"Ahh, it's so nice to be back here," said Ron Weasley, breathing in the fresh Hogwarts air as he stepped off of the Hogwarts Express.
"Thank god this is our last year…" sighed Lavender, glancing down at their intertwined fingers. "I don't know if I could bear another year here after this one. I want to get out of this place."
Ginny, who was walking with Harry next to Ron and Lavender, rolled her eyes. She really didn't think very highly of Ron's girlfriend. "I love it here," she said, "I'm glad I'll be here for two more years…I'm just sorry that I won't be with you guys at all next year." She glanced up at Harry, his untidy jet-black hair falling on his face, his bright green eyes smiling at her.
He wrapped his arm around her shoulder. "It'll be okay. Let's enjoy this year while we've got the chance." He kissed her forehead softly, pulling her closer to him. "Where are Hermione and Stacey?"
<><><><><><>
After the Sorting Ceremony, Hermione and Harry took their seats as Head Boy and Girl at the Head Table with the Professors.
"Have fun on the train?" Hermione asked him with a forced smile, trying to make conversation. Not that I care, really…he can have all the fun he wants with Ginny.
He looked at her, his head cocked one way, messy hair falling onto those magnificent eyes. "I guess…why?" He was clearly confused.
Hermione shrugged. "No reason." He is so adorable…wait…stop it, Hermione! You don't like him in THAT way!
Harry raised one eyebrow. What? Is she…jealous?
He suspects something…you've got to stop doing this to yourself, Hermione!
Clink, clink, clink. Albus Dumbledore was hitting his wine glass with a spoon. All talking immediately ceased, and everyone, students and professors alike, stared at their Headmaster attentively.
"Welcome," he began, "To another school year. I have a few announcements to make before we feast. First of all, I would like to congratulate our new Head Boy, Harry Potter, and our Head Girl, Hermione Granger."
There was a turbulent applause for the new Head Boy and Girl from every table except the Slytherin table. Everyone knew that Pansy Parkinson and Draco Malfoy had been lusting for the Head jobs, and they had probably told everyone in Slytherin not to applaud for Harry and Hermione.
Harry shrugged at Hermione as if to say, "It doesn't matter."
Hermione smiled evilly. Harry and I can take away points from Draco now!
Hermione gazed out into the crowd through the rest of Dumbledore's speech, looking for Ron and the others. Ahh…there they are.
Ron was sitting at the Gryffindor table, looking highly uncomfortable. Lavender was perched on his lap, her arms draped around his neck, whispering things in his ear.
Hermione nudged Harry and nodded her head towards Ron. Harry nearly busted out laughing when he saw Lavender, but then he looked further. Oh, god, poor Stacey!
Stacey Krynzel was sitting by Ginny, who was watching Dumbledore intently. Stacey had her eye on Ron, and she looked like a troll had just whacked her over the head with a club.
Hermione shook her head. Ron, you idiot. I don't know what Stacey sees in you. Can't you see what you're doing to her?
Ron sat in the Gryffindor Common Room, snuggled on a plush red sofa, staring at the glowing embers of the fire. His incredibly sexy girlfriend was at his side, but she wasn't the girl he was thinking of at the moment.
What's up with that Stacey chick? Why can't I get her off of my mind? He sneaked a sideways glance at Stacey, who was curled up on a little armchair to his left, completely engrossed in a book. She looks so...adorable.
He sighed and turned to Lavender.
"Let's go for a walk."
"Sure thing, baby...anything for you," she purred, pulling him down for a kiss. He couldn't help but
notice how he was no longer enjoying her kisses.
Out on the Hogwarts grounds, which were dappled in milky moonlight, Ron and Lavender walked lazily by the silent shores of the murky lake.
"I love you, Ron," moaned Lavender. She stopped and, standing on tip-toe, tried to give him a passionate kiss.
Ron broke away, closing his eyes. "Sorry, Lavender." He took a deep breath. "We can't do this anymore."
She looked confused. But then again, when didn't Lavender Brown look confused?
"What do you mean?" she whispered.
Ron bit his lip. He hated breaking hearts. "I mean, I think we should end this relationship. Now. I like you and all, Lavender, but I feel like we're...drifting apart."
Lavender no longer looked upset. Now she was just plain furious.
"FINE!" she screamed, her voice echoing throughout the grounds. "FINE! WE'RE THROUGH! SEE HOW YOU DO WITHOUT ME, RON!"
She turned and fled back to the towering Hogwarts castle, her blonde hair streaming behind her.