Disclaimer: All characters belong to the talented JK Rowling, I don't own a bit of it!

Through Hermione's eyes

By PotterNutter

Chapter 2 - Philosopher's Stone: Ron and Harry

September 5th, 1991

Classes had started almost right away. For this, Hermione was glad. They're all here to learn, after all, and how can you learn without going to class? Hermione looked forward to Transfiguration the most. After talking to Percy during meal times about different classes, she decided that Transfiguration is by far the most advanced and impressive of the subjects.

Having read all the books before arriving at Hogwarts, Hermione was eager to show off her knowledge. In Charms, her hand had shot straight up when Professor Flitwick asked the class what an engorgement charm might do. By the end of the first week, she had earned Gryffindor more than 80 points. Hermione felt proud of herself, the professors were clearly impressed, and she found it easy to use schoolwork to initiate conversation with her fellow housemates.

"You're waving your arm wrong, Lavender," Hermione said to her roommate one day in Transfiguration, "you want to pull it back into your body a bit when you finish the incantation, it helps the match turn more silver."

But instead of thanking Hermione for her helpful advice, Lavender scowled and muttered the spell again, changing nothing in her arm movement. Hermione was confused, why didn't she listen?

When class finished, Professor McGonagall smiled at Hermione and showed all the students her matchstick, which now resembled a sharp needle. Hermione glowed with pride. But as she gathered her things to head to the dinner, Lavender and Parvarti slid out of the classroom without her. The three of them had come into class together this afternoon – why didn't they wait for her?

As she reached the Gryffindor table for dinner, Hermione sees Lavender and Parvarti sitting at the table, their backs to her, and deep in conversation. She smiles and walks up to them, about to ask if she could join them when she overheard their words.

"Hermione's not all bad though," Parvarti was saying, causing Hermione to freeze directly behind the two girls.

"Don't pretend like you like her," Lavender interrupted, her voice huffy and annoyed, "I know you think she's dull. I mean, all she talks about is books, or telling other people what they're doing wrong. She thinks she's better than everyone else."

Hermione turned silently and ran all the way back to her dorm room, holding her face down so no one would see the shock and hurt in her eyes. She thought they were all friends… But it seems like she was wrong. Hermione didn't go down to dinner that night. She resolved to never mention the incident to her roommates; after all, if they didn't like her, then she won't bother with them.

After two weeks at Hogwarts, Hermione had gotten used to eating alone at meals and studying alone in the library. She wrote letters to her parents three times a week, and made sure to sound cheerful enough so they wouldn't worry. Hermione buried herself in homework so she wouldn't have time to think about what Lavender had said.

xxxx

September 12th, 1991

Flying lessons start today, and Hermione was feeling uneasy. Reading the flying tips she found in Quidditch Through the Ages aloud at breakfast helped calm her nerves, and Neville certainly seemed to appreciate her advice. Firmly grip the broom handle with your hands, and loosen up your hips. When turning, veer ever so slightly and stick out the opposite leg into the air. Ron looked as if her words were brussel sprouts (honestly, that boy takes advice so badly), and Harry, sitting next to Ron, tilted his head slightly towards her, pretending that he wasn't listening to the tips.

Hermione didn't want to fly. She'd much rather stay grounded, where she knows how her legs feel against the solid ground, thank you very much. But as long as it's a class, she supposed she'd have to try it.

When the Gryffindors reached the fields, the Slytherins had already arrived.

"Alright there, Longbottom?" Draco Malfoy snickered at Neville's troubled face, which was growing greener by the second, "I hope your grandmother won't mind coming to school to pick you up after you break your neck."

Neville squeaked. Whether he was more perturbed at the possibility of breaking his neck or having his grandmother collect him at school, Hermione did not know.

"I hope your mother won't mind mopping up your bloody face after I push you off your broom!" Ron retorted angrily.

Though he's impulsive and rude, Ron is certainly a loyal friend.

"Have you ever even seen a broom, Weasley?" Malfoy drawled lazily, "I doubt your family can even afford to buy one!"

The Slytherins cackled, which made Ron's ears glow red, and just as he's about to blow up, Hermione noticed Madam Hooch walking up the field, and hissed "Not now, Ron, Madam Hooch is here!"

Ron closed his mouth, shot her a glare (as if it's her fault!), and returned to his broomstick lying on the grass.

While Madam Hooch barked out instructions, Hermione muttered memorized tips under her breath. Neville was looking as if he was about to faint, and Hermione worried that he's taking Malfoy's teasing to heart. She was about to say something encouraging to him when Neville shot straight up into the air prematurely, causing the class to gasp and watch as he slipped off the broom and broke his wrist on the way down.

"Did you see his face, the great lump?" Malfoy laughed maliciously as the rest of the Slytherins joined in on the laughter. Hermione's temper started to rise – how dare this bully talk about Neville like that. He was injured, for god's sake. But before she could retort, Parvarti did it for her.

"Shut up, Malfoy."

"Look!" The blond boy snatched Neville's Remembrall from the ground next to Harry, "It's that stupid thing Longbottom's gran sent him."

"Give that here, Malfoy," Harry looked thunderous, and Hermione's ears were pounding. A fight was about to break out, and they could all get in trouble. Malfoy jumped onto his broomstick and floated effortlessly up into the trees, and Harry angrily grabbed his broom as well.

Hermione jumped forward, putting her hand on Harry's arm to stop him. "NO!" She shouted, "Madam Hooch told us not to move – you'll get us all into trouble!"

Harry ignored her and mounted the broom. Hermione couldn't believe how rash he was being. Rising to taunts like that – Harry's never even been on a broom before, he said so himself! What if he got hurt? What if he broke his wrist like Neville. Worse still, what if Madam Hooch saw him and takes points off of Gryffindor?

But suddenly she was amazed. Harry whipped through the air and caught up to Malfoy easily, looking as if he's been on a broomstick his whole life. Hermione's ears were pounding again; she was torn between being worried, angry, and excited. Harry might win – she thought to herself, and had to suppress a laugh.

The entire class was looking up at the two boys in the air, eager to see what happens. People were cheering, screaming, and shouting advice. Hermione stayed silent, wringing her hands, and scanning the grounds to see if Madam Hooch was in sight.

"Catch it if you can, then!" And Malfoy tossed the remembrall high into the air, and Harry zoomed down towards the ground to catch it. Everything happened in slow motion. Ron was yelling, Seamus was cheering, Lavender screeched, and Hermione gasped. He's going to smash into the ground! He'll break his nose, his arm, or his neck! But Harry surprised everyone by catching it gracefully and tumbling onto the grass right by Ron's feet. Hermione was about the admonish him when –

"HARRY POTTER!" Professor McGonagall stormed towards the field, looking more livid than Hermione has ever seen her, and dragged Harry off against the Gryffindors' protests. The Slytherins looked as if Christmas had come early, and Ron looked stunned.

"I reckon he'll be sent back to his muggle relatives before dinner." Malfoy exclaimed when Harry had disappeared with McGonagall.

"You evil arsehole!" Ron exploded, charging towards Malfoy. Hermione lunged at him, and with Dean and Seamus's help, was able to prevent him from attacking the gleeful boy.

"Tsk, tsk, Weasley, you better watch your mouth. The boy who lived won't be here to back you up anymore. Come to think of it, why don't you leave with Potter? Even muggles must be better than living with your seventeen siblings in a single room!"

"Shut up, you greasy little –"

"MR. WEASLEY!" Madam Hooch roared while running down the field, "What is going on here!"

Everyone began speaking at once

"Malfoy taunted Harry and Ron –"

"Weasley is dangerous –"

"Mad, I tell you –"

"It really isn't his fault –"

"Harry was only trying to –"

"SILENCE!" Madam Hooch yelled, and everyone shut up instantly. "Professor McGonagall is now dealing with Mr. Potter's blatant disregard of rules. I specifically said that no one is to touch the broomsticks while I was gone."

"Now, given the turn of events, we only have twenty minutes left of class, and frankly, I'm a bit worried about getting in the air while you're all so huffed up. So you're all dismissed early. For next week, please do come prepared, and CALM."

"Will Harry really be–" Ron started, looking desperate now. Hermione felt a tinge of pity and jealousy. Ron and Harry just met less than a fortnight ago, yet their bond was already so strong. Hermione wondered if she'll ever have a friend who cared for her as much as Ron cared for Harry.

"Mr. Weasley," Madam Hooch interrupted quietly, "Mr. Potter's head of house is in charge of his punishment, it is not up to me. I would suggest returning to your common room and awaiting news there."

Ron opened his mouth as if to say something more, but closed it, looking defeated. As the Gryffindors walked back towards the common room together, Hermione jogged to catch up to the red headed boy.

"They'd be insane to expel Harry," Dean Thomas was saying, "He's famous! Don't worry, he'll probably get off with some detentions."

"Well, he did break the rules very clearly stated." Hermione sniffed, "They can't protect him just because he's famous, that wouldn't be very fair, would it?"

Hermione's remark earned her several glares and she was taken aback. She was only pointing out the obvious.

"I mean, of course I don't want Harry to be expelled, since the whole thing was Malfoy's fault. But you have to admit it looks pretty bad to Professor McGonagall."

"No one asked you," Muttered Ron under his breath. Hermione noticed his eyes looked more glittery than usual, was he really that upset? Hermione's heart sped up.

"If you're so worried, go talk to McGonagall. After she calms down, I'm sure she'll want to hear what we have to say – we can back Harry up. Tell her what really happened. Frankly, Malfoy is just as guilty as Harry, if not more."

Dean, Seamus, and Ron looked at each other, hope reflecting in on their flushed faces.

"Yeah – then at least we can get Malfoy expelled too, even if we can't save Harry!" Ron fist pumped the air happily, and ran out of the common room, presumably to find McGonagall.

"Great idea, Hermione. I guess you're not just a bookworm." Seamus laughed.

Hermione raised her eyebrows, "Street smarts too, you know."

Dean and Seamus chuckled, patted her on the back, and went out the portrait after Ron. Hermione's heart soared. Finally, someone appreciates her advice! She thought back to Harry's pale face when McGonagall confronted him, at that moment, she had almost joined the other Gryffindors in defending him. The urge surprised her, as she knew full well Harry had done something wrong. She'd never been a proponent for rule breaking – but this was almost an exception, Harry was only trying to help defend Neville's honour, after all.

Neville! Hermione realized with a jolt that her only friend at Hogwarts is still hurt and in the hospital wing. She grabbed her bag and headed out of the common room, walking quickly to the hospital wing.

But Neville was asleep, his hand wrapped in some gauze. Hermione was ushered out of the hospital wing by Madam Pomfrey, who insisted that the boy needed his sleep. Hermione conceded and headed to the great hall for dinner instead, where she saw Harry and Ron eating steak and kidney pie.

Hermione's beamed – does this mean Harry won't be expelled? Harry and Ron were deep in conversation when Fred and George Weasley came over and began whispering to the two boys.

Hermione sat down a couple of seats away by herself, and began scooping some potatoes into her plate. The twins were patting on Harry's back and laughing.

" – but this year's team is going to be brilliant." She heard Fred, or was it George, say, "You must be good, Harry, Wood was almost skipping when he told us."

Told them what? It sounds like some sort of sport's team. The only sports team Hogwarts had was Quidditch, and Hermione had read in the Hogwarts rulebook that first years were not allowed to try out for the team. Harry is a part of the Quidditch team? How is that possible?

Hermione was still pondering the possibility while sipping on her pumpkin juice when she heard Malfoy's snarl at the table.

"Wizard's duel," Malfoy was saying, "Wands only – no contact."

Wizard's duel?! Is he mad? That's incredibly dangerous, not to mention they're so minimally trained that there's no way they could actually duel one another. It's likely to turn into some sort of stupid boyish brawl for sure.

"Midnight all right? We'll meet you in the trophy room; that's always unlocked."

Malfoy left and Ron began coaching Harry on how to properly duel. Hermione finished her pie in quick bites and shuffled down the table to face Harry and Ron.

"I couldn't help overhearing what you and Malfoy were saying –" Hermione began, ignoring Ron's quips, "You mustn't go wandering around the school at night, think of the points you'll lose Gryffindor if you're caught, and you're bound to be. It's really very selfish of you" Not to mention he's been almost expelled today already, honestly, this boy is glutton for punishment.

But Harry and Ron brushed her off. Hermione pondered all evening and decided to stake out in the common room. If they really go through with this, Hermione planned to do all she can to stop them from leaving and losing all the points she had earned for Gryffindor. For about half an hour, she entertained the idea of telling Percy Weasley about their plans – but then they'd be in real trouble. Hermione had no doubt Percy would tell McGonagall and she didn't want to sink that low.

Plus, a small part of her, if she was truly honest with herself, also hoped that if she were the one to convince them to see sense, they'd become friends with her. Hermione was incredibly concerned about Gryffindor's points, but she was also worried about Harry and Ron getting hurt. She wasn't sure why she cared so much about what happens to Harry and Ron – they weren't exactly nice to her. But she admired their friendship, and their reckless courage. She longed to have someone she cared enough to fight and break rules for.

When Harry and Ron snuck out of the common room, she followed them to continue lecturing them – determined to convince them to come back inside. But just as she gave up and decided to return to bed, fuming, the Fat Lady's portrait was empty. Hermione felt panic rise up in her chest – she couldn't get caught out of bed past curfew! She had a reputation to maintain!

"I'm coming with you," she said, deciding to at least stick to the boys and not be alone.

"You are not."

Then Neville was there, and after some arguing, all four Gryffindors began slithering down the corridor towards the trophy room.

Malfoy and Crabbe weren't there yet. Hermione began thinking of defensive spells she'd read in the schoolbooks. None of them had been taught yet in Quirrel's class, so there's no way any of the boys would know them. She opened her mouth to teach them to Harry when they heard Filch and Mrs. Norris lurking about.

"RUN!" Harry yelled, and all of them clambered down the path after him.

"Malfoy tricked you," Hermione whispered angrily, "You realize that, don't you" They were so stupid, how could they not see! "He was never going to meet you – Filch knew someone was going to be in the trophy room. Malfoy must have tipped him off."

When Peeves yelled for Filch, they all ran down the corridor and encountered a locked door. Ron tried to wrestle it open, but to no avail. Hermione's heart was pounding, this could not be happening – she can't get expelled! She can't go back to that dreadful primary school, being teased by Rosie Hutchins all day. She had just discovered magic; she wasn't about to give it up already!

"Oh, move over," she snarled, pushing Ron out of the way, "Alohomora!"

They shuffled into the room and listened to Filch try to reason with Peeves. Neville pulled on Hermione, who turned and froze. A huge three-headed dog stood in the forbidden corridor, all six eyes lolling and staring intently at her. She watched the strings of drool drop slowly onto the floor. Only it wasn't a floor - the dog was standing on a trap door.

Hermione didn't have time to ponder how odd that was, for Harry and Ron had finally noticed the dog and began gasping for breath. Harry turned the door knob hastily and they tumbled out from the death trap. Hermione's heart was going a mile a minute, she had no doubt the dog would've ripped their heads off without a second thought if they had stayed any longer.

When they returned to the common room, Hermione laid onto them.

"I hope you're pleased with yourselves. We could all have been killed – or worse, expelled. Now if you don't mind, I'm going to bed." She growled at them. She couldn't believe she had wanted to help them. They're obviously beyond help. There's bravery – and then there's just plain stupidity. Hermione had had enough. They are such children, caving to Malfoy's taunts and running around with utter disregard for other people's hard work or safety. For all she cares, they can get expelled and she wouldn't care. She'll never speak to them again.

xxxxx

For the next few days, Neville looked shaken up about the incident. During lunch one day, Seamus and Dean were talking to the older students, who informed them that the third floor corridor was newly forbidden only this year.

"I always assumed that it's just forbidden because of some prank gone awry from way back. But maybe there's something cool there." Seamus said excitedly between bites of treacle tart.

"Perhaps a vampire."

"A ghoul." Seamus guessed, "Let's go explore!"

"NO!" Neville exclaimed, causing Dean to drop his pudding on the table in shock. The two boys stared at Neville, who went bright red and mumbled an apology. He packed up his stuff and left hurriedly.

"What's his problem? Just 'cause he's scared doesn't mean the rest of us should be." Seamus resumed to stuffing his face in dessert.

"You must think you're so cool," Hermione said cooly, "You have no idea what's behind that door. And it's much worse than some vampire or ghoul."

Dean laughed, "Are you saying you know what's in the corridor, Hermione?"

"Maybe."

"Yeah, and I'll eat Neville's toad." Seamus guffawed, "You, breaking rules? That's like saying Malfoy will be sending us all Christmas presents."

Dean and Seamus burst into simultaneous laughter. Before Hermione could say anything, Ron and Harry appeared. She quickly gathered her belongings, glared at the two offenders, and scuffled off.

xxxxx

September 19th, 1991

Hermione woke up and remembered it was her 12th birthday. She's never really been one to be excited about birthdays, for she's never had a birthday party with friends before. It's only ever been her family celebrating with her. It never bothered her much, but this year she couldn't spend her birthday with her parents. They can't go out for a nice dinner at that French restaurant she loved in Cornwall. She had to stay in Hogwarts.

At breakfast, an owl delivered her birthday present from her parents. She smiled as she opened the carefully wrapped package. Inside a decorative box was a beautiful copper locket shaped like an owl. The locket opened with a click; out of the two windows, one was filled with a picture of her with her parents at the park. Nana Granger had taken the picture a few months ago, when they went for a picnic to celebrate Hermione's acceptance to Hogwarts. In the picture, she beamed at her Dad, who played with her curly locks while her Mum handed her a ham and swiss sandwich.

Hermione's eyes welled up while looking at the picture. She missed her parents so much, and though classes were going well, she still feels homesick. No one here understands her. She couldn't have a proper conversation with her classmates without them calling her bossy or a know-it-all. She's never understood why people always teased her about being smart, since when did that stop being a good thing?

Hermione opened the letter that came with the locket, and read the letter in her Dad's loopy handwriting.

Dearest Hermione,

Happy 12th birthday! It sounds like everything is going so well at school. I know you're sick of hearing this, but your Mum and I are so proud of you! We hope you like the locket, it's there to remind you that although you are going on to do great things with magic, we're always here beside you. I left the second window empty for you to put in a picture of all the friends you'll make at Hogwarts. I can't believe you're growing up so fast. Keep writing us, and have a wonderful birthday, pumpkin.

Love,

Mom and Dad

Hermione folded the letter and tucked it into her bag, sighing as she did so. Little did her parents know, she had no photograph to put in the second window. Resigned, she pulled out her wand and tapped the little window.

"Colovaria." The window changed from transparent to black, looking as if there was no window at all.

xxxxx

September 20th, 1991

The next day, Hermione woke up early to go to the library. She wanted to get a head start on the paper that Snape had assigned them on the forgetfulness potion. As she left the library to catch late breakfast, she saw Malfoy, Crabbe and Goyle confronting her least favourite Gryffindors.

Why are they always butting heads with those three? She sped up her steps to intervene, when Professor Flitwick appeared from the Great Hall.

"Not arguing, I hope, boys?"

"Potter's been sent a broomstick, Professor."

He broke another rule? How insensitive is he? If points are taken off Gryffindor…

But surprisingly, Professor Flitwick beamed at Harry and brushed Malfoy off. Hermione almost chuckled at the sight of Malfoy's horrified face.

"And it's really thanks to Malfoy here that I've got it." Harry smirked.

It occurred to Hermione that what she had overheard last week must have been true. Harry is on the Quidditch team. Hermione took a moment to feel impressed; he must be the youngest player in decades!

Harry and Ron were running up the stairs, no doubt to return to their room to open the package.

"Well it's true," Harry laughed, "If he hadn't stolen Neville's Remembrall I wouldn't be on the team…"

Hermione was shocked. He didn't even try out? McGonagall awarded him the position based on what had happened last week on the field? She had pegged McGonagall as a fair teacher, perhaps that was not so accurate.

"So I suppose you think that's a reward for breaking rules?" Hermione chased after them.

"I thought you weren't speaking to us?" Harry said, looking more surprised than offended.

"Yeah, don't stop now," Ron sneered, "It's doing us so much good."

Having said what she wanted to say, Hermione marched away, muttering under her breath about fairness, equity, and rules.

xxxxx

For the next few weeks, Hermione buried herself in work. The lessons had begun in earnest and in October they had their first quizzes in Transfiguration and Potions. Hermione studied day and night, and watched as Lavender and Parvarti spent their evenings painting each others' nails. Harry was missing from the common room during the evenings on a regularly basis, and he would often return late at night, covered in dirt. Hermione supposed it must be Quidditch practice, and wondered how he could prioritize some silly sport over his schoolwork. She had not once seen him and Ron sit down to revise unless there was a particular assignment due the next day.

Hermione enjoyed Neville's company, and didn't mind explaining how switching charms work to him. However, Neville's constant apologies at not getting concepts right away annoyed her to no end. And after he almost cracked her watch trying to switch it with a quill, she cut down their studying sessions significantly.

Hermione wrote to her parents regularly, updating them on her scores on the quizzes (100% in Transfiguration, and 97% in Potions). She has now read all the school books three times back to back.

xxxxx

October 31st, 1991

On Halloween, Hermione awoke excitedly. Halloween has always been one of her favourite holidays. When people dressed up in costumes, she didn't seem so weird with her bushy hair, large front teeth, and show off-y attitude anymore. She loved it because it gave her a chance to be someone completely different. Unlike the other kids, she didn't like it for the candy (not that her parents ever let her eat any of it anyways), she liked it for the sense of freedom it provided.

However, her good mood only lasted until Charms, where Professor Flitwick assigned her to work with Ron Weasley to levitate a feather. He even had the gall to make a face as she moved to the seat next to him. What's he complaining about? He's an immature fool. Hermione's at the top of the class, he should feel honoured to work with her.

"Stupid feather, why won't you move?" Ron was grunting, waving his wand back and forth, shouting, "Wingardium Leviosa!"

Hermione sighed, "Listen, you're saying it wrong." She shook her head wearily, "It's Wing-gar-dium Levi-o-sa, make the 'gar' nice and long."

Honestly, doesn't he ever listen to Professor Flitwick?

"You do it then, if you're so clever." He growled. Hermione was used to his little quips by now, and took no offense. This boy cannot take constructive criticism.

"Wingardium Leviosa!" And as she expected, their feather floated off, earning her five points to Gryffindor.

"Oh ha-ha." Ron grumbled, "That's right, just laugh at the stupid boy who can't even levitate a feather."

"I never laughed at you." Hermione huffed, "I only told you what you're doing wrong. I was trying to help you. And not a word of thanks from you at all!"

Ron said nothing and resumed practicing the charm. Over the next hour, Hermione had made the feather fly across the room four times, and Ron somehow managed to turn it blue while it remained immobile on the table. He ignored all the tips Hermione threw at him and continued to pronounce the incantation wrong while jabbing his wand violently at the blue feather.

Hannah Abbott from Hufflepuff was also able to levitate the feather, albeit a bit more precariously. At one point near the end of the lesson, Ron managed to lift one end of the feather off the table, and he yelled triumphantly.

"See! I can do it too!" He sneered at Hermione.

"I think you just spoke too loudly and blew the feather up a little." Hermione said cooly as the bell rang.

Ron was fuming and packed his bags with ferocious speed. Hermione looked over at him and felt almost sorry for him. He's clearly not very good at Charms, perhaps he did do the spell correctly. Perhaps she was a bit harsh.

As she packed her bag at the end of class, she considered apologizing for her behaviour. Maybe she'll offer Ron some of the sugar-free oatmeal cookies that her Mum had sent yesterday.

She jogged up to catch up with Ron as he was pushing past the doors with Harry. Just as she's about to tap him on the shoulder, she overheard him.

"It's no wonder no one can stand her," he was saying angrily, "she's a nightmare, honestly."

Hermione froze in the crowd. His contemptuous voice sounded just like Rosie Hutchins'. Rosie's been rude to her ever since Hermione turned her favourite pink backpack a puke-like shade of green. No one knew what had happened, but Rosie swears she saw Hermione do it.

"Hermione's such a nightmare," she always told their classmates, "Such a bossy know-it-all freak. No one likes her, do you like her?"

Rosie would pass a piece of paper that said 'do you like Hermione Granger?', and when everyone had checked the box under 'no', she threw the paper at Hermione.

Tears welled up in Hermione's eyes and she was horrified that her classmates might see her cry. She clutched her bag to her chest, held her face low, and pushed pass the crowd to the bathroom.

She hadn't been this upset for a long time. It was strange, not to go to class, but Hermione didn't want to risk bursting into tears in front of Professor Quirrel. It would probably just make him stutter more.

Ron was right. She had no friends. The only friends Hermione had are the ones who'd come to her when they need tutoring. Even then, they didn't want to be tutored by her for more than an hour at a time.

So Hermione cried. She cried because her dream was shattered, Hogwarts was supposed to be a new beginning, but instead, everything is the same. She cried because she loved magic, but she still didn't belong in the magical world. She cried because she wished she didn't care what Ron, Lavender, and everyone else thought, but she did. She cried because she's weak. She cried because every time she writes to her parents, she has to lie and sound happy. She cried because she would give up anything to have just one friend. A friend that would defend her when people made fun of her. A friend who's nice to her and wouldn't care that she's bossy or too smart for her own good. A friend who understood what it's like to be disliked and bullied. Most of all, she cried because she's afraid she'll never find a friend like that.

Before she knew it, it was dinner time, and Parvarti turned up to the bathroom to see if she's okay.

"Thanks for coming, but I just want to be left alone." She sniffled behind the stall, grateful that at least Parvarti cared enough to check on her. Maybe she wasn't hated by everyone.

"Alright, Hermione, feel better." And she left.

xxxxx

After another hour, Hermione felt calm enough to leave the bathroom. She didn't want to risk seeing Ron at the Halloween feast, though, so she decided to return to her dorm and try to find some food later. She emerged from the stall and walked to the sink to wash her face. As she came out, Hermione was hit by a stench so strong that it made her gag slightly.

It made no sense for the outside to smell worse than the stalls. Feeling tired, she didn't pause to question it. Instead, she washed her face quickly in order to leave as soon as possible.

When she raised her face up from the sink to check her reflection in the mirror, she saw it. It must have been twelve feet tall, with grey skin and small beedy eyes that are so black Hermione couldn't see its pupils. It carried a large wooden club that was as big as Hermione.

It was a troll.

Hermione heard a blood-curdling scream. So loud that she's surprised it's not coming from someone right beside her. As she backed up into the wall as far away from the troll as possible, she realized she was the one screaming.

The troll was walking towards her now, using its club to knock the sinks off as it goes. Water was now flooding the bathroom, and Hermione faintly felt her socks become wet. She glanced at the entrance, and was shocked to find the large wooden doors closed. The troll grunted at her, as if to assert territory, and Hermione fell to the ground in shock. She closed her eyes and put her hands up to cover her face.

"CONFUSE IT!" Hermione's eyes fluttered open as she recognized Harry's voice, and she turned to see Harry and Ron at the entrance, wielding nothing but their wands, looking incredibly tiny next to the troll.

Harry threw something at the wall; it made a loud clanging sound and distracted the troll. But now it was going towards Harry instead. Hermione wanted to shout a warning to him, but found that she couldn't move or speak. Harry and Ron were yelling, running around, and throwing small objects at the troll.

Harry ran towards Hermione, and tried to pull her up, but her legs wouldn't stand.

The troll was charging towards Ron now, and all Hermione could think was "NO!" as Harry jumped up at the troll, shoving his wand up into the troll's nostril. The troll roared in pain and reached around its head with its left hand, groping for Harry. Hermione sank to the floor in fright, and felt her robes become wetter.

"Wingardium Leviosa!" Ron yelled! The troll's club rose out of its hand, into the air, and dropped on its head. The troll rolled on its feet for a few seconds before crashing down onto the floor with a great shudder.

Hermione couldn't believe they were alive. Moreover, she couldn't believe that Harry and Ron had risked their lives to help her. She felt ashamed that she had been so frozen in fear that she'd been of no use whatsoever. Most of all, she was proud of Ron for using the levitation charm to save all of them.

They really are something. How will she ever repay them for saving her life?

So when Professor McGonagall began yelling at Ron and Harry, Hermione stepped out of the shadows.

"I went looking for the troll because I thought I could deal with it on my own," She fabricated, to save the boys from trouble, "You know, because I've read all about them."

Ron and Harry's mouths were wide open.

"They didn't have time to come and fetch anyone. It was about to finish me off when they arrived."

Hermione felt shame colouring her face. She had blatantly lied to a teacher and disappointed her. However, seeing the wonder on Harry and Ron's faces made it all worth it. She knew she had too good of a reputation with the teachers to get in too much trouble. The boys, however, have already proven themselves to be reckless, and would likely get more punishment than she would.

And so it was the first time that Hermione Granger ever lost Gryffindor points. She hung her head in shame and took it silently. When McGonagall dismissed her, she returned to the common room. The feast had been sent up; it was loud and full of life. Even though she was famished, she waited at the door for Ron and Harry.

When the two boys showed up at the common room, all three of them blushed scarlet. What is she to say? I forgive you, Ron, for hurting my feelings? That was brave of you? Thank you for saving my life?

At the end, all she could mutter was a feeble "Thanks," and was surprised to hear them say the same. They grinned awkwardly at each other, and grabbed some plates together.

That night, Hermione went to bed content. Just hours ago, she was bawling her eyes out because she was afraid she'd never make a friend who'd defend her or help her fight her battles. Now, she realized she had found two.

A/N: I'm trying to skip over the obvious parts of conversation due to the useful reviews! Please keep R&R-ing. And thanks to all those who've followed and favourited!