It was primarily Draco who began spreading the gossip of Dumbledore's escape. Hermione had told him about it, and he was never one to miss an opportunity. He had soon told everyone that Dumbledore had overcome two Aurors (Dawlish and Shacklebolt), Umbridge (he beamed with pleasure at that), Cornelius Oswald Fudge himself and his Junior Assistant, Peter (or something like that) Estranged-Weasley to escape.

"Percy," Hermione had whispered and he'd only shrugged.

The Slytherins were thrilled at having some inside information, and didn't care where Draco had found it. They all hated Umbridge, no matter what anyone said, and to find out Umbridge was the new Head of Hogwarts was an idea that was repulsive.

*

Hermione detested the thought, let alone the truth. She was quite ready to insult Umbridge at every turn when Harry had told Ernie Macmillan about the incident.

"Oh, I expect she really fancied herself sitting up there in the Head's office," she said viciously. "Lording it over all the other teachers, the stupid puffed-up, power-crazy old_"

"Now, do you really want to finish that sentence, Granger?"

It had to be a warning. Draco had appeared from behind the door, with his cronies Crabbe and Goyle. His pale, pointed face was alight with malice, but Hermione hoped it was only towards the others and not her. She could only watch as Draco docked points from Hufflepuff and Gryffindor.

"The what?" She asked sharply.

Malfoy explained. 

"... So Granger, I'll have five from you for being rude about our new Headmistress." Five? Phew, she got off lightly. "Macmillan, five for contradicting me. Five because I don't like you, Potter. Weasley, your shirt's untucked, so I'll have another five for that. Oh yeah, I forgot, you're a Mudblood, Granger, so ten off for that." 

She felt tears pricking at her eyes? Had he really had to say that?

Ron pulled out his wand, like the loyal friend he was, but she pushed it away. Despite everything, she would not have Draco hurt. Not anymore.

"Don't!" She whispered urgently.

"Wise move, Granger," breathed Malfoy. So it was a warning. "New Head, new times... be good now, Potty... Weasel King..."

Laughing heartily, Malfoy strode away. Only Hermione would have guessed that his laughter wasn't genuine; in fact, it was the furthest thing from it.