Hi :-) This is my first story so please be kind! I hope you guys like it. I don't have a beta so there might be a few errors (or lots whatever). Anyways, enjoy! :)

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One of the newly appointed fifth year Gryffindor Prefects was casually strolling the deserted halls of Hogwarts. It wouldn't be Ron Weasley, of course. Ron's decision to not take his new position earnestly pissed Hermione Granger off. During the first few weeks of term, Ron was over the moon with his new situation but the fire had died down when he realized how much responsibility the job needed. The power the position held didn't even lift his spirits up like it did during the beginning. He decided to neglect the responsibilities and stayed in the Gryffindor common room playing the barbaric Wizard's Chess with Harry Potter. It wasn't much of a surprise to Hermione anyway. She knew she would have to roam the halls all alone sooner or later.

Hermione was nearing the fat lady's portrait when something caught her eye. The chestnut-haired beauty became vigilant and suspiciously eyed the corridor. She could swear that when she passed the suit of armor to her right that there was a shadow. It wasn't exactly a shadow casted by the moonlight but looked more like a cloak blending in with the dark night. She took a few steps to get a closer look but there wasn't anything or anyone there. Hermione thought, more like convinced herself, that it was just her mind playing with her. She decided to turn around and head back to the front of the portrait.

"Borborygmus," The brunette mumbled to the sleeping fat lady. The woman in the portrait grunted but opened the door anyways. Hermione's thoughts were with the lurking shadow until Harry called out her name.

Hermione nodded to Harry's remark and sat on the high back plush velvet seat. She leaned on the seat and was still indulged in her thoughts. She scolded herself mentally for being so paranoid. It wasn't normal for her to be like that; she has always been known to be the most certain in her little group of friends.

"Hermione!" Ron's piercing voice took her out of her trance.

She almost jumped out of her seat, "What do you want, Ron?" Hermione's agitation was certainly present in her voice.

"What's so bloody interesting that got you so deep in it?" Ron mockingly stated.

"None of your sodding business. Did you forget what happened before I left to patrol the halls?" She spat with venom. The red-head's face turned the same shade as his face. Hermione knew he flushed not because he regrets his decision of neglecting his responsibility but because he embarrassed himself in front of a lot of Gryffindors.

Hermione looked at Ron as if she was going to tackle him. Harry decided to break the tension going on, "Anyways, since you didn't answer Ron's question, I'd ask you myself. What's happened?" He asked with curiosity visible in his eyes.

The lioness' eyes softened a bit, "While I was walking back from my stroll," She sent a glare towards the red-head's way. "Something by a suit of armor caught my eye. I thought someone or something was there but when I went back, I saw nothing. I swear, I wasn't hallucinating-

"Hermione, you're just being paranoid. Our minds usually play with us when we are alone," Ron received another glare but not from Hermione, from Harry. "It's just the way it works. Maybe there was something there, maybe there wasn't. We'll never know."

Ron blurted out his thought, "Wow, mate. Never knew you had the brains in you. Are you the new Hermione?" The red-head received a well-deserved punch in the arm from Harry. Ron's other hand went to the area to ease the pain.

Hermione sighed at her friends' foolish actions, mostly at Ron's. Harry is usually helpful but sometimes he gets affected by Ron's idiotic self. "Anyway, I'm going to bed. Both of you should head up soon as well. Good night."

...

The sun shone through the double arched window behind Hermione's canopy bed. The brunette witch didn't have the best sleep because of what happened the last night but it was enough to get through the day. It was Friday and all of her friends were dreading to head to Hogsmead to get away from the stress school was causing. Hermione sat on her bed for a few minutes to watch the other girls sleepily get ready for the day.

Getting ready for the day wasn't much of a problem to Hermione for she never really gives as much effort as the other girls because it was only just another school day to her. Hermione stood up from her bed to finally get ready.

After a few minutes, she was ready to go downstairs to the Great Hall. Hermione walked out of her dorm to the Gryffindor common room and saw Ginny waiting patiently on the couch. She called out, "Hey Gin!"

The red-head turned her head to Hermione's voice. Ginny acknowledged Hermione and stood up to walk out of the common room with her. "I heard from a very chatty bird that you're going to Hogsmead tomorrow with Michael, is it true?"

Ginny blushed, "Well, yes. But it's just for drinks, I promise! We're not going out or anything."

The brunette chuckled at her friend's answer, "No need to get all defensive, Ginny. It's just me, Hermione. It's not like I'm telling your idiotic brother anything but he'll probably see you there."

"That's kind of what I'm afraid of." Ginny's face crunched up for a second as they reached the bottom of the stairs towards the Great Hall, "I mean, I'm not exactly afraid that he'll find out, but I'd rather let him know myself instead of him finding out and go crazy around a lot of people."

Hermione looked at her ginger-head friend and stopped walking right in front of the Great Hall, "Is there anything I can do? Maybe distract him or something? I can make us not go to where you and Michael are going to be at, is that alright?"

Ginny hugged her friend as a sign of gratitude, "Yes, that'd be great." They let go of their embrace and proceeded into the Great Hall. They sat across from Harry and Ron at the table. Hermione took a piece of toast and started munching on it.

Ron opened his mouth while chewing his food, "What was the commotion outside all about?"

"Ron, did you really need to speak before swallowing your food?" Hermione and Ginny cringed at his action. This disgusting trait of Ron's has been here since the beginning of time. The witches were almost used to it but still couldn't stomach the thought of half-chewed food exiting your mouth while talking. "Anyways, it was none of your business."

Hermione was still mad at Ron and decided to ignore him for the rest of the day. Harry was about to say something about their trip to Hogsmead tomorrow but was cut off by the sound of screeching owls arriving. The brunette witch continued eating her breakfast because she wasn't expecting any mail from her parents or from anyone in that matter. She was startled when an envelope hit her head lightly. The letter fell off from her head to the floor behind her. Hermione turned around to retrieve the unexpected letter. The outside of the letter only read Hermione's name but not the sender's.

The witch decided it was smart to read the letter already rather than wait until later. She started to tear apart at the glued part of the envelope and finally took the parchment out of it after seconds. Hermione unfolded the parchment to see an unfamiliar scribble.

To my dearest,

On Saturday, you must come alone at the North Towers and meet me. I come bearing news that might excite or rather bring you burden and sorrow.

- E