Hermione was one her way tot he library. Things had been rather uneventful since the Beginning Feast. Yes, being in Gryffindor, with the only person she knew none the less, was terrific. But thats where it stopped. You weren't allowed to explore, and first years were only allowed to take out books from the library if there class required it.

Harry was a delight. Moping about, hardly speaking. Though, if he was anything like her, new to the whole friendship thing, speaking wouldn't be on his qualities list. Though he didn't seem to want to try either. She even tried talking about quiddich, to no avail. Though that did rouse a hearty "When is our next flying lesson" from him. Boys and their brooms seemed about the equivalent of boys and their balls back in the muggle world.

Hermione pondered all this on her way to potions. She had to pick up her quills, which had been still laid out in the common room from last nights study session, because she had forgotton to pack them. But as she raced down the moving staircases, leaping at times to reach a certain one, well, she soon found her self lost amongst the tower.

Halting, she blew a curl out of her blew face before letting out a strong "Hello?". It echoed amogst the walls. But no one responded. Of course, they would all be in class by now. "Hello?!" She shouted, perhaps she could rouse a ghost up. Quickly stepping onto the nearest landing, the stairs were making her dizzy, she leaned against the wall.

"Do you need help?" Hermione squeked, jumping in the air. There stood a ghost, one she had not seen before. It was a women, with long flowing hair, and medieval dress.

Gathering herself, "Yes, I cannot seem to navigate these stairs. Would you mind helping?"

"Oh, don't bother with those stairs, dear, I will show you a shortcut." The women turned around and started floating down the narrow landing. Well, Hermione surmised, Hogwarts wouldn't let a bitter old ghost stay here, right? Pulling her bag tighter , she inched her way after the ghost.

They soon came to the end, which made a sharp turn into corridor.

"I've never seen this area before." Hermione said lightly, but the ghost did not respond. The walked, along, then down some stairs, a few more corridors, then came to a halt. The hall seemed empty, barren, like no one had been here in ages.

"Just go through that door, and you will be fine." With a wink of light, the women disapeared.

"What?" Hermione turned in circles, panic rising in her. She had no idea where she was, what floor she was on, or anything.

A scream started building in her throat, before she noticed the door. Maybe it was a secret corridor to the dungeons, she reasoned.

This was not the dungeons. Piles and piles of things surrounded her. Chairs, jewelry, books. Anything and everything seemed to be in here. Her curiosity took over.

Gently, as to not to disturb anything, she peered and pulled things, climbing here and there.

"Hermione"

"Hello?" She called. "Harry?"

Hermione

Gulping, she started climbing down the chairs, and followed the sound.

"Are you alright? How do you know my name?"

Whatever it was started hissing.

"Are you in pain?"

Hermione

The voices got louder, near shouting til she came to a stop. She was by a table with a box on it. Gathering up her Gryffindor courage, as the upperclassmen called it, she opened the box. Inside was a beautiful tiara*. Made of silver with beautiful gems, she picked it up. A rush of something ran over her. She breathed in heavily. Dazed, she put it into her satchel.

Making her way out of the maze, she didn't seem in control of her motions.

She pushed open the door.

"Hermione? What are you doing out of class? Hermione, respond. Hermione? Hermione!"

AN: I know it is a diadem, not a tiara, but hermione wouldn't know that right off the back. Sorry for such a short chapter. I was watching the final movie when I just got inspired. Please review

Julia