Author's Notes: This story is set in an alternative Hogwarts, in which the students of Harry's year have had a normal student's experience in Hogwarts. Quirrell is just a normal professor, and there was no Chamber of Secrets... etc. Voldemort has not returned, but his actions years before did occur. In the beginning of the story, the students from Harry's year, have just started their sixth year at Hogwarts. Enjoy!

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Chapter 1: Meeting

The library in Hogwarts was a suffocating room. When the school was initially founded, the plans for the library did not take into account how many books it would need to house hundreds of years later. To make up for the poor foresight, tall bookshelves lined most of the floor space. The spaces between the shelves were confined; feelings of claustrophobia were common within the student body when looking for a book. The few open floor spaces were taken up with tables intended for studying students. Often only able to support a small handful of students, the tables blocked much of the walking room available. Sitting at the table required adjusting one's seat to accommodate people trying to walk by. The constant interruption to studying was an annoyance. The library was not a pleasant place to spend an extended period of time. Most people felt overwhelmed by the proximity, and the smothering atmosphere.

Hogwarts, as an old school, housed many aged books. To accommodate the fragility of the old volumes, all of the windows were covered. The coverings, magical in nature, blocked most of the unnecessary sunlight that may cause damage. A covering also blocked out any view of the outside, causing the room to feel isolated. Accordingly, the lights inside the library were dim. The lights barely filled the space; its illumination allowed those present in the library to see, but little else. Under such dim lights, reading books was difficult. The strain it put on the eyes was often too much for a student to take. The library was not a common study room because of this. Students generally took out a book, and moved to one of the other available study rooms in the school.

During the first week of school, the library was generally busy. Students filled the rows between the book shelves. Each student had decided over their summer break to read more. Before school work started to be assigned, they tried to find a book or two to fulfil their plan. Few actually read the books they took out, or read more than one. Their new found dedication during the beginning of the semester dissipating over time. Still, during the first week their resolve was firm. The library felt even more unfortunate during these busy times.

Hermione avoided the library during the first week of class for these reasons. The library was a useful place to study away from others. Its point was lost while it was busy. Plus, she would come to the library to avoid crowds. If she wanted to study surrounded by others, then she would study in the common room of Gryffindor. Luckily no professors ever assigned anything during the first week anyway. The first week was used to reconnect with the other students, who she had not seen over the summer break. And to spend as much time with Harry and Ron as she could, before the semester started to become more intense.

With a book in her arms, she should in the doorway of the library unhappy. In her sixth year, unfortunately, she could not avoid the library during the first week. Her foot rested in the entrance. She did not want to enter.

Who decides to assign an exam on the second class? It was absurd! They had not covered any material yet. She had never liked professor Quirrell, and this only reinforced her dissatisfaction. When Quirrell had announced their weekly tests, including the first week, Hermione felt sick. It felt like a cruel joke. She sat in her seat waiting for Quirrell to laugh. Instead he stood stoically in the front of the class, thumb resting on his nose.

Hermione had been told that Classics was going to be a difficult course, but this was ridiculous. She had no time to read Antigone. What was she even being tested on? The plot points seemed pretty simple, but Quirrell had not even hinted at what they were going to be asked about. Was it about themes, or cultural context, or merely the content of the story? She felt as though she was starting to regret talking every Honours course. Classics seemed like it was going to be a hard course, as did Advanced Arithmancy and the rest of them. Did she need to take all of them? It was a fools game. But it was a game she nevertheless decided to participate; a decision she was beginning to regret.

With resolve, Hermione walked through the entrance. She refused to do poorly on her first test of the year. Her duty, was to do as well as she could. Even if it meant visiting the library now. The idea felt sour in her mouth. Like she was being pushing forward, beyond her control. Though she was in control; she only had herself to blame. She was the force pushing herself forward. It was an fatal tendency sometimes.

Hermione had just finished eating her dinner. She had hoped that the library would be more empty later into the day. Instead it seemed as busy as it usually was during the first week; students apparently used their free time after classes finished to search for books. The crowd would soon disperse though, Hermione was confident. The library closed in two hours. As the time approached, people would start to feel like they needed to leave. Or at least, that was what Hermione hoped.

With her books in her arms, she searched the library for a spot. Hermione wore a white button up shirt, and a long tan skirt. Her hair curled down below her shoulders; her stature was firm and straight. She had tried to stay well kept during the first week, so that she would leave a good impression on the professors. Although marks were important for Hermione, they were not the only consideration. She wanted her teachers to feel as though she was a proper student; one who benefited from their classes. Her looks did not play directly into that, but it was a confidence boost. When she felt confident that she was proper, it was easier to imagine the teachers feeling the same way.

Most of the seats in the library were taken. Small crowds of students talked in the seats. Few were studying or reading; most used the space as a place to lounge and talk. While Hermione felt she had a more legitimate reason for being there, she was also aware she was not taking out any books herself. She could use any of the other study rooms to do her work. There was nothing essential about the library. She just liked the library. It felt more like home. Since her first year, she studied predominately in the library. Most people avoided studying there; it was a place she could be alone. Where it would only be her and her work. The most comfortable place to be.

Near the back of the library, Hermione found an empty table. The table was square, and was barely large enough to fit four chairs around it. It was isolated from the rest of the library, for it was nested within a dead end. A large window extended on one side, while book shelves lined two sides. Appropriately separate from the crowd, Hermione sat on the chair under one of the windows. She arranged her items on the table: Antigone, two pens, a highlighter, a notebook to write in, and a small water bottle.

Lacking dedication, Hermione sat staring at the book. She did not want to study. After diner, Ron was going to try out for the Quidditch team. Since Harry was the captain, Ron had a good shot. She wanted to be there, and support him. They were probably starting on the pitch at the moment, or talking in the dressing room. If it was not for this stupid test, then Hermione would be out there joining them. She looked down at her book, but her eyes only traced the letters. They seemed like foreign markings, completely unrecognizable. What was the point? She was not going to be able to get anything done in her current state. Dammit!

The chair across from her was pulled out. Hermione lifted her head to see Theodore Nott standing opposite her across the table. "Is this seat taken?" Nott asked. Hermione shook her head. Nott nodded understanding, and sat down on the chair.

Nott tossed his black backpack onto the table. After searching for a few seconds, he took out the same book Hermione held in her hands. Keeping the book within his hands, Nott pushed his backpack off of the table. He lounged back into his chair. Crossing his legs, he opened the book and started to read.

Feeling self conscious of Nott's presence, Hermione shifted her focus back to her book. The resolve to read was still absent; her concentration quickly shifted back to the boy sitting across from her.

Theodore Nott was a student from her year. As a Slytherin, Hermione knew little about him. They had only shared a small number of conversations during their time at Hogwarts. He was in a number of Hermione's courses this year. One of the few students in many of the honours courses.

Nott was known as a loner. He had few friends, and Hermione was unaware if any of them were particularly close. Other than Draco, Hermione had never seen Nott interact with any other student in class. He was generally engrossed in the lecture, or resting with his head down. When he did speak in class, it was generally to correct other students. Hermione had been on the other side of that a few times.

This year, Nott had come to the school with a new look. Previously, he had a pretty regular appearance. Now, he wore: tight black pants that were probably choking his legs, a black hoodie, large sunglasses and big black boots. His hair was short on the sides, while the top of his head was messy and black. While lacking colour, it was well crafted. A particular style that had been well planned. Hermione wondered what inspired the look. And what inspired him to change? She barely recognized him in their first class. If it was not for his communication with Draco, she could have easily mistaken him for someone else.

Hermione licked one of her fingers, and tried to read once more. Might as well actually do what she came to the library to do. The space they were sitting in was well lit. While the magical covering over the window blocked direct sunlight, enough light came through to soften reading under it. Any other place surrounded by shelves would be too dim to read comfortably. Since Hermione had just finished dinner, she expected the sun to set soon. The benefit was only temporary. They were in a race against time, to maximize their advantage. Hermione was unaware of how long they had specifically, for she could not see through the window. It was covered.

The two of them continued to read in silence for a number of minutes. Nott rested his head on one of his hands. Hermione's book rested on the table. She periodically scribbled notes into her notebook, highlighting passages she felt was important. Nott, who was leaning back into his chair, kept his book close to his heart. He made no attempt to write any notes. The time between them made the situation more comfortable. A silence shared.

Eventually the two of them were joined by a third. Hannah Abbot walked up to the table. Another member of their class, she held her book under her arm. "Hey guys," she said. "Studying for Quirrell's test?"

Hermione nodded her head.

Nott replied: "yep. What kind of bullshit is this?"

Moving towards one of the empty seats, Hannah answered "a whole lot of bullshit. Who assigns a test on the second day of class?"

"An asshole," Nott replied.

Hannah chuckled at Nott's words. She pulled out one of the chairs and sat down. Setting her book on the table, she let out a deep breath. "This is ridiculous, I have no idea how I'm supposed to focus this early into the year. I was hoping to take the first couple of days easy. Just relax, you know?"

"Yeah," Nott said.

"I know the feeling," Hermione interjected. "This would be acceptable if we actually covered some of the material. Who tests people on something they have not taught yet?"

"An asshole," Nott reiterated.

"Yeah," Hannah agreed. "I like the new look Nott."

"Thanks. I think it's sufficiently punk rock."

"Yeah," Hannah repeated, "I'm surprised to see the library this busy. I know I wouldn't be here if I didn't need to."

The three of them nodded in agreement. Nott sat back into his chair, refocused on his book. Setting her bag on her lap, Hannah started to set herself up for studying. She took out a clipboard and some paper, adjusting it comfortably on her lap. Hermione, after watching for a second, moved her focus back on her book.

Hannah was one of the few HufflePuff students to take a number of honours classes. The environment of HufflePuff, to Hermione's understanding, did not foster a good study ethic. Common sentiments put more emphasis on extra-curricular activities, or un-curricular parties. Students were often swept along into the social milieu. It was hard to move against the crowd, who barrelled forward; their stampede crushing the outliers. Hannah was not part of HufflePuff's big social crowd, but she was also not separate from it. From an outsider's perspective, she knew how to moderately perform accordingly, without being dependent. She and Ernie were not in the 'in' HufflePuff crowd, but they were not excluded either.
Glancing up from her book, Hermione tried to steal a look at Hannah. If she was honest with herself, Hermione was a little jealous of Hannah. Hannah was pretty; overwhelmingly pretty; annoyingly pretty. Standing close to six feet tall, Hannah was one of the tallest girls in their year. Her arms and legs were long and well defined. She had a skinny shape. Her waist was barely noticeable. The natural beauty was obvious enough, but Hannah knew how to bring out her subtleties. Her shirt was tight around her chest; a loose skirt accented her small hips; her light brown hair dangled below her shoulders. It was obvious Hannah worked hard on her look. Hermione wondered what the purpose was. Was there someone Hannah was trying to impress? Or was it just for herself?
The two girls barely knew each other. Hannah and Hermione talked more than Hermione did with Nott, but they were generally empty conversations. Shared words for the purpose of filling time. Generally about a common class between them, or joke aimed at someone they mutually knew. Had they ever had a real discussion? Talked about something real, or personal? Hermione doubted it. She did not know Hannah's likes, or her fears. They knew how to get along between each other, but little more. It was strange to think this was their sixth year together in the same school year, but they'd never really connected. They might as well be from different schools, or from different places in the country. How distant you can be, despite being so close.

Hermione knew Nott even less. He seemed like a different person with his new look. Were Hannah and Nott close at all? Hermione could not think of a time she'd seen them together. They'd probably talked a few times, at least. There were too many shared classes for it not have happened. It was a shame if they were so distant; they would be cute. On the surface at least, they seemed like similar people. Even then, that was only conjecture. Hermione did not know. It was a guess. She did not know either of them. The only truth was that they were sitting with each other around a table. It was the only thing Hermione could be sure of: all she knew.
The sun must have set. Their space seemed darker than before. It was even more difficult to read the words on Hermione's page. She'd barely been able to study at all. Her mind kept wandering. Nott appeared engrossed. He was leaning far back into his chair; only two of the chair's legs rested on the ground. His head stared downwards. He kept the book close to his heart. Hannah had not written anything on her clipboard. She had motioned a few times, as though inspired to jostle down some notes, but she never made it to the page. The idea lost before it became ink. The library would be closing soon. Hermione wanted to finish her studying here, so that she could celebrate with Ron and Harry. She hoped Ron made the Quidditch team. Each letter he sent to her over the summer mentioned it. With resolve, Hermione stared back down at her page.

Her new found dedication lasted only a moment.

"Hey!" Terry called from a few feet away. The tall boy from Ravenclaw waved at the table. Pushing past a couple of tables, he made his way towards the group. "Having a study group then?" he remarked. Before any of the others could respond, he continued. "Cool. Good idea!" Whoever the compliment was directed to, was unclear. Terry pulled out the only unoccupied seat, and sat down across from Hannah. "So what's up with assigning us an exam on the first week?"

"It's a whole lot of bullshit," Hannah replied, reiterating the consensus reached earlier. Her pen rested on the table; the book faced downwards. She was ready to take a break from the work.

Hermione looked down at herself, nearly caught in the moment. Her book was still open on the page. The highlighter touching the words she'd just been focusing on. They did not have much more time available before the library closed. Perhaps she could take a break, but then maybe she would run out of time.

Nott remained in his previous position, he was taking a break before Terry arrived. Nott's eyes stared down at the page. Hermione doubted he was reading a word of it. At least not at the moment. Still, his head was locked downwards. He avoided eye contact with the others. Using the book as a shield from the others. "Yeah," Nott muttered, agreeing with Hannah's sentiment. His voice with a little less confidence.

Terry clapped his hands loudly jovially. "I agree completely. It takes a special kind of self righteousness to assign this sort of thing." He took his book out of his knapsack. A moment passed while he played with it between his fingers, as if it were a new toy he did not know what to do with.

Since they had entered Hogwarts, Terry had been one of the tallest students. His short brown hair was noticeable above everyone else's heads. By the sixth year, he was the tallest student in the school. His presence was always noticeable. People became instantly aware of his existence, whenever he was near.

Beyond his height, Terry was one of the smartest students in their year. He was articulate and clear. His maturity outnumbered his age. Yet, in casual social situations, he was easily adaptable. Whether it was with the popular crowd, or with the kids who hung out in the posterior, he acted as though he naturally fit. Hermione felt like the two of them were close, but this was probably true of everyone. People felt like they knew Terry. Whether they did know Terry, was another issue.

Hermione often thought of Terry as the unofficial head of Ravenclaw. He was easily one of their most popular students. In the other houses, the Quidditch team held a lot of sway. Harry was treated like a king in Gryffindor. Ravenclaw was different. The house liked to think of itself as the serious academic house. They valued apparent intelligence, at least to the same merit as sports ability. Terry, with his maturity, and charm was one of the most outwardly smart people in the school. People wanted to be like Terry; they wanted to be Terry. He was smart, and cool: the envy of Ravenclaw.

"I feel like this is pretty easy to understand," Terry started to talk about the text. "It's mostly about the conflict between public and private spheres in Greek culture right?" He paused, leaving the discussion open. It seemed as though he had more to say, but was goading the rest of them to contribute.

The first person to respond was Hannah. "Yeah," she said, "But it's more than that though. It's not only about the clash between the different spheres, it's about who's in control of the spheres. The conflict's between man and woman, with the man's power holding a higher sway."

Hermione had found that part difficult herself. How were they to know the extent this mirrored Greek culture. There were some deep seeded cultural norms assumed in the work, which they had no barrings of. If they'd been lectured on it, then she would know more. But as it is, it felt as though they were going into it blind. "I feel as though that's definitely a part of it. What do you guys think Quirrell will be testing us on?"

Before anyone else could say anything, they were interrupted. Pince, a small woman with white hair, cleared her throat behind their table. The librarian was walking through the shelves. Her thumb was stuck to her forehead, as if she was in great pain. "We're closing up in five minutes," she announced in a whisper. A look of ambivalence dressed across her face.

Terry stood up abruptly, before the four could start to pack their things. "I'll be back in a second," he said quickly, walking towards Pince. With his long strides, he caught up to her quickly. The three remaining at the table shared a glance. What was he doing?

After a minute, Terry returned. He sat down in the same chair he had been sitting on before. Nott, for the first time since Terry arrived, raised his head up from his book. Stretching his arms across the table, Terry announced "Pince is willing to let us stay in the library for a while after it's closed. Should give us enough time to get through this stuff."

"Really, she's just going to let us stay?" Nott asked, sounding doubtful.

With a small, Terry responded. "Yep. I was not too hard to do. I explained to her our situation: that we are studying for a test and starting up a regular study group between a number of the brightest students in our grade from different houses. She would be supporting student immersion, and academic pursuits of the student body. We're such good kids, how could she say no?"

The four of them sat in silence for a minute. Terry knew how to accomplish things. He had also forced them into staying, which was longer than Hermione had intended. Admittedly, she'd barely got any work done. She could use their help. "You sure have a way with people," Hermione observed.

"I like to think it's one of my many talents," Terry continued smile.

For the next hour, they talked about the book. Hannah had read the most of the four of them, and was able to fill in gaps of knowledge about the plot. Hermione's analytic mind spoke mostly about the ways in which the parts of the plot mixed or contrasted. Nott kept silent for most of it, but would interject if he thought any claim was unsupported, or mere conjecture. Terry sort of directed the conversation. Hermione suspected he had not read any of the book; otherwise he would have a lot more to contribute. He was using the situation as a way to avoid reading it. Which was smart, if he did not have time to read it and analyze it, then direct a conversation to fill both of those lacks.

Close to the end of the hour, Hermione felt like she wanted to go and see Ron and Harry. The practice was surely over. She wanted to find out how it turned out. The progress the four of them had made in the hour was good enough, she felt. On the test, she could bullshit any gaps of knowledge if she needed. She had enough of a support to feel comfortable doing that. "I think I'm going to head out guys."

Nott quickly rose to his feet, throwing his bag onto his shoulder. "Yeah, I think I am too."

The other two nodded in agreement, and they started to pack their respective things away.

"I think this was a good meeting," Terry commented.

"It was fun," Hannah added.

"Yeah," Nott said.

Hermione nodded her head.

"When do you want to have the next one?" Terry asked.

"The next what?" Hermione tried to clarify.

"The next meeting."

"Well," Hannah thought for a second. "I have to look at some of the material for Potions and Chemistrythis weekend. If you all are free, why don't you drop by on Saturday. Say, about mid-day."

"Sounds good to me," Nott commented, walking off.

"Sounds great," Terry agreed.

"Yeah" Hermione said.

And with that, the study group was formed. A minor happenstance, that would end up helping to define the rest of their experience at Hogwarts.

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Author's Notes: I hope you enjoyed this chapter. I had a lot of fun writing it.

The characterizations in this story are similar to my other Harry Potter story "Midnight City" (/s/7670921/1/Midnight_City). When I was writing "Midnight City" I felt attached to the characters, and I wanted to write more about them. Instead of continuing the story, which I thought I had made a good ending to, I decided to write this. Although there are some differences between the characterizations, hopefully making this feel more like its own story.

The idea for the study group was inspired by the story "O, Iniquitous Haze" by WeatherWatch (/s/7337041/1/O_Iniquitous_Haze), in which a study group between Nott, Blaise and Hermione plays a small role. It's quite good, and I would recommend giving it a read.

I hope the reference to Antigone was not too esoteric. If you've never read Antigone, I would recommend you do. It's far better than my shitty fanfiction. It can be found online easily for free.

I intend for this story to be in a longer form. There will be four parts, each told in the perspective of one of the study group members. The first part will be Hannah's. I'm not sure how often I will update, but hopefully I'll be able to get all of them done.

Please Leave a Review.

Thanks. BJ.