Disclaimer: Harry Potter and all of its characters belong to JK Rowling. I own nothing but the original characters I make.
Chapter 56: Panic
The news of Death Eaters escaping from Azkaban sent a wave of panic through the majority of the students at Hogwarts. Their eyes were glued to the newspaper, the contents of which were utterly shocking.
Just two years ago, Sirius Black had escaped from Azkaban, but it was later revealed that he was innocent. The reason he had managed to escape was that he was an Animagus all along.
This time, however, it wasn't just Death Eaters who had escaped—the Dementors had also betrayed the Ministry. This meant that Voldemort's return was real, and Harry hadn't been lying about it after all.
There was further proof, an Auror who had been guarding Azkaban was attacked by Dementors. This was particularly alarming, as it was nearly impossible for Dementors to overpower someone capable of casting the Patronus Charm.
Some students who had ostracized Harry Potter now glanced at him with guilt in their eyes. They were beginning to believe his claims that the Dark Lord had truly returned.
Even Dudley overheard their whispers about how Harry might have been telling the truth all along.
"Remember, our hero Cedric died," said a sixth-year Hufflepuff. "If he really died because of some mission, why was the news covered up? Why didn't they tell us the real cause of his death?"
"What did the news say about it?" asked another Hufflepuff.
"It said that Cedric died due to an accident during the last task, but they didn't specify what kind of accident it was," replied the sixth-year Hufflepuff.
In the original timeline, the Ministry of Magic had blamed Sirius Black, but they couldn't do the same this time because he had been proven innocent.
---Harry Potter---
Today was Harry Potter's best day in over a month. After being ostracized by most of student in Hogwarts, only a few had believed him. But now everything changed after they are reading the latest news from Daily Prophet, even students like Seamus Finnigan were apologizing for his earlier rude words.
"Are you happy, mate?" Ron asked.
"Yeah, it feels good not to have people pointing fingers and calling me a liar anymore," Harry replied with a smile.
"Congrats, Harry," Ron said, smiling back.
Suddenly, Hermione interrupted.
"Harry, I think we need to do something," Hermione said, her expression serious.
Harry looked at her, confused. "What do you mean, Hermione?" he asked.
Ron chimed in. "What are you planning now, Hermione?"
"I've been reading the news, and they're saying the Dementors have betrayed the Ministry. What's worse, most of the students don't know how to use the Patronus Charm. They're vulnerable against those creatures," Hermione explained.
Harry suddenly stood up. "You're right, Hermione."
"Harry, you're the only one in our year who can cast a Patronus. I think you should teach the rest of us," Hermione suggested.
"I agree with Hermione," Ron added. "Professor Malfoy is useless. He hasn't taught us any spells in class."
Professor Lucius Malfoy's reputation was in tatters. He had been instructed not to teach the students at Hogwarts anything—especially Harry Potter. Draco Malfoy, his son, faced ridicule every day after class.
"No wonder Draco Malfoy's a prat. His father can't even cast a proper spell."
"Malfoy's only power is his money. That's how he became a professor."
"What do you expect from someone who claimed to be under the Imperius Curse during the last war? And now this weakling is supposed to teach us Defense Against the Dark Arts?"
These words, repeated by students, weighed heavily on Draco, who had once been arrogant and pompous. Stressed beyond measure, he sought his father's help, but Lucius warned him.
It was the Dark Lord's request that Lucius not teach anyone outside of Slytherin. Draco felt defeated—he had met Voldemort himself and knew the terrifying consequences that awaited him if he disobeyed.
Before leaving, Lucius promised to teach only Slytherin students properly, ensuring Draco's dignity among his friends. Lucius himself despised the order Voldemort had given, but he had no choice. First, he hadn't sought out the Dark Lord during his downfall. Second, he had indirectly destroyed the diary that Voldemort had entrusted him to keep safe. And third, he had failed to retrieve the prophecy record.
---Dark Lord---
"Tell me, why has this happened?" Voldemort asked.
"My Lord, it was because the news is too big, and no one could be blamed," replied the Death Eater.
"Crucio!" Voldemort cast the curse on the poor wizard.
"Arghhh!" The man groaned in pain until Voldemort lifted the curse.
Bellatrix suddenly entered, her once dirty, curly hair now washed and looking much cleaner than her time in Azkaban. However, her personality had worsened, and she had become even more obsessed with Voldemort. The years in Azkaban hadn't just made her face scrawny, it had also shaped her into someone entirely dependent on the Dark Lord.
Whenever the Dementors approached, her only solace had been thoughts of Voldemort. She would tell herself that he would return and rescue her. That belief reached its peak the day the Dark Lord did return, and from that moment on, Bellatrix's obsession with him deepened.
"Oh, my Lord, let me deal with those people at the Daily Prophet," Bellatrix offered, blushing.
"There is no need for you to do anything. You all spent over fourteen years in Azkaban because you believed in me," said Voldemort. "This kind of task is not honorable for you."
"Oh, my Lord," Bellatrix smiled adoringly.
"Where is Lucius?" Voldemort asked.
"My Lord, you instructed Lucius to become a professor at Hogwarts," the Death Eater reported.
The words hit Voldemort like a splash of cold water. Usually, it was Lucius who handled the news and influenced the Ministry, but Voldemort himself had placed him in Hogwarts.
The real reason this news had blown up was because Lucius wasn't there to cover it up. Lucius had always been excellent at fabricating reasons and swaying the Daily Prophet.
'What's happened to me?' thought Voldemort. 'Has my time in that ghastly form dulled my intelligence?'
Not wanting to appear weak, Voldemort decided to summon Lucius Malfoy.
"Call Lucius here. I need to discuss something," Voldemort ordered.
"Yes, my Lord," replied one of the Death Eaters.
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