It was a night like any other in Gryffindor tower. Fred and George were in the center of the common room, laughing and joking. Lavender and Parvati were in their usual corner gossiping. Harry, Ron and Hermione sat at their usual table, the studying forgotten, playing a game of exploding snap. "What do you think it will be like after we've graduated?" Ron asked as he handed out the cards.
"I've been trying not to think about it," Harry answered. "After all, we do have a good two years or so before we have to start thinking about it, right?" Hermione nodded her head absentmindedly. "I suppose you're right, I mean all we should worry about now is whether or not we fail out O.W.L.'s," Ron grumbled. "I'm surprised you haven't been pestering us to study more Hermione," Ron glanced at Hermione who was staring out the window, oblivious to the fact that they were starting the game without her.
She nodded again and continued to look ahead. "Hermione, did you hear that you failed your Arithmacy test?" Ron asked with a smirk on his face. "Sorry what?" Hermione looked up, startled. Ron laughed and shook his head. "What's with you Hermione? You're totally spacing out," Harry looked almost concerned. "Oh I'm just thinking," she mumbled. "I'm going to bed,"
She stood up and walked up the spiral staircase to the girl's dormitories. Ron shook his head again. "What's with her? Did you know she only studied for an hour yesterday? With O.W.L.'s being a month and a half away you'd think she be studying her heart out. But blimey! Only one hour!" Harry shrugged. "Maybe she's just got other things on her mind," He yawned openly. "Well, I'm going to bed," he said as he got up.
Ron waited a few moments before getting up and following.

Hermione yawned at looked down at her watch. It was only nine thirty. No one would be up to go to sleep for at least a few hours. She was glad. She felt like being alone for a bit, and maybe read a book. She sat down on the edge of her bed and grabbed Which Witch? as Crookshanks curled up in her lap. She was just getting to the second chapter when Lavender burst into the Dormitory.
"Oh Hermione! There you are! I found this down in the common room. It's addressed to you," Hermione reached out and took the thick piece of parchment. "There's something inside," Lavender smiled at her. "Maybe its from a boy," she said slyly. Hermione smiled back vaguely. "Well, aren't you going to open it?" Lavender said impatiently. Hermione nodded and slowly opened the thick, black envelope. She peeked inside and took out a dark green stone on a silver chain. "Oh!" Lavender gasped. "It's beautiful!"
Hermione frowned at the necklace. This was odd. There was no note, no name, nothing. She mentally shrugged. You're so paranoid Hermione. Just except things as they are. Maybe someone is just trying to be nice. She thought to herself. She smiled and put it on. "It looks gorgeous with your skin," Lavender continued. "Who's it from?" Hermione shrugged. "No name," Lavender took one last look at the necklace and walked back down the staircase.
Hermione stood in front of the mirror. The necklace made her look prettier. But what do you care about how you look? You need to think about your studies. A small voice in the back of her head said. But then a stronger voice stood out. You look so gorgeous. Everyone will notice. Be confident. . .