Ace of Spades

Chapter 18

Chapter 18

A bottomless bag always came in handy when I had too many books to carry. Many of the books I received from the Potter Vault were on bookshelves in my room, but I kept the darker ones in the bag. I didn't need Pansy and Daphne seeing them before they needed to, or rather anyone.

It was particularly useful on the two times a week we went to the library to study. I wasn't a fan of it but my Magical knowledge came quickly to me. I absorbed everything practical and theoretical presented to me, wanting every advantage that I could get my hands on.

On one particular trip, it was interrupted by the younger Greengrass sister. She had almost turned up her nose at me but a sharp look from Daphne got her speaking quickly.

"Your boys are asking for you," Astoria said, pushing her blonde hair off her shoulders. She wore a pair of golden studs that sparkled like stars. "Umbridge is making a mess."

Pansy snorted, "Where?"

"The courtyard,"

Withing the instant, we were in step together and striding towards the main courtyard.

A crowd had gathered around every wall of the archways. No one dared to stand directly in the courtyard where the pink bitch was talking ill to Trelawney.

Between two curved arches, a bench was taken by the three Slytherin Aces. When Blaise's dark eyes caught mine, he nodding for us to join. He and Theo stood while Draco remained sitting for the moment. All of us watched Umbridge begin her spewing of words.

"Always a mess," I said without even greeting the boys. "Umbridge doesn't even have the decency to tell her in private."

"I understand she's getting fired but doing it in public?" Pansy snided. "Now that's low."

"She wants everyone to know," Daphne frowned at the vulgar display.

"Umbridge wants everyone to know her power at Hogwarts," Silver said to me. I didn't even react. Years of soft scoldings and reminders set it into me.

Only alone, could I react to the Ghost that protected me.

Instead, I said, to the group, "Her power at Hogwarts is expanding. She's getting cocky."

The four laughed. When Pansy and Daphne sat down on the empty space, Draco stood and gestured for me to take a seat.

I had a better idea.

The ledge in between the arches was enough for me to sit on. I stepped on the bench, feeling Draco's hand pop out to hold my arm as I sat on the edge of the ledge, settling myself down so Pansy and Daphne could still see from their seats.

Umbridge's next words caught my attention.

"It was your home," Umbridge said, a revolting look of enjoyment on her face, stretching it out even more like a toad's. "until an hour ago, when the Minister of Magic countersigned the order for your dismissal. Now kindly remove yourself from this hall. You are embarrassing us."

The way she stared at Trelawney was like Voldemort looking at Harry right before our parents were killed. She had a gloating face on, like she had just won the biggest prize of being the biggest bitch in the world.

Professor McGonagall broke away from the spectators, marching straight up to Professor Trelawney. She patted her on the back, taking out a large handkercheif from her robes.

"There, there, Sibyll . . . Calm down. . . . Blow your nose on this. . . . It's not as bad as you think, now. . . . You are not going to have to leave Hogwarts. . . ."