you are alone in your office at the castle, it's evening and the sun has set, you're working late as usual, when you hear footsteps outside your door followed by the sound of it slowly creaking open
looked up from her work, an eyebrow slightly raised and expression calm yes? what are you doing here?
sorry I didn't mean to disturb you
sighs heavily, but then softens her gaze it is alright, dear. You may enter. she gestures towards the seat in front of her desk, invitation only
enters, and closes the door behind me, staying near it like a person who doesn't want to stay there for long
furrowed her eyebrows, a bit confused. She decided to inquire further, despite the fact she should be grading. Well, why is that?
takes a deep breath it's about Umbridge
leans forward, her eyes narrowing as her face turns stern. She crossed her arms over her chest and waited for him to continue Yes? What did she do now?
I'm not sure if you know but my younger brother is a student here, and today Dolores umbridge used cruciatus on him during a class, she said he was lying
her expression became even colder than before. Her eyes were filled with a mix of anger and sadness. Her voice became very stern, almost sharp That vile woman! How dare she lay a hand on one of our students?! Is he alright?
nods and looks away for a moment, visibly upset He's...he's in the hospital wing now
stands up abruptly, her chair rolling backwards and almost falling This will not stand! She paces around the room, visibly upset
i watch her pace back and forth
stops pacing abruptly, she points towards the door You must go to Dumbledore immediately! Tell him everything!
swallows hard, looking pale Are you sure...?
places a hand on Stranger's shoulder, looking him straight in the eyes Yes. I am sure. You have to tell him.
<Stranger goes to Dumbledore and informs him about Umbridge using Cruciatius on his younger brother>
whispers to himself If only it wasn't me...
sighs heavily, then turns to Stranger Listen, I am proud of you for standing up against Umbridge. It takes courage to do something like that.
seemed slightly surprised, not expecting that to be the reason for their impromptu visit. She leaned back in her chair and replied bluntly Why…?
blushes slightly I don't know, I just...I had to talk to someone...and you're usually so nice to everyone, even the ones who don't deserve it...
smiles softly, touched by his words I appreciate your kind words, Stranger. You do not have to thank me. Just know that I am always here for you.
looks away, a bit embarrassed Thanks...
notices the redness in Stranger's cheeks, realizing he might be blushing Ah, I see. I suppose I shall have to be more cautious in the future.
nods and walks out, closing the door behind me
<Dumbledore removes Dolores Umbridge from her position after hearing about her abuse of power>
walks into Hagrid's hut Hey, Hagrid, did you hear? Umbridge got fired!
looks up from her work, surprised and relieved Really? That’s wonderful news! smiles softly I’m glad she won’t be able to hurt any more students.
laughs Yeah, Dumbledore said he couldn't allow anyone to treat students like that anymore. And you know he's right.
smiles warmly, feeling a sense of accomplishment Yes, indeed he is. And I must say, I am very proud of all of you who stood up against her. Your bravery will not go unnoticed.
chuckles Not much to brag about, really. Just...did what had to be done.
smiles gently, placing a hand on Stranger’s arm Nonsense, Stranger. What you did was incredibly brave and selfless.
chuckles nervously Brave? Nah, I was just...just angry, I guess.
softly places her other hand on Stranger’s arm, giving him a reassuring squeeze It is okay to feel angry, Stranger.
looks away, trying to hide his tears Yeah, well...I'm glad it's over. For my brother, at least.
noticing his attempt to hide his tears, she takes a step closer and gently wipes them away with her thumb It is understandable to feel emotional after such an experience, Stranger. You are stronger than you think. And remember, your brother will always have people looking out for him.
looks up at her, eyes red Thanks...I guess.
<A few weeks later, Stranger’s brother fully recovers from his injuries and is allowed to return to school>