01.22.2022

Despite my best attempts, Firenze refused go back and Dolores had roped me into inspecting his first lesson. It was an indoor forest clearing, with the floor being springily mossy and trees stretching their leafy branches across the ceiling and windows causing a pleasant green, light, and dark effect. Trunks and boulders scattered around the clearing for seating or backing. Students sat scattered around the clearing, Firenze sitting, feet folded neatly beneath him, in front of the crowd.

When the door swung closed behind me, he started the class,

"Professor Dumbledore has kindly arranged this classroom for us, in imitation of my natural habitat. I would have preferred to teach you in the Forbidden Forest, but I was told that that would be frowned upon,"

"We've been there with Hagrid, we're not frightened!"

"My herd has agreed that it is best for me to stay here," Firenze said casting a quick glance at me. I stuffed my hands in my pockets and continued to sulk.

"Herd?" Lavender asked, "What- oh! There are more of you?" she asked and I quirked an eyebrow, deciding to let Firenze handle this one, he stayed silent,

"Did Hagrid breed you like the Thestrals?" I choked on my spit, causing the eyes of the class to turn towards me,

"Seriously?" I asked, Dean paling as he released what he said, "Hagrid doesn't 'breed' anything in that Forest, least of all Centaur, my mentor was a Centaur, and a great one at that!" I lectured scandalized,

"Thank you, my lo-," he cut himself off as I glared at him, "Percy, like Percy, was saying, centaurs are not the servants or playthings of humans,"

There was a pause before Firenze stood and raised his hand to the canopy, "Let us begin," he said, and soon stars were revealed, lining the ceiling, "Lie back upon the floor and observe the heavens. Here is written, for those who can see-," That's all I heard, the door slamming shut behind me. Zoe was in those stars; she was never meant to be indoors. I made my way along the path, heading toward the Forest,

"Hey! Hey! What's going on?" I asked, they looked at each other frantic,

"Okay so who are you running from?" I asked

"Umbridge," one of them answered causing me to raise my eyebrow,

"This wouldn't have something to do with a secret club, would it?" I asked causing their eyes to jump up towards me, blown wide, that was enough of an answer for me

"Schist!" I cursed, "This isn't good," I whispered, causing the students to look towards each other,

"Professor? You-you already knew?" she asked causing me to smile and nod,

"Yeah- I know, it's okay, you're not in trouble, by me at least," I said and they all seemed to let out a breath of air,

"So can you tell me what happened tonight?" I asked and they nodded eagerly.

And that is how I wound up having three crying children in my office as I went to find Hermione.

"Did you really have to write 'Sneak' on their faces?" I asked dragging her back to my office,

"Sorry Professor! I guess since you said you wanted to stay out of it- it wouldn't be that big of a deal!" she said quickly administering the counter-cure to the glaring children. I sighed but nodded,

"I guess that was smart," I admitted grudgingly, then turning towards the other students I looked them over, "Everyone good? You can stay in here longer if you wish, but I have a feeling like I'd better get Harry off the hook if Dumbledore hasn't yet," I said causing Hermione to pale,

"-er professor?" she asked hesitantly, causing me to look over at her,

"Yes?" I asked causing her to wince,

"The club's called 'Dumbledore's Army'" she admitted,

"Holy Hera, Hermine! You're telling me this now?" I asked running an eye over the students quickly before rushing out. I didn't mind Dumbledore getting fired- I did mind what would happen after he got fired.

I walked in just as a flash of silver lit across the sky, Dumbledore's fingers closing over Harry's wrist, I pulled him back.

"Ah, Percy, I'm afraid that I'll have to take a leave of absence, take care of the students for me?" he asked and I grunted,

"Asshole," I muttered before shaking my head, "Sorry I wasn't here before, not that I don't want to see you gone, but you shouldn't have taken credit for Harry's revolt," Dumbledore chuckled,

"You do not like me very much it seems," he said and I rolled my eyes,

"Is it that obvious?" I asked shaking my head, "I'll look after the children," I said looking towards Minerva, "She will too," I said and she nodded firmly.

It had been a long day.

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