Chapter 18
The next day they all made there way down to Hagrid's hut for Care of Magical Creatures. The older witch from last year was waiting for them.
"Everyone here? Good. Let's crack on then-who can tell me what these things are called?" She ask pointing to the table where creatures that looked like trigs were. Hermione shot her hand in the hair jumping slightly causing Draco to imitate her making the Slytherins laugh.
"Oooooh!" Two Gryffindor's cooed looking at the creatures.
"Kindly keep your voices down, girls. So anyone know the names of these creatures. Miss Granger." she said pointing to Hermione.
"Bowtruckles. They're tree-guardians." she said.
"Correct. 5 points. Who can tell me where you normally find them and what they eat?" the teacher ask and Hermione again raised her hand but so did Brianna this time.
"Yes. Miss. LeStrange." she said calling on her.
"They are normally found in wand tress and they eat wood lice and fairy eggs if they can find them." Brianna said smirking at Hermione.
"Excellent 5 points to you as well. Now if you would all gather around and take some wood lice and a Bowtruckles so you can study it more closely. I want a sketch from each of you by the end of the lesson." she said and everyone went to do as they were told. Most everyone was scared to picked it up and the creatures knew this for they prepared for an attack. Brianna rolled her eyes and held her hand out for one and it jumped right into it. Her Slytherin group followed along and together they sat on the ground and started working.
After a few moments of silence they heard Potter talking to the teacher.
"Where's Hagrid." he ask.
"Never you mind." she said before walking off.
"Maybe the stupid great oaf's got himself badly injured." Draco said loud enough for the Gryffindor's to hear.
"Maybe you will if you don't shut up." Harry said back.
"Maybe he's been messing with stuff that's too big for him, if you get my drift." Draco said ignoring Potter's previous statement. Harry ignored him and started drawing his creature.
"Yes, father was talking to the Minister just a couple of days ago, you know, and it sounds as though the Ministry's really determined to crack down on substandard teaching in this place. So even if that over-grown, moron does show up again, he'll probably be sent packing straight away." Draco said pretending to by talking to only the Slytherins but still loud enough for Potter to hear.
"Ouch." Potter yelled dropping his creature causing the Slytherins to laugh out loud. They finished there lesson and turned in there work making there way back up to the greenhouse for Herbology. Where they had another long class and lecture about the O.W.L's. The rest of the week was the same. The work pilled up each day. When Saturday came around the Slytherins were eating breakfast when the newspapers arrived. Brianna and Draco read there paper before laughing out loud at the small article on the second page.
"The Ministry of Magic has received a tip-off from a reliable source that Sirius Black is currently hiding in London." it read.
They glanced at Potter to see him reading it as well worry clearly on his face.
After breakfast the Slytherins went down to watch the Gryffindor's practice Quidditch. Once seated they watched as the Gryffindor's flew out onto the field. They were training Weasley today who was there new keeper.
"What's that Weasley's riding? Why would anyone but a flying charm on a moldy old log like that?" Draco yelled out causing the others to laugh out loud taunting Weasley.
"Hey, Johnson, what's with that hairstyle anyway? Why would anyone want to look like they've got worms coming out of there head?" Pansy shrieked trying to throw them all off but they ignored the jeers. When Ron dropped the Quaffle that Harry passed him the Slytherins almost fell out of there seats.
"Hey Potter, how's your scar feeling? Sure you don't need a lie-down? It must be, what, a whole week since you were in the hospital wing, that's a record for you, isn't it?" Draco ask but was ignored again. Ron dropped the Quaffle two more times and his face was redder than his hair as the Slytherins teased him. He got mad and threw it to hard smacking there chaser in the face causing her nose to bleed. It got worse from there. He could never catch it and wasn't covering all the post. The captain was yelling at him and the chaser's nose was bleeding more than before causing them to have to stop again. The captain finally called a stop to practice and sent everyone to change. The Slytherins went back to the castle laughing at there poor display.
Draco, Brianna and the gang spent all of Sunday catching up on all there piles of homework skipping lunch and getting to dinner late just to get it finished then they all collapsed in bed early that night completely exhausted. The next morning things at Hogwarts was starting to change. When the paper arrived that morning everyone was shocked even the teachers. On the front page was Umbridge smiling and turning for the camera. Under that read:
Ministry seeks educational reform
Dolores Umbridge appointed first-ever "High Inquisitor"
In a surprise move last night the Ministry of Magic passed new legislation giving itself an unprecedented level of control at Hogwarts school of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
'The Minister has been growing uneasy about goings-on at Hogwarts for some time,' said Junior Assistant to the Minister, Percy Weasley, 'He is now responding to concerns voiced by anxious parents, who feel the school may be moving in a direction they do not approve. This is not the first time in recent weeks Fudge has used new laws to effect improvement at the Wizarding school. As recently as August 30th Educational Decree 22 was passed, to ensure that, in the event of the current Headmaster being unable to provide a candidate for a teaching post, the Ministry should select an appropriate person.
'That's how Dolores Umbridge came to be appointed to the teaching staff at Hogwarts,' said Weasley last night, 'Dumbledore couldn't find anyone, so the Minister put in Umbridge and of course, she's been an immediate success, totally revolutionizing the teaching of Defense Against the Dark Arts and providing the Minister with on-the-ground feedback about what's really happening at Hogwarts.'
'It is this last function that the Ministry has now formalized with the passing of Educational Decree Twenty-three, which creates the new position of 'Hogwarts High Inquisitor.'
'This is an exciting new phase in the Minister's plan to get to grips with the "falling standards" at Hogwarts,' said Weasley, 'the Inquisitor will have powers to inspect her fellow educators and make sure they are coming up to scratch. Professor Umbridge has been offered this position in addition to her own teaching post, and we are delighted to say that she has accepted.'
The Ministry's new moves have received enthusiastic support from parents of students at Hogwarts.
'I feel much easier in my mind now that I know Dumbledore is being subjected to fair and objective evaluation,' said Mr. Lucius Malfoy, 41, speaking from his Wiltshire mansion last night, 'Many of us with our children's best interests at heart have been concerned about some of Dumbledore's eccentric decisions in the last few years and will be glad to know that the Ministry is keeping an eye on the situation.'
Among those "eccentric decisions" are undoubtedly the controversial staff appointments previously described in this newspaper, which have included the hiring of werewolf Remus Lupin, half-giant Rubeus Hagrid, and delusional ex-Auror 'Mad-Eye' Moody.
Rumors abound, of course, that Albus Dumbledore, once Supreme Mugwump of the International Confederation of Wizards and Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot, is no longer up to the task of managing the prestigious school of Hogwarts.
'I think the appointment of the Inquisitor is a first step toward ensuring that Hogwarts has a headmaster in whom we can all repose confidence' said a Ministry insider last night. Wizengamot elders Griselda Marchbanks and Tiberius Ogden have resigned in protest at the introduction of the post of Inquisitor to Hogwarts.
'Hogwarts is a school, not an outpost of Cornelius Fudge's office,' said Madam Marchbanks, 'This is a further disgusting attempt to discredit Albus Dumbledore.'
"Oh My God." Brianna said when she finished reading that. "That means she could start firing the other teachers." Brianna told Draco.
"As long as she doesn't get rid of Snape I really don't care." Draco said biting into his bacon.
"True. Everyone else could go but him." she agreed making her way to potions. Umbridge was not inspecting potions today to which Brianna was grateful.
"I have awarded you the grades you would have received if you presented this work in your O.W.L. This should give you a realistic idea of what to expect in your exams." he said with a smirk as he passed back there essays. Brianna and Draco both got 'Outstandings.'
Snape finished passing them out and went back to stand in front of the class.
"The general standard of this homework was abysmal. Most of you would have failed had this been your real examination. I expect to see a great deal more effort for this week's essay or I shall have to start handing out detentions to those dunces who get D's." he drawled out and smirked when Draco and Brianna sniggered.
"Some people got D's? Ha." Draco said to Brianna.
"Indeed. Now get to work." Snape said and everyone went about making there Strengthening Solution.
"So are you worried about your evaluation?" Brianna ask Snape though his mind.
"No I'm not worried but annoyed with the toad for thinking she can tell me how to teach my own class." he said in a flat voice and Brianna giggled.
After potions was over they went to lunch then off to Divination where they had there first class evaluation. Umbridge was in the corner with a clip board and Quill waiting for class to start.
"Good afternoon Professor Trelawney. You received my note, I trust?" she ask and Trelawney nodded and proceeded to start teaching the class and telling them all to pair up and continue where they left off last time. Draco and Brianna just rolled there eyes. This class was such a joke.
Brianna and Draco watched as Umbridge stood from her seat and began pacing the room following behind Trelawney making marks on her clipboard.
"Now you've been in this post for how long exactly." Umbridge ask Trelawney and everyone looked up and watched.
"Nearly 16 years." she said proudly.
"Quite a period. So it was Professor Dumbledore who appointed you?" Umbridge ask writing all her answers down.
"That's right." said Professor Trelawney shortly.
"And you are a great-great-granddaughter of the celebrated seer Cassandra Trelawney?" Umbridge ask.
"Yes." was her answer.
"But I think-correct me if I am mistaken- that you are the first in your family since Cassandra to be possessed of second site?" Umbridge ask.
"These things often skip-er-three generations." Trelawney told her and Umbridge's smile widen.
"Of course. Well, if you could just predict something for me then?" Umbridge said and everyone stared.
"I don't understand you." Trelawney stuttered.
"I'd like you to make a prediction for me." Umbridge said as if she were talking to a child.
"The Inner eye does not see upon command." Trelawney said in a scandalized tone.
"I see." Umbridge said marking her clip board.
"I- but- but- wait. I…I think I so see something…something that concerns you…Why, I sense something…something dark…some grave peril. I'm afraid that you are in grave danger." Trelawney said dramatically.
"Right. Well if that's the best you can do." she said before making her way over to Draco and Brianna's table.
"What do you two think of this class." she ask sweetly and Brianna had a hard time keeping a smile on her face.
"It's dreadfully boring we cant wait to drop it next year." Draco told her.
"I agree. We don't learn anything useful." Brianna said and Pansy agreed from the next table. Umbridge wrote everything down before walking out just as the bell rang.
They had her class next and just like last time Hermione opened her mouth to say she had read the whole book and started arguing with Umbridge about it getting points taken away. Harry came to her defense and got another weeks worth of detention. Brianna had read the whole book too but she wasn't about to argue with this women at least not till she did something to Brianna personally.
The next day Umbridge was evaluating McGonagall's class and Draco and Brianna just knew this wasn't going to be pleasant. They didn't really care for McGonagall but she could be mean when she wanted to be.
Professor McGonagall marched into the room without even giving Umbridge a glance.
"That will do." McGonagall said and silence fell immediately. "Mr. Finnigan, kindly come here and hand back the homework- Miss. Brown please take this box of mice - Don't be silly girl, they won't bite- and hand one to each student." McGonagall ordered.
"Hem, Hem." Umbridge interrupted but McGonagall ignored her.
"Right then, everyone, listen closely most of you have successfully vanished your snails and even those who were left with a certain amount of shell have the gist of the spell. Today we shall be-" she said but was interrupted again.
"Hem, Hem." Umbridge said again.
"Yes." McGonagall turned around her eyebrows close together.
"I was just wondering whether you received my note telling you of the date and time of your inspection." Umbridge ask.
"Obviously I received it, or I would have asked you what you are doing in my classroom." McGonagall told her then turned back to the class. "As I was saying today we shall be practicing the altogether more difficult vanishment of mice. Now the vanishing spell-" she said but was stopped yet again.
"Hem, Hem."
"I wonder." said McGonagall in a cold fury as she turned back around. "How you expect to gain an idea of my usual teaching methods if you continue to interrupt me? You see, I do not generally permit people to talk when I am talking" McGonagall said turning back around. Umbridge look like she had been slapped and started writing on her clipboard quickly.
"As I was saying the vanishing spell becomes more difficult with the complexity of the animal to be vanished. Now you know the incantation let me see what you can do." she said and began walking around the class watching. When she got to Brianna she stopped.
"Let see what you got Miss. LeStrange." McGonagall said. Brianna resisted the urge to roll her eyes before picking up her wand and non verbally vanishing the mouse then bring it back. McGonagall gapped for a moment.
"Excellent. 10 points to Slytherin." she said before moving to another student. When class was almost over and everyone was cleaning up Umbridge stroke again.
"How long have you been teaching at Hogwarts." Umbridge ask.
"Thirty-nine years this December." McGonagall said.
"Very well you will receive the results of your inspection in ten days time." Umbridge told her.
"I can hardly wait." McGonagall said coldly before dismissing everyone. Later that afternoon in Care of Magical Creatures they saw Umbridge again with her clipboard.
"You do not usually take this class, is that correct." Umbridge ask.
"Quite correct. I am a substitute teacher standing in for Hagrid." Professor Grubbly-Plank told her.
"Hum. Can you give me any information on where Hagrid might be." Umbridge ask.
"Afraid I cant. I don't know anything more about it than you do. Dumbledore just ask if I wanted a couple weeks teaching work and I accepted. Well shall I get started." she replied.
"Yes, please do." Umbridge agreed.
She walked around and talked with several students questioning them about the class.
"And what are you planning to cover with this class assuming Hagrid does not return." Umbridge ask.
"Oh, I'll take them through the creatures that will most likely show up on there exams." she replied.
"Well you seem to know what you're doing at any rate. Now I hear there have been some injuries in this class." she ask looking at the students. Draco spoke up at once.
"That was me. I was slashed by a hippogriff." he told her.
"A hippogriff." Umbridge said writing that down.
"Only because he was too stupid to listen to what Hagrid told him to do." Harry said bitterly.
"Another's night detention, I think. Well thank you very much Professor." Umbridge said before trekking back up to the castle.
That weekend they went into Hogsmead for a while before retiring to there room to do homework. That night she made her way to Snape's room for her dark arts class. The door was cracked open so she squeezed in and saw Snape grading papers at his desk not even noticing she was there. She smiled then said.
"Hem, Hem." sounding very much like Umbridge. Snape jerked his head up almost falling out of his chair then scowled at her when she bent over laughing tears coming out of her eyes.
"Oh. God. You should have seen your face." she said when she was able to talk again.
"That was not funny. You sounded just like that old bat." Snape sneered crossing his arms over his chest glaring at her. She quieted down clearing her throat.
"Sorry shall we." she said and he nodded locking the door and commencing with the lessons.
On Monday a new decree was posted.
The High Inquisitor of Hogwarts
All student Organizations, Societies, Teams, Groups, and Clubs are henceforth disbanded. An Organization, Society, Team, Group, or Club is hereby defined as a regular meeting of three or more students. Permission to re-form may be sought from the High Inquisitor (Professor Umbridge).
No Student Organization, Society, Team, Group, or Club may exist without the knowledge and approval of the High Inquisitor. Any student found to have formed, or to belong to, an Organization, Society, Team, Group, or Club that has not been approved by the High Inquisitor will be expelled.
The above is in accordance with
Educational Decree Number Twenty-four.
As soon as Draco saw this he turned around and ran towards Umbridge's office to ask permission for the Slytherin Quidditch team. Which she granted immediately. Later that day when they were standing outside Potions class Draco told the other Slytherins.
"Yeah Umbridge gave Slytherin Quidditch team permission to continue playing straightaway, I went to ask her first thing this morning. Well, it was pretty much automatic, I mean, she knows my father really well from the Ministry. It'll be interesting to see whether Gryffindor are allowed to keep playing, wont it." Draco drawled and everyone laughed.
"I mean if it's a question of influence with the Ministry, I don't think they've got a chance, from what my father says, they've been looking for an excuse to sack Arthur Weasley for years. And as for Potter. My father says it's a matter of time before the Ministry has him carted off to St. Mungo's. Apparently they've got a special ward for people whose brains have been addled by magic." Draco continued and the other Slytherins howled with laughter. Neville decided to make a dive at Draco but Potter and Weasley stopped him but he keep struggling.
"Neville, No!" they yelled.
"Not…funny…don't…Mungo's…show…him…" Neville bit out in-between struggles and Brianna knew what he was talking about. Her mother had been one of the death eaters to help put his parents in the hospital. The door opened just then and Snape walked out.
"Fighting, Potter, Weasley, Longbottom? Ten points from Gryffindor. Release Longbottom, Potter, or it will be detention. Inside, all of you." Snape said in a cold sneering voice.
Everyone followed Snape inside and sat at there usual desk. As soon as Brianna got to her desk in the front she saw Umbridge in the corner.
"You will notice that we have a guest with us today." Snape sneered indicating Umbridge who was sitting in the corner.
"We are continuing with your Strengthening Solutions today, you will find your mixtures as you left them last lesson, if correctly made they should have matured will over the weekend- instruction-" He waved his wand. "are on the board. Carry on." Snape told them and everyone went to grab there potions and dump it in there cauldron.
Umbridge spent the first half hour of class making notes in the corner. The Brianna looked up when she saw her stand and walk over to Snape who was bent over someone's cauldron.
"Well,
the class seems fairly advanced for their level. Though I would question whether it is advisable to teach them a potion like the strengthening solution. I think the Ministry would prefer it if that was removed from the syllabus." she said to his back. Snape straightened up slowly and turned to look at her.
"Now…how long have you been teaching at Hogwarts." she ask quill waiting for his answer. Brianna watched with interest.
"Fourteen years." Snape replied his expression unfathomable.
"You applied first for the DADA post, I believe?" she ask him.
"Yes." Snape said quietly.
"But you were unsuccessful?" she said just as quite. Snape's lip curled.
"Obviously." he said.
"And you have applied regularly for the DADA post since you first joined the school, I believe?" she ask.
"Yes." he said barely moving his lips. He looked very angry.
"Do you have any idea why Dumbledore has consistently refused to appoint you?" she ask him.
"I suggest you ask him." he said jerkily.
"Oh I shall." Umbridge said with a sweet smile.
"Fucking Bitch." Brianna snapped into Snape's mind. His eyes dared to her for a split second.
"I suppose this is relevant?" Snape ask black eyes narrowed.
"Oh yes. Yes the Ministry wants a thorough understanding of teachers-er-backgrounds." she said before turning to talk to Pansy. Brianna followed her movements across the room hand clinching around her wand. She wanted to hex that bitch so bad right now. Before she could pull out her wand a hand closed around her wrist. She looked up and saw Snape shaking his head. She sighed and relaxed. He turned around and glared at Potter who drop the wrong ingredient in his potion.
"No marks again then Potter." Snape said emptying his cauldron. "You will write me an essay on the correct composition of this potion, indicating how and why you went wrong, to be handed in next lesson. Do you understand?" he ask.
"Yes." Potter spat and Snape sweep to the next table. Brianna went back to here potion when she felt someone that reeked of nasty perfume come to stand next to her. She looked up and saw Umbridge with that damn clip board. Draco was looking up as well.
"Miss. LeStrange, Mr. Malfoy. Do you mind if I ask you a few questions." She said sweetly. Brianna rained in her temper before smiling.
"Not at all Professor." she said and Umbridge smile.
"How do you like this class." she ask.
"It's my favorite class. I love potions and I like the challenge it gives me." Brianna said and Draco agreed.
"And what do you think of Professor Snape's teachings." she ask.
"He's firm and demands order and attention in his class but that's to be expected when working with potions. One wrong move and it could be dangerous." Brianna said and she nodded.
"Yes I quite agree. You two seem to pair up a lot in all your classes why is that." she ask smiling.
"We get along the best. Were family after all and we live together so it's natural we'd be close." Brianna told her.
"Yes I remember when Lucius said they had adopted you. Something due to a mix up when you were younger." she stated.
"Yes that's right. They believed me dead because someone sent me to be adopted." Brianna shrugged.
"Well I'm glad you found your family again and such a lovely family it is." she said before walking off.
"You will receive the results of your evaluation in ten days Severus." Umbridge said walking out. Snape just stared at her.
Brianna was pissed she didn't really understand why. She just felt protective over Snape she guessed or she didn't like the idea that, that women could get him fired and she wouldn't see him anymore. Her temper was climbing and the glass jars on the shelves began to shake a little. Everyone looked around to see what was doing that but no one but Draco noticed Brianna's hands and teeth clenched tight or her eyes flashing red. Her magic was whipping around the room ready to explode.
Snape looked up when he felt the magic shift in the room and whipped his head to look at Brianna. Draco was staring at her concerned and slightly scared. Snape walked over to her without drawing attention to anyone else and laid his hand on her back bending over pretending to look at her work.
"You need to calm down Bree before you blow up my room." he whispered rubbing circles on her back. She took a deep breath and slowly relaxed just before the bell rang.
"Stay behind." he told her and she nodded. When everyone was gone Snape came back over to her.
"What was that. What had you so mad you lost control." he ask. She looked away ashamed.
"Sorry Umbridge just pissed me off the way she talked to you. I cant stand that bitch." Brianna snapped.
"Shh. Calm down she cant do anything to me so you don't have to worry. But I am flattered you think so highly of me that you almost killed her to protect me." he said laughing a little and Brianna chuckled.
"Feel better." he ask and she nodded.
"Good now run along." he said then there was a knock at his door. Brianna hastily stood and started walking out when Professor Burbage came in the muggle studies teacher. She looked at Brianna then Snape with a look of pure lust in her eyes.
"Can I help you Professor." Snape ask coldly. Burbage blushed before looking back at Brianna.
"Could you give us a moment child." she purred. Brianna raised an brow to her and walked out jealousy eating at her every core. She walked halfway to the common room when she remembered she left her bag in the potions room. Sighing she turned back around and went back. When she got back she heard Snape on the inside.
"I have told you over and over that I am not interested in you that way Charity and I never will be." he snarled.
"But Severus we could be good together if you'd give it the chance. It's not like your taken." she said.
"My heart is already taken. Now kindly leave." he spat. Brianna's stomach drop who could already have his heart. She pushed open the door just to see
Burbage throw herself at Snape kissing him harshly. Snape pushed her away and looked horrified at Brianna who could feel tears in her eyes and Snape saw it.
"Don't you know how to knock." Burbage ask fixing her lip stick.
"Sorry I left. Left my bag." Brianna said.
"I think you need to leave Mrs. Burbage." Snape snapped at her when she tried moving closer but all Brianna could think about was her kissing him. How was she to compete with a full grown witch more his age. She grabbed her bag and fled from the room.
"Brianna." she heard Snape yell but she didn't look back she just ran until she reached the Chamber of Secrets.
