AN: Trigger warnings to many things are present in this story. Don't like, don't read.

I don't own Harry Potter.

All spelling mistakes are my own. There are my own Original Characters in this at times.

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Hermione grimaced as she sat in the Great Hall, the silence almost deafening as it filled the empty space around the long house tables. Not even the sound of utensils hitting the plates made a dent in the silence. Her ears ached painfully as she struggled to move her jaw, to chew what little food she had managed to even get into her mouth. She swallowed with her eyes closed and shook her head before looking up at Draco. The concern that danced in his green eyes made her heart swell with love for him, but she knew she couldn't show her pain with Umbridge watching her.

She looked over at the Gryffindor table, catching Harry's eyes. The pain that reflected at her made her feel slightly less alone. Harry was in the same position as her, the same pain as her. He knew exactly what she was feeling and for once they were connected on a deeper level than before. He glanced up at the staff table before looking back at her. She nodded once before glancing at Draco and Pansy.

Ginny had been made to sit at her house table over the last month. Harry had taken it upon himself to keep an eye on the outcast Weasley child at Hermione's request. Hermione frowned as Harry shook his head, trying to get the hearing to return to his ears. She had tried at first too but knew it would take at least another thirty minutes for their hearing to return and their jaws to loosen from their current punishment.

Umbridge had spent the last month dishing out every sort of punishment to Hermione and Harry that the woman could come up with. A permanent scar was now etched on the back of her hand, the bright red letters bold and signaling exactly what Umbridge thought of her. Nothing but the Black sisters' whore, forever etched into her pale flesh, on the back of her hand for all to see. It was a daily reminder that while she knew she was better than that, better than what Umbridge claimed her to be, to others she would be no better than the words carved into her skin. Writing it over and over for hours on end every day for the last month had nearly driven her to the brink. Harry's hand was marred, I must not tell lies, was just as bright and bold in his flesh as her own words.

They suffered in silence because every time they mentioned something the punishments grew harsher, whether Umbridge was around or not. They weren't sure who was spying on them, but they knew whoever it was, had it in for them specifically. They had also had three DA meetings in the last month, with another one due that evening. As soon as they could get out of the Great Hall. So many students had signed up for the meetings, and more kept coming, so much so the Room of Requirement was growing with every meeting. The only house that wasn't involved was the Ravenclaws, though no one was upset about that.

Fourth year Luna Lovegood had become Umbridge's right hand student. The girl was always praised and given house points for the punishments that she would dish out. The first time Hermione had come across Luna she had detested the girl, instantly noticing the way Luna followed Umbridge around as if Umbridge was Headmistress. Luna had given Hermione a body bind curse and claimed she had been sneaking around the castle after curfew. Harry had his nose broken by the girl when she had claimed he was speaking ill of Umbridge, which he was but no one had been around to hear it.

When dinner finally ended thirty minutes later the jaw locking hex and silencing spell ended, making Hermione sigh in relief. She limped up the stairs towards the seventh floor as Pansy stood right beside her, waiting until they were out of sight before wrapping an arm around her waist. Hermione draped her arm over the girl's shoulders her body exhausted and aching beyond belief. While she was mostly healed from the curse the month before she was still struggling to get back to full health, and Umbridge's punishments weren't helping with that. She desperately wanted to contact Andromeda but the last time she had tried Umbridge had confiscated her letter to be examined further by Ministry officials. That was a letter she never saw again.

Harry appeared beside her rubbing his jaw tenderly, "We have to do something about her."

Hermione nodded, "Shush."

They made their way silently up to the seventh floor, Draco keeping an eye around them to make sure they weren't followed. The Room of Requirement door granted them entry and soon they were safe inside the room they had been using for training. A sofa appeared along the wall to the right and Hermione smirked at Pansy through tired eyes, "Your doing?"

Pansy shrugged, "You need rest Hermione."

Hermione didn't argue, letting herself be led to the sofa to collapse in exhaustion, "I agree Harry, but we've been cut off from our family."

Draco nodded, perching on the arm of the sofa next to Hermione, "And every time Snape tries to pull us aside to talk either Umbridge is there or those damn Ravenclaws show up."

Ginny sat beside Pansy, "What do you think he wants to talk to you about so badly?"

Hermione frowned, "Hopefully to say whether or not Voldemort has accepted the meeting. Harry what about Dumbledore?" The door opened once more and the rest of the Weasley's stumbled in, along with a few other Slytherin's.

Harry turned back to her, "He's on board as long as we can get around Umbridge. He's already working on a way to get us out of here. We just need a time and place. I think he wants this more than we do by now."

Draco smirked, "That's because Umbridge is up his arse every time he turns around."

Ginny snorted, "You'd think the man was leaving a trail of Umbridge's behind him."

Hermione glanced at Pansy, and they shared an eyeroll as Ron made his way towards them, "Looks like you lot are nice and cozy together."

Hermione wrapped her arm around Pansy's shoulders, placing a soft kiss to the girl's temple, "What's your point Weasley?"

He grimaced at her missing Harry's chuckle that was hid behind a cough, "My point is, aren't we all supposed to be enemies? You all are acting as if the war doesn't matter, as if these three aren't nasty snakes that will turn on us the first chance we get."

Hermione's right eyebrow rose slowly, her eyes darting to an angry looking Harry, "Get your boy Potter."

Harry slipped between Ron and the rest of them, "Lay off Ron. We're doing the best we can. You aren't the one in Umbridge's crosshairs like Hermione and I are."

Ron glared at him, "It's just like you to take her side. What has she ever done for you Harry, except treat you like shit?"

Hermione pushed herself to her feet slowly as Harry spoke, "She's been there for me Ron, unlike you. Last year you were the one claiming that I put my own name in the Goblet. In the Chamber of Secrets, you did nothing while Hermione took on the Basilisk and I took on Voldemort. Hermione was the one that got us through that Chess game, when you claimed you're the best at Wizard Chess. Hermione was the one with me in the graveyard that night, not you. Each time Hermione has been there, right beside me not you. You conveniently disappear when a battle comes but not her. She is standing with me every time."

Hermione was slightly shocked, and slightly annoyed, that Harry Potter was the one pointing this out. While it hadn't been her first choice to be beside Potter, she couldn't deny that he was wrong. She was always at his side, though the graveyard was a different matter altogether, but she digressed. It wasn't like she wanted to point that out at the moment anyway.

Before she could tell Ron to leave them be Harry continued, "And most of all Ronald, she hasn't lied to me." At this Hermione's eyebrows shot into her hairline. "She has always told the truth. Not once did she ever say she was on Dumbledore's side. Not once has she ever kept anything from me even if she knew I wouldn't like what she had to say. I mean sure she enjoyed giving me the bad news, but she gave it to me nonetheless."

Hermione smirked, because yes, she enjoyed giving him bad news, and bluntly at that. It usually was the highlight of her day. However, he was sort of taking the fun out of it when he put it that way.

Harry shook his head, gripping his wand tightly, "Ron, she is our best bet in this happening. In taking down Umbridge. So, stop being a spoiled brat and deal with it."

Hermione glanced at Harry as Ron stomped off to the other side of the room, "You took all my fun away."

Harry snorted, turning to look at her. He opened his mouth to respond but couldn't stop laughing instead. Hermione tried to stop the smile from spreading across her face, but she couldn't, eventually descending into laughter with him. She collapsed back on the sofa, holding her side as the pain rippled through her body.

After a few minutes Harry shook his head, "I'm sorry."

Hermione wiped her eyes, tears having sprung to her eyes in their hysterics, "Don't be. I think we're rubbing off on you."

Harry sighed and sat on the floor in front of her, "You think Voldemort will support this?"

Hermione nodded, "I do. They're both power hungry and this eliminates a threat to that power. My only concern is that Draco and I have been cut off from the family for too long. I don't know how much longer they will wait before they try to seek us out."

Harry nodded as the door reappeared and more students stumbled in, a few more Hufflepuffs joining the cause, "Looks like we're up. Don't push yourself too much alright."

She stood, ignoring the pain in her body as she wrapped an arm around Pansy's shoulders when the girl stood beside her, "Don't let your guard down this time Potter."

Harry smirked at her, drawing his wand, "Listen up!"

Hermione leaned on Pansy as they stood behind where Harry was talking, showing the proper way to cast the Patronus Charm. She glanced at the girl beside her, "You don't have to do this."

Pansy grinned up at her, "What? Be your girlfriend or DA?"

Hermione shrugged, "Both." She watched Harry show a few third years how to properly move their wands, not wanting to see the look on Pansy's face.

Over the last few months Pansy had come to mean a great deal to her. She could count on Pansy to keep her secrets, to help her hide how much she was hurting. Draco knew how much she was hurting but it would be a dead giveaway if he helped her moving around. Pansy on the other hand could do it without alerting anyone, plus she kept Ron from pursuing her. Pansy was grateful that Hermione kept Crabbe and Goyle away from her, though she was positive that they were sending letters back to their fathers in hopes that word would get back to her mate.

Pansy held her tighter, "Not going to happen Black." Hermione glanced over at her, "Hermione, it goes unspoken but we are each other's person. Over the last few months, you and I have gotten close."

Hermione snorted, "That's an understatement."

Pansy chuckled, "True but who else would watch your back like I do? And no one would care if I was taken down a few steps by those Ravenclaws. Ginny and Draco have each other. I've seen the way they look at one another. The way they are joined at the hip. They always have been."

Hermione nodded a smile coming to her lips as she looked over at the two in question. They were standing close enough that you couldn't tell where one ended and the other began. They had been increasing in their intensity and Hermione was extremely happy for them. If only Draco would grow a pair and ask Ginny out all would be right in their world.

Pansy turned her body gently, forcing Hermione to look at her, "You and I have each other. We'll get through this and then we'll get you to your mate."

Hermione felt her heart clench in pain, her mind quickly returning to Bellatrix and Narcissa. She nodded slowly, "Thanks Pansy."

Pansy kissed her cheek, "Anytime. Now let's show this pathetic bunch what you can do."

Hermione smirked and turned, wrapping an arm around Pansy's shoulders again while raising her wand with the other hand, "Stupefy!"

Harry spun around with a shout, "Protego!"

Hermione smirked at him as she began to fire spells, jinxes, and hexes at him all while he dodged and shielded against them. She was so focused on Harry she missed the softly called Stupefy from Ron's direction. Pansy flew backwards with the force and Hermione saw red. Her anger flared, muscles tightened and flexed as her anger was forced through her body. She spun to the boy, her eyes black and her anger on display for all to see.

Hermione let her anger win as she began to fling spell after spell at the boy, knowing he would never be able to keep up. She used every weak spell and jinx she could think of, flinging them silently as she advanced on him. The fire blazing through her body as the darkness coiled around her chest. She was angry, tired, and being kept away from her family by a woman that resembled a toad more than a human. She'd had enough and Ronald Weasley had broken the last nerve she had.

Draco's voice broke through the haze of anger, "Hermione he's had enough."

She paused in her advancement, taking note of Ron for the first time since her anger had exploded. The boy's hair was damp, hanging in his sweaty face. He was gasping for air at having tried to block all her spells, but she could tell he had missed a few and had been hit by some. She glanced back as Ginny helped Pansy stand, her eyes scanning the girl's body for any injury.

When she found none, she took a step back shaking her head as Pansy rushed to her, trying to calm the sudden overwhelming anger pumping through her body, "I'm alright Hermione. No harm done."

Hermione felt her body shaking as she struggled to get her anger under control, her mind quickly spiraling with confusion. How had she come to anger so quickly? Was the darkness that strong inside of her, to consume her so easily over something so simple?

She frowned as Pansy rested a hand on her chest, "It's okay, I'm okay. Everything is fine."

Hermione stared at Pansy, panic slowly gathering through her chest. She had never lost control like this before and for the first time in her life she was afraid of her own power. She knew she was capable of a lot of things, but this wasn't one of them. As if her life was destined to be ruled by darkness, Ron decided he wasn't done.

"Blimey Hermione, do you treat your Black Slut Sisters the same way?" He stood with a laugh.

Hermione's blood boiled, her heart sprinting in her chest. She knew he didn't know that Bellatrix was her mate, but that didn't stop the rage. She looked up at Ron, her lip curling up as she raised her wand. Pansy stepped away from her, fear on her face. Without a thought Hermione used all the rage she could feel as she cast the first thing that came to mind.

Fiendfyre.

The burst of flames erupted from her wand causing everyone to dive in different directions. The flaming dragon was bold, a bright shower of majestic wonder. She felt her body shaking, sweat breaking out on her forehead as she allowed her essence to control the powerful beast, not forcing her own will on it but allowing it to fly at will. She stared at Ron's terrified face, eyes wide and glistening slightly with tears. The flaming beast blew fire at the cowering boy, encircling him with a ring of fire.

A slow grin pulled at the corner of Hermione's mouth, her eyes dancing like the fire in front of her. A laugh, slow and deep began in her chest until it built into a wicked cackle, sending shivers of fear down every spine in the room. She was enjoying Ron's fear, enjoying the way he begged for her to stop, the way he fell to his knees pleading with her. It was empowering and overwhelming all at the same time. A thrill like she had never felt before burst through her chest, her heart rate doubling in speed as she watched, the grip in her mind slowly slipping from her control. Her breathing erratic even as she continued the cackling laughter that seemed never ending.

And yet her laughter only increased as the beast circled above them, fire bursting from its lips to scare the boy even more.

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Bellatrix frowned as she stared at the table in front of her. She was concerned about the lack of communication with Hermione. Tonks was doing her best, working through the new ranks of the Ministry in disguise using her Metamorphmagus as concealment.

But Bellatrix was impatient, and this past month was brutal without any communication with her mate. She knew she couldn't rush this process. It was bad enough the Remus Lupin had already sacrificed himself to help Tonks rise in power. His body was broken and bruised and for a few days they didn't even know if he would survive but Andromeda was a gifted healer. Lupin was now resting comfortably in one of the hidden rooms at St. Mungo's and Tonks was becoming a powerhouse in the upper ranks of the Ministry.

Bellatrix had been to see Lupin after it had happened, knowing that her niece would feel guilty for the things she had to do to him. No matter how much they tried to prepare for the pain or anything else, when in the moment and surrounded by other individuals, you could never account for everything. The man had never looked worse, and she had felt bad for asking this of him, at least for a few minutes. When it came to her mate, she would sacrifice anything and everything for the girl.

Voldemort's voice pulled her attention out of her thoughts, "Where are we with this meeting?"

Severus Snape sat up straight, exhaustion clear on his face, "Dumbledore is on board and the secluded place is already being warded by both sides."

Bellatrix continued to stare at the table, her hands on the cool wood palms down, "Does Hermione know?"

Snape shook his head, a frown pulling at his mouth, "No. I have been unable to get a moment with her or Potter. Umbridge is increasing the watch on her and Potter. She's not allowing any teacher any communication with them other than in class and even then, she has her little squad of piss ants watching the rooms at all times. Hermione doesn't look good. She's paler than before and I'm positive I saw some bruising, not to mention her hand…" he trailed off as anger entered his dark eyes.

Narcissa's voice was thick with emotion beside Bellatrix, "Her hand?"

Snape nodded, "I haven't seen it clearly, she's hiding it as much as possible. Potter's is scared with I must not tell lies. Umbridge is using the Blood Quill again, on both of them now. Dumbledore is getting increasingly worried about it since even he is unable to get near either of them."

Voldemort took a deep breathe, "Lucius what have you found?"

He frowned, "Trelawney won't talk to us. Hermione isn't exactly her favorite student. Something about third year and Hermione making it known that she doesn't like Divination, or Trelawney for that matter." He chuckled, "Our girl has a reputation much like her mate."

Bellatrix grimaced as she suddenly felt a surge of anger in her chest. Her body tensed, her nails digging into the wooden tabletop as her breathing hitched in her chest. The anger coursed through her veins for a few moments before it slowly began to fade, confusing her even more. Yes, she was angry that her mate was being hurt and she was powerless to stop it, but for that small burst to happen then disappear as quickly was slightly startling. She shook her head of the thought and opened her mouth to speak, instead a gasp ripped from deep within her chest.

An explosion of rage spread through her chest like a wildfire that was uncontrollable. Her nails dug deeper into the grain of the wood, pain piercing her suddenly cloudy mind, but she was too focused on the thrill that was coursing through her body. She was vaguely aware of Narcissa and Andromeda desperately trying to get her hands away from the table, but her muscles were too tight, too strong. She could feel the excitement warring with confusion and fear as her heartbeat faster.

It was an experience she had never felt before, but it wasn't altogether unpleasant. A laugh burst from her lips at the sudden joy that slowly slid through her body. She closed her eyes and gasped at the sight she could see. A red-haired boy was cowering in fear, tears rolling down his cheeks as he pleaded for it to stop. The cackling laughter filled the air around her, flames encircling the boy dancing wildly with every pulse of the flying beast above him. It was a beautiful sight to Bellatrix, seeing this powerful and amazing dragon, the precision with which Fiendfyre had been cast.

Until she felt the sharp pain in her heart, a seizing of the muscle and Bellatrix's eyes snapped open, "Hermione!"

Narcissa leaned on the table beside her, "What about Hermione?"

Bellatrix shook her head, closing her eyes again, seeing what the girl was seeing, "She's losing it. I can feel her life essence draining. The mate bond is working. She's losing control of her magic. She's draining herself!" she opened her eyes just as Snape ran from the room and she shouted, "Room of Requirement!" She glanced up at Narcissa, "She's controlling Fiendfyre, she's doing it Narcissa."

Narcissa's fear overrode her pride, "She's going to kill herself. What the hell is going on in that school?"

Voldemort stood abruptly, "Andromeda, get Tonks. I want her in there by the end of the day. Go!" Andromeda nodded and sprinted to the fireplace, Fenrir tossing a handful of Floo powder into it for her. She disappeared in a burst of green flames and Voldemort turned to Fenrir, "I don't care who you have to torture or kill, get Andromeda into that school."

Fenrir smirked, his long canines glistening in the light, "Gladly." A moment later he disappeared in the green flames.

Bellatrix had never felt true fear before. Now she was feeling the fear of losing her mate before she even had her. She could feel Hermione's life force draining and it was terrifying. She stared up at Narcissa with watery eyes, powerless to do anything as the mate bond pulsed through her body, warning her of her mate's waning life.

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Hermione felt the pain in her chest, her heart feeling as if it were beating too fast. She was enjoying the terror on Ron's face, but she knew something wasn't right. She had never heard of someone actually controlling Fiendfyre the way she was and that, combined with the pain in her chest, she was beginning to wonder if there was a reason for it. She began to call her dragon back to her, raising her wand to recall the beast. As if it knew what she was trying to do the dragon's fiery head turned in her direction and nodded once before bursting into a shower of sparks above their heads.

She looked down at Ron, the black circle surrounding him where the fire had burned hotly. His face was tear streaked and his pants had a growing wet spot where she was positive he was pissing himself. She smirked at the defeated looking boy, knowing that he would more than likely leave her be finally. She glanced over at Pansy, her head feeling fuzzy, blinking slowly as if she couldn't keep her eyes open. Pansy stared at her in concern while Potter frowned at her, his mouth moving but she couldn't hear his words.

She was confused, not quite understanding exactly what just happened as she felt her body shaking, her muscles tiring. The doors across the room burst open and Snape sprinted towards her, his black robes billowing out behind him. She felt her body giving in to the exhaustion, falling forward as darkness surrounded her. The last thing she felt was Snape's arms catching her limp body.

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The air was chilled as it brushed over Hermione's exposed skin, her arms resting on something soft, a blanket of some sort. The familiar smells of Hogwarts Hospital wing entered her nose with every breath she took, stinging her closed eyes with the smell of antiseptics. Her skin crawled and she knew she was being watched, which made her uncomfortable.

Her eyes snapped open, and she took in the person sitting next to her bed. Long brown hair pulled back in a single braid left the pale face open to her. Cloudy grey eyes watched her curiously, a hint of concern dancing in them before it was quickly hidden. The sharp pointed nose combined with the high cheekbones made Hermione think of a villain in one of the Muggle movies that she always made Narcissa watch with her on their lazy afternoons. The suit and tie had Hermione uneasy, recognizing the Ministry insignia on the right lapel.

A smirk pulled at the corner of the woman's mouth, "Finally awake Miss Black. Good. We can begin."

Hermione's heart skipped a beat before double timing it into her throat. Fear coursed through her body at the possibilities that this person being at Hogwarts could mean.

The woman twirled her wand between her fingers, "Let's start with your condition. How are you feeling?"

Hermione couldn't stop the grimace that crossed her face at the pain that she could feel radiating throughout her entire body.

The woman chuckled, "Yes well nearly draining all of you magical and life essence will do that to you. You nearly died Miss Black and I can assure that your family wouldn't have been pleased had that happened."

Hermione frowned, concern pulling at her chest. Were Bellatrix and Narcissa aware of what happened? And if they were, how did they know? How did Snape know what was happening? She could remember him bursting into the Room of Requirement and running straight at her as if he knew what was happening. But how did he find them? So many questions swirled her mind, and she didn't know where to begin, what she wanted to know first.

The woman leaned forward, a small frown on her bright red lips. The woman's voice slipped to a low angry hiss, "Do you have any idea how dangerous that was? How easily you could have lost control?"

The doors across the room opened and Umbridge stalked her way towards them, her toad like grin firmly in place, "Ah, Miss Granger I see you arrived safely."

The woman beside Hermione nodded, not bothering to stand, "I did. I was just getting ready to start my interrogation of Miss Black here."

Umbridge grinned darkly, "I would enjoy seeing some of what I've heard you can do. This student has been giving me such problems lately."

Hermione's eyes widened in fear, and she quickly reached for her wand on the table beside the bed. Her right hand was on the familiar wood when Miss Granger's hand caught her wrist tightly. Hermione swallowed thickly as she glanced up at the woman, whose eyes were glued on the back of Hermione's hand, where her scar was slightly bloody. She frowned as she watched a wave of anger burst to life in Miss Granger's eyes, the woman's jaw clenching tightly at the sight.

Hermione couldn't help but notice how the woman quickly pulled her mask back on, the rage disappearing as quickly as it had come before she turned to Umbridge, "I think I have the perfect punishment."

Hermione grimaced as she was jerked off the bed, her body flaring with pain and causing her to cry out uncontrollably. She was flung towards the center of the room before having just enough time to turn around, facing Miss Granger before the woman's wand was aimed at her. She frowned as she saw the woman's eyes harden, as if she didn't' want to do what she about to do.

"Cruico!"

Pain exploded through Hermione's chest; her body being sliced by sharp knives from the inside out. Her legs crumpled beneath her as she gritted her teeth together, forcing herself to not cry out. She refused to give them what they wanted. The muscles in her neck tightened, bulging with the effort to keep from screaming out. A fire rolled across her skin, leaving a burning trail in its wake before another wave of fire rolled across in the same path. Tears slipped from Hermione's closed eyes, rolling down her flaming cheeks as she continued to refuse to scream. Her body convulsed, her breathing hitched and her head throbbed painfully. As suddenly as the pain came it disappeared, her body twitching against the cold stone floor, the sound of her own blood rushing through her ears the only thing she heard for a moment.

Umbridge's childlike laugh suddenly rushed to her ears, "What else do you have?"

Hermione noticed Miss Granger's hand shake slightly before it steadied and the wand once again aimed at her, "Cruico!"

Her skin crawled feeling as if hundreds of thousands of needles began to pierce her skin over and over. She sucked in a deep breath as she stared at her hands beside her head, feeling as if the skin was being ripped away from her muscles, yet her skin remained untouched. Every inch of skin felt as if it was being ripped from her muscles before the muscle's themselves were being ripped from bone. Hermione's tears flowed unchecked as the pain increased, every part of her body was being ripped apart, though nothing was physically happening to her.

Umbridge's voice cut through the pain, the high-pitched childlike voice grating on her already painful body, "I'll leave you to it then. Make the girl suffer."

Hermione felt the pain increase as Umbridge slammed the doors behind her and she could feel the silencing spell encompassing the Hospital wing. She couldn't hold back anymore; the pain was too much. Just as she was about to scream once again the pain suddenly stopped and Miss Granger landed on the ground beside her.

"Drink this, quickly." The woman's voice was suddenly deeper, a hint of pain in her words.

Hermione didn't think about what the potion could be. She was too tired and in too much pain to worry about the liquid that was flowing down her throat. The woman brushed her hair back gently and Hermione finally looked up at her, shocked by the sight that greeted her. Where there had been a long brown braid now sat shoulder length bright pink hair. The woman's grey eyes were replaced with a brilliant amber that shone with worry and guilt.

Hermione smirked up at her, "Nymphadora Tonks I presume."

Tonks frowned at her, "I'm so sorry Hermione. I had no choice. I had to keep my cover. I'm so sorry."

Hermione shook her head as the pain began to subside slightly, and pushed herself up to a sitting position, leaning her back against the trunk closest to her, "Well you had me convinced."

Tonks shook her head, "I hate this." She took Hermione's hand gently, frowning at the words etched into the skin, "She'll pay for this. Mother and my Aunties won't be happy about this."

Hermione shook her head, "Don't tell them yet. They have enough to deal with. Is the meeting going to happen or has it already happened? We haven't had any communication with anyone."

Tonks frowned, "Hermione they need to know. I can't keep this from them. The meeting is happening. There's already a place picked and warded. They won't do the meeting without you and Potter. Right now, they are trying to get my mother in here, to examine you. I don't know if they will succeed but I have a few potions to help with the pain." She pulled three bottles out of her robes, holding them out to the girl.

Hermione pushed them away, "Umbridge will know if I'm not hurt. I can handle this." Tonks's mouth opened and Hermione shook her head, determined to not endanger another family member, "I said no. This one is enough. Trust me. Umbridge will know. How's Bellatrix? Narcissa? My mother?"

Tonks frowned at her but put the potions back into her robes, "They're worried. Snape said that Umbridge has been targeting you and Potter."

Hermione nodded, "We didn't get to eat dinner last night because of a lockjaw jinx and couldn't hear anything for an hour."

Tonks spoke softly, "What happened last night? In the Room of Requirements."

Hermione shook her head, honestly not sure what had happened, "I don't know how I lost control last night. One minute I was calming down after Pansy was attacked by Ron Weasley and then he made a comment about my family… About my mate." She frowned the anger returning quickly.

Tonks nodded, a smile coming to her face, "Bellatrix felt the mate bond. It activated to alert her to you being in danger and close to death. It's how Snape knew where to find you. You scared the hell out of everybody. No one has ever controlled Fiendfyre before."

She hated that her family had seen her loss of control, but more so she hated that she had worried them unnecessarily without even knowing about it. "I'm sorry. I don't know how I lost control so easily."

Tonks chuckled, "Welcome to the family. We protect our own first and foremost Auntie 'Mione."

Hermione glared at the woman, "Nymphadora."

Tonks's smile disappeared, her hair turning red, "Don't call me Nymphadora."

Hermione smirked, "It suits you. So, what happens now? Am I in trouble?"

Tonks shook her head, "No. It was gone before Snape got there and no one turned you in. Draco has been a mess since you were brought here. Snape is trying to keep him calm in the Slytherin common room. I did hear that Pansy is your girlfriend though. I should warn you about my Auntie."

Hermione snorted, grimacing as the sudden movement made her body hurt, "Trust me its not what you think."

Tonks nodded, her head snapping around suddenly to look at the door. When she turned back to Hermione her disguise was back in place, "We'll figure out how to get you to the meeting. Hang tough Hermione."

Hermione nodded, "Tell the family I'm alright and I love them. Don't tell them about my hand yet. It should be me that tells them."

Tonks nodded, a frown coming to her face, "I'm sorry about this."

Hermione took a deep breath as the silencing spell fell, "Stay safe."

"Cruico!" Tonks said as the doors opened.

Hermione's entire body seized in pain, the muscles in her neck tightening again as her head snapped back in pain. It ended just as quick, and Hermione's body fell to the stone floor again as Umbridge mad her way towards them. She breathed deeply, her body twitching slightly with the aftereffects of the Unforgivable Curse.

"Did she give up anything?" Umbridge's voice was calm, hopeful.

Miss Granger shook her head, "Nothing."

Umbridge scoffed, her lip curled in disgust as she looked down at Hermione's body on the floor, "Given enough time anyone can break."

Hermione glared up at Umbridge. She wanted to say something, to be her normal sarcastic self but her body was too exhausted.

Miss Granger glanced at Umbridge, "The Ministry is allowing St. Mungo's lead, Andromeda Black in here. Someone is calling for a review on all student records."

Umbridge frowned, "Medical or otherwise?"

Miss Granger shrugged, "Medical mostly. She's to have full access to the Hospital wing with no interference by Madame Pomfrey."

Umbridge nodded, a look of disdain on her face even as she said, "Of course. I'll notify my staff. Is there any headway into this Dumbledore situation?"

Miss Granger shook her head, "No. Fudge is still reviewing your proposal."

Umbridge grimaced, "There is no need to take this long. I'll just have to hurry him along."

Miss Granger nodded, twirling her wand in her fingers again, "Fudge is requesting your presence at the annual Christmas office party. Rita Skeeter will be attending once again and he'd like you to inform her of the happenings at Hogwarts, the way you are changing things for the better."

Umbridge frowned down at Hermione as she rolled onto her back, "I have a duty here. It's only the beginning of November, surely there is time to get someone else."

Miss Granger shrugged, "Would you like me to tell him you politely decline?"

Umbridge shook her head with a huff, "No. No. When is it?"

Miss Granger spun on her heel, moving back towards the vacated chair beside Hermione's bed, "It's Christmas eve and Christmas day this year. You'll be required to be there overnight. The children here should be off at home during that time, so no problem."

Umbridge smirked at Hermione, her wand twitching towards the girl, "Not everyone will be away this year. There are some unruly students that will be required to remain here over the break. To ensure they catch up with their studies of course."

Hermione glared up at the woman, knowing she and Harry would not be allowed to leave Hogwarts for Christmas break. She didn't think she could hate Umbridge anymore than she already did, but she was wrong. She grit her teeth as Umbridge raised her wand, seeing the shock on Tonks's face before the mask was back in place. Tonks's grip on her wand tightened as Umbridge took a step closer to Hermione.

Umbridge's voice was low, and smug, as she spoke to Hermione, "You have no one to blame but yourself and your family for this. Cruico!"

Hermione's body jerked, her back arching up off the floor as excruciating pain rolled through her body. It felt as if her chest was being ripped open, white-hot knives being worked through every inch of her flesh, her bones on fire as if the flames were igniting from deep within her own body.

Still, she refused to give in, to give Umbridge the satisfaction, the pleasure of her pain. She refused to scream, to allow this horrid toad of a woman to see her vulnerability. She would never allow anyone other than her mate and Narcissa to see that side of her and this woman would not force that side of her into the open. Her eyes closed tightly, tears slipping down her face as she forced herself to not scream. The muscles in her entire body were too tight, too tense causing more pain on top of the curse itself. She slowly began to lose herself in the pain, losing track of time, of who was around her.

Umbridge grinned darkly as she watched Hermione's body twist and arch with pain. Knowing the girl couldn't possibly last too much longer. The sound of the floo activating in Madame Pomfrey's office pulled Umbridge from her fun and she quickly ended the curse.

Hermione's body dropped back to the floor, sweat covering every inch of her flesh. The pain slowly receded as she opened her eyes to stare up at the ceiling, a twitch shaking her body every few seconds. She slowed her breathing as she listened to the voices around her.

"Black," Umbridge said, her tone full of hatred.

"What is the meaning of this?" Andromeda's voice made Hermione smile slightly, though her head was still throbbing painfully.

"You have a job to do Black. Don't get distracted or I'll have you removed once again." Umbridge snapped before spinning on her heel and leaving the Hospital wing.

Tonks was at her side at an instant, tears forming in her strange grey eyes, "I'm so sorry Hermione."

Hermione tried to talk but her jaw wouldn't work, her muscles too tired from the curse she had just been subjected to. Instead, she slowly shook her head back and forth until Andromeda knelt beside her, "What the fuck happened?"

Tonks frowned up at her mother, unable to speak, unable to tell her how hard Hermione had fought. Instead, she shook her head and used her wand to float Hermione back to the bed. Once on the bed Hermione couldn't keep her eyes open any longer and succumbed to the darkness once more.