Where the Heart Lies

Author Notes: okay well the prologue was really short, but I knew it would be so now I am working on the first chapter! Go me! Chalk one up! cha- ching

Disclaimer: I do not own anything in this fic at all, except for any original characters, if any come into play, I don't know, couldn't tell you at this point! Hehe sorry!

Chapter One

"This is going to be the best year EVER!" Ron, undeniably excited, was wearing a huge grin stretched out ear to ear as he finished his comment. Hermione and Harry chuckled at this little display. It was the first day of school in their seventh year at Hogwarts. Since it was a fairly nice day, the three decided to take a walk through the courtyard. The September air was cool on their skin, with a lingering crisp hint at the autumn to come. Hermione loved the way the breeze blew softly by her, caressing her face and lightly tousling her hair. She closed her eyes for a second to take in a clean, fresh breath. She inhaled deeply, fully enjoying herself and content to listen momentarily to the rustling leaves and dull chatter of the other students.

"Oh!" she cried out, suddenly flat on her butt, staring up at the obstacle that had strayed into her path.

"Watch where you're going, Granger!" the voice sneered. All the peace that Hermione had been feeling up to that point instantly dissolved into a deep hatred for her 'obstruction'. None other than Draco Malfoy. Her smile of just moments ago was now a deeply rooted frown paired with glaring eyes. Harry and Ron quickly helped her up to her feet as Malfoy brushed invisible dirt off his robes in mock disgust before walking away, followed by Crabbe and Goyle. He left before even giving Harry or Ron the chance to think of a decent come back, which really broke the heart of certain fiery red-head.

"Snake" Ron seethed. "Oy, you alright there, Hermione?"

"Yes, yes, I'm fine, thanks" she replied. She gingerly rubbed her bruised bottom as the trio continued their walk. No matter how many books she read or how hard she studied, that boy was possibly the one and only thing that Hermione would never figure out. She truly couldn't understand how one person could hold so much... hate.

True, it wasn't as bad as it used to be. His insults occurred less and less often and were usually less harsh. It seems that even the most juvenile eventually mature to some extent. In reality, they had all changed from their first year. She herself had grown only a bit taller, remaining a petite, yet still curvy, size. Her long, full auburn hair flowed graciously down to the middle of her back in small waves. Her beautiful face was enhanced by the deep chocolate brown of her eyes. She was still a bookworm, yes, of course, but she had finally accepted the fact that no person, no matter how intelligent or how magical, can ever be perfect.

Harry was no longer a small, rather thin looking boy. He had grown much taller and filled in quite a bit. Thanks to his constant obsession with quidditch, he had an athlete's body, of which the ladies practically drooled over. His unruly black hair was still unkempt, but it had a sort of style to it that was hard to explain. His features were very solid and cut, his green eyes sparkled like emeralds when the light hit them, and the transparent scar on his forehead was made barely visible thanks to the covering of his bangs.

Ron, too, had morphed drastically in appearance. No longer was he tall and gangly, but muscular and handsome. His red hair had become almost his trademark and the girls loved him for it, longing to stroke their fingers through it. He was quite the charmer, actually. His goofy grin was now found attractive rather than annoying and his constant antics became a privilege to witness.

Yes, they had all changed. Even Draco Malfoy. In fact, if he didn't have such a horrible, nasty personality, he would be downright gorgeous. He, also, was toned to perfection thanks to many, many quidditch practices. His green-grey eyes caused the hearts of all the girls to flutter. His light blonde hair fell occasionally into his face, which also created a stir among the females. Too bad he had to go and ruin it all with his sour attitude. Now that she was thinking about it, Harry, Ron, and Draco were possibly the three most handsome men in their year.

Hermione shook her head violently at these last thoughts. Malfoy? Attractive?! She was seriously going screwy. She shook her head once more as if to rid herself of the notion and finally zoned in on the conversation Harry and Ron had been having.

"I don't care what you say, the Chudley Cannons are going to win the world cup this year!" Ron was saying urgently, trying to convince Harry of the so- called obvious.

"I wouldn't be to sure about that, Ron," Harry replied with a lopsided smile. "I hear the Appleby Arrows have themselves a new seeker and that he's rumored to soon be the best in the league." The boys went on arguing and Hermione went on listening, giggling to herself at the clear offense Ron seemed to be taking to the reality of Harry's words.

. . : . . : . .

The sun's rays made their way into the darkened room and came to fall on different areas of the study. The solitary window provided all the light necessary, though, and Albus Dumlbedore sat content, sifting through papers and articles that lay carefully on his desk. Meanwhile, a quill was swiftly composing words in gracious, loopy writing on a piece of parchment addressed to the Ministry of Magic. This went on for quite a while until the headmaster was interrupted by a light rapping on the glass of the window.

He quickly and quietly stood up and let in the small, grey owl that had been causing the disturbance. He held out his hand and the bird flew gracefully over to him, perching on his fingers. Dumbledore lightly pet the bird before taking the letter that it had clasped in its beak. The owl flew off his hand and made its way towards the edge of a nearby table where it patiently waited.

Once he returned to his desk, he carefully took the letter from the envelope and unfolded it.

Magia Acadameia Witchcraft and Wizardry

Dear Albus,

It is with a heavy heart that I write this letter. I fear that the students here are in great danger. Terrible things have been happening. Since Hogwarts is known for its safety, I ask that you accept seven students of mine into your school. Please write back with a response immediately. There is not much time.

Sincerely, Concetta Esperza

Dumbledore let out a heavy sigh, his brow furrowed deep in thought. Gathering fresh parchment, an ink bottle, and a quill, he began to write his response.

. . : . . : . .

Well, what do you think? More to come of course! Oh and before people started getting crazy, these new characters are not - I repeat, n o t - going to be playing a major role in this fic. Anyway, please read and review! And also, I want to thank aragon's-girl04074 and MadnessLivedOnAndSighed for their nice comments! ily! hehe!