Two days, Severus, and I already want to strangle that woman.

          It wasn't enough for her to interrupt Albus at the opening ceremony — I swear I have NEVER seen such impertinence in all the years I've been teaching here —, now she writes me a letter telling me how to do my job. What a nerve!

          She tells me the Gryffindor fifth-years didn't behave the way she had expected. Considering she probably expected them to swallow all the rubbish she calls "adequate curriculum" and even love her for it, I'm hardly surprised. I've heard she made the students read for the entire class. Maybe someone should explain to her the difference between a classroom and a library? Or explain to her what being a teacher really entails, for that matter?

          Then again, there are some students very willing to explain such things to her, and that is not a good thing. She's sent three students to my office today, and I suppose I should count myself lucky, as Filius had to deal with five. All in one day's work, she must be so proud...

          Unfortunately, Potter was one of them. Dolores tells me his behaviour "grew insolent" after her instruction. Oh my, I wonder why, don't you?

          However, as much as I sympathise with his wish to shut her enormous mouth up, I obviously do not endorse his attitude. I had hoped he would have the sense to keep his head down. I know you're not very fond of the boy, Severus, but surely you realise we must do all we can to keep him safely in Hogwarts. Fudge clearly considers him a threat, and it says a great deal to me that Dolores gave Potter a whole week of detention — she wasn't nearly as strict with the others — under her personal supervision.

          Oh dear, maybe I really should count myself lucky. I certainly wouldn't want to be in Pomona's place right now. The Hufflepuffs have just lost their champion — did you see how pale and weary the seventh-years looked when they entered the castle? —, and I'm sure many of them know that what Albus told them is the truth, but now this Umbridge woman comes to tell them it is all a "fairy story"? How dreadful this must be to Cedric Diggory's friends and housemates, to hear these inconsiderate lies about his death and having to stand it all in silence. This isn't right, Severus! They shouldn't have to go through that.

          I've already written my reply to Dolores' letter. I believe I've managed to make it quite proper, polite, and as respectful as the situation demands. I'm rather proud of the way I controlled my temper and measured every word. I won't bother my owl with it yet, though. You don't think Dolores will mind being wakened up at 3 a.m. by a bird pecking her toes, do you?

          So how was your day, Severus? I believe your own fifth-years had Defence Against the Dark Arts first thing in the morning?

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Written by Morgan D.
September 5th, 2004

Harry Potter characters belong to J.K. Rowling and her associates, including, but not limited to, Bloomsbury Books, Scholastic Books, and Warner Bros. This fanwork was created solely for fun and has no legal or financial connection to the Harry Potter novels.