Tʜᴇ Dᴀʀᴋ Lᴏʀᴅ's Aɴɢᴇʟ | Tom Riddle √

46: Umbridge's Reign

A slew of oppressive rules were posted by Umbridge throughout Hogwarts, each one more restrictive than the last. The parchment notices were pinned to the walls, bearing her stern instructions.

All student organizations are henceforth disbanded, any student in noncompliance will be expelled.

All students will submit to questioning about suspected illicit activities.

Those wishing to join the Inquisitorial Squad for extra credit, may sign up in the high inquisitor's office.

Cassiopeia couldn't help but wonder if Umbridge suffered from some sort of psychological disorder. Her relentless, oppressive actions had begun to take a toll on the school's atmosphere, suffocating the freedom of its students.

It had come to Cassiopeia's attention that many Slytherins, including Draco, had joined Umbridge's Inquisitorial Squad for the promise of extra credit, a decision she couldn't help but find foolish.

After her night with Tom in the Room of Requirement, Cassiopeia had faced relentless questioning from Draco, Pansy, and Blaise about her whereabouts. She stuck to her story, claiming she had merely fallen asleep. They didn't believe her at first and bombarded her with questions, but she remained steadfast in her response. Despite their initial doubts, they eventually gave up, although she knew they still observed her with suspicion.

Cassiopeia found it increasingly difficult to meet with Tom. In the evenings, Pansy suddenly became engrossed in reading books, an unusual behavior for her. Draco and Blaise were often deep in conversation in the common room. Cassiopeia couldn't help but appreciate their overprotective nature, but it had the side effect of thwarting her plans—specifically, her meetings with Tom.

On top of all this, Professor Snape assigned Cassiopeia the task of tutoring Harry in Potions. It seemed Harry was far weaker in the subject than she had initially thought. She couldn't help but wonder why he didn't seek help from his brilliant friend, Hermione, rather than repeatedly brewing potions incorrectly.

Their tutoring sessions were held at 6 o'clock in the Potion classroom, with Snape's approval. On the third day of their lessons, they were working on a Year Four potion, Amortentia. Cassiopeia carefully instructed Harry, watching as he followed her guidance.

"Hey, don't put that much pearl dust, boy," she exclaimed, grabbing his wrist as he prepared to add too much. "It's only one-fourth of a teaspoon."

Harry sighed and adjusted the amount, glancing at her for approval. She nodded in acknowledgment.

"I hate potions," Harry muttered, shaking his head as he stirred the potion counterclockwise.

Cassiopeia reminded him, "Remember, it's only seven times for the stirring, and you'll have to do it the same way for the next seven days."

"Why do you hate the subject?" Cassiopeia inquired, observing the cauldron. "This isn't a hard subject, Harry."

"Maybe I hate Snape," Harry shrugged as he finished stirring.

"Don't hate the subject because of the teacher; they are two different things, you know," Cassiopeia pointed out, watching his annoyed gaze as he checked the cauldron one more time before covering it. "And see, do you hate Defense Against the Dark Arts because you hate Umbridge?"

"Not at all," Harry responded, shrugging his shoulders. He moved the potion to a separate table and labeled it with his name.

"See, like that, don't let your opinion of the subject depend on the teacher," Cassiopeia advised, packing her books and waiting for Harry to join her. He followed suit, and they left the classroom together.

Heading to the Great Hall for dinner, they walked past the corner where Tom had previously led Cassiopeia. She felt a presence there, unsure whether it was Tom or someone else, but she abruptly stopped in her tracks.

Harry continued a few steps ahead until he noticed she wasn't walking beside him. Turning back, he found Cassiopeia standing in the same spot, a perplexed expression on his face.

"Aren't you coming, Cassie?" he asked with confusion.

Cassiopeia cleared her throat awkwardly, searching for words. "Uhm, I remembered something; I'll join later." She forced a smile. Harry turned his body completely to see her.

"If you want, I'll—"

"No, that's alright, I can handle it on my own," Cassiopeia assured him, waving her hand dismissively. "See you later."

Harry nodded and continued on his way. Cassiopeia waited until he was out of sight and then slowly approached the corner of the stone wall.

"What happened to you, really?" Tom's voice questioned. Cassiopeia couldn't see his face properly due to the darkness in the area. "You didn't write, and every time I tried to reach you, there was someone with you."

"My friends suspect that I'm up to something," Cassiopeia shrugged, walking toward him. "My apologies."

"I have something important to tell you," he stated, taking one of her hands. "But not here."

Cassiopeia nodded, and he apparated her to another location.