Chapter 40
The next morning, Calypso sat in the Great Hall with Daphne for breakfast that would hopefully cheer her Monday up. At least Theo was keeping his word of not telling anyone about their kiss.
That day's Daily Prophet had a picture of Umbridge on the front page, captioned, "MINISTRY SEEKS EDUCATIONAL REFORM DOLORES UMBRIDGE APPOINTED FIRST-EVER "HIGH INQUISITOR"
"Ugh" Daphne muttered bitterly, stabbing another piece of her toast moodily. "I heard Nott talking about it last night with Malfoy. It was their father's ideas...Not that I don't like Umbridge. She's got the right idea, persecuting werewolves"
Calypso nodded thoughtfully, "And giants." her mind wandering back to when she was seven. The Malfoy's had decided to visit the snowy alps with a few of their friends, a giant lumbered into their campsite. All the adults rushed to stop it and eventually stunned it, not before it trampled one of her friends though.
Calypso blinked as Daphne waved her hand in Calypso's face. "Hello- Calypso?"
"Oh...oh yeah what? What were you saying?"
Daphne sighed and handed her the Daily Prophet.
"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 the 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. '"
This is not the first time in recent weeks Fudge has used new laws to effect improvements at the Wizarding school. As recently as August 30th Educational Decree 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, totally revolutionizing the teaching of Defense Against the Dark Arts and providing the Minister with on-the-ground feedback about what's happening at Hogwarts. ' "
is this last function that the Ministry has now formalized with the passing of Educational Decree 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 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 that Dumbledore is being subjected to fair and objective evaluation,' said Mr. Theodore Nott, 68, father of two Hogwarts students.
Lucius Malfoy, speaking from his Wiltshire mansion last night also said, '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 will be 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 hiring of werewolf Remus Lupin, half-giant Rubeus Hagrid, and delusional ex-Auror ' Mad-Eye' Moody.
"Rumors 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 toward ensuring that Hogwarts has a headmaster in whom we can all repose 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' alleged links to subversive goblin groups, turn to page 17)."
"Oh wow. Is this Rita Skeeter's work?"
Daphne shook her head, "No, some other journalist. Rita's been missing since the end of last year"
"Mmm." Calypso finished her breakfast and stood up, "I'm off to Arithmancy then, see you in Potions"
Umbridge happened to be inspecting Professor Vector that day.
"As you may notice, we have a guest with us today-"
Everyone waved hello to Professor Umbridge who smiled broadly, "Please continue as if I'm not here. The Ministry wants an accurate account of everyone's lessons"
Professor Vector smiled but Calypso could notice a peculiar tightness to it. "Today we'll be reviewing the meanings of different numbers again, everyone please take out their copy of 'Numerology and Grammatica' and flip to chapter 47, page 591"
Halfway through the class, Umbridge stood up and to ask students about the class. First, she approached Calypso.
"So dear, do you feel as if you have learned anything from predicting numbers?"
Calypso nodded, "yeah, it's great. Professor Vector's good at what she teaches"
Truth be told, Arithmancy had got to be one of the least reliable subjects in Calypso's opinion, but she liked the teacher so she supposed she could afford to lie to Umbridge.
"Very well dear, and you?"
Theo looked up at her, "What-"
"I asked if you think you've learned anything?"
"Sure I guess"
"Elaborate please"
"It's a nice class"
Umbridge nodded and made a note on her clipboard. "Very well then"
A few hours later, Calypso was in Potions class, reviewing her essay on moonstones with Daphne before they turned it in. "Right, so it's a gemstone and when crushed can be used in many potions such as the Draught of Living Death and love potions such as Amortentia?"
Daphne nodded.
"And it's milky colored, plus can provide its source of light?"
"Correct Miss Lestrange," Snape said, appearing behind them and taking the two essays up.
At the end of class, their hard work of reviewing right before the homework was collected earned them both 'O's.
"I have awarded you the grades you would have received if you presented this work in your O.W.L, This should give you a realistic idea of what to expect in your examination."
Snape reached the front of the class and turned 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 D's."
Calypso looked at Draco, surprised he didn't smirk or anything. His skin was pale and sickly looking, the full moon was very soon
After lunch was Care of Magical Creatures, where Umbridge was inspecting once more.
"You do not usually take this class, is that correct?"
"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, "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?"
" '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, accepted — that's as much as I know. Well . . . shall I get started then?"
"Yes, please do," said Professor Umbridge, scribbling upon her clipboard.
"Overall," said Professor Umbridge, returning to Professor GrubblyPlank's side after a lengthy interrogation of students, "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. "No, I'm very happy with the way things are run, very happy indeed."
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 O.W.L.," 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 recognize crups and knarls, you know. . . ."
"Well, you seem to know what you're doing, at any rate," said Professor Umbridge, making a very obvious tick on her clipboard. "Now, I hear there have been injuries in this class?"
Goyle gave a stupid grin. Draco didn't even seem excited at all to answer the question he seemed to be on the verge of exhaustion. Calypso looked at him critically before approaching Umbridge, "Professor, I think Draco looks a little sick, do you mind if I take him to the hospital wing?"
Umbridge nodded, "Of course, go on Miss Lestrange"
Calypso nodded gratefully and seized Draco's arm. "Have you been drinking the potion?" she asked sharply, "-Oh fuck off Potter" Calypso added as Potter, crept nearer to them, evidently trying to eavesdrop.
Draco would be transforming that night though, it was important he took the potion.
That night, Theo came back from his detention with Umbridge with a severe look on his face.
Calypso looked up from her essay on Vanishing Spells for McGonagall"What happened?"
He waved his wand a bit, undoing the concealment charm to reveal a scar. "I will respect my superiors"
"What?" Calypso shrieked. "Did she make you carve it into yourself?!"
"Eh," he covered the scar again. "I've had worse"
"What?" Calypso grabbed his hand and undid the charm again. "I'd prefer not to talk about your previous incidents with your father- is this cursed?" she muttered in frustration
Tracey Davis, his new girlfriend, came walking up from behind him. "I think it is- have you tried everything?"
"Yes- Reparifors, Finite Incantatem, Episkey- oh Snape taught me one, Vulnera Senator, Vulnera Senator, Vulnera Senator" Calypso repeated.
As soon as the gash healed, it split open again, causing more blood to leak out. "Oh my gosh- Theo- sorry!"
"Episkey" Tracey muttered.
The blood stopped again.
Theo crossed his arms, "It's cursed, I thought I told you that already? Nothing's going to make it go away permanently."
Tracey frowned, "I can't believe that bitch! It's just like the dark mark isn't it?"
"Weird analogy but sure," Calypso said slowly. "It's getting late now, everyone should get some sleep"
The next day, Calypso went to the hospital wing straight after lunch to check on Draco. He hadn't appeared for his morning lessons and she guessed that the first transformation was the hardest. Kind of like a period.
"How are you Draco?"
He looked at her, turning his head slowly. "I've been better. When's the next Hogsmeade visit?"
"What?"
"I heard people talking about it last night as a wolf. I make a beautiful wolf you know- I get to have pure white fur and a nice pointy snout"
"Draco…" Calypso interrupted, fearing that he might be going insane. "I came here to check on you, not how pretty you look as a wolf"
"Whatever Lestrange. Now when's the next visit to Hogsmeade?"
Calypso regarded him for a moment, "October first. And speaking of October, the first Quidditch match is at the end of the month I think. Our first practice is on Friday, can you make it then?"
"I'm the captain Calypso," Draco said coolly. "I'll be there"
"Alright," calypso wrung her hands together. "Get well soon then!"
The morning of the Hogsmeade visit dawned bright but windy. After breakfast, they queued up in front of Filch, who matched their names to the long list of students who had permission from their parents or guardian to visit the village.
"Are you sure you want to go?" Calypso asked Daphne for what seemed like the fifth time already.
"Yes! I'm fine…" Daphne trailed off before shaking her head and handed Filch the permission slips.
"So...do you want to go to the Three Broomsticks then?"
"Eh." Daphne shrugged, "Let's go to the other one- Hog's Head. It's too crowded at the Three Broomsticks"
"Fine with me" Calypso was just glad that Daphne was holding herself together.
When they entered, the pub was empty except for a few wizards and Potter, Granger, and Weasley.
"What are they doing here?" Daphne hissed.
"Let's find out." Calypso strode over to them. "Fancy seeing you here"
Potter scowled at them, "What are you doing here?"
Calypso eyed them innocently, "I could ask you the same question. Not breaking any rules today are you?"
"But we're not out of bounds," Granger said, her voice unusually high.
"No, I suppose you aren't. Why don't you come to sit with us?"
Weasley glared at her, "We wouldn't come near you with a ten-foot rod"
Calypso sneered at him, "Watch your temper Weasley." then she turned away from him to Potter and Granger. "So what are you doing here?"
"Homework" squeaked Granger while Potter said, "None of your business- I mean...homework!"
Calypso smiled at them, "So you're doing homework...why don't you- oh!"
The door to the pub just opened again, revealing a large group of people. Cho Chang, a bunch of Gryffindors, Ernie Macmillan, and others that Calypso had never seen before. She was even sure that she saw a few younger Slytherins that constantly hung around Cassius but they backed out quickly once they saw her.
"Why hello"
Granger's eyes widened. "Er- everyone sits down! So we're going to be reviewing the properties of-"
"I thought we were going to learn Defense from Harry!", one of the people interrupted.
Calypso raised her eyebrows. "Interesting…"
Everyone's heads snapped towards her. "What are you doing here?" someone shouted.
Granger looked extremely nervous. "Er...everyone we can talk in the library tonight about Potions!"
With a lot of grumbling, once everyone left again except for the Weasley group, Potter, and Granger.
"Oh hello, Fred and George are you?"
George glared at her. "He got over you a long time ago"
Calypso eyed Fred, who was refusing to meet her eyes, "I...can see that. So! What is it I'm hearing about a secret Defense Club?"
Granger looked at her with wide eyes and raised her wand, "Ob-"
Calypso slashed her wand in the air, creating a wordless shield. "Stupefy!", her spell missed and Ronald Weasley fell to the floor.
George, Fred, and Potter also raised their wands, though Fred looked hesitant, "Er-"
Calypso smiled at all of them, "Now this isn't fair is it?"
Nobody answered her.
Calypso pointed behind them, "Umbridge- Umbridge is here!" with a fake look of shock.
Everyone spun around, including the other people in the bar who had been watching them with interest, to the barman who looked at them for a second before going back to polish a dirty mug.
"Petrificus Totalus" she hissed at Granger, Fred, and George, one by one, until Potter- "EXPELLIARMUS!"
Calypso's wand flew out of her hand, in the process, her shield shattered and her wand landed in Daphne's hand. Calypso caught her wand again from Daphne and snarled. "Try again Potter"
She began shooting curse after curse at Potter, all from those strange books her mum sent her that could only be used wordless. In the process, she slowly backed towards the door, beckoning to Daphne.
"Bombarda!" a table beside Potter exploded and Calypso ran out of the pub with Daphne.
"Sorry about that Daph."
"It's okay. I'm gonna head back to the castle now, do you want to tell Umbridge about it?"
Calypso shrugged, "Sure I guess."
The next morning, Umbridge passed an educational decree banning all clubs, teams, and groups from being formed.
— by order of —
The High Inquisitor of Hogwarts
All Student Organizations, Societies, Teams, Groups, and Clubs are henceforth disbanded.
An Organization, Society, Team, Group, or Club is hereby defined as a regular meeting of three or more students. Permission to re-form may be sought from the High Inquisitor (Professor Umbridge).
No Student Organization, Society, Team, Group, or Club may exist without the knowledge and approval of the High Inquisitor.
Any student found to have formed, or to belong to, an Organization, Society, Team, Group, or Club that has not been approved by the High Inquisitor will be expelled.
The above is in accordance with
Educational Decree Number Twenty-four.
Signed:
High Inquisitor
Dolores Jane Umbridge
"Oh wow, she moves fast" Calypso whispered, looking at the sign.
Daphne giggled, "For someone her size especially"
When they entered the Great Hall that morning, it was filled with chatter and louder than usual. The same group which had been seen in Hogs Head to 'review potions' had all gathered around Potter, Weasley, and Granger.
"Hello Draco," she said calmly as he approached her. He had spent the night in the hospital wing after the last Hogsmeade visit, or just misplaced his hair gel because his platinum blonde hair was sticking up everywhere.
"Well, we've got permission to reform. I went to ask Professor Umbridge first thing this morning"
Draco's smile didn't quite match his eyes. "What's wrong?"
"Nothing's wrong" he snapped, the fake smile vanishing in a second.
Calypso crossed her arms, "You better tell me"
"No," Draco said stubbornly.
"Draco…."
"Fine! You're stubborn Lestrange, you know that?"
Calypso gazed at him, "Stop changing the subject."
Draco groaned but didn't protest, "So found out about my issue, she's really smart for someone her age-"
"Hey!" interrupted one of the third years-
"-so she just asked me about you know, I mean why would she ask me-?" Draco ranted.
"Wow there. Calm down. What did she ask you?"
"If I was the thing," Draco said impatiently.
"And you said…"
"Well obviously, I told her, I mean, what else could I do?"
Calypso raised her eyebrows, "Okay, go on. What did she do then?"
"She just looked at me, and was like, wow I need some time to process this and walked away!"
Of course, Astoria did what any normal person would do if they had just found out that their boyfriend was a werewolf.
"Er- and what did you do?" Calypso asked dreading the answer.
Draco stared at her, "I yelled at her that if she didn't like it, then she could fuck off"
"Draco!"
Daphne looked over, "I was just about to say that."
"Yeah...Well don't take it personally but you fucked up"
Daphne nodded. "Mhm"
Draco crossed his arms, "Well what should I have done instead?!"
"Give her space. Not scream at her"
"So you're saying it's all my fault?!" Draco shrieked, causing quite a racket in The Great Hall.
"Quiet or I shall have to put you in detention" Snape drawled as he came into the Great Hall.
"Oh, so you're siding with her too?!"
Snape glared at Draco. "I am only siding with those who do not wish to hear you're voice while eating breakfast," he said coldly.
Draco turned on his heel and stormed off.
Snape looked around at everyone who was watching the exchange, "Well? Do you want to eat or not?"
By Potions that afternoon, Draco seemed to have forgotten all about the morning and was bragging rather loudly about the Quidditch team getting reformed.
"Yeah, Umbridge gave the Slytherin Quidditch team permission to continue playing straight away, I went to ask her first thing this morning. Well, it was pretty much automatic, I mean, she knows my father well, he's always popping in and out of the Ministry. . . . It'll be interesting to see whether Gryffindor is allowed to keep playing, won't it?"
When Potter, Granger, and Weasley arrived, he spoke a little louder, his grey eyes flicking in their direction.
"I mean, if it's a question of influence with the Ministry, I don't think they've got much chance. . . . From what my father says, they've been looking for an excuse to sack Arthur Weasley for years. . . . And as for Potter . . . My father says it's a matter of time before the Ministry has him carted off to St. Mungo's. . . . they've got a special ward for people whose brains have been addled by magic. . ."
Draco made a grotesque face, his mouth sagging open and his eyes rolling. Crabbe and Goyle gave their usual grunts of laughter, Pansy Parkinson shrieked with glee.
Suddenly, Longbottom knocked into Calypso. "Watch it" she snarled, but he had already darted off to hit Draco or whatever.
"Neville, no!"
Potter leaped forward and grabbed Longbottom by the shirt.
Calypso slowly backed away from the flailing Gryffindor. "Er-"
Daphne rolled her eyes, "Just let them be. Snape is coming"
Calypso looked over her shoulder to Professor Snape who was steadily approaching the scene, "Right"
"Fighting, Potter, Weasley, Longbottom?" Snape said in his cold, sneering voice. "Ten points from Gryffindor. Release Longbottom, Potter, or it will be detention. Inside, all of you."
They all walked into the dungeon classroom, and Calypso immediately noticed that Umbridge was sitting on a stool in the corner.
"We are continuing with our Strengthening Solutions today, you will find your mixtures as you left them last lesson, if correctly made they should have matured well over the weekend — instructions"
— he waved his wand again —
"on the board. Carry on."
Professor Umbridge spent the first half-hour of the lesson making notes in her corner. Then she got to her feet around the time where Calypso was adding salamander blood into the potion.
"Well, the class seems fairly advanced for their level," she said briskly to Snape's back. "Though I would question whether it is advisable to teach them a potion like the Strengthening Solution. I think the Ministry would prefer it if that was removed from the syllabus."
Snape straightened up slowly and turned to look at her.
"Now . . . how long have you been teaching at Hogwarts?" she asked, her quill poised over her clipboard.
"Fourteen years," Snape replied. His expression was unfathomable.
"You applied first for the Defense Against the Dark Arts post, I believe?" Professor Umbridge asked Snape.
"Yes," said Snape quietly.
"But you were unsuccessful?" Snape's lip curled.
"Obviously."
Professor Umbridge scribbled on her clipboard. "And you have applied regularly for the Defense Against the Dark Arts post since you first joined the school, I believe?"
"Yes," said Snape quietly, barely moving his lips. He looked very angry.
"Do you have any idea why Dumbledore has consistently refused to appoint you?" asked Umbridge.
"I suggest you ask him," said Snape jerkily.
"Oh I shall," said Professor Umbridge with a sweet smile.
"I suppose this is relevant?" Snape asked, his black eyes narrowed.
"Oh yes," said Professor Umbridge. "Yes, the Ministry wants a thorough understanding of teachers' — er — backgrounds. . . ."
With that Umbridge turned and walked towards Calypso. "So, do you feel that this potion is too challenging for this class's skill level"
"No"
Umbridge raised an eyebrow at Calypso as her potion hissed from turquoise to red. It was supposed to be orange but whatever.
"Mmm," Umbridge hummed as she made a note on the clipboard. "And do you feel that Professor Snape is a good teacher?"
"Yes"
"Elaborate please," said Umbridge sweetly.
Calypso was silent for a moment as she carefully measured out the Armando bile. "Well, everyone always understands the method if they pay attention…"
Umbridge nodded, "yes, yes. I do find that some students lack the abilities to listen," she said earnestly with a contemptuous look at Potter and Granger. The former of whom was sitting in front of an empty cauldron, glaring at Snape.
When the bell finally rang, everyone walked off to break, then she went to Ancient runes, lunch, and DADA.
