Chapter 13
Dolores Umbridge
Harry sat quietly on the cot as Madam Pomfrey forced a vile potion down his throat. Draco sat on the cot next to him sending scathing looks at him when no one was looking.
"I will be contacting both your families tonight," Professor McGonagall said. "And you will both receive three week's detention and one hundred house points for your disorderly conduct." Harry and Draco groaned.
"May I suggest that we not heal them magically?" Snape drawled. "Perhaps it will teach them a lesson if they have to suffer a bit."
McGonagall nodded at Snape. "That might not be a bad idea… Poppy?"
"Potter needs to stay overnight for his concussion, but other than that I have no issue with letting their bones set the muggle way," Madam Pomfrey said, forcing another potion down his throat. Harry grimaced. Yuck! I hate sleeping potion! He thought disgustedly.
"The muggle way!" Malfoy said, incredulously. "That's barbaric! I was just defending myself! He is the one who started it. He broke my wand too!" Madam Pomfrey turned to Malfoy, giving him a potion as well, and poking him with her wand.
"Please, Mr. Malfoy, Mr. Potter may have started the fight, but you pulled out your wand," Professor McGonagall said sharply.
"He owes me a new wand!" Draco urged, batting Madam Pomfrey's hands away from him. Harry rolled his eyes.
"Potter will replace your wand," Snape promised him. Malfoy harrumphed and folded his arms, contentedly. "However, I highly doubt that he started this feud." Harry did a double take. Was Snape defending him? Hell must have frozen over…
"What do you mean Severus?" McGonagall asked, as confused as Harry was. "Potter did, I'm afraid, throw the first punch."
"Yes, but as arrogant, troublesome and loose with the rules as he is, Potter doesn't get into fights for no reason. And Draco is known for being… loose… with his tongue," he drawled giving Malfoy a dark stare.
Malfoy gaped at his head of house in astonishment. "When my father hears about this-!"
"I'm sure he would love to hear how you pulled a wand on a fellow student and cast a potentially dangerous spell at them. I am surprised he did not choke on that tongue," McGonagall said harshly, pointing at Harry. "Frankly I would love a chat with your father. And when I find out what you said, and believe me I will find out, Mr. Malfoy, we shall have a chat with him about that too." Draco just scowled. "If your punishment was up to me, you'd be sent home for a month." Harry paled. Was she going to send him back to Grimmauld place for a month? Granted he'd be able to spend more time with his parents, but a month? Hogwarts was his home away from home, and Grimmauld place was just… creepy… and cramped. "Fortunately for you, it is not up to me."
"What's the damage?" Snape asked, turning to Madam Pomfrey.
"They got into it pretty good. Broken nose, shattered collarbone, dislocated shoulder, and a broken foot and ankle on this one," she said pointing at Draco. "Nasty concussion, broken arm, broken wrist and a broken cheek bone with this one." She wiped her hands on her apron. "Other than that, bruises, minor cuts and the like. I want Potter to stay the night-" Harry groaned. He hated the hospital wing. "Don't complain to me Mr. Potter. Concussions aren't anything to shake a stick at," she lectured him, before returning her attention to the two professors standing at the end of the beds. "Malfoy however can leave."
McGonagall nodded. "Very well. Severus will you escort Mr. Malfoy to the Slytherin common room?" He nodded.
Madam Pomfrey conjured up a pair of crutches and handed them to Draco. "Come back to me in a week."
"But what about Dinner?" Malfoy asked incredulously.
"I'm confident you would survive without dinner just fine," Professor McGonagall said dryly. "But I will send the house elves with something to eat." Malfoy followed Snape out, leaning on the pair of crutches. Harry gave a sigh of relief. That wasn't so bad, he thought to himself.
"What did he say to you?" McGonagall asked him, crossing her arms across her chest.
"He called my mother a mudblood," he said, rubbing his aching head. "And went on about how I've ruined the Potter blood line. I just- I'm sick of listening to him go on about how much better he is than everyone else. I know I shouldn't have hit him. I just lost it."
"Mr. Malfoy is annoying, I know, Potter. Just ignore him, and he'll go away," Professor McGonagall said. Harry gave her a disbelieving look. "Get some rest. You don't want to get behind on the school year before it's even started."
"Yes Professor." She headed for the door at the end of the room. Harry lay down on the bed, tiredly. I don't think a pillow ever looked so good, he said to himself as he closed his eyes. Madam Pomfrey's sleeping potion finally took effect and he fell into peaceful oblivion…
IIIIIIIIIIIII
"How are you feeling?" Hermione asked him, as he sat down at the breakfast table. "We got worried when you didn't show up last night."
"Madam Pomfrey made me spend the night," Harry explained to her. "I'm feeling much better though."
Ron snorted into is juice. "You don't look it mate," he laughed. "You look like you got into a fight with a bewitched dresser or something."
"Really?" Harry said, touching his face gently. "Is it bad?"
"It's not that bad, it's-" Hermione said delicately.
"Terrible," Fred and George said together, cheerfully. They slid into the bench next to them, and set their bags down. Fred picked up a silver goblet and put in front of Harry's face. Harry took it from him and looked at his reflection. His left cheekbone was bruised, his lip was split and he had two black eyes. He grimaced.
"I can't believe you beat him up!" Neville squeaked. "That was really brave. I don't think I could have done it." Harry nodded in thanks, awkwardly and started to pile sausages onto his plate.
"How much trouble did you get into?" Ginny asked from a few seats down, where she was sitting with a blonde haired girl in Ravenclaw robes.
"Three weeks detention with Professor McGonagall. And a letter to my paren- Aunt and Uncle," he finished hurriedly.
"It's a good thing for once that they don't care what you do at Hogwarts," Neville said positively, not noticing the slip up. "My Gran would kill me."
"Really?" Harry gulped worriedly.
Neville shrugged. "That or be really proud of me… She's kind of confusing like that…"
"No punishment will ever be enough to top the feeling of watching that git getting the mickey beaten out of him!" George declared. "Isn't that right Harry?"
Harry's mouth twitched upwards slightly. "Yeah, I suppose."
George lifted his goblet and stood up. "To Lord Potter! Hero of the half bloods!" he said loudly. A group of sixth year Hufflepuff's turned around and laughed, a few lifting their goblets as well. Harry blushed scarlet and concentrated on his breakfast.
Fred stood up next to his twin. "Minder of the Muggleborns!"
"Cheers!" George said to his brother and they tapped their goblets together. He bent down and clinked Harry's and Ron's goblets. Fred leaned behind him and tapped glasses with the group of Hufflepuff's. Hermione scowled at Fred and George.
Professor McGonagall walked up to the group of Griffindor's. "I hope we're not celebrating the loss of one hundred points from Griffindor," she said dryly, staring at Fred and George.
"Of course not, Professor!" Fred said dramatically. "I'm wounded! How could you think that low of us?"
"We're celebrating the loss of a hundred points from Slytherin!" George added, happily.
She rolled her eyes. "Schedules," she said passing them out. Harry started scanning through his. Who is Umbridge? He thought when he read the name next to his Defense Against the Dark Arts class. "Oh and Mr. Potter, I expect to see you at 7:30 sharp, tonight. Don't be late." Harry nodded quickly and she walked farther down the table.
"What is Umbridge like?" Harry asked his friends.
"A nutter," Ron said.
"As usual," Hermione said. "She interrupted Dumbledore's feast speech so she could introduce herself… What day do we have her?"
Harry looked back down at his schedule. "Today. First double potions, then defense, double transfiguration and then divination.
Hermione nodded. "I have Ancient Runes instead of Divination," she explained. "We should probably go get our books together and head out." Harry looked longingly at his nearly uneaten plate of food.
IIIIIIIIIIIII
"If you have any plans of continuing potions next semester, you will need at least an Exceeds Expectations," Snape drawled as he walked around the dark classrooms. "Those of you with no spattering of potions ability, had best study hard or find another career." Harry looked up expecting Snape to be glaring at him, but the professor was staring down at Neville. Neville gulped.
"Pull out your books and open them to page 213. We will be working on the draught of peace. You will find everything you need in the storage cabinet. You have an hour and a half." Everyone's chairs scuffed against the floor as they stood up to pick up their ingredients. Harry got in line behind Pavarti. He looked further down the line and saw Draco leaning on his crutches, moaning to Pansy Parkinson. Git, he thought. It's not that bad. Ron cut in line behind Harry, much to the dislike of the Slytherin behind him.
"No cuts," the Slytherin said roughly. "Get to the back of the line or else."
Ron shared a glance with Harry before turning around smiling. "Are you threatening me?" he said pompously. "I'm a prefect, you know. You'd better watch yourself." The Slythernin paled and took a step back. Ron turned back around happily. "This dumb badge is good for something, isn't it Harry?"
Harry laughed. "Be careful Hermione doesn't catch you doing that," he warned jokingly. "She'll have your head." They moved forward in the line.
"Have you seen Malfoy?" Ron asked pointing at him. "It's hilarious."
Harry nodded. "Yeah, I know."
When it was their turn, they collected the ingredients they needed and carried them back to their table. Harry flipped open his book to the correct page and started to read. "Merlin's pants, this looks difficult," Ron complained. "We're never going to pass this class with an Exceed's Expectations."
"Thanks, Ron," Harry said sarcastically. "That's the spirit." Ron laughed and grabbed a knife and a handful of beetle eyes. "Cut in halves to release the juices," Harry read from the book. Ron tried to cut it with the knife but it slipped out of his grasp and flew into the air, smacking into the back of Neville's head a few seats away.
"Sorry Neville," he called out.
Neville smiled. "It's alright, I think I did the same thing to Pansy Parkinson." Ron laughed and returned his attention to their potion.
"You are quite capable of cutting your own ingredients Mr. Malfoy!" Snape called from across the room. Draco looked up surprised as Crabbe sliced his mandrake root.
An hour later Harry and Ron sat over their potion, tired and sweaty. Harry looked around at everyone else's potions and sighed. Hermione's was silver, which meant theirs was supposed to be silver. He looked at their potion defeated. It was a moldy green color and it bubbled. "We're doomed," Ron moaned. Snape walked up behind them. Ron and Harry gulped as he looked in their cauldron.
"Did you put in your lacewing flies Potter?"
Harry looked over at his pile of flies and groaned. "No."
Snape gave him a look. "Pay more attention," he said before walking on. Harry and Ron shared a confused glance. Is that it? Harry thought to himself. No below the belt comments, no insults? He watched Snape as he graded other student's potions, perplexed. He snapped at Neville and ignored Hermione. He is acting normal to everyone but me-, Snape started yelling at Malfoy. Or not.
"Are you trying to blow up this room, Mr. Malfoy?" Snape said irritably. "Ten points from Slytherin for that useless sludge." Malfoy gawked. "Class dismissed."
IIIIIIIIIIIII
"Merlin, this place is hideous," Ron muttered under his breath as they walked in. Harry nodded his head in agreement. Dozens of ceramic plates lined the walls, emblazoned with meowing cats moving around. Harry and Ron sat awkwardly onto the furry carnation colored chairs. "This place is almost as bad as Trelawny's room."
Harry pulled out his defense textbook, a piece of parchment and the quick notes quill his mother gave him for his birthday. Thank goodness, he thought to himself. His right arm and wrist was in a muggle cast, and he was no good at writing with his left. Hermione sat down next to Neville at the table in front of them.
"You're going to have to let me borrow that sometime," Ron said pointing at his quill.
"You can copy the notes later if you want," Harry said.
"Wicked. I hope this Umbridge isn't as big of a quack as she looked last night."
"What happened last night?" Harry asked.
"She interrupted Dumbledore to give a speech," Ron told him, rolling his eyes. "She works for the Ministry of Magic, Fudge's right hand I think."
"Great," Harry said morosely, leaning back in his chair. "Just what I need."
"Cheer up mate, you just got off to a bad start," Ron said as the office door opened. The students stopped talking, and watched the Professor carefully as she walked down the steps. She was a plump woman, Harry noticed, and short, with short hair as well. She was wearing a pink set of wizard robes that made her almost blend in to the pink classroom.
"Good morning class!" She said cheerfully, picking up a piece of chalk.
"Good morning professor," everyone said dully.
"Welcome to Defense Against the Dark Arts. My name is Dolores Umbridge, Professor Umbridge to all of you." She walked slowly over to the chalkboard. The piece of chalk in her hand rose up and started to write on the board. "Ordinary Wizarding Level Examination," she said sweetly. "More commonly known as O.W.L's! Now the Ministry of Magic has noticed some severe holes in your education. I am happy to tell you that is problem is now rectified. During this school year we will embark on a journey of carefully structured and theory centered learning. I am here to properly teach you what you need to know to pass your examinations in a safe and welcoming environment. In this Ministry approved class we have three goals. Does anyone know what they might be?" Everyone looked at Hermione, expecting her to. She shook her head and folded her arms. "No one? Very well." She tapped the chalkboard and the chalk started writing again.
Class Goals:
Understanding the principles of defensive magic
Learning when to use defensive magic
Placing the use of defensive magic in context necessary for practical use
"Now does everyone have a copy of the text?" Everyone nodded. "Now I'd like you to read the first chapter in class and then we will discuss." With that she sat down in her fuzzy pink chair. Harry and Ron exchanged glances before opening up their books. Harry suffered through the first few pages before giving up. It was the most boring thing he'd ever read. Professor Binn's was a slapstick comedian compared to the text. Bored, he looked over to Ron who sat doodling on his text. When he looked to the table next to him he gave a jolt of surprise.
Hermione sat with pursed lips at her desk with one hand held up in the air, and the other resting on her unopened book. Harry gently nudged Ron to show him. Ron looked up quickly at Harry. He nudged his head in Hermione's direction and Ron bent forward to see. Ron's jaw dropped and he gave Harry an amazed look. Sensing that something interesting was going on, within a few minutes the rest of the class raised their heads to watch Hermione try and catch Professor Umbridge's eye.
Realizing that no one was going to continue reading until Hermione was dealt with, Umbridge asked "Did you have any questions about the text?"
Hermione shook her head. "Not about the text professor."
"Well we are reading right now," Umbridge said with a false smile. "I will answer your questions after class-"
"I have a question about your class goals," Hermione said quickly before she could be stopped. "I don't see anything in the course goals about practicing defensive spells!"
Professor Umbridge gave out a high pitched laugh. "Why, child, I cannot fathom any reason you would need to use spells in my class. Surely you're not expecting to be attacked during my class?"
"So we're not going to use magic?" Ron asked loudly.
"Students must raise their hands before speaking in my class. What is your name?"
"Ron Weasley," he said raising his hand. Umbridge turned around in an attempt ignored him but Harry and Hermione both raised their hands as well.
"What, Mrs. Granger."
"Surely the whole point of Defense Against the Dark Arts is to practice defensive spells?"
"Tell me Mrs. Granger. Are you a Ministry-trained educational expert?" Hermione shook her head.
"Well then I'm afraid you are not qualified to dictate the terms of my classroom. Wizards and Witches much older and wiser than you have created our new lesson plan. You will be learning about defensive spells in a safe, risk-free way-"
"What use is that?" Harry asked hotly. "If we're going to be attacked it isn't going to be risk free!"
"Hand, Mr. Potter!" She snapped. Harry thrust it into the air, and she deftly ignored it. Dean raised his hand.
"Yes, Mr.?" Umbridge sighed.
"Thomas, Dean Thomas."
"Harry had it right, didn't he? If we're going to be attacked it won't be-"
"Do you expect to be attacked during my class, Mr. Thomas?" Umbridge asked shrilly.
"No, but-"
"I have no desire to criticize the way things have been run here at Hogwarts," she said with a false smile. "But you all have been exposed to some extremely irresponsible wizards. Not to mention disgusting half breeds."
"If you mean Professor Lupin," Dean said angrily. "He was the best teacher we ever had!"
"You have been exposed to potentially lethal spells that are highly inappropriate for your age group. You my dears, have been frightened into thinking you will meet dark attacks every other day!"
"No we haven't!" Hermione said.
"It is my understanding that your previous teacher not only performed illegal curses, he did so on you! And the professor before him-"
"He was a bloody maniac, wasn't he?" Ron said.
Dean nodded. "But we learned loads."
"Enough!" She screeched. "It is the view of the Ministry that a theoretical knowledge will be more than enough to get you through your examinations. Which is what your Hogwarts education is about, is it not?"
Pavarti raised her hand. "Won't we have to use the spells on our O.W.L's?"
"As long as you have studied the theory well enough, there is no reason you shouldn't be able under controlled examination conditions."
"Without ever practicing them before?" Pavarti asked incredulously. "Are you saying that the first time we get to use the spells is during our exams?"
"I repeat, Ms. Patil, if you study the theory well enough-"
Harry stood up. "What good is theory going to be in the real world?"
"There's no one waiting out there, Mr. Potter."
"Oh yeah? How about Lord Voldemort?" Harry said mockingly. Several people in the class flinched at the name. "I'm sure he'd never attack children."
"Ten points from Griffindor, Mr. Potter," Umbridge snapped at him. "That is enough. Take your seat." Harry flopped down in his chair angrily, and the class quieted down. "Let me make something clear to all of you," she said dangerously. "You have been told that a certain dark wizard has returned from the dead-"
"He was never dead!" Harry said exasperatedly.
"If you speak up one more time in my class, Mr. Potter, you won't be in it much longer!" She yelled at him. She turned around to compose herself. "You've been told that this dark wizard is at large. This is a lie."
"IT IS NOT A LIE! I SAW HIM, I FOUGHT HIM."
"DETENTION, Mr. Potter! Five o' clock. My office. I repeat, this is a lie. The ministry guarantees that there is no dark wizard wandering Europe. If someone is alarming you with lies, do not listen to them. Now kindly return to your reading." She sat down into her chair and returned to her paperwork.
Harry slowly stood up, his hands in fists. Everyone in the class watched him. Hermione grabbed the sleeve of his robe to pull him back down, but Harry pushed her hand away. "Mate, what are you doing?" Ron whispered.
"So according to you professor, Cedric Diggory dropped dead of his own accord, then?" Harry asked boldly. Several students gasped. No one knew what had happened that night but Ron and Hermione.
Umbridge looked up from her paperwork, and gave him a sickly sweet smile. "Cedric Diggory's death was a terrible accident."
"It was murder!" He clenched his fists, and unclenched them, trying to calm himself down. "Voldemort killed him. You know it, the ministry knows it. Cornelius Fudge is just too afraid to admit it, so he'd rather run away with his tail between his legs!"
"I will have no more disruptions from you, Mr. Potter," she said coldly, handing him a slip. "Take this to Professor McGonagall. Now." Harry tore the piece of paper out of her hand and stomped out of the room, pausing only to grab his book bag. He slammed the door behind him. Ron and Hermione watched him leave with gaping mouths.
As soon as he closed the door, the adrenaline coursing through his veins disappeared and was replaced by a cold dread. He stopped. What did he just do? He asked himself. He stuffed the letter into his pocket with shaking hands and took a deep breath. Why did he keep losing control like this? All the time? He just felt so… so angry.
He turned and headed down the hall towards McGonagall's office. She was going to kill him. This time he knew she was going to send him back to Grimmauld Place. Would they expel him this time? For once he was looking forward to leaving Hogwarts. This was the worst start of the semester he'd ever had. Two sets of detentions, a fight, and an argument with a professor. Wait till my parents hear about this… He gulped. What would they do when they found out? Neville said his grandmother would likely kill him. Ron's mom definitely would. He made a right and continued walking. He had always only had the Dursley's, they didn't care about what he did at Hogwarts, as long they could punish him. He had never wondered what they would think about his behavior. But his parents? He had been with them for little over a month and he'd done all of this.
When he reached the end of the hall, he cautiously opened the door to the transfiguration classroom, unsure if there was a class going on. Professor McGonagall sat at her desk writing something. The door creaked and she looked up. "What now, Potter?" she sighed. Harry didn't say anything, and handed her the note, hanging his head. She reached out and took it, unfolding the paper before reading. "Another week's detention?" she said looking down at the note. "Sit down Potter," she said gently, setting the note down. Harry looked up surprised. He was expecting her to tear him to pieces. Awkwardly he sat on the chair she conjured up. "You need to be careful around that woman. Shouting at her and demanding that You-know-who is back is a very good way to get on her bad side. Do you know where she's from, Potter?"
Harry nodded meekly. "The Ministry."
"Yes. And can you guess to whom she is reporting to?"
"Fudge?" She nodded.
"Yes. There are many in the order who would not have me tell you this, but you need to know. Cornelius Fudge thinks you and Dumbledore are creating an army to rise up against him."
Harry snorted. "That is the most preposterous-"
"Yes it is. But not to him. He's sent Umbridge here to stop that from happening. She is a very dangerous woman. Getting into a fight with her might cost you more than detention and house points."
"But professor I was telling the truth!"
"This isn't about truth and lies, Potter! This is about controlling yourself and keeping your head down. Don't do anything to upset her." Harry nodded. "Now I found out what Mr. Malfoy said, Potter. If he says anything of the sort again, you send him to me in one piece. I will not have any more trouble from you this term, is that clear?"
"Yes Professor. What am I to do tonight?"
"Professor Umbridge is going to have to wait in line to get you for detention. I claimed you first. What is your next class?"
"Here," he said.
"Very well, finish doing your assigned Defense work. Oh and when you leave," she said pointing a finger at him, "we had a long discussion about your behavior that involved me threatening to hang you from your toes in an abandoned broom closet. Clear?"
Harry gave a small smile. "Yes, professor."
IIIIIIIIIIIII
"Mimbulus Mimbletonia," Harry said tiredly to the portrait of the Fat Lady, who smiled and pulled the lever back. He climbed through the portrait hole and into the common room. Fred and George sat at a table against the wall with a line of first years in front of them. He turned to go upstairs, when Hermione spotted him. "How was detention, Harry?" she asked looking up from her transfiguration book.
Harry shrugged and walked over to where she was sitting. "It was alright. She made me clean her classroom. What's up with the twins?"
Hermione huffed. "They're experimenting their new line of products. I told them to stop, but they won't listen."
Harry nodded in understanding. "Well I'm going to head up for the night. It's been a long day." She smiled and wished him goodnight.
When he climbed the stairs to the fifth year dormitory, he could hear hushed voices. He opened the door to find Seamus talking to Dean. "Hey Harry!" Dean said quickly. Seamus stopped talking and turned around to hang up a poster. Harry looked at them suspiciously as he set his book bag down on his bed. Were they talking about him just now? He thought irritably.
"Hey Dean," he said, remembering McGonagall's warning to stay out of trouble. "How was your summer?"
"Alright," Dean said taking off his red and gold tie. "Better than Seamus's at least."
"What happened?" Neville asked, entering their dorm room.
"Me mum didn't want me to come back to Hogwarts," Seamus said flatly, turning around to face Harry. "Because of you."
"Because of me?" Harry asked affronted.
"Yah you. Dumbledore too."
"Your mom's been reading the Daily Prophet, hasn't she?" Harry guessed, crossing his arms. "She believes what they're saying about me and Dumbledore, then?"
"Pretty much," Seamus shrugged. Harry shook his head angrily and went into the bathroom to change.
"My gran says the Daily Prophet is what's going downhill, not Dumbledore and Harry," Harry heard Neville say through the door as he changed. Harry felt a flush of gratitude towards him. "If Dumbledore says You-know-who is back, then he's back."
Harry emerged from the bathroom in his pajamas. He sat onto his bed and pulled out the book on the Potter family his dad had given him.
Seamus looked up at him. "What happened that night?" he said hesitantly. "With Diggory?"
"Why don't you go read the Daily Prophet? They'll tell you what you need to know. That's where your mother gets her information." Ron walked into the dormitory and gave them a confused look.
Seamus sat up in bed angrily. "Leave my mother out of this, Potter!"
"What's going on?" Ron said.
"He made a go at my mother!" Seamus said.
"She's calling me a liar!"
"Woah, look. Calm down both of you," Ron said taking a step back.
"You can't believe that you-know-who is back, can you Ron?" Seamus asked.
"I do believe him," Ron said and tapped his prefect badge. "Now lay off of him or I'll give you detention." Seamus scowled, and closed his covers angrily. Harry nodded his thanks to Ron and lay down. He closed his covers and opened the book.