Redamancy (d.m)

Chapter fifty-tyranny

"I will not repeat myself again, Miss Lestrange, where is Albus Dumbledore hiding?" Professor Umbridge simpered, pacing around her office with a frantic sort of frustration while I leaned back in my chair, propping my legs up onto her desk
"I couldn't be sure but if I were to guess I would say you might find him in his office, Professor" I said, feigning innocence

In truth, I had been tormented with the question of Professor Dumbledore's location for some time without luck, which meant I would've been unable to provide such information to Umbridge even if I was inclined to do so. This back and forth had been going on for a mundane period of time, my resolve remaining unwavering.

"Do not play dumb with me, girl!" Umbridge cried, rounding on me and sticking her plump face uncomfortably close to mine, "I knew you were involved as soon as I heard you conversing with Minerva in the hallways"

Alas, no one is immune to making careless mistakes. I had not properly checked my surroundings before approaching Professor McGonagall after Harry had informed me of Professor Dumbledore's narrow escape from imprisonment, hoping to develop a better understanding of how he expects to stay in hiding. Luckily, Professor McGonagall was not able to divulge anything of importance before I was forcibly dragged to the heavily perfumed pink coloured hell that is Umbridge's office

"Professor Dumbledore is my headmaster, and as his student, I was simply concerned for his well-being" I said calmly, twiddling my fingers
"Oh that is where you are very, very, wrong" Umbridge said with a delirious laugh, "Albus Dumbledore was your headmaster, but he has made himself unavailable, I am your newly appointed headmaster, and as your headmaster I demand you to tell me the whereabouts of Albus Dumbledore!"
"You should really think about redecorating" I said pleasantly, toying with the lace adorning the tablecloth in front of me
"You think you can get away with this, you stupid stupid girl?" She seethed, pushing my legs off her desk, "I'll get it out of you one way or the other, mark my words"
"Yes yes, I'm sure you will" I said impatiently, "but until you do, may I go?"

Out of all the maniacal forms of torture I dreamt up that night, Umbridge's was by far more horrific.

"Hem hem" Umbridge's irritating cough cut through the hushed conversations about Hogwarts' sudden new headmaster, as everyone reluctantly turned their heads to glare at the frumpy little gnome wearing a smile of pure venom, "Good morning, children, as the new headmaster of this once-prestigious fountain of education, I am overwhelmed with the prospect of new amendments to be made to bring Hogwarts school for witchcraft and wizardry back to its former glory. Amendments, starting with...repremandments. Miss (y/n) Lestrange?"

At the mention of my name, I raised my brows in challenge, wordlessly daring her to do her worst as every head in the hall faced me, and the Professors shook their heads with fearful anticipation

"If you would please come up here" Umbridge said sweetly, and I nodded grimly at Harry, who had placed a hand on my shoulder, pleading with me not to
"It's okay, I'll be fine" I whispered completely untruthfully before dragging my feet up to the staff table, taking a seat in the chair Umbridge conjured for me and shooting a look of pure contempt at her as she continued to address her students after disarming me
"Miss Lestrange has taken to display utter disregard for respect to her superiors and educators, and as headmaster, I must not allow this sort of example influence my students. She is here, today, to learn a lesson and to deliver a message to the entirety of Hogwarts; I will not tolerate disobedience. My usual punishments have not left a permanent enough impact on Miss Lestrange, it seems, perhaps they were too...private. I do hope a bit of public humiliation will whip her back into shape"

My heart was pounding in my chest, my hands shook from where they were clutching onto the sides of my chair, leaving glossy fingerprints from sweat. I narrowed my eyes in confusion and panic as Umbridge read off the names of numerous Slytherins students, beckoning them to join her