1. Prologue

Title: Hogwarts High

Author: Michelle Kay

Disclaimer: Of course these are JKRs wonderful characters. I have no money if you'd sue me anyway.

Summary: The students of Hogwarts have been informed that their school is no longer safe. How will they fair when they're transferred to scattered high schools across Europe temporarily and will the trio be split up?

Prologue:

“Harry, do you know what this means?” Hermione asked. The students of Hogwarts were moving back towards their common rooms after an eventful dinner. They had been eating peacefully when Dumbledore had announced out of no where that Hogwarts was no longer safe. They'd have to be transferred.

“We're going to Beauxbatons?” Harry tried. Ron had run up ahead to talk to Ginny about the news and Harry and Hermione were just outside the common room. When they stepped inside everyone seemed to be talking at once. They'd have to leave Hogwarts.

“No, Harry! Didn't you hear him? He said we'd be going to high school!” She sat down holding her head.

“High school? No high school could hold 1,000 students.” Harry said pointedly.

“Well, I supposed we'll have to be split up.” Hermione said realization dawning on here. “You don't suppose we'll be split up…right?” Hermione asked looking up at Harry.

“No, we couldn't possible be… Dumbledore wouldn't do - “ Harry was cut off.

“Harry, Hermione! I found you! Ron yelled. The common room seemed to be getting fuller and fuller by the minute. “Ginny said that there are rumors that we're going to muggle high schools!” Ron said looking slightly pale.

“What did you expect?” Hermione asked.

“I mean…that means…no Quidditch!” Ron exclaimed.

“Well, yes…” Hermione said. “Ron, don't you get it? We could be split up! You might not see Ginny, me, or Harry…It could be months.” Hermione said leaning into Harry who'd just sat down beside her on the floor.

“What? No Dumbledore wouldn't do that…” Ron said with confidence. Maybe Dumbledore really wouldn't do that. Maybe everything would be fine. But the again… Maybe not.

“I don't' know what I'd do without you two.” Hermione said sadly.

“Well, you did it before… Before you came to Hogwarts.” Harry said running his hand through his hair. Hermione didn't say a word.

“What's wrong?” Ron asked with concern. He sat down on the other side of her dodging someone running past him.

“Well, see, before I came to Hogwarts… My social life wasn't that great… Who am I kidding?” Hermione asked no one in particular. “I didn't have a social life.” She said with a sigh.

“We'll be fine. If we're split up I'll transfer to your school. When we get back - we'll have a little word with dear old Dumbles.” Harry said with a grin.

“Yeah, `Mione, it'll be fine.” Ron said comfortingly.

The trio sat there - in the midst of all the yelling and screaming coming from their classmates contemplating what they would do if they really were split up. None of them had ever attended high school and they weren't sure what to expect. Would it be like Hogwarts…minus the magic of course…? Boy, are they in for a surprise.

A/N: Review please! This is just something that came to my head. If you like it I'll probably re-write this prologue. I'm just getting the idea out there. Please let me know what you think and any ideas for when they get to school.

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2. Chapter One

Title: Hogwarts High

Author: Michelle Kay

Disclaimer: Of course these are JKRs wonderful characters. I have no money if you'd sue me anyway.

A/N: This is basically the same story as the prologue before only elaborated more. I thought more people would read an intriguing prologue and stay with it than if they read a drawn out one ;)

The italics are parts of the dinner before and the plain text is present time (or 9 years ago if you prefer - but let's not make things complicated.)

Chapter One:

“Sorry to interrupt our wonderful feast,” Dumbledore stoop up getting the attention of the students of Hogwarts. “But there is something I think you might like to know. I have come upon some information that requires immediate attention. Hogwarts is no longer safe.” Dumbledore said pausing to catch a reaction.

The students were out of their seats talking loudly and looking panicked.

“Do not panic!” Dumbledore shouted. The room quieted. “Now, you are not in any immediate danger. However, your professors and myself feel we should transfer you temporarily to another school.” Dumbledore was engulfed with shouted questions from the group below.

“Silence!” Dumbledore shouted again. The room became deathly quiet. “We feel that a magical school would be just the wrong place to send you. We have decided that in this case you should be sent to what muggles call - high school.” Dumbledore finished and quieted the students down again. “The younger students will be sent home.” He finished.

“No, Harry! Didn't you listen to him at all? He said we'd be going to high school!” She sat down holding her head.

“High school? No high school could hold 1,000 students.” Harry said pointedly.

“Well, he did say we'll have to be split up.” Hermione said realization dawning on here. “You don't suppose we'll be split up…right?” Hermione asked looking up at Harry.

A voice spoke up in the quiet room. “You mean to say…that we'll be taken to muggle schools?” None other than Draco Malfoy asked.

“Why, yes, Mr. Malfoy - that would be the case.” Dumbledore said - a familiar twinkle in his eye. When the room quieted once more Draco spoke again.

“I will not be confined to a room full of muggles!” Draco exclaimed his voice full of disgust.

“I am afraid, Mr. Malfoy, that you have no say in this.” Dumbledore said. With that Draco stormed out of the Great Hall followed by some (what would be assumed as) pure-blood Slytherins.

“No, we couldn't possible be… Dumbledore wouldn't do - “ Harry was cut off.

“What did you expect?” Hermione asked.

“I mean…that means…no Quidditch!” Ron exclaimed.

“You will be divided into five different schools.” Dumbledore said. The room again became very loud. Dumbledore smiled and cast a `sonorous' on himself. “Two are private schools and the rest are common public schools. They are Smelting's Academy, Hill Ridge Private School, Bristol High, Stonewall High and Clarington High School.” Dumbledore's voice droned out the shocked yells of the students of Hogwarts.

“What? No Dumbledore wouldn't do that…” Ron said with confidence. Maybe Dumbledore really wouldn't do that. Maybe everything would be fine. But the again… Maybe not.

“I don't' know what I'd do without you two.” Hermione said sadly.

“Well, you did it before… Before you came to Hogwarts.” Harry said running his hand through his hair. Hermione didn't say a word.

“What's wrong?” Ron asked with concern. He sat down on the other side of her dodging someone running past him.

“Well, see, before I came to Hogwarts… My social life wasn't that great… Who am I kidding?” Hermione asked no one in particular. “I didn't have a social life.” She said with a sigh.

“I realize that this may come as a shock for all of you but please remember - this is temporary. You'll be back to Hogwarts as soon as it is possible. I know this is short notice but you will need to pack your belongings tonight. You'll be leaving in the morning.” Dumbledore said. There were yells even from the teachers. They had no idea it would be so soon. “You will find the name of the school you'll be going to in an envelope on your beds when you get back to your dormitories. Enjoy your dinner.” And with that Dumbledore sat down and ate the feast before him with a grin on his face.

“We'll be fine. If we're split up I'll transfer to your school. When we get back - we'll have a little word with dear old Dumbles.” Harry said with a grin.

“Yeah, `Mione, it'll be fine.” Ron said comfortingly.

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3. Chapter Two

Title: Hogwarts High

Author: Michelle Kay

Disclaimer: Of course these are JKRs wonderful characters. I have no money if you'd sue me anyway.

A/N: Hey guys - sorry this will be a little dramatic - but they're finding out where there going. Next chapter will be the departure from Hogwarts and finding out where Draco, Luna, etc… are going. That will be less dramatic and hopefully funnier. Anyway, I hope you enjoy. Next chapter will be longer - promise.

Chapter Two

The common room was busing for the next few hours. In the middle of all the commotion it was hard to work your way through the crowd to your dorm to even check your bed for an envelope. The trio (and Ginny) decided to wait it out. They knew the chances of them not being split up were slim. How else to avoid it than sit there?

Everyone was still getting used to the fact that they would be leaving Hogwarts. It's one of those things that doesn't really settle in right away so you don't think it's a big deal until it finally comes and then you don't know what to do because you didn't prepare for it.

“- up to the dormitories and get the letters.” Harry said. “Hermione…Hermione?” Harry asked. Hermione turned to face them not even realizing she had spaced out.

“What?” She asked.

“I said that you and I should work our up to the dormitories and get the letters.” He repeated. Hermione nodded. They cautiously got up. It was amazing what a good panic will do to people. They stood at the edge of the crowd. Before Hermione had time to even take a breath Harry grabbed her hand and pulled her into the “mosh pit of doom” as some had dubbed it.

The duo was stepped on numerous times before they finally reached the stairwell. They parted and took off up the stairs anxious to find out where everyone was going.

Hermione was the first to get to the dorms. She saw her letter sitting neatly on her pillow next to a mint. She rolled her eyes and Dumbledore's (or was it Dobby's?) idea of making things better. Though this whole thing she thought was kind of fishy. She grabbed it and ran down the stairs. As she passed the 5^th year dorms she decided to grab Ginny's and then ran all the way back down to meet Harry.

Harry ran into the dorms a little winded from the crowd and then the stairs. He saw all the beds still had the letters lying on the middle of his unmade bed with a mint placed neatly atop it. He laughed and grabbed Ron's letter as well before rushing back downstairs.

Once again they braved the force of the Gryffindors to get back to the edge of the room where their friends were waiting. Harry was fairly certain that he'd just stepped on someone's face but Hermione refused to turn back interlacing her hand with his and pulling forcefully.

“Ginny, here you go.” Hermione said tossing her letter down to her. She sat down across from her and laid her own letter in her lap. Harry handed Ron his letter and they sat theirs to the side.

“So…should I open mine first?” She asked. She looked at the expecting group. Taking that as a yes she held up her letter with shaking hands. Closing her eyes she ripped it open. It lay on the floor for what seemed like a day before she picked it up and began scanning. She smiled brightly.

“Stonewall!” She said with a grin. “I'm going to a public school!” She said. Harry snickered loudly.

“What?” Hermione asked looking at him with curiosity.

“Oh…it's…nothing.” Harry said trying not to laugh. Ginny looked at him obviously not caring that Harry didn't approve.

“So - who should go next?” Ron asked. He didn't wait for an answer. He carefully slit the top of the envelope and took out the paper folded up inside. A smile lit up on his face as well. “Stonewall!” He said with a look of content.

“Maybe Dumbledore really wouldn't split us all up!” Harry said eagerly. Without any warning he opened up his letter but the smile that appeared on Ron and Ginny's face didn't appear on his. He held the letter loosely but didn't say a word. Hermione grabbed it out of his hand and read quickly.

“You're going to Stonewall too!” Hermione said brightly. She smacked him on the arm. “What'd you do that for? You had me worried.” Hermione said. Harry grinned.

“Before I knew I was going to Hogwarts that's the high school I was supposed to go to.” Harry said. “How ironic.” He grinned.

“Well, come on Hermione - might as well open yours up. Even though Dumbledore is a great man, I knew he wouldn't split us up.” Ginny said loudly. The crowd was thinning out a little bit so it echoed causing an eerie feeling in the group.

Hermione smiled and opened up her letter. Her smile faded quickly.

“Hermione…what is it?” Ron asked. Ginny took the letter out of her hands.

“Smeltings? No - it has to be a mistake right? I mean…” Ginny trailed off. The group was silent before Harry spoke.

“You mean - we're going to be split up?” He asked. They looked at Hermione expectedly. She got up without a word and ran up to her dorm leaving her letter behind as well as three friends who weren't sure exactly what just happened.

A/N: Review please! I said I'd re-write this. I was blown away by the response I got. Thanks everyone. Anyway, find out who goes where next update (possibly tomorrow) I really needed something fun to write in the midst of all the drama. (Don't worry; my drama will be updated soon.

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4. Chapter Three

Title: Hogwarts High

Author: Michelle Kay

Disclaimer: Of course these are JKRs wonderful characters. I have no money if you'd sue me anyway.

A/N: My, my, my… It has been awhile, hasn't it? Well, it has been 5 months, I suppose. I haven't been writing anything. As some of you may know, I'm currently a freshman (oh my) and the workload is crazy this year. School is winding down a bit so I decided to write another chapter. (I feel so horrible for making everyone wait so long - though half of you probably won't return) Well, I hope you enjoy. Frequent updates?

Chapter Three

Everyone's face dropped from their recent excitement. They were going to be split up after all? The group just sat and stared in shock at the letters on Hermione's paper that clearly stated that she would, indeed, be leaving them (and for God knows how long).

Hermione breathed out steadily. “Well, of course, I mean… Someone had to be split up from the group.” She smiled weakly and set the paper down on the floor, carefully, as if being nice to it would somehow switch the letters around.

A moment later Dobby rushed into the room carrying an envelope. He rushed straight passed the group (who hadn't noticed he had even gone by). A minute later he came back towards them.

“Hermione Granger!” He said, breaking the silence. “A letter for you, miss!” He laid it down beside Harry, a red and green sock wrapped around it. Harry couldn't help but smile when he handed it to Hermione.

With greedy eyes Hermione opened it quickly, closing her eyes, intent to see STONEWALL printed in big, black letters across the page. She took the paper out, folded up it sat in her hand, only for a moment before Ron grabbed it, opened it and announced to everyone that Hermione's placement had been changed.

The group's audible sigh of relief seemed to calm the whole common room. Everyone looked pretty pleased with themselves, except for Ron, who had the same look on his face, that he had only a moment before.

They looked at him questionably. He answered their question by simply turning the paper around. Clearly printed in large black letters were the words Clarington High School.

Hermione looked slightly annoying at all of this and left the group sitting there, insisting that she needed to start packing if they were to leave the next morning and that they should get to packing as well.

“I can't believe we're going to be split up.” Harry said solemnly. The others nodded in agreement. “Hang on.” Harry said with a smile.

“Harry, what are you smiling about? We just found out we might not see Hermione for once. You know as well as I that there's no way you'll be able to transfer.” Ginny stated, rather annoyed at his behaviour.

“Listen, I know what we can do.” Harry said with a grin. “There's nothing we can do about Hermione leaving. But we might as well make the best of this night. We can't let Hermione mope around - only to have to leave tomorrow morning.” Harry concluded brightly.

The group agreed and started making rounds. Telling people to come down to the commons at midnight for a departure party was no easy task, especially with people crying right and left. However, the three friends had finished and everyone had agreed to show up.

A few hours later everyone had gone to bed early, to get as much sleep as possible before the big party. Ron and Ginny were somewhere out in the hallways of the school on their way to the kitchens to gather food and drinks for everyone (with Dobby's help, of course).

Harry had stayed behind, fixing up the common room for what was only about an hour away. He had moved the couches over to the side so there was room on the floor. He had enchanted to fire to turn different colors and had pulled out tables. Not having much to decorate with he had settled on toilet paper (much to Ginny's protest) which was now wrapped around everything, hanging from the ceiling and even splayed all over the carpet.

Harry had just finished using up the last bit of toilet paper when Ron and Ginny quietly came into the room (careful not to wake anyone who would ruin the surprise). Ginny took one look at the room and started hiding the bottles of water behind the tables.

“What are you doing?” Ron asked, looking at her oddly.

Ginny just laughed and noted that if anyone drank too much water - they might have a major problem. The three each laughed drank a butterbeer only to realize it was time to get everyone up.

Ginny hurried up the stairs to the girl's dormitory, eager to get the party started. Harry and Ron headed up to the boy's dormitory and woke everyone up as well (excluding the 11-13 year olds). They all rushed downstairs and waited patiently for everyone else to arrive.

Ginny quietly led the other 6^th year girls downstairs while Hermione soundly slept. After she had escorted them out she woke Hermione, saying that she needed her to come downstairs for a minute.

Hermione, being only barely lucid followed Ginny down the stairs and into the common room. She gasped at all the people below her. She wasn't sure how to react until she saw Harry, standing amongst her follow witches and wizards smiling up at her.

She smiled back and made her way to him. Of course, Ginny had already engulfed herself into the crowd of buzzed teens. She wrapped her arms around him in thanks and frowned at her dishevelled appearance.

Harry, almost as if reading her mind said “Hermione, you look fantastic.” With that, the party rolled on - getting crazier by the moment.

Ron found himself making out with a girl, whose name he wasn't quite sure of, in the corner of the room. Harry was chatting with Seamus and Dean about how even some Ravenclaws, Hufflepuffs, and to everyone's surprise, Slytherins had managed to show up.

Luna had spotted Ron and, without warning, had pulled him off of her and started dancing around him like a mad women. Ron barely had time to realize what had happened when the girl stomped off. He shrugged it off and continued to dance with Luna.

Hermione was enjoying herself quite a bit, to her surprise. She maybe had a few too many butterbeers and she was pretty sure that someone had spiked the last bottle with something a little stronger.

She shrugged and realized there was nothing she could do about it now and continued to enjoy herself on the last night with her friends.

The party dragged long into the night, and the professors had managed to not hear them the whole night (to everyone's relief). Everyone had gotten a bit of alcohol in their system and there was no telling what was to come the following morning.

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5. Chapter Four

Title: Hogwarts High

Author: Michelle Kay

Disclaimer: Of course these are JKRs wonderful characters. I have no money if you'd sue me anyway.

A/N: Wow, I'm so blown away with response to this story! I know these chapters are short - just give me time to develop the story and I'll start with the longer chapters. I know the characters are a little off in this chapter (reasons, my friends) so please don't comment on OOCness. Anyways, I'm glad my wonderful readers have returned and I hope you're all very pleased with this chapter. There's a surprise!

Chapter 4:

Harry Potter awoke slowly, and found himself lying on the boy's dormitory floor. He felt a slight pressure on his side and turned, only to be bombarded with bushy, brown, only-could-be-Hermione's-hair.

They were lying there, seemingly innocent. They were fully clothed and Hermione wasn't sprawled across him. Harry couldn't help but wonder what had happened the previous night.

Hermione started to stir and tensed a bit when she realized someone was lying against her. She turned to check who it was - and looked slightly relieved that it was Harry. “G'morning, Harry!” she said brightly.

“Good morning, Hermione.” Harry replied, getting up from the floor and helping Hermione up as well. Neither dared to mention what might have happened between them last night.

Suddenly embarrassed that she stood in the middle of the boy's dorm, Hermione skittered downstairs, waving a quick good-bye to Harry.

Harry turned, only to see that the other boys were, indeed, in the room with them. Turning all kinds of red, Harry levitated his trunk downstairs.

Harry emerged from the stairs to find everyone, looking slightly hung-over, ready to head downstairs to the Great Hall. Harry found Hermione, Ginny, and Ron standing in a circle by the fireplace.

“Okay, let's go.” Ginny said to the group. The group sighed in defeat and headed downstairs. It was a long trip down there - glum looks surrounded them, friends parting, couples breaking up right and left and Harry couldn't help but wonder about what might have happened between him and Hermione the previous evening.

They all sat down in their usual seats around the Gryffindor table and waited for Dumbledore to start his inevitable speech.

“Well, I hope you all had a nice, sleep-filled night.” He said with a slight smirk and a twinkle in his eye. McGonagall giggled slightly to herself as well. “But now comes our departure, however unfortunately. I know that most of you have been separated from the people you care most about - and that is something I do not have the time, or patience to change.” He continued.

“You see, it is when we are separated from those who seemingly hold us together when we find out whether or not we can fill their place.” He said, almost cryptically. The students were anxious, ready to get it over with, but wanting to stay.

“I know that, for most of you, this will be quite a difficult transfer. However, I believe that this is needed - considering the looming danger that surrounds the magical schools. At these schools you will be re-united with people you may remember from two years ago at the Tri-Wizard Tournament.” Dumbledore smiled.

“All three schools feel that if we send you all into the muggle world you will be safe from harm - if only for awhile. While you're there - and I cannot stress this enough - there will be NO magic. We cannot risk the muggle world finding out about us. The story is that your school burned down and you need a temporary place to stay. Please, do your best to comply with these rules - if you choose not to, you will face expulsion from Hogwarts - and do not ever plan on returning.” Dumbledore looked the same, smiling and happy as he said this.

“Now, it is time to leave - and I hope that you aren't going to leave any unfinished business behind. If you want to say something - say it now for I fear communication isn't going to be easy when you arrive at your new schools.” And with that Dumbledore proceeded to call out groups to start leaving the great hall.

“Now, I want all third year girls to follow Madam Pince to your designated seats.” There was a rumble as the girls grabbed all of their belongings and hugged every person within ten feet of themselves. Dumbledore proceeded to name off teachers for groups of kids to follow. Fourth year girls, firth year boys, sixth year girls.

Dumbledore called the sixth year girls to follow Professor Flitwick to their own designated seats. Hermione slowly got up and stood, frozen, for a moment before leaning down hugging Harry tightly around his chest. She hesitated, if only for a moment, before kissing him softly on the lips.

It seemed the whole room stopped to stare at what had just happened. The quiet seemed to fill the room - with only a gasp or two sounding. Hermione turned around and walked away, levitating her things in front of her. She waved a quick good-bye to Ron and Ginny. She turned sadly to the door and walked out, leaving Professor Flitwick and the rest of the girls standing, still shocked at what they had just witnessed.

Fred and George started clapping loudly - and soon the rest of the hall had joined in. There were whistles and many a “Go Harry!” echoed in the hall.

Harry couldn't help but smile slightly - even if he was the most confused person in the room. He turned to see that even Draco Malfoy was clapping loudly.

“Boys, Girls - Calm down, calm down…” Dumbledore seemed to be calming himself down as much as he was trying to calm the rest of the hall. “Now, sixth year boys - please follow Professor McGonagall outside.” Harry turned to Dumbledore -and even across the hall Harry could swear the old man winked at him.

Ron looked a little upset as they walked outside. Harry had known Ron for years, so he thought it best not to mention what had just happened. Maybe with a little time Ron could see that it was a good-bye kiss. No big deal - there was no telling how long it would be until they saw Hermione again.

They rounded a corner to see stations set up outside. McGonagall proceeded to tell them to make their way to the stations indicated on their cards but everyone was too busy looking at the different means of transportation.

Harry and Ron saw the station labelled `Stonewall' and made their way through the crowd to it. Harry looked frantically for Hermione, but didn't see her. “Harry!” Ron yelled. Harry was pulled out of his daze only to see a line of Pegasus.

Soon enough they were up in the air, on their way to the high school that Harry had almost taken instead of Hogwarts. It almost seemed like fate.

Ron had begun talking to Harry while they were in the air, Harry would be happy to say, and all bad thoughts had left their heads. They decided to just lean back and enjoy the ride - in hopes that it would last longer, if only to put off the knowledge that all of this was, indeed, real.

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6. Chapter Five

Title: Hogwarts High

Author: Michelle Kay

Disclaimer: Of course these are JKRs wonderful characters. I have no money if you'd sue me anyway.

Summary: The students of Hogwarts have been informed that their school is no longer safe. How will they fare when they're transferred to scattered high schools across Europe temporarily and will the trio be split up?

A/N: I'm glad everyone is still responding to this story and thanks for all of your wonderful reviews! *is excited* I'm loving that I'm getting this story going. I'm pretty sure where this is going. I know I haven't really talked about the pure-bloods and how they are adjusting but I'm getting there. The story is in a little bit of an awkward stage - but it'll pass soon.

<3 MK

Chapter 5:

Hermione stared out the window of the thestral-drawn carriage. She couldn't help but take this as an omen of bad luck to come. Maybe she was just being pessimistic. She wasn't quite sure why she had done what it is she'd done back there in the Great Hall. Something about the `if there's something you want to say or do - now would be a good time to do it' thing Dumbledore had been talking about had really gotten to her.

`Maybe all of this won't be so bad.' Hermione thought optimistically to herself. Surely there had to be someone there that she got along with. On that note - Hermione heard someone beside her. She turned to see the bright, smiling face of the one and only, Luna Lovegood. Hermione internally leapt for joy at the sight of her.

Her and Luna had always gotten along fairly well. Although, they didn't know each other well Hermione could just tell that they would be an easy click. It was odd, if you think about it. The most structured person in the world getting along with the most disoriented person in there. To be fair, they were both very smart - and Luna was probably smarter than most gave her credit for.

“Hello, Hermione!” Luna said brightly, waving frantically.

“Hello, Luna.” Hermione smiled and returned the greeting.

“Is it okay if I sit here?” Luna asked politely. Hermione nodded - but turned her attention to the smudgy windows of the carriage. She couldn't help but feel a sense of daunting - even with all her optimism.

“So, when did you figure it out?” Luna asked, looking unnaturally interested in the subject. Hermione gave her a confused look - obviously having no idea what Luna was blathering on about. “I mean, Hermione, when did you figure out that you were in love with Harry?” She asked again, as if this was nothing out of the ordinary.

Hermione couldn't retort - looking at Luna's all-knowing face there was no denying it, and also no point in lying about it. “Just now, actually.” Hermione said with a sigh. Leaning her forehead against the cold glass she spoke again. “It's a shame, really…”

“What are you talking about?” Luna asked.

“Well, it's just… Cho and Ginny… Nevermind - I don't really want to talk about it.” Hermione said wearily. She laid her head down, and drifted into sleep. Luna had never been one to pry into another's personal affairs, so quietly - she did the same.

A couple of hours later (or what would be assumed as a couple of hours later) Hermione was awoken to a not-so-appealing alarm clock. It was none other than the whine of Draco Malfoy. “Rise and shine, bookworm.” He said sarcastically. “Come on, we don't have all day.” He taped his foot impatiently - causing Hermione to become even more agitated.

Standing up, she stretched a little and followed him out of the carriage and out onto patio about a quarter of a mile away from the school. Waiting there was a school bus with their entire luggage already loaded on. The bus driver tipped his hat and Hermione was surprised to see that it was Stan Shunpike. Hermione smiled at him and took a seat next to Luna.

“Did you have a nice nap?” Luna asked, staring absently out the window.

Hermione sighed - “Yeah, it was good until the end.” She turned to see that everyone had been loaded onto the bus and McGonagall was talking to Stan. The bus started and drove them up to the school.

Hermione stared out the window next to Luna. It was no Hogwarts, of course, but it's the closest any non-magical community would ever get. There were towers, just like Hogwarts, and everything looked neat and clean. `Very nice and very boarding school' Hermione thought to herself. And indeed, it was a boarding school.

The group piled themselves out of the bus, sorting out their luggage. Hermione grabbed Crookshanks carrying case and was amazed to see everyone's trunks flying up in the air and into the windows (which Hermione assumed were the dorms). They all looked to McGonagall, astonished that she had done that in the open.

“Don't worry, kids - anti-muggle shielding charms.” She said, shrugging. The kids took hold of what remained of their belongings and shuffled inside. Draco and a couple other Slytherins were lagging at the back - unwilling to be surrounded by muggles. Hermione just laughed and walked alongside Luna as they entered the gigantic doors.

Hermione heard kids talking a couple doors down the hall - but McGonagall led them right past it and up a flight of stairs. They came to a landing and stopped. “Now, you'll be going upstairs to drop of your things and to change into your new school uniform. I expect all of you to be on your best behaviour. All magical privileges will be revoked if anyone should put even a toe out of line.” The students groaned. “Now, none of that.” She said, wagging a finger at them.

“Your uniforms are on your beds, I've altered them a bit. All of them will fit all of you. Don't worry about them. All of you need to be back down here in five minutes.” She showed the boys where to go and then directed the girls to their dorms. Afterwards she made her way back to where all the students seemed to be and waited for the kids to finish.

Hermione and the rest of the girls opened the dusty door to the girl's dorms. Hermione thought that they must no longer be in use by the current students of the school. The beds were made, ready for their arrival and a uniform lay atop each of their pillows. Hermione and Luna drug their trunks over by the window. Luna took the one next to the window and Hermione took the one next to it.

Noticing the other girls that had come along Hermione was relieved to see that Parvati and Lavender had also come along. Hermione recognized Susan as well, but they never talked much. Hermione and Luna waved to them.

The room wasn't unsanitary - it was just kind of worn down. Paint on the walls was chipping and the hardwood flooring underneath them was scuffed. The beds were, to a point, hard and uncomfortable - like hospital beds. Hermione was sure that was the reason these beds were no longer in use.

The covers on the beds were a dark red, as were the thick drapes that hung over the windows. There were about fifty bed across the room; about twenty-five on each side. They were simply cots and didn't take up much room.

Hermione turned to her pillow and grabbed her, also, dark red uniform. The girls around her were changing and she decided to follow suit. Slipping off her jeans and jumper she pulled the black and red plaid skirt on and put the black blouse on as well. Pulling the dark red jacket on and noticed the gold lion emblem on the bottom front pocket. She had to laugh at the irony. Pulling on her black shoes, essentially completing the outfit she realized how truly horrendous they were.

Once all the girls had finished changing they headed back downstairs. Hermione saw that the boys waiting for them, dressed in their knee-length shorts and shiny black shoes. She couldn't help but notice Draco who had somehow, torn off the pocket of his jacket. That helped her mood immensely.

Professor McGonagall stepped out of the cafeteria and motioned for her own students to follow her back into the room. Hermione had almost hoped for a real high school. The kind you read about in books and things like that. She sighed to herself and followed the group to the front of the cafeteria.

“Good afternoon, students.” Said an older, grey-haired lady loudly. She looked strict - but not harsh. However, Hermione was sure that she was not very well liked.

“Now, as you can see we've gained about 100 new students. These students have transferred, temporarily, from their own high school which, tragically, burned down a week ago. I expect you to treat them with the respect they deserve. If any of you give them a hard time - you'll be answering to me.” She said looking pointedly to a group of greasy-haired pale kids who had indefinitely ruined their school uniforms.

McGonagall announced herself. “My students, I'll be staying here as help for you - and to help you continue with some of your school's old curricular. You'll find out who your lesson partner is later tonight and lessons will start tomorrow after your classes.” She stepped aside, and excused herself from the room.

The same women who had been speaking before stepped back up. “Now, students” She said, talking to the Hogwarts kids. “.you can either go outside with your new classmates and get to know them - or you can retreat back to your dormitories for the night.” She finished - dismissing the students and leaving the Hogwarts students to decide what they wanted to do.

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