Authors Note: I own Harry Potter. Like, I am secretly J.K. Rowling in disguise, like, duh. And, like, if you don't believe me, you can't, you know, sue me, because, like, you don't know who I am. Harry Potter is like, secretly locked in my toilet, because, like, I own him, and I, like, decided to keep him there. snort Okay, I just felt like putting that because I'm figuring it's kind of obvious I don't own any of the characters, and if you are too dense to realize that without me telling you, you are probably too dense to understand this story. THE PLOT IS MINE!!!
Chapter One: Rodents and Stares
Bustling threw the throng of Muggles at the train station, Hermione squirmed her way to the barrier between platform nine and ten. At the age of almost-seventeen, not to mention attending a school for witchcraft and wizardry for six years now, she should be able to see past the brick wall that still looked menacingly solid, just waiting to laugh as she smashed her bones against the bricks. But, alas, as she has one hand cradling Crookshanks, while the other gripping the trolley; she still tends to break into a run while shutting her honey-brown eyes. She opened her eyes again to see the scarlet steam engine welcoming her on. After searching for an empty compartment, she settles on the rather cozy one in the back. Reaching into her pocket she pulls out the neatly folded letter that she received three weeks before.
Dear Ms. Granger,
We are pleased to inform you that you have been selected by the professors at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft in Wizardry to be Head Girl. While this task is a great honor, it also holds great work. You will be responsible for the following:
Assisting the teachers if there ever happens to be a crisis (-Yeah and of course there's never a crisis at Hogwarts, Hermione smiled-)
Assigning Prefect Duties
Reporting trouble amongst the students to the teachers or our caretaker, Argus Filch
Keeping peace between the students
Working with the prefects for any special events such as: balls, dances, or tournaments
You also have the privilege to:
Assign detentions or punishment (with a teachers permission, meaning you must discuss the problem with a teacher)
Take points off if students are causing mayhem
Visit Hogsmeade on all weekends, with exceptions of Quidditch matches, due to the need of supervision with such a number of students
Your will go to the Headmasters office to find out the location of your quarters, the password, and any additional information he feels you should know after the Feast.
Your Head Girl badge can be found in this envelope: Wear it with Pride.
Remember: You CAN be demoted from your position if you do not abide to the rules or if you abuse your power.
Sincerely,
Minerva McGonagall,
Deputy Headmistress
Hermione tucked the parchment back into her pocket, and threw her robes over her Muggle attire. She knew she should sit in the Prefects compartment, but she thought she would wait for Ron, so they could go together; she didn't feel comfortable going alone, even though she was Head Girl. Head Girl. I am Head Girl! As she was imagining the possibilities she could use to her advantage with her new position, Ron and Harry burst through the door, five minutes before the train departed. No surprise, Hermione smiled to herself.
"Hermione!" they chorused.
Hermione examined them. It had been an entire summer since she'd seen the two after all. Harry and Ron sat down, both with windswept hair, as though they had run all the way to the train station. Harry was still on the skinny side, but had grown length wise, although Ron still towered over him. Despite his scrawniness, for lack of a better word, he had muscles that had been achieved through six years of Quidditch, but he didn't show them off, considering he was already getting enough attention just by that scar. His emerald eyes peered out through his midnight black hair that still had no rules or boundaries. As usual he was wearing a shirt that hung to his knees, and pants with legs so wide he could make another pair using the excess fabric and still fit comfortably into his current ones.
Ron had changed quite a bit. He was still tall, with flaming red hair, but his hazel eyes were slightly hidden behind his hair. The ruby-red hair of his had grown, and now the bangs of it fell softly in front of his face. Although he was still lanky, he had looked as though he had been working out, (Authors Note: Let's just say he spent all summer chasing after lawn gnomes for exercise, since I don't know if wizards go to the gym) and had a lean figure, but still skinny. What surprised Hermione most was his clothing. He was wearing dragon hide combat boots with ripped faded blue jeans. A worn looking black leather jacket was covering his plain white t shirt, which was frayed around the edges. Hermione had the sense that he was going to follow in his brother, Bill's, footsteps, and in no time would have a fang dangling from his ear.
(Authors Note: I would just like to point out, that Ron and Harry have muscles, but they do not have a six pack, or whatever; they just aren't the skinny, nerdy type of bodies. Think Trent Ford in How to Deal or the skinny rock star type of guy. In other words, they can kick Percy Weasley's … buttocks.)
Though Hermione didn't realize it at the time, Ron and Harry were searching her for signs of change as well. Her hair was still the thick bush it had always been, except it wasn't frizzy. Her waves overlapped each other and fell down in a fight to her back. What she referred to as mud, some people would stare in awe at her "chocolate-with-flecks-of-gold" eyes. Her slim figure had been achieved by none other than lucky genetics. Her fair skin blended well with her face, and because her fortunate heredity once again had blessed her with blemish-free skin. While she was slender, she wasn't exactly curvy or busty, but her figure was decent; not stick straight, but not the perfect hour glass body either.
(Authors Note: Basically, Hermione is skinny, but she's not super-model, and doesn't have a big butt or cup size, but still a decent figure.)
"You guys look great," she breathed towards Ron.
Ron blushed bashfully and mumbled something that sounded awfully like "You always do…"
Harry took notice of the awkward silence. "Er, why don't you guys go to the prefects' compartment? I'll save a seat for Ginny."
At that moment Ginny slammed the door open. "RON!" She shrieked with her fists clenched as she stomped toward him. "How DARE you look through my bag! WHAT WAS THE POINT OF THAT? DO YOU KNOW THAT WHILE YOU WERE CONDUCTING YOUR LITTLE SEARCH, YOU SPI.LLED INK ALL OVER MY BOOKS AND PARCHMENT?"
Rob, who at first tried to look innocent, joined Ginny's rage. "Well, maybe I wouldn't have had to if you told me that you were going out with Seamus Finnigan!" He roared.
"Exactly, Ron, were," Ginny shot back. "As in meaning, I'm not currently going out with him anymore!"
At this, Ron stared at his shoes. "You, you aren't?" He asked sheepishly.
"No, Ron, I'm not." Then, noticing Harry and Hermione for the first time she turned to them. "Hermione! You look gorgeous! Harry! You're taller!" Ginny squealed.
Harry grinned at her. "Either that, or you're just shorter Gin," he said with a mischievous twinkle in his eye. "You look great though."
Ginny blushed faintly at his compliment.
"Ron, Hermione, you guys better get to the compartments or you might be demoted," Harry reminded them. They bid their good-byes to their friends and raced to the front of the train, robes clutched tightly in their hands. When they reached the compartment they found that the other prefects were waiting expectantly for them.
"Hermione! You better put your robes on fast and find the Head compartment, because Professor McGonagall looks mad." Lavender Brown said all of this very rushed.
After throwing her robes over her Muggle jeans and t-shirt she ran into the next compartment to find Professors Snape and McGonagall sitting with Draco Malfoy.
All at once thoughts rushed into Hermione's head. Oh my gosh, did somebody die? Why are Professor McGonagall and Snape here? Wait, why is Malfoy here? Then it dawned on her. Oh. My. Gosh. MALFOY is Head Boy! Why didn't I realize it before? I mean, it would obviously be him, since Snape would rather have Neville substitute for potions than have anyone BUT Draco as Head Boy. But this still doesn't explain why two professors have to meet us. Do they think I can't handle the little pointy faced ferret?
"Ms. Granger, as you know you have been appointed Head Girl, but what might be news to you, is that Mr. Malfoy here is Head Boy. Professor Snape and I are concerned, as you two have a rather unpleasant history." When Professor McGonagall stated the last part, Malfoy's eyes glinted malevolently at Hermione, as he gave her the once over. Hermione shuddered and felt her self turning green. Worst, he seemed to approve of her figure. As usual, the thick skull of his hasn't registered that I look practically the same! Hermione screamed inside her head.
McGonagall pretended not to notice the tension forming between the two. "We are going to request that you form a truce, or at least attempt to have a civil relationship with each other."
"If you two can't even manage that, which I for one personally doubt you will, try to avoid one another at the very least," Snape said silkily. With this both of the teachers left Malfoy and Hermione alone with one another in the compartment.
"Well mudblood, I for one am surprised you don't look more pleased knowing that you will be living with Hogwarts most eligible bachelor for a year. You aren't my type but I guess I can find my uses for you," Draco drawled. His platinum blonde hair, which now made Hermione think of Ron, falling into his eyes as well (Is there some new trend nobody told me about?) and pale skin gave Hermione the impression of a very deformed Veela. He was taller than Hermione (who isn't? she thought) but shorter than Ron. His face would be somewhat handsome if he wasn't wearing that annoying pompous sneer he plasters on all the time. She looked at his silvery eyes which reminded Hermione of Sickles. That fits him, she thought, considering how money-hungry he is all the time. Stupid git.
"Well Draco, I'm sure you'll be more than happy to know I plan on following Snape's advice, so I will interact you as little as I possibly can." Hermione said huffily. Her hair kept whipping her face whenever she shook her head, so she strangled it into a low pony tail.
"Hmm, interesting Granger. It seems you've finally realized that the static electricity conducted by your frizzy hair was killing your brain cells. Kudos for you, you filthy little book worm," Malfoy snorted.
"I must admit, I have to give my compliments to your hairstylist for coming to their senses and taking out all of the gel that was blocking the oxygen to your own brain." With this Hermione gave a little applause, and turned sharply to go patrol the corridors with Ron.
Malfoy grabbed her arm causing her to cringe at both the sting that shot through her nerves, and the horror that this git was touching her. He pushed her against the wall and was standing inches away from her face. "Don't you walk away from me again until I've decided this conversation is over, and don't you dare insult me, because trust me, you'll regret it," he hissed at her.
Though Hermione was panicking on the inside, because she was pinned against the wall by an overgrown ferret, whom, unfortunately, was very strong and terrifying, she didn't let it show, and stared right into those steely gray eyes. "I thought the conversation was over," she said. "And, I would be more than happy to not insult your pathetic soul, if you didn't insult me. Now, if you would be so kind to let go of me, I will leave you in peace with your almighty Ferret-ness."
"You're not going anywhere Granger. I have you right where I want you, and Potter and Weasley can't help you," he said, a smirk dawning on his face.
Hermione knew this was true. "I don't need anyone's help, you ignorant nitwit," she whispered. At that moment someone had opened the door into their compartment.
"What the bloody hell do you think you're doing Malfoy?!" Ron shouted. He wrenched Hermione's arm out of Malfoy's grip and stood in front of her, like a wall.
"Granger and I were getting ourselves acquainted. Is that a problem Weasley?" Draco retorted. He slid his hands into his pocket, and gripped his wand.
"Well, it is if you're going to pin her against the wall because you know she wouldn't give you the time of day," Ron snarled.
"Weasel, it's easy to see you're a jealous rodent, since I will be the one sleeping with the mudblood, but be assured, I do not want her, although her feelings for me might be a little strong." Malfoy's eyes glittered with malice, for he knew that he touched a nerve.
"What the hell do you think you're talking about, you stupid git!? McGonagall said we'd be living together, not sharing rooms and beds. But I suppose you have some hair gel still stuck in your ear don't you?" Ron smirked at Hermione's comment and felt relieved and stupid at the same time. Obviously they wouldn't be sleeping together. Ack, Ron, why would you actually think that McGonagall would allow them to sleep together? How thick can you get?
"We'll see how you feel later on filthy mudblood," Malfoy said. Ron impulsively made a move to kill him, but Hermione grabbed his arm.
"Come on; let's go patrol the corridors together." With a last glare at Malfoy, she and Ron set off together down the Hogwarts Express.
Meanwhile, Harry and Ginny were sitting together in the compartment still. Ginny rested her head against the window, watching the fog form and disappear as she breathed. Harry never thought about it, but Ginny was actually very pretty. Her copper hair was soft and smooth, and fell down to her shoulders framing her face. Her freckles sprinkled her nose and cheeks, but they weren't as vibrant as the other Weasley's. She was shorter than Hermione, but Harry felt fine about that since he wasn't exactly a giant himself.
It's too bad she decided to give up on me. Why was I so dense? Harry! Come on! This is Ginny. You know, your best friend's sister.
Ginny sensed Harry's eyes boring into her side profile and smiled. "Harry, if you're going to stare, you could at least be a little more discrete about it," she teased. She crossed the compartment and settled herself down in the empty seat next to him. "So what's on your mind?"
Harry hesitated, as what he was about to ask was a rather odd question. "Ginny," he started slowly, "why don't you fancy me anymore?"
Whatever Ginny was expecting, it was not this. "Well, I guess it's because I didn't really have a chance with you, and I decided not to let that get in the way of my life. I mean, you liked Cho, and I just, gave up…" Ginny trailed off and looked into those forest green eyes. "Why?"
"Oh, nothing," Harry said quickly. Then he engaged into a chat about Quidditch in hopes of making them both forget the unusual conversation.
Hermione felt her breath quicken its pace as she walked along the train with Ron next to her. He smelled like wood, as if he sprinkled saw dust over himself before entering the train. His body towered over her, giving her a sense of security.
"… Hermione, if Malfoy tries anything, you just tell me and Harry. In fact, if you can't find Harry because he's taking another death trip, you can just tell me and I'll squash the little rat with my bare hands…" Hermione couldn't help but glance at his hands. They were big and callused, from gripping his broomstick for most of his life.
(Authors Note: I know he's only been playing Quidditch at Hogwarts for three years now, but remember, he played with his brothers before he even was sorted into Gryffindor)
A wave of sadness flooded Hermione. She would love to be caressed by those hands, but she knew that was most likely never to happen. Sure, Ron became jealous and over-protective of her when he was around guys, but that was because he was Ron. He loved Hermione like a sister. And even if he did have feelings for me other than platonic ones, he also acts the same way when Ginny has a boyfriend. Unless Ron has lustful feelings for Ginny, he and I won't ever be together. EW! LUSTFUL FEELINGS FOR GINNY! THAT'S SO GROSS.
Hermione suddenly began gagging. "Hermione? Are you all right?" Ron stopped walking and turned to Hermione who was looking rather queasy. It's weird how she can look so cute, even if she looks as though she is about to throw up all over my rather new robes.
"Oh, yeah, just, er, feeling a little sick. You know, the train and walking around. Maybe we should sit down with Harry and take a rest…" She looked pleadingly at those hazel eyes.
"Yeah, that's a good idea. I'm sick of watching Pansy Parkinson run around half-naked like she owns the place," Ron said.
When Hermione and Ron opened the door to the last compartment, they found Harry and Ginny in deep conversation about snitches and Quidditch strategies. It's funny. I mean, yeah Cho and I could talk about Quidditch, but she would always get all huffy and bored with it. Ginny can go on for hours, and teach me things I never knew. Harry admired Ginny's charisma skills, how she could strike up a conversation about anything and make it last an entire train ride across Britain.
"Hey, Gin-Gin, Harry, change into your robes. We're practically there!" Ron was looking desperate to find an excuse to break off the conversation.
Ginny groaned. "Ron, how many times do I have to tell you to not call me Gin-Gin? I'm not seven-years old you know" Ginny said haughtily.
"Well, if you prefer Ginerva…" Ron said all too innocently. Then the façade quickly ended as he ducked out of range from the spell book Ginny hurled at him.
Authors Note: Okay, end of chapter one. Please write a review, so that I know someone read it. Just so you know, I'm not going to post any new chapters if you all hate my story, or if no one reads my story (go figure…) so, you know, yeah. I'm not going to beg for reviews, but it would be nice to get a few. Flames are fine, as long as they have some sort of meaning. Not just "AHH!! THAT SUCKED!!! BLAH, BLAH, BLAH, I'M GOING TO STICK FORKS IN MY EYES BECAUSE I HAVE NO LIFE!!!!!"
Yeah, constructive criticism only please.