[2] storm of rage ~ harry potter × marvel

6- Information From An Old Friend

Days went by. Skyler hasn't had the most perfect days, for Dolores Umbridge is, by all means, worse than Rita Skeeter or anyone annoying Skyler had ever known before. Professor Umbridge likes her, though. Skyler used her Silver Tongue the first time they met, and now, Umbridge is like putty in her hands. Skyler has nice grades in her class, never has to go through detention, and Umbridge even understands why she doesn't want to sleep in the Slytherin dormitory.

Skyler still hates the woman's guts. That woman is the reincarnation of the devil and every evil being in the universe. The first lesson with her, for example. Harry proclaimed that she was a liar. That Voldemort was alive and that the Ministry was crazy not to believe Dumbledore. All of that is true, of course, but Skyler had to tell Harry quite the opposite.

"Potter be reasonable. He isn't back, and you know it as well! You're just yelling things because you want Dumbledore's attention." Skyler had said to him, in front of the entire class. "And don't you ever dare to use Cedric's name in association with Him, Potter." Harry had ignored Skyler ever since. Hermione and Skyler still talk and during classes, Skyler talks with her in Hermione's thoughts, for it is safe and no one will find out.

Today, Skyler arrives at Hogwarts just in time for Potions. Running down the dungeons and past her former dormitory, Skyler receives scowls and snarls from housemates, who all hate her. They think of her as a traitor, and it is clear why: Skyler hasn't picked a side yet. They don't know whether to treat her as an enemy or a friend.

"Just in time, Skyler, just in time." Hermione whispers from behind her when Skyler runs in her chair and takes out her books.

"London traffic, alright?" Skyler huffs with sarcasm. Silence flows over the classroom as professor Snape walks in.

"As some of you may have noticed," he starts with a little smirk, "I've returned your essays of moonstones. I have awarded you the grades you would have received if you presented this work in your O.W.L."

Skyler looks down at the essay on her table, finding a thick, black 'O' on the top. Outstanding. That's certainly not bad.

"This should give you a realistic idea of what to expect in the examination." Snape continues, walking from the back of the class to the front. "The general standard for this homework was abysmal..."

Skyler's thoughts trail off whilst Snape gives his lecture. It doesn't concern her anyway. She just starts reading the next chapter of her Potion's book, preparing for the next essay. During reading, Skyler hears Malfoy's voice making a remark about people with a 'D'. Dreadful. Interested, Skyler reads his mind, finding out he has only an 'A'. The boast.

When class ends, Skyler walks towards the Black Lake, for she isn't interested in lunch or people. She just takes her Transfiguration book and starts reading for the next lesson. Skyler's determined to pass all her O.W.L.s for she doesn't know what to do later on. Not everyone knows it yet, but Skyler's the princess of Asgard, after all. She doesn't have the luxury of choosing her future, for it is already written. When her grandfather dies, the crown passes on to Thor, but Skyler knows that he'll deny it. If it'd go to Loki, the society of Asgard would go berserk, so that isn't an option either.

That leaves Skyler. It'd be her duty to her planet and she had to take it seriously. Her future and the future of her family was at stake. Although, Skyler wouldn't have to marry or produce an heir, she would still have to rule the Nine Realms and protect them. But does she really want that?

"You seem to be deep in thought, my dear." A sugar-sweet voice speaks up, waking Skyler from her thoughts. Shaken, she looks up, facing Dolores Umbridge.

"Professor! Such a surprise." Skyler says, a little smile forming on her lips. "Can I help you with something?"

Umbridge smiles at her, pursing her lips together a little. Somehow, Skyler doesn't trust that smile, it looks genuine, but it is a true trap. "Actually, my dear, you can. I was wondering if you could give me some information around professor McGonagall and professor Flitwick? As you know, I'm inspecting the teachers at Hogwarts."

That is true, of course. Minister of Magic, Cornelius Fudge, had given Umbridge the position of High Inquisitor. She has the authority to inspect the teachers at Hogwarts, and even, fire them. And Skyler is convinced that professor McGonagall is on her list as well.

"Professor McGonagall is probably the best teacher at Hogwarts," Skyler answers, "She's strict, but she has the patience to give you as many help as you need with a spell." She says, smiling at Umbridge.

"Professor Flitwick is an amazing teacher too. He prizes students when they achieve to do a jinx or spell. And he helps wherever you need to. Actually, I think professor Flitwick is one of my favourites, for he is a positive character in the usual school routine."

Skyler gives honest answers but sees how Umbridge mutters a few things under her breath when she says that there isn't anything wrong with both teachers. The toad-like woman eventually nods and smiles at Skyler again.

"Thank you for your time, dear. Lunch is almost over, so I'd hurry to your next class if I were you." Umbridge says.

"I don't have any class this period. Most of the students of my year have a double period Divination, but I don't follow that class, so I'm free." Skyler replies, making a small curtsey and walking off to the Great Hall, planning to do her homework for Ancient Runes.

Arriving there, Skyler bumps into one of her so-called housemates, one of the few others in her year that doesn't study Divination. Daphne Greengrass is smiling at Skyler, when she just stares at her blankly.

"Sky! How nice to see you, it's been a while. Why aren't you sleeping in our dorm anymore? Tracy and I miss your company!" The Slytherin whines, as Skyler resumes to walk into the Great Hall.

"I don't feel like sharing a dormitory with liars, thank you very much." She states coldly, whilst her heart crumbles slowly in her chest. Yes, Skyler misses the nights with the girls. Yes, Skyler misses the evenings she and her former friends spent on the couches in the Common Room. Skyler misses her friends.

"No need to snap at me, Sky." Daphne says calmly, taking place next to her. "We all miss you, if I'd be honest." Skyler scoffs at her statement.

"Miss me? Really? How come I haven't heard a thing from anyone over the summer? Why has no one talked to me in the past week?" She exclaims softly, both her eyebrows raised.

"What? Do you honestly thought we'd try, after you threatened to kill Draco?" Daphne remarks sarcastically. "Besides, do you even know what we all thought over the summer?"

Skyler shakes her head hesitantly. She'd heard a few whispers, saying that it wasn't possible for her to be alive. Daphne sighs in realisation.

"Our entire house knows that Potter is telling the truth. The He is back. But most of the Slytherins are on His side. Rumours have spread over the summer, Sky. Lucius Malfoy in person told us what happened on that graveyard, during a small party which all of us were invited to. He told us that the Dark Lord had a new ally, and that that ally had killed you. He said that he'd seen you disappear in golden dust himself.

"He told us that he was wrong – which is a rare occasion for a Malfoy – and that you indeed were a demigod – is that true, by the way? – and that golden dust was the way for a god to die." Daphne tells her, whispering softly, not risking being caught.

"So, all of you thought I was dead?" Skyler points out, Daphne nodding in response. Skyler doesn't say any more and just starts studying, her brain filled with information that she may or may not had to use against people someday. Sentiment wouldn't get into her heart again. Skyler knows the difference between right and wrong, but never again would she forgive those she would have to forgive for a second time.

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I'm sorry for the late update, but I have a busy life right now. So, please forgive me. I'll update probably in three or four days, if it isn't more. -x