'Tell Me Pretty Lies,' by moongirlel

Chapter 83: Camera Flashes & Unwanted Praise

[idontwannabeyouanymore - Billie Eilish]

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Mon. 2nd October 1995 - 8:18am...

Sun bright camera flashes filled my eyes. I was unable to see properly.

Unfortunately, this had become the new normal for me, and my friends. Every week we had been instructed by Professor Umbridge to join her for interviews, to help promote her and the new rules within Hogwarts.

To make the front few pages of the Daily Profit.

Witches and wizards who represent the Daily Profit and the Ministry of Magic stood in front of us; The Inquisitorial Squad.

"—and how are these volunteers finding their new roles?" A reporter shouted over the noise.

My ears were ringing. And my heart was jumping against my ribcage, desperately hoping to escape my own feelings.

Umbridge smiled. "They show great promise. As you can see, I have gathered a handful of rather resourceful students. Young adults from respectable families in our communities... to a young girl famous for hers."

She placed a hand on my shoulder, "Miss. Jane Potter."

The reporters paused, before bursting out into question.

"How is your brother—?"
"Miss. Potter, how's your Muggle family—?"
"What possessed you to join Professor Umbridge—?"
"How are you finding the squad—?"
"Do you feel that you made the right choice—?"

They all morphed together, I could barely understand a word any one of them were saying.

I could hear my heart in my ears. It matched the heavy lump in my throat, which prevented me from speaking. Opening my mouth, the cold air of the stone courtyard chilled my senses to a halt.

Draco noticed my discomfort instantly.

He cleared his throat, "Oh please. I find it hard to believe those are your questions for my girlfriend?"

His fingers laced with mine. I found myself twisting his ring in my hold.

"Mr. Malfoy—!"

"Quiet. How do you expect us to answer you if you keep moving onto the next question?" He asked.

Umbridge didn't intervene, watching us silently with a tiny, deceptive smile on her face.

He nudged my arm.

"My brother is doing well, and so am I." I managed to muster up.

What a bloody pathetic lie.

I continued, staring down the barrel of the cameras. Six in total. "As a Slytherin and member of the squad, I speak not only for myself, but my fellow classmates — This was the right decision. We made the right decision."

Pansy then adds, "Professor Umbridge was clearly chosen by the Minister of Magic, himself, to help improve our school. From the sound of your questions, it seems you're only here because you need more convincing, not to understand our motives."