Hermione Granger had been staying at the Burrow with the Weasley family ever since the end of her sixth year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Harry had stayed with the Dursley's. He wrote them saying that this was where he needed to be so he could think things over in silence and without questioning. Hermione knew that Harry was having a harder time than anyone right now. Hermione tried to make things seem normal even though they weren't. She was anxiously awaiting her final Hogwarts letter, for seventh year was the year they chose the new Head Boy and Girl.
She paced up and down in the Weasley's kitchen. She was so nervous, though Ron constantly reminded her that she was sure to get the position of Head Girl.
Ron. Just thinking about him made her stomach flip. Hermione could barely stand even staying with him in the same house anymore. Her infatuation with him was at a high point right now. He had grown up and was no longer the tall, gangly boy she had once known. For once, he actually seemed to pay attention to what she had to say. Of course, it didn't help that he was very handsome either.
Hermione stared out of the window. It was a bright summer morning. A bit early, actually. Mrs. Weasley hadn't even started cooking the usual huge breakfast.
Hermione looked out at the pink and gold sky; the sun was rising. Behind her something made the stairs creak. She turned around and saw Ron Weasley standing on the landing. His hair was tousled and his blue eyes were squinted against the sunlight streaming in the window.
"Bloody hell, Hermione. What are you doing up so early?" He asked, rubbing his eyes.
"I was just waiting for the Hogwarts letters...And don't curse, Ron..." She trailed off, knowing she was fighting a losing battle.
"I've told you before, you're going to get it. Stop worrying, just consider yourself Head Girl." His encouragement did make her feel better, it was better than not argueing for once in their lives.
"I just don't want to get my hopes up." She said simply.
"Oh, come on. You've got to be kidding me? You follow all the rules, well before you got involved with me and Harry anyway, you get better grades than any-" He was cut off by the unexpected arrival of an owl clutching three letters bearing the Hogwarts crest in it's beak. Hermione took them violently from it's beak and it took flight again. She left Ginny's laying on the table, threw Ron's forcefully at him, and tore open her own.
There were three pieces of parchment enclosed. She pulled them out. The first one was the usual term starts on September first, the second was a list of supplies needed for her seventh year. Her hands trembled as she pulled out the third one. She smiled and all the worry was gone. Attatched to the parchment was a shiny, gold and scarlet badge that had the words 'Head Girl' inscribed on it. She glanced over at Ron to see that he was watching her.
"Since this is the only chance I'll ever have to say it, I told you so." Ron said, smiling at her.
She returned the smile. Hermione then looked down at the letters in his hands. He had three peices of parchment too. One had a badge attatched to it.
"Ron?" She said.
"Oy?" She pulled the third paper out of his hands and held it up in front of his face.
"You got Head Boy!" She squealed.
"So?" He said, shrugging it off as if it was nothing important.
"Don't act like it's nothing, Ronald. This is a very big accomplishment! Congratulations!"
"Thanks." He said, thinking of nothing else to say.
"I'm really proud of you, Ronald!" He looked at her and smiled.
"That means a lot coming from you." She smiled back just as Mrs. Weasley came downstairs.
"What are you lot doing up so early?" She didn't even wait for an answer, as she had just spotted the badges in both of their hands. Molly Weasley let out a squeal of delight. She flung her arms around both Ron and Hermione's necks. It was almost impossible for either of them to breathe. Hermione didn't mind much, any excuse to be this close to Ron. They had both chosen that exact moment to put their arms around Mrs. Weasley and their hands touched. Hermione and Ron recieved a shock and pulled out of Mrs. Weasley's tight embrace. They didn't look at each other. Mrs. Weasley beamed at the pair of them.
"So...er...Mum, where is dad?" Ron asked, his ears red.
"Oh, he's at the office early again, dear." She said as she began to make breakfast.
Ginny Weasley came downstairs, grabbed her Hogwarts letter from the table, and then hurried back upstairs to her room. She never said a word. Actually, Ginny hadn't spoken much since Harry had broken up with her. She stayed shut up in her room all day and only came out to get food which she ate in her room.
After breakfast, Mrs. Weasley rushed Ron and Hermione upstairs to begin packing for Hogwarts. Hermione sat down on her bed and read the Head Girl letter.
Miss Hermione Granger, She read in handwriting that was not curly or written in oddly colored ink. She felt a few tears escape her eyes and read the rest of the letter through blurred vision. You have been selected as Hogwarts' Head Girl. This year, under the circumstances, the Head Boy and Girl have more responsibilities than in past years. You must patrol the corridors at midnight accompanied by the Head Boy every night. Hermione's heart gave a pang. She finally had a real excuse just to be alone with Ron. You are to make sure that no student is out of bed after hours. You will also have to make sure that any act that could be even slightly related to You-Know-Who or his followers be reported immediatley. No exceptions. Congratulations on this remarkable accomplishment. Your's sincerly, Professor M. McGonagall. Deputy Headmistress.