Hermione was surprised at the number of students that had opted not to return for the full year. Terry Boot from Ravenclaw and Ernie Macmillan from Hufflepuff sat together, heads bent glaring at the Slytherins on the other end of the table. Next to them was Parvati Patil, and instead of guilt, Hermione was hit with a wave of grief, Parvati who not only lost her best friend, but her twin. She quietly vowed to make an effort to befriend her during their studies, and to Parvati’s right sat Luna Lovegood, feet dangling from the chair, adorned in her radish earrings and butterbeer cork necklace. Hermione knew she had gotten permission from the Headmistress to join their class instead of returning to her own for 7th year. Ginny was initially put out that she had to return, but the title of Gryffindor Quidditch Captain changed her tune.