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 led the two students down the corridor, explaining the different floors with a calm tone. One was a boy with black curly hair and deep blue eyes. He was tall, coming up to Hagrids shoulder, 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 stretched 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 raised 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 widened 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 added giving a sharp, but joking glance, knowing he's talking about a boxing bag.
"You heard her Galin, play nice," Arianna said jabbing Galin in the ribs. Galin gave a slightly annoyed look at her.
McGonagall chuckled 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 turned cold. There was a glint of irritation in her eyes just at the mention of the horrible woman. She turned to face the duo, her hands clasped stiffly behind her back.
"Yes… that's correct. Professor Umbridge was appointed by the Minister himself." She said, with 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 sighed, still annoyed at the thought of it, but she did 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 added trying to lighten the mood
"I doubt she'd be in favor of any martial arts. She'd most likely suggest meditating instead." McGonagall said somewhat sarcastically.
"Damn, real shame" Galin sighed. "Looks like you're on pad duty Ari"
"No," she said giving him a deadpan expression.
"But-"
"No, you're gonna have to make friends and see if they'll hold for you,"
McGonagall couldn't help but silently chuckle at their banter, though she quickly collected 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 soon arrived at the door of the Great Hall. McGonagall reached out and pushed the door open, holding it so it was easier for the siblings to enter.
As the door swung open, they stepped 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 smiled as Arianna and Galin stared 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," she said with a nod and glanced 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 said as she walked towards the staff table.
Galin turned towards Arianna. "Laid it on thick with the innocent girl act don't ya think?"
Arianna rolled her eyes. "More bees with honey Galin," she said as the two headed towards Slytherin's table.
Yuno had his head buried in a book while he sipped on his cup of pumpkin juice, clearly enthralled by what he was 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 let out a small gasp from the sudden large muscular arm that slumped along his shoulders.
"Galin? Ari!?" he said with wide eyes as he looked between the two sitting beside him now.
He then quickly composed himself and narrowed his eyes at Galin as he jabbed him in the ribs. "Haven't seen me for a week, and that's the first thing you ask me? Get your head gym for once meathead"
"Little shit, always with the insults," Galin said as he puts his Yuno a headlock
"Get off me you idiot!" he hissed as he tried 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?"
"He always starts it," Galin whined as he let go of Yuno, trying his best not to laugh.
"I'm gonna need a shower after that" Yuno grumbled softly as he fixed 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 said as she took out a copy of The Daily Prophet.
Yuno looked 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." he mused. "Well, that just means we have more time to work with,"
"And possibly something else we can use to our advantage, but let's discuss that somewhere a little more private. Best we scatter for now." Arianna said as she noticed some of the Slytherin students starting to stare at them. Yuno followed her gaze and nodded 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 gave a small wave of goodbye and returned to his book reading. "Looks like phase one begins," he thought to himself with a mischievous smirk on his face
(After dinner)
Arianna walked through the hallways alone, 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 said with a smug smirk circling her like a shark. Arianna eyed him, for a second, and formed a sly smirk on her face.
"Seems word spread fast around here. 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 England, that's for sure," he 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 turning his nose up snobbishly "Darkwood? Never heard of your family before."
"First wizard of my family if you get my drift"
"Ah, I see," he said realizing what she meant. "A mudblood, of course. 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 felt a slight flare of irritation at the mention of Umbridge, but he pushed the thought back. "Looks like we've got ourselves a Yankee witch mates," he said looking back at Blaise and Crabbe. His head then turned back towards her "So what made you decide to come to Hogwarts, huh? Needed a change of scenery?"
"Every princess needs her castle... still haven't gotten your name by the way"
"Draco Malfoy, and you better remember the name."
"Hmmmm...Draco" Arianna said letting the name roll "...I like it. Much better than calling you by your last name like my fellow Gryffindors"
"So this is Malfoy junior." she thought to herself. "Not too hard on the eyes either."
Draco's smirk fell and turned into a sneer. "So, you think you're too good to address me by my last name Darkwood? I'll have y'know I'm the future lord of the most influential families in the wizarding world"
Arianna giggled at the description "I'd hardly call you a lord" Suddenly, she grabbed Draco's necktie towards her, causing him to fall forward and let out a grunt in surprise. The next thing he knew, his body was pinning hers up against the wall. "I think of you as more of a dragon"
Draco could feel his heart starting to race by the close proximity. He could feel his cheeks starting burn slightly, and a lump formed in his throat. "W...What the hell do you think you're doing!?" he sputtered
She gave an impish half smirk "Somones shy" she said
His eyes narrowed the comment, as his anger flared up. "You think you can just toy with me!? Here's your first lesson Darkwood, it's not wise to mess with someone of my standing."
"I guess that's another thing I learned today. Want to know another one?"
Draco rolled his eyes but couldn't help but be intrigued. "Enlighten me," he said, his voice dripping with feigned indifference.
Her impish smirk grew
"Professor's office hours end at a quarter-til seven. We happen to be right outside an office right, and time is...oh let me see " She glanced over at the clock on along wall. "About four seconds til that time... and were not exactly following schools regarding... student etiquette "
Draco's eyes widened and flicked towards the door to Professor Binns's office, realizing the precarious situation they were in. Crabbe and Blase looked back their eyes widened as well. Draco swore under his breath, realizing that the Professor 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's impish smirk grew. He glanced towards the source of the noise, expecting to see a teacher stepping out any second. Arianna let go of Draco's tie allowing him to push himself away from her, creating some distance between them just as Professor Binns floated out of his office. The ghost looked at the pair with a raised eyebrow.
"Mr. Malfoy," he said in a dry, monotonous voice. "What are you doing in this corridor?"
Arianna pushed herself off the wall"I was just asking for directions to the Hogwarts Library Professor," Arianna said sweetly, her demeanor completely different from before "I'm new here so I was just asking for directions. Draco was just about to tell me the way there"
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." He could feel his whole body tense up, awaiting the professor's decision.
"Very well," Professor Binns finally said with a small nod, before slowly drifting away down the hallway. Everyone stayed silent for a few seconds before letting out a small breath of relief.
He shot a scowl at Arianna, his fist balling so much his knuckles turned white"You're going regret doing that, later." He said staring her down, nostrils flaring.
"Well then- "she said with the same sultry tone from before. "-If that's the case, I'll see you soon...dragon," As she walked by, she gave 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.
"Y-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. His 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 loud,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 Malfoy Jr," she said 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 good-looking is just a bonus" she responded with a shameless shrug.
Yuno made a gagging motion at the comment. "Dragon? Really?"
"What? I think it's cute," she said a bit defensively
"Sounds like a nickname you'd see in a bad fan fiction,"
Arianna gave Yuno a slightly annoyed scowl "Little shit" she muttered rolling her eyes"
"On a more serious note," he responded with a more serious tone, "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 and make the right calls" she answered. "And with that said Umbridge being "High Inquisitor" 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 newfound power."
Yuno raised an eyebrow. "Ok, but her having more authority than the average Professor doesn't do much? Anything that she does can be overruled by Dumbledore."
"Ah but there's a catch to this new position," she said "McGonagall mentioned something about Umbridge being able to create new rules called "Educational Decree" which are basically rules that the school has to follow or face disciplinary action from the Ministry. Basically she can create any new rule she wants," she leaned against a bookshelt. "The one coming up basically makes it impossible for students to meet up for club activities, which McGonagall mentioned was specifically used to target the dueling club"
"So basically anything she doesn't like, she can just get rid of."
"Just about, 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 chimed as he finished loading a magazine with bullets. The response caused Arianna and Yuno to let out an "ugh" in unison
"Seriously?" Arianna complained
"A goldfish has a better attention span!" Yuno exclaimed.
Galin looked at them confused. "What, you never know when I might need some lead"
"Then do it later, like in the bathroom or something," she said
"Fine, Fine," he said holstering the pistol on the belt of his pants. "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 explained with an impish glint in her eyes.
Galin finally catches on and a devilish grin appears "Oh… I like this plan"
"Figured you would," she said. "Yuno, push Umbridge to her limit. The more resistance "the students show" the more drastic actions she'll take. Galin and I will try and make 'buddy-buddy' with Dumbledore's favorite students" Arianna says as she props herself up from the face of the shelf.
"Smart." Yuno started "But, I suspect Potter, and his friends, saw me perform my magic on my first day here."I felt traces of magic from our days behind me as I was contacting you two. At first, I thought it was just some books, but the traces began to move. So the only thing I could think of was an old invisibility cloak."
Arianna's eyes went wide. "Shit, Yuno if that's the case then-"
"Don't worry" he cut her off. "He hasn't said anything to Dumbledore. Haven't noticed the teachers keeping a close eye on me. That said, I'm working on a safeguard to at least keep your identities safe."
She let out a breath that she didn't know she was holding "Alright, still, that means we really can't seen together that much in public, especially in front of Potter's group" Arianna ordered.
"Understood" Yuno said. He pulled 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 tossed Arianna and Galin.
"Nice work little brother," Arianna praised
Yuno rolled his eyes. "Don't call me little, your highness"
Arianna chuckled 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 replied with malicious smiles of their own.