The Enemy of my Enemy

The Common Room Conflict

To those concerned, I have my reasons for not showing the summer between the last book and this one. But, that does not mean it won't crop up throughout the story.

This sequel contains flashbacks.

When all the students had finished eating, Dumbledore stood from his chair and the noise diminished at once, and all heads turned to the front of the room.

"Well, now that we are all digesting another magnificent feast, I beg a few moments of your attention for the usual start-of-term notices," said Dumbledore. "First years ought to know that the forest in the grounds is out of bounds to all students, and a few of the older students should remember that, too. Mr. Filch, the caretaker, has asked me, for what he tells me is the four hundred and sixty-second time, to remind you all that magic is not permitted in corridors between classes -"

Teddie bit her lip and lowered her gaze, while Theo chuckled and nudged her. "To be fair," he said. "Your shield is uncontrollable at best."

"- nor are several other things," Dumbledore continued. "The full list can be found fastened to Mr. Flich's office door. If you wish to check it over to see what else is not permitted."

"Who'd be foolish enough to go in there to check?" Malfoy muttered.

Despite herself, Teddie couldn't help but agree.

"We have had two changes in staffing this year. We are very pleased to welcome back Professor Grubbly-Plank, who will be taking Care of Magical Creatures lessons."

Teddie perked up. She had noticed the disappearance of Hagrid - it would be hard not to, given his sheer size - but where was he if a new teacher were needed to come in and take over his lessons?

"Good riddance," said Parkinson. "He had no right teaching."

"Says the girl that is only taking his class to fill her timetable," said Teddie, glancing across the table. "I mean, you're not at all interested in Magical Creatures, are you?"

Parkinson opened her mouth to retort but broke off as Teddie turned away without giving her a chance.

"We are also delighted to introduce Professor Umbridge, our new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher," Dumbledore continued, and Teddie scanned the table to see a squat woman, dressed from head-to-toe in pink, sitting beside Professor Snape.

There was a polite round of applause.

"Why is she here?" Daphne whispered, leaning across the table.

Teddie cocked her head to the side. "Who?" she asked.

"Umbridge," said Blaise. "She works at the Ministry of Magic."

"She's the Undersecretary to the Minister," Daphne added. "Her being here is not good."

Teddie glanced up at the teacher's table and eyed the woman in pink. She had short mouse-brown hair and toad-like features. Suddenly, she coughed and stood up. Silence fell over the hall - no one had ever interrupted Dumbledore's start-of-term speech before and were quite stunned that she had.

Dumbledore, himself, only looked taken aback, whereas other teachers hadn't bothered to hide their surprise. Teddie noticed that Professor Snape, despite not showing any signs of surprise, had narrowed his eyes at Umbridge as she spoke in a sickly-sweet tone as if addressing a hall of pre-school children and not young adults.

"Thank you, Headmaster," Professor Umbridge simpered, "for those kind words of welcome. Well, it is lovely to be back at Hogwarts, I must say!" she continued, "and to see such happy little faces looking back at me!"