Chapter XI - Complications From the Ministry
The Sorting Hat finished its song in the Great Hall as it had every year since it was tailored, and the sorting began as it had every year since the school's founding. It was the Sorting Hat's song, however, that had every student whispering among themselves; this year's song was obviously not one they had ever heard before, nor one even most of the professors had ever heard. Nevertheless, the sorting commenced as it always had and might always do. Each house clapped its approval of each student's sorting in turn, and eventually every student in the Great Hall was placed at their respective house table.
It wasn't long before Dumbledore stood in front of them all, his arms spread wide in his customary welcome as he addressed the students and welcomed them to the feast. It was clear, however, that some students, three in particular, had already noticed the new professors at the table. Dumbledore waited until the end of the feast to introduce them each in turn.
"We have had three changes in staff this year," he announced. "We are very pleased to welcome back Professor Grubbly-Plank, who will be taking Care of Magical Creatures lessons; we are also delighted to introduce Professor Umbridge, our new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, as well as Professor DiNozzo, who will be teaching Ancient Runes."
The applause was scattered and a little unenthusiastic, but still Dumbledore continued to speak. Rosemary took the chance to steal a glance at the new Defense Against the Dark Arts professor, but she didn't have to look away again because Umbridge had gotten to her feet and Dumbleodore's speech had stopped.
As Umbridge thanked Dumbledore for the introduction in her sweet voice and most of the professors exchanged surprised looks, Rosemary thought again to Dumbledore's mention of the Ministry's increase in pressure on him. Indeed, it was clear that this Umbridge was with the Ministry of Magic and intended not only to keep an eye on the teaching and curriculum at Hogwarts, but, more importantly, on Dumbledore himself. As her speech continued and many students lost interest, an important piece of information came up. She would be would be changing the way things ran. Like many of the other professors, Rosemary glanced over at Dumbledore and wondered just how he would take this. There was also, of course, the thought that if the Ministry was watching his every move as it seemed they might, she would definitely be filling in for him in meetings this year.
As Professor Umbridge finished her speech and sat down again, Dumbledore and the rest of the staff clapped, though even among them the applause was scattered.
Dumbledore dismissed the students from the Great Hall after a few more words and they left eagerly, nearly everyone whispering and talking among themselves. The professors lingered, all eager to hear what Dumbledore might have to say to Umbridge concerning her announcement, or what might be said by her to the Headmaster considering her audacity just after the feast.
When it seemed neither would exchange conversation with the other, McGonagall spoke out. "Since when is the Ministry of Magic concerned with affairs at Hogwarts?"
Umbridge turned to her, a sickening smile sweeping across her froggy face. "The Ministry of Magic has always had a concern for the young minds of our future. As I said in my speech, Professor, the Ministry feels the need for a balance between innovations and traditional ways of teaching."
McGonagall didn't seem at all satisfied with that answer, pursing her lips in disapproval. "So the Ministry will be making changes, will they?"
"Yes..." she said, her smile widening. "Where necessary."
McGonagall moved her mouth to speak again, but Dumbledore interrupted brightly. "Let us all retire for the night. We've a busy year ahead of us."
Umbridge let out another soft, "Hem, hem," and left the Great Hall, humming a little to herself as she went.