TRULY REALITY [A Harry Potter Fanfiction]

CHAPTER 25| Burning Red

I had to get up at 4 in the morning and rush down to Umbridge's office. Outside her office was an envelope for me. It had my whole schedule on it. One look at it and I already felt exhausted.

There were no breaks. I assist Umbridge, then go to class, and just as the class ends I go to help her again. Even my lunch time was cut short; the normal 20 minutes was cut to 5.

I went to my dorm and got ready in my school uniform. I then rushed past Laura who had just woken up. I was running; not looking at where I was going, but organizing my schedules, when I hit someone and fell down.

"Oops! Sorry!" I said as I gathered my stuff. "It's fine." Said a voice as the person handed me my pen. "Oh! Annalise! What are you doing up so early?" I asked. "I went to get some fresh air." She replied. "Not trying to mean, but I have to really get going." I said, as I looked at my watch. She nodded and I rushed down the hallway. But I really wanted to stay with her.

"You're late" said Umbridge. I bent over and put my hands on my knees; panting. I looked at my watch and said, "Only by a minute though." She just hummed a response and waved her stubby fingers to indicate to follow her.

"You're gonna find students who break the educational decrees and report them to me. And don't try to trick me-" She said and waved her wand at me. She then continued, "You have a spell around you. Every time you let someone escape, there will be a burning on your right arm. At the end of the day, I shall check to see if you were lying."

I gave her a forced smile and nod and went on my way. I could not just report all the students to Umbridge.

That day, I helped the students who I caught to escape. Running between classes, the pain on my arm did not help. It was at last 7. My duty would end in half an hour.

I was walking through the halls looking for students, when I saw two twins. Fred and George had just finished a prank, and were hurrying off. I walked away like nothing happened, but the burning sensation returned. I couldn't hold it in; the sudden pain made me let out a tiny squeak.

"Hey Cass! What are you doing here?" they asked.

"Just leave. I'll meet you later." I replied; clutching my arm with my other hand.

"What?" they asked.

"Leave please. I don't want report anyone." I said, hissing as the pain increased.

"What happened to your arm?" asked Fred; coming closer.

"Do you need to go to Madam Pomfrey?" asked George.

"It's nothing really. I have to go to Umbridge. I'll- I'll tell you later." I said and hurried off to the other way.

I checked my arm. It was red. It was more dark in some places, like it had been clawed. I tried dropping a few drops of water on it, by going to the washroom. But the pain did not subdue; it just seemed to surge.

I clutched my hand and a small tear escaped my eyes along with a silent sob. I couldn't let Umbridge know. I ran back to my Common Room, and went to my dorm.

I hid my arm beneath my cloak and ran to Laura, who was reading. "Laura! Could I borrow your make up please?" I asked. I did not own make up; the little money I made during the summers usually went for books, quills, clothes, and small presents for my friends.

"Sure." She said, and handed me her makeup bag. I quickly grabbed it, and ran to the bathroom. Using the brushes to apply whatever could hide the redness; I zipped up the bag, looked at the clock, and ran out again.

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"Hmm... Seems like no one broke the rules." Umbridge asked; quite skeptical.

"I didn't see anyone." I lied.