Disclaimer: Last time I checked, I was not the brilliant J.K. Rowling...
Chapter 7
As promised, Shadow did indeed provide Hermione with ideas to handle the situation. After debating a few fairly good plans and tossing out some rather ridiculous ones, which – thanks to Shadow – all included a cat suit and firewhisky; Hermione settled for one that was bound to get through even Ron's thick skull.
"Please, Harry," pleaded Hermione.
"But I thought you hated it, Hermione," Harry replied. Standing on her toes, Hermione whispered her secret reason in his ear. Grinning, her rebutted, "Why don't you snog McLaggen in front of Ron? I'm sure that would work."
Hermione sighed. "I don't want to get him to confess by causing another fight."
Harry's grin grew even wider, if possible. "Of course I'll help you, Hermione."
For the first time since she was five, Hermione squealed with delight and hugged her best friend.
Leading Ron down the stairs was proving to be more difficult than he had thought. Concentrating on making sure his best friend did not trip over his own feet, Harry made a mental note to blindfold Ron after he had gotten down the stairs next time.
"Where are you taking me, Harry?" Ron asked for the hundredth time.
"You'll see soon enough. I'm sure you'll be very happy. Now, quiet," Harry replied, irritated.
"Er, Harry." Ron stopped stock-still. "I don't swing that way, mate."
Harry dearly wanted to punch Ron for being so thick. Somehow, the fact that Harry was dating his sister had slipped his mind. "Don't be ridiculous," he growled in reply. Once they reached the common room, he placed Ron's hands on the handle of the broomstick. "Now, swing your leg over."
"Is this a broom?"
"Yes, and you'd better hold on tight." At that moment, the broom swooped off, almost jolting Ron off.
From the constant bumps and sharp turns, Ron deduced that Harry was not the one flying. After facing silence to his question of who the flyer was, he debated whether or not to take off the blindfold. However, fearing for his life after he experienced a rather violent jolt, he decided to wait until the end of the ride before avenging his upset stomach.
The landing consisted of a bump and a sudden meeting with the ground. Fortunately, the flyer was generous enough to land on grass. Ron rolled a few times before lying flat on the ground. "Bloody hell," he murmured.
Suddenly, he heard a giggle from his right. Remembering the stranger who almost killed him, he ripped off his blindfold. "You…you…" Ron stopped spellbound before he could continue his rant.
The morning sun gave the stranger's curls a golden sheen. Her honey brown eyes gazed at him with warmth that was mirrored in her smile. Because Ron's eyes were still not accustomed to the light, the figure before him was surrounded by a dreamy haze, completing her angelic look.
Giggling a little, Hermione said, "Looks like my flying skills aren't as good as my studies."
"Her…Hermione," Ron stammered. "I thought you didn't like flying."
She felt the heat rise from her neck as she replied, "I wanted to understand everything that you cherish and quidditch is one of them." Biting her lips, she continued, "Ron, I've been wanting to tell you for a while now. I…I…"
Seeing her nervousness, he took her hands and interrupted, "Hermione, I'm sorry about all the times I've mad you angry and worried. Will you be my girlfriend?"
"Thank you, Ron. Yes," she replied as she hugged him.
"Why are you crying?"
"I'm just so happy."
Dear Shadow,
Thank you very much for your advice and patience. It worked wonderfully. Bob and I are finally together. Thank you again.
Love,
Angel
A/N: It's finally longer! I'm so happy. I really hope you like this chapter. Please review, my wonderful readers! Toodeloo, I hope to hear from you! (Constructive criticism welcome)
