Disclaimer: I've told you a million times before; I do not own any of these characters!

AN: The only reason I'm giving you another chapter so early, is one, someone drugged my m&m's, two, I don't think I'll be able to update for a while, and three, I have an odd feeling I'm going to be grounded…

Chapter Three: So it begins.

It was diner time at Hogwarts, and Dumbledore had led the eight to a table at the front of the Great Hall. Hermione noticed a lot of odd stares coming from everyone, and a very horrified look coming from Harry and Ginny upon seeing Tom Riddle.

She had taken a seat between Remus and Mimi; Tom was sitting next to Mimi, while the others sat on the other side of the table. Hermione pretended to pay attention to the argument going on between Mimi and Remus, while, in all reality, she was thinking about what was to come….

Dumbledore cleared his thought, which caused Hermione to jerk away from her reverie and listen along with the rest of the students in the Hall.

"Some of you may have noticed that we have a few extra students with us this year. It is because, as some of you may know, every 250 years, Hogwarts hosts the "Battle of the Beasts", where each house is represented by two of their smartest students both past and present, whom of which will compete in four tasks, that will test their fears, and knowledge. In the end, one house will be victorious, however, there is a slick chance that our house representatives may die, or fall ill. Should this happen to one of them, they will be sent back to their time…now, please help me in welcoming, our champions!"

The eight stood up, and the Hall erupted in cheers. Albus smiled and hushed the students; "Will our champions please introduce themselves."

Clair nudged Dan, and he spoke up, "Erm, we are the representatives for the Hufflepuff house. My name is Dan William, and this is my partner, Clair Wicca."

Loud cheers and whistles were heard from the Hufflepuff table, and then Dan and Clair sat down.

The next pair stood up. "Err, My name is Keith Abbot, and this is my girlfrien- er, partner, Maureen Terry. We're here to represent Ravenclaw."

Again loud cheers were heard, but, his time from the Ravenclaw table.

Hermione tugged on Remus's sleeve as a warning that she was going next. She spoke in a loud, clear voice, "My name, is Hermione Granger," Loud cheers automatically sprang form about every table but Slytherine, "And this is y partner, Remus Lupin."

She saw Harry grin at her and Remus. This would be fun for him to get to know the younger side of Remus Lupin.

Dumbledore silenced the Hall again, "We still have tow more people to introduce."

Mimi smiled at all of the students, "Hey there, my name is Mimi Ravenwood, and this boy next to me is…"

Tom leaned in slightly, "Tom Riddle."

"And we," Mimi continued, "Are representing the best house; Slytherine."

The Slytherines grinned to each other, and cheered.

Mimi leaned into Tom and whispered, "Well, at least we have a couple fans."

Tom nodded and sat down with Mimi.

Dumbledore took over once more, "Well, with that said and done, it's time to announce the first challenge."

The eight looked worriedly at each other; a challenge already? They just got here!

"Thee first challenge," Dumbledore continued, "Will be playing on the fears of others, and will be between Slytherine and Gryffindor. For one day, we are sending the four of you, to an American school, in Sacramento California, called, "Arden". You will need to survive the day as normal people, and not hex anyone. Though that would be rather impossible, since you are leaving your wands here.

This challenge will take place in two months from now, in November. But for now, tuck in, and enjoy your meals."

Hermione quietly fumed. How could they have already set a stupid challenge up? This was ridiculous. And what kind of a challenge was going to a muggle school? It can't be much different from Hogwarts…Her felt like smacking herself.

'Duh it's going to be different!' She thought, 'We don't learn mathematics at Hogwarts…how are we supposed to know…I'm going to fail.'

Hermione glared at the pasta she had scooped onto her plate. This was stupid.

Mimi nudged her, "If you glare at you pasta anymore, it might explode."

Hermione mumbled a 'oh, sorry.' And went back to her own thoughts…

About a three hours later, the eight (along with the rest of Hogwarts) we in their beds, either asleep, or deep in thought. Hermione, was, asleep, dreaming about what could happen tomorrow.

Tom tossed and turned over in his bed. He couldn't get over what Mimi had said earlier…"you could just seduce her." He figured he could, if he really wanted to, but he seriously doubted she would cave in…

He stood up and walked over to her bed. He moved her hair off of her face, and pondered to himself.

"What are you hiding child." He said in a whisper.

Tom moved his cold fingers along her warms cheeks. He saw her shiver. He smiled to himself, and thought, 'Well, at least she's human.'

Tom stood there and watched her for a few moments. She looked so vulnerable while she slept…it would be all too easy for an enemy to simply come in and snap her pretty little neck….

He smirked at Hermione sleeping form, and went over to on of the bookshelves, and plucked out a potions book. He went over to a couch; plopped himself down, and cracked open the book.

Tom glanced over to Hermione once more, and muttered under his breath, "So it begins…"

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

AN: Eh…way shorter than I had originally intended it to be. I can't really concentrate either.. I've got a song stuck in my head; "Bring me to life" by Evanescence.

Anyway, I have a new story that I'm falling in love with. I have a couple chapters typed; I'm just waiting for more reviews.

All right, well…that's about it, so…review!

Truthfully yours,

FloatingIntoDarkness