, Headmaster."
"Is that so." Snape drawled the last word out. "One would assume that you were taking your time."
"At least you now know professor how I've felt during your classes all this time. Thankfully those days are long gone." Benedict quipped back.
"How foolish." Snape sneered.
"If we could stir the conversation into our planned direction I'd be grateful." McGonagall relished in the pained face of Snape.
"But of course, Professor." Everest politely smiled. "How may I be of service?"
"Oh, Benny. I don't know if you'll be smiling after this."
Apparently today was a good day for all kind of firsts. Even Flitwick wasn't his usual cheerful self. He even saw some pity consealed in the half-goblin's eyes.
"As much as I'd like to keep you in suspence, there's no other way around this. Mr. Benedict Everest with the unexpected resignation of the Defense Against The Dark Art's Professor, you'll have to take upon yourself that task until we find a replacement."
"Wait, wait just a moment." The wizard didn't expect this. "I haven't even graduated yet. How can I possibly do this without impacting my own studies?"
"Professor Snape has agreed to take part of the hours. However, we can't let such a fine student like yourself go unrewarded for his morning contributions." McGonagall couldn't look even more prouder then now.
"And we've took the pleasure of checking your fresh N.E.W.T results. You didn't tell us you're taking Potions and Defense Against The Dark Art's at the other side of the pond."
"Let me guess. You were personally informed by the ICW, Headmaster?"
"At my standing you can hear many things, Mr. Everest." Dumbledore chuckled. "If not for you still being a student I'd have gladly hired you. But alas that's neither here nor there."
"So other than getting more unwilling contacts with other students, is there something else?"
"Not at all, you may excuse yourself now."
After the boy left, McGonagall couldn't help but giggle.
"Why the laughter, Minerva?" Sprout asked.
"It's just like him to show concern and yet keep a certain level of aloofness. I don't know if he noticed himself, but he revealed today a bit of every trait our founders personified. The courage to stand against the wicked."
"The compassion and loyalty towards his fellow men."
"The wisdom and knowledge passed by his forefathers."
The rest of the Heads of houses waited for Snape to speak. Scowling he finally said.
"And the sign of an ambitious and prideful ruler."
Albus Dumbledore watched this going on in silence. He felt conflicted with allowing this young man to take the brunt of the Ministry's attention. However, the more Cornelius played attention elsewhere, the better for the greater good of them all.
If Benedict knew the thoughts of the Professors of him, he'd have blushed. It was never his intention to embody the spirit of Hogwarts. The plan was always to ensure the best outcome. After he left the Headmaster's office he spent some time in the Library, checking out some teaching materials that may come in handy while coming up with a teaching schedule.
And that's how he was still up at 10 o'clock in the evening with Harry Potter as his guest. Before the boy wonder came in three other students had stopped by to get rid of their scars.
"I think this is the last of it, Ben."
Harry Potter touched his skin with a sigh of relief. The message that haunted him for almost a week was gone. He unscrewed the container with the last wisps of the curse and watched it float away through the only window in the small office.
"She did a number on you alright. You've been attending her detentions for a week."
"Yeah. It's a good thing it's finally over."
"Over?" Benedict laught. "Do you really believe that's the last time you'll see her?"
"You're sound like Hermione."
"It's good that at least one of you saw the bigger picture."
"What do you mean?"
"She'll not only be back, but she'll come back with vengeance."
"But you've stopped her -."
"I've made her resign as a teacher, that's it. The Ministry will find a way to place her back within these walls. I wouldn't be surprised if she slithers her way back in on Monday."
"However you've showed Umbridge her place. That must amount to something?"
"That she will be busy with finishing me off first instead of you." Benedict crossed his arms. "But she will find other ways to make everyone's life miserable. So you should brace yourself."
"Now you've made me hate Monday's even more." Harry rubbed his neck in resignation.
"Welcome to the club, buddy." Benedict checked the time. "Unless there's something else you'd like to tell me, then you may leave for the night."
"No. I think I'm good." Harry said after a moment of hesitation.
"Then here's your slip, so Filch won't get up your ass about staying out this late."
The younger wizard took the small note and walked towards the door.
"I'd like to thank you... for standing up."
"I take my responsibilities seriously, Mr. Potter." Benedict smirked, seeing how his guest was shocked by the unexpected change of tone.
"McGonagall? She must regret not getting you into our house."
"I can also be a handful." The wizard winked. "Goodnight, Harry."
"Yes," the teen returned the smile, "Goodnight."
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Sunday was a day of rest and reflection. So how was it that when Benedict walked into the Great Hall he saw countless restless faces.
'Oh, The Prophet came in early today.' He noticed the raging rag on the nearby tabletop.
Educational Decree number 23, the appointment of the High Inquisitor. Read page 5 to learn more of the new law passed by the Minister of Magic.
Who is Dolores Jane Umbridge? Will she reinvigorate our failing schooling system? Read more from pages 7 to 8.
These headlines took almost the entire first-page. A moving picture of said inquisitor recieving her new position from Cornelius Fudge took the rest of the viable space. Benedict smirked as he noticed fragments of bandages peeking out from her sleeves.
"She's only been gone for a couple of hours." The wizard sighed. "And the sheep are already in a state of panic."
Ignoring the ongoing whispers he sat down at his usual spot, where Luna was already waiting for him.
"Hello, Sparky. I like the breeze you've sown."
"That's wind or whirlwind, Luna." He took a sip of his coffee.
"It'd have been a bountiful harvest if we could've reaped all of Nargles flying right now."
"They'll figure themselves out, no need to worry." He gave her a reassuring smile.
Meanwhile at the Griffindor's table another discussion was taking place.
"He must've known."
"Who, Harry?" Hermione said while reading the articles.
"Ben, he told me yesterday that this was just a beginning. And now she's going to have even more power then she had."
"It seems so, on paper at least."
"What do you mean by that?"
"From what I understand she doesn't have the authority to singlehandly override any school policies."
"Then why even go through this? She wouldn't possibly take a meaningless position."
"Maybe they wanted a spy so badly in the school that they weren't thinking straight." Ron munched on some bacon.
"Or she'll find a way around certain things to make our lives harder." Hermione put the paper aside for later. "Just remember not to antagonize her anymore, Harry."
"I didn't do anything wrong, Hermione. I was just speaking the truth."
"Which the Ministry has been trying to cover up. Can't you understand that they want you to act this way? So they can discredit you even further."
"I don't care what people think about me." Harry snapped back which made the witch reel back
"But I do, Harry." She hastily picked up her belongings. "I'm leaving."
"Wait." He stopped his hand when the tearful eyes of his friend looked back at him, before she inevitably ran out of the Great Hall.
"Nice one, Harrikins."
"He just had to make her cry. Didn't he, George?"
"You should sort out your anger issues, Harry. You can't go lashing out at your friends. Especially not at a time like this." Katie said.
"I... I understand." Harry brushed his hair back, he was disappointed in himself.
"Shouldn't you go after her?" Neville asked.
"Yes." He stood up. "I'll see you back at the dorm, Ron."
The red head gave a thumbs up. Harry found a small room after leaving the Great Hall. He took out a piece of parchment from within his robes.
"I solemnly swear that I'm up to no good." The Marauders Map activated, revealing everyone's position.
"She's left the castle." He saw her footsteps ending at the gate.
Not wasting anymore time he followed her taken path, reaching the outskirts of the castle. From his position he could see her figure heading towards the Black Lake.
"Since when she was so fast?" He chuckled while trying to gain up on her.
Meanwhile Hermione was fuming with hurt inside. She just wanted to help him.
"That stupid inconsiderate, uhh." She wiped the small droplets from her eyes.
The witch placed her bag on the grass, as at down before the lake's bank. She wrapped her hands around her knees and sighed.
"Why does it have to be so hard?"
"Is this place taken."
She turned back and saw the familiar roguish smile of her friend as he was trying to regain his breath. Although she wanted nothing to do with him right now, deep down she couldn't find it in herself to chase him off.
"Do want you want." Her eyes returned to watching the still waters of the lake.
The couple of friends sat next to each other in silence. The sounds of bugs and roars rom the nearby Forbidden Forest filled the void between them. After some time has passed, Harry noticed a serene expression on Hermione's face. Thinking this was his chance he broke the quiet that accompanied them.
"I'm sorry, Hermione. I have no excuse for my behavior. Especially not towards you."
She didn't say anything, but she didn't try to stop him either. Seeing this as a good sign he continued.
"Sometimes I wonder how you're able to stand me." He let out a sad chuckle. "We've known each other for so many years, had so many reckless adventures."
Her lips curled up for a second before regaining their former peaceful expression.
"And all of them had something to do with me." Harry sighed. "Some friend I turned out to be, endangering his close ones at every step of the way."
He paused for a moment, letting the brewing emotions settle down.
"I can't believe how many times the both of you saved me from the arms of despair. Well, last year you even had double duty for a while, for which I don't think I can ever, in my lifetime thank you enough." His eyes mist up from the overflowing feelings of joy and appreciation towards his friend.
Hermione couldn't help but sniffle, her cheeks once again flooded with the saltiness of her tears.
"How we're all still alive is a mystery to me." He took off his glasses and rubbed his eyes. "Just only in our first year we've almost bit the dust countless of times. The Troll accident; at the forbidden third corridor two times. And once because of detention at the Forbidden Forest."
"Then we've had the Basilisk attacks. Losing the both of you never felt so real as within that moment. You were thankfully only petrified while Ron avoided a cave in. It feels so surreal that a bunch of brats wanted to defeat a bloody 60 feet death snake."
Hermione couldn't help but giggle, making Harry join in with her.
"Our third year started on a lower note then the second one. Sure ,Dobby can be frightening, but a horde of soul sucking monsters still takes the cake."
A image of Dobby wearing black haggard robes and carrying cake popped out in her mind. Making her almost break out of character.
"But not everything was bad. I've finally met my godfather, Sirius. Had private lessons with Remus. Flying on Buckbeak was also a great highlight of that year. I still remember how much you were hugging me for dear life. Not that I minded." He grinned.
Hermione turned her head away from the boy. A small blush was tainting her cheeks from embarrassment. She never liked flying, a sore spot ever since the first time she had sat down on a broom.
"There are so many parallels between this year and the last. Both summers were stricken with horrific events. The death eaters raid during the Quidditch World Cup and this year's encounter with the messengers of death. Both years had professors serving a different master. Another thing that seems to be a constant in my life is the betrayal of the school. Always accusing me of the worst. Why should I even care at this point." He clenched his jaw, before remembering to relax.
"I'm sorry, the anger tried to get to me again." He felt hands grabbing him from behind. "Hermione?"
"It's okay." She pressed her chest to his back. Her hair brushing against his cheek.
"You know... the first hug that I can remember that I've ever got was from you." He squeezed her palm, seeking comfort from the touch of her warm skin. "I can't help but love them."
"Then I'll have to give more of them." She placed her head next to his.
"Thank you." He leaned his head against her's. "Thank you for being by my side no matter what life has thrown at us."
"I'll never let you go. That's a promise."
They've looked at one another's eyes. Gold brown orbs clashed with the brilliant emerald greens.
"I hope you'll not hate me for this -?"
His words were interrupted by a kiss. He could taste the sweet strawberries Hermione had for breakfast. The fresh rose fragrance of her shampoo made him close his eyes. The familiar scent of parchment and her delicate perfume made him deepen the kiss, inciting Hermione to let out a delighted moan. Harry pulled the witch into his lap, continuing to flood her with his previously bottled up emotions of passion.
After a long heated by lust moment their lips parted ways. Hermione looked so lovely in the boy's eyes. Her redden cheeks and her puffed lips made him want to claim her as his even more. However, he saw some hint of pulling back, hidden within her features. He knew her well enough to know that when she was biting her lower lip she was overthinking something.
"What's wrong, Hermione?" He tried to keep the feeling of sadness from welling up from his stomach.
"I'm scared,Harry. I don't want to close my eyes."
"Why, is there something wrong?" He pulled her closer to his chest.
"I'm scared that this is just another dream." She grabbed his robes. "That I'll wake up at my dorm with this never happening."
"Let's check then."
"What do you... ouch!" He pinched her side. "What are you doing!?" She hit him on the shoulder.
"Yep, that hurt. You really should try out to be a beater next year, when the twins will be gone."
"Hmph, Git."
She tried to get out of his embrace but he didn't let her. The pair fell on the grass, with Hermione underneath him.
"Before you say anything. I'd like to make something clear." He silenced her with his cheeky grin. "I have to thank you for your lovely assault."
Hermione huffed seeing his unapologetic smile.
"Just as I was getting up my supposed Griffindor courage to kiss you, the lioness within you made the first move. For which I'm thankful for." He gently cupped her cheek with his hand.
"Harry." She felt his body leaning harder against her's.
"I know that it's probably too late, but I still have to ask." Their noses were touching.
"Would you be my girlfriend, Hermione Jane Granger?"
"Yes," tears of joy sparkled in the corners of her eyes, "I will."
The second kiss felt as fresh as the first one. However this time there was no more hesitation on either side. The new couple relished in their small private moment, with the Black Lake as the sole witness of their feelings blooming into the warm Sunday sky.
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Omake
"Welcome to Breaking the forth wall, once again I'm here with Luna to break your minds." Benedict grumbled.
The poor wizard was currently laying down on the floor on his stomach. Luna was sitting on his back.
"Can you stop, ouch."
"Why did they get their love story, before me?" The blonde murmured under her breath as she pinched the teen's back muscles.
'I'll never agree to any back rubs again.' He winced as she was crushing a sore muscle with her knuckles.
"Lucky bastard."
"If it wasn't for the screens I'd have pounded the bloody wanker."
The security of the studio had to be revised after the unexpected stampede of angered fans.
État de l’alimentation hebdomadaire
-- Classement
Power Stone 
-- Power
stone