"When did you realize that you were a phoenix animagi?" Fudge asked, eyeing me like I was a ticking bomb that was about to explode.

"Probably when I was around six or seven. My mother is one as well."

"Is she registered within the Ministry?"

"Yes," I said, not sure why they were making such a big deal about this.

"And what precautions have you taken to control your...abilities?" Fudge asked, sitting back a bit in his chair. I assumed he was trying to discreetly move away from me incase I did explode.

"I'm not sure I'm following what you mean by precautions?" I said, turning to look at Professor McGonagall and Dumbledore for assistance.

"As Professor Umbridge is aware Abby was taking Transfiguration with the year above her. However Professor Umbridge and yourself found it necessary to keep her with her year, so we have moved her down as you asked," said Dumbledore, eyeing Fudge.

"Well having her be in a harder level Transfiguration class hardly seems like a precaution," said Fudge with a little scoff.

"Because of Abby's transformation occurring around this age, as it does with all phoenix animagi, I felt that by having her a level up she could be more prepared and knowledge about the process of transformation," said McGonagall, annoyed that she had to defend herself.

Fudge eyed them both for a couple of moments before shifting his gaze back on me. "And what abilities do you possess Miss Carson?"

"I don't believe that's any of your business," I said, eyeing him. He was no longer concerned with the incident between me and Umbridge. He was solely trying to figure out what I was capable of and whether or not I was a threat to be dealt with. Clearly the man was delusional about Dumbledore trying to use students to rise against the ministry. What a loon.

"How dare you speak to the Minister like that," Professor Umbridge said, mock offense seeping through her entire body. "Minister, this is the exact kind of thing I was telling you about. She has no respect for elders."

"That is hardly a reason to expel the girl," said Snape, glaring at Umbridge. Snape sticking up for me...that was a new one. "If I may Minister, I believe what Professor McGonagall and Headmaster Dumbledore are trying to say is that they have been trying to ease Miss Carson into the power that comes with being a phoenix animagi. However, Professor Umbridge and you have taken it upon yourselves to stop the precautionary measures they have been taking."

"What are you implying Professor Snape? That Dolores and I are the cause of what happened for her?" Fudge asked, anger coming through his whole body.

"I am merely saying that with phoenix animagis there is a bit of an adjustment period, as with all hormonal teenagers in the magical world. I do not think we should penalize Miss Carson with expulsion when it is obvious that she did not intentionally turn Miss Umbridge into an icicle. The girl is merely coming into her gifts and it is natural for them to be revealed in times of strong emotion."

Umbridge and Fudge stared at Professor Snape, who seemed rather bored that it was taking them so long to figure out what he was trying to say.

"Well, we will be taking her testimony back to the Ministry and will be discussing it with the discipline board. In the mean time I don't believe that Miss Carson should be attending her classes."

"Not attend her classes?" Professor McGonagall said, getting out of her chair.

"Minister, I must object to suspending Miss Carson from her studies. After all only one class requires the use of magic against another person and that is Defense Against the Dark Arts, which as you know is taught by Professor Umbridge. Also I have heard that they are not using wands in that class anyway," said Dumbledore, looking at Fudge in a way that threatened him to change his mind or else.

"Far enough," said Fudge, angry at Dumbledore being right. Fudge looked at me as I got out of my chair.

"In the mean time I suggest some form of punishment be taken against Miss Carson for her actions."

"Oh, I have something that should suffice," said Umbridge, eyeing me wickedly.

I stared at her. "Since she falls under my House I believe I should be the one to administer punishment. Besides, given the situation, perhaps it would be better to keep moments where you and Miss Carson are alone together to a minimum," said Professor McGonagall, wrapping her arm around my shoulder.

"I believe that your liking of her will prevent you from giving her a proper punishment," said Umbridge, taking a step forward.

"I will hold her detentions," said Snape just as Fudge was about to step in. "In fact I have some work that needs to be done in the Potions laboratory tonight. I will expect you there at 7:00 Miss Carson, and do not be tardy."

With that Snape swept past the Minister and left, leaving no further room for discussion.

"Will that be all Minister?" asked Dumbledore, opening the door for him, which Fudge knew meant it was time for him to leave.

"Yes I believe so. I will let you know as soon as the board makes a decision on the matter. Good day," Fudge said, rudely bumping into Dumbledore on the way out. Umbridge followed eyeing me like a fly that had slipped out of her tongue's reach.

Once the door was closed I rolled my eyes and slammed my body back into the chair.

"They can't expel me Professor, can they?" I asked Dumbledore, once Umbridge's thoughts were a mere whisper in my mind.

"I won't let that happen Abby. Don't worry."