A New Potter - Chapter 10

Magical Theory was interesting. It also made my head hurt and, honestly, I wasn't sure if I understood most of what we covered. Theory focused on how and why the various types of magic worked. Judging by the looks on everyone else I wasn't the only one. That made me feel a bit better. Unfortunately, the romantic progress with Katie had taken a hit due to mental fugue. She did flash me a tired smile as we left. We trudged up to the Gryffindor Tower together.

A few people joined us on the way. Ron was already in the Common Room since Divination didn't require climbing four floors, not counting the detours due to the moving stairs. It was a fun little detail in the books and movies, but I already hated it in practice. That made me wonder why no one had ever implemented elevators in the castle. The Ministry had a few so I knew that there was a magical version. Aside from tradition, I didn't see a reason Hogwarts didn't have them.

I collapsed into the closest chair and leaned my head back against the cushion. Katie headed over to the table where Angelina and Alicia had homework arranged. I was too damn tired to think about what they were taking about, but it didn't sound like homework.

"How did you like Theory?" Hermione asked as she took a seat nearby.

"I feel like my brain is melting," I replied lolling my head to look at her.

"Don't be so dramatic," Hermione clicked her tongue.

"It made me realize how much I don't know about magic," I said.

"I know!" Hermione beamed. "It's it wonderful?"

I stared at her blankly. Oddly enough, it did make magic feel more magical. It was something like knowing the ocean is big and actually seeing it. I shrugged then leaned my head back against the cushion. My eyes drifted close to the sound of her talking about something.

Somehow, I got a nice nap in. Either someone distracted Hermione to let me sleep, or she had enough common sense to leave me alone. I was leaning toward the first option. Regardless, I was woken up by a gentle voice calling my name.

I opened my eyes to find Ginny standing nearby. Her cheeks were a bit red, but I wasn't aware enough to figure out why. I followed the slight dip of her eyes to see I was sporting an erection. It must have been a good dream even if I didn't remember it.

"Thanks," I said as I stood and stretched.

The motion did nothing to hide the tent in my pants. I didn't care really. Being a teenager again meant popping a boner because of the wind, let alone actual stimuli. She was going to check me out no matter what I did. I had already spent one life awkwardly hiding teenage erections. Let her look, I didn't mind. The corner of my mouth quirked up a little as her eyes followed the motion of my body.

"Dinner time?" I asked.

She nodded.

"Did Ron already head down?" I asked with a smile.

"I told him I would wake you up," Ginny replied. "You owe me by the way."

"Why is that?" I asked.

"I distracted Hermione so you could get some sleep," Ginny said with a sigh. "I now have all of my homework for the next week finished and checked over."

"Thank you," I said giving a small laugh. "Shall we?"

I offered my arm for her to take. She did and we headed down to the Great Hall.

"Did you hear about Umbridge?" Ginny asked.

"No," I shook my head. "Did people finally realize she is the result of genetic mutation of a toad and a bulldog?"

We came to an abrupt stop.

"What?" Ginny screwed up her face in confusion.

"Muggle science," I waved away her confusion. "Blending two animals together to make something new. Not literally blending, but you get the point."

"They can do that?!" Ginny practically yelled.

"No," I laughed. "They are nowhere close to something like that. Unless you're Jeff Goldblum, then you'd have firsthand experience."

She stared at me for a long moment. I tried to keep a serious expression but couldn't hold it.

"You're a jerk," Ginny narrowed her eyes at me.

"I'll make it up to you," I said winking at her. "What's the new about Umbridge?"

"She's missing," Ginny replied, happy to get back on track. "No one has seen her since yesterday. The Headmaster sent a House Elf to her quarters, and it looks like she hasn't been there either. They searched the grounds, but didn't find anything. Professor McGonagall contacted the Ministry to see if she had gone there for some reason. Now everyone is waiting to see if she shows up. The Ministry is going to send in some Aurors to search for her too."

"I know they say the position is cursed, but this is ridiculous," I muttered. "Disappearing after one day has to be some sort of record."

"Harry," Ginny tried to chide me but the smile on her face undermined her intent. "She could still come back."

"Are they getting a replacement until then?" I asked.

Ginny shrugged. I let the topic drop and continued on the path to the Great Hall. This place definitely needed elevators.

"You know," Ginny said, she took a breath to steady herself. "You never did talk about what you said this summer."

I arched an eyebrow at her.

"About the spanking," she whispered.

"Is that something you like?" I teased.

"No," Ginny shook her head. "I don't think so. I don't know. It's just, you didn't say anything at all after that. I get it, we were busy but… Do you… You and I…"

"Do I like you?" I asked letting her off the hook.

She nodded.

"I'm attracted to you physically, yes, but we don't know each other enough to say more than that," I continued with a  shrug. "Right now, if we were to hook up, it wouldn't be anything steady. If you want that, then I would definitely say yes." I flashed her a grin. "If you want more than that, it's going to take time. Plus, I don't know if I want to settle down right now. Our world is on the brink of war, I'm right in the middle of it, and that doesn't exactly sound like a good place to start a relationship."

Ginny didn't say anything for a while as we walked.

"I heard it somewhere that going through stressful situations, danger and all that, can form a bond between people," I explained. "The problem with that is that once the danger is gone, the relationship usually goes with it."

Ginny stayed quiet. She stopped me before we got to the Great Hall.

"And if I'm fine with starting as a physical thing?" Ginny asked, her cheeks had a cute blush to them.

"Then, I guess we'll see if you like spanking," I winked at her.

The glare she gave me lacked any heat since it was all gathered on her cheeks.

~§~

A squad of Aurors led by Fudge stormed into the Great Hall halfway through dinner. Dumbledore didn't seem all that bothered, but the rest of the staff wasn't as calm. I didn't recognize any of the Aurors, though that didn't count for much since I only really knew Tonks and could probably identify Amelia Bones since she was a redhead. This lot looked like the bottom of the barrel and one step away from being in a holding cell rather than arresting someone.

"Cornelious, it's good to see you," Dumbledore didn't bother to stand. "I suppose this is about the investigation regarding Miss Umbridge?"

"You know it is, Dumbledore," Fudge snapped. His attempt at sounding imposing came off as a toddler demanding sweets. "Where is she?"

"We don't know," Dumbledore replied easily. "That is why we reported her missing. She hasn't been seen in over a day now. Originally, we had thought she had business at the Ministry, but we were informed otherwise. The staff, students, and I will assist any way we can."

Fudge glared at Dumbledore.

"Question the staff," Fudge barked at the Aurors. "Separately. I want squads searching the castle from top to bottom. Broom closet, classroom, and the dorms."

"Pardon me," Professor McGonagall spoke up. "Minister, I'd request that a staff member be present when searching the dorms. It's in the students and Aurors best interest."

"And why, pray tell, is that?" Fudge shifted his poor-excuse for a glare to the professor.

The man immediately regretted his decision. Dumbledore may not have bothered to show much interest, but McGonagall was not going to let someone like Fudge talk down to her. Her look of disapproval had been the undoing of many students, staff, and parents.

"If something or someone was damaged, missing, or perhaps confiscated, it would be best to have a record as to who and why," McGonagall explained coldly. "It would be a matter of safety and courtesy."

"Right," Fudge tried to regain some face. "Thank you for reminding me, I was about to mention that." He turned to face the Aurors. "Take the head of house with you when you search the dorms."

The group of Aurors nodded.

"Allow me to arrange a couple of interview rooms," Dumbledore said finally standing.

I watched it all unfold as I enjoyed a nice slice of key lime pie. The hall broke into a buzz of whispers as the Aurors left. I stole a glance at Fred and George. They didn't seem bothered that someone was going to be searching the dorms. One of them caught me looking and winked. I wasn't going to worry if they had it handled.

"Harry," Hermione prodded my side.

"Hm?" I turned my attention to her.

"What do you think they'll find?" She asked.

"Probably a lot of smuggled booze and a few items they don't want to find," I replied with a chuckle.

"I'm serious," Hermione snapped.

"Did you kill her and hide her body somewhere in the castle?" I asked flatly.

"What? No! Of course not," Hermione yelled.

"Then what are you worried about?" I asked with a shake of my head. "She's not in the castle, I've checked the map. Their best bet would be to track down the last people who saw her."

Hermione pressed her lips flat but didn't say anything.

"You should help them out," Ron laughed. "They didn't look like the brightest."

"That's an understatement," I muttered. "Did you try this pie, Ron? It's really good."

~§~

Classes the next day were cancelled due to the search and interviews. A couple of the Aurors actually knew what they were doing. They had the students wait outside their dorms while they searched. Technically, they were looking for anything that pointed to the whereabouts of Umbridge, but that didn't stop them from confiscating things that shouldn't be on school grounds. Those who were caught were glad it was the Aurors rather than their Head of House. Though, I doubted most of the booze they found would make it to an evidence locker. Prank items, explicit items, and other stuff that weren't illegal were left behind. They didn't care if it was against school regulations as long it wasn't dangerous. I was interested when they searched the twins' room, but they didn't find so much as a dung bomb.

My dorm was searched thoroughly, of course. Fudge was just aching for a reason to toss me in a cell. Unfortunately for them, I had Dobby holding onto my cloak and the map. I couldn't think of anything else that I had that would cause an issue.

She wasn't found in the castle. A quick search of the grounds came up empty as well. The squad of Aurors skirted along the edge of the Forbidden Forest without actually going in. I didn't blame them. There had to be things in there more dangerous than giant spiders, otherwise they would have taken over already.

The mood in the castle was rather subdued. Everyone spoke in hushed whispers. More rumors were making their rounds. I may have started a couple myself. If people believed that Umbridge fell in love with a student and they ran off together, who was I to tell them otherwise? The fact that I hinted at it being Draco, and the one on campus being a House Elf under Polyjuice just made it more amusing. For me at least.

It was just after lunch when they pulled me into the interview room. Fudge, along with three Aurors, had arranged the seats so they were on a raised platform. They had also adjusted the lighting, so they were shrouded in darkness while my chair had a bright beam of light beating down on it. It didn't escape my attention that there was a distinct lack of Hogwarts staff present.

I raised my eyebrows when I looked at Fudge. The shadows made him almost look imposing. I shrugged and stayed where I stood by the door.

"What are you doing?" Fudge snapped.

"Waiting," I replied with a shrug.

"Sit down," Fudge ordered.

"It's required, by law, that I have a guardian present when being questioned by Ministry Officials," I said. "I will gladly answer your questions once someone arrives."

To be completely honest, I had no idea if that was true. It would make sense, but this world didn't have an overabundance of common sense. The most important part about bluffing is confidence.

The group shuffled a little under my soft reprimand. Slipping the part about it being the law was a little jab at their competence.

"The Professor must be running late," Fudge said. "Go fetch them."

It took a moment, but one of the Aurors eventually stood and did as ordered.

"Have a good summer?" I asked after a moment of silence.

Fudge glared at me, but didn't answer.

"I took a trip to Spain," the Auror answered happily.

"I've never been," I turned my attention to the Auror. "How was it?"

"It was lovely," the Auror replied. "The weather was beautiful. I spent most of the trip on the beach. Came back looking like a lobster."

They laughed and I chuckled along.

"Are there protection charms or something for the sun?" I asked. "I know muggles have sunscreen. It's a lotion that you rub on your skin to help."

"Oh, yes," the Auror smiled. "I was too excited and forgot. Thank Merlin for potions or I'd be miserable."

"Was it just you, or did you take family?" I asked.

"ENOUGH," Fudge yelled. "This is an investigation, not a damned tea party."

I shot a look to the Auror. They returned a similar one. We sat in silence for a few minutes before the other Auror returned with Professor Sprout. The woman stopped in the doorway. She sighed, drew her wand, and waved it toward the ceiling. The lights gently adjusted back to a normal level.

"Thank you, Professor," Fudge spoke through gritted teeth.

"Of course, Minister," Sprout replied happily. "Oh, Mister Potter, should I go retrieve Minerva?"

"No!" Fudge barked. "We're already behind schedule."

Professor Sprout looked around the room. A frown settled on her lips when she realized there wasn't a chair for her. She gave the trio an unimpressed look. The talkative Auror stood and offered their chair.

"Thank you, dear," Professor Sprout smiled at the Auror.

"Now," Fudge said forcing himself to keep his voice even. "Mister Potter, do you know where Professor Umbridge is?"

"No, sir," I replied.

"You're reported as one of the last people to see her," Fudge leaned in as though it was some important piece of information.

"I spoke with her after Defense," I answered. "I wasn't aware that it was important."

"And what did you speak to her about?" Fudge pressed.

"I told her that Professor Grubby-Plank needed to speak to her about the Acromantula in the forest," I said easily.

"Pardon?" Professor Sprout gasped. "The what in the forest?"

"The Acromantula," I repeated. "They need to be fed regularly to avoid problems."

"Are you claiming that there is an Acromantula in the forest?" Fudge had gone pale.

"A colony, yes," I nodded. "I asked Professor Grubby-Plank if he had arranged a feeding schedule. He asked me to speak with Professor Umbridge. I delivered the message and that was it."

"A colony, in the forest," Fudge spoke barely above a whisper. "Are you certain?"

"I met them in my second year," I replied. "Ron Weasley was with me. Be gentle if you ask him, he hates spiders. I do too, now." I shivered.

"How big is this colony?" Fudge looked like he was about to faint.

"I couldn't say," I said shrugging. "They've been there for like fifty years. Aragog, the patriarch, was blamed for Myrtle Warren's death, but that doesn't make any sense."

"Why do you say that?" The talkative Auror asked. "You can speak with her, she's on the second floor. She said the last thing she saw was a large eye. Aragog wouldn't have been bigger than a dinner-plate at the time. Plus, she was just dead, to bite marks or venom."

"Interesting," the Auror said.

"We need to deal with this immediately," Professor Sprout cut in. "An unchecked colony of Acromantula this close to a school?"

"Agreed," Fudge choked out. "We'll gather an extermination team as soon as I return to the office."

Fudge and his Aurors fled the school after that. Dumbledore activated the wards, locking Hogwarts down from any exterior force. News of the monsters in the forest had spread through the student population by the time dinner arrived. Classes were canceled for the next two days as squads of specialized Aurors waged war on the colony of Acromantula. The Ravenclaw and Gryffindor towers were packed with students that wanted a good view of the action.

The centaurs came to the aid of the Aurors at some point during the first day. A small herd of unicorns fled the forest. They were the first magical creature to appear from the tree-line, but far from the last. I could only identify the pixies. Those stick creatures, whatever they were called, were there, along with a flock of birds that I swore were Dodos. Then there was a good dozen or so magical creatures that I couldn't even begin to identify.

My plan to ask Hermione was foiled when I discovered I was far from the first person to think of it. She found herself swarmed by curious students pestering her to identify the various creatures. Those poor fools interrupted her while she was trying to do her homework. Fred and George came to the rescue by releasing a couple Monster Book of Monsters in the Common Room. No one knew where the twins had found them, but those were questions that needed answers after the chaos had settled.