Chapter Eight

When Harry, Lloyd, Hermione and Ron made it down to the Great Hall the next morning, they quickly made to get at the Daily Prophet as it came in with the morning post. Right across the front page in big bold letters read:

Ministry Seeks Educational Reform

Dolores Umbridge Appointed Hogwarts High Inquisitor

In a surprise move last night the Minister of Magic passed new legislation giving itself an unpreceded level of control at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

"The Minister has been growing uneasy about goings-on at Hogwarts for some time" said junior assistant to the Minister Percy Weasley. "He is now responding to the concerns voiced by anxious parents, who feel the school may be moving in a direction they do not approve of."

This is not the first time in recent weeks that the Minister, Cornelius Fudge, had used new laws to effect improvements at the school. As recently as 30th August, Educational degree number twenty two was passed ensuring that, in the event of the current Headmaster being unable to provide a suitable candidate for a teaching post, the Ministry should select an appropriate person. "That is how Dolores Umbridge has come to be at Hogwarts." Said Weasley last night. "Dumbledore could not find any suitable teachers, so the Ministry was forced to take Dolores Umbridge from the Ministers side and place her in the position, and of course, she's been an immediate success.

"She's been a WHAT?" said Harry loudly, gaining a vigorous agreeing nod from both Lloyd and Ron.

"Wait there's more." Hermione said.

"-an immediate success, revolutionizing the teaching of Defence against the Dark Arts, and providing the Ministry with feedback about what is occurring at Hogwarts- not to mention far outstripping Dumbledore's own desperate attempt at selecting teachers."

Lloyd's eyes narrowed at the statement. "Bastards. Yuan would've made a better teacher than her!" He glanced around, as though he expected either teacher to be standing right behind him.

"It is this last function that has caused the Ministry to formalize Educational degree Number Twenty-three, which creates the new position of Hogwarts high Inquisitor..."

Lloyd had finally gotten fed up with the article. He took out his wand and absently pointed it at the Prophet. "Incendio" Flames spurted from the tip of Lloyd's wand, igniting the paper burning it away.

"Why read that, it's fairly obvious what it means." Hermione had figured the same thing although Ron still looked a bit confused. Hermione decided to fill him in.

"It means that Umbridge is going to have a lot more power around the school." Hermione stated rather flatly.

Ron grumbled a bit. "Just what we need. Well, Fred and George aren't going to take that lying down." Harry nodded, his mouth full of egg. Lloyd and Genis finished their own breakfasts.

"Well, Lloyd, Collete and I are going to the library. Let's get going Lloyd!" Genis grabbed Lloyd by the wrist and started dragging him off. Lloyd looked back at the three sixth years, with a pleading look in his eyes.

After they were gone, Harry stifled a laugh.

"That was interesting enough wasn't it?" Harry and Ron both looked at Hermione.

"If by interesting enough, you mean boring as watching grass grow, then yes."

Hermione sighed. "I have a feeling that we're going to have a very bad year... As if it wasn't obvious from the start" Harry groaned.

"Just what we need..."

In the Library

Genis was avidly reading through the various books in the library. Lloyd was seeming to read one boredly, but if anyone had been keeping track, his eyes were simply passing over the same line over and over. Colette on the other hand, seemed buoyant enough as she read through Hogwarts a History.

As Lloyd read, he vaguely became aware that he was being watched. He turned around quickly, but he didn't see anything. He kept looking back for awhile yet, until Colette's voice jostled him to his senses.

"Lloyd? Are you feeling ok?" He looked at the blond haired girl and nodded.

"I'm just fine Colette. Maybe I just need a bit of sleep." Genis sighed as he reaised his hands in despair.

"You always need more sleep Lloyd. Maybe if you spent less time staying up late, and sneaking out of your common room, then maybe you wouldn't be so tired."

Lloyd sighed. "Yeah, yeah..."

Later that evening, after dinner, Albus Dumbledore sat in his office, twiddling his thumbs. There was the sound of someone approaching his office, and Snape came in, wearing a look that didn't quite suit him.

"Headmaster, Professor Aurion has returned from his excursion and... it's better for you to see for yourself." Dumbledore rose from his desk, not accustomed to seeing the potions master in such a state.

"Where is he Severus?" Snape pointed behind him. "He should be on his way now." Dumbledore nodded.

"Then we should go and meet him, and save him the trip."

The two wizards hurried down towards the Great Hall. Just as they approached it, a red haired figure became visible, hunched over somewhat. At first, nothing seemed wrong, until they came close enough.

Kratos had blood running down his left arm from a large gash, and it was rushing from his forehead, as though he had been struck by a blunt object. His entire body was covered in such wounds as well, which were festering, and he seemed barely conscious. His right arm was burned severely, the flesh blackened. He looked as though he was about to speak, when suddenly his legs gave way and he collapsed. Dumbledore turned to Snape surprisingly fast. "Severus, find Madam Pomfrey immediately!" Snape didn't even bother to respond as he raced down the corridor. The tone in Dumbledore's voice told him that it was no time for questions.

Again, sorry I'm taking so long to update (I don't know what's getting into me...). But the chapter is finally here. I hope it's worth the wait. Anyways, I'm going to get working on the next one, right away! (And hopefully, I won't die out on it early like I did with this one)