Ron and Hermione, sitting in a tree…….
Ron Weasley was sleeping soundly one Saturday morning when he had a strange feeling he was being watched. He awoke at once to find Hermione Granger sitting on his bed.
"Hey," he yawned. Hermione leaned over and kissed him quickly. He gave her a bewildered look and she kissed him again. And again. And again……
Natasha's arrivalThere was a knock at the door that caught Ron and Hermione's attention. They got up and hurriedly walked downstairs. There was a very attractive girl at the door, talking to Mrs. Weasley. Ron smiled widely as he looked at this beautiful girl. He quickly flattened his hair and walked coolly down the last flight of stairs.
"Hello, I'm Ron," he introduced himself. Hermione seemed to know exactly what was on Ron's mind. She walked quickly over and grabbed Ron's hand. "Hi, I'm Hermione. What's your name?"
Mrs. Weasley quickly excused herself into the kitchen, not noticing her son and Hermione holding hands.
"I'm Natasha. I'll be transferring to Hogwarts this year and I was wondering if you would be interested in showing me around the school." She was smiling the entire time and Ron kept trying to pry his hand out of Hermione's. Her brown hair, big sky blue eyes and amazing smile was overtaking Ron faster than his friend Harry could fly on his Firebolt broom.
"Sure!" Ron volunteered. Hermione cut him off.
"Ron and I (she edged closer to him) would be happy to." She ended by putting her head on his shoulder to sort of, mark her territory, if you know what I mean.
Then he noticed a second brunet behind Natasha, who was just as lovely. She had beautiful brown eyes, framed by a small pair of glasses with thin wire rims. Natasha followed his gaze.
"Oh, I almost forgot. This is my cousin Shannon. She'll be transferring along with me."
Ron's mouth practically fell open. He was going to show two beautiful girls around Hogworts? How did he get this lucky? Hermione on the other hand, was getting even more annoyed. How was she supposed to protect Ron from both of them? Shannon smiled at him, making Ron's knees feel as though they'd buckle at any moment.
"Is your friend Harry around?" Shannon asked. Ron began to feel pangs of jealousy.
"Oh yes, Shannon's got a bit of a crush on him I'm afraid."
"I do not!" Shannon protested, blushing, making Ron's pangs stronger, but making Hermione feel a bit relieved. She'd only have to protect Ron from one after all.
"My cousin Jenny, Shannon's sister will be transferring here as well. She's my age." Natasha added.
"Alright then, I'll call Harry, and him and I will show all three of you around. And we'll take you to Diagon alley for supplies also."
"And I'll come too. Us girls can get to know each other before term starts and maybe we'll even be in the same house!" Hermione tried to act as if she wanted to be friends, but she only wanted to keep Shannon and Natasha away from Ron.
The DepartureRing, ring! The telephone at Harry's house rang. Now that the Dursley's knew about Harry's "criminal" godfather, he was treated as an equal. Well, almost.
"Hello?"
"Hey Harry! It's Ron."
"Oh hi! How's your summer been?"
"The greatest! Guess what?"
"What?!"
"There are three girls transferring to Hogwarts this year. I only met two of them, but they were prettier than veelas!! And they want us to show them around Hogwarts!! And one of them, Shannon, has a crush on you!!!"
"Are you serious?" Harry said, in awe. He wasn't sure that any girl had ever had a crush on him, except Ron's younger sister, Ginny. "Can I come over and stay until we go?"
Shannon was standing next to Ron with her ear as close to the phone as she could get. She was nodding her head vigorously. Her and Natasha had come back the next day to ask a few questions about school.
"Well, ummm... let me ask." Ron paused and then yelled, "MUM!
Can Harry stay for a few weeks until we can show Natasha and Shannon around?"
"Of course!" Mrs. Weasley had always loved having Harry at their house.
"Sure Harry, you can come and stay. Why don't you use Floo powder and come over to-OUCH!" Ron yelled. Shannon had stepped on his foot trying to listen to the conversation.
"Oops, sorry!" Shannon apologized, blushing horridly. Natasha stifled a giggle.
"What was that about?" Harry cried, rubbing his throbbing eardrum. Ron explained to Harry what happened, while Shannon and Natasha backed away into the kitchen.
"So she really does like me?!" Harry asked excitedly. "You're not just making it up?"
"Of course not! If you really want to meet her before we go to Diagon Alley, then you should start getting ready now and be here by, well as soon as you can!"
"Alright, then I'll let you go. Oh, by the way, can you make sure your fireplace is okay? So I, you know, won't get stuck in it or anything?"
"Yep, alright then Harry, see you in a bit. Bye!" Ron said.
"Bye Ron, see you!" Click.
Harry hung up the phone and raced downstairs, only to find his overly large cousin Dudley resting his fat caboose in an extra large chair that had to be specially made for him. His Aunt Petunia was making Dudley a 'snack' that was really more of a three-course meal.
"What do you want, you wretched boy?" she said when she saw Harry standing there.
"My friend Ron just called and asked if I could go and stay at his house until school starts. Is it all right?" he asked politely.
"Yes, yes fine get out of my sight," she answered bitterly, but secretly pleased that he would be out her hair.
Harry raced up stairs and packed all of his things. His wand, broom, books, school robes, Quidditch robes, and everything else he needed. He grabbed his bags, trunk, and his owl, Hedwig, seized the can of white Floo powder and ran down stairs.
"Bye everyone!" He yelled and he was off.
Chapter Four-Harry's CrushWhen Harry arrived at the Weasley's, everyone seemed to be gathered around the fireplace. Mr. Weasley was reading the newspaper while Mrs. Weasley skimmed a cookbook. Ron was staring over at the two new girls while Hermione (who was standing unusually close to Ron) also watched them cautiously. Harry looked over to see two of the most beautiful girls he'd ever seen, and one of them was smiling shyly at him.
"Wow," Harry whispered. That had to be Shannon. He couldn't believe his eyes. This girl really had a crush on him? Shannon's smile widened and Harry felt a blush creep into his face. She really blew Cho out of the water!
Harry then looked Natasha over, who was quite beautiful as well. Though she was a bit shorter than Shannon was, they had the same brown hair and charming wide smiles. Ron walked over to Harry, closely trailed by Hermione.
"Told you, didn't I?" Ron laughed at Harry's wide eyes. "Prettier than a Veela." Harry could tell Hermione didn't like that comment one bit, but since when did she care whom Ron was attracted to?
"Shannon, Natasha, come meet Mr. Harry Potter." Ron waved them over.
"Hi," Shannon said quietly, looking from him to her feet.
"Hi," Harry replied, equally as quiet.
"Hi Harry. My name's Natasha. I'll have to apologize for my cousin; she gets a little shy around new people, especially ones she's crushing on." Shannon smacked Natasha on the shoulder and blushed slightly. Harry blushed too. So it was true! This beautiful girl really did like him!
"Oh hello Harry dear!" Mrs. Weasley said, finally noticing Harry. "Ron, why don't you help Harry take his things up to your room."
"Oh, that's all right Mrs. Weasley," Natasha replied. "I'm sure Shannon would love to help him. It will give them a chance to talk a bit. Besides, I still have a few things I'd like to talk to Ron about."
"I suppose," Mrs. Weasley nodded, though she seemed a bit wary about letting them go off together. Shannon picked up Hedwig's cage and followed Harry up stairs. Harry noticed that Hermione seemed to be practically blocking Ron's view of Natasha. He still didn't understand why she was being so protective of Ron.
"She's beautiful Harry. What's her name?" Shannon asked him.
"Sorry, who?" The only beautiful thing Harry could think of was Shannon.
"Your owl. What's her name?"
"Hedwig. My friend Hagrid gave her to me as a present."
"Hedwig, it's an interesting name. I have a cat I'll be bringing. His name is Tigger." Shannon told him, all the while petting Hedwig.
"And you thought Hedwig was a weird name!" Harry laughed. Shannon giggled flirtatiously. Harry felt his heart beat quicken as he stared at Shannon.
Back down in the den, Ron was feeling the same way. Mrs. Weasley had asked Hermione to help her in the kitchen, so she was out of Ron's way. Mr. Weasley excused himself to the little boy's room, so Ron and Natasha were sitting alone on the den couch.
"Ron, I have a question," Natasha began.
"Really, what?" he replied. He was hoping that Natasha would admit to being madly in love with him.
"Do you know who Draco Malfoy is?"
Ron groaned, "Yea, why?"
"Well, I heard that he was really hot, and I was wondering what his personality is like so I can know whether or not to work my charm." She ended with a big grin.
"Oh, I know him alright," Ron started, "He's a selfish, ugly jerk who thinks he's better than everyone else and that all that matters is money!"
"Oh, so do you think I have a chance with him?" Natasha asked.
"Why, may I ask, do you want to date a moron like him?!" Ron replied angrily. He knew that the day Natasha arrived; Draco would stop at nothing to get her. Ron really wanted to keep this girl all to himself.
"So he's out of my league?" she asked impatiently.
"No, you're very much out of his league." Ron said. Natasha blushed. So did Ron.
"Ron, can we go find Harry and Shannon?"
"Sure," he answered, very disappointed that he was still with out a girlfriend.
Natasha followed Ron to his room where they found Shannon and Harry sitting on the bed talking. Ron pulled Harry over to the opposite side of the room.
"You'll never guess who Natasha likes!" Ron exclaimed. "Draco Malfoy!"
"Uh huh," Harry nodded, still watching Shannon.
"Harry!!" Ron yelled, shaking Harry's arm.
"What? Oh, right. Draco. What about him?" Harry gave Ron a confused look.
"Natasha has the hots for him! She kept asking me all these questions about him. I couldn't believe it! She'd rather date him than me!" There was a mix of anger and disappointment in Ron's eyes.
"What a slime ball. Why would any girl like him?" Harry shook his head.
"I don't know. I'd rather not think about it anymore." Ron looked over at the two girls talking by the door. "Well, on a happier note, I think Shannon really likes you."
"Really?" Harry smiled. "I hope so."
Meanwhile, Natasha and Shannon were having a conversation of their own.
"Harry's really into you Shannon!" Natasha said happily.
"Do you really think so?"
"Yea! He kept staring at you when Ron was talking to him." Shannon glanced over. Sure enough Harry was staring at her, but when he saw her glance at him he quickly turned away.
"See!? I told you!" Natasha said. Shannon chuckled.
"Well Ron really likes you!" she said quickly.
"No, I have a hunch that he and Hermione are dating. Why anyone would date that hairball is beyond me. She's such a priss!"
"I really like her. We're going to be really good friends, I can just tell!" Shannon said excitedly.
"Well I think she's a brat and she should be nicer."
"The only reason she's snotty to you is because Ron likes you!" Shannon exclaimed matter-of-factly.
"You think so?" Natasha asked. "He's really cute, but I really want to meet that Draco Hermione told us about. He sounds sooooo hot!! But if we're staying here a few days, who knows? Ron and I could really get to know each other!"
"You should give him a chance, but make sure he and Hermione are only friends before you try anything." Shannon warned.
"I will, believe me; I don't ever want to get into a fight with Ms. Hairball!" At that moment Hermione walked up.
"Hi! Who were you talking about?" she asked cautiously.
"Oh, just a friend of mine that I don't like very much anymore," Natasha blurted.
"Oh," Hermione said quietly as she sat down and observed Ron from afar. She sensed she would be forgotten because Natasha and Shannon were there.
"Oh my gosh! Eww! Why? Gross!!" Harry cried. Ron had finished telling him about what Hermione had done.
"Yeah, I know. It just…..happened," Ron said. That's all he could explain. It all made sense to Harry now. Hermione was keeping so close to Ron because she thought of him as her territory, and Natasha was intruding on it.
"Listen Ron, if you really want to pursue things with Natasha you'd better straighten things out with Hermione first."
"Yea, I guess your right. It's just that, well, think of how sad she'd be. I don't know if I can." He looked at Hermione sitting on the bed by Shannon and Natasha, watching him gloomily.
Shannon noticed the sad look on Hermione's face and decided to try to make her feel better by including her in the conversation.
"So Hermione, are you and Ron, I mean, you know, a couple?" Shannon asked, hoping she didn't sound stupid stumbling over her words like that.
"Well, yes and no." Hermione looked at them with sad brown eyes. "I mean we were, well sort of, but now, I don't know. It's not really official. Well to me it is, but I don't know about him." Shannon could tell this was an uncomfortable subject for her. She shot Natasha a warning look. Natasha nodded in agreement. She wouldn't go after Ron. At least not until she knew if they were a couple, and if they were, she'd keep her distance. Natasha noticed that Shannon's attention was once again on Harry. Hermione noticed it too.
"So you like Harry, do you?" Hermione smiled. She was happy to see that Ron was safe from one of them.
Shannon blushed a bit, "Well, he's awfully cute, and so sweet."
"That's a yes," Natasha translated.
"I have an idea," Hermione laughed and ran over to the boys. "Harry, why don't you take Shannon for a walk, you know, show her the neighborhood?" It would be a great way to get Natasha alone and see if she really was after Ron.
Harry was unsure, he liked Shannon a lot, but he really didn't know his way around all that well.
Seeing the worry on Harry's face Ron said, "Listen, we'll all go so you don't get yourselves lost. If you want, we'll let you two walk by yourselves, just stay in sight of us ok?" Harry nodded and they were on their way.
Chapter Five- Lovely Day for a WalkRon, Natasha and Hermione walked together, careful to stay a few feet ahead of Harry and Shannon to give them their privacy. Now that Hermione felt her territory was once again being tread upon, her snootiness was back. She was very careful to stay between Ron and Natasha, though Natasha made no moves for him.
"They make such a cute couple don't they?" Natasha squealed about Harry and Shannon.
"Yea," Ron sighed, looking back at Shannon and Harry who were now holding hands. He couldn't help but wish that Hermione was gone so he could be holding Natasha's hand too.
"What's the matter Ron?" Hermione must have misread the look in his eyes, for she threaded her arm through his, as if to comfort him.
"Nothing, nothing." Ron shook his head and wondered how on earth he would ever break things to her.
Meanwhile Shannon and Harry were having a great time. Harry's heart was pounding furiously. He was sure Shannon could hear it. He loved walking with her and holding her hand. He wanted this walk to last forever. Shannon felt the same way.
"So your on the Quidditch team?" Shannon asked, smiling shyly as she tucked a loose strand of brown hair behind her ear.
"Yea, I'm the seeker for Gryffindor." Harry bragged. "I made it in my first year at Hogwarts."
"Wow, I can't wait to see you play. You must be amazing to watch." Harry flushed deeply at her praise. "So what house did you say you were in?"
"Gryffindor. Hermione, and all the Weasley's, including Ron's brothers and sister, are in it too." Harry smiled remembering the good times he'd had in the common room.
"Wow, I hope I'm in your house too." She smiled, making Harry feel as if he were walking on air.
Hermione must have been getting jealous of Harry and Shannon because she had grabbed a hold of Ron's hand and was squeezing it so hard he had barely any feeling left in it.
"Natasha was asking me about Draco Malfoy today," Ron told her, hoping she'd realize that Natasha didn't like him and would loosen her grip on his hand. "Apparently, she's heard he's very hot."
But his tactic didn't work; Hermione only squeezed his hand harder and looked at Natasha with wide eyes.
"Malfoy? He's such a nasty, sneaky little git. Why would you ever be interested in him?" Hermione couldn't hide her hatred for him. "I'd advise you to stay far, far away from him!"
"Maybe you guys just got off on the wrong foot? Maybe he's a really nice guy deep down?" Natasha said defensively. Hermione and Ron exchanged a quick "DEEP, deep down!" look.
"Just wait until you meet him. You'll understand then," Ron nodded, telling himself he'd have a chance with her once she saw what a git Malfoy was. Natasha began to say something, but she was cut short by the laughter coming from behind them. Looking back at the couple talking happily, they all imagined themselves in the same position, Hermione with Ron, Ron with Natasha, and Natasha with Draco, whatever he looked like. They all seemed to let out a collective sigh.
"Oh look, Ron and Hermione are holding hands!" Shannon laughed.
"Looks more like she's trying to crush Ron's hand into jelly." Harry replied. Both Shannon and Harry burst out laughing.
All too soon they arrived back at the house.