𝑁𝑜𝑡 𝐴𝑛𝑜𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟 𝐿𝑜𝑣𝑒 𝑆𝑡𝑜𝑟𝑦 (𝐻𝑎𝑟𝑟𝑦 𝑃.)

~Chapter 32: Swirling~

-Warning guys-

While waiting on the newest Professor the class is loud and lively, "I hope she's not as bad as she seemed the other day." I state to Hermione, who I already know shares similar doubts. It was written all among her face that night.

"She's got a clear vendetta against you and Harry... This screams nothing but trouble." I go to agree with her words, until I realize I had no idea what she was on about. 

What have I got to do with this? 

Why do I always have something to do with it?

Although today has been different. Rather than the normal whispers and gestures, I've either had people ignore me entirely or practically kissing my boots. Something definitely is not right.

My thoughts get rudely interrupted by a now singed bird made of parchment falling on top of my books. I make a disgusted look and use the sleeve of my robe to knock it to the floor. 

"You'll be cleaning that, Miss. Y/n, I do hope?" The short lady dressed in pink passes my table and I nod, going to pull my wand out for a quick cleaning spell.

She places a hand over mine, "A feather duster is right over there." She points it out and I glance at Hermione, the most confused I believe I have ever been. A wizard, telling me to use a muggle object. Things are wack. 

I snap my head towards two Hufflepuff girls who seem to find this funny, at least they did. They don't seem to be laughing any longer. 

She points her towards the chalk board in the front as I go to grab the duster. I bring it back to my desk to pretend to clean it, rather I kick it under my desk and return the duster to its home. 

"Ordinary, wizarding, levels. O.W. L'S. Commonly known as Owls." The new Professor informs us as if we hadn't heard of it since we were wee little first years. 

"Study hard and you will be rewarded. Fail to do so and the consequences may be severe." She giggles. That sound may haunt my nightmares for years to come. Professor Umbridge flicks her wand and the stacks of books on the desktop levitate each book dropping in front of a student. 

And here I was thinking she warded off all magic, not at all. Just me using it. What is her deal? 

"Your previous instructing has been disturbingly... Uneven. But you'll be pleased to know, we'll now be following a carefully instructed ministry approved defensive of magic." The cover reads defensive against the dark arts for beginners. 

I open the book and flip through the pages, and just as I thought. Not a thing about practicing a spell, which would explain a bit on why she wouldn't let me use my wand prior. What is the ministry getting at here?

Hermione must be on the same track I am, because just as I gain the right mind to raise my hand hers is already up.

"There's nothing in here on using spells?" Hermione ponders.

"Using spells?" The Professor giggles. "Why, I can't imagine why you would need to use defensive spells." 

Ron leans forward some, "We're not going to use magic?" Umbridge states, looking around the room. "You'll be learning about defensive spells in a secure, risk-free environment." 

"But what if someone was to attack us, here and now? How are we to defend ourselves?" I speak up, hoping I won't be the only one to do so. "Students will raise their hands when they speak in my class." She says sternly, growing frustrated.

"It is the view of the Ministry that a theoretical knowledge will be sufficient to get you through your examinations. Which is what school is all about," The looks of students begin to grow concerned as well. Hogwarts has always been a place you can freely practice magic.