Forever x Always

It was the day of the trip to Hogwarts. Hermione's parents dropped her off at King's Cross Station. They had said their goodbyes and Hermione turned to enter Platform Nine-and-Three-Quarters. She stopped because she heard someone call her name. Hermione turned around and faced Harry, her best friend since they were first years.

"Hermione, it's been a while," said Harry as he pulled her into a hug. "Have you started anything with Ron yet?" he asked as they broke apart, winking at her.

"Harry, you're making me feel bad about myself," Hermione sighed, her face turning a light shade of pink.

"Someday soon, Hermione. Someday soon," Harry reassured her.

The two grabbed their carts and ran through the barrier to Platform Nine-and-Three-Quarters. Almost as soon as they appeared on the platform, Harry was tackled by a certain pair of red heads.

"Harry! How have you been?" chimed Fred and George Weasley.

"Haven't seen you two all summer," replied Harry. "I tried to get down to your store, but Dumbledore thought it would be safer for me to stay with the Dursley's," explained Harry. (Hermione had already strayed off to find an empty compartment.)

"Quite alright, dear Harry," said Fred.

"Of course, you needn't put your safety in danger. We not only came down here to see off our baby brother and sister, but we have come to shower you in free, certified Fred and George special merchandise," explained George as he pulled out a bulging paper bag and handed it to Harry.

Harry didn't think it wise to open it in front of everyone, so he took the bag and followed Hermione into the compartment she had found.

Harry and Hermione stuck their heads out of their compartment window.

"Thanks a bunch, guys," Harry said to Fred and George.

"No problem," replied Fred.

"Any time," George chimed in. "Tell Ronnie we say an extra 'goodbye!'"

"Tell him yourself," said Ron as he climbed into the compartment and stuck his head out next to Harry's.

"Have a nice year, Ronnie!" hollered Fred as the train left Platform Nine-and-Three-Quarters and rounded the corner.

"Hey, guys," said Ron as they all took their seats.

"Hey, Ron," Harry answered as he and Ron performed their "secret" handshake. "Hermione..." said Harry, nudging her in the arm.

"Oh. Hi, Ron," said Hermione blatantly, pulling a book out of her bag.

"Say something to her," Harry mouthed to Ron, kicking him.

"Um...You look nice, Hermione," said Ron, the words struggling to get out of his mouth.

"Nice try, Harry, but nothing sincere will ever come out of his mouth, at least not on it's own," snapped Hermione as she opened her book, Heartbreak and Triumph, and leaned back on the compartment bench.

Harry reached to the upper shelf of the compartment and pulled out some parchment, ink, and a quill. Harry scratched a quick note and handed it to Ron. Ron took the note and was shocked and dismayed by what he read.

She likes you.

Ron looked up at Harry with his mouth hanging open, ears turning red. Ron took Harry's ink and quill and replied to the note.

Yeah right, Harry. You know how much I like her. I know she'll never like a prat like me. She's so beautiful, she doesn't even know. Please stop lying to me like this!

Ron handed the note to Harry, who chuckled as he read it. Harry took the ink and quill and put it away with the note.

"Just say something, Ron. As your best friend, trust me. I'm right on this one," said Harry, eyeing over to Hermione, who was so absorbed in her book that she wasn't listening to the boys.

Harry and Ron diverted their conversation to Quidditch, and Hermione read the whole time. The train pulled into Hogsmeade Station. The trio packed their things and followed the crowd off the Hogwarts Express. They saw the slew of first years follow Hagird towards the lake for the traditional boat ride up to the castle.

Harry walked between Ron and Hermione as they made their way to Hogwarts Castle with the rest of the students. He kept nudging Ron and nodding at Hermione; nudging Hermione and nodding at Ron. Harry also sat between the two during the horseless carriage ride up to the Great Hall. He had to stifle some giggles when he noticed Ron and Hermione glance at each other when the other wasn't looking.

After they arrived at the Entrance Hall, they made their way to the Great Hall and took their seats farther away from the head table than they usually would have. The trio waved at Hagrid when they caught his eye while gazing at the head table.

Professor McGonagall entered with the first years and the Sorting Hat. Harry, Ron, and Hermione didn't even listen to the Sorting Hat's annual song or the Sorting Ceremony. Well, Harry tried to listen, but it was hard to hear anything that was remotely distant over Ron and Hermione's argument over nothing at all. Harry figured they were letting out their bottled up argument that they didn't have on the train.

It seemed that the Sorting Ceremony had ended quickly, but maybe that's because Ron was distracted by Hermione, Hermione distracted by Ron, and Harry was just amused by the whole situation. The room started buzzing after every new first year was assigned to a house. Dumbledore stood up and everyone was instantly silent.

"Welcome, everyone, to the start of what I hope is another prosperous year. I have just one announcement before our feast. I have received a number of positive comments regarding the Yule Ball that had occurred a couple of years ago. Now, this Saturday there will be a Start of Term Ball. Not only will the ball be open to students of the fourth year and above, but the whole school will be invited. Dress robes are required, and a date is highly recommended," Dumbledore explained. Harry noticed him glance over to Ron and Hermione, eyes twinkling. "Now with that, bally-hoo to you!" finished Dumbledore, raising his arms and then sitting down as the food magically appeared on all five tables.