Mia: It was Hagrid. Hagrid opened the Chamber of Secrets fifty years ago.
Hermione: It can't be Hagrid. It just can't be.
Ron: We don't even know this Tom Riddle. He sounds like a dirty rotten snitch to me.
Mia leaned in towards Ron and whispered softly, "You weren't wrong."
A smile spread across Ron's face as he took in Mia's words, a silent acknowledgment passing between them. Hermione, noticing the exchange, glanced over at them for a moment, shaking her head before refocusing on the unfolding scenes of the movie.
Just before turning her attention back to the movie, Hermione leaned toward Ron and Mia, her voice barely above a whisper as she added, "I don't even know why we thought it was him," a hint of self-reflection coloring her words. The gentle murmur of the movie filled the room as the trio settled back into watching.
Mia: The monster killed someone, Ron. What would any of us have done?
"The very same thing you're doing right now?" Dean quipped with a raised eyebrow, his tone laced with amusement and a touch of sarcasm.
The room fell into a moment of lightheartedness as everyone, including the trio, responded with nods of agreement.
Hermione: Look, Hagrid's our friend. Why don't we just go and ask him about it?
Ron: That'll be a cheerful visit. "Hello, Hagrid. Tell us, have you been setting anything mad and hairy loose in the castle lately?" [Hagrid walks up behind them.]
Hagrid: Mad and hairy? You wouldn't be talking about me, now would ya?
"Now I know why they were acting weird back then," Hagrid mused to himself, his thoughts uncovering a new layer of understanding as he reflected on past events.
Mia, Ron, and Hermione: [simultaneously] No [There is an awkward moment of silence.]
Mia: What's that you've got, Hagrid?
Hagrid: Oh, it's Flesh-Eating Slug Repellent. For the Mandrakes, you know. Now, according to Professor Sprout, we'll be able to chop 'em up and stew 'em, and then we'll get those people down at the hospital unpetrified. In the meantime, though, you three had best be looking after yourselves, all right? [He turns to leave. At the same time, Parvati rushes in.] Hello, Parvati.
Parvati: [running up to Mia] Mia, I don't know who did it, but you'd better come! C'mon!
"What happened now?" McGonagall sighed in frustration, her exasperation palpable as she contemplated the latest turn of events, her eyebrows furrowing with concern.
The repetitive occurrences of unusual events at Hogwarts always seemed to involve the trio, particularly Mia, making them the focal point of perplexing situations that perplexed even the most seasoned teachers.
"You three just can't catch a break, huh?" Charlie remarked, his tone carrying a hint wry humor, a knowing look in his eyes as he observed the trio.
"I'm actually starting to feel bad for you all," Pansy said with a note of genuine concern, causing Draco, Blaise, and Theo to exchange puzzled glances in response to her uncharacteristically empathetic statement. Pansy simply shrugged, maintaining her nonchalant demeanor even.
[Parvati leads Mia, Ron, and Hermione up to Mia's dormitory. The whole place has been ransacked. Ron and Hermione stand by the entrance as Mia looks through the mess.]
Mia: [She gasped.] What?
The room fell into a stunned silence as the group took in the sight of Mia's ransacked belongings. Gasps and whispers filled the air. Ginny, her expression a mix of guilt and concern, couldn't help but feel troubled by the sight. She found herself second-guessing her actions, wondering if she could have handled things more discreetly and with greater finesse. Her regret etched deep lines on her face as she scanned the room, trying to make sense of the chaos.
Sirius, his eyes widening in disbelief, shook his head as he glanced around the room. "Oh my," he muttered, clearly taken aback by the sheer devastation before him. The concern in his voice was evident as he tried to comprehend the maliciousness behind the act.
"What happened?" Arthur's tone was filled with worry as he surveyed the disarray, his brow furrowed with concern. His paternal instincts kicked into gear, and he couldn't help but feel protective toward Mia in this troubling moment.
Pansy, her voice laced with an air of superiority, couldn't resist a dig at Mia. "Well, I guess that someone clearly hates you, since they only destroyed your side of the dorm," she remarked, her words dripping with disdain as she directed her gaze at Mia.
McGonagall, her voice firm and troubled, turned her attention to Mia. "Miss Potter, why wasn't I informed about this?" Her confusion and concern were apparent as she sought answers, a mix of sternness and worry coloring her tone.
The room fell silent as Mia looked at her "I didn't know what and how to tell you, Professor McGonagall, besides, Hermione and I fixed my things back up with magic on our own," Mia explained, her voice carrying a note of resolve as she met her gazes unflinchingly.
McGonagall's confusion deepened. "But why didn't you tell me?" Her voice held a mix of frustration and concern as she searched Mia's eyes for more detailed explanation.
Mia's response was firm, tinged with a hint of defiance. "Because then I would have to tell you everything, like how we had been researching the Chamber of Secrets and the Heir of Slytherin, and at the time we thought that it was Hagrid who opened the Chamber in the first place. That wouldn't exactly have been a cheerful conversation. Besides, we tried telling you the truth last year, and it got us nowhere, except that we had to do these things ourselves."
The weight of Mia's words hung heavily in the air, stirring a sense of guilt and unease in the room. Her explanation shed light on the strained relationship between the students and the authority figures, leaving McGonagall grappling with a tinge of regret for not listening to her students' concerns earlier.
Snape, his trademark sneer firmly in place, shot McGonagall a smug look that did not go unnoticed. His cocky demeanor drew a hard glare from McGonagall, their silent exchange a testament to the brewing tensions in the room.
The atmosphere crackled with unspoken words, unresolved conflicts, and the weight of lingering tensions.
Hermione: It had to be a Gryffindor. Nobody else knows our password. Unless it wasn't a student.
Ron: Whoever it was, they must have been looking for something.
"So a Gryffindor student broke into your room and tore apart only your side of the room?" Draco's questioned, causing Ginny to sink slightly in her seat.
Remus, his brow furrowed in confusion, voiced the collective bewilderment in the room. "Why would they do this? It doesn't make any sense," he exclaimed, the genuine perplexity in his tone mirroring the sentiments of everyone..
The room fell into a heavy silence as the weight of the inexplicable events sank in, leaving everyone grappling with the burning question of motive.
Mia: And they found it. [looks up from the mess] Tom Riddle's diary is gone.
"WHAT?"
"NOWAY!"
The collective outcry exploded through the room, echoing off the walls and reverberating in disbelief. All this chaos and mayhem for a seemingly inconsequential little book? Lucius's curiosity piqued as he pondered the true nature of the dark object he had been tasked with safeguarding. The Dark Lord had entrusted him with this mysterious item, but its exact nature remained shrouded in secrecy. Perhaps delving into these movies would finally unveil the enigma at the core of this ominous tome.
"So Someone ransacked your room, wreaked havoc, all for an old diary?" Seamus's incredulity was palpable as he struggled to process the incredulous scene before him. The room buzzed with shared disbelief, every face mirroring the astonishment felt by the others.
"I guess there's more to that book than meets the eye," Charlie mused, raising a speculative eyebrow.
[The Gryffindor Quidditch team is preparing for a match.] Oliver: All right, listen up. We play our game, Hufflepuff doesn't stand a chance. [he begins leading the team out to the pitch] We're stronger, quicker, and smarter.
"What?" The Hufflepuff team chorused their disbelief, their incredulity reverberating throughout the Quidditch pitch. The Gryffindor Quidditch Captain, visibly shrinking in his seat in response to the withering gaze of the opposing team, elicited a ripple of laughter from his own Gryffindor teammates.
"Bad luck, Wood," the twins intoned with an almost haunting air, their words carrying a weight that made the captain blush, feeling the weight of the moment as the teasing banter chased him in front of his team and rivals alike.
Fred: And not to mention, they're dead scared that Mia'll petrify them if they fly anywhere near her.
"Ah, that little trick would certainly come in handy," Sirius exclaimed, his eyes sparkling with an eager anticipation as he fidgeted excitedly in his seat, barely able to contain his enthusiasm for another thrilling Quidditch match.
Oliver: Well, that too. [Professor McGonagall approaches them]
Oliver: Professor McGonagall.
Professor McGonagall: This match has been cancelled.
"What? Quidditch cannot be cancelled!" Sirius exclaimed, his voice laced with genuine outrage.
Oliver: They can't cancel Quidditch.
Sirius blushed slightly as those around him let out a small laugh at his passionate outburst.
Professor McGonagall: Silence, Wood. You and your teammates will go to Gryffindor Tower, now. [the other members of the team dejectedly depart] Potter, you and I will find Mr. Weasley. There's something the both of you have to see.
Mia: Oh no [She whispered.]
"Why not get Hermione too?" Colin asked, his confusion evident as he recollected being petrified for a significant portion of the school year. His question hung in the air, but no one offered an answer, leaving the tension to linger unresolved.
[McGonagall leads Mia and Ron into the Hospital Wing.] I warn you, this could be a wee bit of a shock. [Mia and Ron stop abruptly at the sight of Hermione's petrified body lying on a hospital bed]
Molly's anguished sobs echoed through the room as she sought solace in Arthur's comforting embrace, her heart heavy with the sight of the petrified girl. Sirius, along with several students and even a few of the teachers, wiped their eyes as The devastating of what to Hermione was evident in the solemn atmosphere that enveloped the room.
Meanwhile, Hermione felt a chill wash over her as she watched the depiction of her frozen form on screen. The sight of her friends' grief-stricken faces served as a sobering reminder of the ordeal they had endured in her absence. Although Ron and Mia appeared isolated in the movie, Hermione maintained unwavering faith in her friends. While she couldn't directly experience the suffering they endured following her petrification, witnessing their struggles on screen provided her with a poignant glimpse into their harrowing journey.
Ron: [overcome with shock] Hermione...
Professor McGonagall: She was found near the library, along with this. [holds up a mirror] Does it mean anything to either of you?
Mia: No. [Professor McGonagall sets the mirror down as Mia feels Hermione's stiff hand]
Everyone looked at movie-Mia in sympathy as they saw how she gently reached out to touch her friend's hand.
[The Gryffindors are gathered in their common room. McGonagall enters.]
Professor McGonagall: Could I have your attention, please? Because of recent events, these new rules will be put into effect immediately. [reads off a piece of parchment] All students will return to their house common rooms by six o'clock every evening. All students will be escorted to each lesson by a teacher. No exceptions. [sets parchment aside] I should tell you this: unless the culprit behind these attacks is caught, it is likely the school will be closed.
McGonagall's weary expression revealed her exasperation as she addressed Ron and Mia. "Neither of you paid attention to the new rules, did you?" she inquired, her fingers massaging her temples in frustration.
Ron's reply was quick and defensive. "We did pay attention to the rules," he insisted, a hint of irritation edging his voice. Both he and Mia had made a point of diligently adhering to the regulations.
A ripple of relief swept through the room, accompanied by the muffled sound of sighs and murmurs of reassurance. The tension that had gripped the gathering moments before began to dissolve, although a lingering expectation still hung in the air. The unspoken understanding that Mia and Ron, known for their impulsive nature, should have been more discerning added an extra layer of gravity to the situation. The exchange crackled with an undercurrent of expectation and unspoken rebuke.
[McGonagall leaves the room. The students all look worried.]
Mia: We've got to talk to Hagrid, Ron. I can't believe it's him, but if he did set the monster loose last time, he'll know how to get inside the Chamber of Secrets, and that's a start.
Ron: But you heard McGonagall. We're not allowed to leave the Tower except for class.
Mia: I think it's time to get my dad's old cloak out again.
"I thought you said that you two paid attention to the new rules?" McGonagall and Hermione exclaimed in frustration, their brows furrowing in disbelief and exasperation as they fixed their stern gazes on Ron and Mia.
"We did!" Ron and Mia hastily defended, their voices blending in a frantic symphony of explanation, their gestures conveying a mix of guilt and defiance. Mia's eyes darted around nervously, while Ron scratched the back of his head, trying to muster an air of innocence.
"And?" reverberated through the Great Hall, the anticipation palpable as everyone leaned in, eager to catch the response that would surely be entertaining.
"And then, we decided to ignore them," Mia announced confidently, her tone carrying a hint of mischief and unyielding determination. She crossed her arms defiantly, a smirk playing at the corner of her lips as she awaited the reaction.
Sighs of frustration and muffled groans filled the air, intermingling with eye rolls, incredulous glances, and amused smirks. Mia's unwavering resolve to put herself in harm's way for the greater good was met with a mix of admiration, exasperation, and a begrudging sense of amusement from the onlookers.
"You guys are idiots, did you know that?" Flint asked, his disbelief evident in the arched raise of his perfectly sculpted eyebrow, a knowing smirk tugging at the corners of his lips.
Mia, Ron, and Hermione exchanged knowing glances, a silent consensus passing between them as they geared up for the well-rehearsed response, their eyes twinkling with mischief and shared memories of their daring escapades. Their camaraderie was evident in the subtle nods and knowing smiles they exchanged.
"In our defense, we actually did know that," Ron retorted, a mischievous glint in his eye as Mia and Hermione nodded in agreement. Their shared smiles hinted at the countless misadventures they had embarked on together, the reminder of which elicited suppressed laughter from some.
The Great Hall reverberated with a collective groan of disbelief, frustration, and amusement, the humorous exchange lingering in the air as the onlookers turned their attention back to the screen, eager to catch the latest developments in the trio's escapades.
As the conversation unfolded, the atmosphere in the Great Hall crackled with a mix of amusement and exasperation, the playful banter and shared camaraderie drawing in the attention of students and teachers alike.
[Mia and Ron, under the Invisibility Cloak, approach Hagrid's cabin at night.]
As the revelation of Ron and Mia's disregard for the rules sank in, a collective groan rippled through the Great Hall. The air was heavy with a mix of exasperation and concern, as everyone present couldn't help but voice their frustration at the duo's perceived carelessness. Eyes rolled and sighs escaped from the assembled students and professors, who couldn't suppress their disbelief at Ron and Mia's inability to abide by the rules and keep themselves safe in such precarious situations.
Murmurs of "not again" and "they never learn" circulated among the crowd,
[They knock at the door; Fang looks up, Hagrid puts the lid on his teapot and readies his crossbow.]
As Hagrid's larger-than-life figure appeared on the screen, gasps of astonishment echoed through the Great Hall, drawing the attention of the assembled students and teachers. Wide-eyed stares and incredulous whispers filled the air as everyone processed the unexpected sight.
"Hagrid?" Sirius exclaimed, his voice tinged with surprised shock as he struggled to comprehend the image of their beloved groundskeeper, armed with a crossbow.
"I can understand that you want to be prepared in case the monster comes along, but I don't think the monster would knock first," Remus mused aloud, voicing the perplexity that gripped the crowd as they tried to decipher the rationale behind Hagrid's unorthodox choice of weaponry.
Hagrid, his rugged features etched with a mixture of resignation and weariness, remained silent, his gaze fixed on the unfolding scene on the screen. A heavy sigh escaped him, conveying a sense of reluctance to provide an explanation that he knew would be met with skepticism and incredulity.
Unable to find the words to elucidate his unorthodox precaution, Hagrid simply gestured toward the screen, allowing the unfolding events to speak for themselves.
Hagrid: Who's there? [walking to his front door and gently kicking it open] Hello? Hello? [Mia and Ron remove the cloak, Hagrid lowers it at the sight of them]
Hagrid's deep voice rumbled through the air as he addressed Ron and Mia, his somber expression betraying the lingering unease that had persisted since the night of their harrowing encounter. "You two gave me a good scare that night," he rumbled, the weight of his concern evident in his words.
In response, Ron and Mia offered Hagrid small, funny smiles, "Us too," they chimed in unison.
Meeting their gaze with a gentle, apologetic smile, Hagrid conveyed an unspoken understanding of the shared anxiety and trepidation that had bound them together that fateful night.
Mia: What's that for?
Hagrid: Oh, nothing, I was expecting, uh... it doesn't matter. Come on in, I just made a pot of tea. [he pours tea into a cup all the way to the brim]
As Professor Sprout inquired about Hagrid's expectations, the tense atmosphere was further heightened by McGonagall's pointed remark. "Or should it be 'whom' he was expecting?" she interjected, her sharp gaze fixing on Lucius and Fudge.
Caught off guard by the accusatory tone, both men flinched and began to slowly shrink in their seats, the weight of McGonagall's stern glare prompting a palpable sense of discomfort and unease.
Meanwhile, the revelation that some of the new students, including Ginny, were unaware of the details surrounding Hagrid's past struggles cast a somber shadow over the gathering. Mia recognized Hagrid's distress and sought to alleviate the tension by coming to his rescue.
"The movie will tell you very soon," Mia interjected, redirecting the attention of the assembled group back to the unfolding events on the screen. Her With Mia's tactful intervention, the charged atmosphere in the Great Hall eased as all eyes turned back toward the screen.
Mia: Hagrid, are you okay?
Molly's warm smile conveyed her genuine happiness at witnessing the trio's unwavering support for Hagrid. As her eyes roamed the room, she noticed she wasn't the only one with a smile gracing their lips.
Hagrid: I'm fine. I'm all right. [puts the teapot down]
Mia: Di-did you hear about Hermione?
Hagrid: Oh yeah. I heard about that all right.
Mia: Look, we have to ask you something. Do you know who's opened the Chamber of Secrets?
As the weight of the situation hung heavily in the air and everyone leaned in, desperate for answers, it became increasingly evident to the gathered students and faculty that Hagrid, known for his unwavering love for magical creatures and his gentle nature, could not possibly be the one who had opened the Chamber of Secrets in the past.
Hagrid: What you have to understand about that is...
Everyone, except for Mia, Ron, Dumbledore, and Hagrid, leaned in eagerly, hoping to find out what had happened. Although Hermione was aware of the events, hearing about them and witnessing them were entirely different experiences.
[there is another knock at the door; Mia and Ron turn towards the door as Fang barks]
The atmosphere became tense as almost everyone at the gathering jumped up in their seats, their faces etched with frustration, while audible groans filled the room. It was clear that they were all eagerly anticipating an answer to Mia's question, and the lack of information left them feeling dejected and agitated.
Hagrid: [whispering] Quick. Under the cloak. Don't say a word, be quiet, both of you. [Mia and Ron go into a corner, where Ron throws the cloak back over them; Hagrid pushes open the door, to find Dumbledore at the door, accompanied by another older gentleman, Cornelius Fudge]
Fudge and Malfoy Sr. stood in stunned silence, their eyes widening with incredulity as they processed the unexpected revelation.
"Potter and Weasley were there that night?" both adults pondered in disbelief, their thoughts racing as they struggled to comprehend the implications.
"You two were there that night?" Fudge erupted in shocked astonishment, unable to conceal his disbelief as the realization sank in.
"In case you haven't noticed, Minister, Potter and her friends seem to have a remarkable knack for being in the wrong place at the wrong time," Snape sneered in his usual dry voice, his tone laden with thinly veiled contempt as he shot Mia and her friends a hard, disapproving glare that seemed to pierce through the room.
Hagrid: Oh, Professor Dumbledore, sir.
Professor Dumbledore: [as Fudge gives Hagrid a slight greeting smile] Good evening, Hagrid. I wonder, could we...?
"What are Professor Dumbledore and Minister Fudge doing there?" Colin inquired, his eyes wide with curiosity and a hint of concern.
"Just watch," Ron sighed wearily, slumping back in his seat with a sense of resignation. His eagerness to finish the movie was palpable, driven by the knowledge of what would unfold later in the story.
Hagrid: Of course. [beckons them] Come in, come in.
Ron: [recognizes Fudge as he enters and whispers] That's dad's boss, Cornelius Fudge, the Minister of Magic.
Mia turned her head towards Ron and conveyed her gratitude through a wordless 'thank you' spoken in silence, acknowledging his effort to explain the identity of Fudge. In response, Ron offered a gentle "you're welcome," his eyes reflecting a sense of understanding and camaraderie as they shared a knowing glance that spoke volumes without the need for further words.
Fudge: Bad business, Hagrid. Very bad business. Had to come. Three attacks on Muggle-borns. Things have gone far enough. The Ministry's got to act.
Sirius inquired about the situation but was met with silence, as no one responded to his question.
Hagrid: But I never... you know I never, Professor!
Professor Dumbledore: I want it understood, Cornelius, that Hagrid has my full confidence.
Fudge: Albus, look, Hagrid's record is against him. I've got to take him.
"His records?" Remus and Sirius inquired, their expressions filled with anticipation as they finally had the answer to why Hagrid was expelled from Hogwarts. However, lingering doubts remained as they questioned whether any evidence existed to confirm his alleged actions.
Hagrid, burdened by a heavy sense of shame and sadness, hung his head low, unable to meet the gaze of the individuals accusing him.
"Are you telling me that you actually believe that Hagrid opened the Chamber of Secrets, released the monster in the Chamber, and had it kill a girl?" Ron challenged the Minister and the other ministry workers, his eyes reflecting his disbelief and frustration.
"You honestly believe that Hagrid is the Heir of Slytherin? That's absurd. He isn't even a Parselmouth," Bill scoffed, his expression a mixture of incredulity and disdain.
"But Miss Potter is one, correct?" Umbridge asked in her faux sweet tone, her contempt and loathing barely concealed behind a thin mask of neutrality as she pressed the issue, her eyes glinting with malice.
"Yes, she is. But since she's in the room, at least speak to her directly, Miss Umbridge. After all, you saw her speak to the snake with your own eyes. You don't need an answer from the students," McGonagall asserted, her tone firm and her eyes flashing with an unmistakable warning, her inner disdain for Umbridge evident in her mind.
"Now, Mia could very well be the Heir. But so far, all she has done has been to protect the students of this school, and if I'm not wrong, the entire wizarding world as well," Dumbledore interjected, his gaze firm and unwavering as he addressed the assembly, effectively concluding the argument with a sense of finality.
All eyes turned to Mia, evaluating her reaction and seeking confirmation of the truth.
"I'm not the Heir, in case you're wondering. The truth will be revealed in the end of the movie," Mia spoke up in her own defense, her voice steady and resolute, her eyes conveying a hint of defiance and determination.
Ginny, feeling discomfort and a trace of fear, sank further into her seat, her expression betraying her unease and her eyes flickering with a mixture of worry and apprehension. Molly, perceptive to her daughter's distress, tenderly grasped her hand, offering a reassuring squeeze, her expression a comforting blend of maternal concern and unwavering support.
Hagrid: Take me? Take me where? Not Azkaban Prison?
Fudge: I'm afraid we have no choice, Hagrid.
No one said anything,
Everyone was quiet.
[The door opens again, revealing Lucius Malfoy.]
"What is he doing there?" Sirius glared at the Malfoy on the screen.
Lucius: Already here, Fudge? Good.
Hagrid: What are you doing here? Get out of my house!
Lucius: [stepping into the room] Believe me, I take absolutely no pleasure being inside your... [steps towards the spot where Mia and Ron are standing, causing them to back away, then looks around] You call this a house? [turns to Dumbledore] No, I simply called up the school and was told the headmaster was here.
"Mr. Malfoy, what business do you have with the headmaster?" inquired Amelia, her curiosity piqued as she had been largely excluded from the majority of the ministry's actions that year.
Professor Dumbledore: And what exactly is it that you want with me?
Lucius: The other governors and I have decided it's time for you to step aside. [holds up a roll of parchment]
"How dare you?" Molly yelled, her tone filled with outrage and disbelief.
"Without Dumbledore, the Muggle-borns won't stand a chance," Charlie argued, his voice tinged with concern and urgency.
Dumbledore exchanged a significant glance with the trio, silently acknowledging their bravery and unwavering dedication.
"The Muggleborns did stand a chance, thanks to Miss. Potter, Miss. Granger and Mr. Weasley. They protect those who can't protect themselves, as you all saw in the first movie," Dumbledore affirmed, his voice measured and resolute, emphasizing the importance of unity and resilience in the face of adversity. A heavy silence settled over the room as everyone turned their attention towards the trio, their gazes reflecting a mixture of admiration, respect, and gratitude for their unwavering courage and selflessness.
Lucius: This is an order of suspension. You'll find all twelve signatures on it. I'm afraid we feel you've rather lost your touch, and what with all these attacks, there'll be no Muggle-borns left at Hogwarts. [in a very insincere voice, bordering on sarcasm] I can only imagine what an awful loss that would be to the school.
Hagrid: You can't take Professor Dumbledore away. Take him away and the Muggle-borns won't stand a chance. You mark my words, there'll be killings next!
"Hagrid's right!" Fred exclaimed,
"You know Hagrid's right," George said.
The room fell quiet, everyone pausing to process the weight of the statement, the gravity of the situation hanging heavy in the air. Mia felt a rush of relief, knowing that she had managed to thwart Riddle's plans, but a shiver ran down her spine as she contemplated the potential consequences if she had failed. Ginny, too, shivered, though for different reasons, her unease and apprehension stemming from a source unknown to the others.
Lucius: You think so?
Professor Dumbledore: Calm yourself, Hagrid. If the governors desire my removal, I will, of course, step aside. [walks up to Lucius] However, you will find that help will always be given at Hogwarts to those who ask for it.
Umbridge appeared content at that moment, a self-satisfied smugness evident on her face, while the rest wore expressions of concern and unease.
"NO!" Neville exclaimed, his voice reflecting his disbelief, his brow furrowed in consternation.
"Sir, you can't just step aside!" Lee almost yelled out in frustration, his tone conveying her urgent plea, her eyes filled with desperation.
"Yeah, they need you," Sirius protested, his concern evident in his voice, his eyes pleading with Dumbledore to reconsider.
"The children have shown that they can take very good care of themselves and each other, especially when they have a leader. And I believe that their current leader is doing a wonderful job," Dumbledore commended his students, his words carrying a tone of pride and confidence, his eyes resting upon Mia with unwavering faith.
Mia glared at Dumbledore with a mixture of defiance and reluctance, feeling a surge of resistance within her, her eyes flashing with determination. She wasn't a leader. She didn't want to be a leader. All she was doing was helping her fellow students to protect themselves and those around them, her shoulders tense with the weight of responsibility. Those involved with the DA nodded their heads in agreement with Dumbledore, expressing their support for Mia as a great teacher and a natural leader, their eyes reflecting admiration and respect.
[Dumbledore looks straight at Mia and Ron, making eye contact with them. Lucius turns to see what Dumbledore is looking at, but he sees nothing and turns back to Dumbledore.]
"Did you know that they were in the fireplace, Professor?" Lavender asked.
"I had a feeling," Dumbledore responded, his eyes sparkling with the usual twinkle.
Lucius: Admirable sentiments. Shall we? [Dumbledore gives Mia and Ron one last significant look before leaving the hut] Fudge.
Fudge: Come, Hagrid. Well?
Hagrid: If, um, if anybody was looking for some stuff, then all they'd have to do would be to follow the spiders.
Mia found herself unable to contain her laughter as Ron shot a disapproving glare at both Hagrid and her. Looking puzzled, Hagrid turned to her, his bushy eyebrows knitting together in confusion, while Mia continued to chuckle.
"Not funny, Mia. Not funny at all," Ron scolded, fixing her with a stern look.
"Well, it definitely wasn't funny back then, but now it's kind of hilarious," Mia chuckled, finding humor in the absurdity of the situation. The rest looked on, their faces reflecting a mix of bemusement and bewilderment, clearly failing to see the humor in the exchange, adding to the comedic nature of the moment.
Hagrid: Yep, that'd lead 'em right. That's all I have to say. [he reluctantly begins to leave] Oh, and someone will need to feed Fang while I'm away. [Hagrid walks out the door. Fang growls at Fudge.]
"Thanks for taking care of Fang for me while I was away," Hagrid thanked Mia and Ron.
Ron continued to fix them with a serious look.
"On behalf of both of us, I'd say, 'You're welcome, Hagrid'," Mia chuckled, her laughter ringing out through the room, as she found the situation rather amusing.
Fudge: Good boy. [Fudge follows Hagrid out the door. Mia and Ron take off the Invisibility Cloak.]
Ron: Hagrid's right. With Dumbledore gone, there'll be an attack a day!
Almost everyone shivered in fear.
But Mia and Ron would be something about it.
Right?
Mia: Look. [she draws Ron's attention to a line of spiders crawling out the window] Come on. [she takes a lantern] Come on, Fang. [Mia leads Ron and Fang out the door.]
"Are you really going to listen to Hagrid?" Angelina asked, a hint of fear tingeing his voice.
"Well, it's not like we had much of a choice," Mia replied with a nonchalant shrug.
"Says you. I didn't exactly have a say in the matter," grumbled Ron, his frustration palpable.
Mia shot Ron a look, a mixture of confusion and frustration crossing her features. "Ron, you didn't have to come with me," she insisted, her tone firm but gentle.
"Oh, but I did. I couldn't just let you wander into the Forest alone. You're a magnet for trouble," Ron chimed in with a wry smile, his exasperation tinged with a hint of affection.
Observing the exchange, their families couldn't help but smile at the evident bond between the two, recognizing the unspoken understanding that underpinned their banter.
A/N
seven more chapters
till prisoner of azkaban !!
so excited