Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter.
Chivalry Vs. Chauvinism
Ginny was fuming. Like tea kettle fuming. Sitting at Gryffindor table, her back turned to her own house, she looked one whistle away from blowing her top. "What happened?" I asked; dutifully ignoring the half of a grapefruit Adrian placed on my plate.
In response, Ginny glared at me! Her cheeks puffed up she crossed her arms, and genuinely looked like she'd been forced to swallow something sour. Even being sandwiched between Hestia and Flora wasn't enough to calm her raging storm.
Blinking slowly, I turned towards Adrian. "What happened?" I asked him instead.
Sighing, although he knew it was coming, Adrian paused in the meticulous task of buttering his toast. "Malfoy was named quidditch captain". In announcing so, Adrian's grip on the butter knife became extra tight.
Across from him, Harry and Ron overheard. Soon the two boys adopted identical queasy expressions that had Hermione shaking her head at them in disappointment. "It's just quidditch", she mumbled into her porridge.
"Merlin", I sympathized. With multiple quidditch fanatics as siblings and my boyfriend being an avid player too, I learned a long time ago that it was better to be supportive in these types of conversations. "He's a prefect and the Slytherin Captain. How much did you think his dad had to donate to buy him those positions?"
From my other side, George snorted and Fred answered, "At least a bank vault full. We've all seen Malfoy's talent as a seeker".
"He could catch a quaffle if it was an inch from his face", George chimed in; earning himself a begrudging half-smile from our dear little sister.
Taking a bite of his toast, Adrain chewed and swallowed; using that time to carefully choose his words. Meanwhile, the sounds of early more chatter washed over Gryffindor table. It was the first day of term. The heads of the houses were already passing out timetables as the early morning sun shined through the enchanted ceiling. It was a pleasant start to the year… even though Umbridge currently sat at the teacher's table; presiding over breakfast like a monarch at court. To look so self-important so early in the morning… what must her internal monologue be like?
"I'm afraid", Adrian started after chasing down his toast with a swig of coffee. "That Lord Malfoy's and Professor Snape's… shared connections will make it rather easy for Malfoy to…benefit". Adrian's followed his statement with a pointed stare.
I gave him a short nod. Right, message received. No matter which side Snape actually served, he still had to keep up appearances. Ginny thumped a fist on the tabletop; successfully drawing attention to her as every nearby dish rattled. "It's not right", she scowled as Adrian shot her a displeased expression. Disturbing dishware probably wasn't an acceptable Slytherin house behavior. I patted Adrian consolingly on the arm; waiting for Ginny to elaborate. "Because that git was placed in charge, I can't… he's not letting…" Whatever it was, was so difficult to say that Ginny ended up stabbing her breakfast sausage out of spite.
Delicately setting down her glass of pumpkin juice, Flora came to her rescue. "Malfoy's not allowing any girls to try out for the team".
Comprehension dawned on my face as my brothers hissed through their teeth to express their fury. While Mum and Dad chose pretty traditional roles for themselves, they had taught their sons well. How dare anyone tell their baby sister she wasn't allowed to play with the boys!
"I know it's not what you want to hear, Ginevra", Adrian said; voice low. "However, a witch has not played for Slytherin house for many years. Even if you'd been allowed a tryout, the chances of making the team were small". And then sound logic was pushed aside for some misplaced understanding of the world. "Besides, Quidditch is a rough sport. It's not a suitable activity for well-mannered-" Adrian made a pained sound as the heal of my shoe grinded into his toes.
Yeah. No. That needed to be nipped in the bud. "You should be allowed to do whatever you want to, Ginny", I assured my younger sister. But my eyes never left Adrian; frowning at him as he looked genuinely confused.
"It gets worse", Hestia added as Adrian and I stared at each other. "Malfoy is not allowing cousin Adrian to play this year as well".
My expression softened. "What?"
Adrian narrowed his eyes in sad disappointment. "Since most of the old team has graduated, Malfoy decided it was time for an entirely new team to take over. My position as a chaser is up for grabs and I've been encouraged to miss try outs".
Hestia and Flora seemed offended on his behalf. They sat up straight and stared down their noses at their breakfast plates as if they had besmirched the Carrow family name. Leaning around me and over his scrambled eggs, Fred locked eyes with Adrian. "It's Malfoy's loss. You were the best chaser on that team".
George nodded in agreement. "Whenever we played Slytherin, Fred and I had one play we named 'whack Pucey with a bludger'. That's how good you were".
"Thank you", Adrian said dryly.
Settling into my breakfast, I continued to ignore the grapefruit; taking a large bite of eggs as I thought. Occasionally, I'd shake my head. Adrian loved quidditch. So did Ginny. To have this opportunity taken away because of our… political activities… well, it hurt. It hurt more than I would've imagined.
"With Ginny out of the running and Adrian off the team, at least Slytherin will be easy to beat this year", Ron whispered to Harry. Only to be shushed by Hermione.
I guess Ginny wouldn't get the chance to go pro in this order of things. Such a shame. Their baby sister becoming a professional quidditch player would've been a boon to our older brothers. And Adrian; quidditch was one of the few things he enjoyed about his second go-around as a student. It wasn't fair to take it away. It wasn't… My head started filling with ideas.
The potions laboratory was particularly depressing that morning. Mostly because Snape had gotten his wish. Over the summer, his seventh-year students had dropped to the single digits. For example, Roger Davies and a few girls from Slytherin had dropped the class. Our whole class sat huddled to one side of the room as we tried to avoid the spectator who claimed a spot against the opposite wall.
I hadn't noticed Umbridge when we first entered. Too busy explaining the difference between chivalry and chauvinism to Adrian. But he noticed; cutting me off mid-sentence as he gripped my elbow and stirred me away from our usual seats.
"Adrian, what-" I complained as he claimed the front row of seats on the opposite side of the room.
But a quick jerk of his head had me falling silent as my eyes were directed to the pink toad. Adrian maneuvered himself so he could take the aisle seat and I was effectively blocked from Umbridge's view.
"Okay", I said; taking a deep breath. "This is a good example of chivalry". Adrian fondly shook his head as he pulled out his potions book. "But why choose this class? I mean, wouldn't it make more sense to first observe a class that has more students?"
Adrian ducked his head as he dug through his bag to find a quill and parchment. "Except there are three people of interest attending this class". His lips barely moved.
"Three?" I questioned; pulling out my own supplies. No cauldrons were set up when we entered the classroom. Meaning it was a good bet that Snape would be lecturing this morning.
Adrian and I were obvious answers. He was Regulus Black reincarnate and I was his redheaded love interest who had made trouble for Umbridge in the past. Last year had placed us in the news quite a bit. Adrian more so. And we both publicly supported Lord Flint's new political party.
But who could the third be? Snape was still a closeted member as his espionage role required it. The only other YUP member in this class was- "Diggory", Adrian answered. "His dad works for the ministry and frequently talks up the United Party".
Ah, right. The fact that Umbridge probably knows many of our parents was… disconcerting. Speak of the devil, Cedric came to occupy the table behind us. "Morning", he greeted before leaning over his table to talk privately into our ears. Adrian and I turned to accommodate him. "How do you want to handle… this". With shifty eyes, Cedric glanced in Umbridge's direction. The toad was still seated; making ominous notes on her clipboard. Even though the class had yet to start.
I tapped a finger on the table. Chasing her out of Hogwarts sounded like a good idea. Though I knew Lord Flint would disagree. "Best behavior and best foot forward", I decided after a moment. Snape had just entered the classroom. Stalking forward, he caught sight of his uninvited guest and immediately scowled. "Attention will be on YUP so… Let's try for unshakably egalitarian with a flair for school spirit. Spread it to any other club members you see today too". Or at least, that would be our plan until Umbridge threw the first punch. Then I'll send Fred and George her way.
Adrian rolled his eyes while Cedric smiled. "You got it, Madam President".
As Cedric adjusted to sit appropriately in his seat, Snape began the lesson. "I see quite a few of your classmates have decided not to continue with NEWT potions". Leaning against his desk, Snape folded his long fingers in front of him and stared down his nose at all us peons. "Given the results of last year's final exam, I am not surprised. However, there are still a few faces I was not expecting to see in my classroom again".
… Was Professor Snape looking at me? Offering a blinding smile, I folded my hands on the table and tried to resemble a model student. It caused Snape's upper lip to curl back while Adrian pinched the bridge of his nose.
"Make no mistake", Snape continued with his normal dark countenance. "This year will offer no respite. As your NEWT examinations approach, you'll be tasked with revision from every level of your education in addition to the material we'll be covering this year. This year you will be required to not only know how to brew complicated potions, but also the theories behind them, their history, and the potency required for their ingredients. Naturally, a healthy respect for herbology will be required for anyone wishing to succeed".
And the smile fell off my face. Something that seemed to perk Snape up. Damn, herbology.
"Today, we will be discussing rare and delicate ingredients you have yet to be entrusted with. Many of these ingredients will be required for our first brew. However, any student I judge to be lacking will not be allowed to participant in the lab. No student of mine will waste such valuable ingredients. Therefore, I suggest you pay attention". The last few words were spoken in such a drawl that a shiver shot up my spine. Heh. If Hogwarts had a drama department, I bet Snape would have been a showstopper in the spring musical.
Removing himself from his desk, Snape headed for the black board. "Let us begin with the sloth brain. Who can tell me-"
"Hem-Hem". Now, I was chilled for a different reason.
Snape pursed his lips as heads swiveled in Umbridge's direction. She was on her feet; clipboard raised and quill poised. "Excuse me, Professor Snape". Umbridge said with an offer of a simpering smile. "But why is your class size so small?" Wow. Disguising an insult in a question; that took talent.
Under the table, Adrian found my hand and squeezed. Meanwhile, Snape refused to look in Umbridge's direction. "This is NEWT level potions, Madam Umbridge. Very few are able to safely and successfully master the craft; therefore, I only accept those of the highest caliber". Snape spoke forcefully slow. As if he were talking to a first-year and believed them to be addled-minded. "Now, you've used the mucus from a sloth brain in previous brews. Who can tell me why it will now be considered as rare and delicate in-"
"Hem-Hem". Ever so polite, Umbridge interrupted again. Snape looked ready to strangle someone. "Apologies, Professor Snape. But perhaps your numbers are so small because you've failed to teach them?" The third and fourth rows started whispering frantically to each other. But Adrian, Cedric, and I remained quiet and facing forward. Because we were on our best behavior. "And that's without mentioning that one of your pupils has graduated from Hogwarts once before". Adrian stiffened and the grip he had on my hand became painful.
"Quiet", Snape growled at his class. His eyes washed over us as he directed his ire at the back rows. Immediately, his wayward students fell deathly silent.
The same could not be said about Umbridge. "You've applied for the defense against the dark arts position multiple times, is that correct?" She asked after reading something from her clipboard.
"Yes". Snape replied in a smooth and dangerous hiss. Either Umbridge had nerves of steel or she was just that stupid. I couldn't decide.
The pink toad hummed in what she believed to be a thoughtful manner. "Maybe that is related to your inability to teach potions. Perhaps you are not able or willing to give it your all".
Snape looked livid. If a person could resemble a potion, he'd be liquid death. His coal-black eyes hardened; glistening with absolute hate. Usually, it was a look reserved only for Sirius. "Diggory", he barked; causing Cedric to rise to his feet and stand at attention. "Enlighten Madam Umbridge. What did you receive on your potions OWL?"
"An outstanding, sir".
"And what did your classmates receive on their OWLs?" Snape pressed.
"All outstandings, sir". Cedric's voice came out clear with conviction. "Due to the intensity of the course, you only accept NEWT level students who earn outstandings". Squaring his shoulders, Snape turned towards Umbridge to stare down his large hooked nose at her. "And um…" Cedric continued; taking a real gamble here. "The sloth brain will now be considered as rare and delicate because we will not be using mucus in our brew, but specific parts of the brain. Dissecting a brain is delicate work and requires knowledge of brain anatomy to find and remove the desired part".
But it paid off. As Snape looked in Cedric's direction a flash of approval sparked in his eyes. Anyone unfamiliar with the man would've missed it. "Thank you, Diggory. Weasley!" Cedric sat and I rose to take his place. In doing so, Adrian had to release my hand. "How did you revise for your potions OWL?" Snape asked.
I could feel Umbridge's eyes boring into me. But, like a good student, I kept my attention on Snape. "I reviewed past assignments you marked and focused on the corrections you provided. I referred to the list of texts you recommended for reference, and attended lab hours to practice brews and ask you questions". I also stole Adrian's and Percy's potion notes. But not everything I did needed to be reported.
Snape's teeth were visible as he sneered at Umbridge; already sensing his victory. "And why might someone, Mr. Pucey for example, benefit from continued education in potions?"
Besides me, I could feel Adrian taking a deep breath. "While potions have been a part of witchcraft and wizardry since the beginning, the craft continually evolves. New potions are discovered and ways to make old potions more powerful are uncovered. Additionally, changes in the natural world can also affect how we brew and use potions. These changes require any potioneer to frequently study as the subject is not stagnant".
And to take a page out of Cedric's book. "For example, some populations of sloths have been negatively impacted by deforestation and poaching. Worried about the supply of potion ingredients, a wizard in Brazil started to breed them in captivity purposely for harvest. However, just last year a potion's article was published that discussed its findings about how wild sloth brains were more potent than domesticated ones. This was believed to be due to the level of stimulation the animals receive in their different environments. We read that article as a part of the summer reading you assigned".
Snape gestured for me to sit as he turned to Umbridge. "As you've witnessed, Madam Umbridge, none of my students have been neglected of my attention". Umrbidge's expression was pinched; here beady little eyes scanned the room. As if trying to find something to prove Snape a lackluster teacher. "Now, I ask that you do not interrupt my class again. As I evidently have eager students wanting to begin the curriculum and you are wasting their time".
He turned his back to her. Giving the class a rare sight of a satisfied smirk as Umbridge angrily clutched her clipboard and stormed out of the room. The class sat in silence for a short moment; basking in her defeat and Snape's triumph. However, it only lasted as long as it took for the door to swing shut. The smirk fell from Snape's face and was replaced with a glower. "Why does no one have their books open?" The sounds of pages quickly being turned filled the room.
Despite the first YUP meeting not being scheduled until Wednesday, the day was filled with communicating with club members and presenting a united front. We were to be polite, helpful, and endearing to our teachers and peers. So much so, that it was going to be down right creepy. Let's see what Umbridge will make of YUP when we give her absolutely nothing to complain about… at least until she meets Fred and George.
I hadn't seen Umbridge in any more of my classes. But at lunch, George and Adrian had a lot to say about their transfiguration lesson. Apparently, Umbridge looked like she was about to implode as Sirius absolutely terrorized the woman; smiling devilishly throughout the whole deal. "It was great", George celebrated over a cheese toasty.
While Adrian ruefully shook his head and worried his bottom lip. "Sirius should be careful".
I ended the school day in Flitwick's office; copying down citations of text he wanted me to find for our upcoming research. This year, Flitwick's planning period took place during the last class of the day. Right after the Ravenclaw and Slytherin first-year charms class. As such, I was assigned to be present for both.
"Head Goblin Warwick has sent an invitation", Flitwick shared as he topped off his tea cup. "He formally requests I join him for a meal and heavily encouraged the presence of my apprentice as well".
My quill stilled as I looked up. "Does that mean talks with Lord Flint have been going well?"
Flitwick beamed. His whole mustache lifted up. "I would say so. Marius sounded encouraged the last time we spoke. Yes. Yes. And… Ooh!" Flitwick shook his fists and held them close to his face in utter excitement. "If we are successful in securing this alliance, it will be the first goblin-wizard allyship in centuries. It's exciting to think, that the bad blood between us may truly be reaching its end". Flitwick's eyes appeared to sparkle as he tried to impress upon me the importance of all this. "My heritage has never been a secret but it would be lovely if I could be more…more… forthcoming about my mother's traditions. How the goblins welcome in the new year is truly a sight to behold".
Setting my quill down, I couldn't help myself. "How did your parents meet, Master Filius? If you don't mind me asking".
Flitwick flushed at the title; humming in appreciation. Being a master was a great compliment to someone's skill. At least it was in Goblin culture. I didn't fully understand it. There was a lot left to learn. But I knew enough to make Flitwick happy.
He held up one finger for emphasis. "That is a wonderful story requiring cake!" Hopping off the stack of cushions on his chair, Flitwick hurried to retrieve his cake tin. "Now, my father was a very curious wizard", Flitwick started as he searched. "He loved travel and learning above all else. One day when he-"
There was a knock on the door. A bit miffed, Flitwick's mustache wiggled as he abandoned his search for cake. "Yes. Yes. Come in", he called; voice squeaking just a little.
The doorknob turned and clicked as I twisted in my chair to see who was calling. It wasn't odd for students to visit professors when they had questions. And Flitwick was the head of Ravenclaw House. If any problems arose, he would be informed.
"Excuse me, professor". Except it wasn't a student. Umbridge poked her ugly head into the room and scanned its contents as if she were in the search of something untoward. She felt my presence was intriguing if the sinister gleam in her eye was anything to go by. But her eyes lowered and settled on Flitwick; nostrils flaring with displeasure. "I was reviewing the documents Professor McGonagall provided me and noticed this is your planning period but you had one student listed under your supervision for this time. I was curious".
I narrowed my eyes as Flitwick politely bobbed his head. "Madam Umbridge, please come in". It was more manners than Umbridge deserved. As Umbridge stepped in and softly closed the door behind her; clipboard in hand, Flitwick explained. "I've been lucky to be entrusted with a teacher's assistant. Miss Weasley has decided to pursue a career in teaching and charms and requested me as her mentor".
Delicately raising a hand to cover her mouth, Umbridge appeared to find this information particularly hard to believe. Stupid cow. "I've also accepted Miss Weasley as my apprentice", Flitwick continued to explain; hands clasped behind his back as he refused to shrink under Umbridge's scrutinizing gaze. "As such, she is required to spend a great deal of time in my company. Yes. Yes. Her training demands it".
"Oh". Umbridge lowered her hand and offered a smile that could curdle milk. "None of the other teachers have aids or have taken apprentices".
Flitwick's politeness flickered. "None of the other students have expressed an interest".
"Though I can think of one student who might consider asking Professor Sprout for a similar arrangement", I butted in; a hard edge in my voice. Just because I didn't like how Umbridge was looming over Flitwick.
Umbridge's eyes danced my way. I had more than enough time to read her disgust before she refocused on Flitwick. It was good to see that the feeling was mutual. "And do you think it wise to pay so much attention to one student?"
Flitwick met her challenge with an unblinking stare. "All my students have equal opportunities to learn and practice charms. And any extra attention Miss Weasley is afforded as my apprentice will occur during my personal time".
Closed-lip, a truly vicious smile stretched across Umbridge's wide face. "I'm afraid you misunderstood me. I'm referring to Miss Weasley's history. I remember the stories in the Daily Prophet and her time at court. This young lady has created trouble for her teachers before". The hand around my quill clamped shut; nearly snapping it in two. "It is a risk to be caught alone with a student like her. Why, Gilderoy Lockhart's reputation will never be the same again".
It was like someone dumped ice water over my head. I could only stare; teeth clenched as Flitwick's entire body bristled. The end of his beard, the tip of his mustache; everything was standing on end. "Lockhart!" He seethed. "That lunatic! You would sympathize with that man in front of… of…" Flitwick waved an aggravated hand in my direction; not wanting to call me a victim but wanting express the sentiment.
Had anyone, myself or Lord Flint, come clean about what truly happened between me and Lockhart/Riddle? Sitting in Flitwick's office, feeling gross; I couldn't recall.
"Outrageous!" Flitwick roared in his high-pitched squeaky voice. He sounded like an enraged Pomeranian.
"I only wish to warn you", Umbridge said; not bothering to hide her glee.
"You- you would compare me to that man? After the things he's done!" Flitwick gestured passionately with his hands. "The things he's doing! And you'd accuse me of… of… harming a child in such a fashion! Why, I never!"
Umbridge held up a hand to stop him. "Accuse you? Goodness no!" The gleam in her eyes was devious. I wanted to reach for my wand. "I just want to assure you're being careful. After all, who would the wizarding world believe? The word of a pureblood schoolgirl or that of a half-breed? You wouldn't want to end up like poor Gilderoy Lockhart, would you? The man lost his mind due to Miss Weasley's lies".
Flitwick looked ready to murder someone. A specific someone. Finding it difficult to breathe, I wasn't far behind him. Pleased as punched, Umbridge hummed a little song to herself as she scratched a note on her clipboard. "I think the minister will be very interested in teacher's private dealings with students". Looking up, we were given one last hateful smile. "Excuse me". And Umbridge backed out of the room.
Like a bottle rocket waiting to be launched, Flitwick vibrated as he stood still; face as red as my hair. He remained that way until the door slammed shut on Umbridge's retreating back. "The nerve!" He suddenly exclaiming; jamming his hand into his pocket and withdrawing his wand. With an angry flourish, I felt Flitwick's magic shimmer across the room. A privacy charm, if I had to guess. It was followed by an aggressive flick and the doorknob on his office door glowed blue. We'd be getting no more unwanted visitors this afternoon. "Utter nonsense! Belittling everything that happened…" Flitwick scurried around his office; waving his wand as he went. Books flew off and onto his shelves. Some heavy-looking tomes landed in front of me; squashing the citations I had been writing down. "And to bring blood status into it!" Flitwick clambered up his stack of cushions as the cake tin came flying across the room and skidded onto his desk. "I won't have it! I won't have it!" Furiously shaking his head, Flitwick set his wand aside as he plied the lid of the tin.
Shifting uncomfortably, I tried to figure out what to do. I didn't… I didn't want to cause trouble for Flitwick. He had already done so much for me. "Sir", I approached the topic slowly while staring down at my hands. "If you need me to leave-"
"Leave!" Flitwick exploded. You'd think I had uttered a swear word the he reacted. "Absolutely not!" The lid to the tin went flying. "No, Weasley. You and I are going to enjoy a slice of cake. A BIG slice! Then, you're going to go to the library to hunt down those citations and I'll go see Professor McGonagall. Where we'll be having a very long discussion about what I will not tolerate in my place of work. And then- THEN!" Flitwick pointed a heated finger in my direction. "I'll pay Lord Flint a visit and see what can be done for a possible defamation suit. No one will be allowed to spread baseless lies about myself or my apprentice. No. No. Not a single one!" Flitwick proceeded to cut the cake right down the middle before serving each of us a half.
I had never seen Flitwick so upset before. The sight made my fingers twitch and I… I wanted to destroy Umbridge.