A/N: I don't own Harry Potter or any related characters

"I could ask the Ravenclaw ghost about the diadam," Luna stated after a moment. "She might have some ideas, she's actually really nice as long as you don't mention the Bloody Baron."

"Great. We know He has the snake with him, so we'll probably have to leave that one until last," Hermione said, pulling out a sheet of parchment. She quickly spelled it so only she could read it and started jotting down notes.

"Maybe not," Astoria whispered. "Draco is going home for the holidays, and we all know the Lord of Stupid is currently residing at the Manor so, maybe... I know he's been itching to do something bit, something to show he's not like his father. I'll talk to him later, remind him not to do anything stupid and reckless. He might have some ideas on how to get the snake away from him at least," she added, giving Hermione a warm smile. Hermione wondered why she'd never met Astoria before. She remembered Daphne being in her year, since they had classes with the Slytherins.

"Thank you, Astoria. Now, we need to figure out how to set up meetings between the D.A and me. I know I can't be seen here, and yelling outside Severus' chambers isn't exactly the best way to not draw attention to yourselves. I might not always be home, or someone else might hear you and wonder why you're not yelling at the headmaster's chambers. "

Ginny smirked.

"Fine, but don't you dare have him keep giving me detention, I have a reputation to uphold!"

"You've had detention the last two weeks," Luna commented. "One for making the Carrows mad and the second for graffiting the Great Hall."

"Yes, some reputation," Astoria commented dryly, a smile crossing her face.

"I didn't do it," Ginny shrugged. "I'm sure we can figure something out. Some of us are living in the room of requirement, since life at Hogwarts has become insanely difficult. Neville's got it working amazingly well. He really gets the room."

"It's because he's so kind hearted," Luna commented, a dreamy expression crossing her face. Hermione bit her tongue seeing the obvious signs of a crush forming. Luna and Neville would make a cute couple, but now wasn't the time for matchmaking.

"We should get going," Astoria stated, glancing at the clock. "I know I can't be late for class, that would draw attention to me and then finally you by association. We've been so careful that no one sees the Slytherins crossing lines. Ginny and Luna were already friends, so no one bats an eye at them being together."

"Good luck," Hermione whispered as Astoria slipped out of the room. Ginny gave Hermione another hug.

"You be careful too, alright?"

"I will, Ginny. I'll keep you updated. Do you still have the coins from the D. A?" she asked, thinking about how she still had hers. She hadn't looked at it in awhile though. Part of her thought her heart would break if she thought about how things had been before. Now things were so much darker, so much harder to figure out.

"Of course, that's what we're still using to communicate. They really were a brilliant idea, Hermione. Is there anything we can do for you? Help you?"

"No, not that I can think of. The twins sent me a new version of the map, so I can see everyone coming and going. Just keep a lowish profile for now? I really don't want Severus to get killed because Lord No Nose realizes whose side he's really on. I worry about him a lot."

"He'll be alright, Hermione," Luna commented, giving Hermione a hug as she and Ginny slipped out into the empty hallway. "Also, you might be able to place some kind of visualization ward that shows you the hallway from inside the room. I remember reading about something like that. I'll send the book your way," she added. Hermione smiled, glad that at least she still had friends. She wondered if they would still be her friends once they discovered everything she had done, she had a feeling they would.