Absence noted

Neville was walking around the Hufflepuffs common room entrance the next day. He wanted to catch one to talk to before classes started. He spotted the perfect person coming out of the barrels just then. 

"S-susan! C-can we talk?" He called, whispering the last part when he caught up to her. 

"Sure Neville, what do you need?" She tilled her head inquiringly. 

"Gryffindor had a meeting-"

She grew serious, cutting him off. "Us too, let's go inside."

He grew confused but that stopped as soon as she started walking to the common room entrance. Then he grew nervous. He strengthened his resolve, though, this was important. 

"Guys! Gather round!" Susan spoke when they entered. Everyone sat down in a couch or chair – all of them set to face each other – and waited for her to speak again. "It would seem Gryffindor had a similar house meeting last night. I wouldn't be surprised if all of the other houses did too. Neville here, is here to talk about theirs." 

Everyone looked to him and he choked. Taking a few seconds, though, he calmed himself. 

"We believe no one will help us. H-harry wasn't the only one... the only one to get a detention like that. Most of Gryffindor did."

Susan nodded. "A majority of us did too. I believe we should contact my aunt." Most seemed in agreement. 

"T-that will take time... and I t-think umbridge is taking our mail... maybe we should create a system to keep in contact and send messages until we have help." 

Susan looked thoughtful before turning her gaze to Hannah. "Hannah and me can be the house representatives – if that's ok with everyone?"

Agreement met that statement. 

"Then let's set up a meeting between the house reps and figure out a plan? If it takes time to get in contact with my aunt, umbridge may start giving detentions again. Best figure out how to get around that." 

"Should we have one rep for each house other than our own...? To help with communication?" Neville spoke up. 

"Right... Hannah has connections to Ravenclaw, who has connections to Slytherin?" Susan called out. 

An older Hufflepuff, maybe a 7th year, raised his hand. "I have a friend there." He stated calmly. 

"Very well: me, Hannah, and Jason will be Hufflepuff's reps." She nodded firmly and turned her gaze to Neville in question. "Who are yours?"

"A-ah... me...? And Seamus and the twins. Though I don't know if everyone is ok with them both being there... they're the Slytherin connection though.."

"That's perfectly fine Neville." She responded softly. "Ok!" She clapped her hands. "Let's meet right after classes, say in the room Harry was using for the DA?"

"T-that should work. Just be sure to stagger your arrival with the other houses." 

Neville left after exchanging a few looks with everyone. He had to tell Seamus what they'd com up with. 

Seamus sat at the ravenclaw table for breakfast. He talked to his friend while they are for a few minutes, the peace fading when a shadow fell over them. 

"He-hem."

He looked up to the pink monstrosity before him. Blinking innocently, he replied. "Yes ma'am? Can I help you?"

"You aren't allowed to sit at another's house table Mr. Finnigan. Could you please remove yourself back to your own table?" She said sweetly. 

"Oh! I want aware the rules changed, sorry, I'll go back now!" And he did, a small smirk on his lips once he faced away from her. 

It wasn't until after classes started that the Ravenclaw saw the note that had been slipped into his bag. 

Meet in DA

After classes 

Bring another Ravenclaw for Slytherin - tell them to notify the Slytherin 

Bring Luna 

— Firestarter 

The twins looked around the corner before creeping down the corridor. It was lunch now and they had slipped a note for someone to meet them in the kitchens. They made it passed the portrait when a voice greeted them. 

"There you are! You're late!"

They looked at him with matching devilish smirks. 

"Can never be too careful!"

"That's what I always say!"

Theo just shook his head at their antics. 

"So, I can assume you've also had a meeting?" When he was met with twin nods he continued. "I don't think you would, but it would surprise many just how she's treated Slytherin house as well. We're not all some big shots with connections." 

"We have a message we need to pass, actually."

"Meet us in the room after classes."

"You know the one."

"Can't forget really. That was som explosion, wasn't it Gred?"

"Right you are Fourge!"

"Wow, Gryffindors being sneaky – love it." He said playfully. "I'll be there, but we still have lunch so come sit down. We still need to discuss that new product."

Seamus walked into the room of requirement with a purpose, taking in everyone already here. He saw they were the last to arrive – the other Gryffindors coming with him. 

"First, maybe introductions are in order. We have me, Seamus, Neville, and everyone knows the twins. I don't think they'd let you forget." He said once he reached the front of the group, ending in a small chuckle. "Ravenclaws?"

Luna stepped forward and spoke in her serene way. "My name is Luna Lovegood, this is Anthony Goldstein, this is Stephen Cornfoot." She then stepped back fluidly. 

"My name is Theo Nott. This is Tracy Davis and Blaise Zabini." Theo said, waving to the people as he spoke. 

"I'm Susan Bones, this is my friend Hannah Abbott and Jason Fairborn."

"Good, with that out of the way I'd like to talk about what happened in the Great Hall yesterday. It became apparent that not only were the teachers not going to do anything to help, but the issue was much larger than expected. Most of our houses also were subject to the kind of detentions Harry got and I am starting to believe that has more to do with something she did to us than because we didn't want to – the shear number alone!

But that's not to negate that the teachers general inaction also plays a part. 

My hope is that: we contact Amelia Bones, figure out a plan of action in the case one gets another detention,  and hopefully get Rita Skeeter on with a truthful article."

He looked around to all the determined faces, set in – ready for battle – and a thought came to him. 

They were only 15... and already fighting in a war. Not only that, but also against every authority figure in the school. 

"Susan, have you already contacted your aunt?"

"Yes," She looked ready to tare into someone. "I was also able to confirm the mail is being stopped. I sent my owl after Neville left and then another letter with a personal elf. The elf came back later that day with a letter from my aunt. She confirmed she never got the letter and that she'd be on the case. 

She doesn't expect to be able to help soon, though, she has to go through a lot of politicians – including the minister."

"That was expected, which is where the phase two comes in." Seamus added with a serious look, turning to the twins who matched it. Nodding, the twins spoke. 

"As of right now no one has a detention scheduled. If someone does get one they need to immediately tell one of their house reps – preferably the one connected to Gryffindor, as to not gain suspicion – who will then tell us. We are prepared to make it very difficult for her, and you a reason to leave without gaining more.

We plan to have Colin with his camera ready around her at all times, and especially during detentions. If in the case we are unable to distract her we have back up plans upon back up plans. In the case they don't work..." the twins traded an uncomfortable look. "Then you are encouraged to run here, someone will check it everyday. If that doesn't work.. then-" 

Theo cut in right then, seeing their hesitance. 

"Then I will be called to try and distract her, purposefully getting caught, and taking your place. At which point Colin will sneak in and take pictures of her in the act."

You could here a pin drop. 

The twins looked at him sadly, but Theo didn't let it get to him. He knew this was the correct course of action, especially I they were first years. 

"Right." Seamus says. "That sounds like a solid plan." He looked to Theo. "And thank you, not many would make that sacrifice." 

Theo just waved him off, so he continued. 

"Anyone have any ideas about Skeeter?" 

"She's a bug." Surprisingly came from Luna. 

"...Can you clarify that....?"

"Oh! She's an animagus. She's a beetle."

Everyone just stared at her a second before Seamus broke in again. "I see... the Hogsmead weekend is tomorrow – I say we send dear Rita a letter. Mind if we borrow your elf Susan? I think it may just send the right message.." He asked with a creeping grin. 

Susan just rolled her eyes at the joke before agreeing. Tomorrow was a full day and they couldn't wait to see everything come together. 

Harry sat at the table, Hermione's parents across from him. Looking to Hermione and Sirius on either side of him, he could see their nervous energy leaking out of them – which didn't help his own. Sirus took the chance of facilities to shower and clean up, now wearing some of Mr. Grangers old clothes. Looking back to Mr. And Mrs. Granger, he sighed. 

"Silverclaw said he's making a case for us, he said we just have to wait until he contacts us. I can't just sit here though. What can we do?" He looked helplessly towards them. 

"For the case? Nothing. But we can set about figuring out what to do for school." Mr. Granger proposed. 

"We could go to Beauxbatons? I don't know French though, but at least you guys wouldn't have to learn any languages." He muttered thoughtfully. Sirus cut in, still lightly manic. 

"There's a potion! We could both take it! We just have to go to diagon alley to get it, a bit expensive though." He finished with a shrug. "Not that you can't afford 500 of them." 

"Their curriculum is a year ahead of ours. I say we get tutoring to help our – non existent – baseline and get to the standard in time for the new school year." Hermione put out. 

"That might be a bit risky... there's no guarantee the ministry won't try and snap our wands before we get a chance to even go. And with Sirius here..." Harry replied uncertainly. 

"Ah.. good point. Is there anything we can do about that? Tutoring really is the best option." She looked to Sirius. 

"Well.." He appeard uncertain, darting his eyes around as he thought. "You could emancipate. Harry already is so they can't take his wand – even if he hasn't taken the Owls yet. You however – and I'm sorry to say – are no one. A muggleborn without Owls and no backing precedence." He looked guiltily over to her.

"Wait, couldn't I just take my Owls then? I know that they can't take them after that – no matter how much they want to – and I only need three. Even with my Owls in Britain, I could still take tutoring and enter in the same year as Harry!"

"That's a great idea 'mione!" Harry exclaimed. 

She put her finger to her chin and tapped it absent-mindedly while continuing. "They run those test year round, I'd just need to get in and out – I'm sure the toadie already tattled to the minister." 

They all grew contemplative at that. 

"We could use make up and a wig to disguise you? Dress up like someone else? They'd still know you were there, but, what's the educational department care I'd you come?" 

Sirius barked out a laugh at that. "That's great Harry! Best prank ever – hide in plain sight!" 

Hermione shook her head but agreed non the less. 

"So we need two of those potions, to take the test, and hire tutors. Oh! And wait for silver claws letter! Anything else?" 

Mrs. Granger shook her head. "No, that seems perfect, we won't need to enroll in Beauxbatons until open enrollment in the summer." 

Sirius clapped his hands and spoke at that. "Great! Let's go to the alley then!" 

"No pads! You need to stay here. You are so close to free! I swear, if you leave this house before we can help you I'll never forgive you!" Harry said heatedly. Thought of Sirius leaving and immediately getting caught sent his good mood crashing so fast his heart felt crushed by the impact. He continued in a softer, more pleading tone. "I don't know what I'd do without you... please promise you'll stay here?"

Sirius' expression wared between guilt and stubbornness before he finally drooped in his chair with a sigh the size of his being. "Fine.."

"thank you" Harry's heartfelt whisper left the table in a somber mood for a few moments. Hermione broke it with her soft spoken question. 

"So, do I take the test today or tomorrow?"

It was a little over an hour later that saw Hermione walking into the ministry building. She used the special entrance the education department put in for test takers. It was installed to make it easier to get there on time and reduce anxiety the bussle of the main ministry gave off. 

She sported the girliest dress she owned with jewelry she never weared – borrowed of course. Her hair was in a blonde bob wig with a sparkling headband. Her makeup contoured her face differently and she opted for a natural look that would make people think it's no mak up at all. Suffice to say, she looked completely unlike herself, though, she privately thought she liked it either way. 

She went up to the intake desk and asked to take her tests. They lady said they had 5 running today, 3 core classes. She thanked her and signed up for the cores. Unfortunately, they were separate so she'd be here all day – only being shortly after breakfast and all – but they had a cafeteria and she didn't think anyone would know she was here. She took out the mirror she'd borrowed from Sirius and called Harry – she'd be here a while. 

Taking a seat for the first test, she began her long day. 

Mrs. Granger – call me Emma, dear – and Harry made their way through the alley. It was so much more than they'd thought it'd be – diagon was just the main part. After being told that Hermione would be there longer than they'd thought, they'd decided to explore. 

Harry saw so much he wanted to buy, he told himself to hold off until he came back though. No use shopping now when nothing was set in stone just yet. 

When they'd passed the broom display he suddenly remembered a certain women – who had dementor ancestry, he was sure of it – had taken his firebolt. He quickly corrected that with a quick call for Dobby to get it. All was right with the world again after that. He couldn't believe he almost let her keep his broom!

They'd explored for hours before finally getting lunch and the potion – leaving after acquiring both. They would wait with Sirius and Mr. Granger – call me Dan, son – at home until Hermione came back. 

During the lunch break Hermione went back up to the intake desk to ask about tutors. 

"Well we have this pamphlet here – prices and subject listed under each name – and this request form. With this form you just tell us how many people need tutored, who you're requesting, and when works best. You just sign at the bottom and either send it in or hand it to me. We'll contact you about if you'd like to interview them or just for us to send them over. All contact is through us until meeting. Any questions?"

Hermione just shook her head, thanking her, before looking over the pamphlet while eating. There were more choices than she'd thought. She skimmed it over, recognize a few familiar last names. 'Small world' she thought with a snort. 

She only had one more test – then she was out of here. 'Just one more hour' on repeat in her mind. 

She got up, tucking the pamphlet in her bag, and leaving that at the observers desk, before she finally sat down for her last test. 

Harry paced the living room. Hermione was late. She said her test would only take until 2pm at the latest. It was 2:05 pm at the moment – not long, he knew – but Hermione was anal about this kind of stuff.

Something was wrong. 

Is mirror vibrated suddenly. 

"Harry! Meet me at the leaky! Now!"

Shit. 

He ran outside and called the knight bus, springing into it with a: "leaky cauldron! Please! It's an emergency!"

They seemed to take heed, being the first place they stopped. 

Hermione was just finishing the last line of her test when she heard a scuffle outside. She slowly, measuredly, put her quill down and walked up to hand her test in. The test was to be finished within the next 3 minutes – she'd timed everything. She couldn't be finishing before everyone and draw attention, right? Well – it's not like she could have left anyway. Not until the hour was up. 

She'd been keeping her ear to the noise outside the door – which had steadily grown louder. They seemed to be just behind the door now. Looking around in mock confusion she took in the others faces. Adapting to the general behavior of those around her, she began to hear distinct voices. The observer called time, all the while shooting looks at the door, causing everyone to either hand in their test or go to the door. The observer said they'd handle the disturbance and walked out in front of the group – taking what seemed to be an official to the side to talk. 

Hermione slipped in with a bigger group exiting the room and stayed with them all the way to the buildings exit – catching a sentence that chilled her bones as they passed the official. 

"We need Hermione Granger to come with us."

And wasn't that ominous? She couldn't be sure what they wanted her for. Her wand? To arrest her? 

So she called Harry. 

Diagon alley, while close, was faster traveled by floo. Which just so happens to only be in the atrium of the ministry. She heaved a great, frustrated, sigh before hiding her wand in her hidden, undetectable, pocket and ran. 

She ran out of the educational department doors and around the corner to the phone booth. She quickly entered in the code – the booth spitting out a badge for her. Then she froze. 

HERMIONE GRANGER 

RUNNING FROM CERTAIN DEATH

Well. 

She... she could guess what that means. 3rd year and all. And Barty. 

So-

So what? They'd have to catch her first. 

She grew determined again. She'd called Harry because she'd thought they'd be after her wand.

This changes everything though. 

The fireplaces where just across the way, she could do this. It's only been minutes since she left the building – if she hurries they can't shut her out. 

As the lift doors open she runs to the floo – eyes darting to another official pointing to the floo and talking to another. It's too late for them though. 

By the time they even meet her eyes she's calling out the leakys name. And she's gone. 

She almost falls into Harry as she is thrown out of a shutting down floo. He catches her, though, and makes sure she's alright. Before he can do much though she grabs his arm and shoots out of the building, calling the knight bus once out – coincidentally as soon as Harry catches sight of the badge in her hand. 

Once she's back home all hell breaks loose in the form of her parents and Sirius. It's eventually decided after correspondence with silver claw that they'll be staying at the bank while they're lawyers fix this mess. 

All she could think about was why they had to deal with stuff like this even out of school. The sad part was they were more protected here at least...