Year Five: The Order of the Phoenix

Darkness is rising as Marie's fifth year approaches. The Ministry is interfering at Hogwarts and is represented by a new breed of vile known as Dolores Jane Umbridge. Determined to learn proper magic, Dumbledore's Army is formed in secret. All the while, Marie must quickly learn how to walk the fine grey line between the Dark and Light or else she may be her own undoing...

Chapter Seven-Dolores Umbridge

The grey overcast continued on to the following day, rain falling against the enchanted ceiling steadily. Marie hardly minded the weather as she and Draco assisted Professor Snape by passing out the class schedules for the new term. It was strange to have the addition of the silver pin to her robes and the newfound responsibilities on her shoulders, but she was more than ready to prove her worthiness of the title of Prefect. As well as handing out schedules, it allowed the rest of the Slytherin House to recognize the two fifth years as figures of authority, easily identifiable in case of questions or emergencies.

"Class with that Umbridge woman first thing," commented Pansy when the two returned to their seats. Marie wrinkled her nose in malcontent but made no comment. "I hope to Merlin that she's not wearing that cardigan again. Bloody atrocious."

"So sensitive, Pansy," teased Millie.

"Simply hideous," she huffed.

"I don't care what she wears. We have plenty of other things to worry about," said the taller girl, checking over her schedule again.

"Such as?"

"O.W.L exams are this year," she reminded seriously.

O.W.L.s were properly known as Ordinary Wizarding Levels. They were the formal exams that fifth year students were required to take (and pass). The scores would determine a student's eligibility to participate in N.E.W.T (Nastily Exhausting Wizarding Tests) level courses as well as defining their future career. Particular fields needed certain scores to even be considered for hire, making fifth year a very stressful and life altering term.

"Oh, I completely forgot," gasped Marie, concerned. Her life had been so busy with the Order, lessons from Snape, and trying to keep Harry safe, she hadn't even spared a moment about her future career choice. What did she want to do when she left Hogwarts? Honestly, she still fancied the idea of opening her own shop in Diagon Alley, but was that even practical? Books, teas, and perhaps potions. Would she have to test to be a Potions Master? Her mind was starting to get carried away.

"Better get going then," said Draco, bringing the girl from her thoughts. "I suppose we'll find out if this Ministry woman knows her stuff, eh?"

Heading up the marble steps, it didn't take the Slytherins any time at all to arrive to their class. Everyone was quiet as they took their seats, unsure of how to act around the new teacher. Was she overly strict? Lenient? Perhaps a bit eccentric like Moody? Professor Umbridge was already seated at her desk, dressed in the same offensively pink and fluffy cardigan from the night before with the addition of a black velvet bow in her curled hair. Marie took the seat beside Draco, watching the teacher cautiously.

"Well, good morning!" greeted Umbridge when the entire class was present and seated.

Some mumbled the obligatory response of, "Good morning."

"Tut, tut," clucked Professor Umbridge in disapproval. "That won't do, now, will it? I should like you, please, to reply 'Good morning, Professor Umbridge.' One more time, please. Good morning, class!"

"Good morning, Professor Umbridge," they all echoed back.

"There, now," she said sweetly. "That wasn't too difficult, was it? Wands away and quills out, please." While they returned their wands to their bags and pulled out parchment, ink, and quills, she took out her own wand and tapped the board sharply. Writing began to make its way across the surface in an overly cursive font.

Defense Against the Dark Arts

A Return to Basic Principles

Marie shared a concerned glance with the Malfoy. A return to basic principles? They were fifth years preparing for O.W.L.s, clearly they understood on the basics.

"Well now, your teaching in this subject has been rather disrupted and fragmented, hasn't it?" stated Umbridge, hands clasped neatly in front of her as she faced the class. "The constant changing of teachers, many of whom do not seem to have followed any Ministry-approved curriculum, has unfortunately resulted in your being far below the standard we would expect to see in your O.W.L year." The Prefect kept her hands in her lap while she tried not to bristle at being insulted that they were below average.

"You will be pleased to know, however, that these problems are now to be rectified. We will be following a carefully structured, theory-centered, Ministry-approved course of defensive magic this year. Copy down the following, please." She tapped the board again and new notes appeared.

Course aims:

1. Understanding the principles underlying defensive magic.

2. Learning to recognize situations in which defensive magic can be legally used.

3. Placing the use of defensive magic in a context for practical use.

It was quiet as the class copied down the written message, the sound of quills scratching parchment the only noise. It seemed as if the class was to be solely focused on the theory of defensive spellwork rather than being divided equally between theory and application of defensive magic. That didn't sit right with Marie. Theory was all right but it needed to be paired with practice. It couldn't stand alone. When the quill movements had stopped, Umbridge spoke up again, "Has everybody got a copy of Defensive Magical Theory by Wilbert Slinkhard?"

The class murmured in response.

"I think we'll try that again," said Umbridge. "When I ask you a question, I should like you to reply 'Yes, Professor Umbridge,' or 'No, Professor Umbridge.' So, has everyone got a copy of Defensive Magical Theory by Wilbert Slinkhard?"

"Yes, Professor Umbridge."

"Good," she smiled sweetly. "I should like you to turn to page five and read chapter one, 'Basic for Beginners.' There will be no need to talk."

She settled in her chair behind her desk as she studied them all closely. Marie was sure to keep her head down as she read the first chapter, not wanting to look at the woman. Green eyes scanned the words with ease, fingers deftly turning the pages. The reading was indeed a bore and dryly written, but it wasn't complicated. The context was beyond simplified for students their age and skill set. Basic Defense, When to Use Defensive Magic, Situations That May Call for Defensive Spells. It was so watered down that Marie had finished in a timely matter and looked back to the teacher.

Umbridge didn't so much as glance at the class as she kept herself busy with her own books and paperwork. Studying the clock, it showed that there was still a more than fair amount of time to continue the lesson. Marie waited patiently as other students finished the reading as well, covers closing softly one by one.

Still, Umbridge did not instruct them further.

Becoming restless, Marie's fingers began to drum lightly against the book, taking turns between staring at the clock and the teacher. Nothing changed except for the painfully slow movement of the clock's minute hand. It was when the bell rang signaling the end of class did Umbridge focus on the class again.

"Excellent work, class! We will pick this up next lesson," she told them sweetly, as if she was truly impressed by their performance. "Have a good day."

There was the rustle of bags being adjusted and scraping of chairs as students got up to leave, Draco was a moment too late in sensing what his friend was about to do. He reached out to snatch her robes but was too late, Marie having already made her way up to the teacher's desk.

It took her a moment to notice the fifth year girl standing before her desk with her bag strapped over her shoulder, but Umbridge smiled when she looked up from her parchment. It was strange for Marie to have such a severe height advantage over a teacher who wasn't Professor Flitwick, and she felt an extra boost of confidence.

"Can I help you, dear?" asked Professor Umbridge. "Trouble with the lesson?"

She had to fight a flush of insult in order to keep her cool. It would not do her any favors to lose her temper. "No, Professor, I did not have a question about today's lesson. In fact, my question is about our next class."

"Is that so? And your name is-?"

"Marie Rogue," she answered clearly. A strange expression of recognition came over the teacher's face and the girl became worried by the small, sharp toothed smile that soon appeared.

"Ah, yes, the Captain's girl," she recalled, lacing her short fingers together. The lighting glinted off the many decorated rings she was wearing that day. "And just what might your question be?"

"What will we be doing next lesson?" she asked politely.

"Eager are we? You'll be reading chapter two of Defensive Magical Theory, dear," she answered happily. Concern made itself known across Marie's features.

"All right, but when are we going to practice using the defensive theories?"

"Using defensive spells?" she repeated with a small laugh, straightening a pile of parchment. "Why, I can't imagine a situation arising in my class that would require you to use a defensive spell, Miss Rogue. You surely aren't expecting to be attacked during my class, are you?"

Marie was positively dumbstruck by the answer. No practice? At all? She recovered quickly enough, finding her voice once more.

"But we need to practice the spellwork, professor-"

"Are you a Ministry-trained educational expert, Miss Rogue?" she asked in her sugary sweet voice.

"No, but-"

"Well then, I'm afraid you are not qualified to decide what my class 'needs'. Wizards much older and cleverer than you have devised our new program of study. You will be learning about defensive spells in a secure, risk-free way-"

"It's common sense to practice defensive spells," rallied Marie, doing her best to keep her tone even and as polite as she could manage. "We need to be able to perform the spells for our O.W.L.s that way we can protect ourselves-"

"Are you expecting to be attacked in my classroom, Miss Rogue?" repeated Umbridge, her smile still in place.

"Not here, but in the real world-where the theories are tested-"

"And just who would attack a child such as yourself?" she asked. "You are perfectly safe here."

Marie could feel the heat crawling up the back of her neck. "We will not be children forever, professor. We need to be able to protect ourselves and others-"

Umbridge got up from her seat, although there wasn't a distinct difference in her height, as she kept her falsely sincere expression pasted to her face.

"I do not wish to criticize the way things have been run in the school," she smiled, "but you have been exposed to some very irresponsible wizards in this class, very irresponsible indeed-not to mention," she gave a nasty little laugh, "extremely dangerous half-breeds."

White hot anger flashed through Marie's body at her insult to Remus Lupin, a werewolf. She could feel her magic wanting to explode forth from her very pores in response, every hair standing on end. In fact, she wasn't aware of her long hair starting shift on its own as she narrowed her eyes sharply while trying to call back her temper. A reasonable voice in the back of her mind was telling her to calm down and agree with the Ministry official. She couldn't afford to be in serious trouble or under speculation of any sort. She needed to blend, to hide in plain sight, as well as be on the proper side of people of power and influence.

"Of course, professor, you're quite right," she managed. "I apologize if I came across as rude. I'm-I'm just worried about the O.W.L. exam is all." She knew instantly that the apology was the right move as Umbridge's smile appeared more natural, satisfied with her compliance.

"I completely understand, dear. Fifth year is a very stressful time," she nodded in understanding. "Here, let me write you a note for your next class in case you're late." While her decorative quill dashed the parchment with her cursive, Marie took the moment to swallow the rest of her anger.

"There you are, Miss Rogue. That should smooth things over with your next professor," she said with her too sweet voice. Marie reached out to take the note and Umbridge's eyes noticed the heavy silver ring, her mouth stretching wider.

"What a lovely ring."

Marie held her chin up high. "Thank you. And thank you for your time, professor."

"Not a problem, dear."

On that note, the Slytherin left the room and broke into a run when she was out of sight. If she pushed it she might be able to slide into Double Potions just before the next bell.

As luck would have it, she had pulled open the dungeon door just as the bell finished ringing, out of breath as she hurried to her cauldron, ignoring the questioning glances from her friends. Snape was starting to prowl throughout the room, passing the girl's station and spoke in barely a whisper. If she hadn't spent the entire summer with him, she wouldn't have heard the message.

"See me after class."

She gave the barest of nods, mentally berating herself for not getting to class sooner. Now she was in some kind of trouble.

Silence fell across the classroom as Snape's walk continued. They all knew well enough when it was time to quiet down, even the Gryffindors, which were apart of that day's Double lesson. Snape had the presence that demanded silence and obedience. It could be due to his height, his dark clothing, or the constant scowl he wore.

"Before we begin today's lesson," said Snape as he turned to face them at the front of the room with a scrutinizing stare, "I think it appropriate to remind you that next June you will be sitting an important examination, during which you will prove how much you have learned about the composition and use of magical potions. Moronic though some of this class undoubtedly are, I expect you to scrape an 'Acceptable' in your O.W.L, or suffer my...displeasure." Marie stole a quick glance at Crabbe and Goyle who appeared rightly concerned.

"After this year, of course, many of you will cease studying with me," Snape continued, "I take only the very best into my N.E.W.T Potions class-" He looked toward the Slytherin girl and she smiled, "- which means that some of us will certainly be saying good-bye." This time his gaze landed on Harry and Marie refrained from huffing in mild annoyance.

"But we have another year to go before that happy moment of farewell," sighed Snape, "so whether you are intending to attempt N.E.W.T or not, I advise all of you to concentrate your efforts upon maintaining the high-pass level I have come to expect from my O.W.L students.

"Today we will be mixing a potion that often comes up at Ordinary Wizarding Level: the Draught of Peace, a potion to calm anxiety and soothe agitation. Be warned: If you are too heavy-handed with the ingredients you will put the drinker into a heavy and sometimes irreversible sleep, so you will need to pay close attention to what you are doing. The ingredients and method are on the blackboard," he gave flick of his wand and the words appeared there. Another swish and the pantry door opened. "You will find everything you need in the store cupboard. You have an hour and a half...Start."

In the typical Snape fashion, the potion was especially delicate to make and there were various variables that could go astray and ruin the draught. Marie was sure to copy the writing on the board onto her own piece of parchment. Once all of the cauldrons were underway the steam would block out the board and make it very difficult to read with certainty. Even with her spot near the front, she didn't want to take the chance. With her hair temporarily tied back, Marie blocked out the rest of the class as she set to work, determined to prove her skill. Even if the potion was sensitive with ingredients that needed to be added at the exact moment with sharply precise quantities, Marie would much rather being toiling over her cauldron than sitting in Umbridge's class, reading a first year level book.

"A light silver vapor should now be rising from your potion," called Snape with ten minutes until the end of class. Her heart fluttered excitedly as the silver mist lifted from the surface of her potion. Her thrill was damped by Professor Snape critiquing Harry's potion.

"Potter, what is this supposed to be?" Heads started to turn, studying the cauldron that was issuing copious amounts of thick grey smoke as oppose to silver steam.

"The Draught of Peace," answered Harry tensely.

"Tell me, Potter, can you read?" asked Snape while Draco snickered.

"Yes, I can."

"Read the third line of instructions for me, Potter."

Marie watched her brother squint as he tried to read the board. It was a bit difficult with the multiple stations producing various types of steam.

"Add powdered moonstone, stir three times counterclockwise, allow to simmer for seven minutes, then add two drops of syrup of hellebore." His voice caught near the end and Marie knew what he had forgotten.

"Did you do everything on the third line, Potter?"

Marie didn't hear his answer.

"I beg your pardon?" asked the professor.

"No," spoke up Harry. "I forgot the hellebore..."

"I know you did, Potter, which means that this mess is utterly worthless. Evanesco." With a wave of his wand, the Gryffindor's cauldron was empty of its contents.

"Those of you who have managed to read the instructions, fill one flagon with a sample of your potion, label it clearly with your name, and bring it up to my desk for testing," instructed Snape. "Homework: twelve inches of parchment on the properties of moonstone and its uses in potion-making, to be handed in on Thursday."

While everyone filled their flagons with their potions, it became clear that quite a few had trouble with the brew. Neville's had the consistency of newly made cement, Ron's still spit green sparks and Seamus was trying to keep his fire alight long enough to fill a draft. It was Goyle's potion that made the most commotion, the station next to Marie. As soon as he put his flagon in contact with the potion, the glass shattered noisily and his robes had somehow caught fire. Swiftly drawing her wand and muttering "Aguamenti!", water jetted from the tip and dosed him just in time, leaving the hem slightly damp.

"Quick thinking, Miss Rogue," acknowledged Snape. "Five points to Slytherin. And Mr. Goyle, if you break one more piece of my equipment I will dock points, rendering Miss Rogue's rescue worthless, do you understand?"

"Yes, sir," he mumbled, head down.

While the rest of the students hurried to gather their bags and rush off to lunch, Marie took her time putting her belongings away so that she was the last one remaining. The moment the door closed Snape gave a wave of his wand, sealing it against intruders or anyone interested in listening to their conversation.

"I didn't mean to be late, sir. I was talking with Professor Umbridge after class," she apologized. He raised an interested brow.

"You had questions after the first lesson? That's odd for you," he commented. Marie had the decency to look sheepish.

"Well, I wasn't so much asking a questioning as I was...questioning her," she clarified. Snape gave her a serious look and she raised her hands up in defense.

"I recovered and apologized if I sounded rude and told her that she was absolutely right," she quickly explained.

"You cannot challenge her like that, Marie. She is here to act as a spy for the Ministry, if you were listening to her speech-"

"I was listening," Marie confirmed tersely. His stare pointedly expressed his dislike for her interruption and she apologized. "Sorry."

"As I was saying, Dolores Umbridge is at Hogwarts on behalf of the Ministry of Magic. She will use any act of disobedience or rebellion to her advantage to report Dumbledore to the Minister. She will be looking for opportunities to sink her hooks into positions of authority. You need her to trust you," he said.

Marie looked incredulous. "Me? Why on earth does she need to trust me? I'm a student, what good am I to her?"

Snape moved around so to his desk so he could properly store the potion flasks the fifth years had drafted in a cupboard. "Her confidence will rise if she believes she has you under her influence and that will grant you access to information if she trusts you enough."

"But why does it matter if I'm under her influence? I'm a Prefect, not Head Girl or anything, surely my power doesn't reach the same lengths as a professor," asked Marie. She grabbed a three legged stool from a station and placed it in front of her teacher's desk so to sit with her school bag on her lap.

Snape gave a smirk as he took his own seat. "I believe she will see it as a personal victory if she wins over the charge of Captain Tess Andrews."

"Tess?" echoed the girl, brows raising in surprise. "What does Tess have to do with anything?"

"According to Remus Lupin, the two didn't get along in the Ministry. While Professor Umbridge is the Senior Undersecretary to the Minister and Tess was the Head of the Auror Office within the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, they would clash heads quite often. Apparently Andrews was never threatened by her or her Ministry position and influence over Fudge."

"Well that sounds spot on," agreed Marie. "Tess wasn't threatened by much and the Minister constantly called on her. He was always sending owls and needing her to come into work to resolve an issue."

"So you can see why Umbridge would find it especially satisfying if she could have you on her side and agreeing with her cause," said Snape. Marie nodded in reluctant agreement.

"She may be an important Ministry official," she said, "but she's an awful teacher. I'd wager good money that we won't even use our wands this term. That is, expect for our O.W.L exam."

The Potions Master took a deep breath, pinching the bridge of his nose. His disapproval was obvious as he was someone who was well versed in the Dark Arts and their defenses that most certainly required practice. Refraining from saying anything else about the new teacher, he continued on.

"That brings us to the next matter at hand," he said, watching her with dark eyes. "We need to continue your lessons. Now that you are at Hogwarts, there will be no alarm or repercussion for you using magic."

"We're still continuing the lessons?" said Marie with a slight groan. She already had so much to do such as fifth year homework, O.W.L studying, and Prefect duties.

"Yes, it is imperative that we keep on," Snape informed her seriously. "You need to learn how to shield your mind as well as harness your unstable magic and use it to your advantage. The Dark Lord has taken an interest in you and your promising ability. Your magic did not go unnoticed that night in the graveyard when you and Potter escaped. On top of the information that Sophia Flint has brought forward."

Marie paled and her gaze snapped up to met her mentor's.

"Sophia Flint?" she croaked, unconsciously touching the ring on her left hand. Unlike Remus, Snape had completely believed her recount of what happened at the Flint estate.

"She reported Marcus' troll progress as well as your reaction together," he told her. "Obviously, this only acts to make you more interesting to the Dark Lord. I daresay he will call for you soon, which is why we need to make sure you are ready when that moment comes."

There was a brief moment of silence as Marie tried to wrap her head around the new information.

"Well, on the bright side, obviously Harry's hearing went well?" she tried to chirp. "Do you know why I wasn't called as a witness?"

"Dumbledore forbade Potter from mentioning that you were at the scene and Arabella Figg was summoned as a witness to the event. Potter was the only one to use magic, therefore you were never there." He stopped to check his watch and rose to his feet. "You better hurry along to the Great Hall and eat before lunch is over. If there is nothing else to discuss, then you are dismissed."

Marie returned the stool to its proper place and slung her bag over her shoulder, getting ready to leave. She gasped as an almost forgotten thought fell into her head.

"Professor, there was something else!" she said, just before he lifted the enchantment from the door.

"And what is that?"

"Sirius was at King's Cross, in his Animagus form-as a dog-, so to see Harry off for school but Mr. Malfoy recognized him," she explained quickly. "I saw him whispering to Draco and they were looking right at him, sir. If Peter Pettigrew has divulged all of his information to You-Know-Who, that could mean that every Death Eater, or at least some, know that Sirius is an Animagus, right?"

Snape gave a hard sigh before lifting the spell from the door. "I will pass the message on to the others. I shouldn't be surprised that Black would try something so foolhardy. Very observant of you, Miss Rogue."

"Thank you, sir."


REVIEW! Your thoughts would be lovely as always! Fun fun fun class times, which I kind of enjoy, it gives a relative sense of normalcy. So Marie has properly encountered Umbridge and managed to somewhat control her temper as well as act appropriately so to turn the conversation in her favor. And chatting time with Snape! I do love it when they get to talk, I think it's healthy for them. Marie certainly better learn how act accordingly!

Next time: A few classes, the Hogwarts High Inquisitor, lessons with Snape, and whispers of a secret meeting... ;)

I hope you enjoyed!