The Tales of Lyla Everglade: Book 2: The Order

Chapter 8: Dolores Umbridge

You all were enjoying the welcome feast and sorting. The feast was coming to a close and Dumbledore was giving announcements. That's when he was interrupted by the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, Umbridge you thought her name was. She was short and stout. Her face frog like.

She stood and went in front of Dumbledore. She began to speak about the ministries interest in the students' education. You looked at your fellow Hufflepuffs and they all seemed just as confused. Why did the ministry care? What was different? Then she mentioned something about practices that should be let go. What practices?

She finished her speech and sat down. Dumbledore finished announcements and dismissed you to bed. You walked out with Susan and Hannah. You looked and saw Fred smiling at you. You waved a little. He waved and winked. You realized this would be the first time you'd be without Weasley with you in months. You suddenly felt panic set in. He saw it and crossed to you.

"Hey. Hey. It's ok. You'll be ok. I will see you in the morning. I'm not going anywhere." He said putting a hand on your cheek, "Hannah and Susan got you. Right, girls?"

"Yes!" Hannah said.

"Of course!" Susan declared.

"You got to go be the perfect prefect and help those first years ok?" He said kissing your head.

"Ok." You said feeling slightly better.

He smiled down at you and waved for you to go. You went on helping corral first years. You looked back to see him still standing there. Professor Dumbledore standing with him. They were both watching and they looked like they were talking. You wondered what they were talking about. You gave Fred one last wave which he and Dumbledore returned.

(What they were talking about)

"Something wrong, Mr. Weasley?" Dumbledore asked Fred.

"No, Professor. I just..." Fred said unsure of what to say.

"Ah I see, now. Miss Everglade. Yes. She has had a rough few months. First time without you or your siblings?" Dumbledore observed sagely.

"Yes, sir. I just want her to know I'm here." Fred said voice heavy.

"I understand and I will allow it tonight. Love is a funny thing, isn't it?" Dumbledore asked.

"I suppose." Fred said looking up at the headmaster.

"It can make us do things that we wouldn't do normally. It can topple empires and start wars. It can bring peace and balance to a life. It is a strange and power magic, love." Dumbledore stated.

"Yes, sir." Fred said not knowing how to respond.

Dumbledore was right. Fred would have never in a million years thought he'd been standing here making sure that the love of his life made back to her common room alright. Fred didn't think he'd find a love of his life. Then there you were. You were fire and ice. Sweet and sour. Passion and peace. His light.

You gave that last little wave that broke his heart. Then you disappeared down the corridor.

"Good night, Mr. Weasley." Dumbledore said patting Fred's shoulder.

"Good night, Professor." Fred said heading back to his common room.

(Back to you)

You woke up the next morning and went to breakfast. You got your class schedule it looked like Charms, Care of Magical Creatures, Arithmancy, and Defense Against the Dark Arts. It was quite the schedule.

"At least we're don't have Snape..." Susan said.

"True." You say.

You all head out for Charms. This year you would be taking Ordinary Wizarding Levels to determine which classes you would be able to continue to study in the next two years. So the course work was basically doubling to prepare you for that. You were already loaded down from your first class Charms.