Obligatory Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter or any character, story element or plot item originally published in the Harry Potter books or movies that I may refer to in this story. I'm merely playing in the sandbox.

Author's note: Welcome back, dear reader, to another of my random ideas that I don't know what else to do with.

Sometimes, we look at things and think, I wish I had something different. Sometimes we need to be careful what we ask for. It sounds ominous, but I promise it will make sense.

Her first sensation was pain. It hurt to breathe, hurt to move, it even hurt just to be still. As Hermione tried to move, she found her hands and legs immovable. She blinked her eyes open, the squinted in the darkness. Where am I? She started to express her thought but couldn't. Her mouth was gagged.

"Well, mudblood, you're awake."

The sound of the voice made her shiver. Umbridge.

"I survived your little assassination attempt."

You have to matter to be assassinated. Hermione refused to look at her in the new light, pain now in her eyes. She looked around the room, trying to figure out where she was and how she was going to get out.

"I'll get my power back, mudblood. Then you can join your parents."

Hermione reacted despite herself. Where are my parents?

The woman cackled, clearly liking seeing the reaction. "I killed them, you know. You've been unconscious for almost a week. My friends had a few days to…entertain them."

Hermione closed her eyes, unable to keep her fear at bay. A curse hit her in the stomach, causing her to wretch. "You won't get that treatment. I want you to suffer."

The next few days were more misery. She was ungagged long enough to have potions forced down her throat, then gagged again. Mixed through it all were beatings and mocking laughter. She spent her nights mentally cataloging the names, the injuries, the threats. She was glad they considered her too dirty to touch that way.

Her mind turned to Ron, wondering if he'd even noticed she was gone. Too busy snogging Lavender.

What do you care? You tried; he chose another. This was not her voice in her head. After a moment of wondering if she'd lost her mind, she tentatively answered.

I love him.

Do you? The voice, male and amused, sounded in her head. What was the last conversation you had?

Her eyes opened in the dark room, looking. Moonlight shone through the dirty window, and she could see no one was there. She lay on her side, cheek in the dirt and grime of the floor and sagged We fought over the book and Harry.

Not even over Lavender?

Hermione let out a growl at the voice's laughter. I don't want to hear about it.

I know. I just want you to think about it. Did you ever talk about books or music or anything that you were interested in where you both participated?

The voice's absence was both irritating and isolating. She wasn't sure what was happening, but Hermione knew that the voice had a point.

Over the next few nights, Hermione had a few conversations with the voice but never came to a conclusion on the source. The only thing she could say for certain was that it was familiar. All of her escape plans were complicated and not possible without some miracle.

You're a lion, Hermione. Sometimes you don't plan for hours, sometimes you just strike.

Hermione was about to snap back with a comment about the idiocy of that stereotype of Gryffindor when the door burst open. "Your testimony killed my chances in the Ministry!"

There was a slur in her words and Hermione realized that the witch was drunk. The beating that followed was nowhere near the repeated daily interrogations and mockery.

You're a lion, Hermione. Just strike.

The words echoed in her mind, and she pulled back, retreating into something that was almost Occlumency, she was sure. The pain was deadened, and she was seeking something, anything. I don't want to die. There was warmth, surprising in the cold of the room. She pushed towards it, deeper and deeper until she paused. There was light. I don't want to die.

The light pulled, warm, inviting. This is not death. The voice was there again. Be brave, I know you can do it.

She paused for a moment, then remembered some of her decisions. Lying to McGonagall, facing the basilisk with just a mirror, capturing Skeeter in that jar and blackmailing her. I am a lion. She dove into the flames, embracing it.

The next she heard was screaming. She rose, stretching muscles that were both alien and familiar, ready for action. She leapt at Umbridge and silenced the witch. Soon, she was tearing through the house, claws and fangs ripping into flesh and wood, leaving nothing unstirred.

By the time she had control of her mind back, she was in a disaster area. Blood filled her nostrils and keen eyes picked up still bodies in the room. She pushed at her magic, stretching upward and gagging. After a moment, she vomited onto the floor. "What did I do?"

She looked down at herself, dirty skin and rags of her cloths hanging just on her shoulders and elbows. She cast the rags aside and looked around. She needed food. After a moment, she looked down at the body, then away. "Tea and porridge, maybe."

It took her a few minutes to find some fruit and things in the kitchen. Searching the house, none of the wands worked with her. None of the clothes fit her either. She wasn't sure what to do next, then realized she had one option. I'm definitely not the prim and proper girl who walked into Hogwarts years ago.

She took a breath then apparated to the edge of Hogwarts wards. She was surprised that it was harder without her wand. The thought of her destroyed wand, snapped during one of her sessions as the squat witch mocked her for not needing one anymore. She sighed, leaning against a nearby tree.

"You should not be here…why are you nude?"

The female centaur stared at her and Hermione found she didn't care at the moment. "I've just escaped being kidnapped. I'm headed back to school."

The centaur eyed her. "Nude."

Are you all so dry and sarcastic? Out loud, she mimicked the centaur's dry tone. "Fur coat." She shifted again and pelted along the forest, soon finding a path. The path led to the open grounds outside the castle. As she ran on the open area, she noted flyers at the stadium. The growing sense of fatigue and increasing pain from injuries made her head that way. If someone will levitate me…

The screams as she limped into the stadium, sitting as another wave of dizziness came over her, made her realize that she'd clearly been concussed. Of course, they don't know who I am. I could… For the first time, her condition inhibited her movement. She reared back as wands pointed at her.

"Wait!"

Harry landed, walking over. She could smell sweat and soap and the leather of his Quidditch armor. The familiar smell of his soap was overpowering, it was a smell of a safe place, a place for rest and security.

"Hermione?"

She felt her head pop up in surprise, then she realized that he'd landed with parchment in his hand. She bobbed her head slowly.

"Harry, mate…" Ron landed, too, casting the spells at the trunk to force the practice bludgers back into stasis mode.

"Look at her fur. Dark brown, wavy. Her eyes are Hermione's too. Plus…" He held over the parchment for Ron, who looked at the stadium.

"I'll…"

"I'll go get Madame Pomfrey!" Lavender called from the stands, running.

"Tell her we'll meet her in the infirmary if she's not there. If she is, we'll meet her half way."

Harry handed his broom over and began walking along side her as she limped. "Are you stuck?"

Hermione sighed, not sure how to answer. She was most definitely not going to shift back in front of him.

"I have Dad's journal, you know. Did you know he got stuck a few times? Wormtail, too."

She bobbed her head. The fatigue was catching up.

"Sirius, though…he didn't get stuck, his clothes didn't transform."

She looked up at him as he paused, looking at her. When he laughed lightly, she let her head drop and she grumbled. She slowed, not able to keep going.

"Hermione, do you want me to float you?"

She bobbed her head and sighed in relief as the magic surrounded her. She lifted from the ground. She realized that she must have dozed off when she heard Pomfrey's voice. "…over here, Mr. Potter."

She grumbled and started to get up, but Pomfrey held her hands out. "Don't move, Ms. Granger."

"Hermione, please." Harry stood there, then turned his back and gestured to the privacy curtain. "I'm going to call Professor McGonagall, ma'am. She indicated she had some trouble with the transformation."

"I dare say, if she was injured…"

"Minor injuries would be healed by the magic, though, ma'am."

"You're not…"

"I am monitoring him, Poppy," McGonagall walked in. "The Headmaster is summoning Aurors. Did she…"

"She did. I think she had an issue."

Hermione was growing frustrated at not being able to see due to the curtain. As Harry indicated he was going to leave, she growled. "I believe Ms. Granger would prefer you stay…though outside."

"I'll ask an elf to get her a change of clothes for later…" Hermione tried to ignore that as he asked to borrow the shower to change himself. Poppy told him to move ahead, but Hermione's eyes were on McGonagall.

"You're not stuck, are you, Ms. Granger?"

Hermione shook her head. It struck her then that she was scared to turn back, despite the curtain. It's not just Harry.

You feel strong this way.

Oh, shut up. She hated that the voice was right. As the lioness, she'd broken her bonds, killed her captors and escaped. If I go back, I'm just Hermione again…weak, orphan…

Says the girl who blackmailed the loudest mouth in the country to do what she says. There was silence, then the familiar voice spoke again. I told you, Hermione. You are a lion. You don't need a fur coat.

Hermione released the form and found herself sitting, now chilled, on the bed. "How? You have done none of the training."

"I…Harry told me about it. I didn't do the work. I just…I knew to dive deep, deep into my magic."

She was silent and McGonagall seemed to take a steadying breath. "You could see your own magic?"

"Umbridge was…torturing me. I withdrew, deep inside."

"That is dangerous, Ms. Granger," Pomfrey joined the conversation at that point. "People have become lost that way."

"I've never heard of trying that for an animagus transformation, though. It's commonly in Divination over distances, trying to project one's self." McGonagall seemed to notice Hermione's skepticism. "Yes, Ms. Granger, I do not care for foresight in Divination, but more common is the skill to use that art to locate objects or people over distances. There are practices that are not recommended due to risk."

"Yes, ma'am."

"Minerva, I need to examine her. Can you assist to make sure there are no lingering effects to her due to the transformations?"

"Of course."

Hermione couldn't dredge up the interest to focus on what they were doing, only noticing when Pomfrey commented on her scar fading. She looked down at nearly unblemished skin on her chest and almost smiled. Something good came of it. I didn't like that scar. Bad memories.

Soon, she was given some potions and pajamas. She noted a change of clothing and a small stack of books to one side. "Thank you, Dobby."

Dobby popped in, bowed, then vanished. As he left, Harry was allowed in. His damp hair hung limply and she smiled lightly up at him. "Thanks for stopping them from cursing me."

"I have to admit, a lion running on the field for a Gryffindor practice was something different."

She adjusted the blanket. "How long?"

"Hmm? Oh…nineteen days." Harry paused.

Hermione took a breath. "Nineteen…"

Harry nodded. " Ron and I were going spare." He ran his hands through his hair and she watched.

"Ron needed help with homework? I'm sure Lavender distracted him."

"Stop that. She was worried about you, too." Harry's gentle tone hardened and she fought the urge to edge back. "And don't bring the book up, either."

He stood to walk away and Hermione held her hand out. "Wait...please."

Harry turned back and Hermione saw the lightest hint of flames in his eyes. "No fighting?"

"No. I'm sorry." Her hand hovered between them and she wondered if he would take it.

He sat back down and took it, holding it for a moment before returning it to the bed. "I just…this is a lot for us. I know you, too, but we don't understand what happened."

"I was walking back from the library…then everything went black."

"Wonder who Voldemort sent to do it."

"It was Umbridge."

Harry met her gaze. "You heard the garbage she taught. Do you know it isn't one and the same?"

Hermione opened her mouth, then closed it, shaking her head. "I don't know. They weren't Death Eaters, though."

There was a light cough and Shacklebolt and Tonks stepped up. "Wotcher, Harry. Why don't you go get some tea or something, get out of here while we talk to Hermione."

Harry stood and Hermione reached out, snatching his hand and clinging on. "He can stay." She looked up at him and begged him to recognize what she was saying.

He stared for a long moment, then nodded once. Hermione smiled faintly, then turned back to the Aurors. "It all began with me walking back form the library. I was hit from behind. I went for my wand as I hit the floor, but then there was a flare of red light…"

Later that evening, Hermione walked back to the tower. She needed to return for checkups and potions, but Pomfrey insisted that she sleep in the tower. "Others around you will help. Friendly faces."

I didn't do a lot to make friends with them over the years…and this year was worse. She considered the things she'd said about and to Lavender. As she considered the fading feelings for Ron, she didn't understand why.

"You okay?"

Hermione looked over, Harry's concerned face hesitantly pulling back to a guarded curiosity. I hurt him, too. "Just struggling with things. There was a lot."

"I heard."

She nodded. "I'm not sure that I'll be welcome back."

"You've been a bit difficult lately." Harry nodded and she fell behind just slightly, then continued. "It was weird. You usually plan for hours. After some of the things this year, you just struck out."

"Like what?'

"Me suspecting Draco. He attacked me in the train, but you dismissed it."

"I…I was worried about getting into something new. Think about what happened in the Ministry."

Harry nodded. "I do. Every day. I risked all of you and myself. If I had listened…"

"No. I was wrong to say that to you. You were seeing something that you thought was real. The same kind of thing where Mr. Weasley was saved."

Harry looked back at her for a moment and she felt warmth fill her when he smiled. "Thanks."

They walked on in silence, her taking his arm when she reached the stairs. She still had some weakness from the starvation, but was told it would fade. Pomfrey was still surprised at the animagus assisted recovery. "You never said. What is your form?"

"I never did say, did I?" Harry smirked. "Funny, that."

Hermione shook her head. "I'm just glad I wasn't a bird."

"I don't think you could be. You're too scared to fly. It would be against your nature."

Hermione nodded. I need a book on this.

"I'll loan you mine when I finish. McGonagall may give you a copy, though."

She shook her head. "You always could read my mind."

The friendly atmosphere faded. "Not always."

She cursed inwardly, then was distracted by the Fat Lady welcoming her back. "Thank you."

"A true Gryffindor, you are. First I've seen in years."

"She's a lion, she is." Harry's enthusiasm was still dampened, but Hermione only noticed peripherally. She felt like she was supposed to remember something. A wall of noise met her as the painting opened and she cringed back

"You idiots!" Lavender's voice called out as she swatted a twin. "You know she's been through something."

"No, it just startled me." She walked in, noting that Harry faded into the crowd. "All of this for me?"

"We're glad your back," Parvati said.

"Yeah, I thought these two would do better, though." Lavender glared at the now contrite twins.

"Sorry, Hermione."

"We didn't prank anything, though."

"We solemnly swear," both said in unison, one winking as they cross their hearts, each making sure all four hands were visible.

"Thanks, guys. I can't eat much right now, but I'll sample some things."

She sat and found herself surrounded by her roommates. Lily Moon was quiet as always, Sophie Roper joining her at the end of the table and Parvati and Lavender were running interference. Regardless, she managed to drink two butterbeers and a small plate of snacks with numerous interruptions. She watched and saw that Ron hovered near Lavender but was fetching things for her table. Harry was leaned in the corner, staying away from the center of the attention. Not me, the attention.

"You and Ron are good together."

"You think?" Lavender perked up. "You didn't…I mean."

"I don't know what was going on. I was absolutely jealous...but then it faded off."

"Weird," Sophie said.

"You should check your food," Lily said softly. Hermione started, as much at the implication as the fact that she had never heard the girl speak.

"I'll look something up."

There was a series of giggles at the table and Hermione found some semblance of normalcy in this.

"Hermione? What are you doing up here?"

It had been a week since her escape. There was nothing regarding charges. She'd been fined for not registering, despite it being a spontaneous breakthrough. She paid the fine and registered. She held the final notice, indicating a sale of her parents' estate.

"I got a letter."

"Oh?"

"Seems an old family from the magical world bought my house and my parent's practice, leaving me able to setup again."

"That's good."

She didn't look back from the edge of the tower, simply sliding the envelope away. "Thanks, Harry."

"It's an investment…the dental practice anyway. Snotrag liked the idea."

"How do you not laugh when you say his name?"

"Cultural thing." Harry chuckled. "Aren't you cold?"

Her warming charm was starting to fade, but she didn't say anything. "I just needed to get out in the open. Madame Pomfrey says that might happen more and more due to my exposure to all of this."

Harry nodded, then approached. "Just know you have friends."

"I do." She looked at him and smiled, taking his hand. "I…you got me out of there."

"I didn't."

"I realized. Took me a bit. I kept hearing this encouraging voice. Someone telling me to keep fighting. That I was a lion."

Harry shook his head. "How…"

"It was you." She turned to face him, pulling closer to hug him tightly. "I'm sorry about this year."

"Don't worry about it."

"This summer was hard on me…then the book and Ron…Lily thinks I was getting potioned to get interested in him."

"Molly?"

Hermione noted his lack of surprise. "You, too" She said, face half buried in his chest.

"Yeah."

"How did you handle that?"

"Cease and desist letter to Arthur. I did get an apology."

"Good."

"So, now that that's all out of your system, how do you feel?"

"A little empty. I think I need something." Hermione said. I am a lion.

"Like what?"

She rose up on her tiptoes, just needing that small amount of height, and kissed him gently. When she dropped back down, she watched him carefully. His smile was encouraging. "Can you say something?"

"Like what?"

"Anything but better than Cho."

"I would never. A very wise woman told me that bringing up another girl around someone I like would cause nothing but problems."

"Wise, hunh?"

"Brave, too. A real lion."

Hermione smirked as they turned to face the light falling snow, fingers interlaced as she was now covered under his cloak. "Yeah, I am."

A/N: The foundation from this story was a request, though I won't name the individual as I denied their request. Let's just say there's a new line about content I'm willing to write in my profile and we'll leave it be. No need to call anyone out on things.

Regardless, I took this request to a few friends and one, Kaci the Instigator (official title, though I haven't told her yet) said "So, write something different with it."

That led to a back and forth where I laughed and said "Great, now I have to write this." So, I did.

Lily and Sophie came from a series of discussions about who Hermione's roommates were, also mentioned in Corrections (working title), so I mentioned them here. The Lily specific thing where Hermione had never heard her voice before actually happened to me. I knew a girl in our church group for…I think nine years? Anyway, she came up and spoke to me and I could not come up with her name because she was talking. Worse yet, I was in her garage attached to her house, having left a get together her much more gregarious brother had come up with, so that kind of thing was funny to me.

Snotrag may be familiar for those who read my first novel here, Forging a New Name

This one…I think I might write more with. Not sure yet. Regardless, I hope you all enjoyed it. I enjoyed writing it. Until next time, let me give you an assignment. Look at your life. Consider some part of it where you may need to take that leap. Give it a try. Even failure has value, for lessons are learned not in success, but in failure after trying.