A/N: Like last chapter, this one will be in many parts.

DISCLAIMER: Any line, name or situation you recognize aren't mine. I only own OC's and the back stories of each of them. Enjoy, please.

RavenclawLupin11 presents:

Sapphire Eyes Book 1

Chapter 11: The High Inquisitor

Blaise had gotten a months detentions from Snape, along with Harry and Evan from McGonagall, Terry, Stephen and Anthony from Flitwick and Draco and Nott had to join Blaise in his detentions. Apparently, Blaise had recruited all of the help from my closest male friends to take down Roger Davies. In the end, Davies had a broken nose and two fractured ribs from the beat down. Terry had told me the only magic they used was The Leg-Locker Curse and Langlock. I was upset that they had gotten so severely punished but I was glad that Roger wasn't allowed to be in charge of the tryouts on Thursday. Ruffling the Daily Prophet at Monday's breakfast, I was greeted with the headline "Ministry seeks Educational Reform, Dolores Umbridge appointed first-ever "High Inquisitor."

I turned to Terry, sitting quietly next to me. "Did you see this?"

He looked over and read the article aloud. Most of Ravenclaw fifth year was listening in when jhe finished; Terry commented saying, "First off, she's not been an immediate success and second of all, this explains where she came from. Fudge appointed her here to watch over Dumbledore."

Stephen smiled though. "There's some good news hidden in that article."

"What good could possibly come with this rubbish," Anthony asked, holding Padma's hand tightly in his own.

"She'll have to inspect McGonagall at some point. And even if we aren't there to witness it, I'm sure it'll be one hell of story to hear about."

We didn't have long to wait to see what Umbridge's inspections looked like. She was waiting in Snape's dungeon classroom when we arrived with Hufflepuff. Shy Kevin Whitby looked white with fear as he sat down next to me. "Are you alright," I asked him as Ernie Macmillian passed back our Moonstone Essays.

I never got a reply because Snape said, "On your essays you will find the grade you would've received if this had been graded according to the OWL standards. In general, your work was abysmal, with very few exceptions. Top marks were given to only six of the entire fifth year. Miss Black received the only Outstanding grade." Snape looked at me before continuing, "I'd suggest you tutor your peers, but there are too many for just you to help improve. Take five points for Ravenclaw and be happy about it."

A small "Hem, Hem" was heard from the corner, interuppting what would've been another slight at my heritage and family name, causing Snape to turn to where Umbridge sat in the dark corner. "Yes?" Snape said, his lip curling.

"You got the post about your inspection?"

Snape reached into his robe pocket and extracted a bright pink sheet of parchment. He held it out at the top corner as if it was an infectious disease. "You mean this thing?"

Umbridge nodded and began scribbling on her notebook. Snape continued on his OWL rampage. "Today, you will make me an OWL favorite-The Strengthening Solution. This solution will indeed show up on the OWL practical and will require a few classes to compete fully. We will start with part one today. The directions are on the board, the ingredients in the store room as usual, and I will be supervising your work periodically. You may begin now."

I lit my the fire cask below my cauldron as Kevin finally answered me. "U-U-Umbridge just frightens me, is all."

"It's quite upsetting to me that teachers send their students into an intense panic because they are scared of them," I remarked.

Kevin swallowed hard again, his eyes following the movements of Stephen as the Ravenclaw went to the store room to get his ingredients. "I've read up on her," Kevin whispered to me, adding his Powdered Griffin Claw to his cauldron. "She's against anyone of muggle blood, anyone who speaks out against Fudge, anyone who is a half-breed or anyone who enjoys the company of the same gender."

"You fancy blokes," I asked him in an undertone as I watched my solution turn electric blue.

Kevin nodded. "Not just any bloke." I followed his gaze as it lingered on the back of Stephen's head.

"Well," I said, realizing what Kevin was saying. "You've picked the right bloke, my friend."

Kevin looked at me in confusion. "What d'you mean?"

"Stephen is as flaming as a dying phoenix."

After our class was over, Stephen, Terry and myself stood by the wall outside of the door, to listen in on Umbridge's remarks to Snape.

"The Strengthening Solution doesn't seem like a Ministry approved potion to be making, though, your students seem advance for their ages. You've been teaching for how long?"

"Fourteen years," came Snape's stiff reply.

"And every year you apply for the Defense Against the Dark Arts post?"

"Yes."

"But you've been unsuccessful?"

I could almost hear Snape's lip curl. "Obviously."

"Why do you think Dumbledore repeatedly turns you down?"

"You'll have to ask him," Snape replied. "Why is this relevant?"

"The Ministry wants a thorough background check of all the teachers. You'll get your inspection results by the end of the week."

"Lovely."

Umbridge's heels began to click on the stone floor and the three of us took off to History of Magic, where, much to our dismay, Umbridge followed us. Harry and Evan stiffened when they saw her sit down in the corner, while I saw Hermione whisper an 'oh no' to herself.

Dad walked in, noticed Toad Face sitting in the corner and completely ignored her. Setting his briefcase on the desk, Dad began. "Please turn to chapter 10 of A History of Magic and take notes on The Statute of Secrecy of 1689. We'll discuss after an hour."

Umbridge, seeing that Dad wasn't going to give much of a lecture today, decided to walk amongst the students, giving small interviews from the students. She started with Pansy Parkinson who said Dad's lessons were always interesting and she is able to retain the information he gave better than Professor Binns' lessons. Draco Malfoy said that Dad never played favorites with his family or his old house. When Blaise commented on how intelligent Dad was, the corner of Dad's mouth turned up in a smile.

I resumed my note taking on the Statute of Secrecy, when Stephen nudged my arm. "What?" I whispered.

"Did you notice Kevin Whitby staring at me during Potions today?"

"No, why," I lied blatantly.

Stephen looked a little confused. "I noticed him staring at me last night at supper and then again today during Potions, and now his gaze travels over here every two minutes. I sat next to him in the library on Friday, and I thought he was going to explode because his entire head turned scarlet."

"Oh," I said. "Well, if you asked me, I'd say he fancies you."

"Really," Stephen asked with a glazed look on his face.

I nodded. "That or he is stalking you and plotting your death."

"In this day and age," Stephen said, shaking his head. "You can't be too sure that he's not."

"What are you going to do about Kevin?"

Stephen seemed to ponder this question. "Well, it isn't really frowned upon to be gay nowadays but it isn't exactly accepted either."

"Why don't you get to know him first. Assess his personality, find out his favorite color and where he grew up and then make a decision based on that, rather than political reasons?"

Stephen was about to answer when Dad finally called the class to order and we began our discussion. Dad's inspection seemed to go very well indeed.

After class was dismissed, Blaise met me at the door, his hand outstretched. "Anything new lately?"

I laced my fingers with his. "Well Stephen Entwistle and Kevin Whitby both fancy each other and are going to look into getting together, Umbridge basically insulted Snape during his inspection today which spurned me to feel sorry for him for the first time in my life, and I am more in love with you today than I was yesterday." At the last sentence, I placed a kiss on his lips as we got to the Great Hall.

"How ironic," Blaise said. "I also love you more today than I did yesterday!" He kissed my hand and walked over to Slytherin table, leaving a blush and a smile on my face.

Sitting next to Terry at Ravenclaw Table, I liberally spooned potatoes onto my plate. "Do you know what Flitwick is going to make you three do?"

"Yes," Anthony said. "Flitwick stopped me on my way to Potions to tell me that we'll be polishing the silverware."

"That doesn't sound too bad," I remarked.

Anthony snorted. "Without magic."

After Ancient Runes, and Blaise went off to Care of Magical Creatures, we met up with Gryffindor's for Defense. Sitting down, Harry was filling me in on what went down in Trewlaney's inspection when Umbridge came in and tutted, "Wands away." I took a sidelong glance at Seamus Finnegan as he stowed his wand away, a look of disappointment etched on his face. "As we finished chapter one last lesson, turn to page 19 and commence chapter two. There will be no need to talk."

I drew out my quill and parchment to take notes when I noticed Hermione was sitting ramrod straight with her book closed and her hand in the air. Getting up and standing directly in front of her, she whispered close to her face, "What is it this time, Miss Granger?"

"I've already read chapter two."

"Then proceed to chapter three."

"I've already read the whole book."

Gathering her poise, she said, "Tell me what Slinkhard says about counterjinxes in chapter fifteen."

Hermione began promptly. "He says that counterjinxes are improperly named, that the word 'counterjinx' is just a name people give their jinxes when they want to make them sound more acceptable. But I disagree."

"I'm afraid, little girl, that it is Mr. Slinkhard's opinion, not yours, that matters in this classroom."

"But, I think that they are very useful when used defensively," Hermione said, defying a teacher. I was moderately impressed with her.

"That is enough! Miss Granger, I'm taking five points from you."

"Whatever for," Harry boomed from my left.

I tried to shush him. "Harry stay out of it!

"No," he said to me before turning to Umbridge. "Hermione is right. She shouldn't have back-talked you, but she's right. Defensively, counterjinxes are effective."

Umbridge scowled. "Another week of detentions for you, Mr. Potter." Then she turned to the rest of us. "Please continue working quietly. I have no more interruptions.


After Harry's detention on Tuesday, we all met in the Marauder's Quarters. Hermione, Luna and Blaise joined us for our meeting. Discussing Umbridge, Lily and James spoke to Harry about his temper problem.

"She's a horrible woman. Absolutely awful," Hermione said. "Evan and I were discussing it while you were in detention."

"I suggested poison," Evan said.

Hermione threw him a look. "No. Something about how dreadful a teacher she is and how we're not going to learn anything with her as our teacher."

"Good news is," I said from her right. "She'll only last a year."

Violet looked at me confused. "What d'you mean?"

"The job is jinxed," I replied. "No one who has taken the post has lasted more than one year. Quirrel died, Lockhart's memory went bonkers, Remus resigned, Moody turned out to not be Moody at all...We've had new DADA teachers every year since we began, and our parents had a new one every year too. She'll be replaced next year."

"Yes," Hermione said, sticking her nose in the air. "But that doesn't help us now, does it?"

Evan sighed. "Well, your majesty, what do you suggest we do about it?"

"Do it ourselves."

There was a small silence before Blaise asked, "Do what ourselves?"

"Learn Defense ourselves."

"You've got to be kidding me! Give ourselves more work? Harry and I are behind on our homework already and it's only the second week!" Hestia looked at Evan with disdain at that last sentence.

"But this is so much more important that homework!"

We all turned and ogled at her.

"I-" Evan started. "I didn't think there was anything more important than homework."

Hermione didn't catch the sarcasm. "Of course there is, don't be silly. We have to be prepared for what's out there."

"For once in my life, I agree with Hermione," I said.

"Well if these two can agree on something, it's probably worth taking a second look at," Delphine said.

Evan asked. "How are we going to learn, from library books? That isn't working in class, what makes you think it'll work that way?"

"No, I agree. We need a teacher," Hermione replied. "A proper teacher. Someone who has real experience defending themselves against the Dark Arts."

Harry pointed at Remus. "What about him?"

"No," Hermione shot him down, before Remus could reply. "He's far too busy with the Order. Besides, I was thinking of getting a large group of people. We wouldn't all fit in here."

"Well then who," Harry asked tiredly.

Hermione sighed. "Isn't it obvious? You, Harry!"

Harry turned to Evan and to my surprise, Evan didn't look exasperated. "That's an idea," the young Lupin said.

"But-" Harry spluttered. "I'm not a teacher!"

"You are the best in our year in Defense, Harry," Blaise said. "Your marks in that class have been higher than Hermione's since year two."

Hermione nodded. "And look at what you've done."

"How do you mean," Harry asked.

I interjected. "You know, I'm not too sure I want someone this stupid teaching me." I winked at Evan before looking straight at Harry. "You saved the stone from Voldemort at age 11, you killed the basilisk at age 12, you fought a hundred dementors at once and produced a corporeal patronus at age 13 and last year you fought off Voldemort in the flesh."

"NONE OF YOU KNOW WHAT IT'S LIKE!" Harry said angrily. "None of you do! You've never had to face him, have you? You think by memorizing a bunch of spells it'll make a difference? The whole time you're sure there is nothing between you and death. When you're a second away from death or being tortured or watching a friend die-they've never taught any of us that in class-what it's like to deal with those feelings. You all sit there acting like I'm such a clever little boy when I could've saved Cedric. I was stupid and let him die."

"Harry, stop it."

We all looked up at Lily as she stood there, arms crossed. "You forget that we all do know what facing Voldemort is like. Alice and Frank Longbottom lost their senses to Bellatrix Lestrange on his orders. Your father and I went into hiding, not even telling Remus or Sirius where we were. Peter nearly got us killed by leaking the wrong information. We've had to fight his Death Eaters most of our lives, both in the field and in these halls. You all need to understand something. Fourteen years ago, we almost lost all that we hold most dear. Teaching these kids, teaching the next generation of fighters, is one of the greatest gifts you could give to us, as your family."

"Harry, don't you see," Hermione said. "This is our only chance at defeating V-Voldemort."

This was the first time I had ever heard Hermione say his name, and after that night, I held her in a higher respect than I did previously.

"Just think about it, Harry. Please," she asked and he nodded.

Later that night, I lay back on my pillows thinking about all of the amazing things my brother had accomplished in his lifetime, and how incredibly proud I was of him.