AN: I do not own Harry Potter.
Chapter 14: Umbridge
Neville adjusted his robes and checked his Prefect Badge. An unfamiliar raven-haired older witch came to their compartment and told them she would escort him and Hermione to the Prefect Carriage after everyone changed into their school robes. Her demeanor and stony expression
n reminded him of Professor McGonagall. A non-nonsense sort of witch without deep gray hair. She'd called them by name and seemed confident they were the ones she sought.
"I'll bet this is about all the new students," Hermione whispered as they left the compartment.
Ginny and Gal would most likely talk out their different views about Harry. They'd glared at each other while standing in the corridor, waiting for Hermione to change. He just hoped his friend wouldn't ruin any chance of making a new friend or alienating the new student body against Harry before they ever met him.
Before leaving, he paused at the door and looked back at the two witches who'd locked eyes with each other. It might already be too late for the new students to accept Harry. There had simply been too many bad things said about his friend. It might be best that he didn't return to Hogwarts.
That idea depressed him as he followed Hermione and the official witch toward the front of the train. In the few compartments that had the curtains pulled back, he could see many of the compartments filled with students.
Something felt off about what he saw as he negotiated a knot of students around the same age. They knew each other, but Neville had never seen them before. Could there have been this many young witches and wizards who simply didn't want to go to Hogwarts? There must be something else going on. Something Fudge might have done. It felt like there were two or three hundred new faces, but he knew that couldn't be true.
One cluster of students recognized the witch who was escorting them as Madam Falkurk. Hermione seemed to start when she heard the name. Before he could ask his friend what was wrong, she spoke up.
"Madam Falkurk, the Falkurk who is Headmistress of Middlemiss School for the Gifted?" Hermione asked.
Neville had heard of the trade school. Gran had told them that they focused on learning the practical arts and forwent many of the esoteric options available to Hogwarts students. Based on a foreign structure, Gran wasn't forthcoming about why she disliked the school.
Madam Falkurk stopped and turned to look down her nose at Hermione. "I am," she said, her tone curt and frosty. "I only allow my students to call me Madam Falkurk. To one such as yourself, my name is Professor Falkurk."
Hermione jerked back as if slapped. Neville felt his cheeks reddening as he stepped forward.
"That is not an insult, children," the witch said, her tone unchanged. "I am your Professor. I am more to the students I had before this… change."
Neville noted the not-so-subtle vehemence in her voice. She and Fudge had to have been at odds about closing her school, even for a term. Her eyes turned to his. "Your grandmother and I have spoken, Mr. Longbottom. She expects your utmost effort going into this term. I will do everything in my power to ensure you… excel."
Before they could ask anything else, Professor Falkurk turned on her heels and marched up the corridor. The sound of her boots echoed loudly through the carriage.
Hermione shot him a questioning look, but he shook his head and moved to catch up.
The professor led them through a few more minutes before stopping at the door between compartments. A smarmy wizard with sallow skin and beady eyes licked his discolored teeth as he surveyed them through the window. The door slid open silently, and the portly wizard smiled wolfishly.
"Madam… Falkurk. How… wonderful it is to see you," he greeted. His eyes slid from the witch to Neville and Hermione. "Ah, the Gryffindor… Prefects. Isn't it wonderful? My old house, you know."
Neville had never met someone less like a Gryffindor in his life. The man simply reeked of Slytherin. If he were taller, had a hook nose, and had greasy hair, this wizard might have been Severus Snape's twin. "I see," Neville managed to get out.
Hermione simply looked the wizard over with a polite expression. Neville saw that look many times when she spoke with Luna Lovegood.
"Well, in you go. The new… professor… wants to speak with all the Prefects."
Professor Falkurk snorted. Neville looked around twice to see if someone else might have made the noise. "Professor," the witch drawled as her tone changed into something else, almost dangerous. "In name… maybe."
The wizard stepped aside and seemed to fade into a shadow. Neville knew he hadn't Disapparated away, but something odd was going on. He might have never known he was there if he hadn't seen the wizard fade into obscurity. It had to be a Charm of some sort concealing the area between compartments. He wondered how many witches or wizards they passed between compartments already. It should have made him feel safe.
The next compartment was magically enlarged by at least twice what he should have seen. At least thirty paces wide and more than three times as long, the train car could fit a few hundred wizards. Along the left wall, nearest a knot of dark-robed witches and wizards, was the Ministry of Magic Crest, complete with the Ignorantia Juris Non Excusat motto emblazoned in the dark wood paneling. The Hogwarts Crest glowed softly on the opposite wall.
Professor McGonagall stood with Severus Snape and Professor Flitwick by the Hogwarts side of the carriage. A sharp jab in his side made him look over at Hermione. Her eyes darted back and forth between the two obvious groups as she prodded him away from the door and toward the Hogwarts side.
"Ah, just the Hufflepuff Head Boy and Girl left," Professor McGonagall said in a strange, almost strangled tone.
More students were in the carriage than he assumed to be normal. As he understood it, there was a Head Boy and Girl for each of the Hogwarts Houses. There was also a Prefect Boy and Girl to assist each House's Heads of the Student Body. Four students from four houses. There had to be over thirty students in the carriage, not including himself and Hermione.
He and Hermione went over to Kenneth Towler and Alicia Spinnet, the Gryffindor Head Boy and Girl. Hermione greeted Alicia with a quick hug, and he nodded to Kenneth. No one spoke. It seemed somehow inappropriate.
Across from them stood Adrian Pucey and a blonde Slytherin, whom he didn't know the name of. However, he knew the Slytherin Prefects all too well. Draco Malfoy and Daphne Greengrass stood as far apart as possible while showing solidarity for their House.
The Ravenclaws were all there as well. Corvin Walls, his dark hair pulled back in a ponytail, and Marsha Emil was the Head Boy and Girl. Neville knew them by reputation only. Corvin managed all ten O.W.L.s in his Fifth Year, and Marsha never left the Library. Cho Chang, Cedric's girlfriend, and Anthony Goldstein were the Ravenclaw Prefects.
A figure stepped from behind a knot of dark-robed witches and wizards. She was short and wore garish pink robes. Atop her mousy hair was a pink flat hat with a dark velvet bow draped down the side of her broad, flabby face. Her wide mouth split into a caricature of a smile as her bulbous eyes flicked around the gathering.
Neville knew who the witch was and the wizard who stepped out behind her. Deloris Umbridge and her boss, Pius Thicknesse, the Head of the Department of Magical Standards. They'd been featured in the Daily Prophet enough, and if that weren't enough, his Gran had spoken about both of them, at length, during their dinners. With long black hair and a silver-streaked bear, the tall wizard loomed with a quiet air over his undersecretary. Neville wasn't sure if the wizard was trying to be menacing. However, every conversation cut off as the two stood in the middle of the carriage.
"Welcome," a simpering voice said from everywhere and nowhere. Magic was certainly involved. Neville saw Umbridge's mouth move, but he knew he didn't hear her speak, even ten to fifteen paces away. The magic in the carriage carried and amplified her voice. Something itched the back of his mind about how the Magical Congress of the United States of America used a similar design.
"I believe we," Professor McGonagall interrupted.
"Ahem," the diminutive toad-like witch coughed. "As I was going to say, welcome all," she continued in a syrupy tone that made Neville shift on his feet. Something about the tone felt… off and distinctly… unwelcome.
The two witches stared at each other. "Welcome… to you all," a thick, monotone voice said into the silence. Thickness stepped forward and surveyed the room, his head and eyes slowly scanning the compartment. "I know this year has been difficult… for many of you. With the recent… dangers posed… by the Mad Alchemist. The Ministry's stance… on the young witches and wizards' safety… is paramount to our country's… success."
Neville had never met Pius Thickness, but the way he spoke was like listening to Professor Bins, the droning ghost of a History of Magic teacher. Somehow, the Ministry Official had perfected the broken and slow speech. He felt his eyelids droop.
"Quite," a cutting, simpering voice said into the silence. Neville felt himself recoil from the word.
"Ah, the students we've all been waiting for," Umbridge greeted.
Cedric Diggory, Head Boy of the Hufflepuff House, and a tall, brown-haired witch entered the carriage. The 1995 Hogwarts Champion of the Triwizard Tournament scowled as he took an empty spot near the Hufflepuff Prefects, Ernie Macmillan and Susan Bones.
"Good, good, Mr. Diggory," Umbridge continued. Her dark eyes roamed around the carriage, briefly stopping on a few notable figures. "This term, I, under Department Head Pius Thickness, will join you all at Hogwarts as a Professor of Defense Against the Dark Arts," she beamed. The Slytherins clapped, and a few made appreciative noises, but there wasn't much in the way of celebrating Umbridge's pronouncement.
That didn't seem to put her off as her smile widened. "I will, by Educational Decree and support of the School of Governors, be weeding out unsuitable teachers of our younger generations. As many of you here were not at Hogwarts last term, I am here to ensure the standards of your education are maintained," she said as her eyes met some of the older witches and wizards who were not looking pleased to be there.
"That brings me to the reason I have asked you all to join me before we arrive. All of you are, or were, in positions of authority within your respective spheres of influence. Dumbledore has agreed that once everyone is sorted into their houses, some of you will retain that authority. A second or possibly third pair of Prefects will assist the Head Boys and Girls. As a unit, you will all work together with professors, such as myself, to ensure there is a smooth transition for all students."
Neville noted the blatant disrespect Umbridge had shown Dumbledore, the Headmaster of Hogwarts. Looking around, even some of the surlier-looking adult witches and wizards looked put off by the small speech. Umbridge wasn't done.
"That being said, Head Boys, Girls, Prefects, and prospective Prefects, I trust that you understand the importance of maintaining order and discipline within Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. In these tumultuous times, it is crucial that we adhere to the rules and regulations set forth by the Ministry of Magic.
As authority figures amongst your peers, you have a unique responsibility to enforce these rules and ensure that all students are behaving appropriately. The educational standards at this institution must be upheld, and any disruptive or insubordinate behavior will not be tolerated.
I must stress that the Ministry has a firm grip on the situation in the Wizarding World. We are working tirelessly to maintain peace and security. It is our duty to follow the guidance and directives provided by the Ministry, and I expect you to do the same. There will be no tolerance for those who undermine the Ministry's authority.
Furthermore, it is essential that we focus on practical, approved methods of learning. The Ministry has an approved a curriculum that will ensure your safety and the safety of all students. Any extracurricular activities or organizations that deviate from this curriculum will be met with strict consequences.
In these trying times, we must not be swayed by rumors, unsubstantiated claims, or malefactors. Trust in the Ministry and its decisions, and discourage any talk of dissidence or disobedience. We are here to provide you with a proper education and to guide you toward a successful future in the Wizarding World.
Remember, it is your duty to maintain order, uphold the rules, and support the Ministry. Your loyalty to Hogwarts and the Ministry of Magic is of the utmost importance. Together, we will ensure that Hogwarts remains a safe and controlled environment for all."
The assembled group took a few heartbeats to react. Most clapped politely while others stared at Umbridge and Thickness. The squat witch didn't seem bothered by the lackluster response. However, her eyes found each of their faces before moving on. Neville had the distinct impression that she was judging each of them and labeling them in her mind.
It was clear Umbridge was done speaking as she turned to her boss and beamed at him. Thickness nodded and stepped forward. Neville more or less tuned him out as he looked at the faces around him. Very few wore smiles.
The true Hogwarts professors seemed unwilling to speak to the assemblage. They stood near the Hogwarts Crest and watched as Umbridge, Thickness, an unknown middle-aged wizard, and a stooped older wizard with a glass eye moved around the carriage. Cedric Diggory and the Hufflepuff contingent left the carriage first, together and without looking back.
That seemed to indicate that everyone could leave, and many did so quickly.
"She's trying to subvert Professor Dumbledore by using students," Hermione hissed in Neville's ear as they moved with Kenneth and Alicia toward the door.
"She doesn't stand a chance," Kenneth snorted, not bothering to keep his voice down.
Neville had a terrible feeling Hermione was spot on in her assessment.
-X-X-X-X-
Ginny and Gal hadn't crossed wands in the half-hour they'd been alone. It might have been because Ron and the twins had found their compartment. Neville looked the twins over as he took his seat near Gal. They looked older, not just in height, for both had had a small growth spurt, but also in mannerisms. Fred and George Weasley had always struck him as two wizards with a First or Second-Year behavior problem. They were highly intelligent, chaos-incarnate, and skilled wizards but also childish. Above all else, he respected them and knew they would be trouble for him and Hermione during their last term.
"We listened in," one of the twins grinned as Neville adjusted his robes to get more comfortable. There was probably another hour or two before they'd arrive at Hogsmeade Station.
"You didn't!" Hermione challenged as she sat forward.
Ginny laughed and smiled. "Of course they did. They came in looking for you two, and we told them someone had taken you off."
"Right pushy witch that was talking," one of the twins frowned.
"Basically said to toe the Ministry line," the second finished.
Neville eyed the twins and Ron. The youngest Weasley wizard was something of an outlier in their group. He and Ron had dueled a good bit the last year, and Neville found Ron an interesting person, but he never went out of his way to do anything extra for him. Ron was more Harry's friend than his. There was also the bit where Ron actively tried to socially hurt Harry and Hermione. Neville still had conflicting feelings about that. He didn't see Ron as a great friend. A friend for sure, but not a great one.
"You wanted to speak with us?" he said into the silence. He glanced at Hermione. She'd set her shoulders.
The twins looked at each other and seemed to have a conversation none of the rest of them could hear. It was nearly instantaneous, but there was something different as the two looked at him. "Yes. We understand that both of you," the twin nearest the door said with a wave of his hand, "are Prefects and have certain obligations tied to that."
Hermione sat forward, her eyes sharp. Neville knew she was cataloging every word and preparing to come up with counterarguments. She did that a lot during the Study Group when arguing with Harry.
"To that, we wish to come to a compromise," the other twin finished as he turned to Hermione. "We will sell our joke items, sweets, and general sundries to the student body. Frankly, for us, this term is a chance for us to reach a larger market. Possibly even more than we could have if we dropped out of school like we'd originally planned."
Neville fought back a wince. That was not the best opening when dealing with Hermione. He saw her back straighten. Nothing was more important to her than learning.
"But, we didn't," the twins chorused. "Fred and I," George continued with a nod, "want to get the full measure of our education. There is still plenty we do not know." He waved his hand and conjured a large parchment from nothing. "I have here a list of things that we will be working on while selling our products and resupplying our stock."
Neville couldn't hide his shock. Wandless Magic was difficult, but conjuring an object from non-being without a wand was truly impressive. He knew why George showed off as he did. Hermione's eyes were wide. She knew the implications just as much as Neville did. Harry couldn't do what George did, and he was widely regarded as the most skilled wizard in practical magic in their year.
"We would like to use the Study Group as a base for our operations, but understand," Fred said as he glanced at Ginny, "that Harry not being here may… prevent the same… atmosphere."
Hermione spoke for the first time. "What do you mean?"
Neville noticed something in his friend's voice. There was a quality in her tone that he didn't like. He wasn't sure what it was, but something felt off.
George pursed his lips. "You and Harry pushed everyone," he finally answered.
Hermione jerked back. "What?"
Neville knew what the twins were talking about. Harry and Hermione were so often swept up in their projects, debates, and academic success that they had no idea of the impact they had on the people around them. He'd felt it himself. There was nothing more motivating than seeing two people pushing themselves. That, and it was a little humiliating to see how someone his age was progressing so quickly and leaving the rest of their peers behind. He'd seen everyone, at one point or another, in the Study Group look over Harry and Hermione's study lists they kept pinned up in the rooms. The one person who might have benefited the most was Ginny. He knew she copied their lists, pushed herself to keep up, and tried to get ahead. One day, Ginny would shock the two geniuses.
Fred said what Neville knew to be true and more. "Everything you two worked on, outside of the S.P.E.W thing, the others at least looked up and attempted. As you two pushed yourselves, everyone, by the pressure of being around you, tried to do better. Look at Alicia. She's a Prefect. Someone who wouldn't have been considered before because of her marks. She already talked to us about it. Professor McGonagall wants her to be a role model because of how much she's grown as a student and witch."
Hermione sat back and blinked at them all. "I… really?" she muttered.
"I think… I owe you an apology, Ginny," Gal said into the silence.
The fiery redhead's head whipped around so fast Neville thought it might snap off.
"I may… need to rethink what I've been told… if what these two fine wizards are telling the truth."
Neville knew the twins had won his friend over. They'd masterfully directed Hermione away from their questionable business, at least to the school rules, and touted it as a benefit for the greater student body. Then, they sealed the deal with their next sentence, which left Neville stunned.
"Harry gave us everything he used, even his experimental stuff, on how to create his cards, Hermione. He said to give them out to anyone that asked," Fred finished as he polished his knuckles against his robes.
The compartment was dead silent as they all stared at Fred. If that were true, then Harry handed the twins a jinxed Exploding Snap card. If anyone knew how to get Hermione to do something she didn't want to do, it was Harry.
"There… will be rules," Hermione finally said as she sat up. Neville knew, without a shadow of a doubt, that his friend would do whatever it took to get Harry's Flash Cards spread far and wide within the school. She'd pestered him about it before. Now, she had a new avenue of attack. The twins wouldn't know what hit them when they agreed to whatever was concocting in her head.
"We live to serve," George grinned. "Within reason," Fred tempered with an ear-splitting grin.
"Yes, you will," Hermione stated in a flat tone.
Ginny burst into laughter.
-X-X-X-X-
Neville wasn't mistaken in his initial thoughts about the sheer number of new students. It took them almost thirty minutes to exit the Express, and they weren't the last ones off. Professor Hagrid called for First-year students to gather around him, but his shouts almost drowned out the sheer noise caused by everyone milling around the platform.
"Just head up to the castle, then?" Ron yelled.
"No, I see people moving toward where the carriages should be," Hermione answered.
"What… oh…" Ginny said before trailing off.
Ron turned and groaned. The noise of distress made Neville look around. "I thought they'd never come to Hogwarts," Ron huffed.
A group of redheads with a heavy smattering of freckles and black, uncrested robes were moving with the crowd and hadn't seen Neville and the others. The striking similarities with the Weasleys were hard to ignore.
"Timmy, Eugene, and Mary," one of the twins commented. "That'll mean Noah, Emily, and Charlie will be around here somewhere."
Neville glanced at the Weasleys' relatives standing together. None of them looked particularly happy to see their extended family.
"Let's go," Ron huffed.
Hermione looked at Neville as they followed the others. She seemed to want to charge ahead, her shoulders set, but the pressure of the students was uncomfortable enough that she had to go with the flow.
There seemed to be the same number of carriages as previous years, except Professor Flitwick stood on a pillar of stone and directed groups of students into carriages before sending them off. After closer inspection, each carriage was pulled by only two Thestrals instead of the normal four.
"Where are all the students?" he asked aloud.
"Yeah, I thought there were loads more students on the train," Ron grumbled.
"Were they all first years?" Ginny frowned.
"No, the group of your… First-years," Gal said slowly as if tasting the word, "was maybe fifteen to twenty kids. Everyone was together until we reached the end of the platform."
"Plants," one of the twins said.
They all looked at him. "What?"
"What Fred is inexpertly trying to say is that we overheard a group of our fellow students talking about the Ministry of Magic and what else Fudge would ask them to do," George clarified.
Neville frowned. "You mean," he started to say, but Hermione had finished his thought.
"Pollyjuice Potion. That would be an extreme expense for what?" she huffed.
"A charade," a lofty voice answered from behind them. Everyone turned to look at the newcomers, Draco Malfoy and Daphne Greengrass. They stood at the steps up to the platform.
"My father said most of the… new students," he sneered with a look at Gal, "would feel less pressure if they thought there were lots of other students joining them."
"Not entirely accurate," Daphne corrected as she locked eyes with Hermione. "As you might have figured out, it was for the parent's benefit… and the Irish contingent who have been forced to join us this year. The… Muggle sentiment about the British Government has bled over into the Wizarding World to some extent."
"Hard not to when Fudge's predecessor left the Irish wizards at the mercy of that goblin rebellion," Draco laughed. "Well… it wasn't exactly the goblins that worried them so much," he sneered.
Neville had a feeling he knew what Draco was alluding to. Before Fudge, He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named was rising to power and had a strong presence in Ireland and Wales as he gained power and followers from the disgruntled.
"Come, it seems the professor is waiting on us," Daphne announced as she tossed her head.
Neville didn't see what Harry liked about her. She certainly wasn't the type of witch he would want to spend time with. Daphne and Zoe were very different in that regard.
It took no time to get up to the Castle and through to the Great Hall. Nothing had changed that he could tell. The long tables for each of the four houses looked just as long as they had been before. That was, until he looked at the High Table. It was much larger and created a U-shape around where the traditional podium would sit for official functions. There might have been another ten seats added.
They'd seen students be led off by Professors McGonagall, Flitwick, and Snape. Another fair-haired witch who could have been any age over fifty was assisting. Neville thought it might be to explain the House system to them and what might be expected of them before the feast.
For several minutes, it felt almost like normal until the professors and Dumbledore came into the Hall through the Staff Door at the back. There were several new faces and a few unwelcome ones. Umbridge and her boss were there, along with the sour-faced wizard who'd stopped them at the carriage entrance.
"Welcome!" Dumbledore called, cutting through the general noise in the Hall.
It took a few seconds for the students to finish talking and realize it was time to be quiet. "Welcome," the Headmaster repeated in a more sedate tone as he made his way to the front of the High Table. "As you are no doubt aware, we are joined by new pupils. Though some may not wish to be here, we welcome them all. We do so for every First-year student, so let us help our peers become accustomed to the wonders of Hogwarts."
There was a smattering of applause, but no one spoke. It was clear not all the students were happy to have new students to deal with.
"It will take some time for the sorting process to commence, so," the Headmaster continued as he clapped his hand. Plates of food and goblets filled to the brim with liquid appeared from nowhere. Neville knew it to be the work of a small army of House-elves in the Kitchens directly below the Great Hall. "Enjoy the feast and welcome your new Housemates!"
-X-X-X-X-
Thirty-eight new Gryffindors, only seven of which were First-year students. The entire school watched as each and every new student was sorted by the traditional Sorting Hat. One hundred and sixty-nine new students. He thought it had to be some sort of historic record. Five and a half miserable hours. They'd arrived in the Great Hall around four or five in the afternoon. It was well after eleven at night when Dumbledore stood up after the last student had been sorted.
Thankfully, for everyone involved, food, drink, and company kept most students' spirits up. Neville gently nudged a young boy named Patrick awake. "You'll want to hear what the Headmaster has to say," he whispered.
Dumbledore waited for the school body to settle down before waving his wand. Banners of different colors and sporting elaborate crests appeared down the center of the walkways, between the House tables.
"This ceremony was a long and drawn-out process," the Headmaster smiled. A general groan of agreement answered him. "However, it was important, as we are joined today by the entirety of the young generation of the British Isles. I know many of you have had excellent teachers, parents, and tutors who have shown you how to control, harness, and develop your considerable magical talents."
Neville noticed a few of the unnamed professors, who'd diligently waited through the long hours, stir at the High Table. Every eye in the room was on Dumbledore.
"I want to welcome you and to all who have returned to Hogwarts. If you allow us, your professors, to fill your minds with all the magical, historical, and elementary knowledge, then this, and every term, will not go to waste. As you embark on learning not only the many secrets of the Castle but also on improving yourselves, I challenge you to look beyond what is shown and to the future, your considerably bright futures.
To that, we are joined today by nine new professors," he said as he turned and bowed to the High Table. Several professors raised goblets or bowed from their chairs back. Umbridge and her boss didn't. She wasn't the only one. Professor Falkurk seemed unwilling to return the gesture. As Dumbledore turned back around, he waved his wand once more.
The separate banners moved over each of the long tables in line with the corresponding banner for each House. "We are, at least for now, one. I am not so deluded to think it will be an easy transition, but I will ask this of each of you, new student and returning, to give your peers a fair chance. One-on-one instruction provides a tailored learning experience that some of you may not understand. While others have enjoyed the very best of the best in their fields, teaching their beloved subjects to many. Each of you, even while enjoying Hogwarts in the past, will see a new school emerge from this term. Embrace it. Learn and teach each other as we direct your studies.
In the following weeks, as we all learn about one another, look to your Professors, Heads of House, Head Boys and Girls, Prefects, friends, and peers to help guide you through any uncertainty. Friendships will blossom. I think you might be surprised about how much you can learn from one another. To that, I welcome Professor Falkurk," he said as he threw one arm wide toward where the stern witch sat. "She will join us as a newly minted Augmentation Charms instructor. She joins us from Middlemiss School for the Gifted. Professor Flitwick will still teach Charms," he smiled.
"Professor Gregor is joining us in Homecare Herbology. He is renowned for his practices on the safety and production of commercial greenhouses." The willow-thin wizard had more gray than dark hair as he gave everyone a wave but didn't smile.
"Professor Malon will join us in Economical Potions and owns several shops around the world." The witch looked to be the complete opposite of Snape. Bright-eyed and smiling, the tousle-haired witch had deep bronze skin that almost glowed.
"Professor Jones has joined us as one of two Defense Against the Dark Arts teachers. He has excellent recommendations from Pius Thicknesse, the Head of the Department of Magical Standards," Dumbledore continued with a short bow to the corpulent dark-haired wizard in green robes. The man's rosy cheeks seemed to swell as he smiled back.
"Professor Argas will instruct Transformative Studies and join us from Giddeon and Glamory Institute. She is an adept wand at all forms of Transfiguration and has made incredible advancements in Human Transfiguration." The tall, slender witch with a plunging neckline bowed at the waist. Neville thought he detected some anger in the way she seemed stiff.
"Professor Umbridge," Dumbledore continued but was cut off by a cough.
"Allow me," the toad-like witch said as she stood and walked to the front of the dais without permission. The student body seemed to shift in their seats at the same time. It was loud. Even the new students how rude she was being. Neville eyed the new professor warily. Her boss seemed to smile wider as if he were a shark sensing blood in the water.
"Yes, thank you, Headmaster. Now, welcome to you all. How lovely it is to see all your bright, happy faces smiling up at me."
Neville glanced around. No one was smiling at the Gryffindor Table. One of the twins mumbled under his breath. Hermione shot him a withering look, her back straight.
"The Ministry of Magic has always considered the education of all young witches and wizards of vital importance. Although each Headmaster has brought something… new to this historical school, progress for the sake of progress must be discouraged. Let us, as a community, preserve what may be preserved, perfect what can be perfected, and prune practices that out to be prohibited."
Umbridge's smile widened as a few scattered applause came in from across the Hall.
"Thank you, Professor Umbridge, that really was most illuminating," Dumbledore said.
"What a load," Ron huffed.
Hermione turned to hiss something at him, but Neville ignored them. He watched the new professor glance at Dumbledore as she headed back to the High Table. There was a quality of menace in the way she stared at his exposed back. A viper in the grass, disguised as a rather ugly frog.
Dumbledore dismissed everyone without introducing the other new professors. They did not look pleased. Neville took the First-year students up to the Tower while Hermione escorted the older new students. He didn't envy her task. The wonder of Hogwarts had worn off quickly as everyone waited for their turn at the Sorting Hat.