Disclaimer: The only thing in this story of my own invention is the plot (but not the previous plot of the first five Harry Potter books). I own nothing else.

Author's Note: Thank you to all my reviewers! I appreciate it. :-) Keep them coming! Constructive criticism is OK, too.

By September the first, the weather had finally cleared up and the clouds had given way to sunshine. Ron Weasley, Ginny Weasley, Hermione Granger, and Harry Potter stood on Platform Nine and Three-quarters, about to begin their sixth year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

Mrs. Weasley gave all four of them big hugs, and as they ran off (for fear of missing the train), she shouted after them. "Don't eat too much candy on the train—I packed you those sandwiches! And Ron, dear, you're the oldest now... (and here she paused in frustration with Fred and George)... and you're a prefect, too! I expect you to be on your best behavior!"

They had made it onto the train halfway through Mrs. Weasley's little speech, and were looking for an empty compartment. "Sure Mum," Ron shouted out a window, but when he turned around, he didn't have a very convincing look on his face.

Hermione gave a small laugh (because she just doesn't "giggle"). "Ron, don't you think she can tell that you're lying?"

"Sure, but c'mon Hermione... I'm not going to see her until the summer! I'm staying over the Christmas Holidays."

"But Ron," said Ginny. "Mum is right. You're a prefect and all. You should be on your best behavior."

"Lighten up, Ginny!" All three of them stared disbelievingly at Hermione after she spoke.

"What?" she asked. "One is allowed to take a break once in a while, right?"

After much searching, the quartet settled into a compartment along with Neville, Dean, and Seamus, who were deep in a discussion about Neville's Gran's new wardrobe—and how it would look on Snape.

"Hey guys," greeted Dean. "What've you been up to this summer?"

There was a great confusion as Harry, Hermione, and Ginny all tried to answer at once.

"I read all about the Goblin Rebellions."

"I tried to survive on grapefruit."

"I helped my mum clean the house."

"Whoa, whoa!" shouted Dean.

There was a short silence, broken by Ron. "Ginny's been redecorating her room with pictures from Witch Week—"

"Have not!" squealed Ginny, clamping her hands over Ron's mouth.

When she finally let go, Ron added "Especially with pictures of the Most-Charming-Smile Award winners."

Ten minutes later, their conversation was disrupted by a clicking noise coming from near the window. Being seated nearest to it, Ron opened the window, letting a tiny, twittering, and clearly very excited owl in. Pigwidgeon reacted in exactly the same manner, attempting to get out of his cage.

"She's a silly sort of bird, isn't she?" inquired Hermione.

"You call that silly? I think it's more like annoying," Ron said, causing Hermione to laugh softly. "But who's owl is this, exactly?"

"Oh, just a friend's..." replied Hermione, looking nervous as she tried to conceal the letter—but it was too late.

"'Just a friend'? Sure he's 'just a friend', Krum is," spat Ron.

"Ron..."

"Why do you write to him anyways? He's nothing but a—"

"Ron! Please..." Hermione clearly didn't want to start an argument.

"Well, why don't you just sit in your little corner and read your little love letter from Vicky—"

At this, Neville—to everyone's surprise—broke in. "Con you guys just... shut up? Everyone knows you like each other anyways."

Ron and Hermione were oddly silent throughout the rest of the train ride.

Author's Note: I know it's still kind of short, but I'm working on it! I admit, next chapter will be shorter, but why put in boring details just to make it long?

Next chapter: A plot is born.