{Half A Hero} Hufflepuff!Reader

Chapter 11: I told you so

Your confiscated letters lay uncrumbled on the Toad's desk. Snape looked less pleased than usual. Umbridge paced and lectured something about lies.

But you didn't write lies. You never wrote lies to your father.

She intercepted an owl to your father, because you used Harry's beautiful owl. Another red flag for your father to twist in your favour.

Be patient. That was all you could do now. And detention with Potter. She held you accountable for 'abusing and harassing a fellow student'. She meant Draco, even if she did not name names. You couldnt believe that he reported you.

You and the Hazardous Harry remained quiet, taking the nonsense she spouted. You were thankful that Harry followed your Martyr-like lead.

She became very frustrated with this. She wanted Harry to burst.

"I think you've said enough, Professor."

Umbridge turned slowly to Snape. You could imagine the terrible look she gave him. He did not quiver. He didn't even blink.

The cats on her plates fell into a nervous silence. One oblivious meow chimed through, wanting to find out why no gossip continued.

"Yes." She decided. "Yes, I have. I have also made my decision on punishment."

The toad strode around her desk, gently but firmly sat in her chair. She waited for someone to ask.

Her face grew redder and redder with each second. The situation not playing as she wanted.

"Aren't you curious?"

You clearly looked to Snape for permission to speak. It confused him, but he played along at least.

"You told us not to interrupt, ma'am."

You weren't going to call her Professor. She did not deserve the title.

"Snape. You will be handling them this weekend. From Seven in the morning to 9 at night."

That wasn't so bad.

"I have quidditch training this Saturday."

You gripped at Hazard's wrist, a painful, silent reminder of the plan at play.

"I'll handle the detention." She said. "It seems you haven't learnt your lesson on interrupting, Potter."

He really could only give you grief.

You thanked her when she excused the pair of you. The sounds of your shoes echoed down the hall.

"Do you have to walk so loud?"

"Did you have to bring up quidditch?" You asked. "Dear God. How have you stayed alive for so long?  Snape would have made us wash cauldrons. Who knows what that woman is up to!"

He waved a hand casually, in an attempt to be dismissive. You caught his hand. You rolled his oversized sweater off his hand.

"I mustn't tell lies." You read. "Fuck. Is this what she's going to do to us? She gonna fucking tattoo us with bible quotes?"

"Shhh! If Filch hears you-!"

"Filch is the least of my worries!"

There was a meow of dispute at the end of the hall. Mrs Norris's tail curled and unfurled with annoyance.

"I said what I said!"

"Y/N, please."

"I can't even tell my father about this."

The plan was to wait for Dad. You were his only baby, and if he lost contact with you for at least three days... Well, that has never happened before, so you were really playing with fire.

"Mrs Norris. We are in a well lit, and well frequented part of the castle. Do you really want to call Filch for no reason?"

She narrowed her eyes, pondering the evidence. She strolled off. Hopefully not to get Filch.

You led the way again. You had no intention of being around when either toad or cat did their rounds.

Trevor sat in the middle of the stairs leading to your dorms. You picked him up.

"This is the fifth time, Trevor. You can't go exploring on your own."

With a soft croak, Trevor settled his legs under him. He must have learnt from the wandering cats.

"Neville's going to love you."

"He the least of my worries."

"Is that your catchphrase now?"

"It should be."