*Hermione's POV*

I got up from where we were sitting and looked at Harry and Fred. Harry gave me a smile and said,

"Library?"

I nodded and said,

"There are some things I want to look up before class. I have a free class right now. I will see you after your class."

Harry nodded and started to walk back to the castle. I looked over to Fred and he gave me a smile. He extended his arm and asked,

"Can I escort a beautiful witch to the library? I have a free class as well."

I tried to hide a blush and took his arm. We headed to the library and I started to get a stack of books for myself. I looked for a table, but most of the tables were full. Right there I saw Fred waving at me from a table. I came over and saw a few of his friends were already sitting there. I gave Fred a look and he said,

"Don't worry they promise not to bother you. Right guys?"

I nodded and placed my pile of books by me. Lee gave me a smile and said,

"That's not fifth level books to me."

"Are those seventh level books?" A female voice asked.

"Hermione isn't known as the smartest of her age. Maybe even seventh years like us." Fred said.

"Damn! That's impressive. Oh, by the way I'm Katie. Don't think we ever had a chance to talk. I have seen you around the common room with Harry and Ron; Fred's brother." Katie introduced herself.

"Nice to meet you. Aren't you on the Quidditch team?" I asked.

She nodded and we all went back to our reading. Lee looked up and asked,

"Did Fred tell you about our lovely new DADA teacher, the toad herself?"

I gave them all a look. I thought the nickname was funny. Fred smiled to me and said,

"What the name fits her, her face looks like an ugly toad."

I just smirked and said,

"He has not told me. So, what is she like? I don't have her class until the end of the day."

"Oh, she is horrible. This is our text book. She treats us like children and that we do not know anything about magic. We are not allowed to have our wands out in class at all." Katie spoke

I looked over to the others and they nodded. I could not believe what I was hearing. This was going to be an interesting year. I sighed and said,

"I knew something like this was going to happen. I told Harry and Ron this at the beginning of the feast. The Ministry is trying to get eyes in Hogwarts. They think that Dumbledore is not right for the position of Headmaster of Hogwarts."

Everyone looked at me surprised. Katie spoke up first and asked,

"Do you really think that?"
"Yes, I know a lot of people think that the Ministry is safe and knows what's best, but I think that it is being infuriated by darkness themselves. You-know-who has eyes in those walls." I said truthfully.

Lee nodded in agreement and I looked to Katie. She had this look in her eyes that she was thinking. She then nodded and said,

"You are right Hermione. It is dark times. You are really observant Hermione for your age."

I smiled and saw Fred smiling at me. He placed an arm around my shoulder and squeezed. This year can have up and downs, but I have people around me to help. I know I was going to have to judge this new teacher for myself and I will let Fred know my thought.