Disclaimer: I don't own this, no matter how much, or how hard I wish I did.

Wow. Everyone liked my second chapter as well. I got a lot of comments about how much people hate cliffhangers. Thanks to Concerned reader, who pointed out one of my mistakes. Thanks also for Vodka-Tears for giving me advice, I'll be sure to use it! Thanks also to Caeria for pointing out another one of my mistakes. Finally, thanks to all of my other reviewers. It means a lot to me that you'd take time to review!

Headmaster: Edgar Tubby
Potions: Septimus Carce
Arithmancy: Jake Matthews
Transfiguration: Bertha Peabody
Defense Against the Dark Arts: Julie Field
Care of Magical Creatures: Tanya Greenwood
Charms: Adam Timely
Ancient Runes: Phylis Strippe

This chapter is with out a doubt one of the hardest so far. Hope it's still good! One more thing! I'm going to have Snape's P.O.V in this story as well. I forgot to mention that in the first chapter. I haven't decided if there is going to be a Septimus POV either, but I think there might. Should I? I'm not sure...anyway, on with the story!

Chapter Three

I entered the Great Hall with my face a blank mask of indifferance. I had one hour before Hogwarts showed up. One hour to keep my cool and not panic. I could do this. There's no reason to panic, feel insecure, or anything but anger. Taking a deep breath, I pushed the doors open. Everyone in the hall turned towards me, staring. Everyone knew that Harry Potter and I had stopped being friends a little over half a year before (A/N: She left half way through 6th year, and It's the beginning of 7th year. When I say half a year, I meant half a school year. Just so ya know!) Everyone wanted to know how I'd react to seeing an old friend again. I won't show any weakness to any of them! Determined, I straightened my shoulders and glared at the people that dared meet my eyes. They quickly dropped their eyes to the floor and looked down at their food or anywhere that was away from me. I smirked grimly as I walked down the main aisle and took my seat at the end closest to Septimus seat. Because this was an important event, everyone had to sit at the "appropriate" tables. Luckily, all my friends were Slytherins. There was a table that went the width of the hall. It was pushed right up against the wall on one side, and the other was towards the doors that led to the front entrance. Since only the Hogwarts staff and the 7th year students were coming, there'd be plenty of room. (A/N: For the teachers to be at Aries, they all took on assistants to replace them for the year at Hogwarts.)

Septimus stalked past us and took his seat next to Professor Matthews. Professor Matthews glanced at Septimus, who was busy trying to secretly scan the table for Professor Field. Matthews turned his dark, burning gaze towards me and met my eyes. My breath caught in my throat for a second before I managed to raise a single eyebrow to his searching gaze. He gave me one of the most sexiest smirks I'd ever seen before turning towards the Headmaster. I released the breath I had been holding and turned to the left, and looked at my friends. They were watching me with knowing smiles, making my face flush red. I sent a glare that would have done Septimus proud before turning to the person on my right, Zac, and opened my mouth to make a comment when I happened to see his face.

Zac was glaring at Professor Matthews, his face twisted into a snarl. He looked absolutely furious. What the hell? What the fuck is he so pissed off about? I followed his gaze to 'Fessor Matthews. He was talking to Septimus in low tones, head bent forward to hear better. He wasn't doing anything to cause Zac to glare at him like he just murdered his parents. I turned towards the rest of my group of friends and put a questioning look on my face. They looked at me, disbelief and shock written on their faces.

'Don't you know?' Julie mouthed, glancing at Zac to make sure he wasn't looking. I shook my head slowly, my eyes darting towards Zac, 'Fessor Matthews, and back to my group. 'Later.' Tabby mouthed, and I nodded in agreement. Taking a deep breath, I let it out slowly. I have too much on my mind right now to wonder what is wrong with Zac. I opened my mouth to make another comment, but the Headmaster beat me to it.

"Hogwarts shall be arriving very soon. I'd like to take the time to say that you all must treat them with the upmost respect, and be kind. I know you're capable of it." He cleared his throat before going on."When Hogwarts arrives, they'll gather at the front of the room. They will then be seated. Each Aries teacher will stand up, announce their names, and positions. Then, they will tell one fact about themselves. If your a Head of House, you must announce it as well. You may not use it as the fact you are going to share. Then the next teacher. We'll start from Professor Greenwood, who is nearest to door. We'll end with Professor Carce, who is farthest from the door." He sat down, and turned towards Professor Peabody before getting back up. "One more thing. Ticky ticky tuu tuu. Thank you, that is all." He sat down again, and started in on his soup.

A titter of laughter swept through the room. Everyone turned towards one another and began to talk, the noise level getting higher and higher. No one seemed to notice or care that Professor Peabody stood up and attempted to speak.

"Students, please be quiet. Students? Students! HEY! BE QUIET!" She yelled. Everyone soon shut up. She took a deep, calming breath, before saying, "We have decided to combine the quidditch teams for the year. Also, we have decided to combine the classes. So the teachers with the same subject will work together. Because the teachesr are combined, so will the students."

Oh my God. I'm going to have classes with them! I'm going to have to play quidditch with them! I turned towards my friends. They were all shooting angry looks towards Peabody as though she was the cause of the whole thing. Peabody was still talking, explaining the sleeping arrangements. They've decided to room them in the castle. They plan on taking some of the extra common rooms and cleaning them up. Peabody's voice faded as I stopped paying attention.

They'll be in the same castle. Same classes. I'll have to watch the stares, hear the whispers and gossip. The people that support Harry Potter will be sending me the distrustful looks. I'll have to go through all of it all over again. Oh god. I don't know if I can. This was why I switched school! My throat seemed to of closed off. I couldn't breathe, couldn't think anymore. My head was foggy.

"Goddammit!" I heard Tim swear under his breath. It seemed to shock me out of whatever stupor I was in, because I could suddenly breathe, and my head cleared. I can do this. I have my friends. I don't need them. But a little voice in the back of my head whispered 'Don't you?'

"Mia? Mia, are you okay?"

"Oh. Oh, I'm fine thanks Shannon." I smiled weakly before looking down at my empty plate.

"We're here for you. We know your not a Death Eater. If they try anything, we'll make sure they think twice before messing with you. Promise!" There was a chorus of voices agreeing with that statement. I grinned, the weight on my shouldes lifting. What did I need them for when I had such a great group of friends right in front of me?

"Okay. But on one condition." They nodded their agreement, and I continued on,"I get to help!"

"Definetely. Wouldn't be the same with ya, Mione." Jon commented. I sent a glare towards him for that nickname.

"I HATE it when you call me that. Call me Mia, call me Hermione, but DON'T call me Mione! It makes me think of butts." I growled, sending a threatening glare toward my laughing friends around me.

"Butts?" Mike questioned.

"Yes. Mione, hiney?"

"Ooohhh...well I think it fits you. You have a nice bum." Jon said around the quill he was holding in his mouth. I felt Zac stiffen beside me, and glanced towards him. His face as blank, but his eyes were shining oddly. Dismissing it from my mind for the moment, I grinned sweetly at Jon.

"Awwww, thanks. You're so sweet, even if you do have a lisp." Jon had problems saying certain words. They just came out all wrong. He hated anyone saying he had a lisp.

"I DO NOT have a lisp!" He yelled.

"Do."

"Don't."

"Whatever."

Maybe this night wouldn't be so bad, after all.

"They're coming!"

I turned towards the voice and found Frankie Donnan standing near the doors to the entrance hall. He was leaning out the door, so you couldn't see his head. Immediatly, the hall was silent. Is that a cricket I hear? I chuckled, making Zac and Shannon, who were sitting next to me, to look at me funny. I just smiled calmly and rolled my eyes. They smiled and looked back towards the entrance doors.

I glanced up towards Septimus, who was staring at the doors intently. Almost as if he could sense my eyes on him, he turned his gaze towards me. I met his eyes, and was a little taken aback at the worry in his eyes. He raised his eyebrow as if to ask, are you alright? I smirked back at him and winked. All's well here! He gave me a small smile, gone quickly before anyone else could notice it was there. I turned my gaze towards the door, straining to see or hear anything. Finally, I could hear the sound of many feet approaching the door. I could also hear the sound of lots of voices. I took a deep breath, closed my eyes, and counted to ten.

It was time. I was going to see them again.

I opened my eyes and forced a looked of indifference on my face. If they wanted me to squirm, I'd make sure not to give them the satisfaction. Frankie ran in and took his seat at the House C table. A few seconds later, the doors burst open and in came Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

In came Dumbledore, looking majestic in his bright purple robes with a skyblue hat. Next came McGonagall, looking as stern as ever in her brown robes, hair pulled back into a tight bun. Then came in Remus Lupin. He was dressed as he always was, in poor looking robes, but a soft smile of welcome on his face. Next came Sprout, Vector, Trelawney, and Sinastra. Then came Hagrid, looking as huge as he always did. Lastly came Snape, robes billowing, scowl etched on his face. His hair was surprisinglynot greasy. His eyes scanned the crowd, and for a moment I thought he'd look right at me before he turned away and stood next to Lupin. Then came the students.

The Hufflepuffs came first. I only recognizd the few that were in the DA. Ernie MacMillian, and Hannah Abbot. Then came the Ravenclaws. I recognized only some of those as well. Chang, Goldstein, Boots, Edgecomb. The Slytherins entered next, Draco Malfoy in the lead, looking as albino-ferretish as he always had, smirk in place. Crabbe, Goyle, Parkinson, and Bullstrode followed close behind. I noticed Blaise Zambini's entrance as well. Before I had left Hogwarts, we had been on the verge of starting a relationship. He was the only Slytherin who openly opposed Voldemort. He was really sweet, and intelligent too.

Last came the rowdy Gryffindors, somehow managing to look nervous and proud at the same time. Potter (first names were much too famliar) leading the way, with Weasley and Longbottom next to him. There was Brown, both Patils, Thomas, Jorden, and countless others I use to count as friends. Oh, I was looking forward to seeing the look on their faces when the learned that I was a Slytherin, and that I was apprenticing to Snape's cousin. Speaking of Snape's cousin, I glanced towards Septimus.

He was currently in a staring match with Snape, both men determined to back down last. I snorted and turned my attention to Headmasters Dumbledore and Tubby. Tubby had stood up and walked around the table to greet Dumbledore, face open with welcome and excitement. He cast an amplifier charm on himself, and cleared his throat. The Hogwarts students immediatly quieted. I wonder if that's a Headmaster thing, managing to quiet a large group of kids with just a clearing of a throat. No, wait. Septimus can do that, as well as Snape.

"I'd like to be the first to say, welcome to Aries School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. My name is Headmaster Tubby. One fact that I'd like to share with you all is that I love cupcakes, and my pink tutu is very tight." There was a groan from the Aries students, along with laughter."Professor Greenwood shall go next with the introductions." He turned towards 'Fessor Greenwood and nodded.

"My name is Professor Greenwood. I'm the Care of Magical Creatures. I'm the Head of House C, which is similar to Hufflepuff. I like to read in my spare time, and I hate chocolate. My apprentice is Liam Stephenson." Liam Stephenson stood up quickly before sitting down, face read.

"My name is Professor Timely. I teach Charms. I like to create spells that are useful for home care."

"My name is Professor Strippe. I'm the Head of House D, which is equivelant to Ravenclaw. I love animals, dogs especially, and have a fondness for wine. My apprentice is Martha Puttard." Martha Puttard stood up, bowed gracefully, and sunk slowly back into her seat, eyes alternating between Potter and Malfoy.

There was a wave of laughter. She was well known for her drinking habits. The best lessons are when she was drunk off her rocker, making odd comments and messing her sentences up.

"My name is Professor Peabody. I teach Transfiguration. I'm the Head of House A, which is equal to Gryffindor. I dislike rule-breakers," she cast a glance our way before continuing."And I don't like students that don't try their best. My apprentice is Kevan Roberts." Kevan Roberts stood up, handsome face blank, before sitting back down. He never spoke much, but when he did, he knew what he was talking about.

"My name is Professor Field. I teach Defense Against the Dark Arts. I'm muggleborn, and I love to play tennis." Most people seemed confused about that statement, but let it pas as Professor Matthews stood up. His face was soft and looked inviting, but upon closer inspection it looked just cold. There was a glint in his eye, and his lips were formed into a smile. For a second I thought of a wolf. Come here my pretty little darlings! I could picture him saying that. I shook my head. Where the hell did that come from?"

"My name is Professor Matthews. I teach Arithmancy. I love to read, and my favorit subject is, of course, Arithmancy."

Septimus stood up, but before he could open his mouth, Headmaster Tubby interupted. "Professor Carce here is related to your dearly beloved Professor Snape! How about that?" He said cheerfully. If looks could kill...Snape and Carce looked ready to kill him. Septimus glanced my way before speaking slowly, sofly, silkily.

"My name is Professor Carce. I teach Potions. I'm Head of House B, which is equivalent to Slytherin House. I detest stupid children that cannot work. My apprentice is..." He stole a glance towards me. Heart pounding, I nodded bravely to him. He nodded back before moving on."Hermione Granger." I stood up and sent a smirk toward the Hogwarts students.

There was complete silence. All eyes were on me.

Potter, Weasley, Longbottom, all the Gryffindors, and all the teachers mouths fell open. Even Snape looked shocked. His eyes were wide, mouth slightly open. "Bloody Hell." Someone in the back whispered. I know I looked very different from what they were used to. I wore only eye liner, and lip gloss. My hair was finally straight (I had to use special anit-frizz shampoo and conditioner, then use this anti-frizz hair spray, and finally, I had to use an anti-frizz charm as well), and I kept it down, only putting it up at certain times. I wasn't wearing wizards robes, so they could see my outfit. I was wearing black low-cut hip hugger jeans, a black tanktop that stopped just above my belly button, and black boots. I had a belly button ring in, which was reflecting light. My tattoo on my hip showed just enough to let people know it was there, but not enough for them to tell what it was. Though they couldn't see it, there was a knife in my boots, just in case something came up.

After the initial shock, Potter's face took on a look of intense hatred, as did some of the other Hogwarts students. Even the teachers where sending me hate-filled looks, before getting composure and hiding it behind a mask of (fake) politeness. Draco Malfoy's sneering voice broke through the silence.

"YOU'RE a Slytherin?"

I sent him smiled sweetly and said, "Of course, Draco. What else would I be? There is no house quite like Slytherin." My eyes slid towards Potter and the rest. "Everybody...worth knowing... is in Slytherin." Septimus strode forward to stand next to me. All my friends stood up and surrounded me, silently showing their support. Septimus sneered at all the students brave enough to look him in the face.

"She is my apprentice. I would be most...displease...if I hear of any problems she has. We wouldn't want me displeased, now would we?" Most of the students gulped, before stepping back. Potter however, glared at him. I glanced towards Dumbledore. I know that Septimus was a spy for Dumbledore. He was looking shocked, calculating...and angry. He glanced towards me before looking at Septimus again. I glanced at Snape. His face might as well of been made of stone for all I could read. His eyes slid from his cousin down to me. A flash of emotion went through his eyes before they went as cold and blank as usual. I raised an eyebrow, winked, blew him a kiss, and smiled sweetly. He glared at me, which I met with a glare just as mean, just as cold and hateful. I looked at Lupin and McGonagall. Lupin was watching me silently. I blew him a kiss as well, before turning my attention to McGonagall. She looked just as stern as ever, but I knew her well enough to see the anger in her eyes. I winked at her before looking up at Septimus.

"This went well." I whispered. I managed to keep it quiet enough so only my friends and Septimus heard it. He glanced down at me before allowing a half-smile cross his face. I glanced towards Dumbledore, Lupin, McGonagall, and Snape and knew from the looks on their faces they'd seen the smile. They looked angry and very, very confused. I glanced back up at Septimus and smirked back at him. I could almost hear their thoughts: Did Setpimus just smile?

"Didn't it though? I'm sure they'll invite you up for tea and biscuits later tonight." I snorted. Yeah, sure.

"Will I see you tonight?" I asked softly. No need for more rumors to get started. I bet as soon as possible Peabody will be telling them all about us. She never did like me, or as far as I can tell, Septimus.

"Later. We'll talk later. They may...detain me for too long. If not, I'll talk to all of you after class tomorrow." He glanced at the people around me before gliding oh so gracefully back to his seat. I looked at Dumbledore just as he looked at me. There was no twinkle in his. They looked like steel. I decided to throw caution to the wind. I winked, blew a kiss at him, and smirked before turning back to my friends. They were all watching me. I smiled.

"This, my friends, will be great fun." They smirked in return.

"Come now, is that really necessary? We're all friends here." Tubby said, hands wringing his robes. I think he'd forgotten about my past. He glanced towards me, and I smiled gently. I won't start anything if they don't. If they don't i'll be polite. Cold, maybe, but polite. He seemed to have gotten the message because he nodded once before smiling and telling everyone to eat. We sat down, as did Hogwarts, and began to eat. Many glances were thrown my way. Ignoring them I turned towards my friends and we started an argument over Shakespeare.

This isn't so bad. I glanced towards the Teacher's Table where I saw Septimus surrounded by Dumbledore, Snape, McGonagall, and Lupin. I noticed Potter and his "friends" glancing at the high table as well. Potter turned his eyes towards me and our eyes met. Well, if I ain't the most gosh-darn luckiest gurl of 'em all to be able ta meet eyes wi' the great, wonderful, Harry Potter. Yuck, my accent was terrible. I fluttered my eyelashes at Potter before turning to my group. I shoved everything else to the back of my mind and concentrated on enjoying my meal.

"I like MacBeth the best...Julius Caesar I found rather boring." I commented, which started up a whole new arguement on the best Shakespeare play.

This year might now be so bad. I glanced towards Septimus. Still talking to the teachers. I hope that they don't give him too much trouble. Spying means a lot to him, and If need be, I'll stop talking to him until the war is over and Voldemort is defeated. This decided, I turned back towards my friends and lost myself in the arguement. No sense in worrying when there's nothing I can do at this point.

Let's just hope there's not a lot to worry about this year.

Another chapter done. Next chapter will be in Snape's POV. I don't know if the whole chapter is going to be in his view or not, we'll just have to see. Also, there was a comment made about Hermione being a Gryffindor, and that she'd be very sure of herself. This is true, but I believe that even the most confident person can have moments of insecurity. I'm sure that when Hermione was in her first year, she probably thought she should have been in Ravenclaw, not Gryffindor. There were also some comments on language mistakes I made in the first chapter. Thanks for pointing that out, it wont happen again! One last thing. I heard that I put too much detail into the story. I'm sorry for this, I didn't notice that I did that. If it bothered anyone else, please say so! I need all the help I can get.

Thanks to all my reviewers, I really appreciate it!