Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter.
A cold hand grabbed Hermione's shoulder making her jump. "I didn't…. scare you did I," asked the owner.
"Oh! Of course not Ron," Hermione said with trepidation. She was still smarting from their last encounter.
"Good. I wouldn't want to spoil the day would I?" asked Ron.
"No. No, of course not." said Hermione.
"I really don't want to have another incident like earlier today. So let's just behave and everything will be rosy." stated Ron.
Hermione pretended to giggle. "Of course I will behave." Then changing the subject: "I'm hungry. It's been a long ride. Aren't you hungry?"
"Yes." Ron said disinterestedly.
They found a carriage and climbed in. Much to Hermione's relief they were joined by Harry and Neville.
The rest of the ride passed rather quickly with Harry and Ron discussing random issues that interested Hermione very little.
Hermione looked out at the darkening sky outside. Her mind drifted and she soon had a glazed look.
"Are you coming?" said an oddly familiar voice. Where had she heard it before? Oh. It was Ron. Hermione had been so absorbed by her thoughts that she hadn't realized the carriage had stopped. "Yes. I was just admiring the sky. How beautiful." Hermione said.
Ron raised an eyebrow and motioned for her to hurry out of the carriage. Of course in his impatience to get going he must have forgotten to offer her a hand. How silly of him.
As they approached Hogwarts, they spotted the first years led by Hagrid going through the doors. They looked so small. Hermione remembered when she had first come to Hogwarts and thought about how much time had passed. How much had happened.