Author: Jagwena
Disclaimer: We don't own Harry Potter...yet.
Chapter One: To Hermione's Horror
It was Saturday, so it was only normal that Hermione was up at 6.30 am. Best to make the most of the weekends! She thought. Oh yes…exams start soon! I have to start studying…I hope Dumbledore gave us a few days off for preparation. Actually, he should just give us the whole year off! I'll ask Harry later, I'm sure he'd agree, he's quite the 'intellectual' after all…
And with that obfuscating thought in mind, she proceeded to the Great Hall to check the notice board for any news. Nothing much caught her eye, she just read the usual stupid stuff people posted:
'SLUG CLUB opens today, bring the most poisonous sluggies you can find!'
I should tell Ron about that, he could cast that spell he used in second year to defend me! So is that what Slughorn's group is all about? I don't think I'll join anymore…
'Hufflepuff's secret Quidditch practice: Wednesday Midnight. We discuss the New Move'
It's hardly a secret if it's here! Hermione rolled her eyes. Oh well. Hufflepuffs weren't Hufflepuffs for nothing. She'd better tell Harry and Ron about this.
Then she read some pleas from Luna Lovegood, about her missing clothes. She had tried to evoke the readers' sympathy by explaining how uncomfortable wearing a towel was. Hermione being an old softie decided that she would give Luna Ron's old T-Shirt. It needed washing anyway.
The next note she read changed her life.
Well, it had a similar effect anyway.
'A note from your beloved Headmaster: since boredom has hit this school hard, I am proud to announce a FANCY DRESS COMPETITION! Everyone is obliged to attend (including faculty). A party shall be held in December when the winners shall be announced.
-A.P.W.B.D (affectionately known as Dumbly)'
"Beloved?" said a drawling, sprawling, crawling voice behind Hermione. Draco Malfoy smirked (A/N: what was he doing up at 6.30 on a Saturday anyway? Didn't think he was a nerd…). "He sure is full of himself."
He turned to insult Hermione, as he was wont to do…but to his horror, she had already left…
Keep calm, keep calm…I'll just tell Ron, he'll help…
So she banged open his dormitory door and then-
"What the hell does CRAZY old Dumbledore expect ME to do? I can't be forced to enter a stupid competition! RON! Are you LISTENING!" she said, strangling the sleeping Ron. It didn't seem to have much effect.
"Hermione…you're a nice woman, but please just shut up!" cried Seamus.
And with that, Hermione daintily left the dorm and went to the Gryffindor Common room, hoping that Harry was there to confide in.
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