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Authors' Note: Sorry again about the pesky asterisks. It's supposed to be italics.
Chapter 3: The Third Lesson
On Saturday morning Harry received a message from Hagrid inviting them for tea. The groundskeeper was obviously anxious to hear about the progress of their new class, and after Harry asked if Ginny could come along the four of them spent a pleasant afternoon in Hagrid's hut. The giant persuaded the two couples to demonstrate some of their new dance moves, much to his amusement, and as the children were leaving he pulled Harry aside.
"Glad ter see yeh includin' little Ginny in yer group," the giant commented with a pleased smile. "She's a sweet girl."
"Yes, she is," Harry agreed. They had never spent much time together before because of their different schedules, but now that they had something else in common he found her easy to talk to. He, Ron, and Hermione were all happy that she had joined their little triangle.
"Watch out fer her in class, Harry." Hagrid grew somber. "No telling what that Malfoy brat'll do." Harry nodded. He already thought the same thing. "But remember what I said," Hagrid warned as Harry started to leave. "Let Malfoy get what he deserves on his own. I don't want yeh gettin' inter trouble over that worthless git."
Despite Hagrid's words of wisdom, Harry and his friends couldn't help but scheme a little. Hermione pointed out that Ron would probably do something really crazy if they didn't try to distract him by plotting retribution, and the others had to agree. But by the time the next lesson rolled around they were still trying to come up with a plan of revenge that would not involve their expulsion from Hogwarts. Even the masters of mischief, Fred and George, had been unable to concoct a suitable punishment for Malfoy.
Tension was thick in the classroom that Friday. Both the Gryffindors and Slytherins expected Ron to lose it completely if anything else happened, and apparently Malfoy was counting on it. As soon as the music started and Professors McGonagall and Dumbledore were occupied helping the students, he and Pansy began waltzing their way towards Ron and Hermione. Harry, Fred, and George had been watching Malfoy and quickly led their partners over as well. They formed a protective sort of ring around their friends, but they couldn't prevent Malfoy from hissing snide comments as he circled around them.
Hermione eyed Ron nervously. "Just ignore him," she entreated. "We can't do anything yet, remember?" Ron didn't answer, and Harry saw her squeeze his hand. "You promised!"
Watching from the corner of his eye, Harry could tell Hermione was keeping up a steady stream of chatter to draw Ron's attention away from Malfoy. Ron's face was carefully neutral, but Harry was sure he was leaving permanent finger marks on Hermione's back. He himself stepped on Ginny's feet several times, though she was too busy watching her brother to notice or care.
"Hey, Weasel," Malfoy sneered, "looks like your sister managed to snag herself a *famous* boyfriend." He threw a poisonous glare at Harry, who was more than happy to return the favour. "Too bad you're not so lucky." His voice lilted tauntingly while he gave Hermione an appraising glance. "But don't feel bad--you still have Potter's leftovers."
Hermione flushed redder than Ron's hair and her eyes narrowed dangerously, but she kept a firm grip on Ron and bit her tongue, steering them away from Malfoy. Harry quickly followed suit, wondering if he could prevent himself from pummeling Malfoy, much less Ron.
On the pretense of conversing with Pansy, the Malfoy heir raised his voice for Ron to hear as they circled by.
"Of course, this school has gone downhill since my father was here," he was saying with a melodramatic sigh. "Just look at the rubbish they let in these days. Take little Weasley here, for example. Why he even bothers to come to this class is beyond me. The only way he could get a date to the Ball is if he paid her." Malfoy smirked, letting his gaze sweep over Ron in mock sympathy. "Oh, wait, I guess that's not really an option." And he and Pansy both began to laugh.
"Shut up, Malfoy," growled Harry, catching the Slytherin's last comment. He and Ginny exchanged worried glances, though so far Hermione remained successful in her efforts to control Ron.
"Don't let him get to you, Ron!" Harry heard her hiss through clenched teeth. "He's trying to get you in trouble!" Ron was staring straight ahead, his back to Malfoy and his whole body shaking with fury. His grip on Hermione's hand was so tight Harry wondered if she would have any feeling left in her fingers.
Obviously disappointed that Ron hadn't taken the bait, Malfoy stepped up his efforts. But this time his voice rose a little too far, attracting the attention of the other students and the two professors.
"I guess it's better that they're partners," he told Pansy, wrinkling his nose in distaste at Ron and Hermione. "Don't want the rest of us contaminated by Muggle-lovers and Mudbloods."
CRACK!
Harry never knew exactly what happened next, but suddenly Malfoy was lying on the floor and Ron was standing over him, his right fist suspended in mid air. For a moment no one moved or spoke, and only those closest to Ron heard his words to the fallen Slytherin.
"Never-say-anything-like-that-again."
Ron's voice was low and amazingly calm, but Harry shivered. It certainly wasn't the first time he had seen his best friend really angry, but this time Ron was *dangerous*.
Another long moment passed as the reality of the situation sank in. Ron stood tall and motionless at Malfoy's feet, with Hermione beside him staring at his clenched fist. Pansy quivered on one side of her partner's head, covering her mouth in horror. Fred and George were frozen in mid-step nearby, utterly shocked, while Harry remained riveted to the floor still holding Ginny in his arms. The only sound came from Malfoy himself as he coughed weakly and raised his head, holding his face with one hand. Blood trickled from his nose and a bruise was already beginning to darken his left eye where Ron's fist had slammed into his face.
"Mr. Weasley."
Professor Dumbledore's quiet voice broke the silence at last, and Ron turned slowly to face him. "You know better than to engage in acts of violence with another student. You have just cost Gryffindor 10 points." Ron paled and hung his head while the other Gryffindors moaned in dismay. Some Slytherins snickered, and a triumphant gleam entered Malfoy's eyes as he sat up and started to rise. But the smirk left his face when Dumbledore wheeled on him with a steely gaze.
"As for you, Mr. Malfoy," the silver-haired headmaster said stiffly, "Hogwarts does not condone that kind of language. Slytherin will lose 50 points and you will apologize immediately to Mr. Weasley and Miss Granger for your insulting behaviour."
Malfoy's jaw fell open unflatteringly. The Gryffindors were too stunned to gloat over his humiliating defeat, and Ron and Hermione only nodded mutely at his mumbled apology.
Professor Dumbledore turned to Pansy. "Miss Parkinson, see that Mr. Malfoy gets cleaned up. The rest of you may return to your dorms. Class is dismissed."
"Sh-should I take him to Madame Pomfrey?" Pansy called timidly after the professor.
He turned to look back at Professor McGonagall, who nodded her head slightly. "No, Miss Parkinson. Mr. Malfoy can heal on his own." Dumbledore looked down at Malfoy reproachfully. "Until then, let his face be a reminder to everyone that such appalling behaviour will not be tolerated at this school."
Somehow the students made it back to their respective common rooms without uttering a word. But no sooner had the last of the Gryffindors crowded through the painting than Ron was surrounded by his cheering housemates, each of them trying to congratulate him on such a decisive victory.
"Way to go, Ron!" Lee Jordan shouted, slapping him on the back.
"You sure showed him!" Katie Bell agreed.
"That lousy snake has had it coming for five years! Bloody good show, Weasley!" crowed Seamus Finnigan loudly.
"Did you see the look on Malfoy's face when he apologized?" George hooted.
"That was priceless!" Fred leaned in to tousle Ron's hair proudly. "Our little brother," he nudged George and feigned weepiness. "All grown up and slugging obnoxious Slytherins."
Colin Creevey sighed heavily. "I wish I'd had my camera! What a moment!" He got to his feet suddenly. "Wait till everyone else hears about this! They'll be thrilled!"
"Yeah," Dean Thomas jumped up to follow, "except for the Slytherins! I bet their common room is pretty tense right now!" Everyone laughed heartily as they scattered to spread the news, leaving Harry, Ginny, and Hermione alone with Ron at last.
Harry didn't quite know what to say. The four of them shifted nervously, avoiding eye contact. Finally Ron took a deep breath and raised his eyes, and they all looked up at him expectantly.
"I guess I shouldn't have done that," he said guiltily, rubbing the back of his neck and dragging his toe across the carpet.
"What?" Harry wasn't sure he had heard correctly.
"I broke my promise and lost 10 points," Ron continued. "I'm sorry for letting you down." He looked away again with a dejected sigh.
Harry got up and took Ron by the shoulders. "Ron, listen to me," he said. "Promises or no promises, you did the right thing. Malfoy had no right saying what he did." He smiled at Ron. "I'm proud to have you for a friend."
Ron's eyes looked suspiciously moist and he blinked in surprise. "Really?" he asked. "Then you're not mad at me?" He looked back and forth among the three of them.
"Of course not, Ron!" Ginny gave him a quick hug. "I'm proud of you, too."
Ron was grinning now, allowing himself to revel in the success of his exploit. But his smile faded when his eyes fell on Hermione. "I suppose you're going to lecture me on the rules against fighting," he said glumly.
"No I'm not," Hermione shook her head. She seemed almost wary as she stepped closer and met his gaze. "I was going to thank you, for defending me. I think it was very brave of you to stand up to Malfoy."
For once Ron was speechless. He stared back at Hermione for a long moment before shrugging modestly. "I didn't do it to be brave. I just couldn't stand to let him get away with it anymore." Ron smiled absently, grinding his fist against his palm. "It did feel pretty good to let him have it," he admitted with a sly grin. They all looked at each other before bursting out laughing.
"Ha ha!" Harry cackled, "Malfoy won't be able to live this one down for a while!"
"I hope his black eye lasts for a month!" Hermione burst out savagely. "I should have punched him in the other eye!"
"Hermione!" exclaimed Ginny, shocked. Then a strange glint entered her eyes and she smiled wickedly. "Well, maybe next time Ron can hold him down and we can all have a go!" she suggested.
Now it was Harry's turn to be surprised. "Ginny!" he gasped, eyes wide. Ron laughed.
"It's the Weasley temper, Harry," he said. "Runs in the family."
Harry smiled. "Remind me never to get on your bad side!"
"Nah," Ron chuckled, "we'll save it for Malfoy and his goons. Come on," he tilted his head toward the door, "let's go see if he shows up for dinner. I want to see what color his eye is."
"Good idea," Hermione grinned. Harry pulled Ginny after them as she disappeared through the portrait with Ron.
Authors' Note: Read on to find out what Hagrid and the rest of the school think of Ron's exploits. Also in the next part, the Yule Ball approaches. Will Harry ask Cho? And can Ron learn from last year's mistake?
Authors' Note: Sorry again about the pesky asterisks. It's supposed to be italics.
Chapter 3: The Third Lesson
On Saturday morning Harry received a message from Hagrid inviting them for tea. The groundskeeper was obviously anxious to hear about the progress of their new class, and after Harry asked if Ginny could come along the four of them spent a pleasant afternoon in Hagrid's hut. The giant persuaded the two couples to demonstrate some of their new dance moves, much to his amusement, and as the children were leaving he pulled Harry aside.
"Glad ter see yeh includin' little Ginny in yer group," the giant commented with a pleased smile. "She's a sweet girl."
"Yes, she is," Harry agreed. They had never spent much time together before because of their different schedules, but now that they had something else in common he found her easy to talk to. He, Ron, and Hermione were all happy that she had joined their little triangle.
"Watch out fer her in class, Harry." Hagrid grew somber. "No telling what that Malfoy brat'll do." Harry nodded. He already thought the same thing. "But remember what I said," Hagrid warned as Harry started to leave. "Let Malfoy get what he deserves on his own. I don't want yeh gettin' inter trouble over that worthless git."
Despite Hagrid's words of wisdom, Harry and his friends couldn't help but scheme a little. Hermione pointed out that Ron would probably do something really crazy if they didn't try to distract him by plotting retribution, and the others had to agree. But by the time the next lesson rolled around they were still trying to come up with a plan of revenge that would not involve their expulsion from Hogwarts. Even the masters of mischief, Fred and George, had been unable to concoct a suitable punishment for Malfoy.
Tension was thick in the classroom that Friday. Both the Gryffindors and Slytherins expected Ron to lose it completely if anything else happened, and apparently Malfoy was counting on it. As soon as the music started and Professors McGonagall and Dumbledore were occupied helping the students, he and Pansy began waltzing their way towards Ron and Hermione. Harry, Fred, and George had been watching Malfoy and quickly led their partners over as well. They formed a protective sort of ring around their friends, but they couldn't prevent Malfoy from hissing snide comments as he circled around them.
Hermione eyed Ron nervously. "Just ignore him," she entreated. "We can't do anything yet, remember?" Ron didn't answer, and Harry saw her squeeze his hand. "You promised!"
Watching from the corner of his eye, Harry could tell Hermione was keeping up a steady stream of chatter to draw Ron's attention away from Malfoy. Ron's face was carefully neutral, but Harry was sure he was leaving permanent finger marks on Hermione's back. He himself stepped on Ginny's feet several times, though she was too busy watching her brother to notice or care.
"Hey, Weasel," Malfoy sneered, "looks like your sister managed to snag herself a *famous* boyfriend." He threw a poisonous glare at Harry, who was more than happy to return the favour. "Too bad you're not so lucky." His voice lilted tauntingly while he gave Hermione an appraising glance. "But don't feel bad--you still have Potter's leftovers."
Hermione flushed redder than Ron's hair and her eyes narrowed dangerously, but she kept a firm grip on Ron and bit her tongue, steering them away from Malfoy. Harry quickly followed suit, wondering if he could prevent himself from pummeling Malfoy, much less Ron.
On the pretense of conversing with Pansy, the Malfoy heir raised his voice for Ron to hear as they circled by.
"Of course, this school has gone downhill since my father was here," he was saying with a melodramatic sigh. "Just look at the rubbish they let in these days. Take little Weasley here, for example. Why he even bothers to come to this class is beyond me. The only way he could get a date to the Ball is if he paid her." Malfoy smirked, letting his gaze sweep over Ron in mock sympathy. "Oh, wait, I guess that's not really an option." And he and Pansy both began to laugh.
"Shut up, Malfoy," growled Harry, catching the Slytherin's last comment. He and Ginny exchanged worried glances, though so far Hermione remained successful in her efforts to control Ron.
"Don't let him get to you, Ron!" Harry heard her hiss through clenched teeth. "He's trying to get you in trouble!" Ron was staring straight ahead, his back to Malfoy and his whole body shaking with fury. His grip on Hermione's hand was so tight Harry wondered if she would have any feeling left in her fingers.
Obviously disappointed that Ron hadn't taken the bait, Malfoy stepped up his efforts. But this time his voice rose a little too far, attracting the attention of the other students and the two professors.
"I guess it's better that they're partners," he told Pansy, wrinkling his nose in distaste at Ron and Hermione. "Don't want the rest of us contaminated by Muggle-lovers and Mudbloods."
CRACK!
Harry never knew exactly what happened next, but suddenly Malfoy was lying on the floor and Ron was standing over him, his right fist suspended in mid air. For a moment no one moved or spoke, and only those closest to Ron heard his words to the fallen Slytherin.
"Never-say-anything-like-that-again."
Ron's voice was low and amazingly calm, but Harry shivered. It certainly wasn't the first time he had seen his best friend really angry, but this time Ron was *dangerous*.
Another long moment passed as the reality of the situation sank in. Ron stood tall and motionless at Malfoy's feet, with Hermione beside him staring at his clenched fist. Pansy quivered on one side of her partner's head, covering her mouth in horror. Fred and George were frozen in mid-step nearby, utterly shocked, while Harry remained riveted to the floor still holding Ginny in his arms. The only sound came from Malfoy himself as he coughed weakly and raised his head, holding his face with one hand. Blood trickled from his nose and a bruise was already beginning to darken his left eye where Ron's fist had slammed into his face.
"Mr. Weasley."
Professor Dumbledore's quiet voice broke the silence at last, and Ron turned slowly to face him. "You know better than to engage in acts of violence with another student. You have just cost Gryffindor 10 points." Ron paled and hung his head while the other Gryffindors moaned in dismay. Some Slytherins snickered, and a triumphant gleam entered Malfoy's eyes as he sat up and started to rise. But the smirk left his face when Dumbledore wheeled on him with a steely gaze.
"As for you, Mr. Malfoy," the silver-haired headmaster said stiffly, "Hogwarts does not condone that kind of language. Slytherin will lose 50 points and you will apologize immediately to Mr. Weasley and Miss Granger for your insulting behaviour."
Malfoy's jaw fell open unflatteringly. The Gryffindors were too stunned to gloat over his humiliating defeat, and Ron and Hermione only nodded mutely at his mumbled apology.
Professor Dumbledore turned to Pansy. "Miss Parkinson, see that Mr. Malfoy gets cleaned up. The rest of you may return to your dorms. Class is dismissed."
"Sh-should I take him to Madame Pomfrey?" Pansy called timidly after the professor.
He turned to look back at Professor McGonagall, who nodded her head slightly. "No, Miss Parkinson. Mr. Malfoy can heal on his own." Dumbledore looked down at Malfoy reproachfully. "Until then, let his face be a reminder to everyone that such appalling behaviour will not be tolerated at this school."
Somehow the students made it back to their respective common rooms without uttering a word. But no sooner had the last of the Gryffindors crowded through the painting than Ron was surrounded by his cheering housemates, each of them trying to congratulate him on such a decisive victory.
"Way to go, Ron!" Lee Jordan shouted, slapping him on the back.
"You sure showed him!" Katie Bell agreed.
"That lousy snake has had it coming for five years! Bloody good show, Weasley!" crowed Seamus Finnigan loudly.
"Did you see the look on Malfoy's face when he apologized?" George hooted.
"That was priceless!" Fred leaned in to tousle Ron's hair proudly. "Our little brother," he nudged George and feigned weepiness. "All grown up and slugging obnoxious Slytherins."
Colin Creevey sighed heavily. "I wish I'd had my camera! What a moment!" He got to his feet suddenly. "Wait till everyone else hears about this! They'll be thrilled!"
"Yeah," Dean Thomas jumped up to follow, "except for the Slytherins! I bet their common room is pretty tense right now!" Everyone laughed heartily as they scattered to spread the news, leaving Harry, Ginny, and Hermione alone with Ron at last.
Harry didn't quite know what to say. The four of them shifted nervously, avoiding eye contact. Finally Ron took a deep breath and raised his eyes, and they all looked up at him expectantly.
"I guess I shouldn't have done that," he said guiltily, rubbing the back of his neck and dragging his toe across the carpet.
"What?" Harry wasn't sure he had heard correctly.
"I broke my promise and lost 10 points," Ron continued. "I'm sorry for letting you down." He looked away again with a dejected sigh.
Harry got up and took Ron by the shoulders. "Ron, listen to me," he said. "Promises or no promises, you did the right thing. Malfoy had no right saying what he did." He smiled at Ron. "I'm proud to have you for a friend."
Ron's eyes looked suspiciously moist and he blinked in surprise. "Really?" he asked. "Then you're not mad at me?" He looked back and forth among the three of them.
"Of course not, Ron!" Ginny gave him a quick hug. "I'm proud of you, too."
Ron was grinning now, allowing himself to revel in the success of his exploit. But his smile faded when his eyes fell on Hermione. "I suppose you're going to lecture me on the rules against fighting," he said glumly.
"No I'm not," Hermione shook her head. She seemed almost wary as she stepped closer and met his gaze. "I was going to thank you, for defending me. I think it was very brave of you to stand up to Malfoy."
For once Ron was speechless. He stared back at Hermione for a long moment before shrugging modestly. "I didn't do it to be brave. I just couldn't stand to let him get away with it anymore." Ron smiled absently, grinding his fist against his palm. "It did feel pretty good to let him have it," he admitted with a sly grin. They all looked at each other before bursting out laughing.
"Ha ha!" Harry cackled, "Malfoy won't be able to live this one down for a while!"
"I hope his black eye lasts for a month!" Hermione burst out savagely. "I should have punched him in the other eye!"
"Hermione!" exclaimed Ginny, shocked. Then a strange glint entered her eyes and she smiled wickedly. "Well, maybe next time Ron can hold him down and we can all have a go!" she suggested.
Now it was Harry's turn to be surprised. "Ginny!" he gasped, eyes wide. Ron laughed.
"It's the Weasley temper, Harry," he said. "Runs in the family."
Harry smiled. "Remind me never to get on your bad side!"
"Nah," Ron chuckled, "we'll save it for Malfoy and his goons. Come on," he tilted his head toward the door, "let's go see if he shows up for dinner. I want to see what color his eye is."
"Good idea," Hermione grinned. Harry pulled Ginny after them as she disappeared through the portrait with Ron.
Authors' Note: Read on to find out what Hagrid and the rest of the school think of Ron's exploits. Also in the next part, the Yule Ball approaches. Will Harry ask Cho? And can Ron learn from last year's mistake?