Deep Within My Bones, Strength like No Other
Writings
Flashbacks
Silent communication
……………………
Date: Friday, January 5, 1996
Time: 6:30 a.m.
Location: Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
The next morning Dolores informed the rest of the staff that she will be out of Hogwarts for the day. The other professors would usually be more than happy to hear such news from the despicable woman. It wasn't only the students that abhorred having her walk in the hallways and teach in a classroom of a school they love so dearly. The other professors felt personally affronted of hearing the students having to call the vile women by the title of ‘Professor’.
Yes, they would've been more than pleased to have her out of their precious school, away from their dear students for the day. Except, it was all too clear to see for everyone in the teacher's lounge the pure and unadulterated glee that shined in the squat women's eyes. A glee that was filled with vindictive and malicious delight. It sent a shiver down each of their spines.
Albus, without missing a beat, only showing polite curiosity on his face asked the Defense professor, "My dear Dolores, is everything alright?"
Umbridge's smile grew. The professors felt their stomachs drop.
"Yes, I would say so Professor Dumbledore. I received good news last night that I must personally inform Cornelius about. News that I'm sure would greatly please him." Dolores' voice was sickly sweet. They could hear a promise of grim tidings for them in it.
Their skin crawled.
"What would you like to do about your classes?" McGonagall asked. It was hard speaking to the woman civilly. To treat her with any respect or common decency revolted her. Especially since she made the lives of her students, one of her Gryffindors in particular, harder. Even so, she was the Deputy Headmistress. She had a job to do, a duty to her students.
"I feel a study hall for those periods may be well in order. I must leave now. I do not wish to delay my visit to the Minister any longer." Dolores turned her back on the others in the room without further word.
"Albus..." Minerva said. She was worried. They all were. She could not think of a single thing that would make the short woman so happy.
"I don't know Minerva. I expect though that we will find out very soon." Albus' words did not make any of the professors feel better.
They sat in tense silence until it was time for them to make their way to the Great Hall for breakfast. The news of Umbridge's absence was received enthusiastically by most of the students.
All except two.
Harry saw the tightness in the professors' faces at the announcement. He felt his stomach drop and his heart speed up. Fred grabbed his hand under the table and squeezed it gently.
Harry's jaw was locked tightly. The muscles twitch. His face emotionless. Except for his eyes, they were filled with dread.
"Harry, I'm here remember. No matter what I'm with you." Fred whispered into Harry's ear. Reminding the younger boy of his promises from last night. Promises that Fred would make sure he never broke.
Fred watched as Harry took a shaky breath in. Felt him gently squeeze his hand back.
The rest of the Weasleys and Hermione were watching Harry.
"Mate, this is a good thing. We get a day away from the ugly toad." Ron said lightly. His good mood evident. Harry could see the look mirrored in the other's faces as well. All except Fred. Fred, who he spoke his fears to last night. Who knew that now Harry will see this as proof that he was right.
Harry looks at each of his friends, catching each of their eyes for a few seconds each. He feels horrible when he sees the smiles slip off their faces.
"Harry, what is it?" Hermione asks. Her voice is gentle and strong. Like whatever it is she'll follow him.
"Not here." Harry responds. He gathers his things and starts to head out of the Great Hall.
Fred, George Ginny, and Hermione followed immediately behind him. Ron looks forlornly at the food on his plate for a moment.
He's two seconds behind the others.
Harry leads them a good distance from the Great Hall to an abandoned classroom. They all grab seats. Except Harry. He's pacing. His mind won't allow him to sit still now that the only attention on him is those that he trusts most. Trust to know that they won't judge him for how crazy he's liable to sound. They may not always understand him. But their trust in him is limitless.
He stops to look at each of them. Hermione is sitting with her legs slanted to one side crossed at the ankles, eyebrows scrunched together, nibbling on her lower lip. A tell that she's nervous. He is aware of the million questions running through her mind that she wishes to ask. She doesn't. She knows that when Harry's like this he needs time to gather his thoughts. That he needs time to gather what it is he is trying to say. He deeply appreciates the quiet.
Ron is sitting next to Hermione. Forearms resting on his spread knees. He's the exact opposite. Where Hermione is a ball of anxiety and questions, Ron is calm and focused. Ready to listen to what Harry has to say. Hermione usually follows this by asking her questions. Then for Ron to help Harry create a strategy to help with whatever needs to get done. Even though their plans usually fall apart. It's their system.
Ginny sits on Ron's other side. Legs crossed at the knees. Nails tapping a rhythmic beat on her knee. Her face is that of concern. Eyes are full of intensity. It reminds Harry that out of all the Weasley children, it's the youngest and only girl that could be the most terrifying. He's lucky that he has her on his side. She's only grown stronger and fiercer since her first year.
George is next to Ginny. Unlike the others, he sits on top of a desk. One leg is hanging over the edge and the other is propped up so he can rest his head on his knee. He can tell that he and Fred just had one of their silent twin conversations. His face, so like his twins', but so different at the same time, reads resignation and protectiveness. George has grown used to worrying about his younger siblings. Those who share his blood, and those who don't. Harry remembers the one time he apologized to George for constantly dragging his younger brother into trouble. George gave him a flat look and told him "We're the Weasleys, and to us, family is the most important thing. That includes you, Harry." Harry's face was so red and hot, he couldn't form a complete sentence. A smile spread across George's face, and he ruffled Harry's hair.
Last, but certainly not least was Fred. Standing and leaning against what was once a professor's desk, arms folded in front of his chest. Unlike the others, Fred knew why Harry had brought them all here. Had heard Harry try to explain what he was feeling last night. He radiates calmness and reassurance to Harry. It helps. It always does. He doesn't think Fred knows just how much Harry truly appreciates him.
"Last night I couldn't sleep. My mind was restless." Before anyone could ask, he quickly continued, "No, it wasn't from any weird dreams like the one before Christmas." He couldn't help but notice the exhale of breath the other three Weasley children let out. "It was a feeling I got. A gut feeling. A feeling that something, sometime soon was going to happen. A feeling that has only gotten stronger. Now Umbridge is reporting to the Ministry today, missing a full day of class. I can't help but think it has something to do with her. I know it must. I don't know how I know; I just do."
"Harry, do you think maybe it's just all the stress you've been under lately. That maybe it's just a coincidence?" Of course, it's Hermione that asks the question. She the one that always tries to bring in reason to try and steady them.
"Hermione, when in my life has anything been a coincidence?" Harry would really like to know because after learning about the Magical World, nothing has been a coincidence for him.
"Man's got a point, 'Mione." Ron doesn't even question that what Harry felt was valid.
"All I'm saying is a lot has happened this year. Between Umbridge, the Prophet, the breakout at Azkaban, the DA, O.W.L’s. Harry, it's a lot to deal with." Hermione was right. It was a lot.
Yet, it wasn't the source of what Harry was feeling. He knew that for sure.
"When has Harry had an easy year. Each year something happens. Each year Harry barely escapes death." That was unfortunately very true. Trust Ginny to say it so bluntly.
"Exactly, every year you're put under more and more stress. There's only so much a person can take." Harry appreciates Hermione's logic. Unfortunately, he knows that Hermione is trying to convince herself as what Ginny said was so brutally true. More so for Hermione and Ron than for the others as those two were with him every step of the way.
"How many times has Harry's feelings saved his life. Saved a lot of lives?" George's questions were painful. Just how many times did Harry following his instincts save his own life and others?
Too many.
"Do you have any idea what it could be?" Hermione knows there's no use trying to reason out a logical explanation for anything that involves Harry.
"The DA. Could Umbridge know about it?" Ron's question is quick.
"No. She would have pounced on the opportunity to throw all of us out. Especially Harry." Ginny was right. There's no way Umbridge would tolerate a single second more of Harry's presence in the school if she had enough reason to have him expelled.
"Well, dear Harrykins, is there anything we should know about? You know, other than the highly illegal defense association you’re leading that would make the Ministry think you're starting an uprising?" Well, when George puts it like that it does sound kind of bad.
"No, I don't think so. I think that more than enough fills my quota for illicit activities." Harry responds blandly.
"I could think of a few things..." Fred's smirk is lecherous and downright sinful. Harry wants to smack him.
Or kiss him.
"NO!!!" The others yell. They did not want to hear about their brother's relationship. No thank you.
Ron had his fingers in his ears to block out anything his older brother may say.
Harry, even with his face red and burning couldn't help but laugh at everyone's reaction.
Fred looked extremely pleased with himself.
The git.
Once everyone calmed down and realized Fred wasn't intending to continue, there wasn't much more that they had to add. There was just one last thing that had to be said. That didn't need to be said, but Harry's friends swore years ago that they would proclaim it and prove it every chance they got.
"Whatever it may be, whatever may happen, we're with you. Always." The others all agreed with the words and sentiment Ron spoke.
Harry looked at the four people in the room with him. His family. A wave of warmth and affection for them all washed over him. There was no denying that he loved them all. That they loved him. Whatever happened, he knew that they wouldn't leave him. It made him love each of them even more.
…………………...
Date: Friday, January 5, 1996
Time: 7:00 a.m.
Location: The Ministry of Magic
Dolores walked through the atrium of the Ministry with a single-minded purpose. Her footsteps were quick and sure, her back straight, her gait determined, her countenance oozed of self-satisfaction, and pure unadulterated vindictive glee. Many whose path she crossed recoiled at the sight of her face, and the thought of the misfortune that had befallen the one who made her smile so full of malevolent jubilation.
Expeditiously, her footsteps brought her to her destination, the office of the Minister for Magic, Cornelius Fudge.
She was greeted promptly and courteously by the Junior Assistant to the Minister for Magic. Unfortunately, the young man couldn't fulfill the main purpose of why he was hired. With his family's close ties to Dumbledore, the Minister's office hoped that they would be able to gain insight into his plans and intentions. Regrettably, that was not to be so as he had had a falling out with his family. At least he was a diligent worker and nothing like those deranged twin brothers of his.
"Madame Umbridge, how nice to see you. If you give me one moment, I will inform the Minister of your arrival." She can hear the eagerness to please in the red heads voice.
"Thank you, Mr. Weasley." Her voice is sickly sweet. She couldn't wait to inform the Minister of their good fortune.
"Minister, Madame Umbridge is here to see you." Percy Weasley knocks respectively on the door to the Minister's private office informing him of her arrival.
"Of course, let her in." The Minister's voice is filled with curiosity and triumph. Before she left, Dolores had informed Cornelius through the Floo network that she needed to see him today as she had found a way to get rid of both the old man and boy who continued to spew such blatant and nasty lies. To say he was interested and elated by the news would be putting it mildly. He requested she come to his office as soon as possible.
Allowing her to enter, Weasley quickly opened the door for her.
"That will be all Weasley, thank you." The Minister quickly dismissed the young man.
"Good morning, Dolores. I'm so very happy to see you." Dolores can hear the giddiness in his voice. See the glee and hope radiating from him. She feels the same way. They both had the same problem.
The Potter brat and Albus Dumbledore.
"Good morning, Minister. I'm so happy to see you. I'm even happier to share with you what I have." It's hard for her to contain herself. She can't wait any longer to inform Cornelius that she finally has the means to accomplish what she has been set out to do.
"Come, let us sit down and you can tell me what it is you found." His voice intensifies with joy at the prospect of finally having something that could oust the two people that have caused him nothing but stress and grief since June.
Once comfortably seated, Dolores recounts last night's discoveries. She recalled the room that had appeared out of nowhere. A room that was previously not there. She informed him of the explanation she was given of the room and its existence. Most importantly, she informed him of what the room contained.
As she described last night's revelation, she could see the Minister's eyebrows rise and his eyes fill with questions.
At the end of her story, she handed him the letter that was addressed to her. Not the original first letter, the letter which could get her into some serious trouble, but the second version that her ally had given her for this very occasion.
Cornelius grabs the letters and starts reading its contents. His eyes intensely and avidly taking in each word written. A myriad of emotions flash across his face.
Once done, hand still clutching the paper, face full of tentative hope he looks up at Dolores.
"How can we trust this?" He whispers, full of uncertainty, seeking to be sure that the words in this letter are true.
"I was skeptical at first too, Minister. I spent hours making sure that I had the spell perfected. I spent even more time testing it out. Each time I cast it, it accurately detected whether it was truth or lies. I would not have brought this to your attention if I was not completely sure of its legitimacy." Her words were truth. Hours upon hours she spent testing the spell. So long in fact that it was nearly dawn by the time she returned to her quarters.
“Please, allow me to show you, Minister.” With that, Dolores pulled the parchment, inkwell and quill that was conveniently perched on the table close to her. Picking the quill up, dipping it into the inkwell, and gently tapping to remove the excess, Dolores placed the quill on the parchment and started to write.
My name is Dolores Jane Umbridge and I am the Senior Undersecretary to the Minister for Magic, Cornelius Fudge.
Tap, tap, tap, check.
The parchment glows greens. The Minister’s eyes widen.
On and on it continued.
Another line is written.
Green.
A new piece of parchment, another line of cursive.
The parchment glows red.
Green, green, red, red, red, green, red red.
The more Dolores demonstrated the spell, the more Cornelius' hesitancy dissipated. Each time the spell was cast he could feel himself become more and more overjoyed at its meaning. His doubts were gone.
Cornelius called Percy Weasley into his office. Quickly, barely two seconds later, the Weasley boy promptly opened his office door.
"I need you to inform Amelia Bones that she is required in my office. Immediately. Floo Dumbledore as well, and tell him to be in my office in no more than twenty minutes." The letter stated that Amelia Bones and Dumbledore needed to attend the meeting. Cornelius was not willing to wait a moment longer than he had to, to finally rid himself of the thorn in his side.
"Right away, Minister." Just as quickly as he appeared, Weasley left, softly shutting the door behind him.
“This is it my dear Dolores! This is what we have needed!” Cornelius is nearly delirious with excitement and euphoria.
Finally! Finally, they had something. Finally, they had something that could get rid of Dumbledore and Potter for good.
“You’ve done so well. All your hard work has finally borne fruitful.” Dolores preened at the praise that the Minister gives her.
“I’ve promised you that I would work tirelessly to see this through, Minister, and you know me. I am a woman of my word.” Triumph drips from her lips as smugness shines in her eyes.
“That you have. I believe that once everything is set and done, once we are done with these books…well, how would Headmistress Umbridge sound? Hmm? Finally, we could get Hogwarts under Ministry control.” The Minister’s voice is full of satisfaction
Before Umbridge could reply there's a sharp knock at the door, and Percy Weasley announces the arrival of Amelia Bones. Cornelius quickly bids him to allow her in.
Amelia briskly and formally walks into the office of Cornelius Fudge.
The past few months have been harder than usual for Amelia. Dealing with the fallout between Dumbledore and Fudge was stressful and immense. She knew that Dumbledore claimed vehemently that Voldemort was back. That Harry Potter had claimed to have seen him be brought back. She knew that Fudge vehemently denied that such a thing could be possible. It was hard not to know considering nearly every edition of the Daily Prophet made some mention of the ongoing battle between the two.
Amelia was a logical woman. A woman of law and order. She followed the evidence to where it led her. In both her work and personal life. Unfortunately, for Dumbledore, there was no evidence that supported his claim of Voldemort’s return. The only thing he had were the words of a young boy. A young, traumatized boy. There was no denying that Harry Potter was a young boy who had been through so much, too much. She didn't say it as a fault against him, as the Daily Prophet had. She said it because it was the truth. An unfortunate and sad truth, but truth nonetheless.
Yes, there was no evidence to support Harry Potter and Dumbledore's claim that Voldemort had returned. Although there could have been.
Barty Crouch Junior.
Upon hearing that a previously thought-dead man, who had been sentenced to Azkaban for the torture of people she considered dear friends, had actually been alive, Amelia finds herself silently seething at the news. Not only was he alive, but he spent the entire year impersonating a man she deeply respected. Unfortunately, before she could question him about how in Merlin's name any of this could be possible, Fudge administered the Dementor's Kiss to the wretched man. Before she could get any statements and find out what his motives were, he was just a soulless body, already fading away. It made her sick to think that Fudge purposely got rid of evidence that could possibly prove that the reality that Voldemort has come back is indeed true.
The evidence may be lacking, but she can't ignore the feeling in her gut. Amelia survived the last time Voldemort had risen to power. When the monster had launched his campaign of fear, destruction and death. There wasn't a day that went by back then when you didn't see a name you knew in the obituary. She remembered the day the names she held dearest to her stained the paper in ink. The day she became one of only two Bones' left in the world. The memory still caused her crippling pain to this day.
It was nearly the end of her shift. She was writing a report on the two arrests she made in Knockturn Alley. It was a calmer day than usual. No Death Eater activity happened. Everyone in the office thought it was a good day, a stroke of luck that maybe they could go a day without losing someone. It was a hope that was quickly and excruciatingly destroyed.
A call came in, the alarm started blaring. She grits her teeth at the sound of it making her head and ears ring.
Frank is closest to the the alarm.
"Read it." Moody barks out. The sooner they know where they are needed, the sooner they can get there and possibly save lives.
"Death Eater attack. All hands on deck. Aurors already on site are bogged down by attackers. Location...." Frank stops speaking and his eyes dart to Amelia.
Her stomach dropped. Her heart nearly did too.
Don't say it, please don't say it.
"Location, Bones Manor." Frank intoned.
Amelia ran. She had to get to them. Had to protect them. Her brothers. Her sister in laws. Her nieces and nephews.
Oh Merlin, the children.
She could hear the footsteps of the entire unit behind her. They are all running towards the point where they can apparate out. It was right in front of her.
It was so far away.
Frank and Alice were on her heels, much closer than the others.
She can hear her name being yelled. Aurors aren’t supposed to respond to calls that involve their own family. They were too close to the situation to handle it professionally.
Too close, too emotional, too reckless.
In this line of work, especially during this time, there was only one outcome: death. That didn’t stop Amelia.
She knew that it would be her fault if something happened to her family. It was her that brought down four death eaters in the last month and a half. She knew she had made herself a target. In later battles, the Death Eaters would become even more vicious, personally seeking her out.
Yes, she realized she has become a target. What she didn’t expect was that in their failure to get her, Voldemort and his Death Eaters would seek out retribution in the form of attacking her family. Her feet were barely across the point of apparation before she disappeared with a loud crack.
When she arrived at the scene, what she saw would forever haunt her.
It was dark but the eerie green glow of the Dark Mark illuminated her surroundings. Before her eyes were the tall gates of Bones Manor, half destroyed. Despite their simplicity, the gates were strong and adorned only with the insignia of the Bones family. Except now, pinned in the most gruesome fashion were the bodies of two of her nieces and her younger brother.
Arms encircled her, trying to comfort her, trying to pull her away. She could feel breath on her ear like someone was trying to whisper words of comfort to her. If that were true, she couldn’t hear them. For all she could hear was blood rushing in her ears. Ripping herself free from the hold on her she stood up, not even remembering falling to her knees, stumbling her way to the tortured remains of her family.
Falling to her knees once more at the feet of her family, as though she was a beggar, begging for this not to be real, she lightly grabbed the dangling foot of her three-year-old niece. Once so lively, never able to stay still, and so very ticklish. One gentle touch on her small foot would send her into hysterical giggles that was so infectious it brought laughter to all around her. Now, so still. Little Valerie was gone.
Slowly, as though her body was moving through molasses, her other hand found that of the five-year-old, Lila. So joyful and fiercely protective of her little sister. Always ready to offer, demand, a hug. Hands and arms always swinging wildly around when she talked. Her animation and enthusiasm making them all smile. Now, she' s still and covered in wounds so deep she could see bone. Amelia knew she died protecting her little sister.
It would be less painful if someone were to cut her heart out.
Without releasing her hold on the two girls so dear to her heart her face rises and she catches the eyes of her younger brother, her best friend, Emmett. Eyes that were once always filled with so much joy and mischief, now empty. Half his face frozen in an expression of fear and pain, the other half, gone.
Looking at them, she knew what lay beyond these gates would only hold death and destruction.
Amelia broke.
A scream ripped through her throat, filled with loss and devastation. The sound ripped through those witnessing the utter heartbreak and grief of their friend and colleague.
The taste of copper and salt.
Her throat is raw, her eyes burn.
The pain is nothing compared to what lies before her.
There’s someone shaking her shoulder, tugging on her clothes, trying to get her attention.
Blindly she shoves the person away.
They come back.
“Amelia, please. Amelia, you shouldn’t be here. We need to leave. Amelia. Amelia, please!” The desperate pleading of Alice breaks through her grief-stricken mind.
Amelia can’t bring herself to care about the state she has put her friend in. She can’t seem to make herself care about anything but what’s in front of her.
“I’m not leaving.” Her voice holds what little strength she has left.
“Amelia…” Frank comes from behind Alice, approaching Amelia like one would a wounded animal.
“NO!” The shout echoes making both Frank and Alice flinch.
“No, I’m staying.” Amelia looks into Alice’s eyes.
She can’t leave. She can’t.
She needs to see them. She needs to see them all.
Alice sees that she won’t be swayed any other way. Not without violence.
There’s already been too much violence this night.
Alice helps her up. Frank is a steady presence at her back.
They walk through the gates and down the path that has always led home.
Now they lead to death and despair.
Soon the destroyed smoking remains of Bones Manor fills the night sky. It feels like another stab to her heart as she sees the ruins of her family home. A sob escapes her, the only other sound besides the near quiet steps of the unit of Aurors behind her, and the crackling fires still burning the destroyed manor.
The closer they get, the stronger the smell of smoke, Black Magick, and blood become.
There’s nothing but death here.
When they get to the smoking skeleton of Bones Manor, Amelia can’t help but stop and stare at what was once her home. The others continued on, needing to scan for any possible dangers remaining. Needing to start shifting through the wreckage. Hopefully to find any remains.
Hoping to find her family.
Amelia can’t help but take a sharp intake of breath.
“Amelia, you don’t have to. It’ll be best if you stay here” Frank says pleadingly.
Amelia knows what he means.
“You know what you could find. It’s best you do not see them. Not like that.”
Her stomach roils at the images of the state that so many families have been left in when the Dark Mark illuminates the night sky.
She fears finding them.
Amelia needs to find them.
Without responding, she climbs up a pile of rubble, the wall that held the window that she would stare out searching for the form of her father while waiting for him to return from a Wizengamot meeting. Now she searches for her whole family from this destroyed windowed wall.
Everything that matters has been lost. Those who brought her so much love and brightness in a time filled with so much turmoil and chaos have been swallowed by the darkness. Their fire snuffed out before they truly lived their lives.
Justice.
Vengeance.
Amelia’s blood was singing for it.
More than anything though, she wanted to be with her family. Her heart ached for them; her soul yearned for them.
Hours passed.
The only sounds in the face of so much devastation were the sounds of shifting debris. Nearly all the members of her family have been found.
All dead, all so very bloody.
Amelia shouldn’t be here.
She wouldn’t leave until she found everyone.
Diana, her sister-in-law, and little three-month-old Susan were still missing. They may be gone, she may be too late, but she was going to find them.
The sound of a soft whimper echoed around the carnage.
Everyone stopped.
Amelia strained her ears. A moment went by, nothing, silence.
Suddenly, another whimper. Louder this time.
Bolting in the direction the sound was heard, Amelia cautiously started to shift through the rubble. Not a moment later, Frank, Alice, and the others started doing the same. The cries were constant now, louder. Each second that passed Amelia became more frantic. Her hands were burned and bloodied, her nails chipped and broken as she resorted to using her hands to move the rubble in pure desperation and hope.
Finally, a piece of what was once the ceiling of the family room was lifted.
The hollow and empty eyes of Dianna, her sweet sister in all but blood greeted her. Dianna’s back was bloody and broken. Even in death, she curled her body protectively. Stumbling to the body of the woman she loved so dearly, Amelia gently rolled her over.
Cradled in her arms, arms that sought to protect its precious bundle even when her heart stopped beating was Susan.
Susan, who looked relatively unharmed, was the most beautiful thing Amelia had ever seen. Upon seeing Amelia, Susan reached out to her with her small, chubby hands. Gently, she removed the precious girl from the arms of her mother.
Arms that Susan would never feel wrapped around her again.
If Fudge's actions or inactions has caused her niece to be placed in danger, Voldemort would be the least of his worries.
Amelia came striding into the Minister's office. The looks on both Fudge and Umbridge's faces nearly stopped her in her tracks. Whatever reason she was here, it couldn't be pleasant. Not even momentarily showing any of the trepidation she felt, Amelia greeted them both professionally and crisply.
"Minster Fudge, Madame Umbridge, how can I be of service to you." Amelia's voice lacked the disdain that so easily rose up in her at the sight of the woman in pink.
"Ah Amelia, how nice to see you. I had you come here because Dolores has discovered a way to expose all about the lies that Harry Potter has been spreading, and the plans Dumbledore has in the works." Fudge's words are excited and victorious. Amelia can already tell this conversation was going to exhaust her. These past few months of having to deal with Fudge trying to one up Dumbledore have become excruciating.
"Oh, and what is it that Madame Umbridge found?" Her focus turns to the unsightly woman. It was bad enough she had to be in this woman's presence but listening to her speak was even more grating.
As Umbridge spoke the usual dislike she held for the woman morphed as what she was saying was registering in Amelia's mind.
Umbridge explained her nightly walk and her woes. The discovery of a hidden room that only shows itself to those who are in need of it. And the contents of the room. Then she was handed a letter, so she read it.
To the Esteemed High Inquisitor of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, and Senior Undersecretary to the Minister for Magic Dolores Jane Umbridge,
I am sure that you are wary of the place in which you have found yourself, and as such the contents of this room, therefore this letter as well. To help alleviate any concerns you may have I will explain what this room is, and why you are here.
You currently find yourself sitting in the Room of Requirement, also known as the Come and Go Room. The room’s name is very well placed. This room only appears to those who are truly in need of it. You may find it by pacing in front of its location and thinking about what it is you need. Imagine someone, such as yourself, needed a place of quiet to think and compose themselves, and as you pace in front of the wall where the door is, we will see a room like this, which will accommodate your needs.
Now onto who I am. Unfortunately, I cannot give you a name or a title, for I have many. Hopefully, I hope you will consider me a friend, or at the very least, an ally. Especially since what I am about to reveal and give to you will help in your endeavors of exposing the truth of Harry Potter, revealing all the lies, and finding out what it is that Albus Dumbledore is planning.
Yes, I am aware of what you are trying to accomplish with Potter and Dumbledore. I must commend you on what you have accomplished so far. No one else can claim to have done a fraction of what you have done in removing a substantial amount of power that Dumbledore has gained and held onto for so long. Too long in fact. Although no one has come close to accomplishing what you have done, you continue to fall short. Do not misunderstand me, I am not criticizing you. Even with all the influence you hold within the Mistry of Magic, and now with your newly created title of High Inquisitor of Hogwarts School of Witcraft and Wizardry, you remain fighting an uphill battle.
As I mentioned earlier, Dumbledore has held too much power for far too long. Within the Ministry of Magic as Chief Warlock, on the international stage as the Supreme Mugwump of the ICW, but most acutely pertaining to your current problem, Headmaster at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. With his positions of power, all three being held simultaneously for many years, the vast majority of the Magical population deemed him infallible, a beacon of hope and morality, nearly omnipresent. How many generations of children have walked through the doors of Hogwarts to witness and be under the sway of his power and influence? Those children have grown up with it being a fact to them that Albus Dumbledor is the paragon of goodness and right. To remain safe we must follow his lead. Children were raised on that notion of him, who in turn raised their children, and their children. Generations growing up with the belief that Dumbledore knows all and knows best.
Yet, you and I see how dangerous this issue is. The power he has wielded for so long has made entire generations loyal to him. They are blinded by his name and cannot come to terms with that he is just a man capable of being wrong and making mistakes. Except when it comes to people like Albus Dumbledore, people who hold so much power, so many secrets, their mistakes can be catastrophic. Unfortunately, unlike you, the majority of the population do not realize the devastation and damage the blind trust they give the old man could cost them. What it will cost our world, the Magical World.
While I understand that what I am about to share with you may seem unbelievable and outlandish to you, I implore you not to disregard what I have already told you, and what I still need to share with you.
I write to you from the future.
As hard as it may be to believe I need you to know that what I say is the truth. A woman of your intelligence, influence, and position within the Ministry may not find it as difficult to comprehend that time magic is not as remote as people may think. Especially with those nifty little Time Turners.
Now onto why I have written to you and organized this all in the first place. As I mentioned several times already, we have the same goals. It is our mission to uncover and reveal the truth about Harry Potter, to expose the lies that have been spread, and to reveal the plans and mechanisms of Albus Dumbledore.
You see, Dumbledore has many secrets, many plans, and he holds them all close to his chest. He’s the puppet master of many key events, controlling many things from in front and behind the curtain. Too long he has gone unchecked, unquestioned, and deferred to the point where he believes he cannot make mistakes. But as I said before, people like Dumbledore, when they hold as much influence and power as he does. Thus, mistakes made by them, or by him, are capable of causing devastation beyond what anyone could imagine; including Albus Dumbledore himself.
As a result of all the lies and disinformation being spread, because of the plans and secrets that Albus Dumbledore holds so very close to his chest, within a few months’ time a war breaks out. Assassinations of Ministry officials and the deaths of so many more, so many children. A war in which Albus Dumbledore and then Harry Potter will be at the head of one side.
As I said, the death toll in the Magical World will be immense. Generations whipped out. Generations never to be born. For the last battle, the fight that will bring the most death, the most destruction will take place in a little more than two years. That battle will be at Hogwarts. Children will be soldiers. Entire family lines will be whipped out. Lines older than Hogwarts herself. We felt the devastation of the final battle. It was nearly impossible not to with so many loved ones lost. We didn’t know the full extent of our loss until a few years later.
With so much death, so much magical blood lost, an imbalance was created. An imbalance in which magic started to fade. Our world is dying. The magic that once concealed our world from Muggles was failing. And the Muggles, they weren’t happy for many Muggles were killed by those with magic in the time leading up to the Battle of Hogwarts. Soon, Magick will cease to exist.
This leads us to those books you’ve undoubtably already noticed sitting on the table. Those books, a total of seven, tell the story of each year of Harry Potter’s school years from his perspective. Yes, I know what you have concluded from that. Two and a half of the books are from the future. Unfortunately, what this means for you is that you were unable to accomplish your goal of removing both the boy and the old man. This of course, was not your fault. If it is any consolation, you had come extremely close. In fact, you would be happy to know that thanks to your brilliance and persistence, you managed to put Dumbledore on the run from a stay in Azkaban. Unfortunately, that did not last as long as you would have liked.
Now back to the books and why they are so incredibly important. As I stated earlier, these books contain all seven years of Harry Potter’s time as a student at Hogwarts. All from his perspective. With these books, you will be able to expose the life of Harry Potter. Things about him, things he has done, things he would not want to be known and has desperately sought to hide. As all surrounding Harry Potter will be exposed, so too will Dumbledore. For we both know that Potter is the closest person to Dumbledore. It was on his word alone that Dumbledore launched a campaign that He Who Must Not Be Named is back.
This may seem too good to be true, and I applaud your wisdom in being skeptical. Therefore, I will reveal the spell that was created in the future that allows you to verify the truth of written material. It was created by a friend of mine and is a version of Veritaserum.
For the spell, you must place your wand over the object you wish to detect. Gently, in a straight up and down fashion, tap the material. After the third tap when you move your wand back up, instead of straight up, move it at a 45 degree angle. On the last upward stroke you must use the incantation “Verba Mendacii et Verii Ostendunt Vera”. It will glow a green light if its contents are truthful, and a red light if its contents are lies, if the spell was performed correctly.
Now, you may have noticed that the contents of the books are blurred. There is a simple reason for this, but the magic involved is complex. All people who are meant to read and hear the books must be present. All books must be read in order.
I know this may seem daunting to you, considering that some of them are quite lengthy. You, as well as other people who are required for the reading are so incredibly important and needed that you cannot take time off willy nilly for a reading, no matter how imperative that reading is. Thus, once all those needed for the reading have gathered, Hogwarts and its grounds will be enveloped in a time bubble. This will be accomplished by a spell that was imbued into the letter meant to be read right before the reading of the first book.
There are other contents in front of you besides books. As you may have noticed there are several more letters whose contents you are currently unable to access. Similarly, the reason and magic behind reading books are the same. They must be read in order, and all who are meant to know their contents must be present. Further, the only people who are capable of reading and talking about not just the letters, but the books as well, are those intended to learn their contents. To ensure this, a form of the Fidelus Charm has been placed on each. Thus, ensuring the safety of its contents and only allowing what is meant to be known by the general population to be let out.
If you so desire, and it is my greatest hope you do, gather our great Minister, Cornelius Fudge, Madame Amelia Bones, and Headmaster Albus Dumbledore to read my next letter. With that you will be one step closer in saving our world.
Hopes for a better future,
An Ally
Slowly, Amelia put the letter down, shakily exhaling.
"There is no proof that the contents of this letter is true." Yes, Amelia knew that time magic was more than possible. She's aware of the time turners held in the Department of Mysteries. Even so, those only go back a few hours at most. This letter suggest that it's from years in the future.
"I was just as skeptical as you Madame Bones. Maybe even more so." Umbridge's voice is sickly sweet. It grates on Amelia's nerves. Sets her teeth on edge.
"I spent hours practicing and perfecting the spell. Once done, I tested it for hours. I barely got more than two hours of sleep before I came here to inform the Minister of my findings. I would not have wasted his time had I not been sure of the letters truth." Amelia had to admit that she did believe that Umbridge spoke the truth. If there was one thing that was undeniable, it was Umbridge's dedication to Fudge.
It disgusted her.
"So, what are you suggesting? That we follow the directions of this letter. Have a public reading at Hogwarts? Expose the inner thoughts of a boy to the entire Hogwarts population and then some? Minister, I know there have been problems between you and both Harry Potter and Dumbledore, but don't you think this is going too far? This is an extreme violation of privacy." Amelia couldn't believe what they were suggesting.
"It may seem drastic, Amelia, but it is necessary. I've been saying it for months now. Potter and Dumbledore have done nothing but try to create chaos and hysteria. To claim that He Who Must Not Be Named is back! It's outrageous! It's preposterous! No, I will no longer have it!" Fudge is breathing heavily, his face bright red with anger.
"This letter further proves me right. Death! War! A battle at Hogwarts! The destruction of the Magical World! I will not have it, Amelia. Fudge speaks with a frantic passion.
"It may seem extreme but if we wish to expose them and stop all this from happening we have no choice." Amelia wishes to fight Fudge on this. Of course, she doesn't want to be part of such a huge violation of someone's innermost thoughts and experiences. Of course, she doesn't want what this letter holds to come to pass. She can see that her protest will fall on deaf ears.
"At least let me test the validity of this spell." Amelia wants to at least make sure herself that this spell does what it said it did.
"No. Dolores has checked and tested it. I have seen it used myself. I will not wait longer than I have to, Amelia." For a man like Fudge, his tone was unusually cold and resolute.
Amelia knew there was nothing she could say or do to change their minds. The thought that a young boy was going to have such attention on him. She wanted to vomit, it made her sick. If it was Susan instead, Merlin she couldn't think of such things. Who did Harry Potter have to protect him from such things? To rally behind him and fight any injustices come his way? Her heart ached for the boy.
It wasn’t a moment later when a swift knock on the door was heard, breaking Amelia through her swirling thoughts and emotions.
Fudge bid the person to come in and the tall form of Headmaster Dumbledore came in, a look of calm polite interest on his face.
“Oh good, Dumbledore, you’re here. We have much to discuss.” The Minister said too brightly.
Amelia saw Umbridge open her mouth to explain her 'happy' discovery and immediately tuned the woman out. Her nerves were already frayed, her heart already ached. What they wanted to do, what they planned to do…to force a boy the same age as her sweet Susan to have his life laid bare for all to hear, she couldn’t listen to the woman explain for a second time.
Instead, she decided to count down from one hundred. Yet, she couldn’t look away from her old Headmaster’s face.
Not many would see, but she could see the tightness around the aged man’s eyes as they read over the letter. Saw the stiffness in his fingers as he tightened his hold on the parchment ever so minutely.
When Amelia saw the Headmaster put the letter down, she knew it was time to tune back in.
"There's another letter for the four of us." Amelia truly loathed the sound of Umbridge's voice.
Knowing that the letter would need to be read and not wanting to hear Umbridge more than necessary, Amelia held her hand out. She saw the slight scowl and tightness around the other woman's eyes at her action.
It pleased Amelia greatly.
"My dear Mia, even as kind and amazing as you are, you can be quite petty sometimes. It truly is exquisite and endearing to witness. Well, as long as it's not directed at me that is." His voice was full of laughter and love. Silver eyes lit up with mischief.
Stop, she couldn't think about him right now. The pain that still lingered and ached at his betrayal was just as sharp as when she first found out.
She hasn't been able to stop thinking about him for the past two and a half years.
For the past thirteen years.
Since the day she met him.
To Madame Amelia Bones, Minster Cornelius Fudge, Madame Undersecretary Dolores Umbridge, and Headmaster Albus Dumbledore,
I’m so very pleased that your esteemed selves have decided to heed the words of my first letter. I know to some of you these actions may seem drastic, but these are drastic times.
As you can tell, this letter will be much shorter than my previous as it is meant for you to get together to gather all who are necessary for the readings.
Before my next letter can be read the following people must be gathered at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry:
Minister Cornelius Fudge
Madame Undersecretary Dolores Umbridge
Madame Amelia Bones
Auror Kingsley Shacklebolt
Auror Nymphadora Tonks
Lord Lucius Malfoy
Lady Narcissa Malfoy
Dowager Augusta Longbottom
Retired Auror Alastor Moody
Lord Elphias Doge
Emmeline Vance
Dedalus Diggle
Hestia Jones
Andromeda Tonks
Edward Tonks
Aberforth Dumbledore
Fleur Delacour
Oliver Wood
Arthur Weasley
Molly Weasley
William Weasley
Charles Weasley
Percival Weasley
Remus Lupin and his dog Padfoot
Dobby the House Elf
Kreature the House Elf
Petunia Dursley
Vernon Dursley
Dudley Dursley
Headmaster Albus Dumbledore
The staff and faculty of Hogwarts
The students of Hogwarts
Gather all listed and more than one innocent life will be spared.
In hopes for a better future,
An ally
P. S. Madame Bones, bring an unopened bottle of Veritaserum and its antidote. It will be needed. You will know when.
When Amelia was finished reading, she looked up and couldn't help but look at the Headmaster. The tightness around his eyes was gone, a slight twinkle appeared, and his shoulders were less tense.
There must have been something in the letter that he recognized. Something that gave him a bit of hope.
"An odd assortment of people. I believe that Dolores and I can get the Malfoys and Percy Weasley. Amelia, you should inform Shacklebolt and Tonks. While you're at it, inform Dowager Longbottom as well. You are on friendly terms with her." Fudge says nearly vibrating in place, overwhelmed with the excitement of exposing the life of a child.
"I will inform all the others." The Headmaster states causing Fudge to turn sharply to him.
"Now listen here, Dumbledore. I will not have you trying to stop this from happening by stalling." Fudge is red faced.
"No stalling Cornelius. I know there is no point." The calm words and apparent agreement had the Minister quickly deflating.
With a nod to them all her former Headmaster turned around and left.
As Amelia watched him leave, she couldn't help but think that so much more was going on.