True Reflections: Scars Saga 3

The Inspection of Professor Porter

Chapter 9

The Inspection of Professor Porter

27 September 1995

"Umbridge is a..." My words trailed off into nothing as McGonagall gave me the warning eye.

We were sitting in the staff room. It was just the two of us, but with Umbridge you really never knew. School had been back in session for over four weeks now, and the old hag had already managed to make an enemy of every staff member. Even Snape seemed displeased with her. I think the only person who was on her side was Filch, the caretaker. He hated children so much I wondered why he ever agreed to work at a school, but at least they shared that trait I suppose.

Really Umbridge managed to step on toes on the very first night. She interrupted Dumbledore's speech during the welcoming feast to announce to everyone that she was here as a spy for the Ministry. She, of course, didn't say it quite so plainly as that however.

The students were no fonder of her than the Professors were. Harry received a week's worth of detention on the first day of classes for speaking the truth concerning Voldemort's return and Cedric's death. He was given lines. In my opinion, lines were worse than cleaning because they were so monotonous. At the start of the second week, Harry did the same thing again and received another week of lines.

Also during the second week, the Ministry came out with Educational Decree Twenty-three. Umbridge was made "High Inquisitor" which gave her the authority to inspect and observe every professor in order to determine their effectiveness. What the Ministry was really trying to do was find a reason to eliminate those they saw as a threat.

"...Peach," I finished. McGonagall eyed me carefully.

"Well, I can't argue with you on that, Katherine," she said. "Still, you must be careful. You don't want to be caught saying such things aloud."

"I know. I know. I'm just... I'm on edge today. I received a note this morning. She's observing my class tonight."

"Which one?"

"Fifth year Ravenclaws and Gryffindors."

"Then be extremely careful. Don't let her goad you into anything. Perhaps you should go back to your chambers for a bit and relax. You don't want any headaches springing up in class, and trust me, she could make them."

"Yeah... I think I may take dinner in there too."

I made my farewell and left. My headaches had been much better since arriving at school. They didn't come on as frequently nor as strong. It helped that I kept the illusion up everywhere but my chambers; there I was free to be Kate. Moments of intense stress could bring them on though.

I watched as the last of the sand fell through the neck of the hour glass. It let of a warm glow and a light hum.

"Alright, time's up. Quills down," I called over the classroom.

There was a chorus of moaning and groaning.

"You can sing all you want, but that won't change the tune."

I gave my wand a little flick and all the mock NEWT exams flew into the air and stacked themselves neatly in my outstretched palm. Another flick and they disappeared into a secure drawer in my office next door.