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AUTHORS NOTE: I would like to thank all those who have reviewed my first chapter, they were much appreciated.

innocent**teen: I particularly appreciate your review. Thank you for pointing out the parts which could have been put better. I took your advise and I've redone the chapter, correcting some of the dialogue. I hope it's better now. I know that the characters aren't exactly like they are in the books but I need them like this for the moment so I can carry on with the plot I have laid out. Don't worry, I will have them showing some of their original characteristics later on in the story ^_^

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Dumbeldore's Announcement

As the Hogwarts Express arrived at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, a loud whistle was blown to let all the students know that they had arrived.

Students of all years began to grab their luggage and make their way off the train and onto the platform beside it.

Hermione gazed around the crowd and spotted Ginny Weasley and waved to her.

"Hermione!!!" shouted Ginny as she ran to embrace her best friend. "You look fantastic!"

"Aw thanks Ginny," replied Hermione as she returned the hug. "You look wonderful too!"

"Come on, lets get into one of the carriages and you can tell me all about your summer holiday."

The two best friends dropped their luggage and linked arms as they walked over to where a long line of carriages was awaiting the students. They climbed into one and were soon joined by Harry Potter and Ron Weasley.

"Hey Hermione!" said Harry cheerfully as he climbed into the boat. "What's up?"

"Where were you two? I was waiting for you at the train station."

"Oh…um...well you see. Harry thought he'd play a little trick on Malfoy…" Ron began to explain but Hermione cut him off.

"One of these days you two are going to get into a lot of trouble!" The two boys lowered their heads and gazed at their feet, expecting Hermione to give them the usually speech. Instead Hermione smiled and then chuckled "What was the trick?"

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Hermione and her friends entered the Great Hall and grabbed their usual seats at the Gryffindor table.

The students chattering was brought to a halt when Dumbeldore stood up and cleared his throat. Everyone's attention was on the line of the new first years that stood at the front of the hall. "They look so nervous." Hermione thought. "I remember feeling like that when I was up there on my first day. Time's flown so fast!"

As Dumbeldore sat back down, a familiar song began and was sung by a familiar hat that sat on a stool up front. The Sorting Hat. One by one, the first years sat upon the stool as their names were called out from a list by Professor McGonagall. She placed the sorting hat on their heads and it decided which house they would most suit to be placed in.

When the sorting had finished, Dumbeldore stood up again and welcome everyone back to Hogwarts. He also gave the usual warning that no students should enter the Forbidden Forest.

"I have but one other notice. All seventh years are to stay behind after the feast for I have an important announcement. Right, that about covers all I need to say. Let the feasting begin!"

Dumbeldore said a few words which the first years didn't quite understand until food suddenly appeared on the tables. All the plates that were once empty were soon filled with all sorts as the students began feasting.

All through the feast, the seventh years talked about what the announcement could be about.

When the feast had ended, the students were advised to go and get some rest for their lessons would begin first thing in the morning after breakfast.

The remaining seventh years made their way up to the front of the hall so they could hear what Dumbeldore had to say more clearer.

"I would like to thank you all for staying behind so I could talk to you." Dumbeldore began. "As you all know, this year is very important for you all because you will be taking your N.E.W.T.S. The Ministry of Magic has issued a new project that you will ALL have to take because it will stand for half of your overall grade."

"The Ministry of Magic has decided that you should learn how to survive in the world WITHOUT the use of your magic." Grunts and moans could be heard amongst the crowd. "Now now. This project will give you important skills which will later on help you in life. I for one, think this project is a brilliant idea!"

"This idea sucks!! What is the point of it?" Blaise Zambini blurted out.

"The point of this project, Mr Zambini, is to prepare you for if you were to become lost somewhere, away from the civilised world, with NO magic to aid you in your survival."

"I agree with you professor Dumbeldore. I'm sure this project will indeed give us some very important skills and I can't wait to get started!"

"That's the spirit Hermione. Now off to bed with you all and we shall all meet back her after breakfast. I will fill you in with the details about the project tomorrow."

The seventh years made their way out of the Great Hall and "Typical Hermione!" could be heard coming from some.

Dumbeldore stopped Hermione and Draco.

"Well. I guess I'd better show you to your new quarters."

"New quarters sir?" asked Hermione as she looked at Draco with a questioning look on her face.

"Yes Granger. Haven't you've been told? I'm the new head boy and YOU'RE the new head girl." explained Draco.

Hermione turned to face Dumbeldore and her face immediately lit up when he gave her a smile which confirmed that what Draco said was true. A high pitched squeal filled the Great Hall as she jumped up and down on the spot with excitement. "This is such fantastic news! Me, head girl! I can't wait to owl mother in the morning. She'll be so proud."

"Looks like someone's happy!" chuckled Draco as he watched Hermione throw her arms around Dumbeldore and thank him.

Another squeal of excitement filled the room and this time she went to hug Draco.

"Don't even think about it Granger!" spat Draco as he backed away from her.

"Oh I'm sorry Malfoy, no need to get your knickers in a twist!" Hermione turned back round to face Dumbeldore and squealed once again, "I'm the new head girl!!"

Dumbeldore placed his hand upon her shoulder to calm her down. "You deserve this position more than any other in your year. Your perfect for the job."

Hermione breathed in and out to regain her composer then followed behind Draco as Dumbeldore led them to their new quarters.

If you want more you know what you have to do….leave me a review ^_^