AN/- hey everyone—the daily prophet article in this chapter is one of my most favorite articles in the series and therefore I have decided to use it—it solely belongs to J.K. Rowling and therefore no plagiarism is intended only the utmost respects for such an accomplished authoress and goddess like person.
Also i feel terribly sorry for the long wait-but i couldn't help if my internet decides to stop working-sheesh-sometimes i think it takes me for granted =p
Chapter 35
A new week was welcomed in as October had finally begun and had finally started to settle in within the occupants of the castle as they tried to live their lives in the terrible stormy weather that the month made special provisions for.
Monday morning was never enjoyed by anyone, truth to be told it wasn't enjoyed by the normally happy Hufflepuffs either. Although, Sirius who sat on the Gryffindor table flanked by Fred, George and their friend Lee Jordon as they discussed quidditch tactics for beaters while Angelina listened in seemed rather excited.
The lightening cracked above them as the grey sky covered the enchanted ceiling of the great hall to make it look duller than ever. The owls finally started to pour in as Hermione's newspaper owl delivered the daily prophet to her and threw it into her empty plate almost toppling her glass full of chocolate milk.
Hermione paid the owl as it went it's way and then continued to open her rolled up newspaper as Harry rolled his eyes at her while Audrey slept with her head on the table next to him. Suddenly Hermione took a sip of her milk but quickly deposited the glass back on to the table before slamming the paper furiously down on to the table waking up Audrey in the process.
"Look at this!" Snarled Hermione as Audrey yawned and rubbed her eyes slowly as she stretched a little, gaining disapproving glances from the Slytherine table. Hermione proceeded to unceremoniously read the contents of the newspaper that disturbed her just a moment ago.
"Ministry seeks educational reform Dolores Umbridge appointed first ever High Inquisitor" read Hermione as Harry sat up better and unrolled Audrey's edition of the daily prophet that he had paid for instead of her while she had been dozing off on the table.
"High Inquisitor"?' asked Ron confused as Harry added.
"What does that mean?"
Hermione continued reading,
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.
This is not the first time in recent weeks that the Minister, Cornelius Fudge, has used new laws to effect improvements at the wizarding school. As recently as 30th August, Educational Decree Number Twenty-two 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.
"She's been an immediate success - totally revolutionizing the teaching of Defence 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 formalised with the passing of Educational Decree Number 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 what some are calling the falling standards at Hogwarts," said Weasley. "The Inquisitor will have powers to inspect her fellow educators and make sure that they are coming up to scratch. Professor Umbridge has been offered this position in addition to her own teaching post.
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, 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 are glad to know that the Ministry is keeping an eye on the situation. "'Among those eccentric decisions are undoubtedly the controversial staffs appointments previously described in this newspaper, which have included the employment of werewolf Remus Lupin, half-giant Rubeus Hagrid and delusional ex-Auror, "Mad-Eye" Moody.
Rumours abound, of course, that Albus Dumbledore, once Supreme Mugwump of the InternationalConfederation 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 towards ensuring that Hogwarts has a headmaster in whom we can all repose our 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." She was reported to have added.
"This is outrageous," said Hermione angrily as she looked at the smiling picture of Umbridge on the front page. She noticed Harry move uncomfortably in his seat as he pulled his hand away from the table.
"Ms. Granger, please calm down," scolded Minerva, Monday was when the head of the houses sat at their house tables.
"But professor—this is ridiculous!" began Harry as Minerva raised her eyebrows at the boy.
"That will be enough Mr. Potter—five points and it would be best if you'd keep calm and carry on," said Minerva calmly returning to her porridge.
"I get my hand sliced open every night and she wants me to keep calm!" snarled Harry under his breath.
"She's the one to talk," muttered Audrey as her friends looked at her.
"What do you mean?" asked Hermione frowning, she didn't like it when people spoke against professors, even if they were snarky and mean, but Umbridge was completely different.
"She's the reason why Umbridge was even gotten this ridiculous post," said Audrey coldly as Ron pondered over that.
"How can you say that—after she backed you up!" said Hermione shocked as Harry frowned at Hermione, Audrey was right, McGonagall was the reason for their suffering.
"Grow up Hermione! Even older people can make mistakes—the real reason she's even sitting here is because she isn't speaking to him," said Audrey matter of factly.
"You mean they had a fight?" asked Ron, Audrey nodded.
"Obviously," she drawled in a bored fashion as she returned to her eggs.
"All the best for defence Harry—and keep your head on unless you want Angelina to kick you for getting another detention!" said Fred as he and his friends cleared of for charms.
Defence class was similar to what it had been for a month, like every other class, Umbridge greeted them with her customary smug smile that everyone wished to punch out of her, she favoured the Slytherines and Draco Malfoy in particular because of his father and today she even awarded him twenty points for scolding a first year Gryffindor for spilling some fruit during breakfast.
"Please read chapter 3," said Umbridge as she roamed around the class her pink heels clicking on the stone. Everyone pulled out their books and flipped open chapter 3.
"The Big Bad wolf," said Umbridge in her sickly sweet voice as she read the title of the chapter.
"What?" snarled Audrey incredulously as she frowned at the pathetic book.
"Now—this chapter talks about Werewolves, their symptoms and how lycanthropy should be stopped—the best way being—to stop them from mating—they are a disgusting a species," said Umbridge as she strolled down to Hermione's seat. Audrey who was sitting next to Hermione curled her scared hand in a fist but did not say anything.
"But most of you would know how pathetic they really are—after all you had been taught by one previously," said Umbridge tutting as she clicked her tongue in disappointment.
"Such low standards—since so long—," said Umbridge.
"What's wrong with having a Werewolf for a teacher—he'd be way better than you anyways," muttered Audrey murderously as Umbridge turned to look at her.
"Something you want to say Ms. Snape?" she asked Audrey with the smile on her face as Audrey twisted her jaw and clenched her teeth.
"Professor Lupin was the best defence teacher we've ever had," said Dean Thomas indignantly as the Slytherine's laughed.
"Sure—Thomas—the world's best idiot prick headed werewolf," snarled Malfoy.
"Shut up!" snarled Audrey as she shot up from her seat abruptly and the class went silent.
"Sit down Ms. Snape—and ten points from Gryffindor will be taken because of you outburst," snarled Umbridge as Audrey refused to sit.
"What about him disrespecting someone?" snarled Audrey as Malfoy smirked at her.
"Why must you care are you related to the werewolf in question?" asked Malfoy snidely as Audrey clenched her jaw.
"Yea, in fact, he's my godfather—" said Audrey proudly as Malfoy flinched.
"Sit down Audrey!" snarled Hermione as the Slytherines began a rather furious discussion over the topic as Umbridge threw Audrey a disgusted look like she was scum.
Hermione pulled Audrey down as Audrey sat down, she knew her classmates now had something new against her not that the fact that her father was no one but the dungeon bat as he was so fondly named was old news but this was so much more juicer.
"Are you sure—you haven't been bitten Snape?—we don't need any more werewolves here," said Pansy stupidly as Audrey shot her an ice cold glare and even made Pansy look a little surprised as she turned away and laughed about it with her friends.
"Enough! Continue reading," scolded Umbridge as Hermione raised her hand and everyone looked at her Umbridge sighed and closed her eyes.
"What is it?" she asked Hermione.
"I have already read this chapter," said Hermione as Umbridge looked at her surprised.
"Then read the next one""I've read the whole book, thrice!" replied Hermione to which Umbridge cut off two more points off Hermione because she was disturbing the class with her annoying remarks that were demeaning the class's intelligence level.
"Aoooaooaooooo..." howled Malfoy laughing away with his friends as he passed Audrey, Ron tried to walk ahead and punch him but Hermione and Audrey held him back.
"Forget it—he's not worth it" said Hermione as Audrey shook her head and pulled Ron back, they were glad none of them had gotten detention yet and Audrey didn't want Umbridge giving out detentions to her friends after what she had done to her.
In the middle of lunch someone walked up behind Audrey disturbing the rather cheerful conversation they were having with Neville about his grandmother wanting to buy him pink coloured trainers.
"Audrey, can we talk?" asked the young voice behind her as her friends glared at the boy behind her, Audrey turned to see Draco smirking at her. She looked rather taken aback, what did he want to talk about, with her?
"What do you want Malfoy!" she asked rudely as she spat his name in disgust, as Harry smiled a little pleased about the fact that she hated Malfoy as much as he did.
"I was wondering if you want to go to Hogsmeade on Halloween with me," asked Malfoy smugly. Harry began to look worriedly at Audrey, he had been meaning to ask Audrey to Hogsmeade that day with him, he noticed Audrey look surprised to this odd request that Malfoy put in front of her.
"And what makes you think I'd go with you anywhere?" she asked rudely.
"I think we share a good chemistry," said Draco smiling at Audrey.
"Sod off Malfoy—she isn't going anywhere with you," said Harry angrily as Malfoy looked at him and snidely commented.
"Wasn't talking to filth like you Potter!" remarked Malfoy harshly.
"Why don't you clear off before they break your bones Malfoy," said Audrey coldly as Draco smirked and lowered his face to Audrey's, she cringed and moved further away and leaned against the table. She then got out of her seat to may be sit next to Sirius so that Malfoy could stay away if she was near Sirius who could dock points from him.
"You can't deny me for too long Snape—I get what I want and right now all I want is you," said Malfoy as he grabbed hold of Audrey's waist suddenly. Harry sprung to his feet and so did Ron along with most of the fifth year Gryffindors but Audrey didn't need their help because the next thing they knew Malfoy was lying in a heap with his hand holding his most sensitive spot.
"Don't ever touch me like that—bastard!" snarled Audrey as her wand was out and pointed at the boy on the ground moaning in pain.
"That will be enough Snape," snarled Sirius as he came over and patted Audrey's back.
"Oye! Big bones—take this lot to the hospital wing and Malfoy—if you touch Snape again I will personal see that she chops of your 'head' off— let's see your father stop her do it," smirked Sirius as Audrey smirked at him while Crabbe and Goyle helped Draco out.
Audrey looked at the retiring forms of Crabbe and Goyle who helped Malfoy to the hospital wing, Audrey knew she must have kicked him to hard but it was his fault, but she was sure that he was going to be milking his injury and when he did that there would be a day when she would have to apologize to him, but it wasn't today, today she would be proud and hold her head high thinking of the right thing. But, she couldn't, all she could think of was why Malfoy wanted anything to do with her when it was obvious that he did not harbour any feelings towards her, but then why the act and for who?
Sirius noticed the frown on Audrey's face and put his hand on her shoulder demanding her attention.
"Forget it-," said Sirius as he told Audrey to finish her lunch, which Audrey agreed to seeing that she was still hungry.
But she couldn't help but think about this all through her divination class as Umbridge inspected Trelawney.
"How long have you been teaching?
"16 years," smiled Trelawney as Umbridge threw another question at her.
"And could you predict something?" asked Umbridge as Trelawney looked at her shocked.
"I'm sorry—but the inner eye does not see on command," said Trelawney offended. Umbridge looked at Trelawney like she was a fraud, not that she wasn't but anyone would vouch for Trelawney over Umbridge however annoyingly wrong she may be with her theories about Harry's deaths and a windfall for money on Ron's bed she was way better than Umbridge and her ugly pink uniform that she seemed to love wearing most of the time.
"Pity!" smiled Umbridge putting a fat cross across her clipboard and then turned to leave, Audrey looked at her from the corner of her eye and caught a smug smile on her twisted pink chapped lips as she was called back by a somewhat desperate Trelawney, maybe she had predicted her getting being kicked out by the seeing the size of the cross on Umbridge's clipboard.
"Wait—Wait I think I see something,"
"Yes?"
"You are in grave danger"
"Lovely,"
This was the last thing Trelawney said as the bell deafened almost everyone in class as the students continued to pack up their belongings and possibly celebrate the end of school for that day. Audrey packed her stuff and left, deep in thought as Harry and Ron followed her but spoke about something to each other while Audrey still thought about the Malfoy fiasco.
"Are you still thinking about it?" asked Hermione as she settled down next to Audrey in the library as they where researching for their transfiguration essay together.
"I can't help myself," replied Audrey shrugging as Hermione looked at her cautiously; she then looked around the library and spoke in a soft whisper.
"It because of your fathers," said Hermione as Audrey frowned.
"What does that mean?" Audrey asked
"I means—his father is friends with yours—well Lucius Malfoy is practically the only friend your father's got—And I don't mean it rudely, you know that," said Hermione as Audrey frowned but asked her to continue.
"Pureblood etiquette states that they are to marry only people of their blood status but when the family has close friends—like Professor Snape—is when the etiquette demands that the friend's child needs to be betrothed to the pureblood family heir, your father is Draco's godfather and the closest thing to the Malfoy's and so I suppose Draco thinks that your kind of 'his'..." said Hermione simply but just as Audrey was about to retaliate she cut her.
"No, listen to me Audrey—I understand its different when it comes to you seeing that your father just found out about you—usually it is when the children are born but seeing that your case is different I am sure Malfoy has someone betrothed to him already—so I don't know why he's after you," said Hermione as she shrugged which made Audrey frown even more, she wondered who was going to be Draco's wife, who was born with such misfortune.
"I hear it's Astoria Greengrass from Ravenclaw, her mother is best friends with Malfoy's although he never really speaks to her," said Hermione as Madam Prince came to their table and glared at them sharply.
"If you don't quiet down I will be forced to throw you out," she snapped her vulture like face glaring at them dangerous as the two girls nodded apologetically.
Next week was spent speaking to Padma and Parvati as Audrey tried to figure out who exactly Astoria Greengrass was.
"You will be working in pairs—Gryffindors and Ravenclaws—I want you to find me Sirius," smiled professor Sinistra as she went on pairing the Gryffindors and the Ravenclaws, some girls giggled when she said Sirius, Audrey swore she heard McLaggen actually say something like,
"Can we check beneath your skirt?"
"Snape you're with Greengrass," said Professor Sinistra as Audrey perked up, finally, she was going to be meeting the unlucky Ms. Greengrass.
Audrey turned to look at who Astoria really was, a girl with dark brown hair walked up to her and stood there, she wore thick framed glasses, her hair was pinned up into a bun, even her uniform was crisp as if she had just changed into a new one. Astoria looked at Audrey in front of her and gave her a look that said she was no nonsense person. Audrey noticed Astoria place her books slowly in her bag and then pull out her brass telescope and screw it onto the stand next to Audrey's.
Audrey smiled at Astoria but Astoria did not give her anything but indifference in response, so Audrey turned away and tried to look for a way to speak to Astoria maybe tell her to keep Draco to herself.
"Too many clouds huh?" began Audrey as Astoria didn't reply.
"Isn't Sirius a northern bound star?"Nothing.
"Do you think it is possible to see stars on a full moon night?" Nada.
"I can't see anything—can you?" No response
Audrey bit her lower lip, Astoria did not seem very keen to even throw Audrey a glance or even look at her to tell to bugger off. Audrey looked over her shoulder to look for the professor, who was telling off Dean and McLaggen for breaking a few telescope lenses.
"Look—I know this is none of my business but are you betrothed to Malfoy?" asked Audrey, she had to get to the point, but seeing that the point was a rather derogatory statement for any reasonably minded person she didn't want to be stoned to death by anybody. Nevertheless Astoria did look up at the statement, she turned to Audrey and pushed her glasses over her eyes and glared at her.
"And what's it to you?" said Astoria, Audrey noticed that Astoria had a lovely voice almost enrapturing to listen to.
"You have a lovely voice," said Audrey as Astoria blushed but did not say anything as Audrey looked away but Astoria looked at Audrey.
"My mother is best friends with his—we used to be friends before Hogwarts but Draco stopped talking to me after we entered Hogwarts—he changed after coming here," said Astoria dejectedly. Audrey couldn't believe Astoria would tell a person she had never spoken to before about it.
"I don't have many friends—I come across as rather cold to everyone," said Astoria looking away.
"That's stupid—I don't think you're cold," replied Audrey frowning, Astoria had a right to be cold if she wanted it, after all everyone took their own time to open up and if Astoria needed more time than everyone else didn't make her a bad person.
"I am Audrey by the way," smiled Audrey as Astoria threw her a sweet smile.
"I know, people in Ravenclaw call you Snape's brat-Astoria Greengrass by the way," replied Astoria shaking Audrey's hand.
"So you are to be Malfoy's wife?" asked Audrey as Astoria nodded.
"Tough luck," said Audrey offering her condolences.
"Not really—I—I –quite like Draco—but –I don't think he's interested in me," replied Astoria dejectedly.
"But Malfoy is a bloody git!" replied Audrey sharply.
"No, he's just like that to impress his father—Draco a very nice person if you get to know him," replied Astoria defending the boy who was refusing her.
"I am sure," said Audrey sarcastically as Astoria smiled at her pitifully.
"Why don't you tell Draco you like him?" asked Audrey as Astoria blushed.
"Because I am too ugly for him," said Astoria simply as Audrey's mouth dropped.
"That's rubbish!" sneered Audrey.
"He said so himself," said Astoria biting her lower lip.
"Well—I think all you need is a haircut and some vision clearing potion," replied Audrey as Astoria looked at her hopefully.
"Why are you helping me?" asked Astoria, no one had been so nice to her before.
"Because I need you to keep Malfoy away from me—see he wants to go out with me—I absolutely don't want anything to do with him and I think if you really like him then maybe you need a chance," replied Audrey. Audrey knew she sounded like she was trapping Astoria into her selfish plan, but seeing Astoria agree to her deal to make Malfoy like her instead of Audrey made Audrey realise that Astoria did not really have much to lose.
"See you in Hogsmeade then?" asked Audrey as Astoria nodded excitedly and agreed to meet Audrey in Hogsmeade on their first trip there on Halloween.
Hermione joined Audrey at the staircase as she pulled her hand and asked her what she had been dying to ever since class began.
"What was all that about?" she asked
"What Astoria doesn't have any friends—so I thought,"
"Audrey—you can't do this—you can't make Astoria just like Draco,"
"I am not forcing him on her—she really likes him—it's just that he ignores her because she doesn't look that nice—so I am going to help her solve that," said Audrey innocently as Hermione frowned.
"Maybe you should stay out of it,"
"But it's the only way!" whined Audrey disheartened.
"I'm sure there is another way to it Audrey,"
"Like what—you wouldnt know how it is Hermione—Malfoy prowls around me all day insulting me and then wants to take me out to Hogsmeade—he's been stalking me Hermione begging me to go out with him!" snarled Audrey as Harry joined the girls along with Ron.
"Who's begging who to go out with who?" he asked confused as Audrey rolled her eyes.
"Yes but—" began Hermione as Audrey cut her.
"Forget it—unless you have another option—I am sticking to my plan and besides—if there is one thing I learnt in Beauxbatons is how to get a guy to look at you, trust me—I will not fail," smiled Audrey as she walked away while Hermione shook her head and joined her still trying to make Audrey see reason.
AN:/ Hey everyone hope you enjoyed that chapter-leave a review and I'll send a big thank you over-come on guys-Christmas is near show some Christmas spirit.