I know this chapter is pretty short, but I have the rest of the story all mapped out and this is just how it's planned. The next should be longer. School starts again tomorrow, so unless there is a snowpocalypse I won't be able to update as often. I will try my best though, it's definitely more fun than homework. Enjoy!

Chapter 10

Ron lay on his bed well into the early hours of the morning, wide awake. Today should have been the best day of his life, so why was he left so confused? Hermione had said yes—was she reconsidering? Ron tried desperately to push the image of her and Fred out of his mind.

-oOo-

Hermione blinked back tears as she struggled to remain calm and controlled. Fred's face kept flashing into her mind. For a moment she had thought—but it couldn't be true. I really am pathetic, imagining things. She drove away these thoughts, Fred's expression.

-oOo-

Fred clenched his jaw as he read the large sign plastered on the Gryffindor notice board the next morning.

"Educational Decree Number Twenty-Four, huh?" George glared venomously at the curly signature towards the bottom. "Who d'you think blabbed? We've got a great product that I've just been dying to test…"

"I'll bet it was that Zacharias Smith bloke," Ron said.

"Where's Hermione? She needs to see this," Harry finally spoke.

As if on cue, Hermione shuffled down the staircase.

"What's all this—" she began. Then, seeing the sign, she pursed her lips and read through it.

Harry, Ron, and the twins watched anxiously.

"What are we going to do then?" Fred broke the tense silence.

"Exactly what we were planning on," Hermione's voice was calm.

Fred's face broke into a smile, "I was hoping you were going to say that." They're eyes met for a brief moment, but Fred broke the gaze hastily.

Ron's heart dropped a little in his chest as he observed the exchange.

-oOo-

Hermione rushed into the Great Hall that evening, her eyes opened wide in excitement.

"I've got it!" She hurried over to her friends and swung her legs over the bench.

"I hope you mean Umbridge's wand," George said serenely as he helped himself to some roast beef.

"What have you got?" Ron watched Hermione's face carefully, admiring the way her features lit up. Fred looked up curiously, and Harry turned a questioning stare to her.

"The Room of Requirement!" she whispered just loud enough for them to hear over the din. "I can't believe I didn't think of it earlier, it's perfect. I just went up there to check and be sure—" she smiled brightly. "Harry, do you think we can get started on Wednesday?"

They began eagerly discussing the plans.

"Make sure to spread the news—that's the only way we can communicate right now, I haven't got that figured out yet," Hermione opened her mouth to continue until she saw the look on Harry's face across the table.

"Perhaps, Granger," a greasy voice sneered next to Hermione's ear, "You should be more careful. You never know when someone could—" Snape paused, "Let slip—whatever it is you are planning."

-oOo-

"Hermione," Ginny grabbed her friend's arm as they were leaving the Great Hall.

Hermione turned, "Yeah?"

"We need to talk."

Ginny led Hermione up spiral staircases and through portrait holes until they at last reached a deserted corridor.

"Where are we?" Hermione asked.

"Just a little hideaway," Ginny blushed. "It's rather useful when you need a bit of—privacy. But that's not the point, is it?" Ginny said sternly, in a perfect imitation of her mother.

"Oh?" Hermione said half-heartedly.

"You know exactly what I'm talking about," Ginny paused and gave Hermione a worried look. "What are you doing Hermione?"

"I wish I knew."

"Please tell me you aren't trying to make Fred jealous—friend that you are, they are my family, and I'm quite notorious when it comes to Bat-Bogey Hexes."

"No!" Hermione said quickly. "No, it's nothing like that," she sighed heavily. "I just—couldn't say no. He looked so hopeful, and I couldn't bear to lose our friendship."

"Oh Hermione. Don't you see? You aren't protecting anyone from heartbreak—in fact, I think there are three broken hearts where one could have been."

"Fred doesn't like me!" Hermione said desperately.

"Who are you trying to convince?" Ginny said quietly. "Yourself, or me?"

"Both," Hermione muttered. "Okay, I know I screwed up, alright? But how do you suggest fixing it?" she blurted out with sudden anger.

"Break it off with Ron," Ginny stately simply.

-oOo-

I'm glad that so many of you are following my story and have it on your alerts, but I would really love to know what you think of it! So please leave a review, they really brighten my day.