The following morning everyone went about their daily routines. Hundreds of letters had been sent out the night of the incident, some students snuck out later that evening, others rose much earlier than normal, trying to skirt the curfew rules. Everyone was sure however that their letters would be received before breakfast.
Two Slytherins went to breakfast earlier than they usually were won't to do. Instead of sitting and eating their own breakfast however they were standing by the Great Hall's entrance. A few other students gave the duo a double look.
Luna skipped and stood next to them, she greeted one and seemed to stare through the other. Then she turned their back on them and waited.
Once Hermione, Neville, and Harry descended the steps Luna skipped over and latched onto the curly haired witch's arm.
"Good morning, Hermione," she said whimsically, "Harry, Neville."
"Good morning, Luna," Mia replied.
Harry grunted, Neville nodded.
"Good morning, Apprentice Granger," The duo greeted.
Hermione looked at them, one brightly, one politely cool.
"Good morning, Goyle, Malfoy."
"Apprentice Granger, I've written a letter and notified my father of the abysmal treatment you've been given by Madame Umbridge. He replied to me yesterday. You may expect a letter from my father this morning. I wanted to be the first to inform you that Slytherin House is appalled by her actions and stand behind you," he said. Draco finished with a bow.
This surprised the Gryffindors, Harry the most, but new better by now to hold his tongue to see what would happen next. Malfoy had apologized for his behavior the previous years and if Hermione was giving him a chance to redeem himself, Harry decided he would not interfere. He had his own opinions, but this was new.
"Thank you, it is unexpected, but appreciated," she replied evenly.
With a small smile, Draco Malfoy turned on his heel and walked into the Great Hall.
"Goyle?"
"I wanted to tell you essentially what Malfoy did. I wrote to my parents and I stand by you. What she did was beyond uncalled for. Even if you weren't royalty, an apprentice is given respect they are due. When you're an apprentice, blood purity falls second. Every pureblood knows that. She's… well known for being a purist hound. She showed us loud and clear that she herself is not pure. That's not an issue for me anymore, but it's enough to have people turn on her and cut her off," he informed, "I wanted to tell you yesterday, but I could tell you were pretty tense and I didn't want to add more to it."
Hermione nodded, her mind working quickly. People turning on the toad and cutting off her network would be very beneficial. She was a horrid woman. Without those connections she would lose her powerbase and no one to back her up or make up excuses. She wouldn't be able to get away with her disgusting deeds. It would be easier to strike her down, and Severus said, she would not get away with hurting her brother.
"Thank you, Greg," she replied flashing him a smile.
Hermione walked closer, and Gregory Goyle looked down at the petite witch curiously. Without noticed she tip-toed and hugged the burly wizard. Gregory hesitatingly hugged her back.
"Thank you," she said again before pulling away, "I want you to know, I consider you a friend. I like being study buddies, but I think being a friend would be better. That is, if you'd like to be my friend…"
The wizard grinned, "I would like that, Apprentice Granger."
"Mia," Harry said stepping up.
Gregory looked at him with surprise, "Mia?"
"Her close friends call her Mia," he explained with a light blush, shoving his hands into his pockets.
The petite witch grinned and turned looking at Neville and Luna, "That includes you guys too."
Luna beamed and threw herself at Hermione again. The other witch caught her and hugged her back fiercely. Neville just gave her a shy smile.
"I think you'll be most pleased, if embarrassed, by the on-goings in the Hall today," Luna said carefree.
Hermione made a face of concern as she followed the blonde witch. Pleased but embarrassed could mean many things when it came to the witch who saw what others could not. With a kind firmness Harry placed his hand on the small of his sister's back and led her into the Great Hall. Three of the four seated themselves at the Gryffindor table.
Hermione made herself a light meal, eating as quickly as politely possible before she lost her stomach. She knew when the owls arrived with whatever mail came she would most likely lose her appetite. Those around her continued to eat as normal.
The hazel eyed witch looked at the Head Table discreetly. She noticed all the staff, including Trelawney, were there.
One by one the parliament arrived, each owl carrying letters, and surprisingly editions of The Quibbler. Hermione noticed that Umbridge in particular was being overwhelmed with owls and was vindictively pleased. A few owls landed in front of her, their legs extended.
With practiced ease Hermione cast detection charms on all of them and was utterly pleased that they all came back clear. She took them all and fed each owl some bacon. Elara also made an appearance even though she carried nothing.
Hermione grinned and pet her owl. The sooty owl was showing her own cunning, sneaking in with the rest of the owls. She gave Elara a small plate of bacon with another affectionate rub.
There was a happy squeal coming from her blonde friend causing Hermione to look over.
"It's here!" she said, quickly moving the magazine in front of her friend.
"I wrote an article the other night and sent it out to Daddy," she quickly explained, "He said he worked as quickly as possible to have it printed for today as a Special Edition. He left out some of our regular articles to give it more credence he said to not detract from the main article that I wrote. He left the rune puzzles and such though. He said he sent a few editions free to Hogwarts and about 50 more to members of the Wizengamot and Heads of Ministry Departments," she finished excitedly.
Hermione picked up the magazine and didn't have to look hard for the article Luna was talking about.
Attack on Confirmed and Respected Apprenticeship
You read correctly readers. There was an attack against one of our most respected traditions: Apprenticeships. Recently at Hogwarts Dolores Jane Umbridge, Senior Undersecretary to the Minister, has been hired as the Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor. While her methods of teaching are questionable, being purely theoretical, she is not a master of the subject.
This was made clear recently when she accosted Apprentice Hermione Granger, ripping her apprentice badge off her cloak. On the witch's birthday no less! Snatching the badge off her chest the Senior Undersecretary was seen with it in her hands in the Great Hall. Upon sitting Apprentice Granger's master, Potions Master Severus Snape, asked the witch why she had his apprentice's badge. The Senior Undersecretary stated that she was no longer an apprentice! Claiming that Apprentice Granger didn't deserve the honor.
Apprentice Granger was taken by surprise when a student fired two spells at her back. Another student then physically hit her attacker. Apprentice Granger barely had time to assess the situation when Madame Umbridge walked onto the scene. Without asking questions she gave the student who defended the apprentice detention, sent her attacker to the Hospital Wing, and seized the apprentice's badge off her person.
Thankfully the goblins who craft the apprentice badges make sure they are unable to be stolen. It appears the enchantments are time based, but we are not sure. Before sitting it was clear to all who saw that the badge was becoming increasingly heavy. After another moment it seemed to hurt her and she dropped it on the table. It started to shake and even dent the table! All clear signs that it should have been returned to the apprentice immediately.
However Madame Umbridge still refused, even at the behest of the rest of Hogwarts' Staff.
Apprentice Granger calmly walked up to the Head Table and asked if the new professor was ready to return her badge to her.
Madame Umbridge then said "It is no longer your property, Miss Granger. You are no longer an apprentice."
It was clear to all who are aware that Madame Umbridge knew nothing of apprenticeships.
Apprentice Granger informed the new professor that magical oaths and vows had to be made and the badge was just to inform others of an apprenticeship.
Madame Umbridge then yelled at Apprentice Granger "An apprenticeship is sacred! A muggle like you doesn't deserve the honor!"
Apprentice Granger was quick to dispel that notion reminding the Senior Undersecretary that she was muggleborn. It should be noted, dear readers, that muggleborns have been documented by Healers to be born with magic like any other witch or wizard. A few muggleborns have been noted to be descended from squibs. While many squibs marry muggles, they are still descended from magical lineages. It is possible that is true for all muggleborns, but that is still to be seen.
After another attempt to have the Senior Undersecretary return the badge back to the apprentice, the new professor refused. It was then that the badge grew hot, turning red, and emitted a dragon's growl that echoed in the Great Hall.
Despite that, and many more attempts from the rest of the Hogwarts' Staff, the Senior Undersecretary still refused and instead tried to vanish the badge with a spell. Instead of making it vanish the badge multiplied and started to advance and attack the new professor.
Once again the Headmaster implored the new professor to return the badge to Apprentice Granger. Frantic, the witch threw the badge at the apprentice, who thankfully moved out of the way. Instead of colliding with the witch, it collided with Apprentice Granger's attacker who had made it to the Great Hall. Clearly the nameless student had not been badly injured by her defender as the school healer, Madame Pomfrey, did not keep him overnight. After being hit with the apprentice's badge, he fell in pain. Both had to go to the Hospital Wing where both were treated for very serious burns.
All this because Senior Undersecretary Dolores Umbridge did not want Apprentice Granger to be an apprentice! Apprentice Granger continues to attend Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, but when the witch was just a student she was first in her year every year since her attendance. Apprentice Granger has been called The Brightest Witch of Her Generation, clearly Potions Master Severus Snape saw her potential and her apprenticeship was earned. Many masters are sure to be dismayed that they were not the first to offer her an apprenticeship.
What are we to do, dear readers, when a high ranking Ministry Official is blatantly attacking our apprentices? What are we to do when our Ministry is allowing this behavior from their Senior Undersecretary?
Hermione had to admit nothing was embellished and it made for one hell of an article.
"This is amazing, Luna," she said, passing the magazine back to the blonde.
"Thank you," she beamed at the praise, "…You're not mad; are you?" the young witch finished timidly.
Hermione leaned into the blonde, "I'm not mad. You reported nothing but the truth and nothing a few hundred other people didn't see. Nothing written was private or secret. If another reporter saw what happened they would also be within their writes to write an article about it."
Luna clearly felt much better at her friend's admittance.
Once she was sure Luna felt better the witch turned to her own mail. One was a letter from Skeeter. It was quick and to the point.
Do I have your permission to write about the incident involving you and Dolores Umbridge?
- Rita Skeeter
Hermione was glad the reporter sought her out before doing anything. She was also glad she didn't have to contact her first. She would most likely embellish the attack and drag up more dirt on the pink clad witch than the Quibbler ever would. It was something she had fully intended on allowing, but Rita was quick on a scoop, she'd give her that.
The next letter she opened was of finer quality. Clearly from Malfoy's father.
Dear Lady Apprentice Granger,
I was most aggrieved to hear that the Madame Undersecretary accosted your person. You can be assured that the Malfoy family will no longer be dealing with her.
I was on the panel when looking for someone to temporarily hold the position for the year. I made sure the applicants at least had an Exceeds Expectations in their O.W.L and Acceptable in their Defense Against the Dark Arts N.E.W.T.
To fix this, I would be most willing to hire a Defense tutor to travel to Hogwarts weekly. I am sure Severus will be more than happy to assist you, as he is thorough in everything he does. However I would not wish for this atrocity to impede on your main studies with your master. As I am on the Board of Governs, I hereby apologize and hope to aide you so you have nothing more to do with the witch.
Cordially,
L. Malfoy
Hermione stared at it in surprise. It was… polite and generous. While he was part of the reason Umbridge was there, she still appreciated it. The additional information concerning the bitch's test scores appeased her.
Putting it down she noticed another piece of parchment behind it.
'Dear Lady Apprentice Granger,
I am most sorry you were subjected to Madame Umbridge. She is clearly beneath you and I applaud your response to her impudence. Madame Umbridge is most uncouth in dealing with those from polite society.
Should you ever need assistance in navigating our society, I humbly offer my services. Severus is by far more than adept and adequate, but I fear he lacks a witch's touch and knowledge. I'm sure you are familiar the subtleties of polite society and how there are slight different rules ladies must follow from the men. I believe there are a few more subtleties in our society and I would be humbled to teach you. I hope you accept my offer.
Sincerely,
Narcissa Malfoy
Hermione blinked at the letter from the Malfoy matriarch. Narcissa Malfoy nee Black was very well known in pureblood society and considered one of the most elite. Even she knew that. If anyone could give her tips to navigate and further understand the wizarding world it would be her. She could mess with the best in muggle society, but she was well aware that she lacked the same knowhow for the magical one.
Thinking more upon it Hermione acknowledged that it would also be a decent cover for Severus to further integrate herself with his friends. It seemed like a win/win to her. She learned from one of the best and Severus wouldn't have to make excuses to not see one of his, clearly, best friends. Instead of seeing him however, she'd be able to meet with his wife.
Opening the next letter she noticed it was from someone anonymous, much like some of her previous hate mail. This however was encouragement.
'Don't let that witch get you down! An apprenticeship is always earned!'
The witch was surprised and opened the next one.
'Dear Apprentice Granger,
I hope this letter finds you well. I would like to state that I am most envious of Potions Master Snape. If what is written is to be believed I'm afraid I missed out and Master Snape was right to bond with you while he had the opportunity. I wish you all the best on during your apprenticeship journey.
Sincerely,
Potions Master Julius Marco
Reading a few more letters, Hermione was heartened that seemed to be the general consensus. A few more of them were from other masters, some not even from the potions' community.
"Well?" Harry asked.
"Much better than my last bunch of 'fan mail'," she grinned, "I actually plan on keeping these. Here."
The witch passed the letters over to her brother and even handed some to Luna. The younger witch wore a small grin. It was just the response she was hoping would happen. Harry also seemed to be happy with this turnabout. Letters from other masters were clearly her favorites.
Soon a smattering of whispers broke throughout the hall. A small silence from the end of the table close to the teacher's table alerted the group that something was up.
There was a howler in front of Umbridge hissing as she looked at it with a pale face. Clearly one of the other staff members removed it from the owl's leg before it opened.
With trembling pudgy fingers the witch touched the red envelope before it burst.
"DOLORES! I AM APPALLED AT HOW YOU WOULD TREAT ANY STUDENT IN SUCH A MANNER! ESPECIALLY ONE THAT IS AN APPRENTICE! WHAT GIVES YOU THE RIGHT TO THINK YOU CAN RIP OFF AN APPRENTICE'S BADGE FROM HER CHEST!? WHAT MADE YOU THINK YOU HAD ANY SAY IN IT!?" the howler snarled at fat witch.
"I HOPE THE STUDENTS DON'T CATCH YOUR STUPIDITY DOLORES!"
"Who is that from?" Hermione asked impressed.
"Janus Snicket, he's a member of the potions guild. He's a friend of my Gran's and my Uncle Algie… he also tutors me during the summer," Neville said, admitting the last part quietly.
"Do you think you'll need him this summer?" Hermione asked curiously.
"Nope," Neville said pleased.
"Master Snicket specializes in herbology potions," Luna piped in.
"Yeah?" Harry asked.
"Hm," Luna said with a nod, "He helped my mum with the dirigible plum bushes since they're not native to England."
"Wow. Do you think I could have a cutting of it?" Neville asked.
"Sure," the blonde replied with a grin.
Before they noticed another howler exploded.
"WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE DOLORES!? A MINISTRY WORKER PRETENDING TO BE A PROFESSOR! I DON'T KNOW WHO PUT YOUR NAME DOWN AS A SUGGESTION BUT I CAN ASSURE YOU THEY ARE FEELING EXTREMELY EMBARRASSED BY YOUR ACTIONS! IF IT WEREN'T FOR PROTOCOL I WOULD HAVE MADE SURE YOU WERE SACKED THE MOMENT I READ THE NEWS! PUT ANOTHER TOE OUT OF LINE AND I WILL SEE YOU STAND BEFORE THE BOARD OF GOVERNS!"
The hall was silent listening to the howlers yelling at the toad like witch. However no one felt the least bit of sympathy for her.
"Oh my. I've never heard Mrs. Fawley scream before," Luna said.
"Is she Sullivan Fawley's mum?" Hermione asked.
"Hm," the blonde nodded, "She likes to personally stop by our house to pick up her issue. She also brings over a nice casserole with her."
"She's also on the board of governs with my gran," Neville put in.
"For once I think this is an instance of the cauldron starting to boil instead of out of pan and into the fire," Hermione mumbled.
Harry was reluctant to agree but had to admit she was right. They had to suffer a whole year with Lockhart, Dumbledore would probably have them suffer the toad.
The petite witch reached into her bag and flipped over the request from Rita. She made a face at her quill but proceeded to write her short reply anyways.
'Yes. You have complete freedom to write about Dolores Umbridge. – H'
"Elara, be swift," she said, quickly tying the note to the owl's leg.
The sooty owl affectionately nibbled at her fingers before taking flight.
"Let's get this day over with," Hermione said, gathering her things, "Our study session will still be held today."
This last bit saw Luna and Neville breathe easier. It was heartening.
Apprentice Granger made her way to the dungeons to meet with her master. Her walk was purposeful and her head held high. Her cloak billowed quietly in a manner similar to her master's. Students walking by her were both impressed and apprehensive.
Soon she was before his door and knocked.
"Enter."
Hermione opened the door and closed it behind her. Thankfully no one else was in his office and she walked to stand beside him.
"Sev, I was hoping we'd be able to travel today to get the pens. I had to write a reply this morning. I was hesitant but it was important."
Severus watched her bite her lip and understood her plight. For someone like her not having something to write with at a moments' notice must be extremely hard. He had the next two hours free. While he preferred to be in the castle in case his snakes needed him, his apprentice needed him now.
"Let me gather my outer cloak and we will make our way to Hogsmead. We'll stop by muggle London and grab a few pens. A few for you and all the color inks you like to use," he teased, "we should also gather some for your brother, Lovegood, Longbottom, my godson, and Goyle. I've noticed he's become a part of your group."
"Yes," she sighed with relief, "We can stop by Gringotts and exchange some gold."
"Or you can let me pay for them," Severus intone with his brows raised.
The witch tilted her head and looked at him, "Are you sure?"
"As sure as you turn me on," he quipped enjoying her blush.
The wizard leaned over and kissed her, lightly nibbling on her bottom lip before pulling away leaving his witch redder than before.
"Come," he said, opening the door for her.
Mia fixed her face as best as she was able before following him.
Once they returned with a bag full of fountain pens Hermione had a bounce in her step and her chest was lighter. They placed the pens in her messenger bag as soon as they entered Hogsmead and vanished the plastic bag.
"I will continue to use sugar quills in her class you know. I'd rather not give her more ammo to use against me."
Severus 'hm'ed. The candy would not transfer the magic making it perfectly acceptable.
"I take it your study session with your friends will commence as usual?" he inquired.
"Yes. I told them so. It will be easier to give them the pens since they'll all be in one place," she answered.
"Very good, Apprentice," he said as they entered the wards of the castle.
"I will see you after your study session," he told her.
"Yes, Master," she replied as they parted ways.
She made her way to the library and was happy to see her friends and brother sitting in their usual seats, Harry's bag saving her place. Each of them had different books open. Thankfully none of them were potions as they all completed that bit of homework earlier in the week. They only had to review their homework and refresh their minds once a day. The group was determined to be on their O game. Their Hermione was a potions apprentice and they couldn't do any less.
Taking her seat and handing Harry his bag, she placed hers on the table and dug into it.
"Before we continue Master Snape and I went to a market and purchased some fountain pens. Some of you might know the importance of using a quill, but after a few incidents and with Umbridge in the castle we decided it would be safer to use these since it won't transfer our magic into the parchment. If it really bothers you I think you can charm it to look like a quill. Personally I'm going to use only sugar quills in her class."
While she was talking she was passing out pens to everyone at the table. Thankfully everyone respected and trusted her enough to not question her even though the purebloods who were looking at the fountain pens questioningly.
"At least the tip is the same as a quill so it shouldn't be too hard to get accustomed to it," Luna said dreamily.
Hermione nodded happily, "And if it gets to be too much you can probably transfigure the handle to be a little bit softer. I purposely got you thin pens so it's similar to quills. I got myself thin and standard sizes. My Master was kind enough to suggest I get a few one them for the different ink colors I use."
Harry was impressed with Snape's thoughtfulness. He was surprised that Goyle and Luna were not. He studied Goyle's face a bit more.
It was then that Cho walked up to them with her hands on her hips.
"So Potter. I couldn't help but notice you keep staring at Goyle. You said that I wasn't your type, but he is?" she asked incredulously.
Looking behind the witch it was clear that her friends were uncomfortable with this confrontation. Noticing this Hermione sneered at the Asian witch.
"Chang, I suggest you go back to your friends," she said dangerously.
The raven haired Ravenclaw involuntarily took a step back.
"W-well Potter didn't deny it," she tried again.
"Why should he? Goyle has become quite handsome," Luna said in a carefree manner, but her eyes were surprisingly focused.
Cho stood up straighter feeling more comfortable talking to the blonde. However her eyes kept her just a bit off kilter.
"Y-yeah? What? You want to date him?" she pushed through.
"Oh no, he's not my type. No offense, Gregory. I'm not yours either," she shrugged before turning back to Cho, "However I can appreciate that he's grown into himself."
Goyle blushed and nodded.
"Cho take a hint, swallow your pride, and walk away. Just because you were turned down doesn't make it the end of the world," Hermione drawled.
Cho took another step back, fear settling in her chest, and made her way back to her friends.
"H-Harry, is it true?" Goyle asked quietly.
Harry looked at the table, his face bright red with glassy eyes, "Yeah."
"I-I think you're h-handsome too," the Slytherin admitted.
Harry looked up slowly staring at the other wizard.
"W-would you like to, erm, go to Hogsmead with me?" he asked nervously.
"Yeah, I'd like that," Harry said with a grin.
"Oh you two will be sweet together," Luna sighed happily.
Hermione nodded.
"Now that that is over, what are you guys working on?" she asked.
With that the study session got back on track as though nothing happened. They knew Hermione wouldn't tolerate anything less. They also knew she would not waste her time if they decided to do otherwise. Like Severus, she ran a tight ship.
When they finished and were packing up Neville stood up and looked at the petite witch.
"Hermione. Earlier...," the shy wizard started.
"Hm?" she asked looking up at him.
"Earlier you were pretty scary, but brilliant. It was pretty amazing," he admitted.
"Thank you," she beamed.
With a few hugs they departed, Hermione making her way back to the dungeons. Little did she know a certain witch was thinking up a way to get back at her. The humiliation she suffered because of the little mudblood was simply unacceptable. Thankfully Potter still had detention with her and she could at least take it out on him for the time being… Dark satisfaction filled Dolores.
Elsewhere Molly was brewing another batch of love potion while mixing up cookie dough. Beside that she had the beginnings of treacle tart.
Ron was clearly the wrong wizard for Hermione, but the twins seemed to be a good replacement in her opinion for the debauched witch. She hoped this batch would take. She decided to leave out the loyalty potions in case it was a small deterrent in making the witch focus on the love interest.
Harry she still had hopes for. The housewitch was convinced the boy was just shy and needed a little push, but would end up with her Ginny.
For some reason none of her children decided it was prudent to write their newfound information in any of their letters home. Ron complained more about Hermione, but Ginny was a dutiful daughter and wrote about her new classes. Even Albus hadn't written her in fear of his owls being intercepted and his floo watched. If only she knew her efforts would be useless.