The next day started with hushed speculation as to who would take over for Umbridge. Surely they couldn't be as bad as Umbridge, but they wouldn't hold their breath. They didn't know if the new professor would be picked by Hogwarts or the Ministry. As long as they were actually able to learn they would be happy.

Hermione herself was skeptical. She had a strong feeling Umbridge's replacement would be from the Ministry, but kept that to herself. The Ministry wanted to be involved and she doubted their pink debacle would stop them.

Meeting up with Harry and Neville before trekking down to the Great Hall she noticed her brother seemed a bit lighter, if tired. Then again, she figured being able to talk with his mother for the first time that he could remember would have something to do with that.

Upon enter the hall she let her eyes scan the Head Table and spotted someone who had not been there previously, she also didn't recognize him. Sev was there, but he was throwing a dark glare upon all those in the hall while nursing what she assumed was a cup of coffee. As she sat down she tried to catch his eye.

It took a moment, but while his glare switched to a familiar look of morning crankiness she subtly nodded in the new wizard's direction while raising an eyebrow. In response she got a disgusted sneer and a set of rolled eyes before he went back to nursing his drink.

The witch's face twisted in a look of mild annoyance. That didn't tell her much of anything other than he didn't like the other wizard. Which meant almost nothing considering he didn't think highly of many people in general.

"Neville, do you know who that is?" Mia asked in an undertone.

The other boy looked lazily before looking at his friend, "As cliché as this might sound he looks like he's related to an Ogden. I'm not sure how, but he looks a lot like Tiberious Ogden."

Ginny plopped down across from Neville, "I've only been to the Ministry a handful of times with Mum and Dad, but I if I remember correctly, he was a clerk. Mum always squeezed my hand whenever she saw him. I don't know why, but she also did the same with every wizard who she didn't know or like."

Hermione nodded knowing they'd most likely find out soon.

"Attention, I would like to wish you all a good morning and make an announcement," Albus said standing up, "With the yesterday's excitement High Inquisitor Umbridge has been replaced. I would like to introduce our new Defense Professor and High Inquisitor, Juno Ogden. Professor Ogden has made it clear he would like to make a small announcement," the elder wizard said with a flourish, waving his hands towards the other wizard and taking a seat.

Juno Ogden was roughly 5' 9", pale skin, with a slightly round midsection. His eyes were bright blue with medium brown hair that was parted on his left side and combed to the right, and he had a pencil moustache. It gave him the appearance of coming straight from a 1920's magazine.

As soon as he opened his mouth Hermione noticed his teeth were perfectly straight and white.

"Hello, students of Hogwarts. As the Headmaster has stated I am Juno Ogden, and I am your new Defense Professor and High Inquisitor. The announcement will hit the papers tomorrow. You may refer to me as Professor or High Inquisitor, whichever you feel more comfortable with."

As his eyes swept across the hall Hermione couldn't shake the feeling that she needed a shower, unable to help the small sneer that graced her face. His voice was smooth like oil, which made all the older students slightly wary.

"I would like to state that unlike Madame Umbridge I received an O in all my NEWTs, so I am very qualified to teach the subject. I have been given a list of what she had planned and I have also been in contact with the last Professor and he has shared his lesson plans with me. Our teaching styles do differ so I will be taking a different approach, but the knowledge he imparted was great, if overshadowed by the TriWizard Tournament. I feel no need to fix what was not broken. Your books will be mailed to you tomorrow morning, at no cost to you, as an apology for what you have all endured with Madame Umbridge."

He smiled at everyone before continuing, knowing through parents at the Ministry that they were happy that their children would be taught proper defense again.

"I would also like to announce that the Educational Decree implemented is hereby dissolved. Groups are a part of school and Quidditch is a part of our heritage. I remember clearly having more than two friends and spending time with more than three at once," he chuckled, "So I find it ridiculous to try to enforce that upon you."

Hermione agreed with what Ogden was saying, but she had a suspicion that it was mostly lip service to make him more appealing to the student body.

"I hope to get to know each one of you and build a great rapport. Thank you for having me here and I can't wait to see you in class," he finished with a smile.

The witch couldn't help but notice that Minerva looked at the ministry lacky with trepidation.

"This will be interesting," Ginny murmured, getting nods from the twins and her friends nearby.

A few moments later the parliament descended upon the humans in the Great Hall with their deliveries.

Hermione paid the owl and opened the post, smiling deviously inside.

Trouble in the Halls of Hogwarts

Yes, dear readers, there is more trouble in Hogwarts by the Senior Undersecretary to the Minister, Madame Dolores Umbridge. You will notice that she is no longer the High Inquisitor. Madame Dolores Umbridge.

While normally a Professor would be brought before the Board of Governs before being dismissed, yesterday Madame Umbridge was arrested for threatening students and staff alike. If that wasn't bad enough when the aurors arrived Madame Umbridge then threatened to kill them as well, with her bare hands no less. For the safety of all she was arrested and brought into custody.

Normally when a witch or wizard threatens another verbally, they are given a warning if it is brought to the aurors' attention as they have done nothing wrong and we are allowed the freedom of speech. When an adult threatens to kill a child while in an official capacity the aurors are often called to assess the situation. To ease our reader's worries; it is a parent's right to discipline their children and often when they threaten to kill their children it is a hyperbole, meaning it is greatly exaggerated and not to be taken literally. No one will call the aurors for a parent merely yelling at their child or young charge.

However, as stated, once the aurors arrived on scene Madame Umbridge then threatened to kill them. It is illegal to threaten to kill an auror as it will always be taken as a serious threat.

I know there are many curious as to what Madame Umbridge was threatening the students of Hogwarts to make them call the aurors. Madame Umbridge was calling all those around her "disgusting and filthy half breeds" as well as other slurs and screaming that everyone should have been killed at birth.

If that weren't bad enough the witch had tried to cast a spell Professor Minerva McGonagall's back. Thankfully Professor Severus Snape was able to shield her before disarming Madame Umbridge.

It was clear to all that Madame Umbridge was under some sort of influence as she was also hallucinating. As well as visually hallucinating what we can assume were either magical creatures or beings, she accused everyone of laughing. Thankfully I can assure all our readers that accusation is false. It was no laughing matter and all those at the scene could attest to that.

Once in the holding cells of the Ministry Madame Umbridge was checked for all signs of magical influence, similar to a confundous. I am free to let my readers know that Madame Umbridge was under no influence from those around her. However, a potion was found in her system that can be acquired in the seedier part of our world. One that causes its imbiber to feel a sense of euphoria, causing hallucinations, and energized. Of course, it is not all good as excessive use also causes paranoia, confusion, panic, as well as hallucinations that terrify the user.

There are more effects but for the safety of our readers we have decided to withhold the name of the potion and leave it at that. We would not want accidentally entice and encourage our readers to go looking for this substance on their own.

Hermione was pleased that neither her or Harry were mentioned while telling what happened. It was too bad Neville's gran wouldn't be able to yell at her in an official capacity from the Board of Governs. Hermione knew she wouldn't have as much of a platform to yell at the demented witch while sitting on the Wizengamot.

The curly haired witch waited until breakfast was over before meeting up with Severus.

"Master, I was hoping you would know if I will still be taking Defense classes with Madame Elise or not," she stated while standing next to him.

It was rare for them to talk in halls around portraits and Hermione also tried to avoid talking to him while he was at the Head Table in the Great Hall unless need be. The portraits were prone to listening and gossiping both amongst each other and the residents. As both were private people it annoyed them.

Hermione felt it was alright to talk about this as knowledge of her private lessons and her tutor were old news, as it was.

"Yes. I received an owl late last night, as your Master it was up to me to decide. Of course I'd rather you continue your private one on one sessions so you could continue to learn at your speed instead of those of your peers," he answered simply.

"Thank you, Master. I will see you later," Hermione replied with a head nod before departing.

Harry was sitting waiting with his classmates for their new Professor to show up. Harry was surprised that even a few of the Slytherins were stiff, like they were uncomfortable or something, but weren't showing it. Malfoy of course was snickering with his friends, without a care, as he was with all new Professors. If anyone could push boundaries it would be the blond prat. Greg though looked over and smiled at him, making Harry blush lightly.

The door swung open and Professor walked in with a smile on his face.

"Hello class, I will be doing rollcall so I can put a name to a face. Some of you I may be able to tell or know, but I feel it would be presumptuous to assume," he chuckled.

The man was amiable while he called roll, never pausing on a student, not even Harry. He did frown at the end.

"This name is separated from the rest, so I apologize for not calling on you soon, Miss Hermione Granger? Oh, my apologizes! Apprentice Hermione Granger."

There was no answer of course.

"Apprentice Granger?"

Again, no answer.

"Does anyone know where Apprentice Granger is?"

A few people looked at Harry to see if he would know, causing the young wizard to flush.

"Apprentice Granger has private lessons with her tutor, Professor Ogden," Draco answered, surprising the class.

"A private tutor?" he asked curiously.

"Yes. After the incident with Madame Umbridge, my father was appalled at the treatment she received and hired a tutor for her," he answered calmly.

"With Madame Umbridge no longer being here I would assume that she would return to learn with the rest of us," Ogden hinted.

The whole class was watching, everyone was curious, Lavender and Parvati were paying close attention.

"It is my understanding that, that choice, would be left to her Master," Draco said firmly, as though defending the witch.

Every one looked down or away since no one wanted to even pretend to make such decisions for the acerbic wizard.

"I see, I will ask them myself," Ogden said with a glint in his eye, "Thank you, Mr. Malfoy."

The blond wizard nodded, but his face became guarded, very different from what it was before the man stepped in.

"Now," with a flick of his wrist writing appeared on the board, "I would like to go over the course aims and get to know everyone a bit better since your books arrive tomorrow. This is your OWL year, sorry, O.W.L. year, and it is very important. While I agree with Madame Umbridge that your learning has been fractured, as she had written before her departure, we have this years and the previous 4 years to go over. It might seem far away, but the exams will be upon us before you know it and it is my job to help you pass."

He smiled at the class, trying to put them at ease, but there was something off about him that made many of them uncomfortable, but in a way very different from Umbridge.

1. Understanding the principals of defensive Magic

2. Learning of Spells that will likely be on your O.W.L.

3. Practicing Spells that will likely be on your O.W.L.

4. Review theory from years 1-4

5. Practicing spells from years 1-4

6. Final Review of all spells and creatures taught in Defensive Magic

The way it was written confused some of the class, but they were all happy to see that part of the course aims was to practice them.

"Any questions?" he asked genially.

Surprisingly it was Pansy who raised her hand.

"Yes, Miss Parkinson?"

"Is the plan to learn the theory of all the spells before the actual practice or will be at least doing some light practice with the spells after learning them so we have a feel for them?"

Murmurs broke out as a few others had wondered the same thing.

"Your fourth year professor suggested that, but I personally think learning the theory first is easier then the remaining time we will practice the spells."

Harry tried not to make a face, he really did, but his face scrunched up as though what he was hearing was distasteful. His dad would probably sigh at him for giving some of his thoughts away from his face.

"Is something the matter, Mr. Potter?" Ogden asked curiously, having noticed.

"Yeah. Apprentice Granger was helping me since we were going to start a Defense study group and she said that for people like her, studious that is, that would work. She also said for other people they needed to see the spell then, depending on what it is, then practice. She said it was like muscle memory but for magic. Then she pointed out how that's what the more seasoned professors do like; Professors McGonagall, Flitwick, and even Professor Snape does a show and tell for potions, how they should look, before having us brew," the wizard tried to mature about it, taking tips from his sister.

Ogden looked both parts impressed and annoyed.

"I see why she is an apprentice. It's important to notice detail like that. I will admit my own fault as this would be my first year teaching. Hogwarts always turns out outstanding grades in those subjects, but apparently it is more than just because they are core classes as the others mostly pertain to memorizing the subject."

Neville slouched in defeat; he didn't think Herbology was just about memorizing things. You could remember a lot about the subject, but just because you knew it didn't mean that you would remember how to handle it physically. A lot of magical plants had temperaments and feelings, while they were similar, they were different, and it took handling to figure that out. More so with the dangerous ones on the spot. Of course he didn't say anything.

"However this is my class, but if it will put you at ease I will discuss these matters with the Deputy Headmistress and get her input," Ogden continued.

"Thank you, sir," Harry replied.

"Moving on I think we'll start with you, Mr. Potter. What is something you like, something you dislike, and your favorite subject," Ogden said with another smile.

Harry was not happy, feeling as though he were put on the spot, "I like spending time with my family, I don't like potions, and my favorite subject is Defense."

"I also like Defense, Mr. Potter," he laughed.

"Mr. Malfoy, what about you? What is something you like, dislike, and your favorite subject?"

Draco looked at the man with an almost bored look and a lazy smile, "I like helping maintain order, it's why I'm happy to be a prefect, I dislike poor manners, and my favorite subject is Potions."

Weasley mumbled something unflattering under his breath.

"Mr. Weasley, how about you? You seem to be eager to speak up."

Weasley flushed from being put on the spot especially after being caught talking.

"I like traditional wizarding food, I don't like know-it-alls," he sneered, "My guess my favorite subject is Defense."

Ogden nodded before moving on, asking the same of every student. Surprisingly Pansy's favorite subject was Arithmancy and Greg's was Music, one of the electives most didn't talk about. It gave Harry pause since he remembered Hermione had taken every single elective in her third year before dropping two of them. He never thought to ask about extra-curricular classes since he knew they're weren't any OWLs for them. Weasley has said they were a waste of time and effort because it was unnecessary extra work.

Harry would be found pouting, sorry brooding, for the rest of the day for listening to Weasley. Maybe he did want to take Music or Art or even Ghoul Studies. He was always fascinated with the portraits, even if they were nosey and gossipy. Even Draco Malfoy was able to draw something that animated with magic, even if he was more annoyed that it was a picture of him being struck by lightening at the time. He wondered if Hermione could do that… he knew mum and dad said she was bad at 3-D art. He figured he'd ask her later.

Hermione however was working as hard as ever with Madame Elise even if she had already done all of it with Mad-Eye and Barty. She considered it extra review especially since Elise was going through the theory and why instead of just the spells. The duo were more about practical use in their private sessions rather than theory. She of course read everything she could behind what they were teaching her for her own personal satisfaction.

"Apprentice Granger, I have to say you've been acing each spell as we come across them. Some of them you seem very familiar with," Elise mentioned nearing the end of the class.

Hermione looked at the retired auror and shrugged, "I was taking private lessons with my last professor and he was more of the practical aspect. Since he was also a retired auror he taught me as much as he could."

"I wasn't informed of this before," Elise mentioned with no heat.

"You didn't ask and Lord Malfoy didn't know. He didn't go over any of the theory since he was more focused on teaching me the actual magic part," Hermione admitted.

"I see. How far did you get?" Elise asked.

"We went all the way up to curse-breaking, shielding, redirecting hexes and curses, eventually we moved on to self-preservation. Mad-Eye was very insistent," she said.

Elise's eyebrows rose up as though trying to migrate into her hair. Even in America Mad-Eye Moody was pretty famous. While they didn't always deal with international matters there were cases of criminals trying to flee their country. When Moody was still an auror he kept the American auror division appraised of the more serious cases; murder and black market items making their way to the public or being used on regular civilians. They had appreciated it and trusted him. Amelia Bones was just as trustworthy and honorable. Their Minister not so much.

"I see," she said before thinking, "I think… next session I'll give you a quiz with more of the harder questions that will be on you OWL. If you do well on that, I'll do the same for your NEWTs. Provided how well I feel you do I may suggest you take your tests early. I know they're not the field your Master teaches, but I know it would be better in the long run. One less class to attend, more time to focus on your apprenticeship," she finished.

Hermione tilted her head having thought of it before even as a small part of her was having something akin to a burst of anxiety. Severus didn't want her to take her potions NEWT until next year, but he didn't say anything about Defense…

"I… will take that into great consideration. I know I will be taking my OWL this year regardless, but I will ask my Master for the final decision should I pass the NEWT quiz," the curly haired witch said with pursed lips.

The idea wasn't distasteful and internally she was preening, very proud that someone else had taken notice and actually said something. Nothing Elise said was wrong, but she wasn't sure if it fit into her Master's plans.

"That is all I can ask for," Elise said with finality, "I will see you next session."

"Likewise, thank you, Madame Elise."

With that Hermione gathered her things and left the room knowing the older witch would see herself out.

'Maybe if I take my OWL and NEWT early I'll have more time to work on being an animagus.'