Chapter - 87 : Breach of Trust

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"That's more than likely," Draco said. "If Edgecombe really squealed we'll be having company pretty soon, we need to get everyone out before they get here."

"Right," Harry agreed. "All right everyone, let's get a move on, walk quickly but try not to run. And remember she doesn't have any proof on us, so she won't be able to go through with anything she threatens you with. Now, go."

There was a mad dash as everyone hurried through the door and briskly set off to their common rooms.

"Meet you in the common room?" Harry muttered to his two housemates, after receiving confirming nods he broke away from the few students still walking alongside him and began a roundabout route to the Slytherin common room. He was only just about to begin descending the staircase when the hairs on the back of his neck stood on end, he stepped aside in just enough time to miss a bright yellow spell that sped past his head and splashed harmlessly against the wall.

"Pucey, Professor Umbridge," he greeted, calmly gazing upon the faces of his most hated professor and his rival, "I'd wish you both a good evening but I don't think that's what the two of you are hoping for."

"Very good, Mr. Pucey," Umbridge panted, "I'll take it from here, you keep on searching."

"Of course, Professor Umbridge."

After Pucey disappeared around the corner, Umbridge turned to Harry and smiled unpleasantly at him. "Now, Mr. Potter, come with me, we'll be making our way to the Headmaster's office."

A small bemused smile quirked the corners of Harry's lips. "Whatever for?"

"Don't play the fool, Potter, we both know what you've done."

Harry tilted his head curiously. "Do we? Well why don't you humor me, and just tell me anyway?"

"Don't worry, I'm sure we'll be able to jog your memory when we're before the Headmaster." Umbridge wrapped a pudgy hand around his wrist and forcefully yanked him in the direction of Dumbledore's office. Harry could have easily twisted out of her grip, but allowed the woman to pull him along. His curiosity would come back to bite him one day.

"Whoa, okay then."

"Fizzing Whizbee," Umbridge practically sang when they stopped in front of the stone gargoyle guarding the Headmaster's office. The gargoyle leapt aside and allowed Harry and Umbridge onto the spiral staircase that led up to the office. When they burst into the large room, it was to find that it was already packed with people. Dumbledore was sitting behind his desk, his expression serene, the tips of his long fingers together. Professor McGonagall stood rigidly beside him, her face extremely tense. Cornelius Fudge, Minister for Magic, was rocking backwards and forwards on his toes beside the fire, apparently immensely pleased with the situation, Kingsley Shacklebolt and a tough-looking wizard with very short wiry hair whom Harry did not recognize, were positioned on either side of the door like guards, and the freckled, bespectacled form of Percy Weasley hovered excitedly beside the wall, a quill and a heavy scroll of parchment in his hands, apparently poised to take notes.

"Well," Fudge said, grinning victoriously. "Well, well, well."

"Minister," Harry nodded at the man, trying and failing to hide his amusement at the man's dramatic tendencies.

"The Pucey boy and I caught him on his way to the Slytherin common rooms."

"Good, very good. Well, Mr. Potter, I expect you know why you're here."

"Unfortunately, I do not."

"I beg your pardon?" Fudge blustered.

"I'm afraid I have absolutely no idea why I'm here."

"So you have no idea," Fudge said sarcastically, "why Professor Umbridge has brought you to this office? You are not aware that you have broken any school rules?"

"School rules? No."

"Or Ministry Decrees?"

"Not that I'm aware of," Harry said blandly.

"So, it's news to you, is it," Fudge, seemed to be getting angrier by the second, "that an illegal student organization has been discovered within this school?"

"Yes, it is," Harry said plastering an innocent look of surprise onto his face.

"I think, Minister," Umbridge cut in, "we might make better progress if I fetch our informant."

"Yes, yes, do."

Umbridge left the office, but returned only minutes later with curly haired Marietta Edgecombe in tow, she was hiding the majority of her face in her hands, but Harry was still able to catch the terror in her eyes when she caught sight of him.

"Don't be scared, dear, don't be frightened," Umbridge attempted to sound maternal but missed her mark by miles, "it's quite all right, now. You have done the right thing. The Minister is very pleased with you. He'll be telling your mother what a good girl you've been.

"Marietta's mother, Minister," she added, looking up at Fudge, "is Madam Edgecombe from the Department of Magical Transportation, Floo Network office - she's been helping us police the

Hogwarts fires, you know."

"Jolly good, jolly good!" Fudge beamed. "Like mother, like daughter, eh? Well, come on, now, dear, look up, don't be shy, let's hear what you've got to - galloping gargoyles!"

As Marietta turned to look toward the Minister, her face was uncovered just enough for everyone to see that it was horribly disfigured by a series of close-set purple pustules that had spread across her nose and cheeks to form the word SNEAK.

"Merlin, Marietta!" Harry cried, equal parts horrified and sympathetic. "How awful. Are you all right? Do they hurt terribly?"

A small burst of magic had the spots on her face flaring painfully once in warning, it was enough to send the girl back to hiding in her hands, wailing in terror.

"Never mind the spots now, dear," Umbridge snapped impatiently, "just take your robes away from your mouth and tell the Minister-"

But Marietta gave another muffled wail and shook her head frantically.

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Loving the story so far? There's a whole world of magic and mystery waiting for you with over 85+ chapters still to come! By supporting my Patreon.

You not only get early access to new chapters but also exclusive content, behind-the-scenes insights, and special perks just for fans like you.

Join us on this enchanted journey and help shape the future of the tale. Your support makes all the difference—discover more and become part of the adventure today!

http//patreon.com/Kun_kanshi

(P).(A).(T).(R).(E).(O).(N)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~