Give Her Hell From Us

Chapter Two

"No, no, no, no this can't be happening!" I exclaim in a whisper. "She said something 'exciting' would be happening, this isn't exciting it's bloody terrifying."

"Sh. Calm down, Jo." Abby whispers, placing a hand on my shoulder in an attempt to calm me. "I'm sure it will all turn out alright."

"How can you say that? I know you've never met her properly but I'm telling you she's a bloody cow and she's going to wreak havoc on the school!" I argue, placing my head in my hands and wishing that I could wake up and have this all be a bad dream. Hogwarts is supposed to be my escape, but now I'm left wishing that I could escape Hogwarts and my mother forever.

Abby opens her mouth to reply just as McGonagall leads the first years into the hall. She shrugs and gives me a sympathetic look before turning her attention to McGanagall who's explaining how the sorting works to the first years.

"Understand?" She asks briskly. There's a chorus of yeses, and the sorting begins. "Very well. Abercrombie, Euan."

A terrified looking boy steps forward and sits on the stool. The hat is placed on his head, and moments later the hat shouts, "GRYFFINDOR!" I cheer along with the rest of the Gryffindors and Euan Abercrombie takes his place at our table.

Once all the students have been sorted and have taken their seats at their house table, Dumbledore gets to his feet and walks to his podium, ready to give his welcome speech.

"There is a time for speeches but now is not that time." The Headmaster says. "Tuck in."

There's a round of appreciative laughter as the dishes on each table fill with rich, decadent foods. I shrug, sharing a look with Abby before loading my plate with chicken, potatoes, and vegetables. I keep an eye on my mother as I eat, watching as the other teachers glance at her in distaste.

"Stop glaring, Jo. It's not going to do you any good." Abby says, watching me with worry in her eyes.

"I'm just worried. How am I supposed to make it through the school year with her teaching us? I can barely make it through the summer holidays with the woman." I reply quietly, turning my attention back to the food in front of me.

"You know her then, Umbridge?" One of the Weasley twins, George I think, jumps into the conversation from across the table. "What's she like?"

"She's a toad." I mutter, rolling my eyes at the boy.

When everyone has finished eating, and the dishes have emptied of food and desserts, the Headmaster gets to his feet once again.

"Well, now that we are all digesting another magnificent feast, I beg a few moments of your attention for the usual start of term notices." He says with a twinkle in his eye. "First years ought to know that the forest in the grounds is out of bounds to students - and a few of our older students ought to know by now too. Mr. Filch, the caretaker, has asked me, for what he tells me is the four hundred and sixty-second time, to remind you all that magic is not permitted in corridors between classes, nor are a number of other things, all of which can be checked on the extensive list now fastened to Mr. Filch's office door. We have had two changes in staffing this year. We are very pleased to welcome back Professor Grubblyplank, who will be taking Care of Magical Creatures lessons; we are also delighted to introduce Professor Umbridge, our new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher."

The twins share a look of shock before turning to look at me expectantly. I groan and put my head in my hands.

Dumbledore continues. "Tryouts for the House Quiditch Teams will take place on the – "

He breaks off, and I look up to find him looking inquisitively at my mother who has gotten to her feet.

"Hem, hem," My mother gives a fake cough, making it clear that she intends to give a speech.

"Oh Merlin no!" I whisper, shaking my head at the stubby woman.

Dumbledore looks taken aback for only a moment, then he sits back down smartly and watches my mother alertly as if he desires nothing more than to listen to her talk. The other teachers at the staff table are not as adept at hiding their surprise. McGonagall's mouth is thinner than I've ever seen it before and Sprout's eyebrows have disappeared into her messy hair. Oh Merlin they already hate her.

"Thank you Headmaster," My mother simpers annoyingly, "for those kind words of welcome."

"What did I tell you, she's already creating chaos." I mutter in Abby's direction. "I don't know what she thinks she's doing."

"Hem, hem," She clears her throat again. "Well it is lovely to be back at Hogwarts, I must say! And to see such happy little faces looking back at me!"

"Is she blind?" The twins ask quietly at the same time that I say, "She's acting like we're five year olds."

"I am very much looking forward to getting to know you all, and I'm sure we'll be very good friends." My mother continues in her annoying high pitched voice.

"Oh I doubt it." I mutter, putting my head back in my hands.

"I'll be her friend as long as I don't have to borrow that cardigan." Pavarti Patil whispers. She and Lavender Brown burst into a fit of giggles.

"Kill me now."

AN: Sorry it's taken so long to get a new chapter out what with my hospital trip and everything but I should be able to update more regularly now. Thanks for reading, I hope you enjoyed the chapter. Remember to vote and comment feedback.