Supported & Torn (HP) {Book 3 of the Wild & Free Series}

14. Dumbledore's Army

"Umbridge has been reading your mail, Liana. There's no other explanation."

"You think Umbridge attacked Hedwig?" I said, outraged.

"I'm almost certain of it," said Hermione grimly. "Watch your frog, it's escaping."

I pointed my wand at the bullfrog that had been hopping hopefully toward the other side of the table — "Accio!"— and it zoomed gloomily back into my hand.

Charms was always one of the best lessons in which to enjoy a private chat: There was generally so much movement and activity that the danger of being overheard was very slight. Today, with the room full of croaking bullfrogs and cawing ravens, and with a heavy down- pour of rain clattering and pounding against the classroom windows, our whispered discussion about how Umbridge had nearly caught Sirius went quite unnoticed.

"I've been suspecting this ever since Filch accused you of ordering Dungbombs, because it seemed such a stupid lie," Hermione whispered. "I mean, once your letter had been read, it would have been quite clear you weren't ordering them, so you wouldn't have been in trouble at all — it's a bit of a feeble joke, isn't it? But then I thought, what if somebody just wanted an excuse to read your mail? Well then, it would be a perfect way for Umbridge to manage it — tip off Filch, let him do the dirty work and confiscate the letter, then either find a way of stealing it from him or else demand to see it — I don't think Filch would object, when's he ever stuck up for a student's rights? Harry, you're squashing your frog."

I looked at Harry; he was indeed squeezing his bullfrog so tightly its eyes were popping; he replaced it hastily upon the desk.

"It was a very, very close call last night," said Hermione. "I just wonder if Umbridge knows how close it was. Silencio!"

The bullfrog on which she was practicing her Silencing Charm was struck dumb mid-croak and glared at her reproachfully.

"If she'd caught Snuffles..."

I finished the sentence for her.

"He'd probably be back in Azkaban this morning." I waved my wand without really concentrating; my bullfrog swelled like a green balloon and emitted a high-pitched whistle.

"Silencio!" said Hermione hastily, pointing her wand at my frog, which deflated silently before them. "Well, he mustn't do it again, that's all. I just don't know how we're going to let him know. We can't send him an owl."

"I don't reckon he'll risk it again," said Rowan. "He's not stupid, he knows she nearly got him. Silencio!"

The large and ugly raven in front of him let out a derisive caw. "Silencio! SILENCIO!"

The raven cawed more loudly.

"It's the way you're moving your wand," said Hermione, watching Rowan critically. "You don't want to wave it, it's more a sharp jab."

"Ravens are harder than frogs," said Rowan.

"Fine, let's swap," said Hermione, seizing Rowan's raven and replacing it with her own fat bullfrog. "Silencio!" The raven continued to open and close its sharp beak, but no sound came out.

"Very good, Miss Granger!" said Professor Flitwick's squeaky little voice and Harry, Rowan, Ron, Hermione and I all jumped. "Now, let me see you try, Mr. Van Beek!"

"Wha — ? Oh — oh, right," said Rowan, very flustered. "Er — Silencio!"

He jabbed at the bullfrog so hard that he poked it in the eye; the frog gave a deafening croak and leapt off the desk.