you look up at dumbledore, sitting beside cedric at the hufflepuff table.
"now, we have two changes in staffing this year. we're pleased to welcome back professor grubbly-plank.. who'll be taking care of magical creatures.. while professor hagrid is on temporary leave"
you frown, eyes widening. "oh no" you murmur. cedric pats your leg softly, "i'm sure he's fine, maybe he just needs a break"
"we also wish to welcome our new defence against the dark arts teacher"
your frown deepens. you had received a singular good defence teacher, and you weren't sure this one would be any better.
"..professor dolores umbridge"
your eyebrows furrow slightly. hadn't harry mentioned someone like her at the hearing? this couldn't be good.
"and i'm sure you'll all join me in wishing the professor good luck. now, as usual, our caretaker mr. filch, has asked me to remind you-"
"hemhem"
you blink in surprise.
dumbledore goes silent, everyone looks over to umbridge.
she stands up, stepping out from the table.
"thank you, headmaster, for those kind words of welcome" she steps around towards dumbledore, stopping in front of his statue thing and facing all of you.
"and how lovely to see all your bright, happy faces smiling up at me"
nobody smiled, and you didn't even feel bad. she had voted against harry, you don't acknowledge people who hurt your friends.
"i'm sure we're all going to be very good friends. the ministry of magic has always considered the education of young witches and wizards to be of vital importance. although each headmaster has brought something new to this historic school.. progress for the sake of progress must be discouraged. let us preserve what must be preserved.. perfect what can be perfected.. and prune practices that ought to be prohibited"
she does a small giggle, slowly making her way back to her chair.
you frown, resting your chin in your hand. her speech couldn't be considered encouraging.
dumbledore claps, a few follow very mildly.
"thank you, professor umbridge. that really was most illuminating"
"magic is forbidden in the corridors.." dumbledore says as your attention drifts, understanding that umbridge being here means the ministry are attempting to interfere with hogwarts, and that couldn't mean anything good.
"i don't like her" cedric frowns, you nod in agreement.
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