章 1721: 9
Chapter 9
In the last week of July we already started on the backfoot when it came to the Order's power.
It seems that because of Dumbledore's speech from the end of the school year that Fudge had taken it as an insult and a challenge to his power.
So, Dumbledore was asked to step down from his position on the Wizengamot. He had told us once he returned it our base of operations. I called it my Kitchen.
After destroying the horcrux the locket was still an item to deal with. Kreacher had come to start wearing it.
I thought it was fine, if anyone let on knowledge of its significance they didn't say so. Yes, once destroyed Kreacher had been the happiest in his life according to Sirius.
I think because of this surprising amount of cheer the house looked cleaner than what I could have ever imagined it to be.
When the fidelius charm was performed on my home I was made it's secret keeper. I had to write notes out to other members to come as well as personally tell a few others.
A victory that the Order had that no one else seemed to latch onto quite like I had was the news Snape delivered upon one of his returns.
"The ritual the Dark Lord used had a few problems that he didn't seem to think he would have encountered." Snape explained.
"Well Harry wasn't there for one." Arthur brought up.
"Yes, but his blood was enough." Snape continued, "His father's bones it had turned out were missing."
I laughed out loud at Voldemort's trouble. "I wonder how that could have happened." Minerva McGonagall asked.
After my outburst was done and McGonagall's wondering was over Snape kept going.
"Because there were no bones to use, they had to use a substitute."
"His mother's bones maybe?" Remus asked.
"The woman in that grave was not his mother." Dumbledore answered Remus, "His mother's bones would be inaccessible."
Snape took the pause as a sign to keep going, "I don't know the reason why, but The Dark Lord had his men use his snake." Snape explained, "He had taken to calling it Nagini."
"Then something he cared about enough to name was killed, I call that a victory for us." I spoke up. I was leaning on my fist with my arm on my kitchen counter.
"The Dark Lord did seem upset at having to use the snake, but wouldn't tell any of the reason why."
"Probably because he's not going to show compassion for his snake friend it might be seen as a weakness." Moody theorized.
"In any case I have been supplying the Dark Lord with pain potion after pain potion, it seems that because the ritual had to make cuts the Dark Lord has suffered for it."
It sort of made sense to me. If it was a horcrux then it would be like using his own soul to bring him back.
Which meant we were another horcrux down, and all it took was some grave digging. Yes, no one seemed as excited as me at the news.
A minor loss we had was more of a personal moral loss. Percy had cut himself off from his family.
So some of the things we'd been planning on possibly using Percy for were out. Though with how Molly behaved it seemed unlikely that we'd get the okay to do that.
Molly Weasley, she was a piece of work. She ordered people in my house to do things. Hell she bossed me around in my own home. I had told her a few times to back off.
I know at least three times I had to remind her this was my home and she was a guest. So that she didn't overstep.
I had no other problems with any other Weasleys that had to stay in my home. Arthur was more than polite.
Bill joined the Order but didn't stay at my home. He had however moved back to England to be close to his family now that Voldemort was back.
He was also training Fleur who joined the bank just like before. No more to say about that.
Charlie was part of the Order but had hardly been in Britain instead opting for more overseas missions.
The twins were busy inventing but any mess that could be created could be cleaned away with magic.
Ron and Ginny were actually quite the most quiet of anyone in my house really. They were like mice keeping to themselves.
Something another adult had to do, because Molly didn't allow them to use magic outside of school. Which was just one big headache.
Hermione had wanted to come and with Dumbledore's permission I allowed her to stay in my home. Which was being used by the Order. It's a bit backwards here.
Speaking of backwards Walburga Black was as loud as possible. Ever since I had bought the house her main talking point had been the downfall of House Black.
However when Hermione was in her sight she wouldn't stop going on about moodbloods it'd be a refreshing change of topic if it weren't so disgusting.
I thought about the many ways of taking her off the wall. One I kept returning to was just cutting a hole in the wall and just starting new.
If it was an actual option I thought about having Kreacher do the work and refill the hole in the wall while I was working at school.
On the 2nd of August early in the morning Dumbledore gave out the jobs that people would be doing that day.
As had become routine in the last month and continued the day before and the current day. He had tasked Mundungus Fletcher with taking Harry's night watch.
I remembered the name, he had been described as sleazy and about as good as his name. I told Kreacher to keep an eye on him wherever he came into my house.
Knowing that an attack on Harry would come during one of the times someone was supposed to be watching him.
I made the choice that every time it was...Dung's turn to watch Harry, I would also take that shift in secret.
So when the orders were given I started preparing for the night shift. So I slept through the day. My wake up time came when Fletcher was scheduled to be there.
It started at 8 p.m. I watched as Harry sat on a swing just looking miserable. I sort of understood the theory of why Dumbledore didn't want anyone to contact Harry.
Voldemort just as much as Harry could use the scar as a way to see what was going on. So as to not risk anyone Harry had to kept away from the Order for as long as possible.
I watched as Harry got up stretched and made his way down the street. Magnolia Crescent I read. Harry talked with a person who I assumed to be Dudley Dursley.
They clearly were saying things to get on each others nerves. I followed them into an alleyway between streets. As soon as it escalated to Harry pulling a wand I moved in.
"Harry up against the wall!" I yelled. It seems instantly he did as asked.
"What are you doing here?" Harry asked.
"Keeping an eye on you." I replied.
"Who are you some kinda magic police woman?" Dudley asked.
"Naw, I'm a teacher." I told him. Then everything got extremely cold. Lights started going out.
"What's going on?" The muggle boy asked.
"Shut up and wait!" I commanded looking around for the damned being. Then I saw it making its way towards the three of us. I quickly cast my patronus three times.
One of the butterflies went to look for someone nearby that could help. The other two kept the soul sucker trapped in between them.
"You're a teacher?" The large boy asked.
"Part time." I then cringed mentaly, "You won't get that reference for awhile, now I need you both to stay completely still."
That's when Mrs. Figg arrived. "What are you doing?"
"I'm keeping this dementor at bay is what I'm doing now go contact the DMLE, do not contact Albus!" I instructed the squib.
She then left to go Floo the DMLE I hoped. "What are the DMLE?"
"They're the magic police."
"So what's a dementor?" The scared muggle boy asked, "I can't see anything except those...are those butterflies?"
"Picture the Grim Reaper except without a scythe, and he can suck your soul through mouth to mouth contact. You won't be able to see them and they can still get you."
"Why would something like that exist?"
"Because someone messed with some dark magic a long time ago when they shouldn't have."
Then there were two loud cracks as two Wizards arrived. They came into the alley.
"Goodness, is that a dementor here in Little Whinging?" One in a large trench coat asked.
"Yes, hello." I held it there to make sure we had reliable witnesses, "Now I'm not sure what's going on at the Ministry, but I came here to make a house visit to Harry Potter and then I found this."
"We don't know what made it come out here but we'll get it sorted out." The other one spoke.
"Well, just to be sure can you escort me and these boys to their home?"
"Yes, that would be safe." Trenchcoat agreed, "I'm John Dawlish."
"Dawlish, I know that name." I greeted, "I'm Nymphadora Black."
"You're that teacher, the one that did all those things right after graduating." The other one spoke.
"Order of Merlin First Class." I informed, "Head of House Black."
"We're really sorry this happened to you Ms. Black, they call me Savage."
"What a name."
We then arrived at the 4 Privet Drive. The Dursley's residence. I knocked on the door.
After a few seconds of waiting I was met with a skinny woman, presumably Petunia Dursley. "What's happened?"
"We got attacked by a ghost!" Dudley answered his mom.
"It was a dementor and thank goodness you are both fine." I escorted the two inside. The two DMLE agents followed me inside, "Have you got any chocolate?"
"A dementor?" Petunia asked
"A soul sucker." Dudley replied.
"Yes I know, I was just confused as to why a thing that should be near Azkaban was near here." The woman looked thoughtful.
Wow, didn't know if she actually remembered something from one of the chats I assume she had with Lily Potter. I guess when you are jealous some things stick.
"Terrible creature we're not sure how one ended up here." Dawlish spoke, "We'll do our best to investigate and hopefully this won't become a problem again."
"Are you okay Diddy?" Petunia asked her son, "Vernon come here!"
That's when a large man that looked quite like a walrus came into the front entrance.
"What's wrong Dudley?" The mustached man asked.
"He was attacked by some kind of creature from that...place." She pointed to us.
"I'm fine that teacher saved me and Harry." The large boy spoke.
"Yes, I made sure to keep the dark creature at bay." I waved my hand, "Do you have Chocolate, your son and Harry may need it."
"It really is lucky that she came by when she did otherwise we might have had to deal with two husks." Savage told the parents.
Which made them panic further. Petunia having come back with a large bar of chocolate that had a bite taken out of it. I made a guess it was Dudley's.
While Harry and Dudley snacked on the candy. Harry only getting a broken off piece. An owl came in and dropped off a letter. Then left just as soon.
Vernon seemed to be angry at the fact that an owl had just come into his home with no prior warning.
Harry opened it. Read it then handed it to me. I read it. It was a letter telling Harry that his wand would be snapped and he was expelled from Hogwarts for performing three different patronus charms.
All thanks to the trace I guessed. Doing a spell in the vicinity of Harry got him in trouble last time. That was elf magic I guess me doing them counted too.
"Well he didn't perform those spells." I said out loud then handed the letter to Dawlish.
"We'll be sure to get this taken care of if it ends up going any further we'll testify." Savage backed me up.
Then another owl came. Which smacked into a window. Harry went to grab the letter and read this one. Vernon increased his displeasure at the owls that had come.
"Arthur Weasley say he's also trying to sort this out with Dumbledore."
"Tough break there, Dumbledore had to resign from his position as Chief Warlock, his influence has greatly suffered." Savage explained to Harry.
Then another owl came much like the first one and dropped the letter in Harry's hands.
"Well I'm no longer expelled or to have my wand be immediately snapped." Harry looked a bit relieved but not by much, "I'm just suspended and have to go to a hearing."
"When's the date boy?" Savage asked.
"August 12th."
"I'll be sure to make a memo to testify on your behalf." Dawlish nodded in agreement with his fellow agent.
"Well I'd be sure to keep my ear to the ground on the date, something tells me that because it's Harry Potter it might be moved up for everyone's convenience." I warned the two.
"You think so?" Savage asked.
"I can see it happening." Dawlish sighed.
"Get out of my house!" Vernon Dursley yelled.
"Right well us three have overstayed our welcome, good luck Harry." I said my goodbyes, "I'll be sure to help sort this all out, sorry in advance for not being able to talk with you."
"What does that mean?" Harry asked but I along with the two agents left the house and after putting some distance between us and Harry's trace we apperated away.
I returned to my home where everyone was in a panic. Everyone was worried about Harry and the possible dementor attack for having used that spell.
Dumbledore was adamant that no one could contact Harry about any news besides the letter Arthur sent out.
Sirius asked where I was. "Oh out, getting witnesses that prove that Harry didn't cast any spells, and it was just me protecting him from a possibly rouge dementor."
"You went there?" Dumbledore asked.
"I know how reliable Dung can be, I make sure to protect my students as I've done for years."
"Then you've made my job easier, even if it wasn't wise." Dumbledore did a weak reprimand, "As long as you don't make contact anytime soon."
"Already warned him I wouldn't be able to."
"Which will give away we're avoiding him on purpose." Sirius spoke pacing around the room.
"Yep."
"Which will make him angry."
"Meaner than a junkyard dog."
"Why!?"
"So he can blow off steam at us later."
"You want him to get mad so that he can be mad?"
"He's going through some stuff, it's important to let it go as best you can if I need to be the lighting rod of hate so be it."
"You're mad." Ron spoke up looking in at the room. It's not like this was an official Order meeting so the door was left open.
That's when Hedwig arrived with four letters from Harry. We took them but she wouldn't leave. Seems that she wanted replies.
Unfortunately for her and Harry that wouldn't happen.We did however pass out the ones they went to. Sirius got one. Hermione and Ron got their own.
Then there was the one for me. Mine simply said 'I want to know what's going on and I want to leave this place.'
Maybe I could make Dumbledore push up the days that we were going to get him. I heard a hiss from Ron as Hedwig had bitten his finger causing it to bleed.
Dumbledore had said we could go in four days. I knew Harry might be volatile left without a reply for four days but we did as he instructed and waited.
Someone suggested we send the Dursleys out of the house to pick Harry up. I informed them that it wouldn't make much of a difference.
That we could just go over say we're taking him and leave it at that. The people chosen to pick Harry up from the muggle house were Alastor Moody, Kingsley Shacklebolt, Sirius Black, and me.
So when night came on August 6th, we made our way to the normal looking house on the normal looking street in a small normal town.
I knocked on the door of number 4. This time it was Vernon who opened the door, "What are you doing back here?"
"Here to pick up Harry." I told him.
"He's been held up in his room the whole time after you lot left last time." Vernon told us, "You go and get him, the rest of you lot get inside you'll make the neighbors talk."
"We wouldn't want that now would we?" Sirius barked a laugh. Then we all walked into the house.
"Sirius, you should go and bring him down." I told my uncle.
"Whatever you do speed it up." Mad-eye growled. Sirius looked extremely guilty as he went up the stairs to Harry's room.
It had turned out many promises Sirius had made had to be broken. Harry being able to stay with him. Broken. It was my house even if Sirius was staying there.
While I had no problem letting Harry leave his known awful 'caretakers'. Grimmauld place was being used by the Order and we were going to follow Dumbledore at least on this.
Sirius came down with a very tired and worried looking Harry. When he spotted us he came down the stairs. "Professor, you're back."
"Well, I wanted to come pick you up if I wasn't going to be able to communicate otherwise."
"You still haven't explained that."
"She's not going to, what are we doing here standing around we need to get moving." Moody growled at us.
"Moving?" Harry asked.
"We're here to kidnap you Harry." Sirius explained dragging Harry's trunk behind him.
"Then let's get out of here." Harry looked more than excited to leave, "Where are we going the Burrow?"
"No, we are going to a much more secure place." Kingsley informed Harry, "He really does look like James." He looked at Sirius.
"That's Kingsley Shacklebolt." I whispered to Harry.
"Alright let's get going." Moody said having scouted with his magical eye, "We'll be flying using brooms and...other means."
"Let's see if you can stack up to James on a broom rumor is you're better." Kingsley spoke to Harry. We then all stepped outside where our 'rides' were.
There were brooms for most everyone with the exception of me and Sirius. For us we had 'Hades' a thestral that I named after the Greek god of the underworld that had a helmet that made him invisible.
Hagrid had said that because I had ridden him that he and I had bonded in some kind of magical way. Whoops. Sirius when he saw the 'ride' I had requested to ride on back.
Hades didn't seem to mind so that was our way of getting in and out of this place.
What happened next on our way out was that of pure simple chaos. Moody informed us of which direction to go as not to be spotted. Which made flying in formation a bit odd.
One of use would overextend at points while others dragged. All of us just following the prompts of a man using a magical eye.
I found the predicament we were in absolutely insane and very fun in a ridiculous sort of way. We landed in a mini park outside my home.
Moody pulled out Dumbleore's Deluminator pulled out all the lights into it giving us darkness to hide in.
I gave Hades a slap and sent it off back to the Hogwarts grounds. Harry then landed next us.
"Can you fly without using a broom?" Harry asked me.
"What do you think I just held on to Dora here, and off we went?" Sirius asked with a smile. I laughed at the mental image.
"No Harry, it's a thestral." I explained, "It's like a skeletal horse that has wings, you can only see them if you've seen death and are able to comprehend the meaning behind it."
I rattled off the textbook answer. "You mean like how Dudley wasn't able to see the dementor?" I made an ehh sound.
I followed the rest of the Order out of the small park. Moody taking the lead. We stepped in front of where 12 was to us but that Harry couldn't see.
"Where are we?" Harry asked.
"That is the question." I then pointed up at where I saw the building, "Keep an eye there now, The Headquarters of the Order of the Phoenix may be found at number twelve, Grimmauld Place, London." I whispered to him.
I then watched as delight lit up his face as my home was revealed to him. "Let's get inside." Moody opened the door ushering everyone in.
The home was definitely better than in anything depicting it. At least now it was. All the paint on the walls had been worked on. It looked practically livable.
Sirius walked past me with Harry's trunk and cage. He handed off the cage to Remus who was waiting for us to return.
I heard Molly before I saw her as she came running to meet us in the front hall. She told us that a meeting started. I passed by Harry and went to my dining room.
I told Kreacher to throw out the evil umbrella stand that when it first tripped me I thought was my own fault but when the third time it happened, I knew it was out to get me.
I also had Kreacher get rid of the elf heads. While he didn't seem to like it at first, I told him he could keep a photo of them but it would be in his hidey hole.
As it turns out, this meeting was a 'We want to be doing more of something but don't know what to do' types. I sat it out while everyone duked it out.
Sirius at some point brought up that Harry should be part of these meetings and was promptly shut down by everyone. He already knew this by now so I didn't join in the fun.
Dumbledore made it clear to everyone that it wouldn't be wise. So they stuck to that guideline.
That's when we heard a large thunk like someone throwing or setting something large down. My money was on Harry's trunk and out of anger.
Walburga did not take kindly to the noise. I took off running Sirius in step with me as we fought to put the curtain back over the frame.
With Kreacher doing the best he could with watching us. I heard people on the stairs and as I turned around I saw Harry there with the rest of the students standing further up the stairs.
The noise stopped and I assumed Sirius got the curtain back over the portrait. "Welcome to my home, currently in use by the Order of the Phoenix.
That was his mom by the way." I slapped Sirius in the shoulder, "You can give him the tour. Stay out of the designated dark artifact room."
Was the warning I gave them as I headed to my room. I had taken over Regulus's room it was on a floor where people could disturb me the least.
It didn't hurt that I liked the coloring of greens. The crest was nice too. I then got my plans together for the year. At least my school year.
It was the next day I found Harry, Ron, and Hermione standing in the drawing room in front of the Black Family tapestry.
It spun in all kinds of ways the newest branch held me.I was connected to the burned bit where my mom was, I was also connected to Sirius when I re-joined through him.
"I see you've found the 'Noble and Most Ancient House of Black'." Sirius said from behind me looking into the drawing room. "I used to not be on here you know?"
"What why?" Harry asked.
"I ran away, mine used to look like Dora's mom over there." He pointed at Mom's branch. "But at some point I had come back while I was in Azkaban, probably happened after my mom croaked."
"What's going on there?" Hermione asked pointing at my branch.
"That's me being the daughter off a burnt off branch but coming back into the family through Sirius." I explained.
"So he's like your brother uncle?" Ron asked with a bit of humor behind it.
I made banjo plucking noises with my mouth, "Yeehaw, anyway enough about history what are you three doing in here?"
"Mrs. Weasley asked us to clean the house." Harry informed us.
"Well I'm going to escape while I can." Sirius spoke knowing what was coming from me.
"Molly!" I screamed. I heard footsteps with my house creaking as someone came to us.
"What is it, you'll wake up the portrait." Mrs. Weasley said.
"You have another pissed off Black to worry about now, what did I say about ordering others around."
"But they need to help around the house."
"It's my house you can order your children to help if you really want to but this isn't the Burrow." I tried to get this across again, "If you really need something cleaned let Kreacher do it."
"You need to stop making Kreacher do anything." Hermione joined in.
"I'm not making him do anything, Kreacher loves cleaning. isn't that right Kreacher?" I looked outside the open door to find the house-elf walking by.
"Kreacher does love cleaning." Kreacher said with little joy could be found in him.
"See he loves it."
"That's just cause he's conditioned to like taking orders."
"No, it's because I'm treating him well. Kreacher has made it a point in the past to complain if he hated an order even when he did it. He hated Sirius, he's lucky to have me."
"She's right Kreacher does hate Sirius." Ron chimed in, "I would hate to see it if Sirius owned Kreacher."
"Now that would be an abuse on both of us." Sirius passed by seeming to find another place to drown out our conversation.
"Regardless I'd rather help clean up the house then make Kreacher do it!" Hermione stuck out her jaw.
"Well see what you've done now Molly you've gotten another soldier in your war against dust."
"I think it's good that she wants to help clean this place up."
"It's clean enough, it's not like I have Doxies floating around I killed those when I moved in."
"I don't think it's clean enough to live comfortably with children around."
"That's fair but they can at least use magic."
"Your a teacher you shouldn't want them using magic that's the rules."
"What about you Harry do you want to clean up the house not using any magic?"
"I'm going to a hearing about using magic that I didn't cast, I think I'll stay away thanks." Harry backed off, "Also since both my friends are helping clean I'm fine with doing it."
"I see how it is." I squinted at the clean freaks, "You wouldn't last a day in my office when it's peak essay week."
"If you make it sound like that much of a threat, then maybe no one should make it through a day there. Do your job neater." Hermione criticized me.
"Neat freak!"
"Lazy arse!" I gasped as that was the closest she came to swearing.
"If you are willing to go this far for such a minor thing I'll pay Kreacher, then will you back off on letting Kreacher do...not even all but somethings."
"Deal." She stuck out her hand and I shook it. The taste of loss firmly on my tongue.
They moved from my Drawing room, to my dining room, and finally to my entrance hall. They cleaned my house not a spell name passing their lips.
Just elbow grease and hard work. It made me exhausted watching them so I did my best not to. For five days they cleaned.
Molly pointing at a new area and them hopping to it with manual labor. At one point Ron came to talk to me. It was rare that it ever happened.
"Professor, I'd like to talk with you a short while."
"I'm up for having a chat, what is it Mr. Weasley." I stopped writing out one of my planned essays.
"It's about what you said, about Harry needing to vent onto someone."
"Is this about the fact that he has, and you need a break or…?"
"I just wanted to say you were right, there's something there that needs to get out. Like when you just need a good mope."
"Yes, humans best not hold back all the emotions to let them bubble over many times worse later. It's even more of a scare for beings with magical power."
"So instead of just using yourself, I'd like to help him out too. I just wanted to let you know that you're not alone in trying to help Harry."
"That's very nice of you Ron. Then let's do our best!" He gave me a cute little salute. Then headed back to do whatever he was told to do by Molly.
Then it was the day of Harry's hearing. Arthur and I would escort him to the Ministry. I would take him to the hearing while Arthur went to his job.
Amelia Bones would be presiding so I think we were pretty clear if last time Harry made it through. We used the London Underground.
That was fun I watched Arthur behave like a kid in a candy shop, but also a fish completely out of water. We used the phone booth lift after getting our badges.
Harry's had disciplinary hearing written on it. Mine plainly said guest. We were both instructed to register our wands and be searched. Then we descended.
After we stopped we got out and went to the security booth. We were both searched. Then we had our wands weighed.
"Let's see, eleven inches, phoenix-feather core, 4 years of use?" The security officer asked Harry. Harry nodded mutely. "Now yours, 10 inches, what's this...thestral hair?"
The security officer looked at me in confusion, "Where did you buy this from?"
"Ollivanders same as anyone that's gone to Hogwarts, is there a problem?"
"Just never seen anyone have a thestral hair in their wands before is all." he then went back to reading the last bit, "11 years of use, hey did I go to school with you?"
I shifted my hair from black and curly to pink and short, "Maybe?"
"Oh, I know you. You were the one that became a teacher and saved those students."
"Order of Merlin First Class, and Head of House Black." I recited.
"Oh apologies for the hold up Ms. Black right that way you keep your wands." He then handed Harry and I our wands. Then we joined a lift that was already crowded.
Someone had a fire breathing chicken in a box next to us. Arthur seemed to know him then we rose up. Through 7 a sports and other such nonsense floor.
Level 6 was transportation where paper airplanes got in the lift with us. Arthur whispered something to Harry. Level 5 was international. 4 Creatures Regulation.
The chicken box carrying man got off as did some airplanes. 3 was Accidents and Obliviators. Everyone got off at this point except us and some other witch.
Then we were at 2 DMLE we passed by the Auror Headquarters where Kingsley and Arthur had a quick chat.
We made it to Arthurs office when, Perkins as he was introduced to us told us the time of the hearing had been switched to 8 and that we'd have to get to courtroom 10.
We made a mad dash down the stairs because of the fact that they moved it to 10 meant there were no elevators that went there.
While dashing I cast two patroni one to find Savage and the other to find Dawlish to tell them the time moved if they didn't already know.
I pushed Harry through the door and shooed Arthur away so he could get back to what he needed to do. I had to take things from here.
"You're late."
"Sorry I-"
"Don't bother, they know that you didn't get a letter, even if they did send one."
"Let us begin, Disciplinary hearing of the 12 of August into offenses committed under the Decree for the Reasonable Restriction of Underage Sorcery and the International Statute of Secrecy by Harry James Potter, resident at number four, Privet Drive, Little Whinging, Surrey.
Interrogators: Cornelius Oswald Fudge, Minister for Magic; Amelia Susan Bones, Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement; Dolores Jane Umbridge, Senior Undersecretary to the Minister. Court Scribe, Percy Ignatius Weasley-
"Witnesses for the defense, Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore,and Nymphadora Tonks."
Then running was heard as the door opened again, "Save and Dawlish reporting as Witnesses for the defense as well."
There was muttering, "Dawlish what are you doing?" Fudge asked.
"I'm here to report my account of what I saw on August 2nd at 9:23 p.m. in Little Whinging, Surrey."
"Same as him." Savage spoke up.
"I'm glad you were able to find the new meeting room without trouble I can bring in four more seats." Fudge spoke to the four of us extras.
"No need." Dumbledore spoke then conjured four quite comfortable chairs for us to sit on for the hearing.
"Yes," said Fudge again, shuffling his notes. "Well, then. So. The charges. Yes. "
He extricated a piece of parchment from the pile before him, took a deep breath, and read out, "The charges against the accused are as follows: That he did knowingly, deliberately and in full awareness of the illegality of his actions, having received a previous written warning from the Ministry of Magic on a similar charge, produce three Patronus Charms in a Muggle-inhabited area, in the presence of a Muggle, on the second of August at twenty-three minutes past nine, which constitutes an offence under Paragraph C of the Decree for the Reasonable Restriction of Underage Sorcery, 1875, and also under Section 13 of the International Confederation of Warlocks' Statute of Secrecy.
"You are Harry James Potter, of number four, Privet Drive, Little Whinging, Surrey?" Fudge said, glaring at Harry over the top of his parchment.
"Yes," Harry said.
"You received an official warning from the Ministry for using illegal magic three years ago, did you not?"
"Yes, but–"
"And yet you conjured three Patroni on the night of the second of August?"said Fudge.
"I did not."
"What?" Fudge looked flabbergasted at this news for some reason.
"That's where I come Minister, it was I that cast the three patronus charms."
"Then how is it that Harry Potter was picked up having cast the spells?"
"This happened the first time I got my warning. I couldn't tell you that I wasn't the one who cast the spell. It was a house elf."
"That should not be the case, it has to be your wand to cast the spell."
"I have a theory." I spoke up, "I believe that because of either his person or location that his trace has been amplified for an unknown reason."
"Hem hem." I heard from the box and the toad stood up.
"The Chair recognizes Dolores Jane Umbridge, Senior Undersecretary to the Minister," said Fudge.
"It seems then that this isn't a trial for young Harry Potter but for Nymphadora Tonks on performing magic in front of muggles."
"That's Ms. Black, Head of House Black and Order of Merlin First Class, to you and only you. And as an adult, I won't have my wand snapped and can pay any fee. However I don't even need to stoop down to that degree. As I have witnesses to the dementor attack." I made my case to the person that really mattered that I take down.
"Yes both Savage and I were called to the scene, we witnessed Ms. Black holding off a dementor from both Mr. Potter and a Muggle Child." Dawlish spoke.
"You both testify to this?" The woman I knew as Amelia Bones asked.
"We do." Savage and Dawlish said at the same time.
"I can't believe that some rouge dementors would go to such a remote place and attack those poor boys." The pink woman spoke. She obviously didn't care.
"Oh, I don't think any of us believe the dementors were there by coincidence," said Dumbledore lightly.
"And what is that supposed to mean?" Fudge asked icily.
"It means that I think they were ordered there," said Dumbledore.
"I think we might have a record of it if someone had ordered a pair of dementors to go strolling through Little Whinging!" barked Fudge.
"Not if the dementors are taking orders from someone other than the Ministry of Magic these days," said Dumbledore calmly. "I have already given you my views on this matter, Cornelius."
"Yes, you have," said Fudge forcefully, "and I have no reason to believe that your views are anything other than bilge, Dumbledore. The dementors remain in place in Azkaban and are doing everything we ask them to."
"Then," said Dumbledore, quietly but clearly, "we must ask ourselves why somebody within the Ministry ordered a pair of dementors into that alleyway on the second of August."
"I'm sure I must have misunderstood you, Professor Dumbledore,' she said, with a simper that left her big, round eyes as cold as ever. 'So silly of me. But it sounded for a teensy moment as though you were suggesting that the Ministry of Magic had ordered an attack on this boy!" Umbridge spoke.
I kind of zoned out a bit. If I'm honest the fact that Dumbledore was making this more of a statement on the Ministry, rather than letting us just get out of here with a win was really chapping my ass.
"Excuse me, if I can just break in real quick." I stood up, all eyes were on me, "If we want to speed this up, I'm going to ask simple questions."
"You have the floor, Ms. Black." Bones allowed.
"Where are we on the dementors, were they there or not. I don't care about how they got there, that's not what the trial is about."
"We find that with your witnesses and by somewhat of the possibility reached by Delorus Umbrich and Minister Fudge, that there were indeed dementors in that location."
"So they were there, which means no grand statements, no political movements. Magic was performed in front of a muggle and that muggle is safe thanks to that spell."
"Yes, based on witness accounts and spells cast it would seem that Harry Potter did not cast the spell in question. Even if he did it would have been within his right to defend himself and others."
"Because I do not want this to hang over Harry Potters head in any way, I want to present evidence that will prove Harry Potter did not cast the spell."
I then went to where Harry was sitting uncomfortable on the provided chair. "What is it Professor?" Harry asked.
"I need you to be able to cast a corporeal patronus in this courtroom."
"But-"
"And I need you to do it after I do, think of your happiest memory in your life and put as much power behind your wand as you can. No pressure though."
I then spoke to the room, "I will now cast the same three corporeal patroni used to hold back the dementors on that day.
Then to prove that Harry Potter does not have the same Patronus as me, by having him cast one of his own.
I hope this will also clear any rumors that Harry Potter does not in fact have a crush on me."
I heard a few scandalous gasps from some of the older wizards and witches in the room. "Now isn't the time for jokes Nymphadora." Dumbledore chastised softly.
"Right, I apologize just nerves." I winked, "Will my use of a wand and casting be granted Ms. Bones?"
"I will make an allowance." Was the reply.
I then cast the patronus charm three times. Out of my wand came three white-blue butterflies.
"Now, Harry." I requested.
"Granted." I then turned to Harry and begged in my head for this to work to get this over and done with.
Harry stood up from the chair took and deep breath and with the loudness of someone screaming for their life Harry shouted, "Expecto Patronum!"
Blue-white came out of his wand then more and more light came charging out of his wand until a mighty stag lept out of the tip of Harry's wand.
It made a quick lap of the room as if searching for something. The three of my butterflies swarmed around the stag and came to rest on the antlers of Harry's patronus.
"Which of these patronus did you see." Ameilia Bones asked my two selected witnesses.
"I think we'd remember if there were a big stag at the scene, but we saw the butterflies." Savage told her.
"I've been wondering why everyone has been saying three, this whole time I only remember two." Dawlish let out.
"That'd be because I sent one of them, like I did with you two for this trial, to find someone to get in contact with the DMLE."
"Oh, alright then." Dawlish seemed to sit back in his chair.
"Do you think this is enough to end this...you know I've just come to realize this whole trial is about underage magic, and yet we have a whole trial just for that.
It seems that something is going on that's a lot more politically motivated than it when you first look."
"Those in favor of clearing the witness of all charges?" said Madam Bones.
More than half raised their hands. Harry was definitely cleared. "Those in favor of conviction?" Finished Madam Bones.
Fudge raised his hand, followed by Umbridge. I was surprised there weren't more.
Then Fudge in a defeated voice said, "Very well, cleared of all charges."
Dumbledore said his goodbyes and we left the courtroom. We made our way out of the Ministry. On our way out we passed Lucius and Fudge talking.
I sent out a patronus telling Arthur that Harry was cleared of all charges. Harry questioned if Fudge was imperiused like Krum.
I got him off that idea, telling him Dumbledore said it was all Fudge and his fear. As we left Harry dumped a whole bag of money into the fountain.
He must have really liked helping people out. I threw in a galleon for the cause.
Back at my house Harry was thrown a small party for his success in court. I left them to the festivities. I needed to think about what might have changed because of my actions.
Before I knew it 18 days had passed. The Order had come and gone when necessary to plan out possible moves. Ron and Hermione got prefect badges which was strange.
With the help of Remus and Sirius I was able to have a second copy of the Marauder's Map. I made a not to give back Harry the original before the school year truly started.
I guess Dumbledore wouldn't have Harry in that spot? It did still feel odd. I told both Ron and Hermione the time I had as a prefect and going on to Head Girl.
It seemed to get them excited for the year, though Ron still seemed bummed out at the extra responsibility. Harry seemed a bit Jealous for a time. At some point he did get over it.
Ron got a broomstick for becoming a prefect which was nice to see him get some praise from his mother.
Instead of flooing in like I normally would to the station I joined the flock of my students and Order members. Sirius joined us to see Harry off to school for the first time.
In the school meetings Professors had before school every year there were no mentions of anything that stood out.
Just the yearly announcements of prefects and stand out children good or bad. No mentions of a High Inquisitor or anything like that.
I knew Hagrid would be away for the first half of the year carrying out a mission for the Order. I didn't stand in my spot this year when it came time to board the train.
I just hopped right on and made my way around the train. Harry was left to himself this year, because Ron and Hermione would be doing their prefect duties.
I saw him sitting with Neville, Ginny, and Luna. It seems that they were having a good time. It was strange that Harry met Luna the year before.
I don't know what could have changed to influence that but it was an interesting change nonetheless. As I made my way around the train I saw Draco wearing a prefect badge.
I didn't have time to really mess with him this year as I just wanted to get to school and see the challenges I had to face this year.
Nothing exciting happened this year in the Hogwarts Express, it was a shame. I guess something of note happened when Fred and George started selling their own products on the train.
We arrived at the station and before I ran off I made sure to find Harry he was sharing his carriage with Luna and friends. I passed him off the map.
"Here you are, don't do anything I wouldn't do."
"Don't get caught and if you do, do it with style?" Luna asked.
"Vague enough to be wise as always." I commented.
"Thank you Professor, for what you've done at the start of this year and all the years before."
"I might just cry, don't worry about it Mr. Potter. Before you know it you might save me." I joked. But really I hope you save all of us with me mucking around in things.
I then clicked out of the side of my mouth twice and Hades came running, I hopped on his back, "See you all at school then." I knocked my heels twice and we were off.
This time we were able to stick the landing much faster. I gave him a quick rub on the nose and a slap on the rear to get him flying to wherever he stayed.
I made my way inside, there didn't seem to be any sign of fluffy pink. That was a good sign. The Start-of-Term Feast went as normal except for two points worth pointing out.
The Sorting Hat gave a song warning of the times to come. Which was just beyond charming and cheering. A great impression for first years coming in.
The other thing was something I already knew. Professor Wilhelmina Grubbly-Plank would take over for Hagrid at the start of the year.
Still no signs of anything out of place. It was almost normal. Hell it had a familiarity of first year where nothing was going on. In fact it was similar in backgrounds.
Voldemort was making moves just the same as last time, however he wasn't in the school as far as I was aware. Unless Harry's scar counts.
Then the feast ended and we all went to bed with full stomachs. Not even the papers were making Harry isolated this time around.
They mainly just avoided talking about Voldemort. Which while not great for preparing meant that there was no real push back on Harry.
When it came to classes, it was the first for First Years as always, Second Years needed to do more practical work. Third was more in need of dark creatures.
Fourth year was my most well rounded class so I just needed to get them to work with one another to get the full circle.
My Fifth years including the Golden Trio needed to be prepared for OWLs. So I would do my best.
My Sixth years were almost as rounded as my fourth years, but only needed to keep their acts together for the next year.
The Twins had NEWTs to plan for by the end of the year. Whether or not they'd make it to the end was on them. Cedric would be in my NEWT class I assumed he'd do well.
Angelina Johnson, Lee Jordan, and Roger Davies were also going to have to pass their NEWTs in my class. Those were my Seventh Years. So I really had a full deck.
I heard Ron made keeper at the tryouts. That was good for him. It also seems that Podmore got himself impiriused and was now heading to Azkaban for breaking into the Ministry.
It was November before anything happened again. It was an absolute shock to me. I feel like it went better than even first year honestly.
It's a shame because the thing that happened was quidditch. It's sad when the only thing going on for entertainment was quidditch. It was cold. Gryffindor won.
That's the stuff that you come to expect. What I didn't expect was a fight to break out.
It was Draco of course. However, the fact that the Twins joined in on the fighting means that Draco must have hit nerves all over the place.
Rightfully so Hooch sent them to their heads of house. She sent Draco to the Hospital Wing of Hogwarts.
I made sure to follow. He was getting patched up by the time I got there. Only a few bruises and a cut lip.
"I'd like to speak with Mr. Malfoy." I told Pomfrey.
"He's good enough to talk, really I mean muggle fighting on school grounds." She scuttled off ranting to herself.
I approached Draco who was sitting on the bed, "What did you say to them and don't lie."
"I said whatever would make them mad, I don't know exactly what but I went for subjects I knew they'd react to. Like their money or parents."
"You need to stop doing this."
"It's just not fair no matter how hard I try, Potter and those Gryffindors always win and we have to be the bad guys."
"Didn't you try and distract Mr. Weasley from keeping during the whole game?"
"It's just a tactic, we tried so hard."
"Sometimes, no matter how hard you try there are just some people that will be better than you. Isn't that what your dear old dad has been teaching you?"
"But it's supposed to be us that are better, the pure-bloods. Not some half-bloods or blood traitors or even Mud-Muggleborns."
"Take me as an example Draco, I started out the daughter of someone kicked out of a pureblood family. She married a muggleborn and had me a half-blood.
I did well in school. I became a prefect, then Head Girl of Hogwarts. I was Hired right after my exams to become one of the youngest DADA teachers.
I saved the students of Hogwarts three years in a row getting myself a known, though meaningless title really, but it still carries weight in the Order of Merlin First Class.
I got my uncle declared innocent from a lifetime in Azkaban. I got brought back into the Black family and became its head.
It takes hard work Draco to get the things you want in the world. It also takes a good amount of luck. However no one has ever truly been successful in life just being jealous of others."
Draco turned his head away from me. Then laid on the bed. "I'm taking 15 points from Slytherin for your comments on the field, and your slip up just earlier.
Reevaluate your life now. Your OWLs mean everything right now. They might help shape your life." On that I walked away.
From that day, Harry, Fred, and George were taken out of their second game. They would be replaced by Ginny, Andrew Kirke, and Jack Sloper.
Also on that night Hagrid returned to Hogwarts. He was quite beat up from his mission. Death Eaters were also looking into getting in good with the giants.
Hagrid was unable to convince the giants to become proper allies. However he was back to teach. So that was nice.
On December 18th is when Arthur was attacked. This time not by Nagini who was dead but instead he was tortured with the cruciatus curse.
Harry told the Headmaster in time to get help and drive the person off while he was under the spell.
I knew it happened some time in the year but I expected Halloween however when that didn't come, I just assumed I changed enough that it didn't happen at all.
He wasn't able to put a face to a name but they were wearing death eater garb. The Daily Prophet aired the story.
Fudge said it was the same people who wanted to take Harry Potter. He firmly denied that it was a sign of Voldemort returning though.
Fred, George, Ron, Ginny, and Harry were sent out of Hogwarts and to my house to spend the night. Then they'd go to St Mungo's to see Arthur.
The news was bad but not as bad a case as Alice or Frank Longbottom. It seems he suffered a Bell's Palsy attack while under the curse.
He would recover from all other symptoms of just the cruciatus by mid year of 1996.
Then it was January, there was a mass breakout of Azkaban Antonin Dolohov, Augustus Rookwood, Travers, Rabastan Lestrange, Rodolphus Lestrange, Mulciber, and Bellatrix Lestrange are among the escapees.
As it turns out Peter Petegrew was not among them. However strangely enough Lockhart had gone missing as well.
Broderick Bode is reported dead, he somehow got strangled in bed by devils snare in St. Mungos. Which means he was murdered.
I didn't know the man but due to his work, I bet it had to do with the Death Eaters trying to get into the Ministry.
I also noticed Harry going into the dungeons with Snape on my new map. I assumed to study Occlumency.
Then it was February, it really has been a speed through year full of things only happening outside of Hogwarts really.
I don't know if I was happy I didn't have to interact with Umbrige or upset I couldn't get her arrested or curse her for doing something evil.
In the end I think it's best that the students didn't have to suffer any. Speaking of suffering Gryffindor versus Hufflepuff happened.
It was once again one of my few breaks from just staying in the castle. Gryffindor lost even though they caught the snitch there was a point difference how very Krum of Ginny.
The next day, the Quibbler started to run stories about Voldemort's return. To counter the lack of news and give answers to why things have happened around the Ministry and the breakout from Azkaban.
In June were the exams, OWLs, and NEWTs. On the practicals at least everyone passed. The written exam was still to be graded.
However that wasn't what came up that surprised me. What did was the surprise decree from the Ministry about half-breeds.
Much like werewolves they were getting their rights taken away as a scapegoat to the things going on.
They were explained to be part of the plan to kidnap Harry at the Triwizard Tournament and escape from Azkaban.
As well as the break into the Ministry and near killing of Arthur Weasley. So along with Umbrige Aurors came to talk to Dumbledore about arresting Hagrid.
It was this inciting incident that got Dumbledore blamed for having sympathetic connections to possible dangerous groups.
First, Dumbledore having denied help to arrest Hagrid again for the only crime of being born. He would be arrested as well.
Then when they went to arrest Hagrid our new Headmaster in McGonagall was injured in the attempt.
When Fudge actually arrives to arrest Dumbledore for the 'crimes' of aiding abetting. Dumbledore makes his glorious and miraculous escape using Fawkes.
The next in tenure to become a Headmaster would have been Flitwick but the half-breed initiative left him under suspicion.
They wouldn't arrest him fearing a possible backlash from the goblins. Who controlled all the money.
So the next person with experience due to being head of House was Severus Snape. Who would be a puppet for Dumbledore anyway.
To further undermine all of the 'Anti-Ministry' plots. She attempted to subdue Harry Potter alone.
Thankfully with the map in hand I was able to come in time to stun the toady woman cutting off the cruciatus curse being used on Harry.
"Are you alright Harry?" I asked the still hurting teen.
"That was the woman from my trial, she told me when she was cursing me that she was the one that sent the dementors." Harry got out.
"Crazy bitch gave away all her secrets?" I asked and received a nod, "Well then we might need that information for trial. It all went wrong at the end of the year I guess."
"It wasn't all normal...I need to tell you something."
"Is this like the Arthur being tortured kind of somethings?"
"Yes how did you…no I guess that makes sense as that seems to be the only thing you Order members care about."
"What?"
"The visions the orders for Snape to Mind Fuck me. Well how about now, I'm asking for help."
"Mind fuck?" I asked, "Harry I have no idea what your talking about they said it was remedial potion lessons."
"No they were to help me shield my mind from Voldemort's visions."
"Do you mean occlumency, that's a bit advanced for you."
"Well the lessons didn't work, and a good thing they didn't. I just got one where Sirius is being tortured at the Ministry."
"I think this may be a trap, have you tried contacting Sirius?"
"That's the first thing I did he won't answer."
"Shit why wouldn't he...?" I thought for a moment, "Kreacher!"
Then with a pop my house-elf was there, "What can Kreacher do for Ms. Black?"
"Do you know where Sirius is?"
His face scrunched, "Last Kreacher saw of him he was talking about a woman he met, probably a blood traitor just like him."
"We'll talk about you reteric later." I then had to think could Sirius have actually walked into a honey trap.
It was possible, especially if he wasn't answering calls from even Harry. "Do you see now?" Harry pleaded, "Something is wrong, we have to go find Sirius."
"Yes, we should let's use my Floo." I cast a patronus to Severus to get Umbridge I told him to cast a prior incantato on her wand.
Then we ran to my office along the way Ron and Hermione joined with us having used Harry's map to find us.
"What's going on?" Ron asked.
"We're headed to my office, to use the Floo to go to the Ministry to save Sirius...maybe."
"You think it's a trap don't you?" Hermione asked me.
"I think that it's possible, I also think it's possible that Sirius might be being tortured because he wasn't answering and Kreacher doesn't know where he is."
"Damn!" Ron cursed.
Then we were in my class running up the stairs into my office. I tried to activate the floo. "Looks like the Ministry turned it off when they came to start arresting people."
That's when the Twins ran into my office, "We've been looking for you all, what's going on in this school?" Fred asked.
"The Ministry has come to arrest Dumbledore who escaped, Hagrid who also escaped, they've injured McGonagall, Snape is Headmaster, Harry got crucio'd, and Sirius may be being tortured at the Ministry." I filled in.
"Whatever you need." George started.
"We'll help." Fred finished.
"We can fly there." Harry spoke up, "Some of use can use brooms, others thestrals."
"Harry, only you, the twins, and Ron could actually fly brooms that distance." Hermione told him, "Professor To- I mean Black is the only one of use that can see thestrals."
"I know someone else who can." Harry pointed out. He then took out his map and started running.
Then we came across Neville, "What's going on guys, where are you all going?"
"Just come along you can decide if you want to come when we get where we're going." I continued to run after Harry.
We reached the Great Lake where Luna Lovegood was sitting with feet in the water. "Luna we have a plan, and only you and Professor Tonks can see thestrals."
"Okay, sounds fun I'm in."
"Really, you just-" Hermione started.
"Gift horses, luv." I elbowed her, "Now who wants to explain what's going on to Mr. Longbottom?"
"Something is going on at the Ministry it may be dangerous, do you want to come help?" Ron summed up in one of the simplest ways possible.
"For you lot?" Neville looked at all of us, "I may be going mad, but I'm in."
Harry, Ron, and the Twins got their brooms. Luna got onto a thestral with Neville holding onto her. I got onto Hades with Hermione on my back.
Then with a kick off we were flying. Hermione was screaming though I think it was more in delight. Seemed she found a bit of fun in it all.
Then we made it to the phone booth lift. We each piled in and made our way down into the Ministry. We then made our way through the Ministry.
After dark it seemed no one was walking the halls. We all got into the lift at the end of the hall past security.
We rode our way down to the bottom floor after Harry pressed the last button. We rode down all the floors until the door opened. The voice said The Department of Mysteries.
We all followed Harry as he was the one with the visions of where to go. He reached out for the door and it swung open itself. Harry then told us to shut the door which Fred did.
The room spun in the dark and we were lost on which one we had come through. We powered through though. Harry went into the first door.
We all walked inside and all around and above us were dusty glass orbs. It was as silent as the grave except for our footsteps. There were rows and rows of the prophecies.
"Row 97." Harry informed us what we were looking for, "Keep your wands ready." he told the group. We kept going my hand at the ready to draw my wand from it's holster.
Then Hermione spoke, "97!"
"He should be at the end of the row, where is he?" Harry asked out loud. Well if he really wasn't here then it was definitely a trap. Why wasn't Sirius answering earlier then.
I then walked up behind Harry, "This is clearly a trap then, be ready to knock over the shelves for a quick getaway. We'll make our way out of here as quickly as possible."
He nodded silently a bit of guilt written on his face. "Harry, why does this one have your name on it?" Ron asked.
"This is clearly the trap, everyone get prepared to go!" I looked around for the death eaters who were sure to appear.
"Going so soon?" I heard from behind us. There Lucius was. I saw movement from all around us. We were already surrounded.
"This is the one you warned me about Lucy I'm disappointed." Someone I only knew could be Bellatrix.
"Oh is that Auntie Bella?" I asked letting humor sink into my voice, "She even used the same nickname for you. You really should introduce us."
"Maybe you were right, but she's only half...as good as the real thing."
"For half as good, I've spent less time in Azkaban and more time moving up in the family." I mocked, "As Head of House Black I'm beyond disappointed in what you've accomplished for the House of Black."
She looked ready to step forward but was stopped by Lucius, "Don't jeopardize us by falling for minor taunts."
That's when Harry grabbed the orb and threw a spell at the shelves. Then we were off. I cut left making sure to knock over another row. Neville ran alongside me.
I heard cackling to my right and sent out a cutting curse. Prophecy's shattered as a hissing sound was heard. I think I cut her. Then Neville split off from me going right.
I kept going the way I was going. A death eater then stepped out in my path I quickly cast a flash of lumos being sure to cover my eyes.
Then sent a banishing charm at his knee. When he fell over I kept running as soon as I got near I put bone mass into my knee.
As he sat up I lifted my knee using my momentum from running and drove it upward into his jaw. There was a crunch and he went down.
Just to make sure I knelt over him and did the same with my forearm and slammed it into his temple. Then I tied him up with a spell and kept going on my way.
I saw the door at the end of the row I was in. I made sure to look for anyone that was around me.
To my left were the twins who were doing just fine fighting off two Death Eaters. Seeming to switch between the fights at a moments notice.
To my right was Luna and Neville helping each other drag a downed Hermione. I quickly cast a levitation charm to lift her. Then pointed to the doorway.
The twins already running though. Ron and Harry passed by me and ran through the door. Neville and Luna not far behind them.
I then threw Hermione at the door and watched her sail through to the other side. I cast one final flash of Lumos Maxima.
Then ran at the door jumping through as glass cut apart my long coat. We were on the other side of the door so I closed and locked it from our side.
Then I took stock of our group. Hermione wasn't doing great. Luna was bleeding out of her mouth. Neville had a limp. The Twins had cuts and bruises but seemed fine.
Ron had a slash in his forehead. Harry had not a scratch on him but was still holding the glass orb. I looked over myself and would have nothing but a few bruises.
I then looked around us at the room. I heard voices and looked up. There was the veil. The one thing no one really knew what it was. Something so ancient and powerful.
Harry then pointed back where we came from as we all heard the Death Eaters follow us through.
They all followed us into the veil room. Lucius stood in front of us, "We out man you, from all the results so far it seems that if we kept at it only you would lose people. Now hand it over, and we can just go our separate ways."
"Well I doubt the second part, but I put my trust in you to make the right choice Harry." I hoped that the order would be here soon. Snape probably knew we'd be here.
"Okay." Harry agreed. Seeming to reach out to give it to Malfoy sr. before throwing the orb down into the ground shattering it.
Lucius looked shocked and Bellatrix screamed then the fighting was about to start up again when the Order arrived. Throwing around stunners and other spells at the Death Eaters.
I saw Mad-Eye, Sirius, Kingsley, Remus, Hestia, Bill, and Fleur. Make the rounds taking out Death Eaters alongside us. Sirius stunned Lucius from next to the veil.
I knew this part. Why didn't I plan for this part. I saw Sirius get struck with a jet of red light in the chest before he fell backwards into the veil.
The absolute pained scream from Harry was enough to know the damage done. I then heard a mad cackle from my aunt as she made her way out of the room luring Harry.
Then like a gunshot he was off. I made a quick look around at the fight around me. We were in a good position Death Eaters were falling around us.
So I chose to go after Bellatrix and Harry. I caught up to them as Harry was trying to duel Bellatrix from behind the fountain.
I heard Harry taunt my aunt causing her to howl in fear. Then I saw Voldemort he wasn't pale as I thought he'd be.
No, he had more of a red hue to him as if he was sunburnt. He walked slowly, but I had no doubt that he had the magical power.
When he fired the killing curse at Harry it launched faster that any spell I had seen fired before. It was met with the broken piece of the statue saving Harry.
Dumbledore it seems had arrived. While those two duked it out while Harry watched I sped up ahead to get to Bellatrix.
When I was right on top of her making her escape from the Ministry. I did the only thing I could think of and cast the imperius curse. I commanded her.
She was to go and get the cup the Dark Lord had given to her. Once she was allowed to freely walk in public. Then bring it to me. She could act like she normally would otherwise.
I then kicked her into the fireplace grabbed some powder from the side of it and threw it at her feet and spoke "Malfoy Manor."
Then she was gone in green flames. I turned to look if people were watching but they seemed to be distracted.
As Voldemort quickly Disapparated from over top of Harry's downed body. I looked around the Atrium as more and more people came onto the scene.
Someone shoved passed me and the fireplace I was standing in front of. I moved out of the way and toward Dumbledore and Harry.
Fudge was standing in front of Dumbledore who was explaining that there were contained Death Eaters in the Death Room I guess the name of it was.
Dumbledore then gave Harry a custom made portkey. Then Harry was gone. I went to check on my students. I made my way back to the Death Room as I knew it now.
A few of the Order were lingering the ones that were supposed to be there at least. Dumbledore was gathering all the students together but Hermione was still on the ground.
I got to Hermione who was the most injured of the students. Dumbledore came over to me and handed me a portkey that would take me to the Hospital Wing of Hogwarts.
I then spoke the word portus and we were both transported to Pomfrey's domain. The other students would start coming in after.
So I set down Hermione and waited as Pomfrey looked her over. "Do you know what she was cursed with?" Pomfrey asked me.
I then thought, yes I did know. It was supposed to be purple and be a custom spell created by Antonin Dolohov. I didn't know it's name for some reason.
"It was purple and I'd never seen someone use that spell before, if it helps Dolohov was the one to cast it. I don't think he said the name."
"Oh, it's one created by Dolohov he used it before. It's a nasty one that makes sense with no visible marks to Ms. Granger. I'll get the required potions." She then sped off.
That's when the other students started to arrive. They each had minor injuries that could be gotten to after Hermione was forced fed the first 10 she'd need to take daily.
After the first 10 Hermione was allowed to rest until she woke up to take another 10 the next day. She looked over Neville who needed a cast for a fractured leg.
Luna had a bit tongue and busted lip which were easy to heal. The cut on Ron's forehead was closed and cured but he needed to be kept overnight for a concussion.
Technically it was the next day already. I summoned Kreacher to bring me the paper with Fudge admitting Voldemort was back when it came out.
Then I waited with Ron and Hermione. Ron was to be kept up so we chatted.
"What do you suppose will happen now, Professor?"
"Now? I think we'll have all the Death Eaters we captured returned to Azkaban including Malfoy."
"That's a good thing alone worth the splitting headache."
"Yes, if everyone will recover as expected then this trip was worth the struggle alone."
"You think Fudge will confess to Voldemort being back now?"
"He has to, if he wants to leave with any dignity at all. He saw him and other witnessed that."
"So he'll probably, for denying it so long have to leave office?"
"Yes that would probably be the case."
"Then that's good too."
"Not necessarily." I corrected, "For as bad a Minister as he was, he made things easy to slip around and manipulate for the Order too."
"So you think we might get someone who will just cause more trouble for us."
"I think it's better the devil you know."
"Then we still have one win and an up in the air reaction so far."
"We'll take it as a win that Voldemort did not get the prophecy that he wanted Harry to give him."
"2:1:0" Ron laughed, "Those are good odds so far."
"Dumbledore will be Headmaster again after having his name cleared."
"That's 3, hey if Fudge leaves that probably means all the new laws about half-breeds would be taken down and any other strange laws put in recently."
"That will be 4 with Hagrid being able to come back."
"We're on a hot streak, hey if we're this lucky do you think the Cannons will get the cup soon?"
"Ron, as a fanatic for the cannons. Even I know it will take nothing less than a miracle for that to happen."
"It will happen one day they'll see, then we'll get to gloat."
"Indeed we will...hey Ron, If I'm gonna start calling you by your first name you can be a bit more informal with me. What we've been through 5 years of life threatening stuff."
"Is Tonks okay? I'm just not used to calling you Black."
"It's fine, I made it my middle name anyway. That's even more informal for us all."
And so it went both of us passing the time. Talking about the repercussions of our battle.
We also talked about the school year that I missed from Harry having cut himself off from anything Order related.
Hermione woke up at some point at midnight when Saturday came. I assumed Pomfrey gave her the potions once she woke up. Ron was finally allowed to start sleeping.
So I woke up to an awake Hermione sore and looking for answers Hermione. She being her didn't want to be rude and wake anyone up so she just stewed.
So as soon as I was up from the bed next to her she sprung, "What happened? Where's Harry?
We clearly won the fight as we're all here but did they get the prophecy they wanted? Is everyone else alight? Are you alright?
You don't look hurt but it may have been an internal issue. I don't seem to have a scratch on me so clearly I also had that one cast on me."
"What time is it?"
"7 in the morning. Did you only just recover I'm sorry for asking so many questions-"
"I'm fine everyone but you and Ron had superficial damage. I'm just here to watch over you and make sure you were okay."
"Well thank you." She seemed relieved, "Then my other questions?"
"Uh...let's see you asked about Harry. He's been talking to Dumbledore and probably waiting for you two to recover. He's probably not allowed in here as a student.
I have the privilege as a teacher to make sure you're alright ahead of schedule. What else, Harry smashed the prophecy, so they didn't get that."
"Good." She nodded to herself her hair bouncing at each bob of her head.
"Oh, right, I think that you should know something. About what happened during the battle."
"Oh no was someone hurt? How can you forget something like that, it's important to know was it the twins? Luna maybe I know she was too young to bring."
"No none of your classmates were hurt. It was someone else."
"A member of the Order then? Was it Dumbledore, was it even at the battle? Is it Professor McGonagall? Did she recover from her injury?"
"It's not a teacher, I'm once again sorry to have to be the one to tell you this but...Sirius Black fell through the archway and hasn't come back, he is presumed dead."
"Oh nooooo." She sobbed, "What about Harry...is Harry alright?" She asked through tears.
"He's gone through a lot, he chased after the one who did it to get them but she got away."
"Then it was Bellatrix that did it?" Even crying she was good at putting things together.
"Yes, I don't exactly know how Harry's been about it. He made this horrible noise when...when it happened.
I've not gone to see him yet your injuries seemed much more severe and he had Dumbledore to talk to."
"Dumbledore's talking to him again?" She wiped at one of her eyes, "That's all Harry's wanted this year, he felt that he was being ignored."
"I'm not supposed to say this to someone not in the Order but it might explain some things.
The visions were something Dumbledore suspected, so as not to give Voldemort any edge we were to avoid contact including you guys."
"So that's why you wouldn't allow us to contact Harry while at Grimmauld Place, it might have given away Order secrets even indirectly."
"Very well summed up, yes that's the basics of it."
"Poor Harry, he just wants to be normal, you know. He doesn't want any of this. All because of what I assume is a prophecy he has to deal with all these...terrible things."
"You've put that together as well I see."
"Why else would Voldemort and Harry be on that tag, why else would Voldemort want it?"
"Yes, you are correct. Because of a prophecy Harry's life has always and might always be in danger from Voldemort."
"How long has Dumbledore known about it?"
"I think since he gave the Potters the plan for the Fidelius charm to protect Harry."
"Then he thought it was over when everyone thought Voldemort was dead?"
"I assume so."
"So when Voldemort came back, Dumbledore has always known that he would come for Harry."
"That is the inference...yes."
"Do you know what the Prophecy says?"
"I don't think Dumbledore told any of the Order the whole thing honestly." I didn't technically lie.
"What did the prophecy say that you know of."
"It gives the date of two births, in it's a roundabout way, it gives information that someone would be born with powers to defeat the Dark Lord, with parents that have defied him three times, and that the Dark Lord would mark him as his equal."
I tapped my forehead at the last bit. "Harry's Scar?"
"Yes, it seems that there were to boys born at the same time that fit some of those requirements. Missing the scar of course."
"Is it Neville? Is that why after Voldemort went missing the first time that the Death Eaters tortured the Longbottoms."
"I believe so." So that was it Hermione was pretty much caught up on most things. I was hedging my bets with telling her everything myself.
In hopes that the brains of the operation would be able to put things together faster for the trio.
"Hey Hermione?"
"Yes Professor?"
"I was just talking to Ron about this but you can feel free to call me Tonks when we're not technically in school."
"Okay...Tonks."
The next day the troop that went to the Ministry were allowed to see Hermione and Ron in the Hospital Wing.
I left to let them all talk and I really needed to clean and change clothes. I was still in my ruined outfit from the battle.
During that whole day I spent time talking with Dumbledore and the Order. We were accounting for losses and plans for the future.
Dumbledore told us all that he revealed the prophecy to Harry. There were mixed feelings about it. To say the least.
Good news was the Umbridge laws that were passed were taken back. Due to her use of illegal magic and she was on a one way trip to Azkaban.
Severus was not mentioned for turning her in. Hagrid was allowed back on school grounds and Dumbledore was also reinstated. Fudge quietly resigned.
McGonagall returned to the school from St Mungo's but was using a walking stick. Plans were made to get a new Minister but bureaucracy would have it's way first.
Ron and Hermione eventually the day after Sunday we're allowed to leave the Hospital wing. Hermione was still to be on a potion regimen.
Then it was the End-of-Term Feast Harry and Luna were suspiciously absent. Hermione complained to me about how every time she had tried to talk to Harry about Sirius to let him grieve she was stopped by Ron. She did admit that it might have been too soon.
She also told me that Harry had still not told them and that she wishes that at some point in the future he'd feel comfortable with sharing it with them.
I debated on going on the train this year with my students but trusted that the train ride would be fine for Harry.
Draco had opted out of riding the train instead choosing to Floo home through Severus' fireplace. He seemed very worried and I knew that he would have a tough road ahead.
Thus ended my 5th year of working at Hogwarts. While not much happened at school until near the end, which I am thankful for. It was a year of change.
It was once again a feeling of apprehension at the changes I was making they didn't seem to shift what time wanted done.
It was a frustrating feeling fighting time and destiny. However I would keep fighting until the bitter end and hopefully make a better future even if slight for everyone I knew and loved.
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