Fragile Delay

Chapter 3 - Chapter Three

When it became clear this had gained more attention than whatever they were meant to be reading, Umbridge finally gave in and turned to face Hermione. "Did you have a question about the reading, dear?"

Hermione shook her head, "Not about the reading."

"Then what?" Umbridge still wore that saccharine smile, though her eyes were sharp and cold. "I'm sure it can wait until after we're done reading."

"I have a few concerns about the course aims, actually," Hermione said matter-of-factly. "I've read them through, but they never mention anything about using defensive spells."

Cecelia felt her blood freeze. She hadn't even noticed that detail. Did Umbridge really plan to not teach them how to use defensive spells? Knowing the theory meant nothing in a life or death situation. Sometimes even knowing plenty of spells and how to use them wouldn't be enough to save your life. Her grip on her quill tightened painfully at the reminder of who she'd lost last year because of that. She didn't want there to be any more Cedric Diggory's.

"Using them?" Umbridge questioned innocently. "Why would you ever need to learn that? You'll learn the theory now and that should give you a clear enough understanding of how to use the spells during your O.W.L.S."

"Wait, no magic?" Ron Weasley exclaimed suddenly. He seemed pretty off-put by the news. To be fair, so was most of the class. "We can't learn spells on theory alone."

"You will raise your hand when you wish to speak in my class," Umbridge replied sharply. "Mister.."

"Weasley," Ron finished, raising his hand aggressively. Umbridge turned her back on him, effectively ignoring him.

Harry and Hermione were both quick to raise their hands as well. Umbridge's eyes glossed right over Harry and instead landed on Hermione. "Yes, Miss—?"

"Granger. Isn't the point of Defense Against the Dark Arts to learn defense? Theory won't help us protect ourselves."

"Protect yourselves from what?" Umbridge asked redundantly. She knew exactly what—or who—they were talking about. "There is nothing to protect yourselves from in this school, and therefore no need to practice these spells. This is an artfully designed, Ministry approved course orchestrated by witches and wizards with much more experience and wisdom than you. This is a way to learn magic in a harmless, risk-free way."

"If we're attacked," Harry Potter grit out, "it won't be in a risk-free—"

"I said," Umbridge bit out, "to please raise your hand when you wish to speak in my class, Mr. Potter!"

Cecelia's hand went up at the same time as a Gryffindor boy across the room from her's did. Umbridge noticed his hand first, narrowing her eyes at him but motioning for him to speak all the same.

"Dean Thomas," he introduced hurriedly. "Anyways, it's like Harry said—" Cecelia could see he'd lost her as soon as the words left his mouth, "—if we're attacked it won't be in a risk-free environment! We won't get do-overs like we would in class—"

"Do-overs where? Where could you possibly get attacked?" Umbridge asked frantically. "This school is safe. And outside of it, too. I understand the curriculum in the past has been rather disjointed and unnecessarily dangerous considering your exposure to madmen and filthy halfbreeds—"

"You mean Lupin?" Cecelia cut in. She'd been quick to catch on to the fact the man was a werewolf, especially considering how spot on his name was. Even still, she hadn't cared. The man had been a damn good teacher, and she was disappointed to see him go. "He was the best Defense teacher we've ever had."