Office Hours [Thursday]

[umbitch]

The entirety of what was formally Principal Washburn's office has been completely changed. There are now varying shades of pink coloring the walls, the desk and the chair. Doilies lay very carefully on the desk, stark white against the pink of the room

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[smartestone]

After hearing the announcements, Hermione- completely against all better judgment mind you but she is a Gryffindor- took off for the office just to see for herself.

And then there's jaw-dropped staring at the open door when she sees that yep, it is the same Umbridge. Oh, Harry was getting phone calls tonight.

[umbitch]

Sensing someone at her door, Umbridge looked up, a cordial greeting on her tongue. It died upon seeing who actually was at her door. Her smile, however, didn't dim.

"Miss Granger," she said, tilting her head. "Did your antics finally get you expelled from Hogwarts?"

[smartestone]

"Wrong reality," she said straight off, realizing Umbridge didn't know she'd been here. "My parents took me out of school once Voldemort returned. How are the centaurs doing?"

[umbitch]

Her expression darkened momentarily. And then she was reaching for her tea cup and holding it demurely in front of her. "I'm quite sure I don't know what you're referring to. And He has not returned."

Still sticking to the party line, yep.

[smartestone]

"Are the Ministry finally admitting it where you come from, too?" she asked. "Because I have copies of the Prophet in my room. I'd be more than happy to show them to you."

[umbitch]

"Dear child," Umbridge chided, "I am far too busy to read silly little articles that are most probably false. It's quite easy to lie, you know."

[smartestone]

"Yes, I know, I read the Ministry-approved Prophet last year."

[umbitch]

Umbridge waved a wand, dismissing Hermione's claims as easily as one would swat an annoying pest.

"How are your parents doing, Miss Granger?" Umbridge asked, just the hint of disdain in her voice. "Well, I do hope."

[smartestone]

"They're none of your business," Hermione snapped. "Honestly, did the school board even look at your CV?"

It hadn't really sunk in that Hermione was bitching at the principal. And it probably wouldn't matter even after it had sunk in, really.

[umbitch]

Umbridge laughed haughtily, eyes gleaming over the rim of the cup. "Of course. Give them my regards, will you? I'm sure the Muggle world is keeping them entertained."

[smartestone]

"You're not going to be here long," Hermione said. "I'll go Hade- I'll go to the school board myself."

[umbitch]

"Will you, now?" Umbridge didn't look phased. She set her cup down on her desk (on a coaster, mind you) and laced her fingers together. "You do know that I am the authority figure in this school, do you not? And I have no issue with discipline."

[smartestone]

"Yes, I know, Harry still has the scars," she said. "Shall I get the essence of murtlap ready?"

[umbitch]

"Is Harry Potter here?" Umbridge asked quickly, eyes darting around before she calmed herself.

[smartestone]

"Why would I tell you that when I could let you be surprised?" Hermione asked.

[umbitch]

Umbridge's smile returned to her face, bright and slick. "And you think I do not have the means to find out myself? Perhaps this place has degraded your intelligence."