Author's note: In no way, shape or form do I own any HP characters. They are the work of the brilliant JK Rowling. I only own the obvious characters. I would love any and all reviews i can get. Flamers, however, are not in any way appreciated.

Is this love or infatuation?

Hermione opened the door and saw a girl that she had never seen before. The girl was petite and rather curvy with red hair softly curling down her back, stopping just short of her waist. She jumped up when Hermione opened the door and Hermione saw that she was 5'2".

"Oh I'm sorry," Hermione said. "I thought this compartment was empty."

"It's okay," the girl said, smiling shyly. The girl's voice had a very distinct Irish accent.

"I'm sorry if I frightened you," Hermione said.

"It's alright," the girl replied. "I'm just a little jumpy, I guess."

"I know this sounds odd, but are you new here?" Hermione asked, her face looking slightly vexed.

"Oh, yes," the girl said. "I just transferred to Hogwarts. I'm Ariel Buchanan."

"I'm Hermione Granger," Hermione replied, shaking the girl's hand. "What year are you in Ariel?"

"I'm a fifth year," Ariel replied. "What about you?"

"Third year," Hermione said. "Fun," Ariel said. "Why don't you come back to my compartment with me?" Hermione asked. "It's just me and my friends Harry and Ron. They're third years as well."

"That would be great," Ariel said.

They left the cabin, Hermione leading the way and both of them chattering away. When Hermione slid open the door and Ariel stepped inside, the conversations stopped and everyone became quiet. Hermione was about to introduce Ariel when Ginny piped up,

"Ariel?" "Ginny?" They ran to each other and hugged.

"Hey Ariel," Ron said.

"Hey Ron," Ariel said, letting go of Ginny to hug Ron.

"Ariel, what are you doing here?" Ginny asked, obviously ecstatic.

"Didn't you get my owl?" Ariel asked. Ginny shook her head. "stupid owl," Ariel muttered. "He's new so I guess he got lost. Anyway, I sent you guys a letter telling you that we moved here and I was coming to Hogwarts this year."

"Well, I guess I missed something," Hermione said.

"Oh Hermione," Ginny squeaked. "This is our cousin, Ariel Buchanan."

"I know who she is," Hermione said before Ginny could continue with the unnecessary introductions. "I met her a little while ago." She silently released her breath. Seeing Ariel and Ron hug had sparked just a little bit of jealousy. I was surprised you and Ron knew her."

"Oh my!" Ariel exclaimed. "You're the Hermione that Ron talks about all the time! I didn't even put it together when I met you. He tells me all kinds of things about 'his 'Mione'."

At this, Hermione crossed over and sat down beside her boyfriend, intertwining their fingers.

"Oh I'm so happy I finally met you all!" Ariel said. She turned to Harry, who had been quiet up until now.

"You must be Harry Potter," Ariel said. "I've heard so many things about you as well." She sent Ginny a quick wink. "Where are the twins?" she asked.

"Check the next compartment over," Ginny said, blushing when Harry picked up her hand and started playing with her fingers.

"Okay," Ariel said. "I'll be right back."

She left the compartment in search of Fred and George. She found them right where Ginny said they would be, playing a game of Exploding Snap with Lee Jordan. When Fred and George saw her, they ran up to her and hugged her, bombarding her with the same questions she had just answered. Gee, she thought, maybe I should have found the twins before I answered these questions the first time so I wouldn't have to repeat myself. Oh well. Once everything was answered, they stepped back and she saw Lee staring at her.

"Are you the Lee Jordan that these two always get into trouble with?" she asked him.

"Y-y-yes, " Lee stuttered. "That's me."

"It's wonderful to meet you," Ariel said. "I'm Ariel Buchanan." Lee continued to stare as Ariel, Fred, and George talked.

"I should get back," Ariel said. "I expect we'll be arriving soon and I still have to change." The twins said good-bye to their cousin. As soon as she walked out, they turned as one to Lee.

"What's wrong with you?" they asked.

"Have you lost the ability to speak?" George asked.

"Has an invisible cat stolen your tongue and held it for ransom?" Fred questioned.

They got quiet for a second and Lee found his voice.

"Who the hell was that?" he exclaimed. "Man was she HOT!"

As soon as the words were out of is mouth Fred and George swooped down on him, slapping and punching him.

"Hold up!" Lee shouted, definitely beginning to regret his previous words. "What was that all about?"

"Don't even think about her, Lee," George said.

"That's our cousin and you don't have a snowball's chance in hell with her," Fred said.

"Ok…ok," Lee said. "I was just asking. Don't shoot me or anything."

"Well, don't think of our cousin that way," Fred said.

"Or we may have to shoot you," George said.

"Ok…." Lee said. "Can I say one thing first?"

"Go ahead," the twins said.

"Promise you won't hit me?" He asked.

"Yea, we promise," they said.

"I know that I can't have a shot with her, but can I at least check her out and maybe become friends?" Lee asked. "There's no harm in looking, is there?"

"No, I guess not," Fred said.

"As long as you don't try to touch," George said. "She's our cousin and we wanna look out for her, but if you tried something she didn't ask for, we'd have to pick up what's left of you off the floor."

"Yea," Fred agreed. "She doesn't tolerate shit from anyone. Not even us….Especially not from our friends."

"Ok… I get the picture," Lee said. "Wanna finish our game now?"

The boys went back to playing Exploding Snap.