September 1995
"She's just reviewed Charms. She's a nightmare." George reported. "Honestly, when she shows up, don't expect to get anything done."
The Gryffindors, at least, had taken up reporting to each other Umbridge's movements. It made it easier to stay one step ahead of her. It appeared there was no rhyme or reason to her constant interruptions of educational pursuits.
"Harry's got detention with her again." Ron huffed. "Mouthed off in class and earned more detention."
"Thought the lesson would have sunk in by now." Fred remarked, subconsciously rubbing his hand.
"I guess I'm just stubborn." Harry said, walking up to the group. "What are we talking about?"
"Umbridge ruining our lives. I've made a chart. We're marking off classes she's attended and the sixth year Arithmancy crew is calculating probabilities for her next sighting." Hermione explained, hanging a chart on the wall. All of the students, from first year to seventh, looked at the wall, wondering what would happen next.
There was a code in the fourth floor girls lavs. There were enough bathrooms in the castle for there to be a code for each. Moaning Myrtle's bathroom, for instance, was where one went for secrets. The first floor lavs were for emergencies only. The fifth floor contained a Prefect's bathroom, and only prefects were allowed to abuse those privileges. The sixth floor bathroom was for stereotypical bathroom fights and threats. And the fourth floor is where girls went to lose their meals. No one spoke about it, it was just common knowledge. Everyone, no matter their blood, was equal in that bathroom.
"What have you got there, Granger?" Pansy Parkinson asked.
"Experimental candies." Hermione answered, accepting a mouth restorative potion from Megan Jones. The Hufflepuff was always good about bringing the potion after supper.
"What kind of experimental candies?" Alexia Flint, a sixth year Ravenclaw, asked.
"Puking Pastilles." Hermione replied after rinsing her mouth. "Not on the market yet, as there is an issue of allergens. Most purebloods are allergic to one of the negligible ingredients. No, Mandy, I don't know why."
Mandy Brocklehurst decided not to pursue that line of questioning.
"Anyway," Hermione continued. "If the twins follow my notes, it should be a couple of weeks before they have a large enough stash to sell to the public. 5 sickles to the bag. At least, that's what the markup should be."
"You really are a genius, aren't you?" A Ravenclaw asked in awe.
"That's what they say." Hermione said, ducking her head and blushing.
"What happened? You know, between you and your Weasley?" Megan asked, pulling Hermione into a hug.
"Told him he couldn't test on first years. Don't know why I expected him to do different, but there it is." Hermione replied, allowing the hug but not reciprocating.
Everyone stared at the floor for a few seconds, each contemplating their own despair.
"You'll let us know when those go on sale?" Daphne Greengrass asked after a bit. Hermione nodded her agreement. "Good. As an act of good faith: you should know, they're testing on first years in their abandoned classroom they've hijacked. You know it?"
"Yeah, I do. Seeing that you know, and I assume Pansy knows, I guess none of the other prefects want to deal with it?" Hermione asked, looking at Pansy.
"Look, when it comes to upper years, I let the other prefects handle their own house. It just makes good sense." Pansy said with a shrug.
"I may have to use that. I obviously have no control over my own house. I can't expect to do anything to other houses." Hermione said, shouldering her bag and leaving.
"It's weird seeing a Gryffindor in here." Megan said, staring at the door. "If there's one thing they don't like, it's admitting their weaknesses."
Harry stumbled into the common room feeling disoriented. He'd just come back from a long night carving I must not tell lies into his skin and he was tired. And sore. And sick. And Hermione was waiting on a couch to ambush him.
"Harry, please, we have to talk." Hermione said, trying to get his attention.
"Not now, Hermione. I need a shower and sleep. Please." Harry begged.
"Harry, we need you." Hermione said, grabbing his arm. He gave her a look that said get in line, but she ignored him. "Not like that, and you know it. We need you to help teach us Defense. Please."
"I can't, Hermione. I'm not qualified." Harry argued.
"Neither is she! Crookshanks is more qualified, Merlin bless him!" Hermione shouted. When Harry winced, she clenched her whole body and clarified. "Harry, you're the only one who can do this. Please, you have to help us. Help us be better." Hermione begged. Harry looked at her for a long moment before shaking his head and walking away.
Draco was an observant teen. He could tell that change was on the horizon. Just this morning, he'd helped the Weasley twins pull a prank on Filch by playing distraction. Umbridge was letting him get away with murder, and he had to wonder if it was because of the color of his tie. Is this what it felt like to be a Gryffindor? To have the favor of the teaching staff? No wonder they went about like ponces. It was bloody invigorating.
"Draco, your head's clouded with Nargles." Luna said, coming around a corner.
"Where did you come from? Merlin, woman, we're going to get you a bell!" Draco swore.
"No you're not. I'm just not wearing shoes." Luna replied.
"Why aren't you wearing shoes?" Draco asked, looking at the blonde's feet.
Luna shrugged her shoulders as if it were obvious and said, "We've been at school for a while now. I won't see shoes again until Christmas hols."
"Wh-Why not?" Draco stuttered.
"Draco, we've been friends for years and you haven't worried about my shoes in that whole time. Why do you care so much today?" Luna asked, cocking her head to the side.
"Why don't you care?" Draco asked, slightly outraged. "Who even took your shoes?"
"Probably the girls in my dorm. They don't like me much. They call me Loony." Luna informed him in the same tone she informed people about the weather.
"Luna. That's not right. You have to tell someone." Draco said, grabbing the girl by her shoulders.
"What good would that do? It's been going on, very blatantly, since first year." Luna said, patting his head.
"Don't patronize me." Draco said through gritted teeth.
"Draco." Luna looked at him with pity. "You didn't even notice until I told you. It's okay. I'm used to it. You'll get over this. Now, let's go work on your secret project. I promise, I haven't told anyone, not even Ginny, about this."
"Good. It has to stay secret until the end of the year." Draco said, leading Luna to Snape's office.
"You know this could sway her decision, don't you?" Luna asked.
"That's why it has to be the end of the year. I want her mind made up before I do anything rash." Draco said, leaving the conversation there.
Hermione paced in front of the classroom, really not wanting to go in. This would only end in tears. Her tears. She was already crying, knowing what she would find. The seventh year Gryffindors didn't dare interrupt the illustrious Weasley Twins, especially in their den of pranks. Hermione wasn't as weak-willed at they were. She was going to put an end to their ridiculous testing on first years.
Hermione grasped the doorknob and shoved the door open with purpose. As she suspected, there were several first years present. They froze, not know what would happen.
"Take your antidotes and get out." Hermione demanded, pinning George and Lee with her stare. "You're done here."
The first years ran from the room, grateful they weren't in trouble.
"One thing." Hermione said, still refusing to look at Fred. "I asked you three to do one thing. Don't test on first years. How much trouble have you had with them?"
"I don't… What do you mean, Granger?" Lee asked.
"What I mean is, you're ingredients are too strong." Hermione said, throwing a notebook on the floor. "That's why I didn't want you testing on first years. They're too young and some of your ingredients are too strong. You'll have to market separate first through third year snack boxes. And you'll need a disclaimer on the fourth and up boxes that release you from liability should a younger year eat those candies."
"You… You researched for us?" George asked, knowing that Fred was unwilling to speak up at the moment.
"Of course I did!" Hermione shouted. "When have I have I ever not researched for you?"
"Right." George said, hanging his head a bit.
"That being said, I knew what I was talking about when I told you not to test those products on first years." Hermione said, the fight leaving her as quickly as it came. She turned on Fred and stared at him. "One thing. I asked you not to do one thing. It wasn't even something hard. And you couldn't even manage that."
She stared at him for a moment longer before she shook her head and walked to the door. "Just, don't do this any more or I really will owl Mrs. Weasley. Oh, and there's a meeting at the Hogshead during the first Hogsmeade weekend. Just because I'm angry with you doesn't mean you shouldn't come. It's for everyone who wants a chance."
"A chance to what?" Fred asked, taking a risk.
"A chance to fight back." Hermione said, turning to leave again.
Fred grabbed her arm to halt her progress. "Hermione, please, just talk to me."
"And say what? You clearly don't listen." Hermione asked, tears in her eyes. "Show me. Show me what you mean."
"How do I do that?" Fred begged.
"I don't know." Hermione said with a shrug. She stared a moment longer, then left the three seventh years alone with their thoughts.
"Alright, Freddie, what's step one?" George asked.
Fred was silent for a long moment before he said, "I don't know, but I have an idea."
Ginny wasn't sure how many more favors her brother's owed her, but all of them were going to have to pay up...eventually. She took the seat in the Great Hall; not many were willing to since the start of the year. Gently, she laced her fingers together and put them under her chin.
"You want something," Harry said putting his quill down.
"I want you to lose the annoyance in your voice. I'm not Umbridge or Snape."
Harry took a deep breath and looked over to her, his foul mood dissipating.
"How's the hand," Ginny said, reaching for it before he could move away. "You know there's a way to end the agony, right."
Harry kept his hand in hers, his thumb rubbing her hand gently. "Maybe I like the pain. Let's me know I'm alive."
"There are other ways to do that, you know." Ginny said, lacing their fingers together. "Like, I don't know, living. I don't mean the muggle science way Hermione drags on about. Oxygen and whatnot. Doing something that makes you happy."
Harry gave her a sly grin. "Have something in mind?"
"Yeah, something you're good at. Defense."
"I liked my idea better," Harry mumbled, scooting closer to her.
"That can be arranged, too," Ginny blushed. "You know what I'm talking about."
"I don't see why they need me," Harry said with a shrug.
"Maybe you need it. Maybe you need them to help you out of whatever you're feeling. Blow something up, share your talents, and heal from it."
Harry sat and thought for a minute, his eyes on their laced hands, and the scar on his. "Will you be there? Would you join?"
"I'll be there no matter what," Ginny said squeezing his hand.
October 1995
"Harry, all you have to do is put your name on it! That's it. I'll come up with everything else. Ginny and Luna have promised to help. Please. All you do is show up." Hermione begged as she Ron and Harry headed to the Great Hall for supper.
"I don't know, Hermione." Harry sighed, running his fingers through his hair.
"Look, mate, she couldn't have made this any easier for you. Just, just show up. Please." Ron badgered, knowing it was Harry's weakness.
"Fine, tell me when and where." Harry said, giving into his friends' pleading eyes.
"Hoghead in Hogsmeade. First Hogsmeade weekend." Hermione informed him. "Everything is ready to go. It's just been indicated that no one will take it seriously if you don't show up."
"Hogsmeade weekend? This weekend? Shit. Hermione, that's not a lot of time." Harry lashed out angrily.
"It would have been plenty of time if you would have listened to me in the first place." Hermione bit back.
"Yeah, yeah, Hermione has everyone's lives all figured out for them." Harry said, rolling his eyes.
"Damn right I do." Hermione glared at him. "You'd do best to just accept that and do as you're told."
"Padfoot warned me about girls like you." Harry said, smiling softly, feeling a little like his old self.
"Did he warn you that we'll hex if you don't do as we say?" Hermione asked, a ghost of a smile on her face.
"He said you'll get me into the best kind of trouble." Harry replied.
"I thought you had Ginny for that." Hermione smirked.
"Oh that's enough! Both of you! That's my baby sister!" Ron objected. The three started laughing like they hadn't in months. "But seriously, no more with my baby sister. She's sacred."
"Neville, do I need to come to Hogshead tomorrow?" Marly asked, tackling her brother.
"You're not going." Neville told her, ruffling her hair.
"Why not!? You're going? If you think it's safe enough to go, surely I can as well!" Marly stomped in outrage.
"That temper right there is why you're not going. Also, I don't want you there, should everything go pear shaped." Neville explained calmly.
"Oh, but you get to be there? That's hardly fair!" Marly huffed.
"I can handle it. I've been handling it for years, you haven't." Neville soothed. "Once you're ready, you can come."
"Oh, pooh! How much experience could you have had before the first time?" Marly exclaimed passionately.
"Enough, Marlene. You're not going. You're too young to go to Hogsmeade in the first place. I will fill you in on what happens. That's going to have to be enough for you." Neville said firmly.
"Fine. But only because Aunt Minnie won't let me down to the village. Otherwise, I would show up just to spite you." Marly huffed, crossing her arms.
"I wouldn't recognize you if you didn't." Neville chuckled softly, giving Marly a hug.
Hogsmeade was a town that loved and loathed Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry in equal measure. Hogsmeade weekends were particularly hard on the citizens of that fair town. Aberforth Dumbledore didn't much care about the chaos, mostly because the only people who darkened his door were seventh years trying to pissed and wizards with shifty eyes. When six or so teens, all underage, stepped in, he cursed Albus under his breath. Then, Black's brat made himself obvious, and Aberforth knew he had to inform his guardians. He made the conscious decision to leave the room, lest he have to report even more.
"I thought people wanted this." Harry said, looking Dean and Ginny over.
"Shut up, Harry." Ron said, scoffing. "Everyone's afraid of Umbitch. You're not the only that's had the pleasure of detention with her."
Just then, Fred and George showed up with at least fifteen other students.
"Will this be enough to get started?" Fred asked Hermione sheepishly.
"Yeah, it will." She replied, ducking her head. Everyone sat awkwardly for a few minutes.
"What's this all about?" Marietta Edgecomb finally asked. "I'm only here because Cho said it was worth my time."
"We're starting a Defense league. We all want to pass our classes, and especially our OWLs and NEWTs. So we are going to have to have a quality teacher. Harry is going to do that for us." Hermione explained.
"Wait, I thought we were here so Harry could tell us what really happened in the maze last summer." Eddie McMillon of all people asked.
"Shut up, Eddie." Ron said, standing in front of Harry, as if to guard him.
"I want to know how to defend myself." Cho whispered from the back. "I will always wonder if Cedric would still be here if he just knew more."
That comment made Harry's patience snap. Later, he would realize that Cho's feeling were completely founded, but at the time, he couldn't see straight. "He knew all the spells, Cho. He knew everything. But that doesn't matter when you've been portkeyed and ambushed. We were disoriented, wounded, and they came out of nowhere. I didn't know anyone was there until Voldemort spoke. There was literally nothing he could have done. There was nothing I could have done. I will have to live with that everyday.
"Yeah, the Ministry says Voldemort's dead and won't be coming back anything soon. Voldemort proved he's willing to kill kids. He proved that last time. If you do this, you have to realize that you're signing up to fight a war. Sure, you'll pass your OWLs and your NEWTs, but you'll also be standing against the Ministry. If you don't think you can do that, you can get out and figure out another way to pass the practicals."
Harry felt the wind leave his sails as he looked around the room. Hermione already had a pen and paper out, ready to go. He snatched them from her and added, "If you're in, sign this."
"You're all signing anyway. If you're here, you're already thinking about it. Now you're in it." Hermione added as she signed her name first. Harry and Ron followed, then the others. Fred and George made a great show of dismissing everyone, sending them on their way. When almost everyone was gone, Fred turned to Hermione. "Is that good enough for step one?"
"Yeah, it definitely is. May even get you to step three, if you're lucky." Hermione smiled. Fred nodded, and George and Lee dragged him away.
Draco took Ginny's hand as they walked out of The Three Broomsticks. The chilled air was electric as it hit their faces.
"There is no possible way Snape sleeps in green striped boxers," Ginny laughed.
"It's true!" Draco said, laughing with her. "I didn't want to believe it myself, but watching the man rock a baby back and forth around the room in them isn't something someone forgets."
"I'm never going to look at him the same," Ginny said, tears falling down her eyes from laughing too hard. "I'm going to lose even more house points from him now."
"All a part of my devious plan," Draco said with a fake evil laugh.
"Oh, really?" Ginny questioned as they continued to walk the path back up towards the castle. "What else is on this devious plan?"
"Well, there's the perfect Hogsmeade date of lunch, wandering around Zonko's and the Quidditch store and your excruciating pace. Then the butterbeers where we both laugh until we get practically kicked out for having more fun than anyone else."
"Sounds like a very good plan to me," Ginny said as Draco wrapped his arm around her, pulling her in for a kiss. They had been sharing small kisses throughout the day, but this one was more. They held one another close and only pulled apart when the wolf whistles got too loud.
Ginny pulled away blushing. "I'm glad you decided to come with me," Draco said, giving her a more chaste kiss.
"Me too," Ginny said as they continued walking, "It was easier than I thought it would be."
"I don't want to say I don't you so, but..." Draco trailed on. Ginny gave him a playful shrug and took his hand again. "It doesn't have to be complicated, Ginny."
"What's that supposed to mean?" She asked cautiously.
Draco sighed, "This. Us. Figuring it out. Don't get me wrong, Harry's one of my best mates, but how many times are you going to have to talk sense into him before you realize that it's not the best thing for you. I'm sorry if that's harsh, but-"
"You're right," Ginny said, looking at their feet. "It doesn't have to be complicated."
"So, then next Hogsmeade, you'll go with me?" Draco asked, squeezing her hand, pulling her brown eyes to his grey ones.
"Yeah," She smiled, giving him a kiss. "That sounds perfect."
"Hem, hem." All of the students looked at the teacher's table with fear. What was she up to now? "Educational Decree number 24. All student organizations are hereby banned. Non-compliance will lead to expulsion. This decree includes student study groups, extra-curricular activities, and all Quidditch teams. Once you have sought permission from the High Inquisitor, and have received it, you may reform your group within the approved guidelines of the Ministry."
"Someone snitched. I knew they would." Harry muttered.
"It can't be any of the students that were there." Hermione said calmly.
"Oh, and how do you know that, smarty-pants?" Harry asked condescendingly.
"Because I jinxed the paper." Hermione said slowly, as if speaking to a baby. "That means that if anyone snitches, they'll get cursed."
"I know what jinxes are, thanks." Harry said, huffing in irritation.
"Good, because you'll have to teach them to the younger years." Hermione said, organizing her things to leave. "She's just doubled the numbers of our little club easily."
Kat: Merry Christmas eve!
Gabs: Thank you for all the wonderful reviews. They were lovely.
Kat: Yes, they always are. Even a "great chapter" is a wonderful gift!
Gabs: Leave reviews! It's my birthday next week!
Kat: Yes, our dear Gabsy is turning old. :) We own nothing!
Gabs: Thanks for that reminder, loser. See if I show up next week now.
Kat: Give me three months and I'll join you.
Gabs: So true.
XOXO
Gabs & Kat
P.S. imranramji1, it's extra long for you!
