Poppy's fifth year started off with a sense of foreboding. Everything seemed to go wrong on her first day. The striped haired teenager didn't ride the train again, only to receive stern words from Harry again. She was made to promise to ride the train next year. This was of course made by Ron and Hermione who were fed up with their friends behaviour on the journey. Harry was apparently very pissy when it came to her protection.
Then, their Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor that year was an awful woman named Dolores Umbridge. The woman was short, pink and toad faced. In the Great Hall, Poppy listened to the woman's slightly mad introductory speech. Her keen green gaze took the Ministry woman in. She was unattractive but her hair was utterly perfect and clothes perfectly pressed. She was dressed in an orderly manner... too orderly. Something about her countenance screamed off to the animagus. McGonagall dressed impeccably but there was a difference in the women that Poppy noticed immediately. Poppy intended to do some research. Something was definitely wrong with her.
Perhaps it was the condescending and superior expression on her toad-like face. Perhaps it was the slimly eyes that seemed to creep across the students. Though it was most likely because Poppy knew her to be a Ministry spy. Most likely a result of the tensions between Albus Dumbledore and Cornelious Fudge. The teenager could admit she was likely being overly paranoid. A beurocratic nightmare but hardly a Dark witch.
The first night of term, the four friends converged in the common room after curfew. Poppy flopped down onto the armchair while her friends all huddled together on the sofa, comfortable around the roaring fire that had not yet been extinguished.
"I don't get it. Why is the woman from your trial our new Defence Professor?" Ron asked with a frown. Harry opened his mouth to respond when Hermione shushed him with a frown. Her whiskey eyes looked around the common room for a second before whipping her wand out. Hermione then wordlessly cast a silencing spell.
Poppy smirked in approval.
Hermione then huffed, "It's bad" She bemoaned, "It means that the Ministry is interfering in Hogwarts" Her bushy haired friend bit her lip and looked very worried.
She shot a sympathetic look towards her female friend.
Hermione continued, "I hope it doesn't affect our OWL's" She sighed, looking more than a little distraught. Poppy snorted. Since becoming prefect this year the girl had been out to prove herself even more than before, if such a thing was possible. And it had only been a day.
Ron turned to look at Hermione with wide eyes, "Your OWL's? That's what your thinking about now? The Ministry of Magic is out to get Harry and that's what your worrying about?" He asked incredulously with his usual she-is-bloody-mental tone of voice. Poppy watched with a little curiosity but mostly indifference.
Poppy and Harry exchanged a look then. It read, 'this could go on forever'. Yes, Ron and Hermione's little spats seemed to never end.
Hermione scowled at the red head, "Obviously I am worried about Harry too Ronald but-" The brown haired Gryffindor's shoulders were back, eyes bright and expression stern. This meant she was gearing in for the long haul. Dear Merlin.
Poppy sighed very loudly to draw attention back to the matter at hand. Her three friends all looked at her.
She smiled at the attention, "There is nothing we can do about Umbridge at the moment aside from some preliminary research into her background" Poppy begin with a calm expression. She leaned forward in her seat, feeling focused, "Fudge obviously trusts her but it would be useful to know her political stance, blood status, Hogwarts House, age, family background-" She began only to be cut off by a baffled Ron Weasley.
"Family background. Why the bloody hell do we need to know that? Paranoid you are, what else do you want to know? Her favourite biscuit? What's that going to tell us" He let out a kind of little laugh and shot a strange and almost worried look towards her. Poppy rolled her eyes at his behaviour. It was just a small background check. Completely necessary and essential.
Poppy raised her eyebrows and tilted her head, slightly amused and played along, "Her favourite biscuit would tell me a lot actually" She began idly with a serious face, "If it was a muggle one it would tell me her blood status as a half blood or muggle born. Or it would tell me her stance on muggle-wizarding relations. If it was an expensive biscuit then it would imply she came from money. If it was a common one then it would tell me she didn't have much of a sweet tooth or refined taste when it comes to food-" Poppy begin her explanation but was cut off by Harry.
"-Right well, I don't think that matters much now" He spoke over her with an exasperated look, his face read 'I don't have time for your paranoia'. Poppy shrugged her shoulders unapologetically. She was right and Ron could do with a little extra precaution.
Her ginger haired friend was gaping at her wide eyed. He opened his mouth and closed it before turning to Hermione and whispering, "That's not normal. That's not normal, is it?" He said furiously under his breath.
Hermione shot him an annoyed look before Poppy replied to him, "No it's not normal Ron" She said with amusement. Poppy was well aware she wasn't normal but as long as Harry accepted her then she could tolerate it. She could be a lot worse.
Ron jerked his head around, again startled, "How did you..." He trailed off with a frown, blue eyes lingering on her in confusion.
Poppy rolled her eyes, "Spirit wolf, remember?" She said pointedly and tapped her ears to indicate her advanced hearing.
Ron scowled and then muttered unintelligibly under his breath. Hermione huffed at his childish behaviour. Her female friend turned to look at her with worried eyes, "Poppy you should be more careful in being so flippant about your abilities. Someone might notice and begin to question it. You really shouldn't say anything out loud" She told her though the concern in her eyes was touching.
The animagus nodded seriously. Her friend was absolutely right.
"We should come up with some sort of code then when we're talking about Poppy's-you-know-what" Ron said earnestly, looking between Harry and Hermione.
The striped haired teenager scrunched her nose up, "Ugh that makes it sound like I've got some Dark Lord style STD" She muttered sullenly.
Ron let out a quick laugh while Hermione scrunched her nose up in disgust. Harry sent her a look, "Poppy, you need to stop mentioning sexually transmitted diseases" He told her a tad desperately. You didn't get such illnesses in the Wizarding World. Poppy had recently discovered them and was exceptionally amused. It explained a little why purebloods thought muggles to be 'dirty'.
She smiled sheepishly at her friends, trying not to laugh.
Harry then took charge, "Ron's right. We need to be able to talk about it without actually saying anything. It could come in useful this year with keeping an eye on Umbridge. Poppy you could maybe see what you can overhear or check in on her from time to time" He asked hopefully.
The animagus frowned at the thought of using her wolf form to spy on someone but nodded her head in agreement. It would be useful.
The conversation that followed seemed to last forever. They all tried to figure out the right name for her animagus form. It was mostly Ron and Hermione with Poppy adamantly refusing all of them. Harry would occasionally laugh and screw his face up to show his feelings on the manner but did not offer any himself.
Ron suggested, "How about Aleric?" He said, looking between his friends.
Immediately Poppy spoke out, "No"
Hermione just sighed in exasperation, "You can't name her after a known Spirit wolf in a story Ron" She explained with forced patience.
Ron just sighed then and slouched back on the sofa, "I don't know then" He muttered.
Hermione then looked like she was deeply concentrating, "Maybe Fenna? In Dutch, it means the guardian of peace" She said eagerly with a smile. Such a swotty response.
Ron snorted and Hermione turned to glare at him, "Guardian of peace?" He repeated in an almost mocking manner.
Hermione did not look amused, "Well I don't see you coming up with any better ideas" She hissed.
Ron objected, "I've come up with tons of great ones!"
Poppy didn't need to be a seer to know that this argument could go on and on. The animagus turned to her bespeckled friend.
"Right, you decide Harry because I don't think they will ever stop" Poppy spoke up, sounding bored. It didn't really matter.
Hermione and Ron looked a little put out but did look at Harry expectantly.
The boy-who-lived obviously didn't like the attention and ruffled his hair a little anxiously, "I really don't know... how about... Ghost?" He suggested in almost a questioning manner.
Poppy frowned at the name again. Ghost? What kind of name was that? He used that name as an excuse to his uncle Vernon during the summer, didn't he?
Hermione and Ron didn't say anything but did look at each other. Poppy wasn't sure what she thought, "Ghost. Why...?" She asked a little tersely.
Harry looked sheepish as he rubbed the back of his neck and fiddled with his glasses, "Well I just remember thinking the first time I saw you... that you looked a bit like a ghost. You know... see through and that? Your fur is also completely white so..." He trailed off.
The three friends all stared at Harry as they thought it through. No one seemed particularly enthused about the name. Harry's cheeks tinged pink before Ron cleared his throat,
"Ghost, eh? Well, no one will ever realize what we're talking about... will they" Her ginger friend said awkwardly. It was the most tactful the Weasley had ever been.
Hermione then gave Harry a kind of stilted smile. Poppy rolled her eyes but smiled at the messy haired teen.
"Yeah, it's not the best name ever but... it will do. The most important thing is that people don't understand. In the meantime, Hermione would you do some research on Dolores Umbridge? And I mean everything, from her Hogwarts House to the furnishings in her office" Poppy asked, the bushy haired girl nodded her head firmly.
Poppy turned to Ron, "You should ask around, maybe send a letter to your dad and ask him, he works at the Ministry with her, he might know something. You could also see what other people are saying about her and her classes"
Ron nodded quite amicably with a thoughtful face. Usually, it was her that gave directions to everyone though Harry was still the kind of leader of the group. He mediated between their idea's and if someone didn't agree with what she suggested. Which happened frequently.
The green eyed teenager turned to Harry seriously, "Tell me everything that happened in the court room and I mean everything. Did they ask you to demonstrate the Patronus Charm?" She asked somewhat anxiously. If they discovered Harry to be dishonest during a Wizarding trial... well, she didn't want to imagine.
Ron suddenly sat up straighter and scowled at Harry, "Oi mate, I've been meaning to say, how could you not tell us you know the Patronus Charm?" He demanded.
Hermione too turned to frown at their friend and crossed her arms over her chest, "Yes Harry, it's a very advanced spell. I can't believe you didn't tell us" Her voice was dripping with disapproval.
The bespectacled boy's green eyes darted to hers for a fraction of a second in worry. Merlin, Harry was so obvious sometimes it was worrying. He opened his mouth to retort, "Uh-well-" He sputtered.
Poppy sighed heavily. Harry was the worst liar ever, "That's because I cast it" She said firmly. Immediately Hermione and Ron turned to look at her in surprise.
"You did" Hermione repeated. The complete and utter disbelief on her face was a little insulting. She was trying to hide it though, Ron, was not quite as obvious.
"Like we're going to believe that-" He began with an eye roll.
Harry cut in with a worried look and a frown to Ron, "It's true, she was visiting me at the Dursleys when the Dementor appeared. If it wasn't for Poppy, me and Dudley would probably be dead" He explained quietly.
A sudden quietness filled the Common Room as the implications of the attack finally dawned on her three friends. Poppy envied their innocence.
Ron gulped and looked very worried. Hermoine's brown eyes also looked concerned though her curiosity got the better of her, "When did you learn the Patronus Charm Poppy?" She asked with a frown.
Poppy sighed. They really should be making plans and speaking of things more important right now, "I don't know... second or third year? I can't remember" She said wearily, rubbing the bridge between her eyebrows.
Hermione was still frowning as she eyed her in disbelief, "Well was it in second or third year? That's a really advanced spell Poppy. Who helped you with it? You couldn't have managed it on your own" She was still frowning with brown eyes moving up and down her in an assessing manner.
Irritation and impatience bubbled up inside of her like fiendfyre. Her heart raced in her chest and a wave of rage overtook her. How dare Hermione question Poppy's abilities. How dare she think Poppy to be stupid or average. The animagus loved Hermione, she truly did, but her superior attitude and sheer competitiveness irked her like nothing else. Poppy was no idiot.
Poppy pursed her lips and took a steadying breath before speaking in a calm tone, "No one taught me Hermione. I taught myself, much like you do with spells" Her voice was almost pleasant.
Harry sat up sharply in his seat, suddenly alert. His green eyes locked onto her face. She ignored him.
Hermione scoffed and folded her arms, "Taught yourself? How did-" She began.
Poppy patience reached its limit, "Yes" She spoke above her bushy haired friend. Poppy stared listlessly into Hermione's brown eyes, struggling not to take a deeper look inside her mind.
"Incase you have forgotten Hermione, that I was raised by a Dark Wizard" A slight strain entered her calm voice and she struggled to remain impassive, her eyes continuously locked onto the muggleborns.
Poppy continued, her tone now empty as she spoke her words very carefully, "I can cast advanced spells very easily as a matter of fact. I have learned and have experienced unforgiveables before you even knew you were a Witch. I know more Dark Curses than half of Slytherin House. I could turn your skin inside out, explode your eyeballs, snap your spine and then carefully oblivate you so no one would ever know" She explained, a slight haze settled over her vision.
She almost whispered, "You have no idea, Granger, exactly what I am capable of so I suggest you remove yourself from that high Abraxan your on. I do not appreciate people thinking I am being dishonest, nor do I enjoy because belittled and looked down upon by someone I would consider my friend"
A silence settled over them all as she paused. Poppy's vision was still a little focused as she concentrated on Hermione's eyes but couldn't determine her emotions.
"Just because I do not flaunt my skills or knowledge does not mean I don't possess it. Some of us do not feel the need to be constantly validated their abilities and my sense of achievement does not solely depend on House points and test results"
Poppy came back to herself a little by the harsh and bitter words she had spoken to her friend. It was then that the animagus noticed tears swimming in 'Mione's eyes. The muggleborns shoulders were hunched in guilt and her hands twisted nervously on her lap. Ron had shuffled over and had a protective arm around her shoulder though he looked worried. Harry, had moved and was standing silently beside her armchair, watching her and watching patiently. When her green eyes met his he smiled sadly. No judgment whatsoever. A flash of pain went through her.
She took a moment to collect herself. Poppy should have been more careful with her emotions. She turned to Hermione again, "In the future, I can only hope you will give me the benefit of the doubt. I don't seek praise or care much for my education, to be truthful but I do enjoy magic and reading. I find it fascinating and I would have hoped that you of all people would understand that" Her voice had gone quiet.
As if sensing that her mood had settled, Harry placed a gentle hand on her shoulder in silent comfort. Her friends were still silent so she rose from her seat. The three Gryffindor's watched her. She sighed, "I think it time for me to retire for the night. Harry-" She turned to look at her best friend. He nodded in acknowledgment though his eyes lingered on her worriedly.
"We can start Patronus lesson's tomorrow night" Poppy said quietly. Harry nodded in acceptance though looked a little conflicted. The animagus noticed his hands twitch as his sides. A flash of guilt shot through her. Harry did that when he wanted to hug her or comfort her but wasn't bold enough. Usually, she would simply hug him to save him the worry but she didn't much feel like it now.
Poppy walked silently over to the steps leading up to her dormitory, feeling three sets of different coloured eyes following her. At the foot of the steps she paused and turned around to give Hermione a solemn look,
"You know, you shouldn't be so hungry for validation. It's dangerous and it will make you act out of character. I know that a little competitiveness and ambition aren't necessarily bad things but... they can be" She finished in almost a whisper as she walked away.
Tears fell from her eyes, bringing warmth to her frozen face. Poppy crouched on her knee's in the dirt, trembling but not from the frigid temperatures but from fear and shame. Wind bit at her exposed torso. She ignored the feeling. Their cozy little cabin was just off to her right, promising warmth and comfort. Though, she continued to kneel, facing out into the forest awaiting her punishment.
This was her all fault. All for reading that stupid muggle book she found.
Warmth continued to fall from her wide eyes. She panted, staring straight ahead at the small forest clearing, trying to focus on a point ahead.
"I am so disappointed, Poppy" A voice spoke from behind her. Her papa. She let him down again. Poppy continued to pant, her nose blocked up. She trembled in fear though also in acceptance, focusing on a tree. She deserved this.
"There is no shame in being curious" He said almost gently, still behind her. She knew what was coming, "There is shame, however, in lying to me" Papa's voice was sharp again, "Dishonesty is utterly unacceptable. I accept you for exactly who you are, my dear. You are strong and powerful but this weak and cowardly attitude is beneath you. Do not ever hide who you are and what you think. You are above those that shun the truth" He explained strongly with conviction.
Poppy nodded her head and continued to pant. The shame and guilt inside of her were more powerful than the cold winds or feeling of impending pain. Yes, he was right, only people afraid of the truth, lied. She didn't want to be a liar. She didn't want to be bad.
Her papa sighed. Her Papa accepted her for who she was and all she gives him in return in disobedience and dishonesty. She was weak. Papa was just showing her how to be strong.
"I do not wish to do this Poppy. It is for your own good"
The little girl's trembling slowed down a little as she knew what was coming. Her green eyes closed in acceptance.
"Verberum" His powerful and commanding voice spoke from behind her.
A blinding burning pain whipped across her naked back in one perfectly aimed stroke. One lash. That was all. Just one. Sheathing her teeth behind her lips, the air was knocked out of her though she did not make a sound. Immediately, warmth leaked down her spine, bringing a rapid change in temperature to her cold back and pooling on the ground under her.
Burning, agonizing pain across her back refused her from standing. Her breaths came easier, however as she knew it was over.
Footsteps approached her from behind. She waited until he gave her one last speech to teach her the lesson. But her papa didn't immediately speak. Instead, to her surprise, crouched down beside her and placed a hand on her shoulder.
"You didn't make a sound" He mumbled. Poppy turned her head to look directly into her papas sharp and hard eyes that were almost affectionate at that moment. She bit her lip uncertainly.
Her papa reached around and waved his wand at her back. Immediately the wounds closed, though the pain and throbbing sensation remained. Not completely, healed, no never completely. But enough so that she wouldn't lose too much blood. Enough so she would feel and remember his lesson. You couldn't heal Dark wounds that easily.
After a moment her papa reached around to hold her in a loose embrace. She melted into his arms in relief. He still wanted her. He would still protect her. She was despicable to ever lie to him. Over what? Some stupid muggle book she had found. Was it worth it? No.
"Little Poppy, you're growing up so fast. You didn't make a sound. You're learning. Never show pain or fear" He said almost soothingly.
Tears fell again from her eyes and she clutched her papa. Her only family. He saved her and this is how she repaid him. She deserved the punishment. He was only trying to teach her to be the best she could be. She wanted to be the best. She wanted to reach her potential.
"I-I'm s-sorry papa. I-I-It was just a stupid book" She sobbed.
Her papa hummed and pat her head a little, "Yes dear, don't be ashamed to be curious about the muggle world. There's nothing wrong with that" He said.
Poppy lifted her head to look him in the face, "R-really?" She asked with worry, "I thought you hated muggles" She mumbled. Her mind going back to when he admitted having killed her evil foster parents when he found her.
Her papa then stood, leaving her out of balance for a second. Poppy ignored the pain and burning in her back and stood with him. He silently handed her a robe to cover herself up with. She placed it around her shoulders, ignoring the blood.
Her papa then walked slowly back towards their cabin, indicating with a wave that she should follow. She did slowly and stiltedly, ignoring the pain even as it burned and her muscles twitched.
"It is not that I hate muggles" He began. She hung off of every word that he said, "I would not waste the effort to feel such strong emotions against them. Muggles are much like animals Poppy" He turned to give her a look to ensure she was listening. She nodded with bright eyes. He was back to teaching her. He couldn't be too angry anymore.
They entered the cabin, "They do not know any better than you or I. They need guidance and a strong hand. In many ways, they aren't responsible for the atrocities they commit because they are so ignorant. They need us to show them the right way" He explained, wandering into the kitchen.
Poppy followed obediently, shuffling her legs to not aggravate the wounds on her back. Her papa perched on a stool at the breakfast bar, smiling at her indulgently,
"You are bound to be curious about their world, Poppy. You are welcome to learn as much as you can. You learn the material that I give you but do not be hesitant to follow your own curiosities. You are a brilliant and talented Witch. Don't let conventional idea's or rules plague your greatness" He smiled a tiny, barely there smile at her.
Her heart leaped in joy. Her stomach almost burned in a need for his approval.
Papa gestured for her to approach him. She did and stood directly in front of him. She was very small, coming only halfway up to his chest so they were almost eye level with him seated on the stool.
Poppy smiled at her papa, relieved her punishment was over.
"Never lie, Poppy. Never hide. You are greater than that. Do not be ashamed of your magic or lie to justify your actions. You are only limiting yourself, not protecting yourself. Never lie again, do you understand?" He asked, his voice hard and steely again, face impenetrable.
Poppy swallowed as she stared directly into the hard and unyielding blue gaze of her papa. His eyes almost softened then. He leaned forward and kissed her forehead.
"You were so strong in overcoming your fear and hiding your pain. Never show weakness. Only the weak are afraid" He said with a smile as he pulled back.
Poppy smiled back as he said gently, "I am so proud of you"
…so proud... so proud of you... I am so proud of you...
Poppy bolted up from her bed. Panting and eyes swiveling around the ugly curtain hangings in her dormitory. It was just a dream. Only a dream... only it wasn't.
A quick tempus charm told her that it was half four in the morning. Considering how early she retired the other night, awakening at this hour wasn't uncommon.
The animagus silently pulled her curtains back to survey the three other girls in the room. Lavender Brown lay sprawled on her back, snoring softly while Parvati was curled in on herself and letting out little puffs of air.
Hermione... her friend lay on her side, facing Poppy and showing her that the bookworm was well and truly asleep.
The new fifth year student padded silently towards the toilets and showered to cleanse herself of the wretched dream. She had a lot of dreams like that. Memories. At first, she hoped they would go away and every night she did not have one was something like a victory. That was her first and second year. By third year she had accepted it and become productive as a result and saw that the less hours she slept meant more hours in the day; a positive sign.
Poppy stepped out from the shower to the empty bathroom stall. Wrapping a towel around herself, she planted herself in front of the sink and mirror. The teenager didn't use an air cleansing spell to rid the mirror of steam but instead used her hand to wipe it away, staring at her reflection.
Lifeless green eyes stared back.
By now, Poppy almost relished the nightmares. The animagus was ignorant and believed her past would stay behind her. But it didn't. It was a part of her and always would be. These nightmares were reminders for her. Reminders of who she didn't want to be. Who she already was.
Poppy spent a while drying her hair with her wand and performing her morning rituals. Today she braided the sides of her hair while placing it in a high pony tail, perfectly straight. Two pure white strands of hair hung around her face as usual.
Small emerald studs in the shape of stars were placed in her ears in an attempt to bring life to her empty eyes that morning. Perfectly pressed school robes adorned in the most flattering light possible.
The animagus viewed herself in the mirror. Pretty. It would do.
Leaving the bathroom, she viewed her dormitory again. No one was awake yet. A tempus charm told her only an hour had passed.
Poppy drew her curtains again and placed a silencing spell, pulling out a couple of her textbooks to read over.
Most of the core classes would spend the first week going over what they all learned last year. Such as; Charms, Transfiguration, Ancient Ruins and Arithmancy. Poppy also noted these subjects would be beginning wordless spell casting halfway through the year. Poppy hummed and smiled. Wordless spell casting was relatively simple once you got the hang of it. She never cast a spell vocally now and tried her best to do so wandlessly also.
Poppy spent around an hour reading her Arithmancy textbook and then moved onto a book on the practical application of the subject from under her bed.
Eventually, she heard Hermione stir and make her way to the toilet. With her keen animagus abilities, Poppy heard the bookworm pause as she passed her bed and then sigh a little before moving away.
She didn't know how she felt about that. She didn't want to fight with her friend. She shouldn't have overreacted the night before. But she was so sick of Hermione's competitive behaviour and condescending attitude.
Sighing, she pulled her curtains back and packed her bag for the day before walking down to the common room.
Four first years sat in the common room, looking terrified and anxious. Two girls and a boy practically jumped from the sofa and looked at her with wide eyes as she approached.
Poppy stifled a smile. She was never that nervous, was she?
A blonde haired girl with tight curly hair and big glasses stood up from the armchair, "Are-are you a prefect?" She asked, chin high as if to show bravery though her hands fidgeted in front of her.
Poppy had never been approached by a first year before. It was still pretty early, no doubt Hermione was gearing up to perform her prefect duties. Ron would be sleeping in late, as per his tradition on the first day of term.
Poppy eyed the other two children. A brown haired boy and a light brown haired girl with straight hair. They also watched her warily but with a little hope.
"I'm afraid not. A prefect will be down soon but they will probably wait for the rest of the first years so they can escort you all together" She explained, making her way to one of the other armchairs and pulling out her book again.
Whispering broke out around her as she tried to ignore the worried voices of the three first years, "What if no one comes down?" "Do you think they might have left already?" "What time did they say breakfast was at?"
Poppy felt her eye twitch in annoyance at the constant prattle around her. She snapped her book up and stood up with a sigh. The three voices immediately quieted and three pairs of eyes shot to her.
"Do you three want me to show you where the Great Hall is?" She asked kindly. Good lord, she wasn't even given the position of prefect and here she was doing all the grunt work.
The brown haired boy smiled widely, "T-thanks that would be great" A cute little blush spread across his cheeks. The girls nodded enthusiastically.
Poppy lifted her bag onto the back and walked towards the portrait hole, three small first years trailing behind her.
When they began walking down the moving staircase, Poppy felt the need the need to introduce herself, "My name is Poppy Stark. I'm in fifth year. I'm not a prefect but if you have any questions you can come to me or I can point a prefect out to you" She offered.
The two girls seemed to latch onto either side of her, eyes darting around the castle as they walked.
The blond girl with the bouncy curls beamed at her, "My name is Julia Grant and this is Megan Campbell" Poppy nodded her head. They weren't Wizarding names and they didn't sound familiar. Not purebloods then, half or muggleborn.
The boy that was trailing behind the girls spoke up, "I'm-I'm Peter Jones"
Her green eyes flittered behind her to see the brown haired boy. His features weren't distinctively pureblood but Jones was a known name in the Wizarding World. Her mind flashed back to the murder of Hestia Jones last summer.
She hummed, "Are you half-blood Peter?" She asked casually, gently pulling back Megan before she stepped onto a staircase that was about to move.
The girl stumbled a little before looking up at her gratefully.
"I-I yes. How did you know?" He asked in amazement, gazing at her as if she was Albus Dumbledore himself. Poppy tried not to smile.
"Jones is known name in the Wizarding World. Not pureblood but known" She explained.
Eventually, they made it to the Great Hall where only a smattering of students had arrived and no one yet at the Gryffindor table. Poppy sat nearer the staff's table and waved for the first years to sit down next to her.
Megan bit her lip and didn't start eating immediately, "Does... does that matter? Whether you have Wizarding family or not?" She almost whispered and gazed at the animagus fearfully.
Poppy tried not to sigh at how quickly muggleborns pick up on the prejudice. She poured herself a cup of tea.
"To a lot of people, it does. Particularly those in Slytherin, less so in Gryffindor. It can range from hatred, attacks in the corridors, name calling to other students being surprised how well you can do magic" She explained with a sip.
Three pairs of eyes stared at her avidly. Julia puffed up and almost glared, "If no one likes it then they can just shove off"
Peter's eyes darted to her worriedly, "Julia-maybe not-" He hinted, eyes darting to Poppy as if she would tell on them.
Poppy laughed, "Relax, I would tell on you. If you ever have any problems you don't want Professors or Prefects knowing about you can come to me" She winked, "Even if your caught hexing Slytherins. I'm not a prefect so I won't punish you" She smiled.
Three grins broke out on their faces.
That breakfast was not a peaceful one. The striped haired teenager was constantly bombarded with questions, some loud and excited, others subdued and worried. Some were wondering about what kind of hex's and attacked they could expect from Slytherins. Others were asking about the subjects and Professors.
The Great Hall slowly started to fill up. Poppy didn't much feel like speaking to her friends after her mood the night before so she simply ignored them.
As usual, McGonagall handed out timetables to the first years first and as she approached her little grouping her eyebrows rose.
"Good morning, Professor" Poppy smiled brightly.
McGonagall nodded back, "Miss Stark" The Transfiguration Professor handed parchments to each of the first years. They immediately ripped them open to read. Julia's eyes scanned the page with Peter's but Megan timidly thanked the Professor with her eyes down.
Julia gasped, "We have Charms first, is that difficult Poppy? What if I blow something up with my wand like in the shop?" She gasped in an almost panic.
The animagus tried not to roll her eyes, "You won't be using your wand today so calm down. You'll be learning the basics of the subject. So it will be mostly note taking" She explained.
Julia sighed, "Thank god. I don't know what we would have done without you Poppy" Megan and Peter nodded frantically.
McGonagall cleared her throat. The striped haired teenager looked up to see a ghost of a smile on the woman's face, "Here is your timetable, Miss Stark" She said and handed it to her.
Poppy flicked through it curiously. This year she was taking a total of ten subjects, an extra one more than required; Astronomy, Charms, Defence, History of Magic, Potions, Divination, Transfiguration, Herbology, Arithmancy and Ancient Runes. Hermione, she knew, would be taking all eleven, the maximum amount of subjects available. Poppy didn't hold much interest or talent in Care of Magical Creatures. Muggle Studies was a complete an utter waste of time.
First thing was double Potions. Wonderful for first thing on a Monday morning. She sighed heavily.
Poppy arrived a little late to Potions, loosing a total of twenty house points as she walked her little first years to class. Harry sat alone obediently waiting for her to arrive. Snape didn't allow much talking in his class so her friend was only able to give her a concerned look and a hand squeeze to ask if she was okay.
She smiled back a little. Harry's face sunk in relief.
Next class was Ancient Runes which she had with Hermione. The bushy haired girl was giving her uncertain looks as they left to Potions classroom and when the boys finally left did she turn around to practically burst out,
"I-am-so-sorry-about-last-night-I-didn't-mean-to-make-it-sound-like-I-was-calling-you-stupid" She exhaled.
Poppy turned to smile at her only female friend and shook her head, "It's fine. I shouldn't have lost my temper like that. I just hate that you get so angry and competitive when other people try to enjoy study as much as you" She sighed heavily. Indeed, since first year Poppy has avoided Hermione in the library.
Hermione looked properly abashed, "I'm sorry I just don't like how some people don't try as hard and still do well. It isn't fair" She sighed as they made their way through the busy halls.
Poppy arched one eyebrow, Hermione winced, "Yeah I now know you do try or at least did... I sometimes forget about your past and how it must affect you every day" She said quietly.
Poppy reached forward to squeeze 'Mione's hand, "I wish I could forget it too" She muttered back as they entered the room.
Her first day of term was long and tiring. Fortunately, they were not yet forced to endure Umbridge's Defence class which Poppy was strangely looking forward to. It would give her insight into the woman's character.
By the end of the day, she was exhausted. Her last lesson was History of Magic which she spent doing her own leisure reading as a break beside Hermione who always diligently took notes while Harry and Ron chatted amongst themselves.
During dinnertime that night, Julia waved happily to her from the other side of the table while Ron rolled his eyes. Poppy had Harry on her left and leaned towards him to whisper, "Patronus lesson tonight yeah?"
Harry's green eyes met her own and he nodded once.
The two fifth year Gryffindors made their way to the edge of the forbidden forest that night to practice. Poppy turned to Harry with a sigh.
"The Patronus Charm is very advanced and tricky to manage because it requires a certain mental discipline. You need to be able to control your emotions, which, obviously you know, is very difficult in the presence of a dementor" She explained.
Harry looked focused and nodded seriously. She decided to demonstrate for him and lifted her wand, watching to make sure he was paying attention, "The enchantment is fairly simple Expeco Patronum" She said clearly.
Harry nodded, "Expecto Patronum" He repeated back. Poppy smiled and nodded.
"The wand movement is like this" She swished her wand. He nodded and watched carefully.
"But it isn't enough to say the words and move your wand, you need to think of a memory. A memory that fills you with so much happiness and love you can taste it. It's not a pleasant surprise but true happiness in it's purest form... do you understand?" She explained.
Harry nodded, a little more uncertainly this time.
It was time for her demonstration. She closed her eyes to bring up a memory, "Expecto Patronum" She said out loud for Harry's benefit.
A magnificent stag bounded from her wand to dance around the small clearing, lighting up the surrounding area. Harry looked in awe at the figure and smiled at the animal trot boldly up to him and bowed its large antlers.
Poppy shook her head as her animal pranced happily around Harry for a moment or two before fading away in a puff of light energy.
Harry was grinning when he turned to look back at her, "He's wonderful. What do you think mine will be?" He asked. Poppy shrugged her shoulders with a grin to match his.
"Who knows? Ready to give it a shot?" She smiled. He nodded excitedly in response.
Harry didn't manage to conjure a fully corporal Patronus that night. On their way up to Gryffindor tower, Harry seemed a little sulky but she explained how difficult the spell was and lots of people never managed to produce a fully corporal Patronus. He did manage a few wisps but nothing concrete.
The first Defense class of the year, everyone seemed to feel something was off. Poppy sat protectively beside Harry, sending a warning look to Ron as he usually sat beside him in Defence lessons.
With a huff, the ginger haired boy sat beside Hermione to their left with the Patil twins in front of them. The class was full and voices chattered happily. Harry sat quietly with a closed off expression on his face.
"Are you alright?" She whispered and then squeezed his hand. The boy-who-lived green eyes flickered to hers for a moment before sighing heavily.
"Yeah" He muttered back shortly, clearly not fine. Poppy didn't make him elaborate but simply sent him a sad smile in response.
The burning of a paper bird floating carelessly through the air alerted everyone to the arrival of their Professor. Poppy turned around with the rest of the class to see Dolores Umbridge smiling condescendingly to the room at large.
"Ordinary Wizarding Level Examination" She spoke in a high pitched voice, waving her wand as the words appeared on the chalkboard. Poppy took the woman in. All pink clothes – yet again – frilly, girlish and attempting to look elegant but failing. Her hair was perfectly styled though still lacked any fashion sense. All of these things sent a sort of warning off in Poppy's head as unusual but the one thing that stood out the most to her was the size of the woman's wand. It was short. Very short. She was no expert on wandlore but now really wanted to know more. Why was her wand so small?
"Or more commonly known as OWL's" Umbridge spoke sweetly. The false tone of her voice was grating on Poppy's nerves. Why did the woman speak like that?
Umbridge had made it to the front of the class and was now smiling, "Study hard" She began, still smiling and still in that false voice, "And you will be rewarded...fail to do so and the consequences may be severe" She positively grinned on the last word. Did that mean she took sick enjoyment from punishing others? … it was possible.
Textbooks floated towards them and immediately Poppy flickered through it. Beginners, definitely, perhaps things that a third or second year should really learn. The one thing that stood out the most was the lack of practical defensive magic taught.
Of course, she wasn't the only one that picked up on this. Hermione raised her hand, "There's nothing in here about using Defensive spells?" her friend asked.
Umbridge wandered closer to her friend, "Using spells?" She then let out a slightly mad giggle, "I can't imagine why you would need to use spells in my classroom" She spoke very condescendingly. Poppy watched the interaction closely.
Ron spoke up from beside Hermione with a puzzled face, "We're not going to use magic?" He asked, almost disbelievingly.
Umbridge turned to the class as a whole, "You'll be learning to use defensive spells in a secure, risk free way" She smiled.
Dear Merlin, the woman was an imbecile. She clearly had an adenda but why on earth would the Minsitry not want to teach their children proper defensive magic. What could they possibly gain?
Harry spoke up, "What use is that going to be? If we're going to be attacked it's not going to be risk free"
Immediately Umbridge looked furious. Poppy knew she had to run interference here lest Harry become a target. All the Ministry woman needed was the slightest provocation and her friend would most definetly give it.
"Students will raise their hands if they wish to speak in my class" She said almost sharply and then turned around with a smile, "It is the view of the Minsitry that theoretical knowledge will be succifient enough to get you through your examinations. Which after all, is what school is all about" She explained.
Poppy snorted then, loudly. The whole class seemed to turn to her. Umbridge's eyes almost burned at her. Poppy smiled sweetly back at the woman.
"I disagree, Professor" Poppy's tone of voice was sickly sweet in clear mocking of the woman, "School is all about preparing you for the world outside it's gates. It is why Defence exists as a subject at all. And most importantly, the Ministry" Poppy almost scoffed the word, watching a fire catch light in the woman's eyes. Yes, obsessive and authoritarian. That could become problematic, "Does not have any authority over the curriculum, rules and governing of Hogwarts and it's education. That is determined by the board and Headmaster as of 1607" She said almost sympathetically, "Yeah..." She nodded.
Umbridge was now right in front of Poppy staring down at her from her short height. The animagus refused to bow down to such a pathetic woman and continued smiling at her.
"The Ministry-" She began, in almost a squeeky tone of voice.
"-Has no say here" She smiled back with satisfaction. Poppy saw Harry bristling beside her and knew she had to up the ante or he would but in and get into trouble, "Professor I thought that you campaigned against Dark creatures and the right to attack them on sight" She asked in a confused voice and continued as the woman opened her mouth,
"-Such as werewolves. How on earth can we protect ourself against these – as you claim – dangerous creatures if we don't know the spells" Poppy gasped with wide eyes and then leant forward to say in a hushed voice, "Does this mean that werewolves aren't actually that dangerous at all?" She asked in a conspiratorial way, glad she had done some research on the woman and her hatred for 'dangerous creatures'. Like preventing a werewolf from gaining employment would actually protect anybody.
The woman almost stumbled back and her face turned a very unattractive shade of pink. Poppy heard Ron snort.
The animagus then sunk the final nail into her coffin, "Or god forbid, Lord Voldemort attacks one of us and then the Ministry is charged with neglecting it's children. They would be the laughing stock of the Wizarding World, wouldn't they?" She tut.
Umbridge straightened up then, seemingly able to gain composure and looked around the room with another false smile, "You have been told that a certain Dark Wizard is at large once again" She began as she walked down the isles, "This is a lie" she breathed.
Harry, it seemed, had reached boiling point, "It's not a lie, I saw him, I fought him" Harry pleaded to the class around them. Poppy felt her heart go out to her friend as several of their classmates looked away in disagreement. Only a few people believed Harry and not the Daily Prophet.
"Detention" Umbridge yelled and Poppy wanted to bang her head against the table in annoyance. Harry getting into trouble was exactly what she was tying to avoid for Merlins sake! She didn't want him alone with the woman until Poppy knew more about her.
Poppy spoke up, "When it is revealed that Voldemort is back, will you give a public statement for telling lies, Professor? Can you imagine the public reaction against Minister Fudge when it's revealed that the Ministry put out a smear campaign against a fifteen year old boy?" Poppy hummed and shook her head at the scandal.
"DETENTION" the woman practically roared though it was still more like a squeak. Poppy smirked at the panting woman. She then turned to wink at Harry.
Poppy stalked through the halls of Hogwarts castle in a rage. All of her efforts were for naught. She tried very hard to provoke Umbridge but the vile woman was holding hers and Harry's detentions on different nights. Hers after Harry's. Something about allowing her best friend alone with that woman made something inside of her scream out in protest.
It was after curfew but Poppy didn't care one bit. She walked swiftly through the corridors towards the Forbidden Forest clearing where she would be giving Harry another Patronus lesson. He would be meeting her, lucky for him he had the cloak and would be able to avoid getting caught. Two days since Umbridge's pathetic excuse for a 'lesson' and she was still wound up.
Just as she saw the exit gate, she heard a strange sound and whipped her wand out and pointed it towards a section of the castle wall. Her eyes darted this way and that and she even took a stiff to search for scents. Two scents she could identify. Two very familiar scents.
She sighed and dropped her wands, "Fred, George, come out, I'm not in the mood" She huffed. Immediately the wall she had been staring at began the move and two red headed twins almost tumbled out with identical grins.
Fred stood on the left while George stood on the right. Not many people noticed but Poppy knew that Fred was the slightly more confident twin, he was the more daring and reckless than George and more of a dreamer and inspirational type of guy. He usually spoke first, drank his tea with a little more milk than his twin brother and was the more into slapstick humour of the two.
George, on the other hand was a, little more practical than his brother. He was the people person, he noticed things about other people. Where as Fred was imaginative, George was intuitive. George preferred an extra sugar in his tea, he would usually make more steady eye contact and was more perceptive. His humour was a little more quick witted than Fred.
The Weasley twins were so painfully similar yet completely unique. Fred was the dreamer, he had big idea's plans and inspirations but George was the man who brought it to life. They were the perfect team.
"Alright there Poppy-" Fred began with a twinkle in his eye.
George approached also, looking directly into her eyes, "-We heard about your little confrontation with Umbridge-"
"-Dead proud of you we are, standing up to her like that-" Fred winked.
"-But we know she can be a right bitch and if you ever need a distraction or someone to help keep the heat off you, we would be graciously willing to offer our services to you-" George spoke with amusement, though his blue eyes were serious.
Fred snorted, "-Merlin knows, Ron's useless. If you want us to Transfigure her broach into a spider, let us know" He grinned. Fred grinned also.
Poppy's lips twitched. Fred and George were actually very protective big brothers and took their duty seriously – not that anyone would think that. They would always appear and help Ron and Ginny out of situations even if they completely ridiculed their siblings for it. That sense of protection extended to their friends also. The Weasley twins did not like Umbridge it seemed. That would make sense, order, rules and frigidity was what Umbridge was all about and the Weasley twins were the complete opposite.
Poppy snorted, "Na she would probably eat it. Though you are more than welcome to give her a toad's tongue" She commented.
Fred beamed, "Child's play, we were thinking something more... inventive" He began with a thoughtful expression.
Looking between the Weasley twins then gave Poppy an idea. It was more of inspiration, really. It was painfully obvious that Umbridge had it out for Harry. Any distractions would be helpful for her friend and Poppy really wanted to take the woman down a billion pegs.
Dark Magic, wouldn't do – though she was actually tempted to drug the woman with Veritiserum – what other alternative could their be, other than complete and utter humiliation.
"-Uh oh George, I don't know what we said but whatever it is seemed to have inspired little Poppy here-" George said, playing that game where he pretended to be his brother.
"Indeed it does, Fred, care to tell us what's got that beautiful and a little evil spark in your eyes?" Fred asked.
Poppy felt a menacing grin spread across her face, "I have a proposition"
Two weeks into the school year, Poppy seemed to have settled in. Harry still hadn't managed to produce a fully Corporal Patronus though he cast a very powerful Non-Corporal one. He was doing exceptionally well.
The striped haired teenager had endured a detention with the smug toad faced woman. The Professor smiled condescendingly and spoke down to her. Poppy stared back with a bemused and slightly curious look back. It was the look of an indulgent parent against a tantruming toddler. Her lack of explosive response irritated Umbridge to the point of almost constant goading. This only served to make Poppy more amused.
Wednesday morning, Poppy sat at the Gryffindor table between Ron and Harry while Hermione had her nose in a book across from them, completely ignoring the outside world. The bushy haired teenager had yet to realise that they had months until exams. Ron was stuffing his face as usual, while Harry was covertly trying to sneak glances at the Ravenclaw table. Poppy followed his eye line but couldn't make out who he was looking at. Her messy haired friend looked away abruptly with a bashful look on his face... what was that all about? She would need to find out.
"Poppy! Poppy!" A high pitched and panicked voice breathed out to her right, interupting her internal thoughts. She turned around to see Julia running up towards her, out of breath with worry and anger clear on her face.
Julia, Megan and Peter occasionally would run up to her with a question or the other and she would patiently answer them. Julia was a spitfire, Megan was uncommonly kind and Peter was clumsy.
Sure enough, Megan and Peter trailed along behind Julia with anxious expressions, "What's up?" She asked idly. Poppy had no idea why these children seemed to look up to her or ask for her advice. The animagus was the last person in the world to be advising others on their lives but took it all in stride.
It seemed Slytherins were harassing the two muggleborns – Julia and Megan. Poppy gave them some reading material of defensive spells and hex's and a little, 'fuck them' speech to cheer them up.
The three first years walked away, giggling in embarrassment at her language and looking more determined than before. Children were strange.
Fred and George sat down on either side of Hermione then. Poppy smirked at them. They winked back at the same time.
"How's the weather today?" She asked, their code phrase to indicate if their plans were going off today.
George smiled as he added an extra spoonful of sugar to his tea while Fred bounced on his seat, "Great day for Quiddich" He answered back.
Poppy held in the smile threatening to split her face in two.
"rrrrreeeeeeeeeebbiittt" A large, almost belching like noise echoed throughout the Great Hall. Immediately, all eyes flew to the staff's table and zeroed in on the disgusting and offensive sound.
Dolores Umbridge sat in her ususal spot beside Professor Snape, small and wrinckled hands frantically touching her face in a panic, "rrrreebitt! Rrreebitt!" She croaked, voice deep and echoing loudly. The Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor's entire head had been transfigured into a huge toad.
Immediately, loud applause erupted from the Great Hall, telling Poppy a lot about the woman's popularity in the school.
Umbridge was panicing now and croaking frantically, while Professor Snape tried to hold her still and wave his wand to assess the damage in between sending glares towards the Gryffindor table.
Poppy and the Weasley twins shared a silent victory grin before laughing themselves. Herding the woman out of the Great Hall was apparently impossible and other Professors had now stood in an attempt to help their colleague. Albus Dumbledore was not present, thank Merlin as he probably could have reversed it no bother. Poppy grinned as she saw Professor McGongall sigh and stand up relucantly as the other Professor's beconed her over – she was the transfiguration expert after all.
"Oh dear... it looks like Umbridge won't be able to make your detention tonight. Right Harry?" Poppy smirked in victory.
Harry paced back and forth in the small forest clearing in an agitated manner. Everything was so unfair right now. Voldemort was back and instead of doing everything to stop him gaining full power, the Ministry was attacking him and Dumbledore. Where is the Headmaster, anyway? Harry had barely seen him. He had wanted to talk to him after the trial but Dumbledore hurried off and Harry's not been able to get him alone since.
Umbridge was a right piece of work. The boy-who-lived grit his teeth thinking about her. No defensive magic? What were they all doing to do when Voldemort attacked?
He sighed heavily.
Harry turned and noticed Poppy sitting idly on the forest floor toying with some grass. Her hair was tired back but a few strands had gotten loose and was gently blowing in the breeze, including her two white stripes. She was biting on her lips as she did on occasion.
He sighed again and flopped down in front of her. His friend had been really helpful in helping him with his Patronus lessons. Poppy says he's really close but Harry wasn't so sure. It's been almost a month. Poppy could do this years ago, did that mean he wasn't as powerful? But that wasn't really fair. Poppy was a really powerful Witch and her animagus form was basically a Patronus in itself.
Poppy looked up and smiled slightly at seeing him seated, "You ready to head back to the tower?" She asked patiently, green eyes looking him over curiously. He felt guilty. She had taken time out to teach him this and he was sulking about like a child.
He stood up with determination, "No no, I can keep trying" He said with conviction, holding his wand out in the ready.
Poppy stood up then and smiled at him kindly with a raised eyebrow, "I don't think your in the right frame of mind for this, Harry. Plus I think Umbridge might be coming out soon" She sighed.
Harry scowled. Umbridge. She was out to get him. The last three times he and Poppy had almost been caught in their clearing. Luckily Poppy had her animagus form and he had his cloak or they would have been done for. It's not a coincidence that he's almost been caught everytime he's snuck out. Umbridge was bloody following him.
Harry grumbled, "Just one more try" He agrued, hating that Umbridge was causing more problems in his life.
Poppy nodded her head and then studied him carefully, "Your not picking a happy enough memory, Harry" She spoke critically, "It needs to be something full of love, light and protection. Something that keeps you going when all seems lost. Something that makes you want to fight. True love is a very powerful thing. Flights of fancy won't do" She said with a frown.
Harry wanted to rip his hair out. Poppy had already told him all of this. He rubbed the bridge of his nose, "It's not that easy, is it. I hardly have many loving memories do I?" He said bitterly.
Immediately, Poppy's face smoothed into something more expressionless and her green eyes hardened a little. A small bitter smile danced on her lips, "And I do?" She said softly. Guilt hit him like a hippogriff. He was so insensitive sometimes.
Poppy shook her head, "It's fine. I had trouble too, you know. Do you want to know what I thought about the first time that I managed to successfully cast it?" She asked quietly.
Harry nodded.
She looked down a little shyly and ashamedly. Harry knew it would be personal and something she would consider to be 'emotionally weak'. Poppy was wrong. She was the strongest person he knew.
"I was thinking about when you saw my scars... and heard about my uncle and papa. You... accepted me. Dark Magic and all. You would have been completely justified to have hated me, you know. Dark Magic is one thing but my Uncle was a Death Eater... It's not about the memory. It's about the feelings you get from it. I guess I just thought about how happy and complete I felt to be so utterly accepted by someone else. There was no need to hide from you" She confessed.
Harry's left hand twitched, wanting to comfort his friend and not knowing how. He wasn't any good at this. He dabated giving her a hug and saying something profound and comforting but settled on trying one last time. He could do it.
Instead of imaging a happy memory like a video, he tried to imagine how loved and protected he felt from his parents. It wasn't difficult to imagine. His mum died to safe him... Being an orphan, daydreams about how wonderful everything would be if his parents were here wasn't uncommon.
His dad teaching him to ride a broom... His mum fussing over him at platform nine-and-three-quarters...Dad beaming with pride as he caught the snitch... Mum straightening his robes... Mum and dad waving goodbye to him as he rode away on the Express, Poppy beside him.
"Expecto Patronum" He said clearly, with his eyes still closed.
Something felt different that time and when he opened his eyes, he quickly squint them from the bright light in front of him. He had done it!
The blue white light was so bright it took a minute or so to make out the form. Poppy was beaming and moved to stand beside him, the two friends watching his form with excitement. Harry couldn't wait to see what it was.
The light dimmed down and showed him it's legs or hooves. It was fairly large. He watched with fascination. His Patronus turned and he saw the large eyes a doe. The doe seemed to look right through him. His Patronus was soft and delicate looking but very pretty.
A deer... a doe... His Patronus.
"She's beautiful" Harry heard Poppy whisper.
The pair of fifth years watched as his Patronus eventually faded away. The night air surrounding them seemed much darker than before.
"Wow" Harry said to break the silence. He didn't understand why his Corporal Patronus was a doe. Did that make him delicate? What did it say about him? Doe's were fast... weren't they? Elusive? Hard to hunt? Maybe that was like him.
Suddenly, Poppy's head turned sharply and her eyes squinted. He watched her, this usually meant that she heard something from her advanced senses.
She turned back to look at him, "We had better start walking up. Umbridge is on her way with Filch" Poppy explained.
Harry nodded, his joy at finally being able to cast the spell taking away any frustration he would have usually felt. He grinned as he walked up.
Poppy snorted from beside him, "You look pleased with yourself" She rolled her eyes playfully and nudged him. He couldn't stop smiling.
"Well yeah, I didn't think I'd ever be able to cast it" He said with a smile as they walked into the castle.
Poppy sighed and spoke a little quieter now they were walking around the empty corridors, "We have had five lessons, Harry. Five. I'm pretty sure you mastered it very quickly" She sounded fondly expaserated.
Harry was giddy and felt lighter than ever. It felt great finally being able to learn some proper defensive magic. He needed all the help he could get with Voldemort being back. Harry watched Poppy for a moment in thought, her eyes darted about and head tilted as she used her advanced senses to check if anyone was close by.
"Hey Poppy?" He asked, a brilliant new idea coming to his head.
The striped haired girl looked back at him for a moment before nodding, "Yeah?" She mummbled quietly.
They started walking up the long stairs towards Gryffindor tower, "You should teach me some defensive spells" He requested, growing more excited and determined with the idea. Harry knew Poppy was brilliant at defense. She was calm and collected, always altert, had unbelieveable senses and knew about everything in all of their textbooks and more. Not to mention her past.
Poppy turned around to frown at him, "Your great a defense" She stated, clearly deflecting his request. Harry tried to be patient but really this idea was so great. He needed someone to train with. Someone to learn from. Who better than Poppy?
They reached the fat lady and whispered the password. The friends looked about to see an empty common room. Poppy immediately moved towards her dormitory. He darted forward and took her hand gently.
She turned around with a hard expression. He had to tred lightly, Harry stared into her unreadable green eyes, "I need to learn to better protect myself and I won't be learning anything from Umbridge. No one else is exactly lining up to teach me" He admitted and then said gently, "...At least think about it?"
Poppy gave him one sharp nod in return before disapearing up the stairs. He sighed in relief. She didn't outright hate the idea so he had some hope. Harry would give her time and space but he wouldn't be giving up until she agreed to teach him. Voldemort was back, he needed to be ready.
Harry made his way up to his own room and slipped inside to see everyone fast asleep. Hedwig hooted gently from the window beside his bed. He crept over and smiled at her, gently taking the letter from her foot.
Harry lay down on his bed and pulled the curtains for privacy as he read the letter. He smiled when he realised it was from Sirius.
Dear Harry,
How is fifth year going? Getting ready for your OWL's? Your mum would kill me if I didn't encourage you to study hard and behave. That being said, you should still have some fun.
I just heard about your Defense Professor this year. I can't believe they appointed that woman from your trial. She's useless I bet. Let me know if she starts any problems. The Ministry still owes me for the whole false imprisonment.
Remus sends his best and wants you to know if your having any trouble with the harder course material, don't hesitate to send an owl. Honestly, once a prefect, always a prefect.
How are things going outside of classes? Is Poppy starting to worry about her upcoming exams? I remember Lily almost camped out in the library for the first month of the year. Not that I ever went to the library, of course, but I had it on good authority from your dad.
Hogsmead will be coming up soon, are you thinking of asking anybody or will you just be doing with your friends? You should consider asking someone to go with you. It's an experience worth having, trust me.
Wishing you are well,
Sirius Black.
Harry smiled as he read the letter over twice. It was nice having someone who cared about his wellbeing and someone who asked the trivial things and reminded him to study.
He decided to write back immediately. Retrieving some parchment form his bag and ink, he pulled out a textbook to lean on and wrote his godfather back.
Dear Sirius,
Things have been alright. You are right about Umbridge, she is completely useless. She doesn't let us do any defensive magic and everything is theoretical and 'Ministry approved'. She has also been telling everyone about me being a liar. She did give me detention but it was cancelled, thankfully.
Tell Remus thanks but it's a bit early in the year. If I start struggling with anything I'll let him know. I know it's our OWL year but we are only a month in. Poppy is fine. Hermione is the one freaking out. That isn't Poppy's style. She's brilliant like 'Mione and does read but only when it suits her. She isn't one for stressing over exams.
Speaking of Poppy, she really doesn't like Umbridge either. She really made Umbridge look like an idiot when she called her out on her hate of 'dangerous creatures' and something about werewolves. Poppy's teamed up with the Weasley twins and started pranking her relentlessly. It's brilliant. At first they managed to transfigure her head into a giant toad – that's why my detention was cancelled. Next, they turned her hair into worms. Then they charmed silverwear to follow her around and repeat words back to her like a parrot. I don't know what they'll come up with next. I don't know why Poppy's taken an interest in pranking but she's really good at it. I'm not sure her teaming up with the Weasley's is a good thing yet.
I don't think I'll be asking anyone to Hogsmead. Everyone thinks I'm a liar, so there isn't much point. I'm not really interested in going out with anybody right now anyway. There's too much going on. At least I'll be able to go to Hogsmead with my permission slip signed and everything.
Quiddich season will be starting soon. I think we've got a really good chance this year of winning the house cup. I'll let you know when the first game is, I know your wanting to come watch me.
It's pretty late now and I better be getting to bed.
Write you soon,
Harry.