This is my very first fanfiction and to be completely honest...I am terrified that you will hate it. Please let me know what you think! If I get any response I will continue this story. Thank you to anyone who takes the time to read this! I am really excited and hope that you will like it.

Disclaimer: J.K. Rowling created this world, I'm just visiting.


An Unexpected Turn of Events

Chapter One: Pigeon Fueled Terror

The Great Hall was buzzing with excitement. It was the first day of term and it seemed as if everyone was talking at once. The sorting had just been completed and first years were anxious to be accepted by their new peers. At the same time, continuing students were animatedly catching up with their friends and making plans for the weeks to come. Joy seemed to fill the large room until it was overflowing. It was impossible to be unaffected by the surge of happiness.

Toward the middle of the Gryffindor table, the Golden Trio joked about Rita Skeeter's latest antics. Hermione daintily lifted a forkful of salad to her mouth as she watched Ron shovel bread pudding into his mouth (he had skipped the more savory delights in favor of the infamous array of Hogwarts' sweets). She shared a knowing look with Neville as Harry "accidentally" bumped Ginny for the third time since dinner started. The Weasley twins quietly conspired over their roast beef and peas as Luna seemed to be in a world all of her own. Hermione continued to observe her friends and could not help but think about how blessed she was in this one perfect moment in time.

Above the din of the joyous diners the hushed flapping of wings could be heard. A carrier pigeon swooped into the Great Hall and everyone immediately quieted. The entire student body collectively held their breath as the scrawny bird continued its flight across the room. While it was not unusual for feathered creatures to stop by during meal times, owls were by far the norm and pigeons were only used by muggles during times of emergency. Every muggle in the room braced themselves as the pigeon meandered toward its final destination.

Headmaster Dumbledore pushed back his chair, with a creak that sounded deafening in the silent cafeteria, and rose to his feet. Calmly he thrust his arm straight out in front of him and whistled three sharp, shrill notes. The pigeon landed smoothly on Dumbledore's outstretched arm and cooed a soft greeting. Dumbledore detached a small scroll from the bird's left foot and slowly unwrapped it. Every single occupant of the room leaned toward the Head Table and watched anxiously as Dumbledore's normally jovial blue eyes skimmed the note.

Without showing any emotion beside a brief tired grimace, Dumbledore looked out at all of his students. After sending the pigeon on her way, he softly spoke to the crowd, "Ms. Granger please report to my office immediately. Professors McGonagall and Snape please join us. As for the rest of you, please continue as you were before."

Professors Dumbledore, McGonagall and Snape left quickly through the side door. Everyone turned to watch Hermione as she digested the fact that the horrible news was meant for her. The blood drained from her face and she could not force herself to move from her seat. Ron and Harry moved to brace her and helped her rise to her feet. Hermione stood flanked by her partners in crime and took a moment control her emotions. She took a deep breath, straightened her shoulder and moved to the huge double doors. At the threshold she stopped and looked at Ron and Harry who had followed her across the room.

"I need to do this myself," Hermione whispered softly and the boys nodded even though it was apparent they wanted to argue the point.


After the doors closed behind Hermione the Great Hall erupted into a cacophony of voices as everyone turned to their neighbor to discuss the dramatic turn of events.

At the Slytherin table Pansy scoffed, "Why do mudbloods need to be so melodramatic?" The entire table laughed at her comment earning a series of glares from the Ravenclaws, Hufflepuffs, and Gryffindors. Crabb, Goyle and Blaise each added their own insults; much to the delight of their Slytherin peers. Ron Weasley was the only student who noticed that Draco Malfoy was surprisingly silent.

The Gryffindors were much more subdued in their response to Hermione's pigeon-carried news. The twins had stalled their malicious conspiring and spent some time in silent contemplation (a first for the normally rambunctious duo). Fred pushed his remaining peas from one side of his plate to the other while George unhurriedly rimmed his half full goblet of pumpkin juice with his pointer finger. The pair did not acknowledge the comments flying around them, too consumed with thoughts of their friend.

"I wonder what happened…" Neville whispered to Luna who for all intents and purposes appeared to be off in a world of her own creation.

Ginny reached for Harry's hand beneath the table as Ron softly observed, "I've never seen her like that, Mate. 'Mione is always in control. See her like that makes me – "

"I'm sure she'll be fine, Ron. No matter what happens we'll be there to back her up," Harry interrupted as he gently squeezed Ginny's hand. In spite of his confident façade Harry could not help but worry about his right hand woman. He had never seen a pigeon at Hogwarts and after witnessing Dumbledore's thinly veiled reaction, he braced himself for the worst.


As the doors to the Great Hall closed behind her Hermione's knees wobbled and she sank to the ground. Even though she normally prided herself on her maturity and composure, Hermione could not force herself back to her feet. The sound of laughter floated to her from the room behind her and she winced with the cruelty of the familiar chortles. Tears filled her eyes and threatened an imminent descent down her cheeks.

Before she could allow them to fall a familiar voice sounded from behind her, "Chin up, my dear! You mustn't let them see you with your head down. And besides, you are expected by the Headmaster."

Hermione jumped at the unexpected intrusion on her pity party. The friendly intruder floated to a stop in front of her, his normally terrifying semi-decapitation softened by the genuine concern reflected in his ghoulish eyes.

"Oh Nick, I'm so very afraid," Hermione whispered her voice breaking with a soft sob.

Nearly Headless Nick answered calmly, "I know. Come on, child. I will walk you there."

With the friendly ghost by her side the trek to Dumbledore's office did not feel nearly as frightening. The two walked slowly down the corridor together, neither making an effort to break the comfortable silence that surrounded them. When Hermione reached the large Griffin that guarded Dumbledore's office she paused and took a moment to compose herself.

"This part you need to handle by yourself, Hermione. We will all be here for you when you're done."

"We?" Hermione turned to look at Nick and was surprised at what she saw.

Nick was surrounded by the other Hogwarts ghosts. The portraits above their ghoulish heads were nearly bursting with all of the visiting witches and wizards. Their voices raised together, each offering their support and encouragement. Tears flooded her eyes as she took in the scene. "Thank you," she breathed.

Steeling her shoulders she turned back to the task at hand. She neared the Griffin and Nick called out, "Chocolate frogs!" The passage opened in front of her and her other worldly friends watched as she calmly headed toward the news that they knew would change her life forever.


Thank you so much for reading! Please come back for more! :)

In chapter 2 Hermione will meet with Dumbledore, McGonagall and Snape. She will find out news that will rock her world and she will be forced to make some difficult decisions.