Fire and Ice

Thestrals.

Once we arrived at Hogwarts I realized I still hadn't put on my
robes so I waved goodbye to the three and went to change. Once I was changed I left for the carriages but realized I was left with Luna. I wasn't annoyed at all knowing me and Luna we're actually really good friends. Even though most call her "Loony Lovegood" which I think is fucking pathetic. "Hey Luna." I walked up to her. "Hello Nova, there seems to be a carriage coming so don't worry." She smiled into the distance. "Oh good," I rubbed my arms. "It's freezing out here." As the carriage arrived me and Luna got on. I noticed a black horse pulling it. "Hey Luna?" I turned to the strange blonde haired girl. "Has that horse always been there?" She looked at the horse and smiled. "No, you see they're called Thestrals. You can only see them when you've seen someone die." My mouthed opened slightly at the remembrance of my grandmothers death over the summer. She was the last person who understood me in this fucked up world. Mother would barley let me see her, but when I got the chance to, I cherished every moment until it was my last. "Luna who have you.." She looked up at me. "My mother, I was nine when she died performing her own spell," she looked back at the Thestral and smiled. "Strange way, don't you think?" She looked back at me and I smiled awkwardly. Yeah strange alright.

Once we arrived at the school I headed into the Great Hall for the welcoming ceremony. I found my seats next to Harry, Ron, and Hermione and started digging in to the huge array of food. Suddenly Professor Dumbledore spoke up. "Good evening children," he started. "Now, we have a few changes in staffing this year. We're pleased to welcome back Professor Grubby-Plank..who'll be taking Care of Magical Creatures, while Professor Hagrid is on temporary leave." I across the table at Harry as he met my eyes giving me the same look. "We also wish to welcome our new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, Professor Dolores Umbridge." I looked over to see a petite pink dressed, lady. She giggled as Dumbledore continued. "And I'm sure you'll all join me in wishing the professor good luck." I scoffed and rolled my eyes. Of course this pest would get the job. I've heard about her, and I'm already not fond of her. "Now, as usual, our caretaker, Mr.Filch, has asked me to remind you-" Dumbledore was cut off by a high pitched squeak. I looked over to see Umbridge stand up and walk over to Dumbledore. "She was at my hearing. She works for Fudge." Harry whispered to me. "Thank you, headmaster, for those kind words of welcome." She looked at all of us with her horrid face. "And how lovely to see all your bright— happy faces smiling up at me." I'd rather eat slugs. No offense Ron. "I'm sure we're all going to be very good friends." She smiled. I heard the twins down the table whisper in unison, "That's likely." I giggled. "The Ministry of Magic has always considered the education of young witches and wizards to be of vital importance. Although each headmaster has brought something new to this historic school, progress for the sake of progress must be discouraged." I smiled sarcastically at Ron and he held in a laugh. "Let us preserve what must be preserved, perfect what can be perfected, and prune practices that ought to be prohibited." She giggled. Dumbledore clapped as we all reluctantly did. "Thank you, Professor Umbridge. That really was most illuminating." Ron looked over at us and whispered. "Illuminating? What a load of waffle." I giggled. "What's it mean?" Harry asked. I shrugged and looked over at Dumbledore as he continued. "...Magic is forbidden in the corridors..." Hermione spoke up. "It means the Ministry's interfering at Hogwarts." I looked over at Harry and sighed. Oh are we in for a ride.

A/N: I'm sorry for another short chapter I promise the next one will be longer. I'll be posting sometime this week, yes maybe even on Christmas...👀