A/N The fact that you've returned to read chapter two is absolutely amazing! I'm so sorry about the delay I've been really bloody sick recently and have kind of been sleeping most of the time. I hope you're okay with how I've redone the story. Well anyways, here's where we deal with Ron, Hermione and their feelings about the events and each other. And if you've read the original version of this chapter you'll know that I have made quite a few changes. I hope you find this version much more true to the books cause I've realized that Hermione wouldn't just cry over kissing Ron, she is much stronger than that, we've all seen her in action. Please remember this is now taking place in the holidays before their "seventh year" at school. I know they never had a seventh year but please bear with me. Also, this is a very dialogue heavy chapter. Well I'm guessing you don't want to hear me ramble on so enjoy!
Chapter 2: Hopeful and Heartless
"I kissed Hermione!" chanted Ron over and over in his head. The feeling was better than anything he had ever experienced. It was like his own personal heaven, feeling her lips on his. Pure, absolute bliss feeling her body move against him like that. Ecstasy, as he ground into her. But his joy crashed faster than Neville on a broom. Bloody Hell. She obviously didn't feel the same way about him. Her expression then said it all, and as if it wasn't clear enough her punch had left a large blue mark on his face. "Why was I so damn daft?" he thought to himself. "I couldn't have just kept my hands off her". But she was so irresistible all the same; any guy would have killed to be in his place for that kiss. And he would have killed to be Oliver just then.
Oliver. Ron hated him. He stole his Hermione. Well that was how he saw it. Ron let his mind wander, if there was no Oliver...If there was no Oliver he and Hermione would be together. He'd be the one to kiss her goodnight and send her letters when they were apart. Their time together could be well spent; his darkest fantasies could come alive. But no, Oliver Wood was in the way.
Ron often wondered how Hermione could maintain a relationship with him even though he'd left school last year. But this was Hermione Granger in question and he knew she could always find a way. If only she could realize she didn't belong to Oliver, she belonged to him...Ron.
Ron had loved Hermione with all his heart for as long as he could remember, silly as it sounded. Before he'd even noticed girls or knew what love was, he had felt something for her. But she didn't love him. Why couldn't she at least realize what he felt? Wasn't his outrageous flirting clue enough? She certainly had seemed to enjoy it last night but then she got so angry. She was absolutely maddening sometimes, the stubborn girl. But it only made him want her more.
Ron turned over in bed, staring up at his Chudley Cannon posters. The players zoomed in and out of the frames clad in bright orange robes. Ron relaxed his mind, simply watching the blurs that were his favourite team. All thoughts of Hermione slowly seeped from his mind leaving a calm yet oddly empty feeling. No worries, no cares and...
"Bloody Hell," Ron yelled bolting upright. "You couldn't have bloody told me you were here?"
"Nice to see you too mate," Harry chuckled at his startled expression.
"Whatever, how the blazes did you get in here? I thought you weren't coming till tomorrow?" Ron still looked somewhat shocked at the arrival of his best friend.
"Well change of plans, but I don't think the Dursleys were too disappointed. They were overjoyed at the chance of getting rid of me a whole day earlier."
"Nutters, the lot of them," he mumbled.
"So Ron, I hear from reliable sources you and 'Mione had a bit of a row last night?" Harry cocked one eyebrow upwards in an inquisitive fashion. He could tell by Ron's expression this would provide an comical reaction.
"WHAT?" Ron spluttered as Harry failed to not express his amusement. "Who told you that?" He glared at him, shooting daggers from his eyes.
"Well everyone really," Harry shot Ron a sympathetic look. "Sorry to tell you mate, but you aren't really the quietest bloke around."
"I BLOODY KNOW THAT," Ron yelled, only proving Harry's point. As if realizing that he subdued his tone considerably. "How much do you know?" He began to turn red thinking what his family would say if they knew what he was up to last night.
"Not much, except last night or more like early this morning, Hermione was in your room. Apparently soon afterwards there was a load of shouting and screaming, by the way Mrs. Weasley is going to have your bollocks for that language."
"Forget mum, is there anything else?" Ron asked desperately, he was still blushing furiously.
"Is there anything you should be telling me?" Harry seemed to sense he wasn't being told crucial information.
"Well..."
"Spit it out, mate, I won't tell."
"Well...Err, I don't really know how to put this."
"Just tell me exactly what happened, I won't judge you for anything." Harry nodded encouragingly. Seeming to find strength in his support Ron went on.
"'Mione, came up to see me around two am cause she couldn't sleep. And she looked damned irresistible in her shirt and little shorts..." Here Ron sucked in a breath. "I dunno what came over me, well she sat down and we talked. No it was more like flirting, and then she pretended to be Lavender..."
"Slow down," Harry interrupted. "I'm not getting any of this. So Hermione came to see you 'cause she couldn't sleep?" Ron nodded. "You got all hot and bothered and flirted with her."
"She flirted back," Ron said weakly.
"Okay...Then she pretended to be Lavender? Why?"
"Well she was just trying to get on my nerves for me trying to make her admit she wants me."
"You what?" Harry choked out. "Merlin, why would you get her to admit that?" He paused for a moment before cracking a grin. "You really want her, don't you?"
Ron had nothing to say in response, instead he stared intently at the floor as if wishing it would swallow him up. It took a few minutes of this awkward silence for him to regain his voice.
"You won't tell, will you?" he whispered hoarsely.
"I won't," Harry promised. "Now go on, I think I know where this story ends."
Again Ron was rendered speechless, but only for a few seconds. "So I kinda crawled towards her."
"Ok I'm sorry to stop you, but mate were you out of your mind?" Harry exclaimed.
"I think so, but please, let me finish. So where was I? Right I crawled towards Hermione and she sort of froze. Then I pounced on her..."
"WHAT?" Harry yelled, not bothering to keep his voice down.
"Do you want me to finish the bloody story or not?" Ron snapped. Harry had no choice but to shut up and listen. "Then I kissed her," Ron looked expectantly at Harry as if waiting for him to interrupt. "Oh fuck! It was rough and just a bloody turn on to feel her so charged..." Ron stared off into the distance, recalling last night.
"I promised I wouldn't say anything till you're done but please, spare me the details." Harry seemed quite uncomfortable much to Ron's amusement.
"Okay okay. All of a sudden she pulled off me going on about what a prat I was for kissing her. We argued over whose fault it was and then...You know what she did? She punched me. She fucking punched me."
Harry couldn't help but chuckle. "I guess that explains the bruise."
"You're not helping," Ron growled. "I don't know what to do Harry. Help me," he moaned burying his face in his hands. "I feel like such an idiot."
"You're not an idiot," Harry said firmly. "You're the last person I would ever call an idiot."
"You mean it?" Ron looked up at Harry.
"Most definitely. Now about your little fix, you do realize the problem is she has a boyfriend?"
"Oliver fucking Wood," Ron grumbled.
"Be civil," Harry reprimanded. "She'll only get more angry if she hears you talking about him like that. Just listen to me. Much as I respect Oliver as my ex-captain and friend, he isn't right for Hermione. You know that don't you?"
"Bloody hell I do."
"I'm not trying to boost your ego, it's large enough as it is but...Everyone wants to see you and Hermione together."
"Really," Ron had a hopeful look in his eyes.
"Really mate. I think you should show her that before it's too late."
"But how?"
"I have a plan..."
Downstairs Hermione had finished retelling her own version of last night's events to a hysterical Ginny Weasley.
"You snogged Ron?" Ginny screeched for the millionth time, her red hair whipping around her face.
"He snogged me, it was completely uncalled for; how many times must I tell you?" Hermione said exasperated.
"I bet he fancies you," Ginny teased. "Ron and Hermione, such a cute couple you two would make."
"Shut up, he was just being an obnoxious prat."
Much to Hermione's annoyance, Ginny completely ignored her and continued. "Was he a good kisser?"
"Ew...I'm disgusted that you'd want to know that. About your own brother too."
"You're not answering my question." Ginny could be so infuriating sometimes.
Hermione looked thoroughly revolted but knew Ginny wouldn't give up till she had an answer. "Yes he was," she snapped. "But you're missing the point, he snogged me when he knew perfectly well I have a boyfriend."
Again Hermione's words were wasted. "Did you like it?"
"No I did not like it!" Hermione's blush contradicted her words. "Please, stay focused here."
Ginny's eyes grew wide: "You enjoyed it!" she said happily. "Who would've known?"
"I did not enjoy it."
"Yeah right! Look at you blushing like that! You're obviously smitten."
"Ginny, I have a boyfriend."
"Right," she fell quiet all of a sudden. "Oliver."
"What is it with you Weasleys and forgetting that I am in fact in a relationship?"
"It's nothing really, it's just the whole lot of us, Mum and Dad included were kind of hoping..." Her voice trailed off.
"What? That Ron and I would..." Hermione's heart sped up just the slightest bit at the thought.
"Get, together," Ginny finished for her. "I know it sounds ridiculous but it seemed so possible at the time, you know? Before you started dating Oliver."
"Gin, I like him. I love him even," Hermione stopped; looking at Ginny's shocked expression. "You have me all wrong here, I love him like a brother, and Merlin knows it would be wrong to be attracted to your brother." Hermione seemed pretty convinced with her lie, she was almost fooling herself.
"You know that's not true 'Mione," Ginny said gently. "I know deep down you really do love Ron." She held her hands up to stop Hermione from commenting. "We all know you two are in love with each other, there's no denying it."
"Ron loves me?" Hermione breathed softly.
"He does, and I know you..."
"Don't say it Ginny, I don't want to hear it," Hermione snapped out of her trance. "Oliver is my boyfriend and I love him. Not Ron."
"You can love two people at the same time," Ginny seemed to have developed an annoyingly superior sense of wisdom.
"I know, but it doesn't mean I love Ron, and even if I did, would it matter? It's too late for us."
"You know that's not true, it's never going to be too late. When will you realize that?"
"Girls," Mrs. Weasley said all of a sudden, popping her head round the door. "Lunch is ready if you are." She glanced at their expressions. "You can always come later if I'm interrupting something."
Before Ginny could get a word in Hermione spoke up. "No its fine, Ginny and I were just finished talking."
"Well in that case, come on down."
Hermione stood up first, ignoring the dirty look Ginny shot at her. Mrs. Weasley seemed happily oblivious as to their silent exchange and led the two girls downstairs to the table. Harry and Ron were already sitting there, deep in conversation. Hermione felt the slightest bit guilty for the large purplish bruise along Ron's face, but it couldn't be helped now.
"Hermione, Ginny!" Harry exclaimed, finally looking up.
"Harry," they acknowledged together.
There was a short uncomfortable silence before Mrs. Weasley cleared her throat. "I'm meeting Arthur for lunch so I'll just leave you four to it. Have fun and please, clean up after yourselves."
"We will Mrs. Weasley," Harry said. "And thank you so much for bringing me here early."
"Not a problem dear," smiled warmly before disapparating with a loud pop.
"Harry!" Ginny squealed all of a sudden launching herself into his arms. Not bothering that they were in public she pressed her lips against his harshly, wrapping her legs around his torso. Hermione and Ron looked on, clearly feeling uneasy at their display.
"Ginny," Harry chuckled lightly pushing her off him. "Can we do this later?"
"Please do," Ron said speaking for the first time since Hermione last saw him. "I don't want to see you two shagging on the table."
"Don't be so disgusting Ron," Ginny said swatting him. "Harry and I would never shag on the table, not with you around anyways."
Ron turned a bright red. "Ginny, I don't even want to think about you shagging him, let alone on the table."
"Well if you're done," Hermione said indirectly to him. "I think I'd like to eat."
"Yeah cause it's all about you, isn't it," he muttered.
"What was that?" Hermione asked threateningly .
"Nothing," he said through a mouthful of spaghetti, happily oblivious to how disgusted the girls were.
"Don't 'nothing' me Weasley," Hermione's glare alone would have stopped any self-respecting person but not Ron.
"Weasley, huh? What am I not good enough to be called by my name?" He matched her glare with equal intensity.
"Yeah, and you were worried about us shagging on the table," Ginny said loudly, clearing her throat as Harry sniggered into his napkin.
"I wouldn't dream of it," Hermione huffed.
"With her? Yeah fucking right," Ron swore.
"Language." Hermione's eyes were glinting dangerously now, she had very little patience or tolerance when it came to foul words.
"Do you have a fucking problem?" Ron knew he was getting on her nerves but he didn't care. He wanted to see her riled up.
"Yes, maybe I do."
"Well make up your mind," he stood up from the table ignoring Harry and Ginny's disapproving looks. His fists were clenched by his sides as though he would hit Hermione, but they both knew he wouldn't dare. "Make up your mind if you want me to bloody snog you or not. Make up your mind if you want me or your fucking boyfriend. Just make up your mind Hermione."
"Ron," she said softly. She realized the situation would only get worse if she continued..
"Oh so I'm Ron now," he spat.
"Please calm down."
"Why? Are you sure you want me to?"
"Ron, Hermione's right," Ginny said. "Sit down and eat."
"Hermione's always right isn't she," he stormed.
"Ron," Harry said, speaking up for the first time in the whole argument. It took one word from his best mate for Ron to sit down. But Hermione felt there was more to it than mere friendship...
The rest of lunch was a silent affair with not much going on other than the appearance of Fred and George. Tired out from the gruelling hard work that was running a Joke Shop they managed to persuade the gang to join them swimming in the lake.
"The weather's perfect," was their chorused argument. And indeed it was, the sun was shining in all its golden glory and a summery breeze rustled through the trees. The gnomes seemed to be having a splendid time, teasing Crookshanks as they dived into various boots and pots, watching the poor cat feebly paw at them.
"No mother plus no chores equals a very happy Ron," Ron sighed from the lake's edge. His feet swung lazily through the cold water sending out bright blue ripples.
"Tell me about it," Fred said.
"The woman's a slave driver," George finished for him. It was uncanny how in sync they always were, like two parts of the same prank.
"And the best part is," Harry said joining in. "Ginny looks amazing when she's all wet and..."
"Care to finish that sentence?" Ron said glaring at him. "That's my little sister you're talking about."
"Ours too," Fred and George snarled turning on him menacingly.
"Half Dressed."
It took the three of them barely a fraction of a second to have Harry tumbling through the air before landing headfirst in the water. The Weasleys were beyond help, clutching their sides laughing as Harry thrashed around panicking. After a minute his head broke through the water. He gasped and clutched at thin air somehow finding the breath to splutter some choice curses at them. This only seemed to amuse them further, as they yowled rolling around on the dewy grass.
"What's all the commotion?" Ginny asked, a towel clutched to her chest. She wore a puzzled expression and the bathing suit that caused the uproar.
"Harry decided to make some inappropriate remarks about how you look in a bikini," George howled.
"So we threw him in the lake," Fred pointed at her sopping wet boyfriend.
"Very mature," Hermione said stepping out from behind Ginny. Ron couldn't help but notice how beautiful she looked with her hair pinned up. Stray curls cascaded across her face and he itched to brush them away.
"Mature is my speciality," he smirked, trying to make her forget his previous behaviour.
"Don't take all the credit little brother," Fred teased.
"We all know you fancy her," George piped up.
"But that's no reason to show off."
"Ignore them," Ron said, failing to take his own advice. A crimson glow began to spread across his face; much to his annoyance and surprise Hermione giggled. He was shocked and somewhat turned on by the fact that she, Hermione Granger actually giggled. He'd never dreamed of hearing such a girly sound fall from her lips.
"These devilishly good looks weren't meant to be ignored."
"Right you are Fred, right you are."
"Honestly," Hermione said, regaining her former self. "Do you two ever act sensible?"
"Now where's the fun in that?"
Before Fred could take his turn at mocking Hermione and Ron, he heard an astonishing sound; a girl softly moaning. He turned, only to see the horror of his little sister and Harry furiously making out in the shallow water.
"Oi!" he yelled diving in to rescue Ginny.
"You get your paws off her!" George added before following Fred's example.
Ron had no need for words but simply continued his brothers' work. Jumping into the lake Hermione couldn't help but notice how toned and wonderful his body looked. She didn't feel that mad at him anymore, he looked far too splendid for any negative thoughts to cross her mind. Maybe she could forgive him, she thought twirling a loose strand of hair around her finger. After all it was just one kiss, it didn't really hurt anyone now did it? She watched as he wrestled Harry down despite Ginny's protests. Boys, she shook her head pulling her towel off her and hanging it up on a branch. Fully exposed she lay down in a patch of sunlight and threw her head back, enjoying the warmth on her skin.
Splashing in the lake Ron was enjoying something completely different. The view. With her towel gone he could see almost every inch of Hermione's creamy white skin. The urge to kiss her or at least talk to her was overwhelming. He tore his eyes away from her with difficulty; he wasn't going to make the first move. But slowly they crept back to her, greedily taking in her slender form. One more look was all it took for him to steel his resolve. If he made the first move he'd be following the plan, besides he needed the excuse to be close to her again.
Her eyes were shut, as he made his way up to her, blissfully soaking in the sun. She looked so peaceful lying there; Ron didn't want to disturb her. Ringlets framed her face and the rest of her wild hair formed a halo around her head, splaying down onto her shoulders. Her arms rested underneath the tangle while one leg bent towards her and the other stretched out. She was unaware of the effect she was having on him.
"'Mione," Ron said gently, shaking the water out of his hair. A few droplets landed on her causing her to bolt upright. "Sorry, um didn't mean for that."
"What do you want?" she asked haughtily, clearly still mad at him. Ron could feel his temper flare up at her tone but he kept it in check. The plan, he thought, I must stick to the plan.
"I wanted to apologize for earlier..."
"And?" Ron felt like she was deliberately provoking him with her sharp words.
"And yesterday, I shouldn't have kissed you, it was wrong of me."
"Okay," she said throwing her head back and stretching out again.
"Aren't you going to say something?" Ron was disappointed; surely she could forgive him now. After all he had apologized even though she was partly to blame.
"Yeah, leave me alone."
Ron couldn't handle it, why was she being so horrible? "Hermione, you're missing the point here. I apologized aren't you going to forgive me?"
"I'll forgive you when I feel like," she snapped at him. "Leave me alone."
"No I won't bloody leave you alone!" All his self-control vanished. "Have you any idea how hard that was for me? And here you tell me to just leave you alone. I take it back, I'm not sorry at all. Go to hell for all I care." He was positively fuming now, here he took the initiative to be the bigger person and try and set things straight but she couldn't appreciate that.
"That's a fine way to apologize," said Hermione, standing up to face him. Drawing herself up to her full height she barely reached his chin. She tilted her face upwards to look him in the eye. He felt himself melt a little at the intensity of her gaze but his pride wouldn't allow him to back down.
"That's a fine way to treat someone who tried to apologize to you."
"Tried being the key word, if you had one ounce of regret then you wouldn't be treating me the way you are right now."
"How am I treating you?" he bent down just the slightest so she could feel his hot breath in her face. "Tell me."
"You're, you're..." she felt herself falter, she couldn't concentrate with him so close.
"Exactly Hermione, you don't know." He pulled back. "I'll ask you again, how am I treating you?"
"Badly," she whispered, despite herself she was starting to feel a bit hot.
"Am I now?" His tone was soft, dangerous. "Tell me how I'm treating you badly?"
"You're not respecting my space, you're...you're mad at me."
"Why shouldn't I be mad at you? You are mad at me, aren't you."
"No...I mean yes. I'm furious with you." She tried her best to sound angry but she was losing focus, she couldn't keep up the act.
"Are you sure?" he brought his face closer to her than the first time.
"I'm," she paused, "Not sure."
"And why is that Hermione? You've been acting so different." He stressed the word for emphasis hoping for a better reaction. He knew he had her now, he just wanted to see to what extent. The others were too occupied to notice him; he could play this game all day.
"I'm not," she shook her head bossily.
"Really? Because you haven't been very nice to me."
"I'm not in the mood for this Ron," she said, trying to snap out of it.
"But I am, 'Mione," his voice was slightly warmer now. "I want you to forgive me, I don't want to fight and you're making this very difficult."
"What if I don't want to forgive you?" she asked, finally regaining some control. "What if I want to be mad?"
"Why?"
She moved just the slightest bit closer to him, their faces barely an inch apart. "Because I'm confused Ron," she whispered. "I don't know what to do."
She turned from him and ran. He was hopeful. She was heartless.
A/N I hope this was worth the wait! I'm trying hard to make them as true to the characters that J.K. Rowling wrote. I know it seems like all they're doing is fighting, but it's all for a reason, trust me. I just feel like fighting is how they show their frustration at each other but in the end, it always brings them closer. They've been some pretty heavy rows, each one setting off the other; it's a bit like dominoes! Don't worry they will make up soon, but not just yet. I have some surprises in store for you lot, and if you want the benefit of my twisted imagination: Review! I know a lot of you have me on alert so please just drop me a line? It helps me write faster you know and trust me, the wait for the next chapter won't be as long as this one.
- A RIDDIKULUS GOODBYE