With Love, || N.B.

𝑺𝒊𝒙𝒕𝒚

"Good luck with your new position, darling," Narcissa said, stuck in a deep embrace with Eleonora. "I love you so much."

"I love you too," she murmured back.

Narcissa pressed a kiss to Nora's temple, "I'll see you in a few weeks."

"You said goodbye to Draco?" Nora asked.

Narcissa nodded, "When you were with Harry and Sirius."

"Okay," Eleonora said, her words choking her before she hugged her tightly again. "I love you. Stay safe. Owl me if there's anything you need."

__________

She looked like she was dipped in a can of pink paint. Every word that Delores Umbridge said was an octave higher than it should've been and when she smiled, her eyes did not follow the cheery disposition.

Eleonora was wedged between Minerva and Pamona at the welcome feast, chatting with them about the summer and her new post as the Advanced Defense Against the Dark Arts professor.

When Dumbledore stepped up to the podium, the Hall fell quiet at once. "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," Dumbledore saud. "First years ought to know that the forest in the grounds is out of bounds to students — and a few of our older students ought to know by now too."

"We have a few new changes in staffing this school year," Dumbledore continued. "We're welcoming back Professor Eleonora Murphy in a new Advanced Defense Against the Dark Arts class–available for sixth and seventh years."

A round of applause and cheering–particularly from the Hufflepuff students–filled the Great Hall before Dumbledore continued a fond smile. "Yes, yes, we are all excited to welcome her back, and wish her all the best in the new post. We're also welcoming back Professor Grubbly-Plank, who will be filling in for Professor Hagrid. And, finally, we're pleased to introduce Delores Umbridge as the new Defence Against the Dark Arts professor."

There was a hesitant, but polite round of applause from the students and staff. Dumbledore continued his speech, only to be interrupted a few words in.

"Hem, hem."

Everyone looked toward the source of the noise–Delores Umbridge was standing up from her chair, hands clasped in front of her. "If I may say something, Headmaster?"

Dumbledore said nothing but nodded and stretched his hand out to give her the floor.

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

Eleonora looked at the sea of students and wondered if Umbridge must be blind. She had never seen the students of Hogwarts so uninterested, so apathetic towards a professor.

"I don't think I've ever seen the students this miserable," Eleonora muttered to Professor Sprout. "Even in a potions lesson with Severus."

The both of them stifled giggles, sitting up straight when Umbridge glanced back at them before continuing her speech, "As I was saying...The Ministry of Magic has always considered the education of young witches and wizards to be of vital importance. The rare gifts with which you were born may come to nothing if not nurtured and honed by careful instruction. The ancient skills unique to the Wizarding community must be passed down through the generations lest we lose them forever. The treasure trove of magical knowledge amassed by our ancestors must be guarded, replenished, and polished by those who have been called to the noble profession of teaching."