Disclaimer: It's JKR's not mine.

The week following Halloween around Hogwarts was rather quiet until Friday when Harry and Hermione found themselves in the library dealing with their large course load and OWL review.

Harry just finished the potions essay Snape had assigned for next week when he noticed a timid young Hufflepuff girl who looked like she was going to start venting steam out of her ears she was so red. Harry smiled at her discomfort and softly asked, "What can I help you with Ms….?"

The girl flushed even more before she rushed out, "I'm Chelsea Abbott. Hannah is my older sister." Harry nodded as Hermione now joined in as she watched with barely contained laughter.

The girl continued, "I am supposed to tell Mr. Potter that the headmaster requests his presence in his office at his convenience sometime this afternoon." Harry smiled in thanks causing the girl to stumble away taking very deep breaths.

Harry looked at Hermione with a perplexed smile and said, "That was interesting."

Hermione giggled before she replied, "Harry, you about killed that poor girl with embarrassment. It's obvious she has a huge crush on you and you about did her in with your smile at her."

Harry chuckled and replied, "Ok, I'll remember from now on I can't smile at blushing girls, check."

Hermione put her hand on Harry's and said, "No Harry, you just need to tone down your charm a little, especially around little girls with crushes."

Harry arched his eyebrow and replied, "Charm? I guess I really don't know what you are talking about 'Mione."

Hermione smiled and replied, "All the more reason Harry. I tell you what love, next time I see you using your charm without realizing it; I'll whisper it in your ear ok?" Harry nodded and got a kiss on the tip of his nose in return.

After he finished his other remaining homework assignment for the next week, when he finished a short essay that had been assigned for runes. Harry rolled up the parchment and placed it in his bag with his other assignments before he stood up and stretched his legs and back.

Hermione looked up at Harry before she asked, "Going to see Albus Harry?"

Harry nodded and replied, "Yes I am. Save my spot and when I get back we are going to quiz each other over charms and I expect a kiss for every correct answer."

Hermione smiled and replied, "Only if the same deal goes for me Harry."

Harry chuckled and with an exaggerated sigh replied, "Well, I see I am going to have to keep my lips well rested for this." Hermione blushed and smiled prettily before Harry winked and made his way up to Dumbledore's office.

As Harry made his way to the headmaster's office on the chilly late autumn day he ran into his least favorite person in the castle who had incidentally taken the title from Malfoy in a mere two months. Umbridge noticed that on this rare occasion Harry was all alone when she encountered him and decided to make him squirm.

"Why are you out in the halls Potter? Shouldn't you be in class or sullying yourself with your pet mudblood?" Umbridge finished her comment with the same sickly sweet smile she always gave when she said something particularly crude.

Harry was about to eradicate the toad once and for all when the same little voice in his head soothed his rage and told him to ignore her comments because she would get hers before the end. Harry took a deep breath as the red in his face and the magic in his eyes cooled down from a simmer before he said, "No Madam Umbridge, my presence was requested by the headmaster. Now if you'd excuse me ma'am I must be going."

Umbridge stepped aside a little shocked at Harry's apparent show of respect, and confident she had finally broken the annoying but potentially helpful Gryffindor celebrity she made no more snide remarks and instead waddled her way down the hall the opposite direction as Harry was going.

Harry finally arrived at the gargoyle and unlike his previous attempts it didn't merely slide out of the way so he muttered jolly ranchers and the gargoyle slid aside allowing Harry to go up the stairs to the headmaster's office.

He paused before he reached the door to the office which was typically open whenever Harry had visited it in the past. He heard the familiar shouts of Minister Fudge and he waited for a break in the shouting to softly rap on the door to make his presence known.

The door opened without a sound as he saw Fudge whose face was the puce color he became so accustomed to seeing on his Uncle Vernon's face, while Dumbledore reflected the calm serenity Harry had grown to expect from the old wizard.

Fudge practically screamed in Harry's face as he said, "So Dumbledore, I see that you would rather hold court with your golden child," he pointed his finger directly into Harry's face which began to unsettle Harry a little before Fudge continued, "than the minister of magic. So be it you old fool. Your days at Hogwarts are numbered, mark my words."

Fudge stomped over to the fireplace and vanished in a flash of green flame and something incoherent screeched. Harry looked over to Dumbledore who actually had a rather tired look on his face which Harry found he didn't particularly care for.

Harry took a seat after Dumbledore motioned for him to take one and then said, "I was told you wanted to talk to me sir?"

Dumbledore sighed and said, "Yes Harry, but I am afraid I must apologize for the minister's rude behavior. I should have dismissed him from the office before allowing you to enter and be accosted by him."

Harry shook his head and said, "It's fine sir, in fact, he wasn't the only one who laid into me on my way here so I was already somewhat prepared for it."

Dumbledore made a knowing look and said, "Yes well, Delores may be a deatheater but I am afraid while she does believe in pureblood supremacy, she may have different designs on the best means of achieving the end goal than her master. I am sure you can use that to your advantage by the end."

Harry nodded and then said, "Yes sir. But I assume that's not why you wanted to see me though, was it?"

Dumbledore's face lit up a little and he chuckled which made Harry feel much better before the old headmaster said, "Yes Harry, actually I am quite interested to know how the students in the DA are progressing, in your opinion."

Harry nodded and ran his hand though his hair before he said, "Certain members are progressing very nicely like Neville and Luna Lovegood. The majority of the group is progressing at about the pace I expected from them, and there also are a few that don't seem to be taking this as seriously as they should be. I plan on pushing those members harder than the rest this month and if they don't pick up the pace I'll think of replacing them."

Albus nodded and the asked, "I have heard of murmurs around the school, murmurs that only someone who listens as closely as I do, that you held a form of battle simulation last meeting. What did that involve?"

Harry smiled and replied, "Well I split everyone up into three groups with Hermione and me as wildcards that could fire upon anyone, in essence working with you one moment and against you the next. Hermione and I disillusioned ourselves and used silencing charms to observe and throw the occasional stunner as a warning shot when people weren't taking it seriously enough. In fact we fired twice and Padma and Parvati Patil trying to make them realize they could use shield charms in a battle. The third time we stunned them to prove a point. Anyways, Luna won the duel by utilizing some muggle gymnastics and disarmed Alicia before she stunned her. Neville stunned the most people of everyone and only went down because he was stunned in the back. I plan on doing one such duel a month but I will add more obstacles to up the ante and force everyone to take it seriously."

Albus smiled and replied, "It appears as though you are taking this very seriously Harry. I am very happy you have taken this opportunity and done something with it. If your group is anything like you have indicated I would say you have a very bright future as an educator. Has Ms. Granger told you as much?"

Harry blushed and replied, "Yes sir. If I remember correctly she mentioned something about two Professor Potters at the school."

Albus did something Harry had never seen before when he barked out several laughs as tears of laughter rolled down his cheeks before he composed himself and spoke to a now tomato red Harry who was looking at his shoes with a sudden interest.

Albus got out of his seat and quickly made his way over to Harry before he put his hand on Harry's shoulder which caused Harry to look up at his aged headmaster who looked as young as Harry had ever seen him. Dumbledore said, "Harry, there is nothing to be embarrassed about. I was not laughing at you, I was merely laughing at how much more relaxed Ms. Granger is compared to when she first came to Hogwarts. I believe while you have gained much in your relationship with her, she has gained a certain amount of humor she may not have had in the past. Do not underestimate the power of humor Harry, after the laugh I just had I feel younger than I have in years."

Harry nodded as the color had returned to his face before he replied, "Yes she has been a lot more relaxed this year despite the fact that we do have OWLs."

Albus returned to his desk with his eyes in full twinkle before he said, "The muggle saying goes behind every great man is a greater woman. I believe it goes both ways as your relationship indicates." Harry nodded and stood expecting that to be the end of the conversation.

As he reached the doorway exiting the office Dumbledore said, "By the way Harry, I believe Hogwarts would benefit greatly from having two Professor Potters in the future." Harry turned and gave a slight smile before he made his way back to the library.

As Harry made his way back to the library he ran into two people he had been looking to get alone for awhile.

Harry caught the pair outside of an empty classroom huddled together discussing something of ill-repute before Harry broke them up when he said, "Oy Fred, George I think we need to put our heads together on something."

Fred replied, "What can we help you with Harrykins?"

George added, "Yes partner, what is it that we can help you with?"

Harry shook his head and replied, "Not out here." Harry motioned them into the empty room and cast some privacy charms before he continued, "We need to begin the war against Umbridge like I talked about this summer. We need to start small and make it inconspicuous for awhile so she can't pin anything on us. When the time is right, we'll put the toad in her place. I know I am getting close to hexing her once for every time she has called Hermione a mudblood this year. So we definitely need to start getting her back and when I say now I mean now."

George nodded and asked, "So how do we organize this little war oh great leader?"

Harry chuckled and replied, "Well, Hermione and I will start working on the bigger pranks while we'll leave the first wave of smaller ones to you. Once we get far enough I think we could definitely use your diabolical minds in putting the finishing touches on end game." Fred and George mock saluted Harry before he brought down the privacy charm and they parted with Harry making his way back to the library to begin the review session he had been looking forward to since he had thought of it."

Harry reached the library and as he neared the table he heard a very unwelcome voice, "I can only think of one reason Potter would keep a filthy little mudblood like you around. You must be spreading your legs for him so wide that he can't help but stay around for you."

Harry made his way around the stacks to find not only Malfoy but his dog wonder Pansy Parkinson attempting to look intimidating as Hermione looked rather bored with her company. Harry strode over to the table snapping Malfoy and Pansy's attention to Harry before he said, "Malfoy, Parkinson that will be 5 points a piece from Slytherin for verbally assaulting a Prefect. I will also be lodging a complaint with Professor McGonagall and a request for detention for both of you. Please leave the library now, while you both still can."

Malfoy sneered but wisely didn't push his luck as Pansy protectively wrapped her arms around him and led him out of the library with their proud pureblood noses high in the air.

After the unpleasant business was completed Harry and Hermione enjoyed a very knowledgeable study session that left each of them rather tousled and happy with their respective charms knowledge.

On their way back to the common room Harry and Hermione ran into Luna who appeared to be rather perturbed, even for Luna, as she was muttering some nonsense about boys. Hermione looked concernedly at the girl before she motioned for Harry to go on without her. Harry nodded slowly not exactly comfortable leaving Hermione alone to make it back, but he was bolstered that he could keep an eye on her with the Marauder's map and if she needed any help he would come back for her.

Hermione ushered Luna into an empty room and sat the blonde girl down before she asked, "Luna, what's the problem?"

Luna stopped muttering and replied, "I broke up with Neville because I was tired of only snogging and that's all he ever wanted to do."

Hermione frowned a little and replied, "Neville seems like such a nice guy. Why is it that all you did was snog?"

Luna sighed as her eyes watered up a little before she said, "He never really listens when I talk about the things that interest me. He isn't mean or rude about it but I can tell it really doesn't interest him. I figured it wasn't fair to either of us to keep going if we couldn't really talk about anything."

Hermione nodded with understanding suddenly envisioning a relationship with Ron for some reason which caused her to shudder before she replied, "I'm sorry to hear that Luna. I think it might be for the best that you did it though."

Luna nodded and added, "I think so too Hermione. I just can't imagine anyone else wanting to go out with me, or even fancying me because I know I am what some people consider strange. But, I don't think I should change who I am to make friends or get a boyfriend. That's why I like you and Harry so much. You accept people for who they are and embrace their differences as what makes them unique. I have to admit you didn't used to be so open before you were with Harry, but you are much better about it now. I think you both have gained so much from being together." Hermione nodded with a wistful smile gracing her face.

She smiled at Luna and said, "Luna, I am sure that if don't let it get you down too much you'll find there are more boys who like you then Neville. I know for certain that Mathias Stern was eyeing you up at the last DA meeting. He wasn't being a pig about it but he stole his share of glances at you and I think he is a catch for some lucky girl too."

Luna's eyes were reasonably focused as she made a normal smile for a teenage girl before she cautiously asked, "Do you really think so?"

Hermione smiled as she gave Luna a little hug and said, "I'm sure of it Luna. Just make it known that you are interested in him without being too obvious, and see where it goes from there ok?" Luna nodded somewhat happily as the two girls left the room.

Luna and Hermione parted as Hermione made the remainder of her short trip back to the common room. It was rather late so she wasn't surprise to find it completely empty aside from Harry. Harry had fallen asleep with Crookshanks curled up on his lap purring up a storm. He had the Marauder's map folded up and clenched in her hand. Hermione found the sight to be so precious she ran up the stairs to her dorm room and grabbed her camera. She came back down and got the picture before she gently shook Harry awake and carefully had tucked her camera away in her bag before he noticed it.

Harry sleepily asked, "Is Luna ok?"

Hermione smiled and gave Harry a peck on the cheek for being so sensitive before she said, "Yes Harry. She had just broken up with Neville because they really didn't have anything in common aside from snogging. I told her that other boys were interested in her and it brightened her spirits quite a bit."

Harry yawned and stretched which caused his feline compatriot to do the same eliciting a giggle from Hermione before Harry groggily said, "You mean like Mathias, don't you love? I swear he must have had a sore neck from glancing over at her at the last DA meeting."

Hermione giggled and said, "I'm glad to see I wasn't the only one that noticed."

Harry nodded before he helped Crookshanks to the floor and got out of his chair. Crookshanks slowly made his way up the stairs to Hermione's bed as Harry gave her a sweet kiss on the lips before he said, "I think it's time for bed sweetheart. I'll see you tomorrow morning love." He gave her a kiss on the top of her head before he went up to his bed looking forward to see what the twins had cooked up for Umbridge.

Hermione sat down in the common room thinking about everything that Luna had said before she got up with a happy smile on her face, happy that she had Harry to wake up to the rest of her life Voldemort be damned.

The next week went by quickly as Harry made plans for the next DA meeting and Hermione plotted the first S.P.E.W. meeting of the year. Harry realized that he was approaching the one year anniversary where he and Hermione had first started as a couple and he wanted to do something special for Hermione. He had already gotten her gift at the last Hogsmeade weekend as he sneakily got her a rare book that he was sure would interest her. He had also made plans to make her dinner in the room of requirement without the aid of house elves, a gesture he thought she would appreciate a lot.

The twins began the war on Umbridge slowly. The first day they planted several dung bombs throughout her office and led her to vacate it for the day. The second day they slipped a small hair coloring potion into her pumpkin juice which caused her hair to become green for the day. Of course, each time a similar prank was played Harry and the twins were sure to have an alibi thanks to Dumbledore and McGonagall. By the end of the weekend Harry and Hermione were still putting the first big prank together when Harry made it an early night and with a kiss goodnight went up to his room to kip out.

As Harry sat in his bed his thoughts snapped back to the anniversary dinner he had been planning for Hermione and if what he was planning would be as romantic as he thought it would. Harry decided to get another man's perspective on his plans so he grabbed his mirror late Sunday night and called out for Sirius.

Sirius popped up on the mirror with a big smile on his face and he said, "Hey kiddo, its good to see you again. I'm actually staked out with Moony on Prophecy watch."

Harry nodded and said, "Can you put Moony on for a moment so I can say Hi?"

Sirius nodded and Remus popped up on the mirror with an equally big smile to match Sirius before he said, "Hey cub how are things at Hogwarts?"

Harry smiled lightly and replied, "I'd be lying if I didn't say extremely busy. We have our second Quidditch match coming up, classes are going well, the next DA meeting is coming up on Thursday before Astronomy, and Prefect duties are only good because I am alone with Hermione."

Moony chuckled and replied, "Well, you have a nice break coming over Christmas where Padfoot and I are taking some time off to give you a proper Christmas. Oh by the way Tonks says Hi and that she misses talking to you."

Harry smiled and replied, "Thanks Moony for everything. Tell Tonks I miss her too and look forward to seeing her over Christmas ok?" Remus nodded before he handed the mirror back to Sirius.

Sirius yawned slightly and then asked, "I'll be in trouble if I don't tell you that Emmy sends kisses and expects to see you plenty over the holidays." Harry smiled and nodded.

Harry replied, "Yes Hermione says that she misses both of you clods too."

Sirius barked a laugh like only a dog animagus could before he asked, "So what brings you to the mirror tonight?"

Harry shrugged and said, "Well I wanted to see how you are, and I also wanted to ask for your input on something."

Sirius smiled and replied, "Well things are going well here. It's been quiet since the little trap you helped set at the Grangers. I think Voldemort is tending to his wounds and planning the next move. As far as other things go, Emmy is thinking about moving in at Black Manor more permanent basis. Oh and Remus and Tonks want to practice duel with you and Hermione when you both get back for the holidays."

Harry smiled and replied, "Well, just tell them to bring their best, because Hermione has been picking up everything I've been teaching her quickly."

Sirius nodded and replied, "I'll tell them kiddo. By the way David made me promise to tell you that he expected a game of you know what when you come back for Christmas."

Harry laughed and replied, "My god I feel like I am being pulled in ten different directions."

Sirius retorted, "It's a bugger kiddo I'm sure."

Harry chuckled and said, "Yeah, it stinks having everyone want to spend time with you. I consider it making up for lost time." Sirius frowned and then nodded his assent before his face grew into a mischievous grin.

Sirius' grin was wide when he asked, "So kiddo, what do you need input for?"

Harry smiled weakly and then said, "Well on the twenty-second it is going to be Hermione and my one year anniversary of being together. I've already gotten her present, but I was wondering what your thoughts on the romantic evening I had planned, and whether it is romantic enough."

Sirius nodded and said, "Ok let's hear it kiddo."

Harry nodded and said, "Well I planned on making her dinner in the room of requirement and then doing some dancing in front of a fireplace."

Sirius' eyes danced with laughter before he said, "That sounds like it will be a great idea Harry. Your father was always trying to be Casanova with your mother and he usually failed miserably. Of course Lily appreciated the thought more than anything else. But, from the sounds of things you might be setting your sights on something romantic and doable."

Harry smiled sadly and asked, "Thanks Sirius." Harry then looked down at the ground and asked, "Over Christmas will you maybe tell me about some of the stuff my dad did for mum?"

Sirius nodded sadly and said, "Sure thing kiddo. Moony and I should probably concentrate on our guard duty here but I expect to hear from you again sometime soon ok?" Harry nodded as the mirror faded out and he was left looking at himself once again.

Harry put the mirror in his trunk and sighed wishing the next week went by quickly so he could play the second Quidditch match of the year, and to give Hermione an anniversary to remember.

A/N: Please Review. I hope you are all enjoying the calm before the storm. Thanks for all of the reviews and feel free to make your best guesses as to how the year will continue. Thanks for reading and keep up the reviews. Next chapter we have a Quidditch match and anniversary hijinx.