Hi to all my readers! Sorry if I'm slow in updating. I promise to have more updates coming in the days to come. This chapter is important in setting up what will be the Ron and Hermione story. Please do not fret if Harry is a little OOC here. I'm basing in on what James Potter would be like and what his son would have turn out to be as well. Furthermore, there is Ron and Hermione interaction here but lots more to come. Do not panic. Thank you so much to everyone who read and enjoy my story so far.
Chapter 2
"Hey Harry, when are Quidditch practices going to be?" Hermione asked as she stuffed her face with another Sugar Quill.
"For the sixteen thousandth time, I don't have the schedule yet Hermione. McGonagall going to give it to us next week." Harry said exasperatedly as he fumbled through his books.
"You got to chill, Hermione. We're going to win back the Cup this year." Jamie said as she smiled at her best friend. Hermione sighed as she flicked another paper pellet in the direction of Seamus who stuck his tongue out in response. "Yeah, if Finnigan here had just aimed the bludger at Malfoy instead of me, we could have won."
"Give it a rest, Granger." Seamus retorted as he flashed her a rude gesture. "I was aiming for the ferret but he dodged. Although if you keep harping on it, I might be tempted to do it again."
"Oh screw you!" Hermione said as she blew a strand of hair off her head. "Where's Dean and Ginny?" she asked as she stared at the two empty seats next to Seamus.
"Probably making out somewhere. The couple had a problem in Paradise." Seamus sniggered as he winked at Jamie who started to blush.
"What happened?" Harry asked as he stared at his sister who just shook her head.
"Well…" Seamus started but Jamie cut him off. "Leave it, Seamus."
"No, hang on. What happened?"
"Well, you see…" Hermione chimed in while smirking at Jamie. "Apparently, our friend Dean drank way too much Firewhisky and told your sister that he thinks she's the hottest thing to have entered Hogwarts. Said if Jamie here had a kissing booth and started charging one galleon for a kiss, you guys would be rolling in sweet dough."
"What?!" Harry said with a tinge of annoyance. "But… Dean… is with Ginny!"
"Look, Harry, let's face it," Hermione replied. "As long as your sister is single, every single guy in Hogwarts will be vying for her attention. Heck, I bet even Snape is checking you out since he likes giving you detentions so often."
"HERMIONE!" Jamie said as she looked away, embarrassed. "I'm not that kind of girl."
"Maybe not but it's not fair to us regular chicks. You get guys like Cedric Diggory and Roger Davies while the rest of us are stuck with the leftovers."
"Excuse me, but which one of us scored with an international Quidditch player?"
"Krum and I ended things like months ago."
"I didn't know you guys broke up," Harry whispered to Hermione as he took her hand with his. Hermione blushed furiously while Jamie gave her a smile and a wink. Hermione knew that everyone in Hogwarts referred to Harry and her as the Power Couple even though they haven't actually dated. Yet Jamie knew how much her best friend was falling for her brother. It had started in the sixth year when Hermione lost it after seeing Harry and Cho Chang snog inside a classroom. When Jamie pointed out to Hermione that the only reason she might be feeling angry towards Harry was that she had feelings for him, Hermione had started yelling at her as well.
"That can't be it!" Hermione yelled as she stuffed her teary face into her pillow. Jamie sighed in frustration.
"Stop being a prat, Hermione. We've been at it for two years. You even broke up with Krum because he was jealous of Harry and you know what? He had a right to be. You never cared what Krum thought about how you look or who you spoke to or what you did but when it's my git of a brother, you go overboard in expressing yourself."
"Well, even if that's true, what chance do I have now that Harry is with her?"
"Oh please, Hermione," Jamie said as she flung herself onto her bed. "I told you already. Harry's been complaining to me about how Cho keeps talking about Cedric. Don't know why she does though. My ex is nothing but hype."
"So what if she's always talking about him?"
"Merlin! Hermione, were you always this daft? Remember how you would always talk about Harry every time you went with Krum? And not just best friend stuff but you talked about Harry ALL THE TIME. And we all know what happened next."
"Wait." Hermione wiped her eyes as she turned to face Jamie. "Cho likes Cedric?"
"Probably just a tiny bit less of how much you fancy my brother." Jamie smiled as Hermione turned scarlet.
"Besides, Hermione, you guys are best friends. You're always there for each other and quite frankly after all the rumours, its time you two just get together. If there was like an author for your love story, she would put the two of you together. It's cliché but that's how it is. And then we can be sisters-in –law!"
"Yeah, it's no big deal." Hermione smiled as she gripped Harry's hand tighter. She could not help but be moved by those sharp green eyes and raven hair. She couldn't decide whether she preferred Harry with glasses or without. Either way, Hermione knew she was falling badly in love. Maybe she should invite him to Hogsmeade, just the two of them. Just an outing with two best friends. Grab a Butterbeer or two. Hermione was about to suggest the idea when the compartment doors slid open.
"Well, looks like the lovebirds are back!" Seamus sniggered as Dean smacked him on the head. Both he and Ginny look dishevelled with Dean sporting a wide grin and Ginny looking flushed. "So what do you guys use for protection this time? Muggle means or magic?"
"Shut up Seamus!" Dean and Ginny said at the same time while glaring daggers at the other three who had started laughing out loud.
"So Ginny, does your big brother know you're no longer a you-know-what?" Seamus said while he winked at Ginny who threw a book towards his head.
"No, he doesn't. And no one tells him either or else I'm hexing them bad."
"Honestly, would Ron mind? He seems pretty understanding for a big brother." Jamie said while glaring at Harry who snorted loudly before pulling his hand away from Hermione.
"Yeah, well maybe if Ron had to go through what I go through, that is, having a sister who the entire male population at Hogwarts is wanking off too every night, maybe he might think differently. Even these clowns (Harry points to Seamus and Dean) had a thing for you."
"Not me, mate!" Dean said while staring at his girlfriend who smirked at him. "I only have eyes for Ginny."
"Well, Jamie, like your brother said. If you ever need a shoulder to cry on, an ear to talk to or even a guy to shag and be that one mistake before you find true love, I'm your wizard." Seamus said as Jamie flashed him a rude hand gesture but not before Harry threw another book towards him.
"You know," Jamie said as she leaned back in her seat. "I've been going after gits and prats like Davies and Diggory while being swarmed by the more desperate types like Finnigan over here…" she said while pointing at Seamus who did his best mock expression of looking hurt. "… Maybe I should date someone like Ron. Would be nice for a change."
Hermione snorted while the other three boys in the compartment started laughing though Dean stopped as soon as he saw Ginny glaring at him before turning her glare towards Hermione.
"Something wrong with my brother, Granger?"
"How about him being an insufferable know-it-all who answers every question that comes his way?"
"As opposed to a bimbo who wouldn't know a Quaffle from a Bludger until one hits her?"
"Look, Ginny. I don't want to fight with you." Hermione said as she folded her arms. "I and your brother have been at war since Merlin knows when."
"Yeah, why is that anyways? Weren't you both friends in the first year?" Harry said.
"Not really. More like acquaintances. But he just pisses me off so much you know? Reports me every time I'm outside after curfew, docking points whenever he feels like it and always has this stupid smug expression on his face."
"You have a smug expression on your face!" Ginny retorted as Dean held her back.
"Why don't I tell your brother what you and Dean did over the summer? See if you're still his favourite sibling after that?"
"HOW DARE YOU… DEAN! LET GO OFF ME…"
"Guys, enough!" Harry yelled as the other four looked on. "Look, I get things are a little out of hand here so firstly, Hermione and Ginny, apologize to each other. Do it or else I start having trainings on Saturdays!"
Hermione and Ginny grumbled before nodding to each other and shaking hands.
"Now, Ron is off limits this year. This is our final year and we need to pass our NEWTs. Dean, Seamus and I need Ron to be on his game whenever he helps us with homework and whenever we get a chance to study with him. Jamie, although I really can't see it happening, but you aren't allowed to be near Ron."
"You can't tell me what to do!"
"Fine! Just don't make him distracted."
"That's going to be hard mate, seeing that your sister makes every guy distracted," Seamus said while Dean sniggered earning a punch to his stomach by Ginny.
"Guys, I'm serious about this. In fact, I'm thinking of making Ron part of the Pack." Harry said as his words drew groans from Seamus and Hermione.
"You can't be serious!" Hermione said as she shook her head.
"Normally, I wouldn't do this but I agree with Hermione," Ginny said earning gasps from everyone in the compartment. "He's my older brother and I don't want him to be part of this just because you guys want to use him for your studies."
"Ginny, it's going to be a two way street. Ron helps us out with our studies and we help him with his social standing. Think of all the bullies who take the mickey out of him because of who he is. Once he's in, he would be untouchable." Harry said as Ginny shook her head.
"No. I mean it, Potter."
"Okay, how about this?" Jamie spoke after staring at her brother who looked like he was ready to burst. "Our dad works at the Ministry and he as well as Lupin does have quite a considerable amount of influence. You said that Ron got accepted for an internship? Well, if Harry and I put a good word in with our dad, Ron would not only be guaranteed a job but he would rise higher than any newbie that ever came into the Ministry. How about it, Ginny? I need help with my studies as well. I got an Exceeding Expectations for Potions. Ron could turn that into an Outstanding."
"I don't know about this…." Ginny said as she tried to comprehend the possible benefits of her brother joining the group.
"Don't worry, Ginny. I look out for my future brother-in-law." Dean said as Seamus and Harry smirked at him. Ginny threw her arms in the air. "Fuck it, I'm in. I'll be watching you all as well. Especially you Hermione." Ginny said as she placed her hand in the middle while glaring at Hermione. Dean placed his hand on top of Ginny's, followed by Seamus, Jamie, and Harry. All five of them were staring at Hermione who sighed in frustration before putting her hand over Harry's.
"I still think this is a bad idea," Hermione said.
"Who knows, Hermione... Maybe you might even fall for him." Seamus laughed.
"Ewww! Ron?! Please."
"Watch it, Granger," Ginny said icily.
…
"Now, class, as you all know that this is your final year at Hogwarts." Professor McGonagall said as she scanned the students in her class. "That being said, your studies must be your number one priority this year. I cannot stress how important it is that you take your studies seriously. While some of you have made me very proud, there are a few that I know will need extra attention. That being said, Dumbledore has requested that all seven-years are to report to their Head of House at the end of dinner tonight. Now, shall we begin?"
Ron took out his Quick Quotes Quill while straightening out his parchment. Next, to him, Neville looked positively flustered as he rummaged through his bag to find his Transfiguration textbook. At the back of the class, Ron spied Harry, Dean, Seamus, and Hermione all talking furiously amongst themselves while Hermione glared at him. Shaking his head, he turned to face his professor once more.
"Ahem, if you four at the back would like to join us, I would very much like to get started," McGonagall said icily as she glared at the Pack who had now quietened down. "Now can anyone tell me, are there limits to Transfiguration?"
Almost on cue, everyone stared at Ron who raised his hand in the air. "Yes, Professor. There are five Principal Exceptions to Gemp's Law on Elemental Transfiguration."
"Very good, Mr. Weasley. Ten points to Gryffindor. Mr. Weasley, can you elaborate on one of the five exceptions?"
"Yes, Professor. Food is the first exception to Gemp's Law. It is impossible to make good food out of nothing. You can summon it if you know where it is, you can transform it and you can increase the quantity of whichever food you have. This was first discovered in the early seventeenth century by Octavius Gemp who…"
"That would be all, Mr. Weasley." Professor McGonagall said as she beamed with pride at her favourite student. "I hope many of you can take a page out of Mr. Weasley's book. Now I want you all in groups of six. Let's see how many of you can successfully turn these plates into pancakes." Professor McGonagall said as she summoned plates in front of each student. Before Ron could say anything to Neville, he felt a strong hand grip him from behind.
"Hey mate, mind if we join you?" Harry said as he sat next to Ron. Neville sighed as Seamus and Dean both nodded their heads to ask him to move but not before Ron grabbed his arm. "Only if it's okay with Neville. He sits next to me, of course."
"Of course! Oei you gits! Go drag those chairs and sit in front of us." Harry said as he glared at his two male best friends who grumbled before dragging chairs to put in front of Ron. Hermione, on the other hand, sat quietly next to Harry.
"Well, have you guys read the first chapter yet?" Ron asked as the others shook their heads. Hermione, however, had other ideas.
"Nope, because we all have lives." Harry groaned as Dean and Seamus smirked at each other. Ron and Hermione, over the years, have constantly argued. This was to be yet another bickering session between the two.
"Well, that may be the case but then again, not all of us will have jobs. Some will have to settle for just being mistresses to famous Bulgarian seekers."
"What's that supposed to mean?" Hermione said as she glared daggers at Ron who looked annoyed.
"I can't explain everything to you, Hermione, even though you always need someone to."
"As opposed to jumping up and down while sucking up to Professor McGonagall? Oh, look at me teacher, I know the answer! I'm so smart!" Hermione said while she did a poor imitation of Ron.
"Wow, that was good," Ron said sarcastically as he clapped his hands slow. "How about I do an impression of you? Duhhhh this is Hermione duhhhhh do you want chips with that duhhhhh."
"Guys…" Harry said as he stared at Hermione and Ron who were both looking like they wanted to kill each other.
"God, you're such a wanker, Ron! No wonder you don't have any friends."
"Excuse me, I'm his friend," Neville said timidly.
"Alright, that's it. Do you want my help? She can't stay!" Ron growled as Harry glowered at Hermione before turning to Ron. "Look, don't be too hasty mate. I make sure she keeps quiet."
"Why don't you just transfigure yourself a new friend, Weasley? Maybe a girl while you're at it. You could use some action."
"You could use less. Tell me, do any of your boys have to actually do anything to get you? Or is it because you're too slow to understand anything that you're always impressed by any guy who can string more than two sentences?"
"Pussy!"
"Bitch!"
"MR WEASLEY AND MS GRANGER!" Professor McGonagall screamed while addressing the group after sneaking up from behind. " I WILL NOT TOLERATE THE USE OF SUCH LANGUAGE IN MY CLASS. Thirty points from Gryffindor!"
"Sorry, Professor McGonagall," Ron said as he looked down in shame. Hermione, on the other hand, raised her eyebrow for which Professor McGonagall told her that she needed to see her after class. The group continued working in silence until the bell for her next period rang. Hermione blushed as Harry gave her a comforting pat on the back as he strode out of the classroom together with Dean and Seamus.
"Come to the front, Hermione." Professor McGonagall said as she raised her eyebrow at Hermione who had been staring at Harry walking out of class.
"Professor, it's not my fault! Ron started it and …." Hermione shut her mouth when Professor McGonagall raised her hand to interrupt her.
"As interesting as that conversation may go, there is another more pertinent issue. Now, as I said at the start of class, that your exams are the most important thing in your seventh year. That being said, I am hereby taking you off the Quidditch team."
"WHAT? WHY?!"
"Your grades have been slipping and you barely made it into your final year. As much as I would love to see us hold that Quidditch Cup again, your future is more important to me, Hermione."
"But this is our year! Please, you have to give me a chance. I can pull up my grades. I do anything please."
"Well, the Headmaster did want to talk to you all about this after dinner tonight but I suppose there is another way. You would need a tutor. Someone to mentor you. Make sure you do your work."
"There is! Jamie's grades aren't that bad. She can tutor me!"
"Not a chance, Miss Granger. I know she's your best friend which means you would have considerable influence over her. I would have suggested Mr. Weasley but seeing your relationship with him, I doubt he would consider it."
"I can find someone else. I will try. Please don't take me off the team."
"Very well, Miss Granger. You have until tomorrow. Good luck."
…
"Ron! Come join us!" Harry yelled as he took a swig of Firewhiskey that he had smuggled into the tower. Ron could only shake his head at the sight before him. He had just returned back to his dormitory from a Prefect's meeting. Harry, Seamus, Neville, and Hermione all sat in a circle on a picnic mat in the middle of the dorm with a pack of Exploding Snap cards. Ginny had removed herself from Dean's arms to go hug her brother. Ron smiled and returned his sister's hug while glaring at Dean who looked sheepish on his bed.
"You guys know that drinking is not allowed here, don't you?" Ron said exasperatedly. He knew his remarks would fall on deaf ears. The Pack had always gathered in his dorm on numerous occasions. Luckily, Ron was able to cast a Silencing Charm on his bed while being able to be at peace behind the safety of the curtains of his four poster bed. However, as he turned to his bed, Ron gulped as he saw Jamie Potter lying down while going through one of his books.
"OH! Sorry, Ron, I wanted to see what you were reading. Hermione beat me in chess again and I can't stand her gloating all over me." Jamie said as she got up from his bed. "That's cos you suck!" Hermione replied while leaning against Harry.
"It's…okay. You can…err…borrow it if you want." Ron said, fumbling at his words while blushing furiously. Hermione stared at him curiously.
"It's okay," Jamie said while smiling at him and giving him back his book. Ron felt a tinge of excitement shooting all over his body as her delicate fingers caressed his thumb when he reached for it. "An American No Maj by Walter White. Sounds interesting."
"Yeah, I'm trying to read up on America's take on wizards living there. It would help when I go for my internship."
"I heard about that from your sister. Great job on that by the way! Congratulations." Jamie said as she flashed another smile at him, causing Ron to nearly buckle from his knees growing weak.
"Thanks. What about you? Where are you going after Hogwarts?"
"I don't know. Maybe a career in Quidditch? Oh wait, you don't watch us play do you?"
"Actually, I do. I come to see Ginny play."
"Oh, just Ginny? What about me?" Jamie said as she pouted. Ron turned away, embarrassed at what he just said before Jamie gave a giggle and smacked him on his hand. "I'm just kidding, Ron. You need to lighten up. Live a little."
"So I've been told," Ron said as he turned to glare at Hermione. Surprisingly, Hermione didn't glare back but had a rather quizzical look on her face.
"I think you should. You only get one chance at being a kid. This is your last year at Hogwarts after all. Why don't you come to try outs? We do need a new Chaser."
"Err… no thanks. I suck at Quidditch."
"Well, you never know until you try. Roger was hopeless during try-outs for Ravenclaw but then on his first game, he scored a hundred points."
"Maybe he had it in him the whole time. Speaking about Davies, I'm sorry you guys didn't work out."
Jamie smiled at him while motioning for Ron to sit next to her. Ron's ears started to turn red as he awkwardly made his way to sit next to her while trying his best to not let any part of his body come into contact with Jamie. Jamie leaned in to whisper to him.
"That's very sweet of you. But it's okay. He and I weren't meant for each other. Honestly, I doubt I ever find someone who's right for me."
"Yeah, you will. You're amazing and beautiful." Ron replied while trying furiously to tell his skin to go back to its normal light colour.
"Wow, you have a way with words don't you Weasley?" Jamie said as she smirked at him. "Listen, Ron, I was wondering…"
"Sorry but I need to talk to Ron!" Hermione butted in as she grabbed Ron's arm and pulled him off the bed. Ron wanted to reply in indignation but seeing Jamie get off the bed and sit on the picnic mat, he sighed before allowing himself to be dragged to the common room by Hermione Granger. Pulling himself out of her grip once they descended the stairs, Ron looked positively angry with Hermione, who was now sporting a cheeky grin, for interrupting his intimate moment with Jamie.
"What the hell is your problem, Hermione?!"
"Well other than the fact you were about to hit on my best friend, there is one I need to talk to you about."
"I WAS NOT ABOUT TO HIT ON HER," Ron yelled as Hermione shook his her head at him. "We were just talking."
"Yeah right! Please, Weasley, I've seen how guys try to hit on her. Not to mention that they turned into idiots around her."
"I am not an idiot."
"No, you're not. But you are interested in Jamie."
"I am not!"
"Don't lie to me. I can tell when a guy likes Jamie okay? And if you agree with a proposition that I have, I can help you get her."
"What?" Ron said as he stared dumbfounded at Hermione who just shrugged her shoulders. "Okay, maybe not get her as in get her to be your girlfriend. But I can get you to be her date for the ball. You can take things from there." Hermione said as she stared into Ron's blue eyes. She never noticed how sparkling his eyes were before. Shaking her head, she looked away as Ron began to process what he just heard.
"Okay, Hermione. What's the proposition?" Ron asked.
"Simple. Professor McGonagall told me that I'm off the team unless I can find someone who can tutor me in my studies. She wanted you to do it of course but you would have to agree to it. I propose we call a truce here. I won't make fun of you anymore while you tutor me in my studies. In addition, I would…how would I put it...help you get the girl of your dreams who happen to be my best friend. Do we have a deal?" Hermione said as she extended her hand for Ron to shake. Ron stared at it before laughing to himself.
"You expect me to believe that you would do something like that for me? You hate me, Hermione!"
"I don't hate you! I just find you extremely annoying."
"Well, same goes for me!"
"Look! We've been at each other's throats since the first year. We used to be friends at one time, didn't we?"
Ron said nothing as he stared at Hermione with a blank expression on his face.
"Look, Ron. As of right now, there are probably fifty if not more guys all wanting a chance with Jamie. At dinner just now, both Colin Creevey and Justin Finch-Fletchey came up to her and started to chat her up. Guys are all lining up but you're going to have an advantage in your corner. Her best friend will not only give her your approval but she's gonna put in a good word for you. Neville said you're some kind of love expert right? Dean, Seamus, and Harry all come up to you for advice. How important is a girl's best friend to influencing her to fall for the right guy?"
Ron sighed. Hermione did have a point there. Ron thought of the implications. This was his last year in Hogwarts. He had spent the last six years studying in the library while focusing on his studies. Perhaps it would be good to try mixing up his social life. He needed help with that though and even though he couldn't stand her, Hermione might be the key to him getting a date with Jamie Potter after all these years.
"Fine. On one condition, whatever I tell you to do, you do it. No arguments."
"Same goes for you too. We got a lot to work on, starting with your hair."
"What's wrong with my hair?"
"It's too long. Anyways, we better get back to the room."
Ron nodded as he walked past Hermione up the stairs. As Hermione's head flew to thoughts of Quidditch and Harry, she could not help but frown at the image of Ron and Jamie talking on his bed. Must be a best friend thing Hermione thought to herself as she ascended up the stairs.