Standing Alone

Part 15

The first day back at Hogwarts and I'm no longer convinced everything will be okay.

Everyone is tense and there's been a lot of talk about Harry being a liar and negative rumors about Dumbledore. Harry has become even more tense and agitated.

During dinner he gets into it with Seamus and a few others who accuse him a spreading lies about Voldemort being back.

I try and put my hand on his shoulder for comfort but he shrugs me off. I was taken aback by his actions but allow him space to deal.

During the welcome speech the new DADA Professor interrupts Dumbledore with a speech of her own.

"This isn't good." Hermione mutters

"What's happening?" I ask

"The ministry is interfering at Hogwarts" she answers

"Hogwarts is no longer safe" I mutter back and she shakes her head

During the first DADA lesson it was confirmed that ministry did not want us learning how to defend ourselves.

"How are we supposed to defend ourselves without wands?" Harry asks

"Why would you need to defend yourself? Who could possibly want to harm children?" Professor Umbridge asks with her high-pitched voice

"Oh, I don't know, lord Voldemort?" Harry questions

"That is a LIE" Umbridge retorts

"There is no real danger, children. There is nothing to fear." Umbridge states

It was difficult listening to her speak this vicious lie. To know that there is a vicious powerful wizard on the loose and the Ministry is trying to cover it up.

If we don't learn how to truly defend and fight, many of these students will soon loose theirs lives.

"That's a lie! I saw him! I fought him!" Harry shouts

"ENOUGH! Detention Mr. Potter!" Umbridge says with a giggle.

"Today I want you to brew veritaserum." Professor Snape says when I walk in.

"Sir?" I ask confused

"I want you to be able to brew, for your safety." He states

I don't question him any further and get started.

I've brewed many advanced potions but veritaserum is difficult to master.

"Counter-clockwise" Snapes advices half-way through

I finish unsatisfied with my work.

"It's a good start, we'll keep practicing." He states

I nod, there's this fear building in me.

"Be careful around Umbridge. Don't be like your idiot brother making bold announcements about the dark lord in public." Snapes warns

"I won't sir." I answer

"That's all for today" He dismisses me and I pack up for the day

Over the next few days Umbridge starts to place ridiculous new rules in effect.

Which meant I could no longer get private lessons with potions. Everyone was becoming annoyed and miserable. She even went on a frenzy and actually questioned all the professors and gave them an evaluation.

She reached a new low when she banned professor Sibal from Hogwarts. Luckily Dumbledore intervened and Sibal was spared.

I sit in my usual DADA seat and with all the changes going on I wasn't able to pay attention to class.

"Ms. Potter!" I heard the sickly-sweet voice call

I look up to see Umbridge staring at me

"I asked a question" she states

I stare at her blankly. I don't answer questions. I never have.

"I expect an answer" She demands

I freeze up due to the pressure, I can feel my face heat up and my hands shake.

"No?" she questions

I try to stay calm

"My office. 7 'o'clock sharp!" She moves onto someone else.

Later that day I get ready to go to Umbridge's office. I walk up to the door and knock.

"Come in!" She calls and I open the door

I sit in a chair

"Miss. Potter you're going to do some lines for me." She says handing me parchment and a quill

I become slightly concerned.

"I want you to write 'I must speak when spoken too' understood?" she asks and I nod

I begin to write my first line and move onto the second one when I feel a burning sensation in my left arm. I move my sleeve back and see scratches forming into the words I was writing. I become mortified.

"I didn't say to stop yet." She says sweetly

I cover my arm and continue writing.

A few minutes later I'm biting the inside of my cheek to keep from crying. The pain got worse with each line I wrote.

Finally, satisfied Umbridge dismisses me.

I stand and leave calmly not wanting her to think she broke me.

Once out of her office I sprint to my safe spot. I curl up and inspect my arm.

'I must speak when spoken too' was etched deeply into my arm and bleeding slightly

I let the tears fall, Hogwarts was always the place that was pain free and safe.

She took it all away. I might as well be back at the Dursley's.

I sobbed in anger not wanting to be here.

"Potter?"

I look up to find Draco.

"What's wrong?" he asks kneeling down

I shake my head and curl my knees tighter to my chest

"Are you hurt?" he asks softly

I don't move

"Holly? I really want to help you." He pleads

After a moment I hear his footsteps walk away and I sigh in relief.

A few moments later I hear even more footsteps

"Miss. Potter" I hear Professor Snape

I look up at him with tears falling

"Come with me" he commands

I hesitate for a moment before finally standing and following him to his office.

"Sit" he says and I sit in a chair

"Are you hurt?' He asks and I shake my head

"Don't lie to me" He barks

I look down and nod

"Where?" he asks

I hold up my left arm and he pulls back the sleeve to reveal the deep cut

"Damn that woman" He mutters

I keep my eyes on the ground. I hear him shifting through jars and potions. He kneels beside me and I watch as he applies a cream to the cut and wrap it.

"The quill you used is a cursed quill. It uses your blood to write. The salve will decrease pain and discomfort but it may still scar." he explains and I nod understanding

"Now go get some sleep" he says and I stand and walk out

"Thank you, sir," I say softly