"I do believe we are all going to be very good friends." The squeaky sickly sweet voice of the pink clad witch standing at the podium said, ending her speech.

"That's likely." Both twins snorted together, each resting their chins on their hands exhausted from listening to the nonsense she had just spewed.

Harry was looking confused at the now empty podium while Hermione was rolling her eyes at the drivel they were all just forced to listen to.

"What do you think all that means Mione?" He turned asking her.

Hermione opened her mouth only to close it deciding what was appropriate to say in front of all the newly sorted first years.

"It means that that house in Munchkin land must not have crushed her after all..." she waved her hand taking a long sip of tea.

Harry choked on his drink coughing out a laugh. The other half bloods and muggle borns nearby started laughing along with him. They ignored the confused pure bloods just glad to have a break in the tension.

Hermione had just slid into her seat next to Harry when the high pitch throat clearing sent all of their attention to the front of the room. Professor Umbridge stood there in her ghastly pink tweed outfit and hat. Hermione had to stifle a giggle at the thought that she looked like someone threw up the bubblegum flavored stomach soother medicine on her. She was a right mess.

With a wave of her wand Umbridge sent a copy of their books to each student. Looking down they all were surprised to see 'defense against the dark arts for beginners.' Even the cartoon description of a young witch and wizard on the front proved that this was a book designed for children. Not the fifth years that they were.

Umbridge was speaking about their OWL exams and that this course would be solely theoretical and they wouldn't be doing any magic in the class, merely reading the theory of it.

"How will we pass our owls if we don't have experience casting the spells they will mention?" A Ravenclaw voiced aloud most of their concerns.

"The written exam is all theoretical knowledge." Umbridge responded haughty.

"Well that doesn't help us at all with the practical portion of the testing. Which I know for a fact does require actual spell casting. Previous years have had a pseudo duel. Surely you would see us prepared for that?" Hermione responded.

Umbridge turned to her quickly, a deep scowl on her face.

"You will not speak in class unless called on. 10 points from Gryffindor."

Hermione seethed in her seat. She saw movement out of the corner of her eye and saw Theo silently back his chair away from the table to turn towards her. She looked up and made eye contact with her.

'I'm going to kill her.' She projected.

'I don't blame you.' He sent back. Hermione immensely pleased at the progress Theo had made over the summer to learn projection.

'Just wait until she gets rid of Dumbledore before you do. And then I will help you.' He winked at her.

Hermione hadn't realized during the exchange that Harry was practically vibrating with fury next to her.

"How would any of this help us if we were attacked. We need to learn how to protect ourselves." He blurted out.

Umbridge tittered a laugh. "My dear boy who would attack you? You are children." Her smug smirk made Hermione want to reach forward and slap it off.

Harry rolled his eyes holding up his hand.

"At this point literally anyone. I mean let's take a look at the last four years. First year my broom was hexed and I almost fell to my death. Counter curses are normally taught in DADA. Then we had to deal with a three headed dog, strangling plants and killer chess sets to get to the stone when someone broke in for it. Second year comes, and there is a literal monster loose that petrified Hermione and the others and killed that poor first year. We are supposed to learn about dark creatures and how to defeat them in this course. Third year I was regularly attacked by dementors. We did have an unfortunate run in with a werewolf too but that's neither here nor there. Moving on, we were attacked by mad men at the QWC. Mione had to duel alongside Bill Weasley to protect us. Something that should be taught to us this year. Then I was entered against my will into the TWT where I had to use everything I knew and learn tons of new things to just survive. Not to mention being kidnapped at the end and having my friend die next to me. So quite a lot of people actually would want to attack and hurt me. Did I leave anything out Hermione?" He asked, turning to her.

Hermione made a pinched thinking expression lifting her hands to count out on her fingers.

"Uh huh carry the one... Yes Harry I believe you are right. Quite a few indeed." Hermione snarled sarcastically.

"Detention! Both of you!" Umbridge squawked.

If they thought the wrath of Umbridge would be centered on the children they were wrong. It seemed she took her same fine tooth comb through faculty and staff as she did with students. Deeming herself as most important she spent the majority of her time looking down on all of those around her.

Dumbledore took to keeping to his office. The only place he couldn't be harassed by the pink toad. By doing so he successfully turned his back on the rest of the school. When students started leaving detention bloody and not once did the great Albus Dumbledore stand up for them news spread quickly through the school that he may well be evil after all.

The only time he left his office besides meals was to try to corner Harry. He had sent him two owls that went unanswered due to the fact that Harry was currently serving detention every night that he didn't have quidditch practice. Feeling ignored, Dumbledore waited for Harry after charms class requesting his presence alone.

Hermione was sitting with the twins in the library when he got back. Having tried their hardest to take the brunt of the punishments so that the younger kids wouldn't suffer as they had, they were currently enjoying Hermione's healing magic. She held a hand of each as they watched her magic rush over them, stitching the words on their hands closed.

The words "I will not tell lies." Were carved into the back of Harry's hand. She found it ironic as Harry was honest to a fault. He spoke what he knew as truths and that wasn't anything to punish.

"I am not funny." And "I am not unique." Were carved into the back of the twins hands. The bitch had intended each of them to carve just one of the lines therefore making them identical no more. However her clever twins took it upon themselves to write both sets. The words so far from the mark that even the people who loathed the twins knew better. There were no pair of unique and funny people like them in the world.

On Hermione's hand in her neat handwriting were five words that made her smile everytime she looked down and saw the reddened raised skin.

"I will know my place."

Hermione knew better than anyone what her place was. And when she could rightfully take it, the Delores Umbridges of the world would cower.

Harry slumped into the library chair. "Dumbledore has officially lost it I think." He said with a sigh laying his head on the table.

Hermione reached over her book and lightly patted the back of his head.

"Not that you are saying anything surprising to me. But why do you think so?" She asked him.

"Well the only thing he wanted to speak to me about was some prophecy nonsense that he had already tried selling to Sirius over the summer. Sirius explained it to me very clearly before and I tried to tell Dumbledore that but he wouldn't hear it." He took off his glasses and rubbed his eyes.

"Sirius said that prophecies and crystal balls and divination as a whole was always up for debate. For example there could be a prophecy that I was going to steal your car and you heard about it. You could very well choose never to own a car. Or maybe just kill me before I had the chance. The future is never set in stone. You actually have to try to make a prophecy or prediction come true. There are always steps you have to take in that direction." He said and the others nodded along in agreement. Having understood fully the point he was trying to make.

"I told him very clearly. If. And that's a big If. There is a prophecy concerning me I would rather not know. I am going to live my life to the best of my ability. Whatever happens happens. I won't be sold into believing in the hype. He tried telling me my parents believed in it. That was why they were hiding in the first place." His fist clenched tight. "And I said well then that cements my feelings on the matter. It got them killed. And for what? I asked him to not speak to me on it again."

Hermione reached out and put an arm across his shoulders pulling him into her. Giving him a tight hug she placed a kiss on his forehead.

"I'm proud of you Harry. For sticking up for yourself, and also for proving that you actually listen when Sirius and I are lecturing you." She joked and was rewarded by a blind slap in her direction.

Halloween had came and went and with it all the cheeriness that had once taken up a home in the castle. The tyranny that was Umbridge was life draining. At the moment there were 84 plaques nailed to the wall, each of which a new ordinance that she expected to be followed. Each one pettier than the one before.

They were sitting in class hearing her drone on about the ministry's job in caring for the children in the wizarding world. It was only slightly different than what she had said the class before so no one was paying any attention or taking notes.

"If in the unlikely even you find yourself in danger you must contact the ministry and they will send a trained auror there to assist youuuu-ooaarrcccckkkk"

Heads popped up across the room at the sound that had just left the professors throat. She had one hand pressed to her pink sweater while she looked shocked. She opened her mouth to speak again.

"I apologize I don't know what is happeninnn-oooarccccckkkk!" Another croak sound left her throat but this one was followed by a gag.

The fifth year class sat wide eyed watching in awe as their professor leaned over and made a move that they all expected to mean she was vomiting. Only for a green blob to fall out of her mouth and onto the floor in front of them.

The gasps in the room matched Umbridge's own as she backed away from the sight. The blob shuttered before forming into shape. Sitting still for only a second before it started hopping around the room.

If that wasn't enough on the fourth hop it sprouted it's own little pink hat and the familiar croaking sound had them all exploding in laughter as Umbridge tried to get a hold of the situation.

"Order!" She screamed shrilly. "I will have orderrrr-ooooaarrccckkk!" And with that she bent forward purging another green blob to the floor.

This one quickly joined the other in its hopping. The professor turned red in ire and embarrassment before she demanded they leave the class immediately. After rushing towards the door to exit they heard her scream again with a croak at the end, the wet plop sound letting them know another frog had entered the room.

Antonin was walking down the streets of the small village taking the time to look into every store for the unique head of curls he was searching out.

It had been months since he had spoken to Hermione and he had gotten past the frustration stage and was now firmly in pissed off. His last three owls had been returned unread and he didn't understand why. She had said she was giving him time and wanted them to talk when he had himself figured out. And now that he wanted to talk she was ignoring him.

It was unlike her and it hurt him to the core to think about that she was really gone now. So instead of taking it like a man he had been popping into Hogsmeade the last few weekends hoping that he would show up during the time Hogwarts students were there. It seemed like today was his lucky day but he had not seen the curly headed witch anywhere. At this point he would have taken Potter or the Weasley boy just so he could get a word to her.

He had just walked out of Honey Dukes disappointed when a voice called out and got his attention.

"She's not here."

The simple statement had him turning quickly to find the source of the sound. There propped up against the side of the building with a few of his friends was Gunnar Rowle. It had been since last Christmas that he saw him and the boy had grown a lot. Near his brother's height now he was starting to build a body around the height instead of being willowy. His blue eyes were narrowed as he watched the Russian turn and approach him.

"At least I am assuming you are looking for her given that I've watched you storm in and out of nearly every shop in town." His blonde brow quirked in a move that was so Thorfinn he had to swallow a groan.

"Yes. I'm looking for Hermione. I haven't been able to reach her in over a month and I wanted to speak with her." He said calmly.

Gunnar nodded lightly. "That makes sense. She's had her post privileges taken away. The only reason Thor hasn't stormed the castle is she has been able to sneak a few letters to me to send off with mine to him. Nothing in, nothing out until at least Christmas I'd assume."

Antonio's brows furrowed. How did this happen? Was that even a legitimate punishment? To him it seemed like it violated laws regarding students and minors.

"Why did that happen? Why isn't she here?" The questions poured out.

The others around them frowned, he could see them get upset but nothing like the hard look and red that came into Gunnars face.

"She's been in detentions since the beginning of the year. Umbridge the new high Inquisitor has something against her. No one knows why. Mione hasn't done anything to deserve it but that old witch is cruel. She's practically made Hermione a prisoner in the castle."

Not able to hear anymore Antonin turned on his heels and started towards the castle. He didn't have a plan which he knew was foolish but he would think of something. He walked with purpose down the pathway seeing the castle forming in the distance. He had made it almost to the gate when the reality of what he was doing crashed down on him.

He couldn't just storm into the grounds at Hogwarts and demand to see the little witch who had been haunting his dreams. He had no right to, both legally and just respectfully speaking. He had hurt her and she was obviously having a hard time this year. Would seeing him only make it worse? After all he hadn't exactly come to a decision on what he was going to do. He wanted her, that was no secret, but he still felt like he was a danger to her.

Deciding this wasn't the time or place to cause a scene looking for her he turned to head back to the village when a crack of apparition startled him. He looked surprised as a familiar face in auror robes appeared in front of him, his long blonde hair pulled into a braid trailing down his back.

"Ah Dolohov, what perfect coincidence. I was just thinking I should have brought in the big guns with me, and a curse breaker is just what the healer ordered. You have time to come with me up to the castle? I'll buy you a pint afterwards for borrowing your time." The man spoke coming over to shake Antonins hand.

"Yaxley." He greeted the man, looking down at his watch as if he wasn't storming the castle before the man showed up. "I have a few free hours, I will accompany you. What are you doing here?"

The blonde let out a bark of laughter, his voice carrying a thick scottish accent. "Fuck if I know, the minister sent for me to come. It seems his little pet project here is having some issues and so he sent me. Didn't want a rookie he said, needed me to keep it all hush hush for now." He shrugged his broad shoulders. "I don't particularly care either way. They pay me whether I am here or sitting my happy ass at my desk. At least I am getting some fresh air."

The pair walked up the path to the castle carrying on benign conversation. Once they made it through the stone entrance way Antonin let Yaxley take the lead and bring them to where he knew the DADA classroom was, and subsequently Umbridge's office. With a rap on the door Yaxely announced their arrival.

When the wooden office door opened Antonin found himself baulking at who was behind it. He wasn't expecting the squat witch in the horrible pink robes to be standing there welcoming them in.

"Oh Yaxley how wonderful, thank you so much for coming so quickly. I see you have brought help?" Umbridge's high pitched voice hitched as she saw Antonin behind the blonde, taking a second to look him over.

"Yes ma'am," Yaxley started. "Minister Fudge didn't know exactly what I would be walking into so I had Dolohov come with me. He is a curse breaker so surely between the two of us we can get to the bottom of whatever is ailing you."

Before she had a chance to respond they watched in horror as she spun around and grabbed a bucket before emitting guttural croaking sound and heaving into it. They both cringed at the wet slapping sound in the bucket. Umbridge's cheeks darkened in embarrassment as she pulled the bucket away.

"I am dreadfully sorry but this is why I have sent for help." She went to extend the bucket to them, but before she could a green blob leapt from it.

The frog landed with a plop on the ground before it shook and the tiny pink outfit appeared on it. It leapt around the room with a croak that sounded eerily like the word "order." Antonin and Yaxley both shared a look before the latter of the two pointed his wand at and vanished the creature.

"I see, and how long has this been happening." Yaxley asked.

"Two days, I summoned Poppy but she couldn't find the cause, she suggested Mungos but I won't go and have a mockery made of me. Which is what I am sure the person who did this is hoping for." Umbridge said, sticking her nose in the air. "I assume Cornelius informed you what needed to be done today?" She looked at Yaxley. "Severus had said his stores were depleted but there is no time to wait for him to brew."

Yaxley nodded reaching into his robes and pulling out a clear vial that he handed over to Umbridge. The witch looked like she could squeal with glee as she took it and immediately dumped half of it into the kettle of tea on her desk, putting the rest in her drawer.

"So you know who did this?" Dolohov asked, trying to get past the shock of what he had seen.

Umbridge turned towards him with a decidedly evil gleam in her eyes. "Oh I have narrowed it down, and in fact I have the potential culprits being brought in now. I know it had to be one of them, the foul little beast that they are. They think they are so smart, so clever but I can see past it and see the disgusting little creatures they are. The little blood traitors and their hideous little mudblood partner. Why, I can't wait to expose them of their crimes so I can have the great pleasure of expelling them." She clapped her hands in glee at the thought.

They were saved from responding to her tirade by a knock at the classroom door. Umbrdge called out for them to enter and the door opened to allow Filch in.

"I brought them High Inquisitor, all four of them were where you said they were, fifth floor corridor cleaning up that mess still."

"Of course we were you loon, that's where the old bird had us assigned to." A voice called behind him and Filch snarled showing off his yellow and brown stained teeth.

"Get in here you lot, you will see you are in for some real trouble now. I hope you got a good look at the castle on your way here as it may very well be the last time you do."

Antonin felt his breath catch as the door opened fully and four figures were pressed into the room. The first was none other than Harry Potter himself. He was rolling his eyes behind his slightly crooked glasses. The next two were the Weasley twins who each had matching smirks on their face as they made a show of thanking Filch for holding the door. Then the final person could have easily gotten lost behind the others due to her small stature but something about the air in which she carried herself made her seem to dwarf the room. Hermione walked in behind the twins, cheeks flushed pink and hair wildly hanging down her back. She too was rolling her eyes and only stopped when she spotted him. The only indication of acknowledgement was a small tick of her eyebrow.

"Welcome children, do come in and have a seat." Umbridge greeted them in a faux friendly manner. "We have some gentlemen in from the ministry today who want to ask you a few questions." She said then excused herself to the corner behind a silencing screen as she croaked out another frog.

Walking back out with a less friendly look on her face she addressed them again.

"Ms. Granger do have a seat, here have a cup of tea before answering, I know you have been hard at work."

Hermione walked over to the seat in front of her desk and sat down slowly. She crossed her ankles in her seat with a small eye roll directed at the twins before accepting the cup. She looked from left to right before spotting the rubbish bin in the room.

"Excuse me, I just need to dispose of this candy first." She said as she levitated the hard candy from her mouth into the bin. "Now, what can I help you gentlemen with today." She asked, taking a long drink from her tea not missing the look of glee on Umbridge's face.

Yaxley took a step forward and gave her a wide grin.

"Good afternoon Ms. Granger, I am not sure if you remember me but I am Corban Yaxley, I work for the aurory at the ministry. I have a few questions to ask you today about recent events here in Hogwarts if you don't mind."

Hermione felt the tale tell tingle on her tongue that normally accompanies veritaserum and had to fight the urge to laugh. She was ever so grateful that they had all taken an anti compulsion candy from the twins on the way up to see Umbridge. The twins had heard rumors she was using veritaserum on students and had invented the candies for such a reason. Knowing she was going to have to sell this in order to be believed she let her cheeks darken a shade.

"Of course I remember you Mr. Yaxley you certainly arent a wizard one easily forgets. That voice!" She let out a small eek as she clapped a hand over her mouth and widened her eyes looking up at him in horror.

Much to their surprise Yaxely lifted his head back and gave a loud laugh. Before looking back down at her and giving her a playful wink.

"Ah, I will accept that as a compliment Ms. Granger I thank you." He chuckled and she just nodded her head, hand still clamped on her mouth. "Now, down to business. It seems that Madame Umbridge has recently been the recipient of a very nasty hex. It has not only physically affected her, but has also kept her from doing her job here at the school." He said clearing his throat and pulling out a small pad or parchment and a quick quotes quill. "Do you know who could be behind this?"

"Yes." She said simply and all the heads turned to look at her.

"You do?" Yaxley double checked.

"Yes, it could have been anyone who has been inside of Hogwarts this year and has had to deal with the dear Professor Umbridge. As it seems despite her speech at the beginning of the year she has unfortunately not made any friends, but a great slew of enemies." She said, primly looking down at her nails.

"Why you ungrateful little mudbl-!" Umbrided shrieked but was cut off by Yaxleys hand being held up.

"Please Madame allow me to finish my questioning without interruption." He scolded the elder witch. "Ok Ms. Granger that seems to be a logical answer, however I was looking for something a little less general." He waved his wand and cups of tea were distributed to the boys. "Such as do you know who has poisoned Madame Umbridge."

Hermione shook her head slightly. "Well you see that's a difficult question to answer mainly because I do not believe she was poisoned. If that were the case a simple bezoar could fix her right up. I of course suggested that to her the first time she accused me of this. When she grabbed me by the shoulders and shook me like some deranged cow. Which she did in front of our entire class mind you." She glared at Umbridge.

"I've told the wee lamb many times over to go to St. Mungos but it seems the premiere wizarding hospital in Britain is beneath her. It besmirches her proud and noble house of... well Umbridge I suppose." She made a weird face like she was deep in thought.

"Delores dear I don't remember coming across Umbridge in any of my research into the sacred families of Britain."

Umbridge bristled and scoffed. "I have you know you ungrateful little wretch that I am a descendant of the Selwyns." Her nose shot into the air.

Hermione put on a disbelieving face. Her one brow shot up to her hairline. She looked over and gave Yaxley a 'can you believe this cow' look. Before she made a hmmm sound.

"Right of course would you like a sip of my tea and then try that again." Hermine asked sweetly and was rewarded by snorts of laughter that was immediately cut off when the plump witch stormed from behind her desk. The loud cracking sound of flesh hitting flesh echoed off the walls as the others watched in horror as Hermione's face was slapped hard enough to turn her head. A large red mark already on her cheek.

Having to take a deep breath to control her emotions, her animagus side bled through long enough for her eyes to flash red for a second. Because of the seating arrangements and the position her head was now in DOlohov was the only one to see. There were echoed sounds of breaths being sharply drawn in.

"Madame Umbridge I will advise you to never do that again in my presence. This witch is a student under your care and an underaged one at that. We do not respond with violence. If you cannot control yourself I suggest you leave." Yaxley scolded Umbridge with a sneer deep on his face.

Umbridge gave a derisive humph before straightening her robes and taking a seat behind her desk. Yaxley took Hermione's face softly in his hand, turning it back towards him. If he was surprised by her lack of tears he didn't show it.

"Hermione, are you responsible for whatever curse or hex that is currently plaguing Madame Umbridge." Yaxley asked her softly.

She shook her head. "No sir."

"Do you know who is?"

She shook her head again. "No sir."

Ignoring the scoff from behind him he continued his questioning this time addressing the boys.

"Are any of you boys responsible for it?" He asked and one by one they responded negative. "Do you know who is?" Again negative responses greeted him.

Yaxley sighed and looked down at the list of questions Umbridge had written out for him to use.

"Alright, last question boys, has Ms. Granger here ever verbalized any violent threats to any of you that you believe she may have or could carry out?"

At the same time all three boys responded "Yes." Hermione kept her backs to them only shaking her head a little in exasperation. Dolohov and Yaxley both cocked eyebrows at the affirmation and Umbridge seemed to celebrate in her chair.

"Explain please." Yaxley goaded them.

Harry started first. "Our third year she threatened to kill Oliver Wood, our former quidditch captain when he complained about losing the match that the dementors knocked me off my broom in. He was pouting in the common room about it and I had to physically remove Hermione from the room. She spouted off about deep freezers, wood chippers and making the thestrals very happy as I was pulling her away. I have no doubt that Wood owes me a life debt for doing so."

The two older wizards turned to look at Hermione and she simply shrugged. Despite the graphicness in it they both smirked.

"Why a deep freezer?" George asked curiously behind her.

"If you put an unfrozen body into the chipper it will just clog the gears, it will chew up and spit out a frozen one with no problem." She answered with a small smile as she finished her tea.

With a chuckle Yaxley interrupted them. "I guess I should have been more specific. Has Ms Granger threatened any staff."

Fred laughed. "Witch caught Snape on fire the first year."

"Don't forget when she calculated how many crystal balls it would take to crush Trelawny after she predicted Harry would die." George laughed, raising his voice to mimic Hermiones. "Wonder if she will s it coming if I was to pile them on her trap door and just lie in wait." He was joined by Fred in laughter.

"Ignore them please Mr. Yaxley." She said rolling her eyes. "I am not sure what this line of questioning is for but I assure you I didn't do this to her and I am offended that I am accused of such. However not because I do not think she deserves it, because I do, but because if it was me she would be receiving far worse than this. A couple pink toads that look so much like their creator it's not even funny is tamed to what I believe she should receive. After all she is a foul stain on wizarding kind. And any adult who seeks pleasure by hurting children deserves all they have coming to them." Her glare was harsh as she made eye contact with Umbridge.