Of Constellations → 𝘥. 𝘮𝘢𝘭𝘧𝘰𝘺

xv. most punchable face

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chapter fifteen

most punchable face

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As soon as I noticed the herd of Ravenclaws huddled around the noticeboard in the common room, I knew something was wrong. I pushed through the crowd, already subconsciously knowing the root for my fellow Ravenclaws' displeasure, but I wanted to see for myself.

The poster in question was in huge, black letters. It was Umbridge's doing—she'd disbanded all clubs and organizations. As soon as I read the message, I felt my stomach sink. This was precisely what I was worried about—what if Harry and Hermione thought it was me after all?

"Who do you think told Umbridge?" Luna asked me quietly as we made our way to breakfast in the Great Hall.

"No clue. I mean, it probably wasn't a great idea to have the meeting in public like that. We should have met at the stone field near the mountain behind Hogsmeade. No one goes up there," I said. We entered the hall, my eyes immediately finding Harry, Ron, and Hermione at the Gryffindor table.

Hermione looked at me for a second, her expression unreadable. It was almost like she was checking for something, as though she expected the perpetrator to enter the hall with a sign around their neck that read I'm the dirty rat who told Umbridge!

When I sat down with Luna and noticed Hermione studying other people, I started to wonder whether I was onto something. Maybe it had something to do with the paper she forced us all to sign at the Hog's Head. Perhaps we'd actually signed a contract with hidden magical consequences for us if we tattled on the group.

But, as I scanned the room for everyone who'd been there yesterday, I saw no one had signs around their neck—or any sign at all. Either only Hermione could see the indicator or everyone had been loyal.

I wasn't worried. I was sure we were going to have this meeting—Ministry decree or not. 

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A few minutes before eight, Ginny found Luna and me making our way to the Ravenclaw common room, a sparkle of excitement in her eyes.

"Come on, the first meeting is in a few minutes," she said. Luna and I followed her down the corridor. It was the one I'd been down plenty of times before, but I wasn't aware of any room that would be suitable for us.

So, I was shocked when I saw a door I swore I'd never seen there before. A tall, polished, walnut wood door stood, impossible to miss, opposite of the tapestry of Barnabas the Barmy trying unsuccessfully to teach trolls ballet. Its brass handle gleamed, reflecting the light of the lamps.

The three of us entered, gawking at the room in awe. Neville and a few other Gryffindor fifth years were following close behind us. The room was large and airy, its ceilings were tall, vaulted, and dozens upon dozens of lamps lined the walls, lending a dangerous (in a good way!) vibe to the space. There were wooden bookcases and a few shelves with instruments I recognized from being in Imposter Moody's classroom.

Other members were still trickling in, so Luna, Ginny, and I found a place to sit amongst the cushions set throughout the room. Then, once all of us were settled, the meeting began.

The first order of business, according to Hermione, was to elect a leader.

"Harry's leader," said Cho Chang, obviously surprised that it had even been up for debate. I couldn't help but agree—Harry was the teacher, it only made sense for him to be the leader as well. Hermione still made us vote, and all of us were in favor—including the stupid Smith kid.