In The Shadows² ★ Draco Malfoy

*Professor Umbridge

Briar's first month back at Hogwarts had been interesting for sure. Every Saturday evening she had a private session with Professor Snape, in which they practiced new potions Dumbledore wanted her to know for the Order, or practiced Occlumency. Quidditch tryouts had gone swimmingly and Angelina was proving to be a great captain. 

Ron had become Gryffindor's new Keeper and to celebrate everyone in Gryffindor joined in the team's party in the common room afterwards

But on the down side she was being forced to deal with the new Defence Against the Dark Arts course set by Professor Umbridge

From the moment she had walked into the horribly pink classroom, she had felt Umbridge's hatred of her, and now every time she sat down in her class she kept her eyes anywhere but the awfully dressed woman

Their class were currently on the topic of magical creatures

"Now could everyone please turn to page 87, defensive spells and their uses against dark creatures" Umbridge said one lesson and Briar opened her book page-by-page to annoy the teacher, but when she reached the assigned page her heart dropped to her stomach

Dark magical creatures hold a physical advantage over witches and wizards, therefore defensive spells are the only method to hurt them. These creatures include werewolves,...spiders...veela...  Werewolves are a violent species whose form holds no emotions or understanding and are therefore incredibly dangerous.

Briar glanced up from her book, and the way in which Umbridge was staring at her with a knowing, but inquisitive look, made her nervous. So Briar looked back down at the page

"Professor," Ginny said from her seat next to Briar "You said that we wouldn't be learning how to use defensive spells, but there are recommended spells to use against dark creatures here"

"Ms Weasley that is because these creatures are uncontrollable, violent creatures who will cause harm" Umbridge replied "Wizards and witches have emotions and feelings, and do not wreck havoc like these creatures"

"That's a lie," Briar said suddenly and the entire class held its breath. Briar had had enough of this already and was now glaring at Umbridge, who glared back just as much

"Excuse me, Ms Lupin?"

"Wizards can be emotionless and wreck havoc, just look at Voldemort." Briar said and there was an intake of breath from the other students "Meanwhile the only reason these 'dark' creatures behave the way they do is because people treat them like monsters"

"Silly girl," Umbridge chuckled "Dark creatures behave the way they do because they are dark by nature. They are primal, violent, hungry creatures that hunt to kill people-"

"That's a lie" Briar said again "Not all creatures are like that. I would say dark wizards like Voldemort are much more-"

"You have clearly heard these ridiculous rumours of the dark lord's return this summer, but the Ministry and I can safely assure you that he is not back" Umbridge snapped "Now Ms Lupin-"

"Dark wizards like Voldemort are much more violent than these creatures!" Briar cried

"Ms Lupin you are clearly under this impression because because of your half-breed father-"

"Don't say a word about my father" Briar said coldly and all of her friends were shocked at how furious she sounded "You don't know a damn thing about him, these creatures, or the dark arts-"

"Ms Lupin!-"

"And I would rather be killed by Voldemort than listen to your bullshit all year" Briar finished and by now Professor Umbridge's face was so red it outshone her fluorescent pink clothing and decorations