The story all begins on a rainy Thursday in September. Hermione Granger, one of our main characters, was striding along a third floor corridor, alone. As she turned a sharp corner, a cacophony of loud chatter erupted.

"I wonder what's next, can I check your timetable?"

"Hey, wait up!"

"Can I copy your homework?"

   Hermione snorted at this. She always turned her nose up at those who'd ask for help with their homework.

"Hey, Hermione!" She turned around and saw Harry Potter grinning at her, standing beside Ronald Weasley, Seamus Finnigan and Neville Longbottom.

"Hello Harry," she'd smile. "Have any of you seen Dean around? He asked me a question and I never got round to answering."

"Uh- sorry, but he's serving detention with Professor Snape. He... messed up his potion. Badly," Neville piped up. The others sniggered.

"Never mind then," she'd sigh and then return to the library to find Ron sitting opposite from where she normally sat.

She pulled up a chair and glimpsed at him. "Need something?" She'd raise an eyebrow.

"Hola."

"What?"

"I found your Muggle Studies textbook."

Hermione giggled at this and took her textbook back.

"I see you've learnt something for a change."

"What?! What about that time when-"

"-when you learnt how to respect your superiors." Draco Malfoy was leant against a wall, grinning maliciously.

The two glared at each other, probably thinking up some horrific death for each other.

"What are you doing in here Malfoy? I didn't know you could read." Ron heard a dozen sniggers and 'ohhh's around him.

Malloy couldn't think of a comeback, so he flounced off, an irritated expression on his pale face. People began to pat Ron on the back and say things such as:

"Great burn, Weasley!"

"Nice one!"

Hermione raised her eyebrows quickly in a sort of annoyed way and continued to work.

***

That night, the trio were sat by the fire, exchanging homework and remarks about certain people - cough cough - Malfoy.

"Anyone want to play Wizard Chess?" Ron suddenly stood up, yawning.

"You need sleep for tomorrow Ron! Remember, first Quidditch match?"

Ron had been made Keeper, Oliver Wood had become a Chaser since one had resigned due to a back injury over the course of the summer holidays.

"Come on Harry! Won't you play?"

"I'm sorry Ron, but we need our rest."

"I was talking to Harry."

Hermione recoiled, and then retreated to her dorm, stomping up the stairs.

"She still needs to sort out her priorities." He'd grin and look at Harry, expecting him to laugh too but surprised to see a dull face, tired and exhausted.

"Sorry Ron-" he broke into a yawn "-I'm way too tired. See you tomorrow." And with a simple pat on the shoulder, Harry set off for the boys dormitory.

Ron sat, alone, face near his knees and hands on his shins, by the fire, contemplating whether to go with Harry or not. Suddenly, a girl with a Gryffindor hairband on her blonde hair walked in, and smiled at Ron. He'd smile back.