Chapter 50 - "Tryouts"
Hannah's P.O.V.
'What' asked Pansy, a blank expression on her face. I looked back from Draco.
'Fudge has passed some law that allows her to inspect our teachers, even Dumbledore' I replied skimming over the other pages. She looked at me confused, so did the whole great hall to be honest. All students were confused of either unsure or surprised from this.
'I might not be fond of Dumbledore but well, he's better than her' breathed Draco next to me.
'It really means the ministry are controlling Hogwarts though' I breathed placing the paper on the table.
'Something about that doesn't sound good' breathed Blaise as he sat down next to Pansy opposite from Draco and I.
'I mean, if you-know-who is back, why are the ministry practically fobbing everyone off. Surely they want to know to make sure we are safe' I asked confused not remembering I am surrounded by Slytherins who I couldn't lie- all nearly had a family member who was with Voldemort. I was slightly embarrassed for what their reaction could be as I didn't think before I spoke...
'I know!' said Pansy taking the paper from me, feeling relaxed instantly.
'How much power do you think she has got' Draco asked instantly changing the subject. I shurged my shoulders,
'I guess her detention rules are part of the ministry...' I breathed looking down.
'Why are they being so rude to Dumbledore, he's doing a brilliant job of being head master' I breathed as they stayed quite. Draco looked at me,
'Well- he is a little old don't you think? Farther thinks Snape would be more useful' breathed Draco as I looked up at him, raising my eyebrow. I knew where he was coming from but no. Dumbledore wasn't anything like Snape, he cared and made sure each student was alright. Where as I find that Snape would shrug off most students and - well I couldn't see Hogwarts having the same environment if Snape was in charge.
'I can see that happening if anything happens to Dumbledore, that's the worrying thing' I muttered mentally.
'We need to make sure Umbridge isn't going to let Dumbledore resign of leave' I breathed as they instantly shook their head.
'Don't get involved Hannah. Like your brother said, no offence but your already strongly linked to Harry, this ( holds up the daily prophet) this can make you so much more involved to the ministry. Something you don't want' breathed Blaise as I looked at him.
'He's my friend. What if I want to help Dumbledore, no offence but you can't stop me' I breathed as Blaise just shook his head.
'Im just saying, be careful' he breathed as Draco looked at me nodding.
'Even though I know there is nothing I can do to change what nonsense is going on in that pretty head of yours' Draco whispered in my ear, as I smirked
'Thats why you love me'
-
I walked up the stairs to Dumbledore office, my first lesson for my magic. I walked in, candles lit as he looked up at me smiling instantly. I returned the smiled as I walked in further. I noticed the daily prophet lay on the top of his desk as I look at it, he moves it instantly as he looks up at me. What to say? What to say?
'She can't sack you can she?' I asked gently as Dumbledore smiled lightly.
'Of course not, however I can not stop the ministry from- well looking at how this school is run' he replied gently as I sat down on the chair he pointed to.
'Why do the ministry not believe the Voldemort has returned' I replied as he looked at me,
'I can't say why unfortunately Miss Weasley. I hope they realize it before its too late' he whispered looking around his office I nodded.
'Now don't worry about that, or Professor Umbridge. Lets practice shall we?' he asked as I nodded.
The hour went quick, I wasn't sure what it was going to be like but it was fine really. Dumbledore showed me how to control my magic with my emotion. He made me think of really sad things, concentration on a plant. It was strange but the plant died. We practiced calming techniques. He made me turn the plant back to life, thinking of happy things. He told me it wouldn't always be like that, needing to have an emotion to do magic. Eventually I would be able to do it anytime. But this can take years of practice. And the whole bringing back to life thing is not how it sounds It is impossible to do it on a human, well maybe the death part but not the life part.
Overall I thought it was a good productive hour, something told me that this really had a meaning that Dumbledore was using this time to teach me magic. I was happy I was beginning to learn my magic but it worried me, the fact that possible something could happen.
'Now Miss Weasley I have meetings so I might not be able to do every lesson however, I will asked Professor McGonagall to teach you. She's just as good, how do you think she turns into a cat or even Siruis' he replied whispering the last part. I smiled nodding, even though that wasn't really to do with me, kind of.
'I will owl you Miss Weasley' I nodded smiling as I stood walking out, I was worried about these lesson but I really felt that they were going to help me.
Friday passed quickly and before I knew it it was 4pm on Friday and I was in the common room changed and waiting for Draco so we could set up the quidditch field. I wore black boots with black stretchy tight leggings and my Slytherin over-sized shirt. I was patiently waiting for Draco as I played with my Nimbus 2000 the very one Draco got me for the first match I played. I still wasn't sure why the Dementors effected me, also the screaming in the lake last year. I allowed Draco and I to breath underwater. I saved us. I sat on the couch looking back at the memory's. God how things have changed.
'I know, I know- I'm sorry I'm late' Draco replied rushing down the boys stairs as he kissed the top of my head. I smiled shaking my head. Practice was starting at 4.30 I was allowing anyone from second year to tryout- even girls.
'Come on' I said as I walked out towards the field with Draco.
'So what does this mean being, deputy ?' asked Draco as he stood next to me as we walked onto the field opening the changing rooms and picking the equipment out.
'Helping me in choosing people. I know you are going to want Gabbe and Goyle and I still want Blaise and Theodore on the team. You still want to be seeker?' I asked looking up at him. He nodded,
'You, from what I remember your were pretty good at everything' Draco replied as I smiled.
' I have a rough feeling who people will be but we just need to see them in training' I replied as I watched people come out from the changing rooms, both the girls and the boys. I smiled instantly feeling happy girls were trying out. They smiled at me, as they stepped in front of Draco and I.
'Now I know I haven't been on the team practically but, well I'm captain. So new people you are going to be competing each other and to everyone all positions are open. So now I want you to get into two groups, get on your brooms and starts playing mini games. You ready' I asked as they nodded Blaise holding a smirk on his face.
The people got into groups as I stood watching them.
'No offence but do you know what your looking for' asked Draco next to me. I smirked looking up at him nodding.
'Whos fast, whos looking beyond the match concentrating of every detail, who has good blocking skills, whos strong, whos confident' I asked.
'I can't lie you play pretty rough' I breathed as Draco chuckled.
'RIGHT EVERYONE PLEASE COME DOWN' I shouted as they stopped their games flying down.
'I pretty much know whos in and out but I would like to see us play one whole' I started as I divided people up, no one was go for seeker so I didn't at all open the snitch. There was pretty much double every position. We played as I flew round watching, Draco following as we observed everything. It was quite detailed to be honest. We played for around 20 minutes before I stopped the game, I new there was only 3 new people adding to the team that Draco agreed with. I looked at them,
'You all played great today guys, I really mean it. Now I can only take few of you but I am happy. Now if your name isn't called I'm sorry you didn't make it but that doesn't mean you can't join next year. so,
Blaise, Theodore, Grabbe, Goyel, and Aria' I read out as I watched the remaining 6 others nodded as they began to walk away. Draco walked over to Crabbe and Goyle as the high fived each other as I saw Draco whisper things in their ears. They were actually pretty good.
'Right so, Draco is playing Seeker, Crabbe and Goyle you are Beaters I think you will be pretty good at protecting Draco you had strength and your both fast. Blaise and Theodore you are going to be with me as Chasers, I know your were keeper Blaise but I think your better off as a chaser. Which means Aria your keeper, you had fast reaction skills and blocking skills. You weren't as strong to be a chaser or beater but I like you.' I said as Blaise nodded smiling.
'Thank you' smiled Aria as she smiled I nodded, she was a fourth year with jet black hair. She was nice.
'No problem now training won't start for another few weeks but be ready' I replied as they nodded. I nodded as they turned Grabbe and Goyle walking away as Aria walked on their own. I walked with Draco.
'Thank you, for choosing Crabbe and Goyle, I know their not the most talented bunch but, thank you' Draco whispered as I smiled as he kissed my temple.
'They are really good actually and besides there the one saving your back' I replied as we closed the outside door towards the field.
-
'What the bloody hell was that' said Ron as we walked out of our devination class the following Friday. I had, had two more lessons with Dumbledore and they were going pretty good. I was able to light candles as well as burn them out. I was beginning to be less dependent of the fact I needed emotion to gain my magic. I was slowly using less emotion as I practiced a little every time before bed. Just then well,
Professor Umbridge has just inspected our class and to be honest I don't think it went to well. Umbridge wasn't impressed buy Trelawney's fate for her. Apparently she was in grave danger, well I can't see that happening any time soon. NOT. (fingers crossed).
'Apparently Umbridge is inspecting McGonagalls class next... ' I started as I looked at Harry, Hermione and Ron.
They smirked,
'This shall be fun' replied Ron as we walked towards our next class, Transfigurations.
'Thanks for healing my hand Hannah' breathed Harry as I walked next to me, I smiled.
'Thank Dumbledore he taught me how, but sh' I whispered as he smiled.
'I know, McGonagall took 5 points when I complained about her because apparently the detention isn't defining whats wrong' tutted Harry I nodded. Harry was getting detention after detention where as I stood way back.
'look if you need to spell again, just ask I will do it' I replied as he nodded smiling.
'I'm sorry people haven't really calmed down either. ' I whispered as we saw people easily whispering about Harry. Still.
'Don't worry, I've got used to it' he replied as we stopped outside our next classroom. I smiled sadly up at him, he was going through so much, I mean to know Voldemort was back was one thing but to have even seen him, that was a hole other subject.
'Look she's here already' whispered Ron as we watched Professor Umbridge walk lightly and confidently down the corridor in her mid shade pink suit. She looked around her wand in her hand and a booklet in the other.
'This is going to be bloody brilliant' smiled Ronald.
'Hem, hem' Professor Umbridge has said this for about the 10th time this lesson. I couldn't lie this was a good lesson though, McGonagalls face was price less at times as she kept being interrupted by her choice of how we are taught, as well as what we are taught. We were vanishing snails, something Draco and I were able to do first before everyone else, well except Hermione of course. But I couldn't lie I really was great full of professors like McGonagall, the way she spoke back at Umbridge. *clapping hands emoji*
'I was wondering, how many years have you been teaching at Hogwarts' Professor Umbridge asked sweetly as McGonagall looked at her.
'39 years this December' she replied,
'Ah, very well. You will get your results shortly' Umbridge replied standing up,
'I can hardly wait' McGonagall replied as all eyes were from the students were on the both of them.
Umbridge smiled sweetly before leaving the classroom as a feeling over thankfulness came to professor McGonagall.
'And she took 5 points from you' I whispered to Harry and Ron behind me confused. No offense but I think McGonagall just saw how bad Umbridge was...
-
'Harry give me your hand' I said as we sat in the Gryffindor common room. I had said I 'needed' to talk with my siblings allowing my access.
'eh? Umbridge will notice. I'm lucky she hasn't already' Harry replied as I looked at him.
' Harry' I replied sternly as his hand turned right in front of me instantly. I looked down at my hand should I? More importantly could I?
I took his hand in mind as I instantly felt a jolt of some kind,
'Tergeo' I whispered slightly as I looked down at Harry's hand as it began to heal into a faint scar.
'Wow' said Hermione looking confused and excited.
'Dumbledore has been giving me lessons on my magic. I know mum used Tergeo once to clean floor from something but well, it works just as well.' I started as Harry looked amazed at his hand,
'McGonagall well, Umbridge would flip is she knew this though. So you can't tell anyone' I whispered as Harry, Ron and Hermione nodded.
'This is ridiculous, afraid of our own school. We need to stop this and actually learn some defense again the dark arts' breathed Hermione.
'Hermione your forgetting one thing, Umbridge is here to stay. Fudge has made sure of that' I replied looking at her.
'I know but I was thinking, that maybe its come to the point where- where we need to teach ourselfs' she replied. As I instantly agreed it was the only way, wasn't it ?
'That means more work, we already get a handful of homework' breathed Ron annoyed.
'This is more important' breathed Hermione,
'If Voldemort is back how the hell will we protect ourselfs if we don't have a clue what to do' I replied as Ron bit his lip.
'We can't learn much by ourselfs though' replied Ron as Hermione looked at me, I don't know...
'I know but, we know enough to be able to teach ourselfs from the books. But we need a teacher, a proper teacher who can show us everything. Show us what is right and what is wrong' breathed Hermione.
'Lupin' asked Ron confused as Harry looked up,
'He's to busy with order Ronald' I instantly replied as Hermione looked at Harry, understanding her intentions.
'Who then' asked Harry. As Hermione breathed,
'Goodness sake Harry I'm talking about you!'
'So your wasting this Hogsmead trip to go and hang with Potter, really?' asked Draco as we walked hand in hand towards Hogsmead. Harry didn't love the whole idea but, he was ready for people to give him a chance.
'It's not like that and you know it, I will come and find you after' I replied as we stood outside the three broomsticks as I reached up and pecked his lips, lingering for few moments before pulling back and smiling.
'Fine. I love you' Draco breathed as I instantly smiled feeling my cheeks go warms.
'I love you too' I whispered pecking his lips gently once more before letting go of him and walked towards Hog's Head inn. I was just glad that in this moment my siblings didn't know about the whole ' love you' just I feel to many things could be said. Both good and bad. mostly bad probably, anyway-
I walk in, we had chosen this so it wouldn't be very busy but there was a lot of people in here. Probably wanting the truth from Harry. I walk over to Hermione, Ron and Harry as I look over.
'I though you said only a few' I shouted over the talking. Hermione shrugged her shoulders.
'I'm really not sure about this, is this even allowed' Harry said next to me, Hermione turned.
'I have tripple checked that this is allowed, we are allowed in here and we are breaking no school rules. Even if Umbridge was to walk in here now she couldn't do anything. And besides this is better than flaunting it at Hogwarts where she will probably make a ban instantly with out us even getting started' said Hermione as Harry just nodded simply.
'Four Butterbeers' called Ron placing them on the table.
'I mean I can always get you something stronger Harry, I would love to try fire-whiskey. The bloke here would sell us anything I bet' Ron started looking at the bar man. Hermione gave him a disgraced look as Ron looked at her.
'What, to calm his nerves' he replied as Harry just chuckled shaking his head.
'I feel like this amount of people could be down to a certain someone of shall I say certain twins' called Hermione as more people came through the doors as I watched the twins go from table to table talking. George got up going to the bar and came back with butterbeers as Ron got his attention.
'What are you telling people' Ron asked as we nodded. George smirked as Fred instantly came to his side.
'Nothing, just promoting what you want to say' breathed George as he turned around whistling getting the attention of the whole bar.
'The shows yours' whispered Fred as they both sat down. Now stood Harry, Hermione, Ron and I. All eyes coming to the four of us. Here goes nothing.
'Hi- well - we ah- we all know why - we are here ' Hermione started, nerves instantly showing.
'SPEAK LOUDER' shouted someone from the back as Hermione looked at Ron and Harry who just looked at the floor and then to me, oh god no.
'The thing is, lets face it were not being taught anything that would help us in defense against the dark arts. We all want to pass it of course but I feel we need more training, practice training. Like it used to be. We know that Umbridge isn't going to do that so we have taken things into our own hand. Because lets face it we don't have a clue what to do if- well when Voldemort strikes. Because, because he has returned. Voldemort has returned and we need to be ready' I replied not breaking really, confident through out my body. The room fell silent.
'Where's your proof' someone called from the back.
'Dumbledore believes it, Cedric Diggory's death proves it.' I replied.
'You mean, Dumbledore chooses to believe him' called another person from the front.
'What thinks you have a right to- Ron was cut off.
'They all have a right to know why Ronald' I snapped.
'Sorry' I whispered instantly.
'But it's true you all have the right to know why. And that's because I saw him. I saw him kill Cedric. Dumbledore chooses to believe me and has told you this all last year. If you don't believe him, you don't believe me. ' Harry finally spoke up the room looking directly at him as he gave me a slight smile of reassurance about my outburst.
'Dumbledore never gave us details though' the boy replied as I saw anger radiate from Harry.
'I haven't come here to talk about what is looked like at Cedric's death. So if that's what you want leave' he replied anger in this throat as he glared slightly at Hermione and me as I bit my lip.
'Anyway, what we mean is if you want to learn more, and be able to prepare your self than that is what we are offering. More learning about the true active from of defense' replied Hermione confidence now clear in her voice as I smiled proud of her.
'But what have you done' asked someone from the bar.
'What hasn't he done' called Neville from the front as I smiled.
'He saved the sorcerers stone in year one from you-know who' Neville shouted at people looked now a little more interested.
'Why else do you think we had feast at 1 am' called Fred as I chuckled looking back at the memory.
'He killed the basilisk with the sword from Dumbedors office' called Lee Jorden as I continued to smile.
'He faught of a hundred dementors at once' I called out looking at Harry as he bit his lip.
'And produced a patronus' called out George.
'Yeah I had a lot of help and luck ' Harry slowly and quietly said.
'No you didn't not with the the dementors this year' called out someone as Harry just looked at them unsure of what to say. People started shouting things out some good and some bad,
'What we are trying to say it, we have agreed to take lessons from Harry' Hermione called out as silence again filled the room.
I held my breath hoping people was going to say yes as I pulled my eyes across the room slowly becoming happy as people nodded their heads. I smiled at Harry and Hermione.
'Right well if we are going to do this we need to know when and where and make sure it doesn't clash with anything' Hermione called out as more people agreed.
'Hang on, why are the ministry against this. Bringing in Umbridge' called up Angelina.
'We think that they believe that Dumbledore will create an army, who could potentially pretty much over throw the ministry by controlling us' called Hermione as people looked at us. I was really happy people were accepting what we had to offer as well as people now well should be nicer towards Harry.
'Well we thought we would meet once a week, just where?' asked Hermione.
'In an un-used classroom' called out Dean Thomas. Instantly agreeing.
'That would be a good place' Ron suggested as Hermione nodded.
'Well I will sort something out, for now if you wish to join can you put your names on a piece of paper that will be at the front and we will contact you the details. But if you do sign, you declare you won't tell Umbridge or anyone else what we are doing.' Hermione suggested. People nodded as they slowly walked to the front as I placed a pen on a clean table and some paper. I watched as people put their names on the paper.
Slowly the room was empty with around 20 peoples names on. We added ours before slowly walking out into Hogsmead. A slight chill coming as was the end of September meaning summer had vanished and the cold days and dark nights were approaching.
'You better keep that safe Hermione, you don't want someone getting hold of it. Especially Umbridge' said Ron we began to walk. Hermione instantly nodded.
'Please I'm not that stupid unlike you' she replied as I looked at Harry amused.
'I though that went okay' Harry breathed as I instantly nodded smiling.
'Who's Ginny hanging around with- since when did she have boy- friends' Ron asked confused.
'Oh Ron, since she stopped fancying Harry and got herself a boyfriend. Didn't you know- its been like that since last Easter' Hermione replied as I bit my lip. Ginny still really liked Harry, I didn't know who she was 'dating' but she had said she wanted a distraction of some sort. I chuckled as Ron's face screwed up.
'I mean she still likes you Harry' Hermione replied covering her tracks, still if Ginny was here right now...
'Anyway- how are you and Cho, is that her name?' i asked Harry as he chuckled.
'Just friends' he replied as I arched my eyebrow at him.
'I can't believe she's dating that- that git, bloody hell' Ron explained as I rolled my eyes. I don't think she had even kissed him.
'Anyway, we need to figure out when we are going to start this' I replied changing the subjects as I pointed to Hermione's pocket.
-
I walked with Draco holding his hand as we walked towards the Slytherin common room on the Saturday.
'I know I can't stop you but promise me you won't do anything stupid with Potter about this whole mess' Draco said as we stopped. I bit my lip instantly.
'There's a difference between whats right and wrong though Draco' I replied looking up at him as he signed.
'I can only protect you so much. Just promise me you will try to stay out of trouble' he whispered. I nodded instantly.
'Thats the plan' I whispered wrapping my arms around his neck as I gently kissed him. In the middle of the corridor. In front of students. Oh Well. I smiled into the kiss as I slowly pulled back.
'Don't you mean whats right and what's easy' he asked smirking as I rolled my eyes. That was Dumbledore's line.
'I can't lie, I though Potter was Dumbledore's favorite but now, with all this magic training I'm starting to think differently' he whispered as I chuckled. Shaking my head.
'Your forgetting one thing, I'm not the 'chosen' one. ' I whispered,
'You are to me' he whispered back as I felt my cheeks becoming warm, very warm. I chuckled.
'Look, it's not for a long time but my mum keeps owling me. She wants to know if you would like to accompany me for our family's winter ball at the manor. ' Draco asked as I felt instantly off guard. I wanted to but should I.
'You don't have to, don't worry -
'I want to Draco, of course I do. I just need to double check with my parents. They, they know everything I told you. I want to come I really do. Pass at a chance to see this famous manor, hell no. I just need to make sure my parents allow me. I will write to them now.' I instantly replied, feeling annoyed at the fact I probably won't be able to go.
Draco shut his eyes in annoyance realizing, they knew what Harry said also.
'Everything has to be so bloody complicated. If it makes you and you'r parents feel safer, there won't be the typical Slytherin Family's, we have many people from the ministry. People who are against Voldemort. I promise no harm will come to you, my mother said she can write to your parents regarding their consent even though I know they aren't the best of friends -
'I will owl my mum. I really hope they say yes Draco, they might. Stop worrying. If not well you could always come to the burrow, I know it's not the most high class place. ' I replied he smiled.
'But this winter ball does sound, very fancy' I replied thinking about the dress I would ware. He chuckled.
'You will be the first to know' I whispered as he nodded smiling.
That weekend passed quickly, I wrote to my mum telling her everything. I know there was this whole death eater business but I wanted to go. I would be safe, many people would be there. I couldn't lie though this could be one of those things where they say love makes the easiest things blind or some saying like that. Anyway- I wanted to go. I have some control of my magic if anything was to happen. Who am I kidding if something happened, oh god. I need to stop overthinking everything.
I waited for the owls to fly in on the Morning, one of the first to be in the great hall for breakfast. I was anxious for this letter from mum, I mean I hope it actually comes this morning. She normally writes back instantly. I sat with Pansy and few other people. As I watch the owls come in I feel a tug at my arm, I turn Pansy getting my attention.
'Have you seen this?' Pansy asked showing a poster, I look instantly becoming away that well. I understand when they mean by when people say, be one step ahead of you enemy.
By order of The High Inquisitor of Hogwarts
All Student Organizations, Societies, Teams, Groups, and Clubs are disbanded. An Organization, Society, Team, Group, or Club is hereby defined as a regular meeting of three or more students. No Student Organization, Society, Team, Group, or Club may exist without the knowledge and approval of the High Inquisitor. Any student found to have formed, or to belong to, an Organization, Society, Team, Group, or Club that has not been approved by the High Inquisitor will be expelled. The above is in accordance with Educational Decree Number Twenty-four. Signed: Dolores Umbridge high inquisitor
'I wonder what that's about' said Pansy as my letter dropped in front of me. Range boiled in me, of course she was going to know what was bloody going on. Of course this was going to happen. Anger radiated from me as Pansy looked at me alert as I found the tea and juice starting to boil in front of us. Whoops, now lets put these calming techniques in place. I breathed in an out mentally singing the mantra I had made up. I opened my eyes the boiling bubbles had gone. As I let out a shaky breath.
'Sorry' I whispered as she just shook her head smiling. I looked down at the poster.
What are we going to do now?
