The Perfect Year

Pushing a stray strand of hair out of her eyes, Hermione gave the wall one last wipe down. She was finally finished the main hall, and she had better start on the living room. Grabbing her pail of dirty water, she headed to the kitchen to dump the contents into the sink. *Just how I always wanted to spend the holidays,* Hermione thought as she pulled out the submerged rag and rinsed it under the tap. *At this rate, I won't be finished until midnight.* Glancing out the window, Hermione spotted, unfortunately, an all too familiar figure plodding up the garden path towards the front door.

"Excuse, excuse, think of an excuse!" she muttered to herself as she unconsciously smoothed out her apron and carried the pail into the living room. The familiar chime of the doorbell startled Hermione, and she darted to the front door, hoping to get rid of him as quick as possible.

"Hello Travis," Hermione said brightly, swinging the door open widely to reveal the mops and buckets residing in the hall. "What brings you here?"

"To see you," Travis stated plainly, showing off his incredible smile. It's not that Travis wasn't attractive, that wasn't the problem. In fact, he was very far from just attractive. Hermione knew that all of the girls in the neighborhood would take him in a second, but unfortunately, there was no one else out on this intense, blistering day to pawn him off on. The problem was, well, he was just annoying. Everyday, without fail, since she had begun holidays, he had been over for something. A cup of sugar for his mother, a hammer to fix the jammed window, grease for the lawnmower so he could trim the front yard, and did they have a tuning fork so that he could tune his piano?

He really was impossible. She kept dropping several obvious hints every time he came over, telling him repeatedly that she was busy, or that she had to leave for an appointment very soon, but he never got the message. Today, with him wearing that see-through white t-shirt and paint-splattered jeans, she may have let him in. Unfortunately, she was expecting the Weasley's to arrive at any moment, and Harry along with them, via floo powder. That Travis could definitely not see. Hermione had this funny feeling though, that they wouldn't get along anyway. Harry and Travis were too much alike, not physically, but mentally. They took a long time to process things, but they were both daring, bold and attractive.

Hermione was startled by her own thoughts. She didn't think of Harry as boyfriend material, but he wasn't ugly.

"Hermione," Travis asked, waving his hand in front of her face, "are you there? What's up with you today?" Hermione snapped out of her own thoughts, and focused on Travis.

"Travis, I think you should go, I'm expecting company soon. See," Hermione explained as she pointed to the buckets and mops behind her, "I have cleaning to do."

"Who's coming?" Travis inquired. Hermione really couldn't pretend that Ron, Harry, Fred, George and Ginny were her relatives. None of them even slightly resembled her, and after all, Travis wasn't that thick.

"Um, they're friends of mine from school. They'll be staying the whole month of August."

"Great, I'd like to meet them. When are they going to be here?" Travis queried. Suddenly, a loud bang echoed throughout the house and both Hermione and Travis jumped back. *They must be here! I've got to get rid of him!*

"What was that? It sounded like the fireplace blew up!" declared Travis.

"Oh, it was just the boiler," said Hermione, "it does that sometimes. Now, how about I go check on the, um, boiler, and you go home. Tell you what; I'll meet you tomorrow for lunch at the Delicatessen around the corner tomorrow at 12:30."

"Okay," Travis grinned. "See you then." Hermione waved goodbye, slammed the door shut and raced into the living room to find Ron examining a muggle picture of her family.

"They don't move you know," Hermione stated very plainly. Ron looked up and smiled.

"Great to see you Hermione. Fred, Ginny and George are coming with Harry. I'll expect they'll be here shortly." No sooner had he said that, with another earth-shattering bang, Fred appeared out of the fireplace holding Hedwig's cage and his trunk.

"Hello Hermione," proclaimed Fred as he looked around himself. "So this is your house, is it? Bloody nice, don't you think Ron?" Ron nodded.

"You can take your things upstairs. Third door on your left," Hermione added as Fred and Ron dragged their belongings to the second floor. Two more minor explosions and the rest of their party arrived complete with luggage.

"Hello Hermione," crowed George, "it's awfully nice of you to let us all come."

"No problem. Say George, could you put the stuff in the hallway away? I'm beat out from cleaning, and we can't do magic during the summer."

"Sure thing. Is there anything to eat in this place? Where's the kitchen?"

"Harry, you can go upstairs and find Ron. The four of you are sharing the guest room. Ginny, follow me." Ginny and Harry grabbed their trunks and followed Hermione into the hall and up the stairs. Hermione and Ginny took the first right, but Harry continued on to the end of the upstairs hall. "Now Ginny," said Hermione, "you can have the bed on the far wall; I call the one by the window. You don't mind sharing a room with me do you?"

"No, not at all. You have no idea what a relief it is to get away from Penelope. Ever since she and Percy announced their engagement, she's been in a right state trying to set up a wedding. They aren't even getting married 'till next summer!"

"How come no one told me that they're getting married? I mean, I thought Ron would have said something about it when he wrote but to just ignore the fact completely is rude."

"Ron and Percy aren't on the best of terms. Percy's still upset about Mr. Crouch. He got a promotion you know." Ginny added as an afterthought.

"Good for him," frowned Hermione as she pulled the blinds. "So Ginny, where would you care to go for supper tonight? My parents are treating us, and I thought you all might like to get pizza and go to the amusement park."

"Sounds awesome. What's an amusement park?"

~*~

After being introduced when they arrived home, Mr. and Mrs. Granger, along with the 6 kids they were chaperoning, walked to the bus stop and headed to the amusement park. All along the way, the Weasleys kept pointing out ordinary things such as mannequins and neon signs, either making fun of them or questioning Hermione and Harry about them.

"This is bloody brilliant!" exclaimed George as he bit into his fourth piece of pizza and took a sip from his third coke, "Why didn't someone think of this sooner? You know Fred; we should make candy that tastes like this. That would be awesome. Especially if you turned the colour of cheese after you ate it."

"Oh George that's awful!" shrieked Fred, mimicking his mother, "Let's do it!"

"I'm ready for that," declared Ron pointing at the roller coaster. Harry smiled at Hermione.

"Let's all go," suggested Hermione, "I haven't been on a roller coaster for ages."

By the time they were all strapped in, Ron was starting to feel a bit queasy.

"Maybe I shouldn't do this," said Ron nervously, glancing around at the previous riders clinging to the rails of the other rides, trying to get their legs back. It was too late. The roller coaster took off, climbing a very steep crest with gathering speed. Ron was whimpering in the seat in front of Hermione, and as the cart shifted downwards and plunged down the track, he let out a bloodcurdling scream and clamped his eyes shut so tightly that they never opened until 10 minutes after the ride was finished. The variety of Ron's pitch amazed Hermione, as she had never heard him scream so high. Throughout the whole ride, there was not one silent spot. After all, Ron was there doing his best to alert those in Glasgow that roller coasters were %@*#ing awful and that if any son of a #%*&@ ever dragged him on one again he'd kill someone.

~*~

Later that night, Hermione gazed out her window, watching the stars decorate the sky one by one as Ginny slept soundlessly. The roller coaster ride had taken a large portion of energy out of her as well. Harry, Ron, Fred and George had a splendid time at the park. Ron had braved several other rides, but swore off roller coasters. Fred and George had concocted several plans for new materials to add to their joke shop merchandise; one was going to be a candy that made you feel as if you were on a roller coaster. So far, their trip was going well. She just hoped it would continue that way.

~*~

At precisely 12:30 the next day, Hermione showed up at the Delicatessen dressed in a bright red t-shirt and pale blue skort; the perfect thing for a casual date. After all, that's what it was. And she had initiated it. That was just brilliant, just brilliant. Her parents specifically requested that she not date muggles until she was done school. How was she going to let him down? She spied Travis in a corner booth, his khaki shorts and white Hawaiian shirt showing off his happy mood almost as well as the dazzling grin that awaited her as she sat down opposite him.

"I hope you don't mind, I've already got lunch," he said, pulling out two sandwiches and drinks. "I have something planned for after we eat."

"Not a problem," replied Hermione honestly. Travis unwrapped his sandwich and took a bite, all the while watching her eat out of the corner of his eye.

"Look," he said finally, "you must know that I really like you. Geez, how am I supposed to say this," Travis pushed his fingers through his hair, a very serious expression on his face. Hermione watched him intently. "Would you go out with me? Like, I know you could do way better than me, and I totally understand if you don't want to. It'll mean a huge commitment, as we both go to separate boarding schools. We could write; and e-mail. Oh, just please answer!" Hermione squirmed uncomfortably in her seat. He was going to take this really hard.

"No. I'm really sorry Travis. It's not that you're not good enough for me. You're too good really, but I'm afraid it won't work. My parents don't want me to date anyone from outside of my school. *It's not a complete lie.* I really like you too Travis, but I'm sorry. Could we be friends?"

"So, when are you done at your school?" Travis returned playfully. Hermione laughed and suggested a walk in the park. Travis readily agreed.

~*~

Before they knew it, it was the end of summer holidays. Harry and the Weasleys had a blast at Hermione's. Ron was now formally acquainted with television, and he had watched every movie the Granger's owned, along with half of the video store. Ginny's favorite spot was the front porch; she loved to sit and watch as boys tramped past Hermione's house going to and from the swimming pool. Countless pranks and hundreds of water fights ensued during the month-long stay. The whole troupe visited the amusement park several times more, although Ron would only come just within several hundred feet of the roller coaster. Fred and George were heading home by floo powder, full of ideas for their new products. They promised to send them to Hermione to test on several students once they were completed.

As soon as Fred and George left, Harry, Ron, Hermione and Ginny hired two cabs to take them to Diagon Alley. Mr. and Mrs. Granger were to meet them there, and they were spending the last two days of summer holidays at the Leaky Cauldron.

~*~

Sitting in the sun the next day, eating a hot fudge sundae, Hermione felt quite contented. She still had half of her supplies to purchase, but they could wait. The sunlight warmed her skin as she scanned the crowd, searching for familiar faces. She pulled her Hogwarts letter from her bag, and inspected it once more. Fifth year supplies were standard; other than several history books for the defense against the dark arts class and dress robes, they required nothing very stunning.

Hermione finished her sundae, and headed off to Madame Malkin's for a new set of dress robes; she had grown tired of her old ones. She decided on a pale lavender colour, and fell so in love with the deep cranberry shade of another that she decided to purchase them both.

The bright sunlight greeted Hermione as she emerged from the shop. Harry and Ron were standing outside Quality Quidditch Supplies, gawking at the new attachments Harry could purchase for his Firebolt.

"Harry, Ron, how's the day been going for you?" questioned Hermione as she glanced at the new quidditch robes in the window.

"Oh, just great Hermione. We saw Krum, he was looking for you. Did you hear," Harry said, turning to Ron, "Krum tried out for the English team! I mean, we'll win for sure now!"

"Harry, the World Cup won't be for another four years. Besides, you don't even know if he made it. Victor might not have passed for England. Who's their seeker?"

"Who cares Hermione? Anyway, I bet he's tried out for England so he can come and see you. He was quite attached to you last year. Hey, have you got your books yet? Harry and I were going to head to Flourish and Blotts, but we met someone," Ron finished, going slightly pink and allowing a smile to spread across his face.

"We saw Fleur," explained Harry. "Alright, books it is, I would guess." Hermione nodded and Ron followed them mindlessly lost in his own thoughts.

They were just about to leave the bookstore, when who else did they meet but Victor Krum himself, complete with Fleur dangling off of his arm.

"'Allo Herm-o-ninny. It's nice to see you," stated Krum uncomfortably.

"Oh, it is lovely to see you again," said Fleur, twirling her hair around her fingers as she directed her voice towards Harry and Ron. Hermione's face froze as she watched Fleur flit around and flirt with the boys just to annoy her. Spotting Hermione's discomfort, Harry excused the three of them and they exited the store with remarkable speed.

"Why didn't you tell me that she was with Victor?" she stormed. "I mean, some people have the common courtesy to do something like that but you two obliviously don't. No," Hermione responded to the look on Ron's face, "I don't like him anymore, but it's just that he was with her. I'm sorry Ron, but Fleur isn't my favourite person. From day one I thought her rather flighty; apparently I was correct. She's only using him because he's famous."

"And what's wrong with that?" asked Harry. Hermione rolled her eyes.

"I thought you of all people would know. How would you feel if you found out some girl was just using you because you're famous, and by being with you she would obliviously get noticed too." Harry's face hardened. "You see what I mean now?" repeated Hermione. Harry nodded.

"I'd make them pay if they ever did that," Harry muttered seriously. Ron and Hermione exchanged looks.

"You don't mean that, do you Harry?" implored hesitantly. Harry only nodded.

~*~

They woke up late the next morning, and because of it arrived at the platform with only three minutes to spare. The four of them grabbed a compartment together, near the middle of the train, and set about shooing all eager first years away from Harry and discussing their new defence against the dark arts teacher.

"I bet you it'll be a woman. There hasn't been a woman defence against the dark arts teacher for years; since before mum and dad were in school," declared Ginny.

"Well, whoever it is, he must be bloody scared," said Ron. "There hasn't been a defence against the dark arts teacher that's lasted more than a year."

"Yeah," replied Harry, "and almost everyone we've done away with."

"It's really too bad that Lupin had to leave. Say Harry," commented Hermione, "have you heard from Snuffles recently?" Harry gave her a quizzing look, but Hermione nodded towards Ginny and he understood.

"No, not for several weeks. That's where I sent Hedwig. I'll see him before Christmas. He promised to come at Halloween."

"That's great. How's his owl doing?" asked Ron as he glanced out the window at the darkening sky. "Looks like rain."

"His owl is fine," answered Harry.

"That's good," returned Hermione. "Look, the trolley is here. Do either of you want anything?" she directed at Harry and Ron as Ginny left the compartment in search of a fellow fourth year.

"Oh, I could just do with a cauldron cake; and some chocolate frogs as well. Say, when's our first Hogsmeade visit? I'm dying to go to Honeydukes." Ron wandered off into his own thoughts, which seemed to only consist of candy and girls at the present time.

~*~

Nibbling on the remains of a cauldron cake, Hermione sat squished against the window as Ron, Harry, Neville, Dean and Seamus argued at who should try out for the Gryffindor quidditch team.

"Harry, you'll be captain for sure," said Dean. "You'll be the only one on the team with more than a year's experience."

"Yeah, you're right, I guess," answered Harry reluctantly. "Have any of you been practicing over the summer?"

'Yeah right! Me, play quidditch? I can hardly sit on a broom without fallin' off!" exclaimed Seamus.

"No, I was busy with football this summer," added Dean. "I went to a training camp. It was awesome; they told you some of the best strategies for-"

"Look Dean, we're not football people, okay?" interrupted Ron. "Now, what would you all think if I tried out for keeper?"

"Go for it Ron," smiled Harry. "With both of us, we'll take Slytherin for sure. Now, all we need are two beaters, and three chasers; any ideas?" Everyone took several moments to ponder the question, and it was finally decided that they'd just have to wait and see. No one knew anything about the younger grades. All Harry hoped was that Colin Creevy didn't try out; and if he did, he had better make sure he was damn good.

~*~

With a jet of steam, the Hogwarts Express slowed to a stop at the Hogsmeade Station. The party in Hermione's compartment nabbed a coach to themselves, Hermione being squished against the wall here also. Oh well, it gave her time to mull over why she hadn't received anything that said she was going to become a prefect. She'd never stepped out of line before.

When the carriage stopped outside the front door of the castle, along with the argument about whether or not they should allow Oliver Wood to come back, Hermione stepped out into the cool evening air, allowing it to wash over her before she joined the throng of students streaming up the steps.

"Miss Granger, Miss Granger," called out Professor McGonagall, "would you come with me please?" Hermione nodded, and followed Professor McGonagall past the Great Hall entrance towards the dungeons, and into Snape's office.

"Now that all four of you are here, I have some very important information to give you," stated Professor McGonagall plainly. Hermione glanced around the room, and spied Padma Patil, Justin Finch-Fletchly and none other than Draco Malfoy. "This year, you four are the chosen prefects for your houses. We didn't send out notices this year, but we expect that most of you knew it was coming." Hermione stopped listening to Professor McGonagall. *How did Malfoy make it here? I mean, Justin's smart and everything, so is Padma, but why Malfoy? He's looking rather pleased with himself.* It was true. Malfoy had a look about him that suggested he was the cat that just ate the canary without being caught. Professor McGonagall wrapped up her speech, something about following the rules and becoming role models for other students, and handed each of them a shiny "P" badge to pin on their robes. After doing so, they were free to return to the feast.

"I'll bet you're rather pleased with yourself Malfoy," Hermione said snidely, "I would certainly like to think you got it fair and square. Or did you?" Malfoy turned around to reply.

"At least I didn't have to suck up to get it. You see, some people in life are just born to win, while others," his eyes grazed her body, "were not." Hermione had no reply. *What a little slime ball. I hope his badge is stolen.*