Chapter twenty-two:
Cause For Concern
It was the start of the new school year for classes and once breakfast had ended, Harry and the rest of the fifth years had History of Magic for their first class which happened to be Victoria's class. Victoria watched as the fifth year students sluggishly walked into her classroom from breakfast - some talked and others still waking up. Picking up a stack of the new curriculum papers, Victoria noticed the tense motions from her nephew and friend Seamus as they crossed by each other to take their seats, not knowing their friendship was strained from the previous night regarding what the Daily Prophet had written about Harry's incident with Voldemort last year. Once the students took their seats, she passed the new curriculum papers out with magic, giving one to each student as she went to write on the chalk board.
'Giant Wars - two foot essay, explaining the conflict and how you would handle it. Be creative!
Due: next Monday'
Victoria then set the chalk down and faced the class once again. "Please turn to page 554..." Victoria instructed, watching her fifth year students opening their books, some turning to the page and others getting out their books from their book bags. "We will be learning about Giant wars this year, the conflicts between wizards and giants-" Victoria explained before being interrupted by Draco Malfoy. "How big were they exactly?" Draco mocked. Victoria remained composure, knowing it was a snarky comment. "They were giant, Mr. Malfoy." Victoria politely refuted before turning away from the blond Slytherin and onto the class. "As I was saying...the war between the giants and wizards had taken place in, or earlier to, the end of the nineteenth century." Victoria continued her lecture. Draco had shown a proud smug on his face while Harry shot him a glare. Throughout the lecture, Harry had been playing hangman in the corner of his parchment that he took noted on, with Ron as the subject was quite boring to most students - though Hermione had shot them a irritated look at their distraction.
Once Victoria had finished her lecture, she pointed to the chalk board with the homework written down. "Next Monday, I will be looking forward to reading your two foot essay. Class is dismissed." Victoria stated before walking behind her desk and taking a seat, preparing for the next class full of sixth years. Victoria had noticed Harry touching his forehead a lot during class and had wanted to speak to him about it. "Harry...may I speak to you up here for a moment?" Victoria pressed. Harry had been on his way out before coming to a stand still and then retracted, walking up to the desk. "Yes, professor?" Harry asked his aunt. It had been apparent from his tone that he was stressed. "Is everything okay? You seemed rather distracted today in class." Victoria pointed out in concern. Harry nodded silently, not wanting to make the fact that his scar was hurting again and the idea of a long essay felt like it made it worse to burden Victoria.
"I'm fine. Just a headache." Harry stated, making an excuse. Victoria sighed and didn't want to press more than she had, he had much to handle as it was. "Okay. But please do check into the hospital wing if it worsens, Harry." Victoria stated. Harry nodded reassuringly before leaving the classroom. The hours seemed to pass by as the students went to their new classes of the school year and soon, lunch was held in the great hall as it always had been. Victoria sat at the staff table with Snape beside her, he was obviously avoiding any communication with the pink toad-like woman but more so wanted to converse with his girlfriend while remaining professional. "The school year seems to be off to a good start." Victoria stated with a hint of sarcasm in her tone. Of course, Snape took the sarcasm to be towards the new Defense Against the Dark Arts professor that was obviously here to observe for the ministry, but not that Victoria knew. "It's only beginning, Victoria. However, it seems the position of the Defense Against the Dark Arts continues to open up each year...there's a high chance she will be gone by the end of the school year." Snape pointed out, keeping his tone flat as he narrowed his dark eyes onto the Gryffindor table.
Victoria placed a half smirk on her pink lips as she took a sip of her pumpkin juice before setting the cup back onto the table. "Can only hope. I already don't like her." Victoria replied. Snape couldn't agree more as he turned his gaze back onto Victoria. "Feeling is mutual." Snape stated, turning back to his breakfast. Harry had been briefly talking to Ron and Hermione while dodging any contact with his apparent 'former friend' Seamus after the dispute the previous night regarding the article in the Daily Prophet with his interview. "Not looking forward to be stuck in a classroom with that - that thing every week." Hermione complained, which wasn't normal for Hermione to complain about a class but she - along with several students and staff - had an off feeling about Umbridge. "Yeah, well, we have her class next." Ron sighed as he turned his attention onto a breakfast sausage, stabbing it with a fork and taking a rather big bite.
Harry looked away from his friends and had brought his attention to the staff table, drifting his green eyes from the dreadful Umbridge and onto Snape and Victoria, curious on what exactly they were talking about before catching Snape's piercing stare, causing Harry to quickly turn back to his friends. "Are you alright, Harry?" Hermione asked in concern. Harry nodded lightly before digging into his breakfast, obviously giving off a different mood than expected from someone that was okay. Harry felt that nobody believed him about Cedric's death and Voldemort returning, he even doubted his best friends. Of course his aunt Victoria would believe him, but sometimes he felt that even she didn't though she had. Soon, breakfast was over and the students returned to their classes, along with the professors. Once the day had came to an end after their first day of the new school year, Harry had gotten detention from Umbridge. Once Victoria got word about the detention, she became concerned - not because of the trouble he may have caused but because of the impression she already had of the pink toad-like professor. It was also not like Harry to get detention often, especially not the first day of the new school year.
Though Victoria was Harry's aunt and guardian, she also had to remember that she was a professor at the school and couldn't make any student a favorite despite being a relative. She assumed detention was like any normal punishment such as cleaning chalkboard erasers or polishing trophies in the trophy room but she wondered what exactly went down to get the detention in the first place. As the evening set in, dinner had begun and Victoria kept her speculating emerald eyes on Umbridge, silently judging her before having her attention be interrupted at the staff table by none other than Snape himself. "What are you contemplating, Victoria?" Snape questioned, his expression remained placid. Victoria turned away her attention from Umbridge and onto her potions master boyfriend, feeling slightly embarrassed at the fact she was caught in the midst of her gauging thoughts. "Nothing." Victoria whimsically replied, turning her to her dinner. Snape rose a critical eyebrow as his dark eyes were on Victoria. "Obviously not." Snape pointed out. Victoria knew better than to think she would get away with anything that Snape would catch onto. "Surely, this has nothing to do with Potter's detention, am I correct?" Snape added.
Victoria sighed in defeat, though she was curious on how exactly he knew about it, but of course, teachers had normally gotten word about who had detention each other as sometimes other professors would have to host the detention of others. "You caught me, Severus. I'm only concerned." Victoria stated. Snape dropped his critical eyebrow and gathered a light, proud smile that lined his lips before it vanished upon turning back to his plate. "Concern is fine, however, I wouldn't advise interference. She is unfortunately linked to the ministry." Snape warned his girlfriend. Of course Victoria knew that but being reminded is what she needed, to keep her interference at a minimum. "Of course." Victoria simply answered, hoping to please Snape for the time being. But of course, the moment after dinner had ended, Victoria found herself pacing in her empty, dimmed classroom. Her mind was infatuated with confronting Umbridge but didn't want to cause any problems for Dumbledore with the ministry.
Moments later, Victoria decided to leave her classroom and walk to the office of Dolores Umbridge. Upon arriving at the closed door, Victoria knocked and waited only a minute before hearing a voice. "Come in." Umbridge stated. Victoria walked inside the office, noticing the pink lacy covers and cloths, and several vases of dried flowers that laid on the desk and small tables. She had also noticed the plated frames of moving kittens along the pink walls. Her attention broke from the kittens when Umbridge coughed rudely like she had at the first day introduction and turned to face Umbridge. "Can I help you, is it Miss...?" Umbridge trailed off in a false sweet tone, obviously playing a fake persona. Victoria placed a diplomatic smile on her lips, of course trying to remain respectful. "Hawthrone. Victoria preferably. I wanted to speak with you regarding Harry's detention." Victoria explained briefly. Umbridge assumed Victoria knew about what she had done to Harry with the quill and scratches but Victoria still didn't know. "You're welcomed to take a seat, I'll be delighted to explain." Umbridge stated in a light giggle. Victoria went to take a seat across from Umbridge's desk, oddly enough having that be where Harry had just sat hours prior.
"I'm not quite sure if the headmaster informed you that I'm not only a professor but-" Victoria went to explain but was cut off by Umbridge. "You're also Mr. Potter's guardian? Yes, I know about that as I work for the ministry. However, I assume that isn't a problem regarding favoritism, is it, Victoria?" Umbridge stated passive aggressively, taking a sip of her tea from the white tea cup before placing it back onto the tiny white plate. "Of course not. I'm only wondering why exactly he had gotten detention. Harry normally is a good student." Victoria explained, attempting to keep her cool. Umbridge pierced her stare at the ginger haired professor before standing up and walking slowly around her desk, facing Victoria. "Naughty children deserve to be punished, don't you agree?" Umbridge asked. Victoria didn't agree with her but on terms of children that do act out needed to have time out - or detention in school circumstances. "Mr. Potter's actions were inappropriate, speaking out of term in class and spreading false information about what happened in the tragic event last year. He deserved to be punished." Umbridge added.
Spreading false information? That surely wasn't a good enough reason in Victoria's eyes but it was something she would have to discuss with Dumbledore regarding the detention that she disagreed with. "It clearly depends on one's perspective of the information, Dolores. I, on the other hand, unbiased, believe what Harry has witnessed last year. He is devastated." Victoria stated, standing up from the chair. Umbridge didn't like what she had heard from Victoria, it was clear on her blank expression before forming a deceiving smile. "I see we will have a disagreement." Umbridge simply stated. Victoria held back her temper that seemed to crawl up from the back of her throat, heading to her tongue. "I suppose we do. Good night, Dolores." Victoria replied in a forthright tone before exiting Umbridge's office, heading back to her classroom. Of course, Umbridge would already be marking against Victoria, having a relative of a student being also a professor at the same school, but she would keep a keen eye on Victoria. Walking through her classroom, she headed into her office and began to go through the next class curriculum before heading to bed.
The next day went by fast, classes continued and it was now the next early evening when she heard a knock on her office door. "You may come in." Victoria ordered. Who was visiting her this late evening? Of course it wasn't late enough for bedtime yet but she wasn't expecting anyone and she knew Snape was busy tonight. The door opened and the person that entered the office was none other than Hermione Granger. Victoria set the paper she was reading down flat on her desk and curiously looked upon the Gryffindor. "Miss Granger...is everything alright?" Victoria asked. Hermione stepped in and closed the door behind her, seeming a little nervous on being there in the office. "Not quite, Professor. It's about Harry, well he didn't want anyone to know...not you or Dumbledore. But I had to tell someone, it's not right what Professor Umbridge had done." Hermione explained, of course not revealing the truth just yet. "What did Professor Umbridge do to Harry?" Victoria asked, once again the temper she once felt at the back of her throat was returning. Hermione looked nervously at the door before turning back to Victoria. "She made him write lines, but with a quill that apparently uses your blood to write, digging into your skin. Harry has words carved into his skin." Hermione explained, fidgeting with the end of her sleeve.
Victoria stood up immediately from her chair, alerted about the harm that was inflicted on her nephew by a couple of worker. "What words did you see?" Victoria asked simply Victoria knew she shouldn't immediately believe a student over a teacher but she also knew Hermione is a close friend of Harry, why would she lie? Of course she would speak with Harry to verify the incident as any teacher would. "He pulled away before I could look at it thoroughly, but one word that stood out was the word 'lies'." Hermione replied honestly. Victoria knew it had matched from the conversation she had about the detention with Umbridge the evening before and now with the word Hermione heard that was carved onto his hand by a quill. "Thanks for informing me, Miss Granger. I will look into it immediately." Victoria stated. Hermione nodded before exiting the office while Victoria reflected on what she was just informed of. Victoria couldn't believe what she had just heard from Hermione that Umbridge - a ministry of magic bureaucrat and now professor - would torture a teenage student and know what was illegal.
This was something that Victoria couldn't keep to herself but she knew she had to until she saw the evidence. The next morning, Victoria entered the great hall along with other students and staff for breakfast but upon heading towards the staff table, she spotted Harry with Ron and Hermione entering the great hall as well and decided to speak with her nephew. "Mr. Potter..." Victoria called, of course it was a little odd being his guardian and having to call him by his last name like all students but she had to professionally. While Harry heard Victoria and made his way over, Victoria looked around to make sure she didn't spot Umbridge nearby, it seemed she had already took her seat at the staff table which was a good distance away from the entrance. "Yes, professor?" Harry replied, approaching his aunt. "I need to speak with you after classes are over today in my office." Victoria stated. She hoped she didn't make it seem that he was in trouble but she wanted to ask about the detention with Umbridge privately since she needed to remain professional and unbiased as a teacher though despite her being Harry's guardian. Harry nodded and took his seat at the Gryffindor table, seeming slightly bewildered at the request from his aunt. "I wonder what that was about." Harry remarked. Hermione and Ron took their seats as well, Ron giving off a shrug. "No idea." Hermione replied hesitantly, feeling slightly guilty for telling Victoria.
Victoria took her seat beside Snape at the staff table as usual, but of course the interaction with Harry had caught Snape's attention and curiosity. "Staying out of trouble, I presume?" Snape questioned in a slight teasing tone. Victoria pursed her lips for a second before turning her green eyes to Snape. "Yes, I'm trying my best." Victoria sighed, of course she knew that she had dabbled into what Snape warned her not to interfere with but felt that it wasn't that far into trouble just yet. Snape remained skeptical of the response from his girlfriend but wouldn't press further. "I can only advise, Victoria." Snape pointed out. Victoria knew that Snape knew more regarding Hogwarts and the wizarding world in the UK more than she had but she wanted to protect Harry the best that she could also. "I know, Severus. How's your morning?" Victoria replied, giving a gentle smile on to her lips. Snape inspected his cup on the table before parting his lips in reply. "Slightly better than yesterday...hopefully the second years will not break a cauldron in class like the third years had yesterday..." Snape stated. Victoria pressed her lips together, attempting to prevent from letting a chuckle escape.
Once breakfast ended, classes begun and the day went like normal. Victoria had taught the third years on the subject of witch hunts while thinking of how exactly she was going to address Harry of her knowledge of his injury of his hand she was informed about and of course Snape's remark on the third years breaking a cauldron, whom she was currently teaching. "I want an essay on the relevance of the witch hunts in our current society and how you would handle it. The one foot essay will be due next class." Victoria stated. The students then got their things together and headed out of class for their next one. The day turned into late afternoon when classes began coming to an end and Victoria was sitting in her office when someone approached the door frame of the office. "Professor?" Harry spoke. Victoria's head looked up from the paper she was reviewing to spot her nephew that just closed the door behind them. "Harry." Victoria smiled warmly. Harry walked up to the desk and stopped. "You asked to see me after classes." Harry stated.
Victoria stood up from her chair and glanced down at Harry's hands to see if she could spot anything before walking around her desk to stop in front of him. "I was alerted of your detention with Umbridge...and I was told she had done something unethical for a professor to do as a punishment. May I see you hand, Harry?" Victoria explained. Harry furrowed his eyebrows, having the reoccurring question of who told spinning in his mind though he had no choice but to obey his aunt and professor by showing the top of his hand. Upon revealing his hand, Victoria spotted the carving of the words 'i must not tell lies' on the skin of Harry's hand. Hermione was telling the truth. Victoria was nearly taken back by what she saw but furthermore, a resentful, angry feeling came over her and knew this had to be reported to Dumbledore if she didn't take action herself. "Did you tell the headmaster about this, Harry?" Victoria asked in concern. Harry could tell this was concerning his aunt but she did a good job hiding her fury from outsiders. "No i-i rather not tell him. He's got loads on his shoulders as it is." Harry stated, not wanting to burden Dumbledore.
Victoria didn't want to let this incident slide without any consequences but she also didn't want more trouble to arise if it would be possible. "Harry, this isn't okay. She should know better being part of the ministry...this is abuse-" Victoria stated, being cut off. Harry went to cover his hand again and looked at the door of the office before looking back at Victoria. "-i know, professor, but please don't say a word. Trust me, aunt Tori. I know what I'm doing." Harry pleaded lightly, knowing that Victoria was only concerned as a parent would be even though she was only his aunt. "Alright, I won't say a word to Dumbledore. But promise me...if you get into any trouble do not hesitate to find me." Victoria pushed. Harry nodded before giving Victoria a light hug before leaving the office. Victoria promised she wouldn't tell Dumbledore but that didn't mean she wouldn't confront Umbridge, which she would be doing moments later. Victoria left her office and walked through her classroom, determined to get this straightened out herself, heading to none other than Umbridge's office, having the door of her classroom close behind her, the door slam echoing the halls.