The next day, the three went to visit the house-elves again, which was still frustrating for Hermione. In fact, it was almost disastrous, with Winky getting only trying to get drunker. Then when Hermione tried to do her homework, Ron kept jabbing at her, which she wasn't about to take lying down. Harry left, probably tired of Ron's childish behavior.

"Leave me alone!" Hermione said, hushed but still forcefully. Fred came and sat next to her on the couch. Ron's mood only fouled further when Fred kissed the top of Hermione's head.

"Calm down, won't you," he whispered, "You're scaring some of the first years, you are."

Hermione nodded, then asked, "How much is a subscription to the Daily Prophet?"

"Oh, now you want to fund Rita Skeeter?" Ron asked.

"Shut up for three seconds, won't you?" Fred said, "It's a knut, last I checked."

"And when was that?" Hermione frowned.

"This morning when George paid the barn owl that brought ours," Fred said.

"So you-" Ron started.

"You can't attack her for doing something than defend her from others doing the same thing," Fred said.

"Who called?" George appeared at his twin's side.

"Can to, you're funding a menace," Ron said scathingly.

"I'd rather that than give that Parkinson bitch the satisfaction of seeing us surprised," Hermione said strongly. Fred and George chuckled quietly, but meandered away.

Harry returned some time later, after Ron had already gone up to bed.

The next morning, Hermione started receiving hate mail. The first few envelopes were almost amusing, the last... well...

A yellow-green fluid oozed out of the envelope onto her hand. Hermione recoiled violently as the liquid burned her. Tears pricked at her eyes as Ron declared it bobotuber pus. Before her eyes she watched her hands become covered in what looked like bubbling gloves. It was undeniably painful, and after Harry promised to tell Professor Sprout what had happened to her, Hermione ran off toward the hospital wing.

"Hey, Hermione," Fred started.

"Merlin's beard what happened to your hands?" George asked quietly, glaring into the Great Hall menacingly.

"Bobotuber," Hermione said, turning away from them, embarrassed, "I had some... interesting letters."

"Oh those little-" Fred started, his fists shaking with rage.

"I'm fine," Hermione lied, grateful that they couldn't see the tear slip out of her eye. She continued toward the hospital quickly as more people came in from Durmstrang and Beauxbatons.

"Herm-own-ninny?" Hermione glanced up to see Viktor, "I need to speak vit you."

"I can't believe you," Fred said quietly, and Hermione felt his hand on her back, "Look what you did to her, Krum!"

Half the students outside the hall had turned to see what was going on. Hermione hid her hands under her armpits, even though it hurt so badly.

"Vhat is he talking about?" Viktor asked, looking at Hermione. His eyes, dark as ever, seemed so strange to her.

"Hermione!" Hermione nearly cried with relief when she heard Ginny behind her. Ginny wrapped one arm around Hermione's shoulder and with the other pushed her brother away. She bravely glared at Krum, "If either of you touch her again, I'll hex you."

Ginny guided Hermione away from all the onlookers quickly. Hermione let her hands out from under her arms, gasping in pain and trying not to sob.

"You just threatened Viktor Krum," Hermione said quietly, trying to distract herself from the pain.

"Yes I did," Ginny said proudly, grinning from ear to ear, a smile nearly identical to Fred's, "And it was exhilerating."

Hermione drew in a deep breath and Ginny opened the doors to the hospital wing for her.

"Can I help you Ms. Weasley?" Madam Pomfrey asked, looking up from her little office. The second she caught sight of Hermione, her eyes widened, "Oh, my sweet child."

She set about first relieving the pain Hermione felt, then went to removing the swelling. She didn't ask for Ginny to leave, and Hermione felt grateful for that. Ginny had always looked up to Hermione, and Hermione felt that the two made each other stronger.

"There's not much you can do with bobotuber pus, I'm sorry," Madam Pomfrey apologized, "That's about the best I can manage."

Hermione could barely move her fingers under the thick bandages. Once Madam Pomfrey had left, Hermione let out a lonely sob. Ginny hugged her gently.

"Don't worry, Hermione," Ginny said, with surprising tenacity, "You'll get that Skeeter bitch. I don't believe a word she says."

"Thank you," Hermione said, looking at her bandaged hands. She wondered absent-mindedly when it was that Ginny had begun swearing. "I don't think... I've never hated anyone before Ginny, not really."

"Skeeter is a wonderful place to start," Ginny pulled Hermione to her feet off the edge of the hospital bed. She smiled happily, "Thanks for getting me out of Potions."

"Snape'll give you detention," Hermione frowned.

"Yeah, but McGonagall will make sure it isn't too bad," Ginny shrugged, "Besides, I'm only a third year. What'll he do?"

.o0O0o.

In answer to LUNA GURLZ; I am trying to update this one as much as possible. I just have so much content for it that I need to get out so I can get to the good stuff.

Thanks again to Kittyinaz, the boys are rather bias against Snape.

Finally to HenriaSownbinder, I am glad that you like it.