Oh wow. It's been SUCH a long time, since I decided to stop this story. But you know what?! After much consideration to what people said, I decided to continue. I'm terribly sorry to anyone who thinks my actions are rash. A little late there, but that's okay – I guess. Although I do admit. When I look back at all my chapters now, the writing seems kinnda choppy…Probably still is.

Disclaimer: nope. Not me.

So…… to all those still reading, or willing to, here's chapter 7.

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Chapter 7:

The incessant chattering that reached Hermione's ears as she walked through the door of the Great Hall, brought a first, although small, honest-to-god smile to her face. Reaching the Gryffindor table, she plopped down on a bench next to Harry and Ron. She sighed happily, just thankful to be back here at Hogwarts. The only place that she truly felt safe.

Professor McGonagall walked through the large doors, and everyone turned their attention to her, and the scared, small first years trailing her uncertainly. McGonagall strode to a small platform, where the Sorting Hat sat on a small stool. She unrolled a thick piece of parchment, and cleared her throat in a very business-like manner.

"When I call your name, please come up and sit down here on this bench. I will place the Sorting Hat on your head, and you will be sorted into your house.

"Abscot, Julienne."

Julienne shyly shuffled up. "HUFFLEPUFF!" screamed the hat. Julienne half-walked, half-jogged her way over to the Hufflepuff table, where they were all cheering.

And so it continued until all the new kids were sorted.

Dumbledore stood up, and Hermione's solemn face grew into a full grin.

"Students. If I may have your attention!" The room quieted at once.

"This is the beginning of a new year. A year, of which I hope you make good decisions. Choices for yourself, your friends, your fellow students, and your teachers. But, don't forget to have fun." His eyes twinkled merrily in the light, making him seem at least 5 years younger. "On a more serious note, the Forbidden Forrest is off limits, and if I or any other professor catches you, believe me when I say you're in trouble. But, back to the merriments! Enjoy the wonderful feast!"

With that, he sat down, and food appeared on every plate, and drinks filled every goblet. People turned around, towards their friends, and started talking again. What they did over the summer. How they hoped not to have a certain class with a certain house. About how much they hated that teacher, and meeting the new first years.

Hermione sat at her table. Ron on her right, and Harry to her left.

"So. What'd you do over the summer, 'Mione?"

"Oh…… ummm…… nothing. You know. The usual. Hang around." Hermione replied, suddenly uncomfortable. 'They don't know anything. They can't know. No. They don't need to know.' She repeated to herself silently.

"OK! That's awesome!" cheered an oblivious Ron.

Harry just sat there. "Hermione…? Is there anything wrong? What happened? You're…different. If there's anything wrong, you know you can tell me."

"Oh, no, Harry. There's absolutely nothing wrong! Everything's just peachy-fine! Honestly! You don't need to worry about me!" protested Hermione.

Harry stared, obviously unconvinced. "Sure. Whatever. Just remember what I said."

"I'm fine Harry. No need to worry."

Later that evening, the three friends sat amidst the whole Gryffindor House, in couches in front of the blazing, warm fire. Staring into the fire. Their last year.

Suddenly, the clock chimes, 9 o'clock.

"Oh, gosh! I have to go now. Ill see you guys tomorrow." Hermione exclaimed before rushing out the portrait.

In the hallway, Hermione stood there, trying to remember where Professor McGonagall had told her the Head Dormitories were.

'umm……over here. And then there.' She directed herself.

Within 8 minutes, she had managed to find her way to the entrance.

"Password, dearie?" the old lady in the portrait croaked.

"Oh. 'Tomorrow always Comes.'"

"Thanks, darling" the woman said, as she swung open.

"Thank you," Hermione breathed as she stepped in.

The room was magnificent. With high, cathedral ceilings, and walls of deep maroon with silver edges. There were plush, inviting couches in front of a large, marble fireplace. Inside it, there was already an almighty fire going. Mahogany tables stood on two opposing sides of the room. One for each of the Heads to work at. There were two separate stairs, connecting at the top, and leading to a landing. On the right, was a door labeled, "Head Boy". On the left, was another door, exactly the same, except it read, "Head Girl." At the bottom of the stairs though, was a gigantic bookshelf, stacked to the brim with novels and books. Muggle, and wizard authors alike.

Hermione squealed, ran to the bookshelf, pulled the first book she found off the shelf, bounded up the stairs, and burst into her room. She closed her door, took a deep breath, and ran to the enormous king-sized bed.

"Ahhh… yes" she sighed. "This is the life."

Suddenly, her world started spinning, and her head felt light-headed. "Gosh. I'm so exhausted. Might as well go to sleep now" she trailed off……and fell into a deep slumber.

A/N: Oh, Jesus, that was terrible. I got back on a terrible start. Ok. Don't kill me. And please review, so I can have some suggestions as to how I can make my next chapter, and this one better. Thanx so much!

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