Chapter 288: Umbridge Cry
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The aftermath of Umbridge's disastrous performance was immediate, and it even took Harry by surprise, though, in hindsight, it made sense. The public outrage against Fudge had already been building, and learning that his undersecretary's deepest fear involved something as absurd as equal rights for magical creatures and non-purebloods was the final blow. Umbridge was promptly demoted, with a strong warning from the Minister himself to strictly follow Hogwarts' curriculum and become the ideal model of a professor for the next generation of Wizarding Britain.
The change in Umbridge's behavior was noticeable right away. Gone was the shrill, domineering presence. She no longer raised her voice in class and, instead of her usual condescending tone, now carefully followed the lesson plans without adding her oppressive opinions. Her once overbearing demeanor was replaced with a strained politeness, almost as if she was afraid to misstep.
Harry watched the shift with both amusement and indifference. It was odd seeing her like this, but it wasn't unexpected. The Ministry had her on a tight leash now. She was just another cog in the machine, and the days of her trying to enforce her twisted ideals were over.
As classes resumed, the atmosphere in the school lightened significantly. Students whispered about Umbridge's downfall, and even the professors seemed more relaxed. Harry, however, moved on quickly from the event. There was no need to dwell on it—Umbridge was out of the picture for now, and that was enough.
One of those days, while walking through the corridors, Harry noticed a woman he hadn't seen before. Something about her presence made him stop. Pulling up the system map, he froze when the label "Andromeda Tonks" appeared. A few weeks back, while disguised as Albus Riddle in Knockturn Alley, he had crossed paths with a Metamorphmagus named Nymphadora Tonks. Who was this woman, and how was she connected to Metamorphmagus?
Without hesitation, Harry decided to seek answers. He scanned the system map until he located Draco in the library. Malfoy did say something about a new Muggle Studies Professor. A few moments later, Harry strolled into the quiet room, his eyes locking onto Draco, who was engrossed in a book.
"Draco," Harry began, keeping his tone casual, "got a moment?"
Draco glanced up, mildly surprised to see Harry, but closed his book with a small nod. "Sure, what's on your mind?"
"I noticed a new face around here," Harry said, leaning against the table. "Andromeda Tonks. Know anything about her?"
Draco nodded, leaning back slightly. "Yeah, she's my aunt. Our new Muggle Studies Professor. I guess it's not surprising you haven't seen her much. She and her husband live in Hogsmeade, so she doesn't usually eat in the Great Hall."
Harry raised an eyebrow. "Your aunt? I didn't know you had any relatives teaching at Hogwarts."
"Well, she wasn't exactly close to the family for a while," Draco replied, his tone casual but with a hint of something deeper. "She married a Muggle-born, Ted Tonks. That didn't sit well with my mother or the rest of the Blacks. Aunt Andromeda's been... well, out of the picture for years."
Harry glanced around the quiet library, absorbing this new information. It made sense now why Draco hadn't mentioned her before. "Sounds like things are a bit complicated."
Draco shrugged. "You could say that. But she's decent enough, I suppose. Doesn't lecture me about blood purity every five minutes, which is more than I can say for some of my other relatives."
Harry smirked slightly. "Guess that's a relief."
"Definitely." Draco tilted his head thoughtfully. "She's... different, though. I mean, she's strict about Muggle Studies, really pushes the importance of understanding both worlds. It's not something you'd expect from a Black, but then again, she's always been the odd one out."
Harry nodded, intrigued by what Draco had revealed. "Wait, you said she was a Black, so she is on your mother side?"
Draco leaned back slightly, giving a small nod. "Yeah, she's my mother's sister. Andromeda Tonks née Black. She's been kind of an outcast from the family for years now, ever since she married a Muggle-born. The Blacks weren't exactly thrilled about that."
Harry considered this for a moment before another thought crossed his mind. "Do you know Nymphadora Tonks then?"
Draco's expression shifted to a grin, clearly amused. "Ah, yeah. She's my cousin. Auror-in-training these days, though I would advise you never, ever call her Nymphadora to her face unless you're keen on being hexed."
Harry raised an eyebrow at Draco, genuinely confused. "Why's that? What's the big deal with her name?"
Draco let out a short laugh, leaning back in his chair. "Because Nymphadora hates it. You would think it was the worst thing in the world the way she reacts. Just call her Tonks. Trust me, I learned the hard way. Imagine a Metamorphmagus sneaking on you, impossible to guard against."
Harry smirked slightly at the thought of Draco getting hexed. "Noted. But what's her deal? You mentioned she is a Metamorphmagus, but she's also an Auror-in-training?"
"Yeah, she's training under Mad-Eye Moody, if you can believe it," Draco replied, rolling his eyes. "Completely mental, that one. Not just because of the Metamorphmagus thing either. She's always been a bit... reckless."
"Reckless, huh?" Harry said, filing that information away. "Sounds like someone fun to know."
Draco chuckled, shaking his head. "Depends on your idea of fun, Potter. She'll either drag you into some chaotic adventure or get you in trouble with the Ministry. Could go either way."
Harry leaned back in his chair, thinking. He hadn't had any interaction with Tonks, but if she was training under someone like Moody, she must be competent. "Guess I'll keep that in mind if we ever cross paths."
"Just make sure it's on your terms, not hers," Draco advised. "Otherwise, who knows what kind of mess she'll pull you into."
Harry grinned. "Sounds like someone I would get along with, then."
Draco raised an eyebrow, a small smirk playing on his lips. "You would, wouldn't you?"
Harry left after thanking Draco. Many things made sense now. He had already guessed Tonks was an Auror, after seeing her in the pub. It also explained why Alastor Moody was there that night. 'Did she somehow call Dumbledore that day? No, the Headmaster arrived with Moody, Kingsley, and Mundungus. I didn't think of it before, but could Mundungus have a connection with Dumbledore?' Harry shook his head, unable to make an immediate connection.
As Harry was about to return to the Chamber of Secrets, a sudden flicker caught his eye. A glowing phoenix Patronus glided through the school, pausing briefly at several spots before hovering near him. The familiar voice of Dumbledore echoed from the ethereal bird.
"Please come to my office, Harry."
Curious, Harry adjusted his pace, heading toward the Headmaster's office. As he walked, he spotted Snape moving swiftly in the same direction. Their eyes met briefly.
"Do you know what's going on, Professor?" Harry asked, keeping his tone neutral.
Snape shook his head. "No. But it seems urgent."
Without exchanging further words, they continued side by side in silence. Upon reaching the office, they entered to find Professor McGonagall, Professor Flitwick, and—surprisingly—Umbridge, who was crying in the corner. Dumbledore stood by the window, his back turned to them, the tension in the room palpable.
When Dumbledore turned to face them, his expression was uncharacteristically grave. His eyes scanned the room, lingering on each of them before he spoke.
"There has been a development," he said quietly. "Minister of Magic, Cornelius Fudge, has been assassinated by Bellatrix Lestrange."
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