Okay! This one's finally ready... and things are finally started to take a move... The first plan is in motion! :o What are these kids up to? *smirking smiley face*
Enjoy!
The First Plan
Professor Umbridge was already sat at the teachers desk, wearing the same fluffy pink cardigan, when the students began to file into the classroom. Unlike every other lesson, including Snape's, the students remained in absolute silence as they found their seats. "Well, good afternoon!" She spoke, with her high-pitched voice. When no one responded, she shook her head. "Tut, tut... That won't do, now, will it? I should like you, please, to reply 'good afternoon, Professor Umbridge'. One more time then please? Good afternoon, class!"
"Good afternoon, Professor Umbridge." The class replied, in a chorus of unconfident voices.
"That's a little better... Still not satisfactory. But we shall give it another try next time, won't we? I am, after all, still a new face to you all. But not to worry. That shall soon change." Professor Umbridge said. "Now, wands away and quills out, please!" Many of the students frowned as they obeyed. They knew all too well that a lesson that didn't require their wand wasn't going to be an exciting one. Professor Umbridge, however, pulled out her wand from her bag and tapped it on the blackboard.
Defence Against the Dark Arts
A Return to Basic Principles
"I am quite aware how disrupted and fragmented this class has been for you, what with all the happenings..." Jessica smirked slightly at this - the woman was definitely right about that. "The constant changing of teachers has unfortunately resulted in your being far below the standard we would expect to see in your O. ." Hermione's eyes widened slightly at this. "Although, you will all be pleased to know that these problems are now to be rectified. We shall be following a carefully structured, theory-centred, Ministry-approved course of defensive magic this year. Copy down the following, please-" Jessica raised her hand - earning herself a glare from Hermione. "Yes? Miss Selwyn, was it?"
"Yes, Professor." Jessica said, suddenly feeling uncomfortable with Professor Umbridge's eyes on her. Where had the sudden courage come from? Again... Twice in one day. This wasn't going to end well... "I'm sorry, I just... You said 'theory-centred?"
"Indeed I did, Miss Selwyn. Are you struggling to hear?" Professor Umbridge asked, and Jessica heard someone in the classroom snort.
"No, Professor, but it's somewhat concerning." Jessica could feel Hermione's glare on her.
"Concerning?" Professor Umbridge asked, seemingly curious.
"Yes, Professor, concerning." Jessica nodded. Draco now spun round and gave her a strange look. "I just don't understand how that will work... Seeing as this is meant to be a practical class."
"Well, if perhaps you hadn't interrupted, and simply allowed me to do this..." Professor Umbridge tapped against the blackboard again, with her wand, and more words appeared. "You'd understand exactly what we shall be doing this year, Miss Selwyn. Any further questions?"
"No, Professor." Jessica said, defeated.
"Right, well!" Professor Umbridge clapped her hands together. "Hurry up, start writing!"
"Why is it you seem to be running after trouble?" Hermione whispered. "If expulsion is your idea, you're walking straight into it."
"That's a tad dramatic, don't you think?" Jessica said, raising an eyebrow.
"Just copy the blackboard and try to keep to yourself, please?" Hermione said, shaking her head.
Jessica glanced at the blackboard and frowned. Thoughts of her summer suddenly rushed into her mind. She could hear Professor Umbridge telling the class about what they had to read once they had finished copying, but she couldn't bring herself to acknowledge it. A sudden image of Cedric Diggory smiling down at her came to mind. He should still be here, Jessica thought. He should be sharing the Umbridge experience with the rest of them. It wasn't fair that he could escape this nightmare. A dark, hooded creature came to Jessica's mind next. That was Voldemort, she assumed. He was back. He was back, and with Umbridge around, it seemed like they wouldn't learn any new ways of defence. What were they to do if Voldemort came looking for them? Marcus Flint came to her mind next. He'd attacked once - the one place she believed to be safer than the castle - so what was stopping him from attacking again? After seeing him at the park, she was certain he'd discover the Order's Headquarters. It was only a matter of time... And they wouldn't know how to defend themselves... "What will we gain from this?" Jessica spoke, and with the class having been in absolute silence after Professor Umbridge told them to read, she was heard, loud and clear.
"Excuse me, Miss Selwyn?" Professor Umbridge enquired. Hermione nudged Jessica's side. Harry and Ron were exchanging amused looks. Draco was rubbing his temples.
"It seems you have no intention of teaching us any new defensive spells." Jessica challenged. Hermione was shaking her head now.
"Using defensive spells?" Professor Umbridge laughed. "Why, I can't imagine any situation arising in my classroom that would require you to use a defensive spell."
"Well, maybe not in your classroom, no. But what happens when we're out in the real world?" Jessica asked. Some students were muttering to each other now.
"So, we're not going to use magic?" Ron added.
"Students will raise their hands when they wish to speak in my class!" Professor Umbridge spat, glaring at Ron.
"Surely the whole point of this class is-" Jessica began, but Professor Umbridge let out a strange, shrilling noise.
"What did I just say?" Professor Umbridge exclaimed.
"I'm sorry, Professor." Jessica smiled, falsely. "I assumed I could continue, seeing as you didn't tell me off for simply speaking the first time." Some students chuckled to themselves, while others stared at her in disbelief. Hermione now raised her hand.
"Yes, Miss..?"
"Granger." Hermione said. "Professor, although I disagree with the way it's being said..." Hermione said, glaring at Jessica. "Surely the whole point of this class is to practice defensive spells?"
"Are you a Ministry-trained educational expert, Miss Granger?" Professor Umbridge asked.
"No, but-"
"Well then, I'm afraid you are not qualified to decide the 'whole point' of any class is. Wizards much older and cleverer than you have devised our new programme of study. You will be learning about defensive spells in a secure, risk-free-"
"If we're going to be attacked, it's not going to be risk free-" Harry spoke, suddenly.
"Hand, Mr Potter!" Professor Umbridge shouted - and Harry, quite angrily, thrust his hand in the air, but Professor Umbridge ignored him. Instead she turned to other students, who were now, quite bravely, putting their hand up. "You... Your name is?"
"Dean Thomas." Dean spoke, uneasily.
"Yes, Mr Thomas?" Professor Umbridge said, her voice quieter and softer now.
"Well, it's like they've been saying, isn't it?" Dean said, turning to glance at the quartet ever so slightly. "If we're going to be attacked, it won't be risk free."
"I repeat, Mr Thomas, do you really expect to be attacked in my class?" Professor Umbridge laughed.
"No, but-"
"I do not wish to criticise the way things have been run in this school." Umbridge spoke, though no one seemed convinced by her words. "But you have been exposed to some very irresponsible wizards in this class, very irresponsible indeed - not to mention... Extremely dangerous half-breeds-"
"His name is Remus Lupin." Jessica challenged, standing up from her seat, angrily. "And he was the best teacher we've had."
"I am not going to tell you again, about raising a hand before speaking." Professor Umbridge said, glaring angrily. Jessica didn't budge, however, and Professor Umbridge tried her best not to seem fazed by it. "You have been introduced to spells that have been complex, inappropriate to your age group, and potentially lethal. You have been frightened into believing that you are likely to meet attacks every other day-" Jessica gathered her things, loudly, despite the challenging glare Umbridge was giving her. She knew, deep down, that walking away from Umbridge now, would result in a rather severe punishment. But she was willing to take it. "Walk out of my class, now, Miss Selwyn, and you will suffer the consequences."
"Well if I stick around any longer, so will you." Jessica said, before turning and walking out. Hermione dropped her head onto her desk, as Harry and Ron watched in absolute bewilderment.
Harry was in awe at his best friend's courage. She wasn't taking any of it this year, and it amazed him. Hermione obviously wasn't content, but Jessica hadn't been wrong with everything she'd argued. Harry focused back on the class when he heard Millicent Bullstrode arguing that they wouldn't be able to pass their O. if the first time they use a defensive spell was during the actual exam. "I repeat!" Professor Umbridge exclaimed, suddenly, interrupting Millicent. "As long as you have studied the theory hard enough-"
"What good is the theory in the real world?" Harry said, suddenly, with his hand in the air - feeling Jessica's sudden courage spread onto him.
"This is a school, Mr Potter, not the real world." Professor Umbridge said, angrily.
"So, we're not supposed to be prepared for what's waiting for us?" Harry challenged.
"There's nothing out there!" Umbridge laughed. "Who do you imagine would want to attack children like yourselves?"
"Oh, I don't know? Lord Voldemort, perhaps?" Harry spat back. Silence. The students who had their hands in the air, hoping to join the discussion, slowly allowed their hands to slip back down to their laps. It seemed that everyone, except Draco Malfoy and Blaise Zabini, did their best to avoid staring at Harry in that moment. Professor Umbridge took an obvious deep breath in.
"Ten points, from Gryffindor." Umbridge spoke, her voice somewhat shaky. "Now, allow me to make some things quite clear. You have been told that a certain Dark wizard has returned from the dead-"
"He wasn't dead." Harry said, glaring at Umbridge. Blaise now turned back to the front, but Draco kept his eyes on Harry.
"Mr Potter, you have already lost house points - do not make matters worse for yourself!" Professor Umbridge exclaimed. "As I was saying... What you have been informed is a lie-"
"It's not a lie!" Harry shouted. "I saw him and I fought him!"
"Detention, Mr Potter!" Umbridge said, with a triumphant grin on her face. "Tomorrow evening at five, in my office. I repeat, this is a lie. The Ministry guarantees that you are not in danger from any Dark wizard. If you are still worried, by all means, come and see me outside class hours. I am here to help. I am your friend..." Draco turned back to the front now. "And now, you will kindly continue your reading. Page five."
Harry felt inspired by Jessica still, they were part of the Order now - at least, in some ways. They had to show their enemies they weren't afraid, and they were strong. Right now, Umbridge was his enemy. He stood, despite Hermione's urgent whispers for him to sit back down. Students turned back to look at him once they heard the scraping of his chair against the floor. "So, according to you..." Harry began, and Umbridge's eyes immediately narrowed. "Cedric Diggory dropped dead of his own accord?" The mouths of several students hung open in shock. Harry was suddenly grateful Jessica had left. This wasn't something she needed to hear.
"Cedric Diggory's death was a tragic accident." Umbridge said, coldly.
"It was murder." Harry said, as equally cold. "Voldemort killed him and you know it."
Professor Umbridge breathed in, pulled out a piece of parchment and one of her pink quills and began scribbling on it. She then rolled it up, tied it with a pink ribbon and held it out for Harry. "Take this, Mr Potter, and go see Professor McGonagall. Immediately."
Harry actually obeyed, rather grateful to leave the classroom. Students whispered as he walked over to her, and he heard her shrill voice telling them to start reading again as soon as he closed the door behind him. Harry didn't rush over to Professor McGonagall's office. He wasn't in the mood for getting into more trouble. After nearly ten minutes of aimless wandering, however, his luck ran out.
"You're meant to be in class, Mr Potter." He heard Professor McGonagall's voice, and only now realised how close he had been to her office. He silently handed her the piece of parchment and McGonagall sighed. She glanced at the pink ribbon on it and allowed him inside. "Have a seat." Professor McGonagall said. Harry was quite surprised, however, to see Jessica sat there also.
"Ah... Two down, two to go." Jessica grinned.
"This is not meant to be, in the slightest bit, amusing, Miss Selwyn." Professor McGonagall said, though Harry was certain he saw a small smile creep on her features. "Well..." McGonagall said, looking at Harry now. "According to this note, you shouted at Professor Umbridge?"
"Yes." Harry said.
"You called her a liar?" McGonagall questioned.
"Yes."
"And you told her He Who Must Not Be Named is back?" Jessica had a smirk on her face now.
"Yes." Harry confirmed, and Professor McGonagall simply sighed.
"Biscuit?"
"What?" Harry asked confused. He watched as Jessica helped herself to a biscuit.
"Have a biscuit, Potter." McGonagall said. "You both need to be much more careful... Misbehaviour in Umbridge's class could cost you much more than house points and a detention."
"How so?" Jessica asked, curiously.
"Well, use your common sense." McGonagall said, shaking her head. "You know who she works for, so you must know to whom she is reporting to."
"And I end up looking like the insane one." Harry muttered. Professor McGonagall nodded. "I hate this."
"Yes, well, perhaps you'll tread more carefully from now on?" Professor McGonagall said.
"I don't see why I should have to." Harry muttered.
"Potter..." McGonagall sighed. "I'm certain you're aware of how secret we aim to keep some of our plans. That includes keeping things from the ministry. Umbridge cannot, by any means, get the idea that we're rebelling. And she most certainly cannot be aware that some students know of it."
"That's not to say more students can know though, right?" Jessica wondered, chirping up slightly.
"And what good would that do, Miss Selwyn?" Professor McGonagall asked, and Jessica simply shrugged in response. "Precisely... Please, just keep to yourselves. Just for a while. Here... Have some more biscuits."
x.x
Jessica knew that with her fifth year being all about O. , she'd have to keep up with the workload, but after her first lesson with Umbridge, she couldn't find it in herself to care about Hogwarts. She couldn't shake the image of Cedric's smiling face from her mind, and it was starting to bother her. She had breakfast with the others the following morning, but she remained mostly in silence. Harry, Ron and Hermione seemed to brush it off as her still being half asleep, which worked to her advantage, and she excused herself rather quickly, telling them she'd meet them in class - which was a lie. She hadn't planned on going to any of her lessons that day. She'd deal with the consequences eventually. Instead, she headed down to the lake - not really bothering to find herself a decent hiding spot. She began throwing pebbles into the lake. It wasn't fair, she thought. It wasn't fair that Cedric had gone, and now she had to keep picturing his face.
"If you're going to leave, then leave for good." Jessica muttered, angrily, as she threw another pebble.
"A little harsh, don't you think?"
Jessica spun round, expecting to find someone behind her. No one. It was that voice again... Why it appeared whenever it felt like it, was beyond her imagination. She didn't bother to tell it to leave her alone this time, however. If it had something to say, it should say it. She'd retaliate anyway. Like she'd been doing with everyone.
"You've got a lesson you're meant to be in." Jessica merely glanced back this time. She knew it was only Joshua, who'd most likely been asked to come fetch her.
"What's it to you?" Jessica spat, throwing a stick into the lake this time.
"What's up, Munchkin?" Joshua asked, as he sat down on the cold grass.
"Nothing." Jessica lied, pacing about, looking for more pebbles - seeing as sticks didn't have the same effect.
"Oh... Well, good then." Joshua shrugged. "Means I can talk about how much I feel like crap." Jessica glanced at him briefly, silently wondering if he was being serious or not. "It's all messed up, right? Us having to be here, acting as though everything's alright and everything's normal, when it's really, really not."
"What are you-"
"I'm gonna tell you something, but only because you're my baby sister, and I'd rather you know and not panic." Joshua said, sitting up a little straighter. Jessica now moved closer to him, completely forgetting about her pebble-hunt.
"Tell me what?" Jessica asked, curiously.
"I don't plan on staying..." Joshua said. Jessica raised an eyebrow at this.
"You've got N.E. -"
"I've got Outstanding in every subject. It's more than enough." Joshua interjected. "The Order move too slowly, because they're all limited, due to their jobs. I get that, and it's fine and all, but I don't work, and I'm wasting my time here."
"Yeah, but-"
"And I'd feel a lot more comfortable knowing Anna isn't doing this alone, because, let's face it, I'm better at confrontation than she is." Joshua snorted.
"No... You're really not." Jessica said, her eyes widening. "Have you forgotten the attack at the mansion? Or the time you went after mum and she hurt you? You're hot-headed and-"
"Look, you need to keep an open mind here for me." Joshua said, propping himself up ever so slightly. "I didn't want to tell you, because I was slightly afraid of this reaction, but I'd rather not disappear and have you think the worst."
"Well too late for that, Josh!" Jessica exclaimed. "What do you think dad's going to do when he finds out?"
"He doesn't need to know." Joshua shrugged.
"Like the school won't tell?" Jessica said, rolling her eyes.
"They can't." Joshua smirked. "I'm already seventeen, Munchkin, which means dad is no longer responsible for my wrong-doing's at school. It's all on me. I can ask to leave if I want to."
"And McGonagall?" Jessica said, indignantly. "Do you really think she'll go down without a fight?"
"No..." Joshua laughed. "I haven't actually thought about how I'm going to counter that one, but it's gonna happen. I just need you to hold down the fort here."
"Hold down the fort?" Jessica said. "What fort? There's nothing going for us here and-"
"With Umbridge around, things are going to get complicated, and you'll need to keep yourself on her good side." Joshua sighed, slightly. "It's not easy, especially considering your first lesson with her..." Joshua smirked now. "But... It's not totally impossible. When it comes to people like her, you need to make them feel like they control you, when actually, you're the one with full control. Get in her good graces, and learn everything you need to give the Order the upper hand."
"Why me?" Jessica asked, rolling her eyes.
"You're a Selwyn." Joshua shrugged. "Harry's already in a negative light, there's no going back from there. Due to Hermione's... Well, parents, Umbridge won't care what she has to say. No matter how smart and right she is. Ron's a Weasley... And that sort of speaks for itself..."
"Wow, don't you sound just like your mother." Jessica scoffed.
"Look, I'm not saying I agree with her train of thought, okay? But it's a fact. It's how her mind works. You, on the other hand, have the advantage of being a Selwyn." Joshua said.
"So do you." Jessica mumbled.
"Yeah, but I'm nearly an eighteen year old man. She can't mould me into whatever she wants. You, however, would be a great accomplishment in her lonely life." Joshua said, raising an eyebrow slightly. Jessica fell silent for a few seconds, and Joshua knew that she knew that he was right.
"Fine... Let's say that I agree... How does this help us?"
"You make it seem like you're the ring leader - which, I suppose, in a way you could be?" Joshua said, pondering slightly. "When it comes to Harry and the others, I mean... You make it seem like you understand that she means well and all, and you get on her good side. And, that does mean you swallow a little of that Selwyn pride, and go apologise. Win her over... And you'll know how her mind works in no time."
"I think you're overestimating this plan." Jessica said, shaking her head.
"And I think you're underestimating your ability to understand people." Joshua shrugged. "Give it a go... Trust me for once."
"I always trust you." Jessica said, rolling her eyes.
"Good!" Joshua grinned. "I'll let you know when I leave then."
"Josh!"
"It's not going to be right this second, Munchkin, relax. I can't just leave this place as it is. I need to make sure I've got all my connections in order." Joshua grinned. "And I'm going to need at least a month to do it without anyone growing suspicious."
"You're insane..." Jessica said, shaking her head. Joshua simply grinned in response.
x.x
Jessica waited outside Umbridge's classroom, wondering how much longer she'd keep those poor third years inside. She was silently fidgeting with a crack on the wall, when the door was thrust open, and the third years scattered desperately out of the room. Umbridge had her back to the door, and was packing away some of her quills.
"Um... Sorry, Professor, could I come in?" Jessica asked, sheepishly. She put on her best innocent face, widening her eyes slightly, and hoping she looked at least a little apologetic.
"Miss Selwyn?" Professor Umbridge spoke, trying to hide the sudden surprise. "If you're here to collect what you missed yesterday-"
"I actually wanted to apologise for yesterday, Professor." Jessica said, taking a tentative step forward. "I've had a lot of time to think things through. I had no right to speak to you that way."
"Yes, indeed you didn't." Professor Umbridge said, and Jessica wondered if this was going to be harder than Josh had imagined.
"I just..." Jessica sighed and walked over to one of the front desks, propping herself onto one of them. "I'm sorry..." Jessica said, shaking her head. "A lot happened last year. Cedric Diggory... I'm sure you've heard of him?"
"Yes..." Professor Umbridge said, now also taking a seat.
"Well... We were close... I really liked him and... And then he was suddenly gone... Harry's one of my friends, Professor, and I know he's not thinking straight at the moment, and just saying what he thinks is right, but surely you can understand that we all grieve in different ways?"
"Still... It's no excuse." Professor Umbridge said, coldly.
"No... You're absolutely right!" Jessica said, laughing slightly. "I don't really know what I'm doing half the time, if I'm honest. Losing Cedric... The situation with my mother... Our house being attacked-"
"You were attacked?" Professor Umbridge asked, a sudden look of shock appearing on her features, which only lasted a second or two.
"I thought you knew?" Jessica said, her eyes widening. "I thought... Because my dad, he works at the Ministry and..."
"No... No, none of us have been made aware of this." Professor Umbridge said. "Who attacked?"
"It wasn't You-Know-Who..." Jessica said, her voice shaky. "I'm not here to tell you I've got proof he's back. But his followers are out there, and they're definitely up to something. Marcus Flint, he used to be a student here, he came to our home. He destroyed it... We had to stay with my grandparents for the entire summer, and my dad was so concerned... I was barely allowed out my room..."
"I knew that boy was up to something." Professor Umbridge spoke.
"I'm not making excuses for myself, Professor. I know I have to face the consequences of my actions. I completely understand that you need to remind others that you're the one in charge. It's fine with me... But I do want you to know that I deeply regret my actions, and if there's anything I could do to start over-"
"There will be no need, Jessica..." Professor Umbridge said, shaking her head. "You'll attend your scheduled detention... But please know that I'm here if you need someone to talk to. A young girl such as yourself shouldn't be keeping so much to yourself... And you most definitely shouldn't allow your friends' behaviours to have an effect on your own."
x.x
Jessica practically raced out of the classroom. She rounded the corner, almost breathless, when someone caught her arm.
"What a load of crap." Draco smirked.
"Yeah, but it's going to work." Jessica said, glaring at him slightly.
"Good..." Joshua grinned. "You know what you have to do then, right?" Draco nodded in response.
"I've made Blaise aware of the situation too." Joshua sighed slightly at this. "He's trustworthy."
"He better be." Joshua glared.
"Wait... What is it you two are doing?" Jessica asked.
"Doesn't matter." Draco and Joshua said, simultaneously.
"Just try not to hate me too much." Draco smirked.
"What? No fair!" Jessica whined.
"Just focus on getting Umbridge to love you." Joshua said. "Any means necessary."
"I still don't think that telling her about the mansion was a good idea." Jessica frowned.
"She needs to know you trust her." Draco said. "It's a sacrifice."
"Yeah but-"
"She'll eventually ask about the Order... That's where it's going to get tricky." Joshua said. "Don't fully deny your knowledge of it."
"Are you insane?" Jessica asked, bewildered.
"She'll see right through you otherwise." Draco nodded.
"This is insane." Jessica said, shaking her head.
"Which is why you're the best one for the job." Joshua grinned.
oooooooooooooh~ do you guys think this plan will work? Only time will tell... I've started on the next chapter already, so hopefully won't be too long!
xoxo