The Speaker and His Wraiths

Let's Talk About It

Headmistress Umbridge

By Order of
The Ministry of Magic

Dolores Jane Umbridge (High Inquisitor) has replaced Albus Dumbledore as Head of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

The above is in accordance with Educational Decree Number Twenty-six.

Signed,
Cornelius Oswald Fudge
Minister of Magic

"So it worked." Ernie MacMillan whispered as they left Herbology, "Will there be a meeting?"

"After dinner." Harry confirmed, "I'm changing the coins after lunch."

"You know, I heard from one of the portraits that Umbridge tried to get into the Headmaster's office last night." Ernie said lowly, "She couldn't even get past the gargoyle. It sealed itself completely, and she pitched a fit over it."

"Of course the school would be loyal to Dumbledore." Harry muttered, "Not that I'm upset she's locked out, but this probably isn't too good a sign."

"Is the castle alive, you think?" Ron asked, lowering his voice as he spoke.

"No, but the things in it are." Hermione shook her head, "The statues talk, the suits of armor move around, every portrait is alive, of course. Isn't it obvious? They're probably all loyal to Dumbledore."

"Oh, that's a problem." Ron frowned.

"D'you think they'll fight back if someone tried to take the castle?" Ernie asked, wide eyed.

"That wouldn't end well for anyone, so we'll go with no." Harry sighed, "Let's just hope the gargoyles hate Umbridge and leave it at that." Ernie nodded, and he split off to head to his own class.

"How's the preparation going for your trip over Break?" Hermione asked casually. "I'm thinking of visiting my grandparents, myself."

"Well I finally figured out the transportation aspect." Harry grinned, "So that's all set now." He blinked, and then turned to Ron. "Hey, I heard your siblings were working on making some clothes. Did you hear anything about that lately? I meant to ask but I forgot."

"Ohhh yeah, that's going well." Ron said, "Apparently they made two outfits but they're adding capes, which takes awhile."

"They're not capes. Capes are stupid!" Harry exclaimed, throwing up his hands. "They're cloaks. Short ones, but cloaks nonetheless."

"Sure, sure, whatever you say." Ron snickered, so Harry elbowed him in the side.

"C'mon, we have Transfiguration." Hermione laughed, "McGonagall's been in a right state since Dumbledore left, so let's not push her patience."

"Ah, very wise." Ron said, nodding with false seriousness. He earned another jab in the ribs, this time from Hermione.

"So that's it." Harry said, clasping his hands together as he finished his speech. "Does anyone have any questions?"

"How's Lisa?" Cho said quickly, raising her hand almost as an afterthought. "You said she's still in the Hospital Wing?"

"She's alright." Harry sighed. He ran a hand through his hair and took a deep breath. "Unfortunately, she doesn't remember the DA plans or much else surrounding me. She didn't even know we were friends. I'm afraid to ask her about the Wraiths just in case she doesn't remember it, but I'm going to have to, and soon. Madam Pomfrey says she'll be released the day before Break, which is in five days, but she makes no promises about her memories coming back."

"What do we do if she doesn't remember?" Roger said, leaning forward. The Ravenclaw was sitting in the front row, and so Harry could easily see his nails bitten down to the quick and a bandaid over one of them.