Professor Felix García, the professor for the new Latin class, stood in front of the students of Hogwarts. Everyone was sitting in the Great Hall, all students from all four houses. The Latin class was required this year, due to it being the first time it was offered in Hogwarts' history. Therefore, everyone was going to learn the same basics of Latin that year, and the next year, they'd split the students up like they would for any other class, and everyone would be learning different things.
"Welcome," Professor García greeted them. The headmaster and deputy headmistress were there too, at least for the first class, to see how the new class would go. "This year, we will be talking about the very basic words for Latin," the professor continued. "Next year, the class will be split between years and houses like all of your other classes are. Can anyone…"
"Hem hem," Dolores interrupted. "Professor García, I have a question."
"Miss Umbridge, please raise your hand to be called on instead of interrupting a professor," Professor García reminded her. "Now, what's your question?"
"Why are we learning about Latin when we already use it all the time to cast spells?" Dolores asked.
"Well, Latin…" Professor García started to answer, but Dolores interrupted.
"I think it's a waste of time, learning a language you'll never use other than to cast spells," Dolores continued. "I don't know whose idea it was to start this stupid class, but if I ever become Headmistress someday, or maybe even the Minister of Magic, I will ban this class!"
"You are eleven, Dolores," Lily said sternly. "You are a student, and you're disrespecting a professor. A brand new one at that."
"And it was the Wizengamot that decided to start this class," James said.
"Well, whoever came up with this idea clearly doesn't know that this class isn't necessary," Dolores said. Sirius was getting angry. Dolores Umbridge was as horrible as an eleven-year-old as she was as an adult. He also knew that she would have a very difficult time becoming Headmistress or the Minister of Magic, even more so in this timeline, because different people were in power, and that alone could change a lot.
"Miss Umbridge, ten points from Slytherin for being disrespectful to a professor," Professor García stated firmly. He was about to go on when McGonagall stepped forward.
"I do apologize, Professor García, but I would just like to say a quick word," she said. "Miss Umbridge, your behavior towards Professor García will be reported to Professor Slughorn. I expect to hear no more complaints about the classes here at Hogwarts. We have Latin class for a reason, and you would do well to let the professor teach." Dolores wanted to say something else, but decided against it.
"Thank you, Professor McGonagall," Professor García said gratefully. "But to answer your question, Miss Umbridge, while it is true that Latin is used in the incantations we use every day, it is important to understand the language itself, because that can help with making your spells stronger, and it can open the door to creating your own spells. If you do not understand Latin, then it is very difficult for new spells to be invented." He then explained that everything would be done in groups, and they would work together to practice any new words and phrases they learn. There would be ten students per group, students from each house in each group.
Sirius, Regulus, Capella, and Lily were in a group with Rita and Dolores. Sirius couldn't believe they had to deal with both of them. Thankfully, Amelia was in their group, and she was often the voice of reason. There were three other students in their group, all third years.
Each group was given time to get to know one another.
"Sirius, Regulus, and Capella, I bet you already know ALL of the Latin words and phrases, seeing as you're from the Black Family, right?" Rita asked eagerly.
"We know French, not Latin," Regulus said coolly.
"Rita, are you going to spend all your time asking questions?" Capella asked. "Because I think it's fair to ask each other questions about each other. After all, we will have to work together to learn Latin. That's why Professor García wants us to get to know each other."
Rita opened her mouth, but before she could speak, Dolores spoke. "I will be our leader," she declared.
"We are not being asked to pick a leader, Dolores," one of the third years explained.
"Oh, but I'm clearly the best person to lead our group," Dolores said with a smile.
"If you think we need a leader, then I think Amelia would be best," Sirius cut in.
"I agree with Sirius," Lily agreed.
Everyone else in the group agreed, even Rita agreed that Amelia should be the leader of their group. Dolores was the only one who didn't like this.
"Amelia's just a Hufflepuff!" she exclaimed. "A Slytherin should be in charge! I'm the better choice!"
Arcturus watched this interaction, and noticed that Sirius, Regulus, and Capella were getting angry. Blacks were known for their temper, and he knew that if he didn't step in quickly, the three Blacks could say or do something they'd regret.
"Miss Umbridge," the headmaster's voice cut into their conversation. "I would like to remind you that you are a student at this school, no more, no less. You are being disrespectful to your teammates, and that will not be tolerated. You are supposed to all work as a team, and so far, all you've done is argue. This is not teamwork. Now, be respectful to everyone in your team, and do not give us any other reason to talk to Professor Slughorn about your behavior."
Dolores looked as though she wanted to defend herself, but she didn't dare argue with the headmaster. "Of course, Headmaster," she said in her sweetest tone of voice.
Arcturus didn't like her tone of voice, but decided to let it go. He would have to warn Professor García about this group, so he could keep an eye on them in the future. He nodded at Dolores, then walked back to his place next to Professor McGonagall.
The rest of the class went smoothly, if not a little tense. Sirius, Regulus, and Capella were doing their best to keep their mouths shut. They couldn't stand Dolores, but they knew that they had to try to work with her. Of course, Rita wasn't much better, but at least she respected everyone in their group, even if she did ask a hundred questions.
After the class finally ended, Sirius, Regulus, and Lily headed back to Gryffindor Tower. They didn't really like some of the people they had to work with, but they were still looking forward to the next class, because they were going to start learning Latin. It was bound to be an interesting class.