Author's Note: To all those who are following my other Bellamione No Time Like the Present- I have not abandoned it. This idea just struck me and I had to run with it.

It Was Not A Kiss

Chapter One- CPR

It was a particularly sunny afternoon at Hogwarts, which was a little odd for a Thursday in late October.

Summer had ended weeks ago when dark clouds covered the sky in an endless grey, bringing those crisp autumn winds with them. Students began wearing their jumpers, scarves and knitted caps, proudly displaying their house colors.

Having such a clear sky of blue and warm rays of sunshine was nice. Too nice.

In fact, it might as well have been an omen.

Just because it was a sunny day, did not mean it was going to be a nice day. A fact that Bellatrix Black was learning the hard way.

She motioned her wand at the giant red tentacle, casting wordlessly. The stinging hex struck the large appendage, searing the squid's skin and forcing it to release the captive from its grasp. The student began to slowly sink into the depths of the lake.

Bellatrix- who was decked out in one of her favorite black corseted dresses and knee-high boots- flicked her wand again, sending her towards what she could only assume was a Gryffindor. What with the glaringly obvious red and gold swimwear. She grasped onto the student holding them about the waist and cast an Ascendio, sending them both toward the bright light above.

Bellatrix broke the surface of the frigid lake gasping. It had been reckless to go in without casting a breathing charm first, but the giant red abomination didn't give her much choice. With the girl in hand, Bella treaded water for a moment before her eyes spotted the Care of Magical Creatures professor being hoisted up onto the floating platform by several grey-skinned Mermen, their silver tails flicked back and forth furiously as they tried to shove and pull the half-giant.

The Great Lake was in utter chaos.

Many Selkies- adorned in various beaded jewelry and wielding sharp edged weapons- were dragging and carrying the students out of the freezing water or facing off against the colossal cephalopod with their jagged spears and daggers. Bellatrix could hear screams of panic and distress off in the distance, and looking up she saw a mix of brightly outfitted students upon the shore. No doubt deposited by those green-haired lake dwellers.

Bellatrix used a Swift-swim charm to propel herself and the girl towards the floating platform where the gargantuan, swimsuit-clad, and unnaturally pale visage of Rubeus Hagrid waited.

"Wingardium Leviosa." He uttered, using the 'swish and flick' of his wand to help them up.

Upon landing, Bellatrix quickly checked to see if the Gryffindor was breathing. The professor found the Bubble-Head charm was still in effect and the young woman was just unconscious.

"Is Valerie ok Professor?"

Bellatrix swiftly gauged her surroundings. A handful of students managed to make it there one way or another. The platform itself was closer to Hogwarts than before due to the thrashing of the squid.

The voice that had spoken belonged to Mandy.

A Ravenclaw seventh year, her brain supplied.

The girl was studious, but she lacks backbone. Her wavy blonde hair had become thin and curly from the lake water, and her demeanor was tense and full of fear.

"She's fine Brocklehurst," the dark witch said tersely, and turned towards Hagrid casting a quick transfiguration spell on her dress to mimic the children's swimsuits, "How many are unaccounted for?"

"Not sure 'bout that. Two mebbe?"

"I'm going back in."

With a quick Bubble-Head Charm this time around, she dove into the cold dark water of Black Lake.

It was one of those days; the kind that seemed to drag on forever. Everything felt especially slow and monotone, even for a muggle-born witch like Hermione. She loved Hogwarts, she loved magic, and she loved being a witch. But not today. Today was an exception.

Double Potions was a tedious affair that left Hermione's hair frizzy and her temper sour. Professor Snape was in one of his moods again; refusing to give her anything above an Exceeds Expectations no matter how Outstanding her potion actually was. She had to bite her cheek from saying something that would land her in detention. Her record was spotless, and she aimed to keep it that way.

After lunch was double Ancient Runes, a free period to study in the library, and then Astronomy after curfew. Yes, Hermione's day was another full schedule of non-stop effort. But today, she was already done. She, Harry, and Ron had finished cleaning up their cauldrons and made their way to the Great Hall.

Hermione wasn't very hungry but grabbed something anyway. Harry and Ron stuffed their pockets with some small sandwiches and a few sweet rolls, and like many of the other students, they chose to spend their lunchtime outside. Hermione walked next to Harry and Ron, flipping through her Ancient Runes textbook and only half-listening to the boys talk about the upcoming Quidditch Season. Ron was inhaling his food as Harry read aloud the Daily Prophet Sports section.

Even though the day was nice, and the sun was shining, Hermione didn't see why so many people were out. She felt crowded as they walked down the narrow staircase leading to the Great Lake. Students tittered about like annoying flies, making Hermione snap her book shut.

Ron startled at the noise, almost choking on his sandwich.

He thumped his chest to clear his throat before turning towards her, "Blimey! What's got your gargoyle jumpin'?"

"Nothing." She hissed through clenched teeth. They hit the base of the stairs and Ron was muttering about her mood changing with the weather when she rounded on him slapping the roast beef and cheese out of his hands. It hit the stones with a splat near a couple of Ravenclaws who glared at them, but said nothing, choosing to leave after seeing the prefects. Hermione spun around and started down the path toward the lake, her chest heaving, face hot and mind whirring.

The boys stopped walking surprised by her outburst. She was irritable and her bad mood only spurred her forward. She felt herself flush in anger, but kept going. Harry was the first to shake the surprise and began trotting to catch up, gently grasping her arm when he did reach her. Ron eyed his fallen sandwich somewhat forlornly before following Harry.

"Hey," Harry said letting go, "What's wrong Hermione?"

She shuffled a bit crossing her arms. She was embarrassed and his soft tone wasn't helping to ease her guilt. Ron stood next to Harry, hands in his pockets, with a bit of a slouch to his shoulders. Oh no. She knew him well enough to see the hurt.

She ran her fingers through her tangled, frizzy hair, only to pull them out when they got stuck.

"Ron I- I'm sorry. I shouldn't have reacted like that. I'm just a bit out of sorts. I have double Ancient Runes next and I cannot- for the life of me- focus on anything. I just want this day to be over." She finished with a heavy sigh.

Ron looked thoughtful for a moment. He smiled and nudged her shoulder with his own, "You and me both 'Mione." And just like that Hermione knew she was forgiven.

Harry smiled, "I think this is the first time I've seen you lose your cool in a long while."

Hermione scowled at the notion, but before she could speak Harry cut her off, "It's not a bad thing! I just think you work yourself too hard. Always trying to be perfect when you really don't have to be. You're a fantastic witch Hermione. You just need to take a break every now and then."

Ron nodded his agreement and before Hermione could respond, screaming pierced the air. Several panicked students came running towards them clambering to get past each other. The trio moved out of the way allowing the younger students to pass by.

Ron grabbed a Hufflepuff by the robes, pulling him out of the stampede of first years.

"HEY! Let go of me!"

"What's going on?" he questioned the blond boy, holding him tight by the robes.

"Oh Ronald, let him go! Can't you see you're scaring him?"

The kid did look scared, but not of Ron.

"It's the Giant Squid! It's killing everyone!" the lad screamed as he wrenched himself free from Ron's grasp and threw himself towards the stairs.

"Harry. We should go see what's going on." She suggested.

"Yeah, okay."

She and Harry were Prefects; it was their responsibility to protect the younger students. Even if it meant running into danger. Never one to leave a friend in need, Ron tagged along behind them as they made a run for the beach.

Reaching the southern side of the Great Lake through the forest path they finally caught a glimpse of the terror that sent the first years running.

"Bloody hell." Ron breathed.

The giant squid was attacking the Merfolk. And the Merfolk were retaliating. Even from such a distance, the trio could hear the shrill screech of the squid and the odd clicks and garbles of the Merfolk as they cried out their fury. The squid then disappeared into the dark depths. They watched as the grey splotches in the distance disappeared as well.

They saw a large figure surrounded by small colorful dots on a platform. It was moving across the lake away from the squid, almost like a motorboat. It was not fast, but it was able to create some distance from where the squid had been. They were headed right for the boathouse.

"Harry!" A voice called out.

Looking away from the choppy waters they saw Neville and several other seventh years garbed in colorful swimsuits running towards them through the muddy beach.

"What happened?" Harry asked as the taller boy came to a halt in front of them.

Neville had filled out over summer, gaining muscle and definition to his shoulders and arms. When Hermione first met up with him again on the train to Hogwarts, he was being bombarded by the young ladies and she couldn't help but agree with them. He made quite the dashing figure, and in his swimsuit- well, he carved an especially fit image.

But right now he was not smiling or joyful, his face was stern, and any youthful happiness was nowhere to be found. Just a strong jaw set with a serious expression.

"I don't know why it happened. One minute we were studying with the Merfolk's Wisemmer-"

"A what?" Ron asked with a puzzled expression.

"Don't interrupt Ron!" she chastised.

Neville shot her a tiny smile, "It's alright Hermione. A Wisemmer is like a historian Ron. Their job is to remember the Merfolk clan's most important feats. We had just learned of the Great Break from their sister clan- the ocean merfolk- when the Giant Squid appeared in the village. It just started smashing and destroying everything in sight. Hagrid shouted for us to head for the platform. Me and a few others got separated from the class and just made a swim for shore."

Hermione knew the giant squid was a gentle creature and under normal circumstances he would never hurt a student or go near the Merfolk village. I wonder what made him go berserk?

"Do you have any theories about-"she was cut off by a loud eruption in the water.

A burst of blue light bubbled to the surface with an explosive force sending a large shockwave of ripples across the lake.

"Was that magic?" Harry gasped.

"Naw mate. Merfolk don't have magic like wizards do."

"Maybe Hagrid forgot someone." Hermione said thinking out loud.

The boys were silent up until Harry started pulling off his shoes.

"Oi! What're you doing Harry?"

"What's it look like Ron?"

"Harry you can't go out there! You've got to be mental wanting to go out there!"

Hermione didn't like agreeing with Ron, but she grabbed Harry's shoulder which he just shook off.

"You can't go Harry. It's way too dangerous! Dumbledore would have heard of it by now. He can-"

"Well I don't see him Hermione! And if it were you out there, or Ron, you'd want me to come get you right? Besides we're Prefects. We are supposed to protect our classmates!" He argued back hotly.

Neville took a step up to Harry, "How are we getting back out there?"

Ron sighed deep and loud before making a show of throwing his robes off and unlacing his shoes.

Hermione kept eyeing the spot where the burst of light came from.

Even if they were able to swim out far enough to find the person who made the magic, there's no telling what kind of chaos was going on under the water. Hermione tried to think of the fastest way there.

The boys had stopped talking and were looking right at her.

"What?"

"Are you coming?"

Hermione hesitated for a moment before she relented, peeling off her own book bag and robes handing them to a couple of the other students from Neville's class, "Would you be so kind as to look after our things?"

They nodded warily.

"Hermione!"

"I'm coming! I'm coming! I'm sure you two know the Bubblehead charm?" she asked pointedly.

Neville cast it over himself as a sheepish Harry and Ron waited for Hermione to help them.

"Now what? Do we just swim out there? It looks pretty far." Ron said reluctantly.

Harry was already wading into the water when Hermione called him back.

"I have a better idea."

"Zippo!" she said clearly.

There was a sharp snap and a house elf appeared. He wore a small hand-knit outfit that Hermione had gifted him last winter and was positively bouncing with happiness.

"Good afternoon Miss Hermione!" the tiny elf chirped, "How can Zippo be of service today?"

"Hello Zippo. I'm so sorry to bother you, but my friends and I are in a bit of a bind and I need your help."

The tiny elf's big ears flopped to the side when he looked at her with the eagerness of a puppy.

"Oh yes Miss! Zippo will help! It would make Zippo so happy to help Miss Hermione!"

Hermione tried to stop his small rant but in the end let him go on. Her friends gave her a couple questioning glances as she knelt beside him.

"Can you swim Zippo?" she asked gently.

"Oh yes Miss. It's very important for Hogwarts elves to know how to swim. Sometimes elves get pulled under by big fishes that wants to eats us. Zippo learned how to swim when he was one!" the teeny elf exclaimed jubilantly, puffing out his chest.

Well that's terrifying.

"Zippo, I need you to listen carefully. My friends and I need you to apparate us to that part of the lake," she pointed to the place where the ripples had originated, "We think some students may be stuck in the water. I think they need help. Will you please take us there?"

Zippo was a smart little elf and he could tell what an important thing this was to the witch.

"Yes yes yes! Zippo will help Miss Hermione! Yes!" he chittered as he rounded up the group into a small group hug.

Hermione felt a twisting at her naval, followed by the nausea and extreme discomfort- as if being force through a tube- until finally a pop.

They fell into the icy water below.

The fierce chill from the water knocked the breath from her, and she struggled for a moment before pulling her wand and casting a warming charm on herself, then on Zippo, who still clung to her, shaking like a day old hippogriff.

"M-me n-next." Said the redhead treading water near her.

She obliged, casting quickly on both Ron and Harry, and turned to Neville but remembered that Hogwarts' swimsuits were enchanted with impeccable warming charms. Neville was fine without her help.

Harry was treading water to her left and Ron and Neville to her right.

"Okay, I say we split up and search in a ten meter radius, go as deep as we dare, and if we find whoever cast the spell bring them immediately to the surface. Zippo, will you please wait here for our return?"

The tiny elf shook his overly-large head, "Oh yes yes! Anything for Miss Hermione!"

His big green eyes stared adoringly at her, his big nose pointed in the air as the tiny elf treaded water.

"How will we know if the others found them or not?"

"Maybe shoot some red sparks from our wands like the champions did in the Tri-Wizard tournament?" Harry suggested.

"That's a good idea. Nice thinking." Neville said.

Everyone was in agreement.

"Zippo can take whoever appears first to the shore and then come back for us as we come to surface. And Zippo, if you see any big fish, please take care of yourself first and apparate to shore. You can keep an eye on us from there if you feel unsafe, okay?"

Zippo sniffled a bit rubbing his large nose on his soaking-wet sleeve.

"Oh, Miss Hermione is such a good witch. So kind. So thoughtful to Zippo. Zippo will be a good elf. Zippo will stay and wait for Miss Hermione!"

Ron huffed a bit at the overly sentimental display, "Well, we'd best get on now. C'mon! Hermione you go west, Harry north, Neville east, and I'll go south." He pointed to the directions that were closest to each one and with a quick good luck salute he dove down.

Harry was next, followed by Neville and Hermione.

She cast a quick notice-me-not charm on Zippo, so that any predator nearby would ignore him, and then she dove beneath the surface.

It was dark and quiet under the surface of the Great Lake. The boys were each swimming in their appointed directions as Hermione surveyed the vastness of the underwater. It was a lot deeper than she'd remembered. She was glad she'd thought to use warming charms, even though it was delayed a couple of seconds as she descended into colder temperatures.

She'd reached the kelp forest, swimming along the top of it, skimming the slimy weeds with her fingers, looking for anyone in colorful swimsuits.

The last time she'd been this far below the surface of the lake was in her fifth year. She was a prodigy when it came to magic, and with help from Professor McGonagall, she was able to excel far beyond her peers. She had been granted permission from the Headmaster to use McGonagall's Time-Turner to take extra classes in her third year, which allowed her to take even more advanced classes in her fifth. Care of Magical Creatures had one such advanced course, it focused on relations with magical creatures classified by the Ministry's Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures as "beasts with near human intelligence". This class allowed young witches and wizards to learn in the creatures' own environment and was more or less an olive branch from the "Reformed" Ministry. It was a way to breach the gap between the old Ministry- with it's near debilitating control of these higher-thinking creatures- and- thanks to serious lobbying by Riddle- the newly assigned 'being' creatures. Each term in her fifth year was dedicated to one specific creature depending on whether the creatures in question wanted to participate. Goblins and Centaurs had been the first two and Merfolk the last.

Hermione had been lucky enough to be part of the first class in Hogwarts to visit the Merfolk living in Black Lake. The creatures themselves were very reserved and they didn't show much emotion, mainly due to their facial structure. She and her classmates learned that Merfolk spoke using the flow of water through their vocal chords and gills, resulting in hums, clicks, and screeching. Humans could not speak the language even if they wanted to. She was taught an alternative form of BSL, or British Sign Language, in order to communicate with the lake dwellers. It was the Ministry Approved Sign Language or MASL, that allowed an easier translation between wizard and merfolk; their hands had webbing between each digit, so the regular BSL needed to be modified to accommodate their needs.

Neville had spoken about the village Wisemmer, and Hermione lamented on the fact that she was never permitted an audience with him. She supposed that Hogwarts had a better relationship now with the Merfolk than before, which was why they were more trusting of its students. Still, it would've been nice to sign with the merman himself. Neville didn't know how lucky he was.

She was just about to give up the search when two silvery figures with green hair swam up from the kelp forest. They were as elegant and noble as she remembered. Strong jaws with sharp teeth, large predatory eyes that tracked every miniscule movement, and muscular bodies nearly two meters in length.

She signed a respectful greeting, as they floated some distance from her. The response was immediate- and kind. She hadn't met them properly when she was there last, they had been pups after all- and pups weren't allowed to make greetings with the students until they reached maturity, but they remembered her. They were surprised at her fluency after such a long time away, and a quick back and forth determined Hermione's next move. She signed that she was looking for stranded students, and that she wanted to help.

They let her know that they've gathered all the Hogwarts' hatchlings- and Hermione secretly smiled at this because, Hello! That's adorable. Even if Hermione silently disagrees; seventh years are closer to adulthood than the merfolk know. They tell her that there are no more little ones in the kelp forest.

She thanks them for their help and decides to go back to the surface to see how the others have fared. Upon breaking the surface, she sees none of the boys, but Zippo is still treading water a few meters away. She calls out to him, and his head perks up at the noise.

"Zippo came back Miss! Most would leave Miss Hermione, but not Zippo!" he crowed splashing a bit in his excitement.

Immediately after reaching him he disapparated them back to the beach where a small crowd had gathered.

"Thank you Zippo. You are such a good friend." She hummed, casting a drying charm on his clothes, "Did you get the boys back here?"

"Oh yes Miss! The tall boy found a girl and Zippo brought them back right away. Then Zippo went right back to the spot you told him to wait at. Yes Zippo did! Zippo's a good elf! A good friend!" the tiny elf pointed behind her.

Neville was sitting in the sand with a Ravenclaw- the blue and silver swimsuit was a dead giveaway- who happened to be Luna Lovegood.

"Luna!" she called out surprised and relieved at the same time.

The girl turned to Hermione and smiled politely, "Ah Hermione, have you come to see Godric?"

Hermione was put off for a moment, the question bizarre.

"Godric? As in the founder of Gryffindor?"

"Yes. He seems to be in a terrible mood today."

Hermione was well aware of the rumor that the giant squid was actually Godric Gryffindor in Animagus form. It was totally baseless and an utterly impossible rumor. But for Luna, anything was possible. Hermione chose to ignore the path this conversation was heading, instead opting to look towards Neville for support.

"She's fine Hermione."

Oh thank goodness. Hermione really liked Luna, but her small talk always led to rather unnerving or strange conversations about Nargles or the like, and Hermione did not have the patience for that right now.

"Miss Hermione! Miss Hermione!" a little voice squeaked pulling on her robes, "It's your friends Miss Hermione!"

Hermione's head snapped towards the lake seeing Ron dragging a person behind him.

Draco Malfoy had arrived to see Ron valiantly carry the student from Hagrid's class out of the water. Draco and Blaise had been poking fun at the seventh years in not-so-quiet-whispers, when Draco glowered at the lake eyes narrowing, following Harry as he swam towards the shore, a body in tow.

"Saint Potter!" he seethed loudly trying to garner the attention of the students gathering nearby, "And people actually think he will make the youngest Auror?"

Hermione, who had tried to ignore the blond Slytherin's bait, whirled from Luna, eyes flashing dangerously, "Shut your mouth Malfoy, before I shut it for you!"

Draco let out a cruel chuckle, "Was that supposed to be a warning? Pathetic."

Vincent Crabbe and Gregory Goyle, who were the two largest oafs -and if the whispers around Hogwarts were true- the most empty-headed students in school, began to laugh overly loud at Draco's joke. The pastries they had been shoving their faces with, spewed from their mouths splattering Zabini in the process. The boy shrieked in disgust, wiping his face with his robes. He scowled something fierce at the dimwits, moving away from them.

Draco turned from the distasteful display, only to see Hermione smirking.

"Something funny, mudblood?" he spat.

The slur wasn't surprising- nor insulting, not anymore. But that didn't stop some students from gasping in shock.

The Statute of Secrecy had been broken nearly sixty years ago by Tom Riddle: once the Head Boy of Hogwarts, Prodigy, Half-blood, and Muggle-born Activist- now the Minister of Magic. He had ushered in a new era, merging the magical and muggle world- not completely, but the muggles were now aware of the existence of magic. It was an involved process with some hiccups along the way, but the magical community had- for the most part- embraced his ideals of unification for the great good of the world, and the results spoke for themselves.

The word mudblood had gone mostly extinct, but a few ancient families still taught their children the 'old ways'. The Malfoys were such a family. Their ties to pureblood fanaticism were muted in society, but it was moments like this when Draco- son and heir to Lucius Malfoy, spat his family's age-old hatred openly.

Hermione smiled again her posture relaxed, and even though she wanted to hex his ferret face into a thousand pieces, she held her wand down and away from his direction.

"Not at all," she intoned, "Actually I should be thanking you. It was such a brave thing you did, going into the freezing lake to rescue our classmates. I imagine how nice it will look on your school record. I wonder how many house points Slytherin will earn for such selflessness. Not to mention the glowing recommendation you would receive from the headmaster…"

Hermione let the implication of his inaction settle in the silence.

He raised his wand with a swiftness the witch hadn't expected, but with a snap of her wand she blocked his nasty jinx with a Protego. He shot off a few more before she retaliated. If Malfoy wants to duel me, he'd better not flinch!

The circle of students expanded quickly and became an oval, each one fleeing to a safer distance to watch the two duel.

She knew better than to duel without a professor's consent, but Hermione's blood ran hot with hate; she wanted to knock him down a peg. Besides, she was defending herself. Hermione didn't start this fight. But I can finish it!

She sent a Stupify directly towards him, followed by a Filipendo to his right, he leapt to his right, just as she predicted, avoiding the first spell and walking right into the second.

He flew in a twirl of robes and sand landing with a crunch about ten feet away.

"Expelliarmus!"

Draco's wand was wrenched from his grasp and flew straight into Hermione's left hand.

Crabbe, Goyle, and Zabini drew their wands, aiming them at her.

"I wouldn't do that." She said calmly, not lowering hers. She knew she could disable the two dunderheads easily, but Blaise wasn't as arrogant a dueler as Draco was. He kept a level head in most of the duels she'd watched him in. Her most pressing matter was how bloody fast he was.

Now I sound like Ron.

Before anyone could blink, a girl cried out, "IT'S PROFESSOR BLACK!"

Hermione lowered her wand carefully, fully expecting a hex, but when none of the Slytherins cast, she turned away and ran to the boys.

"Harry! Ron! Oh my goodness! Is she okay?"

"I don't know! We barely managed to get her out." Ron wheezed, "Where the bloody hell was your elf Hermione!"

"Set her down here Ron! Hermione help us!" Harry gestured to the sandy beach they just dragged her up on.

"Is she breathing?" Hermione asked, ignoring Ron's question.

"I don't think so." Harry panted.

Ron was hunched over with his hands on his knees breathing hard, "Hey 'Mione, don't you know a spell?"

"I'm not a Medi-witch Ronald!" she snapped kneeling down next to the professor, brushing the wet hair from her face. "There is a spell, but I've never performed it before. It draws the water from the lungs. I've only ever read about it."

"But can't you try it?"

"It's extremely difficult Ron! I could kill her if I'm not-"

"MOVE!" a voice shouted from behind the trio.

Draco Malfoy, followed by a gaggle of students gathered closely around them. Draco's face fell when he saw Professor Black.

"Auntie!" he shrieked landing on his knees in the sand next to her. He didn't touch her, but his hands hovered over his aunt, shaking sporadically. "What do I do? What do I do!"

"Draco calm down! You're not helping!" she said checking over the witch.

The woman was paler than normal, almost a ghostly blue- like Nearly Headless Nick- her hair fanned out around her head in swarms of inky curls- wet and sandy. The woman was in a similar swimsuit to Neville's, except it was all black, like the dress she wore during class. Professor Black's face wasn't nearly as severe in this unconscious state as she was in the classroom. She looked almost peaceful.

Hermione breathed out heavily trying to right her nerves, going over the intricate spell in her head, "Just- just give me a minute! I need to think! I don't want to mess up."

"Granger," Draco sobbed, his eyes pleading, "Help her."

The students around them began shouting, panicked.

"Circe above! Professor Black is dead!"

"Black is dead?"

"Are we gonna die too!?"

"Oh wow! Can I get a couple pictures Harry?" Colin Creevey- a third year- held up his camera an eager smile on his face.

"Not now Colin!" he shushed.

"Ron! Harry! Calm them down! Get them back!" Hermione commanded gesturing to the small crowd of students pushing to get a look.

The boys immediately began shoving the kids back, forming a small circle around the professor.

"Granger, please! Help her!" Draco was nearly hysterical, tears streaming down his face.

Hermione blanched at the clear display of emotion on the normally arrogant Slytherin. She pulled her attention from the blond boy and back to Professor Black. How long was she like this?

Think Hermione! Think!

Harry pushed Colin's camera down, "What about CPR Hermione? Didn't you get certified as a lifeguard?"

Oh my goodness! That's right! She'd taken the course two summers ago, when she and Harry joined Ron at Bill and Fleur's coastal cottage. Hermione's father had been worried about their safety at the beach and she decided to take the course to pacify him.

Hermione looked down, a grim line set on her face. How did it go? Two chest compressions and one rescue breath? Or two rescue breaths? Dammit. You can do this Hermione! Stop overthinking it!

She laced her fingers and began the chest compressions. She counted out thirty- she hoped that was the right amount- then stopped and tilted Black's head and lifted her chin- to open the airway, letting the professor's mouth fall open slightly. Hermione pinched Black's nose closed and supported the woman's chin with her right hand. Taking a normal breath she put her mouth on the professor's. The woman's lips were icy cold, but soft.

Really soft.

"What are you doing to my aunt!" Draco bellowed.

Harry saw Malfoy go for his wand; it was laying in the sand near Hermione. He drew his own quickly.

"EXPELLIARMUS!" Harry cried.

Draco's wand flew from his grasp for the second time that day, right as Ron tackled him.

"GET OFF ME WEASEL! SHE'S VIOLATING MY AUNT!" he growled punching him in sides.

"No she isn't! It's called CPR! It's a muggle way to revive a drowned person!" Harry said pointing his wand at Draco, who had no choice but to stop thrashing.

While Harry was dealing with an over-emotional Draco, a sneaky third year clicked his camera as Hermione performed the muggle life-saving technique on Professor Black.

Two rescue breaths then back to the chest compressions.

She repeated it several times until Black finally lurched upwards, spitting out lake water. A small cheer went through the students watching, relief evident on their faces.

Thank goodness!

Hermione patted the woman's back and began rubbing soothing circles. Confused eyes caught Hermione's.

"It's okay Professor." She said gently as the older woman shuddered and coughed, "You're okay now."

Professor Black was alive.

"Auntie!" Draco shouted shoving Harry's wand away and peeling Hermione's hand off the woman's back. "I'm here Auntie."

Several loud snaps drew the crowd's attention from the sniveling Slytherin.

Madam Pomfrey and the headmaster had arrived. With a quick survey of the situation, Dumbledore cocked his head at Bellatrix catching her eye, she nodded slowly; an understanding passed between them.

"Take care of Bellatrix, I have a squid to see to." Dumbledore said calmly. With another pop of apparition he was gone.

While the Hogwarts Matron pulled her wand out waving it over the professor scanning for any abnormalities, the students who had gathered on the shore watched as a tiny figure in the distance calmed the raging giant squid within a matter of moments.

As always, Hermione was in awe of the headmaster, and more than a little relieved at his arrival. She lay back in the sand and threw an arm over her eyes to block out the sun.

Ron and Harry laid down next to her, soaked and exhausted.

"I don't care what you say 'Mione," Ron rasped, "I'm skiving off my next class."

"Count me in mate," Harry chuckled as Hermione breathed out a bubble of laughter.

For once in her life, Hermione agreed, "Skiving it is."

Most of the students involved in the event at the lake were allowed the rest of the day off, no strings attached. The boys were excited about getting extra time off, until Hermione politely reminded them of their Transfiguration essay that was due on Monday. Of course they said they'd have the weekend to finish it, but they were more likely to get hit by a rogue Bludger than get it done early. They tended to leave the most of their coursework for the last minute, finishing it in a blind panic instead of planning ahead. But it wasn't like this was new. Six years of this kind of behavior had become habit for them and Hermione wasn't one to follow suit. She did her allotment of homework that was due the following day, and even managed to get a head start on her DADA assignment.

Hermione sat in the Hogwarts library, scribbling her closing argument onto the last bit of her scroll. She'd been at it for a couple of hours, and the chiming of the clock tower told her to head to the Great Hall for some sustenance. She cast a swift drying charm on her paper so the ink from her quill wouldn't smudge when she rolled it up. She was still miffed that Hogwarts refused to allow students to use normal muggle pens and markers. There was some disagreement between the parents regarding ink and quill cost-and surprise-surprise, the purebloods managed to convince the school board to forbid the cheaper muggle equivalent. Bloody ridiculous.

As she finished up her work, there was a low clicking sound that resonated from the school speakers. Speakers being one of the muggle technologies the school board did approve of.

Dumbledore liked to let his Phoenix, Fawkes, begin every announcement with a soft trill so as not to startle the students who may be in the middle of delicate casting, potioning, or the like.

"Attention staff and students," his voice was calm and it held that familiar rasp to it, "Due to the incredulous happening this afternoon, there will be a mandatory assembly tomorrow morning in the Great Hall before the noontime meal. All students and faculty must attend or face repercussions of great magnitude. That is all."

She sighed inwardly at the prospect of a school-wide assembly. Her Fridays were fully-booked, with five classes and prefect duties; this gathering would set her time table back. How annoying.

Hermione slung her book bag over her shoulder, taking the small selection of books she had used for her research and returned them back to their correct shelves. She preferred not to earn Madam Pince's ire by leaving them out. The older librarian made an absolute fuss if the books were left unattended. She was unflinchingly harsh with the punishments too. Hermione luckily never had to go through her detentions, as she always took great care of every book she checked out. She was never late on returning or renewing them either, and she never ate or drank anything near them.

Ron had made that mistake once in their second year and he spent an entire month cataloging all the older manuscripts and scrolls that weren't bound in a book. It was tedious work that he swore was already being done by a fifth year. And at the end of it, he was right. Madam Pince had forced four students do the exact same punishment. Oh she had said it was to 'determine the accuracy of the collection of data', but really, it was the only thing that was soul-shattering enough that the student never mistreated a book again.

Hermione had just left the library when she ran into Ginny and Harry. They were holding hands, small smiles on each face.

"See," said Harry, "I told you she was in the library. You think you'd know her by now."

Ginny tugged his arm playfully, "Forgive me if I wanted to give her the benefit of the doubt. But alas, I am wrong." Ginny glared at Hermione scornfully, "Why can't you be like us normal creatures 'Mione, and take the day off?"

Hermione furrowed her brow, "I did."

The couple looked at each other than at Hermione, "No hon, you so didn't take any time off." Ginny sighed, "You probably spent the last six hours getting a jumpstart on next week's material."

Hermione huffed, "I am what I am, Ginerva Weasley."

Harry let out a low whistle, "Damn Gin, you ticked her off!" he laughed.

"Shut it Potter!" Ginny growled.

Hermione linked her arm in Ginny's showing there was no true malice behind her words, and the younger witch ducked her head bashfully. "Sorry 'Mione."

"No harm done. Let's go eat. I'm absolutely famished!"

"I second the motion!" Harry said smiling.

So the trio walked arm in arm to the great hall, listening as Ginny spoke of the silly rumors going round. From a rogue wizard with a vendetta against the Merpeople to Godric Gryffindor- the Animagus Squid, there was nothing concrete in them. News of the giant squid's attack was all over the school. Many of the more outlandish rumors were flying between the younger students, mainly because the older ones knew better, but many of the muggle-born children were ready to believe anything, so they helped circulate any and all improbable whispers they heard. Hermione did wonder how it really started. What caused the squid to cause such a ruckus?

The closer they got to the hall, the less Ginny talked. Hermione began to notice some odd looks and raised eyebrows sent her way. Ginny and Harry noticed it too. When they entered the hall she noticed the tables were half-empty, but there was a buzz in the air. The students from each house were grouped in larger circles than normal, everyone talking animatedly in hushed, but excited whispers.

Walking past the Hufflepuff table, Hermione heard a few giggles and some more whispering. She eyed them curiously, wondering what they were talking about. When she caught their eye though, they immediately turned away and giggled louder. Hermione spied an open Quibbler in front of them. Whatever they were discussing was probably in there.

The Quibbler was originally a gossip slash advice magazine that Xenophillius Lovegood- Luna's father- had created during his free time at Hogwarts. It was incredibly popular with the student body with a wide range of topics. He often interviewed students and staff about the goings on- in and around the school. Many students found it sensational, so much so, that the Hogwarts School Board made him an offer to buy it. They developed a new class that implemented The Quibbler as a main focus. It was also a fun way to keep students informed and engaged with the school as a whole. Journalism was a popular career path for many and having a voice was something Minister Riddle encouraged. This way, students learned the correct way to investigate and report on any issues.

The Quibbler was sold for one knut, that price hadn't changed and it never would. It was one of Lovegood's requirements when he signed his magazine over to Hogwarts. He wanted it available to the common person. It became Hogwarts' official newspaper, printing a new issue each month.

As Hermione and her friends made their way to the Gryffindor table, she tried to recall what had been in the Quibbler that month. She couldn't recall anything being gossip worthy.

Strange.

Before she could muse any longer, a great applause broke her reverie. Most, if not all, of the Gryffindor table was clapping. Hermione swiveled her head around wondering who the applause was for.

There was a loud wolf whistle from Seamus Finnigan, alerting everyone to her arrival, and almost immediately Hermione was swamped with Gryffindors and Hufflepuffs.

"Wow Hermione I didn't know you swung that way!"

"Just tell me you slipped her some tongue!"

WHAT?

She was being bombarded with questions and rather lewd comments, when she finally pried herself away shouting, "What the bloody hell is going on!"

Dean Thomas piped up, "You would know! It's all over the front page of the Quibbler!"

Ginny, who had been just as curious as Hermione, snatched the issue from Dean's hand, looking with wide eyes at the picture on the cover.

"Great Gellert Grindelwald!" Ginny gasped.

"What's it say?" Hermione asked looking suspiciously around at her peers, "Ginny?"

When she got no response, Hermione tried to take it from the witch but Harry nabbed it, wanting to see it first. He barely laid eyes on it when he flushed a deep crimson.

"Merlin's Beard!" he exclaimed.

"WHAT. IS. IT." She hissed, trying to yank it from him. "Tell me!"

Harry held it up high above his head out of her reach, "I don't think that's a good idea…"

With an angry snarl she pulled her wand and whirled on the small group of Hufflepuffs who were watching the entire escapade.

"ACCIO QUIBBLER!" she shouted, jerking the issue off the Hufflepuff table and into her hands.

"No! Hermione don't!" Harry pleaded.

But it was too late.

Hermione stood frozen, the moving picture looping over and over. Somehow, someone had gotten a picture of her at the lake. Of her at the lake performing CPR Professor Black. And they put it in the school newspaper for everyone to see. The way it was edited- it made it look like she was snogging her professor, not saving her!

Her hands shook as she read the headline: Prefect Granger's Got Guts! The Untold Tale of a Gryffindor's Courage!

Hermione was slapped on the back by one of the eighth year Gryffindor boys, causing her to jump.

"You're one lucky S.O.B. Granger! I've been aching to lock lips with Black since my first year!"

His friends laughed along with him smiling saying 'me too' and congratulating her.

Wait. Waitwaitwaitwaitwaitwaitwait.

She had to set the record straight because this was being blown way out of proportion.

"I- I didn't- I wasn't- It wasn't- a- a kish!" she said stumbling over her words. She could barely think it, let alone say it.

"Aw c'mon Granger! Don't spoil the fantasy!"

"I would have paid galleons to see it! GALLEONS!" one boy said collapsing dramatically onto the Gryffindor bench.

Hermione blushed heavily at the salacious comments. This was not happening. It wasn't just the boys either. The girls were just as bad.

"Hey, so what's it like snogging a woman twice your age?"

It wasn't a kiss.

"I bet she works it like a pro!"

It wasn't a kiss!

"Hey Granger, did you cop a feel?"

No. No. No.

"What's she taste like? I heard she wears flavored lip balm."

IT. WAS. NOT. A. KISS.

"Hey Granger!"

She couldn't stand the burning in her face, nor the never ending lecherous commentary from her dorm-mates. She had to get out of there.

With lightning fast casting she hit an unfortunate few with the Jelly-Legs Jinx, causing them to collapse. She sprinted past them, rather uncaring. When she got to the entrance, she saw a mass of students arriving for supper and they immediately began zeroing in on her. She ran. She didn't stop when she heard Ron. She didn't stop when Filch harped out a 'No running in the halls!' She kept going. Past Gryffindor tower. Right to the one place she could take refuge.

The Room of Requirement.

She had stopped at the blank wall for barely a moment before it began changing into a door. Apparently, her need to disappear was loud enough to summon the door. The witch wrenched it open and then slammed it shut, her back colliding with it as she sank to the floor with her face in her hands.

Oh my- oh no. What? What!

Her face was on fire, her mind was spinning, and most of all- her heart was thundering like a jackrabbit! She crumpled the newspaper in her hands.

Stupid Quibbler! It was CPR! Not a kiss!

There was no salvaging this situation. The Quibbler was probably all over school by now and no doubt everyone would think she was some- some lascivious harlot!

The young witch let out a frustrated scream. She lurched to her feet and began pacing the room. It had taken the shape of small study, complete with a nice sofa, desk, and fireplace. There were bookshelves lining the walls filled with all manners of books. Tall candles were floating silently, interspersed around the objects of the room.

This is not happening!

Hermione sat on the small red and gold sofa and tried to calm down. She wanted to be rational about the situation. Taking several deep breaths, she allowed herself to see from another's point of view.

Her classmates misinterpreted the situation because- because they're magic! They don't know muggles, or that they discovered a way to resuscitate a person from drowning. But they should! They've been in a pseudo-alliance with the Muggle government for nearly half a century!

The muggle-born students should know better, but this was really a matter of clarifying the truth to listening ears.

Hermione was stuck between a rock and a hard place. Either she could try to validate her reason for her mouth-to-mouth with Professor Black, or she could ignore the situation completely and everyone would assume she liked her professor.

This is madness.

Her stomach let out a small grumble, which drew her out of her mental spiral. She was very hungry. Eating would help her feel better. The room, however, was not able to provide her any sustenance, because that is one of the five Principal Exceptions to Gamp's Law of Elemental Transfiguration.

She may have been able to recall one of Gamp's Laws, but she was still hungry and she certainly didn't want to leave the Room of Requirement yet… Then she got an idea.

Hesitantly, she called out, "Zippo?"

A small crack of apparition brought the house elf to her for the second time that day.

Poppy Pomfrey was the Matron of Hogwarts and probably the best Healer the school has ever had. She had been quick to dismiss most the students with superficial injuries-which was nearly all of them, and even quicker to assign Professor Black to bed rest. It seemed Black came out worse than any of the students; Valerie being the only student to stay in the Hospital Wing. She was the one student who'd been gripped by the squid's large tentacle for a long duration. She had a few broken ribs and a bit of bruising. Madam Pomfrey was able to heal up her broken bones in a heartbeat, but requested she stay overnight to be certain.

Bellatrix had been out of sorts after her near-death experience at the lake. So the Matron had taken her to the Hospital Wing for observation; she had treated the witch at the lake for her broken arm and snapped ankle. The bones were healed, but the flesh was still tender, so Pomfrey had applied some Bruise Removal Paste. And in the Matron's opinion, it was by far the best invention the Weasley Twins had come up with. She used it on a near daily basis since it had been mass produced.

Poppy was a very stern caregiver and refused Bellatrix's wish to sleep in her own bed. The DADA professor normally would fight against the 'infringement on her rights', but she had been too damn exhausted, and in too much pain to care. Poppy gave the black-haired witch a heavy dose of a potion to manage the pain, and a sleeping draught.

Bellatrix had slept through the night and morning, only waking when the sun's afternoon rays shown blindingly through the infirmary's windows. She felt loads better. She moved her arm and ankle, testing them. Satisfied that she wouldn't hurt herself, she threw off the covers and stood.

Poppy arrived at that moment, seemingly unsurprised at the woman's recovery.

"I'd stay in that bed a few more days, were I you."

"Why's that?" she yawned looking at her robes in displeasure.

Why must they always have long, dragging robes? She thought, transfiguring her apparel to fit her tastes. It was one of her many corseted-dresses, except it was shin-length-to prevent the fabric from catching- and it was a nice black with emerald accents. She even transfigured herself a nice set of knee-high lace-up boots. She motioned for Poppy to continue.

"The Ministry was here this morning. They came to Hogwarts to investigate the Giant Squid's attack on the students and Merfolk in Black Lake. That's not the only reason either," she said giving Bella a curious sideways look, "They're still here because-"

"Poppy." a gentle voice interrupted from behind her.

Headmaster Dumbledore stood in the entrance to the Hospital Wing. He was so still and quiet, that one could almost mistake him for a statue, if he ever wore anything other than his bright wizard's robes.

"Bellatrix," he said motioning to her to join him, "We have some guests from the Ministry that would like to speak with you regarding yesterday."

"I just woke up. Can't they come back another time?" she whined.

"I'm afraid not, however, I did manage to keep them from your bedside. They are currently interviewing several students. I thought it best to inform you on what's transpired since yesterday, so that you were not caught off guard by their questions."

"Ugh, fine. I suppose this was inevitable. How's the bloody squid by the way? I managed to get a few choice spells off." She said walking alongside the older wizard.

"Indeed you did. He will be fine, as fine as one can be after a bad day."

"A bad day? The Giant Squid- who nearly killed a class of students and me-had a bad day?"

"He was not himself."

"How do you figure that?"

"It's easy to hear a soul in despondency, if you take a moment to listen."

Bellatrix scoffed at the notion.

"What'd you do? Sit down and have a cuppa with him?" she joked.

"He's never been one for tea." Dumbledore replied seriously.

Either he completely ignored Bellatrix's baffled look, or he didn't see it.

They had made their way down from the hospital wing to the third floor Gargoyle Corridor without any interruptions. When they reached Bis, the Gargoyle statue, Dumbledore muttered 'Lemon Drops' and it leapt to the side allowing them up the spiral staircase to the headmaster's office.

Bellatrix had always found Dumbledore's office interesting. Especially as an adult. She couldn't see the need for some of his things when she was younger, but now as an older witch she could appreciate the irony of some of his curiosities.

It was a large and beautiful circular room, full of funny little noises. The spindle-legged tables held the odd silver instruments- some that she still hadn't determined the use of- they whirred erratically and emitted little puffs of smoke. The walls were still covered with portraits of the old headmasters and headmistresses, all of whom were snoozing gently in their frames. Bellatrix glanced at the mechanical clock on the far wall; it was only seven twenty.

Dumbledore shuffled past her, gently stroking Fawkes' feathers as he passed. He rounded the enormous, claw-footed desk, only to sit in his high-backed chair. He shuffled some scrolls around searching for something.

"He's getting old," Bella commented, lowering herself into a chair across from the headmaster, "His feathers are drooping."

"Yes, yes. He's been looking dreadful for a while. Any day now." The headmaster nodded solemnly, still rummaging.

Poor sod.

Bella looked away from the firebird, crossing her legs and tilting her head, "I assume you'd like to go over my involvement with the squid's attack?"

"Indeed, but just a moment." He said pulling open one of his desk's drawers pulling out the paper with a satisfied hum and handing it to her, "The most recent edition. Printed and distributed last night by a highly motivated journalism class."

Bellatrix took the Quibbler, glancing at the front page, only to stare at it with disbelief.

"What in Morgana's name…?"

"This is an amusing fabrication," he said lightly-amusing? What part of this is amusing?, "But the Ministry officials, who have only arrived because several children sent home owls regarding the attack, got their hands on a copy and have since filed an inquiry. Hastily I may add. They want to question you regarding your-," Dumbledore paused, stroking his long silver beard, "-Involvement- with Miss Granger."

Bellatrix choked back a gasp of indignation, "INVOLVEMENT? There's no bloody anything between me and Granger! For the love of Circe!" she threw her hands up, "What exactly happened after I got knocked out by Big Red?"

Dumbledore peered over his half-moon spectacles, "After you went in a second time, according to several students' accounts and Professor Hagrid's, a group of students- Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, Neville Longbottom, and Hermione Granger- took action to protect their classmates. After rescuing two other classmates, they managed to bring you to shore. You weren't breathing, and Miss Granger was the only one qualified to resuscitate you. She used a muggle technique called…What was it now?"

"CPR." Bella replied robotically, remembering Andromeda's late night muggle lessons. Her then boyfriend-now husband- Ted Tonks, had encouraged her sister to take Muggle Studies, and Bella and Cissy were educated by extension. Though Bella couldn't really hate Andy for her impromptu lessons. It was because of those quiet nights learning the truth about muggles that she'd been able to shake her parent's ideologies on blood purity. She'd been at the center of the demonstrations with Andy- and participated in a few riots- for the muggle-born cause back in the day-when Riddle wasn't the Minister yet, and when the Wizarding World needed a change.

"Yes. CPR. An ingenious muggle invention, to be sure. She performed said CPR, saving your life."

Granger saved my life?

"Though Mr. Potter played an important role in your rescue, it was Miss Granger that revived you, and unfortunately, incurred the eyes of the public."

Saved by a teenager. How embarrassing.

Bellatrix remained quiet, contemplating the image and article in her hands. Was she losing her edge? Needing to be rescued by children? One of the strongest witches to ever grace Hogwarts' halls needed saving? The fact that it was Hermione Granger that saved her, mollified Bella somewhat. It could have been worse. It could have been Weasley. Being rescued by the young prefect was better than any alternative. She shuddered at the thought of anyone other than Granger putting their lips on her.

Dumbledore studied the woman as she gathered her wits, only seeing the slight furrow of her brow when she spoke.

"So the Ministry thinks I'm what? Shagging Granger? They want to investigate me because of some ludicrous theory made up by a bunch of school children- that Granger and I are having an affair? "

He raised an eye at the black-haired witch, "To put it simply, yes. I am also legally required to ask, are you 'shagging' Miss Granger?"

Bellatrix cringed at Dumbledore's use of the word before ranting incredulously, "OF COURSE NOT! She's my student! I have never- NOT EVER- done anything with Granger!"

Dumbledore raised a hand halting her rant, "I merely had to ask for the record. I have never had any doubt in your integrity as a professor here in Hogwarts. Please sit down Bellatrix." He said gesturing to the chair.

She didn't even realize she had stood up.

Gracelessly, she collapsed back into the chair, pinching the bridge of her nose. "What's going to happen? Will I be put on leave, or..?"

"No. I don't think that will be necessary. I have spoken at length with Miss Granger after the Ministry Officials questioned her. They asked, and were permitted by her parents, to use Veritaserum."

"They what!"

They used Veritaserum on Granger? The effing bastards!

Bellatrix was shocked at the blatant misuse of power the Ministry was exhibiting.

Dumbledore ignored her outburst, "It was clear that she held you in high esteem, but any romantic notions were not present. She's well, I assure you."

"I don't need your assurances Dumbledore!" she snapped, " How could you allow her- ALLOW A STUDENT- to be put under the influence of such a powerful potion? She's-"

"Professor Black!" the headmaster curtly interjected her tirade, "Miss Granger was the one who suggested it. She was outraged during her questioning. The officials inferred that you may lose your position at Hogwarts for fraternization with an underage witch. They even described a lawsuit against you for misconduct. However, Miss Granger was adamant in your defense, and voluntarily suggested Veritaserum as proof. I daresay it worked."

Bellatrix deflated, all the ire for the Ministry leaking out of her with every breath. She'd been the target of the Ministry before and was prepared to fight tooth and claw against this malicious allegation. But she didn't need to worry; it seemed Granger had more gumption than she gave her credit for.

"So what now?" she asked wearily.

"Now you must present them with your side." The wizard said summoning an elf, "Tea Bellatrix?"

"Please." She sighed, looking at the Quibbler's front page picture again, her thumb tracing Granger's profile.

This was going to be a long morning.

It was Friday after lunch and Hermione stood outside the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom, fidgeting with the strap on her book bag. A part of her dreaded going into the room, especially after the assembly.

Apparently Professor Burbage- the Muggle-studies teacher- had seen the Quibbler and realized the article for what it was. She had immediately gone to Dumbledore, requesting the assembly as a way to inform the students on the correct way to perform CPR. Needless to say, it did not go over well. The students were just as lewd as the night before, yelling out suggestive innuendos the entire time. Many house points were lost, each house contributing to the juvenile antics. At one point, Gryffindor lost twenty points because several of the eighth years decided to put on a mini reenactment. It caused an uproar of laughter. Finally, after that fiasco, the headmaster had awarded Gryffindor points for heroism and selflessness. Hermione earning the most-given in a single instance in Hogwarts History- a whopping fifty points. She earned a plaque for the act of saving Professor Black, and another for the points, so any hope of this embarrassing situation being swept under the rug was close to nil.

Harry and Ron were trying to coax her into the classroom when Malfoy rounded the corner down the hall, Pansy and Blaise in tow. Hermione lurched into the room, wanting to avoid the Slytherins. She took a seat near the back this time, pulling out her quill and ink.

As far away from the Professor as I can get.

Ron and Harry were in the desk in front of her, pulling out their hastily scribbled homework when Malfoy paused at her desk. Hermione raised a brow at him. The blond boy looked like he had wanted to say something. He shook his head and strutted to his normal seat near the window.

Hermione eyed him suspiciously, but ultimately ignored him.

At least he didn't say anything.

It was probably because it was his aunt. He would never drag his favorite aunt's name through the mud.

Her musings were interrupted by a loud bang as the door to the classroom was slammed shut. Professor Snape stormed in with a swishing of his robes. She groaned inwardly, as the boys groaned outwardly.

"I will be filling in for Professor Black, as she has important Ministry business to attend to."

Hermione's heart jumped to her throat.

She had been terrified at first when the Ministry Officials had questioned her about her relationship with Black that morning. They had been blunt and forceful, trying to get her to confess to an affair that never happened. She'd quickly deduced they just wanted to nail Black for anything, why though, was a mystery. She did a quick turnaround, deciding to defend her favorite professor. Dumbledore had intervened a few times when she had looked to him for help, but for the most part he was silent. They kept badgering her, and at one point they had said Black could end up in Azkaban, and that was just unacceptable. Hermione found herself offering to use Veritaserum, surprising the Officials, Dumbledore, and herself.

Dumbledore procured it easily from Professor Snape, and with a quick permission from her parents-who really didn't know what it was- she drank the clear liquid. It had been smooth flying from there. She answered everything exactly the same as before, but this time it was accepted as the full and complete truth. Dumbledore had requested that Snape stay as a secondary witness to the proceedings, so that those two Neanderthals wouldn't try anything.

The two got creative though, trying a different tactic. They had asked if Hermione found Bellatrix Black attractive, and Hermione's first instinct was to say no. But the serum made her speak only truth.

It had been mortifying to admit she found the older witch attractive out loud. To Snape's credit, he had said nothing, showing no sign of interest whatsoever. Dumbledore too, was not even fazed with Hermione's acknowledgement of Black's attractiveness; he ended the interrogation there, insisting that many students have a healthy attraction towards their professors, and that even he was bitten by the love bug once in his school days. It didn't mean they acted upon it.

Afterwards Hermione was allowed to study in Dumbledore's office until the effects of the serum wore off, then she went to the assembly.

The Gryffindor hoped Black wouldn't be accused of anything. Hermione had only performed CPR to save her. It wasn't supposed to have this kind of reaction.

Professor Snape waved his wand and the window shutters snapped closed one by one. He then released the cord holding up the projector screen, allowing it to unfurl. Swiftly, he walked to the small podium tapping his wand on the projector. It whirred to life, spitting an image of an amphora with crude drawings on it onto the screen.

"Turn to page three hundred and ninety-four."

Hermione had never been so grateful for the weekend. While she did love Defense Against the Dark Arts, Professor Snape left her hand cramping from all the note taking.

Ron and Harry had lost Gryffindor house points in nearly every class with Professor Snape, but even with his usual point deductions, Gryffindor was still well ahead of the other houses. She hoped it would be enough to win this year's house cup. They'd lost the last two years to Slytherin and Hufflepuff.

Hermione was sitting in the stands that Saturday, watching the Ravenclaw vs Slytherin Quidditch match with her friends, holding an umbrella and wearing a raincoat. The winds were bloody ridiculous, and the rain was absolutely pouring. She kept having to perform the drying charm on herself and Ron. Ginny and Harry did their own.

She hadn't really wanted to come to the game, but was dragged unceremoniously by Ron, Harry and Ginny. They insisted it was necessary to see any new plays the Slytherin team may have developed. They didn't want their nemesis to have any advantage.

So here she was four hours into a neck and neck game. Slytherin had just scored another goal, gaining the lead with one hundred and thirty points to Ravenclaw's one hundred and twenty. The Gryffindors tended to cheer for any team opposing Slytherin, and today was no different. A loud booing came from the close-to-empty Gryffindor stands. The Gryffindor house only had the hardcore fans and players watching, so Hermione sat alone. Ron said he had to use the loo and headed off. He'd probably find a snack stall on his way back. Maybe he'd grab her a chocolate frog. It was clear that Slytherin wasn't using any new material against Ravenclaw about two hours in, and Harry and Ginny developed that "itch that needed scratching" and had left to find a quiet corner to snog in. That left Hermione cold and alone.

She was sitting alone holding onto the umbrella for dear life as the winds and rains howled around her.

I don't know how they do it.

Quidditch players had some serious determination, to play in this kind of weather. It shouldn't have surprised her though. Her friends played in snow and rain before. She just didn't see the need to put herself through such rigorous conditioning for a game like Quidditch. She supposed she would never understand it. Not like Harry.

Somehow Hermione had missed the beginning of the race for the Snitch. Draco was side by side against the Ravenclaw Seeker, both knocking each other viciously trying to get ahead. The Snitch shot upwards and the Seekers followed. They zigzagged through the rain, going around in circles. The Ravenclaw Seeker's grasp slipped from his broom a bit as they ascended another steep incline trailing the Snitch higher. Loud gasps echoed from the stands, everyone watching with trepidation.

He was able to hold on, one leg still swung over the Nimbus 2000, as Draco raced ahead; his job made easier with the other Seeker struggling to remount his broom.

Draco was hounding that Snitch up and down, weaving left and right, just barely out of his grasp when it nosedived. Whether it was coincidence or some divine interference, lightning struck the Snitch right as he snatched it, the shockwave throwing him sideways into the Gryffindor stands, crashing into the wooden benches snapping and breaking them as he skidded to a halt.

Hermione was the first Gryffindor to jump up and run over. She was a prefect after all.

"Malfoy!" she called over the howling wind, "Malfoy are you okay?"

She managed to pull some wooden boards off the Slytherin Seeker, freeing him from its weight.

He groaned miserably, clutching his stomach with one hand. He had several cuts and bruises on his face, and his goggles were cracked and one lens was completely missing. His hair was askew and plastered across his forehead.

"Ugh. Granger." His head lolled to the side, annoyance flashing across his face for a moment.

"Do you want me to leave you here?" she snapped.

He managed to look apologetic, even though he didn't say anything; he nodded a no.

She levitated the board trapping his legs and broom off, before holding out a hand. He frowned at the appendage, as if her hand was something revolting, like a Blast-ended Skrewt. I don't have time for this. She gripped his game-robes and yanked him to his feet. He was a bit wobbly, but he managed to stay upright. He tugged his clothes from her grasp, with an irritated frown still on his face, even as he held up the Snitch. An enormous cry rang out from the Slytherin stands as Lee Jordan narrated the end of the game.

"Slytherin has caught the Snitch!"

Draco winced, lowering his arm and plopping down on one of the unbroken benches. Hermione had lost her umbrella to the wind when she had ran to help the blond Slytherin; but noticed Draco was worse off. He was soaked. A small surge of pity forced her to cast a quick drying spell, followed by a warming spell on the Slytherin. He jerked back viciously as if expecting her to cast a nasty jinx, but regained his composure when he felt the heat soak into his bones.

The raincoat she wore had a hood that blew off when a gust of wind blew across the bleachers. Hermione transfigured a piece of wood into an umbrella and opened it, offering it to the boy.

"Nice game. Congrats on the win." She said sincerely. Why am I being nice to him?

"Uh, thanks," he blinked confused. She shook the handle of the umbrella.

"I'm not going to hold it for you, you know."

"Oh. Right." He took the umbrella, "Thanks. For… uh, helping me." He winced as he said it. Hermione almost laughed. She never thought she'd hear those words out of Draco's mouth.

"Do you need to go to the infirmary?"

He gave her that look again. It was a mix between puzzled and vexed. "No, I'm good Granger."

She gave him a half smile, nodded and left, pulling her raincoat cap back over her head. She was going to have a hard time taming her frizzy hair tonight.

Draco watched her go, then looked at the umbrella.

It was Slytherin green.

Bellatrix was in the Defense Against the Dark Arts office, quill scribbling across a scroll. She had been grading all of her students' work for the week and she was just finishing up her first year's essays on defensive spells when the clock on her wall chimed. She glanced up from her papers to check the time.

Damn it's late.

Bella had been at this for a good four hours. She threw her grading quill onto the desk ignoring the red ink that splattered across the parchment. She stretched her arms out and felt the Pop! Pop! Pop! of her spine as it lengthened. It was time for a break. A Fire-whiskey break.

She had just poured herself a neat glass when there was a rap on her office door.

"Enter." She groused.

Draco hurried in locking the door behind him, not wanting to get caught outside Professor Black's office.

"Draco? What the hell are you doing here? Are you trying to lose Slytherin house points?"

"I'm sorry. I- I just really need to talk with you."

Bella eyed him warily; she could never turn Draco down. She sipped her drink before motioning him forward, "Fine, fine. Sit down nephew and tell Auntie Bella all your troubles."

He sat down quickly, fidgeting with the edge of his robes. His posture was rigid, and his face tight.

"I'm not sure how to begin," he confessed.

"Just spit it out. I need to get these," she gestured to the students' scrolls, "done."

He ran a shaky hand through his short blond hair, "Why don't you hate mud-" he froze as Bella pinned him with an icy stare, "Muggle-borns," he corrected trying to get in her good graces.

She knocked back the rest of her drink, giving her time to formulate a response.

Draco had been born in a delicate situation. His mother, Narcissa Malfoy, had loved her husband Lucius since before Hogwarts. She wanted to be his perfect pureblood wife. Bella didn't hate Lucius at first, and both of them actually got along rather well. It was after Bellatrix and Andy became 'blood-traitors', that he became an insufferable pest. He tried to make Bella less in her classmate's eyes, and he constantly berated their standing to Narcissa, saying things like 'I don't know how your parents haven't sorted your sisters out yet. I'd be ashamed if any of my family turned traitor.' The sad thing was, his quips worked. Narcissa had been a smart, happy young witch, but being torn between her sisters and her lover was a difficult thing, and she had to make a choice. Unfortunately, she chose Lucius. Bella and Cissy still talked of course; they owled each other and went to tea every now and then. Hell, Bella was even named Draco's Godmother. But it wasn't enough for Andy. Lucius forbade Narcissa from mingling with Andromeda- she was considered a pariah by Lucius for being married to a muggle-born. He tried to forbid seeing Bella too-to cut Cissy off from the 'bad blood' of her family, but that went over like a barrel of Cornish Pixies. Bella was not one to be intimidated.

It had been an immensely trying time when Bellatrix graduated. They had been smack-dab in the middle of the new reform riots and Bella's face tended to be the only one the Daily Prophet liked to show. She had been an influencer for change, even though her younger sister Andromeda introduced her to it. Bellatrix's Aunt Walburga had wanted her mother Druella to blast her and Andy off the family tree and brand them as blood-traitors, permanently disowning them. It had been a night full of arguing and tears. Her father had stayed silent through the ordeal, even as his sister fought with Druella and Bellatrix. It was in the heat of the fight, when Walburga had drawn her wand on Bellatrix, calling her a muddied whore- that a duel had broken out. Bellatrix against her Aunt, and even to this day, it put a smile on Bella's face. She recalled the swiftness of her casting and the precise moment Walburga knew she had lost. The look on her face had been priceless. She had disarmed her aunt, leaving her gasping in defeat on the foyer floor, when her father finally stepped in.

He looked at Bellatrix for a long time, his eyes dark-always cold and empty- always filled with disappointment. He had wanted a son. He'd said as much whenever he was displeased with his eldest child. But that night, something had changed. As he stared at his eldest daughter, flushed from the heat of her victory, arrogant in her prowess, the air about him was changed.

There in the foyer he proclaimed Bellatrix his heir. It wasn't some long winded speech, full of emotion. It was a curt dismissal of his sister Walburga. A simple statement of fact. He would not allow any child of his to be disowned, and the Ancient and Most Noble house of Black would carry on, family intact.

Her mother had cried silent sobs of relief as her father escorted his own sister out of their manor.

From that point forward, the Black's forged their own path, one of resistance to their own beginnings.

Narcissa had been young enough to avoid the backlash, but old enough to appreciate the situation. While she knew Cissy loved her family, Bella had never seen the toll the change had made on the young witch. Bella had been become so immersed in Muggle-born equality rights with Andromeda, that she had let her relationship with Narcissa fall to the wayside. And by the time Cissy had graduated Hogwarts, Bellatrix was busy working as recruit to the Aurors Office under the newly elected Minister Riddle. So she had precious little time to spend with her baby sister.

During Bella's absence, Lucius had managed to sway her with his charms. They married shortly after Hogwarts. It had been difficult, trying to reinter her sister's life. Narcissa had moved past her 'mudblood phase' as Lucius had called it, and entered society as Madam Malfoy. Cissy had refused to see Andromeda, which caused tension between their parents and Andromeda. The Black family had fractured in such a way, reconciliation seemed improbable.

Still, Bellatrix pushed to see and visit with Narcissa. She didn't want to give up, and finally cornered Lucius. She hexed him to oblivion and back before her finally agreed to convince his wife to speak with Bella again. They picked up almost as if no time had passed. Cissy recounted her time in Hogwarts, her achievements, her desire to become a great potioneer, and Bellatrix informed her of the muggle-born rights movement and its upward trajectory. Even though Cissy masked her disapproval, she said nothing and accepted Bellatrix as she was. It was a shaky line that was drawn, but Bella treaded it carefully, and never once pushed Narcissa past it. Then Draco was born, and Bella was made the Godmother.

Narcissa was clear about how he would be raised- it would be as Lucius wanted, pureblood in every way.

Bellatrix knew why Draco was here. She was at the game today watching her nephew take the win for Slytherin. She had seen him with her Omnioculars, flying after the Snitch, then crashing into the Gryffindor stands. She had seen Granger show up and help him. Which was a completely strange event in itself, but the longer she watched them, the more frustrated she felt. An odd feeling had settled in her chest at the sight of them standing so close. She didn't like it. She chocked it up to being overly protective for Draco's well-being. The Gryffindors never had a good relationship with the lad before, so the girl must have had some kind of angle.

Granger was- Bella didn't know what she was up to exactly, but this was the perfect opportunity to press Draco for details.

"The question you should be asking Draco, is why don't you like muggle-borns?"

He seemed thoughtful, but his face darkened into a scowl, "Well, father says they have dirty blood. That they've stolen magic that belongs to purebloods."

"Do you believe that?

"I- I don't know. Before I would have said yes, absolutely. But now… I'm just not sure."

Before what? Before the game? Before Granger helped him?

"Let us discuss this as if it were a debate in the classroom. I want you to tell me how a muggle-born goes about stealing magic. Go."

"Wait that's not fair. I don't know how they do it. Father says-"

"I don't want to hear what Lucius says. I want to hear from you exactly how a- mudblood," she spat out the word as if it was poison, "steals magic."

"Well they- they-umm…" Draco floundered.

Bella could see the internal struggle and forced herself not say anything until he came up with one thing on his own. She wanted him to come to his own conclusions.

"They take wands that don't belong to them! They steal magic by stealing wands. They wouldn't be able to do magic without them!" he said satisfied, crossing his arms.

"How? Wands choose their master, Draco. How could an eleven year-old have taken a wand that wasn't meant to be theirs? Didn't you go through- what was it? Six wands before you found the one that was meant for you?"

"Well, yes. But that's because I needed to find one that attuned to my magic. Mudbloods take-" he stopped himself. The dark witch saw the gears turning as her nephew pondered, chin in hand, narrowed eyes staring at something on her desk, chewing over exactly what'd he had said. He needed a wand attuned to HIS magic.

"Wands are made using ingredients magical in nature, but wands do not create magic. Wands can only enhance the witch or wizard's power and focus of their own magical energies. They cannot create magic. In the hands of a muggle, a wand would be a decorative stick." She spoke slowly, letting the truth sink in.

Draco looked at his aunt, "It doesn't really make sense. What father said."

"No, it doesn't. Want to venture a guess as to why?"

"Mud- muggle-borns have magic already… but they're still, still less- aren't they? Why would he tell me they were filth if- if…" he trailed off, going quiet.

Draco's always been a daddy's boy.

Bella sighed, standing up and rounding the desk. She sat on the edge and looked at her nephew.

"Draco, do you think you would be here if you didn't have doubts about what you've been taught? Because this prejudice," he was about to interrupt her but she made a quick motion with her hand, "I'm not finished. This prejudice is taught. It was taught to my parents, taught to your father and mother. To me. But if you are smart, like I know you are, you can learn the truth and accept it as fact-like I did. OR-you can ignore it like your mother did."

He was taken aback at the mention of his mother. Yes, Cissy knew muggle-borns weren't the dirty magic-stealing thieves they were made out to be, she just chose to ignore it in favor of her husband. And now her son.

"She's never said anything against father though…" he mumbled.

"She wouldn't. She loves your father, almost too much. He blinds her."

"But if muggle-borns aren't dirt then- Then that would mean I was wrong and everything I've done up to now was-"

This was it. The way in she was waiting for.

"It would mean I've been… It means that he lied to me. My whole life he said I was better than everyone else. That I was special."

I need to steer this conversation back to Granger.

"To any decent parent, their child is special. Now, I'm not saying you're an average wizard Draco, because with your upbringing you are far from it, but there is always someone better than you. Always."

"You mean Granger."

"Yes."

"How? How can you think she's better than me?" she felt the unsaid words in his tone, how could you think she's better than your own nephew?

"You've known magic your entire life Draco; you've known it since the day you were born. From children stories to brooms, from watching your mother brew potions to using Floo powder for the first time, you've known about magic. Hermione and all the other muggle-borns have never seen magic, lived with it, like you have. They come from a place where this-" she gestured to the entire office, " -isn't real. Where magic is tall-tale told at bedtime. They are at a disadvantage from the moment they get their letters to Hogwarts. They have to play catch-up. They have to learn all the basics that you already know. Most of the time it isn't enough. The muggle-borns are never as good, but- sometimes- there are exceptions."

"Like Granger." He scowled.

Here it was, the blow that would crush him to pieces.

"Granger has managed to surpass all of the purebloods her age. She's managed to surpass you."

She had to say it. To finally shatter the delusion Lucius had placed on him since infancy. Draco would be upset, of that there was no doubt, but just like she, he would rebuild himself up, stronger than before.

Draco's lips were pressed into a thin line, anger and betrayal flashing across his face at her words. But he said nothing as his aunt continued.

"She helped you today, in the stands during the match. I would say that it was because she's a Prefect, that it's her responsibility to look after her classmates, but I think you know I'd be lying. Granger is selfless when it comes to those in need. She-" Bellatrix stopped herself, realizing the truth in her own words. Maybe Granger didn't have an angle. Huh. She didn't need to prod Draco for information after all… She had answered her own question.

"I- I need some time… to sort out how I feel about all this." He said standing, his eyes looking anywhere but at his aunt.

Bellatrix grasped his shoulder pulling his gaze back to hers. She needed to support him now, like Andy did way back then.

"Just remember this Draco, you may be a Malfoy, but you're also a Slytherin. Salazar Slytherin was as pureblooded as it goes, and even he conceded the point that all witches and wizards- pure or not- should live and learn together. He was a co-founder of Hogwarts. A pureblooded man wouldn't do that on a whim, especially back in those days."

She tousled his hair a bit then sent him off.

"If anyone gives you trouble for being out past curfew, send 'em my way."

He nodded once and ducked out the door.

With Draco gone, Bellatrix's mind circled back to Hermione. She shook her head and poured herself another Fire-whiskey. Seeing the Prefect on Monday was going to be- odd, but from how things played out with the Ministry's inquiry, Bellatrix was certain Hermione would handle anything the older witch could throw at her. The girl has always been resilient and headstrong… The Brightest Witch of Her Age.

A smirk graced her ruby lips, picturing the Gryffindor Lioness thwarting the Ministry goons.