A Whole New Beginning (Completed)

Chapter 7

"Good morning," Hermione said, waiting for Ron and Harry at the bottom of the stairs. Ron glared at her, while Harry smirked.

"Don't mind him. He's not quite awake yet."

"Are you?" she asked, putting her hands on his chest. He leaned down to give her a quick kiss, stopping when Ron started making gagging noises.

And, just as quickly, the rumors started.

"You just ruined us being kept secret," Hermione grinned at him. He smiled.

"Oops. Oh well."

"I'm going to end up skipping breakfast," Ron said, rolling his eyes at the two.

"Let's go, you whiner."

They all walked out of the dormitory and to the Great Hall. Ron immediately filled his plate as soon as they got there, while Hermione shook her head at him.

"I will never understand."

"Wh't?" Ron asked.

"Your timetables," Professor McGonagall said, handing Ron, Harry and Hermione their timetables. Ron nearly spit out his food.

"Double potions? There's no way!"

"This term is already horrible," Harry said, turning towards Hermione.

"It's not going to be that bad."

"Coming from the top of our class," Ron said sarcastically. Hermione shook her head at him, smiling softly.

"If you would STUDY more, you would do better."

"I study plenty," he said. Harry chuckled.

"What about you?" Hermione said, turning to her boyfriend.

"What about me?"

"Are you going to try to study more?"

"I don't think I have much of a choice, do I?"

"There might be some rewards for you if you study a little harder."

Harry nodded, grinning at her. "You make a good persuasion."

"Do I get the same if I study?" Ron asked.

"No!" Hermione said, shaking her head at him.

"A guy could try, right?"

Harry shook his head. "Sorry, mate. That's my girlfriend."

"Fair enough."

Ginny walked past them, glancing briefly at them. Hermione let out a sigh.

"Have you tried talking to her?" Harry asked, putting his hand on her back.

"Not yet."

"She'll come around," Ron said, looking down at Ginny.

"Just give her time," Harry said.