"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 part be that Umbridge invited Albert for tea?" George said, rolling his eyes at Fred.
"I've got a bad feeling Umbridge is up to no good." Lee Jordan frowned. "What do you think she wants?"
"Does that really matter?" Albert said flatly. "When all's said and done, Umbridge is just someone throwing her weight around because of her position."
"Toad!"
The three exchanged glances and laughed in unison.
At eight that evening, Albert knocked punctually on the door to the Defence Against the Dark Arts office. At Umbridge's shrill girlish voice, he pushed the door open and entered.
"Have a seat, Mr. Anderson."
Umbridge gave Albert an "enthusiastic" welcome, yet there was not the slightest kindness in her eyes.
Albert glanced around the Defence Against the Dark Arts office before sitting opposite Umbridge.
The elderly old hag spoke in a shrill, affectedly gentle 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, conjuring a steaming cup of milk tea out of thin air. He raised it and took a small sip, utterly unconcerned by 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 come into conflict."
Umbridge stared at the man before her, who still wore an elegant smile. She wanted