She sat there in the great hall, barely listening to her friends chatter on. 'All they do is talk about quidditch, anyway,' she mused, turning the page on Hogwarts A History. The book was well worn, the binding fading and cracked slightly at the top. But it was her treasure. Besides her friends, it was her most prized possession.

Her friends were always the most important things in her life but she knew that everyone wondered how she had put up with them as long as she had. She was clearly smarter then all in her year, so it couldn't have been the intellectual stimulation they provided that got her to stay. She loved flying her broom as much as they loved actually picking up their schoolbook and doing their potions homework. And she felt no physical attraction towards either of the boys, though many were still convinced that she would end up with the youngest Weasley male.

No, the only bind that really was their guiding force now was the past experiences they shared and the knowledge that more were soon to come. A stupid mountain troll had been the reason they become friends and it was similar events in their years at Hogwarts that kept that bond strong. They each brought something important to the group.

Ron was the brawns. Now standing 6 foot 6, he had at least a half- foot over everyone else. He even towered over some of the professors, though his still did cower under McGonagall's shrill voice and Snape's piercing gaze. The freckles on his face were gone and the sun had lightened his hair a bit the previous summer, though he was still a flaming red head and would always stand out in a crowd.

Harry was the 'The Boy Who Lived'. While not yet 'The Boy Who Conquered,' it was assumed the final victory would be soon. He too had grown up and six years of strenuous quidditch practice had done wonders to his body. While still a bit lanky, he had strong, broad shoulders; his arms had more muscle, and his chest and legs were well toned. His hair was as unruly as ever. But its messiness brought girls (and some boys) that wanted to tame it and him as well.

And she, she was still the levelheaded one. The one who was calm through any crisis. The Devils Snare was a walk in the park. And the Basilisk's only drawback was that she had gotten petrified in the process. Figuring out Lupin's secret had been as easy as stargazing. And every other obstacle had been game, set, match. Unlike Harry's, her hair was somewhat manageable after having cut it short for her sixth year. While it was still curly, it framed her face perfectly against her high cheekbones. She wasn't nearly as tall as the boys, but she was all legs. Her stride always matched Harry's and Ron's no matter how fast they walked.

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She had a pretty lax schedule that year. Having already completed her N.E.W.T.s in Arithmacy and Medicinal Healing her only advanced classes were Potions, Herbology, Transfiguration, and Charms. She was still taking Care of Magical Creatures and Astrology but they had never been much of a challenge. All of her classes proved to be so easy that she was already done with a months worth of homework and her extra assignment for McGonagall. She was happy with herself considering it was only the third week of classes. She was ahead of her own schedule.

Taking a glance up at the teacher's table she couldn't help but smile. Despite all the stress outside the castle walls everyone seemed so happy. McGonagall was deep in conversation with Madam Hooch and Poppy Pomfrey. On their left, even though they still despised each other (Sirius's death hadn't improved their relationships), Remus and Snape were chatting along. She knew that Severus had made an advancement on the Wolfsbane Potion so they were probably discussing the relief it gave Remus.

Turning her head to look at the other table she saw Hagrid laughing at something Filch had said which only made Filch glower more. As she turned back to her own table she caught Professor Dumbledore's gaze. Like any other time his eyes were sparkling and he smiled bright to her. She returned the smile and gave him a slight wave. She sat there for a second, neither breaking the gaze when a tap on the shoulder brought her back to reality.

"Hermione, can you help me with this essay for Flitwick?" Ron questioned. "I just can't get it to the required length." Sighing she took the parchment from him.

"That's always your excuse." She muttered as she read it over. Taking out her quill and a spare piece of parchment she scribbled some things he could add. After she handed it back to him she gathered her books into her arms and bag.

"Where are you going?" Harry asked as she swung her bag onto her shoulder.

"Where do you think she's going? To the library to see her other best friend Madam Prince, of course." Ron snickered a bit while she glared at him.

"Ha ha. You think you're so funny." She hit him playfully on the arm. "And for your information, I am going to my room.. and then the library." The boys laughed as she walked away from the table.

"See you later, Herm." She heard Ron call as the door to the Great Hall closed.