Wow! I can't believe I'm actually writing this now! Jeez! I dunno maybe it's the inspirational music I'm listening to ("I Stand Alone" by GODSMACK) or it could be I'm just plain bored! Thanks to all of you reviewed once again! Please keep reviewing! I'm trying desperately to finish this before school starts or I have to go to camp! Anyways onward to the next chapter!

Sailor Universe: I do not own Harry Potter although I AM willing to buy him!

J.K. Rowling: ::walks out:: I CAN'T TAKE IT ANYMORE! THE PRESSURE IS TO GREAT! I CAN'T KEEP UP WITH ALL THE DEMANDS! HERE! YOU CAN HAVE IT! ::hands all Harry Potter related material over to Universe and runs out bawling::

Sailor Universe: YES! Anyway all new characters and plot ARE MINE! SO KEEP YOUR GRUBBY HANDS OFF!

The silver convertible sped down the highway. The wind was flying through Harry's hair making it even more unruly than before. Hermione turned around in her seat to face him and Ron. "So how was your summer Harry?" she inquired.

"Same as anything. Another summer at the Dursleys," replied Harry.

"Are they really that bad?" interjected Rachel.

"Yes!" all three said together at once.

"Whoa!" exclaimed Rachel.

"So how did you and Rachel meet? We never heard you mention her before," asked Ron. Rachel stiffened in her seat and noticeably tensed up. Meanwhile, something akin to pain ran through Hermione's eyes. Harry noticed it but decided not to say anything.

"We met during the summer," faltered Hermione. "We were both up at my parents house and we became friends…"

"Yeah! We have a lot in common!" picked up Rachel, but Harry could tell her enthusiasm was false. It seemed like the two were hiding something and if they were, why would they be hiding it from Ron and him. The rest of the car ride progressed slowly with Ron relating the latest Quidditch rankings and the Chudley Cannons Statistics. He didn't even seem to notice that no one was really paying attention. Instead a few "Uh-huhs" and "Greats" were thrown around to act like the rest of the party knew what was going on.

After about a half hour of driving, Rachel finally pulled up to the Leaky Cauldron. "You guys should be able to stay here," she said. "The trunks should still be enchanted until you get up to your rooms. If not, ask Tom."

"Aren't you staying?" asked Ron.

"No can do. I have to get back to work," she replied.

"Work? What do you do?" inquired Harry. Rachel smiled, "I'm an agent," she said.

"An agent?" questioned Ron. "Like a spy?"

"Sort of… Let's just say my job is supposed to keep the Dark Arts in check and keep those meddling Aurors alive," she said and winked.

"Meddling Aurors?" asked Ron.

"Let's just say that the ministry isn't exactly Rachel's best friend," said Hermione who had just finished unloading the luggage.

"You can say that again," muttered Rachel. "Well I better be off! Have a good semester you three and girl," she said to Hermione, "For God's sake stay out of trouble!"

"Yes ma'am," said a smirking Hermione. Harry and Ron exchanged puzzled glances. Stay out of trouble? Directed at Hermione?

"Excuse me… But did you just say 'stay out of trouble' to Hermione?" asked Ron incredulously. "This Hermione?" Rachel laughed. "You'd be surprised at what she can do. Just one piece of advice. Don't underestimate her," said Rachel. With one last grin Rachel stepped on the gas and was roaring down the street.

"Come on you guys. Let's go get our rooms," said Hermione to a gaping Harry and Ron. Wordlessly, the two followed her inside.

"Why if it isn't Harry, Ron, and Hermione," greeted Tom.

"Hello Tom," the trio chorused.

"Do you have our rooms Tom?" asked Hermione.

"Right this way," Tom gestured. Finally after climbing two flights of stairs they reached their rooms. Ron and Harry would be sharing one while Hermione had her own. "Hey! Don't look at me!" said Hermione at their curious looks.

"How about we meet down in the lobby in say an hour? Then we can go stop at Gringotts and get our school supplies," asked Harry. Ron and Hermione nodded and the trio split off to get ready.

Harry & Ron's Room

"Do you think Hermione has been acting a bit strangely?" asked Harry opening Hedwig's cage by the window. Hedwig gave him a peck on the ear and was off.

"Yeah," said Ron. "You should have seen Fred and George's faces when she came to pick me up! It was like one of their pranks backfired on them!" Pig started zooming around the room until Ron fairly threw the hyperactive minute owl out the window.

"I don't know though. It seems like she knows something only she just won't tell. Then there's this whole new look thing. I didn't even recognize her at first!" exclaimed Harry. Ron nodded. "Maybe something is up, but why would she keep it from us?"

Hermione's Room

Hermione gently set up Cumulus's cage by the window. "Don't look at me like that," she said to the owl. "I didn't have a choice." The owl seemed to glare at her and then in a sudden turn of affection nipped her ear and took off through the open window. "Try and be back by tomorrow please! I have a letter I want to post!" she called after the owl. Smiling Hermione started to unpack her things and pulled out a set of flattering navy blue robes to wear.

'So, how are things going?' asked a voice in her head. (A/N: No. She is not going crazy. This is a vital part of the story!)

'All right I guess. But I feel terrible about keeping such things from them. They've been my best friends for years! Do you know how guilty I feel?' Hermione replied.

'I know. But until then, we're not allowed to tell ANYONE right now. Not even our closest friends,' Said the voice forbiddingly.

'I really hate this…' muttered Hermione.

'So do I. But for right now that's all we can do. You better get going. You have to meet up with them in the lobby remember?' said the voice.

'Yeah… I'll talk to you later,' finished Hermione.

'Bye,' said the voice and it was gone. With one last sigh, Hermione quickly changed into her robes and went out the door preparing herself to meet Harry and Ron. As she closed the door she noticed two intense blue eyes staring at her from the shadowy corner of the room. She smiled gently and then closed and locked the door behind her.

Well what do you think? Good? Bad? Please R/R! The more reviews I get! The more motivated I am to write another chapter!

-Thanks

Universe