When Kingsley shut the door behind Harry and the Healer, Remus wondered if he should have argued to be present. He stared where the back of Harry's head had been. His unruly black locks had been stuck up exactly like his father's hair. It shuddered through him, the wrongness of the whole situation. The unbearable helplessness as he saw the fear in Harry's eyes as he sat at his side, trying his hardest to be brave.

He'd felt dizzy with relief when he saw Harry healthy and unharmed. When he hugged the boy then searched him for any signs that Fudge had dared to mistreat James and Lily's precious child, he started to understand the position he found himself in. He was Harry's only support. Sirius couldn't be there for him. Dumbledore… well… he was the reason Harry needed support in the first place.

I won't fail you, Harry. I promise.

"Remus." The sound of his name brought his attention back over to the formidable older sister of an old friend of his. He grew aware of Kingsley moving to join them. He met Amelia's gaze.

"Yes, Amelia?"

"Does the name 'Hermione Granger' mean anything to you?"

A mixture of feelings shot through Remus in quick succession. Fear came first. Fear that something had happened to Hermione as well as Harry - that Umbridge and Fudge hadn't been satisfied with just tormenting one kid. Then came confusion. Surely he would know if something had happened to Hermione as well. Kingsley would have said something. Harry definitely would have started their reunion asking after her.

Last was hope.

"Yes, of course." He said, looking over as Kingsley went to sit in the chair Harry had left unoccupied. "I taught Hermione and Harry both when I was a professor at Hogwarts. She's a close friend of his."

Amelia nodded at his answer, leaving him relieved. He knew Hermione outside of his position as a professor, of course, having spent time at the same table in Grimmauld Place during the Summer and Christmas. She reached for a folded letter at her side, opening out two sheets of crinkled parchment, smiling knowingly to herself.

"I believe this may be of interest to you." She said, holding out the letter to him. Bewildered, he leaned forwards and paused when he recognised the handwriting covering both sides of each sheet. He had read his fair share of essays in that particular neat hand. Hermione's handwriting. Astonished to find something that she had written to the office of the Head of the DMLE, he brought his chair closer to the desk. Remus let out a sigh and took up Hermione's letter.

Dear Amelia Bones,

I am writing on behalf of every student who was part of the defence study club dubbed 'Dumbledore's Army'.

We are not child soldiers. We are not conspirators trying to destabilise Cornelius Fudge's authority as Minister for Magic. We are not blind puppets following the lead of Harry Potter, manipulated into believing a web of lies.

We agreed to establish Dumbledore's Army, or as we refer to it 'the DA', for our own sakes. We had to take matters into our own hands because we no longer trust those who are responsible for our education, welfare and protection. We do not believe that the Ministry has our best interest at heart. We do not believe that the Ministry values our safety over their public image. We do not believe that the Ministry's current presence in Hogwarts is for our benefit, but in fact is there to subjugate us, subdue our happiness and control our freedoms.

As the future generation of the magical population, we believed - foolishly - that we had some value to those in a position of power. Instead, we are treated like criminals in our own home. Those of us who try to speak out are forced into silence. We cannot write to our families as our correspondences are monitored. We cannot speak to our professors and ask for help as our educators have also been muzzled as effectively as we have been.

I'm writing this knowing full well that sending a letter to the Ministry will be noticed. I know that the so-called Headmistress will move to silence and discredit me. But I will not be silent while the Minister uses our club as a means to bury Harry Potter in his schemes to silence him forever. We will be heard and I will face the consequences for standing up against my oppressors.

I am not asking you to believe about Lord Voldemort's return. I am asking you to see that no power of authority should treat us as we are being treated.

The Ministry's response here at Hogwarts is not a rational reaction to one student speaking in defiance. Since the first week of this year, Harry Potter has been subjected to systematic corporal punishment at the hand of the Ministry's appointment as Professor of Defence Against The Dark Arts. His detentions last into the early hours of the morning and the manner of punishment has left him visibly scarred. If this is not enough, he has been constantly targeted and unfairly disciplined. He has never once complained about the injustice of his treatment and only stands by his convictions. If he was indeed lying about Lord Voldemort's return, he would not remain so resolute in the face of such harsh treatment.

He tried to assemble a group to teach fellow students the defensive magic being denied to us. In response, the Ministry made all groups illegal and the involvement in an unapproved group punishable by expulsion. He carried out an interview during a visit to Hogsmeade and as a consequence, he was banned from visiting the village and the magazine which printed the interview was banned from the school - possession of which is expulsion. I must add that the punishment for these decrees is worse than if a student is caught attacking another, worse than discriminatory language and behaviour and also worse than if a student uses an illegal love potion on another student without their consent. The Ministry views illegal assembly and possessing a publication as more heinous crimes than aggravated assault.

We need our voices to be heard. We are not criminals. We are victims of paranoid, power-hungry cowards who would rather we be meek and subdued followers than live free and equal lives as we have a right to.

Please. Free us from injustice before it is too late.

Hermione Jean Granger

Remus put down the letter in shock. Amelia moved between him and Kingsley, setting down two glasses of what looked and smelled like Firewhiskey.

"I must admit, I was surprised to learn that Miss Granger is a witch of sixteen years. She writes like an equal rights' activist." Amelia remarked, standing between them. She rested her fingers on the parchment, scrutinising it through her monocle. Kingsley took up the glass of firewhiskey at once. She glanced across at Remus. "You know her better than me. I assume she is not one to embellish the truth."

He shook his head, trying to displace the shock. He gratefully took the offered drink.

"Not at all. Hermione Granger is a child prodigy - so much so that during the year that I taught her, she had special access to a time turner for her to dedicate as much time to her studies as possible. She eventually handed it in when the stress pushed her to the limit, but I assure you, she is not one to cause trouble for the sake of it."

He did his best to push aside his own guilt. He hadn't been alone in encouraging both Harry and Hermione in running their extra-curricular club despite the risk of what discovery brought (though he, Sirius and Mundungus had kept the information from Mrs Weasley). Harry and Hermione both had been resolute in that their secret was safe. Neither of them believed they would be betrayed as they had been.

"I received this letter this morning." Amelia informed him. "As melodramatic as it is, I cannot deny that Miss Granger raises some very alarming points about Dolores Umbridge's changes to the school discipline system. Corporal punishment was banned ten years ago when we evoked laws to protect young children from violence. If any students are being harmed at the hand of a professor, it must be reported to the authorities."

Kingsley sighed into his glass.

"Unless, of course, the students are being harmed by the authorities."

Amelia nodded grimly. "Indeed, which is why I have consulted with the Board of Governors. They remain the only power with the authority to step in and overrule the Ministry's decrees." She then turned away, moving back to her seat on the other side of the desk. Remus nodded faintly, knowing all too well that the Governors were capable of stepping in. He had resigned himself before they were able to fire him for being a werewolf.

His gaze then lingered on Hermione's letter.

Systematic corporal punishment.

The rushing rage of the beast within him fought for dominance as he went over the phrase again. Across from him, Amelia had made it to her seat. She had herself her own glass of liquor.

He quickly slugged back a slurp of the whiskey.

"Harry never said anything about her… using corporal punishment. He told me that he was getting lines but…"

He stopped at once when there was a knock at the door. Kingsley was up at once and he went over. Remus watched and then it shuffled into place in his mind.

The medical scan… Hermione's letter…

The Healer hadn't been brought in just to get proof that Harry had been likely tortured by Voldemort when he had been kidnapped. She had been brought in to prove that Dolores Umbridge had been torturing him. The Undersecretary to the Minister had tortured Harry… Harry…

Kingsley opened the door and stepped back, allowing Harry back into the room. He held three scrolls of parchment in his hands delicately as if they were priceless heirlooms. He noticed the glasses in their hands and wore a wry smile as he approached. His gaze flashed over to Remus briefly, but he didn't appear able to look either of them in the face. He reached the chair and hovered at the desk, extending the scrolls out to Amelia. She set her glass down and stood.

"Celia has gone?"

"Yeah, she said for me to give these to you." He said, very obviously avoiding eye contact. Amelia took the scrolls from him and set them down onto of the purple file. Remus could see each scroll bearing the seal of St Mungo's. The results of Harry's scan.

"I suspect that was a trying ordeal for you. Sit down, Harry. Do you want a drink?"

Amelia's expression was uncharacteristically soft and maternal.

"I'm guessing something of what you're having is out of the question," Harry quipped, glancing at the glass in Remus's hand. He then rather shyly looked at Amelia, clearing his throat. "Some water would be nice, thank you."

Remus never checked Harry over as intensely as he did then, even sniffing for any traces of blood. Harry was perfectly healthy, if not visibly shaken from the scan he had to provide. Remus knew from his own ordeals that they were not easy. It took so long to document at his point, there was no need for it. Without the Wolfsbane Potion, he mutilated himself on a monthly basis.

Harry then looked down, frowning when he spotted the letter. His face went slack when he clearly recognised Hermione's handwriting. He at once looked at Remus, eyes narrowed in suspicion.

"What is this?" He asked quietly.

"It is what we now need to discuss, Harry," Amelia told him and gestured to the seat that was now empty again. Harry stiffly lowered himself in the chair. "Kingsley, I think we can bend a rule or two. Can you…?"

"On it, Amelia." Kingsley swept off to where he clearly knew where his boss kept her liquor.

"Go ahead - read it. It is about you, after all." Amelia encouraged Harry. Remus saw the fear in Harry's eyes and knew it wasn't for himself. He didn't hesitate to take the letter that Remus had just finished reading himself. Harry's eyes widened, turning round with shock, terror and disbelief as he absorbed the anger-fuelled words Hermione had put to parchment.

"Holy… shit, Hermione. What have you done?" Harry murmured, sounding horrified. His hands tensed on the parchment, oblivious when Kingsley returned to give Harry his own glass of strong Firewhiskey. Kingsley shared a look with Remus over Harry's bowed head and he gave him a nod, bringing around another chair for him to take at Harry's other side.

Harry's hands were visibly shaking as he read every word Hermione had risked to write on his behalf. Across from them, Amelia broke the seals of the medical reports, the only one with the authority in the room to do so. She smoothed them out, looking over them. Remus watched her now, reading her response, hoping to glean that Harry hadn't subjected himself to an invasive ordeal for nothing.

"U-Umbridge will never let her get away with this," Harry whispered, finishing the letter. Remus looked back over to him, seeing that his face was drained of colour. He met Remus's gaze. "She just admitted to being my accomplice - there's nothing to stop Fudge from writing up another arrest warrant and…" He put his hands over his mouth, his cheeks flushing as he looked as if he was about to be sick.

"Calm yourself, Harry," Kingsley's deep voice soothed on his other side. "I assure you, had Umbridge or anyone tampered with Amelia's correspondence, we would know about it. She would know that Hermione has sent a letter, but not the contents."

Amelia suddenly gasped sharply from across the desk. She then broke her composure, slamming a hand on the desk. All their glasses jumped and clanked. Harry flinched very violently.

"If Cornelius knows about this, I swear… I will make that man suffer far worse." She hissed out. Harry let out a breath, catching Remus's attention. There was a sudden long of terror on his face as his eyes darted around, as if he was looking for a way out. Alarmed at his panic, Remus at once reached for his hand, gently taking Hermione's letter from his grip and setting it on the table.

"Take a deep breath, Harry." He told him, his rough calloused fingers carefully taking Harry's now limp hand. His palm was hot and clammy.

Amelia had Harry's classified file open and added the medical reports. Her eyes were hard with outrage as she closed the purple file with a snap. She snatched up her glass of firewhiskey and leant back in her seat, her mind at work.

Remus kept his attention fully focused on Harry. He'd seen him pale and clammy before, many times when he had been teaching him the patronus. It was something he could never get used to - seeing such fear on the face of someone as young as he was. He reached forwards for Harry's own glass of Firewhiskey and put the tumbler into his other hand. Harry then peered up at him, surprise flickering past his fear.

"I think you need this more than we do," he said softly.

Harry nodded and sat back in his seat, taking his hand from Remus's. He cradled the glass in both his hands, bowing his head over it. He nervously looked between Amelia and Kingsley before having a sip. He coughed at once, wincing. Remus gave a chuckle.

"A bit stronger than butterbeer."

"Just a bit," Harry mumbled and sipped again. He then looked up at Amelia. "Is… is it enough? To move against them?"

Amelia Bones gave a low laugh. Her mouth stretched into a humourless smile and she then looked Harry in the eye.

"Your friend was not exaggerating. ' Systematic corporal punishment' indeed!" She took a large mouthful of whiskey before setting it down. Her fingers lingered on the rim of the glass as she gathered her thoughts, then she looked across to Remus. "Would you like me to tell Remus about it or would you like to?"

Harry glanced over and then sighed. "I suppose I should… I know you're going to be mad at me for not telling you and Sir- Snuffles." Harry winced at his near mistake and covered with drinking more firewhiskey. He coughed again. He then sighed and placed his left hand flat on the desk in front of him. "I wasn't lying when I said that she made me do lines."

Confused as to why Harry would show him his left hand when he was right-handed, Remus frowned as he looked down at his proffered hand. Kingsley leaned in curiously as well, but he spotted the evidence faster than Remus did. He let out a loud curse word and was on his feet at once. Alarmed that Kingsley of all people had lost his composure, Remus nervously studied the back of Harry's hand.

Then he saw it. He knew Harry's handwriting just as well as he knew Hermione's. He never expected to see it scarred into his own skin. Each mark of the words etched with precision spelled the line that he had been made to write over and over.

I must not tell lies.

"She gave me a quill of her own to use." Harry began to explain. "And when I told her she forgot to give me ink, she said I wouldn't need it. I thought it was odd but just assumed that maybe it was ink-spelled or something." He shrugged. "The… uh… ink was red. I… it was my blood."

Rage throbbed through Remus. He stared at the scars, knowing then just how depraved Dolores Umbridge truly was. He feared that when he read the mention of corporal punishment that Harry had been caned, as he knew was a popular form of punishment in the years before Dumbledore took over as headmaster. As painful as a beating was, it didn't leave any permanent marks.

Harry had been made to cut into his own hand. Many, many times over.

"I didn't want Ron and Hermione to find out. I knew they'd overreact. They found out eventually. It was pretty hard to hide." Harry took his hand off the desk, not looking at Remus. "I knew speaking up about it would just make things worse… and I didn't want to give her the satisfaction."

Remus growled at that, barely controlling his rage. Kingsley made a similar noise across from him.

"You didn't want to give her the 'satisfaction'?" Remus asked, outraged. "Merlin, Harry, the woman was torturing you! If you told someone-."

"Who, Remus?" Harry cut over him, his green eyes now hard with anger of his own. "Dumbledore? You? What could Dumbledore do? Report it to the Ministry?" He laughed bitterly. "She is the Ministry. What would stop her from arguing that I did this to myself? It is my handwriting, after all. She'd just say that it was us trying to frame her and who is Fudge going to believe? Her over me?" Harry let out a bitter laugh. "I'm an attention-seeking, deluded, unhinged brat, remember?"

Remus's heart sank with each angry word.

"You have to hand it to her. She knows exactly what she's doing. She targeted me first because I was the most outspoken. She waited for me to expose her opposition, those I thought could depose her. I didn't - I took the punishment and didn't let her get to me. I am not a liar, but I don't want people who believe me to get in trouble because of me."

Harry's shoulders slumped and he drank some more of the whiskey. "I'm not the only one. She's used the quill on other students. I don't know if they'd be willing to risk testifying, not when she can put students in detention for breathing too loudly."

Amelia hung onto his every word.

"But your friends in the DA would testify?" She asked him. Harry looked up at her.

"I don't know how many of them know about the quill, but those that do might. They joined the DA to fight back at Umbridge and still came to our first lesson even after Educational Decree Twenty Four."

She nodded and reached for a fresh sheet of parchment.

"I need you to write me a list of students you feel confident will answer questions about Umbridge." She stood, putting the sheet in front of Harry. She then placed an inkwell and quill down for him. "I already intend to have Aurors sent to the school to question witnesses about the true purpose of the DA. Umbridge will be under the impression that we are conducting an investigation into you, but in truth, we will be investigating her."

Harry's eyes brightened up at once and he took up the quill. He started to scribble down names at once.

"I will also need to take measures to protect your friend," Amelia continued. Harry looked up, stopping his eager writing. "While Cornelius hasn't made any attempt to arrest her on the same charges as you, she has painted a target on herself. Now that I know the lengths Umbridge is willing to go, I will make arrangements to have Miss Granger brought here for immediate questioning as your accomplice - however the true motive will be to ensure that she is as far from Umbridge as possible." She then smiled. "You will be seeing your friend sooner than you expect."

Harry's eyes were wide. "Y-you're going to place her under arrest?"

"It's the only way we can overrule Umbridge's authority, but rest assured, once we have questioned her, she will be free to go."

Remus could see Harry was still upset. He put his hand on Harry's shoulder, making him look up at him.

"It's a necessary evil, Harry. Getting Hermione out from under Umbridge's thumb is crucial."

Harry sighed and nodded. "I know but it doesn't mean I have to like it." He then reluctantly went back to writing down names. Once he was finished, he handed it over. "Here. They should be the most willing to talk." Amelia gave him a grateful nod and took it from him. When she read the list, she smiled.

"I see you have named my niece."

Harry nodded. "Yeah. I figured naming witnesses from respectable families would make the Wizengamot pay attention. Old blood talks and all that."

Remus looked across at Harry in surprise. That level of cynicism was normal coming out of his Godfather, not Harry.

"N-not that I'm saying you're prejudiced," Harry quickly said once he realised what he had said. "I just… well… not all of us have family in high places is all."

Amelia laughed at his discomfort. "Cornelius has truly underestimated you. You know how to play the game, it appears."

She placed the list on top of his file and then picked up her drink. Her gaze moved across to Remus and she let out a sigh.

"There is also the matter of your medical record. For us to use it as evidence, you will need to be questioned about it." She tapped the purple leather with her fingernail. "Cornelius will know by tomorrow that you have evidence against him, but we can get ahead of him. I'm afraid it will be another long day in the Interview room."

Harry visibly sagged at the news. Remus twitched, reaching for his hand again.

"If I have you before Rufus before Cornelius can throw a tantrum, it may be enough to divert his attention, long enough for me to move Miss Granger out of Hogwarts." Amelia told him. Harry sighed wearily and reached for his drink again.

"I understand." He winced after he gulped down some of the whiskey.

"If we play this right, I can have Miss Granger brought in to corroborate your story. A friendly face will no doubt be a comfort to you both."

She then stood up. Harry lifted his head and looked around. Remus recognised the signs of a meeting being adjourned.

"Now it is indeed late and you will need as much rest as you can get." Amelia firmly said, concluding matters. Her monocled gaze moved over to Remus's direction. "I authorise allowing you to accompany Harry and Kingsley back to the holding cells. I rather suspect you have some things to discuss… outside my earshot."

While Harry looked puzzled at her meaning, Remus understood at once. One of the first things Amelia had said when he showed up in her office was that she knew the Order of the Phoenix had reformed. She said nothing much on the matter but her disapproval was more than apparent.

Her late brother, Richard, had been part of the old crowd. Richard Bones had been a legend among the Aurors, partner to Mad-Eye himself. His prowess in duelling brought him the personal attention of Lord Voldemort and he, his wife and his parents had all been killed - murdered in their own home. Remus remembered it all too well. It had been one of the early losses they endured before the war picked up. The Prewetts had been next, then the McKinnons. Families had been wiped out overnight, one by one.

Until the Potters.

Finishing their drinks, they started to make their farewells. Remus brought a protective arm around Harry when they both stood up. It stayed there especially when Kingsley had to secure Harry's wrists in those infernal inhibitors. His hand tensed on Harry's shoulder when the bands tightened around his wrists, containing both his freedom and his magic. He saw the subtle change in Harry's complexion as his magic was frozen in his veins. The spark in his eyes muted.

Harry tiredly wished Amelia well, saying his thanks as well as a well-meant 'Good night'. Remus kept hold of him as Kingsley led the way. When they reached the exit, Kingsley gave him a rueful look. Understanding, he released Harry from his embrace so Kingsley could take his arm.

He held onto his control as best as he could. Losing it in front of Harry would be the worst thing he could do. Harry's control was hanging on by a thread and if he didn't remain strong in front of him, he risked causing that to break. He'd been trusted to act as Harry's support, the pseudo-parental figure to stand in place of the real thing. He had a responsibility to Harry now - to be his crutch and support him no matter how hard things got.

Remus pulled him around, not caring that Kingsley was meant to escort the prisoner and maintain appearances. He dragged the boy into his arms, wrapping them around him as his heart thundered in his chest.

"You're not alone, Harry." He whispered into his ear, feeling Harry's imprisoned arms squirming under him. His arms stopped at once and the tension left him. Harry leaned into his embrace.

"Never forget that. No matter what happens, I will not let you down. I promise you." He let go, aware that he was likely hurting Harry's shoulders with the way his wrists were restrained. Seeing the moisture in Harry's eyes, he sighed and cupped a hand under his cheek. He smiled at him. "Marauder's oath, Harry. You've got Moony and Padfoot in your camp."

The smile Harry gave him ached in his heart.

"Do you solemnly swear that you're up to no good?" He asked him. Remus grinned, feeling a swooping feeling inside him that he hadn't felt in a long, long time. He could almost feel as if James was with them, his long lost friend watching on with approval.

"Until mischief is managed."


It wasn't the physical pain that Hermione felt in the back of her left hand that drew tears. It wasn't even the injustice of the situation. With every sharp stab of pain, every time the skin sliced open, the depths of her guilt rose up higher and higher. After the first hour, she struggled to breathe past the crushing shame she felt. Another line of glistening blood later, another moment of acute pain as she watched the back of her hand gash open in her own handwriting, and the overwhelming squeeze inside her dominated the burning, stinging sensation in the back of her hand.

That was pain she could soothe away later. A bowl of murtlap essence would drain all the pain away. What she couldn't deal with was how Harry had sat through hours of the same torture and chose to suffer in silence. Only an hour had passed since she picked up the same quill Umbridge used to control Harry, an hour of writing her line of punishment. In her head, she tallied roughly how many more Harry had endured and never complained. He had been determined to hide it from her and Ron, even when he showed up in the Common Room hours later.

Tears threatened and she held them back.

I am not going to give that woman the satisfaction of seeing my tears, she thought fiercely. Then immediately after the thought blazed in her mind, she remembered how Harry obstinately said the same thing to her and Ron. About how he wouldn't speak to Dumbledore because he didn't want to give her the satisfaction. She thought he was being petulant.

I'm so sorry, Harry.

The skin on the back of her left hand was inflamed and shiny, but her lines hadn't scarred like Harry's. He had spent hours after hours carving into his hand until it finally didn't heal. Hermione turned her attention back to the glistening parchment in front of her. The first lines at the top had already turned rusty red. A quick glance upwards confirmed to her that Umbridge hadn't noticed her brief break.

She started on the next line, biting back any sounds of pain. The skin on the back of her hand split open once again as she wrote the words in her own blood.

I must not question authority.

The choice of line spoke volumes about Umbridge's insecurity. She would never be respected so controlled through fear and intimidation, forcing her regime on her domain. No one followed her out of choice. Hermione couldn't even count the Slytherins as willing pawns. Most of them came from families under Voldemort's rule and were likely conditioned to obey their superiors - no questions asked. Even if they hated Umbridge as much as the rest of them, they wouldn't fight back and risk their own necks. They were only out for themselves.

Not everyone was brave enough to question those in control. Hermione had been sorted into Gryffindor instead of Ravenclaw for a reason. She was smart enough to know when those in power were wrong, their position immoral and their actions unjust. But then she was brave enough to do something about it.

Her hand seared again as she continued to write the lines. Each time the word 'authority' appeared on her hand, she found herself biting into the side of her mouth.

Authority.

It was painfully clear to Hermione that a woman like Umbridge should never be given a hint of authority over anyone. She was a sadist. A power-hungry, bigotted, psychotic-.

" Professor Umbridge? "

Bright green flames suddenly blazed from the hearth across from the small table where Hermione was sitting. The voice came from the flames themselves. Hermione jumped violently in her seat, her chair clattering loudly. Her head shot sharply over to where Umbridge had been sitting the entire time, going over some sort of paperwork that occupied her time while she was torturing Hermione.

Her muddy brown eyes met Hermione's and a flash of alarm tensed across the woman's face. That brief hint of alarm was the proof Hermione had been waiting for. The woman knew what she was doing was wrong and was afraid of being caught in the act. She got to her feet and snapped her fingers at Hermione.

"Your detention has been concluded, Miss Granger. You are dismissed."

She snatched her wand up from the table and before Hermione could even think, the black quill and the bloodied parchment zipped across the room to Umbridge's desk. Hermione sat frozen, staring at the spot on the table where she had been forced to write those cursed lines.

She's hiding the evidence.

Umbridge gave her a nasty smile. "Unless you wish me to add the time you missed tonight onto tomorrow night's detention, you will leave now. " She jabbed a stubby finger at the door. Hermione let out a breath, eyeing the fireplace which she now saw had a floating head waiting in the flames. She looked away before Umbridge caught her spying.

That's Neville's Gran!

She recognised the woman from when she, Harry and Ron had bumped into her and Neville in St Mungo's during the Christmas break. Carefully, she gathered her bag and made her way to the door. Umbridge, satisfied that she was indeed leaving, turned her back on her and went to address the witch who had just called her.

Hermione smiled to herself and patted at her pocket. Ever since Harry's arrest, she had taken to carrying around an Extendable Ear, waiting for opportunities to eavesdrop on any conversation that could give her information about Harry. This was the perfect opportunity.

"Madame Longbottom. What an unexpected surprise."

"Is that Hermione Granger I spy behind you?"

At the question, Hermione froze at the door.

"She is leaving." The statement was weighted. Hermione swallowed and made a show of leaving. She pushed the door shut behind her and then hurried reached into her bag, grabbing a fistful of shimmery, silky material. Fearing that the Ministry would send Aurors to search Harry's trunk, she and Ron had taken some of the more suspect belongings from his trunk to keep them from getting confiscated. She had his Cloak; Ron had the map.

Pulling Harry's cloak around her, she edged around into the shadows, stepping behind a suit of armour that already splashed a human-shaped shadow on the flagstones. As she made sure she was completely covered with the Invisibility Cloak, head to toe, she became aware of a pleasant fragrance. She recognised the smell of Harry's shampoo. He was one of few boys who chose to use muggle toiletries over magical. It amused her when she found out the summer before fourth year when she stayed at The Burrow before the Quidditch World Cup Final. Mrs Weasley gave her the plastic bottle, thinking it was hers. When she returned it to its rightful owner, Harry had been extremely red-faced.

Breathing in the soothing scent of Head and Shoulders 2 in 1, she took out the ear. She levitated it carefully towards the gap under the door, then placed the receiver in place.

"-not often have to make calls to the School in my capacity as a Governor. Especially not so late at night."

Hermione adjusted the ear so that Augusta Longbottom's voice came out as clearly as if she was in the room with them.

"I have just come from an emergency Board meeting. The news that the Minister for Magic has filled in the vacant position of Headmaster without the Board's approval has not been met well."

A gasp puffed out of Hermione before she slapped her hand over her mouth to keep herself quiet. Of course, she knew that Neville's gran sat on the Board of Governors. Neville had mentioned it in their first year. A mixture of conflicting emotions were triggered. She was overjoyed at hearing that the Governors were stepping it, but frustrated that Madame Longbottom had been so close to catching Umbridge in the middle of harming a student. Hermione knew that corporal punishment was illegal, everyone did, but Umbridge made it clear that she was the law so the rules didn't apply to her.

It appeared that her authority wasn't quite as all-encompassing as she thought.

"I believe you will find, Augusta, that the Minister has the authority to fill the position."

"You believe, do you?" Madame Longbottom's stern voice cut over Umbridge like a whip. "In that case, would you care to explain why, as his appointed Headmistress, you do not have access to the office of your position?"

Hermione giggled behind her hand. She wished she could see the look on Umbridge's face.

" If the School does not recognise your authority as Headmistress, then you do not have the position. It is that simple, Dolores. The School does not recognise the Ministry's authority, nor has it done since the Education Privatisation Act of 1655. The Board approved your appointment as High Inquisitor as we believed that conditions at this school have slipped unacceptably over the past few years. That appointment does not mean you are the natural successor to Dumbledore. In fact, considering that Albus Dumbledore has not handed his resignation nor have we voted for his dismissal, the school recognises that he is still Headmaster."

If she wasn't hiding and eavesdropping, Hermione would have jumped for joy. She was grinning madly behind her stinging hand, clutching the ear closely.

"Harry, you are going to love this," she mouthed behind her hand.

"That is preposterous! Dumbledore admitted to conspiracy and fled the Aurors when they made an arrest. He is a wanted criminal!"

Umbridge dropped her facade of sweetness at once, her outrage palpable. Rather than be impressed with the argument, Madame Longbottom laughed. It was harsh and humourless, but it was clear what the woman thought of Umbridge.

"Indeed? Then the Board will take that into account when we come to the school tomorrow to consider his petition to the position - as well as yours."

"The Board of Governors do not outrule the Ministry." Umbridge snapped nastily.

"Actually, they do where Hogwarts is concerned. If you and the Minister deny this simple fact, there will be consequences. If the schools needs are not met within a week of the Headmaster's seat being empty, it will seal itself for the children's protection. This castle is first and foremost a fortress to protect the future generation of our kind. It will read the absence of its Headmaster as an attack and act in defence."

Hermione's mirth dissolved at once. She knew this to be true from her many rereadings of Hogwarts: A History . The Headmaster is responsible for the safety and security of the students. Without his presence, the school will lockdown until someone takes the position. No one will be able to leave. If the Minister didn't accept that he doesn't have autonomous authority, he could be responsible for imprisoning them all.

Thus making a lot of parents very unhappy.

"That you are no aware of this makes it abundantly clear that you are not suitable for the role that you have usurped. "

"I am Undersecretary to the Minister. I will not be talked to in this way!" Umbridge seethed.

"You are a bureaucrat, not an academic. I suggest you work on convincing me otherwise if you wish to have the Office that is currently sealed off to you." Madame Longbottom said with an air of finality. "I expect to be received at the Entrance Hall with my fellow Governors at Eight o'clock. Your presence is compulsory, Dolores. If you do not meet with us, we will view it as disrespecting our position as Governors of the school. You have disrespected us enough as it is."

Hermione had every suspicion that Umbridge would be calling the Ministry immediately after Madame Longbottom left her grate.

"I beg your pardon."

"Do not think it has escaped our notice that you have been going above the Law with your rule changes. Students of this school can only be expelled after a formal Hearing. You are well aware of this having been present at Harry Potter's disciplinary Hearing last August. We will be reviewing all the rules you have enforced since your appointment."

Hermione gasped softly again. She started to feel sorry for Neville that he had been raised by someone so authoritarian and strict. If she was able to put Umbridge so firmly in place, it was no wonder why Neville was as shy as he was.

"I will inform Cornelius of this blatant act of conspiracy against the Ministry. "

Madame Longbottom laughed again.

"When you do, remind him that all the Governors have positions in the Wizengamot. It would be unfortunate if a vote of no confidence makes it into the Council Hall. "

Hermione choked a laugh at her immediate parry and reposte.

"Aha! That is sedition."

"Not if it is justified." Madame Longbottom snapped. " A fact that I believe slipped your mind when you arrested Harry Potter. "

"Wow…" Hermione whispered, awed by the remark. There was no debating where her allegiances were. The argument appeared to have finally subdued Umbridge as there was a swelling silence in the wake of it.

"Good night, Dolores. " Madame Longbottom clearly felt that she had won the exchange. "I will see you in the morning. "

Hermione kept listening in as she heard the flames blaze as the formidable Longbottom matriarch took her leave. She waited for the outburst, holding her breath. Sure enough, after two whole seconds of silence, Dolores Umbridge shrieked with outrage. There were several smashes as a number of her ugly decorative plates apparently fell victim to her temper tantrum. Hermione's grin was so broad, her face ached. She savoured every single one of Umbridge's screams as she tore through her office like a petulant child being denied their favourite toy.

Eventually, Hermione came to her senses. She summoned the ear back before she could get caught listening. Being caught by a very angry witch she knew to have no compulsions against harming students was not wise. She stowed the ear in her pocket and hastily, yet reluctantly, beat her retreat. The conversation between Umbridge and Fudge would have been interesting, but the risk was too great. She had more than enough information.

She made her silent way back to the Common Room, light with euphoria. Her journey back couldn't be more different than the one she made earlier, terrified of the torture she would have to sit through after Umbridge discovered she had written to the Ministry.

Wrapping the Invisibility Cloak tightly around herself, she breathed in the faint scent of her friend. Her heart ached with the need to tell him in person what she'd just heard. Everything that he had suffered and was currently suffering would be worth it. Umbridge was finally being held accountable. She knew, just knew, that the Governors had gotten involved because of him. Harry finally had his lectern from which to have his say from and this time, his audience were listening.

She clung onto the folds of his cloak, finding herself thinking of him, wondering what he was doing and where he was. Was he asleep in his cell? What was his cell like? Had the Aurors been questioning him? Was he okay?

When she came up to the Fat Lady portrait, a new thought came to her. One that she hadn't had during the whole time of their separation.

Was he thinking of her? Did he miss her?

Pausing in step, she felt shocked at the questions. She hadn't wondered if he missed Ron or the School, his home. She wondered specifically if he missed her.

Why did I think that?

She closed her eyes, breathing in the familiar scent that surrounded her. The answer came quickly.

Because I miss him.