Chapter 4: Not like before.
Ron smiled as he placed an arm around Harry and rose his eyebrows up at Hermione. The witch crossed her arms in front of her. Harry was caught up in a feud.
"Hermione, both of us are good at Potions, what good would it do to work together?, besides who would Ron end up with if I picked you?, unless you two want to work together"
Hermione gave it time to sink in her head and gave a fake smile at Ron's response.
"C'mon Harry, I love her, but not as a potion's partner, she'll shove perfection through my nose until I act on it".
Harry laughed a little and composed himself.
"Hey Hermione I could be your partner if you want" said a small, recognizable voice.
Hermione turned to see Neville looking at her with kind eyes. She whistled in her head, Merlin Neville did come back from the war looking like Gilderoy Lockhart like everyone had said.
"Brilliant!, at least you'll be great company". She headed passed Neville and went to her table, he followed behind after giving both Harry and an angry Ron a wave.
Ron took his arm off of Harry and placed his hands on the table.
"She doesn't mean that" Said Ron, mostly to himself but to Harry too.
"Of course not" Harry said trying to sound truthful but it came out sarcastically.
Ron looked at him with sad eyes and Harry laughed.
"You know she can't resist your Weasley charms"
That had Ron smiling and back to his playful mood. Hermione was a sucker for his charms, one way or another.
"Alright!" called Professor Slughorn. "We are making Cure for boils today! Start brewing!"
Harry looked at Ron and at his black face covered by the small explosion he had caused just minutes after adding the first ingredient. Harry spat at the horrible taste that came from his mouth, he was probably covered in dirt too.
"I don't understand, what happened?" asked Ron.
Harry narrowed his eyes. "I said add 6 snake fangs, they come in 3 per pair, did you not count?"
Ron stood silent. "Well you could have told me that.."
Harry sighted. "Honestly, I thought you'd notice"
They both turned their heads as a fats walking Hermione walked towards Slughorn.
"We're done professor!"
Slughorn smiled and clapped his hands in excitement.
"Perfectly brewed!, Outstanding!, great job Hermione, Neville"
Hermione skipped back to her table high fiving Neville. She laughed at Ron and smiled an apologetic smile at Harry.
When class ended she said bye to Neville and made her way to Ron and Harry who were still there cleaning their mess.
"Don't say I didn't tell you so" she said to Harry.
Ron raised his head after brushing his robes. "But you didn't tell him anything"
Hermione swallowed her words and eyed Ron with narrowed eyes.
Harry smiled and laughed, making both of them laugh too.
"I have to run, I left my essay in the common room for DADA"
"Shocker" Ron hissed.
"I didn't want it to get crumbled Ronald, I take care of my stuff"
Ron rolled his eyes and Hermione smiled wide. She placed a hand on his cheek and tilted his head towards hers. "You still love me". She kissed him on the lips and gave him a look. "You should wash your face".
Ron smiled looking after her as she disappeared through the door.
"Bloody Hermione will be the death of me".
After Harry and Ron finished cleaning they met up with Hermione to head to the Great Hall.
"I could go for Chocolate cakes today" Said Ron as he placed his hand on his belly.
"I could go for whatever, Merlin knows how hungry I am".
Hermione eyed them both and smiled. She noticed how Harry's eyes turned alarmed and filled with attention when Draco came out of the Great Hall doors. Ron eyed the blonde with caution but said nothing. Draco looked at each of them but kept his attention ahead as he walked passed them letting a smirk cross his face and showing a peaceful posture.
"The git has emotions?" murmured Ron.
Harry eyed him with angry eyes. "Cut it out Ron"
Ron made a taken back face as he looked at Hermione for an answer to his silent question. Was Harry defending that Malfoy?
Harry went ahead and sat down. Hermione kept looking at him wondering what on earth could be wrong with him. She wanted to ask but Harry's attention was focused on the teacher's table where he looked at McGonagall, who was the new Headmaster or Headmistress for that matter. The years had flown by so fast. Harry thoughts traveled to Draco and he smiled, even when the blonde just walked he felt like he was flying above clouds and his insides were made of Amortentia.
