Those Damn Weasleys

Chapter Four

"Welcome!" Dumbledore says as he steps up to the podium. Instantly, the lively chatter dies down and everyone turns to look at him. "Welcome to another year at Hogwarts! I have a few things to say to you all, and one of them is very serious, and I think it's best to get it out of the way before you become befuddled by our excellent feast."

"I bet it's about the dementors." Mel whispers.

I nod, and Dumbledore clears his throat, before continuing. "As I'm sure you're aware, after their search of the Hogwarts Express, our school is presently playing host to some of the Dementors from Azkaban, who are here on Ministry business." He pauses for a moment, a sour look passing over his face. "They are stationed at every entrance to the grounds, and while they are with us, I must make it plain that nobody is to leave school without permission. Dementors are not to be fooled by tricks or disguises... or even invisibility cloaks." He pauses to let that sink in.

"It is not in the nature of a Dementor to understand pleading or excuses. I, therefore, warn each and every one of you to give them no reason to harm you. I look to our prefects and our new head boy and girl to make sure that no student runs afoul of the dementors."

The room is dead silent, quieter than I've ever heard it.

Dumbledore scans the room with his piercing blue eyes, taking time to stare down each table before smiling and clapping his hands, signaling the end of that topic. "Well, on a happier note, I am pleased to welcome two new professors in our ranks this year. Firstly, professor Lupin, who has kindly consented to fill the post of the Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher."

The room breaks into a polite applause, and the man I met on the train stands, gives a small smile and waves before sitting back down.

"What's up with Snape?" Cass leans in to whisper.

We all look over at Snape, who's glaring at Professor Lupin and clutching his fork like he wishes he could stab him with it. His expression isn't one of anger-it's absolute loathing.

"And our second appointment." Dumbledore continues, "I'm sorry to say Professor Kettleburn, our Care of Magical Creatures professor, retired at the end of last year to enjoy more time with his remaining limbs."

There's a few chuckles at that, and Dumbledore offers a coy smile.

"About time. That old bat was nearly falling apart." Mel whispers.

I giggle and a seventh year sitting near us shoots us a disapproving look.

"However, I'm delighted to say that his place will be filled by none other than Rubeus Hagrid, who has agreed to take on a teaching job in addition to his game keeping duties."

The Gryffindor table erupts into cheers and enthusiastic applause, while the other houses clap politely. Dumbledore sits back down, signaling the end of his speech and the feast appears.

Dinner is mostly uneventful, and Cass and I lead the Slytherin table from the hall.

"Oi, Malfoy! Do you feel more connected to your family now that you're surrounded by dementors just like them?" I hear Fred call.

I whip around so fast I'm shocked I don't get whiplash.

"Wouldn't be surprised if they throw you and your brother into Azkaban. Maybe you could keep your aunt and uncle company. Bloody hell, aren't you related to Black, too? Does your family have a punch card for Azkaban or something, lock ten Blacks up, let the eleventh go free?" he mocks, smirking at me.

"Careful Cass, you're a prefect now, you'll get yourself in trouble..." Cassius warns me, but I shake him off and storm up to Fred so our noses are inches apart, the tip of my wand against his chin.

"You wanna say that again Weasley?" I ask dangerously, pressing my wand harder into his neck. "Talk about my family like that again and I might just take one out of my cousin Sirius's book... except I'll make sure they find your big nose instead of a finger." I snarl.

Fred's entire body stiffens and I smirk, pulling my wand away. I raise myself to my toes and lean so close to his ear my lips almost brush it as I mumble, "Keep my name out of your filthy mouth Weasley, or I might have to cut out that tongue of yours." I kiss his jaw line softly for extra effect, lingering before pulling away.

He gulps and I step back. I wink at him and saunter back to my friends, tucking my wand into my pocket. "Have a fantastic year." I call lamely over my shoulder.

Cassius is staring at me open mouthed, but Graham and Melissa are grinning like kids in a candy store.

"What did you say to him?" Melissa asks me as we set off to the common room again, the rest of the Slytherins gawking at me.

"I told him he'd end up like Peter Pettigrew if he ever spoke about my family like that again." I tell them casually as we lead the Slytherins down the stairs to the dungeons.

"Bloody brilliant." Mel says.

I smirk. "I like to think so." Cassius and Graham both chuckle as we reach the wall disguised as our common room entrance. I turn to the first years and say, "I'm only going to say this once so first years listen and watch closely. This is our common room entrance. See the scratches on the floor?" I move so everyone can see the floor I'm standing on. "That's how you can tell it's here. Just look at the wall and touch this middle brick right here. Then announce your blood status and the door will swing open. It won't open if you're lying, so don't even try it." I open the door and everyone shuffles in.

Most Slytherins make a beeline for the worn black leather couches positioned by the fireplace. I've heard all the common rooms have a fireplace. Ours, however, is enchanted to be emerald green, and it never dies. There's no wood to put in it, there's no need. The floors are cobblestone but they're mostly covered in shaggy green rugs. The walls are cobblestones too, and covered in portraits of the most famous Slytherin witches and wizards. They can offer some great advice if you ask for it. The wall to the back isn't a wall at all actually. It's made of glass so you can see the Great Lake through it. Mermaids swim past all the time, and if they like you they'll play tic-tac-toe on the foggy glass with you. Most Slytherins have even learned sign language so they can communicate with them. On each side of the common room are two long hallways, one leading to the girls dormitory and one leading to the boys. Each hallway is lined with torches lit with green flames, giving them a sort of creepy green glow.

"Night loves!" I call, blowing Graham and Cassius a kiss as they head off to their dorm.

They chuckle at my antics and wave back

I follow Melissa into the girls hallway to our dorm. Our roommates are already there, chatting as they get changed into their pajamas.

Violet, Henrietta, and the last girl Freya ignore us completely as we walk past, but neither of us care anymore. They've all been awful to us since first year.

I head over to my bed, which is next to Meli's and change into my silk pajama set.

Mel comes over and sits in front of me on my bed. She's in her pajamas and her hair is now in a bonnet. "So, you heard all about my summer, so give me all the tea on yours."

I close my bed curtain around us and we lay facing each other.

We stay up late in the night-like we always do on our first night back at Hogwarts, chatting and filling each other in on our summers, until we finally fall asleep.