Solid Bond In Your Heart

It had all started on the first day of term in fifth year. To be precise, the moment where Ron and Hermione had entered the carriage.

Luna Lovegood had looked up over her upside-down copy of 'The Quibbler' and stared at the redheaded boy sat directly opposite her.

This wasn't especially unusual. In Harry's opinion, Ron was someone that you couldn't help but pay attention to. It was as if someone had taken a model of what a human should look like and stretched them out into a long mass of limbs, freckles, and bright red hair. And that wasn't even touching on Ron's personality; a mix of energy, laughter and genuine kindness that made it virtually impossible for anyone to dislike him.

Well, unless you were someone like Draco Malfoy, of course. But Harry thought that said more about Malfoy than it did about Ron.

'Ron; this is Luna Lovegood,' Ginny said. 'You remember; we used to spend time over at her house when we were kids?'

Luna Lovegood was a whole different kettle of fish indeed. Taller than the average girl, with a lolloping grace that seemed both incredibly poised and immensely casual. Her hair was long and dirty-blonde, accentuated by her pair of enormous grey eyes which seemed to blink far less than the eyes of most other people. She was wearing a battered pair of muggle dungarees, with a bright orange blouse underneath. A pair of multi-coloured boots completed the ensemble.

If Ron was at all put off with Luna's appearance, he didn't let it show. But Harry imagined someone who grew up surrounded by magic would have different responses to unusual people.

'Oh, yeah,' Ron said, nodding to himself. 'How are you, then, Luna?'

'Not too bad,' Luna chirped, sweetly. 'You're a prefect now, Ronald; that's remarkably interesting.'

Ron's ears went slightly pink as he smiled back. Harry couldn't help but notice that for the next few hours, Luna did seem to stare at Ron more than at everyone else. The way she laughed at his jokes was a lot stronger than most, but Harry supposed that maybe she wasn't used to being around someone as funny as Ron.

Maybe it was just Harry looking forward to the term to start, but the hours passed very quickly. Soon, the train was slowing as it began to near Hogsmeade station.

'Ron, we have to make sure the first years get off the train safely…' Hermione said, primly as she clambered to her feet. 'We should start moving up and down the corridors now.'

'Oh, right,' Ron said, standing up. 'We'll meet you all by the carriages, then.'

'Bye, Ronald,' Luna chirped, jumping to her feet. 'See you later.'

And -before any of the others could react- she bumped her nose against Ron's.

Harry and Neville looked very confused and looked to Ginny for clarification. But the younger redhead had stuffed her fist into her mouth to stop herself from laughing. Harry couldn't help but notice that she had a very pretty laugh.

Ron stared -bemused- as Luna sat back down and began to read The Quibbler again.

'Oh, really!'

Hermione's bushy hair seemed to crackle with electricity as she grabbed Ron roughly by the arm and pulled him through the door.

'I hate to break up your reunion with your friend,' she spat. 'But we do have prefect duties, Ron!'

Ron -looked very confused at Hermione's reaction- shrugged at Harry and disappeared down the corridor. They could hear Hermione huffing to herself.

'Ginny, what was that all about?' Neville asked.

'Oh, she used to bump noses with me and Ron all the time when we were little,' Ginny said, still chuckling fondly. 'Something to do with positive energy, you used to say?'

'Yes,' Luna said, cheerfully, from behind The Quibbler. 'It helps cleanse the air; particularly important, you know.'

Harry sat back in his seat.

'I think Hermione might have gotten the wrong idea.'

'She'll live,' Ginny said, shrugging. 'Anyway, Neville, that plant's not going to blow up again, is it…'

'I think your essay is almost finished, Ron,' Hermione said, looking up from his parchment. 'Only a few minor tweaks to go, and you should be… Ron?'

The redhead was staring out the window. The two of them were sat in a deserted corner of the library. Harry was on a detention with Umbridge and wasn't due to be back to the common room for several hours. Hermione had suggested that they get some of their Charms homework done in the meantime.

'Oh, er, sorry,' Ron mumbled, snapping back to face her. 'Got distracted.'

Hermione bit her lip. She knew that the window faced towards the Quidditch pitch.

'Ron, you'll be fine. You did brilliantly at the try-outs.'

'You haven't been there during training,' Ron said, miserably. 'The Slytherins won't shut up with that song.'

'Well, then you can relish it even more when you beat them, can't you?'

'How can you be sure?'

'Because I've seen you play, Ron. Besides, it's only Quidditch, after all.'

Ron went back to his parchment, somehow looking even more miserable.

'Yeah. It's only Quidditch…'

The rain trickled down the back of Ron's neck, as his robes began to get steadily more and more water-laden.

The Quidditch match had happened well over two hours ago, but he hadn't gone back to Gryffindor tower. All he could think about was the constant jeering of the Slytherins.

He had tried to focus on other things during the match. Hermione kissing him on the cheek, for example. Merlin, that had been something. He'd felt like he was floating on air after that.

Maybe if he had been floating on air, he would have been better at stopping the Quaffle.

How could he think that he'd ever be good at this? It was a miracle that he'd even gotten on the team in the first place. Who was he kidding? He wasn't a keeper; he couldn't even stop the Quaffle during practice. Just a redheaded lanky twit with no co-ordination. The twins were right, he wasn't any good at Quidditch-

'Ronald?'

The redhead looked up.

Luna Lovegood was stood a few feet away, holding a muggle umbrella.

'L-Luna,' Ron said, hurriedly wiping his eyes. 'What are you-'

'You seem to be getting rather wet,' Luna said, sitting down next to him and covering the two of them with the umbrella. 'Not that you look bad, but you might get a chill if stay too long like that.'

'Er, thanks.'

'You're most welcome,' Luna said, sweetly. 'Was there any reason you were sat out here? I know Harry and the others are probably back at Gryffindor Tower by now.'

Ron shrugged.

'That was really beastly of the Slytherins to sing that song.'

Ron looked round. Luna was staring over at the Quidditch stadium, a faintly sad look in her enormous grey eyes. They were peculiar-looking eyes, Ron thought. Not that there was anything wrong with them. They reflected the sky as the rain crashed down around them. Almost a total contrast to Ron's own blue eyes, which seemed to always reflect the blue skies of the Devon countryside on a sunny day.

'Still.' Ron muttered, half-heartedly. 'It's my own bloody fault for being so rubbish at Quidditch-'

'You're exceptionally good at Quidditch, Ronald,' Luna said, continuing to look out over the grounds. 'I remember Harry saying about it during the last DA lesson. Anyone would be upset if they had a song like that made about them.'

Ron blinked, confusedly.

'Besides,' Luna continued. 'Ginny was telling me that you have always been a good keeper; you used to help Charlie and the twins whenever they had to practice. You have talent, Ronald; you just had a bad day.'

'You… you think so?'

Luna nodded.

'I often have days like that. My possessions often disappear throughout the course of a school year, but they always turn up in the end. Things do get better, and I'm sure the same happens with Quidditch.'

Ron frowned. By the sounds of it, Luna's dormmates were stealing her things.

'They shouldn't be stealing your stuff.'

'Oh, it's all good fun. But it is a relief when I start finding them towards the end of the year. Like I say, I imagine Quidditch is similar in that regard; things will work out eventually.'

'Thanks, Luna.'

Luna smiled at him, before handing him the umbrella. She then stood up and skimmed off into the rain.

Ron stared after her, watching the Ravenclaw as she neared the castle, and felt his mouth gradually morph into a small smile, realising that he didn't feel half as miserable anymore.

Weasley is our king!

He never lets the Quaffle in!

That's why Gryffindors all sing…

Ron looked down, and saw Luna stood with Neville and the Creevey brothers. She was cheering, jumping up and down on the spot, and grinning from ear to ear.

Weasley is our king!

As Ginny grabbed the snitch, ending the match, the stadium erupted in an explosion of noise from the scarlet-and-gold-clad supporters. Enormous banners of lions were being waved frantically as the Gryffindor players descended to the turf of the pitch.

Ginny grabbed Ron's hand and hoisted it up into the air, her brown eyes full of pride for her brother. The other members of the Gryffindor team surrounded them, and Angelina was beside herself with delight.

As the team were carried on the shoulders of their supporters up to the teachers stand, Ron could see the entirety of Gryffindor house -plus various Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff students- cheering them.

Looking immensely proud, McGonagall handed the enormous Quidditch Cup to Angelina.

As one, the entire Gryffindor team looked at Ron and nodded. The Cup was thrust into his startled hands, and two Gryffindor seventh-years hoisted Ron onto their shoulders, as he held the cup aloft.

By this time, Luna, Neville and the Creevey brothers had fought their way through the crowds. Colin's camera was clicking every couple of seconds, and Neville was jumping up and down on the spit, his round face wreathed in an enormous smile as he cheered.

The scarlet-clad crowd descended from the stands, still carrying Ron aloft. They exited the stadium as red-and-gold streamers floated down from on-high. The air was thick with the noise of cheering, chanting, and celebrating.

'Yes!'

Harry and Hermione were standing just off the path, their eyes wide with delight.

'We won!' Ron yelled, happily.

His two friends beamed at him as the crowd carried him past.

As they reached the front entrance to Hogwarts Castle, Ron was gently placed back on his feet by the two seventh years. Around him, he could see nothing but cheering, happy faces.

There was a bit of a delay before going into Gryffindor tower. Given the amount of people returning at once, it was taking a long time for everyone to climb through the portrait hole.

Luna ran up to Ron and pulled him into a tight hug. The crowd cheered around them, and Harry grinned. However, to Harry's shock, instead of pulling away, Luna pressed a kiss to Ron's cheek, before he was swept through into the common room. Harry caught one last look of Ron's surprised -and slightly red- face before he disappeared through the portrait hole.

'Hermione, did you see-'

Hermione was stood a little while away, confiscating a fanged frisbee from two first years who had presumably hoped the celebrations would mean a laxing of the normal rules.

'Honestly, you'd think school rules all went out the window after a Quidditch match,' Hermione said, as she walked back over to Harry. 'Oh, has Ron already got through?'

'Er, yeah,' Harry said, feeling awkward. 'Listen, Hermione, I think you should probably talk to Ron about-'

'Oh, we'll have plenty of time to congratulate him after the celebrations are over. Besides, he doesn't get many opportunities to be the centre of attention like this; I'm sure he doesn't want me saying what everyone will no doubt say.'

Harry didn't say anything. He knew that Ron would want Hermione to be around him during the celebrations, but he also knew how stubborn Hermione could be. Once she had her heart set on a plan, she didn't like changing anything.

The last time something like this had happened with Ron and Hermione, they had gotten into a blazing row. Harry had not enjoyed that, and he didn't want it to happen again. But he honestly wasn't sure how he could make it clear to Hermione that, more than anything else, Ron just wanted Hermione to acknowledge that he'd done well.

Ron knew it had been too good to be true.

Harry and Hermione hadn't seen any part of the match where he'd done well; they'd only seen the first goal against Gryffindor, which he'd let in. Obviously, Grawp was important. He was Hagrid's brother, after all. But still. Ron had been there for his friends whenever they had needed him, no matter how hopeless things had seemed. Did they honestly think he was that bad at Quidditch that there had been no hope of him turning a corner?

Ron berated himself for thinking that. Of course, Harry and Hermione wanted him to do well. And what Hagrid had showed them was important, after all. It was fine.

Still.

That didn't mean that it didn't hurt him.

'Ron?'

'Yeah,' Ron said, trying not to sound as put-out as he felt. Harry had sat down next to him in the common room, which was still busy around them. Gryffindor Tower felt cosy and comfortable that evening. The fire lit the room with a soft warm glow.

'Can… can you recap the match?' Harry asked, looking a little sheepish. 'I hate the fact that I missed it, and… well, I know you did amazing, mate.'

Ron felt his mouth grow into a small smile.

'You… you mean it?'

'Course.'

'Great! Should… should we wait til Hermione gets back? She missed it too, after all.'

'Er…. I… I think she said she was heading straight to the library,' Harry said. 'To research her charms homework or something?'

'Ah,' Ron said, his smile losing some of its enthusiasm. 'Right.'

'Oh, are you recapping the match for Harry, Ronald?' Luna said, sitting down next to them and pulling something out of her bag. 'Colin just handed me some photos he took of the match; I'm sure they'll be a great visualiser.'

Ron smiled to himself as Luna handed Harry a wizarding photo of Ron blocking the Quaffle.

'Okay,' Ron said, as many of the people round them peered round to listen, their eyes wide and their smiles wider. 'Now, as we all know, that match didn't start off great for me. But someone once told me that things will start getting better, and to not give up hope…'

It had been a few days since the match. The Gryffindors were sat on the long breakfast table, enjoying the prospect of a morning free period shortly after. The fifth years (plus Ginny and a few of her fourth-year friends) were watching Ron as he recalled a few of the suggestions he had about how to infuriate Snape. Harry had been dwelling on his Occlumency lessons with the potions master, and Ron wanted to cheer him up.

Luna squeezed onto the bench next to Ron, her long blonde hair trailing slightly over his shoulder. If Ron found her presence annoying, he didn't say anything.

'Luna, in your experience,' Ron asked, putting on the airs of a rather self-important newspaper reporter, 'have you ever found Snape to be a sensible teacher?'

'Define "sensible", Ronald?'

'"A person likely not to throw cauldrons at students after they suggest the latest shampoo and conditioner tips from Witch Weekly".'

The assembled students all burst out laughing, including Luna.

'That was funny,' the blonde Ravenclaw laughed, her cheeks dimpling. 'You're incredibly good at jokes, Ronald!'

'Thanks!' Ron said, looking rather flattered.

'Anyway, I must dash now; I belief the current weather will enable wrackspurts to build up if I'm not cautious.'

'Mind how you go, then.'

Hermione narrowed her eyes at Luna as the blonde walked back to the Ravenclaw table.

'Hermione, do you want to go over the Transfiguration notes later?' Ron asked. 'I've got the evening off this week because of the Quidditch season finishing.

'Why don't you ask Luna to help you?' Hermione spat, before standing up. 'I'm sure you'll find her company more enjoyable.'

As Hermione strode off, looking irritated, Ron gazed open-mouthed after her. He turned to Harry, confusion visible on his freckled face.

Harry shrugged.

Harry had to admit; he had never expected that his life would end after being attacked by a herd of centaurs in the forbidden forest. But, then again, his life had a habit of surprising him. Hermione had clearly been trying to lure Umbridge near to where Grawp was, but she hadn't reckoned on the giant breaking his bonds. The enormous tether that Hagrid had used to restraint his half-brother had been lying, torn, and abandoned, on the ground.

Things had started to look up when the centaurs arrived. Umbridge had promptly fainted and was lying half-forgotten nearby. But then Hermione had accidentally let slip that she had hoped the centaurs might rescue them. Even by Hermione's standards, that was tactless.

'We are not the playthings of humans!' Bane raged, as his brethren began to stamp their hooves. 'We will not be used as-'

Creak

The assembled faces all turned, as a huge oak began to totter, leaves falling everywhere. Grabbing Hermione by the arm, Harry stumbled backwards several feet

The centaurs scattered, as the tree fell to the ground with an earth-shattering crash that made both teenagers stumble and fall to the floor.

Harry and Hermione scrambled to their feet uneasily, as the clearing around them grew quiet. Umbridge was still lying unconscious a few feet away, although how she managed not to be trampled by the centaurs in their rush to disappear was anyone's guess.

'H-Harry,' Hermione gasped. 'D-did you use a non-verbal spell on the tree?'

'No,' Harry said, staring around in confusion. 'I thought you did.'

'Actually, that was me.'

Harry wheeled round to the edge of the clearing, in the direction of the voice that had just spoken.

A redheaded figure hopped down from a tree at the end of the open space.

'Thought you two could use a hand.'

'Ron!' Harry exclaimed, bounding forward, and hugging his best mate. 'How… how did you get away from…'

'He used the skiving snackbox sweets,' Ginny said, as she stepped into the clearing, closely followed by Luna and Neville. 'Told the Slytherins that he was hungry; they scoffed the lot themselves.'

'Brilliant!' Harry grinned, slapping Ron heartily on the back.

'Nah, I was just thinking on my feet,' Ron said, modestly. 'But thanks….'

His eyes flipped hopefully to Hermione, as if hoping she might congratulate him too on his quick-thinking, but she simply stood, blinking confusingly at him.

'Er, anyway,' Ron said, turning back to Harry. 'How are we going to get to London?'

'What? We?'

'We're coming too,' Ginny said, firmly. 'You're not rushing off to save Sirius all on your own.'

Harry's mind reeled.

'You can't come along! You're too-'

'I'm older than you were when you defeated you-know-who in your first year!' Ginny exclaimed, putting her hands on her hips. 'I'm just as worried about Sirius as you!'

'But… but…'

'Mate, we can trust them,' Ron said. 'Besides, we'll need all the help we can get if we're going up against you-know-who.'

Harry stared at the redhead. As much as he hated the idea, Ron did have a point. And Harry trusted Ron's judgement.

'Okay… okay, they can come. But how are we even going to get to London in the first place? We can't fit six people on two brooms…'

'Actually, Luna's got a plan,' Ron said, pulling something out of his pocket. 'You remember those horse things that you can only see if you've seen someone kick the bucket?'

'Thestrals?'

'Yeah. I reverse-engineered a nosebleed nougat I had in my pocket; we've now got a handkerchief saturated with blood.'

'Thestrals are drawn to the smell,' Luna said, as Ron placed the bloodied handkerchief on the forest floor. 'I imagine they're… oh, here's two already.'

Sure enough, two thestrals had entered the clearing, and were sniffing keenly towards the handkerchief.

'In that case, me and Ron will take these two thestrals,' Harry said, thinking fast. 'You four can stay here and get thestrals as more arrive-'

'You're not leaving me behind!' Hermione said, angrily.

'Speaking of leaving things behind,' Ron said. 'What are we going to do with Umbridge? We can't leave her here; she might get eaten by a giant spider.'

'We're gonna be flying over the castle, right?' Ginny suggested. 'We can just drop her off on the lawn.'

'Good thinking,' Harry said, as more thestrals appeared in the clearing. 'But will the thestrals be able to handle the weight?'

'I expect so,' Luna chirped. 'They are much stronger than they look.'

Harry awkwardly climbed up onto the thestrals nearest to him. The creature whinnied in what appeared to be a cheerful manner.

'How are we supposed to get up?' Ron asked. 'We can't see them.'

'I'll help you all up,' Luna said, grinning sweetly at Ron. 'It'll be fine once you're settled on them.'

As Neville helped Ginny up onto her thestral, Luna kept Ron's steed still while he hesitantly clambered. Harry could imagine it was most peculiar to climb onto something that you couldn't actually see.

'Thanks, Luna,' Ron said, as he wobbly sat astride his thestral. 'Sorry to be a pain.'

'No problem at all,' Luna said, 'and you're not being a pain, Ronald. You incapacitated those Slytherins, and you saved Harry and Hermione from the centaurs. You've been brilliant today.'

Ron looked over at Hermione, who was standing a good distance away and calculating the time it would take to fly to London.

'Apparently not brilliant enough.'

The rescue mission was rapidly turning into a massive disaster. Not only was Sirius not here, but they had encircled by death-eaters and had barely gotten out of their firing range in time. The six of them had ended up split into two groups; Ron didn't know where Harry, Hermione or Neville were, but he was sure they were being pursued by death-eaters just as himself, Ginny and Luna were.

The three of them were running headlong through an enormous room full of scale replicas of planets suspended in mid-air. Several death-eaters (Ron wasn't sure how many) were right on their tale, and Ron was desperately sending spells over his shoulder in the hope of evening the odds.

'Impedimenta!'

Ron had intended the spell to hit a death-eater, but -instead- the planet Uranus promptly exploded next to them, covering the room in a thick dust, and knocking Luna off her feet.

'Confundus!'

Luna flinched, but an arm pushed her out of harm's way of the spell. As she stumbled, she saw that Ron had taken the spell to the chest.

'Ronald!' Luna gasped, scrambling to her feet. 'Ronald, are you all right?'

'Feel funny…' Ron mumbled, his eyes misting over as he wobbled precariously. 'Luna… you… you okay? Did… did you get hit?'

'No, no; I'm fine.' Luna replied, as Ginny grabbed them both by their arms, and began to pull them away. 'Ginny, I think Ronald-'

The planet Jupiter exploded above them, as a death-eaters spell cut through the dust-filled air.

'Let's get out of here!'

The end of term came far too quickly. Before any of them knew it, they were standing in platform nine-and-three-quarters.

'Goodbye to you all,' Luna said, serenely. 'I hope you all have a nice summer.'

'Thanks, Luna.'

Luna strode forward and pulled Ron into a hug, patting the confused redhead on the back. The scars on Ron's arms (still fresh from the brains in the ministry, which had attacked Ron after he had pushed Harry out of harms way) gleamed in the sunlight filtering through Kings Cross.

'Bye, Ronald; I'm making dirigible plum fritters over the summer, if you'd like to pop round this summer. And Ginny, of course.'

'Er, yeah,' Ron said, ears a delicate shade of pink. 'Sure.'

'Great!'

And, with that, Luna walked away, pulled her trunk over to a raggedy-haired man that Harry presumed was her father, who she hugged. A few moments later, they had both disappeared into the teeming crowd.

'Well, Luna's very friendly, isn't she,' Ron said, conversationally, as he and Harry pulled their trunks off the train. 'I don't normally get hugged.'

'Oh, yes, very friendly.' Hermione said, irritably, folding her arms. 'I'm sure you'll have a great time over at her house. Dirigible plums, wasn't it? Honestly…'

Ron stared at Hermione in confusion, looking very taken by her tone.

'Don't tell me you still don't like Luna?' he asked, sounding shocked. 'After the ministry and everything?'

'Oh, forget it!'

Ron turned to Harry, who shrugged. He seemed to be doing that a lot lately. But he honestly didn't know what to say in these situations.

He hoped that things would become less fractious over the summer holidays.

In retrospect, that had been a pretty hopeless hope. If anything, things had gotten even worse. Harry had arrived at the Burrow to find Hermione spitting venom whenever Ron got bowled over by Fleur's veela powers, and decided that it wasn't best to broach the topic of the blonde Ravenclaw anytime soon.

Especially after Mrs Weasley made plum pudding one evening, and Hermione spent the entire time staring frostily at Ron. Harry and Ginny's attempts to uplift the mood were so pointless that they might as well have been trying to create a concrete helicopter.

Well, Ginny didn't know what concrete or helicopters were, which was just as well.

The school year had started weirdly. Harry was beginning to suspect that Malfoy was a death eater, Slughorn was the new potions master, and Harry's new potions textbook seemed to have improved his grades in the subject tenfold, much to the chagrin of Hermione.

Harry was also Quidditch captain, which meant that he was in charge of organising try-outs for the team that year. Normally, the team didn't tend to have try-outs for every position, but given that Katie Bell was now the only other remaining member of the team Harry had joined in his first year, Harry knew they needed new blood. And not the people who had been hurriedly brought in during Fred, George, and Harry's suspension the previous year, either.

Ron was now defending his position of keeper and was looking extremely nervous. The poor bloke looked ready to drown in the dregs of his cereal bowl.

'Hello, everyone!'

Luna Lovegood had appeared. Several people on the table nearest were staring at her.

Harry guessed that it was because she had sat down on the bench inbetween Ron and Ginny. Students from other houses didn't tend to mix much during mealtimes. Or it could have been that Luna was wearing her favourite gurdyroot earrings.

Luna turned to the redhead.

'Good luck with the try-outs, Ronald,' she said, patting Ron on his arm. 'I'm sure you'll be brilliant. You're an excellent keeper.'

Ron smiled back, weakly, as Luna got up to go back to the Ravenclaw table.

'There are a lot of people trying out today,' Harry said, staring down at the long list of names he had been given by McGonagall. 'I don't remember there being this many last year; why is the Gryffindor team so popular all of a sudden?'

'Oh, honestly, Harry! It's not the team that's popular, it's you!' Hermione said. 'All the girls are talking about you nowadays. You've never been more mysterious, and -quite frankly- you've never been more fanciable.'

Ron choked on a mouthful of kipper. Hermione shot him a disgusted look, before turning back to Harry.

Harry raised his eyebrows at Hermione, as Ginny passed Ron a napkin.

'Fanciable?'

'Yes. Think about it; you've stuck to your story no matter how much the ministry and the Prophet were trying to smear your reputation, and you battled against death-eaters last summer.'

'Ron battled against death-eaters at the ministry too,' Harry said, motioning to the redhead.

'And your scar is a lot visible this year, so it's very striking,' Hermione continued, barely sparing Ron a glance.

'You can still see where those brains got me,' Ron said, rolling back his sleeves. 'You'd think after a few months, they would have gone away.'

'And it doesn't hurt that you've grown about a foot over the summer,' Hermione finished, completely ignoring Ron.

'I'm tall.'

Harry gave Ron a sympathetic look as Hermione went back to reading her book. The redhead was now looking more downcast than ever. Harry knew that Hermione wasn't the best at reading the mood, but this was one for the books. And this was coming from a bloke who hadn't been able to tell that Cho was asking him to Hogsmeade for Valentine's Day.

Ron gave Harry a slightly dour nod in return. Ginny left the table, her long red hair swaying from side to side.

The bell rang, and everyone began to get to their feet. There was some nervous excitement amongst the first years, who had never seen Quidditch try-outs before.

Harry patted Ron encouragingly on the arm as the redhead climbed to his feet, and Ron smiled back, albeit very nervously.

As the three of them walked out of the great hall, they drew near to Ginny and Luna. Luna looked over her shoulder at Ron, and smiled at him, before giving a small wave.

Looking a little confused, Ron smiled uncertainly and waved back.

Luna grinned even more as she turned back to Ginny. Harry couldn't help but notice that Ginny's smile was rather pretty.

Ron's walk instantly became a lot more confident. Harry resisted the urge to chuckle, as he knew Ron was always a bundle of insecurities before having to showcase his Quidditch abilities and needed every ounce of confidence he could muster. It was sweet of Luna to be supportive of him like this.

Hermione, however, settled into a glowering temper as they walked across the grounds, and disappeared into the stands without wishing Ron good luck.

A while later, they emerged from the stadium. Harry thought it had all gone very well. Ron had returned to the team on excellent form, having saved five out of five shots that Ginny (who had earlier been chosen as one of the new chasers) belted at him.

As Ron began chatting to the new beaters and chasers (a few of whom knew Ron from his performance the previous year), Harry and Ginny hung back to walk with Hermione.

'You know, for the so-called "brightest witch of her age", you're a bit of an idiot, you know that?'

'What?' Hermione asked, looking confused. 'What are you talking about?'

Ginny and Harry exchanged frustrated looks.

'You really don't know?'

'Don't know what?' Hermione replied. 'I'm glad Ron got on the team this year, don't you? You know how he gets with nerves.'

'No bloody wonder with you ignoring him.'

'Don't be silly; I was right there in the stands.'

'Oh, forget it!' Ginny said, before storming off ahead.

'What was she talking about?'

Harry sighed. He had a sneaking suspicion this was all going to go pear-shaped.

'I swear, we have way less patrols this year.'

Hermione rolled her eyes.

'Well, obviously. The teachers like the fifth-year prefects to feel more involved in their roles. Sixth and seventh-year prefects are largely a supervisory role; we just-'

'Help the fifth years and the head boy and girl,' Ron finished, chuckling. I know; I remember your speech to the other sixth-year prefects from on the train.'

'Yes, well,' Hermione said, primly. 'It's important to remember these things.'

The two of them walked in companionable silence for a while. The second floor corridor they were on was deserted.

'You think Harry's okay? He seemed to be really invested in this "Malfoy is a death-eater" theory he's got.'

'I doubt he's okay,' Hermione replied, sounding worried. 'You know what he's like; he never listens to me when I ask about these things.'

'That's just because you go overboard with it,' Ron said. 'The poor bloke can't deal with it when people go on at him about things.'

'I do not!'

'Yeah, and I'm the Chudley Cannons goalkeeper.'

Hermione huffed, as Ron chuckled to himself.

'Listen, don't worry about it,' he said, patting her on the shoulder. 'I'll have a chat to him about it after the next Quidditch practice.'

'Since when are you so mature about these things?'

Ron frowned.

'Oh, thanks…'

'No, I didn't mean- you… you know what I mean.'

'Yeah,' said Ron, glumly. 'Yeah, I do.'

That evenings practice hadn't gone well. Ron was a bundle of nerves, and he had ended up accidentally sending the Quaffle into Demelza Robbins's face. The poor bloke had apologised profusely, as the beaters helped Demelza off to the hospital wing to cure her bleeding nose. Ginny looked as if she wanted to yell at Ron about it, but -seeing his miserable expression- she seemed to decide he was already beating himself up about his performance without her criticising him.

On the way back up to Gryffindor Tower, Harry had kept up a non-stop amount of encouragement and support, so that by the time they began to near the portrait hole, Ron was looking marginally more cheerful.

Harry pushed aside the tapestry of their usual short-cut. But, instead of revealing the empty corridor they were both expecting, it revealed Ginny and Dean in a passionate embrace and kissing fiercely.

Harry's stomach seemed to turn into a fierce lizard, calling for Dean's instant expulsion from the team. Struggling with this sudden madness, Harry heard Ron's voice seemingly from a distance.

'Oy!'

Ginny pulled away from Dean, and turned to her brother, looking irritable.

'What?'

'I don't want to see my sister snogging people in corridors.'

'This place was deserted until you barged in,' Ginny said, angrily. 'And it's none of your business who I'm snogging.'

'Obviously, it isn't, but I don't want people saying bad things about you!'

As Dean hurried away, Ginny rounded on Ron, her face angry and irritable.

'Hermione's snogged Viktor Krum!'

Ron lay awake that night, staring up at the canopy of his four-poster bed. Was it really true? Harry seemed to have known as well, so why was Ron the only one who hadn't known? Was it because Hermione didn't think he'd be mature about it, given his dislike of Krum?

That was probably why, but the thought didn't make Ron feel any better. That had been two years ago! Did Hermione really think he hadn't matured at all during that time? Yes, he certainly didn't like Krum, but he didn't get mad at Hermione anymore about it. It wasn't her fault that the creep liked her, after all. Seriously, an eighteen-year-old trying to date someone who had barely turned fifteen? It honestly amazed Ron that no-one else had thought it was weird. Had the teachers really seen no issue with it?

Hermione had clearly seen no issue with it. But she had gotten her moment in the sun, hadn't she? She'd been on the arm of a famous Quidditch player for the ball, and everyone had been amazed at how beautiful she looked.

Ron punched his pillow in irritation.

She had always been beautiful! She was Hermione, after all!

But he hadn't told her that. How could he? Friends didn't go around telling each other that they were beautiful. Especially if the friend in question was a girl.

It had honestly shocked Ron that Hermione had ever thought that he hadn't noticed she was a girl until four years into their friendship. Did she honestly think he was that stupid?

Merlin, that was why, wasn't it? Well, she was the brightest witch of her age, but that didn't mean he was an idiot by comparison. He got good grades, didn't he? Just because he didn't enjoy studying, that didn't mean he had a brain the size of a pea!

Ron turned over, staring at the ceiling of his four-posted through the inky darkness.

He supposed… he had been deluding himself. Now that he thought about it, her invitation to Slughorn's Christmas party had clearly been out of pity. Because he was the only one not invited.

How could he ever have thought that she might see him as something other than just a friend? He'd been deluding himself for years. Whatever chance he might have had before the Yule Ball had long since disappeared. He'd thought for a while that maybe things would be okay; Hermione had kissed him on the cheek before the first match of fifth year, after all. But no. Presumably, she had just meant it in a platonic way.

Ron sighed, and turned onto his side.

That was it, then. No more holding onto the hope that someday things would work out.

Time to move on.

'Ron, did you check over your notes like I suggested?

'Yes.'

'Well, do you feel more comfortable about the subject now?'

'Yeah.'

'Ron… are you feeling okay?'

'I'm fine. I'm gonna go and get that book out of the library; see you later.'

It was the next evening. Harry had initially been worried that Ron would be irritable at Hermione, but -on further reflection- he would have almost preferred that to the quiet cool that Ron was now exhibiting towards Hermione. It wasn't even that he was coming across as angry or upset; it was more like he was… trying to create some space between them? Not enough that he was being unfriendly, but definitely enough that he didn't seem as close as he had been before.

Hermione stared after Ron in quiet confusion, before rounding on Harry.

'What's wrong with him? All day he's been like this; I can barely get a word out of him!'

Harry awkwardly tried to look away, as if he hadn't heard her.

'Harry James Potter, you know something about this! Tell me, now!'

'I… well, we ran into Ginny and Dean snogging after practice yesterday.'

'So?'

Harry debated whether-or-not he should tell the full story. On the one hand, it would likely help Hermione understand. On the other, Harry knew that Hermione would likely take Ron's reaction to the news about Krum very badly, and that it would likely cause another row between her and Ron.

'I… I think he just got a bit upset about it. You know he's always comparing himself to his siblings.'

Hermione stared, her brown wrinkled.

'I suppose. Still, I don't see why he's being so distant with me.'

'Probably because you're his main friend who's a girl.'

Hermione seemed to blush a little at this.

'I mean,' Harry continued, 'aside from Luna.'

Hermione's smile slipped off her face faster than stinksap.

'Well, yes; I suppose Luna is closer to him than she used to be. But I'm still his best friend.'

'Maybe you should talk to Ron about it?'

Hermione shook her head, and began to write on her parchment again.

'The last time Ron and I talked about this sort of thing; it ended up a blazing row after the Yule Ball. I already know that talking about things with him never works.'

Harry went silent. He was really wishing that he could explain things properly, but something about growing up with the Dursleys had effectively put a stopper on his understanding of emotional stuff.

Ron felt his stomach lurch miserably as he walked into the library. Getting over Hermione was not easy. He wasn't as if he could just stop speaking to her (she was his best friend, after all), so he'd settled for being slightly quieter around her, and trying his best not to get worked up whenever she spoke to him. It wasn't easy; he'd been fancying Hermione since he was… thirteen? Twelve? He honestly had no idea when his feelings had changed. But changed they had, and now he was undergoing the arduous task of trying to change his feelings yet again.

He hated being distant with Hermione like this, but there was no other way. If he got angry about it like he had in fourth year, he'd likely end up making his feelings clear, and would likely destroy their friendship at the same time. Better to slowly get rid of his feelings like this, so at least he could go back to seeing Hermione in a platonic way and keep their friendship intact.

He and Ginny had apologised to each other for what they'd said the previous evening, but that didn't take back what Ron now knew.

Feeling about as miserable as he had been when he had been lying in bed the previous night, Ron pulled the book he needed off the shelf.

'Oh, are you studying vampires, Ronald?'

A pair of large grey eyes stared through the gap in the bookcase at him.

'Er, yeah,' Ron chuckled, walking round the large oak bookcase. 'Sorry; did you want it?'

'No, I was just curious,' Luna Lovegood said, cheerfully. 'Are you trying to take your mind off things?'

Ron did a double-take.

'How did you-'

'Oh, your expression,' she said, falling into step next to him as they walked through the bookcases towards Madam Pince's desk. 'I often find I do more essay-writing when I want to avoid thinking about things.'

It surprised Ron to hear this. That even Luna tried to distract herself occasionally. She had always seemed like the sort of person who never needed to worry about such things.

'What do you worry about?'

'Normal things,' Luna said. 'I get worried about dad, my friends, not to mention the wizarding world in general. But schoolwork too.'

'Fair point. But at least you don't have to worry about Quidditch.'

'Are you?'

'I guess,' Ron said, handing his book to Madam Pince as they arrived at her desk.

The librarian handed Ron back the book, scowling at the two students as they walked away. Madam Pince was the sort of librarian who didn't like actual people interfering with her books. In her perfect world, a library would be completely empty of people. Especially people who talked, or moved, or made any sort of noise.

It was no surprise to anyone that there were rumours of Madam Pince having a torrid affair with Argus Filch.

'You don't need to worry, Ronald,' Luna said, staring up at Ron as they walked through the castle. 'You're an excellent keeper.'

'Thanks,' Ron said, feeling his ears go red. 'Listen…you don't need to worry about schoolwork; from what Ginny says, you're one smart cookie.'

Luna smiled, her cheeks flushing pink. Ron had to admit, Luna looked rather cute when she was bashful. Come to think about it, Luna was cute in general, both in personality and looks. How had he not have noticed that before?

'Thank you, Ronald.'

'No worries', Ron said, grinning back.

They walked on in comfortable silence, until they reached the corridor that led back to Gryffindor Tower. The castle was quiet around them.

'Well, night, Luna,' Ron said. 'Thanks for the encouragement.'

'Thank you for being so nice, Ronald. And good luck with the match; I know you'll do brilliantly.'

Luna stood up on her tip toes and pressed a soft kiss to Ron's cheek.

The Ravenclaw smiled again, her grey eyes sparkling, before skipping away in the opposite direction. Her blonde hair danced in the candlelight.

Ron grinned to himself as he watched her go, feeling her chapstick pressed gently over his stubble.

'Yeah,' Ron murmured, before turning back to Gryffindor Tower. 'I guess she does know…'

'That's how Ron saved everything! He had luck potion!'

Harry brought the bottle of luck potion out of his pocket. It was still tightly sealed with wax.

'I never put any of it in Ron's drink,' he said, grinning as he turned to Ron. 'I just pretended to, so you'd think you were lucky. You didn't need luck potion; you saved it all yourself!'

'I didn't… I really didn't have any luck potion?'

Harry shook his head.

Ron stood still for a moment, before turning to Hermione.

'So… I guess you really do think I'm that bad at Quidditch, then.'

Hermione opened and closed her mouth several times like a fish.

'Of… of course I don't think you're bad at it, Ron!' She exclaimed, very flustered. 'But… well, you thought you'd had the potion as well, and-'

Ron picked up his broomstick.

'I'm going back to Gryffindor tower. See you later.'

'Ron, I-'

But Ron had walked out the door. Harry thought he heard a sad sigh as it closed between him.

'So…' Harry said, awkwardly. 'Shall we head up to the party, then?'

'You go!' Hermione exclaimed, her eyes filling with tears. 'I'm sick of having to deal with Ron; I haven't even done anything!'

Hermione stormed off, the door slamming shut behind her.

'That's just it,' Harry said. 'You haven't done anything.'

Harry climbed through the portrait hole, to find the Gryffindor common room filled with people and the sounds of celebration. Food and drink were freely flowing. The Weasley is our king chant was being sung at full volume. At the centre of it all was Ron. But he was not alone.

Luna was stood with him, their hands intertwined. As Harry watched, Ron leaned down and whispered something in the Ravenclaw's ear, and she laughed. Ron smiled to himself as the blonde girl giggled next to him.

'Well, I can't say I'm surprised.'

Ginny had appeared next to Harry, carrying a plate of food, and with Arnold the Pygmy Puff on her shoulder.

'Have you seen Hermione anywhere?'

Ginny shrugged.

'Probably in her dormitory. You can't say that we didn't try and warn her that this might happen. I'll take her up some food in a bit. Good game, Harry.'

Ginny patted Harry on the shoulder, causing goosebumps to erupt up his neck. Crookshanks followed her into the crowd, his eyes trained on Arnold.

At that moment, Harry felt someone brush quickly past him. Turning round, Harry saw a mane of bushy hair disappear through the portrait hole.

Oh, brilliant…

Sidestepping the Creevey brothers, Harry climbed through the portrait hole and began to walk along the corridor. Seeing the door of a classroom ajar, he poked his head through.

Hermione was sat on the teachers' desk, watching a flock of canaries that she had just enchanted.

'Oh, s-sorry, Harry; I just thought I'd practice.'

'Yeah, they're… they're really good.'

Harry was just beginning to think it was possible that she might not have seen Ron at all and had simply just gotten sick of the noisy atmosphere of the common room, when Hermione spoke again.

'Ron seems to be enjoying the celebrations.'

'Er, does he?'

Hermione narrowed her eyes.

'Don't act like you didn't see him. Hard to miss him and-'

The door opened, and Ron stepped through. Luna was with him.