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"Hermione Jean Granger! Don't you walk away from your mother when she is talking to you!" Dan Granger all but yelled at his daughter. Hermione came to a halt at the very bottom of the stairs and spun around. Although she was just 11 years old she was quite bright. Hermione had untamable brown hair; it was rather bushy and there was nothing to be done for it besides putting hair spray in it and pushing it back with a headband. Her normally soft brown eyes were blazing with anger and hurt. "I will not give it up! And she is not talking she is yelling at me." Hermione yelled as she held up her little from Hogwarts School of WitchCraft and Wizardry. All her life Hermione had known she was special, she had been able to move things with just her mind; at first just small things like flowers or a pebble. But as she had gotten older she had been able to move entire books across her bedroom. She had sought to control it, to master it. Hermione had worked tirelessly for months to be able do that and now she was fairly confident she could control it rather well. Mediation had helped as she had always felt her mind was her strongest weapon. Unfolding the letter she re-read it aloud to her parents again

"Dear Miss. Granger,

We are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted at Hogwarts School of WitchCraft and Wizardry. Please find enclosed a list of all necessary books and equipment. Term begins on September 1. We await your owl by no later than July 31.

Yours sincerely, Minerva McGonagall Deputy Headmistress"

"I am a witch! This explains all of the things I have been able to do! The things I can move with my mind. I am special mom. I don't' belong at the boarding school." Her mother, Emma Granger, just shook her head. "It's not natural Hermione, It makes you a freak. Is that what you want to be, a freak?" Tears started to roll down her face at her mother's words. "We want you to be normal Hermione. Just give it up, please? Go to the boarding school we have arranged for you to attend." Hermione looked down at the letter in her hand and looked up at her parents again in anger. "NO! I will not give it up. I am special, this is what I was meant to do." Her father sighed in frustration "Then you will do it on your own. We will not support this decision. This makes you a freak of nature. You may live in this house, but you are not our daughter anymore." Hermione turned her back towards both of her parents and ran the remaining way up the stairs to her room where she slammed the door. Sitting down at her desk she penned a letter to McGonagall.

"Deputy Headmistress,

I would like to accept my position at Hogwarts. Thank you for your letter explaining the school and how to get my supplies. I can't wait to see the school in August.

Hermione Granger"

Hermione re-read her letter again to make sure it sounded ok when a small hoot re-alerted her to the presence of the owl in her room. Although it was an odd sight, it seemed somewhat normal to Hermione and the new world she was about to be accepted into. She held out the letter to the owl and said "Um, I need you to take this to Hogwarts?" The owl hooted in acknowledgement before taking the letter in its beak and flying out of her open window. Sighing Hermione sat down on her bed and opened up the page containing her the requirements for her school supplies and how to get to the place to buy them.

"Diagon Alley is where you will buy much of your supplies for your terms at Hogwarts. To get there please enter through The Leaky Cauldron on Charing Cross Road. Please note that only Witches and Wizards are able to see the structure. Once inside the small pub, proceed out the back door and you will be in Diagon Alley. If you are muggle born (Born of non-wizarding parents) please proceed directly to Gringotts to get money for your supplies."

Reading over the list of supplies she would require, Hermione then turned her attention to how she would get to Charring Cross Road. It was on the other side of town, close to her parents Dentistry office. Deciding to leave it till the next morning, Hermione laid down on her bed and fell asleep dreaming of magic. The next morning she woke up, tried unsuccessfully to tame her hair before throwing on jeans and light pink jacket, headed downstairs. Both her parents were sitting at the table drinking their coffee, but ignored her other than that. "Mom, Dad. I need a ride to Charring Cross Road, I know it's near your office." Her mom looked up at her and nodded "Oh very well, we can drop you off there on our way to the office. But we wont be able to pick you up until the end of our work day." Both her parents stood up and grabbed their briefcases heading for the door, which Hermione took to mean as to follow them outside.

Twenty minutes later her parents stopped on the side of Charring Cross Road. Hermione had been looking at a black building that had seemed to faze into existence that had a sign that said The Leaky Cauldron. "You're telling my you can't see that pub right there?" Her father threw his hands up in exasperation "No Hermione, for the tenth time, we can't see whatever it is that you so obviously can. Now please get out, we have an office to open." Hermione got out of her parent's car and slammed the door angrily and watched as they drove away; neither of her parents looked back as they drove away. Taking a deep breath she walked into the small pub. It was rather dark on the inside, but she blinked a couple of times and was able to see more clearly as her eyes adjusted. It looked like an ordinary pub although many of the patrons were wearing robes and pointed hats. Nervously Hermione walked up to the counter and quietly asked the barman "Excuse me, How do I get to Diagon Alley?" The older man starred down at her kindly "First time going to Hogwarts my dear? Come with me, I will open the door for you." Hermione smiled gratefully at him as they walked out the back door into an extremely small court yard. The older man pushed a brick in that was about a third of the way up the wall, instantly the wall began to shake and tremble and slowly an archway formed out into a bustling street "Welcome to Diagon Alley. Have fun my dear." Hermione thanked the barman as she stepped out on the streets. It was packed with adults and children all of whom seemed to be buying school supplies. It was rather crowded, but the entire area seemed to vibrate with magic, it was beautiful.

Remembering what her letter said Hermione walked straight towards the biggest structure in Diagon Alley, Gringotts Wizarding bank. Walking up the marble steps she felt a letter overwhelmed but cleared her mind and walked inside. The entire inside was made of marble and all of the desks were manned by what looked like….Goblins! None of them looked at her, but just went about their work. Hermione held her gasp in and walked up to the front desk. "I'm Hermione Graner, I was told to come here and get access to my vault." The goblin looked down at her before consulting his list. "Yes Miss. Granger, it would appear you are a muggle-born. We have a vault for you." Hermione followed the goblin down the hallway before entering a minecart. The two of them held on tightly as the cart speed down the tracks, deep underground; twisting and turning. After what felt like hours, but was surely only minutes the cart stopped outside vault 527. "Your key, Miss." Hermione took the small brass key from the goblin and unlocked the door, shocked to find mounds of Galleons, Nuts and Sickles! Taking a generous amount and putting it in her little leather bag before stepping back in the cart and travelling back to the surface. "Thank you for your business Miss. Granger." The goblin bowed her out of the bank. It seemed unbelievable that she had money in this world that she had just discovered that she belonged too. But Hermione was surely in the thick of it now.

After receiving her money, Hermione looked down at her list and decided to start with her school robes and attire. She selected a shop called Madam Malkin's. Stepping inside Hermione saw row and rows of different colors of fabric and dozens of mirrors. She was alone for a mere moment when a shorter witch stepped around the corner "Hello my dear. Hogwarts?" When Hermione nodded the witch handed her a few pieces of clothing "Go change into these and then stand on the platform in the middle of the room." Hermione did as she was told and was soon stood on the platform. The Hogwarts uniform consisted of a darkish gray colored skirt, matching vest, a white button up shirt and a long robe. The material was very soft and comfortable. The only thing that decorated the robes was the school crest. Madam Malkin chatted to her merrily, telling her all sorts of things about Hogwarts, overall it was a very pleasant experience. In what seemed like no time at all the fitting was done and Hermione had her school uniforms, hats and gloves in packages. After paying the nice woman Hermione thanked her and left the shop. Going further down the cobblestone streets she stopped in Flourish and Botts to get her books. Refusing to ask for help and to be self sufficient Hermione spent nearly three hours tracking down all eight of the books that were required of her; as well as some additional books on magic theory and brewing instructions. Her packages were starting to get just a little heavy so Hermione had rented a small trolly for the day to push her purchases around. After securing cauldron, scales, glass vials and a telescope, Hermione decided it was time for the most important part; A wand!

Stepping inside Ollivander's Hermione was greeted by another older wizard who sized her up for a moment before handing her a wand and saying "Yew and Unicorn hair, 10 inches. Go on give it a wave." Feeling rather foolish Hermione waved the wand and an entire shelf disappeared. Snatching the wand back Mr. Ollivander said "No no not the one. Try this: Phoenix feather and Elm 9.5 inches." Again Hermione took the wand and waved but this time the glass vase on the desk exploded. "Again a no my dear, try this instead: Vine and Dragon Heartstring 10 ¾ inch." As Hermione wrapped her hand around the wand she felt a warmth spread in her fingertips and felt as if a gust of wind was surrounding her. "Oh, yes! That is the one for you!" Starting her walk back to the pub Hermione passed the pet shop and saw an orange tabby cat in the window, so she went inside and came back out with the cat in a carrier. Hermione thanked the man and paid him before heading back to the leaky cauldron to wait for parents.

Even though there was still a month left in summer vacation Hermione spent the rest of the vacation in her room reading and memorizing all of her books for her first year at Hogwarts. She had come across the name Crookshanks in one of her school books and decided that would be the name of her new cat. Hermione and Crookshanks seemed to have bonded immediately, but her parents were less than pleased. "There is no way in hell that cat is staying here young lady!" Her mother had yelled. Hermione held onto Crookshanks tighter "He will stay here because I am staying here. Besides we will only be here for a few months out of the year. Surely you can put up with us for that long!" The fight had lasted for hours, but eventually her parents had conceded, but their relationship was even more fractured.

Hermione was amazed at what she was learning from her texts book and with each passing day she was getting more and more excited to go to Hogwarts. She had read nearly everybook at least once and had already made detailed notes on each chapter, tucking away her rolls of parchment for future study materials "I will not fail at this!" On September 1st Hermione packed her trunk with all of her belongings and put her cat in his carrier before her parents drove her to Kings Crossing. After un-loading her belongings the family just stared at each other "Well, Have a good term. We expect you to behave!" Hermione nodded "Yes I know." Without hugging her parents or looking back Hermione grabbed her cart and pushed it away from her parents. While walking inside the station Hermione recalled what she had read in her letter "To get to the Hogwarts Express, you must pass through platfrom 9 and 3/4. This is easily accomplished, just walk directly between platforms 9 and 10. You will walk through the barrier and see the train."

Quickly finding platforms 9 and 10, Hermione angled her cart directly in between them and moved at a brisk pace between them. Instead of crashing, as she was expecting, Hermione walked through the barrier. Opening her eyes she was shocked and delighted to see a scarlet train waiting there. Gasping in pure shock, Hermione let herself stare for a few moments before getting her trunk and cat carrier safely on the train and settled herself in a compartment. Shortly after the train was moving. Hermione spent the first part of the ride petting her cat and watching the landscapes pass by her window. "Hello, Do you mind? Everywhere else is full?" Looking at the door to her compartment Hermione saw a young boy with red hair and another with black hair and glasses standing there. "Not at all." Hermione said smiling. "I'm Ron Weasley and this is Harry Potter." "I'm Hermione Granger." The threesome sat in silence for a few moments before Hermione said "So what house do you think you'll be in? I'm not partial to any of them just yet." Ron spoke up first "My whole family has been in Gryffindor, so I hope I am sorted there." Harry was next "My mom and dad were Gryffindor's too." Hermione looked down at her lap "I'm Muggleborn so I'm not sure which house I will be in yet." The boys seemed to accept that and conversation seemed to flow easily between the three of them. As it turned dark outside Hermione looked out the window "We should change into our robes, I think I see lights." Hermione grabbed her robes and went to the loo to change and returned just as they were pulling into the station "Bye crookshank, I will see you after the sorting ceremony." Following Ron and Harry, she followed them into the boats and slowly the castle came into view.

It was huge, with lights flickering in every window. The towers seemed to reach all the way to space. The back drop of the midnight black sky with stars twinkling made it even more magical. The castle seemed to reflect off the glassy water of the lake. Hermione was in awe of it's beauty. And even though she was just seeing it from the outside she already felt at home. After the boat ride a witch mee them at the front gates "All first years, please follow me." She said as her emerald green robes flowed behind her. Soon they were walking into the great hall, where candles were floating and the ceiling looked like the night sky "It's not really the ceiling, it's just bewitched to look like the night sky. I read about it in Hogwarts, A history" Hermione told Harry and Ron who smiled kindly at her. The older witch stopped at the front of the room "Can you wait along her please? Now when I call your name, you will come forward, I will place the sorting hat on your head and you will be sorted into your houses." "Draco Malfoy" A pale blonde boy walked up and the hat had barely touched his head when the hat screamed "Slytherin!" The boy smirked and walked towards his house table. "Justin Fletchely" "Gryffindor!" Again the hall applauded. "Hermione Granger." Hermione walked nervously towards the stool and took a seat as the hat was placed on her head. A small voice whispered in her ear "Hm difficult. A muggle born with a hatred of her parents. You just want to belong. You have a thirst for knowledge. But such hatred for those who have wronged you. Slytherin!" Hermione was shocked to say the least at her new house, stepping wobbly off the stool she walked towards her house table. Looking over at Ron and Harry, she saw them glaring at her and booing her. "Well that's just bloody great." Hermione said as she stomped off to her table. Everyone smiled at her as they watched the rest of the sorting. After the Headmaster's words, a feast appeared. Hermione had never seen so much food in one place. So she dug in and stuffed her face in the most lady like way that she could manage. None of the Slytherin first years were doing a lot of talking, everyone appeared to be rather nervous.

Hours later Professor Dumbledore began to speak again "I have a few start of term notices to announce. First years please note the forbidden forrest is off limits, as is the first corridor on the right hand side of the third floor. But for now your bellies are full and I am sure you are very tired. Pip Pip!" Hermione smirked at the Headmaster but followed the rest of her house all the way down to the dungeons. The prefect uttered the password "Serpent" and the portrait door swung open. The floor was gray stone and covered in green rugs, with a large stone fire place with the house crest, a large and warm fire was lazing in the fire place. Black leather couches and leather chairs. Even though lanterns and candles were flickering the room had a greenish glow. Hermione noticed that they were under the lake! She gazed at the large glass windows that were holding back the water. "First years over here! Please state your name!" One of the Prefects, Penelope Holly, stated. "Draco Malfoy" "Astoria GreenGrass" "Pansy Parkinson" "Blaise Zabini" "Vincent Crabbe" "Hermione Granger." Penelope held up her hand "Granger? That is not a name I recognize." "No, ma'am. I'm muggle born." Hermione said, figuring she may as well get it out of the wayInstantly the room went silent "Well now you are Slytherin's muggle born. We look after our own. I'll go get professor Snape just to be sure." Penelope walked out of the room and Draco Malfoy walked over to her "Why didn't you tell us you were muggle born?" Hermione hung her head in shame "I didn't think it would matter." Astoria sat on one side of her, while Draco sat on the other side "It doesn't I promise. We will still always be friends." Hermione smiled at her new friends as they started to chat.

Everyone got quiet as Professor Snape walked into their common room. His black robes billowing softly behind him and his black hair framing his face as he looked down his long nose at Hermione. "So I hear Slytherin has it's first muggle born. Tell us about yourself." She looked at him in bewilderment "You want me to tell you about my personal life?" The professor looked at her in way to suggest that yes that was what he was expecting. Taking a deep breath Hermione started "My name is Hermione Granger. I grew up in a small suburb just outside of London. I first started noticing I could move things with my mind when I was eight. At first it was just small flowers and pebbles. But I sought to control it. In a years time I could move books. I ran downstairs to show my parents, but instead of amazement, I saw fear and terror. Unnatural, freaky, freak of nature is what my parents told and called me. We have been in arguments ever since I got my Hogwarts letter. I want to be better than them. I want to show them I am not a freak. I am a witch." Hermione held her head up high as Professor Snape regarded her "Very good Miss. Granger, I believe you have been accepted into Slytherin." Snape turned and walked out of their common room. Astoria and Pansy hugged her "Welcome to Slytherin, Hermione!"

A few hours later all the girls retired to their dorm rooms. Their four poster beds were arranged in a circle around a magically powered heater, so that every bed got some of the heat. Their curtains and sheets were emerald green. They were still under the lake, as evident by the greenish blue tint coming from the windows; overall the affect was very calming. As all the other girls changed into silk night sets, Hermione changed into her old t-shirt and sweat pants "Don't you have anything better?" Tracy Davis sneered at her. Hermione shrugged as she got under the covers "This is uncomfortable." Before drifting off to sleep Hermione thought she heard Astoria whisper "Lay off Tracy."