I was going to update before the end of the year, but you can see how well that turned out

Professor Umbridge was having a good year (well, beginning of a good year). She had been given authority to do whatever she could to keep an eye on Albus Dumbledore and that Potter brat. And don't get her started on his... friends. Luna Lovegood was a weird girl; no wonder Potter was friends with her. Fred and George Weasley were rebels, so naturally they were going to be by his side. Even Draco Malfoy was close to Potter if what she heard was true, although they hadn't interacted much as far as she could see.

She settled down at the High Table and had just taken her first bite when she saw the bane of her existence.

Harry could feel the burning gaze on him but refused to acknowledge it. He had disliked her from the start, but after that one evening, his opinion of her had dropped even lower. And that was exactly why he was walking with his hand firmly wrapped around Fred's.

(It was also because Fred's hand was warm and comforting and he loved his boyfriend very much, but I digress.)

"You're looking extra spiteful today," Luna remarked as Harry slid in the seat next to her.

"Who, me?" Harry said, giving her an innocent look he could have only learned from either his parents or his boyfriend. Or both.

Luna giggled. "You're not fooling anyone, Harry. What's up?"

"Professor Flitwick said Madam Bones had contacted him last night," Harry said.

Luna perked up. "That's great! Oh, here comes the mail."

Sure enough, the owls had started streaming in. The students sleepily took the Daily Prophet from them and opened them. Their sleepiness vanished abruptly as they processed what they read. Confusion and horror spread quickly, followed by anger.

But no one was as furious as one person in particular.

"WHAT?!" Umbridge shrieked, her face going very pale then red with fury. "Who dared tell these horrible lies about me?"

All around, students were murmuring and casting scared glances up at her.

"Whoever said these lies will be given a week of detention!"

"A week to use a blood quill, you mean?" someone said from the entrance.

In the shock and turmoil, no one had seen the doors open. Madam Amelia Bones walked in with a few Aurors behind her.

Umbridge blanched but lifted her chin. "Can we help you?" she said in her sickeningly sweet voice.

"Madam Dolores Umbridge, you are hereby under arrest," Madam Bones announced.

"This is all a mistake!" Umbridge spluttered. "You can't really believe the word of one student."

The students looked back at the papers doubtfully. It wasn't just one student; a few others had come forward saying the same thing.

"Whether I believe the one student or not is besides the point," Madam Bones said. "There have been accusations against your person, so an investigation must take place."

The Aurors moved forward.

"What? No! This cannot be happening!" Umbridge shouted. "I am Senior Undersecretary to the Minister for Magic!"

"If what is written is true, not for long," Flitwick muttered stonily, but Umbridge didn't hear.

"Potter!" Umbridge screamed.

Umbridge seemed to have forgotten where she was. In her rage, she lifted her wand. "CRUCI—"

Her wand came flying out of her hand before she could finish uttering the dreaded curse and into Snape's hand.

"Clearly, you are not suited for teaching children if you're going to use an Unforgivable on them," Madam Bones said. The only indication that she had been affected by Umbridge's action was the slight waver in her voice.

Snape handed Umbridge's wand to one of the Aurors and immediately began walking toward Harry. "Follow me." He didn't protest as Luna and Fred followed as well.

Harry remained silent as Snape led them to his office. His earlier jubilation had vanished and he slumped into a chair with a shiver. Umbridge had been willing to cast an Unforgivable on him. He hadn't thought she would stoop so low, especially not in the face of arrest, but clearly that was not the case.

"Hey." Warm hands cupped his cheeks. Fred was squatting in front of him, his brown eyes staring into green. "What's wrong? You just froze."

Harry swallowed and tried to speak, but nothing came out.

Snape stepped away from the fireplace as Sirius and Remus stepped through, their expressions grave.

"Harry," Sirius said soothingly, trying not to startle him, "are you all right?" Realizing what a stupid question that was, he added, "How do you feel?"

"She almost cursed me," Harry rasped.

"The Cruciatus Curse," Luna added, which only fueled their anger further.

"It's not just that," Harry said, shaking his head. "Voldemort—" Snape hissed in pain— "sorry— You-Know-Who used that curse on me. Twice."

Luna let out a faint gasp and covered her mouth, her eyes welling up.

Fred felt like he was going to throw up what little he had eaten. He remembered fake-Moody's lessons on the Unforgivable Curses and the spider writhing on the desk. In his mind, he pictured Harry under the curse and it took all his willpower to push the horrifying image out.

Remus and Sirius had brought Harry into their arms. They looked stricken, so Fred guessed they didn't know what happened in the graveyard, either, at least not the specifics. But they did a much better job at staying strong for Harry as they silently comforted him.

Harry lifted his head as Snape held up a vial of Calming Draught. He uncorked it and downed its contents in seconds. Instantly, some of the tension in his shoulders lessened. "Thanks." Already, he was feeling exhausted and he had barely eaten.

A silver mist made its way under the door and formed a tabby cat. In McGonagall's voice, it said, "Classes have been canceled today." Then it faded.

Despite his tiredness, Harry couldn't help but stare in wonder at the door. "Was that a Patronus?"

Remus chuckled despite himself. "It was."

"And you can send messages with them?" Luna asked, just as intrigued. There was no doubt they were Ravenclaws.

"Yes. Profesor Dumbledore thought of it."

"Wow," they murmured.

"What do you think will happen to Umbridge?" Harry asked after a moment.

"If the Minister is smart enough, he will have her imprisoned for life," Snape said.

"Azkaban would be too lenient for the likes of her," Sirius muttered.

"But she didn't actually cast it," Luna pointed out. "Will that affect her punishment?"

Harry turned to Snape sharply.

"I hope not," Snape said. Harry's shoulders slumped. "Regardless, she will not be returning, that much I guarantee."

Harry leaned back, a frown marring his face. Umbridge was gone; he should be elated. But he remembered Snape's words the night Umbridge had caught him and Fred out. Much of the wizarding world still didn't believe Voldemort was back, which meant the Ministry would be sending someone else in to ensure no one was speaking out.

As if following his thoughts, Fred spoke up, his voice firm. "Don't worry, Harry. You-Know-Who can't stay hidden forever. Sooner or later, he'll have to show his face and everyone will be sorry they didn't listen to you."

Harry smiled a little. He was right, of course, but what if it was too late?

After the events of that morning, the students seemed to be less wary of Harry. Perhaps he was telling the truth about You-Know-Who, but they've seen the papers. They've noticed how their parents avoided mentioning Harry Potter's name in conversation.

Over the next couple days, the Heads of Houses took over Defense Against the Dark Arts while the Board of Governors looked for a replacement.

On the third day, Harry went to sit with the Gryffindors.

"Two Defense Against the Dark Arts professors in one year," Ron said. "That must be a new record."

"Who do you think will be teaching now anyway?" Harry asked.

Ron shrugged. "No idea."

"Dad doesn't know, either," George added. "I've asked."

"Whoever it is can't be worse than Umbridge," Hermione pointed out.

"Don't say that," Harry muttered. "It'll only come true."

"I'm just trying to be optimistic," Hermione said.

Ron was staring up at the High Table. "I think Harry was right. Look who's here."

They all followed his gaze.

The first person Harry noticed was Hagrid, who had been noticeably absent since the first week. Then his stomach dropped as his gaze moved further down.

Their new D.A.D.A professor was Lucius Malfoy.