Hermione sighed as she settles into her seat in DADA, placing her pack besides her before she begins to take out a quill set, which contained three quills, two inkwells, and a stand for the quill she decides to use, as well as a dozen sheets of parchment and her notes on the books for the class. Because there were so many books required for this class it made it impossible for Hermione to keep her books by her side like she usually preferred.

She was looking forward to the beginning of the class, she's curious as to how she did on the pop quiz that was handed out for the first class they had.

"Hello my amazing fan-" a throat clears. "Excuse me, my amazing students." Professor Lockhart said as he entered the classroom from the hallway, his pale yellow robes swishing with his movements. Hermione turned in her seat to see his entrance, giggling with Daphne at the awful robe color.

As the Professor walked by her he threw a wink in her general direction, causing Hermione to duck her head, pushing her hair behind her ear while biting her lip. Realistically she knew that it wasn't for her but, well, she was a girl with a great admiration for the Professor.

"Oh you're definitely not crushing on the Professor." Daphne whispers into her ear. Hermione sticks her tongue out at her friend.

"He's a very accomplished man, Daphne. There is nothing wrong with admiring someone for what they accomplished." Hermione whispers back.

"You're an idiot Granger." A voice snips behind her. Hermione turns around and glares at Malfoy.

"If there is one thing that I cannot be called of all things Malfoy, it would be an idiot." She snips back, and turns back to the front of the class, fully intending on ignoring her annoying housemate. Daphne meanwhile just giggles into her hand.

Hermione turns her eyes towards the Professor, and grabs one of her three quills. She waits patiently for the lecture to begin, she's really hoping that today they will learn how to perform the spell Expelliarmus. While of course she knows the theory behind it, from her charms textbook assigned this year and all the other reading she has done. She'd really love to learn how to use it practically, it seems like one of the most useful spells that she's come across so far.

"Now my lovely students, since last class was so taxing on everyone-" Professor Lockhart started.

"Because you're a failure of a Professor." She hears a mutter behind her, that causes her to roll her eyes.

"I have decided that instead we are going to dive into one of my books, Break with a Banshee. I'm going to read out one of my most thrilling adventures in the book, and you all will follow along!" He proclaimed with a flourish and in a cloud of smoke the book appeared in his hand. Hermione glanced down at her desk with a frown, but took out her notes on his book.

"But Professor, what about the test results from last class?" A girl's voice calls out from the class. Professor Lockhart sends an award winning smile towards the girl. Hermione turns towards the girl, not recognizing the voice and knowing that this classroom was only filled with second year Slytherins,she thought she should at least know the voice. Even seeing the girl though, she can't recognize her. So, she leans over towards Daphne.

"Who is that?"

Daphne shots her an are you serious face. "She's in our year Hermione!"

"I know!"

"She's in our house!"

Hermione glares at her. "I'm aware Daphne."

"Tracey Davis." Daphne says with an eye roll.

"Oh." Hermione says with a nod. "I don't recall her."

Daphne giggles. "Obviously Hermione."

Hermione sticks her tongue out.

"-so yes. I will be passing out the results, right now in fact!" Hermione tunes back into what the Professor is saying. Hermione kicks her feet in anticipation, hoping she at least got a passing grade on it.

Professor Lockhart performs another flourish with his wand, adding his pale yellow robe in the mix to make it all the more dramatic. A stack of papers appear on his desk which he picks up with another wave of his robes.

"This first test that I'm going to pass out, is the only person in the class that received an absolutely amazing perfect mark." He grabs the top paper, waving it as he talks. "Hermione Granger." He says and with a flounce places the paper on Hermione's desk, flashing her one of his award winning smiles. Hermione meanwhile flashes a bright smile up at her Professor, proud of her accomplishment.

"Teacher's pet." She hears a mumble behind her that she ignores.

Daphne leans into her. "Admiration huh?" She says with a raised brow a smile playing on her lips.

"Yes!" Hermione says with a nod, completely ignoring the undertone of what Daphne was hinting at.

Daphne hums an "Mmhmm" with a conspiratorial look in her eyes. Hermione hearing it sticks her tongue out again. "My, my, Hermione whatever would your mother say with that language!" The two fall into each other giggling.

They chat while their Professor hands back the tests, taking longer than a normal Professor would because he feels the need to bat his eyelashes and flash his grin to everyone.

"Hermione! It's not funny! I thought I was at least going to get 75 points! I only got 50!" Daphne whines when she receives her test back.

"And I'm the one that has the crush?" Hermione asks sarcastically and Daphne responds with a tongue out.

"I wanted to at least pass!" Daphne pouts and leans on her desk, her face resting on her open palm. Hermione rubs her back soothingly, and Daphne shoots her a look. "I can't believe it but you can even make a movement seem sarcastic!"

They go into another fit of giggles, that they immediately have to quiet because the Professor calls the classroom back to order. "Now with the tests passed out, I shall begin reading out loud one of my favorite adventures from Break with a Banshee."

Hermione picks her quill back up, prepared to start to take notes on anything she might have missed while reading the book.


Daphne yawns as both Hermione and her leave the classroom. "Hermione, how in the love of Merlin did you stay awake through that whole thing? It was awful."

Hermione shrugs. "You never know when a piece of information will be useful."

Daphne gives her friend a side glance and a sly smile. "Mhmm, sure. It has absolutely nothing to do about our Professor having a pretty smile or gorgeous eyes, right?"

Hermione rolls her eyes. "Merlin, Daphne. Would you give it a rest! I admire Professor Lockhart for all of his accomplishments. It's a great honour to be able to be taught by someone like him."

"Geez Granger, laying it on a little thick dontcha think?" A male voice sounds behind, causing Hermione and Daphne to turn around to see who it was. Zabini and Nott were walking behind them, having just exited the classroom as well. The two girls wait for the other two before they continue to the Great Hall, ready for lunch.

"Absolutely not, Zabini. There are multiple Professors' here that I admire just the same."

"I don't know Granger, I don't see you in any other class smiling dreamily at the lecturing Professor, or drawing little hearts on your notes for the class." Nott pipes in.

Hermione glares at the two boys, and knocks her shoulder into Daphne's giggling form. "You witch! You told them!"

Daphne laughs even louder, and hooks her arm around Hermione's. "I did no such thing Hermione!" A grin on Daphne's face.

"Lies." Hermione says as she glares at the blonde, who just continues to smile.

The foursome continued to talk as they made their way towards the Great Hall. Hermione was surprised at the continued ease that Zabini and Nott had while talking to her. She continually expected to be at least glared at, or maybe even verbally scorned. But nothing happened. It really seemed as though they were genuinely trying to be her friend.

While Hermione was thinking to herself and involved with the two boys, Daphne while involved with being in the middle of the conversation took time to notice one interesting thing no one else seemed to see.

A certain blonde was staring at the foursome, a frown on his lips.


Hermione sighed as she pulls her black hood off. She just narrowly escaped leaving the common room without being seen. It was Slytherin's house Halloween party, and Daphne of course made her go. The theme of the party was something to do with the 1800s in England. So everyone was in some sort of period wear, Hermione decided she was going to go as the muggle version of a vampire. While she received a myriad of glares and sneers, she knew without a doubt she was a pretty looking witch.

Daphne made her put on one of her creations, she just recently got into working in fashion and design. So naturally, she made Hermione be her puppet for new techniques and designs. She was so excited and inspired apparently, from when Hermione told her about the muggle version of all the creatures that they don't believe in and how drastically different their versions are to the actual versions that exist in the wizarding community. She decided immediately what she wanted to make Hermione wear.

Really though, with all of her complaining and whining, it really was a gorgeous dress. The bodice was a sweetheart neckline, with a corset back. A majority of it was a soft black material with a stripe of blood red fabric going down the middle of it with the bottom flaring out into a trumpet style. Lace detailing in black swirled up the blood red fabric. Overall the dress was extremely elegant and something that she'd never be able to replicate or buy from a muggle store.

Overtop the dress she wore another one of Daphne's creations. It was a black cloak, with a red ribbon used to tie it around her. The sleeves came down in a bell, going just a little past her fingers.

Overall it really was a pretty ensemble, and Hermione knew she looked great in it. She just was not in the mood to party. There was just something that felt off, plus why would she want to spend time around her housemates when they clearly still didn't want her. Though that number if she really took notice was starting to dwindle significantly. The only answer she can come up with is that her housemates see that she really is an asset to gaining house points and have decided that they'll keep her.

Hermione snorts to herself. It's like I'm a dog or something. She can't help the snicker that leaves her lips. Mother would so give me that look if she ever heard me snort like that. I'd be in instant trouble.

Hermione decided that she was going to explore the castle, while everyone else was partying. And yes it is after curfew. Yes, it's against the rules but as long as she doesn't get caught, she can't get in trouble.

Last year, she was so caught up with dealing and helping Potter and Weasley she wasn't able to really appreciate the magic of the castle. But this year she was determined to change that. So, she figured she'd start tonight. Plus maybe while she's out tonight she can find an empty classroom for future use, she is determined to actually keep her word to herself. Where she actually does go out of her way to practice her dance.


Hermione's been walking for a little while now and she just can't keep the small smile off her face. For once her brain is silent, enjoying the silence of the usually busy castle halls. She was enjoying being able to feel the magic of the castle, it was like a humm in the air that resonated in her bones. She almost felt as if the castle was trying to talk to her, and let her in on the secrets it withholds.

She's been so calm that she hasn't been paying attention to where she's been walking and she's almost confused as to where she's at. Biting her lip she looks around, and keeps her ears open. Making sure Mrs Norris isn't around, since she hasn't actually been paying attention like she should have been. Her shoulders sag with relief when she realizes she's still ok.

Hermione keeps her bottom lip between her teeth when she realizes she's at a crossroads. She could either walk straight ahead, or make a sharp left and walk down that hallway. She starts to walk forward planning on going straight when she stops and looks down the left hallway. Shaking her head she continues to go straight, keen on following where her brain was telling her to go.

She's walked a little ways down the straight path, but she keeps looking back. She can't help it. It's almost like something was calling her down the left hallway. Furrowing her brows, she finally decides to follow the feeling. So in a flurry of black she quickly turns around, and backtracks.

Hermione's only walked a little ways down the hallway when she pauses. A coldness sweeping through her.

Mrs Norris.

Oh no. Hermione thinks to herself, dread filling her. Knowing already that she's been caught. Deciding to get this over with quickly she continues walking. She stops again. A gasp leaving her when she fully takes in what's ahead of her, picking up her dress she picks up her pace.

The hairs on the back of her neck stand straight up, the cold dread filling her body once more. It was almost like ice was flooding her veins.

Infront of her was Mrs Norris, her tail twisted around a torch sconce. And she was just hanging there, no meowing or noises coming from her. Hermione couldn't help the gasp that escaped her, her hands going up to cover her mouth. The poor cat. While Hermione, just like everyone else and didn't have fond feelings for the feline, she certainly didn't deserve this. Nothing deserved to be treated like this in death.

Hermione reaches up to untangle the cat from the torch sconce when she stops. While Hermione thought the poor cat was dead at the first look. Something was off.

Medusa, while not one of her favorite Greek myths was one she was very familiar with. Hermione remembers the first time reading about the gorgon and wishing she had the ability to turn people to stone. While Mrs Norris wasn't completely entombed in stone, she wasn't showing the signs of death. Right after death, the body enters rigamortis which makes the body go completely rigid. But that doesn't last, it ends somewhat quickly. Mrs Norris on the other hand, was still completely rigid and didn't seem to be leaving that rigidity anytime soon.

In another book she read, one she borrowed from the Hogwarts library talked about Petrification. She can't recall everything that was stated in it, especially what could be the cause. She'll have to try to remember the book title and check it out again but she's almost certain that Mrs Norris is petrified. Not only that but what cat dies in such a peculiar way.

She's refusing to look to her left, not wanting to reread what was painted in red. At least Hermione was hoping it was paint. She's brought out of her musing when she hears footsteps and voices. Brown eyes widening she quickly looks around hoping for some place to hide. Spotting an alcove she makes her way towards it, looking down in annoyance when she sees she's stepped in a puddle of water. Picking up her dress and cloak she rushes towards the alcove she spotted.

She's sufficiently hidden in the alcove, when she hears another pair of footsteps coming from behind her. Her heart starts to race.

Oh I'm so getting caught. Hermione thinks as she flips her hood up and presses herself as far into the alcove as she physically can. Her clammy hands finding a small relief on the cold stone of the castle. Wanting to make sure she uses the hood fully to her advantage she tilts her head down, pulling on the hood even more. She's sincerely hoping she's hidden well enough and that the person isn't paying very close attention at all.

Her heart starts to pound faster when the footsteps that where behind her stop directly in front of the alcove. Biting her lip, she slowly, very very slowly tilts her head up trying to get a peak of who it is. As soon as she can see the lower body of the person, liquid heat courses through her.

"Malfoy!" She snappily whispers, getting the blonde's attention. The usually slicked back hair was for once gel-less. He too had opted out of dressing up in themed attire, and instead chose to wear simple black dress robes.

Grey eyes snap to the seething witch, who steps towards him. Hermione grabs onto the sleeve of his robe and pulls him into the alcove roughly.

"Why are you following me Malfoy?" She continues to whisper, anger coming through her every word. A harsh glare on her face.

"First off, you stupid bint, I'm not following you. Second." He pauses and rips his arm out of her grasp. "I told you not to touch me."

Hermione rolls her eyes. "Then what are you doing out here Malfoy?"

It was his turn to glare at her. "I don't have to explain myself to you." He snaps, not whispering. Hermione quickly takes a peak out of the alcove to where she came running from. Thankfully there was still no one there.

"Would you shut up! You'll get us caught!" She snaps right back, her voice still low.

Before Malfoy has a chance for rebuttal, the voices Hermione heard finally arrive.

"Would you please stop asking me that Ron. I've already told you I don't bloody well know!" It takes Hermione a second, but she does place the voice. Stupid Potter.

Hermione's eyes roll skyward. Why in the name of Merlin are they here.

"But Harry!"

"Ron shut the-" Potter pauses.

He must be at the wall. Hermione shots a glare to Malfoy and places her finger against her lips. Please for once let this idiot listen.

The blonde almost as if he read her thoughts shots her another glare. But stays silent, crossing his arms and just watches. Hermione, having stopped paying attention to what the blonde was doing presses herself up against the wall again. This time though instead of staying still, she slowly walks along it. Peeking her head around the corner to watch what the dynamic duo was doing.

"Oh shit. Harry. What the bloody hell. Is that blood. Oh Merlin, I think the cat is dead." Weasley starts to prattle on.

"Ron. Shut up for a minute and let me think!" Potter snips at him.

Hermione can't help but raise a brow in surprise. Who knew Potter had that in him. Then she hears a loud snort behind her, that most certainly bounces off the walls. She quickly snaps her head to glare at Malfoy.

"I told you to be quiet!" Hermione hisses at him.

"Did you hear that Ron? Someone is here with us." Potter pauses. "Well, come out! You've been caught."

Well I did say I was going to get caught. Hermione thinks as she rolls her eyes skyward. Praying that she'll be able to deal with all three idiots together. She walks out from her alcove, and she can't help but let a small laugh leave her.

"Oh Potter and Weasley, put your wands away. You lot don't even know how to use them properly." Hermione draws out, as she flicks her hood down and shakes out her crazy hair. She feels a presence behind her and with a quick glance in her peripheral she concludes it's only Malfoy, standing with his arms crossed.

Hermione turns her attention back to the dynamic duo. They still had their wands out but instead of pointing at her they were pointed towards the ground at their side. She sighs and crosses her arms deciding to let the two idiots in front of her to make the first move.

"Granger!? You did this?" Potter motions to the wall besides them. She's still ignoring the message to her side, it makes her skin crawl and itch.

Hermione rolls her eyes and can't help the small laugh either. "Oh, you're an idiot Potter. Of course I didn't do it. I would never harm a poor animal, that's the epitome of an awful, dark depraved human being. On top of that, I don't know what this chamber is."

Weasley snorts and crosses his arms. "That's what Slytherins are, Granger. Awful, dark and depraved. Though I wouldn't use human to describe you."

Hermione rolls her eyes. "No, Weasley, you'd just use mudblood wouldn't you?" She sighs. "Just go away you two. Run along and tell your precious Headmaster why don't you."

"What about him?" Potter says with a glare towards Malfoy.

Hermione looks at her housemate, and before either one of them answers Weasley's obnoxious voice cuts through.

"It's obvious Harry. The precious princess won't go anywhere without her beloved knight to back her up."

"Ohhh little weasel has claws." Malfoy finally drawls in. "Now Potter, what's to say that it wasn't you two that did this abhorred piece of art?"

Hermione stopped her smile from showing on her face at the looks of confusion that passed by Potter and Weasley's faces. "Seems like we have to dumb down our vocabulary Malfoy." She pauses and her eyes glance at the writing on the wall, then back to the dynamic duo. "Sadly though I have a feeling they didn't do it either, because obviously if I don't know something, they certainly won't know it."

Malfoy just stays quiet, and Potter cocks his head to the side. His eyes questioning but it quickly disappears as he turns back to Weasley.

"Come on Ron. Let's just go." He says and starts to pull on the red head's robe. Weasley starts to protest but it stops before it even leaves his mouth and nods. The two quickly make a retreat and once they are out of eyesight Hermione turns back to the wall.

The Chamber of Secrets has been opened. Enemies of the heir, beware.

She frowns as she looks at the red writing. Her skin crawling as she reads it, the hairs on her arms standing up.

Enemies of the heir. What heir? The heir to what? There is certainly no heir for all of Hogwarts, that just seems highly improbable. How could there be an heir to a school? So it's something to do with Hogwarts. Obviously whatever this Chamber is, it's somehow tied to theheir. And it seems to be a big deal that it's been opened. So the only conclusion is that it's been sealed for quite some time now. So perhaps this Chamber is in the-

Hermione is taken out of her thoughts by a rough jab in her side. She whips her head around to glare at her apparent partner for the night.

"We need to go." Was the only thing the blonde said before he turned around to start walking back to the dungeon.

Hermione started after the blonde for a few seconds, confusion clouding her face and thoughts. What in the world is wrong with this boy? Why the niceties? Hermione frowns but starts to walk back to the dungeons as well. She does have some research to do.

Hermione never turns back to look at the message written on the wall. If she did, she would have noticed the ghost of a girl staring after her.