Ritual Room - October 31, 2005
Far away from Hogwarts a ritual was being conducted.
Alastor 'Mad-Eye' Moody was in furious agony as a man he had long believed dead sliced his wrist to gather the blood he needed. He had always known that Voldemort wasn't truly gone, but now he had the evidence.
Moody was forced to watch as a monster emerged from the cauldron. But he didn't have to watch for long. Only a few minutes later the thing called his followers and had them watch as he dueled and killed the old auror.
Voldemort glared down at the body of one of his old enemies as his followers fell at his feet. This was not what he had wanted. He had wanted to use and kill the Potter boy, the one who had defeated him. But the plan had failed, now he had been forced to use an inferior enemy.
After torturing his followers that had such little faith in him, Voldemort got to planning. The Potter brat was going to need to be dealt with. So were all those that had turned against him, starting with Severus and Lucius. Plans needed to be made, and information needed to be gathered. He had lost so much since that night in Godric's Hollow, and he was going to make everyone pay for it.
Headmaster's Office - November 2, 2005
Sirius was interested as he made his way up to the headmasters office. He really had no clue what this was about. There really wasn't anything Sirius could think of that would require the two of them to speak.
Walking into the office he couldn't help but roll his eyes when he saw not only Dumbledore, but Andromeda and her daughter who looked like she had been crying non-stop for days. He knew that the only reason Ted hadn't joined them was because he was currently teaching a class.
"So what can I do for you three?" Sirius shot a glance at the portrait of Phineas and could see the man was more than a little annoyed already, joy. At least he knew he had someone watching his back that could get a warning out if need be.
"We have recently received some tragic news, my boy." Dumbledore said in a somber tone. "The body of Alastor Moody was discovered in a rural area this morning."
Sirius couldn't help but be stunned. He had thought Moody would live forever. "That is unfortunate, but I don't see what that has to do with me."
"He showed signs of being tortured, but there was also evidence of an extremely dark ritual." Dumbledore made his voice even more grave. "Given what I've been able to find it would seem that Voldemort and his followers use the sacrifice of Alastor to resurrect him."
Sirius just looked at him for a few moments, trying to figure out the mans angle. Dumbledore had done nothing to hide what he believed was going on, but why was he approaching Sirius? It wasn't like Sirius was able to do anything about it. There was the possibility that this was a lie of some manner, but what did Dumbledore have to gain from lying about this?
But, what if he was telling the truth and Voldemort really was back? This was something they had known was a risk ever since they learned the mirror was missing. The entire family already had plans in place about what they would do, but there was always still a risk. All their plans had been made from what had happened the last time, but so many things had changed that there was no way to tell if things would happen even similarly this time.
"Again, I'm not exactly sure what this has to do with me." Sirius said eventually.
"HOW DARE YOU?" Nymphadora shrieked as a fresh wave of tears fell down her cheeks.
"Hush hush sweetheart." Andromeda tried to calm her daughter before turning to glare at her cousin. "Really Sirius, this affects everyone. Alastor has been murdered and He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named is back. What part of that don't you understand?"
"Yes, I understand that that is bad. It is unfortunate that Mad-Eye was killed, but he lived a dangerous life. Every auror, or former auror, should know the danger they are in because of the job." Sirius said calmly. "All you have is suspicion that Voldemort is back. I am willing to accept the idea that he has returned, but you are going to need evidence if you want the public to believe it, especially given what Fudge has had printed in the Prophet lately. That has done you no good, even more so when your actions over recent years are brought up.
The issue I'm having, is why I was called up here to be informed of this. Surely, this is something that you would want to tell the staff as a whole, unless you are planning on individually informing everyone on staff, which would be a complete waste of time."
"I will be informing the rest of the staff at a meeting that I will be calling later, but there were a few things I needed to speak with you about." Albus forced himself to be calm. He hated being reminded of the attacks his reputation was suffering due to Fudge and the Prophet. He had tried to get Barnabas back in line, but the man had clearly chosen to side with Fudge.
"And what is that?" Sirius was suddenly suspicious.
"I will be reforming The Order of the Phoenix." Dumbledore puffed up importantly, but Sirius wanted to laugh since the name of the order came from the mans fake familiar that he had lost so long ago. "We are going to need a place to use as headquarters since the goblins sealed Diggle Manor after Dedalus died.
I was speaking with Andromeda and Nymphadora about it when Andromeda suggested the Black house on Grimmauld Place. She said that it has some of the most extensive ward schemes in all of Britain. And, since you live here or with Seb… James and his family, it will be empty. It really would be for the best to use it as the headquarters, not just because of how protected it is, but also it is where the fabled Black Library is. Those books could prove to be an invaluable resource to fight against the dark.
Now, you don't need to worry about being there to keep the wards open to everyone, Nymphadora has offered to stay there. Since she is of Black blood she will be able to manage the wards…"
Sirius just looked at the man like he was an idiot for a moment. "No."
"… And then… What?" Albus looked to the man in shock. What did he mean 'no'? He had plans for the Black Library, it was well known to be one of the most extensive private collections in the magical world. Since the loss of his own library he had been trying to find new copies of the books, but since most were so old they were hard to find and almost impossible to afford, given the state of his own vaults he hadn't been able to buy any of the few he had managed to find.
"SIRIUS!" Nymphadora shrieked, yelling once again before breaking down into sobs. "Mad-Eye is dead, what part of that don't you understand? Now you won't even help stop the monsters that killed him."
"Hush now sweetie. We know, we know, why don't you go back to your father and my room?" The girl nodded and slipped from the room, sobbing all the way out.
Once the door had shut Andromeda turned on Sirius, fury in her eyes. "SIRIUS ORION BLACK! I have had enough of this. This isn't like you at all.
You used to understand the importance of defeating the dark. Now, all you do is defend them. The Headmaster is trying to save our world, and you won't even do the bare minimum."
Albus wanted to sigh. He had warned the woman against this. They needed Sirius to agree with him, but he was never going to if Andromeda and her fool daughter kept yelling at him. Sirius had always been difficult, even with all the potions he had gotten as a child, without them, he was even more contrary.
"Now Sirius, surely you understand it is for the greater good for us to use the house. It is centrally located in London, plus, as I previously mentioned the benefit the library would offer." Dumbledore twinkled."It really would be for the best."
"Exactly." Andromeda gave Sirius a superior look. "It is what is safest for everyone, it's why I offered the house to The Order."
"Like I already said, no." Sirius shot his cousin a glare. "First of all, Andy, you have no right to offer a Black family home to anyone, you don't own it. Second, the house that you are talking about isn't even mine. I gave it to another member of the family."
"What? Who?" Andromeda demanded, glaring back at Sirius.
"Yes my boy, who?" Dumbledore questioned unhappily, he wanted access to that library. "Surely who ever it is would understand, The Order needs the house more. They can easily move out for the duration of the oncoming war. It really is for the greater good."
Sirius gave the headmaster a startled look at that. "NO. I am not asking anyone to leave their home just because it's what you want. It is their home, not yours."
"Then just tell us who it is and the headmaster or I will speak with them." Andromeda huffed, pleased when Dumbledore nodded his agreement.
"Not a chance. I have no intention of telling you who is living there so you can harass them." Sirius started to get up. "I am willing to help The Order find a place to use, but I will not do so at the expense of my family. Now, if you don't mind, I have a class to prepare for."
Albus ground his teeth as Sirius walked out of the office. The man completely lacked respect for him. He was Albus Dumbledore, he deserved his respect.
"I can't believe him." Andromeda growled. "How dare he say no to us? We need a safe place to meet."
"We will need to think about this a bit more my dear. While I agree that we need access to that house, the library in particular, we also need to figure out what he is hiding." Albus was thoughtful as he pushed his anger down. "As far as I know the only other family that Sirius has is you and your sisters, neither of them would be living there, so just who is it?"
"I don't know?" Like the headmaster Andromeda couldn't think of any other family members.
"That might be a good task for Nymphadora." Albus suggested. "It would serve to take her mind off the loss of Alastor."
"That's a wonderful idea headmaster." Andromeda beamed at the man, she really was worried about how Nymphadora was handling what had happened. "I will suggest it to her."
Albus was looking around the room when his eyes caught on a painting and he suddenly had an idea. "Phineas!"
Getting up he walked over to stand in front of the portrait, Andromeda following behind him in confusion. "Phineas, you have a second portrait at the Black residence in London, don't you?"
The former headmaster just stared back blankly.
"So, tell us Phineas, just who is it that is living there?" Albus twinkled at the former headmaster as he saw a way to get the information he wanted.
"That is none of your business Albus." Phineas sneered.
"Don't you speak to the headmaster like that." Andromeda stepped up to scold her ancestor.
Phineas just glared at her.
"Come now Phineas." Albus had always hated this former headmaster, the man had been so dark. He had even tried to have the portrait removed, but hadn't been able to. "As a former headmaster you are required to answer the questions of the current headmaster. Besides, we are only trying to do what is best for our world. We would just like to speak with the resident, I'm sure they would be fine with you telling us about them."
Phineas snorted. "We are only required to answer questions about the school, and who is living in a family home has nothing to do with the school, so I don't have to tell you anything. And, if you think I'm going to buy that twinkly eyes look you're a bigger fool than even I thought. I have been on this wall since the day you first entered this office. I might be prevented from telling anyone else your secrets, but that doesn't mean I don't know the truth of you. I have no intention of setting you after a member of my family."
"How dare you?" Andromeda was absolutely furious. "I have every right to know who's in that house since they are a member of my family, so, I order you to tell me."
Phineas barked out a laugh and gave her a disgusted look. "How many times do you need to be reminded you were disowned you delusional little girl. You are not a member of the Noble House of Black, thank Merlin."
"Andromeda, why don't you go and check on Nymphadora and allow me to deal with him. I'm sure she is wondering what is taking you so long." Albus had to force himself to speak kindly, having Andromeda yell at the painting wasn't going to do him any good.
"Of course headmaster. Just let me know if you need anything else." Andromeda shot one last venomous glare at the portrait before she left the office to go and find her daughter.
Once they were alone Albus dropped all pretence of being a kind old man and glared at the portrait. "You will tell me what I want, or else."
Phineas just laughed. "Or else what? You'll have me removed. You'll silence my portrait. You'll blast me off the wall. You'll burn me. You've tried it all before, and you have failed every time. I was here long before you, and I will be here long after you."
Albus growled. "You owe me your loyalty."
"No, we are loyal to Hogwarts, you are not Hogwarts." One of the other portraits told the man. None of the portraits had any form of respect for the current headmaster. In truth, they were all disgusted with him. They had seen plenty of terrible teachers and headmasters over the decades, but Albus Dumbledore was by far the worst in their opinions.
"I will never betray my family to the likes of you." Phineas sneered before he walked out of his frame.
As he had done many times over the past few decades, Albus threw all manner of fire and blasting curses at the empty frame, but it still refused to burn. All the former headmasters and mistresses smirked as they saw him fail once again.
Flitwick's Office - November 14, 2005
Hadrian's smile was brittle on his face when he made his way into his head of house's office for his career meeting. Sitting at the side of the charms professors desk was Umbridge, dressed in her usually sickening pink.
Glancing at his professors face he could see that the usually happy man was about as happy as he was at that moment. Hadrian let out a long silent breath and got ready for a long meeting. So far he had managed to stay away from Umbridge, so this was the first time he was going to have to listen to the annoying woman's voice up close.
"Please, have a seat Hadrian." Filius waved to the seat.
Filius couldn't help but keep shooting wary glances at the woman sitting at the end of his desk. She had arrived only a few minutes before this meeting saying that she needed to oversee a few sessions like this one, but he didn't believe her. Filius had heard enough rumours, Umbridge had been questioning far too many people about young Hadrian for his comfort. He worried that she was planning something, and he had no intentions of making it easy for her.
"As you are aware, this is just a little meeting so that we can discuss your future career plans so I can make sure you're on the right track in terms of your schooling." Filius smiled, completely ignoring the presence of the pink woman. "So, what are your plans for after you graduate?"
"I was thinking about working towards a mastery in enchanting." Hadrian followed his professors lead and ignored the toad.
"That is an interesting field of study." Filius was pleased to know the young boy planned to further his education.
"Yeah, I've been studying it on my own for a few years now. I think enchanting and spell weaving are my two favourite subjects that we don't learn here. But, since you can't get a mastery in spell weaving I've decided to focus on enchanting."
In this, Hadrian was being completely truthful. Enchanting and spell weaving were closely linked subjects that he found completely fascinating. Enchantment took a combination of charms, spell crafting, runes, and spell weaving. It created a long term magical object. Things like the Mirror of Erised and self stirring cauldrons were examples of enchantment.
Hadrian and the twins had discussed it and they all felt that their individual fields would help in making the joke shop even more successful. Fred was planning on getting a mastery in spell crafting and George was going to go for alchemy. Between the three of them they would be able to create all manor of new items.
"I do hope you don't follow the example of your father." Filius said in concern. "I know he might have the title of youngest potions master in over 500 years, but doing that took a great toll on him."
Hadrian smiled softly, knowing the professors concern was honest. "No, I have no intent to try that. I've already spoken with him and he warned me not to try it. Sure, he managed to get his mastery in just under 2 years, but that was with working 16 hours a day, every day. I like to think I have more self preservation than that.
I've worked up a basic timeline, and from what I can figure it will take 5 years minimum, and that is if everything goes exactly as planned, but I know that is unlikely. Between family and personal obligations, combined with the ministry, I will have more than enough to do."
"Hem, hem." The aggravating sound came from the end of the desk and both had to finally give their attention to the pink monstrosity. "I don't think it's a good idea to set a child up for disappointment, do you Professor Flitwick?"
"Disappointment?" Flitwick said in confusion.
"Yes. I highly doubt that Mr. Potter has the… mental fortitude to be able to achieve a NEWT in such a complicated and dangerous subject such as enchanting, let alone a mastery." Umbridge simpered.
"I don't know where you would get an idea like that Madame Umbridge, but it is a highly incorrect one." Flitwick smiled viciously as he gave the woman his full attention. "Hadrian has finished amongst the top three students of his year, every year. He is exceptionally gifted academically, so I have no doubt that he will achieve his goals quite easily. It might take him longer than expected because of his involvement with the ministry as he said, but I'm sure it will work out, in time."
"He has no involvement with the ministry." Umbridge all but hissed. "He is just a child."
"I feel I should point out that this really is none of your business Madame Umbridge." Hadrian gave the woman a cold look. "But, for your information, as most already know thanks to reporters, I currently hold three lordships and am heir to a few others. As such, I have a seat on the Wizengamot. My dad currently holds proxy over my seats, but I fully intend to take my place once I am old enough. So, therefor, I am involved in the ministry."
"Why you little…" Umbridge started as she glared at the student, but was interrupted by the little charms master clearing his throat loudly and cutting her off.
"I think we have gotten off track here." Flitwick sent the woman a sharp look before turning back to his student with a smile. "Now, I'm guessing that you have already started your own research into what you will need to get your mastery." He smiled when Hadrian nodded. "That's good. Just by looking over your grades in the associated subjects it's clear you have an aptitude for the subject matter.
I'm not seeing any reason you wouldn't be able to get your mastery. If you would like I can reach out to a former duelling partner of mine who went for their mastery in enchanting to get a more in depth information on what getting a mastery is actually like from the view of someone who has actually done so."
"That would be great." Hadrian grinned at the professor, once again going back to ignoring the toad, much to her annoyance.
After that the meeting ended quickly. It was only after Hadrian had left that Filius turned on the woman in the room to tell her off for attempting to demean one of his students.
Dolores made her way out of the office in a huff. How dare a disgusting little creature like that speak to her in such a way? Once she had managed to get control of the school that thing would be one of the first to go. Not only that, but she was going to make sure that Potter learned his place. There was no way he was smart enough to get a mastery, even she hadn't managed that, not that she had really tried. She was sure the teachers were just letting him pass because he was famous and his family held a lot of power, far too much in her opinion.
But that was going to change soon, and she was going to make sure of it.
Sirius's Office - November 17, 2005
Sirius sat back in his chair hoping that today would go by quickly. Today was the day he was going to be meeting with the students in Gryffindor about the careers that they wanted once they finish school.
The thing that made him think that this was going to be difficult was that this year Minerva had decided that she was going to attend. The year before he had done it on his own and things had gone by without any delays or issues.
The first few meetings had gone by rather quickly, and without too many issues. The only thing that slowed them down at all was that Minerva kept suggesting that the students all go and work at the ministry, of course, adding in that she and the headmaster would be more than willing to speak to the higher ups at the ministry to ensure they got a decent job.
But, most of the students didn't actually want to work at the ministry. With all the changes in their world over the last decade there were now actually plenty of opportunities for the Hogwarts graduates.
Sirius knew that one of the real reasons Minerva had attended was about to show up. The next student was going to be Hermione Granger. More than likely this particular meeting was going to involve some yelling. While Granger had actually started to hit less, her temper was still explosive.
But, Sirius was ready. He had made sure that he had information on all the different departments that the girl might want to work in. Maybe if he could just give her the information she and Minerva wouldn't get too worked up.
When the girl arrived Minerva invited her in and directed her to a seat.
"Hello Hermione." Minerva smiled at the girl. "As you know this meeting is about the career that you're planning and anything we can do to insure you are on the right track. So, what exactly are your plans?"
Sirius wanted to roll his eyes. He knew very well that there was no reason these two needed to discuss this topic with each other, they had been working together on their plans.
"Well, as I have often said, I will be going to work at the ministry." Hermione smiled happily at one of her favourite professors while completely ignoring the other.
"And I have no doubt that you will achieve great things Hermione." Minerva smiled at the girl. "I will be speaking with the headmaster. I know that he will be more than happy to give you a recommendation so that you can start in a position more appropriate for your intellect and talent."
Sirius was actually slightly nauseated at that. "And what department are you planning on applying to?"
"What?" Hermione was confused by that question.
"Which department do you want to work in?" Sirius asked again. "You can't just work 'at the ministry, you have to be in a particular department.
I know you are planning on running for minister when you are old enough so you might be interested to know that Fudge worked in the Department of Magical Accidents and Catastrophes, before him was Bagnold, and she worked in the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, and before her was Westley, and he worked in the Department of International Magical Cooperation.
But there are plenty of other departments. So, it all depends on what you want to do."
Hermione just stared for a moment. "I'm going to work in the ministers office."
"So you want to be a secretary?" Sirius questioned.
"No, I'm going to be involved in the laws." Hermione was horrified at the idea that she would be a lowly secretary. Her parents had made her work with their secretary over the summer and she had absolutely hated the job.
"Then the job you are looking for isn't in the ministers office. To be involved in making the laws you would want to look towards the Wizengamot. They have a legal department that assists in writing the laws and going over different proposals. There is of course the barrister department that deals with legal matters that arise, there is also an international branch of that department that deals with the international laws. Or, on the enforcement side of things you would want to look at the DMLE." Sirius explained to the girl.
"Hermione will do wonderful in any department." Minerva huffed, not liking the tone Sirius had taken.
"Yes, but she needs to select a particular department, unless she is just planning to apply to them all and see which one she is accepted by." Sirius pulled out the selection of papers he had gathered and handed them to the girl. "Ms. Granger, these are detailed explanations of the different departments as well as the expectations that must be met to even be considered for a position. I would recommend that you go over them and see if that helps you to narrow down which department you might like to work in. I'm sure Professor McGonagall would agree with me in saying that once you have made your decision, if you have any other questions you are welcome to see one or both of us during our office hours."
Hermione just glared down at the papers in her hands. She just wanted to become minister. She wanted to make the laws, not check them for legality. Why couldn't things just work the way she wanted them too? She was going to have to meet with Professor McGonagall and Headmaster Dumbledore about this. All those years ago they had laid out the plan for her, but now things weren't going the way they had promised her so she was going to need to help them to figure out what to do now. Because there was no way she was going to accept the basic boring life that would come from doing boring busy work when she could actually be fixing this world.
Hermione left shortly after that. Sirius could tell that the girl was angry once again that he hadn't just agreed with her. The girl still didn't seem to understand that things weren't going to change just because she said so. It wasn't like she could just walk into the ministry and do whatever she wanted, there were rules, policies, laws, and so much more that stopped that.
"Really Sirius?" Minerva demanded once they were alone.
"Really what Minerva?" Sirius sighed out.
"Why must you be so dismissive of her. Hermione is an incredible student, she is going to do great things." Minerva glared at the other man, she had never thought he would be like this when he was a child, he had been one of her Gryffindors, not a snake.
"I was in no way dismissive of her." Sirius rolled his eyes. "All I did was give her the proper information. You of all people should know that she can't just walk into the ministry and start making decisions. It will take years for her to work her way up. And, acting like she is going to just become a high ranking ministry official right out of school is just setting her up to fail. It is better to be honest rather than tell her whatever it is she wants to hear."
Minerva snarled in the back of her throat. That wasn't what she had been doing, she had just been trying to encourage the girl.
It was a few headache filled hours later when Ron Weasley made his way into the office for his own meeting. Sirius is pleased to find that the boy was actually on time.
The month before Ron had indeed been stripped of his prefects badge, and the boy couldn't seem to be happier about it. After the loss of the badge he had tried out for the quidditch team and actually managed to make it. While his grades still weren't as high as they could be if he started to put in the effort, he was at least maintaining the base average he needed to stay on the team.
"Please have a seat Mr. Weasley." Sirius gave the boy a small smile. "Lets just get through this quickly so we can all go for dinner. So, what are your plans after school Mr. Weasley."
"I'm going to join the Chudley Cannons as their keeper." Ron smiled.
Sirius actually thought that might be possible. The Cannons were the worst team in the league, and given a bit more practice Ron would be on par with their current keeper.
"Don't be silly Ron, you want to be an auror." Minerva gave the boy a look. She had noticed the changes in his attitude recently, and while she appreciated some of it, it was things like this that annoyed her. "It has been your dream since you were a little boy."
"Yeah, but things change." Ron shrugged. "I want to play quidditch. I'll keep auror as a back up."
"I'm not sure that will work out for you Mr. Weasley." Sirius said.
"What do you mean?" Ron got a little agitated by that.
"To be an auror you would need a NEWT in potions. Professor Prince only takes NEWT students that achieve an outstanding on their OWLs. You currently only have an acceptable. Also, you have never seemed to be overly interested in school, and aurors require another 2 years of training after Hogwarts. Plus, a new requirement that is being considered is at least an OWL in physical education, which is a class you never took."
Ron scrunched up his nose at that. He didn't want any more school, or to have anything more to do with potions or exercise. While he would love to go out and catch dark wizards and be famous for it, he didn't want all that extra work. "So what should I do. I know my mum wants me to work in the ministry?"
"Well, if your quidditch dreams don't work out, there is always the Department of Magical Games and Sports." Sirius pulled out the paperwork on that department he had gotten specifically for the boy. "For that you would only require 3 pass NEWTs, which I see no issue in you achieving.
That department is responsible for organizing sporting events like the Quidditch World Cup and regulating the leagues. It's a fairly relaxed department that, at least in my opinion, would be perfect for you. You would get to spend your days talking about quidditch."
"Cool." Ron smiled as he looked through the papers. It had never even occurred to him that he could work in a department like that, but then again he hadn't even really known it existed. "That works. If I can't be a professional keeper I'll work there. At least them mum can't get too angry. Thanks, later."
And with that Ron was up and out of the office before Minerva could say another word, to him at least.
"Sirius Black! Just what was that?"
"What? I gave a student a recommendation for a career that he might like. That's kinda what we are here for." Sirius sighed again, he had hoped that with Ron leaving he was done.
"Ron is supposed to be an auror." Minerva said. "It has been his dream since he was little, now you've taken that away."
"No, I just gave him another option. Look, Minerva, have you seen his grades. While I fully believe that he is capable of getting better grades I just don't think that would be enough. Like I said, he is barely passing potions now and he would need an outstanding OWL in the subject, that just isn't going to happen.
It's better he work towards something that he can actually achieve then put all of his focus on something only to be denied. At least this way he has options."
"He could do it." Minerva glared.
"Sure, if he suddenly had a complete change in personality." Sirius got up and started heading for the door. "If he suddenly started studying, doing his absolute best on his assignments, and paid attention in every class, he might be able to get the grades, but I don't see that happening.
The boy is just not academically inclined, and I highly doubt anything is going to change that. There are just some people that do better outside of the world of academia, and Ron Weasley is one of them. He is still perfectly capable of having a successful life, he just needs to play to his strengths. And, his strength is his love of quidditch apparently."
Not giving the woman a chance to respond Sirius turned and was out the door before she could blink.
Hogwarts, Headmasters Office- December 8, 2005
Rolling his neck, Severus made his way up to the headmasters office with Sirius by his side. Only a few feet behind them were Filius, Pomona, and of course Aurora Sinistra and Lucian Zarno. While it may have been just he and Sirius who had been invited he knew that the others were going to be needed for what was to come.
Earlier Hermione Granger had finally snapped. Severus had seen it coming for days, but now that it had happened even he had been surprised at just how explosive it had been.
After the death of Griselda Marchbanks the OWL and NEWT testing department had been taken over by a younger replacement that had all kinds of new ideas that had always been rejected before. One of those ideas was to hold voluntary practice OWLs before Yule break so the students could at least get a basic idea of what the end of year exams will be like while also seeing how they will be graded. The test didn't cover everything over the first five years of school like the end of year tests would, but it does cover everything from the four years that are already done.
Many, including Hermione, had signed up to do the practice test. But, while most treated the tests as the practice they were, Hermione acted like they were the real thing. She threw herself into studying with a passion that well surpassed obsessive. More than one of her teachers had tried to speak to her to remind her that these tests were just practice and didn't actually have any effect on her grade, but she just refused to listen.
Between her studying for the tests, doing her homework, classes, prefect duties, and her personal projects there was no way the girl was getting more than three hours of sleep a night. Lately, ever since she had learned that there were students with titles that attended the Wizengamot she had been on her own crusade to stop them.
Hermione had repeatedly approached different teachers, the four student reps on the school board, and even the titled students themselves. All in the hopes of making things how she would want them. But none were willing to listen to her.
After once again trying, and failing, to convince Blaise Zabini and Theo Nott, who had the misfortune to be caught in the library by an irate Hermione Granger, that they should pass the proxy of their seats over to Dumbledore. Both refused, as they had repeatedly. Neither of them were willing to give the headmaster anymore power.
Being told no once again had been too much for the girl. She had started screaming at the top of her lungs. The boys had tried to back away but she had pulled her wand before they could get out of the line of fire. Blaise, knowing his friends history with violence had pushed Theo behind him and ended up taking a blasting curst to the shoulder.
Thankfully, since Hermione was still refusing to practice like she had been told too, the curse was underpowered. If the curse had been at full power it would have shattered his shoulder, if not actually blasting his arm right off. But with her magic being so weak the damage was relatively minor. He was still going to have to spend the next few days in the hospital wing as his muscles and tendons healed, but it could have been a lot worse, especially if the magic in the new wards hadn't frozen the girl in place after the first curse was fired, stopping her from doing any more damage.
That was what had led up to this meeting. As Hermione had still been on probation until the end of the month she had immediately been stripped of her badge. Not that she knew it yet as she was still unconscious in the hospital wing from the number of stunners she had been hit with in combination with the large quantity of calming draughts she had been given. And things were not going to be getting any better for her once she woke up. Thanks to the potion she would get to feel the same pain that Blaise was.
The four professors that were making their way up to the office knew that Dumbledore and McGonagall were going to try and allow the girl to keep her badge even after what she had done. And they had no intention of allowing that to happen.
As expected, when Severus walked into the office he saw that McGonagall was already there and waiting.
"Ah, Severus, Sirius, my boys please…" Albus went to invite the two men in but hesitated when he saw the other heads of house follow them in.
"Don't mind us Headmaster, Severus and Sirius just thought we would be needed for what you wished to discuss." Aurora said in a sweet voice as she too made her way into the office, sitting in the chair Lucian had summoned for her.
"Yes, yes. Please sit down everyone." Albus quickly collected himself as he started trying to rework his plans. This was going to be a lot harder now that the others were all here. He had been planning on talking to the others one on one or in pairs since it would give him a better chance of convincing them if he said the others had already agreed, but it would seem Severus and Sirius had already countered that plan.
"So, what is it you wished to discuss, Headmaster?" Lucian said in a falsely light tone.
"Well, I was going to speak to Severus and Sirius about some recent events that I feel may have been over blown." Albus forced his magic into his eyes to make them twinkle as he gave a false little smile.
"Are we to assume that the 'events' that you speak of involve Ms. Granger?" Pomona questioned.
"Hermione made a mistake, I'm sure you all understand that." Albus looked around but didn't see any understanding in the others eyes. "Surely we can be lenient this time?"
"Albus, we had an agreement. Hermione knew the rules and she still broke them. She has done nothing that would warrant leniency in this matter. Hermione put a student in the hospital wing, knowing full well what that would mean." Sirius shook his head.
"It was just an accident." Minerva tried, but even she knew that it most likely wouldn't work. Her eyes were truly open now, although she had no great care for either of the two boys, she was more than aware of just how bad things could have ended. If either of the boys had died, or even been seriously injured, Hermione's life would have been effectively over in their world. A muggleborn attacking two purebloods was something that no one would forget if it had been more serious, it was bad enough even as it was.
"It was not an accident." Aurora's eyes snapped to her fellow professor. "She intentionally pulled out her wand, intentionally aimed it at another human being, and then intentionally screamed the curse. There is nothing accidental about what she did."
"I guess this is the one time we can be thankful she still refuses to practice her spells." Filius muttered, but everyone was able to hear him. "I shudder to think the damage she could have done if she was successful in casting that curse."
"She's just been so overwhelmed with everything going on she reacted poorly." Minerva might know there was no real chance of getting around what happened, but she had no intention of not defending her lion.
"And she has no one but herself to blame for that." Lucian said. "I must have told her at least half dozen times over the past few weeks that she needed to remember that these tests were just practice and that she didn't even need to do them if it was too much, but she refused to listen.
If she had just listened to the advice of others she wouldn't have been so close to a breakdown. While we do give a certain level of leniency for the students in their OWL and NEWT years for their little breakdowns this was over the line. There was no need for her to get herself so worked up. She knew full well that these tests meant nothing in the long run."
"Hermione just wants to do her best, she always has." Albus twinkled. "Taking away her badge for a mistake like this will only discourage her and we can't have that."
"There is a difference between trying ones best and what she was doing. In her attempt to be better than everyone else she hurt not only others, but herself as well. She isn't sleeping or eating properly and we can all see it. Hermione needs to learn how to properly handle things like stress. If she can't handle the practice tests, what do you think is going to happen when the time comes for her to take the real ones." Severus looked right at Dumbledore.
"The debate is moot either way." Sirius chipped in. "Not only did we agree that she would be stripped of her badge if she sent another student to the hospital wing, we also said if she got more than three detentions she lost the badge. And, she will be receiving both detention and point loss for her actions today, and that brings her up to four detentions. So, she is losing the badge regardless of how you feel about what she did Headmaster.
More over, this is not a one time thing. While her hitting has gotten better in the past few months, Hermione has a long history of violence that is hard to overlook in these circumstances. For Merlin's sake, more than half of the detentions she has earned since she started here has been as a result of some form of violence."
"Yes… I have noticed a marked improvement in her self control when it comes to her hitting recently." Aurora said contemplatively. "I think that's one of the reason this attack came as such a surprise to me."
"With her mind healers agreement, her parents gave her a karma potion before she started school this year." Sirius told her. "That's why she has stopped hitting so much, she has finally started to learn how it feels, and she doesn't like it.
It's also why I am suggesting that her detention just be silent reading or something that isn't strenuous. She is going to be feeling the pain she inflicted just as Mr. Zabini is."
"Then she has already been punished more than enough." Albus butted in. "Having to feel the pain will be more than enough to teach her, so there is no reason to punish her more."
"Like I said before, if you keep fighting on this Headmaster I will request it is brought before the board." Pomona cut in. "I'm sure Helen Davis and Sophia Zabini will have plenty to say on the topic."
Albus couldn't believe that once again it was the head of the Hufflepuff house that was proving to be his biggest threat. While the others might have disagreed with his planned course of action it had been Pomona that was practically threatening him. He knew that he couldn't let this now before the board since the victims were the children of current board members.
Helen Davis would probably be even worse given her adoptive sons history. Albus still remembered the trial that had taken place so many years before about the boys abuse. During his first year, Albus had tried to foster a mentorship bond with the Nott Lord, but the boy was far too standoffish to allow him close for any length of time. He had given up after that, given the boys family history, Albus had no doubts that he would eventually turn to the dark and he hadn't wanted to be connected to him when he did.
"Fine, Fine. I can see there is no prevailing upon you about this matter." Albus gave them all sad and disappointed looks, but none of them even flinched. He hated that.
"Good evening Headmaster. Minerva." Sirius nodded to the two before he lead the rest of the staff out of the office, leaving the two behind.
Minerva didn't even speak, she just drew in a deep breath and let it out on a growl.
Albus leaned back in his chair and thought. He needed to get Hermione and Ron back under his control. But how?
Hermione had gotten too caught up in her idea of being the best. Her attitude may have gotten her far if he had still been in control of the school and that ridiculous new marking scheme wasn't in place, but it wasn't doing any good now. He needed to get her to start following instructions.
Then there was Ron. The Albus had first heard that Arthur was making the boy see a mind healer he had thought it might be a good thing, and it had at that point. The boys grades had shown a marked increase, but he still wasn't where Albus would have wanted him. But, recently he had seen the changes in the boy. He was no longer following their plan. He didn't seek out the Potter boy much anymore. Even though Minerva had them sitting next to each other in her class she had said Ron barely spoke to the boy.
Albus needed to get them to be friends with the boy, that had been his plan for so long. Instead, they had alienated themselves from the boy and he had surrounded himself with their enemies.
The only thing Albus could think of was that it might be time for an attitude adjustment for those two.
Hogwarts Train - December 19, 2005
Hadrian was sitting with his friends on the way home for their Yule holidays feeling happy. Despite her best efforts, Umbridge still had almost no power or control over the students and staff of Hogwarts. That hadn't stopped him and the twins from pranking her a lot, but it was nice.
Mr. Weasley wasn't sitting in a hospital bed recovering from an attack by Nagini. Instead he was going to be meeting them at the platform with his husbands and new children.
Life really was going good for Hadrian this time around. He was even almost finished with his animagus training. So far he could do the individual body parts almost seamlessly. It was just combining them all together now. It was still going to take a bit more work, but he was right on track with his personal timetable. Of course, once he was able to shift, he was going to need to start working on the muscles. Animals used different muscles than humans did so he was going to need to strengthen those muscles so that he would be able to do things like run and jump in his fox form.
Looking down again, he smiled at the results of his practice OWLs. While he knew they weren't as long or in depth as the real thing was going to be, something he knew from experience, they had done well in giving the feel of the real tests. If he had been like the other students they really would have proven beneficial for showing him what he needed to know.
In all, he hand ended up getting outstanding in every subject. While he was pleased, there was still a small part of him that felt a bit guilty since he had done a lot of these courses before, but not as much as he normally would. With all the changes to the curriculum, plus the different classes he was taking he still had to study and practice to do well.
Tucking the paper back into his pocket he leaned back and rested his head on Fred's shoulder. That was the only downside of this year in his opinion. At the end of this year, Fred and George would be graduating and he hated the fact that they were going to be separated for him while he was still at school. But, there was nothing he could do to stop it, so he pushed it out of his mind and focused on what was going on around him.
Hermione sat numbly in her compartment on her way back to London. How had everything gone so wrong?
Not only had she lost her prefects badge, but she had barely passed her practice OWLs. Even Ron had scored better than her in a few subjects. RON. That just wasn't possible. How could someone like him do better than her? She studied and read all the time and all he did was play quidditch and chess.
Looking over, she glared at the boy who once again had his nose shoved into one of his stupid quidditch books. Although, she had no idea why he and Ginny were even on the train. They were going to their mums and she lived in Hogsmeade. That meant they were taking the train all the way to London, just to floo back to Scotland. They could have just walked the five minutes to their mums place and been there and done with it already. But, at least she wasn't alone.