The Way We Fall | Book 3

Chapter 13: The Interview

Ever since Dumbledore left, Umbridge has been desperate to find out where he is. So, how do you expect she thinks she's gonna find out? Yep, by using us. She literally is calling every single student in Hogwarts, one by one, into her office to interview them. Rumor has it she's using Veritaserum, which is a potion that forces one to tell the truth. People have told me they said things they didn't even mean to say, and it seemed like that began happening as soon as they took a drink of their tea. Today, it's my turn to get interviewed. 

"Riley, whatever you do, don't tell the truth." Hermione told me, as we sat in the Great Hall. "It's not like I know where Dumbledore is in the first place, Hermione. I have no reason to lie, because I really don't know!" I replied, picking at my food. "Don't drink the tea," Ron warned me, through a mouthful of lamb chop. "I think it has Veritaserum in it." I sighed, and nodded, resting my head on the table. "Don't fret, love. Look at how many kids came out of there alive. I'll wait right outside the door for you, if you want." Harry assured me gently, running his fingers through my hair. "No, that's okay. I'd better get going, anyway. Wish me luck." I gave him a quick kiss, before giving the others a soft look, and leaving. 

As soon as I arrived outside of the toad's office door, it swung open, revealing her smug face. "Miss Winters, do come in." She greeted me. I did as I was told, rolling my eyes at the sound of the kittens mewing. "Have a seat, dear. Tea?" I sat down in a chair, and shook my had as she held a small cup to me. "Are you sure, sweetie? You look a bit pale. Tea should help you." I shook my head again, and faked a small smile. "No thank you, I'm fine." She sighed in defeat, and put the glass down on her desk. She sat down across from me, a clipboard in hand. "I just have a few questions for you, my dear. Do you, by chance, know the whereabouts of Albus Dumbledore? The Ministry is quite worried. He is, after all, rather old, and feeble." Her blue eyes burnt into mine, making me shift uncomfortably. "No, I don't." The sickly sweet smile on her face faded. "Riley, I am trying to make this as simple as possible. The only way I can make it complicated is if you lie to me. Now, I will ask you again; where is Albus Dumbledore?"

"I don't know!" I repeated. She nodded, her lips now pursed into a thin line. Then, she pulled out her wand. "I am giving you one last chance, before I have no choice but to make you tell the truth. Where is Albus Dumbledore?" Her voice was firm, and clearly getting impatient. "I told you twice already, I don't know!" She smirked, and pointed her wand at me. "Very well, Riley. Crucio!" I shrieked in pain, as a burning sensation rushed through my veins. My skull felt as though it were splitting, and every bone in my body felt to be broken. Then, as quick as the pain started, it stopped, leaving me laying weakly on the pink rug. "Are you ready to confess now?" She asked. I glared at her, pushing myself up. "I don't know how many times it's going to take for me to get this through your head! I DON'T KNOW WHERE DUMBLEDORE IS!" She giggled a bit, and pointed her wand at me again. The pain continued right from where it left off. I let out a cry, but silenced myself. I can't let her have the satisfaction.

Finally, she stopped, and I was dismissed. Harry was waiting outside the door for me. But, as soon as he saw how shaken up I was, I could tell he grew rather tense. "Riley, are you alright? Why are you so shaky? Wait--are you crying?" I pushed him away, as he tried to hug me. "Just leave me alone, alright?" He grabbed my wrist, as I tried to walk away. "What did she do to you, Riley? Did she hurt you?" I pulled back, grabbing either side of my throbbing head. "Yes--no--I don't know! J-Just go away!" With that, I ran off, leaving him there, completely dumbfounded. 

I didn't know whether to tell dad or not. I wanted to tell him, and I wanted to tell Harry. But, that probably wouldn't benefit me as much as I wish it would. Unfortunately, neither of them have the power to get rid of her. My body ached and throbbed painfully as I ran. My knees were wobbly, and my palms were sweating like crazy. 

As soon as I got to the common room, I went up to my dorm. After changing into something more comfortable, I fell onto my bed, and fell asleep.