The Lightsaber

Mayhem at Hogwarts

By: Aminta Defender

#02: Changing Times

Early Evening

Hogwarts Dungeons

October 23, 1995

Early Morning

Hogwarts was changing, but it wasn't obvious. The ghosts still floated around scaring skittish first years, Slytherins still hexed Gryffindors and vice versa, Quidditch was still the most talked about sport. No, the change was more subtle. There was a feeling of despair seeping through the cheery castle walls. The first years cried slightly more often, the purebloods were a little more vicious, and the muggleborns a bit more wary. It wasn't noticeable, not at all to the untrained eyes. Barely a week had passed, but already Umbridge's influence could be felt. She was livid and it showed in the tears of the first years.

Severus Snape was not a patient man, but he was observant. He hated the inefficiency that students brought with them, and the worst were the first years. They whined and sniveled, but he couldn't overlook their tear stained faces, especially the muggleborns. He was afraid for the students, who seemed to be on a verge of a mental breakdown, something he had never achieved in all his years of teaching.

His finger paused over a vial and he grinned slightly. He didn't care about being a Professor and teaching some snot nosed brats with no talent, but contrary to popular belief he had a heart. Some things were right, some things were wrong, and Umbridge's actions fell under wrong. Her smile was haunting and he could only fear what happened during her detentions. He feared for his students. While he didn't care like the other Professors and would become a soppy eyed mess, he didn't allow abuse. Sure, he made cutting remarks to Potter, but that was the worst of it, and the brat deserved it. A niggling part of his brain tried to argue and he ruthlessly squashed it. Besides, if the Potter brat couldn't take his words, then what chance would he have against Voldemort?

Slowly he grabbed the vial and uncorked it. Wafting the air to his nostrils he checked the quality. Satisfied he grabbed it and a couple other potions. Umbridge may have taken his best ingredients and his most dangerous potions, but the phony knew nothing about potions. Severus was a Potion Master and he could brew anything, the lack of ingredients just made it more difficult. He grabbed some bat spleen and unicorn hair, smirking slightly. Umbridge thought unicorn hair to be useless, coming from such a weak creature. Little did she know.

A fire began to burn under the cauldron and the water boiled happily. The Potioneer carefully measured out some salt to add to the water. Walking to the back of the room, he glanced at the various things inside. Grabbing a jar of vinegar, he set it next to the cauldron and went through the tedious process of organising the ingredients. For the last couple years he had been experimenting with muggle objects in his potions. He winced slightly, thinking about some of the more disastrous explosions. A charmed chemistry book now always sat on his shelf. He was not blowing the place up, or setting it on fire, or creating noxious fumes again. Until now.

He looked at the steaming cauldron and carefully measured out one of his potions, letting the miniscule amount fall into the raging sea below. When nothing exploded, Severus turned his attention to the unicorn hair. It was a simple matter of coating it in vinegar and then dropping it into the cauldron. Hesitantly he grabbed a small container of nitric acid. He eyed it reluctantly, and let a drop escape, descending on its way to the cauldron. The lid snapped shut, and Severus hurriedly cast a shield spell and dove as far away. Poppy would never forgive him if he showed up in her care with certain injuries again. Warily eyeing the cauldron, he stood up again, the ringing of the explosion still in his ears. Fortunately everything was reparable. The cauldron now contained a perfect solution, and it would take all of Snape's skills to make sure he didn't die or that the cauldron corroded too quickly.

The other potion was slowly dripped in as Severus slowly stirred the cauldron. When the vial was empty, he once again journeyed to his mysterious cupboard and grabbed a package of baking powder. The powder was sprinkled over the potion without a reaction, causing Severus to look at the cauldron suspiciously. A small drop of vinegar caused the cauldron to churn dangerously. In the remaining hour he finished brewing the potion, ending with a couple vials filled with a clear liquid. He looked at it and sent it through some basic tests. The fluid should be safe for consumption, it wasn't explosive either, or highly acidic. It truly was a shame he couldn't poison her, but poison would cause everyone to be suspicious of him. Yet a potion that was currently undetectable and made her appear insane, was very possible.

Early Evening

Hogwarts Library

Afternoon

Hermione looked up from one of her science books, as she heard the shuffling feet besides her. Five first years with tear stained faces looked at her. Sighing she closed her book and placed it on the table.

Looking at the first years, "What can I do for you?"

A girl stepped forward stepped forward pointing to another student, "Henry is in Gryffindor and says you know a lot. We have a question."

Hermione nodded and smiled brightly, "Of course you can ask."

"Why does Umbridge hate us?"

Henry nods and asks his own question, "Why does she not take points from the people who break the rules?"

A small boy, who's manner reminded her of Harry asked his own question, "Why are the adults not helping, they should be keeping her in line? Why don't they fire her?"

Hermione wanted to groan, to scream. It was impossible to explain something like Umbridge to first years without tarnishing their innocence. It seemed that Umbridge's discrimination extended to the first years as well, those who'd only seen Harry from a distance. There had to exist a pattern somewhere.

"Who is Umbridge nice to?" she asked them, knowing the answer, but not wanting it to be true.

The first years listed various names, some of which Hermione noted to be common Pureblood names.

Hermione scowled before relaxing her face, "I'm sorry and I don't mean to be rude, but did you grow up with muggles?"

The girl in the lead nodded and eyed her suspiciously, "Why?"

"I'm a muggleborn too, but wizards are bigots. They think that those of pureblood are better. Umbridge seems to hold those views and is going as far as to limit your education… Her actions are criminal. If you need any help you can always come to me."

The shy boy stepped forward, "But we're not allowed to meet in big groups?"

Hermione laughed bitterly, "Yes we aren't and I suppose Umbridge won't sponsor us any club. Give me a moment and I'll think of something."

Behind her a voice cleared itself, and Hermione turned around to glaze at the Slytherin girl, "Hello, I'm Daphne Greengrass. I didn't mean to overhear, but I want to help. Our family has always been neutral and ever since my great-great-great-great grandparents, nobody has married anyone who's related within three generations. My family thought there was something suspicious going on. The only proof I know is that we seem to not be idiots."

Hermione nodded and her eyes widened as she remembered something she read a long time ago, "That actually makes sense. Inbreeding is extremely dangerous as it prevents genetic variety, but also reveals the presence of recessive genes."

A couple of the first years nodded, but Daphne gave her a blank look and Hermione continued, trying to explain, "Genetics is a muggle science whose father is considered Gregor Mendel when he experimented with pea plants. Slowly in recent years it has become more of an exact science especially with the discovery of DNA."

Daphne looked at her confused, "What's this D and A?"

Hermione shook her head, "D'N'A stands for Deoxyribonucleic acid, which contains information on how to build the body. In the DNA are sections which are called genes. For every trait there are two copies of the gene, one of which is usually dominant while the other is recessive. Some genes cause disorders which cause early death. That's why inbreeding is so dangerous, because it increases the chance that a disorder will be revealed when there is no longer a dominant gene to mask the condition. Common effects are early deaths, lower fertility, and birth complications. Considering that, it actually makes sense why the Wizarding world is so small. Because of inbreeding, successful birth rates are low and even if the baby survives there may be complications that cause its death. Am I right Daphne?"

Daphne nodded, "Most pureblood families have a hard time having at least one child… Are there other results of… inbreeding?"

Hermione nodded, "Plenty. Supposedly inbreeding leads to a loss in intelligence, but there aren't any hard facts supporting it. Inbreeding does lead to blindness, hearing loss, mental disorders, and physical anomalies. Muggles avoid it at all cost because of the danger."

"If what you are telling me is important, why didn't anyone explain this to all the purebloods?"

Hermione smiled slightly, not believing she was having a civil conversation with a Slytherin, "I imagine it's because inbreeding is studied by muggles. How do you plan on doing the club?"

"Well," Daphne looked a little hesitant, "Not all Purebloods would be against a club that assisted its members. Actually thinking about it, it'd be really popular. It shouldn't be too hard to rally a couple other purebloods and get Umbridge's permission. We spend the first five meetings doing an in depth study of each of the defense book and the toad will leave us alone."

Hermione smiled slightly and stood up, offering a hand, "I'm Hermione Granger, very pleased to meet you, you're not what I expected."

Daphne firmly shook her hand, "I'm Daphne Greengrass and it's nice to meet you. The House of Greengrass would consider it an honour to work with you."

Hermione inclined her head to the Slytherin, "I'm honoured by your faith in me," turning to the other students, "So what are all your names?"

The shy boy spoke first, "I'm Christopher Ludwig."

Henry smiled at her, "Thank you for offering to help, I'm Henry Holland," he pointed to the only girl, "And this is my twin, Kimberly Holland."

Henry received a playful shove from Christopher, while the other kid rolled his eyes before speaking, "I'm Andrew Shultz and next to me is Eric Carter. He doesn't talk much, but he's a real Ravenclaw. Why, he's probably read through half of our house library by now!"

Daphne smiled down at the first years, "Pleased to meet you," and then turned back to Hermione, "Do you want to talk for a while and plan things out?"

"That would be a good idea," she looked at the first years, "If you ever need help come to me, okay? You can also go Ron, he's not too bad, but he's also rather unpredictable. Why don't you write to your parents, perhaps they have some advice."

Andrew looked crestfallen all of a sudden, "But Mother didn't want to send me here in the first place. If I write home, then Mother may pull me out."

This time it was Daphne who spoke, "That would be bad. I believed Harry when he declared that Voldemort returned, which would mean that it'll be very dangerous for muggleborns. Beauxbatons is a much better option, or maybe one of the American schools."

Andrew nodded and then ran up to Hermione, giving her a hug. The five muggleborns chimed their gratitude and left the library. Hermione shrugged slightly and began to collect her books together, which she then placed in her bag. Together, Hermione and Daphne exited the library.

A sickly sweet voice stopped them from getting into any interesting conversation, "Why Mrs. Granger what are you doing here?"

Hermione resisted the urge to hex the professor. "Professor Umbridge, what a surprise to see you here! I was just discussing Mrs. Greengrass the use of morning dew in potions. It's so fascinating."

"Why don't you show me what's in your bag, Mrs. Granger?"

Lips thinning, Hermione set her bag on the ground and began to reveal the various items hidden within. There were various books, shrunken to make room in her bag for more books.

"Why, Mrs. Granger, why do you think it's necessary to have all these books?"

Hermione looked at the evil spiteful toad that had slipped from the crack of Hell, "There are my class books, my dictionary, reading to supplement my class books, the law books so I know my rights, the creature books are research for S.P.E.W., the books on history because Binn is impossible to learn from."

Hermione could feel Daphne's surprise at the sheer quantity of books held in the bag and how she tensed up as Umbridge spoke, "Why do you have to supplement your classes? Are the teachers so deficient?"

Hermione plastered on a fake smile, "All of our professors are outstanding and have taught for many years. Why, they have imparted so much information, more than I'd find in books, through their use of kind and stern words and the means of demonstration."

Umbridge's eyes narrowed as she looked at her, "I think, Mrs. Granger, detention will serve as a good reminder. I'm going to have to confiscate the books as no sane person carries around these many books. One or two is an acceptable amount. Is there anything you wish to add?"

Hermione's eyes flashed and her Gryffindor brashness took over, "I find it funny that you blatantly favor Purebloods, when the genealogy books list you as a half-blood. Furthermore Hogwarts records show you to be a barely passing student in Slytherin that nobody liked. Even more interesting is that the Ministry records claim one Orford Umbridge where he held a position similar to a janitor. When you become the head of the Improper Use of Magic Office, he mysteriously retires. Furthermore, your roles seem dubiously earned with no real reason behind them, instigating blackmail or bribery. Because the Umbridge family is not particularly wealthy, I imagine blackmail, which you should know is illegal."

"ENOUGH!" Umbridge screamed, pyre rage showing in her face, "Detention. Detention. Detention for the rest of the YEAR! You dare to lie—you're a liar! Just like the Potter brat! All he and you want is attention! Well, you'll get it!" she breathed heavily and then murmured to herself, "I should have known you were in cahoots with the Potter brat considering you're lovers."

Hermione felt her eyebrow twitch, "I'm not in love with Harry, unlike you and the Minister!"

Umbridge began to retort probably to give her detention again or threaten to expel her when Daphne stepped forward diplomacy, "Professor Umbridge, I think you'd agree with my family that detention for an entire year for back talking is excessive."

Umbridge smiled sweetly, "Yes, I'm afraid you're right, but lies are just so awful… They make me want to cry."

"I think detention every Tuesday and Thursday should be appropriate. The last detention Mrs. Granger can serve in the Great Hall in front of everyone and apologize to you formally when she's done."

Hermione kept silent as she regarded Umbridge and her sickly smile. She didn't know if she should be glad that Daphne had stood up for her or not. Instinctively she didn't trust a Slytherin, but saying all Slytherins were bad reminded her of her early school days. It wouldn't do for her to be a prejudiced bigot. Watching Umbridge, she noticed the pleased smile on her face as she listened to Daphne's suggestion for how the detention should go. The sick woman's eyes twinkled as she listened. The twinkle disturbed her more than she would admit. It reminded her of Dumbledore, and that look didn't belong on a toad's face. Umbridge would enjoy Hermione's detention and would love the public humiliation. There was one word to describe Umbridge's attitude, she had read it a long time ago and never truly understood it until faced with the vile excuse of a human, schadenfreude. Schadenfreude, to take pleasure in others suffering and misery. The German word described the toad to a tee.

"Well Mrs. Granger," Umbridge began, "I believe more creative punishments will be required to install a sense of respect in you. Do you have anything to say?"

"No Professor," Hermione ground out. "I should head to my next class."

Umbridge picked up her book bag and filled it with the books, "I'll be taking this, it's not like you need this."

Umbridge turned away, and Daphne gave her an apologizing look before running after Umbridge. Hermione stood there for a while, watching them depart. She fingered her wand and sighed. It would be the first time she'd go to class without her book bag, apparently there was a first time for everything.

Early Evening

Hogwarts, DADA Office

Evening

Dolores Umbridge smiled as she sat at her desk surrounded by pink kitties. It was unfathomable that a petty mudblood had figured out her heritage. For her own sake, the mudblood would have to be curbed. It wouldn't do for her dirty laundry to be flashed in front of all the students she wanted to assimilate to her cause. Public humiliation would be great, but she wanted the detention to be painful and it had to be legal. In the drawer were three blood quills, but the mudblood was well versed in law, which could cause repercussions. She needed her detention to be legal, besides blood quills were hardly painful enough and the mudblood had to pay. There were so many wrenches of dirty blood but she'd purify the school. Perhaps she'd add a class on the danger of the muggles? Yes, it was perfect! Muggles were delinquents and unworthy of their attention. A backwards and rotten race, that could not be described as civilized.

When the fool Fudge had floo called her, she worried for a while he had heard her rant. Instead of a reprimand or a dismissal, she met Lord Malfoy and answered his concerns about the schooling. Fudge had gifted him a title and access to the Ministry's treasury. He was a conduit between Hogwarts and the Ministry. He relayed the wishes of the good and honorable purebloods, while she asked if certain things were allowed or asked for funding.

Dolores smiled and withdrew a piece of parchment from her drawer and a pink quill. She had a letter to write. It was a simple matter of asking Lord Malfoy for stricter punishments for the unworthy and her concern that students didn't know how atrocious the inferiors were. Muggles were the lowest of the low, lower than a troll. Pathetic and weak, they contributed nothing. She would definitely have consent from him. The remaining question was who would deal the punishment. She was the kind leader, the crueler punishments couldn't be doled out regularly by her. Another smile appeared on her lips making her appearance grotesque, Mr. Filch the squib could deal out punishments, although not on the purebloods. It shouldn't be a problem, mudbloods were by far the most uncivilized.

Sorry for the long wait. I hope you enjoyed this chapter and constructive criticism is always welcome.