Sometime in the middle of September, Hermione sat down in the common room to write a letter. She'd written once a week to her parents, informing them of all the goings on of the school. She had been sorted into Gryffindor. She still wasn't sure what the point of the moving stairs was. And all the other little trivial things.

She pulled out quill, ink, and parchment. It was still strange to use them, but it was growing more comfortable the longer she used them. And she was almost certain that her pen pal used a quill. She dipped her quill in the ink and started her letter.

Dear Viktor,

Things are certainly different her at Hogwarts than I anticipated. At least the robes are comfortable. I was worried about that, as you know. And I know that I have a tendency to worry over the silliest things. Like robes, that you assured me were comfortable.

I know it hasn't been long, and that I should probably give it more time, but I don't have many friends yet. There's this boy named Neville. He keeps losing thins and forgetting stuff. But he's one of the few people who have been nice to me.

I was sorted into Gryffindor, just like I wanted to be. But the girls in my house don't seem to like me that much. I don't know why. I'm doing my best not to let it get to me. But I think that the only reason some of them put up with me at all is the fact that I'm on top of my homework. Not that it's hard. It's only been two weeks since classes started.

I do want to thank you for mentioning how important it is that I stay on top of my work. I would have anyways, but it is always nice to have someone give you advice that you can actually follow. And at least this way, I'm not going to get swamped when more things are assigned.

"What are you doing?" a certain red head practically shouted across the common room.

"Writing," Hermione said without so much as a glance up.

"I can see that." Ron crossed the room. "I didn't think that the potions essay was due until next week."

Hermione folded up her letter, not wanting to share. "It is due next week, Ronald. And I'm already done with it."

There was something callous about Ron Weasley that made it difficult for Hermione to like him. She was trying. He had a few friends, so there must have been some redeeming qualities. But it was hard to like someone who seemed to have it out for you.

"What did you do that for?" Ron asked. "You have the rest of the week to finish it."

"In case it has escaped your notice, Ronald," Hermione tried to keep from snapping, "today is Thursday. The essay is due Tuesday. And Flitwick gave us an essay for next Thursday."

There was a collective sigh around the common room as parchment and quills were pulled out. It appeared that Ron wasn't the only one who had put off his homework.

"So, you're doing the charms essay then?" Ron prodded.

"Not that it's any of your business Weasley," Hermione nearly lost control of her temper, "but I'm writing a letter."

Harry pulled Ron away from Hermione before she could kill him. Ron might not have understood just how close Hermione was to snapping and hurting him. Harry did. And he wasn't thrilled with the prospect of Ron getting himself killed.

Hermione grabbed her letter and marched up to her dorm. Luckily for her, and possibly everyone else, she didn't run into anyone. She settled onto her bed, trying to let go of the anger that was overtaking her.

She took a deep breath and unfolded her letter. What she wanted, what she needed, was a friend. She just wished that Viktor lived closer.

A/N: So the biggest issue between Ron and Hermione is communication. Ron's grown up surrounded by siblings. They were always around, and he doesn't know how to give someone space. And Hermione, being an only child with two busy parents, doesn't quite get the fact that Ron is trying to take an interest in her life. She thinks he's being nosy and pushy. Which he is.