The Iron Maiden
Chapter 0 - Prologue
"Hmmm…I've seen London, I've seen France…" mumbled Hermione as she flipped through the travel brochure.
"And I've seen Hermione's underpants" interjected Ron as he and Harry laughed. They both pulled up a chair besides Hermione and sat down besides her. "What's up" asked Harry. "It's still almost a month until summer break, and you're doing all this research right now?"
"Yes. Unlike you two, I choose not to procrastinate until the last possible second" said Hermione with a smirk.
"Oh c'mon Hermione, where's your sense of adventure. Don't you think it's much more fun to go on gut instincts and hope for the best?" replied Ron.
"Absolutely not" snapped Hermione, astounded. "Planning a trip can be fun!" she exclaimed. "I've been looking forward to this trip for quite a while. I found this nice program that sends young witches and wizards to scenic places all over Europe so they can get a better understanding of it's culture and history and…" Hermione stopped, apparently noticing the blank faces on Ron and Harry. "Oh, never mind" she sighed. "What would you two care about this kind of stuff?"
"Haha, well at least you know us well" laughed Harry. "What sort of places are you going to visit?"
"Well, first we're going to an ancient castle that once belonged to Merlin himself. It's protected by all sorts of spells and charms, of course, but for the tour we get to walk inside and see all the amazing things and magical relics that lie in the castle. Next, we're going to go to…"
"Dammit Harry, did you really have to ask? I don't feel like sitting her for hours listening to her" whispered Ron. He caught Hermione's scowl after he finished talking and faked a very unconvincing cough.
"Fine" Hermione snapped. "If you two have no appreciation for this kind of thing, then go off and play Quidditch so I don't waste my time explaining it to simple minded fools like you Ron."
"Oh c'mon Hermione, I didn't mean to be rude, it's just I…I…" stuttered Ron.
"Oh, never mind. I need to plan out a lot of stuff right now, just leave me alone" replied Hermione, in a calmer tone.
"Alright. See you around then Hermione" shouted Harry as they walked out of the common room towards the Quidditch pitch.
"Boys" sighed Hermione. "Absolutely NO respect for the finer things in life. Oh well, at least I'll get the most out of this trip. Now where was I…"
