Cedric
I like smoking cigarettes. It's something normal people do.
I smoke a cigarette, and pretend I'm normal.
-Element Girl, in Façade
Harry Potter was a question mark, wrapped in a riddle, placed in a box of crazy. Despite these beliefs, Cedric found himself following the irritating twerp, even though it should have been the other way around. Competing against Harry in The Tri-Wizard Tournament caused Cedric to learn quite a bit about him. Mostly, that Harry did what he wanted, when he wanted, and you could only keep up with him if he let you.
Cedric didn't think he would be chosen as the Hogwart's champion, as he was still in his sixth year. But he tried to be casual when his name was drawn out of the cup; he acted like the whole thing didn't scare him to death. When Harry said that the tournament was about Cedric and Hogwarts; and he wouldn't be competing very much at all, well, Cedric thought it was a bluff. Some sort of trick the Slytherins do in order to get ahead by making him lower his guard and humiliate him.
So when Cedric was hit with an odd desire to take a nap by the pond, and woke up hours later by the sound of dragonkeepers passing by, he didn't even think of sharing the news with Harry. Then Harry confronted him before the First Task, and there was a note of desperation and betrayal in his voice that couldn't be faked. And when Cedric went out to the stadium, and heard the cheering crowd, and saw his dragon, he felt even worse. If he had seen the dragons he wouldn't have kept the information to himself, he would have told everyone, but it was too late now.
Cedric found himself in awe when the Quidditch Stadium was destroyed, and knew that Harry would be ruthless in achieving his goal.
But when The Second Task came around Harry had an awful strategy. Yes, he had reached his captive first, but there was no way he would have achieved the highest score by stealing the Durmstrang ship. Cedric eventually realized that Harry did it for the challenge and the adventure, accepting the month's worth of detention that came with it. By the third task, Cedric was unsurprised that Harry caught up with him and managed to race him to the Cup. The real bombshell was that the Cup had been a Portkey, although Harry managed to keep a level head. Cedric was too shocked to think straight, and in his panic he reached for the Portkey when saw a man approach.
Then he left Harry behind.
Harry told him the barest details of what had happened later, and Cedric didn't pester him. Hufflepuff was supposed to be the epitome of fairness, and loyalty, and a Hufflepuff wasn't supposed to leave anyone behind to be tortured. His father tried to convince Cedric that Harry was losing his mind, showing him some of the Prophet articles, but he wouldn't hear any of it. His father hadn't ended up in a graveyard, and he didn't hear the voice that called for his death.
It's something that he never told anyone, that the very second he had touched the cup, and left Harry behind, he saw a flash of green, and heard three words.
"Kill the spare."
Since Harry lived, it meant that he was the spare.
That irritated him, the word 'spare' like he was some sort of trinket that could be replaced, interchangeable from any other person in the world. At night, his near death experience would sink in, as he dreamed of green light and a cold, high voice. Over the summer he would pause to notice his mother's vibrant smile, and he wondered how his death would have effected her. Would his father have cried at his funeral, or stayed solemn and silent? These thoughts carried him through the summer, and by the time seventh year came around he found himself quite changed from the rest of the school.
He felt older, responsible, and furious that some people were willing to look the other way when the signs of danger were all around. So he was vocal about his support of Harry, and tried his best to seem robustly sane, and logical, and as cool as he was when he first heard his name drawn from the Goblet of Fire. And lately it seemed that he had to do that more and more, because Harry did seem to be coming unhinged, not that he blamed him. Cedric remembered his O.W.L year, although he didn't have to deal with added pain of Umbridge. That woman that made Cedric decide to never work for the Ministry, despite the fact he had wanted to work there just like his father since he was a child.
He argued with Umbridge that first day, if it weren't for Moody and Lupin he would have never been able to survive the Tri-wizard Tournament. Studying Defensive Theory, and never using a wand in class was rubbish, and preparation was priceless, he argued.
"Detention, Mr. Diggory," was her only response.
Cedric was horrified that she made him use a blood quill, so he wrote to his father to complain. His father never responded, his classmates agreeing that they had been receiving letters late, and that's when he figured out that Umbridge was going through his mail. Cedric knew he needed to warn Harry, based on her snide comments, it seemed like she had it out for him. So he asked the Weasley twins some questions and found Harry almost immediately.
He was surprised that Harry already knew about Umbridge, having met her during a hearing at the Ministry over the summer.
"You need to keep your head down, and be a good little Hufflepuff." Harry's response made Cedric bristle.
"I can't. I've already spoke my mind to her, and people need to know that there's someone looking out for them." Cedric remembered the appraising look Harry gave him, and the short nod that followed.
"All right, fair enough. You've chosen the difficult road; I respect that. Just don't expect me to up there with you, that is not my style. I prefer to stay in the shadows."
Cedric looked at Harry skeptically. "How is setting fire to the Quidditch Stadium, being in the shadows?"
"That," He said grandly, "was me angry."
"Stealing the ship?"
"It was fun."
Cedric didn't ask about the third task.
Fred and George had invited him over to a Defense Club in the Hogshead, and he thought it was a great idea. There was a good-sized crowd, and he sat himself comfortably next to Angelina Johnson. One of Harry's friends spoke and she talked about practical applications of defense, and Cedric felt a thrill of anticipation. This was the prefect way to get back at Umbridge. He was incensed when Harry shot the whole thing down before walking away.
"I'll do it," he said and the group cheered, and Cedric thought maybe it wasn't such a far-fetched idea that he was picked from the Goblet. But Umbridge found out and banned extra groups, and they were back to where they started. But as Cedric ate dinner, Harry approached him from the Sytherin table.
"I emptied out my trunk yesterday and I've been meaning to return this to you. Thanks for letting me borrow it," Harry said, handing him a small book. Cedric turned it over his hands to see it was a children's book, with a picture of a goose with a golden egg next to it.
"Hem, hem, is something the matter boys?" asked Umbridge. Cedric marveled that something so hideously pink had the ability to sneak up on him.
"No, Professor Umbridge. I was just dropping off something for Cedric before I was leaving. I have lots of homework, O.W.L. year, you know? And I need to take a bath and I need to be certain that I stay within the allotted time."
"Curfew takes place at nine, Potter, and it's only five," replied Walter Everett.
"That's what I said," Harry said, giving Walter a calm look before leaving. Umbridge waddled over, and removed the book from Cedric's hands, and opened to the inside cover, only to find a blank page. She flipped through the small book quickly, and Cedric felt his heart race, certain that she was looking for a secret message. When she didn't find one, she gave Cedric a strange look, and dropped it into a container of gravy, before marching over to the huddled forms of the Weasley twins.
He took his time eating dinner, and told his friends that he was going to the library. Harry had given him a message, using clues that only Cedric would have been able to understand, by calling back to the second task when Cedric gave him the hint to solving the golden egg. If it weren't for the fact that he never gave Harry the book, he wouldn't have suspected a thing.
Harry was already waiting for him by the prefect's bath, and jerked his head off to the side, and headed into the nearest empty classroom, holding an old piece of parchment.
"Over here, no need to draw attention to ourselves," Harry settled himself on a nearby desk. "I'm sure you noticed Educational Decree number Twenty-four." Cedric nodded jerkily. "I want to inform you that this is all your fault," Harry said grumpily.
"I… no, no it's not," Cedric sputtered.
"Yes, yes it is. If you hadn't gone and botched up the little plan, Blaise, Daphne and I cooked up, we would have been better off." Harry said as he gave him a cool look. At Cedric's perplexed look, Harry huffed in annoyance. "It was Hermione's idea to form the defense club, and she insisted that it I lead it so we could pass O.W.L.s. I didn't know that she was going to invite so many people. And I knew that it got out of hand when I saw everyone there. A real defense class seems directly against Umbridge's ideals, so I tried to make it seem like it was a stupid idea."
"Blaise and Daphne were watching people's reactions so we would know who was serious and who had a likelihood of selling us out. And then you had to go and volunteer yourself as an actual leader, and look what happened, we now have a brand new decree. Idiot." Cedric found his irritation rise, and was about to snap back, but Harry interrupted him. "I'm sorry, you couldn't have known. I'm just annoyed because it means it things more difficult for us. Now we have to be extra careful how we organize things, because she is going to be keeping an eye out for us. I've spent most of the day coming up with new plans."
"Plans? You have plans?" Cedric asked. He had spent the entire day fuming about the new decree, but he hadn't thought anything beyond it.
"For the Defense group, of course. The Decree defines a group, club, etc, as a regular gathering of three or more people. I've thought of up of all the ways we can get around it, and planned on how effectively use each one." Cedric looked at him warily.
"Don't give me that look, I've mapped them all out. Take a look." Harry pulled out a large piece of parchment and unrolled it on the desk. Harry pointed to one large section of the tree.
The Slytherin Approach
There will be two groups, one will be false and one will be real. The real group must be approved by Umbridge (possibly involving the Ministry?) while the other group will provide a diversion.
Pros: The ability for the defense group to meet frequently without suspicion
Cons: Extra work, and requires constants supervision of Umbridge
The Ravenclaw Approach
The group will be divided into different factions. It will be based on creating well-rounded studies, and placing extra emphasis on strengths. Example: Daphne's ability in Charms
Pros: A well-rounded group of students
Cons: Requires numerous study plans, and schedules, which require flexibility to focus on people's strengths.
"I like this option the best, it has the most effective results. On the other hand," Harry moved his finger across the page, "It has the highest amount of danger. Which will then lead us to this part of the plan." Harry said, lowering his finger to another part. Cedric peered over the page and found himself a bit in awe of Harry. It was clear that he had spent the better part of the day, trying to get everything down. Cedric thought he didn't even want to be a part of it.
"Yeah, so which action are we going to take?" he asked, raising his head to Harry. A thrill of excitement had jolted in his system, and he wanted to start immediately. Harry tossed him a dark smile, and Cedric believed that Harry felt the same way.
"All of them. The best way to cover up a big secret is with smaller one as a distraction. She'll think she's always one step ahead of us, but really she's just following along with the plan we already made." Harry explained as he pulled out a package of cigarettes from his pocket and lit one.
"When did you start smoking?" Cedric asked as he wrinkled his nose at the sharp smell.
"I don't know," Harry replied, his face rumpled in confusion. "I find myself wanting lots of things lately. I suppose this is one of them."
"Then why do you?"
"Because it's boringly normal, and I've gone mad." There was an odd look on Harry's face, Cedric dropped the subject and they continue to plan.
Cho was unhappy that Marietta was not invited to the meetings, and begged Cedric to allow her in the defense group.
"She's my best friend! I don't think I want to be a part of the group if she isn't there!" she cried.
Cedric sighed. "It's nothing against Marietta, but her mother work's for Umbridge, there is a conflict of interest. Harry says that…"
Cho laughed derisively. "Harry! Harry! There you go again! He's a fifth year Cedric, there is no reason you should listen to him as much as you do, especially since he isn't very popular right now. You know I don't believe in what The Daily Prophet is saying, but I don't understand why you've started acting like he's in charge."
Cedric bit his tongue, too exhausted to argue with her anymore. The truth was that Harry was in charge. In less than a week, he had assembled a list of ideas, members, lesson plans, and meeting times for the next two months. The amount of organization was insane, as if Harry was accustomed to planning these things out. Cedric was in charge of working and talking with the people, but Harry was the one making everything possible.
Cedric broke down and added Marietta's name to the list. Harry wouldn't be pleased, but at least Cedric wouldn't have to hear Cho complain anymore.
Harry's plan, it appeared, worked a little too well, Umbridge was sticking her nose in Cedric's business all of the time, never realizing that she had already approved the actual defense group. The stress wore him down with NEWTs to study for and the Defense group to run. One week before Christmas break, he and Cho had a fight and broke up. She continued coming to the Defense meetings, and it led to some awkward situations. Cedric eventually asked Harry to watch for her in lessons.
"Fine, I'll do it. But that's only because you're doing a good job at leading the group. People are really enjoying themselves. Otherwise, I wouldn't involve myself in your girl problems," he said grumpily. Cedric just gave him a relieved smile.
It was March when the first part of the plan fell apart.
"Excellent, I love your Patronus Katie," Cedric called out.
"Thank's Cedric," she said with a flush, and Cedric bit his cheek from saying something idiotic. She really was quite pretty, he thought, but he didn't think he could handle another girlfriend right now. The Cho break-up was still awkward, even though three months had passed. Then a flash of light that caught everyone one's attention. Today it was Daphne's responsibility to watch the Sneakoscope, and she had raised the alarm. Everyone stood in silence, watching it whirl on the table, before grabbing their things and heading for the exit.
They scattered in the appropriate manner, some heading up to the Owlery, pretending to come down from a visit to their pets, or the library where they returned a book. A great deal of their success was the group was hidden in plain sight, and it would be that way until the very end. Harry was bent over a piece of parchment as Cedric walked over to him.
"Umbridge is coming out of her office on the left corridor. We need to go that way," Harry said, as Cedric summoned all of the bits of spare worksheets and vanished them. As they exited the room, Harry went over to the nearest suit of armor and withdrew a piece of parchment from inside of it and tossed it to Cedric. They walked down the hallway, coming into contact with Umbridge before they rounded the corner.
"Good evening, gentlemen. And where might you be going this afternoon?" Umbridge inquired.
"Meeting," Cedric replied.
"Really? I suppose you two gentlemen wouldn't mind if you accompanied me to the Headmaster's office?" Umbridge said, her smile wide.
Cedric could feel his heart pounding in his chest as he walked up the stairs to Dumbledore's office. He was surprised to see that the Headmaster was not the only one present, Minister Malfoy was in the room, along with a couple of Aurors, and a scribe.
"I caught these two walking down the hallway, in a suspicious manner. Diggory has been a troublemaker the entire year, and we all know how unstable Potter is. You'll be pleased to note Minister, that it was your son has been most helpful." The Minister gave a smile.
"Draco has a bright future if all goes well. I trust you two know why you are here?" The Minister asked.
"Are you searching for your pair of lacy, mistletoe undergarments and heard they might be here?" Harry asked before Cedric could say a word. One of the portraits that lined the walls gave a snort, and Cedric's mouth dropped open. The Minister's face turned pink.
"No," he responded tersely as he gave Harry a calculating look.
"Oh. Well in that case…." Harry drifted off with a shrug.
"I think, Minister, we might make progress if I fetch our informant," Umbridge said, and waddled out of the room. There was an uncomfortable silence, which was only broken when Harry started whistling. Cedric closed his eyes in embarrassment when he realized it was a Christmas song.
When the door opened, Marrieta Edgecombe walked in the room, holding her hands up to his face. When Marietta raised her head, Cedric caught a glimpse of the word "SNEAK," and stared at her. Harry, however, gave a loud gasp, and burst out in laughter, and she began to cry.
"Never mind the spots now…" Umbridge began.
"Spots? That's not spots, that's a disfigurement," Harry said loudly, "She is a sneaky, weepy, leak." He looked around the room, and noticed the looks of displeasure. "Oh, I'm sorry. You're trying to do something. I'll be quiet now."
"Miss Edgecombe informed me today that there would be a meeting of the Ministry Tradition and Law Study Group. Only this group would not be studying Law! What they are studying, I am uncertain, as the curse came into operation and Miss Edgecombe stopped talking. However, I am confident that this is the same group that met at the Hog's Head earlier this year," Umbridge said with pleased look. It promptly died when Dumbledore cleared his throat.
"I think you'll have an issue with that, Delores. If what you say is true, it appears that you approved of the group in question, and therefore no action can be taken on the students. And you do not have any evidence on what occurred during the meetings."
"Headmaster, I think that would be easy to determine, all we need to do is inquire which were the specific laws that were studied. I'm certain that Potter won't mind sharing, " stated the Minister smoothly.
"We covered a little of everything. The status of Goblin affairs, the technicalities of Muggle baiting, the use of illegal dark objects." Harry said coyly, giving an intense look to Umbridge as he said so. Cedric rubbed his thumb over the scars on the back of his hand.
"I believe that it would be appropriate to search their belongings for proof," Umbridge said her face turned a deep pink at Harry's insinuation.
"I will not tolerate the continued suspicion of my students, if you cannot find any proof, you will cease this investigation," demanded Dumbledore.
"Very well," Umbridge said grudgingly.
Cedric handed over his bag, his hands shaking as he did so. Harry's bag produced some textbooks, a bottlecap necklace, and a small mirror. She reached in Cedric's bag and unrolled the parchment from her hand and gave a loud crow of joy. Cedric looked down at the page and saw in tiny, feminine writing, Dumbledore's Army, and his name was at the top of the list.
Well, that would be easy for phase three.
The Gryffindor Approach
If the group is discovered, the leader must volunteer to take the fall, so that the others can survive unpunished.
Pros: It is planned out and anticipated.
Cons: The loss of a leader leads to low moral. The group unofficially disbands.
Cedric balked at the third phase of Harry's plan when it was introduced. But Harry pointed out if the first two parts of the plan were completely successful, it would never come to it. But if they were discovered, Umbridge would go for anyone she suspected. Cedric however, was already of age, so there was no risk of his wand being snapped if he was expelled. He was the official winner of the Tri-Wizard tournament, so he could find work for plenty other places without his NEWts. If Umbridge expelled Cedric, she would think that she had won the game. But as Harry explained it, her assumption would be a dramatic failure of foresight, because the possibility was already accounted for. In fact, Harry had recovered the list of names knowing that such blatant proof would deter her from seeking more
They had agreed to not give the group a name for the sake of secrecy, but it appeared that the others had not agreed.
"Well, the game is up," Dumbledore said simply, a gleam of amusement in his eye. "Would you like a written confession from me, Lucius, or will a statement before the witnesses suffice?" Cedric could only stare at Dumbledore, uncertain of what was going on.
"You admit to having ulterior motives beyond what has been regulated by the Ministry?" Malfoy asked in surprise.
"Certainly," Dumbledore replied cheerfully. "I recruited certain students who have gained my trust to stand with me. I see now that it was a mistake to invite Miss Edgecombe, of course." Harry shot Cedric a smug look.
"I suppose I have no choice but to escort you and Mr. Diggory back to the Ministry, where you will be formally charged. Mr. Potter, you have been expelled from Hogwarts, your wand please." the Minister said. Cedric stiffened as he looked at Harry in alarm. Their plan had gone to hell with two tiny words, Dumbledore's Army.
"I don't know what you are talking about," Harry said, his voice tense.
"Liar!" cried Umbrige.
"Your involvement in this ordeal means your expulsion, and since you are not of age, you are no longer allowed to have a wand," The Minister replied.
"I was never a part of a secret group that involved Cedric and Dumbledore. I was just walking down the hallway when I met you."
"Your name is on this list, Potter! There is proof of your participation!" Umbridge said, waving the list in her hand.
"That's what I'm talking about you stupid cow! I've never seen that list before in my life and my name is not on it!" Harry yelled, his temper finally getting the best of him. Umbridge turned puce as the statement sunk in, and looked unhappy as she realized Harry Potter was absent from the list. Cedric clenched his teeth in annoyance. His expulsion may have been planned; but Umbridge knowing the other's names while Harry feigned innocence was an unwelcome surprise. He should have known better.
"Very well, Potter. It appears we were mistaken. Dumbleldore, Diggory if you'll follow me," Malfoy responded.
"Ah, yes about that…" Dumbledore responded before pulling out his wand. Harry flung himself the to floor, disappearing under a great cloud of dust. Dumbledore rushed forward, grabbed Cedric's wrist and raised his hand as a large phoenix came forward. Cedric felt odd heat rust over him, and then he was no longer surrounded by dust, but instead, in a dark hallway.
"Cedric, as the appointed Headmaster of Hogwarts, I am pleased to tell you that you are not expelled, but regretfully must inform you that we are both fugitives from the law," Dumbledore said, as he flicked the lamps on.
"That's all right, I suppose. Sorry about involving you in this, I was planned on getting expelled. Where are we?" Cedric replied, looking at the old elf-heads.
"We are in the ancestral home of Sirius Black, Grimmauld Place, which serves as the headquarters for the Order of the Phoenix. This will serve as your home until the charges against you can be cleared up. What I am more concerned about is your curious statement of your assumed expulsion, would you mind clearing this up for me?"
"Harry and I knew this might happen, and before we officially started meeting with the others, I agreed to be the scapegoat. The list with the names was planned set-up, but your name wasn't supposed to be on it as if you were in charge. And I don't know how Harry managed to avoid getting his name on it," Cedric said with a frown.
"Indeed?" said Dumbledore with a frown. "How curious. Please make yourself at home, Cedric. I'm uncertain when you will be allowed to leave." He waved his wand in the air, and Cedric saw his school things appear at his feet.
Cedric shrugged, and floated it up the stairs, as he wondered what would happen now. It was Harry's responsiblity to get the last part into action.
The Hufflepuff Approach
The group remains united, not through a name or leader, but by a common belief. There will be a focus on independent study and practical application.
Pros: It creates loyalty, which leads to enjoyment
Cons: Without official communication, moral may slip
Addendum: Secret communication?
Part of Cedric wished he were stayed. The entire group would learn of his disappearance soon enough, and take to heart their new mission: Apply what they've learned.
8 8 8 8 8 8 8
McGonagall
Minerva McGonagall had taught at Hogwarts for over thirty years. She had endured a war, lost family, and dealt with troublemakers of all types. She had survived the arrival of the Marauders and a dragon pox outbreak. She was astonished by the wet noodle incident of '84 and was better prepared for the dry noodle incident of '85.
But as she sat at her desk, grading an essay by Harry Potter, she realized that Hogwarts could always surprise her.
When Umbridge announced her appointment as Headmistress of Howarts, Minerva was incensed, and knew she had to remain a steady figure of authority the students. Her Educational Decrees and constant supervision of classes already marred the year. She and Umbridge had several terse arguments in the staff room over her detentions, only to find her words dismissed by Dumbledore and Malfoy. Minerva knew that Dumbledore was more preoccupied by his affairs at the Ministry, plus his status as Headmaster discouraged Umbridge from causing any serious damage. When he left, Minerva believed Umbridge would push her boundaries further, and the students would be at risk. However, she was unprepared for The "P" Outbreak.
The letter "P" could stand for many things, and which is why the ordeal was given such a vague name. It could have stood for Peace, which was prevalent in all the entire school, as long as the new Headmistress was absent. Ever since Dumbledore had left, Minerva had not given a single student a detention. In fact, it was rare for her to take points away. Students were well-prepared in class, and focused in their studies. However, the area that surrounded Umbridge did not have that blessing, chaos of all forms reigned. Suits of armor were charmed to croak when she passed, and mealtimes were interrupted with people fainting and vomiting, many students blamed their frequent bouts of nausea on a new plague called "Umbridgitis." Minerva's face remained impassive the first time she heard the claim. She did not believe it, although she did not hesitate to send the person to the hospital wing as long as it was not during her class.
The letter "P" could have stood for portrait, whose inhabitants had begun exhibiting strange behavior. Many of them would stare at Umbridge as she passed, saying nothing in her presence. There was also Peeves, whose tendency for mischief had begun to focus on a specific target with new intensity. He frequently followed Umbridge around the school and threw things at her. At times, he would lure her to a specific moving staircase and trapped her there. At one point, it took Umbridge ten minutes to get from her office to the Great Hall. Minerva heard that he had taken to screaming in the middle of the night, in order to prevent her from a full nights sleep.
But mostly, the letter "P" stood for Potter. Minerva suspected he was deeply responsible for the new attitude in the air. Umbridge was too exhausted to notice the slight change, but thirty years of teaching had honed Minerva's skills in detecting student mischief. (She still remembers the exact smile on James Potter's face when he said, no he had not taken the animals she used in class and outfitted them with tiny brooms and Quidditch uniforms and released them in the Great Hall. This was an outrageous claim, he had cried, even as he was found with a pair Holyhead Hamsters in pocket. That smile's appearance on Harry's face this year was a pleasant surprise, although at times it seemed… wrong. Perhaps it was a bit crueler and bitterer than when James wore it.)
And while she had never caught him doing anything suspicious, the people surrounding him were not such precocious actors. Secret smiles, quiet laughs and discrete nods followed him around, ghosts huddled and spoke of him with respect, and Peeves had taken to calling him "Sir." It made her feel a bit proud, Harry Potter was not a Gryffindor, but somehow he managed to unite the school and bring up their spirits. Although, there seemed to be something else going on in his life, as recent essays revealed an alarming trend.
They were littered with nonsense.
Harry's essays were appalling when he first arrived, but by the end of the year they were acceptable. Minerva suspected a poor education was the cause for his poor scores as a first year. And he did go through a difficult phase after the Obliviation, but that was to be expected. But if it weren't for the clear divergences in subject matter, Minerva would have suspected that it was the stress of OWLs. An essay she had received before Christmas had raised concerns.
She shuffled through some papers and found it tucked in the bottom drawer. Her eyes scanned the paper, finally finding the odd paragraph.
It is believed that Walter the Whiz, widely know for his On the Fifth Day of Christmas, my true friend gave to me, five Weasley Hats, four violet quills, three elf-heads, two chocolate frogs, and a giant with a fir tree. Talent in Transfiguration, was responsible for the cross-breeding.
It was perfectly acceptable sentence, if it weren't for the random bit of Christmas song in the middle. And every essay since then progressed slowly downhill, including the one she was currently grading. This essay was on the subject matter, but it was written in a circular fashion, wrapping around the page in a spiral. She told Sirius about it during the last Order meeting, and hoped that he would be able to get Harry to apply himself more on his homework, it appeared he was partially successful.
Her thoughts were interrupted by a knock at the door.
"Professor McGonagall, the new Headmistress is asking for you," Orla Quirke said as she poked her head in the doorway. "She said her things have Vanished again." Minerva closed her eyes, and sighed, she could feel a headache growing. The first day that Delores Umbridge announced her new position, her office was attacked. Every single item from her office had disappeared while she ate breakfast. Umbridge, shocked to find her possessions gone, had rushed in the room, only to trip and fall and break her nose on a leg chair. The perpetrators had not stolen her things, but merely made them temporarily invisible. Minerva strongly believed that Fred and George Weasley were responsible after finding an Invisibility Hat left behind the next day in her classroom.
Not that she said anything to the new Headmistress.
Minerva found the door to the Defense office ajar when she entered the room. She found Umbridge and Filius Flitwick standing in the classroom, he looked remarkably calm next the shaking woman beside him.
"My things are gone," the woman seethed. Minerva tried to muster a shred of sympathy, and failed admirably at the task.
"I believe," Minvera sniffed, unable to hide her disdain, "we adequately covered how to undo Invisibility Spells the last time this occurred." Umbridge's body shook oddly, her eyes bulging out their sockets from her anger.
"I've been robbed! The room is empty! There is nothing here!" she exclaimed. "I believe my things have been Vanished, I want my things back and I believe you are the expert in Transfiguration. This is all that is left!!" Umbridge cried as she waved a plate with a cat on it. Minerva was shocked, but the spittle from her frothing lips indicated that Umbridge was not lying.
"It is impossible to bring back items after than have been Vanished, as they dissipate in to nonbeing," Minerva replied. She shifted her foot, her step echoing in the empty Defense office. Umbridge let out a noise of disgust before stalking out of the room. Minerva waited until she was certain the woman would not return before she spoke.
"Any clues to who was responsible for this?" she asked Filius.
"No one could have done it. It was done when all of the students were in class, and all of them have been accounted for," Filius replied in hushed tones. "Delores was teaching the fifth-years while her office was robbed meters away from her."
"Oh, my," was all the Minerva could muster. The Weasley twins leaving the school in a rush of fireworks had been amusing, and a rather brilliant display of ingenuity and moral support. She thought perhaps if it was time for her to discourage this behavior. As much as she disliked the woman, robbing her belongings was a step too far. There was only so much a person could take before measures were taken. Umbridge was finally feeling the effects of the Educational Decrees, but how long would it be before she retaliated back?
Later that evening, as Minerva sat in her office drinking a cup of tea, she heard a commotion coming from down the hallway. She left her desk, and walked towards the sounds. When she arrived at the stairs, she overheard Umbridge's voice that carried from further down.
"Undoubtedly, the robbery was Dumbledore's doing, and for that, we will arrest one of his most loyal supporters, the giant."
Minerva gasped as she realized that Umbridge was going to go for Hagrid, and rushed down. By the time she was outside, she could see the faint light from spells. And as she cried for them to stop, the light came towards her, and she slipped into darkness.
A few hours later, she woke up in St. Mungo's, sore from the stunning spells that hit her, far away from Hogwarts. She was no longer there to help protect the student's from Umbridge.
A few days later, it wouldn't matter.