After about two weeks, it had become obvious that Parvati Patil and Ron Weasley were a couple. Ron didn't object- he liked being a couple, and it gave him great satisfaction to walk into the Great Hall at mealtimes with the prettiest girl in fifth year on his arm. Sometimes she would even kiss him in the Great Hall- in front of everyone and the teachers. "Just so everyone knows we're a couple," she would say with a smile.

To Ron's utmost relief, Hermione was obviously making an effort to accept Parvati's presence. She was fairly chilly to her when she started following them around for the first few days, but she was obviously making an effort to be nice. They'd been a trio for so long even Ron found it weird to have a fourth person with them. Now it wasn't Harry that he would partner in Charms, it was Parvati. During Divination Parvati and Lavender would sit with Harry and Ron now- Ron had to remember to control himself and not giggle, because Parvati had a great amount of respect for the subject and its Professor. It was very hard, with Harry on one side sniggering at Professor Trelawney's mad predictions, and Parvati on the other giving Ron disapproving looks as if it were him giggling.

On the other hand, Parvati had very little respect for his favourite subject, and indeed, even less for its teacher. In Care of Magical Creatures Parvati felt free to insult Hagrid as much as she wanted- "Look at him, he looks like he hasn't washed for a decade," was a favourite- and Ron found himself completely unable to defend Hagrid, even though Harry and Hermione would glare at Parvati every time she said something derogatory about the half giant.

Things were progressing nicely, however. It came to Ron's realisation that yes, Parvati was slightly stuck up; yes, she was awfully harsh to Neville sometimes; and yes, if Ron even attempted to do any homework in the evening she would immediately distract him or berate him for being a "goody two shoes". But she was absolutely gorgeous, and made him feel special, and Ron didn't mind, really - it was a nice change from being bossed into doing homework by Hermione.

One day, however, he was called up to Professor McGonagall's desk at the end of Transfiguration. Everyone else was shuffling around and picking up their belongings- Ron looked around for Parvati, to ask her to wait for him- but she was busy talking to Harry.

"Mr. Weasley- today, please," said professor McGonagall sharply. Hermione caught his eye and raised her eyebrows. Ron shrugged and shuffled up to Professor McGonagall's desk.

"Yes professor?"

Professor McGonagall folded her hands and looked at him sternly over her glasses.

"Now, Mr. Weasley- surely you are aware of your failing performance at school.'

Ron looked down. So that was what it was about.

"Your other teachers have told me that you haven't handed in a scrap of homework for weeks. You hardly take any notes in class, and you're certainly not paying attention to what you should be," she said sternly. "Now just what seems to be the problem?"

Ron looked up tentatively but one look at her unfeeling expression sent his gaze downward again. He didn't think he should say anything right there, so he remained silent.

"I see," said professor McGonagall quietly. "Well, you should know that we have sent a letter home to your parents informing them of your performance."

Now Ron looked up, aghast. "Oh, no!"

"Oh no indeed," said Professor McGonagall grimly. "I daresay your mother won't be pleased." She paused for effect. "It is usual in these situations," she continued, "for the Head of House to deal with you appropriately. But Professor Dumbledore has requested he speak to you himself."

Ron's mouth dropped open. "You what? I mean…" he said quickly, looking at her formidable expression, "You what, Professor?"

"He requested that you come and talk to him immediately after dinner. I trust you know the way to his office?"

"Er, no, actually, I've never been-"

"Never mind. I daresay Mr. Potter could direct you. Now Ronald," she said, in her sternest voice, "I must implore you to take this seriously. If you do not begin to put more time into your studies, then you will not pass fifth year."

"What- you mean…I'd have to do it again?" Ron stammered disbelievingly.

"That is exactly what I mean. And, looking at your grades now, I'd say that is where you're headed. Is that understood?"

"Yes Professor. "

"Good. Now go to dinner- professor Dumbledore doesn't want you to be too late."

Ron shouldered his bag despondently and left, closing the door behind him. To his surprise, he found Hermione waiting for him outside the door.

"Hermione- what are you doing here?" he asked.

"Waiting for you." Hermione answered matter-of -factly. "What did she want?"

Ron grimaced. "She says I'm failing."

"Failing?" repeated Hermione, "but…by how much?"

"She says if I don't improve…" he sighed. "I'll have to repeat."

"Oh no! That's terrible, Ron-" she seized his arm, "You've got to catch up! You can't repeat!"

"Tell me about it," Ron mumbled, "She's already sent a note home to my mum. I'll probably be getting a Howler in the mail any day now. But…" he sighed again, "I don't know if I will be able to catch up, Hermione. I'm just…too stupid I suppose. I don't understand any of it."

She stopped him and looked fiercely up into his face. "Ron, listen to me: If you ever say that again, I will slap you. You are NOT stupid, and you are smart enough- I know you are. All right?"

"All right," said Ron, a little surprised. "Er…thanks, Hermione."

Hermione let go of his arm suddenly and quickened her pace into the Great hall. Harry and Parvati were already sat next to each other at the Gryffindor table. Parvati was saying something and Harry was nodding politely. Ron took a seat next to Hermione. Upon informing them of what professor McGonagall had told him, Harry's eyes widened to twice their normal size.

"Oh my God," he said finally. "But…that can't happen."

"It's not," Hermione said firmly, "We're going to help Ron catch up, aren't we, Harry?"

"Yeah, of course!" Harry said, leaning back in his chair. "Jesus Christ."

Ron managed a smile. "Thanks you guys. So will you show me that way to Dumbledore's office, Harry?"

"Yeah, sure," Harry said, looking perturbed as he served himself some mashed potato. Ron looked at Parvati, hoping to find as much comfort in her. But she hadn't paid attention to the conversation at all- she was showing her newly varnished nails to Lavender, who was sat on her other side.

When Ron, feeling too nervous to eat, pushed back his half-finished dinner and motioned for Harry to come with him, Parvati demanded to know where he was going. She hadn't seemed to notice that he was oddly silent over dinner, instead, she had focused most of her attention on Harry and Lavender.

"Where're you going?" she said, frowning at him. "You haven't finished your dinner."

Hermione stood up next to Ron. "And I can tell you really care," she said coldly. Parvati's mouth dropped open.

"Uh oh," said Harry.

"What's that supposed to mean?" Parvati demanded of Hermione.

Hermione rolled her eyes. "Why don't you figure it out for yourself?" she snapped.

"Hermione…" said Harry warningly.

Parvati immediately looked at Ron. "Are you going to let her speak to me like that?"

Hermione turned to Ron and folded her arms. "Are you going to let her speak to you like that?"

"I, er…" Ron stammered, going red. Some of the Gryffindors were watching the scene with interest.

"Just what are you talking about Hermione Granger?" Parvati said. "I don't know what you're trying to say here, but-"

"All right, I'll tell you, seeing as you're too clueless to figure it out," Hermione snapped. "Stop treating Ron like he's nothing. I mean, you hardly noticed him until he got up to leave! He's not here to answer your beck and call! He's not your servant!"

"Hermione, don't-" Ron started, looking worriedly at Parvati's angry face.

Parvati's eyes flashed, "Just what are you trying to suggest?"

Hermione slapped herself on the forehead and looked up to the enchanted ceiling in despair. "My god, she's thicker than I thought!"

Parvati gasped angrily. "How dare you!" She looked at Ron indignantly, "Well? Are you just going to stand there and let her insult me?"

Ron looked from one angry face to the other. "Um, yes, I mean- no of course not. I mean- Hermione," he said, turning to her desperately. "Um…don't be so mean to Parvati, okay?"

Hermione stared at him for a moment, breathing hard through her nose. "Fine," she said finally, and stalked upstairs.

*

Ron and Harry made a hasty exit to Dumbledore's office. The stone gargoyle that usually stood in front of the hidden entrance was already moved aside- in anticipation of Ron's meeting, he assumed. Harry promised to wait for him and Ron mounted the moving staircase that lead, up, up, up, to Dumbledore's office.

It took him a while to work p the courage to knock on the door tentatively.

"Come in," came the deep rumble of Professor Dumbledore's voice from inside.

Ron went in. Professor Dumbledore was sat at his desk, amid an office full of some contraptions Ron had never seen before, despite his Wizarding heritage. Dumbledore smiled benignly at Ron. "Good evening, Ronald."

"Good evening, Professor," Ron answered nervously. Dumbledore bade him sit down and then shuffled through some papers for a few minutes. He then took off his half moon spectacles and smiled at Ron.

"Having trouble with school?" he said finally.

"A bit," Ron admitted.

"Ah," Dumbledore said, nodding understandingly. Then after another short silence, "You are surprised to be asked to see me?"

"A bit," Ron said again.

Dumbledore nodded. "Normally I don't have the time to talk to every failing student. But its hardly possible to let the son of one our best ministry workers to go on failing, is it?" he gave Ron yet another warm smile, and Ron smiled back this time, feeling a little better. Dumbledore got to his feet and began pacing around the room.

"I haven't met a fifth year student who does not go through the year without a little homework trouble," he mused, "But I'm afraid your problem is most concerning." He looked at Ron piercingly. "Especially for someone who has been doing so well for his past four years at this school."

Ron blinked. He'd always though his marks were fairly mediocre, especially compared to Hermione's and Harry's.

Dumbledore continued: "But I understand some changes have come about your life of late. I have written a letter to your family extending my congratulations to your older brother, by the way. It may surprise you to learn that he went through trouble in his fifth year as well."

"Bill did?' said Ron in surprise. "But he's…he's perfect."

Dumbledore chuckled. "Nobody is perfect Mr. Weasley. One of life's lessons is we all must learn is to accept other people and their faults. And though your brother had a short temper, was reckless and rude, and had an irrepressible stubborn streak, people accepted him very well, and he went on to become Head Boy, as you know." He stopped in front of the window and looked out it nostalgically. "Yes…there are times when I can see your brother in you, as well."

"Me?' said Ron incredulously. "But…I'm nothing like Bill!"

Again, Dumbledore chuckled. "Family members are always closer than one thinks." He smiled at Ron for a moment or two then seemed to realise that Ron was there for a reason. "I had to call Harry in here last week on some news concerning his godfather. He happened to mention that you have won the affections of Miss Patil."

Ron blushed. "Uh…yes professor."

"Am I close to the truth in saying that perhaps it is she that is distracting you?"

Ron blushed deeper and looked at his feet. "Um…I think so Professor."

"Ah yes…love truly is blind," said Dumbledore softly. Ron looked up in surprise.

"Sir?" he said. "What do you mean?"

"I mean that whatever appears on the surface is always concealing something deeper."

Ron tried to think of something deeper about Parvati. Finding nothing, he decided to look at his feet again. Dumbledore's blue eyed gaze was piercing- it felt as though the Professor was looking right through him. "Are you sure that you've looked deeper Ron?" Dumbledore said softly.

"I'm not sure I can sir," Ron admitted, hoping he knew what the Professor was talking about. Was there anything more to Parvati? When he'd first started the relationship with her he'd though she was a pleasant, happy girl who often got into trouble with teacher for giggling with Lavender during class- and basically, that was what he still thought of her.

"Well then," said Dumbledore, "I advise you to be wary." He looked at his watch while Ron was still struggling to understand what the Professor had said. "Dear me, look at the time. I gather you have homework to do, Mr. Weasley." He gave Ron another smile, blue eyes twinkling, and raised his bushy eyebrows. "I hope to see an improvement. I would of course, love to keep you at Hogwarts as long as possible but I gather your mother would not be well pleased with that arrangement."

Ron grinned. "No professor. Thanks, professor."

"You're most welcome." He opened the door for Ron and gestured him out. "Good luck."

"Thanks, professor. Good night."

*

Hermione had intended to ignore Ron for a good three days or so- she had actually tried to defend him, and how had he repaid her? Siding with that snob, Parvati! But then again she should have expected that. Ron was so superficial, and just because Parvati was pretty he, of course, had to side with her. That was the only reason boys liked her anyway- because she was pretty. She wasn't a good person or anything. Couldn't Ron see that? She had tried her hardest to be nice to Parvati, but it had to be said- Parvati obviously didn't like Ron as much as she appeared to. She spent as much time as she could sucking up to Harry, and didn't even seem to care when Ron told her about his failing grades. (Of course, Parvati had been failing since her first year at Hogwarts so the teachers just assumed she was a lost cause.) Well, when Parvati broke Ron's heart, she, Hermione, wasn't going to offer her shoulder for him to cry on. If he was shallow enough to go out with someone simply because they were pretty, then he deserved it. So Hermione was going to ignore Ron, for being stupid and superficial and telling her not to be so mean to Parvati. That wimpy guy, giving in to a pretty face. So typical.

But he came back from his meeting with Dumbledore so concerned, so worried, so desperately in need of help that Hermione couldn't help herself. For once he was asking for her help, instead of telling her to go away and stop being so bossy. And Hermione couldn't help gloating over it.

"If you had asked for my help earlier then we could have saved all this trouble," she scolded lightly as they went over some Transfiguration diagrams. "I can help you every night if you need it."

"I know, you're right," Ron said meekly, "Thanks, Herm. That's really generous of you."

Hermione glowed. Harry grinned. Parvati glowered.

"Ron, why don't we go for a walk around the lake?" she interrupted, batting her eyelashes at him. "It'll be really romantic."

He looked at her and shrugged. "I'm really sorry Parvati, but I should study. Tomorrow's Saturday, we can go walking all day then."

Parvati pouted. "But moonlight is so much more beautiful. Please Ron?" She draped her arms around his neck and pulled herself onto his lap. "Pretty please?"

Hermione rolled her eyes at Harry, who shrugged and gave her a wink.

Ron was smiling. "I don't know if I should…"

Parvati twinkled at him. "Well, maybe this will convince you." She leaned up and kissed him softly on the lips. Harry and Hermione both turned away quickly. Fred and George, however, noticed and started cheering and clapping.

"Whoo! Go Ron!"

"Get a room, you two!"

Ron broke away and grinned at her. "Convinced?" Parvati said. Ron looked like he was.

"Ron!" Hermione said sharply, "We still haven't covered Switching Spell graphs. You need to know how to do those to complete the next segment, you know."

Ron looked vaguely at her, like he didn't know what she was talking about. "Uh, maybe tomorrow Hermione." Parvati shot her a triumphant look and slid off his lap so that he could stand up.

Harry, sensing trouble at the look on Hermione's face, put a hand on her shoulder. "Um, Hermione, leave it until tomorrow, yeah?"

Hermione exhaled through her nose. "It's no skin off my nose if he's wants to repeat," she said, turning sharply to face Harry. "In fact, I don't care at all."

But she did care, she realised, lying awake that night. Unable to sleep, she found herself looking the list of facts she had tried to lay out weeks ago.

Fact Number 1: Ron is my friend.
Fact number 2:I am NOT jealous.
Fact number 3:I should be happy for him
Fact number 4:I am not, as yet, happy for him, and I don't know why
Fact number 5:It is NOT because I am jealous
Fact number 6:Parvati is shallow
Fact number 7:So is Ron, but-
Fact number 8:He deserves someone with more depth than Parvati
Fact number 9:I don't want to see him get hurt

Angrily, she picked up a quill and scrubbed out fact number nine, then rewrote it.

Fact Number Nine: Then again, I don't really care.