Harry entered the Great Hall on the first day of classes with a sense of dread that has continued to stay with him over the last two days since arriving. He sat down at the very end of the table, deciding after the common room incident to steer far away from his Housemates as possible was for the best. He also visited the founders again, each of them happy to see him again and also worried when he told them about the Ministry sending Umbridge and they surmised that his DADA education, possibly all his classes, would be hindered and they would have to step up his learning. "As if worrying about my OWL's wasn't bad enough.", he thought grimly.
Harry tensed when he felt two hands cover his eyes, but relaxed when he heard, "Guess who?"
"Hmm. Gwyneth Jones?", he asked.
The person smacked his shoulder and muttered a 'prat' as Harry looked up and smiled when he saw Tracey, with Daphne and Pansy smiling behind them. Before he could ask what they wanted, they shocked him and everyone else in the Hall when Tracey sat next to him and Daphne and Pansy sat across from him.
Harry tilted his head, "Not that I don't mind your company girls, but why are you sitting here?"
Daphne picked at her food, "A couple of Slytherins made some suggestions towards us last night in the common room, and lets just say, we want to avoid them as much as possible."
Harry narrowed his and clenched his jaw, "Who?"
Pansy waived him off, "Warrington and Montague were the most aggressive, but our status prevents them from touching us, so don't worry about us too much."
Harry took a deep breath, "Alright, but if they keep bothering you let me know."
"Aww, still our knight in shining armor.", Tracey teased.
Harry smirked, "Well, what can I say? I have a thing for rescuing beautiful women."
The three girls in question blushed and Harry just chuckled to himself, not really understanding the full effect his words had. They ate breakfast while enjoying some small talk until Harry's least favorite professor and Head of Slytherin House, Severus Snape, glided toward them.
"Potter, corrupting my House with your filth?", he sneered.
Harry was about to retort with something that was probably going to land him in detention, but Daphne stopped him before answering, "Harry was not involved in our decision, professor. We were merely feeling wary around some of our male Housemates after they made some inappropriate comments towards us."
Snape's face turned neutral and regarded her, "What sort of comments?"
Tracey snorted, "Typical Pureblood sexist crap."
Pansy, ever the diplomat, said, "Comments that our prestigious families would frown upon."
Snape tensed at that, "Very well, I will speak with the others about showing proper respect; however, I would recommend you three find yourselves in more worthy company."
With that, he handed the girls their schedules and slithered away and Harry just looked at the three girls in awe, "Blimey, how did you scare that greasy vampire away?"
Pansy grinned, "Should have been in Slytherin, Harry."
"I do believe Mr. Potter is fine where he is for now, Ms. Parkinson.", they turned toward the voice to see Professor McGonagall with a ghost of a smile on her face standing there.
Harry smiled, "Good Morning, Professor. I hope you don't have a problem with my new friends."
McGonagall shook her head, "No, Mr. Potter, it's quite alright. In fact, 20 points to both Gryffindor and Slytherin for unity between different Houses. Here's your schedule Potter."
Harry thanked his Head of House before she left and looked down at his schedule, it didn't seem too bad or strenuous, except for Monday's like today which had doing Double DADA with the Slytherins, Ancient Runes, and then Potions with the Slytherins again. He sighed, it wasn't the classes themselves that were the problem, but rather the unfavorable combination of Snape, that toad Umbridge, and the Slytherins; minus the three with him, of course.
He felt Tracey's arm wrap around his neck and she grinned at him, "Don't you worry about a thing, Harry. We'll make sure Snape and that crazy cat lady don't mess with our favorite lion."
Harry chuckled, "Thanks, Trace, but don't do anything crazy. I don't want you three getting in trouble over me."
Daphne scoffed, "Trouble follows Tracey around like a stray dog, we're already screwed."
"HEY!", Tracey huffed.
The four friends laughed at that, and finished their breakfast in peace, before braving the coming storm and made their way to the Defense classroom. Upon arriving, Harry decided to sit near the back next to the window in order to avoid standing out to Umbridge and to Harry's pleasant surprise, Pansy sat next to him in the aisle seat and Daphne and Tracey sat in front of him, almost like a protective shield. Everyone in the class either sent them confused and curious glances or scathing looks, not that any of the four cared.
It was then Umbridge walked in, in her usual pink cardigan, with that sickeningly sweet and incredibly fake smile that sent a chill down his spine. She looked over every student in the class, but her eyes lingered on Harry when she saw him and he could also tell her eyes slightly widening in surprise when she saw the girls' sitting with him. She regained her composure and turned her attention to the front of the room and flicked her wand to the blackboard as words appeared.
Defense Against the Dark Arts – Year 5 OWL Course Goals
-Learning when it is legally acceptable to use defensive magic
-Understanding whom defensive magic is allowed to be used on
-Applying theory towards approved practical situations including OWL Exams
Harry sighed quietly to himself as Pansy whispered to him, "Is she serious with that?"
Harry nodded, "Unfortunately, I hope you girls have practiced defensive spells regularly, because you won't be doing it in class before our OWL's."
The three girls looked annoyed at that, but they understood, this woman was clearly no teacher and was obviously a Ministry puppet. Daphne and Pansy had heard about Umbridge from their family members on the Wizengamot that she was a cruel, scheming, manipulative, pureblood supremacist who was given free reign by Fudge since she was also his most loyal supporter. There were rumors that she even supported the Death Eater's cause during the war, but nothing was ever proven.
Umbridge cleared her throat, "Good Morning, children."
A few people muttered a reply and Umbridge bristled slightly, "Now, that won't do, when I say, 'Good Morning', I expect you all to reply the same in a loud and clear voice. Try again."
"Good Morning, Professor Umbridge.", all students replied.
Umbridge nodded happily, "That's better, wands away and quills out, we will be reviewing the synopsis for our course text, Defensive Magical Theory by William Slinkhard."
Harry and the girls exchanged looks, but complied as Umbridge continued, "We will use this book as a guide to provide a better understanding of a subject that has been disturbingly uneven throughout your school careers, but thankfully the Ministry has created a new approved course to better prepare you for your OWL's."
For the next ten minutes, Umbridge drawled on and on about the book and Harry was beginning to understand two things from the synopsis alone. One, the author of the book sounded like he knew less about Defense Against the Dark Arts than Lockheart did and at least Lockheart knew how to make his books somewhat interesting. Two, there was absolutely nothing in the book about how to use defensive spells, whether in the classroom or in actual combat.
Harry was about pass out when he saw Hermione raise her hand and Umbridge called on her, "Excuse me, professor, but there's nothing in here about using defensive spells."
Umbridge looked aghast, "Using spells? Why, dearie, I don't see why you would ever need to use spells in my classroom?"
Everyone looked stupefied and Ron of all people was talking sense as he asked the obvious, "We're not going to use magic? How are we supposed to prepare for these stupid exams?"
"As long as you understand the theory as, outlined by the theory and the Ministry, you should excel in your exams-.", whatever else Umbridge was going to say was overshadowed by the panicked whispers that broke out amongst the students, minus Harry and the girls who already figured as much.
"The first time we use these spells will during our exams!?", shouted Dean.
Everyone was in hysterics by now and just before a riot broke out, Umbridge shouted, "SILENCE! I understand your knowledge in this subject has been unsatisfactory, but this curriculum has been approved by the Governor's Board of witches and wizards who have far more knowledge in the subject than a rowdy group of teenagers. I also expect you to show proper respect towards me in this classroom, regardless of how all your previous teachers allowed you to behave."
The class reluctantly quieted down as she continued, "Speaking of your former teachers, each of them presented a series of problems that should be addressed before we go further to avoid those mistakes again so you don't have any more misconceptions. Your first professor, Quirrell, seemed like the most competent as he stuck to a proper curriculum. Unfortunately, he passed away due to suspicious circumstances."
Her eyes landed on Harry for an uncomfortable number of seconds until she spoke again, "Moody had too many complaints sent to the Ministry and would have been fired had he not only just signed on for one year. As for Lockheart, he seems to have suffered an accident as well due to an incident with a certain troublemaking student."
Harry maintained a blank expression, but he was fuming on the inside as she finished her speech, "As for Professor Lupin, he taught inappropriate material for children that was never approved by the Ministry. Thankfully, the dangerous Half-Breed wisely resigned before he was run out."
Harry's anger was becoming more palpable as the troll woman talked, something Pansy must have noticed as she placed her hand on his and gave him a reassuring smile. She might not have paid much attention to Harry or knew the details of their relationship, but she could tell that their former professor meant a lot to him. Harry mouthed a thank you to her and focused on calming himself and using his Occlumency to better control his emotions.
Umbridge smiled evilly, "There is no need to fear, though, the Wizengamot is currently working on passing new registration that will prohibit all Half-Breeds and individuals with dangerous genetics from carrying wands."
Harry's heart stopped for a second and he said, "What?"
Everyone turned to him, including Umbridge, who seemed to be gleeful she finally got under his skin, "I said, those classified as Half-Breed or less, such as Goblins, Werewolves, and Veela will have their wands snapped."
Harry's mental shields were quickly crumbling as his magic felt like lashing out like never before and Daphne, Tracey, and Pansy were all looking at him in concern. It was only for their sake that used all his willpower to calm down.
He gave Umbridge a hard stare, "Those people can't choose who they are and should be judged for their blood, especially since most of them don't hurt anyone."
Umbridge sneered, "That's quite enough, Mr. Potter. Five points from Gryffindor for talking back to a teacher. Now, as I was saying, the purpose of this course is not to waste time practicing spells you will likely never use, but rather learning an approved Ministry course for children and so long as you understand the theory, you'll be just fine."
Before Harry could respond, Tracey stood up and spoke, "And how exactly does theory prepare us for real threats like the Death Eaters and their Dark Lord?"
Umbridge exhaled deep breaths, "Now let me be perfectly clear on this, you have been told that a certain dark wizard is at large once again. This. Is. A. Lie."
Tracey growled, "So, I suppose it's a lie that people all over the country have been disappearing and being found dead are just a lie too? The only lies being told are by the Ministry!"
"Tracey!", Daphne pleaded.
Umbridge glared at her hard, "Those deaths weren't connected and most were tragic accidents."
Tracey scoffed, "No, it was that dark tosser Voldemort!"
"DETENTION, MS. DAVIS!", Umbridge shouted in a loud screech.
Harry's hand grabbed Tracey's, "Trace, stop before she does something worse."
That seemed to calm Tracey down and Umbridge continued, "Now, I do believe we have had enough excitement for today; therefore, for the rest of class, you will read the first chapter of our class text and copy down the important parts in your notes in silence. See me after classes, Ms. Davis, for your detention. *giggle*."
With one last glare sent to Harry, she stalked towards her desk as everyone opened their books and began to read. Harry and the girls, as well as everyone else in the class except Hermione, couldn't get past the first few pages of the most boring book they had ever read and that included all of their History of Magic texts. Anyone who didn't fall asleep after half an hour just skimmed the chapter and copied down the important parts and as Harry just sat there, counting down the minutes until he could flee from this Hell, he wondered just how he was going to get through this year with Umbridge screwing with him and his friends.
Eventually, class ended, and the four friends were the first ones out the door and they pulled to the side as Harry turned toward Tracey, "What was all that about?"
Tracey stood resolute, "I…I knew she was trying to get a rise out of you. I couldn't let her win and do something awful to you."
Harry's face softened, "Now, she's going to do something awful to you."
Tracey grinned lightly, "I'm a big girl, Harry. I can handle that pink troll."
Harry sighed with a smile, "Alright, but don't do anything crazy like that again, please. You mean too much to me Trace, and I don't want to see you hurt."
Tracey stood their wide-eyed and bright red, before nodding furiously and catching Harry off guard with a quick hug, much to the amusement of their friends. Tracey went off to Divination, while the other three went off to Ancient Runes, and Harry noticed Daphne's worried expression.
"Daphne, you ok?", he asked.
Daphne shook her head, "I'm worried about Tracey, I've heard about the type of person Umbridge is from my father. She might look harmless, but she's been known to be cruel and merciless to anyone who crosses her."
Pansy chimed in, "Not to mention it's the worst kept secret that she's a massive Pureblood supremacist and Tracey's only a Half-Blood. I think some of that Gryffindor bravery of yours has rubbed off on her."
Harry smirked, "Well then, it looks like Snape was right for once, I am corrupting you three."
Pansy and Daphne scoffed, but smiled as they both said, "In your dreams, Potter."
Harry grinned, "Those aren't the kinds of dreams I have about you two."
This caused the two Slytherin girls to sputter and blush, until Harry broke out laughing at the prank he just pulled. That was until he had to run for life from the two incensed snakes who were threatening to hex off a certain part of his anatomy.
Umbridge's office was the personification of the women herself, sweet and innocent on the outside with a sense of dread, craziness, and cruelty just lurking beneath the surface. At least, that's what Tracey thought when she entered the pink troll's office that night, pink everywhere and cat photo's all over the walls. She cringed and thought, "I think I preferred the dark gothic look the other DADA professor's had."
Umbridge smiled sickeningly sweet at her, "Welcome, Ms. Davis. Tea?"
Tracey shook her head and Umbridge continued, "You're going to be doing some lines for me today, Ms. Davis. Not with your quill, you're going to use a special one of mine. I want you to write 'I Must Not Tell Lies'".
Tracey nodded and took the quill, "How many times?"
Umbridge tilted her head, "As long as it takes for the message to sink in."
Tracey began writing, but her hand started itching and she thought her hand was cramping, but then it started burning and she noticed blood after she finished the first line. She looked at her hand and then she realized what had happened, right there scratched into her palm was I Must Not Tell Lies. She gulped and thought, "The crazy bitch is using a blood quill!"
Umbridge just looked at her with fake innocence, "Something wrong, dear?"
Tracey was, admittedly, to shocked and fearful for the first time in her life so she just shook her head, "Nothing."
Umbridge actually smiled and said with a straight, creepy face, "That's right, because you know deep down, you deserve to be punished, don't you Ms. Davis?...You may continue."
Tracey said nothing and clenched her fist, but did as she was told and stopped when Umbridge spoke again, "I was quite surprised to see you so adamantly defend Mr. Potter's beliefs. I was not aware you two were so close. I do hope you tell him about our time together tonight, I'm rather interested to see if he will hopefully understand what happens to children who lie and their loved ones."
Tracey's eyes widened and she internally realized, "She's hurting me to get to Harry, she probably wants him to confront her. Not on my watch, bitch."
Tracey served out the rest of her detention and quickly went to the bathroom to wash out the cut and get rid of the blood. She didn't need Daphne noticing her hand, or especially Harry. She swore to herself that Harry would never be subjugated to that woman and her schemes, no matter how much pain she went through.
Daphne was sitting in the Slytherin common room with Pansy, creating a study plan to better prepare for her OWL's and her usual coursework. Although, she was becoming more concerned about how Umbridge was going to make passing her OWL's much harder, especially if she gains more influence over the school like she thinks the Ministry will give her. She was also worried about Harry and Tracey, both of whom were now public enemy numbers one and two in the eyes of Umbridge and she knew it was going to get worse well before anything got better. She wasn't fooled, she knew Tracey was in love with Harry and she knew Trace wasn't going to let that pink troll hurt Harry in any way and that both worried and slightly infuriated her. She realized that she was beginning to develop feelings for Harry, but she knew she had to bury those feelings down for Tracey's sake. Little did she know, Pansy was having similar thoughts next to her and both were brought out of their thoughts when Tracey herself walked into the common room.
The two looked concern when Tracey looked in her own world, like no one else was even around her, and she was also pale with a depressed look on her face; in short, she looked the exact opposite of how Tracey Davis should look. She glanced at the two of them, but she just breezed by them and went straight to their dorm without so much as a hello. Sharing a quick silent look with each other, the two followed after their friend. Upon entering, they found Tracey sitting on her bed trying wipe away evidence she was crying and poorly attempted to put on a brave face.
"Tracey, what's wrong? Did something happen?", Pansy asked.
"And what's wrong with your hand?", Daphne asked after she saw a red mark.
Tracey flinched, "Nothing's wrong, everything's fine."
Daphne narrowed her eyes, and she went up to Tracey and took her hand and was shocked at what she saw, and Pansy must've been too since she gasped slightly. Daphne was known for being one of the most level-headed and calm witches of her age, but one wouldn't think that looking at her now. The beautiful blonde was burning with so much rage with a glare that could melt Death itself and she was essentially trembling with anger.
Daphne turned around, wand in hand, ready to storm out when Tracey stopped her, "Let go."
Tracey shook her head, "Not if you're going to do something stupid. I'm not giving that bitch the satisfaction."
Daphne glared at her, "You expect me to do nothing after she's tortured you?"
Tracey sighed, "No, just nothing that will get you expelled. I have a feeling that even Pureblood Slytherins from prominent families will be spared her wrath if you fuck with her."
Daphne exhaled deeply, "There's no way anyone agreed to her discipline methods, we have to report this."
Tracey scoffed, "Report this to who? All of the teachers look too afraid about losing their jobs, the headmaster isn't going to be any help since his credibility is shot, and no one in the Ministry is powerful enough to overturn Fudge's appointment of her. Even our parents won't be of any help probably since Fudge and the Pureblood Death Eaters rule the bloody government and could easily bury any investigation or claims they want checked."
Pansy cleared her throat, "With all due respect girls, you're thinking entirely too much like a Gryffindor and trying to charge our problem head on. What we need to do is think like a Slytherin and create a more cunning plan to get revenge on Umbridge and bide our time."
Daphne and Tracey looked each other, "Like what?"
Pansy smirked and Umbridge felt a sudden chill down her spine.