Courage | Hermione Granger Lesbian Story

New Headmistress

The word of Dumbledore's dramatic exit from the school, and Umbridge's new title spreads around like wildfire.

By midday, I've heard at least three versions where Dumbledore tried to kill Fudge before fleeing. Harry recounted the actual events to me earlier, but it wouldn't be Hogwarts if it wasn't grossly overexaggerated a few hours later.

Dumbledore took full responsibility for the meetings, claiming the first one was last night, Marietta (Cho'sf friend) turned out to be the snitch,  Kingsley Shacklebolt wiped Marietta's memory so she confirmed this, Percy told the Daily Prophet eagerly, Fudge tried to arrest Dumbledore but he Apparated away (with Fawkes), and Dumbledore says he isn't going into hiding.

On the way to Lunch from Herbology, Ernie Macmillan confidently assures us Dumbledore won't away for long, "They couldn't keep him away in our second year, they won't keep him away this time. The Fat Friar told that last night, Umbridge attempted to get into his office after they'd searched the grounds for him. Couldn't get past the gargoyle. The Head's office has sealed itself against her. Apparently she had a right little tantrum." He smirks.

"Oh I expect she really fancied herself sitting up there," Hermione scoffs viciously, "Lording it over all the other teachers, especially when Professor McGonagall should be the one up there. Stupid, puffed-up, power-crazy old-"

"Now do you really want to finish that sentence, Granger?"

Draco Malfoy has re-appeared, a stark contrast to last night. His hair is perfectly combed back again, eyes glinting, usual smugness in his smirk.

"Well, I'll have to dock points from Gryffindor and Hufflepuff." He drawls, gesturing to Ernie and myself.

"You can't take points from fellow prefects Malfoy." Ernie instantly corrects.

"I know prefects can't dock points from each other," he sneers, "But members of the Inquisitorial Squad-"

Hermione cuts him off sharply, "The what?"

In answer, Draco points to a small, silver 'I' resting underneath his prefect's badge, "A select group of students trusted by the Ministry, Granger. Hand picked by Professor Umbridge. And we do have the power to dock points."

"Go ahead then." Harry snaps, fed up of the conversation.

Malfoy falters a little, giving the impression he never planned on actually taking points, but he quickly recovers.

"I'll have five from Granger for being rude to our new Headmistress. Macmillan, five from you for contradicting me. Five from you, Potter, because I don't like you. Weasley and Fern, your shirts are untucked so I'll have five from Gryffindor and Hufflepuff for that."

Goyle smirks, and the arm of mine he broke subconsciously twitches in response.

And it might be the first time I've ever heard him speak, "And Granger's a mudblood, so ten off for that."

Ron and I both make moves for our wands, but Hermione pushes our arms away, whispering "Don't."

"Wise move Granger," Malfoy breathes out, "New Head, new times... be good now Potter."

His two goons laugh as they walk away.

"He was bluffing," Ernie says appalled, "He can't be allowed to, it would completely undermine the system-"

We all turn to look at the giant hourglasses set nine inches into the walls behind us that record the house points. Earlier that morning, Gryffindor and Ravenclaw had been neck and neck, now ruby and saffron stones fly back up to where they came from.