A/N: Hi all. Glad you all liked my last chapter. More plot coming your way with a little smut in between. Oh, yes for those of you who send the flames, at least have the courtesy to login or give a name before criticising. I don't mind anonymous comments that are good, but I think it's a little cowardly to not at least put your name to criticism. The rest of you enjoy!
Harry found himself on his knees once more. He looked up to find Dumbledore in front of him with a hand out to help him up. Harry smiled gratefully and took the hand and hoisted himself to his feet. He could now manage to block any attempt to penetrate his thoughts, but found that it took a lot of energy, ending with him on his knees on more than the odd occasion. Hermione helped him over to a chair and he sank into it, smiling at her gratefully.
"Well I must say Harry that you have improved since your last lesson with Professor Snape." Professor Dumbledore said with a smile. Harry nodded, smiling wearily and said
"Yeah, but for some reason blocking my thoughts drains me too much. Is there a way I can do this without having to resort to draining myself?"
Dumbledore furrowed his brow for a moment, deep in thought and then lifting his head he met Harry's gaze and smiled, saying
"I do believe there is a way, Harry. A kind of deception really. Instead of completely blocking your thoughts, you shield them with a false memory. For example say for instance you have a memory of the department last year, instead of that memory being in the forefront of your mind though, is, say the department of mysteries filled with house elves doing the can-can."
Harry looked at Professor Dumbledore for a moment, not entirely sure he had heard the man correctly. Then the image of what Dumbledore had described entered his head and he broke up and was soon rolling on the floor. Dumbledore and Hermione both joined him in his laughter, although they both managed to keep their seats. After a few minutes, Harry sat back in his seat and wiped the tears from his eyes, still chuckling softly to himself. Dumbledore gave him a few moments to gather himself and gestured that they should continue with the lesson. Harry stood in the centre of the cleared space in the office and Dumbledore raised his wand once more. Just before he uttered the incantation, Harry thought of the image Dumbledore had described and sniggered as he heard the word "Legilimens"
Harry saw the thought rise in front of his eyes and laughed as he saw the large line of house elves, Dobby in the centre of them with all of his hats perched jauntily on his head and his odd socks flying up in the air as he enthusiastically danced. The vision broke and Harry found himself still on his feet. He looked over at Dumbledore and saw his shoulders shaking with mirth, tears flowing down from behind his glasses and into his beard. Harry grinned as well, thinking how realistic the scene had really looked, ridiculous as it seemed. Hermione, realising that it had worked, jumped up and rushed into Harry's arms, saying
"You did it Harry! I'm so proud of you!"
Harry grinned even more and hugged Hermione back. Dumbledore placed a hand on his shoulder as well, giving it a squeeze and said
"I'm proud of you too Harry. You seem to have an innate ability to be able to block and conceal your thoughts. Perhaps another gift you were given without Voldemort's knowledge."
Harry nodded, thinking this was a possibility as well and asked
"Professor, throughout the summer and even while at school, Hermione and I have been able to share our dreams with each other. Whenever I think of Hermione and I'm in trouble, she can always come and help me. During the summer I dreamed I was dancing with her and she had exactly the same dream and even recounted all of the details of the dream. Can you explain this?"
Dumbledore sat in his chair and looked at the two before him and said
"Well at the moment I can only speculate. I believe it could be your latent legilimency abilities Harry, drawing Hermione into your dreams, although it surprises me that you managed it at such a great distance. It may also be something else, but I need to check on it. Will you allow me to research this and then more fully answer your question?"
Harry nodded and he and Hermione left Dumbledore's office.
They went down to the kitchen, as Harry needed some sustenance after being drained from the training. They were given large slices of chocolate cake with sticky, gooey chocolate icing and whipped cream. Harry tucked into his and soon, half was gone. Hermione laughed again at how ravenous Harry was and he gave her a sly smile. Reaching over, he wiped some icing over her cheek. She shrieked and retaliated by wiping some whipped cream over his forehead, getting some in his hair. What ensued then was a full on food fight. There were shrieks and laughter as pieces of chocolate cake and whipped cream flew through the air. Five minutes later they looked at each other, laughing. They were both covered from head to foot in food. Harry grinned at Hermione and she grinned back. He walked over to where she stood and leaning forward began licking the food from her face. She shivered softly and closed her eyes, enjoying the sensation of his tongue on her skin. Once her face was clean and they had shared a passionate kiss, she returned the favour and cleaned Harry's face using her tongue. She nibbled on his ear once they were finished and whispered huskily
"We'd better go to our room, unless you want to corrupt the house elves by giving them a show!"
Harry grinned, the image of the dancing elves filling his mind again, but he took Hermione by the hand. Saying farewell to Dobby, Harry led Hermione back up to their room. Griselda raised her eyebrows at the state of their clothing when they appeared in front of her portrait and a wide grin spread over her face.
"Err, enjoyed dinner did we?" She enquired, trying not to laugh.
"No," Harry said solemnly," Dessert actually."
Griselda broke into giggles as her portrait swung forward and they walked through. Hermione was giggling as well as Harry led her into their bathroom. They stripped off their clothes and threw them into the magical hamper, which, when opened again, would have their clothes clean and neatly pressed. Harry thought the hamper might have a stomach ache after digesting what they had done to those particular articles of clothing though, as he led Hermione into their shower. Hermione took the soap and began lathering up Harry's chest, her hands moving over his pecs and then moving down over his stomach. She lathered up her hands really well and went further south, gripping him in her hands and began moving in slow strokes. Harry closed his eyes at the sensation of Hermione's lubricated hand moving on him and moaned softly. Hermione now knew she had him exactly where she wanted him. Rinsing him off with the flow of water from the shower, she got on her knees and looking up at him, took him into her mouth, swirling her tongue around the tip and down the shaft as she took him deeper. Harry gripped her shoulders to steady himself as she worked. His mind had gone blank at the sensations and he was incapable of rational thought. He pulled away from her before she could make him go over the edge and pulled her to her feet. Pinning her against the wall, he kissed her passionately and bit her lightly on the neck, eliciting a moan and gasp from Hermione. He lifted her hips and she wrapped her legs about him as he positioned himself and drove into her. She moaned at the feeling of him filling her and wrapped her arms about his shoulders. He leaned down and took one of her nipples into his mouth, using his teeth to lightly graze the skinand his tongue swirling around the hardened bud. He began forcefully withdrawing and plunging back into her, his passion and animal lust overwhelming him. Hermione had never known Harry to be this way, but loved the raw desire that almost dripped off of him as he plunged into her again and again. She had never felt so wanted before and knew she would never get enough of him. She cried out as her orgasm tore through her and Harry groaned and leant his head against hers as he filled her, his body convulsing. Hermione could feel him pulsing inside of her as he filled her and she came again, her cries filling the steamy bathroom, her nails clawing down Harry's back, leaving bloody weals. They collapsed to the floor, kissing and caressing, holding each other tightly. They lay there panting for a while, letting the warm water wash off the sweat accumulated from their love making. Eventually they stood and after shutting off the shower and drying, they got into bed, snuggling under the covers and fell asleep.
They arrived at Professor McGonagall's office at 7 pm and knocked. Professor McGonagall opened the door, smiling warmly at the two and ushered them into her office. They sat down in the comfortable seats opposite McGonagall and waited. She pulled out a tin and offered them ginger snaps. They both took one and chewed on them as Professor McGonagall began to speak.
"Now you both know why you are here. I gather you have both studied on animagi transformations?"
The pair nodded, still chewing and McGonagall smiled, saying
"So then you know the first task we need to accomplish is to work out what your animals are that you will be able to transform into. Harry, since your father was an animagi, from what Professor Dumbledore tells me, I don't think you should have too much trouble transforming. Miss Granger you have quite a talent for transfiguration, I believe you are the most talented student I have seen in 20 years, so I don't doubt your abilities either. Now Harry if you can stand over here, I will begin."
Harry got up and stood in an area that he suspected had been cleared for the purpose. He stood in the centre of a circle about ten metres wide in diameter. McGonagall stood on the edge of the circle and raising her wand mumbled an incantation that Harry didn't quite catch. He felt his body beginning to change as did his vision. His pupils seemed more sensitive to light as he could see everything in the dim room quite clearly. He saw the stunned look on Hermione's face as well as the satisfied expression on McGonagall's face as he looked around. Suddenly, he was standing as he was before and he looked over to Professor McGonagall and asked
"I gather it worked. What was I?"
It was Hermione who answered though, she got to her feet and came over to Harry and looking into his eyes she whispered "You are a Cheetah, Harry. One of the fastest and most agile of the big cats."
Harry was stunned and Hermione helped him to sit down in his chair. McGonagall still had a satisfied look on her face and she said
"I had gathered you would have been something fast with excellent vision. You are the first cheetah that I have heard of though Harry. Now, Miss Granger if you please?"
She gestured to the circle and Hermione giving Harry a reassuring look, walked to the centre of the circle. McGonagall performed the incantation again and Harry's eyes widened as Hermione sprouted fur and took on the form of a cheetah. Harry wasn't the only surprised person in the room though as Professor McGonagall seemed speechless. When Hermione transformed back she looked at Harry's wide eyes and Professor McGonagall's stunned expression and asked
"What? I know it worked, do I look horrible?"
Professor McGonagall shook her head and gestured Hermione to her seat. Sitting, Hermione shot a puzzled look to Harry, who, having recovered from his own shock, took Hermione's hand in his and whispered in her ear
"You are a cheetah as well 'Mione"
Her eyes widened in realisation and she looked at Professor McGonagall asking
"I've never heard of two people transforming into the same animal, isn't that strange?"
Clearing her throat Professor McGonagall said
"Well Miss Granger, I have never heard of two people being able to transform into animals who look so similar. The only distinguishing features I could see between you and Mr Potter was his lightning shaped marking on his forehead. Well that is enough for tonight; I will speak to Professor Dumbledore about this and will endeavour to find an answer."
Thanking the professor, Harry and Hermione went up to Gryffindore common room. They found Ron and Luna snuggled in front of the fire on the couch. Harry and Hermione greeted them both and Harry sat in one of the squashy armchairs and Hermione sat in his lap. They chatted for a while about lessons. Finally, Ron asked them
"So, how did your first lesson with McGonagall go?"
Harry and Hermione exchanged a look and Harry said
"It went alright. We found out what animals we can transform into."
Ron was very interested at this and asked
"So? What are you both then?"
Harry shifted, then said
"Well, we're both the same animal. We're cheetahs."
Ron's eyebrows went up and Luna said
"I haven't come across a report of two people being able to become the same animal before. Did McGonagall say anything?"
Hermione nodded, saying
"Yes she was in shock when we both transformed. She said she had to speak to Dumbledore about it. She says she has never heard of it either."
Ron changed the subject and began talking about the upcoming trial of Draco Malfoy, wishing he could be there. It was scheduled for two days time and only Harry and Hermione were allowed to go. Harry because he was a witness to the crime and Hermione was there to support Harry, since Dumbledore was part of the proceedings. Ron was slightly mollified when Harry told him he would tell him exactly what happened and Hermione smiled at Harry warmly. They soon rose and said their goodnights to Ron and Luna and made their way back to their rooms.
Harry awoke early of the morning of Draco Malfoy's trial and felt quite nervous about what he had planned at the Ministry. If things worked out as he hoped, then the trial would definitely make the papers. To make sure of this Hermione had sent Hedwig off to Rita Skeeter, tipping her off that she may want to go to the trial and stay afterwards for Harry's address to the Wizengammot. Harry felt a warm hand on his chest and he looked over to see Hermione smiling softly at him.
"You'll be fine love." She whispered softly, seeing his nervousness. "Just tell it how you described it to me and it will go fine. Have faith in your beliefs, I do."
Harry smiled at her gratefully, feeling a little better and kissed her good morning. They got up and dressed quickly, making their way to the great hall and having a quick breakfast. The trial was due to start at 9:30 so they bolted down some toast and quickly headed up to Dumbledore's office. He welcomed them inside and pointed to the dented and rusty tin can that sat on his desk, saying
"This will take you to the ministry and back to Hogwarts. I have put the same conditions on this as the others you have used, that you both have to be touching the port key for it to activate."
They both nodded and Harry picked up the can and held it out to Hermione, who touched it with her finger. Instantly they were carried off in a swirl of colours and sound. They slammed into the ground in the foyer of the Ministry of Magic. Tucking the can away, Harry and Hermione walked over to the security desk. They had their wands weighed and the guard took them down to the court chamber. They sat in a little room off to the side of the main chamber, waiting. Twenty minutes later, they heard the commotion of the trial beginning and then Harry was called into the chamber. Hermione came with him, grasping his hand in hers. She remembered his account of what had happened to him last year in this room and knew he still had great trepidations about coming into this room. Draco Malfoy, Crabb and Goyle were seated in chairs and were manacled there in the centre of the room. Harry's seat was off to the side and closer to the door. He sat down and Hermione stood behind him, a hand on his shoulder.
Dumbledore sat next to a woman he didn't recognise but gathered was Madame Bones. She looked at him kindly and began speaking
"Can you please state your name for the record?"
Harry gulped remembering the familiar words from last year, but Hermione's hand on his shoulder helped. "Harry James Potter." He said quietly, but loud enough for everyone to hear.
"Now, Harry, can you please tell us the events which caused you to end up in the hospital wing at Hogwarts?"
Harry straightened his shoulders and began telling his story. He left no detail out and he heard gasps and ay few people mumbling as he described the way the three had attacked him. When he recounted the feeling of great pain when he had been hit from behind, there were murmurs of outrage. When he finished, some ten minutes later, Madame Bones asked
"Harry, can you then tell us about your recovery?"
Harry nodded and recounted how he had woken up three days later after fainting in front of Hermione and how Madame Pomfrey had told him that he had had a fractured skull. He recounted also how he had been constantly dizzy and very week for two weeks after and that he required constant help from his friends to even walk. The noise grew louder within the court room as people heard this and Madame Bones had to ask for silence as Harry finished.
"Thankyou for your testimony Harry, would you like to stay for the rest of the trial?" Madame Bones asked him with a smile. Harry nodded, smiling his appreciation at her and he and Hermione sat in the visitor's gallery.
Testimony was then taken from the three accused, with the help of veritaserum. They recounted in monotones the events and they corroborated Harry's story. There was silence in the court room once they had finished. Madame Bones then said in a firm and somewhat cold voice, turning to the jury
"You have heard testimony about the events and crimes that these three are accused of. How do you find them? All for guilty?"
All of the hands of the jury rose into the air and Harry noticed Draco turn white and his fingers grip the arms of his chair. Dumbledore rose to his feet and began speaking
"For this abysmal attempt at taking someone's life Crabb, Goyle and Malfoy, this court has found you guilty. Do you have anything to say?"
Crabb and Goyle looked at him stupidly, but Draco said, terrified
"I just wish to say that my father is responsible for my actions, sir. I would not have attempted taking Potter's life if not for the years of abuse my father had heaped on me."
Dumbledore shook his head sadly at these words and Harry quickly realised that no one in the room believed Malfoy one bit.
"Sentencing will now take place on the three guilty criminals. I would suggest life in Azkabaan, but I do not think that with the Dementors gone from there that it is really a fitting sentence. I therefore suggest that the three be made to walk through the veil in the department of mysteries!" Madame Bones's voice rang out and gasps were heard from the public gallery. Harry's expression did not evince any emotion, as he thought all of Draco's actions throughout the years warranted this. All of the jury raised their hands in unison as they were asked to consider the sentence. Draco began sobbing in his chair as applause rang out throughout the chamber and six Aurors led the condemned away.
Once the three were out of the room, several wizards came in carrying a large pensive and one section of the floor was made into a platform with a large screen behind it. It was positioned so all could see it and Madam Bones indicated for Harry to step down to the floor.
"Mr Potter, a request has been made to the Wizengammot for you to address us concerning information you wish to provide about events that occurred last year. Do you wish to proceed?"
Harry swallowed the large lump in his throat and responded
"Yes Madame Bones."
He stepped up to the platform and went over to the large pensive. Thinking about the events that he had set this up for, he placed his wand beside his forehead and withdrew several strands and deposited them into the bowl before him. They swirled around and Harry began speaking
"I wish to make this court aware of the actions of individuals involved in this government during the last school year."
There was a murmur from all about Harry as he put his wand into the mixture of thoughts and prodded them. The surface became clear and a scene began to play out. Looking behind him, Harry noticed that the screen was reflecting what was happening in the bowl. He stood back, letting the full court see. The first events were his confrontation in the defence against the dark arts lesson with Dolores Umbridge and his evincing that Voldemort was returned. It showed Umbridge's toothy smile as she pronounced detention. The scene then changed to that night when Harry had gone to her office and the use of the quill that drew blood on the back of his hand in the words 'I must not tell lies'. There were many murmurs as this was repeated for the next four nights. The scene then switched to when Umbridge had caught him with his head in the fire of her office. Many shouts were heard as Dolores nearly used the cruciatus curse on Harry and Harry could see her sitting up high behind Madame Bones and the many wizards looking at her with obvious disgust. Then came the admission he was waiting for. Her voice rang out strongly throughout the chamber as the crowd hushed.
"I ordered the Dementors to attack you, dear boy. Everyone in the Ministry was convinced that they had to discredit you and only I had the guts to do something about it!"
Everyone was looking at Umbridge now, who had gone the colour of rancid milk. Many wizards and witches who were sitting around her moved away from her hurriedly as if the nearness of her could contaminate them.
The screen then changed and the trek through the forest was being played out on the screen. More gasps came as they heard Umbridge calling the centaur's filthy half-breeds and referring to Hagrid as that half-breed oaf. When the scene before them finished, the court remained silent, as most of them were in shock at the events they had seen. Harry took this opportunity, stepping forward and addressing the court.
"I have just shown you some of the events that happened last year as this government conspired to cover up the return of Voldemort. They would have succeeded as well if it wasn't for me and my friends bringing it to everyone's attention that without a doubt that he was back, by luring him into the Ministry itself. My godfather would not have needed to die if Dumbledore and I had been taken seriously in the first place. I would like charges pressed against Dolores Umbridge for the attack on myself and my cousin during the summer of last year. I also would like charges pressed against her for use of one of the unforgivable curses, as it was clear without my fiancée's intervention she would have performed the cruciatus curse on me. I also believe that a full and thorough investigation of these matters need to be looked into, especially the Minister of Magic's lack of action for two years, as it has been that long he has known of my and Professor Dumbledore's claims."
There were shouts of approval from all around him as Harry finished. Dumbledore came down and muttered a few words and gestured. Another pensive appeared and the swirling memories split into two and Dumbledore deposited the duplicate pair into the new pensive, saying to the court
"These memories will be kept as evidence of the crimes committed and for the investigation, do you agree Madame Bones?"
Madame Bones, still in shock, nodded, her jaw clenching in fury at what she had seen. Harry and Hermione left the court in an uproar as Aurors placed Dolores Umbridge under arrest. They walked back to the elevator and made their way to the foyer. Harry smiling held out the tin can. Hermione leaned forward and kissed Harry, taking hold of the can. They kissed as the world disappeared around them and they were transported back to Dumbledore's office. They sank into a seat, still kissing, Hermione on Harry's lap as they waited for Dumbledore. A small cough alerted them of his presence and they broke apart to see Dumbledore smiling at them both, his eyes twinkling merrily.
"You are to be congratulated Harry. You have brought Dolores Umbridge and the minister himself into disrepute. I doubt he can recover from this. I will be lodging an application to have all legislation attaining to half blood humans, as they are called, to be repealed immediately. Remus Lupin will be quite pleased at this."
Harry and Hermione beamed at this news and Dumbledore took Harry's hand in his, shaking it firmly.
"I thank you for this Harry. Fudge was still not doing a lot in regard to hunting Voldemort. Hopefully the new minister will act more aggressively."
They both stood and thanked Dumbledore and went downstairs and back to their lessons.