Geez-US, it's been so long since I last updated... God, I'm such a bitch. Anyway, let's see if I can come up with something good this time, shall we?
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Chapter 3


Night eventually came, but for Ron, it felt as though morning had never ocurred, it went by so quickly. As they each looked back and forth to each other in apprehension during dinner, they each had their own thoughts on what might happen.
"God, what if he gets hurt! It would be all my fault. I'd never be able to live with the guilt. What would happen if it really was Lucius, and he kills Ron right then and there!? I would go have to go St. Mungo's, I'd go so insane..." Hermione thought.
Harry's thoughts were different, although along the same lines.
"If it really is Lucius, what are we going to do about it? He might come after Ron, or send someone after him to find out where I am. Hopefully, Ron will come out of this unharmed..."
Ron's thoughts were another something altogether.
"I can't believe they're actually making me do this! What kinda friends would do this to me? If Lucius kills me, I'm gonna come back and haunt them for the rest of their lives. They'll be sorry if I DIE!!!" At that point in Ron's thoughts, he speared his steak with such force he tipped over the plate and his steak was practically in his lap. Everyone looked at Ron like he was spastic and Ron blushed scarlet.
"Sorry..." he muttered. Harry and Hermione especially gave him weird looks.

After dinner, they all went outside to a hill near the pond to watch the sun set and get ready for Ron's little excursion. They sat in awkward silence before Hermione broke it.
"Oh Ron! Don't hurt yourself!! If anything happens to you, I'll never be able to live with myself!" and with that she hugged him tightly, then lt go quickly and blushed.
"Sorry about that little outburst, I'm just worried, that's all."
"We're all worried, in one way or another Hermione," Harry said. "Ron will be fine, won't you Ron?" Ron nodded silently, hoping all the while that the feeling of his stomach tying itself in knots wasn't evident on his face. Harry then left to get his Firebolt. Ron and Hermione stood in uncomfortable silence, until...
"You really wouldn't be able to live with the guilt if anything happened to me, Herm?" Ron asked. Hermione blushed again.
"No," she replied softly, "I wouldn't. I'd be so angry at myself for being so silly to have sent those letters and saying all those things..." she looked down at her feet. Ron lifted her chin so she looked into his eyes. He then leaned his head down and kissed her softly on the lips (it being his first kiss and all...). Hermione was startled, but soon relaxed into the kiss.
"Ah HA! I knew you two had something going on!" Harry stood behind them, smiling smugly. Hermione and Ron parted quickly, blushes gracing their embarrassed faces. "I--We--It-..." stammered Ron. Harry put his hand up.
"No, don't worry about it, I'm not angry. But, it would have been nicer if you told me about it." Harry said.
"It's not like that Harry, it just sorta happened..." Hermione said quietly, "It's not like this has been going on for a long time. Maybe some feelings were felt, but that's as far as it ever went..." Hermione trailed off.
"Yeah. And besides, what would ever make you think we wouldn't tell you if something had happened previously?" Ron queried. Harry shrugged. "I dunno, I jumped to conclusions I guess. Anyway, we're way off topic here. Here's the Firebolt Ron."
Ron ttok the Firebolt with shaky hands and climbed on. With one last kiss and one last look at home, he kicked off the ground hard and took off.

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Oooooooh, I love doing that. I hate doing it though, cause it means I've run out of ideas. Oh well. Oh, by the way, if you want the third chapter to TCTE, someone has to loan me their copy of year 1 Harry Potter, cause I need it to finish that chapter. So, yell at my friends and Ashley cause she has my copy!!!! :-D Anyway, gotta fly. Please review. Constructive reviews are very welcome, so don't hesitate. REVIEW!!!!

~February/Julie/Bekka