Know Thyself {Neville Longbottom}

II. Monkshood

Caution; a deadly foe may be near

Cece and I walked, arms linked, towards the carriages that would take us to the castle. Well, it wasn't actually the carriages themselves. They were pulled by these large, winged horse creatures whose skeleton showed through their skin. I had come to realize that not everyone could see the beasts, since every time I would try and mention them I received strange looks. I was very relieved to discover that Luna could see them as well, although I hadn't gotten around to asking her why.

We climbed into a carriage that had a few Ravenclaw students whom I didn't know very well. I did recognize Cho Chang though, seeing as she had dated Cedric Diggory. I didn't much care for her because I suspected she had only been with him for the attention he received from the Tri-wizard Tournament. Even so, I couldn't help but feel sorry for her loss. Cedric's death had been hard for everyone, especially the Hufflepuff House.

I shook my head, trying to focus on brighter thoughts. I was here at Hogwarts, and I intended to make the best of this year any way I could.

Upon arriving at the great hall I helped Cece spot Draco from the crowd, and gave her an encouraging wink before heading to my own table. I sat down near Hannah, Ernie, and Justin, some of my house mates. Oddly enough, I didn't have many close friends in Hufflepuff. I got along well with everyone, but I preferred a change of pace when it came to my friendships.

"My parents don't know much about what happened last year so I didn't have a problem coming back..." Justin was explaining.

"I almost thought I wasn't coming back at all," Hannah said, "my mum managed to talk my dad 'round at the last minute."

I listened for a bit before letting my gaze wander to the other tables. I was searching the Gryffindor table for Benny when I happened to spot Neville sitting near Seamus Finnegan, and Dean Thomas. He looked more at ease as he listened to the other boy's conversation, and I found myself smiling for no particular reason.

After the Sorting Hat had had its say and the first years were all settled with their houses, Dumbledore stepped up to his podium to make his customary start-of-the year greeting. A hush fell over the hall as he spoke. Everyone seemed to be looking for some sort of assurance from our Headmaster. Anything that might calm their fears about You-Know-Who returning. I happened to believe Harry Potter and was rather afraid of what the future held, but as with all things I was determined to meet it head-on. 

We all listened as he introduced the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher who, much to my dismay, was a stout lady in a garish pink fur coat from the Ministry. I glanced over at the Slytherin table where Cece shot me a look of disgust. I nodded, disappointed that Professor Lupin had not returned instead. He'd been the only Defense teacher I actually enjoyed having.

Suddenly to everyone's surprise, the woman known as Umbridge cleared her throat and stood up interrupting Dumbledore midsentence. I raised my eyebrows in disbelief, and was even more perturbed by what she had to say:

"...The Ministry of Magic has always considered the education of young witches and wizards to be of a vital importance. Although each headmaster has brought something new to this... historic school, progress for the sake of progress must be discouraged. Let us preserve what must be preserved, perfect what can be perfected and prune practices that ought to be... prohibited!"

"I don't like the sound of that..." Hannah whispered next to me, her pink face scrunched with concern.

"What the hell is she going on about?" Ernie asked.

We all shook our heads, unsure of how to respond.

"Knowing the ministry, it can't be anything good." I muttered.