71. Awkward Carriage Ride

**Fred's POV**

George, 'Mione, Harry, Ron, and I were just getting off the train when we bumped into none other than Malfoy.

"I'm surprised the Ministry's still letting you walk around free, Potter. Better enjoy it, while you can. I expect there's a cell in Azkaban with your name on it" He said, smirking.

Harry then tried to punch him, but George and I held him back.

"What'd I tell you? Complete Nutter" Malfoy said walking away.

"Just stay away from me!" Harry yelled.

"It's only Malfoy, Mate" I said letting him go.

"What'd you expect?" Ron asked.

We all walked to the carriages and Harry found Cho Chang.

She was about to say hi until her carriage took off. She smiled and she turned to her friends.

"Tough love, Mate" I said smiling and patting Harry on the back.

"Shut up," He said, laughing slightly.

Neville then walked up to us.

"Hey, guys" He said.

"Hi Neville," We all said.

Harry turned around and he looked shocked.

"What is it?" He asked.

We all turned around to see what he was looking at, but nothing was there.

"What's what?" Ron asked.

"That. Pulling the carriage" Harry said.

I looked at George confused and he shrugged.

"Nothing's pulling the carriage, Harry. It's pulling itself, like always" 'Mione said.

Harry walked around the carriage and he looked at whatever. He then found a girl with dirty blond hair and pale skin.

"You're not going mad!" Said the girl.

"I can see them, too," She said, putting down her book. "You're just as sane as I am."

We all got on the carriage with her. Ron looked nervous to be sitting next to her.

Is he like her or is he just thinking she's mental?

"Everyone, this is Loony Love-" 'Mione said, until she realized what she had said. "Luna Lovegood."

'Mione looked at me with a nervous look on her face.

"What an interesting necklace" I said looking at Luna's necklace.

"It's a charm actually," She explained. "It keeps away the Nargles."

I looked at George and whispered "What's a Nargle?"

"No idea," He whispered, shaking his head.

Neville shifted uncomfortably and Luna was saying something about pudding.

It was really awkward to get to the castle because there was clearly nothing to talk about. We arrived and George and I hopped off saying "Yes! Sweet, sweet, ground!"

"That was the longest trip of my life" Ron whispered.

"I know" Harry whispered back.

"Come on. Let's get ready" 'Mione said.

We got dressed in our robes and we headed for the Great Hall and took our seats.

**Hermione's POV**

"Do you just want me to tell him you like him?" George whispered.

I kicked him in the leg.

"Ow!" He said rubbing his leg.

"Do you want me to do it?" Ginny asked.

I looked at her and glared and she said "Please don't kick me."

"I won't. That's only for George" I said smiling.

"That is so not fair," George said, eating his chicken.

"Good evening, children," Dumbledore said.

With that, we all quiet down.

"Now we have two changes in staffing this year. We are pleased to welcome back Professor Grubbly-Plank. Who will be taking Care of Magical Creatures, while Professor Hagrid is on temporary leave" Dumbledore explained.

I looked at Harry and Ron who gave me a weird look.

"Wonder where Hagrid is," Fred whispered.

"We also wish to welcome our new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, Professor Dolores Umbridge. And I'm sure you'll all join me in wishing the new professor good luck. Now as usual, our caretaker, Mr. Filch, has asked me to-" Dumbledore said before getting interrupted by Umbridge.

She stood up and walked over next to him and the other professors and we students looked at her funny.

"She was in my hearing. She works for Fudge" Harry whispered to me.

Umbridge then went on with her introduction.

"Thank you, headmaster, for those kind words of welcome. And how lovely to see all your bright faces smiling up at me. I'm sure we're all going to be very good friends" She said.

"That's likely," Fred and George said, putting their chins to their knuckles.

I smiled and we looked back at Umbridge.