The morning classes passed without incident.
In some ways, taking N.E.W.T. classes for a second year felt easier. Calli already knew what each professor expected of her, and despite the heavier workload, there was a rhythm to it now. She found herself settling back into familiar routines with surprising ease.
Unfortunately, Defence Against the Dark Arts was next.
The five of them made their way down the corridor together.
"Surely she can't be worse than having Voldemort or a Death Eater as a professor." Lucy muttered, attempting to lighten the mood.
Calli gave a humourless smile.
"At least they didn't hide behind sickly sweet smiles."
Stella shot her an amused look.
"Yeah one hid behind a turban and the other drank polyjuice potion."
Calli blinked before huffing out a quiet laugh.
"You know what I mean."
"I do."
They entered the classroom.
Professor Umbridge was already seated behind her desk, hands neatly folded, smiling as though she had been waiting all morning for them. Dressed head to toe in varying shades of pink, she reminded Calli uncomfortably of an overdressed toad perched on a lily pad.
Every seventh year found a seat.
Only once the last chair scraped across the floor did Umbridge stand.
"Good afternoon, class."
A scattered chorus of "good afternoon" answered her.
She frowned.
"Tut, tut."
The room fell silent.
"When I say, 'Good afternoon, class,' I expect you to reply, 'Good afternoon, Professor Umbridge.' Manners cost nothing."
Calli resisted the urge to roll her eyes.
"Now then..." Umbridge smiled again. "Good afternoon, seventh years."
"Good afternoon, Professor Umbridge." The class replied in much stronger unison.
"Much better."
She beamed as though rewarding a group of particularly obedient toddlers.
"Now, wands away, please."
Confused glances spread around the room.
Calli frowned.
They were N.E.W.T. students.
They should have had their wands in their hands before the lesson had even begun.
Slowly, everyone obeyed.
Umbridge turned to the blackboard.
With a flick of her own wand, neat white lettering appeared.
Defence Against the Dark Arts: A Return to Basic Principles
Beneath it appeared another title.
Abracadabra: An A–Z of Spooky Spells
Calli's eyebrows drew together.
Neither book had been on their school list.
"Unfortunately," Umbridge began, clasping her hands together once more, "your previous professors have not been following the Ministry's approved curriculum."
YOU ARE READING
Callidora ☆ Fred Weasley
FanfictionCallidora Nott has always known exactly what is expected of her. As the daughter of one of Britain's oldest pure-blood families, her future has already been carefully planned; alliances, power, and a life shaped by tradition she never chose. At home...
