Classes are picking up again... I won't be able to upload so fast...

Umbridge's first inspection was in Naruto's first class; Herbology. Professor Sprout was a kind host, but remained a firm teacher. She first asked for Umbridge to withhold her questions until she explained the day's lesson to the students and set them off to work. Said lesson was on the Fanged Geranium, a small plant with a big bite, and how to care for them. She pulled out a concoction that almost made Naruto's nose bleed in a desperate attempt to cover the stench. It turned out to be Dragon Dung Fertilizer, and was named quite obviously. They were to mix sloth brain, dragon dungs, mandrake, rat spleens, and dragonfly thoraxes into a batch of fertilizer for the next class, then use a prepared batch to fertilize the Tentacula in front of them. But in order for them to do that, they'd have to go below the large, toothy mouth and get to the roots. Naruto was almost attacked by people wanting him for a partner, since he handled a Venomous Tentacula that Sixth Years had trouble with with ease and finesse. Naruto was fine with that; he'd do more of the plantwork for them if they did more of the dung handling for him.

During the lesson, Umbridge asked what appeared to be standard teacher survey questions. Professor Sprout was answering them all kindly and patiently, like a true Hufflepuff. At first, Naruto tried to look underneath the underneath, but couldn't figure out what the questions were really for. Soon, he heard Umbridge sometimes bring up Dumbledore, almost like she was trying to elicit comments or information about him. Professor Sprout did a good job avoiding those questions. If it was directly asked and she couldn't give a broad answer, she conveniently found a student or two to help until Umbridge skipped the subject. 'It seemed like she isn't just checking class content and if the teacher does better than her,' Naruto realized, 'she's trying to gather as much information about Dumbledore and the upcoming attack of his. It will take lots of luck for her to find anything truly incriminating.'

Naruto didn't see her in any more classes til her own class with the Gryffindors. Naruto made sure to arrive early and sit behind Harry. "If you feel a kick on the bottom of your chair, it means you're about to say something stupid that will get you in detention. Understand?" Naruto asked the headstrong boy in front of him. Almost reluctantly, Harry told him yes.

As soon as Umbridge walked in from the back, she took control of the class. "Settle down children and return to your seats." As the last of the students sat at a desk, Umbridge waved her wand at the stack of books, enchanting them to distribute to each student once again. "Please read the next chapter, or wherever you left off. There will be no need to talk, and should be no need for wandwork. So wands away dears."

'Oh please just kill me now!' Naruto pleaded, her sticky sweet voice tearing at his ears. He then saw Hermione had her hand raised like the first class they had with Umbridge. 'If this turns out as well as the first class, then I'm in for a show.'

"Yes, miss... Granger, was it?"

"I've finished Chapter Two already, professor." The last word had a little venom to it, almost like she was challenging whether or not Umbridge was capable of leading a class.

"If you are ahead, feel free to continue reading into chapter three," Umbridge said with a small giggle. Apparently, she missed the challenge in her student's voice.

"I've completed that chapter as well. In fact, I've finished the whole book." 'Wow. And I thought she was a bookworm before this.'

Umbridge broke character for a split second. She recovered and hit it well, but Naruto caught it. "If that is true, then surely you remember what Slinkhard wrote about Counter-Jinxes, as well as which chapter it's in."

"Chapter 15; Counter-Jinxes are improperly named," Hermione seemed to quote. "A Counter-Jinx is simply what people call a jinx when they want it to sound more acceptable." Umbridge couldn't hide how impressive this was. She turned to said chapter. Sure enough, Hermione quoted it line for line. "But I disagree." Umbridge broke character again; her eyes became colder. 'Wow, that's strike three for Umbridge. Hermione sure knows how to pitch her curve balls.' "I believe that Counter-Jinxes whose sole purpose is to remove a Jinx is to be respected and admired. Also, they can be used wisely and safely when used with defensive intent."

Umbridge tried to compose herself, but still had traces of anger. "Well, my dear girl. I'm afraid that we aren't studying your opinions about this course subject, but Mr. Slinkhard's."

"But..."

"No more," Umbridge warned her. "I'm afraid I have to take away five point from Gryffindor, miss Granger."

Quite a few students started murmuring about this. Hermione was the model teacher's pet of all the teacher's pets. For her to go against a teacher, and for the teacher to react so quickly and harshly for something so small made many of them question Umbridge's abilities and authority. But one student in particular wasn't satisfied with just murmurs. "What was that for?" Harry demanded.

'Uh oh. My idiocy sense is tingling...' Naruto thought. Hermoine tried to warn Harry verbally while Naruto tapped the bottom of Harry's seat.

"For interrupting this classroom's studies with meaningless and false ideals," Umbridge 'sweet' talked Harry. "Student's don't understand this course like myself and the Ministry do. Your previous teachers may have been more, carefree, in the context of their lessons. However, none of them, except maybe Professor Quirrel, would have passed a Ministry inspection."

'She's baiting Harry again!' Naruto realized. 'But how? Think Naruto, think!' As Harry began to raise his head, Naruto remembered what they were talking about while delivering the letter. 'Wait! Quirrel was the one with the Voldy-Wart on his head!' Before Harry could say a syllable, Naruto kicked Harry's chair hard and raised his hand. Luckily, Harry went quiet. With little choice, Umbridge turned to the new student. "Would you like to say something... Mister Uzumaki?" Her tone was sweet with a warning undertone.

"While I haven't reached chapter fifteen yet," Naruto began, "Hermione's original statements brings up a curious question. What should we do if we've finished the book and both learned and memorized its contents?"

Startled with the redirected conversation's return to context, Umbridge sat down. "If you have read the book, then reviewing it over again will do you wonders," Umbridge spoke. Naruto didn't dare bring up practicing spells again, so he read alongside the rest of the students.

Pa returned for Chakra classes. While most of the class was progressing well, quite a few students still couldn't get a drop of chakra. Since it was a week since they started, these students were honorably dismissed from class, and told to use the time to study other subjects.

Dinner was graced with Dumbledore's presence. After dinner, Pa led Naruto up to Dumbledore's office. "Hello Naruto," Dumbledore greeted. "I trust you read this morning's paper."

"Yes I did!" Naruto confirmed. "I can't believe the Ministry would stoop this low. Scratch that, they would."

Dumbledore gave a quiet chuckle. "Then you may know why you're here. I want to ask you if you are willing to testify before the Wizengamot of Pa's innocence."

"Of course I do! But I thought you guys settled it this morning."

"That's what Cornelius wanted done," Dumbledore clarified. "However, I wished for you to be there as witness, and told him so. Because of your school schedule, they moved the trial to this Saturday afternoon."

"This Saturday?" Naruto remembered. "I was supposed to meet with Harry and his friends at Hogsmeade. We and some other students were going to talk about forming a Defense Against the Dark Arts Club."

"I see. The Hog's Head is a place you shouldn't go if you don't want to be overheard," Dumbledore cautioned Naruto. "But I suppose I can ask Aberforth to close the tavern to most, for 'renovation' purposes of course."

"Oh. OH!" Naruto realized what Dumbledore implied. "I'll tell Hermione when I see her again. Thanks!"

"You're welcome Naruto. Now, that business has been taken care of. Is there something you wish to tell me?"

Naruto thought about this hard. There was nothing about Hogwarts, or the Wizarding world, that needed discussion. The mermaids were a small matter he already told Pa and Dumbledore about. Naruto didn't want to talk any more about his home village, since he may accidentally reveal vital information and become a Missing Nin for it. Naruto didn't know any more jutsu, or have any ideas for new jutsu, he could tell Dumbledore about. The only thing Naruto was sure he could talk to Dumbledore about was Kyuubi. But did he want to? Dumbledore may be able to help Naruto with his burden. But what if he doesn't? What if he fears the fox more than he pities or cares for Naruto? "No sir. Nothing."

"In that case, I have one more thing to say. If you want to testify in Pa's defense, I need to you promise me two things. The first is that you won't reveal anything about your village. Not even to me."

"I promise to this and the second!" Naruto spoke without thinking.

"Thank you. For the second one is that you won't talk rudely to the Ministry at all." 'Darn it! Cheated out of insulting them again!' "With that agreement, I bid you good night."

The next Umbridge inspection was during Transfiguration. Before class, Naruto told Hermione about Dumbledore's slight change in plan. Hermione agreed with Dumbledore's assessment after a few seconds, and resolved to warn the other students she already talked to about the 'secret meeting' being 'under construction'. McGonagall ignored the pink blemish adorning a stool in the back and directed everyone into their seats and started the class. Soon, small coughs were coming from the corner. McGonagall ignored them at first, but answered on the second. "Yes, Professor Umbridge?"

"I was wondering if you got my note, about attending this class for your inspection." 'Seriously, this is the second time someone challenged her Professorship. Shouldn't she catch on by now?'

"If I did not, I would question why you are here." 'Oh this is going to be de-licous!' Naruto praised. "But seeing as I didn't, it should be obvious to anybody I knew you were coming." 'Oooh, a double burn!' Within a few short seconds of returning her attention to the class, Umbridge interrupted again. McGonagall, tired of the blight already, turned on her in cold fury that almost rivaled that of the one she gave Naruto after the 'Youthful' prank. "How you expect to inspect my normal teaching methods if you continue to interrupt me? I do not generally permit people to talk when I am teaching a class." 'Ouch! That's going to leave a mark. Or maybe a huge hole in that pink balloon she calls a sweatshirt.' Visibly shell-shocked for a whole minute, Umbridge could do nothing but gap at McGonagall. 'So that's why they thought her to be a toad. I still think the gaze is more like an owl or a hawk, watching for its next meal.' Having dealt with the intruder, McGonagall told the class to Vanish their mice, and gave them a few pointers. Upon recovery, Umbridge began to scribble furiously, hopefully because she missed so much information and not to write down horrible facts.

After class, her only question was about how long McGonagall had been teaching. 'That's odd,' Naruto thought. 'She asked Sprout many more questions. Why not interrogate Dumbledore's Right-Hand ... er ... Woman?'

The following class was also inspected by Umbridge. It was Care of Magical Creatures with Professor Grubbly-Plank. Again, Umbridge missed an authority challenge. Her first questions were concerning Hagrid, rather than Grubbly-Plank or Hagrid. This worried Naruto. 'That's what Sirius and us four talked about! Did the Ministry know about the letter, the fireplace visits, or both?' Luckily, Grubbly-Plank answered with no information and as openly as possible. After a couple direct questions about Dumbledore and Hagrid, and receiving more broad answers, Umbridge was satisfied. 'Clever. By being open and broad, you don't seem like you're hiding anything. Then again, maybe you aren't...'

All too soon, Saturday rolled in. After breakfast, Naruto went to the gargoyle. "Mint Humbug," was the password needed to get past. He arrived just in time to Floo from Dumbledore's office to the Ministry. To Naruto's surprise, the Ministry didn't move the time or place of Pa's hearing. Once they arrived at the courtroom, the same one as Harry's trial to boot, Naruto had to stay outside for a few minutes again. Bored, he tried to listen through the door and the wall. It was in vain, Naruto couldn't hear anything. Across the hall from the courtroom was an interesting door. The corridor was made of black marble, was was shined almost enough to be as reflective as a mirror. At the far end was a curious door. It was a faded black, but bathed in a blue eerie light. A large circular handle was placed in the middle and a little low. Curious, Naruto took a few steps towards the door. However, the courtroom door opened, and Percy beckoned Naruto in.

The room was just as Naruto remembered it. However, behind the interrogation chair was a magical equivalent of a screen curtain. Within it was the silhouette. 'That must be their Unspeakable,' Naruto realized. 'I guess they weren't just making him up.' He sat back down in the chair. This time, the manacles extended from the chair, gripped Naruto snugly, and returned to their resting position. "Good job! Looks like you can learn after all."

Somewhat used to Naruto, the Wizengamot ignored this taunt. "Now that the witness has arrived, we may continue. Full name?" Fudge asked.

"Naruto Uzumaki." Naruto forced himself not to add 'you should remember from last month.' "No middle name."

"What is your occupation?"

"I'm a student at Hogwarts, and a student of Pa. I mean Fukasaku."

"How did you come to know Fukasaku?"

"When I was younger, I signed a contact with the Toad Clan. Chief Toad accepted me as their subordinate. They taught me about chakra, the energy Pa and I use for jutsu. Has everyone here read Pa's book, or just this Unspeakable behind me?" Everyone pulled out a copy of the book. Naruto noticed some members of the Wizengamot had marked pages for easy access. "Okay then. The Toads then taught me some ways to use chakra, as well as combination attacks with them. About four years after I signed their contract, Pa started to teach me how to use Sage Jutsu. After a week, two max, I finished my training with him. Later, I found my way to Harry, and learned about Magic and Hogwarts."

"What do you mean by 'you found your way to Harry?' " an elderly wizard asked.

"I'm not sure how I got there specifically," Naruto admitted. "I just know it was an accident on my part."

"What was Harry doing?" another prodded.

'I can't say that without bringing up Voldemort. Are they trying to discredit me like they do Harry?' "I don't think that's relevant to this trial. Pa is the one with the charges, not myself or Harry."

Disappointed but accepting, Fudge took command of the muttering. "So how do you intend to prove that Pa discovered these things without the help of the Department of Mysteries?"

"First, wasn't this Ministry, and the Department, founded at most 400 years ago?" Many of the wizards agreed. "Well, Pa told me he started studying around my age, and is currently over 800 years old."

This got many of the wizards to mutter, doubting what Fudge told them and the Daily Prophet said. One voice, however, rang out. "Naruto-boy! How dare you disrespect your elders in such a way!"

"Wait a second Pa," Naruto pleaded with the toad who looked ready to give Naruto a good rap on the head. "Wizengamot, if Pa started studying chakra before the Department of Mysteries was founded, then is it possible they stole the secrets from Pa, rather than the other way around?" Pa calmed down at this surprise reveal. He didn't think Naruto would think of that. Then again, he is the number 1 unpredictable ninja, and had a whole week to go over how to help him. The murmurs of the many wizards and witches grew into whispers.

"That is an interesting tale," Fudge cut everyone off. "An oversized toad over 800 years old. That's well beyond the lifespan of all other toads I've seen. If you want to prove Fukasaku's innocence, we'll need something more. How much has Fukasaku taught you? Can you do anything not yet known to our anonymous guest?" He asked, referring to the Unspeakable behind the curtain. With that question, Naruto was released so he could demonstrate anything he wanted.

'Oh no. I really wish I studied more jutsu!' Naruto thought worriedly. He then raised his hands into a cross. "Shadow Clone Jutsu!" With two poofs, there were three Narutos in the room.

"We already know about the physical clones," a distorted voice rang out. Apparently, the curtain let the occupant see outside its confines.

Two of the three Narutos then started molding their chakra into a Rasengan. "We've made orbs of this energy as well."

Soon, however, four large blades came out of the sphere. "We have added both magic and elements to it. Nothing yet is new."

The three Narutos let the Rasenshuriken dispel on its own. "Can anyone make us a large target?" they asked. Soon, a large steel pillar was in the back of the room, and the Unspeakable safely out of the way. The curtain moved to follow the man behind it. The three Narutos then sat down and gathered Mana through their skin. When they were ready, they made the Rasenshuriken again. However, this one was much smaller, barely visible. "Sage Art; Rasenshuriken!" The center Naruto threw the orb, which dug into the pillar. Soon, it expanded and took out the entire diameter of the pillar and more. Quite a few wizards pulled out their wands to catch the falling top third of the pillar. But Naruto just grabbed the jagged edges with his hands, caught it, and tossed it into the back.

After a few moments, the voice spoke again. "You gathered Mana without the use of a wand. You then recreated the Wind Energy Ball using this additional energy, threw it, stopped it, and enlarged it. You also used this mysterious energy, or chakra, to enhance your physical capabilities. After many years, nobody has succeeded in what you did, or even thought of using chakra or Mana like that. Members of the Wizengamot, this boy is telling the truth. He learned it from Pa, who could only have learned it outside of the Ministry of Magic."

"With that admission," Dumbledore spoke up, "I believe business here is almost settled. May we vote now?" To Naruto's surprise, a few hands voted for Pa's arrest. However, it wasn't nearly as many as the number of votes for him to be cleared.

Fudge looked at Naruto with anger. Twice, this boy has foiled his view of law and justice, and was clearly another favorite of Dumbledore. "Cleared of all charges," he pronounced and banged his mallet, signifying that the trial was over.

How was the trial? Did it go like you guessed?

How's the story going overall? What do you enjoy, besides my fast upload time? Any plot things or grammar points I can improve without much change or have to explain better? Did you get any of my foreshadows to upcoming chapters? (If you did, PM them to me rather than reveal them in a Public Review!) Get any jokes or references to Naruto or other media I've included? Nobody recognized the end of chapter 12 with Naruto, Ron, and Hermione, as well as a few other barely hidden jokes.

Important Review Responses:

Corvus corax alba: Yes, Fudge is getting paranoid. Then again, he was very paranoid in the original book.

Peace out!

AnonymousGX