A/N: Hey guys! Sorry for the delay in uploading yet again, there has been a lot of family drama lately, and its kind of put me in a bit of a pessimistic mood, which also explains the short chapter.

However, I hope you all enjoy!-

Helping herself to a slice of apple crumble, Hermione was looking around the hall with a melancholy feeling in the pit of her stomach, she really was missing Harry and Ron, and she felt completely out of place without them. Yes, everyone there was more than welcoming towards her, but she was just so used to the boys being around her constantly. This year would be hard for her, Harry and Ron always kept her grounded, they were her best friends, they were part of her. Sure, Ginny, Neville and Luna were her friends too but she just had this bond with the boys.

Looking up from her now custard covered crumble Hermione looked around the great hall for something to take her mind off things. She started at the Hufflepuff table noticing that there were first years already making friends and talking about whatever first years spoke about. Then she looked at the Ravenclaw table, trailing her eyes down the table she noticed several people were reading, playing chess, or debating, which from previous encounters with Ravenclaws she knew seemed to be the normal way to pass time. But as she reached the bottom of the table she saw the girl with the hair so black it seemed to hold no colour at all. She recalled that her name was Raven Maxwell, and even though she had already seemed to make friends with a boy who had extremely kind eyes, and a girl who had long auburn curls cascading down her back, Hermione seemed to notice that every few seconds she would look over their shoulders to the Slytherin table, clearly checking up on her brother. Following the girls gaze she also turned to look at the Slytherin table.

When she actually found the other half of the Maxwell twins, she couldn't believe what she saw. Was she actually seeing Draco Malfoy, ex-deatheater, cold hearted prejudice talking to a first year? And looking like he was enjoying himself? She couldn't believe it. Trying her hardest to read the boys lips she concluded that they were having a pretty intense conversation about quidditch. Shaking her head Hermione returned to eating her food with a look of pure disbelief on her face.

Soon enough McGonagall was back at the podium in front of the high tables.

"I hope you have all enjoyed the feast" she said with a small smile on her lips, "Now may I ask all house prefects to escort first years to their respective common rooms, your belongings have all been moved to your rooms and you will also find your timetables for the year placed on your trunks." She continued, "Can I also ask that no one wanders during the night, the castle walls still need a bit of reparation, and we wouldn't want any injuries with falling debris now would we? May all of you have a wonderful year at Hogwarts, and a peaceful sleep. Finally speaking only to our Head Boy and Head Girl I trust you can find your way to your shared dorm?" with a small nod Hermione confirmed and with that the doors of the great hall opened up and everyone started piling out. Gathering her things Hermione swung her bag over her shoulder and headed to her new room.

After several minutes of walking, Hermione finally arrived at a large oak door with brass handles. Taking, what felt like the 100th deep breath of the day Hermione twisted the handle and stepped inside. Once she was inside she turned and closed the door before fully taking in the sight of the room in front of her.

The floor was a dark walnut colour with a large black fur rug covering the main area. The entirety of the walls were the same type of wood as the floor, Hermione noted. There was a log fireplace on one side of the room, which lit the room up in a warm glow. The ambience of the room seemed to remind Hermione of a log cabin that she once stayed in with her parents, and she absolutely loved it. Sighing contently to herself, Hermione placed her bag on the floor and settled herself on the black leather sofa close to the fire. Pulling out her book Hermione opened it and decided she would read until the head boy arrived.

So yeah...

I'm sorry again for how long it took for me to update, and the quality of this chapter.

Let me know what you thought in the reviews, constructive criticism is always welcome, don't forget to favourite and follow the story.

Until next time - Miaol