Harry Potter: Another Chance

Chapter 364: The Bait

Disclaimer:

Harry Potter and all of its characters belong to J.K. Rowling.

I own nothing but the original characters I create.

"Dialogue"

'Thoughts'

-Author notes-

Chapter 364: The Bait

"Ahhh, nooo!" The spirit of Umbridge screamed and thrashed as it vanished.

"So annoying… just go away already." Harry was already feeling the start of a headache.

He had to force the spirit away to have some peace.

"Tsk… that woman is as useless in death as she was in life," Harry said with bitterness.

Her mind had been so damaged during the last month that she barely had any useful memories, and a spirit can't recall something the person never learned in life.

He did get a few interesting bits, like the fact that Minister Parkinson was sending people to negotiate with all the tribes of giants in the country, as well as bringing dozens of trolls under ministerial control.

It was clear that he was preparing for a massive attack.

She didn't know the targets, but it was guaranteed that Hogwarts was at least one of them. Not only to gain control of the most important school and a powerful magical castle, but also to complete his revenge against Dumbledore and the Boy Who Lived.

'If he's anything like the Tom Riddle I know, he won't be able to rest in peace until he washes away the humiliation of being beaten by a baby. That's not something he could live with. And killing Dumbledore will also give him some reassurance about his safety.'

Voldemort wasn't aware that there were several other wizards and witches out there who could rival, or even surpass, Dumbledore in terms of magical prowess.

Luckily for him, most of those were unable or unwilling to take action.

Except for him…

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He left the Room of Requirement and walked through the empty halls, continuing to think about a way to learn more about the Dark Lord's plans.

When Voldemort went away, the last three members of the Lestrange family went with him. They were likely his most trusted followers at this point, but no one had heard of anyone spotting them.

Wormtail would be his next choice. But he went missing after killing Sirius, and no one had seen him since.

Ron never had a pet rat either. This was likely because James Potter was alive.

Wormtail wouldn't have dared to stay this close to someone who could recognize him immediately, so he probably left the country in search of his Master.

Those were the most likely to have crucial information, but Harry had no way to get his hands on them at the moment.

'If only Snape had kept his status as a Death Eater… I could use a spy right now.' Harry never considered how important Snape's role had been during his past.

But this Snape was different. After the attack on Harry's parents, he deserted the Death Eaters and even tried to remove Voldemort's brand from his arm, cutting all contact with them.

Harry suspected that the only reason the other Snape stayed as a spy until his death was revenge for his mother's death. Since she was alive now, he had no reason to to the same.

'He was also the one who killed… wait, that's it!' Harry had an epiphany.

There was a way to solve two problems at the same time.

"Why didn't I think about it sooner? We just have to kill the Headmaster!"

"What?!" one of the paintings exclaimed.

"Did I say that out loud?" Harry asked.

<><><><><><><><><><><><>

He arrived at History of Magic almost an hour late.

But he wasn't worried. Professor Rookwood didn't even acknowledge his existence as he walked inside and took his seat.

He never complained or took points from students for being late, and because of that, it had become a common occurrence.

"Harry…" Hermione still gave him a look of disapproval.

"Do you have a dress for your date with Viktor Krum?" Harry asked her casually as he sat back in his chair.

Hermione's face changed colors.

"How do you know about that?!" The bushy-haired girl asked with a trembling voice, before turning to look at Lavender.

"Hey! For once, I haven't said anything. I know when to keep my friends' secrets," Lavender said.

"But that is a good question. Do you have a dress?" Parvati asked her.

"Ooh! We can go shopping this weekend in Hogsmeade!" Lavender exclaimed.

After successfully getting Hermione off his back, Harry decided to relax for a while. There was still over an hour left of history class...

or, as the students had been calling it, "nap time".

<><><><><><><><>

Once classes were concluded for the day, Harry made his way to the Headmaster's office.

He had already sent a message earlier that day to call for Snape as well.

He knew that the Potions professor was going to be hard to convince, but he was the only one who could play the role.

Without him, the plan wouldn't work.

When he opened the door to the office, he found them both inside, waiting for him.

"Harry, what is this urgent matter you wanted to talk about?" Dumbledore asked.

"And why did I have to come?" Snape said, sounding annoyed.

"I have a plan that could end this upcoming war in a few months," Harry said.

This piqued their interest.

"And what would that plan be?" the Headmaster asked.

"Well…" Harry looked at Dumbledore. "Do you mind if we killed you for a little bit?"

Dumbledore raised an eyebrow. He was already used to Harry saying crazy things like that.

"What?!" But Snape wasn't.

"Oh, and… Umbridge is dead," Harry added. "Maybe I should have started with that…"

"What?!" Snape exclaimed again.

"I'll ask the elves for some tea…" Dumbledore said. He had a feeling this was going to take a while.

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