Chapter Three: Beware of the Redheaded Man!

Disclaimer: I may own Hairy Potters one day, but never Harry Potter.

A/N: I hope you guys enjoyed the last chapter… and that you'll enjoy this one too! (Thanks to the special few that reviewed! =) Sorry for the wait, I have had so much work! School sucks!

Hermione stood in her bathrobe outside her closet, her hair wet and messy, while she stared at the fallen picture. Although she couldn't see the picture because it was flipped over, she knew which picture it was. She stood in that position for minutes, just staring, She wasn't thinking – her brain was way too flooded with the many memories she had tried to block out. Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, Hermione picked up the picture. She slowly turned the picture around. A sad smile appeared of her face. If only…

*******

"Ron! It's a red scarf! It doesn't mean it's a Bulgarian scarf! Oh Geez, red is also a Gryffindor colour, why do you ALWAYS assume everything I do has to do with Viktor? I'm here aren't I?" cried Hermione. Ron and Hermione were having their rows again. They happened so often that Harry didn't even bother trying to stop it. In fact, the whole school was so used to it that they all ignored the noise. Only a good few who had absolutely nothing to do tried to decipher what they were arguing about.

"Because 'Vicky' is your bloody boyfriend that's why! Why can't you just say it? You're his girlfriend. You visited him in the summer for God sake!"

"Summer was two months ago! Besides, I stayed at the Burrow longer than I did in Bulgaria. Anyway, what I do is my business Ron! I don't need your approval!" Hermione shouted.

"Yeah right," said Ron, then he added a mocking tone, "Oh Vicky! I love you! I want to…" SPLAT! A piece of lemon meringue pie landed on Ron's face. Obviously, Hermione had had enough of Ron's nonsense. Ron on the other hand was shocked beyond all words. In fact the whole school was staring at the pair standing by the Gryffindor table.

After a few seconds, Ron finally recovered some of his dignity. "Oh yea? Well, how do you like chocolate?" He grabbed a piece of the chocolate cake with loads of frosting and slammed it on top of her head. The whole hall was silent. Some secretly thought they the third world war was about to start.

Hermione looked shocked. She had no idea that Ron would ever dare to retaliate. She glared at Ron but miraculously, instead of yelling at Ron, she just laughed. Apparently, Ron was just as shocked as Hermione. He had no idea he would dare do that either and had a look of terror on his face, which of course Hermione saw and thus the laughter began. Harry, who finally decided to save Ron from some embarrassment yelled, "FOOD FIGHT!" and threw a strawberry and cream pie at Seamus.

Within seconds, pies, cakes, and every other dessert served at Hogwarts were flying in the air. Fortunately, the teachers were having a brief staff meeting and weren't there. However, Ron and Hermione who had started the fight were not participating. They were both laughing at how silly they each looked. Hermione, who had noticed that Ron was having difficult seeing because of the pie caked on his face, reached out and helped him wipe some of it off. Hermione slowly wiped the pie gently off Ron's face. She was feeling slightly nervous but she ignored the squirmy feeling. She gently stroked his face and the colour of Ron's cheeks began to match his flaming red hair. When Hermione was finished, she was about to take her hands off Ron when he took her hand and held it against his cheek. The pair turned really red and was trying to avoid each other's eyes, because they knew their eyes would betray them, but their hands were kept where they were. Just when Ron had finally summoned the courage to say something to Hermione, Professor McGonagall burst into the Great Hall.

******

Colin had captured that particular moment for Hermione. Boy, did Hermione miss Ron and all those Hogwarts memories. Hermione broke into a smile. For the first time in seven years, she smiled at the memories of Ron and Hogwarts. She felt somewhat proud of herself. 'Maybe' she thought, 'I'm finally getting over him.' Hermione trotted back into her bedroom and after drying her hair, she fell into a blissful sleep, feeling much happier than she thought possible.

******

Harry on the other hand was feeling a bit guilty. He had ended his conversation with Ginny and was recalling the events on the pitch. 'How could I have let that slip? I had to screw up didn't I? Well, I can only hope that she had a good time afterwards… I think she did anyway. Man, it's just great to see her again,' thought Harry. 'Maybe she'll visit tomorrow…'

Harry was quite exhausted for some reason so he decided to shower in the morning instead, before he went to Quidditch practice. The very next morning, Harry arrived at the pitch as usual. Although he had hoped Hermione would come to his practice, he was still pleasantly surprised to see her there. However, Hermione had a funny sort of look on her face, as if she was about to burst out laughing any second.

"Good morning Hermione. Now, can you tell me why you have that look on your face?" asked Harry.

Hermione smiled innocently. "What look?"

"Spill. Now."

"Okay, okay. Really Harry, you're no fun. Anyway, my guess is that you haven't read the Daily Prophet this morning?"

"Oh no. It's my butt now isn't it? How did they know I haven't been doing my exercises lately?"

That was too much for Hermione. She was laughing so hard that she received a few evil glares from Harry's fans. Of course, it wasn't the only reason for the evil glares she was getting. Finally, when Hermione composed herself, she managed to show Harry the article.

"HARRY POTTER REUNITES WITH SCHOOL SWEETHEART" read the title page in big bold letters.

"Oh my! Look at these pictures. You know they actually turned out quite well. I really did like that dress you wore yesterday – you looked great!" said Harry.

"Thanks Harry. But isn't it just weird? I mean at Hogwarts, remember the time they thought we were a couple and now… apparently we are back together again. I don't get it – why can't a girl and a guy be just great friends? Or best friends in our case?"

"You know do Hermione that I am the Harry Potter. I will always have a colourful love life according to the newspapers. I swear, if I went to a restaurant with a guy and gave him a friendly hug – the papers next day will say that I'm bloody gay."

"Yes Mr. Harry Potter. I am quite aware of this fact. Rest assured, if the rumour that you are gay ever comes up, I will do my best to encourage it," Hermione said with an grin. Harry returned Hermione's remark with an evil smirk.

"Well, I wouldn't really want that now would I?" And with that, Harry kissed Hermione fully on the lips. Shrieks could be heard around them. Harry was quite surprised by his own action but Hermione didn't seem to object. He backed off a bit to look at Hermione's reaction. To his surprise, she just smiled.

"Wow, did you see the lights and the flashes?" asked Hermione.

"You mean the bells and whistles you heard while I kissed you?" asked Harry.

"Right Harry. You know what I mean. Now everyone will think we really are a couple."

"Well Hermione, I have you know that there are many girls out there who would love to be in your shoes. I am quite popular with the ladies."

Hermione snorted. 'When did he become so cocky?' thought Hermione. 'Ok, so I know he's just joking but really, what's gotten into him lately?'

Hermione didn't reply out loud so Harry continued. "Think of it this way Hermione. You're just doing me a favour. Everyone will think that you're my girlfriend and my fans won't bug me as much."

"Oh, so I actually mean nothing to you! Nice to know Harry," said Hermione, pretending to look hurt but the huge smile on her face betrayed her.

Harry simply smiled and gave Hermione a bear hug. Then he whispered in her ear, "Thanks Hermione. I owe you one."

'You bet that you do buddy,' thought Hermione.

******

'Can you get the papers dear?' asked Mrs. Weasley.

Ron, who had just woke up and came down the kitchen, sleepily handed the newspapers to his mother. Just as his mother took the papers, Ron snatched them back. The title caught his eye.

"HARRY POTTER REUNITES WITH SCHOOL SWEETHEART"

"WHAT? Harry and …HERMIONE?" cried Ron.

He fainted.

At first Mrs. Weasley thought something very horrible happened to Harry and Hermione. She looked very pale as she tried to revive her son. He didn't seem to response to her slaps so she placed him on the couch. Then, she returned to the kitchen and picked up the newspaper. Taking in deep breaths, Mrs. Weasley was prepared to take in whatever information the newspaper provided about Harry and Hermione. She had a very grim and determined look on her face but nothing could prepare her for what she read. She could have died from laughter.

Ron, who apparently could withstand the hard slaps his mother gave him in attempt to revive him, was not immune to the booming laughter of his mother from the kitchen. He was shocked at first, then he became very embarrassed. 'I'm never going to live this down! Thank goodness Fred and George aren't here right now,' thought Ron.

Ron collected himself and went back upstairs to take a cold shower. He thought it was best to give his mom some time to calm herself down.

******

"Do you think that Hermione girl is really Harry's girlfriend? I mean look at her, she's not that pretty!"

"I don't know, I heard that she was very smart at Hogwarts. She was suspected for using a Love potion on Viktor Krum before too!"

"Really? Hmph, why is that not surprising? What a …scarlet woman!"

Hermione, who was sitting not too far away in the stands, watching Harry's practice smiled at this. 'Scarlet woman? That's so… Ron. *sigh* After all those years, I can't believe I still miss him.'

'Why do you make me feel this way Ron?'

A/N: AHHHH! This chapter took forever and I don't like it that much. Hmmm, please R/R! Should I even continue this? Should I just leave Ron out of the picture? Help me! Tell me! Leave me a message (a review would be nice!). Thanks!