Wotcher,guys=)

um,this is my very first story so I hope it'll turn out okay.

DISCLAIMER: I don't own any characters and spells or the things that's seen in the HP series. All the credits goes to Jo Rowling!=)

Don't forget to review guys. Thanks a lot.

Note:This story happened on Hermione's 7th year. Please remember that I made the Ministry fiasco in 6th year.

P.S. A salute to J.K. Rowling!

Chapter One:The break out

Harry Potter, Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger were walking idly to the Hogwarts courtyard. Harry,who is seventeen years old,acquired his great looks from his father. He has a black untidy hair,with round glasses that rested at the brim of his nose. His eyes,like his mother's,were green. The only thing that was unusual about him was the thin scar that was shaped like a bolt of lightning located on his forehead. Ron Weasley,is the tallest in the trio. He was red-haired and freckled. A young woman,Hermione Granger,is bushy-haired with chocolate brown eyes. The three of them are in their last year at Hogwarts.

"I could not believe it!Harry,didn't I tell you to practice Occlumency?He's going to use it against you."Hermione scolded.

"Oh,shut up Hermione. Dumbledore already told Harry,you-know-who won't use him again. He'd feared it."Ron shook his head.

"Yeah,right. But when V-Voldemort would know he isn't practicing Occlumency,he might do it again. "whispered Hermione.

Ron rolled his eyes."Look,Hermione!His adversaries won't do anything stupid because Dumbledore's around!He feared Dumbledore!"

Hermione scowled at him."We could never be too careful."

"Shut it you two. I won't go with these arguments again"Harry told them off. His scar had started to prickle. The two would make it worse.

Hermione's scowl deepened but didn't speak.

"What do you reckon Malfoy's up to?He's very short-tempered these days"Harry cleverly changed the subject the two would agree of.

"I have a slight suspicion that it was because his father was sentenced to Azkaban."Hermione said. She didn't like the dirty looks he gave her and her friends.

"yeah..do you reckon he's a.."Ron paused.

"No,I doubt it."Harry replied.

"you think?He could be a Death eater now."Hermione whispered.

"No,I reckon Voldemort's too angry with the Malfoy's after the fiasco in the ministry. And I would clearly know if he is one."He pointed to his scar.

Hermione's eyes narrowed,about to bring back the Occlumency subject.

But luckily..

Professor McGonagall interrupted all the students on the courtyard. Harry sighed in relief.

"The feast is about to start. Please slowly make your way to the great hall."She walked away,her hat bobbing.

"Alright,I'm already hungry."Ron exclaimed. After that,his stomach growled loudly. Harry and Hermione arrived in the Great Hall laughing.

They took a seat beside their fellow Gryffindors.

"Hello,Neville."Hermione smiled."what happened to your cheek?"

Neville's left cheek was badly bruised. It was scarlet. He whimpered."Malfoy did this."He glanced at the Slytherin's long table then gulped.

Hermione mimicked him and craned her neck. Malfoy's pale blond hair was very remarkable. He was talking animatedly to Blaise and Pansy Parkinson,smirking. His cold grey eyes slid from his friends' and met Hermione's chocolate brown ones.

Hermion gave her best seething look. Malfoy mouthed the word "Mudblood",sneered,then turned back to Pansy.

"That foul..evil.."She was shaking angrily from head to foot.

"What,Hermione?"Harry whispered,tensed.

"That idiotic ferret. Oh,I'm going to corner him one of these days and He'll pay for everything he has done."She swore under her breath.

Harry patted his friend gently on the shoulder then withdrew his hand when the golden plates started to fill.

"What happened to you Hermione?your all red in the face."Ron broke a large of turkey and chewed.

"Malformation two better beat him in Quidditch or else,I myself will beat him up."She said angrily.

Ron laughed. For him,this was new. Hermione wasn't really this violent."Are you the real Granger?Or did someone drink Polyjuice potion to take on your appearance?

Harry chuckled."Yeah would never know..you could be a spy."

Hermione crossed her arms together."Oh,shut up."

She was very confused about the ferret indeed. She already got used to being called 'mudblood'.Used to the fact that Slytherins loathed the Particularly,She and her two bestfriends. Used to Malfoy's teases,sneers,smirks and provoking words. But,this time it was very different. The sight of Malfoy gave her the sudden urge to jinx something within three was a first,that just by the presence of someone,would really piss her off.

"Just forget about him,Hermione. He's not worth any of your thoughts."Harry smiled.

She returned his smile,a little reassured."I Thanks,Harry."

"Herbynee,her hab sub maff hobat-"swallow."mashed potatoes."Ron lent her a plate.

She took it gratefully,shutting off all Malfoy thoughts and ate blissfully. Her friends were a comfort to her. On her first year at Hogwarts,She didn't realize that she was the know-it-all bossy girl. Until she noticed that she was friendless and often given dark looks.

**

The feast had ended and one by one,the students dispersed from the great huge room was almost deserted,except for the teachers who were busy talking on the high table above the four long tables. Harry,Ron and Hermione remained on their table. As well did Malfoy,Crabbe and Goyle. The three boys were busy discussing the best way to corner Harry while unnoticed.

"You idiot"Malfoy spat at Goyle."You know that Weasley and that Mudblood Granger always stick with him wherever he goes."

Goyle fixed him a stupid look."Uh. Right. How about,cornering him in the bathroom?"

Crabbe rolled his eyes then smacked Goyle on his shoulder."Weasel would accompany him anywhere."

Malfoy nodded at Crabbe. then smirked while fixing his pale blond hair."Provoke them for now. And when they would make the first move in showing violence.."He cast a glance at the high table."Detention is waiting for them."

The two huge boys sneered. The three of them stood up and made way for the Gryffindor table.

Ron who first noticed,nudged the other two for his attention."Malfoy is coming this way."He whispered.

"What?"Hermione repeated coldly,glancing at Malfoy's approaching figure."Oh. 's my wretched wand?"She explored her robe pockets.

"Easy there, wouldn't want detention do you?"Malfoy smiled antagonistically.

Hermione glared at him."What would you want?And excuse me,your talking to a head girl."

He ignored her and stared at Harry. His head boy badge was also gleaming against the light."You'll pay,Potter. It's your fault my father is in Azkaban. When he breaks out. The dementors will bring you to the Dark Lord's snake for dinner."

"pay?"Harry's voice rose. controlling it to be calm. He ever so wanted to punch him in the nose. Unfortunately,he didn't want adult audience."Pay for what,Ferret?I don't owe you anything. If you are going to force me, you'll HAVE TO MAKE ME."

Malfoy laughed without humor. Crabbe and Goyle followed,looking stupid."I'd love to see that,Potter. you may be enjoying all these fame but it won't last long scar head."

"Shut up Malfoy."Ron croaked.

"What was that,Weasel?A poor,blood-traitor,telling me off?You must be absurd."Malfoy shook his head dramatically.

Ron's ears went pink but did not retort further.

Hermione stood up,shaking angrily now. Her eyes blazing. Malfoy was inches taller than her but this didn't stop from wiping the smirk off his face."Did you remember my slap on your third year,Ferret?"even her voice was trembling acid."Want to try that again,do you?"

His smirk was more pronounced than before."I won't give you a chance to do that you stinking mudblood."

Her nose flared."I'll get revenge sometime you wait and see. And I swear to God that you are the most heartless git in the entire solar system. What have you done to Neville,anyway?"

"Right."He said,sarcastic."That would be the day. And Longbottom is an idiot. It is not my fault he is acting like one."

"What did you do to his cheek?It's bruised! If McGonagall knows about this. you'll get detention!"

"I'm not afraid of detentions Granger and If I were you,I'd watch my back from stupid gits."

"Like you."

"Not likely."

Hermione was about to retort when Harry interceded."Stop. Hermione. He's not worth any of our breath. Let's go guys."

Harry and Ron started to walk away but Hermione remained planted on the floor."One day."She murmured at him.

He smirked."shut up you filthy mudblood. sod off."

Hermione smiled sweetly."But of course."She then inhaled a large gust of air."IS THAT A THREAT MALFOY?"She yelled loudly.

The teachers on the high table craned their necks. stood up sternly."Is anything wrong?"

"No. Professor." Hermione answered pleasantly. Gave one last glare at Malfoy and followed Harry and Ron's footsteps.

"Mr. Malfoy?" McGonagall chided. He ignored her and stared at Snape instead. He caught his black eyes. nodded once,and returned to their common room.

********

"That stupid girl!" Malfoy moaned angrily."I'm going to get her someday and she'll be the laughing stock in the whole school. Just because she hangs out with that scar head and weasel,she thinks she can take me on any time."

Pansy patted his forearm."Don't worry,I'll help you there."

"No."he spat."I don't need your help."

Blaise stared at him."calm down,Drake your losing it."

"Those three would really pay for what they had done to my father. But no matter,My father would avenge them anyway,and it would be no time at all until I become one of them at last.."

Parkinson let out a very dramatic gasp."W-will you be a..death eater, Drakey?"

"In case you didn't know, Parkinson.I mentioned this a hundred times and you heard me say that."Draco spat.

She looked away sadly. But Draco didn't care.

*******

"Oh!"Hermione exclaimed the next day,her eyes growing wide. She was reading the front news of the DAILY PROPHET.

"What is it Hermione?"Harry asked immediately. Spilling the rest of his omelet all over his front.

"Look,Harry!"She pointed on the animated paper.

Harry examined the headline with narrowed eyes."PROMINENT BREAK OUT,ONCE AGAIN REPEATED."

Ron choked his pumpkin juice."Who escaped?"

Harry shrugged."The same death eaters we fought in the ministry. Malfoy, Travis, Bellatrix, Crabbe, Goyle, Nott.."

Ron was looking worriedly at Harry.

Harry smirked."what would you expect,fried eggs?I know that Voldemort would let them out in no time. Seeing as he almost conquered the ministry. And dementors are on their side again."

Both his friends winced at the sound of the Dark Lord's name.

"Well,we'd better get going to charms then. Flitwick won't be pleased when he finds out we're late."Harry cutted off the horrible silence.

Ron had been telling Hermione about Harry's restless sleeps. Thrashing and yelling all the time. And Harry's bravery and dedication was one hope they were all counting on. Hermione was indeed very worried about Harry's visions but no matter how many persuasion,he would ignore her if she suggests Occlumency.

"Settle down now,boys and girls."Came the voice of Flitwick who stood on piles of books.

The three took the seats on far left."I will be teaching you how to levitate a person. I must warn you,that it is not decame with the things we levitated. It would need all your concentration to levitate a human."

The tiny mentor droned on. Hermione was sitting very pompously. And Ron was on the verge of sleeping. But Harry's mind was a million miles away..

********

Draco and Blaise made way to Transfiguration.

"I told you Blaise,it's bound to happen and now it did."Draco said cockily.

"Yeah,man. The Dark Lord is at large now and it will soon be him that we would all praise."Blaise replied,just as eager.

They took a seat with the rest of the Slytherin at the right corner. Transfiguration was Draco's hatest subject. They had to share it with bloody Gryffindors. But he was in a good mood today so he couldn't care less.

The trio walked in,scar-head and blood-traitor first,both talking animatedly. Followed by the filthy mudblood who was busy reading the thick book Mcgonagall entrusted to all of them for homework.

"Did you see her hair?It's so.."Draco heard Parkinson's voice whisper to someone.

He turned again to the understood who she meant by HER. His curious eyes followed Granger's hair. Indeed,it was different. The bushy brunette was instead,he could decipher the subtle brown curls that hang limply behind her shoulders. Why the hell would she do that?Now,his criticism was subtracted. Malfoy loved to criticize her thick, unbrushed hair. But his mouth was tightly shut as there was no insult he could throw at her. So,he taunted the change.

"And so the know-it-all,for the first time in Hogwarts history,brushed her hair. Not much improvement to me,still a mop,it is."Draco critically yelled.

The Slytherins all laughed and jeered in support of his words.

He could see Granger flush in embarrassment. He didn't miss the bright crimson that rushed on her cheeks. She ignored his jibe and buried her head more deeply to the book.

Famous Harry Potter gave Draco a dirty look. His grin widened but scar-head looked away.

"Quiet,now!"McGonagall reproached. They didn't notice that she already arrived.

"Wands out please,I will teach you how to do the human transfiguration. But first,who can tell me what an Animagus is?"

Draco rolled his eyes to Granger's hand.

"Animagus is a witch or wizard who can morph himself or herself into a specific animal at will. It is learned, rather than hereditary and skill. Animagi can sometimes take the same form as their Patronus."Granger's know-it-all voice explained at top speed.

"Correct. ten points to Gryffindor. Now,tell me . your patronus takes form of a?"

"An otter."She replied.

Draco snorted. She could be a relative to a weasel Weasley.

********

The three Gryffindors walked back to their comfortable common room behind the Fat Lady's portrait.

"I have to be patrolling Girl duties."Hermione informed,Harry,Ron and Ginny.

The other three were busy with piles of Homework,but to no one's surprise,Hermione had finished them ahead of time.

"What about Snape's essay?"Ron said loudly as she made way to the door.

"What about it?"Hermione turned back.

"Well,uh..Could I see it?for educational purposes!You'd never think I would copy."Ron looked sheepish.

Hermione rolled her eyes."No. Ron and you know that. How would you ever learn?"

She turned to push the door only to complete the spin."And don't bother stealing it in my book bag,Ron. I jinxed it."She had her heart's content at the look of very great disappointment on Ron and Harry's face. Ginny giggled with her. Ron scowled.

"See ya in a few."She waved,then went.

********

Draco couldn't believe Head boy duties was approaching. He and the other Slytherins were playing Exploding Snaps,he sneered as he remembered the annoyed face of a fifth year girl who has busy studying.

This reminded him of Granger. The same annoyed face she showed showed when someone would disturb chuckled quietly while gliding down the stairs. That would be revenge.

"Oof!"Granger's voice came.

Draco halted,craned his neck to the east and found her slumped on the floor with a bucket on her hand.

"Granger,are you trying to be a mop?Why the hell are you carrying a bucket?"He glared. This was so absurd.

The muggle-born rubbed the back of her head."Peeves."she murmured. She threw the bucket at him which he neatly dodged.

"you are the clumsiest witch I've ever met."Draco poked her forearm with his foot to remind her to stand up.

Granger scowled,stood up and continued to walk away.

He shrugged to her fleeting back and continued to walk too.