A/n: Oh, God, I said a week and to some of you I said Saturday this would be up…I'm so sorry. I was working on my other fic; it's F&G and if you wanna read it it's called Prankster Influence. Anyway, back to this fic. Thank you so much! I got like 16 more reviews after the last chapter and I was so happy I danced around my house. Anyway, I don't know about you but I love to read about Ron and Hermione flirting so this chapter will be just that: flirting! Yay! Woo-hoo! All right, you guys just probably wanna get to reading so…hope ya like this one! :::winks:::
Disclaimer: Not mine yadda yadda yadda…
Chapter 4: Have Mercy…
Hermione sat on the muddy grass, her clothes soaked, her face wet with rain and tears. Her head snapped up when she heard a loud thud. Through the rain, fog, and cruel wind she saw Ron running toward her, his sneakers hitting the flooded ground. She lowered her head and sobbed, although she didn't know why she felt this way, this necessity to cry. She felt Ron's strong arms lift her to her feet. Rain was beating steadily on them. Ron's blue eyes seemed misty and filled with tears but Hermione thought that it was just in her head. She looked up at him, biting her lip. Then she threw her arms around his neck and he held on tight, afraid to let her go, afraid that one day she would run and he wouldn't be able to follow her.
"I'm sorry," he murmured in her ear. "I'm a stupid prat, you know that!"
Hermione managed to chuckle but pulled Ron even closer. She needed assurance that everything was all right, no matter if they were never more than friends. "Let's go inside already," she whispered. Ron pulled back and together they walked inside, Hermione's arm still around Ron's neck, his arm around her waist.
Dripping, they closed the kitchen door, finally releasing their grips on each other. Ron rushed into the closet and grabbed a robe that hung there. He passed it to Hermione and said, "Here you go. We can go change now…I mean in our separate rooms…er…just try to dry off with that so you won't get sick and I'll, um, make a mug of hot chocolate for you. It's the least I can do. We can even drink the hot chocolate together…I'm really sorry." Ron blushed.
Hermione smiled and nodded. "That would be nice," she said in a soft voice.
"I'll wait for you down here…to drink the hot chocolate, OK?" Ron said nervously. Hermione nodded again. With a last glance at Ron, she hurried up the stairs.
Fred and George were standing by their room, smirking. "Soo…out with Ronnie in the rain?" George teased. "Raindrops keep fallin' on my head," Fred sang, "but that doesn't mea-"
"Oh, enough!" Hermione said exasperated. "Don't you too have anything better to do?" The twins shook their heads. She gave a weak laugh, went into Ginny's room and closed the door.
A minute later Ron passed the twins. "Going out in the rain with 'Mione?" Fred asked sarcastically. "Dancing in the rain…how romantic," George mocked.
"Sod off, you retards," Ron said as he hurried into his room. Harry was sleeping on top of his homework, apparently too tired after the argument with Ginny to work. Ron changed quickly and went down to make the hot chocolate. Hermione was still changing.
Ron was pouring the drink into two mugs when Hermione came down. She went into the kitchen and grinned at him.
"You really don't have to do that. I forgive you," she said.
"Oh, no, I really had to do this!" Ron assured. He gave her a mug and took his own into the living room where there was a fire burning. Hermione sat next to him on the sofa and sipped her hot chocolate. It was only 4 in the afternoon but it was extremely dark because of the storm.
"Let's forget about that argument, OK?" Ron said softly, looking into the fire. Hermione nodded even though he didn't see her, but he didn't need to see her to know she agreed. Hermione put her mug on the table in front of them. Then she lay her head on Ron's shoulder. He stiffened for a moment but finally relaxed. Setting his hot chocolate next to Hermione's, Ron settled his head gently on hers.
She spoke in a voice barely audible. "Sometimes I'm really glad to have a best friend like you."
Ron didn't reply. He took her hand and gripped it tightly. Hermione smiled at the exact same time Ron smiled. Slowly, they dozed off.
"Aww," a voice said in a mock-touched voice.
"Introducing the Weasley/Granger pillow," Fred said in an announcer voice. Ron's eyes snapped open but Fred kept up his antics. "Perfect for a couple taking a nap after dancing in the rain!" Hermione stirred and her eyes fluttered open. As the twins came into focus, Hermione inched away from Ron, blushing furiously. It was nothing compared to Ron, though. That was probably because his embarrassment was mixed with anger…dangerous combination when concerning Ron.
"Will you two stop?! Can't anyone sleep a little?" Ron yelled at his older brothers.
"For the love of Merlin, Ronnie, calm down, we are out of here!" George said and they both sped out.
"Forget them…" Ron started but Hermione said, "No, it's all right, they're just having a good laugh – not that what they said was, er, true – but you know them…" Her voice trailed off. Ron nodded and said "Right then…" He cleared his throat and drew the curtain. "The rain's stopped! Let's get Harry and Gin to go outside with us," Ron suggested. Hermione grinned and said, "There's probably a rainbow!" She ran towards the stairs and hurried up, followed closely by Ron.
They rampaged into Ron's room to find Harry and Ginny playing chess, concentrating intently. "Aren't you guys mad at each other?" Ron asked bewildered. "Not anymore," Harry said. "We're not like you," Ginny added, glancing at them. "Now shut it. We need to concentrate." They turned their attention to the game. Ron glanced at Hermione and then grabbed her hand. They ran down the stairs, through the living room, past the kitchen into the yard. The sky was a cerulean blue, with stars adorning the vast space, a rainbow detectable to the north. Ron realized he was still holding Hermione's hand and let her go, blushing. Hermione seemed very interested in her feet for a moment. Ron finally broke the awkward silence by saying, "How `bout we take a walk?" Hermione started walking, signaling she wasn't against his proposition.
They walked around, spying the garden gnomes pestering Crookshanks, watching Fred and George snigger as they set off Filibuster Fireworks near Pig's cage, which sat next to a tree where he sat screeching madly. Around the middle of the yard, Ron stopped and looked up at the sky.
Hermione looked into his eyes as he stared, seeing the stars reflected there twinkling.
"I'm gonna lie down and watch the stars for a while," Ron said and dropped to a sitting position on the dewy grass. "You can keep walking if you want," he told her, lying down. Hermione peered down at him and shook her head, smiling. "No, this is peaceful enough." She was about to sit next to him but she tripped over a rather large rock on the ground. With a squeak she tumbled down…and landed right on top of Ron. Her hands were set beside his face. This was the only thing that kept her face from dropping into his. Ron's eyes widened but he stood perfectly still, his breathing growing quicker. Hermione's eyes darted from place to place on his face, her mouth slightly open. Their faces were an inch apart. Both of them wanted the same thing. However—
"Are we, er, disturbing you?" George said. Ron and Hermione turned to look at him and Fred, who added, "We'll just go. Mind you, don't stay up too late!" George snickered, "It would be safer to keep a good distance from each other." They walked away, snorting with laughter.
Hermione blushed and Ron looked about ready to die. "Um…yeah…" Hermione said nervously, trying to find a way to stand. Balancing on her right hand, she bent her knees, then lifted her hand and stood up, wavering slightly. Ron sat up, slightly glad she was of, slightly disappointed. When she had composed herself, she said, "I just remembered! I was supposed to do some homework tonight! So I'll, er, see you later!" Hermione hurried back inside. What was THAT all about? Ron thought. He shrugged and lied down once again, watching the sky darken and the rainbow vanish.
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The next day brought sunshine and a cloudless sky. The Weasley and Harry had convinced Hermione to play Quidditch with them. She and Ginny would be playing chasers; Harry would be seeker; Ron would be taking the position of keeper; Fred and George would, of course, be beaters. They had just enough brooms for everyone since Harry didn't need one. So after breakfast they all marched outside, the sun striking their faces and giving them energy.
"All right, take your positions," Harry said. Fred passed the large red ball they were using as a Quaffle to Hermione, who took it, scowling. She held it with one hand and threw it up into the air. Ron, who was far behind her, started flying towards her slowly. The others watched, amused.
Ron was right behind her now. Hermione threw the ball in the air. Just as it was coming down, Ron snatched it. Hermione jerked her broom so she was facing him. "What was that for?" she asked, her eyes accusing and exigent. Ron smiled weakly. Hermione inched slowly toward him. Ron turned and zoomed away, the Quaffle in his hand. Hermione put on a spurt of speed and followed him. Ron occasionally looked back to see just how close behind she was; very. Fred and George smiled, a plan hatching in their twin heads. Harry and Ginny just moved their heads this way and that, watching their somewhat blurry friends.
Finally Ron stopped. He turned to face Hermione. "OK, here," Ron said, panting, as he passed her the ball. "Since when do you fly that fast anyway?" he asked, surprised at her ability to chase him on a Shooting Star. "Since now," she said, flashing him a triumphant smile that made him almost fall off his broom. Hermione flew down to the others, feeling Ron's eyes still on her.
Harry was gaping at her. "Hermione! You flew, er, pretty bloody fast!" he said. Ginny just grinned. A minute later Ron landed next to her. As soon as they saw this, Fred and George raced over.
George hummed a little game show tune. Ron eyed him and Fred suspiciously. Harry, Hermione and Ginny just watched. Fred put on a game host voice, "Get ready for…" (George joined him now) "ARE YOU FLIRTING??" They both sniggered and clapped. Fred went on.
"It's a game that tells you if you are flirting! And here are our contestants! Hermione Granger and Ronnie Weasley! Now, George, are they flirting?"
"Yes indeed, dear brother! They are! Let's give them a hand, they're so talen—" George was interrupted by, no, not Ron, but Hermione.
"OK, that's quite enough, both of you! Find yourselves another chaser because I'm not playing anymore!" With that, she went inside, throwing a last dirty look at Fred and George.
Harry went in after her. Ginny waited for Ron to stop glaring (and swearing) at the twins. When he didn't do this, she yanked his arm ("OW, Gin, let go!") and took him inside.
Hermione was scarlet when Harry came in and found her sitting on the sofa. "You okay?" he asked. She'd had it pretty rough with all the teasing from the twins. She nodded and looked up at him, her face turning back to normal. She smiled and said, "Thanks Harry. Come, sit." Harry sat next to her. "So how are you feeling after…you know," Hermione asked. She had been pretty concerned about her friend; he had been terribly brave…she and Ron had been worried sick during the third task although they knew he was capable of defending himself. When they had heard Fleur scream, Hermione jumped and Ron had put his arm around her the rest of the time. When Viktor was disqualified she heard Ron snigger. But what had happened that day with Ron was beside the point; it was making her blush again.
Harry was silent for a moment. "I…felt so bad…seeing Cedric's parents and – and Cho…" Harry lowered his head so she wouldn't see his eyes welling up with tears. Hermione hugged him and said, "It's okay, Harry. We're here for you." Hugging her back, Harry said, "Having you and Ron with me is the only thing that has helped me live every day."
"OW, Gin, let go!" they heard Ron screeching at Ginny. A moment later they both appeared. "For the love of all that is good, you left a bloody mark on my wrist," Ron exclaimed. "Oh, save the drama, Ron," said Ginny, sitting next to Harry.
"But you—" Ron didn't finish his sentence because at that moment a barn owl swooped into the living room. He stayed in midair for a moment then glided towards Hermione. She took the letter it held in its beak and then it was on its way again.
"Who's it from?" Ron asked curiously.
"Honestly, Ron," Hermione scolded. "I haven't even opened it!" When she did she groaned. This is NOT a good time for THIS!
"Well?" said Ron expectantly. When Hermione didn't answer, he snatched the letter from her hands. Surprisingly she didn't protest, just lowered her head and blushed furiously. Ron read the letter and narrowed his eyes. Then, putting on a mocking accent, he read it out loud. Hermione turned an even deeper shade of red.
"Dear Herm-oh-ninny, why can't he say your name right? I hoff good news for you. My parents say it is oll right if you come to visit. You're not gonna go are you? Vill you come? Say you vill, Herm-oh-ninny, we'll hoff so much fon," Ron read, making a gagging noise at that last comment. "LOVE, Vicktor. 'Love?' He's known you for a few months and that's how he signs his letters? And it's still not Vicky?" Ron interrogated, his face as red as Hermione's.
"Wow, Hermione, he's really serious about you, huh?" Fred said. He and George had been standing just outside the kitchen, listening to everything. Fred knew that with this comment he was just rubbing it in for Ron.
Ron sneered at him and turned back to Hermione. "So now it's Hermione and Vicky!" he said in a would-be-surprised voice. Hermione's embarrassment had apparently turned to anger. "Don't talk too much, since you have your veela girlfriend! Well how nice! Ron and Fleur!" she retorted hotly.
"Ooh, Ron and Hermione," said Fred and George together. Ron stared at Hermione in surprise and she stared back. Then they turned, coughed and sat back down. Ginny tried not to laugh and Harry shook his head.
Finally feeling a tiny bit bad, Fred and George sighed and said, "Um, how about a game of Exploding Snap, everyone?" Ginny and Harry nodded right away, feeling that Ron and Hermione needed to think about something other than each other. Ron and Hermione nodded slowly and stood up, avoiding the other's gaze.
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As soon as he had finished dinner, Ron raced upstairs and locked his bedroom door. Harry and Hermione had looked up in surprise but the other Weasleys seemed used to it. However, they didn't feel the need to explain so Harry and Hermione kept eating.
When she had helped clear the table, Hermione went up to Ron's room. Harry and George were playing chess; Ginny and Fred sat, watching. Anyway, Hermione knocked on Ron's door. He didn't answer.
"Ron, are you all right? It's me, Hermione," she said.
No answer.
"Ron!" Hermione said loud enough for him to hear if he was sleeping.
"I'm busy! I'll be out in a minute!" he finally said.
Hermione waited by the door. Soon, Ron opened it, his face red. Hermione eyed him doubtfully. Ron left the door wide open for her to come in. He went to the window, looked out and sighed with relief.
"So what are the others doing?" Ron asked in a feigned nonchalant tone of voice.
"Playing chess," Hermione answered, walking towards the window.
"Oh, okay, wanna come downstairs now?" Ron asked hurriedly.
"No…I think I left something here in your room. Go on, I'll meet you downstairs," Hermione said, thinking fast. What the hell was he doing? I'll find out, you wait.
"Oh…okay," Ron said and left the room, closing the door behind him.
Hermione turned and looked out the window. The sky was a beautiful orange, the bright gold sun setting in the horizon. Squinting, she could make out a tiny owl that swerved this way and that. Pig, she thought. Eyeing Ron's desk, she saw pieces of parchment thrown about. 2 bottles of ink sat there next to the parchment, one of them open. On top of the parchment was a SugarQuill on its wrapper, half-used. He was writing. He was writing a letter. But – to who? With a sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach, Hermione went downstairs to join the Weasleys and Harry.
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A/n: Ooh…who's Ron writing to? This wasn't my best chapter, so don't hate me! I thought the hot chocolate and walk was kinda cute. The thing with Harry was to show how much I think they are only friends; their friendship is forever loyal. Oh, by the way, if any of you have ever watched Full House and heard Jesse say "Have mercy!" you'll understand the title of this chapter…hehe…okay, here are my comments on all of you who have brought tears of happiness to my eyes. :::wiping tears from eyes::: Remember to review and make me even happier!
AdnapNottap- Kat! If it wasn't for me writing this silly story I wouldn't know you and what a shame that would be! We have so much in common! Anyway, hey, the stupid prat did go outside and comfort her. So, you want him to tell her…hmm, you'll have to wait and see…You are so faithful to reviewing my fic! Oh, and don't worry about not being first to my other…to me, it's like if you were the first reviewer.
Xodox- You are my faithful reviewer too! In the next chapter they are going back to Hogwarts and there things get really good! If you have anymore ideas, I'll gladly accept them. E-mail me if you want (that goes for everyone!). Check my bio and stuff for my e-mail.
ltnikki- She wasn't crying 'cause of Ginny…she's just had those tears locked up inside for too long…You really don't like romance do you Lockhart? hehe…
ginny, ria, esther- I'm soo sorry it took longer than I was supposed to…I had a really busy week and weekend! Chapter 5 will be up in a week…I don't think any sooner but maybe…
Len- Yeah, I don't think Harry and Ginny are always in peace with each other…thanks for your sweet compliments; they're what make writing worthwhile.
KT-Beth- It was great getting to know you, Chelsea! I hope you keep writing and reading this story!
Mitzi, Madison- Thank you so much for taking the time to read my story. Like I said, your comments keep me goin'!
Thanks, all of you for the billionth time.
Stay tuned!
R/Hr Fan