Cross sat at the Slytherin table, only Daphne and Astoria were siting with him, Draco was sitting for away with a heavy expression. Cross was confused and looked at Astoria saying "What happened to Draco?" Astoria almost started crying as she said "We.. we don't talk anymore. We broke up." before bursting into tears.
Cross was shocked and hugged Astoria, glaring at Draco angrily. Draco had a painful expression on his face, but still turned away. Intent on not watching. Cross snorted and felt like things weren't so simple, he felt extreme sadness but also relief from Draco.
Well, whatever. It wasn't his business anyway, Astoria would get over it... He hoped. Draco even cured Astoria while doing an Animagus ritual so she wouldn't be alone. It was strange for him to suddenly break up with her.
Cross confirmed his doubts of something going on behind the scenes. As he patted Astoria's back softly, Daphne was also angry and ignored Draco. Not even really thinking there could be something else going on. Her expression was cold as ice and she hated Draco for hurting her sister.
Cross sighed and placated Astoria as Dumbledore started speaking "Good evening children! We have two new staff changes this year, we are pleased to welcome back Professor Plank. Who will be taking care of magical creatures, while Professor Hagrid is on temporary leave. We are also welcoming our new Defense against the Dark arts teacher, Professor Delores Umbridge."
Cross spit out his drink and Harry looked down at his food while chuckling. Daphne, Astoria, Ron, and Hermione were confused. Harry whispered what happened at his hearing to Hermione and Ron, while Cross just shook his head and looked at Umbridge.
Umbridge stood up and walked to the podium as she said "Thank you, Headmaster. For those kind words of welcome, and how lovely to see all your bright, happy faces smiling up at me. I'm sure we're all going to be very good friends."
Cross chuckled and ate his food as Umbridge continued "The Ministry has always considered the education of young Witches and Wizards to be a vital importance. Although each headmaster has each brought something new to this, historic, school. Progress for the sake of progress, must be discouraged. Let us preserve what must be preserved, perfect what can be perfected, and prune practices that ought to be prohibited."
She giggled and walked back to her seat, glaring at Cross, who smiled back happily as if he didn't accuse her of treason.
For some reason Cross felt like he was going to have a tough time around here this year.
Well, whatever. He'll 'deal' with her if need be.
A while later
Cross walked out of the great hall and returned to his room, setting up his stuff before going to the Room of Requirement.
Cross appeared in the room and merged with the clones inside before sending them out as always. He waved his hand and 5 more different colored strings shot out. Since he had 11 different elements, he could make 2 more clones. He didn't use the Time element however, just in case he was already found out.
Time was his secret weapon. The only person who knew was Luna and he trusted her more than anyone else.
The next day
Cross was sitting in his Defense against the Dark Arts class, reading a book as usual. He was sort of running out of books to read, so he started reading Muggle mystery novels. As usual, Hermione's seat was next to his, he wondered if this was on purpose. Why in every class he had, Hermione was his desk mate.
Hermione looked over and said "A mystery novel?" Cross turned a page and said "Truly interesting, solving mysteries without magic is quite exciting." Hermione felt her mouth curve upwards as she said "You know, I have a ton of them in my room."
Cross turned his head and said "Speak your price." Hermione said happily "1 date." Cross sighed and shook his head saying "Luna would cut my dick off." Hermione coughed, no filter as usual with Cross. She grumbled and went back to class, plotting her next attempt at getting a date.
A truly impossible task. She was better off trying breathe in space without a helmet.
Cross went back to reading, wondering if they could catch the killer soon, as Umbridge walked into class, burning a paper bird to ashes before speaking "Good morning, children." she waved her wand at the chalkboard and continued "Ordinary Wizarding Level Examinations!" she walked towards the front of the class as she added "O.W.Ls, more commonly known as Owls!"
She turned around and smiled "Study hard and you will be rewarded, fail to do so and the consequences may be..." she giggled "Severe." as she waved her wand, books floated to each desk before dropping down.
Cross lifted his book out of the way as the floating book slammed down on the desk loudly. She chuckled darkly and ignored Umbridge as she continued "Your previous instruction on this subject has been disturbingly.. Uneven. You will be following a carefully structured, Ministry approved, course of Defensive Magic."
Hermione raised her hand and said "There's nothing in here about using spells?" Umbridge laughed "Using spells? I can't imagine why you would need to use spells in my classroom."
Ron spoke up "We're not going to use magic?" Cross' eye lit up as he mumbled "Like Sherlock Holmes?!" Hermione looked at him speechlessly, as Umbridge answered "You will be learning about using spells in a secure, risk-free, way."
Harry added "What use is that?" Umbridge said "You will raise your hand when speaking in my classroom!" before smiling "It is the view of the Ministry that a theoretical knowledge will be sufficient to get you through your examinations, which is what School is all about!"
Harry asked "And how's theory supposed to prepare us for what's out there?" Umbridge retorted "There is nothing out there dear. Who could you imagine wants to attack children such as yourself?" Harry rolled his eyes and said "I don't know, maybe Voldemort?"
Umbridge walked forward and said softly "Now let me make things very plain." her voice raised several octaves as she continued "You have been told that a certain Dark Wizard is at large.. This is a lie!" Harry said "It's not a lie! I saw him! I fought him!"
Cross looked over at Umbridge and asked "Is that the decision of the Ministry?" Umbridge turned to him and said "Of course it is. Is that a problem, Mr. Greengrass?" Cross chuckled and looked at Umbridge as he said "Obviously not. 'Professor' Umbridge, clear is the MINISTER says so, it must be true. After all, the Ministry is always right... Though I do have a few concerns, perhaps you should tell the Minister that someone may be plotting again.."
Cross chuckled again "Of course, not yourself, Professor. As you have been an outstandingly loyal part of the Wizengamot. Perhaps there is something more at play? After all, I have seen the snake man myself. I fear more people may die of disgust if he were to show his face?"
Umbridge trembled in rage at every hidden insult before finally screaming "Mr. Potter, Mr. Greengrass! Detention! In my office!" she calmed down and giggled continuing with the class.
Cross clicked his tongue and mumbled "She's tough." Hermione whispered "Tough?" Cross grinned and replied "I'll have to slowly break her, it's quite fun actually." Hermione was just shocked and looked at her books.
A while later
Cross and Harry walked into Umbridge's office.
Cross looked around and whistled at all the cat decorations, someone has a cat problem... Umbridge said with a smile "Sit down you two. You shall be writing lines with a special quill!"
Cross sat down and grabbed the quill as a amused smile surfaced on his face. Umbridge said "For you Mr. Greegrass, you shall write 'I must not speak out of turn' and Mr. Potter 'I must not tell lies'"
Cross started writing happily, while Harry asked "How many times?" Umbridge replied "As long as it takes to sink in." Harry started writing and 'I must not tell lies' appeared on his hand as he made a painful grunt.
Cross kept writing while humming, nothing happening to his hands. A mere curse couldn't pierce his skin. Umbridge frowned and said to Cross "What are you doing?" Cross gave her an innocent look as he said "Whatever do you mean, Professor?" Umbridge frowned and Cross smiled as he said "I have filled the parchment, Professor. Do you have anymore?"
Umbridge trembled and gave him a big stack, Cross started writing as Harry was excused.
Time flowed by
Cross finished the stack as he smiled happily "More parchment, Professor." Umbridge crushed her teacup and said through gritted teeth "You may go, Mr. Greengrass." Cross smirked and left the office chuckling, infuriating Umbridge.
A few days later
Cross and Luna were in the woods, tending to the Thestrals. Luna hummed happily as she played with a baby Thestral, Cross smiled and stroked a Thestral with his hands as he said "What do you think?"
Luna looked at him and smiled "You're definitely making her angry.. Are you waiting for her to start taking drastic measures in the school and stir up things?" Cross nodded and replied "The more chaotic the school is, the more of a chance of the one behind everything taking action."
Luna hummed and looked at him warmly, Cross smiled and they both heard a sound. Turning their heads, they saw Harry.
Harry said "Hey." Luna and Cross returned "Hey." Harry looked at the Thestrals and said "They live here?" Luna nodded and said "To hide from the Dark Nargles, vicious creatures those Nargals." Cross just nodded along and Harry looked at the Thestrals again.
Luna added "I believe you by the way." Harry said "Thanks, seems you're about the only one who does." Luna nodded and said "I suppose that's how he wants you to feel. If it's just you alone, you're not as much as a threat."
After speaking she stood up and dusted herself off as she said "Well, see you later Harry. Watch for Dark Nargles, they might be lurking." Harry nodded and Cross left with Luna.
Once they were far away, Cross looked at Luna, who said "He just needed a push. This will stir it up even more." Cross smiled and held her hand as he said cheekily "My partner in crime!" Luna rolled her eyes and said happily "You're reading too many Muggle books."
Cross just laughed and they left the forest.