The Essence of Gryffindor

Harry was very surprised to find that he wasn't emotionally affected when they arrived at Grimmauld Place. When he saw everyone everything in the world just seemed right. They all had plans to go to dinner that night to celebrate Harry's return. It was so relieving to him just to get out and not have to think about anything.

The weeks flew by and they were finally headed back to Hogwarts on September the first. The three of them naturally got a compartment on the train together and talked about various things; Each of their summers, their OWL scores, and each other's plans for school. They were starting to take classes for their NEWTs next year.

Harry was in an extremely good mood, which nothing could spoil, not even the intrusion of Draco Malfoy and his cronies.

"Well, well, well," Malfoy said, "if it isn't the famous trio of Potter, Weasel, and Muddy."

"Watch your mouth, Malfoy," Ron warned.

"Easy there, Weasley. I'm sure little Miss Mudblood has no problem with it," Malfoy said, sitting on the seat next to Hermione and putting his arm around her. Hermione merely turned away with a look of disgust.

Ron was on his feet now.

"Ron, wait," Harry said, "Let's see what she does. We all know that deep down Malfoy is deathly afraid of Hermione...after she punched him in the nose in our third year." He glanced at Hermione, who glanced back with an evil grin on her face. She turned to Malfoy, who had a look of horror on his face. She gave him one of those "you'd better be afraid" looks and he slowly stood up, backed out of the compartment, closed the door, and took off down the corridor with Crabbe and Goyle closely behind. That was the last they'd see of Malfoy...for the trip at least.

~*~*~*~*~

They laughed about the incident for a while, then decided to go and change into their robes. When they returned they continued the conversations from before Malfoy's intrusion.

After a while Harry began to notice something he had somewhat remarked before...Ron and Hermione were being quite flirtatious with each other, so he decided to speak up.

"What is with the two of you? Not that I haven't noticed anything before, but it's finally sinking in. You like each other don't you?" His two friends both adopted the same look of shock and embarrassment on their faces.

"What are you talking about, Harry?" Hermione asked.

"Oh come on. It's very obvious. To everyone. Why don't you two just hook up now and get it over with? Would you like me to leave? I'll leave if you want. Just say the word and I'm out." After a few moments of silence he spoke again. " I'll be right back."
"No, mate, it's all right, you can stay," Ron said finally. Harry simply stopped and sat. "Hermione," Ron continued, "Hermione, I...I really like you...a lot. Would...would you...will you..."

"Oh Ron!" Hermione said and threw her arms around him and kissed him fiercely. He kissed her back with similar emotion.

"Oh it's so beautiful. I think I'm going to cry," Harry said jokingly. "Now that it's over with...hmm, who can Harry hook up with?" They all laughed and continued to talk the rest of the way to Hogwarts. Harry lounged on one seat of the compartment with Ron and Hermione sat on the seats across from him, fingers entwined.