Disclaimer: Not mine, All hers! (Except the original plot and characters)
"Ron! Come on!" Harry cried as they rushed for the Hogwarts Express. After kissing his mum goodbye Ron followed Harry towards the train.
"Where do suspect Hermione is?"
"Don't know. But if she's not here in five minutes she's going to miss the train," Harry replied as they boarded and found a compartment. The train had just started moving when it suddenly screeched to a halt. Harry got up and looked out the window.
"It's Hermione!" She was running towards the bus, her wand shooting out sparks to attract the conductor's attention. She boarded and found the compartment that Harry and Ron were in. Ron stared. She had certainly changed over the summer. Her hair was much more tamer, though was still a bit frizzy. She was sporting a white flowing skirt and a baby blue tank top.
"Hey!" She gasped. She dragged her trunk into the compartment, placed an angry, caged Crookshanks on the seat next to Ron and placed herself next to Harry.
"Hey, Hermione," Harry replied, kicking Ron. Ron jerked out of his trance.
"Why did you almost miss the train?" He demanded. Hermione pointed to the angry animal next to him.
"That little devil decided that he wanted to take a tour around Kings Cross. Took an absolute age to catch the thing," she explained as she pulled out a large textbook.
"He escaped?"
"Yes, Ronald." She replied irritably, and then turned to her book, clearly stating that the conversation was over. Ron turned to Harry with a look of disbelief, but all Harry could do was shrug. You know how Hermione can get, he mouthed then turned back to looking outside the window.
It had been only an hour when Harry and Ron had started to play chess and someone decided to start pounding on the door. The trio looked up to find a panicking Ginny glancing down the hall of the train. She turned towards the door again and began to pound. Hermione got up and opened the door and watched as Ginny dove in and hid behind Harry. They all watched as five angry looking seventh and sixth year Slytherins stalk past the door. Hermione sat back down.
"Are they gone?"
"Yes," Harry replied, feeling slightly uncomfortable with the close proximity Ginny had with his face. She smiled and sat down properly next to him. Hermione stared at her with a stern look on her face.
"What did you do?" Ginny held up her hands defensively.
"Chill, Head Girl! I think once you hear what they did you won't be as cross." Ron frowned.
"What happened?"
"Well… some sixth year boy thought it would be really funny if they hid my underwear in one of the empty compartments. Mental, I tell you," she said, then stopped after noticing the look Hermione was giving her, "Anyway, I was just trying to find it when these five massive Slytherins suddenly have me pinned to the seat and one of them is trying to undo my shirt. Luckily for me, I had my wand. Fucking ass had it coming to him."
"GINNY!"
"What? It's the truth!" With that said she turned towards the game and watched. Hermione huffed, and muttered something that sounded like, "Weasley's can't help but swear all the time." When the train came close to Hogsmeade Station the group changed into their clothing, Hermione pinning her Head Girl badge on proudly. Ron rolled his eyes and helped her with her trunk and dragged it of the train, along with his.
"First 'ears! First 'ears! Come on now! Step on up! Don't be shy!" Harry grinned as he called out.
"Hey Hagrid!"
"Ello 'Arry, 'Ermione, Ron, Ginny. 'Ow were your summers?"
"Splendid Hagrid! You?" Ginny answered.
"Not to bad. Oh, before I forget. Ron! I got somethin' to show you. Come after the feast to my hut." Ron nodded and moved of with the others to find a carriage. Harry watched the threasals as they moved around waiting to get going.
"Harry! Ron! Over hear!" Neville Longbottom called out over the crowd. They all headed towards him and piled into the carriage along with Luna Lovegood. They all talked about their summers as they made their way towards Hogwarts.
"Now, now, settle down." The mass quieted. The first years had just been sorted and Dumbledore was about to speak.
"As you all know, the Forbidden Forest is still of limits. For those older students," he said looking directly at Hermione, Ron and Harry, "It would be best if you set an example for the little ones," they grinned, "I must also tell you that we have been given some new leniencies. Hogwarts is now offering internship awards at the end of the year for seventh and sixth year students, in special job courses. We will also be welcoming some new teachers. I would like all of you to welcome Ms. Alica Henderson, who will be filling in the Defense Against the Dark Arts position." The students watched as a pretty, young woman walk down the isle and take her seat next to Severus Snape. Many were surprised when instead of scowling; Snape leaned towards her and whispered something to her that made her hit him in the arm. Ron smirked.
"Looks like Snape's getting frisky with the teacher."
"Ron shh!" Dumbledore smiled.
"Well. Let's eat." Immediately both boys grabbed at the food, while Hermione and Ginny watched on in disgust. Ginny sighed.
"This is going to be a long year."
A/N: Hope you like it. Please R/R!