When dinner had finally rolled around Hermione found herself sitting with her new normal arrangement. Luna and Harry with the twins and Ginny close by. It wasn't long until discussion rose, those who had Defense that day were being fiercely questioned.

"Harry, what is he like?" Ginny asked directly.

"Aside from already being better than Umbridge, which isn't saying much, he seems like he'll be able to actually teach. Since we don't have our books he decided it would be more like a meet and greet," he tried.

"Yeah, but the girls say he makes them feel like they need a shower. So they get a bad feeling from him meaning I wouldn't give him a pass just yet," Fred piped in.

"I figured. When he brought up Mia, Malfoy actually spoke up," Harry said.

"What did he want with me?" the witch asked with a raised brow.

"The more you do that the more start to look like Snape," Neville said as he shivered.

Hermione merely gave him the side eye for that statement making the wizard gulp, "Anyways?"

"He wanted to know why you weren't there. He was a bit put out that your name was at the bottom of his list, he got upset that it wasn't alphabetical until he realized it was because you're an apprentice. He said he'll talk with you and Snape later," Harry answered.

"What did Malfoy have to say?" Ginny asked.

"Well…" Harry took a moment to think, "You have to understand that Malfoy is always the first to push boundaries to see how much he can get away with," those in his year nodded in agreement, "Ogden really wanted to know why you were with your tutor when he was there since he figured you would come back with the masses. After Ogden pushed it he became really stiff and formal in a way. Malfoy told him it was up to Snape since he's your master, as though that was that."

"I see, how… considerate," Hermione said after a moment. It was nice to see that Draco was honest and even sticking up for her behind her back instead of just in front of it.

"Although I have to agree with the girls in general," she confessed, "Even when he was just standing up there this morning the way he looked over the Hall it made me want to take a scalding hot shower. There's something off about him, but I don't know what."

Harry looked at her concerned before remembering something Ginny said.

"Gin, I know we're not really the most trusting of your mum right now but I think you should write her a letter and let her know that Juno Ogden is our new professor and you feel like there's something off about him. I would say Mia, since you're supposed to be head over heels with the twins so sending her a confiding letter – "

"Would make it look like her treats are actually working and she'd stop probably assuming that we'd keep on without the potion since it was supposed to just be a 'push in the right direction' she'd say. I think it would be better if me and Ginny sent similar letters so it doesn't look like we wrote them together, but had the same idea," the curly haired witch finished his thought.

"Yeah," Harry confirmed.

Mia started tapping her with a finger, "Gin? What do you think?"

Ginny was slightly startled and relieved. It almost started to feel like the two were deciding things for her to get what they wanted without considering anyone else, much like her Ron.

"I think it would be smart, yeah. Going to her from two fronts with the same worry. It'll worry her that we're concerned about a wizard who makes us feel dirty and please her that we're going to her like any kid young would do when they're scared."

"We'll send a letter too saying that we don't know if you two sent letters, but we're worried and you told us that he makes you feel dirty," George said.

"Good. I'm going to ask my master tonight about it, just in case he knows anything."

Luna leaned into her best friend, "Can I come to the lesson tonight?" she asked softly.

Hermione immediately started petting the blonde's hair, "Of course." Wait…

"Luna your hair is different," Hermione stated bluntly.

"Oh yes, whenever a Lovegood's affinity has become strong and stable our hair lightens. We don't know why, but we refuse to perform invasive study involving those of us underaged. By the time we're 15 it settles," she explained.

"I can't believe I forgot! When is your birthday, Luna? You never told me," Hermione said slightly distressed, showing a vulnerable emotion for the first time in a while in public. It hurt Luna to know she caused that.

"Halloween… I know how important it is to Harry, I get sad on my mum's death anniversary too so I didn't think it was appropriate. Do you hate me now?" she finished softly.

"I could never hate you, Luna," Mia said and embraced her tightly, "Thankfully it was yesterday so I can just give it to you later."

"You got me a present?" Luna asked surprised.

"Of course I got my best friend a present," she scoffed, "Why wouldn't I?"

"I'll love it," Luna said with a self-conscious smile that Hermione had never seen before.

Shortly after they were making their way to the dungeon Mia and Luna heard a call from behind them.

"Apprentice Granger, if I might have a moment of your time!" Ogden called.

Hermione took a deep breath before turning around, Luna scuttled a little behind the older witch.

"What can I help you with, High Inquisitor Ogden?"

"Are you going to meet with Professor Snape?"

"Yes, I am on my way to my nightly private lesson. Is there something the matter?" Hermione asked politely.

"Nothing the matter per say, but I was hoping to speak with him while you were with him," Ogden stated.

"Of course. We must hurry though, Master does not like tardiness or to be kept waiting," the witch replied.

After she turned around she grabbed Luna's hand and slightly pushed the witch ahead of her as a small form of protection while they walked at a brisk pace. There was something about him…

Once they reached his private lab where they held the majority of their lessons now she knocked loudly and waited, letting him know something was wrong. Severus flicked his wand and opened the door with a loud bang.

"Apprentice, you were almost late. Was there an emergency?" he drawled.

"No, Master. However High Inquisitor Ogden caught up with us while we were making our way down here and expressed his need to speak with us."

Severus's eyes were piercing as they stared at the man.

"Very well."

Once they entered the room Severus again flicked his wand, slamming the door and startling Ogden.

"What can we help you with, High Inquisitor?" Snape drawled while staring at the wizard.

"I was hoping to speak with you both about Apprentice Granger's tutoring," he explained, breaking out into a small sweat.

"What of it?" Snape asked with a sneer forming. While he had to at least feign politeness with Umbridge as she had more political power than, Ogden he knew did not; and it would be best to firmly let him know not to touch what was his.

"I was wondering why she hasn't stopped her lessons with her tutor since Madame Umbridge is no longer teaching. I had assumed that the tutor was merely to separate the two."

"High Inquisitor Ogden, I have high expectations from my apprentice. She is smarter than the students that clutter these halls and I refuse to hold her back. You may not know this, but for the most part usually a class moves only as fast as its slowest learner. As she is in now a position of being the only student in her sessions they move at her speed and only her speed. It makes her Defense lessons more enlightening as they are catered to her and around her," There was a clear bite in Severus's voice.

"I-I see. Would it be possible to ask that she attend at least one of my classes to see if she would prefer it?" the man wheedled.

"No," Severus answered the sneer on his face growing, "I have already spoken with my apprentice this morning when she asked if she would be continuing her lessons with her tutor."

Hermione was annoyed that they were talking about her as though she wasn't there, but was glad that the man's eyes were not on her. She was also keeping Luna behind her, despite the blonde being a bit taller, as a way to keep the younger witch away from the man.

"Is that all, High Inquisitor?" Snape asked, still staring him down.

"Ah, no," Ogden replied nervously, "When I was teaching today I shared my course aims with the students and Miss Parkinson and Mr. Potter asked some questions. It was pointed out to me that Apprentice Granger had spoken with Mr. Potter about teaching styles. I had planned on teaching them all the theory for the first half of the remaining semester then working on practicals, but he pointed out that she said it didn't work for most students."

"My apprentice is naturally correct. Theory goes in one ear and leaks out the other, barely sticking to their gray matter," he drawled.

"I see, perhaps I should use Mr. Crouch's lesson plan, exempting a few things. I do not feel that a Ministry worker should show examples of the Unforgivables," Ogden muttered to the dark wizard.

Severus kept quiet as he really didn't want to talk to the other wizard. He could see his witch protecting the blonde by keeping herself as a buffer.

"As riveting as lesson planning is, High Inquisitor Ogden, I have my own lesson to begin," Severus stated with another sneer.

"Certainly, Professor Snape! Thank you for your time," he chuckled weakly.

As he turned to leave, he let his eyes stay on Luna a little too long as Hermione drew herself up appearing taller somehow, her face exceptionally cold.

"Young Miss, I don't know your name yet, but would you like me to escort you to your House? Professor Snape and Apprentice Granger are about to begin a private lesson, and shouldn't a young lady have an escort when able?" he asked with a smile, showing off his perfect teeth.

Luna pressed herself against Hermione, "No, sir. Thank you for the offer, but I'm allowed to be here."

"You're not an apprentice, young miss," Ogden said condescendingly.

"No, but she has a standing invitation to these lessons, High Inquisitor," Snape interrupted with steel laced in his voice.

"I don't see why, Professor Snape. As the High Inquisitor I believe such a lesson should be between apprentice and master only," Ogden said, clearly not leaving this alone.

"While it is no trouble and I don't mind, High Inquisitor, if you insist, I shall walk her up to her dorm myself," Hermione said politely.

"I can walk her, Apprentice," Ogden said a little louder.

"Curfew isn't for another few hours, sir. There is no real need for an escort," Hermione said in the same polite tone.

"My apprentice is right," Severus said, "Is there perhaps another reason you'd like to escort the young witch?"

"Only that it's the gentlemanly thing to do," Ogden insisted.

"I see. It would do well to remember that the majority of witches and wizards in these halls are students first and foremost. We, as their professors, cannot escort every witch to their destination since it would be impractical," Severus said.

"How silly of me, I forgot," Ogden said with a false smile, "Although since we are both leaving, so young miss?" Ogden insisted.

Luna looked at him and then Severus, then back again. She took the wand from behind her ear and cast a spell at the dark wizard causing his hair to turn green.

"Oh! Master, your hair!" Hermione said with feigned shock.

Severus conjured a mirror to see it what Miss Lovegood had done to him and internally smirked.

"Hn. Miss Lovegood, that will be detention with me tonight. I will meet you in my classroom. Apprentice, we will be looking over papers tonight while Miss Lovegood dices a few frog spleens this evening," Severus announced before he undid the charm.

Ogden looked at them in shock.

"If you will excuse me, High Inquisitor, I have a detention to observe," Severus said as he flicked his wand and opened his door, "After you."

"Yes… Good evening," Ogden muttered as he walked out, but not before leering at the blonde witch.

A few seconds later the trio left his private lab and went to the room over where Severus slammed the door shut and locked it with his wand.

"Miss Lovegood, had the situation been any different this would be an actual detention. Due to the circumstances however I believe we will just continue our lesson in here for the night."

"Thank you, Professor," Luna replied.

"Master… he makes us feel dirty," Mia admitted.

Severus looked them both over carefully. While normally a person would be discomforted by Severus's keen gaze, the two were glad. After being under the other wizard's eye it was… helpful in a way they couldn't explain.

"I will look into Ogden's history. If anyone would know it would be Lucius," Severus admitted.

Mia nodded, "Ginny, the twins, and I will be sending letters to Molly asking about him. Apparently when she would bring Ginny to the Ministry she would always squeeze her hand. We plan to see if we can get any information on him through her, but we're also using the letters as a way to make her think we've been eating her baked goods."

"Ginny said it would be good since it would be like a kid running to their mum when they're scared," Luna explained.

Severus nodded in agreement. It would keep Molly from sending more baked good anytime soon. If she did know something then it might be helpful, if not it would still keep the harridan off their backs for some time. Mia then informed him about what Elise had spoken about and he agreed with the witch's assessment. It would give her more time to focus on her other studies.

It was then that Luna announced she would have more time to focus on being an animagus. Severus store that information in the back of his head and was about to proceeded with the lesson.

"Wait, Master, before we begin, can I write the letter to Molly?" Mia asked, "I don't want to walk to the owlery by myself later."

The wizard though about it before nodding, "You can send it with my raven."

"Raven?" the witches asked in tandem.

"My familiar; Odin. He has a roost in my rooms, but I let him come and go as he pleases. He knows when he's needed," Severus sniffed.

Hermione nodded then went on to pull out parchment and her pen.

Dear Mrs. Weasley,

I hope you don't mind my writing you since I was so rude this summer (I'm sorry), but I feel like this is something I need to ask you.

Our newest Professor and High Inquisitor is Juno Ogden. Ginny told me that you know him, or about him. He gives me and Ginny the creeps. I feel like I have to take a shower every time he looks at me. He tried to get Luna alone tonight, but, and I'll share this with you; My Master was there.

Usually she's allowed in our lessons and she helps with ingredient prepping for the next day's lessons. He tried to say that our lessons were just for master and apprentice. Normally I would agree, but they bully Luna in Ravenclaw and she's my friend. Master Snape knows and does his best to help, so she's allowed to attend the lessons. He was so insistent it was scary and creepy. Luna cast a hair coloring charm on my Master and he gave her a detention on the spot so she wouldn't have to leave with him. He made her do the things she was going to do, so it wasn't really a detention, but I don't know Mrs. Weasley.

If you know anything could you please tell me? I don't know what to do and I would appreciate all your help.

Sincerely,

Hermione

"Does this look okay?" Hermione asked, showing it both to Luna and Severus.

"Pulling on her protective heartstrings, I like it," Severus stated.

"And it makes it look like you're confiding in her because you trust her. I know you didn't want to write that I was your best friend since that would cause her concern that I could be a potential obstacle to her plans. Very clever, Mia," Luna said in her normal airy voice.

Just then Odin swept in and landed in front of Mia. He hopped a few times and tugged on an errant curl.

"Hello, Mr. Odin. It's nice to meet you. I'm Luna, and that's Hermione. We call her Mia. She's Professor Snape's Apprentice and future wife," the blonde said, pressing her head against Mia's so Odin wouldn't have to turn his head to look at both of them.

Mia and Sev blushed at how blunt the young witch was, even if she was just telling the raven that.

Odin cawed at her and hopped again before reaching and tugging on her hair.

"I think you're handsome too," the witch replied to the action.

"Miss Lovegood, you would be one of the few witches who would ever make friends with my familiar. I am glad however that he is keen on you both," Severus stated, "Now. Odin, I need you deliver a letter to the Weasley mother."

The raven cawed again and stuck his leg out to Mia, somehow knowing the letter was from her.

"Thank you, Odin. I wish you a swift flight," Mia thanked the raven and pet him on the head, the raven's eyes fluttered enjoying the pets.

With another tug on one of her curls, he left.

"Now, let's begin the lesson."

After the lesson Luna and Mia were walking to the Gryffindor dorm while keeping an eye out for Ogden. The way he wanted Luna to go with him was extremely unsettling.

"Perseverance," Hermione said, giving the Fat Lady the password.

"Thank you, dear, but I don't think I should let your friend in," she said eyeing the Ravenclaw.

"It's dangerous for witches to be alone right now," the curly haired witch informed the chatty portrait, "It wouldn't be right."

"Oh!" the Fat Lady exclaimed, "Then get in, get in."

Hermione grabbed Luna's hand and dragged her behind her going all the way up to her dorm.

"The Gryffindor dorm is very different from Ravenclaw," Luna said looking around after her friend let her hand go.

"How so?" the witch asked while she started going through her trunk.

"We have a library in the common room, there's a maximum of three to a dorm, and we each have our own desk," Luna answered.

The hazel eyed witch was paying her friend attention having always been curious about the other houses and their living areas. It took a few seconds before she found what she was looking for.

"Here we are," Mia said with a smile in her voice, "Happy belated Birthday, Luna."

When the younger witch went to take the present Hermione gave her a quick peck, "Birthday kiss for the birthday girl, right?" Hermione asked cheekily.

Luna grinned, "That's right."

She then focused on opening her present. Quickly ripping off the paper and opening the box much like a child Luna pulled out a pair of yellow fuzzy slippers that were almost the same as Hermione's but new.

The young witch squealed happily.

"Ah, ah, there's more," Hermione said before the blonde could throw the box down.

Taking out the rest of the tissue paper Luna was able to see the rest of her gift. Mia had taken the slippers from her hand so she could have free hands to do so. Luna pulled out a long yellow sleeping shirt with glittery blue writing 'I am a Beacon of Joy' and held it to her chest. The shirt fell below her knees.

"I love them, Mia!" She shouted and threw herself at her best friend.

"Good, I'm glad. I picked them special for you," she said holding her friend tightly.

"How did you know?" Luna asked quietly.

"I decided you needed a friend last year. If you were important to me, I wouldn't have Crookshanks watch you. I tried to make sure you were safe even if I couldn't be with you. I was very busy last year and had no time to socialize."

"You're my best friend," Luna said.

"I know, which makes you one of mine," Mia said before pulling back, "Do you want to put them on now?"

"Yes!" the younger witch shouted divesting herself of her shoes before putting on the slippers and wiggling her toes.

"I'll have Thimi pop you into your room so you don't have to walk through the halls," Mia said before she hugged the younger witch again, "If he does anything tell me or my master," she finished strongly. She felt the witch nod. After she let go the witch popped out of her room just as her dorm mates were turning the corner to enter.

"Hey," Hermione greeted a little awkwardly, as she vanished the garbage from their floor.

"Hey," Lavender replied.

"Professor Ogden is really creepy and I think you should tell every witch you know not to walk alone in the halls," Hermione said hurriedly.

The witches nodded, a little fear in their eyes as they thought about the wizard.

"I thought this morning was just an off-chance thing," Lavender admitted as she bounced onto her bed.

"Same here," Parvati confessed.

"In class he was normal to the boys, but he would always give us this weird smile when he asked any of us his questions," Lavender explained.

"He tried to tell Luna she couldn't sit in on my lesson with my master and tried to 'escort' her back to her dorm, even before curfew. He was extremely insistent. In the end she charmed my master's hair and earned herself a detention on the spot so she wouldn't have to leave," Hermione told them.

"Wow. That's either very Gryffindor of her or…"

"Or he's so creepy that Snape is better than him," Pav finished, "We'll tell everyone not to let a witch be alone with him."

"Thanks," Hermione said before changing and getting into her own bed.

Severus had decided that it would be best that he talk with Lucius immediately rather than wait for a responding letter and decided to floo call. He set down a pillow and cast a cushioning charm on it for extra comfort in case the call went on too long.

Thankfully Lucius answered quickly.

"Severus, what a pleasant surprise," Lucius greeted his friend.

"I wish I were calling for pleasant matters," Severus declared.

"Is something wrong with Apprentice Lady Granger?" he asked concernedly.

Severus was appreciative of the question, "No, thankfully. But the new man they sent to Hogwarts, Juno Ogden, what can you tell me about him?"

"Juno Ogden?" Lucius asked, coming out as a hiss.

"Yes. You know something," Severus stated.

"Yes. It was kept extremely quiet," the other wizard admitted, "I don't know what the bumbling oaf was thinking when he chose him."

"Fudge is an imbecile and I don't care about his thought process. What about Ogden?" Severus pressed.

"Juno Ogden passed his auror exam with flying colors. He was just a trainee when," he took a sigh, "He molested one of the ministry workers' daughter. It was because he was a trainee, extremely new, and threatened the young witch that if she didn't let him, he would arrest her. She was 10. Lucky for her and unlucky for him, her mother was best friends with a few of the aurors despite not being one himself and told them immediately. Mad-Eye wanted him strung up and thrown into Azkaban immediately, and for once I agreed with him. The Head at the time however said it would be bad press and paint a bad light on the auror division, he'd rather keep things hush hush and fire him."

"Fudge picked a fucking pedophile to be around kids," Severus growled out, "No wonder all the witches feel like they need a shower. He was already trying to seclude Hermione's friend, Luna Lovegood, in front of me. He tried to get Hermione into his class as well."

"I will talk with Fudge to see if I can get him to change his mind since he decided this all on his own. The chances are slim," Lucius admitted, "Because they fired him, or rather made him forcefully resign, it's not in his criminal files. They swept it all under the rug. That might be why Fudge doesn't know about it, it was before he was Minister."

Severus couldn't help but bare his teeth at the information.

"Severus, I'm insisting that you demand attached quarters for Lady Hermione," Lucius said quickly barely realizing that he calling Severus's apprentice by her name instead of apprentice, "As I'm on the board I'll allow it, not that anyone can truly contest it. Her brother should be safe, Ogden was found to only be interested in young girls."

The wizard could only listen to his friend for the rest of the night on how to best protect his witch and the female student population. He immediately planned to call a meeting for all the Heads of Houses. If Albus wanted to invite himself that was his business, but they were in charge of the students' living and sleeping quarters. Luna would also have to be given his private password so she could sleep with Hermione should she be locked out of the tower again. His mind was moving quickly hoping it would be enough to protect his students. Dunderheads they may be, but they were under his care.

Harry walked down to meet his sister at the bottom of the stairs.

"Morning," he greeted. Neville repeated the sentiment from behind the other wizard.

Hermione merely nodded, distracted.

"Let's go. I don't want Luna to be alone for a second while Ogden is here," she said fiercely.

The vicious protectiveness in her voice startled them to me slightly more awake.

"Okay. Did something happen?" Harry asked.

"Yes," his sister growled, "I'll tell you on the way to the Hall."

With that they left, Mia keeping an eye out for her blonde friend. She was pleased to see her walking with a few other Ravenclaws, even if off to the side, before they entered.

"Oh, thank Merlin, Luna. I was so worried," Mia said as she wrapped her friend in her arms protectively. Luna didn't protest and instead snuggled into the embrace before they sat down.

"I already told Lavender and Parvati, I'm glad most of the Ravenclaws seem to come to the same decision, no witch walks alone," Hermione said firmly.

Luna nodded solemnly.

"If they kick you out, come to my dorm. Call Thimi. Sleep with me," Hermione ordered.

Luna looked at Hermione, taking in everything and seeing all the emotions the other witch was feeling behind the face of a fierce protector, "Okay," she agreed.

Hermione was hoping Molly would send a quick reply and it would get to her with the morning deliveries. She also hoped Malfoy pulled through.

Unbeknownst to her Severus had called an emergency meeting with the Heads after his floo call. Thankfully they were still up, if in their sleepwear. After he explained what he had learned they agreed with him and were glad he listened to Hermione as soon as she said something. None of the students had gone to them, instead only talking to their friends. Ogden was in for a rough stay at Hogwarts, however long he would stay.

Once breakfast had started and the Great Hall was full Juno Ogden stood up clearly ready to make an announcement. With word spreading like quickfire everyone was now aware that no witch should be alone with Ogden. Lavender and Parvati worked quickly, it helped that the whole school was gathered in one place so soon after being given the information. One that wasn't a secret.

"Excuse me, if I could have your attention," he called, the students quieted.

"I have not posted the new rule just yet as I wanted to inform you all personally. I am instating an Educational Decree. Educational Decree 44, I, as the High Inquisitor, shall oversee all detentions from years 5 and lower. If I become overwhelmed with the influx, I will then send you to another Professor or Mr. Filch. That is all," as he was about to be seated the parliament swept in.

One raven dropped a letter in front of one Juno Ogden while Errol could be seen crashing along the Gryffindor table. It was quickly noted that High Inquisitor Juno Ogden received a howler.

With a small sweat breaking out on his forehead he opened it as it started to smoke.

"JUNO OGDEN, I DON'T KNOW HOW YOU GOT THE POSITION, BUT YOU SHOULD NOT BE AT HOGWARTS! SHOULD I FIND THAT YOU HAVE DONE ANYTHING TO MY DAUGHTER AND HER FRIENDS I WILL PERSONALLY SEE TO THE MATTER! YOU BETTER WATCH YOUR STEP! I WILL BE KEEPING A CLOSE EYE ON HOGWARTS.

YOURS IN SCORN,

A PUREBLOOD MOTHER"

Whispers broke out immediately, who were in Mia's and year and up knew the voice of Molly Weasley.

Hermione was pleased to note that one of the letters from Errol were for her. Actually, she noted all the Weasleys, her, Harry, and even Luna had received letters. She quickly opened the one addressed to her.

Dear Hermione,

Apology accepted. I figured it had something to do with you just being a teenager, seems you hit your rebellious phase, it's to be expected. I just want you to know that I care about you a great deal and I'm so glad you wrote to me.

The twins and Ginny also wrote me about the same thing with some differences.

Juno Ogden is a pedophile, a disgusting predator and if Severus can keep you and the others safe, then I'm glad. Normally I would expect that of Minerva, but with that disgusting filth being in charge every bit of safety helps. Make sure no one is alone around him, so do your best not to earn a detention with him. I'm less worried about you with that, knowing what a good girl you are, and more worried about the others.

Please keep me up to date with him and keep an eye on the younger ones.

Love,

Molly

Hermione was disgusted by the man who had the gall to be seated at the Head Table. Mia also realized that shouting that she was a pureblood mother that it would shift his attention to muggleborns. She would have to talk to Sev as soon as possible.