𝐄𝐏𝐇𝐄𝐌𝐄𝐑𝐀𝐋 | g. w

3. clueless

As soon as we reach Hogwarts, I'm hit by the sudden feeling that this year is going to be different. I don't know whatever it's good or bad, but something will happen this year that's going to change everything.

"You okay?", I hear George whisper in my ear as we make our way to the Great Hall for dinner. The smell of gun powder and candy hits me as he leans in, his voice sending shock waves through my body.

"Uh uhm", I nod, quickly turning into a pile of mush as he grins that devilishly handsome smile of his.

"Wicked", he says before taking my hand and pulling me towards the Gryffindor table. I hope he can't feel how clammy my hand has become or how I'm suddenly stumbling my words. It's like I've become a completely different person this year.

I don't know why I'm feeling this way. Of course, I've more or less always had a major crush on George, but this year, somethings changed and I'm not in control in the way I used to be. Perhaps it has something to do with how I haven't seen him at all this summer. 'Distance makes the heart grow fonder' and all that. Or it's because I've spent so much time pushing these feelings aside, that they've  somehow retaliated, become stronger due to downfall.

"George—Ravenclaw, remember?"? I point at myself and then the table behind me, where Luna waves at the two of us with a smile. "I can't sit with you, not on the first day at least". I give him a wholehearted smile, a part of me sad that I have to leave their table and venture to the Ravenclaw one. I guess you could say I've grown used to the idea that I'm more or less an honorary Gryffindor myself now.

"Fine", he pouts, making me chuckle at his annoyance.

God, even when he's faking sadness does he look heavenly.

I let go of his hand, feeling disappointed at the sudden loss of physical contact.

As soon as I'm seated by the rest of the Ravenclaws, I'm greeted by Luna, who beams at me and starts telling me of her summer spent reading about Wrackspurts and other kinds of weird and unique creatures. I smile at her excitement and look over at the Gryffindor table once or twice, catching George sending a wink my way, which makes me grin uncontrollably.

"You know he loves you right?", Luna speaks up, forcing my gaze away from him and towards her. My cheeks grow slightly more pink in tone and I find myself having to calm my own breathing.

"I-wha-no he doesn't. I have no idea what you're talking about", I stutter, placing my hands in my face as a way to hopefully keep her from seeing my crimson flushed face.

Fortunately, Luna's interrogation is interrupted by the echoing sound of professor Dumbledore speaking up. He smiles from behind his half moon spectacles, his voice comforting and welcoming.

"To our newcomers", says Dumbledore in a ringing voice, his arms stretched wide and a beaming smile on his lips, "welcome! To our old hands--welcome back! There is a time for speech-making, but this is not it. Tuck in!".

After quite a while of digging into all kinds of foods and beverages displayed, Dumbledores voice rings out once again, my attention grabbed by the long-bearded Headmaster.

"Well, now that we are all digesting another magnificent feast, I beg a few moments of your attention for the usual start-of-term notices,' says Dumbledore. "First-years ought to know that the Forest in the grounds is out-of-bounds to students--and a few of our older students ought to know by now, too."

I exchanged a subtle smirk with Luna, before turning to share in a grin with Fred, George and Alfie as well.

"Mr. Filch, the caretaker, has asked me, for what he tells me is the four-hundred-and-sixty-second time, to remind you all that magic is not permitted in corridors between classes, nor are a number of other things, all of which can be checked on the extensive list now fastened to Mr. Filch's office door."

"We have had two changes in staffing this year. We are very pleased to welcome back Professor Grubbly-Plank, who will be taking Care of Magical Creatures lessons; we are also delighted to introduce Professor Umbridge, our new Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher."

"Tryouts for the house Quidditch teams will take place on the--"

It's not until a short, plump lady dressed from head to toe in pink garments stands in front of the podium that I realise why Dumbledore had stopped speaking.

"Hem hem", she clears her throat, her high pitches and severely annoying voice rings out, making me raise my brows questioningly as I look at George as if to say 'who the hell is this lady?' .

"Thank you, Headmaster,' Professor Umbridge simper, 'for those kind words of welcome. Well, it is lovely to be back at Hogwarts, I must say! And to see such happy little faces looking up at me! I am very much looking forward to getting to know you all and I'm sure we'll be very good friends!".

"I'll be her friend as long as I don't have to borrow that cardigan" I hear Parvati Patil murmur from the Gryffindor table, and I lapse into silent giggles upon noticing how Fred and Alfie are making ugly faces at each other.

"The Ministry of Magic has always considered the education of young witches and wizards to be of vital importance. The rare gifts with which you were born may come to nothing if not nurtured and honed by careful instruction. The ancient skills unique to the wizarding community must be passed down the generations lest we lose them for ever. The treasure trove of magical knowledge amassed by our ancestors must be guarded, replenished and polished by those who have been called to the noble profession of teaching."

"Every headmaster and headmistress of Hogwarts has brought something new to the weighty task of governing this historic school, and that is as it should be, for without progress there will be stagnation and decay. There again, progress for progress's sake must be discouraged, for our tried and tested traditions often require no tinkering. A balance, then, between old and new, between permanence and change, between tradition and innovation ..."