Again, Hermione is 17 so if you don't fancy this type of story, just stop while you're ahead :] But, if you do...I hope you enjoy this chapter as we push forward and recount the events of exactly brought pure shenanigans. Please read and review! While I write these for your entertainment (as well as my own) it's encouraging to read reviews from you lovely folks! Enjoy!

ADMIRABLE SENTIMENTS

CHAPTER 2

Students spilled out from the train they took every year to get to the magical school Hogwarts. The train bellowed as it announced it's departure once every student had disembarked. The vibration of the vehicle could be felt as it pulled away from the station. Copious amounts of steam rose from the chimney, wind carrying it away.

Most everyone seemed to wear a smile as each student found their friends while settle into the carriage that would take them to gates. Among these students was one Harry Potter, Ronald Weasley, and Hermione Granger; Brightest Witch of her Age.

As was tradition, they found each other on the train and would discuss their summer. Over the years their topic of discussion had grown slightly darker. The time for Harry to confront You-know-who drew ever closer.

Hermione, for one, picked up on how tired Harry seemed to appear each time she saw him after a long absence. While he still looked relatively healthy, the dark circle under his eyes were evident to her and the air around him seemed heavier. She would do all she could for him. Or at least she would certainly try.

As the trio walked away from the station, three familiar faces came to walk by their sides; Neville Longbottom, Luna Lovegood, and Ginerva Weasley.

"So good to see you, Luna!" Hermione began, "How's your father? Doing well I hope?"

"He's rather mad about Gardewinx and Dewbukles these days. Hopes to have some of his own." Luna Replied.

"I see..." Hermione said, a bit perplexed.

And with that, Luna turned her attention back to the path before her, a content smile on her face, leaving Hermione to raise a brow. The witch was always eccentric and half of what she said often confused those around her. Hermione herself had no idea what Gardewinx or Dewbukles were but didn't bother asking for the answer. Tossing a glance at the people around her, Hermione felt happy. She loved her friends and hoped they would always be together.

As the six of them stood waiting for the next carriage, something caught Hermione's attention. Brows gently drawing together, she picked up on the sudden change in atmosphere. While it was by no means drastic, it was enough for her cross her arms over her chest as the airs on the back of her neck stood up. Deciding that it was just her, the Gryffindor didn't give it a second thought as she let herself become distracted by Ron's words.

"I can't wait to eat." Ron stated, the others laughed as Ginny piped up.

"Honestly Ronald, don't you ever think about anything other than food?"

"Why would I?" He replied, "What's better than mountains of food?"

"What about girls, mate?" Harry questioned, only to see a slightly uncomfortable expression form on his best friend's face.

"They just seem to bring about trouble lately."

"Oh please, like you boys are any better. Always stuffing your faces, sticking your nose in business where it doesn't belong...not to mention breaking hearts left and right along with not being able to keep your tempers under control." Hermione drawled.

"I don't think you should talk about tempers Mione-OUCH!" She had pinched him before almost ignoring him completely.

"I do hope you take that back. You're lucky I'm not Lavender Brown!"

Hermione shook her head and let out a huff of annoyance. Redirecting her attention on to the time on her watch, the young witch began to realize that they had been waiting far too long for the carriage. It should have been here a while time ago.

Beginning to feel as though something just wasn't right, She couldn't put her finger on what exactly was wrong. They had only just arrived and it was far to early for unsavory events to unfold. While it was bound to happen, Hermione wouldn't have thought it this start now.

And while she would often scold Ron for mentioning food all the time, the muggle witch found that she hoped she would at least get a decent meal in her before she had to deal with misfortune. She was already feeling slightly over reactionary and the lack of food only made it worse.

Looking back at her friends, Hermione began to wonder why none of them seemed to notice that something was off here. If anyone were to have picked up on it, she thought that surely thought Harry would have noticed. He had always seemed to know when danger was lurking near by. Why was this time different?

It had been more than thirty minutes since the last carriage had left and there were another handful of students who still needed to get to the castle. Were they expected to walk?

Feeling the need to speak up on the matter, Hermione drew her jumper around her tighter as a cold breeze picked up. That seemed to do the trick as Hermione noticed the sudden change in Harry's demeanor. Making brief eye contact with him. They had been waiting too long, Hermione's right hand sought out her wand as she turned to her friends.

"Something's not right. The carriage should have been here a while ago." She said.

"Nonsense Mione. It'll be here soon just-" Ron began but was cut off by Harry.

"She's right Ron. Something feels wrong."

"What are we suppose to do though? The carriage takes us the rest of the way to Hogwarts." Neville stated.

A moment of silence passed through the lot of them as they exchanged glances between themselves and the road that stood before them. The sky was growing dark over head and Hermione noted that it wouldn't be that much longer before night was upon them.

The idea of traveling through the forest on foot didn't sit right with her. While waiting wasn't an option, Hermione felt as though they only had one choice. Bringing her wand out of her pocket, Hermione took a step forward before turning around to face her friends and the rest of the students.

"Hermione?" Ginny questioned.

"We have to walk-" Hermione's said to Ginny before when the younger girl interrupted.

"But we don't know if something has happened-"

"Ginny she's right, we have to go now." Harry replied.

"We should stay put. I'm sure the someone will notice-"

"No, Ron." Harry began as he looked at the crowd. "Hermione's right. We should go."

"You sure, mate? What if something has happened up head? You don't know..." He trailed off.

"No Ronald, we don't. But even if nothing has happened...something just might if we stick around here too long. It's getting dark. The forest isn't safe." Hermione said, a look of worry passing over her features. She watched as Harry placed a hand on Ron's shoulder as he nodded in agreement with her.

"We've done this before, Ron. We got their safely then. We can do it again now." He assured his red headed friend who only shrugged in response.

Hermione watched Harry turn around before he took his own wand out. That action alone seemed to catch everyone's attention as all eyes seemingly feel on him. Shifting a little where she stood, Hermione's concern began to grow as the sky.

Every second they wasted meant the more likely they all might have to have to deal the dark creatures that dwelt in the forest. Not to mention most of them she assumed had been manipulated by the Dark Lord to help his foul purpose. Who knows what else they could potentially encounter...or better yet, who. And just when she felt as though Harry might never speak...

"As you might have noticed the carriages have seemed to stop making runs." His voice sounded slightly unsure. "We need to walk the rest of the way-"

"Are you daft?" A boy from Hufflepuff asked, earning a few 'yeahs' of agreement from his friends. "Do you know who long that would take? It's a long way from here to the castle-"

"Which is exactly why we need to leave now." Hermione interceded. "Do you have any idea what could happen if we get stuck out here at night?"

The boy gave her a rather offended look but quieted down when Harry spoke.

"Trust me, you don't want to find out. We have to leave now. I'm sure everything will be fine but..." He paused for a moment. "Keep your wands ready."

And with that, the group of students began to move forward, casting wary looks around themselves as they began the long walk to Hogwarts. Something in the pit of Hermione's stomach turned and she suddenly felt ill. Why hadn't they gotten off the train faster? They probably would have been safe inside the castle by now had they not lollygagged.

As she looked in between the dense trees and at the handful of students behind her, Hermione rationalized in her head that at least she could say she tried to help them if something truly unfortunate were to happen. Trying to control her breathing, Hermione thanked Merlin that she at least had her wand.

AUTHORS NOTE:

So this chapter was mostly leading up to what is about to happen in chapter three. Next chapter will be where the excitement truly begins. Hope you all enjoyed this and hope to get reviews! Stick around for the next chapter! ;] it won't disappoint! And again, if anyone knows someone who is willing or wants to beta for this fic please drop me a PM