''𝙄𝙛 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙢𝙚𝙖𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙄 𝙝𝙚𝙡𝙥𝙚𝙙 𝙗𝙪𝙞𝙡𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙛𝙞𝙧𝙚𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙠𝙨.''
𝗛𝗮𝗿𝗿𝘆 𝗵𝗮𝗱 𝗯𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝗴𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗦𝗻𝗮𝗽𝗲. Lessons that helped Harry to keep Voldemort from invading his mind. He always came back to the Common Room all sweaty, panting even. I didn't want to think wrong of it, but I couldn't help but do so. That night, Harry came by and said that Fred and George sounded like they were up to something.
Aren't they always?
Hermione kept looking at me, as if I had committed a crime that I wasn't admitting to. The night that Draco that slept in my dorm, Hermione had noticed the white ferret the next morning. Not to mention the oversized clothes that I wore. She kept asking if I was hiding anything from her, but I wouldn't tell her anything. I just said that I was housing a wild ferret I had found outside.
Even with Draco as a ferret, he seemed smug at the time. Hermione didn't buy it, but she left the topic for a while. Lavender asked if she could pet the ferret, to which Draco instantly moved away from her. Katie laughed, almost toppling onto the floor when she had seen that. I rolled my eyes with a grin, holding Draco in my hands.
Remus had written to me a few times, a couple of the letters asking if I was still doing alright. It made me smile about how much he cared. I shared a few details with him about Umbridge, leaving out the part about my arm. I didn't want him to worry more then he already was. Not to mention that Harry had told Sirius about Hagrid and the giants. How Death Eaters had been trying to acquire beasts and half-bloods on their side.
Sirius and Remus had told the four of us that Dumbledore was holed up in Grimmauld Place for a short period of time. Due to the fact that Umbridge is now the new Headmistress of Hogwarts, on Fudge's commands. Kingsley had been there, but he couldn't do anything to help Dumbledore because he didn't need his position in the Order to be compromised.
Every day, it seemed that more and more people were joining Voldemort's side. A few of them making their way into the Daily Prophet, which still happened to be written by Rita Skeeter. I never forgave her for what she did in fourth year, whether it was about Harry, Cedric or Theo. Even Hermione, getting a spot on the page as she is mentioned with Harry and Krum. Those times were stressful for her, to say the least.
Hogwarts is empty now, no paintings on the walls, no sightings of the ghosts and poltergeists. No magic was allowed in the corridors, which was always a rule but had been less important then the others. Boys and girls were not aloud to walk within' 8 inches of each other, making it harder for me to spend time with the trio, the twins, Theo or Blaise. Draco and I had already figured out a way to get past that rule.
Professors held themselves in their classrooms, only coming out for the feast. Some of them now even bothering, since they knew Umbridge would be there. Nobody would talk at the feasts either, Umbridge declaring silence across the tables. If they weren't silent and caught them taking, then we already knew the punishment for that.
Currently, a large group are in The Great Hall. A group that included the trio, Draco, Crabbe, Goyle, Blaise, Theo and myself. Umbridge stood at the front of the room, a pendulum swinging back and forth behind her. We are taking our O.W.Ls, Theory of Charms. Umbridge stood with her hands encased in one another, settled in front of her as she sweeps over the room with her eyes.
Ron sighs from beside me, almost dropping his quill. Hermione quickly scribbled down an answer, already knowing them all without barely taking a glance towards the question. Harry didn't seem to care much for the test, seemingly in his own world with his quill slowly slipping between his fingertips. His parchment also happened to be blank, like mine.
A loud boom could be heard from outside the doors, everyone stopping for a short second to glance over at the door and then move back to the parchment. The noises kept going, everyone stopping what they were doing as Umbridge stepped down from the front of the room. The noises continued, Umbridge walking closer and closer to the doors.
I smiled when I had comprehended the noise. After all, I helped the twins with them.
Umbridge opened the door, standing in the corridor as a small firework came and flew in her face. It moved to the side, into the room just to pop right above me. My smile grown bigger when I seen it, looking back at the door, the twins had flown in on brooms, bags full of fireworks held with them. The parchments had flown into the air, everyone cheering for the twins.
The twins set off firework after firework in the room, all the kids now standing as the fireworks exploded. I cheered along with the other students, Fred and George both giving me a two finger salute. I gave them one back, small fireworks exploding from in front of the trio and I. Umbridge walked into the room, her eyes widened.
Other small fireworks went after the Inquisitorial Squad, Goyle screaming and waving it away from his face as Crabbe tried to run from it. Another small firework came after Draco, who was backed against a wall before he moved. The firework imprinted his scared face on the wall after he moved. Sure, we were on good terms now, but it was funny. I couldn't argue with that.
Filch walked into the room with a mop, probably cleaning the corridors before he came here. Harry smiled as he looked over at Filch and Umbridge, happy that they didn't have anything to do against this. Harry nudged me, showing that Filch had walked in. Him and I laughed as I saw George pulling a familiar firework from his bag.
''Ready when you are!'' He shouted over at Fred. Both of them looked over at me as I smiled a frantically nodded. George threw the firework in the air and flew off, I pulled the trio back a few steps, making them look at me with confused looks.
The firework had crackled, a deep roaring emitting from it. A dragon formed from the fireworks, his eyes pinned on Umbridge. She had started to freak out as the dragon moved closer, Umbridge had running to the doors of The Great Hall. This was my favorite firework, by far.
As Umbridge reached the door, the dragon firework had chomped down. It dissappeared after that, leaving Umbridge covered in smoke and dust. The rules she had put up outside The Great Hall had fallen onto the floor, some of them burning to ashes. The twins flew out of the room, with me leading the rest of the group outside.
Everyone gathered in the courtyard, the twins flying into the sky as they let off more fireworks. Flitwick was also in the crowd, watching the sky. Everyone clapped and cheered as the fireworks the twins had set of created a huge 'W' in the sky. Surely, they were going to be expelled for this. But least to say, they don't care. They showed Umbridge.
As I cheered for the twins, two arms had wrapped around my waist from behind. I recognized the ring on his hand, smiling to myself.
''Did you have something to do with this?'' He asked, kissing my temple as he looked up.
''If you mean that I helped build the fireworks.'' I turned around to face him. ''Maybe.'' I shrugged. He smiled down at me, leaning his forehead against mine. Suddenly, I remembered where we were and softly pushed him away from me. ''We are in front of almost all of fifth year, what are you doing?''
''Relax, love.'' Draco pulled me into him again, his chin resting on the top of my head. ''Everybody is too preoccupied with the fireworks.'' I glanced around, seeing that he was right. I didn't say that though, I didn't want his ego to grow bigger then it already was. Flitwick seemed happy, doing a short fist bump to himself. ''Shit.''
My head leaned away from his chest, looking up to see him looking backwards. I peered around him, seeing Umbridge making her way towards us.
''Hide in the crowd. I'll find you later, I promise.'' He kissed my forehead before turning towards Umbridge, me walking unsuspiciously into the crowd of people. I wasn't in the crowd long, before Harry bumped into my shoulder and mumbled a sorry before scrambling back into the school. Hermione also ran past, not giving me a glance as Ron grabbed my forearm and I followed them.
We were walking up the staircases in the empty school, no paintings listening in on us. Harry seemed to be panicking, but I didn't know what for.
''Harry, are you sure?'' Hermione asked the boy.
''I saw it. It's just like with Mr. Weasley. It's the same door I've been dreaming about for months, only I couldn't remember where I'd seen it before.''
''Nice to know you dream about doors, Harry.'' I replied, not really taking the situation seriously. Ron let out a snort, covering it with the back of his hand.
''Sirius said Voldemort was after something, something he didn't have the last time, and it's in the Department of Ministries.'' My demeanor had changed when he mentioned Sirius, what in the name of Godric Gryffindor was happening?
''Harry, please, just listen.'' Hermione stopped the boy. Harry did so reluctantly, turning around to face Hermione. ''What if Voldemort meant for you to see this? What if he's only hurting Sirius because he's trying to get to you?'' Wait, what.
''What if he is? I'm supposed to just let him die? Hermione, he's the only family I've got left.'' Harry defended.
''But, Harry.'' I started, wanting to make my point. ''Sirius is at Grimmauld Place. He never leaves unless he is with the rest of the Order. Currently, Ron's parents, Remus and Tonks are there. I know because I receive letters from Remus at least twice a day.''
''Y/n-'' I cut Harry off before he could say anything else.
''Let me finish.'' I pointed my finger at the boy. ''I know that Sirius is at Grimmauld Place. But you are stubborn and won't stay put anyway. Voldemort is most likely trying to get to you. But for the sake of you not getting hurt and doing this by yourself, I'm coming with you. Whether Hermione and Ron come or not.''
Harry gave me a small smile, looking at Ron as he also nodded. Hermione nodded too, Ron speaking up.
''What do we do?''
''We'll have to use the Floor Network.'' Harry spoke, continuing his run up the stairs with us following behind.
''But Umbridge has all the chimneys under surveillance.'' Hermione informed.
''Not all of them.'' Harry responded. I knew what he was about to do and let me say this, I didn't like the idea one bit.
Harry led us all to Umbridge's office, whispering the 'Alohomora' spell before the door opened. It was just as sickly as last time, pink everywhere with cats on the plates. A picture of Cornelius Fudge had been sitting on her desk. A little creepy.
''Alert the Order if you can.'' Harry spoke, crouching down to the chimney.
''Are you mental? We're going with you.'' Ron retorted.
''It's too dangerous.''
''When are you going to get it into your head? We're in this together.''
''That. . .you. . .are.'' Umbridge spoke from the door, making me jump and hit the back of my head against her desk. I hissed at the sudden pain, rubbing the spot it hit. Umbridge was still covered in smoke and dust from the fireworks.
We were all head by the Inquisitorial Squad, more and more people being brought in from more Inquisitorial Squad members. I was being held by Crabbe, who seemed more smug then ever. I kept trying to remove my wrists from his grip, only for him to kick the back of my heel. His grip on my wrist tightened, second after second. I feared that he might've cut the circulation.
''Caught this one trying to help the Weasley girl.'' Draco walked in, holding Neville with him. He explained that he would have to be this way in front of Umbridge, but it saddened me to see him like that.
Harry was strapped to the chair in front of us all, Crabbe having his wand pointed to my head. He poked me with it a few times when I tried to struggle from his grip, making me jerk my head away from him. Umbridge leaned closer to Harry, trying to intimidate the boy.
''Crabbe.'' Draco whispered to the boy. Crabbe turned to Draco, a low hum coming from him. ''Hand me Granger, you take Longbottom.'' Neville looked confused, obviously listening in on the conversation.
''Why? I've got her. It's pretty fun to see her squirm.'' He retorted, leaning his head closer to my ear.
''Prick.'' I muttered, trying not to gain the attention of Umbridge.
''Crabbe.'' Draco seethed. From where I stood, I could see that his jaw was clenched, trying his hardest not to tighten his grip around Neville's wrists. ''Give me the girl.''
''Fine.'' He rolled his eyes, reluctantly switching with Neville. I let out a relieved breath, not having a wand pointed to my head and hands tightly clutching my wrists. Once I'm with Draco, he pulls my hands behind my back like all the others were. Only, he had intertwined his hand with mine and moved his thumb across the top of my hand.
I felt his thumb stop for a few seconds, his fingers lightly brushing against my wrists. I couldn't see what he was looking at, trying to look over my shoulder and catch a glimpse of my wrists. Draco looked like he was about to kill Crabbe, his eyes narrowing down at my wrists before he continued to caress my hand.
''I'm sorry about him, darling.'' Draco lowly whispered in my ear, discreetly nibbling on it before he pulled away and acted like nothing happened. I looked back up when Umbridge had slapped Harry, Snape stepping into the room.
''You sent for me, Headmistress?'' He spoke. This is the first I've seen Snape for a while.
''Snape. Yes.'' Umbridge smiled, overly happy to see the Potions Professor. What the hell was she planning? ''The time has come for answers, whether he wants to give them to me or not. Have you brought the Veritaserum?'' That's illegal to use against students. And Snape knew this.
''I'm afraid you've used up all my stores interrogating students, the last of it on Miss Chang.'' Snape just seriously exposed Umbridge. Harry looked flabbergasted, trying not to show it as much as he should've. Now he knows that Cho didn't mean to out us to the pink toad. ''Unless you wish to poison him - and I assure you, I would have the greatest sympathy if you did - I cannot help you.'' Snape turned to walk out, Harry speaking up before he got too far.
''He- He got Padfoot.'' Snape paused at the door. ''He. . . he's got Padfoot at the place where it's hidden.''
''Padfoot? What is Padfoot?'' Umbridge looked away from Harry and back at Snape. Hoping that he would share an answer. ''Where is what hidden? What is he talking about, Snape?''
There was a silence in the room, Snape turning around to face the rest of us. I could see Snape giving me a short lived glance, which I couldn't read fast enough before he looked back over towards Umbridge. His brows were slightly raised.
''No idea.''
''Very well.'' Umbridge spoke, her lips in a thin line as pure rage showed on her face. She turned towards her desk, Snape leaving the room. ''You give me no choice, Mr. Potter. As this is an issue of Ministry Security, you leave me with. . .no alternative.'' What the hell is she thinking? ''The Cruciatus Curse ought to loosen your tongue.''
''That's illegal.'' Hermione spoke up.
''What Cornelius doesn't know won't hurt him.'' Umbridge faced the picture of Fudge down on the desk, making it so his picture was starting at the wood of the desk. She grabbed her wand and turned back to Harry, Hermione shifting her weight between her feet.
''It's an Unforgivable Curse. It'll be traced, won't it?'' I spoke up, trying to buy Harry more time to come up with something. Maybe he'll find a way to get out of that damned chair. Umbridge looked over at me, her wand still pointed towards Harry.
''I'm part of the Ministry.''
''Really? I hadn't noticed.'' I retorted. Umbridge couldn't be angrier and Draco had noticed this. His hand squeezed mine, basically begging for me to shut up. Umbridge pointed her wand over at me, deep breaths coming from her. ''Why do you hate children so much? What have they ever done to you?''
''Children don't know what is right and what is wrong. It's my job to make sure they know.'' She lowly spoke, slowly inching closer until she was about a foot in front of me.
''Know what? All they know now is what a bitch you are.'' She didn't respond, as I got close to her face and basically spit all up in her shit. Draco squeezed my hand tighter, I could feel him wanting to pull me behind him for protection. Before I could comprehend her actions, I had dropped to my knees with my hands holding my head. I was shaking, writhing on the floor. Pain ran all throughout my body, like dozens of sharp knives trying to pierce my skin.
My name had echoed around the room, pink heels clouding my vision along with a bubbling black cloud. I could faintly hear the clicking noises of the heels walking off, before a yell had erupted from the room and three foggy figures had left out the door. I laid on the floor of Umbridge's office, the cold hardwood against the side of my face.
I could feel blood running down from my nose, a small drop landing on my tongue when it stopped on my lips. The feeling of almost passing out had filled my head, my eyelids starting to droop. Soon, gagging noises could be heard, more people leaving the room. Hands suddenly gripped my shoulders, lightly shaking me as they turned me around and set me in their lap.
''Y/n.'' Draco called, my head on his lap as he looked down at me. ''C'mon, love. Please be alright.'' His fingers ran through my hair, his voice low. Slowly, I had opened my eyelids to see his grey eyes looking down at me, his eyes glazed over with tears.
Suddenly, more figures had appeared. Luna, Neville and Ron. They all asked if I was alright, only for Draco to ask them not to crowd. I smiled at how nice to was to them at the time. Neville seemed a little taken aback by the soft demeanor he used, Ron smiling a bit as he gave me a knowing look. Luna tilted her head, smiling as she sat on her knees beside me.
''We have to get to Hermione and Harry.'' Neville informed, looking out the door of the office for anybody waiting outside for them. ''They should be back soon.''
''We need to get going before we get caught.'' Ron added, standing up. Luna stood beside him.
Draco took his arms under my legs and back, carrying me bridal-style in his arms. Even if I tried to walk, I would've stumbled and fallen back over. The dried blood was still on my face, as I tried to wipe it off, but failed. Draco chuckled, his thumb drawing circles on my shoulder.
We reached the courtyard, hiding around a corner as Ron started to think about where Harry and Hermione could've gone. Draco set me down, though I still leaned against his shoulder for support. He wrapped his arms around my shoulder, leaning his head against mine as he kissed my temple.
Ron settled for going towards the bridge, saying something about a secret. I'm guessing it was Hagrid's secret about Grawp. Nobody had known about it besides the trio and I, even though I've never actually seen Grawp for myself. Maybe I will someday.
''Draco, you have to stay here.'' I printed him, as I leaned away from his shoulder to follow the group. They had waited just around the corner, but also out of sight if Umbridge, Filch or a member of the Inquisitorial Squad came by. A member that wasn't Draco.
''Are you crazy? No.'' He denied, turning me around so that I faced him. His hands held mine, caressing them.
''You have to. If anything is to happen, I want to know that you are here and not in danger.''
''And how do I know that you won't be?'' One of his hands left mine, reaching up to the side of my face. His thumb tracing my jaw. ''I want to know that you are okay. Y/n, Umbridge just used the Cruciatus Curse on you.''
''I know. I know.'' I nodded, leaning into his touch.
''I'm coming with you.''
''No, you are not.''
''Yes, I am.''
''Draco-''
''Y/n, I don't want to leave you. If I do, I don't know what will happen. You could possibly die today and I'd have to hear from Wesley. Hell, maybe even Potter.''
''I will be fine. I promise.''
''How can you keep a promise like that? You don't know what'll happen.''
''Exactly. But I have my friends with me.''
''I want to be there. How will I know that they will protect you? Maybe they will choose their lives over yours.''
''My love, trust me when I saw this.'' I put my hands on his arms, looking into his eyes. ''No harm will come to me as long as you are here. I don't want to worry about you getting hurt.'' My hands moved up to his face, holding either side. ''I want you to be waiting here for me when I get back. Alright?''
Draco nodded, leaning his forehead against mine.
''Alright.'' He said. ''Just promise that you will come back to me, alive.''
''I promise.'' Draco leaned forward, pressing his lips against mine in a soft, loving kiss. Breaking away, I went to walk with the other three before Draco held my hand, keeping me from walking forward again. I turned back to him, seeing his concerned face. ''I'll be back before you can say Quidditch.'' I gave him a soft smile, his hand slipping from mine as I walked on.
Draco looked ahead, watching my figure leave around the corner. The three of them asked me a few questions about Draco, but they all supported the relationship once I told them. Luna said that she always knew that we would be together, somehow. Neville liked the fact that Draco wasn't actually as mean as he thought to be. Ron always supported, just liked hearing more information about the relationship.
Harry and Hermione ran from the other side of the bridge, both of the groups meeting in the middle. Harry kept going on about going to the Ministry by himself, not wanting to get anyone hurt by taking them with him. Ron told Harry that we are going with him, Neville also joining in. With that, Harry let us come with him.
Luna had the idea to use Thestrals to get to the Ministry. Most of the people couldn't see the Thestrals, so they either needed help getting on or shared with another. I had my own, gripping tightly onto the invisible creature. I didn't want to accidentally fall off because I hadn't known which was it was facing.
It wasn't long before we had arrived at the Ministry, all of us getting our wands ready. We were in for a whole lot of trouble.
⭒☆━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━☆⭒
𝑫𝑹𝑨𝑪𝑶 𝑴𝑨𝑳𝑭𝑶𝒀 𝑷𝑶𝑽
''Quidditch.''