A Half Blood Against Time | A Percy Jackson AU

35: "Some people got D's ? Ha!"

The morning Potions class buzzed with a quiet energy as students carefully followed Professor Percy Jackson's instructions, brewing the Concentration Draught. His voice was smooth and confident as it gave out instructions to the students, making them feel both at ease and challenged. Potions was not supposed to be an easy subject but under Percy's guidance, it had become the favourite of many first years.

The quiet commotion of the room was interrupted by the click clack of heels which was easily recognised by the students and the teacher alike. The students exchanged looks with each other as they dreaded the entry of the new defense against the dark arts teacher. The first years did not have some other defense against the dark arts teacher to compare her to but among the current staff, she was considered the worst.

Percy looked up from his own cauldron, catching the curious expressions of the students before him. With a small sigh and a barely concealed smile, he turned his gaze to the doorway just as it swung open, revealing Professor Dolores Umbridge in her usual pink cardigan, her hand clasped tightly around her clipboard.

The students fell silent, each of them suddenly conscious of their potions, their postures, and their teacher's unusual relationship with the Ministry. A few straightened up and subtly adjusted their cauldrons, but Percy watched Umbridge with an air of calm amusement.

"Good morning, Professor Jackson," she said, her voice dripping with sweetness but tinged with unmistakable authority.

"Ah, Professor Umbridge," Percy replied, inclining his head in greeting. "Welcome. We were just getting started on an exercise. I'm glad you could join us."

Her eyes scanned the room, lingering on each cauldron and ingredient, and then finally resting on him, a tight smile tugging at her lips. "Yes, well, as you know, the Ministry has taken a renewed interest in the instruction methods employed at Hogwarts. We wouldn't want any... misunderstandings, would we?"

Percy's smile was polite, but his eyes twinkled with mischief. "Misunderstandings? Gods, no, Professor Umbridge. I am, as you know, a man of tradition and structure." The smile on his face contradicted his words. He gestured around the classroom. "Please, make yourself comfortable."

Umbridge's smile was more of a grimace as she took a few slow steps into the room, tapping her clipboard against her palm. She turned to the students, her gaze like a hawk surveying its prey.

"Now, students," she cooed, "I do hope that Professor Jackson is teaching you to follow the Ministry-approved guidelines for potion safety and procedure. The Ministry, after all, has your best interests at heart."

A ripple of unease moved through the students, who looked to Percy. He smiled reassuringly at them, his posture relaxed. "Absolutely, Professor Umbridge," he said smoothly. "In fact, today's lesson on the Concentration Draught is meant to enhance focus. One can never be too careful when dealing with important, highly structured information." He shot her a look, his words both playful and pointed.

Umbridge's lips pressed together in a thin line, and she scribbled furiously on her clipboard. She stepped closer to one student, a shy Hufflepuff named Emily, and peered into her cauldron, nose wrinkling slightly at the earthy aroma.

"This potion seems... rather strong, doesn't it, dear?" Umbridge asked, her tone thinly veiling her disapproval. "I wouldn't want any students to be distracted by excessive smoke or strong odors."

Emily looked helplessly at Percy, who smiled encouragingly.

"Well, Professor Umbridge," he said, stepping toward them, "the fumes are indeed potent, but they're an intentional part of the lesson. Real-world potion-making is seldom free of smells and distractions, after all. It helps build resilience. Though I wouldn't want you to judge the student's potions based on the smells and texture. That's what I've been hired for." He paused, adding, "A little smoke clears the mind, wouldn't you say?"