12.07.2021

In the end, we had spent most of the day in Dumbledore's office working out different strategies of how to avoid death, a conversation I was normally on the other side of, but I knew the arguments well. So, by the time we were released I had already missed almost the entire first day. I groaned and hurried to our classroom.

I burst through the door, causing Umbridge to jump, startled. I smiled and waved her off, whispers going around as I passed. Wait. Whispers? I looked around slightly, everyone was bent over their books. Except for Hermione, whose hand was stubbornly in the air. I smiled

"You okay Hermione?" I asked

"Oh, don't mind her," Umbridge said, waving her hand, "I've just assigned the children to read the first chapter of the book, before we get started," I nodded and made my way to a desk provided for me, lifting my feet up and crossing my arms as I settled into my seat

"Alright so since it's just book work you don't need me," I said closing my eyes

"Professor Jackson?" I heard a voice ask and I looked up

"Yes?" I said looking around, it was Hermione,

"I have a question about the course aims," she said gesturing towards the board. I frowned and squinted at it not being able to decipher it, I turned back to her,

"What about them?" I asked

"Why is there nothing about using defensive spells?" she asked and I jerked up,

"Read the aims out please," I said and she nodded slowly clearing her throat

"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 frowned as I thought them over, Umbridge seemed to be holding her breath,

"What grade are you?" I asked

"Fifth years," Hermione said smoothly, I frowned and turned to Umbridge,

"Why aren't they learning to perform defensive spells?" I asked and she let out a little nervous chuckle,

"Using defensive spells? I can't imagine any situation arising in our classroom that would require them to use a defensive spell," Umbridge said and I narrowed my eyes,

"May I speak to you in your office?" I asked and she gulped nodding, I turned to the rest of the class,

"Continuing reading the book, take note of questions you have, and important spells that you might like to try- do not try anything without one of us present and do not get loud," I said sternly before walking into Umbridge's office closing the door behind me,

"I do not wish to undermine you in front of the students Dolores," I said and she nodded,

"Thank you, Percy, now you must know, there is no reason-,"

"Which is why," I cut her off, "I asked you to talk in here, as a teacher your responsibility is not to your classroom, but their futures,"

"Yes, yes I quite agree," she said nodding eagerly,

"Then you'll agree that despite not needing these spells immediately it is important that they know how to use them for any future incident that might happen," I said and she hesitated,

"But Percy-," she started

"I have been made aware of what the situation is Dolores, I will not speculate on you whether or not he is alive, I will however mention that even before his appearance Defense Against the Dark Arts has always been an important core subject for all students to learn. By changing that now you are saying the ministry believes these claims in the news, and is backing down, are you willing to make that statement?" I asked, she was gapping at this point, pale and mouth opening and closing almost robotically.

"Are you willing to make that statement Dolores?" I asked again and she shook her head. I gave her a smile,

"Well, then I suggest changing your lesson plans. I will take care of this lesson since you seem to have a lot of work to do," I smiled at her again before going back out, and smiling at the class,

"There seems to have been some miss communication," I said, drawing the student's attention, "Now will someone tells me what happens in chapter one?"

"Why aren't you with Umbridge?" Ron asked running over, I looked at him confused,

"I'm sorry what?" I asked slightly startled, but he was looking panicked,

"Okay, I know I'm not supposed to say this about Professors 'nd stuff, not to mention Hermione would have my head, but Umbridge is a real piece of work alright- but you- you're not so bad,"

"-er thank you?" I said shaking my head, "But that still doesn't answer why I should be with her right this very second,"

"You don't know?" he asked, looking shocked, I shook my head slightly and his eyes widened, "Umbridge gave Harry detention, just tonight, but it was like she was looking for something to get him for," My eyes widened and I patted his shoulder,

"Thanks for telling me," I said hurrying past him and to the classroom,

"Dolores!" I called out slamming the door open, causing her to jump,

"Why was I not informed that you had given a student detention?" I asked strolling past Harry to her desk up at the front,

"Oh! Well, I-I just didn't want to bother you," She stuttered, I peered at her and then looked down at Harry's page, 'I must not tell lies' was written several times in pure black ink, still dripping. I looked back at Harry's hand, it was squeezed around the quill, knuckles white.

"That's enough for today, Harry, I'll contact you if we need to make up anytime," I said. Harry glanced at me once, before picking up his things and scrambling out of the room. I sighed and sat down across from her,

"I don't want to police you as much as you don't want to be policed, so why don't you stop picking on Harry," I said Umbridge opening her mouth to say anything, but then she deflated and nodded. Standing up again,

"What did you get him for anyways?" I asked,

"Talking back," She muttered and I snorted, walking out. Man, I hated detention

😅

See ya'll Thursday!

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I gritted my teeth clenching my hands, something had to be done about this. I didn't even dare give Harry the blood quill for fear of exactly what happened. Fudge made it clear that swaying Percy to our side was of great most importance, but I still had a mission here beside him. I would write to Fudge, ask him for more power, and then once Percy sees what I can do with this school, he will be on our side once and for all.