"Hermione, do you mind helping me with Charms? I've been studying for OWLs on my own but there are a few things I still don't understand," Neville tentatively asked. She appreciated that the slightly awkward boy didn't treat her any different since he learned of her heritage.

"Sure, Neville. I'd be happy to. Let me just finish up this paragraph," Hermione smiled, glancing up from her book and gesturing for Neville to sit.

Magical bonds can be a tricky thing. In the case of binding two magical beings, extreme caution must be used. If the magic is not compatible both could perish, as well as the binders. Successful magical bindings are rare, as the process requires unconditional love between both parties and the compatibility of the essence of their magic. Soulmates have had the most success binding themselves together with magic but even those are rare. It is not often that one soul is split in two, making soulmates the perfect complement to the other, often manifesting as twins. Soulmates are two sides of the same coin which is why magical bindings are most successful among this group. Magically binding soulmates will amplify any natural abilities the pair possesses.

Closing her book, Hermione turned to Neville. OWLs were in a few days, but Neville was a good student and likely had been studying for weeks and just compiling everything he didn't understand so he only had to ask Hermione once. He smiled at her, opening his book and pointing out what he didn't understand. It was mostly theory, and Hermione had no trouble explaining it to him. He wasn't as naturally smart as some people, but he worked hard for high marks and was never afraid to ask for help if he needed it.

"Thank you, Hermione. You've always been a great friend. More than our housemates by any means. And, well, I just want you to know even if you don't choose Harry, I'll still choose you."

"You're a great guy, Neville. Thank you. You're one of the few who doesn't think I'm evil just because Morgana was. You always have a friend in me, no matter what. I just want you to know I will find out the truth about your parents. Something doesn't add up and as soon as I figure out what happened I'm going to tell you. You may not believe me but I promise it will be the truth."

"Hermione?"

"Yes, Neville?"

"Do you think the dark side is evil?"

"I think it's a matter of perspective. From what Dumbledore has said, then yes, but from what I know to be true, I don't think either side is good or evil. They're both fighting for what they believe in, and there is no evil in that. The evil lies in how it's done."

Nodding, Neville stood and went to his dormitory. He thought hard about what Hermione had told him. He always thought there was more to his parent's story than what he was told. He couldn't explain why he felt that way, but hearing Hermione felt it too, he knew his suspicion was not unfounded. Neville knew Hermione had already decided her side. He was still wary of the dark side because of what he had been told for so long but he knew there were two sides to every story. His parents would want him to make the best decision he could, and he felt Hermione was the right choice. She had a history of making informed, rational decisions, weighing each side thoroughly before choosing. Neville had no problem following her, even if she did choose the dark side. He was hesitant, sure, but Hermione would never force him to stay if he changed his mind, so long as he was honest. That was why Neville trusted the witch, she sought the truth and never hesitated to call out lies she could see.

Hermione glanced at the letter she had received from the Ministry. It was informing her that since she was seventeen, she was expected to look over several documents and send them in before the le Fay properties would be hers. Normally, it was required to go in person, but because she was in school and they did not want to wait, they allowed her to sign them without a meeting. She had put off returning the documents she had signed as soon as she read because she really didn't want to deal with the horrible toad of a Headmistress. She was given specific instructions to give them to the interim Headmistress and she would ensure their delivery to the proper Ministry department. Hermione wasn't happy about seeing the pink-clad witch, but she had waited long enough. It was nearing summer and she wanted somewhere to call her own. She knew her allies would need places to stay and her properties would be perfect.

"Professor Umbridge, I was hoping you had a moment?" Hermione asked after knocking on the door.

"Yes, what can I help you with Ms. le Fay?"

Hermione fought the urge to destroy the woman's office as she sat across from her.

"I finally finished looking over and signing the paperwork I received from the Ministry. I apologize for the delay, but with OWLs coming up I was also studying for those. I only have one question. I know that I am technically of age, but seeing as I was not raised as a pureblood, I am not entirely comfortable managing my estate by myself. I wondered if I would still be able to appoint a guardian of sorts?"

"That will not be a problem, Ms. le Fay. Due to your special circumstances, the Ministry will gladly allow you a guardian. Who would you like to appoint?"

"Narcissa and Lucius Malfoy."

"May I ask why you would appoint this family?"

"Certainly. After my heritage was revealed, they contacted me through their son, offering an apology for the way my circumstances were handled and offered to help with anything I might need. Their son even apologized for his behavior toward me previously. When I asked if they would be my guardians, they said it would be an honor to help me adapt to pureblood society."

"I will see that the proper paperwork is sent to them and I will also make sure your paperwork gets filed properly. Is there anything else?"

"No, professor. Thank you," Hermione said, trying not to run out of the terror-room. It was so pink and the cats on the walls gave her the creeps. She hated the woman, but she could not lie and say the evil toad hadn't been more lenient with her after her heritage was revealed. She still wanted to hex the pink woman. Umbridge was a blood-purist by definition, treating anyone that wasn't pureblood as lesser. Hermione was surprised she was allowed such a high position within the Ministry with her views, but money made most issues go away. If the woman weren't so prissy, Hermione would have expected her to be on the Dark Lord's side during the First Wizarding War.

Entering the Common Room, she noticed the hush that settled over everyone. Her housemates had the tendency to do that when they had been talking about her. She decided to pay it no mind. Ron had stopped saying she was evil in front of her but that didn't stop him when she wasn't there. She knew it was Harry's doing, trying to keep her on their side so they would survive the war. For supposedly being known for bravery, her fellow lions were skittish. They were more like house cats, really. They were nothing like the prideful, fearless creature that symbolized their house. Save for a few exceptions. Ginny was approaching Hermione, a look of annoyance on her face.

"We need to talk," she said, grabbing Hermione's arm and dragging her back the way she came.

"There's something I have to tell you, too," Hermione said, willingly following the redhead. She knew Ginny was not annoyed with her. Rather, it was probably something Harry had done. Again. Hermione didn't know why Ginny liked him so much.

"Do you want to go first, or shall I?" Ginny asked once they were in a quiet alcove. Hermione had placed wards as soon as they entered, wanting to ensure they wouldn't be disturbed.

"You go ahead, Gin."

"It's about Harry."

"I thought as much, what happened?"

"You remember how he saved me in my first year and ever since then I've been crushing on him?"

"Yes."

"I was thinking about it and I wondered why I still had feelings for Harry since he really hasn't done anything that warrants it. And I remembered what you said about the right person not leaving you guessing so I realized my feelings couldn't be real. And I was right. Shortly after Harry saved me, I was placed under an infatuation charm. I don't think Harry knows about it since he was so busy chasing after Cho. Anyway, I think it was Dumbledore and I don't want him to know it's worn off but I don't want to keep acting like I'm in love with Harry."

"Dumbledore has no reason to think the charm isn't in place anymore, he won't check. When he placed it he probably added a self-regenerating charm so he wouldn't have to keep casting it. How did you figure it out?"

"Well, I was talking to Professor Snape since you said he was one of us. And he must've recognized the signs of the charm because he gave me some potion and then it all just kinda evaporated."

"Ginny, your feelings are important to me, but I wouldn't choose Harry just because you liked him. I'm not trying to hurt you by saying that. I am sorry I didn't recognize that you were under a charm, but I'm glad Snape did."

"It's okay Hermione. I'm just glad it's gone. What is it you needed to tell me?"

"Something is going to happen soon. Just know that no real harm will come to us, and whatever Bellatrix does, don't try to stop her. It's important you let her give me the opportunity I need. She has permission to do whatever she deems necessary. She swore she wouldn't seriously hurt any of you, so don't push her to truly attack. The Order will probably show up at some point, I wrote to Tonks and told her the same thing I told you."

"What's going to happen?"

"I can't tell you. I'm sorry. But you'll know when it happens. Just remember none of us are in any real danger."

"Is she going to hurt you?"

"Only if she has to. I've already told her it's alright. Hopefully, it won't come to that, but Harry's pretty stupid. I'll be okay."

"Right. Okay. Since you two have already worked it out I'm good with that. Relatively."

"It's of utmost importance no one else knows. It has to look real. I just wanted to give you a head's up in case it comes to that."

"Hermione? Does this mean we're the bad guys?"

"I suppose to everyone who isn't, yes."

"Awesome. I think I should get a bunch of leather to complete the look. What do you think?"

"I think that might be overkill."

"Yeah, but how awesome would I look?"

"I guess I can't argue with that," Hermione said, dropping her serious tone. She laughed along with Ginny, feeling better. Ginny always did have a light perspective and managed to bring laughter when it was needed most.