Chapter 9
The five teens wandered Diagon getting their school supplies. Their first step was Madam Malkin's. After that they went to get their books. Hermione wasn't happy that the DADA book just held a load of rubbish about talking yourself out of confrontation.
"This book is horrible, whoever is the new teacher wants us not to be able to defend ourselves" Hermione said.
"I heard from my dad that the new teacher is in tight with Fudge" Daphne said.
"Great, I hope it isn't Percy. I really don't want to see that git," Harry said.
"Oh Harry, Percy couldn't teach DADA, he's too young. It will probably be someone who Fudge trust a lot though," Hermione said frowning at her boyfriend.
"Fine, but whoever it is I'm not taking their crap" Harry said folding his arms.
Hermione sighed; she knew her boyfriend wasn't going to budge at all on this.
"I'm with you Harry, this teacher is going to see what happens when she messes with Gryffindors" Neville said.
Great, he's corrupted Neville now too Hermione thought.
Luna beamed at Neville's new self-confidence.
"Well what do we have here, two blood traitors, a Mudblood, and Scarhead" Malfoy drawled.
"Hello ferret" Harry said glaring at his school nemesis.
"My god Greengrass, what are you doing here hanging with this riff-raff" Malfoy said.
Daphne turned back to her ice princess persona.
"That's none of your business Malfoy, now leave" Daphne said coolly.
"I'd hold your tongue Greengrass, you have no idea who you're messing with" Malfoy said glaring at his fellow Slytherin.
"I don't think you understand Malfoy, you have no idea who you're messing with."
Malfoy turned around to find an angry Susan Bones.
"This is none of your business Bones, now get out of here" Malfoy sneered.
Susan's eyes narrowed, "I beg to differ Malfoy."
Malfoy snorted.
"Tell me Bones, are all Hufflepuffs this stupid?" Malfoy asked with a sneer.
"No, but we're loyal, and right now you are messing with members of Ancient and Noble houses" Susan said.
Malfoy blinked.
"Oh, I guess your father forgot to give you a lesson on this, well let me enlighten you then ferret boy" Susan said smiling sweetly.
"There are five Ancient and Noble houses in Britain, these houses are classed as royalty in the wizarding world. They are the richest and most powerful houses. The Malfoy house pales in comparison to fortune and power. The five houses are the Bones, Greengrasses, Longbottoms, Blacks, and Potters."
Malfoy paled somewhat at this.
"These five houses have always been allied to one another in some form or another, but never has the five join as one. Well guess what Malfoy, you are witnessing the five houses joining as one" Susan said.
"That's utter rubbish Bones, the Malfoys are the most prestigious family in Britain" Malfoy said boastfully.
"The Malfoys are a new family, which means they have some power and money, but no ranking, really" Daphne said, "the only reason why your father and your family became so prominent was because your father married your mother, a Black."
"Yes, I think I remember my godfather thinking about dissolving that marriage" Harry said tapping his chin.
"He wouldn't, there are no grounds" Malfoy said.
"I'm sure that there is something in the contract that can do it" Hermione said sweetly.
"Shut it Mudblood" Malfoy sneered.
This is when Harry got angry.
"Malfoy, I don't want you to ever hear you call Hermione that again, she is under the protection of the Potter house as well as the Black house," Harry said with clenched fists.
"And the Longbottom house" Neville added.
"And the Greengrass house" Daphne jumped in.
"And the Bones house" Susan added.
This gave Hermione full protection by the five families, which meant she was pretty much invincible.
Malfoy just sneered and left with his cloak billowing behind him.
"Well now that that git has been dealt with, I guess I should introduce myself" Susan said, "I'm Susan Bones."
She bowed.
"Susan, you don't have to do that, we're friends and friends don't bow to one another" Harry said.
Susan brighten at this.
"Well then, since we're friends lets get back to shopping" Susan said happily.
They did that after they concluded the introductions, though it wasn't needed, as they all knew one another somewhat.
"Lets go, Hermione hasn't spent all the money I gave her on books yet" Harry said smirking.
Hermione huffed and punched her boyfriend in the arm, which cause the others to laugh as they knew the girl loved her books.
They grabbed their books and then left and then went to their next destination, to get supplies for potions. After that Harry needed pick up some owl treats for Hedwig. After that they decided to rest and have a treat themselves at Fortescue's.
"So Susan, did your aunt bring you up to speed on what is happening?" Harry asked.
"Yes, and I for one am happy that the five houses are together again, though if I were the one going about it I'd have trouble in finding a way to get Daphne involved" Susan said.
"It was easy, I just wrote a letter to her" Harry said grinning.
"Basically he went all Gryffindor and charged right in without thinking" Daphne said with a straight face.
This made everyone laugh.
"Auntie is doing her best to try and quell the rumors in the Ministry about you Harry, but it's hard since everyone believes what's written in the Prophet" Susan said.
"That's fine, the truth will come out some time, it always does and when it does I'm thinking that I will be getting a lot of mail asking for forgiveness," Harry said.
"You sound very confident in this" Daphne said.
"It was the about the same when in second year when I was accused of being Slytherin's heir" Harry said with a shrug.
"I never believed that Harry, I knew that you'd could never do that since you are best friends with Hermione" Susan said.
"Thanks Susan" Harry said smiling.
"I didn't believe it either, for the same reasons really," Daphne said.
"That and you didn't want to believe a Gryffindor was heir to Slytherin" Hermione said with a smirk.
Daphne blushed slightly at this.
"Well what do you know, Daphne can blush" Neville said chuckling.
The six discussed what they needed to do when they got back to Hogwarts. One was to get the opinion of their house about Harry then turn it if it is negative.
"I don't think you need to worry a lot about Hufflepuff Harry, Cedric gave a lot positive comments about during the tournament, but I'll do damage control since these articles are making you act like a maniac" Susan said.
"Susan, Harry has to be a bit of a maniac, I mean who'd thought climbing onto a troll's back was a good idea" Neville said.
"Oy, it was the only thing I could think of at the time" Harry said defending himself.
"Then what about shoving your wand up the troll's nose?" Luna asked.
"That I'm not sure about, I wasn't thinking on that one" Harry said.
"Well this all sound like fun, and I'd like to know more, but let us tell stories in a more private place" Hermione said.
The others nodded and continued their shopping.
/Scene Break/
Susan stayed for the last part of summer and learned a few things and also got the real stories of Harry's adventures. She thought that they'd make great stories some day, which made Harry blush when Daphne volunteered to write them.
Soon September first came around and the teens were led to the train station by two marauders and Tonks. When they got there Amelia Bones, Luna father, Daphne's parents, and Neville's Gran, met them. They greeted one another then headed to the train. Before the teens boarded Amelia warned them about the new DADA teacher and to be careful. The teens nodded and boarded. They found a compartment and settled in.
"Come on Harry, we should get to the prefect meeting" Hermione said.
Harry nodded.
The couple left, leaving the other behind.
/Scene Break/
Their prediction was right on when they found Malfoy sitting in the prefect compartment looking bored. Pansy Parkinson was sitting next to looking equally bored.
"Well it looks like everyone is here, lets get started" the Head Boy said.
The Head Boy and Girl passed out assignments and the new passwords to the houses.
"Okay, any questions?" the Head Girl asked.
"Yeah, I have one, do I have to patrol with Scarhead since he is mentally unstable?" Malfoy asked smirking.
Mumblings were heard.
"Be quiet Malfoy, Harry is not mentally unstable, he's as sane as anyone here" Hermione said defending her boyfriend.
Malfoy snorted.
"Like I'd take the word of a Mudblood like you" he sneered.
Harry glared at Malfoy.
"What did I tell you about using that word Malfoy, do you really want to give me a reason to pummel you with everything the Potters have" he said glaring at his school nemesis.
Everyone watched the stand off until Malfoy snorted and left with Pansy on his arm and his cloak billowing.
Harry sighed and apologized to the other prefects and the Heads for his behavior than left. Once back in the compartment they shared with their friends they told them about the prefect meeting.
"This doesn't sound good Harry, I will have a word with Hannah and Ernie right a way" Susan said.
"Yes, and I'll talk with Padma and Terry" Luna said.
"I'll come with you" Neville said.
Susan, Luna, and Neville left to talk to some prefects while the others relaxed.
"So did anything happen while we were at the meeting?" Hermione asked.
"Weasley came here" Daphne said.
"Which one?" Harry asked.
"Oh sorry, the thickheaded one" Daphne clarified.
"So what did he have to say?" Hermione asked.
Flashback
Ron Weasley boarded the train and went in search for Harry and Hermione to apologize. He came upon the compartment that when he looked in and saw Neville and Luna. He knew that Harry and Hermione hung around with them. Without even asking he came in then he found Susan Bones sitting there also along with Daphne Greengrass.
"What are you doing here Greengrass?" Ron sneered.
"That was rude" Susan said.
Ron ignored the Hufflepuff.
"I asked you Slytherin, what are doing here?" he asked sneering.
"Wow, I didn't know you could do such a accurate impression of Malfoy" Daphne said totally deadpan.
Ron's ears turned red from this.
Neville chuckled at this and Luna was smiling, Susan had her wand out just in case.
"Quiet you filthy Slytherin" Ron shouted.
Daphne just stared at the redhead with a cool look that pretty much showed that she was bored with him. Ron pulled out his wand ready to hex the blond, but before he could utter a hex it flew out of his hand and landed in Daphne's.
"Geez Weasley, you aren't very smart at all" Daphne said smirking.
Ron was now really mad and lunged at Daphne, but he was grabbed by the back of the collar by Luna of all people.
"Now Ronald, it isn't very nice attacking people who haven't done anything to you" Luna said serenely.
Ron struggled to get out of Luna's grasp, which was quite comical as Luna was still smaller that Ron and was able to keep him in a firm grip.
"Ronald, quit struggling, you're only going to tire yourself out" Luna said.
"Let me go Loony" Ron snarled.
This made Neville stand up.
"Don't you call Luna that" Neville growled.
Ron paled at the sight of an angry Longbottom.
"Ronald, I suggest you leave now," Luna said as she dragged him to the door and shoved him out.
Flashback ended
"Well that was interesting, I'm glad you didn't get hurt and that no harmful spells were cast" Hermione said.
"Please, if this was a duel I'd have him down before he could even think of his first curse" Daphne said boastfully.
"I'm sure you would Daph" Harry said smiling.
Neville, Luna, and Susan came back and they looked satisfied with what happened.
"So I see that things went well" Hermione said.
"Yes, they just needed a good talking to" Susan said.
"Mine was a bit harder, but my dear Neville back me up" Luna said smiling at her boyfriend.
Neville blushed slightly, but wrapped an arm around his girlfriend.
The rest of the trip went well and once they got to Hogsmeade Harry and Hermione helped guide the first years with some more helpful fellow prefects. After that they got into a carriage with their friends. It was kind of cramped, but Hermione sat in Harry's as did Luna in Neville's.
"I need a boyfriend so I can do that" Susan said.
Both Hermione and Luna laughed at this.
/Scene Break/
They all parted ways at the entrance of the Great Hall and went to sit at their house tables. Harry, Hermione, and Neville sat down making sure that Ron wasn't near them, Thankfully the twins and Ginny helped with that. After the sorting Dumbledore rose to give his speech. Halfway through it a sound was heard.
"Hem-hem."
Dumbledore stopped and looked at the new DADA teacher.
"Yes madam Umbridge?" he asked.
"I would like to say a few things, if I may Dumbledore" Umbridge said.
This was a shock as no one has ever interrupted the headmaster's speech before. Dumbledore nodded and stepped aside for Umbridge to waddle up to the podium.
"Students of Hogwarts, I'm here because there is a lack of discipline here, which will be corrected to the Ministry's satisfaction." Umbridge said, she then went on about how the Ministry is stepping in to correct the mistakes the school has gotten away with in the past and that it wouldn't be tolerated anymore. Her little speech took a long while that most of the students had dozed off or were getting very hungry. When she finished Dumbledore started the feast.
"Bloody hell, she is an annoying thing" Harry said.
"How the hell are we going to learn anything with her as DADA teacher?" Neville asked.
"I think I might have an idea on that" Hermione said.
"What's the plan my dear?" Harry asked.
"Don't know yet, but I'm working on it" Hermione said.
Harry nodded, he knew that his girlfriend's mind was already on working on something that will be good.
After the feast Dumbledore gave the usual stuff like, staying out of the Forbidden Forest, no using your wands in the halls, and stuff like that. Once he dismissed the students to bed Harry and Hermione gathered the first years up and took them to the Gryffindor tower. Once there they relaxed, well they were about to.
"What the hell was a bloody Slytherin doing in your compartment?" Ron shouted.
This got the attention of everyone in the common room.
"What's it to you Weasley, I don't have to explain myself to you" Harry said.
Ron's ears went red.
"Just because you think the bloody world revolves around you doesn't mean it does" Ron bellowed.
"I don't think it does Ron, and I really don't care since everyone thinks I'm a nut job" Harry said.
"You are, spouting off about You-Know-Who being back" Ron said.
"He is back, but I don't care if you don't think so since the people I know and trust believe me, and that's good enough for me" Harry said.
"We believe you Harry" the twins said.
"I do too" Ginny said stepping up.
Ron glared at his siblings.
"You can't be buying into this, he's just trying to get more fame" he said.
"You obviously don't know Harry as well as you claimed" Neville said glaring at the redhead.
"I know that he's an attention seek prat" Ron shouted.
Everyone was silent as the watched as there house dividing. Harry, Hermione, and Neville on one side and Ron on the other. The twins and Ginny were on Harry's side along with the other members of the Gryffindor Quidditch team since they knew Harry pretty well and didn't believe in the lies along with Lavender and Parvati. Dean and Seamus sided with Ron as well as a few sixth and seventh years. The fourth, third, and second years were in limbo, not knowing who to join.
End of chapter
A/N: That's the end of this one, I felt like having conflict within the Lion house. Will there be conflict in the other houses? Who knows? Thanks for reading and please review.
Chapter 10
Sirius Black sat back as he surveyed the room. Amelia Bones, Augusta Longbottom, and Adrian Greengrass were all seated around the table talking with one another.
This is something I thought I'd never seen in my life Sirius thought.
"Alright, since we're all here lets get down to business" Sirius said.
"Oh Merlin, Sirius, you're leading this meeting" Adrian said jokingly.
"Yes I am, but I have instructions from Harry and Hermione so I'm not going in blind" Sirius said and held up a thick pack of parchment as proof.
Chuckles were heard around the table.
"Okay, first order of business is the taking over of the Daily Prophet. How's that going?" Sirius asked now in his business mode.
"Very well, it's going slow, but soon we'll have the majority of the stock" Adrian said.
"Good, Amelia, what's the situation with the Ministry?" Sirius asked.
"Not very well, Fudge is blocking every attempt I try and make with raising the auror forces" Amelia said.
"That's not good, if we don't have a force we'll be unprepared for when Voldemort strikes" Sirius said frowning.
"I'm doing my best, but Fudge won't listen to reason" Amelia said frustratingly.
"He's thick, and will only listen to those who fill his pockets with the most gold" Adrian said frowning.
"Yes, but I have a plan to stop this" Sirius said smiling.
"Oh boy, what are you scheming Sirius?" Augusta asked, she had been around the old marauder enough to know that he was planning something.
"Oh, I was just going over the marriage contract that was made between Malfoy and my cousin Narcissa and found some interesting clauses" Sirius said.
"Well out with it, what are they?" Amelia asked, not in the mood for Sirius' dramatics at the moment.
"Well Lucius has broken the contract by being branded as one of Voldemort's follower, since according the contract that he can't be marked or branded. I don't remember the clause exactly, but that what it says in a nut shell," Sirius said.
"You have to be joking?" Adrian said shocked.
"No I am not, anyway, I got a letter from Narcissa too, asking for me to find a way to break her marriage" Sirius said.
"That's something I didn't think she'd ever do or even want" Amelia said, not believing their luck.
"Cissy is smarter than you give her credit. She hates being Lucius' wife and wanted out for a long time" Sirius said.
"What about her son?" Augusta asked.
"She doesn't really care about him, his father has influenced him too much and she doesn't think that he will change" Sirius said.
"So you're going to break their marriage?" Amelia asked.
"Yup, I already did Bellatrix and her husband, I had the goblins also get back the bride price" Sirius said.
"Wow, so what will happen to Lucius when he no longer has Narcissa as a wife?" Adrian asked.
"He's going to be a hell of a lot poorer since the Malfoys get most of their money and influence from the Blacks" Sirius said grinning.
"So you're going destroy Lucius with a stroke of your quill" Augusta said.
"Yep, I have the papers all set to go" Sirius said grinning.
"That's great. With Lucius unable to pay Fudge off we can be able get things moving" Amelia said happily.
"Yeah, but it's still going to hard, I think we are going to have to replace Fudge to actually get anything done" Sirius said.
"Lets hold off on that for as long as we can, okay?" Augusta said not wanting to make that move yet.
The others nodded.
"So what else does Hermione and Harry have on that list?" Amelia asked.
"Well lets see?" Sirius said as he looked through the pieces of parchment in front of him.
/Scene Break/
Meanwhile at Hogwarts things were going well until the fifth years had their first DADA class.
"Good afternoon class" madam Umbridge said sweetly.
There was mumbled replies.
"That won't do at all, when I say 'good afternoon' I want you to say 'good afternoon professor Umbridge'" Umbridge said still in her sickly sweet voice.
The class did it again with a better, though in a forced response kind of way.
"Good. Now I'm here because of the lack of quality in DADA. I'm here to bring them back up to Ministry standards. So I'll be testing you on a daily basis" Umbridge said.
Groans were heard throughout the room.
She ignored them as she began a lecture on trying to talk your way out of confrontations. This of course made Harry restless and a few times he wanted to speak up, but Hermione took his hand in attempt to calm him. The outburst came from an unlikely source, Neville Longbottom.
"Are you trying to get us killed" he asked out loud.
"No I am not, I'm showing you another way so you can avoid a fight" Umbridge said, annoyed that she was interrupted.
Neville snorted.
"Please, Death Eaters don't listen to reason, hell they won't listen to you at all. Their goal is to kill and cause pain to as many victims they can get" he said.
Umbridge's face was now red.
"The Ministry knows for a fact that there are no more active Death Eaters left free" Umbridge said.
"Obviously Fudge, is blinded by the shiny gold that he's showered in" Neville muttered loudly.
The whole class was shocked at this, well except Daphne, Harry, Hermione, and Susan.
"How dare you slander the Minister's name, have you no respect for authority" Umbridge said who's face was now turning purple with barely contained rage.
"I have no respect for a government that lets killers go because they were able to buy their freedom" Neville said.
"Your parents were Ministry aurors" Umbridge said trying to throw Neville off.
"Yes, they were, and they would be greatly upset at how the justice system that they put so much faith in had let them down" Neville said undaunted.
"Detention Mr. Longbottom" Umbridge shouted.
"On what grounds?" Neville asked calmly.
"For slandering the name of Cornelius Fudge" Umbridge said waddling away.
"Do you realize who you just shouted at?" Susan asked speaking up.
Umbridge's eye was now twitching.
"What was that?"
"You just gave out a detention to someone who didn't even break a rule. You did even take points off first, which is standard protocol. You first deduct points then if the student is still disruptive then you give him a detention. You know what's going to happen to you once Neville's grandmother gets word of this?" Susan said.
"And why should I care?" Umbridge asked, though she contained her anger better since she knew the girl's aunt and didn't want to face an angry Amelia Bones anytime soon.
"The Longbottoms are one of the five Ancient and Noble houses" Susan said.
Umbridge furrowed her brow in confusion.
"Oh Merlin, doesn't any pureblood house give good lessons anymore?" Susan asked.
Her answer came in the form of several confused looks on the Slytherin's faces, as well as other non-Slytherin purebloods, except for Daphne and Neville.
Susan then gave an impromptu lesson on the five Ancient and Noble houses. She pretty much told them the same thing that she told Malfoy, minus the fact that the houses were not allied to one another now since she figured that was to be kept secret for now.
Neville's detention still stood and when they left the class Harry commented on Neville's newfound brazen attitude.
"Well I guess since you weren't doing anything I had to jump in" Neville said with a shrug.
"I was very tempted, but someone stopped me" Harry said and nodded to Hermione.
"You've got to keep a low profile Harry, she was only doing to get arise out of you" Hermione said.
"I know, you're right. But can't I hex her just once" Harry said.
"No Harry" Hermione said.
"Come on, please" Harry pleaded.
"No Harry" Hermione said firmly.
Harry pouted.
When Luna heard of Neville's outburst in DADA she reward him with a kiss.
/Scene Break/
Dumbledore leaned backing his chair in his office thinking about how the year was going so far. He wasn't happy with the division of the Gryffindor house, but knew that would happen. What's going to happen with the other houses would be a wait and see. But so far Dumbledore could see that Harry's friends were keeping a handle on that. He knew that Sirius was busy at the moment, but what was keeping the marauder so busy he had no idea. He was quite shocked at hearing what happened in fifth year DADA class. He never would have expected Neville Longbottom to do what he had done. But that was the old Neville. This was the new Neville that was molded by Harry and Hermione.
/Scene Break/
Lucius Malfoy could only stare at the letter that he held in his hand. His marriage with his wife was dissolved. He no longer had the Black fortune to siphon off of. The Malfoy fortune was a good size, but no where close to the Black one. Now, he had no idea that the Blacks were an Ancient and Noble family, he just the family had a lot of money, which was fine by him. He feared what his master was going to him once he finds about his financial power now.
"Goodbye, Lucius."
This brought Malfoy from his trance as he saw his former wife with bags packed.
"Where are you going?" Lucius asked dumbfounded.
"Really now Lucius, I thought you were smarter than that. My cousin Sirius has dissolved our marriage, so I have no reason to stay here" Narcissa said.
Though Lucius had the letter in-hand and is seeing his former wife with packed bags he still couldn't wrap his head around it. Narcissa left Lucius still standing stunned. She decided to stay with her sister Andromeda to catch and help to find a place for her to stay.
/Scene Break/
The Daily Prophet the next day caused a lot of conversations going on the next morning in the Great Hall. The news of the dissolved marriage between Lucius Malfoy and Narcissa Black had the whole hall buzzing. Malfoy was quite furious and glared at Harry and his friends. Already he was planning his revenge. Yes, Potter would learn to fear the name Malfoy.
Dumbledore read the paper with his eyes twinkling.
So that's what Sirius has been up to Dumbledore thought.
Harry and Hermione were quite pleased with what they read. This helped to get their plans moving. With Malfoy no longer dumping money in Fudge's hat that means that Amelia can get the things she needs to improve the auror force. They just hoped that it wasn't too late.
/Scene Break/
That night Neville appeared in Umbridge's classroom to serve his detention.
"Good evening Mr Longbottom, tonight you'll be writing lines" Umbridge said sweetly.
Neville wanted to punch the toad in the face, but held back. He sat down at one of the desks and pulled out a piece of parchment and a quill.
"I have a special quill that you'll be using" Umbridge said grinning sinisterly.
She handed Neville a black quill.
Neville blinked.
"Where's the ink?" he asked.
"You won't be needing any" Umbridge said smirking.
Neville was wary at this, but began to write. As he did that he felt his hand throb in pain. He then noticed that it was blood that was coming out of the quill.
This is a blood quill Neville thought.
He looked up to see Umbridge smirking at him evilly. He then looked down and continued. He wasn't going give the ugly toad the benefit of seeing him in pain. So he schooled his face to look impassive. And thanks to Daphne he had it down pretty well.
Umbridge watched this with a smirk that then became a frown. She was hoping that the boy would wince in pain or do something. But no, he just kept writing.
After an hour Neville left holding his hand. He got back to the Gryffindor tower to find Harry and Hermione waiting for him.
"How bad was it Neville?" Hermione asked worriedly.
"The bitch used a blood quill on me" Neville snarled.
Hermione's jaw dropped and Harry's eyes darkened. Harry then pulled out a galleon and tap his wand to it. Neville felt something heat up in his pocket and knew that Harry was calling a meeting.
Dumbledore offered Harry his own private quarters in the beginning of the year to try and make amends. Harry barely used them since he want to spend his time with the rest of his house. This was the reason why he liked to have a private quarters.
"Come on Neville" Harry said getting up.
Neville nodded as he held his hand. Hermione took out a handkerchief and wrapped it around Neville's hand to stop the bleeding. The three met Daphne, Susan and Luna just outside Harry's private quarters.
"What going on Harry?" Luna asked.
"Inside" Harry said.
The others nodded and Harry gave the password. Once inside Harry had Neville tell what happened in his detention. The group was upset by this and Luna looked like she wanted to kill the toad right now.
"Luna, anger isn't going to help Neville right now" Harry said seeing the murderous look that was on her normally serene face.
Luna nodded and called Dobby to bring her some murtlap. Once the house elf delivered it she had Neville put his hand in it.
"Now we must figure out what to do next?" Harry said.
He looked at his friends for suggestions.
"I'll write my aunt" Susan said.
Harry nodded.
"We need evidence, I'll go to the toad's office" Daphne suggested.
"Too risky Daph" Hermione said.
"Can't I just hex the bitch" Luna said furiously.
This made everyone pause, as they never heard Luna sound like this before. The usually calm spacey blond looked like she could beat a dragon single-handedly right now.
"Luna dear, have I ever told you that you look hot when you're angry" Neville said.
Luna turned to her boyfriend only to have her lips captured in a kiss. This of course eased the anger right out of the little blond as she was too focused on kissing her boyfriend.
The others knew to thank Neville later for distracting Luna.
/Scene Break/
Amelia looked up to find a snowy white owl staring intently at her. She knew it was Harry's owl and took the letter that the owl was offering. She opened the letter from her niece and about halfway through she turned red. That bitch had the audacity to use something so foul on a student. And on a soon-to-be head of an Ancient and Noble house too. The toad was going down.
/Scene Break/
At the same time Augusta Longbottom got a letter pretty much saying the same thing. She was livid. She was going to see the toad spit roasted alive.
/Scene Break/
Sirius and Adrian were sitting enjoying talking about the past when two owls came in. They read the letters and knew that this was another chance that they couldn't pass up. This would hurt Fudge even more and hopefully push their agenda long without announcing that the five have united as one.
/Scene Break/
The following days after the letters Umbridge was sacked from her position at Hogwarts and she was under investigation by the DMLE. On her way out of the castle she was hit several hexes. Now the aurors who arrested her looked at the crowd that was gathered, but none claimed responsibility. Though if they looked hard enough they'd spot a smug smile on a little blond girl as she twirled her wand before placing it back behind her ear.
The toad was so surprised by these actions that she could barely cry foul. But when she was able to find her voice she began to rant and rave. She told the investigators that Fudge put her in-charge of bringing Hogwarts in order and that she had free reign. That she couldn't be touched.
"I'll have your badges, I'm the Undersecretary for the Minister of Magic. You can't do this!" Umbridge yelled.
The aurors ignored her and kept digging through her past. Many of the toad's transgressions couldn't be brought to trial due to insufficient evidence, but that didn't mean that things couldn't be leaked. Amelia had all of Umbridge's dirty laundry shown to the world. Of course it was done anonymously.
/Scene Break/
Undersecretary's Dirty Dealings
Was the headline of the Daily Prophet. It was the same headline that appeared for several weeks as there was much that the toad had done during her time as Ministry employee. Heck, it even went back to her Hogwarts days thanks to some interview from former classmates. Now the toad couldn't be in public anymore without glares being aimed her way, as well as hexes too. She soon found out how many enemies she really had.
As for Fudge. He knew his days were numbered as along with the article about his undersecretary was ones about all the bribes he has taken since taking office. The picture of him and Lucius Malfoy being chummy pretty much killed any hope he had left. The paper revealed that Lucius was in fact a Death Eater and the proof. Of course Lucius was unable to comment as he had somehow disappeared. Harry and Hermione had a feeling that Voldemort was using Malfoy senior as a Cruciatus curse punching bag right now.
/Scene Break/
"Alright, I didn't expect the impact that the blood quills would have, but now we must figure out how to use it" Sirius said.
The others adults sat around the table along with Harry and Hermione's group. They were in Harry's quarters, which was turned into a meeting room for tonight.
"I think we should push Fudge out, he's already close. So let's give him the final nudge" Harry said.
Hermione and the rest of the teens agreed.
"Alright, but should we nominate?" Adrian asked.
"Amelia, of course" Hermione said smiling.
"What? You can't be serious" Amelia said.
"No, you can't, he's Sirius" Neville said smirking as he nodded to the head of the Black family.
Groans were heard around the table at this bad joke.
"No Amelia, you make the perfect candidate. You're smart, people trust you, and you won't buckle under pressure. Not to mention you don't mind taking the offensive when needed to" Daphne said.
"Alright fine, I give" Amelia said in a huff.
"That was quite easy, I was prepared to give you more reasons" Luna said pouting a bit.
"No, no, I know when I'm beaten" Amelia said holding up her hands.
"Good, now, what else is going on?" Harry asked.
"We've got controlling interest in the Daily Prophet now" Adrian said.
"That's good, now we can start printing the truth. I think you should give an exclusive Harry" Hermione said smiling at her boyfriend.
"Fine, but you're going to be with me so I don't put my foot in my mouth" Harry said.
Hermione nodded knowing that she would be there anyway no matter what.
"Who are you going to have do the article?" Daphne asked.
Hermione looked over at the list of reporters that the Daily Prophethave. Adrian gave her a copy as he was talking. She scanned the list then smiled.
"Penelope Clearwater" she said.
"Isn't she Percy's girlfriend?" Neville asked.
"Yes she is" Hermione said.
"Why her?" Daphne asked curiously.
"She is smart and the only one I think we can trust" Hermione said.
No one question her choice since they knew she could beat you in any kind of argument.
"Alright, it's settled" Sirius said.
They rest of the night they discussed tactics and who would be running against Amelia for Minister and what they could do to guarantee Amelia the Minister seat.
End of chapter
A/N: the end of this chap. I thought I'd try something in how getting rid of Umbridge. I know it wasn't as harsh as some might like, but still she gets shunned by the whole wizarding world. Thanks for reading and please review.
Chapter 11
Penelope Clearwater was working in one of the many cubicles in the office of the Daily Prophet. She got a job there as soon as she graduated from Hogwarts. She got the position thanks to one of her friend's father who had an inside track. But her position was quite low on the totem pole. She knew that she wouldn't be getting anything that would be considered big, as this was lowly grunge work. Her boyfriend Percy though would keep going on about his job of working so close to the Minister that she got fed up with him and broke up with him just two weeks ago. She now only had her job to keep her busy and that wasn't a great safety net.
"Miss Clearwater?"
Penelope looked up to see one of the editors looking at her.
"Yes sir?" she said.
"Come with me" the editor said.
Penelope followed the editor through the maze of cubicles with everyone one looking out of their mini-prisons to see what was going on. Once Penelope was in the editor's office she sat down praying she won't be fired.
"You have been given a special assignment" the editor said.
Penelope's jaw dropped.
"I have."
"Yes, they specifically asked for you" the editor said.
Penelope was still shocked.
"This new assignment will be long term and you'll be paid a generous wage along with expanse account" the editor said.
"Can I ask who it was?" Penelope asked.
"The new owners of the paper" the editor said gruffly.
Penelope didn't know that the paper was under new management, but already liked whoever was in charge.
"I'll take it" she said.
"They thought you would. Now you are asked to meet here. Here's the address" the editor said handing a slip of parchment.
Penelope took it and read it. She was surprised that the address for a muggle restaurant. Whoever this person was that would meet her was definitely not a pureblood she thought. After the meeting the editor led her to her new office. It was ten times bigger than her cubicle. She moved her stuff immediately and happily planned what she'd add to her office for the rest of the day.
/Scene Break/
Harry and Hermione were sitting in the common room late at night working over their homework.
"So is the meeting all set up for tomorrow?" Harry asked.
"Yup, we're to meet Penelope tomorrow at noon" Hermione said as she looked up from her book.
"Great, I'm glad Dumbledore gave me permission to do this" Harry said.
"Well it is the weekend and besides, I think he's doing everything we can to make-up for all he's done" Hermione said.
"He has a lot to make up for, but this is a good start" Harry said.
Hermione nodded.
"Good, now what are we going to be telling her?" Harry asked.
Hermione pulled out a journal that she carried around with her and began to skim through it. The two planned out how the meeting was going to play out and made sure to plan for every kind of thing that could happen.
/Scene Break/
Penelope was dressed in a muggle business suit as she entered the restaurant. It was more of a upscale restaurant than she was used to, but thanks to the expense account she got with her new position she was able to get something presentable.
"Um, excuse me, I'm Penelope Clearwater I'm here to meet someone" Penelope said to the maître'd.
"Yes of course, they are already here. Please follow me" the maître'd said.
Penelope did and she weaved passed a few tables to the back where she suspected the private rooms were held.
"In here miss" the maître'd said.
"Thank you" Penelope said.
Penelope took a deep breath and opened the door to find two people she least expected.
"Hello Miss Clearwater" Hermione said.
"Harry Potter, Hermione Granger" Penelope said shocked.
"Yes, now come on in and sit" Harry said smiling.
Penelope did as she was told, though she was quite shocked. Once she sat down she had regained her senses.
"You own the paper?" she asked still in shock.
"Well, actually I own part of the paper" Harry said.
Penelope had a look of confusion on her face.
"Hermione, she has the same confused look you do when you don't understand" Harry said smirking.
"Oh hush Harry" Hermione said as she smacked her boyfriend on the shoulder.
"What's going on here?" Penelope asked.
"Well Miss Clearwater, you are here for an exclusive interview with Harry Potter" Hermione said.
Penelope's jaw dropped.
"You bought the paper," she said not knowing that she had already said this.
"Well helped buy the paper, I and some others did" Harry said, "come Miss Clearwater, lets get this rolling."
Penelope did as she was told. She pulled a stack of blank parchment and a quill.
"That isn't a Quick-Quote-Quill is it?" Harry asked.
"No, this is a Dicta-Quill, I've heard too many bad things about Quick Quills that I went with one that is more reliable" Penelope said.
"That's good" Harry said with relief.
This began what Penelope found to be probably the biggest article ever. She took a lot of notes from both Harry and Hermione about what had happened during their time at Hogwarts. From the couple's first adventure to what happened during the tournament. They included everything they could that was related to Voldemort. When Penelope was finished she used all her parchment that she had brought and had to borrow some from Hermione.
"This is amazing Mr. Potter" Penelope said.
"Please call me Harry, I'm sure we're going to know each other quite well" Harry said smiling.
Penelope smiled right back.
"Then you can call me Penny" she said.
Harry nodded.
/Scene Break/
The Daily Prophet's headline the next day was quite shocking.
Harry Potter Speaks
The article was quite long and had to be put into it's own section because its length. Penny was credited with the whole article.
Harry spilled everything that had happened to him during his time at Hogwarts. He didn't leave anything out, not even that Lucius Malfoy was probably the one who slipped the diary that caused the terror in the school. He, of course didn't mention that it was Ginny who was the student who had the diary. What made the article more impressive was the fact that there was pictures to go with it as well. Thanks to a Pensieve, Penny was able to take pictures of the Basilisk and of Quirrell when Harry faced him. That and the pictures of Voldemort's resurrection too.
As everyone read the Prophet Harry smiled. If this didn't move the masses to their cause then he didn't know what would.
Dumbledore read the article and smiled. Harry was doing quite well and knew that Harry was having help from Sirius and the other Ancient and Noble houses. Yes he knew about the alliance. He wasn't told, but he was saw the signs. Harry, Neville, Daphne, and Susan hanging out together was a big sign. He also now knew what was keeping Sirius busy and decided to see if he could lend a hand.
/Scene Break/
"Well Harry, this article is very good. I think we better start gathering more allies," Neville said as he read the article.
"I agree" Luna said reading over her boyfriend's shoulder.
The group was sitting at the Gryffindor table.
"Alright, Susan, you seek out Hufflepuffs that want to help. Luna, you do the same in Ravenclaw. Daphne, you handle Slytherin, but be careful and if you feel any danger let me know" Harry said.
The three nodded.
"I'll help Luna" Neville said.
"I'm sure you will" Fred said smirking.
Neville blushed at this while the others laughed.
/Scene Break/
Luna walked into the Ravenclaw common room with Neville by her side. She cleared her throat hoping to get the room's attention, but nothing happened she tried a few more time, which all failed. That is until Neville let off a few noise-making spells that startle the Ravenclaws.
"Thank you Neville" Luna said pleasantly.
Neville nodded
"You have all read the article in the Prophet and now I have a question for you. Are ready to join?" Luna said in a serious tone.
"Potter could be lying" Anthony Goldstein shouted.
Neville's eyes narrowed.
"Harry Potter never lies, especially when it comes to what he's faced in his life," he said.
"How do you know?" Michael Corner asked.
"The Longbottoms and Potters have an alliance with one another that dates back hundreds of years. We Longbottoms have always stood by a Potter. We do, because the Potters are some of the most trustworthy families in Britain" Neville said.
There were a few mumbles heard.
Padma Patil was the first to step forward.
"I'll join" she said.
Other Ravenclaws stepped forward too now, following Padma's lead. The other Ravenclaws trusted and respected Padma a great deal and knew she wouldn't blindly rush into anything.
"Alright, please sign this parchment here" Luna said as she took out the roll of parchment that she got from Hermione before.
The first, second, and third years weren't able to sign since they were too young, but would still get training.
/Scene Break/
Susan walked into the Hufflepuff common room and without any other way to try and get the room's attention she used the same noise-making spell that Neville had used to get the Ravenclaws attention.
"Alright, here's the deal. If you're with Harry sign this parchment. If not then that's okay" Susan said.
"Susan, is it true what is said in the article?" Hannah asked.
"Yes it is, I heard it straight from Harry himself this summer" Susan said.
"How do we know Potter isn't doing this to gain power?" Ernie asked.
Susan glared at her fellow Puff, who cowered in fear.
"Harry is nothing of the sort. He is more loyal than some Puffs here. But he was put in Gryffindor because he has courage in spades" Susan said.
"Cedric did say that he'd trust Harry with his life" another Hufflepuff said.
"I'm in" Hannah said and went to sign the parchment.
Justin shrugged and followed, soon others did the same. Susan was quite happy with this.
Again like the in Ravenclaws the first, second, and third years weren't able to sign since they were too young, but would still get training.
/Scene Break/
Harry and Hermione entered the Gryffindor common room and gathered all their housemates.
"Right, now you all know the truth. Now it is time for you to decided what to do. Will you pick to do what is right or what is easy?" Harry said.
Hermione took out a roll of parchment that already had Fred, George, and Ginny's names on it.
"You mean to decided to join your little fan club?" Ron retorted.
Harry sighed.
"Ron, I'm not going to get in to it with you. You're not worth my time. I have more important things to do with my time" he said.
Ron was about to fire back, but was hit with a silencing spell by one of the twins.
"I'll sign Harry" Katie Bell said.
Alicia and Angelina followed suit. Seamus and Dean next followed by Lavender and Parvati. Other Gryffindors followed showing house unity. The Gryffindors that sided with Ron changed sides by signing the parchment. The only one who didn't sign it was Ron.
Like the other two previous houses the first, second, and third years weren't able to sign since they were too young, but would still get training.
"Alright, the first meeting will be in the Great Hall Saturday night" Harry said as Hermione rolled up the parchment.
/Scene Break/
Daphne walked into the Slytherin common room wearing a blank look.
"What do you want blood traitor?" Malfoy sneered.
"To see if any of you feel like changing their destiny," Daphne said.
"You've lost it Greengrass. How dare you betray your house" Malfoy shouted.
"So no one wants to sign up for defense lessons?" Daphne asked curiously.
There was a few slight movements by many Slytherins, but none moved forward. They were all trying to figure out what kind of benefits there was to sign up.
"Look, it's simple. All you have to do is sign this and Harry will train you to defend yourself," Daphne said showing off the piece of parchment.
"I'll not be a part of Scarhead's little group. You know he's delusional," Malfoy said.
"Please Malfoy, that's old news. Haven't you read the Prophetrecently?" Daphne asked.
Shut it blood traitor" Malfoy sneered.
"You don't scare me Malfoy. You don't have your daddy anymore" Daphne said smirking.
Daphne was right without Malfoy having his dad as back him up he was powerless. The blond boy didn't have any power or fear he could use to back up his threat.
"It's time for the Slytherin house to stand up for something honorable. For something that will make future Slytherins proud to be in this once noble house" Daphne said.
"What is going on here?"
Snape entered the common room with his cloak billowing.
"Greengrass is trying to make us sign up for Potter's little club" Malfoy said.
"Miss Greengrass I will not have you cause a rift in my house" Snape said.
"I'm not trying to cause any rift professor, all I'm trying to do is bring back the honorable name of Salazaar Slytherin" Daphne said.
"She's just trying to cause trouble on Potter's orders" Malfoy said.
Snape's eyes narrowed, just hearing Potter's name made the potion master's blood boil.
"I will not have any of my house affiliated with that brat" Snape said keeping his temper in check.
He took the parchment from Daphne and burned it up.
"If I ever hear you ever causing any more disturbances like this again I will have you in detention" the potion master said.
Malfoy was wearing a triumphant smirk on his face.
"Really professor, you'd rather your house die."
Every Slytherin spun around to find Harry Potter in the entrance of the Slytherin common room.
"Potter, how'd you get here?" Snape asked glaring at the boy.
"A friend called me for help" Harry said.
Snape glared at Harry, but Harry was unfazed by it as he walked further into the Snake den. He stopped by Daphne.
"Did he threaten you?" he asked.
"No, but I called you as a precaution" Daphne said.
Harry nodded.
"Potter, what is the meaning of this?" Snape shouted.
"Like I said sir, a friend called me for help. So I came. Daphne's family and mine have an alliance with one another. I take these alliances seriously" Harry said.
Snape's glare intensified at this. How dare this Potter brat sully one of his own.
Malfoy, on the other hand couldn't believe that the Greengrasses would sully their name like that. To be allied with the Potters. Yes, he saw Daphne with Potter, but didn't think it was anything more. Of course that fact that his brain was the size of a Knut could also play a part in it. The others Slytherins hearing this all had to wonder what could this all mean. The Potter and Greengrass families allied with one another, what will be next?
"Blood traitor" Malfoy shouted.
A curse flew from Malfoy's wand, but Harry put a shield up and the curse bounced off it and hit Malfoy.
"Fifty points from Gryffindor for hexing a student" Snape said with a triumphant smirk.
"I do believe that I was defending my friend from an attack" Harry said.
"That's not what I saw Potter" Snape said.
"Then lets see what the headmaster has to say" Harry said.
Snape glared at Harry.
/Scene Break/
Dumbledore sat back as he was finished watching the Pensieve memory that he was just shown. McGonagall was also there since this situation involved one of her lions.
"Mr. Malfoy fired off the curse and Harry put up a simply shield charm to defend himself" the headmaster said.
McGonagall agreed with the headmaster conclusion.
"Potter did that knowing that it would bounce off" Snape accused.
"Really Severus, Mr. Malfoy had a chance to move out of the way of his own curse, but chose not to" McGonagall said.
"I had no idea what curse Malfoy was using and did what I thought was best, besides he was aiming towards Daphne and I didn't want it to hurt her," Harry said.
Dumbledore nodded.
"Fifty-five points for Mr. Potter for defending his friend" he said.
Snape glared at Harry.
"He injured one of my students, I demand some kind of punishment" the greasy git said.
"Mr. Potter did nothing, but defend himself and his friend. No spell came out of his wand to cause harm. Mr. Malfoy was hit by his own curse" Dumbledore said.
Snape saw that he was going to win this one so he stormed out of the headmaster's office with his robes billowing.
"Excellent job Harry" Dumbledore said.
"For what sir?" Harry asked.
"For doing the impossible. You united the five Ancient and Noble houses. Never has that been done" Dumbledore said.
"Thank you sir" Harry said.
"I have contacted Sirius to offer my support and counsel though he has yet to reply to my request. I'm willing to help you and the others in any way possible" Dumbledore said.
"We'll think about sir" Harry said.
"That's all I can hope for" Dumbledore said.
When Harry left McGonagall turned to her old friend.
"I hope you know what you're doing Albus" she said.
"I do Minerva, I do" Dumbledore said.
End of chapter
A/N: that's the end of this chap. Will Harry and his group accept Dumbledore's help? What will Snape do to get revenge on Harry? Will it cost him his job? Find out next time. Thanks for reading and please review.
Chapter 12
That night Harry had another meeting with his friends and the adults.
"So Dumbledore wants to help us," Adrian said.
"Yes, now I'm not sure if I should let him since he has a lot to pay for" Harry said.
"But he could be a lot of help also. He can help influence our ideas and get them passed through," Hermione said.
"I know, that's why I asked you all here. I want everyone's input on this then we'll decided this together," Harry said.
"Alright, how about we let Dumbledore help us out, but we don't let him in fully. He can he an advisor of sorts," Sirius suggested.
"I like it, but we should write a contract or have him give his oath so he doesn't try to cross that boundary" Adrian said.
"Alright, what should this contract say?" Neville asked.
Hermione, Luna, and Daphne were huddled together over a piece of parchment.
"I think we'll have an answer in a few hours, so while we wait lets relax a bit" Susan said.
The others nodded in agreement and let the three ladies work in peace.
"So pup, how's school going?" Sirius asked.
"Fine, Umbridge is gone, but now we don't have a DADA teacher right now. We need one to help us prepare for what might come" Harry said.
The others nodded.
"I might have an auror that could do the job" Amelia said.
"You should have another auror as an assistant" Luna said.
"Why?" Amelia asked perplexed.
"Because Riddle put a curse on the DADA position and no teacher has lasted more than one year" Luna said.
"Where did you hear this?" Adrian asked.
This also caused Hermione and Daphne look at their quirky blond haired friend with interest.
"The Permatones told me" Luna said.
No one knew what Permatones were and knew that asking Luna about them would get them off track. So they just took her word for it. Hermione, Luna, and Daphne got back to the contract.
"Well I think Kingsley Shacklebolt would be a good fit and I can have his partner that he has Nymphadora Tonks accompany him" Amelia said.
"Did you say Tonks?" Sirius asked.
Amelia nodded.
"That's Andi's daughter. She will a good teacher. She is young enough to relate to the students" Sirius said.
"Yes, and she is a very competent auror, though she is a bit clumsy" Amelia said.
"Then how'd she graduate?" Harry asked.
"Auror Tonks is a metamorphmagus, which is a very useful skill as is rare" Amelia said.
Harry blinked in confusion.
"It means Harry, that she can change her appearance" Hermione said.
"Oh" Harry said.
"Yes, she is very good in undercover operations and has proved to a very good duelist also" Amelia said.
"I'm not surprised at the duelist part, Andi was quite ferocious with a wand in hand" Sirius said.
"Oh, and you'd know this how?" Adrian asked.
"I kind of got on the wrong side of her a few times growing up" Sirius said sheepishly.
"Why am I not surprised" Augusta muttered.
Chuckles were heard at this and Sirius pouted.
"Right, so I'll get the ball rolling and have Shacklebolt assigned here not only as a teacher, but to be on watch for anything that is suspicious" Amelia said.
"I knew you had another motive for placing an auror here" Adrian said smirking.
"It never hurts to have another resource in place" Amelia said simply.
Everyone agreed with that.
They then talked about how Snape had somewhat threaten Daphne with detention if she stirred up any more trouble. Adrian wasn't happy with this and was ready to head down to the dungeons and had a nice long talk with Snape.
"Geez Adrian, you've been hanging around Gryffindors too much that they're clouding your judgment" Amelia said chuckling.
Adrian realized that he was acting very Gryffindor-ish and sat down.
"Well first off, we can have Dobby shadow Daphne so if she gets into any trouble he can get her out" Hermione said.
"Lets see if he's up to it" Harry said, "Dobby."
The house elf popped in right away.
"Yous called Harry Potter sir" Dobby said.
"Dobby, if I ask you to do something will you do it?" Harry asked.
"Of course, Dobby will do anything for Harry Potter sir" Dobby said bouncing up and down with excitement.
The others chuckled at the elf's behavior.
"Great, Dobby this is Daphne. If she calls you I want you to take her here, okay?" Harry said.
"Dobby will do it" Dobby said.
"Thanks Dobby" Harry said smiling.
"Now that is done with, let's get back to Amelia's campaign" Sirius said.
Amelia sighed.
So far they're push for getting Amelia elected Minister was working. But more of the some of her less pleasant opponents were now playing dirty.
"Alright, the players are now getting dirty. We now have to start to air their dirty things" Adrian said.
"You have a plan Adrian?" Augusta asked.
Adrian smirked.
"Yes I do, I haven't been corrupted totally by Gryffindors" he said.
"So what kind of things do you have that we can use?" Augusta asked.
"Well…"
/Scene Break/
Penny walked with a confident stride in her step as she headed to see a certain someone. She knew he'd be there even when everyone else was at lunch. The little ponce would do anything to stay close to power.
"Hello Percy."
Percy Weasley looked up to find his ex-girlfriend standing in front of his desk. But this wasn't the girl he remembered. She was wearing robes from Gladrags and looking extremely hot.
"Penelope" Percy said, "do you have an appointment with the Minister?"
"No, I came by to see you" Penny said.
"Me?" Percy asked.
"Yes, I thought I'd drop by to see how you're doing" Penny said.
"Lousy, the Potter brat is just stirring things up and causing trouble. Like he always does. He can't leave well enough alone. The Minister is a busy man and can't be troubled with these petty things coming from a spoiled brat" Percy said seething.
"That 'spoiled brat' as you call him is the most chivalrous, courageous, well-mannered Gryffindor I have ever met. He embodies what it is to be a Gryffindor. You on the other hand, I have no idea how you got placed in the home of the brave when you have more Slytherin traits than Gryffindor" Penny said.
Percy's face was turning red at this, but Penny wasn't done yet. She hadn't had this much fun in a while.
"He told me everything, everything about every one of his adventures. He is a very modest young man and doesn't seem capable of lying" Penny said.
Percy had reached his limit. He had been under a lot of stress since Potter had gave that interview to the Prophet and now his very livelihood was at stake.
"Get out! Now!" he ordered.
Penny just shrugged, she had done what she wanted to do. She left with a smile on her face and even flirted with a few guys that approached her. But only flirted, she would wait to find a guy just like Harry since she knew a guy like that would never hurt her.
/Scene Break/
Cornelius Fudge was tired, he had been barraged with owls all day. He had no leverage and now with this thing with his undersecretary. He was doomed. He could see all of his political hopes crumble. He had to find a way to salvage this, but without his usual advisor around he had to go to the other. He walked to his fireplace and threw in some floo powder.
"Albus Dumbledore."
Dumbledore's face appeared in the fire.
"Cornelius, what can I do for you?" Dumbledore asked.
"I need some advise Albus, please" Fudge said trying to not sound whiny.
"Very well Cornelius, may I come through?" Dumbledore asked.
Fudge nodded and stepped back. Dumbledore came out and dusted himself.
"It has been a while, I don't suppose I could have some tea while we chat?" Dumbledore asked.
Fudge nodded.
"Weatherby, bring in the tea cart, and make sure to use the tea that has been set aside when Dumbledore visits" the Minister said.
A few minutes later Percy came in and served the tea.
"Thank you Mr. Weasley" Dumbledore said with his eyes twinkling. Boy, did he have something to tell Harry and Hermione.
When Percy left the two men got down to business.
"So Cornelius, what kind of help can I be?" Dumbledore asked.
"I need your help to rein in the Potter boy. I know you have a great influence on him" Fudge said.
"I think you're behind on the times Cornelius. I'm just Mr. Potter's headmaster. He takes all of his advice of this kind of nature from his godfather and his advisers" Dumbledore said.
Fudge cursed under his breath.
"Is there anything you can do to help me?" he asked no sounding desperate.
"I could suggest a meeting with Mr. Potter, but bear in mind that he'll want to meet on his terms" Dumbledore said.
Fudge nodded.
He had to think of some ways to prepare himself, if he got a meeting with the Potter boy and he could do to strengthen his own side so the boy doesn't have more power than he does.
This will be tricky Fudge thought.
Dumbledore didn't need to see into Fudge's mind to know what the Minister was thinking. He'd be doing the same if he was in the same position. But watching this was so much fun. He couldn't remember the last time he had this much fun before.
"Do you think you could arrange a meeting with the Potter boy for me Dumbledore?" Fudge asked.
"I'll do what I can Cornelius, but I can't promise anything" Dumbledore said.
Fudge nodded.
Dumbledore left with a few things to tell Harry. He was quite pleased with the position he was in now. He accepted that he wouldn't be at the frontline of the fight, but would take any position that was needed. He just hoped Harry and his friends would see it the same way.
/Scene Break/
Harry walked into the common room after having a talk with McGonagall.
"Hey Hermione, Dumbledore wants to talk to me" Harry said.
"Well we shouldn't keep him waiting" Hermione said putting her bookmark in her book.
Harry nodded and held out his hand to his girlfriend. They headed to Dumbledore's office and gave the gargoyle the password.
"Ah Harry, miss Granger so glad you could come" Dumbledore said smiling.
"What is it we can help you with sir?" Harry asked.
Dumbledore's eyes twinkled.
"I just came from a talk with the Minister" he said.
"Alright, but what does this have to do with me?" Harry asked.
Dumbledore's eyes were still twinkling, but he said nothing.
"What do you want sir?" Hermione asked with a sigh.
"To only help you in your fight in any way I can" Dumbledore said.
"Come tonight to my quarters and we'll have a nice long chat" Harry said.
Dumbledore nodded.
/Scene Break/
The adults and the teens sat waiting for Dumbledore to come.
"I'm sorry I'm late I got caught up reading some fascinating work" Dumbledore said.
When he entered he found, not only Sirius there, but also Amelia, Augusta, and Adrian there too. With Harry, Hermione, Susan, Neville, Luna, and Daphne sitting there like equals.
"Come have a seat sir" Hermione said.
Dumbledore did as he was told, though he found it odd and humorous to obeying a suggestion from one of his students still under his care.
"Sign this before we do any talking" Daphne said as she slid over a piece of parchment.
Dumbledore took it and read it. He smiled at the wording of it. According to this contract he was not to disclose any information he would learn during these meeting to anyone unless the party was in the know or the party gave him permission to do so. He thought over this and decided that even though this was very constrictive he would have to take what he was given. He signed it without hesitation. Once signed the parchment glowed for a second indicating that it was now a binding contract.
"So what did Fudge have to say?" Amelia asked.
"Cornelius was very adamant in having a talk with Harry here. I think his goal was to hopefully persuade Harry to keep him in office" Dumbledore said.
"Like that will happen. We're already campaigning to get Amelia that office" Sirius said.
"Yes, I wondered who was pushing that. Amelia never had such high political ambitions" Dumbledore said.
They discussed more about what they could do and if they should take the meeting with Fudge. They also got Dumbledore up to speed with what they've been doing and Dumbledore was quite shocked to find that they've been quite active. The group already had safe-houses set up for displaced families, not to mention they've been gathering supplies and storing them in another place. At the end of the meeting Dumbledore was enlighten and very pleased that he was a part of this.
"So do you think we can trust Dumbledore?" Harry asked after Dumbledore left.
"I think we can use him, but we must be careful not to have him pull us to where he wants us to be" Amelia said.
Augusta nodded in agreement as did Adrian.
"Okay, so we're in agreement to let Dumbledore to help us, but we will be careful and tread with care when he gives us advice" Hermione said.
The others nodded.
"Good, meeting's adjourned" Harry said.
/Scene Break/
Fudge sat thinking of the best way to approach the Potter boy then he remembered that his assistant's little brother was a friend with Potter.
"Weatherby, come in here please" Fudge said.
Percy came in with a notepad in hand.
"You asked for me Minister?" Percy asked like an eager puppy.
"Yes, your brother is a friend with the Potter boy. I was wondering if you could get him to persuade him in anyway to have him meet with me" Fudge said.
Percy frowned, as he didn't really want any contact with his family, but if the Minister asks then he must do.
End of chapter
A/N: Dumbledore is now a part of the group. Penny got some revenge on Percy. Fudge wants to set up a meeting with Harry. How will that go? Thanks for reading please review.