Persephone POV
September 1, 1995
Regulus and I quickly say goodbye to Sirius and Remus, before heading into the train, giving the younger ones time to say goodbye.
Heading to the last car on the train, we go about extending the room for everyone to fit. Between the Weasleys, Hermione, Neville, and our group, we need a car big enough for fifteen. The charms are in place, ready for everyone to join us. Even though there's enough seats, Regulus pulls me into his lap, burying his face in my hair. Slowly everyone arrives, taking a seat wherever.
I pull a book out of my shoulder bag, knowing Reggie will be reading over my shoulder. Some people follow suit, while others talk amongst themselves. Luna and Colin keep shooting glances around the compartment. I wonder if they're planning another article? They're working really well together, and I can't wait to see what they will do. Draco, Harry and Theo seem to have also noticed, but refrain from saying anything. We'll all find out soon enough.
About halfway through the ride, the four Prefects leave for their meeting, promising to tell everyone the House is willing to teach them. Regulus and I follow them out, looking for Jackson Abbott, a seventh year Hufflepuff who is somewhat a friend. We find him about five cars down.
We let ourselves in, asking to talk to him. After he motions us to sit, I introduce him to Regulus, then give him a speed run of what I know about Dolores Umbridge, including the lack of practical work. As expected, Jackie is willing to gather any interested Puffs. He is the first one to ask an important question.
"Where exactly are you going to hold these sessions? Umbridge will try to stop us if she finds out."
"Slytherins aren't the only cunning ones. Fifth year Gryffindor, Hermione Granger, has created a cursed sign up sheet. Anyone attending meetings must sign it, to prevent detection and warn us who can't be trusted. Don't worry, it's just an acne curse, which will go away if, or when, the traitor feels remorse," I explain. "As for location, Salazar did create a Secret Chamber for the descendants. Might as well put it to use now that the basilisk has been killed."
His eyes widen, before he jumps up. "Message received. I'll go spread word."
The sorting is finished, and the Headmaster is in the middle of the Welcoming Speech, when he is interrupted by the Pink Toad.
She drones on about the Ministry's interest in the school and how the curriculum will be adjusted moving forward. All anyone in the school hears is a whiny lap dog for the Minister.
After her speech is finished, Dumbledore gives a small applause, before pretending she never even spoke. "As a finally announcement, a few students have met the requirements for private dorm rooms. Harry Potter, Luna Lovegood, Jackson Abbott, Samantha Sampson, Persephone Gaunt and Regulus Black. Please remain behind to be escorted to your new lodgings."
The look on Umbridge's face after being brushed off is totally worth the rant she'll give once the majority of students clear out.
"Would you mind telling me," Umbridge says through ground teeth, "why these students are getting special treatment? I seen no reason they can't continue in their current dorms."
"Why, of course. The Head boy and girl have always had individual dorm privileges. As for the others, Miss Lovegood is partial owner and lead journalist to a successful newspaper, making a private workspace essential. Mister Potter is Lord of two prominent wizarding families and will need the security of a separate dorm."
"What of Miss Gaunt and Mister Black?"
"Soul bonds are like marriage in the eyes of magic, and married couples may request a set of rooms together," Dumbledore says, eyes twinkling mischievously. He's enjoying her frustration, and honestly, we all are. "If that will be all, I bid you all goodnight. The ghosts will lead you to your destinations."
Harry goes with Sir Nick, Luna with Helena, and the school Heads follow Friar, leaving the Bloody Baron as our guide. He leads us around a few corners, then slips into an empty classroom. "I can sense your animosity. Is it safe to assume it's towards the new professor?" At our nod, he continues, "None of the Hogwarts residents like her, be it elf, ghost, person or portrait. We are willing to help where we can. There is something foul with the woman. Where would be the best location for your suite?"
"Thank you, Baron. We plan to spend a lot of time underground, so something close to Myrtle's bathroom on the second floor, please," I answer.
Nodding, he leads us to a passageway guarded by a portrait of a young couple holding a baby. We agree to set the password as the Marauders code, and enter to explore. It takes a few minutes to reach the door in the hidden hallway, but we find it. The first room we enter looks like an office. Two desks sit facing each other in the center of the room, a bookshelf sits between the doors leading to our, supposed to be, separate dorms. We quickly move my things into his room, and set about expanding the spare. I don't want it to be needed, but there will be a place for my family to stay, just in case. Besides, Sirius and Remus might want to visit, at some point.
After Regulus takes his shower, I go take one myself. When I exit the bathroom, I see Regulus setting up Sylvia, his snake's, cage. He still hasn't told me why he got the Adder, but she's calm, beautiful, and an excellent conversationalist, so I have no complaints.
Seeing me, he walks to the bed, motioning for me to sit in front of him. I do so, allowing him to brush my hair for me. When he's finished, Regulus leans down, placing a kiss on my cheek. "I love you," he says.
A smile forms alongside a blush. This is the first time we've straight forward said it. I'm so caught up in what he said, the how doesn't register. "I love you, too."
"Took you long enough," Sylvia hisses, slithering into the common room area.
"Oh, shut up," Regulus and I hiss at her retreating form. That's when the pieces click. "You ass! Why didn't you tell me you were a Parselmouth?"
"I wasn't born one, it came with the return. My theory is that since a soul bond connects the pairs magic, I have access to your bloodline traits," Regulus assures me. Seeing me pout, he continues, "You should be able to use mine, as well. Though, I doubt it makes a difference. Blacks are known for exceptional soul magic, which you could already use before the bond."
"Still mad," I hiss, sticking my tongue out at him.
"Stick that tongue back in your mouth before I give it a playmate."
I can't help the giggle that escapes me. Turning in his arms, I look him dead in the eye, sticking my tongue back out. Regulus lets out a laugh, pulling me close and slamming his lips to mine. A few minutes later, we finally pull back. "I warned you," he says, kissing my nose. "Let's go to bed, Mon Amour." I fall asleep wrapped in his arms, much like every night from now on.
First Defense Lesson
Since Regulus has already done the first half of seventh year, he and I sit in the back of the room. Umbridge comes in to start the class, but having read the book before first year, most of the class protests. Regulus and I simply ignore them, studying the most likely tested materials.
Umbridge, seeing us off task, demands we get on topic. Rolling my eyes, I refuse.
"How do you expect anyone to learn, if you refuse to teach half the course load. Theory isn't going to prepare people for the real world. With the events in June, the Ministry should be improving the school, not hindering the students progress."
"What happened with the tournament was an unfortunate accident, escalated by fear mongers. There is nothing to worry about," She tries to defend.
"Ms. Umbridge, if you think kidnapping, murder and conspiracy is an unfortunate accident, I'd hate to see what you think is a serious situation. You may not believe my cousin has returned, but rest assured Voldemort is alive. You and the Minister may want to bury your heads, but the facts are in front of you. The Wizarding World is in danger, and you are risking student education to regain control you never had."
"It's Professor Umbridge!"
"The Professors of Hogwarts are masters in their fields, earning them the title of professor. You have no magical mastery, therefore not worthy of the title."
Umbridge issues me a detention and goes back to the lesson.
First Detention
Looking around the classroom, I see Harry, Draco and Ron. When I ask the boys what happened, Draco explains that Umbridge came into class with the same shit she used with our class. She started an argument with Harry about Cedric's death, which lead to Ron and Draco defending him.
The toad comes walking in with a smirk, red quills in her hand. Draco's gaze snaps up, also recognizing the magic artifacts. I shake my head, indicating to just do it. "Harry, blood quills like in Gringotts. Just write, I have a plan."
"The four of you will be writing 'I must respect the professor'. Write until it sinks in."
My hand starts to sting around the seventh line, so I switch hands. Seeing what I did, Umbridge looks ready to argue, but I'm still writing like she said so there's nothing she can do. I keep switching hands every few lines to prevent bleeding and scarring, but enough to leave a mark for a few hours.
Within half an hour of writing, Umbridge gets tired of our lack of reaction and sends us away. As soon as we exit the classroom, I send a patronus to Regulus, letting him know I'm bringing people to the dorm. Harry sends one to Hermione, asking for her, Luna and Colin to meet us.
Ten minutes after entering my common room, photos have been taken of the injuries, as well as interview statements. "Anyone you see getting a detention needs to come to me. Blood quills are highly illegal, and the more proof we have, the faster we get rid of the dumb bitch."
After the others leave, Regulus looks me in the eye, saying, "You do know I'm not going to let her get away with hurting you, right?"
"I wouldn't have it any other way," I reply with a smirk.
