Hermione had always believed home was a place. The Grangers used to say that a house didn't automatically make a home; home was wherever you felt content and safe, protected from the horrors of the world. It gave you a sense of belonging, a warmth that flooded your veins.

She'd searched her entire life for something like that.

In the beginning, she'd believed that Hogwarts was going to be her home. It was full of life, with children like her. She could learn whatever her heart desired to know (within reason) and she could do amazing things; she could change the world. Even after the debacle with Harry and Ron at the end of their first year, she'd never felt more at home. But when the theme continued to reoccur, that sense of safety had diminished.

Going into her fifth year, she had pondered if she was looking for a home in the wrong places. Maybe Hogwarts wasn't meant to be her home; it was Harry's and everyone knew it. Now, in this very moment, she realized she wasn't wrong. Home didn't always have to be where you expect it - or even a place at all.

Sometimes home was a person.

Being encased in Bellatrix's gentle embrace, all her fears and anxieties drained away in mere seconds. She felt more at home in Bellatrix's arms than she ever did with the Grangers or at Hogwarts. She'd never needed to search; home was already waiting for her. While she was skeptical about fate, she couldn't help but wonder if it'd brought her Bella.

"What are you doing here?" Hermione mumbled against Bellatrix's collarbone.

Sighing, Bellatrix pressed a sweet kiss into her hair. "We need to talk and it was far too dangerous to send by owl."

Hermione shifted back, but Bellatrix's grip never faltered. "Is something wrong? Is everyone okay?"

"Everyone is fine, love. We have some important business to discuss. But first," Bellatrix tugged her close with a predatory uptick of her lips, "I think we deserve a proper greeting."

Smirking, Hermione buried her fingers in unruly curls and smashed their lips together, teeth clashing and eager tongues dancing a dance only they could. Flicking her tongue along the back of Hermione's teeth, a low moan rippled in her throat. Her nails bit into the soft flesh of her hips and Hermione hissed with delight.

"Merlin I missed you," Hermione mumbled against her lips, tracing Bellatrix's lip teasingly.

Groaning, she bit Hermione's bottom lip in retaliation before soothing the sting, suckling it playfully. She inched her hands beneath Hermione's shirt and scratched along the plane of her stomach, Hermione bucking involuntarily and tightening her hold on Bellatrix's hair. Bodies pressing together, the want was stifling and the air crackled with desire. The energy surrounding them was intense, overwhelming their senses and suffocating every rational thought.

Her thighs were slick with need and she craved a release only Hermione could bring, but Bellatrix forced herself to part from her young lover before she forgot entirely why she was there, smiling apologetically. "I've missed you too, darling but there isn't time for that." Her eyes darkened lustfully as she studied Hermione. "As much as I wish there was." If she had it her way, Hermione would already be up against the wall with three fingers buried deep inside her wet heat.

Hermione huffed, pouting. "Okay…"

Bellatrix gave her a placating peck before settling in the nearest chair. Instead of taking the free chair, Hermione situated herself in Bellatrix's lap and threw her arms around her shoulders.

"What's going on? You're rarely this serious." Hermione arched her brow curiously, despite the unease clawing at her chest.

"The Dark Lord sent me here to warn you. He knows your habit of running headfirst into danger thoughtlessly and you're bound to run into this."

Hermione felt like she should be offended - but it was a true assessment, really. "Into what exactly?"

"Our Lord has learned to manipulate his connection with Potter and plans to lure him to the Ministry. You cannot stop him; it's absolutely vital He gets what he's looking for. He doesn't plan to kill the boy - it isn't time - but Potter will undoubtably drag you into his quest. You must go with him." Awkwardly, Bellatrix fished something from her pocket; where she was hiding it, Hermione had no idea. Freeing the glowing sphere from her corset, she delicately handed it to Hemione. "When the time comes, you need to switch the prophecies out."

"Is this…" Hermione cradled the ball gingerly, eyeing it warily.

"It's a false prophecy He created, with mine and Cissy's help. He must get the real one or he will be very displeased." Bellatrix pressed her cheek against Hermione's shoulder. "I know it's a lot to ask of you, but he was faith in you and Draco."

Nodding, Hermione stared at the ball. "I won't fail you."

"I know." Tilting Hermione's head, she captured her in a sweet, loving kiss. It was simple, just the brushing of soft flesh. "I love you, darling. You can do anything. Everything will be okay. The Death Eaters and I will be there; you'll be completely safe. No deadly curses will be thrown at you or your friends. Maybe a few stunners, but nothing fatal. We must keep up appearances after all."

"I trust you," Hermione whispered. "Am I allowed to tell Draco?"

"There might not be time, but if you can manage it, yes."

Hugging Bellatrix tightly, Hermione rose from her perch on Bellatrix's legs. "I have to go back," she said regretfully. "I have O. tomorrow."

Bellatrix groaned sympathetically, a playful grin on her face. "I hated O. . A pointless waste of time."

"Maybe for someone who wanted to be a Death Eater," Hermione quipped, winking at the older woman, "But some of us do want real jobs."

Bellatrix huffed in mock hurt. "Being a Death Eater is a real job."

Giggling, Hermione kissed Bellatrix briefly before retrieving the cloak. "I love you. Be safe."

"Always, love."

-X-

The History of Magic test wasn't until two, leaving Hermione ample time to nap in her quarters and get in some last minute studying. She was prepared, but refreshing her memory wouldn't hurt. Harry had spent his entire morning in the common room trying to glance over the notes he'd borrowed from Hermione and she felt bad for him. He'd been awake when she returned from the shack to give him back his cloak and she wasn't positive he'd ever gone to sleep.

When the test began, she was confident in her answers. The questions were things she'd studied up on in her first and second year, having grown bored with her class work. Being brilliant was both a blessing and a curse; she could pass tests, but it was easy to lose her attention when they were taught simpler things. Harry seemed to be having a tougher time and she genuinely felt sorry for him. He had his heart set on becoming an Auror and that would be difficult if he got low marks.

His eyes closed numerous times and he was paling as time ticked on. He would scribble down answers, but tears filled his eyes every time he opened them. His breaths were closer to pants and his hands shook violently, his quill quivering. During his longest pause, his body seemed to vibrate in his desk. She was more than concerned.

She had the fake prophecy tucked into her robes, having charmed it with an invisibility charm she'd come across. She wanted to be ready for anything and she couldn't help but wonder if the time for it was coming. A bloodcurdling scream left Harry's mouth and she knew…

This was what Bella was preparing her for.

Harry was ushered from the Hall, his hand attached steadfast to his mark and trembling with each step. She shared a quick glance with Draco and hurried to finish the last of her questions. Time seemed to go at a snail's pace and the moment the test was over, Hermione was out of her seat with Draco close behind.

"What the bloody hell was that about?" he inquired quietly, lips barely moving and a fake uninterested expression etched into his boyish features, reminding her vaguely of Lucius whenever he had to chat with boring guests at New Years.

"There's no time to explain," Hermione replied, "but I'll try to when I can."

She found Harry standing with wrong, a haunted look on his face.

"Go," she ordered, glancing at Draco, "I'll come find you."

Draco hesitated. "Are you…"

"Go," she repeated firmly, rushing to Harry's side. She'd apologize for her snappish barking later.

"Where the hell were you?" Ron asked. "Are you okay?"

Harry ushered them into an empty classroom and closed the door. He was shaken, a cold sweat dampening the back of his neck and a faraway look in his eye. She'd never seen him so distraught (except maybe after the Triwizard Tournament).

"He has Sirius."

"Who has Sirius, Harry?" Hermione questioned, feigning confusion. She wasn't an idiot, she knew exactly who had him and why. Dammit, Bella, why didn't you warn me?

"Voldemort." Hermione flinched and absently wondered if she'd been spending too much time with the Death Eaters. Hearing his name had always sent a shiver down her spine, but not for the reason it did now.

"How do you know?" Ron squeaked.

"I saw it when I fell asleep during the test. I don't know how he found him but he's going to kill him. They're in some room at the Ministry. We need to find him!"

Ron blanched. "Mate, are you sure? The Ministry is the most guarded place in the Wizarding World. I can't imagine how he'd manage to get inside without someone noticing."

"I know what I saw. These dreams aren't normal. For Merlin's sake, I've never been there and yet I can see it so clearly. We have to go save him!" Harry shouted, his fists clenched in apprehension - or maybe rage? He was so prone to that nowadays.

"Hermione?" Ron glanced pleadingly at the silent Gryffindor, urging her to be the sensible one.

"You shouldn't run into this blindly, Harry. Try and contact Grimmauld Place first. Ask Kreacher or an Order member if Sirius is there," she advised.

Harry shot her a nasty look, but she remained impassive. "He's being tor -"

"You don't know that for sure, Harry." Hermione crossed her arms and met his glare, unwavering beneath its venom. "You might be running into a trap and Merlin knows you can't afford that. You do this every time, Harry."

The door to the room opened with a bang, Ginny and Luna slipping inside. Ginny stared at the group questioningly. "What's going on?"

"Nothing," Harry snapped, turning his back to them. Could no one understand? His godfather was going to die and no one seemed to find any need for urgency.

Ginny's brows furrowed irritably and Hermione couldn't contain her eye roll. Had Harry always been so hotheaded and irresponsible or was this new? No, this is relatively normal for him.

"You realize they could help, right?" Hermione pointed out sarcastically.

"How do you propose we find out, hm?"

Shaking her head, Hermione's posture stiffened as she bit back the urge to yell at the broody boy. "You use Umbridge's fireplace. We watch out for her while you try to get in contact with him."

Harry growled, but stayed quiet, his back still to them. The fury was draining from his spine and she nearly sighed in relief. "How?"

"Use your cloak and sneak in." He swallowed hard but pivoted about.

"I'll try and distract her while Gin and Luna act as lookouts." Ron nodded, peering at his sister and Luna. "Right?"

Hermione piped up, "I will too. If Umbridge catches us, I might be able to save all of our asses - or at least buy us some time."

Ginny nodded in agreement and Luna just smiled. God, did that girl ever stop smiling?

-X-

Hermione knew things weren't going to go according to plan. Umbridge was a cow, but she wasn't a complete neanderthal. She'd catch on to Ron's subterfuge the moment he opened his mouth and she would bring the Inquisitorial Squad right to them.

In fact, she was counting on it. Not in hopes of stopping it; no, so that she could get Draco involved without being suspicious. He would listen. He always did. I really should apologize. He didn't deserve such a sharp reply.

Ginny was stationed at one end of the hall and Luna at the other. They were trying valiantly to keep anyone from venturing near Umbridge's office. Harry was tucked inside, presumably talking to someone in the Order while Hermione was hidden behind a column. The sound of a scuffle - along with Ginny's yelp and Neville's shout of pain - signaled the Headmistress' arrival and Hermione slipped from her hiding spot. She caught Ginny by her robes and covered her mouth with her hand, startling the Weasley whose eyes were undoubtedly full of betrayal.

Discretely, she inched her mouth near Ginny's ear and whispered, "Trust me, I have a plan."

Herding the caught students into her office, Umbridge forcibly dragged Harry from the fireplace and tossed him aside.

"Did you really think you could trick me, sending that moron to try and distract me while having lookouts at both ends of this hall? Like it wasn't a suspicious act? Who were you trying to contact? Albus Dumbledore? That filthy half-breed? Answer me!"

"It's none of your business," he spat, glaring at the toad of a woman.

"Take his wand." Draco smirked, groping through Harry's robes until he found it. He shared a brief look with Hermione, but was quick break eye contact.

Umbridge's attention drifted to Hermione. "Go and fetch Snape."

Hermione scurried from the room, her feet pounding heavily against the stone floor. Jogging turns into sprinting and she burst through Snape's door the moment it's in sight.

"What the hell?" He jerked in surprise, brow rising. "Is there some particular reason you've come barreling into my office?"

"Umbridge…Harry…Sirius…" Hermione wheezed, clutching her stomach.

Severus blinked. "Excuse me?"

"Umbridge caught Harry using her fireplace. He thinks the Dark Lord has Sirius. Umbridge is demanding you come to her office."

Severus groaned, setting his quill aside. "Of course she is. It will be my great displeasure to tell her there is no Veritaserum left. She used the last of it on Potter weeks ago I'm assuming. Damn woman refuses to listen," he griped, rising from his desk. "Let's go before she has both our heads."

He led them back to Umbridge's room, stepping in with Hermione on his heels. "Headmistress."

Hermione tuned out their discussion, resuming her position behind Ginny. She gripped the youngest Weasley's robes tightly and peeked over her shoulder at Draco. He was leaning against the wall, spinning Harry's wand and flipping it through his fingers. She gestured with her head for him to join her and he meandered nonchalantly to her.

"I have a plan," she mumbled non-conspicuously from the corner of her mouth, "but you have to free the others if it works."

"Okay." He was stoic, though there was a devious gleam in his eye.

"You're on probation!" Umbridge screeched, dragging Hermione back to the conversation ahead. Severus was clearly keeping a smirk at bay, a twinkle of mischief in his eye. She really had no idea how much the teachers at Hogwarts loved to mess with her. He probably had Veritaserum hidden away for a rainy day in his office. Severus was too clever to have given it all away. "Leave."

Severus snorted inaudibly and bent at the waist, rolling his eyes dramatically before stalking out of the room. Who knew he had such a flair for dramatics?

Umbridge paced along her desk, muttering harshly to herself before tugging out her wand. "I don't want to do this, Mister Potter but you've left me no other alternative. The Cruciatus Curse ought to loosen your tongue."

Hermione balked. "That's illegal!"

"What Cornelius doesn't know won't hurt him. After all, he was oblivious about my sending the Dementors; why would he learn about this?" Ginny's nails dug into Hermione's arm, leaving crescents in their wake. She was so floored by Umbridge's admission that she didn't register the nip of pain they inflicted.

"You sent them?" Harry gasped, squirming under her enthusiastic, slightly unhinged gaze.

"Someone had to get rid of you. You're a danger and a nuisance. I was the only one to act. Everyone talked but no one ever did anything about you, Potter." She waved her hand dismissively. "But that isn't the point." She leveled the wand at his chest.

Hermione cleared her throat. "I think I know what Potter's hiding."

Harry's head swiveled around, horror painted across his face as clear as day. Really, he ought to learn how to school his features. He was an open book and that just wouldn't do. "Hermione…"

"You do?" Umbridge clapped her hands together gleefully, though there was disappointed shining bright in her twisted beady eyes. She'd wanted to hurt him. Why the Ministry had hired such a vile creature was beyond her.

"I saw Potter coming out of the forest one night. I think Dumbledore has a weapon out there and Potter's finishing it for him." Harry's forehead crinkled and Hermione gave him a stern sneer. "I bet he's got something deep in there, hidden from students until it can be used to overthrow you - maybe even the Ministry."

Finally catching on to Hermione's lie, his shoulders slumped in mock defeat. "I was trying to speak with him. I needed to tell him it's ready. Hermione saw me but I never thought she'd turn on me." He covered his face, shoulders trembling though she knew he wasn't crying. He was probably trying not to laugh. His acting was atrocious, but it seemed to do the trick.

"Take me to it at once!" She observed the Inquisitorial Squad dubiously. "Hermione, you will accompany Harry and myself. Draco, watch these troublemakers until we return. I'd rather the lot of you not know what we're dealing with." Her paranoia was a godsend and Hermione thanked every deity she could think of.

Umbridge seized Harry's shoulder painfully and shoved him toward the door, Hermione trailing behind dutifully. Merlin, this better work.

-X-

For once, Hermione was appreciative of Umbridge's cowardice. She was situated between Umbridge and Harry, her wand pressed menacingly into the small of his back, her wand steering him along the path. She was hoping to find the centaurs - or at the very least, Grawp - and distract Umbridge long enough to escape. The Headmistress trailed behind them hesitantly, eyes flitting about as she tried to peer into the darkness of the forest.

"How much farther is this weapon, Potter?" Umbridge demanded, gripping her wand so tight her knuckles were white against the wood.

"N-not too far."

Hermione cleared her throat. "I can't believe you could take part in something like this, Potter," Hermione chided loudly. "I should have known you were trouble."

The faint sound of hooves seemed to bounce off the trees and Hermione gave a faint smile. This may have been her worst idea yet, but it was too late to turn back now. She was committed to this.

The mute thump of strings drawing back was Hermione's only signal before a barrage of arrows flew at them - a warning, nothing more, though she wouldn't have minded watching that toad being impaled. In less than a second, she tackled her fellow Gryffindor to the hard forest floor and covered their heads, Umbridge's nearly inhuman screech ringing in her ears. She'd tried to shield herself with Hermione's body, but her training with Bellatrix had quickened her reflexes considerably and she had wrenched herself from the woman's grip.

It's a good thing I cast a protection charm on the prophecy or it'd probably be shattered by now.

They scrambled to their feet and craned their necks, trying to catch sight of all the furious centaurs. They'd reloaded their bows, aiming them directly at Umbridge.

"How dare you? Do you know who I am, you filthy half-breeds?" Magorian's nostrils flared and he tightened the string of his bow. "I am Senior Undersecretary Dolores Umbridge!" She stomped her foot and Hermione choked down the urge to face-palm. Would she ever fucking learn?

"What did you call us?" Bane snarled, leveling his arrow at her head, itching to release it and end her miserable life.

"Any attack on a human by a creature of near-human intelligence -" Umbridge's rant was cut short when an arrow lodged itself in the tree beside her head.

"If this is the intelligence your people offer, I believe we easily surpass your standards, human."

Umbridge swallowed harshly, shaking with fear but also indignation. How dare some filthy creature criticize her? "Why you -"

Hermione jerked Harry back and away from the impending scuffle. Umbridge threw a nasty spell that tangled up Magorian's torso and legs and he roared with rage. His fellow centaurs shouted in echoing fury and charged at her, her Stunners no match against their multitudes. She could only cast so fast - and they were much faster.

Locking their arms with Umbridge's, they began toting her away and her protests were ignored. "Potter, Riddle, tell them I mean no harm!"

"I'm sorry, Professor, but I must not tell lies." They watched her disappear into the darkness with little remorse. Really, it couldn't have happened to a nicer person.

"We told you never to return," Bane bellowed, his eyes narrowed in a withering glare as he stomped his hooves a few feet from them. The remaining centaurs were gauging their reactions, poised to attack if the need for it arose.

"I'm incredibly sorry, sir. We had no choice." Hermione lowered her head submissively, bracing herself for whatever came next. He snorted in disgust and Hermione tensed. This definitely wasn't a good idea.

Ronan, a centaur they'd met once before, stalked closer. His head was tilted inquisitively and he sniffed the air. "You are…" he trailed off, scrutinizing her features. Whatever he'd realized made him frown and he stepped back cautiously. "Leave. You've been warned once and this is your final. Don't come back on this land."

One of the other centaurs shouted in protest but he waved them off.

"Enough. Go."

Softly thanking the weary creature, Hermione grabbed Harry's hand and bolted from their sight, only slowing when they reached the clearing. Harry was agitated, rubbing his hands together.

"Great job, Hermione. Good plan," he said sarcastically, rolling his eyes.

"Did you have a better one?" she retorted.

"At this rate, Sirius will be dead before we leave the grounds!"

Grinding her teeth, she bit back a nasty comment.

"How do you suggest we get there, huh? Have another brilliant plan up your sleeve?" Harry sneered, kicking at a nearby tree.

At this point, she knew he was raring for a fight, but she wouldn't give him the satisfaction. It wasn't her fault he couldn't come up with a better idea. They were free; he really should be more appreciative.

Twigs snapped behind them and they spun around, coming face to face with Ginny, Neville, Ron, Luna and Draco. Harry glowered at the Slytherin, who only raised his hands and shrugged.

"What the hell are you doing here, Malfoy?" he demanded, lunging at the blonde, who sidestepped him and strolled to Hermione's side.

"Trust me, mate, I don't trust him either but he did help us escape Umbridge's office," Ron explained, warily staring at Draco.

Fishing Harry's wand from his pocket, he tossed it to Harry. "You should be thanking me, Potter."

Growling, Harry tucked it into his robe. The urge to throttle Harry settled deep in Hermione's chest; his holier-than-thou routine was getting old. He could never be grateful for anything unless it came from Dumbledore.

"What happened to Umbridge?" Ginny inquired.

"The centaurs carried her off," Harry replied dismissively, his eyes still trained on Draco.

"Now, how are we getting to Sirius?" Ron asked, rocking on his heels.

"We could always fly," Luna suggested, smiling her serene smile like it was the most obvious answer in the universe.

Harry blinked, turning his attention to the Ravenclaw. "There is no we. Secondly, there's no way to fly. We don't have access to brooms."

"I do." Ginny grinned.

"So do I," Draco piped up.

Harry snarled, "There's no way in hell you're coming along, Malfoy."

"You don't exactly have a choice, Potter." Draco smirked, cocking his hip and crossing his arms. "I go where Hermione goes."

"She's not coming either! None of you are!" he screamed, face flushed in rage. He couldn't understand why his friends thought he'd let them go into trouble. He was different. He was Harry Potter - the Golden Boy.

"We can take those creatures you and Luna can see," Ginny suggested, sharing a look with Luna. "Just because we cannot see them doesn't mean we can't use them."

As if summoned, two thestral trotted out of the treeline. Cursing under his breath, Harry chewed his lip anxiously. "Alright, Ron and I will take these and go. Hermione, you wait -"

"I'm not waiting here for you like some cheerleader! If you haven't noticed, I'm the one who gets you out of horrid situations and this is how you repay me? Is it because I'm a girl or because I don't fawn over every little thing you do? If my little duel with Ronald and Lavender hasn't clued you in, I'm a better fighter than he is." Ron's cheeks were aflame at the mention of his loss to the Gryffindor, but she couldn't tell if it was repentance or shame of being outdueled by her.

"You're not prepared for a real fight and neither are they! They weren't even the best in the -"

Something in Hermione snapped and she narrowed the deadliest look at Harry that she had ever mustered. "Harry Potter, quit being an asshole! I know you're afraid and scared but being a prat to the people helping you is not the answer. It only adds to your never-ending list of problems! We're already in this together, so there's no chance in hell you're going to keep us away and pull you woe is me act when you return, so be grateful for your fucking friends and let's come up with a plan because Sirius will be dead if you keep whining and arguing and pissing the lot of us off!" She took a menacing step forward, her blood boiling in her veins. Power seeped from her very pores and warning blazed in her eyes. She'd stared down bigger men than Harry Potter before; had beaten them in duels. "And for your information, I'm far more prepared than he will ever be!"

Harry staggered back, stunned by her outburst. He'd never seen her so enraged before, not even when Ron tried burning her book. He'd also never heard her curse so freely, usually the proper one of their lot. He had no doubt she'd hex him if he continued on.

"This is hard, I know," she said, her tone softening, "But we have one problem solved so let's go."

Clenching his jaw, he nodded. He looked properly chastised so Hermione relaxed her face and the fire flowed away as fast as it'd come. She should have known her tolerance for Harry wouldn't last.

-X-

Her Mark burned, nearly unbearable as she rushed through the manor and into the library. The Dark Lord was stiff, a predatory grin curling his lips and he reminded her greatly of the snake he was so fond of.

"My Lord?" She sighed in relief as the pain ebbed.

"It is time."

Bellatrix straightened, a crazed look in her eye. Despite the gentleness she reserved for Hermione's presence, she was still mad - a Death Eater at heart. That had never changed. The longing of bloodlust lingered in her veins; the lure for maiming - and the occasional killing - was too great, the darkness residing in her very soul aching to take control.

Mayhem and destruction were her drug - and she needed a fix.

"Gather my faithful. Bring Rodolphus and Yaxley along." Bellatrix balked and he chuckled humorlessly. "They want in my good graces, Bella. They will not want to fail me. Their uprising will be the least of their worries and, should they be dumb enough to attack you, then I will have all the reason in the world to dispose of them swiftly."

"Of course, my Lord. May I ask one thing of you?" Bellatrix bowed her head submissively, gaze trained to the floor

Voldemort was intrigued. It wasn't often Bellatrix asked anything of him. "You may if I see it fitting."

"If they do turn their backs on us, might I capture them and be allowed to torture them instead, considering what they've done?"

The Dark Lord smirked. He appreciated the sheer insanity that was Bellatrix Black. She had served him well; used the madness swirling in the recesses of her mind to follow out his every whim and brought with her a depravity only she could possess.

Who was he to deny such a reasonable request? "That is a brilliant idea, Bella. When the time comes, they are yours."

Bellatrix's eyes were alight with possibility. "I will gather everyone at once, my Lord."

Not for the first time, He was thankful his daughter's chosen was the dark witch before him. There was no one better for Hermione than Bella - and vice versa.