Chapter 1: Information
Hogwarts castle looked as it always had in the past; mysterious, but also welcoming, to the three 6th year Gryffindor students. The sweeping towers alight with glowing lights belonged to their favourite place on earth, school. Yes, it all seemed rather odd, your favourite place being a school, but it wasn't just any school; it was Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
"Come on already," said a voice, "you're taking forever! Gazing at it like it's a broomstick or something, God."
Hermione laughed at Ginny and prodded the boys foreword.
"Oww!" said Ron, trying to rub his back where she had nudged. Unfortunately, he couldn't quite twist his long, lanky arms around to reach, which caused hysterical laughter from the other boy. "Oh, shut up, Harry!" said Ron, still trying desperately to wipe his back.
"You're impossible, you know that." said Hermione, failing to cover up a grin. She massaged his back for a quick second. "Better?"
"Ah. Yeah, I'm fine now. Wait, a little to the left."
Hermione rolled her eyes and the four started up the steps. Okay, it was true that she had a crush on her best friend, but, well, no one knew. And it's not like he would ever know, being as thick as he is. She had spent the whole summer acting out revealing her secret to him in front of the mirror, every single morning and night. But now, as she walked next to him into the long, sweeping Great Hall, acts of courage had drifted far, far away since meeting him at Platform 9 ¾.
Hermione sat next to Ginny across from Ron. Harry took his place next to Ron, in front of Ginny. They were at the high end of the table, closest to the staff. The Great Hall was soon filled with the students of Hogwarts, minus the new first years, however. But, soon, the Hall was packed and silent as McGonagall led the first years up to the front of the hall for the Sorting.
"They better hurry up." said Ron, massaging his stomach.
Hermione smiled, as she always did at his jokes, but put her finger to her lips. Ron rolled his eyes, and Hermione turned her head back to the group of students.
By the middle of the sorting, Hermione could hear Ron's, Harry's, and Ginny's stomachs rumbling with hunger. She laughed quietly to herself.
"Finally!" Ron cried, grabbing his fork in anticipation after "Ziadat, Sam." was sorted into Slytherin. Ron's plans were paused by an old man at the center of the staff table, who stood up; the Hall went silent.
"Welcome, welcome to another year. I am very pleased you all are within these walls to learn. But, there are rules. You will find a list of gadgets not aloud to be used in the halls on Mr. Filch's office door. Also, the Forbidden Forest is forbidden, thus its name. And," he said, standing back up after he started to seat himself, "In approximately two weeks time, fifth year and above will be going on a trip to the Islands of Balgamadees. You will be finding out more information on your House Notice Boards. First through third years will be touring the Galapagos Islands for a few weeks, as well. If you have any questions not answered from your Notice Board, please feel free to ask your Head of House for information or comments. Now, feast." He sat down as food appeared on the golden plates of the tables.
Ron looked to stunned to speak. "A..A.. An island!" he stuttered.
"That's what he said." said Ginny, scooping a baked potato onto her plate.
"We've never gone anywhere before! This is so cool!" he said, looking around at them all.
"Yeah, we know. Don't wet yourself." said Harry.
Ginny and Hermione laughed. Ron's face turned sour.
The end of the feast finished in a flourish, and Hermione and Ron, who had both been appointed Prefects again, led the first years up to Gryffindor Tower. Harry and Ginny waited for them to give a tour of the Common Room and Dorms, discussing the upcoming island trip and, what else do you expect Harry to talk about, Quidditch.
"Finally." gasped Ron, throwing himself down onto a small couch in exhaustion.
"Oh, what are you whining about?" said Hermione, "and move over a bit." She sat down next to Ron on the loveseat (A/N: hee hee hee!). Ginny looked at them for a moment, then turned back to Harry.
"Well, I'm going to bed. See you in the morning." She gave each of them a hug then scampered up the girls dorm stairs.
"I think I'll follow Ginny's lead. Coming, Ron?"
"Yeah, I'll be right up." said Ron.
Harry left, leaving them the only ones in the Common Room. All alone, with privacy. No one around. (A/N: hee hee hee! JK, it's only the first Chap!)
"Well-" Hermione and Ron said at the same time after a long silence.
"I-you-"
"I'm going up to bed too, okay." said Hermione.
"Yeah, sure. Me too."
"Good night, Ron." said Hermione. She stood on tiptoe and gave him a kiss on the cheek, then went up the stairs.
Ron stood there for a long time, then, shaking his head out of his daze, turned to the Boys' staircase.