“So what’s this letter I have to write and what is it going to say?” Asked Harry after he finished hugging Padma. “And how is it going to ruin Malfoy’s plan?”
“Malfoy’s father got into a spot of trouble while He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named was still around and he doesn’t want people remembering it, but we’re going to remind people of it in your letter, bringing it up should hammer, if not destroy, his ability to influence the outcome of Buckbeak’s trial. Draco might be able to do something, if he thinks to. As for the letter itself, I don’t really know what exactly it will contain, this isn’t really a letter, it’s more of something that we want published and I don’t know how to write stuff like that, something to research over the summer then. Now the actual content is pretty simple, with the breakout of Sirius Black you are worried that one of those people who where Imperiused by He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named may be put back under the Imperius Curse by Black now that he is out of Azkaban.” Said Padma
“Imperiused, Imperius Curse, what does that mean?” Asked Harry.
“The Imperius Curse is a Curse that allows somebody to take control of somebody else, somebody operating under the effects of the curse is said to be Imperiused, so the letter will mention that you’ve just learned about the Imperius Curse. It’s going to take many drafts to get this right. Thankfully, like all Hogwarts classrooms, there’s some sort of magical version of a blackboard and chalk in here. Par, you can act as Harry’s secretary and write everything down.” Said Padma.
“Does that mean Harry’s going to chase me around the room?” Asked Parvati.
“If you want me to I can do that Parvati, I don’t know why you’d want me too but, I’d catch you pretty quick in here.” Said Harry, not getting the subtext.
“Maybe later.” Was her sister’s response. “Start writing. For headings we will start with My Concerns then divide the board into three parts across its length.” Seeing that her sister had done that she continued her instructions. “Now on the left put down these points, introduction, learned about Imperius Curse, concerned people may be put back under its sway, particularly Lucius Malfoy, wonder what the Ministry is doing to protect these people and finally conclusion. Now, all we need to do is fill in these points that form the basis of the letter.”
Approximately One Hour Later
“There, done.” Said Parvati. “I’ve copied the letter down, now it’s time for Harry to chase me around the room.” She finished before jumping up and dancing around the tables and chairs, calling out “Catch me, Harry.”
Seeing that he had no choice but to follow along Harry got up and started moving between the tables and chairs to follow her, given the size of the room and all the obstacles. Having caught the playfull Gryffindor witch he realized that he didn’t know what to do, so asked her sister. “Alright, I’ve caught Parvati, what do I do now?”
“Tickle her, and see if tickling her in any particular area causes her to make funny noises.” Said Padma, knowing that giving Harry instructions closer to what her sister wanted wouldn’t end well.
“OK, but what do you mean by ‘funny noises’?” Responded Harry.
“Oh, you’ll know when you hear them, Harry.” Answered Padma, and with this Harry started tickling her sister.
About a minute later Padma saw that the only reason her sister was still upright was because Harry still had his arms wrapped around her whilst tickling her, and she decided that she should stop things now, otherwise her sister's payback would be really nasty. “Harry,” Said Padma, “I don’t think you’re getting anywhere, why don’t you go post those letters, after you duplicate them.”
“OK, Padma.” Replied Harry, grabbing the letter to Gringotts from where he had left it, placing it on top of the letter to the Daily Prophet, grabbing two sheets of blank parchment he put them down next to the letters. Getting out his wand, saying “Duplicatus” he tapped it against the letters, dipped it in the inkwell Parvati had been using, and then tapped the blank pieces of parchment. Picking the originals up again, Harry separated them, folded them up, put them in separate envelopes, addressed the envelopes and sealed them before walking out to door to post them.
Just as Harry was leaving Padma called out. “Harry, don't forget to talk to Madam Pomfrey about Malfoy's injuries while you’re gone.”
“Thanks for reminding me, Padma.” Said Harry in response.
Once Harry had left, Padma turned to her sister and said: “What where you thinking? Harry's not ready for stuff like that.”
“You called me his secretary, that's what men do with their secretaries. Besides, we agreed to continuously remind him that we are pretty girls and I was doing just that.” Her sister replied.
“It hasn't been acceptable do do those sort of things with a secretary for at least twenty years for a start. And secondly Harry's not ready for pretty girls to be more than something you look upon and admire, like a painting, just us sitting in his lap is enough for now. Besides which, we need to get to know Harry as a person, and he needs to get to know us, fun and games are all right, but don’t go scaring him off.” Responded Padma.
Five Minutes Later, Hogwarts Hospital Wing
“Madam Pomfrey, are you in?” Called out Harry upon entering the Medi-Witch's domain.
“Yes, Mr. Potter, I'm here. Now what seems to be the problem? Nothing seems to be wrong with you and you aren't the sort of student who I expect to me visit socially. With the trouble you seem to get into I could see you wishing to learn healing however.” Answered the lady in question.
“Truth be told, Madam Pomfrey, I think having someone who is always around me knowing how to heal people would be better, seeing how badly I am often hurt. And you are right this is not a social call, I wanted to know why it took so long for Draco Malfoy’s arm to heal after he was attacked. I mean, when all the bones in my arm were vanished last year you were able to regrow them overnight.” Asked Harry.
“I suspect you are right, Mr. Potter, you rarely come to me in a state were any one would be capable of healing themselves. As for Mr. Malfoy, healing his arm took hardly any-time at all.” Replied the Nurse.
“Then why has Malfoy had his arm in a sling for the past two months? He’s been using it to get out of classwork” Responded Harry.
“Healing an injury such as Mr. Malfoy’s is different to regrowing bones, even after the procedure is complete the area is still damaged and for that reason I advised him to keep his arm in a sling when not using for a week. I will investigate your complaints, Mr. Potter, and if Mr. Malfoy has been abusing the instructions that I gave him I will talk to the Headmaster and have him take remedial action. At the very least threatening to keep Mr. Malfoy in here until he has completely recovered in the future, no matter how minor the injury, should have an effect.” Madam Pomfrey WAS a School Nurse after all, a chance to teach one of the children in her care was something she wouldn’t pass up.
“Could you talk to Madam Hooch as well? He used the sling and implied injures so that Slytherin could avoid playing in bad weather.” Harry suggested.
“Yes, Mr. Potter, I shall. While the situation with Gryffindor having to play without you is different it certainly warrants investigation.”
-/-/-/-/-
When she received her subscription copy of the Daily Prophet during breakfast Hermione was surprised to see a letter from Harry to the paper and an article written in response getting front page billing. Harry hadn’t told her about this, which meant that Parvati might be correct when she said that Harry won't like her making decisions that effect him without talking to him about it, and that next time something like that comes up she should talk to him first. But looking at the article she knew that she wouldn’t be making things up with Harry today because the things that he mentioned in the letter meant that she would be spending all day in the library checking them out.
MY CONCERNS
By Harry Potter
Dear Daily Prophet, since I have re-entered the Wizarding World on many occasions I have found myself discovering something that everyone else knows. Once again I find myself in this situation, although at least this time there is the explanation that I might not want to hear about the events surrounding my parents deaths, and the end of the war.
I have recently found out about the Imperius Curse, and how He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named [Editor’s Note: here Mr. Potter used the You-Know-Who’s actual name we at the Daily Prophet have removed so as to not terrify our readers] placed people under it to force them to do his bidding.
With Sirius Black's breakout from Azkaban, I am concerned people may be put back under its sway, particularly tempting is Lucius Malfoy, close friend of the Minister of Magic and the father of a boy in my year. Said son has gone home for the holidays, providing Black with a perfect opportunity to arrange for both the minister and myself to die.
And while I am safely at Hogwarts with all the protection that entails in addition to my facing He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named and defeated him, others such as Mr. Malfoy mentioned above have no such protections and with He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named having placed Mr. Malfoy under the Imperius Curse in the past, I can only hope that the Ministry has taken steps to protect him from being placed under it again.
Upon receiving Mr. Potter's letter we at the Daily Prophet immediately contacted Director Bones, head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement to ask her if she has taken any action to protect those placed under the Imperius Curse during the last war, her response was simple yet rather chilling:
“In the past, on multiple occasions, the most recent of which followed Black's escape from Azkaban, I have approached the Minister about putting those who were Imperiused under watch in case He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named gave them instructions that would enable His return that they would be forced to carry out. On all occasions my request has been denied, I can only hope that Mr. Potter's letter prompts the Minister to allow me take measures to protect these people.”
-/-/-/-/-
When Harry came down to breakfast after Hermione had left, he found a copy of the Daily Prophet waiting for him, the note attached to it said ‘compliments of the editor’, just as he sat down to eat, Hedwig returned with a letter from Gringotts. Untying the letter from Hedwig's leg he put it aside until he could discuss it with Padma later before giving Hedwig some bacon for her troubles.
When he meet up with Padma and Parvati later he brought up the letter immediately, knowing that it could very well be important
Dear Mr. Potter
I am pleased to inform you what Gringotts Wizarding Bank has facilities in-house to process the basilisk you describe, providing greater profits to all involved. In answer to your question regarding fees for Gringotts Wizarding Bank's assistance in this matter, our usual price structure for processing such a beast is 10 Galleons per ton, fees for brokering run at three percent (3%).
As for selling the beast, Basilisk meat is a delicacy among Goblins and Gringotts normally buys all of it, at a very generous price, as there is no other market, the proceeds from such a sale normally cover all costs. As for the rest of the beast, I would like to talk to you in person when it is convenient, it had been a long time since Gringotts has dealt in such goods and we would wish to discuss their sale with you beforehand.
Given your isolated upbringing we advise that you bring a person or persons you trust with you to explain things you may not understand.
Yours, Gangrene, Officer in Charge of Animal Processing, Gringotts Special Financial Services Department
“What do you think?” He asked, handing the letter to Padma.
“It’s rather interesting. I suppose he’s right when says that no one else would buy the meat, I’ve never even heard of anyone eating it. And everybody knows that Basilisk parts are valuable, but I don’t think I’ve ever heard why, or what they’re used for, so selling them might be a problem. Write back to him saying that with the escape of Sirius Black, that Hogwarts Staff have placed limits on your ability to move about and if he can arrange secure transport for yourself and one other, given the timing the next Hogsmeade visit would be best, preferably after midday. Now any questions?” Responded Padma.
“Just who’s going with me to see the goblin.” Asked Harry.
“I am, Parvati’s going to Hogsmeade like a normal student, but she’s going to forgot to wear her trimmed robes or house tie so that people will think that it could be me instead.” Answered Padma
-/-/-/-/-
Hermione found the front page of the Daily Prophet the next morning was far less surprising, but no less interesting.
FORMER IMPERIUSED DEATH EATERS IMPRISONED
The Daily Prophet is pleased to report that in response to yesterday’s article that with the exception of Walden McNair, who it is believed caught wind of the plans through his contacts in the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, all those placed under the Imperius Curse and forced to do He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named's bidding during the last war have been placed in protective custody in Azkaban until a more appropriate holding location can be found. In addition to being placed in protective custody these individuals have been declared non-compos mentis and control of their estates has been passed to their heirs.
It is unknown at this time if Walden McNair fled because of lingering effects of his exposure to the Imperius Curse or for other reasons.
If she read things right Draco's father was now basically in prison and control of the family fortune had passed to Draco because his father had been placed under a mind control spell and Harry had written a letter to the Prophet about it. When Draco got back from holiday she knew this was going to be trouble, so she needed to talk to Harry about this, after she apologised about the broom, this was going to hurt, she knew, but not as much as being on the outs with Harry.
And just to make things worse Harry choose that moment to come down for breakfast.
“Harry.” She called out.
“Sure, Hermione.” He responded walking over. “What’s the matter?”
“I, uh, wanted to apologize for, uh, about the broomstick. I, um, only did it to protect you.” She stammered out. “And, um, ask you about this thing with Draco’s father.” She was so nervous she couldn’t think straight.
“It’s alright, Hermione. I knew you only told about the Firebolt because you were concerned about me. Everything’s better now, I just needed some time away from you and Ron while you two were fighting. As for the thing with Draco’s father, I was talking with someone and Buckbeak’s trial came up, they said that if Draco’s father is suffering under a cloud from his past he won’t be able to influence the outcome of the trial. Draco might be able to influence the outcome, but that would require him to actually think that things won’t go his way.” He said before hugging her, something he’d never done before.
When she found out who was responsible for all of this she would have to thank them, but she wouldn’t ask Harry about that now, it might upset Harry and she didn’t want to do that. Besides it was good that Harry was making friends with new people, just having Ron and her for friends couldn’t be good for him. Of course she wasn’t any better off, so maybe she should try and make some more friends, Parvati might be able to teach her how to look nicer and she wanted to stay close to Harry.
-/-/-/-/-
First Day of term, The Great Hall, Breakfast
When Hermione came down to breakfast on the first day of the new term, she was surprised to see that the Headmaster was absent, in addition he had been absent last night. In fact now that Hermione thought about it, she didn’t think she’d seen him since Harry’s letter had appeared in the Prophet. Once everyone was in the Great Hall Professor McGonagall stood up and started speaking.
“Students, I have some important announcements to make.” She begun. “With those individuals who were put under the Imperius Curse during the last war placed in protective custody, the Headmaster has been called to his duties as head of the Wizengamot to devise a way where they might be rendered immune to the curse and allowed to re-enter society, during his absence as Deputy Headmistress I will be performing his duties.
“Furthermore,” She continued. “It has come to light that Draco Malfoy has been exaggerating his injuries. As punishment he is docked 150 house points a given a month's detention. Because other students were unfairly forced to assist Mr. Malfoy with his work, impacting their own, during this period, as such Mr. Malfoy's marks during the period will be reduced by one grade. Finally I believe Madam Hooch has something she wishes to say.”
“Thank you, Professor McGonagall.” Said Hooch. “Because of Mr. Malfoy's deception, the Slytherin House's match against Gryffindor was moved, thus as a penalty Slytherin's score in its next match will be halved.”
Sitting next to her she could her faint sounds of amusement from Harry while across the room she could see that Malfoy was seething, clearly he wanted to say something, probably his classic 'When my father hears about this' but obviously it wouldn't help him at this time
Finishing her breakfast, and noting that the Prophet didn't have anything interesting in it today, Hermione got up to make her way to her first class of the day: Arithmancy. When she got there she was so surprised to see Harry there waiting there that she almost didn't say anything.
“Harry,” She said. “What are you doing here?”
“It's pretty simple, Hermione, I've changed classes. Over the break I did all the coursework Professor Vector has assigned, when I gave it to her she was quite happy to let me transfer in.” Harry answered.
“That’s great, Harry, I always knew you could do better in your classes and could handle the harder classes and I’m happy to see you attempting them. I’m guessing that the friend you mentioned earlier helped you?” Hermione asked.
“Yes they did. Unfortunately I had to give up Hagrid’s Care of Magical Creature class to make the change but I hope to pick the class up again next year. If you could take notes for me? I’ll make my apologies to Hagrid later.” He replied.
“I’d be glad to do that, Harry.” After falling silent for a moment she continued talking. “Ron’s going to pitch a fit over this, isn’t he?”
“If he does it’s his problem, Hermione, not ours. When I transferred in I found out that my parents both took this class, something I didn’t know before. Taking this class allows me to be a little bit closer to them and I’m not going to give that up just because Ron thinks that the class is too hard.” He responded.
“That’s nice to hear, Harry, I hope you get something out of doing this class.” Hermione said. Just then Professor Vector arrived, ending the conversation.
Once they had all filed into the classroom, Professor Vector announced to the class that “Over the holidays Mr. Potter has completed all the work I have given out to date and has achieved an overall grade of Exceeds Expectations and so I have allowed him to transfer in.” This caused several people to look at Harry, but no one said anything.
Hermione noticed the fact that Harry was now doing better then her in this class, and knew she would have to do something about her grades or it would get back to Ron and he would start mocking her. Not that it would really matter all that much seeing as they weren’t talking to each other at the moment, and he would probably use it as an excuse to slack off on his own work even more. This latest thought caused her to realize that Harry had been getting on top of his classwork, which for some reason had caused Ron to fall even further behind.
When the class was over Hermione was surprised when Professor Vector called Harry to the front, saying “Mr. Potter, I have that list of books I mentioned last time.”
At lunch time they were sitting with Ron again, it seemed he had calmed down over the matter of the Firebolt, that or ‘He’s in trouble for not doing his holiday assignments and wants me to help him.’ Hermione thought. While Ron was busy stuffing his face, as-per-usual, Harry asked her a question. “Hermione, I’m surprised that you haven’t asked about that list of books Professor Vector gave me at the end of class or my new friend, it’s been almost a week since I told you that one.”
“After the I saw the first article in the Prophet I promised myself I wouldn’t pry too much into what you were doing, I don’t want to lose your friendship Harry.” She answered.
“Well, the list is pretty simple, it’s of books recommended by the previous Potions Master.” Harry said. “As for who my new friend is, well you’re the smartest witch of her generation, I think I’ll let you try and figure it out.” And with that he carried on eating.
Thanks to Tommy King for his beta'ing, meteoricshipyards and Scott Smith for help with typos and wording and all the folks at the Caer Azkaban and Seel'vor fan fiction Yahoo groups for all the help I can't keep track of