Chapter 6

Rebellion In the Halls...

Hermione, Luna, and Ginny spent Friday evening after the meeting, searching for the Pseudopregnancy and Pseudocyesis Potions and met up again on Saturday morning to continue the search. Draco joined them after his Quidditch practice. The book where Hermione had remembered seeing the potions only had a description of what they did and a sampling of the directions with warnings about the interactions of a few of the potion's primary ingredients, but it did not have the entire recipes. Both potions utilized many sources of Progestagens and Progesterone hormones. The Pseudopregnancy Potion had, at one point, been developed as a means of birth control while the Pseudocyesis Potion had been developed to encourage the witch's breasts to lactate. Witches who used the Pseudopregnancy Potion found that it actually gave them the symptoms of pregnancy: morning sickness, swelling of the breasts and ankles, sore backs, and the feeling of puffiness of the abdomen as well as stopping the monthly cycles from occurring. The Pseudocyesis Potion, however, didn't make the witch suffer morning sickness, but she suffered a slight weight gain and swelling of the legs, arms, and, occasionally, the lower abdomen. Neither potions' side effects sounded pleasant, but they would be very helpful in carrying out the ruse.

"Nothing! It's not in any of these," Hermione said, closing the book in front of her. "The potions are considered restricted potions, so unfortunately, none of the books seem to have it."

Luna stared wistfully at the window, one hand resting on the book in front of her. "Have we checked all the books in the Restricted Section?"

"Yes," Draco replied, setting the book he had on a pile next to him. "Most of these are from the Restricted Section."

Hermione pulled Magical Potions: A History of Magical Drafts and Potions by Ranulph Ballard to her and opened the page to the best description they had found of the Pseudopregnancy Potion. She looked up as Susan, Bernice, Shelia, Thomas, and Cecil joined them in the corner table of the library.

"Any luck?" Susan asked, eyeing the books lying open and piled in stacks on the table.

"We know what the potions do, how they work, and the side effects. But I cannot find the actual directions in any of the books here in the library," Hermione said, slamming the book closed.

"But we have a partial list of what's in them," Luna said, handing Bernice the list.

"Too bad it's not a Hogsmeade weekend," Draco moaned. Everyone's head turned in his direction. "I might have the potions in my family's library."

"If not yours, it might be in mine," Cecil said. "Lot of good it does us, holed up in school."

Hermione and Ginny suddenly grinned. "Desperate times require desperate measures," Hermione said, winking at Ginny. Ginny and Luna both smiled just as mischievously.

Both boys narrowed their eyes at Hermione. "What are you going on about? Has the dust and mildew gotten to you?" Draco said scornfully to her.

"I have to at least try. We won't know if we don't look. C'mon," Hermione said, jumping up. Luna, Ginny, and Susan smiled in anticipation as they rose to go with her. "Are you coming, Draco? Cecil?" Thomas, Bernice, and Shelia looked at each other and turned to follow, too. Hermione hurried from the library, glancing back to see if they followed her. She turned to motion them to follow her down the corridor toward a classroom.

"If you're thinking about Professor Pendergast's office, aren't we going the wrong way?" Cecil asked when Hermione turned and started to run down the corridor.

"Nope, that's not what I had in mind," Hermione said over her shoulder.

Ginny, Susan, and Luna quickly followed. Draco and Shelia shrugged and chased after her.

"I'm going to regret this," Thomas said as he tugged Cecil's sleeve to go with him. "We might as well see what she's up to."

"In here. Hurry," Hermione said, grinning mischievously as she ducked into an empty classroom. She turned to Draco when Luna closed the door. "Okay, Draco, do you really think you have the directions to the potions at home?"

"We have an entire section of books on potions," Draco said, crossing his arms. "My family has one of the largest collections of books in the country."

"And you think you may have it, too, Cecil?" she asked, turning to Cecil, who was staring at Hermione with his hands on his hips, but he nodded, looking confused. "So, if we sneak out of the castle, would you take us to your homes to get it?"

Draco's eyes went round. "Sneak out. Leave the castle? Just who are you?" he asked, and Hermione smiled back.

"Hermione Granger, Muggle-born, one third of the golden trio, Harry's mate, and a thorn in your side since first year," she said, smirking. "Or should I slap you like I did in third year..."

"No, thanks! It was a rhetorical question, Granger," Draco snapped. "Okay, presuming you can get us out, how are we getting to my house? I can only Side-Along two people."

"I've done two as well, and I've been to your house," Hermione said and then turned to Cecil. "Are you able to Apparate?'

Cecil looked at the ground. "I haven't taken my test." He looked up, clearly embarrassed. "They didn't give us the test because they must have thought we'd use it to leave the school, I suppose. We had the lessons in the Great Hall, but that's it."

"I can Apparate as long as I know where I'm going," Luna said, her gaze roaming around as if she was watching a fly. "I can do Side-Along, too. I took the test over the summer. Dad and Mr. Twycross are good friends."

"I can Apparate, but I've never done such a long distance," Ginny stated. "After the, er, wedding...you know, I Apparated to London. So I know I can...I've just never tried to take someone with me."

"I took the test, too," Susan said. "Dad showed me how to take someone on Side-Along after I got my license, so I know I can, but I've only ever taken one person."

"Perfect!" Hermione exclaimed. "If we slip into the Shrieking Shack, we can Apparate from there. Draco and I will go to his place; Luna, you, Susan, and Cecil can go to his. We'll find the book or books I need and be back way before dinner. Is that all right?"

"Oi, what about us?" Thomas asked, indicating to himself and the other girls. "I can Apparate! Well, I did it in the Great Hall. Aren't we going?"

"Sure, let's all go!" Draco sneered, still looking dubious. "The Shrieking Shack. Are you crazy? It's haunted!"

"Draco, it's not haunted. That's just a myth initiated by Dumbledore to prevent people from finding the entrance to the tunnel we'll be using," Hermione explained. "I've...my friends and I have been in there loads of times...no ghosts, ghouls, or goblins!"

"Thomas should come with me. He's been to my house before," Cecil suggested, still eyeing Luna apprehensively.

It took some convincing, but Draco finally caved in, agreeing to take Hermione, Ginny, Bernice, and Shelia to Malfoy Manor, and Cecil would take Thomas, Susan, and Luna to his house.

"Tell, me again, how are we going to pull this off?" Draco asked as they all ran down to the Whomping Willow.

Ginny picked up a rock as Luna cast a Perfect-Aim Charm on her hand. Ginny threw the rock at the knot on the tree with perfect accuracy, immobilizing it.

"Wicked!" Cecil exclaimed, his eyes wide with amazement.

"C'mon, we have to hurry," Hermione said, scrambling into the tunnel and leading the way to the Shack. Draco complained about the dirt, the cobwebs, and bumping his head as he scrabbled through the tunnel after Ginny. Once inside the Shack, he looked around in disgust.

"Okay, Draco, you take Shelia, and I'll take Bernice and Ginny," Hermione suggested, grasping Ginny's hand.

Cecil grabbed Susan's hand and Thomas reluctantly accepted Luna's. "Luna, do you know Swansea at all?" Cecil asked.

Luna stared at a spider web on the broken window and nodded, smiling contentedly.

Cecil didn't look convinced. "Okay, there's an aqueduct over the River Twrch at Ystalyfera. That's not far from my house."

"I think I've been there," Luna said, watching the tiny spider repair his web.

"You think you know or you know?" Thomas asked nervously as Luna said, "I remember an old canal boat in the water... I think it was stuck...it was full of water, and there was this duck sleeping in it."

Cecil sighed in relief. "That's close enough. I'll meet you there, on the shore across from the boat."

Luna turned away from the spider and smiled at him. "I'm glad I get to see it again."

"Meet us at the gate," Draco suggested to Hermione as he clutched Shelia's hand. "Do you remember what the gate looks like?"

"Only too well," Hermione replied.

Draco and Luna Disapparated first, taking Shelia and Thomas with them through Side-Along, making simultaneous loud cracks.

Hermione grasped Bernice's and Disapparated after Draco. Susan went next, taking the others with them.

Draco was holding the gate open when Hermione arrived with Bernice and Ginny in tow. Hermione looked up at Malfoy Manor and felt a shiver run down her spine.

"Okay, its Saturday, about tea time, so Mum will be at a friend's or in the solarium, which thankfully, is at the other end of the house," Draco said, drawing Hermione back to the present. "Follow me, and keep up." He led the way through a side door, told everyone to take off their shoes, and then ran for the library.

As soon as Hermione entered the massive, high-ceilinged room, she froze in utter amazement.

"Hermione, I'll give you leave to come gape at the books any other day you'd like. But for now, focus! The potions section is over here," Draco said, taking her arm and guiding her to an expanse of wall between a pillar and a spiral staircase that had been carved from the stone of the wall that led to the upper tiers. The sections of the stairs that curved out into the room had ornate brass handrails decorated with peacocks and roses.

Hermione's gaze followed the stairs up and realized that the potions section went from floor to ceiling and was almost twice as wide as Hermione's arm span.

Draco moved a ladder over and began to pull down tomes of all sizes and age. "Why don't you girls start searching the tier above us? It won't be on the top tier; that's where the poisons and Dark arts potions are kept."

Hermione found the Pseudocyesis Potion in a book of potions that was apparently written in the Middle ages for wet nurses, and Draco found it in an old Roman tome. Hermione carried the books to a writing table to copy them down as Draco and the girls kept looking for the other one.

When the lamps in the library flickered on, Ginny jumped excitedly. "I found the Pseudopregnancy Potion!"

Draco looked around nervously. "Great, but it's close to dinner time, and we're not too far from the dining room! I don't want Mum to know we came here," he said as he grabbed three more books to reshelf. "We don't have time to sit here and copy it down."

"It won't take me too long," Hermione suggested as she finished copying down the Pseudocyesis Potion from the Roman tome.

Draco looked at the door and back. "Hermione, I know how you revere books. Take it, but be very careful with it. I'll bring it back with me at Christmas hols. Hopefully, Mum won't notice."

Hermione looked up in awe. "Draco, are you sure? It looks very old and valuable."

"It's worth nine thousand Galleons, and yes, it's really old, but we don't have a choice," he said, smirking at her expression. "I know you'll take care of it; now let's go!" Draco led them carefully through the house and through the gardens. "We can Apparate from here, and she won't hear us. Ready?" he asked, taking Shelia's and Ginny's hands. Hermione grasped Bernice's and Disapparated after Draco.

Cecil and Thomas scrambled to their feet as soon as Hermione arrived. Luna and Susan were both holding books, comparing the entries between them.

"Hermione, are you sure that you can brew this?" Susan asked, looking up. "It's awfully complicated, and I don't understand some of the directions."

"How hard can it be?" Hermione asked. "I read the directions of the Pseudocyesis Potion, and I'm sure I can brew that one. It'll just be tricky, what with my schedule and all."

Ginny snickered and turned to Susan. "She brewed Polyjuice Potion successfully in her second year...I have utter confidence that if Hermione puts her mind to it..."

"No way!" Susan and Thomas gaped at her in astonishment as Cecil exclaimed, "No! Really?"

Thomas sliced the air with his hand as he said, "No way! That's a seventh-year potion..."

"Yes, successfully! Harry and Ron turned into, er..." Ginny started to say, then faltered and blushed.

"Crabbe and Goyle," Draco finished for her. "I knew about it, too! It was so obvious when Crabbe and Goyle were found locked in a broom cupboard, and Hermione was spewing up fur balls in the, er, well... Anyway, I know for a fact that Miss know-it-all here can brew the potions. I wouldn't have done all this if I didn't believe she could. So are we ready to go?"

They scrambled through the tunnel to the tree. Hermione reached around the opening and hit the knot with her fist, allowing everyone to climb out safely. They were laughing and talking about their adventure on their way to the castle when they bumped into Hagrid.

"Oi, you lot, wha' are ya all doin'? Yer late for dinner!" Hagrid admonished them, looking at each of them as if trying to figure out why they'd be together, especially Draco and Cecil walking with the Gryffindor girls, all smiles and laughing. "Er, Hermione, yeh okay?" he asked, looking at Draco and Cecil suspiciously, then back at her and Ginny.

"Yes, Hagrid, we're all fine. Thank you for telling us about dinner. We lost track of the time," she said, starting for the door.

"Okay, well, git on then," Hagrid said, encouraging them to go ahead of him. Hermione and Ginny burst into laughter.

"What's so friggin' funny, Hermione?" Draco sneered.

"I think that this is the first time Hagrid has ever seen you and me in the same place at the same time when we haven't been insulting each other or fighting," Hermione said. "Truthfully, I rather like knowing the nicer side of you."

"Well, don't get any ideas, Granger," he said, reverting to his old manners. The girls all started to laugh as he opened the door for them. "Sure, laugh it up."

Ginny turned and made a mock curtsey and Draco smirked.

"Just get inside; I'm hungry."

Hermione turned to everyone once inside the Entrance Hall. "Okay, Draco, pass the word to meet in the Room of Requirement after dinner. Luna, you tell everyone in Ravenclaw who's interested, and I'll let Susan know. We've got Gryffindor covered," she said, indicating Ginny and Shelia.

"How about at eight?" Cecil asked. "Give everyone time."

"That would be good," Luna said. "Gives everyone time to enjoy pudding and change clothes if they want to."

The Room of Requirement looked like a movie theater with its plush red seats; each row elevated slightly, one step up from the one before it, like stadium seating. Ginny, Luna, Susan, and Lenore Tolbert, a girl from Slytherin, sat at a table at the door, making everyone who entered take a wand oath and sign a magical contract of confidentiality. Once everyone was seated, Hermione, Draco, Shelia, Susan, and Luna sat at a table in front. Hermione hadn't had any problem talking Susan into being the liaison for Hufflepuff. In fact, she was delighted and eager to join Hermione in fighting the Marriage Law, as were the other Hufflepuffs, since they all knew that Hermione had instigated and organized the DA.

"As you know, every one of us is going to have to turn in our census forms by the end of Christmas hols to Graceilla Warblock of the Social Heritage, Marriage, and Registration Committee. Starting sometime around the end of January, Edithe Havershiem, the Ministry's appointed Yenta for the Marriage Law, will begin making Ministry-determined matches for Ministry-approved betrothals," Hermione stated. "So far there is no indication if those being matched will be able to decline the match or not. If these matches are like arranged marriages, most likely not."

"How did you find that out!"

"That wasn't in the papers!"

"No way...a Yenta!"

"I didn't see anything about a Yenta!"

"What's a Yenta, anyway?"

Draco stood up. "Give Hermione a chance to explain!"

"Thanks, Draco," Hermione said as everyone settled down again. "We have an inside source at the Daily Prophet. The announcement of Edithe Havershiem's appointment as the Coordinator of Betrothal Arrangements is just a politically appeasing way of calling her a matchmaker or Yenta, which is what she's apparently been doing in the private sector for decades. The announcement of why the Ministry hired her and the real purpose of her position is being held for the morning we leave for Christmas hols. From what our sources have said, the Ministry is drafting a series of articles introducing her and extolling her qualifications as a matchmaker."

The students once again started talking to their friends, making a low rumble of discontent and concern in the room.

"Everyone, please!" Hermione shouted, holding up her hands to get everyone to settle down again. "Between my dorm mates and me, we are receiving all the major publications and magazines. One of the girls in my dorm has a father on the staff of the Daily Prophet, and others have relatives who work in the Ministry. As you know, Luna's dad is the editor of The Quibbler. We are trying to keep up with what's happening as best as we can, and I am passing on to you what I know. So far, all we have to do is register. Draco and a few others believe that the Ministry is going to start matching us up to one another in arranged marriages through this Yenta and her staff. If that happens, we will need to take action to make ourselves ineligible."

"Like what kind of actions," a boy asked in the back as several students made loud exclamations, showing their willingness to fight the Muggle-born Liaison Commission.

The question, "What can we do?" came from a group of Hufflepuff girls as a Ravenclaw girl in front asked, "What do you have in mind?"

Hermione waited until the uproar died down a bit before answering. "I have one week before hols. I'll be brewing the Pseudopregnancy Potion. Any girl who wants to can see me, Draco, Luna, or Susan about taking the potion. That way, I know how much to make. I strongly suggest that we all take it, all the girls, unless you are engaged to a beau or plan on filing a request for engagement with the Ministry. But keep in mind, the Ministry has already denied many of the betrothal requests that didn't meet the Emancipation Commission for Fair Marriage Contracts Act's criteria. Those who choose to take the potion will need to take it the first day of your next cycle. The potion will make your body think it's pregnant with all the symptoms you'd have if you actually were. When you're supposedly starting your second trimester, you'll need to take the Pseudocyesis Potion in order to carry out the ruse. This potion makes the drinker's body mimic pregnancy as well without the girl who takes it actually having to become pregnant. Hopefully, Madam Pomfrey won't figure out what we are doing and report us. Each girl here should pick a guy, any guy, it doesn't matter who, to claim that he is the father of the baby. Under the Bastard Law, the Ministry cannot do anything until the paternity of the baby is established. That will give all of us at least six months to stave off any forced matches made by the Ministry." Hermione sat down again.

Draco rose to his feet. "So, are there any questions?"

About a hundred-fifty hands, give or take, flew up in the air.

Minerva had contacted Mafalda Hopkirk herself, requesting a copy of the Marriage Law and the Memorandum of Understanding and Obligations for the position of Coordinator of Betrothal Arrangements. Her first request had been denied, but late that night as Minerva relaxed with a cup of cocoa before bed, an owl had flown in with a note written on Ministry stationary.

Headmistress McGonagall,

D.M.L.E.

Minerva had wasted no time in writing to Mrs. Hopkirk, informing her that she was expected to be in the Great Hall at mealtimes and, therefore, unfortunately had to decline. The next morning at breakfast, the same owl had appeared with Mrs. Hopkirk's reply. Unlike before, the second message was on personal stationary with a lovely gardenia scent.

Minerva,

Mafalda Hopkirk

Minerva sat at her desk rereading both letters. She let the hand holding the second letter drop to the desk. "What is she playing at, Albus? Her first letter brushes me off, the second states that she'd be happy to meet with me to discuss my concerns, and then she writes as if we've been close friends for years."

"Yes, well, it is quite possible that she is covering for the true nature of her visit," Albus said from his frame.

"Or more likely, the mail is being searched," Phineas Black sneered. "I wouldn't put it past the Ministry to continue doing that."

"Well, I can certainly find out if they are," Everard snorted. He returned from his portrait at the Ministry only a few seconds later. "Headmistress, it is confirmed. I spoke with that lovely girl on the first floor, and they are monitoring all messages sent by Floo. It started last night, sometime around four."

"Right after I Flooed my letter to Mrs. Hopkirk requesting the copy of the Marriage Law and Edithe Havershiem's job description. Thank you, Everard, for checking on that for me." Minerva turned in her seat to face the portrait behind her. "So, Albus, what do you make of this. It would appear that even sealed official pouches are subject for censorship. I thought that nonsense was done with already when the Death Eaters were removed from the Ministry."

"Apparently not," Albus said, stroking his beard. "There is a reason why you are being given only partial information, Minerva. The Ministry is trying to avoid tipping its hand. I have been to my small portrait in Arthur Weasley's office, and he is as in the dark as we are. He was most furious about what happened with the Adopt A Grandparent program and has been trying to assist the Muggle parents with the return of their children. His efforts are tied up in red tape, I'm afraid. Not only that but Kingsley is also having little luck capturing the last of the Death Eaters and Voldemort's supporters. With the losses the Aurory took, he is grossly understaffed. Those teaching the training program are the Aurors who were seriously wounded in the war. All other Aurors are spread much too thin. Even Kingsley has been having to do field work as well as run the department. It's why they were so lenient in accepting our students into the Auror training program. I was well aware that Mr. Potter and Mr. Ronald Weasley wanted careers as Aurors, but that Miss Chang, Miss Spinnet, Mr. Finnigan, and Mr. Longbottom were inclined in that direction, I admit was a bit of a surprise. I'd always hoped Mr. Longbottom would pursue a career in Herbology."

"But these questions on the census forms, Albus! They are ridiculous!" Minerva sneered, picking one of the forms up. "They want O.W.L. scores, type of wand wood and magical core, left or right handed, list of hobbies outside of school, favorite food, and the list of questions goes on. Favorite color, favorite book, name of pets by breed and species... It's not a census form as much as one hundred fifty questions on tastes, hobbies, likes and dislikes, beliefs, values, emotional health and skills..."

"You will not know until tonight, Minerva," Albus said softly. "I have a feeling that Mrs. Hopkirk wants to tell you what's going on, but she might be under pressure to keep her mouth shut."

That night when Mafalda arrived, she handed Minerva a packet. "This is a copy of my entire file in regards to the Marriage Law. I have also brought you copies of the pertinent and relevant legislation from the Muggle-born Liaison Commission. Headmistress, may I call you Minerva? May I be frank?" she asked, sinking into one of the chairs as Minerva folded her hands on the desk, nodding at the request to use her given name, although Mafalda plowed on undeterred. "I see a real problem coming. It's a whole new method of perpetuating the prejudices that plague us as a society. Instead of Muggle baiting and bashing, the Ministry is attempting to eradicate pure-bloods all together...or that is a possible goal. If the Muggle-born Liaison Commission gets their way, I can see how...that in one generation...possibly two, there will no longer be any who can call themselves pure-blood."

"You cannot be serious!" Minerva exclaimed. If this was true, Minerva could understand the unusual letters.

"Oh, Minerva, I am. I've been privy to several meetings as Head of the M.L.E., and I can tell you, they are brewing up something big down there, and everyone, and I mean everyone, is only getting part of the picture. I was lucky enough to procure these..." She reached into her briefcase and pulled out a long folded cardboard that opened up into a huge chart. "This is Healer Creswell's breeding chart. If Charles Polister follows this, all the children of the wizard race will all be either half-blood or Muggle-born within two generations."

Minerva eyed the chart. Several of the headmasters and headmistresses on the two walls behind the chart asked permission to enter the frames of other portraits so they could see it. "Blue circles are pure-bloods... and does red mean Muggle-born?"

"This chart shows red for Muggle blood and blue for pure-blood. Half-bloods are shown as half and half. With this chart you can see how they intend to control marriages until everyone is a half blood or less," Mafalda said.

"Like the ones in the middle," Dilys said from Everard's frame. "This is really a poor representation of a breeding program, for any species."

"But you cannot simply make people mate and breed like you would a crup!" Minerva said defiantly. "People wouldn't stand for it!"

"Minerva, have you read the questionnaire that the Muggle-born Liaison has complied for the census?" Mafalda asked.

"I've read through most of it," Minerva admitted. "I haven't read the entire thing, it's pages and pages!"

"Well, let me summarize it then. This is a match-maker's form. I say this because of the types of questions and how they are worded," Mafalda stated. "This census takes into consideration what a matchmaker might consider as key dimensions of a person's personality. Besides values and personality traits, the questionnaire, which takes about an hour to complete, is designed to match couples based on a handful of parameters: including genealogy, religion, cultural traditions, general preferences, hobbies, activities, as well as habits such as drinking, smoking and gambling. Even which Quidditch team the individual prefers."

Minerva stared at the chart and sighed. "This fits in with Healer Brumfeild's thesis. He stated that a mixing of the populace was necessary to ensure our survival. He even went as far as to suggest reinstating Seers as matchmakers, something about a couple's compatibility was the leading indicator of long-term success of marriages and promoted good stable homes for the mental health of their offspring."

"Yes," Mafalda said, folding the chart up and laying it on her lap. "One more thing very few people are aware of; Graceilla Warblock is Healer Brumfeild's niece."

"I see that nepotism is as alive and well in the Ministry today as it was when Voldemort was directing the show," Minerva sneered.

"Too right, you are," Mafalda said, and two of the portraits laughed at her declaration, making Mafalda and Minerva laugh along with them.

Canon Note: The title of the book in this chapter, Magical Potions: A History of Magical Drafts and Potions by Ranulph Ballard, is a play on the title of Harry's Potions book from the first book. As per canon: Magical Drafts and Potions by Arsenius Jigger, (The Sorcerer's Stone, chapter 5) The copying of the name is intentional, using Drafts instead of Draughts, which I know is the preferred.