September 1st 1994

Harry and Ron were chatting with Ginny when they saw Hermione come through the barrier onto 9 and ¾. She must have been running very late as the Weasley's had been early and still among the last to board the train.

The fact that she was not running at all was observed by Harry due to her body being much thicker and larger than it was before. She had a round plump face and large full breasts spilling over a round belly and thick wide hips and thighs. Harry was still staring at her when she walked up to them.

"Hi Harry. Take a picture it'll last longer." She said grinning at him.

Ron meanwhile was gagging in disgust, "Blimey what the hell happened to you? You eat your way across London."

All three of them turned to Ron who shrugged, "What she was skinny when we last saw her now she looks like a fat cow."
"That's a laugh Ron seeing how your mother looks." Hermione shrieked at him.

"Yeah after she had seven kids. What're you gonna look like after you have kids. I bet your paps'll be draggin the ground."

"I'll show you dragging the ground." She had drawn her wand effortlessly from somewhere pointing it just under Ron's nose. He immediately squaked and went silent. His eyes crossing to follow the tip of her wand.

Harry put a restraining hand on Hermione's arm softly saying, "He's not worth it okay. It's just the shock and surprise of seeing you like this talking. C'mon you can explain when we get a seat on the train."

She lowered her wand and after seeing to it that her things were stowed followed Harry into a compartment. Making herself comfortable she glared at Ron who kept staring at her. She sighed then said, "I was working on a nutrition supplement potion. To speed things up I used the microwave oven and it did this to me. I'm still healthy and all I just weigh 260 pounds. And cannot be brought below that weight by any means. Even with a poly-juice I look like a fatter version of whomever I am trying to turn into.

"Well you're not that bad." Harry said patting her thigh and seeing it jiggle a bit.

"Not that bad? Harry when she sits around the common room she's going to sit around the common room. Not to mention fitting under the invisibility cloak. Heck its a good things she doesn't like to fly as no broom could lift her."
"I'll have you know the lifting capacity for the average broom is 500 pounds. Well over what I currently weigh. And I am not that fat." She said getting angry.

"Yeah right now. But c'mon you always complain about putting on a couple pounds when you get back due to the food at school. Whatta you going to do now? Eat the table?"
"Ron you're pushing your luck." Harry warned.

"No Harry I mean what guy is gonna want her? A walrus hunter?" Harry jumped up and punched Ron before Hermione could draw her wand. She had tears in her eyes and was staring at Ron with her mouth open making a shocked O.

"You punched me! What the hell Harry?"

"You shut up about running Hermione down. You and your stupid little petty attitude disgust me. I put up listening to the Dursleys shame people and make fun of them just for how they look. I put up with Malfoy making fun of Hermione for her parents. I will NOT put up with YOU someone that is supposed to be our friend making fun of her like that. Hermione still looks great to me and I love her. I am one of those guys who would want her now shut it Ron."

Hermione and Ginny looked at each other to hear Harry shout in Ron's face. Hermione in shock and surprise because she didn't think Harry felt that way about her. Ginny in defeat at the realization that Harry would never look at or feel for her the way he did Hermione. She took Hermione's hand and whispered, "Congratulations. I think you have a boyfriend now."

Hermione smiled back at her with watery eyes but squeezed her hand none the less. "Thanks I know you wanted him."
"Yeah but you got him." Ginny shrugged.

Ron though stood up, "Well fine. I'll just stop being your friend so you don't have to worry about that."

"Fine. Good bye." Harry said yanking the door open for the ginger who strolled out with his nose in his hand trying to staunch the bleeding.

Ginny looked up at Harry who softened his glare a bit, "Sorry Gin."

She smiled and patted him on the arm,"Its okay. I know Ron has the emotional range of a thimble. I'll talk to him."
Harry smiled back, "Thanks."

After Ginny left Harry sat beside Hermione. Looking straight ahead. They both sat quietly for several minutes before they both started to say something. They apologized then tried to start again. They did this several times before they started laughing and Harry took her hand. She didn't pull back or resist.

"So about what I said. Do you mind?"
"That you love me or that you want me?"

"Uh either, both."
"Well sex is going to be something we'll have to work on. And wait for as I'm not ready."

"Well me either. But as for the love?"

She smiled and kissed him gently on the lips. He kissed back until they came up for air.

=====xxxxx====

When they arrived at the school the usual suspect made snickering and snide comments but Hermione was holding Harry's hand and the two of them felt strong. Especially when Neville looked at Hermione and shrugging treated her like he always did. So did Ginny and the twins. Eventually people stopped making comments and moved on. Even Malfoy when Millicent Bulstrode and Crabbe both told him off about his disparaging comments towards Hermione.

The only thing any of the professors said was comments made by Snape explaining how the traditional methods for potion ingredient preparation was the most vital and important step. Aside from that he was polite and understanding with Hermione and even talked to her about what sort of muggle methods might be safe to use. Surprising everyone.

Ron eventually did try to repair his friendship with Harry and Hermione but his mouth and lack of sensitivity blew it once again this time forever. Neville was a much better addition to the golden trio and was incredibly happy to help them.