A:N/ Link to song for this chapter: www[]youtube[]com[]watch?v=MXL8BEPl-Nw

You know what to do.


To Be By Your Side

Chapter 28

Necessary Preparations

"I was made to keep your body warm

But I'm cold as the wind blows

So hold me in your arms

Kiss me like like you want to be loved."

Kiss Me – Ed Sheeran

Hermione was sat on Ron's bed, re-reading the notes the Greengrass family had left for her about Daphne's personality.

Daphne is a bright girl with a particular flare for Transfiguration, but excels in all of her subjects. Appearance means a great deal to her and she's never seen as looking any less than perfect. She's incredibly ambitious and all of her motivation is focussed towards her becoming a column writer for the Daily Prophet...

Ron snorted, reading what it said from over Hermione's shoulder, his arms wrapped around her from behind while she sat between his legs.

"What?" She asked, turning her head so she could look up at him.

"Nice to know they left out the bit where she's a heartless bitch who doesn't care about anyone other than herself." He commented, making Hermione's eyebrows shoot up, not used to hearing Ron talk about someone like that, unless it was Malfoy.

"Really? How?" She questioned, glancing back at the piece of parchment, quickly scanning it to see if the Greengrass's had mentioned her being a little hostile towards people.

"Well, that bit where she's ambitious is an understatement if anything. She's going to get what she wants, not caring who she tramples on along the way." Ron explained, and Hermione frowned at the parchment, wondering if it was really worth reading through if that was the case.

"Oh, what is she really like then?" Hermione asked, handing it to him to read and inevitably contradict.

"She didn't seem that bothered about work. She mainly went around with her boyfriends or group of friends in her spare time. By column writer they mean gossip columnist who has Rita Skeeter for an idol."

"What was she like as a person?" Hermione asked, looking at Ron shrewdly, beginning to suspect something.

"She's the kind of person that comes off as nice but is actually the opposite and uses it as a front." He said, and Hermione chewed her lip as she started thinking about how Ron could have got this impression of her.

"Did you – did you fancy her or something?" She asked reluctantly, telling herself that she had absolutely no right to feel jealous about it if he did.

"What? No, of course not!" He retorted, his ears turning a brilliant shade of pink and she sighed, knowing he was hiding the truth.

"You can tell me if you did, I mean, we did spend a few years not knowing eachother and it's not as if you couldn't ever feel that way about another girl." She said logically, still telling herself that she had no right to feel jealous. Ron scratched the back of his neck, knowing she wouldn't drop the subject so he explained,

"It was around my fourth, fifth year. I don't know, she started talking to me for some reason and I, like an idiot, thought it was because she actually wanted to get to know me and thought maybe she was different, and for awhile it stayed like that, but then randomly out of the blue she just stopped talking to me one day and would ignore me, pretending as if I didn't exist and I don't know – do we really have to talk about this?"

He looked at Hermione conflictedly, clearly not wanting to talk about it anymore so she shook her head.

"No, it's fine. I'm sorry I brought it up." She said, and he shrugged his shoulders before wrapping his arms around her middle more.

"It's okay, you didn't know."

Hermione took the parchment off him and placed it on the bedside table. She then leant back against him, placing her hands on top of his which lay on her stomach. She closed her eyes, trying to relax but there was one thought nagging at her brain and she knew if she didn't at least try to get an answer for it then she'd be up all night wondering about it.

"Did you ever find out why she did that?" Hermione asked hesitantly, but he shook his head, looking downcast. He looked so innocent and hurt in that moment, as if he'd transported himself back to that time. She couldn't help but feel a surge of love for him, gazing at him sympathetically as she tilted his head up before firmly pressing her lips against his. She tried to put as much passion as possible into that kiss before pulling away, to see his eyes remained closed with raised eyebrows. Once he opened them, a broad smile stretched across his face and he asked,

"What was that for?" She shrugged her shoulders.

"Just wanted you to know that I'd never do anything like that and how I think you should have been treated better." She stated simply, and he smiled softly at her. He gently tucked a lose strand of hair behind her ear, looking at her as if she was the most precious thing in the world, that he couldn't believe he was lucky enough to have someone like her in his arms.

She pressed her lips together, causing his eyes to drift down to her mouth where his pupils dilated.

"I think I might need you to convince me more." He said, running a finger down her jawline. She briefly closed her eyes from the pleasurable sensation it sent through her and licked her lips.

"Oh really?" She asked playfully, her eyes opening. He grinned at her, now running his finger down her neck. She held her breath, trying and failing not to show the effect he was having on her.

"Yeah." He replied, unable to come up with a better response. Her cheeks flushed with the growing heat that was blooming inside of her stomach but she forced herself not to focus on it, turning her head away from him.

"I'd love too, but I really need to revise more-" She said conflictedly, and felt his hand rest on her neck, his thumb stroking her skin. The course roughness of his fingertips against her soft tender skin was enough to make her tremble with desire and she instantly turned to look at him. He could see in her eyes that she'd already given in.

"No you don't, those are useless anyway. You know the stuff you need too. I tested you on their family history earlier, didn't I?" He said, starting to lean his head down.

"Yes but-" She argued, her eyes glued to his.

"And didn't you get everything right?" He pointed out, his face still coming closer to hers.

"Yes-" She said slowly, her gaze now on his lips.

"And it's not as if you need to try and be a better student to get the grades she does. You'll probably have to dumb yourself down a little." He said, his mouth an inch from hers.

"Ron," She started, her hot breath brushing over his lips.

"Yeah?"

"Shut up and kiss me already."

Happy to oblige, he said nothing else and did exactly that. His lips moved slowly and seductively over hers, teasing her in a way that he knew drove her mad. She internally groaned and tried to kiss him deeply but due to the awkward way her head was positioned it was too difficult. She tried pushing herself up his body but his arms around her stomach held her in place. He smiled against her lips, sensing her agitation.

So that's the way he wants to play it, does he? She thought, getting an idea. She lightly started stroking his hands with her nails, not wanting him to think she was upto anything, while settling for the slow kiss he wanted. He pulled her bottom lip between his, sucking on it softly, making her breath catch in her throat and sent her heart racing in anticipation – but he just went back to moving his lips over hers again, frustrating her more.

She slipped her hands off of his and glided them down his front on either side of her body until she felt she was roughly where his hips were. He was only in a t-shirt so when she softly squeezed him there, he certainly felt it and she smirked against his lips, feeling him tense all over. She used the opportunity to do what he'd done to her, and pulled his bottom lip between hers, sucking on it softly. She felt a very specific part of him stiffening against her back, causing a flood of heat to surge through her stomach, while her hands descended onto his thighs. She spread her fingers, making him dig his into her, and ran them to the outer part of his legs before running them back up. She could tell he was no longer focussing on teasing her as his arms loosened around her with his breathing becoming hotter and heavier. She squeezed his thighs making him instinctively push upwards with his hips, letting out a groan of impatience. She squirmed above him, clamping her legs together in an attempt to relieve the friction she desired but it was useless.

Having enough of the teasing, she abruptly turned over so her front was against his, sitting back on her legs. His tongue instantly sought entrance into her mouth, one of his hands winding to the back of her head, and she parted her lips, unintentionally gripping onto his thighs in the process. He didn't seem to mind though as his hips thrusted upwards again, mimicking the action his tongue performed as it delved into her mouth. She whimpered, pressing her chest flush against his, her toes curling from the way he was massaging her tongue with his. He angled her head in a way that allowed him more access to her mouth and took full advantage of it, plunging his tongue into her mouth deeply, making her whimpering turn into a longing moan. She brought her hands upto his chest where she clenched his shirt into her fists, feeling as if her entire body was pulsating from how incredibly aroused she was. He must have been in a similar state to her since she could feel the evidence of it pressing against her stomach.

Chills ran through her realising it and heat spread through out her stomach, making her breathless. She didn't think she'd ever tire of this. Their kissing always wound up in sending her into some kind of frenzy.

Wanting to feel more, she threw out all her doubt and insecurity about doing it and just went with what she desired to do, and adjusted her legs so she was straddling him. Even though they were clothed, she could still feel him there and a throaty moan escaped her lips, breaking the kiss. He didn't want to part just yet though as his lips descended down to her neck while he sat up straight. Her eyes stayed closed as her mouth remained open, that being the only way she could breathe and her arms wound around his shoulders, silently urging him on. Having never experienced his kisses below her jawline, she didn't know what to expect but it had certainly not been what she was going through. His lips were leaving a burning trail on her skin, making her even hotter than she already was, and she swallowed in an attempt to help alleviate her dry throat. She had no control over body, it felt weak and useless because all she could feel was him and the way she was reacting to him. His hands descended to her bum where he lightly squeezed her and she let out a noise of surprise from the tingles it sent through her skin.

Suddenly there was a sharp knocking at the door, sending a wave of ice cold water over the pair of them, and they instantly stopped. They quickly came to their senses and jumped apart to opposite ends of the bed while Hermione flattened out her hair and clothes and Ron grabbed a pillow to put on his lap.

"Yeah?" Ron said, unable to hide his frustration. Hermione just managed to pick up the parchment in time as the door opened and Arthur stepped inside. If he had suspected anything happening between the teenagers, he certainly didn't show it as he said,

"Have you seen the Prophet today?"

"No, why?" Hermione asked, a sense of dread filling her from the expression on Arthur's face.

"Severus Snape's been made headmaster."

Despite the fact it was front page news, there was little to no explanation as to why Snape had been made headmaster, considering Dumbledore's 'disappearance' in the wizarding world it should have been McGonagall who would take up the position as she had been deputy headmistress. However, even though it hadn't been explained, it was fairly obvious who had ensured the necessary changes so Snape would become headmaster instead.

While the article was incredibly vague, it did also explain who would be taking over the Defence Against the Dark Arts position as well. Similarly to the news of Snape, it was clear who was behind it and that the people chosen were some of the worst for the job. Not knowing a lot about the Carrow siblings, most of the details about them were filled in for Hermione, but the more she found out, the less she wanted to know. She'd known they were Death Eaters but some of the crimes they performed sounded so meaningless. They'd mostly just been petty attacks on no-one significant but done for their own amusement or to widen the threat of the Death Eaters and Voldemort. The Carrows mainly performed killings on muggles but would usually involve some kind of torture beforehand.

No-one spoke much at dinner that night. They were all too consumed with their own thoughts, but they were all along the same lines. Hogwarts certainly wasn't the safest place in the wizarding world anymore and could possibly be one of the most dangerous. It was no wonder that it had been announced a couple of weeks ago that attendance was mandatory. They clearly wanted to keep a watchful eye on all the young wizards and witches, but for what reason remained to be seen.

After dinner, Hermione went down to the basement where the polyjuice potion was brewing and added some lacewing flies to the mixture. She then stirred it anti-clockwise twenty times, added a leech and then stirred again. She repeated this process four times before she heard someone walking down the stairs.

"How far along is it?" Ginny asked, walking towards Hermione.

"Should be done by next week. I have to add the fluxweed tomorrow night and then five days after that I can add her hair." Hermione explained, Ginny now at her side peering into the large cauldron which held the thick, bubbling mixture. "Now, what's the real reason you're here for?"

Ginny shifted her feet awkwardly and stared down at the ground. Hermione stopped mixing the potion, having finished everything she needed to do that night, and turned towards the younger girl who was now clenching her fists.

"You know when I asked you to come here that there was a reason why I needed you here." Ginny said tensely, still staring resolutely at the ground. Hermione instantly remembered holding a crying Ginny in her arms a few weeks ago and how she said she knew it would happen again, she would break down and she would need Hermione there the next time it happened.

"Yes." Hermione said cautiously, and Ginny slowly brought her head up, showing her glassy eyes. "Oh Ginny..."

"It's stupid, I know. But just finding out about Hogwarts today, it really hit me how nowhere is safe anymore and I couldn't help thinking if this is what we're going through then what is he-"

"I know, I know." Hermione said softly, not wanting to hear what she was about to say as she knew it herself. Ginny closed her eyes and a tear seeped out of her eye. Hermione felt a rush of sympathy towards her and placed what she hoped was a reassuring hand on her shoulder. More tears flowed down Ginny's cheeks but when Hermione moved to hug her, she took a small step back.

"I'm terrified, and not just about him - although he is the reason for a lot of it. I'm scared about you too, you're risking so much by going and if they ever found out about your plan." Ginny admitted fearfully.

"They won't." Hermione said reassuringly, tears still running down Ginny's cheeks.

"But what if they?" Ginny questioned, and Hermione shook her head.

"They won't." Hermione said firmly, and they heard some people walking down the stairs. Fred and George appeared, the smiles dropping off their faces at the rare sight of their younger sister crying. Hermione stepped away from Ginny, knowing exactly who she needed, and the twins were next to her in a flash. Not wanting to intrude on the sentimental moment, Hermione left and walked upstairs.

She went to Ginny's room, thinking she could study more of the Greengrass family's history. She sat on her bed and picked up the first piece of parchment she could find. She didn't even have a chance to read a single word before there was a knocking at the door.

"Come in." She called out, not wanting to get up and the door opened. Ron stepped inside nervously and taking one look at his posture, she knew she wasn't going to like what he was about to say. "What is it?"

He rubbed the back of his neck as he sat down at the end of her bed and let out a long sigh, figuring it was best to get it over and done with.

"Are you really sure you want to do this? Go to Hogwarts as Daphne - there's still time for you to back out you know." He said, staring in her eyes with such an intense hopefulness that she found she couldn't feel angry at him at all.

"I'm sure." She stated, showing there was no room for argument. It looked as if he wanted to retort but he, for once, held his tongue, understanding why she had to do this.

"You need any help?" He asked, and she smiled at him gratefully.

"That would be great."

He grinned back at her and she handed him the parchment she'd been intending to read. He helped her revise for the next hour and not once did he break to try and start more entertaining activities, like the other times he'd offered his assistance. It really showed how, despite him not liking her decision, he was determined to help her succeed in the way she wanted too. It was only when Ginny walked in that they eventually stopped and he went to bed.


Over the next week, Hermione's studying of Daphne Greengrass went exactly as planned. She'd learnt it to the point where she knew every detail about their family. If asked, she could have told anyone that the uncle of Daphne had allegedly helped create the Sleeping Draught potion whereas their great great grandmother had an affair with a muggle woman which caused her disownment.

For the other preparations, to do with the polyjuice potion, the Weasleys and her had calculated before how much she would need and had made enough to last her just over three months, which would take her upto the beginning of the Christmas holidays. After that, they'd found three large containers which would hold the potion between them and a flask that she'd use for her daily amount once she was at Hogwarts. The only real problem with her having to take the potion was that there was no way around her having to take it every hour, even if it was just a sip she needed, but as they'd already established that she was head girl, therefore having her own dormitory, it shouldn't be too much trouble. She could always be discrete with her taking it in the day.

There was just one final thing she needed to do, so it was for that reason that Hermione was testing out the potion to make sure it worked perfectly. It was a soft yellow colour and, much to Hermione's appreciation, tasted far nicer than Milicent Bulstrode's cat. The actual process however remained very much the same. The pain of having her bones shifting, her skin stretched, her insides writhing was complete agony but she persevered with it, thinking the situation would have been much harder to go through if Ron hadn't been there.

After she caught her breath and could only feel a slight tingling sensation over her skin, she straightened up and looked at Ron who was blinking several times, staring at her as if he couldn't recognise her, which made sense when she thought about it.

"So, how do I look? I don't look like me at all, do I?" Hermione asked, and Ron shook his head, still blinking rapidly. Seeing his wide eyed expression, she guessed she wouldn't be able to get more of a response out of him then that so she walked over to the mirror and gasped at the sight of her.

The potion had worked perfectly. She looked nothing like herself. Her skin was paler than she was used too and looked completely flawfree. There were no blemishes or freckles covering her skin and when she looked closer at her self, she could see the colour of her veins around her brown eyes. While they were still the same colour, the shade was actually much darker than hers, practically black. Her hair was a lot thinner and longer, reaching to the middle of her back - completely straight and was golden blonde.

Her body was smaller too, even though she was taller, being around 5'8 than her normal 5'5 height. Despite that, she also looked thinner. Not too thin but just toned. All in all, Hermione looked beautiful.

"She's pretty." Hermione commented lightly, and saw Ron come up behind her in her reflection. He shrugged his shoulders looking over her with a small grimace.

"I guess, I still prefer the way you look though." Ron said honestly, and Hermione smiled at him. She turned around to look at him properly and placed her hands on his chest, a thought occurring to her.

"You know, when we're at Hogwarts, we could always be together. I mean, me as Daphne and you as you." She suggested, and Ron's smile formed into a frown.

"I don't know that seems a bit weird." He admitted, reluctant to meet her eyes.

"Why? It's still me, I'm not her." Hermione said insistently, and he placed his hands on her waist unsurely.

"I know that, but you still look different. It feels weird." He said, still having the grimace on his face. She briefly wondered what she could say to convince him and for some reason, her straddling him while they snogged heavily entered her mind.

"It'd just be in the day, I'd look like myself at night." She pointed out, unable to prevent herself from blushing.

"That's true." He said, having momentarily forgotten that fact.

"And it would be easier for us to talk in public that way." She said, and then bit her lip anxiously.

"What do you reckon the others would say? The other Slytherins though? What if they begin to suspect you're not her because of it? I don't want to take that chance if it means that."

"I can always come up with an excuse."

"But doesn't she have a boyfriend already?"

"No, they split up during the summer."

"I don't know." He said, but caught her hopeful gaze. Even though she looked nothing like herself, Hermione was still in there and her hopefulness was practically radiating off her. "Only if you're absolutely sure you'll be safe and no-one will suspect anything."

She beamed and flung her arms around him, hugging him tightly before she kissed him. He quickly pulled away though.

"Sorry, it just, it feels odd. Like I'm cheating on you or something." He admitted, hoping she wouldn't be angry. She shrugged her shoulders, thinking nothing of it.

"That's fine. We'll just have to make up for lost time in the evenings then when I'm myself." She said flirtatiously, and he grinned at her.

She wasn't sure why but it really hit her then how different it would be for her at Hogwarts over the next year. Not just because of the obvious reasons, but for the simple reason that she would be in a different house. She'd be a Slytherin, not a Gryffindor.

"What's it like being in Slytherin?" She asked. The second the words came out of her mouth she regretted them and immediately tried taking it back, "I'm sorry, that was a stupid thing for me to-"

"No, it's okay." He said, sounding a little forced. "I guess things might be sort of better this year with you there too."

She smiled softly at him, but it quickly dissolved as she remembered how everytime he had spoken about his being in Slytherin had never ended pleasantly. She frowned, everything coming back to her. How miserable he'd been. How he loathed it. How he never felt like he belonged there.

She hadn't thought about it in so long. There had just been so much happening recently that it had been pushed to the back of her mind as a consequence. She could have hit herself because she knew he deserved better then that. She'd always wondered how it could have happened and she knew that he did too, even if he didn't say it out loud. Maybe with her also experiencing what it was like to be a Slytherin, it would become more evident as to why he was in that house.


Before Hermione knew it, she was getting up on the day they were due to return to Hogwarts. Similarly to the last year she had been at the Burrow, the house was in complete chaos again. But there was something definitely off too. While last year, there had been an air of excitement too it all with everybody rushing around, there was now an air of fear. It was probably for that reason that they actually made it to King's Cross Station early.

They'd arranged to meet the Greengrass family just outside the muggle entrance to the Ministry of Magic, so Hermione could go with them instead of the Weasleys because it would then appear as if they were saying goodbye to their daughter at the platform. Once she had met up with them, the silence that filled the taxi they were in was one of the most uncomfortable of her life. What could she possibly say to them? It was because of this that she didn't say anything, after all as they had a muggle driver she couldn't say too much anyway.

When they got out and were on platform nine and three quarters, the awkwardness hadn't dissappated in the slightest. If anything, it had increased as they now had to put on a performance of having some sort of heartfelt goodbye.

Chris and Louise Greengrass stood in front of her, both of them looking incredibly tense and uncomfortable. Hermione looked around the platform briefly and was reminded of how she felt earlier at the Burrow. Like last year, everyone was saying goodbye to their families, safely knowing they'd be seeing one another soon but this year, there was more of an element of fear too it, as if they were saying goodbye for good.

"Well," Louise started, a painfully obvious fake smile on her face as she stepped towards Hermione, "Have a good time at school."

Hermione was then engulfed in Louise's arms and she couldn't say she'd ever experienced such a stiff hug before. Nonetheless, Hermione wrapped her arms back around the older woman and, feeling as if she had to say something, said in a quiet voice,

"Thankyou."

When Louise pulled away, her smile now appeared genuine and Hermione returned it. Chris quickly hugged her too and Hermione was more than surprised when she felt him peck her forehead, holding her head in his hands.

"Be careful." He said softly, and she nodded, rendered speechless by his actions.

They said their goodbyes before Hermione made her way onto the train, hoping her nervousness wasn't showing on her face. She was somewhat lucky in a way as she had to head straight to the prefect's compartment where she'd be instructed on her duties as Head Girl. When she walked inside, she was relieved to see that it was Professor McGonagall there and not one of the Carrow siblings like she'd been expecting. She guessed that the reason was it was simply too mundane for them to do.

Nonetheless, she didn't show the relief on her face, keeping in mind that she was Daphne, not Hermione. She recalled what she'd learnt about Daphne's actions towards teachers,

Daphne is always respectful to her educators, especially if they're involved in subjects she has an interest in.

Hermione also remembered how the Greengrass's had mentioned Daphne's particular flare for Transfiguration, so she felt safe in putting a polite smile on her face and greeting the professor with an enthusiastic,

"Good morning, Professor."

McGonagall looked up at her from the parchment she had been reading and a broad smile spread across her features.

"Morning Miss Greengrass, how was your summer? I'm sorry to hear about your sister, how is she doing?" The older woman asked, as Hermione sat down opposite her.

"Oh it was fine aside from that. She'd not too good I'm afraid so she has to stay home for awhile, but I'm not sure if the spattergroit will improve any time soon." Hermione explained, tightening the hair her ponytail was in. She briefly wondered if she'd ever get used to the feel of the sleek texture of it instead of her usual tangled frizzy strands.

"That's a shame. I'm sure Professor Slughorn will be disappointed, he often told me how he felt she was a natural at potions." McGonagall said, now flicking through the parchment before placing one on top.

"Yes, she told me to send her apologies to him." Hermione commented, straightening out the pleats in her skirt. The two were silent for a few minutes until Professor McGonagall let out a sigh and looked at Hermione.

"Miss Greengrass, I feel as if I should let you know that I've been made aware of your situation."

Hermione's eyes widened for a second before she composed herself, praying she hadn't been too obvious. For all she knew, McGonagall might not be talking about what she thought she was.

"Mr Weasley informed me of it, feeling as if there should be one person in the Order at Hogwarts who knew about it."

Okay, so it turned out she was. Hermione couldn't help but feel as if a weight had lifted off her chest, knowing it would be safe to act as herself around the one teacher she really wanted too.

"I'm guessing by your reaction it slipped his mind to tell you?" Professor McGonagall said, her lips curving upwards slightly.

"Yes it did, but thankyou for letting me know." Hermione said gratefully.

"No worries. Also, if it helps, you're doing an excellent job." She admitted, and Hermione let out a sigh of relief, knowing she wouldn't just be saying that.

"Thankyou."

"And in case you ever run out of those potions for your sister, don't hesitate in coming to my office as I have stock of them that I can easily send to her." Professor McGonagall explained, the look in her eyes hinting that she was actually referring to something else. Hermione grinned at her, picking up on it easily, and thanked her again just before the compartment door opened.

Having already suspected it, Hermione wasn't surprised to see Draco Malfoy walk inside. What she was surprised to see was how run down he looked. He seemed even paler than usual and had a very haggard look about him, with his hollow cheeks and dark shadows under his eyes. She frowned a little at the sight but tried to look oblivious to it when he glanced her way.

"Hey Daphne. Heard about Astoria, is she going to be okay?" He asked, and Hermione was slightly surprised to hear the amount of concern that was in his tone.

"We're not sure at the moment. She's practically bedridden and she might have to go back to St Mungo's soon if things don't change." Hermione explained, maybe over-exaggerating the situation a little.

"Oh. I'm sorry to hear that." He commented, looking even more depressed as he took a seat next to her.

Hermione couldn't question his unusual attitude any longer as McGonagall started explaining their duties as Head Boy and Girl. Much of it was exactly what Hermione expected; they'd hold detentions and would sort out the prefect patrolling schedule. What she hadn't expected was that was all there was too it. They weren't required to do anything else. When they were finishing up, she couldn't help but ask,

"Is that all we have to do?"

The professor sighed and started packing away the parchment a little more vigurously.

"Yes, Miss Greengrass - the headmaster feels as if your duties and the prefects' aren't as necessary as they once were since he's stopping a lot of extra-curricular activities that would usually need your assistance."

"Like what?" Draco asked, beating Hermione too it.

"Such as Quidditch, Hogsmeade trips, Apparation lessons, there will be a full list of what's no longer permitted with your timetables tomorrow." McGonagall explained irritably. While Hermione was surprised by the news, Draco seemed more angered by it, something that didn't go unnoticed by McGonagall. "I suggest Mr Malfoy if you have any problems with these new arrangements that you take them up with the headmaster himself, as I apparently no longer have the authority to change the rules."

With that, she walked briskly out of the compartment, leaving Hermione and Draco alone. Despite the fact he had no idea who she was, Hermione couldn't help but still feel uncomfortable being around him, wondering if he would insult at her any given moment. She forced down her worry though and pulled out her make-up bag.

"Shall we just get on with the patrolling schedule now? It'll be easier than doing it later." She suggested, taking out a small mirror, knowing how Daphne couldn't possibly look 'anything less than perfect'.

"Fine." He grumbled frustratedly, yanking out some parchment with a quill and ink. Thinking it was best to act ignorant she touched up her make-up quickly, the way Ginny had taught her too.

"Since all extra-curricular activites have been revoked, I don't think anyone should have a problem with the system we plan out. I think it would be fair for two pairs of prefects to patrol each night in intervals of two hours each. Obviously the younger prefects would take the earlier shift and the older ones the later shift." She explained, while applying a little more mascara and foundation.

"Sounds like you've got it all figured out." Draco commented, picking his bag up. "You mind if you do this on your own Daph'? I could do with some time to myself, dad's been well, you know – dad all summer, and I really need it."

Normally, Hermione would insist on him staying, explaining that it was his job as a head boy but as she wasn't herself, she didn't.

Daphne will always do what is asked of her, especially if it's something she may benefit from.

Hermione thought Daphne would probably do it herself and then take all the credit for it later, so she put on a fake smile.

"Of course not, you go ahead."

"Thanks, I knew you would say that." Draco answered, without a single ounce of gratitude and walked out.

Hermione sighed and put away the make-up, starting to get on with the schedule. She glanced through the prefect list and noticed something odd about it. Some of the people who had been prefects last year were no longer ones and had been replaced with others, most notably Slytherins that were in support of Voldemort. She frowned but realised as she looked through it that all the people she knew who were prefects, also happened to be purebloods. It therefore didn't seem to be much of a guess that the other prefects were purebloods too. Apparently the Muggleborn Registration still wasn't enough, they still felt the need to make half-bloods feel isolated too.

She looked at it in disgust just as the compartment door opened.

"Hi." Ron said, walking inside. "Saw Malfoy and thought you'd be done."

"No, he left me to do...something, I don't know so I have to do the prefect schedule myself." She snapped, feeling more angered about her discovery than with Draco.

"Oh, right. Need a hand?" Ron asked, sitting next to her, making her anger diminish.

"That'd be great."

Together they worked out a plan, which might have been made in a way that benefitted Hermione's situation as they made sure she'd be patrolling with Ron and on the floors near McGonagall's office.

It took longer than expected since they'd just finished in time for them to change into their uniforms before the train pulled up at the Hogsmeade station. Hermione took Ron's hand in hers as they stepped off it, giving him a reassuring smile. While they made their way to a carriage, they recieved a few strange looks but nobody seemed to think much of it. But then again, they didn't run into any of the people who they needed to worry about.

As they made their way to Hogwarts, both of them spoke of how different the year would be, but neither of them truly knew how horrible those changes would be.


A:N/ As you guys have probably guessed, I'm starting my exams soon (tomorrow, to be exact) and as I need to make sure I get the grades I need for uni, they're pretty important so I won't have as much time to write over the next 6 weeks. That said, I should be able to still update every 2 weeks as I've still got a few chapters written ahead - but there might be a bit of a lull period after that. I'm hoping that won't be the case but if it is, I'll let you know for sure then.

Thanks for all the reviews, alert, favourites etc!