The Sneak Mark (was "Slytherin" Hermione?)

[potioncat]

No: HPFGUIDX 112823

 
> HunterGreen:
> I don't see it as an act of war though. Was it up to Hermione to 
> attack those who didn't believe that Voldemort was back? 
Essentially  this is what it comes down to. Marietta joined the 
group to learn  defensive spells, thats it. The group became like an 
anti-Umbridge  group, but that was not something that she believed 
in or was  comfortable with. 

Potioncat:
>From Chapter 16 of OoP (US):
p339
Hermione says"-- that it might be good if people who wanted to study 
DADA--and I mean, really study it, you know, not the rubbish that 
Umbridge is doing with us--"

Michael Corner suggests it is to pass OWLs and Hermione agrees, but 
goes on to say,
"But I wnat more than that, I want to be properly trained in Defense 
because...because" she took a great breath and finished, "Because 
Lord Voldemort's back."

OK, she's made it clear this group does not approve of Umbridge.  
This group is preparing for LV by training in DADA. There is several 
times that the anti Umbridge views are spoken and defended. And 
again on page 344 Hermione says,
"...we're talking about learning to defend ourselves against V-
Voldemort's Death Eaters--"

So the real reason for the group is made clear.  The danger of 
getting caught is made clear.  Promising not to tell is clear. And 
although they weren't warned, Marietta wasn't targeted.  Anyone who 
told would have discovered SNEAK on his or her face. 

So yes, this was cunning, but it was justified.