A/N: this is a short chapter, but was necessary to set up the rest of the story. Thanks to my beautiful beta miss!
Disclaimer: Once again nothing Harry Potter in this story is mine, thank you.
Harry woke up the next morning feeling refreshed and happy. He couldn't remember his dreams, but he thought they must have been full of something wonderful. He hadn't felt this wonderful or slept so well in ages. He got dressed quickly and went down to breakfast. He immediately saw Ron and Lavender sitting at the Gryffindor table with Ron's sister Ginny between them.
"Good morning," said Harry sitting across from Ginny,
Ron and Lavender, who where both looking extremely annoyed, chose not to answer Harry.
"Good morning, Harry," said Ginny brightly, "Looks like you slept well."
"For once, yea. Hey, where's Hermione. Has she not come down yet?" asked Harry looking around the table.
"I haven't seen her this morning. It would have been nice to have someone to talk to instead of playing the role of the wall in the game Lavender and Ron are playing."
Harry looked down at his watch and saw that it was fifteen minutes to nine.
"Its not like Hermione to be late. I am not too hungry. I think I will go check on her," said Harry getting up from the table.
Ginny nodded. Ron and Lavender seemed too wrapped up in ignoring each other to care.
Harry left the Great Hall and walked to Gryffindor Tower. He was almost to the portrait that guarded the entrance to the common room when he saw Hermione exit out of it.
"Hey, Hermione, called Harry, " and you were going on at me about being late. Now look at you.."
Harry stopped once he caught sight of her face.
"Hermione, are you okay?"
"Yes, I just didn't sleep well," said Hermione trying to straighten out her robes.
"You aren't still worried about what we talked about yesterday, are you?" asked Harry stepping closer to her.
"No, I just didn't sleep well. I think I had a nightmare or something."
"Really? What was it about?"
"I don't remember, Harry. I really am okay," said Hermione not looking at Harry.
Harry knew she was holding something back from him, but he decided not to prod any further for now.
"Are you hungry? I think there is still time to grab a quick breakfast."
"No, I'm not hungry. Besides we don't have time. I really want to get started early today and get some work done."
"Okay, but we are breaking for lunch. I don't think you need to miss any more meals," said Harry eyeing Hermione's thin frame.
They started walking towards the Defense Against the Dark Arts Class when Hermione stopped.
"Oh I forgot my book. I really wanted us to look at it today and try out some of the curses."
"Do you want me to go back and get it for you?" asked Harry.
"No, you don't know the new spell that opens my door. I'll get it. You go make sure Ron and Lavender aren't left alone together. I'll see you in a minute."
Harry nodded and went on this way to the classroom.
When he got to the door he found Lavender leaning against the wall next to the door.
"Hey, where's Ron?" asked Harry.
"In there running his mouth at Malfoy. That boy just can't seem to stay out of trouble."
Harry opened the door of the classroom and walked in.
Ginny ,who was near the back, looked at Harry. She glanced at Ron and Draco and rolled
her eyes. Ron looked very red and was staring daggers at Draco. Draco had his arms folded and was looking very smug.
"What are you doing here, Malfoy" asked Harry with a scowl.
"Just because you are head boy Potter, doesn't mean I have to let you know my complete agenda."
Harry opened his mouth to say something, but Malfoy cut him off.
"I was just telling Weasley that I am afraid I have this classroom reserved this morning. You and all the little Gryffindors need to clear out so Blaise and I can practice"
"What are you going on about Malfoy? You have no right to kick us out of here."
"As I was telling the two Weasels here, I have every right to do so."
"Professor Figg has made it quite clear that this classroom is opened for all seventh years to practice dueling so we can take advantage of the safety charms in place here, " said Ron angrily.
"But Professor Figg is gone on business and Professor Snape is in charge of this class until she comes back. I have a note from Professor Snape saying that this classroom is reserved for this morning," said Malfoy waving a piece of parchment underneath Ron's nose.
Malfoy's eyes then fell on Ginny.
"But you do bring up an interesting point, Weasley. This classroom is opened up to all seventh years. I believe any student below seventh is not allowed in here after class hours. I believe as a school prefect the only right thing to do would be to take twenty points from Gryffindor and give Miss Weasley detention," said Malfoy with a smirk
Ron stepped in front of Ginny and looked as if he was about to curse Malfoy into a thousand pieces when everyone was distracted by the classroom door opening.
Hermione and Lavender walked in to the class room.
"Are you going to use that book to try and squash that nest on your head into something that looks like hair , Granger?" asked Malfoy.
Harry joined Ron in looking as if he could curse Malfoy.
"No, I was just thinking how this book could certainly squash and little nasty stray ferrets that are running around."
Harry and Ron exchanged a grin.
Malfoy's smug look faded a little and he tried to approach Hermione, but Harry stood in front of her.
Draco peered at Hermione from over Harry's shoulder and spat, " You know in times like this, filthy little mud bloods like you should show purebloods some respect. We might show mercy on you."
At this moment Ron and Harry both drew out their wands , but Hermione stepped in front of them and glared at Malfoy. Something about her had changed all the sudden. She seemed so intimidating, so full of magic power.
"And you should know better than to pick a fight with a stronger witch than you can handle."
Draco must have noticed this change.
"I think I'll go find Blaize and find some place that is completely filled with the stench of mud bloods and mugglelovers."
With this Malfoy walked by Hermione making sure to shove her with his shoulder. Hermione staggered and dropped the book she was carrying. She seem to lose whatever power she possessed just a second ago.
Harry was furious. He waved his wand and the door shut before Malfoy could reach it.
"Come back here and pick up this book and apologize."
Draco just stared at Harry with a look of disbelief on his face.
"Harry, its okay. Just let him go," said Hermione quietly.
Harry ignored her and said, "Now Malfoy," while pointing his wand directly at him.
Draco smirked even more than usual and walked over to Hermione. He picked up her book and shoved it at her roughly, almost knocking her over. Harry caught her and his hand touched the book. At that moment a bright white light erupted from the book filling the room.
Lavender, who had been silent until now exclaimed, "What the hell is going on?"
No one got a chance to answer as they were all consumed by the light. The room once full of six people was now strangely empty.
***********************************************************************
Albus Dumbledore, Headmaster of Hogwarst School of Witchcraft and Wizardry was sitting at his desk reading a book when he suddenly looked up.
"It has happened," he said out loud to himself, "I hope you make better choices than I did, Harry."