A/N: I'm sorry for taking so long to update. Real life keeps getting in the way. Well here's the next chapter. Hope y'all like it. R&R please.

Sampdoria: Thank You and yes I intend to finish it. :)

Megan Consoer: ) Yup

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eliblade: thanks and I promise I will.

Nerfi-Tiri: You're right, and may I ask, What does your penname mean?

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LatinaChikita: I hope this chapter clears up your confusion.

Chapter 10

Hermione was startled awake when someone forced her to swallow a potion. Gagging, the putrid stench of a headache potion filled her nostrils; she sat up straight, trying to push the nurse away.

"Hold still, Miss Bourge." Madame Pomfrey's clipped tones signified she expected obedience.

Hermione stopped moving and glared at Madame Pomfrey. "You could have waited until I was awake before you forced that down my throat." She said, narrowing her eyes.

Madame Pomfrey looked confused, "Your eyes were open, and naturally I assumed you were awake." She said, and then started wand scans.

'That's weird,' she thought, she didn't remember ever sleeping with her eyes open before. She shrugged, and waited patiently for the scans to be completed.

Just then, Draco and Blaise burst through the infirmary doors, striding toward her as if they owned the hospital wing.

"Hey, Hermione. How you feeling?" Draco asked. Blaise and Draco sat in chairs beside her bed.

"I feel fine." She said.

Madame Pomfrey finished her scans, "When I return, you may leave." She said, as she bustled toward her office.

Hermione locked eyes with Draco, "What is the Slytherin hierarchy?" she asked.

Draco smirked, and then started his speech, "The slytherin hierarchy is in many ways similar to a pecking order. The one in charge has the most say, those under him, or her, must obey. Montague is the reigning monarch, he is in charge. You and I are considered his right and left hands, we are second in command. Before your fight with Pansy, she was in that position. Millicent and Blaise are part of the board. The board is a committee of 13 slytherins, and they are the only ones allowed to talk directly to us or Montague, and help council us on keeping order in the house. The board is the only way to resolve issues between housemates, because when outside the common room a unified front is to be presented. The hierarchy is the slytherin way of protecting ourselves from the other houses." Draco smiled as he continued, "Pansy is finally where she belongs; at the bottom."

Hermione frowned, she had never heard of this hierarchy. It was obviously a well kept secret. "So in other words; Montague is the King, you and I are the prince and princess, Blaise and Millicent and the other eleven board members are lords and ladies, and the rest of the slytherins are considered serfs?" she asked, astonished at the medieval level of organization.

Draco smirked in response. Blaise smiled slightly, "Yes, in a way. There are other groups, such as the enforcers, that are given special privileges. Crabbe and Goyle are enforcers, and they are allowed to approach Draco and you, but not Montague. They keep the law within the house, bringing troublemakers before the board, and they are bodyguards outside of the common room." Blaise said quickly and quietly.

"So, me being head girl probably doesn't count for much?" Hermione asked.

"Prefects and Heads are permitted to talk to the board and Draco and you, but not to Montague." Blaise replied.

"Oh," Hermione said, trying to take everything in at once. "So how did I gain my rank?" she asked confused.

"You knocked Pansy out first; you won, and switched places with her. It was risky for Pansy to initiate a fight with someone without rank, because the only way for us to lose our rank is if we initiate or consent to the fight." Seeing Hermione's confused look, Draco continued, "If Blaise challenged me to a duel and I accepted the challenge and lost then we would switch rank. But if he randomly attacked me he would most likely be demoted and/or punished. If I randomly attacked Blaise and lost then we would switch ranks. Random attacks aren't allowed, but they still count. That's why we are usually followed by enforcers." Draco explained.

Madame Pomfrey came back and told Hermione she should go back to her dorm and get a good nights sleep.

Draco held out his arm for her, and she slid out of the bed but didn't take his proffered arm. "So how's Pansy?" Hermione asked, as she looked around the hospital wing.

Draco pointed over his shoulder at the bed at the very end of the wing. You could hardly tell there was anyone in it, only the very top of her head showed. The blankets were pulled up to her hairline.

For the second time that night Hermione stepped through the slytherin archway. The common room was empty, except for Hermione, Draco, and Blaise. The dim light from the dying embers in the fireplace sent dark shadows across the walls.

Draco steered Hermione to the right, and lead her through a second archway into a long, dimly lit, corridor. Plaques on the doors reading first years, second years, etc... He led her all the way to the end of the hall to a door that was much larger than the rest, with a plaque that read 'Hermione Bourge, Head Girl'.

"Because you are head girl, you get a private room in the girls' wing." Draco said, smirking. Hermione smiled in return, and opened the door.

"Wow." Hermione said. Her eyes feasting on the warmly lit common room. On the right side of the room was two black leather couches, and two armchairs arranged around a dark mahogany coffee table. To the left was a large alcove shaped study area, complete with three large bookcases and an overly large mahogany desk.

Hermione let out a content sigh, running her hands over the spines of her books that were unpacked for her. She walked up to the desk and ran an admiring hand over the desktop. "I could definitely get used to this." She murmured.

"I'm going to go to my room now, Hermione. Enjoy your new room." Draco said, and disappeared down the hallway.

Hermione heard him, but was too wrapped up in her new room to respond. She plopped herself on one of the sofas, deciding they were too cold. 'I must remember to buy some throws.' she thought.

Hermione went to the first door on the right and looked inside. It was the bathroom, a large bath, almost as large as the prefect's bath, a shower with 8 shower heads positioned on three walls of the stall, and a large full length mirror on the far wall. Hermione felt like she had died and gone to heaven. "They sure do treat their head girls right." Hermione said, and it echoed around the room.

She managed to finally tear her eyes away from the elegant bathroom and turned to the second door. Inside was her room, a large four poster bed in one corner, and a wardrobe on the opposite wall.

Hermione magically transferred the clothes from her trunk into the wardrobe, grabbed a towel and rushed off to her new bathroom. She settled herself in the tub for a good long soak, letting the tension slowly be released by the hot water.

Hermione didn't sleep well. She tossed and turned all night. The unimaginable horrors of what was in store for her kept her awake. She kept wondering if the training Professor Snape would give her would be enough for her to protect herself.

Hermione had a quick shower and changed into her uniform. Organizing her book bag quickly, she headed up to breakfast. She sat at the slytherin table, and nibbled on the corner of a piece of toast. The great hall was practically empty, a few students here and there. Professor Dumbledore and McGonagall were sitting together, discussing something.

Hermione saw Fred walk in, so she dropped her toast and joined him at the gryffindor table. "Hi, Fred." How are things holding up in the tower?" she asked.

Fred snorted. "Ron was the only one with a problem, Ginny sorted him out though." Hermione smiled weakly. "How is the dungeon? You look like you haven't slept. Is everything alright?" Fred asked worriedly.

"I haven't slept, but it has nothing to do with the slytherins. I'll tell you later when we can't be overheard, okay?" Hermione said.

"Sure. Room of requirement at lunch?" Fred suggested.

"Sounds good." Hermione replied. She noticed the room filling up. "I should get back to my table. See you later." She said and gave him a hug and a quick kiss on the cheek.

Hermione sat down between Draco and Blaise, and continued to nibble on her toast. She didn't know if Draco was truly having a change of heart, but he could be useful to her. He's been a slytherin longer than she, and could teach her how to be slytherin, plus his influence, for the most part, would stop the questions of her true allegiances. She hated having to use people, but it was her best chance right now.

Professor Snape handed out the schedules, and then vanished from sight. Hermione had Herbology with the gryffindors first, and then DADA. She had double potions after lunch, and she didn't have any of the new subjects until tomorrow.

Professor Sprout had the class harvesting a new sub-species of sunflowers that she created. Hermione was kneeling in the wet soil, picking the flowers quickly when Fred came up behind her and covered her eyes.

Hermione didn't know who it was so she instinctually grabbed his arms and flipped him into a pile of mud.

The class erupted in laughter, except Fred who was standing, covered head to toe in mud, staring at Hermione with a shocked expression on his face. Hermione couldn't help herself and smirked. She turned around and shook with uncontrollable giggles.

Fred quickly recovered and scooped up a handful of mud and chucked it at Hermione, hitting her square in the back of the head. That's when an all out mud war broke out. No one was safe, by the end everyone was dripping in mud.

Madame Sprout's return was signaled by an unearthly shriek and incoherent babbling about her babies. Sprout recovered enough to yell at them for destroying all of her flowers, and send them to the showers to get cleaned up.

The class slowly trudged back to the castle, torn between being ashamed and amused. In the entrance hall they ran into none other than Argus Filch, the caretaker.

"You filthy little brats! How dare you muck up the floor I just finished cleaning!" Filch screamed shrilly, the vein across his temple throbbing. "Get out, and use the quidditch showers to clean up, rather than tracking mud into the school." Filch continued screaming, advancing on them like a crazed lunatic.

The students quickly ran back outside, and headed toward their respective house quidditch change rooms. Hermione showered as quickly as she could considering how much mud there was.

By the time she was clean she was 10 minutes late for DADA. "Sorry Professor." Hermione said as she took her usual seat at the front of the class.

"Not to worry, open your text to page 23 and read to page 35. You will be quizzed next class on your reading." Professor Lupin said as he walked to the front of his desk and leaned against it. "The quiz will be half written, half practical. Anyone who doesn't read the assigned text will automatically fail the whole quiz. This class is too dangerous for you not to complete your homework assignments. In 7th year you will be working face to face with a variety of unknown dangers." Professor Lupin continued in an ominous tone. "You will only get two strikes against you, and then you will be kicked out of this class and you will fail your whole year. I cannot stress enough how important it is for you all to follow instructions carefully and methodically in this class."

"In some of the classes I have prepared for you, one wrong move can cause your untimely death, or if you're extremely lucky, serious injury. Don't expect to be that lucky." He paused for emphasis. "I realize that this class is a lot more dangerous and advanced than in previous years, and you are at a slight disadvantage because of it. That is why I am enlisting the help of an assistant. He will be around for all of the practical sessions and will help me keep injuries to a minimum." He stood up slowly and walked to his personal office door and opened it. A dark figure slowly and silently followed Lupin back to the front of the class.

"I would like to introduce you all to a friend of mine. He will be assisting us with some of our classes. His name is Victor, and he will be providing the chimeras for tomorrows quiz, and most of the dark creatures and objects for this class." Professor Lupin said.

Victor stood 6 feet 6 inches, towering over Professor Lupin. The red glow of his eyes pierced through each student's gaze. The pale man held each student's gaze for a few seconds before moving on to the next student, as though measuring them in some way.

"If you haven't already figured it out," Victor began in a low baritone, "I am a vampire." There was a collective gasp from every student in the room, except for Hermione, who snorted at her peer's ignorance. "None of you have to worry about me sucking your blood, because my particular tastes lie else where. And as an extra precaution I have sworn a blood oath, in my own blood, to Professor Dumbledore and the Minister of Magic." Hermione was the only student in the room who knew of the ramifications of a vampire blood oath. Victor turned to Lupin. "Remus, I must take my leave now, I have business to attend to. I will be back by tomorrow morning." He said before disappearing silently into Professor Lupin's Office.

A normally silent girl in the back row put her hand in the air. "Yes, Miss Ryder." Professor Lupin said.

"Professor, what will happen to Mr. Victor if he breaks his blood oath and attacks one of the students?" Ryder asked tentatively.

"That is a good question Miss Ryder. He will lose all of his vampirific powers and will be reduced to the strength of a mortal and live the rest of eternity in Azkaban. Those are the consequences that will be invoked by his blood oath. For a vampire of his power and status, that is a fate worse than death. For feeding off an underage human, by the vampire laws, there is no consequence. Causing the death of an underage human is frowned upon, but not punishable by the vampirific courts. Turning an underage human into a vampire is punishable by the stripping of the offender's powers and status, excommunication from the order, and sometimes death." Professor Lupin explained. "And like Victor said, his tastes lie elsewhere." He said with a slight grin.

Montague put his hand up and was called on. "Sir, I thought that vampires and werewolves didn't like each other. Wasn't there a war between them?" Montague asked.

"Yes, but that was over 6000 years ago. Admittedly, some still have their grudges, but the majority of werewolves and vampires have gotten past their predecessors hatred of each other." the Professor answered.

"Now, let's get back on topic. Chimeras were created in the vampire/ werewolf war by the vampire elders. The chimeras were created too successfully; they were too powerful for one vampire alone to control. They were controlled by the vampire overlords, a special force of vampires that had the abilities to communicate with certain animals. The amount of overlords per chimera varied by the amount of animals fused to create each chimera. The chimera that you will see tomorrow is a fusion of a basilisk, Griffin, condor, unicorn, and a phoenix. This chimera requires 10 overlords to control it. Most chimeras are only two or three creatures fused, but this chimera is the pet and personal bodyguard of the eldest." Professor Lupin explained as he slowly paced back and forth in front of the class. "The overlords have tattoos that signify their profession. Each overlord has a blue tribal face tattoo, with the outline of the creature they specialize in tattooed on the back of their neck. They wear matching uniforms with the outline of their chimera in blue or black, depending on the color of their uniform, on the back."

Professor Lupin stopped pacing and returned to his seat behind his desk. "Next class will be held in the great hall. You are dismissed." He said.

The class filed out, loudly and quickly, discussing the vampire. Hermione trailed behind and Professor Lupin asked her to tell Harry that he wishes to speak to him.

Hermione ran to lunch quickly, grabbed some food, gave Harry Remus' message and then ran all the way to the room of requirement. Fred was already there, so she walked through the already visible door. In the room was a large squishy looking sofa, a large plushy area rug with a coffee table and a fireplace with a fire going in it. Two steaming mugs of her favourite mint tea were on the coffee table. Fred was sitting cross-legged on the sofa, motioning for her to join him.

Hermione crossed the plushy rug and plopped herself onto the sofa, her eyes welling with unshed tears. "Fred," Hermione whispered as she flung her arms around his neck, "Have I ever told you; you are my rock in the white water rapids of life?" Hermione half asked.

Fred laughed softly, "Yes, a few times." he said, smiling at Hermione. "So what kept you from sleeping?" he asked concernedly.

Hermione rested her head on Fred's shoulder and wrapped her arms around his middle. "Fred, you're like the brother I never had. Always concerned about me, it's nice to know someone cares." Hermione said softly, she sighed contentedly and then continued, "Last night I found out some very troubling things...," Hermione told him about the prophecy, and her decision to pretend to be a death eater. "I'm worried, Fred, what if I'm no good at pretending to be evil? What if I screw up?"

Fred hugged Hermione tightly to himself. Her plans worried him a lot, but he shouldn't let her know that because she needs his support more than any other time. "Hermione, you have excelled at everything you have chosen to do. I don't see why this time it should be any different." Fred said and kissed the top of her head.

Hermione cuddled closer, tears dripping onto Fred's shirt. Despite her tears she smiled. "Thanks Fred, I really needed to hear that.

George sat between Harry and Ron and started telling them about their awesome DADA class. "Remus has an assistant this year." George said matter-of-factly, watching them closely to gauge their level of interest.

"Really? Who?" Ron asked. Harry looked to George waiting for his answer.

George was apparently pleased with their interest because he answered, "Victor, a vampire."

Ron looked shocked, while Harry zoned out. "They can't allow a vampire in Hogwarts, can they?" Ron asked weakly, face ghost white.

"I didn't think so, but Professor Lupin explained to us the precautions that have been taken." George answered, clapping Ron on the back. "Hey don't worry Ron, there is no way he'll attack anyone; the consequences are too high."

Ginny sat down beside Harry. "Hi." she said. Harry, hearing Ginny's voice, snapped back to reality. Shaking off his dark thoughts, he took Ginny's hand and gave her a quick kiss.

Lunch went by uneventfully from that point on. Fred and Hermione showed up two minutes before the start of the next class, reminding Harry that he was supposed to go see Remus. He would have to see him at the next break between classes.

Hermione walked into the familiar dungeon classroom with the rest of the seventh year class. Professor Snape ordered them to stand against the wall.

"This year is your NEWTS." Snape began, pacing in front of them slowly. "This year I will challenge you like you've never been challenged before. You will need everything I have taught you in previous years and knowledge you can only gain from independent study." At that a collective groan went around the room. "Silence." Snape barked. "Do not even think of complaining. This class is optional; you didn't have to sign up for it. I will provide a list of books that you should read before your NEWTS." Snape glared at the class. "This year I will choose where you sit and with whom you work. You will work with every classmate at least once."

Snape walked to his desk and took out the class register. He paired everyone up and then sat at his desk. Hermione was paired with Montague. "We will be starting the year with the lucidity potion. Instructions are on the board, and the ingredients are in the student's cupboard. I will provide the last ingredient when it is time."

Hermione got the required ingredients, while Montague prepped the cauldron and their table. She started to slice the bubotubers, while Montague extracted the venom from a particularly nasty looking toad. Time flew by as Hermione and Montague worked meticulously and fluidly on their potion. The concentration required to make the potion was intense, allowing them no time to talk. One false move and they could blow half the castle up.

Snape stalked the aisles, watching everyone's progress closely. Normally he wouldn't assign this potion until the end of the year, but Dumbledore believed the final battle would sooner than expected and asked for a lot of potions. The majority of the potions were seventh year level and up, a few could be done by the sixth years. 'Thank god Longbottom isn't in potions anymore' thought Snape. And there were a good number of potions that were at the master level and only he could complete them.

Snape noticed that the seventh year class is larger than last year. He expected more of them to drop out. He didn't expect the Weasley twins to be in his class. Although he had to admit they were better than average at potions. 'Montague has potential' Snape thought as he watched him and Hermione work together. They were working together in tandem; it was like they were intuitively knew what to do. 'They both work like professionals." Snape thought.

Snape walked to the front of the classroom and faced the class. "Your potions should be ready for the final ingredient now. Anyone not ready for the final ingredient will receive a failing mark for this potion and will write me a 6 foot essay on the importance of precise timing in potion making." he said glaring at the students. "Now, the potion without the final ingredient is a lethal poison and a teaspoon of it could kill a full grown man in an extremely slow and agonizing five minutes." Snape said an almost manic glint in his eyes. "Weasley." Snape shouted. "I suggest you uncork and drain those phials, unless you wish to serve a lifetime in Azkaban." he hissed at them.

Fred and George looked forlorn and pulled six phials each from various parts of their bodies. Hermione rolled her eyes as the rest of the class snickered behind their hands.

"Now," Snape smirked and continued, "Can anyone tell me what the final ingredient is?" he asked. As usual Hermione's hand was in the air before he finished his question, but with less enthusiasm than usual.

"Miss Bourge." Snape called on her for the first time.

"A bezoar." Hermione answered, sounding almost bored.

Snape gave her a strange look, wondering if things were getting too stressful for her. He mentally shrugged his shoulders. "Yes, that is correct. 20 points to Slytherin."

Snape glided up the aisles, robes flowing; dropping a bezoar into each potion. "Surprisingly," Snape sneered," You all adequately completed you potions."

Hermione watched as Professor Snape dropped the bezoar into her potion, a small golden cloud rose with a hiss. She grinned and watched Snape stop at the front of the classroom. He ordered everyone to transfer the entire contents of their cauldrons into phials, warning them not to waste any of it.

Harry ditched Ron after class and went straight to Professor Lupin's office. Knocking on the door, he waited for a reply.

"Come in." Professor Lupin's voice carried through the door.

Harry pushed open the heavy door, and walked slowly into the cramped office. 'For someone who can't afford new robes, he sure has acquired more knick knacks.' Harry thought.

"Ah, Harry. It's good to see you." Remus said, his smile not as strong as he remembered

Harry smiled in return, seating himself in the only available chair. "Good to see you too, Remus."

Remus' smile faded as he looked into Harry's eyes. "Albus has filled me in on the recent developments and has requested my help in training you. My help will come later on, but you are always welcome to come to me for anything." Remus said, "Albus wishes to start your training at 8: oo tonight. Severus has already been informed that you will be missing your occlumency lesson tonight."

Harry nodded his head in understanding. He kept looking around, trying to catch a glimpse of the vampire assistant. He didn't appear to be here. After a few minutes of forced conversation, Remus finally gave up and dismissed Harry.

Harry slowly walked to his next class; History of Magic. He had a note from Lupin, so he wasn't worried about being on time; not that Binns would notice.

Nehebkau slithered up to his neck from her resting place on his upper arm. Her jewel bright eyes scanning every inch of their surroundings. She watched the portraits staring at her and gossiping with their neighbors.

"Harry," Nehebkau hissed in his ear. Harry grunted signifying that he was listening. "I want to be at your training session tonight." She finished, flicking her tail in a demanding way.

"Sure," Harry hissed in reply, reaching up and stroking her scales. "Nehebkau." Harry cooed endearingly. "Indulge a curiosity of mine please." Harry hissed to her. She looked at him in response. "Do you know of any way a wizard could maintain his magical abilities if he were bitten and turned by a vampire?" He asked, trying not to look to eager to hear her answer.

Nehebkau looked taken aback by his strange question, but recovered quickly. "As a matter of fact there is one way. Well..." She looked uncertain. "It isn't proven." She answered truthfully.

His interest piqued, Harry forgot to school his features. "Really? How?" He asked, his surprise clearly evident.

Nehebkau switched to the left side of his face. "There is a potion that can be made using my venom called the 'Milk of Light' that will completely cure all poisonous and/or infectious bites. It is extremely painful. Completely flushes the system, if you know what I mean." She paused for dramatic effect. "The potion will cure vampire bites and prevent turning if taken before the next night."

Harry frowned. "Could the potion be manipulated to allow the person to transform into a vampire without losing their magic?" He asked.

Nehebkau became lost in her own incoherent calculations. Harry couldn't understand her mumbling, so he looked out the windows at the clear day. Perfect for quidditch. He was suddenly hit with the irresistible urge to fly. He itched to feel the wind whip around him as he performed high speed air acrobatics.

Harry, on a whim, redirected his course in the direction of the unused classroom with the secret passage into the Gryffindor team changing rooms. He found the passage by accident the night after Sirius died. He had snuck out to the Hog's Head and attempted to drink away his pain. The barkeep knew he was underage, but agreed to sell him firewhiskey at twice what it was worth.

The barkeep kicked him out at 5 am, and he stumbled back to Hogwarts and passed out in the change rooms. When he woke up he was in the secret passage.

"Password." The red brick squeaked after Harry poked it with his wand. The red brick was surrounded by grey stone, looking out of place.

"Onyx." Harry said. A small passage opened below the brick. It was just big enough for Harry to squeeze through.

"Harry, aren't you supposed to be in class?" Nehebkau asked as Harry set her down on the bench.

"Yeah, but Professor Binns won't notice I'm gone." He answered, and changed into his quidditch practice robes. "Do you want to fly?" He asked as he summoned his firebolt.

"No, I prefer to stay grounded." Nehebkau said curling up on the bench. "I'll wait for you here." She hissed.

Harry stroked Nehebkau's scales one last time before mounting his broom and kicking off. Flying out the open door and toward the quidditch pitch, Harry smiled. Flying was the only thing that made him feel at peace with the world.

Harry let the snitch that he stole from the change rooms out of his pocket. It fluttered around his face for a few seconds before whizzing away.

Harry closed his eyes and flew into a vertical ascent. He rocketed skyward for 15 seconds before stopping in mid air and returning to a horizontal position.

He flew in a clockwise pattern around the edge of the pitch. Eyes scanning for the snitch, he felt the wind whipping his robes, and caressing his face.

He spotted the snitch hovering around the goal hoops and he sped into a dive. Five feet from the ground Harry leveled out and accelerated toward the snitch. Within seconds he had the tiny snitch firmly caught in his hand.

Out of the corner of his eye, Harry saw someone hobbling out toward the pitch, cat in tow. Harry cursed under his breath and quickly cast a disillusionment charm. He sped back to the change rooms, touching down right in front of the door.

Harry reversed the charm, changed quickly, grabbed Nehebkau and went back through the secret passage. He looked at his watch; Dinner was in 15 minutes. Harry quickly showered and dropped off his firebolt in his dormitory.