Chapter 1: Interference

185 6 0
                                    

Harry sighed in displeasure as they all had been called on to the Great Hall by the pink toad during class. It was a Potions Class but still. He was not in a mood to see that woman today. He would rather deal with Malfoy and his entourage than deal with her.

As Harry and his classmates made their way to the Great Hall, the air was thick with tension. Professor Umbridge, the pink-clad witch with a toad-like demeanor, had quickly become one of the most disliked figures at Hogwarts. Her sugary-sweet voice and authoritarian rules grated on the nerves of both students and staff alike.

As they entered the Great Hall, Professor Umbridge was already seated at the teacher's table, her eyes scanning the students with an unsettling intensity. Harry exchanged a glance with Ron and Hermione, silently communicating their shared disdain for the woman.

The usual hum of conversation in the Great Hall died down as students took their seats. Professor Umbridge stood up, her pink cardigan and matching bow accentuating her rigid posture. "Good afternoon, students," she said, her voice sickeningly sweet. "I trust you are all ready for a productive and disciplined lesson today."

Harry couldn't help but roll his eyes. He could feel the collective eye-rolling of his fellow students as well. They were all well aware of Umbridge's idea of a "productive and disciplined" lesson – essentially, an opportunity for her to exercise her authority and maintain control.

Surely enough, there were high ranking officials from the Ministry near the teacher's table. Along with the fact that Madam Bones is there as well as that coward Fudge. But on a light note, Remus, Padfoot, and some others on their side are present as well.

Harry couldn't shake the feeling that something important was afoot. The presence of Ministry officials and Madam Bones suggested that this wasn't just an ordinary Potions Class. The trio exchanged puzzled looks, wondering what Umbridge had up her sleeve this time.

Professor Snape, who seemed equally displeased to be sharing the stage with Umbridge, looked like he's so close to cursing her. And honestly? He would probably cheer for him if he did.

Harry made a face as she faked a cough to get all of their attention, "Good day everyone! I'm sure that all of you are confused on why we are all here,"

"Obviously," Harry disdainfully whispered beside Ron, which the redhead elbowed him for.

Umbridge's eyes narrowed briefly, catching Harry's comment, but she continued with her false smile. "We have some important announcements from the Ministry today. We have found a way to expose Mr. Potter's lies."

The mention of exposing Harry's lies sent a ripple of tension through the Great Hall. Harry could feel the collective gaze of his fellow students on him. He exchanged alarmed glances with Ron and Hermione, wondering how Umbridge planned to undermine him this time.

Umbridge continued, "As you know, the Ministry is committed to the truth, and it has come to our attention that certain individuals have been spreading false information. Mr. Potter claims that You-Know-Who has returned, but we believe it is our duty to ascertain the accuracy of such statements."

She gestured toward the high-ranking officials, indicating their involvement in this endeavor. Madam Bones maintained a stoic expression, while Fudge tried to look authoritative despite the skepticism written across the faces of many in the Great Hall.

Umbridge fixed her gaze on Harry. "Mr. Potter, you will kindly come forward and explain yourself. We have taken measures to ensure that the truth will be revealed."

Harry felt a mix of anger and frustration. He had faced skepticism before, but the Ministry's interference at Hogwarts was reaching a new level. With a resigned look, he rose from his seat and walked to the front of the Great Hall. But before anything could happen, the ones the other aurors were holding exploded and turned into a mist.

The mist swirled everywhere, and around Harry before turning into a being in front of everyone. It was a woman who was beautiful, but deathly pale with green eyes. Her red hair was set in an Ancient Greek style high-set ponytail. Her dark, sleeveless gown seemed to ripple as if the cloth was ink spilling off and wore sandals. She carried two old-fashioned reed torches.

To anyone else, she was a stranger but to some, she looks exactly like Lily Potter.

The Great Hall fell into a stunned silence as everyone, including Umbridge, stared at the mysterious woman who had appeared out of the mist. The air seemed charged with an otherworldly energy, and a sense of unease settled over the room.

Umbridge, ever the picture of false composure, tried to regain control. "Who are you? What is the meaning of this intrusion?" she demanded, her voice trembling slightly.

The woman regarded Umbridge with a calm expression before turning her attention to Harry. Her green eyes bore into his, and for a moment, Harry felt a strange mixture of comfort and curiosity.

"I am Hecate," the woman spoke, her voice resonating with a timeless quality. "I have come to interfere,"

"I have seen what you wish to accomplish, and I am here to change that," Her green eyes hardening as she stares at Umbridge, "Instead of forcefully manipulating Harry Potter to say what they wish to hear, I will show you facets of different worlds. All centering Harry Potter,"

Hecate raised her hands, and the surroundings in the Great Hall shifted. The air shimmered as if there was a muggle screen in front of them, "You will be watching each one of them," She looked at Harry, "I apologize in advance, my child, but some of these worlds are hard to watch due to how close it is to this one,"

The Great Hall transformed as if it were a vast magical theater. Harry gulped in nervousness, "Why me? I mean... There are a lot more people deserving of this,"

Lady Magic merely smiled softly as she went closer to caress his face, "Your mother... She was my champion until you were born. Such a precious child, your mother is,"

Harry merely stared at her, as she turned to Madam Bones, "I will say this under my name. Sirius Black III is free of all charges, for he has never done the crime that is charged against him. I will say this once, and I won't repeat it. The Lord of the Most Ancient and Noble House of Black is free and has guardianship of the only child of my champion, Lily Potter,"

Madam Bones, though initially taken aback, nodded with a newfound understanding. Hecate's proclamation had weight, and the authority behind her words left no room for doubt. Sirius Black's name was cleared, and the revelation sent a ripple through the Great Hall.

Umbridge, who had been attempting to regain control, found herself in a position of uncertainty. The atmosphere in the room had shifted dramatically, and her attempts to maintain authority were slipping through her fingers like grains of sand.

Hecate continued, her voice echoing through the Great Hall, "Now, let us witness the different paths that could have unfolded for Harry Potter." With a wave of her hand, Hecate turned to Harry with a reassuring smile, "You have a remarkable journey ahead of you, my child. The path you choose will be yours to navigate, filled with both challenges and triumphs. Embrace the magic within you and the possibilities that lie ahead."

As Hecate began to fade, the weight of her words lingered in the air. The Great Hall, now free from the oppressive tension that had hung over it, buzzed with a renewed sense of hope and possibility. The journey of Harry Potter, once again, stood at a crossroads, and the magic of Hogwarts awaited his next steps.

Dumbledore took charge before Umbridge could, and he had everyone seated. Amelia Bones had used her patronus to send words of Sirius's innocence; seeing Fudge wouldn't be able to refute the magical messenger.

As the Great Hall settled into a state of anticipation, Dumbledore addressed the assembly, "Let us all be seated and be reminded of what Lady Magic had said,"

Umbridge, though visibly angered by the turn of events, couldn't argue with the authority Dumbledore and Lady Magic had displayed. Dumbledore continued, "It appears we are at a juncture where the past and the future converge. Let us, then, delve into these glimpses of alternate realities, for they may hold the key to understanding the complexities of magic and the paths it may weave."

Welcome to Harryverse!Where stories live. Discover now