Back to Hogwarts

Hermione did not accept Ron's invitation to the Burrow this summer for some reasons only known to her, which had apparently upset Ron. He never told anyone about his disappointment, though he need not to. His family could read him like an open book. Harry on the other hand, managed to stay which cheered Ron a bit.

As much to Ron's relieve, school term has finally come, which also meant, Hermione. He felt happy and at the same time anxious and angry as to why she did not come to stay at his house. To put it simply, he could not wait to meet his 'best-girl-friend'. He missed her so much that it hurts. Ron knew about his forbidden feelings towards Hermione. 'Bloody hell! Who am I trying to kid?! I, Ronald Weasley, am in love with his best friend, Hermione Granger!' he told himself.

Harry, Ron and Ginny arrived at Platform 9¾ at 10.35am. They were lucky enough to get an empty compartment. At 11 o'clock sharp, the train started to move. The three of them talked about the new school year, from new teachers to new subjects.

"I wonder who's teaching us DADA this year," said Harry.

No one answered him. He looked over at Ron who seemed to be fidgeting with himself. Knowing what was probably in that mind of his, Harry said with a smirk, "Ron, I think Hermione's at the Prefects compartment."

'Damn!! How does he know what's on my mind? Is he a telepathic? Calling Harry Potter! Calling Harry Potter, over!' thought Ron, 'Okay, no answer. He's not a telepathic after all then… on the other hand…'

"SHIT!!"

"What, Ron?" asked his little sister.

"I should be there too! How could I forget about the Prefects meeting?! Umm… I'm off guys. See you later." With that, Ron was out of the compartment.

Ginny sighed out loud.

"When will that prat brother of mine ask Hermione out?!"

"Umm… how about, 'never'?" Harry chuckled.

"I must admit, Harry. I'm getting fed up with both of them acting so pathetic to each other."

"Tell me about it."

"Yes, we should be on the look ou–"

Just then, the door of the compartment opened. Every single person glared at the person who interrupted the meeting.

"Ermm… Sorry I'm late," Ron apologised.

"As I was saying, we all should be on the look out for the students this year. You-Know-Who is back, and we do not know when he will strike Hogwarts," continued to the Head Boy, "You can be dismissed now."

Ron stared at the Head Boy. 'I just came in and he's already dismissing us?!' he thought to himself.

"Ron! Where were you?!"

"Hermione, I totally forgot about the meeting, not until Harry reminded me."

Hermione snorted, shaking her head.

"You know, I seriously do not understand why Professor Dumbledore ever made you a Prefect."

Ron felt a pang of shame and anger at the comment.

"Well, don't ask me!" Ron snapped.

"Why, why… if it's not the two bickering little Weasel and Mudblood."

Hermione need not turn her head to see the speaker.

"Get lost, Malfoy!"

"I don't need orders from a Mudblood colleague, Mudblood," Draco sneered.

"RON!!!!" Hermione shrieked. Too late, but Ron was already grabbing Draco on the neck, choking him. Draco was at a disadvantage though, since Ron was taller than him. He was struggling with both his feet in the air.

"Ronald Weasley!! Put him down this instance!" Hermione shrieked again. Ron ignored her, but finally relented. How could he ever resist that bossy, know-it-all girl?

"If I ever hear you call her by that name through that bloody gap of yours again, you will regret for ever being born, ferret boy," Ron threatened.

Fear reflected clearly on Draco Malfoy's face. He straightened his robes and passed both Ron and Hermione without a word.

Hermione felt proud and embarrassed at Ron for standing up for her. She knew Ron had feelings for her. She found that he was too obvious. She too had feelings for him. She just wanted Ron to make the first move.

"Ron.., thank you," Hermione said with an appreciative smile while linking her arm into his.

Ron went crimson. He hates it when he blushes. To him, boys don't blush, but he could not help it. Hermione always has that power over him to make him in this condition.

"You're most welcome," he muttered back. All angry thoughts as to why she did not come for a stay with him vanished immediately. Together, they went back to the compartment where both Harry and Ginny were sitting.