A/N I absolutely hated this chapter. Before revising it, this was my least favorite hands-down. It probably still is but it was so bad I couldn't go to sleep knowing this would be the next thing I posted. I feel marginally better about it now. I was tempted to take it out completely except I need it because this chapter marks the first interaction between Hermione and her mysterious friend and I really couldn't do it differently. My feelings will not be hurt if you hate this chapter.

Thank you all for reviewing/following/favoriting. It brings a stupid smile to my face knowing people might actually be enjoying this. You all have been very welcoming and receptive. You make me happy to update. I genuinely hope you continue to enjoy reading this story as much as I enjoy writing it.

Fun Fact: I was so incredibly tempted to put some stupid line about bobbleheads and the youngest Weasley, but I refrained because it wouldn't actually accomplish anything.

The good news for you guys is this fic is a goddamn Hydra. For every chapter I post I write three more. This means you can check daily for updates if you aren't subscribed because my muse is holding me hostage and I'm honestly not patient enough to post once a week, especially since I'm pumping out chapters like a heart pumps blood. I'm excited to get to the release of chapter 5. So far, it's my favorite. It's also the longest.

The ~official~ cover art for this story will also be posted later today so that's exciting. It is being done by my very good friend SenslessArtist. The next chapter will have a link in the A/N to whatever art thing he's currently posting on if you're interested in checking him out.

This fic is non-canon and all characters and rights belong to JK Rowling

For the next few weeks, Hermione went for a run-more of a jog, at first-around Black Lake every morning before breakfast. It did wonders for relieving the stress from putting up with Harry and Ron. With each passing day, she found herself wanting to withdraw from them and considered herself lucky they didn't notice. Dealing with their incessant questions would only serve to irritate her. Rather than conversing with them at breakfast, Hermione worked on her Charms homework for the next week. Ginny suddenly dropped into the seat next to her and she could only watch as the youngest Weasley grabbed the toast out of her hand before devouring it and then making a plate.

"Excuse me! That was my toast, Gin!"

"Sorry, Hermione. You were holding the closest food and I was too tired to get my own."

"It's fine, Ginny. I think I was done anyway."

"You alright, 'Mione? You've been sorta subdued since we got back," Ginny asked, concerned for her best friend. Hermione just nodded and returned to her Charms homework. She recently decided she hated the new DADA professor. Umbridge was a horrible toad of a woman and refused to teach anything remotely at the level of fifth years. Merlin, she really needed a place to practice. Running could only do so much to keep her newfound temper in check.

"Did you hear that Bellatrix Lestrange escaped from Azkaban?" Neville asked as he sat on the other side of Hermione. Ginny could only nod, eyes wide. Everyone was cautious when talking about the insane Death Eater around Neville. Hermione listened to the conversation but continued with Charms until a magically sealed letter dropped onto her parchment. She looked up to find the same bird that had dropped the book abruptly in her lap on the last day of summer.

Ron made a grab for the letter from across the table while asking who it was from, but the owl pecked at his fingers until he gave up. He muttered something about a bloody bird as he examined his hand. Hermione rolled her eyes and crinkled her nose at Ron's lack of manners. She unsealed the letter while feeding the owl some sausage before stroking its feathers.

For the Brightest Witch of Her Age

This letter has been charmed so that only you will be able to read it, as I do not take kindly to meddlers in private conversations. I hope you are enjoying the book my sister sent you. I was certain you'd be able to practice at school, however, I have been informed that a horrible toad of a woman has been doing her best to keep students from actually using magic. Fret not, little witch, for there is a Room that serves the Required needs of students like yourself. You need only find it. I hear the final year of school is the perfect place to search for it. From what I have heard you will have no trouble mastering the book and its contents. I will gladly supply more. Once you are finished send the book back with your new owl. Her name is Ammy, but feel free to change it if you please. You may write back if you wish, but understand I cannot reveal my true identity just yet. I am sure you will be skeptical but I know you are naturally curious.

Sincerely

A Friend

"Who's it from 'Mione? And is that your owl? I don't recognize it," Ron spoke up, his mouth full of food.

"My parents. And yes Ron, it was a gift from Viktor after we decided to be friends," Hermione lied. She disliked how nosy he was about her personal life and was disgusted with his eating habits, although she took silent pleasure in Ron's darkened expression at the mention of Viktor. She was glad that her new friend had a solution to her problem. She hadn't even thought to use the Room of Requirement. Seeing as it was Saturday and Quidditch tryouts, Hermione decided to use the opportunity to search for the room.

"You gonna watch the Quidditch tryouts?" Harry asked.

"No. I'm going to revise my potions essay for Monday. I suggest you two start it," she lied, looking pointedly at Harry and Ron as she stood. She did not want to be dragging them through another year of school. Walking in the direction of Gryffindor Tower in case one of them followed her, she made sure no one was watching as she snuck up to the seventh floor. Hopefully, the room would show for her.

Walking aimlessly about the seventh floor, Hermione had nearly given up, but just as she was about to leave, she heard stone scraping quietly against itself. She smiled and watched in awe as the Room of Requirement made its presence known. She would have no trouble finding it now, once it revealed itself for a person's needs it did so without fail until it was no longer required. As she stepped inside, she noticed targets and dummies to practice spells on, as well as objects to use her altered charms on. She had an idea for some already and wanted to see if they were as effective as she hoped. Some of them she would have to do in other settings but she would manage the best she could. After all, she wasn't the brightest witch of her age for nothing.

Hermione was by no means stealthy, but sneaking out of the Room of Requirement was rather simple. She was grateful for the letter's suggestion because she had no idea how long it would've been before she thought of a solution. Working her way to Gryffindor Tower, she decided to write her new friend a letter while her housemates were in the Great Hall filing their seemingly bottomless stomachs.

For My Dearest Friend

You must give your sister my thanks. There are no books with this level of information at Hogwarts or any bookstore I know of. I can only assume it is from a personal collection, and I am grateful your family would trust me with such a book. I must also thank you for your brilliant suggestion to use the Room that appears to those who Require it. I must admit it had not crossed my mind to go to the final year of Hogwarts. I know we have not had a true conversation, but I get the sense that you are more intelligent than my current companions. I would be delighted if you would take the time to humor me. I understand your desire to stay anonymous in these troubling times. I will not press for your identity.

Sincerely,

The Brightest Witch of her Age

Hermione sealed the letter magically, trusting her new friend to discern the proper counter-charm. She hoped that exchanging letters would allow her to guess their identity, but she didn't want to push away a potential scholar with whom she could have important conversations. Harry and Ron were by no means as intelligent as her, and she hated Quidditch too much to want to talk about it.

The Owlery was quiet, as she had expected. Most people were in class after lunch but she had a free block. Gently approaching her new owl, she held out a piece of chicken she had grabbed from the Great Hall. She had not had much interaction with Ammy, so she had no clue as to what the bird's tendencies were and she certainly had no desire to have her fingers pecked at like Ron did during breakfast. Hermione wasn't sure if Ammy noticed her or the piece of chicken first, but her amber eyes watched as she approached, full of interest. Handing the chicken to the nearly black owl, Hermione held up the letter as well.

"Hey, Ammy. I need you to take this to my friend who sent the letter to me earlier. Can you do that for me? Only to them or their sister," Hermione said, tying the parchment to Ammy's leg when she saw the look of understanding. She loved that her new owl was intelligent because if Ron's family owl was any indication, not all of them were. Ammy spread her wings and Hermione left the owlery to read her book in the library. The promise of more when she finished this one thrilled her. She knew the Order would frown upon the knowledge she was actively pursuing, but she was tired of listening to people who never listened to her. She could feel things changing and she wasn't exactly disappointed or surprised.