Chapter 2:

"Good morning, Minerva." Filius greeted the Deputy Headmistress as she neared the table the next morning. Pomona and Poppy both echoed the remark while Severus merely inclined his head ever so slightly. For Severus, however, that was the best welcome anyone was likely to receive.

"Good morning, Filius, Pomona, Poppy, Severus," Minerva replied as she took a seat between Severus and Pomona. After pouring herself a glass of pumpkin juice, she glanced around the Great Hall. As per the usual at this hour, students had just barely begun stumbling down to breakfast. The lull would not last long. Within the next thirty minutes, the remaining professors and most of the students would appear. For now, Minerva settled back to enjoy her breakfast and tea in a relative peace.

Bang! The teachers' entrance sprang open to admit Rolanda Hooch.

"Have you seen the latest Daily Prophet rubbish?" she demanded as she approached the table, her referee voice booming across the Great Hall. She slapped the folded paper down on the table. "Have you read the nonsense that they are calling news?"

"Not yet," Minerva answered. "What have they concocted today?"

"Read it for yourself." Rolanda slapped the issue down on the table. "I would like to trap that woman in a room full of Bludgers and throw away the key." As Rolanda parked herself next to Flitwick, Minerva unrolled the paper. Severus leaned in to read alongside her.

MINISTRY APPOINTED HEADMISTRESS HAILED

Britain's Magical Public Endorses Change of Power at Hogwarts

On the heels of Albus Dumbledore's treachery against the ministry, Dolores Umbridge, now appointed to the prestigious post of Headmistress, has received universal acclaim for her work. Parents applaud the Ministry's quick response and laud Headmistress Dolores Umbridge for taking on the momentous task of reclaiming Hogwarts School and restoring its reputation as the premiere Wizarding school in Europe. While the damage done by the former Headmaster cannot be repaired overnight, encouraging reports show that improvement has been made within the first of week of the new Headmistress' tenure. Students and professors alike welcomed their new leader with open arms and heartfelt thanks. Of her appointment, Headmistress Umbridge humbly says, "I only hope to return Hogwarts to its proper place in the Wizarding world and to bring the best education possible to the children of Britain." For more coverage, turn to page three.

For a complete record of Albus Dumbledore's crimes against the ministry, see page five. For a list of the endorsements of Headmistress Dolores Umbridge, see page four.

"Remind me to cancel my subscription. I never thought the Prophet capable of sinking to this level." Disgusted, Minerva passed the paper to Filius. "If Jeremiah Aldridge was still in charge, Cornelius would never have been able to print this propaganda." Or if his son possessed a spine, she thought privately. Jeremiah, who had attended school with Minerva, had never once wavered from the pursuit of the truth. His son, on the other hand, allowed the likes of Rita Skeeter and Cornelius Fudge to overrun the paper with despicable lies. Her appetite thoroughly ruined, McGonagall rose, intent upon leaving the hall before their esteemed Headmistress chose to bless them with her presence.

"Hem, hem, well, you must understand that things are different now Professor Sinistra." Unfortunately, Umbridge foiled this plan as she entered with Professor Sinistra. The pink monstrosity which Umbridge called an outfit caused Minerva to wince internally. No woman, certainly no professor at Hogwarts, should wear bright pink past the age of ten. The bow perched in her hair reinforced the absurdity of this woman being placed in charge of Hogwarts. Minerva paused as the Toad seated herself in Albus' chair, reminding herself forcefully that hexing the woman would achieve no positive lasting results. Unless I used something stronger, perhaps demonstrate exactly why I am a Transfiguration Mistress.

"Leaving already, dear?" the Toad queried as Minerva swept behind her.

"I'm afraid, Dolores, that I have things to attend to before my first class." McGonagall delivered her crisp reply as she swung the door open. Severus, who had followed closely behind her, cut off Umbridge's response as he shut the door firmly. Together, the two professors began climbing the staircase leading towards McGonagall's office.

Once safely inside, Severus spoke, "What are you planning, Minerva?"

"Why would you assume that I am planning anything, Severus?" She reached for the teapot to pour each of them a cup of a tea. Handing Severus his, she leaned against her desk.

"Because despite the general opinion that you are in every way a Gryffindor, and therefore incapable of any sort of deceit, I know you better. How are we going to get rid of this incompetent buffoon?" Minerva let a slight smile curve her lips. Severus Snape was nothing if not observant. Without that skill, he would have been killed early on in his service as a spy.

"I have some ideas. However, I would appreciate any suggestions you might offer. As you said, a Gryffindor is perhaps not the most suitable person to run an underground resistance." Snape's eyes glinted maliciously. The Potions master, like Minerva herself, had little tolerance for fools. It was high time that the professors of Hogwarts educated Umbridge about the perils of interfering at the school.