HPL61-70

HP: Love's Second Chance Ch. 61 "Breakfast Banter"2 days ago

Miranda was chuckling as she poured herself another glass of her favorite beverage and continued her watch over her current favorite soul mates. "I'm glad I didn't stop the youngest Weasley now. This could be fun," She thought. "Now time to make some popcorn and sit back and enjoy this," The Goddess thought of one last thing and a quick request to Harry and Hermione followed.

"Well done you two," She said. "Just one thing to think of. Make sure you protect Lavender Brown. She is innocent in this and if you have two people who don't care about other people jealous of Ron, they might try something against her."

"Yes Miranda. We'll do our best," Hermione replied. "Though Ginny and Ron should know exactly what's coming and hopefully won't show their faces outside of Ron taking his OWLs."

In the boys dorm Ginny and Ron were having a different discussion.

"What did you do Ginny?" Ron whined. "How could this happen? Are you sure Malfoy and Parkinson ate the sweets?"

"That's what Harry and Hermione said," Ginny replied nervously. "Bulstrode ate the tart that Harry was supposed to eat. Damn those Slytherins," Ginny growled as she thought of her perfect retribution against the bookworm reduced to a state that was worse than ever. She mentally shuddered at the thought of Millicent Bulstrode confessing love for her. Bile rose in her throat as other images came to mind that never ever should be thought of when it came to the Slytherin hag.

"What about the antidote?" Ron asked. "How can we get it to them?"

"I didn't make the antidote," Ginny admitted. "Why would I? It only lasts for a couple of days and it was for Harry and Hermione. How was I supposed to know the snakes would get it by accident?"

"No…no antidote?" Ron asked and he looked at his sister. "How in the bloody hell could you be so stupid?"

"STUPID!" Ginny screamed before continuing in a quieter voice. "Who are you calling stupid. You couldn't even make the potions if someone gave you a three ingredient head start on them," Ginny took a couple of breathes to calm down. "It was just bad luck. All we have to do is avoid them for a couple of days. You know, stay in the dorms until it all blows over."

"I can't Ginny. I have OWLs tomorrow," Ron spat. "OWLs in the same bloody room as Malfoy and Parkinson. I CAN'T avoid them."

The next morning a rustling noise near his bed awoke Harry with a start. His glasses were on and his wand in his hand within seconds only to catch his ex-best friend trying to open his trunk. Once again Ron Weasley found a wand under his chin.

"What do you think you're doing?" Harry asked coolly.

"Uhm...Harry…mate. I wanted to know if I could borrow your cloak? You know your father's," Ron asked.

"And you think trying to get into my trunk and taking it is a form of asking?"

"You were still sleeping and…uh…I didn't think you would mind. I mean I apologized and everything," Ron replied still feeling the point of Harry's wand under his chin. "I...I'm hungry and need to go to get breakfast."

"What's going on Harry?" Hermione asked groggily.

"Just someone trying to take my invisibility cloak so he can get food and avoid Malfoy and Parkinson."

"Ron can't eat?" Hermione mentally chuckled. "It gets better and better."

Harry's eyes stayed focused on Ron as he spent just a couple of seconds with the chat with Hermione. "Why would you need my cloak to go to breakfast?" He asked innocently as he pulled his wand away from Ron's chin but kept a firm grasp on it.

Ron's mouth opened but he had no reply. If he mentioned he needed to avoid Malfoy and Parkinson, Harry would want to know why. Finally he thought of an answer. "Uh…I have an admirer and…uh… well she's been staring at me."

"Really, that's great man. Who is it?"

"Uh…it's well someone, uh.. someone I'm not interested in."

"Ah, so you have someone staring at you and you don't like it? Yeah I know that feeling," Harry said. "But just think of it as a taste of the fame you've always wanted. So go enjoy it."

Ron realized he was not getting Harry's cloak and slunk off to his bed.

Harry pointed his wand at his trunk and whispered. "Colloportus," A squelching sound came from the trunk lid as it sealed itself shut.

"I'll be down soon as I have a shower love."

Fifteen minutes later Harry left a disgruntled Ron in the dorm as he went to meet his wife.

"What about Ginny?" Harry asked.

"Supposedly she isn't leaving her bed," Hermione replied with a grin.

People throughout the hallways to the Great Hall were wondering what Harry and Hermione were chuckling about as they walked arm in arm to breakfast.

HP: Love's Second Chance Ch. 62 "Consequences Unfold"2 days ago

They later discovered that a first year witch had let Millicent Bulstrode into the Gryffindor Tower and showed her where to find Ginny. It was only after the burly Slytherin had pinned the smaller Weasley against the wall and given her a full on mouth kiss after proclaiming her undying love that Ginny had been able to break away and run for it.

When their class was called to enter the Great Hall to start the Charms OWL testing, Harry and Hermione still had not seen Ron. It was only after everyone was fully seated and testing was about to begin that he came rushing in taking a seat at the very back.

"Excuse me Weasley," Came the familiar Scottish burr of Professor McGonagall who stood at the front of the Hall. "Why are you late?"

The last thing in the world Ron wanted to happen was happening. Every eye in the room turned toward him. "Uh well...you see.." Stuttered Ron. "I…" His reply was cut off as two people were scrambling to their feet. Draco and Pansy both had started walking toward the back of the room. As they walked they glared at each other and each started walking faster.

McGonagall just looked on in stunned silence as the two Slytherins were almost running by the time they got to the back of the Hall. Each taking a table next to the now ashen-faced Ron Weasley who looked nervously from desk to desk. "What..." She started but decided she really didn't want to know unless it disrupted the testing. She shrugged and then turned around. She had just grasped the large hour-glass that sat on the desk when she heard tables move. Looking back, she scanned the room until she finally noticed both Malfoy's and Parkinson's tables were now much closer to Weasley's.

"What's going on?" McGonagall asked. When Draco leaned over and whispered something to Ron that caused the young Weasley to turn bright red, she presumed it was some kind of harassment and started toward the back of the hall. She thought her suspicions were confirmed when Ron moved his desk sharply away from Malfoy. She stopped dead in her tracks at what happened next.

When Ron had shoved his desk away from Malfoy it had come to rest against Pansy's. As Ron continued to stare at Draco in disgust, Pansy reached a finger out and gently stroked his cheek. At the touch, Ron spun around and came face to face with the pug faced Slytherin only to have her lean over and kiss him fully on his lips and saying very loudly "Weasley you're my king, will you marry me?"

"AAAAAAHHHHH!" Ron screamed as bolted from his desk and ran from the Hall. Malfoy and Parkinson rose to follow him but ended up fighting each other trying to get out of the door first.

"WHAT IN MERLIN'S BEARD IS GOING ON?" McGonagall yelled. "Malfoy, Parkinson, thirty points each from Slytherin and detention for the rest of the week," But neither of the potion induced love struck teenagers made any indications they had heard her as they finally made it out of the room.

"No one move or talk," McGonagall said to the Hall filled with students as she followed the other three out of the door. It was a full twenty minutes later before she returned muttering to herself. She took a couple of minutes to compose herself before starting the testing.

Harry and Hermione were the first to complete the written part of the exam. Though by a mental agreement, Hermione laid her quill down well before Harry did. When they both were finished they sat quietly waiting for the other students to be finished. Hermione mentally nudged Harry to look at Neville. Harry was pleasantly surprised to find his friend had already laid down his own quill ten minutes prior to the end of the testing time and was only reviewing his answers. In those minutes he only picked up the quill to make minor corrections twice.

Later in the summer when test examiners were grading the results, they found Millicent Bulstrode's answers quite interesting. For example, the question which asked 'What would be the correct wand movement and incantation be for changing an object from red to blue?' she had written; "Who would ever want to change anything from the color red. It is the most beautiful color there is, as it's the color of my true love's hair," In fact most of her answers referred to Ginny Weasley in some fashion or another. The test examiner who graded her paper was thoroughly amused, but still wrote a D for her OWL results.

"How'd you do Neville?" Harry asked as they filed out of the Great Hall.

"I…I think I did fine," Neville said with a nervous smile. "It seems like now that I can do the charms better, I'm more confident about the wand movements and things."

"That's great," Hermione replied giving him a smile.

"Well I owe it all to you two," Neville admitted.

"Just glad to help Neville," Harry said. "Now let's see what happened to Ron, Draco and Pansy."

"I can tell you," A voice came from behind them. Recognizing the voice they turned to find Luna had managed to sneak up on them. "They are all in the hospital wing."

"WHAT?" Hermione exclaimed. "How?"

"It seems that Ronald ran up the steps trying to get away from the two people chasing him. He forgot about the step in the third floor you have to jump and because he was running so fast, when his foot sunk into it, he hurt himself. Someone who was nearby when he was helped out of the step thought his ankle might have been broken."

Harry looked at Hermione, "Better him breaking an ankle than we ending up with the two of them under the influence of potions," Harry said finally.

"True," Hermione replied. "Besides Madam Pomfrey will have him up and around in no time," She then asked Luna. "What about Malfoy and Parkinson? How did they end up in the hospital wing?"

"Well it seems they started fighting over who would help Ronald out of the step and ended up hexing each other. Parkinson stunned Draco and he fell down the steps while she was knocked down the steps when Ron started flailing around with his arms when she kissed him as she tried to help him out of the step."

"Hopefully that will keep them out of our hair for a couple of days," Harry said.

HP: Love's Second Chance Ch. 63 "Strategic Maneuvers"2 days ago

After lunch back, Neville, Harry and Hermione found themselves sitting in the small chamber off the Great Hall waiting for their names to be called for the practical examinations. Hermione was pacing; not in concern for the test itself but about the possibility of her name being called as Potter. She was both saddened and relieved when 'Hermione Granger' was called right after 'Gregory Goyle'. It was only five minutes later when Neville was called. As he got up he looked over at Harry who gave him a smile.

"You have this covered Neville," He said. "Good luck."

Neville smiled back and then he steeled his shoulders and walked confidently into the examination area clutching his new wand.

It was another five minutes when 'Harry Potter' was called along with the Patil Sisters. Harry realized that Pansy should have been called at the same time, but noticed she was not there. He was directed to Professor Marchbanks herself.

"Mr. Potter is it?" She asked in an overly loud voice. "The Harry Potter?"

Harry could only nod under the piercing eyes the ancient petite witch had upon him. "Yes I remember your father standing in front of me as well," She held her gaze for a second longer before continuing. "Well let's get on with it," She waved her hand toward an eggcup. "Please make this do a few cartwheels if you please."

After Harry had made the cup do two cartwheels he made it toddle onto a spoon that was on the table. The spoon flipped the eggcup another three flips the other way where Harry had it land softly.

"Your father couldn't resist similar antics Mr. Potter. Though they could be termed amusing, as I told him, I prefer if we could keep this to what I request."

"Yes ma'am," Harry replied with a look of chagrin.

"Not to say the landing wasn't very good, impressive in fact," Marchbanks said with a look that might have been a smile under all of her wrinkles. "Now since you seem to like levitating, make that bottle pour its contents in that glass while both are in the air."

Harry worked through the various charms completing each of them with ease. Finally Professor Marchbank said. "For the last thing, I'd like you to turn this rat," she nodded toward a caged rat sitting on the table. "Any color you desire."

As Harry consider what color to turn the rat into, an old sunshine daisy spell that Ron had tried to so many years previous on a train to Hogwarts came to mind. He waved his wand and cast the proper spell and watched the rat turn bright yellow. With another cast, the nose of the rat turned red.

"Very nice precision on the nose color, Mr. Potter," Marchbanks said. She gave Harry an appraising look before she said. "That is all for your charms practical. You will receive your OWL results during the summer. I think though it's safe for you to not worry about these results."

At dinner Neville told of his own exam. "I only had problems at the very first. I accidentally hit my examiner with the eggcup," He explained. "I was a bit excited you see. But I then settled down and think I did okay."

"Excellent Neville," Harry exclaimed and then watched his friend turn beet red as Luna gave him a kiss on his cheek.

They were all sitting around the table when the most horrible sound in the world interrupted them.

"Hem Hem."

Harry rolled his eyes slightly before turning around to face Umbridge.

"Mr. Potter you're to come with me," The High Inquisitor said. "You are under suspicion of dosing fellow students with illegal potions."

"I don't know what you're talking about," Harry lied as Hermione's brain went into gear.

"I have a plan," She said to Harry and then to Umbridge. "Who is accusing him?" she asked.

"I am of course," Umbridge spat. "And frankly it's none of your concern Miss Granger," She grabbed Harry's arm and started to pull him up.

"What type of potion do you think he used Professor?" Hermione persisted.

"Not that it's any of your concern but the school nurse found the victims to be under heavy influence of a combination love and jealousy potions."

By now many people had gathered closer to listen to what was going on including several professors. "Potter make a working potion?" sneered Snape. "Not without Miss Granger's help."

Umbridge's eyes immediately focused on the bushy haired witch. "You do know how to make love potions don't you? There was the article last year in the Witch Weekly," Her eyes flashed menacing at Hermione. "So you're up to your old tricks again are you?"

Harry was about to say something when Hermione said "Harry, I want her to accuse me. Let me handle this."

"Are you accusing me?" Hermione asked Umbridge.

"Of course and I'll have you expelled by the end of the day and your wand snapped."

"Actually you can't have my wand snapped," Hermione replied calmly. "As I've taken my first OWL my wand cannot be taken without a full trial by the Wizengamot."

"Dear I am the Senior Undersecretary of the Minister of Magic," Umbridge said sickly sweet. "I do not need a muggleborn child telling me what I can or can't do."

"Actually she is quite correct," Said an overly loud voice of Professor Marchbanks. "Once a student..."

"Nor do I need some old..." A red faced Umbridge started and then remembered who she was speaking to. "I mean yes of course."

"Though," Hermione said quickly, "I am willing to forgo such a trial and submit to full questioning under Veritaserum IF I am allowed an advocate to protect my privacy and my accuser submits to the same."

"Are you sure you know what you're doing?" Harry asked his wife. "We have a lot of information to protect."

"That's why I stated having an advocate," Hermione explained. "Their purpose would be to insure only the questions I agree to answer are asked. Besides, I will bet she will withdraw her accusations now. She knows she really has no case against you or me and the possibility of being questioned under Veritaserum would frighten her too much."

HP: Love's Second Chance Ch. 64 "Hermione's Challenge"2 days ago

Umbridge looked around the Great Hall and found every single person focused on her including the entire OWL examination team. Finally she turned back to Hermione. "Nonsense dear. That definitely will not be necessary. But for your disrespect of my authority fifty points will be taken from Gryffindor and detention for the next two nights."

"I didn't mean any disrespect ma'am," Hermione replied. "I was only pointing out a mistake you had made. Though if you feel detention is required of course I will attend."

Those people who had served detention with Umbridge gave a collective gasp. But Hermione wasn't finished yet. She turned to Professor Marchbank. "Professor, though the High Inquisitor of Hogwarts is fully within her rights to request me to serve detention, could I ask one or more of your examiners to monitor the detention?"

"Whatever for?" Marchbanks asked.

"Professor Umbridge has shown a penchant to punish in a way that would be detrimental to my completing additional OWLs in a timely manner."

"Nonsense," Umbridge said at once. "What happens during my detentions is none of their concern."

"Again I must suggest that you are in error," Hermione replied. "Examiners have full authority to prevent any action that is deemed detrimental to the completion of the testing," She turned to Marchbanks. "Would you say a requirement to use a blood quill for extended periods of time would be detrimental for the completion of my testing?"

"Blood quill?" Several of the examiners exclaimed. Many of them had pulled out parchments and were scribbling notes. One old bald gentleman asked "What exactly does she do with the blood quill?"

"This has gone on long enough," Umbridge broke in. "Everyone leave," She turned to Hermione. "I don't think there is a need for you to have detention," but the glint in her eyes told Hermione the issue was far from over. After giving everyone a sickly smile she turned and stormed out of the Great Hall.

"About that Blood quill?" The old examiner said after Umbridge left.

"Harry?" Hermione looked over at her husband.

Harry help out his hand to show the back of it where the words. "I must not tell lies," were clearly outlined.

"But to leave a mark a quill must be used..."

"Hours per day, weeks on end," Harry finished for the man. "I am very aware of what it takes."

The next morning a new notice had appeared on the house notice boards.

BY ORDER OF THE HIGH INQUISITOR OF HOGWARTS

No student may speak to or otherwise engage any OWL examiner for any reason except for the actual OWL testing. All examiners are required to stay in their assigned quarters when not actually completing OWL testing.

The above is in accordance with Educational Decree Number Twenty‐nine.

Signed: Dolores Jane Umbridge, High Inquisitor

Approved: Cornelius Oswald Fudge, Minister for Magic

"It's time for her to go," Hermione said. "I just wished we could discredit her before we do something."

Hermione didn't realize her wish was about to come true.

Hermione couldn't help noticing Umbridge's eyes on her during breakfast. She knew the High Inquisitor would be around soon to continue what had been started the previous day. As she was planning ways to use the detention that Hermione ware sure she would be given to lure the toad-like woman into the Forbidden Forest, her thoughts were interrupted when the doors of the Great Hall burst open and a monocle wearing short gray-haired lady strolled in followed by four people in Auror cloaks.

"Dolores Jane Umbridge," A booming voice ranged out from the lady. Everyone in the hall at the time turned to looked at Amelia Bones.

"Amelia," The toad woman answered back. "By what right do you burst in here?"

"As Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, it is my job to personally investigate any criminal complaints against senior government officials," Bones replied. "I have received such a complaint against yourself in regards to the possible torture of students in this castle."

"Rubbish Amelia," Umbridge replied. "Obviously you are either mistaken or this is some ridiculous plot one of my political enemies has dreamed up."

"None the less I must investigate," Amelia replied. She then looked toward the Gryffindor table. "I understand Harry Potter can provide…"

A man in a lime green bowler hat came rushing into the Great Hall at that time followed closely by a young man with red hair. "Madam Bones, what do you think you're doing?"

"I am doing my job Minister Fudge," She answered curtly. "I received a complaint against Senior Undersecretary Umbridge and I am investigating it as my note to your office stated."

"I can assure you that Dolores is innocent of any kind of complaint."

"Then she has nothing to fear from this investigation," Madam Bones replied tersely. She turned her attention back to the Hall. "Harry Potter please."

"Potter?" Fudge answered with almost a snarl. "How did…I mean he filed the complaint?"

"No he didn't," Bones replied. "But I have it on good authority he can provide substantial evidence in the case."

"Anything he has to say cannot be believed," Fudge said indignantly. "He's nothing but a self-absorbed attention seeking boy."

"I am not asking for testimony from him at this moment," As Harry came up to her she asked. "Mr. Potter, I have a complaint that Dolores Umbridge utilized a Blood quill in her detentions in an extent that equaled torture. The complaint says they have seen proof on the back of your hand. May I see your hand?"

Harry looked at Fudge and held his grin to himself. He lifted his hand and rotated it to display the outlines of the words he had been forced to carve into his skin hour upon hour and days upon days.

Madam Bones looked at his hand from several different angles and then looked up at Harry. "Mr. Potter was this a result from the use of a Blood Quill?"

"If you're referring to a special quill that makes you write in your own blood then yes ma'am."

"Punishment by Professor Umbridge?"

"Yes Ma'am," Harry replied again.

"How often?"

Harry had to think back two years and calculate what he remembered. He finally said. "At least fifty or sixty nights with three to four hours each night over the school year. Usually a week or two in a row. It would probably be worse if Her…a friend hadn't prepared Murtlap Essence for me afterwards."

Madam Bones and two of the Aurors paled at the thought. "Would you be willing to testify to the accuracy of that statement under truth serum Mr. Potter?"

"Remember only with an advocate and the questions they may ask," Hermione reminded him.

"Yes ma'am. That's presuming I may have an advocate of my choosing present and a list of the questions that would be asked of me," Harry replied. His eyes flickered to the Minister of Magic before finding Amelia's again. "I would not want certain people to take advantage of the situation."

"That is…understandable," Madam Bones replied. "Do you have time now?"

"My transfiguration OWL is supposed to begin in an hour," Harry replied. "Will it take that long?"

"I can assure you it will not. Who do you want for your advocate?"

"This has gone on long enough Amelia," Fudge exclaimed. "Must I remind you that I can have your job? Dolores Umbridge is my most trusted undersecretary and I will not have her accused by some glory seeking brat."

HP: Love's Second Chance Ch. 65 "Harry's Advocates"2 days ago

Amelia eyes narrowed to a point where the monocle in front of her eye dug into her skin. She whirled around to face Fudge. "And may I remind you 'Minister'," Her voice filled with disgust. "I cannot be fired when I am investigating a member of the Minister of Magic's staff except by the Wizengamot. Even then it requires a seventy percent vote in favor of the termination," She nodded to Percy Weasley who was standing next to Fudge. "You can ask your young assistant on the accuracy of that law," She shook her head before continuing in a much quieter voice. "Cornelius, if these allegations are proven true and you continue to support your undersecretary it will be disastrous for you. Politically speaking the best thing you can do is fully support the investigation without comment on how you want it to end."

Fudge glanced at Percy who was now only nodding at whoever was speaking. Then his eyes moved to his Undersecretary as he considered his options. He knew Amelia was correct and that he didn't control seventy percent of the Wizengamot. With a glare at Harry Potter he turned back to Madam Bones and snarled, " Very well, but I expect a full briefing each day on your findings."

"I can't do that Cornelius," Amelia replied. "Again because this is your staff, I have to conduct this investigation entirely away from your influence."

"Fine," Fudge huffed and turned to leave the room. "Come Weasley," He said and walked out of the Hall.

Dolores Umbridge was stunned. When the Minister had shown up she had been sure he would dispatch these ridiculous accusations quickly, but she had just watched him leave while the Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement remained.

Madam Bones turned again to Harry. "Who do you wish to be your advocate?"

Harry first thought of Professor McGonagall, but then realized that if Dolores was forced out of her position, he wanted her to step in as Headmistress of the school and if it appeared she was too close to him, she might not be allowed. He thought of each of the adults in the room. Madam Pomfrey, Professor Sprout, Professor Flitwick…and then he knew what he should do.

"I would like two if possible Madam Bones," Harry said. "I would like Professor Flitwick and…" He let the sentence dangle knowing everyone who could hear him was listening. "...Professor Snape," He finished. When he mentioned the Potions Master an uproar started from the area near them as his decision reverberated around the room.

"Snape?" Hermione asked. "What are you doing?"

"I don't want McGonagall linked to me since I want her named Headmistress when Umbridge leaves," Harry explained. "Everyone presumes Snape and I hate each other. Though we do, I also know he will not betray me in this. He has no love of the Ministry. Besides if he testifies to what I say is correct, then no one can claim a bias anywhere."

"True," Hermione agreed. "Though you know if Umbridge goes down now, we won't be able to let her meet Aragog."

"But she will be discredited and Fudge will have one more thing he will need me for."

"Would you help Umbridge?"

"Are you nuts?" Harry asked. "Of course not. I'm talking about his political career. If one of his senior officials goes down then he will really be desperate in a couple of weeks when Voldy shows up."

"Ok," Hermione replied. "Are you going to invite me?"

"Severus Snape?" Madam Bones asked disbelieving.

"Yes ma'am," Harry replied. He looked over at the man before continuing. "We do not have the best relationship and this will assure everyone that there is no favoritism or anything else going on with my testimony."

Snape once again tried to lock on to Harry's thoughts when their eyes met. He wanted to know what prank the son of his dead nemesis was pulling, but again he faced what was an impenetrable mind when he tried. Soon he was seething at the idea that James Potter's son had mastered a skill in less than a month that he had spent years perfecting. He was only brought out of his thoughts when the head of the DMLE was asking him for the third time if he would agree to advocate for Harry.

"Yes Madam Bones," Snape agreed. "I will do as requested."

"Excellent," She responded. "Do you by any chance have a supply of Veritaserum at hand?"

"Unfortunately no," He replied. "Our current Headmistress acquired my last bottle in trying to interrogate Mr. Potter on a previous occasion."

Madam Bones head snapped around so quickly at Dolores Umbridge that her monocle few out of her eye. The Monocle was obviously charmed as it stopped at the end of its chain and returned instantly to its previous location. "As you know Madam Undersecretary, Veritaserum is a level three controlled substance with guidelines that must be followed, especially when it is to be used on a minor."

"I am the Senior Undersecretary Amelia," Umbridge replied pompously. "I do not have to follow those rules."

"I will agree that under certain situations the Minister of Magic may give permission for such things," Amelia replied. "Can I see his written authorization?"

"He...he didn't put it in writing," Umbridge stated as signs of nervousness appeared in her voice. "But he implied that I cou.."

"Then should I ask the Minister if he provided you with specific instructions to do the questioning?"

Umbridge faced had turned red but she did not reply.

Madam Bones turned to Harry. "Mr. Potter were you notified of the Veritaserum before it was administered? Were you allowed an advocate?"

"I...I didn't know, well I suspected so I didn't...well I didn't actually drink it," Harry stammered as if he was nervous before continuing. "I think it was the day after Professor Dumbledore disappeared. Professor Umbridge summoned me to her office and offered me a drink. I had seen Veritaserum used last year when…when Barty Crouch Jr. was questioned and suspected that she might try it. Once I pretended to drink the tea she offered me she started questioning me about Dumbledore and other stuff."

Two of the Aurors were busy writing down the new information when Amelia turned to a different one. "Edward will you go Floo the office and have someone bring a bottle to use?"

"Yes ma'am."

"You might need a password or something," Harry said. "Professor Umbridge has someone at the Floo regulation or whatever monitoring all of the fireplaces here."

"Thank you," Bones replied. "That's something that is outside of my control, but Auror Campbell will not have any difficulties," Once the Auror had disappeared in search of a fireplace, Amelia escorted Harry to the room off of the Great Hall. As they were going, Harry turned to her. "May I have my girlfriend join us as well? Hermione P..uh..Granger."

"Since this is only a preliminary questioning, she is more than welcome."

HP: Love's Second Chance Ch. 66 "Minerva Takes Charge"2 days ago

Harry silently let her know to join them but waved his hand as well in her direction. Amelia, Harry, Hermione and Professors Flitwick and Snape entered the room. While they were waiting for the Veritaserum to arrive they went over the questions that were to be asked. Another Auror disappeared into the castle and reappeared a few minutes later carrying a small box he'd found in Umbridge's desk. When opened, it contained the Blood quill in question. Finally the Auror who went to request the Veritaserum returned after meeting the delivery person at the gates of Hogwarts.

Hermione pulled Harry aside and explained the last thing she wanted to do. She quickly wrote something on a parchment and had Harry sign it.

The Veritaserum was administered and Amelia started the questioning.

"Is your name Harry Potter?"

"Yes."

"Did you serve detentions with Dolores Umbridge?"

"Yes."

The questioning continued implicating Umbridge in the torture by Blood Quill that had occurred. Harry also had requested to be questioned on whether he had ever brewed or purchased a love potion. Since it had been Dobby who actually had given the potions to Slytherins, Harry was able to answer the question on whether he gave a love potion to anyone truthfully.

Finally Amelia said. "That ends the questioning. I'll administer the antidote now."

"Wait," Hermione said. She handed the parchment that Harry had signed to Madam Bones. "He authorized these questions as well."

Amelia took the parchment and her eyebrows shot up as she read the questions. She looked at Hermione. "He knows?"

"He discovered who since his trial."

"This shall be interesting," Amelia said as she turned back to Harry. "Mr. Potter, did you authorize two additional questions to be asked that were in the possession of your friend?"

"Yes."

"Very well," Amelia looked down and read the first question. "Do you know who was responsible for the Dementor attack that led to your trial last summer?"

"Yes."

Amelia rushed to ask the last question though she already had a pretty good guess what the answer was going to be. "Who was it?"

"Dolores Jane Umbridge."

Everyone in the room started speaking at once. Professor Flitwick remembering his duty as Advocate as several things being said were close to questions quickly cast a silencing charm around Harry's chair before turning to the Head of the DMLE. "Madam Bones, I think you need to administer the antidote now before questions are asked that Mr. Potter has not agreed to answer."

"Yes of course," Amelia replied and administered the antidote. As she waited for the potion to flush the Veritaserum out of Harry's system, she gave an order to the Auror who had brought the Veritaserum. "Mr. Campbell, arrest Dolores Umbridge this instant. Based on this testimony which," She looked at everyone in the room, "I will need all of you to verify you witnessed, she will need to be questioned in front of the Wizengamot. While what she was accused of doing to students was horrendous, we are now talking about attempted murder of a student."

The Auror left the room immediately with his wand out of his holster.

"Ma'am," Hermione said quietly. "I think she tried to kill Harry because of the disagreement between the Minister and him. Have there been any other political rivals Fudge might have had that have disappeared or died of accidents since she became part of his administration?"

"Corrigan?" Another of the Aurors exclaimed.

At the questioning look by Hermione, Amelia explained. "Matthew Corrigan was the head of the DMLE before me. He was considering running against Cornelius in the last election when Minister Bagnold retired. He was extremely popular and most likely would have won. In July that year, he was investigating the possibility of Wizarding influence in the London Stock exchange when an explosion occurred killing him. The muggles blamed the IRA who gladly accepted responsibility but there appeared to have been a magical signature to the explosion. Erumpent horn fluid to be exact. Of course we investigated, but never got any serious leads."

"So you think she might…" Hermione began.

"I refuse to speculate." Amelia replied determinedly. "It will be a question given to her during her questioning, but until an answer is given, I will not form an opinion one way or another."

"I think we need to get to our Transfiguration testing," Harry said as recovered from the influence of the truth serum.

Beginning of Transfiguration testing was delayed as the most despised Professor in the history of Hogwarts was arrested and led away. Peeves, still following the orders given to him by the Weasley twins pelted her with water balloons filled with bright colored dyes that left Umbridge looking like a tie dyed clown as she left the castle. Lee Jordan let loose the entire box of 'supplies' Fred and George and sent him in celebration.

Outside of making sure the fireworks did not interfere with the OWL testing, the remaining professors allowed the celebration to occur for many hours before corralling the fireworks with very little effort. Flitwick removed the swamp that took up the east wing of the fifth floor in just a few seconds, though he left a small portion under a window in tribute to the Weasley twins. Many students after that day would stick their feet in the mud and track it down the hallways to the annoyance of Filch. Shoe cleaning spells prevented the caretaker from finding out who was doing it.

Transfiguration exams went extremely well for Harry and Hermione. Again they both finished ahead of the time limit. Neville didn't quite finish within the time, but after they had left the room, he let them know he felt he had done reasonably well. They also passed the practical exams easily.

McGonagall as Deputy Headmaster stepped into the role of Headmistress. Unfortunately she could not overturn the Educational Decrees without official Ministry support. To no one's surprise, she easily accessed the Headmaster's office when she attempted to do so.

HP: Love's Second Chance Ch. 67 "Secrets Shared"2 days ago

Hermione awoke the next morning to two very large eyes within inches of her own staring at her. The year of being on the run didn't fail her as she rolled off her bed and snatched her wand from under her pillow. She had it raised with a hex on her tongue within a second of hitting the floor.

"Winky is sorry Miss Grangy," The house-elf apologized. "Winky didn't mean to startle you."

"What is it Mione?" Harry frantically asked through the bond. Hermione knew he was already scrambling down the steps to try to get to her as he had felt her panic.

"Nothing Harry," She replied to calm him down. "Winky is here and she startled me when I woke up," Her own heartbeat was starting to slow as she got off the floor and sat on her bed.

"It's alright Winky," Hermione said to the little elf.

"Dobby said that…well Dobby said you might know of a family who would bond with a disgraced elf," Winky explained. "Winky has had no Butterbeer in two days Miss Grangy. Winky wants a family."

Hermione sighed to herself as she looked at the house-elf. She remembered how miserable the elf had looked in the cupboard and now, with just a promise of bonding…of enslaving herself she was perky and full of life again. "You're not a disgraced elf Winky," She started gently. "I was there when your old master freed you; I know the whole story of his son. I know how you followed the orders given to you even when it required you to go up high when you hated being there."

"A good house-elf always does what she is told missus," Winky said. "And Winky always tried to be a good elf."

"Let me get dressed and we'll go find Harry," Hermione said quietly. "Then we'll tell you about the family who would like for you to join them."

Winky was so excited that as soon as Hermione pulled her clothes out of her trunk, she found herself wearing them thanks to the little elf. "Missus is dressed, we can go now," She said as she took Hermione's hand and started pulling her out the door.

"Well that can definitely be a time saver in the mornings," Hermione mused. "Harry it's time to bring Winky into our family if she wants to bond. Can you meet us in the Room of Requirements soon?"

"Of course love," Harry replied. "You got ready quickly."

"I had a little help," She replied as she sent the experience of being dressed by the elf to her husband who couldn't help but chuckle. Hermione turned to Winky. "Let's go to the come and go room and discuss this further."

"Come and go room it is missus," Winky replied as she gripped Hermione's hand tighter. A second later they were outside the Room of Requirements.

"I meant we should...oh never mind," Hermione replied.

"Did Winky do something wrong missus?"

"Of course not. I was just not expecting to apparate."

"Winky is sorry missus."

"You didn't do anything wrong. I was just surprised."

Hermione paced in front of the wall several times requesting a small room to talk in and a door appeared. She and Winky entered and they found three chairs in a small circle waiting for them.

"Sit down Winky," Hermione gestured to a chair as she took another of the chairs.

"Winky should not be sitting," The little elf replied. "Winky needs to get to her new family and start working."

Hermione sighed as she realized how difficult this was going to be for her. "Your new family will want you to be their friend as well Winky," She said finally. "They are going to want you to sit with them, and eat at their table when they have dinner…" She stopped when Winky started getting a nervous look about her. Fortunately Harry slipped in the door at that time followed closely by Dobby.

"Where did Dobby come from?" Hermione asked.

"He was standing outside the door so I invited him in," Harry replied.

"Dobby was waiting for Winky," Dobby explained nervously. "Dobby has been worried about Winky and wanted to know what family Winky would bond to and hoped Dobby could…if Winky would let Dobby visit."

"Only if Winky's new family allows it," Winky replied earnestly. "But Winky will ask."

"I don't think that will be a problem," Hermione said and smiled as Dobby's nervous look brightened.

"Then Dobby will leave now," Dobby said.

"You don't have to leave," Harry said.

"Will missus tell me who my new family will be?" Winky asked impatiently. "Winky did all that missus asked."

"Yes you did Winky," Hermione agreed. "You look much better," She hesitated for a second before continuing. "Winky, would you like to bond with a young married couple who don't actually have a house yet."

"No house?" Winky asked. "What would Winky do without a house to work in?"

"What we are going to tell the both of you next is a secret," Harry interjected as he looked at both Winky and Dobby. "Winky, even if you decide not to bond with the family in question, you have to keep this a secret. Can you do that?"

"Dobby would always keep Harry Potter's and his life mate's secret," Dobby replied nodding his head so vigorously his ears flapped.

"Winky just wants to know who her family is going to be," Winky replied. "Winky will keep yous secrets."

HP: Love's Second Chance Ch. 68 "Bonding Rituals"2 days ago

Harry reached over and took Hermione's hand. "Dobby, Winky, Hermione is actually my wife and it's us who would like to bond with you Winky. We'd like you to be a part of our family."

Hermione couldn't help noticing a look of sadness that crossed Dobby's face for a brief moment before his normal exuberance re-emerged. It was at that moment when she realized what everything he had said the other day meant.

"Dobby wanted to be YOUR house-elf Harry," She said. "He just had a look of sadness when you told Winky it was us."

"But...he likes being free," Harry replied. "He.."

"Finish up with Winky and then we'll talk to Dobby."

"Yous are married?" Winky said. "Yous are too young to be married," The little elf had developed a remorseful look as her ears drooped. "Winky should have stayed in her cupboard."

"House-elves know about soul mates," The voice of Harry and Hermione's favorite Goddess sounded in their minds. "Elves understand bonds better than most Witches and Wizards."

"Winky, do you know what soul mates are?" Hermione asked.

"Winky of course knows what…" Winky started and then her tennis ball sized eyes lit up in understanding "Yous is soul mates? Yous is bonded?"

Hermione smiled at the small elf. "Yes Harry and I are soul mates. We just found out recently but we now know we are considered married."

Winky eyes were alight with glee now. "Winky would love to be your elf. Being elf to soul mates is considered to be special amongst house-elves," Then the fire went out of her eyes as she said. "But you wouldn't want a disgraced elf. Winky is a disgraced elf. Winky is not deserving."

Hermione couldn't help but mentally shake her head at the irony that she was actually going to have to convince a house-elf to bond with her. "Winky, you are very deserving. I will tell you one reason why I think so. Harry and I have some secrets that no one can ever find out about. We know you can keep secrets. We know you would never tell our secrets to anyone."

Winky looked at the witch hopefully. "Winky does keep her family's secrets. Winky would never tell any secrets."

"So you'll be our elf?" Harry asked.

"If Master and Mistress wants Winky, Winky will be your elf."

"We want you," Hermione replied. "But until we have our own house can you work here at Hogwarts. Once we are bonded you will find out why it's very important," Hermione couldn't help noticing Dobby's ears were now much lower than they normally were and she mentally nudged Harry.

"Are you suggesting two elves my wife?"

Hermione explained to her husband the conversation she had had with Dobby while he had been looking a Winky the past Sunday. "Dobby gave his life for us Harry. If he wants to bond to our family of course I will let him."

"Dobby," Harry started. "Can you answer a question for me?"

"Dobby will do his best Harry Potter sir."

"You are a free elf, but I would like to make you an offer," Harry said. The small elf's ears perked up hopefully. "I would like to either hire you or bond with you and have you become part of our family as well."

"Harry Potter wants...wants to bond with Dobby?"

"If you prefer to stay a free elf we'll hire you instead."

"Dobby wants to be the Great Harry Potter's elf sir," Dobby replied so quickly the words seemed to all come out at once. "Dobby has always wanted to be Harry Potter's elf."

"You want to bond with us and not be free?" Harry asked.

"Dobby does not want to be paid by Harry Potter sir. He wants to be Harry Potter's elf," The diminutive elf replied forcefully.

Harry studied the little elf for a few seconds as the visions of the elf dying in his arms once again passed through his mind. He knew he would do anything to make Dobby happy. He owed him that and a lot more. "Then you will be mine and Hermione's elf."

The happiness that Dobby felt was evident as his ears perked straight up and his eyes lit up. "Dobby will not let Harry Potter down sir. Dobby will be the best elf in the world for Harry Potter."

Harry looked at Hermione. He could feel the conflict in her. She was happy for the elves but still uneasy about actually owning them. "It's alright love. You know we are going to give those orders first."

Hermione looked at Harry and smiled. She knew he was right. She knew these elves were now happier than they had been just minutes ago. She might not understand it, but she hoped sometime in the future, the closer interaction would allow her the understanding she needed to completely feel comfortable. For now, though she would do anything to make these elves happy. She nodded and mentally agreed with her husband.

"Hermione and I don't know how to actually bond with an elf," Harry confessed to the elves as they looked on expectantly.

To Harry and Hermione's mild disgust, they found out from the two elves that the bonding was a magical blood ritual. The Witch or Wizard had to provide blood and the blood itself was subjected to two different spells that the elves taught Harry and Hermione. Then each elf was required to drink the spelled blood.

"If it's this complicated," Harry asked finally while they were waiting the required minutes before the second spell could be applied. "How did you become bonded to the Malfoy family?"

"Elves are usually bonded when they are still babies," Winky explained. "It's an honor to elves when their child is accepted by their family."

"So your parents work for the Malfoys?" Harry asked Dobby.

HP: Love's Second Chance Ch. 69 "Elves and Ethical Bonds"2 days ago

Dobby nodded as tears came into his eyes. "Dobby's old master's parents were not bad people. Dob.." Dobby took off one of his hats and wiped his eyes of the falling tears. "Dobby's parents were good elves and served them well. But the elder Malfoys passed on and they served Dobby's old master as well. But then they…they were killed by He-who-must-not-be-named," Dobby explained.

"Voldemort killed them?" Harry asked in surprise.

Dobby's and Winky's hands went to their ears. "Speak not his name Harry Potter sir," Dobby pleaded.

"I'm sorry, but if you're going to be my elves you'll have to get used to it," Harry explained. "I refused to be terrified of a name."

"Dobby always knew Harry Potter was brave. But he has to be brave to beat the Dark Lord," Dobby said. "Dobby will try to speak his name."

Finally the blood was spelled correctly and the elves drunk it eagerly. Dobby drunk Harry's blood while Winky drunk Hermione's. Though since Harry and Hermione were married, the bond flowed through the marriage and the two elves were effectively bonded to both of them.

"Mistress," Winky asked Hermione excitedly when the bond took effect. "What can Winky do for you?"

"We have several orders for both of you which are going to be standing orders for you as part of the Potter household," Hermione said. She looked at both elves before continuing. "First you MUST tell either of us if you EVER want to be free. Do you both understand that order?" When both elves nodded nervously she continued. "Harry and I truly want you two to be members of our family. Though you are bonded to us, we always want us to be friends. As you know we were both raised in the muggle world and in that world the idea of someone owning someone else is considered very wrong. That order was for us to know that we aren't going against the very moral code we were brought up to recognize. If you ever want to be free, we will free you, but only if you want it."

The elves looked less nervous when she finished the explanation. "Now the second order is very simple. You will never punish yourself without a direct order from Harry or me. If you think you have done something you think deserves being punished for, you will tell either Harry or me and we will decide if it is a problem and what the punishment should be. Again do you understand that order?"

Both elves again nodded they understood.

"The next order is that if we ask you to do something that you do not want to do, you will tell us," Hermione continued. "We might still need you to do it, but maybe we can find some other way for it to be done."

"Dobby will do anything for Harry Potter and mistress," Dobby replied.

Harry smiled at the elf. "I know Dobby, but maybe that last order should be phrased, if we ask you to do something you don't like to do, let us know," Harry looked at Winky. "Winky we know you don't like to go up in high places. If we ask you to do something similar where you don't like what we asked you to do, let us know."

"A good elf will still do what her Master or Mistress says to do," Winky repeated what she had told Hermione earlier. "And Winky is a good elf."

"If you really want to do it still, we'll let you. Right Hermione?" Harry asked smiling at his wife. "But we will know not to tell them to do it the next time."

"We will," Hermione agreed as she also agreed silently with her husband.

"The final order is because you have to keep our secrets," Hermione said. "We aren't letting anyone know we are married and would like to keep it a secret that we have bonded with you two," At the sudden look of distress from the elves she quickly explained. "We definitely are proud to be bonded with you, but too many questions will be asked if it becomes known until we have left Hogwarts. Though because we don't want anyone to know, we have to ask you to keep calling us what you have always called us. Though both of you now know I am really Hermione Potter, you have to keep calling me Granger until we acknowledge the marriage okay?"

Both elves nodded.

"And nothing that would acknowledge that you have bonded with us," Harry said. "To anyone including Dumbledore," Harry looked at Dobby. "You will need to still work for him for now so he doesn't get suspicious."

When the elves had nodded and agreed again, Hermione started the final thing. "It is very very important to keep the secrets we are about to share with you. The only other people who know what we are getting ready to tell you are Luna Lovegood, Neville Longbottom and Sirius Black."

At the name Sirius Black, Winky made an audible sound of dismay, "My old master said Sirius Black was an evil man."

"No Winky, he isn't," Harry sighed. "I don't want to say bad things about your old master but I think he might have been one of the people responsible for what happened to Sirius," Harry paused for a few seconds before continuing. "Sirius Black is my godfather. It was made to look like he committed all of those murders when he didn't do it. Then he was sent to Azkaban without even a trial. I don't know for sure who did it, but I do know your old master was in charging of the trials back then."

"He was innocent?"

"Yes," Harry replied. "You both will meet him soon."

"Not for a while Harry," Hermione interjected. "He is in a place under the Fidelius Charm. We have no way for them to go there and I don't think we'll be asking Dumbledore to tell them the address."

"I hadn't thought of that," Harry said. "Hopefully he'll be able to come out of there this summer sometime."

"If if goes according to plan," Hermione agreed. She then turned to the elves. "As for our big secret…" Hermione went on to tell the two elves about how they had lived two years into the future and all that had happened.

"Dobby," Harry said at the right point in the story as tears welled in his eyes. "You gave your life saving us. Bellatrix Lestrange killed you after…If I had just been a few seconds faster apparating out of there... I…I had to bury you," His words were all jumbled as he tried to explain what had happened. "I didn't know then you wanted to be my elf. I thought you had always wanted to be free."

"Dobby wanted to be free until Harry Potter had a family so Dobby could be Harry Potter's elf," The elf explained. "Dobby is glad to know he died protecting his master's life."

"I wasn't your master, I was your friend," Harry replied softly. "I will always be you a friend."

Fortunately Winky never asked what happened to her in the future and the story finally ended after explaining how they had met the Goddess of Love.

"We know how to beat Voldemort before he kills all of those people this time," Harry explained. "And we hope you two will help. Though remember the order we gave about telling us if we ask you to do something you don't want to do."

Hermione looked at her watch. "Welcome to our family, both of you. We need to get to breakfast so we can start getting ready for our Herbology exams today."

HP: Love's Second Chance Ch. 70 "Strategic Preparations"2 days ago

The two elves insisted that they be allowed to prepare Harry and Hermione their breakfast this morning. Each rushed out of the Room of Requirements and apparated to the kitchens. Two minutes later Winky was back with the charmed plates saying that Dobby was cooking breakfast for them and it would be on the plates very soon. Before she had even finished telling them, steaming piles of food materialized in front of them. They had barely taken two bites before Dobby reappeared eager to serve his new Master and Mistress.

As they were finishing breakfast Harry remembered something from the sixth year and quickly turned to the beaming elves who were enjoying them enjoying the food. "Dobby, Winky, we would like for you to keep an eye on Ron and Ginny Weasley without them knowing it. If they mention doing anything against Hermione or me let us know; especially if it concerns potions or threats."

"We can do that Mas…Harry Potter sir." Winky replied excitedly.

Harry and Hermione caught up with Neville and Luna and explained why they were not at breakfast. They both were excited for them and the elves.

When they left Greenhouse six after the practical examination, Harry had to thank Neville for his help. Though Harry and Hermione remembered what was on the OWL, Neville was able to show them the proper way to accomplish all the tasks needed. Even Hermione learned a couple of new approaches. Harry remembered the bite from the Fanged Geranium last time, but this time he knew that each of the fangs had to be stunned separately before he could repot it into a larger pot.

That they were summoned to the Headmaster's office that evening was not a surprise. McGonagall was sitting behind the large desk when they entered.

"Professor?" Hermione started as they entered the office.

"Hello Miss Granger, Mr. Potter. Please have a seat."

"What did you need to see us about?" Harry asked. He and Hermione were planning another evening in the Room of Requirements and his mind was already there.

"First Mr. Potter, I wish to return this to you," McGonagall reached over to a familiar broom and handed the Firebolt back to its rightful owner. "I've also rescinded the ban on you playing future Quidditch games. I expect to see you back on the house team next year."

Flashes of memory threatened to overwhelm Harry as he touched his old broomstick. In his mind he was back on the flying motorcycle with Hagrid. Killing curses were flying everywhere while the sidecar slipped from his grasp with his broom in it. He finally shook the memories away. Harry's eyes moved behind McGonagall to the blank wall where he almost expected to see Dumbledore's portrait.

A lot had been lost that night because of the Headmaster's ridiculous plan. Hedwig, his broomstick, Mad-Eye, George's ear. He continued to seethe at the Headmaster until a mental nudge returned his thoughts to the present, or the past as it may be. He looked at his Transfiguration instructor and smiled.

"Thank you Professor," He said. "I look forward to next year."

"I would also like to apologize," McGonagall said. "I should have reported Umbridge myself, but I was instructed by Albus not to. He might have been right though. It is likely that anyone close to Albus reporting Umbridge would have been ignored. It was a joint letter from Professor Marchbanks and Professor Toffy that got the fire lit under Amelia."

"What is happening with Umbridge?" Hermione asked.

"She is currently in a detention cell at the Ministry. She is to be questioned by the Wizengamot tomorrow evening."

"What does that mean? Is her trial tomorrow?"

"Sometimes I forget how little the government procedures are taught here," McGonagall replied. "No, since she is a high level government official she will be given the truth potion and asked questions by the Wizengamot. When the questioning is complete, they will vote to remove her from office or not. Once she is removed from office, she can be formally charged and tried with the serum questioning being admitted as evidence. Usually if there is enough guilt shown to remove a person from office, they will plead guilty to a lesser crime and punished. I should also say that before her questioning she will be allowed to request the reason for the questioning and argue against the evidence that is presented."

Harry and Hermione were stunned. "So it's possible she might never be convicted of her crimes?"

McGonagall shrugged. "Anything's possible, The Minister might be able to prevent her questioning, but I doubt it. Presuming it does happen and she confesses to sending those Dementors last year, I doubt she will go free. We can hope the more crimes she admits to, the greater the punishment might be," She looked at Harry. "Albus is very interested in knowing how you found out it was she who did it."

"Please let Professor Dumbledore know that we all like to have our secrets," Harry replied evenly.

"Does that message supposed to mean anything?"

"It means whatever he takes it to mean professor," Harry replied. "After a year of basically being ignored, I've realized the only person I can truly trust is sitting beside me. And Luna and Neville," He finished to his wife.

"I'm sorry you feel you can't trust me."

"Ma'am, it isn't I don't trust you, it's that I'm not sure I trust who you trust," Harry replied as he got out of his seat. "If that is all, we need to go study for Defense OWLs tomorrow."

"I do have one other thing," The Headmistress said. "As you might have guessed, the Inquisitorial squad has been disbanded. I am refusing to allow any Slytherins at the moment to have Prefect powers outside of their own dorms. Until the end of the school year, I need two additional students who I can trust to patrol the hallways and perform other Prefect duties," She held out a prefect badge to Harry. "I would like you to have it until the end of the year," She looked into his eyes. "I wanted you to have it this year, but Albus felt you already had enough things to worry about."

"Just one more thing he didn't bother asking me about before making a decision for me," Harry replied bitterly as he took the badge from her.

"I adjusted the schedule so you and Hermione will be patrolling together," McGonagall added. "Please do not make me regret doing that," She smiled at the two of them. "Remember you're trying to make sure no one is in the broom closets, not trying to find an empty one."

"Yes ma'am," Hermione replied as her cheeks turned red. She stood also and pulled Harry out of the office.