Unhappy Endings

115: The Joke's On Her

"Severus, come quickly." You finally were the person dragging as you pulled your husband to the collection of students and teachers. "She's trying to fire Sybill! We need to do something!"

Although Severus followed you, he gave very dark words. "Unless you want to support Dolores, we cannot do anything. You know that." You paused at the window and frowned. "Don't pout, my love. I know your heart wants good. It is hard to be a bystander."

"Can we watch? At the least?"

"Oh, of course. Wouldn't want to miss the drama." Severus pulled you by the waist into his body and laid his head upon yours.

Sybill was having a breakdown—and rightfully so. "You cannot sack me!"

Dolores however, was not one to back down, despite the growing crowd. "I can do whatever I wish!"

"This is my home!" Sybill cried as Dolores grinned evilly.

"Not anymore." She pointed at the door with a stubby finger. "Now remove yourself from this castle!" You looked at Severus with shock. He shook his head—despite not caring much for the weepy, oft-talentless woman, he didn't like to see people harshly de-homed.

Luckily, the true headmaster, who had been more absent than not lately, arrived. "She will not be leaving." You watched as the crowed parted and Dumbledore stepped down from the castle onto the castle grounds.

"I have the authority, Headmaster!" You rolled your eyes at the small woman.

"Oh, I agree with you, Madame Umbridge. You do have the power to dismiss my teachers. However..." Sybill looked at her savior with tears in her eyes. "...You cannot send them from this castle. That is still my decision. Professor Trelawney will remain here."

Dolores was furious, but something clicked in your head. "Oh my, Severus, that's what I was doing last week then! That's why I went to see—"

"And what of her quarters when I appoint a new teacher?!" Dolores screeched with her eyes narrowed.

"Happily, that will not be necessary. I have found a successor for good Professor Trelawney already. As you know..." Umbridge looked absolutely mutinous, but you heard clopping from the hall next to you. "...the Ministry can only appoint new teachers if I cannot find one. I think you will find him suitable enough."

"A centaur!" Severus laughed. "The gall of the great man!"

"This is Firenze." Dumbledore introduced the male centaur. "I'm sure you will get along wonderfully."

You cracked up at the thunderstruck look on Dolores' face. It was surprising that a centaur would actually work for wizards, but then again, Firenze had been quite interested in your request for Dumbledore to be allowed to enter the forest and speak with them. He had already been censured once for saving Harry Potter by allowing him to ride on his back. Firenze would certainly be in deep trouble for this. You hoped it was worth it.