Change of Plans

Amelia and Olivia slowly stopped trying to make Isabell talk to them. 

Maybe if I find out who is keeping an eye on me… I can talk to them without that person knowing… thought Isabell as she was silently chewing on marmalade toast in the Great Hall. 

Umbridge decreased the amount of detentions given. What’s more, they barely even saw her at the teacher’s table in the Great Hall when they ate. 

‘She’s up to something,’ Amelia said darkly. ‘Something bigger than High Inquisitor. Something with more power…’ 

The girls were used to seeing reddened back hands with pale words gashed on them. Almost everyone had reddened hands now, all because of Umbridge, who now seemed to have vanished into thin air. March quickly ended with Isabell not talking to them every single day. April came in, and so did the cool weather. The wind gently flew by, unlike the past few months when it blasted its way through the trees and Grounds. The joy and happiness drained away, mostly because the O.W.L exams were quickly approaching. Professor Mcgonagall wasn’t making them use magic anymore. Instead, they either read the books or created essays during class time. A Hufflepuff boy fainted on the spot from looking at the book too much. 

(‘The words were moving and I couldn’t continue!’ he said after he recovered.)

Snape made them frustrated and exhausted in their Potions classes, by asking questions and whoever answered incorrectly would suffer humiliation and embarrassment (which Neville Longbottom has already encountered multiple times). 

Professor Sprout, their Herbology professor, asked them questions and her lessons were more interactive, mostly because she made them examine plants that will be in their O.W.L exam. Professor Flitwick was the only one who permitted magic and wands in his classes. He made them have little duels to test their abilities of producing charms and incantations that would be in their upcoming exam. 

‘There will be a written exam and another Charms exam where you need to perform spells you will be told to do,’ Professor Flitwick squeaked as they were doing Charms on a fine April day. 

The pile of revision they had to do was too much for humanity, in the students’ opinion, anyway. They would mostly be locked up in their common rooms, unable to go out to inhale the fresh air outside, and study and memorise. 

The Easter holiday was approaching, but it wasn’t as nice as they thought it would be. The Great Hall was nicely decorated with Easter decorations, such as nests with twigs and branches in the corners. Colourful eggs were on those nests; they had big and small polka dots, stripes, zig-zag patterns and many more. Hagrid even brought a real life rabbit that hopped around. Students, mostly girls, would pick up the rabbit and gush all over it. It was the first time Umbridge was seen on the teachers desk. She was wearing her usual pink cloak and black bow on her brown-greyish curls. Her eyes were the bulging blue ones that scanned the surroundings. Umbridge looked amused, not because of the welcoming decorations, but because there was something else on her mind…

Amelia, Olivia and Albert were studying in the Common Room near the library, which contained many useful books. Isabell, on the other hand, decided to study in the dormitory, and pretended to be sleeping whenever Amelia and Olivia entered the dormitory. The only thing that kept Isabell cheerful was what Sublimis had told her in the Forbidden Forest.

‘Sometimes the moon reminds me of you. Bright, appealing. But sometimes, that moon dims… just like when you become lonely and miserable…’ 

Isabell would always gaze at the crystal orb through the window near her bed, trying her best to brighten up like the moon. And yet a question still bugged her.

Who’s keeping an eye on me?

Isabell was desperate to talk to her friends, but couldn’t because of whoever the nosy person was that was spying on her. Isabell sighed and felt her eyelids closed, the image of the bright moon in her head making her smile as she dozed off. 

It was the next day, and Amelia wanted to visit Dumbledore for some “private business”. 

‘Can’t I come?’ Olivia asked, eating breakfast in the Great Hall. 

Amelia merely shrugged and stuffed her mouth with small cucumber and cheese sandwiches. 

‘I want to ask him about Voldemort. I want to know if he knows anything that’s happening out there. The Daily Prophet isn’t indicating that, except for Fudge saying: “All is fine”. They are too scared to admit that a dark wizard has risen, let alone write it in the Daily Prophet! But, if you want to know, too… Then, I guess you could come along. But at night after our lessons.’ 

Olivia nodded happily. 

Isabell was silently eating yoghurt with fruits and nuts, though she toyed with it with the spoon she was holding. She had the urge to ask if she could come as well but she felt the mysterious person's eyes always on her. Their golden coins had changed: a new D.A meeting was taking place after the lessons ended. They did Herbology, Charms, Transfiguration, Astronomy, and lastly, Divination. They had been informed that Firenze was to be their new Divination teacher. The new classroom was number eleven on the ground floor of Hogwarts. 

Amelia, Olivia and Albert went to the classroom, and for a moment they thought they were teleported to the Forbidden Forest. They realised that their classroom looked like the Forbidden Forest, with a fresh lawn of grass, and trees in all corners, so that there was a wide empty space in the middle of the classroom. The ceiling had a moving scene of a dark sky filled with comets and stars and planets (the organisation of the classroom was done by Dumbledore himself). The classroom was wider than it was before, since they used to learn Transfiguration here until the classroom changed. Firenze was waiting for them, sitting against a tree’s rough bark. Some students quivered when they saw him and his bows and arrows lying next to him. Firenze’s blue eyes looked at the students. 

‘Sit down,’ he spoke. 

Afraid of being shot due to disobedience, the students immediately sat down, including Draco and his gorilla gang, who were with the girls in Divination. Parvati Patil and Lavender Brown were with them too, and they looked at their new Divination professor in astonishment. 

‘He’s so good-looking for a magical creature,’ Parvati Patil gushed to Lavender Brown. 

Firenze took no notice of what she said and stood up. Students’ chins went up to see him better. Some students realised that Firenze had a palomino horse hindbody and white-blonde hair, with astonishingly blue eyes. 

‘In Divination, we watch the skies for great tides of evil or change that are sometimes marked there. It may take ten years to be sure of what we are seeing,’ Firenze said, his voice low but clear. 

Parvati’s hand shot up. 

‘But in Divination, we look at teacups and orbs to-’

‘Humans’ ways of defining Divination are highly incorrect,’ Firenze interrupted. ‘It does not tell them the truth of our world. Your aid in Divination is the galaxy and stars. Look at the galaxy, and you will know what you desire to know. Look into a teacup, and admire the remaining tea in it…’

Parvati’s mouth closed. Amelia, Olivia and Albert looked upon their creature professor, considering what he said. 

‘Never thought looking into a teacup was useful, anyways,’ Albert whispered to Amelia and Olivia, who both lightly nodded in agreement. 

Someone entered the classroom, panting. It was Isabell. 

‘Sorry, Fire- I mean, Professor Firenze. I didn’t know what class I was supposed to go to.’ 

‘No worries, sit down with your fellow peers,’ Firenze replied as Isabell sat on the grass, aware of keeping distance from her friends. ‘As I was saying before, the human ways of defining Divination aren’t necessary and are incorrect-’

‘Professor Trelawney did astrology with us!’ Parvati interrupted.  ‘Mars causes accidents and burns and things like that, and when it makes an angle to Saturn, like now— that means people need to be extra careful when handling hot things—’

‘That is human nonsense and foolishness. Trivial hurts, tiny human accidents, these are of no more significance than the scurryings of ants to the wide universe, and are unaffected by planetary movements.’

Parvati flushed pink. 

‘Centaurs have unravelled the mysteries of these movements over centuries. Our findings teach us that the future may be glimpsed in the sky above us… Human ways of seeing into the future are nonsensical,’ Firenze continued. ‘Centaurs are naturally-born Seers. Whereas humans develop “skills” to be a Seer. The centaurs’ excellence of Divination is way beyond humans’.’

Draco rolled his eyes as Crabbe and Goyle grunted. Firenze started to walk around them, making some students shrink underneath their uniform. 

‘Divination isn’t about admiring teacups or crystal orbs…’ He shot Parvati a look. ‘It’s all about stars and moons. Remember that. Class is dismissed.’

Students hurriedly exited, though Firenze told Isabell to stay in the class for a few seconds. 

‘Tell Rubeus Hagrid that his attempt isn’t working. He has to abandon it,’ Firenze whispered to Isabell. 

She looked at  him confusedly, but nodded quickly. 

‘I will,’ Isabell breathed. 

She got out to see that her friends had already left and went to the Common Room to prepare for Dumbledore's Army meeting. She glumly went up the stairs and entered the Common Room and three people swoosed past her. She spotted blonde hair and blue eyes, pitch black hair and emerald eyes and dark ginger hair and bright hazel eyes. Isabell sighed and put her bag in the dormitory. She then exited the Common Room and cautiously walked across corridors until she found the door of the Room of Requirement. She opened it and entered to see that she was the last one to arrive.

‘Perfect! We have everyone,’ Hermione said just as Isabell put her foot in the room. ‘Now, we will decrease the number of meetings because the fifth and seventh years have O.W.L’s and N.E.W.T’s. Harry will change his coin to tell you when the next meeting will be.’

Several students nodded or murmured in understanding. 

‘Alright, today, I thought we might try some d-’ Harry began, but a loud popping noise interrupted him. 

Near the door stood a little elf, with wide tennis-ball like blue eyes and long dangly pointed ears, as well as ragged clothing that seemed to be a pillow’s cover. The elf had a small pointed nose and a worried expression. 

‘Blinky?’ Olivia said, looking at the elf.

‘Yes, miss. Me is Blinky! I has come to tells you all that she is coming to the Room of Requirement!’ 

‘She?’ Harry said.

‘Umbridge!’ Hermione realised. 

Students’ faces turned the same shade of pale. Harry looked horrified, and Hermione was more terrified than he was.

‘But the paper is right the-’ Amelia began, pointing at a desk in the corner. 

She gasped, the paper with the names of the people of the D.A wasn’t there, which meant…

‘Someone’s betrayed us! Someone told Umbridge!’ Hermione yelled. ‘Everyone, get out before she sees you!’ 

The Room of Requirement’s door opened on its own, replying to Hermione’s saying. Students scattered away, either running to the right or left corridor. 

‘Guys, come on!’ Amelia yelled to Olivia and Albert, ignoring Isabell, who was still in the room. ‘We need to get out!’

‘Oh, I don’t think so,’ a high-pitched voice chirped.

They gulped and turned around to see Umbridge blocking the door, a terrible smile on her toad-like face. Harry, Ron and Hermione were there, too, and they had the same petrified expression on their faces as the trio and Albert. The outlines of three people were coming behind Umbridge, who giggled in a girlish way. The middle outline was shorter and thinner than the other two standing on either side of them. They heard small grunts. A boy came in with a smirk on  his face, his grey eyes filled with a wicked glimmer. His platinum blonde hair was slicked back, and only a little hair came swirling down. His pale face matched Umbridge, who remained smiling. Draco crossed his arms as he looked at them all. 

‘Clearwater and Potter breaking the rules?’ he mocked. 

Isabell had an irresistible urge to kick Draco. 

‘I have clearly stated in one of my Educational Decrees that any organisation or group that is created without the High Inquisitor's permission. And I’m telling you, this High Inquisitor shall be Headmistress of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry!’ Umbridge said as Crabbe and Goyle stood on either side of a smirking Draco. ‘Boys, take them! Your generous help will be rewarded. You will be the first members of my soon to be High Inquisitorial Squad!’ 

Draco’s smirk seemed to widen more. 

‘Wait,’ a voice said. ‘I’d like to take them as well.’

Amelia recognised the voice only too well. A boy with golden locks purposely dangling down his gorgeous grey eyes was standing there, his eyes on nobody but Amelia. He smiled thinly.

‘Ah, Mr. Osborn. How delighted I am that you are helping me. Boys, take them and follow me to Dumbledore’s office!’ Umbridge declared. 

Forrest grabbed the collars of Amelia and Isabell, looking at Umbridge. Draco firmly grabbed Harry and Ron by their arms, and Crabbe and Goyle grabbed Albert, Olivia and Hermione. They strode across corridors, with the girls and Albert getting pushed by Umbridge’s helpers. They reached an ugly gargoyle. 

‘Mr. Osborn, password,’ Umbridge spoke demandingly. 

Forrest thought for a moment.

‘Cherry syrup,’ he responded quietly, looking at Amelia. 

Amelia remembered the great incident by him saying those words. It was what he ordered when they were at the Three Broomsticks and he grabbed hold of her-

A circular staircase started emerging as the gargoyle started turning. 

They hopped onto the staircase, and the staircase started ascending, ascending, ascending, until it halted to a sudden stop and the gargoyle stopped turning. Umbridge stood in front of them and knocked on the doors, which magically opened on their own to reveal a porty little man with rumpled grey hair with a green bowler hat stood near the fire, with a pinstripe purple cloak. An ancient-looking man was sitting on a polished desk, with blue twinkling eyes and half-moon spectacles. There were two men standing near Cornelius Fudge, the man with the lime green bowler hat. A tall dark-skinned wizard stood near the fire, too, and was broad shouldered. He was bald, and wore a single gold hoop earring, forcibly reminding the girls of a pirate. The other wizard looked very capable and self-assured. He was a tough-looking wizard with very short, wiry grey hair. 

‘Ah, Dolores came with some kids. And Harry Potter!’ The tough-looking wizard spat. 

‘Indeed, John,’ Professor Dumbledore spoke calmly. ‘I’m definitely certain that everyone has seen the entrance.’

The tough-looking wizard blinked and looked rather foolish. The other wizard didn’t say anything, he was merely standing there, quiet and still like a tall statue. The trio and Albert realised there was yet another person in Dumbledore’s office, a Ravenclaw student. She had fiery curly red hair, though she ashamedly covered her face and shrunk when she saw Hermione’s intense glare, making the trio and Albert realise-

‘She’s the one who told Umbridge,’ Amelia whispered, looking at Marietta Edgecombe, a friend of Cho Chang. 

‘Professor Umbridge?’ Forrest spoke quietly.

‘Not now, Mr. Osborn!’ snapped Umbridge.

‘Just one thing. I’d rather you didn’t expel Amelia, I would like to… keep her for myself.’

Amelia glared at Forrest.

‘I’d rather be expelled than see your ugly face!’ she spat, trying to break free from his hard grip, but she failed.

‘Alright, Mr. Osborn. But only because your help was… rather… decent. Actually, I wasn’t intending on expelling any of them. I have a much more… better plan in my mind…’ 

‘Who’s responsible for this organisation?’ Fudge, Minister of Magic, finally spoke, looking away from the dancing fire and to Umbridge. 

‘Mr. Potter,’ Umbridge replied, smiling widely. 

Fudge muttered something unclear as his eyes looked upon Harry, then the other students that were currently held hostage. Someone barged into the room: Professor Mcgonagall. 

She wanted to talk to Dumbledore until she saw the guests in the room. The trio and Albert saw her body stiffen as she looked at them, then at Fudge. Her gaze finally found Dumbledore’s strangely calm face. 

‘Potter,’ Fudge said. ‘Why would you threaten the Ministry of Magic by creati-’

‘But… it’s called the D.A. Which plainly stands for Dumbledore’s Army, not Potter’s Army,’ Dumbledore said calmly. ‘And, Dolores, you will neither expel any students of Hogwarts nor punish them in your cruel ways. I’ve put a warranty on your head. Break it… and… ah, let’s keep it a surprise.’

Harry gaped at the Headmaster, and so did everyone else in the room. Umbridge and Fudge had the same furious expression. The girls and Albert thought for a moment that they would attack the old man in the chair, whose ancient face remained as calm as ever. 

‘Y-you are working against the Ministry, Albus?’ Fudge said, his face reddening by each second that passed.

Dumbledore didn’t reply, he merely looked upon the displeased Minister in front of him. 

‘If it weren’t for Ms. Edgecombe,’ Umbridge spoke. ‘We wouldn’t have known about this organisation taking place behind our backs! Her mother works for the Ministry, Mr. Fudge.’

‘Ah, I know your mother!’ Fudge spoke, the red in his face gone. ‘Might as well give her a promotion because of her daughter’s amazing help.’

Marietta didn’t feel proud, instead, she covered her face even more so that only a little of her eyes were visible. It was as though she was ashamed and regretted the decision she had made. 

‘Now, now, don’t be ashamed, Ms. Edgecombe!’ said Umbridge sweetly. ‘You have helped the ministry uncover the truth of Albus Dumbledore.’

Marietta said something, but was muffled because her sleeves covered her mouth. 

‘Now, Ms. Edgecombe. I’d like to ask a few important questions. How long has this organisation been going on for?’ Umbridge asked sweetly, though a tone of demand was in her voice. 

Marietta shook her head, her voice yet again muffled. Umbridge and Fudge looked at each other, as though thinking they should strangle the poor girl. 

‘Ms. Edgecombe…’ Umbridge said, her voice as sweet as it could get. ‘Nothing to be ashamed of. The hex won’t last much…’

‘Actually, it will last long!’ Hermione declared, glaring at Umbridge. ‘And, what’s more, she’ll get scars after the word “SNEAK” is gone to let everyone know that she’s a traitor!’ 

‘Why did you betray the D.A, anyways?’ Isabell yelled. 

Marietta shrunk under the cold glares and shook her head, about to burst into tears. The only one sympathetic enough was-

‘What if she was forced to do it?’ Olivia said. ‘Maybe, Fudge would have fired her mother and she would live in poverty!’

‘Oh, so now you care?’ Amelia mocked.

‘I just-’ 

‘Enough!’ Fudge thundered. ‘And, Ms. Dragonheart, do you want me to do the same thing I did to you in our first encounter?’

‘What? Calling you a useless Minister and you ending up stupefied? I’d like to do that very much!’ Olivia shot back. 

Albert desperately shook his head as Olivia was about to draw her wand, but Goyle snatched it from her and handed it to Forrest with a grunt, who stuffed it into his pocket and made sure Olivia didn’t see where he put it. Dumbledore was still sitting there, nobody taking note of him. Dawlish and Kingsley were standing near the dancing fire like statues, patiently waiting for orders. 

‘Come on Ms. Edgecombe…’ Umbridge said through gritted teeth. ‘We don’t have much time!’

Marietta shook her head again. 

‘Nod or shake your head,’ Umbridge instructed. ‘Was the organisation held recently?’

Marietta shook her head. 

‘Is that a yes or a no?’ Umbridge said, hands curling into firm fists. 

‘That sign clearly suggests that it’s a no,’ Professor Mcgonagall finally said, her jaw clenching and her nostrils flaring.

‘Say something!’ Umbridge held Marietta by her collars and shook her. 

Dumbledore stood up, the twinkle in his eyes replaced with blazing fire. 

‘I will not allow you to treat my students like that,’ Dumbledore said, and separated Marietta and Umbridge using his wand.

‘Dawlish, get Dumbledore,’ Fudge suddenly fumed, pointing a stubby finger at Dawlish, whose face instantly brightened up as he approached Dumbledore. 

‘You too, Kingsley!’ barked Umbridge.

‘Sorry, Albus,’ Isabell heard Kingsley whisper. 

Dumbledore nodded very lightly and faced Dawlish as he stood up. 

‘Don't be foolish, Dawlish. I'm sure you are an excellent Auror, I seem to remember that you achieved “Outstanding” in all your NEWTs, but if you attempt to- er- bring me in by force, I will have to hurt you,’ Dumbledore reasoned calmly. 

‘Enough of this nonsense! Dawlish! Shacklebolt! Take him!’ Fudge ordered, ignoring what Dumbledore had just said.

Dawlish blinked, standing in between Dumbledore and Fudge.

‘Well? Come on!’ Fudge fumed, face reddening again. 

‘You leave me no choice,’ Dumbledore spoke.

‘You’re going to fight against Professor Umbridge, Kingsley, Dawlish and I one-handed?’ Fudge said, drawing his wand. 

‘He will not be one-handed!’ yelled Mcgonagall.

‘Yes I will, Minerva! Hogwarts needs you!’ argued Dumbledore, looking at Professor Mcgonagall, who nodded hesitantly. 

A loud musical cry echoed through the walls of Dumbledore’s office. A majestic bird with orange and golden feathers that strongly resembled fire came gliding above them, its feathery wings spreading out freely. Trom the tips of the feathers was dancing orange fire. Fawkes the phoenix opened his black beak and let out another musical cry. Fawkes then stopped circling above them and flew to Dumbledore. Dumbledore touched the fires of his phoenix, and a shockwave of light detonated the room. A blaring bang was heard as smoke was seen. The trio and Albert felt the grips on their collars loosen, until they were free. Draco, Crabbe, Goyle and Forrest were unconscious on the floor, the shockwave of light still there. Professor Mcgonagall grabbed them and pushed them to Dumbledore’s desk and bent down, grabbing Harry, Ron, Hermione and Marietta, too. Fudge and Umbridge were unconscious, as well as Dawlish. They heard another musical cry. Amelia jerked her head up and saw Dumbledore and Fawkes vanish under the flashing light of the shockwave, until they fully disappeared. The light vanished, until the only source of light was the lamp on Dumbledore’s desk. 

‘Go,’ Professor Mcgongall’s lips quivered. ‘Kingsley and I will take it from here. Go, now!’ she told them.

‘But Dumbledore-’ Isabell began.

‘Go!’ Mcgonagall whisper-shouted as Fudge and Umbridge began regaining consciousness.

The trio and Albert, along with Ron, Hermione, Harry and Marietta, opened the door and exited. They all swooshed past Marietta, who had tears in her eyes. She grabbed Olivia, who was the last to exit. Olivia fully saw her face: pimples were dotted on Marietta’s face, making out the word “SNEAK”. 

‘You do believe I had to do it, r-right? It was f-for the sake of-’ Marietta squeaked.

Olivia smiled, nodding. Marietta let go of her, gave a light smile, covered her face again and started descending the stairs. But then Olivia remembered something.

My wand. 

Where did Forrest put it?

‘Olivia?’ she heard Albert call out. 

‘Uh, I’ll catch up!’

Olivia entered Dumbledore’s office again, seeing Mcgonagall rounding up the unconscious students and putting them on chairs. Umbridge and Fudge had been stupefied again. 

‘Ms. Dragonheart. What are you doing here?’

‘Forrest took my wand. I need to have it back,’ Olivia replied and Professor Mcgongall nodded. 

Umbridge was groaning as she began standing up.

‘Hurry up, though.’ 

Professor Mcgonagall used her wand to make Umbridge fall asleep on a chair. 

Olivia walked over to the unconscious Forrest, his head lolling about and his eyes shut tight.  His mouth was covered with a cloth.

‘After I take my wand, can I do something really quickly?’

She heard Professor Mcgongall answer her with a “yes”. 

Olivia bent down and began searching for her wand in Forrest’s robes. She was practically a centimetre away from Forrest’s square-jawed face. She frantically kept searching for her wand. She dug her wand into his pocket and felt a stick-

Forrest’s eyes popped open to see a girl in front of him. He shrieked, though it was muffled, and tried to get up from the chair, only to make it fall down and make him look at the galactic ceiling. His hands were knotted with a white cloth. Forrest tried to speak through his gag and struggled. She got out her wand and scrubbed it with her robe sleeve quickly. She then used a spell that made Forrest’s hair fall off, making him bald.

‘That’s the thing I wanted to do.’

Forrest’s eyes were so wide they were as big as his face. His loud yell was muffled and Olivia smiled widely.

‘Don’t worry! It will grow back!’ 

Even Professor Mcgonagall smiled. Olivia thanked her and exited and descended the stairs to see her friends waiting for her. 

‘What did you do?’ Amelia asked.

‘Got my wand back from Forrest. And made him bald for you.’

Amelia burst into howling laughter. She, along with Isabell, Albert and Olivia, laughed so much their ribs hurt. 

‘But- did you seriously do that?’ Isabell said in disbelief.

‘Of course she would. This is Forrest we’re talking about!’ Albert replied. ‘But, Olivia, don’t make my hair fall off if I ever annoy you.’

She grinned. 

‘By the way-’

‘STUDENTS OUT OF BED! STUDENTS OUT OF BED!’ 

They swivelled their heads to see Filch limping towards them with a lit lamp in his shaky hand, Ms. Norris’s red eyes glimmering in the dark corridor behind him. 

‘Filch,’ the man named Kingsley came down the stairs. ‘They are supposed to be out of bed. But they shall go now.’

Filch’s determined expression of whipping students eroded. He went limping back, Ms. Norris’ mewl echoing as she and her owner left. The trio and Albert realised Kingsley’s voice was low, but reassuring. 

‘Thank you, Mr. Shacklebolt,’ Albert said, looking at the tall black wizard.

Kingsley removed his hat and put it back to bid them goodbye. They, in unison, went to the Ravenclaw tower and entered the common room after quickly answering the riddle of the eagle-headed knocker. But Isabell suddenly froze. Everyone frowned at her.

‘What-’ Amelia began.

‘If Dumbledore’s gone… who will be controlling Hogwarts?’ Isabell said in a hushed voice. 

‘Mcgonagall-’ but Amelia felt a chill creep up her spine and knew what Isabell was talking about. ‘But, surely Umbridge won’t be-’ 

She saw Olivia and Albert’s expression. Amelia’s stomach flipped. 

‘No-’ 

The next day, another pink frame was placed, though it was larger than the others:

Proclamation

Dolores Jane Umbridge has resigned as Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry’s new Headmistress. All students and staff of Hogwarts are permitted to prove their loyalty to Professor Dolores Jane Umbridge, their new Headmistress.

Cornelius Oswald Fudge,

Minister for Magic

‘Kill me,’ Isabell rasped. ‘Now she will take control of the whole school.’ 

‘Talk about proving our loyalty to a hag!’ Amelia exclaimed. 

Some students like them, teachers included, weren’t delighted about the news. Albert’s eyes widened. 

‘Remember when Umbridge said: “When I become Headmistress, I will make you join my soon to be Inquisitorial Squad”?’ he gulped. 

‘So…’ Amelia said, not following along.

‘So, Forrest, Draco and his Gorilla Gang and god knows who else would be willing to join her!’ Olivia said. 

Amelia’s days were full of drama and depression that she forgot about Forrest and that they encountered him just yesterday. 

‘Won’t be too happy you made him lose his hair,’ she muttered to Olivia, who didn’t reply, but merely shrugged lightly. 

They felt someone walk past them. It was a boy with beige skin, grey eyes and was wearing a green Slytherin beanie on his head. They could see tiny hairs next to his ears. It was indeed Forrest walking by, too shocked from last night to even glance at them as he drifted past like a cloud. Amelia couldn’t stop herself from smiling. Isabell was so drawn to her friends she forgot she had to stay away from them. Though she caught Forrest’s eyes flash at her darkly before he marched off. Isabell scooted away from them during breakfast in the Great Hall. Amelia, Olivia and Albert frowned at her, but then realised why she was moving away. 

The usual golden plates and cutlery were prepared, and the hard-working elves had served them the breakfast of paradise: pancakes sunk in chocolate syrup topped with strawberries and blueberries, grilled sausages, baked eggs with swiss chard and green olives, spinach-mushroom stratas, avocado, chèvre and bacon omelette, apple and maple baked oatmeal, baked french toast with maple syrup, egg muffins, oat scones, cinnamon rolls, caramelised onion frittata and sausage breakfast casserole (and many other countless options to choose from). Isabell silently nibbled on cinnamon- which was topped with sugar glaze- and saw from the corner of her eyes that Amelia, Albert and Olivia were huddled together in deep conversation about Umbridge, for she “overheard” what they were talking about.

‘Umbridge can change a lot of things now that she’s Headmistress,’ Albert sighed. 

He ruffled his already messy hair and munched on an egg muffin. 

‘For all we know, she could make Filch whip students…’ Olivia said. ‘And that’s a change of events.’

Albert and Amelia nodded. 

‘Or even shave our heads for what Olivia did to Forrest,’ Amelia said after swallowing down her food. ‘Not saying that I’m gonna blame you for it,’ she added when she saw Olivia’s expression. ‘I’m grateful you did it. He deserved it. He was shaming a bald boy when I first saw him after the holidays, and the tables have turned, thanks to you. Now all his friends know that he’s bald and I bet you he’s sitting there all alone-’

Amelia turned to see Forrest in the middle of his gang, having a light-hearted conversation as one of them seemed to mimic Umbridge as Headmistress. 

‘Or not.’

‘You just expect Slytherins to be bad. But they’re kind to other Slytherins. They’re a community. A family. They respect each other but don’t respect the other three houses,’ Albert said. 

‘Do you really think Draco is kind to other Slytherins? Do you think Forrest is kind to other Slytherins when he’s not even kind to his own Slytherin friend? True, there are some Slytherins who aren’t bad, , but there are some bad ones… take Leo, Levi and Beatrix as an example…’ Amelia reasoned. 

Albert’s ears throbbed red at the mention of those names. Amelia regretted what she’d said. She saw Olivia’s face turn blue. 

‘Another subject!’ Amelia said nervously, faking a toothy smile. ‘How do we Isabell talk to us again?’

Isabell concentrated more, trying her best to shift closer to them. 

‘She can talk to us but get reported by the mystery spy for doing so,’ Olivia shrugged. 

‘So, why don’t we find who the spy is?’ Amelia asked excitedly, though Albert and Olivia boredly toyed and picked at their food.

‘It’s obviously someone who is close to Isabell, probably a Ravenclaw,’ said Albert, apparently agreeing to the idea.

‘Well, what if it wasn’t-’

‘Look, it’s her problem, not ours. She finds out who it is,’ Olivia said tartly. 

Isabell, who was eavesdropping, raised her eyebrows.

‘So, how I understand this, you don’t want her to be our friend. Furthermore, Olivia, we’re supposedly her friends,’ Amelia argued.

Isabell looked at Amelia and Olivia. 

‘If we were really her friends, then she wouldn’t have stayed away from us just because her stupid Muggle mother said so.’

Isabell gasped, furiously stood up, then walked towards them, her wand drawn.

‘Don’t you dare call my m-’

Olivia stood up too.

‘I will call your mother whatever I like. You think I don’t mind when you and Amelia (Amelia raised her eyebrows)- not Amelia so much- make fun of my parents?’

‘They’re evil. My-’

‘Hem, hem.’

The girls and Albert looked behind them to see Umbridge, and next to her were Forrest, his hair back again (they suspected that Umbridge used a spell to make it grow back), Draco, Crabbe, Goyle, Pansy, and a few other Slytherins. They all had the same badge pinned to their cloaks:

MEMBER OF THE INQUISITORIAL SQUAD

‘Fifteen points from Ravenclaw, Dragonheart,’ Draco said, smirking.

‘You can’t take points away from another prefect!’ Albert snapped, bolting up.

‘Ah, but the… members of the Inquisitorial Squad can,’ said Forrest, making Amelia twitch in irritation.

Got his hair back, I see. 

‘Now, now, Forrest. We didn’t come here to brag about being Professor Umbridge’s favourites, did we?’ snickered Draco.

‘Right, right, right. Now, let’s take away some points, shall we?’ 

Forrest scanned them. His eyes stopped at Amelia.

‘Let’s say… twenty points from Ravenclaw, Clearwater, because you’re not worthy of that last name. Dragonheart, the same for you.  Bluesky… fifty points from Ravenclaw because you have a Muggle mother and I don’t like you. And Foxglove- fifty-five points from Ravenclaw because you’re a mudblood, and I don’t like you either.’

‘You filthy coward. You bastard, you pretty-faced fool,’ Albert snarled, face to face with Forrest, who merely raised his brows in surprise, yet smiled. ‘Now that you have your hair back and you have more power doesn’t mean you can rule me like I’m your pet.’

Albert kicked Forrest squarely in his chest, and Forrest fell back a few feet until he fell on his tailbone, groaning. Blood was seeping out his open mouth. Forrest was in the middle of consciousness and unconsciousness, in the middle of life and death. Umbridge stood there with eyes bulging more than before in amusement, giggling in a girlish tone.

‘Well, Mr. Foxglove, that has just proven to me that you deserve to be expelled from Hogwarts forever,’ she said sweetly. 

Albert looked at her bulging eyes with cold hatred.  

‘I shall do the papers for the expulsion and they will be completed by April twenty-second,’ she continued, still looking at him. 

Draco, even Crabbe and Goyle, retreated a few steps back when they saw Forrest lying on the floor as students started gossiping and gushing and staring at him and the others. Umbridge walked away and ordered everyone to exit the hall. Forrest remained on the floor, though he slowly started regaining consciousness and energy. He stood up, wiping off the blood on his chin with his robe sleeve. His grey eyes glittered deadly through the golden locks, the death stare never leaving Albert’s face. Then Forrest’s eyes set to Olivia, and he smirked. He sprinted towards her fast as the wind, about to kick her neck- a barrel chest blocked him, and Forrest’s kick penetrated through Albert, who yelled in agony and collapsed in front of the petrified girls. Amelia and Isabell grabbed Olivia back as they watched the two boys. Forrest was breathing heavily, his hands in fists. Albert was on the floor, only able to move his head up to the girls.

‘Go away,’ he gasped. ‘N-now-’

Olivia, Amelia and Isabell ran out, only to hit a crowd of students at the door.  

‘Didn’t Umbridge tell you all to go to your common rooms?’ Amelia demanded, her voice reaching all ears. 

Students scattered away like rolling marbles the second Amelia had said that. 

‘Wh-why did Umbridge just leave without helping Forrest up and leading him away from Albert?’ Olivia said, petrified.

She wanted to go in there, check on Albert, but her friends held her back and shook their heads in unison. 

‘Dunno…’ Isabell replied quietly. ‘But he’ll make it, Olivia. He always does.’ 

Even Isabell was hesitant about what she said. Olivia sat down on the wall where the pink frames were, curled in a ball. 

Albert and Forrest were face to face once again, with Albert recovering from the penetration that went through him. 

‘Think you’re tough, eh, Foxglove?’ Forrest sneered, his jaw clenched.

‘Maybe not as tough as you, perhaps, but certainly smarter,’ Albert replied with a smile. 

He slowly walked towards the door, Forrest immediately dashing towards him like a cannonball on fire, ready to burn Albert with every bit of energy and power- 

The door slammed shut in Forrest’s face, and Albert heard Forrest fall back. 

‘YOU’LL REGRET THIS, FOXGLOVE! WHEN I GET TO YOU-’

‘I’ll be expelled by the time, Osborn,’ Albert interrupted and walked away, only to be stopped by a hug from Olivia. He looked down at her, surprised.

‘I thought you wouldn’t make it!’ she weeped. ‘Did he injure you?’

‘No, it’s fine,’ he replied sheepishly, hiding a gash on his wrist from her.

‘This is Forrest Osborn we’re talking about,’ Amelia said, smiling. ‘He’s bound to beat up that dog in there.’

Olivia let go of him, but then her eyes widened with shock.

‘Y-you’ll be-’

‘Expelled, I know,’ he said, looking away ashamedly. 

‘We can find a way to stop you from getting expelled!’ Isabell said hopefully. 

‘And get you all expelled when you don’t deserve it? I don’t want to live the rest of my life knowing I ruined the futures of my three best friends. It’s better if you back away from this problem, really. And, please don’t interrupt me until I’m done with what I have to say, Olivia. I don’t want to risk your future when you need it. I’m better off with being a janitor of a bathroom in a one-star restaurant and scrub toilets, I’m a mudblood after all. And, I’m proud of it, I swear. I could even be a famous singer’s assistant, who knows? But, just, don’t interfere. Don’t make up any ideas. Don’t try. Just don’t. I’ll try to enjoy my last days with you. But, today, I’m better off on my own for today. I need to be alone. Please. You all are special to me, that’s why I don’t want to live my life in guilt and shame, for all you know I might fall off a cliff for doing such a thing. Olivia, you are great in potions and I want you to stay like that by not helping me. Same with you, Isabell and Amelia. Isabell, you’re great at charms… Amelia, you’re great at flying, you might even make a quidditch player for all we know, and Defence Against the Dark Arts. Once again… thanks guys… you are the most valuable people in my life… and you always will be… whether or not you’ll be in my presence…’

It was the first time they saw Albert cry. He let the tears roll down his watery cheeks, with the girls’ tears joining the act. 

‘Who says boys can’t cry?’ Isabell said softly. 

Albert smiled through his tears. 

They all heard someone clap. Then another, and another, and another… soon, they heard hundreds of hands clapping. They slowly turned around to see all students from Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw and Gryffindor piling around them, either crying, or cheering happily or calling their names. The students kept applauding for them, their hands smacking together quickly and repeatedly.  

‘Albert, looks like you won’t get expelled,’ Amelia exclaimed, wiping her tears with a happy expression on her watery face.