When Ari arrived back at Hogwarts after the first Shabbos in November, he was surprised to see Umbridge waiting by the fire for him.
"There is a new educational decree," Umbridge said smugly. "The high inquisitor has the authority to decide all punishments, sanctions, and removal of privileges. Can you tell me why you have the privilege of going home every weekend?"
"I'm a religious Jew," Ari said. "It has been Hogwarts tradition for many years to accommodate people of all religions. My father also floo'd home every week. I would be unable to observe Shabbos properly here, so it is necessary to go home."
"Your father also went home?" Umbridge asked suspiciously. "What house was he in?"
"Hufflepuff," Ari answered.
"What about your mother?" Umbridge asked.
"She's a muggle," Ari told her.
"So your father broke the statute of secrecy to marry a muggle?" Umbridge accused.
"Not at all," Ari said. "According to wizarding law, a witch or wizard is allowed to marry a muggle but shouldn't tell the muggle about magic until it is absolutely necessary. The statute of secrecy does not apply to a spouse. Therefore, my father didn't break it."
"What about your father's parents?" Umbridge asked.
"What about them?" Ari repeated.
"What houses were they in?" she clarified.
"They were both born in Germany," Ari explained. "By the time they came to Britain, they were too old for Hogwarts."
"Are they magical?" Umbridge asked.
"Yes," Ari said. "I believed I mentioned in the first class that they were forced to use defensive magic during the war."
"You did say that," Umbridge agreed. "If you want to keep the privilege of going home for Shabbos, you will need to follow all school rules."
"I already do," Ari said. "I'm a prefect."
"You will need to make sure you don't interrupt in class to ask questions or question a teacher's teaching style," Umbridge continued.
"Ok," Ari said.
"If you hear anybody say that you-know-who is back, you will tell me immediately," Umbridge added.
"Dumbledore mentioned it at the end of the year feast," Ari said, knowing that Umbridge knew about that, but not willing to get anyone in trouble.
"If you hear any more mention of it," Umbridge said, "also, if you hear anything about a group that Potter is starting, let me know."
"I thought all groups were banned," Ari said innocently.
"Potter has not been known to follow rules," Umbridge said.
"As a prefect, I would not be his first choice in who to confide in if he does break rules," Ari pointed out.
When he finally returned to the common room, his hatred of Umbridge was higher than he thought was possible. Of course, Ari told Michael and Terry about the new decree. Michael wasn't concerned, as like Ari, he never really got in trouble. Terry did sometimes, but he wasn't concerned.
"The only one I get in trouble with is Binns," Terry pointed out. "He doesn't know my name, and he always says 'Go to the headmaster's office.' He probably doesn't even know Dumbledore's name. There's no way he'll send me to Umbridge."
In December, there was another prefects' meeting. Ari was told that prefects have to supervise decorating the castle, watch first and second years during their breaks, and patrol the corridors. Ari asked if he could have extra shifts with the first and second years instead of decorating the castle since he doesn't celebrate x-mas.
During the last DA meeting before the holidays, they practiced the impediment jinx and stunning. Ari was relieved that he was able to do both.
Ari was happy to head home for the holidays. He made sure to spend time with his muggle friends while he can. When he came back to school, he asked Harry when the next DA meeting will be. He was surprised that Harry took remedial potions, but figured that nobody could be good at everything.
Ari was concerned when he read the story about the death eaters who escaped Azkaban. He never bought the Daily Prophet, but it was passed around the Ravenclaw table.
The next educational decree stated that teachers can't give students information not related to their subject. Ari thought that was ridiculous because if you try hard enough, you can connect any two topics. He decided to give it a try. He started with Professor Vector, since he was good at Arithmancy.
"Is there anything that can be found in the names of the escaped death eaters that would give a clue as to where they are hiding?" Ari asked.
"I would have you figure out all the formulas," Vector answered, "but I can't risk Umbridge coming in during the lesson."
"But its Arithmancy," Ari protested.
"It is," Vector agreed, "but I was told you will lose the privilege of going home for Shabbos if you interrupt class."
Ari decided to try again at Ancient Runes.
"What runes are there at Azkaban?" he asked innocently.
Professor Babbling did not fall for it.
"We don't study Azkaban this year," she said. "If you go for auror training, you may find out more about it."
He tried again during Charms.
"What charms are in place at Azkaban to prevent prisoners from escaping?" he asked.
"There are anti apparition charms," Professor Flitwick said, "but Azkaban doesn't only rely on charms for protection, and I can't discuss the other protections."
Ari tried again during Potions.
"Could a prisoner in Azkaban use polyjuice potion to turn into a dementor?" he asked.
"Polyjuice potion only works on wizards," Snape answered. "Did you finish your potion yet?"
He tried again in Defense.
"How can we defend ourselves if one of the es-" he started.
"Are you planning on staying here for your Sabbath?" Umbridge interrupted in that disgusting sweet voice.
Ari didn't bring it up again. He was looking forward to telling his parents that freedom of speech no longer exists in Hogwarts.
Dumbledore's Army continued to have many meetings. Ari was happy to learn the shield charm.
Ari was surprised that there was a Hogsmeade visit on a Wednesday. He was happy to be able to go with his friends. All the shops had posters with the escaped death eaters. Ari watched his friends pig out after going to Honeydukes and drink butterbeers at the Three Broomsticks. He wondered again why he came and wasn't disappointed when it was time to head back to school.