Before The Past

Ch. 37

The end of the year was coming up, and I was nervous. 

Not much had gone on since holiday break except for Potter's group being discovered. The High Inquisitors Club who was a group organized by Umbridge found the room of requirements. Umbridge had busted into it during one of their meetings and shut them down. They were all punished and the 'leaders' who were Potter, Granger, and Weasley were sent to Dumbledore's office. There they confronted them about the name 'Dumbledore's Army'. He supposedly took the blame, but disappeared before anyone could get him. 

After that Umbridge was assigned Headmistress and all hell had broken lose from there. Before that though she had also tried to terminate Professor Trelawny, but was unsuccessful. Dumbledore had stepped in and made sure that she wasn't fired, which had set Umbridge off slightly. Her and Professor McGonagall had also gotten into a small quarrel after that. None of this though, was nearly as big as what was to come next. 

The O.W.L.S were coming up, and I wasn't sure I was going to do well. Of course I studied and took everything seriously, but given how harsh Umbridge was, I wasn't so sure. From what I was told most years you took certain parts of the exams with whatever professor taught the subject. This year though, Umbridge had us all together to take every test with her. 

All fifth years, regardless of your house were to be put into the great hall and we were given two hours to complete each subject. In total, this could take up to ten hours. Nobody was excited, and everyone tried their best to come up with a good enough excuses to miss them. Unfortunately though, it didn't matter if you were on the edge of dying, you'd still be required to take them. 

"You're studying too much." I heard Matteo sigh as sat down next to me. 

I was in the library, reading a few books and completing my homework for the week, so really I wasn't actually studying. 

"Says you, at least you didn't have to deal with Umbridge last year." I rolled my eyes. 

"That may be true, but even I know that you of all people shouldn't be worrying." He shrugged. 

"Is that because she likes me or because you think I'm smart?" I questioned. 

"Both. You're a smart person you'll do fine." He said reassuringly. 

"I suppose I do need to take a break, but after I get done with this last part." 

"Good, it's getting late anyways and if you want to do good you should sleep." 

"You sound like my mother." 

"You mean like someone who cares about you?" 

The words struck me. Who cares about me? 

What he had said caused me to pause and look up at him. He looked completely unbothered and even had a wide grin on his face. I felt the opposite, my mind was panicking. Did he mean it? What was I supposed to say after that? I care about you too? Don't be ridiculous. 

"Well I appreciate the sentiment." I responded, trying not to sound too flustered. 

His jaw clenched before he got up and pushed the chair in. 

"I'll be waiting for you." He said. 

I nodded and continued with my work. 

After what he said, I couldn't focus. I sloppily finished my the last few pieces of parchment and threw them into my book bag. I returned the books I took out and went into the common room. When I walked in I began looking around for Matteo, but he wasn't there. I sighed and went up to the dorm room to put my bag away and grab my book.