Chapter 11
Confrontations

Ron, Hermione and Harry walked off the train and onto the platform. They saw Ginny talking to Luna and Neville, and walked over to them. They were deep in conversation

"I hope this isn't goodbye," Luna said, "You know, with all the rumors of Hogwarts closing."

"I am sure it won't be goodbye," Ginny said.

"Are you going to go back to Hogwarts if it re-opens?" Neville asked.

"I think so," said Ginny, "I know my parents want me to finish my education, so there is a good chance I will go back if it does open."

"I don't know what grandmum will say about me going back," said Neville, "Oh, hi guys."

Ginny and Luna had turned around and noticed Ron, Harry and Hermione.

"We were just talking about Hogwarts," said Neville.

"Oh, there's Mum and Dad!" Ginny said, "Well, see you guys later."

Ginny hugged Luna and walked off to her parents.

"You guys going to go back to Hogwarts if it opens?" Neville asked, looking at Ron, Hermione and Harry.

"We don't know yet," Ron said, "It all depends on what happens. Well, I guess we better get going. See you later, Neville."

Harry and Hermione said goodbye as well and walked off with Ron toward Mr. and Mrs. Weasley.

"Aw good, there you are," Ron's dad said, "Now, Harry, we know you want to go back to the Dursleys, but it doesn't look like they are coming to pick you up."

"I don't think they expected me to return this early," Harry said.

"We knew that could happen," said Mr. Weasley, "But we figured another way. There is a special fireplace just down at the other end of the platform. It is only used for special cases. I had the Ministry hook it up with Arabella Figg's house. You know who she is, right?"

"Yes, sir," said Harry.

"Good," said Mr. Weasley, "She is expecting you to come through her fireplace so you can go to the Dursleys."

At this moment, Ron decided to speak up.

"Dad, Mum," he said, "Hermione and I are going to go along with Harry."

"What?" Ron's mom asked.

"To the Dursleys," said Ron, "Harry won't be staying very long and we are going to go with him. He might need the company."

"But, dear," Ron's mum began.

"I think that is all right," Ron's dad said, "How long were you planning on staying."

"Not very long, Mr. Weasley," Harry said, "We were going to stay there for a week or two and then go to the Burrow, if you didn't mind."

"Of course we don't mind, Harry," Ron's mum said, "Ron, you could have told me this sooner, though."

Ron shrugged.

"Well, it is getting pretty late," Ron's dad said, "I am sure Mrs. Figg won't mind seeing all three of you there. But the Dursleys on the other hand, that might be a different story."

"We already know they are not going to like having Ron and Hermione there," Harry said, "But I don't care."

"Ron, Hermione," Ron's dad said, "I know you are of age, but you will not be able to use magic at the Dursleys unless it is for self-defense. Oh, but I am sure you won't have to use magic anyway. The Ministry does not know two are going to the Dursleys, and any magic would get Harry in trouble."

"We promise we won't use any magic, Dad," Ron said.

"You better not," Ron's mum said, "I don't want to see you get in trouble!"

"We know, Mum," said Ron.

"All right," said Ron's dad, "Go on and get your things from the train."

Ron, Hermione and Harry, as well as Ginny, started to walk over to the train. Ginny spoke up.

"You could have told me you planned on going over to Harry's relatives, Ron," she said.

"Ginny, don't start," said Ron, "It was a promise we made to Harry. Besides, you don't think you would be able to come as well, do you?"

"Why would I want to come?" Ginny asked.

She walked off ahead of Ron, Hermione and Harry and walked toward the train. She picked up her trunk and walked off quickly.

"Harry," said Ron, picking up his trunk and Pig's cage, where Pig was hooting wildly, "I think you need to talk to her. She's only like this because of you."

"And why do you think I want to talk to her?" said Harry, "Besides, I have other things on my mind right now."

Harry picked up his trunk and walked off.

"You know, Hermione" said Ron, "I am starting to think Ginny didn't talk to Harry on the train."

"They will talk again when they think they have to," Hermione said.

Hermione picked up her trunk, as well as Crookshank's cage. She walked with Ron over to Harry, Ginny, and Mr. and Mrs. Weasley. They all made their way over to the fireplace.

"I just thought of something," Harry said, "I don't think the Dursleys will like having all of these animals at their house."

"Well, Pig can go back to the Burrow," Ron said.

"When I go visit my parents, I will bring Crookshanks," said Hermione, "But until then, he will stay with us."

"All right then," Mr. Weasley said, "We can magically transport your things to Mrs. Figg's house, and then you three can go."

And with a swish of his wand, Mr. Weasley vanished the trunks. Mrs. Weasley gave Ron, Hermione and Harry some Floo Powder, and they all Floo'd to Arabella Figg's house. Arabella was sitting on her couch, talking to one of her cats. She looked up.

"Oh, there you are, Harry," she said, "I see you brought friends?"

"Yeah, Ron and Hermione are staying with me," said Harry.

"Good, good," Mrs. Figg said, "Now, if you need anything, I want you to know that I will help you. Arthur told me what you were planning, Harry. Whenever you want to go back to the Burrow, you can go through my fireplace."

"Thank you, Mrs. Figg," said Harry.

"Mrs. Figg?" Hermione asked, "If I wanted to go back to my parent's house, could I use your fireplace to get there. I won't be going tonight, though."

"You are very welcome to use my fireplace," said Mrs. Figg.

"Thank you," Hermione said.

"Well, we better get going," said Harry.

"Do you want to me to escort you?" Mrs. Figg said, "It is pretty dark out there."

"If you think it is a good idea," said Harry.

"I think it would be for the best," Mrs. Figg said.

So, everyone walked out of Mrs. Figg's house and they made their way over to Number 4 Privet Drive.

Harry knocked on the door. A minute later, it opened. Petunia was standing there.

"Mrs. Figg, is something wrong?" she said.

"No, no," said Mrs. Figg, "Just bringing over Harry and his friends."

"Harry?" Petunia asked, looking behind Mrs. Figg and finally noticing Harry, "What are you doing back so early? You weren't supposed to be here for a couple more weeks. And... who are..."

"I think it would be better if it was discussed inside," Mrs. Figg interrupted, "May we...?"

"Uh... sure," Petunia said, "Vernon, Dudley and I were just watching the news."

Ron, Hermione and Harry followed Mrs. Figg into the house. They walked with Petunia into the livingroom.

"Petunia, look at this," Vernon said, not looking up, "The bank got robbed."

"Vernon, we have guests," Petunia said.

Vernon looked up and noticed everyone.

"What is this?" Vernon asked, "Harry, we weren't expecting you for two more weeks. And who are these two? Wait..." Vernon looked at Ron, "I know you. What is going on?"

"Harry and his friends will be staying here for a couple of weeks," Mrs. Figg said, "Then they will go and you will not see Harry again unless he wishes it."

"Harry and his friends?" Vernon said, "What do you mean... his friends too? We didn't know about this? I am not going to let... them... stay here. We don't have the room. Do you think I would let them stay."

"We are going to stay," Ron said, "You don't want to know what will happen if you do not let us stay."

"Ron!" Hermione said.

"And what would you do?" Vernon said, "Use those tricks on me?"

"Vernon!" Petunia said, "Not in front of Mrs. Figg."

"Oh, don't mind me, Petunia," Mrs. Figg said, "I know what is going on."

"Oh I don't think you do," Petunia said, "And it would be best if you didn't know what was going on."

"Actually I think I know more about this then you do," Mrs. Figg said, "You see, I know about the wizarding world."

"W-what?" Vernon said, shocked, "Harry... you..."

"Harry didn't tell me a thing," Mrs. Figg said, "I knew it about it before you did. I am a squib, you see. I can't do magic, but I am a witch."

"You?" Vernon said, "We have known you for... for... a long time and you didn't tell us."

"Why would I tell you?" Mrs. Figg said, "Anyway, I was told not to tell you. For Harry's sake. When Harry was a baby, Albus Dumbledore told me to keep watch over him."

"That old crackpot told you to spy on us?" Vernon asked.

Harry was about to talk, but Mrs. Figg spoke up.

"I would appreciate it if you didn't call Albus Dumbledore that," she said, "It would be better to treat his memory much greater. You see, he has passed on. But he was a great man and a great friend."

"Albus Dumbledore is... dead?" Petunia asked.

"Yes," said Harry.

"Now what is this about... these two staying," Vernon said motioning to Hermione and Ron.

"Harry has given them permission to stay with him as long as he is here," Mrs. Figg said, "You will allow them to stay as long as they need. I don't think they will have to stay very long. They will not bother you. They are only here for Harry's sake."

"Well then," said Petunia, "I... I suppose they can stay if they won't bother us. She can stay in our guest room." Petunia nodded to Hermione, "And he can stay in Ron's room." She nodded to Ron.

"Good," said Mrs. Figg, "Now, I will be going. I might check up on you if I feel I need to. Have a nice night."

Mrs. Figg left the living room. For a couple of minutes, Petunia and Vernon stared at Harry, Ron and Hermione.

"We will... just go upstairs then," said Harry.

Ron and Hermione followed Harry up the stairs.

"That was kind of awkward," Ron said.

"It was nice of Mrs. Figg to help us out," Hermione said.

"Yeah, but to give up her secret to the Dursleys," Harry said.

"She must really adore you," Ron said.

"I used to think she was just a batty old lady," Harry said, "Well, Hermione, the guest room is just down the hall. It's pretty nice. It is usually reserved for Aunt Marge, but she hasn't come around for a couple of years. Ron can just stay in my room. We can set out blankets or whatever. It won't be very comfortable."

"It will be all right," Ron said.

Ron and Harry walked into Harry's bedroom and Ron put his trunk down. Ron then walked out of the bedroom and went down to Hermione's room.

"This is pretty nice," he said, walking into the room.

"Yeah," said Hermione.

"We won't be here very long," said Ron, "So don't get used to it."

"Believe me, I won't," Hermione said.

Ron walked over to Hermione and put his arms around her waist. He then kissed her and she let his tongue enter her mouth.

"I been waiting to do that all day," Ron said, after backing away.

Hermione giggled. "I am going to miss that when I go back to my house for a couple of days," she said.

"When are you going?" Ron asked.

"I don't know," said Hermione, "I am going to write a letter to them tomorrow. Harry will probably let me use Hedwig."

"Still think we should keep this a secret from him?" asked Ron, "You know... about us."

"He hasn't been very suspicious," said Hermione, "But you coming down to my room might change that."

"Should I leave?" Ron asked.

"As much as I like this," said Hermione, "I don't want Harry to find out yet. He has too much on his mind."

"It would make him happier to know that we are together," Ron said, "Between you and me, I think he wanted us to get together for the longest time. Everytime we fought, I could just imagine Harry saying 'Oh, just kiss her already!' Actually I am starting to think it would be better if he did say that. It would have given me a reason to do it."

Hermione smirked. "I do like when you kiss me," she said. She leaned on her toes and kissed Ron.

"Well, I guess I better go back to Harry's room," said Ron.

He smiled and walked toward the door.

"Hey Ron?" Hermione asked.

"Yeah?" Ron said.

"I love you," Hermione said.

"I love you too," Ron said smiling. He left the room and walked down to Harry's room.

"There you are," said Harry, giving a owl treat to Hedwig, "One second you were here and the next second you left."

"I was talking to Hermione," said Ron.

"You know, Ron," said Harry, "I think you should just tell her. I know you love her."

Ron blushed and laid down on the blankets Harry had laid out.

"Yeah, I do," Ron said.

Harry smirked and turned off the light.

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Whew! That chapter took a while to write. I dunno why, I had to think about it.

Feedback is welcomed as always.