Chapter 9
Hagrid's Absence
England

That night, England had a chat with Malcolm and Graham.

"...I don't like Umbridge," Malcolm said.

"Neither do I," England said, "Also, I am guessing you two don't believe in the ministry as you are talking to me."

"Of course you're not the Insane One," Graham said, "Only the nutters would believe in that," he pointed at his head, "I actually have a functioning brain, you know. Unlike most of this goddamn house."

"So you believe in us… thanks," England said.

"Our friends in Ravenclaw do too- you got more supporters than you think," Malcolm said, "By the way, I like your brother's teaching."

"Huh, do you?" England said.

"It's interesting to say the least," Malcolm said, "…and anyone would be better than Binns."

"Agreed," Graham said.

-0-0-0-

During CoMC, where they looked at Bowtruckles. Hermione shone in the class again by answering all of Professor Grubby-Plank's questions.

The Golden Trio had tried to ask the professor where Hagrid was, but only got rejected and gave Malfoy a chance to annoy them.

England hoped Hagrid would be back soon, just to stop Malfoy from saying that Hagrid was a moron and that he was fired for his moron actions.

England had to push down his urge to punch him in the face every time he spoke.

But if Hagrid was really sacked and chased out of Hogwarts, then Dumbledore would've told England for sure. And the Trio, who was clearly close to him.

Though, England had to say, he felt like Dumbledore was not telling him a lot of things. There were things he was keeping secret from England. England thought there were reasons for that, but now that the Dark Lord is back, he thought he needed to know. He had asked Dumbledore if he was hiding anything from him.

To which Dumbledore answered he was not.

After that England asked him: "Then, where is Hagrid?"

"That I cannot tell you."

"Then you are hiding things from me."

"I don't think you should know, England."

"I understand, but, if it had anything to do with Voldemort…"

"I assure you, England, I will tell you all necessary things."

"This isn't the only thing you aren't telling me. Snape, he acts all rude and mean to us, but I see good in him. What is his purpose, Dumbledore?"

"Again, I cannot speak."

"…You trust him, then I'll trust him. I trust you. But I hope you won't break that very trust…"

"I won't, England. I assure you."

-0-0-0-

England's next lesson was History of Magic with his dear, dear, brother. He had heard from Harry that they started on Ancient times and was going to follow up the timeline, also learning some muggle history and its links to magical history.

England didn't want to admit it, but it was quite a good way of teaching.

He entered the room, and without even looking at Scotland, and sat down on the back seat. Other students filed in, and seated themselves too. When everyone was seated, Scotland stood up, and spoke: "Well, ya may have heard from other students that there will be no more Goblin Rebellions, and we will be studying the Ancient times, and following up the timeline."

Whispers of joy took place.

"BUT as I told all the others, it ain't gonna be easier than the ghost's class," Scotland said, "Now, let me introduce ya all to some wee rules. Merlin's beard, I am getting tired of repeating this. First of all, the disrespectful word for muggle-borns are forbidden in this classroom. Second-"

"By that 'disrespectful word,' professor, do you mean Mudblood?" Malfoy said out loud in a mocking tone, "Why must it be banned?"

"Because it is disrespectful," Scotland said, "Second. Pay attention to this class. Or yer not goin' to pass yer OWL."

"Why do I have to follow these rules anyway?" Malfoy said again.

"Because, there are bampots like ya who does not know how to behave their mouths," Scotland said.

"Also, Professor, you look sick," Malfoy said mockingly, "I wonder why."

'Because of the damn Death Eaters, you git,' England thought.

"Why do you even care, Mr Malfoy? I'll take care of my own health," Scotland said, "Just pay attention to this class. Now, during the ancient times-"

England didn't even bother to pay attention. Everything he knew England knew. Scotland was making the class fun and interesting for a few nicer Slytherin kids who actually wanted to learn, though. But most like Malfoy was just watching him teach mockingly.

The lesson was coming to an end, Scotland said: "Now, before I dismiss ya all. 10 points from Slytherin."

"What? Why?!" some students shouted.

"Because Iggy over there did not pay attention to class," Scotland snorted, "And so did the half of this class."

"Allistor, I did tell you to not expect me to pay attention to your class," England scowled.

"Ya went against the rule, Arthur," Scotland said with a mocking smile, "And it's Professor for you, Arthur."

"You're not a professor in my eyes," England scowled.

"Awww, lil' Arthur is going through a phase!"

"Shut up, git! I'm not going through a phase!"

"Sure, this phase had been going on for years. So I suppose it ain't a phase anymore."

"Get that smile of your face, Allistor, I swear I'm going to punch that smile one day!"

"Class dismissed," Scotland said with a smile, and the class stared at England for a while before leaving. Malfoy on the other hand, went up to Scotland. England was about to leave when he saw that.

So, instead of leaving, he hid underneath a desk and listened.

"What is it?" Scotland asked.

"You call Arthur Kirkland Iggy?" Malfoy said.

"Inside joke," Scotland said, "And I am pretty sure I dismissed ya."

"I just got some questions, and other things to say," Malfoy said, "Know your place. Professor. For if you do anything, you'll be in more pain."

"What are you implying?" Scotland said.

"Oh, you know it, professor," Malfoy said, before England heard his footsteps again, along with the door opening and closing.

Silence.

"Albion, for how much longer are you going to be down there?" Scotland said. England sighed, and stood up.

"So you did notice," Englanf said.

"Of course," Scotland said, "Is that boy always like that?"

"Yes," England said.

"Huh. Must make sure to treat him how he treats me," Scotland said.

"Scotland. I don't think you should."

"Why, because of his threat? I'm not worried."

"You should be, Scotland. He said that you'll be in more pain. You know his father is a Death Eater – his whole family is. He probably knows about us. He probably knows you'll be in pain if mass amount of death happened within your territory."

"Since when do ya worry about me?"

"I'm not worrying about you. I'm worrying that the damage will come to me too."

Scotland snorted.

"Sure, England."

"…Be careful around that boy, Scotland," England said seriously before leaving the class.