Disclaimer: Blah, blah, blah, Harry Potter is not mine, he never was and he never will be because God hates me and life's a bitch. Amen.

"Arrrgghh!! Where IS she? I can't take it anymore! She hasn't shown up for THREE WEEKS!!!" Harry Potter was at his wits end. He had spent another horrible summer at the Dursley's and when he left, had wanted nothing else but to spend time and have fun with his two best friends at Hogwarts during his sixth year.

Except, when he arrived at Platform 9 and 3/4, he realized that we was short one best friend. When he and Ron had seen Professor Dumbledore entering the Great Hall, they both rushed over to him and began shouting questions and exclamations on the whereabouts of their bushy-haired, bookworm friend.

Dumbledore had assured them that Hermione was fine and was merely busy at the moment. When they had pressed the subject further, he merely stated that it was not his place to tell them what she was doing. And then he walked into the Great Hall, his eyes twinkling.

"Calm down, Harry. Dumbledore said she was okay." Ron Weasely, Harry's other best friend, assured him.

"Oh, of course. If DUMBLEDORE said it than it MUST be true. Completely forgetting the fact that basically everything he told me the entire last year was a bloody lie!!"

Harry was still not over the fact that Dumbledore had kept VERY important information about the prophecy from him ever since he was a child. He was completely livid. Once again, Dumbledore was hiding something from him. And this time, it was about someone he cared about EXTREMELY.

"What do you mean a bloody lie? What are you talking about? Everything Dumbledore told you was the truth!" Ron retorted.

Harry paused for a moment and deeply sighed.

"Oh, forget about it. I guess I'll just sit here and sulk." Harry had forgotten that Ron did not know about the prophecy. He had decided to keep it a secret until Hermione arrived. THEN he would tell them both. Harry hung his head as both he and Ron walked slowly to the Great Hall.

Everyone was busy chattering amongst themselves in the Great Hall. Harry and Ron were talking solemnly about Quidditch when all of a sudden, they notcied Dumbledore step up to the podium. HIs eyes had that strange twinkle in them again and they knew that his news was important. He cleared his throat loudly, silencing the entire student body.

"Attention, students. I have an important announcement to make."

Everyone leaned forward in their seats, listening intently. Well, everyone that is, except the Slytherins. They instead leaned back casually in their seats with a look of contempt on their faces.

"I am sure that the several of the sixth year Gryffindors have realized that they are missing a student."

A small mumur of assent rippled throughout the Gryffindor table. The rest merely held puzzled expressions on their faces. It was obvious what they were thinking, "Someone's missing? Who? I didn't notice."

"Hermione Granger, a sixth year prefect, was not able to attend Hogwarts for around three weeks since the beginning of the school year."

A flurry of whispers broke out throughout the Great Hall. Harry and Ron both held expectant expressions.

"I am here to announce that she has returned."

A loud CREAK was heard throughout the hall. All the students turned their heads toward the door and watched as it slowly opened. A small figure stood behind the wooden entrance. As soon as they could make her out, a loud gasp was heard among the students.

It WAS Hermione. But not the Hermione that Hogwarts, or at least Harry and Ron, had grown to love. THIS Hermione wore a black, form-fitting gown. It had a V-neck that dipped low and was only a few inches above her navel. Her black Hogwarts robes flapped out from the sides like a silk coat. A slit on the side revealed a pair of black combat boots. A pattern of thorns was tattoed on her right arm. A thin black belt wrapped loosely on her hips. The students could just make out a dagger held firmly against her hip.

As Hermione heard the gasp that was issued when she walked into the light, a puzzled expression spread across her features.

"What?"