Darling Dearest a Hermione x OC story

Confidence is Key

Leigh POV:

It's been a week since the first day back at Hogwarts, and Umbridge has completely taken over the school. So far she has been appointed to the high inquisitor, allowing her to make any changes she feels necessary. There are signs outside the great hall, most of them with ridiculous rules such as no music during study hours, all Weasley products are now banned, dress code is to be maintained, and she's interviewing staff to determine if they should be sacked or not. There is also word of her torturing students, I overheard that when Harry got detention for speaking out in class, she used a special quill that transferred what he wrote on paper to his hand. He came forth to professor McGonagall, after some convincing from Ron and Hermione. She confronted Umbridge about it but didn't affect the situation much. The most recent thing Umbridge has done is disbanded all student organizations. 

Most of that doesn't bother me though. What does bother me is that we aren't learning anything. Not to pass our O.W.L.S. or how to defend ourselves, and she doesn't even care. All she's focused on is keeping Harry and Dumbledore from talking about the dark lord. 

While in the library during my free period, I overheard someone talking about starting a secret club, a club that Harry Potter would teach us how to defend ourselves considering no teachers are doing it. I look over at the far table next to me and the golden trio talking about the subject. Hermione leads the conversation, she starts suggesting places to meet. She suggests the Hogs Head for tomorrow evening, as it's a very quiet place where no one would really suspect. After an internal fight with myself, I finally build up the courage to go over and join their conversation.

"Hey Harry, sorry to interrupt but can I join you," I say surprisingly confident

"Hey Leigh, of course" he replies and pulls out a chair beside him

"I couldn't help but overhear your conversation and if you're actually doing this, you can count on me being there and I can tell some friends to help you out" 

"Oh well, thanks Leigh that would really help" Harry replies slightly taken aback as he knows me for being more of the quiet type. I look over to Hermione whos slightly smirking at Harry silently saying 'I told you it would work'. The group lets me stay as we continue discussing their plan and working on any homework due next class. 

The next day comes quicker than I expected. I had told Hannah and Zach about the plan to meet at the Hogs Head this afternoon and they agreed but not before giving me a nervous look as if we were going to get caught. As the day goes on, my nerves build up faster than I'd like. The thought of getting caught by Umbridge scared me considering what she did to harry and I'm sure to other students as well. When the time comes, Hannah, Zach, and I walk together to meet with Harry, Ron, and Hermione. The two try to calm down my nerves by making jokes if I'm going to be able to pay attention when I see Hermione. We get to the meeting spot and notice we're some of the first ones there along with Luna Lovegood and a few other Gryffindor students. While waiting for any more students to show up, the group shared quiet conversations and awkward looks. After waiting for no longer than 15 minutes, Hermione started her speech.

'Well you all know why we're here, we need a teacher. I proper teacher. One who had real experience against the dark arts" 

Some students started questioning Harry about the dark lord and how Cedric was really killed. Sending a cold chill down my spine which Harry seemed to notice.

"Look I'm not going to talk about Cedric so you might as well clear out" he stated before turning to Hermione and mumbling something under his breath.

"Is it true you can produce a Patronus charm?" Luna speaks causing everyone to look in her direction. 

"Yes he can, I've seen it". Hermione goes on about everything Harry has gone up against in the past four years he's been at school. After a while, everyone has been convinced to join the undercover group. Everyone is lined up, taking turns writing their name on a piece of parchment. When I step up to the table, I give Harry an impressed look to say 'good job' and also catch Hermione's 'thank you' look she gives me.

While walking back to the school, we all are coming up with ideas on where to meet. At the time no one could come up with a big enough place to meet, so Harry just tells everyone to keep thinking and that we will pitch ideas at our next meeting. 

About two hours later, while Neville was walking the halls of the school, He had found the room of requirement. So we stand in the large open room while Hermione explains to Ron what this place is. I take the time when everyone is distracted, to go off on my own and explore the room—looking up at the large ceiling, the beautiful architecture of the walls, and floating columns. I've always been a fan of architecture and never thought it was appreciated enough. That is one of the many reasons I love Hogwarts. When I turn to go back to the group, I stop, noticing Hermione staring at me and giving me a look. The type of look that could be mistaken as excitement, but in reality, she looked at me like she didn't expect me as the type of person who ponders on the detail of little things. I continue my walk back to the group with a faint blush stretched across my cheeks. I go to bed feeling hopeful that night, for today was the day Dumbledore's army was formed. 

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word count: 999