A/N Here's the next chapter! I'm kind of excited for it! I'd first off like the dedicate this chapter to Man of Constant Sorrow. Thanks for your input in the story! I fixed some of the things you mentioned. :)

Chapter 2: Stand By Me

"Honestly, you would think that they would show a little courtesy to those around them." Hermione ranted the next morning at breakfast. Sitting across from them were Ron and Lavender who were associating in activities that did not involve eating.

"Don't let them bother you." Harry advised looking down at his plate. "Just ignore them."

That's easier said then done. Hermione said to herself. She still couldn't help but feel an immense amount of jealousy every time she looked at Lavender. "I'll try." Hermione said finally.

Harry observed her from across the table for several minutes and then finally spoke, "You're not doing a very good job Hermione."

Hermione snapped out of her fantasy and looked up at Harry. "Oh sorry. I just- it's hard when they're sitting across from you."

"Fine." Harry grumbled. He began to take a couple fruits and pastries with him and instructed Hermione to follow him.

"Where are we going?" She foolishly asked.

Harry shot her an annoyed look, "I guess that's the point of following me isn't it?"

Hermione was taken aback by his annoyance but obliged and silently followed Harry. He led her up stair after stairs after stairs until finally they were on the seventh floor. Hermione had originally thought Harry was taking her back to the common room but that idea was quickly shot down after they passed it without any word or pause. Harry led her up one more flight of stairs until they were on the lookout in the astronomy tower. "There." He said quietly. "Now you don't have to think about Ron anymore."

Hermione felt a swelling of happiness and adoration to the boy who stood beside her, "Harry, you truly are the best friend I could have ever asked for."

Harry shrugged, "I don't know about that. I seem to bring you a lot of stress lately." He scratched the back of his head and crinkled up his nose.

Hermione looked at her best friend straight in the eye and scowled. "Harry, I wouldn't trade you in for anyone else. You're a brilliant friend. Don't think anything less of yourself." As she finished this statement she pulled him into a warm hug. Harry returned the favor by squeezing her even tighter. Hermione smiled taking in the moment. It was chilly up there on the astronomy tower and Harry's body radiated heat that made her feel warm. She took a deep breath and the smell of Harry entered her nose. She couldn't quite describe the scent to herself, but she knew it distinctly belonged to Harry and Harry alone.

After a minute of silence it was Harry who broke it, "Are we going to finish breakfast or not?"

"Oh yes." Hermione said pulling away from him. "You were just so warm I couldn't help myself." Hermione couldn't help but feel like pulling him in for another hug. It's just because he's warm. She told herself.

Harry smiled, "Well I'm glad I could put my body heat to good use."

"I love weather like this." Hermione contemplated out loud as she munched on the breakfast Harry had taken. Harry raised an eyebrow at her as she folded her arms to conserve body heat. "What?" She asked feeling his eyes watch her.

"Nothing." Harry smiled slipping off his robe and resting it on Hermione's shoulders.

"Harry it's fine really-" Hermione started to protest but Harry raised his hand shook his head.

"No, I'm not even cold. You obviously need more heat than I do since your so little." He teased.

Hermione shot him a playful scowl. "I'm not small."

Harry couldn't contain his laughter. "You are compared to me! When I hug you I have to bend down! Not to mention I could pick you up easily and throw you into the snow right now."

"Harry." Hermione scolded. "If you throw me into the snow I will make sure you're sixth year at Hogwarts is you last."

"I'm kidding." He smiled. "It's not bad to be small." Hermione nodded. It wasn't. However, in her mind, she was not small. She was average. She was the same height as many of the girls in her year so Harry obviously didn't know what he was talking about. "What was that about you liking this weather?" Harry asked changing the topic.

Hermione smiled, "It just makes me want to curl up near the fire and read a good book with a cup of hot chocolate near me."

Harry laughed, "That sounds fitting for you."

She blushed. "Well what's your favorite type of weather?"

Harry pondered this question before answering, "I guess I would have to say summer. When the sun is out and you can wear shorts outside." He explained. "Perfect weather for Quidditch, might I add."

"Winter versus summer." Hermione said. "We seem to be opposites there."

"First time in awhile." Harry acknowledged. "We hardly ever disagree." Hermione nodded as she realized that this statement was true. "Anyways, you might want to hurry up Hermione." He said finishing the last of his muffin. "We have class in ten minutes."

Realizing this, Hermione wolfed down the rest of her meal and quickly made her way to her first class. Harry and Hermione quickened their pace as Harry warned her they only had five minutes to class. Harry's long strides left Hermione lagging behind, struggling to keep Harry's pace. Her walk eventually became a light jog.

As they made it to the entrance of their class, Malfoy was arriving at the same time. "Well if it isn't Mrs. And Mr. Potter."

"Shut up Malfoy." Harry said through his gritted teeth.

"No, don't mind me. Go run along with your girlfriend." He sneered.

Hermione rolled her eyes. "C'mon lets just go Harry."

"She's not denying it." Malfoy whispered loudly to Crabbe.

Hermione felt herself blushing. "It's not like that-"

"Oh isn't it?"

Hermione shook her head when Harry pulled her away, "Don't listen to him Hermione. He's just a prat."

"I won't." Hermione promised. "He's just up to his normal routine." But for some odd reason it bugged her. It really really bugged her. Harry was only her best friend.

"Just do it Hermione." Harry urged her later that night in the common room.

Hermione glanced over at Ron who was just saying goodbye to Lavender. "I'll be back soon." She heard Lavender whisper.

"Now's your chance!" Harry encouraged, "Just go up there and tell him how you feel."

"That's hard though." Hermione rationed.

"You're always telling me to try hard things. Just try it. What's the worst that can happen?" Harry said lounging back into his chair.

"He will never forgive me and then I'll never be invited to the Weasley's ever again because he tells them rotten things about me." Hermione said quickly. "That's the worst that can happen."

"Mrs. Weasley could never cope with that." Harry teased. Hermione remained solemn. "Do it for me. Please?" Harry said giving her pleading eyes.

"Fine." Hermione obliged. "But I hope your happy, Harry Potter."

"Happier than when Malfoy found out he was in Slyherin." He teased. Hermione rolled her eyes as Harry grinned and held in a laugh that was about to break loose. "Good luck." He called out as she walked away. "I'll be right here if you need any moral support."

Hermione slowly approached Ron. He was standing in the same spot Lavender had left him and he had a dumb smile on her face. Hermione felt her heart pound louder and louder with every step she took. She worried about what she would say or do and how Ron would react to her. Ron saw her coming towards him and looked like he was going to turn and leave. "Ron," Hermione started slowly, "I kind of wanted to talk to you about something." She glanced back at Harry who nodded approvingly.

Ron looked uneasy at that statement and scratched his head, "Oh yeah? About what?"

Hermione gulped as Ron's eyes stared at her. Her hands became sweaty and she lost her train of thought as he brushed his hair to the side. "About Saturday." She stated bluntly. "I just wanted you to know that-" she stopped as she watched Ron wave to Lavender.

"Hold that thought Hermione." He said to her casually. "Wait Lav!" He called out to his girlfriend.

And just like that Hermione could feel her blood boiling and her heart breaking all at the same time. She composed herself and walked silently over to Harry. She didn't want him to see her in an emotional state such as this. However it hurt. She felt as if her heart was longing for something it never could have in the first place. She noticed how her breathing became heavy as she tried to keep herself intact. Tears were pushing against her eyes but Hermione was determined to hold them in. However, despite her sadness, Hermione felt like marching up to Ron and punching his square in the face. He didn't even let her finish. "Hermione," Harry started before she went into hysterics. Hermione's eyes were clouded by tears and she had to try even harder to keep them from falling.

"Are you happy Harry? I talked to Ron! The fact of the matter is that Ron and I will NEVER be friends again. It's as simple as that. He obviously hates me and I hate him too!" She shouted. "All he cares about is himself! I can't stand it! He thinks he's pretty important being a prefect and now having a girlfriend well news flash! He wasn't invited to Slug Club! I was!" She continued.

"Hermione just calm down." Harry said.

"Who cares if he has a girlfriend?" She said as her tears finally broke free and fought their way down her face, "I don't care! No one does! And if he's going to throw away our friendship for nothing then he can go ahead! He's a-"

"Hermione." Harry said sternly placing his hand on Hermione's. His touch made Hermione obey this time. It allowed her to realize he wasn't going to hurt her like Ron did. That was at the bottom of his to-do list. She took a deep breath to calm herself down and looked at him through tears. "He's being a prat Hermione. He's abandoning his own friends for a girl he's going to break up with in a few weeks."

"I guess so but-" Hermione sniffled.

"Right now he's being selfish but he's going to realize that he needs us more than he thinks." Harry explained.

Hermione frowned, "And we should just forget he ever did this to us?" Harry pondered this question and then thoughtfully nodded, "Why?"

"Because he's our best friend Hermione and when you're friends with someone you learn to forgive them, because that's what friends do." He said.

Hermione thought about what he had said and at last spoke, "You're right Harry. He'll come around soon. Ron and I are very lucky, we have this amazing friend who keeps us level-headed."

Harry blushed, "Oh how I wish that was true." He said modestly.

"You are Harry!" She laughed. "You are."

"Thanks 'Mione." He said looking down at his shoes. A bright smile appeared on his face that caused Hermione to do the same.

"Care to do homework with me ?" Hermione asked changing the subject.

Harry smirked, "Well if that's the only way you can have fun then I guess I will."

"Watch it." Hermione teased.