Her Secret

One summer is all it takes for a tragedy to happen.

Chapter 1

Onboard The Hogwarts Express

Hermione entered platform 9 3/4 promptly and steadily gazed at her surroundings. First years, who seemed to shrink year by year, appeared overly frightened at the prospect of attending Hogwarts.

Hogwarts. How unusual it would seem this year at Hogwarts as a different kind of burden was now held on her shoulders. The same burden that also held her in a state of denial, anger, and sadness. How was it possible that in one summer, everything could suddenly change? This was a question Hermione had asked herself everyday and everyday; she was unable to seek an answer.

How would her best friends, Harry and Ron react? How would she be able to concentrate on her studies? How would she cope? Many questions plagued Hermione's mind as she gathered all her might and pushed her trunk onto Hogwarts Express. She started to look for the Head Girl and Head Boy compartment as Professor McGonagall had instructed her to in the letter. She couldn't help but smile at the one thing that seemed to make her happy; the fact that she had made Head Girl.

Many people stared at her as she strolled along the compartments with her trunk. She was an odd sight, Hermione was. She had noticeable bags under her big brown eyes, pale, white skin; and she was also very skinny. (The clothes she was wearing seemed a bit too big for her.) It appeared like the only similar thing that the new Hermione and the old Hermione had in common was (ahem) her bushy brown hair. I guess you could say she looked like a starving beaver.

Hermione swallowed some bile that had risen up her throat and in her mouth. It tasted bitter and disgusting, like rotten toenails. Her nervousness was getting to her as she stood outside the Heads' compartment and knocked on the door. No response. She turned the door knob and entered. Relief washed over her as there was no one in it.

She settled Crookshanks's cage onto the seat and proceeded to lift her trunk into the other compartment above the seats. She had much difficulty in doing so and nearly gave up if it wasn't for the two strong hands that helped her.

"Thanks." She whispered, breathlessly. Is this the Head boy? Hermione thought at the same time feeling a sudden tight knot in her stomach.

When Hermione turned to face her helper, an expression of disbelief was clearly written on her face.

'Malfoy!'