destruction ➙ h. potter

14

"Harry! Are you sure?" Hermione said as the four friends raced across the castle.

"Yes! I saw it! It's like when I saw Mr. Weasley! It's the same door I've been dreaming about for months except now I know where it is. The Department of Mysteries." Harry rambled as his friends chased after him.

"Harry," Hermione said, "what is Voldemort meant for you to see that. What if he's only hurting Sirius to get to you."

"So what if he is? Am I supposed to just let Sirius die? Hermione, he's the only family I have left." Harry said.

Hermione looked to Ron and Isabel.

Isabel nodded and continued to follow Harry.

They all ran to Umbridge's office to use the Floo network to get to Sirius.

When they got in they all huddled around the fireplace.

"I'll be back as soon, alert the order if you can," Harry said.

"You're not going by yourself mate. If you think you are, you're mental!" Ron said.

"Harry, we are going to help you," Isabel said.

"We are in this together!" Hermione said.

"That. You. Are." Umbridge exclaimed, looking furious at the four.

They were caught.

Umbridge summoned her Inquizitorial Squad and they all held the four friends back, along with Ginny, Neville, and Luna.

Harry was tied to a chair in front of Umbridge.

"You were going to Dumbledore, weren't you?" Umbridge said.

"No, we weren't," Harry answered honestly.

Umbridge slapped him.

Isabel boiled with rage and began to try to squirm free.

The Slytherin who was holding her back put his wand to her neck threateningly.

Snape came in as Umbridge summoned him. Umbridge wanted some vertiserum, but Snape claimed there was none left, Isabel found this suspicious.

As Snape went to leave Harry said, "He's got Padfoot. He has Padfoot at the place where it's hidden."

"Padfoot? What is Padfoot? What is he talking about Snape?" Umbridge ordered in a rage.

"No idea," Snape said and left.

"Very well. You give me no choice, Potter. As it is a matter of Ministry Security, you leave me with no alternative. The Cruciatus curse ought to loosen your tongue."

"That's illegal." Hermione retorted.

"What Cornelius doesn't know won't hurt him," Umbridge said, setting down a picture frame of the Minister.

Ron gave Umbridge a look of complete detest and Hermione was on the verge of tears. Isabel was absolutely boiling with anger. What did this foul woman have against one of the nicest people she knew? Harry did almost nothing wrong.

Harry stared straight at Umbridge. He had to be strong, no matter how scared he was, Sirius was in trouble.

As Umbridge was about to cast her spell, Hermione burst out.