Pop! Stacey swiftly apparated to a spot directly in front of a large, scarlet steam engine at King's Cross Station. She smiled softly at the familiar sight.
Good old Hogwarts Express. She thought, taking a minute to scan the atmosphere around her.
Students of all ages were mulling around everywhere, and even more students were coming in through the Platform 9 and three fourths entrance - the wall between Platforms 9 and 10.
Through the dense crowd, she managed to spot Hermione Granger, one of her best friends since fourth year, and pushed her way towards her, dragging her trunk behind her.
"Mione!" she hollered as she waved frantically at her friend. Hermione looked up from talking to her best friends, Harry Potter and (gulp) Ron Weasley. She spotted Stacey.
"STACE!" she screeched excitedly, running the ten feet to Stacey and embracing her in a gigantic hug, Ron and Harry trailing behind her.
"Herms, how are ya?" exclaimed Stacey over the din.
"I'm fine, I'm fine," replied Hermione, flipping back her straightened hair. "Wow, you look great, Stacey. You've changed a lot since I saw you over vacation."
"Right back at you. I love your hair," countered Stacey excitedly, staring at the once-bushy hair. Hermione looked so pretty!
"Oh, thanks," breathed Hermione. "I'm so glad you like it. Harry and Ron haven't even noticed it."
"Probably because they're too busy staring at you," teased Stacey.
"Ha," said Hermione dryly, "I doubt it. Guys are so unobservant." She looked up. "Here they come now."
Stacey nearly melted when she saw Ron Weasley striding towards them, a smile playing on his gorgeous face. He had changed so much! His once boyish features were now well-defined…masculine. His chest had broadened and he now had a very lean, muscular figure. He was wearing baggy khaki cargos with a plain shirt that outlined his muscular torso, and Stacey had never seen anything so breathtaking.
"Mione -" he started as he and Harry arrived next to them. He stopped talking immediately as his eyes
wandered over to Stacey. They widened in surprise.
"Who - wha- who're you?" he mumbled. Who the heck is that beautiful girl?
Stacey blushed furiously, suddenly extremely self-conscious.
Hermione rolled her eyes. "Ron, this is Stacey Krynzel, you know...she's only been my friend since fourth
year."
Ron blinked. "Oh...right."
Harry gave him a friendly shove. "Quit gogglin', mate...Lavender's coming."
"Hey there," purred Lavender Brown as she strolled up to Ron, her hips swaying back and forth. Her hands
traveled up and down Ron's strong chest, her pouty pink lips finding his.
Stacey swallowed hard and turned away, biting her lip. So close, but yet so far. She thought he had
almost...felt - something - too.
Harry must have seen the expression on Stacey's face, because he pushed Ron playfully.
"Get a room, you two. Besides, we've gotta board the train," he grinned.
Lavender frowned in dismay. She turned to Ron and smiled seductively. "Let's get a compartment for
ourselves..." She grabbed his hand and led him onto the Hogwarts Express, away from Hermione, Harry, and
Stacey.