Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter or Veronica Mars.

"I'm screwed, Hermione. I need your help," Dean Thomas told her. He stood before her in the Gryffindor common room. It was late Friday night and Hermione was working on her homework. She looked quizzically up at Dean.

"Oh, it's Hermione now, is it?" she asked. "Not Granger? It must be something big. Sorry, I'm busy." She turned back to her work.

"Do I need to beg?"

She didn't look up. "It would be nice."

"Okay, Granger, Hermione, whatever. I'm begging you to help me."

"Weak!"

"Oh, for the love of…" Dean looked quickly around to make sure they weren't attracting attention, and got down on his knees. Stupid Granger. "I am begging you, Hermione Granger, oh clever one, to help me."

"That is a bit better," she said grudgingly. "What, Dean? What do you need? I didn't think we were exactly on the greatest terms. Now you want a favor?"

"I thought we left things pretty good," Dean said petulantly. "I got Malfoy off your back. I haven't said one word to Potter. I haven't even commented on your rack lately."

"Now how did I get the impression you weren't a gentleman?" she said dryly. "I'm surprised we haven't exchanged friendship bracelets."

"Granger, you're hilarious. Now will you help me?"

"The last time I helped you, Dean, I ended up needing a new wand. We're even now. I have work to do. If you'll excuse me." Hermione returned to her homework once more. Dean continued to kneel before her. He gave her puppy dog eyes and whimpered until she finally threw up her hands. "God, what is it?"

"Knew you'd come around," Dean said, standing. "Okay, short version."

"Thank Merlin," Hermione muttered.

Dean ignored her. "I'm in serious danger of getting expelled, Granger. Snape is missing some ingredients out of his storeroom. Because of my little prank last week, I'm his chief suspect. If I don't get them back within three days, or find out who really took them, I'm out."

"What do you want me to do about it?" Hermione asked.

"I want you to help me!" Dean snapped. "You got us out of trouble last time. I know you can figure something out."

"What's in it for me?" Hermione asked. She really had no desire to help the conceited Gryffindor. For starters, she had her own work to do. Plus, there was the fact that Dean was a huge pain in the ass. He used to be so nice, she thought wistfully. We all were. The entrance to the common room swung open, distracting her. Ron, looking completely out of place, entered. Their eyes locked briefly before he trudged up to his room. Her eyes stung, but she didn't cry. She wouldn't.

"I'll owe you one," said Dean. He had noticed the exchange, but wisely said nothing. It was common knowledge that Granger was still hung up on Weasley. Dean privately thought it went both ways.

She sighed loudly.

"I know, I know, it's hard to be you, Granger," Dean said impatiently. "Are you going to help me or not?"

"Fine," she said. She looked longingly at her homework, and then back at Dean. "When did this happen?"

"Last night," Dean answered, sitting next to her. He smiled gratefully at her.

"Where were you?"

"I was otherwise engaged," he smirked.

"Lovely," Hermione said. "If you have an alibi, why don't you just tell Snape?"

"I can't," said Dean. "I was with a charming Hufflepuff. I can't bring her into this."

"I'm sure she'll be thrilled to clear you," said Hermione.

"Out of the question. I won't tell Snape or Dumbledore anything about her. She has a pretty serious boyfriend and I'm not getting her into trouble. Her name cannot be mentioned at all. That's why I need you, Granger."

"Okay," said Hermione. "That makes it a bit more difficult, but okay. Why does Snape think it's you, and not Seamus or Cormac? Or Harry, for that matter. He always makes a good scapegoat for Snape."

"He's pissed we beat Slytherin in the last match. Remember, we weren't supposed to be able to play, and even with Malfoy, they still lost. He may not even really think I did it, but he's going to blame it on me anyway. Seamus and Cormac aren't on his radar like I am. He tried to get me kicked out right away, but Dumbledore made him give me the three days."

"Okay, what's missing? Is it something you would even use? I don't remember you being a Potions expert, no offense."

"None taken, Granger," Dean said. "We can't all get outstanding O.W.L.s. Snape said the missing ingredients will make a very powerful cheating potion. Something about not being able to get the wrong answer or something, I don't know. Apparently, it's easy to make, but the ingredients are hard to come by. You can't just buy them in Diagon Alley or Hogsmeade. Snape is the only one that has access to them around here. Obviously, the potion would be in great demand."

"I see," said Hermione, thinking. "I'll ask around. Whoever took the ingredients is going to have to try to unload the potion sooner or later. There is definitely a profit in it. I don't think it will be too hard to find something out."

"Let's make it sooner than later, shall we?" Dean said. "I've got three days, and then I'm out, Hermione."

"Alright," Hermione said. "I've got you covered. Too bad Fred and George aren't here; they'd no doubt have some information for me. Now let me finish my homework, and then I'll see what I can do." She turned back to her work, dismissing him. Dean opened his mouth to retort, but thought better of it. Nodding his thanks, he went to bed.

Hermione finished her homework and sat by the fire, feeling irritated. She had just helped Dean get back on the Quidditch team and he was already in trouble again. Harry was, of course, still extremely angry with Dean and his friends. He wouldn't exactly jump at the chance to help him. She would need Harry's help, though. Despite everything, there were people in the school that still loved Harry. It was easier to blame Hermione for Ginny's death than Harry. He was still a celebrity, after all. She would need him to talk to a few witches and wizards for her. She knew she would also have to talk to Malfoy, as much as it pained her. There was very little that happened in the dungeons that Malfoy didn't know about. Hermione was still seething about her wand, and his disgusting attitude in general, but to help Dean, she would have to suck it up.

Another banner day, she thought. She packed up her homework, sighing, and retired to bed.

The next morning over breakfast she filled Harry in on their new assignment. He was understandably pissed, but agreed to help her.

"You do remember this is the same wizard that displayed me naked to all of Gryffindor, right?' Harry asked.

"I know, Harry, and I'm sorry." She truly was. "It can't hurt to have a Dean and his goons owe us a favor, though."

"Fine," Harry acquiesced. "I'll help him, but just so he owes us one. Hermione, if nothing else, I am so happy that we are friends again, that I think I would agree to anything. I

really missed you. I realize how sappy that sounds, but it's how I feel."

Hermione's smile was genuine. "I feel exactly the same, Harry."

"I will say this - if Thomas gives me any more shite, I'm hexing him. That goes double for the ferret. I don't know how Ron puts up with him. I know he's been through a lot, but

so have we all, and you don't see me hanging out with that git."

Hermione's smile vanished. "The less said about that, the better." She took a drink of her pumpkin juice and looked over at the Slytherins. Draco and Ron were deep in conversation with a dark haired boy. She looked closer at him and choked - it was Viktor Krum.

"Harry," Hermione gasped. "Viktor is sitting with Draco and Ron. What is Viktor Krum doing here?" Viktor Krum was a world famous Quidditch star. He was also Hermione's ex-boyfriend. Well - not exactly, she amended in her mind. Hermione had attended the Yule Ball in her fourth year with the Durmstrang champion. They had kissed a few times and exchanged letters for a while, until she started dating Ron. Ron had not been happy about her flirtation with Krum, and there he was now, chatting with Viktor like they were old friends. How things change. Hermione noticed with alarm that Viktor was now heading towards her and Harry. Hermione plastered a smile on her face as Viktor greeted them.

"Ahh, Potter. How are you? Herm-own-ninny, it is vondeful to see you," Viktor smiled warmly at her.

Harry shook his hand as Hermione composed herself. Viktor was looking expectantly at her. "We're good, Viktor. It's nice to see you, too. What brings you to Hogwarts?'

"I'm on assignment with office of Magical Games and Sports to recruit new Quidditch players. I am taking a break from Bulgaria this season to visit all the schools and scout the greatest players. Did I hear correctly that you are no longer playing, Potter?"

"That's right," Harry mumbled. Hermione knew he missed Quidditch. "I wasn't able to fit it into my schedule anymore."

"A shame," said Viktor. "You fly very vell. It was nice seeing you both. Herm-own-ninny, I hope ve get a chance to catch up a little later."

"That would be nice," she squeaked. Viktor nodded at Harry, laid a hand on Hermione's shoulder and walked out of the Great Hall.

"Well, someone still has a Bulgarian fan." Harry teased her.

"Harry!" she snapped. "You're completely mistaken. Viktor and I are merely old friends. You know that!"

"If you say so," Harry said, still grinning cheekily at her. "We'll table that discussion for now, if you like. What's our first move with Snape's missing shampoo?"

Hermione stifled a grin and looked at him sternly. "First, I want you to interview a few Ravenclaws and Hufflepuffs. Find out casually if anyone has heard anything about a no-

fail cheating potion. I hate to say it, but the Hufflepuffs will probably be most interested, so they are bound to have heard something."

"And what will you be doing while I do all the grunt work?"

"Believe me, you have the easier job," she sighed. "I have to infiltrate the Slytherins."

Hermione had potions for her first lesson. The familiar unease she felt in that class washed over her as she and Harry descended to the dungeons. She spotted the fluorescent blond head of Draco Malfoy in front of her, arm in arm with Pansy Parkinson, school bitch. Pansy and Draco had been off and on since second year. She had been fiercely jealous when Draco dumped her for Ginny and had been very vocal in her dislike of the Gryffindors, even during their respective houses' brief friendship. While not stupid enough to rejoice over Ginny's death, she had been quick to snap Draco back up, after a respectable mourning time, of course. Hermione suspected that while Pansy had her heart set on being Mrs. Malfoy, she was not exactly the most faithful of girlfriends. She was pretty stupid, too, which was one reason Hermione thought she might have a connection to the missing potion ingredients. If anyone needed a cheating potion, it was Pansy Parkinson

"Draco, I thought we were going to Hogsmeade this weekend," Pansy whined. "You promised to buy me a new robe for the Halloween dance."

"Yeah, Malfoy, it wouldn't do to have your lady clad in last year's rags," Hermione cut in. "What would people think?" The Slytherins turned to glare at her.

"Well, Hermione Granger, it's certain that no one cares what you think," Pansy said. "The opinion of an uppity little mudblood doesn't count for much at Hogwarts now. But don't worry, Granger. You won't have to worry about what you're wearing to the dance, since you won't have a date."

"Now, Pansy, be nice," Draco said. "Granger can have her pick of the Gryffindor Quidditch team. I don't know if they'll actually make it to the dance, but I'm sure she'll give them a workout all the same. If that fails, maybe she can round up a stray Bulgarian."

Hermione put a hand on Harry's arm to still him from fighting Draco. "Oh, Malfoy, you're such a wit. I'm afraid I'll be staying in that evening. Some of us have to study; we don't all have the luxury of quick fixes like cheating potions and teacher bribes."

"Granger, you don't have any luxuries, period," Pansy shot back. Hermione watched her face closely - she had definitely twitched when Hermione mentioned cheating. "I pray that Viktor Krum has more taste this time around. I'm still convinced you used a love potion fourth year. Now, if you'll excuse us, Draco and I have to get to class."

"We're going to the same class, Parkinson," Harry pointed out.

"A fact I had blocked out of my mind completely," Pansy said. "Come on, Draco." She led Draco into Snape's room. Ron and Zabini were already inside. Draco smiled at his friends and slid into a seat next to Pansy. He looked quizzically over at Hermione. Normally, he started all of their fights, but Hermione had definitely been the one to provoke them today. He wondered what she was up to. No doubt helping that muggle-born Thomas out of his jam with Snape. Pretty transparent, in his opinion. Still, he knew Granger was smart and was glad he wasn't the culprit. She'd probably find a way to catch him. Draco hated Hermione, but he was not stupid enough to underestimate her. He looked at Ron. He knew Ron had been shaken when Krum showed up this morning and made a beeline for Hermione. He suspected his friend still harbored feelings for the annoying Gryffindor, which was one of the reasons he berated her whenever he could. It was best for everyone if they stayed away from each other.

Hermione could feel Draco's eyes boring into her. She turned towards him and mouthed the word Ferret. He raised his eyebrows and winked, then turned away. Hermione worked on her potion while she thought about Dean's problem. She was almost positive Pansy was somehow involved. Intuition told her a Slytherin would have the best chance of breaking into Snape's storeroom; after she, Ron and Harry had stolen Polyjuice Potion ingredients in their second year he had become more zealous in keeping students out. Slytherins, being naturally sneaky and stealth, not too mention on good terms with Snape, would have little problem obtaining the means to break his protections. She had not imagined Pansy's reaction to Hermione's hints. Now all she had to do was catch her.

Hermione was still plotting against Pansy when she returned to the common room after lunch. She was deep in thought when she received a nasty shock Glancing quickly at the new posting of prefect duties, she did a double take. She was due to patrol that night - with Ron. All the color left her face. In the year since Ginny died, Hermione and Ron had not once been forced to perform their prefect duties together. Odd, of course, since they were the only Gryffindor prefects from their year, but Hermione suspected McGonagall and the other prefects had taken pity on them - or Ron, anyway. Tonight, it appeared her luck, or the little of it she had left, was gone. Hermione's stomach knotted at the thought of spending time alone with Ron. She couldn't tell if it was from dread or excitement, but she guessed it was a little of both. Whichever it was, she was pretty sure she wouldn't be able to concentrate on the rest of her lessons that day, especially since Ron would be in both of them. Taking a deep breath, she walked back out of the common room and did the unthinkable: she went to the hospital wing and, feigning cramps, got a note from Madam Pomfrey excusing her from her afternoon classes. It took some work; Madam Pomfrey wanted to give her a potion to take care of the cramps, but Hermione insisted she would need some time to rest and recover. She thought, for the first time ever, that she could have used on of the twins' Skiving Snackboxes.

On her way out of the hospital, she ran into Harry, who was sporting a rather spectacular bruise on his head. "What are you doing here? What happened?" she asked, surprised.

"Hermione, we've been friends for over five years, give or take a year," he answered.

"And?"

"And I'm always in the hospital for something. You'd think it wouldn't be as often without Quidditch, but in this case I mysteriously tripped down the stairs. I could have sworn I saw a ferret in the near vicinity, but it could have just as easily been a weasel."

Hermione winced at the words, and at Harry's bitter tone. She knew he missed Ron even more than she did. There was nothing to say, though, so Hermione remained silent.

"Anyway," Harry continued in a more controlled tone, "I did manage to speak to a few Hufflepuffs. There's been some talk about some sure-fire study guide available, but no real information on where it's coming from. Hannah Abbot said she ordered some. She's supposed to owl five galleons to some post in Hogsmeade, and then she'll get the potion."

"Find out where the owl's going, if you can. That should be easy enough to trace," said Hermione. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I've got some lessons to skive off. I must also prepare to patrol with a certain red-haired ex-paramour of mine. You mentioned a weasel?" She tried to keep her tone light, but Harry wasn't fooled. He winced at her misfortune.

"Good luck," he said sympathetically. "It might not be so bad."

"Uh huh," she said. "Check back with me around midnight. If Ron and I have spoken more then five words to one another, I owe you some Transfiguration homework."

"I'll hold you to that. And remember, I always know when you're lying." Harry laid a comforting hand on her arm and continued into the hospital.

Hermione tried to take advantage of her afternoon off to finish some of her homework, but her nerves wouldn't let her concentrate. She also had no appetite, so she skipped dinner and sat by the fire in the common room until it was time to patrol. She did not look around when she heard Ron approach. Best to play it cool.

"Hermione?" Ron said softly. "Are you ready to go? I didn't see you in class this afternoon. Do you feel okay? I can patrol by myself, if you need me to." The hopeful tone in his voice was too much for her. She almost gave in, but stopped herself. It wouldn't kill Ron Weasley to spend a couple of hours with her.

"I'm fine," she said, harsher than she intended. "I am fully capable of performing my prefect duties, Ronald." The Ronald slipped out. She used to call him that to tease him.

"Okay," said Ron, looking resigned. "Let's go." He led her out of the common room without another word.

Well, this is off to a fabulous start, she thought ruefully. They walked through the castle in silence, checking down corridors and shooing first years back to their dorms. Harry's not getting any Transfiguration homework this time.

Their silence grew longer and more uncomfortable. Hermione kept looking at Ron, but she never caught him looking back. Once again, she was amazed at the turn her life had taken.

Finally, Hermione broke the silence. "How are your parents, Ron? Your brothers?" She mentally slapped herself. The anniversary of Ginny's death was in two days, and she asked after his family? Brilliant. Frankly, she couldn't believe the date was so soon.

"They're good, Hermione, thanks," he answered. "They're coming to Hogwarts for the dedication next week."

"The Ginny Weasley Memorial? I think it'll be beautiful, Ron."

"It's little more than a tombstone, Granger."

She felt like she had been slapped in the face. Ron had never called her Granger before. He walked on, but she stopped, forcing Ron to halt and face her.

"I'm sorry, Ron," Hermione said, nearing tears. "I'm sorry I brought it up. I miss her, too, you know. I'm going back to the common room; you can finish rounds on your own. If you see your boyfriend, tell him Parkinson's looking at expulsion." She turned and walked away. Every bone in her body was screaming at her to run, but she refused to give him the satisfaction. She waited until she was around a corned and Ron was out of her sight before she sprinted the rest of the way to Gryffindor tower. She managed to choke out the password, ran to her room, and collapsed onto her bed. She cried herself to sleep and once again dreamed of Ginny.

Hermione awoke with red eyes and a strong resolve. The only way to forget about her troubles was to focus on someone else's. Sure enough, Dean was waiting for her in the common room.

"What's the deal, Granger?" he asked. "I need results today, or I'm out tomorrow. What have you found out?"

"It's morning, Dean. I have all day. Back off."

"I'm serious, Granger."

"So am I, Dean," she snapped. "I can't pull someone out of my ass for you at this moment; I just effing got out of bed. I'm working on it, okay? Back off."

"Granger," he said dangerously. "I know I might appear as cute and cuddly as a pygmy puff, but I am not someone you want to piss off. Watch how you speak to me."

"I'll remember that the next time you come begging for a favor," she retorted. She tossed her hair at him and stalked out of the common room. Oh, this day was shaping up to be just as wonderful as the last one.

And the hits just keep on coming, she thought, as someone barreled into her on the way into the Great Hall, knocking her books out of her arms. She looked up. Wonderful. Viktor Krum.

"Herm-own-ninny, I vas hoping to run into you," he said, smiling and picking up her things for her.

"And that's literally what you did," she said. She immediately regretted her rudeness and smiled back at him as he handed her the day's work. He had always been nice to her.

"I am thinking I am going to be at Hogvarts for some time," he said. "There are many Quidditch practices and matched for me to vatch. Perhaps, you could join me in Hogsmeade vile I am here? It vould be nice to catch up."

Was Viktor Krum asking her out? She opened her mouth to regretfully decline - she did have a lot on her plate, after all - and heard herself say, "That would be nice. I'd like that." Shit.

"Great!" he exclaimed. His excitement was infectious; Hermione thought she might have fun after all. "I vill speak to you soon about this."

Hermione nodded. Viktor gave her another pleased smile before walking off towards the dungeons. Her eyes narrowed at his destination. She still had that genius Parkinson to deal with. As she entered the Great Hall she spotted the Slytherin. Pansy was sitting between Draco and Blaise, flirting outrageously with both of them. Blaise looked amused; Draco bored. Hermione squared her shoulders and walked over to them.

"Lost, Granger?" Draco sneered. "Krum's private quarters are in the dungeon. I trust you know the way?"

"Charming," Hermione said. "Always so clever, Malfoy. It's been enlightening as always, but I'd like to speak with Pansy. Do you have a moment?"

The pug-faced girl gawped at Hermione. "We're in public, mudblood. I can't be seen talking to you."

"You're talking to me now, Pansy," she sighed. "Fear not. No one will mistake us for bosom companions. I can ask you some questions in front of the boys, or we can talk outside."

Pansy looked warily at her. Draco looked at Pansy strangely. "What does Granger want, Pansy?"

"Who knows, Drakie? I'll be right back."

Hermione kept her face neutral, but inwardly rejoiced. If Pansy had nothing to hide, she would not have gone willingly with her.

"What do you want, Granger?" Pansy asked impatiently when they were in the hallway.

"I want your accomplice. I know you're not smart enough to think up this scheme on your own." It was just a shot in the dark, but Hermione's eyes lit up when she saw the expression on Pansy's face. Obviously, she had hit the mark.

"I don't know what you're talking about," Pansy said, lying badly. "I don't speak mudblood, Granger, so you'll have to interpret."

"Well, even I can't translate into Troll, Pansy," she said sweetly. "I'll speak slow, though, so you can keep up. Here it is: I know you stole the ingredients out of Snape's storeroom to make some sort of intelligence potion that you so desperately need. I know you're planning on selling it to keep yourself in house elves. I also know that you've got the brains of a squib, so you must have had an accomplice." Pansy looked outraged, but Hermione continued. "I'd love to blame Malfoy, but I know he doesn't mess with his true love Snape. Zabini is too cowed by Malfoy to try something on his own. In fact, most of the Slyterins are. Did you enlist a blind Ravenclaw? I know none of the Gryffindor boys would touch you."

"Wrong again, frizz-head," Pansy said. "It was a Gryffindor, so there, Miss Detective." Pansy slapped a hand over her mouth. Merlin, she was stupid.

Hermione could barely contain her glee. She had suspected that a Gryffindor might be involved. Sure, the Gryffindors were back to hating Slytherins, but she knew Pansy was slutty enough to convince one or two of them to do her bidding. Hermione was amused at how easily Pansy had fallen into her trap. It was like taking Droobles from a first year.

"Oh, Pansy. You make life so much easier for me. Tell me who it is, and I promise you won't get expelled."

"I'm not telling you shit, Granger. You can't prove anything, anyway." Pansy crossed her arms, and tapped her foot, looking every bit as mature as Hermione knew her to be. Hermione rolled her eyes.

"Pansy, after your little boy toy Malfoy destroyed my wand, I upgraded. To ensure that I always have proof, I charmed my wand to record all of my conversations." She watched, satisfied, as the color drained from Pansy's face. "So in point of fact, Pansy my dear, I can prove it. And this is a one time get-out-of-expulsion-free card I'm offering you." She knew Pansy wouldn't get the muggle reference, but Hermione was on a roll. "Tell me who he is, or I go to Professor Dumbledore right now."

"Jack Sloper," Pansy whispered. Bad enough that she was sleeping with a Gryffindor, but he was younger than she was, too. She'd never live down the embarrassment. She began to cry as she thought again how much she hated Hermione Granger.

Sloper. Interesting. He was a Gryffindor Beater and therefore should be under Dean's thumb. And yet, he was running around with Pansy and had nearly gotten Dean kicked out of school. Hermione could not wait to see Dean's reaction.

"Okay, Pansy," she said. "I'll take care of everything." Hermione left the sniveling Slytherin and walked back toward the Gryffindor common room. Not even first lesson yet, she thought. Not bad, Hermione. Not bad at all. She had work to do.