The train ride was enjoyable. When we got off of the train we all listened for Hagrid. "Firs' years! Firs' years over here!" We heard. "How are you all?" Hagrid asked. "Great!" Said Harry, beaming. We allowed ourselves to be pushed towards the carriages. I could see the thestrals now. I would be surprised if anybody who had been at the war couldn't. I got into the carriage with Harry, Ron and Ginny and the thestrals started the ride to the castle.

Inside the Great Hall, I saw the candles floating in midair like always. Gazing around the hall I saw that the teachers had done a good job of repairing the castle. After the sorting was finished, the golden plates in front of us were filled with food. After dinner and we were all dismissed, Harry, Ron, Ginny and I walked out of the Great Hall together laughing and chatting.

I climbed into bed sleepily. I now shared a dormitory with Ginny, we were both technically in our seventh year after all. Paravti had decided not to return so it was just Ginny, Lavender, me and two other girls that were Ginny's age.

The first three weeks passed in a blur. All I knew by the end of them was that I had a lot of homework. "Why do we have so much homework already?" Ron groaned. "We're taking our N.E.W.T.'s this year." I reminded him. I grabbed a piece of parchment and began writing an essay for Potions. "I need some fresh air." Said Ron after only ten minutes of work. "But you've hardly even done anything." I said irritably. "I know, but my brain feels like mush." he said, then he stood up and left the common room. A few minutes later the portrait hiding the hole in the wall swung open. Harry came through, he was smiling. "What are you so happy about?" I asked. "I just found out that I'm still the captain of the Gryffindor quidditch team!" Said Harry excitedly. I smiled at him, even though I didn't care much about quidditch. "Where's Ron?" Harry asked, looking around. "He said he needed some fresh air." I replied. "Well, can you go find him. He might want to be on the team again." Harry said sitting down. "Fine." I said grumpily.

But just as I was about to roll up my essay Ron walked in and sat down beside me. "Oh, great!" Harry said eagerly, "Look Ron, I'm still the quidditch team captain so I was wondering if you still wanted to be on the team." Ron seemed lost in thought. I looked at him and noticed something on his neck, but I didn't say anything yet. "Yeah, it was pretty fun." Ron finally replied. I suddenly realized what was on his neck, but it couldn't be... it wasn't mine. "Ron?" I said loudly. He looked at me smiling. "Yeah Hermione?" He answered. "Why is there lipstick on your neck? That's not my lipstick!" I said, glaring at him. His smile vanished and he said something quietly. "What was that?" I asked angrily. He said it again, but this time I heard him. "WHAT?" I yelled at the top of my voice.

The whole common room went quiet. Everyone was watching the scene between Ron and I. "What do you mean it's Lavender's?" I asked, angry tears in my eyes. "Were you... cheating on me?" Ron nodded, looking very scared. I jumped up. I shoved my essay into my bag and then stood, towering over Ron who was cowering in his chair. "We're done!" I said fiercely, "So you can run and snog Lavender all you want without having to feel guilty about it! Because you clearly would rather be with her than me!" And I ran to my dormitory.