"Mr. Anderson... Professor Umbridge asked me... to give this... to you."
Albert was having dinner with Fred, George, and Lee Jordan when a younger girl lowered her head and tremblingly handed him a piece of parchment.
"Thank you." Albert took the parchment and thanked her in passing.
The girl blushed furiously and hurried away.
"You're as popular as ever," Fred teased.
"Shouldn't the important thing be that Umbridge invited Albert for tea?" George said, rolling his eyes at Fred.
"I have a feeling Umbridge is up to no good." Lee Jordan frowned. "What do you think she wants?"
"Does it matter?" Albert said flatly. "When all is said and done, Umbridge is just someone throwing her weight around because of her position."
"That toad!"
The three exchanged looks and laughed in unison.
At eight that evening, Albert knocked punctually on the door of the Defense Against the Dark Arts Office. At the sound of Umbridge's shrill girlish voice, he pushed the door open and entered.
"Have a seat, Mr. Anderson."
Umbridge welcomed Albert "warmly," but there was not a trace of goodwill in her eyes.
Albert glanced around the Defense Against the Dark Arts Office, then sat down opposite Umbridge.
The elderly witch before him spoke in a high, soft voice. "What would you like to drink? Black tea, milk, Pumpkin Juice, or Butterbeer?"
"I prefer milk tea."
Albert drew his wand and gave it a light flick. A steaming cup of milk tea appeared out of thin air. He lifted it and took a small sip, paying no attention whatsoever to the change in Umbridge's expression.
"All right, Professor. What did you want to see me about?"
"I don't think there's any need for us to be in conflict."
Umbridge stared at the man maintaining that elegant smile. She