A/N Sorry it took me such a long time to update, my internet was down for about 3 days or more! Also, I just reread The OotP and have been inspired and reminded about the world of Harry Potter. Which is good because it means a more solid story line and understanding of the characters (not that I didn't understand them, but in all honesty it had been a while since I last read the books). Also, just a note, I do not get that much access to the computer but when I do I will usually be writing new chapters. And just so you all know, this Fan Fiction will not be rushed. 

One more thing! Thank you for the reviews! It is always helpful to know what people think as it inspires me to continue writing!

Chapter 4

The Coming of Events

That week Harry and Ron were convinced that the girls in the school had some how, like last time they had a ball, multiplied. They were everywhere, in the hall way giggling, pointing at boys as they walked pass, flirting with them, and comparing notes on what to wear and what their hair and make up should look like. Girl's Witches magazines were scattered around the Gryffindor common room with articles such as 'How to slim up with just a flick of your wrist!' 'Want shining, perfect hair? Here is how!' and 'The IN colours and styles of makeup for to days young witches.'

Harry and Ron were walking out of The Great Hall when a group of girls, whom Harry knew he had seen many times before, walked past almost knocking Ron off his feet. Ron looked indignant at their retreating backs, brushed his robes off and turned to Harry.

"I am personally scared of this coming ball, if it is still only October I can only imagine what the place will be like come December." Harry was surprised that Ron's eyes did actually hold a trace of fear. Shrugging his shoulders he replied to his best friend, "just ignore them, I am."

"I know YOU are! That is why they constantly keep walking in front of us like that, they want you to look at them for gods sake!" Ron began to walk down the corridor and Harry, slightly behind, followed. He was taken a back by what Ron had said, he had never realised, never even thought that the girl's actually maybe considering him as a possible date. He pulled his book bag up on his shoulder and started to walk a little faster to catch up with Ron.

As they turned the corner towards the Potions Dungeon they ran into yet another group of girls. But, as they were so deep in conversation Harry and Ron tried to get around them without being noticed. Harry was just about to get out of the girls sight when he ran into Ron who had stopped in his tracks, eyes squinted looking into the crowd, he had spotted someone, he had spotted Hermione among the group. He quickly shoved himself through, stunned faces were looking at him, not sure whether to react or let him continue on his determined path. Ron came up beside a worried slash stunned Hermione, she was just opening her mouth when he grabbed her by the shoulder, pulled her out, and started walking towards the Dungeon with a firm hold of her arm. Harry had fallen behind yet again and was trying desperately to catch up, he was unsure why Hermione talking to a bunch of girls would annoy Ron. It wasn't the girls Harry was worried about it was the - he stopped before he could finish the thought, unable to understand why he had even started to think it in the first place. Hermione was silent the entire way to the Potion's dungeon, which was empty, as they were ten minutes early. They took their usual seats in the back, Ron was looking at his hands, he was surprised by his actions but did not share this with his two friends. After a moment of silence Hermione finally spoke up.

"We were not gossiping Ron."

"Sure as hell seemed as if you were! Gossiping about your love affairs? Krum no doubt." He shuddered at the name and Harry noticed a seriousness in his friends eyes that he had but rarely seen.

"Ron, this is stupid. There is absolutely no reason for you to get stressed about me talking to a few girls, and I will say again we were not gossiping."

Harry looked between his two friends. They had not had a single conflict since their arrival at Hogwarts. He assumed it was because they did not want to upset him and he appreciated that and treasured his two friends even more because of it. However, it seemed to him that Ron was unable to hold back his thoughts and a conflict was about to arise. Harry looked at Ron's face he noticed an angry glint in his eyes, his set jaw, and his hands clenched. Yes, he was certain Ron could hold it in any longer, hold what in however he was unsure of. Hermione sat very relaxed on the other side of Him. She was trying to stay cool like always, not get so caught up.

Ron took a breath, "Is Krum coming?"

Hermione looked at her friend, surprised as she was of the question she tried to answer it nonchalantly. "Why? Why does it matter?"

Harry watched Hermione's eyes, they were searching Ron's face with such concentration. He did not understand why Hermione would not just say out right to Ron that Krum and her had split up, she had told Harry without hesitation that they had, why would she not tell Ron and end the conflict before it had even begun?

Avoiding Hermione's eyes the entire time, Ron began, "Because I know you two are a 'thing' now, last summer didn't you visit him? Were you not going to? If I remember rightly he had invited you over, sent owls to you often, and even wanted you to meet his parents. Am I not right?" He paused, looked at her straight in the eyes and then suddenly understanding registered there, he continued, "I understand now, that's why you were so excited about the ball! Because your Vicki is coming, isn't he?"

Harry was examining Hermione's features for her reaction, he noticed that her expression had changed from annoyance to care, gentleness, and hope. Harry assumed the care he saw was for whom she was speaking of, Krum. He then noticed that Hermione had turned her gaze to him, and when she spoke her reply to Ron she never broke their connection. The fact was that the care that now caressed her face was for him, she cared that he, Harry cared. "We did…we do correspond still…he wants to keep in contact with me, keeps inviting me to his Quidditch games. I don't know though…I don't know what to do." She then turned her eyes back to Ron and the annoyance again returned, "But I know for a fact Krum is not coming here, that isn't allowed. You know that Ron."

The dungeon began to fill with students and they could feel the tension among the three friends. The students kept looking in their direction and pointing, curious the students were to know what was going on. Ron was unaware of this and was about to answer but Harry seeing some desperation in Hermione's eyes quickly spoke up first. "This is not a time or place to discuss peoples love life's. Ron hold your tongue for a bit, alright?" Harry's eyes glanced back at Hermione, she mouthed 'thank you' to him. He smiled.

Before Ron could reply Snape entered the dungeon, the students fell silent immediately, watching him as he crossed the room to his desk. He began in a drawl, "Today we will hold a short quiz on what we have been covering this last month. I will do this around the same time every month, so now you are forewarned. But for today I hope you all remember enough to not loose too many points from your house." His eyes specifically fell on Neville who cowered under his stare and quickly lowered his head.

Twenty minutes later Snape called quills down, everyone hesitated except Hermione who placed hers down with a bit of smugness. Harry hesitantly put his quill down on the desk, he had managed to finish the quiz but was not too confident with his answers. He had been trying very hard in potions lately as he knew it was a subject he must master if we wanted to follow the career path of an Auror. He looked over at Ron and realised he was not the only one worried, Ron had wide eyes and obviously had not finished because he was still writing franticly on his piece of parchment. Snape saw this however.

"I said quills down Mr. Weasley."

Ron placed his quill down and looked at Harry mouthing 'I didn't finish'. Harry nodded and then mouthed 'I know.'

"Five points from Gryffindor each, and I haven't even looked at your quiz's Mr. Potter and Mr. Weasley, I will no doubt be extracting more points when I do."

Ron's mouth fell open and Harry was about to reply, Snape was glaring down on him as if daring him to say what he wanted too. Hermione placed a hand on Harry's knee and shook her head, he looked at her and she gave him the 'do not even start this please' look. Harry normally would ignore her and say his thoughts to disgusting, slimy Snape. But, somehow he was compelled to follow his friend's advice, he did not want her to be angry with him. So, he leaned back in his chair and simply stared back at Snape, who seemed slightly disappointed at losing a chance to take more points off of Gryffindor, he began to collect the students quiz's.

"I don't believe it! He gave me the worst grade possible! D! I just hope I did better with the potion we did after…" Ron said as he and his two friends walked to The Great Hall for lunch. They had just completed double potions and were looking over their quiz results which Snape had graded while the students began making a difficult potion that would take another two lessons to finish.

"Ron, that's what you get for not paying attention in class. I had not even studied for this and I got an O." Hermione was standing in the middle of the two boys as they walked, she was relieved to see Ron had completely forgotten about their earlier conflict.

Harry was surprised that he had actually received a passing grade. Hermione looked at his paper over his shoulder. "Good job Harry! You got an E! I was sure you wouldn't get passed that just because of Snape hating your guts and all…"

"Thanks Hermione." He said sarcastically in reply, but a smile did creep up on his lips.

"You got an E Harry? Let me see…I can't understand what I did wrong." He handed Harry his quiz and took Harry's.

"You did everything wrong Ron, not to mention not even finishing the quiz! Anyway, these are just little help quizzes to see if we pay attention in class, I actually think it is quiet a good idea. See, now if we had an exam in a week or so we would know what to study for it because of this quiz."

"I would not say any quiz was a 'help' quiz, Hermione." They arrived at The Great Hall and sat themselves down at the Gryffindor table. Ron added, "and I did not get everything wrong, this question I got right." He shoved the paper in front of her nose while pointing at one of the question.

"It is asking what the name of the class is, Ron."

Handing the paper back to Harry, Ron mumbled, "Well…at least I got it right."

They ordered their lunches and as they began eating Ron brought up something Hermione was hoping to forget. Harry also was did not want this as a subject and by instinct budged a little closer to Hermione, as if to protect her from any conflict.

"So…what were you talking about…earlier?"

"If you must know, one of the 5th years had tried to get rid of her acne and it went horribly wrong, I was advising them on a counter-curse." Hermione took a bite of her cheese and branston pickle sandwich.

"And…you and Vicki? Even though he may not be coming to the ball he is still obviously interested in you." Ron paused for a moment before bursting out with something quiet unexpected, "What are you going to do Hermione! Who are you going to choose between?"

"What are you talking about? Who am I going to choose between…are you suggesting?" Hermione's eyes were filled with confusion and a frown caressed her lips. Harry rarely saw her confused and felt the urged to try to explain…if he could explain it himself. He was confused as well.

Ron shook his head; "No I am not suggesting anything."

Seamus who was sitting next to them butted in on their conversation, "Yes he is and I know what it is."

Ron turned a death stare on Seamus who merely smiled smugly in return, "Seamus, I did not ask you to add anything to this conversation."

Harry was even more confused now, "What does Seamus know that I don't Ron?" Hermione and him exchanged concerned looks.

Shaking his head, Ron turned to the two of them, "Nothing…I am not suggesting anything." With that said he stood up from the table and walked out of The Great Hall, his lunch was untouched and his two best friends sat looking at each other. They were worried.

"Should I go talk to him?" Harry asked Hermione, he was staring done at his hands in thought. Hermione tilted her head to the side staring at where Ron had been sitting. "Yes, I think you should."

Nodding his head, Harry stood up, gave Hermione an encouraging smile and walked out of The Great Hall after his best friend. Hermione felt the sudden desire to call Harry back; she was confused and needed someone to discuss her thoughts with. She only trusted Harry with her thoughts.

From the tone of Ron's voice she thought she knew what he was suggesting, but that was impossible…Ron of all people would not suggest such a thing. Was he really asking her to choose between Viktor and himself? There are two possible answers to this, he is saying choose between your best friend and your boyfriend or choose between two boys as your boyfriend, If that made sense.

Hermione put her hand to her forehead, she felt a headache coming on and cringed.

"Well this is interesting…"

Hermione looked up and saw too her side Ginny, who was looking over at The Great Hall doors in the hallway. Hermione had been so deep in her thoughts that she had not noticed a huge fight going on in the corridor right in front of The Great Hall. A small crowd was forming, watching the scene before them, Hermione stood up and squinted her eyes to try and see who was fighting through the crowd of people. Suddenly she heard loud and clear Harry's voice.

"I can't believe you would even think of threatening someone like that! MAKING her choose between TWO completely different things!"

"MAYBE they are not that different HARRY!"

Then suddenly silence, Hermione began walking towards the scene.

Nodding his head, Harry stood up, gave Hermione an encouraging smile and walked out of The Great Hall after his best friend. He would like to have brought Hermione with him, for moral support mainly. Ron and him were not ones to discuss personal matters and if they did it was hushed and they would merely refer to the matter rather then say it openly. Of course Ron and Harry were best friends and he told things to Ron that he would never tell Hermione, but Hermione was the one who always received the more personal side from both of them.

Harry caught up with Ron just a little ways outside The Great Hall, he grabbed his shoulder from behind, stopping him from moving any further. Ron turned around slowly and looked down at his friend, for Ron was now a couple inches taller than Harry.

"What Harry? What is it?" He crossed his arms and gave Harry an impatient look.

"Ron, are you ok?" Harry said slightly quieter then Ron, trying not to draw too much attention to their conversation.

"I am fine, just dandy. Is that all?" Ron now looked bored.

Harry hated this, Ron knew what Harry must say and so he just said it, "Ron, what were you suggesting? Why does Seamus know something that I don't? And what on earth are you being so uptight with the whole Hermione and Krum thing! She told me herself that they had split up!"

Ron chuckled, "She told you that did she? She told me they still had not decided. Of course she would tell you that though, just to keep her options open."

Harry was now getting slightly irritated, "Ron, do not insult Hermione."

Frowning, Ron continued a little louder, "I don't know why I said that, you have just been attached to her lately and then Krum in 4th year, and 5th year the amount of Owls she received!…she has to choose between…" he said the last part slightly to himself.

"Choose between what Ron? What are you talking about! Why does it matter who she is with or who she is interested in? Why does it matter to you?"

"Oh, so it matters to you but it cannot matter to me? Harry honestly! I don't know what has gotten into either of us! You fancy her! Krum is fancying her! I…"

Harry was in shock, "So you ask her to CHOOSE? You threaten her!" He had forgotten about his surroundings and was now raising his voice.

"I can't believe you would even think of threatening someone like that! MAKING her choose between TWO completely different things!"

"MAYBE they are not that different HARRY!" Ron was now standing rigid, tension running through his entire body, "You don't know…I don't know! To see someone with…not being able to tell them…I – " but before he could finish his thought Harry interrupted, "DON'T KNOW WHAT ITS LIKE? To not be able to tell someone! NEED I remind you whom I LOST last year and I have things I want to say to them! NEED I remind you?" Harry's voice was full of emotion, he found it hard to swallow, but continued a little quieter this time, "Need I remind you who I can never tell…talk to…I…" his voice was barely a whisper and he just stopped talking, unable to continue. He glared at Ron, wiped his eyes rather roughly, and said, "I'll see you later." Before storming off in the direction of their next class.

Ron stood still where Harry had left him, unable to believe he had just said what he had just said and caused his best friend agony at the reminder of his now dead godfather. He rubbed his eyes, looked around the hall before saying to the small crowd that had gathered, "Nothing to see here…move along…I am a Prefect! Stop looking!"

The crowd dispersed except for one lone figured. Hermione strode over to Ron, "How dare you!" she almost felt like slapping him but refrained from doing so as she did not want more conflict with him.

"Hermione, I don't know what I said…I didn't mean to say…did you hear what I said?"

She continued to glare up at him, "How dare you…you…Harry was progressing and now has the thought of Sirius once again in his mind to dwell!"

Ron tried to defend himself, "He always had Sirius in his mind! I hear him mumbling in his dreams! He has nightmares every night."

"That's not the point Ron!" She gave him another look of contempt before stalking off in the direction in which Harry had just went.

Ron stood in disbelief at her retreating back, unable to comprehend what had just happened. "Smart Ron…real smart" Ron whirled around finding Ginny standing at his side with her arms crossed over her chest. "Shut up Ginny," was all he said before walking back into The Great Hall.