Never A Memory

A/N: I am incredibly iffy about certain parts of this chapter, namely having to exclude the topic of the impending Exorcism and Father Alt’s testimony for the sake of flow. Originally, I had planned to delve deep into what was going to happen during the Exorcism to convince the Jury of how necessary Harry would be in the ritual. However, I couldn’t help thinking that it would be strange to interrogate an untrained Wizard who has lived his life under the strictures of the Catholic Church and not have to bring up and debate the subject of Annaliese Michel. That being said, I decided that Father Alt being found guilty for negligent homicide in Michel’s case, while being interesting and does much to add to Alt’s character, would take away from the subject at hand: Draco using all his manipulative Slytherin power to have Harry Potter acquitted.

However, I plan to dedicate a chapter in the future to the subject above; though I’m not entirely sure where I’ll be able to stick it in.

Also, I’m sure I could have made the ‘mock-trial’ a lot more realistic, but the more I edited it to make it seem more like “Harry Potter’ and less like “Law and Order”, it lost some of its realism. I think Luna Lovegood’s role in this chapter is a little bit of a saving grace because for those of us who already love her character, have learned to take her oddness at face value.

I know it seems like I’m discrediting my own update, but there’s another thing. For the sake of getting out as much information as possible and focusing mostly on Draco’s role in this chapter, the thoughts and feelings of Harry Potter seem to be only grazed upon. I promise that the next chapter will thoroughly explain Harry’s reaction in this chapter and the reasoning behind Draco’s behavior.

All in all, after editing it and re-editing it, the final product, I feel, is as good as it’s gonna get. I feel that it may have been better if I had prepared for it in a different way during preceding chapters. Ah, well, that’s the beauty of learning, isn’t it?

P.S. The chemicals that Draco lists in the Veritiserum potion are actually the main components of Truth Serum. Honestly, I couldn’t find anything on Veritiserum except that it’s a ‘truth serum’, so I assumed that the components would be similar, if not the same.

Also, I’m pretty sure that it is never mentioned in the canon work that those on trial and those giving testimony during a trial are forced to take Veritiserum (I thought about this last night), however…it may be a good idea because of the Imperius Curse. While it could be argued that the individual under the Imperius Curse would still believe he or she would be telling the truth, with Veritiserum in their system the ‘actual’ truth will out regardless.

Creative license, what can I say?

Just wanted to point out that it isn’t canon.

Anyhoo, I hope you enjoy the chapter even though I am uneasy about it. And feel free to leave a review to let me know what you think! :P


~The Hearing~
Part Two

“Did we create a modern myth
Did we imagine half of it
Would happen in a thought from now

Save yourself
Save yourself
The secret is out
The secret is out

To buy the truth
And sell a lie
The last mistake before you die
So don't forget to breathe tonight
Tonight's the last, so say good-bye

The secret is out…

Good-bye…” ~30 Seconds To Midnight; ‘A Modern Myth’

"Scientific Deduction"
***

Draco Malfoy offered a lazy smile as he faced the Jury.

Harry Potter's mind seemed to freeze.

Hermione smiled in relief and sunk bonelessly in her chair. Comfrey took in a deep breath and let it out slowly. Scrimgeour leaned back in his seat, twisting a tendril of his lion's-mane hair in his fingers.

"Draco Malfoy," Scrimgeour greeted. "You have evidence of such an accusation?"

"I do, Minister." Draco turned to the hunched-over Wizard on his left. "This is Hogarth Rivers. He's a Healer from St. Mungo's and works here at the Ministry. He has found traces of ethanol, scopolamine, temazepam, and various barbiturates including the anesthetic induction agent sodium thiopental in the blood of Rita Skeeter's source. These chemicals are the main components of the potion 'Veritiserum'."

"Rita Skeeter's source?" someone shouted. "What is this madness?"

"Who is this source?" another exclaimed.

Fair, silvery brows arched as Draco Malfoy tsked tsked and crossed his arms. "You have yet to ascertain Skeeter's source?" Draco inquired, his voice heavy with mock disappointment. "I thought this was supposed to be an investigation."

Dolores Umbridge looked as if she were going to explode.

"Indulge us," Madame Comfrey called, a pleased look on her face.

Draco pointed into the stands. "Hermione Granger, of course." Astonishment swept through the Jury like a brisk wind. Hermione smiled weakly.

"I also have a witness," Draco continued, his clear voice carrying over the loud murmurs with ease. "Placing a dazed Hermione Granger in the custody of Rita Skeeter and..." Draco paused for dramatic affect. "...Dolores Umbridge at the time of the alleged 'interview'."

"Objection!" Dolores shrieked, jumping to her pudgy, pink-clad feet. "Draco Malfoy, you have no grounds to be here! Your incarceration demands that you remain within the Minister's Quarters at all times. It is illegal for you to be here at all!"

"Illegal?" Draco's eyes turned thoughtful--in the most demeaning way. "Huh." Draco leaned against the arm of the lonely chair in the middle of the hall, looking incredibly comfortable. "Unless things have changed so drastically during the time I slept in St. Mungo's, I do believe that drugging a Department Head without authorization--in which you had none--and abducting said Department Head against her will is unlawful. Therefore, not only is YOUR presence here inappropriate, but the very grounds for this proceeding is also unlawful. I move for this mock-hearing--or whatever your Honors would like to call it--to be stricken completely from the record and the Auror's Division to resume control of..." Draco made a face. "...the Malfoy Case."

The twitch in Umbridge's jaw was becoming sporadic. "Mr. Malfoy, you cannot--"

"Oh," Draco smiled at her, his eyes as cold as the morning mist. "Yes, I can."

"Minister!" Umbridge whirled towards Scrimgeour, imploring. "Please command reason! We must have order here!"

Draco's smile vanished. "Madame Dolores Umbridge!" Draco shouted suddenly, his voice commanding and abrupt. Umbridge turned back to him as Harry felt time slow and then stop. Harry watched Draco's face turn stony and his eyes become bright and contemptuous; and, for a split second, Harry was convinced he was looking at Albus Dumbledore.

Harry blinked. No.

No. It was Lucius.

He blinked again. No. Neither. Just Draco. The best of both men.

And Harry's heart broke, knowing, in reality, it was more like the worst of both men.

For the first time, Harry found himself wondering what Draco Malfoy could have become if there had been no warrant for his death; if there had been no Prophecy or Black Tulpa. Draco Malfoy was intelligent, powerful, and clever. He was also manipulative, always having the ability to see right into a person's weakness and exploit it. It was no small wonder that, with the vanquishing of the Dark Lord adding to his prestige, the Department Heads and officials that made up the Jury paid close attention to what he had to say.

"You cry for order, Madame Umbridge, but you create chaos," the Malfoy heir spat coldly. "You screech for justice, yet you break the law. I have witnessed this in you, again and again. I was once privy to your inner most circle, Madame Umbridge; I know who you are."

Umbridge hissed as she sucked in a breath, her face turning red with rage.

Draco approached the stands, glaring up at her with icy eyes. "I am astounded that you are still even permitted inside the Ministry's walls," Draco declared in a quiet voice that still seemed to carry throughout the Hall.

Umbridge reared herself up. "You speak these words to me while carrying the most evil entity known to man inside of you?"

Draco tipped his head to one side. "Yes," Draco replied calmly. "Are they resonating?"

Umbridge's sharp retort was interrupted by Madame Comfrey. "Sit DOWN, Dolores!" Comfrey turned her attention to Draco. "Mr. Malfoy, you claimed you have a witness to testify to your claims of illegitimate grounds. Can you produce this witness?"

"I can, Madame," Draco stated. He jerked his chin a bit and Percy Weasley stepped forward.

Percy then gave his testimony and Umbridge began to look utterly defeated. When he finished, Percy glanced towards Umbridge. "I warned you to stay away from my family, Umbridge," he said. "Hermione Granger will soon become my sister."

"How wondrously sentimental, you traitorous weasel," Umbridge snarled back.

Percy glowered at her as he was dismissed and Minister Scrimgeour motioned for two Aurors to come forward. "Take her away," Scrimgeour said evenly.

Dolores Umbridge stiffened but did not retaliate. Before they led her from the Hall, she paused before the Minister, glancing once at Harry--who still was too bewildered to think. "Remember that it was not a false confession, Minister. Though the extraction was illegal, Granger spoke the truth. Harry Potter is not fit for this case."

Her words resounded throughout the Hall and Harry began to wonder if it was really over now or not. He narrowed his eyes on Blaise Zabini and Luna Lovegood, both standing inconspicuously behind Draco and didn't think so.

Scrimgeour sighed heavily. "While your admission to me was one in confidence, Harry," he murmured, quietly so only Harry could hear. "There is some merit to what she said."

Harry swallowed. "I understand."

"The proceeding will continue," Scrimgeour announced. "Your efforts were valiant, Mr. Malfoy. However, since this is not a formal hearing, the grounds for the review are irrelevant. The Annual Auror's Review will be seen out to its conclusion."

Oddly, Draco hardly looked surprised. "Very well. May I ask that we forgo any more unnecessary testimony and get right down to it, Minister?"

"That would be more than pleasing," Scrimgeour replied. "Auror Harry Potter. Please approach the Witness Chair."

Draco and his 'entourage' fell back as Harry made his way down. Harry tried to catch Draco's eye but the blond Slytherin wouldn't look at him. Harry sat down in the chair, his stomach doing somersaults as he did so.

Madame Comfrey cleared her throat to quiet the steady thrum of murmurs from those gathered. "Auror, explain to us, in detail, your involvement in the Malfoy Case."

From start to finish, Harry gave his testimony; omitting, of course, anything about his personal relationship with Draco Malfoy. However, he wasn't going to get off as easily as Ron did.

When he had concluded, Madame Comfrey asked the dreaded question. "Auror, did you, or did you not, involve yourself in an affair with your ward, Draco Malfoy."

Harry closed his eyes as he answered: "Yes."

"Did you attempt to file a Case Transfer?"

"Yes."

"But you failed to complete one?"

"Yes."

"So, you knowingly and willingly made no attempt to distance yourself from your ward?"

Harry laughed softly. "Oh, there were attempts aplenty."

"But you chose to continue your philanderous affair, understanding that it not only put your ward in danger, but your misconduct also put the reputation and livelihood of your partner, Ronald Weasley, and the entirety of the Auror's Division in jeopardy?"

Harry hesitated. "Yes, ma'am."

Draco stepped forward, his face the very persona of severity. "I have proof, Madame, that the Horcrux Scar the he and I share is responsible for his 'misconduct'."

This shocked every soul in the room. Even Hermione Granger gasped.

It took Madame Comfrey several moments to recover. "I beg your pardon?"

"I have scientifically deduced that the magic of the Horcrux Scar is responsible for Harry Potter's actions and, without the presence of this anomaly, this Auror would never have acted as he did."

As Draco's words sunk in, Harry's surprise swiftly turned into anger. "Dra-"

"Will you hear my deductions, Minister?" Draco said quickly, drowning out the sound of Harry's voice. "It would be a shame, after all, for the Wizarding World's most prized Auror to be missing on the eve of the most gloriously dangerous exorcism...ever. Especially given that only he can move through my sphere of magic because of our Horcrux connection."

Another wave of murmurs. The anger began to turn to rage, smoldering beneath Harry's brilliant green eyes.

"Forgive me for saying this, Mr. Malfoy, for I know it must sound quite callous," a judiciary called. "However, do we not have a fall back plan if Harry Potter is removed from your case?"

Draco smiled pleasantly, belying the seriousness of the matter. The judiciary did just, in fact, refer to his execution should anything go wrong. The blond Slytherin lifted his chin and played his last card. "Are you really so quick to send Harry Potter, The Boy Who Lived, to his death for a momentary weakness against the driving magic of the Horcrux Scar?"

Gasps sounded across the room.

"Oh yes," Draco continued. "You must know; if I die, he dies."

Harry remembered the night Draco slit his wrists. Harry remembered the realization that he would have to die in order for Voldemort to be vanquished before Draco had flown in to save him from that fate.

Quickly, Draco, walking in slow circles around the Witness Chair Harry was seated in, explained why he had needed to brew the Verve Channel Electron Elixir in order to save Harry Potter's life and destroy the Dark Lord simultaneously. He then explained that when the Horcrux Scar was transferred into himself, his fate became intertwined with that of Harry Potter because of the inversion of the transmitted Horcrux. Harry Potter, when he owned the Scar, had to die in order to destroy the last remaining Horcrux that kept Voldemort intact. However, when Draco used the VCE Elixir to transmute the Horcrux into himself, not only did he take the part of Voldemort's soul that was stored into Harry's body, but he also took a portion of Harry's soul as well, in exchange for a portion of his own.

Draco explained that when he used the Killing Curse on himself, the intention to destroy Voldemort's last portioned soul was so clear that the Curse targeted it, allowing the excess parts of Harry's and his own soul to revitalize his body. Draco deduced the years he spent in his coma was his body's way of adjusting to the affects of the thwarted Killing Curse and the new parts of Harry's soul inside of him. Even so, when he hade awoken, his body was still traumatized enough that it blocked his memory in a last ditch attempt to recuperate.

These "side affects" were also definitive blockades for the two of them to contend with when they were isolated--by Minister Scrimgeour's own order, Draco reminded them--at Number Twelve Grimmauld Place. This, Draco concluded, was what was responsible for Harry's irresponsible, and provoked, actions. Without it, Draco was certain Harry Potter would have been nothing more than professional.

"And," Draco said, smiling as he finished, "if you are still doubtful, I must remind you that, before the VCE Elixir, I despised Harry Potter with every fiber of my being. It would have had to take more than a little flirting to get us in bed together."

Someone laughed, many smiled, and Harry Potter looked as though he could throttle one Draco Malfoy.

Minister Scrimgeour still looked dubious.

"Mr. Malfoy," Madame Comfrey called. "You said you had proof? It is a dazzling hypothesis; however, without--"

"Other than the obvious evidence, Madame," Draco said, his eyes glinting, "I also have Luna Lovegood's scientific research." Luna stepped forward, and Harry spotted a dozen scrolls peeking out of a satchel she was carrying over one shoulder. "Luna came to me after carefully comparing her work with Hermione Granger's, who, apparently, took it upon herself to study the phenomena of the Horcrux Scar during my coma."

Hermione grinned at Harry, but his blazing green eyes were fixed only on the blond Slytherin who paced before him.

The Minister exchanged a long look with Madame Comfrey before finally standing to his feet. "In light of this new evidence, I am calling a three hour recess so the Jury can consider it in detail. Ms. Lovegood, Ms. Granger, and Mr. Rivers, please come with us. Aurors, please escort the witnesses to room C94 where they can rest during the recess. Auror Harry Potter, please return to your cubicle until the recess is over. Mr. Malfoy, you will be escorted back to your chambers. Thank you." Scrimgeour slammed down his hammer, marking the beginning of the recess.

Harry jumped to his feet and made to approach Draco, but the blond Slytherin nimbly slipped passed him as the Hall became crowded with people making their way to the door and disappeared with his four-Auror guard.

Harry's anger began to simmer and boil in his blood. He had never, ever been so humiliated in his life.

~*~

Draco calmly requested for his guard and Blaise Zabini to remain in the foyer of the Suite, claiming that he needed to be alone with his thoughts. The Malfoy heir made his way steadily through the Suite and into the bedroom, closing the door gently behind him.

He turned and leant against the closed door. Then he sunk bonelessly to the floor and put his head in his hands.

Cruelty takes a toll on even those born into it.

Harry Potter's rage thrummed through Draco's body with a vengeance.

~*~

Harry Potter threw himself into the chair behind his desk in the Auror's Division, ignoring the speculative stares from those around him. Gritting his teeth, Harry snatched Malfoy's file and threw it across the room, watching passively as the scrolls and documents scattered in the air. Then he turned back to his cubicle, dragged his fingers painfully through his hair, and planted his elbows on the desk.

Ron tentatively approached his partner after he had collected the loose documents of Malfoy's file and put them neatly back into its folder. Ron placed a hand on Harry's shoulder and Harry jerked away from it.

Ron sighed. "I'm not Malfoy's biggest fan, Harry, but I know he's just trying to save your arse."

Harry snorted and buried his fingers deeper into his hair.

"We're all just trying to help. Zabini had informed us Malfoy said he had a plan so we went along with it," Ron explained softly. "I know you don't like it, but it IS working--"

"Ron--"

"And maybe...maybe Malfoy has a point. Maybe this whole affair wasn't your fault and when this is all over you can go back to--"

Suddenly, Harry was on his feet and jerking Ron violently by his collar. "You haven't the foggiest fucking clue of what you're talking about," Harry hissed, his breath hot on Ron's cheek. "You weren't there. You don't know. I told you once I would never apologize for how I feel about Malfoy and I fucking meant it. But he just did." Harry abruptly let Ron go and sat back down behind his desk. "He just boiled everything between us down to a fucking equation. How the sodding hell would you feel?"

To that, Ron had no answer.

~*~

Luna smiled indulgently at the faces staring back at her. She and Hermione had just completed their explanation of their joint research and the duo were waiting expectantly for questions. Hogarth Rivers' prognosis had been reviewed and the nervous Wizard had been dismissed.

Comfrey opened her mouth to speak, but then sighed and looked over at Scrimgeour. Scrimgeour shrugged.

Hermione and Luna exchanged a glance.

"It all seems a bit ridiculous," Comfrey murmured in a resigned sort of way.

"Yes, but what doesn't?" Scrimgeour replied softly. The Minister shifted in his chair. "Ms. Lovegood, I have to ask, why did you put so much work into this compilation of research in the first place?"

Luna regarded him with her misty eyes. "I thought it was interesting," she answered simply, in her dreamy voice. "I was going to write a paper on it, but when I saw the column in the Prophet, I thought my research could be put to better use."

Hermione looked strangely at her, but bit her tongue. Luna Lovegood was, by far, the strangest person she had ever met. However, Hermione had learned long ago that when one listened closely to what the seemingly nutty Witch had to say, she often made quite a bit of sense. When figuring that it was Luna Lovegood who had proffered detailed research of the phenomena of the Horcrus Scar, it was almost unsurprising.

Comfrey picked a few documents from Hermione's research. "Ms. Granger, you have a some side notes here ascertaining that, quote: 'Love can be the strongest weapon against Maul during the extraction. Harry must decide whether or not he loves Malfoy...' etc. etc, and then: '...it was love that saved Harry when he was an infant and love for his mother that protected Malfoy during the Eve Battle.' Draco Malfoy is claiming that it was a scientific byproduct of the Horcrux Scar that blinded Harry into participating in sexual relations with him. Yet, here you mention love. Forgive me, but, isn't it a stretch to say that this powerful emotion can be explained away by a strange anomaly?"

Hermione hesitated. "Yes," she answered. "But Malfoy never claimed anything about powerful emotions being part of the equation. He was simply stating, and I think, rightly so, that Harry Potter's 'actions' and his own 'actions' were influenced by this anomaly that no one had foreseen. Without its presence, Harry would never have--"

"Can you be so sure?" someone asked. "Are you certain that without their connection through the Scar, Harry Potter and Draco Malfoy would never have become lovers? The events leading up to their isolation were extreme and, personally, I know for a fact that guilt and grief can do very drastic things to a person."

Hermione lifted her chin. "Malfoy tormented Harry Potter during their childhood. They had always had nothing but animosity for one another. I can admit that they may have come to an understanding, and maybe even forgiven one another, eventually, but it was shock to even those closest to him when their affair became public. And remember, while some Purebloods have been known to take same-sex lovers outside of their heterosexual marriages; they would never, ever make it their primary relationship. It puts too much risk on the bloodlines, which they hold very dear. Draco Malfoy still holds a great deal of contempt for Half-Bloods and Muggle-Borns."

"That actually seems hard to believe, given that his own Godfather is a Half-Blood." That statement came from someone near the back.

Hermione shrugged. "Socially, it holds less precedence than it used to and Draco Malfoy has bigger problems."

There were many nods of consensus.

Luna smiled, her misty eyes turning thoughtful. "I think the real decision we must make here is whether or not there is enough evidence to send both of these men to their death for a lapse in judgment and not so much as whether or not the Horcrux Scar is responsible for their affair. This research was a tool to cast doubt and to give them both a chance for survival." Luna paused, her dreamy smile never faltering. "Both Hermione's research and mine concludes that if one dies, the other will too." Luna's smile widened. "Also, I don't think it would be so terrible for the two of them to be lovers. It would send a wonderful message to the Wizarding World if they were to survive this."

Some of Madame Comfrey's shrewdness melted. "From the ashes, a beacon of hope and forgiveness."

"Precisely." Luna looked content. Hermione gaped at her. Hermione was convinced that no one else on the face of the planet could make something so bizarre sound even remotely reasonable. But Luna Lovegood had.

Comfrey and Scrimgeour exchanged another long look. "That only leaves the Death Warrant," Comfrey said.

Hermione froze. Luna Lovegood continued to smile.

Scrimgeour nodded. "If Harry Potter can reveal the one responsible for the warrant, the original reason for Malfoy's case, then he will be acquitted. All those who agree, say 'aye'."

The vote was nearly unanimous.

The recess was over.

~*~

After everyone had filed back into the Court Hall, Harry Potter was called back to the Witness Chair. When Harry had taken his seat, Scrimgeour explained their decision.

Harry listened carefully before hanging his head in defeat. He still had no idea who sent out the warrant for Draco's assassination. As he opened his mouth to say so, someone from the Witness Stands cleared his throat. Harry turned in his seat to see Blaise Zabini come forward, his features tight and his hazel eyes apprehensive.

"It was I," Blaise said, his voice dry. Even so, those three words had so much impact that everyone was shocked into silence for nearly a minute.

Scrimgeour rose to his feet, glaring down at Harry Potter who stared wildly at Blaise Zabini. "And why was he not arrested?" the Minister all but shouted.

"Because I do not wish to press charges," Draco Malfoy called from his seat in the stands. "As is my right." Draco leaned back in his seat, his eyes ever-calm, his posture ever-relaxed. "Blaise Zabini withdrew the warrant weeks ago. I understand why he sent it out int he first place. His reasoning mirrors yours, Minister. Zabini knew of the prophecy and worked to prevent the End of Days." Draco stood and his four-Auror guard stood with him. "Will there be anything else?"

Scrimgeour looked angry but he slammed down his hammer, saying: "Auror, you have been acquitted of all charges. You may resume your post."

Harry stood on wobbly legs as everyone began to move towards the exits. What he felt went beyond shock, it went beyond anger. He was so furious and bitter, and helplessly relieved, that he was dizzy with it. He barely noticed it when Ron and Hermione made their way down to his side to congratulate him. When Harry finally caught his bearings, he looked around; but Draco Malfoy was no where to be found.

He and his guard must have slipped away again.

Harry pulled away from the crowd that began to gather around him and stalked towards the door, his angry, driven steps taking him directly to the Minister's Suite.

~*~
A/N: In my response to Queen Bodicea, I have written what some would claim to be SPOILERS for the series. If you don't want anything SPOILED for you, avoid reading the response. :D Just a warning.

thrnbrooke: No kidding! I was totally hoping the centaurs would trample the crap out of her. I hope this chapter answered all of your questions! Thank you so much for your review and I hope you enjoyed the update!

paigeey07: I hope you enjoyed "The Draco Malfoy Show", lol. Thank you for your review!

Mangacat: "I still can't bring myself to wrap my mind about the thought, that Draco's the esteemed hero now, and not only that he isn't in imminent danger of being sacrificed to the greater good as an expendable 'Death Eater' but that he also has a name that holds weight.." --YEAH! You totally see Draco in the full extent of this power in this chapter! I hope you liked it.

Hilarious? I think so, despite he serious undertones; but you have to look closely to see the humor, ^_-

German quotations fromt he Bible would be great! God, you're awesome! Thanks so much for your review and I hope you enjoyed the chapter!

Dezra: I hope you enjoyed the update and thank you so much for your review!

Mangacat: Wow, this is all fantastic! Thank you so much!

*smacks head* What an embarrasing typo! Thank you for catching that.

QueenBoadicea: Oooh, some of this might be a bit confusing then. Rita Skeeter is a journalist who basically writes tabloids in the Daily Prophet. She holds a sense of power because so many read her columns and believe the nonsense she whips up. She becomes quite a nuisance for Harry in The Goblet of Fire when she claims Harry is a weepy kid of 'twelve'--when he's actually fourteen--who has pathological need for attention and at worst a psychotic death wish, basically claiming that Harry put his own name in the Goblet of Fire to compete in the Tri Wizard Tournament. She later, in Deathly Hallows, writes a slandering book on Albus Dumbledore that has even Harry doubting the Headmaster's integrity.

Dolores Umbridge is introduced in The Order of the Phoenix as, basically, Minister of Magic Cornelius Fudge's Number Two. We first see her as a judiciary at Harry Potter's trial for Underage Magic after he was expelled from Hogwarts for using the Patronus Charm against two dementors after they attacked him and his cousin. Later, she acts as Fudge's liaison in Hogwarts, first as the Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher and finally ends up as Headmistress for a time after Dumbledore took resonsibility for Harry Potter's underground DA of students training themselves in combative spells and disappeared from the school, only to reappear witht the Order of the Pheonix at the climactic battle of the book. Umbridge's main duty is to prevent anyone from sayin and/or thinking that Voldemort is back, accusing Harry of lying and pretty much torturing him during detention, making Harry write "I must not tell lies" over and over while the quill magically cuts into Harry's hand and draws his blood for ink ( thus the scars on his hand ); and also to prevent any rebellion within Hogwarts because Fudge is convinced that Dumbledore is conspiring to overthrow him and take over the Ministry of Magic. Ironically, Umbridge's presence only forces students underground, where they form the DA (Dumbledore's Army) and eventually manage to create enough chaos to lure Umbridge off into the Forbidden Forest where she is attacked by Centaurs and dragged away. We see her again in Deathly Hallows, if only briefly, as she is in charge of seperating Pureblood Wizards and Witches from Half-Bloods and Muggle-Borns, and manages to be personally responsible for putting hundreds of Wizards and Witches out on the street without so much as a wand because of the origins of their blood; all the while, unbeknowest to her, she is actually working under Voldemort because, by this time, the Dark Lord had taken over the Ministry by placing the Minister under the Imperius Curse.

I hope that explains at least a little bit. I did very little character developement on these two characters because the emotional reaction from readers who have already been exposed to them does the work for me. (God Bless Fanfiction); however, it must seem awfully bland without any backround knowledge. So sorry about that. The Order of the Pheonix, I think, is my favorite of the seven books. Either way, the movies that are available explain them both pretty well and they are also, I think, very well made.

I'm glad you think its irrelevant. Its very easy for us to think that because we are already exposed to the knowledge of the threat that Maul poses. Draco's job, now, is to really drive that point home. I hope you enjoyed reading that!

"However, I can see where they would feel a strange kinship. In their way, they both have demons to fight." ---Precisely. There is the point that Draco has an uncanny ability to see right through a person and expose their very weaknesses to his benifit, and sometimes, just for his amusement. However, I think Alt finds a kinship with Draco because they both aren't what they've been labeled, they both have very real demons to fight, and they both are constantly fighting their own despair and trying desperately to hang on to the faint strings of hope that may lead to their redemption. They both know what grief and guilt tastes like, and as Harry thought in a previous chapter concerning Father Alt, "One broken man recognizes another." I agree with you, i don't think Alt finds comfort in Draco. In fact, I'm pretty sure alt disapproves of him. But there's a definite understanding there.

No, no, you and Cat were right. Sorry for the misleading typo. My mistake.

In any case, thank you very much for your review and I sincerely hope you enjoyed the update!

Lilith: If there is one thing I really liked about these two chapters, its that we see, once again, how far Harry's friends are willing to go for him. Its a little strained now that they all pretty much work for the Ministry and aren't rebellious students that can get away with alot; but you get to see Harry's friend and co-workers band together with Draco and Blaise to dig Harry out of trouble. Rowling makes a point of doing this in every book so I thought it would be a nice touch here; adding, of course, the spice of Draco leading the pack. Thank you so much for your review and I hope you enjoy the update!