"My only love sprung from my only hate. Too early seen unknown, and known too late!" - Act I, scene v

Ron walked casually back to the Zeta Mu house. He needed a little longer to get things under control. Who the fuck thought it was a good idea to schedule an impromptu meeting across all frats and sororities right now. It couldn't wait until tomorrow? He'd finally run into Hermione after five days of looking around, hoping to catch a glimpse of her anywhere on campus.

Ron saw her well before she saw him. He couldn't help but think how adorable she looked, completely lost in her own world as she walked toward him on the path. The proper thing to do would have been to call to her, or at least move so she wouldn't collide with him, but he couldn't help standing in her way. He just wanted to see if she would notice.

Luckily for him, she hadn't, and he was able to hold her in his arms much sooner than he'd anticipated. The surprised look on her face, paired with the round 'O' of her mouth made it hard for him not to kiss her right then and there. Not that he was only interested in her for physical means. She was intriguing to talk to, even if the attempted insistence to keep her distance because of the feud infuriated him.

Would it be completely ironic if this meeting had something to do with the feud? Probably not, but it didn't appear that he had a choice in the matter. Ron rolled his eyes as he turned onto the path that led to the front door of the Zeta Mu house. He needed to focus on whatever he was about to walk in on, but the image of Hermione pinned between him and that tree was enough to make him forget everything and walk right over to Sigma Del to finish what they'd started.

He knew that would never be plausible, so he quietly opened the door and immediately heard Oliver's booming voice. "...food fair's been moved to the middle of February, and the Pacific State Greek to Paris spring break bookings need to be made before the end of the semester. But seriously guys, book your shit before—Oh, ho! Look who decided to join us!" Oliver stopped short of his announcements to welcome Ron into the meeting.

"Since when do we have to start dropping everything to show up for an unplanned meeting?" Ron shot back as he took a seat next to Neville.

"Like you were busy," Seamus chortled. "We all know Harry sexiled you and you were biding your time before it was safe to come back."

"Fuck off, Seamus," Ron said.

"Alright, alright. If you're going to get in a fight, at least wait until I adjourn the meeting," Oliver pretended to scold.

The guys mocked obedience as they waited for Oliver to speak again. Ron settled into his seat, anticipating whatever the important news was.

"Meeting adjourned!" Oliver concluded with a grin, which confused Ron.

His brothers immediately got up to go about their evening as Ron shot Oliver a questioning look. "You summoned me back here for announcements?"

"No, you missed the important part," Oliver responded simply.

"Mind filling me in and making my walk back here not for nothing?"

"I don't know. You really took away the fun of announcing it by not being here…"

"Oliver!"

Ron knew that Oliver had no idea what this meeting had interrupted, not that he would have told him anyway, but he was still pissed that his time with Hermione had been cut short. Ron hadn't gone out for a walk thinking would magically appear, and yet she'd literally run into him. He'd been waiting all week for the meager chance of seeing her, only to have them both rudely called away.

"Okay, fine. Fine! You heard the announcements about the food fair and the Paris trip, right?"

"Yeah. Why does it sound like you're stalling?"

"I wouldn't call it stalling; more like making you squirm a bit."

"So, this has to do with me in particular, is what you're saying?"

"Yes and no."

"Forget it. I'm not in the mood to play some stupid game," Ron snarled as he turned toward the stairs.

"The Taus graciously invited Zeta Mu to their holiday mixer for the first time in...forty-five years."

Ron stopped abruptly and turned back slowly to face Oliver. "Why?"

"Beats me."

"Are we actually going?"

"The boys took a vote, and the majority approved. So, yeah, we're all going." Oliver motioned with his hand to everyone who was still around, which Ron thought was odd.

"Okay, are we planning some sort of sabotage to keep up pretenses?"

Oliver shook his head. "No. This could be big if they let us into their circles again. We can use it to gain information. You don't think we'd waste an opportunity by acting rash on the first go, do you? We need to build the trust first before we swipe the rug from underneath them."

Ron nodded. It made sense, but Oliver's body language made Ron suspicious that Oliver wasn't telling him everything. "Why do I sense there's a 'but' to all of this?"

Oliver laughed nervously. "Because there is. See, when they sent us the invite, they were very clear about one stipulation."

Ron scrunched his eyebrows together, shooting Oliver a questioning look. "And?"

"We can all go, as long as you don't show up."

Ron stared blankly ahead, processing Oliver's words. So the Taus invited Zeta Mu, but not him? Did they really think he cared? Why the hell would he want to go to that party?

Because Hermione will be there, and that could give Draco the chance to make an unwelcome move on her. The realization hit him like a sucker punch to the gut, and it took all of Ron's willpower to suppress the raging jealousy that was threatening to explode out of him.

"That's awfully petty of them," he managed to say cooly.

"I thought so, too. Listen, the guys only voted to go so we could figure out what the Taus are really up to. It's not like we really want to go, but I'm making it mandatory. The more ears and eyes we have on the party, the better."

Ron shrugged, trying to play the whole thing off as nonchalant. "Why would any of it involve me? Is this seriously still over the dance I shared with that Siggy? Like it's my fault she turned him down?"

Oliver furrowed his brows. "Honestly? I think that's exactly what this is about. Malfidiot must see you as a threat. I wouldn't worry about it, though. We'll figure it out a week from Saturday."

"Yeah," he said. "Well, thanks for the info. I'm not going to worry about it."

Ron spun around and took off for the stairs quickly before Oliver could respond. He knew he was lying, and his mind was immediately spinning with a slew of possibilities regarding what was planned. His gut told him Draco was up to something, and he knew it had to do with Hermione.

Even though he was sure she could hold her own against him, he needed answers. Thank goodness finals were coming up. It would be as good an excuse as any for how much time he'd be devoting to the library in the coming week.

Another five days. That's how long it took Ron to finally find Hermione in the library. Granted, the first three days of searching had been hit or miss since it was the weekend, and who knew what her study hours were like. Why couldn't she have just given me her damn phone number?

At least he was well prepared for his upcoming exams. He'd put in a couple of hours on Friday evening at one of the tables on the ground floor of Ferguson, hoping she'd be there, but to no avail. Saturday and Sunday, he chose a different table in the afternoons and even took breaks to walk around the floor in the hopes of finding her. And yet again, no luck. Monday, Ron thought he developed a smarter plan, choosing a table by the door to the main stairwell, thinking that would be the day, yet he still managed to miss her.

By the time Tuesday rolled around, he'd decided to change up his tactic completely. There wouldn't be any studying unless he found her. And even then, he hoped he didn't have to do any actual studying. He entered around seven and searched every aisle of the floor. He'd continue his sweep for two hours. If that didn't work, he had no idea what he was going to do. She needed to know that Malferret was up to something, and the longer it took him to see her again, the less time she'd have to prepare for whatever he was planning. Not to mention that with every passing day he didn't see her was another day he wouldn't be able to feel her soft lips against his, and he just couldn't have that.

It was funny how quickly he'd become addicted to something he didn't even know he wanted. No, needed. It was definitely a matter of need over want, which had shifted after their second meeting. Part of him wondered if he wanted her so much because the thought of having her was forbidden by his fraternity, but he had an inkling that that wasn't the case. Regardless, it was that drive that forced him on with his plan as he was determined to discover every square inch of the ground floor of that God-forsaken library.

Thankfully, his newest tactic proved successful. It'd taken a half hour of aisle strolling, but Ron finally managed to come across a hidden alcove in the back of the journal section. She was sitting there quietly, books littering the table as she chewed on the end of a pen. Her fingers twirled locks of hair as she was reading from one of her textbooks. Ron's heart practically leapt out of his chest at the sight of her.

Get a grip, Weasley. What the fuck's wrong with you? Sure, the anticipation of seeing her again was killing him, but he still found himself struggling to understand his reaction to her for the life of him. He didn't know how long he stood there, simply watching her before he eventually broke the silence.

"You certainly like to be alone, don't you?"

He pushed himself off the bookshelf he was leaning against as he strolled over to her table, setting his backpack down and taking the seat across from her. Ron glanced at her books to see if he could tell what she'd been studying. It looked like something to do with art.

Luckily, he didn't startle her too much as she looked up from the page she'd been reading, a small smile forming at the corner of her mouth. "It took you long enough to find me."

"Well, I had to change my plan of attack a few times, but fourth time's the charm, I suppose. Guess I should have started with 'wander the aisles.' I didn't even know this existed."

"Most people don't. That's why I gave you a hint. 'If you can't find me, you're not searching hard enough.' Remember?"

"Oh, I remember," Ron said as he leaned over the table, bringing his face precariously close to hers.

He heard her breath hitch and was relieved to know he seemed to have the same effect on her that she had on him. Inching forward, Ron grazed her lips with his. He knew it was probably a bit early in their evening to be so forward, but this whole 'five days between seeing her' thing made him impatient.

"Are you telling me you actually study down here in this secluded area?" his voice was quiet.

He watched as her eyes fluttered shut. "When I'm not distracted, yes," she answered breathily.

It seemed to Ron as if it was taking all her willpower to keep focused on their conversation. Good, he thought.

"Are you distracted often?" he asked sardonically as he leaned back in his chair.

"Not usually, no. Don't make me regret inviting you here. I've got exams to study for." It was interesting how her ability to focus increased as his proximity to her decreased.

"Wouldn't dream of it. So, you're an artist, huh?"

"Aren't you observant? Art history major, actually. And you?"

Ron reached into his bag and pulled out his laptop and ANSYS Handbook. He still needed to put the final touches on his final project for CAD. "Engineering."

Hermione eyed him impressively. "Not a major I would have pegged you for, but I can see it. What's your focus?"

"My specialization is in mechanical. I like the challenges of making all the parts fit together and understanding how it works. Reminds me of chess — how all the different moves affect the pieces. You have to know the right equation to be successful."

Ron noticed that she was listening intently as he talked and seemed almost eager to hear what he had to say. It was easy talking to her, and sharing all this information was peculiar, considering sometimes discussing his interests with his last relationship was like pulling teeth.

"What about you? Is there a certain time period you're more interested in than others?" he volleyed.

Her eyes lit up at the question, and Ron couldn't help but smile as she dove into a passionate explanation of her own. "I love the tale end of the romanticism period into modern art. I've always had a soft spot for Impressionism, hence the current final I'm studying for. Monet is one of my all-time favorites, and I really hope to curate one of his exhibits someday.

"Having the spring break trip in Paris this year is honestly a dream come true! I've been working extra hours and saving up to actually spend a few extra days before the rest of the sorority arrives, and Penelope takes us everywhere on tours except for where I want to be."

"And where is that?" Ron inquired.

Hermione let out a slight huff of indignation. "Why, the Louvre, of course! You can't be serious!"

"I think I've heard of it," a playful grin spread across his face.

Hermione must have realized how she'd gone off on her passionate explanation of her studies because she apologized. "I'm sorry if I'm boring you. I know my studies are a unique taste that not everyone acquires. Or so my sisters say…"

"It's fine. I like hearing about something that's not all science and math," Ron reassured her with a chuckle before changing the subject. "So, have you actually been here every day since our walk, or were you leading me on a wild goose chase?"

Hermione's face flushed. "I did skip Friday, but I was here over the weekend and for an hour last night."

"Do you take the main stairs?"

"No. There's a side stairwell that way," Hermione pointed down the aisle behind her.

Ron shook his head as he watched her attempt to return to her studies. Maybe she didn't want to talk anymore, and he was okay with that for now. He didn't want her to think he was only there for one thing. Besides, her company was a nice change from his frat brothers.

He figured he might as well attempt to get some of his own work done, now that he could ease his mind about finding her. Though it was proving difficult when she was so damn distracting. Ron couldn't help the frequent glances, and after twenty minutes, he'd completely given up on accomplishing anything.

"How'd your meeting go the other night?"

Hermione looked up and peered at him through her warm, brown eyes. He could tell she was thinking about what to say, which piqued his curiosity even more as he watched her teeth graze her bottom lip. It took all his self-control not to switch to her side of the table and pick up where they left off last week.

"Well, Penelope completely reamed me out for ignoring her calls and showing up twenty minutes late. Once she calmed herself down, she simply handed me the invitation we'd received to the Tau holiday mixer."

Ron watched her carefully as he waited for her to continue.

"Of course, we already knew they'd dropped us as co-hosts, and Penelope knew we were still invited…" Hermione trailed off.

"So, what was on the invitation, then?" Ron pressed.

"Well, the Taus, and I quote, 'request the presence of Sigma Delta Nu at their annual holiday mixer, but kindly ask that Miss Hermione Granger not be in attendance,'" she recounted in a haughty voice.

Ron shot her an odd look. That couldn't be right. It didn't make any sense. If Malfoy was going to make a move on her and not want Ron there for it, why would they ask Hermione to stay behind, too? Was his train of thought way off, or was Draco planning something else? Surely, Hermione couldn't be wrong about the invitation.

Ron didn't realize that he was scowling when Hermione continued, "Why do you seem annoyed by that?"

"What? Oh, sorry. It just doesn't make sense," Ron answered, his thoughts still whirring.

"What doesn't make sense? I'm personally not surprised they didn't extend the invitation to me. According to Draco, 'I've completely humiliated him.' Plus, it will give me time alone to look through the sorority archives." She said that last part more to herself than to him.

"What are you interested in with the archives?"

Hermione blushed. "I want to know about the origin of the feud. Especially since Penelope's hidden some of the older yearbooks away, I'm assuming she's keeping them from me on purpose."

Interesting. Hermione wanted to know more about the feud now. Maybe he could help, which gave Ron an idea. If they were both banned from the holiday mixer, and none of the Zeta Mu's would be at the house…

"What if I helped?" Ron asked, perhaps a little too eagerly.

Hermione eyed him carefully. "Aren't you going to the mixer? I heard Zeta Mu was invited," she frowned.

"See, now if you'd asked me in return how my meeting went, you'd know that I've also been banned from the holiday mixer," Ron quipped.

Hermione's brows shot up so high, Ron was surprised they didn't touch her hairline. "What?"

"Yeah. I was worried I wasn't going to run into you beforehand to warn you that Malfoy might be up to something. But if you're not invited, either…" Ron was still trying to figure out why, but that was beside the point.

"I've already made it clear to Draco that nothing is going to happen between us. Honestly, not being invited is more of a relief, if anything." Hermione didn't seem worried about it in the slightest.

Still, Ron didn't want to waste an opportunity to get to know her better. "So, what do you say? Want some help with the archives?"

Hermione pondered his question, biting her lip in that adorable way that drove him absolutely crazy. "I don't know…"

"C'mon, Hermione, everyone's going to be at the party. No one will know if you and I are spending our time alone together. Plus, as far as my brothers know, I'm the only one not invited, and your sisters think the same thing, right?"

Hermione nodded slowly.

"What if you came over to Zeta Mu? Bring whatever you can find in the Sigma Del archives, and I'll dig up what we have? I'm just as curious about whatever started this."

"Why?"

"Because I prefer you as something other than my enemy," Ron said with a smirk.

It wasn't a lie. Sure, the whole sneaking around was making things much more exciting, but there was no doubt in his mind that he wanted her as something other than his enemy. And preferably, more than just a friend, too.

Hermione contemplated him carefully. The silence was stifling as he waited for her response. He wasn't sure how much more obvious he needed to be.

"Do you think we could get away with it?" she asked hesitantly.

"I don't see why not. My room's connected to the fire escape on the back of the house, so you could always sneak out that way if someone came back early. Oliver's got plans for the boys to pregame at the Leaky around eight, and if the mixer goes until one, we've got at least until midnight before anyone comes back. And that's assuming someone wants to call it an early night. I doubt it, though, since it's the last party before the semester ends."

He knew Hermione was thinking through his plan, making sure it all checked out. "I think the girls are going to hit up Broomsticks before, too, so that could work. I thought I could use the library as an excuse to get out of the house, but I'm pretty sure Penelope wants to put me on house arrest for the night," she shuddered. "You really think we won't get caught?"

"If all of Greek Row is going to be at the mixer, we're safe. Besides, what's the worst that could happen?"

"Fine," Hermione agreed, albeit reluctantly. "But, I think we'll need to plan a bit to make sure we know what we can get our hands on ahead of time."

Ron couldn't help the smirk that graced his lips. "Nice choice of words."

He knew exactly what he'd like to get his hands on if another opportunity allowed. She scowled at him, clearly choosing to ignore his previous statement, much to Ron's chagrin.

"Now that that's settled, do you mind if we get back to studying? I have a final in French Impressionism and Post-Impressionism on Thursday."

Ron smiled as he took note of how serious she took her studies. He wasn't surprised, really, considering she'd dressed up as a character in a Jane Austen novel for a sorority party. Looking back to his books, he attempted to prepare for his own upcoming finals. He was further along in his studying than usual, but he'd rather be over-prepared if it meant spending more time with Hermione this week.