Like I said, this is going to be AU. That said, some parts of this chapter will be the same as the original but other parts will be AU. Hope you like it! :)
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter.
It was Harry's first Defense Against the Dark Arts lesson.
Dolores Umbridge stood in the front of the classroom and glanced at the students as they came into the classroom. Her eyes followed Harry as he came in. Sensing this, Harry quickly looked up at her. He wasn't sure why, but the way she was looking at him unnerved him, like a cat looking at a mouse.
"Good afternoon, children," Umbridge said in a sickeningly sweet voice, "As you all surely have been informed, you will be taking OWLs in your fifth year. Study hard and you will be rewarded greatly. Fail to do so, and I fear the consequences may be severe."
With a wave of her wand, Umbridge distributed books to the students and continued, "It seems your previous education in this subject has been disturbingly uneven. From now on, you will be following a carefully structured Ministry-approved course."
As students began to ask her questions, Umbridge just smiled sweetly and replied, "It seems that my fears have been correct. Things at Hogwarts are far worse than I expect. Tut, tut. But don't worry, I'm sure that you'll be able to recover your lost education under my direction and the Ministry's care."
Hermione then raised her hand and said, "Professor, there's nothing in here about using defensive spells!"
"Using spells?" Umbridge asked, "I don't know why you would need to!"
"We're not going to use magic?" exclaimed Ron.
"You'll be learning in a risk-free, secure way," replied Umbridge.
"Well, what use is that?" groaned Harry, "If we're going to be attacked, it won't be risk-free."
"Students will raise their hands when they speak in my class," declared Umbridge, "A theoretical knowledge of defensive spells will help you get through your examinations!"
"And how is theory supposed to prepare us for what is out there?" demanded Harry angrily.
"There is nothing out there! Who would you imagine would attack children like yourself?"
"Oh, I don't know... maybe Lord Voldemort!"
"Now let me make this quite clear," Umbridge said, still in a sugary voice, "You have been told that a certain Dark wizard is at large once again. This is a lie!"
"This is not a lie! I saw him; I fought him-" Harry was cut off abruptly.
"Do you have any proof, Mr. Potter?"
"I don't need any; look at Cedric!"
"The death of Cedric Diggory was a mere accident!"
"It was murder and you know it!" exploded Harry.
"Detention, Mr. Potter. You will inform Professor McGonagall of this matter."
After class, Hermione groaned. "She's not even teaching us anything useful! She's a terrible teacher; I can't imagine why Professor Dumbledore even hired her!"
"He didn't," sighed Harry, "Fudge probably forced Dumbledore to hire Umbridge."
"Yeah," agreed Ron, "Plus, she gave Harry an entirely unfair detention."
"Oh yeah, I forgot, I need to take the note to McGonagall," groaned Harry, "I guess I'll do that now. See you two later."
Harry knocked on the door of McGonagall's office and silently hoped that she wouldn't be in there. His heart sunk, however, when he heard her say, "Come in."
"What can I do for you, Mr. Potter?" asked Professor McGonagall.
"Well, I was told to give you this," Harry said, giving his Professor the note.
Professor McGonagall read the note and raised an eyebrow.
"Is this true?" she questioned, "You called Professor Umbridge a liar?"
"Yes," answered Harry boldly as he waited for the outburst.
Surprisingly, none came.
"Have a biscuit," said Professor McGonagall.
"Have a- what?" asked Harry. He couldn't believe what he had just heard.
"Have a biscuit," repeated McGonagall.
"Um, okay," answered Harry.
"Potter, misbehaving in Delores Umbridge's class could cost you more than House points and a detention. Umbridge is reporting to Cornelius Fudge."
"Yes, Professor, but-"
"Mr. Potter, I have not finished, and I do not enjoy being interrupted," McGonagall scolded sternly, "As I was saying, you need to be careful. This isn't about truth or lies, but about keeping your head down and temper under control. See to it that you are punctual, will you? Professor Umbridge will not take lightly to tardiness, especially for detention."
"Yes, Professor."
"You are dismissed."
As Harry sat in the Common Room after classes, he couldn't help but feel annoyed with Professor McGonagall. What kind of advice was that? How was he supposed to keep his head down when Umbridge had insulted Cedric's death like that?
"Harry, are you alright?" asked Hermione, "Did something happen with Professor McGonagall?"
Harry sighed and said, "Nothing much. Just a bit irritated, I guess."
He told Ron and Hermione what had occurred in McGonagall's office.
"She asked you to have a biscuit?" asked Ron incredulously.
"Yeah," laughed Harry.
"Harry," Hermione said, "I think you should be grateful that she wasn't angry."
"Honestly, Hermione," argued Ron, "How could she be angry at Harry when it wasn't even his fault?"
"Yes, but he did argue with Professor Umbridge in front of the entire class," retorted Hermione.
"Hermione, like I said, I can't just keep my head down when Umbridge just blatantly lies!" groaned Harry.
"I know," Hermione said softly, "Just be careful, okay?"
Reluctantly, Harry nodded and said, "I'll try."
Ron looked at his watch and said, "Wait, Harry, you need to go to detention now!"
Hermione gasped, "Harry! You're going to be late!"
"Oh no," groaned Harry, "If McGonagall hears of this, she's really going to be angry this time."
"Trust me, Harry," said Hermione, "If you really are late, I don't think McGonagall is going to be the least of your worries. Now, you better stop dawdling and go!"
So how is it? I hope you liked it! :) Once again, please feel free to leave a review and I'll try to update as soon as possible!
