A/N: Hope there are a few of you still reading after my very long hiatus.
Hermione had been in a funk ever since her visit with Mundungus. She couldn't stop thinking about what he had said; it made her question everything. Was it possible that Mr. Weasley would cover up his own daughter's death? Hermione knew how much he adored Ginny; she had been the light of the already luminous Weasley family. Though never outright spoiled, it was true that she was used to getting her own way, especially where her father was concerned. He had been shattered by her death, and had vowed that nothing would stop him from tracking down her killer. So then why was Mundungus getting the royal treatment at Azkaban? He was not under dementor guard, and if he had really killed the Minister's daughter, not only would he be under constant guard, but frankly the Dementor's Kiss was a likelihood.
Still, she did not want to believe Mundungus's insinuations. It was impossible to think that anyone in the Weasley family could be responsible for Ginny's death, let alone cover it up.
But what if it had been an accident? a nasty little voice asked. What if one of the twins' experiments got out of hand, or if Bill had been practicing his curse breaking, or Ron - She told the voice to shut up. Besides, if it was an accident, why would they cover it up? Why would they allow Hermione and Harry to be blamed for so long, why would they have Mundungus take the fall?
Don't be so naive, Hermione, the voice snickered. Does political suicide mean nothing to you? Do you think the Minister of Magic wants to be known for his kids killing each other?
It still didn't make any sense to her, not even if she listened to the little voice. The Mr. Weasley she knew cared way more about his family than anything else. Ministry career or no Ministry career, she didn't think he, or any other Weasley would really be involved in such a deliberate miscarriage of justice. Of course, before Ginny died, she never would have thought her life would be where it was now, so what the hell did she know?
Mundungus's revelations - if they were even true - opened a huge can of flobberworms. What if she, Ginny and Harry had been alone? What if she or Harry had accidentally (or deliberately, the little voice hissed) killed Ginny? Maybe the Weasleys thought it was okay to cast suspicion on her and Harry if they destroyed the actual proof. Maybe they thought they were protecting them, or maybe Draco had been there, or Ron, or someone else.
She was driving herself crazy, and she was back to square one. Memory charm or no memory charm, Weasley cover-up or no Weasley cover-up, someone murdered her best friend. In her heart, she knew she hadn't done it, and she was fairly sure Harry was innocent. She would have said the same of Draco and Ron as well, but now...
Everyone is a suspect. Always remember that. And Mundungus Fletcher was as likely to be the murderer as anyone else. She would not rest until she knew the truth, the whole truth, about her friend.
Harry noticed a change in her, but did not comment; he knew she had been to see Mundungus, and when she was ready, she would share his visit with him. He knew he needed something good to distract her, and a week after her ill-fated visit, the opportunity arrived.
"I've just received an owl," Harry told her.
"Fascinating," Hermione said, not looking up from her homework. She knew had been a pain to Harry; it wasn't the best idea to alienate her one friend, but she couldn't help it. She didn't feel like being distracted from her funk, and she knew that was his goal. Much healthier to sit and stew.
"From one Oliver Wood," Harry said, not letting her deter his enthusiasm.
"Really?" she said, still pretending to focus on her DADA essay. "Did he write to remind you how I ruined his life?"
"No, he actually wondered if I thought you would go out with him again." Harry waited for the reaction.
Hermione put her homework down, looked at him closely. "Are you kidding?"
"I am not," Harry smirked.
Hermione blushed. She hadn't thought of Oliver in awhile, other than vague guilty feelings. But now that he was on the table again...
"Why would he want to go out again? I used him and practically got him fired. And why is he sending you owls like we're kids? Why doesn't he just ask me out himself?"
"I'm sure he wants to spare himself the embarrassment if you say no," Harry reasoned. "I am to give him an informed opinion on the matter. Then I assume he'll ask you. What do you think?"
"I think it's ridiculous," Hermione said. "He's probably doing it on Dawlish's orders, to get back in his good graces."
"No way," Harry said. "Oliver's not like that."
"He's an auror, Harry," Hermione said. "It's his job to think like the enemy."
"And you're the enemy?"
"According to many."
"Well, I think you're making a mistake," Harry said. "What would it hurt to go out with him again? You had an ulterior motive last time - doesn't mean he does. He seemed to really like you. I thought the feeling was mutual."
"He's not bad," Hermione said, "but -"
"But nothing," Harry said. "I've already owled him back, told him you'd be up for it. No doubt you'll be hearing from him soon."
"Harry!" she screeched, throwing a quill at him.
Harry reached out and plucked the quill from the air.
"Still working on your seeker skills, Potter?" Dean asked from his perch in the corner of the common room. "Sad, that."
"Do you just wait for opportunities to chime in, Dean?" Hermione inquired. "Are you so bored you have nothing better to do than Greek chorus our conversations?"
"In case you missed it, Granger," he said, not moving from his seat, "I'm in Gryffindor. Which means we share a common room, and which means I unfortunately overhear a conversation or two. Believe me, I know how boring it is. You and Potter sit around discussing your pathetic social lives, homework, and little else. Scintillating."
"Would you rather we talked about your pathetic social life?" Hermione countered. "I don't recall you having a date in awhile."
Dean moved smoothly to his feet and walked over to her, grinning. "Been keeping track, have you? All you have to do is ask, Granger. I could show you some things Wood's never even thought of."
Harry mimed vomiting into his lap but Dean ignored him. "Seriously, Granger, I'd be up for it."
She rolled her eyes. "Pass."
"Your loss," he shrugged. He walked toward his dorm stairs and threw over his shoulder, "The offer stands for awhile, but sooner or later it'll run out."
She watched him leave, shaking her head. "Yeah, I think Oliver's a better option." Harry grinned back, then looked up at greeting as Lavender Brown tentatively walked toward them.
"Hermione, can we talk for a minute? Sorry, Harry, but alone?"
Harry nodded; at his point, he was used to Hermione's strange new role as problem-solver. He followed Dean up the stairs to their common room.
"Thanks," Lavender smiled, sitting down next to Hermione. "I'm sure you're sick of people asking you for help by now."
"It's better than people calling me names and putting dungbombs in my bookbag," Hermione replied honestly. "What can I do for you?"
"It's a bit embarrassing, like last time," Lavender said, "but I hope it's good embarrassing." She looked around and leaned in conspiratorially. "I have a secret admirer."
Whatever she had been expecting, it wasn't that. That was straight up girl business. Why on earth was Lavender coming to her instead of Parvati? "Okay."
"I know what you're thinking, but Parvati thinks it's romantic."
"Don't you?"
"Maybe I would if all those rumors hadn't happened," Lavender admitted. "But I can't help worrying the letters and flowers are from some creep who took all of that seriously. I know you fixed it for me, but..."
"Say no more," Hermione said. "I understand your dilemma." She'd had one or two "secret admirer" notes in the past year herself, and they had not been tokens of love. The last thing Lavender needed was more disgusting gossip. "I'll see what I can find out - quietly. I don't want to alert him if it's a creep, and we don't want to scare him off if it's actually a nice guy. Still, you'd think if the guy were serious, he'd grow a pair and actually come talk to you."
"I guess," Lavender said. "Although if it's not a bad guy, then it is sort of romantic." She gave a sheepish smile.
"If you say so," Hermione shrugged. "Anyway, I'll find out one way or the other. Pay close attention to all your interactions with boys. See who smiles at you, who pauses to walk out of a classroom with you, that sort of thing. Tell me any bad stuff, too, such as a dirty joke or a leer, okay?"
"I'm on it," Lavender saluted, grinning at Hermione.
Hermione smiled a little at Lavender's retreating back; would that her problems were so simple. Yes, Lavender had a few tough breaks, but here she was now with a shiny new love interest. Hermione suspected it was on the up and up; if the earlier gossip had fueled this guy, he wasn't likely to be sending roses and love notes. Oh well. Maybe she should give Oliver Wood another look - what could it hurt?
"Is it safe?" Harry asked, coming back downstairs and sitting next to her again.
"Yes, just some girl stuff," Hermione said lightly. "And I've changed my mind, Harry. I will see Oliver again."
"Good thing; like I said, I already owled him."
O O O O O O
She was trying to have fun, she really was. Oliver was nice, he was cute, he was charming and he was very forgiving. They had chosen Hogsmeade for their date - really, where else could they go? - and although Oliver was making a real effort, Hermione just could not relax. Their other dates, fraught with dishonesty though they had been, seemed much easier. Before, she was more interested in what Oliver could do for her; now she was more interested in Oliver. That left her feeling vulnerable; after Ron and Viktor, the last thing she needed was to get her heart and/or pride trampled again.
"Honestly, Hermione, it's fine," he said after she apologized for the fiftieth time. "I have to ride the desk for a few more weeks, and then it'll be over. I mean, I'm still a junior Auror anyway, so it's not like I had a ton of cases to begin with. I told you before - Dawlish is an ass."
"I do hate him," Hermione said, relaxing a little bit. "I'm putting him in a cage with Snape and the Slytherins. Last man standing gets blasted with my wand."
"Not Fletcher?"
Hermione chose her words carefully. "I'm not quite convinced on that yet, Oliver. I'm not saying it's not Mundungus; I'm just not saying it is, either."
"Fair enough," he said neutrally. At this point, it was better not to argue with her. "I'm glad you decided to come today."
"Me too," she said. She smiled and took his hand, feeling gratified at the huge smile he returned. Maybe this wouldn't be so hard.
"So what little mysteries are you working on right now?" he asked her. "Harry said you still drag him into all sorts of things."
"He loves it," Hermione said dismissively. "What else is he going to do? And it's good Auror training, right? Anyway, he's not really on this one. You remember Lavender Brown? She has a secret admirer."
"Really?" Oliver looked skeptical. "You're helping her with that?"
"You know what, it's somewhat refreshing," Hermione admitted. "A nice change of pace from all the other crap people want me to do."
"A little romance never hurt anyone," Oliver agreed, leaning down to kiss her. He hadn't been sure about approaching her again; it had been rather humiliating to know she was only interested in what he could tell her about Ginny. Still, he couldn't deny his interest. Whether she was kissing him back out of attraction or misguided feelings of guilt he couldn't be sure, but he was not about to look a gift horse in the mouth.
He pulled back after a moment, not wanting to seem too eager or scare her off. "So tell me more about this admirer. How does one discover a secret identity?"
"You're the auror, you give me a few tips," said Hermione, grinning a little from the kiss and keeping his hand in hers. "How do you usually smoke out the bad guys? Or maybe-good guy, in this case. We're not really sure yet."
"What about simply setting up a date?" Oliver suggested. "If the wizard's on the up and up he'll jump at the chance to meet her."
"Maybe," Hermione said. "But she really wants to know who he is first."
"Isn't not knowing part of the fun?"
Not knowing is never better. Aloud she said, "Lavender had some trouble a couple months ago with mean gossip, so she's being careful. She wants to make sure he's not a creep."
"I hope it turns out well for her, then," Oliver said. "Why not just do the classic - have him meet her at a party or something. If he's for real, he'll show. If he's just playing around, or doesn't really her to know who he is, he'll bail."
"That doesn't require me to do a lot of snooping," Hermione pointed out. "I wouldn't really be helping at all."
"No, but it's the easiest way," Oliver reasoned. "You can always be there as her back-up. If the guys' a dud, you can swoop in and rescue her."
"Maybe," Hermione said. That really wasn't the help Lavender had asked her for; on the other hand, it did sound like the easiest path to choose.
"Ooo, this looks cozy."
It was Draco, of course - who else? - but this time he wasn't with Ron.
"Hello, Draco," Hermione said evenly.
"How's it going," Oliver offered, keeping his hand tight within Hermione's.
"Watch out, Wood," Draco said. "This one bites, remember?" He laughed without humor.
"Are you drunk?" Hermione asked. Draco's words were slightly slurred and he looked like he was having trouble standing straight. She pulled her hand out of Oliver's and stepped closer to him. His eyes were definitely red; it looked like he'd been drinking and crying; not a good combination. "Merlin, Draco, it's the middle of the day! How do you think you're going to get past Filch smelling like firewhiskey?"
"Got it all sorted, Granger, don't worry your pretty little head," Draco said, leaning into her. "I'm gonna challenge him to a duel, and when I beat him I'll simply waltz right into Hogwarts. How's that for a plan, Miss Detective?"
"Draco, honestly, you're going to land in detention for the rest of the year, or worse, expelled."
"McGonalady would forgive me."
"Snape won't, and you've already got a record with firewhiskey."
"Whose fault is that?" Draco slurred, stumbling even closer to her. He reached out and righted himself by gripping her shoulder; Oliver stepped up next to her but Draco seemed to have forgotten him.
"I'm going to regret this," Hermione sighed. "Let us help you back in. You deserved it at the time, but you're right, I did plant the firewhiskey. If you get caught with it again you'll be in trouble. Oliver? Can you please run over to the Madam Puddifoots? She's got a sober-up potion. Students aren't allowed to know about it, but she'd sell it to you."
"Are you okay with him?" Oliver asked.
"It's fine." She pulled him in for a quick kiss. "Thank you. I owe you."
"I'll collect," he promised, setting off.
When he was gone, Hermione rounded on Draco. "Honestly, what is your problem? Where is Ron?"
"He's not my babysitter," Draco mumbled, glaring after Oliver. "It looks like you need one, though. Careful with those older boys, Granger, they all want one thing."
"Unlike all the boys at Hogwarts. Here, sit down," she said, leading him over to a bench away from the main road. "You can't do this again, Draco. If you want to drink, do it in your common room or something. You're drunk as shit; there's no way you'd make it back to the castle unseen. You want Snape to floo your father?"
Clearly, the alcohol was messing with his head; he looked over into her wide brown eyes, and she looked so concerned, and he was so drunk that his words slipped out. "Nope, Granger, don't particularly want beaten up or crucioed today. Big bad Lucius - can't have that! And no mother to protect me. Not that she ever does much to stop him, but sometimes she can calm him down. Where is she, though, huh? Where's my mum, Granger?"
Hermione was horrified; she had always known Draco's father was hard on him, but this? She wondered if Ron knew or suspected. She knew Draco would be mortified that he had confided in her while intoxicated. Hopefully he wouldn't remember. She had overheard Ron telling Harry Draco's mother had taken a long vacation without telling him where she was; was something more going on there? Clearly he still hadn't heard from her. She scooted next to him and put her hand on his arm.
"Draco-"
"I've got it," Oliver said. He handed Draco the potion. "Here you go, Malfoy. Drink it all in one gulp. I got you a hangover cure, too; otherwise this potion would come with a headache."
Draco rose unsteadily and raised the bottle as if in a toast. "Thank you my good man." He downed the potion, and then motioned for the hangover cure; after drinking that as well he looked at Oliver and Hermione with wet but sober eyes. "Ugh. I think the cure might be worse. That stuff tastes like a skrewt's ass."
"You'd know," Hermione said. "I'm sure it tastes bad to discourage drinking in the first place. At least you won't get busted by Filch."
"Thanks," Draco said, looking her in the eye. "I would not have done the same thing for you, so thank you."
"Yeah, I know that," Hermione said. "And now you owe me." She didn't mention the things he had said about his father, but from the way he was looking at her, she knew he remembered.
He nodded slightly, acknowledging her words. "Thanks, Wood. I always seem to bust up your little dates with Granger."
"No harm," Oliver said, deciding to take the high road. "Next time we'll go someplace you can't find us." He smiled a little, but Draco knew he was not joking.
"See you crazy kids around," Draco said, walking away from them. He took one look back, and saw that Hermione was watching him. He gave her a little salute, and then continued on the road back to Hogwarts.
"I thought you hated him," Oliver said when he was out of earshot. "That was pretty nice, helping him like that."
"He's not my favorite person," Hermione allowed. "And he did deserve it at the time, but I am the reason he has a record with firewhiskey. Snape and Professor McGonagall would have hit the roof. And now he owes me. Favors are currency around here."
"You're just a softie at heart, I think," Oliver said, stealing another kiss. "I know you have to get back; when will I see you again?"
"I think you're right about Lavender," Hermione said. "I'm going to plan a little party to help her find her undercover lover. I'll owl you with the details, and you can be my date. If you want."
"I definitely want," Oliver assured her. He kissed her again, longer this time. She let herself be caught up in Oliver for a few moments before remembering they were in public. That was all she needed, for Blaise or Goyle or one of the other Slytherin sycophants to catch her making out in front of everyone.
"Walk me back to the castle?" she said. "I'll let you know the plans for the party soon."
"Sounds good," Oliver said.
They walked in companionable silence for awhile; at the gate, Oliver gave her another small kiss.
"I'll talk to you soon," he promised. "I'm glad you gave me another chance."
"I'm the one that needed the second chance," Hermione said. "I had a good time today. Thanks for your help with Draco."
He nodded, studying her closely. When they had talked before, it had always been 'Malfoy', not Draco. She had said she still felt betrayed by Malfoy and Ron abandoning her after Ginny's death. He wondered what had changed; perhaps they were both growing up and moving on. Not really his business, he decided. Obviously they had a complex relationship, and if she didn't want to talk about it, he wouldn't bring it up.
He gave her one last kiss before leaving her; he had to get back to Hogsmeade and apparate back to his flat. He had an early day tomorrow; one more day of Dawlish riding his ass. Still, time with her was worth it.
"Did you have a good time?" Harry greeted her when she returned to the common room.
"I did," Hermione confirmed. "What did you do all day?"
"My Potions homework, unfortunately. What happened? Are you madly in love?"
"We had a nice time, Harry," Hermione said. "We're not announcing our engagement. Oh, and as usual, there was Draco interference."
"What happened?"
"We found him piss-drunk and stumbling around Hogsmeade. It was not a pretty sight." Hermione decided not to tell Harry what Draco had said about his father; she guessed it was not information he would want bandied about. "Oliver got him a sober potion and a hangover cure so he'd be able to get past Filch."
"That was nice of you," Harry commented. "A bit surprising, really."
"I know," Hermione sighed. "It surprised me, too. I guess I was just feeling generous. He'd have been in huge trouble because of the last few times with firewhiskey. Add that to his house elf troubles and general unpleasantness and it could have been bad - maybe even expulsion."
"I doubt Professor Dumbledore would expel Malfoy for getting wasted. And wouldn't you like him expelled?"
"I don't know," Hermione shrugged. "Maybe not for getting drunk. Besides, now he owes me."
"You think you'll live long enough to collect a favor from Draco Malfoy?" Harry asked.
Hermione shrugged again. She wasn't sure why, but she didn't feel like bashing Draco right then. The revelation about his father had definitely rocked her. It certainly didn't excuse his complete prickishness - but maybe it did explain it a little.
"So," said Hermione mentally shaking off Draco, "you remember when Lavender asked for my help the other day? We need to have a party."
"Those two things don't seem particularly related," Harry observed.
"Don't question me," Hermione teased, "just do as I say."
"Always," Harry saluted.
"I think we'll need the Room of Requirement," Hermione said. "It might be a big party. All fifth, sixth and seventh year students are invited."
"Even Slytherins?"
"Unfortunately," Hermione said. "Do you think Dobby could get a few of his friends to help with drinks and snacks?"
"Isn't that against spew code?" Harry asked.
"Probably, but I don't have time for moralizing at present," Hermione told him.
"There's no way that many students are going to be able to sneak out of their dorms."
"You might be right," Hermione said. "Maybe Lupin would chaperone? That way we can make sure the Slytherins don't get out of hand."
"If Lupin chaperones Snape is going to want to be there," Harry pointed out.
"No way," Hermione said. "I guess people will just have to sneak out. It won't be the first or last time. If they don't want to risk it, they don't have to come."
"If you get caught you'll be in more trouble with Snape."
"Then we won't get caught."
O O O O O
"You think this will work?" Lavender nervously asked Hermione. "No one has said anything to me yet."
"It's still early," Hermione assured her. "One way or the other, he'll be here."
"You did a pretty good job with this," Lavender noted. "And starting it early like this means they'll be less chance of us getting caught out of bounds."
"Thanks," she replied. "Harry had to tell people you and Parvati are the hosts; no one would come to a party I was throwing."
"You underestimate yourself, Hermione," Lavender said. "People want to come to parties no matter who's throwing them."
"Right, so it doesn't matter that they hate me as long as I'm slinging free booze, right?" Hermione said. "Well, jokes on them, there isn't any alcohol here unless they brought it themselves. Plus I made sure, and there really aren't any rules about parties before curfew, so as long as everyone leaves early we won't get in trouble. And since the only thing I care about is you finding your secret admirer, they can all high tail it two minutes later for all I care."
"Isn't Oliver coming? Surely you want to hang out with him for more than two minutes," Lavender said. "Parvati told me you two were pretty cozy in Hogsmeade, and before you get mad, she was just relaying information, not being nasty."
"Parvati's actually not as bad as some," Hermione allowed. "Yes, Oliver's supposed to be here soon, but if the party breaks we can go for a walk or something. I'm not wild about parading my love life, however low-key it may be, around people anyway."
"Wise," Lavender said. "Hermione, I'm getting seriously nervous. Where is he? Is this going to be some huge joke?"
"Why don't you mingle a little?" Hermione suggested. "Maybe he doesn't want to talk to you with me around."
"If he doesn't like you he's not worth it anyway," Lavender said. "I won't forget everything you've done for me."
"Don't worry about it," Hermione said. "Go. Flirt. Mingle."
Lavender saluted her (What is it with that lately? Hermione thought. Do I look like a general?) and went off to talk to Parvati and Padma.
"Where's your brain-damaged auror?" Draco said, appearing out of nowhere as usual.
"He's coming," Hermione said. "Lucky he doesn't believe in guilt by association and you didn't scare him off."
"Are we associated, Granger?" Draco asked.
She looked at him in puzzlement; the question seemed sincere. "Not all associations are happy ones, are they?"
He looked disappointed in her answer, or maybe she was just imagining things. "Thanks again for your help the other day, Granger. I really didn't need to get in trouble. I was serious about owing you. Enjoy your date." He nodded behind her before walking away; still nonplussed, she turned around to see Oliver, who greeted her with a kiss and a smile.
"How's your little mission going?" he asked her. "Has Lavender met her Prince Charming yet?"
"He hasn't made an appearance yet," Hermione answered. "He's supposed to show up bearing flowers. I hope he doesn't stand her up."
"A gentleman never leaves a lady waiting," Oliver said, giving her another kiss.
"Hmm, you've definitely learned some tricks since your Hogwarts days," Hermione said. "I don't remember you being such a romantic."
"There's a lot about me you don't know," Oliver said. "And we've got plenty of time for you to find out."
She was leaning in for a kiss when she saw him out of the corner of her eye: Ron, carrying a gorgeous bouquet of brightly colored tulips. She pulled away from Oliver and watched as Ron made his way over to Lavender. She saw Ron's shy smile and Lavender's look of glee. She saw Draco watching her with an odd look on his face; it might have been pity.
"You okay?" Oliver whispered in her ear. "That's not what you were expecting, was it?"
"I'm fine," she said, too brightly. "You know what, this is perfect. It's not a dirtbag and Ron couldn't have a nicer girlfriend than Lavender. Really, I'm fine. But I do think we should probably start winding down the party, we don't want to miss curfew!" She realized she was talking like a crazy person but couldn't stop herself. Oliver was exactly right - that wasn't what she was expecting, and she didn't think she liked it much.
Of course, hadn't she moved on? Wasn't she over Ron now that she was dating Oliver? Didn't Ron deserve to be happy?
Not without me, the small, self-pitying voice inside her said.
The strong voice tried to contradict that one. Ron has treated you terribly in the last year. Good riddance. Let him move on, who needs him?
Harry came to her rescue, drowning out the two Hermiones. "Hey, we should probably start cleaning up. Why don't I get everyone out of here and you, me and Oliver can help Dobby?"
She smiled gratefully at her best friend. She could still feel both Oliver's and Draco's gazes on her. She watched as Harry spread the word and as the students started exiting the Room of Requirement.
"Thanks for the party, Hermione," Lavender said as she and Ron passed them. She put her hand on Hermione's arm and gave her a questioning look; Hermione responded with another false, cheery smile.
"I'm glad everything worked out," she said. "See you back in the dorm!"
Lavender smiled, even Ron graced her with a small grin. She kept her face plastered with a smile; she thought she probably looked like a psychopath.
Oliver and Harry waved their wands around, cleaning up the room while she stood sat in a corner. She hoped she wasn't blowing her chances with Oliver by acting so obviously affected by Ron and Lavender, but she found she couldn't really help it.
"Granger? You awake in there?"
Hermione started to snap at Draco - why was he still there bothering her? - but bit back her words. She remembered what he had said about Lucius and her own sort-of resolve to be nicer to him. Or at least more civil.
"What can I do for you, Malfoy? Did you get enough to eat and drink? You better head back - you don't want to miss curfew."
"He told me he was interested in Lavender," Draco said. "I should have warned you."
"That's not your responsibility and honestly I couldn't care less," Hermione said. "I have to help Harry and Oliver. See you around."
Draco left without another word and Hermione rose from her chair to help her friends. The three of them, plus Dobby, had the Room of Requirement back in a blank state in minutes.
She said her goodbyes to Oliver, trying to be as nonchalant and normal as usual. He seemed to accept her act, or was at least willing to pretend. Harry wisely said nothing as they walked back to the common room.
That night, for the first time in ages, Hermione cried herself to sleep.