The following day, everyone in Gryffindor House noticed that Hermione and Jake were acting like they had the first day back. They sat beside each other and chatted happily that morning as Harry and Ron both set to work on the rest of their homework. To many Gryffindors, it was refreshing to see that the pair of brainiacs were talking like they had for four years, more or less.
When the Common Room had cleared out of everyone but their other two friends, they sat beside the window to talk privately, "We will definitely be doing more of what happened last night again in the future," Hermione said, a half smirk on her face.
"I hope so, I forgot how wonderful your lips felt on mine," he smirked back. They were both reading a book: Hermione rereading Hogwarts: A History , and Jake was reading one of Merlin's books. It was talking about the early life of Merlin and Arthur Pendragon. 'While Arthur wasn't Magical himself, he was a Squib, born to Magical Parents. Instead of being knowledgeable about Magic, his family Obliviated his memory...' Jake read to himself, 'and I respected their wish to not tell him about it as I became his Court Physician and Mystic. After he became King, they deemed him dangerous, and claimed he threatened their influence, but being the most Powerful Wizard of the Era, I kept Arthur safe. His wife, a Pureblood whom I carefully selected for him, gave birth to two boys, both of whom were born Pureblood Wizards. He unfortunately was killed in combat before his sons turned One, and the Throne had been claimed by Pretenders. His Kingdom lost, his children never tried to reclaim their birthright, but that was because they had never been told about it. Arthur's wife wished they be kept hidden from the Muggle Nobility, and they grew to spawn the most powerful Witches and Wizards the Pendragon bloodline ever produced. Imagine, this occurred from a Squib and not the actual Pure Blooded Witches and Wizards. Goes to show, Squibs are indeed Purebloods, even if they have no Magical Properties.' The book greatly intrigued Jake and he learned all about Merlin's life, up until his death, and he did so in Seven hours. He only stopped to eat lunch midday.
It wasn't until after dinner when he challenged Hermione to a few games of Wizards Chess. She accepted and he proved to be the better Chess Player, but Hermione did win two games against him. She asked if he let her win, and he said no, which was the truth. It was half-past Eleven when Hermione was tired of the game and stood up, yawning, and walked over to Harry and Ron.
"Made much progress?" She asked them, Jake coming up on her left.
"Not at all..." Ron said dismally.
Hermione looked over his Astronomy paper, but said nothing. Jake saw her face make some weird twitches, indicating he had wrong information written down, but like she said, she wasn't helping. She looked up at Jake, then looked past him, "Ron..."
"If you're just going to tell me I've made mistakes-"
"No, look," she pointed to the window, "Hermes."
Ron looked and sure enough, Percy's Owl was at the window, gazing at him. Ron got to his feet and walked over to him, "What's Percy writing to me for?"
He opened the window, and Hermes flew in and onto Ron's essay, holding out his leg. Once Ron took the letter, Hermes departed and Ron looked it over.
"This is definitely Percy's handwriting... what do you think?" He looked up at his friends.
"Open it," Jake said and Hermione nodded eagerly, wanting to know what he had to say.
Ron unrolled the scroll and began to read. The farther down his eyes traveled, the most pronounced his scowl became. When he finished reading, he looked disgusted. He thrusted the letter to Hermione, and Harry and Jake read over her shoulder:
Dear Ron,
I have only just heard (from no less a person than the Minister of Magic himself, who has it from your new teacher, Professor Umbridge) that you didn't become Prefect.
I was most displeased when I heard this news and must firstly express how disappointed I am. I heard that Kidd got Prefect, and while I don't think he'll make a bad Prefect, you should've strived harder for it. I fear you are taking a "Fred and George" path at Hogwarts. You need to learn to shoulder responsibility, Ron.
But I wanted to express more than my displeasure, I want to give you some advice, which is why I am sending this at night rather than my usual morning post. Hopefully you'll be able to read this away from prying eyes and avoid awkward questions.
From something the Minister let slip when telling me you failed to make Prefect, I gather you are still seeing a lot of Harry Potter. I must tell you, Ron, that nothing could put you in danger of failing your O.W.L.s more than continued fraternization with that boy. Yes, I am sure you are surprised to hear this - no doubt you will say that Potter has always been Dumbledore's favorite - but I feel bound to tell you that Dumbledore may not be in charge at Hogwarts much longer and the people who count have a very different - and probably more accurate - view of Potter's behavior. I shall say no more here, but if you look at the Daily Prophet tomorrow you will get a good idea of the way the wind is blowing - and see if you can spot yours truly!
Seriously, Ron, you do not want to be tarred with the same brush as Potter, it could be very damaging to your future prospects, and I am talking here about life after school, too. As you must be aware, given that our father escorted him to court, Potter had a disciplinary hearing this summer in front of the whole Wizengamot, and he did not come out of it looking too good. He got off on a mere technicality if you ask me and many of the people I've spoken to remain convinced of his guilt.
It may be that you are afraid to sever ties with Potter - I know that he can be unbalanced and, for all I know, violent - but if you have any worries about this, or have spotted anything else in Potter's behavior that is troubling you, I urge you to speak to Dolores Umbridge, a really delightful woman, who I know will only be too happy to advise you.
This leads me to my other bit of advice. As I have hinted above, Dumbledore's regime at Hogwarts may be over soon. Your loyalty, Ron, should not be to him, but to the school and the Ministry. I am very sorry to hear that so far Professor Umbridge is encountering very little cooperation from the staff as she strives to make those necessary changes within Hogwarts that the Ministry so ardently desire (although, she should find this easier from next week - again, see the Prophet tomorrow!). I shall say only this - a student who shows himself willing to help Professor Umbridge now may be very well placed for Head Boyship a couple years down the line.
I am sorry I was unable to see more of you over the summer. It pains me to criticize our parents, but I am afraid I can no longer live under their roof while they remain mixed up with the dangerous crowd around Dumbledore (if you are writing to Mother at any point, you might tell her that a certain Sturgis Podmore, who is a great friend of Dumbledore's, has recently been sent to Azkaban for trespassing at the Ministry. Perhaps that will open their eyes to the kind of petty criminals with whom they are currently rubbing shoulders). I count myself very lucky to have escaped the stigma of association with such people - the Minister really could not be more gracious to me - and I do hope, Ron, that you will not allow family ties to blind you to the misguided nature of our parents' beliefs and actions either. I sincerely hope that, in time, they will realize how mistaken they were and I shall, of course, be ready to accept a full apology when that day comes.
Please think over what I have said most carefully, particularly the bit about Harry Potter, and strive to be Head Boy, since you couldn't make Prefect.
Your brother,
Percy
PS. I failed to mention above, but keep an eye on Jake Kidd while you're at it. Professor Umbridge said he caused a disturbance in her class that was quite telling, and given his ancestry to Merlin, he is the most dangerous person in that school. The Minister has thought of revoking his Adult Wizarding status, but decided against it, since Kidd is still viewed favorably in the public.
"If I ever see your brother again, Ron, I'm clocking him right in the nose," Jake said calmly.
"Well," Harry said, trying to sound as though he found the whole thing a joke, "if you want to - er - what is it?" Harry looked back at the letter, "Oh yeah - sever ties with me, I swear I won't get violent."
"Give it back," Ron held out his hand and Hermione gave it back to him. "He is-" Ron said jerkily, tearing the letter in half, "the world's-" he tore it into quarters, "biggest-" he then tore it into eighths " git !" He threw the pieces of parchment into the fire. He turned to Harry, "come on... we've got to finish this some time before dawn..."
Ron sat down and dragged the essay back towards him. Hermione gave Ron an odd look, "Oh for the love of - give them here," she said abruptly.
"What?" Ron asked in bewilderment.
"Give your essays to me, I'll look through them and correct them," she said, holding her hand out.
"Are you serious? Ah, Hermione, you're a lifesaver!" Ron said, jumping up and embracing her. Jake's right eye twitched when he did so. "What can I-" Ron started to ask as he pulled back.
"What you can say is, 'We promise we'll never leave our homework this late again, Hermione,' now give them here," she said, feeling slightly uncomfortable from Ron suddenly hugging her. She held both her hands out, a slightly amused expression appearing on her face.
"Thanks a million, Hermione..." Harry said weakly, handing Hermione his essay and Ron doing the same.
Jake sat beside Hermione, deciding to not leave her to do all of Harry's and Ron's work on her own. It was now past midnight and the Common Room was deserted except for the four of them and Crookshanks. The only sound was that of Hermione's and Jake's quills scratching out sentences here and there on their friends essays and the ruffle of pages as they checked various facts in the reference books strewn across the table; Jake barely referenced the books, though, as he had no reason to do so. He kept glancing over at Hermione while they worked. Harry and Ron were both occupied with their thoughts, so he took the time to talk to her.
"Why?"
"Why what?" She looked at him.
"You said you weren't helping them this year, what changed?" He asked her.
"They both have a lot to deal with, it doesn't seem right to let them go on becoming overstressed the first weekend back at Hogwarts," she answered him.
"I guess so... well you knew I wasn't going to let you do this on your own," he said as he finished with Harry's.
"I know, that's what I love about you," she said quietly and smiled at him. She turned to Ron to get his attention, "Okay, Ron," he looked at her, "write that down," she pushed his essay to him as she had finished with his as well, and a sheet covered in her own writing, "and then copy out this conclusion that I've written for you."
"Hermione, you are honestly the most wonderful person I've ever met," Ron said meekly, "and if I'm ever rude to you again-"
"You'll be facing my unprecedented wrath, Weasley," Jake gave Ron a serious glare. Jake turned to Harry, "Harry, your essay was mostly okay, except for this bit at the end, I think you probably misheard Sinistra, Europa's covered in ice , not mice," Jake looked at his friend, "Harry?"
Harry wasn't paying attention to him and had slid off his chair, and was kneeling in front of the fireplace, gazing into the flames.
"Er - Harry?" Ron asked suddenly, "Why are you down there?"
"This was what you meant, wasn't it?" Jake asked him, "this is how you could talk with Sirius?"
"Yeah, I just saw his face in the flames," Harry said, "like last year, remember?"
"Right..." Jake said, his cheeks burning from mild embarrassment, "so much went on last year... I actually forgot..."
The three of them gazed into the fire as well, and sure enough, Sirius' face reappeared, causing Hermione to gasp, " Sirius !"
"I was starting to think you'd go to bed before everyone else disappeared, I've been checking every hour."
"Every hour? You've been popping into the fire every hour?" Harry asked.
"Just for a few seconds to see if the coast was clear yet," Sirius said.
"What if you'd been seen?" Hermione asked.
"Well, I think a girl - First Year I think - might've gotten a glimpse of me earlier, but don't worry, by the time she looked back at me, I was gone," Sirius said in response to Hermione clapping her hand over her opened mouth, "probably thought it was an oddly shaped log or something."
"But, Sirius," Hermione lowered her hand, "this is taking an awful risk-"
"You sound like Molly," Sirius said, "but this was the only way, and Harry knew that. He hid the answer as much in his letter, which was very well written to not give any information away. Well done, Harry."
"Thanks," Harry said, smiling at his Godfather.
"Anyway, we better be quick, in case you are walked in on. So, about your Scar-"
"What about-" Ron started.
"We'll tell you later," Hermione said quickly, "go on, Sirius."
"Well, I know it can't be fun when it hurts, but we don't think it's anything to really worry about. It kept aching all last year, didn't it?"
"Yeah, and Dumbledore said it happened whenever Voldemort was feeling a powerful emotion," Harry said, ignoring Ron's wince to the name, "so maybe he was just, I dunno, really angry or something the night I had that detention."
"Well, now he's back it's bound to hurt more often," Sirius said.
"So you don't think it had anything to do with Umbridge touching me when I was in detention with her?" Harry asked.
"I doubt it... I know her by reputation and I'm sure she's no Death Eater-" Sirius said, but was cut off.
"She's foul enough to be one," Harry said darkly, and Ron and Hermione nodded vigorously in agreement.
"There are more evil and horrible Witches and Wizards in the world than just Death Eaters," Jake said.
"Precisely, the world isn't split into Good People and Death Eaters," Sirius said with a wry smile, "I know she's a nasty piece of work, though, you should hear Remus talk about her."
"Does Lupin know her?" Harry asked.
"No, but she drafted a bit of anti-werewolf legislation two years ago that makes it almost impossible for him to get a job," Sirius said, almost spiteful in his tone.
"What's she got against Werewolves?" Hermione asked angrily.
"I think it's more to do with part-humans in general, Hermione," Jake said.
"Correct again, Jake," Sirius said, "she also campaigned to have merpeople rounded up and tagged last year too... So what are her lessons like? Is she training you to kill half-breeds?"
"No," Harry said in a disappointed voice, "she's not letting us use magic at all."
"All we do is read the stupid textbook," Ron said.
"I actually already torched mine again," Jake said, earning an amused smirk from Sirius, "it's probably the only book I will ever burn, too."
"Well, it figures that you wouldn't be practicing magic in her class," Sirius said, "our information from inside the Ministry is that Fudge doesn't want you trained in combat."
" Trained in combat ?" Harry repeated incredulously, "what does he think we're doing, forming some kind of Wizarding Army?"
"That's exactly what he thinks you're doing, or that's what he thinks Dumbledore's doing," Sirius replied, "and he's especially afraid because no Witch or Wizard that supports him can even hope to compare to Jake. After what happened at the World Cup, there are very few Witches or Wizards in support of Fudge that aren't afraid of you. Word is he's got you on a special watch, but what that could possibly be, I have no idea."
"That's the stupidest thing I've ever heard," Ron said, "including all that stuff Luna Lovegood comes up wi- argh!" Ron yelped in pain as Jake slapped the back of his head.
"So we're being prevented from learning Defense Against the Dark Arts because Fudge is scared we'll use spells against the Ministry?" Hermione asked, fuming with rage.
"Yep," Sirius confirmed, "He thinks Dumbledore will stop at nothing to seize power. He's getting more paranoid about Dumbledore by the day. It's a matter of time before he has Dumbledore arrested on some trumped-up charge."
"Do you know if there's going to be anything about Dumbledore in the Daily Prophet tomorrow? Only Ron's brother, Percy, reckons there'll be something that happens," Harry said.
"I don't know, I haven't seen anyone from the Order all weekend, it's just been me and Kreacher here..." Sirius said, a bitterness in his tone.
"So you haven't had any news about Hagrid, either?" Harry asked.
"Ah... well, he was supposed to be back by now. No idea what's happened to him, but he was with Madame Maxime, and we are still in contact with her," Sirius said, "she lost contact with Hagrid after they got split on the return from their mission. There's nothing to suggest Hagrid is hurt, or at the very least that he's not fine. Dumbledore isn't worried, so you three shouldn't be either."
When Sirius said that, Hermione looked to Jake and saw his face was calm. Jake wasn't worried about Hagrid, and she wasn't quite sure why.
"Just don't go asking too many questions about him, okay?" Sirius asked, looking specifically at Harry when he did, "the less attention drawn to the fact he's not at Hogwarts, the better. He's Half-Giant, he'll be fine."
Hermione couldn't disagree with that; Hagrid was indeed Half-Giant, and Giants were practically impervious to most spells. It was very likely Hagrid inherited that from his mother.
"When's your next Hogsmeade Weekend anyway?" Sirius suddenly asked, "I was thinking, since we got away with the dog disguise at the station-"
"I wouldn't count on that," Jake interrupted him.
"What's that supposed to mean?" Sirius asked.
"Malfoy, he said something to me earlier this week while I was on patrol... I don't think your Black Dog disguise is as safe as you think. Wormtail's bound to have told Voldemort and his followers about it," Jake said.
"I've thought the same, but the risk-" Sirius started to say.
"Isn't worth it," Harry cut him off again, "not if it has the unfortunate outcome of you ending back up in Azkaban."
"You're less like your father than I thought," Sirius said almost sadly, "he'd have found fun in the risk of meeting up."
"If you are found again, Sirius, your life will be lived as nothing but a soulless shell, and that's if a Ministry Wizard finds you," Jake said, all eyes on him, "if a Death Eater finds you, it's the Cruciatus Curse until you prove useless, then it's death."
"Jake, that's-" Hermione started, but he said one more thing that cut her off.
"If that still sounds worth the risk, by all means, show up at Hogsmeade. If seeing your Godson after Voldemort is dealt with is more important, then you should stay home. I can't tell you what to do, I'm just a fifteen year old boy, but you've got to start weighing the risks, or it might end badly for you, that's all I'm saying," Jake said, earning nasty looks from at least two of the people looking at him.
"Jake is right, Sirius, and I don't think it's worth the risk of you coming to Hogsmeade," Harry said, a little reluctant.
"Well, I'd better get going, I can hear Kreacher coming down the stairs," Sirius said, but it was obviously a lie, "I'll write to tell you a time I can make it back into the fire, alright? If you can stand to risk it."
Sirius disappeared with a pop , and the crackling flames were back once again.
There was a stifling silence as they stood up from their places on the floor. They all looked at each other, "Well, it's late, we should probably go to bed..." Hermione said slowly.
Harry didn't wait for Ron or Jake, he hurried off up the staircase, disappearing quickly, "I'll make sure he's alright..." Ron said and followed after him.
"I think you could've said what you did to Sirius a bit less bluntly," Hermione said.
"I only said what I felt like should be said. Sirius doesn't care about the immensely high risk. It wasn't as bad back when he was in Hogwarts, the risk of life or death was much lower and he wasn't a wanted man. If he still wants to come down, that's his decision," Jake said with a sigh.
He turned to look at Hermione, and she saw how tired he looked. There's been a weight on his shoulders for a while now, and she couldn't even possibly imagine what he's going through that he doesn't tell her, 'It's fine if he doesn't tell me everything... he has no obligation to do as much, he'll tell me when he's ready... I hope.'
He reached out and gently touched her cheek with the back of his fingers, "I love you, Hermione," he whispered to her.
She placed her hand over his fingers, "I love you too, Jake."
He leaned down as she stood on her toes, and they kissed for a few seconds, "Sleep well, and I'll see you tomorrow, okay?"
"Okay, sleep well, my love," she said, almost having lost her nerve to add on that extra bit.
Unknown to her, it got his heart racing in his chest. They parted ways and he went up to his dorm room. Harry and Ron had already gone to bed, as neither of them were awake, or at the very least, their curtains pulled. He himself got ready for bed, removed his eyepatch, and got under the covers until he slept soundly for what was left of the darkness.
*******
The following morning at breakfast had been one of great anticipation as they waited for the Prophet to arrive. When it did, they expected to have to wait for Hermione to sift through every detail in the paper, but it was Headline news with a horrid picture of Umbridge slowly blinking at them.
MINISTRY SEEKS EDUCATIONAL REFORM
DOLORES UMBRIDGE APPOINTED FIRST-EVER "HIGH INQUISITOR"
"High Inquisitor?" Harry asked aloud, his toast slipping through his fingers.
"Son of a bitch..." Jake said underneath his breath, but his friends still heard him.
"What does that mean?" Ron asked, his fork hovering in the air as it traveled to his mouth.
Hermione began to read, " In a surprise move last night the Ministry of Magic passed new legislation giving itself an unprecedented level of control at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. 'The Minister has been growing uneasy about goings-on at Hogwarts for some time,' said Junior Assistant to the Minister, Percy Weasley, 'He is now responding to concerns voiced by anxious parents, who feel the school may be moving in a direction they do not approve.'
" This is not the first time in recent weeks Fudge has used new laws to effect improvements at the Wizarding school. As recently as August 30th Educational Decree Twenty-two was passed, to ensure that, in the event of the current headmaster being unable to provide a candidate for a teaching post, the Ministry should select an appropriate person. "
"Well, I was wrong about that," Jake said.
" 'That's how Dolores Umbridge came to be appointed to the teaching staff at Hogwarts,' said Weasley last night. ' Dumbledore couldn't find anyone, so the Minister put in Umbridge and of course, she's been an immediate success. Totally revolutionizing the teaching of Defense Against the Dark Arts and providing the Minister with on-the-ground feedback about what's really happening at Hogwarts.'
" It is this last function that the Ministry has now formalized with the passing of Educational Decree Twenty-three, which creates the new position of 'Hogwarts High Inquisitor.'
" 'This is an exciting new phase in the Minister's plan to get to grips with what some are calling the "falling standards" at Hogwarts,' said Weasley. 'The Inquisitor will have powers to inspect her fellow educators and make sure that they are coming up to scratch. Professor Umbridge has been offered this position in addition to her own teaching post, and we are delighted to say that she has accepted.'
" The Ministry's new moves have received enthusiastic support from parents of students at Hogwarts.
" 'I feel much easier in my mind now that I know that Dumbledore is being subjected to fair and objective evaluation,' said Mr. Lucius Malfoy, 41, speaking from his Wiltshire mansion last night. "
"He's 41? Hmm... interesting," Jake interrupted her again.
" 'Many of us with our children's best interests at heart have been concerned about some of Dumbledore's eccentric decisions in the last few years and will be glad to know that the Ministry is keeping an eye on the situation.'
" Among those 'eccentric decisions' are undoubtedly the controversial staff appointments previously described in this newspaper, which have included the hiring of Werewolf Remus Lupin, half-giant Rubeus Hagrid, delusional ex-Auror Mad-Eye Moody, and a Centaur named Firenze who replaced Sybill Trelawney as Divination Teacher at the beginning of last School Term for exposing the secret of Hogwarts Student Jake Kidd and his connection to Merlin.
" Rumors abound, of course, that Albus Dumbledore, once Supreme Mugwump of the International Confederation of Wizards and Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot, is no longer up to the task of managing the Prestigious school of Hogwarts.
" 'I think the appointment of the Inquisitor is a first step toward ensuring that Hogwarts has a Headmaster in whom we can all repose confidence,' said a Ministry insider last night.
" Wizengamot elders Griselda Marchbanks and Tiberius Ogden have resigned in protest at the introduction of the post of Inquisitor to Hogwarts.
" 'Hogwarts is a school, not an outpost of Cornelius Fudge's office,' said Madame Marchbanks, 'this is a further disgusting attempt to discredit Albus Dumbledore.' (For a full account of Madame Marchbanks' alleged links to subversive Goblin groups, turn to page 17). "
Hermione finished reading and glanced across the table at Harry and Ron.
"Knowing how stupid Witches and Wizards have proven themselves to be lately, I'm sure they all actually believe she has links to Goblin groups," Jake said, trying to lighten the mood slightly.
Hermione turned to him, "This is serious, Jake."
"And I'm taking it seriously. Lucius is being his usual self, Percy's so busy bending forward for Fudge, and speaking of Fudge, he's chosen to fight a war he can't possibly win," he said, and looked at Hermione, gazing deeply into one of her eyes.
She became flustered a bit and turned away from him, "At least we know for sure how Umbridge came to be here at Hogwarts. Fudge passed this 'Educational Decree' and forced her on us!" Harry said angrily.
"And he's given her the power to inspect other teachers," Hermione said, getting over her fluster, "I can't believe this... it's outrageous !"
"I know..." Harry said and clenched his fist.
Jake caught him looking at his fist, "Something wrong, Harry?" He tried to look for himself.
Harry, however, quickly brought his hand off the tabletop, "No, nothing's wrong," he replied shortly.
"Alright, whatever then," Jake wasn't going to argue with him.
They noticed a grin unfurling on Ron's face, "What?" Hermione asked him.
"This is perfect!" He said, and both Harry and Hermione went wide-eyed, "when Umbridge inspects McGonagall, she won't know what she's gotten herself into," Ron explained.
"Well, we better get going, if she's already started inspecting classes, and it happens to be one of Binns Fifth Year classes, we don't want to be late for it," Jake said, getting up from his seat.
When they got there, it proved that Umbridge was not inspecting History of Magic, at least not today. Binns' lessons were as boring as ever. Jake had already learned everything his HoM book had to offer, all the way through Seventh Year, so he used the class' time to practice his drawing.
He wasn't the greatest at it, yet, but when he did get good enough at it, he would attempt the most difficult thing ever; capturing Hermione's beauty in the most detailed, exquisite sketch that would ever exist. He just hoped he didn't do Hermione a disservice with it.
When they got to Snape's classroom down in the dungeons, Umbridge wasn't down there either. When Jake's Moonstone Essay was handed back to him, it had a large, resounding O at the top, and he smirked to himself, "I have awarded you the grades you would've received if you presented this work in your O.W.L.," Snape snarled gleefully, "this should give you a realistic idea of what to expect in your examination."
'I doubt it... some students are afraid of you, so they perform suboptimal, I'm sure they'll do much better when you aren't looming over them, you fucking cocksucker,' Jake thought to himself.
Snape reached the front of the classroom and turned to face them all, "The general standard for this homework was abysmal," he sighed, "most of you would have failed this had it been your examination. I expect to see a great deal more effort for this week's essay on the various varieties of venom antidotes, or I shall start handing out detentions to those dunces who get D's."
Malfoy snickered and said in a carrying whisper, "Some people got D's ? Ha!"
Snape then set forth for them to brew up a Strengthening Solution, which he knew to have to mature for the weekend and they'd be finishing them next Monday. The final color would be Turquoise, but the first stage had to be Sapphire Blue. Naturally, he felt confident by the end of class.
"Well, that wasn't as bad as last week, was it?" Hermione asked as they climbed the stairs out of the dungeons and made their way across the Entrance Hall for lunch period, "and the homework didn't go too badly either."
"No, it was actually rather easy compared to last week, which was still easy, but yeah," Jake said. Not really sure he said anything at all.
"I mean, sure, I didn't expect the Top Grade, not if he's marking to O.W.L. standard, but a pass is quite encouraging this early in the year, I'd say," Hermione said, but was met with silence that time. She looked at Jake and even from the side could tell he had a distant look in his eye.
They sat down at the Gryffindor Table and Hermione turned to her friends, "So... wh-what did you three get?" She asked, clearly hesitant to ask them.
"I got a P," Ron said nonchalantly, ladling soup onto his bowl.
"Nothing to be ashamed of, is it?" Fred asked as he, George, and Lee all came up to them, "Nothing wrong with a good, healthy P."
Jake tried his best to stifle his laughter, but was unable to and his voice carried a ways, even over the buzz of the room.
"But..." Hermione started after Jake calmed down, "doesn't P stand for-"
"Poor, yeah," Lee said, "still better than a D, isn't it? Dreadful."
"So Top Grade's O for Outstanding, then it's A-"
"No, next is E for Exceeds Expectations," George said, "honestly, Fred and I should have gotten E's for everything. We exceeded expectations every time we even showed up for class."
Everyone but Hermione and Jake laughed at that, "So after E it's A for Acceptable..." Hermione trailed off, she had gotten an A, which she was no longer as happy about, "that's the last of the passing grades, right?"
"Yep," Fred said, dunking a roll into his soup and then transferred it to his mouth, where he swallowed it in one go.
"Then you go P for Poor," Ron raised his hands in mock celebration, "Then D for Dreadful."
"And T," Jake said, "it stands for Troll."
Hermione turned to him, "What did you get?" She asked. Since he answered, she feared that Snape had failed him so horribly.
"..." He was quiet.
"Don't tell me..." Lee said, a smile forming on his face, "Did the Great Jake Kidd get a T?"
"No... I got an O..." he pulled his essay from his robes to prove to them he had gotten an O.
Hermione was in complete shock, 'He got an O...? I shouldn't...I shouldn't be so surprised... he's the most intelligent Wizard ever... he'll get all O's on his O.W.L.s no problem.'
"No wonder you became a Prefect," George said in a less than friendly tone, but Jake disregarded it, as he knew that was not the reason he became Prefect.
"You lot had an inspection yet?" Fred asked them as a change in topic.
"Not yet, no," Hermione said, "have you?"
"Just now before lunch," Lee said, "Charms."
"What was it like?" Harry asked.
Fred shrugged, "Not that bad. Umbridge just lurked in the corner making notes on a clipboard. You know what Flitwick's like, he treated her like a guest, didn't seem to bother him at all. She didn't say much, asked Alicia a couple of questions about what the classes are normally like, Alicia told her they were really good, and that was it."
"I can't see old Flitwick getting marked down," George said, " he usually gets everyone through their exams with an E."
"Who've you got this afternoon?" Fred asked Harry.
"Firenze, then Umbridge for Double Defense Against the Dark Arts," Harry answered.
"Arithmancy for Jake and I," Hermione said.
"Well, be a good boy and keep your temper with Umbridge today, yeah?" George asked before continuing, "Angelina is likely to blow a gasket if you miss any more Quidditch Practice."
Jake and Hermione went to Arithmancy where Vector was waiting on then with a more pleased than usual expression, and no Umbridge in sight, "Good Afternoon," she said after everyone took their seats, "I'm pleased with your homework results, and as such, I will be giving you harder assignments, as I think you all can handle the increase in difficulty."
Unsurprisingly, most of the class groaned and complained, but Vector was quick to silence them, saying that if anyone got below an E on the next assignment, she was assigning them detention.
After class, they met Harry and Ron near Umbridge's classroom, "Was Umbridge in your class?" Hermione asked.
"Yeah... Firenze held his own, and ignored Umbridge's clear disdainfulness for him, being half-Human and half-Horse," Ron answered her, "She asked him to give her a prediction, but he explained it didn't work that way and that if she came back the next day, the Moons and Planets would have an answer for her. She was rather angry after that..."
They all walked into class and seated themselves, taking out Defensive Magical Theory , Jake not getting his out as he had torched it. Some students had gotten their wands out, but their hopefulness was shattered the moment Umbridge opened her mouth, "Wands away," she instructed them smilingly, "as we finished Chapter One last lesson, I would like you all to turn to page nineteen today and commence Chapter Two, 'Common Defensive Theories and Their Derivation.' There will be no need to talk."
The class gave an audible sigh as they turned to page nineteen. Jake took out his sketches and decided to continue working on those. He didn't get very far when he saw out of the corner of his eye, Hermione had her hand up in the air again.
He glanced up at Umbridge, and she noticed Hermione's hand as well, but the look on her face said she had prepared for this eventuality. Instead of deciding to try and pretend Hermione wasn't doing anything but reading, she got to her feet and walked through and around the desks until she was in between her and Jake. He promptly closed his eye when she unnecessarily leaned forward, as she was quite short enough to not have to do so, "What is it this time, Miss Granger?"
"I've already read Chapter Two," Hermione answered.
"Well then, proceed to Chapter Three," Umbridge gave her that same, stupid fake smile.
"I've read that too. I've read the whole book," Hermione said.
Umbridge blinked at her, but she recovered her poise quickly, "Well, then you should be able to tell me what Slinkhard says about counterjinxes in Chapter Fifteen."
"He says that counterjinxes are improperly named," Hermione said promptly, "he says 'counterjinx' is just a name people give their jinxes when they want to make them sound more acceptable."
Professor Umbridge raised her eyebrows, and Hermione knew she was doing the professional thing and forcing the look of 'impressed' on her face against her will.
Hermione then said something that irritated Umbridge, "But I disagree."
Her look had turned distinctly colder, "You disagree?"
"Yes, I do," Hermione said before continuing, and not in the whisper-like voice Umbridge was using, "Mr. Slinkhard doesn't like jinxes, does he? But I think they can be very useful when they're used Defensively."
"Oh, you do, do you?" Umbridge said, forgetting to whisper and straightened up. If anyone in the class wasn't paying attention before, they were now, "Well, I'm afraid it is Mr. Slinkhard's opinion, and not yours, that matters within this classroom, Miss Granger."
"But-" Hermione began.
"That is enough," Jake heard her walk back to the front of class and reopened his eye, "Miss Granger, I am going to take Five Points from Gryffindor."
There was an outbreak of muttering at this, as Hermione almost never had points taken from Gryffindor.
"What for?" Harry asked in a challenging voice.
"Shut up, Harry," Jake whispered to him, but Harry didn't seem to be listening.
"For disrupting my classroom with pointless interruptions," Umbridge said smoothly, "I am here to teach you a Ministry-approved method that does not include inviting students to give their opinions on matters about which they understand very little. Your previous teachers in this subject may have allowed you more license, but as none of them - with the possible exception of Professor Quirrell, who did at least appear to have restricted himself to age-appropriate subjects - wouldn't have passed a Ministry inspection-"
"Yeah, well Quirrell was a great teacher," Harry said loudly.
"Shut up," Jake tried once more, through gritted teeth, to get Harry to shut up.
"There was just that minor drawback," Harry said, ignoring Jake, "you know, of him having Voldemort sticking out the back of his head."
Jake sighed, being the only audible sound before a silence fell upon the class. It lasted only five seconds before Umbridge spoke up, an evil, wicked grin spreading across her face, "I think another week's detention would do you some good, Mr. Potter."
*******
The following morning ended up going just as how George had predicted. Angelina had charged up to Harry and began yelling at him during breakfast, but McGonagall was quick to stop her, "Miss Johnson, how dare you make such a racket in the Great Hall! Five Points from Gryffindor!"
"But Professor - he's gone and landed himself in detention again !" Angelina complained.
"What's this, Potter?" McGonagall rounded on him quickly, "Detention? From whom?"
"From Professor Umbridge..." Harry muttered, not meeting McGonagall's gaze.
"Are you telling me..." She began slowly and quietly so that the curious group of Ravenclaw who were listening in could not hear her, "that after the warning I gave you last Monday you lost your temper in Umbridge's class again?"
"Yes," Harry muttered, speaking to the floor.
"Potter, you must get a grip on yourself! You're heading for serious trouble! And another Five Points from Gryffindor!"
"But - what? Professor, no !" Harry yelled, furious at the injustice, "I'm already being punished by her , why do you have to take points as well?"
"Because detentions do not appear to have any affect on you whatsoever!" McGonagall said tartly, "No, not another word of complaint, Potter! And as for you, Miss Johnson, you will confine your shouting to the Quidditch Pitch in the future, or you will forfeit the team Captaincy!"
McGonagall walked back up to the staff table and Angelina looked back at Harry angrily. Just as she was about to walk away, Jake spoke up, "Angelina," she turned back to him, "I'd like to reapply for Reserve Seeker..."
Angelina's anger towards Harry was forgotten for the moment, "Jake thank you!" She gave him a quick embrace before he sat down, "Practice will be held tomorrow and Friday evening. You didn't toss your Quidditch Robes, did you?"
"I outgrew my old ones, so I had to get resized at Madam Malkins, but no, I've not tossed them," he said as her smile grew wider, "but the moment Harry comes back and out of detention, I'm only going to show up Monday and Friday for Practice."
"Great, I'll see you tomorrow afternoon!" She bounded off happily.
Jake sat down and glared at Harry, "You had better fucking control your temper in Umbridge's class, Potter. I didn't want to rejoin the team, but I won't sit by idly and let Slytherin dominate the Quidditch matches."
Hermione just merely rustled the pages of the Daily Prophet and said nothing.
This caused Harry to round on both of them, "You both think McGonagall was right, do you?"
Hermione lowered the paper, "I wish she hadn't taken points off you, but I think she's right to warn you not to lose your temper again with Umbridge," Hermione said, "I was actually very surprised you managed to not lose yours, Jake."
"Yeah, I was expecting you to blow your desk up again, or the windows blown outwards, or something when she took points off of Gryffindor because Hermione was speaking factually," Ron said.
Hermione gave Ron an appreciative smile before turning back to Jake.
"I promised Hermione I'd control my anger this year, unless something horrible was said to her, or happened to her, so I kept my anger in check," he shrugged, "believe me, I wanted to very badly strangle that Toad woman until she turned purple, but I didn't."
"Well, I'm proud of you, Jake," Hermione smiled at him.
Harry didn't speak to either of them in Charms class, but when they got to Transfiguration, he seemed to forget his anger completely; in the corner of class, Umbridge sat with a clipboard.
"Excellent," Ron whispered giddily to them as they took their usual seats, "Let's see Umbridge get what she deserves."
McGonagall strolled into class, giving no indication that she saw, or even knew Umbridge was there, "That will do," and silence immediately befell the classroom, "Mr. Finnigan, kindly come up here and hand back the homework - Miss Brown, please take this box of mice - don't be silly, girl, they won't hurt you - and hand one to each student-"
" Hem, hem ," Umbridge gave that stupid little cough that she gave on the first night back to Hogwarts when she interrupted Dumbledore. Professor McGonagall ignored her, and that got a smirk from Jake. Seamus handed him his homework, and he saw an O at the top. He feared that maybe Hogwarts was becoming too easy? He was, after all, way ahead of his peers, and he was ahead of every Seventh Year too.
"Right then, everyone, listen closely - Dean Thomas, if you do that to that mouse again I shall put you in detention - most of you have now successfully vanished your snails and even those who are left with a certain amount of shell have the gist of the spell. Today we shall-"
" Hem, hem ," Umbridge interrupted.
" Yes ?" Professor McGonagall asked, turning around to face Umbridge, her eyebrows so close together, they seemed to form one long, thin line.
"I was just wondering, Professor," Umbridge started sweetly, "whether you received my note informing you of the date and time of your inspec-"
"Obviously I received it, otherwise I would have asked you what you are doing creeping in a corner in my classroom," Professor McGonagall said, and a satisfying silence filled the classroom for two seconds, "As I was saying, today we shall be practicing the altogether more difficult vanishment of mice. Now, the Vanishing Spell-"
" Hem, hem ."
"I wonder," Professor McGonagall said in cold fury, turning to face Umbridge, "how you expect to gain an idea of my usual teaching methods if you continue to interrupt me? You see, I generally do not permit people to talk while I'm talking."
Jake could've sworn Christmas arrived early. The way his Head of House handled Umbridge was beautiful. The Toady woman herself looked as though she had just been slapped in the face. She did not speak again, but she did straighten the parchment on her clipboard and began scribbling furiously. Looking supremely unconcerned, McGonagall continued.
"As I was saying, the Vanishing Spell becomes more difficult with the complexity of the animal to be vanished. The snail, as an invertebrate, does not present much of a challenge; the mouse, a mammal with a defined skeletal structure, offers a much greater one. This is not, therefore, an assignment you can accomplish with your mind on dinner - you know the incantation, let me see what you can do..."
Jake at once picked up his wand and used the Vanishing Spell on the mouse, which vanished entirely, leaving no trace of the squeaking vermin.
McGonagall walked up to him, "Once again, Kidd, you have accomplished the assignment on your first attempt. I know you are well beyond even N.E.W.T. level, so I stopped using your work as comparison for your peers, and instead I use it for my Seventh Years. Your Toad into a Toadstool was so miraculously superb, and none of them managed it until at least their fourth attempt. Fifteen Points will be awarded to Gryffindor," McGonagall smiled at him and walked to another student who was struggling.
The entire class, Umbridge was scribbling in her clipboard furiously in her corner. When McGonagall finally told them to pack up and head for their final class, Umbridge rose with a grim expression on her face.
As they walked out, Umbridge walked up to McGonagall's desk. Jake ushered them out and used the spell he did last year to enhance his hearing and eavesdrop.
"How long have you been teaching at Hogwarts?" He heard Umbridge ask.
"Thirty-nine years this December," he heard McGonagall say, and the sound of her bag closing shut.
He heard Umbridge scribble something on her clipboard, "Very well, you will receive the results of your inspection in ten day's time."
"I can hardly wait," he heard McGonagall say in the most sarcastic and dry tone he'd ever heard from her.
He moved them away from the door quickly when he heard footsteps heading towards the door, and he quickly explained to them what was said as they made their way to Care of Magical Creatures.
As they made it outside, hot on their heels was Umbridge as she followed them down the stairs and across the lawn towards Professor Grubbly-Plank. She began speaking to her the moment she was beside her, and the four of them could hear Umbridge as she spoke, "You do not usually teach this class, is that correct?"
They stopped at the table of bowtruckles, all of which were grasping and scrambling around for woodlice.
"Quite correct," Professor Grubbly-Plank said, her hands behind her back as she bounced on the balls of her feet, "I am a substitute teacher standing in for Professor Hagrid."
"Hmm, I wonder..." Umbridge dropped her voice, but Jake was right next to her, so he could still hear her speaking clearly, "the Headmaster seems strangely reluctant to give me any information on the matter - can you tell me what is the reason for Professor Hagrid's very extended Leave of Absence?"
"Afraid I can't," Grubbly-Plank said breezily, "Don't know anything more than you do on the matter. Got an Owl from Dumbledore, would I like a couple of weeks teaching work, accepted - that's as much as I know. Well... shall I get started then?"
"Yes, please do," Umbridge said, scribbling upon her clipboard.
Umbridge took a different approach to this class and walked among the students, questioning them on Magical Creatures. She questioned Jake about a Demiguise, a known Magical Creature found only in the Far East, and he answered her questions with cool precision and a controlled temperament, despite his disdain for the Toady woman, who was much, much shorter than him.
She must not have expected him to know so much about the Creature, because her face scrunched up and she went up to another student.
"Overall," Umbridge said to Grubbly-Plank after she got done grilling Dean on information about Murtlaps, "how do you, as a temporary member of staff - an objective outsider, I suppose you might say - how do you find Hogwarts? Do you feel you receive enough support from the school management?"
"Oh, yes, Dumbledore's excellent," Grubbly-Plank said heartily, "No, I am very happy with the way things are run, very happy indeed."
Looking politely incredulous, Umbridge made a tiny note on her clipboard and went on, "And what are you planning to covet with this class this year - assuming, of course, that Professor Hagrid does not return?"
"Oh, I'll take them through the Creatures that most often come up in O.W.L.," Grubbly-Plank said, "Not much left to do as far as that's concerned - they've studied Unicorns and Nifflers, I thought we'd cover Porlocks and Kneazles, make sure they can recognize Crups and Knarls, you know..."
"Well, you seem to know what you're doing at any rate," Umbridge said, making a very obvious tick on her clipboard, "Now, I hear there have been injuries in this class?"
Goyle gave a stupid grin and Malfoy was eager to answer, jumping at the opportunity, "That was me, I was slashed by a Hippogriff in my Third Year."
"A Hippogriff?" Umbridge said in faux-shock, scribbling frantically.
Hermione was prepared for Harry to speak, and had already motioned to grab him, but it was Jake who spoke up. It wasn't confrontational, though, it was casual and informative.
"If you had paid attention to what Hagrid had said, you would've avoided injury," Jake said, interacting with a Bowtruckle as he did.
Umbridge turned to him, "You think Mr. Malfoy here could've avoided injury?"
"I do. Hippogriff are proud creatures, they don't take kindly to insults. Malfoy here called the one named Buckbeak an 'ugly brute' and he took offense. He could've simply not insulted the Hippogriff, and he'd have been fine," Jake answered, looking down at Umbridge, "the thing about Magical Creatures is that you have to understand them, without understanding you will get hurt."
Umbridge gave a falsely sweet smile and turned to Grubbly-Plank, "Well, thank you very much, Professor Grubbly-Plank, I think that's all I need here. You will be receiving the results of your examination within ten days."
"Jolly good," Grubbly-Plank said and Umbridge set off across the grounds back up to the Castle.
*******
At dinner that evening, just before Harry left for his detention with Umbridge, he told Hermione the truth about the nature of the detentions. He only told her because Jake said he had something to work on, so he cut dinner early.
"Umbridge's detentions... they cause this," he said and showed her his hand with the wound on the back of it.
"Harry... why haven't you told Jake?"
"If he found out... he'd take the school down in a blind fury before he assaulted the Ministry... and that would only be after he killed Umbridge..." Harry muttered.
"Alright... I won't tell him either... I'll have something ready for your hand when you get back," Hermione said.
"Thank you, Hermione, truly," he had a pained but thankful expression behind his eyes. Hermione smiled at him before he walked off.
She turned to Ron, "Why did you not tell me sooner?"
"I promise Harry I wouldn't say a word unless he was ready to say it himself," he answered.
"That's about what Jake said..." Hermione sighed as she and Ron stood up from the table and went back to Gryffindor Tower. Upon returning, Jake wasn't there, "Where do you think he is? Could you check your dorm room for me?"
"Yeah," Ron said and went up the stairs. He came back a moment later, "He's not in there. His curtains are open, but there's no one in that room."
"He's probably in a random classroom then... Why does he do that?" Hermione lamented.
"Do what?" Ron asked as he got some homework out to try and do.
"Do something without telling me what... he did it last year, and I still have no idea what he did last year..." She sighed, wishing he would tell her what he was doing.
It was nearly midnight when Harry returned, but Jake had yet to return. Harry came over to them, holding his hand with a scarf. The sight of him was pitiful.
"Here," Hermione said anxiously, pushing a small bowl of yellow liquid towards him, "I believe I brewed it correctly. Jake would know for sure, but I can't exactly ask him without him becoming suspicious and asking why... maybe he won't-" Hermione stopped herself, "never mind... but soak your hand in that, it's a solution of strained and pickled murlap tentacles, it should help if I brewed it correctly."
Harry carefully placed his aching and bleeding hand into the liquid, and Hermione heard a sigh of relief come from him. She saw Crookshanks curl around his leg for a second, then he hopped up onto Harry's lap, curling into an orange fluff ball, "Thanks, Hermione..."
"I still reckon you should complain about this..." Ron said in a low voice.
"No," Harry said flatly.
"McGonagall would go nuts if she knew-" Ron started.
"Yeah, she probably would," Harry said, "and how long do you reckon it'd take Fudge to pass another Decree saying anyone who complains about the High Inquisitor gets sacked immediately?"
"I doubt-" Hermione started, but stopped when she thought of Jake, "She's an awful woman..." Hermione said in a small voice, " Awful . You know, I was just saying to Ron before you came back... we've got to do something about her..."
"I suggested Poison," Ron said grimly.
"Jake would agree with you on that," Harry said.
"No, I mean something about what a dreadful teacher she is, and how we're not going to learn any Defense from her at all," Hermione said in a breathy tone.
"Well, what can we do about that?" Ron asked, stifling a yawn, " 'S too late, isn't it? She got the job, she's here to stay, Fudge'll make sure of that."
"Well..." Hermione started tentatively, "You know, I was thinking today..." She shot a nervous look at Harry and then the portrait hole, as if she expected Jake to just appear through it right then, "I was thinking that - maybe the time has come where we should just - just do it ourselves."
"Do what ourselves?" Harry asked suspiciously.
"Well, learn Defense Against the Dark Arts ourselves," she said like it was incredibly obvious.
"Come off it," Ron groaned, "you want us to do extra work? Do you realize Harry and I are already behind on homework again, and it's only the second week?"
"Harry wouldn't be behind if he didn't spend all of his evening in detention," Hermione said, pulling no punches, "besides, this is much more important than homework."
Her two friends goggled at her, "I didn't think there was anything more important in the world than homework?" Ron asked.
"Oh, don't be silly, of course there is," Hermione said and her mind went to Jake. She'd give up homework for life if that was the only way to be with him, "it's about preparing ourselves, like Harry said in Umbridge's first lesson, for what's waiting out there. Jake also said that the classroom was supposed to prepare us for the real world, and it has so far failed to do so. It's time us students take that responsibility into our own hands... if we lose a whole year of Defense learning..."
"Well, we can't do much by ourselves..." Ron said in a defeated tone, "I mean, alright, we can go and look up jinxes in the library and try and practice them, I suppose-"
"No, I agree, with Spells, we've gone past the stage where we can learn things from books," Hermione said, "We need a teacher, or two, proper ones, who can show us how to use spells and correct us if we're going about them wrong."
"If you're talking about Lupin and Moody..." Harry began.
"No, no, I'm not talking about them," Hermione said, "they're too busy with the Order, and even then, we'd only be able to see them on Hogsmeade weekends, and that's not nearly often enough, we would have to meet more often."
"Who, then?" Harry asked her with a frown.
"I thought it was obvious, Harry," Hermione said, "I'm talking about you and Jake."
It was silent for a moment, the rattling of the windowpane could be heard in the silence, "About me and Jake what?" Harry asked.
"I'm talking about both of you teaching us Defense Against the Dark Arts," Hermione said, a smile playing on her lips.
Harry looked from her to Ron. She turned to the red-head and he was frowning, apparently in thought, then said, "That's an idea, and a brilliant one, Hermione."
"What's an idea?" Harry asked.
"You and Jake, teaching us how to do it!"
"But..." Hermione heard Harry say. She turned and he was grinning, but he still didn't seem to accept what they were saying, "but I'm not a teacher, I can't-"
"Harry, you're second in the year for Defense Against the Dark Arts, only behind Jake, even if it is a wide margin, you're still second best in the class. You and him both can teach us."
"No, Hermione, you've beaten me every year for Defense Against the Dark Arts..." Harry said, still defiant.
"Actually, no... I got Third best in our Third Year, the only year we both sat through it while having a good teacher who was worth a damn. But I'm not talking about test results, Harry. Look at what you've done !"
"How do you mean?" Harry asked her.
"You know what? I'm not sure I want someone this stupid teaching me," Ron said, grinning the entire time, "maybe we should just have Jake do it?" He then turned to Harry, "Let's think, uh... First Year, you saved the stone from You-Know-Who."
"But that was luck, that wasn't skill... and Jake took down a Manticore with Wandless and Non-verbal Magic at the age of 12. If he wasn't there, Hermione and I would've been dead in that room."
"Second Year, you saved my sister," Ron said.
"Jake killed the Basilisk, though... I destroyed the Diary with the Sword, but if Fawkes hadn't shown up to deliver it-"
"Third Year," Hermione said, "well... Third Year it was Jake who fended off the Dementors..."
"But last year, you survived the Tournament and fought off You-Know-Who again-"
"Listen to me!" Harry said angrily while she and Ron both were smirking, "just listen to me, alright? It sounds great when you put it all that way... but anything that involved just me was all luck... I didn't know what I was doing half the time, I didn't plan any of it, I just did whatever I could think of, and I had help nearly in all of those instances-"
Harry stopped talking when the Portrait swung open. Hermione, wide-eyed, quickly hid the bowl with the liquid and Harry hid his hand from sight, because their assumptions were correct; Jake had come back into Gryffindor Tower, "Jake, about time you showed up," Hermione said in her best mock-scolding voice.
"Yeah, I didn't realize what time it was... sorry... so what's going on, why are y'all still awake?" He asked as he sat on the floor. He felt that if he sat in a comfy chair, he'd fall asleep in it.
"We were discussing what to do about Defense Against the Dark Arts," Hermione said.
"What did you c-" He yawned, "come up with?"
"They want you and I to teach them spells," Harry said, still acting like it was a ridiculous idea.
Jake was quiet a moment, "When do we start?"
His answer practically floored Harry, "What!?" His raised voice caused Crookshanks to scurry off of him.
"We aren't learning anything in Defense class as it stands now, so I think it's a brilliant idea, Hermione," he smiled at her.
"How do you know it was just her idea?" Ron asked.
Jake merely glared at the red-head before speaking, "Because Hermione's not behind on Homework, Hermione does well in every class, and Hermione likely has a 200+ IQ, so trust me, I know it was her idea, and no one else's."
Ron had a look of shock on his face, "Next time just tell me I'm an idiot, it might hurt less."
"Oh I will, just because you said I could," Jake then smirked at his red-headed friend.
"You're seriously going through with it?" Harry asked him.
"If you don't, I will, it's the best chance everyone else has at passing their O.W.L.," he answered.
"Yeah, because you're so fucking smart that you're ahead of Seventh Years," Harry said, fuming, "Why the hell are you even still here at Hogwarts!?"
Jake just looked at him calmly, "Does yelling help? If it does, then continue."
Harry's face softened when he said that, "Sorry... sorry, but they're trying to make me out to be something I'm not..."
"And what are you, Harry?" Jake asked.
"I'm just Harry Potter," He answered.
"No, you're more than just Harry Potter, like it or not, you're the Boy Who Lived. The first time, okay, it was a fluke, but the second time, you fought back against and survived Voldemort. It is sad that Cedric paid the ultimate price just so you could warn everyone that Voldemort returned, but if it had been reversed, you'd want him to do the same thing and stop Voldemort, and not let your sacrifice be in vain," Jake said. He wasn't sure how receptive Harry was going to be, but he had to say it.
Harry sat quietly for a moment, but then Hermione spoke up, "Harry, just think about it, okay? Jake, do you mind if we wait on Harry's answer?"
"I don't mind, but don't take too longer to answer, the longer this is put off, the harder it'll be," Jake said and he stood up off the floor, "Well, it's a long day tomorrow, and we don't have a lot of night left, we should all go to sleep."
"Okay, before you go, can you tell me where you were?" Hermione asked.
"I was doing something... important... it's important to me anyway... I just lost track of time, to tell you the truth..." he said, looking away from her.
"Well... if you want to tell me about it..." Hermione trailed off.
"I will, but it'll have to be later in the year when I'm more confident in it," he said.
"More confident? I didn't figure you had anything to be more confident about when it came to Magic?" Ron asked him.
"I never said it involved magic, did I?" Jake looked at Ron with a tired expression, "whatever, I'm going to bed... goodnight, Hermione," he embraced her for a moment before letting go and going up to his bed.
Hermione watched him leave and turned back to Harry, "I'll clean up everything here, you both just go up to bed."
"Okay... goodnight, Hermione," Ron said, almost embarrassed.
"Goodnight, Ron, Harry," she smiled and cleaned up everything after they left. She sat there on the chair afterwards, 'Jake, I wonder what it is you want to show me later when you're more confident... it's not magic related... what could it be?' She tried thinking more about it as she went up to bed, but she made no progress, and resolved to just go to sleep.