The next morning, Violet was up waiting for the first years who were getting the traditional "New Girl makeover" that she and her cohorts had started back in her second year. She quietly read the most up-to-date Student Handbook while she waited. Then Draco arrived. Violet stood up, embraced her boyfriend, gave him a quick peck of a kiss on the lips and a hug. Then, very smartly the second year Slytherins led the first years down, the girls clearly looking very sleepy but immaculate. Violet nodded her approval of each one after a close inspection and then led the way upstairs.
Slowly, Violet started to eat some strawberries and oatmeal while Draco piled on the eggs and bacon next to her.
"I hear Professor Grubbly-Plank is a permanent fixture at Care of Magical Creatures," Draco told her. Violet smiled. "That should make your class easier," she said with a grin. He replied. "What would make my life easier is if I didn't have to worry about all those Ravenclaw boys in your Arithmancy and Ancient Runes class."
Violet sputtered as she was drinking her juice. Just then, Professor Snape moved up and down the table handing out the schedules. Violet had History of Magic, Double Potions, Defense against the Dark Arts, and Ancient Runes – all today.
Violet groaned. "This is going to be a tough year, isn't it?"
Draco smirked. "My dad told me that O.W.L.s are really important. They affect the positions you can get in the Ministry. We also get career advice from Professor Snape as well. "
Violet smiled. "So, I will get to pick my N.E.W.T.s that I will want to do next year, right?"
Violet's question was rhetorical and there was no reason to answer it. There was also no further time for career advice, because it was time to head to class.
Violet smoothly moved off of the bench and Draco led her down to the Dungeons so they could collect their homework. Then, they made their way down into Professor Snape's dungeon Potions classroom.
Right on time, Professor Snape strode into the classroom, and all talk silenced instantly. He examined them all with his dark, sharp eyes, and nodded to himself. "Settle down," Professor Snape said, shutting the door with a loud thud. "I feel it necessary to remind all of you that next June you will be sitting an important examination, during which you will prove how much you have learned about the composition and use of magical potions. Moronic though some of this class undoubtedly are, I expect you to scrape an 'Acceptable' in your O.W.L., or suffer my … displeasure."
His gaze lingered upon a few students who shifted uncomfortably in their seats before he continued.
"After this year, of course, many of you will cease studying with me. I take only the very best into my N.E.W.T. Potions class, which means that some of us will certainly be saying good-bye. But we have another year to go before that happy moment of farewell," he said coldly, "so whether you are intending to attempt N.E.W.T. or not, I advise all of you to concentrate your efforts upon maintaining the high-pass level I have come to expect from my O.W.L. students.
"Today we will be mixing a potion that often comes up at Ordinary Wizarding Level: the Draught of Peace, a potion to calm anxiety and soothe agitation. Be warned: If you are too heavy-handed with the ingredients you will put the drinker into a heavy and sometimes irreversible sleep, so you will need to pay close attention to what you are doing." Violet sat up even straighter than she already was doing. She was happy that her partner was Draco. The only person better at Potions than her was Draco Malfoy. The only person able to get to their level was either Hermione Granger or Daphne Greengrass.
"The ingredients and method" Professor Snape continued as he flicked his wand, "are on the blackboard" – and suddenly they appeared there – "you will find everything you need" – he flicked his wand again – "in the store cupboard" – (the door of the said cupboard sprang open) – "you have an hour and a half…. Start."
Violet got to work with Draco immediately.
As the class started to end, Violet saw a light silver vapor rising from her potion. Professor Snape swept across the room. He stopped at a few, criticizing what was missing. When he got to hers, he said. "Well done, Miss Potter and Mr. Malfoy." He gently patted them on their shoulders. "Both of yours I think will be given to the Infirmary to be used for Seventh Years who need a little rest."
Then, he looked around the room and snarled. "The rest of you who have managed to produce something similar are to fill one flagon with a sample of your potion, label it clearly with your name, and bring it up to my desk for testing," said Professor Snape. "Your Homework is this: twelve inches of parchment on the properties of moonstone and its uses in potion-making, to be handed in on Thursday."
Violet cleared her things away, while Professor Snape collected all the contents of her cauldron and Draco's cauldron. When everyone else had marched up to Snape's desk with their filled and corked flagons, Violet followed out, the last to leave and headed up to lunch in the Great Hall.
Violet placed some shepherd's pie on her plate, with a roll and slowly ate. It was a meaty thick dish and she had to go gentle, because she didn't want to lose her figure. Daphne and Pansy sat down on either side of her and followed her example as they sat down to eat. From there, Violet traveled out to Ancient Runes.
After a long hour of memorizing symbols and Latin words, Violet moved on with her Defense books and entered her Defense against the Dark Arts classroom. For the next few minutes other students entered the classroom, first Slytherins and Hermione Granger and finally Ronald Weasley who brought up the back of the pack.
While students were entering, Violet peeked discreetly at Deloros Umbridge who was looking around the room watching everyone as they walked in. Deloros Umbridge wore a fluffy pink cardigan and the look was finished with a black velvet bow on top of her head.
Once the whole class had sat down, Professor Umbridge stood up and said, "Good afternoon, class –"
A few people mumbled, "Good afternoon in return," but Violet who had prepared her Slytherins for Professor Umbridge led her subjects in a reply that would garner the eye of Professor Umbridge.
"Good afternoon, Professor –"
Professor Umbridge peeked up and smiled at the Slytherins who sat in back. "Thank you –" she said with that sickly sweet, high-pitched voice. "I was certain that I could count on my former house from my Hogwarts' days to remember how to be respectful."
Then, she scowled at the front where the Gryffindors were seated – at best Pavarti, Lavender, and Hermione had mumbled, "Good morning," while several of the others had said nothing at all.
"The rest of you – " she said with that scowl that did not disappear, "You will need to try again. This is how I expect you to speak. 'Good afternoon, Professor Umbridge."
Then in unison, the Gryffindors certainly without any enthusiasm, but the Slytherins were good at the fake enthusiasm. "Good afternoon, Professor Umbridge."
"There now," Professor Umbridge said sweetly. "That wasn't too difficult, was it? Wands away and quills out, please."
Violet smartly put her wand into her bag. She pulled out her parchment and quill. When she was ready she looked around the room. Many were exchanging gloomy looks. The order "wands away" had never yet been followed by a lesson that anyone had found interesting. Violet was sure that this would be interesting, but not in the way anyone wanted it. Professor Umbridge was opening her own handbag and extracting her own wand – an unusually short one, and suddenly tapped the blackboard sharply with it; words appeared on the board at once:
Defense Against the Dark Arts
A Return to Basic Principles
"Well, now, your teaching in this subject has been rather disrupted and fragmented, hasn't it?" stated Professor Umbridge, turning to face the class with her hands clasped neatly in front of her. Violet wanted to add, "That is certainly the truth," but knew that would be absolutely foolish. So, she sat politely and listened. "The constant changing of teachers, many of whom do not seem to have followed any Ministry-approved curriculum, has unfortunately resulted in your being far below the standard we would expect to see in your O.W.L. year.
"You will be pleased to know, however, that these problems are now to be rectified. We will be following a carefully structured, theory-centered, Ministry-approved course of defensive magic this year. Copy down the following please."
She rapped the blackboard again; the first message vanished and was replaced by:
Course aims:
1. Understanding the principles underlying defensive magic.
2. Learning to recognize situations in which defensive magic can legally be used.
3. Placing the use of defensive magic in a context for practical use.
For a couple of minutes the room was full of the sound of scratching quills on parchment. When everyone had copied down Professor Umbridge's three course aims she said, "Has everybody got a copy of Defensive Magical Theory, by Wilbert Slinkard?"
Violet spoke out, "Yes, Professor Umbridge," but others just mumbled.
Professor Umbridge smiled at Violet and then turned to scowl at the rest of the class. "I think we need to try again," she said. "When I ask you a question, I should like you to reply 'Yes, Professor Umbridge,' or 'No, Professor Umbridge.' So, has everyone got a copy of Defensive Magical Theory by Wilbert Slinkhard?"
"Yes, Professor Umbridge," rang throughout the room, though Violet didn't feel she had to say it as enthusiastically this time.
"Good," said Professor Umbridge. "I should like you to turn to page five and read chapter one, 'Basics for Beginners.' There will be no need to talk."
Professor Umbridge left the blackboard and settled herself in the chair behind the teacher's desk, observing them all with those pouchy toad's eyes. Violet turned to page five of her copy of Defensive Magical Theory and started to read.
The book was extremely dull. It took all of Violet's ability of occluding her mind to read and retain anything she read while also staying awake. Violet did succeed however as did many others in Slytherin. Others did not have as much luck.
Eventually, Professor Umbridge moved up and down the rows of students. When she was satisfied that it seemed the class had read the required lines, she pulled out her wand and spoke. "You will all write twenty times lines from page eight of chapter one. I want to be certain everyone here understands what is happening!"
With that she sat down at her desk and began to write in her own notebook. Violet looked down with her parchment and paper and began to write. The Slytherins took their queen's lead, writing as well. But slowly Violet became aware that never everyone was writing. Out of the corner of her eye, Violet noticed that Hermione Granger had her hand straight in the air. She was practically ready to burst out of her chair.
Slowly, everyone became aware of Hermione's mute attempt to catch Professor Umbridge's eye, as more and more between their struggle with the over simplified book and their boredom, they started to watch Hermione rather than the book. It got to the point where Professor Umbridge could no longer ignore her.
"Did you have a question about the chapter, Miss?" she said as she looked down at Granger.
"No, Professor –" Hermione replied, and was about to plow on, when Professor Umbridge said, "Well, we are reading just now. If you have a question outside of this, then we can deal with it after class."
"But I have a question about your course aims," Granger said quickly.
With a tift, the pink-clad Professor replied, "The course aims are perfectly clear, Miss Granger."
"But there is no information about how to use defensive spells – " Granger added quickly.
Immediately, every sound of quill on parchment ceased as the heads of every class turned to look between the chalkboard and the aims written there then to Professor Umbridge, and then to Hermione Granger.
"Whatever reason would you have for using defensive spells, my dear?" Professor Umbridge said. "I hope you don't expect to be attacked in this class?"
"You mean to say that we won't be using magic?" Ron ejaculated as if things suddenly dawned on his pea brain.
Professor Umbridge stared at him as if she couldn't remember his name and as if that name were not something remarkable enough to remember – which it was not in Violet's opinion.
"Mr -?"
"Weasley," Ron said. Professor Umbridge smiled at him widely, smiled as if she was a spider cornering a fly.
But Hermione Granger spoke again out loud and out of turn. "Isn't the whole point of Defense against the Dark Arts to practice defensive magic?"
Professor Umbridge walked away. She did not seem to consider Granger's comment worthy of any reply.
Weasley shouted out as Professor Umbridge walked away. "But what if Volde –"
But he could not get the name out. Professor Umbridge had turned around surprisingly quick for her stature. Her wand was in her hand and Weasley's voice had immediately ceased. The room remained quiet except for an indignant squawk that popped out of Granger's mouth.
But Parvati Patil raised her hand and spoke without being called on. "But what about the practical bit of our Defense against the Dark Arts O.W.L.? Don't we have to show the examiners that we know the spells?"
"And the real world has Voldemort out there –" Hermione shouted out again.
When the name was spoken, there was a sudden gasp of sound from nearly everyone in the room.
"Ten points from Gryffindor, Miss Granger," Professor Umbride said. "Now let us be crystal clear about something," the pink clad Professor continued. "You have been told that a certain Dark wizard was resurrected, based on the imaginations of old senile men –"
"Dumbledore is a great man and he isn't senile!" Ronald Weasley who apparently had been freed of the spell keeping him quiet shouted out angrily.
Professor Umbridge glared at him and pointed her wand at him, but did nothing further. "As I was saying, before I was so rudely interrupted, that is a lie. No one in this room has seen the Dark wizard at large in the last year."
Professor Umbridge turned to Violet as if to challenge her to disagree with the statement. The rest of the students in the classroom also turned to see what Violet would add to the discussion. Violet raised her hand cautiously, and waited for Professor Umbridge to nod at her for permission to speak. Then, very meekly she said.
"I don't recall seeing anything –" and then she grew silent once more and looked at the table. She mumbled out, "I think there is a hole in my memory –"
At this Ronald jumped from his chair and shouted out, "You lying piece of filth!"
"Detention, Mister Weasley!" Professor Umbridge said a very large smile going across her face. "Tomorrow at five o'clock. My office. You have questioned the integrity of a very outstanding student of this school. You have spoken propaganda and lies that enemies of our appointed authorities are saying." Then she looked around the rest of the room. "The Ministry of Magic guarantees that you are not in danger from any Dark wizard. If any of you are worried, I would like to hear about it, privately – after class. But now, please kindly continue your reading. Page five, 'Basics for Beginners.'"
Professor Umbridge sat down behind her desk again. But Ron stood up. He glared at Violet, who looked back at him. She put a troubled look on her face.
You could hear quite clearly Granger saying, "Ron, no!" but it did not seem that Weasley was coherent enough to listen.
"Potter! You have sold your soul to Voldemort for peace and security. I hope you are happy!"
There was a collective intake of breath from the rest of the class. Everyone turned to watch Weasley who sat at the head of the class and his face was red, as red as his head, and he glared only at Violet.
Violet kept her head down, acting as if this conversation had happened before – which it had – but this time acting as if she had been brow-beaten for this position with these kind of comments.
"Potter, you are going to have murder on your hands before this is all over! Voldemort has returned and you know it!"
Professor Umbridge's face was blank. You could not see exactly what she was going to do – scream or hug Weasley. When she seemed to get it together, she said in her softest, sweetly girlish voice, "Come here, Mister Weasley, dear."
Ron kicked his chair to the side strode up to the teacher's desk, and everyone watched with bated breath what would happen next. Professor Umbridge quietly wrote out something on parchment she had found in her handbag. When she was finished writing, she rolled up the parchment and handed it to Weasley.
"Take this to Professor McGonagall, dear." Weasley took it from her without saying another word, and left the room. The door slammed shut behind him. Violet took a deep breath.
Professor Umbridge stood up and walked toward the back of the room. She made her way to Violet and then bent down to whisper in her ear. "Let's speak about this after class, shall we?"
Violet looked up, looking meek and extremely embarrassed and met Professor Umbridge's eyes. She nodded her head, and Professor Umbridge patted her on the shoulder and continued to make her way around the room.
"Well everyone," the Professor said, "Please continue." Everyone started putting quill to parchment yet again.
After what seemed like forever, the class ended and everyone made their way out. For some reason or another, everyone looked at Violet. Gryffindor friends of Weasley, like Granger, Longbottom, Thomas, and Finnigan glared at her with suspicion, while Patil and Brown and a few others looked at her with questions in their eyes. Violet's inner court looked at her with pity, but soon all had left the room except for Professor Umbridge and Violet Potter.
Professor Umbridge used her wand to shut the door, lock it and seal it against eavesdropping. She plastered a smile on her face and walked back by Violet.
"Are you alright, Miss Potter?" she said, her voice dripping sweetly.
Violet nodded, but she allowed the Professor to see tears she had allowed to form in her eyes. Violet Potter rarely cried, but using her skill in Occlumency, she could remember some of the many moments at the Dursley House or the day the Malfoys lost in the custody battle for her. She was able to bring tears out and make them real.
"It just never seems to stop –" Violet said with sniffles.
"There, there –" Professor Umbridge said slowly rubbing her back and trying to calm the girl. After a few moments, she continued. "Minister Fudge has asked me to do him a favor."
At this Violet wiped her eyes with a sleeve and looked up at the Professor. Professor Umbridge reached down and handed her a handkerchief which Violet took and started to wipe her wet glasses and tears. Violet watched the Professor curious to hear what this favor was.
When it seemed that Violet was coherent enough to hear it, Professor Umbridge continued. "He wanted me to go out of my way to befriend you. He told me how deeply disappointed he was four years ago when Dumbledore and Black strong-armed the Wizengamot against his dear friend, Lucius. He feels it was a miscarriage of justice especially to such a beacon of hope for our world as yourself."
Violet smiled shyly at the Professor but said nothing else. Professor Umbridge continued. "He also asked that if you would be so kind, if you could write out any details about your stay with Black. He hopes that he can use such information to get your case reopened."
Violet looked up and smiled, letting her face appear to be hopeful, but pushing such hope down, knowing just how manipulative and resourceful Dumbledore could be.
"He also asks," Umbridge continued, "If along with those notes, you could supply any notes on a group called the Order of the Phoenix – its members, activities and plans, or any dirt you know Dumbledore has on any of them."
Violet looked up in confusion, but she knew that this is really what Fudge wanted out of this, helping her was secondary for him. As she nodded her head, Umbridge whispered what she thought Violet would want to hear. "We consider that such close proximity to an illegal terrorist organization like Dumbledore's might be harmful for a lady such as yourself to be around."
"Of course, Professor," Violet replied, pulling herself together. She began to pack her things up and met Professor Umbridge's eyes as she stood and gave her a smile that appeared genuine and appreciative. "I will have that work by our next class."
As Violet went out the door, Professor Umbridge said for her ears only. "You don't have to do any other homework for the next period than that, Miss Potter."
As Violet left, she smirked to herself when she was alone in the hallway. "That had gone very well," she thought. Then, she made her way down to Slytherin to drop her books off and meet with her friends.
Later that evening, Violet was working on her special assignment for Professor Umbridge in the library. Violet had the paper disillusioned so that no one who was nearby could see what she was writing. She was working so quietly that she at first did not hear Hermione Granger approach her. Granger placed her books down without ceremony or permission and then fell to the chair with an audible sigh across from her. Violet looked up from her work and arched her eyebrow at her.
Then, Violet asked. "To what do I owe this pleasure?" Violet carefully twisted the word pleasure in her mouth to make it very clear that this was anything but a pleasure.
Hermione met Violet's eyes, judging and evaluating. Then, she opened her mouth. "Violet," she started. "You know that You-Know-Who is really alive."
Violet gasped at the insinuation as if she believed the Ministry ad did not want any trouble. She did not want to lie to Hermione who had heard her on the subject, but she did not want to be connected to that statement. "I do not know if what Dumbledore said in the papers is true or not. I am just a fifth-year girl going to school!"
Hermione grumbled, "But you said – "
And Violet interrupted. "I never said anything. You are putting words in my mouth. I said I do not believe Dumbledore to be a fool, but I don't know or remember ANYTHING!" And then she put her head back into the book in front of her.
Hermione turned red in the face. She sat quietly for several minutes saying nothing at Violet while Violet pretended to research the books around her and add things to her homework assignment. But Granger could never stay quiet for long when she felt there was something to say: "I just wanted to tell you that I think you should say what you just told me to Professor Umbridge."
Violet looked up at her and her eyes narrowed at her, but did not dignify that with a response. Hermione continued to sit there, staring back, giving the clear impression that she was not about to back down and had not accomplished what she had hoped to do.
Just then, Pansy Parkinson who had been studying in a different portion of the library walked over and glared at Hermione and then turned to Violet.
"You told me to remind you at twenty minutes to the hour that Draco would be waiting for you in the Common Room, Violet," she said. Violet smiled up at her friend, who had seen her distress. She collected her things, leaving behind the books. She looked Granger in the eye.
"Good day, Granger." She said. Then, grabbing her things she turned and left.
As the weeks continued, the Gryffindors, the Weasleys, and even Hermione Granger continued to grate on Violet's nerves. She had to put up with Weasley several hours a week as they continued to make their way to Potions or Defense. Hermione often used those times to try to draw Violet out in conversation. Weasley would just glare at her.
As September ended, things got tougher. Professor Umbridge started to move out of the classroom and into the school at large, just as Pansy had predicted. Using her Ministry status, she started displaying "Educational Decrees." Of course, those decrees would get vandalized by the Weasley Twins. Whenever Weasley was in the halls where Violet could hear him, Weasley would admit as much. And as this continued, Violet and the other Slytherins would see the Gryffindors often in little corners of the library or the Great Hall whispering to each other.
And Hermione Granger seemed to have the bright idea that Violet Potter would become an honorary Gryffindor. One evening in mid-October, she confronted Violet in the library again. She pulled Violet into a corner of the stacks and whispered.
"Violet," she hissed. "I know there is a good person in you and not the cold Slytherin Bitch that you present. You know what is going on. You can do something!"
Violet shook her arm free and slapped Granger across the cheek.
"How dare you touch me!" She hissed back at her. Madam Pince who seemed to know that there was trouble brewing came around to see the two of them.
"You two!" She shouted. "There is no fighting in the library. I want you out now!"
Violet gave Granger a deadly glare and stalked past her and out of the library. Violet could sense that Granger was not done with her, because she followed her out. She grabbed Violet's arm again and turned her around.
Violet turned to look at her. "You could use some rest. The pressure of the OWLS must have gotten to you, Graaanger," she drawled. Granger did not let go, but dug her nails in deeper. Violet narrowed her eyes but bit her tongue not wanting to give Granger the satisfaction that she was feeling any pain.
A crowd began to develop around the confrontation, as students were coming in or leaving the library. Violet tried to pull away from Granger saying in her loudest voice. "Granger – " Violet growled. "Let me go."
"No, Violet," she said, seeming to lose control of herself. "This is for the Greater Good. We have to get you help. You need to see things Dumbledore's way."
That last statement was said at the worst place and the worst time, because suddenly Professor Umbridge appeared, almost as if out of nowhere.
"Granger and Potter," she said in that sick sweet voice. "Come with me now!"
"Yes Professor," Violet said, keeping her head up and her spirits up. She didn't dare make any trouble. She was sure Professor Umbridge, her friend as the Professor continued to call herself to Violet, would exonerate her. Violet walked behind Umbridge who turned and led the way. Granger hurried to walk beside her. Granger kept turning to look at her, but she would not look Granger's way for one moment.
Finally, they were led to Professor Umbridge's office. Violet had been in here once, when Professor Lupin had invited her for tea. It had been a hodgepodge of things then. Now, it was draped in lacy covers and cloths. There were several vases full of dried flowers, each sitting on a doily, and the walls were full of ornamental plates, each decorated with a kitten wearing a different bow.
"Miss Potter," Madam Umbridge said in that sick sweet voice. "Would you be a dear and close the door behind us?"
Violet smiled up at the woman and replied, "Yes Professor," and went and closed the door.
"Well, Miss Potter … Miss Granger," Umbridge began.
Violet looked up, holding a mask that she was listening and interested in what Umbridge had to say. She did not look at Hermione at all. Violet tried not to gag as she looked at the luridly flowered set of robes that seemed to blend with the tablecloth on the desk behind her.
"Sit down over there Granger, and Miss Potter, come over here," she said pointing Granger to a small table draped in lace where a straight-backed chair stood. A piece of blank parchment lay on the table, apparently waiting for Granger.
"Now, since I saw everything," Madam Umbridge began, "there is no need for either one of you to have to recount the whole situation again or try to lie to me." Umbridge said that last with a scowl in Granger's direction.
"Oh, Miss Granger," said Umbridge, smiling now sadly. "What a misuse of talent, skill, and intelligence you have been since I came here. Everyone spoke so highly of you. But all you do is spread evil, nasty, attention-seeking stories. You also attack innocent students in the halls."
Granger began to say, "Er …" but Umbridge held up her hand.
Professor Umbridge looked to Violet. "You, however," she said turning to look at Violet. "Have been everything that a proper young witch should be, Miss Potter. You listen attentively in class along with getting good grades. You make respectable friends. And when trouble seeks you, you do your best to get away. Fifty points to Slytherin," she said.
Then, she smiled. "Granger here has detention." She reached into her desk and pulled out a large black quill from it. She handed it to Violet. "Take that to Miss Granger, please," she told her, "And then you are free to go."
Violet took the quill and shivered – she couldn't help it. She wasn't sure what it was, but it felt – evil. She walked the quill over to Hermione and placed it on the desk in front of her. Then, grabbing her things from the library she opened the door, stepped out and walked away. She had a bad feeling that something bad was going to happen to Granger. She was just glad it didn't happen to her.
