HP Magic Biography

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An unusual thing? Harry was a little puzzled, and he shook his head.

Somewhere above their heads, a woman started screaming again.

Snape strode towards the door, wand in hand, and rushed out quickly. Harry hesitated, then followed.

The screams had indeed come from the hall, and had grown louder as Harry ran up the dungeon steps. When he got to the top, he found the foyer full of people, all students from supper who had come out to see what was going on, and others crowded on the marble stairs.

Harry squeezed his way through a few tall Slytherins and saw everyone forming a circle, some looking shocked and others terrified.

Professor McGonagall was standing across from Harry, looking uncomfortable. Professor Traunie stood in the middle of the hall with her wand in one hand and an empty wine bottle in the other, looking absolutely insane. Her hair was a mess, her glasses had slipped to one side, and one eye looked bigger than the other. Her shawl and silk scarf dragged from her shoulders to the floor, giving the impression of total disintegration.

Two boxes lay on the ground next to her, one was upside down and appeared to have been thrown from a staircase.

Professor Tlawney's eyes were staring, obviously frightened. There was something by the stairs, but Harry couldn't see it clearly.

No! she screamed, It's impossible, it's impossible, I refuse to accept it!

Don't you understand? A high-pitched girlish voice sounded gloating. Harry turned sideways to the right, seeing Professor Traunay's frightening expression coming from Professor Umbridge.

You can't even predict tomorrow's weather, and from my report you should know that your poor performance and total lack of improvement is not enough to get you fired?

You can't-can't! Howled Professor Traunie, tears streaming down from behind her glasses, you can't-can't fire me! I've been here sixteen years! Ho-Hogwarts is-yes My home!

It used to be your home, said Umbridge, and Harry looked at her toadlike face with a sort of amused expression in disgust. He watched Professor Traunie weep uncontrollably, looking at one of her boxes.

Your dismissal was issued by the Ministry an hour ago. Now please get out of here. You've shamed us. But she still stood there watching, contented.

Crying, trembling, Professor Traunie staggered back to her case,

Very sad. Harry heard a muffled cry to his left, and looking over his shoulder, Lavender and Parvati were both quietly weeping, holding each other's hands.

Then she heard footsteps, and Professor McGonagall came out from the crowd, walked straight to Professor Traunie, patted her on the back, and pulled out a large handkerchief from his robe.

Here, Sybil, stop crying and blow your nose. It's not as bad as you think. You don't have to leave Hogwarts.

Oh, is that so, Professor McGonagall? said Umbridge defiantly, taking a few steps forward. What right do you have to say such a thing?

I empower her, said a low voice. The oak front door opened. The students moved out of the way, and Dumbledore appeared at the door. Harry didn't know what he was doing outside, but standing in the door frame against the foggy night, he gave off some sort of impression. He came from the door, through the crowd, and came to Professor Traunie.

She was sitting on the box, with tears on her face, and she was shaking slightly, with Professor McGonagall next to her.

Your mandate, Professor Dumbledore? Umbridge smiled obnoxiously. I don't think you understand the situation. I have this— She pulls a roll of parchment from her robes—a dismissal order signed by me and the Ministry of Magic. Under Education Act Twenty-Three, Senior Investigators have powers Investigate and, as a result, fire teachers who she—that's me—does not meet the requirements of the Ministry of Magic. I don't think Professor Traunie is qualified enough, and I've fired her.

To everyone's great surprise, Dumbledore was still smiling. He looked at Professor Traunie, who was still sitting on the box and weeping.

Dumbledore said: Of course you're right, Professor Umbridge. As Senior Investigator you have the power to fire my teachers. However, you don't have the power to throw them out of the castle. I'm afraid, he said , bowed politely, Only the headmaster has this power, and I hope that Professor Traunie will still stay at Hogwarts.

No-no, I'm going-going, Dumbledore! I'd better get-get out of here and find-luck somewhere else-

No, said Dumbledore quickly. I want you to stay here, Sybil. He turned to Professor McGonagall. Professor McGonagall, can you accompany Sybil upstairs?

Of course, said Professor McGonagall. Come on, Sybil.

Professor Sprout ran out from the crowd and took Professor Traunie's other arm. Together they took her past Umbridge and up the stairs.

Then Professor Flitwick came running up, wand in hand, saying The box floats!, and Professor Traunie's box went up, followed up the stairs, followed by Professor Flitwick.

Professor Umbridge stood there motionless, staring at Dumbledore, with disapproval but a smirk on his face, who was still smiling kindly.

So, she whispered, and the whole hall heard, what are you going to do once I hire a new prophecy teacher and need to live in her dorm?

Oh, that's not a problem, said Dumbledore cheerfully. Look, I've found a new prophecy teacher who is willing to live on the ground floor.

Have you found—? said Umbridge sharply. Have you found it? I want to remind you, Dumbledore, that under Educational Decree Twenty-Second—

The Ministry reserves the right to appoint suitable candidates if—only if—the Headmaster cannot be found, said Dumbledore. I'm glad I found it. May I introduce you? He turned his face to the doorway, misty in the night. Harry heard a hiss.

The people in the hall immediately whispered in surprise, the people near the door backed away a few steps in fright, and some hurried out of the way. Out of the mist emerged a face Harry had seen once in the Dark Forest on a dark and dangerous night. Silver-white hair, blue eyes, the head and upper body of a man, and the lower body of a horse. This is Frunze, said Dumbledore to a stunned Umbridge, and I think you'll find him a good fit.

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