Friends Forever....Or Not?

Chapter 1

At last, Hermione stepped onto the train. She had been waiting all summer for this: To go back to Hogwarts. She missed the castle. She missed her homework (Even though she was still doing it all summer long!). She missed the professors. Well, except for Snape, the Potions Master. She definitely did not miss him. She missed the feasts in the Great Hall. However, most of all, she missed Harry and Ron. Of course, she had written to them over the summer, but that just wasn´t the same as sitting there next to them and talking to them. She wondered what kind of adventure they would go on this year. It would certainly be exciting. She had written to them early in the week and they agreed to meet at King's Cross. She went looking for them.

"Harry, over here!" she shouted.

She almost didn't recognize him. He looked so different. He was taller and he looked much more mature. His hair was neat. It wasn't messy, like it normally was.

"Hi, Harry!" she said. "Have you found Ron yet?"

"No, I haven't," replied Harry. "He should be here soon though."

"HARRY! HERMIONE!"

They turned around. It was Ron. He stuck out easily with his red hair.

"How are you guys?" asked Ron

"I'm alright," said Hermione.

"I'm great. I am so happy to get away from the Dursleys!" exclaimed Harry. "I don't know if I could have put up another day with them.

"I know what you mean," said Ron. "Fred and George are becoming a pain in the neck. I didn't know it was possible for them to get worse. I now know anything is possible."

"So how was your summer, Hermione?" asked Harry, as they found seats on the train.

"Oh, the usual. Trying to keep up with my studying. I've been awfully busy doing homework."

"Homework!" exclaimed Ron. "It's summer vacation, Hermione. How can you be doing homework? I didn't even know that they gave that out during the summer."

"I have a lot of classes," said Hermione, angrily. "I needed to get caught up, so I asked all my teachers for extra assignments that I could do over the summer."

"Hermione, you're at the top of our class at Hogwarts. You're one of the smartest students there. I don't know why you need to do extra work," said Harry.

"I know, I know, but no one has ever succeeded by not trying their hardest now have they? This is my hardest. Now take it or leave it," said Hermione.

"Hermione," said Ron, "you make no sense sometimes."

"Oh, and you always do?" said Hermione.

"I make more sense than you do," said Ron. "You always say-"

"Enough arguing, you two. It's almost 12:30. The food cart should be here soon and I'm starving!"

"Me too," said Ron. "I didn't have enough time to eat breakfast this morning. My parents were rushing me. I wonder what I am going to get."

"I am going to get some chocolate frogs," said Hermione, forgetting about their little argument. "I have been craving something chocolate all day long."

The food cart came. They all got what they wanted and started to eat.

"What card did you get, Hermione?" asked Ron, as Hermione opened her chocolate frog.

"I don't know; let me see.....I got Morgana! I remember reading about her in Hogwarts, a History."

"You should start collecting the cards, Hermione," said Harry. "I do. So does Ron. He's the one who got me started. You would like collecting. It's fun."

"Yeah, I think I will," replied Hermione. "That would be fun."

They sat there for a little while, eating their treats and talking.

Hermione was thinking to herself. She hadn't seen Harry or Ron for a long time and now that she did, she noticed something. They both looked a whole lot older and much more mature. They acted a lot older too. Now that she had pointed that out, she realized that she, herself, had changed too. Over the summer, she had become more into boys. She started caring about her looks. Not that she hadn't before. She now put makeup on every morning. Well, except for this morning. She didn't want Harry and Ron to know. Not yet anyways. They also didn't know that she had been using a special gel to tame her hair. It worked to. She didn't put that in today either. She didn't know what they would think of the "new Hermione." Then again, Harry's hair seemed a bit different too. It wasn't as wild as usual. Maybe he was using something too. She decided to tell them tomorrow.

"Do you know what's weird?" asked Ron. "Fred and George have been acting very odd lately. Worse than usual. They have been spending a lot of time in their room. They won't let anyone in. They say they're studying, but come on. Why would Fred and George Study? They never do. I say they're up to something. It does all sound a bit odd, doesn't it?

"Yes, it does," replied Hermione. "You don't think it has anything to do with Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes, do you?

"I don't know what they're doing. They don't want anyone to find out. I bet it is Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes, though," said Ron.

"I should certainly hope not!" said Hermione.

"My parents would go mad if they started that up again," said Ron. "My mom said she would ground them for the rest of their lives if they did."

"What do you think, Harry?" asked Hermione.

"What....Oh, um, yeah I guess it could be. I-I, don´t know."

"Harry, are you OK?" asked Hermione.

"Ah, yeah....yeah I'm fine.

"If you say so," said Ron. They were looking at him very strangely. Usually, Harry pays attention. He wasn't doing that now.

Harry hoped that they didn't think that too much was wrong. He didn't want to though. He hated keeping a secret, but he had to. What they didn't know was that last year, after the Triwizard Tournament, he gave his thousand Galleons prize money to Fred and George to help start their joke shop. He hoped that they were using it well. He also told them to buy Ron some new dress robes. He wondered why Ron hadn't said anything. They better have gotten him something.

"Do you want to know what else is weird?" asked Ron.

"What?" said Hermione.

"I forgot to tell you, but right before I was packing my trunk to take to Hogwarts, they came up to me and gave me something."

"What, what did they give you?" asked Hermione.

"They gave me a brand new dress robe, daily robes, scarves, and basically all new clothes," said Ron. "I don't know where they got the money from, but they told me not to tell our parents."

"They bought you all new clothes?" said Hermione. "Why would they do something like that?"

"I don't know," said Ron.

"I hope they didn't steal them," said Hermione.

"No, no, they didn't steal them!" said Harry all of a sudden. "Trust me, OK. They didn't steal them."

"How would you know, Harry?" asked Ron.

"I just do, OK," said Harry.

"Harry has a point, Ron," said Hermione. "I guess I don't think they stole them. I mean really. Why would Fred and George steal something? I don't think so. It's almost like saying they never get in trouble. Impossible."

"Well, I'm just glad I have a new dress robe," said Ron. "My old one was really starting to-"

"A new dress robe?! Did I hear that correctly?" Draco Malfoy was standing by the door. "What did you have to sell to afford that, Weasley? Your whole house?"

Crabbe and Goyle were standing there next to him, laughing.

"What do you want, Malfoy?" said Ron. "Whatever it is, you better hurry up or you'll be sorry!"

"Was that a threat?" replied Malfoy. "Oh, I'm scared now! Hey, Potter, look, there's a dementor. You'd better run before you fall off your broom! Ha! Ha!"

"Malfoy," said Harry calmly, "even if I did fall off my broom, once, I can at least catch the Snitch. Something you would know nothing about, as being you've only caught it what......once?"

Malfoy stopped laughing. "You'll pay, Potter. You'll pay......Come on Crabbe, Goyle, let's get out of here."

"Ignore him, Ron," said Hermione. "He's just jealous because he hasn't got new robes."

"I know, I know, but he just makes me so mad! I just want to-"

"Hey, speaking of robes," said Harry, trying to change the subject. "We should probably change. After all, we are almost there."

"OK, I'll back shortly," said Hermione, grabbing her school clothes.

"Wait, Hermione," said Harry. "How about we just meet you in the Great Hall for the Sorting Ceremony? By the time we're all done, we'll be there."

"Sounds fine to me," said Hermione. "I will see you later then, goodbye!"

"Bye!"

Chapter 2

Albus Dumbledore was standing in front of the Great Hall. The Sorting Ceremony was now over.

"Welcome!" he said. "Welcome to a new year at Hogwarts! Before we begin to eat, I would like to say a few words. First years should note that the forest on the grounds is forbidden to all pupils. I have also been asked by our caretaker, Mr. Filch, to remind you that no magic should be used between classes in the corridors. Quidditch trials will be held in the second week of term. Any interested in playing for their house teams should contact Madam Hooch. Also, first years please remember that you are not allowed your own brooms. Thank you. The feast may now begin." With a wave of his wand, food magically appeared on all of the tables.

"I forgot how great this food tasted!" said Ron, with one hand holding a turkey drumstick and the other hand holding a spoonful of mashed potatoes.

"Hiya, Harry!"

Harry looked up. It was Colin Creevey, along with his younger brother, Dennis. Colin was in his fourth year. Dennis was in his second year.

"Hi, Colin. Hi Dennis," said Harry, impatiently. Harry hoped that they wouldn't follow him around all year again. He didn't want to be rude, but they were somewhat annoying. "Where are you two sitting?" He hoped that they didn't want to sit with him.

"We're sitting up at the front of the table with my friends."

"Oh." Harry breathed a sign of relief.

"Well, we better get going. They're probably waiting for us."

"Ok, I'll see you later then." Harry really hoped he wouldn't, but oh well.

"Bye!" Colin and Dennis waved goodbye.

"Ah, I can eat in peace now!" said Harry, after they left.

"No you can't," said Ron. "Here come Fred and George......and Ginny!"

During Harry's second year, he saved Ginny's life down in the Chamber of Secrets. You could say she was a little bashful towards Harry now.

"Hey, Harry, Hermione!" said George. "How have you been? Did you have a nice summer?"

"Hello!" said Hermione. "I'm alright. And yes, I did have a rather nice summer. Thank you for asking."

"What have you been up to, Harry?" asked Fred.

"Oh, not much."

"How are those muggles treating you?"

"Oh, a lot better! They got a letter from Sir-, I mean, some person, threatening them. They got scared. They let me do what ever I want. As long as it doesn't bother them. They just ignore me. I really enjoy that part!" Harry had forgotten that they didn't know about Sirius. He had almost let it slip. Sirius is Harry's ex-convict, godfather who broke out of the wizard jail, Azkaban. He is still on the run. On the bright side though, he is innocent.

"Well that's good," said Fred, sitting down with them.

"Yeah, I guess," said Harry.

"So, Fred, George, this is your last year at Hogwarts, isn't it?" said Hermione.

"Yes, it is," said George. "And we can't wait!"

"Exactly what is it that you are going to do, after you have finished with school, huh?" asked Ron.

"Oh, we do have plans," said George.

"Big plans," agreed Fred.

"Are you ever going to tell us, or what," asked Ron.

"Nope," they said together, smiling.

"It's a secret... well, I guess one more person knows, but I'm sure that he's not about to tell," said Fred, winking at Harry. Harry was that other person.

"Well, we better get going. We're going to go look at the new first year Gryffindors. They had better be good this year, or else we won't win house cup. See you guys later!"

"Bye!"

"I think that I am going to go too Ron, OK? I think I see one of my friends over there, bye Ron!" said Ginny as she hurried up and left.

"Well," said Ron. "Should we go up to our Common Room? It's getting late. Maybe we can talk for a bit, then go to bed."

"OK, fine with me," said Hermione.

"Yeah, sure," said Harry.

They walked up to their Common Room and sat by the fire.

"I wonder who our new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher is," said Hermione. "I didn't see anyone new sitting up at the head table."

"I don´t know," said Harry. "I didn´t notice any new teachers either. It's getting harder and harder to find a new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher. I mean, look what happened to the last four teachers. The first one died, the second one went crazy, the third one was so ashamed that he left and the fourth one was an impostor. I wouldn't want to be the next teacher either. Would you?"

"Well, no," said Hermione. "But they can't just cancel the class..... Or would they? They better not have cancelled it!!! I'll go find a teacher myself if I have to and if I can't find one then I'll be the teacher! They can't just cancel it like that! They better not. They wouldn't do that, would they?!?!?"

"Relax, Hermione!" said Ron. "I don't think they would cancel it. They'll find someone stupid enough to teach it. Calm down, Hermione. You're almost hyperventilating."

"Yeah Hermione," said Harry. "They aren't going to cancel it, OK?"

"O-OK," said Hermione. "Sorry about that. I just go a little concerned. That's all."

"Maybe you should go to bed, Hermione," said Harry.

"Yeah, Harry's tight. You look tired. You need some rest," said Ron.

"O-OK," said Hermione, still trying to get over the possibility of not having a Defense Against the Dark Arts class. "I think I will go to bed. Good night."

"Good night," said Ron and Harry.

Hermione walked slowly to her room, still shaking a little bit.

Ron and Harry were left shocked. "I didn't think she'd get that worked up over a class being canceled!" said Ron. "She never ceases to amaze me!"

"Yeah, you never know about her sometimes, do you?"

"No, you don't," said Ron. "I think I feel a yawn coming on. Well, it's getting pretty late, maybe we should go to bed."

"Yeah, I guess," said Harry. "Good night, Ron."

"Good night, Harry."

* * *

It was now morning. Harry and Ron were sitting in their Common Room, waiting for Hermione.

"It usually doesn't take her this long to get ready," said Harry.

"Yeah, I know," said Ron. "Here she comes..... At least I think that's her....Hermione?"

"Hello, Ron," said Hermione. "Well, what are you staring at?"

"We're staring at you, Hermione," said Harry. "I don't know if you've looked in a mirror lately, but you look a lot different then you did yesterday."

"Oh, that," said Hermione. "Yes, I suppose so."

"You suppose so?" said Harry. "......OK." Harry looked at her more closely. She did look different. But not bad different....good different. Her hair was not bushy and wild like it was yesterday. It was still wavy, but now it actually looked OK. She was also wearing makeup. It really brought out her eyes....she looked very nice... no, not nice....pretty. She looked very pretty.

"So, what do you guys think?" asked Hermione.

"Well, you look different, but I could get used to it. You look really nice, Hermione," said Ron.

"Well, thank you Ron," said Hermione, blushing a little bit..."what do you think Harry?" Hermione really wanted to know what Harry thought.

Harry, at a loss for words, finally managed to say something. "You look very pretty Hermione."

Hermione, blushing more than ever, managed to say a quiet "thank you." She was glad that Harry thought she was pretty. Lately, she had been looking at Harry in a different way. He wasn't a little boy anymore. He looked older, better..., and somewhat cute too.

"Well," said Hermione. "Are we just going to stand here or are we going to go down for breakfast?"

"Oh, yeah," said Ron. "I almost forgot. Come on let's go eat."

After everyone was finished, eating the teachers handed out their new schedules.

"Oh, no," said Ron. "We still have potions with the Slytherins. And Care of Magical Creatures. But that's it."

"Hey," said Hermione. "We have Defense Against the Dark Arts, first thing today."

"Told you they wouldn't cancel it," said Ron.

"I wonder who the teacher is going to be," said Harry. "I wish it were Lupin again.

He was by far my favorite Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher."

"Yes, I wish it were to," said Hermione. "But they can't possibly let him be a teacher again after what happened in our third year."

"True," said Harry. "But still. I can hope, can't I?"

"You can hope, Harry....or you can find out," said Ron. "If we don't hurry, we'll be late. Class starts in five minutes!"

"Oh," said Hermione. "Then we better hurry. Come on."

They walked over to their Defense Against the Dark Arts class. They looked inside. The new teacher was.... a woman. They never expected that. They went in and found seats.

"Hello, class. My name is Professor Claudia Cambridge and I am your new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher. Please take your seats everyone and we will begin."

"I never expected having a female teacher," whispered Harry to Ron and Hermione!

"Me neither," said Ron.

"OK, class," said Professor Cambridge. "Someone please tell me what you have all covered so far."

Hermione´s hand shot straight in the air.

"Yes....uh, what is your name, dear," said the professor?

"Hermione"

"Ok, Hermione, what have you covered so far?" said Professor Cambridge.

"Well, last year we were learning about the curses. The Unforgivable Curses," said Hermione.

"Can anyone tell me what those curses are?" said the Professor.

Hermione's hand shot straight up again. So did Harry's, Ron's, Neville's, and many others.

"You, what's your name?" she asked.

"Lavender," she replied.

"Name an unforgivable curse."

"Umm, the Cruciatus Curse," she said quietly.

"Very good," she said. "Now who can tell me another one?"

"You," said Professor Cambridge, pointing at Neville.

"Uh, umm, isn't the Imperius Curse one?" said Neville shyly.

"Yes, it is," said the professor. "And what is the last one....Harry?"

She recognized Harry because of his scar.

"Avada Kedavra," said Harry.

"Yes, yes. Avada Kedavra. The killing curse," said the professor. "Well it's good to know that you're all caught up. Enough review. Open your books to the first page." At the end, she gave them all an assignment.

"I would like you all to write a summary on what we covered today. The more you write, the better you'll do. Thank you. You may go now," said the professor.

Harry, Ron, and Hermione walked back to their common room.

"Wow, that was some class, huh?" said Ron.

"Yeah," said Harry. "She was kind of strict, but I think I like her. What did you think of her Hermione?"

"I am very happy," said Hermione. "That we have a female teacher. Maybe she'll actually stay for a couple years. All the other professors were males and look what happened to them. I think this year will be different having a female Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher. And who knows, maybe she will even stay this time around."

"Yeah, maybe," said Ron. "Hey Harry check and see what our next class is."

"Ok," said Harry, getting out the schedule. "Divination, but it's not until after lunch. What do you have then, Hermione?"

"Umm, I think it's Arithmancy. Let me check...yes, Arithmancy."

"I still can't believe you dropped out of Divination like that," said Ron.

"Ron," said Hermione. "Please, don't even let me get started on that."

"Ok, I won't," said Ron.

"Hey," said Harry. "We should go visit Hagrid. I haven't seen him for awhile."

"Yeah, let's go do that!" said Hermione.

They got their cloaks and went outside to Hagrid's hut.

"I hope he's home," said Ron.

"Where else would he be," said Hermione as they knocked on his door.

"Well, hello!" said Hagrid as he opened the door. "I was wondering when you'd come and visit me. Come in. Come in."

They went in and sat down.

"Shall I make you some tea?" asked Hagrid.

"Sure," said Harry.

"So how have your classes been?" asked Hagrid.

"Well, we've only had one class so far this morning, Defense Against the Darks Arts," said Hermione. "Our new teacher is Professor Cambridge. Did you know we were getting a female teacher?" asked Hermione.

"Mighta heard something about it," said Hagrid. "So did you like her?"

"Actually," said Ron. "I liked her a lot. She's really a good teacher."

"Well, that's good," said Hagrid.

"So, when do you have Care of Magical Creatures?" asked Hagrid.

"Uh, I think we have it on Thursday. What are we going to be doing then?" asked Harry.

"Well, I've been doing a little studying over the summer and I think I made out a fairly decent lesson plan. Maybe I should let you look at it sometimes and see what you think," said Hagrid.

"Sure, we could do that, Hagrid," said Hermione. "Are there going to be more flobberworms?"

"No," said Hagrid. "I've had enough with them. I'll start with something a little bigger, but not too big."

"Too bad we have it with Slytherins," said Ron. "Malfoy better not ruin it again. He can really get on my nerves......oh, Hagrid. I forgot. I talked to my brother Charlie this summer and asked him about Norbert."

"Norbert?!?!?!" exclaimed Hagrid. "How's he doing? Is he making new friends? Are they taking good care of him?"

"Yes, Hagrid," said Ron. "He's fine now. He's about 50 feet tall though. They're taking good care of him."

"Well, that's good," said Hagrid.

"Sorry Hagrid," said Hermione. "But it's almost lunchtime, we better be getting back to the castle."

"That's fine," said Hagrid. "I'm just glad you came to visit me."

"Well, we'll see you later, Hagrid," said Ron.

"Bye."