A/N: Hey guys, I got my first big flame, and I'm a bit upset...do any of you guys think I overstepped anywhere? I was worried from the beginning that some people might see this as a political story (which it isn't meant to be!). I know that anything like that should be kept off fanfiction entirely. I just thought it was a neat idea. Anyway, it kinda came at a bad time, I was already upset today about leaving a place forever that had seemed like a second home and saying goodbye to the people there, so I guess that's why I might be overreacting.

Disclaimer: I own nothing.

Judgement Runs Astray

Hermione gradually awoke, wondering why she felt so relaxed and pleasant. She slowly grew aware that she was sitting up, on a couch by the feel of it. Cracking her eyes open, she could see Remus's lap. 'We've been like this all night,' she realized. 'Poor Remus, he's probably exhausted with the full moon coming up. I wish I could wake him up, though. My neck hurts.' Hermione concentrated with all her might to move, if only an inch. She was able to twitch, and from that she could feel Remus's head resting on hers. A slow blush creeped over her features as she realized how close they were. 'Remus, wake up, this is getting uncomfortable,' she pleaded. Of course, Remus couldn't hear her, and stayed soundly asleep.

The minutes crept on and felt more like hours. For awhile, Hermione cursed her condition, but it got old after awhile. She amused herself by looking around the room, and counting the colors she saw. That got boring too, and she pounded against her inner walls in frustration. Then she tried to relax and get more sleep. Remus was not moving.

Remus. She glanced up as far as she could, but she could not see him. Despite her neck pain, she had to admit to herself she liked just spending time with him. Quiet, just like this. It was soothing somehow.

The sound of footsteps echoed down the stairs. Ginny entered Hermione's line of sight. She noted the open book on Remus's lap and deduced what happened. "Do you want me to wake him up?" she whispered.

Hermione winked her right eye. Ginny gently shook Remus awake. "Huh? What?" she heard Remus mutter. He opened his eyes. "Oh. Sorry Hermione, I didn't mean to fall asleep like that." He lifted her head from his shoulder, and she winced. "Does your neck hurt?" he asked. Hermione indicated yes. "I'm sorry, I won't let this happen again." He frowned for a moment. Hermione almost looked disappointed. 'I must be mistaken,' he decided. 'She could not have liked being stuck down here with me all night.'

"It's shower time," annouced Ginny. "Let's go." She levitated Hermione up the stairs, leaving Remus on the couch, rubbing his neck. His neck hurt too, after being cramped in that odd position all night. Still, he never remembered feeling so refreshed after a sleep, especially this close to a full moon. He tried to squelch the thought that he had liked spending time with Hermione. He could not afford to like her. He was destined for Azkaban. 'She's just like my daughter,' he told himself. 'She's like a daughter to me. Nothing more.'

Fawkes, who had been flying around the room, disappeared abruptly. A few moments later he materialized with Dumbledore. "I have something to discuss with you," the old wizard said. "Severus refused to make more Wolfsbane potion. He said he didn't wish to become - involved. Most unfortunate. I'm sorry, Remus. I know how much the potion means to you."

Remus looked crestfallen. How in the world would he get by without the potion, with Hermione in the house and everything? This would be great risk for her. And what about himself? What if he got so injured that he was not able to take care of her? The thought of her being in someone else's charge displeased him more than he thought it should.

"When full moon comes, I'm going to barricade you in the basement, and I'll send Fawkes over here to watch over Hermione for you. I'm sure things will be all right, Remus. Fawkes has more abilities than he's given credit for."

"Thank you, Albus," said Remus. "I couldn't get on without you."

"Also, I would like to warn you. They have an official search for you now. Hermione's parents wanted the muggle police looking out for you, too, but I was able to prevent that by pointing out there's a lot of things here we wouldn't be able to explain to them. They wouldn't be much use. Fortunately, they accepted that excuse." He paused. "Hermione's parents are now suing you for kidnapping her and causing them severe stress. They've also turned your "resisting arrest" charge into a more serious charge, especially since you haven't showed up at the Ministry of Magic."

"What can we do, Dumbledore?" asked Remus. "Is there any way I can get a fair trial?"

"Not with the way things are now, I'm afraid. They still believe that Hermione is almost or offically dead. We can't prove them wrong, or they'll know we've had contact with you, and things would get worse. Hermione needs to stay with you, whatever happens." Dumbledore's voice lowered to a whisper. "I daresay neither of you would mind that?" His eyes twinkled, and he grabbed Fawkes's tail feathers.

In an instant he was back in his own office, leaving Remus staring at the empty space, wondering what Dumbledore was implying with his parting statement.

Harry and Ron were waiting for him. Dumbledore sent Fawkes back to pick up Ginny when she was ready before turning to them.

"How is she?" asked Harry, an angry edge to his voice. He still could not believe he was not allowed to see her. What had happened to the Hermione he had known and loved? 'She's just so stubbornly independent,' he thought. In the back of his mind, the a plan formed. All he needed to do was get a chance to carry it out.

"She's the same. Remus seems to be a bit weaker now that he's been denied the Wolfsbane potion."

"Why don't you force Snape to make it?" asked Ron. "It could only do them good."

"In this case, we must respect Professor Snape's wishes. After all, a couple of Remus's charges had some truth to them, even if he was right in doing it. He does not wish to risk himself getting in trouble for helping a criminal, and I will not force him to assume that risk." Dumbledore sighed wearily. He really wished Severus would give up his grudge against the Mauraders and their family and friends. "It's time for you to get back to your classes."

Harry and Ron left Dumbledore's office and obediently returned to their classes.

Michael Judge blinked drearily in his Azkaban prison cell. Anytime now, he was sure of it. Anytime now, Voldemort would come and set him free. Free to continue carrying out Voldemort's devices. After all, he was now Voldemort's most loyal Death Eater. He would not abandon him.

Sure enough, Voldemort appeared in his cell within a few minutes, holding his wand, as well as his own. Worldlessly Voldemort handed him his wand, and they both apparated to Riddle Manor. The evil pair trooped upstairs to where Nagini was kept.

"My Lord," said Michael. "What is your next move?"

"We take over," Voldemort hissed. "Follow my instructions, and they won't know what hit them. We'll strike where they're weakest. It is about time we take advantage of their love for others. Potter and their ridiculous Order will suffer greatly for this, as will the entire Ministry of Magic." He briefly outlined his plan. "I know you can find the resources to get this done, Michael. You are my greatest servant."

"You are too kind, My Lord."

"Save your fakery for the Ministry, Michael," spat Voldemort. "Do a good job here, and we'll see about your immortality."

"My Lord is generous!"

"What did I just say?" said Voldemort in a dangerous voice.

"Of course, My Lord. It was foolish of me," said Michael.

"It's time to finish what you so brilliantly started. Everything is ready. Out, Michael, and I don't want you back until we have at least one more death and imprisonment accomplished." His eyes glinted. "You know who I mean."

"As you wish, My Lord. This will be quite enjoyable to outfox them at their own game. I will be glad to deal out my revenge in your name." Michael disappeared with an ominous crack.

Voldemort stroked Nagini absently. Did they think Voldemort was not powerful anymore, no longer to be feared? They would soon learn their lesson. Too late.

Harry sat in DADA, feeling glum. Snape was teaching, and Hermione did not want him to visit. He was getting worried glances from the other students occasionally, wondering if he was going to have another crazy fit. Voldemort was still on the loose, intent on killing him. And if he did not do something soon, he would start failing some of his classes. How much worse could it get? All his worries weighed heavily upon him. If only Hermione was here. She would be able to help solve most of his problems.

But she was not here, and wishing was that she was was not going to make her materialize next to him. He was so lost in his thoughts that he did not notice that he was being addressed by Snape.

"Daydreaming again, Potter?" he snapped. "Class is not the time to be dreaming about your dead friends, even though you have so many dead friends, you'll lose count, won't you, Potter?"

Harry glared at Snape. Snape smirked and continued on with his class. "Today, we are studying vampires. Who can tell me something about vampires?"

"They like to suck — " Suddenly, Harry was seized with an insane desire to laugh. His scar sizzled, and he realized that somewhere, Voldemort was very happy about something. Harry's face turned red from the exertion of trying to hold back his laughter. "Blood." Then he exploded with laughter.

Ron stared at Harry. 'Oh, no, not this again,' he thought desperately. He kicked Harry, trying to help shake Voldemort off.

"I don't see what you find so amusing, Potter," said Snape, his eyebrows raised. Then it dawned on him what must be happening. "I knew coaching you was useless from day one. You are so ruthless and disobedient, just like your father."

It was like Harry had not heard him. He howled with giddy laughter. It was very hard to fight, because in a way, it felt so good to laugh this hard, something he did not do much these days. At the same time, he fought hard to squelch it, because everyone was looking at him like he was bonkers.

Even though Snape hated Harry, he loathed Voldemort. Reluctantly, he decided to intervene. Any interference of Voldemort's needed to be supressed. Snape muttered a spell that would make it easier for Harry to push Voldemort out of his mind. Instantly the laughing ceased. "Now we can continue, since our rude interruption is over," declared Snape icily.

Harry sat stock still, catching his breath and ignoring the stares. Voldemort was planning something. Something big, something never done before. Something that made him very happy. This only added to Harry's worries. What could he be up to now?

'I've just got to see Hermione,' he decided. 'I don't care. She has nothing to be ashamed of. Surviving the killing curse is an amazing feat.' He stared out the DADA door, his plan taking more definite shape. It might be awhile, but he would watch carefully and patiently for his chance. It certainly would be hard to get past Dumbledore, but it would be worth it. Hermione would give him the advice he needed. Who knows, she might even be able to help him with his Potions grade.

He glanced over at Ron, wondering if he should let him in on his plan. 'No,' he decided. 'It'll be hard enough to get myself past Dumbledore; with both of us, it'd be impossible. Besides, when she sees me, she just might change her mind about visitors, and Ron would get to see her too. I need to see her more than Ron, he doesn't have an insane murderous wizard breathing down his neck every day,' He felt a little bad about keeping the secret, though. He certainly hoped Ron wouldn't mind very much. 'It'll be okay, he'll get over it,' Harry told himself. 'Eventually.'

Replies to Reviewers:

MoonyNZ: I love how you're always so quick to review, thanks! It was nice and long too. :) Oh yes, we haven't seen the last of Michael Judge. (ominous music)

SpikesDreamer: Thanks so much, it means a lot to me! Yes, I love all the little things, I think that's partly what love is about, the nice day to day, thoughtful things. Glad to hear from you!

Radingsouls4u: Thanks, I'm glad you think I convey it well, especially since I really don't know much about this sort of thing, so I just imagine and guess. :) Yeah, I thought it would be cute to write that, and move along the romantic tension between them. Well, something huge is going to happen in the next chapter, you'll see.

JTBJAB: Hmmmm, Remus. Well, last we saw him, he was eating breakfast. Then he sat down on the couch downstairs, and, since Hermione was quite occupied with her books, he ended up sleeping through lunch, poor fellow. So, that's where he was. :) I'm so excited you love it! Reviews like this keep me writing and help me ignore reviews like that one flamer.

BlackPaintedWhite: That's good that no more chapters are blocked. :) I'm glad you liked that part with Hermione, I was a bit unsure about it, very glad you think it's in character. That's my biggest goal, is to keep things in character. Hey, that's completely fine, any review is totally fabulous! Except if it's like the onethe flamersent me, that makes me upset, of course. Thanks for reviewing!

Morena-Forever: Butterflies are fun! Yeah, I hide that part of myself in real life, I got teased really bad about it when I was younger so now I keep it tightly under wraps. I don't think (being teased) that sort of thing is funny at all. Anyway, thanks a million for reviewing!

LupinLover99: Thank you so much! Yes, they are cute! Always glad to hear from you.

Rebecca: There's no excuse to flame me when I've been quite open to considerate constructive criticism all along. I believe that I havetaken enough steps to leavemy own stance on that issueproperly ambiguous, don't jump to conclusions.Well, can't exactly say thanks, but, it was interesting to hear from you anyway. It makes me appreciate my positive reviews all the more.

Preview of next chapter: Meanwhile, Harry was standing outside of Dumbledore's office, his Invisibility Cloak on. Now was his chance. He burst into the Headmaster's office and whipped the cloak off, stuffing it into a bag under Dumbledore's desk. He eagerly turned to Fawkes, his hands shaking in excitement. He grabbed the Phoenix's tail feathers and whispered, "Number 12, Grimmauld Place."