10th April

Surprise, surprise Educational Decree number twenty-eight was issued last night appointing Umbridge as the new head of Hogwarts.

The story of what happened last night circulated around the school like wildfire. By the time I got to breakfast, everyone seemed to know that Dumbledore had overcome two Aurors (Kingsley and Dawlish), Umbridge, Fudge and Percy. Everyone knew that Dumbledore had taken the blame for attempting to start up Dumbledore's Army, creating an army to fight the Ministry. They also knew that Harry and Marietta were the only students that witnessed the scene in Dumbledore's office, and, as Marietta was now in the Hospital Wing, Harry was now besieged with requests to hear the story first-hand.

"Dumbledore will be back before long," Ernie said confidently during Herbology, recalling the events that led to his departure in second year. Ernie then dropped his voice, forcing the four of us to lean in very close to hear, "The Fat Friar told me that Umbridge tried to get back into his office last night after they'd searched the castle and grounds for him. Couldn't get past the gargoyle. The Head's office has sealed itself against her." He smirked, "Apparently she had a right little tantrum."

"Oh, I expect she really fancied herself sitting up there in the Head's office," Hermione said viciously as we walked up the steps towards the Entrance Hall, "Lording it over all the other teachers, the stupid puffed-up, power-crazy old-"

"Now, do you really want to finish that sentence, Granger?" Draco had just slid out from behind the door, followed by Crabbe and Goyle. His pale, pointed face was alight with malice, "Afraid I'm going to have to dock a few points from Gryffindor and Hufflepuff." He drawled.

"You can't take points from fellow prefects, Malfoy." Ernie spoke at once.

"I know prefects can't dock points from each other," Draco sneered and both his cronies sniggered, "But members of the Inquisitorial Squad-"

I raised an eyebrow, "The what now?"

"The Inquisitorial Squad," he responded to me with pride as he tapped the new tiny, silver 'I' badge on his robes, "A select group of students who are supportive of the Ministry of Magic, hand-picked by Professor Umbridge. Anyway, members of the Inquisitorial Squad do have the power to dock points… so, Granger, I'll have five points from you for being rude about our new Headmistress. Macmillan, five for contradicting me. Five because I don't like you, Potter. Weasley, your shirt's untucked, so I'll have another five for that. Kathryn, you're alright, so I'll not deduct anything from you, even though you're hanging around with these buffoons. Oh yeah, I forgot, you're a Mudblood, Granger, so ten for that."

Ron pulled out his wand, but Hermione pushed it away, whispering, "Don't!"

"Wise move, Granger," Draco breathed, "New Head, new times… be good now, Potty… Weasel King…" Laughing heartily, he strode away, quickly followed by Crabbe and Goyle.

I went to run after Draco, to ask him why he was choosing her over me, after all she has done to me. He knew that I had been put in detention unfairly, he knew exactly what she made me do during detention and he knew just how she treated me at any other time. But Hermione had her hand on my robes and tugged me, she gave me an 'I told you so' look. I then glanced at the giant hour-glasses and saw that, yes, Draco was able to dock points.

"Noticed, have you?" Fred said as he and George were coming down the marble staircase.

"Malfoy's just docked us all about fifty points," Harry said furiously, as we watched more stones fly out of the Gryffindor hour-glass.

Fred raised an eyebrow, "Even Malfoy's golden girl?"

"Of course not!" Harry said, "Kathryn can get away with murder and he'll be fine with it."

"Oh shut up." I said, "Oh look, more points deducted… We'll have none left by the end of the day, the rate they're disappearing!"

"Montague tried to do us during break," George said.

"What do you mean, 'tried'?" Ron asked quickly.

Fred smirked, "He never managed to get all the words out, due to the fact that we forced him head-first into the Vanishing Cabinet on the first floor."

My chin dropped, "Oh no you didn't!"

"But you'll get into terrible trouble!" Hermione said.

"Not until Montague reappears, and that could take weeks, I dunno where we sent him," Fred said without a care in the world, "Anyway… we've decided we don't care about getting into trouble anymore."

"Have you ever…?" asked Hermione.

"'Course we have," George stood beside me and put arm around my shoulders, "never been expelled, have we?"

Fred added, "Always known where to draw the line,"

"We might have put a toe across it occasionally." George pulled me in closer.

I snorted.

"But we've always stopped short of causing real mayhem," Fred reasoned.

"But now?" Ron asked tentatively.

"Well, now-" George began.

"-what with Dumbledore done-"

"-we reckon a bit of mayhem-"

"-is exactly what out dear new Head deserves." Fred nodded in conclusion.

Hermione's eyes widened, "You mustn't! You really mustn't! She'd love a reason to expel you! Kathryn, please, talk sense into them!"

I tried to bite back the grin that appeared on my face, "Don't you get it, 'Mione? They don't care about staying anymore! They have the business! They would walk out the door right now, if it wasn't for me, and for the fact they won't leave without causing a little mischief first." I held my finger and thumb close together.

"In fact," Fred began, "Phase one is about to begin. I'd get in the Great Hall for lunch, if I were you, that way the teachers will see you can't have had anything to do with it."

"Anything to do with what?" Hermione glanced at the twins.

George smirked, "You'll see… run along, now." He gave a small push towards the Great Hall before disappearing into the swelling crowd.

Ernie disappeared. Hermione asked, "What have they done?"

I let out a deep breath, "I have literally no idea," I said honestly.

As the four of us made a move, Harry had barely set foot within the Hall before being tapped on the shoulder by Filch. Harry jumped backwards in shock as Filch said, "The Headmistress would like to see you, Potter."

"I didn't do it." Harry said stupidly.

"Guilty conscience, eh?" he wheezed, "Follow me."

Next thing Harry was gone. Fred and George must've had a word with both Ron and Hermione as they stood protectively on either side of me, in case I got a tip on the shoulder and chauffeured off for goodness knows what. Instead, the three of us sat down for lunch.

BOOM!

Everything shook.

"What the bloody hell was that?" said a startled Ron.

"Phase one of mischief unmanaged." I continued eating like nothing had happened, "sounded like a firework."

Hermione laughed, "You are so ready to marry him, you are so lackadaisical when it comes to them causing mayhem."

"Comes with the job." I looked at Ron, "Surely you can relate?"

He nodded, "I still want to go see what they've done, though."

I was right. They were fireworks. Gold and green sparkled dragons were soaring up and down the corridors, emitting loud fiery blasts and bangs as they went. There were shocking pink Catherine wheels, just as tall as I am whizzing in the air like flying saucers. Very funny, boys. There were rockets with long tails of brilliant silver stars that ricocheted off the walls; sparklers were writing swear words in mid-air of their own accord and firecrackers that were exploding like mines. There was something peculiar about these fireworks, though… none of them seemed to burn out, but rather gain more energy the more they were watched.

Filch and Umbridge were standing, scratching their heads, wondering what to do, their faces transfixed in horror. As I watched, one of the Catherine wheels seemed to decide that what it needed was more room to manoeuvre; it whirled towards Umbridge and Filch with a sinister 'wheeeeeee'. They both yelled in fright and ducked out of the way as the wheel soared straight out the window and off across the grounds.

"Hurry Filch, hurry!" Umbridge shrieked as the dragon shaped fireworks were on the move up the stairs, "they'll be all over the school unless we do something – stupefy!"

A red jet of light hit one of the rockets. Instead of freezing in mid-air, it exploded with such force that it blasted a hole in one of the adjacent paintings.

"Don't Stun them, Filch!" Umbridge shouted angrily, as though it was Filch who cast the incantation.

"Right you are, Headmistress!" was the Squib's reply as he got a broom out of the cupboard and tried hitting them. Within seconds it was up in flames.

"Happy now?" I asked Ron.

He smirked and said, "Dessert?"

All afternoon, the fireworks blazed and exploded and whizzed about the school with the same enthusiasm as hours before. Whilst they caused plenty of disruption, the teachers didn't seem particularly bothered.

"Dear, dear…" Professor McGonagall said sardonically as she was asking some revision questions to our class, "Miss Brown, would you mind running along to the Headmistress and informing her that we have an escaped firework in our classroom?"

It seemed that Umbridge spent most of her first afternoon as Headmistress answering teachers' summons, none of whom seemed able to extinguish any of the fireworks without her. When the final bell of the day rang, the four of us walked towards Gryffindor Tower. I couldn't hide a grin as Umbridge was dishevelled and soot-blackened and very sweaty answering a summons from Flitwick.

"Thank you so much, Professor!" Flitwick spoke in his usual squeaky voice, "I could have got rid of the sparklers myself, of course, but I wasn't sure whether or not I had the authority." He closed his classroom door in her face.

Burn.

In Gryffindor Tower this evening, Fred and George were celebrated. The two of them walked around like heroes, proud to have served their school well. Even Hermione had fought her way through the crowd to congratulate them.

"They were wonderful fireworks," she said admiringly.

"Thanks," George looked both surprised and pleased. I nodded to him from behind Hermione; this was high praise coming from her, "Weasleys' Wildfire Whiz-Bangs. Only thing is, we used our whole stock; we're going to have to start again from scratch, now."

"It was worth it, though." Fred was taking orders from admiring Gryffindors, "If you want to add your name to the waiting list, Hermione, it's five Galleons for your Basic Blaze Box and twenty for the Deflagration Deluxe…"

I fought my way over to George, stood on my tiptoes and whispered, "I see business is going well. You'll have the place decorated in no time."

George smirked, taking a seat beside Fred, "Like the Catherine wheels?"

I gave him a dirty look before scurrying off into the crowd so as to not be grabbed and tickled.

"I'll take that as a 'yes' then?" he called out after me.

I turned and blew him a kiss.

I returned to the table Harry, Ron, Hermione and I were sitting at when I overheard Hermione suggesting we took the night off, "The Easter Holidays are coming up and we'll have plenty of time then."

"Who are you and what have you done with Hermione Granger?" Ron asked, astonished.

"Yeah, are you feeling alright?" Harry added.

"Now you mention it," Hermione said happily, "d'you know… I think I'm feeling a bit… rebellious."

I placed my hand on her arm, "You can take the fall for the next DA group to get caught."

11th April

"Miss Pink, my office." Umbridge said on passing during dinner, "Now, Miss Pink."

"Should I bother eating this mouthful or not?" I sighed, not having eaten a morsel and ate the forkful. We had gone down for a late dinner, owing to Hermione wanting to finish her Ancient Runes essay.

"Yes." George said, "And a few more…"

I swallowed what was in my mouth, "She's going to go through me for a shortcut." I then took another bite, "Can you-?"

"Of course." He said.

"Don't drink anything she gives you." Harry said across the table as I ate the third forkful.

I shrugged my shoulders, "I never do." I drank a glass of water.

"She'll insist."

I nodded, grabbed my bag and ran.

"Take a seat, Miss Pink." She said ever so sweetly, "Would you like a drink?"

"Oh, no thank you." I said politely.

Her smile extended, "I insist." Umbridge said malevolently, "Tea, coffee, pumpkin juice?" with a flick of her wand she showed me the drinks available.

"Coffee, please." I said, "Milk, no sugar."

"Excellent." Umbridge poured me a cup and turned her back to me as she added milk, "Drink up!" she said as she handed me the cup, as though wanting to ram it down my throat.

I looked down at the drink, it isn't half as strong as I like it. Lucky I'm not going to drink the dishwater, then.

"Do you need more milk?" Umbridge showed me a little jug.

I shook my head and lifted the cup to my lips and pretended to take a sip.

"Good girl!" I think that was the first time she had ever been nice to me, "Now," she began, "Where is Dumbledore?"

"I haven't got a clue…" I answered honestly.

Umbridge pulled a face, "Drink up, dear." Then she pressed harder after I took a fake sip, "Tell me where Albus Dumbledore is."

"I really don't have a clue." I reiterated, taking another fake sip.

"Has Minerva McGonagall been secretly passing on information to you?"

I was taken aback, "No!" I said almost too quickly.

"Do you know where Sirius Black is?"

"The mass murder? No, sorry…" I said.

Umbridge sighed, "You will be doing lines, again. You always seem to find ways to defy me, you insolent little girl. Agreeing to attend a meeting to help Albus Dumbledore bring down the Ministry?" she let out a high laugh, "Look where that got him! Can you not just learn to behave, to stay in line and follow the rules? Rules are there for a reason! Rules are put in place to protect. These detentions are for your own good." She handed me the black quill, "Today you will continue to write the line 'I must not engage in illicit activities'. Off you go."

I had learnt not to say anything nor to show any emotion. She was just like my mother. I just did what she asked. I got hurt and that is exactly what she wanted. I don't think I could ever get used to the pain, but I am used to the action.

The first stroke of the quill sent searing pain into my hand. It felt like having someone pick open an already open wound. The second was like extending the edges. The third was making it deeper, then it felt like adding salt. Within five copies of the line, my hand was bleeding. By fifty, I felt faint. I really ought to have eaten more at dinner.

Four hours later I staggered out of that office, blood dripping from my hand, landing on the floor, making a path down to the Hospital Wing. I reckoned I could make it down one floor, rather than up six.

"Miss Pink!" Madam Pomfery chauffeured me to one of the free beds. One look at my hand and she got a bowl of Murtlap and I felt instant relief, "You look so pale…"

When the world stopped spinning around me I said, "Doesn't help when you're on your… you know." I said awkwardly, "And I had three mouthfuls of dinner before my summons."

A flick of her wand and I was provided with a bowl of vegetable soup and a bread roll.

"Miss Anderson, would you mind when you go back to Gryffindor Common Room kindly informing Mr Weasley that Kathryn is in the hospital wing?"

The second year nodded timidly.

I tried standing up and nearly lost my footing, "EAT." Madam Pomfery ordered.

I felt ill looking at the soup, my head was spinning and my stomach was killing me. It wasn't the pain in my hand, it was everything else. I massaged my forehead with my non-submerged hand in between mouthfuls of soup.

"KATY!" George came bouncing into the Hospital Wing, looking panic-stricken.

"Shhhhhhh!" I said, waving my hand in the air which he took and held, "What happened?" He pointed his wand at the lamp and it switched on, "Katy…" he sighed, "You're so pale…"

"I'm fine," I assured, "I just-"

Madam Pomfery came to the side of the bed and whispered, "The blood was dripping from her hand and she already loses enough at this time of the month that would floor most women."

"Seriously?" I barked, unable to look at George out of embarrassment.

Madam Pomfery shrugged her shoulders, "Surely he's noticed…"

"Sure, just extend the humiliation," I glared at her, "Basically Georgie, I'm losing a lot of blood, I feel faint, dizzy and my blood sugars were probably in my boots."

"Your blood glucose levels were 3.5, so yes, they were on the low side." Madam Pomfery interrupted, "Do I have to feed you?"

I lifted up the bread roll and knife to butter it. My hands were shaking that badly, that George took over, "You see me in hospital far too much for my liking."

"I'm just glad you had the sense to come here." He said, handing me half the roll to eat, "Madam Pomfery?" he spoke a bit louder, "would you be able to get Katy something for a headache? She's looking at me funny… and based on the way she's fidgeting, something for her cramps."

I was so embarrassed.

"Do you think I don't know these things?" he placed the second piece of bread back on the plate and took my hand and rubbed it soothingly, "Come on, it's me!"

I shook my head, "Now is not the time."

Madam Pomfery returned with a little medicine cup full of a clear liquid, a bar of chocolate and a cup of tea.

"Thank you." I said, knocking back the clear liquid like a shot. As I bit into the chocolate bar I made some inappropriate noises, "Ohhhhh yeahhhh… You have no idea how good this tastes." I said stroking George's face, "Here… take a bite!" I handed him the bar.

He gave me a strange look, took a bite, "Yum… you must be ill, sharing chocolate willingly."

"That's because sometimes you're alright."

"Just sometimes?" Madam Pomfery asked, "You two are this school's power couple! Or so I've heard." She corrected herself, "Anyone who's anyone knows who you two are. He must be a bit more than just alright."

I mustered a smile, "He's pretty darn perfect," I took a sip of tea, "but you can't tell him too often or he just gets cocky."

Half an hour later, and with a lot of persuading, Madam Pomfery let me leave the Hospital Wing. George had a frim arm around me as we walked up the many flights of stairs, as I was still a little unsteady.

Madam Pomfery had put some other form of lotion on my hand, which stung like a bitch, but was really soothing now. I didn't really have much of a choice when blood was still dripping from the wound and seeping through gauze. She couldn't say anything though, with Umbridge being Headmistress and her being the one to inflict the pain. She just tutted and sighed to herself every so often in disgust.

By the time we got up to Gryffindor Tower I imagine I had lost any colour in my cheeks that I had gained in the Hospital Wing. As I climbed through the portrait door, I had Fred offering me a hand and a space in front of the fire.

"What did she do to you?" Hermione carefully lifted my bandaged hand.

"Just the normal." I said as I sat down, "That, and try to find out where Dumbledore is and Sirius and if McGonagall is passing me on information. Lied my way through that. Nice bit of scourgify I used when Umbridge wasn't looking."

"But your hand, Kit Kat…"

I could handle wanting to cry when it was George, because he didn't press like they were, but I could feel myself well up, "It wouldn't stop bleeding." I said, my voice not sounding its usual self, "I dripped all over the desk, the floor and…"

"Having not eaten anything doesn't exactly help…" George said, "Come on you, up to bed…" he helped me to my feet, walked me over to the stairs and pulled me in tight for a cuddle, "Sweet dreams…" he whispered as he kissed my forehead gently.

16th April

"Why haven't you got any more Occlumency lessons?" Hermione asked, frowning.

"I've told you." Harry muttered, "Snape reckons I can carry on by myself now I've got the basics."

Hermione and I exchanged glances. Harry had been acting off from the beginning of the week. Which corresponded with his last lesson with Snape. He couldn't look at us. I wondered if it was stress or if he had any further weird dreams or if he had fought with Cho again. He wasn't giving anything away, that's for sure.

"So you've stopped having funny dreams?" Hermione asked sceptically.

"Pretty much." Harry said, staring somewhere in the distance.

That was a lie.

"Well, I don't think Snape should stop until you're absolutely sure you can control them!" Hermione said indignantly, "Harry, I think you should just go back and ask-"

"No," Harry said forcefully, "Just drop it, Hermione, okay?" he then looked to me, "And you can leave me alone and all."

That was me told.

Today was the first day of the Easter Holidays and as custom, Hermione started drawing up revision timetables for the four of us. I think when it comes to revision, there are two rules: do not talk to Hermione when she is working. Secondly, the closer it gets to the exams, the further you have to sit away from her. For now, she is considered safe.

"What do you mean there's only six weeks until the exams?" Ron nearly choked on his own saliva when Hermione gave him his colour-coded timetable.

The look on Hermione's face said it all, "And how can that come as a shock?"

"You've given me an evening off a week!" Ron said joyfully.

"That's for Quidditch Practice." She said.

The smile was wiped from his face, "What's the point? We've got as much a chance of winning the Quidditch Cup this year as Dad's got of becoming Minister for Magic!"

I gave Hermione a nudge and pointed my head at Harry, who was staring at the wall opposite looking gloomy.

"What's wrong, Harry?" I asked him, my voice quiet and soothing.

"What?" he said quickly, "Nothing."

He grabbed his DADA textbook and pretended to read it.

"I saw Cho earlier," Hermione said tentatively, "She looked really miserable, too… have you two rowed again?"

"Wha- oh yeah, we have."

I leaned forwards, "What about?"

"That sneak friend of hers, Marietta."

"Yeah, well I don't blame you!" Ron said angrily, "If it hadn't been for her…" then he started ranting.

Hermione and I shared another glance and sighed. Boys.

21st April

Ginny gave me an Easter egg this evening as she got back from Quidditch Practice. She sat herself down beside me and sighed. I set down my quill after studying transfiguration for two hours, broke off a bit of chocolate and relaxed.

"What's up?"

She smiled, "I've just been talking to Harry…"

"Have you managed to get something out of him?"

Ginny stole a bit of my chocolate and nodded, "He wants to talk to Sirius. I told him I'd help. I know you're particularly good at getting into places undetected… Any chance you could help us break into Umbridge's office?"

"Certainly." I smirked, this was the most exciting thing to happen all week, "What else do you need?" I already found my eyes darting towards Fred and George, "A distraction, perhaps?"

"It's like you read my mind."

23rd April

"Fred and George are in," Ginny slid in to a seat beside me in the library.

"I didn't doubt that fact for a second." I said, "This is right up their alley."

Ginny nodded excitedly, "They love the fact we're on a secret mission, they're planning something extra special."

"Any excuse to cause mayhem," I smirked, "that, and any opportunity to advertise their work. Students are going to be their biggest source of income."

Her eyes lit up as she talked me through the plan, "See, the thing about growing up with Fred and George, is that you sort of start thinking anything's possible if you've got enough nerve."

28th April

"You look like you could do with a break." George sat down beside me as I bashed my head with my DADA textbook.

I looked up at him, "This is drivel." I let out a manic laugh, "It's going to drive me insane."

"Up you get." George took my hands and pulled me off the seat, "You're coming with me, fresh air, let's go. This is not a request, this is an order, Miss Pink."

"You had me as soon as you interrupted me." I said as we were out of Gryffindor Tower.

George smiled, "You work too hard."

"I don't have a plan, so I've got to work hard to keep my options open." I spoke honestly.

"Well, you know you can always work for me."

I laughed, "That, is exactly what I'm trying to avoid."

George pretended to be offended, "I'm sure you would make an amazing deputy manager or head of something, like marketing or design or -"

"I think I'll stop you right there." I held my hand up, "I will help you out, by all means, just don't expect me to-"

"-stay at home and raise the kids, I know, and you want to be self-defined and not just a part of the business, I know that, too."

The two of us shared a giggle. It was lovely to be out in the fresh air. The grass had just been cut and gave off the most pleasant smell. The few clouds that harboured the sky were small and fluffy, allowing the sun to dance off the many blooming colours of spring around us. A light breeze sent the greenery into gentle motion. I found myself lost in the beautiful British landscape before me.

"I take it you've had a look at the leaflets and pamphlets?" George brought my attention back to reality, "What about an Auror? There are certain qualities you possess that would make the training process a little easier for you… Besides, Tonks is dying to train you up."

I shook my head, "Nah, I don't imagine myself and Tonks would be the ideal crime-fighting duo. We talk too much and -"

"Do you have a complete lack of confidence in yourself to be professional?" George asked and then after I remained silent he said, "I have full faith in you."

"It's your duty to believe the best of me," I smirked, "but I really don't want to be an Auror. Security Troll training, nope. Department of magical accidents and catastrophes? Ehhhh... Magical Law Enforcement is more Hermione's cup of tea. Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures, well, I can't wait to finish Care of Magical Creatures, so that's a no. Do you know what intrigues me?"

George smiled, "What?"

"The Department of Mysteries."

"And probably not for the right reason, either." He gave me a warning look.

I smirked, "Yeah, 'cause I want to work there to pass on info to Voldy. That's my ultimate dream in life." I said sardonically, "I said I was intrigued, I didn't say it was my ambition to work there. Besides, I couldn't talk about work to you and that just wouldn't do."

"What's next to consider?" George asked as we walked, "What about being a teacher? You could become a DADA teacher!"

"And have a job for a year before getting fired, being found to be Voldy's accomplice, or being a secret ministry official infiltrating the school? That job is cursed. I don't imagine teaching is too bad, though. At least I'd teach kids to defend themselves."

"So your aim is to work for a year and leave the job a disgrace and then come work for me?" he chuckled.

I shook my head, "There's got to be something out there for me…" I imagined myself sitting with a typewriter in the middle of the countryside writing stories, perhaps about love or deceit or perhaps I'll write that book about women Ron so desperately desires…

George stopped and placed his hand on his neck, that could only mean one thing, he was anxious about telling me something… "Ehm…" he paused, "look, Katy… Fred and I have been thinking…" his eyes locked on mine, "we reckon that things with Umbridge mightn't go our way… What I'm really trying to say is… Fred and I have made a pact that if Umbridge has us cornered or is about to expel us or something, that we're going to… leave." He spoke slowly and clearly, "before she gets the chance to –"

I took his hand again, "I understand." I smiled, "You don't need to worry, I know you don't intend to stay here much longer. I also know that you plan on opening the shop in a matter of weeks."

"So you're okay with it?"

"As far as I can be, yes."

30th April

My appointment with Professor McGonagall for careers advice was at 1015 this morning in her office. That meant I missed the end of History of Magic and the start of potions. The majority of History of Magic was spent with Hermione whispering loudly to Harry, telling him not to go ahead with this evening's plan. He was going to sneak into Umbridge's office and use her fireplace as Fred and George caused the diversion. Hermione did not think this was such a good idea. I knew Harry wouldn't ask to talk to Sirius if it wasn't important. I was glad of the break as I knocked on the office door and entered on McGonagall's say-so.

"Miss Pink, take a seat." She smiled, "Tea?"

"Of course." I smiled back, though the butterflies were still flying with some force in my stomach.

I was handed a cup and saucer and McGonagall sat down, "Well, Miss Pink, this meeting is to talk over any career ideas you might have, and to help you decide which subjects you should continue into the sixth and seventh years." She took a sip of her tea, "Have you had any thought about what you would like to do after you leave Hogwarts?"

"I've thought about it, yes, but I really don't have a clue…" I said nervously, "Fred and George have said that I can always work with them, but they know as well as I do that I want-"

"More?" McGonagall answered, "You are capable of more than that."

"But what, though?" I asked sincerely.

"What would you consider your skills and qualities?"

I laughed to myself, "You know there's a running joke now thanks to Fred and George that I am going to be the next DADA teacher." I flicked my hair dramatically off my shoulder, "Cause at least I'd show my classes how to defend themselves and teach them, rather than make them read from a textbook!"

A smile flickered on McGonagall's face.

"But as you well know, that job is cursed and I'd end up unemployed within the year." McGonagall was now finding it very difficult not to laugh at my comments, "And you know, Professor, I'd really like more stability…"

"Any other ideas?"

"Well… I think that working in the Ministry is probably a no-go as the Minister himself and his Undersecretary both, seemingly want me murdered, in pain or constant suffering or, at least injured."

McGonagall raised both eyebrows at me. She took one glance at my left hand, which was wrapped around the teacup and swallowed hard. "You know I'd put an end to it if I could?"

I grimaced, "Yeah, that's what everyone said to me when I was younger, when they worked out my parents were hurting me."

"I'm sorry…."

"Yeah, they said that, too." I said in a completely non-malevolent way, "I'm sure you have an idea or two up your sleeves for me, enlighten me."

McGonagall stared into space for quite some time. I watched her as she drifted off into another world. Her emerald green robes complemented her green eyes beautifully. Her black hair, as ever, was held in the tight bun showing off her gorgeous cheek bones. The lines on her face, I didn't see as a sign of age, but rather wisdom and strength as she has undoubtedly battled many dark things in her lifetime. She lifted her hand and rubbed her temples with her fingers before blinking at me.

"I do apologise, Miss Pink." She said, "Careers… careers…" she mumbled as she put on her square glasses as she flicked though a number of leaflets and pamphlets. Her eyes were squinting and she rubbed her temples again.

The bell rang to signal the start of the next period.

"Look, Professor…" I spoke carefully, "I can come back, perhaps you need to make a visit to Madam Pomfery for the headache? I don't want to be a pain…"

McGonagall opened the bottom drawer of her desk, added some form of potion to her tea and gulped it down. "Miss Pink," she said slowly, pulling out a leaflet and staring at it, "after much consideration and speaking to Madam Pomfery, I do believe this may be a suitable career path for you…"

There was a knock at the door as I was handed the pamphlet, I craned my neck to see who it was. In walked, no other than Umbridge, "Excuse me, don't mind me, I'll just take a seat in the corner and take a few notes…" she said in a high, girly voice with the widest of smiles.

"A HEALER?" I blurted out as I returned my attention back to McGonagall.

"Yes, Miss Pink, a Healer. You have an impressive knowledge and understanding of individuals, as well as a keen eye for detail, more than any student I have seen in the last many years and you have displayed skills well beyond any fifteen-year-old -"

Hem-hem

"May I make the teensiest objection?" came the voice in the corner.

McGonagall stared at me as Umbridge spoke again.

"Miss Pink lacks the character to become a Healer. She has a blatant disregard for rules, lacks the temperament required to act both professionally and selflessly -" Umbridge listed.

McGonagall interrupted, "The O.W.L and N.E.W.T requirements are, as you can imagine, at a high standard, not accepting anything less than an Exceeds Expectations in all subjects. At N.E.W.T level you will be expected to take Potions, Herbology, Transfiguration, Charms and Defence Against the Dark Arts. I do not doubt your capability -"

Hem hem, "Miss Pink displays signs of instability in her grades, ranging from an 'Outstanding' grade to 'Poor' in the space of a few lessons. This inconsistency will surely not stand in that line of work-"

If I was considered unsure before walking into this interview; I was now very conflicted.

"Your examination results for the last two consecutive years have been more than adequate to stand you in good favour-"

Umbridge let out a high pitched laugh, "And you think she'll make it through the interviewing process? What makes you think she'll even get an interview?"

McGonagall had a sharp intake of breath and, so as to not get interrupted, said very quickly, "If becoming a Healer is of interest to you, Miss Pink, I will surely provide you with further information, should you choose to pursue this vocation. I will prepare you for the application process and assist you with any interview techniques you may require."

"Perhaps a role within -"

I heard McGonagall sigh.

I closed my eyes and articulated very clearly, "I thank you for your input, Professor, but in future, if I want your opinion I will ask for it." I stood and swung my bag over my shoulder, "Thank you Professor McGonagall, I believe our appointment has concluded."

"I believe it has, Miss Pink. It has been a pleasure as always." She shook my hand across the table, a hint of pride in her green eyes.

"Nice of you to show up, Miss Pink." Snape had a look at the clock as I walked into his classroom fifteen minutes after it had begun.

"I -"

"I am aware, Miss Pink," Snape sneered, clearly disappointed I didn't give him a dirty look, "Please, enlighten me as to your career aspirations."

I smirked, "Your job. Or, your dream job." I said as seriously as I could muster, wiggling both my eyebrows, "I don't mind." I had noticed that the chatter in the room had come to a halt. The only sound was that of bubbling cauldrons. I wasn't nervous though, I saw a flicker of a smile and that, with regards to Snape, is always a success.

"Watch out, Professor!" Draco teased.

"Indeed, well, I was going to give you access to this cauldron I have been working on, but…"

"Now, now, Professor…" I cocked my head to the side.

Snape stared at me for a second before saying, "Very well. Start on step 5."

I made my way through the instructions handwritten on the blackboard to make the Invigoration draught. Draco asked me what it was I really want to do, I told him that if I make it alive at the end of seventh year, that I'd let him know. He laughed and said that he didn't know what he wanted to do either. He thought that the natural choice for him was to follow in his father's footsteps.

"Don't follow in your dad's footsteps if it's not what you want to do…" I said cautiously as I added the alihotsy leaves to my potion, "you're your own person, Draco, and you're clever, driven and talented, it would be a shame to see you waste it."

There was something slightly odd about this lesson and it wasn't just because I arrived late. I pondered to myself for a while Draco told me about his new duties in the Inquisitorial Squad. Snape wasn't teasing Harry. Snape was ignoring Harry.

"Woah, woah, woah." I said to myself.

"What's wrong?" Draco said as he was about to pour his infusion of wormwood into his cauldron.

"You'd better not spend all your time taking the Inquisitorial Squad so seriously," I told him, "I mean, you have to think of your grades. Our exams are in-" I gulped, "Too soon."

Draco smiled at me, the sort he shared with me during the summer as we spent so much time together, "You worry about me too much."

It was the way his eyes followed me as I moved, then met my eyes and busied himself with chopping or crushing or grinding. It got me thinking, about Draco, his life. Who his parents are and what his family represents. I wondered what the future held for a man like him, does he follow in his father's footsteps or will he take more of a backseat like his mother? I genuinely want him to be happy and to live the life he wants to, but somehow I doubted that. I think I know a lot about the real Draco Malfoy and it only took until now for me to realise that, "Yeah, I do."

Draco's eyebrows furrowed then he smiled at me as we added some of the draught into the flask, writing our names on for marking. Harry handed a similar-coloured potion to Snape and smiled to me as he turned.

"Whoops," Snape said softly as something smashed on the floor, "another zero, then, Potter."

The smile on Harry's face faded instantly. He strode back to his desk to fill another flask but Hermione had vanished its contents.

"I'm sorry!" She said with her hands over her mouth, "I'm really sorry, Harry. I thought you'd finished, so I cleared up!"

Harry didn't say a word. When the bell went, he left the dungeon eagerly. He sat between Neville and Seamus at lunch so as not to have to talk to Hermione, who was undoubtedly going to start lecturing him on his plans. Due to Harry's absence, she started lecturing me.

"If she catches him there, or sees you, she will have both of you strung up. You cannot do this, Kathryn, you can't let him!" she continued to nag for a long time, "You mustn't let him! You have to help me, Kathryn! He's going to get in so much trouble. Dumbledore sacrificed himself so that you and Harry could stay at Hogwarts! Umbridge is already on both your cases! She will have you in detention for a week! You won't survive -"

"Shut the f*ck up, Hermione, or I swear I will put a bloody silencing spell on you for the rest of the day!" I snapped.

"Hey! Hey! Hey! Katy! What's up?" George slipped into the seat beside me.

I rested my head on his shoulder, "Please don't get her started. She's warning Harry against later."

Fred, who had sat opposite rolled his eyes, "Of course." Then he shrugged his shoulders, "When you and Harry get ideas in your heads, you can't tend to change your minds."

"It's also going to be very difficult for this one to get caught…" George nudged me, "You also were the one who assisted with the alarm-"

"Shhhhhhh!" Hermione's eyes widened, "I don't want to get expelled!"

"How is this any different?" I asked, "Would you rather Harry goes in there by himself, or have me watching his back? It's honestly up to you."

She gave me a dirty look.

I then turned my attention fully to George, "So…" I smirked, "Tell me what's new."

Umbridge looked livid when we were in DADA this afternoon. She has us read and make notes on chapter 34 Non-Retaliation and Negotiation; the Ministry's way of telling us 'peace and love'. I knew to keep my head down. Hermione had started back on dissuading Harry as soon as she had the opportunity and he seemed to sit there, quiet and unfocused. Ron and I sat side-by-side sharing exasperated glances every so often.

It was the longest DADA lesson yet, waiting for the bell to finally ring.

"Harry, don't do it, please don't do it!" Hermione said in anguish.

Ron and I nodded in an unspoken agreement. I followed Harry out the door and Ron told Hermione to leave him alone. The unmistakable sound of Fred and George's diversion sounded in the distance, which seemingly made Harry's mind up. Umbridge stormed out of her classroom and pelted as fast as her short little legs would carry her, pursuing the sound of the bait. Harry hitched his bag over his shoulder and set off in a run. And to Hermione's dismay, I followed.

Harry reached the door to Umbridge's office and with the corridor otherwise empty, I made myself invisible. Harry put on his invisibility cloak, took out Sirius' knife and unlocked the door. I could hear him on the move and he left the door ajar. I could see Harry's Firebolt and Fred and George's brooms chained in her office. Harry used a pinch of Floo Powder and said "Number Twelve Grimmauld Place" very clearly before sticking his head in the fire.

I couldn't hear any of Harry's conversation but could see him shuffling uncomfortably on his knees from time to time. I could hear laughing and shouting from the other side of the school. I even had butterflies in my tummy just thinking about how much of a rush George gets from pranking others. I longed to see him, even though it had only been a matter of hours from our conversation at lunch. I looked down at my watch, fifteen minutes had already passed and the noise of students going to the Great Hall for dinner was rising. A quick look over my shoulder told me that Harry was engaging in deep conversation with whoever was on the other side.

I heard the familiar shuffle of Filch coming down the corridor. As he got closer I heard him mention Umbridge under his breath. I knew I had no choice but to enter the dreaded office. Then he turned to climb the steps up to her office door. I quickly nudged Harry. He pulled his head out of the fireplace just in time as I threw his invisibility cloak over him and hid his schoolbag.

"Ah! It's open!" Filch muttered happily, "Approval for whipping… Approval for whipping… I can do it at last… they've had it coming to them for years…" He pulled out a piece of parchment from Umbridge's desk, kissed it, then shuffled rapidly back out of the door, clutching it to his chest.

"Are you okay?" I asked Harry quickly, taking the cloak off him and handing him his bag, "Did you get -"

Harry smiled at me and nodded, "I know you want to follow Filch as much as I do." He took my hand and the two of us ran after the man who was hobbling a lot faster than I'd ever seen him move. I made us visible again in a deserted corridor, everyone seemed to be in the Entrance Hall as there was a great deal of shouting and movement coming from that direction. Harry and I ran side by side all the way until halfway down the Marble Staircase where I took a vantage point, seeing what seemed like most of the school was assembled.

My heart was racing and the rise and fall of my chest was considerably more pronounced than usual. Not only because of the near-sprint Harry and I had just completed, but because I could see that Fred and George had the unmistakable look of two people who had just been cornered.

I knew what this meant. They had warned me. My hand gravitated towards the marble handrail where I steadied myself.

"So!" Umbridge spoke from a few steps in front of me, "So – you think it amusing to turn a school corridor into a swamp, do you?"

"Pretty amusing, yeah," Fred said, looking up at her without the faintest sign of fear.

As Filch handed Umbridge the form, almost wetting himself with excitement, George, who had been searching the crowd finally locked eyes with me. He smiled at me and I beamed back at him proudly. He gave me a questioning look and I pointed to Harry and winked.

"You two," Umbridge went on, gazing down at Fred and George, "are about to learn what happens to wrongdoers in my school."

"You know what?" Fred said, "I don't think we are."

He turned to his twin, "George," Fred spoke conversationally, "I think we've outgrown full-time education."

"Yeah, I was feeling that way myself," he said lightly, smiling up at me.

"Time to test our talents in the real world, d'you reckon?" Fred asked.

George nodded, "Definitely."

Before Umbridge could say a word, they raised their wands and said together, "Accio Brooms!"

There was a loud crash behind me, coming undoubtedly from Umbridge's office where the brooms had been tied up in, until seconds ago. I ducked as the broomsticks, one still trailing the heavy chain and iron peg that had once held them down, stopped right in front of the twins.

Swinging their legs over the broomsticks, Fred told Umbridge, "We won't be seeing you."

"Yeah, don't bother to keep in touch." George told Umbridge.

Fred looked out at all the students, "If anyone fancies buying a Portable Swamp, as demonstrated upstairs, come to number ninety-three, Diagon Alley – Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes," he said in a loud voice, "Our new premises!"

"Special discounts to Hogwarts Students who swear they're going to use our products to get rid of this old bat," George pointed at Umbridge.

"STOP THEM!" Umbridge yelled, but as the Inquisitorial Squad were about to step in, Fred and George kicked off from the ground.

George flew towards me, right over Umbridge's head, halting at my height and kissed me passionately.

"I love you, Georgie!" I said, beaming with pride.

"You know I love you more," George raised his eyebrows cheekily before quickly zooming back over to his brother.

"Give her hell from us, Peeves!" Fred shouted.

Peeves swept his belled hat from his head and sprang to a salute as Fred and George wheeled about to a tumultuous applause from the students below and sped out of the open doors into the glorious sunset.