Introduction

A/N: There are actually fairly long gaps of time in between each interruption Hermione will face, it just reads like they're happening on top of each other because it's from her perspective and when you're that focused, time flies by without you realizing it.

Hermione rubbed her forehead in frustration; why did her latest project have to be so difficult? Every day she worked on the formula to cure a new strain of dragon pox, and every day she was disappointed; it was just so irritating. Grumbling, she crumpled up her latest failure and launched it across the room.

"Score!" Harry cheered when it smacked Ron in the nose. "No luck yet?"

"No," she replied in a clipped tone, in no mood for their antics today. One would think becoming an Auror would have the added benefit of maturity, but one would be wrong.

Ron grabbed up the parchment, opened it and wrinkled his forehead in confusion. "What's this?" he asked, pointing to one of her abbreviations.

She glanced over his shoulder as he slouched beside her. "Onyx." She began scribbling out the formula again, making notes and adjustments.

"And this?"

"Moonstone."

"What about this one?"

"Mistletoe berries."

"And this one?"

She narrowed her eyes, glaring at him. "Does it really matter?"

He shrugged and tossed the paper into the bin. "Guess not."

With effort, she contained a growl and returned to her work.

"So Hermione," Harry interrupted warily.

"Yes?" She gritted her teeth.

"We just came from Sirius' flat. He said that you were going out with him tonight."

"Did he?" she responded without interest.

"Well yeah, he did," Harry answered.

"So…are you?" Ron asked, leaning forward eagerly.

How should Hermione respond?

A. "Hardly." Go to chapter 2

B. "Yes." Go to chapter 3