The Way We Fall | Book 3

Chapter 12: The Toad Strikes Again!

I never thought I'd dread going back to Hogwarts, but I did. Leaving my dad and sisters was hard enough, not to mention I'd have to face Umbridge again. Out of all the people on this entire planet, I hate her the most, and that really says something, because in my lifetime, I have met some pretty messed up people. 

On the Hogwarts Express, Hermione and I buried our noses in the books we had gotten each other for Christmas. Harry and Ron were chatting quietly over some candy I had bought for them. "Never thought we'd end up with another Hermione on our hands." Ron muttered. I looked at him over my book, and glared. "It's called reading, and I think it would come in handy if you want to pass your O.W.Ls." He scoffed, and stuffed a chocolate frog into his mouth. "Those things are months away. I have plenty of time to study. Besides, since when do exams have anything about fiction books in them?"

"Since when was I referring to these books?" I snapped. "Alright, you two, that's enough." Harry cut in, pulling me into his side. I kicked my feet up onto the seat, and laid my head in his lap, before continuing to read. Ron's my friend and all, but he really gets on my last nerve.

-----------------------------------------------

Our first D.A meeting after the break was a few days later. We were working on Disarming. Luckily, that was a personal skill of mine. Anyway, Harry had us all stand in two lines across from one another. When I got to the front of the line, I ended up being paired with George. "You're going down, Winters," He teased, in a menacing voice. Then, before he could even say anything else, I quickly waved my wand at him. "Expelliarmus!" His wand was flung across the room, and right into my hand. "Next time, don't distract yourself with empty threats." I teased, handing it back. As I headed towards the back of the line, Harry gave me a quick kiss on the cheek. "Good job,"

Suddenly, we could hear a quiet rumbling, as the floor started to shake. The mirrors on the walls began cracking, and dust fell from the ceiling. Everyone began looking around nervously, and so did I. I noticed a small hole in the wall, and a flash of pink on the other side. I nudged Harry, and gestured to it. Of course, being him, he approached it. "I'll make short work of this," Umbridge's voice told him. "Bombarda Maxima!"

-----------------------------------------------

Everyone from D.A, including Harry and I, were taken from the Room of Requirement, and taken to Professor Dumbledore's office after that. Fudge, and Kingsley Shacklebolt, were already there. Dumbledore just sat at his desk ever so calmly, as if this was normal. Umbridge was telling Fudge all about Dumbledore's Army, saying how she's been watching us for weeks. "All your fear mongering about You-Know-Who hasn't fooled us for a minute! We saw your lies for what they were, a bid to seize control of the ministry!" She snapped at Dumbledore. "Naturally," He answered calmly. "No, Professor, he had nothing to do with it, it was me!" Harry protested. "Most noble of you, Harry, to shield me, but, as it has been pointed out, the parchment clearly says 'Dumbledore's Army', not 'Potter's'." I was shocked by what I was hearing. Dumbledore was actually taking the blame for what we did?! "I instructed Harry to form this organization, and I, and I alone, am responsible for the activities." 

"Dolores, Shacklebolt, you shall escort Dumbledore to Azkaban to await trial for conspiracy and sedition-" Fudge instructed. But, he was cut off by the Headmaster. "Ah, I thought we might hit this little snag. You see, I have no intention on going to Azkaban." He explained. "Enough of this! Take him!" Umbridge shrieked. Before anyone could make another move, Fawks swooped down and Dumbledore grabbed his tail. With a burst of flames, they were gone. Everyone fell to the floor. "You may not like him, Minister, but you can't deny, Dumbledore's got style." Shacklebolt told Fudge. With that, we were all dismissed.

-----------------------------------------------

For the next few weeks, everyone who participated in the D.A meetings were forced to serve detention for Umbridge. Of course, we were writing lines with the Blood Quills. With Dumbledore gone, things never could've gotten worse. New rules were literally made every single day. Not only that, but Umbridge has became the Headmistress here at Hogwarts, and all she does is walk around the school building, correcting every little 'mistake' she sees. Harry and I don't even bother trying to hold hands in the corridors anymore, because we both know that she'll only force us to separate. This woman has taken over the entire school, and her only sponsors here are a few Slytherins and Filch. 

Outraged with all of this, Fred and George were already planning their escape. They wanted to make their own joke shop, using the money Harry had given to them from the Triwizard Tournaments, which he had won. If only I could run from all my problems and open a joke shop...