Bones to Bones

Bones to Bones Chapter 3: Cornelius

"Susan, just what are we going to do?" Hannah asked, a wild look in her eyes. "Didn't you hear them yesterday? O.W.L's are this year! Oh, this is going to be such a bad year, isn't it? How in the world are we going to survive? I mean..."

"Hannah! Would you calm down?" Susan barked.

"Calm down? Calm down? How can you take this so calmly? This is the O.W.L's we are talking about! Aren't you worried about them?" The dark rings under Hannah's eyes made it clear that she'd barely slept, if at all the night before.

Susan sat down on her bed, combing the knots out of her long hair after her morning shower. "Of course I'm concerned. How couldn't I be? Every teacher yesterday gave the same speech. I just don't see how running around the room waving my hands all over the place is going to do any good." Hannah looked a bit hurt at that, but Susan plowed on. "We just have to be sure that we get to work right away, and study very carefully. If we don't panic, we'll be fine."

Hannah flopped onto her bed and said "I suppose, but I'm scared. My parents are Muggles and they won't be able to help me find a job when I'm done. I need to do well on these stupid tests, or else I'll end up selling snacks on the Hogwarts Express."

"Don't worry, that won't happen, we won't let it," Susan said, as she picked up her wand from the bedside table. Tapping the wand on the table once, she then pointed it at her hair and said "braid", and suddenly her hair began to twist and tie itself, until after a moment her usual plait was down her back. "On the other hand, we do have something to worry about today."

"Oh? What?"

"We get to go to Dark Arts after breakfast and face Umbridge."

Hannah blanched at that idea, but after a moment of chewing on her lip said, "You know, I bet she's going to be in a really foul mood today, I mean after what happened yesterday with Potter and all that."

"Tell me about it."

"I think we had better be on our best behavior today," said Hannah.

Susan nodded, and said, "Yeah, I agree. Hufflepuffs should be seen and not heard." When they got downstairs, they found that Ernie and Justin had much the same idea. In the Great Hall they found Zacharias by himself and sat down next to him.

"Hey Susan! You look great this morning!" Zacharias gushed.

"Good morning Zacharias," Susan answered in a neutral voice.

Ernie then addressed him. "Zacharias, we've been talking and it's important that we not unduly provoke Professor Umbridge. We know that she's a foul abomination who's better suited to changing nappies on trolls, but we don't want to cause a scene like yesterday."

"Hey, she can't be that bad, not if she told off Pretty Boy Potter!" Zacharias protested. "Though I can't say that I'm happy about these rumors saying that she won't let us practice any spells in class. I do plan to give her a piece of my mind about that you know."

Justin rapped his knuckles lightly on Zacharias' head. "Nope, doesn't sound hollow. You must have a brain in there somewhere. Think about it, she practically exploded on the Gryffindors yesterday, you know that. We'll be very quiet, very polite and cause no trouble. If you really want to antagonize her, you can, though I imagine you'll get to share detention time with Potter."

Zacharias glared at Justin, but finally nodded. "Fine, fine, whatever. Just realize though, we really need practice to pass that O.W.L."

"We'll cross that bridge when we get to it," Ernie said, concluding the conversation.

Defense Against the Dark Arts was the first class they had on Tuesday after breakfast, and they soon found themselves in the classroom, waiting, wondering if Umbridge could really be as bad as rumors made them out to be. Unfortunately, they found out that it was everything they could have feared and less. Umbridge marched in and began speaking in the same sort of generalities that she had used in her speech on Sunday night. The expression on her face though, was far more threatening. She stared at the class the, seemingly daring any of them to say a single word.

"There will be no reason to have your wands, so please put them away," Umbridge practically purred. "I want all of you to read the introduction to Slinkhard's book."

Susan opened her book and groaned inwardly as she saw the turgid prose. "The key to Defense against the Dark Arts is not, as many would suppose, the understanding of spells. Instead, the key is to avoid situations where you may find yourselves in need of such spells. Many unreliable sorts would have you believe that so called "dark wizards" are always on the prowl to make victims of innocents. However, the simple truth is that the only witches or wizards who find themselves in need of defensive spells are those who through their own corrupt purposes, or lack of care find themselves in the company of the most unreliable sorts. Due care to avoid these situations is more than ample preparation for one's own defense."

Susan looked up, intending to ask about the drivel she had been reading, but the look on Umbridge's face was enough to intimidate a chimera. Finally, the bell rang and everyone stuffed their book into their bag and began to get up. However, before Susan could get out the door, the honeyed voice of Professor Umbridge called out, "Miss Bones, may I have a word with you?"

Susan turned to Hannah with a nervous glance, and shrugged her shoulders, conveying her confusion. She put her bag back on her desk and went forward to Umbridge's desk, while the others left the room.

Umbridge smiled broadly and said in a sweet voice, "Don't be nervous Susan, do you mind if I call you that? I feel like I know you already. Your Aunt Amelia is always talking about you and the Ministry. She is so proud of you! You know, your aunt and I are such good friends! Why, I was just having a nice cup of tea with her the other day."

"Um, yes ma'am," Susan responded nervously.

"Oh, don't be nervous around me Susan. I'm sure you have heard the rumors around school, and I'm not that bad. In fact, I just want to help you. Feel free to talk to me at any time about anything, and I'll help you. If you need some help in your schoolwork, or if you get scared by some of those rumors about You Know Who, just tell me all about it and I'll be glad to help you out."

"Um, yes ma'am. Um, I need to get to my next class, and it's on the other side of the castle," Susan said nervously.

"Of course dear, just remember my offer."

Susan escaped from the Defense classroom, and found Hannah waiting for her. "What did that old bag want?" Hannah asked, concern in her voice.

"She wants me to spy for her," said Susan.

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah, she tiptoed around the issue, but she said any time I get worried by rumors people are spreading about You Know Who, I should talk to her."

"Will you?"

"I'd rather French kiss Malfoy! At least that would only leave a bad taste in my mouth, instead of my soul."

The rest of the day passed in a blur, with still more speeches about the O.W.L's from teachers, until finally Susan and Hannah managed to get to the common room that evening after supper, and flopped into squishy armchairs near the windows. The windows were enchanted in the same way as the ceiling of the Great Hall, allowing the students to see outside despite the fact that the Huffplepuff dormitory is underground. A few moments later Justin joined them.

"You two missed it," he said, chuckling.

"Missed what?" Hannah asked, her curiosity overcoming her exhaustion.

"Another classic Ernie Macmillan moment! He came up to Potter and loudly declared his support, and that his family always supported Dumbledore. I think half the school must have heard him."

"I guess asking him to do things subtlety and quietly is a lost cause," Susan laughed.

"I think his dictionary is missing those words," Justin joked.

"Hey, Ernie's not that bad, you two!" Hannah said, in a bit of a huff.

"Yeah he is Hannah! That's why we love him though, it's what makes him Ernie." Susan responded, a smile on her face.

"Oh," Hannah said, her normal color returning.

Just then, the door to the common room opened, and Zacharias walked in, closely followed by Tim Summerby, a sixth year student. He had been the Hufflepuff reserve Seeker for the last three years, training to take over the position when Cedric Diggory left. However, Cedric's death had taken the heart out of Tim, and he had been ready to quit Quidditch, before Professor Sprout talked him into staying on, and to serve as captain of the team this year, being the only player who had any experience at all. Tim had declared that this season would be dedicated to Cedric, and hoped to field a team that would live up to that solemn declaration.

"Look, it's Tim the Enchanter!" Hannah giggled.

"What are you talking about?" Susan asked in confusion.

"Well, if you two can keep confusing me with all your books, well, I'll take any chance I get!" Hannah responded, still laughing.

Before Susan could ask for any more explanation, Zacharias came over to them, a broad grin on his face. "Hey Susan! Guess What! I made the team, I'm going to play Chaser this year!" he said, while idly flexing his bicep.

"I didn't know you played Quidditch," Susan answered.

"Well, now you know! I'm sure you'll be out to see me play, right?"

"Of course, I'll go watch the team."

"You know, that wasn't a good answer," Hannah whispered as Zacharias walked away beaming. "He'll think you are interested."

"I said I'll go to watch the team, not him."

"That's what you said, not what he heard."

"When do you think he'll finally get the idea?"

"Well, maybe you and Justin should have a nice public snogging session right in front of him," Hannah said, and then stuck her tongue at the two of them, before having two wadded up pieces of parchment bounce off her face.

Thursday morning, Susan found two owls waiting for her. One had Ernie's birthday present for that evening, and Agatha had a letter from Aunt Amelia.

Dear Susan,

I was most pleased to hear that you arrived at school without any major incidents. I was not surprised to hear that you had difficulties with young Mr. Malfoy. I do not know the lad myself, but have had enough unpleasant dealings with his father and grandfather over the years to know what the family is capable of.

Likewise, I was disappointed, but not surprised to hear what you said about Dolores Umbridge's actions towards Harry Potter. It is looking more and more evident that Fudge wishes to discredit Mr. Potter, and anything he may have to say. I have found no proof that Mr. Potter's claims are true, but on the other hand, I have difficulty understanding why Fudge would go to such lengths to discredit him, if he were telling lies. If that were the case Fudge would simply need to expose the lie for what it is, rather than taking all of these actions. Continue to keep an eye on Mr. Potter, and perhaps you will see something that will help me out.

I went to see your parents last night, and they seem to be doing about the same. I wish we could do more for your father. As I'm sure your mother has told you, Muggles have special doctors to deal with his sort of problem. Unfortunately, our Healers have always preferred to look to charms and potions, rather than some of the methods that Muggles have developed. In cases like your father's though, I suspect the Muggle methods may be superior. I know you have your heart set on the MLE, but have you ever considered studying with the Muggles after you get out of Hogwarts and learn their methods? There are many people you could help, not just your father. I don't mean to pressure you, I have always been flattered that you wish to follow in my footsteps. I just ask that you think about it.

Love,

Aunt Amelia

After reading the letter, Susan sighed, and hugged her pillow for a time, before finally walking down to breakfast. On her way, she reflected on what her aunt had said. Her mother had always wanted to take her father to one of those doctors with the funny name, but the Ministry of Magic had stepped in and said that going to one of them would needlessly expose the Wizarding World to Muggle attention, and as such was illegal.

The rest of the day passed normally, until Susan got back to the common room after Muggle Studies. Rose was in the corner with a frustrated look on her face. "Hi Rose, what's wrong?" Susan asked.

"Susan! I wanted to thank you for the other day! I'm sorry you got..."

Susan waved her thanks off. "No problem. He was being a real git, as usual. What's wrong though?"

"Oh, it's this stupid spell. I can't get a matchstick to turn into a needle. I did manage to set it on fire once. I'm just too stupid to get this."

"No you aren't. You just need to work on it. Everyone has trouble with that spell. Transfiguration is the hardest subject here in my opinion. Why don't you show me what you're doing?"

Rose nervously took her wand, and cast the Transfiguration spell, but the match only quivered a bit before settling down on the table. "See, I told you I'm too stupid!"

Susan couldn't help but notice that there was a letter sitting on the table next to the stubborn matchstick. Though she knew it was prying, some of the words jumped out at her. "Rose, I know you must be disappointed not to follow us into Ravenclaw, we know that you will have many opportunities to make us proud, so don't worry about this." "Oh, lovely words of support," Susan thought bitterly.

She reached into her back and pulled out her wand. "Here Rose, lets work on it together, ok?"

"Wow, I've never seen a wand like that before."

Susan smiled as she held her wand. "Oh, this. I still remember the day I got this at Ollivander's. " Her voice began to mimic the eccentric wandmaker, "Most interesting, most interesting Miss Bones, though I should have expected it. Nine inches, ebony and a diricawl feather. Most unusual I must say. Excellent for concealment and Apparation. I don't ordinarily use diricawl feathers, and every single one I have ever made has been sold to a member of your family."

"Just to your family?" Rose asked.

"Yeah, but who understands why wands choose a certain witch? Now, back to your problem. You need to work with your wand like this..." It took time, but just before supper, Rose managed to turn her matchstick into a nice, sharp needle.

That night, Susan, Justin, Hannah and Ernie got together in a corner of the common room for a little party after everyone else had gone to bed. After the usual round of birthday greetings and singing, it was time to open the gifts.

When Ernie got to Susan's gift, he opened it up, and gave Susan a rather odd look, and then pulled out a lime green bowler. With a goofy look on his face, he planted it on his head, as Justin took a picture. A shriek of laughter echoed off of the stones of the common room, as Hannah rolled on the couch, holding her stomach and laughing. "Cornelius Macmillan!" she choked out between gales of laughter.

"What's that supposed to mean?" Ernie asked in confusion.

"Well, you've been acting like him lately, so I thought you should have the look!" Susan said, a smile on her face.

Ernie began to laugh with the others, but there was a slight forced quality to it.

"Aw, c'mon Ernie, we're just having a little fun. We're your friends after all," said Susan.

"So, are you two going to form the Society to Puncture Ernie's Ego? You could sell SPEE badges," said Hannah, her eyes still filled with tears from laughing.

"I'd bet that we could get people to wear them more easily than Granger did with her badges," laughed Justin.

Susan didn't say anything though, seeing something in Ernie's eyes that she didn't like. She knew she should say something, but every time she opened her mouth, nothing came out. She spent the rest of the party looking down, never meeting Ernie's eyes.

Dear Aunt Amelia,

I have thought about what you said concerning Father. I'd thought about it long before you brought it up. It is a very good idea, but I just don't think I can do it. The idea of sharing the pain of all of these people and their families, I'm just not that strong. I guess that is why I want to go into law enforcement. I don't know that I can help the victims, but maybe I can play my part in stopping it from happening again. Only by giving these people trials, and proving their guilt, even as we prove we are better than them, can we stop anyone from going through what we have.

On to news here at school. Professor Umbridge asked me to stay after class the other day. It sounded like she wants me to inform for her. She went on about what good friends the two of you are. I'm a little worried.

Not too much news on Harry here. The more I see him around school, the more I believe him. I haven't talked to him, he doesn't even know me. But, if you saw his face, you would know that there is something terrible inside there. He doesn't carry himself like someone trying to pull one over, he's hurting.

Speaking of hurting, I think I did something really bad tonight. Ever since he got named prefect, Ernie has been really full of himself. We wanted to deflate him a bit, but I think I may have gone a bit too far. I wish I knew what to do. He's a good friend too, and I don't have many of those.

Love,

Susan