Chapter 3 - The Ministry at Hogwarts

She couldn't breathe. She could feel the pressure around her throat and her hands shot in the air clawing wildly.

"Hermione," Harry shouted.

She kept fighting the invisible enemy and Harry grabbed her arms and pulled her into a tight embrace. She stopped struggling and buried her head in the crook of his neck, crying.

"It's ok," he whispered. "You're safe."

"Harry," she whispered. "Harry."

"Shh, it's ok."

"Hermione," said Ron in a hushed voice.

Hermione released her grip on Harry and turned in the direction of Ron's voice. His face was white with fear. All at once she forgot her own fear and released Harry.

"I'm ok, don't worry Ron." She opened her arms and he reached into her. He was shaking against her.

"Who did this to you," he asked through gritted teeth.

"I can't be sure, but I think it was."

"Oh good, she's awake," a voice interrupted. Hermione released Ron and stared at the pompous figure of Cornelius Fudge. Just behind him was the squat figure of Dolores Umbridge.

Hermione stared unblinking at Umbridge. "What is she doing here?"

"Now, now, Miss Granger. There is no need to be rude," said Umbridge.

Hermione could feel both Harry and Ron tense beside her and she couldn't help remembering one of the last times she had been in a room with Umbridge.

"Dolores," began Fudge. "The girl is not right in the head and we really must make allowances."

"You are right, Minister," said Umbridge in a sickly sweet voice.

Fudge approached Hermione's bed and she could feel Harry and Ron move closer to her.

"How are you feeling, Hermione." He asked in a slow condescending tone."

"I need to see Professor Dumbledore."

"Albus is occupied at the moment."

"Hermione, they want to take you to St. Mungo's," Ron blurted out.

Hermione's head shot around to Ron. "Why?"

"Ronald," said Fudge a bit sharply. "There's no need to frighten Hermione." He turned his gaze on Hermione in a would-be fatherly way. "We understand that you've been having some. umm. problems lately. And after last night we feel that you may be a danger to yourself."

"I don't understand." Said Hermione confused.

"They think you did this to yourself, Hermione," said Harry.

"That's insane," said Hermione. "Someone was in my room last night. Someone sent by Voldemort."

Fudge and Umbridge shuddered noticeably. "Do you know who?" Asked Umbridge.

"Yes, I think it was Draco Malfoy."

"Malfoy," said Umbridge incredulously.

"That's right," she said and then continued quickly. "He was in my room and he got on top of me and put his hand over mouth, I couldn't breathe and he said that Voldemort was the one who was making me see things and I tried to fight him off, but he was too strong and then his hands were around my throat and." Hermione was too upset to continue. Ron put his arms around her and Harry held her hand tightly.

"Hermione, I understand that you think that happened," began Fudge.

"It did happen. I didn't imagine it."

"Miss Granger," said Umbridge. "Madam Pomfrey informed us that you have been taking a Potion for a dreamless sleep every night. Did you take it last night?"

"No," admitted Hermione and Umbridge smiled triumphantly. "That doesn't mean it didn't happen," insisted Hermione.

"But why we would Mr. Malfoy want to harm you. There's just no reason."

"He said he was delivering a message for Voldemort."

"Miss Granger, as Head Girl you are aware that there is a protective ward around the girls dormitories. A boy could not have gained access to your room last night."

"He was there. He must have figured out a way to get around the wards, a spell or something."

"Really, Miss Granger," spat Umbridge.

"If she says he was there then he was there," bellowed Ron losing his temper. "Instead of wasting your time here, why don't you go and find out where Malfoy was last night."

"Maybe you boys should be heading to class. Miss Granger obviously needs rest," said Umbridge.

"Yeah, like we'd leave her alone with you," spat Ron.

"Ron," said Hermione under her breath.

"What is going on in here?" Said Madam Pomfrey entering the ward. "Minister, I thought I made it clear that this girl needs rest."

"Have you given all Miss Granger's medical information to Healer Morton, Madam Pomfrey?" Asked Fudge formally.

"Yes, but I must make myself clear, Minister. There is no reason for Miss Granger to be committed to St. Mungo's, she is not a danger to herself or anyone else."

"When I want the opinion of a school nurse I will ask for it," roared Fudge losing his temper.

"Cornelius," came a booming voice. Professor Dumbledore swept into the room. Everyone fell quiet. He turned to Hermione, Harry and Ron and gave them a reassuring smile.

"Albus," returned Fudge. "I trust you've spoken with the Healer from St. Mungo."

"I have."

"Good, then we'll be on our way." Fudge took a step closer to Hermione. "Hermione, you'll be coming with us."

Harry stood up and placed himself between Hermione and Fudge.

"Not so fast, Cornelius," said Dumbledore. "I am not inclined to release Miss Granger to your care."

"You do not have a choice, Albus," Fudge said through gritted teeth.

Dumbledore looked at Hermione, Harry, and Ron again and then returned his gaze to Fudge. "Perhaps we should speak in private."

Fudge bowed his head slightly in agreement and walked out with Dumbledore, followed by Umbridge and Madam Pomfrey.

Immediately, Ron left Hermione's side and ran to the door. He cracked it open slightly and pulled out one of his older brother's extendable ears.

Harry turned back to Hermione, who for some time had been in a confused silence. "Hermione, quick tell me what happened."

"It's just like I said. I was in my room last night and Malfoy, at least I'm pretty sure it was Malfoy, attacked me. He said Voldemort sent him to tell me that it was he who was making me see things."

"So it is Voldemort," said Harry.

Hermione nodded.

"What else?" Harry asked.

Hermione hesitated, not wanting to continue.

"What?" Harry pressed. "Hermione, tell me."

"He said. He said that he wanted you and I to know that he can reach me anywhere. Even at Hogwarts."

"He wanted us to know? Me, to know."

Hermione nodded.

"This is happening because of me," said Harry more to himself than to her.

"Damn," said Ron from the door.

"What is it Ron," asked Harry walking to him. Hermione scrambled out of bed to join them.

"It doesn't sound good."

"What? What are they saying."

"Dumbledore just said that he won't allow Fudge to remove you from school and then Fudge said Dumbledore doesn't have that kind of authority. Then he said that if Dumbledore insists on interfering in things outside his sphere of control he would have him removed as Headmaster and this time he'd make sure it'd stick."

"Oh my God," breathed Hermione. "Why is Fudge doing this?"

"I'd bet my life, he's still ticked off that Dumbledore showed him up about Voldemort. You know his popularity's been slipping this past year. He'd do anything to show up Dumbledore."

"Yeah, but why does he care about Hermione," asked Ron, one ear still pressed near the door.

"Because," said Hermione beginning to understand, "If he can prove I'm a danger to the school, he'll look like the big hero removing a threat. Not only from Hogwarts, but also from Harry."

"From me?"

"Yes, of course," said Hermione. "Harry, you're everybody's darling. If Fudge suggested that you could be in danger because of me, then the wizarding community would be thankful he had me committed."

"All of this is happening to you because of me?"

"No," said Hermione sharply. "Don't you ever blame yourself for Voldemort or Fudge."

"I think they're coming back," said Ron jumping.

Harry pulled out his wand and pointed it at the door. "Colloportus," he said quickly.

"Harry, what are you doing?" Said Hermione and Ron together.

"There's no way I'm letting them take you to St. Mungo's. You'll be easy prey there. Remember Broderick?"

Ron's eyes widened with fear and understanding. "Hermione, you've got to get out of here now."

"But where?" Asked Hermione. "You guys aren't thinking straight."

"We could take her to Hagrid's," Ron suggested. "He'd help."

"No," said Harry. "We have to get her off the school grounds. Once they find out she's missing, they'll search for her." Harry thought for a moment. "Could we take her to the Burrow?"

Ron shook his head. "Fudge would anticipate that. I mean, we could go there for a couple of hours, but how long before wizards started appartating there."

"I'm not going to the Burrow," interrupted Hermione. "It would put your parents in danger. Your father could lose his job if Fudge found out he was hiding me."

The three of them jumped when the doorknob rattled, followed by thundering knocking.

"Quick, out the back," said Harry.

He, Ron, and Hermione made their way quickly to the back door. Harry went first and made sure the coast was clear. Then motioned for Ron and Hermione to follow him.

"Where are we going?" Ron whispered.

"The staff room and then Gryffindor tower," responded Harry.

"Why? Do you think that's a good idea?"

"We won't be there long."

"Harry, what are you planning?" Asked Hermione.

"We need to get some floo powder. The only way to get far from here fast is through the floo network."

"But where will I go?" Asked Hermione.

"The only place I think you'll be safe," said Harry cryptically.

The three approached the staffroom quietly and Harry peered in. "Hello," he said. No one answered and they quickly went in.

Harry went to the fireplace and immediately found the jar of floo powder. "I need something to put this stuff in."

"Why don't we just go now," asked Ron.

"Because Hermione has to have her wand. She can't be without it, especially now."

"And also, I would like to get some shoes on at least," said Hermione.

The boys looked at her and grinned. She was still in her nightdress and was barefoot.

"Look for something to hold the powder in," said Harry.

They scattered and searched the room. "Here," called Ron a few seconds later. He rushed forward with a small pouch. Harry grabbed it and scooped a few handfuls of the powder into the bag. Then they made their way out of the staff room and ran for Gryffindor tower.

The common room was filled with various students. "Hermione," Harry whispered, "go upstairs and get what you need quickly. Ron and I will try and clear the room out a bit."

Hermione took the steps two at a time and reached her room quickly. She opened her dresser drawer and pulled out a pair of jeans. She pulled them on quickly and then pulled her nightgown over her head and threw it on the floor. She crossed the room and grabbed her favorite sweater off of her desk chair. She wrenched it over her head and pocketed her wand.

Then she heard a loud commotion downstairs and froze in fear. She walked cautiously to the door and listened. She could hear the voices of Cornelius Fudge and Dolores Umbridge, followed by a loud klazon. If she hadn't been so anxious she would have laughed because she knew Fudge must have tried to get up to the girls dormitory.

Hermione knew that that blunder had given her a few extra seconds. She darted from her room, knowing it would be the first place they looked. Girls were streaming into the hallway asking questions and looking confused. Hermione spotted Ginny Weasley and made a dash for her.

"Hermione, what's going on down there."

Hermione was completely out of breath. "Minister, Umbridge," she said through gasping breaths. "I've got to get out of here."

Ginny's eyes were wide with surprise. "But why? What's the Minister doing at Hogwarts? And Umbridge?"

"I don't have time to explain, I just need you to stall Umbridge when she finally gets up here. I need to get downstairs."

"Ok," said Ginny unquestioningly. "Quick, hide in my room. I'll let you know when the coast is clear."

Hermione slipped into the sixth year girl's dormitory and waited by the door. She was thankful it was empty. Most of the girls were probably in class.

She pressed her ear to the door and heard a loud scuffle, then the door flew open and she had to jump back to avoid being hit in the face. "Quick," said Ginny. "I've locked her in your room, but I doubt that'll hold her for long."

The two girls sprinted to the stairway, which had resumed its correct form and ran down. At the bottom of the stairs, Hermione stopped short causing Ginny to run into her.

Cornelius Fudge was looming feet away. "Really, Hermione. All this fuss is really too much."

"You'll forgive me if I don't think you have my best interests at heart," said Hermione coldly reaching for her wand, but Fudge was faster. He pulled his own wand and pointed it at the two girls.

"That is unfortunate, but it changes nothing. Healer Morton has spoken with both Albus and Madam Pomfrey and feels you should be under the care of trained Healer's at St. Mungo's." They stared at each other neither of them moving. "Please don't make me stun you and take you forcibly."

Out of nowhere, Ron came flying across the room and tackled Fudge. "Go, Hermione. Quick!" Hermione jumped over Ron and Fudge who were tussling on the floor. She tripped when Fudge threw out an arm at her. Unfortunately, Harry was moving towards them with the floo powder in an outstretched hand. He caught Hermione, before she hit the floor, but the powder went flying everywhere.

"Damn it," he shouted trying to scoop up the powder. He managed to gather up a tiny bit. He and Hermione stared at each other and then Harry looked resolved. He grabbed Hermione's arm and dragged her toward the fire.

He threw the bit of powder into the orange blaze, which immediately turned emerald green. Then, still holding Hermione's arm, he stepped into the fire and pulled her in with him.

"Hang on," he said and wrapped his arms around her waist. She put her arms around him and closed her eyes. "Number 12 Grimmault Place," Harry shouted and with a whoosh they were gone.