Chapter Eleven: High Inquisitor
Lydia could feel soft beams of light hitting her face, when she woke. Shielding her eyes she opened them, greeted by the infirmary she had fallen asleep in. Blinking so that she could get used to the bright light, she gingerly felt her mouth, inspecting her teeth. They were back to normal.
Thankfully.
White hot fury swept through her veins as her thoughts drifted to the one who had landed her here in the first place. Montague. That fat ugly brute. She was going to kill him. How dare he? Because of him, she had to spend the night here. Her teeth were nearly two feet long before she had let Madame Pomfrey anywhere near them. The kind witch was nearly exhasperated by the end of the whole ordeal.
Montague would pay.
But Lydia knew she would have to wait. Luke had come to visit her in the night, begging her to be on her best behavior and not pick a fight. At least not so soon after the event. Lydia felt bad that he had fought in her defense, after she had gone down with one measly spell. Pathetic. His purple nose only added to her guilt. Lydia was secretly grateful though, seeing as Montague had his nose broken. Served the git right.
It would be a lie to say she wasn't disappointed that no one else had come to see her. She knew Madam Pomfrey wouldn't let anyone in, but the twins should have been able to sneak in with Luke. Why hadn't they come? A small part of her was hurt. At least Angelina had tried. She had seen the Quidditch captain through the large doors asking to be let in.
Overall, Lydia felt rotten. When Madam Pomfrey came to let her go, she didn't smile. Lydia felt hurt, even though she knew they cared. She couldn't help but feel slightly put out.
"You're free to go, Miss Heart," Madam Pomfrey announced, giving her an encouraging smile. Lydia got up from the bed, nodding.
"Thank you, Madam Pomfrey," she said. The medi witch hurried back to her office, leaving her to stand alone in the infirmary hall. With a sigh she picked up her book bag and headed out, going down to breakfast. Her stomach grumbled hungrily, not matching her current mood.
As she passed through the Great Hall doors a jeer went up from the Slytherin table.
"Alright there, mudblood?" Montague taunted as he rose from his seat. His friends all snickered, smirking at her. Lydia clenched her fists tightly, fighting the urge to run over and punch that smile off his face. She saw Luke rise from his seat at the Gryffindor table with a dark look sent to the Slytherin.
"At least my face doesn't look like it got pounded into the ground," she snarled. Glaring at the furious Slytherin she went to the Gryffindor table and slammed her bag down on the table. She sat heavily, ignoring everyone and filling her plate with toast, eggs and bacon.
Luke placed a hand on her shoulder but she shook it off. "Leave me alone," she snapped. Her voice was hard and her jaw clenched until her teeth hurt. Luke withdrew his hand, brows pulling together. Just as he opened his mouth owls began filling the air.
"Oh, look," Alicia said cutting the tense silence, "mail's here."
A large brown owl landed before Lydia and Luke, gazing at them with large yellow eyes and then raising one of its talons to them. Lydia looked at the envelope and grimaced, as did Luke. They knew that handwriting very well. Slowly Lydia took it, giving the owl a piece of crust from her toast and opening the letter.
'Luke and Lydia,
We're so glad that you made Gryffindor (Remus explained the houses to us), and your father and I are glad that you are settling in well. It is so much quieter without the two of you with us. Currently we are in South Africa working with a relief fund. You know the kind of work. The children are so sweet and lovely, makes me miss my two babies.' Lydia rolled her eyes a small smile forming on her lips. 'We will be leaving in two weeks for the Dominican Republic of Congo. It's so exciting, but your father keeps telling me that it is going to be very dangerous. Especially after what happened there two years ago. I keep telling him not to worry, but you know how your father is.
'Tell us about school! Remus has already informed us what you two have been up to. Lydia, honestly, I expected more from you. I understand Luke, but both of you need to behave. We are letting you enjoy this opportunity, don't ruin it. Anyway, we send out love and let us know what you want to do for Christmas! You can always stay with your godfather, or come spend it with us. Write us soon, we love you. Mum and Dad.'
Lydia sighed, passing the letter to Luke, even though he read it over her shoulder. She was glad that Remus had sent an owl to them so that they could write. It was a little worrying where they were going to go. Two years ago they had been sixteen. It was hard not to remember being evacuated from that region as violence broke out. Their family had been in Rwanda, and the whole experience had been quite an eye opener for the two. Luke frowned at their mothers writing before folding it away and putting it in his bag.
"I can't believe they're going back there," Luke muttered.
"You know mum," Lydia sighed, "she's just trying to help people."
"Yeah," he scratched his head, "Dad will keep them safe." He didn't sound convinced but he let it go. Instead he turned to her. "So, feeling any better?"
"I suppose," Lydia replied rolling her shoulders. "I promise not to cause anymore trouble, at least today." She felt slightly better after reading their mothers letter.
"I'd say you already have caused trouble," George said leaning towards them. "Montague looks like he ate something foul."
Lydia glanced over at the Slytherin table, noting that he was still glowering at them. She turned her nose into the air. "Serves him right," she replied. Angelina gave a huff as she laid her copy of the Daily Prophet down on the table, a frown on her face. Lydia leaned forward, scanning the front page that Angelina was beginning to glare at.
"Ministry Seeks Educational Reform, Dolores Umbridge Appointed First-Ever 'High Inqiusitor'," Alicia read out loud leaning over Angelina's shoulder. "What does that mean?"
Angelina cleared her throat, narrowing her eyes at the paper, "In a surprise move last night the Ministry of Magic passed new legislation giving itself an unprecedented 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-" she shot Fred and George a look. The brothers were scowling.
"Git," they murmured venomously together.
"'-He is now responding to concerns voiced by anxious parents, who feel the school may be moving in a direction they do not approve.'
"This is not the first time in recent weeks Fudge had used new laws to effect improvements at the Wizarding school. As recently as August 30th Educational Decree Twenty-two was passed, to ensure that, in the event of the current headmaster being unable to provide a candidate for a teaching post, the Ministry would select the appropriate person." Lydia's brows drew together, it wasn't hard to guess what the next part was going to be. Umbridge worked for the Ministry, it was obvious that they had already used the decree.
"'That's how Dolores Umbridge came to be appointed to the teaching staff at Hogwarts,' said Weasley last night. 'Dumbledore couldn't find anyone, so the Minister put in Umbridge and of course, she's been an immediate success-"
"Rubbish!" Fred snarled.
Angelina waited patiently as the two brothers fumed and took up where she left off, sounding a bit annoyed by the interruptions. "'-an immediate success, totally revolutionizing the teaching of Defense Against the Dark Arts and providing the Minister with on-the-ground feedback about what's really happening at Hogwarts.'
"It is this last function that the Ministry has now formalized with the passing of Educational Decree Twenty-three, which creates the new position of 'Hogwarts High Inquisitor.'
"'This is an exciting new phase in the Minister's plan to get to grips with what some are calling the 'falling standards' at Hogwarts,' said Weasley. 'The Inquisitor will have powers to inspect her fellow educators and make sure that they are coming up to scratch. Professor Umbridge has been offered this position in addition to her own teaching post, and we are delighted to say that she has accepted.'
"The Ministry's new moves have received enthusiastic support from parents of students at Hogwarts.
"'I feel much easier in my mind bow that I know that Dumbledore is being subjected to fair and objective evaluation,' said Lucius Malfoy, 41, speaking from his Wiltshire mansion last night. 'Many of us with our children's best interests at heart have been concerned about some of Dumbledore's eccentric decisions in the last few years and will be glad to know that the Ministry is keeping an eye on the situation.'
"Among those 'eccentric decisions' are undoubtedly the controversial staff appointments previously described in this newspaper, which have included the hiring of werewolf Remus Lupin, half-giant Rubeus Hagrid, and delusional ex-Auror 'Mad-Eye' Moody.
"Rumors abound, of course, that Albus Dumbledore, once Supreme Mugwump of the International Confederation of Wizards and Chief Warlock of the Wizengamont, is no longer up to the task of managing the prestigious school of Hogwarts.
"'I think the appointment of the Inquisitor is a first step towards ensuring that Hogwarts has a headmaster in whom we can all repose confidence,' said a Ministry insider last night.
"Wizengamont elders Griselda Marchbanks and Tiberius Ogden have resigned in protest at the introduction of the post of Inquisitor to Hogwarts.
"'Hogwarts is a school, not an outpost of Cornelius Fudge's office,' said Madam Marchbanks. 'This is a further disgusting attempt to discredit Albus Dumbledore."' Angelina began to turn to another page to continue reading the article but Lee groaned.
"No more! I can't take more," he moaned. Fred and George nodded in agreement.
"Besides," Luke muttered darkly, "we have Charms next and I'll bet Umbridge is going to be there." He heaved a sigh and picked at his eggs. Angelina folded up her copy of the Daily Prophet, tucking it inside her bag. Fred and George were muttering to each other, and Lee broke the silence first.
"You're brother is a git," he said. They looked at him.
"We know," George replied.
"Imagine his face if we sent him a dung bomb," said Fred with a conspiratory grin. "While he was at work."
"Brilliant!" George beamed. "That'll teach our lovely older brother."
"What about a Howler?" Lydia asked. "I hear they're amazing, at least to watch someone get one, that is."
George grinned at her. "I like your thinking." He turned to Luke. "Where did you get a sister like that? Amazing."
Luke smirked at the two. They finished breakfast in a light mood, Lydia rising first to head to Charms. Fred joined her as they left the Great Hall.
"How are you?" he asked with a note of worry in his voice. Lydia glanced at him, keeping her gaze in the hall ahead of them as they climbed the moving staircases.
"Fine."
"I tried to come and see you," he went on.
"Oh?" Lydia didn't particularily believe the redhead. But then again, she had been sleeping for a while before Luke had come to her.
"George thought it would be best to sneak in, but he fell asleep . . ."
"I take it you did too," Lydia replied, unimpressed.
Fred looked uncomfortable, his cheeks brightening with color. "Yeah, but I wanted to come and make sure-"
"You know, it's alright Fred," she said in a clipped tone. "Honestly, you don't have to defend yourself." It's not like you had to have George come with you and hold your hand, she thought bitterly. Fred stared at her, not sure what to make of her response. They entered Charms, Flitwick was speaking to an all too familiar pink clad teacher. Lydia frowned, taking her seat next to Alicia.
Flitwick turned to them all, with a kind smile on his face.
"Now, I'd like to introduce Professor Umbridge, but you all know her already," he said brightly. "Our professor will be conducting an evaluation on our class today. I won't tell you how to behave, because you are all very well behaved anyways. Wands out! Miss Johnson, if you please, can you pass out the mice today?" Flitwick seemed quite cheerful to have the Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher in the room.
Umbridge merely gave them a honey sweet smile and took a seat in the corner of the classroom, clipboard in hand, watching. Angelina grimaced as she did as Flitwick asked, setting a little white mouse in front of everyone before sitting back down on Alicia's other side. Luke elbowed her in the side.
Lydia realized she'd been staring at Umbridge. Clearing her throat, she turned to her mouse, trying to enlarge its body. It was a pretty normal class, despite the pink toad sitting in the corner. Most of the students pretended she wasn't there, and went about their business, although the talking was significantly quieter. By the end of class, Lydia had managed to get her mouse to be about the size of her Charms textbook. She had quite forgotten that Umbridge was in the room until she heard the professor ask Alicia a question.
"Miss Spinnet," Umbridge said, directly behind Alicia. Alicia turned, surprised and Angelina and Lydia did the same. "Is this usually how this class is?"
"Yes, ma'am," Alicia replied. Umbridge ticked something off on her clipboard.
"How do you feel about the material that is taught?"
"I think that Charms is really good, Professor," Alicia replied. Umbridge ticked off something else. Then she turned her beady eyes on Angelina and Lydia.
"And you, Miss Johnson?"
"The same, professor," Angelina replied.
"Miss Heart?"
"Charms is a really good class, Professor Flitwick is a wonderful teacher," Lydia replied, trying not to sound annoyed. Umbridge hummed, ticking something off and turned away. Lydia could've sworn that Umbridge had given her a glare. They left Charms and headed for Lunch, the girls keeping quiet while the boys went ahead.
They entered the Great Hall to see Fred, George, Lee and Luke talking with Harry, Ron and Hermione. Lydia sat down with Angelina and Alicia. They were joined by Katie a moment later. The sixth year beamed at them, but frowned when she noticed their muted cheer.
"What's wrong?"
"We had Umbridge evaluate Charms," Alicia said. "It was weird. I felt like I was being watched the whole time, and then she asked us questions about the class. I don't know, but it didn't feel right." Angelina and Lydia looked at each other. Well, no duh. Umbridge had been watching them the whole time.
Katie frowned. "She's really doing the evaluations then?"
"Yes," Angelina sighed. Her gaze strayed down the table to Harry. "I just hope my Seeker can keep his temper under control so he can be at practice."
Katie followed her gaze, though her eyes settled on Luke. "I know." They finished lunch and headed for Defense Against the Dark Arts. They entered the classroom, which was missing a very vivid pink teacher.
Instead a man in a well tailored suit stood at the head of the classroom. His dark hair was slicked back in a very business like manner and he regarded them with a look of mild disgust as they filed in. Lydia frowned.
"Who's he?"
"No idea," Fred murmured equally perplexed as she was, when she passed him. He sat in his seat behind her and Lydia took her seat next to Luke. She leaned over to her brother.
"You don't think she's sick do you?" There was no worry in her voice. Luke smirked at her.
"If only."
The quiet mutterings continued until the classroom door swung shut and the man raised one of his hands into the air. The students stopped what they were discussing and turned their full attention to the odd looking man, interested as to why he was here and Umbridge wasn't. Not that they were complaining of course.
"I am teaching today for Professor Umbridge while she evaluates another class today," he began, his tone sharp and condescending. "She is ensuring that the staff of Hogwarts are fit to teach you, students," his lip curled, "within the Ministry guidelines."
"Guidelines?" Lee muttered. The man narrowed his eyes at him. Lee pressed his lips together and didn't utter another word.
"I will be with you until Professor Umbridge is done with her evaluations, or when she is not observing another class."
Alicia raised her hand into the air. With a scowl he have her a nod. "What may we call you, sir?"
Lydia didn't think it was possible for the man to look any more disgusted, but apparently she was wrong as his mouth twisted and his eyes narrowed even further. Alicia bit her lip, uncomfortable.
"You may call me 'sir'," he finally said. "Instructions are on the board." He went to the desk, sitting down stiffly and turning his attention to a copy of the Prophet. Lydia's brows drew together. He was almost as unpleasant as Snape. Except he didn't seem keen on insulting them, and showed no care for the lesson.
Lydia felt Fred tap her shoulder. Turning in her seat she looked at him questioningly. "You think he'll be around long?" Lydia caught the grin on his face, the one that usually meant he was planning something. It was wide and his blue eyes flashed playfully. Lydia felt her own lips pull back in a smile that mirrored his.
"What do you have in mind?"
"Ever thought about trying some product?" he asked, referring to the skiving snackboxes they were promoting. He grinned devilishly. Lydia pulled a face.
"And end up back in the infirmary? No thanks," she said. Fred rolled his eyes.
"Where's your sense of adventure?"
"Don't know," Lydia said with a shrug of the shoulders. "Care to help me find it?" His smile spread wider and Lydia felt her face warm. They were flirting! A fool would be able to see it. Luke was watching out of the corner of his eye, frowning. George glanced at them as he bent over his textbook. He kicked Fred, when he noticed that there was another person watching. Fred glared at him, frowning when George tilted his head forwards. Fred followed, coughing and ducking his head.
Lydia swiveled around in her seat, paling as the man stared her down. Lydia lowered her gaze to her work, cheeks flaming. She was glad he didn't call her out. Merlin, forbid. Lydia would die of embarrassment.
I honestly cannot explain the angst going on. Seriously. Angst and fluff, I suppose. Yeah, Lydia knows whats going on now, that or she's being very stubborn in accepting it. Bah, she'll get it soon. I also wanted to add that little bit with their parents, because I know parents don't just send their kids off to school without wanting to know everything. I know mine would so . . .
I also decided to follow the book for the next few chapters. I think it helps explain Umbridge's whole quasi takeover, and I took the liberty of adding Mr. Creepy-Sir. I just felt like writing him in. Hopefully he'll make more than one appearance. I realized while I was writing him that he was a lot like Snape. A lot. So if he shows up again I'll try to expand his character . . . I think dressing like a muggle business man was a good start. Personally, I think he's a sleeze-bag, at least in my mind.
Sorry for the ranting. I've been writing all day, and my mind is buzzing with ideas. I have a Hobbit fanfic that I am nearly done with, but unsure as to whether or not to post it. I don't want it to tank like my Running from Fate fanfic. . . AGH! Sorry for ranting! Too much on my mind. No one probably reads all the way through these things anyways. :)
Thank you to my readers and reviewers! Dumbledore's Army is up next, I promise!
R&R!
~filimeala