Eric was allowed one day at Diagon Alley prior to the start of term to get his class materials. This allowed him the train ride from London to Hogsmeade, which he rather enjoyed; aside from the one year that they were overrun by Dementors. The bay was it's usual gathering, except that Luna Lovegood was missing. Eric couldn't figure out where she would have gone to or why, but he was sure that he'd know soon enough.

He was musing this year's letter with some amount of concern. Along with the usual requirements, Professor Dumbledore had included a personal letter to him.

Mister Sable – I hope you are well.

With some reluctance, I must inform you that your fifth year at our school must follow

a more traditional path. That is to say, you must sign up for normal classes and attend

them as any ordinary student. I know you will find this to be a disappointment and a

frustration, but the reasons behind this will make themselves apparent soon enough.

I have no doubts that you will find matters acceptable, if not altogether satisfactory.

I can only ask for your understanding at this time, as other matters make it impossible

to explain further.

With Respect,

A.D.

With some extra information Dumbledore provided, Eric hastily cobbled together a workable class schedule. It was tight, leaving only one afternoon a week for studies with Professor Frugilagus – he hoped that the Headmaster let his professor in on this new development. The schedule did, however, cover all the topics he had been investigating. He couldn't help but wonder why it was that he had to change his study patterns. The timing fit uncomfortably well with Professor Frugilagus' warnings about the upcoming year. Something was happening, and it wasn't a change for the better.

Dorian looked over from the other bench. "Were you planning to share, or are you going to just keep scowling?"

Eric pondered for the right words. "Something's happening at the school. Everything points to it, but I can't figure out what it could be."

Naomi roused from her meditations. "Does it matter?"

Eric turned to her. "For as long as I can remember, I've been reacting to things. I'd like to face a problem with a plan ahead of time – just once."

Dorian took the lead. "How about this: we stick together, cover our tracks, hide the evidence and leave no one behind!"

It was several seconds before the silence was broken by Naomi's monotone, bearing just a hint of amusement. "It's a bit vague on the details, but he's got the right idea." With Tylena's nod it was settled. The four of them promised to stick together until they could deal with whatever was about to happen.

The rest of the train ride was a bit more pleasant, and the day unfolded as expected until the evening feast. First off, the Sorting Hat decided to put in it's take on current events, admonishing the school to unite in purpose. "As if that's ever going to happen", sneered Dorian who, despite being quite fond of a Slytherin student, never thought much of the house. Eric said nothing, but knew in his heart that if trouble was coming to Hogwarts, Slytherin house would welcome it with a red carpet.

The next surprise was the most unpleasant fact that Dolores Umbridge was taking up the Defense Against the Dark Arts position. Eric could see that there would be trouble brewing in that position when she interrupted the Headmaster in order to present the gathering of students with opening remarks. Actually, 'remarks' wasn't a proper description – she went into a modest lecture regarding how the school should be run, which many of the students found boring, belittling, or downright offensive. Education was going fine at Hogwarts; who invited her opinion?

It was clear, however, that the Ministry of Magic was behind it all, which meant that Eric and his friends would have to watch their collective backs quite closely. Glancing across to the Slytherins, Eric caught Sheena's gaze. She quietly nodded back; they'd have to meet tonight, for it was clear that Dolores Umbridge was going to be trouble.

It was unfortunate, therefore, that he had a Defense class the next morning. It was a single class, which suited Eric as he didn't want to seem interested in the subject. Dolores' appearance wasn't helping – her pink cardigan giving everyone the impression of a gigantic puffball.

"Good morning class!" Her far-too squeaky voice struck everyone as such a surprise that no one responded. "Oh, dear – I was hoping that my students would be more welcoming; now... Good Morning Class!"

"Good Morning, Professor Umbridge!" Eric could feel the irritation dripping from his peers. They were fifteen year old teenagers. These kinds of grade-school drills were unwelcome at half their age. At this point, they were intolerable.

"That's much better. Now; wands away and quills out, please." Everyone in the class knew that this meant reading – lots and lots of reading, with maybe some notes to be taken. Eric braced himself for the upcoming hour. It would be boring and tedious; but if he kept his head down, it would be endurable.

"I've reviewed the 'education' that students have received in this class. To be perfectly honest, the results have been less than the Ministry could hope for. While I appreciate that you are not the cause of this, it is you who would bear the consequences. Therefore, I have been charged to bring you back to the structured, theory-centered and Ministry-approved course of defensive magic that will prepare you for your upcoming O.W.L.s. Now: please copy down the objectives for this class." She tapped the blackboard, which dutifully listed her intentions – all of which seemed to take all the application out of magical defense.

After a few minutes, her annoying voice chimed again. "Has everybody got a copy of Defensive Magical Theory by Wilbert Slinkhard?" Several books were drawn out, and soon everyone had a book in front of him or her. "Now, students: how are we going to learn if we don't communicate? An appropriate answer to my question would be 'Yes, Professor Umbridge', or 'No, Professor Umbridge'. So: has everybody got a copy of Defensive Magical Theory by Wilbert Slinkhard?"

"Yes, Professor Umbridge." ... you babbling git! Eric decided that the potential for humor was needed if he was going to survive this class.

"Good. Turn to page five and read chapter one, 'Basics for Beginners.' There will be no need to talk." She settled behind her desk and began scanning the room, examining each student in turn. Eric was determined not to be her target again, so he dutifully reviewed the chapter. It wasn't long, however, before he felt his concentration slipping. It was all he could do to underline a few passages to note the jist of the text. If the O.W.L.s were requiring this kind of material, they were all in trouble. True, it was so basic everyone was far beyond it. However, it was so theoretical that Eric could feel his mind numb against the strain. This was the stuff you didn't think about while casting defensive spells; you'd be struck down long before you acted.

Eric, however, plodded through the hour without comment or action. He was really hoping to avoid anything that could have been construed as a confrontation, and he promised himself above all to behave. It was a shame that Professor Umbridge had other things in mind, stopping him after class. "Hem, hem – Mister Sable, I wish to speak with you."

Eric swallowed his first response before offering an alternate. "Professor, can this wait? I have double Divination to get to and the classroom is, well, a challenge to reach in time."

"What goes on with your next period is not my concern. I am, however, curious if you could answer my questions regarding your summer with any more detail." Her beady eyes locked fiercely onto Eric's face, searching it intently.

"I'm sorry, Professor, but as time goes on the details only get dimmer. To be honest, I'm really trying to forget the whole thing." He began to become anxious, for the delay was truly digging into time he needed to cross the school. "Please, Professor, I have to go."

"What you have to do, Mister Sable, is to learn manners." She quickly walked to her desk and hastily scribbled out a note. "You will see me at my office this evening no later than Four-Thirty. I have plans for this evening."