The next day Hermione went about her routine with a plan in mind.
She had Collin take a picture of the torture his fellow Gryffindor suffered before she treated it the same night. The witch then sent it to Rita Skeeter post haste with Elara.
With Harry being her bother she told Severus that she wanted more of a hand in their retribution than him. That toad pretending to be a witch (she was still miffed at being called a muggle pretending to be a witch) had fucked with the wrong witch. Rita learned, but Umbridge, she decided, was simply too dense to learn.
The curly haired witch walked around looking for a certain pair of wizards. It hadn't taken too long to find them and she allowed herself a secret smile.
Mia secluded the twins in a nonchalant manner and cornered them, whispering a modified silencing charm around them that Severus taught her.
"Fred, George, I had something very important and very secret I need your help with. A special project. However, before I tell you anything…," she winced knowing how bad what she was going to say sounded, "… I need you to make a wizard's oath to me to ensure that it stays secret."
The twins' eyes widened in surprise. If it were any other person they would have questioned how serious it had to be to require a wizard's oath and if they knew how serious such an oath was, but this was Hermione, they knew that she knew how serious it was to ask an oath. Add to the fact that she had caught them in a hall that was quite empty at the moment, in a corner that was rarely looked at or even used to snog. With everything going on recently, it was hard to find a moment to be alone within Hogwarts. Honestly they were impressed.
They looked at each other for a split second.
"Gryffindor's princess and great Apprentice Hermione has asked us for a wizard's oath-"
"- for help concerning a secret project-"
"- that must be very important-"
"-and she thought to ask us for help-"
"-a most serious matter."
"Have you asked Harry or Professor Snape?"
Hermione raised an eyebrow at their joint statement and follow up question, knowing that her answer was coming even as they teased her. She tilted her head to the side and didn't answer. They didn't need to know. At least from them their teasing wasn't malicious, so it was more than easy to tolerate when you just accepted it as part of their package.
"Oh! No answer," Fred said looking at his twin.
"Very secret indeed," was his brother's reply.
"What do we get out of it?"
Hermione flashed them a smile knowing ahead of time she wasn't going to get something from them without giving them something in return.
"I won't be your test subject, but I am willing to play part distraction for your pranks for two weeks and include a bonus distraction. Its use is good for any time as long as you cash it in with a secret phrase only we'll know. To keep everything a secret of course I will vocally disapprove everything you do in the common room and to others who will listen to me, even if I am assisting you."
The twins' eyes sparkled at this knowing just how much she vocally disapproved of their antics and fun, so she would be the perfect cover. They wouldn't even have to ask her, she offered to help them. Whatever her secret project was, was most definitely juicy and only they would know about it if they assisted her.
"Five weeks." They countered together.
"Three."
"Four," they counted again.
"Deal." Hermione's eyes glittered with success and excitement. That was her original plan, but letting them think they actually bargained would make them feel better.
"Meet me on the 7th floor in the left corridor at 6 tonight. You'll know where when you get there." There was a gleam in her eye.
The twins looked at each other amused by the little witch, but nodded.
"See you then, Hermione." they said at the same time.
This was going much better than she hoped for. She tortured Rita in what she now considered in a tame manner. Umbridge though….
Hermione Granger was walking a blurred line that she was prepared to cross should she feel like it. She might have felt bad during her first year, but growing up and being in a war, knowing she was in a war, well… lines blurred. Being under the veiled eye of Voldemort also didn't help and everyone that knew her knew that she was trained to be a soldier. Her style though wasn't simply to run and cast, but more subtle. In a way she supposed that made her gray. Her wizard was dark and she wasn't stupid enough to think he abstained from doing the dirty work for the Order. Being a spy and in the enemy's camp that was well known for torture, murder, etc. She knew Severus must have participated.
While she was doing this for herself she knew that it would look good for Severus when he reported to the dark megalomaniac. Two birds one serrated stone.
Harry had thought briefly on what Hermione and Snape were doing to get revenge. He always knew that Snape was dark, that wasn't a surprise. When he thought more about Hermione though, she was… pretty dark, gray actually, but he didn't mind. Actually, he didn't care. His sister was prowling the halls with smug and satisfied emotions coursing through her.
First year she set a teacher on fire and didn't regret it in the slightest. Said teacher was also now her boyfriend… If he wasn't so amazed and thankful he would probably have noticed it then. Then again he killed his professor that same year…. He felt bad for all of a few hours, if that.
Regardless of where she landed in between being a light or dark witch, she was his sister and she took care of hers. His new dad called her his favorite hellion after all. He wasn't sure at the time thinking it was just a teasing nickname, but now he was sure it had some basis to it. Especially since she didn't deny it or even blush when he called her that.
If she ended up killing Umbridge somehow, he couldn't find it in himself to care. If anything he felt bad for letting her do the dirty work, but she assured him she wanted to. If it made her feel this… pleased, he supposed would be a way to phrase it, he wouldn't stop her.
The hazel eyed witch paced three times, pleased when a door formed. Walking in she noticed it was the same layout as when she met with Dobby and Thimi the first time, with minor differences.
The large comfy looking chair was back and a new loveseat, both cream color. There was a glass coffee table, coffee colored casing and legs, separating them, with a cream colored rug under it that had coffee colored designs. The walls were an eggshell off white. Once again there was a small fire going on a few feet away from the setting. Thankfully the room was once again perfectly spaced between the furniture and the walls to avoid a cramped, claustrophobic feel.
It was perfect.
A few minutes later she opened the door and let the gentlemen in. It was 6 on the dot.
"Creepy," one said.
"Did you learn that from Snape?"
"If you did, you missed the slamming, but quiet was just as scary," they ping-ponged.
Raising an eyebrow and ignoring them, she made a hand gesture to the couch before sitting in her chair.
The twins looked at each other before shrugging and sitting as they were instructed.
"Now, before we begin, I need that wizards' oath. I wrote down what it consists of," the witch said passing the twins a notecard.
'I, [name], hereby make a vow that I will not divulge any private information or plans that are to be discussed with Hermione Jean Granger, unless express permission is granted. The exceptions are Harry James Potter, Luna Celeste Lovegood, and Severus Tobias Snape, and only with the knowledge that our discussion is completely private. I solemnly swear this on my magic.'
One twin, Fred, gave a low whistle. George nodded in agreement.
"This is a tall order, Apprentice Granger."
"It doesn't have an ending clause either."
"I do have a few secrets and an oath is a way you cannot accidentally tell someone, and a way that no one can force you to tell them. Vertiserum is useless trying to get information protected by an oath. Not even the imperious can bypass it," she stated unconcernedly, "Besides I can't have you spilling my secrets and plans by accident, can I?"
The twins looked at each other and had a short silent conversation. Hermione wondered if magical twins had a magical mental connection. Some twins in the muggle world were either very close and similar or polar opposites and hated each other. Her only experience aside from the Weasley twins were the Patil twins. They might be different, but they were completely in sync and clearly cared for each other deeply when they were together. She had seen that they made time for each other as well and were seen together more often than not outside of class and meal times.
"This seems to double as protection for us, the way you said it," George said.
The curly haired witch took a breath.
"You guys have been great to me. Even when I was a first year you never picked on me. You've stood up for me more times than I can count. I am including revenge pranking on my behalf. You've answered my questions when I ask. Even when the whole tower was ignoring me over the broom debacle, that I was right about, you never pranked me about it. You've accepted me as I am without ever turning on me or my brother. Even shunning, you never full out turned on me like Ron did. I have a few things I want to tell you but I can't without insuring that you can't tell anyone who isn't supposed to know," she admitted.
Looking back at each other for another silent discussion they nodded before holding out their wands.
Hermione smiled at them and held her wand out too.
"I, Fred Weasley/George Weasley, hereby make a vow that I will not divulge any private information or plans that are to be discussed with Hermione Jean Granger, unless express permission is granted. The exceptions are Harry Potter, Luna Lovegood, and Severus Snape, and only with the knowledge that our discussion is completely private. I solemnly swear this on my magic."
The tip of Hermione's wand glowed the ghostly blue she recognized and both wizard's magic connected to hers. It glowed a brilliant gold that made her grin.
"Alright boys, let's get down to business," she said with her grin still in place.
The twins could see an immediate weight lifted from the younger witch's shoulders and were sure that they made the right choice.
"First. I am a member of the Order, technically as Master Snape's potions assistant. Of course we went above and beyond which gives us leeway. Being essentially a junior member of staff Umbridge is pissed. No other word for it. She tried to convince Dumbledore to expel me," there was a dangerous glint in her eye at that, "Then during Harry's detention she had him using a blood quill to write lines."
The redheads sucked in a small breath at that.
"She didn't!" they said incredulously.
"She did! No one hurts my brother and gets away with it. Especially those who go out of their way to torture him. I have a plan, but I need you lot to distract her with something mundane and common. Enough to leave her guessing as to who it was since I don't want you thrown to the toad's mercy. Dung bombs, common enough, and then I can get what I need to do the real dirty work. It won't be tasteful to some people, borderline gray actually, but she fucked with the wrong witch," Hermione's eyes were brilliantly filled with passion.
They could understand that, even if her swearing surprised them. If someone were to hurt Ginny they would be out for revenge themselves. The fact that the pink menace actually abused a blood quill was sickening. They were meant for signing important documents or verifying who you said you were. To go out of her way…
Whatever Hermione had planned for the fat witch was fine by them. They nodded solemnly.
"That could have easily been us, or Ginny if she got on her bad side," Fred said.
"We understand where you're coming from, Hermione."
"Thank you. I know you guys have your own special brand of distraction, but I don't want you to actually take any blame and be punished for it. Something common enough that it could be anybody, but I trust you guys to do it in a professional manner where you won't get caught," she replied.
The twins grinned at her accepting the praised for what it was.
"Well with praise like that –"
"– And finding out what she did to our precious Harrikins –"
"We will happily be your distraction."
Hermione grinned at them while they looked at each other.
"While we're in this room that we have never seen or even knew about, which lets us know that it's completely safe from adult supervision, we would like to propose something to you," Fred said.
The witch tilted her head curiously, "Oh?"
"Yes. We have a very complicated branch of magic we always wanted to try. We've got the first part down, and we don't know how to access the room ourselves we'd be inclined to include you," George followed.
Of course mentioning 'complicated branch of magic' Hermione was more than curious, her chest bubbled with excitement.
"Which would that be?"
"The ultimate transfiguration of course! –"
"Becoming animagi!" they said together.
Hermione bit her tongue as her first instinct was to yell at them about the dangers of going along that branch of magic without being supervised by a master. She gave it considerate thought; the marauders did it. Pettigrew was a pathetic excuse of a wizard and he had a form and he was able to do so. The twins fiddled with magic all the time creating their pranks and products without supervision. She made polyjuice correctly without supervision, despite the cat hair. Clearly it might not be as hard as some people claimed it to be…
The twins watched Mia's face as she thought waiting at the edge of their seats. It could go either way with the petite witch, but she was all about learning and loved to challenge herself. Being able to use this private, unknown, room at the expense of sharing their journey to their most inner selves was a price they were more than willing to pay.
"I'm in," she said plainly.
They shouted with glee jumping out of their seats and over the coffee table to hug her.
"We knew we always liked you Granger!" George said.
"Mia," she corrected, "I have a nickname you boys can call me. It's Mia."
"Mia. We like it. Always knew we liked you Mia," Fred exclaimed happily.
"We have notes on the easiest way to go through the meditation and finding yourself part –"
"– We'll share them with you to get you up to speed."
The petite witch couldn't help but be caught up in their whirlwind of positivity.
"Would it be okay if I brought Luna with me?" she asked.
Normally she was sure she'd ask Harry, but she would always be able to teach him later. If she had him with her while learning it herself, she knew she'd be distracted and either fail or have an accident. It felt weird, but somehow she knew she wouldn't have that issue with Luna and the younger witch would appreciate it.
Thankfully the twins knew who she was talking about. They mulled it over knowing that she didn't have many friends. They also knew that if she wanted to bring her instead of Harry, which they were expecting, it would probably be easier for her to help her be more at ease.
"Yes. We honestly expected you to say Harry," Fred answered.
"I thought about it, but I'd be too worried about him to focus on myself," she admitted.
They nodded understanding her position, "We'd feel the same if it were Ginny."
Entering the common room Hermione saw Ginny sitting next to Harry on the couch near the fireplace. His emotions hadn't been anywhere in the extreme so she figured it wasn't an issue, but it did make her curious as she made her way over to them.
"Hey guys, what's up?" she asked.
Ginny looked at Harry who nodded at her.
"I already apologized to Harry and I wanted to apologize to you. I acted like an idiot over the summer and I'm sorry it took me so long to get my head out of my ass."
The redhead could see that Hermione was going to say something in response.
"Let me finish. Please. I want to do this properly," she looked at Hermione imploringly before the older witch nodded.
"I'm sorry I was hitting on Harry and trying to get his attention when he was uncomfortable with it. I, sadly, was listening to my mum and following her advice. She was saying how it would finally be the year Harry would notice me and had gone on for years that I would one day marry him. I didn't know about the contract, Harry told me about it. Which explained why mum would start crying when she saw me during the summer. I felt inadequate when you used your manners and I shouldn't have been. Your status has been made public and I know you have standards to uphold. I realize you were making a point and I shouldn't have push and I'm sorry," she said dejectedly looking at the other witch, "I don't agree with mum, I never have when it came to blood stuff. Dad's mum, Cedrella was a Black, was disowned because she didn't agree with that stuff either. Mum hates her and Grandmum hates her back. I was so wrapped up in myself and my supposed future that I was blind to what mum was doing. I'm sorry," she finished sadly.
Hermione could see the sincerity and knew that Ginny meant it. It must have taken her some thought, but she clearly wasn't forced to do so and she was pleased with the redhead.
"Thank you for that. I forgive you, Gin," she said.
That made Ginny smile, "Thanks. That means a lot."
"This is going to sound a bit insensitive but, I didn't know your Grandmum was still alive," The older witch stated.
"We haven't seen her since Ron started Hogwarts. We'd go over to see her on Boxing Day, she still sends us gifts and stuff though," the redhead answered.
"Do you still… talk to her?" Harry asked.
Hermione and Ginny looked at him in surprise.
"I mean the twins and I send her letters occasionally. They owl her every week."
"Who do we owl every week?" the twins asked in sync.
"Grandmum Weasley."
"Our beautiful and ever loving Grandmum Cella," Fred sighed.
"I thought her name was Cedrella," Harry said.
"It is," the three Weasleys answered.
"But when we were younger Fred and I couldn't say her name correctly and somehow we ended up calling her Grandmum Cella. It's stuck since," George explained.
Hermione grinned at them.
"Grandmum is a great contributor for our products," Fred said next.
"She won't help pay for a shop, thanks for that by the way Harry, we understand that especially since she funds ingredients –"
" – but she did agree to get the word out as soon as it's open!"
"What are you thanking Harry for?" Hermione asked.
"Harry gave us his Tri-Wizard winnings for the joke shop," Fred said excitedly.
The petite witch looked over at her brother blandly before rolling her eyes at him. He had the money to spare, if he wanted to throw 500 galleons at the twins, that was his business. Besides it wasn't like he wasn't getting more than that weekly.
"If you're going to contribute galleons for a shop you should do it completely Harry. It's cheaper to buy the shop right out in the long run," she said exasperatedly at him, "And you should give him a percentage of what you make," she finished looking at the twins.
They were gob smacked before they were grinning again, "Of course, Mia! How does 15% sound Harry?" Fred asked.
"You don't need to –"
"As an investor it's only natural that you make a percentage. So is 15% alright?"
Harry looked to Hermione helplessly. Blinking slowly at her she nodded.
"Yes," Harry said finally.
"Great!" they said, "Mia we'll be leaving and be back in a bit," Fred finished with a wink.
Ginny watched them leave suspiciously while Harry looked from them to Hermione. Surprisingly they both knew better than to ask.
Mia had taken her leave from her friends and walked quickly until she was out of view from portraits and students alike. With professional proficiency she was disillusioned and her movements were silenced.
Correspondingly she ran while keeping an eye on her surroundings towards where the twins headed. She'd give it to them, they worked quickly.
She watched as the duo set up the paltry prank one went into the class and planted two in front of her office while the other planted another two in front of her classroom. Simultaneously they ran around the corner, the witch running adjacent to the pair.
BOOM! B-B-BOOM!
The twins snickered and disillusioned themselves. Hermione was impressed, they were well practiced with the spell, but she could still faintly see some space distortion where they were crouched. She wouldn't have noticed if she wasn't looking however.
As though she were summoned, in a way Hermione supposed she was, the pink clad witch stormed her way towards her rooms and started shouting at no one.
"HOW DARE THEY!? HOW DARE YOU!? WHOEVER YOU ARE YOU SHOULD GIVE YOURSELF UP! I'LL SEE YOU IN DETENTION FOR A MONTH FOR THIS!"
With a twist of fate Minerva seemed to be patrolling the hall when she came upon the miserable witch.
"Dolores what seems to be the problem?" the strict professor asked, willfully ignoring the mess behind the toad.
"SOME MISCREANT PUT DUNGBOMBS OUTSIDE MY CLASSROOM! I WANT THEM IN DETENTION!" she screeched at the animagus.
"I'm afraid that if you don't know the culprit nothing can be done. Dungbombs are an exceedingly common enough, even Peeves sets them off occasionally," Minerva said baldly, "For all we know it was just our poltergeist and not a student. It's a simple prank and well within his purview."
Umbridge's face started to turn an ugly puce that clashed horrendously with her pink robes.
The three stealth 'miscreants' grinned and quietly walked away. Hermione made a turn behind a tapestry.
"Thimi," she called.
As though she were smoke Thimi appeared.
"I need you to quickly grab Umbridge's personal teapot," she murmured.
With a nod the house-elf disappeared and reappeared, handing her mistress the item she asked for.
The petite witch sneered at the porcelain teapot covered in pink roses that bloomed and closed by themselves. Hermione reached into her pocket she pulled out a vial, its contents was a captivating pink. She poured half of the vial inside the pot. After she placed the vial back into her robes and pulled out a rag. Carefully holding the teapot Hermione started to rub the mysterious contents of the vial around the inside, coating the walls of the vessel. She took the rag and rubbed some of the residue onto the spout. With a quick spell the liquid dried on clearly. The young witch touched the outside of the spout and was pleased that there was no residue feeling and nothing came off to her touch.
Hermione gently handed Thimi the teapot to put back where she found. A smug grin slid onto her disillusioned face. Nobody needed know what she did. The results however wouldn't be as subtle as she was.
The following morning Hermione was seated next to her brother per usual and partaking breakfast before anything could ruin her appetite.
On time the parliament made its appearance two owls landed in front of Hermione. One had a small note the other had her issue of The Daily Prophet.
She opened the note first.
'The editor refused to publish my article. I'm sending it to The Quibbler. Today's front page article was not written by me.
-R'
The hazel eyed witch narrowed her eyes at the note. It didn't bode well when The Prophet wouldn't post an article written by their top journalist. However with The Daily Prophet also being the Ministry's mouthpiece she shouldn't be too upset. It wasn't as though the bug gave up and instead was sending her article to another publisher.
With narrowed eyes Hermione unrolled her morning paper.
MINISTRY SEEKS EDUCATIONAL REFORM DOLORES UMBRIDGE APPOINTED FIRST-EVER "HIGH INQUISITOR
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, "He is just responding to concerns voiced by parents who feel the school may be moving in a direction they don't approve."
Recently Educational Decree Twenty-two was passed. This "educational decree" is to ensure that in the event that the current Headmaster is unable to find a candidate for a teaching post the Ministry will help select someone appropriate. It was met with mutual agreement with the current Hogwarts' Headmaster; Albus Dumbledore.
"That's how Dolores Umbridge came to be appointed to the teaching staff at Hogwarts," Weasley explained to us, "Dumbledore couldn't find anyone, so the Minister and select members of the Board of Governs chose Madame Umbridge. Of course, she's been an immediate success, with the exception of that horrible misunderstanding concerning Apprentice Granger. From what I hear she is revolutionizing the teaching of Defense Against the Dark Arts. All the while she is providing the Minister with firsthand accounts about what's happening at Hogwarts."
It is this last function that the Ministry has now formalized with the passing of Educational Decree Twenty-three, which creates the new position of "Hogwarts High Inquisitor".
"This is an exciting new chapter between the Ministry and Hogwarts. The following has been decided to help the 'falling standards' at Hogwarts. The Inquisitor will have powers to inspect her fellow educators and make sure that they are the best of the best, as Hogwarts claims to be the best wizarding school in the world. Professor Umbridge has been offered this position in addition to her own teaching post, and we are delighted to say that she has accepted," Weasley explained happily.
The Ministry's new moves have received enthusiastic support from some parents of students at Hogwarts.
"I feel much easier in my mind now that I know that Dumbledore is being subjected to fair and objective evaluation,' said Mr. Lucius Malfoy, "However I feel Madame Umbridge may be overwhelmed with both positions and wish her the best. I would not blame her should she stepped down from one."
"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 will be glad to know that the Ministry is keeping an eye on the situation," said Claude Parkinson.
Among those 'eccentric decisions' are undoubtedly the controversial staff appointments previously described in this newspaper, which have included the hiring of werewolf Remus Lupin and half giant Rubeus Hagrid.
Some parents however have had glowing praise for Remus Lupin while he was teaching Defense Against the Dark Arts before he resigned.
"My daughters have told me Professor Lupin was the best he had in his schooling career. He was knowledgeable, kind, but also managed to keep his lessons interesting and relevant. He was on the potion and sequestered himself away from the school entirely during the Full Moon. No one knew that he was a werewolf until he resigned," said Matthew Greengrass.
"I grew up with Lupin. He was studious, kind, and fair to all students. He held study groups in the library and helped any student who asked. He was a prefect his Fifth to Seventh year. No one knew he was a werewolf then, no one was bit, and the same for when he was a Professor. He was one of the few who was a Master who taught the subject. He taught my son who was flabbergasted when he found out, never having suspected his favorite Professor was a werewolf. Clearly Lupin was right for the job, and I would be more than happy if he was to teach at Hogwarts again," said Roma Jordon.
Rumors are floating that Albus Dumbledore, once Supreme Mugwump of the International Confederation 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 toward ensuring that Hogwarts has a headmaster who can give Hogwarts the full attention it deserves," said a Ministry insider last night.
"Hogwarts is a school, not an outpost of Cornelius Fudge's office," Madam Marchbanks said with a stern face. "This is a disgusting attempt to integrate the Ministry's 'approved' standards. I've looked at those standards", she said sarcastically, "and I can assure you no student would learn anything if they are implemented." (For a full account of Madam Marchbanks' alleged accounts, turn to page B17).
Hermione scoffed disgustedly. This caused her friends to read over her shoulders to see what caused the reaction.
Harry took deep calming breaths like his mum taught him to do. Anger outbursts did nothing to help and instead made lots of trouble. Neville's face scrunched up while Luna made a tutting sound.
"Well now, that won't do at all," Luna said airily.
As though summoned Umbridge waddled in with a sickening grin plastered on her face. For the special occasion she was wearing a pink bow headband. A few of the witches in attendance who had read the paper were sure it was the closest she could get to wearing a crown.
"Well it is her coronation day," Mia grumbled dryly.
Luna hummed in agreement, "I bet before the end of breakfast the power will have gone to her head and she'll make an announcement."
"That's a fool's bet," the older witch chuckled.
Looking back at the Head Table Hermione could see her Master scowling blackly. She hoped he wouldn't take it out on all the students and would be cordial when her tutor showed up later. He wouldn't be able to stay long, but long enough to meet them.
As predicted the students were gathering their belongings to start their day when the dreaded "Hem hem," was heard.
Standing in front of the Head Table was Dolores Umbridge dressed in pink robes that some of the girls were certain had a sparkle to them matched with pink shoes. They glittered so much that muggleborns and some of the half-bloods were sure they were the pink version of Dorothy's red shoes from the Wizard of Oz. Atop her head was that pink bow headband. Her fingers were covered in gaudy rings as her wrists shined with pink bangles.
"Good morning students!"
"Good morning, Professor Umbridge," the occupants of the hall replied.
With a girlish giggle the large witch continued, "If some of you have not heard I've been promoted from Professor to High Inquisitor. As some of you will probably mix the two up you may continue to call me Professor in a classroom setting, but refer to me as High Inquisitor outside of it. I am going to make a few changes after I have gathered enough information to ensure there is nothing but the best at Hogwarts
"You will see me in some of your other classes today as I evaluate some of the Professors here while they are teaching. I feel it is the best way to evaluate them so I can see firsthand what they are teaching you and how. Please remember it is for your benefit that I am doing this. While I am observing you are free to pretend that I am not in the classroom so I do not disrupt your learning process. As a reminder that I am here for your benefit I am giving you students 5 extra minutes to get to your morning classes for this minor hold up that was merely for your benefit."
The hall broke out into a mass of whispers and grumbles as the students quickly gathering their things to make a hasty exit.
Hermione was glad she ate before the day started. The news would have totally ruined her appetite. She knew what she placed in the hag's teapot was slow acting, but the wait would be worth it. At least that's what she had to tell herself. The curly haired witch was currently kicking herself for not lacing it with something fast acting, but she didn't want the potion to be discovered so soon. With every cup of tea that sow of a witch would be dosing herself. Just three doses, that's all she needed.
It was nearly noon when Severus went to collect his apprentice. For some reason the pink menace decided to follow him like gum on the bottom of his boot. He was gliding silently as the poor excuse for a witch struggled to keep pace with him. By the time he met his apprentice at the entrance door Umbridge was panting and gasping for air.
Neither of the dark clad pair had any sympathy for the interloper.
The door opened as Filch let in Hermione's new defense tutor.
Entering the building the person was clearly dressed in light oranges and browns accented with gold. Their hair was a light blonde and voluptuous, framing their face that had high cheekbones with styled curls but touching their shoulders before flaring out. Their eyes were grey and their skin was pale.
Red colored their lips as their eyes were given wings with eyeliner. Above were highlights in a classic 'smoky' eye look. Overall tastefully done. Hermione Granger was positive they couldn't have looked more like they stepped out of a magazine if they tried.
Umbridge sputtered behind them, "A DRAG QUEEN!? HE REPLACED ME WITH A DRAG QUEEN!?"
"How dare you Madame, I am a diva queen! These looks are my own. I took my hormone potions faithfully to show my true colors," the witch said haughtily looking down her nose at the pink ragamuffin, "Just because some of us learned how to properly dress and do our make-up professionally doesn't make me any less of a witch," she threw the fat witch a disdainful look before turning to Hermione and Severus.
"And an American!?" Umbridge croaked.
"Half American not that it matters," she finished with a small scoff.
"You must be Apprentice Lady Granger and Master Snape," she introduced herself with a soft smile, "I am Tauri Elise. It's a pleasure to meet you. Lord Malfoy spoke of nothing but good things and I am eager to work with you."
"The pleasure is ours, Madame Elise," Severus said smoothly.
"Thank you for agreeing to tutor me, Madame Elise," Hermione followed with a charming smile, "It means a lot to us."
"It's no trouble at all! Lucius sought me out personally. I may not look it but I'm a retired auror. I will state now before we begin that I will expect you to do your work with me as diligently as though I am one of your regular professors. I may not be able to award you as is typical of the school, but I will come up with something."
"I wouldn't imagine wasting your time, Madame Elise, that is not what you're here for. I take my studies seriously," Hermione replied.
"Spoken like a true apprentice," she quipped with a smile, "I take it there is a classroom set up for us?"
"Yes, it is next to Professor McGonagall's classroom. Apprentice Granger will lead you there as I have a class to teach," Severus said with a head nod.
"We figured you'd prefer somewhere with light than the dungeons," Hermione explained with a small laugh.
"Lead the way, Apprentice," Tauri replied with a smile before throwing the evil eye at Dolores as they walked by the fuming witch.