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Hey guys! You know it, read Brilliant Magic by LJ Summers. Read and Review!
Hermione loved the Astronomy tower. Whenever she needed to think she would go up there and sit on the windowsill, hanging off of it. Sometimes she would go for a fly, sometimes she would just savor the air. After a quick fly she went down to breakfast.
"Look at this." Draco hissed. He was brandishing a newspaper article.
TRESPASS AT MINISTRY
By Rita Skeeter
Sturgis Podmore, 38, of number two, Laburnum Gardens, Clapham, has appeared in front of the Wizcngamot charged with trespass and attempted robbery at the Ministry of Magic on 31st August. Podmore was arrested by Ministry of Magic watchwizard Eric Munch, who found him attempting to force his way through a top-security door at one o'clock in the morning. Podmore, who refused to speak, in his own defence, was convicted on both charges and sentenced to six months in Azkaban.
"That's new." Hermione snorted. "Sounds like a clotpole."
"Gryffindor is having Quidditch Practice in an hour." Miles said as she rushed to them.
"So let's surprise them." Willa Davis said with a sly smile. She was nothing like her big sister. While Tracey was petite with wavy brown hair and bright green eyes, Willa was built well with straight nearly black brown hair. The only thing they shared were bright green eyes.
"You guys are obsessed." Hermione muttered, but she laughingly let herself be dragged to the stands.
'What's that Weasley's riding?' Draco called in his sneering drawl. 'Why would anyone put a flying charm on a mouldy old log like that?' He was riding an old Cleansweep 8. Hermione smirked, before leaning over to Daphne. "Bet you I can remove the flying charm from the broom."
"10 galleons." she muttered back. Hermione drew her wand and started the anti charm. She had started practicing magic wordlessly because she had finished NEWT education in them all with Professor Snape's help.
'Hey, Johnson, what's with that hairstyle, anyway?' shrieked Pansy from below. 'Why would anyone want to look like they've got worms coming out of their head?'
Hermione giggled. Pansy was always on that. Meanwhile she continued her silent chanting of the spell, ignoring all the taunts to concentrate. She found that it took a little longer because he kept missing goals and moving around. After nearly 20 minutes his broom gave way.
"AAAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHH!" he screamed as he fell. The rest of the team zoomed down to get him, but he landed hard. From Hermione's angle, she could see that he was alive, but he had at least 4 broken bones.
"Excellent." Daphne praised.
"Damn." Miles whistled. "That's some good charm breaking."
Hermione grinned. His broom was ruined now, and that was a new broom by it's looks and Weasley's boasting. They trooped off with grins at the stupid Gryffindors. The Gryffs glared at them.
"Look at this!" Pansy hissed the next morning, her hair coming loose from it's long Dutch Braid.
MINISTRY SEEKS EDUCATIONAL REFORM
DOLORES UMBRIDGE APPOINTED
FIRST EVER HIGH INQUISITOR
"What the hell is a high inquisitor?" Blaise hissed.
Pansy read aloud:
'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. "He is now responding to concerns, voiced by anxious parents, who feel the school may be moving in a direction they do not approve of."
'This is not the first time in recent weeks that the Minister, Cornelius Fudge, has used new laws to effect improvements at the wizarding school. As recently as 30th August, Educational Decree Number 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 should select an appropriate person.
'"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-" '
"Yeah right." Gregory Goyle snorted.
'"-an immediate success, totally revolutionising the teaching of Defence 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 formalised with the passing of Educational Decree Number 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 now that I know Dumbledore is being subjected to fair and objective evaluation," said Mr. 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 are 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 employment of werewolf Remus Lupin, half-giant Rubeus Hagrid and delusional ex-Auror, "Mad-Eye" Moody.
'Rumours abound, of course, that Albus Dumbledore, once Supreme Mugwump of the International Confederation of Wizards and Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot, 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 our confidence," said a Ministry insider last night.
'Wizengamot 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." '(For a full account of Madam Marchbanks's alleged links to subversive goblin groups, turn to page seventeen.)'
Hermione groaned. "So this is why she's here! I just hope that she favors us enough so that we don't get caught up in this."
To her surprise, Draco's face was slowly splitting into a grin.
"What?" she asked.
"I can't wait to see her inspect Snape and McGonagall."
Hermione started grinning too. She couldn't imagine that at all.
"Speaking of Snape, we have Potions." Vincent said, and they all swept off.
'I have awarded you the grades you would have received if you presented this work in your OWL,' said Snape with a smirk, as he swept among them, passing back their homework. 'This should give you a realistic idea of what to expect in the examination.'
Snape reached the front of the class and turned on his heel to face them.
'The general standard of this homework was abysmal. Most of you would have failed had this been your examination. I expect to see a great deal more effort for this week's essay on the various varieties of venom antidotes, or I shall have to start handing out detentions to those dunces who get a "D".'
Hermione of course wasn't given anything.
"So what are the OWL grades?" she asked Flora and Hestia.
"O for Outstanding is the best." said Flora.
"E for Exceeds Expectations." said Hestia.
"A for Acceptable."
"P for Poor."
"D for Dreadful."
"It's really different from the muggle world." Hermione said. "For them, A is the best, then B, C, D then a failing grade is F."
"That's weird." Pansy said in disgust.
"Anyway, have you seen Umbitch yet?" Theo asked.
"In Herbology." Flora shrugged. "She just hung around in the corner taking notes and asked a few questions.
"Divination was amazing." Daphne grinned as they walked to DADA, Hermione having come from Ancient Runes.
"What happened?" Hermione asked.
"Umbitch called Trelawny out for the fraud she is and the old hag got really angry and basically threatened Umbridge as a fake prediction." Draco explained.
"Damn." Hermione whistled.
DADA was normal. Potter got himself detention, and during dinner Johnson yelled at him for missing the Quidditch Practices. The next day Hermione sat down with Pansy and Blaise in transfiguration to see Umbridge sitting in the back, a wide smile on her toady face as she clutched a bright pink clipboard and wrote with bright pink ink.
Professor McGonagall marched into the room without giving the slightest indication that she knew Professor Umbridge was there.
'That will do,' she said and silence fell immediately. 'Mr. Zabini, kindly come here and hand back the homework-Miss Davis, please take this box of mice-don't be silly, girl, they won't hurt you-and hand one to each student-'
'Hem, hem,' said Professor Umbridge, employing the same silly little cough she had used to interrupt Dumbledore on the first night of term. Professor McGonagall ignored her. Blaise handed back Hermione's essay; Hermione had gotten an O.
'Right then, everyone, listen closely-Vincent Crabbe, if you do that to the mouse again I shall put you in detention-most of you have now successfully Vanished your snails and even those who were left with a certain amount of shell have got the gist of the spell. Today, we shall be-'
'Hem, hem,' said Professor Umbridge.
'Yes?' said Professor McGonagall, turning round, her eyebrows so close together they seemed to form one long, severe line. Hermione giggled softly.
'I was just wondering, Professor, whether you received my note telling you of the date and time of your inspec-'
'Obviously I received it, or I would have asked you what you are doing in my classroom,' said Professor McGonagall, turning her back firmly on Professor Umbridge. Many of the students exchanged looks of glee. 'As I was saying: today, we shall be practising the altogether more difficult Vanishment of mice. Now, the Vanishing Spell-'
'Hem, hem.'
'I wonder,' said Professor McGonagall in cold fury, turning on Professor Umbridge, 'how you expect to gain an idea of my usual teaching methods if you continue to interrupt me? You see, I do not generally permit people to talk when I am talking.'
"Burnt." Draco murmered.
Professor Umbridge looked as though she had just been slapped in the face. She did not speak, but straightened the parchment on her clipboard and began scribbling furiously.
Looking supremely unconcerned, Professor McGonagall addressed the class once more.
'As I was saying: the Vanishing Spell becomes more difficult with the complexity of the animal to be Vanished. The snail, as an invertebrate, does not present much of a challenge; the mouse, as a mammal, offers a much greater one. This is not, therefore, magic you can accomplish with your mind on your dinner. So- you know the incantation, let me see what you can do ...'
Hermione managed to Vanish hers easily, and moved on. Professor Umbridge did not follow Professor McGonagall around the class. She did, however, take many more notes while sitting in her corner, and when Professor McGonagall finally told them all to pack away, she rose with a grim expression on her face. They stayed behind for questioning.
"What do you think will happen in COMC?" Theo wondered. He was right, Umbitch was there. She had now donned a light magenta cloak.
'You do not usually take this class, is that correct?' Hermione heard her ask as they arrived at the trestle table where the group of captive Bowtruckles were scrabbling around for woodlice like so many living twigs.
'Quite correct,' said Professor Grubbly-Plank, hands behind her back and bouncing on the balls of her feet. 'I am a substitute teacher standing in for Professor Hagrid.'
'Hmm,' said Professor Umbridge, dropping her voice, though Hermione could still hear her quite clearly. 'I wonder-the Headmaster seems strangely reluctant to give me any information on the matter-can you tell me what is causing Professor Hagrid's very extended leave of absence?'
"Giants." Draco whispered, discreetly putting up a Notice- Me- Not charm. "The Dark Lord has sent envoys to the giants. That's where Hagrid is."
' 'Fraid I can't,' said Professor Grubbly-Plank breezily. 'Don't know anything more about it than you do. Got an owl from Dumbledore, would I like a couple of weeks' teaching work. I accepted. That's as much as I know. Well ... shall I get started then?'
'Yes, please do,' said Professor Umbridge, scribbling on her clipboard.
Umbridge took a different tack in this class and wandered amongst the students, questioning them on magical creatures. Most answered correctly, though some Slytherins messed up on purpose. Umbridge interrogated Gryffindor Dean Thomas for a good five minutes.
'Overall,' said Professor Umbridge, returning to Professor Grubbly-Plank's side after a lengthy interrogation of Dean Thomas, 'how do you, as a temporary member of staff-an objective outsider, I suppose you might say-how do you find Hogwarts? Do you feel you receive enough support from the school management?'
'Oh, yes, Dumbledore's excellent,' said Professor Grubbly-Plank heartily. 'Yes, I'm very happy with the way things are run, very happy indeed.'
Hermione knew that this wasn't the answer Umbitch was looking for. Looking politely incredulous, Umbridge made a tiny note on her clipboard and went on, 'And what are you planning to cover with this class this year-assuming, of course, that Professor Hagrid does not return?'
'Oh, I'll take them through the creatures that most often come up in OWL,' said Professor Grubbly-Plank. 'Not much left to do-they've studied unicorns and Nifflers, I thought we'd cover Porlocks and Kneazles, make sure they can recognise Crups and Knarls, you know ...'
Daphne grinned. This was a class she would enjoy, not Hagrid and his beasts.
'Well, you seem to know what you're doing, at any rate,' said Professor Umbridge, making a very obvious tick on her clipboard. Hermione smirked. 'Now, I hear there have been injuries in this class?'
Draco gave her a small look. He knew that she had been angry about the Hippogriff incident, but Hermione squeezed his hand softly and gave him the nod he was looking for. He looked up, donning a smirk.
'That was me,' he said. 'I was slashed by a hippogriff.'
'A hippogriff?' said Professor Umbridge, now scribbling frantically.
'Only because he was too stupid to listen to what Hagrid told him to do,' said Potter angrily. Hermione scoffed and sent a silent hext at him inscribing SLYTHERIN RULES! On his robes.
'Another night's detention, I think,' Umbridge said softly. 'Well, thank you very much, Professor Grubbly-Plank, I think that's all I need here. You will be receiving the results of your inspection within ten days.'
'Jolly good,' said Professor Grubbly-Plank, and Professor Umbridge set off back across the lawn to the castle.
That evening in the common room a young Slytherin came in. Her name was Marie Anne, and she was a halfblood; a slip of a girl with long black hair and shining grey eyes. She was trying to sneak in and was clutching her hand.
"What's going on?" asked her big brother James Anne.
"Nothing." she said, trying to slip past. At this point everyone was watching. Quick as a flash he pulled her hand away; he recoiled and she started crying. Her hand was red, raw, and bleeding with the words I will not cause disruptions written on her hand.
"A blood quill." Chastity Knight breathed. Hermione accioed her healing kit and sat down next to the sobbing girl, wiping her hair away and clearing her eyes. James was busy punching the wall in anger.
"Ssshhhh." she said, dipping her hand in murtlap essence .
"Why?" James said finally in a choked voice, his grey eyes stormy.
"Umbridge." said Hestia grimly. It was the only time they had seen her that angry.
"Do you have to go back?" James asked, leaning down.
"Yes." she sniffled. "Everyday this week."
"We can't let this happen." Will snarled.
"No duh we can't." Astoria Greengrass scoffed.
"We can't go against her though, or she'll hate us all. She already took points off me for being a half-blood. The only reason Hermione is protected is because she's friends with Draco." said Tracy Davis quietly.
"We have to do something." Willa Davis scowled.
"Threaten her." Hermione snapped her fingers. "Go to her, say that you'll have proof, tell your father, bring it to the Wizengamot. She'll have to listen to that. Tell her to keep her hands off all Snakes."
"That might work." said Blaise slowly. There was silence, and there was only the faint noise of the Murtlap Essence healing Marie's hand.
"Try it." said James with a ragged breath, leaning next to Marie. "You can't get hurt again."
"I won't." she said quietly, hugging him back.
"But she could always retaliate." Millicent Bulstrode pointed out.
"Work under cover." said Miles finally ."Join her, help her, whatever, but secretly be ruining all her efforts. I think that the Dark Lord can take a particular interest in her if he finds out about the quill. Marie, still threaten her, but just say that your friend Draco was particularly worried about her detention. That'll put her off."
"It's true." said Draco. "She relies on my father's patronage."
"Damn." whistled Gemma Farley. "When did you get brains Miles?"
He fake scowled, and they all laughed.
"These are dark times." said Daphne. "Be safe."
"Hogsmeade!" Pansy squealed, dancing around with Gregory, who had asked her to Hogsmeade. He had filled out and was muscled now. Daphne was going with Theo, and Hermione with Draco.
Luna had asked Blaise instead of the other way around. "You'll come with me to catch Nargles at Hogsmeade right?" she had asked in a serene voice as she danced around the silent hall, radish earrings twirling. Blaise was enchanted. Who was this girl who was so unique but captured his heart?
"I'd love to." he said in a smoky voice, but the effect was ruined when she squealed and jumped onto him, resulting in a hay fight on the Astronomy Tower.
All the girls had dressed up nicely. It was a cool October day, though it was not freezing. Hermione wore a simple black dress with thin straps and a lacy white wraparound, her hair in a ponytail. Luna wore a simple floral black skirt on blue leggings, a pink shirt jacket, and a pair of pink and white polka dotted shoes. Her hair was loose and curly. Blaise thought she was beautiful. Daphne wore a simple black cold shoulder shirt with a black skirt and a pair of small heels. Her hair was pulled to the side. Pansy was dressed like Pansy, in a tight black corset top dress that hugged her every curve. Her hair was loose.
Blaise wolf whistled. All the boys were in basic robes and held flowers. Hermione giggled, tucked the giant tiger lily into her hair, and set off. They had a wonderful time. Kissing, dancing to silent music, and climbing trees. Hermione had loved it.
All the girls had an amazing time. Luna and Blaise had kissed after a while and then devoted the rest of the their trip to that particular activity. Hermione just smirked and watched the hall gape at the young Ravenclaw sitting with the Slytherins, and being accepted.
"Why do you hang with us?" Hermione asked her a few weeks later.
"You are my friends." she said simply ."You accept me for who I am and don't scorn me for my beliefs." Hermione could only gape at the serene blonde. She had never been more moved by anybody. Later Luna started painting a portrait for them. She was an excellent artist. The finished result made Hermione gasp.
It was a painting of the Hogwarts Black Lake, with the Whomping Willow in the distance. Hermione, Draco, Pansy, Vincent, Greg, Daphne, and Theo were laughing in the grass. They all looked amazing. The best of all was Luna, who was in the middle. Golden chains connected her to each of her friends, but the chains were actually the word 'friends' spelled a thousand times. It was bright and vibrant.
"It's beautiful." Hermione said in a hushed voice.
"It's for you." she said calmly. Hermione could only hug Luna, trying to convey her friendship. Luna understood.