In the original timeline, Umbridge should have become the Defence Against the Dark Arts Professor. But now—Will glanced to the side again. Lupin was sitting right there, and when he noticed Will looking, he smiled at him.
Hagrid was gone, too. A witch Will didn't know had taken his place. Will guessed she was Professor Grubbly-Plank, who would be teaching in Hagrid's stead.
Sure enough, Dumbledore's next words confirmed it:
"The Forbidden Forest on the grounds is off-limits to students—unless a professor takes you there for a lesson. And speaking of professors, there are two changes to our teaching staff this year.
We are delighted to welcome Professor Grubbly-Plank back. Professor Hagrid has some matters to attend to, so Professor Grubbly-Plank will teach Care of Magical Creatures in the meantime.
We are equally delighted to introduce Professor Umbridge, our new History of Magic professor."
History of Magic? The Hogwarts students looked in confusion at the old woman who resembled a pink toad. Professor Binns had taught History of Magic for years. Why replace him now?
Had the old ghost finally worked himself to death?
Dumbledore offered no explanation. "This year's Quidditch tryouts will be held—"
At that moment, Umbridge, who looked like a giant pink toad, stood up. "Ahem, ahem."
Students and professors throughout the Great Hall turned to her in confusion. The students had no idea why she had interrupted Professor Dumbledore, and it looked as though she meant to give a speech herself.
In all Hogwarts' years, no one had ever interrupted Dumbledore while he was speaking.
Umbridge clearly didn't know how things worked.
The professors had another question: why had Umbridge stood up? Sitting or standing made little difference at her height. The students still couldn't see her.
"Thank you, Headmaster," Umbridge said with an unpleasant smile.