Alternate Universe - brothers Draco & Harry

Chapter 53 - the Dark Arts

The classroom was abuzz with curiosity and unease as the sixth-year students settled into their seats. Dolores Umbridge, the new Dark Arts professor, stood at the front of the room. She was a short, plump woman with a scrunched up face and a saccharine smile, she had short blonde hair and she looked to be about the age of 50. Her bright pink cardigan and matching bow made her seem out of place in the dark, foreboding atmosphere of the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom. This is where they would learn the use of Dark Arts as well.

"Good morning, class," she said in a high-pitched, girlish voice. "I know you've all already been introduced to me at last nights dinner, but anyways, hello again. As you know, the Ministry of Magic has made a few changes regarding Hogwarts curriculum, and we will be learning not only how to defend ourselves from dark magic, but also how to use dark magic when necessary. I know that there has always been a stigma when it comes to using dark magic, but do not be mistaken, it does not have to be evil if you do not use it for evil. It can be a practical tool with many useful charms, hexes, and potions... all you need to do is not fear it. Because that is what we are learning here, how to stop fearing the capabilities of your own powers. So, today, we are going to dive straight into a very important lesson. We'll be learning the Imperius Curse."

The students shifted uncomfortably in their seats upon hearing those words. Whispers spread quickly as they exchanged worried glances.

Umbridge's smile widened, she looked half-mad, as she brought out a cage containing a fluttering pixie. "We are, unfortunately, behind in our curriculum already since the use of Dark Arts will be taught starting year 5. You are already into your second semester in year 6. By this stage, you should already be well-versed in the use of dark magic. So. We'll be correcting that deficiency today."

With a flourish, she pointed her wand at the pixie. The creature flew frantically around its cage, its wings a blur of blue. Umbridge's eyes gleamed with anticipation. "Imperio!" she commanded. The pixie's frantic movements ceased instantly. It hovered mid-air, its eyes glazed over. For a moment, it seemed peaceful, but then its wings began to falter. It thrashed weakly, its body writhing in pain for quite a while as the professor held onto the spell. And finally it fell to the bottom of the cage, lifeless.

Gasps and murmurs filled the room as the students looked on in horror. Umbridge turned to face them, her sweet yet unsettling smile unwavering. With a flick of her wand, cages containing pixies appeared on each of their desks.

"Now... No one will leave this room until you have successfully cast the curse long enough to kill the creature," she said, her tone sickeningly sweet. "Begin."

Reluctantly, the students began. The atmosphere was thick with tension. Sue Li, the very smart and capable Ravenclaw, was the first to cast the curse confidently, smirking at Aurelia after she succeeded. Aurelia just sat down with her arms crossed, refusing to even try casting the dark curse.

Saskia whispered to her sister, "You should try, Aurelia. Just get it over with. She won't let us go until you do."

Aurelia shook her head. "No. I won't kill a creature just because."

Around them, students were still attempting the curse with varying degrees of success. Ron Weasley managed it next, a very proud smile on his face as he received praise from Umbridge herself, commending him for his precision and ruthlessness. His fellow Gryffindor and girlfriend, Lavender Brown, watched him, her feelings mixed. Ron then approached the girl, placing his arm on her elbow, lifting up her arm.

"Come on, Lav. Just let go of any anxiety and cast the curse. Feel its power."

Lavender took a deep breath and finally cast the curse, using Ron's words as encouragement, hitting the pixie with a bright blue light. She jumped once there was impact and the pixie began to convulse, but Ron steadied her, encouraging the girl to hold on. The pixie finally succumbed, and a rush of adrenaline coursed through Lavender as Ron kissed her cheek, "I'm so proud of you. That's my girl," he said. She blushed, her heart pounding with exhilaration.