Chapter 7
The New Students Arrive
(Opening song. Danger Danger by FZMZ feat. icy.)
(The next morning at Hogwarts. The Great Hall)
'"The Minister has been growing uneasy about the goings-on at Hogwarts for some time," said junior Assistant to the Minister, Percy Weasley.
"He is now responding to concerns voiced by anxious parents, who feel the school may be moving in a direction they do not approve of." 'This is not the first time in recent weeks that the Minister, Cornelius Fudge, has used new laws to effect improvements at the wizarding school. As recently as 30 August, Educational Decree Number Twenty-two was passed, to ensure that, in the event of the current Headmaster being unable to provide a candidate for a teaching post, the Ministry should select an appropriate person. '"That's how Dolores Umbridge came to be appointed to the teaching staff at Hogwarts," said Weasley last night. "Dumbledore couldn't find anyone so the Minister put in Umbridge, and of course, she's been an immediate success —"' '
"She's been a WHAT?" said Harry loudly. "Wait, there's more," said Hermione grimly. He and most of his closest friends were huddled reading the paper at breakfast. Word had spread quickly about Umbridge becoming 'High Inquisitor of Hogwarts.'
'"— revolutionizing the teaching of Defence Against the Dark Arts and providing the Minister with on-the-ground feedback about what's really happening at Hogwarts." 'It is this last function that the Ministry has now formalized with the passing of Educational Decree Number Twenty-three, which creates the new position of Hogwarts High Inquisitor.
'"This is an exciting new phase in the Minister's plan to get to grips with what some are calling the falling standards at Hogwarts," said Weasley. "The Inquisitor will have powers to inspect her fellow educators and make sure that they are coming up to scratch. Professor Umbridge has been offered this position in addition to her own teaching post and we are delighted to say that she has accepted."
'The Ministry's new moves have received enthusiastic support from parents of students at Hogwarts. "I feel much easier in my mind now that I know Dumbledore is being subjected to fair and objective evaluation," said Mr Lucius Malfoy, 41, speaking from his Wiltshire mansion last night. "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 are glad to know that the Ministry is keeping an eye on the situation."
"Bloody hell! Fudge is turning her into a dictator" Dean Thomas said grimly as Hermoine read on
'Rumours abound, of course, 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 towards ensuring that Hogwarts has a headmaster in whom we can all repose our confidence," said a Ministry insider last night. Wizengamot elders Griselda Marchbanks and Tiberius Ogden have resigned in protest at the introduction of the post of Inquisitor to Hogwarts.
'"Hogwarts is a school, not an outpost of Cornelius Fudge's office," said Madam Marchbanks. "This is a further, disgusting attempt to discredit Albus Dumbledore."
(For a full account of Madam Marchbanks's alleged links to a subversive goblin group, turn to page seventeen.)'
"So now we know how we ended up with Umbridge! Fudge passed this "Educational Decree" and forced her on us! And now he's given her the power to inspect the other teachers!" Ginny said a concerned look on her face
Hermione was breathing fast and her eyes were very bright. "I can't believe this. It's ridiculous!"
"I know it is," said Harry. He looked down at his right hand, clenched on the table-top, and saw the scar lines of the words Umbridge had forced him to cut into his skin.
"I can't wait to see McGonagall inspected," said Ron snorting at the thought. "Umbridge won't know what's hit her."
"Well, come on," said Hermione, jumping up, "we'd better get going if she's inspecting Binns's class, we don't want to be late…"
(Later in the afternoon, in the corridors of Hogwarts)
Professor McGonagall leads the two students down the corridor, explaining the different floors with a calm tone. One was a boy with brown hair that was faded on the sides of his head and clear blue eyes. He was tall with long muscular arms and legs, the definition peaking through his uniform. The other was a girl with snow-white hair that came down to her shoulders which was a stark contrast with her eyes which were a bright deep green color like emeralds. Under her left eye was a small faint lightning bolt-shaped scar.
"We usually spend most of our time on the first floor, as the common rooms and the Great Hall are here. But classrooms are on each floor as well as our offices" she explains stopping at a window down the corridor. "And right there is the Quidditch pitch. I've probably seen every match that's been held there."
Galin stretches his arms still still from the train ride. "That's great, Professor, but I don't suppose you have anywhere for students to get exercising and strength training. I have a fight coming up during the winter break"
McGonagall raises her eyebrows, clearly not expecting the boy to be a fighter.
"A fight, where at if may ask?"
"Fights back in the states, the kid I'm going against throws knee strikes that hit like a truck"
McGonagall eyes widen slightly, impressed with Galin
"Ah, I see. Well unfortunately I'm not entirely sure if we do have a designated spot for 'strength training' per se… It's quite unusual for students at Hogwarts to do such activities." She said with a vague, pondering look, as they began walking once more. "But I suppose the courtyards could do. There are also a few forested areas and parks and meadows you could run around at."
"Well, it will have to do for now, so long as I have something to hit," Galin said resting his hands behind his head.
"You will refrain from hitting other students, I hope," McGonagall adds giving a sharp, but joking glance, knowing he's talking about a boxing bag.
"You heard her Galin, play nice," Arianna says jabbing Galin in the ribs. Galin gave a slightly annoyed look at her.
McGonagall chuckles at the two's banter. "It is indeed important that students do sports and exercise. The school does have quidditch teams, if you're interested in that."
"Professor, I read something about an educational reform going on at the school. Something about a 'High Inquisitor, named Dolores Umbridge?'" Arianna asked as she followed behind McGonagall.
McGonagall froze at the question. Suddenly the good mood in the air turns cold. There's irritation in her eyes just by mentioning the horrible woman. She turns to face the duo, her hands clasped stiffly behind her back.
"Yes… that's correct. Professor Umbridge was appointed by the Minister himself." She adds that last part with clear disdain in her voice. "She plans to oversee the school through…. educational decrees."
"Have there been any major changes we should know about for tomorrow's classes?" Arianna asked concerned
"As of now no, but I am ashamed to say there will be... unpleasant changes coming soon." McGonagall sighs, still annoyed at the thought of it, but she does her best to keep her voice steady.
"A new rule called, Educational Decree Number Twenty-Four will soon be in effect that forbids all dueling essentially." She said with an annoyed tone.
"Guessing she's not gonna be too approving of me practicing my kickboxing during social hour then" Galin adds trying to lighten the mood
"I doubt she'd be in favor of any martial arts. She'd most likely suggest meditating instead." McGonagall says somewhat sarcastically.
"Damn, real shame" Galin laughed. "Looks like you're on pad duty Ari"
"No," Arianna said giving him a deadpan expression.
"But-"
"No, you're gonna have to make friends and see if they'll hold for you," Arianna says sternly.
McGonagall snorts faintly at their banter, though she quickly collects herself reminding them that they had a destination to reach.
"We're almost at the Great Hall. Are you both excited to see your new common rooms? I believe the Hufflepuff common room has been redone recently."
"I'm pretty excited to see mine! Our younger brothers in Slytherin, and wrote that his dorm was underneath the lake here" Arianna said
"The Slytherin common room is indeed under the lake. There is a window that allows you to see what's under the water, but I'm uncertain how the view looks during the night."
The three of them reach the door of the Great Hall. McGonagall reaches out and pushes the door open, holding it so it's easier for the siblings to enter.
As the door swings open, they step into the Great Hall. It's a massive room, with four tables at each end representing each of the four Houses. Students lined the seats, each one sitting at their respective tables of their house. McGonagall smiles as Arianna and Galin stare at it in wonder.
"Wow, this is amazing! Thanks, Professor McGonagall! Is there any chance we can visit our brother over at the Slytherin table for a bit?" Arianna asked her
"I suppose it won't hurt." gives a nod, and glances over at the table where most of the green and silver robes sat.
"Make sure you two are back in your common rooms after curfew, no exceptions," She says as she walks towards the staff table.
Galin turns towards Arianna. "Laid it on thick with the innocent girl act don't ya think?"
Arianna rolls her eyes. "More bees with honey Gal," she says as she and Galin start towards Slytherin's table.
Yuno is busy reading a book while he sips on his cup of pumpkin juice, clearly indulging in what he is reading. He was at the end of the table a few seats away from everyone else, liking the space.
"Hope you've been keeping up with those exercises I gave you"
Yuno was startled by the sudden arm around his neck, letting out a small yelp
"Gal? Ari!?" Yuno said with wide eyes as he looked between the two sitting beside him now.
Yuno's eyes narrow at Galin as he jabs him in the ribs. "Haven't seen me for a week, and that's the first thing you ask me?"
"Little shit, always with the smart mouth," Galin says as he puts his Yuno a headlock
"Get off me, you idiot!" Yuno grunts as he tries to push Galin away.
Arianna chuckled at them, smiling warmly as the two boys reunited."Not even 30 seconds you two have been together and you're already arguing?"
"His wisecracks always start it," Galin whined as he let go of Yuno, trying his best not to laugh.
"I'm gonna need a shower after that" Yuno grumbles softly as he fixes his hair. "Seriously why are you two here so early? Transfers don't come for another two weeks."
"I'm guessing it has something to do with this," Arianna says as she takes out a copy of The Daily Prophet.
Yuno looks at the headline and the lead of the story "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"
"I see, so Fudge appointing Umbridge must have pushed up the timetable then." Yuno muses. "Well, that just means we have more time to work with,"
"And possibly something else we can work with, but let's discuss that somewhere a little more private. Best we scatter for now." Arianna says as she notices some of the Slytherin students starting to stare at them. Yuno follows her gaze and nods his head.
"Well anyway it was nice chatting with you little bro, we'll see you after dinner to catch up," Arianna says cheerfully. "See ya, runt" Galin chimes in as both of them walk away to their respective tables.
Yuno gives a small wave of goodbye and returns to his book reading. "Looks like phase one begins," he thinks to himself with a mischievous smirk on his face
(After dinner)
Arianna walked the hallways alone, she was looking for the library to meet up with Yuno and Galin, but she lost her way.
"Damn it, I forgot how much of a maze this place was." Arianna cursed under her breath.
As she scans the rooms looking for the library entrance, a group of boys blocks her path. She raises an eyebrow at the two taller boys, obviously bullies. The leader steps forward looking her up and down.
"Well, the newbie has gotten herself lost has she?" Draco mocked circling her like a shark. Arianna eyed him, for a second, and formed a sly smirk on her face.
"And who might you be?" she said matching his pace. The two now circling each other like wolves having a standoff. Draco smirked as he matched Arianna's pace, his eyes never left hers as they circled each other.
"The better question is who are you? You're not from around here, that's for sure." Draco said mockingly His eyes scanned her up and down, taking in her white hair and the small lighting bolt scar on her left cheek.
"Arianna, Arianna Darkwood," she said, a smug confident smirk still plastered on her face.
Draco raised his eyebrows in surprise at the mention of her name. "Darkwood? Never heard of your family before."
"First wizard of my family if you get my drift"
Draco smirked, clearly amused by the revelation.
"Ah, I see. A mudblood huh? We don't get many of your filth around here."
Crabbe snickered in agreement, while the Blaise remained silent and scanned her intently. "There's something off about this one" he thought to himself
"So, Arianna, where are you from? Let me guess... Some backwater village where they burn witches at the stake?"
"Just transferred here from the States this afternoon. I guess the announcement of the new 'High Inquisitor' pushed my transfer here up earlier than expected" Arianna explained as she stopped, her back facing a wall.
Draco's smirk faltered for a moment as she mentioned the new High Inquisitor. It seemed she had caught him off guard somehow. He quickly composed himself and continued his antagonistic tone "Looks like we've got ourselves a Yankee witch. What made you decide to come to Hogwarts, huh? Needed a change of scenery?"
"A princess always needs her castle... still haven't gotten your name though"
The other boys chuckled at her retort while Draco's smirk turned into a scowl.
"I'm Draco Malfoy," he replied haughtily, "of the noble and most ancient House of Malfoy.
"Hmmmm...Draco...I like it" Arianna says letting the name roll in her mind. "So this is Malfoy junior. Not too hard on the eyes either." she thought herself. She suddenly had a mischievous idea seeing a teacher's office in her peripheral
Draco's mocking smirk returned. "You would, wouldn't you princess?" he drawled, taking a step closer to her "Girls like you always end up falling for the charming and handsome pure-blood prince."
Arianna giggled "I'd hardly call you a prince" As she said this, she grabbed Draco's necktie towards her, causing him to fall forward so he was pinning Arianna against the wall behind her. Her eyes met Draco's as his cheeks blushed pink, but she remained completely calm "I think of you as more of a dragon"
I... what are you doing?" he sputtered, trying to regain his composure. He felt his heart skip a beat as Arianna never broke his gaze. He didn't expect her to take control so easily, and their sudden proximity brought a blush to his cheeks.
"Just getting a better look at those striking eyes of yours," Arianna said with a mote sultry tone, her fingers fiddling his necktie.
Draco gulped as he matched her gaze, his cheek suddenly feeling blood rush to them. They were mere inches apart."You're awfully forward, aren't you?" he retorted, trying to sound nonchalant. "Y'should know better than to toy with a Malfoy."
"I guess that's another thing I learned today. Want to know another one?" she said with a sly smirk.
Draco rolled his eyes but couldn't help but be intrigued. "Enlighten me," he said, his voice dripping with feigned indifference.
"Did you know that teachers make round patrol trips around the castle, McGonagall told me that as she was giving me the tour today" Arianna began
"So, what of it," he asked raising an eyebrow.
"She also mentioned that they make these patrols every 15 minutes on each floor, and we just happen to be right next to a professor's office," Arianna said with a sly smirk. "And I think the time is now what? 6:45 in about 5 seconds?"
Draco's eyes flicked towards the door to Professor Binns's office, realizing the precarious situation they were in. Crabbe and Blase looked back their eyes wide. Draco swore under his breath, realizing that a teacher could appear at any moment.
"You're not serious..." he muttered, trying to hide the hint of concern in his voice.
His heart skipped a beat as he heard the sound of the door opening, while Arianna gave a mischievous grin. He glanced towards the source of the noise, expecting to see a teacher stepping out any second. Draco instinctively pushed himself away from Arianna, creating some distance between them just as Professor Binns stepped out of his office. The ghost-like teacher looked at the pair with a raised eyebrow and a stern expression.
"Mr. Malfoy," he said in a dry, monotonous voice. "What are you doing in this corridor?"
"I was just asking for directions to the Hogwarts Library Professor, I'm new here so I think I got a bit lost. Draco here was just about to tell me the way there" Arianna said sweetly, giving a glance at Draco.
Draco gritted his teeth, silently vowing revenge on Arianna for putting him in this position. He cleared his throat and forced a polite smile.
"Yes, sir." he said, then pointed to his left "The library is just down the hallway to the left."
Professor Binns regarded them for a moment before nodding. "Very well. You two should get to your respective common rooms. Curfew is soon."
Draco's irritation grew as he watched Arianna giggle, clearly amused by the situation. They both waited for Binns to get out of earshot.
"You think you're so clever, don't you?" he retorted, his frustration evident in his voice, but also hiding a bit of admiration. "But mark my words, I won't forget this little stunt you pulled." He said staring down at Arianna slightly, nostrils flaring.
"Well if that's the case, see you soon...dragon," she said with the same sultry tone from before. As she walks by, she gives Draco a quick peck on his cheek and slinks away towards the library. Draco's face flushed red as she kissed his cheek, his tough facade crumbling for a moment.
"You-You can't just-" he protested, his voice a mixture of surprise and irritation, but she was already rounding the corner, leaving him flustered and fuming.
Draco's hand instinctively touched the place where she had kissed his cheek."Damn it," he thought to himself, still feeling the warmth on his cheek where her lips had touched. "This isn't over, Darkwood," he said out lou,d looking at the corner she just turned.
(The Library of Hogwarts)
Arianna finally found her way to the Library. She sat at a desk and pretended to read a book, keeping an eye on Madam Price, the school librarian. Arianna waited for Madam Price to get up from her desk. Arianna then used her abilities to mimic the abilities of a Demiguise to turn invisible and sneak into the Restricted Section of the Library, where Yuno and Galin waited for her. Galin was inspecting his firearms he managed to sneak into the school, and Yuno was practicing spells from his medium for magic, The legendary tome known as the Necronomicon. Arianna then disabled her magic-induced invisibility.
Yuno looked up a stoic expression on his face. "What kept you Ari?" he asked as he glanced back down to the book.
"Had a bit of fun with Draco Malfoy" Arianna giggled with a sly smirk.
Galin looked up from his pistol. "Already found a new boy toy have you?"
"Well his father is a Death Eater, so it's a good way to get info on them if Dragon slips up. Him being pretty good-looking is a bonus" Arianna shrugged shamelessly.
Yuno chuckled. "Dragon? Really?"
Arianna narrowed her eyes. "What? I think it's cute."
"Sounds like a bad fan fiction," Yuno said bluntly.
"Always the little shit" she muttered rolling her eyes
"On a more serious note, did the boss give you two any specific instructions since all three of us are at Hogwarts?" Yuno asked as he closed his book and looked at Arianna.
"She said to keep a low profile, but with Umbridge being "High Inquisitor" it changes things. If she's as authoritarian as the papers and McGongall made her out to be, we might be able to take advantage of her."
Yuno raised an eyebrow. "Why did you get that impression? From what I've seen she's just making sure everyone stays quiet about Riddle?"
"McGonagall mentioned something about Umbridge creating an Educational Decree whenever she deems it necessary. I think one of them is going to effectively eliminate the dueling club." Arianna said leaning against the face of a bookshelf.
"So basically anything she doesn't like, she can just get rid of."
"That's about the jist, and with the more control she exerts over the student body, the more rebellious they'll eventually become"
Yuno eyes widen in realization. "I see where you're going with this Ari"
"I don't" Galin chimes in loading a magazine with bullets.
Both Arianna and Yuno narrow their eyes at Galin's aloofness.
"Galin your 'babies' can wait," Arianna says with an annoyed tone.
"Fine, Fine," Galin says holstering a pistol. "So what's this plan, Ari?"
"If Umbridge is an authoritarian, and students start taking actions to rebel against her. It's a perfect recipe for a cold war ain't it?" Arianna explains with an impish glint in her eyes.
Galin finally catches on and a devilish grin appears "Oh… I like this plan"
"Figured you would. Yuno, you push Umbridge so she takes more drastic actions, while me and Galin try and make 'buddy-buddy' with the Dumbledore's favorite students" Arianna says as she props herself up from the face of the shelf.
"Smart. However, I suspect Potter, and his friends, saw me perform my magic on my first day here. Seems they're keeping that intel close to their chest. Haven't had any problems with the teachers watching me too closely" Yuno says.
Arianna raises an eyebrow. "You suspect. Did something happen?"
"I felt traces of ancient magic behind me as I was contacting you. At first, I thought it was just some books, but the traces began to move. So the only thing I could think of was Death's Cloak."Yuno explains.
"Damn," Arianna says not excepting the development. "Alright, well that means we really can't seen together that much in public, especially in front of Potter's group" Arianna orders.
"Understood" Yuno says. He pulls out two amulets from his pocket. "These will let you two transport to the Restrict Section without having to make the trip to the Library" He tosses Arianna and Galin.
"Nice work little brother," Arianna says.
Yuno rolls his eyes. "Don't call me little, your highness"
Arianna chuckles at his statement. "Alright, so we have a plan, and when it's time to execute it…" Arianna begins as she pockets the amulet.
"Make it a big show!" she finishes looking at Galin and Yuno with a malicious smile. They both reply with malicious smiles of their own.