September 2, 1995

The rest of the day passed in a blur. After lunch, the Gryffindors joined the Ravenclaws for their first class of Defense Against the Dark Arts with the new professor, Dolores Umbridge. Hermione had found her initial reaction to the witch was not wrong at all. She was indeed a vile, vile woman. By the end of the period, not only had she and many other students been called out but Harry was sent to McGonagall's office, sure to receive detention for more than that night. Even worse, they were expected to only practice magical theory. No spellwork allowed. When Hermione piped up about this problem in the current curricular, Umbridge smiled sweetly down at her.

"Using defensive spells?" She repeated with a little laugh. "Why, I can't imagine any situation arising in my classroom that would require you to use a defensive spell, Miss Granger. You surely aren't expecting to be attacked during class?" The class erupted in complete chaos.

"We're not going to use magic?" Exclaimed Dean Thomas from his seat next to Seamus. Ron's face expressed the same idea as he stared open-mouthed at Umbridge. Parvati looked at the boys, confused, and raised her hand as did Harry. The woman in the fluffy monstrosity looked straight at Harry before turning her attention towards the Gryffindor Patil twin.

"Yes, Miss-?" Umbridge prompted.

"Patil," replied Parvati. "Isn't there a practical bit in our Defense Against the Dark Arts OWL? Aren't we supposed to show that we can actually do the counter-curses and things?" Echoes of confused agreement followed.

"As long as you study the theory hard enough, it should be enough to get you through your exams now-" she trailed off as another hand shot up into the air. "Yes, Miss Granger?" Professor Umbridge said with an exasperated sigh.

"Isn't the whole point of Defense Against the Dark Arts to practice defensive spells?"

"Are you a Ministry-trained educational expert, Miss Granger?" asked Professor Umbridge, in her falsely sweet voice.

"No, but-"

"Well then, I'm afraid you are not qualified to decide what the 'whole point' of any class is. Wizards much older and cleverer than you have devised our new program of study. You will be learning about defensive spells in a secure, risk-free way, from a classroom environment-"

"What use is that?" said Harry loudly. "If we're going to be attacked, it won't be in a-"

"Hand, Mr. Potter!" sang Professor Umbridge. Padma was the one to raise her hand this time. "Yes?"

"Padma Patil. What you're saying is that we won't do any wand work until our O.W.L.s?" Hermione bit her lip anxiously. This was not shaping up to a good start of the term.

"That's exactly what I'm saying, Miss Patil. I repeat, as long as you have studied the theory hard enough-"

"And what good's theory going to be in the real world?" said Harry loudly, his fist in the air again. Hermione stared at Harry, eyes wide. If they continued down this road he was sure to explode into one of his episodes. She immediately raised her hand hoping to Merlin and Morgana that Umbridge would call on her and not provoke Harry. Her pleads fell on deaf ears.

Professor Umbridge looked up. One brow raised in a challenge.

"This is school, Mr. Potter, not the real world," she said softly.

"So we're not supposed to be prepared for what's waiting for us out there?" He argued.

"There is nothing waiting out there, Mr. Potter." She repeated in the same condescending voice she's used in the Great Hall the night before.

"Oh, yeah?" said Harry. His temper, she noticed, was reaching boiling point. Hermione put her head in her hands and began rubbing at her temples, trying to ease her starting headache.

"Who do you imagine wants to attack children like yourselves?" enquired Professor Umbridge in a honeyed voice.

"Hmm, let's think…" said Harry in a mock thoughtful voice. "Maybe… Lord Voldemort!"

The classroom was unbearably silent for exactly three counts. As soon as the last grain of sand from the metaphorical sand clock fell, the mayhem continued. Lavender and Parvati screamed and hugged each other as if that same entity was here among them. Neville jumped so high, Hermione was surprised he was still sitting on his stool and not on the ground. Ron gaped at his best friend; and Hermione stared at Umbridge, gaze not wavering. She'd vowed that summer to not fear His name; much less let it have power over her.

Dolores's calm demeanor faltered before she arched a brow. She took ten points from Gryffindor. One could hear a Hippogryph feather drop in the disbelieving silence that followed. All thirty sets of eyes focused on either Harry or Umbridge. Hermione focused on the prior. Umbridge shifted all her weight upon her pudgy hands that laid splayed out on the desk in front of her. She cleared her throat, calling the faux sweetness to cover her voice.

"You have been told that a certain Dark wizard has returned from the dead. That he is in fact, at large once again. This is a lie-"

Harry stood abruptly, shaking the desk in front of him. Hermione groaned out a 'Harry, no.' and watched as he stood up to face Umbridge.

"It is NOT a lie!" said Harry. "I saw him, I fought him!"

"Detention, Mr. Potter!" said Professor Umbridge venomously. "Tomorrow evening. Five o'clock. My office. I repeat, this is a lie. The Ministry of Magic guarantees that you are not in danger from any Dark wizard. If someone is alarming you with fibs about reborn Dark wizards, I would like to hear about it. I am here to help. I am your friend. And now, you will kindly continue your reading. Page five, 'Basics for Beginners'." Professor Umbridge sat down behind her desk.

Harry, however, glowered at her; obviously not willing to let this go so easily. Everyone was staring at him; holding their breaths waiting anxiously for the next thing to come from Harry's mouth.

"Harry, no!" Hermione whispered in a warning voice, tugging at his sleeve, this time more urgently than the last. She needed to stop this before he got himself expelled. But Harry jerked his arm away from her, eyes still narrowed at the professor.

"So, according to you, Cedric Diggory dropped dead of his own accord, did he?" Harry asked, his voice shaking. Hermione's gaze flickered to Umbridge. Her face was so red it was starting to turn purple. Her already thin lips disappearing altogether as she pursed them in disapproval.

"What happened to Mr. Diggory was an unfortunate accident, Mr. Potter," said Umbridge, voice cold and emotionless. Harry scoffed. All of their fellow classmates listening intently, either because they wanted to see how this encounter played out or because this was the first time anyone other than Ron and herself had heard about what really happened during the Triwizard Tournament.

"It was cold-blooded murder," Harry said, his voice strong though his body was all but shaking in anger. "Voldemort killed him and you know it."

"Come here, Mr. Potter." Was all Umbridge said. Her voice once again becoming sweet and girlish. Harry kicked his chair away from him and stormed past Hermione and towards the desk in the front of the classroom. Hermione saw Umbridge take a piece of parchment—pink, of course— and scribble out a quick note. With a tap, the parchment dried and sealed itself. She handed the piece of paper to Harry and instructed him to give it to the Deputy Headmistress. Harry stormed off. Not even willing to meet her pleading gaze before he slammed the door shut behind him.

"Now, turn to page five and begin reading, class."

What an idiot.

"…complete and utter shit!"

"Harry!" Hermione blushed, shocked at his foul language.

"Sorry…" he muttered back. Hermione rolled her eyes for she was certain that he didn't mean the apology. Not that she blamed him, that Dolores Umbridge woman was a total cow.

"I just can't believe she gave you detention for the entire week!" She said, returning to the matter at hand.

"Don't we have quidditch tryouts this Friday?" Asked Ron through the apple pie in his mouth. Harry groaned and pressed his palms to his eyes.

"Yeah… Angelina's gonna kill me and feed me to a dragon," Harry cried. Hermione looked around the room, remembering her need to talk with Violetta about making arrangements for her and Ron's patrolling schedule. She saw her across the Hall and quickly excused herself from her friends. Violetta must have seen her approach for she shot her a bright smile and waved her over.

"Hiya there, Hermione! Do you need anything?"

"Actually, yes." Violetta raised her brows. "There's a complication for me and Ron's patrolling schedule this Friday. I was hoping you could fix it for me and let me know as soon as possible what the plan is?" Hermione asked. Violetta nodded her head understandingly.

"Of course! How could I have missed…?"

"Gryffindor Quidditch tryouts," Hermione supplied.

"Of course." The Head Girl smiled. "I'll fix that right away and let you know."

"Thank you!" Hermione beamed and left the girl to finish her dinner. On the way back to her table a small Slytherin first year came up to her. The girl handed her a note with a smile before bouncing away back to the Slytherin table. Hermione followed her as she walked back to Draco who gave her payment in form of a sugar quill. Hermione raised her brows, questioningly. Malfoy did the same back. She turned around and opened the note:

Sixth floor.

4th door on the right.

8 p.m. sharp.

Don't be late or I'll start without you.

D.

Hermione folded the note back up and placed it in her pocket. She had patrols tonight with Ron at 10 p.m. Would two hours be enough time? Hermione laughed at the idea of not having enough time with Draco Malfoy. She should be itching to get this over with. Right? She shook the thought from her head as she made her way back towards her friends. Even from a couple of paces back she could hear Harry.

"What I don't get is why they all believed the story two months ago when Dumbledore told them but not me now…" Hermione worried her lip and sat down.

"The thing is, Harry. That I'm not even sure they believed Dumbledore back then," said Hermione quietly. It seemed that everyone in the Great Hall was trying to listen in to the conversation within the Golden Trio. After Defense, the news about Harry standing up to Umbridge spread like fiendfyre. Everyone wanted to know what was really happening. But the bushy haired Gryffindor was having none of it. "Come on, let's go."

The boys followed her up to the Tower (although Ron begrudgingly left the remainder of his pie). Rain was pounding hard against the window panes. The staccato of the drops marking the steps as they headed up towards the second set of moving stairs. Harry walked a bit faster to catch up to her.

"What'd you mean, you're not sure they believed Dumbledore?"

"Look, you- you don't understand what it was like after it happened," said Hermione quietly. "You arrived back in the middle of the lawn clutching Cedric's dead body… none of us saw what happened in the maze… we just had Dumbledore's word for it that You-Know-Who had come back and killed Cedric and fought you."

"Which is the truth!" said Harry retorted. Hermione sighed.

"Yes, Harry, I know." The three of them made it to the common room in record time. Hermione looked up at the Fat Lady and smiled. "Hullo! Mimbulus mimbletonia," Hermione said and the portrait flung open, letting them pass into the room. The Common room was nearly empty, most of the students still enjoying dinner. Ron seemed to remember the apple pie he was forced to leave behind as he gave the closing portrait a longing look. But Hermione was more worried about their privacy than a piece of pie.

"What's Dumbledore playing at? To employ someone who's actually refusing to let us do magic?" Hermione questioned as she slumped into her favorite armchair. Crookshanks was quick to join them and curl up on Hermione's lap.

"And she's trying to get people to spy for her," said Ron darkly. "Remember when she said she wanted us to come and tell her if we hear anyone saying You-Know-Who's back?"

"Of course she's here to spy on us all, that's obvious, why else would Fudge have wanted her to come?" Added Hermione thoughtfully. Harry let out a sigh and plopped down in a nearby loveseat.

"Can't we just… let's just do that homework, get it out of the way… This day has felt like a week," said Harry, getting up to fetch all of their schoolbags before settling back down. Hermione nodded absentmindedly. She had already done most of her homework while the boys were in their Divination class. Except for her essay for Snape's class that she was supposed to finish with Malfoy.

Malfoy! She cast a quick 'Tempus' charm. 7:45. She saw students starting to flow back into the common room. She needed to go.

"Actually, I need a book for Professor Snape's class from the library," said Hermione. "And it closes in less than half an hour. I'll be back for patrols." She grabbed her schoolbag and left the Common Room before either boy could respond. She wasn't completely sure why she'd just lied about meeting Malfoy. Half of her mind told her that there was a really good reason. She just couldn't think of what that was at the moment. All she knew was that the boys would not be thrilled at the idea of her being alone with Malfoy. But she had to finish her assignment at some point. They needed to understand that.

Her muggle watch read 7:59 by the time she stood outside the door she was almost certain was the correct one. The staircases had disoriented her for a couple of minutes. She'd never come up to the sixth floor before. Hermione walked in, half prepared to see Malfoy pouring himself over their report. But there was no one there. Hermione's heartbeat quickened. Was this a trap? Did Malfoy set me up? Her wand was out and ready to cast an 'expelliarmus'. She was ready to leave the room when the door opened again. Draco stood in the doorway, staring at her outstretched wand.

"I heard we aren't using any defensive spells this year, Granger. You don't want to get in trouble with Umbridge do you?" He asked with a smirk. Hermione's eyes narrowed as she lowered her wand. Prat.

"Where were you?" She asked him. Hermione set down her book bag and started retrieving her ink and quill.

"What time did I tell you to come?" He asked her back; not responding to her question. He didn't even look at her as he got his own supplies out.

"Eight." Was all Hermione replied. Malfoy cast a quick 'Tempus'. It showed 8:00.

"Something you should learn, Granger." This time he looked at her. Grey locking with amber. "A Malfoy is always on time." Hermione rolled her eyes. "I think you should rather be grateful that I secured us a room to work with than give me your 'holier than thou' attitude." Ouch.

"Whatever, can we just finish our report? I have prefect duties tonight with Ron," Hermione avoided his gaze. He was right. She needed to relax. Maybe this won't be as bad as I think it will be. She reassured herself. Her eyes did a quick roundabout the classroom. There was a large table hugging the entire back wall opposite the door filled with empty cauldrons, flasks, and scales. To her left were two nearly empty shelving units that would work well for holding all of the ingredients they should need. And to her right was a large window overlooking the Lake and part of the Forbidden Forest. One of the best views she'd seen. She currently sat at one of the three small desks occupying the remaining space in the small room.

"Ah, you're wanting to get back to Weaselbee, of course. I'm so sorry to keep you from seeing him," said Draco mockingly as he took out the essay they'd started to work on in class. Hermione, however, was not pleased.

"What's your problem, Malfoy?" She cried out.

Draco didn't know. He wasn't sure where this was coming from. He had wanted to say, 'I have something to tell you,' and not 'Ah, you're wanting to get back to Weaselbee.' Of course, the latter came out. He found himself the target of the hateful glare Hermione was sending. He swallowed and looked down at the parchment.

"Nothing. Now, will you come here so we can get to work?" He responded. Hermione was still staring daggers but much to his surprise she did what he asked. She took a seat next to him and started chewing on the tip of her quill. He noticed it hadn't been dipped in a couple of hours, but her saliva seemed to reactivate the ink enough to leave a small stain on her lip. She must have noticed him staring for she glared at him again.

"What?" She snapped.

"Nothing," said Draco, a small smile tugging at his lips. He pushed it away.

An hour and a half went by without any further disruptions. The couple seemed to find their balance as they switched roles from earlier that day in class. Now, Draco was the chosen scripter. His grip tightening slightly when she'd point out a mistake in either his logic or his spelling. His elegant script flowed to a stop as they finished the last sentence. The essay easily surpassed the required three feet of content. As they waited for it to dry, Hermione decided to speak.

"Can I ask you something?"

Draco looked up at the witch. She'd stopped recapping her ink. Instead, she had taken her lip between her teeth and was rocking it back and forth. Her lips were full, rosy. The flash of teeth he could see was perfectly white. Draco reeled back, noticing he'd been staring at her mouth for a fraction of a second too long. He cleared his throat easily, but his mind wasn't as easily calmed.

"Sure."

Gone was the confidence Hermione usually emitted. Now there was doubt in the air. Draco's pulse started racing. What is she thinking about?

"You heard the Hat's song yesterday at the feast, right?" She began.

The blood rushed to his ears, blocking out any further noise. Each drop of blood adding another brick to the fortress surrounding his mind. How did she know? Does she know I'm here to change everything? He realized he's stopped breathing and gulped down a big breath of air. Hermione looked worried.

"Are you alright?" She asked, her hand reaching towards him. Draco coughed and pulled back as if her hand was to burn him. And at this point, he wouldn't think it impossible.

"I'm fine. You were saying?" He replied. He wasn't fine.

"The Hat said something interesting yesterday," Hermione began again. This was it. He thought it would be better to just come out with it now. Maybe she'd give him a chance to explain. "-about uniting the houses."

"Listen, I can explain," Draco trailed off. Unite the houses? "Wait, unite the houses?"

Hermione gave him a strange look. As if he was going mental. Frankly, he was. But the entire student body didn't need to know that fact. "Yes…" She said slowly. "I had an idea?"

"An idea?"

"Are you going to repeat everything I say? Or will you listen to my proposition?"

Draco choked, half tempted to repeat the word 'proposition'. Did she know what that sounded like? Hermione did seem to catch up as her cheeks colored.

"Don't be a prat. I was going to ask for your help." Hermione said annoyed. It was clear that she was trying to get the rouging under control to no avail. This piqued his interest, however. This was exactly what he needed. A way to earn her trust.

"I'll help," he said quickly. Hermione, who was getting ready to talk some more, halted. She looked completely taken by surprise.

"You will?" She asked suspiciously. "I haven't even told you what for." Draco shrugged and leaned back on his chair.

"Fine, I'll humor you. What for?" Hermione narrowed her eyes.

"I want to make a Hogwarts Common Room."

"A what?" He asked. He was completely taken by surprise. He'd expected her to ask for help with a class. Or maybe even a fellow student. But what the hell was a 'Hogwarts Common Room'?

"It's a common room for all houses to come together. A comfortable common area to do homework or hang out with students from other houses," she explained. Draco raised his eyebrows in surprise. That wasn't a terrible idea. Of course, not many people would show up. And those who would, would be running in the same social circles. A good idea but terrible execution. And why would she need him anyway? It seemed as if Hermione could read the last question plastered on his face because she added, "I need your help gathering all the Slytherins to join." There it was.

He was absolutely positive no Slytherins would continue to show up past the first day. They'd come for the novelty of it all. A new toy to check out. But Slytherins weren't easily entertained. Especially not by lions. However, he could see the faith in Hermione's face. Maybe this will be easier than I thought. Draco thought. If this was all he needed to earn her trust, he'd do it. After all, it wasn't his fault that Slytherins wouldn't continue to show up. At least he tried.

"Okay."

"'Okay?' That's it?" Hermione asked warily.

"Is that not what you want me to say?" He questioned. Hermione bit her lip. Clearly, she was uncertain of how easy it was to convince him to join her cause. "Don't look so shocked, Granger. I actually think it's a half decent idea." Hermione preened at the compliment from the Slytherin. "Of course, if it was well executed." Hermione's eyes flashed dangerously.

"'If it was well executed?'" She repeated indignantly.

"Are you going to repeat everything I say? Or will you listen?" He left out the 'proposition' part of her quote. It didn't seem to matter, as the effect he wanted had been achieved. Hermione huffed.

"You. Are. Insufferable," she bit out. "If you're so wise, then please, tell me what I'm doing wrong."

"But that's no fun, is it?" He answered, rolling up the now dry parchment. "It's almost 10. You should go." Hermione let out a long breath.

"Fine, be that way," she muttered under her breath, following as Draco left the room. Hermione stopped. "Wasn't there something you needed to tell me too?" She called as he was heading towards the moving stairs.

"Was there? I don't recall." He turned and made his way to the Slytherin dorms. He would tell her later. Maybe she'd be more inclined to believe it if she actually trusted his word. When they were amicable. But for now, he would focus on the tasks at hand. Finish the potion and compose a Hogwarts Common Room. It shouldn't be that hard. Right?

A/N: Don't forget to review/comment! It keeps me young.