The Announcement
"Hem, hem."
All sound ceased at the sound of the high-pitched clearing of the throat. Every head in the Great Hall turned to look at Professor Umbridge.
Harry knew there was no turning back now.
"Good evening, students. I'm sure you're all wondering why we're all here but before I get started on that, allow me to introduce you to our guests." The smile on her face was wide and hideous as she looked over them all, basking in the power she believes she has been given over them.
Over Harry.
"Firstly, let me introduce our esteemed Minister, Cornelius Fudge." Her voice was sickly sweet and filled with pride as she introduced the portly man.
Fudge stood up and gave what Harry believed the man thought was an imperious nod of his head to everyone. He looked more like a broken bobblehead. His lime green bowler hat nearly fell off his head before he sat back down.
"Percy Weasley, Junior Assistant to the Minister for Magic." The high voice was cruel and sickly sweet as she gave the Weasley family a snide smile.
Harry could tell that they all were affected by it from the way they all stiffened, and the quiet sharp intake of breath from Mrs. Weasley. As though he were afraid that Harry would leave him too, Fred tightened the arm that was around him
Percy stood up. His face was blank, but his eyes flickered to his family. Harry saw the longing in them.
How could he not when Harry spent much of his life yearning for his family too?
Harry hoped that the rift that had been created in the Weasley family could be healed during the reading.
"Madame Amelia Bones, Director of the DMLE." Madame Bones stood up and gave the hall a curt nod. Harry could see the small wave that Susan gave her aunt from the Hufflepuff Table, and the slight smile that the Director offered her niece in return.
"Lord Lucius Malfoy, and his wife, Lady Narcissa Malfoy." Both rose fluidly to their feet at the introduction, with identical expressions Harry had seen them with at the Quidditch World Cup.
This time though, Harry paid more attention to the Malfoy woman.
The once Narcissa Black.
Her hair, pale blonde and straight, compared to the dark voluminous curls of Andromeda, and the midnight of his father’s. Skin like moonlight, as opposed to golden honey.
However, that was the end of the noticeable differences.
The features that defined her face were all Black.
The prominent grey eyes, framed by eyebrows, that although we're much paler than theirs, held the shape they all shared. Her nose was the envy of all Grecians, as it was perfectly straight. Cheekbones, sharper than glass. Lips, fuller than most. All within the face of a diamond.
There was no denying the blood they shared when one cared to look.
Harry watched as the woman gracefully sat down beside her husband.
"Aurors Kingsley Shacklebott and Nymphadora Tonks." Standing up, Harry saw as Tonks' hair turned red to match the long leather jacket of her Auror uniform. Harry knew she hated it when people referred to her by her full first name. This was all the more irritating because it was Umbridge who had done so. The toady lady also didn't bother to hide the sneer in her voice either when saying her name.
Deciding not to correct the woman as Tonks would usually do when it came to her name, she bowed slightly, along with Kingsley from the table in front of the Gryffindor Table, to all those in the Great Hall.
Deciding to get a bit of his own revenge on the pink toad Harry decided to start clapping for the two. His friends, Fred and Remus, followed his lead immediately with Padfoot barking along. Soon, the other Weasleys, Neville's grandmother, and Order members joined in.
Tonks' hair turned vibrant magenta as she decided to do a more dramatic bow. Kingsley had a smile on his face.
"Dowager Augusta Longbottom." Harry was surprised to hear the lack of any and all emotion in Umbridge's voice. Then again, maybe he shouldn't be. Neville's grandmother was more than intimidating. It wouldn't be surprising if Umbridge herself was not immune to the older witch. She was most likely sparring herself from any telling off that the Dowager would not hesitate to give her.
Neville was the first to clap for his grandmother, quickly followed by Harry and the rest. Many at the Gryffindor Table and those who were in the DA all stood up clapping for the fierce woman.
Umbridge's face started turning red from anger. Harry enjoyed it immensely.
"Arthur, Molly, William, and Charles Weasley." The disdain and derision were clear in her voice, making Lucius Malfoy smirk.
It soon disappeared as all of Gryffindor, a vast majority of Hufflepuffs, and the DA immediately stood to clap and cheer, Harry being the loudest along with the four youngest Weasley children. The Weasley parents blushed from all the attention, but they still gave everyone bright kind smiles and friendly waves. Bill and Charlie lapped the attention, giving charming and brilliant smiles that Harry saw half the female population swoon, along with flourishing dramatic bows.
Yep, the twins were so much like their two eldest brothers.
"Andromeda and Ted Tonks." The toad like features were set in seething rage as things weren't going her way as the cheering started once more.
Harry could see the way Mrs. Malfoy’s eyes roved over every inch of her older sister's features. A brief look of longing in her eyes before she blinked it away.
"Parents of Auror Tonks." Harry decided to shout out causing Umbridge to scowl and him to smile as the applause got louder.
It amused him greatly to see Fleur take it even a step further.
"Fleur Delacour." Fleur's musical lilting voice called out as she introduced herself. Perfectly curtseying as if she were a star.
Enthusiastic clapping, catcalls, and wolf whistles rang throughout the Great Hall, the loudest coming from Bill. When she rose, she gave them all a beautiful, brilliant smile, and sat back down. Harry noticed Bill wrapping an arm around her waist, a loving look on his face.
"Oliver Wood." Oliver said with a bright smile to the sound of thunderous applause from the Gryffindor table, as well as enthusiastic clapping and greetings from the other Houses. Harry noticed even Slytherin House clapped for the former Gryffindor Quidditch Captain.
"I's bes Dobby!" Dobby squeaked with enthusiasm, a wide happy smile on his face that grew at the applause.
Harry couldn't help but look at Lucius Malfoy and saw the look of incandescent rage. The look turned to a sneer as the man saw Harry watching him.
Harry couldn't help but give the man a jaunty wave and a wide grin that only grew when he saw the man go red from unbridled anger.
"This be Kreature!" Dobby happily introduced the Black Elf, knowing Kreature wouldn't follow along.
It seemed the other members of the Order decided to follow Fleur's and Dobby's lead, starting with Dedalus Diggle, followed by Hestia Jones, Emmeline Vance, Elphias Dodge, Arabella Figg, and a surprising Aberforth Dumbledore. Harry was surprised to find out that the Headmaster had a brother.
Everyone was met with raucous applause.
It seemed though that Moody wasn't inclined to play along so Tonks decided to take the responsibility herself.
"Ladies and gentlemen, may I introduce you to the most renowned and feared Auror to ever live. The man who puts fear into those who are the very worst of our society by just hearing his name. The man whose very name is synonymous with battle readiness and CONSTANT VIGILANCE! Alastor 'Mad-Eye' Moody!" Tonks introduced her mentor with great gusto and enthusiasm. Her introduction was met with boisterous applause.
Moody banged his walking stick and gave the room a once over in acknowledgement of Tonks' introduction and their applause.
Harry saw that when his eyes landed on the Metamorphmagus, they softened more than Harry had ever thought was possible.
It was then that Tonks eyes landed on Remus and a spark of mischief glimmered in them.
Harry heard Remus take a sharp breath, his face looking as though he had just fallen in love.
Then a look of dread came over him, finally knocked out of his dazed and besotted look when he understood the meaning behind Tonks'.
"Oh no." Harry heard the quiet, dread filled voice of Remus next to him.
He couldn't wait to hear what Tonks had to say.
"And finally, but certainly not least, I have the privilege and honor to present to you a man who is one of a kind. Charming and endearing to all. He is kind to everyone he meets, ready to help anyone in need. He's funny and quick-witted, able to make someone smile within moments of meeting him. Devastatingly handsome with amber eyes that glow like the brightest of fires. Smarter than most, and incredibly humble about it. His abilities and fighting skills can outmatch nearly all who dare cross his path." Remus' face was getting steadily redder the more Tonks went on. He had bowed his head, letting his hair cover his face to hide its redness.
As Harry was sitting so close to him, he was able to see a gap in the strands that made a portion of his face visible.
The breath was knocked out of Harry, and he couldn't help but smile at the look of love and hope on the man's face who was more family to him than most.
Harry sent a prayer to his parents to help their old friend see that he deserved a life filled with happiness and love with the spunky, vivacious, pink haired woman.
"I introduce to you a man that most of you already know. The finest Defense Against the Dark Arts professor that Hogwarts has ever seen, Remus Lupin!" Tonks finished her sensational, theatrical, and entirely sincere introduction.
What followed surprised even Harry.
Thunderous applause broke out throughout the entire Great Hall. Nearly all students from all four Houses stood up and clapped, cheered and whistled as Remus' name echoed in the room. Many students had gotten up to stand on the benches and tables in their enthusiasm and delight at having the man back in the castle.
It was evident to see that Remus was completely surprised and touched by the response given to him. Standing up from his seat, he gave everyone a warm smile and a humble bow.
The cheering grew in intensity. Some students had made their way to Remus, Dean Thomas being the first to personally greet the man with handshakes which he happily returned.
Umbridge had grown incredibly furious as she tried to get control back over everyone. Particularly angry that it was a known werewolf that was at the center of their massive show of respect.
Everyone studiously ignored her.
Remus was beaming as his old students came to talk to him.
In the midst of the happiness on his honorary uncle's face, Harry couldn't help but look at Tonks.
Tonks' face was soft and adoring, filled with so much emotion.
So much love.
Harry understood why Tonks had done what she had done. She wanted Remus to know just how much he was respected, how much he was loved. That despite him being a werewolf, people still cared for him, still looked up to him.
She wanted him to know he was worth so much more than what he believed.
Harry hoped more than anything that Remus would see just how much Tonks truly loved him and that he would have the courage to do something about it.
It was nearly ten minutes later before everyone started to settle down, the other professors refusing to help Umbridge gain control over the students. When everyone was finally seated and quiet, Umbridge took the chance to continue.
"Hem hem." If Harry never hears that sound again, it would be too soon.
"It seems that Auror Tonks wasn't quite right seeing as there are three more people who have yet to be introduced." Her voice was annoyed, her expression irritated as she started but morphed to sickly sweet with spiteful satisfaction on her face. Her smile made her features all the more grotesque as she looked at Harry.
Harry's spine stiffened as his head tilted upward, refusing to be cowed by this woman.
"Please, if you would all graciously welcome our last three guests, Vernon, Petunia, and Dudley Dursley. The Dursley's are Harry Potter's muggle family." Her voice was vindictive and smug.
Every head turned to face Harry as they noticed that he didn't start clapping like he had with the others. The hall was filled with whispers, not only due to the fact that this is the first time muggles have been in Hogwarts, but also due to the distance and coldness between him and his family.
Both Vernon and Petunia sneered at them all. He was shocked to see though that Dudley had given a small shy wave that only lasted two seconds, his cheeks going red.
Umbridge continued to stare at Harry, waiting to see him break under the pressure and knowledge of what was coming.
He refused.
Instead, he stared back, his eyes boring into hers, challenging her, daring her.
She may think she has him where she wants him, but it was Harry who was going to win in the end.
It'll be emotional, painful and will make him feel more exposed than ever before, but it'll be worth it.
He'll have his father.
In this, he's the one that will win.
Her eyes narrowed on him when she realized she wasn't going to get the reaction that she was hoping for, so she cleared her voice and continued on.
"I had you all gathered here today, for as you know I have been on the pursuit to bring Hogwarts back to the honorable place it once was. That this endeavor was made a necessity due to certain undesirable people spreading discord and fear mongering with their devious and unfounded lies." Umbridge sent a look of utter hatred and disgust to Harry and Dumbledore.
"Although this pursuit is honorable, I have been waylaid in its completion due to the uncooperative, unhelpful, and discourteous conduct of those who continue to pander to the ones who have sought to sow dissension and panic in these hallowed halls as well as in the rest of our society." Her look intensified and Harry couldn't help but give her a bored look.
He enjoyed the scowl on her face it caused.
However, I persisted with my task because it is my duty to do so, despite the fact that it has been a long and arduous struggle. I am glad, for last night I had a breakthrough. I was gifted with seven books that detail the life of one particular student." A cruel smile spread across her face as her eyes gleamed with malevolence as she stared at Harry.
"This student has imperiously continued to state his deception as truth at the expense of the peace and harmony that our wonderful Minster had worked so diligently to preserve." A fire burned in Harry at the words. The only thing the Minister worked so diligently on was unknowingly enabling Voldemort to gain the upper hand in this war.
"Along with the books were letters from the sender, which along with the reasons why they had sent these books, had also contained instructions that must be meticulously followed to allow the reading to take place, as well as information to determine the truth and validity of their content. I can assure you all that myself and the Minister had spent hours ensuring that these books and letters contained nothing but the pure honest truth. I didn't take this task lightly either, as they were given to me in order to ensure that the truth comes out from someone in the future." Furious whispers echoed across the Hall at those words. Everyone wondered how something like this could be possible.
"Hem, hem."
"Now I know it is difficult for all of you to believe, but there is no denying the legitimacy of that fact. For within the letter, a spell that has not been created yet in this time was carefully, and thoroughly explained to allow myself to test out the authenticity of the material gifted to me. After I had assured myself of the truth, I communicated my findings to our great Minister who, having ascertained the validity of something that seemed so impossible, thought it prudent to follow the instructions given due to the letter's dire nature." The false worry in Umbridge's voice infuriated Harry. He knew her reason for wanting these readings to take place was to cause him grief, and to get him expelled from Hogwarts.
"It seems that due to the malicious lies told by the one these books are about, and the person who enabled him the most, the Magical World will face great peril. Many will die, Magic will be exposed to the Muggle World, and war will start." Terrified whispers break out making Umbridge's smile widen.
"Yes, I know that this is terrible to hear, but unfortunately it is not the most terrible part. It seems that as a result of so many Magicals dying, Magic itself will start to fade and die." Horror spreads through the Great Hall. Faces are etched in fear as hands grasp those closest to them.
"It is with this in mind that our Minister has decided that these readings will take place immediately. Now seeing as there are seven books that contain the seven years of this student's time at Hogwarts, past, present and future, some of them are quite massive. This will require a considerable amount of time to get through. It seems our sender had the forethought that there are people in this room who are very important and busy. These people cannot afford to take too much time out of their schedules to read these books in full. To circumvent that, our brilliant sender had come up with a way to put all of Hogwarts grounds in a time bubble, so the passage of time does not affect us here while we follow through with these readings." Even with all the horror still on their faces, Harry could see that the Ravenclaws looked interested in the Magick behind it.
"As I said before, these readings will contain this student's past, present, and future. It will all be from his perspective, his point of view. All their lies, secrets, feelings, everything they have done and will do will be within these very pages. Every part of him will be laid bare." Umbridge looked at Harry. Her eyes burned with sinister glee. The smile on her face twisted her features to look even more grotesque.
Harry stared defiantly back at her, his back straight and his shoulders squared.
"Now, I know you all are most eager to know, so I will tell you the student who these books will center around: Harry Potter." The sound of his name made it final.
Everyone in the Great Hall had already come to the conclusion that it was centered on him, but hearing Umbridge confirm it made it real.
His life was going to be read out to everyone present in the Great Hall and there is nothing that Harry can do about it.
In the chaos of his thoughts and emotions, Harry focuses on one thing.
Sirius will be found innocent.
His father will be free.
With that thought in mind Harry met Umbridge's eyes with fierce determination.
"Well, go on. Get on with it."
Before she could, a bold, brave voice cut through the silence.
"You can't do that." It was firm and unyielding, echoing off the stone walls.
It was Susan Bones, standing tall at the Hufflepuff Table. Determination in every line of her face.
"I think you will find that we can, Ms. Bones." Umbridge's voice was sweet and threatening, her smile full of teeth
Susan refused to back down.
"I think you will find, Professor," The title was said with such derision and scorn that Susan practically spit it out like a nasty taste in her mouth.
"That if you do so, the laws that the Ministry you love so very much, and the laws created within that you claim should be upheld at all times, will be the very laws that you are breaking." Susan's declaration rang out loud and clear, the ferocity of her voice undeniable.
There was pride in her aunt's eyes as she looked on at her niece.
Harry knew that his relationship with the other's improved over the last few months, but to see the fiery haired girl stand up in his defense, not only taking on Umbridge but in essence the Ministry itself for that is what the Minister represents, filled Harry with more gratitude and surprise than he could ever put into words.
"How dare you, you..." Umbridge was quickly and effectively cut off by the girl who looked as though she was ready to take them all to task.
"I dare because it is the truth." The fire and passion in her voice was a power in and of itself.
"You said it yourself, 'Every part of him will be laid bare.' That in and of itself is exploitative." The look of pride that was in Madame Bones' eyes now covers every inch of her face.
"Last I checked exploiting someone, especially child exploitation, which Harry is as he is a minor, is a serious offense and in violation of the laws created and upheld by the Ministry." Harry watched as all color drained from Umbridge and Fudge's faces. The meaning of her words was heavy and uncomfortable.
"Not only are you encouraging child exploitation, but you are also committing coercion of children, and abuse of authority by forcing those of us who do not want to participate to have no other choice." Harry was amazed by the fierce girl. He knew she was not one to be trifled with from their time during DA meetings. However, seeing her now, back straight, shoulders squared, and head tilted in defiance, he had a whole new appreciation for her.
"And I assure you, Professor, there are many of us who do not wish to participate in this disgusting breach of privacy." Harry watched with wonder as one by one members of the DA stood up to show proof that Susan's words were true.
The first to rise was Hannah, who always stayed by her best friends' side. Followed by Ernie MacMillan and Justin Flinch-Fletchery. Terry Boot, Anthony Goldstein, and Padma Patil. Neville, Angelina, Katie, Dean, Parvati and Lavender. Wayne Hopkins, Seamus, Sue Li, Sally Smith, and Oliver. Lee Jordan, Alicia, Colin, Dennis, Nigel, and Roger Davis. Fred, George, Hermione, Ron, Ginny and Luna. On and on it continued until every member of the DA, all of his friends stood up.
There were also a few people that Harry was surprised to see.
There was a scattering of green and silver clad students who Harry did not know the names of, and a few he did. Daphne Greengrass, Tracey Davis, Lilly Moon, Blaise Zabini, and most surprising to Harry Theodore Nott.
The protest didn't stop with the students. Harry watched in amazement as all the professors and staff stood up as one.
Harry stared as Snape moved fluidly to his feet in bafflement.
They weren't the only ones. Nearly all the guests that had come stood up in solidarity.
Harry was overwhelmed with emotion for all these people. Beyond grateful to them that they would stand against him being put through something so damaging.
"If you take a look, Professor, there are more than just a few that see how wrong this is." It was a sight to behold and witness as these people faced someone who had tortured him, some who had planned to destroy him, for him and on his behalf.
"I...you...you can't be serious. This is the Minister's prerogative. It must be followed!" She sounded as though she wished to cut all of them down. That she would enjoy it greatly if she could.
"So, it's the Minister's prerogative to decisively and knowingly, with full mental capacity, willingly break the laws that he's meant to uphold and protect." The smirk can be heard in her voice and Harry vowed in that moment to never get on her bad side.
"In extenuating circumstances, the Minister has the ability to proceed as he feels appropriate. Especially when it comes to the possibility of loss of life, and times of crisis." Umbridge was shouting, incandescent with rage at the prospect of her plan to expose Harry being burned and turned to ash by a single girl.
Harry knew though that these readings needed to happen.
They will prove he was telling the truth.
Prove that his father is innocent.
Prove that Voldemort is back.
With these readings, he'll be able to be with his father.
With these readings, how many families won't have to go through the pain of being torn apart and broken?
As much as he hated it, Harry knew it needed to happen.
Before Susan could further publicly decimate Umbridge, Harry stopped her.
"Susan, stop." Every head whipped around to look at him.
He didn't bother to acknowledge them. His eyes remained firmly on the passionate and terrifying Hufflepuff.
"Words will never be able to express how thankful I am to you right now. How grateful I am to have the honor of calling you a friend. Standing there how you are, defending me, trying to protect me, words will never be able to express what it means to me." He allows the emotion to fill his voice to show just how sincere he is.
"But this needs to happen." He watches as the sky-blue eyes widen in surprise.
"They need to know. They all need to know." The conviction in his voice turns his words into steel.
"If it can save one life, just one life, it'll be worth it." If his pain can spare a family from the pain of losing a loved one he'll endure it all.
"You shouldn't have to." Tears welled up in her eyes, making them look like summer rain.
"But I will." He saw a tear fall down her pale cheek.
"I will and I must. For everyone. I'll do it for everyone here, for everyone who isn't here, for everyone we lost, for everyone we can save. I'll do what I have to." He'll do it for his father.
The tears overflowed as she nodded her acceptance to his words and took her seat. The others slowly followed, and Harry caught the eye of both Zabini and Nott who nodded to him knowingly and with respect.
Harry immediately understood their meaning.
Nott would know very well that Voldemort was back. His father was a Death Eater and had been present at the graveyard in June. He would have heard his father talking about it, either boasting that his Master had returned, or overheard conversations between him and other Death Eaters.
Nott knew without a doubt what had happened in the graveyard. There was no doubt that if the books were truly about Harry, the events in the graveyard would be revealed. The fact that Voldemort was really back could no longer be denied.
Harry has spent months telling everyone that Voldemort has returned. He has been scorned, publicly defamed, belittled, and had a smear campaign launched against him for nothing more than telling the truth.
These books will prove that he has been telling the truth.
To allow the reading, even though it would be difficult for him, will validate everything that Harry has said.
The truth of which was to be revealed by the very people who had tried to make his life a living hell.
It was very Slytherin.
Now Harry just needed to figure out why the son of a Death Eater would stand and support him. Then again, Harry may not have to look further than his father and the way he had grown up.
Zabini was simple to understand. From what Harry could tell the two were close, if not best friends. Just as Ron or Hermione would, Zabini was standing by his friend's side.
Seeing the Slytherins stand up on his behalf, Harry made a promise to himself, to Regulus, the uncle he would never get the chance to know, that he was going to see them more than just the colors they wore. He was determined to try to do better by them all. It wasn't fair to disregard and shun them because of their House. Doing so makes them, makes him no better than the people who judge others based on their blood status.
"How noble of you, Mr. Potter. Even though you have no choice in the matter." He stared at the woman nonplussed.
"And as for you, Miss Bones, I think 200 points will need to be taken from Hufflepuff for your disrespect and disparaging remarks." A nasty smile dotted the toad-like face.
There was outrage and shouting throughout all four House Tables as people stood in solidarity against the injustice of what Umbridge had done.
Maybe having these readings will be more beneficial than Harry originally envisioned. Already it seemed that students across all Houses were standing up for each other
Before it could get too out of control, Professor McGonagall stood up and all the noise immediately stopped.
"Four hundred points will be awarded to Hufflepuff for Susan Bones’ demonstration of the qualities of all four Houses of Hogwarts!" The professor declared to the cheering of students and most guests, Madame Bones standing and clapping the loudest.
"How dare you! You cannot..." Umbridge was halted in her outrage by the Head of Gryffindor House.
"I think you will find, Professor, that I can. I am the Deputy Headmistress, and this is my prerogative." Her voice was firm and even, holding more authority than Umbridge ever could even while shouting at the top of her lungs.
Turning her face away from Umbridge, Professor McGonagall looked directly at Susan.
"Today, you have personified the qualities of loyalty and sense of justice of Hufflepuff House. Standing up for a fellow classmate in the face of strife and adversity for justice. The intelligence and wit that are a staple of Ravenclaw; using the knowledge and understanding that you have of our laws in your pursuit of right and wrong. With the Cunning, Cleverness, and Fraternity that make Slytherin who they are; using your deep insight in matters pertaining to our laws to help one of your own from someone with more years and power than you." After each House was mentioned, members of the House as well as their Head clapped in agreement with the Deputy Headmistress's comments.
"As for my House, Gryffindor House, you used great courage and nerve to stand in front of everyone and take a stand for what you believe." Tears of pride filled Professor McGonagall's eyes.
Harry was the first to stand up and start to clap, followed by all of Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin, with the exception of a select few.
Susan had gone as red as her hair but there was deep appreciation in her eyes for the words and support she was given.
Professor McGonagall had allowed the applause to go on until it ran out on its own, not bothering to stop a moment of school unity. Once everyone was calm and sitting again, she continued.
"As for the rest of you, an additional 100 points will be given to each of the four Houses as students in each House stood up for another, despite differences, deciding to forsake House lines and do the right thing." More cheering broke out throughout the Great Hall. Although, many in Slytherin had surprise and shock written in on their faces.
It hurt Harry to see children as young as 11 would be surprised to be included.
He made a promise to Regulus that he would try to end the divide and isolation of Slytherin.
They were just children.
They all were.
Finally, the noise quieted once more and all sat back down.
It was then that another voice rung out over the Great Hall.
"To Harry Potter," Snape's deep and silky baritone echoed around the stone walls, all the quiet noise that had still continued ceased instantly.
"Two hundred points will be awarded to Gryffindor for your agreement to allow what will most certainly be extremely traumatizing for yourself to happen, in the hopes that it could save lives without any thought to how it will affect you personally." As the students were too shocked as they all were aware of the less than friendly relationship between Harry and Snape, it was Professor McGonagall who started clapping, closely followed by the other professors.
Soon everyone joined in and Harry thought his face was about to catch fire from how red he was.
Not knowing where to place his eyes, he looked around the Hall until he landed on his Aunt Petunia.
Harry seen her face twisted with hatred, scorn, rage, and disgust many times when she had looked at him.
Never before in his life had he seen her face look as intense as it did while she stared at Snape. It was as though she was looking at the personification of everything she hated, everything that was wrong in the world.
"YOU!" The shrill shout was filled with so much venom that nearly everyone in the Great Hall flinched away from the sound as all sound stopped.
His aunt was standing up facing Snape with a finger pointed at him. Slowly the dark-clad man turned to face Harry's aunt.
"Me." In the face of his aunt's all-encompassing rage, Snape raised an eyebrow as his lips twitched up in amusement.
"Hello, Tuney. It's been a while." Snape's smile was all teeth.
Had Snape looked at Harry like that, Harry isn't afraid to admit that he'd be more scared than he ever was in his entire life.
His aunt's furor just grew, not affected in the least.
"How dare you?! You vile, disgusting FREAK!" Petunia was near foaming at the mouth.
"You abnormal, repugnant, wretched aberration of a man!" It seemed even Vernon was surprised by her outburst and had not expected his wife to act in such a manner.
Petunia had started to walk over to Snape as he stood and smiled at her. Vernon had grabbed the skinny woman around the waist but was having significant difficulty holding her back. Finding a strength Harry did not realize was in her. His aunt was clawing at her husband's arms trying to get free. Her entire attention was focused on Snape.
"Lovey as always, Tuney. Truly the shinning gem of your family." The deep oily voice is equal parts amused and taunting.
"Then again, you weren't, not really. Were you?" There's unholy glee in his obsidian eyes as he watches the affect his words have on Harry's aunt, who had become even more frenzied and was lashing out like a wild animal.
"Who do you think you are, you piece of filth?! Your kind are even more deplorable than I had thought to have the likes of you teaching!" She was nearly foaming at the mouth like a rabid dog.
Harry had never seen the woman so angry in his life. The combination of her fury and Snape’s amusement made the situation all the more terrifying.
"Mrs. Dursley, that is quite enough! There are children present that should not be hearing such vulgarity." Professor McGonagall looked livid.
Harry was now truly alarmed.
"VULGARITY?! You dare speak to me about vulgarity when you have my family brought to this freak school?! When you have that monster teaching?!" Harry felt his own anger rise in response to his aunt's diatribe to his Head of House.
"You're a freak! He's a freak! He's the worst of you all!" Each time she said 'freak' Harry could feel his Magick trying to lash out.
"Professor Snape isn't a freak. He's the world's youngest Potion Master ever! He's the best Head of Slytherin House that there ever was. He protects us." By the looks of it, it was a first year, a very tiny first year Slytherin girl who was shakingly standing up for her Head of House.
Harry watched his aunt's focus turn to the girl, her eyes narrowing.
The girl must have some Gryffindor in her for she met the stare head on. She looked to be around 4'4" tall and built like a fairy. Delicate looking as though a strong wind could knock her over. Her hair was thick and dark auburn with slight curls. She had large hazel-green eyes, petal pink lips, and a heart-shaped face. Although you could see the nerves and the slight fear in her face, and the slight shake of her hands, she stood tall.
"Not a freak, you say? Let me tell you something: every single one of you here are freaks. Your Headmaster, your professors, your classmates. Each and every one of you are disgusting freaks. Even you. You're an abomination of everything good and normal in the world. You're a waste of space. Not even worthy of breathing air. It would be much better if you, if none of you existed." Her words were quiet, yet they screamed in the silent hall. Every word was dripping with venom and hate. The small girl's eyes were steadily filling with tears, her lip wobbling.
It reminded Harry of another child who constantly had hate spewed at him.
That made him believe he was worthless until he found people who tried to tell him otherwise.
Yet, parts of him still believe those things for he had lived with them for so long they had burned into his mind.
It reminded Harry of himself.
It seems Snape's amusement at the scorn Petunia hurled at him quickly evaporated into blinding fury when it was turned on his student. His face looked as though he was ready to murder, ready to show how he had become a trusted member of Voldemort’s Inner Circle.
Before he could either curse his aunt of cut her with his words, Harry spoke up.
"That is enough." His voice was barely more than a whisper, but every head turned to him as though he had shouted at the top of his lungs.
His aunt's head snapped to him, her face going white when she caught his eyes.
Shards of emerald stared at the woman, cutting with their intensity. Slowly Harry stood up, both hands fisted and on top of the table as he leaned over it. He could feel his Magick trying to get free like tiny bolts of lightning running down his arms to his fingertips.
"This isn't Private Drive. You will not stand there and say those things here." His voice was deathly quiet as he stared at the woman he shared blood with.
His aunt looked as though she had swallowed a lemon, hate obscuring her blue eyes.
"You dare, you little fr..." Harry cut her off before she could finish.
"I SAID ENOUGH!" Harry slammed a fist on the table, the force behind it amplified by his Magick trying to break free that a long jagged crack went through the entire length of the table, sending splinters flying. The table was still in one piece but only barely.
Harry's attention wasn't on the few students who had ended up falling to the ground in their pursuit of avoiding the flying pieces of wood. It wasn't on the wide eyes of his friends and family, those closest to him.
He didn't think of all the people who had just witnessed his powerful magical display.
His entire focus was on the woman who had just made this small, innocent girl feel as she had made him feel so many times before.
"You will not stand there and degrade her as though she is less than you. As though her having MAGICK is a deformity! As though she wasn't worth even being alive! You will not stand there and treat her as you have treated me my ENTIRE LIFE!" He was breathing hard as though he had been fighting. As though this was the fight of his life.
It was the fight of his life.
Voldemort may want him dead, had tried to kill him many times, and will continue to try until either one of them is dead.
But his aunt was supposed to love him. She was supposed to care for him. They were meant to be a family, sharing the same blood.
It didn't matter to her.
Voldemort may want him dead, but she had spent his entire life thinking it would be better if he were.
"She is a child, innocent and good. Never did anything to hurt anybody. Never did anything to hurt you." He was a child who only ever wanted her to love him. To know what it would feel like to have someone who loved him. For someone to be there when he dreamed about the burning green light, the terrifying laugh, and the crashing red waves as they fell to the floor to never move again.
"Yet you stand there, telling another child that they're a freak. That they're less than human. You tell another child that they shouldn't even be alive because they have the Gift of Magick." The cupboard was small and dark yet the cold, cruel words echoed in them. Or maybe it was his mind that repeated them over and over again as he lay on his thin old mattress, with the raggedy blanket over him. Knees to his chest, as he wished so desperately to be normal.
To be loved.
"Inside, you're ugly. You're foul. You're rotten to your very core. More hateful than anyone I ever met." He can still see the way her eyes were always so cold to him whenever he tried to do something to make her proud, make her love him.
"That includes people who have tried to kill me. People who have tried to break me." Voldemort may want him dead, Umbridge may torture him in her detentions, but his aunt was supposed to be family. She was supposed to love him and protect him.
She hurt him more than anyone else.
"You're so hateful that when given the last remaining piece of a sister who was slaughtered, who sacrificed her own life for her child, whose murderer laughed over her cooling dead body as he turned his wand to the child she had just died for, you never let him forget just how unwanted he was by the only family he thought he had." They're no longer his only family. He has Fred, the Weasley's, Hermione, Remus, the Tonks'.
He has his father.
"Let me tell you something, Aunt Petunia. We aren't the monsters, you are. It has nothing to do with you not having Magick, but everything to do with who you are in here." Harry said with a finger pointed to his heart.
Magick didn't determine who someone was, what a person's worth was. Their heart, the way they treated others did.
Harry then turned his attention to the small girl, as he reined in his Magick, softening his eyes and giving her a small smile.
"What's your name?" Harry watched as the girl's eyes widened in surprise at being asked after what had just taken place. Nevertheless, she took a deep breath.
"Liliya Gardner." Her voice was soft and low. It was easy to see she was still scared and nervous from his aunt's earlier outburst.
Harry's sure his didn't help matters either.
"Liliya, that's a pretty name, it's close to my mother's name." Looking at the slight girl, Harry thought that maybe it wasn't only her standing up for Snape that caused her to be the brunt of his aunt's ire.
Liliya probably looked a bit like how his mother did at that age.
She gave him a slight smile at that, his smile widened at seeing hers.
"I want to apologize for my aunt. She's like that. I've learned to ignore her." He watches as the dark curls bounce slightly as she quirks her head.
"You shouldn't have to." And didn't that hit like the Hogwarts Express. The fact that this little girl was able to see so clearly immediately what took him his whole life to learn.
"Unfortunately, when needs must, we do what we have to so we can move on. Making the situation bearable and hopefully more to our advantage in the process." He's been doing that his whole life. It's how he's survived everything thrown at him.
"That sounds very Slytherin of you." There was a spark that entered the hazel-green eyes that showed she was pleasantly surprised by Harry's words.
Harry couldn't help the soft laughter that bubbled up.
"You know, that's the second time someone from Slytherin House has said that to me today." The girl's smile widened when she saw that Harry had taken her words as the compliment she meant it as, laughing a bit herself.
"Is there something you aren't telling us, Potter?" Her tone was teasing and playful. Harry couldn't help but laugh at how right she actually was, and the irony of the question.
"You have no idea." He gave her a wide smile as he thought about his sorting possibly being brought up in the readings.
"And you can call me Harry." Her cheeks turned red at the offer, but her smile stayed put.
"Liliya." Her smile is bright and happy. Harry can't believe that people would be suspicious of Liliya just because of her House.
The happiness was cut by a sound worse than nails on a chalkboard.
"Hem hem."
Harry didn't miss that even Liliya and a few other Slytherins flinched at the obnoxious sound.
"As lovely as this display is," it sounded as though she believed it was anything but lovely.
"I believe we've wasted enough time. Although, before we continue there's one more thing." Umbridge turned a nasty, cruel smile to him, he eyes filled with vindictiveness.
"One hundred points will be taken from Gryffindor due to Harry Potter's poor and destructive display." Before she had even finished speaking all of Gryffindor, and the majority of Slytherin had got up in anger over her words.
"Two hundred points will be awarded to Harry Potter for his defense of another student." The Great Hall had once again become silent as Snape's voice reverberated throughout the room. Again, shock gripped all those who had witnessed their feared Potions Master defend Harry.
Umbridge was looking at Snape, her face contorted in apoplectic rage.
Lucius Malfoy stared at Snape as though he did not know the man who he had made godfather of his son.
Snape ignored them both.
It was Liliya who started clapping, followed immediately by Theodore Nott, Blaise Zabini, Lily Moon, Tracey Davis, Daphne Greengrass, and another girl with dark hair that looked like she could be sisters with Greengrass.
Malfoy looked at his year mates with shocked betrayal.
They all ignored him.
Soon, most of Slytherin House stood up clapping as well, surprise and hope one their normally cool faces.
They were surprised that someone who wasn't a Slytherin had defended one of their own so openly and vocally. That the person that had made it seem that their qualities as Slytherin were good. That they weren't just seen as evil and Death Eaters in training.
Most of all, they were surprised that that person was Harry.
Harry made a promise to himself, to Regulus.
He was determined to do all he could to keep it.
"You can't..." Umbridge started to say before the Dark man looked at her sharply.
"I will have you know, Professor, that I very much can. I am the Head of Slytherin House, as well as having seniority over you." They all watched as a smile worked its way over Snape’s mouth.
Harry couldn't help but gulp at the thought of Snape ever directing a look like that at him.
"It is, after all, my prerogative." The words caused Umbridge to look as though she had been slapped.
Harry's eyes flickered to his own Head of House. It was frightening to see that she looked very much like her Animagus form, like the cat that caught the canary.
The Head of Gryffindor than gave a look full of pride to the Head of Slytherin.
An imagine of the two combining forces came to Harry’s mind.
He didn't know whether he should be greatly amused, or terrified.
Maybe school unity wasn't a wise idea after all.
Looking at the hope filled eyes of the children on the opposite side of the Hall, Harry knew that wasn't true.
"But I do have to agree with you, it's time we moved on, so if you could." It was greatly amusing to see someone who looked so much like a toad to now look like a fish out of water.
Harry knew that him and Snape may always have a rocky relationship, that there's a lot of bad history and feelings between the two. However, Merlin, was he happy he had the man on his side right now.
"Professor McGonagall, I believe you're needed for the next part, is that right Dolores?" The look of complete shock turned to sullenness until Umbridge looked as if she had finally collected herself.
"Unfortunately, that is quite correct, Headmaster." Umbridge gave Professor McGonagall a sneer that only received an eyebrow lifted in response. Without getting the rise out of the Head of Gryffindor House as she would like, the toad in pink continued.
"The next letter has your name on it." Professor McGonagall held out her hand for the envelope, which Umbridge gave her as though the parchment was a holy treasure and was aghast and dismayed that she had to relinquish her hold of it.
Taking a hold of the thick parcel, Professor McGonagall closed her eyes and took a noticeable deep breath. Opening them once more, her eyes scanned over the words written on the front before she looked directly at Harry.
In that moment, Harry appreciated his Head of House more than ever before. She was making sure he was ready before she started.
Looking her in the eye, Harry tried to project his resolve and determination to have this reading. He gave her a nod to show her he was reading.
Clearing her throat, she was about to read the address before Dumbledore cut in apologetically.
"My dear Professor, I'm sorry but there's one quick announcement I must make before we begin." There was a twinkle in the bright blue eyes of the Headmaster that hadn't been there too much today.
"As these readings span seven years of Mr. Potter's schooling here, I'm sure that there are many incidents, as with all children, of rule breaking that have not been caught. As such, no points, detentions, or punishments shall be given to any student, including Mr. Potter, for behavior or actions done in the past, whether or not they have already paid repercussions for their deeds. And as we cannot punish people for things they have not done yet, future actions will receive the same treatment." There was a smile on Dumbledore's face after his speech. Harry saw Hermione melt into her seat from sheer relief.
"Now, if you wouldn't mind, Professor, please go ahead." Before Umbridge could object the Headmaster continued.
With a sharp nod of her head Professor McGonagall began to read.
"To Professor Minerva McGonagall and others, with hopes of a better future and lives saved, I solemnly swear that all the truth will be revealed." Harry flinch so hard he nearly fell off his bench. It seemed Remus, Padfoot, and the twins had nearly done so too. Ron and Hermione's eyes widened impossibly wide.
It was true.
"Regards, M. Managed." Mischief Managed.
Harry was the one that sent the letters and books.
"Harry." Fred whispered his name as his arm tightened around Harry.
"I know." Harry couldn't deny it even if he wanted to.
Umbridge had noticed his and the others reactions, a hideous smile forming on her face.
She didn't realize that the words weren't a condemnation, it was confirmation for them all that Harry had set this whole thing up.
As Professor McGonagall broke the seal, Harry couldn't help but give the woman who had been making the past few months for him, the hardest he has ever had to go through a sweet smile.
A wave of Magick washed through all of them.
The spell was in place.
His father would be free.
Everyone will know that Voldemort is truly back.
The smile turned into a smirk and one thought went through his head as the Magick settled over them all.
"Gotcha."