Chapter 43 - Dolores Defanged
(A/N - First, I want to thank all of you who read my daughter Renaiya880727 's stories. she's a good writer, isn't she? By the way, if you are confused by which "Hermione" I am referring to from now on in the story, whenever I use the name Harmony it will be referring to the older version/assistant professor, and Hermione will refer to the younger version/Hogwarts student. Hope that's clear enough!
In case you are wondering, I did have to re-order some paragraphs in the first section to make things a bit clearer when I reposted this chapter.
Also, after reading about the controversy on FF.Net where they appear to be kicking off any story that has the slightest appearance of a copyright violation, I suppose I should re-iterate my disclaimer.
Disclaimer: If I was JKR and these characters were mine, do you really think I'd be worried about my mortgage payment being due? Just this slightly AU plot is "mine…all mine!" All excerpts from JKR's Harry Potter book series in any chapter in this story are from the US Scholastic Editions, and any ideas that I can attribute to others in the greater Harry Potter community will be appropriately referenced. So, to you lawyers out there -please don't sue me! I guarantee I am not making any money off of this story, and I don't have any assets to pay a settlement, besides! )
Anyone observing Harry as he sat between Ron and Hermione at the Gryffindor table during dinner that evening would have assumed he was deep in thought, possibly about schoolwork, but more likely thinking about tactics for the upcoming Quidditch season. Actually, Harry was conversing through the bond with Harmony as she sat at the staff table. Through some rapid experimentation over the past day, the three of them had discovered that they could either communicate with each other as a group or individually, based on who they focused their thoughts on as they linked.
Since Harry felt it was best for Hermione to remain ignorant of some of the specific events that had happened to her and others originally, he wanted to keep this conversation with Harmony private to avoid confusion on her part and to eliminate the need for endless explanations. Hermione didn't necessarily enjoy being left out of their conversations, but she understood why and accepted it as gracefully as she could. Already at Hermione's request, Harry had agreed to share his memories of what Dolores Umbridge had done to him originally, so her concerns over 'equal time' were mollified as she watched the abuse he had undergone at the hands of the "High Inquisitor." However, now he needed to discuss some personal things with Harmony.
<This time, Harmony, I promise things will be different! Even now, as I look back on my memories of my first time through this year, I cannot believe how rude…how ANGRY I was at everything and everyone, especially you. But, you still stuck with me through all of that…in fact, you were more loyal to me than anyone else, including Ron…Why?>
Anyone observing Harmony at that moment would have seen a small shake of her head while a hint of moisture collected in the corner of her eyes as she responded, slightly exasperated. <Honestly, Harry, do I HAVE to spell it out for you? Why do you think I was so excited to see you at Grimmauld Place that I nearly suffocated you in a hug until Ron reminded me you needed to breathe…why do you think I came up with the idea of gathering students together to have you teach us DADA…why do you think I kept Dolores from attacking you in her office? Why do you think I put up with ANGRY Harry, MOODY Harry…RUDE Harry, that whole year?> And then he heard her quiet voice in his head say something that pierced him to his very soul; <Why do you think I came back for you, Harry?>
Hermione noticed Harry's expression as he thought about what Harmony was saying to him. "What is it, Harry?" she whispered, "Is something wrong? Or, are you two chatting again?"
"Mmmhmm", he mumbled through a mouthful of pumpkin pie as he looked away quickly so she wouldn't notice the glistening in HIS eyes. To Harmony, he responded gently, <You came back for me for the same reason I would have come back for you if the situation had been reversed.>
<Good answer, Harry…I'm glad we understand each other. And, I'm very glad that you're not going to be spending this year biting either my or Hermione's head off when you think we're not supporting you enough! Honestly, Harry, didn't you know by this time that I was never going to abandon you? Hadn't I shown you time and time again where my heart lay? I just wish I would have been brave enough to do…what Hermione did this time…with you.>
Harry's right hand instinctively found Hermione's left hand and held it (beneath the table to avoid notice from curious eyes) as he looked toward Harmony. <But remember, Harmony - this is mostly your doing! I doubt Hermione and I would even be at the same table tonight if it hadn't been for you, much less sitting next to each other. Besides…you remember the lecture we just had…we need to be patient and trust that Poppy and Minerva know what they are talking about. I've given up trying to make sense of it all, but I'm just going to hope that they are right.>
Harry could hear Harmony's sigh in his mind. <That's what I've been living on for years now…hope. Oh, look at the time…don't you two prefects have some duties to attend to in the common room? Remember?>. And then she projected a memory of two tricksters doing some unauthorized product testing with some first-years.
Harry smiled and addressed Hermione and Ron. "I don't know about you, but after that wonderful dessert I'm ready to go back to the common room. A prefect's work is never done, you know. Let's get out of here."
As the trio got up from the table, Harry continued to ignore the whispered comments coming from around him, even though he could tell that they were bothering Hermione. Ron, of course, paid no attention. <Don't worry, my love, it's the same as before…not very many of this lot believe my story. Well, this time I'm not going to let it bother me - I've got all the support I need right here….with you by my side. I promise I'll never doubt you again.>
<Again? What are you talking about, Harry?> Hermione looked thoughtful for a moment, and then she understood. <Oh…you mean 'last time', don't you? What happened between us last time? Were things different then?>
<Trust me, 'Mione…you really don't want to know. Let's just say I wasn't the nicest bloke to be around and leave it at that. If you're still curious, ask Harmony about it…I'm sure she'll fill you in on the details.>
Rain pounded on the windowpanes as they strode along the empty corridors back to Gryffindor Tower. Harry felt as though his first day had lasted a week because of all the revelations and stress he had experienced, not to mention the mountain of O.W.L. related homework he had to face before bed. As he thought about homework, though, a big smile came across his face. <Hey, wait a minute…I've already done all this stuff…all I have to do is remember what I wrote last time!> He glanced out of a rain-washed window at the dark grounds as they turned into the Fat Lady's corridor. There was still no light in Hagrid's cabin. <Oh, that's right - I'd better tell Dumbledore what I know about Hagrid's mission….maybe I can warn him in time to make a few changes there, too!>
"Mimbulus mimbletonia," said Hermione, before the Fat Lady could ask. The portrait swung open to reveal the hole behind and the three of them scrambled back through it.
****
"So, what are the properties of moonstone and its uses in potion-making?" Ron said as he looked up expectantly at Hermione.
But Hermione was not listening; she was squinting over into the far corner of the room, where Fred, George, and Lee Jordan were now sitting at the center of a knot of innocent-looking first years, all of whom were chewing something that seemed to have come out of a large paper bag that Fred was holding.
"No, I'm sorry, they've gone too far," she said, standing up and looking positively furious. "Come on, Harry."
Harry smiled and stood up as he thought to Hermione, <Oh, yeah, that's right…Harmony reminded me about having to do our 'prefect duties' tonight…that's why I suggested we leave when I did. Don't worry, 'Mione, those sweets aren't dangerous, really…I'm quite familiar with their effects from last time. They became quite popular later this year as a way for students to get out of Umbridge's class. But, I suppose you're right - we should be seen 'doing our job', shouldn't we?>
Before Hermione took one more step towards the twins, she grabbed Harry by the arm and thought in response <What was that, Harry?>
<What, didn't you understand me? I said we should be seen doing our job.>
<No, before that…something about 'getting out of Umbridge's class…' right?>
<Yeah, I suppose so…what's up?>
<Hmmm…I just had an idea…maybe Fred and George may be willing to help out with a few things this year…>
As the first years slumped unconscious in their seats, Hermione marched directly over to where Fred and George now stood with clipboards, closely observing the test subjects. "Fred, George…we need to talk for a moment," she said happily to them as they looked up in surprise.
"What are you on about, Hermione?" Fred said defensively.
"Didn't I tell you this morning you can't test your rubbish on students?" she said, winking quickly so only Harry could see.
"You're not going to act all 'prefect-like' and threaten to turn us in to Mum or something, are you?" George said warily as he administered the antidote to the first years in the form of a purple sweet inserted into their open mouths.
"Oh, of course not…I would, however, like to propose a 'different' test subject that may be more of a challenge…and more fun if you are successful," she said with a smile as she drew the twins into a private huddle.
After a short while, Fred and George broke the huddle wearing the biggest grins that Ron had ever seen on them. As they walked towards the staircase to their room, they stopped and looked back at Hermione with something nigh unto reverence. Before they turned away, Fred said with awe in his voice, "Hermione, we never realized how brilliant....and wicked, you are."
George nodded, and added solemnly "Just remind us never to get on your bad side!" and they both saluted her smartly and said in unison, "We have our orders…we will not fail in the completion of our assignment!"
Hermione saluted them in return, as Harry queried mentally, <What was that all about, 'Mione? Just what did you ask them to do?>
<Never you mind, Harry…you'll see soon enough. Let's just say I'm not about to allow certain things to happen to YOU this time around, either. For now, though, I'm getting tired. Could you help me with something?>
<Sure, Hermione…I even have a good idea about what it is…something to do with 'hats for house elves' if I recall?>
As she opened her bag and began to pull out some misshapen woolen objects, she responded, <How'd you know…oh, that's right…you've already seen them, haven't you? One question, Harry. Do I EVER get better at knitting them? To me, they look more like wooly bladders, to be totally honest.>
Harry answered very carefully, <Oh, LOADS better, actually…just keep practicing. You'll get the hang of it.>
"What in the name of Merlin are you doing?" said Ron, watching her as though fearful for her sanity....
****
As Harry was starving, and he had his first detention with Umbridge at five o'clock, he headed straight for dinner without dropping off his bag in Gryffindor Tower so that he could bolt something down before facing what he knew she had in store for him. He had barely reached the entrance of the Great Hall, however, when a loud and angry voice said, "Oy, Potter!"
<Oh, bloody hell, I forgot…Angelina's not too happy with me right now. Well, no time like the present to face her, I suppose.> "What's wrong, Angelina? You seem a bit upset over something," he said pleasantly.
"What's wrong? WHAT'S WRONG? I'll tell you what's wrong," she said marching straight up to him and poking him hard in the chest with her finger. "How come you've landed yourself in detention for five o'clock on Friday? In that letter you sent me just before the start of term, you said you would be there to help train Ron as a Keeper and Ginny as a second-string Seeker, right? Although I don't know just WHY we need a second-team seeker with you around, truth be told…but be that as it may, I really do need your help. You said that Ron would have a new broom, right? Anyway, we need to do a tryout with the whole team if we want this to work out…and now you've decided you're not going to be there!"
"I didn't decide not to be there!" said Harry, still stinging from the memories of what had happened during his previous fifth-year Quidditch experiences. "I got detention from that Umbridge woman, just because I told her the truth about You-Know-Who -" he said, carefully avoiding upsetting her any more by the use of Voldemort's name.
"Well, you can just go straight to her and ask her to let you off on Friday," said Angelina fiercely, "and I don't care how you do it, tell her You-Know-Who's a figment of your imagination if you like, just make sure you're there!"
She stormed away.
"You know what?" Harry said to Ron and Hermione as he met up with them at the entrance to the Great Hall. "I think we'd better check with Puddlemere United whether Oliver Wood's been killed during a training session, because Angelina seems to be channeling his spirit."
"What d'you reckon the odds of Umbridge letting you off on Friday?" said Ron skeptically, as they sat down at the Gryffindor Table.
Before he could answer, he heard two distinct, familiar female voices enter his head at the same time. <Actually, if we have anything to say in the matter, they may be better than you think, Harry. You actually didn't think we were going to let her get away with her 'punishments' again, did you?>
Ron waved his hand in front of Harry's face. "Harry, what's going on? You just got a really big smile on your face…and no, I don't want to know what caused it. So, how about it, Harry - what are the chances of getting out of detention for the tryouts?"
"Well, I was about to say that it was less than zero, but, you know, I think things are definitely looking more promising," he said as he winked first at Harmony, seated at the staff table, then at Hermione. "You know, I might even get a chance to work on all that homework we have when I get finished tonight. You realize we've got to write three essays, practice Vanishing Spells for McGonagall, work out a countercharm for Flitwick, finish the bowtruckle drawing, and start that stupid dream diary for Trelawney?"
Ron moaned and for some reason looked up at the ceiling.
"And it looks like it is going to rain."
"What's that got to do with our homework?" said Hermione, her eyebrows raised.
"Nothing," said Ron at once, his ears reddening.
Harry turned to Ron and said, "Oh, that reminds me, Ron. I forgot to tell you something. You see, Angelina wants you to come to our practice on Friday. Seems we have a Keeper opening this year, and since you've got that new Cleansweep she thinks you might have a good shot at it. Oh, and she wants you to bring Ginny, too…she got an idea that we may need a reserve Seeker this year, and thought Ginny might want to try out for it."
"Ginny? But Ginny doesn't fly…"
"Doesn't fly what, Ron?" Hermione said firmly. "Your sister isn't half-bad at flying, you know."
***
At five to five Harry bade the other two good-bye and set off for Umbridge's office on the third floor. When he knocked on the door she said, "Come in," in a sugary voice. He entered cautiously, looking around while pretending that he had never been there before. Of course, he remembered all too well what had happened the last time he was in her office, which caused his anger to rise once again.
"Good evening, Mr. Potter."
****
"You haven't given me any ink," he said.
"Oh, you won't need ink," said Professor Umbridge with the merest suggestion of a laugh in her voice.
<That's right, Harry…you won't need any ink this time, either…Harmony and I did a little research in the library and we'd like to test a theory out that we came up with. Now, Harry, just relax and focus on her quill for a second…then at the creature who gave it to you.>
As Harry looked intently at the quill in his hand, he heard Hermione's voice in his head utter a strange incantation and he saw a brief flash surrounding the tip. As he turned his attention to Dolores, he then heard Harmony repeat a different spell, causing Umbridge to shudder noticeably for a second before she looked at him impatiently.
"Well, get on with it, Potter… "I must not tell lies," she prompted.
Harry placed the point of the quill on the paper and wrote: I must not tell lies.
He heard a gasp of pain come from Dolores, and he could barely keep from smiling as he thought, <Looks like your theory has been proven, wouldn't you say? So, you can each project spells through me, eh? I'm sure that will come in handy this year!> and then turned back to his parchment.
The words had appeared on the parchment in what appeared to be shining red ink. At the same time, Dolores had quickly glanced at her hand. Eyes wide, she watched in amazement for a moment, shook her head, and said, "Continue, please."
"Surely, Professor. Now how many times did you want me to write this?" he said, grinning even more inside as he started writing lines as fast as he could go. I must not tell lies. I must not tell lies.
Each time his quill touched the parchment there was a gasp of pain from Umbridge as she watched the back of her hand curiously. After the third line was done, she reached over quickly and grabbed the quill out of his hand before he could start on the next one. "That will be all, Mr. Potter…I just remembered I have some important business to attend to this evening, but I expect you to report to me each night this week, especially this coming Friday, nonetheless."
However, when Harry went to her office the following evening, there was a note on her door. The note explained that Dolores had taken mysteriously ill after lunch and all of her appointments were cancelled until further notice, while her classes would be taught by a substitute as soon as one could be found. As he walked quickly back to the Gryffindor common room, he thought to Hermione, <I don't really have to ask this, but did YOU have something to do with Dolores's sudden illness? Or, did you recruit a little help, maybe?>
As she replied, Harry could sense a mischievous twinkle in her eye as she said, as innocently as she could, <Moi, Harry? Whatever gave you the idea that I would even THINK of doing something to a teacher? I'm a good little Gryffindor, you know, just like you. I NEVER break the rules! Of course, I cannot vouch for the alleged actions of other, older members of my house…>
As he entered the portrait hole, he walked over quickly to Fred and George, who were seated next to Hermione. They had obviously been waiting for him to return. The twins stood up as he approached and Fred said, "So, how much do you want to know, Harry?"
"As little as possible for now. I'm sure that it is best if I can honestly deny any involvement at all in whatever happened to Dolores. But, be sure and give me all the details over a butterbeer sometime." Harry said as he shook both their hands.
George added, solemnly. "By the way, Potter, if you ever get tired of having Hermione around, be sure and let us know. If we had her brains and strategy, along with our…well, special talents, we'd put Zonko's out of business in a week."
Harry smiled at Hermione as he said, "Well, I'll tell you now - I'm never going to get tired of Hermione, so you can forget that. However, I'm sure we can probably come up with some kind of a partnership deal with the two of you. How about it, Hermione? Want to go into the joke shop business with these two?"
She quickly thought back to him before answering out loud <As long as all they want is my brains and ability to develop strategy, I'm sure we can work something out. As for the rest of me, that belongs to you and you alone, Harry!>
To the twins she said, "That sounds quite fun, actually. Deal?"
"DEAL!" the redheads said in unison.
*****
With the threat of having to put up with Dolores no longer looming over his head for the rest of the year, Harry's mood lightened considerably. He was able to attend the Quidditch tryout and was pleased to see that Ron was actually the best of the lot who tried out for Keeper, even though admittedly he would need a lot of practice to be really good. Ginny, also, showed raw talent as a Seeker. The following morning, as he sat in his room and thought about what that would mean, he realized that Quidditch was less important to him this time around. For one thing, he was becoming aware that his newly- discovered maturity was helping him put things in perspective - while Quidditch was fun and exciting, he needed to focus on other things this year. And, he realized, he had something else this time around - the sure knowledge that he was in love with Hermione Granger, and he'd much rather spend time with her this year than at Quidditch practice <I remember what happened last time around - Ron was off practicing Quidditch, while Hermione and I were spending a lot of time together. And, I don't want to give that up!>
<Give what up, Harry? Oh, sorry, was I interrupting a private thought?> Hermione's voice in his head was very clear, even though she was across the castle in the library. <I couldn't help but hear you - you were thinking of me, weren't you? What is it, Harry? Something I can help you with?>
<Well, to tell you the truth, not really. I was just thinking about my priorities this year. What would you say to me playing just one more Quidditch match for old time's sake, and then letting Ginny take over? I'll still help Angelina work with the team and do some training, but I'd much rather spend more time with you. I'm not about to…well, never mind that. Besides, you've got to show me how to knit woolen hats, right?>
<Let me get this straight. You're giving up Quidditch…and you want to help me with S.P.E.W.? Oh, Harry…do you mean it?>
<Of course I mean it, 'Mione…you of all people shouldn't have to ask - you know my mind now.>
<You know, Harry, if I wasn't in the library right now, I'm sure I'd be shouting THANK YOU at the top of my lungs…if I wasn't busy thanking you in a more personal way, that is. >
<Hmmm. Well, we'll just have to see about that sometime. Remember, though, we promised Harmony we'd keep things low-key.>
Harmony's voice broke in. <Sorry for listening in, but I couldn't help it - you two were coming through pretty loudly. Harry, 'low-key' doesn't mean you can't still see each other, you know. Remember our agreement - I don't want to know the details, and you both know not to cross…well, THAT line, but, you two enjoy yourself. Just warn me beforehand and I'll make sure I'll block the link on my side so I don't intrude. It's okay, Harry - you don't have to feel bad for me. I understand perfectly. Remember, things will work out for the best for all of us. By the way, it IS Saturday, you know. Hermione, what ARE you doing in the library on a fine day like today? Go find Harry, and maybe you can have a picnic this afternoon while you teach him how to knit…if you have time, that is!>
******
The next change that came as a result of Dolores' sudden absence happened the following Monday. As Ron, Harry, and Hermione headed to their Double DADA class, they speculated as to who the substitute would be. "Maybe we can get the real Professor Moody back for a while…I doubt we'd be so lucky as to get Lupin back, though" Harry said sadly.
"Nah," Ron said. "I suppose Dumbledore would get sacked if he tried to bring back a werewolf. Hey, how about Tonks? She's an Auror - she'd probably be quite brilliant at teaching DADA." His face turned red as he considered other advantages of seeing her again.
"Oho, Ron…I'm definitely thinking that you may just fancy our friend the metamorphmagus?" Hermione said with a wink.
"Er…well…she was nice to me at…well, Order Headquarters this summer, especially when Hermione was being so mean to me and all. Besides, she is nice to look at, when she's not got a pig's nose, that is. A bloke can look, can't he? It's not as if I've got a girlfriend or something."
"Oh, be patient, Ron," Harry said knowingly. "For all you know, you've got a secret admirer just waiting for the proper time to reveal her true feelings for you. Maybe she'll make something for you…or sing just for you…you never know. Just keep your eyes…and your mind, open."
They entered the DADA classroom and took their seats, along with all the other students. When the bell rang, there was still no instructor at the front of the classroom. After about a minute, the murmuring started in earnest. "Maybe Dumbledore couldn't find anyone…" "Hey, does this mean we can get up and leave? I've got better things to do than sit here…" "Oh, shut it, you…someone will be here soon."
The door opened, and a hooded figure entered the room. "Yes, someone IS here…sorry for the delay, but I had a few things to discuss with the headmaster. I will be your DADA teacher until such time as Professor Umbridge is able to return or a different substitute can be found."
Hermione raised her hand quickly. "But sir…you haven't introduced yourself yet, and with that hood we don't even know what you look like. How may we address you?"
"I apologize, but there is a very good reason why I cannot show you my face. However, you may address me as Professor…Boardman."