The silence in Dumbledore's office was brittle, stretched thin as glass.
Harry still stood in the centre of the room, his bandaged hand curled loosely at his side now that Madam Pomfrey had been summoned and sent away again, the damage stabilised for the moment. The words were still visible beneath the gauze, faint but unmistakable.
Dumbledore did not raise his voice.
He did not need to.
He turned toward the fireplace and reached for a pinch of Floo powder, his movements precise, controlled, each one an act of restraint.
"Amelia Bones," he said clearly, tossing the powder into the flames.
The fire flared emerald.
Within seconds, the composed, sharp-featured face of the Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement appeared in the grate.
"Albus," Amelia said. "I had a feeling you'd be calling."
Dumbledore stepped aside so she could see Harry.
"Miss Umbridge has used a blood quill on a student," Dumbledore said calmly. "On this student."
Amelia's expression hardened instantly.
"That's a Class One Dark Artifact," she said. "Unlawful on anyone, let alone a minor."
She looked directly at Harry. "Did you consent to this punishment?"
Harry shook his head once. "No, ma'am."
"That's enough." Amelia turned sharply. "I'm coming through. With witnesses."
Moments later, Amelia stepped out of the fireplace, flanked by two senior Aurors in dark robes, both already taking in the room with professional eyes.
McGonagall folded her arms. "She is still in her office."
"Good," Amelia replied. "Let's not keep her waiting."
The Arrest
Dolores Umbridge was still seated smugly at her desk when the door opened.
Her smile faltered when Amelia Bones entered.
"What is the meaning of,"
"Dolores Jane Umbridge," Amelia said crisply, wand already raised. "You are under arrest for the use of a prohibited Dark object, abuse of authority, and unlawful punishment of a minor."
Umbridge sputtered. "This is outrageous! I was following Ministry,"
"You are the Ministry," Amelia snapped. "And that makes it worse."
One Auror confiscated the quill. The other bound Umbridge's hands before she could protest further.
"This is political persecution!" Umbridge shrieked as she was dragged toward the Floo. "Fudge will hear of this!"
"He already has," Amelia said coldly. "And so will the Wizengamot."
Green flames swallowed them all.
The ICW Responds
Dumbledore wasted no time.
The moment the office door closed behind them, he turned and activated a secure communication mirror.
"Elira," he said quietly. "We have an incident."
She arrived less than half an hour later.
Elira Vael swept into the office with practiced efficiency, her expression unreadable as she surveyed the room, Harry, and the Heads of House.
"A blood quill," she said flatly after hearing the account. "On record. Good."
She took photographs of Harry's hand, the quill's magical residue, and the detention record Umbridge had left behind. Statements were taken, precise, formal, unassailable.
"This strengthens the ICW's position considerably," Vael said as she packed away her tools. "The Ministry is spiralling."
She met Harry's gaze. "You handled it well."
Harry inclined his head slightly. "I've endured worse."
Vael nodded once, then turned to Dumbledore. "I'll file this immediately."
She vanished moments later.
Gryffindor
Harry returned to the common room to an explosion of voices.
Ron was on his feet instantly. "Mate...your hand"
Hermione's eyes flashed. "She what?"
Harry explained quietly, simply.
The room filled with outrage.
"That monster," Ginny hissed.
Neville looked pale but furious. "She should be locked up."
"They arrested her," Harry said. "She won't be back."
A stunned silence followed, then cheers.
Harry smiled faintly, exhaustion finally catching up with him.
That night, as he lay in bed, the castle felt watchful but protective. Hogwarts had drawn a line.
And so had he.
Sleep took him swiftly, dreams mercifully quiet for once.