The Academic Affairs Office conference room was at the end of Hogwarts' third-floor corridor.
A massive oak table occupied the center of the room, its surface polished to a mirror sheen, reflecting the six white candles floating overhead.
Sirius sat at the head of the table, in a high-backed chair with the Marauders Power Company's griffin emblem on its armrests.
Professor McGonagall sat to his left. To his right was an empty seat, followed by Professor Flitwick-who sat on a chair enchanted with an Engorgement Charm, just high enough for his chin to clear the tabletop.
Professor Sprout sat beside Flitwick, a cup of hot cocoa before her. She held it in both hands, her knuckles slightly reddened by the heat.
Snape sat at the far end of the table.
The hem of his black robes trailed on the floor. His arms crossed over his chest, he stared expressionlessly at the opposite wall.
He looked as though he would rather be anywhere else.
Douglas sat off to one side on a separate chair, some distance from the table, like an observer.
A cup of tea sat before him, still steaming.
The door was pushed open.
Umbridge walked in.
She had changed into a brighter pink cardigan, with a cat-face brooch pinned at the neckline. Two tiny pink gems formed its eyes.
Her hair was impeccably combed, and her hair clip was pink as well.
She held her chin very high.
Her steps were steadier than usual, her leather shoes making firm clicking sounds against the flagstones.
She had not come to attend a meeting today.
She had come to wage war.
Umbridge sat directly opposite Sirius and placed a pink folder squarely before her.
A pink quill sharpened to an extremely fine point rested on top of it.
She surveyed