Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters used in this story. If I did, wouldn't that be great?!
Author's Note: Hello everyone! I again would like to thank those people who took the time and read the previous chapter. I am so glad that I am getting such positive response for this story. You guys rock! Anyhow, here's chapter six. I know some of you are wondering what HeHHHer Hermione's thoughts or feelings are about the argument. I hope you guys don't mind that I'm not immediately thrusting the romance part – but please don't lose faith in this story, alrighty? Well, have fun reading this chapter. I hope it's not bad…and again, please review if you have the time!
Chapter Six: An Affirmed Liking
Ginny stood in front of the fifth year girls' dormitory, trying to muster the courage to knock on the door. I wonder what Hermione's doing in there, she thought, pressing her ears against the cold wooden door. She finally decided to open the door after hearing a frustrated scream from within the room. "Hermione? May I come in?" asked Ginny, gently rapping on the door. She heard scrambling from within the room, followed by the sound of hangings being pulled shut. Ginny took this as her cue to enter, opening the door with a creak and walking towards Hermione's bed slowly. "Please tell me what Ron did," Ginny inquired, drawing back the hangings on Hermione's bed.
The bushy haired girl sat up, her cheeks flushed with red and her eyes a bit watery. "Nothing – he didn't do anything," said Hermione coldly as a lone tear cascaded down her cheek.
"Right. My git of a brother did not do anything to make you upset," said Ginny, rolling her eyes. "Is that why you were about ready to tear me apart when I said his name? Please tell me what happened – I won't leave until you do."
Hermione gave a frustrated sigh and motioned for Ginny to take a seat on the bed (or anywhere, really). She told the redhead what Ron had said out by the lake, and what she had done to him because of it. "He has a lot of nerve, calling someone he doesn't even know very well an asshole! Your brother can be such an insensitive prat sometimes!" Hermione sniffled, angrily wiping her nose with the back of her hand. "He makes me so mad sometimes! It's so frustrating how he's always arguing with me about the stupidest things. I mean, so what if I read their stupid conversation? It's not like he's never listened in on other people's conversations before. And I had good intentions, wanting to help him ask the girl to make sure she says yes. But did he say thanks? NO! He got mad at me for being a friend. Sometimes, I just don't know what the heck is going on in that boy's head. One minute we're cordial and then the next minute, we hate each other. Can't he just make up his mind?!" She sniffled again, this time wiping another tear running down her cheek.
Ginny was inwardly smiling as she listened to Hermione ramble on about her brother. Wow…for someone who's mad at Ron, she sure as heck talks about him a lot… She suddenly looked up when she saw a tear roll down her friend's face. "Hermione? I don't mean to be rude or anything, but why are you crying?" asked Ginny, her face a mask of confusion. "I mean, I think you were right in slapping my brother for being such an idiot: don't feel bad about it."
"Honestly, I don't know why," whispered Hermione. "On one hand, I'm so mad at Ron for being so insensitive. But on the other hand, I feel bad for slapping him…maybe I should apologize?"
"I don't know, Hermione. If you feel it's the right thing to do, then go ahead," said Ginny supportively. "But I think Ron should be the one apologizing – he's the one who started the whole argument."
Hermione sighed, running a hand through her bushy, brown hair. She stared at her bedspread, deep in thought as to whether or not she should apologize to Ron. She was so bust thinking that she didn't realize Ginny, who was sitting at the edge of Hermione's bed, was giving her an appraising look.
"Hermione, what do you think of my brother?" asked Ginny, breaking the silence between the two. Hermione looked at Ginny in wonder. Now where did that come from?
"What do I think of Ron?" repeated Hermione, surprise apparent in her voice.
"Yeah. What do you think of him?"
"Well, he's a wonderful person, really. And I'm not just saying this because he's your brother – it's the truth," Hermione said, giving Ginny a sincere smile. "He always makes me smile whenever he makes a sarcastic comment. And he's so adorable when he's clueless about something." She gave another smile. "Overall, he's just a fun person to be around with. Not that Harry isn't a fun person – he's just a different kind of fun compared to Ron."
The girls sat in silence, both wearing fond smiles.
"Do you like him?"
"Of course I like Ron – he's my best friend, after all," replied Hermione, her cheeks a bit flushed.
"That's not what I meant," said Ginny dismissively. "I wanted to know if you liked him more than just a friend. It's just that…I think you compliment each other so well: you calm my brother down whenever he's mad at something or someone (a/n: other than Hermione) and he snaps you back to reality whenever you're too engrossed with schoolwork. I mean, despite the number of times you two have argued, I know deep down neither one of you can stand not being on speaking terms with the other…you two are just perfect together."
Hermione stared at the redhead, unable to say a word. She was surprised that Ginny would even consider the two of them together. But this didn't stop her from blushing. But she is right about one thing, Hermione thought. I can't stand not being able to talk to Ron whenever we have an argument…and it's true that he always manages to inject some life into me whenever schoolwork becomes too stressful…
"Well, I better go, Hermione," Ginny announced, standing up and halting Hermione's train of thoughts. "I'm sure Ron and Harry are wondering about me by now. Listen – you and my brother have had rows before. I'm sure once Ron gets over his stubbornness, everything will be back to normal."
And with that said, Ginny gave Hermione a supportive hug and smile, and then turned to leave. The prefect watched as the redhead slipped out of the room, quietly shutting the door.
Oh my God. Ginny's right – Ron is perfect…~~**~~~**~~
So…what did you guys think? I hope this chapter wasn't bad or anything. And I know – it's short. I went through a time last a few days ago where I couldn't write anything…sorry if it's short. It's all I can come up with for now… I've already written the next chapter, which is way longer compared to this one. So, if you want to see what happens next, I'll post the next chapter once I get some reviews for this one or after two days…and I apologize if the quality of the next few chapters are poor. I've been going through some problems and whatnot, so please bear with me. Again, thanks for taking the time and reading this little ol' story of mine. And thank you so much for the wonderful comments and praises. You guys are the only reason why I continue writing this. God bless you all!
~~:azaleafaye:~~