Chapter 5

Word spread quickly about Ron and Hermione. Everyone was so glad that each finally came to their senses and found what was right in front of them. The residents of Gryffindor Tower were especially glad because their new relationship had ended all arguments from the two. However, the residents of the Seventh Year boy's dormitory were a little confused. Every night, Ron would come back from Hermione's room, walk into their dorm, lie down on his bed, and pull out a piece of parchment, which he would study for several minutes. Then he would replace the parchment into his drawer, change into his pajamas, and fall asleep.

The other four boys could not figure it out. Why was Ron so absorbed in this piece of parchment? Was it a secret? Was he hiding something from them? And, naturally, being teenaged boys and all, they came up with a plan to find out.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

The next evening, Ron came back from Hermione's room as he always did. However, something was different this time. When he opened the door, Ron noticed that the room seemed oddly silent. He had come back later than usual, and had expected all of the others to be back. Especially since he hadn't seen any of them in the common room. Ron shrugged it off, and headed over to his bed. Just like always, Ron pulled out the piece of parchment, but this time something new happened.

"Petrificus Totalus! (1)" shouted Harry from under the invisibility cloak. The other boys came out from the bathroom as Harry removed the cloak.

The boys had agreed earlier that Harry would do everything, as he was most capable of tolerating, and fixing, Ron's wrath. So, calmly, Harry walked over to where Ron was now lying stiffly on his bed and took the piece of parchment from Ron's hand.

Quickly, Harry read the parchment, and as he did, an evil smirk crossed his face. "Neville, go fetch Hermione. Tell her that Ron thought of something he needs to share with her and that it cannot wait till morning. If she asks why Ron couldn't come himself, ignore her and just keep telling her to come."

Neville ran quickly and came back with a highly exasperated looking Hermione. Upon their return, sounds of Dean and Seamus begging Harry to read it to them could be heard from the other side of the door.

"Ron, what is it? What possibly could not have waited until morning that you couldn't have told me five minutes ago?" It was then that Hermione noticed that Ron was unable to move. "Harry! What happened?" she asked as she whipped out her wand.

But Harry was too fast. "Hermione, if you perform the counter-curse, we'll have to do the same to you in addition to putting Ron back in that state. Please, just listen. I think you'll be interested in hearing this."

The seriousness of his face made Hermione cautiously put his wand back into her robes, but not until she had gone over and sat on the edge of Ron's bed.

"Now," Harry said smirking, "the fun begins. What I have here, is a list that Ron compiled sometime over the summer. All that I ask is that Ron not kill me when I am through."

Harry cleared his throat, then began to read. "Ways to make Hermione happy: 1. Never talk about Krum. If she brings it up, excuse yourself before you lose your temper. 2. Know and (hopefully) understand what she is talking about. 3. Do homework. 4. Never ask to functions as a last resort. 5. Never blame her for something that Crookshanks did. 6. Try not to talk about Quidditch too much. And finally, number 7. Don't show her how much you love her with the words alone, show her through your actions as well."

"Oh, Ron!" cried Hermione, "that was the sweetest thing I've ever heard! Now if only Harry would allow me to put you back.." Her last words trailed off as she whispered into Ron's ear.

Harry grimaced, but allowed Hermione to change Ron back. And as Hermione led their way back out of the dorm, Harry called out after them. "Don't bother coming back tonight, Ron."

End Chapter 5

1. If I spelled that wrong, I apologize. My books are not readily accessible at the moment as "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" was lent out this morning.

THIS IS NOT THE END!

Coming up in the next chapter: Ron's revenge!

Reviewing brings good karma.