A/N: Thanks for checking out my new fic! This is a high school Muggle AU starring our favorite pairing, Ron and Hermione. I'm aiming for twice weekly updates, but we'll see what happens.
A big, huge thank you to adenei for providing excellent feedback as my beta for this fic. Your help, as always, was invaluable.
On to the first chapter - enjoy!
The halls of Gryffinsville High School were bustling with students, most of whom looked as though they had crawled out of bed within the past ten minutes. Strips of fluorescent lighting ran across the ceilings and cast a depressing glow over the cramped space. Jarring shouts and the opening and closing of locker doors punctuated the dull hum of early morning conversation. The linoleum floors were slick with mud and melting snow as the remnants of the New Year's Day blizzard were tracked throughout the school. Winter break had just ended, a dreary January had just begun, classes were back in session, and nobody looked too pleased about any of it.
Nobody except for one girl, a bright-eyed, well-put-together junior named Hermione Granger. At times, Hermione suspected she might be the only person in the entire school who wanted to be there. Studying and academics came naturally to her. As a result, she found she truly loved her coursework, and her teachers seemed to love her just as much. Not that she was a teacher's pet, no matter what other kids used to say about her in elementary school.
Her precocious nature, however, did mean it had always been harder to make friends. Throughout most of her academic career, she'd had one best friend: Ron Weasley, the redheaded boy down the street. Like everything in adolescent life, though, things changed as they got older, and she saw less and less of Ron. The hole he left in her life was gradually filled by Hannah Abbott, a friendly blonde girl who had transferred from Iowa who came into Hermione's life when she started high school. Hannah was the first girl Hermione had met who was as smart as she was, and the two became fast friends. Over the last couple of years, Hannah had taken up the mantle of chief confidant, and Hermione was thrilled to finally have the best girl friend she'd always dreamt of.
"Were you able to finish all of that homework for Mr. Snape?" Hannah asked as she frantically dug through her backpack. "Chemistry is just the worst, and seriously screw him for assigning homework over break."
"Of course, I finished it on the first day off. We spent the latter half of the holiday with family, so I had no choice. It's nearly impossible to get anything done with grandparents, cousins, and aunts and uncles constantly vying for your attention."
"God, I wish I had your self-discipline. But something about that class just begs me to procrastinate."
"Oh, I totally get it. It'll never be my favorite, that's for sure."
Hermione glanced at her watch, realizing that she'd have to pick up the pace if she was going to get to her first-period English class before the warning bell rang. The warning bell always went off three minutes before the day was due to start, a startling reminder to stop the conversations and get where one needed to be. But Hermione always wanted to be in the classroom when it went off to assure herself enough time to organize her materials before things started.
"Don't forget," Hermione said as she turned left and hustled down the Humanities hallway, "the sign-up sheet for the school musical goes up at noon. As soon as we're done with Pre-Calc, we're heading right to the chorus room before lunch to put our names down."
Hannah scoffed as she rolled her eyes at her best friend. "You know it's not a race, right? It's not like they give out the best parts to the people who sign up first."
"Well, excuse me if I'd like Mrs. Trelawney to know that I'm enthusiastic! With all of last year's seniors having graduated, you and I have a real shot at the lead roles. The last thing we'd want is for her to think that we're not fully invested in making this the best show in years."
"Nobody has ever doubted your enthusiasm, but fine, we'll head over on our way to the cafeteria. Do you know what the show is going to be yet?"
"No idea," Hermione responded with a shake of her head. "Usually she lets it slip, but she's been silent this year. I don't think anybody knows."
"Hmm, well, we'll be there either way. Hopefully in starring roles!"
"Amen. See you in Spanish!"
The two girls parted ways as they headed to one of the few different classes on their respective schedules. As expected, Hermione was the first one to arrive in Mr. Moody's classroom, and he gave her a curt nod as she took her seat and pulled out her study materials. A curt nod was the best one could hope for from the aptly named teacher, but Hermione knew that under his gruff exterior, he appreciated her hard-working attitude. His class was usually a pleasure for her and a nightmare for many of her underprepared classmates.
As the morning passed, Hermione found herself daydreaming about what musical their theater director might have chosen. Mrs. Trelawney's taste was all over the map, musically speaking. One year they'd do an old classic like Oklahoma, the next a show that had just closed on Broadway a year or two prior. Not that it mattered to Hermione, of course. She would be there no matter what.
Being smart was great, but the thing she loved most about high school was the annual spring musical. Despite her shy nature, she adored the surge of adrenaline she got from being on stage, the roar of the crowd after a show-stopping number, and, if she was being honest with herself, the impressed stares of her peers when she belted out a Broadway classic. Classes came and classes went, but the musical was the thing that tied the whole school year together, the singular experience by which the entire grade would be remembered.
Last year's production of The Music Man had been a tremendous success. Since she had been a sophomore at the time, Hermione had only had a small part, but she felt ready and eager to step up into a leading role as a junior. She'd put in her time and worked her way up. The spotlight was waiting for her.
The bell rang at precisely 11:55 to release them from a math lesson filled with functions and limits, and Hermione and Hannah hurriedly packed their bags and hustled through the hallways toward the east wing of the school. As promised, Mrs. Trelawney was tacking the audition sign-up sheet to the board just as they rounded the corner toward the auditorium.
"I should've known," the older woman intoned, a sly grin spreading across her weathered, bespectacled face. "Two of my most ambitious thespians are first in line."
"It's great to see you, Mrs. Trelawney," Hannah said as both girls were wrapped in a big hug. "How was your holiday?"
"Oh, it was what it was. My sister burned the turkey so thoroughly it resembled a block of pure carbon, so Horace and I spent our Christmas eating Chinese takeout with her family instead. At least her oaf of a husband didn't get too drunk this year," she replied, her flowing sleeves billowing with her grandiose arm movements. "After that, though, we had a lovely visit with some old friends in New York and even managed to catch a couple of shows!"
"Anything good?" Hermione asked.
Mrs. Trelawney shrugged. "Nothing earth-shattering, but I appreciated the originality. Too many shows based on books or movies these days, not enough innovative thinking!"
"I couldn't agree more. Speaking of which, any word on what we're signing up for here? We haven't heard a thing."
"My dears, see for yourself!" she said, stepping dramatically to the side and revealing the sign-up sheet.
AUDITIONS FOR WICKED THE MUSICAL
"You're kidding?!" Hannah squeaked, jumping up and down with excitement.
"I didn't want to say anything until we had secured the rights. Just released, you see, and not cheap. Fortunately, Principal McGonagall knew how much it would mean to you students, so they sprung for the cost. We'll be the first high school in the entire state to perform it at this level, which means we need to show them how it's done!"
Hermione was smiling so much her cheeks were starting to hurt. "This is amazing! Thank you so much, Mrs. Trelawney!"
"I'm glad to hear you approve; I did have a feeling this one would be a popular choice! Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to run to a meeting. See you both at auditions!"
As their director disappeared around the corner, the two girls grinned at each other, barely able to contain their glee. To say they were familiar with the show would be an understatement. Both knew the music forward and backward and, if pressed, could probably recite the entire script from memory.
"After you!" Hannah exclaimed, stepping to the side to allow Hermione to add her name. After scrawling her signature, Hermione offered the pen to her friend and allowed her gaze to drift. Everyone knew the sign-up sheet was going up at noon, and she couldn't help but wonder who else might show up to indicate their interest. Lavender Brown was sure to audition. So were Parvati and Padma Patil. Seamus Finnegan was a shoo-in as well, and much to her dismay, Draco Malfoy was likely to receive a big role.
Voices started to echo through the school toward the music wing, and Hermione craned her neck to see who might be approaching. One of the voices sounded familiar, but…no, there was no way.
But her ears hadn't deceived her. Hermione's jaw dropped as a tall, lanky figure appeared several yards away.
Coming toward her down the hallway, his piercing blue eyes locked on her, was Ron Weasley.
Second Grade
September 25th
Dear Diary,
A new boy moved in last week. His house is three houses away from mine on the other side of the street. He has lots of brothers and sisters. They were all very loud. There was a girl who was only six (remember that I just turned eight) but it looked like she just wanted to play basketball. Maybe we can be friends still.
The boy came to my door to say hi. His name is Ron. He told me his last name and I can't remember it but it sounded like weasel. He had dirt on his nose from playing with his older brothers. He said they were mean to him sometimes. That was sad but I still didn't know if I wanted to be friends with him. He said he wanted to be friends. I wasn't sure because he was yelling a lot and sometimes he interupted me when I was trying to tell him about the town.
I saw him at school yesterday. He was in Mrs. Neil's class. I have Mrs. Foden so we're not in the same class. He still asked to play at recess so I did the swings with him for a while. Eventually I left because it got boring. Then he went to play with Harry Potter and now I think they're friends.
I guess he's nice for a boy. But sometimes I wish he would talk quieter when I'm right next to him.
Love, Hermione Granger, Age 8
"I had a feeling you'd be here already," Ron said, brushing the hair out of his face as he sauntered up to Hermione and Hannah. Harry was with him too, and both of them were wearing their football jerseys.
"Hey, long time no see, how was your break?" Hermione asked, her cheeks flushing of their own accord. Part of her wanted to step forward and hold out her arms for a hug, but he stopped a yard or two away and kept his hands firmly lodged in his pockets.
Besides, it wasn't like they hugged anymore.
"Not too bad. Had to go visit Great Aunt Muriel as usual. Seven hours in the car just for ten bucks and–"
"Whisker kisses," she interrupted with a chuckle. "Sorry about that."
His eyes narrowed as he smiled back at her. "Exactly, whisker kisses. Good memory…not that I should be surprised. I've complained about them twice per year for the last decade at least."
"I remember. How about you, Harry?"
"Oh, not much. My parents had a bunch of their friends from high school over for Christmas. I'm pretty sure they were downing edibles like candy, so it got a little weird. I escaped up to my room, made no noise, and pretended I didn't exist. Better than getting roped into another round of karaoke."
"I love karaoke!" Hannah chimed in. "Sounds like way more fun than just sitting around with my parents for two weeks!"
"With the right company, perhaps. With this group…ugh, pass. None of them have kids of their own, so they all look at me like I'm the Chosen One or something. It was fun when I was little, but now it's just kinda lame. Ended up getting like two hundred dollars in presents, though, so I guess I can't complain too much."
"Well, we just had a quiet Christmas morning at home and then celebrated the New Year with my Dad's extended family," Hermione said.
Ron snickered and shook his head, trying to withhold a laugh. "You mean stinky Steven and his funky bunch?"
A splutter popped out of Hermione's mouth, and she slammed a palm over her lips. "Oh yeah, I forgot about that!" She turned to Hannah and Harry to explain. "For years, my Uncle Steven used to always bring some new fermented thing he was working on. He liked to brag that he was the first person in his town to pickle their own cabbage. The recipes left something to be desired, though, and the house used to stink to the high heavens every time his family showed up for the holidays."
"I remember when I used to come over the day after they left and we had to go down to the basement to escape the smell. What was the appetizer du jour this year?" Ron asked.
Hermione waved her hand dismissively. "Oh, he stopped doing that a couple years ago. This year he just came with a store-bought crudite platter."
Stepping closer, Ron elbowed her in the side. "I'm sure you were devastated."
"Something like that…"
"Anyway, it was nice seeing you two again," Hannah said, picking up her bag and slinging the strap over her shoulder. "Hermione, I've gotta stop by my locker real quick before lunch, but I'll meet you there."
"Sounds good, see you."
"Bye, Hannah," the boys called after her.
Once she left, Hermione plastered a smile on her face and stared back and forth at Ron and Harry. It had been years since the three of them had spent significant time together. Some of their summers in elementary school and middle school had been among her favorite memories, but lately, things had sort of…faded. They were all still friendly, but the familiarity was gone.
Especially with Ron. Their friendship had been so intense at times, but it had recently become tepid. To think, there were times in their past when Hermione thought that the two of them…
Well, it didn't matter anymore. Ron was a different person now, and that was what it was. She was into musical theater, and he was a football player. Nothing she could really do about it, so what point was there in stressing?
"So, what brings you down to this neck of the woods?" Hermione asked, finally breaking the somewhat awkward silence.
"Well, I heard the sign-up sheet was going up today, so I figured I'd give it a try again," Harry said, picking up the pen and adding his name to the list.
"Really?" Hermione said. "The last time you did a show was in…what, seventh grade? What changed?"
"I don't know, I guess I'm just…trying to branch out."
"Wow, that's great, Harry! I'm already looking forward to hanging out again at rehearsal."
"Yeah, well don't get too excited. I haven't exactly been working on my singing in the meantime. I probably suck now."
"Oh, I'm sure that's not true."
Harry shrugged and clapped Ron on the shoulder. "We'll see. Anyway, I'm mostly just doing my buddy here a favor. He was worried that if he was the only one from the football team trying out for the musical, he'd never hear the end of it."
Faster than lightning, Hermione's eyes swiveled to Ron. He had an almost guilty look on his face, and he nodded as he pulled a pencil from his pocket and started writing.
"You–you're kidding," Hermione started, unsure of what else to say.
Ron turned to her and offered a half grin. "Surprise…"
"But…I thought you…I never imagined you'd try again. I mean I don't think…you know, you definitely should…" she stammered.
It wasn't that she didn't think Ron was capable of a good performance. On the contrary, if he'd stuck with theater, she was sure he'd be up for the lead roles. His voice had transitioned beautifully into a rich high baritone around the time he turned thirteen, and Mrs. Trelawney had been crushed when he decided to give it up.
"To be honest, I didn't think I would either. But you know how Trelawney can be…she's persistent as hell. She tracked me down one day and said she knew I'd be perfect for the show she was planning, so here I am."
"You're not worried about what people will say?" she asked.
Shut up, why would I try to talk him out of it?!
"Well," Ron replied, looking uneasy but throwing an arm around Harry's shoulder, "strength in numbers, right? Besides, Harry and I are starters on the team, and we played critical roles in getting GHS to the playoffs this year. Nobody will mess with us."
"And if they do," Harry added, "Ron will knock the shit out of them when practice starts back up in the spring."
"Exactly."
She couldn't stop herself before the next words tumbled out of her mouth. "And you're sure this is really what you want? I mean, you're locked in?"
His expression immediately soured and Harry, correctly reading the room, took a step back. "I'm…going to stop by Mr. Lockhart's classroom…have to talk to him about an assignment. Hermione, good to see you as always. Ron, see you in Civics."
It was silent for a moment as Harry retreated, leaving the two of them alone in the hallway. Ron sighed and glanced away, looking wounded. "Yeah, I am."
"I'm sorry, I don't mean to rehash the past, it's just…well, you know that this means a lot to me. If you say you're going to do it–"
"I'm committed, Hermione, I swear," Ron responded with force, his fierce gaze meeting hers. "You don't need to remind me what happened last year. I let everyone down, you most of all."
"I think Mrs. Trelawney most of all, wouldn't you say?" she challenged.
"No. You," he answered, never breaking eye contact. "I told you I was in, did the audition, got the part, and bailed."
She looked down at her shoes, sweeping a loose curl behind her ear. "I know…"
"Yeah, well what you don't know is how horrible I felt about it all. And not just because Mrs. Trelawney needed to recast the role. Because…I don't know," he said with a deep breath. "I guess I've just always hated letting you down. And I'd never seen you look more disappointed than you did that day."
Hermione didn't know what to think. His acknowledgment of the turmoil he'd caused twelve months prior was encouraging, and her stomach flipped a little with his admission of the effect she had on him. Still, maybe she just had a hard time letting things go. Maybe she held him to a higher standard. Maybe she was still reeling from finally thinking they'd be able to recapture the friendship they'd lost only to have it cruelly ripped away from her because of his stupid insecurities. Maybe she was even hoping that spending that time together could've led to something more than friendship.
No, don't be ridiculous. Ron and I have been drifting apart for a couple years now. No musical can fix that. Life isn't a fairytale.
"Thank you for saying that."
Ron stepped closer to her, adjusting his bag on his shoulder. "It's true. I hope that you can forgive me for being a complete asshole. And I hope I can make it up to you this year. Because I'm in. I want to do this. Truth be told, I honestly miss it."
"You do?"
"Yeah, absolutely."
The smile reappeared on her face, and his lopsided grin mirrored hers as she uncrossed her arms. "Alright, then I absolutely forgive you. And I'm looking forward to acting with you again."
"Likewise."
"I guess I'll see you at auditions, then?"
"Actually," he replied, "I was wondering…if you're not too busy…maybe we could hang out and, I don't know, catch up after school? With football and the holidays, I know I've been a pretty shitty friend lately."
"I mean, that would be great, but I have a dentist appointment an hour after school, so I have to run home, brush, and head over there."
His face dropped a bit, and he nodded. "Oh, okay. Yeah, no problem then. Another time."
No! Stop him! These chances don't come along that often anymore!
"Although, I could give you a ride home if you like. We could talk then. Unless you have to stay after for something…"
"No, I don't," he said, his face lighting up. "Yeah, that would be great. It's been a while since I've taken a ride in the mighty Toyota Camry."
She laughed as they started walking back toward the cafeteria together. "Ahh yes, the legendary Camry. I am truly blessed."
"Hey, it's got two more wheels and one more engine than my hand-me-down Schwinn, so it's a modern mechanical marvel in my book."
"Fair enough. Alright, meet you by the main entrance after school?"
Ron nodded as he split off down a separate hallway to head to class. "Sounds good, see you then!"
Continuing down toward the lunchroom, Hermione's mind was going a mile a minute. He hadn't asked to hang out with her in months. What was his motivation? Was he simply trying to keep the loose threads of their friendship intact? Was he trying to get back in her better graces after disappointing her the year before? Or perhaps he just needed a ride and knew she'd offer.
God, I've got to get a hold of myself. It's just Ron! And it's only a car ride! Come on, Hermione, keep it together!
Either way, the prospect was certainly exciting enough that the rest of the day was sure to crawl by as slowly as possible.