Harry Potter and the Secret Nurse

Chapter Eight
Dining Room Trial

"WAKE UP HARRY! WE'RE GOING TO THE ZOO!" young Dudley yelled as he jumped on the stairs above Harry's head.

It was all just a m, am, all that was wonderful was lost to him as a dream. He wasn't a wizard, he wasn't a lover, he did not have his own house. He was just poor, tiny, odd little Harry Potter, sleeping under the stairs as he always had his whole life. Aunt Petunia unlocked his door and rapped on it for him to wake up and get busy making his ungrateful cousin's breakfast.

Harry sat up in bed and said, "This time, I'm going to have to feed them all to the fucking boa."

And a forked tongue hissed from lips.

"HARRY, WAKE UP! I SAID THIS PLACE IS LIKE A ZOO!"

Harry was startled out of bed and saw Hermione trying to make his bed while he was still in it.

"Hermione! You just gave me a nightmare!" exclaimed Harry.

Hermione grabbed the sheets and rolled Harry off the bed and onto the floor.

"Do you know what today is?" she asked.

"It's my birthday," said Harry, sounding despondent as he sat on the hard wood floor.

"Today is the day we receive our OWL marks," said Hermione as she tucked in the bed sheets, "Not to mention the whole bloody Order and several top members of the Ministry are downstairs. I almost ran into Cornelius Fudge in my dressing gown."

"That pratt Percy isn't with them, is he?" asked Harry.

"Harry! We shouldn't go bad mouthing the Ministry while they're right under your roof," said Hermione, "Now hurry up and get dressed."

Harry caught the shirt and underwear Hermione tossed at him and said, "Wait a minute! Wait a minute! I agreed that this house serve the Order, but I never agreed for this house to serve openly as a branch of the ministry. They treated me like garbage last year and-"

Hermione interrupted Harry by tossing a pair of his slacks on his head and then used the Scourgify spell on the bed sheets.

"And another thing," Harry continued as he struggled into his clothes while sitting on the floor, "I'm really pissed that criminal charges were never pressed against Dolores Umbrigde. That woman trio muo murder me last year. She confessed to it right in front of you! I had to face a criminal court trial from that ministry just for defending myself against the Dementors she sicked on me, and what the hell have they done to bring her to justice! Tell me, what have they done?"

"They brought her here," said Hermione.

"THEY DID WHAT?!?"

Harry had totally blown a gasket. He hollered for his chair to come pick him up and buckled his pants as he squirmed up into the seat. He didn't even bother brushing his hair as he came rocketing down the stairs and Hermione came bounding down at full gain to keep up with him.
Harry heard nothing, nor saw nothing until he was brought to an immediate dead stop at the foot of the stairs facing Dumbledore. Harry barely acknowledged he was flanked by two of the most despised and important people in his world. Professor Snape, and the Minister of Magic himself Cornelius Fudge.

"Why have you brought that woman into my house?" Harry demanded.

"Watch your tone, Potter," said Snape.

"YOU WATCH YOURS, THIS MY HOUSE!" screamed Harry as he pulled his wand out.

Dumbledore held them both back by just extending his hand out with a subtle wave. Then he looked to Cornelius.

"Minister?"

Cornelius timidly approached Harry, genuinely intimidated by Harry's seething anger and wrung his hands as he spoke.

"So sorry, Potter, you have to understand I had no idea things were so out of hand with Umbrigde," Cornelius stammered, "She got me to trust her to leave everything in her hands at Hogwarts, and you must admit you certainly did not make it easy to keep order-"

"She tried to murder me," Harry interrupted, "Twice, Hermione witnessed her second attempt and heard her confession to the first. You do remember the first attempt, don't you? When you tried to get me chucked out of Hogwarts for fending off the Dementors SHE sent to kiss me?"

"This is a matter most delicate," the Minister insisted, "I assure you the Ministry is fully aware of the transgressions Dolores Umbridge is responsible for. We are in the middle of the most sensitive investigation involving now FORMER members of the ministry. Dolores Umbrigde is facing an extensive inquiry and she has insisted that further divulgence must take place in your presence."

"What makes you think I'm interested in what that horrible cow has to say?" asked Harry, "If she isn't cooperating then you just kick her in the ass until she does. You're not going to accomplish anything by dragging her here like she's going to apologize for what... what..."

A sense of incredulous disbelief came over Harry as he came to realize.

"Oh my God, that's it, isn't?" asked Harry as he looked around at the Ministers and members of the Order, "You brought her here to apologize?"

"Well, it's part of a deal we've struck-"

“A DEAL? What deal?” Harry yelled as he didn’t like where this was going, “You don’t strike a deal unless you offer leniency. So what’s the deal? She gets demoted? Forced vacation with pay? Letter of reprimand?”

Dumbledore stepped forward and said, “Dolores Umbridge has offered a deal where she agrees to testify against members of the ministry who conspired to bring Death Eaters into key positions of the Ministry, in exchange she gets amnesty.”

“Amnesty, of course!” said Harry as he could even look at them as he was overcome with disgust, “Why shouldn’t you offer amnesty? After all, it’s not like she tried to kill anyone that really matters. Why not give her a medal and promotion and send her on her way?”

“Harry, we have Rookwood,” said Cornelius.

Harry took a deep breath and let that settle in a little.

“He was part of the Death Eaters who killed my Godfather,” Harry said with spitting hatred.

“The testimony against Rookwood can shake the Ministry clean of all who conspired against it,” said Cornelius with a sound reservation, “Including the Malfoy family, Macnair, the lot.”

Harry bit his lip and said, “Tell me he’s being charged with murder.”

“Among other things, yes, he is,” said Cornelius.

“You could have asked me to testify against him for that,” said Harry.

“You will be asked,” said Cornelius, “But Dolores is needed for testimony about workings within the Ministry of a sensitive nature regarding the control of the Dementors.”

“Right, since she sicked them on me, she would know how the Death Eaters gained control of them?” asked Harry.

“That would be painfully obvious, Potter,” said Snape.

“If she testifies about the control of the Dementors, she’s going to have to confess in her testimony that she tried to kill me, right?” asked Potter.

“I don’t see how she could avoid it,” said Cornelius.

“I’m in, but not for the apology,” said Harry, “I want to be around when she admits she conspired to murder me. She can stuff the apology.”

“There is another matter we need to impress upon you, Harry,” said Dumbledore, “Several inquiry trials need to be held in sequestered court. We are to ask if you would volunteer the use of your house to hold these proceedings.”

Harry thought for a moment over what that meant, and made eye contact with Dumbledore as they seemed to come to a secret understanding.

“This house serves the Order in all necessary means to help bring an end to this war,” said Harry, “But I will make this one, and only one concession to serve the Ministry. Members of the Ministry will have full access that they require to make these proceedings work on the first two floors of this house.”

Snape cut in going, “How dare you dictate terms like that to the Minister himself-“

“It is all right professor,” said Cornelius, “It is more than generous of Potter to-“

“We come here with our hat in our hands like a beggar to this boy,” Severus interrupted, “And he’s just loving this juvenile taste of power.”

“The upper floors are off limits because they are unlivable,” said Harry as he winked at Dumbledore, “With the absence of the Black family house elf, I’m afraid the upper floors have fallen into hazardous disrepair. Hermione and I will need to remain up there for the rest of the summer, as last year, working to restore them.”

Cornelius happily shook Harry’s hand and thanked him. Severus was still filled with contempt and approached Harry.

“Well then, Potter, I hope you have a big can of Doxycide to make your way through the summer with,” said Severus.

“You couldn’t brew us up a batch, could you?” asked Harry as he stowed away his wand that he was still holding, “I mean, being a potions master and all, I’d really appreciate it.”

“Why you-“

“Yes, why don’t you do that, Professor?” asked Cornelius, “After all, it’s the least we can do for the young man, being so accommodating and all.”

“But Minister, I-“

“Consider it a payment for services rendered, there’s a sport,” said Cornelius.

Snape towered right over an openly smug looking Harry boiling with fury.

Harry pointed backwards with his thumb and said, “Potions are in the kitchen. There’s a sport.”

Harry patted Professor Snape on the arm as he grumbled past. Members of both the Ministry and the Order made their way into the dining room and began to convert it magically into a courtroom. Harry pulled Hermione aside for a little sidebar.

“Harry, what’s going on,” asked Hermione, “Why are they coming here?”

“C’mon, girl, you’ve got ears like I do,” said Harry, “You’re as smart as I am, think of it, they wouldn’t hold sequestered tribunals OUTSIDE the Ministry unless they still had problems within the Ministry itself.”

“Within the Ministry?” Hermione speculated, “Of course, you must be right. Holding a tribunal within the ministry could leak sensitive information that would lead to other spies still working in it.”

“That Cornelius is such a weakling and a coward,” said Harry as he shook his head, “He hid behind the Ministry from the Order thinking they were coming for his head. Now that he’s had Death Eaters rubbed in his face on Ministry grounds he comes running to hide behind Dumbledore’s robes.”

“Harry, you really don’t sound like yourself, right now,” said Hermione.

“Well you don’t sound like yourself when you get your blood up,” said Harry, “I’m just disgusted beyond grief I have to go into that room and listen to that woman’s totally insincere apology just to bullshit her way out of facing the responsibility of her actions.”

“She’s going to finger Rookwood,” said Hermione.

“She damn well better,” said Harry, “But Rookwood is just a brute and a hatchet man, like Macnair. You know who I really want to see on trial.”

“Bellatrix.”

“I want the big fish, Hermione,” said Harry, “After Voldemort, she’s the biggest.”

“She’s the biggest psychotic, I don’t know if she’s in charge,” said Hermione, “Looked to me like Malfoy was calling the shots as the Death Eaters second in command when we did battle with them.”

“Oh, I’d gladly let Malfoy bribe his way out of this in exchange for Bellatrix,” said Harry, “He’s just greedy. I say seize his property and assets and give him a great big fine and you’ve hit him where it hurts the most.”

“Are you sure you’re not exchanging justice for revenge?” asked Hermione, “We may not know anyone who Lucius Malfoy outright murdered, aside from obviously trying to kill us, but he could be responsible for God knows how many tragedies. I don’t think it would be very rationale to trade Malfoy for Bellatrix. A soldier for a general?”

“Tell that to Neville,” said Harry, “Malfoy’s in it for gold and power. Bellatrix is the real threat. Trust me, she’s in it to hurt people. A lot of people, as many and as much as she can. She can perform the Cruciatus Curse because she truly loves to bring pain into people’s lives. I saw it in her eyes, that madness that gets twisted pleasure from torturing and murdering. She needs to kiss the business end of a Dementor.”

“Got a bit of a dark side, in you, don’t you Potter?” asked Mad Eye Moody as he budded like he often did.

“I’m getting in touch with it,” said Harry.

“I like the way you stood your ground with the Minister,” said Moody, “Not too many people would face him like that. You’ve got stones in you, Potter. People are going to respect that, especially Cornelius.”

“I don’t need his respect,” said Harry, “What I want is his justice.”

Moody raised an eyebrow at Harry, then said, “They’re ready for you now.”

Harry took a deep breath and held Hermione’s hand.

“This is not going to be pleasant,” said Harry.

“It’s going to be even less pleasant for Dolores,” said Moody.

“Big deal, all she’s getting is amnesty,” said Harry.

“Yeah, but at what price?” asked Moody, “She’s going into voluntary exile, sort of a Wizarding protection program for fingering Death Eaters. Not very accommodating for wizards where she’s heading. Heard it’s somewhere out there where others like Karkaroff got sent to after the last war. Very cold out there.”

“I hope she really hates the cold,” said Harry.

“Don’t worry, lad, she’ll learn to,” said Moody, “Especially when she starts to age.”

Harry wheeled himself into the dining room doing his best not to look like a victim or a bitter twisted young man trapped in a wheelchair. This was his turf, and before the end of these proceedings Dolores would know it. The dining room was so big Harry wondered if a Displacement Charm had been placed on it, then it occurred to him he had never actually been in this room before. What he assumed must have once been the dining room table was immense and looked and sturdy enough to park two saloons on it. Dinners could have never been too intimate during the more prominent days of the House of Black.
Most of the Order and members of the Ministry sat on Harry's end of the table. Dolores Umbridge's head was barely visible over the edge of the far end of the table. Being stripped of her ornamental dress made her plain and disheveled. Some of her hair appeared to be missing, and what remained was wild, stringy and gray. Without the garish colours to distract from her ugliness she looked more toad-like than ever. Harry wondered if she ever went the wrong way with a polyjuice potion and a frog's leg. With her sunken wide head, no neck, wide frowning mouth and bulging eyes she literally looked like she was going to suck flies out of the air.
Umbridge was flanked by three members of the ministry, one of whom Harry assumed must have been something like a defense attorney (although Harry did not remember being given one of his own last year). The other two were very intimidating Aurors, one being Kingsley Shacklebolt. Umbridge made no effort to be making eye contact with anyone as the Aurors seemed to be guiding her, more than restraining her.
In a gesture of politeness Harry did his best not to look bored about the proceedings and openly held Hermione’s hand, who was sitting next to him giving her support. Most of the questioning was performed by the Minister himself, who had an assistant go through the obvious parts. Cornelius pushed for the details for whom exactly did Umbridge have direct contact with. Umbridge croaked out replies in a voice that barely sounded familiar at all. The sickening fake sweetness was entirely gone from her voice replaced by harsh burping and barking. She kept it up like a practiced script until they reached the climax of the inquiry, Harry could tell they were close when Cornelius’ tone grew intense. Despite the drama, Umbridge’s tone remained almost robotic and unchanged. Cornelius’ assistant, who was dressed like a common muggle attorney, continued the proceedings. His name was Daley Deval.

“I’d like to open a new line of questioning regarding the incident last summer involving the unsanctioned use of Dementors,” said Deval as he leaned over and got attention of Harry, “Mr. Potter, we will be regarding to you for confirmation during this questioning. We just need you to nod yes for now, we will not need you to extrapolate unless there is a conflict. You understand?”

Harry nodded yes.

“Ms. Umbridge, you have said in this written statement-“

Daley held up a parchment as he spoke.

“That you agree to divulge information regarding control of the Dementors, and how said control has been compromised within the ministry?”

Umbridge burped out a, “Yes.”

“Did you send this letter to the Minister of Magic himself, suggesting that extreme measures should be used in controlling, what you regarded as, the erratic behaviour of Mr. Harry Potter reported by complaints to you, personally, from within Hogwarts?”

“Yes.”

“After this letter was unanswered, you consulted the Director of Magical Justice Alison Fidget in how to deal with Harry Potter, in effect, doing an end run around the Minister to find your own means in handling your... concerns with Harry Potter?”

While Deval continued his questioning, Harry leaned over and whispered to Mad Eye Moody, “Who complained to her about me?”

“Who do you think?” Moody whispered back, “Lucius Malfoy, from word of that kid of his, Draco.”

“Right,” said Harry, “Who’s this guy doing the questioning? He’s like no wizard I’ve ever seen.”

“He’s a muggle if you can believe it,” said Moody.

“A muggle?” Harry asked, not believing it, “What’s a muggle doing at a wizard proceeding?”

“He’s an attorney, and a damn good one,” said Moody, “Brilliant move by Cornelius using outside help to keep the proceedings secret. This guy, Deval, performs independent inquiries for the British government.”

“Hey! I remember, I’ve seen him on TV,” said Harry.

“Yes you have, good boy,” said Moody, “The Prime Minister never should have went to war with that country based on such shoddy intelligence. This man might cause him to resign in disgrace.”

Deval reached the topic of Azkaban in his line of questioning.

“Who did Alison Fidget personally refer you to when you requested assistance in finding special case proceedings in wizard incarceration?”

Umbridge said, “Augustus Rookwood.”

There was a murmur among the room and Harry asked Moody what was it about.

“Rookwood works for the Department of Mysteries,” said Moody, “But more importantly, he works in the sections that deals with the control of the Dementors.”

“Wouldn’t the Justice Department have direct control over the Dementors?” asked Harry.

“Nobody really has direct control over the Dementors,” said Moody, “Their... cooperation is organized within means under the control of the Department of Mysteries. Very few people know exactly how it’s accomplished.”

Harry was a little off guard when he was spoken to by Deval.

“Mr Potter, you are familiar with the name Rookwood?”

“Yes,” said Harry and wanted to continue but he was interrupted by Deval.

“He is part of this group of terrorists known as the Death Eaters?”

Harry never heard of Death Eaters referred to that way before, but he definitely agreed, “Yes.”

“You were an eye witness to the incident in the Ministry last month and he was present?”

“Yes.”

Deval continued his questioning to Umbridge.

“Ms. Umbridge, you spoke to Augustus Rookwood for advice on how to deal with Harry Potter in means of filing a special case of incarceration?”

“Yes,” croaked Umbridge.

“What did he suggest?”

Umbridge looked around for a little, as though trying to recall the moment, then said, “He suggested I put the Dementors on him.”

“Did he describe in detail as to how?”

“Yes he did, he-“

Dolores was interrupted by Cornelius, “In interest of maintaining security, I suggest that we forgo questioning about the details in how control of the Dementors is maintained. This information is too sensitive to share even at these proceedings. If Dolores confesses to being given this information, it will have to be enough.”

Deval side barred with Cornelius for a moment, “I don’t agree. We need to confirm that Dolores had access to restricted information, I would like to see how this control of your Dementors is kept and question the extent of Dolores’ knowledge with my own line of questioning.”

“It can’t be done,” said Cornelius, “There’s only four people in the entire Ministry who have clearance to have access to that information. I and Dumbledore are the only ones here right now, with clearance. Dolores said she will confess to putting the Dementors on Harry Potter, that will have to serve as conclusive proof that she had her own control of them. Will that do?”

“There could be contamination,” said Deval, “It could be missed if we proceed that way. I would prefer to do it my way, you could wipe my mind afterwards if you wanted to keep it secure.”

“We have to rely totally on the confession,” said Cornelius, “That’s just how it is.”

“With Mr. Potter present as a witness, we could make it work,” said Deval and he continued again, “Ms. Umbridge, under the suggestion of the Minister of Magic we will forgo questioning in detail as to how Rookwood told you how to control the Dementors. But I will ask, and please reply with just a yes or no, he did tell you in all detail how to control Dementors?”

“Yes.”

“This was when you decided to kill Harry Potter?”

The attorney in wizards robes on Umbridge’s side of the table cut in, “These proceedings are to deal with the compromise of security within the ministry, this is not a trial for murder.”

“Very well,” said Deval, “Ms. Umbridge, what did you do with the information given to you by Augustus Rookwood about the Dementors?”

For the first time, Umbridge looked directly at Harry, but the look on her face was not of one of regret. It was hardly a face of any discernable emotion at all.

“I arranged for two Dementors to leave Azkaban and head for Surrey,” said Umbridge, “To iceptcept Harry Potter in Privet Drive, this time last year.”

Again there was a murmur among the crowd, and Cornelius sunk in his chair with a look of disbelief in his face.

Dumbledore spoke up and addressed Deval, “It’s important you must know, that to get Dementors to travel in just pairs is extremely unusual. They travel in packs. To get one or just a pair to travel such a great distance to such a specific location without running into other witnesses shows that Umbridge had access to very specific information on how to control Dementors in great detail.”

“Very well,” said Deval, “Let’s confirm this. Mr Potter, I am told the only reason why you could have possibly survived this encounter is because you are a very exceptional wizard, is this true?”

Harry only shook his head a little, but several members of the Order spoke up in praise of Harry, including Dumbledore.

“How many Dementors did you encounter on the night they arrived at Privett Drive?”

“Two.” said Harry.

Deval turned to Cornelius hold up a piece of parchment, “And there’s another witness of this on record, a –what you call- squib by the name of Mrs Arabella Figg who witnessed the event and testified at the Ministry last year.”

“Yes,” said Cornelius, “During a trial that was arranged by myself, by the insistence of Dolores Umbridge that Harry Potter be put on trial for charges of use of under-aged magic.”

“There’s another witness,” said Harry.

“Pardon?” asked Deval.

Cornelius looked like he did not want this to be heard, but Harry quickly added, “My cousin Dudley Dursley was present. He saw the whole thing and was nearly killed himself. I had to rescue him. That’s the reason why charges were brought against me, I used magic in the presence of a muggle.”

“A MUGGLE?” asked Deval, with disbelief as he slammed his papers on the table, “I was never told Dementors came in contact with muggles. Why am I just finding out about this now?”

Cornelius tried to stammer out an excuse but Deval blew up.

“Having those creatures run around in threat of muggles is a whole new case!” said Deval, “This is a serious violation non-magical interference in muggle territory with extreme hazard. Exile for Umbridge is just not going to cover it.”

Deval argued with Cornelius and several other Ministry members as Harry waited for a pause in the arguing.

“Take her wand,” said Harry.

“Pardon?” asked Deval.

“Wizard or witches who are seen as a threat to society have their wands taken from them,” said Harry, “It prevents them from using most forms of magic ever again. I doubt she could ever do something as serious as control Dementors without it. Smash her wand and send her to exile. She would be effectively harmless, at least from a magical point of view.”

“Is this true?” Deval asked.

Cornelius nodded.

Dolores’ attorney hollered in anger, “We never agreed to this!”

“Well you better or the whole deal’s off and we drop the amnesty and start with criminal charges,” said Deval, “Where is this wand of hers?”

Kingsley Shacklebolt held it up.

“Bring it here,” said Deval.

Shacklebolt brought the unusually thick wand to Deval’s hand and he examined it with worry.

“So without this, Umbridge cannot use these magical powers of hers to bring any kind of hazard to magical people or muggles?” asked Deval.

“She’d be much less of a threat to magical people, for certain,” said Harry, “I don’t know about muggles, though.”

Deval handed the wand to Harry and asked, “How is it done?”

Harry took the wand, put half of it under his right side wheel and the chair rolled forward over it as Harry pulled up.

*CRACK *

“Not much to it,” said Harry as he flung the pieces onto the table.

Cornelius was shocked and he said, “Harry! You... you just!”

“He just saved these proceedings,” said Deval.

“And probably a few lives,” mumbled Moody as he looked to Harry with admiration.

For the first time, Umbridge showed a glint of emotion as she looked to the shattered pieces of her wand. Harry took the pieces as though he was concerned they should be disposed of, he remembered Hagrid was able to reclaim some bit of magic from the two pieces of his wand. No expression of gloating came from Harry as he took the pieces and stowed them out of sight. He also completely ignored the exasperated expressions coming from most wizards around him, over the fact that he just committed an immense breach of etiquette.
Umbridge’s attorney nearly went livid and threatened to file a protest. Deval wasn’t moved by that at all and invited him to go right ahead. Still, Deval wasn’t entirely convinced that Umbridge was no longer a threat and continued questioning over whether she could use other wands.

“She certainly can’t just buy one from Olivander’s,” said Cornelius as he rubbed his head, “Not anymore.”

“She could use another wizard’s wand,” said Harry, “It never really works the same but she could take one, steal it from a wizard, maybe, or someone could smuggle one to her.”

Moody nodded in agreement along with Harry as he pointed out to Deval he was right.

“I’m anticipating that’s not going to be a problem,” said Deval, “Considering where Umbridge is heading.”

Before the proceedings were wrapped up, Umbridge’s attorney demanded that her expedition take place immediately for her own protection since she had been rendered without a wand to defend herself with.

“Umbridge is free to leave custody AFTER she has given a full written deposition that will serve in the indictment of Augustus Rookwood,” said Deval.

Kingsley Shacklebolt and the other large dark-skinned Auror took an arm each of Umbridge as she seemed for the first time to be overcome with emotional panic and was hauled away. The very last thing Harry ever heard coming from her were pathetic sobs of her breaking down, not unlike those he heard a few months before coming from Professor Trelawney after Umbridge tried to break her. Just for a moment he wished Trelawney was here to enjoy it, then he thought she wouldn’t have enjoyed it at all. There was nothing, no feeling of vindication about these proceedings at all. Harry felt himself in a daze until he was shaken out of it by Daley Deval addressing him.

“I want to thank you for your initiative back there during the proceedings,” said Deval, “The Minister thinks you may have over stepped your bounds, but I only agreed to the amnesty deal under the grounds that Umbridge was never a threat to muggles. I was told this terrorist threat took place solely within the wizarding world.”

“I had no idea that muggles were involved in the wizarding world like this,” said Harry.

“In ideal times we are not,” said Deval, “But this war affects both worlds, your own testimony brought rather obvious light to that. If the Minister of Defence or
Security ever caught wind of what’s happening in England they’d send in M.I.6 to deal with it.”

“It would do no good to send in troops against Dementors,” said Harry, “No muggle weapon in the world could possibly harm such creatures. You’d just be sending men to pointless, and unbelievably horrible deaths.”

“And yet, you faced them alone and defeated them,” said Deval, “I’ve read a great deal about you Harry. You’re a very brave and noble young man. You have done service to both your Queen and your country in defending your nation. You have also lent invaluable service in letting us hold future proceedings within this house, I feel proud to give this to you.”

Deval handed Harry a piece of parchment that had several signatures on it. He recognized right away both Dumbledore’s and Cornelius Fudge’s signature.

Harry held it up to read with Hermione and asked, “What is it?”

“It’s a copy of a petition being sent to her majesty for you to be awarded the Wizarding MBE,” said Deval, “To which I will be glad to add my own signature.”

“Harry,” Hermione exclaimed, “This is major step in becoming a Knight!”

Harry was a little overwhelmed.

“It takes years for it to go through,” said Deval, “But I’m pretty sure you’ll still be a reasonably young man by the time it comes due.”

“What did I do to deserve this?” asked Harry.

“Preventing the most powerful evil wizard of the past two centuries from achieving indestructible immortality?” asked Deval, “That and good attendance.”

Deval smirked as Hermione ruffled Harry’s hair.

“I’m afraid I may not remember you by the end of this conflict, Harry,” said Deval, “But I’m glad to know you now.”

Deval smiled and shook Harry’s hand, then he wished Harry a happy birthday before he left. Harry and Hermione wheeled to be alone behind the staircase as they looked at the parchment.

“It’s one smashing birthday present,” said Hermione, “McGonagall’s is going to burst.”

“Yeah, there hasn’t been a student awarded a knighthood since 1890,” said Harry, “And it was someone from Gryffindor, too.”

Hermione looked at Harry oddly for a moment.

“I... uhh.. finally got around to reading Hogwarts A History,” said Harry, “Some of it, anyway. It’s not a bad read.”

Hermione gave a Harry a hug and left him alone for a moment as he examined his parchment. Hermione met up with some members of the Order to secretly discus Harry’s birthday party to occur later in the day, past supper. McGonagall arrived and told Hermione she had brought their marks.

“I think you’ll be pleased with the results Ms. Granger,” said McGonagall, “But I’ll need to speak to Harry in person, are you and Harry prepared?”

“I’ll go get him,” said Hermione.

That didn’t sound good to Hermione, McGonagall asking to speak to Harry in person. It didn’t necessarily mean a failing grade, but Harry had set a rather unrealistic goal of wishing to become an Auror, which required Outstanding marks in classes he usually scraped by in, especially potions. When she got past the stairs, Hermione noticed Harry had wheeled himself to a far corner past the kitchen. It was a dark alcove that led to the stairs to the basement. Harry didn’t look quite right. Cautiously Hermione approached Harry as he kept facing away from her.

“What’s wrong with me, Hermione?” Harry asked.

“Harry?”

“I’m sixteen years old, I should be able to cope with this.”

Slowly Hermione walked around to Harry’s front and saw him raise his head. His face was drenched in tears.

“I don’t.. know... what’s wrong... I cant.. stop...”

Harry clutched at Hermione’s sleeve and began to cry out loud uncontrollably. Hermione had not seen this since the night she first saw him that summer, all falling apart from being driven mad by Voldemort’s possession of him. She held Harry for a moment, then she let go.

“I’ll be right back, just a second.”

Harry asked her where she was going and almost called out in panic over his tears. Hermione rushed down the entrance hall to meet McGonagall.

“Harry’s had a really rough day, today,” said Hermione, “He just went through a that hearing having to face Umbridge and he’s haven’t even had breakfast yet.”

“After breakfast, then?”

“Can we make it after lunch?” Hermione asked as politely as possible, “Harry needs a little down time.”

As Hermione fidgeted with her sleeve McGonagall noticed the wet stain on it.

“Just before your lesson, then,” said McGonagall and Hermione agreed.

As Hermione left to join Harry again McGonagall followed her just a little to catch a glimpse of them together, then she stood guard in the hallway to make sure no one bothered them. Hermione held Harry and just let him cut loose into her. She had a good idea why this was happening. Harry was having closure. Despite the fact he was a hero, despite the fact he was brave, he was a boy and Umbridge tried tol hil him. The emotions he had to bottle up to deal with her had to be held back no longer.

“They’re fools for thinking I’m courageous, they’re damn fools,” Harry kept saying as he held Hermione and rocked, “I’m not as brave as they all think I am. I’m not that brave, I’m not fearless at all.”

“Maybe not,” said Hermione, “But you did it anyway. That’s the mark of a real hero.”

Harry pulled back to look at Hermione in the eyes.

“You’re the hero,” he said, “You rescued me. You pulled me right out of Voldemort’s darkness. You saved me, you should be getting the medals and honours, not me. I’d be nothing without you now.”

Harry embraced Hermione again.

“You’re my hero,” said Harry, “No knighthood, no medal, no scrap of parchment is good enough for what you’ve done for me.”

Hermione waited until Harry settled down a little, then levitated the chair to hurry him upstairs without anyone noticing. The chair extended a floorboard out the back so she could ride along with Harry. After they were out of sight, Professor Snape, who had been observing them in secret came out of the basement with his finished batch of Doxycide. He stood next to Professor McGonagall and watched Harry and Hermione disappear up the stairs.

“It would appear that our stout mister Potter is beginning to crack,” said Snape.

McGonagall was not going to challenge Snape to do better under similar circumstances and glanced at him with a warning look to back off on Harry.

“I wouldn’t be so upset if I had that potions lab in my basement,” said Snape, “I’d gladly make up a barrel of this if he let me use it on weekends. The Black family has quite the stock.”

The portrait of Sirius Black jumped in and said, “And you bloody well better not pilfer anything from it or I’ll tell Harry and Dumbledore.”

Snape ignored the portrait and handed a can of Doxycide to Professor McGonagall.

“What’s this for?” asked McGonagall as she took the can.

“The upper floors, on the insistence of the minister I brewed up a batch of Doxycide so our hosts can disinfect the place,” said Snape, “Apparently it’s quite the sty up there.”

“I should think not,” said McGonagall, “Dumbledore has worked magic on it days ago to make it as luxurious as Hogwarts itself.”

Snape was taken aback by that, but only a moment, after missing only a single beat he said, “Has anyone been to the basement recently?”

“Not to my knowledge.”

Snape tapped the can and said, “You’re still going to need that. Tell Harry or who ever uses it to watch where they aim. It’s my own recipe.”

Snape gave a half hearted two-finger salute and left. Hermione put Harry to bed and held him for the rest of the morning. His crying fits came and went in waves. Just how badly he was hurting was beginning to worry her. There wasn’t Voldemort around to blame this time, it was all Harry. If this kept up, Hermione believed she was going to need help by the time the Hogwarts' term began.
When Harry was feeling better, Hermione could see he was avoiding eye contact with her. He was feeling embarrassed. Hermione would not allow it and kissed him repeatedly on the lips, making love to him until it was almost lunch hour. They had a quiet brunch by themselves. Harry didn’t speak up at all until he wondered why McGonagall was hanging around the kitchen. Back in the bedroom, they laid down on the bed in his room and just talked.

“She has our marks,” said Hermione, then she gently tried to break to him that McGonagall wanted to speak to him privately.

Harry joked he might have to change his career plans, but Hermione reminded him about the promise McGonagall made to make Harry an Auror if she had to tutor him personally just to show up Umbridge.

“Maybe we should give up on this Auror stuff,” said Harry, “I mean, have you had a good look at Moody? Half those people displayed in tribute to the Order were Aurors. Moody told me how they died, none of it was pleasant.”

“You don’t have to make up your mind Harry,” said Hermione, “You can keep your options open. If you go ahead with your study as an Auror the number or NEWTs and OWLs you achieve qualifies you for a multitude of positions.”

“There’s potions, Hermione,” said Harry, “I just don’t want to but heads with Snape again, not for a whole year. I just got out of having to do Occlumency since... you know, Voldemort is dead. God, it would mean so much to me if we could drop potions this year.”

“Harry, what’s your favourite class?” asked Hermione.

Harry paused, Hermione’s logic had him trapped.

“Defence Against the Dark Arts,” said Harry.

“Despite the fact Umbridge practically ruined it last year? Despite the fact we had some... lackluster tutelage in other years?” asked Hermione.

“But to be an Auror-“

“STUFF AUROR!” said Hermione as she grabbed Harry’s face to look close in his eyes, “With all those NEWTs you could be a teacher.”

“You think I’d make a good one?” asked Harry.

Hermione let go of Harry’s face, picked up her wand from the night table and cast a spell.

“Expecto Patronum!”

A large silver Otter burst from her wand and gambolled around the bed.

“What’s that, Harry?”

“A full corporeal Patronus.”

“And who taught me how to do it?”

Harry sighed and said, “Well, I guess I did, but-“

“When the OWL judges offered me to shoot for extra credit, I produced that same Patronus right there,” explained Hermione as she admired the Otter, “When they asked me who taught me how to do it, I told them it was you. One judge, sceptical of Umbridge, pressed me if she could have possibly contributed anything to my ability to do a perfect Patronus spell. I said I’d gladly serve three tours in hell before giving that awful woman any credit.”

Harry sniggered, “You really said that? Three tours in hell?”

“They were a spirited bunch of judges,” said Hermione, “And none had a love for Umbridge.”

Harry looked over the edge of the bed at the Patronud asd asked, “What’s his name?”

“HER name is Gaffy,” said Hermione.

“Did you ever wonder why it’s an Otter?” asked Harry as he elbowed her.

“Yes, the teeth I used to have, I get it. You cad,” said Hermione, “Are you looking for a tickling? ARE YOU LOOKING FOR A TICKLING?”

Harry’s effort to hold his elbows against his ribs couldn’t stop Hermione’s ruthless fingers. Once Harry was cheered up Hermione figured it was time to meet McGonagall and get it over with. She had her own anxieties about seeing McGonagall. The Professor was waiting for them in the kitchen helping herself to some tea. Bracing herself for a rather unnecessary anxiety attack, Hermione walked away with nothing less than an Outstanding, with enough OWLs to pursue becoming either an Auror or a Healer if she wanted.
Harry’s turn alone in the kitchen had a somewhat ominous feeling. He wasn’t worried so much about his grades but what if he started crying uncontrollably again in front of Professor McGonagall if he had bad news. He had a rough day and just wanted it to be over.

“Don’t look so morose, Mr. Potter, it’s pretty good news,” said Professor McGonagall, “Most students in Hogwarts would be downright ecstatic to have your grades.”

“Mostly good news,” said Harry, “I didn’t get Outstanding in potions.”

“One grade below I’m afraid,” said McGonagall.

Harry was surprised he even got a pass, let alone an “E”.

“I’m sorry you’ll have to break your promise to Umbridge,” said Harry, “But maybe I-“

“Not so fast Mr. Potter,” McGonagall cut him off, “You’re not getting off that easy. Professor Snape does not accept anyone in NEWT classes who get anything less than an Outstanding in potions.”

“What can we do?” asked Harry, “Is there a summer make up course like remedial potions or something? Because I’m not that-“

McGonagall cut Harry off again, “Fortunately for you, and your plans to become and Auror, Professor Snape is not teaching potions this year.”

“NO SHI- I mean- uhh.. no kidding?” Harry stammered.

“There’s an instructor who works for the Ministry who’s coming to teach at Hogwarts this year,” said McGonagall, “She’s an Auror instructor. And she does accept people into NEWT level classes as long as you have a passing grade. I think you’ll also find she has a much more agreeable disposition. But she only accepts people who are absolutely committed to passing their NEWTS. You don’t have to hold to your promise to become an Auror, but potions is pretty important in a multitude of Wizarding professions. Are you still committed, Harry?”

“HELL YES!” said Harry, “I can take potions without Snape! I’m pretty good at it without him hovering over me all the time! I can show him I’ll pass that class with nothing less than an ‘O’ when he’s not around.”

“That’s good spirit, Potter,” said McGonagall, “You hang onto that.”

“Uhm, Professor, if Snape isn’t teaching potions, where is he?” Harry speculated, then a horrible thing came to his mind, “OH GOD, HE DIDN’T GET THE DEFENSE AGAINST THE DARK ARTS POSITION, DID HE?!? I’LL KILL MYSELF IF I... well.. that’s my best class.”

McGonagall raised an eyebrow at Harry’s outbreak and said in a dignified voice, “Professor Snape will not be teaching at Hogwarts this year.”

“He’s not,” said Harry and he did not sound too pleased as he knew what it meant, “It’s this undercover business for the Order, isn’t it? It’s getting more serious?”

“Now that we have a serious chance at defeating the Death Eaters, yes,” said McGonagall.

Strangely Harry felt a gnawing curiosity over what that secret mission must have been. It bothered him to think it weighed as heavily on his mind as Hagrid’s mission did the previous year.

“Is it dangerous?”

“It’s no tea party, Harry.”

“Don’t take this the wrong way, but, can he die?” Harry asked cautiously.

“It’s not so much a question of can he die, but how likely is it he will survive,” McGonagall said gravely, “Snape has put himself in mortal peril on many occasions for the Order, and for Dumbledore.”

“I’ve been unfair to him,” said Harry, remembering what he saw of Snape’s life in the pensive, “Not that he didn’t ask for it. God forbid, but if he doesn’t make it, I want him to be honoured with a portrait in the hall like all the other members of the Order. But, maybe we should hang it away from Sirius so they don’t fight all the time.”

“I’m sure Snape would be quite honoured with your graciousness,” said McGonagall.

“So who are we getting for defence against the dark arts this year?” asked Harry.

“Another Auror instructor from the ministry.”

“Another one?” asked Harry, “They’re sending two instructors? What a minute, they’re recruiting people, aren’t they? They’re sending instructors to recruit students to become Aurors.”

“We’re at war, Harry,” McGonagall said with a look of regret on her face, “War needs soldiers.”

“My God, it’s that big?” asked Harry.

“Hagrid told me he informed you of his mission to see the giants,” said McGonagall, “We may have them, the Dementors, and several other magical armies to deal with.”

“No wonder Deval was worried this would spill over into the muggle world,” said Harry.

“On several fronts it already has,” said McGonagall, “Talent is hard to come by to deal with it. It’s not like even among the Aurors we have a battalion of people who can produce Patroni.”

Harry paused for a moment and said, “You know, I might have already helped you out with that.”

Hermione was shocked to see McGonagall marching through the bedroom door towards her with an excited look on her face.

“Professor!” she startled, “I’m not formally dressed I-“

“Never mind with that silly nonsense, girl, and get your wand out,” said McGonagall, “Harry says you and several other sixth years can produce a Patronus, let’s see it.”

Hermione felt it was a little odd for this request, but grabbed her wand and had Gaffy galloping around the floor in no time at all.

“This is astonishing,” said McGonagall, “I can’t remember when was the last time I’ve seen two students in Gryffindor that could produce a full corporeal Patronus, let alone ones who haven’t even started their sixth year.”

“There’s others,” Hermione said proudly, “From the that illegal club we formed due to Umbridge’s horrid teaching. We had at least six students who could make a full corporeal Patronus before we got busted.”

“SIX?” McGonagall, shouted in disbelief, “Not including you two?”

“Yes,” said Hermione, “And those that couldn’t were getting pretty close by the time we were broken up. We even had Neville doing the charm well enough to repel at least one Dementor.”

“Neville?” asked McGonagall.

“Yes, You wouldn’t believe how much he improved,” said Harry, “He was doing really well.”

“And all of this was due to Harry’s teachings in the Room of Requirement?” McGonagall asked Hermione, knowing she would give a straight answer.

Harry stammered but Hermione jumped in and said yes.

McGonagall bent down to look Harry in the eyes and said, “Harry, this is most important. I know that you have given so much into this war, but we need you. You have done something totally unprecedented as a wizard. If your numbers are correct you have taught enough wizards the skill we need to actually win this war. Even among Aurors there are very few who can produce true Patroni. As matter of fact, if you all you taught in the D.A. joined right now I believe the total number would have just doubled. And it’s almost one third of the number of people within the Ministry who could do it this past century.”

“The Aurors must be spread awful thin to deal with the Dementors,” asked Hermione.

“Too thin,” said McGonagall, “And those that can do it have crucial skills needed in other areas. Harry, it is absolutely crucial you give serious consideration to becoming an instructor. We need you desperately at this hour.”

Harry paused for a moment, then said, “We can reform the D.A.”

Hermione shook her head and said, “Harry, you need to get better before we-“

“Not right away,” said Harry, “We were pretty late in the term before we got started last year, I just think we should consider doing it like last year. With permission this time, of course.”

“You get back on your feet, Harry,” said McGonagall, “And when you do, you start up the D.A. again. The Room of Requirement is yours.”

Before she left, McGonagall did something that truly shocked Harry, she kissed him on the forehead.

On her way out the door, McGonagall was nearly in tears as she looked back and said, “You may have saved us all, boy.”

Watching McGonagall leave and feeling bowled down, Harry said, "Bizarre, she was really worked up over that."

"This war must be much worse than they were ever letting on, Harry," said Hermione.

"Or at least a lot bigger," speculated Harry, "She mentioned armies. Honestly, I always got the impression we were just up against a rabble gang of a few powerful wizards and some henchmen. That's all I've ever seen personally with Voldemort's lot. But McGonagall mentioned armies. Are we talking about hundreds, or even thousands of people involved?"

”I... who knows?” said Hermione, “I bet an army of just a few dozen true giants, immune to stunning spells must be able to cause all sorts of havoc.”

Harry wheeled over to the bed and climbed onto it to sit next to Hermione, his head swimming with possibilities of what he could do for the D.A. that year.

“So how were your marks?” asked Hermione.

“Not bad,” said Harry, “I failed Divination, though.”

Hermione guffawed out loud and said, “Why did you waste your time with that class? You could have at least taken something useful like Arithmacy.”

“It’s not funny, Hermione, what if I have to take it over again this year?” asked Harry.

“If it’s not part of your NEWTs you can drop it, Harry,” Hermione, “Divination is out of your life.”

“That’s not the only thing,” said Harry, “Don’t go jumping for joy too quickly, but Professor Snape is not at Hogwarts this year.”

“NO EFFING WAY! No wait- he’s doing undercover work like last year, isn’t he?” asked Hermione.

“Yes, McGonagall explained that much. No details but it sounded really serious, Hermione,” said Harry as he shook his head, “He might not come back alive.”

“Wow, that’s a head trip, that is,” said Hermione, “Who’s teaching potions?”

“We’re getting two instructors from the Ministry,” said Harryne fne for potions, and another for Defence Against the Dark Arts.”

“Oh Lord, not the Ministry interfering again,” said Hermione, thinking of Umbridge and the sanctions of the Grand Inquisitor.

“No, it’s not like that this time,” said Harry, “They’re sending Auror instructors. They’ll be looking to recruit students.”

“I’m not sure I like that much better,” said Hermione as she looked away, biting her knuckle.

“I do,” said Harry, “I’m actually looking forward to potions this year.”

Hermione rubbed Harry’s arm and asked, “You never thought that would happen, did you?”

“Who ever is teaching, they HAVE to be a lot better than Umbridge,” said Harry, “It’s not possible they’re like her or worse. They want students to be on the ball this year. I’m going into potions and I’m not coming out with anything less than an Outstanding.”

“Well putting up with someone as bad as Snape didn’t stop you from getting that high of a grade, you made it in the NEWT class,” Hermione said proudly.

“Well... not quite, I only got an Exceeds Expectations in his class,” said Harry, “But the Auror instructor teaching this year doesn’t require that high of a grade.”

Hermione paused for a second and said, “You know what that means?”

“What?”

“They’re relaxing the grades to get more recruits,” said Hermione.

“You think?”

“There was nothing special about Snape’s policy,” said Hermione, “There were at least three classes that required an Outstanding to make it to NEWT class, including your favourite, Defence Against the Dark Arts.”

“Hey, you’re right.”

“What did you get for that class, by the way?” asked Hermione.

“O plus extra credit,” said Harry.

Hermione slapped his shoulder and said, “YOU BEAT ME AGAIN! That’s five straight years in a row.”

“Well it’s not my fault you’re such a slacker,” joked Harry, “You have to pull up your socks Hermione, maybe if I bought you one of those preachy homework reminders-“

Harry couldn’t finish his sentence as Hermione tickled him. When Hermione was having another lesson with McGonagall, Harry was once again using his new computer while sitting in his chair in the portrait hall talking to his parents. Hermione couldn’t help but feel he was up to something, but she and McGonagall were up to a few subversive plans of their own.