DISCLAIMER: I do not own Harry Potter.
A/N: Reviews make my day.
Chapter 9: Fifth Year, Part 2
"When times get rough
And your dreams just fall apart
And sometimes you feel
That you cant go on
Be strong, hold on
For my love will keep you warm
Through the coldest night
Through the rain, throughthe storm
When friends turn their backs on you
And you're so helpless
You dont know what to do
I'll be on your side to comfort you
My love will see you through."
-My Love Will See You Through (Marco Sison)
"Of course Hermione's right! She's always right!" defended Draco who pulled her closer to him.
"Umbridge is evil!" Cho gritted her teeth. "Inspecting every class, walking around the castle, taking house points for petty things, as if she owns the school! And most of all, punishing Harry for telling the truth about the Death Eaters!" she fumed.
"What's worse, she's making Harry a liar!" she said with annoyance. "Did you see his hand last night? That pink toad used a blood quill on Harry during detention. He had to write every single line I must not tell lies in pain! I'm gonna hex that toad!"
"Then you should stop annoying the toad, Draco. If she gives you detention and makes you write lines, Hermione will be furious," warned Neville.
"If she lays a hand on you or hurt you in any way, I'm gonna murder that Umbitch!" she fumed.
"See?" said Neville. "It's just Harry and she's already scary. When it comes to you, she's as angry as a lion."
"She may be a Gryffindor, but my witch grew up with Snakes," said Draco with pride. "Don't worry about me, Honey. I'm the second smartest in our year." He also kissed her forehead, not caring if Umbitch will catch them on the corridors and lose points.
The other night, they both lost house points because after their patrol as prefects, Draco pulled her to an alcove to snog her. They were caught by the pink toad and were reported to Dumbledore. Umbitch told the headmaster that Hermione and Draco were not good role models and that their prefect badges should be snatched. Professor Dumbledore brushed the matter off and told the young couple to avoid public display of affection in a grandfatherly manner.
It was during the first day of classes when they were informed about their prefect status. According to Professor McGonagall, the Minister and the other governors imposed that there should be an Inquisitorial Squad and its members will be picked by the Ministry representative who happened to be Dolores Umbridge. But the headmaster and staff protested against it, so the prefects, Head Boy and Head Girl were all informed on September the 2nd.
Hermione Granger and Neville Longbottom were Fifth Year Gryffindor prefects. For the Slytherin House, they have Draco Malfoy and Daphne Greengrass. Hermione and Draco took the same schedule and patrolled together. They wrote their parents about it and they were all delighted. Mrs. Malfoy said that she could already see Hermione and Draco being the Head Girl and Head Boy two years from now.
"Still, you have to be careful, Draco," came Neville's voice, causing Hermione to drift off from her musings. "You're a prefect and your father is a respected wizard. My parents were famous and best Aurors but they don't get proper treatment anymore since last year because Fudge knows that our family are friends with the Potters and Headmaster Dumbledore."
Hermione pulled away gently to look into Draco's grey eyes. "Yes, be careful. Don't annoy the toad and the other Slytherins. You know that your House is packed with Death Eater kids," she teased.
Draco opened his mouth to protest, but Hermione silenced him with a quick kiss. "Please," she said after. "I don't want you to get detention like Harry. I can't let your beautiful skin get scarred."
He sighed. "All right, Honey," he said in defeat.
She cupped his face and looked at him as if he's the only person in the world. "Thank you."
.
"That toad is not teaching us anything!" Hermione said angrily as she sat on the chair they reserved for her in the library for their study period. Madam Pince looked at their direction but said nothing. She also did not shot them a disapproving look, unlike before.
Guess she's also annoyed with Umbitch, she thought.
"Wands away, read chapter three. There's no need to talk. Raise your hand of you want to speak," said Greg with a complete imitation of Umbridge. "Honestly, I'm tired of that woman."
"Well, I'm not tired. I'm SICK of her!" Vince snapped. "Just when I'm starting to get better at defensive spells, the D.A.D.A. class becomes rubbish because of a toad. I wanted to be an Auror!"
"Correction: you still want to be an Auror," she said to Vince.
"That toad will crash my dreams!" he exclaimed.
"We will not let her!" said Greg. "I want to be an Auror, too!"
"Hermione, please tell us that you have a plan," pleaded Neville.
"For what?" she snapped back to Greg, Vince and Neville.
"For us to learn how to defend ourselves! The Death Eaters are out there. Who knows, they might attack Hogsmeade on our next trip," replied Neville.
"You're barking at the wrong tree," she said and rolled her eyes. "Harry's more experienced; I just have the theories."
"So, we have to convince him to teach us, is that what you're saying?" asked Vince.
"No. Ask Filch to teach you cast a Patronus," quipped Draco sarcastically behind his book.
"Prat!" Hermione hit his arm.
"Watch out, woman! I'll report you for abuse," warned Draco who faked a painful look.
"I'll report you to your father for bullying and insulting your friends," she replied.
Vince and Greg snickered. "Well, thanks Hermione, but that's how we express our affection to our friends," Greg told her.
"That's right. Nobody bullies and insults those two but me!" Draco gestured at his two friends.
Hermione rolled her eyes. "Slytherins," she murmured. "Anyway, to answer your question, yes. We need to convince Harry to teach us. He's faced the Death Eaters last year and his father is an Auror. Plus, I heard from Neville that he got extra lessons from Professor Lupin in third year." She shot Neville a questioning look and he nodded to confirm.
"You mean, when he's got no friends because Neville haven't forgiven him and he ditched Weasley?" Draco smirked and winked at Neville.
"Yes. Neville and I will do the convincing part," she told them, ignoring Draco's look. She turned to Neville. "Right?"
He shrugged. "You'd hex me if I don't help you, right?"
"At least, you know," she replied. "And you three will gather other students who want to join our secret study group," she told the three Slytherins.
"Yes, Ma'am!" said the three in chorus.
.
"Hermione, remind me why we have to do this again," said Harry dryly when she, Harry and Cho were walking to Hog's Head Inn.
She stopped walking and blocked his way. "Because we need a proper teacher," she said in her bossy tone. "Someone who's experienced with facing the Death Eaters; someone like you."
"She's right, Harry and I can't stand that Umbitch woman anymore! We in Ravenclaw think that our brains are getting rustier every D.A.D.A. class! Please..." pleaded Cho.
Harry eyed her and Cho, as if saying 'You will hex me if I don't do it, right?' It was very similar to Neville's facial expression. He let out a heavy sigh and walked past her to enter Hog's Head Inn. Hermione and Cho exchanged triumphant smiles.
The pub was reserved by Draco for that day, so no customers were allowed. When they entered, she saw Harry's shocked expression at the number of students waiting inside. The barman, Mr. Dumbledore, already served everyone Butterbeer. The group stopped chattering when Hermione, Harry and Cho entered.
Hermione scanned the room. There were Slytherins from their year: Millie, Pansy, Daphne, Blaise and Theo. Of course, Draco, Vince and Greg were there with three more Slytherins: Astoria Greengrass (Daphne's brunette sister), Pucey and Montague (both Seventh Years).
From their house, many came like Angelina Johnson, Katie Bell, Alicia Spinnet, Seamus Finnigan, Dean Thomas, Parvati Patil, Lavender Brown and Collin Creevey. Of course, Neville was there, but sitting with their three Slytherin friends.
She also noticed some Hufflepuffs and Ravenclaws from their year: Ernie MacMillan, Hannah Abbott, Justin Finch-Fletchley, Susan Bones, Padma Patil (Parvati's twin sister), Terry Boot, Michael Corner Anthony Goldstein and Luna Lovegood.
"Where is your friend?" she asked Cho after noticing that Cho's blonde and curly friend wasn't there.
"Marietta? Her mother works at the Ministry and she was told to please Professor Umbridge, so I did not invite her. I did not even tell her about my hatred for the pink toad," she replied.
"Oh, it must be hard for you!" She gave the Ravenclaw a sympathetic look.
The girl shrugged. "It's fine; after all I'm friends with Luna. We support each other inside our House."
They all settled and Hermione began the meeting by first telling the group why she thinks there is a need for Harry to teach them. The others questioned Harry's capabilities, but each of his friends told the group about the things he has gone through during the Triwizard Tournament. After that, the group was silent and signed the parchment Hermione prepared. She gave Draco, Vince and Greg a thumbs up for gathering those open-minded people.
.
"We need a place to meet," Harry told them enthusiastically after the meeting at Hog's Head and they were on their way to the castle.
"Keep your voice down!" she hissed, looking around if there are other people who could hear them. In her peripheral vision, she saw the pink toad in the clock tower, looking down at them. "The toad is listening," she added in a whisper.
Greg turner his head, but Draco stopped him by hitting him on the arm. "Don't look around!" he hissed.
"Keep walking and talk about something," she told them.
"So, like I said before Hermione got mad, we need a place to meet to study Herbology together!" said Harry loudly and faked an annoyed look.
"We can study in the library," said Neville. "Just don't talk too loud, or else, Madam Pince will send us all out."
"Hear, hear!" they chorused and made it to the castle to eat their dinner.
That evening after curfew, Hermione went to Draco's room with the help of Billy. The young couple agreed on a schedule where to sleep on a particular night. It was not anymore hard for Hermione to convince her boyfriend to sleep in her dormitory. After two years of dating and five years of spending the night together, house rivalry do not matter anymore. They stopped caring which room they were in, as long as they were together.
"Billy, before you go, I want to ask something," said Draco before the elf could Disapparate.
"Yes, Master?" squeaked the elf.
"Do you know a room where we can hold secret meetings and more than twenty people can fit?" he asked.
The elf's face brightened and gave them a toothless smile. "Of course, Master! Polly told Billy about the 'Come and Go Room'! You can finds it at the seventh floor corridor. There is a blank wall and all Master has to do is to walk back and forth thrice in front of the wall and think of the room he wants!" the elf explained very fast.
"Thank you, Billy! You are very helpful!" Hermione said sincerely and pulled the little elf to a hug.
When she pulled away, she saw the elf's glassy eyes. "Anything for Master and Missy!"
.
Finally, Hermione told Harry and Neville about the 'Come and Go Room' after she and Draco visited it. Draco asked for 'a place where we can practice defense'. After pacing back and forth thrice, a pair of oak doors appeared and when they entered, they gasped at what they saw. It was a very big room with tons of books about Defense Against the Dark Arts. There were also Death Eater dummies in the middle of the room. At the corner, there are sofas and study tables where the can review or have lectures. The center of the room was made for dueling.
"Hermione, this is perfect!" Harry said in awe when he saw the room.
"I know, right?!" she smirked. "You should thank my boyfriend; he asked for this kind of room."
Harry turned to Draco. "Thank you, mate! Not just for this room, but for gathering the students who believe me."
Draco faked a sneer. "Stop thanking me and start planning for our first lesson!"
Harry rolled his eyes. "I don't know how you can stand him, Hermione. This bloke is impossible," he teased.
She smirked. "Well, that's what love do: make impossible things possible."
Draco pulled her from behind to show his affection. "I can name a few impossible things we made possible."
"Oi! Get a room, you two!" called Neville loudly.
Hermione pulled away. "We should be sensitive. You know, someone does not have a girlfriend..." she teased.
"You're starting to sound like Malfoy!" complained Neville.
"Go, get a move, Longbottom, before someone snatches the one you want," advised Draco. Hermione gave him a quizzical look. "She fancies Luna."
Neville paled. "Stop," he said firmly. "Let's start planning!"
Harry looked like he wanted to tease his best mate, but stopped himself. Instead, they started planning on what to teach on their first meeting. Each of them read the books and shared their ideas, even Vince and Greg which made Hermione feel proud.
Soon, their first formal meeting began. Cho suggested a group name and they all agreed to it. Since the Ministry was accusing Dumbledore of building an army, they decided to call themselves Dumbledore's Army, or D.A. for short. Harry was their practical teacher and Hermione took care of theories. She also suggested some books to read during their free time. Hermione and Draco also made fake galleons and cast Protean Charm on it to communicate with the members of the group.
Hermione felt even prouder for Vince and Greg when they did well during the D.A. meetings. They were quick to learn, opposite of what others think about them (dimwitted, ignoramus and Malfoy's cronies). They proved that they can be smart; in fact, smarter than Weasley. Neville was starting to become like his father: quick, fast learner and diligent. During their practicals, Harry would always pair Hermione with Draco because they're equally brilliant. At some points, Draco was better. But there were also some moments when Hermione won their duel. Everyone had a good time watching them because they proved to be good duelists.
"Well done, everyone, well done!" Harry told the group after the duels. "So, our next meeting will be after the Christmas holidays and we will learn the Patronus Charm. While on vacation, I'd like you to think of a happy memory you can use when you cast the charm. Hermione will inform you about the time and date of the meeting using our coins. Happy holidays, everyone!"
"Happy holidays!" the D.A. chorused.
.
Hermione and Draco spent the holidays at Malfoy Manor since her parents were still in Australia and it wouldn't be safe for them to travel. She was really sad because it would be her first Christmas without them. Sure, Draco and his parents were there and treated her like a family, but having her own parents was still different and without them, she felt incomplete.
On the night before Christmas Day, Hermione went to Mrs. Malfoy's garden and looked at the starry sky and thought of her parents. She wasn't a weepy girl, but she cries when her friends and family were hurt and someone insulted her. But this time, she was crying because she missed them so much.
That's how Mrs. Malfoy found her. The older witch comforted her like she was her own daughter. After an hour, Hermione felt good and she went to her own bedroom at the manor. She found Draco already asleep on her bed. She laid beside him and spooned him, but Draco woke up and shifted to he was facing her.
"Where have you been?" he asked against the crook of her neck sleepily.
"Garden with your mum," she replied, her voice was groggy.
Draco pulled away to look at her face and then he frowned. "Are you all right?" He sounded worried.
"I am now. Thanks to your mum," she said with a sincere smile.
Draco smiled back and looked relieved. "You know that I'm always here for you, don't you?"
"I do."
He pulled her closer and kissed her forehead. "Good night, Honey."
She snuggled contentedly to him and sighed in relief. What did I do to deserve the Malfoys? Such a beautiful life, she thought. "Good night, love."
Draco pulled away quickly and gave her a shocked look. "What did you call me?"
She smiled and caressed his cheek. "Love; because you're the love of my life. Can't call you 'Grey' all the time, especially when you're so sweet and call me 'Honey'."
Draco smiled contentedly. "Good girl."
.
"What's this secret study group you're running?" asked Mr. Malfoy suddenly during breakfast.
Hermione and Draco exchanged nervous and guilty looks. "How did you know about it, Father?" asked Draco in a conversational tone.
"I have my ways," replied Mr. Malfoy simply. "So, are you going to tell us about it?"
"I'm sorry, Mr. Malfoy," she choked. "I planned it and persuaded Draco to recruit for Dumbledore's Army. Please don't be mad at him," she said with plea.
"Dear, relax," said Mrs. Malfoy calmly. "We aren't mad. We just want you to tell us."
"Dumbledore's Army?" questioned Mr. Malfoy.
Hermione and Draco both nodded. "Cho suggested the name since the Minister thinks that Dumbledore is creating an army."
"What do you do?" It was Mr. Malfoy who asked.
"Defense practicals," she replied. "Harry is a good teacher. Even Vince and Greg are now good at dueling."
Mr. and Mrs. Malfoy eyed them intently. "Be careful, children. Umbridge might catch you," reminded Mrs. Malfoy.
.
"Think of a happy memory; not just happy but also a powerful one," Harry told them. It was their first meeting after the holidays and as promised, Harry taught them the Patronus Charm, a powerful charm who can save anyone from the dementors.
Harry revealed to them that it was Professor Lupin who taught him the charm in third year because his Boggart was a dementor. He also demonstrated how it's done and they all gasped in awe when a silver stag appeared in front of them.
Hermione closed her eyes and focused on her happiest yet powerful memory: when Draco gave her the engagement bracelet in first year and he asked her to be his girlfriend someday.
She opened her eyes and swished and flicked her wand and chanted "Expecto Patronum!"
A thread of silver mist came out from the tip of her wand. It became longer and bigger, until it landed on the floor and took the form of a two-legged animal with wings. It roamed around the room, met Cho's swan, Luna's hare, Neville's lion, Seamus's fox and... another penguin!
Hermione looked around for the owner of the other and taller silver penguin and she found Draco smiling happily. He ran towards her, picked her up and twirled her. They were both laughing with tears in their eyes, realizing that their Patronuses were mates. The two silver penguins snuggled to each other contentedly.
"Penguins are the most loyal creatures," she said to him, resting her forehead on his.
He smirked. "No wonder... We're like them, loyal towards each other. Do you know what this tells me?"
"What?"
"Nothing can tear us apart."
Her reply was a smile and a kiss on his lips.
.
Hermione woke up on a Saturday morning on Draco's bed, feeling some things different. One: feather light kisses on her neck, nape and temple. Two: an arm under her neck which served as he pillow. Three: another hand under her shirt, caressing her braless breasts. She moaned with pleasure, encouraging Draco even more. Four: something was poking her pyjama pants-covered butt and Draco pushed even more. It made her private part wet.
She shifted, laid on her back to offer herself, but her eyes were closed. Draco shifted and gently removed his arm under her neck. She felt the half part of his body above her. His kissed trailed down, same as his hand under her shirt. The moment his lips reached the valley of her breasts, his hand rested on her crotch and she slightly lifted her body, as if offering it to him.
"Don't stop," she said and made a sound like begging, but she didn't know what for.
Draco's hand slid inside her pyjama pants, on top of her knickers. She ran her hands on his smooth hair and toyed with his ear.
"You're so irresistible," he said in his sexy voice.
"Please, love," she pleaded.
"What do you want, Honey?" he asked, his voice was husky.
Hermione's eyes snapped open and she realized that she's sixteen but Draco was fifteen. They should not do it yet.
But I like the way he touches me, she thought. She swallowed. "Touch me. Kiss me," she whispered.
Draco smirked. "As you wish, Honey."
He leaned forward and gave her a passionate kiss while his hands traveled and explored her body under her clothes. She kissed him back with equal passion and did not realize sooner that her hands were also exploring his body.
How are we supposed to stop if this feels so good and right?
The answer came when they heard the loud and urgent knocks on the door.
"Draco! Draco! Wake up! Something happened!" came Greg's worried voice.
Draco pulled away with irritation. "Why now?"
She gave him a small smile. "We'll continue another time," she promised.
"Draco, if you don't open this door, we'll use our wands!" warned Vince.
Hermione and Draco silently got off the bed and fixed their clothes. She stood behind the bedroom door and Draco opened it slightly to face his friends. "Are there Death Eaters in the castle?" he asked, annoyed.
"Worse than the Death Eaters!" yelled Greg. "Harry was brought to the Ministry for using magic in a Muggle area-"
"And Dumbledore was sacked because the pink toad learned about the D.A.!" quipped Vince.
"Harry could be expelled and now the toad has been named the headmistress!"
Hermione couldn't hide anymore. She came behind Draco and peeked. "How on Earth would all these things happen in just twelve hours?!" she exclaimed.
Vince and Greg looked at her and Draco, as if they're seeing them for the first time. Hermione blushed. "All right, so this is our top secret for years..." she said nervously.
"Not a secret anymore," said Greg nonchalantly. "We know already. Well, we suspected, but that's not the point right now."
"So, why were you looking at us differently?" asked Draco.
"'Cause we haven't seen you for one whole day!" They chorused.
"What?" Hermione and Draco said together.
Vince and Greg looked at each other. "And we've just realized something," said Greg.
"It's already Sunday, lovebirds! Yesterday at breakfast, the pink toad said that you two have to go to the manor because of a family emergency. Of course we believed her. But this morning-"
"F.Y.I., it's lunchtime, by the way," interrupted Greg.
"But this morning," Vince continued, "Neville saw your names on the Marauder's Map-"
"A map from Harry's father he got on Christmas. It shows everyone at Hogwarts."
"And told us that you're back! But you didn't leave, did you?"
Hermione and Draco looked at each other before replying to their friends. "We just woke up," she replied.
"And we woke up thinking it's Saturday," added Draco.
Vince and Greg shook their heads violently. "Something is not right..." she said, thinking deeply.
"Then we should go out and start finding out what's not right," said Draco.
.
"Hermione!" she was instantly pulled to a hug by a raven haired girl the moment they entered the Room of Requirement, or the Come and Go Room. The D.A. members were there; all were looking anxious.
"I'm sorry! It was Marietta, my friend! She heard about our secret meetings and sold us out to Umbridge!" Cho said apologetically.
"No one's blaming you, Cho," said Neville from behind.
"But it's my fault that Harry's in the Ministry right now!" she shrieked. "I persuaded him to have a picnic at the village beside Hogsmeade and then two dementors showed up. Harry quickly cast the Patronus Charm. When we came back here, two Aurors on Umbridge's side were already waiting." Cho was in the verge of tears.
"But why is he still at the Ministry?" she asked, puzzled. "Why are they treating him like a murderer, or an escaped prisoner from Azkaban?"
"Umbridge doesn't want others to know the whole story, Dad told me," said Neville. "The new toadmistress only told the school that Harry used magic outside school and that he will be expelled."
Hermione pressed her lips together. "They can't expel him! Any underage witch or wizard can use magic if the circumstance calls and in Harry's case, you were close to being kissed by dementors!" she said with fury.
"If I can only tell my aunt," came a new female voice. All heads turned to the owner of the voice: Susan Bones. "She's the department head of Magical Law Enforcement. If she would hear the truth, she would investigate properly."
"There is a way to let people know what happened," quipped Luna. "Daddy's the editor of Quibbler. I'm sure he will believe us and agree to write the truth about Harry's case."
Hermione smiled triumphantly. "Cho, get ready for an interview on the next Hogsmeade trip."
.
"Brilliant, Hermione!" said Draco proudly.
A week after their planning at the Room of Requirement, the truth about Harry's expulsion and what really happened during the Final Task during the Triwizard Tournament was revealed by Cho, Cedric (who had a separate interview) and the other D.A. members on Quibbler. Everyone wanted to read about it, much to Umbridge's displeasure. She had no choice but to admit Harry again. She banned Quibbler in Hogwarts, but most students became more interested. The more she stopped it, the more people want to read.
"Everyone's reading the paper now and only few students accuse Harry of being a liar!" said Cho with delight.
"Thanks to Hermione's brilliant idea!" Harry said with enthusiasm. "I don't know I'd do without you," he told her.
"If only I wasn't asleep for two straight nights, those things wouldn't happen."
"But, how come you're asleep the whole time?" asked Neville.
"We have our suspicion," replied Draco.
"But to prove that we're right, we have to infuriate the pink toad," she said. "And when we do that, we need Susan Bones's aunt."
.
THE MINISTER RESIGNS; DUMBLEDORE, REINSTATED AS HOGWARTS HEADMASTER, by Xenophilus Lovegood
Hermione smirked at the headline. After a month, their hardwork paid off. Umbridge was sacked; the Minister resigned in embarrassment of appointing his undersecretary as Hogwarts professor and headmistress.
When Hermione, Harry, Draco, Vince and Greg went to Umbridge's office, pretending to contact someone via Floo, Madam Amelia Bones (Susan's aunt and head of Magical Law Enforcement) and Auror Kingsley Shackebolt watched the entire scene through Mr. Potter's magical two-way mirror while its pair was with them. They meant to be caught to infuriate Umbridge. When she arrived, she was furious.
"Naughty children, you are," she said in her girlish voice, standing by the door. The toad binded all magically, but that did not stop Hermione from showing Umbridge's ugly face on the mirror secretly.
"I really hate children. I should have sent more dementors to kiss you, Potter. Two were not enough, were they?"
"That was you! You sent the dementors!" said Harry furiously, not caring if Umbridge's was pointed at them.
To Hermione's disgust, the toad laughed crazily. "Of course, it was me! I have to help Cornelius get rid of you. And that's not all. I Confunded your stupid girlfriend to convince you to sneak and go to that Muggle area."
"You're an evil!" Hermione said furiously.
The toad laughed. "Oh, but I was brilliant, Granger. I was able to put you and your boyfriend in a deep sleep by slipping the potion in your drinks. You woke up after thirty six hours and I was done with Mr. Potter. I did the same trick for Miss Edgecomb she was at my office. One drop of Veritaserum and I learned the truth about your secret army."
"Using Veritaserum on minors is illegal!" she shrieked.
The toad smiled humourlessly. "But no one would know. Now, what spell to use on you and your friends? Hmmm?"
"How about 'Finite' to release them, Madam Umbridge?" came a baritone voice from behind.
Hermione smirked triumphantly. Madam Bones and Auror Shacklebolt have arrived via Portkey directly in the toad's office.
And Umbridge's ruling days were over.
Now, the only problem were the Death Eaters.
