When the Time is Right

Chapter 1: A fresh start

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Hermione awoke with a start. She quickly sat up and pulled her long ringlet curls into a ponytail. She rubbed her eyes slowly and became more awake.

Hermione suddenly realized what today was. Today was the day she had been waiting for weeks to come. Today was a normal ritual of starting the new year at Hogwarts. Today she was meeting her best friends, her wizarding family. She couldn't wait to meet Ron and Harry at Flourish and Blotts in Diagon Alley.

It wasn't much longer that Hermione was on a train to London. She was heading to a compartment and noticed a familiar set of long silver-blonde hair. It was indeed Malfoy and his father. She caught Malfoy's eye as she entered her compartment. The train slowly entered the station; Hermione quickly picked up her things and opened the door. Just as she opened the door she ran into Malfoy.

"Granger," he sneered.

"Malfoy," she answered curtly then went on her way.

Hermione loved everything about Diagon Alley. She loved the small shops with all their hidden wonder, the interesting people bussing around shopping merrily. She simply adored it all. As she was gazing around she heard Ron and Harry.

"Hermione!" they yelled in unison.

Ron and Harry had gotten so much taller. She expected this to happen sooner or later. They were going into their sixth year at Hogwarts. Ron's voice was strangely lower than she had expected but was glad puberty was starting to shine on him. Harry was still thin with the move of black hair topping him all off. Hermione had developed as well. She had a nice slimly curved body. Her curls weren't out of control; they were nice tight ringlets. Hermione also had developed a chest and soft fair skin.

As soon as they had their supplies for the year they discussed where they were meeting the next day.

"The usual compartment then?" Hermione asked.

"Erm, Harry," Ron shyly asked, "will Ginny and you hold the snogging to a minimum?"

Harry promised they would try to contain themselves. Hermione almost forgot how long Ginny and Harry had been dating. They were so sweet together and Harry absolutely adored Ginny with all his heart. They said their goodnights and Hermione headed back to the station. She was heading home with a head and heart full of excitement for the next day.

When Hermione arrived at home she was surprised at how much packing she still had to do. This was terribly unlike Hermione. She was afraid that she was losing it already. She had to buy all new robes this year because she had gotten a wee bit taller. They also didn't fit well around the bust area. She carefully placed all of her new books and such into her trunk. She went to the closet in the hall to get Crookshanks's carrying case for tomorrow. After going through her checklist a few more times Hermione finally thought she was prepared. She got ready for bed and almost instantly fell asleep as soon has her head hit the pillow.