☽☽☽
LUCKILY FOR UMBRIDGE, things seemed to calm down after her firework filled first day. Although it would be difficult to recover from the embarrassment of having to parade round while getting attacked by firecrackers, Umbridge seemed to be moving along the line of pretending the whole thing didn't happen.
However, the students didn't have the same mindset. Even the teachers were talking about it in the staff room whenever Delores (or Filch since he'd become her lapdog) weren't around.
Students would be laughing jovially about it in lessons to distract from the fact that their school life was descending into misery. Athena gathered from the proud expressions of the Weasley twins (and the fact that their names were being thrown around constantly in whispers) that it had been them who were behind the whole thing. The redheads were certainly modern day marauders.
Athena was holding onto the memory of the crackling lights and exploding bangs throughout the entire next day and trying to forget that her job was in danger and the ministry were running Hogwarts like a puppet show.
When Umbridge had shown up at the beginning of the year, Athena had never imagined that it would get this bad. Of course ministry interference was one of the worst things that could happen considering their position in the war, or lack of one through their perspective. But Athena had believed they'd just have to be more careful. If someone had told her the true evil that Umbridge possessed or the fact that she would be headmistress before the end of the year, Athena probably would have laughed.
If Athena was feeling blue about the entire situation then Aurora was practically melting away. Athena had never seen her sister so defeated before. Aurora and Athena were different in many ways and one of the most distinct was the way that they handled problems.
Athena was a lot more practical about things. If she had something to say she'd say it without thinking about the consequences (which had ended up landing her in this predicament with Umbridge) and she certainly wouldn't bottle up her anger and leave people guessing what was running through her mind.
Aurora was sensible which meant she didn't face things head on. This allowed her to stay out of trouble. She'd only speak up about her anger if it helped people or was for an important cause. However she had a very detailed plan of every decision in her mind, making sure she never annoyed someone influential or said the wrong thing in an argument (which was probably why she always won).
The sisters were different in many ways and this began to annoy Athena as the week dragged on. Aurora was so absorbed in her work, trying to distract herself, that she wouldn't talk to Athena about how she was feeling. Rena wished she would, she was driving herself mad thinking about all the possibilities of what was going to happen and Aurora (being the less hotheaded one) could probably solve these anxieties.
Athena had taken to leaving the castle and taking long walks around the grounds or into Hogsmede. She hated being in the castle, the new warped version of Hogwarts was simply reminding her of everything that had changed and she didn't appreciate the small touches of darkness that Umbridge had left around the castle.
The fresh air did wonders for clearing her mind as though each exhale released a new problem that only nature had to deal with now. There was something calming about staring at the world outside the window. It reminded Athena that problems were only small in comparison to the great scheme of things. The world was so vast and she was only a tiny person afloat here. It didn't quell her worries (as all humans are at least partially self centred) but it did allow her to have a more positive mindset about what would come of this troubling time.
It was hard for Athena to be optimistic when the future looked so grey and hazy. Maybe in the first war she could have faced things with a smile but now she understood the truth of war when the last time she'd been fed with Dumbledore's lies.
Maybe now her lack of trust over pretty much everyone could be seen as a negative but Athena (trying to look at the positives) decided that it helped her to not get deceived again. Better to expect the worse and receive the best than to believe in the best and be gifted the worst.
Towards the end of the week, Athena found herself in the Hartland's cafe listening to Hazel talk her ear off about Tonks. Athena was very happy for them of course, she loved seeing someone so obsessed with love actually find it but she felt hearing every detail about their relationship was a step too far.
Already claustrophobic over her own problems, Athena only half listened as she feared going back up to the castle. Eventually (after four hours) Athena decided that she was being stupid and that Hogwarts wasn't her enemy but one of her homes. Anyway, Hazel had run out of things to talk about regarding Tonks and was now resorting to telling the entire story from the beginning and (considering Hazel and Tonks met when they were merely five) Athena didn't not want to wait around to hear the entire thing.
The walk up to the castle was as bleak as the halls themselves. Mist hung over the grass that was damp despite the lack of rain. The tree branches almost looked like hands ready to snatch her away and the lights from the windows of the usual warming towers had been distinguished just like the very little ounce of hope that Athena had left.
As soon as she opened the door she heard chaos and wondered whether it was too late to turn back.
"You can't do this!" Someone was yelling.
Athena blinked a few times as she stared onto the scene. Many students had gathered around in confusion, coming out of the hall after finishing their feast. In the middle of the entrance hall stood six figures.
First of all was Minerva McGonagall (looking very grave) who had her hand placed on the shoulder of Aurora. Her sister had been the source of the voice and taking the scene in, Athena realised how dishevelled she looked. Aurora was alive with the feeling of fear and anger as she stared at the other four figures.
Two of these four were some of Athena's least favourite people ever. Delores Umbridge and Cornelius Fudge. Athena already felt a sinking feeling in her stomach. They were partnered with two ministry officials, Athena presumed auror's from their uniform but did not recognise either.
She'd seen this coming. Of course Umbridge wouldn't keep her at a school that she was in charge of. Umbridge hated Athena, hated being around her and was furious with all she had gotten away with up until now.
The question was, why did Umbridge need the minister for magic and two auror's with her to fire Athena? Surely she didn't think the woman that much of a threat.
"Ah, Athena Sinistra" Fudge stated a little too happily, the first to notice her arrival, "we've been waiting for you"
"Oh have you?" Athena asked in surprise, "if I'd known that I would have stayed away for longer"
The minister faltered for a moment before replacing his fake smile with an expression of importance.
"Where have you been Athena?"
"Hogsmeade" Athena replied truthfully, "this castle is awfully bleak since Umbridge became Headmistress, don't you think? Even the weather agrees. I thought it would do me some good to have some coffee down in the village—"
"You expect us to believe that?" Umbridge snapped coldly.
"I'm not sure why I'd lie about having coffee... feel free to go down there and ask—"
"There will be no need!" Fudge continued angrily, "we know exactly where you have been Miss Sinistra"
"Do you?" Athena raised her eyebrows, casting a glance around the hall. Nearly everyone was there now the feast was done. Even teachers joined the students looking anxiously at the scene.
"If you're going to fire me get on with it" Athena drawled, "I've been expecting this for a while, I'm not sure why you feel the need to make such a big deal out of it all"
"Fire you?" Fudge laughed as though watching a comedy show. Athena felt angrier by the obvious faking of it all. None of this was very amusing to her. "We're not here to fire you"
"Well that's a surprise" Athena said truthfully, looking to Aurora who was staring at her wide eyed. Something was wrong and it seemed it was something that neither of the sisters had expected.
"We're here to ask you a simple question" Fudge ploughed on.
"And that is?" Athena asked impatiently.
"Where is Sirius Black?"
The statement rang through the hall with echoes, bouncing off every empty stone surface. Athena blinked as a faint idea of what was happening started to appear in her mind. Athena wanted to look at her sister for guidance but was scared they'd feel that Aurora was involved. Fudge was insane these days and clearly unpredictable.
"I'm afraid I don't know" Athena sighed in what she hope conveyed as a truthful sound.
"Really?" Fudge scoffed, "you think we don't know what you've been up to, you think we're not aware of where you've just been!"
"I've just been having some coffee—"
"LIAR!" Fudge screamed, looking positively mad, "who drinks coffee at eight in the evening?"
"An insomniac" Athena replied honestly, knowing the answer would not be suitable.
"I should have known fourteen years ago!" Fudge rambled on in derangement, "I saw it myself, the madness in your eyes and Dumbledore pled insanity! Insanity I tell you! Well Athena it's clear now you knew exactly what you were doing! You're connected to the convict! To the mass murderer! The best friend of Sirius Black!"
"Now hang on a minute minister!" McGonagall tried to intervene.
"We let you teach children in your rambling madness, who knows what lies you have been feeding them!" Fudge yelled, "it's preposterous that you have been allowed to get away with this for so long. I admit it was a foolish mistake on my behalf for believing your lies!"
"Don't put so much blame on yourself minister" Umbridge cooed, "she fooled us all!"
"That she did, I even had a shimmer of respect for you at some point. I should have known, seeing you gallivant off with werewolves—"
"How dare you!" Athena snapped.
"Ah there it is!" Fudge laughed in a high pitch cackle that made him sound even more deluded, "the real Athena Sinistra! The one who would attack my ministry and the people who work for it!"
His voice grew steadily higher with every word. His face filling scarlet like a tomato. Umbridge was looking gleeful and many of the students around the hall looked confused, angered and even upset.
"What exactly are you accusing me of?" Athena asked as calm as she could manage.
"Athena Sinistra!" Fudge continued loudly, "I am arresting you on suspicion of an alliance with escapee and extremely dangerous criminal Sirius Black! I believe you helped him escape from Azkaban and that you have been aiding him ever since in hiding. I believe you know where he is and don't think we won't use verita serum on you to find out the truth!"
"Minister this is completely incorrect!" Aurora cried.
"Quiet Aurora or I'll have you in a shared cell!" Fudge continued in madness. Aurora went silent, looking as though she had been slapped in the face as she slumped slightly into McGonagall's side.
"You're mad" Athena hissed, "you've completely lost it haven't you?"
"I was mad to keep you out of jail all these years, mad to believe you stoped caring about your dear friend Black. Mad to think you had nothing to do with the escape and mad to be doing nothing up until this point!"
"Well I must say" Athena frowned, "I knew you were a terrible minister for magic but I didn't expect you to create crazed delusions to make it look like you're actually doing something!"
"Enough!" Fudge snapped, "Get her!"
Some of the students gasped as the two auror's drew their wands like swords and pointed them at Athena. She froze, now staring at the threat. She wasn't Dumbledore. She couldn't simply apperate away after removing the barriers.
Athena didn't draw her wand, what was the point? She was completely outnumbered. For a moment she stood accepting her fate before a sense of Ravenclaw thinking hit her. Of course she wasn't going to go to Azkaban, she had to get out of here.
Athena recalled a time where she believed herself unbeatable. In fights she would barely bat an eye when she saw a bright light heading her way, when she heard the shout of an incantation. Athena remembered when she could curl fire around her fingertips, when she could absorb the essence of death and throw it right back in the face of her opponent. Maybe Athena had changed since the first war but now as she stared at the two auror wizards, all she wished was that she hadn't forgotten the gift she'd mastered all those years ago.
"STUPIFY"
Two thunderous voices filled the hall as two balls of red light illuminated every shadow of every stone, sending everyone into a bask of scarlet. Athena tried not to panic as they collided with her. Ready to see darkness, Athena clamped her eyes shut before realising she was still standing.
As she opened her eyes she felt the surge of power rush through her as though it were blood coursing through her veins. Her skin was alive in a red sheen and she supposed this had travelled to her eyes as well. Crackles of electricity formed around her fists as she looked up and stared at the dumbstruck expressions of Fudge and Umbridge.
"What the—" Fudge began, "how is this possible?"
"Dark magic!" Umbridge shrieked, "I knew it! I suppose Sirius Black taught you this himself"
Ha! Athena thought to herself, As if Sirius would be able to manage doing this
"Well what are you waiting for!" Fudge yelled, "hit her again!"
The two auror's looked at each other apprehensively before they followed instructions and sent two more orbs of light flying at Athena. The power she felt increased and began to create a strain on her posture as she tried to hold it together. It felt as though weights were trying to push her in every direction as as clenched her teeth.
"What sorcery is this?" Umbridge yelled, "you won't get away!"
Athena could have come back with a quip such as 'watch me' but all her concentration was channelled into keeping the power within her. Whoever these auror's were cast powerful spells and Athena felt it splintering through her as she tried to figure out what to do.
"Go get her!" Fudge pointed.
The two auror's looked as though they'd rather be fired than approach the woman who was glowing red with the power of their own magic but they didn't complain as they started to pace nervously towards Athena.
Now or never.
She threw her hands out in front of her and sent the power of four stunning spells flying straight at the auror's, Umbridge and Fudge. Athena heard a scream before they were absorbed in the light she had been containing for the past few moments. A bright flash blinded the onlookers, gasps and cries of fear could be heard over the simmering of the spells.
As Athena uncovered her eyes from the brightness, she saw the four ministry figures lying on the stone floor temporarily stunned. She'd done it.
"You have to go now!" McGonagall called, "this is your chance"
"I know" Athena nodded, looking to Aurora who seemed completely devastated.
"You know where to go" McGonagall continued, "take Remus, he's in danger too"
Athena's heart ached at the thought of her placing Remus in danger but she simply nodded, knowing that he wouldn't see it as her fault.
"Don't argue with them" Athena looked to her sister, "Hogwarts needs you Rory"
Aurora nodded as she held on to McGonagall's arm. Fudge had started to twitch now and Athena realised her time was limited. She cast a glance over the students in the hall all staring at her. She was saddened to see that most of them seemed upset that she was leaving. Her eyes found Harry looking as though another hope of his was lost.
She forced one more smile towards the onlookers, feeling as though she may tear up herself before she turned and started to run out into the misted night. Magic was still against her as she was unable to apperate until she was halfway through Hogsmede village.
Athena was already out of breath from containing magic after so many years but she continued to run as though her life depended on it. She supposed in some ways it did.
Trying not to slip on the grass, she saw an opportunity in the form of a skeletal black horse grazing in the field nearby. Athena turned on her heel and dashed towards it, praying she wouldn't startle the creature into flight. However it seemed quite calm as Athena hitched her foot under his wing and hopped onto his back.
"She's escaping!" Came the loud cry of Umbridge who was now running ridiculously out the castle.
She was followed by a swarm of students and to Athena's delight, she saw they were all cheering. They flooded the grounds, slowing Umbridge as Athena kicked the side of the horse and sent it flying into the steadily greying night sky.
Athena watched the students wave hands over their heads, some yelling goodbye, other yelling thanks. She heard the clear shout of the Weasley twins saying 'Bloody Brilliant'.
Now Athena really did feel tears trace her cheeks as she looked back upon something she loved so dearly. Now something that had been ripped from her. As the thestral gained height she raised her wand into the air and sent a single silver light flying high.
Students eyes followed the light before it exploded into what looked like hundreds of shining stars, floating to the ground like snow. The cheers were soon out of earshot as she leant onto the leathery form of the thestral and watched the town below her turn into something as picturesque as a figurine in a snow globe.
Athena landed as soon as she could and watched the thestral fly in a large circle back to the school before she turned on her heel and vanished, the image of the students cheering her goodbye still playing in her mind.
Apparating was faster for her than flying all the way back to London and as her feet landed in her own living room, the seriousness of the situation returned to her.
"Remus!" She cried loudly through the house, looking out the window anxiously waiting for the popping figures of the ministry to appear.
"What's going on?" Remus came running into the living room, "why are you back?"
"There's no time to explain, we have to go now" Athena replied, connecting her hand with Remus'.
"Rena what's going on—"
He stopped, hearing the sound of apparition outside. Voices came through the mist and Athena looked out the window to see a dozen people advancing. Remus' face went white with worry as he looked wildly in between the ministry figures and Athena.
"No time" Athena shook her head, "brace yourself"
She gripped his hand before she turned on her heel, hearing the smash of her window being hit with a spell. They couldn't catch her, not now. Slamming her eyes shut, she concentrated on the image of Grimmauld place kitchen and the feeling of Remus' hand gripping hers.
As the darkness consumed them, Athena felt the reality hit her. She was considered a criminal, wanted for a crime she played no part in. Now her life was thrust into uncertainty and she had no idea how long this would last. For all she knew, Athena may have to hide forever and she'd dragged Remus into this mess.
She knew Remus would not see it this way yet the wave of guilt was too over consuming to ignore. The adrenaline from her escape vanished and the happiness she'd felt from the students reaction became as insignificant to her as dust.
Athena supposed they were travelling towards the endgame now.
☽☽☽
A/n
Words - 3460
Published - 5th August 2021
Did I make this slightly
more dramatic than it needed
to be?
Yes
Do I regret it?
No