Prologue
Fred Weasley? No way… Oh no.
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter or any of its characters. That's J.K Rowling's pride and joy…
Hermione leaned on her bedroom window; a solemn look upon her face reads that she is in deep thought. Looking aimlessly at the cloudy blue sky of her London home she can't help but think how her world will evidently change. In fact, it was already changing, bit by bit, and she knew it.
Last year was her 4th year at Hogwarts' school of witchcraft and wizardry. The beginning of the year filled her with new hopes and a chance to make new friends from the timeless tournament of The Triwizard Cup which was held for the purpose of international wizard co-operation. And not for the brutal torment, life threatening yet exhilarating challenges and the glory each champion will be put through. Though she will admit, despite herself, she thought the challenges were rather exciting. But what started out as a friendly competition between students and their schools, it had ended with a tragedy.
Cedric Diggory had died. A loyal, handsome and a friend to all were killed by non other than He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named. The sight of Harry clutching on to Cedric's lifeless body was a sight she can never forget. The thought of Harry battling Voldermot, in the flesh, surrounded by his death eaters chilled Hermione to the bone. The thought that it could've been Harry, whose body was being blocked from view away from shocked and horrified students, was terrifying. It was at that moment that she knew her life will start to change, more than ever. More than her adventures with Ron and Harry, more than her school marks will get her. Yet despite the happenings, her school life and her marks was something she vowed not to let go. Apart from her best friends and her family, her school work kept her mind alert and determined.
There was a significant change within her that she had noticed over the years. A change that was fuelled even more by Cedric's death. As clichéd as it may sound, she wanted love. Not friend and family love, she had those. But a love for one person and for one person only. A love that she can give to that person and for that person to return equally. Of course, she knew that kind of love doesn't happen quickly. It was a love that develops until it reaches its desired peak to be expressed. A love that was true. The tragedy of Cedric's death made her want to feel love before it was too late.
Hmm... If only... she mused to herself. Besides... It won't be appropriate this year... But despite her yearning for love she couldn't bring herself to see that she could fall in love. Nor was it appropriate this year. Her friends needed her. Her magical world required her to stay focused and in line from now on (not that she was out of line – ever) and at least until Voldermot was gone. And love can be a distraction.
Even though it has only been two weeks since she has been home, she was ready to leave again. Her trunk was packed with all her school materials; robes, quills, books. Along with a quantity of muggle clothing which was more than she would usually carry. But she wasn't going to Hogwarts, not yet anyway. She was asked by Dumbledore to stay the remaining month and half of the holidays at the headquarters of the Order of the Phoenix, a secret society founded by Dumbledore to fight of You-know-who the last time he was in power. The invitation to stay was quite literal. Dumbledore had knocked on Hermione's parents' home and had asked her parents for their permission for her to stay at the headquarters. As charming and wise as Dumbledore was. Her parents said yes. It was hard not to trust her headmaster, with his knowing eyes and his trustful demeanour. And so, here she was leaning on her window, waiting for her "guards" as Dumbledore called them, to take her to the headquarters.
"Hermione, the Weasely's are here." Shouted her mother form the living room.
"Coming mum!" she cried back.
The Weasley's… Thank God. She thought as relief flowed through her. She was afraid Dumbledore was going to send strangers to take her to headquarters. And so, she lifted her trunk up off the bed and proceeded to walk out of her room. Once she was almost out the door she looked back at her room, emotions from old memories filled her. Along with new determination.
She smiled and turned to keep walking. And so a new year begins. And new adventures no doubt. She thought, smiling to herself. Being Harry Potter and Ron Weasley's best friend had guaranteed that her life will never be boring. Her thoughts full of assumptions of change and courage in heart and by now disregarding the thoughts of love out of her mind, she stepped out of her bedroom with Crookshanks in tow and her trunk in her right hand, she descended down the stairs toward the living room below.
A/N: Hi! Please review! It's my first fanfic and I would really like to know what you thought. I don't mind constructive criticism. So please… knock yourselves out!
