The first High Inquisitor of Hogwarts School.
The day after Elizabeta sent Arthur the update letter, a new change occurred in Hogwarts.
The Ministry officially named Umbridge 'High Inquisitor', allowing her to supervise classes and inspect teachers. They posted Educational Decree Number 23 to the Gryffindor post board, although Eliza knew that it must have been tacked to the other houses' post boards as well. Neville, who had been in the common room waiting for her to come down, seemed extremely upset by this.
"What do you think it means?" He looked concerned.
"I don't know. Maybe she just wants to make sure everyone is prepared for their exams." She tried to reassure him, and it must have worked, because he relaxed a bit and said,
"Yeah, you're probably right. Come on, let's get to the Great Hall." He grabbed Elizabeta's hand and gently pulled her in the direction of the exit. She laughed and let him pull her out of the common room.
Her first inspected class was on Monday, in Divination. For the most part, Umbridge watched and asked about the teacher, Professor Trelawney (who wasn't Elizabeta's favourite teacher in the school, but wasn't the worst either (*coughcough Professor Umbridge coughcough*)).
The inspection became serious once Umbridge asked the professor if she could predict something. Elizabeta didn't think this was fair, she was sure prophecies didn't work that way. But Umbridge was incessant, and when she didn't hear any predictions she started to leave. The professor became nervous at her leaving, because she clearly created something on the spot. This didn't satisfy Umbridge, and she smiled and climbed down the tower.
Elizabeta wasn't a hateful person. She really wasn't. And up until this point she didn't hate Umbridge. She thought the teacher was wrong in morals and lessons, but she didn't hate her.
Of course, that was just another thing that changed that week. Elizabeta could not help but hate Professor Umbridge.
Umbridge did not get better throughout the next month. She continued to ask personal questions to the teachers with an almost smug look on her face. Trelawney handled this the worst, because many of the other teachers weren't as fazed as she was. They merely answered her questions and carried on with whatever lesson they were on that day.
This didn't stop any of the students for thinking Umbridge was a terrible teacher. Many students muttered under their breaths about how her lessons were pointless and boring. Hermione kept badgering Harry about making a club or something,
At some point during the first week of October, Hermione approached Elizabeta and Gilbert.
"Harry has something to say on the subject of defense, so if you want to hear it, meet at the Hog's Head in Hogsmead. Bring your friends if you think they want to listen too."
Gilbert looked sceptical. "We'll think about it."
Hermione tried her hardest to look serious, and nodded to them before leaving.
"Well, that was something." Gilbert said, looking at Elizabeta.
"Indeed it was. Do you think we should go?"
"I think we could at least check it out. Besides, isn't being in clubs part of the school experience?"
"I suppose so. Do you want to tell Ludwig?"
"Yeah, and Roderich too!"
"I do not think that is a good idea. We don't need him to be annoyed with you."
"Ehh, he's always like that." He gestured vaguely. She signed
"Fiiiiine, you may tell him, as long as you don't do anything stupid. I'll tell Lilli and Basch."
They agreed to tell their fellow nations in the morning, and went to bed.
-Linebreak-
To say Ludwig was surprised when Gilbert approached him in the morning was an exaggeration.
It was true, neither of them had much time to talk to each other, but Gilbert was always making faces across the Great Hall at him, or making silly gestures that were impossible to decipher.
Still, Gilbert's question was rather surprising. "So, you want to come with Eliza and I to the Hog's Head during the next Hogsmead trip or not? Hello, Bruder, are you listening to me!?"
"Yes, I am, I apologize. What for?"
Gilbert leaned in and whispered, "to join a cult."
"... What kind of cults are you getting involved in?"
"It's a defense club, that's all I know. Lizzie and I are going to check it out."
"... I can come, seeing as how I don't have much to do over the weekends. Speaking of which, you have been doing your homework, haven't you? You know it's important and that your teach..."
-Linebreak-
"So, what is this about, exactly?"
Elizabeta had managed to corner both Lilli and Basch at once. She did not waste any time in asking them if they wanted to tag along.
"Well, Hermione told us that it is for a new defense club, but that's all she said."
"Why would she not want you to know more about it? Surely giving more information would get more people to come?" Eliza always liked talking with Lilli. She brought up good points and flaws in her plans.
"I don't know, really. Maybe she didn't want Umbridge to know about it, because she didn't ask permission for it to be formed, I don't think. So, is that a yes?
The two blonds looked at each other, nodded, and turned back to Elizabeta.
"That's a yes for me!" Lilli exclaimed.
"As for me." Basch agreed.
-Linebreak-
Gilbert had a hard time getting to Roderich. He was never in the Great Hall when Gil was. They didn't have any classes together. The only hope Gil had was dinner.
Everyone was at dinner.
So at the first available opportunity, Gilbert sauntered off towards the Ravenclaw table and squeezed himself between 'Roddy and some blonde chick'. He leaned into 'Roddy' and asked, rather loudly,
"Do you want to go with me to Hogsmead this weekend?"
"First off, ow. Second, what makes you think that I do?"
Still leaned in he asked, "We're meeting Lizzie and Basch and Luddy and Lilli there too, I think."
"For what?" He looked dubious.
"I don't know, some club thing." Gilbert shrugged.
Roderich sighed deeply, "I guess I can make time for you."
"That was hurtful Roddy."
"Your voice is hurtful. Get away from my ear."
-Linebreak-
"So, what if we made a 'Mess With Umbridge' club? Like, we could play pranks on her. Really subtle things, so that she thinks she's going mad!"
"That's a stupid idea Gil."
"Oh come on, it would be fun. It's not like she doesn't deserve it."
"It's still stupid."