Phoebe Ellory, a talented pureblood witch, grapples with her burgeoning powers and the internal conflict between light and dark. As she navigates her studies, Phoebe's life takes a turn when she discovers her late mother's unfinished research on the...
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Phoebe
A makeshift bird of paper flew around the classroom and students were having light fun with it until it spoofed and crumbled in flames. I didn't need to turn and see who had done it because I suspected Umbrdige was behind it. She walked down the row of desks and immediately dived into OWLs. Our fifth year solely focused on the OWL exams that were crucial. Umbridge used her wand to distribute a book about Dark Arts Defence Basics for Beginners.
I left the book untouched and instead fiddled with the key hanging low from my neck. I attached it to a silvery thin chain after I walked out of Dumbledore's office to have it with me at all times until I knew what to do with it. Dumbledore wasn't clear on the instructions but I was sure to go back to him when ready. Most of all, the key felt alive. Mum had reasons to keep it out of my father's reach and that added a worry weight onto my shoulders. Whatever was in that vault, I wasn't going to like.
"There's nothing in here about using defensive spells?" questioned Hermione Granger.
"Using spells?" Umbridge gave a high pitched laugh. "Well, I can't imagine why you would need spells in my classroom."
"We're not going to use magic?" added Ron Weasley.
At this point my mind drifted back to my conversation with Dumbledore and concluded that he knew far more than what he led on. I was surprised that he knew of her since she was a very timid person and kept to herself most of the time. At least from what I noticed in my few years with her. It was a short lived bond. I would do anything to have her for a few more moments, but unfortunately not even magic can slow down a deathly disease.
"Oh, I don't know. Maybe Lord Voldemort." Harry Potter nearly shouted.
I was immediately able to get out of my own head at the mention of he-who-must-not-be-named. This was rather a delicate subject that had everyone walking on eggshells, even myself if I was being honest. Others started to whisper in-distinctively, but I was curious how this would end. I leaned forward anticipating the following responses.
"Now, let me make this...quite plain." Professor Umbridge spoke through her teeth, trying so hard to keep composure. "You have been told that a certain dark wizard is at large once again. This is a lie."
"It's not a lie. I saw him. I fought him." No matter how much Harry tried, no one seemed to believe him or take him seriously. But I did. For a long time the Ministry tried to ignore the inevitable, and now that it's near they're refusing to see the truth. I never seemed to put my full trust in them.
"Detention, Potter!"
"So according to you Cedric Diggory dropped dead of his own accord?"
"Cedric Diggory's death was a tragic accident." justified Umbridge.
