The Purest Kind of Magic

- forty seven -

"Whoever that woman in the... disgusting all pink outfit is, I don't like her," Blaise muttered as we entered the Great Hall.

Draco glanced at the Professors' Table, "Dolores Umbridge, my father hates her. She's likely the new DADA professor."

I nodded, my eyes also falling on the woman in question. Dolores Umbridge, with her sickly sweet smile and all-pink outfit, looked completely out of place in the grandiose Great Hall of Hogwarts. There was something about her that set me on edge, and I couldn't quite put my finger on it.

"I've heard some things about her," Theo said quietly, keeping his voice low. "She's supposed to be strict and obsessed with discipline."

Elmia scoffed, "That's putting it lightly. My mother mentioned her before. Apparently, she's with the Ministry."

Daphne's expression darkened, "And she has a habit of going after anyone who doesn't align with her views. It's like she enjoys making people suffer."

"Sounds like a real piece of work," I said, feeling a mix of annoyance and concern as we sat down at the Slytherin table.

The atmosphere at the Slytherin table was tense as we continued to discuss the infamous Dolores Umbridge. The other students around us seemed to share our sentiments, exchanging worried glances and whispers.

"I've heard rumors that she's here to inspect the school and report back to the Ministry," Daphne added. "They say she has the full backing of Cornelius Fudge."

Draco's jaw clenched at the mention of Fudge, the current Minister of Magic, who had been known for his denial of Voldemort's return and his misguided policies. "Of course, Fudge would support someone like her," he muttered in annoyance.

Blaise shook his head, "Well, regardless of why she's here, I don't like the way she's looking at us. It's like she's already judging every move we make."

Theo nodded in agreement, "She's definitely up to something, and I don't trust her."

We whispered and ate through the Sorting Hat's song and the sorting and was almost about to completely ignore Dumbledore's yearly welcoming speech.

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

Draco rolled his eyes and mumbled, "Can't they just give Snape the damn job and make Umbridge a custodian?"

Dumbledore continued, "Tryouts for the House Quidditch teamswill take place on the —"

He broke off, looking inquiringly at Professor Umbridge. I almost gagged at how incredibly short she was and how she waddled over to the front.

"Hem, hem."

Theo gasped, his hand mockingly over his mouth, "It can speak." The six of us laughed as quiet as we could.

Dumbledore looked dumbfounded, hence his name—I'm terribly sorry. He backed off and sat back down in his seat.

"Thank you, Headmaster," Umbridge simpered, "forthose kind words of welcome."

Blaise choked, "Even her voice is disgusting."

She gave another little cringey cough as she continued, "Well, it is lovely to beback at Hogwarts, I must say!" She smiled, revealing very pointedteeth. "And to see such happy little faces looking back at me!"

Of course, no one was actually happy. She's more delusional than anyone I've ever met. The Slytherin table stifled laughter and exchanged amused glances at Umbridge's attempt to paint a picture of joy and happiness. It was clear that her presence was met with skepticism and disapproval from the students.

"I am very much looking forward to getting to know you all, andI'm sure we'll be very good friends!"

"My ass," Draco muttered under his breath.

Umbridge went on and on and on and on about random shit no one gives a single fuck about. Doesn't this woman's mouth get dry from all that talking? Does she not get embarrassed? Cause I'm for sure getting second hand embarrassment here.

"Y/n, can I sleep in your room tonight?" Draco said sleepily with a yawn.

I rolled my eyes playfully, "It's not like you'll take no for an answer."

He grinned, "You know me so well."

"Thank you very much, Professor Umbridge, that was most illuminating," Dumbeldore said, bowing to Umbridge, "Now — as I was saying, Quidditch tryouts will be held..."

--

I pinched Draco's cheeks as a wake-up call for our first day of classes. I sighed as he showed me no intention of waking up.

"Don't blame me..." I mumbled as I smacked him across the face.

Draco's eyes shot open, and he yelped in surprise, rubbing his cheek where I had lightly smacked him. "What was that for?" he grumbled, pouting playfully.

"Time to wake up, princess," I teased, poking his side. "We can't be late for our first day of classes."

He groaned, sitting up and stretching his arms. "Right, right, I'm up," he said, blinking the sleep from his eyes. "But I blame you for assaulting my handsome face."

I rolled my eyes, giving him an amused smile. "You're so dramatic," I said, getting up from the bed. "I had no choice, you were hard to wake up."

As I made my way out of the room, Draco called after me, "You know, I'm starting to regret asking to sleep in your room. Your wake-up calls are brutal."

I laughed, knowing he was just teasing. "You love me anyway," I called back before heading to the common room.

In the Slytherin common room, I found Blaise, Theo, Elmia, and Daphne already gathered, preparing their school supplies for the day. They looked up and greeted me with knowing smirks as I joined them.

"Theo's got quite the talent for mimicking Umbridge," Blaise chuckled.

"I almost choked trying not to laugh," Elmia added, smirking.

Draco walked into the common room, rubbing his cheek where I had pinched him earlier. "Is my face bruised?" he grumbled, playfully pouting again.

Daphne raised her eyebrow and gave him an amused smile, "Don't pretend you didn't secretly like it."

Draco rolled his eyes, "Please, I'm not a masochist."

"We'll see about that," Blaise gave him a shrug.

"Whatever, I hate all of you. Can't we just go eat breakfast before we go and see Umbridge's scrunched-up face?" Draco replied, annoyed.

I laughed, "Alright, princess, let's go to breakfast so you can stop complaining." I took his arm and dragged him along.

"Aw, he's blushing," Daphne whispered to Theo.

"Am not!" Draco immediately snapped back.

Elmia smirked, "Oh, come on, Draco. We all know you have a soft spot for Y/n."

Draco scowled but didn't deny it, causing all of us to burst into laughter. We made our way to the Great Hall, still joking and teasing each other along the way.