A.N: Hello, lovelies. Greetings to any new readers. To my faithful, confused few, I have made a few, small changes to this opening chapter, the most prominent of which is, clearly, adding an author's note. This is the first story I ever published, and I was a bit clueless as to the conventions and whatnot of things. So yes. I'm aware this is a bit short, and I promise to any brave adventurers who've read this far that the rest are longer. I do hope you enjoy, if you haven't already. Much love to you all!
-Forever the Optimist
"Hem hem."
All across the great hall, young witches and wizards laughed, ate and chatted, completely ignoring Headmaster Umbridge. It was just another typical day.
"Hem hem."
Harry, Ron, and Hermione smirked at each other. They knew full well that Umbridge had about as much chance of getting their attention and Hermione did of getting an A-. That is, absolutely none. They went on happily discussing Gryffindor's latest Quidditch victory. Until Professor McGonagall stood up.
"Students, your Headmistress is trying to speak to you. As I know you all will find it… enthralling, please give her your attention." Groans from the students, but eventually there was silence.
"Thank you, Professor McGonagall," said Umbridge in her sweetest voice. "Now students, I have a very important announcement. As some of you may have heard, Cornelius Fudge has recently been feeling the stress of being Minister of Magic, and has decided to retire. As sad as I am to be leaving Hogwarts, I am delighted to announce that I have been made the new Minister of Magic."
Whispers broke out across the Great Hall. Leaving Hogwarts? Umbridge Minister of Magic? Umbridge gone for good?! All at once, every student in the room leapt to their feet, cheering at the top of their lungs. Umbridge looked a little taken aback; it was clear she had never gotten such a warm reaction to one of her speeches, and she took a few moments to savor it. Then she cleared her throat.
"Hem hem. Thank you, students. I'm glad you're so happy for me. However, as I'm sure you can understand, there will need to be a few changes here. First of all, we will need a new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher. I am delighted to announce that I have found the perfect candidates. May I introduce Alecto and Amycus Carrow, who will be jointly teaching you all this year. I hope you will give them a warm welcome!" She flung her short, stubby arm towards the back of the room, beaming all the while. The doors opened and through them came the Carrows.
A few of the teachers clapped, but not for very long. Most of the students simply stared as the pair walked up to the staff table. Amycus was a lumpy-looking man with an odd, lopsided sneer. Alecto was a short, stocky woman with a rather unpleasant face. They looked as though they could be siblings, but only just. They didn't smile or acknowledge the meager applause, choosing to instead to leer at any students unfortunate enough to catch their eyes. When they at last reached the front of the room and took their places, Umbridge stood up and coughed again.
"Hem hem. Thank you students. You are dismissed."
Harry, Ron, and Hermione stood up and joined the tide of Gryffindors returning to the North Tower. Once they reached the common room, Ron said the password (Butterfly kisses), and the trio clambered through the portrait hole. Plopping down in their favorite armchairs by the fire, Ron turned to Harry and said, "Well? What do you reckon?"
"Well," said Harry. "They do look as though they know rather a lot about the Dark Arts."
Hermione looked up from searching for her Ancient Runes books and said, "They do, at that. Maybe they'll last a little longer than some of the others? Goodness knows, anything would be an improvement over Umbridge. I'm sure we'll at least be able to do magic."
"Yes, I'm sure," said Ron darkly, "but what if it's not the kind of magic we want to learn?"