A/N: Hi all, thanks for reading. Special shout out to DarkInu418, Veela9190, KmyD, Retrograderabbit, , chaosrin, pappa and 0jutm upStsjsjssskl! Your comments spurred me on!


Chapter 7.


"You okay, 'Mione?" Harry asked, running to catch up with her. She had left the Great Hall abruptly after staring at Fleur for a few minutes.

"I don't like it, Harry," Hermione said, turning to face her friend. Harry's eyes had that look of concern and worry she had grown to know so well.

"What happened?" Harry asked, running a hand through his messy spikes of hair. He looked around and spotted an Inquisitorial Squad member watching them closely. "We'll talk about it on the way to class," he added quietly, taking her arm and leading her down the corridor.

Hermione told him everything that had happened the night before, blushing and skipping over the more intimate details. Harry raised his eyebrows.

"Its not like her to be so cold, Harry," Hermione said, biting her lip, "Even if she was just playing along to appease Umbridge. Something seemed really off."

"Maybe it isn't her? Could be another Mad Eye Moody situation?" Harry suggested, referring to the previous year when a Death Eater had disguised himself as a professor. Hermione shook her head.

"I don't know," Hermione answered with a frown. They made it into the empty Charms classroom, early for class, and sat down at a table. Harry put his hand on hers, squeezing it.

"We'll figure it out," Harry promised.


Hermione sat in the library poring over papers and books. She sighed and slammed a large tome shut loudly.

"Still trying to figure out what's got into Delacour?" Pansy smirked, coming to sit down at the table with Hermione. Hermione exhaled heavily. She ran her hands through her hair.

"She was just so weird at the Great Hall… It freaked me out," Hermione said.

"Yeah… something's happened," Pansy commented, leaning on her elbows at the table.

"I just hope that she's just acting along for Umbridge's benefit…" Hermione said worriedly.

"So…" Pansy began slowly, a grin growing on her face, "You never did say what you were doing in Delacour's room before getting busted by Umbridge…"

Hermione blushed furiously, "who says we were doing anything?"

Pansy laughed, "Your face says it all with that blush!"

"Well… Yeah… Okay… So we did it," Hermione said in a quiet voice, feeling suddenly too much like Lavender for her liking.

"And?"

"Pansy I am not going to tell you details!" Hermione squeaked, mortified.

"Oh come on Granger, its not like we haven't swapped saliva ourselves before," Pansy wheedled with a smirk.

"Well… I'm not going to tell you details," Hermione said. Pansy snorted. "But we did have this intense connection… I've never felt anything like this before."

"That's actually quite sweet," Pansy admitted reluctantly, "I feel that with Ginny too."

"Yeah, well, who knows what will happen now," Hermione said bitterly.


A few days later, Hermione was walking to her favourite secluded study place in the library with Ginny and Pansy when she saw Fleur again.

Fleur was sitting at a table nearby, alone, writing what looked like an extremely long list. Her long silver-blonde hair was loose today and hung down her back elegantly.

"Hey, 'Mione," Ginny said, elbowing Hermione.

"Yes, I did see her, Ginny," Hermione replied waspishly.

"Well, go try and talk to her," Pansy encouraged. Hermione bit her lip, tapping her foot impatiently before approaching the blonde.

"What are you writing?" Hermione asked, coming to stand cautiously beside Fleur.

"I am creating ze list of Madame Umbridge's belongings for her to pack for ze upcoming Christmas 'Olidays," Fleur said without looking up. Hermione frowned. Fleur was speaking in an oddly overly cheery tone again.

"Fleur… is this… is this some kind of act you're putting on? Because we got caught in bed by—"

"Zat was a mistake," Fleur interrupted suddenly, looking up at Hermione. She was smiling but her eyes seemed a little glazed and cold.

"A… mistake?" Hermione asked, faltering a little. She tried to double down on her reserve. She wouldn't find out what was going on if she was going to get distracted by how hurtful it was to hear Fleur utter those words.

"'Ermione, I am a magical creature," Fleur replied, "I cannot always control my base nature. I am sorry for ze way I used you."

"U-used me?" Hermione stuttered. Okay, that one stung a bit.

"Oui," Fleur replied, turning her gaze back to her sheet, "I suggest you leave me to complete my tasks now. Bonne nuit."

Hermione stepped away slowly, still reeling from the conversation, and rejoined Pansy and Ginny. The trio went and secured a table nearby.

"Ouch, that was painful to watch," Pansy commented, flashing Hermione a sympathetic look.

"There's something wrong," Hermione defended, "Its not right."

"I hate to say it… But maybe you should just let her go for now, 'Mione," Ginny replied slowly, "She clearly doesn't want to be with you, weird behavior or not."

"No," Hermione replied, agitated, "I can't give up on her… Can I?"

"Maybe its for the best?" Pansy shrugged, "At least until you find out what happened with Umbridge?"

Hermione frowned, looking down to open her books. At least Harry had sworn to help her figure out what was going on.


A week later, and Harry and Hermione had made next to no progress with figuring out what was going on with Fleur. Fleur was constantly around the castle now, but often stayed close to Umbridge or appeared to be actively avoiding them.

"Come on, 'Mione," Ginny whined. She was sitting on Hermione's bed while Hermione packed her bag.

"I really don't feel in a particularly 'jolly' mood, Gin," Hermione intoned, "I would rather stay here in the castle."

"Really? You would rather stay in this prison than come join the rest of us at the Burrow for Christmas?" Ginny asked, raising her eyebrows, "Would this have something to do with your ex-girlfriend getting a personality transplant a week ago?"

"I'm worried about her, Gin," Hermione sighed, putting down a woolen jumper she had been folding. Ginny reached out and squeezed her arm.

"Yeah, but if anything, she's safe," Ginny soothed, "Umbridge isn't gonna do anything horrible to her while she's going around waiting on her hand and foot."

"I don't want to leave her like this," Hermione said, rubbing at her temple. Ginny got up and wrapped Hermione in a hug. Hermione let go of the tears that had been threatening to come for a week. Ginny held her tightly and rubbed circles on her back.

"Its only for Christmas, then we'll be back again," Ginny said quietly, "Fleur will be okay."

Hermione pulled herself out of Ginny's hug and wiped at her eyes, "I'll be right back,"

"'Mione!" Ginny called after her, "You can't put off packing forever! People are already worrying that Umbridge will stop students from leaving for the holiday!"

But Hermione was already running down the dormitory stairs and out into the castle. She followed the familiar path, ducking into some of the tunnels behind tapestries that Fleur had shown her in the past to avoid Inquisitorial Squad monitors. Finally, she came to a stop outside Fleur's quarters. The door was open. Hermione knocked gently before entering.

Fleur was standing at the small table in her room, looking at some blue flames in a large jar. In her hands were some papers that she was scrunching up before slowly feeding to the flames.

"You should not be in 'ere," Fleur said, without looking up.

"What are you doing?" Hermione asked quietly. Fleur looked up at her before smiling.

"Destroying my report," Fleur said, "I need to re-do ze 'ole zing. I did not realize 'ow effective ze 'Igh Inquisitors regime is."

"Fleur… What is going on with you? Is it a memory charm?" Hermione asked, her voice cracking a little bit. Fleur cocked her head to one side, smiling.

"Nozzing is wrong, Mademoiselle Granger," Fleur said with a smile, "But you really must go. No students are allowed in my quarters."

"Fleur… Fleur I'm crazy about you. I want to help, you just have to give me a clue about what is going on," Hermione pleaded. But Fleur just smiled her same serene smile and led her to the door.

"Please leave, Mademoiselle Granger," Fleur said firmly, pushing Hermione out of the room and carefully shutting the door behind her.


The Weasleys were jostling amongst themselves trying to reach the piles of presents laid out in the living room. Hermione was sitting back on an overstuffed couch with Harry.

"I know you're upset about Fleur," Harry said quietly, "But you should try and enjoy the break from Hogwarts."

"I know," sighed Hermione.

Ron bounded over, tossing gifts into the laps of Hermione and Harry.

"Three guesses what these are?" Harry smiled at Hermione, gesturing to the lumpy parcels from Molly Weasley. Several of the Weasley siblings were sporting their woolen jumpers with letters on them already. Hermione smiled despite her mood.

After Christmas lunch, Hermione went upstairs to Ginny's room, nursing her uncomfortably full stomach. She lay back on her bed in the room, staring at the ceiling. She could hear the odd hoot of laughter from downstairs where the rest of the Weasley clan and Harry were.

There was a sudden crack and Hermione sat up on the bed. Dobby was standing at the end of the bed, holding a parcel.

"Dobby? What are you doing here?" Hermione asked, surprised. Dobby bowed.

"Two weeks ago, Miss Deli-cors gave Dobby a gift to give to Miss Grangey," Dobby explained, stepping forward.

"Weeks ago?" Hermione asked. Dobby nodded and stepped forward, placing the parcel on the bed.

"She said Dobby was to take it and give it to you in case she was not able to get it to you," Dobby explained, "And Miss Deli-cors is very busy helping Miss Umbridge so Dobby assumes Miss Deli-cors needs him to deliver this."

"Erm, thanks," Hermione said distractedly. She reached into her trunk nearby and pulled out a spare Gryffindor scarf, offering it to him, "Happy Christmas, Dobby."

As Dobby disapparated, Hermione opened the parcel. It was a leather bound book with a slip of parchment tucked in the cover.

"Hermione,

I thought since you love reading books so much, you might appreciate a space where you could write your own thoughts.

I hope by the time you get this we have at least had the chance for one kiss under a mistletoe.

Yours always,

F."

Hermione felt tears well in her eyes again. Sniffling, she leafed through the blank pages of the book.

"Fleur… what happened to you?" Hermione murmured, running her fingers over the gorgeous leather cover.

There was a gentle knock at the door and Harry pushed it open a crack before creeping into the room and sitting beside Hermione on the bed. He didn't comment on her tears, only slung an arm around her shoulders.

"Harry… If someone you cared about told you to stay away from them, but you knew something was wrong, would you?" Hermione sniffled.

"'Mione… I think you already know the answer," Harry said softly with a small smile, "Just like you, I'd never give up."


The Weasleys were assembled at Platform 9 ¾ amongst the jostling families. Hermione noticed that most of the students looked reluctant to head back to school.

Fred and George were socializing with old school-mates, showing off their expensive dragon hide coats. Their joke shop was thriving. Hermione could tell Harry and Ron were a little jealous of them.

"Now, dears, I know you don't want to go back… but it is still the safest place for you all right now," Molly told Harry, Hermione, Ginny and Ron.

"Yeah, real safe," Ron grumbled, rolling his eyes. Arthur Weasley put his hand on his son's shoulder firmly. He was still walking with the help of a cane after finally being released from St Mungo's.

"Son, trust me, its better than the Ministry right now. The number of former Death Eaters there is far higher," Arthur said grimly, looking across the platform at the Malfoys.

"I don't understand why more of them aren't in Azkaban like Bellatrix was," Ron huffed. Arthur patted his shoulder.

"I know… It was a different time. So many were claiming to have been under the Imperius Curse," Arthur said.

"Imperius Curse?" Hermione echoed, her ears pricking up. Suddenly her brain was whirring back into motion.

"Yes, a favourite of the Death Eaters," Arthur said, "Not to mention the other two Unforgiveables, really."

"Arthur, stop scaring them!" Molly chided, before turning to fuss over their clothes.

But Hermione was already gone, lost in the recesses of everything she had read on the Unforgiveables up to that point.


"There's no way to stop an Imperius Curse once its been cast, 'Mione," Ginny stated, "You said so yourself a million times. Otherwise they would just be casting the cure everyday on everyone walking in the Ministry on the off-chance they had been Imperiused."

"I know I said that," Hermione said, smiling from over her textbook. She was sitting in the Common Room with Harry and Ginny, "But do you know what else I said you can't do with an Imperius Curse?"

"Erm… I mean sometimes you can resist it if its weaker and you have strong will… Like I did with Moody's one in class last year," Harry offered, "But I suppose Fleur probably didn't have a warning it was about to hit."

"You can't use an Imperius to get a Secret Keeper to divulge what they are keeping. Because a Secret Keeper has to divulge the secret of their own free will." Hermione said, smirking.

"Yeah… but is she a Secret Keeper?" Ginny said, frowning with confusion and scratching her head.

"Doesn't matter, Umbridge doesn't know if she is or not," Hermione smirked, "Gin, where is Pansy right now?"

"Erm, library doing her group project for Charms," Ginny said, "Why's that?"

"Group project with some other Slytherins?" Hermione asked.

"Unfortunately," Ginny confirmed, "I hope they aren't giving her too hard a time."

Hermione got up abruptly and left the Common Room, heading down to the library. Sure enough, she saw a table with Malfoy, Millicent, Crabbe, Pansy and Daphne Greengrass.

"Oh watch out, its another Gryffindor girl, lets hope Pans doesn't jump her," Draco said loudly. Millicent, Crabbe and Daphne giggled.

"Pansy, can you come talk to me over here for a minute?" Hermione asked, ignoring the Slytherins.

"Sure, Granger," Pansy said wearily, getting up and walking a couple of paces away with Hermione.

"Hey, so I was thinking about Fleur," Hermione said, loud enough that the table of Slytherins could hear her.

"And?" Pansy asked cautiously, looking at Hermione curiously for the way she was acting.

"She's acting so cosy with Umbridge these days… The Slytherins don't know she's a Secret Keeper for Dumbledore, do they?" Hermione asked, again just loud enough that the table could probably hear. She glanced over. They weren't looking at her but had fallen completely silent and stopped fidgeting.

"Erm… no?" Pansy answered. She was looking at Hermione like she'd gone mad.

"Thanks, Pans," Hermione said quietly, smiling, before turning on her heel and leaving the library. She walked around the corner and carefully hid behind a tapestry.

Sure enough, Hermione saw Malfoy slip out of the library and head off in the direction of Umbridge's office. Hermione smirked and returned to the Gryffindor Common Room. Ginny and Harry were still sitting in the same couch.

"Found the Slytherins?" Ginny asked. Hermione smiled.

"Yes… And now I wait," Hermione said triumphantly, throwing herself between her friends and retrieving her book to read. Harry and Ginny exchanged confused glances.


Hermione sat around the Common Room all Sunday, hoping for a glance of Dobby bringing her a note from Fleur. Dinner came, and Hermione kept her eyes roaming the hall for a sight of Umbridge or Fleur. Neither of them were present.

Frowning, Hermione ate her dinner in silence, tuning out the sound of Ron happily chatting to Ginny and Harry about the Chudley Cannons.

After dinner, Hermione headed back to the Gryffindor Common Room trailing behind the others. She shouldn't give up hope. If she knew anything about Umbridge, it was that she couldn't resist taking the bait.

"Keen for a game of exploding snap?" Ron asked, fishing a pack of cards out of his pocket.

"Absolutely," Harry replied, "Lavender not joining us then?"

"Hey, I told you to shut up about that!" Ron hissed, looking around the Common Room conspiratorially. Ginny laughed and sat down with them.

"You in, 'Mione?" Ginny asked. Hermione shook her head.

"Nah, I might go do some writing in bed," Hermione said morosely.

"Didn't know you wrote, Hermione," Ron commented, beginning to shuffle the deck of cards. Hermione smiled sadly.

"I decided to pick it up recently," Hermione said quietly. She turned her back on her friends and headed slowly up the dormitory stairs.

When she made it to the fifth year dormitory, she noticed that the curtains were pulled around her bed. Strange. The last time they were like that… She tugged open the curtains, barely getting a chance to register anything before she was pulled roughly into the bed and into a searing kiss.

"Fleur?" Hermione gasped, finally released from the kiss.

"'Ermione, it was you wasn't it?" Fleur said frantically, pulling Hermione into a tight embrace, "I 'ave been in zis 'ideous imperius curse for two weeks and Umbridge only let me out because she 'eard from Malfoy zat I am a Secret Keeper."

"It might have been," Hermione said with a small smile, before adding, "I knew it was an imperius curse."

"Oh ma belle, you 'ave always been so intelligent," Fleur smiled, pulling Hermione in for another kiss.

"So what now?" Hermione asked when they paused for breath.

"Now I just 'ave to keep avoiding veritaserum spiked cups of tea," Fleur said with a smirk.

"You're not afraid she will put you under another imperius curse?" Hermione asked, running a hand through Fleur's silky hair. Fleur shook her head with a smile.

"Not while she zinks I am 'olding some secret for Dumbledore," Fleur grinned, "You are so smart mon amour."

"I am so glad to have you back," Hermione smiled, pulling Fleur close to her.

"I am glad to be back," Fleur sighed, shuffling to cuddle with Hermione, her head against Hermione's chest, "You 'ave no idea 'ow 'orrible it was waiting on zat toad 'and and foot. She really does see zose wiz magical creature blood as lesser beings."

"I missed you so much," Hermione said softly, "I'm sorry I didn't get you a Christmas present. Especially after you arranged for me to get such a thoughtful one."

"It is okay, 'Ermione," Fleur replied gently, "I am planning on being around for many more gift giving occasions wiz you."

"Fleur, I am falling for you…" Hermione said, enjoying the feel of Fleur pressed up against her after so long, "Will you stay with me tonight?"

"Always," Fleur said softly. She wrapped her arms around Hermione's waist more tightly.


"Hermione—" Ginny called, yanking back the curtains around Hermione's bed, "—Oh, Merlin, sorry!"

Ginny pulled the curtains back shut again, turning her back to the bed while blushing furiously.

Hermione sat up, looking at the sleep tousled hair of the blonde beside her. Fleur's eyes flickered open and she sat up, smiling sweetly at her.

"I could get used to waking up like zis, ma belle," Fleur purred, leaning forward to capture Hermione's lips with her own.

"Hermione!" Ginny called from the other side of the curtains, "I don't want to interrupt, but we have to get to breakfast before the Inquisitorial Squad starts doling out detentions again."

Hermione groaned, "I wish I could stay in bed with you like this all day, Fleur,"

Fleur smiled, "Me too, ma petite lionne,"

She leaned forward and kissed Hermione again, this time more passionately, tangling her hands in Hermione's hair. She bit Hermione's lip lightly, producing a small moan.

"Okay, seriously, guys! You are not allowed to do that right now!" Ginny yelped, "You're gonna destroy my innocence and get us a detention!"

Hermione reluctantly pried herself from Fleur, pulling the curtains open with a grumble.

"First, I think Pansy already took your innocence," Hermione smirked, "Second, I'm getting ready right now! So stop nagging!"

"Shut up," Ginny laughed, tossing Hermione's uniform at her.

Fleur climbed out of the bed, shaking her head. Her hair fell perfectly into place.

"Jesus, how do you do that?" Ginny commented, noticing that Fleur had immediately gone from mildly disheveled to pristine within seconds.

"Ah, ze Veela blood 'as its moments," Fleur said with a grin, "I will see you later, ma belle."

She kissed Hermione quickly before disappearing out the dormitory door.

"So I take it your plan to get her out of the imperius curse worked?" Ginny asked as Hermione got ready for the day.

"Yes," Hermione smiled widely, before furrowing her brows, "It doesn't mean I'm not still furious with Umbridge though."

"We'll get her, 'Mione," Ginny replied, "But right now we just have to keep our heads down. Now come on, everyone else headed down ages ago."

Hermione frowned, continuing to get ready before filing down to the Common Room with Ginny. Harry and Ron were waiting for them.

"I heard a rumour a First Year girl saw Fleur Delacour up in the dorms," Ron said excitedly, "Have you guys seen her?"

"That's ridiculous, Ronald," Hermione said, carefully avoiding Harry's amused glance.

"Yeah, what would she even be doing in the Gryffindor girls' dormitories?" Harry said with a smirk, "Anyway, shall we head off to breakfast before we all get a detention?"


That evening, Hermione headed up to the dormitories, noting that the curtains around her bed were pulled shut again. She looked around the room. Lavender was gossiping to Pavarti about Dean. Hermione cautiously opened the curtains a small gap and climbed into her bed. Fleur was already cosied up under the covers. Hermione cast a quick silencing charm around the bed.

"Two nights in a row?" Hermione said quietly, climbing under the covers and looping her arms around Fleur. Fleur smiled and kissed Hermione's neck softly.

"For ze two weeks I was under ze imperius curse and unable to talk to you or see you when I wanted, I would spend my time zinking of 'ow I would do everyzing in my power to spend my time wiz you if I was freed," Fleur said.

"What if someone checks your room?" Hermione asked. Fleur giggled.

"Strategically placed pillows under ze covers wiz ze aid of some disillusionment spells," Fleur laughed, "Lets 'ope zey don't look too closely."

"Well, yeah, for your sake and my sake lets hope they don't…" Hermione said anxiously. Fleur cuddled closer to her and returned to kissing along Hermione's neck. Hermione let out an involuntary moan.

"Zere we go, just relax… It is worz it to spend zis time togezzer," Fleur purred, "We need to start living like we do not know when we will see each ozzer again… or when one of us might be put under an imperius curse," Fleur added distastefully.

"I'm sorry that happened to you," Hermione said earnestly, stroking Fleur's hair. She still couldn't believe the blonde beauty was in her bed.

"It is okay, if anyzing it is lucky zat ze only person to 'it me wiz an imperius curse is probably one of ze few people 'oo would not try to use it to get me to sleep wiz zem," Fleur replied.

"Has anyone told you how modest you are?" Hermione said with a smirk. But she kissed Fleur softly. The kissing turned harder and more passionate and Hermione was suddenly grateful she had cast a silencing charm as Fleur moved on top of her.


"Okay, Hermione, this habit of sleeping in really has to stop," Ginny said loudly, tugging back the curtains around Hermione's bed.

She was greeted by the sight of Hermione spooning Fleur. Thankfully, the covers were up to their shoulders, but it appeared they were very naked underneath.

"Merlin! You two are worse than Pansy and me!" Ginny hissed, pulling the curtains back, "You'd better get up and out of here if you don't want to get caught."

Hermione sighed sleepily as she opened her eyes, tightening her grip around Fleur and pressing tighter against her back.

"I'm sure anyone would be driven to get a detention if it meant spending time with a naked Fleur Delacour in bed," Hermione muttered. Fleur yawned before turning around in her arms to face her. She smiled sweetly at her and kissed her lips softly.

"I am sure anyone would be driven to risk anozzer imperius curse if zey 'ad 'Ermione Granger naked in zeir bed," Fleur purred, before dipping to kiss at Hermione's neck.

"Okay, stop it with the lovey dovey talk or I'm seriously going to throw up," Ginny threatened from the other side of the bed. Hermione started to pull back the curtains when Ginny suddenly wrenched them back shut.

"Jeez, make up your mind, Gin," Hermione grumbled.

"Shut up, Lavender's coming," Ginny hissed, "Shit, she's coming over here."

Hermione panicked, looking at a very naked Fleur in bed next to her. Fleur smiled slyly back, before slowly sliding down the bed and under the covers.

"Hey, Lav, don't think Hermione's feeling too well," Ginny began.

"Save it, Ginny," Lavender said abruptly, yanking the curtains back roughly. Hermione had thankfully managed to pull a nearby tee over her head before being unceremoniously greeted by the sight of an agitated looking Lavender and a worried looking Ginny flitting behind her.

"To what do I owe the pleasure?" Hermione asked wryly. Lavender put her hands on her hips with a frown. Ginny was peeking over her shoulder, curiously looking to see where Fleur had disappeared to.

Hermione was struggling to pay attention to Lavender's grumpy looking face as she could feel Fleur's breath on the inside of her thigh and her finger's stroking across her stomach under the covers. Hermione was grateful for her voluminous covers. She couldn't think of anything more horrifying than being caught in bed with someone by Lavender, Gryffindor's resident gossip.

"You're best friends with Ron, right?" Lavender asked tersely. Hermione opened her mouth to reply but soft kisses moving up the inside of her thigh halted the words in her throat. Hermione let out a small strangled noise and nodded furiously. Ginny cast her a strange look.

"Did you know he's been talking to Parvarti behind my back?" Lavender said irately, "Like talking talking? Flirting with my own best friend?"

Hermione was trying her best to concentrate on what Lavender was saying but suddenly Fleur reached the top of her thigh and began to lick her way elsewhere.

"Merlin!" Hermione choked out, her eyebrows raising. Ginny shook her head, turning away from them.

"I know! I mean I know technically I'm dating Dean… But still! There's principles! Can you have a word to him, Hermione?"

"Yes!" Hermione let out in a strangled voice.

Appeased, Lavender crossed her arms and nodded, before leaving the dormitory.

"Thanks, Hermione," Lavender replied over her shoulder as she left, "For such a nerd you sure are running late for the day. You should get up already."


Eventually, Hermione made it downstairs and to breakfast, avoiding eye contact with Ginny all the way. She hoped that Ginny would just forget about what she had witnessed. It was a good sign that the redhead hadn't teased her about it so far.

"Haven't heard from Sirius for a while," Harry muttered as he walked to Potions with Ron and Hermione.

"Well, I mean to be fair, nobody can really contact anyone in the outside world without having Umbridge intercept it all," Hermione replied.

"Mione's right, no point worrying about him for now," Ron said, whistling as he was walking down the hallway, "Things could always be worse."

"Oh, by the way, Ronald, Lavender told me she knows you've been flirting with Parvati," Hermione added. The colour drained from Ron's face. Harry laughed.

"Oh, mate, you've really stitched yourself up there, haven't you?" Harry chuckled. They made their way into the dungeon, sitting down the back of the classroom. Harry and Ron hunched together, discussing Ron's girl problems. Hermione sighed, beginning to set up her own things.

"So, Granger," Pansy smirked, coming to sit beside her, "I hear you're more edgy than I give you credit for,"

"Oh God, she told you didn't she?" Hermione groaned, "I knew she would get me back about that Beauxbatons uniform comment."

"Having Delacour go down on you in the dormitory in front of Gin and some other Gryffindor girl? Merlin, I wish the Slytherin dormitories were that fun," Pansy laughed. Hermione swatted her.

"Stop it! It wasn't like that!" Hermione exclaimed, blushing heavily.

"Well, well, aren't we cosy down here?" Draco said, sneering as he arrived at the table across the hallway, flanked by Crabbe and Goyle.

"Back off, Draco," Pansy said dismissively, opening her Potions textbook.

"Or what? You'll make me gay too? Just like you did with Granger?" Draco smirked, putting his hands on his hips. Hermione's face drained of colour.

"I don't know what you're talking about," Hermione said evenly. Draco smirked.

"Please, I heard why Umbridge had to put that Veela under an imperius in the first place… Poor little Granger got caught in the creature's thrall. Tell me Granger… What's she like in bed? Or shall I just wait until the next time she gets imperiused to find out?" Draco smirked.

"Shut up, Malfoy," Hermione hissed. Her hands balled into fists.

"He's just trying to wind you up," Pansy said softly, putting a hand on Hermione's arm warningly.

"Hey, who knows? Maybe if I get to be the one that imperiuses her I'll let us all have a go on her… Me, Crabbe, Goyle… Hey, Pans, if you feel like a go I might even let you in for old times sake," Draco said with a snide laugh. Hermione launched from her desk to slap Draco across the face, hard.

"Hermione!" Pansy interrupted, pulling Hermione away. Draco was touching his reddened cheek, a smirk on his lips.

"Big mistake, Granger," Draco laughed.

"Shut up, you sad little boy!" Pansy snapped, "If it weren't for your petty blood status and your daddy's connection you would be a nobody."

"Detention, both of you," Draco replied, frowning, "And don't think we'll go easy on you because you're a Slytherin, Pans."

Pansy dragged a still seething Hermione back to their table where Ron and Harry were gaping at them.

"Bloody hell, what was that about?" Ron asked, dumbfounded.

"Draco being a prat," Hermione said from between gritted teeth.

"Jesus, you've become a liability this year, 'Mione," Ron commented, "Who thought I would become the voice of reason out of us?"

He stood gaping at them, hands on hips, and looked so much like the spitting image of Molly that Harry and Hermione dissolved into giggles despite themselves.


"They won't really imperius her again, will they?" Hermione asked, worried, as she headed to her detention with Pansy.

"Nah, the boneheads still think she's a Secret Keeper for Dumbledore," Pansy replied, "I keep hearing their stupid plans to sneak veritaserum to her. They'll be tied up with that for a while."

"Well that's a relief," Hermione sighed, relaxing.

"I told you, he was just trying to get under your skin," Pansy replied, "Now just how bad are these detentions?"

Hermione grimaced.

"Pretty bad."

Pansy frowned at that, pushing the door to the empty classroom open. This time Crabbe, Goyle, Malfoy and Daphne were present. Malfoy looked like he was practically crowing.

"Welcome to detention, girls," Malfoy sneered, flicking his wand to bind them to a nearby wall.

"God this must appeal to the sadistic streak in you," Pansy commented. Malfoy frowned.

"Shut it, Pansy," Malfoy retorted, "You know you're here because of the constant bad decisions you've been making this year. If you'd stuck with us and cut out all that… gay shit… you wouldn't even be here. You'd still be like me."

"Going on a violent power-trip to let out the frustration of Daphne not putting out? No thanks, doesn't sound that great to be you," Pansy retorted. Malfoy and Daphne coloured and Hermione let out an involuntary giggle.

Hermione knew they were about to regret it as Malfoy squared his shoulders and rolled up his sleeves, beginning to shape a curse with his wand.

The door slammed open, stopping Malfoy in his tracks. For a brief, glimmering moment, Hermione hoped it was Fleur to her rescue again. But it was just Umbridge.

"Stop, Draco," Umbridge said curtly, waddling into the room, "Something more serious has happened."

Malfoy looked extremely put out, but dropped his wand nonetheless. He reluctantly turned to Umbridge.

"What is it, Professor Umbridge?" Draco asked.

"I have caught troublemakers breaking into my office," Umbridge said coldly, "I need two of you to fetch them from my office and two of you to bring Miss Delacour here. Its time to find out once and for all what is going on."

Pansy and Hermione exchanged looks as the Inquisitorial Squad members filed out obediently, leaving just Umbridge behind with them. Umbridge began to pace slowly in front of them.

"Such a shame…" Umbridge said in her sickly tone, "What drives gifted students to go astray?"

She eyed Pansy and Hermione with her beady eyes. Malfoy and Daphne returned, wands pointed at Fleur, who was looking impassive before she saw Pansy and Hermione. A look of concern flickered across her face.

Hermione tried to convey as best as she could non verbally that she was fine, that everything was fine, that Umbridge was just going to raise hell about rule breaking and try to question Fleur again but that was it…

But as Crabbe and Goyle returned, Hermione felt the hope within her die out. Harry and Ron were being led at wand-point, and Harry looked extremely worked up. Something was seriously wrong.