HOGWARTS, YEAR 5: SPRING
The jig was up. Hermione raced through the darkened halls, panting hard. She wondered briefly who told Umbridge about the D.A. We'll know soon enough, she thought. The secrecy spell she'd used on the members was no joke. Rounding a corner, she smacked hard into someone wearing a shiny Inquisitorial Squad badge.
The person grabbed her to keep her from falling back onto the stone floor. "I might've known," Draco drawled.
"Malfoy," she said wearily. Of course. It has to be him.
"Let me guess, this little group was all your idea?"
She drew herself up to her full (albeit short) height. "You know as well as I do that Umbridge is absolutely worthless," she said matter-of-factly. "How else are we supposed to learn how to defend ourselves?"
Those grey eyes bored into her. He was still holding her upper arms.
She squirmed a little under the intensity of his gaze.
"What is it Malfoy? You're creeping me out."
He released her suddenly.
"Go," he snapped.
"What?" she blinked at him.
"I said, go Granger. Hurry, before I change my mind."
Backing up slowly, she kept her eyes locked on him. Her brow was furrowed in confusion.
Unfortunately, Crabbe chose this moment to emerge from the shadows, clutching Ron's robes tightly.
"Hehehe, good on 'ye, Draco. Knew you'd get her."
Draco's face tightened into its familiar sneering mask as he pointed his wand at Hermione. "Come on. Umbridge's office, now."
She walked back over to him, resigned.
"I'll take her, Drake," Crabbe said. "So you don't have to get Mudblood germs on you." He reached out and grabbed her upper arm hard, causing Hermione to wince.
"NO," Draco said forcefully. "I've got her. Just deal with Weasley."
"A'right," Crabbe grunted, hauling Ron off to Umbridge's office, Draco and Hermione close behind.
She marched beside Draco, sneaking occasional glances at him. His face was stony. She could feel tension radiating off him, but his hold on her arm (below where Crabbe had grabbed her) was gentle.
When they reached Umbridge's office she saw that Harry was already there.
"Ah, just in time!" Umbridge said brightly. "We're off to the Headmaster's office. The Minister of Magic is here to personally handle this matter. We'll have to send a special train to take you back to London in honor of your expulsion."
"Expulsion?!" Draco exclaimed.
"Yes, Draco dear." She looked from Harry to Hermione to Ron gleefully. "These students have been very naughty, haven't you my darlings? And I simply cannot abide rule-breakers. Now! On you get."
Malfoy marched Hermione like a soldier toward Dumbledore's office. She stole another glance at his face, but it was still shuttered, his eyes ice-grey.
She'd seen him angry many times before, but this was different. He's furious.
When they reached Dumbledore's office they found Minister of Magic Fudge and Head Auror Kingsley Shacklebolt flanking Dumbledore. Fudge looked confused, Kingsley stoic, and Dumbledore calm (maybe even slightly amused). Marietta Edgecomb was crying into her sweater.
"Ah, the party's arrived," Dumbledore said happily. "Let's get started, shall we? What's all this hub-bub about?"
"You know very well what this is about, Dumbledore," said Fudge. "These students have been holding secret illegal meetings, in direct violation of the rule stating explicitly that there should be absolutely NO student gatherings within Hogwarts without the Ministry's approval." The feather in Fudge's wizarding cap quivered. "These three students…" he continued.
"One student," Hermione tried to step forward, but Malfoy still held fast to her arm. She glared at him, only to find him glaring back with twice the venom. But there was more than anger in his eyes – there was desperation.
She took a deep breath and turned back to face the Minister. "Dumbledore's Army was my idea."
Dumbledore started laughing. "Hermione, thank you for attempting to protect me, but the proof is in the pudding. Or shall I say the name? Dumbledore's Army, you see."
Fudge sputtered. "You-you-you WERE trying to take over as Minister of Magic! I knew it!"
"Indeed. And I coerced these poor students into helping me. Even going so far as to threaten to withhold Prefect statuses if they refused."
Harry opened his mouth to speak, but Dumbledore held out a hand.
"Thank you, Harry, but I'll take it from here."
Umbridge looked crestfallen. "But Fudge – Potter, Weasley and Miss Granger should at least face expulsion, after all…"
"For what, exactly?" asked Dumbledore. "Tonight was supposed to be our very first meeting, and it was obviously interrupted."
"Very first…NO," Umbridge said, looking almost manic as she yanked Marietta out of the corner. "Tell them, girl. Just like you told me. Go ahead."
But Marietta merely shook her head, eyes bright with tears.
"Come on, it won't activate the curse further," Umbridge wheedled.
"Yes it will," Hermione muttered, causing Malfoy to raise an eyebrow.
Umbridge grabbed Marietta and began shaking her before Kingsley put a stop to it.
"Well. Well," Umbridge said, brushing a sweaty curl from her face. "That doesn't change the fact that they've been using THESE to communicate all year." She triumphantly held up a gold coin. "Miss Edgecomb told me that the numbers on these galleons would change to reveal the date and time of their covert meetings."
"A Protean charm? Highly, highly advanced magic," Kingsley said, taking the coin curiously. "The same charm He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named uses to call his Death Eaters to him."
"Indeed it is," Dumbledore said. "Do you really think a student could have successfully performed that charm?"
Fudge frowned. "I suppose not. Malfoy, Crabbe, escort these students back to Gryffindor House. Marietta, Hospital Wing. Perhaps Ms. Pomfrey has something to take care of those spots. You three watch yourselves now," he warned, glaring especially hard at Harry and Hermione.
Malfoy released a heavy breath and swiftly steered Hermione toward the door.
"Are you going to wait for Crabbe?" Hermione asked, rolling her eyes when Malfoy didn't answer.
Draco's long legs were no match for hers, and she found herself half-running behind him. "Malfoy! MALFOY." She yanked her arm out of his hand and refused to go another step. Leaning against the wall, she tried to catch her breath. "What in Godric's name are you doing? I'm not sprinting the length of the castle at your whim."
In the distance, she could hear Crabbe, Harry and Ron. The muscles in Malfoy's jaw worked. "Merlin, why are you so upset?!" she asked.
"I'm not," he said shortly.
"Arggh," she growled in frustration, grabbing his sleeve and dragging him into an empty classroom. She waited until she heard Crabbe's thick footfalls pass, and then rounded on Malfoy.
"Will you stop?" she asked.
"Stop what, Granger?"
"Lying to me! I know it's a Slytherin trait, but please Malfoy. I've known you since we were 11."
She crossed her arms and waited for him to speak. A storm was brewing in his pale eyes, and then it broke.
"YOU ALMOST GOT YOURSELF EXPELLED!" he yelled.
Swiftly, Hermione drew her wand and whispered a sound-proofing spell.
Malfoy's chest was heaving and his pale skin was splotched with red. "WHAT WERE YOU THINKING? And by Hecate, why would you confess to starting the stupid club in the first place?"
Hermione blinked at him. "Because it was my idea."
"You bloody Gryffindors," Malfoy spat. "You don't have to be so honest all the damn time! For Merlin's sake." He raked his hand through his hair, mussing the white-blond strands. Hermione had a sudden urge to laugh.
"What's so funny, Granger?"
"Nothing, Malfoy. Your hair looks cute like that, is all."
He sputtered. "It's not-I don't-don't try to change the subject!"
"I'm not." Hermione yawned, suddenly weary beyond reason. What a night. If not for Dumbledore's quick thinking, she could be packing her bags to leave Hogwarts right now. A truly horrifying thought. She hoped Dumbledore would be ok. She felt terribly guilty that he was in trouble with the Ministry. What if they remove him as Headmaster? Oh well. There was nothing they could do now. And knowing Dumbledore, he would find a way to make things work to his advantage, even if he was no longer at Hogwarts.
"Come on," Malfoy sighed. "I'll get you back to your dormitory."
He walked slower now, matching her pace. She was grateful.
"Malfoy?"
"What, Granger?"
"Why don't you want me to be expelled? I thought you didn't believe Muggleborns should go to magical schools."
He was quiet for a moment.
"I don't know what I believe anymore." Malfoy was frowning, as though struggling to understand his feelings. Then he shook his head, and his mouth settled into its usual smirk.
"Anyway, the real reason is that I would miss making fun of you. You're extraordinarily easy to rile, Granger. It's quite entertaining."
She snorted. "I'm sure."
They reached the portrait of the Fat Lady and Hermione turned around to face the pale Slytherin. "Thanks," she said simply. He nodded and turned to go. "Oh and Malfoy – for the record, I would miss you too." He looked at her sharply, eyes widening in surprise.
Then she whispered the password and disappeared through the portrait hole.
LATE SPRING
"But Harry, it doesn't make sense!" Hermione exclaimed. "Why would Voldemort be keeping Sirius in the Ministry of Magic, of all places? How would he have even gotten in there? It's packed with witches and wizards, not to mention Aurors! Anyway, you aren't even supposed to be having these visions. The Occlumency…"
"SCREW THE LESSONS, HERMIONE! THEY'RE USELESS! I KNOW WHAT I SAW!" Harry's face was red. "And with or without you, I'm going to the Ministry."
Hermione held her hands up. "Alright, I'm sorry," she soothed. "Harry, I'll go with you to rescue Sirius. Ron and I would follow you anywhere, you know that. All I'm asking is that we don't rush in blind. It could be a trap. Let's just…let's just check to see if Sirius is home, first, ok?"
"And how do we propose we do that?" he snapped.
"Umbridge's office," she said. "It's the only fireplace that isn't being traced."
He glared at her for a moment before nodding. "Fine. Let's make it quick."
Later That Evening, Umbridge's Office
Damn it all to Hecate, thought Hermione. They were trapped in Umbridge's office after trying unsuccessfully to contact Sirius. Perhaps he really was kidnapped. If that was so, they needed to escape Umbridge as soon as possible. Unfortunately, Umbridge and her Inquisitorial Squad had them outnumbered and disarmed. The Headmistress was talking to herself now, gesturing wildly with her wand. Once again, Malfoy was holding Hermione's upper arm, looking even more stony-faced than he had when he'd caught her outside the Room of Requirement.
"Ah, yes! Torture. The ministry will understand…I had no choice…"
Hermione's eyes widened and a tremor ran through her. She felt Malfoy's hand tighten on her arm and he subtly pulled her into him, away from Umbridge. Hermione could feel his heart beat rapidly against her back. Then she felt a slim weight settle into the pocket of her robes. My wand. Malfoy had slipped it back to her.
"But it's illegal," Draco said, making sure to keep his features hard and indifferent. Just like Father taught me.
"Whose side are you on, Draco dear?" Umbridge asked.
"Yours, obviously," he said carefully. "It's just that Hogwarts doesn't want to lose you, Professor. You'll be fired for sure if…"
"Your concern is sweet, Draco, but I can handle Fudge. The Ministry will understand. After all, these are special circumstances."
"NO," Hermione sobbed, going limp in Malfoy's arms. "Harry, it's no use. We have to tell them the truth." Draco fought the urge to pull her into his chest. She covered her face with her hands. Interesting, I can't see any tears, Draco thought. Could she be faking it? He felt a small surge of pride. Perhaps she was finally taking his advice and learning to lie like a Slytherin.
"Hermione, don't do it!" Harry pleaded.
"I'm sorry, Harry." She gasped in between sobs. "We were working on something for Dumbledore. A special project."
"What special project, where is it?" Umbridge looked around eagerly, as though expecting to find it hidden among her cat pictures.
"Not here, obviously," Hermione said, not bothering to stop the know-it-all lilt from creeping back into her voice. "We hid it."
Harry was no longer protesting. Ron's mouth was slack, eyes glazed as he struggled to understand what Hermione was on about. Draco rolled his eyes. Come on, you fools. Play along.
"Well spit it out, girl! We haven't got all day!" Umbridge said.
"I'm not telling you anything in front of THEM," Hermione gestured behind her at Malfoy, Crabbe and Goyle. "They'll take it and use it to their own advantage."
Umbridge gave Malfoy a suspicious once-over. "Hmm, perhaps you're right. Draco, Crabbe, Goyle, you stay with Ms. Weasley and Longbottom. Make sure they don't get out of hand."
"Wait, what?" Draco asked. "But Professor, what if you need…"
"What I need is for you to do as you're told, young man. I can handle three measly students, I assure you. Now," she said, dragging Hermione away from Malfoy. "Show me where this 'special project' is."
Hermione barely had time to spare Malfoy an apologetic glance before they were out of the office and away.
Later That Evening, Ministry of Magic
Bellatrix shot a jet of light at Ginny and Hermione as they ran. "NO!" Lucius blocked her spell with a silent Protego. "We are here for the prophecy, nothing more!"
Hermione used the time to stun Bellatrix, running as she went. "Come on!" she said to Ginny.
Fifteen minutes later, she found herself backed into a shelf by a hooded figure. She shot a spell at him, but it was countered. Fear filled her, and then he stepped into a little light cast by a wall torch. She let out a breath of relief when she saw the white-blonde hair. She didn't want to analyze what it meant that the sight of a Malfoy made her feel relief instead of fear.
Lucius stepped closer to her. "Why didn't that fool Potter realize the Dark Lord was luring him to the Ministry?" he hissed.
"I tried to tell him, but he wouldn't listen…"
He snorted and lowered his wand. "Take your friends and get out of here," he said. "Quickly. The Dark Lord is already here."
A spell struck Lucius in the back and he crumpled into Hermione. She felt for his pulse frantically, glad to find a strong heartbeat.
"Hermione?" Harry said tightly. "Are you ok?"
She let Lucius droop gently to the floor.
"I'm fine, Harry. Let's just go."
Then she noticed the tears streaming down his face.
"Harry what's wrong?" Fear clutched her. "Where's Ron?"
"Ron's ok, he's been taken to St. Mungo's. It's – it's Sirius."
"Oh Harry," Hermione gasped, tears filling her own eyes.
"It's my fault, Hermione."
"Don't say that."
"Why not? It's true," he said tightly. "If I had just listened to you and Dumbledore, none of this would have happened. Ron may not even fully recover, and I've lost my godfather."
"First of all, Dumbledore should have told you that Voldemort was going to try something like this," Hermione said bitterly. "Dumbledore ALWAYS does this. He withholds information and lets you go gallivanting off to be killed. It's barbaric."
"Don't blame him," Harry said.
"I do blame him," she spat. "If this is ANYONE'S fault, it's his. He let you get paired off with Snape, who hates you far too much to be a decent instructor. Dumbledore could have taught you Occlumency himself if it was this important – and mark my words, he knew that it was."
Harry shook his head and turned away. Hermione used the moment to whisper a near-silent "Ennervate" at Lucius. She waited until his grey eyes flickered open before following Harry.