Know Thyself {Neville Longbottom}

XIII. Blackthorn

Blackthorn

A portent of challenges ahead; brace yourself

The great hall was silent aside from the scratching of quills on parchment, and the muffled sounds of discomfort coming from the other (former) members of Dumbledore's Army. Umbridge had us all serving detention by writing lines, only with a sickening twist.

I glanced down at my left hand, biting my lip hard to keep from crying out. Etched onto the back of my hand were the words "I must not tell lies" in glistening red. It felt as if I were being stabbed repeatedly with hot pins. Looking around I saw the others were
determined to save face as well, no one wanted to give Umbridge the satisfaction of voicing their pain. Benny looked particularly livid, and I knew he was going to want to write to our Aunt and Uncle about this. Not sure what good it would do now that Umbridge was headmistress. I hadn't thought it possible for things to get worse at Hogwarts, but with DA disbanded and Umbridge in charge it was certainly headed in the worst direction possible.

At long last, our time was up and everyone was allowed to leave. We shuffled out into the corridors with a sort of quiet fury. Dumbledore's army had been the one thing we could hold on to, and now it was gone along with Professor Dumbledore himself.

Cece was waiting for me, and I could tell by her expression that she wanted badly to hex Umbridge into oblivion.

"She'll never get away with this --this outright cruelty towards students, I swear I'll make her wish she had never stepped one bloody foot into our school!"

I sighed, giving Cece a tired smile, "And just how are you going to do that?"

"Well, I'll write to my father of course! He's very important at the ministry, and he'll be able to bring to light the atrocities done by that foul, loathsome--"

"Do you really think that's going to make a difference when Umbridge practically has the Minister in her pocket?"

She glared at me, but said nothing.

"There's really no use in getting worked up over it, I mean she's headmistress now, so we've just got to try and survive the rest of the year any way we can."

"So much for your rebellious streak." she muttered, but I could tell she was sincerely worried for my well being as she grabbed my injured hand and studied it carefully.

Checking to make sure no one was watching she pulled out her wand and whispered "Tergeo." Instantly, the dried blood on my hand disappeared, and the words faded slightly.

"Thanks." I said gratefully, "You're really quite good with those healing spells."

__________

Despite the depressing fact that Umbridge was running the school, most people were trying to remain positive. Ernie was convinced that Dumbledore would be back in no time, and kept telling us there was nothing to worry about. The Weasley twins also took the opportunity to unleash havoc with their pranks, anything to cause Umbridge more distress.

With the O.W.L.s fast approaching there was little time for anything apart from studying. Every moment Cece and I were together was spent reviewing our notes, practicing spells, and quizzing each other. Unbeknownst to most, she was actually a very diligent student when she put her mind to it, so having her to study with was a great help. We usually worked outside since the weather had warmed up, and the library was almost always packed with other fifth years.

"What are all of Jupiter's moons?" she asked me, as we were lying on the grass by the black lake.

"Blimey, Cece there's sixty-seven of them!"