Chapter 14: Ron and Hermione

After Harry stormed out of the Hall Ron and Hermione followed a few minutes later. He ran up to his dormitory, and they stayed in the common room. Hermione picked one of the red cushy chairs in front of the fire and fell into it. Ron took the other, moved it next to her and sat down. She looked at him

"Ron, I'm worried about Harry. I know he's probably going insane after Sirius, but does he seem more irritable?" she whispered.

"Yeah, he does" Ron replied, shrugging. "Maybe he's just got too much on his plate?"

"Why do you have to relate everything back to food?"

"I'm not it's just a bloody phrase!"

"Alright calm down. We need a plan. Harry is suffering and I can't handle it."

"Well neither can I! I hate seeing my mate storming off."

"I'm so worried about him…" Hermione burst into tears and Ron took her into his arms, holding her close.

"Don't worry, we'll figure this out. How 'bout we talk to him tonight?"

"No, it won't work. His entire life has been confrontation after confrontation. We need a more strategic plan."

"Well you're the smart one."

"Alright, alright, let me think," she said sitting up. Minutes passed while she contemplated and Ron stared idly into the fire. "I've got it!" She said louder than intended, causing Ron to jump.

"Let's hear it."

"Okay, we should take him out to Hogsmeade, buy him a few butterbeers and get him to relax. Then we start, ever so carefully asking him a few questions about how he's doing. Maybe then we can start to figure things out. If that doesn't work, we can always turn to some potion."

"Brilliant, Hermione!"

"Thank you!"

"Remember the ride on the dragon? How you looked so free and fearless?"

"I definitely remember being terrified until I saw the sunset and the reflection of us on the dragon in the water below."

"Yeah, I remember that too," Ron said, moving closer. This is my chance! I should have done it on the dragon, but I chickened out. It's going to happen!

Hermione stared into the fire, daydreaming about how free she felt on the dragon. I was so free there. No school, no homework, no dealing with Harry's mood-swings or Ron's obnoxious… Well just Ron being obnoxious. He's better in small doses. The trip was lovely, though. I'd never pass up an opportunity to see dragon so close. Why didn't Ron ask Harry? I simply didn't think it was my place to say anything. She glanced up at Ron only to find him centimeters from her face, ready for a kiss. She recoiled and did the only logical thing she could think of. She slapped him. Hard. Ron clasped a hand to his cheek, looking incredibly hurt. "WHAT THE HELL, RON?!"

"I just, I thought… Romania… and us?"

"No Ron, just no," Hermione took off for the girls' dormitory and smacked into Harry. "Oh god, Harry…"

"I saw. I saw him try and I saw you slap. I honestly don't know what to say. I was just on my way out. Goodnight," he cast a glare at Ron for hurting Hermione and left through the portrait hole.

Ron stayed in the chair, looking in the direction Harry ran off, then in the one Hermione disappeared. He was dumbstruck. What the bloody hell? Who am I kidding? I never had a chance. I never will find anyone to love.

Hermione curled up in her bed, crying. She didn't know what to think. Ron's sweet and all, but he can be a real asshole, especially with all his comments about me reading. Who is he to think he can insult me and then tell me he likes me? He can't!

Luna walked in and saw Hermione in hysterics. She offered her a tissue and sat next to her, rubbing her back. "Why are you crying Hermione?"

"Ron tried to kiss me," She choked through tears. "He tried to kiss me and I slapped him. Why….?"

Luna was silent for many long moments. Hermione figured she had just given up on saying anything when she spoke. "I think he just wants someone to love. He's jealous of Harry. But he wouldn't ever admit it. Of course he gets some of the perks, like being on Dumbledore's good side… Though I think it's hard to get on his bad side… Unless the Nargles are around. Then everyone gets a little irritated. But that's just what they do. Ronald might just want some romance and you're the only girl he was close enough to, to ask. I can see why you wouldn't want to go out with him. He seems kind of rude when you're doing work."

"Thanks Luna, I appreciate your honesty. And your care."

"You're welcome. Oh no! The Nargles are attacking the castle! I should go tell someone! Bye Hermione!" She said and skipped back out of the dorm.

Hermione shook her head. Luna really did care and notice things. She sighed. I guess I should apologize to Ron. It's not his fault I don't like him back. I probably shouldn't have slapped him so hard, he'll be bruised for a week.

Maybe I shouldn't have been so forward with her. And I can be kind of a prick when I tease her. But I'm just teasing! Doesn't she get that? No, probably not. I must seem like rotten dragon shit to her. Ron's thoughts were interrupted when Hermione walked into the common room again.

"Ron, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have slapped you. I didn't know what else to do."

"So, you might like me? At least a little?"

"I like you as a friend Ron. Please don't ever try to make a move like that again. Alright?"

"Alright Hermione. I'm sorry for kissing you. And… for all the times I've teased you."

"It's okay. Just try to let up. Those insults hurt."

"I will. Now where do you suppose Harry's off to?"