Chapter 5

July 27th 1992

Harry stared himself in the mirror, disbelieving what he was seeing. Was the reflection in the mirror really him? Augusta Longbottom had taken one look at his wardrobe, and with a flick of her wand, a good portion of it was flown into the fireplace. According to the elderly witch, the state of his clothes was not good enough for a farm animal, let alone a child. When Augusta looked him in the eye, Harry felt anger rushing through him.

"This isn't on you, but Harry, can you tell me you enjoyed wearing those items? If you do, you can tell me that's okay," The stern witch said uncharacteristically softly.

"I…No, but Dudley's bigger than I am. Most of his clothes are too large," Harry mumbled to himself.

"You are the heir of your house, and there will be times you need to dress the part. If you enjoy larger clothes, I'll ensure they don't drown you. Can that be our deal?" Augusta cajoled, earning a nod from Harry as he let out a breath.

Suddenly he wasn't as angry anymore.

Shaking his head, Harry looked back into the mirror. He was dressed in black robes, day robes, and a voice that sounded suspiciously like Hermione echoed in his head. Harry didn't know what they were made of, but they were softer and lighter than his school robes. Harry wore a short-sleeved t-shirt and dark-washed jeans underneath the closed robe. His feet were topped off with comfortable dark dress shoes.

His raven hair had been dabbed in a potion called Sleekeazy. Allowing his hair to be brushed back, not unlike how he saw Draco Malfoy wearing, only not as tight.

"Potter hair does not like to obey" Augusta shook her head. "Use the potion but do not force your hair tight; brush it into a preferred style. It must be formal, as we will stop by Gringotts to meet with your manager. First impressions are important, Mr. Potter."

Looking in the mirror, Harry didn't hate it. He liked having clothes meant for him. It had been only a week, and Neville's Gran had his measurements made by a store called Twilfitt and Tatting's. A knock on the door brought Harry from his musings.

"Yes?"

Hermione's head popped through the door. "Are you ready?"

"According to Neville's Gran? Never."

"Lady Longbottom, Harry," Hermione corrected. "You can't just be calling her Neville's Gran; besides, she has a name."

"It's just weird," Harry admitted. "All these classes? What are we doing this for? To fit in with a bunch of tossers?"

At Hermione's glare, Harry blushed. "Is Neville a tosser?"

"What? No!" Harry said, appalled.

"Harry, we are learning the same things Neville has learned. Just because the likes of Draco Malfoy know the same thing does not mean it's useless. I know the Weasleys don't follow…" Hermione stopped as she saw the look in Harry's eye. "Harry, I have no problem with the Weasleys; it's clear they don't hold traditions the same way other families do."

"Yeah, but Ron's family sounds fun," Harry mumbled. "It's not like I want to be friends with Malfoy, do you?"

Hermione rolled her eyes, "I have no interest in his friendship, but I want to make a difference Harry. How can I if families who obviously hold the most power dislike me over things I never got a chance to learn?"

"Did you have to drag me too?"

Harry winced at her glare. "The Wizengamot cares about your education. It might behoove you to play along, especially after this year. Harry, our school experience is hardly normal…I just think you might want to take it more seriously."

"I guess." Harry shrugged. "As long as they don't expect me to act like Malfoy, I think I can deal besides, it's been nice to see Neville. He's so quiet at school."

Hermione's mouth opened to say something but closed it. Harry's had many changes recently and hasn't shut them out. Hermione figured it might not be the best time to share with Harry that he tended to only see Ron while at school. It's not like she had any right to judge…something that itched at her skin.

But she talked with Neville, she knew Neville and Harry had gotten closer. She could only hope she and Harry remembered once summer ended and didn't shove Neville to the side. No, Hermione shook her head. She won't let Neville be sidelined. If Ron had a problem, she would deal with it, but she doubted Ron even knew it was occurring. The boy was somewhat oblivious to anything other than Quidditch and food.

"I'm sure Madam Longbottom does not expect you to be like Malfoy. Ron and his family are meeting us, right?"

XXX

Leaky Cauldron

Harry stepped away from the fireplace, eyeing it with distaste. Covering his mouth as he coughed, catching himself as he stumbled out. Having only used the Floo to enter the Ministry for that Wizengamot meeting, Harry disliked how it disoriented him. Flying was most definitely preferable. His eyes widened in surprise as the fireplace lit up in green flame as Hermione stepped out, almost tripping as Harry reached his hand over to catch her.

"Thanks."

"I don't think Lady Longbottom's tips on the Floo helped us," Harry muttered quietly, earning a sharp elbow.

The two turned towards the fireplace to see Neville step through. Hermione looked in awe as Neville stepped without stumbling. "How'd you do that?" She asked.

Neville blushed, "Practice."

"Yet you couldn't get on the broom?" Harry asked, causing Hermione to hit him in the arm. "Stop the violence, Hermione!"

"Children, let's not draw blood so early in the morning," Augusta said as she stepped in through the fireplace. "Thank you, Tom."

"Enjoy your day, Lady Longbottom" Tom nodded towards the witch with a grin. "Looks like you got your hands full this year."

"You have no idea," Augusta mainly said to herself. "Children, we are scheduled to meet the Weasleys for lunch. Harry, do you still wish to visit with the Weasleys for the week?"

Harry nodded, "I'd still like that. Mrs. Longbottom, have we figured out what's going in with my mail?"

Augusta shook her head, "I promise you, Harry the moment I know more, I will. Until then, let's focus on getting your school supplies, shall we?"

Their first stop was to collect their things from Twilfitt and Tattings. Then they were sent to the bookstore for their textbooks.

"Harry! Hermione! Neville!"

The trio looked to their right, and Harry beamed at a madly waving Ron surrounded by a bunch of redheads. Hermione immediately recognized the twins who were whispering to each other. Hermione's eyes narrowed, making a note to watch out for them. Harry looked towards Augusta, who nodded at him before he bolted for their friend.

Hermione ignored the pang in her chest, seeing how Harry was swept in by the Weasley parents. A warmth on top of her hand startled her, and the witch found herself staring at Neville's hand in her own. "You're still their friend, you know."

"I know. Ron was Harry's first friend. They have a good bond. It's a good thing. I just… I wish Ron and I could get along more without feeling like I am dragging him to succeed," Hermione admitted to Neville quietly.

Even with Harry's presence, Hermione had found a quiet comfort in Neville. Neville understood her need for knowledge, well maybe not understand it but accepted it. He encouraged her, and Hermione found herself asking more about Neville's interests. The times Harry was bored out of his wits and needed to fly around the grounds. Hermione was often with Neville in the greenhouses or in the safety of the library.

It was strange not feeling like a third wheel. "Neville?"

"Yeah, Hermione?"

"I am sorry if I made you feel like I forgot about you. I know Harry's situation is unique, but you were my first friend. I shouldn't forget that."

Neville blushed, "I'm sorry for not standing up for you more. I knew it was wrong, but…."

Hermione squeezed his hand, "We okay though?"

Neville grinned, "Yeah, we are okay."

"Come on, Hermione! Neville! Mum wouldn't let us order until you got here! I'm starving!" Ron complained as they walked up behind the large group.

"Ronald!" Mrs. Weasley scolded her youngest son. "Augusta, it's lovely to see you again. Are you sure this place is alright?" The matron fretted as she glanced at the door of the restaurant.

Diagon Alley held several shops and restaurants, with prices ranging from cheap to expensive, primarily due to the small wizarding population. Hermione noted they simply didn't have many wizard-only locations like Diagon. They had at least one in every major city worldwide with a large enough population. The restaurant they stopped in front of was unlike the Leaky Cauldron, which was more travel stop than a Inn or restaurant.

The dark coloring of the door with the golden cursive, revealing the restaurant's name, reminds Hermione of the restaurant her parents would use on special occasions. Lady Augusta smiled at the adult Weasley's. "I invited you. It's only fair I treat you to lunch."

Hermione pretending not to notice the way Mrs. Weasley's shoulders lowered. She knew the Weasleys were a large brood and not as well off as her family, let alone Neville and his Gran. How did they afford Hogwarts? If this stressed them out.

XXX

It was quiet as Hermione sat on a comfortable chair in the Longbottom library. Harry was staying with the Weasleys for the week; Mrs. Weasley belatedly invited Hermione over to visit to hang out with the boys and perhaps to give Ginny a female to talk to. She politely declined, citing not wanting to take too much time away from her studies when she planned to spend time with her parents the week after.

It wasn't a lie, but Augusta had informed her she could take the extra time. Being the bookworm that she was, Hermione could be assigned readings instead, but Hermione felt more like a third wheel. Plus, Mrs. Weasley didn't even bother to address Neville. She tried to keep a smile on her face for Harry.

Augusta had just treated them to lunch, yet she ignored Neville? Hermione scowled. After they had returned from their shopping trip. Which was thankfully uneventful. Neville was currently dealing with his assigned readings he had let slip, all focused on the upcoming Wizengamot meeting. His job was to read the laws, write down questions, observations everything he could think of that might help or hurt this bill. Then decide if he would support the bill.

Seeing the boy struggling, Hermione decided to help him out. When she suggested that he focus on the proposals that would be most controversial or one's, he wanted to know more about. Then offered to listen if Neville needed someone to discuss the readings with.

She was rewarded with a smile from Neville as she opened up her own books. After several minutes of reading the same line, Hermione sighed as she closed her book.

"Hermione?" Neville asked, concerned, looking up from his pamphlets.

"Sorry, Neville, I just am having a hard time concentrating," Hermione reluctantly admitted, placing her hand on the book.

"You not being able to read?" Neville joked. "The world must be ending."

Hermione let a weak grin show, "Neville, do the Longbottoms and Weasley's have any issues?"

Neville looked perplexed, "Issues? Like, what a blood feud? No, our families have gotten along just fine. We aren't close, but I know both families were aligned against He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named. My parents were aurror's, you know."

Hermione smiled, "No, I didn't. They must have been courageous. Then why didn't Mrs. Wealsey invite you? I mean, you're a boy Ron's age!"

At this, Neville's smile dropped, "Gran's been protective of me. The Weasleys are one of the few families I've had some contact with, but we rarely accepted invites. Gran's mostly only accepted on special occasions or lessons. The Weasley's always had enough kids at home that I've never heard of any kids joining in for lessons. Luna's the only one I know that frequently went to the burrow before any of us went to Hogwarts."

"I see" Hermione frowned.

"Hermione," Neville sighed. "What are you thinking about?"

"I just…for a family whose so full they were quick to invite Harry. I think Mrs. Weasley only invited me because Harry glanced my way". Hermione muttered the last part of herself. "I know Harry deserves all the love he can get, but…it's just strange."

Neville looked doubtful, "Is it really? I mean Harry and you are Ron's best friends. Is it that shocking more kids being invited to House once the Weasley children are close friends with them? Luna's only an exception because she lives next door to them. I overheard Lee Jordon has been invited just last year for a visit."

Hermione nodded, "I know, maybe I'm just seeing things."

"Well, you are my Gran's apprentice, and Gran is known to be a bit nutty," Neville snickered, leaning back as Hermione aimed to swat at him

"Go back to your reading, Neville" Hermione rolled her eyes.

"Only if your feeling better," Neville countered. "Any other things you noticed you need to talk about?"

"No," Hermione shook her head. Deciding to let the conversation drop for the time being. Obviously, she was just overthinking things; Neville was right. Ron was the closest to Harry and herself. "How is understanding" Hermione leaned over and almost face-balmed. "Ban on Muggle contraceptives? NEVILLE WE ARE ELEVEN AND TWELVE"

Neville shrugged, "It's on the docket."

Hermione's eyes narrowed. "Neville, do you even understand what's in the bill?"

"Uh…muggle methods to prevent pregnancy?" Neville looked over at Hemione, who nodded.

"That's the basic concept, Neville. Do you know why some witches or wizards might need to use muggle methods?" Hermione asked, blushing a little. Her mother had just given her another talk while it had been informative. She couldn't imagine wanting to be that close with any of the boys she knew.

Neville shook his head. Hermione sighed, "I'm not sure either. I am assuming it's got something to do with limitations of magical methods?" With Neville's unknowing glance, Hermione wanted to groan and allow her head to hit the table.

"Wizards," She muttered under her breath.

XXX

After the evening meal, while Harry was still away, Hermione prepared for her conversation with the Regent of House Longbottom. Neville was busy viewing the notes Hermione had helped him prepare for the Wizengamot meeting set for the next day. Hermione sat in the chair in front of the working desk. Wondering to herself what her mentor wished to discuss. It had been only a couple weeks since her parents allowed her to stay for most of the summer. The young witch thought her lessons were going well.

Augusta entered the study without much noise; the only thing that alerted Hermione to her presence was that darn cane hitting her chair.

"We will need to work on your awareness," Augusta murmured more to herself than directly to the young witch. "Tell me, Hermione what do you know about the differences between Witches magic and a wizardWizards's?"

Hermione looked embarrassed as she looked down, "I'm not aware of any differences in magic based on gender Ma'am."

Augusta tutted, "Hogwarts is leaving far too much to chance for those raised in the muggle world. Hermione, look at me," when she noticed how the brunette looked down.

It was much the same with her grandson. Augusta's lips tightened. Perhaps she needed to change her approach to the children? The young witch looked up; Augusta also decided to nip another observation in the bud.

"There is nothing to be ashamed of for not knowing something. I understand amongst your friends, you are known to have the answers. Hermione, it's okay for you not to know. It's also okay to not provide the answer to someone unwilling to do the work to uncover it."

Hermione opened her mouth to object, but Augusta shook her head. "The Potter Heir has been looking towards you to give him the answer since he joined you in lessons. Your tutor has noted he often looks to you before trying himself. How will he learn if you are available to take the answer from?"

Hermione's head bowed in shame. "Enough looking down. Hermione, I want you to be proud of your intellect. It's a strength you cultivate. Don't squander your help on people who won't do their own work. You should never bow your head for not knowing, either. It's not a shame to not have all the answers, Hermione. It only makes you human."

Hermione's cheeks reddened, "Yes, Ma'am."

"Now that's out of the way. You already know about the different branches of magic and the ways we practice. As you know, we cannot create something out of nothing, it's about balance. Does it not make sense that witches and wizards also have different responsibilities in attending to magic's balance?"

"I never really thought of it that way."

"Prior to the creation of a wizarding government, each family, each village kept balance in their own ways. When the first of our old and ancient families came together, it was agreed they'd work together to help keep the magic flowing. Hermione, you know that magic is sentient; that is why our intent is so important in spell work. By banning together, our spell work became stronger, our harvest more plentiful, and more of our children lived."

Hermione listened carefully, "How does this relate to balance? Especially between witches and wizards."

"I've taught you about family magic, how the longer a family exists, the more magic is concentrated on a family it begins to bestow gifts. Similarly, a Longbottom will likely have a gift for herbology or potions, even duels. A witch is more likely to find easy with healing magic or a wizard with defense. It does not dictate our talents, but you will find some witches more inclined towards healing magic or certain wizards more inclined towards fighting. As a society, the matriarchs and patriarchs come together to perform rituals to ensure our world remains balanced. For example, some rituals will be only for the matriarchs or patriarchs. You would recognize rituals from the old pagan religion pre-Christianity the old families still observe."

"What if you don't?" Hermione asked. "Does it affect magic?"

"Many magical families still observe the old ways, at least in private. The oldest families still come together. We have not yet reached the limited numbers we believe could danger the magical gifts we have, but it is a concern many older families have," Augusta answered carefully. "It's this concern that ultimately allowed Voldemort to thrive because he knew how to abuse the family's concerns, at least the ones more aligned towards the grey or dark magical practices."

"Grey, Dark?" Hermione questioned.

"Balance, Hermione. Nature is all about balance, so for every family that excels in what we call light magic, you have families that excel in the gray or dark. As you know, every spell can be either, but it's about intent."

Hermione nodded softly, looking up at Augusta with a straightforward question in her eyes, "Madam Longbottom, how long has it been since Hogwarts has taught this?"

Augusta's blue eyes gleamed, "Hogwarts has never directly taught Wizarding Culture that was left to the ward's mentor to provide hence when wizarding families stopped fostering…"

"Muggle-born students stopped learning, and those Muggle-raised could only learn if they had access to magical citizen," Hermione finished for her.

Augusta nodded, "Now, what questions do you have about any part of our discussion tonight? I'll provide extra readings as well if you would like?"

Hermione beamed at her, "If a witch's family magic leans towards defense would that mean she would struggle with healing if she excelled in her family's talent?"

Augusta settled into her chair, the pair exchanging ideas until an hour before Hermione was sent to bed.

XXX

Hermione was sitting in the library, choosing a recliner near a fireplace in the rather large room. A loud noise brought her out of her reading haze, and sighing softly, she placed a proper bookmark to hold her place. Once her spot was saved, the brunette looked up to see a pouting Harry followed by an amused Neville joining her on one of the other couches.

"What on earth is the matter with you?" Hermione asked, careful to keep her irritation out of her voice. She had been reading up on magical theory regarding Family magics. She had just gotten to a very detailed section on how it is believed family magic manifests their gifts when the boys entered.

"We have a playdate," Harry said mournfully, having just returned to the manor this morning.

"A playdate?" Hermione's lips twitched a little. "Neville, I didn't think your grandmother was expecting any guests?"

Neville sighed, leaning back into the couch, "Gran's thought Harry would do well with a trial-by-fire approach seeing his lack of enthusiasm. Gran invited several families" Neville paused, glancing over at Hermione nervously.

"I don't understand why it matters what fork I use to eat a salad," Harry grumbled, "I don't know how either of you sit through it."

"You might not care, but caring enough to know to those who do might be important one day," Hermione lectured softly, earning an eye roll from Harry.

"I'm eleven," Harry reminded her. "What eleven-year-old cares?"

"I do, Potter."

The trio leaped off the coaches to see Pansy Parkinson with a smirk on her face. Daphne Greengrass and a girl who looked just like her standing by Hannah Abbott walked in next. Susan Bones, Draco Malfoy, Theodore Nott, Cedric Diggory, and Marcus Flint finished the party.

"Ladies, Gentleman," Neville greeted stiffly, "Welcome to Longbottom Manor."

Pansy strolled in, looking at the three with unease setting herself on an empty couch, "I should have known Mum was up to something. Granger, you really shook up the summer."

Daphne and her look-a-like settled in next to Pansy, "Mother really was in shock that Lady Longbottom took in a ward, let alone a mud-muggle-born," The blonde corrected herself, seeing the way Cedric and Neville's eyes narrowed in at her.

Cedric looked apologetically towards Hermione, "Ignore Ms. Greengrass, her family tends to be very reclusive in those they associate with."

Hermione didn't know whether to kiss or smack Harry in the head when he asked, "What did Greengrass try to call Hermione?"

The Slytherins all seemed to purse their lips in distaste. Hannah rolled her eyes, having sat next to Neville, who slowly sat back down. "A slur. It's what the more narrow-minded older families call muggle-borns. Usually, she has more tact."

Daphne blushed, "I'm sorry… Father is stricter in his beliefs. Mother has always been a bit more open-minded."

"By like half an inch," Her sister muttered. "The woman simply thinks they belong below purebloods. Not that I believe that," The younger Greengrass said hurriedly. "I just got grounded for listening to muggle music."

Neville startled everyone by saying, "No matter. Hermione is a ward of my House. It would do you well to remember that, Ms. Greengrass. Such language has never been welcome here."

Draco smirked while the rest of the newcomers looked at Neville as if he grew a second head. Neville started to blush, but Draco stepped in before he could make another comment. "I didn't know you had it in you, Longbottom."

Cedric rolls his eyes, "Not everyone needs to be a peacock, Draco."

The young heir fumed; Marcus Flint smacked him upside the head. "Don't. I don't need to get in trouble because your silly need to be an alpha dog while you are still very much a pup."

Cedric smirked, "Let me guess, Flint. You failed your classes."

"Shut up, Diggory. At least I didn't publicly embarrass myself in front of the French Minister," Flint rebutted.

"You all seem very familiar with one another," Hermione murmured. "I take it this is not the first time your parents have pushed you towards one another."

"Pureblood circles are small, Granger. Unless you have a blood feud, no family will turn down a chance to socialize their children. You are not guaranteed to have friends or family with children the same age in general if your family is in the Wizengamot, you will be interacting on some level," Marcus Flint informed the young witch surprisingly with no disgust in his voice. He was simply stating a fact.

"It's the same in the Ministry," Susan tackled on. "While families tend to stick to their social own circles, political leanings matter less if you are respectable and hold power. My Aunt and I are the only ones left of House Bones. I rarely can socialize, but I've met plenty of our classmates during Ministry functions."

"What if you don't like them?" Harry found himself asking, sitting down next to Hermione. The rest of the group slowly settling in.

Susan answered, rolling her eyes, "You aren't going to like everybody. My Aunt says to use it to better my manners. When I'm older, she will teach me some useful hexes, but first, I need to master my etiquette."

"Why is that so important?" Harry asked. "Neville's Gran is constantly on me…what does it matter if I know the correct fork placement?"

Hermione had to internally hold in her exasperation. As she was about to speak, it was surprising when Marcus Flint answered for her. "Potter, it might seem silly to you, but I'll try to put it in a way a Gryffindor can understand. What does your house value?"

"Bravery," Harry answered without prompting. "Chivalry."

"It takes bravery to go up against people you know have more power than you. Like in a duel. While you may find our traditions dull and silly, it's a sign of respect. Like when you bow before you start an officially sanctioned duel. Etiquette is a tool like your wand; you have to use it to get what you want. Sometimes your foes are not people you need to outpower magically but with wit," The older boy answered.

Cedric snorted, "Says the Heir most prone to violence."

Marcus smirked, "I am aware I am more brawn than brain, Cedric. However, I am not brainless."

Harry leaned back as, one by one, the group members started talking. Harry sat back, clearly lost in his own thoughts. Hermione watched him out of the corner of her eye. Hoping that maybe he was finally starting to get it.

"Are we done with politics?" Pansy asked in exasperation. "We are stuck here for at least an hour. Let's play a game."

"Poker?" Cedric suggested grinning at the way Harry turned towards Hermione with a puppy dog face as she went to grab her book back.

Hermione groaned, "Fine, I'll play. Happy now, Harry?"

XXX

September 1st, 1992

"Neville, you'll ride with us, won't you?" Hermione asked as they got onto the train thirty minutes before they were set to depart. They had just finished saying their goodbyes and the Weasleys were nowhere in sight. The young witch watched as her first friend at Hogwarts paused, looking as if he had misheard.

"You want to share a compartment?" Neville verified. He had planned on finding a place with the other two Gryffindor boys or Susan and Hannah. He had spent his first trip to Hogwarts with Hermione, but they didn't spend the train back together

with her befriending Harry and Ron.

He didn't think much of the train back, knowing Harry would want to spend more time with Ron. He was about to tell the young witch it was okay when he looked directly into her eyes, and Neville couldn't help but blush. He hadn't wanted to assume even if they were close this summer.

"Okay, Hermione, I'll join you," The boy found himself saying, earning a beaming smile from the brunette. Harry smiled at him as he joined them on the train. Hermione grabbed both boys by the hand, their trunks following behind them courtesy of Augusta Longbottom.

Neville shared a look with Harry, who looked just as bewildered by their friend. The compartments were filling up as more students found their way onto the train. The trio easily found a compartment towards the back. Neville quickly stepped in front of Hermione, opening the door for her. Their trunks maneuvering themselves to the top shelves in neat stacks, allowing all three trunks to reside comfortably.

Hermione found herself smiling, "Holding my door for me even on the train?"

Neville shook his head, "Gran would murder me if I didn't show you respect at all times, even on the train."

Harry blushed, "She'll know, won't she?"

"Gran is good at reading people. Just make sure you offer your arm like she taught you either to Hermione or another female friend when you both leave or enter a room." Neville reminded Harry. "This summer, we were mainly only around Gran or Hermione, but remember how I escorted Hannah when she was around?"

Harry nodded, "Yeah, then Lady Longbottom would either ask for my hand or direct me towards Hermione. They didn't do it at the Weasley tho."

"The Weasleys also only have two women in a family of nine. I see the twins and Percy escort friends all the time" Neville shook his head. "They were taught it, but I guess Ron hasn't gotten into the habit of practicing it. It will look bad if you don't at least start to abide by them, Harry…Gran is supposed to be teaching you, but you need to practice even outside of Longbottom Manor."

Harry blushed, "I don't want you or your Gran to look bad. You'll remind me if I forget, right? It's…I guess I just find it strange, especially because I mainly only hung around Ron and Hermione."

"Then start with me," Hermione said gently. "Besides, it might mean something else to the other girls… am I right, Neville?"

"If you're not close, it could just be good manners, or it could be seen as interest," Neville acknowledged. "We are a bit young, but many of the older families have already betrothed their kids or are at least looking at potential future partners. Either way, the more traditional families will be looking to see if you are putting any of their etiquette into practice- that's what everyone learns first."

Harry blanched, "I'm twelve," just as their compartment door swung open.

"HARRY! There you are, mate! I was looking all over for you" Ron's voice was as loud as ever. The trio saw a flop of flaming red hair before Ron's blue eyes could be seen as he entered the compartment.

"Hermione," Ron greeted as if he expected her to be there. Hermione wanted to roll her eyes when she felt dread falling over her. "Oh, Neville. I didn't expect you. Don't you normally sit with Sean and Dean?"

"Ron, I invited him to sit with us," Hermione intervened; one look at Neville, and you could see that he was already uncomfortable. Why the hell was it so weird for Neville to sit with them? They've only gone to school together for one bloody year, they hardly had traditions yet!

"Besides Ron. You are not our only friend. Why don't we invite Sean and Dean as well?" Harry added. "It is nice to get caught up with everyone."

"Er.I should find Lavender and Parvati then," Hermione said gloomily. "I'll never hear the end of it otherwise."

"What but Harry!" Ron exclaimed. "The compartment will be cramped if we do that. The four of us are fine. We can catch up with the others at the feast or find them later."

Hermione narrowed her eyes at how Ron tried to avoid bringing in the others. The compartment would indeed be rather packed, the youngest Weasley male was not wrong about that. Then again, Hermione recalled how Ron seemed to try to keep the others from getting close to Harry last year. Hell, Ron only stopped complaining about her so much after she took the blame for the troll.

It was probably nothing; Hermione shook her head. Hermione turned to the two boys she spent the summer with, "What do you two think?"

A.N: What do you guys think? I think Harry is awfully stubborn; as observant as he is, the boy is still only a kid. He wasn't taught the power of manners, especially in a world where words can be just as deadly as a weapon. I am trying to slowly steer him in the right direction without making him too much of a stubborn butt but not so just accepting of everything.