Disclaimer: Anything you recognize is not mine, but belongs to J.K. Rowling. Anything you don't recognize belongs to me, Hope. Woo?
The following morning dawned gloomy and overcast outside the circular dorm windows. With bleary eyes, Diana blinked heavily at the little alarm clock on her nightstand. She was a light sleeper, so the soft chirps it emitted immediately woke her up. She nudged Rubeus off her legs, and he gave an indignant meow at his sleep being interrupted.
The first week of school always took some getting used to. Waking up at 6:30am wasn't exactly her idea of fun. Even back home when she worked at Susan's Coffee, she rarely had to be awake before 7am. School was a whole different story.
It wasn't until after her shower that the haziness of sleep faded away. By the time Diana was casting a drying charm on her blond hair, her dorm-mates began to stir in their beds. With a grumble, Samantha shuffled into the bathroom, Elizabeth not far behind. Neither girls were morning people. Each giving Diana a brief nod of acknowledgement, they disappeared into shower cubicles.
"I'll see you slow-pokes in the Great Hall," Diana called out to the now steamy bathroom. To ensure her mornings go smoothly, Diana made it a habit to lay out her uniform every night before bed. Just the idea of being late to anything stressed her out. She slipped into the high-waisted pleated skirt, and buttoned her white long-sleeve shirt. The Hufflepuff tie was always a headache, for it never seemed to want to cooperate, even after all these years. After a few failed attempts, she managed to make it look presentable, and Diana smiled at her reflection approvingly. Before she slipped out the dorm, Rubeus appeared and twirled between her legs, purring softly.
She scratched behind his ear, earning a pleased, guttural meow from the red tabby cat. "Want to join me for breakfast, Ruby?" she asked. He gave another meow, and his green eyes seemed to smile. "Let's go, then."
Rubeus trailed behind Diana all the way to the Great Hall. He promptly disappeared beneath the Hufflepuff table, and sat next to her feet. He knew if he waited long enough, Diana would sneak him a bite of bacon or sausage as a treat. He truly was a spoiled pet.
As he contentedly chewed a morsel of bacon, the Great Hall slowly but surely began to fill with students. Content, Diana spooned scrambled eggs onto her plate, followed by a bit of granola and yogurt. She stuck her spoon, yogurt still clinging to its underside, down to Rubeus. He licked it gratefully.
"It's a wonder he's not obese."
Diana glanced up, smiling as Elizabeth settled into the empty spot next to her. "It's not like I do this everyday," Diana defended. Beneath the table, Rubeus meowed softly in agreement.
"Whatever you say." Filling her own plate, Elizabeth stifled a yawn. In her tired stupor, she almost knocked over a pitcher of orange juice. Diana grabbed it just in time. "Has your Transfiguration book come yet?" Elizabeth asked, shoving food into her mouth.
Diana shook her head. "Flourish and Blotts won't deliver it until Friday. But, McGonagall gave me an old copy until it arrives."
Today was going to be a long day for both Hufflepuff's. First lesson was a double helping of Transfiguration followed by a quick half hour break, and straight into double Defense Against the Dark Arts. Just thinking about the morning made Diana want to crawl back to bed.
Rubeus headbutted her leg. Giving him a quick scratch beneath his chin, Diana watched him saunter out of the Hall. She wished she could join him on whatever adventure he was sure to find himself in. But, alas…
Students were slurping down the last of their pumpkin juice before gathering their school-things, breakfast always seeming to fly by far too quickly. Diana hastily buttered an extra piece of toast before scurrying after Elizabeth. They followed groups of students out to the Middle Courtyard, and headed left to the Transfiguration classroom.
Sixth and seventh years classes were still strange to Diana. Unlike years first through fifth where nearly every seat in every class was taken, it was the complete opposite. Only students that wished to continue with the subject were in attendance. There was only 12 in all today, at least two or three people representing each house in Hogwarts. Less students meant more intimate lessons, something Diana was less than thrilled about. It would be like she was on display for McGonagall to critique her every move.
"Diana!"
At the sound of her name, Diana was pulled from her thoughts, and quickly turned to her left. Motioning her over to the empty seat, Alicia Spinnet smiled wide. With a friendly hello, Diana sat down, happy to see Elizabeth sit in front of her at the desk Josie Woods was at. Josie was a quiet but kind Ravenclaw, and a fellow nurse-in-making. Apparently, she and Elizabeth had grown close over the previous year, and paired together when possible.
That worked out for Diana. It seemed that Alicia was going to be her Transfiguration partner every week for the rest of the year, unless she miraculously became an ace student. Obviously, that wasn't very likely. At least the kind Gryffindor girl would became another friendly face around the castle.
Professor McGonagall stood at the front of the classroom, hands folded in front of her. The patient look on her face tightened. "Everyone, please find your seats," she said. Her eyes fixated on the Weasley twins, who were huddled around where Lee Jordan was seated, muttering excitedly about something or other. "That means you, Mr. and Mr. Weasley. Don't make me say it again."
One of the twins grinned cheekily. "Sorry, Professor." The red-haired Gryffindors found their desk in the back of the room, knowing better than to push their luck with their Head of House.
Professor McGonagall's tight lips softened into a small smile now that everyone's attention was focused on her. "Welcome," she greeted, "to seventh year Transfigurations. As most of you already know, this year will be your hardest yet. Homework will be assigned every lesson," a collective groan rose throughout the room, "and tests every other week. I suggest you take your studies seriously, because your end-of-year exams will not be kind to you if you are not prepared. Now."
With a flick of her wand, a piece of chalk rose into the air. As if controlled by a puppeteer's strings, it began to scrawl instructions onto the chalkboard at the head of the class. In loopy letters, the title of the lesson said "Review".
"Today, we will be reviewing a spell or two from last year. Next lesson, we will dive head on into our course." The high wing-backed chair creaked as Professor McGonagall settled behind her desk. With another flick of her wand, a teacup appeared in front of each student. "Instead of turning an animal into an object, we will be doing the opposite. I expect everyone to successfully turn each of their teacups into a rabbit within the hour. If you are done early, please sit quietly, or help those around you. After the hour is up, we will discuss your first essay assignment, and briefly outline this term's course. Begin."
Everyone grabbed their wands and set to work. Wearily, Diana eyed her pink and white teacup, the roses and leafy green vines almost mocking her. How could something so delicate and cutesy cause her such stress?
Alicia smiled. "At least this isn't too hard of a task," she said lightly, brushing her dark hair back into a ponytail. Diana's grimace only deepened. "Oh, come on, this won't be too bad."
"Says the tutor assigned to me," replied Diana, staring the teacup down. "Last year, I was only able to get my book to grow a rat's tail."
Chuckling, Alicia opened her textbook to a chapter that would help. She pushed it towards Diana. "Here. Now, picture in your mind exactly what your rabbit looks like."
A mental image of a fluffy, black and white haired bunny popped in her head. "Check."
At this point, the class was full of incantations being both calmly and irritably repeated. With a glance around, it seemed as though only one student had been successful right off the bat. Alicia enunciated the spell slowly, twirling her holly wand in the air slowly so Diana could watch each movement.
Even after Alicia shower her five times, the picture Diana had of the innocent, furry rabbit would always disappear when the moment came to transfigure. The teacup sat there silently, still looking very much like a teacup. Warmth rose on Diana's cheeks, embarrassed as she failed for a sixth time.
"Damn teacup," she muttered, agitated.
Alicia fought off a smile. "Come on," she coaxed, "you're psyching yourself out. You can do it."
A sudden cheer set off at the back of the classroom. Students turned to stare as both Weasley twins teacups turned from rabbits, to mice, and back to their teacups in awe. Jealousy stabbed softly at Diana's heart, wishing she could do such a thing with ease like they were doing. Professor McGonagall told the boys to stop distracting the class, which they did so halfheartedly.
"Such entertainers," Alicia mumbled under her breath. She turned her attention back to Diana. "One more time, Diana. Don't let those jokers bring you down. Picture the rabbit again-"
Diana ran a hand through her blond hair, taking a slow, deep breath as she did. Closing her eyes, she focused on the damned bunny, picturing it hopping around on the desk. Hawthorn wand raised high, she mimicked Alicia's movement, saying the spell with as much intent as she could muster.
"Success!" Diana cried happily. Sure enough, the teacup had sprouted black and white ears, and a little cotton-tail. Brown eyes stared at her from the center of the cup, blinking confusedly at the excited Hufflepuff.
"Not a full success," Alicia reminded, "but close! I bet you can do it in a few more goes."
Feeling a surge of confidence, Diana spent the next twenty minutes on the spell. Sadly, only the ears, eyes, and tail would appear. As Professor McGonagall weaved between the rows of desks to observe, she stopped at their table. Diana felt the image falter in her mind, but swallowed her fear and waved her wand again.
This time, in all it's glory, the teacup transformed into the cute, fluffy bunny of her dreams. "I did it!" she yelled, triumph in her veins. A few people looked over at her cry of joy and laughed. Embarrassment flooded Diana, but she didn't care. She had done it!
More to Diana's glee, Professor McGonagall nodded approvingly as the teacup-turned-bunny hopped over to Alicia's white one, each one sniffing the other curiously. "Well done, Ms. Stevens. And you too, Ms. Spinnet - excellent tutoring."
The girls exchanged smiles as the Professor strolled away to the next desk. Elizabeth leaned back in her seat, and high-fived Diana. "Too bad it's not as cute as mine," she teased.
The rest of class passed by without much excitement. Still riding on her high, Diana happily jotted down notes, and was almost excited to write the essay assigned, too. "Remember, it gets harder from here on out," Elizabeth said.
"Don't bring my mood down, Lizzy."
Alicia squeezed Diana's shoulder in a friendly way. "You did great, though, and you'll keep getting better. On my honor," she added, quirking her eyebrows happily.
The three seventh years made their way to the other side of the castle. A good portion of the class also had double DADA next, so they traveled together in a loose pack.
Lee Jordan sidled up to Alicia, throwing an arm around her shoulder. They exchanged hellos, and Alicia raised an eyebrow at him. "Who are these beautiful friends of yours?" he asked, smiling brightly at Diana and Elizabeth.
"I knew it." Alicia swatted him away as if he were an annoying fly. "You always hit on anything with a pair of ti-" She was abruptly cut off as Lee clapped a hand over her mouth.
"I do not!" he said indignantly, flashing another smile to the two Hufflepuff's.
Both Diana and Elizabeth exchanged amused glances. "My name is Elizabeth," the brunette greeted kindly.
"Lee," the boy replied, shaking her hand. He turned his charming smile on Diana. "And you are?"
Unsure of how to take this attention, Diana was a bit more hesitant. "Diana," she replied, politely shaking his hand, too.
"A beautiful name for a beautiful girl."
A faint blush rose to her cheeks. "Um… thanks? I think?"
Before Lee could say anything more, a familiar set of red-heads appeared on either side of him. Each placed a knowing hand on his shoulders, tutting. "Now now, Lee-" one of the Weasley twins admonished.
"-don't scare off our newest snackbox tester," the other added. "As far as we know-"
"-she hasn't tried any of them yet."
For the life of her, Diana couldn't tell which one was which. She felt the blush on her face intensify as the three boys grinned mischievously. "Have you tried any yet?" Lee asked, excited.
Diana shook her head. Thankfully, the DADA classroom loomed ahead, and she quickened her pace. "Not yet," she replied. "I'll let you all know when I do."
"Can't wait!" one of the twin's replied. "We haven't had many girls try them out yet."
"I wonder why," Elizabeth muttered. The very idea of the Weasley twin's pranks irritated her. Should the day come when Diana tested out a Nosebleed Nougat or Puking Pastille, she would never live it down.
It wasn't long until the warning bell chimed. The staircase in the classroom that lead to the DADA Professor's office opened, and the squat, toad-like woman emerged. Clad head to toe in pink, she smiled primly at the front of the class, waiting for the last straggler to find a seat. Diana sat with Elizabeth and Alicia, curious to see what the newest Defense teacher would be like.
The toad-like smile on Professor Umbridge's face seemed to grow. "Welcome, class, to Defense Against the Dark Arts," she simpered. "Now, as seventh years, I've come to realize that your Defense Against the Dark Arts education has been rather… fragmented and disjointed, for lack of a better word. Hasn't it?" She paused, as if waiting for everyone to agree. Instead, she was greeted with a confused silence. "Know now that this is about to be changed. Please, open your textbooks."
Diana blinked. It felt like ages since class had started off a Defense lesson with a textbook. Carefully, she grabbed the book from her bag, and flipped it open to the first chapter as Umbridge's stubby wand wrote instructions on the board.
"From now on," Professor Umbridge explained, "every year will be following a Ministry pre-approved, theory-centered curriculum." More words appeared on the chalkboard behind her. She motioned to it. "Please, copy this down."
Everyone followed the instruction, though many exchanged curious glances with their table-mates. Quills scratched against parchment along each row of desks. However, a Ravenclaw boy by the name of David Bramson, stuck his hand into the air.
Professor Umbridge's patient gaze turned to the blond haired Ravenclaw. "Yes?"
David tilted his head, glancing down at his book, then back to her. "This morning, I read the first few chapters of the textbook. So far, it doesn't mention the use of wands in any of the assignments. I was wondering why that was?"
A giggle like that of a trilling bird filled the air. Placing a pudgy little hand to her lips, Professor Umbridge's eyes glittered in amusement, as if David had said something hilarious. "My dear boy! Why on Earth would you need to use your wand in my class?"
Diana stiffened at her words. Like wildfire, the students began muttering to one another, shocked. Ever since Professor Lupin had taught the class, Defense Against the Dark Arts had remained Diana's favorite subject, along with Charms and Herbology. The idea of not utilizing defensive magic seemed almost barbaric in her eyes.
Shyness forgotten, Diana raised her hand, too. "But, Professor-"
"Do not speak unless I have called upon you," Umbridge cut in, voice sweet, but face giving way to irritation. "Yes, Ms….?"
"Diana Stevens."
Professor Umbridge's smile brightened. "Are you by chance related to the auror, Jacob Stevens?"
Diana had no idea why that had to do with anything. "He's my father," she replied, completely caught off guard. Ignoring the question, she continued. "But, Professor, why won't we be using our wands? In our previous years, we've always-"
"As I've mentioned earlier, your previous years were very poorly taught." Professor Umbridge strolled slowly up the aisle, coming to a stop beside Diana. Her eyes seemed to glitter, but no longer with amusement. "Now, I will hear no more arguing over something so trivial. In my class, wands shall remain in your bag or pocket at all times-" she paused to look at the rest of the class, "-no exceptions."
On that note, she made her way back to the front of the class. A sudden anger, one that Diana had never felt, blossomed in her veins. The words were out before she could even think. "Last year, a student died," she said. "Shouldn't we be more prepared against something that might harm us? Or someone?"
The hush that fell over the classroom was impenetrable. Beside her, Elizabeth clutched at Diana's arm, giving her a look of pure bewilderment. Alicia also looked at her in shock. "What are you doing?" hissed Elizabeth.
It was too late to take it back. In a flash, all simpering sweetness was gone from Professor Umbridge's demeanor. Instead, a coldness settled over her, and she turned on her heel to stare at Diana. "Ten points from Hufflepuff. For speaking out of turn."
"But-"
"Twenty points." Professor Umbridge raised a single mousy brown eyebrow. "Do you have anything else to add? If you speak again without being called upon, Ms. Stevens, I'll sadly have to give you detention."
As if her words snuffed out a flame, Diana felt her passion dwindle. She shook her head.
Another smile curved Professor Dolores Umbridge's squashed face. "Ah. I thought so. Now, as I was saying…" She instructed the class to continue reading the first chapter as if nothing had happened.
A sudden fight-or-flight feeling stole over Diana. Not only had she questioned a teacher, something she had never done, but she would now be stuck with the woman for two whole hours. The very idea made the anger well up within her again. There was something about this particular Defense teacher that scared Diana deep inside.
An idea came to her then. Diana plunged her hand into her bookbag while Umbridge's back was turned. She groped inside the largest pocket, finally gripping the tiny candy in her palm with relief. She glanced at the colored wrapping.
Elizabeth's grip tightened on her other arm. "Nooo, what are you-"
Diana chewed off the deep red end hastily. Within seconds, blood began pouring from both nostrils. It was the strangest feeling. Her head felt completely fine, yet her nose was gushing red. A girl to her left gave out a shriek, gathering the attention from everyone within the room.
Surprise registered on Professor Umbridge's face. "What in the world-"
"Don't worry, Professor." One of the twin's rose from his seat. He shrugged off his robe, offering the clothing to Diana. She placed it beneath her nose, grateful. "I can escort her to the hospital wing."
Umbridge charmed the blood-covered desk, siphoning away the blood. She looked both irritated and disgusted. "Your housemates will bring you your homework, Ms. Stevens. And I expect to see you back here as soon as you drop her off," she said, eyeing the Weasley distrustfully.
"Of course," he replied, smiling. "I'll be back in a jiffy."
With that, Diana gathered her things, grabbing the offered arm of the twin and leaving the classroom. Once they were a corridor away, she shoved the purple end of the sweet into her mouth, swallowing thickly.
"That was a bloody good show," the Weasley praised, grinning widely. "No pun intended."
The flow stopped. Diana felt her body shaking, from anger or something else, she wasn't sure. Never before had she acted so irrationally at school. "That woman…"
"Is a right piece of work. You were great in there, Hufflepuff." He stuck his hand out towards her. She shook it without thinking. "I'm George, by the way. My brother Fred and I hope you continue to use our products against that toad for the rest of term. Or until she's fired… whichever comes first."
"I hope it's sooner rather than later," Diana grumbled. The anger finally subsided completely, and she stood there, unable to believe what she had just done. "Merlin, I can't believe I did that…"
George slung his arm around her shoulder good-naturedly, steering her down the main staircase. "I don't know you," he said, "but I must say, that took some guts. Sure you weren't meant for Gryffindor?"
Though his tone was teasing, Diana felt her face warm at his words. "Definitely not," she grumbled. She suddenly realized where they were headed. "I don't really need Madam Pomfrey-"
"First time faking sick to get out of class, eh?" Steering her around another corner, the hospital wing appeared at the end of the hall. "Here's your first lesson: assume the professor you abandon will check in with Pomfrey to make sure you were there. They'll blow their top if they find out you were faking."
Diana nodded dumbly. She was learning a lot of things today, it seemed. "Thanks…" She didn't know what else to say, awkwardness taking over.
George didn't seem to notice. Or, if he did, he didn't let it show. "Anytime, Hufflepuff."
As he escorted her into the hospital wing, she frowned. "My name is Diana, you know."
"I know." He shrugged, smiling. "It's fun to have nicknames. And, until I get to know you better, you'll remain Hufflepuff to me. Ah - hello!"
Madam Pomfrey bustled past the door, nearly rolling her eyes at the sight of George. "Whatever it is, Mr. Weasley, I don't believe it," she said offhandedly, already moving away towards her office.
Feigning offense, George tugged Diana in behind him. "I'm actually helping a friend out," he replied, which made her stop in her tracks. "Diana here had a terrible bloody nose. It's seemed to have stopped, but…"
Madam Pomfrey spun in place and hurried back. She peered into Diana's face, and down to her bloodies clothes. "Lay down," she instructed. "You're a seventh year, aren't you? I swear, you lot always get nosebleeds from the stress…"
Unable to summon words, Diana allowed herself to be led to one of the cots. George grinned as Madam Pomfrey propped her up with three fluffy pillows and checked her over. The matron soon deemed Diana healthy, but made her promise to stay until lunchtime to rest. Diana nodded mutely.
"Off with you now," Madam Pomfrey said, shooing George. "Ms. Stevens isn't dying."
"Always good to know." George's eyes sparkled in good humor as the matron disappeared into her office. He turned back to Diana. "I'll see you soon, Hufflepuff."
And with that, he disappeared out the door back to class. All Diana could do was lay back, and stare at the ceiling in silent amazement. If every Tuesday went like this one did, this was going to be one hell of a year.
Author's
xoxo Hope
P.S. - Forgive any spelling or grammatical errors I may have made. I'm off to work the door for a concert at work, and don't have time to proof-read. I promise I'll do so within the next few days! :)
