The next day Hermione's school letters arrived. She found a surprise that lifted her spirits. She found that she had been made Head Girl. She tried her best to make herself look good, but ever since the night before she didn't feel like doing anything. She couldn't eat, she hardly slept and in one night her hair became really dull and amazingly limp. She couldn't stop thinking about Ron. She couldn't stop thinking about the things that she said and the faces that he made. She wanted to be with him more than ever, but she didn't think she deserved to, especially after last night. She went in the shower and washed her hair. She put it in a messy ponytail and put on baggy black pants and an oversized t-shirt with stains on it over that she put on a giant hoodie. When she realized what she was wearing and whose clothes they were, she started to sob uncontrollably. After twenty minutes of wearing something with the scent of him she controlled herself and went out to her car. She drove for twenty minutes when she pulled up to the leaky cauldron. She passed through and headed into Diagon Alley. When she got there she saw many faces that she recognized, but she didn't respond to any of the waves, she just headed towards Flourish and Blotts. When she got there she saw many gaping at her so she put on her hood. She didn't even look around for extra books, she just went and did what she needed to do. As soon as she got to the counter she threw down her money without getting her change back and left the store. She then went to Madam Malkin's to get new dress robes. She didn't even bother getting it fit, she just left as soon as she picked them out, she went to the apothecary and got the listed potions for N.E.W.T's level potions and she was done with her shopping. She was right in front of Weasley Wizarding Wheezes when she saw two redheads and a raven haired boy walk in she let out a huge sob. When they turned around they all looked right at her, she just ran away, after shouting a "Happy Soon to be Birthday" not listening to the protests being made by Harry. Even Ginny yelled for her not to leave. She couldn't bare to see his face, he didn't look as bad as her, he looked bad, but his hair wasn't going limp. She ran to the Leaky Cauldron and ran through to her car. She must have sat in there for an hour before she stopped crying and was finally able to see enough to drive her car.

When she got home she saw Dudley Veronica's on the couch. When they heard the door close they looked back. "Hey Hermie, are you okay?" asked Veronica. Hermione could tell that she was being sincere. Hermione also noticed the way Veronica acted around Dudley. She seemed to really like him.

"Yeah Ronnie. I'm good. Hi." she finished, looking at Dudley. He gave a absent minded wave as he tried to get close to Veronica. But she pushed away and stopped him.

"No wait, Dudley, I have to talk to Hermione. I'll be back." she said, getting up and pulling Hermione up to Veronica's room. When they got in Hermione noticed that she hadn't been in there in almost five years. "Hermione what's wrong? No- wait that was a stupid question. You shouldn't sulk. But, I do have a question for you. Why did you tell him that you wanted to be just

Friends? If you were going to sulk around like this, why didn't you just start your relationship? It's obvious that you love him really, which is the reason that I didn't take him in the first place." she said trying to lighten the mood. Hermione gave a dry chuckle.

"Veronica, he doesn't want to be my friend. We had an agreement that we were going to be friends first. Then he told me that he had sex with another girl, then I got angry with him only to find out he was drunk. Then I forgave him and I realized that I'm not going to be his first. That is a really special thing that I wanted to share together. That chance has passed. But when I was angry with him over that, he said he wanted me to be in his life, as an enemy if I wouldn't accept anything else. Why is it that when I want to be friends, he doesn't want to anymore? Why cant he just accept that I'm not good enough for him? I'm just a mud blood." said Hermione, not realizing that she just used a magical term with her muggle cousin staring right there.

"Hermione what's a mud blood?" asked Veronica. Hermione's eyes stuck open. She had just realized what she had said, and was now thinking of the best way to explain it without mentioning magic. She finally found a way. Veronica just gaped at her.

"Well, you know how in sororities and fraternities if your parents were in it, you will definitely get accepted, they have to let you in." Veronica nodded. Hermione continued. "Well that's how it is, and in the school, at least one of the parents were in the school, but neither mum or dad went to the school. So students parents basically all know each other, and so some of the students are called 'purebloods' both of their parents were in the school, some are called 'half-breeds' at least one parent was in the school, and a really cruel name for a student that you feel doesn't deserve or belong in the school, you call a 'mud blood'. Ron and Ginny are pureblood, while Harry is kind of like a pureblood, but they believe that your entire family- all generations should've been in the school. Harry's father's whole family was always in the school, but his mother was accepted because of the talent she showed." Veronica just gaped at her.

"You're a witch aren't you?" Hermione just gaped at her, that's all Veronica needed to have her answer confirmed. She started squealing. "OH MY GOD! Your school is the best wizarding school in the country- no screw that in Europe. You go to Hogwarts. OH MY GOD! This year is going to be so much fun." Veronica squealed.

"How the hell did you know that?" Hermione asked. Veronica cocked her head and smiled. She ran to her drawer and pulled out a letter. Hermione read the letter and nodded her head 'no' that's all she could do.

Dear Ms. Granger,

We are pleased to inform you, that you have been hand selected to be under the mentorship of Headmistress Minerva McGonagall has been granted. For one year you will me a student-teacher then, you will be in the running. You are expected at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry on the first of September."

Respectfully,

Ministry of Magic

Department of Training

How come you didn't tell me?" Veronica shook her head.

"The same reason you didn't tell me. I didn't know you were in seventh year. What house are you in, Ravenclaw?" Hermione shook her head 'no'. Veronica looked put-out. "I thought you were smart. Don't tell me Slytherin." Veronica looked shocked.

"No- I'm in the best house at Hogwarts- Gryffindor." Veronica looked smiled widely.

"This year, I'm taking over as the Transfiguration teacher and I'm in the running to be the Head of Gryffindor next year." she squealed. Hermione looked confused.

"You cant run Gryffindor, you're only nineteen. And the Head of Gryffindor has to be someone from Gryffindor." Hermione stated. Veronica suddenly understood what she was saying.

"Oh, but, I was hand selected by McGonagall. And she told me as long as the sorting hat says that I have the heart and bravery of a Gryffindor, I'm in." she squealed, then a look of realization dawned on her face. "YOUR FRIENDS ARE RON WEASLEY AND HARRY POTTER!" Hermione grinned sheepishly. "Your best friends are the most eligible bachelor in the wizarding world. One of them wants to be with you and the other loves you like- OH MY GOD! I made a fool of myself. Come on-" she rambled pulling Hermione up and to Hermione's room. Veronica pulled out her wand and opened Hermione's door.

"I'm not going to get used to this." muttered Hermione sitting on her bed as Veronica, rummaged through her drawers. "What are you doing?" asked Hermione.

"Getting out clothes for you, you look like shit. Oh and you need to do your hair." stated Veronica bluntly. Hermione looked confused.

"Ronnie you know I'm not good at shit like that." said Hermione simply. Veronica turned to her and sighed.

"Hermie, to do your hair" she said pointing at Hermione. "Takes a good amount of charm and wit." Hermione still didn't get what she was saying. Veronica just chuckled.

"What did you get on your O.W.L's?" she asked. Hermione still didn't get it.

"All 'Outstanding' marks, except for Defense Against the Dark Arts." said Hermione. Veronica just looked at her.

"So a muggleborn like you, should know how to do a simple hair charm to shape your hair to look however you want it to look. To think I'll be your teacher this year, it scares me." she said jokingly. Hermione couldn't help but feel really close to her cousin at this moment. She knew she had to ask her something.

"Ronnie, why do you treat me this way?" blurted Hermione. Veronica just shook her head.

"You mean, why am I such a bitch?" Hermione nodded. Veronica smiled. "Um, when we were younger, I lived here and then I moved when I got accepted to Acklemeyers. I figured the best way to be without you was to start hating you. So, I hated you on top and missed you desperately on the bottom." Veronica looked hurt and decided to change the subject by herself. "How the hell didn't I recognize him, how didn't I see the scar? But- why wasn't your name in the paper? Theirs were." Hermione waved it off.

"I didn't want the attention and Harry's name belongs to the public so he couldn't say no, but Ron's father is important in the ministry now so his name had to be in it also. I just said no comment to Skeeterbugg." That was Hermione's name for Rita Skeeter. Veronica just waved it off.

"I cant believe I acted like such an ass, to Harry Potter and Ron Weasley." said Veronica. Hermione just chuckled. Veronica looked at her like she was helpless when she remembered the origin of their conversation, and with a wave of her wand Hermione's hair was in elegant curls. She then pulled out an outfit that was classic. Camouflage black skirt and gray shirt with camouflage ballet shoes. Hermione looked at her confused.

"Where exactly are we going and shouldn't you be with Dudley?" asked Hermione. Veronica looked shocked and panicked.

"Diagon Ally, and OH SHIT!" she said running out the room. She came back two minutes later panting. "Okay, get dressed." Hermione nodded and went to the bathroom. When she came out Veronica laughed at her. Hermione was slouching and had a sour expression on her face.

"Hermione stand up straight and here-" said Veronica pointing at Hermione's face with her wand

,it was subtly made up, black eye shadow, and lip gloss. Hermione still looked sour and bitter. "Stand up straight and at least look presentable, before I put a smiling charm on you." said Veronica almost too sweet for Hermione's taste. When Hermione finally lost the argument they left the house and went back to the Leaky Cauldron. Transfigured herself to look completely different than she did, and the clothes didn't help. She now had jet black hair and fierce brown hair, it was still hidden by her enormous clothes, but she wouldn't be recognized anyway, she was now a MAN! When they walked through Diagon Ally Veronica noticed Hermione stiffen, when she realized what she was looking at she felt bad. There stood Ron, Harry and Ginny gaping at a forcibly smiling Hermione with arms around her cousin that was now a man, though they didn't know that. Ron's features hardened as he turned around. As soon as he did it was pouring rain.

Ginny almost lunged at Hermione, but Harry held her back. Harry just looked at Hermione in shock and disgust as she watched Ron go. Harry did all he could to keep Ginny back, but she eventually got free, with a wave of Hermione's hand Ginny stopped in place. Hermione rushed to Harry.

"Harry, it's not what it looks like. That's just someone who was following me around-"

"No, Harry, it not. It's me Ronnie." stated Veronica simply after hearing Hermione struggle to explain. Harry just gaped at her.

"Who are you and why are you here talking to me?" he asked harshly. She chuckled then unfroze Ginny.

"Ginerva Weasley STOP IT! I will be your Professor this year. So stop acting juvenile." said Veronica sternly. Harry and Ginny just gaped at her. "I might even be your head of house next year Miss Weasley" said Veronica, with a smile. She waved her wand to turn herself back to normal, Ginny's face dropped.

"How? Why?" asked Ginny and Harry with the same looks on their faces. Veronica laughed.

"Don't worry, I'm not as bad as I make myself. To answer the question brought up to me earlier. That slutty girl at the house is what or who I would like to call, 'The Fake Me'. Harry, I am nowhere remotely interested in you. I just did it to make Hermione hate me, and I no longer want that, so I'm going to stop the act. Hello, I am Veronica Granger. I love my little cousin more than anything in the world. And I owe you all apologies, I now feel inferior to you all, because Harry is jailbait." she said jokingly making them all laugh. She stuck her hand out and both Harry and Ginny shook. "I would also like to say, that I never had sex with your cousin Harry or that jerk off Brandis." They all looked at her questioningly. She sighed. "Since I am not your professor yet, I guess I can tell you. It's called the Kama charm. Obviously you know what it does, but I am not saying anymore." she said with a chuckle as they all got very interested. They then started to plead with her to tell them more. "NO MORE. We have bigger problems now, we need to find Ronald." she said. They led her to Weasley's Wizarding Wheezes. They saw Ron at the register, they all walked in except for Hermione. He saw her as the rest started to walk in, he caught her eye, they gazed at each other, but she finally broke it. She could feel his eyes on her. The rain started getting worse, she tried to stop it, but she couldn't control it. It just got worse. Frustration took over her and thunder and lightening started. The Weasley's Harry and Veronica were all looking at her. The ground began to shake. Ron ran out, conjured an umbrella and put it over her.

"Are you trying to kill yourself?" he asked softly. She nodded.

"I think so. There isn't a reason to live without my best friends. Ron please forgive me, I don't know what I'd do without you. Please." He gave her a sad weak smile. She couldn't help notice the way his shirt clung to him in the rain, the way his hair was dripping wet. She loved him but she could never be with him. In the wizarding world they were from two completely different classes. He nodded.

"Of course I'll still be your friend. Your cousin explained everything, and yesterday is forgotten. Lets just make it a good last year." Everybody noticed that the sun was now shining as Hermione smiled. He hugged her and smiled. "But, I'm going to stay home for the rest of holiday, okay?" he asked. She nodded. Things would probably never be the same with their friendship.

"Come with me to get Harry's birthday present?" she asked with a timid smile.

"Of course." They didn't notice that they were still hugging until they heard a chucking behind them.

"Hey you guys." said Harry and Ginny behind them. Hermione and Ron pushed each other away, then looked at each other awkwardly. She motioned towards the Quidditch store. He nodded.

Hermione and Veronica followed the other to the Burrow. Hermione was shocked to see that Charlie was there sitting and having tea with Professor McGonagall. When Hermione saw them she greeted them and introduced them to Veronica.

"Oh, you'll be taking my place this year. We never really met." said McGonagall, giving as warm a smile as she could. Veronica wasn't as nervous anymore. But when Charlie spoke to her she froze.

"I'll be taking the Care of Magical Creature job, so we'll be co-workers." he said with a lopsided grin that was identical to Ron's. Veronica started to giggle and then turned a slight red.

"Hi." was all she could say. Harry and Ginny were watching and laughed. She finally gained her composure enough to speak some more. "I'm Veronica Granger, and I guess I'll see you in a week. I'm sure it'll be a pleasure. I'm sorry to be so straight forward, but I have a question." Charlie grinned. Hermione and McGonagall were watching very intently. Charlie motioned for her to sit down.

"No, don't worry about being straight forward, I like it. But I also have a question for you." he responded. She nodded.

"You can go first, if you want." she said. He grinned again. Hermione and McGonagall left the room, although they didn't notice.

"Um, okay. How old are you, because you look young." she smiled and blushed a faint pink.

"Um, well, I'll be twenty, in a few weeks. How old are you?" she asked with a smirk. He grinned and then laughed.

"Well, I'm twenty-five. But, the way Ginny spoke of you, I thought you were some sixteen year old girl. What was your question?" he said laughing. She just smiled sheepishly.

"I tend to have that affect, because of how childishly I acted while they were there. But, I wanted to know why you didn't accept the running head's job." He smiled some more.

"My little sister will be at the school next year while I have the head's job, I didn't want to be biased in anything." She nodded understandingly. He offered her tea.

"No, thanks. I should really go now, but thank you. I guess I'll see you in a few days, on the express." she said, he grinned even more. "Oh, um. Can you get Hermione for me?" she asked he ran upstairs. He saw Hermione sitting at Ron's door, crying.

"Hey Hermione, what's wrong?" he asked softly. She nodded. She then waved her wand, muttering a silencing charm.

"I'm sure you've heard of the problems your brother and I are having." he nodded. "Well, I don't want those problems. I love him, more than anything." Charlie looked confused.

"If you love him and he loves you, what's the problem?" She looked down at her shoes and muttered something. "What?"

"Blood status. I'm just a mud blood, and we'll never be accepted. I realized that last night. We'll spend more time defending our relationship more than having one. I don't want that." Charlie looked shocked, but then he calmed.

"Hermione, if the people that you care about accept the relationship, then it shouldn't matter what anyone else thinks. I don't think that Ron had sex with that girl, because she was a pureblood. Ron didn't even have sex with that girl." Hermione just looked down at her shoes.

"I just think that we should be friends. I love him, yes, but I know that aside from blood status, relationships are too complicated. Friendships aren't as challenging." Charlie thought it best to change the subject.

"So, I heard you got Head Girl. That's bloody brilliant." he said enthusiastically. Hermione snorted.

"I wonder who got Head Boy, Professor." she said jokingly. Charlie's eyebrows shot up.

"You'll be surprised." said Charlie. He quickly added. "Oh, and Veronica's looking for you. She's ready to go home." said Charlie hugging her and running downstairs. She knocked on Ron's door and it shot open.

"Um, I just wanted to say, I'm leaving and that I'll see you tomorrow?" she asked more than told nervously. He laughed and nodded.

"Was that a question?" he smirked. She blushed and chuckled nervously as he hugged her. "Alright you might want to say bye to the others, before you leave. They'd hate you if you didn't. Bye, Hermie." he said as he shut the door. She walked to Ginny's room and knocked on the door, the door swung open. "What d'you want?" asked Ginny hotly. Hermione blinked many times.

"I don't want you to think that I don't think that your brother isn't good enough for me, I love him with everything that I am, but I'm not good enough for him. I am so sorry. I love him, but I, I'm not strong enough for a relationship that I'd have to defend more than enjoy. I don't want my relationship with you to change also, because God knows that Ron and I will never be the same again. I am so sorry, I want things to work out with us. Ron is way too good for me, I just need you to spend the night with me, so that I don't make my whole house shake again. Come home with me please? Please?" Hermione rambled in probably three breaths. Ginny laughed and hugged Hermione.

"Why don't you guys spend the night here?" Hermione nodded 'no'. Ginny sighed in defeat and kissed Harry. "Bye babe." she said smiling and closing her door.

"Don't you need clothes?" Hermione asked, pointing at Ginny's door.

"Nope, I left my stuff at your house yesterday." Hermione smiled. They walked downstairs and saw Bill and Veronica talking more. Ginny cleared her throat loudly. "Professor Granger, aren't

we leaving?" asked Ginny with a smirk. Veronica nodded laughing at Ginny's question. They all looked at her like she was crazy.

"What? I thought it was funny." she said with an embarrassed blush on the face. They walked over to the fireplace. Ginny and Hermione went through the Floo first. "So, I'll see you on the train, Professor Weasley?" she asked with a smirk.

"Yes in two days, unless you come back tomorrow, with the girls." Charlie replied. She smiled.

"Is that an invitation, Professor Weasley?" she asked. He grinned and nodded.

"It is, Professor Granger." She laughed and then turned to the fireplace. She waved.

TO BE CONTINUED………