So the reason why this chapter is early is because of two reasons. Number one. Because I was terribly late the last time and it is sort of my way of saying 'sorry': by giving you a brand new and longer chapter. Reason number two is because I had a lot of good ideas that would fit perfectly into this chapter.

I do not own any of J.K.'s characters. Just my own which are in chapters 1-11.

Happy reading!

Chapter 11.

The Friendship of an Enemy

The next morning Devony woke feeling like she had rested for a hundred years. Usually she would feel as if someone was prying her eyes open with a crowbar, but this morning she was up before Ginny was. She bathed in the hottest water possible, got into some of her robes and headed down to the cafeteria for breakfast. Only a few other people where down with her. She was the only one sitting at the Gryffindor table.

Devony filled her plate with rolls, bacon and scrambled eggs. She was desperately trying not to remember the night before and drown it out in comfort breakfast food. She failed miserably.

When she got to the common room last night she just about ignored everything. She ignored when George left his conversation about his merchandise with Lee Jordan and stared at Devony as she headed up the stairs. She ignored when her three other roommates gave her glares when she was changing into her pajamas. She even ignored Ginny as she looked on from her bed as Devony climbed into her bed and turned on one side to fall asleep.

Devony wanted greatly to ask Ginny what she had told Fred but she was too angry. Angry at everything from last night. She especially didn't want anyone to see her hands so she hid them with some fingerless gloves. She hoped none of the teachers would see them.

Devony hugged a hot cup of tea around her gloved hands. The warmth made her feel fuzzy inside. Just like she had felt last night. With Fred. Fred Weasley.

Devony set the cup down immediately.

More people started to come into the Great Hall. The first person she noticed was Winifred who was chatting away with a girl with long, white blonde hair who had a dreamy stare. Next was Harry Potter, Hermione and Ron Weasley. They all looked anxious. Next to come was Ginny and Zoe. Zoe had the Daily Prophet in her hands. How did they get it that quickly? The two girls made a bee line for Devony who squirmed in her seat.

"Devony you won't believe what happened," Zoe said slapping the newspaper on the table making a fork skip across the table. Devony pushed aside her almost empty plate and reached across the wooden table and unfolded the newspaper. A hideous site appeared before her eyes. Umbridge was smiling straight at Devony like the sweet, old grandmother she wanted to appear to be. The headline read:

Ministry Seeks Educational Reform

Dolores Umbridge Appointed First-Ever "High Inquisitor"

"What the bloody hell does that mean?" said Devony through clenched teeth. She nearly crumpled the paper underneath her fingers to death before Ginny snatched it away.

"It means she has the power to make new rules whenever she wants," Ginny said sitting down. Zoe did the same.

"She's already been doing that!"

"Little stuff. Now she can do the things she's been itching to do. Make the big rules."

Devony nodded her head and stared at the paper. She would tell her, but she knew Grubbly-plank could handle herself. She was tough and didn't let anyone intimidate her. That was the reason why Devony liked her so much.

"Speaking of Umbridge, how did the detention go with my brothers?" Ginny asked leaning across the table, her eyes big.

"Detention?" said Zoe, alarmed.

"We, uh, just had to write lines," Devony lied. Not entirely though; it was still partly true.

"Anyway, it also says somewhere in her that she's going to inspect the teachers. I heard from someone that she's inspecting Professor Grubbly-Plank. You want to give her the heads up," warned Ginny sitting back down in her seat.

"Head up about what?" Chimed two voices. Devony felt two bodies sit beside her and knew in an instant it was the twins. She saw Zoe's cheeks become a little pink when she saw George in front of her.

"Read the paper," was all Devony said to them.

Ginny filled them in on the rest.

"Old Grub can handle herself," Fred waved it off and started to butter a crumpet as did George.

"George," Zoe said with a quiver in her voice, "what's that on your hand?" She pointed to his left hand, the scarred one. Devony felt like evaporating.

Fred rolled his eyes. "Our punishment from last night. Umbridge made us all write lines; I thought those quills looked funny. We both have to go back tonight to finish. But Miss Change of Heart here already finished hers."

Ginny gasped, snatched Devony's left hand and ripped the glove off of her hand. The scar was red and very noticeable. Even though the twins saw what happened last night Fred tensed up beside her.

"Devony!"

Devony sighed heavily and pulled her arm back. "I didn't want to worry you."

"I would have found out sooner or later you know. We are roommates."

Devony was about to apologize when a fluttering of wings went across the room signaling everyone that the mail had arrived. The five lifted their heads but only Devony got mail. Archimedes landed on the table in front of Devony with a letter in his beak. It was another letter from Mrs. Weasley. This made her smile.

Devony had gotten two others from the Weasley's mother expressing her excitement for her arrival. The first letter contained that, the second letter was asking what she liked to eat and if it was alright if she slept in Ginny's room. Devony happily accepted. This was a sweet woman and Devony wanted to have a good first impression, even if it was by mail.

"Thanks, Archimedes," Devony said petting the feathers underneath Scops owl's chin. Archimedes closed his eyes at this and relaxed. The two never got any alone time lately.

"Would you tell that filthy animal to get away from the tables that we eat off of?" Asked a rude voice from behind Devony. She turned around to see her three other roommates glaring at the Devony. Larissa Snicket was in front of Alexandra and Julia, her school books in one arm. Her dark, almost black hair was pulled into a loose braid to the side of her face. She would have looked pleasant if she wasn't insulting Devony.

"Alright," Devony said shrugging. "Please get away from the tables we eat off of."

Larissa gasped and her friends put a hand to their mouths in surprise. It had been so long since Devony had told her off, she didn't even think of a comeback. Instead, she just clicked her heels together and walked off. Julia hurried to catch up. Alexandra stayed and smiled at Fred.

"I'll see you later Fred." She winked, bit her lip and then followed after Julia, her short, bob cut hair bouncing below her jaw line. Devony felt the blood rising to her head and turned back around.

"Nice!" The twins said at the same time. She looked them both and smiled, Alexandra's comment fading away.

"That felt…really good." Devony sighed and Zoe laughed.

"Been about time," Ginny said now petting Archimedes. "Those three have been getting on my nerve and I know I can't do as good of a job as you can."

"A whole moth of bottled up feelings—," said Fred.

"—finally bursting out." George completed.

"I think we're making progress," the two said.

The day dragged on. Devony and Zoe warned the Care for Magical Creatures teacher first thing before the students arrived. She thanked them but told them not to be worried. When Fred and Devony went along to Divination, the professor looked troubled. The guess that Umbridge had gotten to her, but Trelawney proceeded with her lesson. Even if she did looked more shaky and unstable as usual. Devony guess the same incident had happened to Professor McGonagall because even if she didn't look shaken, she looked very on edge and frustrated.

However the weeks went by with the new rules being posted on the walls and the teachers acting more and more rigid. On the bright side Devony got to go to Quidditch practice and be in some of the practices here and then. The rest she just sat and watched, taking notes of how Angelina taught her team. Occasionally, however, she was forced to listen to rude Slytherin people call out to the team.

There was only one interesting thing that happened in the span of two weeks, and that was the day that Hermione had spoken to Fred, George and Devony in the common room, alone.

They were all in the common room, staying up later than most. Lee Jordan was helping put the Weasley's merchandise away in an orderly manner. Devony was finishing up an experiment for Herbology and began to stare at the "D" she received on a Potions essay. Devony begged the professor to let her retake it. Fortunately, or unfortunately, he agreed only because he gave her three extra pages and expected next class. To top it off, she was also doing poorly in Transfiguration. Vincent wouldn't take his eyes off of her and made her loose concentration on transfiguring an owl into opera glasses. Instead, the poor owl was flipped off the table and onto the floor. His feathers strewn across the floor, the pitiful creature flew out the window, squawking. That left Samantha, her group and Devony's roommates to snicker at her.

Attempting to get her advanced transfiguration book in her bag, she hardly noticed when Hermione walked casually down the stairs and into the common room. She talked in hushed tones with the three boys using hand gestures that were swift like an owl's wing.

Devony started up the stairs to the girls' hallway when Hermione's voice stopped her.

"Devony," Hermione whispered. "Come here." She motioned with her hand for Devony to huddle with the rest of the boys. Suspicious but too tired to question, Devony walked over to the group. "I have very important information to share with you. Mind you, you can not tell anyone else. And I mean anyone." More intrigued than she thought she would be, Devony leaned her body in closer.

"Everyone in the school knows Umbridge is no good at her job—"

"You can say that again," Lee huffed and crossed his arms.

"—and can't teach us how to properly defend ourselves. We also believe that the Ministry is doing this on purpose because they believe that Dumbledore might fight against them if he has enough powerful students."

"They over think quite a few things," Fred said thoughtfully. Hermione punched him in the arm to silence him.

"It's a ridiculous idea, I know, but we still need to have the proper training."

"How?" Devony asked. Hermione looked straight at her, her brown eyes into her violet.

"By having Harry teach us."

"WHAT?" exclaimed Lee and jumped up from his seat. He was forcefully pulled back down by Devony who shushed him.

"What are you talking about, Hermione," George asked in a quieter tone.

"Harry is the only student in Hogwarts who is positively brilliant at Dart Arts training. He defeated the basilisk when he was only thirteen, fought off more than a hundred Dementors and competed in Tri-Wizard tournament just last year. Not mention he came face to face with V—well, you-know-who."

Hermione waited for anyone to disagree with her on the last point, but everyone in the circle believed Harry a hundred percent. She smiled at this. "That's why he would make such a good teacher."

Devony stood up straight. "I think it's a brilliant idea. I'm all for it."

"Sign us up," the twins said together, grinning. Anything to defy Umbridge and the Ministry.

"Goes the same for me," Lee chimed in.

Hermione sighed with relief but kept her voice at the same whisper. "We're going to have a meeting about it with a few more people on this weekend's trip. We'll meet at the Hog's Head about half an hour after we've arrived. Remember, tell no one."

"Wait!" Devony called before Hermione left. "I know one more person who would like to join. She's a Hufflepuff, kind of shy, but she can be trusted."

Hermione nodded. "Sure. We could always use more recruit."

When no more questions where asked, Hermione said goodnight and went up to bed. George looked content that Zoe was now joining and leaned back in his chair, his arms behind his head.

"It's about time we get some practice now," Fred said flopping back in his chair. Devony sat for a while on the hassock in front of him. "I guess Georgie and I can take a day off from selling out goods. We haven't got anything better to do."

Devony was going to discuss that they all should go together when she remembered something horrid. Something terrifying.

"Good Lord," Devony said putting her hands to her eyes. "I can't believe this."

"What's the matter?" The twins asked.

Devony wished so badly she wouldn't have to tell them this. She would rather gargle with nails or eat slugs. She would rather have a civilized conversation with Umbridge or clean up after Filch's cat. Anything but tell the boys what she had planned for tomorrow.

The three eighteen year olds waited to hear more from their blonde friend. Devony looked down at her hands. "I…uh…sort of…have a…a date tomorrow."

"You what?" The twins asked. Devony looked up. Lee's mouth was hanging open trying to figure out if it was time for him to laugh or be shocked. George was in complete shock, a puzzled and almost disbelief look on his face. Fred just sat there, staring straight at Devony. She could not read his face. No emotion could get past his eyes. Although, if she had to pick an emotion, it would read anger.

"That's not the worst part," Devony said holding her hand up. "The date is with…Vincent Kingsley."

Now the boys where very speechless.

"Well you don't seem very pleased with the idea," Lee said putting his elbows on his knees.

"I'm not," Devony assured them. When she said this, she looked straight at the twins, more at Fred. "He tricked me. Unless I wanted to be caught doing magic and get kicked out by Snape, I have to go on the date with him."

"Do you realize how important this meeting is?" Lee asked.

"But she can't be expelled!" Fred roared at Lee. He was taken aback. "Sorry. She can't; this year means too much to her." Devony half-smiled at Fred, thanking him silently for understanding.

George just shook his head. "I just know he's going to pull something."

"You think I don't know that? You all have no idea what I would rather do than go on a bloody date with that Neanderthal. Not to mention Winnie also has to go on a date with one of his dreadful friends. I got her into all this mess by beating the two up with a first year's satchel."

Fred and George laughed. Lee joined in after a moment. Tears where rolling down their cheeks. Devony couldn't help but remember when she had done it, how good it felt to be like her old self. Letting the bullies get a taste of their own medicine. She laughed as well and the four didn't stop for what seemed like hours.

"I'll try to find a way out of it. I wouldn't miss this meeting for the world," Devony said whipping away tears of laughter.

Up in Devony's room, Ginny was already in her bed, her robe spread out on her trunk and a book in hands getting drowsier by the second; she fought to finish her chapter. Her three other roommates were rummaging in their trunks to see what they would wear to the first outing at Hogsmeade. Devony looked out the stained glass window. White snow flakes were collecting on the outside making it grow cold. Devony would definitely be wearing something warm but as the same time presentable for her "date".

Alexandra was first to pop her head out of her trunk and produced a pleated skirt with black leggings and a black wool coat. It looked expensively tailored and made to fit only her. "I know what I'll be wearing! This will certainly catch someone's eye." It might have been her imagination, but Devony could swear she saw Alexandra look straight at her when she said that.

"Alexandra, you do know it will be below thirty degrees tomorrow, right?" Ginny asked looking up from her book. Alexandra snapped her head towards the fourth year and gave her a stink eye look. Ginny waved it off will a role of her eyes. Devony bristled but let it go.

"Just wait till you see what I have," Larissa said with enthusiasm outlining her voice. "It's simply gorgeous!"

"Oh, me too!" Julia piped up.

Devony was busy turning down her covers, but at that moment she witness the two girls just as they pulled out what they would wear tomorrow.

The sweater dress was beautiful. It was a dark blue with warm cowl neck and the end stopped just above the knee. The gold chain belt hung loosely from the belt loops and looks shimmery in the light. It was highly fashionable and, once again, very expensive. The outfit would have been perfect. There was only one problem.

The two girls both had it in their hands.

The silence in the room was amazing. You could actually hear the sound of not breathing, and it was deafening. Larissa and Julia stared at each other. Larissa had a straight face and Julia had the same look if her mouth wasn't slightly gapped. Alexandra was in the middle of the two looking back and forth. Back and forth. She had the appearance of shock, but Devony could tell from one swift look into her eyes what she was thinking. I'm glad it's not me.

Larissa cleared her through and put on a small smile. "Well, isn't this something?"

Julia managed a tiny nod. "What are the odds?"

They chuckled.

Devony glanced over at Ginny for a second and saw she was intently looking at the conversation as well. The five girls all knew what was coming and we knew Julia wasn't going to like it.

"Alright Julia, this is ridiculous," Larissa said at once. "We both obviously know we want to wear the dress, right? But, be real. I would look better in it."

Devony actually took a step back. What friend would say that? Not a real one, that's for sure. Julia looked at the dress in her hands.

"It's just that m-my mother picked this out for me and—"

"Are you serious?" Larissa asked, placing the sweater into her trunk and closed it shut. "No offense Julia, but, your mother is color blind." Devony's eyes widened. "Remember last summer when she made you wear that yellow dress? It was horrid!"

Julia's eye looked helpless. "Larissa, I picked that out, not my—"

"And you know how long I've been planning this trip," Larissa took two steps closer to Julia. Devony saw the Indian swallow hard. Larissa took the dress in Julia's hands and tossed it back into her trunk. She rummaged around in it. "Why not wear this purple top you wore last year? It's probably still in season."

"But why can't I wear the dress?" Julia dared to ask.

Alexandra's eyes went wide but Larissa kept her cool.

"Julia, let me make this clear for you if it wasn't before. I am wearing this dress. And you know how I feel about other people wearing the same outfit as me." Larissa's tone got more demanding and made Julia shiver. As quick as lightning, Larissa straightened up and smiled like nothing had happened, but her eyes were cold as she spoke to her friend.

"Alexandra and I have some business to attend to in the Slytherin common room. When I come back, I would love to see something else than that dress on you. Maybe even that top. It is your choice. Come on, Alexandra."

Larissa headed out the large wooden door and into the hallway. Alexandra scurried as fast as she could to her bed to put down her outfit and then run over to the door. Before she ran into the hallway, she stopped herself and turned around. Devony hoped, prayed even, that she would say something comforting to her distraught friend.

"If I were you," Alexandra mustered in the sweetest voice possible, "I would burn that dress and find something else."

The air in the room was cold and it wasn't because of the snow from outside. Devony and Ginny looked at each at the same time after Alexandra left. She quickly snapped her head to Julia who was standing and looking at her trunk. Reaching down to the edge of the lid, she gripped the wood and her knuckles turned white with pressure. She closed the lid quietly and securely. Julia then sat on it and turned away from the other girls, her head hung low.

Devony realized then, Julia was not a threat. She never was. When she started hanging around the two girls she was labeled a bad person. If she ever spread rumors or snitched, it was probably because Larissa told her to.

Devony took quiet and slow steps towards the girl. She could feel the stare of Ginny on her back but ignored it.

Sobs escaped from Julia's mouth and her shoulders were shaking violently.

How many more people had Larissa made cry like this?

"Julia," Devony said faintly, "are you alright?"

What a dumb question.

Julia did not answer.

Devony walked around to the front of her. By now Ginny was out of her bed and making her way over towards the other two girls.

Devony squatted down in front of the girl. Her face was red and tear stained. She tried to wipe them away but her eyes kept producing new ones in their place.

"Why? Why are you around her? Look what she's done to you." Devony tried to keep her voice even. "She is not a friend. She is using you for her personal use."

Julia looked up to Devony to argue but the words never made it out of her mouth. She covered her eyes with her hands and cried again. Ginny rubbed her back.

"I was so unpopular." Julia lifted her head after many minutes of crying. "It was my third year when Larissa picked me out of the dust. Alexandra was already her friend. They took me to all the best places to be seen. Before I knew it, I was someone!" Her eyes lit up like a Christmas tree. "I was being asked out on dates and was complimented on what I wore, all because of Larissa. But, for the past few years, I've just been her slave. I do her homework, hold doors open for her and even curl her hair in the mornings. What did I do wrong?"

"Nothing," Devony said putting her hands on her shoulders. "Larissa just saw you that day and decided what she wanted. She wanted you, the girl that no one else liked because, well, she was most vulnerable to being manipulated."

Julia nodded because it was true. Ginny ran to the bathroom and came out with a few sheets or toilet paper. Julia's mascara was running down her coffee colored face. Julia thanked her and took it, dabbing her eyes.

"Wow," Julia said once she had stopped being hysterical. "We've treated you two like dirt. I treated you two like dirt, and here you are helping me. I think I should tell you now; it was Alexandra and Larissa who pulled the Confundus Charm on you. Well, they made me do it to make sure it wasn't traced back to them. But I didn't want to, I swear."

Devony nodded. She assumed one of the two had to be involved but she also guessed it was Samantha. "I forgive you. It wasn't that big of a deal since I got on the team anyway."

"Besides, it's what roommates do. Even if it does sound completely cliché," said Ginny. Julia laughed. She looked up at Devony.

"Thank you so much. I don't know how I can repay you."

Devony smiled. "I know how." She had Julia stand up from her trunk, open it and reach into it, pulling out the stunning dress. "This dress will look ravishing in this dress Julia. Wear it."

Julia bit her lip as she took the soft fabric into her hands. "Larissa wouldn't let me leave this sport if I had on the same dress."

"True." Devony thought hard. "Then say that you're sick and won't go. Just tell Larissa and Alexandra that, no one else. I assure you, they won't care enough to repeat it. Once they've gone, get on the dress and go quietly among the rest of the students in the hallways. Make sure they don't see you. When you get to Hogsmeade, get with your other friends and make sure they know you had this dress first. And if you happen to see your other 'friends' around, who do you think they'll believe?"

Julia let goof her lip and bit her cheek.

Ginny stood next to Devony. "Julia, this girl here would not lie to you. This can work. Make a stand, show Larissa you will not be thrown around like a ragdoll."

Julia stared at the two girls, then back at the dress. She smiled and took the dress from Devony. "I'll do it. I will."

"I can see this starting to be a beautiful friendship, Julia," Devony said proudly, grasping her shoulder.