Title: Learning the Truth

Author : Armmonde

Disclaimer: Harry Potter doesn't belong to me, most of them belong to the J.K. Rowlings. Except for Swell and Toma (they are mine.)

Warnings: This fic takes place in an alternate universe (au) which means everything is written with years one through four in consideration but from then it is all product of my imagination. Don't worry anything that is not clearly discussed in the Harry Potter books, I will try and fudge around the facts a bit so my plot actually fits in with all of the original characters pasts. It quite possibly could become real fluffy in some parts but I'll desperately try to stay with my story line.

School Year: 7th

Pairings: Hermione and Draco.

Author's Note: Like many others who are just starting out, this is my first Harry Potter fic. I had been writing Buffy the Vampire Slayer fics for quite some time but I recently have gotten back into my Harry Potter obsession. I do hope that you will like it. Oh, and I tend to re-read and re-read again all my chapters, so there is probably not going to be any major spelling or grammar errors. But if you do find one, please tell write me about it...So? I am a fanfic perfectionist, all the better to lure you in with my credentials. :)

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I watched as beautiful pure snow fell to the ground from my arched window. The view of the courtyard was perfect this time of year. It was 5:30 am, I hadn't been able to sleep and the snow had not yet been trampled with footsteps. Opening the pane of glass so I could get a better look, I heard clicking in the distance. My brow crumpled in wonder as the sound got louder, I watched in confusion as Dumbledore entered the courtyard from 3 stories under my window.

The sun, just peaking over the horizon, gave off a warm glow that was slowly lighting up the snow. The clicking had not ceased, and finally the source came into view. A girl looking around the age of 17 with jet-black hair pulled into a high ponytail walked under the overhang. With each precise step she made a click sounded. As the girl walked closer to Dumbledore, I could see her better. Long bangs were pushed to the side of her forehead, the ponytail had stopped just short of her waist. She was wearing strange clothing, a tan top accessorized with little badges of some sort and a rope hung from her right shoulder and looped under her arm. Her khaki pants tucked into her knee high, spiked heeled boots.

It was at this moment, I realized that the snow behind her was not disturbed, it lay still and perfect. Reaching Dumbledore the mysterious girl gave him an affectionate hug, I watched their mouths move but couldn't hear what they were saying. A squawk brought me out of my trance, a menacing black eagle-owl had swooped down and flew in front of my face. Staring back at the large bird for a moment until it seemed to wink at me and then descend into the courtyard. It circled Dumbledore and the girl a few times, contrasting greatly against the white of the snow, until finally it landed on the girl's left shoulder. She had not even flinched, remaining completely focused on Dumbledore they walked into Hogwarts.