Summary-  It's the gangs first day at Muggle school. Classes, lunch, but not the people, make the trio realize how different their world really and truly is.

"Come on Hermione!"  Ron's voice yelled through the bathroom door.  "You've been in there for hours!  Harry and I have to get to school too you know!"

"I'm almost done!"  Hermione yelled.  She looked back to the mirror.  She was wrapped in a fluffy towel and was doing her makeup.  She decided to just do glamour charms, and dry her hair straight with her wand.

Ten minutes later Hermione emerged from the bathroom feeling refreshed and ready to start her first day ever at a muggle high school.  She had on a light blue long sleeved shirt, with a rather low v-neck and a very cute white skirt.  On her feet she had white tennis shoes that pulled the casual look together.

Harry and Ron took some care in their dress too.  Harry had on a pair of very dark blue jeans and a blue sweater.  Ron had on a pair of khakis and a white sweater.  They never dress up. Hermione was half expecting to have to explain to Ron why he couldn't wear his chudly cannons shirt.

"Wow Hermione."  Harry said.  "You look really good, what did you do different?"

Hermione grinned.  "Just different makeup, Harry."  She said. 

Harry laughed and walked into the bathroom to brush his teeth in the sink beside Ron's.  They too seemed to be taking this a bit seriously, as both boys were actually concentrating on their hair.  Ron gelled his, and Harry tried, but failed miserably. 

"Here."  Hermione said to Harry.  "I'll do that for you."  Harry walked over and dipped his head down while Hermione stood on her toes.  She took a large glob of gel and worked it into Harry's unruly hair.

"There!"  She said with satisfaction.  "Didn't even use magic!"

"Haha."  Harry said sarcastically, but smiled. "Thanks Mione."

"No problem."  She said, grabbing her book bag.  "We better get going."  Harry and Ron followed suite and walked out onto the street.

Hermione was the first outside.  It was such a gorgeous day that she could just feel her mood lighten.  Her legs were a little chilly, since it was still early morning, but the sun was promising to be a warm day. 

The three walked toward the large high school, and noticed some other students walking too. 

"Not very big is it?"  Ron said abut the school. Harry and Hermione looked at him.

"It's actually very big for a high school."  Hermione said.  "Remember, the students don't all live here, so they don't need that space, just wait Ron, you're in for the ride of your life."

Hermione went first through the glass doors, Harry and Ron at her heels.  She looked around at the other students and saw they were attracting some curious looks as well.

"We need to go to the office."  Hermione told her friends.

"I wonder were Jess is."  Ron mumbled.

"We'll see her later, I'm sure."  Hermione said, looking around.

"Office is that way."  Harry said, pointing to a sign. 

So they walked down a long hallway with lockers lining each side.  Hermione and Harry tried to explain everything to Ron quietly, as to not attract more attention then what they were getting. 

"Here it is."  Hermione said, opening a door. 

Harry, Hermione, and Ron walked into a very clean smelling and white room.  There were various potted plants scattered here and there, and a fish tank stood at one end. 

Hermione approached the secretary, and cleared her throat. 

"Can I help you?"  The middle aged secretary asked with a smile.

"Yes."  Hermione said, smiling back.  My friends and I have just transferred here, from Harrington Academy.  Our Headmaster said he sent you our papers?"

"What are your names?"  The woman asked, pulling out a file drawer.

"Hermione Granger, Harry Potter, and Ronald Weasley."  Hermione said.  "We are all sixteen and in the eleventh grade."

 The secretary paused a few seconds, and then pulled out three papers.  "Ah yes, here we are, Hermione, Ronald, and Harry.  Everything seems to be in order kids, so please let me welcome you to West bridge high school I do hope you like it here.  These are your schedules; anyone will give you directions if you ask for them."

"Thank you."  Hermione and Harry said.  Ron was too busy looking around the room.

"The pictures don't move!" He said in an awed voice.  "Not at all!"

"Shh!" Harry said.  "I told you that already, remember our first year?"

"Harry."  Hermione said with a smile.  "Ron can't remember what he had for dinner last night."

The three started laughing and Hermione looked at her schedule.  "Math, English, Gym, Study hall, Chemistry, Lunch, History, and home Ec."  She read off the list.  "We also have our lockers beside one another.  Lockers 566, 567, and 568.

"Dumbledore has given us the same schedule."  Harry said with a grin.  "Remind me to thank him for that one." 

The three wandered through the school for a few minutes, getting the feel of everything, and then made their way to the math hall. 

The late bell had long since rang, and as Harry, Hermione, and Ron walked into their first class- math, all the heads turned.

"I'm sorry Pro- I mean maam."  Harry said with a smile.  "We're new here, and had a hard time finding the way."

The teacher looked to be in her mid forties, and was of small build.  "Alright then."  She said with a half exasperated smile.  "Please take your seats.  What are your names?"

"Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, and Ron Weasley."  Harry said, pointing to each in turn. 

"Yes yes."  The teacher said, I see your names here.  Well, my name is Mrs. Keys; please take the seats over by the window, yes, the ones beside Jessica.

"Jessica!"  Ron grinned wide and Harry and Hermione followed suite.  They took their things and sat in a group in the corner, Ron sitting right beside Jessica.

They all received their books, and the teacher gave an introduction to the class.

Hermione, as always, sat with her new notebook open, new pen in hand, taking rapid notes.  Harry was listening, and writing the occasional thing down every so often, but Ron…well, Ron was paying attention, just not to the teacher.

Harry looked over at his friends.  Hermione was paying close attention; you could almost see the gears turning in her head.  Harry turned his head and saw Ron, writing, yes, but only writing Jessica's name dozens of times on his notebook.

Just as Harry was thinking how quick Ron had gotten the hang of pencils and pens, the bell rang, making Ron jump ever so slightly, so that only Jessica and Harry noticed it.

Once they were out of first period, Jessica turned to the Hogwarts trio. 

"Wow."  She managed to get out.  "I can't believe you actually came."

"Of course."  Harry said with a smile.  "When did you and Jared get back?"

"We left right before you did."  Jessica said. "Although Dumbledore was right, no one even realized we were gone, somewhat belittling, don't you think?"

They all laughed, and then heard another familiar voice.  "Hey!"

Hermione turned around and flashed the owner of the voice with a smile.  "Hey Jared, long time no see."  She giggled.

"I'll say!"  He replied, smiling broadly at her.  "What do you all have next?"

"English."  Hermione answered, glancing down at her paper.  "This is all so strange, to be back in a school like this."

"I can imagine."  Jessica said.  "It's so dull compared to bewitched ceilings and house elves."

"It's fantastic!"  Ron said excitedly.  "Everything is too weird! It's great!"

Hermione laughed.  "Just thinks Ron, this is the kind of school I went to until I was eleven!"

"Wicked."  Ron said.

"We better get going."  Jared said.  "I have English with you guys."

Hermione smiled and started walking to her English class, unaware just how many eyes were on her.

~

"Finally!"  Ron said.  "I can't believe they make you wait this long to eat!"

"Settle down Ron!"  Hermione said.  "You're getting some odd looks."

"We'll show you the way to the cafeteria."  Jessica said.  "It's this way."

"Dumbledore really out did himself."  Harry said.  "He gave us the same schedule, and arranged that either Jessica or Jared are in them!"

"Great man, Dumbledore."  Ron said absent mindedly.  "Ah! We're here!"

Hermione and her friends walked into the bright cafeteria, which was already starting to fill up.  Jessica and Jared led them to the lunch line, and Jessica had to quietly explain to Ron why they had to get their own food, and why they cant get it right on the table. 

"Ron needs to keep some things to himself."  Hermione whispered to Harry as she grabbed an apple.  "He keeps talking so openly about house elves, someone is bound to notice."

Harry nodded in agreement, and they both finished getting their lunches.

"Come on over here."  Jared said, leading them to a circular table.  "No one is sitting here."

The three of them sat down, and were soon joined by Jessica and Ron, Ron looking much happier now that he had a tray filled with food. 

Once they were all settled, each person eating happily, Jared asked; "So what do you think of our humble school?"

"Excellent."  Harry said. 

"Diffurunggnt."  Ron said through a mouth of food.

"I think he means different."  Hermione said.  "And I must agree, I can't believe I used to live like this, and that these would have all been my classmates."

Jessica grinned.  "I wonder if you'll see much difference when you actually meet the people."  She said.

As if on cue, three girls made their way to their table, and stopped behind Hermione and Jared.

"Hermione Granger?"  A very feminine voice asked.

Hermione turned around in her seat, so she was facing the girl.

"Yes."  She said with a smile.  "Do I know you?"

The gils eyes flashed for a moment, and then she smiled again.  "Amanda Decon."  She said.  "Do you remember me?"

Hermione's pleasant smile faded instantly.  "Why, yes, actually, I do remember you."  She said.  "You bullied me when we were younger."

The girl laughed and threw her hair over her shoulder.  She was tall, it was easy to see, just a little shorter than Harry.   She had piercing dark blue eyes and very dark eyelashes.  She had raven black hair that went straight down her back, and a look of complete arrogance.  Her nails were long and perfectly done in a French manicure.  She actually wore an outfit similar to Hermione's only her shirt was a red tank top, not a blue long sleeved.   The girls that followed her were very pretty too, one of them wore a light pink sundress and the other wore white pants and a light green shirt.  They both had blonde hair, but one was long and curly, and the other had a straight, trendy short cut.  For some reason this trio reminded Hermione strongly of the Malfoy trio she was fleeing from.

Amanda's laugh filled the air again, "Oh yes, you do remember! I thought you had moved away, Hermione."

"I went to boarding school."   Hermione answered in a flat voice.  "But I transferred back here for the time being."

"Oh."  Amanda said, and then she noticed Harry. "Ah! Who are your adorable friends Hermione?"

Ron and Harry looked up.  "Harry Potter and Ron Weasley."  Hermione said.  "They transferred from my school as well."

"A co-ed boarding school!"  Amanda said.  "How exciting! I am sure you got into a lot of trouble there, Hermione."

Ron grinned.  "Trouble?  Hermione?  Actually, that would be Harry and I getting her into all she can handle, funny thing though, she was always the one getting us out."

Amanda's eyes filled with curiosity.  "Oh really?"  She asked, and then sat down in between Hermione and Harry, her friends left.  "What kind of trouble?"

Hermione gave Ron a discreet kick under the table, and Harry spoke before he could. 

"Well,   it's mostly just playing pranks on the professors, er, teachers at the school, nothing too horrible."

Amanda looked disappointed, as though she wanted to hear some good dirt on Hermione.

"So."  Amanda said,   "There's a dance this weekend, you all showing up?"

Hermione looked at her friends.  "Er, we aren't sure, we're still sort of settling in."

Amanda raised an eyebrow.  "I see." She said.  "Well, if you decide to come, I'm sure my friends and I can save you all a place at our table."

Hermione noticed she was mostly looking at Harry, and judging from Harry's flushed color, he noticed too. 

"Got to go."  Amanda said, standing, "Will talk to you later."  She winked and went back to her friends, leaving Hermione and her gang in a bit of confusion.

"Amanda Decon."  Jessica said faintly.  "I don't know what it is about you Harry, but I have never seen Amanda Decon be nice to anyone."

"Well, I'm not depressed about it."  Jared said with a smile.  "That girl is the biggest slut I know, and has been trying to get me to notice her all year, even though she's dating one of the guys on the basketball team."

"Oh?"  Harry asked, confused.  "Sounds like a certain pug faced Slytherin I know."

Hermione and Ron chuckled.  "Yea."  Hermione said.  "An exact replica of Pansy Parkinson, although I have to admit, Amanda has become very pretty."  

"Yea."  Jessica said.  "Pretty slutty."

Ron laughed at that and actually put his arm around Jessica- a daring move on his part. 

"Don't worry."  He said.  "Harry's pretty used to the attention, he's not going to act on it, are you mate?"

"Harry grinned.  "I dunno, she was kinda hot."

Hermione smacked him playfully.  "Harry James Potter, you put your eyes back in, that girl tormented me everyday when I was little."

"She doesn't seem so bad now." Harry said.  "She seemed pretty nice."

Jessica scoffed.  "Yea, to you maybe."

Jared frowned.  "Jessica is right.  Amanda really isn't such a nice person, only when she wants something, or someone."

Hermione looked over at the table were Amanda was sitting.  It all felt so strange to be thrown back into a world she had distended herself from so badly.  There wasn't anything that could describe how she felt, and yet here she was. 

She was yanked out of her thoughts when the bell rang shrilly through the air and Ron grinned at her. 

"Well, time to learn about muggle history."  He said, referring to history class.  All Hermione could do was laugh.

~

We will be studying some of the more interesting points in history today, class."  The teacher, named Mr. Mayer said brightly.  "And we will begin with one renowned man, by the name of William the Bloody."

Hermione's head shot up from the stooped over writing position…William the Bloody…?

"He first started his homicidal rampage circa 1880."  The teacher said.  "And was said to be between he ages of twenty two to twenty eight.  He was best known for unusual torture devices, and his trademark was using railroad spikes to bring about a very messy death to his victims, giving him another, more popular nickname, of Spike."

~

It was a school for those who could do the extraordinary, for those who could turn one thing into another, play airborne games on a broomstick, create poisons and glamours with potions, for those who had a certain magic coursing through their veins, this was a school for witches and wizards, and its name was Hogwarts.

When you were eleven years old, you received a letter.  Not in a Normal manner although, you received a letter that was delivered by an owl.  The letter itself reeked with magic, written on parchment in emerald green ink and sealed with a wax emblem of a Griffin, Snake, Badger and Raven.  This was the letter you never expected to get, but the very thing that would change your life.

"What are you writing Mione?"  Ron asked, coming up behind the slumped figure of Hermione, who was writing furiously over a piece of notebook paper.

"Oh!"  Hermione said, sitting up straight and looking at him.  "Hi Ron, I'm working on our English assignment."

"Oh."  He said.  "The one were we have to write a creative story?  I'm totally stumped on that.  Hogwarts never made up be creative, it's like a sin or something." 

Hermione smiled.  "Yes, well, what would happen if you er, got creative in potions with all the different ingredients?"

"I could die Snapes slimy hair blue!"  Ron said excitedly.

"No."  Hermione said with a laugh.  "You would blow the entire school up."

"That to."  Ron admitted.  "So what are you writing about?"

"Hermione hesitated for a second, then handed the paper to Ron, who read it over."

"Hermione!"  He cried.  "You're writing about something real!  It's not made up!"

"It's our world, Ron."  Hermione said.  "To them it does not exist, therefore, I made it up."

Ron gave the paper back to Hermione and couldn't resist grinning at her.  "You are an evil genius, you realize that?"

Hermione smiled.  "Of course I know that."  She said, then she grinned evilly.  "You could write about Harry." She said.

Ron opened his eyes wide.  "He'd murder me!"  He exclaimed.  "He'd string me from the overhead lights by my eyeballs!"

Hermione laughed.  "Hey, what Harry doesn't know wont hurt you.!"  She said.

Ron grinned.  "Now I remember why I keep you around."

Hermione jumped up and hit him playfully.  "You'd be long dead if I wasn't around!" she said.

"Excuse me?"  Ron said.  "Who was the one who got cornered in a bathroom by a mountain troll when we were eleven?"

"Who made me run to the bathroom and cry all day, therefore getting cornered in the bathroom by a mountain troll when we were eleven?"  Hermione shot back.

"Ok, fine."  Ron held up his hands. "You got me." He said in defeat.  "I drove you to the lair of a homicidal mountain troll, could you ever forgive me?"

Hermione gave him a friendly hug.  "News flash, Ron."  She said sarcastically.  "I forgave you six years ago."

"Whew."  Ron said.  "That's good to know."

Hermione set aside her papers for English, and got out her history book, looking up William the Bloody.

"Ron, I don't think this guy was human."  Hermione said.

"What makes you say that, Mione?"  Ron asked curiously.

"I've read about him before, doing extra credit for Professor Binns.  This guy was never caught, and no death record was ever filed.  He killed too many people to have never been caught.  Ron, I think he was an immortal."

"A vampire?"  Ron asked.  "Well, I suppose it's possible, stranger things have happened."

"No record of death."  Hermione said.  "So it's also possible that he might still be around today."

"Definetly."  Answered Ron.  "Maybe you could ask Professor Rain about it when he comes with our lessons tomorrow."

Hermione brightened at that thought.  "Yes."  She said.  "I have a strange feeling Professor Rain just might know something about this guy."