~Return to Hogwarts~
Ron, Harry, Ginny and Hermione dragged their trunks downstairs. In several hours, they would be on the train to Hogwarts.
"All right is everyone ready?" asked Mrs. Weasley frantically, glancing at each of them as they nodded in reply. She ushered them towards the door when suddenly George and Fred apparated in front of them.
"We're going back to our premises!" announced George.
"Yes, our expertise has been called upon," said Fred.
Mrs. Weasley quickly hugged each of them proudly. "Do come and visit as much as possible!" she said. "Yes mum," said the twins simultaneously. Then they turned to the group.
"Well, you're going back to Hogwarts, huh?" asked George.
"--We would say good luck, but we don't really care how you do in school-- ," added Fred.
"--Yes, there really isn't much to say, since, sadly, we know you won't be wreaking any havoc,"
"-So just do us a favor and give Ol' Peevesy our regards!" said the twins before they disapparated.
Hermione frowned, "It's just like them to not care how we do in school!"
Harry and Ron exchanged a look that said, 'Hermione and her school work'.
"I personally think it's very important that we do well this year, especially on our N.E.W.T.S," she added.
Ron groaned, "We're not even at school yet and you're thinking about our N.E.W.T.S?" he asked incredulously. Hermione opened her mouth to retort, but was cut off by Mrs. Weasley.
"All right you lot, we'd better get going, don't want to miss the train!"
Once they had arrived at Platform 93/4, the group looked at Mrs. Weasley to say their goodbyes. Mr. Weasley had to go into the Ministry on business and couldn't accompany them to the train station, so he had said his goodbyes the night before. Mrs. Weasley looked at them sadly. She hugged Ginny and said, "Now dear, I want you to Owl us whenever you can, all right?"
Ginny smiled, "All right mum, I will."
Next, Mrs. Weasley turned to Hermione. "Thank you so much for inviting us to stay at the Burrow, Mrs. Weasley!"
"Oh dear, it was our pleasure really, it wouldn't have been the same without you and Harry," she said as she placed a hand on each of their shoulders, Hermione beaming.
Molly turned to Harry, and wrapped him in a tight hug as she had done to the others.
"Now Harry, you know Arthur and I are always available for anything, so don't hesitate to Owl us. You're part of the family, you know," she said looking kindly down into his face.
"Thanks Mrs. Weasley," said Harry, smiling widely. It felt nice to know he had people he could depend on.
Lastly, she turned to Ron. As she leaned in to kiss his cheek she said, "My, Head Boy!" she said gushing, "Do remember to Owl us! -- And keep an eye on Ginny," she added in an undertone.
Ron smiled, "Will do, mum."
With that, she stepped back and looked at the kids in front of her. She felt saddened to realize that she and Arthur would have the Burrow to themselves. Charlie, Bill, Percy, and the twins no longer lived there, although they did visit often, and sometimes stayed in their old room. Now Ron and Ginny would be at school. Mrs. Weasley frowned at the thought of a quiet, empty house, but she tried to compose herself. Noticing her sad face, Ron gave her another quick hug as he said, "We'll be back before you know it!"
It worked; she immediately smiled again and waved them off. The quad made their way to the train and turned around to wave at Mrs. Weasley.
Once on the train, Ron led the way to an empty compartment. "Hermione and I have to give out instructions to the new Prefects, we'll be back shortly," he announced to Harry and Ginny. Ten minutes later, he and Hermione returned to the compartment. Taking the seat by the window, he laid back, enjoying the comfort of the seat. Harry sat in front of him, Hermione next to him, and Ginny next to Harry.
"I can't believe this is our last year." said Harry, with a note of sadness in his voice.
"I know.it's.strange," replied Ron, as he watched the scenery change through the window.
"I'm terrified that this will be our last chance to prove ourselves in our courses!" said Hermione.
Ron rolled his eyes. Sometimes he worried that Hermione thought about classes more than anything, or anyone, else. Nevertheless, he knew that wasn't true. Hermione was a loyal friend, and he knew that if his or Harry's life depended on her failing an exam, she would do it. She would probably feel devastated, but she would do it. Ron looked up at Harry and noticed that Ginny had nodded off, and her head was swaying from side to side, finally landing on Harry's shoulder. Harry looked down at Ginny's head in surprise, but didn't say anything.
Hermione yawned. "I'm a bit tired too.mind if I lean on you Ron?" she asked.
"Erm.no.sure.go ahead," Ron sputtered.
"Thanks," she said as she adjusted her head on his shoulder and closed her eyes.
Ron looked up at Harry with terror in his eyes, as his nose began to itch and he longed to scratch it, but didn't want to move so as not to disturb Hermione. Harry couldn't help but laugh quietly at Ron's face as he silently squirmed. Ron felt a wave of heat go off in his body, and he could almost see it creep up his neck and settle on his face and ears through the reflection of the window. Ron felt his hands go sweaty and he could smell Hermione's hair from where she lay on his shoulder. It was intoxicating. He was abruptly brought out of his trance as the compartment door slammed open. It was none other than Draco Malfoy and his goons, Crabbe and Goyle. Hermione and Ginny both jerked awake from the noise.
"Well, well, looks like we have a compartment full of lovely couples!" he sneered.
"What do you want Malfoy?" asked Harry with a scowl.
He had actually felt quite comfortable with Ginny napping on his shoulder and felt thoroughly annoyed with Malfoy for ruining it.
Malfoy glared at them, "Just wondering if you and your worthless little friends had made it back this year." He frowned coldly, "I see that you have."
Ron grew annoyed with Malfoy's incessant chatter and said, "Malfoy, if you're only going to ramble incoherently, why not do it in another compartment?"
Malfoy turned viciously at Ron, "Oh, I suppose you're dying for me to leave so you can get all cuddly with your little Mudblood girlfriend!" he spat.
Hermione turned a shade of pink at his words. No matter how many times Malfoy called her a Mudblood, it still bothered her slightly. Ron, who had turned a violent shade of purple, jumped from his seat and tightened his fists, shoving them in Malfoy's face.
"What did you say?" he asked Malfoy, threateningly.
Hermione grabbed Ron's arms and pleaded, "Don't Ron, he's not worth it!"
Malfoy smirked, "That's right Granger, tell your little boyfriend what to do." Looking at Ron he said, "We obviously know who wears the pants in this relationship," before turning and walking out of the compartment with his goons at his side, laughing.
Ron, who was much taller and stronger than Hermione walked towards the door, his fists still clenched, "That little." he finished in an obscenity. Hermione was dragged forward slightly, her hands still on Ron's arms.
"Ron, please! You're Head Boy! If you get into a brawl with Draco, you'll get into serious trouble!" said Hermione, her eyes and voice pleading.
"She's right Ron," said Ginny. "Yeah, he just wants to see how riled up we can get," added Harry.
Ron listened to their reasoning. He definitely didn't want to give Draco the pleasure of seeing him get expelled. He slowly sat down, breathing hard. Hermione removed her hands from his arm and watched him carefully, almost waiting for him to erupt in anger again. But this time, Ron controlled himself.
"It's okay! I'm not going to do anything!" Ron said, laughing at the site of the three of them staring at him solemnly.
A little while later, after the food trolley had passed and they had bought a large stack of candy to share, the compartment door slid open. This time it was Luna Lovegood.
She walked in, clutching The Quibbler, and said "Hello," in a dreamy voice. She immediately turned to Ron, and said, "Ronald."
Ron looked up. "Hello Luna," he said while he forced himself to smile.
He quickly looked back down at the pile of Famous Witches and Wizards cards in front of him, checking to see if he would find any of the ones he was missing. Ron could feel someone's gaze on him and he looked up quickly. Luna was staring at him, unblinking, as usual.
"Something on your mind Luna?" he asked, hoping she would soon leave, as she was succeeding at making him feel very uncomfortable.
"Actually, I heard we're having our first Hogsmeade weekend soon."
Ron shrugged, "Okay."
He honestly didn't know what the big deal about that was, since the weekend wasn't until a month away.
"Are you going Ronald?"
Ron looked at her and nodded, "'Course."
Luna smiled at him dreamily. "It would be wonderful if we could go together."
Ron couldn't believe his ears, was Luna asking him out?
"Erm." he coughed.
"I'll see you then," said Luna as she exited the compartment, smiling.
Hermione, whose face had grown very dark, said, "It's not like you said Yes!"
She immediately grabbed up the book she had been reading, and stuffed her face in it. Ron raised his eyebrow in response to Hermione's behavior. She seemed upset for some reason.
Ron turned to Harry, "Can you believe that? Loony Lovegood wants to go to Hogsmeade with me?" he asked, unbelieving.
Luna had proven to be a nice person, but she was still off her rocker, according to Ron. Hermione made an exasperated noise from behind her book, and she rolled her eyes. Ron hadn't noticed though as he was looking at Harry, who was laughing at the scene in front of him. Ron shook his head and went back to looking at the Famous Witches and Wizard Cards.
"I can't believe I still don't have Agrippa." he moaned.
The remainder of the trip passed insignificantly. Several of their friends had dropped by the compartment to talk and share how their summers had passed. Finally, the Hogwarts Express slowed to a stop. Hermione and Ron stood up.
"We'll see you inside, we've got to help supervise the Prefects," Ron said to Ginny and Harry as he and Hermione left the compartment.
Eventually, Ron and Hermione joined Harry at the Gryffindor Table to watch the Sorting. 'Strange.this is the last Sorting I'll probably ever see again,' thought Ron unhappily. He glanced at his fellow Gryffindors. They had grown up together, from the age of eleven to the age of seventeen. So much had changed, yet so much had stayed the same. He glanced at Hermione as he thought the last part. Sometimes he felt like Hermione might feel the same way for him that he felt for her, but he was always brought back to reality eventually. Wistfully, he looked away.
Finally, the Sorting was over and Professor Dumbledore concluded his yearly speech. With a clap of his hands, a feast appeared in front of them. Pulling a chicken leg to his lips, Ron couldn't help but smile. This year would be his best yet.or so he hoped.
~*~*~*~*~*~
Okay people there ya go, Chapter 4! Sorry it took so long to get up, I accidentally deleted it and had to rewrite it! Anyway, thank you so much for all of the wonderful reviews!! I feed on them!!!! And I'm taking someone's suggestion at a new layout, so that it's easier to read. Let me know what you think ~Cheers :)
Ron, Harry, Ginny and Hermione dragged their trunks downstairs. In several hours, they would be on the train to Hogwarts.
"All right is everyone ready?" asked Mrs. Weasley frantically, glancing at each of them as they nodded in reply. She ushered them towards the door when suddenly George and Fred apparated in front of them.
"We're going back to our premises!" announced George.
"Yes, our expertise has been called upon," said Fred.
Mrs. Weasley quickly hugged each of them proudly. "Do come and visit as much as possible!" she said. "Yes mum," said the twins simultaneously. Then they turned to the group.
"Well, you're going back to Hogwarts, huh?" asked George.
"--We would say good luck, but we don't really care how you do in school-- ," added Fred.
"--Yes, there really isn't much to say, since, sadly, we know you won't be wreaking any havoc,"
"-So just do us a favor and give Ol' Peevesy our regards!" said the twins before they disapparated.
Hermione frowned, "It's just like them to not care how we do in school!"
Harry and Ron exchanged a look that said, 'Hermione and her school work'.
"I personally think it's very important that we do well this year, especially on our N.E.W.T.S," she added.
Ron groaned, "We're not even at school yet and you're thinking about our N.E.W.T.S?" he asked incredulously. Hermione opened her mouth to retort, but was cut off by Mrs. Weasley.
"All right you lot, we'd better get going, don't want to miss the train!"
Once they had arrived at Platform 93/4, the group looked at Mrs. Weasley to say their goodbyes. Mr. Weasley had to go into the Ministry on business and couldn't accompany them to the train station, so he had said his goodbyes the night before. Mrs. Weasley looked at them sadly. She hugged Ginny and said, "Now dear, I want you to Owl us whenever you can, all right?"
Ginny smiled, "All right mum, I will."
Next, Mrs. Weasley turned to Hermione. "Thank you so much for inviting us to stay at the Burrow, Mrs. Weasley!"
"Oh dear, it was our pleasure really, it wouldn't have been the same without you and Harry," she said as she placed a hand on each of their shoulders, Hermione beaming.
Molly turned to Harry, and wrapped him in a tight hug as she had done to the others.
"Now Harry, you know Arthur and I are always available for anything, so don't hesitate to Owl us. You're part of the family, you know," she said looking kindly down into his face.
"Thanks Mrs. Weasley," said Harry, smiling widely. It felt nice to know he had people he could depend on.
Lastly, she turned to Ron. As she leaned in to kiss his cheek she said, "My, Head Boy!" she said gushing, "Do remember to Owl us! -- And keep an eye on Ginny," she added in an undertone.
Ron smiled, "Will do, mum."
With that, she stepped back and looked at the kids in front of her. She felt saddened to realize that she and Arthur would have the Burrow to themselves. Charlie, Bill, Percy, and the twins no longer lived there, although they did visit often, and sometimes stayed in their old room. Now Ron and Ginny would be at school. Mrs. Weasley frowned at the thought of a quiet, empty house, but she tried to compose herself. Noticing her sad face, Ron gave her another quick hug as he said, "We'll be back before you know it!"
It worked; she immediately smiled again and waved them off. The quad made their way to the train and turned around to wave at Mrs. Weasley.
Once on the train, Ron led the way to an empty compartment. "Hermione and I have to give out instructions to the new Prefects, we'll be back shortly," he announced to Harry and Ginny. Ten minutes later, he and Hermione returned to the compartment. Taking the seat by the window, he laid back, enjoying the comfort of the seat. Harry sat in front of him, Hermione next to him, and Ginny next to Harry.
"I can't believe this is our last year." said Harry, with a note of sadness in his voice.
"I know.it's.strange," replied Ron, as he watched the scenery change through the window.
"I'm terrified that this will be our last chance to prove ourselves in our courses!" said Hermione.
Ron rolled his eyes. Sometimes he worried that Hermione thought about classes more than anything, or anyone, else. Nevertheless, he knew that wasn't true. Hermione was a loyal friend, and he knew that if his or Harry's life depended on her failing an exam, she would do it. She would probably feel devastated, but she would do it. Ron looked up at Harry and noticed that Ginny had nodded off, and her head was swaying from side to side, finally landing on Harry's shoulder. Harry looked down at Ginny's head in surprise, but didn't say anything.
Hermione yawned. "I'm a bit tired too.mind if I lean on you Ron?" she asked.
"Erm.no.sure.go ahead," Ron sputtered.
"Thanks," she said as she adjusted her head on his shoulder and closed her eyes.
Ron looked up at Harry with terror in his eyes, as his nose began to itch and he longed to scratch it, but didn't want to move so as not to disturb Hermione. Harry couldn't help but laugh quietly at Ron's face as he silently squirmed. Ron felt a wave of heat go off in his body, and he could almost see it creep up his neck and settle on his face and ears through the reflection of the window. Ron felt his hands go sweaty and he could smell Hermione's hair from where she lay on his shoulder. It was intoxicating. He was abruptly brought out of his trance as the compartment door slammed open. It was none other than Draco Malfoy and his goons, Crabbe and Goyle. Hermione and Ginny both jerked awake from the noise.
"Well, well, looks like we have a compartment full of lovely couples!" he sneered.
"What do you want Malfoy?" asked Harry with a scowl.
He had actually felt quite comfortable with Ginny napping on his shoulder and felt thoroughly annoyed with Malfoy for ruining it.
Malfoy glared at them, "Just wondering if you and your worthless little friends had made it back this year." He frowned coldly, "I see that you have."
Ron grew annoyed with Malfoy's incessant chatter and said, "Malfoy, if you're only going to ramble incoherently, why not do it in another compartment?"
Malfoy turned viciously at Ron, "Oh, I suppose you're dying for me to leave so you can get all cuddly with your little Mudblood girlfriend!" he spat.
Hermione turned a shade of pink at his words. No matter how many times Malfoy called her a Mudblood, it still bothered her slightly. Ron, who had turned a violent shade of purple, jumped from his seat and tightened his fists, shoving them in Malfoy's face.
"What did you say?" he asked Malfoy, threateningly.
Hermione grabbed Ron's arms and pleaded, "Don't Ron, he's not worth it!"
Malfoy smirked, "That's right Granger, tell your little boyfriend what to do." Looking at Ron he said, "We obviously know who wears the pants in this relationship," before turning and walking out of the compartment with his goons at his side, laughing.
Ron, who was much taller and stronger than Hermione walked towards the door, his fists still clenched, "That little." he finished in an obscenity. Hermione was dragged forward slightly, her hands still on Ron's arms.
"Ron, please! You're Head Boy! If you get into a brawl with Draco, you'll get into serious trouble!" said Hermione, her eyes and voice pleading.
"She's right Ron," said Ginny. "Yeah, he just wants to see how riled up we can get," added Harry.
Ron listened to their reasoning. He definitely didn't want to give Draco the pleasure of seeing him get expelled. He slowly sat down, breathing hard. Hermione removed her hands from his arm and watched him carefully, almost waiting for him to erupt in anger again. But this time, Ron controlled himself.
"It's okay! I'm not going to do anything!" Ron said, laughing at the site of the three of them staring at him solemnly.
A little while later, after the food trolley had passed and they had bought a large stack of candy to share, the compartment door slid open. This time it was Luna Lovegood.
She walked in, clutching The Quibbler, and said "Hello," in a dreamy voice. She immediately turned to Ron, and said, "Ronald."
Ron looked up. "Hello Luna," he said while he forced himself to smile.
He quickly looked back down at the pile of Famous Witches and Wizards cards in front of him, checking to see if he would find any of the ones he was missing. Ron could feel someone's gaze on him and he looked up quickly. Luna was staring at him, unblinking, as usual.
"Something on your mind Luna?" he asked, hoping she would soon leave, as she was succeeding at making him feel very uncomfortable.
"Actually, I heard we're having our first Hogsmeade weekend soon."
Ron shrugged, "Okay."
He honestly didn't know what the big deal about that was, since the weekend wasn't until a month away.
"Are you going Ronald?"
Ron looked at her and nodded, "'Course."
Luna smiled at him dreamily. "It would be wonderful if we could go together."
Ron couldn't believe his ears, was Luna asking him out?
"Erm." he coughed.
"I'll see you then," said Luna as she exited the compartment, smiling.
Hermione, whose face had grown very dark, said, "It's not like you said Yes!"
She immediately grabbed up the book she had been reading, and stuffed her face in it. Ron raised his eyebrow in response to Hermione's behavior. She seemed upset for some reason.
Ron turned to Harry, "Can you believe that? Loony Lovegood wants to go to Hogsmeade with me?" he asked, unbelieving.
Luna had proven to be a nice person, but she was still off her rocker, according to Ron. Hermione made an exasperated noise from behind her book, and she rolled her eyes. Ron hadn't noticed though as he was looking at Harry, who was laughing at the scene in front of him. Ron shook his head and went back to looking at the Famous Witches and Wizard Cards.
"I can't believe I still don't have Agrippa." he moaned.
The remainder of the trip passed insignificantly. Several of their friends had dropped by the compartment to talk and share how their summers had passed. Finally, the Hogwarts Express slowed to a stop. Hermione and Ron stood up.
"We'll see you inside, we've got to help supervise the Prefects," Ron said to Ginny and Harry as he and Hermione left the compartment.
Eventually, Ron and Hermione joined Harry at the Gryffindor Table to watch the Sorting. 'Strange.this is the last Sorting I'll probably ever see again,' thought Ron unhappily. He glanced at his fellow Gryffindors. They had grown up together, from the age of eleven to the age of seventeen. So much had changed, yet so much had stayed the same. He glanced at Hermione as he thought the last part. Sometimes he felt like Hermione might feel the same way for him that he felt for her, but he was always brought back to reality eventually. Wistfully, he looked away.
Finally, the Sorting was over and Professor Dumbledore concluded his yearly speech. With a clap of his hands, a feast appeared in front of them. Pulling a chicken leg to his lips, Ron couldn't help but smile. This year would be his best yet.or so he hoped.
~*~*~*~*~*~
Okay people there ya go, Chapter 4! Sorry it took so long to get up, I accidentally deleted it and had to rewrite it! Anyway, thank you so much for all of the wonderful reviews!! I feed on them!!!! And I'm taking someone's suggestion at a new layout, so that it's easier to read. Let me know what you think ~Cheers :)