Umbridge
Term seemed to arrive a bit quickly.
Some good news came. Ron and Hermione were made Gryffindor's prefects and Cedric was made Hufflepuff's Head Boy. I was happy for them all. They deserved what they got. Soon, we were traveling down to the platform. I didn't want to leave Sirius, but I had no choice. But, he turned into his dog form so he could see us off. We only called him Padfoot as he walked beside us. Moody severely disapproved. When we came to an empty waiting room, Sirius turned back into himself as I followed him in.
"Sirius, what're you doing?" I hissed. "What if someone recognizes you?"
"I had to see you off, didn't I?" he said.
"I just don't want to see you chucked back in Azkaban!"
"Don't worry about me, I'm fine. Besides, I wanted you to have this." He handed me an old black-and-white photo. "This is the original Order of the Phoenix. There's McKinnon, she was killed two weeks after this was taken. Voldemort wiped out her entire family. There's Frank and Alice Longbottom, two of the best Aurors I ever met." He sighed. "It's been fourteen years and there isn't a day that goes by that I don't miss your parents."
"Me too," I said, sighing. "Sirius, do you really think there's going to be a war?"
"It feels like it did before," he admitted. "But this time, we're all together. We're not really alone. Besides, I suspect you're the young ones now."
I nodded. "I wish you could come with us to Hogwarts."
"I do too, Lena, I do too," he said, as he hugged me. "But I'm only an owl away and you've still got Snuffles with you, so I'll be there if you need me."
"Thanks, Sirius."
We eventually left the waiting room and got onboard the Hogwarts Express. I hadn't gotten much sleep last night, so I ended up sleeping on the train in Cedric's arms until he woke me up as we were nearly there and I needed to change.
When we got off the train, Malfoy walked past us. "I'm surprised they're still letting you two walk free. Isn't there some Nutters Ward in St. Mungo's with your names on it?"
Cedric and I lunged for him, but Ron and Hermione held us back.
"Just stay away from us, Malfoy!" said Cedric.
"Calm down, it's only Malfoy," said Ron.
We came to the carriages and that was when I saw them. Black, leathery, reptile-like winged creatures were pulling the carriages.
"What are they?" I whispered. "Ced, do you—?"
"I see them," he said. "Come on."
We got into the carriage. "You're not mad you know," said a blond-haired girl reading an issue of The Quibbler upside down. "I can see them too."
"Everyone, this is Loon—ah, Luna Lovegood," said Ron. "She and I went to the ball last year. She's in Ginny's year, but a Ravenclaw."
"Nice to meet you," said Hermione.
"Likewise," said Luna, as she went back to reading her magazine.
Eventually, we got inside the Great Hall and after a very long Sorting, Professor Dumbledore got up to make his usual speech.
"Good evening children," Professor Dumbledore said with a smile on his face. All eyes were on him and the room was completely silent. "Before we begin our start of term feast, I have a few words to say. We have two changes in staff this year. We're pleased to welcome back Professor Grubbly-Plank," He turned to a woman sitting at the staff table. He then turned back to the students and continued. "She will be taking Care of Magical Creatures while Professor Hagrid is on temporary leave. We also wish to welcome our new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher Professor Dolorous Umbridge. I'm sure you'll all join me in wishing the Professor good luck. Now as usual, our caretaker Mr. Filch has asked me to remind you—" then he was interrupted by Umbridge who said, "Hem, hem."
Professor Dumbledore fell silent and everyone turned to Umbridge with shocked expressions on their faces. No one had ever interrupted Professor Dumbledore during his speech before. Professor Dumbledore turned to Umbridge and she got to her feet. She then walked around the staff table and she walked up to the podium next to Professor Dumbledore.
"Thank you Headmaster, for those kind words of welcome." Umbridge said in a voice that made you want to crawl under a rock. "And how lovely to see your bright happy faces smiling up at me."
But no one was smiling or even looked the slightest bit happy. I felt a wave of dislike for this woman.
"The Ministry of Magic has always considered the education of young witches and wizards to be of vital importance," Umbridge continued. "Although each Headmaster has brought something new to this historic school, progress for the sake of progress must be discouraged. Let us preserve what must be preserved. Perfect what can be perfected. And prune practices that ought to be prohibited." She then let out another fake girly laugh and she headed back to her seat at the staff table.
"Thank you, Professor. That was quite illuminating," said Professor Dumbledore. "Now, as I was saying…"
"Illuminating?" said Ron. "That was the biggest load of waffle I ever heard and I grew up with Percy."
"Actually, I agree with Dumbledore," said Hermione.
"Why? What does it mean?" I asked.
"It means that the Ministry's interfering at Hogwarts," said Cedric, with venom. "Dad warned me this might happen, but I hoped he was wrong. I didn't think Fudge would stoop so low as to do this! You know the only reason we've got Umbridge is because Fudge passed an 'Educational Decree' and forced her on us? It's outrageous!"
"Crap," I whispered. If the Ministry was interfering during our O.W.L. year, then how were we ever going to get through any of it?
I took the long route to the Gryffindor common room, dreading what was going to happen when I came in, but there was no way to prevent it. There had been music playing and chatter, but all fell silent when I came in. I ignored this as I went up to Dean.
"Hi, Dean," I said. "Good holiday?"
"It was okay. Better than Seamus' anyway, he was just telling me," said Dean.
"Why? What happened?" I asked.
"Me mum didn't want me to come back to Hogwarts this year," said Seamus.
I sighed in anger. "Because of me, Cedric, and Professor Dumbledore, am I right? She believes what the Daily Prophet says? She thinks we're liars and Professor Dumbledore's an old fool?"
"Pretty much, yeah," said Seamus. "Look, none of us were there the night that you two disappeared and came back half-dead."
"Then why don't you just read the Prophet like your stupid mother then? It'll tell you everything you need to know!" I snapped.
"Don't take a go at my mother!"
"I'll have a go at anyone who calls Cedric and I liars and Professor Dumbledore mad!" I growled.
"My Gran says that's all rubbish," piped up Neville. "She says it's the Prophet that's downhill, not Dumbledore, Helena and Cedric. She's cancelled our subscription. She said she always knew You-Know-Who would come back and she says if he's back then he's back."
"Thanks, Neville," I said, gratefully.
"What's going on, here?" said Ron.
"She's mad, that's what's going on!" said Seamus. "You really believe all that rubbish she and Diggory are coming out with about You-Know-Who being back?"
"Yeah, we do," said Hermione, fiercely.
"Then you're mad too," said Seamus, disdainfully.
"Yeah? Well, unfortunately for you, pal, we're also prefects!" said Ron, angrily. "So, unless you want detention, watch your mouth! Anyone else got a problem with Helena or Cedric?"
No one replied as Hermione and I went up to our dorm.
"You alright, Helena?" asked Hermione.
"I don't know anymore," I said, as I yanked my tie off. "How am I supposed to keep going on if some of my own friends are turning their backs on me?"
"I don't know," she admitted. "But it doesn't matter. Seamus was just out of order and they'll know you're right in the end, won't they?"
"But how much more of this will we have endure until then? It's only the first day back, and I feel like I'm ready to break something!"
"I know, Helena, but you've got to keep control over your temper. I'll report this if it gets out of hand. It'll be alright soon, I promise. Is there anything I can do for you?"
I shook my head. "I think I just want to be alone right now."
"Okay," said Hermione. "I'll be downstairs if you need me."
She left me alone and I ended up crying myself to sleep as I held Snuffles close and wished desperately for Sirius to be there.
The next morning we had Umbridge's class. Half an hour before class began, Cedric met up with us in the hall as said they were terrible and as much a joke as Lockhart's had been. He'd quit after the first lesson after losing his temper with Umbridge as she'd been beyond rude and insulting and called him and me crazy liars.
"You quit?" said Hermione. "Cedric, are you mad? Those classes are really important!"
"Not the way she teaches it," he said. "Besides, I've got a good enough pass in that class to go without it."
"Going to become an Auror, are you?" said Ron.
Cedric nodded. "What about you three?"
"What else would I be doing?" I said.
"Same," said Ron.
"I'm still thinking about it," said Hermione.
"How're the other Hufflepuffs treating you?" I asked.
"Ernie, Hannah, and Justin all believe me, but everyone else says I'm crazed and a liar, and even more so because I still hang around with you. They didn't go too far because I'm Head Boy, but I could tell some of them thought I didn't deserve the position."
"I'm sorry," I said.
He waved it off. "Don't be. If they're unable to stand by me when I'm telling the truth, then they're not my friends. I've got all I need and it's not them."
I checked my watch. "Come on, Umbridge's class is in five minutes."
We went in and sat down. The students were playing with an origami bird that'd been bewitched to fly around the room. It was all quite fun until Umbridge came in and burned it with her wand.
"Good afternoon, class," said Umbridge, sweetly. "Wands away please." She raised her wand at the chalkboard and read off what she wrote in a patronizing tone. "Ordinary Wizarding Level Examinations. O-W-L's. More commonly known as O.W.L.s. Study hard and you will be rewarded. Fail and the consequences will be severe." She made copies of our new book for the year, Dark Arts Defense Basic for Beginners, float to us. "Your previous instruction in this subject's been disturbingly uneven. But you'll be pleased to know that from now on, you'll be following a carefully structured Ministry-approved course of action."
Hermione raised her hand. "Excuse me, but there's nothing in here about using defensive spells."
"Using spells?" said Umbridge. "Why, I can't imagine why you'd need to use spells in my classroom."
"We're not going to be using magic?" said Ron.
"You're going to be learning defense in a risk-free way," said Umbridge.
"That's insane! If we're going to be attacked, it's not exactly going to risk-free is it?" I said, angrily.
"It is the view of the Ministry that a theoretical view of the knowledge will be sufficient to get you through your examinations which after all, is what school is all about," said Umbridge, ignoring me.
"And how's theory supposed to prepare us for what's out there?" I demanded.
"There is nothing out there dear," Umbridge assured me. Who do you imagine would want to attack children like yourself?"
"I don't know, maybe Lord Voldemort?" I said, sarcastically. The other students gasped as I rolled my eyes. "Cedric told you all this, didn't he?"
"Mr. Diggory was quite out of term this morning and left my classroom. His opinion on matters beyond his understanding is irrelevant," said Umbridge.
"'Irrelevant?'" I said, outrage. "Cedric's an accomplished wizard and had to witness me being tortured last June by Voldemort!"
Umbridge looked furious as she slowly stepped forward towards me. "Now let me make this quite plain. You have been told that a certain Dark Wizard is at large once again. This…is…a…lie!"
"It's not a lie, it's the truth!" I shouted. "Cedric and I saw him! I tortured by him! I fought him!"
"This is a lie!" said Umbridge.
"So, according to your information, Cedric and I were nearly killed of our own free will, were we?" I said, angrily.
"What happened to you and Mr. Diggory was a tragic accident that addled your minds," said Umbridge.
"We're not insane, we're telling you the truth!"
"Enough!" Umbridge shouted. "A week's detention, Miss Potter. You'll come to my office at five o'clock this evening and I shall see if I can quiet down those crazy, nasty, attention-seeking lies of yours."
I was fuming with anger, but didn't dare go further.
Even if some people didn't believe me, no one thought it was fair I got detention for standing up for myself and Cedric.
The time then came for my detentions. When I went inside Umbridge's office, I saw that everything—even the sugar and her tea—was every possible shade of pink and so were her clothes. There was enough pink to make me vomit and for some reason, I even found the mewing kitten plates on her walls distasteful.
"Good evening Miss Potter," she said, sweetly. "You're going to be writing some lines for me with a special quill of mine."
"What do you want me to write and how many times?" I asked.
"You are going to write, I must not tell lies. You'll write it until the message sinks in," she said, sweetly. "In your best handwriting, as well, or it'll be a month's detention."
I glared at her and began writing as neatly and as nicely as I could. I tried to ignore the pain on the back of my left hand, wondering what was making it hurt and then I saw it. The quill was a Blood Quill and cut into my hand were the words, I must not tell lies in my best handwriting. I bit down on my tongue as the pain grew worse. I'd gone through the Cruciatus Curse without screaming. I was not going to give in to this pathetic excuse for a witch and let her known I was in pain.
After an hour, my hand was bleeding quite a bit as Umbridge inspected it. "Yes, it's painful, isn't it?" she said. "But you know, deep down that you deserved to be punished. I'll see you tomorrow night, Miss Potter and you detentions will be over after Friday night. I hope this teaches you a lesson."
Yeah, it teaches me that you're the most evil woman I've ever met, you foul old toad! I screamed in my mind. I glared at her as I yanked out a handkerchief for my hand and left her office, trying to will the pain to go away.
I wrote to Sirius the morning after detention, calling him Padfoot and writing in code just in case the letter was intercepted.
Padfoot,
First day back here's been terrible. Our new teacher, she's as delightful as the portrait of your mother's, probably worse. She's evil! She's got me really concerned about all of us. It hardly seems real that one minute Cedric and I go from being people the school admire and into people that are crazy liars. I don't care for the attention either way, but it hurts knowing that people I once trusted and considered friends are now enemies and believe Fudge's words instead of ours.
In spite of being back and with Cedric, I feel so alone. I don't know who ended up worse for the wear that night. Myself, for having to go under the Cruciatus Curse and forced to fight Voldemort, or Cedric for having to watch all that happen. I hope all that makes sense, because I'm not sure even I understand it. I know Dumbledore's got his reasons for avoiding me, but I wish he'd just look at me. I need him more than ever now and he's turned away.
On top of everything else, I'm trying to figure out how to tell Cedric how I really feel. He means more to me than just a friend. I love him, but I haven't got a clue how to tell him. It just doesn't seem like someone as wonderful as him could love someone like me—the source of all of Hogwarts' problems. I haven't told anyone else about this. I hope you and B.B. are okay. I miss you so much and wish you could be here.
—Your little Lena.
After sending off Hedwig with the letter, I left the Owlery and bumped into Cedric.
"Helena, there you are. I was looking for you," he said.
"Hi. I was just sending off a letter to Padfoot."
He nodded. "Do you want to take a walk with me? Luna's out. She said she wouldn't mind if we hung out with her."
"Sure."
We walked into the chilly autumn day and found Luna feeding the creatures we'd seen earlier. "Hello, Helena, Cedric," she said.
"Your feet," I said, noticing she was barefoot. "Aren't they cold?"
"A bit, but it's okay," said Luna. Unfortunately, all my shoes have disappeared. I suspect it's the work of nargles."
"What are these things?" asked Cedric. "I've seen them loads of times, but I don't know what they are."
"They're called Threstals. They're really not bad, and very sweet, but some people tend to avoid them because they're different."
"I know how that feels," I said, softly. "Why can't anyone else see them?"
"They can only be seen by people who've seen death," said Luna.
"Have you known someone who's died?" I asked. I only saw them because of my parents' deaths.
"My mum. She was an extraordinary witch. But she did like to experiment and one of her spells went wrong one day. I was nine."
"We're sorry," said Cedric. "I know how you feel. My Aunt Alice was a lot like your mum and she went out the same way when I was thirteen."
"Thanks. It's okay. I still miss her sometimes, but I've got Dad. And besides, I know someday I'll see Mum again," said Luna. "You know, Dad and I both believe what you said last June, that you saw He-Must-Not-Be-Named return and the Ministry of Magic's conspiring against you."
"Thanks," I said. "It seems like you're one of the few who does."
"Well, I suspect that's how he wants you to feel. If I was You-Know-Who, I'd want you to feel cut off and alone. You wouldn't be much of a threat that way," said Luna.
"Wish Dumbledore would listen to that," said Cedric.
I nodded in agreement as I stroked one of the baby Threstals that took a liking to me. I felt a wave of sympathy for these creatures. People disliked them because they were different. It was wrong. They weren't that bad. They were even kind of lovely. Cedric and I spent the rest of the afternoon with Luna, talking and becoming good friends.
I spent the remainder of my evenings that week in detention until it was finally over. I left Umbridge's class with my scar hurting again because Voldemort was in a good mood and my hand bleeding thickly through the bandage. I arrived at the Portrait Hole just as I was called for.
"Hey, Helena!" said Ron.
"Hey, guys," I said, trying to hide my hand. I hadn't actually told them the truth about my detentions, only that I was given lines. "What's up?"
"We've been looking all over for you. It's time for dinner. Where've you been?" asked Hermione.
"Detention. I just finished and needed something from my dorm," I said.
"Helena, what's wrong with your hand?" asked Cedric, narrowing his eyes.
"Nothing, it's fine," I said, holding up my right hand.
"Your left one, Helena!" he said.
"Nothing, really it's fine," I said, trying to hide it. But Cedric had my hand in his and looked disgusted as he saw the words, I must not tell lies, cut into my hand and still bleeding heavily. Ron and Hermione also looked horrified.
"Shall we have an agreement not to lie to one another anymore? I thought you said she was giving you lines?" he said.
"She did!" I said. "They just cut into my skin, that's all." And then I explained about the detentions and the quills of Umbridge's.
"I'm going to kill her," Cedric said, fuming. "I don't care what kind of problems Dumbledore and I are having, this is one thing I will not tolerate! I'm going up to his office right this minute and—"
"You'll do no such thing!" I interrupted. "You are not going to say a word of this to anyone!"
"Helena, this is sick and wrong! You've got to report this!" said Hermione.
"And give her the satisfaction of knowing she's got to me?"
"Got to you? Helena, the woman's torturing you!" said Ron. "You can't let her get away with this!"
"I'm not getting anyone else involved in this and end up causing more trouble than I'm trying to prevent! Sometimes it's better to just be quiet and get through it. Don't say a word to anyone. Do I make myself clear?"
"Crystal," said Cedric. "But you're getting that treated. It's starting to look infected."
"I've got some stuff that should help," said Hermione. She went inside the common room and came out with a bowl of yellow liquid and some bandages. "It's pickled essence of murtlap." She soaked the bandages in the essence and then wrapped the bandage on my hand. Instantly, the pain went away and it felt better.
"Thanks."
"We won't say anything, but if someone finds out, you'll tell them the truth, okay?" said Hermione.
"Fine, fine, I will. But who's going to find out?"
However, the next day at Transfiguration, Professor McGonagall saw the bloody bandage on my hand and had me stay behind after class.
"Miss Potter, what happened to your hand?" she asked.
"Nothing, Professor."
"You should know better than to lie to me. Let me see it. The bandage needs changing." She took my hand in hers and gently took the bandage off. She gasped in horror when she saw the cut words on my hand.
"What is this?" she demanded. "How did your hand get like this?"
"Detention with Umbridge. The quill she made me use cut into my hand."
"She used a Blood Quill on a student?" she said, looking furious. "Potter, I don't want you going to anymore of her detentions, no matter what she says, is that understood? I'm going to have a word with her today."
"Professor, no!" I said, alarmed. "It'll only make her angrier and there'll be trouble for you as well."
"Helena, the entire Wizarding World is in trouble! A speck more won't make any difference and harsh punishment like this is not to be tolerated!" she said, sternly. "Now, let me see that hand."
I could see arguing would be useless as she only called me Helena when she was in a particular mood or if the situation was serious, so I didn't protest as she mended my hand and then stormed over to Umbridge during break.
"Dolores, how dare you!" she said. "Using a Blood Quill on a student! Have you sunk so low that you're resorting to torture to punish a student?"
"Torture?" she said. "So silly of me, but it sounds as though you're questioning my authority in my own classroom, Minerva."
"Not all, I'm merely insinuating that you resign to the disciplinary rules as set by the school!" she barked. "Your methods are positively barbaric!"
"Dear me, but to question my authority is to question the Ministry and by so doing, the Minister himself! I'm a tolerant woman, but the one thing I will not tolerate is disloyalty!"
"Disloyalty," she scoffed.
"Yes, disloyalty! Things at Hogwarts are far worse than I feared. Cornelius will want to take immediate action."
Immediate action was taken as Fudge made Umbridge Hogwarts new High Inquisitor. She had the power to inspect and sack other teachers. Fudge said it was so she could mend the falling standards, but that was a load of waffle.
Nearly all the teachers passed her inspections. It was quite funny to watch her inspect Professor McGonagall and look like she'd been slapped in the face. However, I say nearly everyone passed Umbridge's inspections as Hagrid had yet to return and Tralawny had been placed on probation for her inability to predict even tomorrow's weather. I hadn't been fond of Tralawny, but she didn't deserve Umbridge's wrath. I was about ready to slap her when she asked Tralawny to predict something as every idiot knew that no on could foresee something on demand.
Because Professor McGonagall had gone to Professor Dumbledore about the Blood Quills, so I didn't have to go back to Umbridge's detentions. However my hand wounds were somewhat deep and reopened a few times until I ended up going to Madame Pomfrey for help, who was as outraged as Professor McGonagall had been.
Umbridge came out with one Education Decree after another. It seemed impossible to even laugh or enjoy oneself anymore. To make thing worse Filch seemed to enjoy having Umbridge around and soon made it clear that his loyalties were to his beloved Dolores, which made us all vomit.
A few weeks later, Tralawny was sacked. Everyone saw it happen. She was in the courtyard sobbing as Filch tossed her luggage onto the ground.
"Sixteen years I've lived and taught her!" she sobbed. "Hogwarts is my home! You can't do this!"
"Actually, I can," said Umbridge, holding up a sealed paper. "Did you really think that your inability to predict even tomorrow's weather and your pitiful performances during my inspections, that you wouldn't be sacked?"
Without thinking, I ran across the courtyard and gave Tralawny a handkerchief and hugged her. "It's okay," I whispered, as she returned the embrace and cried into my shoulder. "It's okay. You're going to be okay."
"She certainly will be," said Professor McGonagall. "Sibyl, it's alright. You won't have to leave Hogwarts."
"Oh, really, Minerva?" said Umbridge. "And your authority for that statement is—?"
"Mine," said Professor Dumbledore, appearing. "You have the authority to sack my teachers, Dolores. But only the headmaster as the power to send them away. Minerva, please take Sibyl back to her room."
"Thank you, Dumbledore, thank you," said Tralawny, as she was led away and her luggage followed.
"And just what, may I ask," said Umbridge. "Do you intend to do with her when I appoint a suitable teacher who'll need her lodging?"
"Oh, there's no need for that. I've already found another teacher."
Umbridge looked furious. "You've found—? You've found?" she shrieked. "May I remind you, Dumbledore, that Education Decree Number Twenty-Two states that—"
"That the Ministry has the power to replace a teacher if and only if the headmaster cannot find one," said Professor Dumbledore. "I'm pleased to say that I have and he prefers lodgings on the ground floor."
Just then, Firenze, the centaur who'd saved me and Cedric from Voldemort four years ago came into view. I was stunned. Firenze was our new Divination teacher?
"This Firenze, I'm sure he'll be quite suitable," he said, smiling. Then he turned to the students. "Now, all of you get back to your class!"
"Professor! Professor Dumbledore! I yelled, but he wouldn't even look at me. My heart sank. How much more of this was he willing to go through? How could he truly think any of us were better off when he was ignoring us?