Hermione's mouth dropped open. She was about to say something when the doors to the Hospital Wing burst open, and Harry Potter and Ron Weasly, Hermione's two best friends, came running towards her.
"Mione!" Ron shouted, skidding to a stop halfway into the room. "McGonagall told us you were awake!"
"Feeling better?" asked Harry, as he leaned over to hug his friend. Dumbledore chuckled softly at the perfect timing the boys just happened to have. He could tell the new princess was more than slightly overwhelmed.
"Miss Granger, I will talk to you later. However, at dinner I believe you should tell the school, as I will be presenting you with your crown. You clearly radiate power, and those who know the old history will realize exactly who you are. Cornelius will also have to be informed. He will probably be here tomorrow, and reporters might follow. I suggest you prepare yourself." Dumbledore paused, then said, "Do not fear. The staff of Hogwarts stand behind you and will help you learn what you need to know to fulfill your new role."
With that, Dumbledore left the trio to go meet with the staff and to owl the Minister. Harry and Ron sat down on Hermione's bed, looking very confused.
"What was he talking about Mione?" Ron asked.
"You do know we will always be your friend no matter what." Harry said, sensing Hermione's feelings and seeing her start to tear up.
"Thanks guys. I'm just a little overwhelmed and shocked. Harry, it's sort of like how you said you felt when you found out you were a wizard, only worse." Hermione said before wither boy could say anything else. She took a deep breath before continuing. "As you know, I turned 17 this morning and my full powers were unlocked. Professor Dumbledore told me that for some reason I was born with more power than any other wizard who ever lived and that because of my power and where it came from, that I am wizarding royalty. I even have the tattoo of the royal bird: the golden phoenix." She paused and showed Harry and Ron the tattoo. Now, the golden bird pulsed with an inner light that emanated power.
"So that makes you a princess or something, right?" Harry guessed. "I always thought there was something different about you. You were smarter than everyone else and learned things faster too."
"WOW!" Ron screamed. "Dumbledore is going to tell the school later? Why you? Will you get a crown, and live in a palace?" The questions came one after the other as the red head stared at Hermione unbelieving.
"Yes, I suppose Professor Dumbledore will be telling people later, and no, I don't know why I was chosen." Hermione glanced at her friends before turning to look down at her sheets. "I just know I want both of you to be there for me tonight. I'm so scared."
Hermione trailed off and turned to look outside the window. The afternoon sun shone on the bright green grass by the sparkling lake, bathing the grounds of Hogwarts in a golden light. Hermione looked back at her friends who had been with her through hell and back. "One thing I do know is that everything is going to change." Hermione finished as she turned back to the window, sighing, wishing the grand reveal was already over, and hoping things wouldn't change too much. Little did she know, but a blonde haired Slytherin was listening to his secret crush spill her guts to the friends that she cared for and trusted.
The boy walked silently away, knowing his needed to continue the job that he had been given.