AN: I don't own the Harry Potter universe. I am simply borrowing it for a fic. Enjoy!

Unfortunately, I think the updates are going to be coming in less frequently after this chapter. I try to write chapters in advance, so I have something to put up if I go out somewhere or take a day off writing. I have people in the house who also use the laptop, so it's becoming more difficult to get a hold of it to write. I am still writing whenever I can, but I probably won't be able to keep up with my current schedule of a new chapter everyday. I just wanted to let you know, so you'd know why I'm not updating as often, (when it does happen).

Chapter 26

Ginny wanted to stay with Harry after the party but he assured her he'd see her tomorrow. They made their way down to Hermione's room nervously. The dungeons were not pleasant, and they were even worse when they knew what conversation was coming up. Arriving in her room, Ron let out a whistle. "Wow 'Mione, I would've gotten a job at Hogwarts if I got a room like this."

"I really like it," Hermione said with a smile.

"I wouldn't have pegged you for the gothic look." Harry said, teasingly.

"It's just the room, and even Ron said it's nice! What are we here for anyway?" They all sobered up immediately at the suggestion of Umbridge.

Harry spoke, "I think we should talk, and see if we can form a plan." Ron quickly agreed, as did Hermione and the discussion began. "First up let's recap."

They went over the events of their fifth year, and moved on to the court case. The hearing had been short and Umbridge had been convicted of crimes against the students of Hogwarts. Harry showed his scars to the wizengamot and they'd scribbled down notes. After the hearing was adjourned, they recommended harry to go to the infirmary to get his scar treated. He'd been out after five minutes, with a bottle of healing paste and a smile. The hearing had dominated the front page for weeks. They'd gone over everything, but they were no closer to understanding why Umbridge had been released. The evidence against her was strong. Had something changed the wizengamot's mind?

Two hours later and they were getting frustrated. "Why don't we just think of a plan to keep us safe?" Harry said, throwing his hands up.

"Better than nothing," Hermione said, blowing a strand of hair from her face.

"Well staying away from her and Hogwarts would be easy for me and Ron. For you it's just staying away from her. We need to know what the ministry is planning on making her do for a punishment. That's the only way we can have a definitive plan to keep you safe."

"Of course!" Hermione said, sarcastically, (a trait she was beginning to pick up from Snape), "The ministry is going to reveal the times and dates for Umbridge's day."

"We know that they're not, but there are other ways to find out." Ron said, turning to Harry. He must have known that she wouldn't have approved of what he was implying. A smile broke out on Harry's face and Hermione knew she had to say something to stop them. Their careers were at risk, for goodness sake!

"Harry, no!" She yelled, but it was obvious she wasn't getting through to him. She tried again, "Harry, your jobs are at risk!"

"'Mione don't be so pessimistic!" Harry said. Hermione was relieved that he responded but what he was saying worried her.

"We're not kids anymore!"

Ron turned to her with a gentle smile, "'Mione, how many times have you tried to stop us from doing something stupid?"

"A lot!"

"How many times have you succeeded?" At that, Hermione had to admit defeat. She had never been able to stop them. The least she could do now, as she always did, was damage control.

"Well then let me help you plan." They stayed up all night.

They must have nodded off at one point because when she woke up, three plates of breakfast were waiting on her bedside table. She watched, amused as Ron breathed in the scent of coffee and his eyes fluttered open. Typical Ron, food would wake him up, she thought with a smile. They all ate and got ready quickly.

The plan was for the boys to get to the ministry early. They had to see if the files on Umbridge were being moved, (with her release coming up, it was likely). Meanwhile, Hermione was going shopping to get 'gifts' for the boys and then meet them just before lunch, to give the presents to them. That would give the boys an excuse to stay in the office during lunch hours. They'd then get Umbridge's files. The aim was to find out what Umbridge would be doing at Hogwarts, what she'd have access to and when and where she'd be around the castle.

They split at Diagon Alley. Harry and Ron going to work and Hermione going to shop. She had a few hours to kill before she got to the ministry and decided to get the shopping out of the way first. Hermione had always enjoyed shopping alone. There was no one there to nag her about what they should buy or to slow her down, (or perhaps rush her if she was in a bookstore). Going into Quality Quidditch Supplies, she took two identical gift sets from the shelves and paid for them. That was done. What should she do now? As if by way of answering, a plume of purple smoke appeared from a chimney down the alley. The Quibblers editing offices. Hermione hadn't gotten to talk to Luna much, the night before. As much as Hermione didn't understand Luna's dreamy ways, over the years she had begun to find them amusing, endearing if she was pushing it.