If she had known what Harry had encountered with his cousin, if she knew the immense stress he had been weighed down with, if she had knew that his summer had been hot and miserable, she wouldn't have asked. If she was his friend, though, she would have known. But due to their lack of communication outside of Hogwarts, Hermione had been asking an innocent question, one she would ask to Cho or Anthony. But she saw his eyes shift and before she could find a way to reword her simple inquiry, the boy who lived lashed out at her. He questioned her faith in him and then quickly told her to deal with Voldemort herself and by his word choice, she wouldn't help but wonder if something had happened and that he may be envious of her lack of stress, as he put it.

The girl physically recoiled, leaning back slightly as her face slipped into a flat expressionless gaze. She really didn't mean to hit a nerve. In fact Hermione had been purposely trying to select her words carefully in order to maintain a jovial tone as they neared their school, their home. Initially she hadn't been sure if she should or even bridge the gap between what they were now and what they could be in the future, which was friends. After his angry comment, Hermione was already questioning their future. An awkward but sharp silence formed between them and before she could leave the compartment, Harry seemed to collect himself in an attempt to make up for his rude behavior.

Harry let out a small apology but it was better than being chided like a child.

"It's alright, I'm sorry to hear that." She said gently, now trying to navigate a proper way around him. It was like walking on the teeth of dragons. Outside the long sleek train, the green and blue scenery rushed by and yet between her and Harry, things felt rather frozen and muted. The Ravenclaw noted that the only ones who remained in the same car as them were three others, two of which were the Head Girl and Boy from Gryffindor. Hermione never once considered herself a candidate for any other House. Gryffindors were restless sorts who were mighty confident in their actions. 

That wasn't her. 

And there was Hufflepuffs who were great with organization and helping others. One might think she was suited there but honestly, Hermione wasn't that organized. She lost track of books and even homework on occasion. She wasn't thoughtless but she did juggle a lot. And of course that left the Slytherins who were difficult to explain, mostly due to their bleak history and reputation. Hermione tried to remain unbiased when she thought about the green and silver House but it wasn't an easy task. Harry didn't suit any one House though, at least she couldn't pin down a specific trait like The Sorting Hat did. 

Now at the moment, things still seemed tense and almost hopeless. Conversation for her came easier with those she knew well. But to actually get to know someone, you had to mull through the process itself, which was sometimes difficult. And Harry's poisonous reply had certainly infected Hermione's interest in getting to know Harry Potter more. Still, she wasn't willing to completely discard the opportunity to become mates. Not just because of one outburst. If she was in her first year, she would have given up. But thanks to her collected experiences with people, she could press onwards, not around. 

She sighed and glanced at the table though most of the snacks had been eaten already, she spotted a teapot which still looked to be of use. The steam coming out of the spout suggested such. Hermione poured him a cup of tea and then another for her. She added a light splash of cream and a sugar cube to hers and handed Harry the other teacup. "My mum always thought tea would help any problem." She explained tentatively. "It hasn't failed me yet, it may not help right away but just give it some time." Hermione smiled a little and turned her attention back to her own cup. She blew on it and then took a sip. While it looked too hot to drink, whatever charm may have been placed on the cups made sure the temperature was perfect for drinking right away, not too hot or too warm. 

She began to wonder if Harry was hoping to get back to Draco and the others. Hermione knew they were close and she was certain that their bond would only grow as they did. She set her cup down on the saucer, still cradling it in her hand. Her bag was still over her shoulder but it wasn't giving her any trouble for the time being. When she got to her dorm she would set things up. Her mind was already eagerly awaiting the advanced courses she may be able to take. This would be a big year for her and her friends and she was ready to get to work. Even as a Prefect, she was excited to shoulder more responsibilities and become a mentor to some of the younger students. "Oh sorry, I didn't know if you took anything in your tea, I should have asked..." She suddenly remembered as she finished taking another sip of her sweet tea.