Just a quick note.

Thank you to everyone that commented on the last chapter, much appreciated and I hope you all enjoy this one.

Don't own HP, never will, the end. Also any mistakes and I apologise for here.

Happy reading.

Draco's retaliation didn't come for another three days; by which both Ron and Hermione were feeling very on edge, and it wasn't something she found pleasant. Having always been the initiator of unease, it felt odd, for the first time, to be on the receiving end and if something didn't give soon, she was tempted to go find Draco just to get it over with.

Harry still wasn't all fully there. It had made Ron smile when he heard his friend speak for the first time in days, but Hermione still couldn't find it in her to give a care, she had more concerning matters that involved an angry and reprisal seeking ferret and didn't have time to be constantly waiting on him to make the slightest noise that highlighted his impending return to normalcy, so she left the task of Harry watching to Ron whilst she focused on keeping them curse free. As it was the Slytherin had yet to do anything, other than intense glares thrown every time they were in class, so far, his behaviour had been tame.

Mild, but not any less unnerving, as they found out Wednesday when it finally spilled over. They had just finished playing what felt like a million games of exploding snap. Since Harry was a no go, and he couldn't find Seamus or the others, it was down to Hermione to sate his childish demands, and after threats to hex him into pieces hadn't worked, she had no choice but to give in. It was only after the third one she purposefully lost, did she refuse to play anymore. Something that didn't bother him, seeing as it was it was dinner time and so throwing the cards back into his dorm, they set off down to the great hall.

As they were slowly making their way down, Ron decided that they should eat outside. With the weather being as perfect as it was, he said that it would have been a shame to stay inside and much to his joy, Hermione sighed and nodded. He knew it was only to shut him up, but he didn't care. It had worked in his favour after all, and they were on the second to bottom floor, nearing the large staircase with the red-head debating on what he could carry in terms of food and was just about to tell her, when he cried out in pain.

Hermione had spied the almost dreamy gleam in his eyes and knew he was thinking of food, though it was lunch time and so anything else was a rarity as he went to say something, head turned when she watched wide eyed as a flash of blue struck his back, and he was sent toppling to the floor. Eyeing the now visible gash on his shoulder, his shirt already seeping with blood, it took her a second to pull her wand from her sleeve and turned to find Malfoy standing at the other end of the corridor. She eyed the furious cold ire in his gaze and briefly glanced towards Crabbe and Goyle, who were waiting at the other end, clearly on lookout as she turned back to Draco.

"I wouldn't be smiling if I was you."

Had she been? Apparently so, for his face had darkened further, before he carried on talking.

"Bet you think you're so clever. Laughing and walking around as if nothing was the matter… well that was the biggest mistake you could have made… you're dead. All of you. Are dead."

For a while none of them spoke, it wasn't until a low groan had her taking a step back-she was never turning her back on the Slytherin, and glanced down to where Ron was now slowly moving, the large gash on his shoulder was nasty looking, and had bled profusely as he slowly lift himself into an upright position, a pained hiss sliding from his lips as he jostled his wound and swore loudly.

Seeing him able enough to pull himself up, Hermione focused on their attacker.

"Wow, and here was me actually worried for a moment. But if even your hexes are not enough to keep any of us down, then I think this will be a very short fight. If you even want to hope to make us pay, then I'm going to have to see more than just a bark. Though when it comes to it, you're not known for your prowess as a fighter… a thing equally as shared by your dad."

In hindsight it wasn't the smartest thing to be doing, pissing him off as she was, but even under the threat of promised comeback, could she resist the urge to take a dig at the entitled brat; and it paid off as his face twisted into an ugly snarl and he threw a curse of his own.

The stone wall at the side of their heads crumbled as she deflected the orange streak, wondering what it might have been, she hadn't a second to spare as he threw another, and then another, aiming not just for her, but for Ron as well.

"EXPULSO!"

She grit her teeth as the curse slammed into her barrier; leaving Goyle to stand watch, Crabbe had made his way down to help, and was throwing his own spells, with Draco pressing his attack, his anger evident as he failed to break through her shield.

"REDUCTO!"

Another blast tested the strength of her safeguard and as much as her pride didn't want to admit it, his anger was fuelling his power and was forcing her to inch backwards. Movement saw Ron struggling to his feet, the dark red covering his back effecting his balance and she had to push him upright from falling once more. Not only did he clearly need to go to the hospital wing, but if they got pushed back any further than they'd be falling down a flight of stairs.

"Ron."

He turned to her, eyes fluttering slightly as she nudged him with her shoulder, "His legs."

"What about them?"

"Get his legs,"

"With what?"

Rolling her eyes, she was going to put it down to blood loss as she replied. "I want you to run over there and tackle him, what do you think? A leg lock spell… just do something!"

Nodding he took his wand as Crabbe, noticing now the unfair advantage, was ambling towards Malfoy, aiming to help as Ron had finished thinking of a spell.

"Carpe Retractum!"

A long, whip like flash of light left his wand and he swung it forwards; they watched as it wrapped around the tops of Draco's thighs and with a quick tug, pulled backwards.

Draco's last spell, the one he managed to get off before he found himself falling, wasn't like the other curses he had already thrown as Hermione found when she lowered her shield too early and felt pain explode across her shoulder and collar bone; Ron had to grab her from falling as she staggered back, and watched in horror as the same colour that darkened his back, now filled her front. She gently lifted her hand and swiped the wound, a small hiss leaving her lips and her eyes moved to where Draco was pushing himself to his knees, legs still entangled by Ron's spell.

"Hermione!"

But she was already moving. Crabbe, looking on stupidly, felt his body being yanked from his place besides Draco as his back slammed hard into the wall, he grunted with the collision and tried to move, but found himself incapable of doing so, as he yelled in panic at being stuck. Goyle had now left his position and was moving to help, wand drawn but soon dropped it with a loud cry as he too was rendered unable to fight. His hands shooting towards his face where his eyes had been glued shut from the conjunctivitis curse that had hit him full on, which left Hermione's path to Draco clear.

From his vantage point, Ron watched as Malfoy had barely looked up when his head went snapping to the side harshly; the loud crack of flesh meeting flesh echoed around the corridor, as Hermione sneered down at him.

"Big mistake, you filthy little inbreed!"

Unsure of what she had muttered, the red-head watched as the tie around Draco's neck tightened considerably, the other boy's contemptuous glare dropped as his air was cut and tried desperately to pull the tie from where it was rubbing against his throat; squeezing and restricting he clawed frantically, trying in vain to rip it free, but to no avail. Hermione watched with a detached glee, before she yanked his hair and forced him to look at her.

"Your scumbag father got exactly what he deserved. Well, he got the second best, he yet still draws breath. But that just mean's people finally realize what wastes you lot are as people on a whole. A useless stain upon the magical world and the second his master realizes that… it's good riddance to the lot of you."

She sneered as he struggled in her grip, knowing that they only had seconds more before it turned fatal, she turned slightly to look over her shoulder.

"Ron,"

The silent red-head barely heard his name being called, as he slowly moved to where they stood. He gazed at the wild panic stewing in silver orbs. Yes, he had been on edge, worried about what the other boy was planning, but seeing him now, having been brought to his knees- by him nonetheless; he'd be lying if the sight of the him so defeated didn't send a thrill of enjoyment down his spine. Having spent years being the butt of the blonde's jokes and taunts, it felt good to be standing over him the winner for once.

"What do you need?"

She nudged her head to where the other two where located, Crabbe still stuck to the wall and Goyle having taken to sitting so he didn't end up hurting himself, though both could hear, and one could see every word and action, and were shouting threats in retaliation. He nodded and moved away, as she brought her gaze back to Malfoy, now gasping and knew that she had to let him go. With a small slashing motion his tie was cut away leaving the blonde gasping. His lungs, finally getting the precious air, they needed, overwhelmed him as his bent slightly, choking, his body hacking with every rattled breath.

"And if you're thinking of running to Snape about this, think again. Obliviate."

Ron swore as she focused and pointed her wand at the side of the wheezing boy's temple; and although if he lost his memories entirely, it wouldn't have bothered her, she knew she had to get just the exact amount and so focused only on their confrontation. Ron watched, trepidation rising with every breath as she finally let Malfoy go, watching as he slumped to the floor unmoving, he stood staring dumbly at the pale faced boy as she then moved on to the other pair, Crabbe yelling in fright the more she came closer and Goyle yelling because of his yelling, until at last the cries were silenced and they stood over the now out cold trio.

"He attacked us first, we were only defending ourselves."

Ron glanced around before turning to her, a look of confliction on his face. "Yeah, but… don't you think it might have been a bit too much?"

On reflection it probably was, but when it came to the likes of Malfoy and his merry band of morons, she had developed a bit of a blind spot and so shrugged before casting her gaze up and down the corridor. So far no one had come around, but she knew that luck wasn't going to last and so noting the side cupboard, from her prefect rounds, was a popular spot for student couples, knew it was also the perfect spot for hiding them, as she nodded to the door.

"Help me with them."

Once they had puffed and panted and finally shoved Goyle's thick head inside just enough, Ron slammed the door shut and heaved a sigh of relief. Hermione cast a furtive gaze his direction. She knew that he felt hesitation, and no doubt when Snape did find what happened to his precious snakes then his finger of blame would point firmly in their direction. Whilst she was, no where near a master of Occlumency, did think she was getting better, at least enough to know when someone was using it and attempt to block it; Ron was only good at one thing, and chess was not going to help him should the greasy git get his hands on them and so with a tap on his shoulder, waited until he faced her.

"Obliviate."

As soon she had removed his memories of their fight, the next thing was to get cleaned up. Knowing they couldn't go to the hospital wing, the only other choice they had was to fix themselves, a she dragged the now dazed boy back to the tower, where she healed his injury and cleaned the blood, before instructing him to go to the dinner hall for whatever was left of lunch, as she made her way to the dorms bathrooms and set about healing her own wound. Cursing Draco to whatever deepest pit of hell there was.

From there on it was simply a matter of playing dumb. Luckily, once Ron had gathered a few things from the hall as per instruction, they were able to make it outside quick enough for others who had also been taking advantage of the weather to spot them long enough to earn an alibi; as long as they stayed out of the castle, they were safe.

At least she hoped they were.

Their peace last long. They had been sat down by the lake when a shadow blocking out their sun, had the pair looking up to find a young boy which neither knew staring down at them.

"Err—can we help you?"

Ron asked, eyeing the younger boy strangely. A Hufflepuff, which made the meeting all the odder as he shook his head and stretched out his arm towards Hermione, who could see he was holding a slip of parchment and so reaching out, thanked him slowly before he left them alone and she looked down.

"What is it?"

Still eyeing the note, she slowly shook her head. "I don't know… I can't read through folded paper!"

She threw him a pointed scowl as he rolled his eyes but waited as she unfurled the slip and was quiet as she scoured the words, barely thirty seconds had passed when Ron pulled back, a look of surprise on his face as she shot to her feet and started running for the castle.

"Hermione… HERMIONE!"

It didn't take her long to reach Dumbledore's office. Admittedly she had pushed a few people out of the way to make her time short, and now stood in front of the stone guard listing off random confectionary's in the hopes that one would be right; in her haste to talk to him, she forgot to read the bottom of the note. He always put the password at the bottom.

"Sherbet's,"

"…"

"Lemon sherbet's,"

"…"

Chocolate frogs,"

"…"

"Droobles gum,"

"…"

"Then what the bloody hell does he like!" she snapped, kicking the side of the wall in frustration and frowned as she tried to go through what sweets he had been gifted at Christmas.

"Jelly worms?"

Still nothing and resisting the urge to blow the stoic looking stone creature up, settled for scowling darkly at it and tried instead, to use those mind powers to silently get the Gargoyle to open on its own accord, it must have worked as five minutes later, the sound of rumbling saw the stairwell turn and the cheerful face of the headmaster grace her as he moved down the steps.

"Ah, Hermione, there you are."

"She's awake,"

Right to the point, green eyes observed keenly as he smiled gently and nodded. Her joy was clearly on show, for he simply turned and made his way back up to his office leaving her to follow, which she did, staying right on his heels.

"I must say, what a wonderful way to finish the year; don't you think?"

'Indeed it is,' she thought happily as she shut the door behind her and moved over to where he was activating the floo.

"Since lessons have ended, I don't see a problem in letting you spend longer than an hour there; but remember, there still is curfew,"

He reminded her gently, before a flash of green saw the flames burst into life and without waiting any longer, she gave a cursory nod and almost ran through the flames, as she heard him call out for St. Mungos, and she was gone. It took a few seconds, but soon she stepped out of the embers into the busy entrance of the hospital, looking around once before moving to where the desk was located. Once she had then room number, there was nothing else left as she took the stairs two at a time, racing along the corridors, dodging the nurses and patients until she reached the room and with a deep breath, gathered herself and pushed on the door.

Minerva was sat reading the daily Prophet; having been out for so long, was eager to catch up on what she had missed, as well as all the word-searches that had gone wanting, as the sound of the door had her rolling her eyes. She might have still been forced to stay here, but she would be dammed if they tried to push any more medicine on her, and so was about to give the nurse exactly that thought, when her gaze landed upon a person, not a nurse, and rather much more welcomed.

"Hermione."

Said girl nodded happily and bounded across the small stretch of space, nearly throwing herself on the bed, but minding how she would still be feeling fragile, though would never say that out-loud, and buried her face into the older woman's neck. Feeling a hand coming to rest atop her head, she closed her eyes as a few tears escaped her lids and dripped down her cheeks.

"Hey, don't cry now." Minerva felt the wetness and lifted her away, hand coming to wipe the marks as she gazed at the face she loved with her entire being.

"It'll take more than a few stunners to ever put me down… as you can see, she failed."

Hermione nodded silently. Indeed, Umbridge might have failed in her attempt, but she still paid heavily nonetheless as the younger girl shuffled a little to the side, so she could rearrange herself better, before picking up the other witches' hand, holding it tightly and was beyond overjoyed when the hand finally squeezed back.

That was how they stayed for the next couple of hours. Minerva had asked how everything was and Hermione was detailed in telling her about the exams—confident she had passed every one of them— about how Ravenclaw looked like they would be winning the cup that year.

"Sorry about that," she added, looking put out that not even her hard work had been enough to claw back their lead as they fell into silence. Aware that the woman was looking at her, Hermione got the growing impression that the status of the school wasn't what she had been on about; and the tone when she addressed her the second time, told her as such.

"Hermione, look at me."

With a deep breath the younger girl did as asked, only to find her Mother's face void of the earlier happiness and was now staring at her in scrutiny.

"I think you know what I mean,"

That she did, and the second sigh gave it away as she nodded and slid from the bed and into the seat next to it; if she was going to face the twenty questions then she would do it face to face, as Minerva reached out for her hand once more. Grasping it tightly and held it close.

"What happened."

Slowly, Hermione began to tell her the story; of Harry's premonition, the fight they had when he refused to see reason, the journey down to London and lastly, the part where they found that it had all been a lie. She omitted the parts about Umbridge for natural reasons, and the death eaters that had been stupid enough to challenge her, but she did reveal the part leading up to Sirius's death and tumble through the veil, the information bringing a look of sadness upon the older woman's face.

"So, it's true then. Poor Harry, he must be feeling so broken."

The sympathetic tone had Hermione bristling, she gave the other witch a look of equal parts scornful and amazement. Minerva's brow arched upon seeing the reaction.

"What is it?"

"Poor Harry… are you forgetting, it was that idiot who brought about Sirius's death? That his suffering is entirely his own doing, that it wasn't just Sirius that was the casualty. Luna came here unconscious, it was only the fact that they got her here so soon, that they were able to help with her injury."

She shook her head, leaving Minerva slightly astonished at the vehemence in her tone; the almost accusatory way she was persecuting her friend, and wondered just how bad that fight truly was, as Hermione lifted her head again.

"Harry didn't listen, and now Harry has learnt that his delusional sense of justice has real life consequences; his actions cause others harm and—"

She shot up from her chair, the move startling the bedridden woman who watched her pace with wide eyes. The room fell silent as the younger girl seemed to be torn about something, the odd mutter falling from her lips, before finally she came to a stop, a look of weariness on her face.

"Though I promised Ron that I would try; I just can't seem to help but want to hit him every time I see his pathetic little form, curled up by the window. The absolute look of devastation makes me want to wring his neck. How can he have the audacity to feel bereavement over something that could have been prevented if he has just listened to me. Ron said that he feels regret over what happened—of course he does, but it's far too late for him to sit there thinking about the 'what if's' when he knew dam well that I was right all along."

She exhaled heavily and looked back to the older woman, still silent, as their eyes met. "There is no poor Harry. Not when he's the sole reason for this mess in the first place."

As it was, ranting about his idiocy, the anger that had never quite left simmered down, until she could once again think more clearer and smiled weakly, before making her way back to the chair and slumped down. Minerva observed, obvious worry in her eyes as the younger girl seemed tired and so in a bid to move from the subject, reached out and grasped her hand again.

"But at least all this has finally made Fudge pull his head out of his arse and realize that the danger now is very much real," Hermione snorted lightly and nodded. The moronic minister might have now been fully aware his worst nightmare had come back, but he'd still be turning to Dumbledore for guidance. The man couldn't work his way out of his office if it weren't for the fact somebody was there to open the door.

"I've read they've also captured a number of death eaters in the process. Lucius Malfoy being the most renowned." Minerva had to chuckle as a thought came to her, and she glanced to where the newspapers she had been catching up on lay in a small pile at her bedside.

"Fudge will be rolling over, now that he's realized what having a now known death eater as part of his inner circle will do to his reputation; I wonder how long it will take for him to start disparaging in the sake of his honour."

"He didn't get them all."

Minerva turned back to see Hermione looking thoughtful. Her mention of the captured death eaters, brought the younger girl back to that night in the ministry, more particular the Atrium and to one follower that had alluded her attempts of retaliation.

"What do you mean?"

Still brooding on the image of her escape through the floo; Hermione took a moment to reply, as she focused back on the waiting woman.

"They didn't get them all,"

Still unsure about what she was referring to, Minerva glanced towards the papers once more. "All the deaths eaters who took part were caught on sight—"

"Bellatrix wasn't,"

All at once Minerva's voice caught in her throat. Eyes snapping back to the silent girl, it took everything in her will power not to reach over and demand what she meant. Instead she focused her now rapidly beating heart.

"Her name wasn't mentioned, so I suppose it was possible that she fled before being caught—" but once again her voice trailed away as she was now staring at her daughter, a fear building in her eyes at the sight of the darkening glare that was forming.

"Hermione,"

"It wasn't good enough!" throwing herself out of her seat. Minerva resisted the urge to call her back as she began pacing once more, agitation evident on her face as she spoke.

"She was right there; her disgusting hands nearly throttling Neville… how I wanted to do the same…"

"WHAT!"

The sudden loudness has her turning to find the other woman sat up, panic and alarm on her face and wrinkled her nose. So much for keeping that hidden, she cursed her Freudian slip as Minerva shook her head.

"You stay away from her…"

"But—"

"Hermione I'm serious! Not only is she dangerous, but she—" whatever was going to come next died in her throat and she looked down, distress in her eyes Hermione soon made her way back over, taking up her hand Minerva slowly lifted her head, gaze still glassy from the images now conjured in her mind. She had been so close, they had been in the same room—same breathing space nearly, and she had no idea.

Seeing the anguish, Hermione smiled and ran her thumb over the other witches' hand. Even now, hearing the name caused her panic and pain. This right here, was the reason why she needed to get the deranged woman.

"You don't have to say anymore,"

Minerva found that she couldn't, even if she wanted to rage and scream at her; her body heavy, despite every instinct telling her to grab the younger girl and never let her out of her sight. She found she couldn't move an inch. The feeling if the gentle touch was enough to finally rouse her into moving, as she looked back to see Hermione now seated once more, as she forced her voice to break through to thick wall of silence.

"Hermione, please, please, don't go near her. If anything happened—I just—"

She stopped once again, her voice tightening, and she placed a hand over her mouth. Hermione gazed at the now teary woman and closed her eyes.

"I promise."

Minerva lifted her head at hearing the low muttered vow and her heart, despite its heavy beating, leapt at the oath and she gripped the younger hand once more, fiercely holding onto it like she would break that and disappear. Hermione smiled again and leaned over to place a kiss to her cheek.

"I promise."

She might have made that vow, but nowhere did Minerva say she couldn't wait for the woman to come to her. With open war now on the forefront, it was inevitable that they would cross paths once more, and she hadn't forgotten the way the crazy psycho had reacted to her presence down in the halls, if the mad cow wanted to try finish what she started, Hermione would gladly give her a last fight.

Eyes flickering back to the now calmer woman, she really did fear the dark lords right hand. Yes, that was it, all she had to do was play the waiting game, Bella would eventually come to her, and when she did…

She would enjoy ending and watching the life flee her soulless body.

Finally, it was time to leave. Minerva insisting that she would be back soon, and not to worry anymore, Hermione bade her goodbyes. On making her way back to the floo network and returning to the castle, she was met by the sight of Dumbledore who was standing at the side looking cheerful.

"Hermione, my dear, how is Minerva doing?"

A smile crept over unbidden at the image of the woman sitting up and awake, "She's awake, so already she's gotten the better of Umbridge,"

Albus chuckled but then frowned as if only just remembering something, as Hermione stepped away from the fireplace. Stopping in front of him, it had been a while since she had done such a gesture, but she was feeling rather benevolent and so leaned over as Albus was shocked out of his musings by the arms wrapping around his person, and smiled as she hugged him.

"You were right,"

He glanced down, "About what, my dear?"

Puling back, she gazed into his bespectacled eyes. "This really is a great way to end a year."

He said nothing for a moment, before smiling wider and chuckling louder, as she bade him goodnight and moved to the door. She was halfway out when the sound of him calling her, had her looking back.

"Just one more thing before you go. You wouldn't happen to know anything about young Mr. Malfoy, would you?"

Frowning, Hermione shrugged and shook her head. "Malfoy… what about him?"

Taking his seat, the headmaster eased himself down before glancing back to her, the smile now having gone. "It seems someone saw fit to attack him this afternoon. He and Mr's Crabbe and Goyle were found knocked out in a cleaning cupboard; when woken and asked what had happened, none of them could recall anything of what had occurred prior to their attack."

He stopped and waited, eyes peering at her intently as she stepped back inside and sighed. "No offense, Uncle. But did Snape ask you to say anything… or has he been here already blaming us for something we didn't commit."

"So, are you saying it wasn't any of you three?"

She laughed and shook her head. "If I may speak a little candidly. Harry is still acting as if he's blind, deaf and dumb. Ronald was most likely eating his body weight in food and playing exploding snap or chess… depending on who he's found, and I've been at the hospital most of the day."

She cocked her head slightly, a brow raised almost infinitesimally, "Is the professor that hateful in his bias, he's willing to grasp whatever straw's he can, in a bid to frame us for whatever befalls his little golden boy? If he has forgotten, it's not just us that greatly dislikes the ferret. There are plenty of others who have now been given conclusive proof that his family has most likely had a part in their families suffering, and so sought their own revenge knowing that he has no daddy to back him up this time."

Dumbledore frowned at her use of words, but didn't say anything against them as he listed on. When it was clear she wasn't going to say anymore he kept his gaze upon her, Hermione remained unmoving; whether he believed her or not she couldn't tell, but so far, had yet to feel anything push against her mind and so knew he wasn't resorting to legilimency. The why was unclear, but in the end the older wizard let out a tired sigh, sitting back in his chair and gave her a small nod.

"Never mind. Please forgive an old man for assuming." she smiled lightly in response as he bade her goodnight and slowly she made her way down the steps and back to Gryffindor tower. As she walked, she entertained the images of what Snape's reaction would be when told by the headmaster that his prime suspects were innocent; the look of apocalyptic rage upon his crooked face was enough to have her laughing as she turned down the corridor and spied the portrait.

Draco's attempt at avenging his father had failed, gloriously.

She had pulled off, and gotten away with, the perfect retaliation and as long as she advised Ron to keep out of sight from the dungeon bat, they should be safe until they went home in two days' time.

Mother was awake and would soon be back.

And the best reason of all, as she gave the password to the fat lady, she would keep her promise and still be able to exact her vengeance upon the notorious death eater, whenever their unavoidable next meeting, would surely come around.

'Uncle was right' she mused as the door swung open and she stepped inside.

'It really was the perfect way to end a year.'