Confident | Fred Weasley

Chapter 42 | Inquisitor

Sarah thought she might die.

"Dolores Jane Umbridge has been appointed to the post of Hogwarts High Inquisitor."

She knew that Umbridge would be an issue from the beginning, but she wasn't expecting the dominos to start falling so quickly.

Naturally, Sarah needed to speak to someone about this. Thankfully, Sarah found Hermione and Ginny, who were sat in the Great Hall at break.

"Hey, Sarah!" Ginny greeted, as Sarah slid into a seat opposite them.

"Hey - " Sarah replied distractedly, glancing over her shoulder.

Hermione and Ginny shared a look, before Hermione took the leap and spoke, "You okay?"

"No, not really," Sarah finally met Hermione's gaze, who was slowly growing more and more concerned.

"What's up?" Ginny asked.

Sarah leaned in, so Hermione and Ginny did too.

"It's this high inquisitor thing. It's really bothering me," Sarah's voice had dropped to a low mumble.

"It's bothering us too. I knew she was going to be an issue the minute she got here," Hermione shook her head disapprovingly.

"Me too! No one else seems to understand how much bigger her meddling is," Sarah agreed, a tone of frustration.

"Don't drive yourself insane over it, Sarah," Ginny informed her calmly.

"What?"

"Come on now, Sarah. Everyone had noticed. We all see the books you've been reading in the common room, and Harry saw you sneaking about in the library a couple nights ago," Ginny rolled her eyes.

Sarah must've looked affronted by this, as Ginny reached across the table to grab her hand.

"You're already letting him win, you know? It's scary, and you want to stay informed, but you're letting fear take over - " Ginny continued kindly.

" - Ginny. I'm fine, okay? If I completely loose all my marbles, I'm sure Fred will let you know, okay?" Sarah interrupted her, trying her best for a smile.

Perhaps Ginny was right.

No, she's not. She's just being a good friend, Sarah thought.

"If you say so," Ginny replied, although Sarah knew Ginny didn't believe her.

"Actually - " Hermione piped up, glancing over her shoulder, " - What's this rumour about George hanging about with this Slytherin girl. Merlin, what was her name, again? Ginny, do you remember -"

" - Capri Di Milano?" Sarah asked, after taking a moment to process Hermione's words.

"Yes! That was her name. So, are her and George...you know?" Hermione wiggled her eyebrows suggestively, which made Sarah and Ginny laugh.

After calming down, Sarah answered, "I don't think so, but it won't be long, I'm sure. Fred thinks he fancies her."

"George is a hopeless romantic, I swear. He'd fall in love with a cactus if he could," Ginny rolled her eyes, a grin on her face.

"Oh, give him a break. Capri isn't even that bad. She's actually quite nice," Sarah laughed slightly, finally leaning back.

"She seems interesting," Ginny muttered thoughtfully.

"Anyway, how are things going for you two?" Sarah asked the pair.

Hermione began immediately, "Tiring! Having to make sure Harry doesn't do anything stupid."