Hermione never lied before she met Ron and Harry. Never. Not even when she couldn't quite explain the effects of her accidental magic. Then those two troublemakers had to save her, and she'd lied for them. She'd learned a very important lesson that day, even if she didn't know it yet. Lies could be a good thing, even if they weren't little, white lies.
As Hermione sat in Professor Umbridge's office, she was glad she'd learned that lesson. Harry had already warned her not to actually drink anything their new Headmistress offered her, when he was questioned separately. Hermione lifted the teacup to her lips, and pretended to drink. It took a great deal of effort not the cringe at the wide grin that spread over Umbridge's face.
"Good, now that you're comfortable, I want to ask about dear Harry's disposition. I'm worried about the boy and I know you're close friends," Umbridge's voice dripped with concern, but Hermione didn't believe it for a second.
"I'm not certain I understand," Hermione said. She furrowed her brow, though she knew exactly what Umbridge was looking for. She pretended to take another sip from the teacup in her hand.
"Has he told you where Albus Dumbledore is hiding?" Umbridge dropped the concern in her voice.
"None of us know where Professor Dumbledore is," Hermione promptly told her. She tried to recall the side effects of Veritaserum, but she had a hard time focusing on it. Umbridge seemed to accept her answer, though with a frown.
"Very well then. Just one more thing before you go, dear. What do you know about secret illegal club meetings?" Umbridge stared at her intently. Hermione wasn't sure if Umbridge was a Legilimens, but made a mental note to learn Occlumency herself.
"I'm not a member of any clubs," Hermione lied. "I'm not really interested in the extracurriculars offered, and I prefer to study on my own."
"As a muggleborn, you must need a little extra help with your upcoming OWLs."
Hermione tried, with difficulty, not to let her temper rise with the bait. She stared behind the older witch at the awful painted cats and took another pretend sip to give herself a moment before she replied.
"I've been at the top of my class since first year, ma'am. I'm rather confident I'll pass all of my OWLs," Hermione replied with a confidence she didn't really feel. It was obvious Umbridge was displeased with their exchange.
"Very well, Miss Granger. Do remember that my Inquisitorial Squad is helping Filch monitor the secret passages in the castle. It won't be hard to find out any rule breakers."
"I don't see why that would be a problem for me," Hermione responded. She placed the teacup in her hands back onto Umbridge's desk. "May I go, professor?"
"Yes, yes. That will be all for now," Umbridge said curtly. "My office is always open, if you have anything further to tell me."
Hermione nodded, and quickly made her way back to Gryffindor Tower. She'd have to make sure Ron knew not to drink the tea when he was called in, because there was no way Umbridge was going to let anything lie.