The Light in the Dark | Neville Longbottom

Chapter 11: I Must Not Tell Lies

September 2nd, 1995

"Would ya look at that?" I beamed as Padma Patel's paper crane flew around the classroom.

"GET IT, GET IT!" Seamus shouted from behind, smacking the crane in the air. Crabbe shot something at it well.

Hermione rolled her eyes as she opened her notebook, "Boys, they're so barbaric!"

Suddenly, the paper crane caught fire, silencing the whole room. Dolores Umbridge came out of the shadows as the crane crumbled upon Padma's desk. Umbridge wore the same crooked smile from last night, and gave yet another uncomfortable giggle.

Fifth-year Gryffindors got unlucky. Not only did they have Defense Against the Dark Arts three times a week, it was also their last class on Mondays. Meaning that, until the end of the year, Dolores Umbridge welcomed me into the new week. I was so excited that I almost cried! Ron even choked on his cereal this morning due to his excitement!

"Good morning children!" Umbridge cooed, "Would you turn your attention to the chalkboard for a moment? Your curriculum this year will revolve around the ordinary wizarding level examinations, or more commonly known as the O.W.Ls!"

Everyone shared shifty looks, except for Neville, who was so scared to look away from Umbridge that his eyes were glued upon the chalkboard. We all sensed it, Umbridge put on this welcoming persona, but her energy was just evil... pure evil.

"Study hard, and you shall be rewarded!" Umbridge continued, "Fail to do so, and the consequences may be... severe!"

At a flick of her wand, Umbridge used a levitation spell to pass heavy textbooks out to the class.

"Your previous instruction in this subject has been disturbingly uneven," Umbridge sighed, "Needless to say, from now on, you'll be covering a carefully structured, Ministry-approved, course of Defense!"

Hermione raised her hand, "Does the book cover anything about defensive spells?"

Umbridge laughed, "Spells? Why would you need to use spells in my classroom?"

"We're not using magic?" Ron questioned.

"Mr. Weasley, please raise your hand next time if you wish to speak," Umbridge reprimanded, "You won't be using magic, but you will be learning about it in a safe and risk-free environment!"

"Well, if we're going to be attacked, that's not really risk-free!" Harry scoffed rudely.

"Again, students will raise their hands when they want to speak in my class!" Umbridge said coldly as she walked back to the front of the classroom.

Harry rolled his eyes, sinking into his seat as he raised his hand. Hermione glanced between Umbridge and Harry before raising her own hand.

"It is the view of the Ministry that a theoretical knowledge of the course is more than enough to get you through your examinations! Which, after all, is what school is all about!" Umbridge explained unkindly, ignoring the two hands in the air.

Harry nonchalantly kept his hand raised while Hermione was about to pull her arm out of her socket from how desperately she fought to grab Umbridge's attention, who was obviously ignoring her. Suddenly, Dean Thomas raised his hand, a confused look upon his face.

"Yes, Mr. Thomas?" Umbridge asked nicely.

"How is a theoretical approach supposed to prepare us for our practical exams?" Dean questioned.

"Or whatever else is out there!" Harry shouted, still with his hand raised.

"DETENTION, MR. POTTER! I WILL NOT ASK YOU AGAIN TO RAISE YOUR HAND IF YOU WISH TO SPEAK!" Umbridge shouted, "Mr. Thomas, if you know the spells, there's no reason you shouldn't be able to perform them well!"