Chapter One, Returning To Hogwarts.
''Wow,'' Hermione said, as she, Ron, and Harry walked into the great hall, ''It's... just like before.''
''Like nothing's changed.'' Harry said, gazing up at the now pale blue sky, as it swirled its way through the rafters of the hall.
''I wish,'' Ron piped up, walking slowly forward to stand next to Harry and Hermione. ''Don't even know why we bothered coming back; I mean we've done our fair share for the wizarding world, you know, saving it every year. We all deserve O's in everything.''
Hermione spun round to face him, ''Oh Ronald,'' she said frowning, ''NEWT's are very important, and if you hope to get anywhere in the wizarding world, you'll need them. Regardless of whether you helped save it or not.''
''Oh here we go,'' Ron said, rolling his eyes and looking to Harry. ''Do you think maybe you could lay off, just for a few days?''
''No!'' Hermione shrieked, as she began rummaging in her bag, ''I would have expected you to take it a little more seriously after all that's happened, not use it as an excuse to slack off even more!''
''Even more? Cheers Hermione.'' Ron said glumly.
She gave him a reproachful look and continued to rummage in her bag.
''And I'll have you know I don't, slack off,'' he continued, ''I just find the work to easy, and I don't want you to feel... inferior.''
''Inferior?'' Hermione snapped, ''Of course, Ronald. What would we have done without you?''
''Guys, please. You're acting like an old married couple already!'' Harry said standing between them.
''Marriage?'' Hermione snapped, ''He'll be lucky to get that far!''
After giving Ron another scowl of disapproval, she pulled two pieces of paper from her bag, and handed it to them.
''Oh no,'' Ron said, taking one of the papers, ''These aren't timetables are they?''
''Yes! And they're a huge help if you don't remember.''
''Oh yeah I remember how helpful you were during our OWL's.''
''You'll thank me one day.'' Hermione said folding her arms.
''The exams aren't for months. Surely we don't need these now?'' Ron said.
''It's better to start early. Especially if you're looking to pass.''
They stood in silence for a moment. During the quiet, Harry's eyes scanned the timetable's empty squares. Ron's however were not on the timetable, but remained fixed on Hermione.
''What?'' she said; finally noticing his eyes on her.
''You've already started revising haven't you?'' Ron said.
''Well, of course. I'd like to make sure I know all I need to know before lessons start.''
''You already know everything! You don't need to know anything else! Surely?'' Ron said, staring at her in disbelief. Hermione's cheeks turned a bright pink.
''Well... You can never know everything.'' she said, with a small smile.
''Oh stop being modest.'' Ron said.
''Yeah, Hermione.'' Harry added, looking up from his timetable. Hermione smiled at them both.
''Come on,'' Harry said, ''Lets go up to the common room. I fancy a game of exploding snap.''
''Now?'' Ron said, frowning at him, ''Bit random.''
''We've been away from all this for so long. It's the little things you miss.'' Harry explained.
''Fair enough. I suppose it's never the wrong time for some snap,'' Ron said, smiling, ''Hermione?''
She looked up at them both, ''Hmm, I suppose a quick game wouldn't hurt.''
They walked slowly out of the great hall, and made their way to the Gryffindor Common room, right at the top of the Grand Staircase.
''Honestly, Ron, I don't know why you don't take this seriously,'' Hermione said while they stomped up the moving stairs, ''I just can't understand how...'' Hermione lost her words as she saw the blonde haired boy walking down the same staircase as them.
''Understand how I what?'' Ron asked as Malfoy walked passed him. Malfoy's eyes met Hermione's and didn't leave her until he passed.
''Oh,'' she said, coming out of her trance, ''Nothing.''
They came to the Fat Lady; she was talking with a friend from the second floor about what sounded like a very juicy peace of gossip.
''...and I asked her why, and she changed the subject!'' said the fat lady's friend, who was wearing a n umbrella like, pale blue gown, and sipping a small cup of tea.
''That's guilt for you! Oh... what do you three want?'' the fat lady asked, taking a sip of her tea.
''We'd like to get in, if you don't mind.'' Harry said sarcastically.
''Awfully rude, these youths, don't you think?'' the woman said with her nose in the air and her tea held with with only two fingers.
''Indeed, Gloria. Password?'' the Fat Lady asked.
''Erm, what was it?'' Harry asked Hermione.
''Bello Adeptus.'' Hermione replied.
''Indeed it is.'' the Fat Lady said, swinging open.
''Bello Adeptus? I swear those passwords are getting more and more random.'' Ron said, sitting on the squashy armchair by the fire.
''It means 'the war is won', Ron.'' Hermione said, sitting just next to him in a second armchair.
''Oh,'' Ron put his bag and timetable on the floor, ''So Harry... how about that exploding snap?''
''Yeah'' Harry replied smiling. He reached into his bag and pulled out a deck of cards. After setting them out on the table, they began to play.
Ron got 4 pairs; Harry only got 2.
''Blimey Harry, you've lost your touch.'' Ron said cheerfully, neatening his pile of matched cards.
''Yeah, I think I have. Hermione? You want a game?''
Hermione jumped and looked at him, ''What? Oh, no, not right now.'' she turned back to the window.
''Oh, okay. Ron?''
''No mate, I can't bare watching you loose again. It's painful.'' Ron replied, getting up. He walked over to Hermione and stood beside her, taking her hand, she didn't look at him, but continued to stare out of the window, ''Hermione? Are you okay?'' Ron asked, moving his head round so it was blocking her vision.
''Oh, yes, sorry. I must be tired.'' Hermione replied, looking back up into Ron's eyes. She stood up to face him, and he continued to hold her hand.
''Okay, well, maybe you should go to bed?'' Ron suggested, rubbing her arm with his free hand.
''Yeah, I think I will,'' Hermione replied, ''Bye Harry. I'll see you both tomorrow.'' she picked up her bag and turned to leave, letting go of Ron's hand.
''Oi,'' Ron said smiling. He pulled her back and kissed her, ''Cheer up, yeah?''
Hermione laughed weakly, ''Yeah. Bye.'' she turned and walked up the steps to the dormitory. She pushed on the door and walked in. A tear ran slowly down her cheek.