Growing Up

Chapter 1- Hurry up Harry

“Harry, hurry up or we'll be late for the train,” Ron yelled across the station. Harry had been struggling with Hedwig, she was very energetic today. As was Harry, the thought of going back to Hogwarts made him beam with delight. Ron however was not looking as forward to all the homework they'd have this year. Since they received their Owls marks in the summer, Ron hadn't been as looking forward to Divination at all. He had received a Dreadful, though Harry at least got Acceptable.

“We were supposed to meet Hermione twenty minuets ago, she'll be furious at us,” Harry stated. Ron gave Harry an awkward look whenever he had mentioned Hermione this summer. They reached the Beam between platforms nine and ten.

“Boys are you ready, Ronnie you first,” Mrs. Weasley beckoned. Ron was so used to the procedure it was merely as un-stimulating as tying his shoes.

“Okay, Harry your Next,” Mrs. Weasley said sweetly to Harry. She always seemed so kind and protective of him. He felt like a child, it was now kind of annoying. I'm sixteen for crying out loud, he thought to himself. As he passed through the beam he found himself standing in the station. He was glancing around to find Ron or Hermione.

“Hey, Harry,” shouted Hermione as she walked over to him. He starred at her for a moment, she looked different. Her body was more curvaceous, and her face just looked beautiful. Harry shook this off, “So how was your summer,” he asked her politely?

“Oh it was just wonderful, mum, dad, and I went surfing and had a wonderful time in this muggle community,” she replied with enthusiasm, “What about your summer?”

“Oh it was okay,” Harry lied; his summer was as dreadful as ever all he could think about was his godfather and how he himself had to be a murderer. Hermione looked at him with concern, “Are you sure your okay you don't look so good,” She asked.

“Really I'm fine,” He tried to sound and look more optimistic.

“Well Ron's waiting for us he got us a seat on the train,” she said over her shoulder as she headed for the train, “Harry, Hurry up you don't want to miss the train.” Harry grabbed Hedwig and rushed behind her.

Harry had never realised how pretty Hermione was. We'll he had never been this up-close to her. Seeing as they were only a few inches apart, the hallways were crammed with scrambling first years everywhere. “What,” Hermione asked? Harry had just noticed that he was starring uncontrollable at her. “Is there something wrong Harry, you don't seem like yourself today,” she protested.

“I'm fine I just… feel… crowded in this hallway,” Harry lied once again. He had never been one to lie. He felt weird today, though he didn't know why? He had never felt this way before, he had a stomach ach and his head was racing. He was lost in his own thoughts until he noticed that Hermione had already left and was in a compartment. “Ron…Hermione,” Harry asked in every compartment until he walked in on Ginny and Dean Thomas kissing. “Uh… extremely sorry,” Harry said quietly as he walked out swiftly. Trying to forget everything he saw. “Harry, this way,” Neville said, as he was pointing to the compartment a few doors down from Harry.

Harry walked in to the compartment and saw Ron, and Neville. “Hey where's Hermione,” Harry asked?

“Were not sure she said she'd be back before her, and Ron have to go to the prefect meeting,” Neville said quietly. He seemed to be more shy then any other years. “I'll go find her,” Harry said.

Harry walked up and down the hallways again which were less crowded now that the first years were settled in. He kept looking up and down the hallway until Hermione emerged from the girl's washroom at the end of the train. This time when he saw her it was like he had the wind-knocked out of him. “Hey,” she said sweetly. Harry was a little taken aback from her approach. She seemed different to Harry. “Hi,” he said smiley stupidly. Hermione laughed, “You're so cute,” she said. Harry starred at her brown eyes. “You're beautiful,” he said, not realising he did until she kissed him on the cheek slightly. He felt as though he was flying down a roller coaster hill, his stomach above his head. “Uh… we better get back to Ron and Neville-,” Hermione started.

”They might get worried,” Harry had finished her sentence.

“Yeah,” she said softly. She slowly moved down the hallway, as Draco walked up. “Well isn't it mister lover-boy,” he said coolly, “Never thought you'd go for a mud-blood.” Harry had never been more offended in his life.

“She's no different then anyone else here,” He yelled!

“Whatever you want to think lover-boy, whatever you want to think,” he continued. Steam was building up in Harry's head.

“Don't you ever say that again you… you… you…” Harry said loudly. He loathed Draco so much. “Potter, remember I'm a prefect,” Draco said loathingly, “I can get you in trouble, Potter, more then you will be able to get out of!” He swiftly walked away. He got a kiss from the most beautiful girl in the world, and he had gotten Draco pissed off and they weren't even off the train yet, wait did he just think Hermione was the most beautiful girl in the world? Draco turned swiftly around again, “Now, hurry up lover boy, you don't want to leave Mrs. Potter now do you,” he said cockily.