You're Not Sorry [EN]

O12 • You're not sorry...

The rest of the week had gone by just as fast as the first week had, and before I could even realize it, it was already Friday and I was on my way to Professor McGonagall her office, for she had asked me to meet her at her office.

At first I had thought it was because Hermione had said something about my fellow Slytherins harassing me, but once I had entered her office and had sat myself down at one of the tiny chairs, she had not breathed a word of it.

"As you might have noticed in your class schedule this year, you'll be having lots of free periods," she told me while holding up a piece of parchment. I assumed she was holding a copy of my schedule, "Especially Thursdays and Fridays seem to be pretty much free of classes."

I nodded slightly, not sure where she was going with this.

"I've discussed with the other professors about your in-class performance — and though you seem to be trying very hard — it is simply not enough for you to catch up with your peers before the exams at the end of this year."

I suddenly felt anxiety rise within my chest. Was she going to place me in a lower year?

"I've talked to Professor Snape and Professor Flitwick, and together with myself, we are willing to arrange some private lessons for you during your free periods," I looked up at her and blinked with my eyes for a couple of times, not sure if I was hearing that right. So, did that mean she was allowing me to stay in fifth year?

"Oh," I simply said, a bit baffled, "So, what classes will that be?" I asked her out of politeness. I wasn't really excited about all the extra work, but I suppose it was the only way for me to actually catch up to this year.

"Potions, Charms, and Transfiguration," the witch answered my question, her blue eyes locked into mine, "These are the three main subjects that I need you to focus on for your O.W.L exams, so don't take these extra classes lightly."

"When do I start?"

She smiled a little. "Next week. Each of us will send you a letter to confirm which period you'll be taught." Suddenly her smile dropped, and her face went serious again. The old witch was quite intimidating when she had that stern look on her face, and she certainly wasn't someone I wanted to cross or get on her bad side.

"Now, I already did you a huge favour by allowing you to only take one elective class, instead of two, so I'm expecting you to work hard this term. Next term you will have to prepare for your O.W.L exams, so it is of utmost importance that you take this term very seriously. Do you understand, Miss Mccloud?"

"Thank you, professor," I said quickly, "I'm really thankful for the extra time you've given me," and I meant what I said. I was indeed grateful for what Professor McGonagall had been doing for me.

These extra classes weren't only going to take up my spare time, but also that of my professors — so I truly was determined to work hard so I wouldn't waste their time.

Her stern face went soft again, revealing a tiny smile. "You're welcome, Miss Mccloud," she said while staring at my eyes for a long time, "I'm sure you'll do us all proud."

＊＊＊

I slowly made my way towards my only class of today, which was Defence Against the Dark Arts. When I entered the classroom, I realized that the class had already started, and I could only guess what was going to happen next.

With a heavy feeling in the pit of my stomach, I slowly walked over towards the front of the classroom where Professor Umbridge was standing in her head-to-toe matching (or so she tried to) outfit in various shades of pink, her bulging and pouchy eyes staring at me in delight.