The Princess of Light

Chapter 5.20 (Dumbledore's Army)

"Umbridge has been reading your mail, Harry. There's no other explanation."

"You think Umbridge attacked Hedwig?" He said outraged.

"I'm almost certain of it." Said Hermione grimly. "Watch your frog, it's escaping."

Harry pointed his wand at the bullfrog that had been hopping hopefully towards the other side of the table - "Accio!" - and it zoomed gloomily back into his hand.

Charms was always one of the best lessons in which to enjoy a private chat. There was generally so much movement and activity that the danger of being overheard was very slight. Today, with the room full of croaking bullfrogs and cawing ravens, and with a heavy downpour of rain clattering and pounding against the classroom windows, Harry, Aurora, Ron and Hermione's whispered discussion about how Umbridge had nearly caught Sirius went quite unnoticed.

"I've been suspecting this ever since Filch accused you of ordering Dungbombs, because it seemed such a stupid lie." Hermione whispered. "I mean, once your letter had been read it would have been quite clear you weren't ordering them, so you wouldn't have been in trouble at all - it's a bit of a feeble joke, isn't it? But then I thought, what if somebody just wanted an excuse to read your mail? Well then, it would be a perfect way for Umbridge to manage it - tip off Filch, let him do the dirty work and confiscate the letter, then either find a way of stealing it from him or else demand to see it - I don't think Filch would object, when's he ever stuck up for a student's rights? Harry, you're squashing your frog."

Harry looked down. He was indeed squeezing his bullfrog so tightly its eyes were popping. He replaced it hastily upon the desk.

"It was a very, very close call last night." Said Hermione. "I just wonder if Umbridge knows how close it was. Silencio."

The bullfrog on which she was practising her Silencing Charm was struck dumb mid-croak and glared at her reproachfully.

Aurora flinched at the sound of the spell. Harry looked over to her bullfrog to see it was still croaking loudly and Aurora's wand arm was shaking.

"Are you all right?" Harry whispered, nudging her. Aurora seemed to break out of a trance, and nodded mutely.

Harry was going to ask more but Professor Flitwick interrupted. "Ah, Miss Romanova, I haven't seen you try yet."

"I can't do it." Aurora whispered, so softly Harry barely heard her.

"Give it a wave and I'll see what you do wrong..."

"I can't do it!" Aurora said louder now.

"Miss Romanova!" Professor Flitwick said shocked.

"Professsor...not today!" She said, her hands shaking as she tried to control her breathing.

All of a sudden it seemed Flitwick realised something and he quickly left her alone.

Harry grabbed Aurora's arm. "What was that all about? What's wrong?"

"Nothing." Aurora said shortly. Her left hand went up to her shoulder for just a moment.

"Does it hurt?"

"It's nothing, Harry! Just leave it!" Aurora snapped, pulling away from him, taking her books and frog and sitting down next to Elizabeth, who looked surprised but didn't say anything.

~~~~

"Poor Harry," Elizabeth sighed dramatically. "The poor bloke looked miserable having to go to practice in the rain. I wonder what got his wand in a knot? You would think he would be happy that Professor McGonagall managed to convince Dumbledore of re-instating the team."