Redamancy (d.m)

Chapter forty one-ministry infiltration

"Well, now that we are all digesting another magnificent feast, I beg a few moments of your attention for the usual start-of-term notices," said Dumbledore. "First years ought to know that the forest in the grounds is out of bounds to students — and a few of our older students ought to know by now too. Mr. Filch, the caretaker, has asked me, for what he tells me is the four hundred and sixty-second time, to remind you all that magic is not permitted in corridors between classes, nor are a number of other things, all of which can be checked on the extensive list now fastened to Mr. Filch's office door. We have had two changes in staffing this year. We are very pleased to welcome back Professor Grubbly-Plank, who will be taking Care of Magical Creatures lessons; we are also delighted to introduce Professor Umbridge, our new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher."

There was a light smattering of unenthusiastic applause in which I reluctantly joined in

"Tryouts for the House Quidditch teams will take place on the-"

But Professor Dumbledore broke off abruptly at the faint sound of a cough. I narrowed my eyes at the small figure of Professor Umbridge, who folded her pudgy arms in front of her as she stood, clearly waiting to speak. Tumultuous glances of surprised dislike were exchanges bctween students and staff alike, Professor Dumbledore looked slightly taken aback as he sat down.

"Thank you, Headmaster" Professor Umbridge said shrilly, "for those kind words of welcome"

She coughed airily again, and I had a sudden urge to strangle her with her cardigan

"Well, it is lovely to be back at Hogwarts, I must say! And to see such happy little faces looking back at me"

There were many emotions expressed in the faces of of the students of hogwarts, yet not a single one of happiness

"I am very much looking forward to getting to know you all, and I'm sure we'll be very good friends!"
"I would rather lick a house elf's toe than be very good friends with that toad" I shuddered as I made my way out of the hall with Harry, Hermione and Ron lost in the crowd of first years
"I have a feeling we're not the only ones who'd do so" Harry said as we reached the common room portrait, "mimbulus mimbletonia"
"See you tomorrow" I said, waving to him as I made my way up the staircase to my dorm
"'Night, (y/n)" he called back before heading to his own dorm

Professor Umbridge wore the same ghastly pink cardigan the next day during the first defense against the dark arts class.

"Well, good afternoon" she simpered when the entire class had taken their seats, and I exchanged distasteful looks with Harry as a few students mumbled a greeting back, "tut tut, that won't do, now will it? I should like you, please to reply 'good afternoon Professor Umbridge', one more time please, good afternoon, class!"
"Good afternoon, Professor Umbridge" the class chorused
"There now, that wasn't too difficult, was it?" Professor Umbridge cooed, clapping her hands together, "wands away and quills out please"

Professor Umbridge pulled out her unusually short wand from her clutch and waved it at the board, words forming consequently in chalk

Course Aims:
1. Understanding the principles underlying defensive magic.
2. Learning to recognize situations in which defensive magic can legally be used.
3. Placing the use of defensive magic in a context for practical use.

"I should like to you turn to page five and read chapter one, 'Basics of Beginners', there will be no need to talk" Professor Umbridge instructed and students groaned, flipping the pages of their textbooks to begin an undoubtedly boring reading. However, I scarcely touched my textbook, my hand shooting up in the air.

"Do you have an issue with your textbook, dear?" She asked, walking over to my desk, and I shook my head
"No, but-"
"Well then, kindly begin your reading like the rest of the class" but the rest of the class had decided my disruption was a convenient excuse from their boredom, craning their necks to peer curiously at myself and Professor Umbridge
"But Professor, I was wondering why we're starting at 'Basics for Beginners'?" I said
"What better place to start a journey than at the beginning?" She answered, her lips pressed in a thin line
"But we aren't beginners, Professor" I continued, "do we look like eleven year olds to you? We've been taking defense against the dark arts for years"
"And you have been instructed by highly unqualified individuals, making your years of education invalid" Professor Umbridge replied, her voice shrill, "by starting at the basics, the ministry can rebuild your broken knowledge"
"What about building experience with magic" I said, raising my voice slightly
"The ministry believed sufficient textbook lessons exempt students from the need of defensive spells"
"We aren't going to be using magic?" Ron said incredulously
"Students raise their hands when they wish to speak in class, Mr-"
"Weasley" Ron answered quickly, and I raised my arm into the air
"What's the point in removing "risk" from class? It won't be risk free if something tries to attack us" I said when called on
"Now, really, you have been frightened into believing that you are likely to meet Dark attacks every other day-" Professor Umbridge said indignantly
"We practically have" I shot
"Your hand is not raised, Miss Lestrange-"
"We've been in danger every school year" I said, scoffing as I raised my hand and continued without waiting to be called on, "I've almost died more times in this school than you've interrupted people with your coughing, and I've only made it this far because I've been taught practical defense!"
"Ten points from Gryffindor, Miss Lestrange" Professor Umbridge said threateningly, "and I should warn you to hold your tongue, should you not want to endure extremely uncomfortable repercussions"
"Oh please," I said, not realising what I was saying until the words had already left my mouth in a rage fuelled motion, "you're like four foot nine, what're you gonna do-kiss my ass?"

If we were animated, Professor Umbridge would have smoke billowing out her ears

"Detention, Miss Lestrange" Professor Umbridge cried, trembling as she attempted to plaster on her sickly sweet smile, "Every evening this week, starting tomorrow. Five o'clock. My office."

Harry looked at me with an expression that plainly said "Now look what you've done", I merely shrugged in response.

"So" Professor Grubby-Plank began at the beginning of care of magical creatures class, "anyone know the names of these creatures? Miss Lestrange?"
"Bowtruckles" I said, nodding to the moving stick figured creatures, "they're tree guardians, usually found in wand trees. They live off of wood lice, but prefer fairy eggs"
"Excellent, ten points for Gryffindor"
"See, I've earned back the points I've lost" I whispered to Harry, who sighed
"You think I give a damn about the points? What I'm worried about is that detention"
"Oh, don't get your knickers in a twist, Umbridge doesn't scare me" I assured
"She should" Harry pressed, "she's mad, you don't know what she could do"
"Ooo I like this one" I said, picking up a bowtruckle delicately in my hand
"(Y/n), I'm being serious" Harry said disapprovingly as he picked up his own
"It warms my heart to see you so concerned but trust me, I'll be fine" I insisted, starting my bow truckles sketch, "worst thing she could do is make me wear her cardigan" and Harry chuckled despite himself
"So are you gonna tell me where Hagrid is" he said and I laughed
"The answer hasn't changed from ten minutes ago-no"
"Maybe" said a sneering voice, "the stupid great oaf's got himself badly injured"
"Maybe you will if you don't shut up, Malfoy" Harry snapped
"Maybe he's been messing with stuff that's too big for him, if you get my drift" He smirked as Harry looked at me
"What's he talking about?" He asked and I glared at Malfoy

Giants

"I have no idea" I lied quickly, and I could tell he wasn't convinced
"Keeping secrets, Lestrange?" Malfoy taunted, "not very trustworthy of you, is it?"
"I'm getting some more wood lice" I said swiftly, but Harry pulled me back
"Tell me" he demanded, "is Hagrid in danger?"

I closed my eyes briefly and took a deep breath, before saying

"Voldemort's back, Harry-everyone's in danger"