After watching Cho Chang's distress as she was dragged off by armored Goblins, Hermione spent the afternoon in the library looking up the nefarious bankers. Skimming through all the books on Goblin Wars she finally found the nugget Goblin Treaties: What They Mean. As far as she could tell Wizards came out the worse for the wear every time. And Binns was always saying they won! She was beginning to believe the ghostly professor had been sucked in by ministry propaganda.

According to the book the first Goblin War was because they started printing their own currency for wizards in order to make a profit. When the Wizards objected to Goblins controlling their money they went around massacring people until it was agreed only Goblins were allowed to coin Wizard's money. After a series of wars over said money Goblins now had the right to sentence any Wizard without trial. The more she read the worse it sounded.

Sometime later she heard a familiar voice, "Hermione? I brought you dinner."

Seeing a plater of sandwiches put in front of her, Hermione whispered fiercely to Fred, "We're in the Library!"

"Never stopped me," he quipped, "Besides starving yourself won't do any good."

"But these Goblin treaties are barbaric! Did you know-"

"Yes." Fred sighed, "Every wizarding child knows."

"And they just allow it?"

"I'll explain it if you eat."

Hermione scowled and picked up a BLT - her favorite - grudgingly. "Well then?"

Fred settled into lecture mode, "Every Goblin is trained from birth to know how to fight. Wizards are taught every day spells, but not necessarily how to use them in combat. In fact, the Ministry banned dueling at Hogwarts because it was seen as to much of a hazard for the ordinarily populace. Now then, how many Wizards do you think could take on a goblin?"

"Well," Hermione pondered, "I recon Dumbledore could, and you-"

Fred snorted.

"I'm serious."

Fred grinned, "I'm glad to know you have that much faith in me, but do you think either of us could have stopped a troupe like the one we saw at lunch?"

Hermione swallowed, "Well-"

"No is the answer you are looking for. You don't think Dumbledore would have done something if he could have? Goblins wear spell resistant armor, the best way to attack them is with transfigured objects. Using such projectiles would have severely harmed or killed the students. Not to mention starting another war."

"Oh."

Fred continued solemnly, "Every time a Goblin leaves Gringotts they wear their armor and travel in groups of at least twelve. Now consider wizards who live spread out: few can afford elaborate armor and wards, while many live alone."

"So they just pick people off until they get what they want?"

"Yes, Bill said You-Know-Who adapted his style from them." Vanishing her empty plate he went on, "In the end, the 15,000 Wizards and 10,000 Adapts living in Great Britain can do little against the 1,000 well fortified, armed, and trained Goblins."

Hermione tilted her head in confusion, "Then how do we keep winning the wars?"

"The Ministry says we win every time a treaty is written."

"But none of these have favorable terms!"

"What would you consider favorable terms when your entire population is being killed?"

Hermione realized Fred was right. If the Ministry hadn't signed the treaties the Goblins could have killed all Wizards in Britain- or worse enslaved them all. Sighing she relented, "The what can be done?"

Fred rubbed his brow, "I guess you would have to take Gringotts. I seriously doubt they have enough armor for every Goblin; it's considered a great honor to be able to capture a human." Goblins were sounding more and more to Hermione like dangerous overlords who controlled your money and freedom, only to snatch it away when it amused them. "But there is nothing we can do for the time being, so why don't you stop this and we focus on the Hose-Elves for now?"

Hermione couldn't help but smile. After all that happened- what with him nearly loosing his arm and being frozen solid- Fred remembered what she cared about. "Did you ever hear back from your Gran?"

"Yes," he nodded, "She's going to let me visit this summer and talk about it. In the mean time you might want to study some more Runes, because if they were used to captured the House Elves there is a good chance it will take Runes to free them."

"Runes, right." Hermione thought of all the Runes she had still left to study, as well as get ready for finals, and-

"Why don't take a break for the time being, though. All thought and no play ruins my complexion." Fred flared his hands dramatically. "So get what books you need and let's go for a walk."

Checking out some more Rune manuals Hermione made her way down to the lake with Fred. As they went they talked about things he was still having trouble with on the OWL's. They would need to start going to the Fawn Room again. He needed a little more fundamental work in Astronomy and History, and it wouldn't hurt to brush up on the other subjects. Overall Hermione felt very confident he would get the O.W.L.'s needed.

Once they reached a nice rock to set on, Fred plopped down unceremoniously. "You know, Hermione? With all the tutoring you are helping me with I wouldn't be surprised if you could take the O.W.L.'s now."

"But I'm not a fifth year." Then again, her parents always wanted her to skip a grade, but they felt it would be detrimental to her socialization (not that she had any before Hogwarts).

Fred waved his hand lazily, "I was just joking. You wouldn't want to leave Ron and Harrykins on their own. They would probably be lost in the dungeons for the next 5 years." Hermione was amazed he thought of that before her. "Besides, there would be a slim possibility your perfect grades were ruined."

"Heaven forbid."

He chuckled, "But when you get done with Hogwarts you have to make me a promise to come interview at the joke shop. I know we would work great together."

Fred wanted to work together? Like a partnership? "That would be great."

"It-" Fred sucked in his breath in pain.

Concerned, Hermione knelt down next to him, "Is something the matter?"

"This arm, for some reason it hates being moved the wrong way. I know Pomfs said to give it time but-" Fred trailed off rubbing his left forearm.

Hermione frowned, "The containment runes should prevent the Rune from acting up. Perhaps it is because it's new tissue?"

Fred shook his head, "No, the specialist from Mungo's said there shouldn't be any issue."

"Can I look at it? I might be able to see what's wrong." Shrugging, Fred unfastened his cloak and rolled his T-shirt sleeve up. Grateful the shirt was staying on Hermione took a moment to look at the six rune cluster surrounding Isa. Where once the cluster was glowing blue with magic, it now was more of a drab grey. Isa seemed to be not having the same problem.

"See anything?" Fred inquired.

"It looks like your body is rejecting the Runes." Could it be that his magic was too strong?

Fred frowned and lifted his shoulder up for inspection. Hermione wondered if he could see the magic in the Runes. "Your right. They were stronger the last time I looked at them. Though it looks like the Isa has gained magic and is leaking energies to the rest of my arm."

Hermione nibbled on her lip, "Maybe your core was more open to Isa. Since it was dormant when I cast the others, they may not have as strong of conduit?"

"Could be," Fred sat up and re-fastened his cloak, "So this means you just have to recast them, right?"

Recasting might work, but if Fred was right and Isa was getting stronger it might require more than a basic cluster. The runes may be failing, but they should still have been able to contain Isa. If it was leaking ice magic down his arm, then the magical conduit would have defiantly been disrupted. "I'm not sure, but there is a book-"

Fred chuckled, "Always a book."

"This is serious!" Hermione swatted gently at his chest. "The book details Rune interactions, you can't recast skin runes because they are permanent. The only thing else to do would be to cast another containment set."

"The pain is uncomfortable, but tolerable. I wouldn't worry about it for now," Fred commented. Then he smiled mischievously, "You wouldn't be opposed to helping me and George out, would you?"

Hermione narrowed her eyes, "With what?"

"Nothing, really. We just need everyone out of the common room until dinner is over. Think you could mange that?"

Felling that going along with Fred's plan would somehow land her in trouble, Hermione reluctantly agreed.

"Great!" Freed beamed, "Let's get going."

Heading back inside, they decided to go the long way through the astronomy tower. This would allow them to enjoy more of the May day, and sneak inside according to Fred.

"Life's not all about seeking," she informed him.

"It is when you are playing a prank," he asserted. "Pranks are best executed when the receiving party is not aware they are the pranke. That's Marauders rule #3."

"What is a Marauder?"

Fred shrugged, "Some amazing pranksters who went to Hogwarts at one point."

"How do you know they went to Hogwarts?"

"It's obvious. See they-" Fred snickered. "I can't believe it."

"What?"

"That Grimm's hair is still red. Look." Fred pointed to a place next to the Forbidden Forest. The ginger colored Grimm was bounding along. She could just make a smaller figure chasing it. Squinting her eyes she realized it was, "Crooks!"

"Well at least he made a friend."

"Just as long as Crooks doesn't go further in the forest."

"That Kneazle? I recon he's smart enough to smell the Anromantula from a mile away. I wouldn't worry." Fred shrugged.

When they finally reached the common room, Fred pointed to the landing of the staircase. "Wait here. And don't-"

"Let anyone in. Got it."

Fred smirked and gave the password to the Fat Lady. Over half of Gryffindor ran out a minute later. Even the Fat Lady vacated her spot with and indigent "Young Hooligans!" Hermione didn't blame them; she could smell the dung bombs through the stone. Apparently they were doing something big.

Knowing that if she took out a book she would be distracted, Hermione took to curling her hair on the top stair of the seventh floor. She found a spell that would work weeks ago, but could never get it to work for more than a small portion at a time. "Crispum lenis," Hermione said again as a few strands of hair smoothed out into perfect ringlets. She observed them with some fascination, still amazed at all that magic could do.

"Who is he?" a serene voice came from behind.

Hermione startled and tuned to see Luna in pink bunny slippers and a threadbare cloak that was many sizes to big. For some reason, she thought the cloak might be Fred's. "Pardon?"

Luna looked at her with wide eyes, "Your date."

For some reason, Hermione could feel herself blushing. Was it really such a big deal to fix her hair?

Luna gracefully flared out the sides of her cloak and set down beside her. "You'll never be done in time like that. Let me help."

Finding no reason to decline the offer, Hermione shrugged. Together, they began curling her hair earnestly.

It was thirty minutes later that the girls' peace was interrupted by the loud sound of feet pounding up the stairs. Hermione looked at her watch, dinner wasn't supposed to be over for another ten minutes. How was she supposed to keep them out of the common room? She could douse them all with water, but she reasoned that would make them want dry clothes. She could use a shield spell, but she doubted she knew any strong enough to keep seventh years out. She could-

Hermione heard an ominous click as the stair underneath her collapsed flat. Soon, the stairs beneath followed making the staircase look like a giant slide. Seconds later she heard the scream of the students beneath them as they slid down. Hermione scrambled away from the edge, frantically hoping the platform they were on didn't change.

"Interesting," commented Luna airily, "If I had know this is what would happen from listing to Narggles, I many have done it before."

Hermione turned startled, "You did this?"

"No, silly, it was the Narggles. I just pushed the button for them."

"Button?"

Luna beamed and pointed at a part of the Fat Ladies portrait frame that was now pressed inward. "It was a little hard to reach." Luna sighed, "Well I guess I should go get dinner before its over. Have fun with your date!" With that Luna happily slid down the staircase-en-slide, laughing all the while.

Hermione couldn't help the small giggle that rose at Luna's antics. Going down the slide did look fun. Yet, she had promised Fred she would guard the common room. Fortunately for her, needing to make a decision was ended by the scraping sound of the common room door. Two ginger heads poked out of the porthole.

"Thanks Grainger," said George. There was an awkward silence where George looked askance at Fred. George shrugged, "For keeping guard, that is."

Fred finally spoke up, "What happened to the stairs?"

"That was Luna," Hermione couldn't keep the slight smile off her face.

"Brilliant!" said the twins.

George elbowed Fred, "I told you!"

"You did." Fred took a step back, "Ready to come in Hermione?"

Hermione hesitantly followed the two into the common room. Thankfully there wasn't the smell of dung bombs anywhere. What there was was blue. So much blue she couldn't find one speck of red. Which was odd since it was the Gryffindor common room. All along the walls were banners of some sort. "What is all this?"

"Why Hermione, this-" Fred gestured grandly.

"Is a celebration!"

"For our dear Quidditch captain."

"Who made it-"

The twins spoke together, "On to Puddlemere United!"

Glancing at the bright blue monstrosity again, Hermione sighed. She should have expected it to be something about Quidditch, they were boys after all. "That's great," she smiled, "but I still need to go get dinner."

The twins grabbed her on either side, "Great idea. We're famished."

With that she was lead to the other side of the room. As they approached, her hungry stomach quickly noticed the smell. On the far right wall were five tables laden down with finger foods, drinks, and sweets. Fred must have asked the House Elves for help, because there was no way that he would have gotten this done otherwise.

They all sat down on the couches with their bounties and began eating. It was a few minutes later when a few first years walked in. From beside her, Hermione watched as Fred flicked his wand. The boys robes turned a muddy brown and blue. Above the fireplace a speaker began to play, "And welcome, ladies and gentlemen to this years Quidditch League Cup! Tonight we have the Wimbledon Wasps against Puddlemere United. It is Puddlemere's twentieth appearance here. Can they pull out a win again tonight?"

"Whoa!" said the young boys as they ran in to claim their spots in the common room. From everything the twins had set up, it was obvious that a party was happening in the common room tonight.

Hermione turned to smile at Fred, but then she noticed her robes. They were the same color as the boys. Narrowing her eyes she chastised, "These had better turn back."

Fred sheepishly rubbed his brow, "They should, I'm just not sure how long it will last."

Hermione sighed.

"Here," Fred handed her a chocolate truffle of some sort.

"I don't eat sweets."

George laughed, "It's a party, Granger!"

Hermione hesitantly took the treat, and nibbled on it. "Thank You."

Fred nodded as George got up to talk to Angelica who had just come in. As she finished her treat, she noticed Fred looking at her oddly, "What?"

"You're hair is different."

Hermione smiled, glad he noticed. "Do you like it? I found a spell that did it. Unfortunately, it takes forever. Luna helped me."

Fred grinned, "It looks nice."

Hermione was sure she was blushing. Still, maybe she would try and fix her hair up for special occasions again. Like the twins' parties.

…o0o…

The next day Hermione and Fred finally met back up at the Fawn Room to study back in time. There were 6 weeks until the O.W.L.s and so much to study. Over the few short months she had spent getting to know Fred, it had become obvious to her he was a slacker in subjects he didn't like. He might have been able to learn more about what he cared about that way, but he had obviously fallen short of a well-rounded education.

"Well teach?" Fred asked with a bounce in his step as they entered the Fawn Room.

Hermione arched her brow. Fred Weasley was many things, but a morning person was not one. "What has you so chipper?"

"There's just something about the morning after a party," Fred shrugged.

"Yeah, normal people are exhausted," she snipped.

"Sorry."

Hermione smiled, "Don't be. I had fun."

"Did you? That's great," Fred beamed.

Getting back on track, she said "I think I want to quiz you over Transfiguration theory today."

Fred groaned.

"You have been studying, right?"

"Maybe? No. I mean I have! It's just Transfiguration theory is so-"

Hermione sighed. "You can have an hour to review."

Fred nodded and practically ran to his spot at the table.

As Fred dove into his book, Hermione nibbled on her lip trying to decide what to do. She already had all her homework done. It was obvious studying more on the Goblins wouldn't help for now. So if she was going to do some extracurricular styling, then perhaps it should be on Runes.

Working with the healer from Mungo's to isolate Isa had shown her the versatile uses of Runes. Plus, if what Fred said was true she would need to know them to help the House Elves. So Runes it was. Maybe someday she would be as good at them as Fred was at Arithmancy.

Hermione made the way over to her seat opposite from Fred. It had a nice view of the grounds, which she had fought Fred for. Taking out her Rune dictionary and Set in Stone, she began to read. Wards were one of the most complex fields of Runes. They ranked right up there with rituals. Because of this, the wards in Set in Stone were very difficult to understand. Hermione referenced back and forth between her dictionary trying to understand the basic protection ward.

Frustrated, she scribbled notes trying to understand the complex rune ward. There were seven sets of seven runes in seven different languages that had to be placed in a specific order. If this was a basic protection ward, she was dreading what rituals looked like. Forty minutes and fifteen note pages later, she flipped to the back of the book to look at a notation.

Note: The basic protection ward can also be cast using the Eihwaz rune. This is recommended against because any competent curse breaker will be able to destroy it immediately.

Groaning in frustration, Hermione wondered why wizards had to make everything so complicated.

Hermione felt something brushing against her forehead. She swatted at the nuisance, it didn't go away. Lifting her head up, she got a mouthful of quill. Grabbing the offensive instrument from her fellow studier, she issued a frown that would have made her mom happy, "Fred Weasley!

Fred snickered.

Hermione looked at the owl feather quill. Maybe she could-

Reaching beside her to the Rune Crystals, she pulled out her chisel and laid the quill down.

"What are you doing Hermione?" Fred asked hesitantly.

She chipped out a straight line on the stem.

"Hey!" Fred protested, "That's my favorite quill!"

Oops. Now she really had to get this right. Focusing on her magic she carved the two smaller points of Eihwaz. She could feel her magic flowing into the rune, signaling that the cast was successful.

Picking up the quill she handed it back to Fred. "No harm done."

Fred glared at the quill, taking the time to straighten out the feathers. "What did you do?"

Hermione nibbled her lip, "I think I made it unbreakable, but-"

Fred bent the quill.

"Don't do that!" she chastised.

"Why not?"

"Because what if it breaks?" Then she would be responsible for breaking his favorite quill.

"Not going to happen." Fred smiled, "You need to have more faith in your magic."

"I guess." Hermione nodded, "Let's get to that quiz, shall we?"

Fred groaned.

…o0o…

The next six weeks were an exercise in exhaustion for Hermione. Or should she call it twelve weeks? In between tutoring the boys (she still refused to help with their homework), she turned time to help Fred, began studying 5th year runes in depth, and somehow kept up with her current studies as well. She never would have believed it, but she was looking forward to summer vacation.

Fred's OWL's started in the tomorrow that had already been but no longer was because of the use of the time turner. He had Charms tomorrow, so the two of them had spent the majority of their time inside the Fawn Room reviewing. As the hours ticked down, Hermione could feel herself getting more tired. Finally she made the inevitable decision, "That's it."

"Pardon?" Fred asked from his engrossed reading of The Standard Book of Spells grade 6. Apparently, Percy had lent it to him because they always ask a bonus question from the next year. She thought Fred was just enjoying the new spells.

"We're done," Hermione said as she began to pack up her belongings, "No more studying!"

Fred tilted his head, "Why?"

Remembering what her father had told her once she parroted, "Because too much studying rots your brain!"

"I guess mines about the size of a prune, then."

They both laughed, glad that the studying was over. Hermione finished putting her books away first, and set back to watch Fred. One book he was putting away caught her eye. "Is that The Menace?" she asked indignantly, "I thought you were getting rid of it!"

Fred nervously scratched his brow, "I was, but then I decided to read it to see if it had any credence."

"And?" Hermione pressed.

Sighing Fred shook his head, "I can't fault his logic."

"So you believe that Grindelwald was right?" Hermione near shrieked. She couldn't believe that the person she had helped study for months could believe in such garbage! Was he just using her too?

"No." Fred asserted, immediately alleviating her concerns. "However, I think his spell work was correct. He did look into the issue of blood verses magical ability in depth. I can't see how he would have got all of his data wrong."

Hermione, not assuaged by his contrite look, noticed Fred also seemed guilty. "And?"

Fred whispered under his breath.

"What was that? You will have to speak up."

Fred shook his head fondly, "I said, I've been testing people in Hogwarts. He was right. No Muggleborn is above the Wizard level."

Hermione blinked as she took in what she had just been told. Did this mean she would never be able to perform amazing feats of magic like Fred? Well, Fred was special as a Sorcerer, but what about Harry or Ron? Would she always be the weakest? It was incomprehensible that Fred may very well be anywhere from three to five times more powerful than her. Than every Muggleborn. Why was that? And why was it no one wanted the Muggleborns to know this. Just how far beneath everyone was she? Moving past the lump in her throat she asked, "How do most wizards usually compare?"

Fred hummed, "I think most Purebloods are Enchanters; I know my parents are. That's one step above. Bill may be a Warlock. Don't know."

Hermione bit her lip, unsure what to think. She knew Fred had been so against the book in the beginning. But if he was looking into it, that meant he really did have his doubts about Muggleborns. Afraid of the answer she asked, "So do we really dilute the magic?"

"Well…" Fred shrugged. "I have no idea."

"What?"

"I've read the whole book twice. Not once does he prove that marrying a person with a weaker core effects the children, he just assumes it does." Fred explained, "Frankly I'm not sure how he came to that conclusion."

Hermione set heavily in her seat, relived that Fred didn't believe Muggleborns were a problem like the rest of society. At least he had the common sense to try and figure things out using the scientific method. It was a good thing she taught it to him last month. So, the big question became, "Why do you think his conclusion is wrong?"

"Well, I got curious. So I started testing the half-bloods that I knew had Muggleborn parents. And guess what?" Fred gestured his hands wildly, "Not one of them were Wizards. Most were Enchanters, and some of the older ones were Warlocks. Did you know that Harry is a Warlock? He's thirteen!"

"Harry is a Warlock?" Hermione asked astonished. She would have believed that Fred was one at that age, but Harry? No wonder spells came so easily to him.

"Yes. I even checked three times. I wouldn't be surprised if he was a Sorcerer by the time he reaches maturity."

Hermione started fiddling with her hair, contemplating how this all connected. "Harry's mom was a Muggleborn, if she was diluting his blood then how come he's so strong?"

"Exactly!" Fred exclaimed. "Also, Dumbledore's mom was a Muggleborn too. I looked it up and out of all the Sorcerers I could find in the library, all but two had one Muggleborn parent!"

Hermione excitedly concluded, "That means Muggleborns might be making the magic stronger!" Why hadn't anyone else looked into it? Better yet, "Can we prove it?"

Fred's smile dimmed, "It's possible. But you would have to track down the parents and get permission. And a lot of Muggleborns were killed in the last war, so we wouldn't be able to test them. It could take years."

That was a problem. Hermione could see his point. However, for all the other Muggleborns out there she wasn't willing to give up on this. It was a hypothesis that could prove all those bigoted Purebloods wrong. If only magic could be traced. Excited she asked, "Is there a way to track a parents magic on a child?"

"Like muggle DNA? No, there-" Fred became very thoughtful. "There's an old Pureblood ritual that allows one parent to give some of their magic to a squib child in order to increase their core size."

"That's horrible!"

Fred nodded, "Yeah. But I remember when I was younger the Greengrass' tried to take the magic from their daughter and give it to their son. It was all over the news because the son died the next day while visiting the Ministry."

Hermione blanched. Did wizards consider these kind of atrocities normal? Could the Greengrass he was talking about be Daphne in Slytherin? It was no wander she was so cold! "This was allowed?"

"No. The family got a huge fine for doing a Dark Ritual. The death, however was considered an accident. Apparently they thought they had altered the ritual so it would work. Mum read about it in the paper. I remember her saying, 'They should have known that a child will only accept a parents magic'."

"So there is an imprint!"

Fred nodded, "There just might be. It could be why using a parents magic is the only way to increase core size, and why we have to use Reno to get our magic back instead of a magical transplant. Unfortunately, there is no way to determine it."

Hermione bit her lip, "What if there was a spell?"

"No." Fred shook his head, "If there was someone would have used it before now to discover which parent caused the squib."

"I meant, what if you made a spell?"

"Oh." Fred looked astonished, before gaining a grin that would have made a fox jealous.

…..0O0….

Turning back the time to 8 am, Fred looked at Hermione hesitantly. Trying to encourage her friend, Hermione grind, "Don't look so concerned. You'll do great."

"Thanks," Fred sighed, "But I was just thinking how nice it would be to keep using the Time-Turner."

"We could-"

"No. There are some things it is best not to get too attached to. Promise me you will take less classes next year."

Hermione's first reaction was to say no. But then she remembered the big accident her and Fred had a few months ago. Plus there was the fact that Divination was taught by a batty pshyco, and Muggle Studies was so out of date she had known more as a kindergartner. Despite her initial thoughts, Hermione had only one logical conclusion to make, "I promise."

"Good," Fred nodded.

"Just so long as you promise to try your best on your O.W.L.'S!"

"Will do! See you later!" Fred confirmed as he exited the fawn tapestry and headed towards the Great Hall.

Smiling to herself, Hermione called after him, "Good Luck!" Watching his blue shirt decent down the staircases, she realized she should have made him put a cloak on. Oh well. Satisfied that she had done everything she could for Fred, she headed towards Care.

Unfortunately, Hagrid was doing review since exams started next week. He didn't even assign any homework. Transfiguration was the same. By Potions Hermione thought she was about to chew her lip off with worry for Fred.

As they left Professor Snape's horrid class (not that she would ever admit to that aloud), Harry caught her attention. "Hermione? What's going on?"

"What?"

Ron scrunched his nose, "You look like something is bothering you."

Harry nodded in affirmation. "Is it the exams? Or is it-" Harry looked around nervously.

"For goodness sake!" Hermione chastised. Maybe Harry spent his whole life wondering about people out to kill him. Hermione certainly had her fair share of worrying about those people for him. But not everything revolved around Harry, "If you must know, its the first day of O.W.L.'S!"

"Bloody Hell, you had us worried." Ron relaxed.

"It's a big deal!"

Harry snickered, "I don't know if anyone has told you this, but our O.W.L. exams aren't for another two years."

"I know that!"

Lupin chose that moment to walk into the classroom. "Good morning everyone! Today I have prepared a pop test. These items will be on your final, so if you don't know anything I suggest you study."

Most of the class groaned, but Hermione was happy for the distraction. Unfortunately, due to all the study with Fred, she was able to answer several questions that would have otherwise been difficult. Therefore, she spent the last half of the period between alternating in worry for Fred and wondering how a Werewolf was qualified to teach at Hogwarts. Other than being absent around the full moon, Lupin was a perfectly decent teacher and amiable person. The question remained, how did he learn himself? Obviously, the ministry would have never allowed a Werewolf to go to Hogwarts. Harry said that Lupin was friends with his parents, so he must be a good person. Honestly, the discrimination against Werewolves was just another example how prejudiced the wizarding world was. Hermione was having difficulty deciding if she was going to solve Werewolf discrimination before or after she defeated the Goblins and their despicable 'treaties'.

Finally the bell rang and Hermione rushed down to the Great Hall, ignoring all her baser instincts that told her running in the halls was a very bad thing. Thankfully, the twins were already there. Fred was talking adamantly with Percy. She knew this because he had that bright blue shirt on, while the twin she set down next to was wearing a maroon shirt. Hermione thought she had seen the same shirt on Fred before, but you never could know with those two.

Looking across the table at Fred, she inquired sharply "So, how did it go?"

"Pardon, Granger?" Percy asked in his naturally superior tone.

"The test!" Hermione admonished while looking at Fred.

"I did have an issue with the expansion charm. I suppose I shall have to work on the appropriate will a little more. And can you believe there was a question about Matches? First grade material! And-" A snicker from beside her caused Percy to finally pause. It may have been her imagination but it looked like Percy was blushing. She knew it was so easy to get off of topic when talking about something you loved. "The N.E.W.T.'s went quite well, Thank You."

Hermione nodded sharply and looked to Fred, "And the O.W.L.'s?"

Fred quirked his lip, "Okay, I suppose. Though I did have trouble with the silencing charm."

"Really?" Hermione and Percy asked at the same time.

A deep chuckle came from beside her from George, and Percy narrowed his eyes. "Did you two switch clothes again?" he exclaimed in frustration.

Fred-who-was-really-George burst out laughing, "Of course."

Hermione turned to Fred shocked. They swapped closes out with each other in the middle of the day? "That's a mean trick." She swatted his arm.

Fred smirked, "Nah, It's the-"

"Best"

"Trick"

"Ever," George concluded.

Hermione glared, "That's just because you always know who is who!"

"That's why it's the best." Fred wrapped his arm around her shoulders, and winked at her, "Besides, we forgot who we were long ago."

"For all we know, Fred Weasley is the twin who is really good potions." George smirked.

Fred blanched.

Percy sighed wistfully, "Don't waste your breath, Granger. Somethings you just can't change."

"Really Perce?" George quipped.

"I'm amazed-"

"You were fooled at all."

"He's put tracking charms on us since we were nine," Fred informed helpfully.

Percy hummed as he grabbed desert, "It's only because I was distracted by my test."

"Right," Fred agreed sarcastically. He smiled down at her, "The Charms test went great, Hermione. Thanks."

Hermione beamed, glad that there wasn't an issue. Of course, Charms was one of Fred's best subjects.

"Yeah," commented George, "I think after you cast that Patronus the examiners were more than happy to move on."

Percy perked up, "You cast a Patronus?"

Fred shrugged, "They asked me what the most difficult charm I knew was."

"Do you think you could teach me?" Percy said with the true curiosity of an academic. Hermione had to respect him for his curiosity. She would have begged Fred to teacher her, if he hadn't already told her to give her core a few years.

"Don't see why not."

Ron set down heavily beside her, "Don't tell me you ran all the way down her to talk about Charms!" His eyes also drifted to where Fred still had his arms around her shoulder. Hermione kept her blush down. She hadn't asked Fred to move it because she enjoying the comforting weight of the arm on her shoulder.

"Some people value their education, Ron," Percy replied.

Harry, who had set down next to George on the other side of the table, looked keenly at Fred, "You know the Patrons Charm? Have you been able to cast it around Dementors? What memory do you use?"

"Never tried it around Dementors, but I just think about my family." Fred shrugged.

"Oh," said Harry disappointed. Hermione could understand that, since Harry didn't have any real family to think of.

Fred frowned, "Do you remember the feeling you got when you first cast magic?"

"I tried that."

"Not for a memory, but how it felt."

"I guess."

"Well that is a good start, Potter." Percy informed him, "Knowing how your magic feels is the key to upper level magic. That and belief."

"Belief?" Harry asked skeptical.

"Yeah, like knowing that it can do whatever you ask of it. Upper level spells may be difficult, but knowing that you can do it sometimes makes all the difference." George replied.

Fred went on, "The key I've found to the Patronus is knowing how my magic feels. I know that my magic is strong enough to protect my family, and it will. From there I let my magic do the work. Your magic should be more than capable of repelling a few Dementors." Hermione assumed he was referring to the fact that Harry was a Warlock.

Harry furrowed his brow, "I'll try it."

"Pass me the mash," Ron asked through his full mouth.

"Ronald," Percy chastised.

Ron swallowed hastily, "Sorry Perce. Can someone pass me the mash, please?" Hermione was astonished at how well Ron listened to Percy.

As she handed over the mash, she saw Luna and Ginny approaching. Ginny placed her hands on her hips, "How come nobody told me tonight was a family dinner night?"

From behind her Fred answered, "Spur-"

"Of the-"

"Moment-"

"Sis."

"Sorry."

Ginny scoffed, "I better get an invite next time."

"Of course." Percy promised.

Luna came over to her left shoulder. Turning her head, she was sure Luna was looking at Fred's freckles on his outstretched arm. "What beautiful Dabberblimps." She exclaimed excitedly, "Do you think we could share?"

"Uh, sure?" said Fred hesitantly.

Luna frowned, "No, I think I'll get my own soon. Pity, though. I was hoping to have wolfsbane at my wedding. It's so pretty." Luna stood up, cheerfully skipping over to the Ravenclaw table. Fred hesitantly pulled his arm into his lap, as though realizing for the first time where it had been.

"Mental," Ron commented.

Ginny sighed, "She's not so bad."

"Who would want wolfsbane at their wedding? It's got thorns and it stinks!" Ron asserted.

George answered, "It would also keep away Werewolves."

Hermione thought about it for a second, "So if she can't have it, does that mean there will be a Werewolf at her wedding?"

"Guess so," Fred shrugged.

Ron balanced, "Like I said mental."

"How would she know that?" Harry asked.

Ginny explained, "Luna's a seer."

Harry frowned, "Like Trelawney?"

"I wouldn't know," commented Percy, "Having never taken the class. But Luna has always been spot-on from what I can remember. If she thinks there will be a Werewolf at her wedding, there most likely will."

Ron still wasn't convinced, "Who would invite a Werewolf to a wedding? There monsters!"

Hermione wondered what he would think if he discovered his favorite professor was one. All year him and Harry had practically run to defense, they were so excited to learn from Lupin.

"Enough gloomy talk!" protested George. "It's Perce's last family meal at Hogwarts! I think everyone needs to know-"

Fred smirked "About the time he was eight and-"

"Don't you two dare!"

…O0o…

The rest of the week preceded as well as was to be expected. Fred continued to affirm that he was having no problems with the O.W.L.'S, so Hermione left him alone to study. Harry and Ron finally realized their exams were coming up and actually spent most of their time in the library desperately cramming on the subjects they didn't know. On Saturday her parents sent their usual good luck care package: peppermints and chewing gum. Hermione gave half of it to Fred and two pieces to Ron and Harry. And when exams started, she had no worry since she had been studying 5th year material for the last several months. She belatedly realized that Fred had been right, and she was ready for her O.W.L.'S. However by not taking them now she had two more years with the magnificent Hogwarts' Library- there was also Ron and Harry.

Their first exams went well on Monday. As Tuesday dawned she dressed in her rattiest clothes in preparation of Hagrid's final. Leaving the common room, Crooks happily followed her on the way down to the Great Hall. Crooks ran outside once she got there, but she was kept company her rune dictionary as she waited for the boys.

Just as she finished her toast the boys finally staggered in. They were running so late they didn't have time to talk as they shoveled down their food. Disgusting.

When they finally headed down for the care test, she mournfully took note of Buckbeak chained down in the pumpkin patch. While she was grateful the incident had caused Hagrid to calm his creature choices down to a more age appropriate level, Buckbeak did not deserve his fate. Maybe she would have to add the Ministry to the list of things to change. It now included the House Elves, Goblins, Werewolves, and Ministry. It appeared she was the only forward thinking Witch out there.

Thirty minutes into keeping her Flobberworm alive for the period (probably the most disgusting and simple test she had completed since 2nd grade), Hagrid ambled over to the trio. "How ya three doing here?"

"Alright," commented Ron, "I think mine is going to beat Harry's to the food this time." Hermione rolled her eyes, the boys had taken to constantly moving the food bowl a foot and seeing whose worm would get there quicker.

Hagrid beamed, "That's it! Get 'em to move. Great job, ye two. Extra points."

Harry smiled sheepishly at Hagrid, "Thanks."

"Now then," Hagrid leaned in close, "Ya wouldn't mind visiting me after your next exam? I got someth' for you Ron."

Promising to come back after the Potions exam the three watched as Hagrid ambled off.

Hermione commented, "Wonder what that's about?"

"No clue," Harry shrugged.

Just then, Harry's hungry Flobberworm attempted to eat Ron's. The epic battle that issued lasted the rest of the period, with Ron and Harry happily proving their mascots on.

The Potions exam was much more difficult in comparison. They had to brew the confusing concoction from scratch without instructions. Really, Snape was unreasonable. In the end she finally got her potion to thicken. Harry couldn't even manage that. She was worried that she used lovage instead of scurvy grass, but didn't think it would make too much of a difference. Perhaps she would ask George next time she saw him.

When the boys headed towards the Great Hall, Hermione had to remind them, "We're supposed to visit Hagrid now, remember?"

"Not without food," Ron asserted

Harry agreed, "I love Hagrid, but he has no idea how to cook."

"Fine, but we are getting sandwiches and eating as we go down."

Five minutes later the group was exiting the Grand Entrance, chatting amicably about what the seventh years would be doing after school. Wood was going on to professional quidditch, and Ron was quite ashamed to admit Percy was apprenticing at the Ministry. "I don't see what's wrong with working for the government," Hermione stated.

"What's wrong?" Ron asked indigent, "There a bunch of posh snobs. Come to think of it, I bet Percy will fit right in."

"Flint's leaving too," commented Harry, "Wonder what will happen to him?"

Ron scoffed, "He'll probably stay at home living off of his parents. The Flints are rich. Merchants or something."

Hermione frowned, "If his family owns a merchant company, he should have take his studies more seriously."

"Why'd he do that? That's what Goblins are for."

If Flint was relying on the same Goblins who kidnapped Cho Chang to run his company, there was no doubt they would steel it from him at the first chance. Really, wizards were suspicious of everyone but fine with Goblins because they had superior strength. What a backwards society.

Hagrid invited them in with a beaming smile, "Come on in! How was your potions exam, then?"

"Alright," Harry shrugged.

Fiddling around with something in his cabinet, Hagrid brought something over in his massive hands. "Well then, here he is."

"Scabbers!" an excited Ron reached for the emaciated rat. Who, Hermione was pleased to notice, had not been eaten by Crooks.

"Best be keep'n a closer eye on him. I found him in my pumk'n patch just yesterday. Poor thing is sick."

"Thanks, Hagrid."

"Sure thing, ye lot best be wanting some tea and cakes then?"

"Sure," acquiesced Harry hesitantly.

As they chatted, Hermione noticed the boys handing their cakes to Fang and quickly followed suit. They spent several hours chatting about exams and there summer plans. Hermione noticed Harry stayed suspiciously quite on the later. If she were older she would have words with that family of his. Magical Orphan Care, another thing for the list.

"Ow," said Harry.

"What is it?" asked Hermione concerned.

"Something hit me."

Hagrid went to look out the window. "Oh, no. They are not supposed to be here till tomorrow! Quick, out you get."

As the three were ushered out the back door, Hermione noticed Dumbledore and the Minister (who she recognized from the paper) coming down the slope with someone else. "Who's that?"

Ron answered soleumley, "Walden McNair, the ministry executioner."

"Come on," Hermione ushered the others up the hill back to the castle, trying not to think about poor Hagrid.

Unfortunately, as they were turning into the courtyard, Malfoy was there. He and his henchmen were pointing at Hagrid's hut as if the whole ordeal was some sort of joke. Malfoy was carrying on, "Can you believe the great lump? He's probably going to cry his eyes out. I wonder how bad the monster will bleed?"

Hermione thought for a second they could avoid the whole situation, but of course Harry had to charge in with his hot head. "Take that back, Malfoy!"

"Or what, Potter?" the blond pounce sneered.

As the two boys bickered back and forth, Hermione couldn't help but wish Fred was here. She was certain he could get rid of the pounce easily. Unfortunately, his Astronomy exam would be starting right now. Still, it did merit thinking of how he would handle the situation.

"-You are always hanging about with Blood traitors and Mudbloods!"

She wasn't sure who was more furious, her or the boys. Still, as she walked past Harry and socked one to Malfoy, she didn't really care. Situation diffused (and pounce incapacitated due to his blubbering) she walked away, "Let's go, you two!"

Ron ran after her, "That was bloody brilliant!"

Hermione looked down at her throbbing hand, belatedly noticing the smatters of blood. She must have broke his nose. Fred would be proud. "Yes, it was," she beamed.

"I just wish there was something we can do for Hagrid," commented Harry.

"Yeah," agreed Ron. "Bloody Ministry."

"For once I totally agree, Ron."

"Wow," Ron said. "Ouch Scabbers! Don't bite." Ron frantically readjusted the obese rat in his hand.

Over the squeaking of the rat, she heard an ominous growling. Looking down the path she noticed the Grimm bounding towards them. Hermione wanted to smile at his ginger hair waving in the wind, but the ferocious snarl and barred teeth made her think better of it. "Run!"

Not waiting of the boys response, she high tailed it up to the castle gates. Harry was quickly on her heals. "Guess we're safe now," he commented. They smiled at each other, relived.

That was when they heard Ron, "Agh! Help me! My leg. It's got my leg."

Wide eyed, the two turned around and headed towards their friend. Hermione was the first to pull out her wand. She tried the Stupefy spell she learned from Fred. Unfortunately, the spell went wide. Before she had time to shoot off another, the dog darted into the Whomping Willow with Ron. The vicious limbs of the tree batted around the pair.

Harry made to go after them, but she grabbed his arm, "We can't make it through that!"

All of the sudden, the willow froze. The Grimm dragged their friend underneath it.

"Let's go!" Harry urged.

Knowing that this might be their only chance, Hermione quickly followed Harry. As they slid into the wet tunnel she could hear the sound of the willow coming to life behind them with a mighty thunk.

Harry had already sprinted after the Grimm, so she had no choice but to get to her feet and follow. The tunnel was disgusting in its disuse. Cobwebs and roots hung everywhere. "Where do you think we are going?"

"Don't know." Harry said, "But it looks like it goes on for a while. Maybe Hogsmeade? What I want to know is who would put a tunnel under that tree? It's a hazard!"

The tree was probably the exact reason there was a tunnel there. You couldn't cast any wards inside Hogwarts without extreme effort because the security wards would interfere. She wasn't going to take the time right now to explain that to Harry, though. "Why do you recon the Grimm took Ron?"

"Why else but to kill him!" Harry grumbled. "It's just my luck."

"It's odd, though. That Grimm has been around all semester and he never attacked anyone before now."

"Well maybe he was biding his time. Not only do I have Black after me, but that blasted dog too!"

It was true, Black and the Grimm had been constant this year. But the Grimm had always acted so human, she didn't think it would ever actually attack anyone. Unless-

Hermione frantically grabbed Harry's arm, "Harry, what if Black is the Grimm? I looked on the animagus registration and he wasn't there, but what if he never registered?"

She waited for Harry to inform her Fred's paranoia had rubbed off on her, she almost opened her mouth to say that but then noticed how white Harry's face had become.

"He was at my house!"

"What?"

"The Grimm- Black! He was on Private Drive!"

"Then-"

"This has to be a trap, Hermione. You need to go back and get a teacher."

"But he'll kill you!"

"He will kill us both if we go on. Get a teacher and I will stall him!" Harry ran off.

Indecisive for a moment, Hermione wished she had some sort of spell to summon Fred or Dumbledore. Unfortunately, her logic told her Harry was right. For once.

Somehow the tunnel seemed even creepier going back towards the Whomping Willow. Telling herself it was all in her mind she continued on. Soon, she heard something ahead of her. It was a rhythmic thumping. With a whomp, whomp, wish!

Perhaps Black was the safer option. She could just approach from behind, disarm him and-

She collided with something solid, her arm fell out of her hand. "Ahh!" she screamed, hoping Harry wasn't too far off.

When she tried to run away, a warm hand grabbed her arm. "Let me go!"

Suddenly light blossomed in front of her, "Calm down, Miss Granger."

Hermione blinked through the spots in her eyes, "Professor Lupin."

He nodded firmly, "I saw you and Harry come down this way. What were you thinking?"

"It's Black!" she informed frantically. "The Grimm we kept seeing was Sirius Black. Now he's got Ron to lure Harry into a trap and kill him! We have to go help!"

"Right," Lupin said.

The next thing she noticed was the red light.

A/N: I changed the dates around for 'the scabbers incident'. Apparently this is the one time the calendar is wrong in the series anyway, and the full moon in June 1994 wasn't until the 23rd. I went with it and took creative license.

Sorry for taking so long to update. My health went on a wild ride. That said, thank you so much for all the kind reviews! You guys are what keep this story alive.

Updating will happen on a monthly basis now. I've even got the next chapter mostly ready. :)

Big question: What should the twins do as their end of the year prank?