School progressed through the introduction to classes. Both Harry and Hermione rapidly climbed to the top of the class ranks with their brilliance and studious habits. The two of them realized they were kindred academic spirits, and quickly became study buddies, preferring each other as partners for their classes. Harry even preferred Hermione for his dance and comportment partner. After just a week, they were completely inseparable and always seen together talking and reading.
However, one difference they did have was Hermione's need to prove herself. Harry has long since learned to keep to the shadows if possible, so didn't volunteer to answer anything. However, Hermione tried to answer every question, and wrote ridiculously long essays for her assignments. She was told to stop doing this, but ignored the instructions. Harry even mentioned to her she was irritating the professors and alienating the other students, but she didn't listen.
A few weeks later, Hermione was working on her homework in the common room, when the 5th year female prefect came over.
"Miss Granger? Please follow me." she commanded coldly.
Hermione looked up at the prefect and nervously asked, "Where are we going?
"The SETT would like a word" she said sternly, and started walking away, obviously expected Hermione to follow.
Hermione realized this could not be good. She had witnessed a few students go meet the SETT, and they rarely came back happy. A few came back crying, after having been paddled...or caned. Hermione, feared for her bottom, and hurried to follow. She was led to a room across the hall known for SETT meetings...and discipline. Hermione went through the door, and gasped. Directly in the center of the room was a sturdy wood spanking bench with ominous thick leather straps hanging off of it. She understood these were to immobilize the student with their bottom completely exposed, so the student could not interfere in their punishment...or run away. A semicircular table stretched around the spanking bench with 10 high-backed seats reminiscent of a medieval courtroom...the kind noted for brutal justice. Seven were occupied. Four with prefects including Tonks, and another three with other 7th years.
The Prefect who had escorted Hermione to the meeting, directed Hermione to stand next to the spanking bench, with a frown. Hermione with some trepidation, went over to the bench. It didn't look any less ominous up close. She could easily imagine herself strapped over it with her bottom exposed and beaten...unable to escape. Hermione shuddered.
Tonks, noted Hermione inspecting the bench up close...as every student did the first time in this room. After giving Hermione time to understand the risk of being uncooperative here, Tonks then decided to begin the meeting. "We have heard that you have an issue with needing to answer every question, Miss Granger. Is this true?"
Hermione looked confused and didn't understand the nature of the question, "I thought answering questions earned Hufflepuff house points and that was a good thing."
Tonks sighed, this would go much better if they could get Hermione to understand the problem. She explained, "Yes...and No. Do you remember my saying that house points were useless because of Professor Snape?"
Hermione nodded.
Tonks asked calmly, "Hermione...What is the purpose of a teacher asking questions?"
Hermione answered succinctly, "To determine if the students know the material."
Tonks nodded but then gently asked, "True, but how can the teacher determine that for his students, if one student insists on answering all the questions?"
Hermione looked crushed as she realized the nature of the problem.
Tonks then explained further, "Listen Hermione, the teachers are not stupid. Sometimes purposefully obtuse, but never stupid. They all have read your essays and know about your prodigious knowledge. You don't need to answer questions to convince them of anything, and if they have doubt, they will call on you personally."
Hermione nodded with tears in her eyes.
"The SETT has noted that you are an exceptional student and want you to succeed here at Hogwarts. In order to do that, you need to stop alienating the students and professors."
Now done with the explanation, Tonks straightened up in her chair, and commanded "Therefore these are your instructions. First, you are henceforth forbidden, to raise your hand to answer questions in class for the rest of this term. If a professor wants your input, they will ask you for it. Second, you will write your essays using normal sized writing, a maximum of 110% the requested length. You are muggle-raised so I will assume you can do the math?"
Hermione, with tears flowing down her cheeks, curtseyed "Yes, Heir Tonks"
Tonks firmly commanded, "Repeat our instructions then and swear to obey them."
Hermione, almost blubbering, oathed "I will no longer raise my hand to answer questions, this term. I will only speak in class when directly spoken to this term. I will write all assignments with 110% space maximum this term. You have my word, Heir Tonks."
Tonks smirked, "Cheeky, but acceptable. Hermione, we are not doing this to hurt you but improve you. Everyone knows you are smart, stop rubbing it in their face."
Tonks face then became unfriendly as she warned with an ominous tone to her voice, "Now the unpleasant part, you will not be punished at this time, but you have given your word and shown understanding of our instructions. As such, our punishment if you break your word will be unpleasant. After talking about this with Madam Sprout, she agrees you need something significant to break this habit. As such, you are hereby notified the breaking of this bond will result in 5 from a paddle on your pants, the second offense will be 10 on pants. You really, REALLY won't enjoy the third offense, as you will be bare. You have been warned. Go."
As Hermione turned to leave crying, Tonks called out "Oh, Hermione? All the professors are aware of our instructions. I strongly suggest you say nary-a-word, and keep your assignments exactly at asked for length in Snape's class. He would love to witness your bottom being corrected. Don't give him the satisfaction."
A week later, Hermione received her first paddling with Snape watching with a cold smile. She had to admit that while he egged her into it, it was her mistake for daring to write that essay...which he measured as 115%, and declared a violation.
The following month, she received her second from McGonagall. Harry and Neville thought it was completely unfair as Ron caused it. Ron had a bad day in charms and ran to McGonagall about Grangers 'attitude.' They were furious as no Hufflepuffs or even Professor Flitwick were consulted as witnesses.
Unfortunately, Hermione had to endure it, and spent the night crying in her bed. She was terrified of being stripped for the third violation punishment.
Harry was crushed, and Tonks had to remind him, when he considered a brutal response to Mr. Weasley, that Hermione would share the blame.
The next day in Transfiguration, Ron noticed Hermione shifting in her seat and wincing.
At the end of class while they were leaving, Ron wandered over behind Hermione and loudly said, "So, the know-it-all without friends, has a sore bottom because she can't stop bothering people. Get used to it, it's going to happen a lot!"
Hermione ran away crying.
Harry was unable to interfere, as Neville stopped him when he made a move on Ron.
Neville holding Harry back consoled, "Don't Harry, it will just make things worse! She needs time to collect herself. We will see her in a couple hours for the Samhain feast."
At the feast, Harry was worried. Hermione had never shown up. When Quirrell came in and mentioned the Troll, the students were sent back to their common rooms.
Harry stopped and said to Neville, "Cover for me, I'm finding Hermione."
Neville looked at him angrily and stated, "Not without me you're not! Let's go!"
Harry and Neville heard from Susan that Hermione was in the 2nd floor girl's bathroom. On arriving at the bathroom, Neville halted. Harry just strode in without pausing. Neville sighed and followed.
Hermione was in a stall, and you could hear her crying.
Harry called out worriedly "Hermione! Are you alright?"
Hermione stopped crying and called out confused, "Harry? Why are you here?"
Harry didn't want Hermione in trouble, and who knew where that troll was. He quickly explained, "There is a troll loose, we need to get to the common room now!"
As Hermione was coming out of the stall, they heard a low growl. Harry and Neville quietly backed away from the door, but the whole wall exploded throwing bricks and wood everywhere. Harry shielded Hermione with his arm and Neville took one to his leg "Ow!". Harry yelled, "Throw bricks at it, it's all we can do!" As they threw bricks at the Troll, it widened the hole and pushed in, stumbling on the wreckage underfoot. In the process the troll staggered to the side, leaving a path to get by.
While Neville continued to throw bricks, Harry quickly dragged Hermione out past the Troll. Once Harry had Hermione clear of the troll, he turned back to help Neville. Harry saw the troll was now targeting Neville, and ignoring them.
"Go get help!" Harry yelled.
Hermione yelled back, "I'm not leaving you!"
The bricks were having no effect, and the troll moved closer to Neville. Neville tried to dodge to the side and stumbled on the wreckage, falling to the floor. The troll stepped overhead and raised his club to crush this irritating bug at its feet. As the troll readied his club, Harry yelled, "NO!"
Hermione watched as Harry's eyes lit with a green fire and he just punched his hand at the troll letting out an inarticulate scream. A sword from a nearby suit of armor broke away and flew straight at the troll's head. The sword hit with such force it impaled straight through it's face...killing it.
Harry collapsed as the glow from his eyes faded, just as the troll fell.
At this point McGonagall came running up with Professor Vector.
McGonagall stopped at the wreckage seeing Harry on the ground and Hermione holding his head. She screamed, "Are you hurt? Who's all here?"
Harry, slowly standing back up with Hermione's help, "I'm fine. Neville and I came to warn Hermione. I don't think anyone else is here."
Hermione quietly answered, unwilling to look at McGonagall. "I'm not injured. I need to take Harry to the infirmary, he was hit with some bricks and used magic to kill the troll. I think he hurt himself."
McGonagall, visibly upset, "What happened? Is Heir Longbottom injured?"
Neville slowly stumbled out of the destroyed bathroom, holding his left arm. "Harry saved me. The troll was about to crush me, when he killed it. I took some light hits, but nothing bad."
As Sprout and Snape arrived, McGonagall asked loudly, "How did you three get here? You were supposed to return to your commons!"
Harry replied properly, but coldly, "Miss Granger was unaware of the deadly threat to children in this...school, namely the troll. As the prefects were busy protecting the other students, I asked Neville to assist me in collecting Miss Granger."
Harry was unsteady on his feet, so Hermione grabbed his arm to steady him as he continued, "While doing so, we were ambushed by the troll and dealt with it."
McGonagall was livid, especially that remark about threat to children. She turned to Hermione, "Well? why were you not at the feast?"
Hermione said nothing, continuing to looking down.
Neville stated politely but also coldly, "After Mr. Weasley convinced you to have Hermione paddled, he gloated about her inability to sit comfortably in your class today. She left in tears and the other ladies informed us where she was sequestered. Being a Hufflepuff, she is unused to having to tolerate the bullying and inequality, normal in Gryffindor. I'm sure you will excuse her absence from the feast, as she lacked the proper decorum to participate."
McGonagall realized both Harry and Neville did not like, much less respect her. She mentally winced at it, but discipline had to be maintained. With flashing eyes and a frown, she firmly explained, "Mr. Weasley stated she was nagging him in class, so she deserved the paddling for being disruptive."
Harry sneered, barely appropriate, "He lied. He was shaking his wand in Hermione's face and she was worried about him putting her eye out and said as much. She then told him how he was using the wrong wand movement and the wrong pronunciation."
Glancing at Hermione, before coldly looking back at McGonagall, he angrily continued, "You effectively, had her punished for defending herself, and making the mistake of trying to help a liar. A mistake no Hufflepuff will ever repeat with that lying bully. I noticed you never asked Professor Flitwick, or any other students what actually occurred. One wonders why you would believe a known liar, without any other investigation...unless you were prejudiced against her to begin with."
McGonagall looked furious, but before she could reply, Sprout started talking.
Sprout turned to McGonagall, "I expect Mr. Weasley to get the punishment he tricked you into giving Miss Granger. I would say double it, but your honor and integrity are your business." She said it with such an intonation, there was little doubt how much honor she thought McGonagall possessed, and it wasn't much. McGonagall looked shocked at Sprout before turning, and walking away with an angry look in her eye.
Turning to her badgers, Sprout smiled sadly, "I am truly sorry Hermione. I can't undo what was done, and I will not excuse future offenses because that would be wrong too. However, I will let Master Pomfrey know to give you bruise balm as your unwarranted punishment should be vanished tonight. I will reset your count to one offense, so your next offense will be the 10 over pants and not bare."
Hermione looked relieved.
Continuing to smile, Sprout continued, "Also, this assignment will be concluded at Winter Solstice break if you do not make it to a third offense, so don't let me down."
Hermione with a returning smile, curtseyed "Yes, Professor Sprout."
Sprout turned to look at both boys standing there. Harry was concentrating on Hermione, while Neville was looking back at her worriedly. Typical Potter only caring about his witch. She then frowned as she addressed them, "Now for the two of you, you will both receive the maximum of 10 bare for disobeying orders during a dangerous situation"
She paused looking stern, "And a further 10 bare for behaving like bloody Gryffindors and almost getting yourselves killed!" she exclaimed loudly.
Harry and Neville together bowed, "Yes, Professor Sprout."
Then with a note of pride to her voice, Sprout continued, "However, as you risked yourself for family, bruise balm will be applied to you tomorrow before breakfast, and you will also have your names placed in THE BOOK of Badgers. Get yourselves to the infirmary. Now!"
The three hurried off with Neville and Hermione helping Harry, hearing something about "Potter luck" as they fell out of earshot.
At the infirmary, Master Pomfrey saw the three as they came in. She saw Hermione and Neville were helping Harry walk. "My goodness! Did Harry have an accident?"
Neville replied tiredly, "Harry killed a troll which was trying to kill Hermione and then me. He magically exhausted himself. Otherwise we all suffered scrapes and bruises. Hermione is due bruise balm for her bottom as declared by Madam Sprout. Minimal investigation reversed the sloppy and prejudicial decision to punish her."
Master Pomfrey gasped, "Fighting a Troll? Mr. Potter on bed one, NOW!"
Neville and Hermione helped Harry over to the bed. In the process Hermione accidentally sat down and yelped.
Pomfrey glanced at her, and frowned. She then handed her a small jar, "I am trusting you all know what will happen to your bottoms if Madam Sprout indicates you misled me?" They all nodded. Pomfrey then turned back to Hermione "Do you need help applying it?"
Hermione blushed, glancing at Harry "No, I'm sure one of my roommates will help me."
Pomfrey, noticing the glance just snorted, "Make sure it is one of your roommates. You are too early in your relationship to have Harry do it. Oh, remind your roommates you all are due for your potion next week. You first-years tend to forget."
All three blushed furiously at the idea of Harry massaging ointment into Hermione's bum...or birth prevention potions. Hermione then curtseyed, "Yes Professor."
Once the scratches and bruises were delt with and Pomphrey decided Harry's case of magical exhaustion just needed a good night sleep, she sent them to their commons with a hall pass.
Harry paused looking at Master Pomfrey. She noticed and asked "Yes, young man?"
"All my life I have known pain. I want to keep others from suffering like I did. Can you teach me to be a healer?"
Not too surprised at the question as many have professed interest, though only the older students have the discipline to be considered. Still she didn't want to drive a potential candidate away, just delay them. "A Healer Apprenticeship is serious work. It requires dedication, self-discipline, and self-sacrifice. I am sure you believe you are interested, but what makes you think you can do it at your age?"
With a glare Harry looked at Master Pomfrey, "My interest, isn't idle. Test Me!"
"Very well. I haven't had an apprentice for a few years. Most won't work hard enough." She went and got three large tomes and handed them to Harry. "Read these and return. I expect the books returned within the month undamaged. You will be tested. How well you do will tell me if you are serious, and whether you are ready or not. Go."
When the three arrived in the Hufflepuff commons, Tonks directed Harry and Neville to the SETT room for their punishment. Harry squeezed Hermione's hand before letting go and leaving. Hermione slowly let her arm fall with tears streaming down her face.
Tonks came over at seeing the tears fall on Hermione's face, "What's wrong? Are you hurt?"
Hermione sobbed out, "No, but my friends are being beaten for rescuing me. It's WRONG!"
Tonks understanding her concern, tried to explain and calm her down, "Yes, it will hurt. Yes, they will not enjoy it...especially the embarrassment of being sky clad and spanked Infront of the professors. Bare punishments are always done with at least two professors. The second is always the sex of the offender, and a female professor would administer the punishment to any female past her 2nd maturation."
Hermione replied with an angry scornful bite, "So, Snape will be there to gloat over their BEATING!"
Hermione needed to be stopped before she talked herself into punishment. Tonks then firmly commanded, "Control yourself, miss. If you wish to join them, it will be arranged!"
Hermione shook her head, calmed herself down, and curtseyed, "Sorry Heir Tonks"
Tonks then spoke in a normal voice again and explained, "Sprout would never use Snape. She usually uses Kettleburn, or even Hagrid. Though we had to swear Hagrid never administers the punishment!" She said with a smile at the joke.
Getting serious again, Tonks explained to Hermione and the other firsties listening to the conversation, "Just remember they are doing this for you. They came for you, they fought for you. Honor it, don't belittle it. They will have one night of pain, while carrying a badge of honor henceforth."
Harry and Neville received their 20 bare. Neville was screaming and blubbering through much of it, as expected. Harry never moved or made a sound. He just stood there bent over glaring at Professor Kettleburn.
After getting dressed again, Harry waited for Neville to compose himself, ignoring Neville's lack of decorum.
Once Neville had gotten himself back under control, both said with a bow, "Thank you for correcting our inappropriate behavior, Professors." They even said it without any sarcasm at all.
Kettleburn muttered, "Impressive." still looking at Potter, and Sprout shushed him.
Sprout then commanded, "The SETT awaits you in the common room for the presentation. Go."
As Harry and Neville entered the commons, they saw all the Hufflepuffs standing at attention, many with obvious admiration in their eyes. Hermione, unable to help herself ran over to them and hugged them.
Hermione then stated loudly, "I was angry they punished you for saving me."
"Miss Granger!" reprimanded Tonks.
Hermione now holding Harrys hand, "But I was made aware that it is necessary to pay the price for your actions. Even those which help others. Everything has consequences, and 'puffs pay their debts."
Sprout having arrived behind the boys, now replied, "Well said. now let's get this done, it's late."
Harry and Neville were brought over in front of THE BOOK. They were joined by Sprout.
Madam Sprout presented, "This book has the names, going back to Helga Hufflepuff herself, of those who let their inner Badger out to play, protecting their family, and doing great deeds. Read it, and you will see the names of many great Wizards and Witches which did great things, often again, and again throughout their lives. Know that these two are first-years and as such, the first in 229 years to go down in the BOOK. I'm proud of the two of you for coming to the rescue of family at significant risk to yourselves...you bloody Gryffindors."
Harry exclaimed "Hey!"
Sprout reprimanded, "Don't interrupt me, young man. Now, I'm also proud of two first-years taking 20 bare, with such fortitude. The usual limit is 10 for first-year, but first-years don't usually engage in combat with 4X creatures so a more severe punishment was warranted"
Glancing at the two, "and I am glad you both understand the reason for it."
Harry pulled Hermione to him and grabbed her hands, looking into her eyes. "Hermione has stated she is my friend and will always be there for me. As such, I will always be there for her. I took the 20 without complaint so you would know, that no amount of beating will stop me from being there for her. I swear it!" Magic swirled around him marking the vow.
Hermione with tears in her eyes, tackled Harry in a crushing hug...unfortunately backing him into a chair. Harry flinched when his bottom hit the edge of the chair.
After Harry flinched and still hugging her tightly, he whispered to her, "My bottom is very sore."
Tonks smirked, "So when's the betrothal? You both are on your potion, aren't you?"
As the two separated blushing furiously...but still holding hands, everyone laughed good-naturedly.
Sprout sighed, "Damn it Tonks, that's precisely why you are not Head Girl...which you should have been."
Neville looked at how tightly they were holding hands, "Tell Draco I'm best man, he will have to be satisfied as a groomsman."
Harry just slugged him in the arm, grinning.
Hermione then looked up with a gleam in her eye, "He hasn't asked me...YET!", while everyone else had a go at Harry and he blushed again.
At breakfast Harry, Hermione, and Neville were enjoying being able to sit without a very sore bottom. Just as they finished eating, Draco sauntered over.
"Brother...a Troll? Seriously? I'm not sure the Black can survive your version of the Potter Luck...but it won't be boring!"
He then glanced at the whole table and with a half-bow yelled, "GO BADGERS!"
The entire table cheered as Draco walked back to Slytherin.