5th Year Love
Chapter 5
Misunderstanding
That woke Harry up. He sat upright nearly knocking Hermione to the floor.
"What is all the commotion about?" Hermione was rubbing her eyes. Opening them she noticed Ginny grinning madly and jumping telling Harry to hurry up. Harry grabbed Hermione's hand and pulled her up.
"He woke up! Ron's awake!" Harry dragged Hermione through the portrait hole, followed closely by Ginny.
Hermione's jaw dropped and her eyes began to water. "Well then! What are we waiting for!" and she bolted down the corridor towards the hospital wing.
They got to the infirmary only to find the door locked and a group of people standing outside the door. Mrs. Weasley was crying into her husband's shoulder. Fred and George were pacing, cursing under their breath. Professor McGonagoll was comforting Hagrid (which for any of you who have ever comforted a sobbing giant know is not an easy task).
Ginny put her hand on the wall and was gasping for breath. Hermione grabbed her side from a muscle cramp. Harry walked over to the twins who looked as if they hadn't slept in days.
"So….what do we know?"
"Nothing. As soon as he woke up, that bi-('Hey now Fred!), fine! That woman shooed us out!"
Just as he said that, the door creaked open and out came Madame Pomfrey and Dumbledore. The group of people crowded around them, chattering, asking what happened. Dumbledore held up his hands to silence them.
"Mr. Weasley has in fact awoken, but he still needs his peace and quiet. Madame Pomfrey will be more than willing to allow some visitors in, but not for long. Ron has gone through a lot, and needs some rest." He stood aside allowing people to walk through. Mrs. Weasley, tears in her eyes, went straight to her son and hugged him till he choked, "Mum-I can't breathe…"
Harry hung back with Mr. Weasley to ask Dumbledore a question. They surprised one another when they asked it at the same moment: "What happened to him?"
Dumbledore smiled and sighed. "That we do not know for sure. All Ron remembers is that he turned around, saw three dark figures, a flash and waking up here. From what I can tell, it was a stunning charm, a highly advanced stunning charm, one that knocks people out for a few days. Since we didn't know which charm it was, or by whom is was conducted, how powerful it was, we couldn't find a counter-spell. As far as the three dark figures, I don't doubt that they were Death Eaters, or related to Voldemort in one way or another. What they were doing on Hogwarts property, how they got onto Hogwarts property, I do not know, but you can be assured that we are placing some more charms and other forms of protection around the campus. We cannot afford to have students or teachers for that matter hurt in any way. If I were you, I wouldn't worry about it though. We are taking several precautions and setting up protection. I am going to keep this low profile. Just what we need…a report from that Skeeter woman criticizing our school. But we haven't heard from her lately have we…anyways, Mr. Weasley, your son will be fine. You can go in there." He smiled down at Harry and Harry noticed that familiar twinkle in his eyes. He followed Mr. Weasley into to the room to find Ron telling the story, the brief story, to his family.
"…and now I'm here. And that's all I remember." He was pale and looked ill. The cut on his forehead was barely visible, and his arm had healed, but he looked beat. Getting hit with a powerful curse can knock the wind out a person.
Hermione was standing to the side, chewing on her fingernails, with a relieved, strained look in her eyes. Harry walked over and put his arm around her reassuringly. She looked up at him and smiled. Ron noticed them from the corner of his eye and felt his ears go pink. Somewhere in the back of his mind a horrible thought hit him. Were they…? No…not Harry and Hermione…but the way they were standing there…
"Ron will need a couple days' rest and plenty of chocolate but he should be fine," Madame Pomfrey was saying, as she was bustling about the infirmary, "And don't worry about whoever those people were. Let Professor Dumbledore handle that. Everything is under control. Now, everyone out! You can come back tomorrow-"
"Madame Pomfrey," Hermione broke away from Harry and looked apprehensively at the nurse, "couldn't we stay for a few minutes. Please?"
Madame Pomfrey looked around at all the anxious faces, threw up her hands in defeat and walked out of the room to give them privacy.
George and Fred immediately began joking about, Ginny was telling Ron he was the one who needed protection, and not her; Mr. and Mrs. Weasley were standing to the side, beaming at their children, happy that Ron was safe. Harry and Hermione edged their way to the bed. Harry ruffled Ron's head in a brotherly way and said, "Ron, you scared us to death! You better never do that again. We thought…well, it wasn't good what we thought. Just…we're glad you're ok." Harry turned away and wiped his eyes discreetly hoping no one would notice. Hermione was still smiling down at Ron with tears in her eyes. "Oh, Ron. I am so thankful…I didn't know what was going to happen…I thought I'd never get to tell you…" but she stopped. She didn't want to tell him with other people in the room. So she leaned down and hugged him whispering in his ear, "I need to talk to you. So hurry up and get better." She pulled away, smiled and walked with Ginny and Harry back to the common room.
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A few days later, Ron was sitting in the common room with Ginny and Harry laughing their way through divination homework when the portrait hole swung open and Hermione came storming through, her ponytail coming undone.
"Urgh! I hate him…I really do…." She dropped her books on a table and sank into a chair, "I don't understand why he is so…urgh! He is such…"
"An asshole?" Ron suggested helpfully.
Hermione glared at him. Why did he always have to use foul language? But her eyes softened when she saw his freckled smiling face.
"Yeah. I guess so."
"Who is, Hermione?" Ginny asked, as she watched Harry nearly spill his ink jar. She smiled to herself.
"Who do you think? Malfoy. I was sitting in the library, minding my own business and Mr. I'm-a-pureblood-so-I'm-better-than-you decided to come over with his goons and start harassing me. And I got sick of it."
Ron's eyes widened and he stood up. "That's it. Malfoy is not better than you, never is and never will be. He can't just go around insulting people like that. Lemme at him-" he strode towards the door, but Hermione jumped up and grabbed his arm.
"No Ron. Just leave it. I don't care. I just left. See I'm fine!" She smiled to show she really was fine, only annoyed.
"No it's not fine! Hermione, he treats you like crap. Hell, he treats everyone in this school like dirt. I will not stand -" Hermione cut him off.
"Ron, you can't do anything about it. If you fight him, you'll get in trouble, lose points or end up back in the hospital wing. And we can't have that. Really, I'm quite used to it. Just leave it alone."
Fred and George had been sitting at a nearby table, had been listening to the story. George got up and went to his brother, slapping him on the shoulder.
"Hermione's right. We can't have ickle ronikins back in the infirmary so soon! He just got here!" He smiled down at Hermione and put his arm around her. "Besides, Hermione knows how to ignore him! Don't ya Mione?"
Hermione shifted uncomfortably under his arm. Why was he acting so…strange towards her?
"Yeah, I do." She smiled weakly. And looked over at Ginny who had a confused look on her face.
George looked solemnly at Hermione. "Remember my offer is still good. Say the word and Malfoy will have a four-foot long tongue. Just like Harry's cousin. Remember that Fred? Fred?"
Fred was gone. Nowhere to be seen. Everyone glanced around the room. Katie and Alicia were reading in the corner. A few 2nd years were struggling through a potions essay. Fred's notes and books were open on the table. But there was no Fred.
"Weird. Oh well, better go find him. I'll see you four at dinner." And George bounded out of the common room. No one moved. No one said anything. They just stood there looking at each other with puzzled expressions. Finally Ginny broke the silence.
"What was up with George? Why was he so…he just wasn't his normal self." She looked over at Harry who seemed just as bewildered as she did. Hermione shrugged and sat back down. Harry looked at her and then at Ron and then went back to divination. Ron was still standing there though. Several confused thoughts were going through his mind at this moment.
He turned and glanced down at Hermione who had already dived into a book. He sat down next to her and continued working on his divination and thinking about the recent events.
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"So Mione, what was it you wanted to tell me?" Ron asked that night at dinner.
Hermione looked at him in confusion. "What?"
"In the hospital wing, you said you wanted to tell me something." He took a bite of the Shepard's pie waiting for a response.
Hermione wiped her mouth and glanced nervously around. This was not the place to tell Ron how she felt about him. I can't do it now. There are too many people around. I can't do it here. "Later Ron. Not now." She smiled at him and took a drink. Just then, Lavender and Parvati came into the Great Hall and sat across from Hermione and Ron. Harry looked at the two girls expectantly. They both had knowing smiles on their faces and were beaming at Hermione. Lavender spoke first.
"We knew it would eventually happen! We're so happy!" She started piling her plate with food.
"Yes! We've been saying for the past two years, that you were perfect for one another! Its great!"
Ron looked at Hermione who was looking at him with an expression of amazement and bewilderment. Harry looked at his two best friends in surprise. Surely they hadn't…not without telling him? Hermione looked back at the giggling girls and said, "What in the world are you going on about?" She started to take a drink of pumpkin juice.
"Well everyone knows! Don't act all innocent, Hermione. We know yours and Harry's secret! You two are just too cute! The perfect couple!" Hermione spit her pumpkin juice back in her cup. Ron nearly choked on his food and Harry burst out laughing. Hermione could feel her face turning bright red.
"Well, gotta run! See you two lovebirds later!" And they left just as quickly as they had come.
Hermione was in shock. What were they talking about? Her and Harry? That's preposterous! Where had that come from? She nearly got caught up in her thoughts, but then she noticed someone staring at her.
"So that's what you wanted to tell me? Great. Great. I hope you two will be very happy!" And Ron stormed out of the Great Hall, his fists clenched and his ears burning with anger and embarrassment.
Hermione was speechless. Harry stopped laughing. What were they talking about? Did Ron seriously believe that Harry and Hermione were a couple? What nonsense.
"Hermione…Hermione!" Harry was shaking Hermione. She was staring at her plate with a dazed look on her face. She jerked back and looked at him.
"I have to go find him." She got up and ran out of the great hall.
"Wait! Hermione!" She is so…urgh! Harry got up, trying not to knock over his goblet of juice and raced after her.
He found her searching the corridor, looking into empty classrooms, in the direction of Gryffindor tower. Harry caught up to her and grabbed her arm.
"Hermione. Let him cool down. Wherever he is, just let him alone. If you try talking to him now, you two will just have another row, and it's been so peaceful lately. We'll explain it to him later. Ok?"
Hermione looked into Harry's eyes. She knew he was right. She nodded. Tears came to her eyes and she wiped them furiously away. Why did she have to cry over a stupid thing like this? Ron was just being Ron. Stupid, jump- to-conclusions Ron. They would talk about it later. Not now.
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Ron did not come back till many hours later, after most people had gone to bed and after many people had already given Harry thumbs up or winked at Hermione. Everyone was acting so weird!
Harry was sitting in his bed looking through his photo album when he heard the door creak open. He peered through the curtains to see Ron climb into bed.
"Hey Ron…" Harry began tentatively. He didn't know how angry Ron was and didn't want to be yelled at right now.
There was no response.
"Ron. You left so quickly that Hermione and I couldn't explain-"
"Explain what?" Ron stuck his angry face out through his curtains. "Explain that you'd been going behind my back? Explain that you'd been lying to me? I'd already heard the rumors. But I chose to ignore them. Give you guys the benefit of doubt. Obviously I shouldn't have."
Harry was exasperated. "WHAT RUMORS?? What is going on? Everyone thinks -"
"And you know what else?" snapped Ron. He was in no mood to listen to Harry. He had to say what was on his mind. " You know what really gets me? Ya know what, forget it! You wouldn't understand!" And he snapped his curtains shut leaving Harry speechless and growingly angry.
Harry was going to say something else, but his other three roommates filed in at that moment and he wasn't going to fight with Ron in front of people. He would wait till Ron had cooled down, wait till he and Ron and Hermione could all talk like civil people without blowing up in each others' faces…As if that would ever happen And Harry went to sleep.
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Harry couldn't believe it. Ron wouldn't talk to either of them. He didn't sit near them at breakfast; he paired up with Dean or Seamus in class. He didn't even ask Hermione if he could copy her homework.
And he wasn't the only person acting strangely. George stopped talking to and hugging Hermione. He would smile at her, but that was about it. At Quidditch practice, he wouldn't even talk to Harry.
"I cannot bloody believe it. Ron wont even talk to us!" Hermione was saying to Harry one evening after Quidditch practice. She and he were sitting at a table in the far corner discussing the strange events that had happened in the last few days. They didn't understand. Maybe it was because they weren't aware of the rumors floating around about them. What everyone was saying…
Ginny came bounding down the stairs with her girlfriends but stopped in her tracks when she saw Harry and Hermione. She walked over alone to the so called "love birds" and said abruptly: "Now, I just want to know. I'm not angry or anything, I just wanna know the truth. You both are my friends (with that she looked Hermione directly and almost accusingly) and I want what's best for you but-"
"Ginny!" Harry took her wrists in his hands and said very slowly, "Hermione and I are not together. Never have been never will be. So you can tell everyone who thinks we are, including your head-case brother, that we are not dating." He looked into her eyes when he said this and smiled. For some reason, his face felt very warm. Ginny blushed, looked down and then at Hermione.
"So, you two-"
"NO! Why does everyone think that? What started this stupid rumor?" Hermione was very annoyed and frustrated. Why did everyone think she and Harry were together?
Ginny was taken aback. They didn't know? "Well, a couple third years saw you two in the common room together. Sleeping. And, well, when I came in to get you two because Ron woke up, you two were sleeping on the same couch. And I guess…"
"That everyone jumps to conclusions!"
"Oh, Hermione, Harry, I am so sorry I ever believed that. Especially since what you told me Hermione. Oh, I'm sorry!" She blushed and pulled her hair behind her ear. "Well, I need to go work in the library. DADA essay. Due tomorrow."
Hermione offered to help her so they set off together towards the library. Knowing them, they weren't just going to talk about DADA. Hermione still had a lot on her mind about the last few days and was hoping that maybe Ginny could talk some sense into her brother.
Harry watched them leave and glanced around the common room. It was full of busy students. He'd never seen it quite so occupied. Everyone was actually studying. Fred and George weren't causing their usual havoc. Actually, Fred wasn't anywhere to be seen. He's been doing that a lot lately. Wonder where he goes off to…
His thoughts were cut short. Ron came down the stairs from his dorm saw Harry and turned around. Harry took this as his cue. He leaped up and tried to grab Ron's arm, but Ron was too quick for him and ran up the stairs. Harry leapt after him, grabbing his ankle. Ron fell, but caught himself on the top stair and flew up to the dormitory. Harry caught up to him and stuck his foot out so the door wouldn't shut. But Ron was leaning against it, disallowing Harry to push to push it open.
"Ron! You are being an idiot! Why won't you talk to me? I'm your best friend! Please let me talk to you! You are being so stupid!"
Silence.
"Ron! It's a lie! Everything you've heard is a lie-"
"Oh, you wanna talk about lying do ya? You're the one full of lies Harry. This summer, when you were at my house for those 2 weeks, ya know what you kept saying to me? 'Why don't you just tell her? Get it over with?' I pretended not to know what you were talking about, which you kept telling me you were aware of. And you also kept telling me that you were sure she felt the same. Oh yeah. Right. Felt the same towards you maybe. You told me I had a chance. But its really you who had the chance. I don't get it Harry. You have everything. Good looks, good grades, money, friends. Why do you have to get the girl too?"
Harry had had enough. "Oh! Oh! I have everything do I? Right. I forgot, I have a great big loving family that welcomes me home every summer. I forgot how sweet the Dursleys are. I forgot I have peaceful nights, without stressful and often painful dreams. I forgot, I still have my parents here, to love me, to teach me. I forgot, I have friends who listen to me and TRUST ME! That's right Ron I have everything. I have an escaped con for a godfather, horrible memories of Voldemort murdering my parents, I have Snape standing over my back waiting for to screw up just so he can shove it in my face when I do and I have a supposed best friend who wont even talk to me because of some bloody rumor he heard from LAVENDER AND PARVATI! I guess I do have everything!" He removed his foot and kicked the door as hard as he could.
"Oww! Oi! Ron! Why are you so bloody stupid!" Harry turned around to go back downstairs, but the door creaked open and a very red face appeared. Harry looked at him expectantly still flushed from yelling. Ron opened the door so Harry could come in. Harry mumbled something under his breath as he walked into their dorm. He sat on the bed and looked at Ron who was leaning against the closed door. They were silent for what seemed to Harry as eternity, but finally Ron spoke.
"I'm sorry Harry. I-I know…I know you don't have everything. Its just…I thought you knew how I felt-"
"Ron! I do know how you feel! That's what we both have been trying to tell you! We're not a couple. Someone started a rumor because they saw us asleep in the common room. We had been up late talking, waiting for you to wake up, and neither of us could sleep, so we were just…talking. And we ended up falling asleep. That's all that happened."
Ron was standing with his mouth slightly open, looking rather ashamed. He closed his mouth as looked down at the floor. His ears looked as if they were on fire.
"oh."
"Ron, you are my very best friend, aside from Hermione. You're like a brother to me. I would never ever do something that cruel to you. Besides I cant even look at Hermione like that, she's like my sister. I don't like her like that, I like…" but he stopped himself before he could say anymore. He didn't think he was ready to tell Ron that he was developing a crush on his little sister.
Ron raised his eyebrow but decided not to press. They'd already had one row, they didn't need another.
"I really am sorry Harry. I…yeah, I'm...sorry." He walked over to Harry and stood there rather awkwardly, considering what to do. Harry shook his head and laughed and pulled Ron into a bear hug. "You idiot. Go get the girl." Ron laughed and was going to try and find Hermione but then Harry had an idea.
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Hermione had been in the library for hours. After helping Ginny and her friends, she had to finish her arithmancy homework and then do her transfiguration essay. She was exhausted but she had promised Harry that she would meet him in their "spot" by the fire at midnight. She gathered up her books and put them in her bookbag. How she needed a new one. This one was falling apart and shabby. Maybe she'd ask her parents for a new one for Christmas.
On her way back to Gryffindor Tower she was thinking about Ron. Why did he have to be so stupid? He overreacted just like he always does. He really needs to control his rage. How was I supposed to know I was going out with Harry? I don't even "like" Harry. He's my friend. Like my brother. If only Ron would let me explain. If only we could talk without yelling. But we're both so…whats the word, passionate, we get carried away. At least his sister isn't like that. I don't think I could handle two of them! Ginny was so understanding! She's so sweet! I wish Harry would just get it over with and tell her how he feels! Urgh! Boys! They are so stupid! And aggravating!
"Agora Bora". The portrait swung open and she climbed into the common room. It was dark, considering everyone had gone to bed. She put her stuff in a chair, looking around for Harry. But Harry wasn't there. Someone else was…
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A/N: Oh no! Another cliffhanger! Who was it? Who was waiting in the dark for her? Was it Ron? Or was it George? Or was it someone who has something evil planned? What will happen next? Will Ron and Hermione FINALLY hook up? Will Harry ever tell Ginny how he feels? Will people ever learn to mind their own business? And where does Fred keep disappearing off too? Hmmmm…..better find out next time in 5TH YEAR LOVE!
Disclaimer: I don't own anything. I know its sad. Sniff sniff.
Chapter 5
Misunderstanding
That woke Harry up. He sat upright nearly knocking Hermione to the floor.
"What is all the commotion about?" Hermione was rubbing her eyes. Opening them she noticed Ginny grinning madly and jumping telling Harry to hurry up. Harry grabbed Hermione's hand and pulled her up.
"He woke up! Ron's awake!" Harry dragged Hermione through the portrait hole, followed closely by Ginny.
Hermione's jaw dropped and her eyes began to water. "Well then! What are we waiting for!" and she bolted down the corridor towards the hospital wing.
They got to the infirmary only to find the door locked and a group of people standing outside the door. Mrs. Weasley was crying into her husband's shoulder. Fred and George were pacing, cursing under their breath. Professor McGonagoll was comforting Hagrid (which for any of you who have ever comforted a sobbing giant know is not an easy task).
Ginny put her hand on the wall and was gasping for breath. Hermione grabbed her side from a muscle cramp. Harry walked over to the twins who looked as if they hadn't slept in days.
"So….what do we know?"
"Nothing. As soon as he woke up, that bi-('Hey now Fred!), fine! That woman shooed us out!"
Just as he said that, the door creaked open and out came Madame Pomfrey and Dumbledore. The group of people crowded around them, chattering, asking what happened. Dumbledore held up his hands to silence them.
"Mr. Weasley has in fact awoken, but he still needs his peace and quiet. Madame Pomfrey will be more than willing to allow some visitors in, but not for long. Ron has gone through a lot, and needs some rest." He stood aside allowing people to walk through. Mrs. Weasley, tears in her eyes, went straight to her son and hugged him till he choked, "Mum-I can't breathe…"
Harry hung back with Mr. Weasley to ask Dumbledore a question. They surprised one another when they asked it at the same moment: "What happened to him?"
Dumbledore smiled and sighed. "That we do not know for sure. All Ron remembers is that he turned around, saw three dark figures, a flash and waking up here. From what I can tell, it was a stunning charm, a highly advanced stunning charm, one that knocks people out for a few days. Since we didn't know which charm it was, or by whom is was conducted, how powerful it was, we couldn't find a counter-spell. As far as the three dark figures, I don't doubt that they were Death Eaters, or related to Voldemort in one way or another. What they were doing on Hogwarts property, how they got onto Hogwarts property, I do not know, but you can be assured that we are placing some more charms and other forms of protection around the campus. We cannot afford to have students or teachers for that matter hurt in any way. If I were you, I wouldn't worry about it though. We are taking several precautions and setting up protection. I am going to keep this low profile. Just what we need…a report from that Skeeter woman criticizing our school. But we haven't heard from her lately have we…anyways, Mr. Weasley, your son will be fine. You can go in there." He smiled down at Harry and Harry noticed that familiar twinkle in his eyes. He followed Mr. Weasley into to the room to find Ron telling the story, the brief story, to his family.
"…and now I'm here. And that's all I remember." He was pale and looked ill. The cut on his forehead was barely visible, and his arm had healed, but he looked beat. Getting hit with a powerful curse can knock the wind out a person.
Hermione was standing to the side, chewing on her fingernails, with a relieved, strained look in her eyes. Harry walked over and put his arm around her reassuringly. She looked up at him and smiled. Ron noticed them from the corner of his eye and felt his ears go pink. Somewhere in the back of his mind a horrible thought hit him. Were they…? No…not Harry and Hermione…but the way they were standing there…
"Ron will need a couple days' rest and plenty of chocolate but he should be fine," Madame Pomfrey was saying, as she was bustling about the infirmary, "And don't worry about whoever those people were. Let Professor Dumbledore handle that. Everything is under control. Now, everyone out! You can come back tomorrow-"
"Madame Pomfrey," Hermione broke away from Harry and looked apprehensively at the nurse, "couldn't we stay for a few minutes. Please?"
Madame Pomfrey looked around at all the anxious faces, threw up her hands in defeat and walked out of the room to give them privacy.
George and Fred immediately began joking about, Ginny was telling Ron he was the one who needed protection, and not her; Mr. and Mrs. Weasley were standing to the side, beaming at their children, happy that Ron was safe. Harry and Hermione edged their way to the bed. Harry ruffled Ron's head in a brotherly way and said, "Ron, you scared us to death! You better never do that again. We thought…well, it wasn't good what we thought. Just…we're glad you're ok." Harry turned away and wiped his eyes discreetly hoping no one would notice. Hermione was still smiling down at Ron with tears in her eyes. "Oh, Ron. I am so thankful…I didn't know what was going to happen…I thought I'd never get to tell you…" but she stopped. She didn't want to tell him with other people in the room. So she leaned down and hugged him whispering in his ear, "I need to talk to you. So hurry up and get better." She pulled away, smiled and walked with Ginny and Harry back to the common room.
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A few days later, Ron was sitting in the common room with Ginny and Harry laughing their way through divination homework when the portrait hole swung open and Hermione came storming through, her ponytail coming undone.
"Urgh! I hate him…I really do…." She dropped her books on a table and sank into a chair, "I don't understand why he is so…urgh! He is such…"
"An asshole?" Ron suggested helpfully.
Hermione glared at him. Why did he always have to use foul language? But her eyes softened when she saw his freckled smiling face.
"Yeah. I guess so."
"Who is, Hermione?" Ginny asked, as she watched Harry nearly spill his ink jar. She smiled to herself.
"Who do you think? Malfoy. I was sitting in the library, minding my own business and Mr. I'm-a-pureblood-so-I'm-better-than-you decided to come over with his goons and start harassing me. And I got sick of it."
Ron's eyes widened and he stood up. "That's it. Malfoy is not better than you, never is and never will be. He can't just go around insulting people like that. Lemme at him-" he strode towards the door, but Hermione jumped up and grabbed his arm.
"No Ron. Just leave it. I don't care. I just left. See I'm fine!" She smiled to show she really was fine, only annoyed.
"No it's not fine! Hermione, he treats you like crap. Hell, he treats everyone in this school like dirt. I will not stand -" Hermione cut him off.
"Ron, you can't do anything about it. If you fight him, you'll get in trouble, lose points or end up back in the hospital wing. And we can't have that. Really, I'm quite used to it. Just leave it alone."
Fred and George had been sitting at a nearby table, had been listening to the story. George got up and went to his brother, slapping him on the shoulder.
"Hermione's right. We can't have ickle ronikins back in the infirmary so soon! He just got here!" He smiled down at Hermione and put his arm around her. "Besides, Hermione knows how to ignore him! Don't ya Mione?"
Hermione shifted uncomfortably under his arm. Why was he acting so…strange towards her?
"Yeah, I do." She smiled weakly. And looked over at Ginny who had a confused look on her face.
George looked solemnly at Hermione. "Remember my offer is still good. Say the word and Malfoy will have a four-foot long tongue. Just like Harry's cousin. Remember that Fred? Fred?"
Fred was gone. Nowhere to be seen. Everyone glanced around the room. Katie and Alicia were reading in the corner. A few 2nd years were struggling through a potions essay. Fred's notes and books were open on the table. But there was no Fred.
"Weird. Oh well, better go find him. I'll see you four at dinner." And George bounded out of the common room. No one moved. No one said anything. They just stood there looking at each other with puzzled expressions. Finally Ginny broke the silence.
"What was up with George? Why was he so…he just wasn't his normal self." She looked over at Harry who seemed just as bewildered as she did. Hermione shrugged and sat back down. Harry looked at her and then at Ron and then went back to divination. Ron was still standing there though. Several confused thoughts were going through his mind at this moment.
He turned and glanced down at Hermione who had already dived into a book. He sat down next to her and continued working on his divination and thinking about the recent events.
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"So Mione, what was it you wanted to tell me?" Ron asked that night at dinner.
Hermione looked at him in confusion. "What?"
"In the hospital wing, you said you wanted to tell me something." He took a bite of the Shepard's pie waiting for a response.
Hermione wiped her mouth and glanced nervously around. This was not the place to tell Ron how she felt about him. I can't do it now. There are too many people around. I can't do it here. "Later Ron. Not now." She smiled at him and took a drink. Just then, Lavender and Parvati came into the Great Hall and sat across from Hermione and Ron. Harry looked at the two girls expectantly. They both had knowing smiles on their faces and were beaming at Hermione. Lavender spoke first.
"We knew it would eventually happen! We're so happy!" She started piling her plate with food.
"Yes! We've been saying for the past two years, that you were perfect for one another! Its great!"
Ron looked at Hermione who was looking at him with an expression of amazement and bewilderment. Harry looked at his two best friends in surprise. Surely they hadn't…not without telling him? Hermione looked back at the giggling girls and said, "What in the world are you going on about?" She started to take a drink of pumpkin juice.
"Well everyone knows! Don't act all innocent, Hermione. We know yours and Harry's secret! You two are just too cute! The perfect couple!" Hermione spit her pumpkin juice back in her cup. Ron nearly choked on his food and Harry burst out laughing. Hermione could feel her face turning bright red.
"Well, gotta run! See you two lovebirds later!" And they left just as quickly as they had come.
Hermione was in shock. What were they talking about? Her and Harry? That's preposterous! Where had that come from? She nearly got caught up in her thoughts, but then she noticed someone staring at her.
"So that's what you wanted to tell me? Great. Great. I hope you two will be very happy!" And Ron stormed out of the Great Hall, his fists clenched and his ears burning with anger and embarrassment.
Hermione was speechless. Harry stopped laughing. What were they talking about? Did Ron seriously believe that Harry and Hermione were a couple? What nonsense.
"Hermione…Hermione!" Harry was shaking Hermione. She was staring at her plate with a dazed look on her face. She jerked back and looked at him.
"I have to go find him." She got up and ran out of the great hall.
"Wait! Hermione!" She is so…urgh! Harry got up, trying not to knock over his goblet of juice and raced after her.
He found her searching the corridor, looking into empty classrooms, in the direction of Gryffindor tower. Harry caught up to her and grabbed her arm.
"Hermione. Let him cool down. Wherever he is, just let him alone. If you try talking to him now, you two will just have another row, and it's been so peaceful lately. We'll explain it to him later. Ok?"
Hermione looked into Harry's eyes. She knew he was right. She nodded. Tears came to her eyes and she wiped them furiously away. Why did she have to cry over a stupid thing like this? Ron was just being Ron. Stupid, jump- to-conclusions Ron. They would talk about it later. Not now.
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Ron did not come back till many hours later, after most people had gone to bed and after many people had already given Harry thumbs up or winked at Hermione. Everyone was acting so weird!
Harry was sitting in his bed looking through his photo album when he heard the door creak open. He peered through the curtains to see Ron climb into bed.
"Hey Ron…" Harry began tentatively. He didn't know how angry Ron was and didn't want to be yelled at right now.
There was no response.
"Ron. You left so quickly that Hermione and I couldn't explain-"
"Explain what?" Ron stuck his angry face out through his curtains. "Explain that you'd been going behind my back? Explain that you'd been lying to me? I'd already heard the rumors. But I chose to ignore them. Give you guys the benefit of doubt. Obviously I shouldn't have."
Harry was exasperated. "WHAT RUMORS?? What is going on? Everyone thinks -"
"And you know what else?" snapped Ron. He was in no mood to listen to Harry. He had to say what was on his mind. " You know what really gets me? Ya know what, forget it! You wouldn't understand!" And he snapped his curtains shut leaving Harry speechless and growingly angry.
Harry was going to say something else, but his other three roommates filed in at that moment and he wasn't going to fight with Ron in front of people. He would wait till Ron had cooled down, wait till he and Ron and Hermione could all talk like civil people without blowing up in each others' faces…As if that would ever happen And Harry went to sleep.
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Harry couldn't believe it. Ron wouldn't talk to either of them. He didn't sit near them at breakfast; he paired up with Dean or Seamus in class. He didn't even ask Hermione if he could copy her homework.
And he wasn't the only person acting strangely. George stopped talking to and hugging Hermione. He would smile at her, but that was about it. At Quidditch practice, he wouldn't even talk to Harry.
"I cannot bloody believe it. Ron wont even talk to us!" Hermione was saying to Harry one evening after Quidditch practice. She and he were sitting at a table in the far corner discussing the strange events that had happened in the last few days. They didn't understand. Maybe it was because they weren't aware of the rumors floating around about them. What everyone was saying…
Ginny came bounding down the stairs with her girlfriends but stopped in her tracks when she saw Harry and Hermione. She walked over alone to the so called "love birds" and said abruptly: "Now, I just want to know. I'm not angry or anything, I just wanna know the truth. You both are my friends (with that she looked Hermione directly and almost accusingly) and I want what's best for you but-"
"Ginny!" Harry took her wrists in his hands and said very slowly, "Hermione and I are not together. Never have been never will be. So you can tell everyone who thinks we are, including your head-case brother, that we are not dating." He looked into her eyes when he said this and smiled. For some reason, his face felt very warm. Ginny blushed, looked down and then at Hermione.
"So, you two-"
"NO! Why does everyone think that? What started this stupid rumor?" Hermione was very annoyed and frustrated. Why did everyone think she and Harry were together?
Ginny was taken aback. They didn't know? "Well, a couple third years saw you two in the common room together. Sleeping. And, well, when I came in to get you two because Ron woke up, you two were sleeping on the same couch. And I guess…"
"That everyone jumps to conclusions!"
"Oh, Hermione, Harry, I am so sorry I ever believed that. Especially since what you told me Hermione. Oh, I'm sorry!" She blushed and pulled her hair behind her ear. "Well, I need to go work in the library. DADA essay. Due tomorrow."
Hermione offered to help her so they set off together towards the library. Knowing them, they weren't just going to talk about DADA. Hermione still had a lot on her mind about the last few days and was hoping that maybe Ginny could talk some sense into her brother.
Harry watched them leave and glanced around the common room. It was full of busy students. He'd never seen it quite so occupied. Everyone was actually studying. Fred and George weren't causing their usual havoc. Actually, Fred wasn't anywhere to be seen. He's been doing that a lot lately. Wonder where he goes off to…
His thoughts were cut short. Ron came down the stairs from his dorm saw Harry and turned around. Harry took this as his cue. He leaped up and tried to grab Ron's arm, but Ron was too quick for him and ran up the stairs. Harry leapt after him, grabbing his ankle. Ron fell, but caught himself on the top stair and flew up to the dormitory. Harry caught up to him and stuck his foot out so the door wouldn't shut. But Ron was leaning against it, disallowing Harry to push to push it open.
"Ron! You are being an idiot! Why won't you talk to me? I'm your best friend! Please let me talk to you! You are being so stupid!"
Silence.
"Ron! It's a lie! Everything you've heard is a lie-"
"Oh, you wanna talk about lying do ya? You're the one full of lies Harry. This summer, when you were at my house for those 2 weeks, ya know what you kept saying to me? 'Why don't you just tell her? Get it over with?' I pretended not to know what you were talking about, which you kept telling me you were aware of. And you also kept telling me that you were sure she felt the same. Oh yeah. Right. Felt the same towards you maybe. You told me I had a chance. But its really you who had the chance. I don't get it Harry. You have everything. Good looks, good grades, money, friends. Why do you have to get the girl too?"
Harry had had enough. "Oh! Oh! I have everything do I? Right. I forgot, I have a great big loving family that welcomes me home every summer. I forgot how sweet the Dursleys are. I forgot I have peaceful nights, without stressful and often painful dreams. I forgot, I still have my parents here, to love me, to teach me. I forgot, I have friends who listen to me and TRUST ME! That's right Ron I have everything. I have an escaped con for a godfather, horrible memories of Voldemort murdering my parents, I have Snape standing over my back waiting for to screw up just so he can shove it in my face when I do and I have a supposed best friend who wont even talk to me because of some bloody rumor he heard from LAVENDER AND PARVATI! I guess I do have everything!" He removed his foot and kicked the door as hard as he could.
"Oww! Oi! Ron! Why are you so bloody stupid!" Harry turned around to go back downstairs, but the door creaked open and a very red face appeared. Harry looked at him expectantly still flushed from yelling. Ron opened the door so Harry could come in. Harry mumbled something under his breath as he walked into their dorm. He sat on the bed and looked at Ron who was leaning against the closed door. They were silent for what seemed to Harry as eternity, but finally Ron spoke.
"I'm sorry Harry. I-I know…I know you don't have everything. Its just…I thought you knew how I felt-"
"Ron! I do know how you feel! That's what we both have been trying to tell you! We're not a couple. Someone started a rumor because they saw us asleep in the common room. We had been up late talking, waiting for you to wake up, and neither of us could sleep, so we were just…talking. And we ended up falling asleep. That's all that happened."
Ron was standing with his mouth slightly open, looking rather ashamed. He closed his mouth as looked down at the floor. His ears looked as if they were on fire.
"oh."
"Ron, you are my very best friend, aside from Hermione. You're like a brother to me. I would never ever do something that cruel to you. Besides I cant even look at Hermione like that, she's like my sister. I don't like her like that, I like…" but he stopped himself before he could say anymore. He didn't think he was ready to tell Ron that he was developing a crush on his little sister.
Ron raised his eyebrow but decided not to press. They'd already had one row, they didn't need another.
"I really am sorry Harry. I…yeah, I'm...sorry." He walked over to Harry and stood there rather awkwardly, considering what to do. Harry shook his head and laughed and pulled Ron into a bear hug. "You idiot. Go get the girl." Ron laughed and was going to try and find Hermione but then Harry had an idea.
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Hermione had been in the library for hours. After helping Ginny and her friends, she had to finish her arithmancy homework and then do her transfiguration essay. She was exhausted but she had promised Harry that she would meet him in their "spot" by the fire at midnight. She gathered up her books and put them in her bookbag. How she needed a new one. This one was falling apart and shabby. Maybe she'd ask her parents for a new one for Christmas.
On her way back to Gryffindor Tower she was thinking about Ron. Why did he have to be so stupid? He overreacted just like he always does. He really needs to control his rage. How was I supposed to know I was going out with Harry? I don't even "like" Harry. He's my friend. Like my brother. If only Ron would let me explain. If only we could talk without yelling. But we're both so…whats the word, passionate, we get carried away. At least his sister isn't like that. I don't think I could handle two of them! Ginny was so understanding! She's so sweet! I wish Harry would just get it over with and tell her how he feels! Urgh! Boys! They are so stupid! And aggravating!
"Agora Bora". The portrait swung open and she climbed into the common room. It was dark, considering everyone had gone to bed. She put her stuff in a chair, looking around for Harry. But Harry wasn't there. Someone else was…
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A/N: Oh no! Another cliffhanger! Who was it? Who was waiting in the dark for her? Was it Ron? Or was it George? Or was it someone who has something evil planned? What will happen next? Will Ron and Hermione FINALLY hook up? Will Harry ever tell Ginny how he feels? Will people ever learn to mind their own business? And where does Fred keep disappearing off too? Hmmmm…..better find out next time in 5TH YEAR LOVE!
Disclaimer: I don't own anything. I know its sad. Sniff sniff.