True Reflections: Scars Saga 3

Words with Minerva

Chapter 10

Words with Minerva

Eleven straight days came and went with no word from Umbridge.

We did, however, have the first Hogsmeade weekend. Nothing too exciting happened...except that Harry started a secret defense club in order to teach his peers defensive magic. I found out through the vanishing parchment that Sirius and I shared. (The message would appear on my bit of parchment and then vanish after an hour.) He found out through Mundungus who had been in disguise at the Hogs Head where Harry held the first meeting.

Umbridge had spies in Hogsmeade too, because immediately following the first meeting Educational Decree Twenty-four was issued. This decree banned all student groups unless they were approved by the High Inquisitor. Even the House Quidditch teams had to seek permission to form. Despite her obvious attempts, however, I knew this would not prevent Harry's Defense group from meeting again. I only wished there was some way I could help.

Eleven school days passed since my inspection and still there was no word.

I was trying not to let my irritation over the silence show, but it was getting harder each day. I was certain the waiting was her way of making us as miserable as possible in an attempt to throw us off balance. I distracted myself from the agony by working on my project for Harry. I'd decided to finish my lesson plans of the defensive magic lessons I was going to teach. And I'd give them to Harry to use should he decide to.

Finally! After three weeks, the results of my inspection were returned. And I was furious! However... not entirely surprised.

21 October 1995

"Professor Porter's knowledge of her subject is sufficient..."

"Sufficient? Really? I could name and locate the stars like the back of my hand," I said irritatedly, but I pushed on before McGonagall could say anything.

"...The lesson holds a moderate structure, but at times it appears Ms. Porter is too friendly with the students..."

"Why? Because they laugh and actually enjoy my class?"

McGonagall opened her mouth to speak, but I pushed on.

"Oh! Wait, this is the good part..."

"...The real troubling concern stems from Ms. Porter's avid support of such dangerous creatures as werewolves. Her association alone with one Remus Lupin, a known and highly suspect werewolf, makes for great concern. But it is rumored amongst the students that her relationship with the creature extends far beyond that of a platonic co-worker, and perhaps goes so far as to be an illicit affair..."

I cast a quick glance in McGonagall's direction and she quirked a brow.

"...If questionable character alone were grounds enough for dismissal, then immediate termination would be recommended. However, since one must consider the acclaimed growth and increase in acceptable OWLs and NEWTs, it is recommended that Ms. Porter be put on probation effective immediately. Her continued employment will be based on further random inspections at the High Inquisitor's pleasure..."