With a slight shiver, Hermione unlocked the door and beckoned for me to come inside. She fumbled around for the light-switch, turned on the heaters and opened the curtains.

I had always been amazed at how Hermione managed to incorporate so many Muggle devices in her classrooms, as well as common wizarding objects. She had lamps, fans, toasters, pens and pencils working with quills, wands, broomsticks and owls that often came by with lunch parcels for the students.

'Hermione,' I asked through a yawn, 'Why were you rushing this morning?

'Hmm? Aren't I always?'

'No, you seemed to be rushing more than usual if that's possible'.

'Oh. Well, I wanted to set up, and I wanted to be here when it arrived…'

'When what arrived?'

At that moment, a tawny owl flew up and tapped on the window. Hermione rushed over, opened the window and untied the large package from its legs. As soon as she let go, the owl flew away as quick as it came.

'What's that?' I asked, peering over her shoulder. She flicked her fingers at me lightly, concentrating on the parcel.

'Just a package'.

'I can see that. What's in it?'

Without speaking, Hermione undid the brown wrapping, revealing a large box. Picking up her wand, she murmured a few words and the tape holding it together fell off, undoing the lid and exposing…

'Books?'

'Yes, aren't they absolutely gorgeous?' Hermione gushed. 'I saw them in the Witches Weekly parenting column and decided to order a few… For educational purposes only, of course.'

'A few?' I stared at her, and then back at the box. There must have been at least forty of the books in there.

'Oh, just stop fussing and take a look, Ginny!'

'Sorry. It's just… what did you buy them with? I know the school's going well with funds and enrolment fees, but these look so expensive!'

'Ginny, really! We have more than enough money, and I just received three more owls with enrolment requests. Now, just take a look at them! Goodness, I can't believe you were the one telling me to chill out before!'

She giggled, and pushed me closer toward the box. I peered inside and picked up one of the books. They were bound with red leather and embossed with a floral gold design and titled simply 'Magic for Beginners'. I opened it gently, hearing the spine creak quietly as I did.

Hermione was right- they were beautiful.

Each page had a sub-heading at the top written in gold with large, easy to read black print underneath and classically drawn moving pictures to demonstrate each instruction or explanation given.

I didn't say a word and continued to turn the pages carefully, feeling oddly drawn to the splendour of the books.

'Do you like them?' Hermione asked, studying my face carefully.

'I do', I breathed. 'They're absolutely gorgeous, Hermione. I just hope the students won't destroy them…'

'Oh, I'll make sure they won't. I'll put and Unbreakable charm on them or something. It should be quite simple, although I wonder if perhaps a Disillusioning charm would work better? Then if they thought about scribbling on the pages they would have the urge to turn away…'

As Hermione went on, I tuned out and looked away from the book and back up at her, drawing a sharp breath as I did.

She was gorgeous. How had I not noticed it before? All the times in the Common Room, at countless breakfasts, lunches and dinners- perhaps it was seeing her in a different context.

Yes, that must be it.

It was just that… there was something about her that was so interesting. Her face was lit up in excitement and passion, and the breeze from the slightly ajar window was stirring her hair lightly, making it glint in the early morning sun.

I shook my head. This wasn't right. How long had I known Hermione for now? Ten, twelve years? She was practically my best friend. I was probably just a little tired.

I tore my eyes away from her as I realised she had stopped talking.

'What?' She demanded. 'Is there something on my face?'

'Hmm? Oh- sorry, no. Nothing.' I said, jerking out of my trance.

'I was just thinking about how we should probably start setting up soon before the little monsters arrive. You're quite behind schedule, Miss Granger!' I teased.

'Oh, shut it you. At least I can actually wake up in the morning!' she said, poking in the ribs playfully.

I smiled. As tired as I was, I knew that today was going to be a good day.