Harry Potter and the Founders

By: LuvFantasy

Chapter Forty Four: Loving Lovegood

March blew in with heavy winds, dark skies, and pounding rain. The grounds of Hogwarts quickly turned to a mess of brown sludge, and Quidditch practice soon became a means of torture. The blinding rain fell heavy and fast against Harry's glasses, and no amount of Impervious charms from Hermione could prevent the wall of gray from becoming an opaque shield of darkness. Bludgers seemed to come from nowhere, and even the quaffle seemed out to get Harry – hitting him more often than the goalpost, though Ginny swore she had nothing to do with it. After one such brutal practice, Harry called for the team to go in and change, telling them halfheartedly that it had been worth their while. They trooped into the changing rooms, mud sliding off them in clumps, and began to take off their soaking robes, rubbing their throbbing bruises and biting their tongues to prevent themselves from snapping back at every comment made by a teammate.

As soon as they had changed back into their robes, Harry and Ron left the changing rooms, meeting up with Hermione who had been watching their practice in the stands, her cloak pulled tight against the howling wind.

"Well that was a load of loveliness," Ron stated as soon as they reached her. Hermione didn't look up from her bag – which she had charmed against the rain – as she stuffed several books and parchments back inside.

"Hmm…perhaps things might work out better if you didn't practice in impossible weather." She mused.

"We need to be prepared," Harry snapped back irritably, taking her statement as a personal insult, "The match could be worse than this." As if to challenge his words, the wind immediately picked up, taking hold of Hermione's bag and nearly ripping it from her shoulder, blowing their hair about wildly, the rain slashing against their pale faces. Lightening rent the sky and thunder rumbled ominously across the sudden brightness.

"We should go inside," Ron said nervously, eyeing the darkening grounds.

Harry nodded, not that they could see, and took off at a run towards the castle…Ron and Hermione's footsteps barely audible above the enraged storm as they splashed through numerous puddles and pulled their feet from thick patches of groping mud.

They arrived, gasping, in the hallway, grateful for the sudden light and warmth, stripping off their soaked cloaks and attempting to rub some heat back into their skin.

"Ah – great," Ron muttered dispiritedly, "dinner's already started."

"I'm sure there's still plenty of food, Ron." Hermione replied, taking out her wand and waving it expertly over her robes. Sparks flew and the water fairly sizzled from her clothing. Wordlessly she applied the same spell to Harry and Ron, and after some muttered thanks, they all trooped into the Great Hall – where the rest of the team, save Ginny, had already gathered. It was a rather silent affair, Harry and Ron being too tired to say much, and Hermione buried in one of her many books, busily scribbling away on a parchment; avoiding her dinner completely. Ron was the first to stand up,

"Hey – I think I'm gonna go to bed."

"Good night," Harry replied. Hermione didn't even look up from her self assigned project. After a few more minutes in silence, she suddenly slammed her book shut and looked over at Harry.

"I'm going to head to the Library."

He swallowed the last of his stew and looked at her, "Why? You already finished your homework."

For a moment it looked as if she might roll her eyes, but she resisted it and leaned towards him suddenly, whispering hoarsely,

"Horcruxes, Harry!"

He jumped. He'd all but forgotten with his near loss of both Ron and Hermione, and their sudden break up.

"Which one?" He demanded a little too loudly. Hermione stood up, grabbing his hand,

"Come on – let's go."

"But I wasn't-!" He gave up, following her out instead and trying not to think too hard of how her hand felt against his own. They hurried through the halls, arriving in the Library a few minutes later; Hermione steering him towards a table in a very businesslike manner and sitting him down, dropping her bag next to him.

"I'll be back in a few minutes."

It turned out to be several, and when she did, it was with an armload of books and scrolls, some tottering dangerously and threatening to fall despite her efforts. Harry stood up immediately, grabbing a few of the nearly escaped works of literature and setting them down on the table. Hermione smiled gratefully at him,

"Thanks."

"No problem."

They stood, smiling at each other, for several seconds. Then Hermione blinked and looked away suddenly, and Harry felt his face burn with embarrassment. He hastily grabbed a scroll.

"So what is this anyways?" Harry asked, squinting slightly as he eyed the faded writing, "Antiquities of the Ages?"

Hermione took the scroll from him, unrolling it and taking the seat next to him. He sat down as well, listening as she began to speak in low tones,

"Voldemort's trying to get a horcrux from each founder, right? Well, we've already found his Slytherin horcrux, and the Hufflepuff one. As well as the diary, and the ring. That leaves Gryffindor and Ravenclaw. Since we've already saved the wands, he would've found replacements. I think," she ran her finger along the scroll, stopping several pages down, "that we've found his Ravenclaw horcrux."

Harry followed her finger, raising his eyebrows as he read. "A book? Don't you think that's a little obvious? I mean, one, he's already used a diary – and two…it's Ravenclaw."

This time Hermione did roll her eyes. "No, not a book. It's a bookstore. I think the horcrux is in the bookstore."

"You think he'd just leave a fragment of his soul in…" Harry eyed the scroll again, "Rowena's Writings?"

"No," Hermione snapped, sounding a little miffed. "I think that the item he wants to put his soul in is in Rowena's Writings."

Harry let out a deep sigh, leaning back in his chair. "Don't you think it's a little…obvious…for Voldemort?"

Hermione glared at him. "Well do you have any better ideas?"

He didn't answer, and her face lightened a bit. "I'm going to keep reading up on this. And when you have an idea, you can come talk to me."

She gathered up the books once again, and Harry watched her for a minute, biting back a smile. "Need some help?"

She relented. "Yes."

Struggling to prevent himself from laughing, Harry picked up half the books and approached Madam Pince with Hermione. She eyed them both scathingly, her eyes landing on the piles of books and scrolls in their arms and then their faces.

"There's a limit on the amount of books you can have out at one time you know." She stated coldly. Hermione didn't back down.

"Yes. Twenty-two I believe. We have nineteen."

Madam Pince's forced smile faltered for a minute, and she covered it up by irritably grabbing her quill and wrenching one of the many books from Hermione's arms, scribbling away viciously in the cover. The process went on for several minutes, and she finally handed back the last to Harry, stating coldly,

"They're due back in two weeks, and if there is one scratch – one bent page-!"

Harry and Hermione hurried out of the Library, Madam Pince's angry screeches chasing them all the way down the hall.

They arrived in the Heads' Common Room, dumping their respective piles of books onto the couch, Crookshanks jumping up from his reclining position by the hearth at the noise, releasing an angry hiss. Hermione sat down with a sigh, Crookshanks jumping into her lap, and reached for one of the nearest books. Her gaze landed on Harry, who was standing a little awkwardly by the couch.

"Well…are you going to help me read up on the Horcrux?" She asked, motioning towards the books. Harry avoided her gaze, thinking of the mound of homework lying on his bed.

"Er…I've still got some other stuff to do," he said lamely, unwilling to let her know he had spent the last afternoon playing chess with Ron instead of doing his homework as they'd told her. Hermione didn't look at him, and instead picked up the book she had been holding, hiding her face behind it.

"Well…'night.." Harry started.

It seemed for several seconds that Hermione hadn't heard him, but then she laid down the book she had been reading and looked at him carefully,

"Harry?"

He turned from his door to look at her. "Yeah?"

"I'd like to thank you…"

"For what?"

"Being there…every day, waiting for me to wake up – and comforting me when I did." Her eyes flickered away form him for a moment as she said this, but then her gaze met his fiercely, and she added, "You were there when no one else was. I really appreciate that."

Harry felt an uncomfortably rush of blood cross his face, and he shrugged awkwardly, "I'm your friend, I'm supposed to be there for you."

"Ron wasn't."

He looked over at sharply, gauging her expression as she said this; unwilling to even let himself hope anymore. She looked away under his gaze, picking up her book once again and saying quietly,

"Thank you, Harry."

He stood there for several moments, watching as the firelight danced across the surface of the leather bound book, illuminated her face…sparkled against her hair. Crookshanks stretched contentedly in her lap, and Harry blinked – the reverie vanishing from his mind.

"Good night, Hermione."

.xxxxxxx.

Ron met up with Harry that Saturday morning in the hall, his face pale and his eyes wide.

"Harry!"

He turned around to look at Ron, "What is it?"

"It's Ginny. She was attacked."

"What?!" Harry exclaimed, staring at Ron incredulously. It seemed as if it were some terrible joke, but Ron's eyes told the truth. "When?" Harry demanded, taking off at a quick pace towards the Medical Wing, Ron walking alongside of him as if in a daze.

"McGonagall just told me. They found her this morning on the pitch, frozen."

"Petrificus Totalus?" Harry asked. Ron didn't answer and he looked over at him worriedly. Ron was walking alongside him, looking as if he'd just seen a ghost. "Ron?"

He didn't answer him, and they hurried towards the Medical Wing together, stopping in front of Ginny's bed. Her face was badly cut, as if she'd been in a struggle, and bruises marked her wrists and neck. She was lying on her side, her head turned away from them, her chest rising slowly as she breathed. Clearly, the spell had been removed. Ron stared at her with wide eyes, sinking down in the chair opposite her and reaching for her hand. She shrieked and her eyes snapped open. She jumped upwards, gasping, her face wild –

"Harry! Ron! I've – I've got to tell you! It's h-!" She stiffened and screamed again. Footsteps came pounding from Madam Pomfrey's office. Ron stared at his sister in shock as she writhed on the bed, her face screwed up in pain, noiseless screams escaping her mouth.

"Ginny!" He shouted, trying to grab hold of her, "Ginny – it's fine! I'm here! It's me, Ron!"

She continued to struggle in the bed, and Madam Pomfrey arrived with a potion, firmly grabbing a hold of Ginny's face and forcing the strange blue liquid down her mouth. Ginny choked and spluttered, struggling with a strength she did not possess with Ron as he attempted to hold her down. Harry quickly grabbed one of her arms to help and found himself gripped with an iron like hand, her nails digging painfully into his skin and breaking it, warm blood trickling down his arm. Wincing, he tried to force her downwards as she continued to struggle noiselessly against the three of them. Then she suddenly relaxed, her arms falling limply by her side, her fevered eyes closing and a gasp escaping her lips. Ron stared at her in horror, and Madam Pomfrey slowly stepped back, corking the bottle in her hands. Harry stared at her. She met his gaze wordlessly,

"Ginny Weasley was attacked with what we thought was just Petrificus Totalus. Clearly, it was more than that. We don't know exactly what happened to her. She'll be taken to St. Mungo's this evening." Ron was looking at Madam Pomfrey now, his face pale and frightened once more.

"When? When was she attacked?"

Madam Pomfrey pursed her lips. "We believe it was after the Gryffindor Quidditch Practice. She was last accounted for then." She awkwardly patted his shoulder for a moment and then stepped back,

"Your parents will be arriving in a few minutes. You can have all the time you want." She stepped away and looked at Harry as if she was considering turning him out. Then she sighed and nodded her head briefly, heading towards one of her many shelves and taking out some potions. Harry took the seat next to Ron, watching as Ginny slept on, her face pale and drawn…occasionally grimacing as the phantoms of her mind danced across her eyes.

Mr. and Mrs. Weasley arrived a few minutes later, looking as if they'd seen the devil, running towards Ginny and her two silent watchers. Mrs. Weasley erupted into noiseless tears at the sight of Ginny in the bed, and Mr. Weasley simply stared…his face pale in the gray light of the cloud-filled skies.

"How did this happen?" He asked quietly, his gaze never lifting from his daughter's form.

"She was attacked after Quidditch practice last night, sir," Harry said quietly; unable to keep the guilt he felt from his voice. "They don't know exactly what spells were used. She's going to be taken to St. Mungo's this evening."

Mr. Weasley nodded slowly, and Mrs. Weasley let out a small gasp. Madam Pomfrey hurried over from across the room,

"Arthur – Molly," she looked at them both kindly, "a word please?"

They stood up and walked over to the nurse, who proceeded to speak in low tones with them. Harry looked over at Ron,

"Are you gonna be okay?"

Ron looked over at him. "Why her? She's got nothing to do with you and Voldemort. Why my sister?"

Harry found it both impossible to look at Ron and impossible to look away. "I dated her, Ron." He said hoarsely, "It's my fault-!"

"Then why not Cho?" Ron shot back savagely, "Why not her? You liked her longer! She was all you'd talk about for two bloody years! Ginny was just a few weeks!"

Harry found he didn't have the answers, he couldn't even explain it to himself. He looked at her helplessly, "If I hadn't scheduled practice last night-!" He broke off and Ron looked pointedly away from him. Rain pounded against the window. A few minutes passed and then Harry stood up,

"I'm going to tell Hermione what happened."

Ron didn't answer him, and he stepped away from the Medical Wing soundlessly, closing the door quietly behind him.

.xxxxxxx.

He ran into the Heads' Common Room, scanning it for Hermione. It was abandoned, save for the books and Crookshanks, the latter of which was happily toying with what appeared to be a mouse. Harry stepped towards her door, knocking lightly on it. There was no reply.

"Hermione?"

The door to the common room opened and he turned around – expecting her to walk in. He stared.

"Malfoy?"

Draco stepped into the light of the fire, his face paler than usual and his expression dry. "Guilty as charged." The door shut behind him and he looked around. "Where's Granger and Weasley?"

There was something different about him now, but Harry didn't have time to think about it. "Ginny was attacked last night and Ron's with her. I need to find Hermione. You haven't seen her?"

Draco stared at him for a moment, his face expressionless. "No. I haven't." He turned on his heel and reached for the door, Harry stopped him,

"Where are you going?"

He dropped his hand from the doorknob, and turned slowly to look at Harry, "To sleep."

Harry couldn't help but feel this was an odd statement, even for Malfoy, and he stared at him.

"Something's different about you."

Draco laughed dryly. "Yes, I suppose that … does happen when one recovers from a fatal spell." He smiled harshly and walked towards the room he shared with Harry. "Best of luck with the Weasleys." He opened the door and closed it firmly behind him. Harry stared for a moment and then shook it off, heading for the Library instead in search of Hermione.

He found her several minutes later in the Great Hall, staring around worriedly. As soon as her gaze landed on him she jumped up from the bench and ran towards him,

"Where's Ron? I've been looking all over for you two!"

"It's Ginny," he said slowly. She froze, a few feet away from him. "She was attacked after practice last night."

Hermione covered her mouth with her hands and closed her eyes for a moment, finally dropping them and looking up at him,

"Does Ron know?"

"Yeah. Mr. and Mrs. Weasley are there too."

"We have to go see them!" She grabbed his hand and started off in the direction of the Medical Wing; Harry following her.

They arrived to see the Weasleys clustered about Ginny, Mrs. Weasley holding her daughter's hand and smoothing out her hair. Harry and Hermione approached them quietly, taking seats on either side of Ron. Hermione gently slid her hand into Ron's and smiled at him. Harry watched them quietly for a few minutes before turning his attention to Ginny as she continued to sleep before them.

He didn't know how many minutes or hours passed, but finally Ginny stirred and opened her eyes, looking up at them all in surprise,

"Where am I?"

"Shh!" Mrs. Weasley said comfortingly, holding Ginny's face in her hands, "You're safe…you're at Hogwarts. You just had an accident."

Ginny's face darkened and she seemed to remember something, she stared at them all with wide eyes. "I was attacked! She snuck up at me from behind! She tried to use Crucio on me and-!" Ginny shuddered and closed her eyes, tears escaping past her lashes, and Mrs. Weasley pulled her forwards in a hug. Ginny continued to squeeze her eyes shut, silent tears running across her face, rocking back and forth in her mother's arms. Harry turned to look at Hermione who met his gaze wordlessly and then turned to Ron, slowly withdrawing her hand from his. He didn't notice, so wrapped up was he in his sister's recovery. Harry and Hermione stood up quietly and turned towards the door, stopping in surprise. Malfoy was standing by the door, watching Ginny quietly, his face expressionless – save for his eyes. There was something in them that Harry hadn't ever thought he'd see there…but then Draco blinked, and his gaze landed on them. He jumped, unable to hide the guilt and surprise that clouded his features. He hastily left the room. Hermione stared after him for a moment, and then turned to look at Harry.

"Come on, let's go." She whispered quietly.

"But, Hermione!" Harry hissed back, "That – that – Malfoy?!"

She ignored him, taking his hand and pulling him towards the door, shutting it quietly behind them and turning to look at him fiercely.

"Don't you get it, Harry?" She demanded.

"Get what?" Harry argued, "That was Malfoy! Watching…watching them!"

Hermione stared up at him incredulously. "Sometimes you boys really are thick!" She snapped, turning on her heel. Harry ran after her,

"You don't seriously think – think he…" Harry broke off, unable to finish what had crossed his mind. Hermione stopped walking abruptly, turning around to look up at him.

"It's Malfoy, Hermione. He can't honestly think he has a chance."

She glared at him. "I think he's more worthy of her than she is of him, actually!" She said a little shrilly. Harry stared at her, unable to believe his ears. "How many times has he saved our lives? He's proven where his loyalties lie and I think it's time you and Ron started to appreciate it!" She snapped, crossing her arms angrily, "I've known for awhile now, and I've seen how much she means to him. But you and Ron haven't even cared enough to notice a single fragments of their lives until it hits you full in the face!" She broke off, glaring, and Harry looked down at her.

"Are you taking his side – actually…fighting for him?"

"Harry," She let out a deep sigh. "Harry, can't you even understand what it means – to need someone that much?"

He didn't answer, and she took his silence for resentment. "Harry he needs to feel loved. He's never had anyone show him they care before, not once-!"

"And Ginny has?" Harry demanded incredulously.

"No," Hermione looked a bit flustered at his questioning, and she looked away. "I just wish you'd give him a chance. She might be the only one for him."

"But she hates him."

Hermione looked away, letting out a deep sigh. They stood together in silence for a long time, and Hermione finally looked back up at him. "Promise you won't tell Ron."

"He has a right to know Malfoy's got a thing for his sister."

"No he doesn't."

Harry stared down at her incredulously. She bit her lip and avoided his gaze. "That came out wrong. I just – I don't think he needs to know…just now. Not with everything else. And I think he should here it from Draco, not us."

"Malfoy will never tell him."

"He might."

"And if he doesn't?"

"Then we'll worry about that later. Besides, Ron might find out for himself. You did."

Harry watched her, feeling as if something was terribly wrong in this whole situation. Perhaps it was just the conversation itself, that it was Malfoy and Ginny they were talking about…or maybe it was how often Hermione had avoided his gaze; but something wasn't clicking.

"Well, I'm going to head off to lunch," Hermione finally said,

Harry checked his watch in surprise, "Right. Lunch."

They walked towards the Great Hall together, and ate in silence; never catching sight of Draco for the remainder of the day.

.xxxxxxx.

Ginny was released from St. Mungo's a week after arriving there, and was greeted with several cards from her many admirers, a bouquet of flowers from Colin – they had begun dating again over Valentine's – and a single rose from Neville, who blushed furiously when she confronted him about it with a hug. Harry greeted her a few hours after the news arrived and gave her a hug to which she smiled,

"Hey."

He grinned. "It's good to see you back again. Quidditch practice was a little lame."

She winced, "You know…I sort of was hitting you on purpose with the quaffle."

"I figured as much."

She blushed. "Sorry."

"It's okay. The bruises have gone away."

Ginny laughed and then sighed. "I'd like to apologize…actually, for pretty much the whole school year, Harry. I knew things would be awkward between us after the wedding…and I think I made things much, much worse."

"I wasn't much better," Harry said quickly. "I just avoided you all the time or shouted at you."

"Because I forced you to. I wouldn't let it go." A shadow crossed her face despite the – for once – clear skies reflected on the ceiling of the Great Hall. "In truth, I don't know what came over me. I mean, I understood…perfectly, why we had to be apart when we broke up last year. Sure, I still cared for you then, but I thought I was over it. All the way up to the day you guys arrived at the Burrow. And then," she grimaced, "well, I'm sure you remember." She plucked at Neville's rose nervously, dropping the petals on the ground without a thought, "I'd – I'd just like to apologize. I've been acting so…oddly…all year."

Harry looked at her, "Ginny?"

"Yeah?"

"About that. The oddness." He took a breath, "You sort of – well, you started screaming about how you needed to tell me and Ron something, and then you went all stiff and…" He broke off, eyeing her. A shadow crossed Ginny's face and her expression hardened. She stood up from where she'd been sitting on the bench,

"I have to get to class."

"But it's Saturday-!"

She ignored him, walking hurriedly out of the Great Hall. Harry stared after her, frowning slightly, and didn't notice at first when Hermione sat down next to him.

"What is it?" She asked. He jumped.

"Nothing."

She raised her eyebrow and he sighed.

"It's Ginny."

Hermione turned away, pulling out some books from her bag, "Oh? What about her?"

He shook his head, "I don't even know. What's that?"

Hermione pulled out the book she was holding and waved it in front of him, "Charms, Harry. Or perhaps you forgot – we have a test Monday."

"Yeah. We've got a test Monday. That's not for two days."

Hermione sighed. "I don't suppose you've heard of studying."

"Actually I have," Harry replied with a grin, turning to look at her, "I just don't intend to spend 48 hours doing so."

Hermione rolled her eyes and looked away from him, "Boys."

At that moment, Ron sat down next to her, looking quite pleased with himself. He reached for the pumpkin juice. Harry looked at him,

"What's up with you?"

Ron grinned, "Nothing."

Hermione set down her book and looked at him. "Ron."

His smile widened, "Luna asked me if I'd like to go look at the Kicklies with her."

"Kicklies?" Hermione asked disdainfully, picking up her book again.

Ron, completely missing the lack of enthusiasm in her voice, nodded vigorously. "Yeah! We're going to go wading in the Black Lake for them!"

"You were supposed to be studying for that Charms test with me," Hermione pointed out. Ron grimaced,

"Uck. When did I sign up for that?"

"Last night," Hermione snapped coldly, "You were playing that dumb card game with Harry."

"Exploding Snap?"

"Yes."

"That's not fair!" Ron exclaimed, "You can't ask me things when I'm playing a game of wits!"

"I would hardly call stacking cards and waiting for them to explode in one's face a proper use of one's wits," Hermione replied, calmly turning a page in her book. Ron rolled his eyes,

"Look, it doesn't count."

Hermione ignored him, and Ron glared at her. After several minutes of Hermione calmly turning page after page, Ron finally exploded,

"Oh come on! Can't we just study later?"

Hermione smiled, half laughing, and put down her book. "On one condition, Ron."

"What?"

"That you ask Luna out instead of waiting for her to ask you."

Ron stared at her, his ears reddening. "Bu-uh-he-no!" He spluttered after several seconds of mindless noises, "I don't like Luna!" Hermione raised her eyebrows and then turned back to her book,

"Then you're studying with me and Harry this afternoon."

Before Harry could open his mouth to protest, Ron had.

"That's not fair though! I don't even like her!"

Hermione put down her book, suddenly annoyed. "Ron, stop it! You've liked her for months. I think Harry knew before you did! Now stop wasting time, and just go ask her! We all know you want to, and if anyone can ever tell anything from Luna we know she wants to as well. There's nothing to lose."

"But-!"

"Ron," Hermione interrupted severely, "I'm sure you'd rather risk being rejected than spend an afternoon studying."

Ron glared at both Harry and Hermione for a minute, and then stood up, muttering something about "blackmail" under his breath. Hermione watched him go, smiling, and turned back to her book.

"Er – Hermione, are you sure that was the best thing to do?" Harry asked, watching Ron nervously approaching the Ravenclaw table.

"Oh, Harry, it's not as if he'd ever ask her without our help."

"Our help?"

Hermione looked over at him, "Fine. My help. Either way, he never would have done it."

"Since when have you ever cared about Ron and Luna's relationship though?" Harry asked, eyeing her curiously, "You've never liked her."

"Sure I have."

"You're always criticizing her."

Hermione sighed, laying down her book and looking at him. "Fine. I don't really like her. But Ron does. And I can tell she likes him. I want him to be happy."

"But shouldn't he have asked her by himself?"

"Yes, but he was too thick to figure out she liked him back."

Suddenly Harry got the impression they weren't talking about Ron and Luna anymore. He looked away, and caught sight of Ron heading back towards them,

"Hey!" He tapped Hermione on the shoulder and she turned to look at Ron. He was grinning. He took his seat next to Hermione and grabbed his glass of pumpkin juice, emptying it in two swift gulps.

"Well?" Harry asked. It seemed Ron couldn't stop grinning, he looked at them both,

"You know – I think this is the happiest I've felt my whole life!"

"Well that's nice," Hermione stated, closing her book. Ron looked at her and added quickly,

"No offense, Hermione."

"None taken."

"So you guys are dating now?" Harry asked.

Ron fairly beamed, "Better."

"How so?"

"We've got a date with the Kicklies this afternoon!"

"You already did," Hermione said.

"I know! But now that we're dating…" Ron grinned again and jumped up from the table, "Hey, I'm gonna go hang out with Luna for the afternoon. Have fun studying!"

Hermione looked at Harry, "I'd say he's fairly grateful I pushed him into asking her out."

Harry shrugged, finishing the last of his breakfast, "Well, I'm going to go take a few swings around the pitch while it's still sunny out."

"I'll come with you."

"I thought you were studying."

"I can still study outside, Harry."

He laughed and looked at her. Hermione smiled and closed her book, placing it carefully in her bag and looked around the room, laughing a little as she caught sight of something.

"Look."

Harry did. Ron was holding an empty wicker basket for Luna, while the younger blond beamed over at him, and onion clasped in her hands, and gave him a peck on the cheek. They both blushed. Hermione looked over at Harry,

"They'll be happy together."

Harry shrugged, finishing the last of his breakfast and standing up, "I'll go get my broom." Hermione nodded, and a frown crossed her face,

"We should probably read up on that Horcrux more tomorrow, Harry."

"I highly doubt Ron will be available."

Hermione laughed, "Still. I think I'm on to something." She closed up her bag and motioned towards the doors, "Well … I'm off."

"Okay."

They stood next to each other awkwardly for a minute, and then Hermione hastily went off in the direction of the Quidditch Pitch. Harry watched her go, not even knowing what it was that had really happened there.

A/N:

Well. This was supposed to be my "Happy Easter/Hanukah" chapter, but I didn't have a chance to post it yesterday. I'm sorry. I was too busy eating chocolate and lamenting that Mondays always follow Sundays. I digress. Thank you all for your wonderful reviews. I've taken several things to heart from then, and I'm going to attempt to speed up certain progresses…but I'll say no more, save in replies.

mathiasgranger:Actually, I meant it in more of a joking manner. However, you were right, Hermione did know a while ago that she didn't feel the same towards Ron; but she had her reasons for waiting. Harry has also known though for awhile that he likes Hermione, yet he still does nothing – again for his own reasons. In terms of H/Hr remaining silent; yes, you are right. They are both keeping everything to themselves because they're afraid of being rejected and losing what they have. I fear I've given away too much. Hermione Criticizing Harry: she did this not because she dislikes who he is but rather because she dislikes how he keeps hurting her and Ron and pushing them away. She wants him to consider her his equal, not the girl who needs his protection. Thanks for reviewing and for continuing to read, and I will try to be more fair towards my characters.

Souunga: H's Confession: Yeah, I felt that (a) Harry needed to tell Hermione but, (b) it couldn't happen that soon. So I had Hermione make him think she didn't care instead. Mugglenet published a book? What does it say? I feel as if I'm always out of the loop Drawing a Scene? (girl moment, because I am a girl for those that don't know yet…anyways; continuation of gleeful smiles at thought of H/Hr picture) That would be so cool!!! Thanks for reviewing, and again, I'm sorry about the extra day's wait.

mike (): Erm, no. I actually scanned the last chapter and there was no Hermione going back to Ron thing. Unless you are counting her scanning the grounds for Harry with him. She and Ron are still friends, they'll keep spending time together. Harry Dying and Keeping His Feelings to Himself: Well, no. That's not going to happen. I'm sorry you think I've destroyed any chance for H/Hr – but I'm trying to smooth out the wrinkles before I finally put them together. Thank you for reviewing.

caramary: Oh, sorry. There won't be any balls. However, there will be Horcrux hunts!! (smiles) You were right about R/L; thanks to a little nudge from Hermy things got going that was the whole Easter present thing . Thanks for reviewing!

grannyHPfan: Yeah, I felt it was time Harry talked to Dumbledore and had a discussion. In terms of the wands, I'm still contemplating that answer – I think I was on to something three nights ago when I was in a semi-conscious state. The problem was the whole semi-conscious thing. I fell asleep and forgot it. Oh well. I'll come up with something. Thanks for reviewing!

CharmedNightSkye: I felt it was necessary that Harry understand fully how much he impacts the wizarding world. I feel as if it makes him even more mature, and thus – completely – worthy of Hermione's intelligence/maturity. Something Ron I have nothing against him, loveable guy that he is could never achieve. The Break Up: Yes, I decided mutual was best, seeing as both Ron and Hermione belong with other(s) according to the portkey ships, and any threat of possible romantic interest between them after such a relationship would destroy two great ships. That was rather long. Basically, I wanted Ron to completely adore Luna, and Hermione to be … (smiling) available… (proceeds to laugh) Hermione Makes the First Move: No. (shakes head) I promise you that Harry will make the first move. Though it may take the poor guy awhile, what with Horcruxes, dark lords, and other teen issues, etc. Thanks for reviewing!

sanaa: Guys: (laughs) hopefully not, though I can't say I'm one to judge. The ones I've come across are either (a) blissfully content to spend their lives discussing a sports b sports or c sports or (b) be arrogant … people.

bushy-hairedgirlwithspunk: I can promise you an improved Harry, though I can't promise any declarations of love. Yet. (grinning evilly) Thanks for reviewing!

Phoenix flame01: (laughing) I can only imagine how I'd start screaming at such an author like myself if I was reading this story. However, as it is … I am me, and shall continue to be evil. But I do promise H/Hr moments before the plunge… Thanks for reviewing!

clichE10: H/Hr: Hmm, how to explain. In that quote I am not promising a "happy ending" or an "angst tragedy", I'm merely trying to leave both open until the final chapter when all is revealed. I don't want to make anything permanent yet…I hope that explained everything. Thanks for reviewing!

Quidditchstar2291: (laughing) Such is it with all good relationships it seems. Alas. Why must two reasonably intelligent hero(in)es remain so clueless? Because authors like myself are cruel. I am sorry. (smiles) Thanks for reviewing.

ring mah b3LL: (blushes) Thanks, and I'll try to get through to him. Don't worry. H/Hr will come. Thanks for reviewing!