In dark corners on the Hogwarts Express

Meeting on the Hogwarts Express

The sound of the thunderous horn wailed into the station as the Hogwarts Express signaled its departure. Hermione waved to her parents and Mr and Mrs Weasley as the train pulled off- the students hanging from the windows trying to get the last glimpses of their loved ones. She hated leaving them for such a long time but Hogwarts had become her home away from homes and her friends had become her family.

As they departed Kings Cross Station Hermione maneuvered herself back through the window and settled in next to Ginny. The two girls shared the seat across from Harry and Ron anticipating the long journey ahead of them as they began the eight hour trek.

Ginny waved her hands wildly as she recounted her recent pummeling of her brothers in a family Quidditch game played in their backyard. Hermione took in the merriment in front of her and nestled further into her seat enjoying the ease back into the time spent with her friends.

As they rolled through the countryside of London the carriage began to whistle from the wind seeping its way between the gaps- "Hogwarts is going to be bloody freezing this time of year" Ron rambled over the top of the noise. Hermione had not yet realized how cold she actually was, reaching up to the overhead parcel rack she took down her robes to cover her uniform from the cool wind. A skirt and shirt were a bad idea for this weather.

"Hogwarts is always bloody cold you stupid git", Ginny retorted quickly scoffing at her brothers ignorance. Ron reddened in the face and sneered towards Ginny for embarrassing him in front of his friends. The bickering began and Hermione could only laugh at the predictable nature of the siblings- wait till Ron finds out Harry and Ginny have been seeing each other secretly for the past two months.

As a point of habit Hermione tried her best not to bring up thoughts of romance around Ron after their absolutely abysmal fail at a relationship last year. She had gone too long without any form of affection which ultimately caused the rift and subsequent break of their relationship. Hermione may have been a complete bookworm nerd but she had certain desires and needs that Ron just couldn't hit the mark on- not for lack of trying though.

Either way, the people surrounding her felt more like family than anyone else and she couldn't see them any other way. "This year will be wonderful, I cant believe that McGonagall organized a ball for the first night back. I mean after the success we had in forth year with the Yull Ball it is a tremendous idea and hopefully will help in uniting the houses after so long". Hermione excitedly said to the group.

Harry and Ron each plastered a look of distaste across their faces at the thought of having to dress up and force pleasantries for the night. "Well bollocks, I really hate the idea of having to ask someone to the dance with such little time to prepare. I can't go without a date- after last time went sooooo well", Ron couldn't even begin to hide his annoyance and sarcasm.

"Ronald, the Yull ball was your own bloody fault- if only you had asked someone earlier", Hermione smirked knowing that he would get the reference to asking her to the Yull Ball.

"Ginny, will you go with me tonight?!" Harry yelled uncomfortably towards the young redhead across from him. Red seared his cheeks as he realized how loudly he had blurted out his question.

Ron interjected before Ginny even had a chance to reply. "Harry, you can't go with my sister! That's just barmy".

"Harry, I would love to go with you". She smiled across at him after shooting her brother an angry glare. She smiled sweetly towards Harry showing her affections. They both knew tonight would be the start of how they would break the news to Ron.

There was a sudden thump and the doors rattled as they slid open to their compartment. Neville poked his head in and looked to Hermione- "McGonagall wants to see you when you have a moment".