Connected by Magic

Chapter 50

"Where were you?"

That's first thing she heard as she joined Pansy and Daphne in the common room. It was quiet and peaceful for once. The Slytherins in the fifth year were either charging up for the next busy week, or they were outside, not able to take another second of studying. To be fair, there was still plenty of snow which is always nice to see, perhaps even to play with.

Pansy and Daphne were holding a small study session within the common room. Books and notes were out, parchment strewn across the wooden table. They were studying Herbology from the looks of it, reviewing what the last week class had covered.

"Well, Pansy, I was quite late and lost track of time when I returned from Hogsmeade. So, I stayed at the Prefect rooms last night. Quite comfortable rooms, y'know?"

Daphne narrowed her eyes on her as Amelia tried to look serene and sincere. "Hmm, was Granger with you too?"

"Given we were on a date, that's only logical, no? We were both late after all. Now, how's it going? Studying Herbology, I see. Need any help?"

Pansy looked to not think much about it, returning to her Herbology notes. However, Daphne knew something happened with Hermione. Amelia could practically read it off her face. Somehow, Daphne could tell something happened.

"We're almost done," said Pansy with a sigh. "I'm bloody useless. It's going to be a miracle if I get more than five OWLs..."

"Not to worry, Pansy," reassured Daphne. "A few study sessions with our residential genius, and you'll get those OWLs as easy as breathing."

Pansy looked up from her notes to Amelia who sat in front of her. "Well, I won't say no to any help. If it can help me get my parents off my back, all the better. They're really pushing me to excel more and more these days. Almost as if they're trying to show how good their kid is."

"Pushy parents... It's scary how similar we are," Daphne said with a sigh. Her gaze went to Amelia. "In any case, seen the notice board yet?"

"No, why? Something interesting?"

"If you call the next step in oppression interesting, then yes. A new Educational Decree has been issued," Pansy said drily. "I'll spare you reading that nonsense: All Student Organisations are banned unless approved by Umbridge. That will range from Quidditch to the Gobstone Club."

"I wonder how she found out," Daphne pondered softly. Mainly to prevent the few Slytherins present from overhearing them. "This must be because of what we did. I mean, the timing is just too perfect. Preventing us from even getting started."

"Right," Amelia replied contemplatively. It doesn't surprise her that Umbridge would do something. But she can't figure out how she found out so quickly. It will make it much harder to start the whole Dumbledore Army thing.

"I won't hold it against you if you want to get out before shit hits the fan. Hermione and the others would too."

"Fan?" Asked Pansy confusedly, a disgusted expression on her face. "What's a fan? And who in their right mind would throw excrement at something?"

Daphne looked equally confused and disgusted at the notion. "Please tell me this is some Muggle saying."

"It is, and I forgot you wouldn't understand..." said Amelia, a bit amused at their expressions. "Anyway, confusion aside, all I am saying is that I won't blame you if you do not want to continue with this- endeavour."

"It won't change my mind," said Pansy with a surprisingly firm tone. "My name and word should mean something. Besides, I believe in what we're trying to do. Umbridge won't change my mind on that score. It's not like I will get an O.W.L. under Umbridge."