Falling Star

Unforgivable Curses

I'm awakened by a loud thud, followed by "Bloody hell, Lavender, that was my foot!" I groan and pull my curtain aside to see what the commotion is. Parvati is standing by Lavender's bed rubbing her foot. Lavender looks apologetic and mutters an apology. Hermione, already dressed of course, enters the dorm and goes to her bed, right beside mine.

"Why are you still in bed?" she questions me.

"I'm not a morning person, Hermione," I lament and dramatically throw my arm across my eyes. Our first class of the day is History of Magic, which doesn't exactly make me want to run to class. 

She rolls her eyes at me and tugs on my other arm. "Up. Don't make me levitate you out of bed."

I peer at her from underneath my arm. I have no doubt she would make good on that threat. I groan and begrudgingly get up. 

I dress quickly, and Hermione and I grab a bite of breakfast from the Great Hall. We haven't seen the boys yet, but I'm sure they are running late as usual. We make our way to class without waiting on them. 

History of Magic drags by, and we are already assigned a foot of parchment on a great old wizard of our choosing due by our next meeting. 

The next class of the day is my favorite: Defense Against the Dark Arts. This year it is being taught by a new professor, and he is a renowned auror from what I have heard. From the glimpse I got of him at the feast, he looks incredibly intimidating. I feel like his eye could look right into your soul. 

We enter the classroom, and I take my usual seat next to Hermione. Gryffindor has this class with the Slytherins, so I soon see my brother sit down across the room next to Goyle. Everyone is doing their usual before class chatting when Professor Moody walks in. Everyone quiets as soon as he positions himself before us at the front of the room. He has a commanding presence that seems to dare any of us to challenge him. 

"Good morning. My name is Alastor Moody. Welcome to Defense Against the Dark Arts. I believe in a direct and hands on approach to teaching this class, so let us jump right in." He turns to the chalkboard and begins writing the words "UNFORGIVABLE CURSES" in thin jagged lettering. 

"There are three unforgivable curses in our world," Professor Moody states, his back still to us as he continues writing. Once finished, he turns toward us. "Why are the unforgivable?" 

Hermione's hand shoots up as usual whenever a teacher asks something. 

"Yes. Miss Granger." 

"Because they are unforgivable. They are the worst spells a person could use on another," Hermione answers solemnly. 

"Right you are, Miss Granger. Let's see. Who can tell me one of them?" Professor Moody posits. 

Ron shyly raises his hand. "I know one. The Imperius Curse. My father told me about it." 

Professor Moody looks pleased. "Ah yes. Your father would know about that one Mr. Weasley. Caused quite a bit of trouble at the Ministry during the War. Many people claim to have been under the influence of the Imperius Curse when doing You-Know-Who's bidding, isn't that right Miss Malfoy?" 

He looks at me expectantly. Heat climbs my neck and blossoms over my cheeks. My mouth goes dry, and I can feel my palms getting sweaty. My parents both claimed to have been under the Imperius Curse, but many, including myself some days, have their doubts. I need to give him an answer, but my voice feels caught in my throat as everyone's eyes burn into my back. Hermione touches my arm, grounding me, and I manage a weak "Yes, sir." 

I don't chance a look over at Draco, but I can feel him staring at me. Out of annoyance or concern, I'm not sure. 

Back at the front of the room, Professor Moody takes a spider out of a jar. "The Imperius Curse renders the caster in complete control of the one hit by the spell. Imperio!" He points his wand at the spider as he recites the curse.