PRESENT
Within two weeks of class, Umbridge had become discontent with her position and other professor's techniques at Hogwarts.
As a result, everyone else had to suffer for it.
We got to see her everywhere. In every class. Interrogating every professor.
Something about being "High Inquisitor" or another.
I heard enough about it from Professor McGonagall as I helped her grade papers. I had been McGonagall's aid for the last year, and the extra credit beat doing anything else on the Friday night, at least in my opinion.
"She wants to reconstruct our whole system! Dumbledore's system, that is!" McGonagall flew around her classroom, shuffling through books and papers. I, on the other hand, sat calmly at her desk listening to her little voice go on about the whole situation.
"Dumbledore's first chance, he will fire her. He better or something worse may happen to her. Much, much worse. And to give Harry detention for a whole week! Have a biscuit, Everly."
I held my chuckle in and let her continue ranting. It was always somewhat entertaining seeing Professor McGonagall in a state like this.
My father, on the other hand, not so much.
When I saw that pink dress float into my father's classroom, I knew something was about to happen.
"You applied first for Defense Against the Dark Arts post, is that correct?" Umbridge asked my Father, her next victim on her long list.
Nevertheless, my Father, straight-faced, answered her. "Yes."
"But you were unsuccessful?"
What I would give to wipe that grimace off her rosy little face.
"Obviously." Snape's pause almost indicated an internal roll of the eyes.
Ron, who was seated at the table next to me, snickered.
The tension in the room was outweighed by the ridiculousness of the entire situation. I even tried to hold a laugh in.
Thankfully, I did because when Ron let his out, Snape slapped him on the back of his head, pretty much just whipping his hair.
Sooner than later, class let out.
"Professor Snape?" I asked, as students started shuffling out of the classroom. This was my time to shine. I didn't want to be left in the dark for any longer.
He glanced up at me from his desk.
"May I speak to you?"
Snape nodded solemnly, waiting for all the students to leave.
Once I noticed they were all gone, I strolled up to my dad's desk.
"Order of the Phoenix?"
Snape paused for a long few seconds, before finally jumping back into reality. "Yes?"
"Care to explain, because I have a feeling it has alot to do with why you weren't at Hogwarts weeks early like all the other teachers? And, the secrets of Harry's hearing?"
Snape stood up as I took a seat on my desk.
"The Order of the Phoenix was assembled by Dumbledore, which explains why I am involved, as you know. It was a rebellion against Voldemort, protecting allies from him and fighting back. With the rumors of Lord Voldemort's return, the Order reconvened. Harry Potter was attacked by Dementors in his home town over the holiday. Expelled for doing magic outside of Hogwarts, Dumbledore thought it best to have a hearing and reverse the consequence. Dumbledore was successful, as always. Any other questions?"
"How does the Order feel about having you?" I asked, raising an eyebrow. I knew most Gryffindors saw Snape as a traitor that shouldn't be trusted. And Dark Wizards saw him as an unstable, mysterious threat. Dumbledore and I were the only ones who knew better.
"They will not argue with Dumbledore."
FLASHBACK
"I suppose you both are wondering why I called you here."
"If this is about Angie's broomstick, I promise not to jinx it again. It was a one time joke, Headmaster."
I glanced over to see Snape shaking his head at me.
Dumbledore smiled. "I will make sure to send Angelina Johnson your full condolences. But that is not the reason you are here."
I took a seat next to Snape.
"We all know that there will come a time when your secret must be revealed." Dumbledore started.
"Sir, it's only been three years." I interrupted any train of thought Dumbledore might have had.
"Certainly we must wait until after Everly graduates. The circumstances would make it very difficult for—" Snape actually stood up for my opinion.
"No!" Dumbledore shouted. "It cannot wait seven years! That would be ridiculous, and, for you Severus, seem highly suspicious."
Dumbledore paused for a moment.
"Your daughter." He smirked at Snape.
Snape raised an eyebrow at Dumbledore, and I raised an eyebrow at Snape.
"I can tell." He chuckled.
"What do you suggest, Headmaster?" I asked, turning the conversation serious once again.
"I think you will know when the time comes. But it is coming."
I nodded my head.
Snape stood up from his seat. "I must get back to class." And he walked out.
I stayed seated, not knowing if that was my cue to leave or not.
Dumbledore just stood at the window of his office, staring out to the courtyards below.
I coughed, trying to see if he had any other words for me.
The Headmaster gasped. "Oh, Mrs. Smith, I didn't realize you were there."
I furrowed my eyebrows. "I never left."
To which, Dumbledore just smiled.
