Author's Note: Hello all! This story is going to be an AU fic about Harry and Hermione. I have wanted to write an HP/HG fic for a long time now and I finally worked up the courage to do so. As of right now, I am going to keep the story under 25 chapters or less but we will see how that works out. This is my first HP fic so please give lots of feedback and constructive criticism. Also to any of you U.K. readers, providing suggestions about the British English dialogue would be brilliant! I studied abroad in England for 3 months this past year so I picked up a few things but I am not fluent in the everyday lingo so it would be awesome to have your input. Thanks everyone and I really hope you enjoy it!

Ages: they all are 17 and in their last year of high school/secondary school. Ginny is 16 and a year below them. Also, the story will overall be in Hermione's POV.

Disclaimer: Characters/HP world completely belong to the awesome J.K. Rowling. I am just borrowing her characters for awhile.

CH. 1- BEST FRIENDS FOREVER?

"Watch where you are going Granger. People are actually trying to walk here," a deep irritating voice announced above me.

I looked up to glare into the emerald green eyes that accompanied the horrible sound. I took a deep calming breath before rolling my eyes up at him as I continued to gather the books from the ground that had fallen out of my arms during our collision.

"Shame that you actually have to try to walk. For most people it comes naturally. Then again, you always were rather on the slow side," I replied back finally standing up with my books firmly placed in my arms.

"I don't even need to justify that pathetic response with an answer. Just stay out of my way alright?" he stated with a glare before speeding off down the hallway toward his lackies.

I sighed again as I opened my locker door and put some of my books into it. Harry Potter was honestly the worst, most despicable guy I have ever had the unpleasant chance of knowing in my entire life. He was rude, conceited, arrogant, and exceedingly annoying. Sure he wasn't horrible to look at but he wasn't the best looking guy around. Standing at a tall 6'2, green eyes, slightly muscular build, with black unruly hair, Potter thought he commanded the school. Girls practically drooled on themselves whenever he walked by, begging to have a chance with "the" Harry Potter. It was sickening to say the least. I mean what was so good about him anyway?

Closing my locker after retrieving the necessary school supplies needed for class, I leaned against it and looked across the hall at Potter. He was laughing with his group of male drones as I like to call them. His main group consisted of Draco Malfoy, Ron Weasley, Dean Thomas and Seamus Finnigan. Draco and Ron were his two best friends and they were also the worst of the group. Draco slept with any skirt that crossed his path and was exceedingly rich and was sure to let others know it. Ron honestly had no brain in his head. He followed Harry's every move and worshipped the ground he walked on. It was sad really but I think he did it because he liked the attention that came with being a friend of "the" Harry Potter.

"Take a picture, it will last longer," a light female voice from beside me spoke out.

"Never. Hell will freeze over before that happens. Besides, he would probably melt the camera with his horribleness", I responded with a smile at her.

"Whatever you say Hermione," she smiled knowingly back before turning towards her locker on the left of mine.

Ginny was a good friend of mine. She was basically the only friend I had and the only person I could trust in this popularity contest that was considered a school. I've known her since we were young (she was 11 and I was 12 at the time) when she and her family moved into our neighborhood. She was the youngest and the only girl of a big family of 5 older brothers. She was very pretty with long red hair, brown eyes, and long slender legs that would make any guy crawl at her feet. She was incredibly popular and could have any guy in the school. However, none of that mattered to me. Ginny was the type of friend that would die for you and stick with you through thick and thin. Surprisingly enough, one of her brother's is Ron.

"So what are you doing tonight?" Ginny asked turning to look at me.

"Reading, I need to prepare for my internship interview tomorrow," I replied.

"Oh that's right. I completely forgot about that. I'm sure you will do fine Hermione there is no doubt about it. If anyone is qualified for the position it will be you. No worries."

"Well Ginny I am glad that you possess such a high confidence level but I still must prepare just as well."

"Of course you must. You wouldn't be you without it. I was just wondering…" Ginny trailed off looking at her bright purple fingernails.

"What is it? Let it out," I inquired with a raise of my eyebrows.

"Well, it's just that there is a party tonight at the Malfoy's and I really wanted you to suck it up and go!"

"Malfoy, as in Draco Malfoy?"

"Well yes. I mean is there another Malfoy?"

"It is a very real possibility considering all of the females he has been with at this school alone."

"Oh Hermione really. I think you should go, it will be good for you to get out every once in awhile. Let loose, maybe grab a drink or two."

"No thanks. I do not enjoy entertaining the idea of engaging in underage drinking. Besides, if it's Malfoy's party, you know who will be attending."

"It is only fair. Harry IS Draco's best friend. You cannot expect him not to be there."

"I know and that is exactly why I am not going."

"Honestly Hermione, I don't understand you sometimes. You two used to be the best of friends growing up. What could have possibly happened that was that terrible to end your friendship? I know it happened before I moved here but you keep refusing to tell me. Until you do, I am going to keep thinking that you just secretly want to shag him senseless and simply do not have the courage to make the first move," Ginny said in a smug tone crossing her arms.

I rolled my eyes playfully at her shaking my head. Just then the bell for homeroom rang and everyone in the hallway started getting ready to walk towards their respective classrooms. I grabbed my book bag off of the floor and said goodbye to Ginny as we parted ways toward our own classrooms. I glanced one more look at Harry as I turned to leave and saw him looking at me as well. We locked eyes for a second before looking away as his girlfriend at the time Cho Chang came up to put her arms around his waist. Turning away from the offending sight, I walked in the direction of my homeroom.

Ginny was right. There was a time when Harry and I used to be the best of friends. I thought that nothing could come in between our friendship, but I had been wrong.