It was a typical September 1st morning. Ron tried to pack that morning; Ginny kept forgetting something; Molly was running around trying to get them out of the house.. By the time they reached King's Cross it was already 10:50. Molly and Lily rushed them through the barrier all the while Molly berated Ron for being irresponsible.

James didn't come along with them that morning. He, Sirius, and Remus had left for Hogwarts the week before-the day before Harry, Ron, Ginny, and Hermione arrived from Orlando.

Lily smiled at Harry right before he got on the train. "You're all grown up," she said wistfully. "I'm sure you're tired of hearing that. Okay, remember, behave yourself and don't get anyone pregnant."

Harry rolled his eyes. "Mum!" he exclaimed.

Lily laughed. "I'm only kidding. But do behave yourself. It'd be really awkward to have a conference with your father about your behavior. Be careful. Don't fear Voldemort, but don't be a moron and go out looking for him, either."

Harry nodded, finally aware that his mother was not like normal mothers. She hadn't aged in maturity or looks. He hugged her quickly before heading off to the train.

Hermione came beside him and put an arm around him. "Okay?" Hermione asked.

Harry absently rubbed Hermione's arm and smiled. "I'm fine. I'm just thinking about what my mum said."

"What was that?"

"She said to not get anyone pregnant," Harry laughed. "This year is going to blow."

Hermione laughed and swatted his arm. "You are such a wanker."

Harry smiled. "You know you love me."

Hermione rolled her eyes. "I have to go to the prefects meeting. I'll see you later," she said before kissing his cheek and walking away.

Harry continued onto the train and found an empty compartment at the back. Neville entered shortly, along with Dean, Ginny, and Luna.

"Party," Ginny called flopping onto the seat beside Harry. "Where's Hermione?"

"Prefects meeting," Harry answered.

Ginny nodded and turned toward Dean. The train ride was relatively quiet. As was tradition, Draco Malfoy came to stir trouble.

"Hey, Potty," Malfoy called.

"Yes, Mr. Bouncing Ferret?" Harry smirked.

Malfoy's pale face flushed. "I hear you got your parents back. You must be happy."

"Yeah," Harry cautiously.

"Of course, the Dark Lord will just kill them again and then we get to see you cry," he taunted.

"Oh, you're weak," Ginny snapped. "Usually your dung is funny or at least entertaining. What the bloody hell happened?"

Malfoy glared at Ginny before turning and leaving. Before he left he turned and said, "Both of your mudbloods will die at the Dark Lord's hand."

"Tell him I said 'hi'," Harry called after Malfoy. "What a prat."

"I know," Neville agreed.

Hermione and Ron joined them half an hour later. Ron had a wide smile on his face; Hermione irate.

Harry frowned. "Why are you so happy?" he asked.

"Lavender Brown cornered him," Hermione said bitterly. She was a little jealous, but there was no way in hell she'd admit it.

"So?" Harry wondered.

"She kissed him," Hermione informed them.

Ron nodded eagerly.

"Wow," Ginny said sarcastically. "What an accomplishment. You better be careful Ron. You don't know where a girl like that has been."

Hermione, Luna, Neville, and Harry laughed.

"Shut up, Ginny," Ron mumbled while flushing.

They finally arrived at Hogwarts and walked into the hall. Harry and his friends sat at the Gryffindor table. Ron complained about being hungry. Neville and Ginny were in a conversation about something, and Dean listened in. Harry and Hermione were listening to Ron with clear amusement written on their faces. Finally the sorting was finally over and Dumbledore stood to address the hall.

"Welcome to another year of Hogwarts," he welcomed. "There are a few beginning of term announcements. No student is to leave school grounds without permission. You must always be in a buddy system. Never walk alone. These are dark times and we need to ensure the safety of the students. We have a surprise this year. We have not only one but three defense against the dark arts teachers!"

The hall murmured as to who it could be. "We have James Potter, Sirius Black, and Remus Lupin." Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, and Ravenclaw cheered loudly at the mention of their former DADA teacher.

"Yes, yes, we are very excited. With that over, please being your feast," Dumbledore waved his hand and the tables were instantly covered with food. Ron wasted no time in digging in.

"You didn't tell us your father was going to be our teacher this year," Hermione told Harry.

Harry shrugged. "I didn't even know."

The feast came to an end. As they were walking out Harry bumped into a girl. She turned around and her cold eyes bore into Harry's. She was tall, only a head shorter than Harry. Long black hair framed a classic aristocratic pureblood face, complete with cold grey eyes and milky skin.

"Watch where you're going," she sneered before walking away.

"Who was that, mate?" Ron asked.

"I have no idea," Harry answered.

"That's Aaliyah Morden," Ginny answered. "She's in my year, and a Slytherin."

"That explains it," Ron and Harry said at the same time.

"You two are weird," Hermione announced before walking away with Ginny.

"She was hot, though," Ron said.

"I didn't notice," Harry replied.

Ron smirked. "Sure you didn't. Just because you and Hermione are an item doesn't mean that you can't look…or notice."

Harry laughed. "Have you met Hermione?"

Ron thought for a second. "You're right." Ron clapped Harry on the shoulder. "Good luck to you, mate."

They continued to the common room. Before they entered, Sirius and James came into their way. Both of them were grinning madly.

"Hey," Sirius said cheerfully.

"Hello," Harry said hesitantly.

"We need your help," James said.

"With what?" Ron asked.

"Prank on the Slytherins," Sirius and James answered with a glint in their eyes.

Ron grinned. "I'm in."

"I don't know," Harry mumbled.

"Oh, come on," Ron exclaimed. "Don't tell me Hermione has you whipped, mate?"

Harry shook his head. "'Course she doesn't. I'm in."

"That's what we like to hear," Sirius barked. "Now, meet us at the Room of Requirement at one in the morning, got it?"

Ron and Harry nodded. They bid the two professors good night and ventured into the common room. It was pretty much empty except for a few straggling seventh years. Hermione and Ginny were in the corner by the fire. Harry and Ron went to join them.

"Where were you guys?" Hermione asked.

"Nowhere," Ron and Harry answered quickly.

Hermione narrowed her eyes.

Ginny chuckled. "That is my cue to leave," she announced and left.

"Where is nowhere?" Hermione asked.

"Nowhere is nowhere," Harry stated as though she were three.

"Don't use that tone with me Harry Potter," Hermione snapped.

"Can't you just trust us? We were walking a few feet behind you on the way back from the feast," Ron said.

"Whatever," Hermione said. She stood and went up the stairs and out of sight.

"Trouble in paradise?" Ron asked.

"I don't know why. Paradise only began a month ago," Harry replied.

Ron flopped onto a couch. "Well, I don't think paradise is going to be much longer, but that's just me," Ron voiced his opinion.

Harry sat next to Ron. "Why do you say that?"

"You know each other too well," Ron shrugged. "She's closer to you and, if you ask me, you should've stayed friends in the first place."

Harry nodded along. "Maybe you're right."

"Of course I'm right," Ron said clapping Harry's shoulders. "I'm heading up. I'll see you in a few hours."

Harry nodded absently and stared into the fire. Maybe Ron was right, maybe he and Hermione were just meant to be friends.

FAQ/FYI:

Harry/Hermione? WTF?
Yeah. I'm delusional. Whatev. Humor me for a couple of chapters, why don't you?

Prank?!
Duh! You can't have Mauraders without pranks!

Draco's a moron.
Yeah, I know that too.

What's going on with Voldemort?
He's going to take a back burner for a few chapters. False sense of security and all that jazz.

Seriously. Harry/Hermione? WTF?!
Yes, people. Harry. Hermione. Together. Temporarily. Promise. And I NEVER break writing promises.