There is much that goes on in the mind of a 16-year-old girl, but still even more in a 16-year-old witch's mind. Hermione Granger was caught writing in her diary by Ron at the beginning of sixth year. She quickly took out her wand and said 'Anihamaro' and her diary vanished just in time. Right when the diary disappeared, she saw Ron's longish red hair followed by the rest of him. Neither Harry nor Ron knew that she kept a diary. Even though they were all friends, they were still boys and would, of course, try to sneak a peek at it.
"There you are, Hermione! We've been looking all over for you," Ron said he motioned for Harry to come into the dormitory.
"I told you she was in here, Ron. My Marauder's Map never lies. Hello, Hermione," said Harry as Hermione gave both of them hugs hello.
"I just wanted to make sure. You know, just to see if that map was accurate," Ron had said, with the most embarrassed look on his face. The map never lies.
"Mischief managed," Harry said as he touched the tip of his wand to the map. The ink slowly soaked into the parchment as he stuffed it into his back pocket. He glanced over at Hermione, and saw that she had her wand still clasped in her hand.
"Why is your wand out? What were you doing before we came?," Harry asked suspiciously.
"Oh...nothing, really. I was just...," she stuttered, thinking of an excuse,"...practicing some spells I studied over the summer."
"Always studying, eh, Hermione? Books, books, books. I don't know how you do it!," Ron jokingly said.
"Oh, that's rich, Ron. At least I do well in my classes. I actually study instead of using the time to eat as much Bertie Bott's and chocolate frogs as I can," Hermione said as a great comeback.
"Stop it, you two. Besides, don't you even remember why we came here, Ron?," Harry butted in.
"Um...oh, yeah! Dinner's very soon, and there's a new kid we want you to meet, Hermione."
"Oh, Merlin! I didn't realize the time! Who is this you want me to meet, again?," Hermione said as she looked at the wall clock across the room.
"His name's Benji Grushka, and he just got transferred here from Durmstrang. You remember the school from the Triwizard Tournament? Well, Ron and I would like you to meet him."
"Oh. Well, we best get going then, shouldn't we?," Hermione questioned, grabbing her robes and shoving her wand into her front pocket. There was only five minutes for them to get through the doors of the eating hall, and they were completely across the school. They all ran like lightning bolts down the moving stairs, and almost fell off. After a couple minutes, they arrived at the front of the doors to the hall, just as Filch was closing the doors. They walked inside, and slowly found their seats at the Gryffindor table, still exhausted from running so far. Hermione saw Ginny, and started talking with her. Ron was practically wrestling with his two brothers, Fred and George, and Harry was talking to someone Hermione wasn't familiar with. He had crystal blue eyes, looked to be about 5'6" and had longish dark brown hair that dangled in his face. She couldn't help but notice his boyish charm. Harry saw her staring at this boy, and suddenly remembered that he hadn't introduced them to each other.
"Come here, Hermione. Benji, this is Hermione Granger. Hermione, this is Benji Grushka," Harry introduced.
"Nice to meet you, Hermione," said Benji as he shook her hand.
"Pleasure," she answered, taking his hand in hers. Ron was right overhead of Hermione, as though he was making sure Benji didn't try anything with her. He was very overprotective of her.
"Beautiful name, Hermione. Not a very common name, but I like it," Benji complimented her.
"Thanks. Benji is an interesting name, too. Also uncommon, but cute," she answered. Ron was starting to get very anxious. Benji was looking at her, like he was in a trance.
"What? Is there something on my face?"
"No. You have the most gorgeous eyes I have ever seen," Benji blankly said, still gazing into her eyes. By this time, Ron was sitting very close to Hermione, and his teeth and fists were tightly clenched. Harry sensed that he was getting excessively overprotective, and he took him by the arm as he said, "Come on, Ron. I have something to show you. We'll be right back, guys."
"What're you doing? He's trying to...you know...," Ron barked.
"I know! He seems very interested in Hermione. She has been acting funny ever since her and Krum separated, and I think she and Benji would be compatible."
"WHAT?! HAVE YOU GONE MAD?!" By this time, Ron was very, very upset.
"Calm down, Ron! You know it won't work between you and Hermione, and Benji seems right for her. I know you care about her and all, but just leave them alone, please?"
"Fine. But if he does anything to hurt her, I'll kill him." Harry had finally calmed Ron down, and they walked back to their seats. They sat a little farther away from Hermione and Benji, but they were still close enough for them to overhear them.
"So...I'm sure you have a boyfriend, since you're obviously so smart, funny and beautiful," they heard Benji say.
"No, but thanks for the compliment," Hermione replied.
"Well, it's true. Anyway...what're you doing after dinner tonight?"
"Oh, Merlin. I know where this is going. Harry, please let me go over there! He's...," Ron impatiently said. He grabbed onto Harry's arm, because it was the closest thing he could hold onto to keep from attacking Benji. Harry was starting to let out a few 'ouches' from Ron cutting off the circulation to his arm.
"I know. Just sit still, and it'll be fine. Just hold tight."
"Probably just looking over our new books for the year and things like that," they overheard Hermione say, going back to listening.
"Sounds fun. But, do you maybe want me to walk you to your dormitory?"
"That's sweet of you to ask. I think that'd be alright."
"And maybe then do you want to go to Hogsmeade for a few hours sometime?" By this time, Ron was about to burst with anger.
"Hogsmeade? Can't we only go there with the school on field trips and things like that?"
"I have a pass to let me go anytime I want. As long as it's not during classes. It was a gift from my dad for my 16th birthday. We could go on a weekend."
"As long as it's not breaking any rules. I have had too much experience with that." They both laughed a little.
"So...is it a date?"
Thoughts were racing through all four of their minds. Benji was waiting for an answer to his offer, Harry was hoping that she'd say 'yes', Ron was wishing for her to say 'no', also wanting to push Benji away, and Hermione was the one with the most to think about.
"Umm..."
A/N: Well, what do you think? Will Hermione say yes to Benji? Will she say no? Will Ron completely blow up? This is my first story, and I hope all of you like it. Please review! The next chapter will be up soon.