The Way We Fall | Book 3

Chapter 14: The Big Escape

Lately, Hermione and I have been studying like crazy. O.W.Ls are finally coming up, and no matter how many times I reread my textbooks, I still feel like I don't understand anything. Hermione forces the boys to help us study, and study themselves as well. To be honest, I really don't care whether they study or not. It's their grade, and it's not my problem. I know, I sound evil, but it's perfectly true. As useful as it was, there were definitely downsides to always having your nose in a book. Lack of sleep, stress, boredom. Most of all, I missed spending time with Harry. It feels like all we do together anymore is occasionally study together, which is so boring. But, as soon as these stupid exams are over, everything can go back to normal, and we can hopefully spend another summer together.

Anyway, the day finally came, and all the fifth year Slytherins and Gryffindors got stuck in Umbridge's classroom while taking our exams. Almost every question felt like I had never even heard of the topic before. I glanced over at Hermione, who was scribbling away as quickly as possible. Ron was a few seats away from her, and he was half asleep. Harry only stared blankly at the parchment, probably hopeful that the answers would just appear there. Sighing, I looked down at my test again, and continued racking my brain for the answer. Suddenly, the doors bust open, causing me to jump. There was a loud whoosh as two red heads on broomsticks soared in. The two of them threw fireworks high into the air, showing a beautiful assortment of lights, not to mention loud explosions. I grinned, and jumped up with everyone else.

Umbridge was screaming at the top of her lungs, demanding order. Of course, she was ignored by everyone in the room. I cheered loudly as the fireworks continued working their magic, and one of them nearly hit Malfoy in the face. As one of the boys flew past me, I noticed it was one of the Weasley twins. Nobody could've pulled this off better than Fred and George. Suddenly, hundreds of sparks formed a huge dragon, which was ironically glaring directly at Umbridge. Frightened, she began running towards the door, as it chased her. It's large mouth opened wide, and snapped closed as soon as it reached her. There was a huge explosion, causing every single one of the framed rules posted outside the door crashed to the ground, shattering. The twins soared outside, and we all followed.

Everyone cheered, clapping their hands, and screaming. Harry stood beside me, doing the same. I haven't seen him this happy in quite a while. As their grand finale, Fred and George threw a firework in the air, revealing a giant 'W', which probably stood for Weasley. But, something didn't feel right. I felt...off. I looked over at Harry, who was sitting on the ground, his face as pale as a ghost's. I kneeled down in front of him, and opened my mouth to speak. "Sirius," He said quickly. From that, I knew something bad was going on. I pulled him up, and helped him find Ron and Hermione, before we all ran into the castle together. 

As we ran up the stairs to Godric knows where, Harry explained to us what he saw. "Harry, are you sure?" Hermione asked worriedly. "I saw it!" He replied. "It's just like with Mr. Weasley! It's the same door I've been about for months, only I couldn't remember where I've seen it before! Sirius said that Voldemort was after something; something he didn't have the last time, and it's in the Department of Mysteries--" She cut him off there. "Harry, please listen! What if Voldemort meant for you to see this? He's only hurting Sirius because he's trying to get to you." I sighed, and turned to her. "What if he is? You can't just expect him to let him die." Harry nodded. "He's the only family I've got left." Ron looked up at him, his expression now rather determined. "What do we do?"

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

I stood with Neville in one of the corridors near Umbridge's office. Harry said that he needed to use the Floo Network to contact Sirius, and the only way to do it was to use the toad's fireplace. Of course, Ron and Hermione went with him. So I, along with a few D.A members helped cover for them. "D'you reckon they'll get caught?" He asked me nervously. "I doubt it," I replied. "Umbridge is about as dumb as the creature she looks like. A slimy, filthy, disgusting toad." We both snickered, while peering around to make sure the coast was clear. Suddenly, Neville began grunting, and struggling against something. I looked over at him, only to see one of Draco's goons grabbing him by the arms. The other grabbed me, and began dragging us towards Umbridge's office. "Get your filthy clutches off of me!" I barked, struggling against him. "What are you gonna do about it? Tell your boyfriend?" He teased me. "I might; or I could do this!" I wheeled around, kicking him in the groin. He groaned, dropping to his knees.

I took that opportunity to run. Unfortunately, I was stopped by Pansy Parkinson, Draco's ex. "Oh, look who it is!" She said mockingly. "Move it, Pug Face!" I snapped, trying to push past her. "Ah ah, not so fast. You're missing out on all the fun!" She took my arms, squeezing them so hard, it hurt. She dragged me all the way to the toad's hideous pink office, which I had never wished to enter again. She seemed to be untying Harry from a small wooden chair. I frowned at him, as he and Hermione led her out of the room. "I know what I'm doing, don't worry." He whispered as he passed me. I nodded, finally deciding to stop squirming in Pansy's grasp. Clearly she was stronger than me, and I'd probably end up getting hurt if I didn't anyway.

After a while, things started getting boring. I was pretty anxious for Harry and Hermione. Who knew what Umbridge could've been doing to them. Suddenly, Ron spoke up. "I could really go for some candy right now." I frowned at him, as he went to reach into his pocket. "Not so fast, Weasley. Only the superiors get candy in this joint." Goyle snarled. He dug his hand into Ron's pocket, and pulled out a few small candies. He handed a few to Crabbe, Draco, and Pansy. Each of them ate the candies as if they had never eaten before. I noticed that their faces turned a sickly green, and they were all grimacing. Then, all of them began puking uncontrollably at once. Pansy released me, and vomited all over my jacket. I grimaced, slipping it off, before running outside with the others. I knew I was probably going to freeze to death in only a tanktop.

"Say, Riley, weren't you wearing a jacket?" Neville asked me. "Pug Face ruined it with her puke." I replied breathlessly, as Ron led us to the bridge. Luckily, Harry and Hermione were standing there. "How did you guys escape?" Harry asked us. "Fred and George's Puking Pastilles." Ron answered proudly. "So, how are we getting to Sirius?" I asked, steering the conversation back onto the topic.He sighed, and gave us all a guilty look. "Look, it's not that I don't appreciate everything you guys have done, but I've gotten you into enough trouble as it is." 

"Dumbledore's Army was supposed to be about doing something real. Or was that all just words to you?" Neville inquired. "You know, you don't have to do this alone." I agreed. He looked at us for a moment, and nodded a bit. "How are we going to get to London then?" A dreamy smile played upon Luna's lips. "We fly, of course."

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

I found myself in the Forbidden Forest, standing before a herd of hideous black creatures. Harry identified them as Thestrals. "Everyone find themselves a Thestral to fly on. A few of you may need to share one. Riley, you'll ride with me." He instructed. "And, what if we can't see them?" Ginny asked worriedly. "It means that you haven't witnessed death." Luna explained. "I can help you find one if you would like." I frowned, and looked at Harry. "I can see them, but I've never seen anyone die." He grabbed my hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. "Maybe you just don't remember. You'll find out soon, I'm sure." I nodded, and followed him over to one of the Thestrals. He climbed on first, then lifted me up to sit behind him. Once everyone was ready, we took flight. 

I enjoyed it for the most part. Although, the air was chilly against my skin. I shivered, feeling goosebumps rise on my skin. I pressed myself into Harry's back for warmth, but continued looking down at the gorgeous view below us. Finally, we began landing. For some odd reason, I already know that we're about to get ourselves into a load of trouble.