Title: Ron being Ron.
Rating: This chapter is probably PG-13
Author: Kali Kato (SeekerGurl)
Chapter: Three, "Meals, Mudbloods, and Malfoy"
Year: 6th year
Other: This fic is from Ron's POV.
Ships: Ron and Hermione.
Summary: What happens to Ron and Hermione at Hogsmeade? Read forward and see!
Notes:
harryhermione4eva- What? You mean to tell me you've never heard of The Wizard Wild Wheaties? Tsk, tsk! ;)
Zille - Ouch! That must have hurt! X_x ;)
Thanks to everyone for the reviews, keep em' coming! :D
WARNING: This is a long chapter, so grab a soda and read onward! =)
Disclaimer: Everything belongs to the mighty J.K. Rowling.
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I suppose I should admit it.
Its just hard I guess. Its hard for me, a guy, at sixteen years of age to admit my true feelings. As much as I'd like to, they just never seem to leave my mouth. Its just plain hard.
I even wonder if I should have these feelings, if they should even be invading my mind. They pop into my head now and then, and when they do, its hard to get rid of them. Usually, I just shove them away. But today, well, today if different.
As we walked side by side to Hogsmeade, I stole quick glances at Hermione.
I kept on wondering if Viktor Krum had admitted his feelings. If he is man enough to say anything to Hermione about his deepest desires, his deepest needs.
In a way, I hope not. But at times, I almost respect him for it.
Heh, I said almost.
I doubt Krum knows anything other than Quidditch. His mind is probably so full of plays and maneuvers that he misses whats right in front of his ugly face. I can just see it, Hermione reading a book and he playing Quidditch. What a wonderful date that would make. I can see the look on Hermione's face when all Krum can babble on about, in rushed sentences, is the wronsky feint. Hermione would be bored to death! She wouldn't have anything to have a good row about, she'd go to sleep hearing about Quidditch, and they would have nothing in common. She doesn't have...
She doesn't have me.
I could bore her with Quidditch just as easily as Krum, but thats not what we're about.
Me and her, we always manage, despite the disguested looks from Harry, to get into arguements. Whether it be about forgotten homework or dangerous adventures, we always get into it. But never in a bad way. We don't really mean the things we say, and we both know that so there is really no need for apology in the end. I don't have that with anyone else. Nobody else in the entire world can get me so red in the face that I need a cold shower. Nobody else living can get my blood boiling, and then suddenly cooled off in the same sentence. There is nobody else in this world I'd rather defend against Malfoy's words than Hermione Granger. She's the only person I'd ever consider (and did) belch up slugs for.
To be honest, the reason she's even with Krum is all my fault. Fourth year, was all my fault, all my doing. I was blind then, if you'd ask me to touch what was in front of my face, I couldn't. But now I can, and now I see my mistakes. In fourth year, I refused to notice my feelings. If I just hadn't been a childish prat and asked Hermione to the stupid Yule Ball, maybe she wouldn't be recieving mysterious love letters from Krum. I should have never considered her as second choice, that was just wrong. But as I said, I was blind. If I was truthful to my heart then I would have asked her before anyone else. Sure, I would have been blushing, but it would have been worth it. Maybe then, things would be different.
But you can't redo the past.
I'm stuck with what I got, and thats Hermione as a friend. Only a friend.
I suppose I should be happy with that.
Easier said than done.
Hogsmeade was a place unlike any wizarding town I've ever seen. It was quiet, and nestled among lovely scenery. I swear, someday I'm gonna live here. It has everything you'd need as a budding wizard. Joke shops, candy shops, a wand shop, and as Hermione said it, a library as well.
Thats right, she insists we go to the library. Is she insane? I told her that, and she mentioned she had a book to return, and it would only take a moment. I, being the loyal guy I am, went along of course, even though the idea was far from enticing. We do have a library at school, do we really need to visit this one too? We made a right at The Three Broomsticks and walked down the street until we saw a horribly red colored building, with a big book painted on the side of it.
As much as I adore Hermione's brillance, I can't understand her fascination with books and reading. We already have enough homework, why make more work for yourself? Either way, I went along for the ride, even though I could have easily made her stop off at the Broomsticks for a Butterbeer.
"Wait here," she told me as she bounded off to a corner of the freshly painted library. It seemed to be packed full of wizards, considering it was a weekday. I took a seat on this huge, rather soft chair, and made myself comfortable. Knowing Hermione, we would be here for awhile. Sure, she said she was just returning a book, but knowing her, she'd find something else to dabble in. To make myself look like I fitted in, instead of some red headed guy siting in a red library, I picked up a book. It was a Muggle dictionary. I flipped it open to a random page, closed my eyes, and let my finger fall on a random word. I opened my eyes, and cursed outloud, when I saw my findings. The wizard in front of me gave me a nasty look, but I barely noticed, and concentrated on
what was in front of me. This is what my finger landed on:
____
Love \Love\, n.
[OE. love, luve, AS. lufe, lufu; akin to E. lief, believe, L. lubet, libet,it pleases, Skr. lubh to be lustful.]
1. A feeling of strong attachment induced by that which delights or commands admiration; pre["e]minent kindness or devotion to another; affection; tenderness; as, the love of brothers and sisters.
2. Especially, devoted attachment to, or tender or passionate affection for, one of the opposite sex.
3. Courtship; -- chiefly in the phrase to make love, i. e., to court, to woo, to solicit union in marriage.
'Demetrius . . . Made love to Nedar's daughter, Helena, And won her soul.' --Shak.
4. Affection; kind feeling; friendship; strong liking or desire; fondness; good will.
Note: Love is often used in the formation of compounds, in most of which the meaning is very obvious; as, love-cracked, love-darting, love-killing, love-linked, love-taught, etc.
____
What the hell was this? Some kind of sign? As I stared at those words, I began to think of certain things... things I sould have kept far away from my mind.
Strong attachment.
Sure, I'm best friends with Hermione. Why wouldn't I be attached to her? I mean, I feel the same sort of attachment to her as I do to Harry. I think. Okay, so maybe its a little different being attached to her than it is to Harry... but thats just normal, right? I mean, she is a girl, and Harry is my best ... guy... friend. Or something.
Tenderness.
I suppose I could be more tender to her feeligs, maybe not get in so many rows. I guess girls like to be treated with gentle, tender touches. I guess I should stop high fiving her after Quidditch matches.
Admiration.
You better believe I admire, 'Mione. She's the smartest, most intellectual person I know. She is beautiful outside, and inside, even if she doesn't know it. I admire her for all her faults, even though she rarely has any. She's as close to a perect person as I can imagine.
Devotion.
Of course I'm devoted, I'm devoted to both my friends, and my family. No matter how much they bug me, I'll always remain by her... uh, their side.
Affection.
If I could, or had the guts, I'd show more affection to Hermione. Right now, I'll just have to settle for putting daisies in her beautiful hair.
Passionate Affection.
...Passion with Hermione will only, and ever happen in my dreams.
Courtship.
What the heck is that? Dating? Well... yeah, if she wasn't with Krum, and if a cure for blushing was found, maybe I'd ask her out...
Making love.
I swear, if her and Krum ever get that far, and I find out, he better run. I don't care how strong he is; I'll bash him good. Not that I, per say, want to make love to Hermione... uh, I-I'll just skip this one...
Strong liking; fondness.
Of course I like her. I'm fond of her. I'm fond of food too, so whats the point? Stupid question.
I think the real problem here is...
Who the hell is Demetrius? And how'd he score with Helena?
Ahem.
I guess thats beside the point.
"Ron? Ron I'm back... lets go!"
Hermione's voice caught me off guard, causing me to drop the heavy book, creating a large noise which I was sure woke the dead. I looked up at her, and she shook her head.
"I can't believe it, Ronald Weasley, reading a book? I must be dreaming!"
I half smiled, she laughed, and picked up the book for me. She looked at it curiously.
"Seriously, Ron, you should start with something a little lighter. Perhaps its time you finally undusted your copy of Hogwarts: A History."
I got up off the chair, and waved my hands in a rather chilish matter at her.
"No, no, I'm not touching any more books! This one is sure to give me nightmares!"
She looked at me in a funny way, like she didn't understand. How could she, I realized. No one but me knew about my feelings.
I grinned, "I think all this reading has made me light-headed. Can we PLEASE go eat now?" I asked, giving her the puppy dog eyes routine. She smiled, and shook her head in a 'yes' fashion.
We walked out of the library and back onto the main street, where many different shops faced us. There were many places to eat, and I think we both felt bewildered.
"Where to?" I asked her.
"Ummm..." She seemed to be looking at a older building with a checked floor and an outside patio. I noticed the waitress' were young ladies on broomsticks, hovering around the customers for fun. "How about there?" She asked.
"Looks great." I added.
She smiled, and we made our way over to the cafe. We choose a table for two on the patio. Within minutes a flying waitress came over, and took our order. Hermione ordered ginger rice with meat sauce, plus a milk. I ordered a potato waffle and pumpkin juice. When the waitress left, the silence between us was a bit akward. She seemed to be nervously twisting her hair, while my leg shook. I decided this was noway to act, considering we'd been friends forever.
"So, er, about spew..." I said.
"Its S.P.E.W." She corrected.
I loved it when she did that. Sometimes I just said it incorrectly so she'd get all flustered. It was rather cute.
"Right," I said grinning, "How is the recruiting coming along?"
She looked sadly down at the table. She stopped twisting her hair.
"Not very well. I only have around twenty memebers, and four of those are you, me, Harry and Ginny. So in reality, thats only sixteen members. Only a few people come to the meetings, and only five people wear the buttons. Its rather sad, that no one cares about the House-Elves."
"Oh," I said softly. I hated it when she was sad. A frown didn't fit her, not at all. As much as I didn't give a flying broom about Dobby and his obsession with socks, and their work rights, I knew I had to do something.
"Well, uh, I suppose I could be more involved. You know, 'Mione, pass out buttons, not skip the meetings, help you out more." I said, forcing a smile. Truth was, I'd do anything to please her.
Her face immediately brightened. The frown was replaced by a grin, and she was suddenly very talkative. She told me all about her new courses this turn, she was even thinking about taking divination again, saying she should take EVERY class, even the ones she didn't like, for her training as a witch. I told her I thought it was a good idea, although to be careful on becoming too overloaded with work, like she did in third year. The truth was, I just wanted to sit next to her in Divination again. By this time, our food arrived. When she discovered the ginger rice wasn't all it sounded like on the menu, I traded her my potato for it. See, wouldn't I make a great boyfriend? I decided to take my "fondness or affection" for Hermione just a little bit farther when the waitress brought the check. I immediatly snatched it, and told Hermione I was paying. She gave me a funny look and said, "Ron, you know you don't have any money." I, being the gentleman I am, said it was no problem, and used the twelve Sickles of my birthday money to pay. She of course, being the lady she was, said thank you. We left the cafe, and wandered around town, finding ourselves heading towards Zonko's, like we had planned earlier.
Zonko's was a gift and joke shop. Fred and George spent most of their time here, but today we didn't spot them, which is probably a good thing... they'd just embaress me. I showed Hermione this great exploding flower, which after you asked it a question, it told you the answer, and then exploded into colorful flying pieces of paper. It was a one use kind of toy. Needless to say, the store owner made me buy it after I purposely made one explode. Hermione bought a chocolate frog, and gave me the card out of it. Which was very nice of her, even though I already have twelve Dumbledore cards lying around in my room. Hermione checked her Muggle watch, and said we only had twenty minutes before we had to go. We decided to leave early on account of the store manager glaring at me, and we wanted to enjoy the walk back.
As we walked out of Zonko's, a large gust of wind blew at us, causing our hair to become untidy. Hermione's flower came out of her hair, and fell to the ground. I picked it up for her. Amazingly, it was still glowing a brilliant blue. I offered it to her, but she asked me to put it back in her hair. On account she didn't have a mirror. She really was a girl, I joked to myself. Whats next? Makeup? Of course, I was happy to get a chance to touch her, being the beautiful woman that she was.
Just as I was fastening it back with some curly strands, a shrill, creaky, annoying voice inturrupted us. I knew that voice anywhere.
"Well, well, look at that, a Weasel and a Mudblood. On a date none-the-less!"
Malfoy.
I take it back. Only one other person can get my blood boiling, and not in the good way. Draco Malfoy has got to be the sickest little brat in the world. I couldn't believe he called Hermione a Mudblood. Again. Didn't he learn his lesson? There was no word to describe my utter hatred for the insensitive jerk. I'm sure he felt the same towards me. I was sure I hated him more, him and his band of Slytherins. Him and his ugly girlfriend, Pansy Parkinson. How dare he be so rude to Hermione. I turned to face him. No wonder Malfoy was so brave to call Hermione a Mudblood, it was just him and Pansy, against me and Hermione. None of his little croonies were there to back him up. I had no idea where my sudden boost of bravery came from, but I suddenly found myself walking towards him, fists clencehd and teeth grit. I didn't even notice that Hermione had followed, and stood by my side.
"What did you say, Malfoy?" I said in a dangerously calm voice. Malfoy smirked in that stupid, bratty way he always did, and put his arm around Pansy.
"You heard me, Weasley," He spat. He ran a hand through his greasy hair, still smirking. "I called your girlfriend a mudblood. Whats it to you? You haven't got Potter to help you, you're all alone. A scared little Weasel."
I was just about to hit the jerk, when Pansy shrieked.
"Draaaaaaaaaco! That bookwoooooooooooooorm has a flower and I don't! I want a flooooooooower! If SHE is good enough for one then I want one too! Draaaaaaco!"
Her voice was very irritating, I decided. Malfoy just continued to smirk.
"If you want it," he said, "then go on and take it."
Then, before I knew what happened, Pansy had lunged for Hermione, grabbing a fist full of Hermione's hair, yanking it very hard. Hermione screamed, and shoved Pansy away. When it was over, I grabbed Hermione and held her in my arms. I could see the start of tears form in her eyes. I looked over at the flower, now clutched in Pansy's grubby hand. It was starting to wilt. Hair was still wrapped around the flower, obviously pulled from Hermione's head. It took all my will power not to slap that little witch with all my might, but I knew I could never hurt a woman, no matter how mean she was. Malfoy was a different matter, I had no qualms about slapping him around. I gently let Hermione go, and peered down at Malfoy. It was obvious who was going to win this fight, I was 6'1", and he was 5'10". I was built bigger, he was thinner. I'd like to see him even try and hit me. All my life I've been a coward and never given Malfoy what he deserved.
But now I was ready.
I hit him. I couldn't believe it. One second I was standing there, and a second later I raised my arm, clenched my fist, and aimed for his jaw. Needless to say, it turns out my puberty muscels are stronger than I thought. Malfoy's head whipped back, but he managed to keep himself from falling down by stepping backwards. My fist ached horribly, but it was worth it when Malfoy licked the blood away from his lip. Pansy's shrieks brought me back to reality, and the fact Malfoy just spat a tooth on the ground. I grinned as he rubbed his jaw, looking very shocked. I turned in my excitement to Hermione.
"'Mione, did you see that---"
She was gone. My one glourious moment had been missed out on by the one person I was trying to protect. Where did she go? When did she run off too? Did she see me?
"Weasley!"
I turned around, only to connect my face with Malfoy's fist. He had hit me in my left eye. It hurt, but it only managed to raise my anger for him. I grabbed him by the shoulders and shoved him with all my might to the ground. He dirtied his robes, and managed to fall in some mud. I didn't care. I turned my heel on him, and walked away. I had won my first fight, but there were more important things in life than celebrating.
Hermione...
Where was she? Was she hurt? Pansy had gotten an awful lot of her hair.
I wandered around, avoiding the spot where Malfoy had fallen. I knew we had to be getting back to school soon, but I doubted she'd leave without me. With a tip from an old wizard, I finally made my way to the shrieking shack, where I found her. She had her back to me, and she had her arms crossed in front of her chest. I could hear her sniffiling, and I realized she had been crying. I approached her slowly, and she jumped when I placed my hand on her shoulder.
"Its me." I said.
"Ron..."
Very slowly she turned around to face me. I saw her eyes go wide when she saw my face. She put a hand to her mouth, I guess it was expected.
"Ron... What happened? Your hurt! Did Malfoy hit you? Oh Ron, I'm so sorry, its all my fault."
"No, no," I said, "I was the one who hit him first. I started it... Didn't you see me slug Malfoy?" I asked, giving her a sly grin.
"I.I... got scared...I'm sorry, I should have stayed to help..." She wispered softly, turning her back to me again.
"Are you hurt?" I asked.
"No... no, but the... flower..." She said, her voice cracking. I didn't want her to cry again. I slipped my arm around her waist.
I leaned down and wispered into her ear, "I'll get you another one."
For one defining moment we stood there, my arm secured around her waist, my face close to hers. She smelled really good, like vanilla. Like a woman. The best part was, I wasn't even blushing. I could feel her warm breath on my cheek, her eyes on mine. All I could think about was the feelings I didn't want to think about creep up on me again. I regretably released her waist, hoping my feelings would go away.
They didn't.
I looked at her, and noticed she was shivering. "That was nice..." She wispered, not looking me in the eye.
I gave her a rather confused expression and said, "Huh?"
"Its cold, " she wispered softly, "You were so close to me... it was warm."
Oh. So thats what she meant. She's cold. I looked at her in her sweater and skirt, and saw goosebumps on her legs. I took off my robe, and offered it to her.
"Don't you need it?" She asked.
"Nah, I'm tough." I said with a smile.
She smiled at me and took the robe, wrapping it around herself. It was way too big for her. She buried her face in the cuff of the robe, and closed her eyes. She then turned to me, blushing. I grinned, it was so cute when she blushed. I looked up at the sun, and realized what time it was.
"Um, 'Mione, not to scare you... but its way past lunch."
She looked at me, and then suddenly looked at her watch.
"Oh my God! We're late! We're missing Potions! Oh God, Snape is going to kill us!" She yelled.
"Don't worry, I'm sure Pansy and Malfoy will be late too." I said, trying not to laugh.
"Not funny." She then began to bound down the hill.
"Wait up," I yelled.
"I can't," she said, yelling over her shoulder. "Meet me at the Astronomy Tower, midnight. I wanna talk!" She said this rather seriously, and ran out of sight.
I stood there with a dopey look on my face, and an aching eye.
Those same feelings started to surface again, this time accompanied by sweaty palms and a lump in my throat. I decided it was time to re-evaluate my answers to that dictionary. This time, truthfull, no more hiding.
Strong attachment.
Yes, very strong. I even protected her from Malfoy, considered hitting a girl, and got hit in the eye. If that doesn't show strong attachment, I don't know what does.
Tenderness.
Didn't I just show that a few minutes ago? I gave her my robe, I held her in my arms. I offered her another flower.
Admiration.
As I said, she's bloody brilliant. And she's fiesty. She did shove that Pansy pretty hard. I'm proud of 'Mione.
Devotion.
If it came down to it... Hermione comes first.
Affection.
I'll make a note to show more. Maybe she'll get the picture and dump Krum. Maybe.
Passionate Affection.
If I ever get to first base... then we'll talk. Either way, she'll always be in my dreams.
Courtship.
Maybe I'll ask just for the hell of it. Krum is a million miles away, he'd never know, right? Besides, all is fair in love and war. And this is both.
Making love.
Yes, as a matter of fact I would. If she asked me to, I'd make love to her in a heartbeat. Of course, we'd both be blushing, and I've never kissed a girl let alone make love to one. I wouldn't know what I was doing. Either way, I'd make sweet, slow, passionate love to her. Only her.
Strong liking; fondness.
Well, I'd do anything for her. Besides, if I was going to make love to her, I'd have to be pretty fond of her, wouldn't I?
And the age old question...
Demetrius made love to Helena cause he was in love with her, she had his heart. Plain and simple.
Amen.
Yes, I admit it. I'm in love with Hermione. Are you happy now, concious?
Too bad I can't do anything about it.
Now, what does she want with me at the Astronomy Tower?
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Please Please Read and Review! It'll make my day! The more reviews I get, the faster I will update! ;)
Rating: This chapter is probably PG-13
Author: Kali Kato (SeekerGurl)
Chapter: Three, "Meals, Mudbloods, and Malfoy"
Year: 6th year
Other: This fic is from Ron's POV.
Ships: Ron and Hermione.
Summary: What happens to Ron and Hermione at Hogsmeade? Read forward and see!
Notes:
harryhermione4eva- What? You mean to tell me you've never heard of The Wizard Wild Wheaties? Tsk, tsk! ;)
Zille - Ouch! That must have hurt! X_x ;)
Thanks to everyone for the reviews, keep em' coming! :D
WARNING: This is a long chapter, so grab a soda and read onward! =)
Disclaimer: Everything belongs to the mighty J.K. Rowling.
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I suppose I should admit it.
Its just hard I guess. Its hard for me, a guy, at sixteen years of age to admit my true feelings. As much as I'd like to, they just never seem to leave my mouth. Its just plain hard.
I even wonder if I should have these feelings, if they should even be invading my mind. They pop into my head now and then, and when they do, its hard to get rid of them. Usually, I just shove them away. But today, well, today if different.
As we walked side by side to Hogsmeade, I stole quick glances at Hermione.
I kept on wondering if Viktor Krum had admitted his feelings. If he is man enough to say anything to Hermione about his deepest desires, his deepest needs.
In a way, I hope not. But at times, I almost respect him for it.
Heh, I said almost.
I doubt Krum knows anything other than Quidditch. His mind is probably so full of plays and maneuvers that he misses whats right in front of his ugly face. I can just see it, Hermione reading a book and he playing Quidditch. What a wonderful date that would make. I can see the look on Hermione's face when all Krum can babble on about, in rushed sentences, is the wronsky feint. Hermione would be bored to death! She wouldn't have anything to have a good row about, she'd go to sleep hearing about Quidditch, and they would have nothing in common. She doesn't have...
She doesn't have me.
I could bore her with Quidditch just as easily as Krum, but thats not what we're about.
Me and her, we always manage, despite the disguested looks from Harry, to get into arguements. Whether it be about forgotten homework or dangerous adventures, we always get into it. But never in a bad way. We don't really mean the things we say, and we both know that so there is really no need for apology in the end. I don't have that with anyone else. Nobody else in the entire world can get me so red in the face that I need a cold shower. Nobody else living can get my blood boiling, and then suddenly cooled off in the same sentence. There is nobody else in this world I'd rather defend against Malfoy's words than Hermione Granger. She's the only person I'd ever consider (and did) belch up slugs for.
To be honest, the reason she's even with Krum is all my fault. Fourth year, was all my fault, all my doing. I was blind then, if you'd ask me to touch what was in front of my face, I couldn't. But now I can, and now I see my mistakes. In fourth year, I refused to notice my feelings. If I just hadn't been a childish prat and asked Hermione to the stupid Yule Ball, maybe she wouldn't be recieving mysterious love letters from Krum. I should have never considered her as second choice, that was just wrong. But as I said, I was blind. If I was truthful to my heart then I would have asked her before anyone else. Sure, I would have been blushing, but it would have been worth it. Maybe then, things would be different.
But you can't redo the past.
I'm stuck with what I got, and thats Hermione as a friend. Only a friend.
I suppose I should be happy with that.
Easier said than done.
Hogsmeade was a place unlike any wizarding town I've ever seen. It was quiet, and nestled among lovely scenery. I swear, someday I'm gonna live here. It has everything you'd need as a budding wizard. Joke shops, candy shops, a wand shop, and as Hermione said it, a library as well.
Thats right, she insists we go to the library. Is she insane? I told her that, and she mentioned she had a book to return, and it would only take a moment. I, being the loyal guy I am, went along of course, even though the idea was far from enticing. We do have a library at school, do we really need to visit this one too? We made a right at The Three Broomsticks and walked down the street until we saw a horribly red colored building, with a big book painted on the side of it.
As much as I adore Hermione's brillance, I can't understand her fascination with books and reading. We already have enough homework, why make more work for yourself? Either way, I went along for the ride, even though I could have easily made her stop off at the Broomsticks for a Butterbeer.
"Wait here," she told me as she bounded off to a corner of the freshly painted library. It seemed to be packed full of wizards, considering it was a weekday. I took a seat on this huge, rather soft chair, and made myself comfortable. Knowing Hermione, we would be here for awhile. Sure, she said she was just returning a book, but knowing her, she'd find something else to dabble in. To make myself look like I fitted in, instead of some red headed guy siting in a red library, I picked up a book. It was a Muggle dictionary. I flipped it open to a random page, closed my eyes, and let my finger fall on a random word. I opened my eyes, and cursed outloud, when I saw my findings. The wizard in front of me gave me a nasty look, but I barely noticed, and concentrated on
what was in front of me. This is what my finger landed on:
____
Love \Love\, n.
[OE. love, luve, AS. lufe, lufu; akin to E. lief, believe, L. lubet, libet,it pleases, Skr. lubh to be lustful.]
1. A feeling of strong attachment induced by that which delights or commands admiration; pre["e]minent kindness or devotion to another; affection; tenderness; as, the love of brothers and sisters.
2. Especially, devoted attachment to, or tender or passionate affection for, one of the opposite sex.
3. Courtship; -- chiefly in the phrase to make love, i. e., to court, to woo, to solicit union in marriage.
'Demetrius . . . Made love to Nedar's daughter, Helena, And won her soul.' --Shak.
4. Affection; kind feeling; friendship; strong liking or desire; fondness; good will.
Note: Love is often used in the formation of compounds, in most of which the meaning is very obvious; as, love-cracked, love-darting, love-killing, love-linked, love-taught, etc.
____
What the hell was this? Some kind of sign? As I stared at those words, I began to think of certain things... things I sould have kept far away from my mind.
Strong attachment.
Sure, I'm best friends with Hermione. Why wouldn't I be attached to her? I mean, I feel the same sort of attachment to her as I do to Harry. I think. Okay, so maybe its a little different being attached to her than it is to Harry... but thats just normal, right? I mean, she is a girl, and Harry is my best ... guy... friend. Or something.
Tenderness.
I suppose I could be more tender to her feeligs, maybe not get in so many rows. I guess girls like to be treated with gentle, tender touches. I guess I should stop high fiving her after Quidditch matches.
Admiration.
You better believe I admire, 'Mione. She's the smartest, most intellectual person I know. She is beautiful outside, and inside, even if she doesn't know it. I admire her for all her faults, even though she rarely has any. She's as close to a perect person as I can imagine.
Devotion.
Of course I'm devoted, I'm devoted to both my friends, and my family. No matter how much they bug me, I'll always remain by her... uh, their side.
Affection.
If I could, or had the guts, I'd show more affection to Hermione. Right now, I'll just have to settle for putting daisies in her beautiful hair.
Passionate Affection.
...Passion with Hermione will only, and ever happen in my dreams.
Courtship.
What the heck is that? Dating? Well... yeah, if she wasn't with Krum, and if a cure for blushing was found, maybe I'd ask her out...
Making love.
I swear, if her and Krum ever get that far, and I find out, he better run. I don't care how strong he is; I'll bash him good. Not that I, per say, want to make love to Hermione... uh, I-I'll just skip this one...
Strong liking; fondness.
Of course I like her. I'm fond of her. I'm fond of food too, so whats the point? Stupid question.
I think the real problem here is...
Who the hell is Demetrius? And how'd he score with Helena?
Ahem.
I guess thats beside the point.
"Ron? Ron I'm back... lets go!"
Hermione's voice caught me off guard, causing me to drop the heavy book, creating a large noise which I was sure woke the dead. I looked up at her, and she shook her head.
"I can't believe it, Ronald Weasley, reading a book? I must be dreaming!"
I half smiled, she laughed, and picked up the book for me. She looked at it curiously.
"Seriously, Ron, you should start with something a little lighter. Perhaps its time you finally undusted your copy of Hogwarts: A History."
I got up off the chair, and waved my hands in a rather chilish matter at her.
"No, no, I'm not touching any more books! This one is sure to give me nightmares!"
She looked at me in a funny way, like she didn't understand. How could she, I realized. No one but me knew about my feelings.
I grinned, "I think all this reading has made me light-headed. Can we PLEASE go eat now?" I asked, giving her the puppy dog eyes routine. She smiled, and shook her head in a 'yes' fashion.
We walked out of the library and back onto the main street, where many different shops faced us. There were many places to eat, and I think we both felt bewildered.
"Where to?" I asked her.
"Ummm..." She seemed to be looking at a older building with a checked floor and an outside patio. I noticed the waitress' were young ladies on broomsticks, hovering around the customers for fun. "How about there?" She asked.
"Looks great." I added.
She smiled, and we made our way over to the cafe. We choose a table for two on the patio. Within minutes a flying waitress came over, and took our order. Hermione ordered ginger rice with meat sauce, plus a milk. I ordered a potato waffle and pumpkin juice. When the waitress left, the silence between us was a bit akward. She seemed to be nervously twisting her hair, while my leg shook. I decided this was noway to act, considering we'd been friends forever.
"So, er, about spew..." I said.
"Its S.P.E.W." She corrected.
I loved it when she did that. Sometimes I just said it incorrectly so she'd get all flustered. It was rather cute.
"Right," I said grinning, "How is the recruiting coming along?"
She looked sadly down at the table. She stopped twisting her hair.
"Not very well. I only have around twenty memebers, and four of those are you, me, Harry and Ginny. So in reality, thats only sixteen members. Only a few people come to the meetings, and only five people wear the buttons. Its rather sad, that no one cares about the House-Elves."
"Oh," I said softly. I hated it when she was sad. A frown didn't fit her, not at all. As much as I didn't give a flying broom about Dobby and his obsession with socks, and their work rights, I knew I had to do something.
"Well, uh, I suppose I could be more involved. You know, 'Mione, pass out buttons, not skip the meetings, help you out more." I said, forcing a smile. Truth was, I'd do anything to please her.
Her face immediately brightened. The frown was replaced by a grin, and she was suddenly very talkative. She told me all about her new courses this turn, she was even thinking about taking divination again, saying she should take EVERY class, even the ones she didn't like, for her training as a witch. I told her I thought it was a good idea, although to be careful on becoming too overloaded with work, like she did in third year. The truth was, I just wanted to sit next to her in Divination again. By this time, our food arrived. When she discovered the ginger rice wasn't all it sounded like on the menu, I traded her my potato for it. See, wouldn't I make a great boyfriend? I decided to take my "fondness or affection" for Hermione just a little bit farther when the waitress brought the check. I immediatly snatched it, and told Hermione I was paying. She gave me a funny look and said, "Ron, you know you don't have any money." I, being the gentleman I am, said it was no problem, and used the twelve Sickles of my birthday money to pay. She of course, being the lady she was, said thank you. We left the cafe, and wandered around town, finding ourselves heading towards Zonko's, like we had planned earlier.
Zonko's was a gift and joke shop. Fred and George spent most of their time here, but today we didn't spot them, which is probably a good thing... they'd just embaress me. I showed Hermione this great exploding flower, which after you asked it a question, it told you the answer, and then exploded into colorful flying pieces of paper. It was a one use kind of toy. Needless to say, the store owner made me buy it after I purposely made one explode. Hermione bought a chocolate frog, and gave me the card out of it. Which was very nice of her, even though I already have twelve Dumbledore cards lying around in my room. Hermione checked her Muggle watch, and said we only had twenty minutes before we had to go. We decided to leave early on account of the store manager glaring at me, and we wanted to enjoy the walk back.
As we walked out of Zonko's, a large gust of wind blew at us, causing our hair to become untidy. Hermione's flower came out of her hair, and fell to the ground. I picked it up for her. Amazingly, it was still glowing a brilliant blue. I offered it to her, but she asked me to put it back in her hair. On account she didn't have a mirror. She really was a girl, I joked to myself. Whats next? Makeup? Of course, I was happy to get a chance to touch her, being the beautiful woman that she was.
Just as I was fastening it back with some curly strands, a shrill, creaky, annoying voice inturrupted us. I knew that voice anywhere.
"Well, well, look at that, a Weasel and a Mudblood. On a date none-the-less!"
Malfoy.
I take it back. Only one other person can get my blood boiling, and not in the good way. Draco Malfoy has got to be the sickest little brat in the world. I couldn't believe he called Hermione a Mudblood. Again. Didn't he learn his lesson? There was no word to describe my utter hatred for the insensitive jerk. I'm sure he felt the same towards me. I was sure I hated him more, him and his band of Slytherins. Him and his ugly girlfriend, Pansy Parkinson. How dare he be so rude to Hermione. I turned to face him. No wonder Malfoy was so brave to call Hermione a Mudblood, it was just him and Pansy, against me and Hermione. None of his little croonies were there to back him up. I had no idea where my sudden boost of bravery came from, but I suddenly found myself walking towards him, fists clencehd and teeth grit. I didn't even notice that Hermione had followed, and stood by my side.
"What did you say, Malfoy?" I said in a dangerously calm voice. Malfoy smirked in that stupid, bratty way he always did, and put his arm around Pansy.
"You heard me, Weasley," He spat. He ran a hand through his greasy hair, still smirking. "I called your girlfriend a mudblood. Whats it to you? You haven't got Potter to help you, you're all alone. A scared little Weasel."
I was just about to hit the jerk, when Pansy shrieked.
"Draaaaaaaaaco! That bookwoooooooooooooorm has a flower and I don't! I want a flooooooooower! If SHE is good enough for one then I want one too! Draaaaaaco!"
Her voice was very irritating, I decided. Malfoy just continued to smirk.
"If you want it," he said, "then go on and take it."
Then, before I knew what happened, Pansy had lunged for Hermione, grabbing a fist full of Hermione's hair, yanking it very hard. Hermione screamed, and shoved Pansy away. When it was over, I grabbed Hermione and held her in my arms. I could see the start of tears form in her eyes. I looked over at the flower, now clutched in Pansy's grubby hand. It was starting to wilt. Hair was still wrapped around the flower, obviously pulled from Hermione's head. It took all my will power not to slap that little witch with all my might, but I knew I could never hurt a woman, no matter how mean she was. Malfoy was a different matter, I had no qualms about slapping him around. I gently let Hermione go, and peered down at Malfoy. It was obvious who was going to win this fight, I was 6'1", and he was 5'10". I was built bigger, he was thinner. I'd like to see him even try and hit me. All my life I've been a coward and never given Malfoy what he deserved.
But now I was ready.
I hit him. I couldn't believe it. One second I was standing there, and a second later I raised my arm, clenched my fist, and aimed for his jaw. Needless to say, it turns out my puberty muscels are stronger than I thought. Malfoy's head whipped back, but he managed to keep himself from falling down by stepping backwards. My fist ached horribly, but it was worth it when Malfoy licked the blood away from his lip. Pansy's shrieks brought me back to reality, and the fact Malfoy just spat a tooth on the ground. I grinned as he rubbed his jaw, looking very shocked. I turned in my excitement to Hermione.
"'Mione, did you see that---"
She was gone. My one glourious moment had been missed out on by the one person I was trying to protect. Where did she go? When did she run off too? Did she see me?
"Weasley!"
I turned around, only to connect my face with Malfoy's fist. He had hit me in my left eye. It hurt, but it only managed to raise my anger for him. I grabbed him by the shoulders and shoved him with all my might to the ground. He dirtied his robes, and managed to fall in some mud. I didn't care. I turned my heel on him, and walked away. I had won my first fight, but there were more important things in life than celebrating.
Hermione...
Where was she? Was she hurt? Pansy had gotten an awful lot of her hair.
I wandered around, avoiding the spot where Malfoy had fallen. I knew we had to be getting back to school soon, but I doubted she'd leave without me. With a tip from an old wizard, I finally made my way to the shrieking shack, where I found her. She had her back to me, and she had her arms crossed in front of her chest. I could hear her sniffiling, and I realized she had been crying. I approached her slowly, and she jumped when I placed my hand on her shoulder.
"Its me." I said.
"Ron..."
Very slowly she turned around to face me. I saw her eyes go wide when she saw my face. She put a hand to her mouth, I guess it was expected.
"Ron... What happened? Your hurt! Did Malfoy hit you? Oh Ron, I'm so sorry, its all my fault."
"No, no," I said, "I was the one who hit him first. I started it... Didn't you see me slug Malfoy?" I asked, giving her a sly grin.
"I.I... got scared...I'm sorry, I should have stayed to help..." She wispered softly, turning her back to me again.
"Are you hurt?" I asked.
"No... no, but the... flower..." She said, her voice cracking. I didn't want her to cry again. I slipped my arm around her waist.
I leaned down and wispered into her ear, "I'll get you another one."
For one defining moment we stood there, my arm secured around her waist, my face close to hers. She smelled really good, like vanilla. Like a woman. The best part was, I wasn't even blushing. I could feel her warm breath on my cheek, her eyes on mine. All I could think about was the feelings I didn't want to think about creep up on me again. I regretably released her waist, hoping my feelings would go away.
They didn't.
I looked at her, and noticed she was shivering. "That was nice..." She wispered, not looking me in the eye.
I gave her a rather confused expression and said, "Huh?"
"Its cold, " she wispered softly, "You were so close to me... it was warm."
Oh. So thats what she meant. She's cold. I looked at her in her sweater and skirt, and saw goosebumps on her legs. I took off my robe, and offered it to her.
"Don't you need it?" She asked.
"Nah, I'm tough." I said with a smile.
She smiled at me and took the robe, wrapping it around herself. It was way too big for her. She buried her face in the cuff of the robe, and closed her eyes. She then turned to me, blushing. I grinned, it was so cute when she blushed. I looked up at the sun, and realized what time it was.
"Um, 'Mione, not to scare you... but its way past lunch."
She looked at me, and then suddenly looked at her watch.
"Oh my God! We're late! We're missing Potions! Oh God, Snape is going to kill us!" She yelled.
"Don't worry, I'm sure Pansy and Malfoy will be late too." I said, trying not to laugh.
"Not funny." She then began to bound down the hill.
"Wait up," I yelled.
"I can't," she said, yelling over her shoulder. "Meet me at the Astronomy Tower, midnight. I wanna talk!" She said this rather seriously, and ran out of sight.
I stood there with a dopey look on my face, and an aching eye.
Those same feelings started to surface again, this time accompanied by sweaty palms and a lump in my throat. I decided it was time to re-evaluate my answers to that dictionary. This time, truthfull, no more hiding.
Strong attachment.
Yes, very strong. I even protected her from Malfoy, considered hitting a girl, and got hit in the eye. If that doesn't show strong attachment, I don't know what does.
Tenderness.
Didn't I just show that a few minutes ago? I gave her my robe, I held her in my arms. I offered her another flower.
Admiration.
As I said, she's bloody brilliant. And she's fiesty. She did shove that Pansy pretty hard. I'm proud of 'Mione.
Devotion.
If it came down to it... Hermione comes first.
Affection.
I'll make a note to show more. Maybe she'll get the picture and dump Krum. Maybe.
Passionate Affection.
If I ever get to first base... then we'll talk. Either way, she'll always be in my dreams.
Courtship.
Maybe I'll ask just for the hell of it. Krum is a million miles away, he'd never know, right? Besides, all is fair in love and war. And this is both.
Making love.
Yes, as a matter of fact I would. If she asked me to, I'd make love to her in a heartbeat. Of course, we'd both be blushing, and I've never kissed a girl let alone make love to one. I wouldn't know what I was doing. Either way, I'd make sweet, slow, passionate love to her. Only her.
Strong liking; fondness.
Well, I'd do anything for her. Besides, if I was going to make love to her, I'd have to be pretty fond of her, wouldn't I?
And the age old question...
Demetrius made love to Helena cause he was in love with her, she had his heart. Plain and simple.
Amen.
Yes, I admit it. I'm in love with Hermione. Are you happy now, concious?
Too bad I can't do anything about it.
Now, what does she want with me at the Astronomy Tower?
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