AN!!!: Well, maybe it isn't that hugely important of an authors note, but exclamation points are just so fun! Anyways, this is my second chapter today.. who's impressed?? I know I am. Ok, I know it's short, but i am going to mke it up to you by posting another chapter like 5 minutes after posting this one (I already typed it!)

So, to business. Italics are thoughts, bolds are alter-egos. and off we go!

Chapter 9

When the train finally arrived at Hogsmeade Station, the familiar could be heard of Hagrid shouting for the first years, and the students shouting for their friends and getting into carriages.

Harry and Ron had already snagged a carriage and called Hermione over.

She walked over and hopped in, quickly shutting the door. She turned to sit down and her insides jumped

"Remus!" She exclaimed. "I didn't expect you to take the carriages."

He smiled lightly. "I could always get out and walk."

"No, no, I'm sorry. I guess I never thought about how new teachers get to Hogwarts."

"Well it isn't exactly a popular topic for conversation."

She smiled. Harry and Ron were off in their own world talking about quidditch. She turned back to Remus.

"You nervous?" She asked.

"A little. After all, the while school knows my real nature this year."

Hermione nodded in understanding, cocking her head to one side thoughtfully.

Remus's eyes widened and his heart clenched painfully. There was a mark on her neck, and even if he hadn't had a girlfriend in quite some time, he knew a hickie when he saw one. Before he could stop himself he asked, "What…is that?"

Hermione looked at him funny. "What?"

"On your neck."

She pulled out a hand mirror from her purse and looked. Her face turned red immediately. "It m-must've happened on the train." She stammered. "I think I bumped into something." She used her wand to quickly conceal it.

Remus watched her, wondering, Why is she hiding it? A secret romance maybe? Oh, what does it matter. He turned back to her as the carriage pulled up to Hogwarts and stopped. He hopped out and offered his hand to Hermione, helping her out of the carriage.

He nodded goodbye to the golden trio and quickly walked up the steps to join the teachers at the head table.

Hermione watched him hurry off, taking several steps at a time, and reciunted his expression when he'd seen the hickie. She hadn't even noticed when Draco did that, but his expression…it looked like…jealousy?

No She told herself. Wishful thinking is all that is. He'll never think of you that way.

She grabbed harry and Ron, still deep in conversation (well, more like an argument by the sound of it) and tugged them up the steps to the great hall.

The sorting and the feast was a blur, as most of the time Hermione was deep in thought.

Draco, Remus, Draco, Remus. She pondered in her dorm which to choose.

-I thought we already chose Draco.-

I know, but I love Remus, I always have.

-He doesn't love you.-

Oh, stuff it.

-Honestly. The nerve…-

Just because you're right doesn't mean you have to shove it in my face.

-I wasn't shoving it in your face, I I was shoving it through your head.-

She groaned and rolled over, pulling p her covers and falling asleep.