two rings and bad things

38_ astronomy tower

The first day of classes were going fairly well, even though there was a lot of pressure with O.W.L.S. at the end of the year.

In Potions, the fifth years brewed the Draught of Living Death and Ed was able to vanish her snail on her third attempt in Transfiguration.

Care of Magical Creatures wasn't too bad, either. Then again, this might have been because Professor Grubbly Plank taught about pretty harmless creatures, like the bowtruckles, instead of blast-ended skrewts.

Their next class was Defense Against the Dark Arts, which meant a new teacher...again.

Ed walked into the room with Malorie when she heard someone whistle at her.

She turned to Malfoy, who was smirking, and rolled her eyes.

She didn't realize how much he admired her warm, brown eyes and long hair-

"Good afternoon, everyone!" Professor Umbridge announced.

But no one responded.

"This school has much more work to be done than I thought. This is the second class who has not responded properly. Why don't we try again?"

"Good afternoon," she said again.

"Good afternoon," everyone chanted back.

"I am well aware that you all might be a bit behind in this subject, considering your past professors, but know that you are in good hands. The Ministry will make sure you are well prepared for your O.W.L.S.," she started.

After writing down the course aims, the students were instructed to read the first chapter of Defensive Magical Theory by Wilbert Slinkhard.

The class did not seem very productive, at least compared to ones in the past, even the one taught by a Death Eater in disguise.

"Excuse me, Professor Umbridge?" Ed asked politely.

She assumed Umbridge would say yes to what she was about to ask, but just wanted to make sure.

"Yes, dear?"

"I finished the reading, I was wondering if I could read my book on how to counter dark spells?"

Professor Umbridge let out a high-pitched laugh.

"You must be mistaken. There is absolutely no need for that. Contrary to what you might have heard, You-Know-Who, has most certainly not returned, therefore you should not be concerned of such...or how to defend yourselves. Everything you need is already in your textbook."

Ed was not expecting that—she was sure any other teacher would have let her.

And she was positive Dumbledore wouldn't have lied about what happened at the Triwizard Tournament, so why was this lady?

"In fact, because your book has not been approved by the Ministry, I will have to confiscate it," she said sternly.

"Please, don't take it. I'll make sure to leave it my dormitory," Ed pleaded.

"If you were so prepared, you wouldn't have brought a non-Ministry-approved book in the first place."

Ed reluctantly handed over the book.

She had just convinced her mom to buy it for her in Diagon Alley, and now it was gone.

_______________

"I think you're supposed to do the wand movement a little slower," said Ed.

Today in Flitwick's class, they were practicing the Summoning Charms with partners.