This was the year that all hell would really break loose. It was their last year to make an impression, their last year of prep for the real world, and their last year together. It was the year that all of their secrets would be revealed. They treated it like each day was their last, because it very well could be.

Who were they?

Hermione Granger, the ugly duckling who had grown into a swan. She had brains; she was the top of her class and had more common sense than the rest of her grade put together. She had beauty; her once bushy hair now fell to her shoulders in light waves of autumn. Her eyes were a deep chocolate color, and her face was perfectly shaped. She was petit, but could pack a punch when her temper flared.

Harry Potter, the unintended hero. His famous lightning bolt scar, the hair blacker than onyx, and piercing green eyes. He had grown tall and strong. He had fought Voldermort for many years, but was still training and building up to the final confrontation. He was strong, resourceful, and loyal. Most of all, he was loving.

Ron Weasley, the joker. He had stuck by his friends through all of the years, and had proven to be witty, lighthearted, and brave. His signature Weasley hair fell over his boyishly freckled face and dark eyes. He could lighten the darkest of days, and always kept his friends from giving up. He would do anything for those that he loved.

And many others including Ginny Weasley, Luna Lovegood, Neville Longbottom, Draco Malfoy, Blaise Zambini, and a young Tom Riddle. It was going to be an interesting year.

HERMIONE POV

It all started with a saturday afternoon. It was obnoxiously sunny out, and the leaves from the Forbidden Forrest swirled around the schools grounds, propelled by the crisp autumn wind. I fixed my ponytail one last time before heading down to the common room to meet Harry and Ron. I grabbed a scarf on my way out.

They were sitting in the common room, staring into the fire.

"Hey guys." I greeted, standing behind the couch they were sitting on.

"Bloody hell Hermione, you took forever." Ron told me, matter of factly.

"It wasn't that long." I insisted.

"Did you go all the way to Japan for Geisha makeup or something?" he asked.

"Ron." I warned.

"Okay, okay." He conceded, "Let's go."

Harry nodded, and we strode out of the common room, chattering about classes and the upcoming dance.

I was surprised when McGonagall stopped us at the door.

"No students are allowed outside." she informed us, "Please report to the great hall."

"Why?" I asked.

"Just go!" she half yelled at us. I figured that it must have been serious if McGonagall was losing her cool.

So Harry, Ron, and I turned on our heels and ran towards the Great Hall. Not surprisingly, there were a lot of other students rushing there too. Somehow in the jumble I felt myself being pulled away from Harry and Ron. I tried to pull away, but whoever it was was much stronger than I was. I was pulled into a deserted hallway, and looked up to see blonde hair and piercing eyes.

"Malfoy?" I demanded.

"Granger." He countered cooly.

"What is this all about?"

"He's back."

"Who?"

"I thought you were smarter than that."

"Stop talking in riddles."

"Pun intended?"

"What?"

"Tom Riddle's back."

My blood ran cold at the thought of two Voldermorts running around.

"Do you know what he came back for?" Malfoy hissed.

"What?"

"Your little redheaded friend."

"Why Ginny?"

"He fancies her."

"What does this have to do with me?"

"Don't you wonder why the other Voldermort is here?"

"No, he's here for Harry."

"Wrong answer."

"What are you getting at?"

"He's here for you."

A/N: Is it worth continuing? Comments? Suggestions? Rambles? Please review!