I was so oblivious. I thought I had everything figured out. I thought I knew myself, my strengths and my weaknesses, and I thought I knew the world. But I didn't.

However, things began to change ever so slowly, I began to change. I suppose you can call it maturity, but I hesitate to do so for that term is so often misused. You do not mature simply because you grow older. Quite the contrary, I find that sometimes people can even move backwards.

And I was young then. I was sixteen. I hadn't seen any of the world yet, but I believe it was then that I began to realize some things, that I began to mature.

Dear Mum,

I'm so sorry I haven't written to you yet! How are you and Dad? I've been extremely busy these past couple of weeks as you've probably guessed already. The professors were not exaggerating when they said this year was going to be difficult! I mean, yes, third year was a little hectic. But these days I barely have time to eat my breakfast in the mornings. Which is just as well, I've been hearing rumours lately that Hogwarts actually has house elves working and cooking for all of us in the kitchens! You remember what I told you about house elves, right Mum? Those poor creatures that are enslaved by rich families and forced to do whatever they are told. They punish themselves if they disobey their 'masters'. It's completely and utterly barbaric! I'm sorry to rant here, Mum, but it's just so infuriating how everyone else just seems to accept this. I wish I could do something about it. I wish I could make people see. But it's just so hard.

And it's not just this Mum. It's everything. It's like people don't even use their own minds to think anymore. Other people think for them. Except now, it's the government that's thinking for them. Making them believe almost anything with their outrageous propaganda. Mum, I told you how Harry saw Voldemort come back last summer. And how he had to watch a fellow classmate die in front of his own eyes. I would trust Harry with my life and I know what he says is real. So why can't the rest of the wizarding world see as well? They're making him out to be some sort of attention seeking liar. And Dumbledore too. They talk about him as if he's off his rocker. They're just putting us all in more danger than we already are. Voldemort is back. Of that much I am sure. But I'm scared Mum. This isn't just about us witches and wizards anymore. This is the whole world. I've heard stories of the first war and believe me, Voldemort will kill anyone in his path. Anyone.

I know this hasn't been the cheeriest of letters. But you're the only person I could talk to about this Mum. You're the only person I could tell my fears to. Harry and Ron are my best friends, but I feel I bore them enough will all of my talk. And, yes, I know what you're thinking and you're right. I'm also a little ashamed to admit to them that I'm afraid. Is that completely pathetic? Plus they're boys. That right there should be reason enough. I talk to Ginny sometimes, but I rarely get the chance to have a nice long conversation with her these days. We have different schedules, obviously, and when we do see each other it's mostly just hello and goodbye. I just need someone to talk to.

But I've basically written you a novel so that should hold you over until the next time I write! But before I end this I just want to let you know that even though it may seem like I'm drowning in all these problems, I am happy, Mum. So, please whatever you do, don't worry about me. I realize I've made that quite hard, but I know that you of all people will trust me when I say, I am fine.

I miss you already. And tell Dad I miss him too, of course.

Love,

Hermione.

Hermione read over her letter again before signing it and putting it aside to take up to the Owlery later. She felt lighter than she had in a while, finally pouring out all her feelings onto paper. Writing to her mum always had a calming effect on her, as if she was back in her arms, safe from the rest of the world. Admittedly, she was feeling rather excited this morning. Today, they were going into the Hog's Head. It would be the very first meeting for their new Defense Against the Dark Arts club, and Hermione could not keep the smile off her face. She wasn't quite sure why, but it felt almost as if she were part of a rebellion or a secret society. Oh sure they weren't breaking any of the rules. She checked and rechecked on that to be certain. Yet, she just knew that if Umbridge were to find out, she would be furious. And that thought alone, thrilled her.

Seeing that it was finally time for breakfast, Hermione, who had already showered, dressed, and written a letter to her Mum, exited her dormitory at last. As she made her way down the spiral staircase, she spotted a black mess of hair near the fireplace. With a smile on her face, she crossed over the common room to greet Harry, whose back was facing her.

"Good morning!"

Harry jumped at the sound of her voice. "Blimey Hermione, you don't sneak up on a bloke like that," he said, trying to regain his composure.

"Sorry," Hermione laughed, looking anything but apologetic. She plopped herself down on the couch next to him and, in as civilized a manner as she could, tried again. "Good morning, Harry."

"Morning," he replied warily. "What are you so chipper about, anyway?"

"Well it's Hogsmeade today, isn't it?" Hermione said excitedly.

Harry looked at her with narrowed eyes. "And since when has that gotten you all wound up?"

"I'd hardly consider myself wound up," Hermione stated matter-of-factly. "But if you must know, I happen to be looking forward to our meeting today," she said in hushed tones.

"And the truth comes out," Harry grinned.

"Oh hush," Hermione retorted, "are you telling me you're not the least bit excited to be going against the best interests of our dearest professor?"

"Please don't make me vomit before breakfast," Harry stated plainly, "and as a matter of fact, yes, that prospect does excite me very much."

"Oh definitely, I can see it in your eyes. You're practically oozing excitement, please try and contain yourself before you make a mess on the floor," Hermione said sarcastically.

Harry looked up at her for a moment before chuckling softly to himself.

"What?" Hermione asked.

"Nothing," Harry said innocently.

"What?"

"Nothing."

"Harry Potter!"

"Okay okay woman, calm down!" Harry exclaimed as Hermione shoved him forcefully. "It's nothing," Harry explained, "it's just…you sounded like Fred and George there for a moment. I think they're rubbing off on you."

"What—I—no but—"

"Sorry what was that you stuttered?" Harry asked.

"They are not rubbing off on me," Hermione stated.

"Come on, you know you're just itching to get your hands on one of their skiving snack-boxes," Harry smirked.

"Hermione wants to get her hands where?"

Both looked up to see Ron making his way down the stairs towards them.

"Now, really!" Hermione exclaimed with impatience. But Harry had already burst out laughing, much to Hermione's displeasure.

"So where then?" Ron continued.

But Hermione had already gotten up with a loud 'humph' and started heading towards the portrait hole. "I'm going down to breakfast now, if you think you'd like to join me, then think again," she called over her shoulder.

Hermione's excitement over the Hogsmeade trip was still very palpable during breakfast that morning and remained so as the three joined the queue of students heading down to the village. When they reached Filch, however, Hermione could have sworn she saw the caretaker sniff Harry.

Well that was odd, Hermione thought.

"Er—why was Filch sniffing you?" Ron asked uncertainly.

Oh good, so I'm not going mental.

As they made their way down the path, Harry explained how according to Filch, he was allegedly smuggling dung bombs into Hogwarts.

"He said he was tipped off you were ordering dung bombs? But who had tipped him off?" inquired Hermione.

"I dunno," said Harry, shrugging. "Maybe Malfoy, he'd think it was a laugh."

"Malfoy?" said Hermione, very skeptically. "Well…yes…maybe…"

No, thought Hermione, that can't be it.

However she refrained from voicing her thoughts and instead let her mind wander further as they walked along. There was just something about all of this that screamed Umbridge, but of course there was no logical proof to support that. So she let the subject go for now, smiling amusedly as she remembered Filch attempting to sniff Harry.

Well if he did catch a whiff he would have been disappointed. Harry always smells good, thought Hermione.

A/N: So instead of doing my homework today, I wrote this! Therefore, I hope you can find it in your hearts to please leave some feedback. Por favor. Did I mention I didn't study for my Spanish test? Pleasereviewthanksbye.