The Phantom of Hogwarts
(The True Story)

Please see Profile For Disclaimer...

Chapter One: Angel of Magic

"Hey, Hermione! Wait up!"

Hermione Granger huffed as she stopped in the middle of the corridor while she waited for Ron Weasley to catch up. It was the first day back, and after five years at Hogwarts, it was frustrating to her that he would ask her to wait for him. Surely by now, he knew where she was headed, but she'd bet an entire year's allowance that he was going to ask her where she was going.

"Hey. Where are ya off to?"

"The Library," Hermione sighed, wishing she had someone to take her bets.

"But it's the first day of school! We haven't even had a class yet."

Hermione forced a smile. "We already know which courses we are taking this year, so I'm trying to get a head start."

"Oh yeah … that reminds me. Congrats on your OWLs!" Ron scratched the stubble on his chin. "I heard you scored an O on everything."

"Thanks, Ron. Where did you hear that from?"

"The Creevy brothers. They've written an article on last year's OWLs for the Hogwarts Weekly. Your one of only five to get all Os. It'll be in tomorrow's edition."

Hermione arched an eyebrow. "Who were the other four?"

"I dunno. They told me I'd have to read tomorrow's edition to find out."

"Classic Creevy," Hermione muttered.

They reached the entrance to the Library and Ron hesitated. He stared at the door as though it was the gateway to hell on earth.

Hermione clutched the strap of her backpack with both hands. "Ron, would you like to join me? We can get a jump on our Transfiguration."

"Uh, no thanks." Ron bit his lower lip. "It's getting late and I'm kinda tuckered out. I'll catch up with you in the morning for breakfast."

"Okay, Ron. I'll see you then."

Hermione watched as Ron retreated back down the corridor. A part of her wished he had said yes while another part of her was glad he had turned her down. If Ron had joined her there would have been no chance that he would have shown up. He was one of the reasons that she had received all Os in her OWLs. She hadn't cheated by any means, but he had helped her study. He was the greatest mystery of Hogwarts.

Hermione selected her books for that night's studying from the shelves then proceeded to the furthest point in the Library and sat down at what was now known by Madam Pince as Hermione's table. The Librarian was always nice to her, which was in stark contrast to how she treated the other students.

As the night drew on, Hermione felt herself becoming sleepier and sleepier. When she could fight it no more, she succumbed and fell fast asleep.

"Could not wait for me any longer?"

Hermione jumped, startled by the soft male voice. She looked up to see him, standing before her in his emerald green cloak with the hood pulled over his head. Beneath the hood, he wore a mask that covered the uppermost parts of his face. His emerald green eyes shone through the eye holes like radiant gems.

"So sorry," Hermione whispered. "I was only tired from the previous day. I'll never tire of waiting for you."

"Such flattery," her tutor muttered. "Do you wish to learn more from me?"

"Always," Hermione breathed, her heart racing.

"Then you shall."

He waved a gloved hand in front of him and produced a chair with a tiny pop. A smile curved his face as he took a seat.

"Since the moment I met you all those years ago," her unknown specter continued, "you have had an unquenchable thirst for knowledge and power. Therefore, you have consumed nearly all that I can teach you here."

"Where must I go to learn more?" Hermione could not hide the longing that filled her soul.

"You must go where the light refuses to shine. You must travel to a place, my Angel of Magic, where the night and the magic become one."

Hermione leaned across the table. "How do I get there?"

"In three day's time, meet me in the first classroom on the first floor at midnight. From there, I will take you to where you must go. There, you will learn the secrets long kept from those deemed unworthy."

His voice called to her soul as he spoke to her silent yearnings. The question of why she must wait burned within her, but she dared not utter it lest he changed his mind. He was her Master and she was his Angel of Magic.

"I will be there. Three days from now I will wait for you, Master."

"Oh my Angel, you will soar above the clouds to heights most never dare to dream of," her unknown wizard sighed. "You will be my … masterpiece."

Hermione's heart fluttered at his words. She did not have to ask. He knew her OWL results already. With him by her side, there was nothing she couldn't do. She would go wherever he asked. Together, he would teach her the secrets of magic.

"Welcome back, my Angel."

Before Hermione could say a word, he waved his hand and vanished into nothingness. She wondered as she collected her books if this year he would finally teach her how to do that.

A/N: Welcome to my version of the Phantom! I hope that you enjoyed the read! Each night I will post a new chapter. All have already been written. Please review and let me know what you think!

JB