Chapter 1

Hermione furtively looked around her. Ever since the dream… that horrifying dream… she was frightened of shadows around her. Ron and Harry accompanied her on this eerily calm day. Her bushy hair was in grizzly bunches and dirt was creeping under her fingernails, resulting in the simple fact that boys did no longer talk to her. Constantly in tears, Hermione had turned into someone that was totally different than before. Her only friends were Harry, Ron, and Luna- even Ginny, who was now in sixth year, ignored her. The day in which this tale takes place was a dry one; perhaps the sky had emptied itself in the night before, when a ghastly rainstorm had struck Hogwarts. The usually gray sky was a vivid blue, and the sun was shining brightly. The unusual weather had no effect on Hermione: she remained somber and uneasy.

'Hermione,' said Ron, looking at his friend intently, 'how about a game of Gobstones?'

Hermione burst into tears and with fervent eyes whispered, 'He is back... and stronger than before...'

One look at Hermione's frightened face made Harry cringe, and looking down at the ground he shook his head… and wondered if anything would ever be the same. Lavender was dead, killed by supporters of Lord Voldemort… he was getting stronger…

A sudden owl interrupted Harry's train of thought. Glancing up, he was surprised but pleased to see his faithful Hedwig alight on Hermione's shoulder. In her beak she held a copy of the Daily Prophet. Harry grabbed the newspaper and scanned the first page, searching for any interesting topics… and yes, one was interesting.

'RON! Look at this!' He said, shoving it in his friend's face.

MAD STUDENT IN HOGWARTS

Your own Reporter Rita Skeeter, blonde and attractive, writes:

Minister of Magic Cornelius Fudge said in an interview last night, 'Due to the- er – happenings in Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, we have decided to- ehm – 'check out' the school and this check has resulted in the findings of the Hermione Granger that we have reported about so many times is, in fact, insane. St. Mungo's officials suggest that too much time spent in the company of Harry Potter may have rubbed off on her.'

Miss Granger, rumored to be the girlfriend of Harry Potter, has been seen countless times with half-giant Rubeus Hagrid, and numerous other dangerous beasts such as Blast-Ended Skrewts, Hippogriffs, and centaurs (who have just been classified 'Dangerous' due to the injuries delivered to Dolores Umbridge, Senior Undersecretary to the Minister). Any body seen with this blatant girl will be sent to the headmaster's office immediately.

Ron and harry looked at eachother