I shouldn't have picked a fight with two of the greatest pranksters of all time; but what was I supposed to do, let them walk all over me?
We passed each other evil glances throughout dinner as I was questioned by the other Gryffindors. They wanted to know everything about America so i told them. I had no idea if it was true or not, but hey, they'd never know.
Once we had finished eating, one of the teachers in a fluffy pink Cardigan stood up and walked over to the lectern.
"It's that Umbridge woman," Harry hissed. "She was at my hearing."
We all glared up at her.
"Thank you Professor Dumbledore for those kind words. I'm sure we're all going to be best friends."
"That's likely," Fred and George said simultaneously. I snorted.
"Hem, hem."
Umbridge glared at me for a moment before continuing.
For the second time that day I zoned completely out. I knew what she was going to say, so I didn't need to listen. That and her voice sounded like gerbil on helium. I would get a head ache if I had to listen to her any longer.
I began to mindlessly draw patterns in the left over gravy on my plate, but that became boring.
Collin Creevy, who was sitting next to me, smoothed it over and placed dots in rows over the plate.
"Let's play squares," He whispered. I grinned at him and drew the first line. I loved this game. Cher and I always played it in Chemistry when we didn't get what was going on. So as we didn't understand anything in that class, we played it a lot, and I was the all-time champion.
"You better watch out Creevy," I muttered, as I made my first square and drew an A in it.
Realising that Umbridge was not stopping anytime soon, we gained many spectators in our game. And it soon became slightly rowdy, causing Umbridge to Hem, Hem more frequently.
"Put it there," Seamus told me, pointing to a free space. Considering that it was a muggle game and only Colin and myself knew it a few minutes ago, the others were really getting into it and it became quite competitive.
"No, there," a brown haired boy told me. "Collin can get two squares over there."
"Thanks for all the support guys," Collin muttered, placing a new line down and gaining three more squares.
We were all so into the game that we didn't even notice that Umbridge had finally shut up and Dumbledore was back on the podium.
"Thank you for your undivided attention," he said seriously. Half the Gryffindor table giggled slightly.
I smiled to myself. I was a Gryffindor. It was the most surreal thing in the world sitting here at Hogwarts in Gryffindor. The past few months were a complete dream, but it had finally sunk it. It was amazing.
"I would like to see Alyssa Tonks before she leaves," Dumbledore finished, dismissing everyone.
"Can someone wait for me?" I asked the small group I was sitting with. "I have no idea where I'm going."
Surprisingly, at least ten people chose to wait, however Ginny shooed them along until just a blonde girl and herself remained.
"Now Alyssa," Dumbledore said, sitting in his seat behind the staff table. "Have you told anyone that Nyphadora is your cousin."?
"Yeah, just Michael Corner and his friends, was I not supposed to?"
"Well, we think it would raise less suspicion if you were her sister who was sent away to America due to bad behaviour."
I stared at him confused. "Why?"
"It'll make more sense in due time. Mr and Mrs. Tonks know this plan and have kindly agreed. And as for Michael Corner... I think I misunderstanding on his half would be easily believed." He grinned at me, while I stared confused. Why the sudden change of plan? Had something happened; had someone found out about me?
"Now," Dumbledore said, cheerfully changing the subject. "Have you an idea of what subjects you would like to take?"
I shrugged. "I don't know, could I decide in the morning please."
He chuckled lightly. "I expect your tired. Your new robes are in your dormitory," he stood up and went to leave before smiling kindly.
"Welcome to Hogwarts Miss Tonks."
:-:
We could hear shouts coming from the common room before we had reached the portrait of the fat lady.
"Hifflelump," Ginny said, rushing inside to see what the commotion was about.
Harry, Ron and Seamus were standing in a huddle shouting at each other. Seamus did not believe Harry's story, Harry was angry with Seamus for doubting Dumbledore and Ron was sticking up for Harry. And they say girl problems are bad.
"It's alright lads, no need to fight. I'm here now," I swanned in and sat down on the sofa next to Hermione. This seemed to ease the tension slightly and gave Harry a chance to dash upstairs.
"Where is he going?" I asked Ron. "I need to tell you all something."
"What?" Ginny came over and sat on the arm of the chair, as did Fred and George. "You were really quiet coming up here. Was it something Dumbledore said?"
I nodded and lowered my voice. "It's probably nothing, but he told me that I was Tonks sister now. Why would he change it? It's probably nothing," I said again. "But I just thought I should let you all know."
They all shrugged. "It's fishy," Ron said thoughtfully. "But at the moment we've got bigger fish to fry."
"Nice Marine Metaphor," Hermione said sarcastically. They all stared at her confused, probably not even knowing what metaphor meant.
"Well kids," I said standing up and stretching. "I'm going to hit the hay."
"I'll come too," Ginny said. "I don't fancy being a test dummy for those two."
She pointed to a bunch of first years who were throwing up into buckets. Fred and George were kneeling down beside them monitoring the results.
"You know," I said, sitting down beside them while Ginny gathered her things. "I'm no expert on morals but this whole thing seems pretty mean."
"Pffft. You don't have the right to call anyone mean," George said. "Besides, they love it. Don't you?"
The little mousey boy nodded, his eyes wide looking quite scared.
"That's because he's been forced to do it. Do you really want to be here?"
The small boy looked frightedly between us, his eyes moving back and forth. He suddenly burst into tears, which made him vomit harder.
"Now look what you've done," Fred moaned, trying to calm the boy down.
I grinned sheepishly and backed away. "Well, I guess that's my queue to leave."
I gave a small wave before sprinting upstairs quickly.
I stopped suddenly realising I had no idea where to go. I walked along, looking at the doors before finding one that read Fourth Year Girls. I opened the door slowly to find the blonde girl from before (Elena was her name) and a black haired girl I did not know.
"Hey," I said shyly. "Any claims on the beds?" Elena shook her head.
"Me and Rachel have these ones," she said, pointing to two next to each other. "But the other four are for your picking."
I chose one by the window, near the bathroom and pulled my things over to it. Ginny came up a few minutes after me and chose the bed next to mine.
"Who are our other roomies?" I asked, pulling off my first year robes and changing into my pyjamas. I dumped the robes at the bottom of my trunk, praying I wouldn't have to wear them again.
"Elise and Clara. They don't really like us," Ginny explained.
"They're always too busy snogging their flavours of the week," Rachel explained, rolling her eyes.
"Speaking of boys," Elena said dramatically. "Any you liked? They all seem to like you."
I looked down and blushed slightly, quickly getting into bed.
"I don't know. I don't really know them."
"What are American boys like?" Elena asked. The pair seemed quite nice, but now, when all I wanted to do was sleep, they were annoying me.
"The same as here I guess," I feigned yawned, hoping they'd get the message. "Just more groomed."
I could hear them asking me questions, but I didn't pay any attention.
As soon as my head hit the pillow, I fell into a blissful sleep for ten hours; but it did not seem enough. It had been a long day.
:-:
"Ally get your lazy arse out of bed now," Ginny cried, shaking me hardly.
"I'm tired," I moaned, rolling over to the other side and closing my eyes.
"Alyssa, there is fifteen minutes left of breakfast and by the time you're ready, it'll be two," She explained. "Sleep or Food, your choice."
I shot out of bed quickly and ran into the bathroom. Food won every time. No matter what it was against, food always won.
I couldn't really be bothered to have a shower; it would cut into precious eating time.
I shoved my hair up into its signature messy top knot and threw on my uniform.
I rolled the skirt up so it was way above my knee and put on a small amount of eye liner and mascara.
"You won't get away with your skirt," Elena said, using a simple shrinking charm to shorten hers slightly. It was short, but not half as bad as mine. She pointed her wand at my hem and cast reducio; the skirt shrunk to a respectable length. I made my shirt tighter (I'm not slaggy, it was just really baggy) and set off downstairs leaving the others girls to get ready. It made me chuckle that i was up later than them, but ready before them. Oh, the things I did for food.
When I arrived at the hall, no one was there that I really knew.
I saw Dean Thomas, Seamus, Collin and Collins friend, whose name had escaped me, sitting in the middle of the table.
"Mind if I join you?" I asked, sitting down without even waiting for a reply. "I don't actually know many people here."
"Wow," Seamus said, unenthusiastically. "I feel so special."
I stuck my Tongue out at him and helped myself to some porridge. I drenched it in sugar and gobbled it down before grabbing some eggs and bacon.
"Where do you put it?" The nameless boy asked me, looking down at my skinny waist. I ignored him. No one interrupts feeding time.
"Miss Tonks," Professor McGonagall came over to me with a half filled in time table. "You need to pick three additional subjects for your studies."
"Well - erm - Muggle Studies," I said. "What does Ginny and the other girls take?" I asked Collin.
McGonagall shook her head. "No, take what you want to do. Don't just choose subjects because your friends are."
I chose Care of Magical Creatures because I really wanted to meet Hagrid. It was a shame he was off fighting giants or whatever, but it would be fun when he got here.
With Muggle Studies and CoMC chosen I just had one more subject to choose.
"What did you take?" I mouthed to Collins Friend. He began to tap the table slightly before discreetly playing air-guitar. "Music?" I mouthed. He nodded.
"Music then," I said aloud to McGonagall. She handed me my timetable before giving out everyone else's. I compared my schedule to the boys around me.
I had most lessons with Collin and nearly all of them with his friend Oliver. I also had music with Seamus. As not many people chose it, the music classes were bundles together. Apparently it was a bit of a doss. As was Muggle Studies... And care of magical creatures. I had chosen wisely.
When Harry and Ron came down, Seamus shot them a dirty glare. I smiled reassuringly at Harry and turned to Seamus.
"If looks could kill," I said slyly. "Does this have anything to do with your row last night?"
"You're nosey," He answered simply.
"You're not answering my question." it was silent for a moment. "You don't believe him?"
He shook his head childishly. "Why because of the prophet?" I asked mockingly.
"It's not just that, it doesn't make any sense," he argued. I scoffed.
"It makes perfect sense and you know it. As does everyone else but they're just too scared to believe it," I scolded. He seemed slightly taken back, but still listened, intrigued.
"What about Cedric?" Colin asked Seamus. "Do you think he died? Just like that?"
Seamus looked down sheepishly. I looked around our little group and saw them all staring at him expectantly.
"Fine," He muttered walking over to where Harry and Ron were sitting. "Erm - Listen Harry, I'm sorry about last night. I - I shouldn't have butted in," he said. Harry smiled at him slightly.
"Sorry for talking bad about your mother," He held his hand out and Seamus took it.
"Well Miss Tonks," A squeaky voice said from behind me. "Really you too should apologise for butting in"
I looked up boredly at Umbridge. "Not really," I turned around sharply and continued to eat my eggs. I could see her shadow Still behind be, but I would not turn back around. After a few minutes she huffed loudly before tottering back up to the Staff Table.
"What'd Umbridge want?" Ginny asked, finally arriving.
"A new Cardigan and a less choking perfume," I said, she raised her eyebrows at me.
"Is it possible to get a serious answer out of you?"
"N -" I stopped myself as Ginny laughed slightly.
"What's your schedule like?" She took mine off me and compared it to her own. "Ugh, we have Umbridge first thing, then Potions with the Slytherins. Then I have divination. This is the worst day ever."
I groaned. I was extremely unprepared for potions, had a string of unwanted admirers and Umbridge hated me already. I had only been here for twelve hours. This sucked.
For some reason my schedule was passed around the table so everyone could have a nose.
"What's with all the muggle borns taking muggle studies?" Ron asked pointing at my schedule. I had it for a double after lunch today.
"It's so fascinating to see muggle life from a wizards perspective, isn't it Ally?" Hermione said. I shrugged.
"No, I just wanted to pick an easy subject. But knowing me, I'll somehow fail it."
After a few comments of 'I'm in your class for...' or 'good luck in...' myself and the other Gryffindor fourth years slugged up to Defense Against the Dark Arts.
One good thing about all the textbook work is that I wouldn't make a fool out of myself due to my lack of knowledge. However I was very hands on and I get bored very easily. If you haven't noticed already.
The Hufflepuffs were already sitting inside when we arrived. I took a seat next to Ginny near the back. Hopefully Umbridge wouldn't shout at me so much if I was far away.
"Wands Away," Her shrill voice screeched from behind us, making me jump slightly. I reluctantly stuffed my pretty wand back into my pocket and turned to the front where Umbridge was standing. She waved her wand and the small textbooks began to give themselves out.
"Now, how lovely it is that you're all here today." I wanted to gag. "You're in your fourth year..."
"No shit Sherlock," I muttered to Ginny who giggled.
"…And OWL's are only a year away." She gave a little giggle while Ginny pretended to gag, causing the few tables around us to snicker.
"Miss Tonks, Miss Weasley are you going to be providing an entire commentary to what I'm saying?" Umbridge asked, trying to belittle us.
"Probably," I shrugged, causing more giggles. She turned as pink as her jumper and waddled over to me, her annoying shoes clapping on the floor as she did so.
"Probably? Miss Tonks is there anything else you would like to say for yourself?" She asked.
I leaned back obnoxiously in my chair. "I don't think so. Is there anything you would like to say?"
The class stared at me with wide eyes. Some with shock, others with respect.
"Yes," She smirked, an extra three chins forming at the neck. "Detention. Tonight at seven." She began to walk back to the front.
"Ok," I answered brightly. She stopped for a moment and breathed heavily, as though trying to calm herself down. She smiled at me brightly before continuing her lesson; as though nothing had happened.
:-:
I was half way between telling the DADA story at lunch when Harry stormed in followed closely by Ron and Hermione. I rolled my eyes as the other houses started whispering frantically as he passed. Had they really nothing better to do?
I made everyone move down to make room for the trio. Harry squished down beside me, his face red with anger.
"Let me guess. She looks like a toad and her name rhymes with Dungbridge?" I asked. He nodded, banging his fist on the table as he did so. The people sitting with looked quite taken back and frightened.
"Wow Harry, no need to bottle up all that anger," George said sarcastically.
"She called me a liar," Harry muttered angrily.
"So has everyone else," I said. "You need to rise above it, and show that you're not that psychopath that they've made out. Behaviour like this doesn't really help your case."
"You're seriously lecturing me?" He answered. "What do you know?"
"More than you think," I said confidently. I looked around the table and saw everyone listening intently. They didn't even bother to hide it. "You have detention later?" he nodded. "Me too."
Ron and Hermione looked at me surprised, obviously not hearing the story.
"What did you do?" Hermione asked.
"I talked back, gave her a piece of her own medicine," I grinned proudly.
"Which was completely uncalled for. You're Tonks' 'Sister'," Ginny whispered quietly. "She'll give her a hard time now."
"That's a regrettable mistake. But that stupid woman needs to realise that we can't be messed with. And it wasn't uncalled for. She's a complete bitch. It's her fault Remus can't get a job," I told them. I didn't know if this fact was common knowledge yet, but hey I could always blame it on the psychic-ness.
Muggle Studies passed by pretty slowly. I sat by Collin and Oliver, which was a very hilarious experience. What wasn't hilarious however, was that Professor Burbage had given us a presentation homework on inspirational muggle women which was due in tomorrow.
So I have detention, a potions essay and a Muggle Studies presentation all for tomorrow. Looks like I'm not sleeping again.
I wasn't going to post this yet, but I had so many amazing reviews I had to.
This chapters dedicated to Sensula who noticed a mistake (I went back and changed it) and to 2featherbraids. Your review really made me smile.
Thanks to everyone else who reviewed: That nerd you know you love, starry eyed, fruityloops156, call me longstride and everyone else.
I just decided to make up some names for the fourth years, it was easier than reading through 7 books, trying to find a name. The next chapter 'Because Baby, You Were Born This Way' will be up by the end of the week.
thanks so much for reading.