Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the intellectual property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of J.K .Rowling. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended.

This chapter has been beta'ed by Jessica and AryaEragonPrincessShadeslayer from the Project Team Beta. Thank you for the wonderful help you've been.

Introductions

Previous chapter...

The unicorn led her deeper into the forests into a dimly-lit cave. There was a lake in the middle of the cave- the source of the dim unnatural light. The unicorn dipped its horn in the water. Intrigued, Hermione cautiously stepped forward to peer into it, and she gasped, taking a step back.

Continued…

As the unicorn dipped its horn in the water, a blinding light erupted from it, so strong that Hermione had to shield her eyes. Slowly, it began to dim causing the air to show a misty glow.

Suddenly, a light erupted from the lake; a ghostly white figure emerged to the surface hovering above the lake. As the image became more solid she registered the features of an old man - with a pure white beard, which was tucked with a belt at the waist, reaching just past the knees

Another figure rose. This time it was a lady with medium height having a homely air- she was petite having black hair. She seemed to be one of those people who are always cheerful. Next, came out a lady once again. She had a determined powerful air with her. She had dirty blonde shoulder length hair and a stern look which reminded her, somewhat, of Professor McGonagall.

Another two people rose simultaneously. Both were young men. One had shoulder length brown hair tied with a ribbon and other had dirty blonde short hair with a boyish air to him. All were standing in front of the lake. Curiously their clothes were dry. They were watching her- waiting for her to react.

She had been watching in awe the scene playing out front of her but quickly came to her wits. She took a step back, keeping her wand at the ready and asked in a steady voice, "Who are you? And, how did you enter Hogwarts' wards?"

The eldest man held up his hands to show that he was unarmed, "We mean no harm. Please forgive us for giving you a scare. Let's get the introductions over with. My name is Merlin Emyrs; this is Helga Hufflepuff, Rowena Ravenclaw, Salazar Slytherin and Godric Gryffindor." He said the names in the order they emerged from the lake.

Hermione opened and closed her mouth a few times. Quickly gathering her thoughts, she hissed, "How do I know you are what you tell you are? Why should I believe you? For all I know, this could just be a silly prank by Malfoy and his cronies."

"Do you really believe the unicorn standing beside you would obey anyone's order, let alone a rude, disrespectful boy?" questioned Lord Slytherin, with a hint of approval in his voice at her caution. "It will approach only those who are worthy enough and Helga here is the only one among the four of us, besides whom it would come near."

Now, that she thought it through logically, she could believe what he said was true.

"But you still haven't answered how did you enter Hogwarts' wards and if you really are the Founders, how are you still here?"

Lady Ravenclaw answered, "When we built Hogwarts, we poured our very essence, soul and magic into building it. Even though we are dead we're still connected to it spiritually. We can never abandon Hogwarts completely."

"But that doesn't explain why you sought me in particular among the hundreds of students attending Hogwarts," inquired Hermione.

Here, Lady Ravenclaw again replied to her question, glancing at her companions as she did, "Perhaps this conversation is more apt in a more private and comfortable setting?"

"I agree," said Lord Slytherin.

"Perfect," said Merlin, rubbing his hands together. "We can meet at the Room of Requirement tomorrow after lunch."

"Hang on a minute. You are barking mad if you suppose I'll come alone to meet a bunch of complete strangers. I still have no reason to trust you." Hermione was still waiting for the other shoe to drop. She was glancing at the corners waiting for Fred and George to jump out any second exclaiming, "Gotcha!"

"I suppose, you could bring two friends whom you trust and will not let the information that is to be revealed to leak out," offered Lord Slytherin.

"Alright, I suppose," agreed Hermione.

"Umm, what is the Room of Requirement and where can I find it? I've never read of such a room in Hogwarts: A History."

"The Room of Requirement is just as the name suggests. It provides you with any kind of room you require. It is mentioned once as the Come and Go room in Hogwarts: A History. The room is located on the seventh floor in the left corridor of the Hogwarts castle and has a hidden entrance opposite the tapestry depicting the attempt of Barnabas the Barmy to teach trolls ballet. The way to open the room is to walk past it three times thinking what you need, and the door will appear," explained Lord Gryffindor. He had spoken for the first time that evening.

He stepped forward and gave her a bracelet. It was delicate-just 2 wires twisted to form a knotted bracelet- it was beautiful. "We've decided to give this to you. It has some protective enchantments interwoven in it. You can pass it off as a friendship's belt if anyone questions it. You just have to think of your destination and a green light will appear showing the path."

Slytherin warned her as a parting, "If you ever feel like someone's drawing your eyes to them- mesmerising you- quickly avert your eyes. We'll make you start learning basic Occlumency the next time as soon as possible."

He added, "Oh and one more thing, if you need us or our advice just think of it as if we are conversing and we will be able to connect to your mind."

And with that, Hermione turned back towards the castle, the unicorn accompanying her till the edge of the forest where she had forgotten her book bag.

Author's note: Please review! What do you think of this chapter...? Was it good? Was it bad?

To the story followers: Please forgive me for the false update alerts as I'm correcting the errors as I find them. Also I felt that the story wasn't flowing as it should so I've changed some aspects of this chapter. Please bear with me. I'll update the next chapter as soon as this work is done.