Make Me Fall

9. Subtle Threats

There was a message on the notice board this morning saying that all student groups are disbanded. While it doesn't really impact me directly, it means the Quidditch team can't practice, and from all reports, Ron needs all the practice he can get! I have to get to potions now, I was late yesterday because my bag broke and Snape said I'd get detention if it happened again. I don't understand why he hates me so much when he likes Draco. Maybe because I'm not in his house. Ah well, I'd better head off.

I get to potions on time and sit down with Draco. He smiles at me, but I frown.

"Did you have to goad them like that?" I ask. He looks at me guiltily.

"I was just teasing," he mutters.

"It was more than teasing and you know it," I huff.

"But you're talking to me now?"

I narrow my eyes at him, pick up my bag and move over next to Neville who looks surprised when I sit down next to him. I glance at Draco who is looking most displeased.

"You will notice that we have a guest today," Snape sneers. I glance up and see Umbridge. Great. My two least favourite teachers in the same room for a whole hour.

"We are continuing with our Strengthening Solution today. You will find your mixtures as you left them last lesson; if correctly made they should have matured well over the weekend - instructions -” he waved his wand again “- on the board. Carry on.”

I walk over to the table of potions and search for mine. Draco catches my arm and pulls me away from the group.

"I'm sorry," he says, "come and sit with me."

"I'm so mad at you, you're lucky I don't curse you," I hiss, pulling my arm away.

"Because of what happened before class?"

"Because of what you said yesterday!"

I pick up my potion and return to my table. I take a few deep breaths and read the instructions on the board twice, then begin following them, line by line. By the end of the lesson my potion doesn't seem too bad. I put a beaker full on Snape's desk and walk out, feeling quietly confident.

***

After dinner I'm sitting in the common room, working on Ancient Runes homework with Hermione. The Quidditch team are sitting around the fireplace with us, fretting.

"It's just because she hates me," Harry sighs, "she wouldn't be doing this if it wasn't for me."

"We're losing practice time!" Angelina groans, "we'll never win the cup if we can't practice."

"We won't win it if we can't play!" Alicia points out. I pack my things up.

"Where are you going?" Hermione asks.

"To talk to Umbridge," I tell her.

"You're insane!"

"Someone has to," I shrug.

I walk downstairs, feeling nervous. I'm hoping that Dad's influence will be enough. I knock on the door and she answers.

"Miss Turner!" she exclaims, "to what do I owe this pleasure?"

I fake a sad sigh.

"I have a problem, professor," I tell her.

"Oh, dear, come in," she says, with false concern. I sit down across the desk from her.

"What's the problem?" she asks.

"Well, you see, ever since I started at Hogwarts my father and I have played a sort of game, where we bet on who will win each Quidditch match," I lie, "and who ever gets the most right, during the summer holidays, has to buy the other an ice-cream. It's silly, I know, but we've always done it. But now the Gryffindor team can't play, so I don't want to play. Dad still wants to play and he's awfully mad and I don't know what to do."

"Your father is angry?" Umbridge asks, "at you, dear?"

"Not me, no," I shake my head, "he understands that I don't want to play if my house isn't playing."

"Oh, dear," Umbridge swallows nervously, "well, I think I have the solution."

"Do you, professor?" I exclaim, "only, I was going to write to him tonight and it would be so good if I had good news!"

Umbridge reaches into her desk drawers and pulls out a official-looking certificate. She scribbles a signature on it and hands it to me with a smile.

"There, permission for the Gryffindor Quidditch team to reform," she says with a smile. I take it and leap to my feet.

"Oh, thank you! Thank you, professor!" I say, "Dad will be so pleased!"

"Yes, I dare say he will," she says, "run along and tell him."

"I will," I grin, "thank you!"

I hurry out and jump up and down, trying not to squeal. I run up to Gryffindor Tower. The Quidditch team are still sitting around the fire, looking glum.

I walk over to Angelina, looking serious.

"Angelina? I have something for you," I tell her quietly. She looks at me, uninterested. I hand her the certificate. She glance at it and her eyes widen.

"Oh my gosh!" she screams. Everyone turns to stare at her.

"How did you get this?" she asks.

"I asked her," I tell her with a little wink. She throws her arms around me.

"Ange, what is it?" Alicia asks.

"Autumn got permission for us to reform!" Angelina says.

"No way!"

They all crowd around Angelina and look at the certificate.

"YES!" Fred grabs me and spins me around. I can't help giggling. This is why I want older brothers.

He sets me down and high-fives George. I sit down with Hermione as the team celebrates.

"How did you do it?" Hermione asks.

"Subtle threats," I tell her, "my father has a lot of influence at the ministry."

Hermione raises her eyebrows. I shrug and look over at the team. Angelina is excitedly telling them her new training ideas.

I feel good about helping the team. Sometimes I feel like an outsider in Gryffindor. Like I was meant to be in Slytherin. But I don't feel the same way about blood pride as so many of them do. I just don't understand why they think that way.

I got a reply from Mum about my parents. She said that she'll tell me when she sees me, if the time is right. I don't know what that means, but hopefully I can find out over Christmas. Fingers crossed!

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Sorry about the chapters being short, I don't have a clear idea of where this is going yet... Anyway, random question: Do any of you live in England? I might be moving there soon! I think I'll wear robes everywhere if I do... Not really... Well, maybe...