Hope you all like this, sorry it's so rushed, have zero time so just wanted to say thank you to those who commented and to the person who wishes to see it sped up... I am sorry if you feel it's slow but I think it's going at a pace that's not rushed nor slow as to make it to unbelievable, it's what I was going for, but rest assured that it will happen soon.

If not then you are always welcome to leave and return when they do meet, if not them I hope the rest of the story is enjoyable.

I don't own HP and happy reading.

Hermione sat brooding in silence doing her best to master the thoughts that were flying around her head faster than any broomstick ever could. Around her the feast was still going on, she really did sometimes hate just how long they took, how long they dragged on whilst the others sat and ate.

She also hated how servile all of it was. How the headmaster would talk over another year of welcoming the first years, another year of telling them what a joyous and wonderful place it was to be. Whilst that may have been true she was also well old enough to know by now just how hollow and fictitious those words could be given just what had happened every year since being at the school.

She sat back and made a point of being moderately polite to those that chose to speak to her. Those that said nothing, she liked better. Instead she chose to focus her efforts on the pink clothed woman at the top, the one who had ruined the heads speech with her own motivational, if not wholly patronizing one about the changes during the upcoming year.

Only a fool could sit there and not take in what that meant. The message behind her talk – changes were coming, and she was the one to enforce them. She sat back down after a half-hearted applause taking no note of the scathing looks sent her way by the other teachers, Harry and Ron spoke a little – saying something insulting as always before getting on with their dinner leaving her to roll her eyes at the sheer ignorance they were showing.

This woman clearly was a threat. She eyed her from her seat and gave the smaller woman a once over taking in everything about her the way she sat down to the hideous clothes she wore. No–she may not have looked so but Hermione knew danger when she saw it and Dolores Umbridge was exactly that.

Around her she could hear the rest talking now that their stomachs had been sated and their topic was of course on the new addition to the school staff as they discussed what could be happening in her lessons and some other things, not the real issues that came to light upon her arrival.

But of course she didn't expect them to know. They didn't have the capacity to without her telling them.

Unlike the others who weren't being all subtle in their looks at the smiling Defence teacher. She chose to remain just on the side line. On the periphery were she was most comfortable. There she could observe and learn without having to engage others in meaningless small talk with people she was forced to endure.

She took care to only appear semi interested in the extra person at the top as she didn't want to draw attention as she looked. It had occurred to her that for every new person they encountered at the school be it teacher or student they always had a story behind them. Who they were and how they ended up being in a place like Hogwarts.

She also knew that appearances weren't always everything. What you saw wasn't always what you got, first impressions didn't count and judging a book by its cover sometimes could bring nasty ramifications. To the rest behind her who were mocking the plump woman… her voice, the way she set herself and how she looked, Hermione wasn't as quick to join them.

Underneath that small and meek demeanour, there was a person with a mission. She was here after all and if the way she was praising the Minister, the notion was there underneath the words of her speech – then she wasn't leaving until she had set them down.

This was why Hermione had made it her mission to keep a watch on the newcomer, if she was going to be as stalwart in her resolve of making change then that meant she wasn't going to leave anything out, which meant her current regime of doing things had to change

She didn't care much for change and in doing so now would only disrupt her carefully put together structure she had perfected in third year: no more trips to see Nídhógg without due care, no more night time strolls without extreme caution. Lessons would no doubt be altered to suits her needs – no this couldn't do.

Everyone, no matter how infallible they seemed, had a weakness or a price. Right there in the hall Hermione decided that by the end of the year, she would have found at least one before sending her on her merry little way.

She heard Harry behind her ask the question. "What do you think she is doing here?"

"Isn't it obvious?"

A few of them turned to her as she lay back against the table, both arms on the hard surface. "Hermione" She lazily turned to face them noting the looks of interest on their faces she inwardly smirked before turning back to the top.

"It means that the Ministry is finally deciding to poke their noses into the last place anyone wants it." Behind her they still bore looks of interest but marred with confusion, something he didn't have to turn back to know so added.

"It means the Ministry is interfering with the school. To fix it to their own purposes and possibly root out those who threaten its carefully interwoven structure."

"Dumbledore?" She nodded never turning back to them. Ron looked horrified for a moment as Harry spoke. "You mean - they're going to try get rid of him."

"Might go that way, it is only the start of the year after all."

"But he hasn't done anything wrong." She spun in her seat and faced him. "Hasn't he? What did he say from the very start?" He frowned looking at her as he tried to recall the words the older man might have said.

"About Voldemort"

"He said nothing but the truth." She smiled and nodded at that. "Exactly Harry he told the truth. Something you know politicians are incapable of, he's been upsetting a lot of higher up's who have done an amiable job of brainwashing the little people into thinking all is right with the world. That sticking your head in the sand is the best way to go about the changes that are happening. And if you're lucky, once those changes strike leaving you completely unprepared, you can totally survive the oncoming crap storm they've thrown you into."

Both boys were silent once she finished. Their looks of interest now morphed into concern and worry as they glanced at the woman who could be a catalyst in a long line of Ministry upheavals that would shift the way of life at Hogwarts.

They turned back when it was nearing the end of the feast. The headmaster said a few more words before sending them on their way. She was about to stand and leave with the rest of the flowing stream but something shiny glinting on her person stopped her as she looked down to spy the badge reflecting off the fires light.

Oh right. She was a prefect now.

That meant doing chores as she nodded and turned already to find a long line of scared first year Gryffindor's looking at her like she was a life raft. How did they know she was the one to go to? She looked up to see the answer – Dean; the little miscreant was pointing in her direction and nodding to any of the younger students who no doubt was asking for the one in charge.

Her eyes narrowed on seeing his earnest face and wondered how it was he was getting away with it, she searched his front to find no sign of his badge and scowled when he smiled after the last ones had left his side only to lift up the collar of his robes and keep half his badge on show.

Oh he was so dead.

He lifted his head catching sight of her murderous gaze and paled a before giving her a cheery wave as someone pulled on the side of her robes distracting her from her silent musings of harm as a first year stood next to her, she nodded to what they asked before looking up to see that he had gone.

Turning to the crowd she spied the back of him making off into the distance with Harry and Ron as her ire came back. Yep – definitely dead, just as soon as she had seen to escorting the newbies safely to the tower that was.

She watched his back glaring as the smaller students shrunk at her menacing stare. They were terrified, not just of the fact this was the first night of the rest of their school life, but also the one who they had been entrusted to see them to the common room safely looked like she would no sooner lead them outside into the forest then help them through all the commotion.

Finally after a few minutes a small boy dared move closer to her, they looked on fearful for him as he reached her side and tugged on her robe. She felt the small pull and glanced down.

"A… are we ready to go yet?" To give him credit he was the first newbie that had only stumbled once when speaking to her in all her five years here as she frowned. What was he on about? Then it hit her.

She was escorting them to the tower.

Right, she really had to keep on track. It was just fantasizing about certain members of her house who shall not be named – (Nearly every one of them) and their unfortunate but timely demises was just too tempting to pass up, nodding she exhaled and nodded her head to the door.

"Right come on."

With that she set off. They watched as she moved to the door much faster than they had expected, she was almost round the corner before they took off after her – from the head table Minerva watched as the younger woman was chased by at least no less than eleven new Gryffindor's, she watched as Hermione stopped at the door, seemingly searching for something before looking around back to the hall.

She bit her lip at the small look of exasperation crossing her face, as she walked back to the small bunch and instructing them to leave with a hand pointed in the direction of the exit.

She then made her way back this time the first years practically on her heels and chuckled as they rounded the corner. At her other side Albus too sat watching the line as they vanished into the hall.

"So she chose for Mr Thomas and not Mr Weasley as her new prefect partner?" Minerva nodded making the older man unknowingly think on her thoughts the previous week as he watched the crowds thinning.

"I was under the impression that she was friends with him." Minerva nodded again.

"They are, but in light of new information from a more… personal source, regarding Mr Weasley's habits and a bit of a better insight into his opinions led me to agree with her on this one."

The white haired wizard gave her a side glance wondering if she at all knew what she had just let slip, but judging by her face he guessed not. Either way he wasn't too concerned, he only suggested the younger Weasley as a way of offering equal opportunity, it had come to mind from the years before and on observing that he knew how insecure the younger wizard was.

He merely broached the idea in order to try and keep the peace, but if Hermione had protested then he would allow them to decide. It was a three year position after all and so understandably she would want someone who was willing to pull their weight and respect the role given.

Once the students had left the hall the teachers followed suit. Bidding them a goodnight Albus disappeared into the side door, Severus merely nodded before moving in the opposite direction and to the dungeons.

Minerva bade Poppy and the rest night before moving in the direction of the double doors, occasionally stopping to scald a straggling student as she made her way to her rooms.

Hermione made her way up the levels on her way to the tower, normally she would have been there already but seeing as she had a small train line following her she had to slow her steps. Behind her she could hear the excited chattering and mumblings as she spun on her heel to watch them.

She found herself eyeing them in amusement at their awed little faces and for a moment, a brief second, felt a small thrill run through her at the thought that these tiny people, the timid first years that were only just beginning their school adventures, first had to look to her.

Rely on her, need her to help them navigate their way around. The fact that they looked to her for guidance and would surely take anything she said like it was the only thing that would help them survive… well she couldn't deny that it didn't fill her with warmth knowing she was in total control.

"Yes the pictures move."

They slowly turned to her on hearing speak as a few of them kept their glances on the frames at the sides.

"Treat them with respect and no giving backchat just because they have the ability to talk." She carried on ignoring the looks of surprise and shock on her revelation.

"What happens if we don't?" A few turned to look as she did to see in the middle a boy who spoke, she narrowed her eyes on his cocky smirk and lazy demeanour. His stance screamed arrogance and all at once she thought of Draco.

"If you don't treat them with the respect they deserve seeing as they have been here longer then you could speak?" He frowned but nodded.

"Well, why don't you try it," He still looked confused at her words as he tilted his head to the nearest portrait that held an elderly woman sitting at the foot of an oak tree with an apple.

"But just know this, if any of you even have the slightest inkling of causing trouble this year… that includes said backchat or little impromptu trips after hours in order to try and impress your friends. Not only will they know about it,"

She said nodding her head to the pictures as they looked at them again. "But they will come and find me; in addition I will be doing rounds so you best hope that you take note of these hallways carefully. Because if I find you, not only will I take so many points, possibly more than any of you can count to, I will also not be above making such an example of you to the rest of the house this year, that you might want to think about transferring come second."

She finished her speech to absolute silence. Her smirk grew at the look of complete fear on their faces, lifting her head slightly she glanced back to the boy who had asked the question.

"So go on… your little mates are right next to you, prove what a tough boy you are and ignore what I've said… I dare you."

She waited; their eyes locking as she silently willed him to try something. The rest watched from one to the other wondering what would happen next as she sneered lightly when he dropped his head looking sullen.

"Right… anymore questions." When no one spoke she turned back to the front and carried on to the stairs, they followed on in much more subdued silence but still let out the occasional whisper as they watched the revolving staircase on their way up.

Finally they reached the corridor leading to the tower as she instructed the two ways they could reach the tower and coming to a stop at the very end in front of the fat lady.

"I was wondering who was leading the first years."

Hermione smiled at the painted woman and nodded slightly. "Yes well, it seemed that first night back is acclimation night and doing duties is just too strenuous for the other prefect, but am sure I'll see him inside and tell him just what it means to wear the badge."

The oiled work gave a small smirk before nodding and replying. "Password."

Before she gave the required word she turned back to the small crowd who had been eyeing their interaction. "Remember this because I find out anyone has done a Neville Longbottom I will not be happy."

She turned back to the picture, eyes rolling at the confused mutterings. "If anyone wants to know I suggest you go find the boy and ask him yourself." Before she turned her attention to the fat lady again.

"Fata Morgana."

They watched as the lady nodded once more just as the door opened to reveal the entrance, walking through she didn't wait to see if they were following but the hurrying of feet told her they were as she moved into the tower.

Stopping in the middle she waited until their looks and mutters of awe and happiness wore off and they turned to her again. She smiled flippantly before diving into the rules and conducts of the common room.

"Don't go near the sofa by the fire."

They all looked to the said sofa and to the two boys sitting in the spaces before back to her questioningly. "Why."

"What do you mean why? Take a look, it's reserved for a few specific people and if you don't want to find yourself on your arse by trying to sit there then I widely suggest finding someplace else before you do so."

They didn't speak again as they took in her words. In all honesty they were too afraid to speak, with her words now and the rules it was clear they had a lot to learn if they wanted to settle comfortably in the coming weeks… not to mention her earlier threat which they still wasn't too sure if she was serious or not.

But then again she didn't look like a person who would make empty threats and so that alone had them nervous. Hermione meanwhile had been looking and her eyes finally landed on her target, he was sitting and laughing with Seamus and Neville, hadn't even noticed that she had entered and so wanting to keep it that way she quickly directed them to their dorm and watched scantly as they climbed the steps before making her way to the far table.

The trio seemed to be playing exploding snap as Neville watched them throw their cards down. Thanking that the carpet covered her steps she got closer to the unsuspecting pair, she glared pointedly when the pudgy boy looked up to see her approaching, face draining of colour as she shook her head before moving behind them.

Waiting she watched as they threw their cards down, laughing and shouting out when they lost a round as Dean went to throw his on top of a pile that looked like it was about to blow, carefully he placed it down and sighed when it stayed and laughed at Seamus before both boys jumped when a hand slammed down on the deck.

Turning quickly both of them caught sight of Hermione and followed the third boy as their faces dropped. "Hermione."

Said girl smiled wider as she spoke. "Oh, so you remembered my name… did you also happen to remember something else about me this year?"

She waited, cutting her gaze from one to the other as they remained silent. "No? Alright how about this… did you happen to remember anything new occurring this year, more importantly something a certain person received during the holidays."

She turned her eyes to Dean who looked to the floor. "Now I'm sure you must have received a few things over the weeks so in that case let me remind you."

She leaned over and yanked his robe, ignoring his yelp and pulled the badge hidden, out into view. "This… this shiny little badge that means this year you're more than just a half average student merely costing his way through classes, it means you have responsibilities."

She held the badge between two fingers before looking back to him. "But wait… how on earth is anyone meant to know what a special privilege you been given if they can't see your badge to know what an accolade you've achieved?"

Again neither said anything as the Irish boy looked away from her glaring eyes as she rolled them and focused on the other boy. Unhooking the little latch, she pulled the small pin from his robe and pulling it back as he watched her, half anxious, half curious.

"No… where you had it simply won't do," She turned back to him and before he could move she bent forward again and grabbing his tie, yanked him closer. He let out a strangled yell as she eyed him dangerously before taking the sharp side of the pin and sliding it through the material; he swallowed nervously as she did up the latch again and let it sit upon his tie.

But instead of letting go once she had fixed his error, she pulled him closer, their eyes meeting slowly as dark brown met dark green and he gulped again at the ice in them as she gave him a slow and thorough once over that seemed to both heat him from the inside and send chills across his flesh.

"Next time you feel like shirking those little brats onto me and making a break for it, just remember one thing. I can come and go into your dormitory as much as please."

His eyes widened at the myriad of promises those words held and lifted his eyes to meet hers again as she smiled slow. "Sometimes when I do, none of you even notice… can make for a dangerous situation… like when you've wronged someone for example."

She twisted the tie tighter and relished the look of panic adorning his face. "I've also learned a lot of new spells this summer, some I've been dying to try out… do you know someone who might like to help me test them?"

Her tone was light and he definitely heard the question in her remark and so quickly shook his head. She watched him gesture and scoffed a little before replying.

"That's too bad, but I think I can manage by myself I suppose. I can also sleep easy tonight knowing you've learnt a valuable lesson… am I right."

He nodded frantically. He could feel his entire face burning as the girl in front of him gave him once last look that went right through him before she harshly let go of his tie and he sprang back.

"It's late, if you wish to be up early in order to help the first years down to the hall tomorrow then I think going to bed soon would be the best thing."

By now the common room had gone silent as their altercation or rather hers had caught their attention. She watched as he nodded again before sniffing and glancing to Seamus who had been sitting with his hands in his lap and his head down the entire time, along with Neville, she nodded to them when they felt brave enough to look up and caught her gaze.

With that she turned and though knowing that everyone had been watching she merely nodded to Harry and Ron who had sat on the sofa with their jaws dropped as she passed them by.

"See you in the morning." Before disappearing out of sight. Once she had gone the silence lasted a few more minutes before slowly they started speaking again.

"…The hell,"

"Blimey."

Both of them turned to look at each other, before over to where Dean was still trying to process what had just happened. "Poor bugger."

Ron snorted at his words as they turned and faced the fire again. "He has to patrol with her at night an all."

Harry paused as he tried to picture that and chuckled as he imagined Hermione getting to about the fourth floor before stuffing his incapacitated body into a side cupboard before retiring for the night. Ron frowned on hearing his little laugh and shook his head.

"To think, I was actually peeved at not being considered for the position." He glanced over his shoulder to see Dean now shuffling dejectedly along with Neville who was trying to show sympathy before snorting again,"

"Now I'm glad I wasn't even a thought."

Harry arched his brows and nodded his agreement as they got back to their own game of exploding snap which they had been hiding as soon as they heard their friend blow, as the hurricane that was Hermione McGonagall had stormed through and had died down for the night.