I first met Hermione her first year on the Hogwarts train. She was helping another first year named Neville look for his lost toad. I was impressed that she walked into a compartment of third-years and talked to us without being intimidated.

Hermione; my younger brother, Ron; and the famous Harry Potter ended up in Gryffindor House with my twin, George; my annoying older brother Percy; and me. I have two other older brothers named Charlie and Bill, but they've graduated. My sister, Ginny, will be starting next year.

Hermione quickly gets a reputation as a know-it-all because she is constantly answering our professors' questions in class. Most of the Gryffindors tolerate her because she wins a lot of points for the House Cup. Overall, though, she is teased a lot, especially by a Slytherin named Draco Malfoy. His father is terrible too.

George and I first encounter Malfoy when he's tormenting Hermione on their way to Transfiguration. Like any cowardly bully, he has two minions, Crabbe and Goyle, with him.

"Why did they even let filth like you into this school?" Malfoy says. "Repulsive Mudblood."

That does it. I pull out my wand and point it at Malfoy's smirking face. "If you ever call her that again, I'll hex you from here into tomorrow."

Malfoy draws his wand as well, but, before either of us can cast a spell, McGonagall, the Transfiguration professor, is standing between us. "Put your wands away immediately."

"But, Professor," Malfoy begins.

"Save it, Mr. Malfoy. Do not use that disgusting word in this castle. Mr. Weasley, if I ever hear you threaten a student again, no matter how noble your intentions, I'll put you in detention. Is that clear?"

"Yes, ma'am," we say together.

"Good. Now get to class."

Hermione whispers a quick thank you to me before following Malfoy into the classroom. But McGonagall lingers for a moment. "Fred, thanks for sticking up for Hermione. She's having a tough year."

Before I can reply, she turns and enters the classroom. So the professors are noticing Hermione's lack of popularity too.

"I feel bad for her," I say as we walk to Defense Across the Dark Arts. "There are quite a few Muggleborns in the castle, but it's gonna be tough when you're the one singled out."

"She did it to herself in a way," George replies. "She is a know-it-all."

"She's nice to everyone, though."

"I know. She doesn't deserve it."

Hermione's bad luck continues until Halloween. Except for the Slytherins, everyone has eased up on teasing her because George and I defend her. Even Ron insulted her until the day she almost got killed by a troll in the girls' bathroom because she was in there crying over something he'd said. He and Harry rescued her, Hermione lied to get them out of detention, and they became friends that day.

All three of them become famous at the end of the year for making it through the maze, facing Voldemort, and saving the Sorcerer's Stone. Their combined 160 points for bravery also cements the House Cup for Gryffindor, and many people apologize to Hermione. She forgives them, and she seems much happier as we all climb on the Hogwarts Express to go home for the summer.

"Thanks for everything," she tells George and me while we're saying our good-byes.

"Anytime," we reply together.