Colours - h.potter

letters in orange

The very next day, Lyra had given Hermione and Ron a truthful explanation on why her forearm was covered in white bandages. Saying Hermione was livid would've been an understatement. The bookworm had told he to go to Dumbledore, the freckled girl simply waving her off, continuing with her classes for the rest of the day.

-----

Ron, Hermione and Lyra had strolled into the common room, Ron begging one of the girls to do the introduction to his essay, Hermione reluctantly agreeing. The three had spotted Harry, making their way over to them. 

Lyra grabbed the book the bespectacled boy was reading, sitting on Harry's lap, taking the book's place. "Hello, love. How was detention with Umbridge? Show me your arm," Just as Harry placed his hands on the girl's waist, Lyra had grabbed his left hand, scanning it. "The toad!" Lyra cursed under her breath, taking Harry's injured hand in hers.

"She did it to you, too? You both have to tell Dumbledore." Hermione had her lips stretched into a thin line. "We can't give her that satisfaction, Mione. Dumbledore's mind is probably crammed." Hermione rolled her eyes at the girl's stubbornness. "The woman's torturing you."

"If parents knew about this-"

"I haven't got any of those, have I, Ron? If this happens to someone who does, they'll tell." Hermione's eyes softened before meeting Lyra's. "Lyra, where's your dad? You and your brother don't talk." Lyra gulped.

"Dad's out travelling, not sure where. He hasn't written. Joshua and I were only going to be okay when I was facing a near death experience. Doesn't make up for what he did, or mend our relationship afterwards."

-----

Dear Sirius,

Winter is coming, I can feel it everytime I step outside and nearly freeze my arse off. 

Things have been fine at Hogwarts, besides Dolores Umbridge. New DADA teacher from the Ministry. She doesn't believe in practical work, I don't think I'll even get an A on my OWL. I do like to call her toad, though. she resembles one. I got a detention during her first class for disrespecting her, calling her names and showing up "under the influence of alcohol". Give my dear Moony something to shake his head on, yeah?

Harry and I have been perfectly fine, trying to seek comfort in eachother. It helps. If Harry and I weren't together, I'd feel more alone than ever, despite being at Hogwarts. Lots of students have been believing the nasty things said in the papers. The press is bullshit, and I learned that the hard way. My language could be another subject for Moony to shake his head at. 

Dad hasn't written in a while, I don't think he would've written to you. He's off travelling, as I've heard. Joshua and I are still not on speaking terms, only being friendly when I was on death's doorstep. But that's alright, I expected nothing more from the men of my household.

I'll see you soon, Padfoot.

Love, Cass.

------

Dear Remus,

Hogwarts has been fine. The Ministry sent Dolores Umbridge from the Ministry to be the new DADA teacher I'd like to see her survive the year, let alone try and top you as a teacher. She doesn't believe in practical ways of teaching, so you shall be expecting me to fail my OWL. I got detention in her first class, go ask Padfoot why, it'll really be one to disappoint. 

Harry and I have been working ourselves out. Seeking comfort, spending time together. Making eachother feel less lonely. You were right, it is going to be hard, however I know that in the end it'll be worth it. But hey, if we break up, I'll have your shoulder to cry on.

I must admit, I hate the men in my family, more specifically my father and brother, but you already know those details. 

I love you, Moony.

Lyra.

-----

"Pardon me, professor. But what exactly are you insinuating?"

"I am merely requesting that when it comes to my students, you conform to the disciplinary practices."

"So silly of me, but it sounds as if you're questioning my authority in my own classroom, Minerva."

"Not at all, Dolores. Merely your medieval methods."

"I am sorry, dear. But to question my practices is to question the Ministry, and by extension, the Minister himself. I am a tolerant woman, but one thing I will not stand for is disloyalty."

"Disloyalty."

"Things at Hogwarts, are far worse than I feared. Cornelius will want to take immediate action."

-----

"Can you believe this madness? She's overthrown Dumbledore! Interrogating teachers!" Lyra exclaimed. The group of friends had watched the toad in pink rip apart snogging students, fix uniforms, question teachers and ban Fred and George's tricks, all the a sickly sweet smile on her face.

Everyday, a new proclamation had been hung up on a wall, and everyday, Lyra had wanted to die more and more.

"Trelawney's being sacked because of the toad! I never liked divination, but the woman did nothing wrong." Lyra ranted in a hushed tone, watching Professor Trelawney in tears, pleading for her job. "You can't do this."
"Actually, I can." The hag held up a letter of approval, signed by the Minister himself, causing Trelawney to whimper even more. Lyra pitied the woman, her heart sinking. McGonagall had rushed over to comfort the divination professor. "Something you'd like to say, dear?"

"Oh there are several things I would like to say."

The two large doors had opened, revealing the figure of Albus Dumbledore. He approached the three women, "Professor McGonagall, might I ask you to escort Sybil back inside?" The two huddled women had made their way through the door, disappearing into the castle.

"Dumbledore, may I remind you that under the terms of Educational Decree Number 23, as enacted by the minister,"

"You have the right to dismiss my teachers. You do not, however, have the authority to banish them from the grounds. That power remains with the headmaster."
"For now." For now? What does she mean, "For now"?

"Don't you all have studying to do?" The students scrambled throughout the courtyard, the elder man walking away, ignoring the pleas of Harry Potter.

-----

"We're not learning how to defend ourselves. We're not learning how to pass our OWLs." Hermione listed. "I wouldn't be surprised if the hag spends her freetime wanking off to Fudge." Harry, Hermione and Ron turned to Lyra, eyeing her before sharing a light giggle. The faint sound of the radio was heard as Lyra urged Harry to turn up the volume.

"Security has been and will remain the Ministry's top priority. Furthermore, we have convincing evidence that these disappearances are the work of notorious mass murderer Sirius Black." Lyra grew angry, casting a reducto on the now broken radio. "Harry!" The voice of Sirius Black had come from the fireplace, attracting the four. "I'm answering your letter. Lyra, your reply will be on parchment delivered by tomorrow. You said you were worried about Umbridge, what's wrong?"

"She's not letting us use magic at all, Siri!" Lyra had been elated at Sirius' presence. 

"I'm not surprised. Latest info is that Fudge doesn't want you all trained in combat. He thinks you're forming a wizard army. Things aren't going well at the Order."

"Is Remus alright?"

"Yes Lyra, he's fine. Voldemort is on the move. Someone's coming, sorry I couldn't have been more help." The fire died out as Sirius had said his goodbyes.

"We've got to be able to defend ourselves. If Umbridge won't teach us, we'll find someone who will."