Chapter 3 – It Continues
What I thought was just a one off attack from Ron, wasn't. His mood swings continued and I was always on the receiving end of them. He'd get angry at me for everything, from what I was wearing to what I said and who I talked too. It was far worse than when he wore the horcrux necklace. Actually much worse than that. I couldn't speak to Fred or George without Ron getting paranoid that I was flirting with them which I never did.
I was sat in the burrow living room one rainy afternoon deep in conversation to Percy about what I plan to do after I finish Hogwarts as I was planning on going back in September to complete my NEWTS. When it came to education, Percy was probably the only Weasley I could talk too.
"Oh there are several things I'd like to do. I'd love to work as a healer or maybe even teach at Hogwarts." I said. "I would like to do something with House elves rights too."
"You could do anything Hermione, you really could. You've got a bright future ahead of you." Percy spoke. "You should speak out about Muggle-born rights too."
"Thank you Percy. I just want to work hard and have a successful career." I answered.
"And you will have." Percy answered. "Would you ever consider a job in the muggle world?"
"I've never really thought about it but you never know. I'd have to go to a muggle college to get qualifications though." I answered. "I don't think my OWLS or NEWTS would be acceptable on a muggle job application form."
"No I don't think you could get away with doing that. They might be quite hard to explain." Percy laughed. "Would you like a drink?"
"Yes please." I replied as I settled down on the sofa with Oliver Twist which was one of my favourite muggle stories.
Ron entered with a face like thunder. I didn't acknowledge his existent which seemed to ignite the fire.
"What were you talking to Percy about?" He questioned.
"We were just talking about my plans for when I leave Hogwarts that's all." I replied which was the truth.
"Oh was that all?" Ron questioned.
"Yes Ronald that was all. If you don't believe me go and ask Percy yourself." I answered, looking towards the kitchen where Percy had gone.
Ron flicked his wand locking the living room door and cast a silencing spell around the room.
"What are you doing Ron?" I asked.
"Are you not content with flirting with Fred and George you have to go and do it with Percy too?" Ron questioned, anger evident in his voice.
"I haven't been flirting with anyone Ron!" I answered back matter of fact. "Am I not allowed to talk to your brothers?"
"Don't lie to me Hermione! You get a kick out of making a fool out of me by flirting with my brothers!" Ron snapped. "Am I not good enough for you?"
"Ron I'm only good friends with your brothers, nothing more. I didn't know that talking to them was a crime. We live under the same roof for crying out loud" I snapped.
"I'd prefer it if you didn't talk to them to be honest!" Ron admitted.
"Well tough! You don't tell me who I can and cannot talk too!" I snapped, reaching for my wand to unlock the door but Ron disarmed me with his.
"Oh for goodness sake Ronald grow up!" I told him going to get my wand.
"What did you just say?" He questioned.
"I told you to grow up!" I said again.
I bent down to pick up my wand which was lying on the floor beside Ron but he kneed me in the stomach, causing me to double over in two in pain.
"What was that for?" I cried, clutching my stomach.
"For answering back to me!" Ron answered, pushing me onto my knees where he slapped me again. "And that's for flirting with my brothers."
"I have not been flirting with your brothers!" I snapped, trying my best not to cry.
He slapped me again across the face.
"And that's for lying to me." Ron stated then left the room, leaving me on my knees.
I quickly cast a spell on my face and pulled myself together before Percy entered the room with glasses or orange juice for both of us.
"Why was the door locked?" He wondered.
"Oh Ron was just telling me something important." I lied and thankfully Percy didn't ask me any questions despite the fact I was in so much pain.
I accepted his drink then disappeared to the room I shared with Ginny where I laid on my bed and sobbed.
