Chapter 1: A Crucial Encounter

Rain splattered against the glass of the window on which Hermione Granger leaned upon. She had grown accustom to being in a drafty tower for hours on end during stormy whether, even if it was her 6th year. She gazed out into the dim, grey sky which seemed to tell a sad, sad story. She sighed heavily as she turned away from the window and leaned her back against the cool, stone wall.

"What's wrong Hermione?" Ginny Weasley asked as she found her friend in the corner of the dorm room.

"Nothing Ginny, really." Hermione replied casually as she stood up and dusted off her robes. She strided past her bed, throwing the pillow which she was clutching onto her mattress. She headed for the door when Ginny stopped her by grabbing Hermione's wrist. "What is it Ginny?" Hermione questioned, getting rather annoyed.

"I wouldn't go down there if I were you Hermione." Ginny insisted, "Some people in the common room want to be alone at the moment." She began to rub an area of her forhead just above her left temple.

"I don't care Ginny. I'm going to the library to do some homework." Hermione lied, but she knew that Ginny would accept it as the truth.

Ginny gave her an 'I don't know' look then finally let go of Hermione, "Okay." was all she said, letting Hermione leave.
Hermione slowly walked down the narrow corridor that lead to the stairs to the common room. The corridor was dark, but it was obvious she was the only one walking through. The only sound that she heard was the echos made by her heavy breathing and the sound of her heels making contact with the floor below her. Finally dim light appeared at the end of the corridor, telling her that the common room was only 13 stairs away. She reached the top of the stairs then paused, keeping her hand on the carved, wooden railing. Why am I even pausing? Why should I care who's down there. I am after all going to the Library. Am I not? she thought. Finally after arguing with herself about caring who was down in the common room she took the first step down the staircase, then after her thoughts left her and she climbed down the stairs, carefree.
When she reached the bottom. She let out a small gasp, covering her mouth almost immediately. She saw two figure sitting in front of the fire. The first figure had its arm around the second. They casted shadows through the room, which seemed to tower over everything in the secluded area. Hermione cleared her throat then continued walking towards the portrait hole, unfortunately even before she reached the other side of the common room a voice stopped her in her tracks.

"Hermione?" it was Ron, as she knew it was. She turned around casually, sporting a small, fake smile.

"Yes?" she replied sweetly, trying not to grit her teeth after seeing him with another girl.

The other figure turned around, it was Lavender.

"Hello there Hermione." she said dully. Hermione and Lavender were friends, just not close and never really agreed on many, or anything at all. Hermione managed a small wave before turning on her heel to leave. She made 3 quick steps before Ron stopped her again, this time he stood up,

"Where are you going?" he questioned. She gazed into his eyes, trying to read them. It was surprising to her because she was always able to read Harry and Ron's feelings by their expressions. But this time it was different. His eyes were clouded as if he were trying to hide his emotions from Hermione. Without turning to look at him she simply said,

"Library." Then she continued to walk away.

"Uh, wait!" Ron insisted.

Lavender tugged at Ron's sleeve, "What on earth are you doing? You're with me Ron. Why do you want her to wait?" Jealousy was written all over her face and her tone of voice.

"Relax Lavender." Ron replied, tugging his sleeve free then turned back to Hermione.

"What do you want?" Hermione questioned, getting more irritated than she already was. This time she turned back to look at him. She was 8 steps away from the portrait hole, but Ron continuously decided to postpone her from her destination.

"I wanted to know uh," Ron began to rub the back of his neck as he did in ackward or nervous situations, "If you needed company walking down to the Library?"

"No thank you Ron. I'm more than capable to lead myself to the Library without getting lost." Hermione assured him as she crossed her arms over her chest.

"Are you sure?" Ron persisted.

"Listen to her Ron. She said she's fine." Lavender said through gritted teeth, getting annoyed about how much attention Ron was placing upon Hermione instead of herself.

"Yes Ron, listen to your girlfriend." Hermione said hotly,

"She's not my girlfriend." Ron replied,

"Whatever, I've got to go. Bye." Then Hermione quickly turned around and exited as quick as possible, almost at a dash.

Ron stood there speechless. Lavender snapped him out of his trance as she pulled him down to her side.

"What was that all about?"Lavender snapped at him. "What's this 'she's not my girlfriend'?" she quoted in a 'macho' sounding voice.

"It's simple as that Lavender. We're not going steady. We've just dated a few times. That's all. Nothing more, nothing less." Ron replied as he stood up.

"Listen, you can say all you want Ron Weasley, but when you're on a date with a girl you don't go drooling over another."

"What are you talking about Lavender?" Ron questioned.

"Puh-lease, you're telling me you weren't paying all of your attention to Hermione when she was here." Lavender explained hotly.

"Whatever. You're just jealous that for once in your life not everyone is paying attention to you!" Ron shot back then left the common room through the portrait hole.