A/N: JK Rowling owns all rights to HP and any details (characters, etc) belong to her not me. Word.
Chapter title and song lyrics belong to Ed Sheeran Kiss Me.
This chapter is EXTRA long and dedicated to Moonbee who sent me the sweetest private message wanting to make sure I was coming back! :)
Just a little heads up for this one guys, I switched up my format a bit. I added lyrics into the chapter itself (the theatrical part of me pictures a montage of sorts, and it does help to actually listen to the song while reading :P) and the end, but not the beginning. FYI lyrics are bolded italics, let me know what you think of them! Should I keep them, or is it distracting? I have at least one more chapter in mind for a song I want to use inside the chapter, but if people like it I may do it for all chapters, or if not, I might just do it once more (I'm definitely going to keep it for the one later on, because it's been in my brain for ages)
Warning: Some stronger language in this one :)
The trio entered the head dorm silently. Hermione's grip on Harry and Ron's hands tightened involuntarily. Both boys noticed her shaking slightly, and each returned her grip with a reassuring squeeze. It seemed as though no one dared to even breath.
Malfoy was nowhere to be seen as they stepped foot into the common room. They glanced around cautiously to see if he was hiding.
Deeming it safe for the time being, the three went straight for Hermione's room, not wanting their momentary luck to run out. It didn't.
Once in her room, they turned and each begun to place different protective charms on the door. When Hermione felt satisfied she led the others to the middle of the room and waved her wand at the bed. Instantly it jumped apart, creating three smaller beds in its place.
"Blimey Hermione, how did you do that?" asked Ron. Hermione blushed.
"I've been practicing non verbal spells lately. It seemed like a good idea."
They sat in silence, no one wanting to comment on why it had indeed been a good idea.
Draco was rather pleased at his disillusionment charm. None of the bloody trio spotted him when they entered the room.
It took everything he had to avoid blowing his cover and lunging for the girl. He saw red. She would pay for breaking his nose. She would pay dearly.
He held it together though, taking slight satisfaction at her visible terror. She was shaking like a lamb awaiting slaughter. Her hands were entwined with both of her idiot friends. This pissed him off. Especially Weasley.
'Mine' he thought as his eyes would not leave their interlocked fingers.
'Well, it looks like my little pet finally told her friends about me' he thought darkly, as the trio disappeared into her room. Clearly, he would have to do a bit of thinking about his next move. No matter. He would come up with something.
Lavender Brown hated waking up early.
Why professors thought it was good for students to be up at this hour was beyond her. And on a Sunday of all things.
She sighed into her tea and brushed her long hair away from her face.
She'd gotten up early because Professor McGonagall seemed to think she needed extra help with transfiguration. 'As if.'
She stood to head to the professor's office, but ran smack into a body as she turned from her seat at the Gryffindor table.
"Ouch, why don't you watch where you're... What the hell Malfoy?" she asked, confused as she came face to face with the pale face of the Slytherin poster child. He smiled at her, but it held no joy.
Lavender shot him a sideways glance. Sure she knew he was trouble. It was no secret that many thought he had helped kill Dumbledore. The ministry did a good job of keeping the details hush hush, but gossip still wormed its way through the students like wildfire. Word around the halls said he let death eaters into the school that night, knowing full well the plan. Lavender wasn't sure she believed it. Malfoy's bark always seemed worse than his bite all the years she knew him.
But unlike most of Gryffindor, Lavender didn't find this loathsome. Sure he annoyed the crap out of her most occasions, but no one could deny he was sexy. His blond hair and steely eyes captivated, and Lavender was certainly not one to scoff at an attractive man. Something about bad boys, she was sure of it. Either way, she couldn't help but feel intrigued by his sudden presence. He'd never acknowledged her before.
"What do you want Malfoy? I'm late for an extra lesson with McGonagall." she tapped her foot impatiently, attempting to mask her curiosity with well placed malice. He just continued smirking.
Annoyed, she pushed past him to leave. She got three steps away before his voice stopped her.
"Why don't you just have Granger help you?"
She turned back and approached him.
"Why do you care?" she asked haughtily.
"I don't. But I figured she's so close with that little boyfriend of yours, maybe he'd care enough to pull some strings." he shrugged. Lavender's face turned an unflattering shade of red.
"What is that supposed to mean?" she snapped.
"Nothing." he smirked. "Just that I figured your boyfriend might want his two girlfriends to help each other out now and then."
"Piss off Malfoy." she said dismissively, but did not turn to leave. She was trying to call his bluff, but something in the words he said and the way he said them made her nervous.
"What? I was just trying to help." It was his turn to turn and leave. She caught up with him in seconds flat and grabbed his arm to turn him to face her. His eyes flickered to her hand on his arm, then back to her face. "Can I help you?" he asked sarcastically, removing his arm from her grip delicately.
"What did you mean two girlfriends Malfoy? Stop playing around, if you're trying to say something just say it."
He bent his head to place his face inches from hers.
"We have a lot to talk about."
Hermione opened her eyes groggily and peered around. She wasn't sure exactly how much sleep she'd gotten, but as per usual, she knew it wasn't enough. She looked to her left.
Harry looked so peaceful in his sleep. She momentarily wondered how before realizing what it must mean to have Harry's life. He had so much pressure on his shoulders at all times, that sleep was the absolute only place he had any reprieve. Though this wasn't always the case, especially when his connection to Voldemort was stronger, now it seemed like sleep came as a welcome event for him. He'd fallen asleep with his glasses on, and they now hung askew off his face. His messy mop of hair fell into his eyes, giving him the look of an innocent child. Hermione smiled warmly for a moment.
She looked to her right.
Ron looked much less graceful in sleep, and hilariously awkward with his feet dangling off the end. She must have forgotten his height when she transfigured the beds. He lay, sprawled flat on his back, his long pale arm resting over his face and covering his eyes. She rolled to face him and watch.
She loved him.
Here in the dim light of the early morning, the blatant truth stared her in the face. She loved Ron. Not like she loved Harry or Ginny or Neville. She loved him like she'd wanted to for years now. The realization felt both comforting and terribly sad. Her feelings were no longer a question. But Ron had Lavender now. She officially missed her chance, and it felt like a dagger to the heart. Would she ever get another one?
'BANG!'
Hermione jolted upright, and Harry and Ron woke on either side of her, both looking around for signs of trouble.
'BANG BANG BANG!' It sounded like pounding on the door. The trio rushed to the door and peered out. It came from the portrait.
Suddenly they heard it. Her voice.
"RONALD I KNOW YOU'RE IN THERE WITH HER! COME OUT RIGHT THIS SECOND."
Ron's face flushed and he looked panicked.
"Lavender? Bloody hell, what's going on?" he whispered to his two friends.
"HERMIONE ARE YOU IN THERE? I KNOW WHAT YOU'RE TRYING TO DO AND IT WON'T WORK. SHOW YOUR FACE YOU LOATHSOME WHORE!"
Now it was Hermione who looked panicked.
"Malfoy knows you're here, it's the only thing that makes sense. He knows and he's gone and told her lies!" she said frantically. Suddenly they heard another voice. Malfoy.
"Do you need in my dorm Brown?" he asked feigning ignorance. "The password is PURE blood." he emphasized dramatically, making sure they could hear him inside. Before they could react, the portrait swung open and Lavender stormed inside looking an unflattering shade of crimson. Malfoy entered behind her, looking glib. Upon seeing him, Hermione instinctively stepped behind the closest person, who unfortunately happened to be Ron.
"Why if the little slut isn't trying to hide behind you Ronald!" she spat. I didn't believe it when I heard you were in here, I can't even believe my own eyes!"
"Blimey Lavender, Harry's here too, what on earth do you think we were possibly doing?" Ron asked angrily.
"I don't even want to know!" she yelled back, matching his temper. "You three have the weirdest relationship, who knows what happens when the rest of us aren't looking?"
Hermione stepped out from behind Ron and took a step to Lavender. She momentarily forgot Malfoy's presence, instantly going into problem solving mode.
"Lavender please, just listen! Nothing happened. We're all just friends here and you're a fool if you believe anything that comes out of that." she said, indicating Malfoy who was biting into an apple, and sitting on the couch to watch. She shivered for a moment when he winked at her.
'SMACK'
Hermione recoiled from the force of Lavender's blow. Her face stung, though in retrospect she figured it was way better than Malfoy's abuse.
"Like I could possibly believe anything that comes out of your mouth! You've always wanted Ron and you can't handle the fact that he didn't want you back. He wanted me, ME Hermione. I don't know how you thought you were going to win him over. All you care about is books, and making sure everyone and their mothers know what a genius Hermione sodding Granger is! Newsflash bitch, no one cares."
"Lavender, nothing is going on between me and Ron. I was having some personal problems and they were helping me. That's all." she said, looking quite tired suddenly. Ron and Harry seemed glued to their spots, watching with wary eyes as the two girls faced off.
Lavender paid no mind to Hermione's final statement. She simply looked over at Ron fuming, and spoke.
"Choose." she said simply.
"W-What?" asked Ron nervously.
"You heard me, I said choose. Me or her. Right now." she huffed, crossing her arms and raising her eyebrows at Hermione.
"Lavender, please can we go somewhere and talk about this! Nothing happened why are you so angry?"
"Last I talked to you, you couldn't stand the sight of her. You haven't spoken in weeks. And now I find out you've been sleeping in her room?" she accused.
"Yes, in her room, but only last night and we had different beds! It wasn't like that."
"Choose now. I don't want to hear anything else."
"F-fine." Ron stumbled. He looked nervously from Hermione to Harry to Lavender. Hermione hung her head and closed her eyes, not wanting a painful goodbye.
"Her." he said simply.
Hermione opened her eyes and peered around nervously. To her surprise, Lavender had tears streaming down her face.
"W-what?" she quivered.
"You heard me. Her. If you are going to take the word of some Slytherin death eater protege over your boyfriend, then I don't even want to look at you. You're pathetic." he said with as much malice as he could muster. She burst out sobbing and ran from the room, her cries echoing down the corridor until she was some distance away.
The room sat in silence for several long moments before someone spoke. It was Malfoy.
"Well, well, well isn't that cute. You bleeding heart Gryffindor's really know how to throw a party." he said mockingly. For the first time all morning, the trio fully felt his presence. Harry and Ron's wands were out in the blink of an eye.
"Malfoy, you are lucky I haven't killed you already." spat Harry, shaking with rage.
Malfoy just chuckled.
"Alright Potter, the day you succeed in killing someone is the day I join Hufflepuff." he turned to look at Ron. "And for those of you too dim to understand what that means, it means not bloody likely." he smirked. Ron jerked forward but Hermione caught his arm.
"Don't, he's not worth it. We can't risk another detention." she pleaded into his ear.
"Smart bird you got there." Malfoy said, grinning menacingly at Hermione.
"I swear Malfoy, we know all your little tricks and it won't work. Stay away from Hermione." threatened Harry.
Malfoy took a step forward, challenging them.
"Well that's going to make it a little difficult for me to fuck her." he sneered. The next few moments happened very quickly.
Ron jerked right out of Hermione's grip and he and Harry lunged at Malfoy who threw his wand up in defense. Harry shot a spell at him that knocked his wand to the floor as Ron collided with his body, full force. Hermione could barely make out who was who is the skirmish as flashes of brilliant blond, fiery red, and inky black thrashed around on the ground.
"STOP!" screamed Hermione in terror.
Ron had Malfoy's hair in his fist and tried to use it to force his head into the ground while Harry attempted to pin him to the floor. But just when it looked like they had the upper hand, Malfoy managed to free his head. He head butted Harry hard, sending him rolling off. Ron threw a punch at him which Malfoy promptly dodged. He sent his own fist sailing into Ron's temple. He tried to stand but Harry jumped on him in a flash.
Malfoy flailed around, attempting to dislodge Harry from his back as Ron rolled to his stomach. He appeared to try to stand, but couldn't and rolled back over, his head lolling to one side.
He was out.
Hermione ignored the struggling Harry and Malfoy and ran to him.
"Ron, RON!" she yelled in his ear, placing his head in her lap and stroking his hair. "Ron please, wake up!" she begged. He did not move. A crash broke her focus for a moment.
She looked up to see Harry lying on the coffee table, flat on his back and struggling to get up. Malfoy used the opportunity to dive for his wand. Hermione pulled her wand out quickly and aimed.
"ARGHH" Malfoy yelled as her non verbal curse hit him square in the back. He landed on the floor with a thud.
"Bitch!" he moaned, as he rolled over and sat up to stare into her terrified face.
"Looks like you learned a new trick, didn't you pet?" he breathed heavily, wiping a trickle of blood from his mouth. "About time you mastered the non verbal." he smirked. His voice became a deadly whisper.
"I can't wait to get my hands on you again mudblood. Mark my words your time is running clean out."
He made no motion to approach her again. Instead he got up, grabbed his bag off the couch, and left the room. Hermione let out a breath.
"Hermione." Harry moaned from the table as he sat up and swung his legs off the side. "Are you okay?" he asked, concerned.
"I'm fine, but Ron's definitely not. We need to get him to the hospital wing now." she sighed.
How would they explain this one?
The walk to the hospital wing passed by in a blur. Harry looked positively murderous as he festered in thoughts of the fight. What he wouldn't give to find Malfoy and rip him limb from limb.
Hermione and Harry carried Ron, one arm slung over each of their shoulders. His dead weight proved too much for Hermione who finally, after what felt like an eternity, opted to levitate him in front of them.
When they reached the large doors to the wing they paused.
"What are we supposed to tell Pomfrey?" asked Harry. Hermione sighed.
"The truth?"
"About everything?" he wondered out loud.
"I suppose. Lets just get this over." Hermione added, not looking forward to the exchange. Harry simply nodded and pushed open the doors.
Madame Pomfrey stood halfway down the long room, tending to a scared looking first year who appeared to have broken his right ankle. The sound of the door caused the older witch to look up from her charge.
"Potter, Granger, what on earth is going on?" she asked, confused and worried sounding as she lay eyes on Ron's unconscious, floating form.
Harry gave Hermione an encouraging nod, willing her to begin the tale. Suddenly Hermione felt her breath leave her.
The sound of her heart smashing against her chest overtook her ears, and overwhelmed her. She couldn't tell Pomfrey the truth. This would lead to telling McGonagall who would likely confront Snape and she knew this would simply not do. If anything she may put an even larger target on her back.
"Erm... he fell and hit his head." she said weakly. Harry's head snapped up and shot her a questioning glance.
"How did this happen?" continued the nurse.
"He was trying to run after Malfoy who had just insulted me, but he tripped." added Hermione, hoping she sounded convicted. Harry sighed, but made no indication to discredit her.
Madame Pomfrey went to work instantly, requesting they deposit Ron softly on a nearby bed and come back in a hour. As soon as they were out of the room and Pomfrey's earshot, Harry wheeled on his friend and snapped.
"What happened to telling the truth Hermione! What happened back there?"
"I'm sorry I just... when she asked I just knew the truth was out of the question. If she finds out, she tells McGonagall. If McGonagall finds out she'll want to confront Snape. What good is that going to do Harry?" she asked desperately.
"We can always tell her why it wouldn't be a good idea, she would listen to us! At least she could help us keep you safe from Malfoy."
"Please don't turn on me and tell Harry. It's not going to help. And you're never the one to want to tell a teacher about things!"
"Well maybe that's how you know this is serious!" he exclaimed, exasperated.
Hermione rubbed her face and sighed.
They spent the rest of their hour sitting outside the infirmary in tense silence. Finally the doors swung open and Pomfrey appeared.
"You may see him now. He is doing fine, it seems he has a mild concussion, but as long as he doesn't sleep for the rest of the day he will be fine. I've already mentioned to him the dangers of letting his emotions get carried away!" she said sharply and then turned on her heel and disappeared from the corridor.
Harry and Hermione made their way to Ron's side. The boy with the broken ankle laid five beds away, sleeping soundly, much to their relief.
Ron looked up and saw them and turned pink.
"I swear, next time I see Malfoy I'll..."
Hermione held up her hand to silence him.
"...You'll do nothing." she said. Ron looked furious.
"You can't possibly expect me to let this go Hermione!"
"We don't have to let it go, but we need to keep control. If we lose it he wins."
"But!"
"But nothing Ronald. We might as well consider ourselves lucky that Malfoy came out of that unscathed. If he'd been injured you two, possibly all three of us would have been toast. We have to assume the faculty are not on our side. Because most of them aren't."
Ron sputtered a bit, showing signs of protest, but finally gave in and stayed silent.
"Now let's get out of here."
It took the trio a fair while to figure out where to go. Gryffindor tower led to rumors and a possible argument with Lavender. In fact Hermione assumed the blonde would have spread plenty of terrible rumors about her, possibly all three of them, by now. But the Head dorm led to Malfoy.
Finally they decided upon the room of requirement.
When they entered the secret room, they felt instantly at ease. The room had turned itself yet again into a replica of the Gryffindor common room, but this time there were three large beds included.
Ron plopped himself down on one immediately as his eyes began to drift.
"Honestly Ronald! Don't you remember what Pomfrey said, you can't sleep until later!"
Ron grunted and propped himself up on his elbows yawning.
"I'm totally fine!" he exclaimed. Hermione rolled her eyes.
"Do you know what a concussion even is? It basically means your brain just rattled around inside your skull, so maybe you want to consider listening to reason?"
Harry interrupted their bickering.
"Oh shit!"
Hermione and Ron stopped to stare inquisitively at their dark-haired friend.
"I just remembered I promised Jimmie I would have a training session with him today!"
"It's ok Harry, you can go. We will be here." Hermione said brightly.
Harry looked as though he wanted to argue but then simply nodded.
"Thanks. Hopefully this is quick, I feel bad leaving."
"Seriously Harry, you can't drop your life for me. I'm fine."
"Yeah well I don't even know why I'm still playing. I should devote this time to Horcrux hunting." he sighed guiltily.
"You need something normal to keep from going crazy Harry. Seriously take your time, I'll be here probably poking Ron in the eye to keep him awake." she joked, trying to ease Harry into the idea of leaving.
Harry hugged her appreciatively.
"I'm sorry again 'Mione. Sorry I didn't notice what was happening earlier."
"Don't blame yourself Harry. I should have told you. Guess we're even." she smiled. He returned it then turned and left, waving them a hasty goodbye.
Hermione watched the door for a few moments after Harry left, lost in her thoughts when Ron's voice startled her.
"I'm sorry too 'Mione."
She turned towards the sound to see the red head's eyes fluttering shut again.
"Ron!" he jolted back up.
"Blimey I can hear you, I'm right here!" he exclaimed.
Hermione blushed. "You have to stay awake Ron, I'm serious."
They sat in silence for a few moments, lost in thought. Hermione shifted uncomfortably, deciding on something.
"Ron?"
"Yeah?" he lifted his head to peer at her.
"Can I lay with you?" she asked, staring at her feet.
"Settle down with me.
Cover me up.
Cuddle me in."
Ron turned scarlet, but his eyes darkened, just a tad. Hermione took this as a yes and crawled over to him. They laid completely still on their sides facing each other and studying each other closely, an unspoken understanding passing between them.
"Lie down with me and hold me in your arms."
For the first time, they were in the same place, at the same time. Ron reached over cautiously to stroke her cheek, almost as if seeing her for the first time.
"And your heart's against my chest, your lips pressed to my neck.
I'm falling for your eyes, but they don't know me yet."
Before her brain could catch up with her, Ron leaned over and kissed her. He was so gentle as his lips brushed hers. They were so unlike anything she'd dreamed. Her heart felt like it wanted to escape her chest, and she felt dizzy. It ended too soon.
She opened her eyes and met his.
"Hermione are you sure? I don't want to remind you of..."
She cut him off.
"With a feeling I'll forget,
I'm in love now."
She knew the moment her lips found his again that he would never again remind her of Malfoy. Malfoy's lips were cruel and demanding, bruising and invasive. Ron's were warm and soft, with the slightest hesitation. He made no move to attack her with his tongue, which she found mildly surprising seeing what he was like with Lavender.
"Kiss me, like you wanna be loved.
You wanna be loved.
You wanna be loved"
Ron seemed to forget his tiredness as Hermione's fingers curled into the back of his neck, bringing him closer. He rolled so that he lay above her, her soft curls pressing into the pillow as they continued their exploration of each other. He cupped her neck gently as they clung to each other, both overwhelmed with the thrill of anticipation, slowly built up over the years.
And they knew.
"This feels like falling in love."
This was right. This was real. Hermione felt safe.
"Falling in love."
She was safe.
"We're falling in love."
For now.
OMG I"M BACK!
Wow. So I've missed you guys. I feel rusty. And terrible. I'm so sorry I never got this uploaded before I lacked internet. It's been a crazy whirlwind of a time setting up a new life and I'm finally settled into somewhat of a routine. I feel like I'm on vacation kind of. It doesn't feel like I live here. I really hope that you guys are still with me and that I haven't lost anyone, but I promised I would not give up on this and I did not! I'm stoked to get back into it!
It feels so good to upload again! I'm working pretty much full-time now (between two jobs) so I probably won't be able to do much more than one a week, but hey if it happens, then great! But if not bear with me! I'll try not to update any less than that either though!
Alright, leave your love, you know how! :)