The next thing I know, I'm sitting at the Gryffindor table in the Great Hall, Rose on my left, Albus across from me, and a ton of tiny new Gryffindors sitting far, far away from us. This is the first time people have actually sat next to me who weren't first years in five years.

Honestly, I don't know why everyone hated me so much. I don't think I gave them a reason to. They just…did.

"Ooh, look," Rose says, putting her pumpkin juice—already half full—down. "Professor McGonagall is going to start her speech."

The room grows hushed as the Headmistress of Hogwarts stands up. She clears her throat and begins to speak:

"Welcome back to Hogwarts, students. You will be pleased to know that Filch has finally succeeded in removing the Erumpent horn from the girls' bathroom. We have successfully found the prankster and punished him appropriately."

Everyone in the Hall turns to James Potter, who is nodding and waving to everyone, as if he's a star. He sees me looking at him and blows me a kiss. I redden and turn away.

Albus is staring at me funny. "What?" I ask, my face still burning.

He gives me a lopsided grin and says, "Nothing."

Professor McGonagall claps her hands. Everyone grows silent again. "As I was saying"—she gives James a pointed look—"this year, we have a few changes. Miss Umbridge will not be returning."

A loud cheer fills the room.

Professor McGonagall fights a smile. "Yes, well, uh…yes, she will not be returning. Instead, we have a new officer who will be aiding our old Filch in making sure the school is a safe learning environment."

The students all groan.

"Please welcome Miss Rebecca Skeeter, the heiress to Rita Skeeter's journalism, er, well, kingdom."

Albus and Rose stare at the young, spiky-haired woman smiling next to McGonagall as if she's an alien. Albus's jaw is practically hitting the table. I look around and see that James, Hugo (Rose's brother), and Lily (Albus's sister) all have the same expression on their faces.

"What's the matter?" I whisper to Rose. "She's better than Umbridge."

Rose shakes her head. "No, she's not."

Albus says in a hushed tone, "She's the Quick-Quotes quill lady's daughter! There is no way she can be better than Umbridge." He frowns. "Something's up. This doesn't seem right."

I shrug, still not understanding why they are freaking out. "What could possibly be wrong?" I ask, searching Albus's face. "Ever since Voldemort was defeated, the Ministry has had someone check up on Hogwarts to make sure the students are treated properly. You know that. We don't want another Carrow."

Rose nods approvingly. "I see you've opened your history book already, Emmeline. You should be teaching Al a thing or two."

Albus scowls and says, "That's not the point, Rosie. Something's wrong about this. I can tell."

"Ech-hem," McGonagall says, staring at us. "Mr. Potter, Miss Weasley, Miss Lockwood—sorry to interrupt your discussion, but may I please continue?"

We all turn red as everyone stares at us. I look at the floor.

"Thank you. Miss Skeeter will be a permanent figure on our school grounds. If you see any strange occurrences or feel as if something is wrong, please report your findings to her."

Albus snorts. Luckily, only the Gryffindor table hears. James gives his brother a thumbs up and winks at me from a few seats down. I blush again.

"Last note: please, please children, do not hesitate to let a professor or Miss Skeeter know if you are hurt or see anything…frightening. It is of the utmost importance to do so." McGonagall changes her tone and says brightly, "Thank you. Have an amazing year at Hogwarts!"

The room erupts into laughter and chatter again as people dig in to their delicious meals. Albus says once again, "Something is wrong about this…"

"Al," Rose sighs. "Relax. Everything's fine. Sure, we have another bug to squash, but it's okay. Everything's going to be absolutely wonderful."

"Another bug to squash?" I repeat, grinning. "That's a new one."

Rose swats me and says, "Just eat your dinner, you little demon."

The rest of the dinner, Rose and I joke around and laugh, and even have a little food fight. But Albus just sits there, barely eating, quiet and still as a statue. He's so deep in thought that he doesn't notice me watching him until I snap my fingers in front of his face.

He blinks, startled. Then, he says, "Oh. Hi."

"Hi. Are you all right?" I ask, concerned.

He smiles reassuringly at me, but his lips twitch with anxiety. "Yeah, I'm fine. I'm just exhausted from the day."

I nod, but I don't buy that big slice of bologna. "All right. You'll get to sleep soon."

He nods, looking guilty. "Yeah."

I give him a look, and I know he knows I know (confusing, right?). He sighs and gives me a little half-smile, like what can you do? I roll my eyes and stab my food with my fork.

If only Albus would speak his mind. Annoying Popsicle. Yes, I said Popsicle. Do you have a problem with that?

Note: Harry Potter is J.K. Rowling's creation. I do not own it. Characters not mentioned in the books (i.e. Emmeline) are mine. :)