Chapter 20: Twenty: The Demise of the Toad
Both Professors stared at Harry like he was some sort of demon. Madam Umbridge was staring unblinkingly at the teen though he could see the hatred of him in her eyes. Draco was not sure what to do, but he had his wands out anyway. One trained on Umbridge, the other on the Professors should they attack Harry.
"Professor, would you kindly contact the Aurors office and ask them to Floo to Professor Dumbledore's office? I am making a Citizen's arrest for torture on a minor," Harry asked Snape mildly like he had not just frozen a teacher. Snape hesitated long enough to show Harry was not in control before contacting the Auror office. Harry used his wand to levitate the now screaming woman, shouting that she was the Ministers Personal Assistant. Somehow the women had managed to free her head of the binding, but nothing else. As Harry led the way with the dumbstruck Deputy Headmistress following and Snape shortly behind them, Draco quickly used the Floo to make a call.
Several minutes later, Dolores Umbridge floated into the Headmaster's office with a small procession behind her. Albus Dumbledore looked surprised as he was trying to deal with the Director of the DMLE and the Head Auror being in his office. The Floo made a noise, and Minister Fudge entered, followed by two Auror Guards. Several seconds later, Sirius emerged, followed by Narcissa Black.
"What the hell is the meaning of this? Why is one of my employees bound?" Fudge blustered.
"You admit that Madame Umbridge is still your employee even though she now works as a Hogwarts Professor?" Harry asked the man. He eyed the boy wearily as if he were testing him, looking around at the people in the room; the Headmaster, Director of the DMLE, Head Auror, two professors, and the Duke of Anglia.
"I, erm, that is to say, she is on the payroll, but her role as High Inquisitor is a Ministerial-appointed position."
"Good then, I am glad the public will want to know the Minister backs a blackmailer and a torturer," Harry announced to the shock of everyone but those that had been in McGonagall's office.
"What?" Fudge sputtered.
"That is some serious allegations, Lord Rendlesham," Bones spoke for the first time.
"I was given detention by Professor Umbridge at the beginning of the year when I arrived; she had a quill waiting for me. When I used the quill, it cut into the back of my hand," Harry showed the Director his hand, which had some very faint lines on it.
"That's because you are a disgusting liar; You-Know-Who is not back. Those Dementors should have finished you off!" Umbridge shouted, then realised she had said too much. Harry's eyes lit up.
"When I told her, I would be informing my father, she threatened my betrothed," Harry continued.
"Your betrothed?" Dumbledore asked.
"Yes, Hermione Granger is protected by the House and Black and will be the next Lady Rendlesham," Harry answered with a slight smirk. He noticed Sirius give him a small grin. "Professor Umbridge told me that if I complain to anyone, she will take my beloved and hand her to the darkest family she could find."
"Surely you are over exaggerating, Lord Rendlesham; perhaps you misunderstood what Professor Umbridge was saying," Dumbledore tried to defend the vile woman. Sirius looked at the man, astonished. "Also, are you not a bit too young to be betrothed? Your parents may have already created a Betrothal contract for you."
"I assure you, my father only signed one betrothal contract, and no, I did not misunderstand. She clearly threatened a member of the House of Black, which is covered under the Legacy Preservation Act of 1347," Harry answered, stunning the old man. Harry almost smiled as Dumbledore had come close to admitting he knew about the Betrothal Contract he created.
"We shall require your memories. Would you permit to go under Veritaserum?" Rufus Scrimgeour asked. Harry nodded at the grizzled old man. The Auror walked over to the woman as Harry released his spells. She started to rant and rave, but the Head Auror had already taken her wand and was holding onto her very carefully.
"Minister, perhaps we should have a discussion in your office?" Amelia Bones suggested getting a nod from the man. She followed him and his Auror bodyguards through the Floo. Rufus had taken Umbridge already to the Ministry holding cells to await trial. Only the teachers, Sirius, Narcissa and Draco, were left with Harry, who fell exhausted onto one of the chairs.
"Are you alright?" Sirius asked worriedly.
"Yes, dad. My leg is hurting a little," he admitted.
"I find myself curious, why wait until now? Why today?" Dumbledore asked from behind his desk.
"Draco and myself were being disciplined by Professor McGonagall when Professor Umbridge arrived and decided that Draco and I should have a life-ban on Quidditch."
"You did all this because Umbridge wouldn't allow you to play Quidditch?" Harry saw Dumbledore's demeanour drop, seeing him genuinely shocked for the first time.
"No, sir, because she had a new decree that allowed her to punish anyone. I was frightened she would torture the lower years with that quill," Harry replied patiently.
"Were you not frightened for yourself?" Dumbledore asked.
"Not really. I have had worse pain from my so-called family," Harry answered. The dark-haired teen could not read the man's face as he replied.
"Well, unfortunately, I have to inform you that Professor Umbridge's ban still stands for you both," Dumbledore straightened up.
"You what?" Draco yelled.
"What you both did is deplorable. You are young wizards of high-born birth. You are setting a horrible example for the younger years," Dumbledore told the pair, who appeared shocked. Harry pushed himself up with his cane trying not to look at the Headmaster as Harry could feel his anger crackling just beneath the surface.
"Now, if that is everything, I would like to return to my rooms?" Harry wanted to get back to the marriage suite; he was tired but wanted to analyse what had happened.
"You are free to go," Dumbledore was studying the boy as he began to limp out. Draco hurried to his other side, allowing the dark-haired boy to lean on him.
"If it is not too much of an inconvenience, I would like to use your Floo to leave, Minerva. Narcissa and I would like a quick visit with our children before we go," Sirius asked his former Head of House.
"You are welcome to use it, Sirius. I hope to see you soon," The two Blacks left the office, leaving behind Dumbledore, Professor McGonagall, and Professor Snape. It was not long before the adults caught up with the younger Blacks.
"Harry, Draco, we would like to talk to you for a little while," Sirius suggested. The pair nodded, following the adults into Professor McGonagall's office. Harry collapsed into a comfortable chair, completely taking the weight off his leg.
"That absolute bastard," Harry yelled, slamming his fist on the armrest of the chair.
"Language, Harry," Narcissa scolded, but it lacked sincerity as everyone else found a seat or something to perch on.
"Were you terrified?" Draco asked, knowing his cousin by now.
"No, I just used that as an excuse to get rid of her. While I did not know she was going to butt in on McGonagall's punishment, I went with it and managed to clear the castle of her," Harry answered with a grin.
"What about the betrothal?" Sirius asked with a massive smile on his face.
"Oh Merlin, Hermione is going to kill me," Harry put his head in his hands, fearing the wrath of his girlfriend.
"I am pretty sure she loves you," Sirius told him.
"I think she'll be happy, mate," Draco said, getting an astonished look from Harry.
"What was that?"
"I thought I would try it. Ronald seems fond of it," Draco returned.
"Never do that again," Harry told him, getting a laugh from the rest of the room. Draco just sniffed and turned away, getting more laughs.
"Are you sure you are, OK?" Sirius asked, concerned.
"I am fine, just a little tired," Harry answered. "I need to get back to the Gryffindor tower and see Hermione."
"Will you be all right getting up there?" Draco asked as Harry got to his feet.
"Sure, you better not come as I do not think anybody will be happy after I give them the news that I have been banned from the Quidditch team."
"I will see you tomorrow," the Slytherin wished his cousin goodbye, then hugged his mother. Harry hugged his father then took a slow walking leaning on the cane heavily to return to the Gryffindor tower.
He was pulled through the portrait to laughter and indoor fireworks going off around him. Fred and George Weasley had massive grins on their faces as they lifted him up.
"Here's the hero of the hour," Fred spoke.
"Not only did he win, but he also beat up Blaise Zabini," George finished. Harry could see Hermione's disapproving look. He rolled his eyes.
"Guys put me down. I have some news," Harry shouted over the din. The pair looked surprised but lowered Harry down as the Gryffindors all looked at him.
"What happened?" someone called.
"Did you get punished?" Someone else yelled.
"I went to Professor McGonagall's office. She was all set to give Draco and me three weeks' worth of detention when Umbridge arrived," the crowd hissed at the name, "I have been given a lifetime ban on Quidditch!"
"What!" only Ron's voice could be heard in the absolute silence.
"Umbridge banned Draco and me, then proceeded to inform McGonagall she was in charge of all discipline due to decree twenty-something. So, I, erm, attacked her." r".
"Way to go, you rebel," Fred high-fived his brother.
"She had been using an illegal blood quill on me, threatening something precious to me if I said something," He told them, meeting Lee Jordan's eye, who nodded at him in recognition. "So, I bound her and had Professor Snape contact the Aurors. She is now sitting in a Ministry holding cell."
"What did she threaten you with?"
"How did she hurt you?"
"Are you still banned?" Questions flew at Harry, but he ignored most of them.
"I am still banned, even though Umbridge has gone. I will answer any other questions soon, but I am tired, and my leg is hurting, so I am going up to my bed," Harry managed to push through the crowds ignoring the questions thrown his way. He exited the Gryffindor Common room and started making his way to the sixth floor where McGonagall had shown him the Gryffindor married quarters. Hermione caught up with him as he was heading down the stairs.
"Are you all right?" Hermione asked, allowing Harry to lean on her.
"As I said tired, the Quidditch match was quite a hard one, then we had that fight with Zabini," Harry answered truthfully.
"I'd hug you, but you stink," Hermione wrinkled her nose up in disgust. Hermione had not seen Harry's new quarters so was surprised when he stopped by the circular tower and spoke a password. Inside was a reception area and a second doorway.
"I'll go shower," Harry laughed.
"Where is your bedroom?" Hermione blushed. "Just come back with a towel and underwear,"
"My, my, Miss Granger, are you propositioning me?" Harry grinned at the girl. She flushed even harder.
"No, I noticed you are limping heavier on your leg, so I will give you a massage to relieve the muscles. Luckily, I have the ointment Andromeda gave me," Hermione replied as Harry went to have a shower. The teen explored as her boyfriend showered. The lounge led to a corridor that had four rooms coming off and a balcony at the end. If she knew Hogwarts, the balcony was squeezed between some of the lower Gryffindor dorms. There were two bedrooms, one was already occupied by Harry's stuff. A study and the bathroom finished the married quarters.
When Harry returned in just his underwear and a towel Hermione was already sat on his large bed. First, she conjured another towel to put under his legs on the bed, then put his shower towel over his crotch. He sank back into his pillows as she began to massage his leg muscles, trying his hardest to think of a naked Umbridge and Snape to not become aroused.
"So, can you tell me what happened?" she asked, rubbing his thigh muscles around the wound, though she could barely see it now. Harry proceeded to tell her everything until he saw Umbridge off. He kept out the part of them being betrothed for the moment.
"Last I saw, she was being hauled off by Rufus Scrimgeour to some Ministry Cells," Harry concluded.
"So, were you terrified for the younger years?" Hermione asked.
"You sound like Draco; he asked me the same question," Harry chuckled at the affronted look on Hermione's face. "No, but I saw it as an opportunity to get her out of the castle, perhaps one less person on the Muggle-born Register committee."
"What did she threaten you with?" Hermione looked at him, her hands now stilled on his leg.
"What do you mean?" Harry gulped, knowing that this moment was coming.
"You said, and you have mentioned before, that she threatened you with me. Now you did not sacrifice yourself again before everyone, did you?" she looked at the boy before her sternly.
"Erm Hermione, please don't hate me, but I kind of told the Minister, Director of the DMLE and Professor Dumbledore we were betrothed," Harry finally admitted telling her the last bit of the tale.
"Dumbledore is an arsehole," Hermione said after a few minutes getting a shocked look from Harry.
"Hermione!"
"What? He is," she replied indignantly. She seemed to be ignoring the betrothal issue, so Harry sighed, taking her hand in his.
"What do you think of the betrothal?" He asked the girl tentatively. For a moment, she sat there, then a massive smile came across her face.
"Well, then perhaps we should be betrothed," she suggested slyly.
"Hermione, there is no other person I would rather be with than you. Sirius and Narcissa had already considered us becoming betrothed during the summer."
"But we were not together then," Hermione looked confused.
"No, but they thought it would protect you from the Muggle-born Act. I am fairly sure we have won a lot of people Galleons when we got together," Harry grinned, "but seriously, there is no one I would rather be married to, though we have to think about That Contract."
"Harry, I-" she hesitated for the moment, making Harry wonder what she really felt for him, "love you. I do not care for that contract. We will break it; I know we will, so yes, I would love to be engaged to you."
"We can get Sirius to backdate it, but I think he has a contract all written up. I think he just needs to speak to your parents," Harry pulled her to him, completely forgetting he was half-naked.
"Oh, my goodness, my parents!" She exclaimed.
"I will message Sirius, and he shall organise a visit to your parents," Harry calmed her down, "The only problem is I have no ring; can you wait until Christmas?"
"Yes, oh yes, Harry," She kissed him soundly, then they snuggled up together enjoying each other's warmth.
Hermione was noticeably nervous as she stood in the Entrance Hall, waiting for Harry. She had not seen her parents since the very beginning of summer, and now she was going back to tell them she wanted to be betrothed at sixteen.
"Hermione, you do not have to do this. We can find another way," Harry touched her arm, pulling her towards him as he walked up behind her.
"It is a bit late now when we have told my parents to expect us," Hermione laughed, looking at the boy she had loved since the third year.
"We will tell them something else," Harry told her. She grabbed his head and kissed him. It was as good as the first time they had kissed; he could smell her sweet taste on his lips. Hermione leaned into him further, and he tightened his grip on her.
"O Merlin, I think I'm going to puke," an awfully familiar voice drawled. "Theo, find me a bucket."
"Do you want me to conjure one up?" a sarcastic voice returned as Harry pulled away from Hermione, glaring at the Slytherin blond and his boyfriend.
"Black, if you want to keep your manhood, you will leave right now." They heard Daphne Greengrass's tinkling laugh as the Slytherin quickly made himself scarce. Harry put his forehead against Hermione.
"Are you OK now?" He asked.
"Much better," she grinned up at him. The pair walked down to the gates of Hogwarts, chatting lightly until they found Sirius stood talking to Hagrid at the winged-boar gates.
"Ready to go?" Sirius asked the pair.
"Ready as I will ever be," Hermione replied nervously. The man took each of them by the arm and Apparated them to Hermione's house. Harry mused the house looked much different in the Sunday morning daylight to the last time they came. Harry once again felt the tingle of the wards as they followed Hermione into her house. Once again, they all sat around the lounge.
"How's school going so far?" Isabella asked, not failing to notice how Hermione was holding Harry's hand again.
"Great, thank you for the birthday presents. Harry turned a room in Hogwarts into a restaurant in Paris. It was so romantic," Hermione proceeded to tell them about the Room of Requirement.
"Sweetie, I bet it was nice, but I'm pretty sure you did not come to visit us to tell us about your birthday," William said. Sirius looked to his son as if to say, 'this is your show.'
"Mr and Mrs Granger, I would like to become betrothed to your daughter," Harry finally said. William Granger almost spat his tea out.
"Excuse me for saying, but you are only fifteen, right?"
"Yes, Sir, but I love your daughter and want to spend the rest of my life with her. I have only recently come to this conclusion. However, this is also about her safety." Hermione was absolutely beaming at the teen.
"What do you mean about her safety?" Isabella sat up a little stiffer now.
"How much has Hermione told you about our world?" Sirius asked.
"Quite a lot, we have considered pulling her from Hogwarts, especially after we heard nothing about her being petrified or nearly losing her soul," William replied angrily. Sirius held his hand up.
"We are not overly pleased with the Headmaster either, but we are hoping we may be able to change things in the near future," Sirius sympathised with the man. "Our world is mostly Patriarchal and made up of nobility. The Blacks, my family, are one of the oldest in the country, and as such, I hold the title of Duke in both yours and our world."
"You are a duke?" William looked surprised.
"Yes, my son is the Marquess of Rendlesham, but we are still normal people," Sirius tried to explain, "However, there are some in our society that sees you folk, Muggles, as crap on the bottom of their shoe."
"Hermione's told you about Voldemort, right?" He got a nod from both parents so continued. "Well, he has returned, but instead of warfare he has been pushing into political territory, his people frightened a lot of the old houses into creating the Muggle-born Act 1995. It basically turns Muggle-borns into a second-class citizen."
"Can Hermione not just leave?" William looked confused.
"She could but would have her wand snapped and possibly have her memory wiped," Sirius answered, "but she is Harry's best friend, the brightest witch of our age and could possibly be used as a tool against Harry. A betrothal contract would solve a lot of problems. I have just taken on the Head of the family, yet the Blacks are still an immensely powerful family.
A lot of people, Voldemort included, would think twice about trying to start a fight with the Blacks," Sirius concluded, "Clearly, the duo is in love with each other, which makes the idea of a betrothal, then a marriage a good idea."
"I don't want you married until at least your boy turns sixteen," Isabella said, warming up to the idea. She had always known her daughter liked Harry, even from the first year.
"If you give us your blessing, I will bring my lawyer with the contracts, which will bind our families together and offer you the same level of protection," Sirius said.
"Sirius has already had the house Warded," Hermione threw in.
"Ceph did say he feels a tingle every time he comes through the gate," Isabella contemplated, "we thought he was just pretending."
"Hermione once saved my life. It is the least I could do, with or without the contract," Sirius returned.
"Can you give us a minute to talk?" William asked.
"Sure, take your time." Mr and Mrs Granger went out into the kitchen as Harry let out a deep breath.
"That went better than I expected," he sighed. It took about ten minutes before William and Isabella returned to the front room.
"We know how long you have loved that boy. While we think it is too early to think of marriage or even betrothal, you have our blessing," the woman told her daughter. Hermione jumped up and hugged her mother.
"Now tell us how Cepheus is getting on?"
"That's a story…." Hermione laughed. They had a wonderful day at the Grangers.
Teen Witch Weekly
Harry Black no longer a Bachelor
Harry Black, the Marquess of Rendlesham, though only fifteen, was Britain's most eligible bachelor. Worth millions of Galleons, he had a lot of girls and women watching him. However, we are sad to say Black is now betrothed to Miss Granger, a vivacious fifth year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. You will remember that she was rumoured to be dating the Boy-Who-Lived last year…
"Ah, Master Weasley, right on time," Dumbledore said as the youngest male Weasley arrived at his office, "You have bought your sister as asked, well done,"
"Erm, yes, sir," Ron replied, taking a seat opposite the Headmaster. Ginny sank into the chair next to him.
"How are you feeling, my dear?" the old man asked in his most grandfatherly fashion.
"Better, I could feel myself being controlled but could do nothing about it," Ginny told the Headmaster.
"I'm sorry you had to go through that, troubling times we are going through," Dumbledore shook his head sadly. "Now I have asked you both here because I'm worried about Harry, he has been hanging around Draco Black more, and I'm afraid he is turning dark, especially after that appalling attack on Master Zabini on Saturday."
"He's banned now. We are going to lose the Quidditch Cup this year," Ron growled.
"Yes, sadly, there was nothing I could do about that," Dumbledore lied easily. "I was hoping you might help bring Harry back to the light, especially you, Miss Weasley. After all, you are betrothed to him."
"Excuse me?" Ginny's eyes lit up.
"I am so sorry, your mother was supposed to tell you after Harry turned sixteen," Dumbledore appeared to be upset that he had told a secret.
"I knew he was always going to be mine. I have loved him since I was six years old," Ginny spoke dreamily. Ron rolled his eyes at his younger sister.
"I do not know how but I think Miss Granger is somehow manipulating young Harry. I do not believe he wants to marry her," Dumbledore began planting seeds.
"It is like in the fourth year, that little witch used potions to snare Viktor Krum now she's doing it on my Harry," Ginny snarled.
"Ronald, I'm looking to you to help bring Harry back towards the light, but Ginevra, I need your help by truly becoming betrothed to Harry," Dumbledore asked, then gave them an incentive, "if you get married, you shall become Lady Potter and the Weasley family will become rich again when Harry shares the Potter wealth with you."
"But how can she become a Potter if Harry's a Black now?" Ron asked though he was dreaming of what to do with all the Galleons. He had heard his parents were even more impoverished because the Potter wealth had stopped paying them.
"Harry is still the benefactor of the Potter Legacy. James Potter left him a will, making the boy his only heir and Lord Potter," Dumbledore told them half-truths.
"I really want to be Lady Potter, married to the boy-who-lived. He is so handsome and heroic," Ginny agreed with the Headmaster.
"We must manoeuvre Harry away from the Slytherins and especially Draco Black. I believe he and his mother are still collaborating with the Dark Lord."
"We will do that, sir,"
"Good, now Ginevra, here is the first step to being Lady Potter," Dumbledore placed a ring box on the desk. Ginny reached for the box almost reverently then snapped it open. Inside lay a gold ring with Gryphons holding an inset diamond.
"Oh, Lady le Fay, this is absolutely beautiful," Ginny breathed, then took the ring from the box before sliding the beautifully crafted ring onto her finger. A wave of magic covered the girl leaving the redhead with a brief golden glow. Harry jolted up somewhere in the castle as he felt something seem to snap in place within him.
"Now, I have another appointment, so we'll have to talk another time," Dumbledore politely dismissed the pair as he carefully placed a glamour and a 'notice-me-not' charm over the ring. He had just wanted to get the ring on the Weasley girls' finger to cement his plan to get Harry back under his thumb.
Chapter 21: Twenty-one: The Dark Mark
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Scotland
Neville Longbottom could not be considered stupid, though many people had called him squib including his own family. His Uncle Algie had even thrown him out of the window to see if he had magic, oh how his gran had reamed the man. But since he had gotten his own wand and his cousin had come into his life, Neville had grown with confidence. That was why this All Hallows Eve, Neville was considering his best friend, cousin, and brother. Something always happened to the dark-haired boy; his mother was killed with his pseudo father. Also, the day that something usually happened at Hogwarts including the teen fighting a troll in their first year, first petrification in second year, Sirius Black attacking the Fat Lady in the third year and finally Harry being chosen by the Goblet of Fire in their fourth year.
Today he was concerned because Cepheus had approached him, saying he was worried about his brother and sister. Both had been acting odd the last few days. Suddenly a noise broke his thoughts. Neville peaked out of the bed curtains to see Ron Weasley look furtively around before opening his trunk. The sandy-haired teen heard the clink of potions vials before Ronald removed two vials with viscous liquid inside of them. Ron left the dorm, so Neville hurriedly dressed and followed.
"Are you ready for breakfast?" Ron approached his sister who nodded happily. Neville saw the redhead shift his hand showing off the two vials to his sister.
"Let's go get something to eat," Seamus spoke. All the fifth years including Hermione followed the redheads down to breakfast where they found Harry already eating his food idly. Neville hung back at the doors staying in the shadows.
"Good morning, Harry," Ceph said getting a grunt in return. Neville saw the firstie shake his head and join his friends, noticing Riley Monahan looking at them with a hopeful expression. Neville turned back to the other fifth year's and got a shock as he saw Ronald slip something into Hermione's drink. For someone who was like a bull in a China shop, Ronald moved with ease as he tipped the potion into her Pumpkin juice. Neville focussed on Harry as Ginny approached him. As the girl spoke, she subtlety potioned his drink too.
Making his mind he approached the Slytherin table getting some glares from the likes of Blaise Zabini and his ilk. Draco looked up giving the boy a smile before he dropped it seeing the distressed look.
"Neville, are you ok?"
"No, I need help and I do not know who else to go to," the sandy-haired teen answered.
"What has happened?" Draco made Neville sit opposite him and take a drink before he continued.
"I just witnessed Harry and Hermione being potioned, I think it has been going on for a few days," Neville responded.
"We need to get them to Aunt Andi," Draco suggested.
"But how? They will not go willingly," Neville looked despondent. Draco looked at his boyfriend then his face lit up.
"I confiscated some puking pastilles from a third year," The platinum blond said retrieving the Weasley Twins' product. The trio quickly come up with an idea and put the plan into motion.
"Are you alright?" Ginny asked looking at the pale Harry.
"No, I feel really sick," he answered before vomiting all over the redhead. While not part of the plan Neville was entertained to see the look of disgust on Ginny's face. Meanwhile a similar situation was happening with Hermione who had projectile vomited all over Ron's face.
"What is going on here?" the stern voice of McGonagall said. Neville and Draco scrambled up to her side.
"Miss, Hermione has just been sick," Lavender responded as the book-worm vomited again.
"Professor, Harry is sick too," Ginny shouted out too.
"I think we should take them up to Madam Tonks," Neville suggested by her side. The transfiguration teacher looked them over but seeing something in their faces nodded.
"Mister Black, can you take Lord Rendlesham?" she asked and got a nod in return as she turned to Ron, "Miss Granger needs to be escorted too."
"I'll come with you, love," Ron suggested patting the brunettes back gently as she vomited into a conjured bucket.
"Professor, I think it would be better if I took Hermione," Neville suggested.
"Yes, Mister Longbottom, I think that is a good idea." Ron's protests died on his lips as the transfiguration teacher gave him a stern look. Draco put an arm around Harry while Neville helped Hermione, both sick pair with their heads still in the buckets.
It was a long trip to the Hospital wing even if it was only up one flight of stairs to the first floor. Every few minutes one or both patients would have to stop to heave. Neville wondered if they might have already got the potion out of the system by the time, they got to the Hospital Wing. They entered Andromeda's domain and she immediately come out of her office to the right. Her warm smile was immediately replaced with concern as she saw two of her favourite people hanging over buckets. Draco and Neville helped their respective patients onto separate beds.
"What happened?" she immediately asked.
"We fed them puking pastilles," Draco answered getting a startled look from the pair of patients. The two boys shared a look, then turned yelling out 'stupefy' to the pair. They fell back onto the beds stunned. Andromeda glared at Draco then quickly went to worth magicking the anti-dote into Harry and Hermione's stomachs to stop them vomiting while unconscious.
"Want to tell me what is really going on?" the now-stern healer looked at the duo with a glare. Neville returned her look with his own of defiance.
"I got up this morning and saw Weasley pulling out two potions from his trunk. I recall seeing him receive a package a few days ago, so perhaps these were in there," Neville explained, "so I followed him, knowing he was up to no good. I was correct. Ron fed Hermione some potion and Ginny gave some to Harry. How did I not notice it?"
"Neville approached me, so we came up with a plan to see you by making them vomit. We used one of the Weasley twins' Puking Pastilles," Draco continued.
"Cepheus had approached me yesterday saying Hermione and Harry had not been themselves," Neville finished, "I need a parchment and quill to contact Madam Bones."
"No need, Draco will you Floo your mother at Hárasteorra Hall and tell her to come here, tell her what happened and to inform Sirius. He will contact Amelia," Andromeda told them.
Cattermole Residence, Worcestershire.
"Head Auror Scrimgeour tells me there is a report of a disturbance at the home of Reginald Cattermole," Auror Proudfoot told his partner; this week, it was a green Auror named Roberts.
"Are we expecting danger?" the boy's eyes seem to light up. They walked down the dark street towards the address Scrimgeour had given them.
"I don't know, but you are to always stay behind me with your wand- "Proudfoot stopped as they found themselves underneath a giant skull with a snake protruding from the mouth.
"Dark Mark!" Roberts uttered. Proudfoot proceeded more carefully, but the house looked silent and dark. The door was hanging off its hinges as they entered a bloodbath. Roberts fled the home to throw up in the front garden. Proudfoot let him as it seems whoever had attacked had gone. He tapped his Auror badge.
"Auror Proudfoot reporting from 27 Chislehurst Gardens, the residence of Reginald and Mary Cattermole," He spoke into the badge, "I need a full team of Forensic Witches here; it looks like a werewolf attack."
"Jesus fucking Christ," Roberts rested against the door. It must be a muggle saying, Proudfoot thought. He was about to say something when he heard a sobbing sound coming from somewhere. Proudfoot looked around, seeing a shelf. Moving over towards it, he realised the frame had been moved.
"Give me a hand with this," Proudfoot asked his partner. Between them, they moved the bookcase to find a door behind it. Approaching carefully, the Auror tried to open the door, but it appeared to be locked though there was no lock visible. "Finite Incantatem,"
"Try Alohomora," his partner suggested when his charm did not work. He tried that. Still, the door would not budge.
"Aperta Ianua," he tried a Master level spell he had learnt. The door finally clicked open. Proudfoot bought his wand level to find three children huddled into a cupboard.
"Where are Mummy and daddy? They shoved us in here when we heard howling," the eldest, a boy, told them.
"There was no full moon tonight," Roberts suggested.
"That's what makes this case even weirder," Proudfoot muttered as he tried to shield the three children from the bloodbath.
Ministry of Magic, Auror Bullpen
"You got another hot date then?" Shacklebolt boomed as he settled on the table opposite Tonks. She looked up from the document she was reading, the interview with Ronald Weasley.
"Actually yes, I do. Though you did not come over here to ask about my love life," Tonks replied looking over at her senior. He held a rolled-up scroll in his hand.
"I have a warrant to search the Burrow, but it must be kept secret. None of the Burrow residence will know we have searched their home," Shacklebolt replied. "We will be executing the warrant in a few days."
"Robards, Williamson, and Tonks. Gear up immediately, there has been a disturbance in London," Scrimgeour called from the monitoring room. Tonks gave Shacklebolt a quick look then jumped up and grabbed her ministry-issued armour and belts. Tonks strapped herself up and pulled on the over-robes of dragonhide. The metamorphmagus checked her wand and joined Major Robards, and Auror Williamson. The trio entered the monitoring room to find several Aurors looking over a map of London on the wall.
"Heavy Magic has been detected in Hampton. It is already Warded and is on the Priority 3 watchlist," Scrimgeour, today's duty-Auror gave them a brief. I want you to Apparate straight there, call for back-up if you need it."
"Yes, sir," the trio saluted and headed for the Apparation area. Robards and Williamson went first followed by Tonks. She turned on the spot appearing on a leafy suburb in London. Snow sprinkled London's paths, but Tonks saw no sign of Trick or Treaters, as Muggles said. Most houses were dark except for a few. Tonks realised most kids probably avoided the rich houses , even if they would make good pickings. A red light lit up one of the windows in the house before her. A detached house with a driveway she felt remnants of a Ward as she crossed over the property boundary. As she reached the blown open front door, the Auror heard voices.
"So, you are the Mudblood's parents, nothing special about you!" a silky voice spoke. Tonks recognised the voice as Lucius Malfoy. She gave a feral grin, now she would capture the bastard.
"Come closer, and I'll give you something special," a woman shouted. Robards held his hand for a moment to stop them entering.
"Oh, this one is feisty," the man spoke then all three Auror's heard him utter the Cruciatus curse. A man screamed out in pain; Tonks glared at Robards wanting to help the two Muggles.
"What do you want? Please stop!" the woman cried out.
"There is nothing we want, my dear. You are going to be our plaything, then you will die so we can send a message to your mudblood daughter and her betrothed," Lucius spoke again.
"Harry Black is twice the Wizard you will ever be," the woman, Tonks now knew was Isabella Granger, spat back. Robards gave her the nod.
"Ministry of Magic, Auror Division. Drop your wands," Tonks shouted out and entered the front room. A black robed Death Eater was holding Isabella while another was lazily pointing his wand at her husband on the floor. Robards and Williamson entered behind her.
"Oh, look who has come to play. It is my traitorous wife's niece," Lucius Malfoy was the man holding his wand on William Granger. Tonks immediately fired a curse at Malfoy as the Granger's living room become a war zone. The Death Eater dropped Isabella, who crawled towards her husband then tried to drag her husband out of the line of fire towards the Aurors, who she knew was the magical police force. She saw a splash of green light then a body fell nearby, it was a man wearing dark red robes. The front room was like a light show as different colour curses darted back and forth.
"Give it up, Malfoy, you are surrounded!" Tonks shouted pressing her emergency beacon on the Auror shield to call in the cavalry. She had just witnessed Williamson being mowed down by a Killing curse.
"I think not. I would be dead if you had me surrounded," Malfoy returned. There was a slight pause in the cursing. "Yaxley, Northrop, grab the Muggles."
Tonks fired another salvo of spells at Malfoy once again engaging him as the other two dealt with Robards, who looked formidable in his grey robes. The Auror Major was not an easy target. It had been rumoured that Robards would take over Robards position when the most senior Auror moved on.
"Boss, Northrop is dead," a man spoke as Tonks fought on with Malfoy, both ignored everything else as they concentrated on each other. Out the corner of her eye, blood spurted up the wall and Robards collapsed to his knees. Malfoy used this distraction for good aiming a particularly vicious curse at the metamorphmagus. She was just able to flick the curse upwards, into the roof which immediately rained down on her. The woman saw one last look on Malfoy's face before something collapsed on her and all thoughts went black.
Hárasteorra Hall, Suffolk
Harry woke up, his stomach aching, and his throat felt raw. He tried to remember what had happened, but his memory was all fuzzy. He groaned involuntarily, waking up the warm lump lying at his side.
"Dad, Andi, Remi, Cissy; He's awake," the lump, Cepheus, called out. Harry tried to say be quiet, but he could only gurgle.
"Take a sip of this," a gentle voice said as a blurred hand helped him with a glass. The soothing liquid cooled his throat. Someone put his glasses on his head. Andromeda was right beside him with the glass in his hand. Cepheus was under his armpit hugging him tightly while Draco, Sirius, Narcissa, and Remus stood at the end of the bed.
"What happened?" Harry croaked out.
"What is the last thing you remember?" Andromeda asked, though Harry noticed her face appear withdrawn and wan.
"Honestly, standing in front of the mirror of the mirror getting ready for another day of school. Then lots of vomiting and Draco saying he had fed Hermione and me Puking pastilles," Harry tried and failed to glare at the blond. The other teen shrugged looking unrepentant. Draco recounted the whole tale from Neville approaching him to the pair stunning Harry and Hermione.
"How long was I out?" Harry asked.
"About four days," Remus answered.
"Explains why Andromedas is here," Harry shrugged at the questioning looks of the adults. "It's probably a weekend and you have asked Healer Ward to cover for you."
"You have been charmed and potioned again," Andromeda told him nodding her head at his assertions. "We purged you, even though the Puking pastilles helped a lot."
"What about Hermione?" Harry suddenly demanded. He looked at the adults in the room all looked down with unease.
"She is a couple of rooms down," Remus answered a little uneasily.
"Harry," the teen heard a small voice say looking down into the tear-stained face of his little brother. "Mum and dad were killed."
"What!" Harry gaped at the boy, pulling him into a tight hug as he sobbed. "How?"
"We do not really know what happened," Sirius answered, "Nym, Robards and Williamson responded to an alert at the Granger's house. When the emergency response team showed up, Isabella and William were dead. Robards and Williamson had been killed brutally and Nym was unconscious."
"Will she be alright?" Harry asked. Andromeda's shoulders were going as her sister hugged her shoulders.
"She is currently in a coma, we are not sure when she will wake up," Remus explained.
"You should be with her," Harry insisted struggled to sit up. Andromeda came over and gently helped Harry sit up. She took Harry's face in her hands; he could see the tears streaking down her cheeks.
"She will be fine, child," Andromeda told him gently stroked the teen's forehead. The boy wondered if this was what having a mother felt like.
"Besides, she has had someone with her every day," Draco grinned getting a smack round the head. "What!"
"It is not polite to talking about that," Narcissa answered trying to remain stern, but even Andromeda had a small smile on her face.
"What am I missing?" Harry looked at the adults.
"It seems our little Nymmie is rather taken with Charlie Weasley, and he with her," Sirius returned laughing.
"I am glad to see them finally getting together," Andromeda commented. They all shared a laugh, then Harry's mind turned to his bushy-haired girlfriend.
"What about Hermione?"
"She has not woken up yet, we have a charm to let us know if she stirs. Neville noticed you and Hermione being potioned so acted," Sirius added.
"That old goat fucker, I am going to fucking kill him," Harry replied vehemently. Everyone stared at Harry, never seeing him swear like that before.
"You are not too old to put over my knee. Watch your language, young man, in front of your brother," Sirius snapped at the boy.
"I am sorry, Ceph," hugging the small boy closer, having come to love him the last few months.
"I suspect you agree with our suspicions that Dumbledore did this," Remus teased the boy.
"Erm, yes,"
"I don't understand, dad said Harry's ring would stop him from being charmed when he told me about the necklace, he gave me." Ceph said, showing the thin chain he had on with the Black Coat of Arms.
"Unfortunately, the ring is not fool proof. Dumbledore is one of the greatest minds today, so he could have got around it. But I suspect it was the potions from Snape that did the most damage," Sirius explained.
"I am still going to kill the motherfu–" Harry looked like he was about to swear again when a new voice interrupted him.
"No, you will not!" Amelia Bones stepped into the room.
"Come on, Ceph, let's go get some breakfast," Draco knew they were about to discuss something Ceph's unprotected mind should not witness. The boy hugged his brother again and went off with Draco.
"I cannot tell you too much, but Dumbledore is under investigation. Anything you or your father might do will jeopardise that," Amelia told him.
"What about Ron?" Harry wondered after he had heard the tale of Ron and Ginny potioning him.
"I cannot tell you too much, to be honest. Because of my connections to Sirius and you, I am not a neutral party so have been kept out of the loop. My deputy is dealing with everything, so it is all legal and legitimate. It is the same with Dumbledore. I know of the investigation but cannot be involved especially if we want a decent arrest."
Harry slumped back down in his bed annoyed with the situation and with Dumbledore and Weasley getting away with everything.
"Do you mind if I have a word?" Amelia asked Sirius. The man nodded and left the room with the Director of Magical Law Enforcement. Harry was left looking at Andromeda, Narcissa and Remus.
"So how bad was it this time?
"Not as bad as we thought," Remus spoke up. However just as he was about to say something a chiming sound went off.
"Oh, Hermione has woken up," Andromeda said.
"Are you all right on your own?" Remus asked as the two witches left the room.
"Sure, look after Hermione for me," the dark-haired teen replied getting a nod as the werewolf left the room. Harry was now left to his thoughts trying to recall if anything had happened in the last week.
Wizengamot Chambers, Ministry of Magic
"Are you sure you will be all right going back to school?" Sirius looked over Harry and Hermione, both of whom appeared pale.
"We will be fine, Draco and Nev will look out for us," Harry replied as Draco joined them.
"Remember what your father said, do not be alone with the headmaster," Remus looked over the three teens.
"Yes, Uncle Remus," the three replied simultaneously with a grin.
"You remember the spell that we taught you," Remus asked.
"Yes, Uncle Remus," the three intoned with Harry sharing an eyeroll with Draco.
"I think they are fine," Remus told his long-time friend.
"Right, I love you all," Sirius said hugging first, Harry, then Hermione and finally Draco who appeared startled. "Don't do anything I would not do."
"That is pretty much everything," Harry grumbled but his father just laughed and left the teens.
Sirius strode through the Floo shouting as he through the powder emerging into his office at the Ministry of Magic. The man took a seat at his desk trying to do some parchmentwork ready for the upcoming Wizengamot session, but his mind was stuck on three teens returning to Hogwarts and its headmaster. A chime sounded calling Sirius from his thoughts. He left his offices and joined the throng entering the Wizengamot chambers. He finally took his seat with Longbottom beside him with Greengrass and Selwyn on the other side.
"I am glad they scheduled this one, I hate surprise sessions," Greengrass commented. He got a grunt for his troubles from Black, who appeared lost in thought as they started the session.
"Does anyone have any issues to be resolved?" asked the Wizengamot scribe. Sirius roused himself.
"I put forth a motion to change or repeal the Werewolf Act of 1997," the Duke of Anglia stood up in front of Wizengamot.
"We voted for a repeal during a spring session. It cannot be repealed for at least six months," Tiberius Ogden reminded the Black Patriarch.
"Thank you, Chief Warlock, then I would like to put a motion forward to change the laws," Sirius spoke, "They say werewolves are a problem and threaten to expose us, but they only change once a month. By putting this Act through, you have condemned many fellow witches and wizards to a life of deprivation."
"You only want to change the Act because of your pet wolf," Viscountess Zabini shouted.
"Remus Lupin has stable employment in the House of Black, regularly taking the Wolfsbane potion and being properly secured in my household," Black returned archly, "but if you look at the figures, I have just handed out you will see the werewolf crime rate has gone up since the Act become law."
"That just proves werewolves are dangerous criminals," another member spoke.
"No, if you look at the official Ministry figures, Werewolf-related crimes were only 5% of all offences committed in the seven years leading up to the Act. Since the Act in the spring, that figure has shot up to 20% with more thefts, burglaries, and physical attacks of a werewolf."
"The figures are compelling, Your Grace. Have you got a proposal for the Wizengamot?" Tiberius asked.
"Yes, for all those werewolves that register with the Ministry, we offer Wolfsbane," Black started but was immediately interrupted.
"That will cost the ministry a fortune." Someone shouted from the Noble seats.
"The Black Foundation is willing to pay for 75% of the cost of the wolfsbane potion," Black added, "also, the law surrounding jobs should be changed so that werewolves can get low-paid jobs."
"What do you class as low-paid?" someone called.
"Shop work, clerical staff, and maintenance staff," Sirius explained. "I would also like to add that werewolves should be deemed as Witches and Wizards, allowing them to keep their wands."
"You have your proposal in writing?" Ogden got a nod, "then distribute it around to the Wizengamot, we shall discuss it, and then in the next Wizengamot session, we will vote on it."
"Now, the last part of the Wizengamot session today is the trial of Dolores Umbridge, former Undersecretary to the Ministry and current Professor of Defence Against the Dark Arts at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and wizardry. As Director of the DMLE, I shall be prosecuting," Amelia Bones took over the Wizengamot. She nodded to someone, who opened the door to allow a drab looking Madam Umbridge in. She was escorted by two Aurors and a whip-thin man impeccably dressed.
"Jeremy Winters, Ma'am, Borgin, Burke and Bulstrode Lawyers," the tall man introduced himself so it could be written by the scribe.
"Now, Delores Janet Umbridge is accused of ordering Dementors to attack a minor, she is also charged with use of a blood quill on two minors, one is heir to an Ancient and Noble house; threatening said heir and line theft."
"That's ridiculous; he wasn't even betrothed," Dolores screamed. Her lawyer spoke to her, but her eyes flashed angrily.
"How do you plead?" Amelia Bones asked.
"Not guilty," the woman spat.
"Thank you, Madam. Miss Umbridge, you were the Undersecretary of the Minister, correct?" Amelia immediately laid in on thick by not using any of the woman's titles.
"Yes."
"Was it part of your job to sign off on the movements of Dementors?"
"Yes, but–" Bones interrupted the woman.
"Is this your signature?" Bone asked, placing a piece of parchment on the desk before the woman.
"It appears to be so," Umbridge answered.
"On the document is an order for two Dementors to raid Little Whinging in Surrey, to 'Kiss on sight' a prisoner from Azkaban, one Harry James Potter," Amelia distributed copies of parchment. Hushed whispers filled the room. Tiberius had to bang his gavel a few times to quieten the room.
"We have had an independent writing expert look over said parchment; they believe the signature to be a forgery," Winters spoke up, distributing his own five-page report to the Wizengamot.
"Now moving on to the use of a blood quill, which was banned in 1990 by this very Wizengamot, as the victims are minors, I have written testaments and photographs of their hands after the use:
"I was playing a joke with Fred and George Weasley when Professor Umbridge caught me, arranging detention. When I arrived at the detention, I was given a long black quill instead of my own quill. She told me to write the lines 'Defence is not a joke." I began writing, and something began cutting into my hand. As I wrote more and more lines, the more my hand hurt,"
"That was the testimony of one of the students; here are the photos to show of the hand," Amelia distributed pictures of the back of Lee Jordan's hand, bleeding freely with 'Defence is not a joke' clearly cut into the hand. She went on to talk about the other student, a Lord, who had been threatened with his betrothed.
"At the time, the minor Lord was not betrothed," Winters defended his client. A noise from the Wizengamot got the attention of Tiberius.
"Chief Warlock, Director Bones, in the interest of a fair trial, can we have the name of the Minor Lord?" Lucius Malfoy asked. As everyone was looking at the accused, no one noticed the nod Amelia Bones got from Sirius. The man knew his son would hate it, but he would agree if it got Umbridge locked away.
"With your permission, I do have the permission of the minor's guardian," Amelia looked to the Chief Warlock.
"Granted, but this will be sealed in the records. If any of the media report the name of the minor Lord, you will find yourself in Azkaban faster than you can say Dementor," Ogden warned the reporters in the Gallery.
"Miss Umbridge used the Blood quill on Lord Rendlesham, Harry Antares Black, for well over two weeks," Amelia announced to more hushed whispers.
"Lord Rendlesham has a record of delinquency as well as being frivolous with the truth," Winters spoke up. Regent Longbottom had a surprisingly firm grip as she held onto Sirius's arm, but he growled, nonetheless. "I have school reports from pupils and teachers about his disregard for all authority."
"I have reports from two different Healers plus Andromeda Tonks attesting to the injuries on the back of Lord Rendlesham's hand are those of a blood quill."
"Director Bones why is Healer Tonks not here to give her report in person?" someone asked from the Wizengamot.
"Unfortunately, she is caring for a loved one who is severely ill," Bones replied, staring at the questioner. Amelia continued presenting her case, occasionally getting questions and rebuttals from the Defence.
"Are you done, Director Bones?" Ogden asked. The woman nodded and sat through the Defence, also asking questions and rebutting things as he did. After almost three hours, the Gallery was emptied, and the accused removed to a holding cell for deliberation. Sirius had to recuse himself due to the nature of the crimes against his son but could sit in on the deliberation of whether Madam Umbridge was guilty or not.