➵ Choice ➵ {DM and HP)

➵ Chapter 6 ➵

Beginners? We've been practicing this subject for 4 years! I open the book and flip through the pages, noticing the small amount of defensive spells. In fact, none of the pages contain anything about even using the spells.

"Your previous instruction in this subject has been disturbingly uneven, but you'll be pleased to know that from now on you will be following a carefully structured ministry approved course of defensive magic."

A movement to my right catches my eye and I see Hermione Granger's raised arm.

"Yes?" Umbridge asks.

"I'm sorry Professor, but there's nothing in here about using defensive spells."

I nod and Umbridge lets out a little giggle, setting my blood on fire.

"Using defensive spells? I can't imagine why you would need to use spells in my classroom?"

I see Hermione's shocked face and I'm just as astonished. Isn't what the class is all about? Learning how to defend ourselves using magic?

"We're not going to use magic?" I hear Ron Weasley ask, echoing my exact thoughts.

"You will be learning about defensive spells in a secure-risk free way." Umbridge explains, her voice sugary sweet.

I clench my fists under my desk. This teacher, no woman, sets my blood on fire, and I feel my jaw clench.

I hear an annoyed huff from behind me then Harry Potter's voice floats over my head, no longer timid and stammering, but strong and determined.

"What use is that, if we're going to be attacked it won't be risk-free—"

"Students will raise their hands when they speak in my class!" Umbridge exclaims, then she quickly turns to look out the window behind her, as if to calm herself.

After a moment, she turns and says in a calm voice, "It is the view of the ministry, a theoretical knowledge would be sufficient to get you through your examinations," she smiles her devil smile. "which after all, is what school is all about."

I feel the anger bubble over and I shoot out, surprising myself, "How's theory supposed to prepare us for what's out there?"

Umbridge's beady eyes meet mine and I see astonishment and anger trapped inside. Ignoring her anger, she smiles sweetly again, which must be the only thing keeping that anger from spilling over.

"There is nothing out there dear," she says, her voice nauseatingly high. "Who do you imagine would want to attack children like yourselves?"

I open my mouth to speak but my words are taken over by Harry's sharp voice once again.

"Oh I don't know," he says sarcastically. "Maybe...... Lord Voldemort."

The name sends a rippling effect through the room, as people gasp in fear at the name. I even hear a small squeak come from a timid boy to my left. I don't flinch, I stare straight into the annoying eyes of Umbridge as she watches Harry over my head.

I see a flash of panic echo in her eyes as she realizes the disorder in the room.

"Now let me make this quite clear," she says carefully, her voice void of the panic filling her eyes. "You have been told that a certain dark wizard is at large once again." I clench my jaw again, I know where this is going. "This is a lie—"

"It's not a lie! I saw him, I fought—" Harry exclaims, anger amplifying his voice.

"DETENTION, MR POTTER!" Umbridge screeches in response and I feel my anger spill over. I can't help it, I open my mouth again.