So this is my first Harry Potter fic! I'm quite looking forward to the movie coming out in a few days time! Anyways, please review and tell me what you think so far! Thank you!

Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter!

Chapter One: A Helping Hand

The tables were turned. An ugly game of wizard's chess finally evolved into one I was winning at. Ron looked at me with puzzlement as his mouth curved into a frown. I watched his fingers scratch his head sharply in frustration. Unlike him, I was smiling. I couldn't believe it. I, Hermione Granger, was winning a game against Ronald Weasley, the King of wizard's chess in Hogwarts.

'Bloody hell. You're cheatin, you must be,' Ron's voice rumbled loudly as his eyes darted from one side of the board to the other, trying to recollect our last few turns.

'What?! Ronald Weasley!' I yelled with a short laugh, 'How dare you accuse me! You should know that I'm not good enough to know how to cheat!'

Ron smirked as he played his next turn, 'Oh, well, you're right about that one. Sorry Hermione.'

'Thanks Ron,' I knew he was trying to tease me, but I was fine with it. As long as I was having attention with him away from Lavender. I missed Ron as I hardly got to see him without her stealing him away from Harry and me.

'Face it Ron, she's got you beat,' Harry chuckled from behind us as I finished speaking the words "Check mate."

'Yeah yeah. It's rubbish I tell you,' Ron threw up his hands as a sign of defeat.

I stood up from my chair and pulled my black robes on over my shoulders, 'Well Ron, we've played together for almost six and a half years, I was bound to win sooner or later.'

'I guess it was later,' Ron chuckled jokingly as Harry joined in.

I rolled my eyes, feeling the temptation to want to punch the both of em' in the shoulder.

'Joke all you want, but I'm still the one who beat Ron Weasley in a game of wizard's chess,' I said as I stuck my nose up proudly in the air.

'Oh now you've done it!' Ron yelled as he began to chase me out of the common room.

I ran as fast as I could; our laughs filling the grand stair case. However, our playing ended just as quick as it began. I stopped in my tracks as I spotted Lavender Brown standing in front of us on the stairwell with her jaw dropped open. Harry was quick to catch up, only I could tell by his facial expression that he didn't like getting caught in an awkward situation. I grew angry with the fact that I had to watch every move I made with Ron just so poor Lavender wouldn't get upset with jealousy. We were just close friends after all, yet still Lavender had some unknown reason to feel threatened by me. Ron looked at her, mortified. I rolled my eyes; she even had Ron under her control. I guess I should expect it though, seeing as it was his girlfriend.

'Won, we must hurry for dinner,' She spoke annoyingly before giving me a glare.

If anyone should be annoyed, it should be me, I thought. I'm sure Harry would be right on board. I watched Ron stride past us, leaving only a gust of air behind him. Lavender linked her arm with his just after giving him a wet snog on the lips. I gagged in revulsion.

'You two coming?' Ron yelled out as he gave a quick glance behind him to face us.

'We're right behind you Ron,' Harry stated.

We began to walk, making sure to stay ten feet away from the couple.

'So, what do you think of her?' I whispered out of the silence.

Harry smiled, 'Well I think Ginny and I are really hitting it off.'

'Not Ginny, Lavender!'

'Oh, well I uh, yeah, she's ok, a bit dimwitted,' Harry stuttered in embarrassment.

I sighed with relief, 'That's good; I'd have to agree with you. So how's Ron taking it by the way?' I watched Harry as I waited for a reply.

He scratched the back of his neck, 'Well, I dunno, I haven't really asked. It's just too bad they need to snog everywhere they go.'

I looked away for a moment to watch my footing on the moving stair case, then shot my glance back at him, 'What?!'

Harry caught my confused and disgusted glance, 'What? Who are you talking about?' Now he became confused.

'Ginny!' I shrieked in a whisper.

'Oh! Well I'd wish you would state people's names every once in a while!' Harry whispered back as he fixed his circular glasses.

'What are you two whispering on about?' Ron asked behind his shoulder.

'Um…nothing important,' Harry replied back.

I gave a glance at Harry out of the corner of my eye with a mischievous smile, 'You haven't told him yet, have you Harry?'

I noticed that Harry began to look nervous, 'We only just started dating three days ago, it's not like we kissed or anything,' Harry noticed my disappointed frown, and then quickly finished off his sentence in a mumble, 'I will soon.'

'What does Ginny think?'

Harry cleared his throat, 'She, uh, wants to just get it over with. I just…what?'

Harry must have noticed my left eyebrow lift up with a slight side smirk creasing my face, 'Stop making excuses, you must get this over with just as Ginny said.'

Harry opened his mouth to speak but we found our feet hit the levelled floor. We quickly caught up behind Ron and Lavender to take our seats in the Great Hall. Everything was beautiful with the enchanted ceiling that glittered the night sky. I loved this room; it was one of my favourites along side the library. I could feel my eyelids grow wide with amusement as I witnessed a shooting star race across the ceiling above my head. It didn't take long before we found our seats and Ron stating how hungry he was. I rolled my eyes.

'Don't worry Won, food is on its way,' Lavender spoke happily as she vividly rubbed Ron's growling stomach.

'Must you always be hungry Ron?' I spoke out, taking care not to catch Lavender's eye.

'I can't help it!' Ron retorted back.

Lavender wrapped her right arm around Ron's shoulder, 'He's a growing boy, he can be hungry whenever he wants. Isn't that right Won Won?' She passed me a malicious-like stare out of the corner of her eye while her face remained in Ron's direction.

Who is she, his mom? My brain began to sizzle from hearing her annoying voice speaking "Won Won." Just her voice alone drove me mad; the ridiculous words she used only made it that much worse. Speaking of "ridiculous" I wouldn't mind using that spell on her right about now. If only she were a boggart. I smiled to myself in thought.

'What are you smiling about?' Lavender asked as she sat across from me at the table.

I tore my eyes away from my hands though my thoughts still remained. I could see the twitch in her eye and I knew she hated to see me smile. Probably thinks I'm thinking about Ron or something. Who knows what she's thinking in that outlandish head of hers.

'Oh, I'm just really looking forward to dinner,' I spoke with sarcastic delight, although I knew no one would have caught on.

I turned my head away from the sight of Lavender and noticed Harry standing a few feet away. He was talking to Ginny, who seemed to be very pleased with their conversation.

'Come site down you two!' Ron yelled in annoyance across the table.

I chuckled as I rested my head on my palm. I knew full well what Ron was thinking. No wonder Harry hasn't spoken to him yet. I felt Harry's presence sit beside me with Ginny on his left. I looked over at Ron for a moment, speculating about what he could be thinking as he watched carefully at Harry and his sister. Suddenly with surprise Ron had caught my glance, his frown then turned into a smile. His eyes gleamed and I couldn't help but wonder what on Earth was going through his mind at the moment. He usually held a vacant expression and was well to read, but at this moment the way his face had softened, I almost felt some unknown fear. I didn't know what it was.

'I think I can almost smell the food,' Harry spoke out before I could smile back.

I turned to face Harry, although I swore I could still feel and see Ron watching me out of the corner of my eye. I felt my chest rise and fall more rapidly then usual, although I didn't know why. I was still absorbing what had just happened moments before.

'Don't even say that Harry, you're just makin me hungrier by the minute,' Ron spoke in desperation.

I felt calm then, knowing his eyes were no longer on me. I let out a deep sigh. Suddenly everyone's attention left to the front of the room. Albus Dumbledore stood tall at the golden podium, his white beard shined brightly behind the floating candle sticks.

'May the feast - begin,' He spoke loudly with a smile.

I was glad he didn't have a speech for this evening. I found myself also hungry as I felt my stomach growl in anger. The tableware no longer sat lonely upon the table, all kinds of food scattered across in front of everyone's gaping mouths at the snap of Prof. Dumbledore's fingers. Ron grabbed a handful of drumsticks with no hesitation and started to gnaw away at its fleshy crisp surface. I spotted Luna scoop pudding unto her plate, and Neville joined in with her parade of wonderment. I took my share fair of the food, never needing much to satisfy me.

'Wonnie, do you think we could go for a walk after dinner?' Lavender giggled happily.

'Oh, yeah sure,' Ron answered, not tearing away from his food or really bothering to care at the moment.

'We all know what that means,' Harry laughed as he reached out across the table and nudged Ron in the shoulder.

'Please! Could we not mention that? Especially while I'm eating!' Ginny pleaded with disgust. I smiled at her remark.

Harry laughed once again and looked at her admiringly, 'Sorry Ginny.'

I glanced at Lavender who was not impressed, then at Ron whose cheeks now burned into a shade of pink.

'Listen Ron,' Harry continued, 'After you're done your…walk…with Lavender, I'd like to speak to you.' He glanced over at Ginny then back at Ron and I knew then what it was he wanted to talk about.

Ron placed a half eaten drumstick down on his plate, although some of the remains still sat on his mouth, 'What about?'

Lavender eased into the conversation; not bothering to hide herself from being nosey and wanting to know everything that goes on in Ron's life.

'I'll tell you later,' Harry said with nervousness. As soon as Ron and Lavender were busy with their food once again, he glanced at me and whispered, 'I'll need you there with me for support.'

I nodded with a grin. I found it entertaining how anxious Harry was considering that Ron was his best friend. I personally believed that Ron would fully trust Harry as being the most suitable for Ginny and she would be well taken care of. Either that or he would be fully uncomfortable and awkward with it. It could go both ways. I had hoped however that it would work out for the best. For so long Harry had seen Ginny as "out of bounds" in his eyes. This was Ron's sister after all, and it was one touchy situation Harry had to deal with.

*.*.*.*.*.*.

After the dinner Harry and I left to the common room with Neville, Ginny and Seamus. Ginny left to the girl's dormitory straight away, not wanting to be witnessed by Ron after he came back from the walk with Lavender. I knew she assumed the worst, and she didn't want to deal with Ron's good for nothing blabbering about how much he disapproves of Harry and Ginny being together. It was for the best anyway. I watched Harry pace back and forth across the common room. All heads were shaking in disappointment because he would not speak a word.

'Could you at least tell us why you're so nervous?' Neville spoke out breaking the silence.

My mouth remained shut for the time being as I sat on the red velvet couch in front of the stone fireplace.

'I'm sorry but Neville, Seamus, could you please leave? I don't mean to be rude or anything,' Harry stopped to reply as he pulled his fingers through his hair.

'Sure, we'll leave you to whatever you're doing,' Seamus answered angrily before grabbing Neville's forearm and pulled him out of the room into the boy's dormitory.

I watched as Harry shook his head in disparagement.

'Don't mind Seamus Harry, you know how he gets sometimes,' I said with concern.

Harry nodded with agreement as he crossed his arms, 'I know, I'm just more worried about what Ron will say.'

About fifteen minutes after, Ron walked in alone, although nobody could fail to spot the blotched mark that lay upon his neck. I stared at his hair with my lifted brow, and he was quick to notice and pat it down. He couldn't deny what had gone on, although we all bothered not to speak a word of it. It was strange; a part of me felt a pinch of a nameless anger brewing inside of me. Harry rubbed his nose quickly as Ron began to say something.

'So, what was it you wanted to talk to me about Harry?'

'I-uh… I'd like to just say it straight away." Harry stuttered nervously.

Ron waved his hand, 'Well get on with it then.'

Harry glanced over at me, and I nodded for him to go ahead. For what was only a few seconds seemed like an hour within the awkward silence.

'Well Harry? You're gettin' me bloody worried. What is it?' Ron asked with uneasiness as he ran his hand through his red coloured hair, only to mess it up again.

'I'd like you're…permission…to date Ginny.' Harry finally admitted as he ran his sweaty palms down his pants.

With that Ron had kept silent for only a moment. Then, as if he just realized it was a mistake, he gave out an eccentric and uneasy laugh. It took Harry and me both aback. We never expected this kind of behaviour from him, but either way, things did not look good.

'You're joking right? Blimey Harry, you had me worried there for a moment!' Ron breathed within his laughs.

I moved my eyes in Harry's direction. His facial expression was shocked. I knew he had become speechless, so I had so speak up.

'It's not a joke, Ron,' I said bluntly with a worried tone.

Ron's laughs stopped as he estimated already that it was the truth, only he didn't want to believe it. 'What?' He asked, facing me.

I was about to reply but I hardly got my mouth open when Harry spoke up.

'It's not a joke, I'm telling the truth.'

'"Not a joke,"' Ron repeated with a sneer worthy of Malfoy.

'Don't start Ron,' Harry knew full well what Ron was like when he got angry.

'Don't start?' Ron choked, 'You're talking about my bloody sister! You know how much I hate seeing her with someone, and how happy I was when she broke off with Dean!'

'I know Ron, I just thought because I'm you're friend you would expect differently from me. I'm not out just to snog or shag with her. I… I think I might love her…' Harry's voice trailed off and his face burned with embarrassment.

Ron scoffed with anger, 'You don't love her.'

'Ron!' I shouted, almost surprising myself, 'At least consider that Harry is asking for your permission first. Give him some respect at any rate! You can't hold Ginny back with seeing anyone just because you're uncomfortable with it.'

'You know what-' Ron's face flooded red with anger, 'Just stay out of this Hermione!'

'I asked her to be here with me Ron, and she has a point!' Harry shot back.

Ron shook his head, 'Then why ask me for my bloody permission if you plan on dating her anyway! To think I'd be seeing my best friend snog my sister is disgusting!' Ron added.

I huffed with fury then, 'And you don't think that seeing you snog with Lavender everywhere you go isn't disgusting?!'

'Why do you care so much Hermione? What, jealous that I'm the one snogging someone and Krum isn't here to-'

'What does Krum have to do with any of this?!' I interrupted. I could not believe what was coming out of Ron's mouth. I didn't want to hear another word of it.

'And Lavender?' Ron choked.

'Alright enough!' Harry shouted to end our quarrel, 'What is wrong with you two?'

Ron shrugged, 'Nothing Harry, in fact I'm heading to bed.'

Without another word Ron spun around and headed furiously up the stairs towards the boy's dormitory. A crowd of people had swarmed around on the balcony wondering what the hell was going on. I looked at Harry, still trying to catch my breath.

'I'm sorry Harry.'

He looked down to the floor then back at me.

'Don't bother, I expected it from Ron,' Harry gave a reassuring smile but I could not give one back, 'Goodnight Hermione,' His voice sounded exhausted.

'Goodnight,' I replied. I could tell he was not looking forward to meeting up with Ron again in the dormitory. Hopefully he won't speak a word to Harry tonight. I sighed as I watched everyone scatter into their rooms. I thought back about what Ron had said. What made him so furious to talk about Krum? I shook my head in wonderment. I felt myself growing tired as I watched the rain spit hard against the sash windows. I left straight to the dormitory then, and with surprise, because she normally did not do this, I found Ginny sobbing in her bed.

'I guess you heard what went on?' I asked quietly as I sat beside her.

She sat up and nodded. The moonlight cast on her watery eyes that made them sparkle.

'It wasn't hard to ignore. I just can't believe how selfish Ron is being,' Ginny sighed.

'I know,' I said as I placed my hand on her shoulder, 'But things will get better, I'm sure of it. Ron just needs time to mull things over,' I smiled reassuringly.

Ginny smiled back, by this time her tears had disappeared, 'You're probably right. Thank you.'

I gave her a hug and walked over to my bed and changed. After I crawled in, I sat there in the darkness, hoping that things really would work out for the best, and possibly try to figure out these strange occurrences that have been happening to me lately when around Ron. I sighed quietly before I finally fell asleep within the silence.