The storm wasn't the talk of the week, because it hadn't overshadowed the real news. The news of Umbridge coming to inspect the assistant teachers.
All of the normal teachers, who had now developed some sort of protective oath around the assistants were angry. McGonagall complained loudly one Tranfiguration lesson, "If you can't get the image of a toad in your head, think of Dolores Umbridge, a person who comes very close," Snape was sure that his assistant would get top marks, however. "Even if he is a big soft, we have nothing to worry about in this class," he told the students, while the assistant was away, "Except your exam results Potter, nothing can help them," Harry was partially confused as they hadn't had an exam since he'd been in Snape's class this year.
Umbridge was due to come on January the Sixteenth, and nobody could wait. They were to have a special assembly, much to her own request.
The assistants were nervous, however, as this was a ministry official they'd faced before and many had been locked away by her. They were promised a fair result and some annoyances, by Dumbledore who promised to ease the latter. But you know, it was Umbridge.
The Sixteenth came and everyone was packed in the hall to hear what Umbridge so desperately wanted to say.
She stood up on the podium, with a little hem-hem towards Dumbledore. Smiling at them all, graciously, she started.
"I visited this school a long time ago, a few years in fact, and I did not like what I saw. Neither do I currently, in fact the ministry do not. However it is our job to see if things are improving at Hogwarts, which is why we have agreed to do formal reviews of certain teaching positions at Hogwarts School. The assistant teachers will be reviewed and checked to see if they are, as they are rumoured, helping the school. I will attend classes, and do what is necessary for the development of the School and the Ministry's interests."
The end of her speech didn't bring any applause, except polite patter from the teachers, with the students just staring at her.
"Wow the centaurs didn't change her a bit," Harry shook his head.
"Did you think they would?" Hermione cynically stated, "Because I really didn't."
"I hope she doesn't get rid of Professor Dolohov," Neville said anxiously. Ron scoffed, waving a carefree hand, "She won't, he's really helpful,"
McGonagall shook her head as the former Hogwarts Inquisitor sat down, presently.
"I bet the ministry's more lively than this lot," Hagrid commented on the kids, lightheartedly.
"The ministry know what's good for them," Umbridge replied coldly, "And what is good for the school. Assistant Professors never made that list, death eaters certainly couldn't."
"Former death eaters Dolores," Dumbledore reminded her.