A/N: Yay! First chapter up :) Be warned, first chapters are not always as they seem – you'll have to read the next one to get a good idea of where the plot's going. Please R&R, it only takes a moment. Just let me know if anyone's actually reading this :)

Disclaimer: Characters and settings all belong to JKR, save those not found in the HP books. No copyright infringement intended.

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Chapter 1 - Lost in thought

A familiar rustle of wings from overhead startled the trio from their excited conversation.

"Heads, 'Mione," said Ron through a mouthful of jam and toast. Hermione jumped awkwardly out of the way as her copy of the Daily Prophet landed square in her plate, sending her breakfast flying. Both Harry and Ron burst out laughing as Harry attempted to prise her from his lap.

Hermione glared at the pair of them, before pulling out her wand with the intention of cleaning up. "Not one word," she warned, echoing the threat in her eyes. She glanced at the remains of her porridge and her frown began to wobble; one small giggle escaped her lips. That was all it took for the three of them to be doubled up in laughter.

The outburst caught the attention of Professor Severus Snape, sitting in his place at the High Table. Instinctively, his lip curled in a sneer and he made no attempt to control it. For sixth-years they acted extremely childishly at times, undoubtedly from lack of discipline.

Snape stood, and glided softly towards the Gryffindor table, coming to a halt directly behind Hermione. "Why is it, Miss Granger, that you have a wand in your hand? Surely you would know the rules about magic in halls and corridors after five years of attending this school?"

His voice was just as she remembered; silkily smooth, but ice-cold. How she had dreaded hearing it again. "It is new, Proffesor, and I was just showing it to Harry and Ron."

"You were not," he snapped. "Five points from Gryffindor. A wonderful start to the term."

All three Gryffindors glared at the retreating back and again broke out in angry conversation.

"Nice to see he hasn't lost his charm," said Harry, his voice dripping sarcasm. The others nodded in agreement.

"You would have thought another couple of months without us would have sweetened him a bit," Ron said, gloomily.

"It hasn't before," pointed out Hermione. "Do you remember the very first thing he said to us, in our first year? 'You are here to learn the subtle science and exact art of potion making.' Well," she paused, "That was after having a go at Harry."

He grinned. "He's always hated me!"

Hermione looked up at the High Table. Snape had returned to his place and was talking quietly with Professor Neffler, the Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher from the previous year.

"Maybe," she said, "But I'm sure he has slightly more respect for you after last year."

Harry lowered his gaze and stared down at the table. Hermione metally slapped herself for being so thoughtless. Of course he wouldn't want to talk about last year. It was still a touchy subject through the whole of Britain.

She bit her lip as painful memories flooded her thoughts. It had been about the beginning of the school year when Voldemort had killed the Dursleys. Dumbledore gave Harry the news, and to all appearances Harry took it alright. Then he ran away. Hermione had run out of tears over the two weeks he was missing. It was common knowledge that Voldemort was out to get him, and with renewed vigour. Harry had found Voldemort, goodness knows how, and killed him. Just like that.

Dumbledore had once explained it too her. Apparantly, Harry had been able to release the controlled fury that had blended with his magic and it had literally torn the Dark Lord apart. Without the use of a wand. Of course, only precious few people knew what actually happened. Herself, Ron, Dumbledore, Neffler, McGonagall, Sirius, and Ron's parents, whom Harry had been staying with. It Was more commonly believed that Voldemort's Death Eaters had turned on him.

Without having realised she had drifted off, Hermiones's mind was snapped back to the present by a light touch on her arm.

"Hermione?"

It was Ron, concern evident on his face. She relaxed, and smiled.

"Lost in thought," she murmured, and got up from the table. Students were already moving out of the Great Hall. "Come on, being late the first Potions of the year is definetely not a good idea."

Harry and Ron looked at each other, then hurried to join Hermione. Arm in arm the three left the hall.