The Way We Fall | Book 3

Chapter 5: The Toad In Pink

Harry and I were in a compartment alone, on the Hogwarts Express. Yes, he was allowed to come back, thanks to Dumbledore apparently. Ron and Hermione supposedly became Prefects, which really shocked me. Well, Hermione no, but Ron, absolutely. I guess it's passed down in the Weasley family, skipping Fred and George of course.

Harry became the Quidditch Team Captain. He promised me he'd train me up a little before holding tryouts so I could get on the team. I was the only one that didn't really get anything special. I'll just be another student at Hogwarts, and I was perfectly happy for that. I don't need any extra attention.

"You alright, love?" Harry asked me, making me look at him. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just thinking, that's all." He nodded, and stared out the window. "What's on your mind?" I shrugged. "Just Hogwarts, I guess. I can't wait to go back. Just as long as it has nothing to do with Dementors, dragons, being under water for an hour, or mazes." He chuckled, and leaned over to kiss me. "I don't think that's a promise."

I sighed, and moved over to sit beside him. "You better stay out of trouble this year, Harry James Potter." He looked at me, and smirked. "I don't think that's a promise either, Riley Grace Winters." I stuck my tongue out at him, as he slung an arm around my shoulders. His touch was so comforting. I exhaled deeply, and leaned into him. We stayed quiet for a while, and I didn't mind the silence at all. I found it enjoyable when it was just the two of us, whether we were talking or not. In fact, I enjoyed it so much, I decided to go to sleep.

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Probably about an hour or longer later, I woke up with my head in Harry's lap. I was wrapped up in his navy blue jacket. I smiled, taking in his scent, before opening my eyes. Across from us, sat Ron and Hermione. Ron was the first to notice I was awake, and smirked at me. I reached up with my hand, and gave him my lovely middle finger, before lifting my head a little. 

"It's about time you woke up." Harry teased. I hit him playfully, and sat up, returning his jacket. "You keep it. Your poor little arms were freezing." He objected, giving it back. "I do not have poor little arms!" I whined, making him laugh. Hermione chuckled, and shook her head at us, before burying her nose in a book. I slipped my arms into the jacket, enjoying the warmth it provided. 

After a moment, a bunch of girls passed by. One of them, looked in, and smiled at Harry, waving a little. She had dark black hair, and Ravenclaw robes. Harry waved back awkwardly, and pulled me closer. I smirked at her, leaning my head on his shoulder. Looks like I have a competition going on with a Ravenclaw.

Soon enough, we arrived in Hogsmeade. I stepped off the train, and walked with the trio into the castle. "My second full year at Hogwarts! This is exciting!" I exclaimed. Hermione laughed, and nodded. "I was hoping you'd stick around, Riley. You seem to be the only one here with any sense most of the time." I smirked at the boys, who both wore 'sad' expressions. 

Once we arrived in the Great Hall, we sat down at the red and gold Gryffindor table. My stomach growled hungrily, making me groan and put my head down. "You're not the only one starving." Ron told me, sighed. Harry reached under the table, and grabbed my hand, entwining his fingers with mine. I have his hand a small squeeze, and smiled at him. 

After the first years were finally Sorted, Professor Dumbledore began his annual boring speech. I noticed that a lady dressed in pink was sitting at the teachers' table where Professor Moody used to sit. To be honest, she looked like a toad. 

I tuned back into Dumbledore, just as he was introducing her. "...we also wish to welcome our new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, Professor Dolores Umbridge." She let out a small, girly giggle, making me grimace, but snicker at the same time. The Headmaster chuckled, before continuing on. "I'm sure you'll all join me in wishing the Professor good luck. As usual, our caretaker, Mr. Filch has asked me to remind you--" He stopped, when Umbridge cleared her throat, placing her purse on the table.

The entire room was absolutely silent, as all eyes landed on her. She stood up, with a sickly sweet smile on her face, and approached the podium. 

"She was at my Hearing," Harry whispered to me, startling me a bit. "She works for Fudge." I frowned, and looked up at her.

"Thank you, Headmaster, for those kind words of welcome." She said. "And how lovely to see your bright, happy faces, smiling up at me." She turned to us, still giving her ugly little smirk. I glanced around, and saw that nobody was smiling at all. A few Slytherins were, but they were laughing. Frankly, I don't blame them. This woman must be insane. "I'm sure we're all going to be very good friends." She continued.

"That's bloody likely," Fred and George muttered, making me snicker. 

"The Ministry of Magic, has always considered the education of young witches and wizards to be of vital importance. Although each Headmaster has brought something new to this...historical school, progress for the sake of progress must be discouraged. Let us preserve what must be preserved, perfect what can be perfected, and prune practices that ought to be prohibited." She added the last part in a whisper, and giggled again. With that, she walked back over to her seat, and sat down.

Professor Dumbledore began clapping, and less than half of us did the same. I know I didn't. But, even if I wanted to, one of my hands were in Harry's anyway. "What a load of waffle," Ron muttered. "But, what does it mean?" Harry asked worriedly. Hermione inhaled sharply, and bit her lip. "It means that the Ministry is going to interfere with Hogwarts.

Oh. Flipping. Joy.