"First years this way," Hermione called out. Kids followed the corridor as they came out of the Great Hall. The different houses began to group together.

"First years follow me!" they could hear Draco yell louder. Hermione looked at him. He smiled at her with a sneer. She shot him a dirty look and turned the other way. Ron and Harry were at her side.

"Harry, you really could get in trouble for walking with us." Hermione said without looking at him.

"Nag, nag, nag, that's all you do. Honestly," Ron said under his breath. She raised her eyebrow at him.

"And you do absolutely nothing, but no one complains about that!" A few first years behind them began to laugh. One girl stepped up.

"I think he is cute," she said giggling. Harry choked back laughs and Ron turned red. Hermione looked the girl in the eye.

"Even the cutest things in life can be the most lazy and stupid," then picked up the pace. Ron stopped and Harry stopped with him. They let all the first years pass by them.

"Does that mean she thinks I'm cute? Yet stupid and lazy all in one?" he asked, excitement in his voice.

"Perhaps, why? Does it matter at all?" Rons smile faded then looked seriously at Harry.

"No reason." Then they ran up to the rest of the group. Hermione was explaining every thing around them to the first years. The staircases seemed to amaze them, but all Ron could do was stare at Hermione. They finally reach the portrait of the fat lady.

"Password?" she asked looking upon them all. Hermione turned her back and looked at the first years.

"Now, this is very important. You must never give the password to anyone, no matter who they are. Very simple, the password is 'Lemon Drop'. All you have to do is face the portrait and say the password, like so. Lemon Drop." And with that the door swung open. A few people gasped as Hermione walked in. Everyone followed. Ron pulled Harry back.

"You HAVE to find out her feelings towards me. Please Harry!" he ask. Harry slowly nodded.

"Sure thing, I'll ask her." Ron smiled.

"Great!" then he climbed into the common room. Everyone went up to their rooms, but Hermione, Harry, and Ron stayed behind.

"Shall we sit?" Hermione asked them, walking over to the three familiar chairs. Harry faced the fire.

"To think Sirius was there, months ago. I miss him." Harry spoke. Hermione nodded.

"We all do, well those closest of course. We can never forget him." She said, playing with her wand. Ron looked at her then forced a yawn.

"Well im SO tired, goodnight guys," Ron said then winked at Harry. They heard him run up the stairs and then slam the door to the rooms shut. Harry looked at Hermione.

"So, good to all be together again isn't it?" He asked.

"Oh yes, its quite lovely. I mean you guys are my best friends. Why wouldn't I want to be with you?" she replied taking out a small cloth.

"Hasn't Ron gotten cute?" he blurted out. Hermione slowly looked up at him.

"Harry, are. are you gay or something?" she asked. Harry laughed nervously.

"No, no, course not. Its just Ron was wondering how you felt about him. If you really thought he was cute, and stupid and lazy all in one." Hermione took a deep breath.

"Yes, I find him cute, AND lazy and stupid. Is that all?" she asked. Harry shook his head.

"That doesn't help me very much."

"Why would I tell you anything regarding my personal feelings towards anyone besides you?" she asked. Harry sort of shrugged then looked up confused.

"Because we are all friends?" then he smiled. Hermione smiled to herself and started to get up.

"Don't stay up to late Harry," and walked up the stairs.

*

"Well? What happened?" Ron asked him first thing the next morning. Harry rubbed his eyes and reached for his glasses. He and Amy were at the beach playing volleyball.

"She thinks your cute, lazy, and stupid all in once." Ron shook his head.

"Anything else?"

"No she wouldn't tell me. Now get out of my face. I don't need to be late for anything our first day!" At the bottom of the stairs waiting for them was Hermione.

"We have a full day today Ron. A lot of the first years have read their maps and are still totally clueless. Professor McGonagall has given us permission to skip every class today. We will be spending the whole day together." Ron began to smile, until he saw the long line of lost and confused students ready for the tour. Ron waved bye to Harry and he and Hermione set off.

*

"Have you seen the new Defense Against The Dark Arts teacher?" Neville asked Harry. Harry shook his head.

"No Neville, not since the last time you asked me."

"Oh well I thought perhaps maybe you saw him between classes . . ."

"NEVILLE! You've been with me the whole time; we would have both seen him!" They approached the door marked DEFENSE AGAINST THE DARK ARTS. Harry reached out and opened it, almost frightened at who was on the other side. He slowly opened the door. The teacher had their back turned to them. Harry stepped in and took a seat. Leaving the seat next to him vacant. The teacher slowly turned around and Harrys eyes bulged.

"Mister Potter, welcome to my new class."

PROFESSER SNAPE!