Chapter 54
There were only two days remaining in the school holidays after Robert and his family left. The first thing they did was swap their proper presents. These presents were magical which was why they could not exchange them in the presence of the extended family. Harry received a Nimbus 2000 broomstick from Dan and Emma. Hermione got Crookskanks from her parents. Sirius gave Harry a pocketknife that could open any lock while Hermione received a moleskin pouch.
Later that evening, Emma and Dan decided to watch a movie in the living room. Harry realized this as the perfect opportunity to give Hermione her betrothal ring. He raced to his room to get the ring that Emma helped pick out.
Hermione was in the library and as always, totally absorbed in a book. Harry knocked on the door so that Hermione would not be shocked by Harry's presence.
"Hi Harry. Do you need something?" Hermione asked.
"Can I talk to you?" Harry asked. Hermione put away her book and turned to Harry.
"You have my full attention." Hermione said with a smile.
Harry went down on one knee in front of Hermione and said.
"Will you be my betrothed?" Harry said as he presented her the ring. Hermione hugged Harry enthusiastically.
"Yes." Hermione said as she offered Harry her hand. Harry put the ring on her finger.
"The ring has a four carat emerald surrounded by smaller precious stones. There are enough protections on this ring to stop most minor curses and hexes." Harry said.
"I love it." Hermione said and hugged Harry again.
"I wanted to give it to you earlier but I did not want to explain it to your relatives." Harry said.
"That's alright." Hermione said as she held Harry.
They spent the rest of the evening in the library talking.
The next day began with a meeting with Grant to catch up.
"So how are the various negotiations going?" Harry asked.
"The centaurs agreed to ally themselves with us almost immediately. They did not know that Hagrid was responsible for the acromantulas. Now that they know, he and Dumbledore have been banned from the forbidden forest. If the centaurs see them, they are going to be in world of pain since we have given them basilisk fang arrow heads. Hagrid's giant skin maybe tough but the arrow heads will pierce it like it is butter." Grant informed them.
"I feel bad for Hagrid but I understand where the centaurs are coming from." Harry said.
"Will it be possible to include Professor Snape in the ban?" Hermione asked since she knew that Snape harvested some illegal potion ingredients from the forbidden forest.
"I will pass the request to them. They will probably agree with the request." Grant said.
"Will the people who are banned from the Forbidden Forest be informed of the ban?" Harry asked.
"They will probably shoot them in the leg with a warning attached. At least they are not killing them on sight." Grant said.
"How about the Outcast negotiations?" Hermione asked.
"We are making progress but it will take some time to reach an agreement." Grant informed them.
"But they are helping us deal with the goblins?" Hermione asked.
"Yes. They are helping us with the goblins. So far we have been able to cope with all the moves that the goblins make against us. It is just a matter of time before the goblins make a move that we cannot deal with. In all likelihood the move will be in Europe where they are strong and we are weak." Grant said.
"Don't worry. In a couple of months we will begin negotiating with the Goblins from a position of strength." Hermione assured Grant.
"I hope you are right because I have been turning down many opportunities to begin negotiating with them." Grant said.
"We are just letting them sweat for a bit before we begin negotiating." Hermione said.
"Okay." Grant said.
"Have started talking to Mr Ollivander?" Harry asked.
"We did approach Mr Ollivander and he was very receptive. It seems that Dumbledore has been making progressively more outrageous demands. These demands have been pushing him closer to leaving. Our offer just sweetens the deal. He plans to leave the country on the same day that Hogwarts starts back up. He is hoping that people would not notice his absence immediately due to all the other activity." Grant said.
"What were the demands?" Harry asked.
"At first, Dumbledore wanted him to repair his wand. When Mr Ollivander said he could not, Dumbledore still demanded he try. When the attempt failed like Ollivander knew it would, Dumbledore tried to force Mr Ollivander to recreate a legendary wand. Mr Ollivander is delaying Dumbledore but he hopes to leave before Dumbledore loses patience." Grant explained.
"Was the wand that Dumbledore wanted Mr Ollivander to recreate the Elder Wand also known as the Death Stick?" Harry asked.
"How did you know?" Grant asked in surprise.
"We have our sources." Harry said mysteriously. "Have you been to capture Greyback the werewolf yet?"
"We have not been able do it because there are few remaining werewolves in Britain. We have relocated most of them and the ones that are left lack organisation of any type. So information from these werewolves is not very helpful." Grant admitted.
"Speaking of locating things, I am wondering if it is possible for our security forces to capture a Dementor for me..." Hermione asked.
"I will see what we can do for you." Grant replied without giving a definite answer. "Is there anything else I need to do?"
"No, that is all." Hermione said. Harry, Dan and Emma shook their heads to indicate they had no other requests. Grant left to attend another meeting. Emma decided that it was a good time to have lunch. Everyone seemed to agree with her. Just as they were about to pack away the dishes the phone rang. Dan happened to be the closest to the phone so he answered.
"Hi Dan." Robert said in greeting.
"Hi Robert, Miss us already?" Dan said in jest.
"As if..." Robert countered. "I could last years without seeing your ugly mug or hear your whiny voice."
"My voice is not whiny." Dan said indignantly. "So why are you calling?"
"I am phoning because we are concerned about the structure you built for us." Robert replied.
"Are you worried that the building is not safe?" Dan asked.
"Quite the opposite actually. We were expecting a small shed in the backyard. Instead we got a massive two story building attached to our garage. If we could hook up the water then it would make the perfect granny flat." Robert explained.
"It seems they did a brilliant job from the sound of it. What is the problem? Is the building too big for your liking?" Dan asked.
"They did a brilliant job. I don't know how they were able to complete the project in one day, especially with its oak frame. We love the building. In fact, Bryce and Amy both want to move in. The problem is that we are worried that it will have to pull it down due to the lack of council & building approvals." Robert replied.
"We are glad you like it. The approvals will be no problem. I will have to call in a few favours but I will send you the necessary paperwork next month." Dan assured Robert.
"I appreciate it." Robert replied. "By the way, are the builders available for another job? We want to expand our garage to fit the extra car."
"Sorry but they are busy. If you going away next holiday season, I will see if they can fit you into their busy schedule." Dan offered.
"Why does it have to be when we are away?" Robert asked with concern.
"It is because the builders are very secretive about their methods. They don't like clients looking over their shoulder or changing their minds." Dan explained.
"I can understand that, I wish I could do the same with my clients." Robert said.
"If you want my builders to do the work then apply for building applications and develop a comprehensive building plan including building materials and colour scheme. We will take care of the rest including building inspectors." Dan said.
"That sounds great. I will send you everything after Bryce and Amy finish their exams this year." Robert replied.
"Looking forward to it." Dan said.
"Bye for now." Robert said in farewell.
"You too Robert." Dan said as he hung up the phone.
"Who was it?" Emma asked.
"It was Robert. They loved the shed the house elves built. It was a lot bigger than what everyone expected." Dan replied. He turned to Hermione and asked. "By the way, do you know how the house elves were able to build such a large shed without being noticed by the neighbours?"
"I will ask Dobby." Hermione replied before calling for Dobby.
"Yes. Mistress Hermy." Dobby said in greeting.
"Good work on the shed you built for my uncle Robert." Hermione said in praise. Dobby looked ecstatic at the praise. "Do you mind telling us how you performed all the work without getting noticed by the neighbours?"
"That was simple. We put up a lot of notice me not spells and conjured a massive tent to hide our work until we were done." Dobby replied scared that he did something wrong.
"That was brilliant." Hermione said, erasing Dobby's concerns.
"Thank you, Mistress Hermy." Dobby said happily.
"Can all house elves can build houses?" Dan asked Dobby.
"What do you mean?" Hermione asked.
"The shed was practically a two storey house." Dan said as he turned to Dobby for his answer.
"We learnt a lot from the work that Doug did on the three houses. There are stuff live wards and enchantments that we cannot do but a basic house is no problem." Dobby replied.
"Could you build something bigger?" Harry asked.
"We could if you allowed us to buy the materials." Dobby replied.
"I have a project for you. Do you know the Grangers old home?" Harry asked.
"Yes. I am familiar with it, Master Harry sir." Dobby
"Do you think you could build something in the backyard? You will have to remove the swimming pool." Harry asked.
"We can do that." Dobby replied.
Harry, Hermione, Dan, Emma and Dobby discussed the expansion of the Grangers old home. This expansion would allow the library to fit.
"So Alice and her mother will have to work here during the duration of the renovation?" Emma said.
"We will probably have to move all the things in the tents here too. In fact anything that does not fit the current library would have to be moved to here." Hermione added.
"We are going to have to either cancel or reschedule some events that were going to be held here." Dan added.
"Why don't we talk to Alice, her mum and Emily before we finalise our plans?" Harry suggested.
"We can hold the meeting tomorrow." Hermione added.
"We should add Jake to the meeting so that we know how he is progressing." Harry said.
"Okay." Emma said.
"I will contact Jake." Harry offered.
"I will contact Alice and the other girls." Hermione said.
"That sounds great. Since Dan and I have to meet with some people in regards various properties we are interested in." Emma said.
"Is it that part of Grant's job?" Hermione asked.
"We have decided to relieve him of that duty because he is busy enough with his other duties. It is an important area especially since you told us that there is a global property collapse in the near future." Dan explained.
"You know there are other disasters before that like the dot-com bubble and Enron?" Hermione said.
"Yes and we are prepared for them already. If it turns out the way it did in your future then we will come out ahead. It is our activities creating new bubbles that concern us. The price of oil, carbon and gold has already fallen from our activity. For example there are companies that are investing millions in battery technologies that did not do so previously. In fact we don't know if Enron would crash since the entire power industry has changed." Emma explained.
"Has our impact on the price of oil been so great?" Hermione asked in surprise.
"You would not believe how much. Our logistics company has cut its oil consumption by over 70 percent. We have plans to reach 95 percent in the near future. Our mining companies have already reached that goal without even trying. When you consider the number of big trucks and mining machinery involved in that industry that is a significant reduction in demand. We are expanding our market share in both areas so the demand for oil in those industries will continue to fall. Especially in the mining industry as our power generation operations are identifying new mineral deposits for us.
Overall this does not have a very big impact on the global demand for oil, especially since households are the biggest consumers of oil with their cars. What does have an impact according to our market analysis is the fact that our companies do not hedge the oil price like other companies in our industries. This has a negative impact on competition in the derivative markets for oil thus reducing the price of oil. Combine that with the fact that wealthy Europeans are replacing their diesel/petrol generators with our power generators. The sale of the excess electricity from these generators makes electric heaters more economical than oil ones. Eventually this will lead to a reduction in the importance of oil. At that point stockpiles of oil are not so critical leading to a reduction in the price governments are willing to pay for their oil.
What is interesting is that the Middle East and Northern Africa are becoming less important. Outside influences in these countries will disappear as there are no incentives for them to be there. The reports say those uprisings/unrest are likely as they are forced to deal with domestic issues before more stable and democratic governments become established." Emma summarised the report she read.
"So basically you saying that we are driving the price down and the wars in the Middle East might not occur." Harry said as he got bored by the explanation.
"Basically." Emma admitted.
"Do you think that is why we have not experienced too many bureaucratic road blocks?" Hermione asked after some thought.
"That makes sense and it explains why we had to fill in fewer forms for our US immigration and why our background check went through so quickly." Emma said as she realised what Hermione was talking about.
"What are you guys talking about?" Dan asked
"We think that due to our company's importance to the country's future energy security, the US State department is discretely helping us overcome bureaucratic hurdles." Emma replied.
"Then why is our migration application still being processed?" Harry asked.
"They are probably are trying to be discrete so that we don't realise our importance." Hermione said.
"That sounds reasonable." Dan admitted.
The next day, they met with Alice, her family, and Emily. This meeting was held at the Grangers new home. After the exchange of greetings, Emma said.
"Thank you all for coming. After hearing your complaints about the lack of space at our home, we have decided to embark on a new renovation project. This time a new building will be built in our old backyard. We did not do this previously because we did not expect the library to be this large,"
"Where are we going to work during this expansion?" Alice asked.
"Here. We will show you later where you will work and where to put the things that can not fit in the current library." Emma said.
"You are going love it." Hermione assured them.
"We are going to have trouble moving you out." Dan joked.
"Moving on..." Emma said. "Jake how are you progressing with the project?"
"It is going slow. Finding the ward stones is proving difficult as they are usually well hidden. Once a stone is found, I have to manually carve the runes onto the ward stone and finally I have to cast the magically draining Fidelius charm." Jake replied.
"So how long do you think you will take to complete the project?" Emma asked.
"Worst case scenario six months, but probably closer to four months." Jake replied.
"That sounds reasonable." Harry said.
"Emily what are you doing now?" Emma asked.
"My main project is to create a version of the Vanishing Cabinet which we can mass produce. Whenever our research projects reach an impasse I take a look in the library. I have often found the solution is in one of the restricted books or books they have not received yet." Emily said.
"We heard you are spending a lot of time in the Room of Requirement. What are you doing in there?" Hermione asked.
"Oh. Whenever those projects want to test something. I do it for them." Emily admitted.
"Can someone take over those duties? I have a new project for you." Hermione asked.
"I can help?" Alice's mum said as she was tired of copying books.
"Okay. Emily I want you to start looking for practitioners of different forms of magic and try to get them to teach our employees their form of magic." Hermione said.
"How do I convince them?" Emily asked with concern.
"Offer them money." Hermione said as if it was obvious.
"What is my budget?" Emily asked.
"That will depend on the person. You will be in constant contact with dad to discuss offers and for your own safety. If you or dad does not think you can handle the person then Grant's negotiators can be used." Hermione said.
"That sounds interesting." Emily said excitedly.
"You can sort out the details with dad after this meeting. Keep an eye out and if you come across any interesting books, please pick them up." Hermione said.
"Okay." Emily said while thinking about this upcoming project.
"I say that we have lost Emily, why don't we conclude for today." Emma said.
Summary
Prologue Harry and Hermione find out that they have been spelled and potioned to their eyeballs by Dumbledore and the Weasleys. They decide to return to the past in order to get justice and correct magical society's ills.
Chapter 1 They return to their eleven year old bodies and begin their plans. Remus is recruited to sell stuff from the Room of Requirement.
Chapter 2 On the Train ride to Hogwarts, Harry swaps Scabbers for a lookalike rat and buys the Marauders Map from the twins.
Chapter 3 They get sorted into Ravenclaw. Harry meets Dumbledore and demands his invisible cloak back.
Chapter 4 Harry gets back his father's invisible cloak. Dumbledore offers Harry a closer relationship which he rejects.
Chapter 5 Harry hypnotises Snape when the Professor tries to read Harry's mind. Turning Snape into an unwilling pawn. They move Ravenclaw's diadem to a safe location.
Chapter 6 Hermione and Harry use pranks to keep people off their backs. They also strike a deal with Rita Skeeter to destroy Dumbledore's image and protect Harry's.
Chapter 7 Harry takes control of the Basilisk.
Chapter 8 Harry wrecks havoc on the mind of Voldemort while he is in his weaken state. Learning a lot in the process.
Chapter 9 Remus relationship with Harry becomes strained when he lets Dumbledore seize Basilisk parts that he was suppose to sell.
Chapter 10 Harry and Hermione deal with the troll. Snape gets severely injured.
Chapter 11 They raid Voldemort's emergency stashes and Harry gets backup wands.
Chapter 12 Harry interrogates Wormtail and takes Voldemort's wand.
Chapter 13 The troll is reported in the newspaper which leads to a confrontation with Dumbledore. Poppy, Sprout and Flitwick become their allies after loyalty charms are removed.
Chapter 14 An investigation of the troll incident is conducted which concluded that Dumbledore and Quirrell were negligent in their duties. Wormtail is handed over to the authorities.
Chapter 16 The staff becomes divided. All the instruments monitoring or tracking Harry is destroyed. Sirius is declared innocent.
Chapter 17 They make a deal with Lucius Malfoy and also steal the Elder Wand without Dumbledore realising.
Chapter 18 They get Dobby.
Chapter 19 The Grangers buy a new place.
Chapter 20 Harry and Hermione receive Order of Merlin Awards third class and Special Services Awards. They meet Sirius.
Chapter 21 Sirius meets the others and they get Black Manor.
Chapter 22 The Grangers get temporary custody of Harry in the non-magical world.
Chapter 23 A new school is built in the US.
Chapter 24 Dumbledore tries to stop Harry's non-magical adoption but fails and loses a supporter in the process. Ron and Neville begin training with Dumbledore.
Chapter 25 The Grangers finish renovating their new home.
Chapter 27 Harry non-magical adoption is finalised. Dursleys start facing the consequences of some of their actions. Harry has another confrontation with Dumbledore.
Chapter 28 They destroy Dumbledore's hideout.
Chapter 29 Kingsley and Moody try to kidnap Harry on behalf of Dumbledore but fail. After their failure Dumbledore is unable to help them due to his own problems. Sirius gets magical custody of Harry and Hermione.
Chapter 30 The Muggle Protection Act is passed with a few amendments assisting non-pureblood people to leave the country. Dung is sent to prison even with the protection of Dumbeldore. They move the locket and the Horcrux ring to a safe location.
Chapter 33 Lucius gets a new house elf called Moppy. Azhaban is destroyed along with most of the dementors.
Chapter 35 Ginny and Ron get blocked from the 9 ¾ platform and fly to Hogwarts instead getting them into massive trouble. Ginny is then trapped in the second floor girls toilet.
Chapter 37 Ginny is planted by Harry at the three Broomstick drunk and with a fake diary (the real one is now kept with the other Horcruxes). This leads to a general inspection of everyone's belongings. Bullying of Luna is discovered.
Chapter 39 Dursley face more consequences.
Chapter 41 Myrtle agrees to be their spy on Dumbledore.
Chapter 43 Hagrid gets arrested. Ginny and Ron are suspected of being the heir of Slytherin after they start hissing in the Great Hall.
Chapter 44 The Goblins begin moving against them.
Chapter 45 Griffindor's dorms are searched. Molly lose her ability to cook.
Chapter 46 Sirius starts a newspaper.
Chapter 51 Harry and the Grangers go house shopping in the US.
Chapter 52 Karl Karkaroff is fired.
Chapter 55
The Malfoys were waiting for the Grangers and Harry at Kings Cross Station.
"Good Morning, Harry and Hermione." Lucius said ignoring Dan and Emma completely.
"Good Morning Mr Malfoy." Harry and Hermione replied as if in school.
"Where is your magical guardian? I really want to discuss something with him. Is he too busy to take care of his duties?" Lucius said sarcastically. Draco was trying hard not to laugh.
"Sirius had to leave the country. Something about threats against him." Harry countered.
"If Mr Black is so easy to scare away maybe he lacks the gumption to play this level of politics." Lucius said. Harry repressed his desire to defend Sirius and said instead.
"Maybe. But he did have the guts and the balls to enter an agreement with you."
"I see your point." Lucius said satisfaction. They just stood their for a minute looking at each other then Lucius said sarcastically. "Please pass on my regards next time you see him."
Lucius lead the Malfoys away from the Grangers.
"I really want to get him right now." Harry said angrily.
"Just be patient. It is not must longer. We all know what he was doing. He was hoping for a chance at Sirius." Hermione said.
"Let us get on the train and wait for the others." Harry suggested.
They made their farewells to the Grangers before they taking an empty carriage at the back of the Hogwarts Express. The Weasley twins made a surprising early appearance.
"Hail our saviour and business partner." Fred said as they appeared at Harry's cabin.
"Good to see you to too." Harry said.
"Your care packages were a life saver. Our father, Bill and Ginny really appreciate it too. Ginny would thank you herself but she will just screech and flee. Knowing how much you hate that we offered to pass on her thanks for you." George said.
"Glad to help." Harry said. "Do you wish to join us?"
"We would love to but there is money to be made. All those students with pockets filled with galleons waiting for new homes. We are moving along the train and collecting orders. That is why we are so early. Let me say that was quite a chore. You know how our family likes to be late. The only way we got them to come so early was because we threaten to prank anyone who was not ready this morning. Our parents supported us since we need the money and if we arrive late then the students might have spent their money already on the sweets." Fred explained.
"But we will pop in later." George added.
"See you guys later." Harry said. Echoed by Hermione. The twins left to take orders.
Harry and Hermione were soon joined by their friends. Before the twins returned Malfoy made another appearance. He seemed emboldened by his visit home. As usual he was accompanied by his two bookends which gave him the additional confidence.
"Potter, Granger." Malfoy said in acknowledgement of the pair. He totally ignored the other students in the cabin.
"What do you want Malofy?" Harry said irritatedly.
"Can I talk to you two alone?" Malfoy asked. Harry and Hermione looked at each other before following Malfoy to an empty cabin.
"So." Harry said impatient.
"I am here to give you a warning. Help me in class or suffer the consequences when you no longer have protection." Malfoy said.
"Is that a threat?" Harry asked.
"Your guardian can not hide forever. Once he is gone then both of you will be under my command." Malfoy said.
"What are you up to?" Hermione asked suspiciously.
"You will find out." Malfoy said smugly before he left.
"What do you think he is planning?" Harry asked.
"I don't know. In all likelihood we are not going to like it." Hermione said as they proceeded back to their cabin. They found the Weasley twins already there.
"What did the albino want?" Mandy asked.
"He wanted to give us a warning." Harry replied.
"That does not sound good." Padma said.
"We know." Harry said. Seeing how depressed everyone looked, the Weasley twins decided to act.
"You should have seen mealtimes at our home. Our mother lost her ability to cook so everyone besides her and our brother, Ron were trying to avoid mealtimes. Who ever could not avoid meal times would be attempting to push more food into Ron's plate every time our mum's back was turned. At one meal, Ron's plate was so full from other people's food that he did not even need to ask for seconds from mum." George said.
"Has he gotten very fat?" Mandy asked.
"I will just say that he and Neville could look like twins now." Fred replied.
"While the rest of us have lost weigh." George said as he posed like a 1950s centrefold.
"I guess you will be joining us for lunch in an hour." Harry said.
"We would not say no." George said.
"A man after our hearts." Fred said while fluttering his eye lashes.
"Sorry to disappointment you but I am already taken." Harry said as he showed Hermione's betrothal ring off. The girls pounced and pushed Harry out of the way.
"When this happen?" Mandy asked.
"We had a preliminary agreement since first year. Sirius finalised it when he became our magical guardian. Harry did not get around to getting the ring until a little after New Years." Hermione replied.
"I thought you two were muggle raised why are you using a pureblood tradition?" Lisa asked.
"It was for Harry's protection. He is the Boy Who Lived and the Potter heir. That is a lot of political power especially when you add the Order of Merlin award on top of it. He will soon be bombarded by betrothal offers. This will shoot them all down without creating political enemies." Hermione replied.
"That makes sense. You are not a bad catch either even though you are a muggleborn. Smart, rich family and Order of Merlin recipient. You are definitely not a bad catch" Mandy said.
"Sorry Mandy but I don't think of you that way." Hermione said in jest. Causing everyone to laugh.
"How about us?" Fred asked.
"Definitely not." Hermione replied.
Fred and George tried to look disappointed but failed miserable. Resulting in another round of laughter.
Time passed as the girls began a closer inspection of the ring. Questions were being directed to both Harry and Hermione. This was interrupted when Percy made his appearance. He motioned for the twins to the corridor. When they returned, Mandy asked.
"What did the prat want to know?"
"He hopes to start a business with Harry." Fred replied.
"He begged us to ask you." George said.
"You can tell him. Definitely no." Harry said.
"That is what we told him. Since we know how much you hate him but he would not let it go. Now that the Ministry is out for him. He hopes to go into business. All through out the holidays he was suggesting new business ideas which we kept knocking him back. Now we can say that we asked you but was knocked back." Fred explained.
"He can be a test subject if he wants but that is the maximum we are willing to go with him. If I find out he has been doing the books then our deal is off." Harry said ominously. Scaring both Fred and George in the process.
"What deal?" Mandy asked.
"It is nothing." Harry said in dismissal.
"Just let it go." Hermione suggested. Mandy wanted to know more but she knew it was pointless to continue. They were renown for not backing down from a position once they decided on a course of action. Conversations then drifted to everyone else's holidays. Before dinner could commence in the great hall, Snape approached Harry and Hermione.
"I received allegations that your study group was cheating." Professor Snape said in a loud voice. Making many Slytherins snicker in the background.
"We have not been cheating. Your godson attended some of the sessions." Hermione countered.
"Some but not all the sessions. How do we know that you did not put on a special non cheating sessions whenever my godson attended?" Professor Snape said. "From now on, I will be attending every session to ensure there is no cheating.
"They are mostly my students, I should be the one supervising the sessions." Flitwick interjected.
"But you will be biased since they are your students. The allegations came to me so I intend to investigate it." Snape said forcefully.
"We will disband rather than hold it with your attendance." Harry said.
"Then you will get detention for the rest of the year and a two hundred point deduction from Ravenclaw." Snape said happily.
"That is not fair." Harry said.
"I agree." Flitwick said. "If you do that then I will give the same punishment to any Slytherin study group I find."
"Be reasonable gentlemen." Dumbledore pleaded. "Why don't we talk about this in private?"
The three professors had a private discussion before Dumbledore announced.
"Mr Potter and Miss Granger will lose fifty points from Ravenclaw and serve one month's detention with Professor Snape. Every study session that Miss Granger wants to organise must be attended by a prefect." Harry wanted to objected but Hermione stopped him.
"Everyone satisfied?" Dumbledore asked. Daphne, Tracey, Draco and quite a few Slytherins had smug looks on their faces. Professor Flitwick nodded. So did Snape. Harry did so with much reluctance. Hermione agreed.
"Okay let the feast begin." Dumbledore said.
Once Harry and Hermione were alone.
"Why did you agree to the deal?" Harry asked. "It makes us look guilty."
"They are trying to force Sirius to reveal himself in order to protect us. That was what the scene was all about. We now have no protection unless Sirius forces the issue. Dumbledore acted the way he did in order to try to gain our trust. Flitwick is still on our side but his power is limited now. But we can use this situation to our advantage." Hermione explained.
"What do you mean use it to our advantage?" Harry asked.
"We have control over Professor Snape which we can not use in public or else Dumbledore might work out what we are doing. During the detentions we can continue our research without interruption. We can also inform Snape about Myrtle and the Chamber of secrets while telling him to disregard it. This way we can claim we inform the authorities and they can be blamed for doing nothing." Hermione said. Harry smiled at the thought.
"Do you think the allegations originated from Daphne and Tracey?" Harry asked.
"Most definitely. They did threaten to report us on the train back last term. Then first day back, Snape tries to intimidate us. That is too big coincidence. " Hermione replied.
"How are we going to get them back for this?" Harry asked.
"I leave that in your capable hands. If you want you can get the Weasley Twins involved. Then by all means, I will not stop you." Hermione suggested. Harry was already planning on what to do to Daphne and Tracey. As they left the empty classroom, Percy approached them and asked.
"What were you doing in there?"
"Having a private discussion." Harry replied.
"Students are not suppose to go into empty classrooms without permission. That will be 10 points from Ravenclaw. Don't do it again." Percy warned . You could tell he was happy about punishing Harry but was trying not to show it. As they left, Harry whispered to Hermione.
"It looks like he is pissed that we do not want to go into partnership with him." Hermione nodded her head in agreement.
"Am I allowed to get him too?" Harry asked hopefully. He only asked as Hermione was in charge of the big picture while Harry was better at reacting to problems as they arise.
"No. That was his only free pass but if he continues to annoy us then you can do what you like to him." Hermione replied which resulted in Harry giving her a wide smile.
"Don't even think of taunting him to get an excuse." Hermione warned.
"Damn." Harry said pretending to throw a tantrum.
"You are behaving like Draco." Hermione said which immediately stopped Harry.
The next evening, Harry and Hermione reported to Snape's office for detention. As they entered, Snape was smiling at them as he imagined the different tortures he could legally perform on them.
"Come in. Tonight you will be sorting the ingredients cupboard by hand without magic." Snape said gleefully. Harry immediately snapped his fingers and Snape was in a hypnotic trance.
"You are going sort the ingredients yourself." Harry said.
"Yes. Potter." Snape said while still in a trance.
"You are going to let us study and not tell anyone anything you hear or see." Harry said.
"Yes Potter." Snape replied.
"Begin the sorting." Harry said. Snape started sorting the ingredients cupboard.
"We should start our research." Harry suggested. Hermione nodded and they began to work.
A little later, Hermione needed an book from the Restricted section of the library. So Harry made Snape write a request for the book in order to get it from the library. By curfew, they made a lot of progress in their research and Snape was still sorting the ingredients cupboard. Just before they left Harry said to Snape.
"You will tell everyone that at first you had us sort your ingredients but decided to get us to help you with your research instead."
"Yes Potter." Snape replied while still in a hypnotic trance.
"You are going to remember what Hermione says but disregard and report it to no one."
"Yes Potter." Snape replied. Harry snapped his fingers waking Snape from his trance.
"We suspect that the entrance of the Chamber of Secrets is in Moaning Myrtle's toilet. Can you please investigate it?" Hermione requested.
"I will look into that." Snape lied as Harry suggested.
A few days later, Hermione held her first study session since the break. She would have held it earlier but Percy had started following them had put her off. Seeing that they could not get rid of him, Hermione decided to hold the study session anyway.
So just after the last class of the day and before dinner everyone gathered for the session. Padma and Mandy had been able to convince Penny to attend to provide the required supervision. When Penny arrived, Hermione approached her.
"Thank you for coming Penny. If you want you can skip this session as we have a prefect already?" Hermione said as she indicated Percy who was sitting at the back of the room.
"Has Percy agreed to be your study session supervisor?" Penny asked hopefully. She did not want to attend these study sessions as she was preparing for her NEWTS next year.
"Only for today." Hermione said and then whispered "Hopefully." making Penny laugh.
"See you next time." Penny said as she left.
Once everyone had arrived. Hermione announced.
"Today we are going to be working on our magical defence. Does anyone have any objections?"
No one responded.
"Percy, will you be participating in the session or just observing?" Hermione asked. Percy thought for a second and decided that a little extra practice in Defence against the Dark Arts would not go astray. Especially with all the crap DADA teachers they had over the years.
"Thank you for asking. I think I will be participating today." Percy replied.
"Okay. Today we will be holding a general battle with everyone working in teams of two. Since Hannah and Su are our weakest members at the moment they would be paired with Harry and myself. Everyone find a partner." Hermione announced.
While everyone was deciding on teams, Hermione and Harry were warding the room so that the battle did not cause any damage and also silencing the room so that no one outside would hear anything. Everyone then transfigured their robes temporarily to indicate which team they were on. Percy was partnered with Michael Corner to the delight of Harry and Hermione.
"The winner of the battle will be the team with a member that armed, conscious and able to speak. If you wish to quit the game then you can use the silencing spell on yourselves or drop your wand. Any questions?" Hermione said.
"What spells are we allowed to use?" Percy asked.
"Everything except unforgivables or anything that can cause permanent damage. Any other questions? No. Let us get ready." Hermione said. The teams break away to various defensive vantage points.
"Begin." Hermione yells.
Spells immediately criss-cross the room at a furious pace. It looked like some sort of laser display. A few minutes into the battle, Michael Corner fired a stunner at Harry. Since it was Percy's partner firing the spell, Harry used the Elder wand to reflect the stunner back at Michael before sending his own. Michael Corner's shield was destroyed by his own stunner and was hit in the chest by Harry's stunner knocking him out for good.
Once Michael Corner was down, Harry sent a sticking charm to Percy's wand using the Elder wand so that he could not be disarmed.
"No more stupify spells because if a person gets hit by too many at the same time, it can cause permanent damage." Harry announced from behind a table he was using for cover.
Hermione took the announcement as an indication that Percy's partner was taken out. She looked for Percy and found him hiding behind a desk at the back corner of the room. Once she got a clear shot, Hermione fired the two new spells she learnt during the break. When they hit Percy, his scream drew the attention of the remaining combatants. A variety of different spells rained down on the prefect with no perceptible effect. It seems the combination of spells that Percy was under had made him immune to any other curses.
Percy was screaming in agony as he experienced the pains of child labour. This was on top of the blood flowing from his arse (since he has no uterus) to simulate a woman's monthly. Every time a spell hit him, he did not react as the pain he was experiencing was overwhelming any other response. The deluge of spells striking Percy tapered off as people continued to battle to the accompaniment of Percy's screams.
In the end only Harry, Hermione, Hannah, Su and Percy remained in the game. Harry and Hermione deliberately dragged out the game to prolong Percy's agony. Their justification was that this was payback for his involvement in protecting the pureblood privileges in their future.
An hour after the game began, Harry and Hermione agreed to end it. Hermione surrendered her wand and Percy was knocked unconscious. Knocking Percy unconscious was quite a feat. Harry had to fire multiple finites and finally a stunner.
As soon as Hermione woke Percy, he raced out the classroom and returned within minutes with Professor Snape.
"Mr Potter, Miss Granger, please come here." Snape announced from the doorway of the classroom.
"Is there problem, Professor?" Harry asked innocently when they were in the corridor.
"We will talk about it when we see the headmaster." Snape replied.
As they made their way to the headmaster's office, Hermione would distract Percy while Harry hypnotise Snape to back them. When they reached the headmaster's office, Snape pretended to try to get past the Gargoyle.
"It seems like Professor Dumbledore is not in his office." Snape announced.
"We can wait for him to return." Percy suggested.
"You still have not told us what this is about. If you don't want to tell then we will just go." Harry said.
"Mr Weasley here has accused you of torturing him. The blood on his robes support his claim." Snape informed them.
"We did not no such no thing." Harry exclaimed in denial.
"What do you want to do? Dinner is starting soon and you can't dress like that to dinner." Snape asked Percy.
"How about we take this matter to Professor McGonagall?" Percy suggested.
"No." Harry objected. "She is your head of house so is therefore bias."
"How about Professor Sprout?" Snape suggested.
"Fine." Percy said angrily as he was not really satisfied. He wanted Professor Dumbledore to be the judge so that he could get them expelled.
"Fine." Harry said.
As soon as they entered Professor Sprout's office, Percy said immediately while pointing at Harry and Hermione.
"They put me under the Crucio curse for god knows how long which is why there is blood on my robes." Everyone could tell, Percy made first move to get Professor Sprout on side as quickly as possible.
"It was not the Crucio curse. If it was then you would be insane by now. You were just hit by a diarrhoea curse which malfunction due to how uptight you are." Harry said in explanation.
"I have to agree with Potter. There is no way he is competent enough to cast such an advanced curse." Snape said.
"I will judge for myself." Professor Sprout announced. She started casting spells over Percy and before checking Harry and Hermione's wand.
"You were definitely not hit by the crucio curse. I don't know what spell stuck you but they did not cast it." Professor Sprout announced once she completed her investigation.
"I still want them punished for what they did to me." Percy said.
"What did they do wrong?" Snape asked.
"They held a magical battle without limits." Percy said.
"Their were limits. No unforgivables or spells that can cause permanent damage. Anyway, you agreed to join, you could have stopped it before it started." Hermione countered.
"They should have stopped the battle when I started screaming." Percy said.
"We did not know if you were real or some sort of diversion to give you an advantage. You could have surrendered any time." Hermione said.
"I was in too much pain to surrender." Percy said.
"It seems like no one did anything wrong. What happened to Mr Weasley was just an accident." Professor Sprout decided.
"I agree." Snape said.
"But..." Percy said objection.
"Are we dismissed? It is almost dinner time." Harry asked.
"You are dismissed." Professor Sprout said. Harry and Hermione raced out since it was a very close call. They still heard Percy complaining as they left.
Chapter 56
A day later, Harry and Hermione were having "detention" with Professor Snape. They enjoyed these detentions as they got to study in peace with the addition entertainment of watching Professor Snape sort his own potion ingredients.
No one dared come and interrupt Snape during these detentions after he yelled at a student until they cried. The Slytherins students hated the fact that their detentions with Snape were being reassigned to Filch.
During this particular detention, Harry was tired of researching and Snape was sorting some harmless potion ingredient. So he started looking through Snape's office, when he came across orders for Snape's potion business. Harry called Hermione over.
"Hermione, Snape is making something for Lady Vixen." Harry exclaimed.
"Who is Lady Vixen?" Hermione asked. Harry immediately look around guiltily.
"It is not a who but a what. I will just say that it is a business providing adult entertainment." Harry said in embarrassment.
"So how do you know about it?" Hermione demanded.
"It is where we held my bachelor party." Harry said softly while blushing.
"So it was a strip joint." Hermione said dismissively as she did not even want to think about what happened last time.
"Actually it is a brothel." Harry admitted.
"What sort of potions are they requesting?" Hermione asked. Harry looked closely at the order.
"They want some more of the Professor McGonagall polyjuice. It seems like it is a regular order and very popular amongst clients who like being dominated." Harry replied.
"We should pass that tipbit onto Sirius. Imagine what fun he would have with that." Hermione suggested.
"Maybe we should swap the hairs he had gathered from McGonagall to her animigus form?" Harry countered. Hermione cringed at the memory of their second year disaster the first time round.
"It would be crude to the ladies who work their. They have a hard enough life as it is." Hermione said.
"Let us see what other orders he has received?" Harry suggested as he continued looking through the orders.
"This order is for Amortentia." Harry exclaimed.
"Who is it keyed to?" Hermione asked.
"According to this order form, it is keyed to Marcus Flint to be given to Cho and Marietta. It looks like Flint likes them young." Harry replied as a plan began developing.
"What are you thinking?" Hermione asked.
"I was thinking of changing the names for the targets to Daphne and Tracey." Harry replied. After some thought, he added. "I will also swap the samples so that the girls get infatuated by Professor McGonagall and the clients get a surprise when their ladies transform into Flint rather than McGonagall."
"That is brilliant. I was going to say just changing the names might be a bit crude but changing the samples as well is pure genius." Hermione said.
"I will take care of it while you make sure Snape does not remember this discussion." Harry suggests.
"Okay." Hermione said as she prepared to obliviate Snape.
The next day, Hermione held another study session. Percy was still following them around but refused to have anything to do with Hermione's study sessions. When Hermione asked Percy to join her session, he ran away. So to fulfil the requirement for Prefect supervision, Susan and Hannah were able to convince Cedric to attend.
A very reluctant Cedric arrived with Susan and Hannah. Cedric's bookbag was filled with study materials for his OWLs. He took a seat in the back and started organising his notes expecting the session to be a total waste of time.
"Thank you everyone for coming." Hermione said once everyone arrived. "I would like to especially thank Cedric Diggory for agreeing to be our Prefect supervisor."
Everyone in the room clapped in appreciation. Cedric just nodded his head to acknowledge the applause before resuming his study.
"Today we will be focusing on Potions beginning with Polyjuice." Hermione announced. Cedric immediately put up his hand to ask a question.
"Yes, Cedric." Hermione said.
"Why are you studying Polyjuice when it is not a second year potion?" Cedric asked with interest.
"Professor Snape is a pathetic teacher. He could not teach a dog how to fetch. To make up for his failure, the Ministry had to lower its requirements to pass OWL and NEWT level potions. Britain has now got the lowest requirements for passing potions. It is not even recognised overseas any more. Internationally, Polyjuice is usually considered a third year potion. So we are slightly ahead of the trend but not by much." Hermione explained. Everyone was surprised with this statement. They knew Snape could not teach but did not realised that things were that bad.
"How do we compare on the international scale on the other subjects?" Padma asked.
"For Transfiguration, Herbology and charms, we are either on average or ever so slightly above it. The rest of the world beats us on all other subjects." Hermione replied.
"So we are getting a sub-par education at Hogwarts!" Mandy exclaimed.
"Not sub-par. More like not up to international standards but when do we ever care about what the rest of the world thinks of us." Hermione said to try to pacify everyone.
"So which school is the best?" Padma asked. This made everyone quiet down and pay attention.
"It depends on your criteria. Durmstrang is the best in potions and defence. Beauxbatons for social studies like history, magical government and muggle studies. This excludes the schools from the so call new world since Europe pretty much ignores them. The recent explosion in growth in these "new world" countries could change that. There is talk that schools in the US could surpass all the current leaders in a few years. The professors from these schools are dominating the recognised journals in every field." Hermione stated.
"If you were to transfer where would you go?" Padma asked. She did not like the thought of getting a second rate education.
"I prefer not to answer that. Why don't you research it yourself and decide?" Hermione suggested. "A word of advise. If you intend to research this area, I would recommend that you look for materials that originate outside of Britain. The information you would find in Britain is bias to Hogwarts."
"Would it not be true regardless of where we get the materials from. France will be bias to their local school, Beauxbatons." Mandy countered.
"Other countries ministries are not as controlling as the British. Dumbledore ensure this by introducing that legislation to ban all so call dark materials or materials that do not put Britain in a good light." Hermione replied.
"What is the legislation?" Mandy asked.
"You can look up yourself. It was introduced in 1982 by Dedalus Diggle with support from Dumbledore. Enough of that let us move on. Please turn to Polyjuice section of the booklet we gave you earlier this year." Hermione said as she handed Cedric one of the spare copies.
"We are not going to be brewing that potion as it takes at least a month to prepare. Instead we are going to analyse each step. Before we brew something else for the Practical portion of the session. Any questions." Hermione said.
"Are we going to stick to the standard potion or the improved version?" Hannah asked.
"What improved potion?" Hermione asked in surprised.
"I read in the potions journal that my mum receives that there is a new potion that lasts longer than the standard one." Hannah replied.
"Do you remember what changes were made to achieve it?" Hermione asked with interest.
"I can't remember all the changes. What I do know is that it was written by some American and they changed Lacewing flies to Lacewings maggots."
"That would increase the potency of the potion. Did they reduce or lengthen the stewing period? "
"I don't remember. My mum can send it to me if you want." Hannah offered.
"That sounds great. Why don't we try to work out what they did since we know one change?" Hermione suggested. "Then we can compare with the actual formula when Hannah receives it."
"They must have shorten the brewing time as maggots are more potent then flies." Padma stated.
"But it takes longer for a potion to be infused with its transforming essence when dealing with maggots rather than flies." Su countered.
"I agree." Hermione added. "How much extra time is needed to draw out the essence?"
The rest of the theoretical session was devoted to speculating on what changes they did to the polyjuice potion. Cedric learnt a lot from the discussion. His understanding of the purpose of each step in the brewing process greatly increased. When the practical portion of the session commenced, Cedric learnt how to pick potion ingredients (the fresher, the better), how to clean his potion equipment and how to identify correctly done potions using his senses.
At the end of the session, Cedric approached Hermione.
"Great lesson." Cedric said enthusiastically.
"Thank you for agreeing to attend. It would not have been possible if you had not agreed to be our supervisor." Hermione countered.
"Well I learnt a lot from your class today." Cedric said. "How did you get so good in potions or all the other magical subjects for that matter?"
"That is a secret. If you earn my trust I might tell you." Hermione lied as she had no intention of ever telling Cedric.
"I will try to earn your trust." Cedric said. "When are you holding your next class?"
"I was thinking of holding it everyday at the same time." Hermione said. "I can't attend every day. But I can probably do once every two days." Cedric offered.
"That sounds great." Hermione replied.
"See you then." Cedric said abstractly. He was trying to work out what to tell his friends and the other Prefects about the session. They would not believe him if he told them the truth. Cedric doubted that they would be willing to be taught by a girl a few years younger than them even if they believed him. Maybe once everyone noticed how his classwork improved then he would admit the truth. Having decided his course of action he left.
Once Harry was alone with Hermione, he asked.
"You knew what the new formula for polyjuice. Why did you not just tell them and save the argument?"
"Because there has been several new formulas for polyjuice and including a few versions that we do not plan to publish." "I guess you did not want to accidentally tell them the wrong formula."
"That is part of the reason but the real purpose is to encourage them to think about it themselves. Research has shown that people who work things out themselves are better able to retain that knowledge than people who are spoon feed answers." Hermione replied.
"I should try that approach in my classes. By the way, which polyjuice formulas are we withholding from being publish?" Harry asked.
"There are versions that can cause a permanent change which can only be reversed using a counter-agent and other versions that can be used by non-magicals and even monkeys. The possibility for abuse is too high." Hermione replied.
"That sounds reasonable."
A few days later, they had Transfiguration with the Slytherins. Daphne and Tracy had arrived early which was unusual for them. When Professor McGonagall entered, they started looking at her like some female students used to look at Lockhart. As the class progress, whenever Professor McGonagall turn their way, Daphne and Tracy would begin fluttering their eyelids.
"Is something wrong Miss Greengrass, Miss Davis?" Professor McGonagall asked.
"No. Madam." The girls replied but continued looking longingly at Professor McGonagall.
"Get back to work then." Professor McGonagall ordered.
"Yes, Minnie." The girls replied at the same time. They then started looking at each other suspiciously. All the others students were all trying to stop themselves from laughing.
"Twenty points from Slytherin. I am not Minnie or Minerva. You call me Professor or Madam. If you do it again I will give you a month's worth of detention." Professor McGonagall said angrily. "Now get back to work everyone."
Everyone quickly went back to work. A little later, Daphne and Tracy could be seen staring at Professor McGonagall again.
"Greengrass, Davis, what are you doing?" Professor McGonagall asked.
"Nothing Madam." The girls replied.
"Detention for both of you tonight. Now is not the time to day dream. So get back to work." Professor McGonagall said forcefully.
"Yes, Madam." They both replied before getting back to work.
"They are definitely dosed with the love potion." Harry whispered to Hermione.
"Obviously." Hermione replies.
"How long do you think before they realise something is wrong?" Harry asked.
"Knowing who we are dealing with who knows." Hermione replied.
"Let us just enjoy the show." Harry suggested.
Every time Professor McGonagall looked at Daphne and Tracy, the two would pretending to be working. But whenever she looked away, the two girls would resume staring at the Professor. The longing looks the two girls were giving the Professor was entertaining the rest of the class. Once class ended everyone reluctantly left. As expected, Daphne and Tracy, both stayed behind to "speak" to the professor. Once they thought they were alone (their were students peeking from the classroom windows and others disillusioned within the room), Daphne turned to Tracy.
"I need to speak to the Professor alone." Daphne said expectingly.
"I need to speak to the Professor alone as well." Tracy countered.
"What do you want to talk about ladies? Does this have anything to do with your lack of attention in class today?" Professor McGonagall asked.
"I just want to say how much I admire you." Both girls said at the same time. They then looked at each other angrily.
"Do you not like the Professor as much as I do." Daphne said.
"I love the Professor." Tracy said as she grabbed the Professor head and kissed her on the mouth.
"I love her more." Daphne said before doing the same. This began a tug-war between the two girls for Professor McGonagall. That was when all the students watching could not hold it in any longer and they all burst out laughing. The image of two girls fighting over the dragon teacher was too funny. Professor McGonagall overcame her shock by the sound of the students' laughter. "Stop it both you." Professor McGonagall ordered angrily. They both ignored her. Seeing no other option, Professor McGonagall physically pulled the two girls apart. But the girls too strong under the affects of the potions for Professor McGonagall to succeed. Taking out her wand, Professor McGonagall transfigured two chairs into vines to pull the two girls apart. Once they were apart.
"You are both going to see Healer Chapman." Professor McGonagall announced as she started pushing the two entangled girls to the infirmary.
All the students in the corridors watched as the two girls either fought each other or tried to kiss Professor McGonagall within their restraints. Once they arrived at the infirmary, the girls were knocked out and tied to the beds so that examinations could be conducted. A flushing potion was quickly ordered but would not be ready until the next day.
The school was a buzz with the incident. Harry and Hermione decided to have some fun. So just before dinner, they untied the girls and woke them. Upon waking up, the two girls raced out of the infirmary in search of Professor McGonagall. Deciding that following them would make people suspicious, Harry and Hermione headed off to the library instead. They completed one homework assignment before heading for dinner.
Chatter in the Great Hall was louder than normal. Professor Dumbledore, Snape and McGonagall were all missing from the head table. They sat next to Mandy so that they could hear what they missed.
"Where were you two?" Mandy asked.
"In the library completing our homework. Detention with Professor Snape every night means that we have to do our homework whenever we can." Harry replied.
"Well you missed some great entertainment by being late for dinner." Mandy said.
"What happened?" Harry asked.
"You know what happened during the Transfiguration lesson and immediately after it. Well it continued just a few minutes ago. Dinner had just started when Daphne and Tracy both ran into the Great Hall. They tackled Professor McGonagall and tried to kiss her. It was hilarious.
Professor Snape and Professor Dumbledore had to remove Daphne and Tracy from Professor McGonagall. You should have seen Professor McGonagall. Everyone knows that she likes to keep her hair in a tight bun and have all her clothes neat and tidy. Well when she got up she was anything but. The tackle had undone Professor McGonagall's hair so it was flowing to her shoulder and her robes were torn and knocked out of place." Mandy said excitedly.
"So did the three professors take Daphne and Tracy to the infirmary?" Harry asked.
"No. The headmaster ordered Professor Snape to try to speed up the brewing process of the flushing potion before suggesting that Professor McGonagall tidy herself up in her quarters. Professor Dumbledore went alone with the two Slytherins to the infirmary. Everyone burst out laughing when the three professors left. I was surprised you did not hear it." Mandy replied.
"We were in the library and the room is probably warded to stop such sounds from disturbing the students studying." Harry said.
The next morning, Snape received a Howler.
"SEVERUS TOBIAS SNAPE
HOW DARE YOU SCREW UP OUR ORDER! WE HAVE BEEN ORDERING THE SAME THING FROM YOU FOR YEARS HOW COULD MIX UP YOUR ORDERS. YOUR MISTAKE HAS COST US A VERY WEALTHY REGULAR CUSTOMER WHEN OUR GIRL CHANGED INTO A TEENAGE BOY RATHER THAN PROFESSOR MCGONAGALL HE ORDERED.
YOU WILL IMMEDIATELY REFUND THE MONEY WE GAVE YOU AND PROVIDE NEXT MONTH'S ORDER FOR FREE OR FACE THE CONSEQUENCES.
LADY VIXEN"
Harry and Hermione immediately recognised the voice as Alice's and knew immediately that Sirius had a hand in creating the howler. There was no way that Lady Vixen would send such a howler, it just bad for business. They did enjoy the glares Professor McGonagall was giving Snape as a result of the letter. Especially when Snape survival instincts kicked in and he tried to run for it. But he left it too late and was caught by Professor McGonagall just outside the Great Hall. Everyone could hear Snape screaming with pain but no one was willing to go look to find out why.
For the rest of the day, Professor Snape would walk the other way whenever he saw McGonagall. Students started saying "Hi Professor McGonagall" to watch Snape bolt in fear. It was making Snape very jumpy and he was not seen at meals. Everyone wished that Snape had attended breakfast the following morning as the LAV had the headlines.
MAJOR SCREWUP AT WHOREHOUSE
Severus Tobias Snape, the potions professor at Hogwarts might no longer have his side business as as he just made a huge mistake according to sources. These sources indicate that he had mixed up two orders he had. One order was for love potion requested by a prominent member of the Slytherin Quidditch team and another was a standing order for polyjuice to look like a well known female Hogwarts Professor.
According to our informants, two second year girls suddenly became infatuated by the female professor while customers of Lady Vixen, Knockturn Alley's most well-known brothel were surprised when their ladies turned into a teenage boy rather than a professor as they were expecting. We have photos of the transformations but can not publish them due to decency concerns. All we can say is that the student looks quiet fetching in drag especially with the whip.
The question on everyone's minds was why is a school professor selling love potion especially to a student? When we approached the British Department of Magical Law Enforcement, they said that they can not investigate until a complaint is lodged. Hogwart's headmaster, Professor Dumbledore said that he was looking into the matter. Neither Severus Snape nor anyone at Lady Vixen were willing to comment.
Dumbledore was at the head table looking very unhappy about the whole situation but there was nothing he could do. He already ordered Snape to cease his potion making operation to stop his deputy from killing him. That Deputy was next to Dumbledore, she was furious beyond belief because she did not realise the full extent of Snape's operation that was happening right under her nose. She was only mildly angry in comparison to the two Slytherin girls who were dosed. Tracy and Daphne were glaring at Marcus Flint. If looks could kill, then Marcus would just be a speck of dusts. Marcus Flint was trying finish his breakfast as quickly as possible to avoid the two girls and so that he could vent his anger at Professor Snape for screwing up his order.
Marcus Flint was the first to leave but he was immediately followed by Daphne, Tracy and Professor McGonagall. When Dumbledore saw Professor McGonagall leaving, he immediately followed to stop her from killing his spy. Not long after they left the hall, the girls could be heard screaming.
"Get back here you coward!"
It was quickly followed by Dumbledore saying.
"Everyone. Do not be too hasty."
This comment caused everyone to in the hall to burst out laughing. Talk about this scandal occupied the school for the rest of the week. Professor McGonagall, Tracy and Daphne were all avoided at all costs. Everyone heard rumours about what they did to Snape and Flint and no one wanted to be on the receiving end of one of their temper tantrums. Snape and Flint were not seen walking along the halls for several days confirming a lot of the rumours. In fact, they were spotted numerous times at the infirmary and according to rumour mills they would be unable to use their family jewels for quite some time.