The Four Marauders

Pink Lady Not as Sweet as the Apple

James still had the invisibility cloak so the marauders got to the meeting without being noticed and managed to slip in without disrupting anything or anyone.

They were hidden at the back and had to strain to hear what was going on. Sirius, the tallest out of the four lifted his head a bit to see who was talking. The voice staining the air was like a trap, sounding sweet but there was something more sinister behind it.

"Who is it?" James hissed.

"Quiet." The voice snapped. James stiffened. the lecture started up again immediately as if nothing happened.

Sirius mouthed, 'Don't know.' , in answer to James' question. He looked over the heads of some students to study her. It was a she, or something of a she, but more squat. A ghastly pink cardigan covered her square shape and a matching beret was placed on her round head.

Sirius was about to report back to the marauders but the squat woman's bulging eyes turned to him and stared right back. Her mouth kept talking but her eyes were steady, an expression Sirius imagined a Dementor would wear before preforming the act worse that death...

In a panic Sirius dropped head. That...was weird.

James elbowed Sirius. "You okay mate?" He asked frowning.

"Tell you later." Sirius mumbled.

Remus had his arms crossed on the table and was staring down. He took in every word she said.

"-this is why this school can not develop! This can go on no longer. I am just a spokesperson however, but I have many supporters behind me. Professor Dumbledore, I hope you respect my decision and I encourage you to take forth with it. After all do we really need to mix with half-"

"That will be enough Professor Umbridge. I believer the children understand by the looks on their faces."

The students exchanged glances.

Umbridge gave a sickly smile. However her eyes were blazing, it seemed as if Umbrige didn't like being interrupted. "Yes. Hem hem. Well my work here is done. Please, consider this, for the children." She gestured a stubby hand at the whole hall.

The first years looked up innocently; the sixth years looked a bit offended at being called a child.

Dumbledore gave a grave nod. "Yes. Of course. Erm, you can now take a seat."

But Umbridge didn't move.

Dumbledore drew a chair for her.

Umbridge still didn't move. She still had the smile on her face as if her life depended on it.

James drummed his fingers impatiently on the table. "Does it take that long to sit down?" He asked no one is particular.

Umbridge turned her head slightly so she was facing in the direction where James and the other three marauders sat. Slowly she walked backwards and lowered herself into the seat. The whole school waited with growing tension.

Dumbledore took Umbridge's place and smiled at the school. Only eagle-eyed students would be able to pick out that the smile was slightly forced.

"Well, that speech has enlightened us Professor Umbridge. We thank you for making time for us in your busy schedule for the ministry."

Dumbledore dismissed the school. Everyone was eager to get out of that awkward meeting.

The marauders tried to leave but someone put a hand on James' shoulder. "Not so fast Potter. Get your friends over here." McGonagall stared down hard at James. Remus, Sirius and Peter backtracked.