Something was stirring in the castle, Albus realised. Not anything dark, but something big. He let out a sigh. Looking at his trinkets, he noted that the one he had monitoring Harry was spinning like crazy. He must be practising with Neville, Albus thought. A house elf had informed him of what the two boys were up to. The elf had seen Harry's full body illusion. Albus' heart filled with pride. Oh, if only Severus could see how similar he and his son really were. Harry was mastering a technique that Severus wasn't able to master until his seventh year!

Albus wanted Harry to be happy, for him to have a family. Yes, he had Sirius, but that wasn't the actual father Harry needed. It would do for now of course. Harry was happy, and away from the Dursleys. That's all that mattered.

Now, he just needed to have that meeting with Ms. Granger

Hermione was conflicted. Yes, she was happy for Harry and the fact he was making new friends, but she missed him. She hated to say it, she missed Ron too. She tried to convince herself that they were boys and they needed their space, but no one had spoken to her in class, or asked for her help on assignments, or even talked about sneaking out. Ron, Harry, and Neville of all people were thicker than thieves.

"I can't believe you actually talked me into this." She heard. It was Ron, his voice was always recognizable.

"Come on, Ron. You said you'd do it, now you have to." Harry said with a laugh.

"Do what?" Hermione asked. All three boys (Neville had followed the two boys through the portrait) froze slightly.

"Umbridge's duelling club." Hermione's face lit up.

"Oh why didn't you tell me! There's a lot to be done! I knew she couldn't be that bad of a teacher."

"Hermione," Neville started. "You aren't, well, what I mean is, you can't go. It's invite only." Hermione paused in pulling out her defence book.

"Why wouldn't I be invited?" She asked slowly. "I'm top of the class?"

"Well, actually, Harry is. And you aren't invited because you're a muggleborn." Harry cuffed Ron on the back of his head.

"Hermione, wait, sit down." Harry said. "That's not how Ron meant to phrase it."

"It sure seemed like it. Who would have thought Ronald could be involved in that."

"Oi! I'm not, would you sit down and let us explain?" Hermione turned a glare on the redheaded boy, expecting to see him flinch. That would show him how angry she was. Except, he didn't. He just rolled his eyes.

"Hermione, Umbridge only cares about status. We had to fight tooth and nail to get her to include a 'blood traitor' into the club. I was pulling lies out of my arse to get her to believe Ron wanted to be a part of the 'right sort'." Harry explained.

"So you'll fight tooth and nail for Ron but not for me? Fine." Hermione stomped up the stairs, leaving three very confused teenage boys below.

"Well, that could have gone better." Neville said, voice small.

"Not really the time, Nev." Ron remarked, tongue like sandpaper in his mouth. He hadn't wanted to upset Hermione, but what he said was true. It wasn't prejudice, just a fact of Umbridge's sad life.

"Isn't it better this way, though?" Neville asked. "If Umbridge actually thinks we don't get along then maybe she'll leave Hermione alone."

"That's the thing, mate, we aren't getting along."

"Come on Ron, it's just like us in fourth year. We didn't start talking again until after the first task."

"I guess that's true. I just don't understand why she's upset. It's not like we're blood purists or something stupid like that."

"It's because we're choosing to be around one. Hell, she was the same way during our study groups." Harry said, shaking his head.

"Was she really?" Ron asked.

"Yeah, I love 'mione but she acts like only her opinion can be right. Now come on, let's go get our books so me and Nev can show you our room!"

"Wait, you actually have a room?" Harry just gave his friend a big grin.

"Harry go and show him the trick!" Neville exclaimed, jittery from excitement. Harry hadn't shown Daphne or Blaise his little illusion trick yet. Ron was special to the both of them. Ever since Ron had started spending time with him and Harry, Neville felt more powerful. He knew Harry and Ron felt it too. They even pushed Ron and Harry's beds together so the three of them would have a large enough bed to sleep in. And if they fell asleep, pinkies intertwined, who was there to see?

"Alright, alright. Ron, close your eyes." Harry told his friend. Ron rolled his eyes but closed them eventually. He was a bit jealous of Harry, though he would never admit it outloud. Still, how cool would it be to practise his inheritance? Mum had said he had to wait until he graduated, which Ron didn't think was fair. He knew dad was helping the twins with theirs, and that both of his parents had helped Bill and Charlie, so why was he not getting any help?

"Okay, open." Harry said. It sounded like Harry was still in front of him. He opened his eyes, and there Harry stood. Except, well, Harry was also beside him!

"Bloody hell Harry!" Ron exclaimed. Harry and Neville both laughed, and the Harry in front of him flickered a bit. "Illusion magic?" He asked.

"Yep! Harry's getting so good at it! He can hold up a full body illusion for a whole minute now, and he's even starting to be able to get the illusion in different places!" Neville answered for him. Harry flushed pink and Ron smiled. He was jealous, yes, but Harry was working hard for this. He just hoped he would be able to catch up when he turned seventeen.

"Come off it Nev, I'm not that good. Anyways, Ron, wanna join us in practising?" Harry asked his friend. It was Ron's turn to flush.

"I don't know mate, how would I be able to practise with you two? I don't, well I'm not an enchanter."

"That's totally fine, Ron. That just makes it more fun."

"Yeah! And we don't mind owls ordering you books or going through the library for you." Neville offered.

"Even if it's Apotropaic magic?" Ron asked hesitantly.

"Of course. Why wouldn't we?" Harry raised an eyebrow at his friend while Neville rolled his eyes good naturedly.

"Well, Apotropaic magic is kind of volatile, and it's not easy to master." Ron explained. "Most of my family bar Charlie have an inheritance in conjuration. Charlie got one in Divination, Runes specifically I think."

"Ron, I killed a plant a couple weeks ago because I put too much magic behind my magic. Harry had to give me a calming drought and consol me for another hour afterwards. If anyone can help you, it's Harry."

"And Neville's Evocation is practically perfect for giving us a little more energy behind our spells, or even tapping into our magic and taking some of it away. You'll do great, Ron. I promise." Harry reassured.

Somewhere in Ron's heart, something clicked. He hadn't heard those words before. Hearing them from people he considered to be his brothers was something else. It was like, if all three of them stayed together they could solve every problem in the world. Harry's eyes had a bright shine in them, and Neville looked like he would burst into song. Ron gave them a large smile.

"When do we start?"

"Hello students!" Umbridge spoke to the class. There were about thirty kids, ranging from year four through seven. Mostly pureblood, as it should be, but she also included the more magically powerful half bloods, like Potter or Davis.

"Good evening Professor Umbridge!" They chorused.

"Wonderful, wonderful. As you all know, there were a few complaints about how I taught my class, mostly by the unsavoury sort." This got a few laughs out of the pure blood students. "Thankfully, Mr. Potter had a wonderful idea to start this duelling club. Mr. Potter, would you come up here and tell them your plan?"

"Right, well," Harry stuttered a bit. "It's a bit unfair, in my opinion, that every student be allowed to partake in magic they have no right to be doing. I mean, only the best of us will become someone. The rest, well, let's just say that some people are meant to be errand boys for the rest of their lives." This got another few laughs out of the students. Harry's mouth tasted like ash.

"You can't be talking, Potter! Plaguing yourself with blood traitors and muggle loving freaks!" He heard a voice shout. Malfoy.

"Let's just say, Malfoy, that I was able to figure out the right sort after all. Better late than never, I suppose." Harry saw the way his scowl turned into a smirk, and Harry wanted nothing more than to punch it off his slimy face. He heard a gasp, and everyone turned to look at the source of the sound. Hermione.

"Ms. Granger, you were not invited to this meeting. What are you doing here?"

"Harry, you can't mean that! The right sort? Really? What does that even entail?" Hermione asked, voice getting higher and higher with every word. Harry clicked his tongue and looked at Ron and Neville. He was helpless, but they needed to be here.

"Just leave, Granger." Ron said quietly. The room was silent though, and his words seemed to ring out.

"Ron!" She yelled.

"Twenty points from Gryffindor for not answering a professor, Ms. Granger. And detention, tomorrow night, for not listening to your betters." The class laughed, Harry, Ron, and Neville laughing alongside them. Harry saw the hurt in his friend's eyes. 'If she can understand this, I'll forgive her like I forgave Ron.' Harry thought to himself. Though, it was far easier to forgive Ron, especially since he made an effort to understand why Harry was hurt by their actions. Hermione just didn't get him. Sure, they got along well when Harry was studious or interested in a topic, but it had to be something she was interested in. If it wasn't, he and Ron heard the biggest earful in the world. Even bigger than the howler Mrs. Weasley sent Ron in their second year.

Honestly, Harry just wanted this year to be peaceful.

Hermione let out a choked noise and left the classroom, snickers and whispers following her.

"Well, now that the excitement is over, I say we get to the actual fun!" Umbridge announced. "Now, split off into pairs, and try to stick to the ministry guide book spells. However, if you go off by accident, I won't snitch." The pink toad winked at the class. Harry had to fight to keep his emotions off his face. Ron looked green. Everyone quickly split off into pairs.

"Potter! You're with me." Malfoy practically growled. Neville and Ron both placed their hands on Harry's shoulders, but he shrugged them off. His heart ached with happiness at the thought of someone protecting them, but he could fight his own battles damnit!

"Lead the way, Malfoy." Harry spoke, confidence oozing out of every pore. Did he feel it? Absolutely not! He and Neville had gone over basic duelling spells the night before, Ron joining them to talk about random charms and transfigurations that could be used to throw off an opponent. But would it work on someone like Malfoy?

"Wands at the ready boys!" A seventh year announced. He didn't know who she was. She was a Hufflepuff though, hopefully a fair judge.

"Scared, Pottah?"

"You wish."

Harry didn't know who casted the first spell.

"Blimey Ron, look at them go!" Neville said, stopping their duel to turn and look at their friend. Harry was, holy hell, he was something else. Spells of all colours seemed to zoom around them both, but when they flew past Harry, wow. It was like time itself was bending so Harry wouldn't get hit.

"Time," Neville muttered to himself.

"What?" Ron questioned, but Neville was back to staring at Harry, at his brother. Harry Potter was powerful, even at fifteen. It seemed the whole room noticed it. Almost all the mock duels had stopped. What Harry was doing… this wasn't a mock anything. They were duelling to show who was superior, and Harry was winning.

Malfoy looked horrid, in Neville's stellar opinion. He was hit by a nasty cutting hex, deep enough that even Ron winced for the blonde pounce. Harry was aiming to maim, aiming to show he was better, stronger than Malfoy would ever know. Stronger than Malfoy would ever dream to be. Harry was dangerous.

Ron on the other hand was enthralled with the power Harry was exuding. The way his green eyes shone, a colour somewhere in between forest green and- who was Ron kidding he didn't know colours, but Harry's eyes were bright and stunning and etherall all wrapped up in one. He was proud to call someone like Harry his brother.

"Reitus!" Malfoy yelled out. Neville didn't know the spell, but Ron did. It was a spell that Charlie would use every now and then for dragons who needed to be broken in. Literally. It was a bone breaking curse!

Neville watched, fearful, as Harry clutched at his left arm. Not his wand arm, thankfully, but that was all there was to be grateful for. There was no way Malfoy would be allowed to cast that! Except, he was. Neville saw the look on Umbridge's face and knew she was going to allow it.

"Defenuro Refinitus!" Harry shouted back. A light purple shield began to cover Harry, startling Malfoy. "Exteulso! Expelliarmus!"

The expelling charm, both ways, Ron noted as Malfoy began vomiting a crude mixture of blood and his lunch. One used on sick children to clear their stomach, another to take Malfoy's wand away. A good mix of spells. Hermione was gonna be so jealous she missed this. Ron's heart throbbed, but he tried to push the feeling away. He would explain it to Hermione, and if he couldn't, Neville or Harry could.

"Well class, it's my pleasure to announce Mr. Potter as the winner of this duel! Now, yip yip! Get back to your own duels." Everyone grudgingly turned back to their own matches, but very few people were paying attention or giving it their all. How could they compete with the Potter/Malfoy show?

"Mr. Potter, Mr. Malfoy, please head to the infirmary, both of you look like you're going to collapse. Tut tut.." both boys nodded, neither having enough energy to fight with one another about being sent off at the same time. Malfoy was pale, sometimes gagging on nothing. Potter's whole left arm was black and blue, the bruising and broken bones leading up into his shoulder.

"That's a nasty bone breaking curse you've got there." Harry remarked as the two boys made their way to Madam Pomfrey.

"Going to give me a lesson on how dark of a spell it is, Potter?" Harry snorted, regretting the action when it jostled his arm.

"I used Defenuro Refinitus, I have no room to talk." Harry said to the pissed blonde. "You're pretty good with accuracy, if I hadn't dodged that would have hit my right arm instead. Not even Neville's that accurate."

"Comparing me to Longbottom, Potter?" Malfoy said with a sneer. Harry just rolled his eyes.

"Yes, actually. I'm saying you're more accurate than him." Malfoy said nothing, and Harry took it as a win. They walked through Madam Pomfrey's doors together.

"Oh yes, hello- by God! Both of you boy's get in here!" The old medi-witch exclaimed. "What happened to you both?" Instantly, Harry and Malfoy were placed in side-by-side beds, neither looking at the other.

"We both got a bit out of hand during our duel, Madam. Nothing wicked or mean." Malfoy answered.

"Illegal duelling? I should write you two boys up for that!"

"Illegal? Oh no, Madam Pomfrey, Professor Umbridge was leading it. Like Draco said, it was just a duel that got a bit overpowered. I wanted to see what new spells he could cast." Draco sent him a mild glare when Pomfrey's back was turned.

"It's true, I wanted to see how Harry's shield would hold up." It was Harry's turn to glare. Madam Pomfrey just tsked.

"I'm keeping you both overnight. Mr. Malfoy, your stomach lining is completely charred, so you'll need to be on a steady potion regime. Mr. Potter, your bones will need to be vanished and regrown with how shattered they are. So boys, you're both stuck in here with me for the next few days." Both boys began to protest, but Pomfrey's glare shut them up.

"I'll hear none of it, young men! You put yourself in this predicament, you will suffer the consequences. Honestly, fifth year's, duelling?" Madam Pomfrey began muttering to herself as she made her way to her office.

"This is your fault, Potter." Malfoy hissed.

"Oh shut it, Malfoy. If you hadn't broken every bone in my arm-"

"Well if you hadn't burnt through my stomach-"

"BOYS!" Madam's voice rang out. Not another word was shared between them the entire night.

Hey Pup!

I know you told me to keep an open mind when you sent me your last letter, but wow. I mean, confirming to slytherin standards because of a duelling club? I would have just started my own instead. Maybe you should try that instead, I mean Flitwick would approve and sponsor it.

I'm glad you're feeling better though, but you should definitely drop the pink bitch and apologise to Hermione. I mean, y'all are friends, why can't she be included in this club? I know you're only pretending to be better than her, but is anyone really better than Hermione? She is the top of the class for a reason.

Write to me soon, kid.

Padfoot.

Harry crumbled the letter in his hand. Of all people, he thought Sirius would understand. Like, seriously, it was a class that was being provided. And to compare him to Hermione? Sure she was book smart and could cast spells like no other, but Harry was more magically powerful. He shook his head. No, that way of thinking would just drive a further wedge in between them. He passed the letter to Neville, shaking his head. Hopefully Grandma and Grandpa would understand.

Dearest Harry,

Young man you know you can write to us whenever you want, and as often as you want! Don't feel like you have to wait for us to reply, if you have something to tell us, tell us!

Now, onto your last letter. I know I've told you this before, but I was a Slytherin back in the olden days. Your grandfather was a puff, and he always will be through and through. Even then, we both agree that this was the best path to take with this professor. Sometimes you have to hide who you really are to survive. But Harry, you mustn't forget who you really are. You are kind, helpful, and so talented. You are strong, Harry.

Keep those two boys, Ron and Neville, with you. They're good for you. I do hope that that Hermione girl is a good enough friend to actually listen to you and that you two make up. But remember, it's not the end of the world if you two don't. There are so many wonderful people around you, don't feel like you have to maintain a friendship that's just going to bring you down.

You better be focusing on those owls, Harry! Don't make me send a howler to remind you.

Grandpa's currently manning the counter, but he sends his regards. We wanted to get you this letter as soon as possible.

Much love,

Grandma Mary and Grandpa Tom

Harry smiled at the letter. At least they understood, and that meant a lot to Harry. He felt a bit guilty, having such different opinions of the adults close to him. What could he do though? If he could fool Umbridge, he could fool the world, and then everyone would get off his back. Then he could have the peaceful year he deserved.

"Rough luck mate." Ron chimed in as Neville handed him his letter. Harry sent his friend a weak glare, but Ron was right. It was simply rough luck that Sirius didn't agree with his plan.

"Why's he acting like Hermione's all you need in life? I mean, we're clearly right here." Harry rolled his eyes. "Come on, you know it's true Harry!" Harry pushed Neville's head away with a small grin.

"Hey mate, speaking of Hermione, can I join your study group?" Ronald asked.

"How does that relate to Hermione?" Neville deadpanned.

"You know, she's smart, she is, well was in the group. It was related to her. I think." Harry and Neville burst into laughter, laughing harder when Ron tried to question them.

"Never change, Ron." Neville said, wiping tears from his eyes. Harry was beside him, clutching his stomach. It wasn't like Ron was purposely funny, he was just Ron. That made the stomach pains worth it.

"Come, come on." Harry gestured to Ron when he finished catching his breath. "We were gonna head there anyway." The walk to the library was filled with stifled laughter.

"Weasley," Daphne said as the group of three approached. Harry rolled his eyes while Neville excused himself for a moment. Another nose bleed. Neville had been having a lot of those recently, and Harry was a bit worried for his friend. Neville swore it was the ritual, but if it was then why wasn't Harry having any? Oh well, hopefully Neville was telling the truth.

"He's going to be joining us, Daph." Harry said as they sat down. "He completes the set."

Daphne and Blaise stared at each other for a moment, faces revealing very little of what they were feeling. Of course, Harry had told them all about Time, and Neville with Death. Ron stared, confused, but Blaise just nodded.

"Well, let's just hope he's not as bad as Granger."

"What happened with Hermione?" Ron asked. Daphne was happy to tell the tale. As they talked, Harry took in his calm surroundings. The Hogwarts Library was bathed in the warm glow of enchanted lanterns, casting soft light on rows upon rows of ancient tomes and mystical texts. The tables were arranged in a quiet corner, tucked away from the hustle and bustle of other students. All of them knew that the five of them made an unlikely group. If you had walked by them, you probably would have stared

Harry, wearing his familiar glasses and a determined expression, flipped through a book on advanced Defence Against the Dark Arts, his finger tracing the text as he absorbed the information. Ron, sitting next to him, was attempting to decipher a complex ward scripture, his brow furrowed in concentration. They had started him on books right away.

Neville, seated across from them, was deep in thought, poring over a book about magical plants. He occasionally glanced up to offer a supportive smile to his friends, eager to contribute his knowledge in Herbology if needed.

At the other end of the table, Daphne Greengrass was immersed in a book about ancient magical rituals, her silvery-blonde hair cascading over her shoulder as she took meticulous notes. Blaise Zabini, leaning back in his chair with an air of casual confidence, was reading a book on magical theory, occasionally interjecting with insightful observations.

"Theoretically, we could bomb the whole world."

"Blaise, no-"

As the minutes turned into hours, the camaraderie among the group became evident. Harry would share a fascinating detail he had stumbled upon, prompting Ron to put aside his potion book and join in the discussion. Neville's insights about the magical properties of certain plants often sparked discussions that ranged from practical application to theoretical possibilities.

Daphne's knowledge of obscure rituals added an unexpected dimension to the group's studies, while Blaise's insights into the intricacies of magic tied the various subjects together. Despite their diverse backgrounds and houses, the study group's members found themselves united by a common goal: to excel in their studies and gain a deeper understanding of magic.

Occasionally, the group would pause to take a breather. Ron would bring out a bag of chocolate frogs and jokingly complain about the difficulty of warding, prompting laughter and light bickering. "If you had just taken Arithmancy and ancient runes!" Neville would share a humorous anecdote from his Herbology class, lightening the atmosphere. Daphne and Blaise would exchange subtle glances that hinted at a deeper connection between them.

As the evening wore on, the library's lanterns began to dim, signalling that closing time was approaching. With reluctant sighs, the group packed up their books and notes, realising that their study session had come to an end.

They knew they'd be back there tomorrow, hiding in the same corner, away from the world, laughing, arguing, and just being able to relax. They might not be the most common group of friends, but they worked well together, even without Hermione.

AN: So, I promise I am not just writing off Hermione. She will go through some changes, I promise, but she needs to learn to feel a little guilty for her actions first. That's all. Unless y'all want her out, I can do that too lol.