**This story starts out in December when Hogwarts is having it's holiday season. Harry, Hermione, and Ron have for once had a rather normal year so far. Nothing has happened since last summer's tragic events. Hermione is currently having problems with her boyfriend Victor Krum, which she has kept confidential from her best friends, Ron and Harry, although both know that there is a fight, they don't know what its about and aren't going to ask any questions. Harry has been noticing a change in Hermione, as if she has grown even further from he and Ron, but he is trying to ignore it. Ron has been accepted on the Quidditch team to replace Oliver Wood as the keeper. Now, the gang is relaxing on their first day of Christmas break.**
Harry walked into the common room, excited that he had a whole 2 weeks to spend with Hermione and Ron. Harry had a feeling this would be the best Christmas break as of yet. Not only were Hermione and Ron staying, but Parvati, Lavender, Neville and the entire Weasley gang were there. Harry saw Ron by himself in a corner, using a pack of exploding snap to make a card castle.
"Can I join?" said Harry
"Sure," said Ron. The two of them worked hard and cautiously, placing the cards on the castle when Hermione came in.
"Hi Hermione!" said Harry
"Hey Harry....Ron," Hermione replied. Harry had noticed that ever since the fight between Hermione and Krum, Ron and Hermione had been acting awful strange around each other. Hermione joined them as Neville stumbled into the common room chasing after Trevor. There was pandomoniom as Fred and George joined Neville is attempting to catch the toad. Fred finally succeeded and gave Neville his toad. The onlookers went back to their activities. Neville walked up to Harry, Ron, and Hermione.
"So, did you guys hear about the Valentine Ball? Professor Dumbledore thought the Yule ball was such a success, he decided to make a Valentine ball, so that no one had to stay for Christmas, but we could still have a ball!"
"Yeah we heard!" said Harry. Ron and Hermione both didn't look up, solemnly nodded their heads.
"Do you guys know who you are asking to the ball?" said Neville as he blushed, "I was just going to ask Parvati over there."
Harry, Hermione, and Ron all blushed severely. Ron looked quite busy trying to fix his card in the right place. "I dunno," Harry said, trying to break the silence.
"Well, I'm going to ask Parvati. See you all later," said Neville with a blush.
As Neville left Hermione replied, "I guess I will ask Krum, I'm going to the owl post to mail him."
"Wait!" Ron said, "Hermione, I need to talk to you." Ron dragged Hermione to a corner. Harry felt oddly uncomfortable, since he could still hear them, but he felt ashamed because he really wanted to hear what was going on
"Hermione, I have something to tell you. I don't think you deserve to go with Krum. I think you deserve to go with someone who will....er...," Harry glanced over at Ron and saw that he was rather red around the ears, "I think you should go with...what I mean is...I think you should go with....me." Harry's heart froze. All of a sudden there was a loud explosion. Harry had blundered with the cards and the card castle started popping everywhere. Harry noticed that everyone was looking at the red and green fireworks display of exploding cards except Hermione and Ron, Ron staring uncomfortably at Hermione, Hermione looking rather confused at Ron. Fred and George, who had been trying to hex a salamander, stopped their plans and laughed jovially as they stared at the fireworks of cards. Neville who was rather red, stood next to Parvati who was giggling with Lavender as they all looked at the show of fireworks. But Harry could not enjoy the show as he stared at his two best friends. Something Harry had never expected in his life had just happened in the last two minutes. As the explosions died down, Harry heard Hermione: "I kinda need to go to the library." She ran off; Looking at her face, Harry was unable to tell if she was upset, confused, scared, or happy. Ron stood there for a second, until he finally walked gloomily to the dorm door and slammed it, still quite red around the ears. No one but Harry had seemed to notice these happenings; everyone else was clapping as the noise finally died.
Harry couldn't believe what he had just heard. Why hadn't Ron told him? Ron was his best friend, and he had been sure that he knew everything about him. All of a sudden, it hit Harry. Those few minutes would change his five-year friendship forever. Nothing would ever be the same. Harry was quite confused and angry as he started picking up the charred pieces of the cards by himself, everyone else back to their original activities. Then he noticed not everyone had gone back to their activities. A few feet away from him, Ginny was timidly helping Harry pick up the scorched card fragments...
Harry suddenly realized he could be using magic to pick up the card pieces, but he no longer wanted to. He grinned widely as he reconciled his arrival at the Burrow last August: Mr. Weasley and Charlie had apparated into 4 Privet drive this time, just as Uncle Vernon's boss, Mr. Mason, had come to discuss an idea for the company. Luckily, Mr. Mason had not seen them apparate in, but he had been quite surprised to see the Dursleys had guest besides himself. Uncle Vernon was all the more surprised, but recognized Mr. Weasley immediately. Dudley, who had been hanging around, immediately squealed and went to hide. He remembered the tong-tongue toffee episode quite well. Harry was excited to see his rescuers. Uncle Vernon had no time to yell at Harry as the group walked out of the house and to a local floo powder station (it was in a near-by restaurant). Mrs. Weasley had an entire meal prepared for Harry's arrival. Harry was so happy to see Ron. Fred and George let Harry have some candy they had, that immediately turned into a rubber chicken when he took it. As Harry sat down at the table, Ginny came into the room. While Harry was pouring his tea, he saw Ginny walk into the room.
"Hey Harry" Obviously Ginny had grown over the summer. Her hair flowed to her shoulders in auburn ringlets. She looked at Harry with a little scarlet tinge to her cheeks, but she didn't act bashful as she used to.
"Um, hey Ginny," Harry replied. Harry suddenly realized his glass was about to overflow. Luckily, nobody noticed. Harry couldn't believe it, but Ginny was changing into quite a young woman and it had happened right in front of him, although he hadn't taken any notice until this year. Now, as Harry groped for the nearest fragment of card, he suddenly realized he had picked them all up. Then, he saw that there was still one left. As he reached to pick it up, Ginny's dainty hand also reached for it. Their hands met, and Harry, rather embarrassed picked it up quickly.
"Oh. Thanks for helping Ginny," said Harry.
"No problem," she replied Although any other time Harry would have loved to chat with Ginny, right now he just wanted to be alone. He had to think of the new problem he was being thrown into.
"Is something the matter Harry?" Ginny said looking a little worried.
"No...no. Nothing at all," Harry was unable to make eye contact, "I better go Ginny. Maybe we can talk later." Harry decided to go see if Ron was o.k. He strided towards the dorms, noticing Ginny's worried, brown eyes following him. He opened the dorm door.
Harry saw Ron asleep on his bed. Harry's rage was beyond him. How could Ron do this to him? To Hermione? It was just a stupid ball and Ron could find another date somewhere! Harry had known something like this would happen soon. Nothing had happened all year. In fact it had been a rather normal year, except for the absence of Hagrid and Snape. Snape's absence had been rather relieving, although the fact that Professor Binns has taken over made it a very boring class. Harry knew they had been sent on missions but he knew not where. He had expected this year to be catastrophic. Now he had to deal with a careless friend and a mad friend!
Harry wanted to go hit Ron hard across the face! But, he just went over to stare at him. Harry looked at Ron's face and was quite surprised to see how troubled he looked. He had dark rings beneath his eyes, as if he had been missing much sleep. Harry suddenly realized he hadn't noticed them before, nor had he heard Ron's steady breathes at night as often anymore. That meant he hadn't been sleeping... was Ron not telling Harry something? Harry looked around Ron's cupboard to see if he had any pills, suddenly worried about his friend. Then he saw that his drawer was slightly open, with a picture sticking out. Harry pulled out the picture. Hermione, in her apparel she had worn during the Yule Ball was waving at Harry. A rather large arm also waved, cut off where Ron had obviously torn the picture. This must have been Krum. Harry's stomach started to do somersaults as he put the facts together. He stared into his friend's troubled face and back at the picture. He couldn't believe it. The memory of the Yule Ball suddenly returned to him. Memories of Ron being quite uptight when Hermione told them she was going to the Yule ball with someone else. He had always wondered why his best friend had never taken the opportunity to dance with his beautiful date, Padma, but had only stared at Hermione. He dropped the picture of Hermione. Did his best friend fancy Hermione?!....
Harry ran out of the room, unable to take any more. He rushed for the library, hoping to find peace and quiet in there. He looked into the window and was reluctant to see Hermione in there. She sat with Parvati and Lavender, who were giggling over something. Hermione appeared to be giggling along with them periodically, but looking closer, Harry noticed she was thinking hard about something. She looked extremely troubled, maybe angry. The last thing Harry wanted to do now was talk to her. Harry moped around the halls for a while. With most people gone for the holidays, he could find a nice step and contemplate on the situation he was in the middle of. He sat down on the step and was unable to move. Should he tell Ron he had heard the whole thing? Should he steer clear of him? Should he tell Hermione?
"Hey Harry" Someone was standing over Harry. Harry looked up in the angelic face of Cho Chang, who was smiling serenely back at him
Harry wasn't sure why Cho was still at Hogwarts, but Cho saying hi to him was something new that he didn't want to discourage.
"Hey Cho." She smiled and then walked off. Harry wondered if he should have asked her to the ball now, but something held him back. He wasn't sure what, but he was only able to stare longingly at her. After she left, he sat in silence, until a distant voice caught his attention. It sounded like an adult and it suddenly dawned on Harry how peculiar it was that he hadn't seen any of the teacher bustling in the halls all day. Then he listened closer to the voice.
Harry was surprised to hear what sounded like Dumbledore's voice. Harry had barely seen Dumbledore this year, so he was very happy to hear him. He walked towards the voice. Harry realized he was in a corridor that he had never ventured into. He cautiously walked down the way and reached a room lit with candles. Hiding in the shadows, he stared down into the room, awestruck at the scene before his eyes. Dumbledore stood before all the teachers and many more people!
Harry wanted to rush down and say hi to Remus Lupin and Sirius Black, who were among the many wizards and witches! He couldn't believe they were here and had not told him! He scanned the table. Professor McGonagall, Lupin, Black, Professor Right (the new Care of Magical Creature teacher), Professor Flitwick, Professor Binns, Professor Trewlawny, Professor Fletcher, and every other Professor was there. Harry was astounded to see Mr. and Mrs. Weasley there! How come they had not told Ron or any of the other kids that they had come? No wonder none of the kids could go home! Their parents had said they had to do some important business. Charlie, Bill, and Percy sat next to their parents. Harry felt a little uncomfortable to see the Diggorys there. Mrs. Diggory looked more tired then the last time Harry had seen her. Mad-Eye Moody was also present, and so were about fourteen faces Harry didn't recognize. Then Harry's biggest surprise lay at the very end of the table. There was someone Harry NEVER expected to see.
There was Harry's old babysitter, Mrs. Figg! Except now she was in a cloak and witch's hat! Harry rubbed his eyes in disbelieve! Was he going crazy? Was he dreaming?
Then Dumbledore began to speak: "I have gotten new reports from Severus. Lord Voldemort is planning to come here at the end of the school-term," everyone winced at the name, Harry's heart jumped to his throat. Dumbledore continued, "This is what we all expected. It is a pity, but we must act fast. Reubeus has reported that he and Madame Maxine have succeeded. The support of the giants should greatly improve our chances. Mundungus, have you found any more support at the Ministry?"
Quiet, Professor Fletcher stood up. Harry was quite surprised to see him look so gallant and powerful. He began, " Most everyone has sided with Cornelius, sir. I have managed to get about twenty more supporters though. I will continue to try my best sir."
"Well, there is nothing else to report I take it," said Dumbledore, looking around at the rest of the interlocutors. No one responded, Dumbledore went on, "Fine, then i shall once again thank everyone for staying so calm and not troubling the children by revealing this dire situation. Please continue to keep all of this away from the children. This meeting of the Order of Pheonix is adjourned."
Harry was unsure what the Order of Pheonix was, but he quickly ran out of the corridor and ran as fast as he could to the common room. He reached the entrance and was bearly able to mutter "manticore" to the Fat Lady as he numbly walked into the common room.
The next thing Harry could remember was waking up in his bed. He groggily pulled the curtains back and suddenly remembered yesterday's events. He looked at the empty bed of Ron. Harry pulled on some clothes, attempted to smooth his hair back and went to try and find Ron. He didn't have to go far, for Ron was sitting in the common room. No one else was there. Harry peered down at Ron, trying his best to remain incognito. Ron still had those purple rings around his eyes and he was staring into oblivion, obviously contemplating very hard. Harry walked down the steps and stood next to Ron who took a minute to notice him.
"Oh! 'Lo Harry," Ron barked in a voice, full of tension. He immediately played innocent, putting a fake smile on and grinning widely at Harry.
"Hey...er...hey Ron..." Harry was unsure what he should do next. Should he tell him he knew?
"Wanna go have a go on the Quidditch field?" Ron interuppted his thoughts in his voice, so full of animosity. Harry knew Ron really didn't want to play Quidditch now, probably the first time ever that he didn't want to.
"Erm... I have to go find Neville...he...er... needed help with....something," Harry hesitated, but knew it was all for the best. He strided out of the common room, not looking back. Harry was unable to take any more. He had to talk to someone. He couldn't decide who. Was it Hermione or Ron? Who could take it better? Who would-- Harry ran head first into someone and books scattered everywhere. Harry staggered and looked up.
Professor Fletcher was stumbling to pick up as many of the books as possible, "Harry, how unexpecting..." Professor Fletcher sounded so much different then last night. He sounded and acted timid and frightened. Was he acting so that the students wouldn't suspect problems like Dumbledore had asked?
"Hello Professor. I am so sorry," Harry began to help pick up the books, and noticed some of the titles. A History of He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named, Death Eaters: Up Close and Personal, The Struggle for Unity: Fighting against Dark Arts were the titles he saw.
Fletcher looked a little uneasy as he snatched the books out of Harry's hands. "Trying to--er--figure out what to do for next lesson!" He said enthusiasticly. Harry looked at him and all of sudden had a strong desire to tell him everything that had happened to him yesterday. Before he could even consider it, Fletcher balanced all the books in his hands and began to briskly walk off. "Talk to you later Harry!" he shrieked over his shoulder. Harry was rather dissappointed, standing there in the hall for about five minutes, wondering what to do.
Christmas vacation was definitely not turning out how Harry had planned it. Thwarted with his luck, he shuffled his feet towards the front door and moped outside. He looked longingly at Hagrid's hut, which had an obvious layer of dust over the front window. Hagrid had been gone since June. Harry now knew that he had gone to find the giants and try to gain their support, and had succeeded. Would he be coming back soon? Harry definitely needed to talk to him now. Harry found a nice tree to lean against and started skipping rocks across the lake, watching the giant squid attempt to try and catch them. None of the rocks went more then three skips. Out of the blue, another rock skipped perfectly across the lake.
Harry looked to his side and saw Ginny stooped over looking for a good rock. Harry could feel the heat of a blush coming into his cheeks.
"Is something the matter Harry?" Ginny said and gazed at Harry with her brown eyes, "Hermione is hanging out with Parvati and Lavender and I can't find Ron. Your all by yourself out here and yesterday you seemed upset. I know all of you quite well, even if you wouldn't think so, and I think something is going on. Are you sure you are O. K.?"
Harry knew there was no fooling her now. But would it be right to tell Ron's sister his personal problem? Harry quickly thought up a fib "Er...well...Ron and Hermione are fighting right now," It wasn't exactly a fib, for they were not getting along, or as far as Harry knew they weren't.
"Oh! I'm really sorry Harry. Maybe we can go play wizard chess to pass the time away?" Ginny smiled at Harry. Harry felt he was obligated to do so, so he nodded his head slowly. Ginny grabbed his hand, and Harry felt a chill run down his back, a pleasant one. Ginny had obviously felt something too, because she was blushing as they walked hand in hand back to the castle. Harry was astounded by her sudden bravery at approaching him. After all, it wasn't a secret that she was crazy about him and he never remembered her even talking to him in the past out of shyness. She sure was growing up.
After the third game of wizard chess, Harry had forgotten all about yesterday. He had never realized how fun Ginny really was to hang out with. After they finished four games of wizard chess, Harry and Ginny talked for a long time and Harry discovered Ginny was a lot different from what he had thought she was. They had a long conversation about Quidditch, Harry surprised to find out Ginny loved Quidditch almost as much as Ron did. She told Harry all about her friends, which she seemed to have many. They laughed over some old memories and got to know eachother. This whole time no one else had come into the common room, but after about three more hours, Hermione came in alone.
"Harry! Where have you been?" she crowed with surprised. Harry figured she was surprised to see him with Ginny instead of Ron.
"Um, I better get up to bed," said Ginny, "It is 9 o'clock after all and tomorrow is Christmas eve! See you tomorrow Harry" She stood up and started walking towards her dorm.
"Wait Ginny," Harry got up and walked up to her, "I had a great time today, maybe we can hang out some other time?"
Ginny blushed slightly, "I did too Harry, and sure! I'd love to hang out with you! Goodnight." Harry waved at Ginny and goggled over her as she walked into the dorm. He was totally oblivious of Hermione who was storming nearby.
"HARRY!?" she shrieked.
"Oh! Hermione. Hello." said Harry, and smiled at her. Then he remembered the previous day's events and felt himself go pale. What should he say to Hermione? He decided maybe he should get Hermione to tell him. "So, Hermione, what's up?" he said.
"Er...nothing... is something wrong Harry?"
"Oh! NO NO!! Nothing. Anything wrong with--"
"NO! No!! Nothing at all..." There was a long silence as the two stood next to eachother, not making eye contact.
"Have you seen Ron, Hermione?" It came out of his mouth before he could stop it. Hermione all of a sudden turned lividly white and changed seconds later to a scarlet red. She was unable to make eye contact with Harry.
"Er...well..." Next moment Ron walked into the room looking quite wrapped up in whatever he was thinking. Then he noticed Harry and Hermione next to him and turned pale.
"What are you guys doing here?" He looked shocked. Something passed between Hermione and Ron that Harry saw immediately. A pang of guilt spread over him as he realized they were still unaware that he knew what was going on.
"Maybe we should get to bed Ron..." he said.
"Right..." Ron and Hermione hadn't broken their eye contact yet. Harry stared at them out of the corner of his eye. His heart dropped to his stomach when he saw Hermione hesitate and make a small smile at Ron and Ron go red around the ears. He couldn't believe it. Harry fumed up the stairs and didn't look back at his friends.
After closing the door, he felt his robes were stuck on a nail on the other side of the door. He creeped the door open and suddenly realized he would be forced to hear more of his friend's secret conversations. As he tried to get the cloth out of the nail, he froze at the words he was reluctant to hear.
"Ron, I am sorry about the past couple days, avoiding you and all," said Hermione
"That's ok..." Ron sounded like he expected more. Harry peeped through the cracked door and saw Hermione looked reluctant at these last few words,
"I'll go to the ball with you. I mean, I know you are only asking me as a friend--"
"Hermione! I--I--well..." Harry couldn't stand to listen any longer, but he couldn't remove his robes since his hands were unable to function.
"Hermione," Harry couldn't stop his eyes from staring at his friend, who was completely red and had slipped his hand into Hermione's. Harry had never seen this side of Ron, "Hermione, I really like you--I mean...well, I think I'm in love with you!"
At this moment, Harry felt an electric shock pass through his hands that caused him to rip his robes off the nail. He had a hard time closing the door quietly, so that the two down stairs wouldn't hear him. He went back to his bed as he heard Hermione's voice growing louder and angrier. Not long after, Ron came into the dorm. Harry peeped through the curtains after he heard Ron close his own curtains. He was furious with Ron. Yet, suddenly, great pity and grief fell over Harry as he heard his friend sobbing into his pillow. Ron was REALLY in love with her! Harry didn't know how to feel as he stared out the window, snow starting to fall, and leaving a white sheet over the world. It was as if the white sheet was covering Harry, Ron, and Hermione's childhoods forever..
Disclaimer- The characters, setting, etc. belong to the most talented writer in the world (JK Rowling), yet the plot was developed, with inspiration from the greatest writer in the world, by yours truly ;o)
Harry walked into the common room, excited that he had a whole 2 weeks to spend with Hermione and Ron. Harry had a feeling this would be the best Christmas break as of yet. Not only were Hermione and Ron staying, but Parvati, Lavender, Neville and the entire Weasley gang were there. Harry saw Ron by himself in a corner, using a pack of exploding snap to make a card castle.
"Can I join?" said Harry
"Sure," said Ron. The two of them worked hard and cautiously, placing the cards on the castle when Hermione came in.
"Hi Hermione!" said Harry
"Hey Harry....Ron," Hermione replied. Harry had noticed that ever since the fight between Hermione and Krum, Ron and Hermione had been acting awful strange around each other. Hermione joined them as Neville stumbled into the common room chasing after Trevor. There was pandomoniom as Fred and George joined Neville is attempting to catch the toad. Fred finally succeeded and gave Neville his toad. The onlookers went back to their activities. Neville walked up to Harry, Ron, and Hermione.
"So, did you guys hear about the Valentine Ball? Professor Dumbledore thought the Yule ball was such a success, he decided to make a Valentine ball, so that no one had to stay for Christmas, but we could still have a ball!"
"Yeah we heard!" said Harry. Ron and Hermione both didn't look up, solemnly nodded their heads.
"Do you guys know who you are asking to the ball?" said Neville as he blushed, "I was just going to ask Parvati over there."
Harry, Hermione, and Ron all blushed severely. Ron looked quite busy trying to fix his card in the right place. "I dunno," Harry said, trying to break the silence.
"Well, I'm going to ask Parvati. See you all later," said Neville with a blush.
As Neville left Hermione replied, "I guess I will ask Krum, I'm going to the owl post to mail him."
"Wait!" Ron said, "Hermione, I need to talk to you." Ron dragged Hermione to a corner. Harry felt oddly uncomfortable, since he could still hear them, but he felt ashamed because he really wanted to hear what was going on
"Hermione, I have something to tell you. I don't think you deserve to go with Krum. I think you deserve to go with someone who will....er...," Harry glanced over at Ron and saw that he was rather red around the ears, "I think you should go with...what I mean is...I think you should go with....me." Harry's heart froze. All of a sudden there was a loud explosion. Harry had blundered with the cards and the card castle started popping everywhere. Harry noticed that everyone was looking at the red and green fireworks display of exploding cards except Hermione and Ron, Ron staring uncomfortably at Hermione, Hermione looking rather confused at Ron. Fred and George, who had been trying to hex a salamander, stopped their plans and laughed jovially as they stared at the fireworks of cards. Neville who was rather red, stood next to Parvati who was giggling with Lavender as they all looked at the show of fireworks. But Harry could not enjoy the show as he stared at his two best friends. Something Harry had never expected in his life had just happened in the last two minutes. As the explosions died down, Harry heard Hermione: "I kinda need to go to the library." She ran off; Looking at her face, Harry was unable to tell if she was upset, confused, scared, or happy. Ron stood there for a second, until he finally walked gloomily to the dorm door and slammed it, still quite red around the ears. No one but Harry had seemed to notice these happenings; everyone else was clapping as the noise finally died.
Harry couldn't believe what he had just heard. Why hadn't Ron told him? Ron was his best friend, and he had been sure that he knew everything about him. All of a sudden, it hit Harry. Those few minutes would change his five-year friendship forever. Nothing would ever be the same. Harry was quite confused and angry as he started picking up the charred pieces of the cards by himself, everyone else back to their original activities. Then he noticed not everyone had gone back to their activities. A few feet away from him, Ginny was timidly helping Harry pick up the scorched card fragments...
Harry suddenly realized he could be using magic to pick up the card pieces, but he no longer wanted to. He grinned widely as he reconciled his arrival at the Burrow last August: Mr. Weasley and Charlie had apparated into 4 Privet drive this time, just as Uncle Vernon's boss, Mr. Mason, had come to discuss an idea for the company. Luckily, Mr. Mason had not seen them apparate in, but he had been quite surprised to see the Dursleys had guest besides himself. Uncle Vernon was all the more surprised, but recognized Mr. Weasley immediately. Dudley, who had been hanging around, immediately squealed and went to hide. He remembered the tong-tongue toffee episode quite well. Harry was excited to see his rescuers. Uncle Vernon had no time to yell at Harry as the group walked out of the house and to a local floo powder station (it was in a near-by restaurant). Mrs. Weasley had an entire meal prepared for Harry's arrival. Harry was so happy to see Ron. Fred and George let Harry have some candy they had, that immediately turned into a rubber chicken when he took it. As Harry sat down at the table, Ginny came into the room. While Harry was pouring his tea, he saw Ginny walk into the room.
"Hey Harry" Obviously Ginny had grown over the summer. Her hair flowed to her shoulders in auburn ringlets. She looked at Harry with a little scarlet tinge to her cheeks, but she didn't act bashful as she used to.
"Um, hey Ginny," Harry replied. Harry suddenly realized his glass was about to overflow. Luckily, nobody noticed. Harry couldn't believe it, but Ginny was changing into quite a young woman and it had happened right in front of him, although he hadn't taken any notice until this year. Now, as Harry groped for the nearest fragment of card, he suddenly realized he had picked them all up. Then, he saw that there was still one left. As he reached to pick it up, Ginny's dainty hand also reached for it. Their hands met, and Harry, rather embarrassed picked it up quickly.
"Oh. Thanks for helping Ginny," said Harry.
"No problem," she replied Although any other time Harry would have loved to chat with Ginny, right now he just wanted to be alone. He had to think of the new problem he was being thrown into.
"Is something the matter Harry?" Ginny said looking a little worried.
"No...no. Nothing at all," Harry was unable to make eye contact, "I better go Ginny. Maybe we can talk later." Harry decided to go see if Ron was o.k. He strided towards the dorms, noticing Ginny's worried, brown eyes following him. He opened the dorm door.
Harry saw Ron asleep on his bed. Harry's rage was beyond him. How could Ron do this to him? To Hermione? It was just a stupid ball and Ron could find another date somewhere! Harry had known something like this would happen soon. Nothing had happened all year. In fact it had been a rather normal year, except for the absence of Hagrid and Snape. Snape's absence had been rather relieving, although the fact that Professor Binns has taken over made it a very boring class. Harry knew they had been sent on missions but he knew not where. He had expected this year to be catastrophic. Now he had to deal with a careless friend and a mad friend!
Harry wanted to go hit Ron hard across the face! But, he just went over to stare at him. Harry looked at Ron's face and was quite surprised to see how troubled he looked. He had dark rings beneath his eyes, as if he had been missing much sleep. Harry suddenly realized he hadn't noticed them before, nor had he heard Ron's steady breathes at night as often anymore. That meant he hadn't been sleeping... was Ron not telling Harry something? Harry looked around Ron's cupboard to see if he had any pills, suddenly worried about his friend. Then he saw that his drawer was slightly open, with a picture sticking out. Harry pulled out the picture. Hermione, in her apparel she had worn during the Yule Ball was waving at Harry. A rather large arm also waved, cut off where Ron had obviously torn the picture. This must have been Krum. Harry's stomach started to do somersaults as he put the facts together. He stared into his friend's troubled face and back at the picture. He couldn't believe it. The memory of the Yule Ball suddenly returned to him. Memories of Ron being quite uptight when Hermione told them she was going to the Yule ball with someone else. He had always wondered why his best friend had never taken the opportunity to dance with his beautiful date, Padma, but had only stared at Hermione. He dropped the picture of Hermione. Did his best friend fancy Hermione?!....
Harry ran out of the room, unable to take any more. He rushed for the library, hoping to find peace and quiet in there. He looked into the window and was reluctant to see Hermione in there. She sat with Parvati and Lavender, who were giggling over something. Hermione appeared to be giggling along with them periodically, but looking closer, Harry noticed she was thinking hard about something. She looked extremely troubled, maybe angry. The last thing Harry wanted to do now was talk to her. Harry moped around the halls for a while. With most people gone for the holidays, he could find a nice step and contemplate on the situation he was in the middle of. He sat down on the step and was unable to move. Should he tell Ron he had heard the whole thing? Should he steer clear of him? Should he tell Hermione?
"Hey Harry" Someone was standing over Harry. Harry looked up in the angelic face of Cho Chang, who was smiling serenely back at him
Harry wasn't sure why Cho was still at Hogwarts, but Cho saying hi to him was something new that he didn't want to discourage.
"Hey Cho." She smiled and then walked off. Harry wondered if he should have asked her to the ball now, but something held him back. He wasn't sure what, but he was only able to stare longingly at her. After she left, he sat in silence, until a distant voice caught his attention. It sounded like an adult and it suddenly dawned on Harry how peculiar it was that he hadn't seen any of the teacher bustling in the halls all day. Then he listened closer to the voice.
Harry was surprised to hear what sounded like Dumbledore's voice. Harry had barely seen Dumbledore this year, so he was very happy to hear him. He walked towards the voice. Harry realized he was in a corridor that he had never ventured into. He cautiously walked down the way and reached a room lit with candles. Hiding in the shadows, he stared down into the room, awestruck at the scene before his eyes. Dumbledore stood before all the teachers and many more people!
Harry wanted to rush down and say hi to Remus Lupin and Sirius Black, who were among the many wizards and witches! He couldn't believe they were here and had not told him! He scanned the table. Professor McGonagall, Lupin, Black, Professor Right (the new Care of Magical Creature teacher), Professor Flitwick, Professor Binns, Professor Trewlawny, Professor Fletcher, and every other Professor was there. Harry was astounded to see Mr. and Mrs. Weasley there! How come they had not told Ron or any of the other kids that they had come? No wonder none of the kids could go home! Their parents had said they had to do some important business. Charlie, Bill, and Percy sat next to their parents. Harry felt a little uncomfortable to see the Diggorys there. Mrs. Diggory looked more tired then the last time Harry had seen her. Mad-Eye Moody was also present, and so were about fourteen faces Harry didn't recognize. Then Harry's biggest surprise lay at the very end of the table. There was someone Harry NEVER expected to see.
There was Harry's old babysitter, Mrs. Figg! Except now she was in a cloak and witch's hat! Harry rubbed his eyes in disbelieve! Was he going crazy? Was he dreaming?
Then Dumbledore began to speak: "I have gotten new reports from Severus. Lord Voldemort is planning to come here at the end of the school-term," everyone winced at the name, Harry's heart jumped to his throat. Dumbledore continued, "This is what we all expected. It is a pity, but we must act fast. Reubeus has reported that he and Madame Maxine have succeeded. The support of the giants should greatly improve our chances. Mundungus, have you found any more support at the Ministry?"
Quiet, Professor Fletcher stood up. Harry was quite surprised to see him look so gallant and powerful. He began, " Most everyone has sided with Cornelius, sir. I have managed to get about twenty more supporters though. I will continue to try my best sir."
"Well, there is nothing else to report I take it," said Dumbledore, looking around at the rest of the interlocutors. No one responded, Dumbledore went on, "Fine, then i shall once again thank everyone for staying so calm and not troubling the children by revealing this dire situation. Please continue to keep all of this away from the children. This meeting of the Order of Pheonix is adjourned."
Harry was unsure what the Order of Pheonix was, but he quickly ran out of the corridor and ran as fast as he could to the common room. He reached the entrance and was bearly able to mutter "manticore" to the Fat Lady as he numbly walked into the common room.
The next thing Harry could remember was waking up in his bed. He groggily pulled the curtains back and suddenly remembered yesterday's events. He looked at the empty bed of Ron. Harry pulled on some clothes, attempted to smooth his hair back and went to try and find Ron. He didn't have to go far, for Ron was sitting in the common room. No one else was there. Harry peered down at Ron, trying his best to remain incognito. Ron still had those purple rings around his eyes and he was staring into oblivion, obviously contemplating very hard. Harry walked down the steps and stood next to Ron who took a minute to notice him.
"Oh! 'Lo Harry," Ron barked in a voice, full of tension. He immediately played innocent, putting a fake smile on and grinning widely at Harry.
"Hey...er...hey Ron..." Harry was unsure what he should do next. Should he tell him he knew?
"Wanna go have a go on the Quidditch field?" Ron interuppted his thoughts in his voice, so full of animosity. Harry knew Ron really didn't want to play Quidditch now, probably the first time ever that he didn't want to.
"Erm... I have to go find Neville...he...er... needed help with....something," Harry hesitated, but knew it was all for the best. He strided out of the common room, not looking back. Harry was unable to take any more. He had to talk to someone. He couldn't decide who. Was it Hermione or Ron? Who could take it better? Who would-- Harry ran head first into someone and books scattered everywhere. Harry staggered and looked up.
Professor Fletcher was stumbling to pick up as many of the books as possible, "Harry, how unexpecting..." Professor Fletcher sounded so much different then last night. He sounded and acted timid and frightened. Was he acting so that the students wouldn't suspect problems like Dumbledore had asked?
"Hello Professor. I am so sorry," Harry began to help pick up the books, and noticed some of the titles. A History of He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named, Death Eaters: Up Close and Personal, The Struggle for Unity: Fighting against Dark Arts were the titles he saw.
Fletcher looked a little uneasy as he snatched the books out of Harry's hands. "Trying to--er--figure out what to do for next lesson!" He said enthusiasticly. Harry looked at him and all of sudden had a strong desire to tell him everything that had happened to him yesterday. Before he could even consider it, Fletcher balanced all the books in his hands and began to briskly walk off. "Talk to you later Harry!" he shrieked over his shoulder. Harry was rather dissappointed, standing there in the hall for about five minutes, wondering what to do.
Christmas vacation was definitely not turning out how Harry had planned it. Thwarted with his luck, he shuffled his feet towards the front door and moped outside. He looked longingly at Hagrid's hut, which had an obvious layer of dust over the front window. Hagrid had been gone since June. Harry now knew that he had gone to find the giants and try to gain their support, and had succeeded. Would he be coming back soon? Harry definitely needed to talk to him now. Harry found a nice tree to lean against and started skipping rocks across the lake, watching the giant squid attempt to try and catch them. None of the rocks went more then three skips. Out of the blue, another rock skipped perfectly across the lake.
Harry looked to his side and saw Ginny stooped over looking for a good rock. Harry could feel the heat of a blush coming into his cheeks.
"Is something the matter Harry?" Ginny said and gazed at Harry with her brown eyes, "Hermione is hanging out with Parvati and Lavender and I can't find Ron. Your all by yourself out here and yesterday you seemed upset. I know all of you quite well, even if you wouldn't think so, and I think something is going on. Are you sure you are O. K.?"
Harry knew there was no fooling her now. But would it be right to tell Ron's sister his personal problem? Harry quickly thought up a fib "Er...well...Ron and Hermione are fighting right now," It wasn't exactly a fib, for they were not getting along, or as far as Harry knew they weren't.
"Oh! I'm really sorry Harry. Maybe we can go play wizard chess to pass the time away?" Ginny smiled at Harry. Harry felt he was obligated to do so, so he nodded his head slowly. Ginny grabbed his hand, and Harry felt a chill run down his back, a pleasant one. Ginny had obviously felt something too, because she was blushing as they walked hand in hand back to the castle. Harry was astounded by her sudden bravery at approaching him. After all, it wasn't a secret that she was crazy about him and he never remembered her even talking to him in the past out of shyness. She sure was growing up.
After the third game of wizard chess, Harry had forgotten all about yesterday. He had never realized how fun Ginny really was to hang out with. After they finished four games of wizard chess, Harry and Ginny talked for a long time and Harry discovered Ginny was a lot different from what he had thought she was. They had a long conversation about Quidditch, Harry surprised to find out Ginny loved Quidditch almost as much as Ron did. She told Harry all about her friends, which she seemed to have many. They laughed over some old memories and got to know eachother. This whole time no one else had come into the common room, but after about three more hours, Hermione came in alone.
"Harry! Where have you been?" she crowed with surprised. Harry figured she was surprised to see him with Ginny instead of Ron.
"Um, I better get up to bed," said Ginny, "It is 9 o'clock after all and tomorrow is Christmas eve! See you tomorrow Harry" She stood up and started walking towards her dorm.
"Wait Ginny," Harry got up and walked up to her, "I had a great time today, maybe we can hang out some other time?"
Ginny blushed slightly, "I did too Harry, and sure! I'd love to hang out with you! Goodnight." Harry waved at Ginny and goggled over her as she walked into the dorm. He was totally oblivious of Hermione who was storming nearby.
"HARRY!?" she shrieked.
"Oh! Hermione. Hello." said Harry, and smiled at her. Then he remembered the previous day's events and felt himself go pale. What should he say to Hermione? He decided maybe he should get Hermione to tell him. "So, Hermione, what's up?" he said.
"Er...nothing... is something wrong Harry?"
"Oh! NO NO!! Nothing. Anything wrong with--"
"NO! No!! Nothing at all..." There was a long silence as the two stood next to eachother, not making eye contact.
"Have you seen Ron, Hermione?" It came out of his mouth before he could stop it. Hermione all of a sudden turned lividly white and changed seconds later to a scarlet red. She was unable to make eye contact with Harry.
"Er...well..." Next moment Ron walked into the room looking quite wrapped up in whatever he was thinking. Then he noticed Harry and Hermione next to him and turned pale.
"What are you guys doing here?" He looked shocked. Something passed between Hermione and Ron that Harry saw immediately. A pang of guilt spread over him as he realized they were still unaware that he knew what was going on.
"Maybe we should get to bed Ron..." he said.
"Right..." Ron and Hermione hadn't broken their eye contact yet. Harry stared at them out of the corner of his eye. His heart dropped to his stomach when he saw Hermione hesitate and make a small smile at Ron and Ron go red around the ears. He couldn't believe it. Harry fumed up the stairs and didn't look back at his friends.
After closing the door, he felt his robes were stuck on a nail on the other side of the door. He creeped the door open and suddenly realized he would be forced to hear more of his friend's secret conversations. As he tried to get the cloth out of the nail, he froze at the words he was reluctant to hear.
"Ron, I am sorry about the past couple days, avoiding you and all," said Hermione
"That's ok..." Ron sounded like he expected more. Harry peeped through the cracked door and saw Hermione looked reluctant at these last few words,
"I'll go to the ball with you. I mean, I know you are only asking me as a friend--"
"Hermione! I--I--well..." Harry couldn't stand to listen any longer, but he couldn't remove his robes since his hands were unable to function.
"Hermione," Harry couldn't stop his eyes from staring at his friend, who was completely red and had slipped his hand into Hermione's. Harry had never seen this side of Ron, "Hermione, I really like you--I mean...well, I think I'm in love with you!"
At this moment, Harry felt an electric shock pass through his hands that caused him to rip his robes off the nail. He had a hard time closing the door quietly, so that the two down stairs wouldn't hear him. He went back to his bed as he heard Hermione's voice growing louder and angrier. Not long after, Ron came into the dorm. Harry peeped through the curtains after he heard Ron close his own curtains. He was furious with Ron. Yet, suddenly, great pity and grief fell over Harry as he heard his friend sobbing into his pillow. Ron was REALLY in love with her! Harry didn't know how to feel as he stared out the window, snow starting to fall, and leaving a white sheet over the world. It was as if the white sheet was covering Harry, Ron, and Hermione's childhoods forever..
Disclaimer- The characters, setting, etc. belong to the most talented writer in the world (JK Rowling), yet the plot was developed, with inspiration from the greatest writer in the world, by yours truly ;o)
