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A package arrived for Draco as he waited along the path heading back to the castle. He had ensured that the rest of the students went ahead of him including those that patrolled the school for Headmistress Umbridge so he would not be seen when the delivery was made.
The package was a small box and a letter, dropped off by owl. The wrapping and stamps were different than what he was used to seeing. He supposed sending such a parcel would have to go through some unorthodox routes to get to him.
The letter had 'READ UPON DELIVERY' across it. Draco opened the letter and it held a very simple message.
Open the package only when the walls are up. Changes are coming soon with or without fate's permission.
Draco smiled knowing that his side of things would come into play soon enough. His father wanted him to be part of something larger than himself and now Draco felt like he would finally overcome the massive shadow that his father cast.
He didn't account for Goyle to walk up the path to the school. Draco hid the letter in his pocket. "Hey why are you still here? I thought you went to the castle an hour ago."
Goyle spoke a little out of breath. "I had to stay and take care of a few students. They were getting too uppity for their own good. Got lost of names for Umbridge. You got a package?"
"Yes. It's to help with what is coming. My father asks a lot of me these days." Draco huffed with pride.
Goyle looked at Draco with awe mixed with jealousy. His father was a death eater but not as high ranking as Lucius Malfoy. "Well I am done and ready to eat."
"You're always ready to eat."
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Hermione felt a lot better the next morning and ate her fill for breakfast. She was up early and decided to take a look at the book she bought in her state of nausea and possible fever. It was indeed a well-used book and the complex theories that one had to know were simply fascinating. Some of the theories she understood, while most baffled her and required a great deal of research.
Perhaps the book Snape lent her would have some answers for her. She was proven correct as the first theory she wanted to study was on the second page. There were formulas and explanations how to create and alter the potion that pertains to the specific theory being studied. The supplies she would need will not arrive or another week and out of those she had to go and pick them up herself.
Her thoughts were interrupted upon hearing shouting from the common room. Hermione ran downstairs to see what Seamus was yelling about.
"How could she think of doing this?! Really of all the things she decided to do!" Seamus was red in the face with anger. "I know most of us are on that bloody list!"
Then she saw the paper that was circulated about the new rules with going to Hogsmede on the weekend. Apparently anyone who has served detention would only be allowed to go for the early morning to get their supplies and return before noon on Saturday. Anyone who breaks the Saturday curfew would have to get an instructors permission note to go the next time and 100 points deducted from the violator's house.
Harry was standing to the side and simply crossed his arms. Hermione approached him. "Harry, this is insane. We are students not prisoners. I think it's time to get Dumbledore's army set up again."
"Hermione, are you feeling better? Sorry for being so unsympathetic yesterday. I was a little distracted."
"I'm fine Harry, thank you."
"As for being prisoners. Yes, Hermione we are. Come with me to the great hall and bring your books and as I will need to study something in transfiguration."
Hermione nodded and acted like this was normal despite Harry acting odd. He looked concerned with what was happening but his tone was much darker. Within minutes she got her books and headed down to the great hall.
Harry was there with books open taking notes. Umbridge made sure to pass him more than the other students. Harry for his part made sure she saw her handy work on his hand. Hermione sat across from him and put out all her books and notes. Less than three books would seem like she wasn't studying.
"So have you heard anything new?"
"Yes, I was contacted by Remus and we…so what you are saying is that when I use this spell to transfigure the…he said that the ministry of magic has been infiltrated by death eaters and so…"
One of Umbridges' student guards passed by to look for any transgressions.
"No, no, no Harry, McGonagall mentioned this several times. You have to transform the organic parts then the…so what does that mean for Hogwarts?"
It was annoying for them to cut into study talk but there was no other way to talk without being suspected of something wrong and wind up in detention.
"We need to leave and Hogsmede is the easiest way for us to get out and get to the Order."
"That's why she…that's why she gave us that assignment. Honestly Harry do you think that teachers give out assignments for the fun of it?" Hermione saw Umbridge walk by and drew her closer. "Headmistress, I was wondering if you could help clarify something. McGonagall explained that organic materials have to be transfigured first but to re-transfigure the organic has to be done last. How does that affect materials that were once organic but have for example fossilized?"
Hermione clearly caught Umbridge at a disadvantage and looked to see if there was anything in the young woman's demeanor that sought out to humiliate her. There was nothing but a genuine search for clarification.
"That would be best answered by your professor. I was much more suited to potions in my time here." She smiled all proud of her answer.
"You know very well every student on the list will have their every move watched Harry. Especially you as you challenged her first and made it clear that he was back."
Harry knew this. "Then we will have to wait. There are always cracks and the ghosts of this school know more about this place than any living person."
Hermione agreed. "Have you told Ron?"
"Who do you think came up the idea to leave? He will stay behind as his parents can pull him out of school when needed."
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Classes were more somber than normal and every student knew that their words were being listened to in class. Some teachers were careful with their words while others simply spoke their mind and as a consequence they were sacked the next day.
Some parents started to pull their children from the school to be educated abroad as they didn't like what was happening. Those students were soon back again as the ministry placed new regulations on students studying abroad. There were heavy fees placed on each child in the family that studied abroad despite other schools offering scholarships.
The only teachers that were successfully able to stand up to Umbridge were Snape and McGonagall. Hermione was witnessing a current argument in class. Every student was fixated on the rare event.
"Headmistress I am sure you understand that the laws of transfiguration can't be undone because of an ignorant regulation made by those who have NO understanding of the subject." McGonagall stood her ground and enunciated every syllable in the final word.
Umbridge stood with an arrogant smile on her face unfazed by the insult. "My job is to ensure that no danger befalls the students."
"My job which has been my job since you attended this class all those decades ago was to ensure students studied enough to not place themselves in danger. Perhaps if you applied yourself in more than potions and gossip you would understand that. And if you think to threaten my position here, like all the other teachers that stood up to your nonsense, there are more than your clerks that will stand by my side."
This did get under Umbridges' skin but the only sign of anger was a deep breath and a very reserved huff of laughter.
"Now, leave this class. Unlike you I have an actual job to do that doesn't require the torture of students who are smart enough to know that he is back! I'd like to see you try to put my hand to a quill for that!"
The class was silent, so silent most would swear they could hear other people's heartbeats.
"That was a very unwise thing to do Minerva."
"You would know all about unwise Dolores."
Umbridge left knowing that she lost this little battle. No one dared look at her as she left.
Hermione was the only one that dared to speak up when Umbridge left. "Professor, how bad is it?"
"I think you all know how bad it is. You don't need my confirmation on the matter. Now please turn to page 173 and practice changing your chair into a tree. The first one to produce a tree that bears fruit will earn 50 points to their house."
The rest of the class the students were more eager than ever to study and practice. They knew their education was being taken from them bit by bit.