~*Forgive me, Hermione*~
Chapter 2!
By ~*Our Lady of the Flame*~

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Thanks muchly to all the ppls who reviewed! Luv yah! (Not really :)) You're the ones who keep me going; much thanks to you!

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DISCLAIMER: *sigh* NO, I don't own anyone but Alex (but I wish I did).

Author's Note: Alex's evilness hasn't even STARTED yet. :P I'm impressed...I really didn't think people would like this that much! OK, onward! And one more thing....*grins evilly* there'll be more cliffhangers to come. But I'll write as fast as I can, kkk?

I asked for five reviews, but I got about TRIPLE what I asked for! Thanks ppls.....YOU ROCK!!!!! KEEP IT UP!!!!!!!!!!!! And here's your reward.....Chapter 2....naughty, naughty Ron...

The first part is pure fluff.

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Chapter Two: I'll Wait For You

Hermione set her quill down with a sigh the next night, triumphant. She'd just finished her make-up work for Professor Snape. Yawning, she grinned at the empty beds. Parvati and Lavender were STILL downstairs, partying; once again, Gryffindor had won a Quidditch match. She came to a stop in front of the mirror, then twirled around, viewing herself with a critical eye. Her long white, floaty nightgown swished around her ankles. Perfect. She checked herself one last time in the mirror, then gasped. Through her mirror reflection, she'd caught sight of Ron leaning against the doorway, that adorable comma of fiery hair slipping into his eyes. One eyebrow was raised, and he was smiling one-sidedly.

She turned and stared at him. He just laughed, and, in four strides, was at her side. His Firebolt 2002 fell to the ground as he drew her to him and kissed her again and again, not being able to bear letting her go. She relaxed in his arms and let herself be drawn into a fantasy, closing her eyes. He reached her neck and kissed it in a little line on both sides. Then, he pulled apart, his hands running down her cheek and neck, smiling at her.

She tried to speak, but her words were drowned out by another kiss. He leaned her down, his arm around her back until her head and shoulders were nearly laying on the bed, but continued to kiss her. She giggled. Finally, he broke the kiss. She was gasping for breath, and sat up. He sat down on her bed and motioned for her to do the same. He pulled her into his lap, smiling charmingly.

"Why weren't you at the party?" he asked her as she curled up and tucked her head between his head and shoulders. He put his arms around her, stroking her hair lovingly. "There was a dance, you know," he grinned. "And Seamus challenged all of us to an Irish jig contest. I knew you could beat him; I've seen you do it, but you weren't there." She closed her eyes, a nice, warm, glowing feeling inside. Finally, she spoke.

"I had to finish five rolls of parchment for Snape. I missed a lot while I was sick." She told him. Ron was silent, remembering how alarmed he'd been when she'd suddenly leaned against the wall, pale, and told him it felt like she was roasting. Ron had whisked her off to the hospital wing, where Madam Pomfrey had pronounced her with a 104* fever, due to excitement, which Hermione stubbornly denied.

"You, only you, Hermione," he told her admiringly, "would care for something like that. That's one of the reasons why I love you." He gave her a quick kiss, then stood. She got up and stood beside him, and he walked over to the window, parting the curtains and turning off the lights. Hermione was surprised.

"What are you doing?" she asked him, frowning confusedly. He turned to her and told her to close her eyes, then took her hand and guided her over to the window, where she was hit with a silvery glow. The moon was shining brightly through the window.

"Can I open them now?" she asked him.

Finally, he turned to her. "NOW you can," he replied.

"Why are you doing this?"

"It sparkles best in the moonlight." At this, Hermione frowned confusedly. He smiled and said, "Oh, 'Mione, come on. You didn't think I would remember what day it is?" He was fishing a small box out of his pocket. Hermione blinked.

"What day?" she asked innocently. He laughed.

"It's your sixteenth birthday, Hermione," he grinned. "So I got you something." He handed her the box, smiling. "Open it."

Now she understood. She'd never told anyone about her birthday; Harry knew it was sometime in September, but Ron had found the exact date. She slowly took the box from him. "It sparkles best in the moonlight," she repeated, watching him curiously. "What is it?"

"Open it and see."

She untied the ribbon that bound it and lifted the box lid, and cried out for joy. She threw her arms around him.

"A sapphire! My favorite! Oh, Ron! I'm sure it was costly, you didn't have to....thank you, thank you!" She started to fasten it around her neck, but Ron did it for her, grinning.

"Turn around," he told her, smiling. "Twirl."

She obeyed, and he smiled proudly. "You look like a princess. I knew it'd suit you. It's beautiful, Herm, just like you." She blushed, speechless, then managed to gasp out,

"You were right. It DOES sparkle best in moonlight." He laughed and, before she could object, he'd swept her up into his arms and lain her on her bed, kissing her forehead and holding a handful of her curls in the other, then tapped her nose gently with his finger.

"Now, get some rest, you." He told her, pulling the sheets up over her.

"Yes, MUM," she said mockingly. He grinned and got into the bed with her.

"I doubt your mum ever did THIS." And he seized her, kissing her for all he was worth. When at last he released her, she turned to gaze up at the ceiling, misty-eyed.

"You're so good to me," she said softly, a single tear running down her cheek, which Ron caught on his finger and kissed her to make her stop, but more tears cascaded out from under her long, dreamy black lashes. "You shouldn't spend so much on me. I'm not worth it."

"Yes, you are," he told her, holding her to him. "I'll spend however much I want on you Hermione, hear me? And don't you ever think otherwise. I love you, Hermione, and I want to be with you forever and always. Is that clear?" More tears trickled down from her lashes and she began to sob, burying her face in his chest. "No, 'Mione," he told her, cradling her against him. "Please don't cry. It makes me want to kill myself."

"Don't say that," she sobbed. "I couldn't live without you. I'd kill myself right along with you, even if it meant being devoured. I would, and no one could stop me; not even Harry." She gasped between sobs.

"Shhhhhh, shhhhhh." He told her, kissing the top of her head. "I'm here. And I always will be....for you. I'm not dead, Hermione. And you ARE worth it. Why else do you think I wanted you?"

She giggled then, tears still running down her cheeks. "You always make me feel so much better," she told him.

"You know what they say, Hermione?" he asked her, still holding her tenderly. "If a couple stays together at this age, they're likely to stay together forever." Hermione smiled at the thought.

"You mean married?" she asked dreamily.

He was silent. "DO you want to get married? When we're both older, I mean." He sounded a little hopeful.

"Of course I do." She reached up to brush the comma of hair from his eyes. "And we will. You just wait and see. But later. I want to be eighteen or nineteen, at the least."

"Me, too," he replied. "I think we're a little young to be discussing this anyway... but just for future plans. If anyone asks, you're taken," he told her, grinning.

"Oh, I won't forget THAT." She grinned back. "How could I?" She lay there for a while, nestled in his arms, eyes closed while he kissed her. Then, to her sudden alarm, his hands went to her neckline. "May I?" he asked.

"No, please." She told him, resting her head on him. "Not yet. When I'm ready. But for now, I don't think I am, just yet."

He nodded. "Sorry." He muttered, grinning wryly.

"That's okay. I trust you. I'm glad you asked me, first." she whispered, closing her eyes again. He resumed kissing her, then, after half an hour, stood. Seeing how drowsy she was, he stood and covered her once more.

"Thanks for waiting for me," she whispered. He grinned and bent to her.

"You're welcome, love." He gave her one last kiss before turning to leave. He opened to door to the dorm, then turned back to her one last time.

"Happy birthday, Hermione," he whispered.

She didn't reply, as she had fallen asleep, but before he left, Ron could've sworn he'd seen a tiny smile on her face before he closed the door.

(Awwwwww! Did you like it? That was sweet. *sniff*)

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Alex stormed up the stairs to Gryffindor Tower, muttering angrily to herself. She looked up and caught sight of Ron, leaving the girls' dorm.

"He would," she thought bitterly. "Probably for an evening love-making with Hermione. What DOES he see in her? Sure, she's really pretty, smart, and sassy sometimes, but why does he really like her? What does she have that I don't have?"

"Hey, Alex," She looked up. Ron was watching her.

"Hey!" she grinned. "You're sure catching on to this American stuff fast, aren't you?"

He shrugged. "I guess so. It's kind of contagious. I've got to go back down to the party; catch you up later, okay?"

*HAH! The PERFECT chance!* she thought, smirking to herself, then started down the stairs after him. "Wait!" she called. "That's where *I'm* going, too!"

He stopped, and waited for her. "Really?" He looked mildly interested. "Are you one of the 'performers'?"

"N-" she started to say. There were a bunch of girls up on stage performing: singing and dancing, trying to show off their flair. It would make her look like a Grade-A ditz, but if it meant getting Ron....

"Yeah! Yeah, I am!" she exclaimed. Ron grinned.

"What's your specialty?"

"My specialty?" She repeated blankly.

"Singing, dancing, what?" He checked his watch. There were thirty minutes left.

"Oh....uhh.......BOTH!" she blurted out. *Man, I look stupid.* she thought.

"Hermione's, too," he said. He got a dreamy look on his face. "And she has the most beautiful voice.......have you heard her sing?"

Alex's face hardened. "Ummm....no, I don't think I have." Which was a downright lie. The truth was, Alex had heard more of Hermione's singing than she cared to hear. She DID have a nice voice, Alex had to admit grudgingly, but is she really worth jumping up and down for? All the boys loved her singing. It was disgusting.

"Well, you should," he replied, still smiling. "She could charm the stars right out of the sky if she tried."

"Can we talk about something else?" she asked grumpily. When he looked at her questioningly, she added quickly, "I have a headache."

Still staring at her, Ron said, "I'm sorry. Hermione's mum gets migraines all the time. Do you?"

*Oh, JEEZ.* Alex thought. Then she pretended to look ill. "I think so. OH! This hurts....I think I'm seeing spots...oh, crap...." *It's working!* she thought triumphantly, seeing his concerned expression. He broke her moment of glory as he said,

"Maybe you shouldn't go to the party, then," he shrugged. "It'd be really stupid; you'd make your migraine worse."

"Oh, no!" He stared at her. "No...no I just won't get close to the music, that's all!"

He shrugged. "If you say so." Then he grinned. "Hear that song they're playing?"

"Yeah?" she asked, smiling. *This is going great.*

"That's Hermione's favorite song."

"Great," she muttered. *Dammit.*

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Harry laughed as he watched Seamus try to teach Lavender the Irish stepdance. So far, they were having no luck. Lavender tripped every time she got it right, and Seamus laughed at her every time she got it wrong. He looked around and saw all the usual people dancing together, then saw Ginny break off dancing with Justin Finch-Fletchley and make her way towards the exit.

"Oi, Ginny!" he called. She turned, wide-eyed, as though she couldn't believe her ears. HARRY POTTER, asking her to-?

"D'you want to dance with me?" He called. She nodded, her face scarlet, then hurried, nearly tripping over her own two feet, over to him.

He grinned as she joined him, breathless. "Sorry," she moaned. "I'm a klutz sometimes." Harry smiled at her, making her face even redder. It nearly matched her hair.

"We all are," he told her, smiling. Suddenly, he caught sight of Ron and....ALEX? His emerald eyes narrowed. What the hell did he think he was doing?

"I'll be right back, Gin," he promised, leaving her stunned and blushing. "I have a little score to settle with a good *friend* of mine."

*Watch it, Alex.* He glared at her as he got nearer. *I know you're little game now. And you're not going to get away with it. You know why?*

Because no one messes with my best friend's heart without a fight. And there'll be one.

COUNT ON IT.

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"My feet hurt," Alex complained. She cast a disgusted look down at her 3 1/2" heels. The truth was, she wasn't wearing them for looks; only because she was closer to Ron's height that way. She blinked. Where was he? He'd been there just a minute ago....

"%$^#," she muttered, then spotted him making his way towards the rest of the Gryffindor Quidditch team, who were all clustered into a little group. He folded his arms at a comment that Seamus Finnigan threw at him and tried to look indignant, then burst out laughing. Ron seemed to be pretty popular with the Quidditch type, and with the ladies...

"But he can have only ONE," she told herself, smirking. "And that would be me. No one else." A perfectly evil smile twisted across her lips as she imagined the look on Little Miss Perfect Hermione's face when she would realize that Ron was no longer hers. Oh, it would be glorious.....Mrs. Alex Weasley. She laughed to herself. It certainly fitted the family name more than "Hermione Weasley" did. She shoved her way through the dancing crowds and walked over to Ron and his companions, putting on a dazzlingly fake smile.

"THERE you are," she scolded. "You left me." She pretended not to notice Harry, who had suddenly appeared in the group, a very savage gleam in his emerald eyes. He was, after all, the Seeker, and Captain. Ginny was scowling as well, her brown eyes cold as she greeted Alex.

"*Hey*," she said. Alex ignored the sarcasm and smiled back in the same, chilling way, daring her to come closer. This little Weasley girl didn't seem to like her at all, and she would play a vital role in Alex's getting Ron. She WAS Ron's sister, and could easily stop the event from happening. It was also a big negative that Ginny was one of Hermione's best friends, and wouldn't ever do anything to hurt her.

*Crap,* Alex thought. *This is going to be harder than I thought.* She would have to make many changes in her outlook and actions if she was to get was she was aiming for.

Ron stopped talking and turned to Alex. "Alex! Sorry, I thought you were still behind me..." he turned to the rest of the Gryffindor team and said, "This is Alex, the American transfer student."

Some of them smiled, others hardened slightly. Obviously, Harry had spoken to them before about her. She was red with rage. That Potter....she would get him back for this. But that wasn't the most important matter. First, she had to repair some people's attitudes towards her and get Granger out of the running; otherwise, this wasn't going to work.

"Call me Ali," she smiled at them, tossing her high blond ponytail. "Alex sounds so tacky." She smiled at Ron, white teeth gleaming, but before he could reply, Ginny had taken hold of her brother's arm.

"Ron," she hissed. "I have to talk to you. NOW." And before he could protest, she had dragged him out the doors and outside the castle. Harry, however, was glaring at Alex as the crowd around them began to disperse. Before she could run, he had stomped up and was standing about eight inches away from her face, his eyes flashing. She turned to dash away, but he seized her arm and yanked her back.

"YOU," he hissed, "Aren't going ANYWHERE." She crossed her arms and, now that he was at eye level, they gave each other stare-for-stare, until finally, he growled, "Don't be stupid, and act all innocent. I know what you're up to. Ginny knows what you're up to."

Alex laughed and tossed her hair again. "Big whoop," she laughed. "He's mine, Harry Potter. I'd like to see you stop us."

Harry leaned in closer, eyes nearly red. "US? What do you mean, US? You think you have the NERVE; the...the AUTHORITY....to say that he's your BOYFRIEND?" He looked downright terrifying, and Alex tried to take a step back, to no avail. He only followed.

"Look," he whispered in an undertone, his voice shaking with the strain of trying to keep calm. "I don't know what's going on inside that evil mind of yours right now, but let me assure you, I WON'T LET IT HAPPEN." Alex laughed again, although she had a slight nervous gleam in her hazel eyes.

"Yeah?" she sneered. "You can't stop true love, Potter. And it's coming. I can smell it. Once I cancel out your little brown-haired friend, Ron will turn to me, and I will be the champion of his heart." Her eyes narrowed and she stared at him, while he glared back. Anyone watching would think they'd seen a stormcloud gathering over the two.

Harry was seeing red now. He raised a hand, trembling, meaning to slap her, before lowering it, taking deep, winded breaths. "I swear, if you weren't a girl-" he hissed. "Then again, it's very easy to forget you ARE one." She merely raised her eyebrows and swished her ponytail in his face, so that it slapped his nose.

"You know, you could've had me," she whispered, smiling coyly. "But you see...I like men who aren't cowards....and who aren't afraid to hit a girl." And she walked off, laughing. Harry gritted his teeth and cursed her silently before turning away and storming off in the other direction, which was where Ginny and Ron had gone.

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"AGH!" moaned Ginny, clapping a hand to her forehead. "God! Can't you see she's trying to seduce you? She LIKES you, Ron! That evil little girl LIKES you! And she WANTS you, too. She's desperate for you! LISTEN TO WHAT I HAVE TO TELL YOU-" she grabbed his shoulders and shook them, "-YOU'RE LITTLE SISTER KNOWS A SEDUCER WHEN SHE SEES ONE! AND THAT LITTLE CHEAT IS A SEDUCER!"

Ron pulled away and grabbed her wrists. "Calm DOWN, Gin," he ordered. "I KNOW she likes me. But there's only one person for me, and that's Hermione. My heart belongs to her, and no one can EVER break that connection. EVER." He placed his hands on Ginny's shoulders and looked at her consolingly. "Do you understand, Gin? She can flirt all she wants to, but she's never going to GET me!"

Ginny relaxed a little. "All right," she sighed. "I just don't want my brother taken in by....by HER!"

Ron grinned. "My God, Ginny. You actually thought I was going to SUBMIT to her?" He laughed as she nodded, then pulled her into a hug. "Well, thanks for the concern, but I really don't think she'll be a problem."

"The hell, she won't," Ginny retorted, doubling up her fists. "I swear, if she doesn't stay away from you, I WILL KILL HER." Ron grinned, imagining his now not-so-shy-and-quiet little sister laying the smack down on Alex.

Ginny suddenly smiled. "Oh, look! There's Hermione!" she pointed up to the tower balcony about sixty feet above them. Ron could just make out a slim figure in flowing white gazing up at the stars. He got a nice, warm glow inside of him; just watching her filled him with a sense of peace, and he got a sudden desire to be with her.

"Thanks for caring, sis," he teased, cuffing her playfully around the head. "See you around.....I'm going up to her. Tell Harry I'll see him in the dorm. You have fun; OK, kid?" And he took his broom, mounted it, and headed up for the balcony, grinning as he imagined Hermione's face as she realized that he had sneaked behind her.

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(Awwwwww! :*) *sniff* Isn't it sweet? More fluff for you!)

Hermione leaned on the balcony railing, closing her eyes and letting the breeze ruffle her hair. The night was beautiful enough, what with the moon's soft, silvery glow reflecting off of the lake and the stars shimmering above. The wind seemed to whisper silvery wisps of comforting words and phrases. She opened her eyes and sneaked a peek at an especially bright star, which winked at her. She wished she had someone here to share this view with, with one person in particular, but they'd already said good night. Did he love her enough to come back?

She didn't hear the swish behind her that ruffled her silken, dreamy brown curls; didn't hear the quiet footsteps behind her, until she felt arms encircle her waist and the wonderful, intoxicating smell of the red-haired teen that owned her heart. (Sappy, isn't it?) He rested his head between her cheek and shoulder, cradling her to him, while her eyes stayed open and she smiled serenely out at the view. She had gotten her wish.

"Hello, luv," he whispered, gently giving her neck a soft kiss. "I didn't THINK you'd go to sleep, Miss Disobedient," he teased, then joined her eyes, looking out below them.

"Isn't it peaceful?" she sighed, closing her eyes. "Everything here...it's all so beautiful. I can feel something absolutely mad and random coming on....I want to live forever, Ron!" she turned her head to look at him, her eyes shining. "Forever, and I want you to live forever with me!"

He grinned. "Hey, we all say stupid things sometimes. I want to live forever, too." He played with her curls. "I'd make a potion, just for us, and we could live together forever. Forever, Hermione," and he kissed her curls.

"Or maybe not forever," she whispered, eyes far off in thought. "I wouldn't want to leave everyone we love behind....."

"We could ALL live forever," he promised her, thinking the same things. He brought her down with him, still holding her, onto the balcony rail, where they both sat, thinking. Hermione was thinking how wonderful it would be to die together, and be together even in the afterlife, and never be separated from one another. It would be beautiful......Ron was running a hand through her curls and down her back, sending chills up and down her spine. It felt delicious, and made her tired.

Ron sensed her drowsiness and drew her to him. She was now fully curled up in his lap, her eyelids struggling to stay open. "Sleep," he whispered soothingly. "Sleep all you want to. I'll guard it." She closed her eyelids and gave a long, peaceful sigh.

When her breathing became long and relaxed, he gazed off into the distance, and they sat there together, silhouetted against the moon; two hearts, one soul.

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Awwwwwww! This is sooooooo sweet! But, I must warn you! If you like this fluff, enjoy it while you can! Believe me, it won't last. You didn't think Alex would hold out forever, did you? *Hint, hint!* Watch out...Alex is about to make her move!

I ABSOLUTELY *REFUSE* TO WRITE ANOTHER CHAPTER WITHOUT 45 REVIEWS!!!!!!!!!!!!! REVIEW!!!! *points at the review section below*