Grace's POV

The small crack of light that seeped from around the basement door suddenly became larger and larger, illuminating my shaking body. An unknown body shadowed me in the stream of light and began to move closer and closer. I shrunk down, moving closer to the wall hoping that it would just absorb me - but of course, physics. 

It wasn't until the shadowy figure was crouched down in front of me that I realized that it was, in fact, Miss Dayles and not Mrs. Humfrey. So shocked that it was her I couldn't control myself and lept into her arms longing for a warm embrace. She accepted me with welcoming arms and held me tight, rocking me in her arms like I was her own child. 

"I am so sorry, Grace," She apologized whilst hugging me even tighter with each word she cried. I squeezed her tighter, letting her know like it was our own secret language that it wasn't her fault. 

She picked me up in her arms and took me upstairs as I wouldn't let go of her. I felt so safe in her arms, not as safe as Josh or Ben but they weren't here right now, and Miss Dayles was. It was past two in the morning now, I guess Mrs.Humfrey finally left so Miss Dayles came to the rescue. 

As she climbed the stairs, she told me something that would shape my next few days. "We're getting to get her sacked, I don't know how but she has to go. It was the last straw locking you in the basement."

I gently nodded my head before looking up at her, to see a bruise around her right eye. I gasp as I reached up and gently touched her.

 "Mrs. Humfrey?" I asked. 

Miss Dayles nodded and that's when I told her this was our evidence. She shook her head and explained to me that it wasn't enough and that we had no proof that it was actually her who did it.

"Then we have to get video evidence, set up cameras and catch her in the act! Then she has to be fired, they can't have a social worker hitting children!" I jumped out of her arms excited to execute my new plan. 

"I'm not letting you hurt yourself!" Miss Dayles said, shaking her head in disagreement. 

"Please! We have too!" I pleaded, "I don't care if I get hurt!"

"As soon as she tries something I will immediately stop it, okay?" she pressed, "Okay?!"

"Okay," I replied

She gently turned the doorknob on my bedroom door revealing a snoring Jules who was laying on her front, limbs spread out like a starfish attached to a rock. We both chuckled slightly, then I gave Miss Dayles a hug and a 'Goodnight' before entering the room. 

"Goodnight Grace," She said sweetly, closing the door behind her. 

I quickly got out of my outfit then tripped over something. Looking down I saw that Clark was fast asleep on the fluffy rug between my bed and Jules's bed with his feet sticking out ever so slightly. I giggled slightly then got changed into my pajamas then quickly crawled into bed and fell asleep soon afterward. 

-.x.- (my new times skip sign )

I woke up to someone shaking me very violently. I swatted the person away with my hand and wrapped myself further into my duvet. I groaned as the cold air hit my back because the rude person who decided it was okay to wake me up on a Sunday decided to steal my warmth. They then grabbed my arm and began to tug. 

"Come on! Get up! Miss Dayles told us about the plan!" a voice I recognized as Clark said still tugging. 

Tired of the annoyance I finally got up and wiped my face with my hands still with a deranged expression. Clark had disappeared after I sat up and only reappeared after I took the clothes that he chucked at me off my face and gave him a very angry glare.

"Get changed, Mrs.Humfrey is here, and she says your social meeting is first."

As I got changed I began to deliberate what I was going to do. Miss Dayles would have set up a camera in the room, so if Mrs.Humfrey never physically hurt me, the camera sure would pick up the callous things she says to us. She would be sure to get herself fired.

Once changed, I made my way downstairs to see everyone sitting in the living rooms looking expectantly at me. I was about to say something to the terrified Miss Dayles with the small Erin perched on her lap, but a loud noise of a throat clearing turned my attention away from them. Instead, my eyes landed on Mrs.Humfrey who pointed a finger at me and told me to get inside the office. 

Her beady, black eyes followed me all the way to where I sat on the sofa. I quickly glanced around the office and spotted the secret camera suck sneakily between some books on a shelf, the red light blinking straight at me. I prayed silently that she won't spot it. 

"So," She began sneering at me, "how'd you enjoy your night in the basement, scum?"

"It was delightful," I said sarcastically rolling my eyes. 

"Don't you roll your eyes at me!" she yelled now standing up from her seat.

"I can do what I want!" I announced matter-of-factly and crossed my arms. She advanced like a predator on its prey and grabbed the collar of my shirt in her massive muscular hands.

"Now you better stay quiet, I don't appreciate arrogant children!" She spat.

I didn't reply, but I did spit in her face exactly like how Smalls declares that the Bronx is at the Newsies rally. 

She lost her temper, and with a loud crack, her fist collided with my face sending me to the floor. I couldn't help but smirk. Got you. We. Got. You. I assumed Miss Dayles would put an end to it after that, but she didn't come running. Instead, I got a blow to the stomach which caused me to let out a loud squeal. Only after one more blow did the door open and Miss Dayles rushed in and attempted to pull Umbridge off me. But she was much weaker than Mrs.Humfrey so her efforts gave her no reward.

I saw her glance over her shoulder and nod, but I had no idea who she was nodding too nor did I have any idea what happened afterward because with one last blow (which happened to be to my head), I was coated in darkness as my eyes closed and I opened unconsciousness with open arms.