章 89: Chapter - 92 : Lines Crossed part - 3

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Harry sighed and rubbed his temples wearily, but allowed himself and his friends to be ushered up to Umbridge's office.

"Well," Umbridge looked surprised when the motley group arrived in her doorway, "to what do I owe the pleasure?"

"They know where Dumbledore is," Norman Warrington, one of Pucey's cronies, explained. "They were talking about it on their way to the basement."

"Oh, really? Withholding important information on a dangerous fugitive is a grave transgression. However," an unpleasant smile stretched Umbridge's face, "I'm sure all could be forgiven if you spoke up now."

No one spoke a word.

"No one?"

Still there was silence.

"Very well," Umbridge said sweetly. "I offered you all the chance to tell me freely. You refused, I have no alternative but to force you." She didn't hesitate before pointing a stubby finger at Harry. "Mr. Potter, please sit." When he didn't move, she had Pucey force him into a seat. "Warrington, fetch Professor Snape."

There were several long minutes of silence as all those present waited for the arrival of the Potion Master, Umbridge shot Harry several smug looks during the wait, but the fifteen year old's face remained expressionless. Finally, just when Harry was beginning to contemplate taking a quick nap in his seat, Warrington returned with Professor Snape close behind him.

"You wished to see me, Headmistress?"

"Yes, I would like a bottle of Veritaserum," Umbridge said, "as quick as you can, please."

The previously impassive expression the man wore was replaced by one of carefully controlled surprise with just a bit of amusement. "Veritaserum?" he repeated. "I'm afraid that that is a Ministry banned substance, I wouldn't have any in my stock." Harry knew for a fact that he did, but he wouldn't be mentioning that anytime soon.

"Well, can't you make some? I give you my full permission."

"Certainly, it takes a full moon cycle to mature, so I should have it ready for you in about a month."

"A month?" Umbridge's doughy face turned an unbecoming shade of red. "But I need it this evening. I wish to interrogate Potter. I demand you provide me with a potion that will force him to tell me the truth!"

"I have already told you," Snape repeated unperturbed, "that I have no stocks of Veritaserum. Unless you wish to poison Potter I cannot help you."

"You are on probation!" Umbridge shrieked. "You are being deliberately unhelpful! Now get out of my office!"

Snape, seeming not in the slightest bit worried about being put on probation, gave a mocking little bow and swept from the office.

"Very well." Harry's attention snapped back to Umbridge, her chest was heaving and her eyes were darting madly around the room. "I am left with no alternative...this is more than a matter of school discipline...this is an issue of Ministry security...yes...yes…"

Harry had the sinking feeling that she was trying to persuade herself to do something that would end up being highly unpleasant for him.

"You are forcing me, Potter, I do not want to," Umbridge drew her wand and, before he could even think to react, Harry was bound to his chair, "but sometimes the circumstances justify the use. I'm sure the Minister would understand…the Cruciatus Curse ought to loosen your tongue."

There was a sudden surge of movement as Harry's friends made to rush at Umbridge in a group effort to overpower the squat witch, but Pucey and his gang, being both larger and stronger than the fifth years, physically restrained them.

"That's illegal," Hermione shrieked, fighting fruitlessly against her captor. "You'll be put in Azkaban and the Minister will go down with you!" A hand over her mouth quickly quieted her protests.

"No one will ever find out, my use of the curse will not leave this room," Umbridge took a steadying breath and pointed her wand at Harry's chest. "Now…Crucio."

The pain from Umbridge's Cruciatus was nowhere near the torture Voldemort's wrought, or even Quirrell's, it was obvious that the woman wasn't used to using the curse, but the pain was still horrible. Harry found himself unable to breathe as the pain of thousands of knives ripping into his flesh tore through him.

"That ought to do the trick," Umbridge said, ending the curse after only a few seconds. "Now tell me, Mr. Potter, where is Albus Dumbledore?"

"Have you ever been under Voldemort's Cruciatus?" Harry asked, shifting painfully in his binds. "Compared to that, this doesn't even qualify as a tickling charm."

"Crucio."

All Harry could do through the crippling pain was remind himself to breathe, a deep breath in and a deep one out, in and out, and maybe move his tongue away from his teeth. Harry was releasing a deep exhalation when the pain cut off abruptly, he let his head fall back in relief, but the sound of a very familiar and very dangerous drawl snapped him to attention.

"Give me one reason, you pathetic mortal, why I shouldn't kill you right here and now."

Oh, shit.

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Loving the story so far? There's a whole world of magic and mystery waiting for you with over 85+ chapters still to come! By supporting my Patreon.

You not only get early access to new chapters but also exclusive content, behind-the-scenes insights, and special perks just for fans like you.

Join us on this enchanted journey and help shape the future of the tale. Your support makes all the difference—discover more and become part of the adventure today!

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(P).(A).(T).(R).(E).(O).(N)

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