Hey! Here is the next chappie. It's nothing much, just Hermione's birthday and a strange letter... I have this obsession with describing cool presents lol.

Thank you to everyone who reviewed! I can really get used to waking up and turning on the computer to read reviews!

Dumbledor: Yes, this will be an HG/SS ship. I prefer those,'coz I think they really suit each other. The way I try to portray her is, while intelligent, and buried in her books and studies, she is also very sociable, and has a lot of friends, and likes to chill out once in a while. Yes, there will be a library eventually, otherwise it would just NOT be Hermione. I agree, it does suit her. Thanks, I was really worried they might be OOC! I tend to go really in-depth with everything. I couldn't help describing the shop and giving it an exotic name and everything, so yeah. Yup, it will be veeeeery long, and AU (Alternate Universe) too. I think I might just have Hermione and Severus perspectives, because they'll be the main characters, but that's a good idea... hmmm. Yeah, I was thinking about having Severus develop an slow-moving relationship, but also maybe having two other characters liking her. Let's see how it goes. Cheers, (..:::Fiery Aries:::..)

Artemis Moonclaw: LOL thanks! I should be updating really soon, probably tomorrow. Cheers, (..:::Fiery Aries:::..)

M.T. Quintanar: LOL I can see you like it hehe. Don't worry This fic will not be abandoned and I will update everyday, or every two days. Here is the next chappie! Thanks! Cheers, (..:::Fiery Aries:::..)

Chapter Two: Lost in the Sky

Hermione ran all the way back down stairs, not stopping and not daring to look back until she was on the last flight. She put on a composed air, as though nothing had happened. Calmly, she descended the stairs, and met her friends at the bottom. She walked with them to Gryffindor Tower. No one suspected anything, but she was lost in her thoughts.

What did she mean, when 18 stars and moons pass? And she will vanquish the Dark Lord? Isn't that Harry? This is so confusing!

She couldn't stop thinking about it the whole night, as they all pigged out in the Common Room. She thoughtfully sipped her Butterbeer, the Chocolate Frog untouched beside her.

"-Hermione... Hermione?" Suddenly she heard someone calling her, and snapped back into focus. Ginny was waving a hand in front of her face.

"Sorry Ginny, I was just thinking. Guys, it's pretty late, we'd better go to bed. I'm pretty tired," Hermione declared. She got up and stretched. She bade them goodnight, then sauntered into her bedroom. Changing into a comfortable oversized shirt, she slipped under the covers, falling asleep soon after.

She looked around. It was twilight. Stars dotted the sky like shiny splats of paint, and the clouds were sparse wisps. The moon hung in the darkness, a misty orb, radiating pale ribbons of light. And she stood, on the tallest Astronomy Tower. Two steps away from the edge. The cool night air hit her face, but she wasn't affected. One step forward. The world below her was a mass of blobs, each as vague as the next. Her pure white satin gown flowed with the wind. A tiara of flowers rested upon her head, her cinnamon waves cascading down her back, blowing in the breeze. She stepped forward once more. The very last step. She spread her arms out and stood against the wind. She leaned over, and stepped forward once more. She fell. Falling, falling, falling...it seemed so slow. She closed her eyes. First she couldn't see anything in her mind's eye, then a sign. A glowing blue crest, flashing, then disappeared as suddenly as it had come. She opened her eyes. She was metres from the ground, yet she seemed to be floating. A toe touched the ground. She stood, unscathed. A dark man, robes billowing around him, stood in the shadows...

Hermione shot up in her bead, panting and sweat was pouring down her back. What was that? she mused. The more she tried to remember, the more it faded away. All she could remember was the sign, a blue crest. She checked her watch and yelped. It was almost ten thirty. She jumped into the bathroom and had a shower, before the obvious dawned on her.

She was 18 today.

Excitedly, she put on her favourite shampoo, which tamed her bushy hair. Walking out, she cast a drying spell on herself, and sat on the stool in front of her mirror. She brushed her hair, and then applied a light lip-gloss. She had bought herself new clothes for herself, studded denim jeans, and a baby blue top. Applying the perfume, she flounced into the Common Room, which was completely empty...

"SURPRISE!" Hermione whirled around. All her friends had jumped out from the shadows. She ran over to them, hugging each one in turn.

"Happy Birthday, Mione!" they all said, and she kissed Harry, Ron, Seamus, Dean and Neville, who all blushed profusely, and hugged Ginny, Lavender and Parvati tightly.

"Come one, we've got to cut the cake!" said Ron, and, gently taking her hand, her led her over to a table by the fire, where a large box was placed. She opened it and gasped. A large fudge cake, beautifully decorated in red and gold icing, said "Happy Birthday Hermione in gold icing.

"Courtesy of Mum," declared Ron, smiling at her reaction. Hermione picked up the knife, about to cut the cake, when Parvati interrupted her.

"Wait! Remember, if it comes out dirty, we have to scream under the table!" she reminded her. Hermione cut the cake, and everyone clapped. She took the knife out. It had bits of fudge on it. First, she cast a Silencing Charm. Then she counted to three.

"One... Two... Three!" Everyone ducked under the table and screamed their lungs out, laughing.

"Now, for presents!" announced Harry. "Close your eyes," he said, and he put his hands on her eyes. "No peeking!" He led her into a room, and took his hands off. Inside was a huge pile of presents. She didn't say anything, just gaping. She turned around to see them all smiling at her, and she cried, so happy.

"Thank you so much, you guys! I'll never forget this day!" she cried, tears of joy. They walked over to the presents. Harry gave her the ones from others. Sirius and Remus had sent 10 bottles of Firewhisky, which she laughed at. Tonks sent her a book about Animagi, Fred and George, a complete set of Skiving Snackboxes. Hagrid sent an enormous box of Sugar Quills and Chocolate frogs, enough for a lifetime or two. She thought sadly about her parents, who had been killed among with many other Muggle parents by Voldemort's Death Eaters. Then Harry shyly handed her a soft, light present.

"Open it," he said quietly. She opened the parcel and took it out, and caught her breath. A beautiful periwinkle blue silk dress lay in her hands, soft and feather-light. Smiling, she kissed Harry, who blushed lightly, and looked away. Ron gave her a silver necklace with a heart locket, tiny diamonds set into it. Se opened the locket, and inside was a tiny photo of the three of them, cut out in the shape of a heart. She hugged Ron, and eventually everyone gave her their presents.

"Hermione, someone also sent this in an envelope. You should probably read it." Harry told her, holding out a cream white envelope. She opened it. It was from Professor Dumbledore, written in his loopy hand.

Dearest Hermione,

Firstly, a very happy 18th birthday to you. I hope you enjoy it as much as you can. I wish to meet you tonight at ten o'clock in the Room of Requirement. Please do not be late, it is crucial. Come alone, but bring your wand, as you may need it.

Once again, happy birthday.

Sincerely,

Professor Dumbledore

That was really fun to write, but I wasn't sure if Dumbledore would write Miss Granger instead of Hermione, but whatever. I couldn't help adding in the Firewhisky, just to be silly. mean, it is totally something that Sirius would do. LOL. Please review! All comments, especially contructive criticism, is very much appreciated!

Cheers,

(..:::Fiery Aries:::..)