The Christmas Holidays were over and the other students were back. Hermione's mood was changing back to normal, now that she had classes to keep her mind on. She really wanted to know what was bugging her but didn't have any time to discuss the matter with Harry or Ron. The 'Welcome Back' feast was beautiful as usual, and everyone left the Hall feeling satisfyingly full. Hermione started to head up the stairs to the Gryffindor Room with Harry and Ron, when she heard Professor McGonagall's voice behind her.

"Hermione? Can I have a word with you?"

"Sure, Professor. What is it?"

Harry and Ron were standing on the stairwell listening in, and McGonagall shooed them away. "Maybe we should discuss this in my office."

Hermione followed her, feeling something was horribly wrong. 'No, I'm being silly." She thought to herself. 'Anyways, McGonagall is smiling.'

Settling into a chair facing her Professor, Hermione tried a nervous smile. Professor McGonagall seemed happy enough. "Hermione, I wanted to inform you that we have a new student."

"Oh!" Hermione grinned, this was nothing bad.

"As you are the top student in this castle, and well on top of things," Hermione felt herself blush. "I wish thinking that maybe you could show her around, help her with things. She's had a," McGonagall paused, at a loss for words. "Well, she's had a pretty hard life and I would be most grateful if you would do this for me, Hermione."

Hermione beamed, happy for the praise, and also immensely relieved that it was nothing serious. "Sure, Professor, I'll do it."

As if on cue, a knock sounded at the door. "Ah, that must be her. By the way, her name is Angela Price." Professor McGonagall was now smiling freely. "Thank you Hermione, you don't know how much I appreciate this."

The girl stepped into the room, slowly, and looking at the two of them like they would jump up and attack her at any second. She shivered, and Hermione noticed the thin material on her shoulders.

"Oh, Angela. Excellent, I'm so glad that you're here. This is Hermione Granger, and she will be helping you get adjusted into our system. Thank you girls, I must get back to work now, Hermione will lead you to the Gryffindor common room, Angela." And with a wave, she sent them off.

The walk up the stairwell was silent, until Angela spoke. "This is really nice of you." Hermione shrugged, "It was nothing, really. I hope you like it here. Where did you go to school before?" At the question, Angela's face grew dark and she turned her head away. "That's really none of your business." She said. Hermione was shocked, not sure what to say to the strange girl, but she decided that silence would be best.

Who is Angela? What is her secret? Find out in the following chapters, coming soon!