𝑁𝑜𝑡 𝐴𝑛𝑜𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟 𝐿𝑜𝑣𝑒 𝑆𝑡𝑜𝑟𝑦 (𝐻𝑎𝑟𝑟𝑦 𝑃.)

~Chapter 34: High Inquisitor~

"This is such bullshit. I can't believe this, Hogwarts does not have falling standards, and the way she spoke to Trelawny today!" Hermione gripes as we change to our next class. "She's even been after Snape," I remark.

"Yeah, he knocked Ron a good one," She laughs gently, "To be fair, he was laughing. I feel bad for Fred and George, they've lost loads of sales, with kids not wanting to get caught and all." 

"Can't blame them either," I look over and I stare in wonder, "Where is everyone headed?" I try asking a student who simply speeds up. Hermione asks another student who replies, "Somethings happening in the courtyard! Umbridge is trying to remove Trelawny from the school!"

Hermione and I glance at one another for a moment before quickening our pace. We meet up with Harry, who quickly slips his hand into mine. I find myself standing next to Lee, who is with the Twins. 

"Bloody hell is happening?" I take notice in Trelawny's red eyes, with what seems to be her belongings with her. "Dunno, looks like Umbridge is sending her off. Don't get me wrong, she's not much of a teacher, but she's still a human." Lee has always been empathetic; he may crack jokes and love a good laugh. But as he said, she's human and as is he. We all are.  

"Sixteen.." She whispers, trying to find her words. "Sixteen years I've lived and taught here. Hogwarts is my home," she states, feeling the same as most of us do. I can't fathom it, being removed from the one place that you feel at home in. 

I feel his arm slowly leave my hand, and slide up, wrapping around my waist. "You can't do this," Trelawny clenches her bag tightly in her hand, glancing around at the building crowd. I tug gently at Harry's sleeve, "Come along... I don't wish to see any more of this... It feels like invading her privacy." 

He sighs, and I know he would rather stay to see the result, but I would rather not. It can't be any good. I bid Lee a farewell and guide Harry through the crowd, not even thinking twice of asking 'Mione to come along. No way is she missing something as large as this. 

Umbridge has been on one ever since she was deemed High Inquisitor by the Ministry. Moments later, Dumbledore walks past us. "Wait... Headmaster!" Harry calls out, quickening his pace attempting to catch up, only for the flood of students to wave his view away. "Professor Dumbledore, wait-" He calls out again, it being far too late now. 

I quickly catch back up to him, and exhale deeply. "Harry, what can we do? We're not going to pass our O.W.Ls at this rate... I'll admit, Trelawny wasn't much help, but she was more than we've got now."

"And there's also the problem of Voldemort's return, no one will know how to defend themselves." I state, and Harry rubs his temples gently in frustration. "I'm not sure, if only Dumbledore would actually speak to me."

That man gives me more, and more reasons to hate him every day. I place a hand on his shoulder, giving a gentle squeeze, not wanting to show too much affection where Umbridge could see. 

"It'll be alright, Harry. I'll talk with Hermione; we'll figure something out." 

Before bed, while the common area is empty, the four of us decide to have a small meeting. 

"She's taking over the entire school at this rate!" Hermione exclaims, nearly burning ruds into the floor from her pacing. Harry reaches over and turns up the radio as something peaks his ear, "Furthermore, we have convincing evidence that these disappearances are the work of the notorious murder Peter Pettigrew." 

Disappearances? What? This is the first I am hearing of it, "What is he on about?" I ask, glancing at Hermione. "There have been reports of wizards and a few muggles going missing lately and-" She gets cut off by a sudden voice, shouting my name from the fire pit.