CHAPTER ONE

Ron's insides churned as he approached platform nine and three quarters. As minty as it was, he mentally commanded the butterflies in his stomach to stop fluttering. Why I am I so nervous? Who've I to impress? A stupid question to ask, and he knew it. As of fourth year, he knew that he was in love with Hermione. And now, as they began their sixth, Ron wondered if he stood a chance. Perhaps he did, if he didn't piss her off first.

I threw my curly mass of hair into a low ponytail and strained my neck. Popping a fruit pastille in my mouth, I scanned the platform. I was keeping a close look out for a head of firey, red, Weasley hair. Ron was running late, as usual. The Hogwarts Express stood gleaming behind me, ready to take it's passengers to the castle. A hand on my shoulder pulled me from my thoughts. Whirling around, I saw him. I had to catch my breath, because let me tell you, Ronald Weasley was looking good. "Hello there, 'Mione!" Merlin, I loved when he called me that.

Despite the reproachful tone in her eye (she hated when Ron was late), Hermione was stunning. But there was something rather different about her, and Ron couldn't quite put his finger on it. Whatever change she's made, I very seriously approve. What Ron couldn't see was that Hermione Granger had finally turned into a young woman. She'd reached a pleasant height, her hair was tamed, and, well, let's just say her chest was a tad bit more developed. Ron was dumbfounded. "Well...you sure look...different.."

Different? I looked different? What does that mean? I hadn't grown too much over the summer holiday; and I certainly hadn't gained much weight. Had I? Looking down, a examined my abdomen. Sure, it stuck out a bit, but whose didn't? I wasn't fat, was I? I fumbled with the pastilles in my hand. Maybe if I chucked these...

Still trying to keep the drool in his mouth, Ron followed Hermione onto the train. Harry, who'd met up with them just as the they were about to board, followed quietly. They found a peaceful compartment, and began to talk about their summers. "Just played around with Fred and George mostly, helped them with their little buisiness.." Harry seemed rather amused by the twin's approach to making money, but Hermione strongly disapproved. She's so cute when she's angry..

"I traveled to France, you know, Paris! Breath taking, it really was. And this history was fascinating! And let me tell you, the food was amazing. There's nothing like French cuisine, nothing at all--" I stopped myself from continuing. Why did I keep talking about food? No wonder Ron thought I was a fat porker!

Even though Ron had absolutely no interest in French history, he hung on every word Hermione was saying. And when she abruptly stopped talking, right as it was getting interesting (Ron always loved French toast..), he was devestated. He noticed an angry gleam in her eyes, as if she was mad at herself for something. But as he was about to ask if anything was wrong, he was distracted by a loud cry of "Anything from the trolley dears?"

'You don't want that chocolate. Don't you dare eat it!' I repeated the mantra in my head for the entire ten minutes that the annoying trolley lady was stopped outside the compartment. Harry and Ron bought loads of sweets, making the mantra harder to continue. Harry offered me a chocolate frog, but I politely refused. Ron eyed me funnily, and I assumed it was too see how much I was stuffing my face. 'Well, Ronald, take a good look. I'm not eating a thing. You'll see how different I look soon..'

TBC, yo!