Hermione takes care of Ron Weasley in a very Slytherin way.

The following weeks flew by, and Hermione’s strength returned to normal. She continued on with her study sessions for Arithmancy, and Draco to his credit didn’t interfere in her study time with Cho and Zacharias. The Hufflepuff had been apologetic and somewhat contrite over the whole fighting debacle.

Hermione had told him not to worry over it, that she and Draco were fine—which seemed to appease the Head Boy, even if he didn’t look too happy over that fact.

Draco had taken to flying on his new broom as much as possible in his spare time. The Slytherin’s were keeping it hush hush about Draco’s new broom, and as the Quidditch Cup’s final match got closer?

It was all the students were talking about.

Draco’s smirk couldn’t have been any wider when Weasley took to taunting him one afternoon, about how he’d never beaten Harry to the snitch in all the years they’d faced each other.

He had shrugged non-plussed, and rolled his eyes at the Weasel’s dramatics.

Hermione was never left alone when she left the Slytherin dungeons, for any reason. Whether it was Daphne, Draco, Theo or Blaise—even on occasion Harry would walk with her between classes, this only seemed to fuel Ron Weasley’s intense dislike for her. He’d never used the word Mudblood again, but one afternoon he called her a Death Eater’s whore and was soundly hexed by Blaise, who’d been walking behind Daphne and Hermione when the Weasel had accosted the girl’s outside of the Great Hall one afternoon.

When Draco had heard from Blaise what had happened, the blonde Slytherin told Potter and from that point onward, Harry stopped speaking to the red-headed ginger prat.

It didn’t seem to faze Hermione though, as she’d realized long ago that Ronald Weasley was an idiot of epic proportions. He’d barely made it into any NEWT level classes, except for Magical Creatures, Herbology and oddly Transfiguration. His Father worked for the Ministry in the Misuse Of Muggle Artifacts office and Weasley hadn’t even managed to get into NEWT Muggle Studies.

Hermione was spending a bit of her free time working on a few issues that she’d been putting off this year. One was the Muggle-born issue she’d discussed with her Father back last summer.

The Ministry of Magic this past summer, at the urging of her Father, and with Severus help—had identified eleven Muggle-borns for admittance to Hogwarts this past September. A new measure was introduced into the Wizengamot that any Muggle-born who’d been invited to Hogwarts, would first have to be interviewed, (as well as their immediate family), to determine if they imposed a danger to the Statute of Secrecy. Existing Muggle-borns had been against this initially, but Minister Fudge had explained that it was important to make sure that the magical world remained safe and protected from those who would seek to do wizard’s and witches harm. The Pureblood majority on the Wizengamot didn’t need much persuasion, and of the eleven families that were interviewed, only seven of those children were deemed fit to attend and their families supportive of Magic.

The other four children were given the choice—to either be stripped of their magic and obliviated along with their family, or to leave their family behind.

Those who chose to remain in the Muggle world, and stripped of their magic, had done so willingly.

Hermione had helped draft a proposal during the past few weeks that would start a magical sponsorship of sorts. Once a child within the Muggle world was identified as Magical, a Magical Sponsor would be assigned to them by the Ministry of Magic. This person would work with the family and introduce the child into the Magical world. The Ministry’s Department of Education was setting up early childhood classes, trying to introduce magical customs prior to eleven and this rationale behind this was two-fold. If a Muggle-born child wished to remain with its magical sponsor once Hogwarts started, they could. If a Muggle-born was found to be in an abusive situation however, they were automatically relocated with a willing magical family and the Obliviators were sent in to wipe any memory of that child within its family.

This had been at the Dark Lord’s behest after witnessing Meghan Connor’s memories.

He would not have any magical child in such an environment, and made it clear to all within his inner circle and those on the Wizengamot that his wishes on this matter would be honored...

...or else.

Starting this next term, Magical Studies would be a new class offered to all first through fourth years and Muggle studies would be offered during first and second years only. When fifth year hit—those who wished to continue with Magical Studies could do so and those who wished to continue on with Muggle Studies, could do so as an elective. The Muggle Studies classes from fifth year on, would focus on job placements within the Ministry that dealt directly with the Muggle World and its hazards. Many of the Muggle-borns within the Ministry saw the wisdom in this as most felt that the Hogwarts curriculum was several lacking in relative Muggle information. The purpose of this was to keep Magical’s abreast of current Muggle trends in technology and even send interested Muggle-borns to University to study Muggle technology and how to circumvent it to keep Magical’s safe.

Hermione had suggested this to her Father, as to remain ignorant of the Muggle world would only serve to make them susceptible in the future. Muggle technology was expanding at alarming rates, and she saw the possible dangers that such technology posed if left ignorant.

The Dark Lord was always amazed by his daughter’s suggestions and insights, as were many of the Death Eaters, who’d realized belatedly that ignorance wasn’t always bliss and sometimes it was far better to combat the unknown with stealth and cunning than open conflict.

Lucius was particularly skilled and as such, had taken point as the Head of the Hogwarts Board of Governors to see these new educational programs implemented. He was quickly becoming a press favorite for his insightful interviews and whispers had started that Lucius Malfoy may be in the running for the next Minister for Magic when the elections were slated sometime in 1999.

Hermione had no real interest in politics, even though she was quite good at manipulating people and situations to her benefit—but she preferred influencing things from behind the scenes, as did her Father. He was visiting other countries and their ministries, currying favor and gaining allies in support of his own initiatives. It was widely known that Lord Voldemort was effectively running Great Britain’s Magical community, and the world had been closely watching to see what he would make of it.

Some outside of Britain had been unconvinced that Dumbledore was truly the evil wizard that The Daily Prophet had made him out to be.

Over the course of the new year, many of those within the other ministries had been on guard to see if Voldemort would start another open campaign of terror that proceeded his disappearance back in 1981. When that didn’t happen, opinion started to shift and invitations from other ministries started to scatter in—much to Voldemort’s delight.

It would seem his daughter had been correct that subversive tactics were far preferable—and inherently Slytherin, than forcing his will on the masses. Marlene for her part, was enjoying watching her mate and daughter plot to take over the Wizarding World.

The Friday before the final Quidditch Match found Hermione sitting near the Black Lake in her favorite spot, with Nagini curled up near her. Daphne was reading though her Arithmancy book and Theo was doing his Transfiguration homework. Draco and Blaise were at a last minute Quidditch Practice, that Draco had insisted upon—his determination to win this stupid match was borderline pathological as far as Hermione was concerned.

She frankly couldn’t wait for Quidditch to be over—she only had one more year to endure, thankfully.

“So, what are you going to do this summer, Hermione?” Daphne asked curiously, watching Nagini slither off to go hunting.

Shrugging, Hermione gave her friend a thoughtful look. “Well, Draco wants to take me to Greece, his family has an island off the coast of Santorini. I’ve also been invited to do an internship at the Ministry in the Department of Magical Law Enforcement.”

Those eyes shot up with interest. “That’s pretty prestigious.”

“I suppose. Apparently Lord Black was very impressed with the help I gave Harry last year in getting him freed. He wants to make sure something like that doesn’t happen again to another witch or wizard and felt that I’d be perfect to research magical law precedents to that effect.”

“Lord Black?”

“Yes...I know, I was surprised too. I received a letter yesterday from Gawain Robards, Head of the Department offering me the internship. I know most people will think it’s because of my Father I’ve been offered this position, but I’ve told him that whatever it was I’d eventually decide upon as a career? I wanted to earn it based on my own merits. He was both equally annoyed and proud.”

Theo chuckled, while Daphne giggled at her friend. “Poor, Hermione...nepotism not work for you, eh?”

Theo grinned when Hermione sent a wandless stinging hex at his comment, which he blocked wandlessly.

“Nice, Theo.” Hermione nodded at the boy’s wandless display of magic.

“Thanks.”

“You two, I swear.” Daphne admonished good-naturedly.

“If I don’t keep him on his toes, who will?” Hermione winked at her friend.

“You wound me, Hermione! If I didn’t know better, I’d think you didn’t like me at all.” Theo pouted playfully.

“It’s touch and go, Nott.” Hermione bit back with a grin.

“Well, well...look what we have here!” A voice snarled, and a shock of red hair came from around the tree where Draco used to hide. Ron Weasley glared at the group with an ugly sneer upon his ruddy face, as he stood there trying to look menacing.

“Go away, Weasley!” Theo warned, “No one here is interested in anything you have to say.”

Weasley ignored Theo’s taunt and turned his venom onto Hermione. “I don’t know how you’ve managed to convince Harry you’re worthy of his time and friendship? But anyone who knows better can see you for the manipulative bitch you are, Granger.”

Hermione chuckled mockingly. “Look, Weasley? Whatever your problem is? I’m not interested, so go bother someone else with your useless diatribe.”

“What the fuck does that mean?”

“It means, Weasley...that no one here cares a whit about what you think or feel. So go spread your vitriol somewhere else...we aren’t interested.” Daphne clarified coldly.

“Fuck you, Greengrass.” Weasley snarled. “You’re a Death Eater whore same as your friend here.”

Theo stood up immediately, while Hermione grasped onto her betrothal necklace and sent a silent call for Draco, knowing that he’d hear her plea, as this was starting to get out of control.

“You better watch your mouth, Weasel.” Theo snarled angrily.

“Or you’ll what, Nott?” Weasley mocked. “Last I counted there was three of us and only one of you.”

Hermione laughed at this, watching Weasley’s cheeks flame in anger. “Excuse me? But perhaps you need to work on your math skills, Weasley. There are three of us here.”

“And you think you could what, Granger? Take on all three of us yourself?” Weasley scoffed.

Hermione smiled widely. “You say it like it would be difficult.”

Weasley drew his wand and sent a hex at Hermione, which she blocked effortlessly, her eyes glowing brightly as she watched the red-head fume in anger. Theo had immediately drawn his wand as did Daphne, but Hermione shook her head at both of them to not retaliate.

“That was stupid, Weasley.” Hermione taunted. Gazing behind the red-head, she saw Nagini moving behind the wizard, waiting for permission to strike. “Perhaps I should let my familiar deal with you, what do you think?”

“What the fuck are you talking about? That orange fur ball you call a cat?”

Hermione laughed, as did her two friends. “No, not Crookshanks. My other familiar.”

Ron Weasley seemed stumped while his two sidekicks looked equally dumbfounded. When he went to raise his wand again, she heard Draco’s voice say very coldly, “Nagini...attack.”

The snake wasted no time and lunged, as a spell fired from Weasley’s wand, which was once again deflected by Hermione’s shield. Dean and Seamus raised their wands too, and were easily taken down by Draco (who was disillusioned) and Theo, while Nagini’s fangs latched onto Ron Weasley’s arm—sinking into his flesh as the wizard screamed in bloody terror—his wand dropping to the ground instantly.

Ron Weasley dropped on his side and was shaking on the ground as Nagini’s venom poured into his body, the snake hissing as she released the wizard and went to lunge again for his neck, but Hermione said softly in Parseltongue, “Nagini, that’s enough.”

Nagini moved back hissing in displeasure while Hermione watched the red-head continue to writhe on the ground in pain. Standing up and walking over to the Weasel, she dropped to her knees and stared down into blue eyes that were looking at her wide in terror.

“That’s my familiar, Weasley and trust me? She doesn’t take too kindly to anyone who threatens me. You’re lucky I’m not a vindictive person, or I just might have allowed her to finish the job. Her venom is quite potent and you should be dead in about...three or four minutes from now. Not enough time to get you to the infirmary, I’m afraid. So that leaves you at my mercy.” Pulling out the bezoar that she always kept on hand from her beaded bag, she held up the object and let Weasley see it. “Now, I can save you, but then you’d owe me a life debt. Or I can let you die...obliviate your friends, and well...you get the idea, yes? Nod if you understand?”

Weasley’s eyes were watering, as he nodded in fear.

“Excellent. So which will it be? Shall I save you or let you die?”

Hermione held up the bezoar and watched as Ronald Weasley considered his options before he nodded in resignation.

“I, Hermione McKinnon Riddle agree to save you Ronald Bilius Weasley—in return you agree to refrain from attacking me and my family either with your words, person, magic, or encourage anyone to do the same. You will owe me a life debt, to be collected at the time of my choosing, and you will be forbidden from speaking, writing or sharing your thoughts with anyone about this incident or suffer the permanent loss of your magic...so mote it be. Do you agree to these terms set forth by magic? Speak now please.”

Hermione grinned evilly and watched as the Weasel formed the words.

”I, Ronald Bilius Weasley agree to your terms, by my magic...so mote it be.”

“Excellent.”

Both felt the magic of the vow swirling over them, sealing the promise made.

Hermione shoved the bezoar down Weasley’s throat and then closed the wound, cleaning the blood away. When she was done she wandlessly stunned the wizard and then went over to his friends, using her wand and modifying their memories up to the point where Ron drew his wand the first time. She then told Nagini to hide before she ‘ennervated’ the three Gryffindors conscious and sat back, watching Seamus and Dean’s looks of confusion and Ron Weasley’s look of horror as she grinned at him knowingly.

“Please leave now. I’m trying to study, as are my friends.”

Ron gulped and nodded once, grabbing his two friends and walked quickly away with Hermione’s laughter following him.

Once the red-head was gone, Draco dropped his disillusionment charm and stalked over, grabbing his witch and snogging her heatedly.

“That was brilliant, baby...”

“I have my moments.”

Theo chuckled at his friend and Hermione. “Damn, mate! When you’d said Hermione was diabolical, I had doubted it at first...but fucking Salazar! That was brilliant!”

All four friends laughed, while Nagini slithered over towards her mistress, hissing in displeasure. “Why didn’t you let Nagini kill and eat the boy? No one would ever miss that wizard.”

Hermione smiled fondly at her familiar, as she kissed the top of Nagini’s head hissing in thanks. “Nagini, even I have standards and I would never foist that disgusting thing on you.”

Nagini hissed in laughter. “He is revolting. Tastes awful too. Does the boy ever bathe?”

Hermione buckled over in rich laughter as her betrothed and her friends watched as she lost herself in mirth.

Draco’s face was amused as he asked, “Do I want to know what Nagini just said?”

So Hermione told Draco and her friends what Nagini had said, and they all were still laughing about it by the time they’d reached the Slytherin Common room, with one very disgruntled snake leading the way.