Chapter 3

Sept 5, 1995 Tuesday

Today was going to be there first class with Professor Delores Jane Umbridge. Harry was going to lie a lot and convince Umbridge to their side. She may be a bigoted bitch worse than Voldemort – in fact, on Harry's most hated list, she was on second number, right below Dumbledore – but she carried a lot of power in ministry. Moreover, if he had to clean the Wizarding World, he needed the power of the ministry.

"Wands away, please" came Umbridge's voice. Harry had not even taken his out. He was sitting besides Hermione and had already warned her about remaining quite in class no matter what happened.

When no one rushed to comply, Umbridge's smile turned stressed and she repeated in a sterner voice "Wands Away." Hermione put hers in the bag and half the class followed. Though half the class trying to follow Harry's example of not complying. On seeing this Umbridge's thin lips become even thinner with anger. "Mr. Potter, I said put your wands away." She shouted at Harry. "But I never took it out, Professor." Harry said.

"What ...?" Umbridge stuttered out, shocked.

"I mean, Professor Umbridge, when we have such a talented witch from ministry spending her precious time to teach us, I thought it would be best to follow your instructions as I have heard from other students." Harry explained beaming at her.

Umbridge was shocked. She never thought that the Boy-Who-Lived would comply so easily or hold her in such high esteem. All she has heard from her sources was that Harry Potter was a true example of a Gryffindor. Brutally honest, hot headed and reckless. So if going by that it would seem that the boy was easily led and nubile. She would have to replan everything but that was all right. If the Boy-who-Lived was under her influence then she would be quite powerful maybe even become the Minister of Magic.

Hermione mentally followed Umbridge's thought process. Harry's plan seemed to be working. Harry had a slight smirk on his face, which was noticed by surprisingly Malfoy. Before Umbridge could continue, Ron shouted.

"Talented witch, have you gone barmy, mate calling this toad talented?" He bellowed towards Harry.

Umbridge's face flushed as pink as her garish robes. Ron continued on speaking without a glance at Umbridge.

"I knew you were always a pussy. First, for shouting at me after the third task. You could have given me your winnings. Its not like you needed them and then for going after my girl. Now, you are licking this old toad's boots." He shouted spittle flying out of his mouth.

Umbridge was now turning purple from rage. Harry noted that she looked oddly like Aunt Marge. Maybe she was somehow related to Dursley's.

"Mr. Weasley, How dare you insult me? Detention and be sure to note that this will go on your record. If you ever had dreams about working for the Ministry you can kiss them goodbye now." Umbridge shouted at Ron trembling in rage.

Harry sighed. Ron never could learn being in Gryffindor doesn't give you a free pass to stupidity. When the class finished, Harry and Hermione got out together. Ron following them. As soon as they were clear of the corridor. Ron confronted them.

"Think you are high and mighty Potter. Today proved that you are nothing but a boot licker. Praising Umbridge like some Slytherin." Ron shouted at Harry.

Harry was about to set Ron straight when Hermione nudged him. He turned towards her and she motioned with her eyes to the corner they had just come from. He saw a flash of pink. It looked like Madam Umbridge had followed them.

"Ron, Professor Umbridge is a brilliant person. I was not praising her or licking her boots as you put it. I was just speaking the truth and the truth compliments her it's not my fault." Harry calmly said with a shrug.

Ron stormed off angrily muttering under his breath about pompous boy's who lived and kowtowing swots.

At night, Harry wrote to his Aunt about his day. He had to be clever writing the letter lests it gets intercepted and someone read it.

Dear Aunt Potter,

Today was a wonderful day. We had our first class with Professor Umbridge. She is far lovelier than what you told me and your praise was absolutely right. She is brilliant and understands that theory takes precedence over practical. Dumbledore is still trying to pressure me into going along his idea of Voldemort being back. Hermione is doing great, too. I look forward to your reply. Though I think you should meet Professor Umbridge and explain to her about how I mysteriously and unwillingly get into trouble every year. I wish I could meet you in person. How is the mirror that Padfoot gifted you? Did you like it? It would look so good on your vanity.

Love,

Harry Potter

All was going according to the plan. Even Ron was talking himself to his own doom without much prompting. The very next day Umbridge called him into her office.

"Have a seat Mr. Potter." She said inviting him into her room. He went in and sat in the seat offered.

"I have heard that you have been facing a lot of problems from your peers and classmate for going against Albus Dumbledore and telling the truth." Umbridge said in her sickly, fake, sweet and high-pitched voice.

Harry almost puked in the cup of tea he was drinking.

"It's just that Professor. I like to speak the truth and remain loyal to you...er...the Ministry. They are sovereign of the Wizarding world. I just had to go against Professor Dumbledore and him being a patent of life does make it a little difficult but I will always support the ministry." Harry monologues misty eyed.

Umbridge smiled, "Mr. Potter, the minister and I both appreciate your loyalty. Don't worry soon everything will be alright and Albus Dumbledore's supporters will realize the truth too."

"I am gladly looking forward to that professor." Harry said looking relieved.