So I haven't updated this in forever, I have up to the next year typed out but I wanna go back and kinda re-do everything up until this chapter (grammar, spelling, changing "said" to other words cause I wrote this a LONG while ago and I'd like to think I've gotten better at writing since then.) I'm going to actually re-read the books (I ordered them online) and probably even rewrite some parts of my story, add more details. I'll be editing chapters and not uploading to a separate "story". I'll have "Updated: Date" at the top of the chapters that are done.
It was their first Defense Against the Dark Arts class of the year. A few girls charmed a paper bird to make it fly around the room before class officially started.
"Bring it over here. Over here." A girl blew on it and it flew higher.
"Oh, go on, Seamus. Go on, get it," Dean said. Seamus smacked the bird and it flew up around the chandelier. Crabbe hit it with his slingshot making a few boys laugh but the bird was fine. Suddenly the paper burst into flames, turning into a black crisp, before floating down and landing on the Patil twin's desk.
"Good morning, children," Umbridge said. Everyone turned to see her at the back of the class with her wand. She started walking to the front, holding out her wand so the chalk at the front of the room wrote on the board. "Ordinary Wizarding Level examinations. O-W-Ls." She reached the front of the class and turned around. "More commonly known as OWLS."
"I don't think I can stand her voice for a whole year," Fiona said quietly to Hermione who didn't say anything but seemed to agree.
"Study hard and you will be rewarded," Umbridge said. "Fail to do so and the consequences may be severe." She waved her wand and books that were at the front of the class floated to each desk. "Your previous instruction in this subject has been disturbingly uneven." Fiona looked down at her book. Dark Arts Defense Basics for Beginners. She looked to Hermione who looked just as unpleased as she was. "But you'll be pleased to know, from now on you will be following a carefully structured, Ministry-approved course of defensive magic." Hermione started to raise her hand but Fiona beat her to it. "Yes?" Umbridge smiled at her.
"Does the Ministry want us to die?" she asked. Umbridge looked a bit shocked and the entire classed looked at Fiona. "There's nothing in here about using actual spells to defend ourselves."
"Using spells? Ha-ha!" Umbridge laughed. "Well, I can't imagine why you would need to use spells in my classroom."
"Professor, it's not so much in this classroom as it is outside of it," Fiona said. "I'm sure you're smart enough to realize this." Hermione's eyes widened and she looked at Fiona like she'd gone mad.
"We're not going to be using magic?" Ron asked, quickly, to take the attention off of Fiona.
"You'll be learning about defensive spells in a secure, risk-free way," Umbridge said.
"What use is that?" Harry asked. "If we're attack it won't be risk-free."
"Students will raise their hands when they speak in my class."
"I didn't see Ron raise his hand but of course it's Harry who gets scolded," Fiona said. Umbridge turned and looked at her but then looked to the class, taking a quick breath.
"It is the view of the Ministry that a theoretical knowledge will be sufficient to get you through your examination. Which after all, is what school is all about."
"So when we're done with our exams we should just tell any attackers that they can only theoretically kill us then, shall we?" Fiona asked.
"Fiona," Hermione hissed.
"Fiona's right, how's theory supposed to prepare us for what's out there?" Harry asked.
"There is nothing out there, dear," Umbridge said. "Who do you imagine wants to attack children like yourself?"
"Oh, I don't know. Maybe Lord Voldemort," Harry said. Some of the students whispered, others shook their heads.
"Now, let me make this quite plain," Umbridge said. "You have been told that a certain dark wizard is at large once again. This. Is. A. Lie."
"It's not a lie. I saw him! I fought him!"
"Detention, Mr. Potter."
"So according to you, Cedric Diggory dropped dead of his own accord?"
"Cedric Diggory's death was a tragic accident."
"It was murder. Voldemort killed him, you must know that-!"
"Enough!" she screamed. "Enough. See me later, Mr. Potter. My office," Umbridge said with a slight giggle.
"I'd like a detention too, Professor," Fiona said.
"Whatever for?" Umbridge gave her a smile.
"Well, for calling you a stupid bitch of course," Fiona said with a straight face. Hermione covered her own face in embarrassment. Umbridge took a breath.
"Fine. Miss Gaunt… see me after class."
…
Later that evening Harry and Fiona walked back to the DADA class room.
"What's gotten into you?" Harry asked.
"I don't like her," Fiona said.
"That's an understatement. You've never gotten detention. You didn't have to do that today."
"She was one of the people that raised their hand for you being expelled; it's no secret she doesn't like you and is biased against you."
"You don't need to drag yourself into this. I can take care of myself," Harry said as they walked into the class room.
"You're my best friend, I'm not just going to sit by and-!"
"Hem hem." The two stopped and looked to see Umbridge standing there. "Mr. Potter my office while I speak to Miss Gaunt, again." She said with a smile. Harry looked between the two before heading up into the room's office. "Now, Miss Gaunt." Umbridge turned to her with a smile. "You understand that you spoke out of turn and very inappropriately."
"Duh." Fiona crossed her arms. "Shall we get on with this?" She motioned to the stairs to the office. Umbridge looked like she was holding herself back from saying something.
"You understand not to behave the way you did in my class again?"
"I understand I shouldn't."
"Very well."
"Doesn't mean I won't," Fiona said. Umbridge let out a slow breath.
"I suggest you behave from now on."
"Noted."
"Off you go then."
"That's it?" Fiona asked. "What-? Harry gets an actual detention and I get nothing? Even after the way I'm taking to you? That's hardly fair."
"I think you best be off, dear. Wouldn't want to be caught out after hours."
"After hours...?" Fiona turned to look at the clock. She turned back to Umbridge but she was already walking away to her office.
…
"What did your father say to her?" Fiona asked as she walked into Moaning Myrtle's bathroom that night.
"Nice to see you too, love. My day was great, yours?" Draco asked with a smile.
"Draco."
"Sorry." He held up his hands. "What's wrong?"
"What did your father say to Umbridge?" Fiona asked as she crossed her arms.
"What makes you think he said anything to her?" he asked with a confused frown.
"Well, I know it wasn't my father. I deserved a detention and she sent me away. I was rude as hell."
"I know, I didn't know what was going on with you," Draco said. "Never thought you'd talk like that to a teacher." Fiona gave him a look. "What can I say? Being my girlfriend has its perks." He said with a shrug. "I guess he may have said something…"
"We're dating again?"
"We're… not?" Draco asked, genuinely confused.
"You never asked me."
"Uh, hello? I asked you third year," he said with a chuckle.
"Yeah, then we broke up before fourth year."
"And?"
"You have to ask me again," Fiona said putting her hands on her hips. "You can't just assume we're dating again. That's not how it works."
"Does it really matter?" he asked with a slight laugh. "You're going to say yes anyways."
"Well, maybe I'm not!" she said as she crossed her arms. Draco gave her a come-on-really look. "Just for that, no, we're not dating right now," she said before she turned and started to leave.
"You know, I was just looking out for you!" he called after her. She stopped and turned to him. "Being friends with Potter is dangerous. If I hadn't told my dad to talk to her-"
"Harry's my best friend. If he gets in trouble for telling the truth then I get in trouble for backing him."
"But you didn't back him."
"What?"
"You never agreed with him."
"I may not have said it in class but I do believe him."
"You believe… your great uncle is back?" Draco asked. Fiona's expression faltered.
"Yes," she whispered. "I trust Harry. He of all people wouldn't lie about that."
"Fiona… Are you okay?" Draco asked as he took a step towards her. Fiona bit her bottom lip and shook her head.
"No," she said, her voice breaking. Draco hurried to her and pulled her into his arms. "What if he goes to my dad? What if he hurts my mum? What if he comes after me?"
"He won't come after you," he said softly and he held her close.
"You don't know that."
"I won't let him."
"You'd stand up to him for me?"
"I'd stand up to the world for you," he said before kissing her head and rubbing her back. Fiona pulled away and he wiped away her tears with his thumb giving her a soft smile. She bit her bottom lip and started to go up on her toes, towards his face. "Wait." he stopped her. "I don't want our first kiss to be in some dingy bathroom." He said before glancing around the room. "Besides… I thought we weren't dating," he said with a smirk.
"Well…" Fiona looked down shyly.
"Yeah?" he asked holding her chin gently. "If you want, I can ask again," he offered with a smile. Fiona gave him a playful shove and he held her closer. "We could officially make the Chamber our place."
"You don't have your broom."
"Of course I do," he said. "Accio broom." His broom came out of one of the stalls and to his hand. "Hid it there in case you said yes." He said with a smile.
"I don't wanna go down there just to kiss," Fiona said as her face flushed. "That's not very romantic or in the moment." She added.
"Alright. Romantic. I can do that," he said with a nod. "You once said I was romantic." Fiona smiled up at him. "It's getting late." He said reluctantly.
"Tomorrow night?" Fiona asked making him smile.
"Tomorrow night," he said with a nod. "Go on now, get some sleep, love." He kissed her forehead. He let her go but as she started to leave he grabbed her hand. "First Hogsmeade weekend?" he asked before kissing her hand and keeping his lips there.
"Of course," Fiona said giving him a smile.
"And, just so we're on the same page… will you be my girlfriend again?"
"Yes," she said and couldn't help but giggle quietly as a huge grin came to his face.
"Told you so."
"Shut up." She said as she rolled her eyes. He chuckled.
"Goodnight," he said as he slowly let go of her hand.
"Goodnight."
…
The next evening, Fiona was sitting in the Gryffindor common room on the couch with Harry, who was flipping through a book. Music was playing in the background; the twins were showing their latest merchandise while others played cards or games. Hermione and Ron walked over.
"I'll do the introduction. That's all," Hermione said.
"Hermione, you're honestly the most wonderful person I've ever met," Ron said as the two walked to the fireplace area. "If I'm ever rude to you again…"
"I'll know you've gone back to normal." Hermione said. Fiona smiled at the two as they sat on either side of her and Harry. "What's wrong with your hand?" Hermione asked Harry.
"Nothing." He put his right hand on the open book.
"The other hand." Hermione grabbed his left hand and looked at the back.
"Harry…" Fiona's eyes widened when she saw the words carved into the back of his hand.
"You've got to tell Dumbledore," Hermione said.
"No," Harry said taking his hand back. "Dumbledore's got enough on his mind right now. Anyway I don't want to give Umbridge the satisfaction."
"Bloody hell, Harry. The woman's torturing you," Ron said. "If the parents knew about this-"
"Yeah, well, I haven't got any of those, have I, Ron?" Harry asked without looking at him.
"Harry, you've got to report this," Hermione said. "It's perfectly simple. You're being-"
"No, it's not." Harry looked at her. "Hermione, whatever this is, it's not simple. You don't understand." Harry closed his book and started gathering his things.
"Then help us to," Hermione said. Harry didn't say anything, got up and left. Fiona stood. "Where are you going?"
"Bed."
"It's not even that late," Ron said with a frown.
"I'm tired."
"Fiona," Hermione said as she stood. "You going to see… you know… isn't helping."
"I'm going to bed, Hermione," Fiona said. "And it's none of your business," she added before heading to the stairs.
…
"Do you ever stop eating?" Hermione asked as she watched Ron stuff his face at breakfast.
"What? I'm hungry."
"Harry."
"Can I join you?" he asked.
"Pardon me, professor, but what exactly are you insinuating?" Umbridge asked, her voice echoed into the great hall. Fiona and the others got up to see what was going on.
"I am merely requesting that when it comes to my students, you conform to the prescribed
disciplinary practices." McGonagall said as she and Umbridge went up the stairs. They stopped and faced each other.
"So silly of me, but it sounds as if you're questioning my authority in my own classroom." Umbridge said. "Minerva." She added as she stepped up one step.
"Not at all, Dolores," McGonagall stepped up as well. "merely your medieval methods."
"I am sorry, dear. But to question my practices is to question the Ministry and by extension, the minister himself. I am a tolerant woman but the one thing I will not stand for is disloyalty.
"Disloyalty." McGonagall took a step down in disbelief. Umbridge took another step up and addressed the crowd of students that had formed.
"Things at Hogwarts are far worse than I feared. Cornelius will want to take immediate action."
…
Hermione, Ron, Fiona and Harry stopped in front of a plaque outside the great hall. They look shocked as Hermione read it aloud.
"`The Ministry of Magic seeks education reform . . . Dolores Umbridge appointed first-ever 'High Inquisitor.'"
"What's that mean?" Ron asked.
"'Education Decree twenty-three, which gives the High Inquisitor power to inspect her fellow teachers and appoint new powers to students as she sees fit. '"
"Hermione, what does this mean?"
"This is an outrage. She's going to conduct inspections of the classes. That means she's looking to sack some teachers."
"Oh."
"I didn't think it'd happen this fast. Oh, I can't wait to see her inspect McGonagall, then that toad is going to get it."
"Forget McGonagall, I want to see what Snape and Umbridge do to each other," Harry said.
"Maybe we'll get lucky and they'll finished each other off," Ron said.
…
Hermione, Fiona, Harry, and Ron sat together talking to themselves before Potions class started.
"This is why Fudge sent her; she's going to weave out Dumbledore's supporters," Hermione said to the three.
"But she won't be able to sack anyone," Ron said. "I mean our teachers are tough enough as it is –"
"I think regardless she's going to take them out. She's trying to find out which are loyal and which aren't," Ron said. Suddenly Professor Snape lurked into the class room. Immediately the class went silent. Professor Snape flicked his wand and rolls of parchment flew out to each student. The parchments rolled open with grades on top.
"As you can see, I have awarded grades on the last test to the standards of the O.W.L. 's. This should give you a realistic idea what to expect on your finals this year." Harry picked up his parchment that had a fat 'D' on it. "Needless to say, most of you would of failed had this been the real O.W.L. I expect better of my students and I will see a great deal more effort. Or I'm going to start handing out detention to those who get Ds." Snape said. "Today we shall have a visitor critiquing the way this class is run. Anyone who acts in a manner of foolishness shale find themselves imbibing Mr. Longbottom's next carelessly produced potion. Today's lesson is on the board, I suggest you get started." With a flick of Snape's wrist a long, complex list of ingredients and instructions magically appeared on the board.
…
Umbridge had a clipboard and was writing with a quill next to Snape who leaned against his chair with his hands folded. He looked as if he didn't have a care in the world.
"You applied first for the Defense Against the Dark Arts post, is that correct?"
"Yes."
"But you were unsuccessful?"
"Obviously," Snape drawled. Ron couldn't help but snicker.
"Any reason why you were denied some many times, considering the job seems to have constant openings?"
"I suggest you ask the Headmaster about that."
"Oh, believe me I will. Very well, they seem to be advance for their age. It seems you have control of this class." Snape looked up almost insulted as if something less was expected from his class. Once Umbridge left Snape smacked the back of Ron's head with a piece of rolled up paper.
…
Professor McGonagall stood before her class. Umbridge stood to the side with a clipboard in hand as she looked over. She made a 'hem, hem' kind of cough but McGonagall ignored her.
"Now, as you prepare for your O.W.L.s you'll be forced to begin to consider what profession you'll be heading for your future. Throughout the year you will be taking practice test to prepare you for the real thing."
"Hem, hem."
"Today we're advancing from vanishing snails to mice. Now the Vanishing Spell-"
"Hem, Hem!"
"Yes?" McGonagall asked turning to her.
"Well, Professor, I was just wondering if you had received my note about the inspection today."
"Well, obviously, or I'd ask you what exactly you're doing standing in my classroom." Ron and Harry smiled at each other. Professor McGonagall turned back to the class. "Now, as I was saying the Vanishing Spell grows in complexity with the complexity of the animal. As you begin –"
"Hem, hem."
"- on your mice you will see that vanishing them will prove far more concentration than with –
"Hem, hem." Professor McGongall's eyes burned towards Umbridge.
"May I offer you a cough drop?" she asked.
"Oh, no."
"Well, I wonder how you expect to gain an idea of my normal teachings standards if you continue to interrupt me with your sudden asthmatic attacks?" Umbridge wrote something down and returned her cold gaze at McGonagall.
"Expect the result of your inspection in ten days."
"I don't know how'll I contain my anticipation." Umbridge turned and left in a rush. McGonagall took a moment trying return to her normal teaching state. Harry raised his hand. "Yes, Potter?"
"You could turn her into a worm," he suggested. The class couldn't help but laugh. Normally McGonagall wouldn't have stood for something like that, but she shook her head lightly trying to hide a smile. "We could go fishing in the lake?"
"That'll be enough, Potter," McGonagall said even though she was still trying to hide a smile.
Like I said in the A/N at the top I'll be redoing this story (just replacing the chapters of this story not making a "new story". I've started re-reading the first book and already have ideas, I'm not going to be taking lines or anything but there's more than happens in the books than in the movies (obviously) and things make more sense in the book sometimes. (I can add in more Fiona.)
I also don't remember the first two chapters which is weird... I read them over a decade ago tho.