012QS
Chapter Twelve

Do You Quarrel Sir?

The next several weeks on the highland were extremely happy; one of the best in Harry's life. Hermione couldn't attend their nearly endless party, she on 'vacation' according to her letter. Even though Harry and Ron already knew she was spending several weeks with Viktor Krum the Bulgarian Seeker, whom she met last year when the Triwizard Tournament was held at Hogwarts.

Ron scowled slightly after reading her letter, "She's spending time with Viktor," Ron said in a mocking voice, "And she doesn't even bother to tell us. Like we don't know already! That's the problem with her; she treats us like we're to stupid to understand anything, just because she's read however many hundreds of books!"

He continued ranting and raving. Harry laughed at him behind his back. Ron was getting very carried away with it.

"Jealous," Harry said, watching his friends back and turning to leave.

"Huh?" Ron questioned immediately, spinning around and staring at him. Harry could feel an intense stare on his back, he relaxed, turned around, and looked into his friend's eyes.

"Did I say something?" Harry asked, looking at Ron and making his eyes look innocent.

"You did. Tell me!" Ron commanded, trying to stare him down.

"Oh... it wasn't anything important," Harry said, ignoring his friend's angry glare. He turned again and headed towards the sliding glass door, "I was just saying that you're jealous."

Harry remained calm and continued to walk towards the door.

Ron followed him with his eyes, "What am I?" Ron asked, his temper was flaring but he wanted to make sure he'd heard right before he strangled his best friend to death.

Harry slowly put his hand on the sliding glass door and pulled it open a crack, "Somebody is jealous," Harry mocked in a singsong voice.

With that said, Harry yanked the door open and darted out onto the concrete. Ron's eyes quickly flared as he bolted after him, faster then he'd ever run before.

Harry, using his dodging skills he'd picked up from being chased after Dudley, darted quickly, trying to find somewhere out of Ron's reach. Ron was also a relatively fast runner, as he too had been picked on when he was little. With a dive, Ron grabbed for Harry's shoulders and they tumbled onto the ground. Crashing into the fence that held York's magical creatures.

Quickly getting the upper hand, Ron pinned Harry to the ground and looked down at him with a dirt covered face.

"Apologize," he commanded. Harry tried to struggle and kick himself free, but when he realized it was useless he gave up and looked up at his friend.

"I'll apologize when you admit something," Harry said, still allowing Ron to pin him into the grass.

"What?" Ron asked, squeezing Harry's shoulders.

"You have to admit that you love Hermione," Harry said, smirking slightly. Ron flushed magenta, but didn't respond. Harry chuckled, and when Ron was distracted, kicked him. Ron tumbled off of Harry, and slid across the grass.

"Well? I'm waiting," Harry said, leaning towards him.

"Um... Well," Ron said, blushing even most then before, "I've never thought about it."

"Yeah right, you pervert," Harry said hitting him in the head, "You've been trying to get into her trousers for a long time."

"No I haven't!" Ron said jumping to his feet. Harry leaped up and they stared at each other.

"Don't lie," Harry said, pointing at him, "I've seen the way you look at her."

Ron blushed, but didn't answer. His hands clenched at his sides and he looked like he was going to punch him. Harry saw this and was on his guard.

"Stop it, Ron!" Ginny said, running up to him, "Why don't you just admit it? I heard you saying her name in your sleep!"

Ron stared down at Ginny, and now all his anger turned onto her. There was a chortle that broke his stare on her. Harry was laughing so hard he was holding his sides.

"I'm sorry," Harry said between gasps of breath, "I won't laugh anymore... I promise."

There was a brief moment of silence, then Harry and Ginny burst out laughing at the same time.

Ron's lips turned up a little bit, and he un-clenched his fists. Harry stopped laughing and was gasping deeply for breath.