Born From Madness (Harry Potter Fanfic)

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Harry stormed across the Hogwarts corridors, his fists tightened around the note, as he headed to find Professor McGonagall. On the way, he sadly ran into Peeves. 

"Why! It's Potty Wee Potter! The Crockpot's feeling cranky. What is it this time, my fine Potty friend? Hearing voices? seeing visions? Speaking in... tongues?" 

"Leave me alone, Peeves or else I'll get Hermione!" Harry threatened Peeves. Just then a door flew opened on his left as Professor McGonagall emerged from her office looking grim and slightly harassed. 

"What in the bloody hell are you shouting about, Potter? Why aren't you in class?" McGonagall asked him. 

"I've been sent to see you," Harry explained. 

"Sent? What do you mean, sent?" she asked. Harry held out the note to her. She proceeded to take it and read it before shooting her head back up to him. 

"Come in here." 

He followed her into her study as the door closed behind him. 

"Well? Is this true?" McGonagall asked, waving the parchment in the air. 

"Is what true, Professor?" 

"Did you shout at Professor Umbridge?" 

"Yes." 

"Called her a liar?" 

"Yes." 

"Told her You-Know-Who is back?" She asked while walking behind her desk.

"Yes." 

"Have a biscuit, Potter." 

"What?" 

"Have a biscuit," She repeated, pointing at a tin box on her desk, "and sit down." 

Harry took one of her biscuits then sat in front of her desk. 

"Potter you need to be careful... and you need to use your head." she warned him, "Misbehavior in Dolores Umbridge's call could cost you much more than House points and a detention. Surely you know where she comes from... you must know to whom she's reporting to?" 

The bell rang out before Harry could answer her questions. 

"It says here she's given you detention every evening this week, starting tomorrow." Professor McGonagall stated. 

"Every evening this week!" Harry screamed, horrified, "But, Professor, couldn't you--" 

"No, I couldn't. She is your teacher and has every right to give you detention. You will go to her room at five o'clock tomorrow for the first one. Just remember this, Potter: Tread carefully around Dolores Umbridge." 

"But I was telling--" 

"For heaven's sake, Potter!" She shouted at him while she stood up from her seat (Harry standing up as well), "Do you really think this is about truth or lies? It's about keeping your head down and your temper under control. Didn't you hear her speech at the start-of-term feast?" 

"Yeah... she... uh... said um... progress will be prohibited or well, it meant... that the Ministry of Magic is trying to interfere at Hogwarts." Harry mumbled. McGonagall gave him a look that read she was now extremely concerned about him. 

"Glad you listened to Hermione Granger at any rate." She said as she motioned him out of his office. Harry nodded his head before slumping out of the room. Just as McGonagall shut the door behind him, Harry caught sight of something. It looked like Hermione's coat floating down around the corridor. 

"Hermione? Hermione-- Wait!" Harry called out as he began rushing after her. He rounded a few corners, chasing after her, wondering why she was running away from him. He didn't realized till he stopped to get some air that he soon found himself at the top of the clock tower. He gazed around the room till he walked over towards the large clock face where he peered outward. He was staring down at the courtyard when he saw her... but it wasn't Hermione. She was wearing the same coat like Hermione had bought but it wasn't Hermione. This gaunt woman had long black and white hair flinging around her. She scurried across the courtyard but paused right in front of the archway. She peered backwards, not far enough for Harry to see her face, until she suddenly vanished into thin air all together.