Fiction Title: Hermione's Challenge

Author: Crystal-Velvet

E-mail: kabby_1386@yahoo.com

Summary: Hermione discovers horrid news about her friends Harry and Ron. It is now her turn to save her two friends from a frightful end.

Chapter One: Bad News?

Hermione Granger walked through the emptied corridor of the charms hallway towards the headmasters office. She'd never been in it before and was quite frightened to be honest with herself. She didn't know what to expect. Harry had been missing for over a week and Ron's parents had called him and the rest of the family back to the burrow, she was the only one left.

"You are just frightening yourself Hermione. I'm sure they are all fine." A voice said from behind her 'causing her to turn around in a circle. "Sorry, didn't mean to frighten you more." Hermione watched as Neville Longbottom walked out from one of the many secret passages in the school.

"Oh, it's alright Neville, I just hadn't expected anyone to be out of class is all." Hermione responded quietly. "Why are you out here anyway?" She asked now rather curious.

"Dumbledore sent an owl to Professor Snape. Said something about coming to his office, Snape was bloody glad to send me. It's hard with you not being in Potions with me Hermione. I'm sure he'll murder me one of these days for destroying his dungeons." Neville said laughing slightly.

"Snape is a ruddy bastard is all I have to say Neville. You'll get it." Hermione's language had changed over the past five years. Who's wouldn't when one of your best friends was Ron Weasley. Neville nodded his head. "Well, I'm heading to Dumbledore's office as well, we could walk over there together."

"That would be wonderful Hermione." Neville said smiling. "It would give us a chance to. catch u-" Neville cut himself off as something stood directly in front of them.

Hermione gulped as the monster bent it's neck towards her. Wait, that's no monster. She thought as a smile crept across her face. That's Norbert! "Norbert! Whatever are you doing here?" She asked as she ran a hand across it's scaly snout.

"Norbert, there ya be! I was worried." Hagrid said loudly as he came from the side. "Oh, hello Hermione, Neville."

"Hu- hullo H-hagrid." Neville managed to force out. "N-n-nice D-d- dragon." He gulped.

"Oh, don't worry Neville, It's only Norbert." Hermione said patting the boy on the back. "It was lovely seeing you Hagrid." Norbert made a noise causing Hermione to laugh. "You also Norbert."

Hermione was about to walk away when Professor Dumbledore joined the group. "Miss Granger, Mr. Longbottom. I fear the news I must tell you." He said sadly over the top of his half moon glasses. "Please follow me."

Suddenly the warmth that had gathered it Hermione's chest from seeing two of her friends Hermione began to shiver with fear. Please not Harry. She thought to herself as her and Neville followed the headmaster.

A/N: I know it's short and probably really horrible. I'm trying to work on it thought. it was just an odd thought that came to my mind here. in the History class I aid for. If you leave me a review. thank Miss Madtes for not making me stop writing. Thanks! ~Kate