1995
HOGWARTS
Athena wrapped her oversized, grey jumper around her body, walking down the stairs of the girls dorm rooms. Upon entering the common room, she noticed Harry sitting by himself on one of the couches.
She walked over to the boy, sitting on his left. As she leant back on the arm of the chair, focusing on Harry's expression, she noticed that something was off. He didn't acknowledge her, and he was avoiding eye contact. His left hand seemed very stiff, hidden underneath the book he was reading.
Her eyes had tried to peek at his hand. Harry noticed this from the corner of his eyes, and had tried to hide his visibly red hand further underneath the book. Ron and Hermione had soon entered the common room, smiles on both their faces. The two had walked closer to them, also noticing Harry's quiet expression.
Athena had shrugged as they both looked at her with a "what's wrong with him" look. Ron sat down on the spot next to Harry, leaving Hermione awkwardly standing there - until Ron had pulled her wrist, making her sit on his lap.
Having enough of his ignorance, Athena had grabbed the boy's hand, noticing the engraved words on his hand. "I must not- Harry what the hell is this?"
Harry had immediately pulled his hand back, hiding it underneath his book again. "It's nothing."
Hermione had also caught a glimpse of his hand, her face expression worried. "Harry, you have to report this."
"No, I can't." Harry stated. "I don't want to give Umbridge the satisfaction."
"Harry, that toad-face looking bitch made you carve stuff on your hand!" Athena exclaimed. "You have to go tell someone about this!"
"Athena's right, Har," Ron joined in. "The woman's torturing you. If James knew about this-"
"My dad isn't here now, is he?" Harry retorted.
"No but I exist." Athena had stated. "With one letter-"
"Athena, don't you dare." Harry glared at her.
"Then report this to someone. It's either you do it or I do."
Harry had just shaken his head, packing his book then got up and left. Athena scoffed, looking towards Ron and Hermione, who had shot her sympathetic looks.
✎✎
Athena had walked alongside Ginny as the two made their way to the Quidditch Pitch, their brooms on their shoulders. "-So what if me and George are dating?"
"Nothing!" Ginny giggled. "It's just that it took him that long to finally ask you out."
"Hey, you can't talk!" Athena laughed. "You've been sending heart eyes towards Lovegood and you've done nothing!"
"Well to begin with, I don't even know if she's..."
"She's what?"
"You know," she leaned in closer Athena as she lowered her voice, "if she's into girls."
"Easy. Ask her if she prefers dick or-"
"No!" The red-head cut her off, laughs escaping Athena's mouth. "I can't just ask her that sort of question! What kind of girl do you think I am."
"A red-headed, confident, athlete-girl that's too shy to express her bloody feelings for one of the nicest girls I know."
"You're supposed to be helping me, not the opposite." Ginny whined.
Athena had let out an exasperated puff of air, clicking her tongue. "Fine. First, have a fun, long chat. One where you two are enjoying yourself. Then maybe give her a would-you-rather question. Give her two names: a girl's, and a blokes. If she picks the bloke, ask why, then if she says it's because of personality or looks or something else, ask her what she thinks of the girl; if she would date her or not. But if she picks the girl, same thing. Ask her why. This'll eventually make it easier for you to ask if she's into blokes or lads."
Ginny had gone quiet, thinking and remembering what she said. "That's... actually pretty good advice. Thanks Fi."
Athena chuckled, placing an arm around Ginny's shoulders. "No problem Gin. You know I honestly thought you would've had a thing for Harry, but I see that you prefer pus-"
"Shut your mouth before you say anything inappropriate Fi." Ginny warned. "And for your information, I actually swing both ways. Women and men are just that amazing."
"I understand you to the fullest. Last one to do five laps has to kiss Filch."
"Now you see, cousin dearest if you just listen-"
"A Weasley!?" Draco exclaimed. "You could've done better than that."
This earned Draco a whack in the face. "You deserved that, you gargoyle. He's a wonderful bloke, you should've see-"
"Stop talking right there Fi, I don't want to hear you simp over a guy. Eugh." The Slytherin fake gagged.
Athena rolled her eyes, walking next to the boy. "Dick." She muttered. "I hope you find crickets on your bed tomorrow morning."
Draco smiled sarcastically. "If I do, I'll know who put it."
Athena just grinned at the boy in return, her grin faltering as she noticed people gathering near the steps on a hallway. "What... is.. going on..." The two had tried to get to the front - Draco shoving a bunch of people and telling them to move while Athena apologised after. "You didn't have to be so fucking rude-"
"Shshsh..." Draco placed his fingers in front of her face, shutting the girl up.
"...As if you're questioning my authority in my own classroom... Minerva." Umbridge stated strongly, taking one step up.
"Not at all, Dolores," McGonagall had also taken a step up, eye to eye with the stubbier witch. "Merely your medieval methods."
"I'm sorry dear," Athena let her tongue out in disgust as the pink witch called Minerva dear. "But to question my practices, is to question the Ministry, and by extension... the minister himself."
"Oh Merlin..." Athena sighed, a dirty look on her face.
"I am a tolerant woman, but the one thing I will not stand for is disloyalty."
McGonagall had taken a step down, causing Athena's face to fall. "Disloyalty."
Umbridge had taken another step up, now facing the students. "Things at Hogwarts are far worse than I feared. Cornelius will want to take immediate action."
"This is not good." Athena whispered to Draco.
"Uh huh." Draco swallowed a tiny lump on his throat. "Not good at all."