WHO WOULD HAVE THOUGHT?
Disclaimer: The Harry Potter characters do not belong to me, but to J.K. Rowling.
CHAPTER I: THE BEGINNING
It was another beginning of Harry, Ron and Hermione's seventh and final year at Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry. The trio had been together for seven years, encountering villains and dangers along the way. Harry was extremely surprised that he had actually made it into graduating from school, despite the fact that Lord Voldemort was still on the loose. Sirius had just dropped him off at platform nine and three quarters and he was impatiently awaiting the arrival of his two best friends. He just hoped that maybe just maybe this year would be better, especially for Ron and Hermione.
Whenever those two were together, it resulted into an argument, which would last for days. Harry knew just like everyone was pretty much certain that the two of them secretly had deep feelings for each other, but whenever it was time to express their feelings, their pride would interfere and get the better of them. He was really hoping that they would eventually open up their hearts to one another or else there would be a World War III at Hogwarts, this year. Some people even predicted that they would be arguing even when they would be placed on their deathbeds. But maybe, just maybe, things would hopefully be different. He had been waiting for nearly an hour, when just before he was about to doze off he heard a female voice call out, "Harry!"
He hurriedly glanced up pushing his untidy black hair away from his eyes and saw a girl of 5'7 running towards him, arms clutching an armload full of books, her brown hair loose to the waist, and her chocolate brown eyes dancing with happiness.
"Hermione," he replied happily as she approached and gave her a brotherly hug. They ignored the crash of the heavy textbooks, which she had released as she returned his hug.
"It's so good to see you, Harry." Hermione cried joyfully; as she and Harry knelt down to help her pick up the books. They stood up slowly, as Harry handed her the books carefully.
"Same to you, Hermione, and don't mind me saying but you certainly changed over the summer," Harry teased, his green eyes twinkling behind the glasses.
Hermione blushed a deep pink as she brushed her bangs away from her forehead. "Speak for yourself. How was your summer with Dursleys?" she asked, leaning against the brick wall.
"Not too bad. After all, now that they've actually become concerned about the wizarding world, they badgered me with questions about what was happening. And don't worry, I prepared for my N.E.W.T.S. How was yours?"
"Great. I'm just upset Ron didn't invite us over the summer to the Burrow." She frowned as if remembering how disappointed she was when her eyes lit up and she squealed excitedly, "Oh Harry, you are not going to believe what I found out over the summer."
"What, what did you find out?" Harry asked, panic stricken and clutching her shoulders in alarm.
"Oh Harry, calm down. Nothing dangerous happened to me. I just found out that I'm Head Girl," she finished happily.
"Really," Harry sighed. "That's good news. I'm really happy for you. But who's Head Boy?"
"I have no clue, but I hope it's someone appropriate or better yet, decent. Can you imagine sharing a room with Malfoy?" Hermione shuddered at the very thought and giggled to herself.
Harry chuckled, remembering how Hermione had slapped him in their third year. It had been a moment that he and Ron had treasured and laughed at for three years. He grinned at her amused face and looked around. Most of the Hogwarts students were boarding the scarlet train, but Ron and Ginny were nowhere to be found.
The two of them chatted for a while and met old friends, but they were really eager on meeting the two remaining Weasley's, Ron and Ginny. It was about time for the train to leave and if they didn't hurry up they would surely miss it.
"Harry," Hermione started worriedly, "You don't think I've changed too much over the summer?"
Harry laughed and studied her critically. "Not really…I mean, with as little criticism as possible, I still think you're a bookworm, the smartest witch I've ever known, your teeth are better, and sure your hair is longer and your eyes," he paused slightly, and placing his hand on his chin, he tilted his head sideways at her, as if finding a major fault in her. Then, he shook his head, and replied, "No, I thought they were black but they're still a very nice brown. So you're still that average girl Ron and I rescued in our first year from a menacing troll."
"Oh shut up!" Hermione remarked whacking him playfully on the head. "Ron won't mind that I've changed...will he? I mean he can get so easily stirred up sometimes. And where on earth are they!" She looked at her watch hurriedly.
Harry smiled at her reassuringly. "I wouldn't know. I'm not Ron. And I'm pretty sure they probably just left home-Ron!" Harry exclaimed. Hermione spun around and came face-to-face with Ronald Weasley.
Even though Harry and Hermione had matured over the summer, none of them had changed as greatly as Ron had. For a seventeen-year-old he was 6'3 with broad shoulders, arms that matched his length, hair redder than ever and a twinkle in his blue eyes, which shone at their bewilderment. His sudden arrival had certainly grabbed the attention of many female eyes. "Ron…" Hermione gasped clutching Harry's arm for support. "You've changed."
"Should I take that as a compliment, Hermione?" Ron teased, chuckling at her amazement.
Hermione smiled back, released her grasp on Harry and gave Ron a quick hug. "He definitely smelled different, a very unlike Ron smell," she thought to herself, as she released him and gave him a quick smile, which he returned.
"Good to see you, mate," Harry, remarked, sticking out his hand and they shook good-naturedly. Harry secretly grinned to himself. Ron was as surprised at Hermione's change, like she was, but being the annoying prat that he is, he would never express his opinion out in the open. After all, it did take him four years to realize that Hermione was in fact a girl. After their greetings, they stood awkwardly together, when Hermione broke the silence by questioning, "Where's Ginny?"
"Here I am," a small voice piped up behind Ron. Ginny smiled shyly as Harry and Hermione welcomed her. Harry smiled fondly at his girlfriend. They had kept in touch over the summer and he was secretly glad that she hadn't told him about her change in appearance. She appeared much more mature than usual, which pleased him in a strange sense. He gave her a big hug and nothing more, especially since there were under the watchful gaze of her elder brother. He and Ginny had been dating for the past two years, and it definitely had not been easy breaking that news to Ron. Once they were left alone, however, he would welcome her properly.
Finally the train gave a loud hoot, while the grand clock of the platform rang shrilly that it was 11 o'clock. A sudden thought crossed Harry's mind. This was the perfect opportunity to get Hermione and Ron together. After all, what better way then to start immediately?
"Uh Ginny. Let's go and seat us on the train. Since Hermione and I have already talked I'm sure, Hermione and Ron will want to catch up on their summer." Harry gave Ginny a sly look, amidst Ron and Hermione's protests. Ginny knew that look too well so she casually replied, "Sure. See you guys at Hogwarts." With that they walked aboard the train and headed towards an empty compartment. Once they had closed the compartment door behind them safely, Ginny turned towards him and asked playfully, "Harry, what are you upto?"
"Nothing really," Harry calmly responded as he sat down. "I just want my two best friends to realize how much they care for each other." He opened his arms and gestured for her to come and sit with him.
Ginny smiled at him and doing so she leaned against his chest, but not before she turned around and gave him a breathtaking kiss. She broke away by mumbling against his lips, "My brothers were saying that all summer but Ron refused to listen to them."
"Well, maybe he'll change now. So tell me how was your summer?" Harry remarked as he and Ginny became more comfortable on the sofa.
Meanwhile outside..."Well," Ron cleared his throat and looked at Hermione, who was avoiding his gaze. "Shall we?" He gestured towards the stair in a dignified manner.
"Of course. We don't want to be left behind, do we?" Saying so, she brushed past him and climbed aboard. Ron shook his head, amused. This was going to be a very strange summer, he thought to himself, as he climbed in after her. And with that they were off to Hogwarts.
***
Disclaimer: The Harry Potter characters do not belong to me, but to J.K. Rowling.
CHAPTER I: THE BEGINNING
It was another beginning of Harry, Ron and Hermione's seventh and final year at Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry. The trio had been together for seven years, encountering villains and dangers along the way. Harry was extremely surprised that he had actually made it into graduating from school, despite the fact that Lord Voldemort was still on the loose. Sirius had just dropped him off at platform nine and three quarters and he was impatiently awaiting the arrival of his two best friends. He just hoped that maybe just maybe this year would be better, especially for Ron and Hermione.
Whenever those two were together, it resulted into an argument, which would last for days. Harry knew just like everyone was pretty much certain that the two of them secretly had deep feelings for each other, but whenever it was time to express their feelings, their pride would interfere and get the better of them. He was really hoping that they would eventually open up their hearts to one another or else there would be a World War III at Hogwarts, this year. Some people even predicted that they would be arguing even when they would be placed on their deathbeds. But maybe, just maybe, things would hopefully be different. He had been waiting for nearly an hour, when just before he was about to doze off he heard a female voice call out, "Harry!"
He hurriedly glanced up pushing his untidy black hair away from his eyes and saw a girl of 5'7 running towards him, arms clutching an armload full of books, her brown hair loose to the waist, and her chocolate brown eyes dancing with happiness.
"Hermione," he replied happily as she approached and gave her a brotherly hug. They ignored the crash of the heavy textbooks, which she had released as she returned his hug.
"It's so good to see you, Harry." Hermione cried joyfully; as she and Harry knelt down to help her pick up the books. They stood up slowly, as Harry handed her the books carefully.
"Same to you, Hermione, and don't mind me saying but you certainly changed over the summer," Harry teased, his green eyes twinkling behind the glasses.
Hermione blushed a deep pink as she brushed her bangs away from her forehead. "Speak for yourself. How was your summer with Dursleys?" she asked, leaning against the brick wall.
"Not too bad. After all, now that they've actually become concerned about the wizarding world, they badgered me with questions about what was happening. And don't worry, I prepared for my N.E.W.T.S. How was yours?"
"Great. I'm just upset Ron didn't invite us over the summer to the Burrow." She frowned as if remembering how disappointed she was when her eyes lit up and she squealed excitedly, "Oh Harry, you are not going to believe what I found out over the summer."
"What, what did you find out?" Harry asked, panic stricken and clutching her shoulders in alarm.
"Oh Harry, calm down. Nothing dangerous happened to me. I just found out that I'm Head Girl," she finished happily.
"Really," Harry sighed. "That's good news. I'm really happy for you. But who's Head Boy?"
"I have no clue, but I hope it's someone appropriate or better yet, decent. Can you imagine sharing a room with Malfoy?" Hermione shuddered at the very thought and giggled to herself.
Harry chuckled, remembering how Hermione had slapped him in their third year. It had been a moment that he and Ron had treasured and laughed at for three years. He grinned at her amused face and looked around. Most of the Hogwarts students were boarding the scarlet train, but Ron and Ginny were nowhere to be found.
The two of them chatted for a while and met old friends, but they were really eager on meeting the two remaining Weasley's, Ron and Ginny. It was about time for the train to leave and if they didn't hurry up they would surely miss it.
"Harry," Hermione started worriedly, "You don't think I've changed too much over the summer?"
Harry laughed and studied her critically. "Not really…I mean, with as little criticism as possible, I still think you're a bookworm, the smartest witch I've ever known, your teeth are better, and sure your hair is longer and your eyes," he paused slightly, and placing his hand on his chin, he tilted his head sideways at her, as if finding a major fault in her. Then, he shook his head, and replied, "No, I thought they were black but they're still a very nice brown. So you're still that average girl Ron and I rescued in our first year from a menacing troll."
"Oh shut up!" Hermione remarked whacking him playfully on the head. "Ron won't mind that I've changed...will he? I mean he can get so easily stirred up sometimes. And where on earth are they!" She looked at her watch hurriedly.
Harry smiled at her reassuringly. "I wouldn't know. I'm not Ron. And I'm pretty sure they probably just left home-Ron!" Harry exclaimed. Hermione spun around and came face-to-face with Ronald Weasley.
Even though Harry and Hermione had matured over the summer, none of them had changed as greatly as Ron had. For a seventeen-year-old he was 6'3 with broad shoulders, arms that matched his length, hair redder than ever and a twinkle in his blue eyes, which shone at their bewilderment. His sudden arrival had certainly grabbed the attention of many female eyes. "Ron…" Hermione gasped clutching Harry's arm for support. "You've changed."
"Should I take that as a compliment, Hermione?" Ron teased, chuckling at her amazement.
Hermione smiled back, released her grasp on Harry and gave Ron a quick hug. "He definitely smelled different, a very unlike Ron smell," she thought to herself, as she released him and gave him a quick smile, which he returned.
"Good to see you, mate," Harry, remarked, sticking out his hand and they shook good-naturedly. Harry secretly grinned to himself. Ron was as surprised at Hermione's change, like she was, but being the annoying prat that he is, he would never express his opinion out in the open. After all, it did take him four years to realize that Hermione was in fact a girl. After their greetings, they stood awkwardly together, when Hermione broke the silence by questioning, "Where's Ginny?"
"Here I am," a small voice piped up behind Ron. Ginny smiled shyly as Harry and Hermione welcomed her. Harry smiled fondly at his girlfriend. They had kept in touch over the summer and he was secretly glad that she hadn't told him about her change in appearance. She appeared much more mature than usual, which pleased him in a strange sense. He gave her a big hug and nothing more, especially since there were under the watchful gaze of her elder brother. He and Ginny had been dating for the past two years, and it definitely had not been easy breaking that news to Ron. Once they were left alone, however, he would welcome her properly.
Finally the train gave a loud hoot, while the grand clock of the platform rang shrilly that it was 11 o'clock. A sudden thought crossed Harry's mind. This was the perfect opportunity to get Hermione and Ron together. After all, what better way then to start immediately?
"Uh Ginny. Let's go and seat us on the train. Since Hermione and I have already talked I'm sure, Hermione and Ron will want to catch up on their summer." Harry gave Ginny a sly look, amidst Ron and Hermione's protests. Ginny knew that look too well so she casually replied, "Sure. See you guys at Hogwarts." With that they walked aboard the train and headed towards an empty compartment. Once they had closed the compartment door behind them safely, Ginny turned towards him and asked playfully, "Harry, what are you upto?"
"Nothing really," Harry calmly responded as he sat down. "I just want my two best friends to realize how much they care for each other." He opened his arms and gestured for her to come and sit with him.
Ginny smiled at him and doing so she leaned against his chest, but not before she turned around and gave him a breathtaking kiss. She broke away by mumbling against his lips, "My brothers were saying that all summer but Ron refused to listen to them."
"Well, maybe he'll change now. So tell me how was your summer?" Harry remarked as he and Ginny became more comfortable on the sofa.
Meanwhile outside..."Well," Ron cleared his throat and looked at Hermione, who was avoiding his gaze. "Shall we?" He gestured towards the stair in a dignified manner.
"Of course. We don't want to be left behind, do we?" Saying so, she brushed past him and climbed aboard. Ron shook his head, amused. This was going to be a very strange summer, he thought to himself, as he climbed in after her. And with that they were off to Hogwarts.
***