Harry Potter And The Tiger's Eyes

Everyone arrives back at School the next evening exhausted but feeling better then they had in a long time. Hunter told them about Charlie arranging the next fundraiser around Christmas leaving them with almost a month off after their rally that Saturday. They were slightly disappointed but at the same time realized that they'd have a chance to catch up and even get ahead a little with their classes.

After dinner Monday night Hunter and the others are doing their homework when they overheard Lavender and Praviti complaining about Professor Umbridge and how useless her classes are. "I mean seriously look at this." Lavender says pointing out a spell from the N.E.W.T. preparation book she picked up over the summer. "How are we supposed to do a Shielding Charm when it's not even mentioned in that stupid book she has us reading?"

Hunter can't help but laugh as nearly everyone else in the common room agrees with her. The Fifth and Seventh years are particularly adamant about their frustration with how ill prepared they are because she refuses to teach them anything that's supposed to be on their exams this year. Unable to take it any longer he finally puts his two cents in.

"Okay that's it," he says putting his books away. Standing up he looks around to the other students in the room. "Fifth Years and above stay, Fourth years and below go to your rooms."
After several of the lower classmen complain he lets out a roar that ends all further arguments. "Now if you're all series about doing something about your exams I've got an idea, if not then join the others up stairs."

"What are you talking about?" Seamus asks. "What can we do?"

Hunter flashes him a fanged grin as he pulls out his wand. "Practice," he tells them. "Right here right now." He casts the levitation charm and begins moving the furniture in the room to the sides clearing out a large area in the center for them to use. Harry and the others shrug as they put their stuff away and pull out their wands.

"But won't we get in trouble?" Dean asks. Despite his concern he too put his things away end took out his wand.

"He's right," Collin reminded them. "This is an illegal club. We will all be in trouble."

"You've got two choices," Hunter tells them. "Study that useless book and PRAY you pass your exams. Or say screw the bitch I want to pass."

Katie shakes her head as she addresses the others. "Please forgive my boyfriend, he has no manners. But he is right. We have no real choice but to practice on our own if we hope to pass our exams. Umbridge doesn't want us learning how to defend ourselves so we have to it ourselves."

Everyone agrees and soon they are going over every defensive spell they know. The Sixth and Seventh years teach the Fifth years what they remember from their O.W.L.s and the Sixth and Seventh Years learn what they can from Lavender’s book. Around Midnight they finally call it a night and Hunter promises them that he'll have things better prepared for their next practice.

The next day at breakfast Professor McGonagall pulls Hunter to the side. "Mr. Catiar," she begins. "I understand that you and several of the older students participated in an illegal club last night."

"You mean you came into the common room and saw us practicing." Hunter corrects her. "I know you're worried about us getting in trouble but don't. She won't do anything to us if she wants to keep her precious Minister out of Azkabahn." He fills her in about what happened during his meeting with Fudge last week and how the Minister tried to attack him.

"I can't believe that the Headmaster would," McGonagall begins.

"The Headmaster understands that without this Ace up my sleeve there is nothing to keep the Minister from passing Decree after Decree until he and Umbridge seize control of Hogwarts. With the threat of prison hanging over his head during the election, the Minister has no choice but back off and allow things to proceed as normal."

"But Umbridge is still the High Inquisitor. She still has the authority," The Transfiguration Professor says.

"In paper and name only." Hunter reminds her. "If she tries to exorcise that authority I'll remind her of our deal. All that happened last night was the upper classmen in the tower decided to practice their spells and wand work at the same time and maybe give each other a few pointers."

They say their goodbyes as each heads for their class. It doesn't take long for Professor Umbridge to catch up to Hunter. "Mr. Catiar, my office now." She demands.

Hunter shrugs as he follows the toad woman into her office. Once inside she closes the door and directs him to take a seat. Hunter sits down and waits for her to tell him why he's there.

"It has come to my attention that you are organizing the students in your house to rebel against the Ministry." She accuses him.

"It's amazing how paranoid you and Fudge are." Hunter says. "By the way how is he doing? Enjoying the fresh air and sunshine?" He growls softly. "All I did was tell the others that if they want to pass their exams they had to study on their own. It's not my fault if they all decided to practice at the same time."

"So you admit that you're the one responsible for the creation of an illegal Student Group on school grounds. As High Inquisitor I have no choice but to,"

"Stay out of it unless you want to visit your beloved Minister in jail." Hunter reminds her. "I'll tell you this one more time." He stands up to his full height as he removes his glasses and stares straight into her eyes. "You will stay out of our business or I will have Fudge arrested. I am tired of this stupid game so here's how it's going to be. You teach your classes however you see fit. I'll teach those interested in passing their exams how to actually use magic. If you interfere in any way shape or form I'll have Fudge thrown in jail, got it."

He gets up and walks over to the door. "One more thing," he says pausing at the door. "If you're planning to retaliate against the Ministry employees helping Mr. Weasley don't. If any of them get in trouble for their part in the campaign I'll tell the Prophet exactly what happened in Dumbledore's office."

Hunter blew off classes for the rest of the day and walked around the castle thinking. Points, counterpoints, plots and retaliations all ran through his mind as he tried to figure out his next move. Sure he had the Minister by the short hairs in Hogwarts and that nice little threat would buy the adults some time. "But what do I do next?"

He enters the Room of Requirement and takes his usual seat on the edge of the stage as he begins strumming his guitar while trying to come up with an answer. Around the time classes are ending for the day it hits him. He grins a fanged grin as he laughs at the obvious and perfect solution.

When the other students returned to the common rooms they found announcement on the notice board.

Special Classes will be held for all Fifth and Seventh Year Students wishing to pass the practical portions of their exams.

All Fifth Years are to report to the West Wing's Fourth Floor Monday nights at 7pm.

All Seventh Years are to report to the North Wing's Third Floor Tuesday nights at 7 pm.

Additional Classes are also available for students not taking the exams this year but still wish to learn basic self-defense.

First Second and Third Years meet at the South Wing's Fifth Floor at 7pm Wednesday nights.

Fourth and Sixth years report the East Wing's Second Floor on Thursday nights at 7pm.

Hunter Catiar