Hermione and Harry traipsed through the Ministry, Harry struggling to keep up with the witch's harried pace. He tripped over himself as they raced down an elegant staircase, tangling his foot on the hem of his robes and tumbling forward. Hermione's hand shot out and grabbed his arm, desperately yanking him back at the last moment. Harry shot her a grateful nod and a smile. Hermione sent back one of her own small smiles, and for a moment, just a moment, all seemed right in the world. It was as if someone had flipped a switch to go back in time, and he could see his Hermione, the Hermione that had always stood by him, despite all of the crazy crap he had pulled over the years, the Hermione that had danced around in joy after Voldemort's defeat, only to trip and fall over the mutilated body of what had once been a living person.

"I'll always have your back, Harry," Hermione was still smiling, "Just trust me that I'll always know what's best for you, okay?" And just like that, the moment was shattered, broken and over with a simple sentence. Yes Hermione, Harry thought bitterly, you've DEFINITELY had my best interests at heart, as long as they don't interfere with your own curiosity.

Harry vaguely remembered Hermione saying something rather inspiring about bravery and friendship being more important than books and cleverness. Bloody hypocrite.

At Harry's nod and false smile, Hermione turned and resumed their long trek down the stairs until reaching the Department of Mysteries. Hermione grinned at the guard, who waved them through with a gaping mouth and bulging eyes. Both Hermione and Harry exchanged brief snorts of contempt at their fame. Hermione strode into the many-doored room and walked to the far door, directly in front of the original hall entrance. Extracting her wand from somewhere within her obviously tailored robes, she carefully used an underpowered Incendio to mark the door with a familiar rune. The original triangle and circle of the Deathly Hallows, intersected with a zig-zag shape that resembled Harry's infamous scar, was now burned into the door. The whole entryway shone in a bright blue light before the solid wood door dissolved into wispy tendrils of mist that dissipated in the air. Harry admired the spectacle for a few seconds, before hurrying to catch up with the already-moving Hermione.

They had walked into absolute chaos.

Dozens of Ministry Employees, all clad in the pearly gray robes of the infamous Unspeakables, scurried around. Papers soared along the vaulted ceilings, suspended in midair, some lazily floating around while others zipped and zoomed into their recipient's waiting hands. A veritable rainbow of sparks were constantly intermixing and mingling with different volleys of spells. The whole area was covered with the thick layers of magic emanating from the many magi mixing around them. The numerous wards and runes active in the underground department brushed over Harry's skin as they stepped through the doorway. He shivered at the tingle of magic passing over him, even as it coated him in protective spells. Harry automatically turned his head to the disdainfully sniffing Hermione at his side, an imbecilic grin plastered on his face.

Harry loved this Department.

Well, he hated it a bit, too, of course. Fifth year had seen to that, but ever since Luna had taken over this section of the Ministry, it was common knowledge that this was a haven of chaos. This was where one could try anything, do anything, be anything at all, and all with the freedom and insanity that came with anything remotely associated with Luna Lovegood.

"Come on, Harry, let's go, we're late already." Hermione gave Harry's robe a sharp yank, directing him over to a small table in one of the room's many corners. Hermione gave him a narrowed-eyed glare, a patented look that had get on with it written all over. Harry shrugged and rubbed his scar with his index finger before placing it in the sole dish resting on the table. He drew his finger back the instant he touched the warm liquid pooled in the bottom of the shallow bowl. He patted his finger on Hermione's head, before rubbing the silvery substance onto his wrist. The ink glowed for a second before it faded into nothing more than a translucent shield. Hermione gave him a tight smile of thanks.

The table suddenly disappeared, collapsing on itself and fading into the marbled stone floors. The wall in front of them darkened and disappeared. They passed through the entrance, scooping up two tiny vials of potion resting on a nearby shelf as they walked. Hermione stopped him, resting one elegant hand on his shoulder, before an imposing set of double doors.

"Hold up a minute, okay, Harry? How are you feeling?" Her smile was earnest, but her eyes were eager.

Oh, so she's gonna play the 'concerned friend' card this time, is she? Harry quickly hid his irritation and beamed back, giving her (what he hoped was) a cheeky grin and a double thumbs-up. Last time it was for research, then for the expansion of the truth, and so far, today's theme is 'for my own good'.

"Excellent, excellent. Well, I'll be out here if you need me okay? Right here. I've still got your back. Just holler if you need me!" She gave a jaunty wave, smirked, and spun on her heel, practically skipping out of 'their' hidden chamber, presumably to go find Luna for his 'treatment'. Harry stared after her in disbelief, replaying her words in his head.

'Holler if you need me?' Is that a Goddamned joke? She does know why we're here, right? Harry grit his teeth and shook his head in an attempt to clear his head and sedate his rampaging thoughts. It's over today, at least. I'll know for sure at the end of this session. That's positive, right? Yeah, that's right, Potter: just look at the bright side. Dear Merlin, he couldn't even give himself a proper pep talk. Mental, he sent the heavy, stone-carved door a glare hot enough to melt stone, jostled his pockets to make sure he still had the necessary calming draught on him, checked his wrist for the Purple-Pointer-Person-Potion was still working, took a deep breath, and threw the doors open.

Hey y'all!

First off, I apologize for updating so late, and for the fact that not much happens here, but the next chappie is still being worked through. I just wanted to say thank you, and give a HUMONGOUSLY GRATEFUL shoutout to the following lovely people:

*Cherryteapot

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*NightSkyWolf

* SkittlezxBabex146

*Guests

*DarkNeko4000

*The Deranged Pan (love the username, beeteedubs)

*Georgia

*and Skendo

As well as all of the people who have favorited/followed this story! I love you all, and these reviews have helped motivate me to keep writing, so thanks a ton, and please keep up the good work! Have a great day/night/week/life! Marshmallows for all!

Your cocoa today was served by Knickity.