Underneath it All

A/N : I am SOSOSOSOSOSOSOSOSOSO sorry that it took this long to update. This is going to be the longest time that it's ever going to take – I like to post the chapters every weekend, if not during the week if I have enough time. So, sorry about this, but, I was quite busy, and when I wasn't, I my muse just wasn't there… So, again, I'm really sorry, and I hope you like this chapter – even if it's not the best one. The next one will be better – I promise! =D

DISCLAIMER : All characters and places came from the brilliant mind of JK Rowling.

Reviews –

          Thanks…

                               hp/charmed obsesed - Whoops! Thanks for catching that. It's fixed now. =) 
                        ghypscee - Thanks! Sorry about all of those threads but, they do have to do with the plot – it takes time to reveal it, but, everything is going to be in it. I can use less if you want. 
1. Sorry about holding the story hostage – I won't do it again. It sounds so funny when you say it… 
2. Yes, I do have a plan and plot – everything is connected. You'll just have to wait to find it all out. It's not like in life there is only one thing going on. There are always plenty of things going on that are connected with the pig picture. And, in a diary, you write about all of them; at least, I do. I tried to make it realistic – and perhaps your perspective of life is different from mine. 
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A)Well she can't very well destroy Voldemort for him, now can she? B)That's going to be revealed when they have their next encounter with Voldemort. C)A gift from an anonymous person. D)He didn't know that he was going to break up with her when he bought it for her, though. E)Well she didn't really have a choice since Ollivander wouldn't tell her anything. But, being Hermione, she went and researched it. F)OK, that part I understand, sorry about that everyone. But I was tired, it was the middle of the night, and I wanted to get this chapter up since it had been a while. In the future, I'll be more careful about that. G)In time that will be revealed… ; ) It's not just there for no reason. H)Well she had to get caught – it wouldn't be that interesting if she went there, got her wand, and just went back. I)Again, that will be revealed in time. J)That's actually going to be revealed in this chapter, lolz. K)The Draco and the attacker ones? Well, the Draco one is a room that he found while exploring the castle. It's just his own private place to go. The attacker one is a secret room that the attacker found that they thought would be perfect for attacking. You'll find out how at the end of this chapter. L)Friendships always change, and that's how it is with most of them – wavering attention. Most of everything from this story is based on past experiences that I thought, if changed around a bit, would fit with the story. M)Hermione's the type of person that wouldn't really hate anyone just because they're a Slytherin (at least, that's what I think). She does feel some prejudice towards them after all that she's heard, but, she doesn't hate them. I incorporated the Pansy incident so that Hermione could get to know more of the Slytherins – again, revealed later on. N)You'll see… ; ) Our little Hermione is a lot more powerful and intelligent than we all think – she just doesn't know it yet. ; ) O)I picture her feeling that way – sorry if you don't like it. 
                        noseyMCnosey - Thanks! =) Yup, the whole Harry incident is going to be explained in this chapter. The necklace, like many other things, isn't going to be explained until the Voldemort enoucnter. 
                        lavender mansworth - Oh wow… Thank you so much!! I can't believe that you stayed up until 1 in the morning reading my story!! I just… Wow! Thank you… Thank you so much!!! Here, have a cyber… Ice cream cone! Lolz.
                        Kiyoko - Aw thanks! You're review really made me happy, lolz. It's just that my computer was messing around with me, and then I login to find a really nice review. =) By the way, I really like your username – it's awesome! Lolz.
                        laura - Thanks for the review Lor!! Keep reading, lolz. And my MSN still isn't fixed. *sigh*
                        Ashes Kittyhawk - Here's your update, sorry it's late… =(

                  

                   Now we begin…

October 10th,

Well, I finally learnt why Harry was in the Hospital Wing – sort of. I was talking to Ginny this morning during breakfast, and I asked her about it. I don't know why I hadn't asked her before… I suppose I wasn't really thinking. I was so worried about Harry, that I didn't really stop to ask. Seems like that would be the first thing that I would do, too…

I already knew that there was a Quidditch practice that evening, so, I assumed that perhaps he had fallen of his broom and got knocked unconscious. It seems though, that he just sort of… Disappeared for a few minutes in the middle of the practice. No one really noticed since they just assumed that he had gone to the bathroom, or was flying after the Snitch – they were too absorbed in their own little practices to notice if he was flying very fast. After about 15 minutes though, Harry STILL hadn't returned. Everyone was getting a bit worried, so, they started to look for him. But, before they got anywhere, Harry came back. Everyone started to practice again, but, a few minutes into the practice, Harry veered of course, and hit the Whomping Willow! Well, the Whomping Willow doesn't like to be hit… Somehow, his broom didn't get destroyed, but Harry ended up falling to the floor, unconscious.

Everyone thought that the wind had pushed him off course, but, I've seen Harry play in windy conditions, and he never loses control. Especially not as easily as everyone said he did this time. Ginny also mentioned that there was something different about him – she said that he didn't say anything, and the way he carried himself was different from usual. She also said that he seemed a tad lost – a common side effect of an 'Obliviate' Charm.

I wonder, if, perhaps Harry was attacked by one of Voldemort's supporters – if not Voldemort himself. But, why would they Obliviate him? Everybody knows that Voldemort is back in action once more; even those who refuse to believe it know that he's back. Could it be to hide their identity? I'm probably wrong about the whole deatheater theory, but, what other explanation could there be? It's not like Harry to act clueless and disappear for quite some time from a Quidditch practice…

I asked Madam Pomfrey if Harry had been Obliviated – she asked me where I got such crazy ideas. So, I decided to talk to the only person that could possible know – Harry. At first, I just chatted about normal things – school, homework, friends. Then, I got onto the topic of Quidditch – at which point, Harry said that he had a Quidditch practice tomorrow. But, that didn't add up – Ginny told me that he hadn't scheduled a practice for then. So, I asked him about the Quidditch practice where he had ended up in the hospital. He just looked at me, and asked me what I was talking about – there hadn't been a Quidditch practice.

So, I asked him how he had ended up in the Hospital Wing; and he just shrugged and mumbled something about Madam Pomfrey and turned away, suddenly becoming interested in the wall to his left – he didn't know. Obviously, Harry had been Obliviated, but, I decided to see how far back – what else he had "forgotten." He remembered everything except for that Quidditch practice. So, that must mean that something had happened then that someone had wanted him to forget… But who? And what?

There was nobody else that could possibly know, except for whoever had Obliviated Harry – and nobody knew who that was. In fact, nobody but me knew that Harry had even been Obliviated. I've been wondering what I could do all day – but so far, I haven't been able to think of anything. Obliviation is a tricky business that is irreversible… It's only used when absolutely necessary – the majority of the time on muggles who have seen magic, or who have had relationships that didn't work out with wizards or witches.

I'm completely opposed to Obliviation though. What's the point of forgetting things in your life? Others do it to you, but, really, why bother? They'll forget what you want them to forget, yes, but, whatever happened in that situation could have changed their life for the better. And, without whatever happened, their lives will be completely different… And I absolutely hate how it's always muggles that are being Obliviated. Why can't they just know about magic? They can't hurt us – magic can defeat even their worst weapons if it comes down to it. And life would be so much easier if muggles and witches and wizards could live in peace together…

Not all wizards are prejudiced against muggles; just as not all muggles would be prejudiced to wizards. Obviously, there would be several exceptions to this, but, we would be able to get along after everyone got used to that fact… Life would be so much easier for witches and wizards that live in muggle communities… And we would also be stronger on the Voldemort front – we would have the majority of muggles, of not all, on our side. Even though they can't do magic, they can still prove to be a distraction, and with magical people with them that can fight off curses… We would have a better chance of winning the war.

Unfortunately, Fudge and all of the others up high in the Ministry of Magic that could do this don't want to do it… They think that everything they do is right, and they only do things that could be profitable for THEM – not for the magical community! They accept bribes quite easily if it means that their bags will be filled with Galleons - what does it matter if it can hurt others; as long as they're fine… They say that they're against something, but, the moment that they think we're not looking, they go off and accept bribes from people that want them to look the other way… And it's sad how they actually do it!

I never really knew as a child what I wanted to do with my life as I got older; and with the many more options that came with becoming a witch, that just made everything harder. At first, I wanted to turn S.P.E.W. into something more; to get more people involved and to help house-elves. But, I've come to realize that, perhaps Ron was right all along… Perhaps there are some house-elves that actually like to serve people… Although, I'm still not going to order them around – though they may like helping, they should still be treated as everyone else.

So, I've decided to try and get a job in the Ministry. That way, I can start small, and slowly work my way up – who knows how far I'll go? And once I'm up, closer to the top, with the power to make a difference – I'll do it. The people in the Ministry right now don't know what they're doing – it's about time somebody showed them; and if it's me, then all the better. Perhaps I'll even become Minister for Magic… Then, I could change it all for the better… That's quite a far-fetched dream though. It's one thing to be in the Ministry, but to be Minister?

Oh, that would be the day… Would Voldemort and his deatheaters be mad! Imagine that… A mudblood as their Minister – no more bribing to get their way… If only that would happen… But, then again, who's to say that it can't? After all, who knows what will happen years from now? Maybe, just maybe, I'LL be Minister for Magic…

Actually, I don't care who's Minister for Magic; just so long as they can actually do the job, and do it well – unlike Fudge. In the beginning, he was not a terrible Minister – perhaps that has something to do with the fact that he always went to Dumbledore. But, then, his ambition took over him… And now, he's just a corrupt old fool! He's just like a Slytherin – ambitious and cunning, and always out to help themselves.

Perhaps if he hadn't gotten such a big head, and had kept listening to Dumbledore, or at least considering the facts, then the magical community would have been sooner informed about Voldemort. In fact, he STILL refuses to believe that Voldemort is back – and he was there right after it happened! Thank Merlin that there were others there that the public believed… If he keeps denying Voldemort's return, then we may lose so many innocent lives! After all; all that is necessary for evil to succeed is for a good man to do nothing. Now, Fudge may not be a great man, he may not be a good man – but he is still a man with the power to do something about all of the troubles in our community… Unfortunately, he doesn't realize what comes with the title of Minister for Magic – apart from a vault full of gold.

It's a wonder that he's still Minister for Magic. You'd think that people would revolt, or something! But they just let it go… I'm sure that most witches and wizards would rather have a different Minister for Magic… But, they're just so assured that everything will be fine, and that even though Fudge may not be the brightest crayon in the box, he will get them through everything… They don't know how wrong they are.

As soon as he feels that his career and reputation will be in jeopardy, then he's going to get away from it all as fast as he possible can… After all, why should he put all that matters to him on the line to help the magical community? How he ever become Minister of Magic still baffles me…

I wonder if the magical community would be a great deal different with a different Minister. Perhaps they would have believed Dumbledore and Harry, and then perhaps they could have done something – anything! Perhaps Sirius wouldn't even be dead… And, perhaps Voldemort would have already been vanquished… We've wasted so much time since the rebirth of Voldemort – all because of Fudge!

He must have been a Slytherin… Cunning and ambitious; always out to help themselves – it fits him perfectly. Why, if he wasn't a Slytherin I would be quite surprised…

It's quite odd, really, how he refuses to believe Dumbledore… And also how easily he looks over obvious proof that backs up the fact that Voldemort is risen. It's as if he… As if he were in league with Voldemort. Not like Lucious Malfoy who goes to deatheater meetings and kills muggles and muggleborns, but, more like someone with power that can overlook details that could set back Voldemort. There have been many a time when anyone else would have clearly understood the situation, or when they wouldn't have looked the other way… And yet, he does it all the time… Perhaps it's just a false suspicion, but, who knows, really?

~*~

October 11th,

Well, the potion has begun to sit. Come midnight on Sunday, I'll finally find out what the core of my wand is. I keep remembered my visit to Ollivander's… I just can't figure out why Ollivander wouldn't tell me anything about my wand… It's odd, really. The first wand I got, he told me almost everything about it – it's size, the wood he used to make it, and it's core… It's amazing how he knows what each and every wand is, and all about each of them… And all just by looking at the wand as well… 

In a way, I'm sort of glad that he didn't tell me anything about my wand. It makes everything much more interesting, don't you think? I mean, where's the fun in knowing everything by being told? Yes, it's a wonderful way of gathering valuable information, but, there's just something to satisfying about figuring something out yourself. And this entire wand thing is like one big puzzle… And then, once it's solved, not only will I know, but I'll have done it by myself – it's so rewarding!

Madam Pomfrey let Harry out of the Hospital Wing today! When I visited him after classes were over, he told me that he was allowed to leave as soon as someone had come. So, we gathered up his things, and headed up to the Common Room. At first, everyone smothered Harry telling him how happy they were to see him and everything. Then, after all of that had died down, it was just Ron, Harry, and I in a little corner.

We didn't talk about what had happened – it was as if that had been wiped out of our minds for the time being. I told Harry and Ron about my History of Magic "club." They think that it's a good idea – Ron dropped it though, since he wanted to become an Auror. Harry dropped it simply because he found it boring. I've already told a few other people, and, everyone says that tomorrow would be a good day to have the first meeting. All of the Seventh Years are coming to the History of Magic classroom – it's empty, and a classroom would be a good place to do it, so, we may as well make use of it.

A Seventh Years came up to me in the Common Room to ask about it and to check that it was still on for Saturday afternoon. I just hope that it turns out alright… I don't know what I would do if I messed up, or if nobody showed up… Ron and Harry must have noticed, because they kept reassuring me that everything would be fine and that it would be a success – I hope they're right!

We chatted for quite a bit before Ginny came up and interrupted us – she said that she wanted to talk to me about something important that couldn't wait. So, Ron and Harry went off to play chess or something, and I went off with Ginny. Of course, Ginny, being Ginny, finds everything of vital importance – she likes a new boy. She's worried that he might not like her back, and that she's afraid that she'll embarrass herself.

Ginny can be quite oblivious something – then again, I suppose everybody is when it comes to themselves. All of the boys in Fifth Year are drooling all over Ginny – it's amazing that she doesn't notice. I just told her the same thing that I always tell her – to just think over if she really likes him, and then act on her instincts. I really can't help her much with these things – I've only read these things from books. Besides, no matter what I tell her, Ginny will do whatever she wants. So, I try to give her advice that makes her choose for herself.

As usual, the conversation shifted from Ginny's latest object of affection to other things, and we started chatting – well, Ginny did; I just sort of listened, and offered a word or two ever so often. I've noticed that it's much better to let someone just go on and on until they ask for your opinion. It works wonderfully with Lavender, Parvati, and Ginny – which is all that I want. I'm not interested in silly gossip about who's seeing who, or, who wore what…

So, I just sort of sit there, nodding and smiling. I listen, of course, and act accordingly to what they're seeing. It's really quite easy – I'm quite surprised that they don't seem to notice. Or, perhaps they do – maybe they just don't care. When they've got something to say, they're oblivious to everything around them, so, I find that it's better to let them go on until they're done. If they're interrupted then, well, it doesn't put me in the best situation.

Ginny talked for about an hour about Georgia and Mark – the latest couple. It's quite trivial, and, not to mention none of her business. I like to stay out of those type of things, but, when there's "big news," she won't care what I say or do – she'll just talk about it.

I've never been one of those girlie girls… All into gossip, hair, make-up and boy-crazed. I really don't see what's so wonderful about wearing a lot of make-up. Make-up if meant to enhance your beauty, and make things stand out – not cover your face and make it something new. I only use lip gloss – why bother spending so much time in the mornings anyways? The only thing that I do with my hair is brush it… And now, I sometimes let Lavender get rid of some of the bushiness – but it's not like I'm doing it to impress anyone. Sure, it's nice when people notice, but, it's not like I'm doing it for them.

The obsession with boys is something that I will never understand. The way that some girls talk about boys makes them sound like gods or something… They're so wonderful, and perfect… But, when the time comes to talk to him – they clam up. I really don't see why – it's just a boy for Merlin's sake! It's just a conversation… It's really quite annoying to watch girls stutter and blush when they're simply trying to say hello to a boy they like… Now, really, what's so difficult about saying hello?

Now, when there are hour-long, late-night conversations about certain boys – that's just too much. Yes, you like him; yes, you think he's gorgeous, but, really – do you need to talk about him for THAT much? I'd hate to see some girls after they've actually had a conversation with a certain boy… I mean, they go into such detail about the smallest things… And, if they were to actually so hello… That would take all day!

Nevertheless, I put up with it from my roommates and friends – let them have their fun, after all. Just because I don't enjoy it, doesn't mean I have to put a damper on their conversations. And they're completely fine with me sitting there, nodding and smiling.

So you see, the system works. It's really all you need to coast through life… I, for one, would rather do something worthwhile and actually voice my opinion though. But, not for such trivial things. The gossip sessions are forgotten within days, and there's no point in making a big deal of it. After all, it's not the end of the world if I have to listen to it.

I must admit though, those girls can get wonderful listeners when needed… I remember when Ron and I broke up – Lavender stayed up with me all night talking and just comforting me… And ever since Third Year, me and Ginny have been closer… I suppose that it's bound to happen seeing as how she's my best friend's little sister… She really is an amazing friend though. Every time I stay at the Burrow we stay up all night just chatting and everything…

It really is worth putting up with the mindless gossip with them for those nice long chats… And same with those comfortable silences. It's friendships like that that really matter. It's the never needing to say anything that counts – not the fact that you can talk and talk. I'm so lucky to have them as friends. And, not to mention that I've gotten to know other people from Sixth Year as well. If you're in the same school and share many classes with people; you're bound to get to know them.

It's going to be so difficult to leave all of this next year… When I first came to Hogwarts, I was so excited and surprised at everything around me – that's still there; as Hogwarts always likes to throw something unexpected at you. But, at the beginning, I was nervous about coming and making new friends… Now, I'm nervous about leaving, and losing old friends… This is like a long journey that I never want to end. Hogwarts became my home the moment I sent foot on its grounds. Everyone here is like my family – we spend all of our time together. I know that I'm going to have to leave Hogwarts eventually, but, I just don't know how I'll be able to bear it… I've lived here for 6 years only, and already it's more of a home than my parents…

Leaving is going to be such a turning-point! It's necessary to leave, but, Hogwarts is where I belong – I can't really picture myself elsewhere. Perhaps I'll return as a professor if I can – that would be nice… That way, I would never have to leave Hogwarts. Now that's an idea… Then again, I also wouldn't mind a job in the Ministry. I could really make a difference after a while if I got a job there… It would take time to move up and gain that power and respect, but, in the end, I would be able to help benefit the wizarding community…

Everything seems to be coming so fast. It seems like just yesterday I was uttering my first incantation and levitating my first feather… Everything seems to have passed by in a blur when I look back on it… And in just a bit over a year, I'll have to leave everything… I'm sure that I'm going to keep in touch – it's not that difficult; what with the Floo Network, Apparation, and owls… It's just not going to be the same anymore though.

Everyone is going to be so involved in their jobs and new lives… Everyone will make new friends, and slowly, we're all going to drift apart… And I don't want to see that. These people are my family. They've been there throughout all of the important events in my life. And to not have them there after a while… I just don't know if I can make it.

Everyone says that I'm strong and independent… And, I am, I suppose. But, after being so dependant on these people = how will I be able to live on my own? I know that I'll be able to manage – I don't have much of a choice – but… Oh, I just wish that I never had to leave this place!

At least I've still got time left. I can still enjoy the rest of the time I have left at Hogwarts… I may as well make the best of it. There's no point in sulking about having to leave.

~*~

October 12th,

Well, the History of Magic club was a success! Quite a few Seventh Years came. All of the ones from my class came – apart from the Slytherins that is. Then again, it's not like I expected any Slytherins to come… Even though not all of them are evil – for lack of better word – they all seem to stick together; they don't like to venture into "enemy territory," if you know what I mean.

After lunch, people started to gather in the Library – we found a corner where we could be seen by other people that wanted to come, but also so that it was secluded enough so that we wouldn't bother, or be bothered.

We didn't really do much this time – just sort of went over the topics we've done briefly. And then I answered some questions from previous years and stuff… Nothing too serious. People kept coming at different times, so, there really was no point in actually teaching something substantial. I would have to keep repeating everything. So, we decided that once we had a clear schedule, or at least knew exactly when and where the next meeting would be, that would be when we would actually do something. It's probably going to be next week – over the week I'm probably going to do the same thing with the younger years…

All in all, I think that the meeting went quite well. It was really quite fun, actually. And, as usual, there's a jokester in the group. Brad Prepon of Ravenclaw kept cracking jokes about what we were discussing. It was actually quite good that he was. Not only did it make the meeting must more interesting, but, it also made some things easier to remember. I'm sure that a few other people would remember certain jokes, and connect them to certain facts – it's a great way to remember facts and learn things.

After the meeting, I had quite a bit of time left until evening. I had a few pieces of homework that I could have done to get ahead, but, in all honesty, I just wasn't in the mood. It really was quite a nice day outside, and, there's no point spending it inside a Common Room or Library doing homework. So, I decided to head outside – and, to my fortune, Harry was holding a Quidditch practice! Nobody minds if you sit and watch the practice, so, I did just that. Quite a few people were there as well – which was quite nice.

Now that the majority of my friends – Harry, Ron, and Ginny – are on the Quidditch team, it gets to be a bit of a bore to watch Quidditch practices and games. I, for one, have never been interested in sports in general. I was so glad when I got accepted into Hogwarts – no more gym classes! Sports and Hermione just do not mix. I know that they can make you healthy, and many people find them fun, but, they're just not my thing – I find them to be quite pointless.

And if you add in the element of flight – forget it. I'm scared to death of heights, so, to be so high up on a little broom – no way; forget it! I'd much rather watch it than actually play it. And, since I'm not into sports, and don't fully understand Quidditch; it's not the most interesting way to spend my day. I've read and re-read Harry's copy of Quidditch Through the Ages, and I still have yet to grasp the concept of Quidditch.

Ah well, it's not like I need to know all about Quidditch to get by on life. It would be quite nice if I could join in everyone's Quidditch conversations though… They happen quite a bit, and, I'm just left there with my own thoughts until the topic takes another change. Perhaps someday I'll understand Quidditch… Chances are, however, that I won't. I don't mind that much though. There are plenty of other people out there that don't always go into conversations about Quidditch. And, besides, it's not like I always have to be with the same people – others do exist.

On another topic, I can't wait until tomorrow! I went to check on the potion today, and it's going well Tomorrow at midnight, I'll finally know about my wand! I already know what wood it is… But, if I could find out the core as well… I'm still curious as to why Ollivander wouldn't tell me anything. Perhaps I'll go back someday and ask him about it. Maybe then he'll tell me…

A strange thing happened today at dinner. Well, more like after dinner – but that's besides the point. After dinner, I was heading back to the Common Room with Ron and Harry when Pansy came up to us. She had a little group of her Slytherin friends with her - as usual. Now, I know that we're not the best of friends or anything; but I did think that our little conversation would have changed something – well, it didn't.

She came up to us, and used her regular insults – Ron being poor, Harry being scarhead, and me being a mudblood. This was after she fired a curse at us – at our backs; as a coward would. Luckily, it missed us by millimeters. It was her cursing the fact that it missed that caused us to turn and acknowledge her presence. That was when the taunting began.

Now, normally, I can deal with this – I've dealt with is since First Year! Her taunts were pretty much the same, but then she spilt something that I had told her… I hadn't told her anything no purpose or anything; because I wasn't sure if I could trust her. But, I couldn't help but let a few things slip – insignificant as they were, they were still things that everyone didn't need to know. Pansy started to say one of them, when I cast a Silencing Charm on her.

Before I managed to finish casting the incantation, she shrieked 'Expelliarmus.' I wasn't expecting it, so, my wand easily flew out of my hands – somewhat reluctantly though; it's not like I was completely caught off-guard. Nevertheless, she still got my wand – and that was when something strange happened. The moment that my wand was gripped by Pansy's fingers, she yelped in pain. She lunged on the wand so that she could have it, and then she screamed in pain once more.

Now, this was quite odd – never before have I seen something like this happen because of the touch of a wand. Now, Pansy isn't the brightest person, so, she just held onto the wand even tighter before realizing that that was what was causing her pain. As soon as she realized that, she let go of the wand so that she could examine her hands. It was terrible! Her hands were covered in scorch marks; as if burnt – all because of my wand.

She had this shocked sort of look on her face as she laid eyes on her burnt hands. But that look soon twisted into a look of rage. I could tell that she was about to attack me… I'm not at the top of the class for nothing – the wand had rolled near me, so, I picked it up before running away from the scene. I really did not want to be around to feel Pansy's wrath.

I ran all the way to the Common Room; closely followed by Ron and Harry. As soon as we caught our breaths, we sat down until we were calm. I was completely dumbfounded – how, and, more importantly, why, had that happened? Why had my wand scorched Pansy's hands? A million possibilities kept flying through my mind before Ron broke the silence with a 'that was bloody brilliant!' I didn't even bother to chastise him for his use of language – I was too shocked.

After I gathered my thoughts so, I noticed that Ron and Harry were looking at me strangely. At first, I couldn't think of why they would, but then I realized that they were just as curious as me about what had just happened with my wand. Harry asked me several times what had happened, but, his voice sounded so distant, that I didn't think it was real. I didn't understand it myself, so, how was I supposed to offer them an explanation?

Harry gave up after a while – he must have figured out that I was lost in my thoughts once more. I didn't stay in the Common Room for too long after that… We didn't say anything; we just sort of sat together, lost in our own thoughts. People were starting to come in, and some of them were asking me about my wand… I really wasn't in the mood to try and answer questions that I didn't know the answer to…

I'm not really tired at the moment, but, I think that the moment my head hits my pillow, I'll be fast asleep…

~*~

A/N : I know, I know, short chapter, long wait. I decided to just post what I had so that you'd have something to read. I'll have the next chapter posted much faster!! =D