A/N: Chapter 14 is up. Look for an update next Monday. I will try updating weekly every Monday as it gives me the weekend to do some serious typing. Just a quick note: Kreacher did not spill the beans about the prophecy – Dumbledore hasn't told anyone, but Kreacher has spilled the beans about the Order guarding the door to the DoM. A lot is going to be happening between now and Christmas so I'm not sure how many chapters it is going to end up as.
Thanks for all the
great reviews. I enjoy reading them and they keep me motivated.
Disclaimer: Refer to Chapter 1
Chapter 14: A Ferret and A Toad
Dumbledore hung back from the party. He watched with a small smile on his face as Ron Weasley eagerly ripped the brown paper off what was obviously a broom. Mr. Weasley was having a good day, Dumbledore knew. Unlike Harry and Ginny, Ron's mind was not as well protected against even passive legilimancy. While he was mostly radiating happiness about the new broom, he was also happy about being a lion. Dumbledore smiled and wondered if two old marauders had anything to do with this new development. He knew that he would have to wait for one of them to tell him; both of them had rudimentary understanding of occulumency… probably from years of lying about pranks.
Alastor was showing something, it looked like a picture, to Harry and judging from Ginny's reaction Harry was not reacting well to it. The young lady had moved from the opposite side of the room and had nonchalantly placed a supporting hand on Harry's shoulder.
"Albus, can we talk for a moment?" Remus Lupin had managed to sneak up on him. Dumbledore nodded wondering what the former professor had to say. "Harry's been having dreams about the Department of Mysteries. He described the hallway perfectly for me," Dumbledore closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and made sure to exhale extra long before replying.
"I was afraid the connection was growing stronger," Dumbledore admitted. "Has Alastor setup everything for the trip to Kings Cross?" Remus nodded affirmatively. "Good, I'll talk to them before I go."
"Albus, is everything alright?" Remus asked concern. The Headmaster's look reminded him of what he looked like a few days after the full moon.
"Just tired. I've been spending much of my time trying to prevent the Ministry from appointing a Defense Against the Dark Arts professor, but I have not succeeded." Remus silently asked who it was, "Dolores Umbridge," Dumbledore said sadly.
Remus' face fell, "She's an awful woman."
"Yes, that is what I need to talk to them about, especially Harry and Ginny. She will try and provoke them." Dumbledore smiled sadly at Remus and made his way to the table.
"Excuse me, but I need to talk to the…" Dumbledore momentarily wondered what to call them. Children was no longer the correct term, "…students for a moment." Although he did not raise his voice, everyone quieted down. "You might have heard that I have had some difficulty in finding a Defense professor. Sadly, I have not been able to find one and the Ministry has appointed Dolores Umbridge as professor. She is the Senior Undersecretary of Magic. I know that each of you has been following the papers and realize the Minister Fudge does not believe Lord Voldemort," almost everyone flinched, "has returned.
"I want all of you to be very careful around Professor Umbridge. Do not allow her to provoke you. As I am sure Alastor will remind you, be careful what you put into writing and assume all owls will be intercepted. Do you understand?" Everyone nodded.
Harry tried to meet Dumbledore's eyes, but the professor refused to. His feelings of guilt and worry tripled. Ginny looked at Harry and then at Dumbledore.
Harry, quit feeling guilty.
But I don't know what I did, protested Harry.
Ginny had had enough. If she could stand up to her mother then she could confront Dumbledore, audience or no. She wondered if she would be able to control her temper.
Ginny, don't it…
"Professor," called Ginny as Dumbledore turned to leave.
Dumbledore unnoticeably stiffened. He knew that tone. Indeed, it seemed to be becoming a tradition to be chewed out by the youngest Weasley. Turning around to face the young lady he said, "Yes, Ms. Weasley?"
Ever direct, Ginny went straight to the point, "Why won't you look Harry in the eye?"
Instead of immediately answering, Dumbledore moved back to the table and sat down and looked Ginny in the eye. "I don't know what you're talking about." He knew it was a mistake before he finished. Ginny had turned red.
"Don't you dare. You know exactly what you're doing." Ginny was not yelling, but her volume was only just below that. "Do you know how Harry's feeling? He hasn't done anything wrong! You are the one who's wrong! It's not Harry's fault that Voldemort came back – he didn't even want to even be in the stupid tournament. He didn't hire a Death Eater as a professor. He didn't choose to live with relatives that are beyond awful. You haven't had your life threatened every year…" Ginny continued for another five minutes.
At one point, once she had gotten over the initial shock, Mrs. Weasley had moved to grab her daughter and pull her back into her chair, but Harry had stood to stand by Ginny. Her hand had met with an invisible barrier. Harry had turned to look at her and his look clearly said that he would not allow anyone to touch Ginny.
When Ginny had started berating Dumbledore Harry had wanted to crawl under the table, but when he noticed Mrs. Weasley begin to reach for her daughter Harry knew he could not allow her to intervene. It was a simple decision for him – Ginny did not want to be stopped and he knew it was important to her.
Dumbledore had not planned on anyone forcing his hand this quickly; he was sure Severus was going to complain mightily when he informed him. "I fear that Voldemort might use the connection he and Harry have to spy on me, on us." Shocked silence greeted Dumbledore's words. He continued, "I believe it is possible for Voldemort to force his way into Harry's mind – much like he did to you with the diary."
This time several people began speaking at once and Dumbledore held his hands up for silence, "I believe that, if you are willing to learn Harry, Voldemort can be blocked," Harry watched Dumbledore carefully and wondered idly if Dumbledore was saying Voldemort's name so many times to try and sensitize the group. "Would you be willing to learn Occulumency?"
"Of course," answered Harry. Why wouldn't I? he added mentally.
"Excellent," Dumbledore said as he stood, "Then Professor Snape will be in contact shortly." He immediately made for the door. It was not until after Dumbledore was gone that the shocked crowd fully realized what he had said.
I can think of one reason…
Snape? Oh this is going to be pleasant.
Do you mind if I sit this one out? Harry rolled his eyes.
"Oh Harry, I'm so sorry," Hermione said. She was the first to break the silence.
………………………………….
The trip to Kings Cross was uneventful. Sirius had accompanied them for the trip in his animagus form over the objections of Mrs. Weasley. Mad Eye Moody had also initially objected, but when Sturgis Podmore had not shown he had decided that Sirius would make up the missing number in Harry's guard.
Harry smiled and waved at the large, shaggy black dog running after the train. Watching Sirius enjoying himself, Harry temporarily was able to forget all the finger pointing and whispering he had received on the platform. It appeared that a lot of his classmates had been reading the Daily Prophet. "He's enjoying being out," Ginny said breaking into his thoughts.
Laughing, Harry agreed, "Yeah, let's go find a compartment."
Don't worry about all of them Harry. If they think your crazy and avoid you then it just means more time with me.
Harry smiled at her logic and put an arm around her as they walked down the train looking for an empty compartment. Hermione and Ron had already left to attend their prefect meeting. At the last carriage they met Neville.
"Hey, Neville. How was your summer?" asked Harry.
Neville smiled at Harry. They had become better friends last year, "Pretty good except for all the rubbish that was in the Daily Prophet about you and Dumbledore. You should have seen Gran when a reporter came to our place asking for a comment. I thought she was going to hex him on the spot." The three of them laughed at the image. Neville's grandmother was formidable; from only the brief glimpses they had had of her on Platform 9 ¾ over the years neither Harry nor Ginny would want to be on her bad side.
"This compartment has space. Only Luna is in it," Ginny said. Neville looked at her strangely and then looked at the compartment in doubt.
Harry turned to see what Neville was worried about. In the compartment sat a girl probably Ginny's age and Harry understood immediately why Neville hesitated. This 'Luna' gave off an aura of dottiness. The radishes hanging from her ears and the butterbeer cap necklace did not help.
How do you know Luna?
Met her during my first year. I talk to her when I run into her…she's a bit strange, but you'll like her.
How come I don't know her?
Luna doesn't always leave a lasting impression unless you are talking to her…it's kinda strange, but then so is Luna.
"Can we join you Luna?" asked Ginny as she opened the compartment's door.
Luna looked up from her newspaper, which Harry noticed was upside down, she looked at the three of them and smiled dreamily, "Of course. Sit."
Several minutes later, Harry decided Ginny was right. Luna was nice, but strange. The conversation he had tried to have with her had gone nowhere or, rather, the conversation had gone beyond Harry's grasp of reality. He turned to Neville, who had happily avoided Luna's direct gaze.
"Are you looking forward to this year?" Harry asked eager for a conversation he could follow.
Neville's smile grew wider, "Yeah, my great uncle even bought me this plant, mimbulus mimbletonia is its name. Here, hold Trevor," Harry took hold of the toad and watched as Neville took out a quill, "It's supposed to have a defense system. So if I poke it like this…" Green, smelly goo shot out everywhere. Neville was covered as was Harry who could not protect himself as he was holding Trevor. Ginny had thrown her hands up in time to shield her from the worst of it and Luna's newspaper was now green.
Ginny stood and waved her wand and said "Scourgify" cleaning the goo off everyone and the compartment. A moment later the compartment door opened and Ginny turned to see an older girl with Asian features and long, shiny black hair. Ginny recognized her as the Ravenclaw seeker, Cho Chang.
"Hi Harry, how are you?" she asked ignoring Ginny, Neville, and Luna completely. Ginny's eyes narrowed; she did not care for the look in Cho's eyes.
"Er…I'm okay. How're you Cho?" Harry was confused. Cho was looking at him strangely and batting her eyelashes at him. He was even more confused by the hostility he felt from Ginny. Then he was hit by a huge wave of possessiveness.
Ginny fingered her wand and walked so that she was just in front of Harry, "Hi, Cho! Have a good summer?" she asked in an overly polite voice. As she did so, Ginny sat down in Harry's lap. Harry blushed at Ginny's provocative position and, after a mental prod from Ginny, tentatively put his arms around her so that she would not slide off.
A small blush crept up Cho's neck, but she smiled back at Ginny and said, "It was okay considering…anyway, I'll see you later Harry. I'd like to talk to you more." She turned so that her hair flew over her shoulder.
Ginny watched her go with a frown and felt doubt flash across her mind. Harry was Harry, but he was also the boy-who-lived, handsome, nice, rich, and powerful…and she was just Ginny Weasley.
Ginny Potter, Harry corrected. Ginny blushed, embarrassed at her thoughts.
Harry, have you ever doubted…
You know that I haven't…besides I'm the one whose not worthy of you.
Don't be ridiculous Harry, you're…
Then you stop being ridiculous, Harry said with finality. Ginny maneuvered herself so that she was straddling his lap.
Neville and Luna watched mesmerized as Ginny leaned towards Harry and kissed him. The couple's hands did not seem to rest. Harry's started out buried in Ginny's hair, but then moved down her sides, her back, her bum, and back up to her hair. Ginny's hands were out of sight, but also moving.
Several minutes later, Luna turned to Neville and asked in her dreamy voice, "Do you think they need to stop to breathe or do you think they can breathe through their hair like the crumpled-horn snorkack?" Neville looked at Luna, opened his mouth, shut his mouth, and then blinked. Eventually he simply settled for a shrug. "I don't know either," agreed Luna.
A loud groan came from the compartment's door, "Do you have to do that?" Ron and Hermione had returned from their prefect's meeting.
Harry and Ginny stopped kissing and looked at Ron and Hermione. Ginny smiled wickedly and leaned against Harry so that her cheek was on his shoulder, "Why? Does it bother you?" Ron groaned again, but did not say anything. Hermione looked at Ron like he had grown a second head, but also did not say anything.
An awkward silence developed. Ron wanted to talk about when he was going to begin practicing his transformation, but he knew better than to say anything. Luckily, Luna distracted him. "You're Ronald Weasley."
Ron blinked. "Yeah…"
"You did not dance at the ball," Luna stated.
Ron looked a little flustered; everyone had stopped talking to watch the interaction. "Yeah," he said again.
"I would have danced with you," Luna again made a statement. Ron's forehead furrowed.
Harry looked from the confused Ron to Hermione, who was staring at Luna's newspaper with a look of disgust on her face.
Check out the look on Hermione's face! I've never seen her look at a book, well newspaper, like that before.
Ginny giggled in response, slid off Harry's lap, and took the seat beside him. "What are you reading Luna?" she asked. Hermione gave a slight huff.
Further conversation was caught off by a cold, drawling voice emanating from the hallway. "Ah, here's a good one: 'Albus Dumbledore's recent speech before the Wizengamot further proves that the persistent rumors concerning the once great man's sanity are true. His blind faith in the attention-seeking Harry Potter, who seems to have had one too many brushes with death, also lends credence to the belief that the man who once defeated Grindelwald is no longer competent to run Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.'
"Ha! That one really is good, but the stuff about Potter is even better…Well look who we have here: Potter and some other losers," Draco Malfoy said as he noticed them. As usual, Crabbe and Goyle flanked him, but today he was also accompanied by several other Slytherins who Harry recognized, but did not remember their names. Malfoy sneered as he faced Harry, "Potter" was all he said before his face changed: he smiled. The smile made Harry's blood run cold. Sneers he was used to, but Malfoy smiling could not be good. "You had better watch your step this year – things are going to be different," Malfoy's smile widened, "Dumbledore can't protect you anymore."
For a moment Harry thought Malfoy was going to walk away before saying anything too insulting, and then he sniffed. His nose crinkled as if he smelled a foul odor, "Uhhg! How can you stand it in here – the mudblood reeks." Hermione blushed a deep crimson. Harry opened his mouth to tell Malfoy to shut up; Ginny fingered her wand and was edging to the side to get a clear shot. However, it was Ron who acted first.
Ron's fist swung towards Malfoy, but the Slytherin had been expecting this reaction and simply stepped back allowing the compartment door to automatically close. Ron's fist slammed through the glass slicing his hand to ribbons. Malfoy laughed and led his entourage from the compartment.
"Son of a…" Ron was swearing as he cradled his hand, blood dripping to the floor. "One of these days I'm going to get Malfoy…just wait…he's such a…" Ron's words trailed off as he continued to fantasize about what he planed to do to Malfoy.
Hermione had rushed to his side; her wand drawn she pointed it at his hand and said, "fasciaus." Bandages wound around his hand stopping the bleeding.
"Thanks Hermione," Ron mumbled.
"Oh, Ron, you're a prefect now. You need to learn to control your temper; you can't just get mad at Malfoy now. He's a prefect too now…Don't worry about your hand – when we get to Hogwarts Madam Pomfrey will fix it right up." Hermione continued to hover over Ron for the rest of the trip leaving Harry to fix the window.
Hermione and Ron left the group when the train arrived at Hogsmeade to perform their prefect duties. Harry froze as he approached the carriage. The horseless carriages were no longer horseless…or well he supposed the black creatures with leathery wings could be considered horses. "What are those things?" he asked to no one in particular.
"What things?" asked Neville curiously; Harry pointed to the winged horses latched to the nearest carriage. "Oh those…they've always been there."
"What?" Harry stupidly said.
"I can see them too," came Luna's voice from behind them making them all jump slightly.
Ginny was peering at the space with squinted eyes. She brought her hand up and rubbed her eyes as if she was trying to clear them.
What is it Ginny?
It's like I can see them, but I can't…it's like the haze you see on a hot day above the pavement. The air sort of shimmers where you say the horses are.
Ron and Hermione did not show to share a carriage with them and Harry figured that they had already gone ahead to get Ron's hand healed. Harry looked around again before allowing the carriage to depart just in case, but when he did not see them he closed the door and the ugly horse-like creatures began moving.
"Did anyone see Hagrid?" asked Ginny with a perplexed expression, "I just realized I didn't hear him calling the first years."
"Oh, he was not there. Professor Grubbly-Plank was there. She's a much better professor anyway," Luna informed them dreamily and then went back to her paper.
"That's not true," protested Harry and Ginny at the same time.
"Yeah, Hagrid's a great teacher," supported Neville.
Luna looked up from her paper and looked at them with her large eyes, "Okay. If you think so," was all she said.
…………………………………….
Dumbledore eyed the pensive hesitantly. There were few things that Dumbledore hated. He did not hate Voldemort, he pitied him. True, the atrocities Lord Voldemort committed were heinous, but Dumbledore simply could not bring himself to hate the creature that had been the small orphan, albeit misguided, Tom Riddle. This did not mean he did not wish Voldemort to die; indeed, he had been striving for that objective or something akin to it for many years. What Dumbledore hated was the prophecy. Riddle made his own choices that would lead to his downfall, but Harry could not. The prophecy took away Harry's choice; the boy would either fight and die or fight and live.
In some ways the prophecy made it easy on Dumbledore. Harry's fate was already determined; it was his job to make sure Harry defeated Voldemort. He knew that Harry's life had been miserable, but it had also made him stronger. For years now he had been able to soothe his conscience with the knowledge that the prophecy forbid Harry from truly living until Voldemort had been killed. Yet, he was puzzled and he wondered, not for the first time, how a soul bond could form with the weight of prophecy – Dumbledore mused that this was definitely living and living more intensely than most ever got the chance to.
Ms Weasley, or Ms Potter he supposed, had made him feel rather guilty. Severus had not taken the news that he would be teaching Harry Potter Occulumency well, but he was going to do it. He sighed and his gaze shifted back to the pensive. He wanted to review the prophecy one more time…he had it memorized by now and had not bothered to look at it since well before Harry had come to Hogwarts, but hearing it in the original may yield something new and he wanted to be prepared for when he did tell Harry. The wand caused the memories to spin and when the finally settled, Dumbledore was ready and he watched a younger Sybil Trelawney give the prophecy. It had been well over a decade since Albus Dumbledore had last cursed. Tonight, Albus Dumbledore cursed, "What the bloody hell?"
Dumbledore sat down heavily in the large chair and watched the students walking into the Great Hall. He was still mystified by what he had seen. To add to his problems Dolores Umbridge was seated at the head table as well. Dumbledore sighed deeply; it was going to be a long year and now he had another mystery to figure out.
………………………………….
Harry went through the doors of the Great Hall feeling apprehensive. He hated being stared at; whispers were even worse; and finger pointing was the worst. He expected all three. A hand grabbed his and squeezed. A warm, comforting feeling surged through the linked hands. Ginny led him to a seat at the Gryffindor table, ignoring the stares, whispers, and finger pointing.
The noise in the Great Hall quieted when Professor McGonagall walked in leading the new students. Harry took the time to look at the head table. "Merlin! She looks like a toad…" further speech from Ron, who had just sat down, was cut off by a jab in the ribs by Hermione.
Harry could not help but agree with Ron. The only new professor had to be Dolores Umbridge and she did look like a toad…with a fly perched precariously on top of her head. Ginny snickered picking up on his thoughts. Ron interrupted further thought about the new Defense Against the Dark Arts professor by his consistent grumblings about hunger.
The welcoming feast was as delicious as always and soon Dumbledore was rising to his feet to give his speech. He had just reached the point where he was going to announce quidditch tryouts when a barely audible, "Hem, hem" could be heard coming from Umbridge's direction.
Ginny leaned back against Harry as Umbridge droned on and tuned the woman out. She noticed Harry was doing much the same as he wordlessly looked around the Great Hall at the other students' blank expressions. As far as she could tell, only Hermione was paying full attention. Ron was looking at his empty plate with a disgruntled expression and periodically would shake his head as if he was trying to stay awake.
"…and so it is with great pride and hope for a better education here at Hogwarts that I now announce the new position of Hogwarts High Inquisitor. I will happily be filling the post. Thank you," Umbridge sat down with a small smile at the professors' shocked expressions. Only Dumbledore did not seem surprised.
Dumbledore stood once more and ignored the smug Umbridge as best he could, but he could not resist a slight barb, "I do hope that everyone will be able to sleep tonight after that energizing speech from Professor Umbridge. Now, as I was saying, quidditch tryouts will be held…"
As they made their way to Gryffindor Tower Ginny for the most part ignored Hermione, but Harry tried to engage Hermione in conversation. The little conversation they held was strained. Harry was not sure what to say and he was reluctant to talk about anything serious. For her part, Hermione was not sure what to say to help repair the broken trust between them. They were both relieved when she had to attend to her prefect duties since Ron obviously was not going to do them by himself or, if he did, would do them badly.
"Move it, you midgets," Harry heard Ron's voice say, which was quickly followed by Hermione's stern, reprimanding voice and a smack. "Hey! That hurt. But Hermione, they are midgets…" pleaded Ron's voice.
Harry and Ginny laughed as Ron and Hermione immediately began bickering in front of the huddled first years. Harry motioned to the group to follow him and Harry and Ginny led them to the tower. The bickering couple did not notice until they were alone in the hallway.
Arriving at the portrait of the Fat Lady, Ginny explained that they had to give her the password before they could enter. It was only then that they realized that they did not know it. Surprisingly, it was Neville who strode confidently forward. "I know the password and I won't forget this one," he said with evident pride in his voice, "mimbulus mimbletonia." The portrait swung open and this time it was Neville who led everyone into the common room. "Pavarti, can you show the girls up to their side of their tower?" Parvarti nodded at Neville, "Thanks, all right. The boys' dormitory is this way. Follow me." Harry and Ginny exchanged a look. Neither had ever seen Neville so confidant.
Hermione and Ron found eventually found their own way back to the common room to find it empty except for Fred and George, who looked guilty for a moment, and then posted a flyer on the board. Hermione frowned and tore it down when the twins had left. She sat down heavily by Ron, "I can't believe them. They can't do this…"
"But Hermione, they are paying them and…" Ron leaned over to look at the flyer, "…and paying them well."
Hermione huffed, "That's not the point. They're breaking the rules."
Ron shifted at her last words, "Life is not just about rules." Hermione paled at his words realizing that her reasoning was the same as her argument with Harry.
"I mean it's not just the rules. They could hurt someone…We can't allow that," Hermione finished.
This time it was Ron who paled at her words, "We?" The thought of facing the twins was not appealing.
Frowning at his reluctance, "Yes, we as in you and me. You're a prefect." Ron groaned and put his head in his hands.
……………………………..
The next morning Harry wondered down to the common room to find a waiting Fred and George. He did not care for the way they were looking at him. He looked around for some help. Ron and Hermione were leading the first years to breakfast – no help there. That really only left one source of possible help: Ginny.
Help!
Relax Harry. I've already talked with the two twits this morning – they won't hurt you and if they do they will regret it.
Are you sure?
"Harry, dear boy!" Fred interrupted his mental conversation with Ginny.
"It has come to our attention that your relationship with our sister, our little sister mind you, is getting serious," inserted George.
Fred put an arm around Harry's shoulders, "Yes, but it is not exactly unexpected…Ron really is a dunce…what concerns us is that both of you are getting older."
"Ranging hormones you know," said George as he winked at Harry. Harry mentally groaned. He could not believe that the twins, of all people, were about to give him "The Talk" about their little sister.
"It's not like we think you'll do something that you'll regret or at least something that we'd be forced to make you regret"said Fred. Harry was starting to get a little dizzy from their back and forth. "Which is why we wanted to give you this talk."
"That and we like you, Harry. After all, you gave us our startup money – we've been putting it to good use. You've seen the flyers right? Some of the stuff we've come up with is absolutely phenomenal. Wait till you see…"
"George! Focus," chided Fred, but he did not sound angry. "Now, getting back to the issue at hand…"
Harry walked into the Great Hall in a daze. Sitting down next to an equally dazed Ginny he started to absently pile food onto his plate.
I can't believe they just did that.
Ginny patted his thigh, You're telling me…
I have a whole new respect for them, said Harry truthfully.
Ginny laughed lightly, Yeah. Who knew Fred and George were so experienced?
It sure was a different talk than what Sirius gave me. The talk with the twins had alternated between graphic descriptions of how certain acts should be done and threats as to what would be done if such acts were ever performed.
Don't worry – if they touch you, I'll make them wish they were never born.
Harry looked up from his plate long enough to see Hermione passing out timetables, but returned to his food.
"Oh no. You have to be kidding me," Ginny said exasperated. "We have double Potions and double Defense today. At least Ancient Runes is in the middle."
"Count yourselves lucky – I've got Divination today too," said Ron darkly as he glared at the offending schedule. "At least we don't have Potions first…"
"Do you really think that this Umbridge woman is going to be any better than Professor Snape after what Dumbledore said and then her speech last night," hissed Hermione at Ron trying to keep her voice low.
"Let's go. We don't want to be late," said Harry as he stood and gathered his things.
The class filed into the room silently and took their seats and waited for Umbridge to arrive. Everyone had taken out the required book and their wands. It was the first time Harry had paid any attention to the new book that Mrs. Weasley or some other Order member had obtained for him. He stared at the book with wonder, Defensive Magical Theory. He looked questionably at Ginny, but she only shrugged her shoulders. Harry flipped through the textbook; it looked as bad as its title. To his left, Ron was no help either as he was staring mindlessly at the door.
The class did not have long to wait. Professor Umbridge stoically walked into the classroom. Although she was trying hard to keep emotion from her face, it was evident from the red flush on her neck she was irritated. The class remained quiet as she was as of yet an unknown quantity. For her part, Professor Umbridge paid the class no heed as she sat at her desk and then said, "Good morning, books out. Wands away." The class groaned in unison. The command "wands away" was never a sign of an interesting class.
"Tut, tut. That won't do," Umbridge said as she looked up and examined the class. Harry stifled a laugh and he saw Ginny stick a fist in her mouth to do the same. Professor Umbridge was wearing a fluffy, pink cardigan and had a black, velvet bow on top of her head. It gave the impression of a large, pink toad with a large fly dangerously perched on it. For the next ten minutes Umbridge rambled on about how deficient their previous teaching had been and how it was now going to be improved with a Ministry approved syllabus.
"Ah, yes now I want everyone to read the prefix and chapter one for today," Umbridge said finishing her introductory speech. The class solemnly opened their books and began reading.
This is worse than Binns! Complained Harry.
Yeah, not even Hermione's reading, replied Ginny who was now watching Hermione with interest. The other girl had raised her hand and Harry noticed that Umbridge was determinedly not looking at her. The rest of the class soon joined them in watching Hermione's silent struggle to get Umbridge to call upon her.
"Do you have a question about the chapter, Miss?"
"Granger, ma'am. Hermione Granger and no I don't. I have a…" Hermione answered, but was interrupted.
"We are reading the chapter now, Miss Granger," Umbridge curtly said.
"But I have a query about your course aims," pleaded Hermione.
Umbridge's face changed to suspicion as she answered, "You do? They seem quite simple to me."
"Yes, ma'am. It's just that they don't say that we will actually be practicing any defensive magic," Hermione's answer seem to irritate Umbridge and stun the rest of the class who were now examining the course aims with a great deal of suspicion.
"You will have no reason to use defense spells in my class. You are not going to be attacked," said Umbridge.
"You're kidding," blurted Ron.
Umbridge swiveled her head to look at Ron who stared defiantly back, "You must raise your hand in my class if you are going to speak, Mr.?"
"Weasley," Ron said has he shoved his hand into the air.
Umbridge turned away from him only to be confronted with half the class' hands up. "Yes, miss?"
"Pavarti Patil, aren't we going to practice any magic. There's a practical portion on our O.W.L.s after all."
"So long as you learn and study the theory you will do fine on your exams," Umbridge said testily.
"You mean the first time we use a spell will be at an exam?" asked a shocked Dean Thomas.
"Hand! It should not be a problem as long as you know the theory," Umbridge repeated to the shocked class. "I understand that some of your past professors have led you to think that using defensive magic is necessary, but this is not the case. I hear your past professor actually used them on you…"
"Yeah, well he turned out to be a maniac too…" muttered Dean.
"Hand! I won't remind you again – what's your name?"
"Um…Dean Thomas."
"Yes, and then there was that dark creature…" again she was interrupted.
"Professor Lupin is not a dark creature," Ginny's voice held a note a steel in it and Harry unconsciously pulled his wand out.
"Hmph," was the reply from Umbridge, "Half-breeds have no place teaching. What is your name?"
Ginny's eyes narrowed in intense dislike, "Ginny Weasley and Professor Lupin was the best professor we've had." Harry could feel Ginny's anger increasing as she locked eyes with Umbridge, but sighed when Umbridge did not say anything more to provoke her.
"Yes, well the only professor you've had that has followed the proscribed Ministry guidelines was Professor Quirell." Harry could not believe his ears.
"You've got to be kidding?" he said without thinking giving voice to his and Ginny's thoughts.
"Hand," Umbridge's eyes narrowed as she looked at him, "Mr. Potter."
Harry had had enough and continued, although he did raise his hand, "Yeah, Quirell was great except for the drawback of having Lord Voldemort sticking out the back of his head."
Silence reigned and he felt of jolt of pride as Umbridge flinched at the name, but she soon recovered, "Detention tonight, Mr. Potter, for spreading nasty lies. Professor Quirell had an unfortunate mishap that led to his death. You-know-who is not alive nor has ever been to this school."
Both Harry and Ginny snorted, but Ginny's was louder. "Yes, Miss Weasley, do you have something to add?"
Harry knew that Ginny was about to get herself into trouble. He did not blame her as his temper rising in tandem with hers. He quickly decided to say something before she did, "They're not lies. Voldemort has returned…"
Umbridge flinched again at the name, but nastily smiled, "Detention for a week and do not say you-know-who's name." Harry sighed and barely controlled the urge to scream.
Ginny's attempt to control here own temper failed, "Why?" Only Harry and Ron knew that there was trouble when Ginny took that particular tone. Ron was pushing his desk backwards with his outstretched legs trying to move as far away from Ginny and Umbridge as possible
"Why what?" said a flustered Umbridge.
"Why can't we say the name, professor?" Harry stared at Ginny in awe and wondered how she made the word 'professor' sound like an insult.
Professor Umbridge composure flickered for a few seconds as she tried to respond, "Because…it is…because it is not polite. The name…it…um…"
"Would you prefer Tom Riddle?" Harry sucked in his breath and he heard Hermione and Ron gasp.
"What?" Umbridge asked clearly confused.
Ginny pulled out her wand and Harry held his breath hoping that she would not hex Umbridge…he could feel that she was sorely tempted. He did not know if he felt relieved when she began tracing 'Tom Marvolo Riddle" in the air. Ginny smiled evilly and then waved her wand. The letters quickly rearranged themselves to read, "I am Lord Voldemort."
"He did go to Hogwarts. Fifty years ago," Ginny said icily. "If you are wrong about this what makes you think your right about…"
"That is enough! How dare you say such things you little strumpet…"
"Watch your mouth," said a calm, commanding voice. Harry did not recognize it as his own voice and Umbridge took a step backwards, "You will not speak to her in such a fashion." The other students were now unconsciously leaning away from Harry.
Umbridge took another step backwards before she realized what she was doing, "Ah, yes…hum…" things clearly had not gone how she had planned. "Let me reiterate," her voice took on the quality of a long rehearsed speech like during the Welcoming Feast, "the Ministry of Magic assures you that You-Know-Who has not returned…"
"And I supposed Cedric Diggory dropped dead of his own accord then?" said Harry loudly.
Umbridge gave him another nasty smile and then bent over her desk writing something before handing him a sealed scroll. "Take this to Professor McGonagall. Leave now." Harry glared at her one last time and then left. Ginny did not say anything, but her eyes had narrowed. Her temper had already past the point of angry and had settled on revenge. For the rest of the class her eyes followed Umbridge as she decided the best ways to make the toad's life a living hell.
Meanwhile, Harry thudded down the hallways toward Professor McGonagall's office. He was still angry and irritated, but he was becoming less so as Ginny began listing what she would like to do to Umbridge.
Do you really think we could turn her into a toad? He asked intrigued by the idea.
Not by ourselves, but I'm sure we could convince Fred and George to help. Harry smiled at the idea.
"Mr. Potter, what are you doing out of class?" said a stern voice Harry immediately recognized. He turned and held out the scroll. McGonagall's frown deepened as she read it. She led him to her office. It was not until the next class was about to begin was he allowed to leave. Harry did not notice Professor Dumbledore standing in the hallway's darkened corner as he left.
………………………………..
"Oh, hello Albus. I wasn't expecting you," McGonagall said as she began rearranging some papers on her desk.
"Today has been most informative morning. I'm afraid I have some bad news. Dolores will begin inspecting," the word was practically spat out, "professors starting next month. I don't know how long it will be until she forces me out."
"Oh, Albus. Surely, she can't force you to give up being headmaster," pleaded McGonagall.
"Forced out of Hogwarts, but not headmaster," explained Dumbledore, "But we do have some time. Fudge has granted her widespread powers. I expect them to be announced within the next couple of weeks. But let us move on to better subjects. Did you have a nice talk with young Mr. Potter?" said Albus.
McGonagall sighed, "He needs to be more careful around Dolores. He received two weeks worth of detention in one day!"
Dumbledore chuckled, "Yes, he does, but youth and impetuousness often go together. However, you should have seen him in class!" Not even Dumbledore could force out the amazement in his voice.
"What do you mean?" asked an interested McGonagall, "and what were you doing in that class?"
A small smile lighted on Dumbledore's face, "You did not think I was going to miss Dolores' first class did you? But back to Harry, when she insulted Ms. Weasley his aura flared. I've never seen anything like it before…He is becoming more powerful," Dumbledore ended simply.
"And Ms. Weasley?"
"Is not to be underestimated. She is powerful in her own right." McGonagall's eyebrows rose, but she did not comment.
…………………………………….
"This has been an awful day," complained Ron as they slowly walked to Potions.
"What are you complaining about? I've got two weeks of detention," was Harry's rebuttal.
"Yeah, but you don't have Umbridge, Trelawney, and Snape in the same day! You know Trelawney predicted your death again and because I'm your friend she predicted mine AGAIN! I don't know what she would do if I wasn't in class…" Harry laughed at Ron and kept walking.
"Uh oh," said Hermione under her breath. They all looked up and saw a very irritated Professor Snape. "This is not going to be good," she continued. Harry had to agree and took his usual seat besides Ginny.
Snape was indeed as nasty as ever. As usual, his vindictiveness was aimed at Harry. Harry was impressed that both he and Ginny had managed not to respond to any of Snape's barbs. Unfortunately, their shared cauldron exploded at near the end of class. "What the?" Harry exclaimed.
"We did everything right!" Ginny said to his left.
"Obviously not," said an oily voice. Snape did not bother to hide the enjoyment in his voice. "Potter, I'm sure you're the cause of this disaster. Detention tonight."
Harry felt his insides plummet, "I…I can't sir. I've already got detention."
"Then tomorrow night!" responded Snape.
Harry sighed, "I've got detention with Professor Umbridge for two weeks."
Snape smiled crookedly, "Oh my, but you do have a full schedule." Harry realized that Snape was enjoying his and groaned internally, "For this inconvenience, you will have two detentions…" Snape paused for effect, "for the next two Mondays once your schedule is free."