AN: There are not nearly enough Dean and Hermione stories out there. Let me start by saying I am about halfway done with this story and it will be finished. I will post one chapter a week (maybe two if I get good reviews). I have already planned a sequel. There will be some Ron bashing in this story. I usually hate when people make Ron the bad guy but it is what it is. I hope you enjoy. The story will alternate between Hermione and Dean's perspective usually but this chapter is just from Hermione's prespective. Read and enjoy. And Review.

Chapter 1:

"I can't believe Harry and Ron aren't here," Neville said loudly.

Hermione felt her heart contract at the comment. It was silly Neville had no idea how much pain she was in or why? She exchanged a look with Ginny( who didn't look pained just irritated.) She and Ginny were handling the separation from their boyfriends differently. Ginny was sad and a little angry that she couldn't be with her love but she was so confident in who they were that she just bore it in stride. Hermione was nearly devastated by Ron's decision to not go back to school. Ron was Hermione's boyfriend but their relationship felt fragile and she was scared if she was away from him too long they would fall apart.

"I knew they weren't coming back," Neville continued, "But it's weird not seeing them here."

Hermione picked at her food. She had lost her appetite. She didn't want to think about the fight she and Ron had that morning when he saw her off at the Hogwarts express. Ron didn't understand why Hermione was so displeased and Hermione didn't understand why Ron couldn't put in one more year to finish his education? Hermione understood coming back to Hogwarts was hard after the battle. It was hard for her too. This is where Fred died and Hermione understood that made even seeing this place hard for Ron. But Ginny was here. Ok, so Ginny didn't have much of choice but if she could suck it up so could Ron.

"Hermione!" Dean called.

Hermione jerked back to reality and smiled at her friend. "I am sorry," she said sheepishly. "Did you say something?"

Dean smiled and repeated his question, "Is Ron excited to start Auror training?" he asked.

Hermione nodded wishing to avoid this topic also. Another fight she and Ron had. He didn't understand why Hermione didn't want to be an Auror. She told him she was tired of fighting but he just didn't get it. "He is excited. Harry too."

"Wish I was going with them," Ginny mumbled glumly. She stabbed a piece of meat with her fork angrily.

Hermione gave her a sympathetic smile and patted her hand.

The conversation came to a halt at the moment (thankfully) because Headmistress McGonagall stood up to greet the students and give start if term announcements. She introduced the new Transfiguration (who was also their new head of house),Charlie Weasley.

"You didn't say anything." Neville hissed at Ginny and Hermione.

Hermione and Ginny both new Charlie was going to be teaching this year but they just didn't think to share the information. Charlie had decided to retire as a Dragon Keeper mostly because his family was still a bit of a mess over Fred's death. Molly wanted to keep her kids close. It hurt Hermione to see Charlie sitting there waving and smiling because he reminded her so much of Ron. Hermione was so deep in thought she almost missed McGonagall introducing their new Defense against the Dark Arts teacher, Hestia Jones (whom Hermione knew as a member of the Order of the Phoenix.)

Once that was done McGonagall moved onto warnings. Stay away the forbidden forest...Mr. Filch has still banned all Weasley Wizarding Wheezes products...etc...

"Oh and I almost forgot," The headmistress said with a smile, "Let me introduce you to the head boy and head girl. Hermione Granger and Dean Thomas- please stand." Hermione and Dean stood, "If you have any questions please feel free to see them. Their authority is very real. They have the power to take house points and give detentions this year. Please be aware."

Hermione was surprised at the applause she received- not just from Gryffindors and staff but other houses as well. Hermione saw Charlie giving her a standing ovation and a wink. She smiled back but it made her stomach turn. She missed Ron so much it hurt. Hermione sat down as soon as she deemed it polite and once the applause died down McGonagall dismissed them.

Hermione stood up,"Gryffindors, this way please." she called down the table. Together she and Dean led their house to the tower.

As she walked the corridors Hermione was surprised to see how put together everything was. You wouldn't know by looking that four months ago a tremendous and violent battle was fought in these very halls. You couldn't even tell it was rebuilt. Nothing looked new. It looked like it always did.

"Welcome to Gryffindor Tower first years," Hermione said with a smile when then all stood in front of the fat lady. "This portrait is our entrance. The current password is fortitude," The headmistress decided to make it a little simple to start with. Once the portrait swung open allowing them entrance Hermione and Dean led their house mates inside.

"This is Gryffindor common room," Dean said throwing his arms out indicating their surroundings. He pointed to the stairs," Boys your dorms are that way. Girls, yours are the other way. Any questions?"

No one said anything but Hermione knew there would be questions later. "If you think of anything later Dean and I are glad to help and so are Neville and Ginny, who are Gryffindor prefects." Hermione paused and then added, "Also, Hogwarts, a History is a great resource in learning the history of our school. I recommend it to everyone." she ignored the snickers from her friends. "Off to bed with you."

She and Dean watched the younger students and most of the older ones scurry off to their dorms. Soon it was just Hermione, Dean, Ginny, Neville and Seamus in the common room.

"I am jealous that you guys get separate housing," Seamus grumbled to Hermione and Dean.

"It's not separate," Hermione explained. "It's right though there" She pointed to a door off the side of the common room.

"Can we take a tour?" Neville asked.

"Sure," Dean said. He went to the door and unlocked it with the spell McGonagall had taught them.

Hermione went in first. They were in a smaller version of the Gryffindor common room. It had a desk and two comfortable looking chairs in front of a roaring fire.

"Oh, I could get used to this," Seamus sighed as he sunk into one of the chairs.

"Well, don't." Dean teased. He prodded his friend with the toe of his boot. "Come on you git."

Seamus laughed good naturedly and got up. Dean led the way up the small set of stairs. At the top was a landing with two doors. Dean opened the one on the left which was his room. There was a small desk, a small fire place, a chair and a four poster bed.

"Nice," Neville commented.

"Looks just like the other dorms," Hermione said.

"But no roommates," Ginny interjected.

Hermione thought she would miss having roommates...even Lavender.

"Is this Hermione's room?" Ginny asked opening a door on the right side. "Oh no, it's a bathroom."

"You get your own bathroom?" Seamus demanded pushing past Ginny to look.

"Yes," Dean sighed.

The bathroom was small. It had one tub and one shower stall. There were two sinks and a toilet. "Look, they have space to keep their bathroom things here," Ginny complained. "Instead of hauling them back and forth."

"Oh, get over it," Dean laughed.

"My room is through there and it is exactly the same as Dean's," Hermione said. But Ginny insisted on looking anyway.

Once they were done Hermione and Dean led their friends back down the stairs and to the door. They bid them goodnight.

Hermione and Dean was alone. Hermione realized she had never really been alone with Dean before which was strange considering they had been friends for so many years.

"Ready for bed?" Dean asked with a yawn and a stretch.

"I was hoping we could go over the prefect patrol schedule," Hermione said reaching for her bag.

"Can't we do that before breakfast?' Dean asked frowning.

"Why put off till tomorrow what we can do today?" Hermione sang pulling her binder from her bag.

Dean smiled, "This is going to be a long year with you, isn't it?"

Hermione laughed and handed him the schedule she worked on during the train ride. "What do you think?" she asked. "McGonagall said she wanted us to have prefects from different houses patrolling together like Gryffindor/Slytherin and Ravenclaw/Hufflepuff, you know? So, I did that but I put you and I together for patrols, is that ok?"

Dean smiled and handed the list back to Hermione, "Looks fine," he said.

Hermione frowned, "You barely glanced at it," she complained.

Dean grinned and shrugged, "Like I could find fault with a schedule Hermione Granger makes?" he chuckled then said, "I was never even a prefect I think you are more qualified." He made a face, "I am actually surprised I was made head boy."

Hermione didn't want to admit to Dean that she was surprised too. Of course Ron or Harry would have been head boy had they returned. Neville might have been an option considering he was a recognized war hero with awards for special services to the magical community but he despite his transformation he was still a bit disorganized and forgetful. Draco Malfoy was a very good student until his brief time as a minor death eater but he didn't return to Hogwarts and the governors didn't want a Slytherin as head boy anyway (Charlie mentioned that to Hermione and Ginny after he got the job as Transfiguration professor.) It's not that Dean was a bad student-his marks were very good. He was a war hero too and extremely well liked and friendly. "I am not surprised," Hermione lied with a smile. "Everyone likes you and you are a good student."

Dean smiled knowingly but said, "Thank you." He yawned again, "I am going to shower." He gestured to the stairs, "Unless you want to go first."

"No, you go on," Hermione replied.

Dean nodded and started away, "I will knock on your door when I am done," he called over his shoulder.

Hermione followed behind him up the stairs. She went into her room and pulled her robes off. She was wearing jeans and a blue blouse underneath. She pulled her Ancient Runes textbook out of her bag. Hermione kicked her shoes off and climbed onto her bed. She settled into read. Hermione was determined to focus on school work and not bemoan her personal problems this year.

About twenty minutes later there was a knock on the door to the bathroom. Hermione put her book down with a sigh. She crossed the room and opened the door.

Dean looked at her in surprise. He was standing in the bathroom in nothing but a towel. He chuckled, "I didn't think you would open the door. I was just-just -uh..." He trailed off obviously uncomfortable.

"Letting me know you were done?" Hermione finished for him. She tried to avert her eyes but she stole a glance at his dark, toned chest. He wasn't huge and muscular but he had strong looking arms and a smooth toned abdomen. When did that happen? Hermione wondered silently and then felt terrible. Here she was checking out Dean when she had a boyfriend and he had a girlfriend. I am a terrible person, Hermione chastised herself. Then Hermione realized she forgot to ask Dean about his relationship. "How is Luna? I am sorry I forgot to ask earlier."

Dean sighed and made a face, "I wouldn't know how Luna is," he replied. "We broke up."

Hermione gasped," Really? When?"

"About three weeks ago," Dean said. "I woke up one morning and she was gone."

"Gone?" Hermione repeated. "What do you mean gone?"

Dean leaned against the door frame and crossed his strong arms., "I mean I woke up and she was gone. She had packed some clothes and her toiletries and left during the night."

"Weren't you staying with her and her dad this summer?" Hermione asked.

Dean nodded, "Which made things awkward to say the least . Xeno seemed fine with me staying there for the rest of the summer but it was too weird. I went back to my mum and step dads house."

Hermione was flummoxed, "But...but...where did she go? Why?"

Dean barked a laugh, "Her dad told me she went on a search for some...I don't know some dippy, imaginary creature or other...As for why -your guess is as good as mine. I mean I know why...she is Luna but why she left without saying goodbye or even talking to me about it...I don't know..." He turned away from Hermione started into his room.

Hermione grabbed her toiletries and went into the bathroom. Dean's door was still open. She started the faucet and took her toothpaste and toothbrush out. Out of the corner of her eyes she saw Dean's towel drop. Hermione turned away and felt a heat rise to her skin.

"Did you ever talk to her?" Hermione called her words slightly obscured by the toothbrush in her mouth.

"Huh?" Dean asked. He had come back to the door. Thankfully, he was now wearing boxer shorts and a t-shirt.

Hermione spit the toothpaste out and rinsed her mouth. "Did you ever hear from her?" Hermione repeated her question.

Dean rolled his eyes. "No," he said."I sent her two letters and she didn't reply to either." Dean made a face, "The first was fairly emasculating. There was a bit of begging . But the second was good and angry."

Hermione reached out and touched his shoulder, "I am sorry Dean," she said sincerely. She really hated that. She thought Dean and Luna were really cute together.

"It is what it is, eh?" Dean replied. "I was pretty torn up about it for about 2 weeks. But I am not going to focus on that. I am going to focus on school and my future."

"I am with you there," Hermione said sadly.

Dean raised an eyebrow, "You and Ron are good, right?" he asked. "Last I saw you two you were right disgusting together."

Hermione didn't want to tell Dean how she felt. The only person who knew about her concerns was Ginny. Her red-haired friend thought Hermione was being a bit silly. She didn't want to sound like a shrew so she nodded, "We are fine. I just miss him is all."

"Good," Dean said. "I would hate to see you two break up after all you have been through." He stretched, "I am beat so I am going to head to bed. Sleep well Hermione."

"You too," Hermione said softly as the door closed. She started the water in the shower and stripped out of her clothes. Hermione stepped under the warm water hoping it would ease her tension and wash her worries away.

It didn't work.

AN:A friend who read this pointed out that bringing Charlie in as a professor and mentioning him as I do may seem significant. I want to take this moment to say it's not really. I just love writing Charlie. This will not be a Charlie/Hermione fic but there will be some Charlie/Hermione friendship later. Also, this fic is unbeat'd. if you would like to beta for me I wouldn't turn it down. Thanks for reading. Reviews are love.