𝗨𝗡𝗘𝗫𝗣𝗘𝗖𝗧𝗘𝗗 ━ Golden Trio Era

━chapter 14

Chapter 14
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ADHARA DIDN'T SIGN THE ARTICLE WITH HER FULL NAME, AS SHE NORMALLY DID. She signed it like her father signed his letters to her.

A. I. B.

Adhara Iola Black.

It wasn't really to maintain anonymity. She had written for the Quibbler before, signing with her full name. She hadn't even planned it. When she got to the bottom of the article, she wrote down A. I. B. without even thinking and then decided to keep it as is.

But Adhara did keep the names of her witnesses anonymous. Simply stating their years — not even their houses, as Adhara felt that would somewhat divide opinions even more — and their statement.

In total, Adhara gathered nine testimonies — Roisin, Luna Lovegood and Ginny Weasley had come forth after Adhara confronted Greengrass — and she was glad to see it cause the ruckus that she had hoped.

People talked, as people did. Adhara hated gossip but why not take advantage of it when possible? When the owls delivered the mail this morning, Adhara expected the loud exclamations and shouts of outrage. She purposely sat at the Slytherin table that day, away from the Gryffindors. She was in no mood to face Harry's anger — yes, the boy was definitely going to be angry despite the fact that his name wasn't even mentioned.

Which was proved by Ron, who came running to them (taking the empty spot on the other side of Adhara) the minute the mail arrived.

"Adhara, I could bloody kiss you!" he declared.

Adhara wrinkled her nose in disgust.

"Not literally! It's an expression, for fuck's sake," the redhead explained. "Harry is not happy, by the way. Hermione is staying with him."

Adhara didn't even roll her eyes. She was already expecting this.

There were students shouting directly at the teachers' table, others murmured among themselves. Adhara didn't bother glancing toward the teachers, it didn't matter to her.

She poured herself a cup of tea — half of it was milk, with three spoons of sugar — placing it right on top of her copy of the Quibbler.

ACADEMIC AUTHORITY OR TYRANT? MINISTRY'S PICK FACES ABUSES CLAIMS

Ministry-Endorsed Professor, Dolores Umbridge, demands respect for the Minister, one engraved lesson at a time.

More on Page One.

Millie's eyes scanned the paper. "When did you even—"

"A while now." She blew on her tea to cool it down, but the cold milk had already done the trick.

"Nine statements? How did you find nine—"

"People talk. You just need to listen." And then threaten them.

Just as she was about to take a sip, someone slammed a copy of the Quibbler on the table in front of her. Adhara took notice of the pink-painted nails and went back to her tea.

"What. Is. The. Meaning. Of. This?"

It took all of her effort to smother the urge to laugh. The woman was fuming, smoke was practically coming out her ears. Nostrils flaring, teeth gritting together, Umbridge looked like the meaning of irritated itself.

Calmly, Adhara settled her cup down, glancing at the paper.

"Is there something in particular you wanted to show me, Professor?"