Chapter Four:
As expected, Professor Binns' history class was far from thrilling. He handed us parchment and rubrics and basic boring introductory stuff. It was kind of weird being taught by the ghost of an old man but after all the stuff I'd seen so far, it was almost expected. The year would start off learning about the archaic wizarding society and we'd end the year with the most recent wizarding war. First year students were suppose to get an overall history of the wizarding community and we'd go into more detail next year.
On our way to the next class; herbology, another ghost, not Professor Binns, flew over us cackling. He had an impish body and wore jester like clothes. Some of the second years that passed us in the hall groaned.
"Go away Peeves," they yelled.
Peeves the ghost stopped as he got close to me and flew right into my face. I stifled a scream.
"Icky Icky, someone's guilty," said the ghost. "Looks like Mooney's back at school."
I looked at Cassie who shot a concerned look back at me. The ghost zoomed off, cackling and began bothering some other kids.
Herbology was taught by Professor Longbottom. Though we all snickered at his name, he wasn't half as boring as Professor Binns. Class was in the greenhouse surrounded by lots of wild looking plants. The Slytherins had class with the Hufflepuffs and we all stood at a long table and were instructed on seeding an Elephant Trunk plant. It wasn't exactly that exciting of a class, but History set a pretty low bar and at least we got to actually plant seeds and didn't have to take any notes.
After lunch, which I also didn't eat, the Slytherins finally had defence against the dark arts with the Gryffindors. I was in a better mood by then and was able to block out most of the pain in my arm. As Cassie, Jasmine and I entered the classroom, little origami birds on colored paper flew up to us and flew about the large room.
The defence against the dark arts room was colorful and round at the front where the entire wall was made of windows that had been opened to let optimal sunlight in. There was Uncle Donovan's large desk and behind it was a projector screen and large chalkboard that had chalk magically writing lessons up on the board. My uncle was walking through the desks and saying hello to the Gryffindors who had already arrived in their seats. He was dressed in a long blue cloak and his wavy black hair was swept to one side. When he saw me he stopped in his tracks. I saw him begin to flash me a smile before he saw the scars that were etched into my face. I couldn't let Donovan know what had happened.
"Heidi," he said, sounding concerned as he came over.
I shook my head and forced a smile. "Hi Uncle Donovan," I said loud enough for a couple of students to hear.
Donovan traced a smile on his lips and pointed to the chalk board where his name had been written.
"Professor Umbridge in class," he said.
I nodded and took a seat next to Cassie and behind Jasmine who both gave me quizzical looks.
"I didn't know Professor Umbridge was your uncle," Jasmine said looking impressed.
I smiled and happened to glance to the side where I saw Edmund and Eloise sitting to my left. Eloise was pestering Edmund about something but he wasn't really paying attention. He looked slightly annoyed. Jasmine however started a conversation with him about dropping her quill something and was giggling over every word he said. I on the other hand was to preoccupied with my recent injuries to care. As Uncle Donovan walked by, I rested my cheek in my hand and pretend to focus on the woodgrains of the desk. Unfortunately, Donovan didn't think this was enough. He squatted down next to me so I was forced to look him in the eye.
"What's up Heidi," he said. "What happened?"
"Not now," I hissed. Some of the kids had turned their heads to see what was happening to their teacher.
"Talk to me after class then," said Uncle Donovan as he got up and swept to the front of the class.
"Good afternoon students," Uncle Donovan said. "I am Professor Umbridge your defence against the dark arts professor."
He said it in a way that made me almost want to clap.
"We're going to play a little game today just so that the class can get to know each other," he explained. "Let's go around the room and every has to say three things. One; something interesting about yourself, two; What are you most looking forward to learning this year and three; why do you deserve to wear the crown."
With that, Uncle Donovan pulled out a shiny gold crown and some of the kids laughed and oohed.
"This, my friends, is the class crown and when someone says something really smart or does something to deserve it, I will take it out from my desk and place it on your head," said Uncle Donovan and waved the crown around for everyone to see.
"I'll go first," he said. "My name is Donovan Umbridge. Something you may not know about me is that your parents might have had my aunt as their defence against the dark arts professor when they were at Hogwarts so I've got a bit of a family history. I am most looking forward to teaching you guys about Sirens, and I deserve to wear this crown, so I will."
Donovan placed the shiny gold crown on his head and smiled wistfully.
"Go ahead my good madam," Uncle Donovan said, motioning for the first girl on the front row to state her name.
This went on for quite a while until it was time for Jasmine to go.
"I'm Jasmine Fletcher," she said, running a hand through her dirty blonde hair. "I want try out for the quidditch team when I'm older, I guess I'm most looking forward to that colored eyebrow unit in transfiguration," she giggled. "And I deserve to wear the crown because I'm pretty cool."
"Pretty cool, Ms. Fletcher?" Donovan said, raising an eyebrow. "What makes you say so?"
Jasmine ran another hand through her hair. "Well, I've got some great friends, and they stick by me so..." Jasmine trailed off, motioning to me and Cassie.
I made a face at Donovan who took that as a liberty to walk over to my desk.
"Ah," he said. "I see your mates include my niece, Heidi. Hope you're not trying to kiss up to the teacher by befriending his favorite niece."
"No sir," Jasmine said. "I didn't know she was your niece until today."
I rolled my eyes at my uncle and he winked.
"Good good," Donovan said, sweeping up to the front of the room again. "Your turn my
friend," he said to Cassie.
Cassie grinned and flashed her pearly white teeth. "My name is Cassiopeia Lestrange," she said. "But call me Cassie. I was actually born in Pakistan though my dad was from here so hence why I moved back. I'm most looking forward to Professor Binns' lectures," she said sarcastically and some of the other kids snickered. "And I deserve to wear the crown because I think it's pretty."
"Very good Miss Lestrange," Donovan said.
When Donovan got to me I addressed the class with my full name; Heidi Turing.
"There's not really anything interesting about me," I said.
"I don't believe that for a second," said Donovan. "There's something interesting about everyone. Each and every one of you have something special about yourselves."
I felt my bandaged arm pulsate with pain and wished I could go back to being able to block it out.
"I'm uh, really good at maths," I said. "Not that that's any good around here," I smiled.
"There we go!" Donovan exclaimed. "Everyone has a talent, even if it's sitting on your bum watching telly all day."
I nodded and tried to think of other things to say.
"I'm most eagerly looking forward to seeing if my uncle is a good teacher," I teased, "And I deserve to wear the crown because I just do."
Uncle Donovan didn't seem to think that was a very good answer and heckled me about it for a second but eventually just moved on. After the entire class had gotten to know eachother a bit better, Uncle Donovan held out the crown again.
"Ladies and gentlemen, your first member of the royal court this year will be," Uncle Donovan paused for effect. "Lady Lestrange!"
There were a few cheers from Jasmine and another girl I didn't know as Cassie went to the front to be crowned.
The rest of Donovan's class was mainly introductory stuff, just like every other class. We flipped through our textbooks and reviewed what we'd be learning throughout the course of the year but I didn't pay much attention. I was too busy developing an escape plan in my mind for when class ended. Unfortunately however, I was unable to go through with it because as soon as we were dismissed, Uncle Donovan cornered me alone. His dark brown eyes looked deep into mine, full of worry.
"Heidi," he said. "Tell me what happened."
For a moment, I almost did. I felt the words begin to form upon the tip of my tongue and the tears begin to well as images of the creature flashed in my mind but I forced a smile to grow instead and laughed it off.
"I'm fine," I repeated merrily. "Last night someone's owl attacked me. I'm sure the scars
will heal."
Donovan shook his head, unconvinced. "Heidi these look like old scars. You've never been attacked before."
A feeling of dread boiled in my stomach. As defence against the dark arts teacher, Donovan could probably identify a werewolf victim with ease. I needed to get out of here before he could get a closer look or notice my arm.
"I've got to get to my next class, or else I'll be late," I said, brushing him off.
"Heidi," said Uncle Donovan. "I'm worried for you."
I looked back once as I hurried out the door and then disappeared into the folds of the Hogwarts hallways.