Chapter 4

"What are you guys doing?" asked a frustrated Harry.

The Weasley twins were currently standing in front of him and bowing as if he was some royalty and declaring oaths of never ending loyalty towards him, the way soldiers do to their general just before a war.

Harry was uncomfortably reminded of the time during his second year when they had taken to walking in front of him and heralding statements like, "make way for the evil heir of Slytherin!", "Seriously evil wizard coming through!"

"We are just paying homage to..."

"The greatest wizard of ..."

"Our generation..."

The twins still hadn't lost their knack for astounding people with their ability to finish each other's sentences.

Harry had distinctive feeling that they used to rehearse many times in private before they actually made their performance public.

"Will you two quit it and explain what's wrong", asked Ron.

"Why, little bro, are you jealous? I was under the distinct impression that Ginny was the only Weasley to have a crush on him. I guess she has competition now."

Ron's ears were now red. He was struggling to say something but was beaten to it by the KING of toads herself-

"Hem hem, is there a problem here?" asked Umbridge in her sick sweet voice.

"Um no professor, we were just catching up with our mate here", Fred replied, with a fake serious voice.

"Well I hope you won't mind if I borrow him for a few minutes"

She took Harry to the side.

Harry wondered not for the first time that day, why was it always him?

"What did the toad want", Ron asked as he joined them at the table.

"Ron that is no way to talk about a teacher!" Hermione scolded beside him.

"Well she does look like one; reckon she might be the last of her species of the pink variety."

Even Hermione struggled not to smile at this.

"Anyways, what did she want", George asked continuing his sibling's line of questioning.

"She asked me to come to detention one hour early, so I could rectify some past sins, she also told me to be on my best behaviour as I would be watched", Harry replied emphasising on the word 'past sins'. They all looked at each other. No one amongst them had any idea what she meant by his past sins.

"You know I always thought Hogwarts was a strange place, each year brought something new. But this year takes the cake." Hermione said making a note.

"You're right you know", Fred started

"Yes, the best part of it was..."

"Snape forcing us to…"

"Partner with people…"

Harry was actually surprised to hear this. So, the fifth year wasn't the only one at the receiving end of Snape's new found concern. Well, they would probably have to wait to find out.

-x-x-

Later that evening as Harry entered Umbridge's office, he was surprised to see Malfoy sitting their wearing a rather smug expression.

Harry silently swore. This day couldn't possibly get worse.

"I see, you are here Mr. Potter", Harry looked up to see Umbridge sitting in her chair, or she might have been standing. You could never tell the difference.

"Now, that we all are here, I want to tell you all a Ministry secret. You people are officially looking at the first High Inquisitor of Hogwarts"

"High what...", although Harry didn't know what it was, he was sure he wouldn't like it.

Umbridge then proceeded to tell them about her new powers and what she planned to do. She further stated that she was expecting both of them to now work in perfect co-ordination with each other and report to her should they find anything suspicious. Somehow, if Harry harboured even faintest hope that she meant the dark side's activities it was quickly stashed when he realised who were his associates.

-x-x-

"So, let me get this straight… Malfoy and you are now partners to head some Inquisitorial squad under the thumb of the toad?"

Harry nodded towards Daphne as he continued to look outside the astronomy tower. There was something calm and serene about simply staring at the night blue sky. Perhaps the view made him realise how big the world was and how small his problems were compared to the skies which were now enveloping him.

He had come straight to meet Daphne after the meeting. They had earlier decided to meet there. Rather Daphne had informed him they would be meeting there via a letter which she had somehow put in his pocket during the lunch hour. When asked how she had simply responded with "Magic!"

"Maybe you can somehow use this to your advantage Harry"

Harry finally turned to look at her with an inquisitive look.

"See, there is no doubt Malfoy would have been up to something for his daddy dearest. Look at this way. Now you can come up with plans to keep him and his cronies busy somewhere else…no…I know what you are thinking. You have me. Trust me; I will make sure they will listen to you"

Harry had resisted the urge to laugh. But given her confidence he chose to see what she had up her sleeve.

-X-X-X-

Hogwarts gets a new High Inquisitor

In a new and surprising move yesterday, Minister for Magic Cornelius Fudge yesterday announced a new change for the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The following is the entire statement by the minister's office.

"We have received many letters of complaints over the past few years from many parents citing how they have been uncomfortable with the running of Hogwarts. Hence we have decided to add a new position, that of the High Inquisitor.

The role of High Inquisitor is to evaluate the performance of the various teachers and fire them if they are not up to standards. Further she is allowed to have her own team of students who will have similar power to prefects. These students shall assist her in maintaining the discipline of what is arguably the most prestigious institute in the world."

This move comes a month after Albus Dumbledore was asked to step down as Chief Warlock and the Supreme Mugwump. Many argue that this just another step to defame Dumbledore. In fact, Helga Jenkins and Steve Smith of the department of International Relations have decided to resign in protest on the presence of the degree.

"Hogwarts is not an outpost of Fudge. First he appoints Umbridge. Now they decide to give her additional powers. We will protest against this."

However many parents, including Mr. Malfoy welcomed this degree saying that they were uncomfortable with Dumbledore running the entire school.

Hermione finished reading the article and looked up. She noted that nearly the entire hall had look of surprise on their faces except the smug look on the faces of few Slytherins, but what surprised her most was the guilty expression on face of Harry.