When eventually Sebastian and Stephen told Manuel about Umbridge's detention, their friend truly did want to curse Umbridge right at the spot. However, as the next morning had come already and even with Manuel's countless exhortations, they faced yet another issue.
MINISTRY SEEKS EDUCATIONAL REFORM DOLORES UMBRIDGE APPOINTED FIRST-EVER ''HIGH INQUISITOR''
''The hell does that even mean?'' Manuel asked, reading the headline of the Daily Prophet, already annoyed.
''The High Inquisitor?'' Sebastian asked back. ''can I look?''
Manuel nodded, passing the newspaper to him.
''In a surprise move last night the Ministry of Magic passed new legislation giving itself an unprecedented level of control at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry,'' Dina read out loud over Sebastian's shoulder.
The three boys sat, listening to Dina's reading until her voice raised again.
"That's how Dolores Umbridge came to be appointed to the teaching staff at Hogwarts," said Weasley last night. "Dumbledore couldn't find anyone so the Minister put in Umbridge, and of course, she's been an immediate success-''
''That makes NO sense!'' Manuel exclaimed.
''I KNOW! Listen-'' Dina replied. ''-an immediate success, totally revolutionizing the teaching of Defence Against the Dark Arts and providing the Minister with on-the-ground feedback about what's really happening at Hogwarts. It is this last function that the Ministry has now formalized with the passing of Educational Decree Number Twenty-three, which creates the new position of Hogwarts High Inquisitor.''
Neither of them commented anything although their heads were full of curses and remarks. Dina simply continued reading, lowering her voice, as people around them were doing the same.
''It makes sense now...'' Sebastian said to himself after having listened to the full article. ''The Ministry is involved! Fudge forced her on Hogwarts and now she can rule over the other teachers?''
''Seems so,'' Stephen added.
''Did you notice that Dumbledore's gone again?'' Dina asked.
''Didn't have a chance...'' Sebastian replied.
''I'm just saying... maybe we should have dealt with several issues before things got bad,'' Dina said, eyeing Sebastian but he ignored her look.
He knew she was right.
When Sebastian and Dina sat together in the Ravenclaw Common Room, where they truly felt safe, they talked again about Malfoy and his plans.
''Now we know he's definitely up to something,'' Dina said but to Sebastian that was not news.
''I think I should go to the Slytherin Common Room,'' he replied.
''What?''
''I need to go there. I think- I really think there's something to be found. I mean, perhaps I could even turn into one of his friends, and then he'd spill everything!''
''I think only his closest friends know what he's up to... maybe not even them. I mean, he was talking to Pansy,''
''Victoria could spy for us...'' Dina suggested.
''I thought you'd be happy that this secret is just between the two of us. Things are a lot less suspicious this way, you know?'' Sebastian exclaimed, annoyed that Dina was not going with his plan.
Thankfully, the two first-years that were in the Common Room only raised their heads to them now, turning them back immediately.
''I'm just...'' Sebastian began. ''I didn't mean to scream...''
YOU ARE READING
Misfire » Cedric Diggory | Draco Malfoy
FanfictionIf Chantal had known the cost of her choices, she would have never left her compartment on the Hogwarts Express. The students of Hogwarts still speak about the infamous Miss Sparrow's years at Hogwarts.
