The entrance hall is ablaze with dozens of torches and the echoing of the student footsteps as everyone makes their way slowly towards the oak double doors of the Great – Hall. I look around for Draco, but being unable to spot him I continue on.
I walk towards the Gryffindor table, squeezing in between Harry and Nearly Headless Nick who moves as soon as I sit. Paying little attention to the others around, I pull out my finished drawing and slowly begin to fold it to resemble a dove. Once done I pull out my wand and float the parchment bird over towards the Slytherin table, setting it down in front of Malfoy. I watch as he opens it, swatting away a curious Goyle's hand. Draco looks towards me as he folds the drawing back up, sliding it into his breast pocket.
"It's that Umbridge women!" announces Harry, pulling my attention away from Draco.
"Who?" asks Hermione.
"She was at my hearing, she works for Fudge!" Harry explains.
"Nice cardigan," jokes Ron with a smirk.
"She works for Fudge?" repeats Hermione, frowning, "What on earth's she doing here?"
"Dunno," responds Harry looking towards me as if I'm supposed to know.
"It was only a matter of time till Fudge sent someone. I mean with him thinking Dumbledore wants his job and all," I say, my words sounding as if the topic bores me, which, in truth, it does. Why should I care if Fudge has sent someone to the school, there's absolutely nothing I can do about it…so why try?
Moments later the first – years begin to file into the Great – Hall lead by Professor McGonagall. I let out a curt laugh upon seeing their faces, so full of shock and awe…they look utterly ridiculous. Professor McGonagall sets a stool down in front of them before placing a tattered looking black hat on it, the Sorting Hat. As it begins to chant I tune out, examining the ends of my red – brown hair.
It isn't five minutes later that the Hat stops talking as the hall erupts into applause. I clap twice, knowing only one thing the hat has said to be true, Hogwarts, and all those who find refuge within it are most definitely in danger.
Nearly an hour later food appears, much to the surprise of the newly sorted first – years. I place a chicken leg on my plate before dishing up more green beans, corn, and mashed potatoes than I'll ever be able to consume.
As I shovel yet another large amount of corn into my mouth I look towards Draco who seems to be having some sort of meeting with Grabbe and Goyle. He only glances my way once, leading me to believe he is going over plans for tonight. Once I have finished the majority of the food on my plate I reach for an apple tart, eating it quickly.
I sit for a minute before getting up, praying no one would tell me to return to my seat. I reach the Slytherin table, kneeling down behind Draco, tapping him lightly on the shoulder.
"Isabelle," he exclaims with a smile. "You are going to get in trouble, Gryffindor's mingling with Slytherin's…tisk, tisk," he jokes.
"I'll take my chances. Look, about tonight…." I start.
"I've got it all figured out. I'll meet you in front the entrance to the Slytherin common room at eight," whispers Draco, cutting me off. "Now go." With that he kisses me on the forehead before turning back around, his back to me.
I stand slowly and make my way back to my seat, sliding in only seconds before Dumbledore stands, preparing to speak.
"Well, not that we are all digesting another magnificent feast, I beg a few moments of your attention for the usual start – of – term notices," Dumbledore starts. "First- years ought to know that the forest on the grounds is out of bounds to students – and a few of our older students ought to know by now too, Mr. Filch, the caretaker, has asked me, for what he tells me is the four hundred and sixty – second time, to remind yo9u all that magic is not permitted in corridors between class, nor are a number of other things, all of which can be checked on the extensive list now fastened to Mr. Filch's office door.
"We have two changes in staffing this year. We are very pleased to welcome back Professor Grubbly – Plank, who will be taking Care of Magical Creatures lessons; we are also delighted to introduce Professor Umbridge, out new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher."
A round of rather unenthusiastic applause sounds, dying down as abruptly as it has started.
Dumbledore continues, "Tryouts for the House Quidditch teams will take place on the –"
"Hem, hem," Professor Umbridge interrupts, clearly wishing to speak.
"Isabelle, your mum worked for the ministry, what's this Umbridge women like?" Harry questions turning to face me.
"She's a git, my mum detests her," I reply before turning my attention back to Umbridge who is now standing.
"Thank you, Headmaster," she starts, "for those kind words of welcome."
Her voice reminds me of a little – girls, yet she resembles that of a toad…a rather ugly toad at that. I, very much like my mother, loath this women, along with her fluffy cardigans and everything she stands for.
"Well it is lovely to be back at Hogwarts, I must say!" Umbridge says with a smile. "And to see such happy faces looking back at me!"
Upon looking around I notice it is on the contrary, in fact many of the students look mildly depressed at having to sit and listen to her talk to them as it they are no older than two.
"I'm very much looking forward to getting to know all you and I'm sure we'll be very good friends!"
"That depends on her definition of 'very good friends,'" I mutter just loud enough for Harry to hear.
After another 'hem – hem' Umbridge continues on, "The Ministry of Magic has always considered the education of young witches and wizards to be of vital importance. The rare gifts with which you were born may come to nothing if not nurtured and honed by careful instruction. The ancient unique to the Wizarding community must be passed down through the generations least we loose them forever. The treasure trove of magical knowledge amassed by our ancestors must be guarded, replenished and polished by those who have been called to the noble profession of teaching," here, Umbridge stops, turning to bow to the teachers. None return it.
After clearing her throat yet again Professor Umbridge continues on, her words sounding overly rehearsed. "Every headmaster and headmistress of Hogwarts has brought something new to the weighty task of…."
I find myself tuning her out, thinking of later; lounging on the comfy leather couch with Draco, exchanging stories, our thoughts on Umbridge…plans for break.
As soon as Umbridge is done with her speech I stand, quite ready to get out of the Great – Hall.