Never Piss Off a House-Elf

Hermione waited and watched Draco all that week. Draco didn't quite follow quite the same schedule that Hermione had, but her years of running around with Harry and Ron had taught her a thing or two about getting around unseen. She assumed Draco knew she was watching her as well, but he shrugged it off for the most part.


It was Wednesday before Hermione finally picked up on Draco's plan. They were all the leaving the Great Hall for their afternoon classes when his somewhat nasal voice pierced the air. Hermione winced as Ginny halted.


"Weasley. Who do you think you are, taking points from Curtis for uniform infractions when you're walking around in that," Malfoy's sneer was evident before the quad could even turn around, though the quad had grown to a group of five with the addition of Gabrielle Delacour.


"What's wrong with this? I'm done with classes for the day," Ginny snorted, turning on her heel to leave. Harry moved out of her way, Ron and Gabrielle sighed and left, and Hermione realized what Draco was doing.


"You leave, and I will take double the points from Gryffindor that you took from Curtis, unless you make your case to me, right now," Draco grated out. He grabbed Ginny's arm and lead her to an empty classroom. "Feel free to follow and make sure I don't molest her, Potter, Granger. Otherwise, run along. We have a class together soon."


Hermione motioned for Harry to follow her. Draco and Ginny entered the classroom while Hermione looked up and down the hall to make sure they had the necessary privacy. When she was sure they were alone, she cast a muffliato to ensure privacy.


"Hermione, what do we need that for?" Harry asked suspiciously. She smiled nervously. "What's wrong?"


"I need a favor, Harry. I have to borrow your cloak for a bit, and I really can't have anyone else knowing that I'm using it," Hermione said in a hurry.


"Look, let me get Ron and we'll plan something to get you wherever you have to go. No worries," Harry said, and Hermione shook her head. "What's wrong?"


"I just need to borrow the cloak. I can do this alone, Harry," Hermione said, pleading a bit. "It would really be best if you would just let me borrow the cloak. I'll give it back to you as soon as I'm done with it. Please, Harry."


"Why do you need my cloak, Hermione? Just tell me, and I'll do it. But if you want my secrecy, you have to tell me why you need it."


Hermione groaned in frustration. She checked the hall again before she spoke, her voice barely more than a whisper.


"I have to go see Severus, Harry, and I can only do that if I have your cloak, and your secrecy. You can't tell anyone, especially Ron."


Harry pinched the bridge of his nose, and Hermione giggled in spite of herself.


"Sorry, you remind me of Severus when you do that," she laughed, and Harry sighed. "Please?"


"Fine. I'll lend you the cloak, and I'll keep my mouth shut. Next time, find another way, alright? You're risking expulsion to do this, Hermione, so I know its important. So, as hard as it is, I will not only keep your secret, but I'll keep everyone else busy for you as well."


Hermione hugged Harry and removed the spell around them. She told him a bit about Draco's plan for Friday, and Harry nodded, taking it all in. He would be ready to help in any way possible.


"Alright. I won't take points from you this time, but I'll be restoring the points to Curtis. Next time, could you just bat-bogey him?" Draco was saying as he and Ginny closed up the empty classroom.


"Fine. How about I practice on you?" Ginny seethed. Harry waved to Hermione and grabbed Ginny's arm, escorting her away before the rest had to go to class.


Hermione looked at Draco, who smirked broadly.


"Get your cloak, did you?" Draco asked as they headed for their Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom.


"Yes. Harry will get it to me after lunch Friday so I have plenty of time to 'get sick', get ready, and meet with Severus," Hermione said as they mounted the steps. Voice came from the classrooms as professors were calling for order.


"I believe we need to look elsewhere for instructors," Draco sneered. Hermione rolled her eyes. "Hey, my godfather wanted this post for years. He should have gotten it."


Hermione continued to roll her eyes. She stepped into the class and viewed her instructor. It was still a bit much to handle.


Sirius Black, Professor of Defense Against the Dark Arts.