Falling Star

The Quill

"Detention on the first day? Really, Li? I think you've broken even my record," Fred jokes after catching me in the corridor between morning classes.

"How did you even hear about that so fast?" I deflect.

"It's school. Word travels. Not the point," he says, giving me an amused look. "Heard you caused quite the scene. I wish I was around to see it."

Heat floods my cheeks. "I did not cause a scene...well she started it. That woman is a toad."

Fred bursts out laughing, his eyes lighting up and a dimple appearing on his left cheek. I can't help but crack a smile, too.

"I think that gives me an idea for a prank. Fill her office with hundreds of toads." He smirks mischievously, and I can practically see the gears turning in his head as this plan takes shape.

"I'll let you know how detention with her goes and then see if that's a risk you're willing to take," I say.

"About that. That's actually why I caught up with you." An unfamiliar expression crosses his face. Was Fred Weasley, nervous? "After you're finished with detention, would you like to study with me?"

A giggle escapes my lips before I can help it. "Study? Fred Weasley studies?"

"Occasionally. But don't tell anyone. Can't ruin my reputation," he teases. "And maybe I just wanted to spend some time with you. Since you missed me over the summer and all."

I roll my eyes and chuckle. "Right. But sure. Studying sounds great. I'm sure I will already have a pile of homework by tonight."

Fred grins. "Meet you in the library then?"

"I'll be there."

***

Harry and I enter Umbridge's office right on time. I'm slightly taken aback by the sheer amount of pink...and kittens. The walls are pink. The furniture covers are pink. The lights even give off a pinkish glow. And lining the walls are hundreds of decorative plates with kittens on the front of them, enchanted to where they move, meow, and play. It is quite a sight.

"Have a seat, children," Umbridge orders in her unnervingly chipper tone.

We do as we're told and then look back at her for more instructions. We have no idea what to expect.

"You both will be writing some lines for me today," she says.

Harry and I turn to grab parchment and a quill out of our bags.

"Ah, you won't need your quills or ink. I have a special one for each of you today." She hands us each a quill but no ink.

"You haven't given us any ink, Professor," Harry says softly.

"Like I said, these are special quills. Now, Harry, you will write 'I must not tell lies.' And Miss Malfoy, you will write 'I must learn to hold my tongue."

I swallow hard. The words punch me in the gut, reminding me of every time I've heard that phrase throughout my life. I grab my quill, determined to tamp down on the emotions stirring within me. I almost begin, then realize she never told us how many to write.

"How many lines, Professor?" I ask.

Umbridge smiles coolly. "Enough to make an impression. You'll know when." With that, she sits behind her desk and watches us.

As I begin the first stroke, I, the skin on the back of my left hand starts to burn and itch horribly. I shake of the weird feeling and continue.

M-U-

The burning sensation turns into a sharp pain, and I gasp, looking over at my hand. Each letter I write on the parchment appears carved into the back of my hand. I look up, horrified, only to see Umbridge smiling back at me. This is exactly what she meant by "making an impression."