HP: god of potions

Chapter 109

Outside the Ministry of Magic, Gray stood amidst a sea of flashing cameras, looking as dashing as ever. Reporters clamored for his attention, throwing questions about the recent events his way. "Mr. Gray, what do you think about the trial?" one journalist called out, her quill poised above parchment. Gray smiled faintly, adjusting his robes with an air of calculated nonchalance. "Ah, well, the Ministry has its processes," he answered vaguely, his tone smooth and noncommittal. His gestures were deliberate, exaggerated just enough to emphasize his words. After a few more ambiguous remarks and polite deflections, Gray excused himself, bowing slightly before heading inside as the trial began.

The courtroom was a somber sight, its grandeur filled with tension. Wizards and witches filled the tiers, their faces a mix of curiosity and judgment. At the center of it all sat Dolores Umbridge, her pink cardigan oddly out of place against the austere surroundings. The list of charges against her was read aloud, a booming voice echoing through the chamber. "Madam Umbridge, you are accused of abuse of authority, the illegal use of the Cruciatus Curse on students, and the attempted murder of a student. How do you plead?" The question hung in the air, heavy with expectation. Umbridge stood, her voice shaking yet stubbornly defiant. "I plead innocent!" she declared, her words met with murmurs of disbelief and outrage from the gathered crowd.

Professor McGonagall was the first to be called to the stand. Rising with a dignified air, she strode to the center and faced the Wizengamot. "I speak as an educator who has dedicated her life to the welfare of students," she began, her voice sharp with restrained anger. "Dolores Umbridge has repeatedly demonstrated cruelty and disregard for the wellbeing of children under her care. Her actions are not only reprehensible but unbecoming of anyone entrusted with the responsibility of teaching." She addressed the Ministry directly, her piercing gaze sweeping across the members. "The responsibility lies with you to ensure that individuals like her are never given authority over our youth again."

Next, Gray was called to the stand. Standing tall, he surveyed the room before speaking. "I acted out of instinct," he began, his voice steady but tinged with emotion. "When I saw my beloved professor under attack, I believed I could help. I trusted my abilities, thinking it was the right thing to do." His expression darkened as he continued, "But instead of support, I was met with betrayal. A professor—someone I was told to trust, someone who was supposed to guide us—tried to end my life." His words were laced with raw emotion as he addressed the Ministry. "How can we place our futures in the hands of someone no better than Voldemort himself?" The mention of the Dark Lord's name sent a shiver through the room, and Gray seized the moment. "If even his name makes you wince, why should I, a mere child, be unafraid for my life? Yet, here I stand, saying that noseless bastards name proudly"

An Auror interrupted, his voice gruff. "You don't understand the horrors of He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named." Gray turned to him, his eyes burning with determination. "I understand more than you think. I've seen the horrors firsthand, experienced them. And if I can face that, why can't you? Why can't the Ministry? It's time to step out of your turtle shell and see the threats looming over us." His words hung in the air, a challenge and an inspiration. The room fell silent as Dumbledore was finally called to the stand, his presence commanding the attention of all. The trial pressed on, every word shaping the course of justice and the fate of those involved, however, this simple action of gray had much more impact than he though, since umbridge was prosecuted early than she was supposed it, which led to one key person surviving, and it caused dimensional rift to spontaneously appear, all around the world.

-scene change(dream stars)-

In the Great Hall, after Dumbledore's speech concluded, students began gathering at their respective tables. At the Gryffindor table, a 16-year-old Hermione sat quietly, eating her meal. Nearby, Ron and Harry, who were of a similar age, were engrossed in a conversation about the latest Daily Prophet. They discussed the return of He-Who-Should-Not-Be-Named, their voices hushed yet filled with concern. "I still can't believe it's true," Harry muttered, glancing around nervously. Ron nodded, frowning. "Yeah, but the Prophet's been going on about it for weeks now. It's hard to ignore." Their conversation paused as Hermione suddenly stood, pushing her chair back.

"Where are you going?" Harry asked, even though he already knew the answer. Before Hermione could respond, Ron interjected venomously, "She's off to see her snake of a boyfriend. What else?" Hermione frowned deeply, her gaze sharp as she snapped back, "Maybe if you minded your own business, you wouldn't be so vindictive, Weasley." She didn't even bother addressing him by his first name as she turned on her heel and left the hall. The tension hung in the air as she walked outside, her expression softening when she spotted a familiar figure. Standing under the open sky was a tall young man with raven-colored hair streaked with vibrant red, like the morning sun cutting through the night. His gray eyes stared upward, lost in thought, as his muscled frame stood out even beneath his simple shirt. He adjusted his glasses with one hand while holding his robe in the other.

A heavenly voice escaped his lips as he began to sing, "I wanna be your setting lotion ... Hold your hair in deep devotion ... At least as deep as the Pacific Ocean... Now I wanna be yours..." Hermione approached, her lips curving into a sweet smile. "Are you seriously not considering becoming a singer instead of a potioneer? You could visit the human world" she teased, her voice laced with amusement. Gray turned to her, a warm smile forming. "I thought you wanted me to develop makeup for you?" he asked playfully. Hermione nudged him lightly with her shoulder, grinning. "Maybe, but I'm torn. I want to listen to your beautiful voice every day," she said, her tone softening. Reaching out, she tucked a red strand of his hair behind his ear. "But I also want you to pursue your dreams. Every time you brew a potion, you're just so happy."

Gray looked at her tenderly, his smile broadening. "Well, I only smile for you," he said, his tone gentle. Hermione chuckled, shaking her head. "Aren't I a lucky girl?" she replied, her eyes twinkling. Gray continued, his voice filled with sincerity, "How about I do both? I can sing for you every day and brew potions every night." Hermione sighed, leaning back slightly. "But then, when would you have time for me?" she asked, looking away with a soft smile. Gray blinked in surprise before stepping closer. "Then I should freeze time for us only?" he offered, his tone half-teasing. Hermione turned to him, her expression tender. "I'd love to live in a single moment with you for eternity," she admitted, sighing again.

Gray sighed as well, sensing a shift in Hermione's tone. "I feel like there's a 'but' coming," he said with a knowing smile. Hermione nodded slightly. "Living in a single moment with you would be bliss," she began, her voice thoughtful. "But what about the future? What about relationships, family? What about getting married and having kids?" she asked, stepping closer to him. Gray burst into laughter, the sound warm and carefree. "Marriage? Children? Hermione, we don't even have a name for what we are yet," he said, his laughter fading into a grin. Before Hermione could reply, Gray suddenly lifted her off the ground, making her squeal in surprise. Her laughter joined his, echoing softly under the night sky as they embraced the fleeting moment. Just then, a voice called out Gray's name, jolting him awake.

Gray groggily blinked and realized he was back in the Great Hall. Dumbledore was once again giving his closing speech, his words resonating with the students. Jamal glanced at Gray, Harry, Ron, and Hermione before asking, "Why are you all sweating?" No one answered, and Hermione caught Gray's gaze. For a brief moment, there was a hint of affection in her eyes, but Gray quickly squashed it, reminding himself, "I have feelings for someone else." Hermione coughed to mask her reaction, while Ron muttered, "Yeah, he does, and it was just a dream, remember?" Ron seemed on the verge of a nervous breakdown as Harry sighed. Together, they listened to Dumbledore, who spoke about the year's events and expressed hope for a calmer and safer next year. He ended his speech by wishing everyone a wonderful summer break and urging them to stay safe.

-scene change(dream ends)

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A/N this dream scene occurs before the last one