Chapter Eight, Changes

As the four girls were smirking having got the upper hand on Gwen Potter-Black – the one who was supposed to be a prodigy in Defence, but their trap and ambush had worked in their favour unfortunately – when Hermione along with Ginny, Kellah Johnson, Celeste Bryn and Parvati Patil entered the dorm room, their visage showing nothing but horror at what they saw; Gwen lay bleeding into the red carpet causing it turn a dark maroon shade with four smirking girls standing above her, one of which who shares the dorm with Gwen, Hermione, Celeste and Parvati, and the other who shares the dorm with Kellah Johnson and four other girls.

Quickly that horror turned into rage and disgust aiding the five girls to put Gwen's teachings the previous year to use and come to her aid by disarming the attackers and knocking them out with well placed Stunning and Disarming Charms before they could get over their shock of being caught and their smugness. Once the two seventh years – Ashley Andrews and Bethany Burke – were disarmed and stunned Hermione took charge of the situation.

"Celeste, Parvati, use towels and anything you can to stem the bleeding. Ginny, as you're the fastest after Gwen go and get McGonagall and Kellah, you and I will keep an eye on these...urchins." Hermione growled glaring at the four prone girls hearing everyone following her instructions. Parvati, as she ran to the bathroom to fetch as many towels as she could refused to look at Lavender Brown her best friend. She couldn't believe she attacked Gwen. Let alone over someone like Dumbledore.
"Hermione, we can't seem to stop it!" Celeste cried alarmed as Gwen's blood seeped through the towels and on to their hands staining them red. Hermione's brown orbs widened in fear as tears gleamed in her eyes as her bottom lip trembled.

"Where's Ginny with McGonagall!" Parvati cried as guilt ate up her insides. This was her best friend who did this after all. Padma isn't going to believe this and will most likely feel how Parvati herself was feeling if she knew her twin, and she did know her like the back of her hand.
"I don't know!" Hermione cried, tears fell down her cheeks without her consent no matter how hard she tried to remain strong and have a level head, this was her best friend, her sister who lay bleeding from numerous cuts on their dorm room floor.

"Dobby! Winky!" Hermione cried, calling for the loyal house-elves who had returned to Potter manor for the night; although, she knew after this they will never let Gwen out of their sights, not for anything.
"MISTRESS GWEN!!!" Winky and Dobby screeched in alarm upon appearing in the sixth-year girls' dorm room. "Yous attacked our Mistress!!" They roared angrily at the two girls kneeling beside Gwen, pink blotches appearing on their cheeks, not noticing Hermione and Kellah pointing their wands at the four prone students.
"No they didn't." Hermione refuted in a wobbly voice. "These four did and we're trying to help Gwen. Ginny's gone to get Professor McGonagall, but they can't stop the bleeding. You both know Ginny and I, nor any of the other Weasleys, would ever hurt Gwen. She's my best friend."

Winky and Dobby cast the four students a look of such utter hatred that if looks could kill they would be six feet under by now. With a snap of Winky's fingers the four attackers were tied up so they had no chance of escaping while Dobby placed a shaking hand on Gwen's shoulder.
"Dobby is never ever letting yous out of my sight again, Mistress. Dobby is so sorry my great Mistress Gwen. Dobby is a bad elf." Dobby cried, tears falling from his large tennis ball-green eyes breaking the girls' hearts.
"No Dobby." Parvati argued. "You're not a bad elf and Gwen wouldn't want you to say such things nor blame yourself. Or you either Winky."

She knew her words rang true even though she wasn't as close to Gwen as the Weasleys, Hermione, Luna Lovegood, Neville Longbottom and the Slytherins in their year were she knew from sharing a dorm with ginger-haired witch what sort of girl she was. Too compassionate by far.

"Dobby wills take Mistress to the Hospital Wing and try to help until Madam Pomfrey arrives while you tells Winky what happened so she can inform Mistress's family and mate." Winky ordered firmly as Dobby popped away with a severely injured Gwen. The female elf looked reproachfully at the four girls with her small hands clasped into fists resting them on her skirt clad hips giving off the impression of an enraged mother. During the middle of their explanation Ginny and McGonagall had arrived running into the dormitory panting with exertion as if they had run the length of the castle.

As McGonagall panted for breath she took stock of the dormitory from the four unconscious, disarmed (their wands clasped tightly in Hermione's and Kellah's hands), and tied up students, the alarmingly large patch of blood on the floor with blooded towels beside it, the enraged house elf that she knew belonged to Gwen, to finally the five distraught and angry students some of which were covered in blood.
"What in Merlin's name has happened?" McGonagall asked firmly in a tone that demanded she be answered immediately as the sight before her didn't paint a pretty picture. "Miss Weasley said Lady Potter-Black-Peverell was attacked!"

"W-where's Gwen?" Ginny asked in a trembling voice. "I tried to be quick, but McGonagall wasn't in her office, and I only found out she was in a meeting in the staff room by a Prefect from Ravenclaw telling me!"
"These four attacked Gwen!" Kellah shouted pointing at the four who were slowly starting to come round. "We walked in on them just as they were bragging about ambushing Gwen while she lay unconscious and bleeding at their feet, so we disarmed them and knocked them out!"
"Parvati and I tried to stop the bleeding until Ginny returned with you to help her but no matter how hard we tried we couldn't stop it!" Celeste exclaimed frantic, rubbing at the blood staining her palms red.

"Hermione called for Gwen's house elves Dobby and Winky." Parvati joined in. "He took Gwen to the Hospital Wing while we explained everything to Winky as she wanted to inform Gwen's family."
"Kellah and I kept watch over them while Winky tied them up." Hermione finished explaining. Anger shone like a beacon on the elderly witch's face as she looked at the four students who had just regained consciousness and were shouting their denial of what had happened how they were innocent and were the ones attacked and how they found Gwen like that and assumed someone else attacked her or they attacked Gwen before attacking them to cover their tracks.

"HOW DARE YOU!" Ginny screeched, drawing her wand on the attackers, with Hermione, Parvati, Kellah and Celeste shouting their outrage, but before Ginny could cast her famous Bat Bogey Hex Professor McGonagall draw all the shouting to a sudden stop as if they had water poured over them.
"There is an easy way to see who is telling the truth, and you best hope it was none of you for a student has unceremoniously been attacked and grievously injured.

Winky if you could please inform Madam Pomfrey, Severus Snape and Horace Slughorn what has happened, and that Gwen needs their help in the Hospital Wing, and I shall be there shortly before you return to Potter manor to inform her family?" McGonagall requested, noticing out of the corner of her eye the sudden worried looks that passed between her prone students. Winky nodded once before she left with a loud pop. "Now pass me your wands, I will check what spells have been used before checking theirs. I do not believe them Miss Johnson," McGonagall stated noticing Kellah opening her mouth angrily, "but to cover yourselves I will check yours first."

Satisfied their wands matched their stories, McGonagall held her hand out once more for the wands of Lavender Brown, Abbie Runcorn, Ashley Andrews and Bethany Burke. As each spell was revealed with each Priori Incantatem Minerva McGonagall had never in all her years as both a professor and Head of Gryffindor House been more disgusted with her students. To attack a student unprovoked is one thing but to specifically lay a trap and ambush that student and with four Dark Cutting Curses (named as such for if powerful enough they cut the ligaments, tendons and sometimes can sever a limb). She didn't know what state Gwen was in, but she was anxious to find out.

Eyes turning back to the four perpetrators with lips pursed into a thin line and face white with fury McGonagall didn't bother to say more to them before she knocked them out with another Stunner this one stronger than what her students had used and sent a Patronus to Madam Bones to inform her of the crimes that had been committed and called for two house elves to not only inform the perpetrators' parents (as two were underaged) but to also clean up the dormitory as she could see how traumatising it was for her other students to see Gwen's blood coating the floor. Transfiguring a blank cloth into rope she next turned it into a Portkey and sent the four unconscious perpetrators to the Headmistress's office to await for her and Madam Bones' arrival.

"Come. We shall go and check on Gwen and get you all checked out and allow you to get cleaned up in the Hospital Wing. I suggest you all grab a change of clothes and some parchment to write down your statements for Madam Bones while you wait and while it is still fresh in your minds." McGonagall suggested with a kind smile. "Don't worry I wont let them get away with this as I will not have bullies of this degree let alone killers in my school!"

* * *

"How is she?" Professor McGonagall asked concerned as she stepped into the Hospital Wing spotting Horace and Severus standing over the bed working on Gwen vials levitating backwards and forwards around the two wizards as Madam Pomfrey stepped out of her office blood coating her white apron. As Horace stepped out of the way to grab another bandage on the table at the bottom of the bed, Minerva blanched horrified at the sight before her and was glad of her forethought to leave the others in the waiting room filling out their statements.

The white bedsheets were stained red with blood from the large wound in Gwen's left side, her right leg was broken and at an odd angle, there was a cut on her forehead from perhaps where she hit it when she lost consciousness, and on her right arm from shoulder to elbow was a long and deep cut; and those were just what she could see. Nausea griped Minerva's stomach in a vice-like grip at the horrifying sight, she had never seen such a malicious attack wrought upon another student. It was a grim sight to behold.

"As you can see Gwen has suffered greatly at the hands of those of her House." Horace sighed, gently turning her onto her side to bandage another wound on her back that went over one of the old scars from her uncle.
"She needs to go to St Mungo's; I've already sent word to them with Dobby so someone should be here soon." Madam Pomfrey sighed tiredly.
"W-what are her injuries?" Minerva asked with trepidation. "I've called for Madam Bones and sent word to their parents as two are sixth years and two are seventh years. They are bound and unconscious in the Headmistress's office. Miss Granger, Miss Weasley, Miss Patil, and Miss Bryn are in the waiting room filling out statements.

When you have a moment Poppy, perhaps once Lady Potter-Black-Peverell has been sent to St Mungo's could you check them over as they walked in and disarmed Miss Brown, Miss Runcorn, Miss Andrews and Miss Burke and allow them to use the bathroom to clean up please? They're covered in Gwen's blood." Minerva asked. "And if I were you Horace, I wouldn't be so familiar with a student by calling them via their first name."
"Of course Minerva." Poppy agreed. "She's lost a severe amount of blood, some of these are extremely deep and beyond my capabilities, especially the ones on her left side, back and right arm.

She has a broken and shattered leg and a superficial head injury but there is a likely potential of a concussion. A Dark Cutting Curse was used on her for all of her injuries at different levels of severity and a Bone Shattering Curse used on her leg." Madam Pomfrey explained. At that moment Dobby returned with a letter clasped in his hands which he gave to Poppy at once.
"Healer Coltrane says that is a Portkey to get Mistress on to a private ward where he and others are waiting for her, but he needs someone to go with and sign off on treatment for her until Mistress's papa Moony arrives." Dobby explained.

"Thank you Dobby." Madam Pomfrey replied, immediately getting Gwen ready to be transported to the hospital with the help of Severus and Horace "Severus, Horace could you both check over the students out there while I go to the hospital with Miss Potter and Minerva deals with the attackers?" She asked.
"Of course Poppy." Horace agreed with a nod of his head; Minerva mentally adding to employ another Medi witch or wizard to make things easier on Poppy, her list of jobs seems to be ever extending. "We both have some knowledge and training in Healing as it's a requirement of all Masteries in Potions."

"Thank you." Poppy and Minerva nodded.
"Keep me informed on her condition and on those out there please." Minerva requested. "I really can't keep Madam Bones waiting any longer." She added having felt the wards around the fireplace in the Headmistress's office alert her to the arrival of the parents and Madam Bones.
"Here." Poppy passed over a copy of Gwen's medical scan.
"For Madam Bones. From these injuries, Minerva, these students fulling intended to kill Miss Potter and would have watched her die if not for the interference of her friends. We best be off."
"That's what I feared." Minerva sighed to Horace and Severus; her face pinched with anger. "The answer is simple really; I will not have them in this school." With those words the pseudo-Headmistress collected all of the statements and left the ward only to be bombarded with questions as soon as she opened the door.

She noticed the five girls had been joined by Messers Malfoy, Weasley, Longbottom, Zabini and Nott, along with Miss Lovegood, Miss Parkinson, Miss Davis, Miss Bulstrode and both Greengrass sisters.
"Miss Potter has been moved to St Mungo's due to the extent of her injuries." McGonagall informed them empathetically. "She is in good hands I promise, and I will make sure you are all kept informed." She patted their shoulders as she passed them hearing Horace and Severus call the five Gryffindor girls into the infirmary as she hurried up to the Headmistress's office.
"I apologise for the delay; I was getting the full idea of what has happened and Lady Potter-Black-Peverell's condition." Professor McGonagall apologised as she entered the office.

She'd noticing Mr Burke opening his mouth to let out, no doubt, a scathing comment (he'd always been pompous and full of himself during school and obviously he's only worsened with age) but closed his mouth when he heard who his daughter had attacked. The severity of the situation was not lost on all of the parents who stared with concealed anger at their children who were no longer bound and were sat beside their parents.
"And how is she?" Madam Bones asked, pen poised and voice devoid of any emotion as she had to remain neutral for her job no matter how much anger she felt inside for the poor girl who's lost and gone through so much!

"Due to the extent of her injuries it is beyond the capabilities of the combined efforts of Madam Pomfrey, Horace Slughorn and Severus Snape who both have a degree in Healing as part of their Potion Masteries." Professor McGonagall spoke slowly and clearly so Amelia could write down everything. "She's been moved to St Mungo's under the care of Healer Coltrane. These are the statements of her friends and dormmates who stopped the attack, and a copy of Miss Potter's medical scan from Madam Pomfrey including a statement from the three teachers, and the list of what spells were used and who used them." McGonagall passed over each piece of parchment as she uttered them, finishing with the printed version of Priori Incantatem.

"I see." Madam Bones said as she looked over piece of parchment, her eyes widening at the spells used on Lady Potter-Black-Peverell. She couldn't believe these students attacked another student and with the intent to kill. "What would you like to do Professor McGonagall?" Madam Bones asked.
"First, for the heinous and despicable attack on Miss Potter that was unprovoked and the fact that the four of you planned this... ambush with the intent to kill another student I will be removing two hundred points from Gryffindor and with effective immediately the four of you are expelled." She raised her voice with the aid of her magic as the students and some of the parents protested loudly.

"I am disgusted with all of you and ashamed that you attended this school and were in the House of Godric Gryffindor and if any of you condone your children's behaviour you are just as bad as them. They attacked with the very conscious thought of killing Miss Potter. Hogwarts has a no Bully Policy and all of you no that. As such they will never be welcome back in Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry."
"Very well." Madam Bones nodded, pocketing the folder containing the documents and slipping the four wands into an evidence bag before she pulled out magic suppression cuffs.

"Miss Brown, Miss Runcorn, Miss Andrews and Miss Burke for attacking a student with the intent to kill you are hereby placed under arrest. You have the right to remain silence anything you do say may be used as evidence. You have the right to a Law-wixen, if you cannot afford one then one will be provided for you." Madam Bones stated, slipping the cuffs on to the wrists of the ex-students with the help of the Aurors with her.

As the four students were led through the fire with their parents following close behind, Minerva McGonagall slumped tiredly into the seat behind the desk removing her glasses to rub the bridge of her nose. With another sigh she slipped her glasses back on and pulled sheathes of parchment towards her to fill out her own statement for the files of the students that she has just expelled. She knew it was going to be a long night as she waited for news on Gwen.

* * *

-Private Ward within the Curse Damage Ward, St Mungo's, London –

The next day Draco sat at Gwen's bedside in the private ward within the Curse Damage Ward in St Mungo's hospital looking weary to the bone with tear tracks drying on his cheeks as he clutched at Gwen's hand. Remus sat beside the young Malfoy looking much the same but with his head in his hands, he'd been there since his daughter hade been first admitted and was dead tired, emotionally, physically and mentally. Professor McGonagall had allowed Draco to visit Gwen as shew had cancelled classes for the day to address the students and explain the severity of the situation but he and to be back by five pm which was quickly approaching.

"How could this happen?" Draco bemoaned, begging for answers. So far he was too worried and distraught for anger to take hold, but everyone would be keeping an eye on the young Alpha to make sure he didn't do anything stupid. "She was supposed to be safe with the old coot out of Hogwarts!"
"I don't know Draco." Remus confessed distraught. "We all knew he had followers, but I didn't think there was anyone at Hogwarts that was so devoted to him or could do something like this. And because of our oversight my cub is paying the price!"

Self-loathing coated Remus's entire being that it felt like someone had poured something sticky over him.
"How is she?" Draco begged, hoping for good news.
"She's doing better than last night." Remus revealed, hope and relief kindling within him. "Cassiopeia is speaking to Healer Coltrane to find out more and should be back soon."
"But why hasn't she woken up?!" Draco interrupted, his voice wavering as he kissed her knuckles.

"Her body has been through a terrible trauma, Draco, not to mention the severe blood loss. So her mind causes her to sleep this long, so both mind and body can heal as well as her magic as it is healing her as we speak. Rest is the best thing for her, but I swear to you Draco, this will not happen again!" Remus swore his voice tight with his promise and emotions as he looked at his slumbering daughter. He never wanted to see her in this situation or position again. If he could take her place and take all of her pain on to himself then he would do it within a heartbeat.

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Author's note: DO NOT ask me to update in any way shape or form. There are other ways of telling me what you thought of this.

Also who should be the new teachers and what new classes shall we have?