A part of her seriously considered telling Draco what she'd come across in the forest. He was extremely loyal to her and if she asked, he'd never betray her secrets, but the idea of him knowing made her stomach churn. Should things go sour, she didn't want him caught in the crossfire. He was faithful and she would not ruin that faith or his trust.

Besides, if she was destined to lead some day, she bloody well couldn't lead her best friend astray.

She had no clue if Harry had discussed Grawp with Ronald, but it was quite plausible he had. Poor Harry never seemed to realize that entrusting Ron with anything was a bad idea. He was far too temperamental when it came to things outside of his realm of understanding. Especially with him being involved with Lavender bloody Brown. She wasn't sure if he was shagging her or if they were simply two idiots who appreciated the others innate stupidity - and really, she didn't care.

It was moments like this that made her miss Bellatrix the most. She craved the snarky comments and helpful advice. She ached for her loving words and heartfelt sincerity. She yearned to be wrapped in her warm embrace, head tucked into the crook of her neck and pale skin beneath her lips. Merlin, how she missed her lover.

Tucked under the branches of a tree, her head fell back against the hard bark. A thick textbook was resting on her thighs and notes were scattered about, encircling her like a protective wall between the world and her. She'd all but given up on studying. Why keep up the farce when she had absolutely no idea what she was reading. At some point she'd thought she was reading her Transfiguration book, but alas that was not so. She was actually staring at her Charms book.

She never thought she'd say it, but she couldn't wait for classes to be over. This whole year was too much too fast. She was lucky to be standing at this point.

"Hey, Hermione," Neville greeted with a sheepish wave. "Can I join you?"

Smiling, she gestured to the seat next to her. "Sure, Neville. I could use the break right now."

"Are you stressed about the O. ? Because you shouldn't be. You're the smartest person I know. You'll do great!" he babbled, blushing when he realized what he'd said.

Hermione laughed, preening at the unintentional compliment. She knew he meant it platonically, considering his rather obvious crush on Luna. She'd noticed them together from time to time, his face flushed and a smitten quirk of a smile. It was precious and Hermione could only hope her friends would find happiness in each other.

She patted his shoulder comfortingly. "Thank you."

He swallowed, but the tension dissolved from his shoulders. "Do you think you could help me with Ancient Runes? I'm having trouble with one particular section."

"Of course." Hermione grinned, settling a bit closer to Neville. "Show me what you're having issues with."

-X-

The Quidditch pitch was empty, aside from her two squabbling friends. Somehow she had been roped into watching them practice but she quickly turned into a referee. They spat insults - which was normal for rivals - but their disputes often trickled into screaming matches over one of them "cheating" before they dragged her into the conflict. She tried pointing out that she wouldn't take sides, but they didn't listen so she resigned herself to the idea of wrangling the idiots before it twisted itself into a brawl.

"Seriously, Malfoy? Are you trying to kill me?" Ginny huffed, glaring - with little to no malice - at the smirking boy.

"I had to make you work for it. What good is practice if there isn't a challenge?" He chuckled, shouldering her affectionately though he was careful not to knock her from her hovering broom.

Ginny sneered and Hermione sighed, blocking out their bickering. There was no use in trying to end it. They would keep on until they ran out of steam. It was best to let them go.

Footsteps echoed along the bleachers, drawing Hermione's attention. Neville was smiling and strolling toward her, Luna close behind. She was pleased to see them together.

"Morning, Hermione," he greeted, flopping down beside her.

Waving, she glanced up at the Quidditch players who were still arguing. Ginny was gesturing wildly, her movements exaggerated and exhausting to keep track of. Her cheeks were flushed. Draco looked on with amusement.

Catching sight of Neville, Ginny's eyes brightened. "Neville! Just the man I needed to see. Since Hermione," she glared pointedly at the giggling Gryffindor, righteous indignation painting her features, "Won't help us settle this, maybe you can." Neville flinched, sending Hermione a panicked look. She merely shrugged apologetically.

Better him than her.

As Ginny began her tirade, Hermione tuned her out and peered behind Neville. "Good morning, Luna."

"Morning," Luna returned airily, without a care in the world. Hermione wished she could be as free as the Ravenclaw. Merlin knows she needed a little relaxation in her life.

"How are you?"

Luna smiled dreamily. "I'm wonderful. My shoes haven't gone missing in a week and the nargles haven't bothered me for quite some time. It's rather pleasant, really."

"I'm glad," Hermione replied, surprised by how much she meant it.

Luna was peculiar but she wasn't stupid. Most had dubbed her "Looney Lovegood" - and Hermione was ashamed to say she had too, once upon a time - but they didn't know Luna the way she did. She could see things, feel things, that others were incapable of knowing about. She had such a good heart and, maybe she wasn't wrong. Maybe the creatures were entirely real. Stranger things had happened.

Humming, the gentle blonde glanced over her shoulder. The light in her eyes dimmed, but her smile remained. Harry was wandering toward them, though relief flooded through Hermione. Harry was alone, his red-headed shadow nowhere to be seen. It was rare for her fellow Gryffindor to come anywhere near Draco; they'd developed a system to avoid the other and it worked well for everyone.

"Morning," Harry grunted, sweeping a hand through his mop of hair. He was limping, favoring his left foot and Hermione wondered if he'd gone to see him.

Everyone waved - even Draco, though it was begrudgingly. He looked as if he were having his teeth pulled without anesthesia, having to acknowledge Harry. Hermione was proud of his effort.

"Are you alright?" Hermione asked quietly when Harry settled beside her.

He winced, stretching his foot out awkwardly. It looked swollen, reddened and pressed tight against the sides of his shoe. "I'm fine. I twisted my ankle when Grawp took a swing at me. He's doing okay, but he wants out of the damn forest. I don't blame him."

Hermione sighed, tousling her wild mane. With a click of her tongue, she deflated. "Being chained up must be awful. He's meant to be free."

Neville was so wrapped up in his conversation that he was oblivious to the whispers, but Luna's ears perked. She hadn't the foggiest about the identity of "him" but she said nothing. It wasn't her right and she wasn't going to butt in.

She could only hope whoever he was, he'd be okay.

-X-

"Well, that went swimmingly. How do you think you did?" Hermione asked.

The fifth years were trickling from the Great Hall. Some were clearly spent, their heads aching while others, like Hermione, were at ease and certain they'd pass the first of their many O. . They still needed to go through their practical examinations, but Hermione was wholly confident in her abilities.

Charms weren't too difficult overall. She'd spent countless hours pouring over her books, but realized there was nothing in those notes and texts that she didn't know. She had no fear of mixing them up. Whatever they threw at her, she was ready. She'd dueled with Death Eaters and won; she wasn't going to let a measly charm ruin her grades.

"The writing wasn't too bad. I'm just not too sure how I'll do when it comes to actually charming something," Harry admitted, scratching the back of his neck.

"You'll do fine." Hermione smiled encouragingly, patting his shoulder.

It was odd. Hermione found herself growing fond of the Golden Boy again, but doubt and hesitation enveloped that fondness and choked it down, reminding her why she couldn't trust him. Forgiving was as complicated as forgetting. You never truly forgot and the sting of betrayal never fully dissipated. It would always be there, in the back of her mind.

Lunch was a tense affair, apprehension evident in every fifth year's eyes. Draco and Harry were civil, one on each side of Hermione. Ron was sitting next to Harry, chatting with Neville while Ginny and Draco shared Quidditch tips.

After the meals were cleaned away, the students piled into the small chamber beside the Great Hall to wait. Name after name was called. Harry went before her, since her legal name was technically Riddle - the Granger having become merely a second middle name. Though she kept it on, she would always be a Riddle (unless she became a Black, but it was much too early to be considering that).

The charms she was being tested on were easy. She was to levitate a goblet - which she did splendidly if her examiner's wide eyes were any indication - and managed to turn it a deep blue when instructed.

Yeah, she was proud of herself.

Each day there was a new O.W.L to conquer. Harry was exempt from Ancient Runes, since he'd opted out of that particular mess. She and Neville had shared notes and quizzed each other Thursday night - one day studying under a tree hadn't been enough -, tucking themselves into Hermione's usual corner of the library.

It was the second Wednesday of O. that everything went to hell.

Really, she should have known nothing ever stayed okay - especially at Hogwarts. Seriously, she had no idea what she held out false hope that their O. and year could end somewhat boringly. Boring was something she'd relish at this bloody point, considering the last five years had never had a normal end. It was time the fates switched it up a little.

Astronomy practical exams weren't until Wednesday night and she'd spent most of the afternoon pouring over her notes. Astronomy wasn't her strong suit so she was determined to prove to herself that she could do fine. She was a Riddle for Merlin's sake. She could do anything she put her mind to.

The beginning of the exam was relatively easy. She was confident in her answers, but an odd noise caught her attention. Glancing away from the telescope, her head tilted as the doors of Hogwarts flew open with a clatter below them. It was evident that Umbridge was leading the group, stalking toward Hagrid's hut in her usual gaudy pink suit.

Shaking her head, she returned her attention to the exam, but something unsettling buried itself within her stomach. Umbridge out this late at night was dangerous. Harry was peering down at the group too, hesitant but intense. He must know something isn't right too.

She tried valiantly to focus, but her gaze continued drifting toward that horrible toad of a woman. She was flanked by a number of other wizards, their backs ramrod straight. Moonlight illuminated the path they trekked, but the darkness surrounding them seemed to swallow the light and left only silhouettes.

But a fleeting shadow caught Hermione's eye; a mere flicker just within her peripheral. Warmth bloomed in her chest, engulfing her heart and turning her blood to molten fire in her veins. Her eyes widened, mouth slack with disbelief. She could feel her ring trying to come alive. It was her…

Bella.

The commotion from Hagrid's hut echoed about, drawing the attention of every fifth year. The door of his hut burst open, a monstrous roar erupting from his lips as he defended himself from the attacking figures. Red flashed in every direction, slamming into his back. Fang, his beloved Fang, was caught in the crossfire and dropped to the ground, fueling Hagrid's rage.

The examiner was trying to regain their focus, but their exams were all but forgotten. Watching their teacher - and Hermione's friend - battling the wizards attempting to apprehend him was unimaginable. He was a peaceful man; why would anyone want to harm him?

Fucking Umbridge. Hermione shook in unbridled rage. She wanted to throttle the woman, watch the light leave her eyes as the last of her breath expelled from her lungs. If she were in her right mind, the thought would have horrified her, but she couldn't bring herself to care.

McGonagall was rushing toward the scene, shouting furiously at the attacking wizards. A deafening scream engulfed the tower as everyone watched McGonagall crumple, multiple bursts of red smashing into the older woman's chest. No one knew who actually screamed; every mouth hung open in disbelief and stunned horror.

"No…"

Hermione pressed both hands to her lips, tears leaking from her eyes though she made no move to wipe them. Harry's fists were clenched in rage, paler than she'd ever seen him.

Hagrid swung violently at the nearest wizards, sending them flying in whatever direction he could. Umbridge, the coward, refused to get closer. She was willing to sacrifice the others, but what would people think if she, Dolores Umbridge, was bested by a filthy half-breed?

As Hagrid made for the fence, the silence of the tower was just was deafening as the scream. It pounded in her ears and Hermione knew there was no possibility of her finishing the exam. Grades be damned.

When dismissed, Harry and Hermione dashed from the tower and down the stone stairs, Ron right behind them.

"That vile creature!" Hermione shouted, nearly overcome with fury. She had half a mind to storm outside and give Umbridge the thrashing she deserved.

"I can't believe her, attacking Hagrid in the dead of night!" Harry growled, angrily swiping a hand through his hair.

"I can," Ron grumbled.

They stomped into the Gryffindor common room, the animosity between Hermione and the others nonexistent in light of the recent event (despite her status on the Inquisitorial Squad. Her expression must have clued them in on how much she disapproved of Umbridge's actions). Voices overlapped, tears streaming along flushed cheeks. Some demanded answers while others weeped for both Hagrid and their fallen teacher. Even Lavender kept her mouth shut, a feat in itself.

It was absolute bedlam.

"W-what happens now?" Colin whispered, petrified of the Headmistress hearing, even though she was nowhere in sight. It was entirely possible that she would somehow find out.

Everyone glanced around the room, hoping someone - anyone - had an answer. Hermione bit her lip, hard. She could feel a wet trickle along her flesh and the metallic taste on her tongue. She had plenty of solutions but none of them were legal and she'd only be proving her peers right if she voiced them.

The chatter amongst the students returned, softer than before and left Hermione conflicted. She was angered by Umbridge's treatment of Hagrid and McGonagall but overjoyed at the sensation of Bellatrix being nearby. Her fingers were tingling and she couldn't stop fidgeting.

"What does happen now?" Harry murmured, gazing at Ron's back as he disappeared into the mass.

"We do what we do best." Hermione smiled bitterly. "We wing it."

Harry chuckled. "I never thought I'd hear you say that."

"When have any of our plans ever worked out properly? It's easier to expect the worst and be pleasantly surprised if things don't go terribly wrong." She shrugged nonchalantly.

"True," he hummed, catching Ginny's eye. He could feel the heat rushing to his cheeks and waved awkwardly. After everything with Cho, he was starting to realize that maybe his feelings for Ginny weren't quite so platonic, but there was never any time to address it. "Do you think…" he trailed off, shaking his head at Hermione's inquisitive look. "Never mind."

"Can I ask a favor of you?" Hermione tilted her head, studying the Gryffindor curiously.

"Of course, Mione." He was eager to help her; he owed her so much, considering she distracted Umbridge during the twins' pranks and she had forgiven him, even when he knew he didn't deserve it.

"I need to borrow your cloak." That wasn't exactly what he was expecting, but he nodded hesitantly anyway.

She smiled gratefully and his trepidations disappeared, questions shoved away for another time. Hermione rarely asked anything of him, usually fulfilling his wishes and asking for nothing in return, so who was he to deny such a simple request?

While the Gryffindors were distracted, he scurried up the stairs to his room and gathered the cloak into his arms. It was hard to be discreet with something so magical, but no one paid him any mind. He was known to do odd things, so his awkwardness was written off as completely normal.

The pair wandered out of the common room and he passed her the invisibility cloak. Slipping it on, she glanced down and chuckled. It was strange, the disappearance of her body jarring. She absently wondered if this was how vampires felt when they looked into a mirror; she couldn't imagine not being able to check her appearance. Her bushy hair was already hard enough to tame. Doing it purely on chance sounded hellish.

"Thank you." She through the material over her head and turned away, starting toward the stairs.