Chapter Twelve

Weeks passed quickly at Hogwart's, and before long it was almost time for the traditional Halloween feast to be held. The students were whispering excitedly in the halls, and everyone had more difficulty than usual focusing on schoolwork. Hermione sighed with exasperation and turned to her boyfriend of two months.

Ron, you can't honestly expect me to let you copy my Charms homework! I mean, it's for your cousin's class. She won't believe that you wrote it! Honestly, she knows better than that.

Ron tried his best to be pitiful and pulled Hermione into his arms, bookbag falling to the floor at their feet. He rested his chin on top of her head and whispered, Please Mione? I'll never be able to get it done on time.

Hermione relaxed into his embrace, and Ron grinned. She was about to give in. How bout we compromise? he asked. You help me write my own essay before class, so it won't really be copying.

All right. Now let's go, we're going to be late to Herbology, and you don't need another detention. I swear, you and Harry are worse than the twins sometimes.

They pulled apart and started down the hall, maintaining their physical connection through the clasped hands between them. As they approached the greenhouse they could see Harry standing outside the entrance talking to someone. Ron was about to call out a greeting when Harry stepped closer and put his arms around the person, lowering his head to kiss them. Hermione poked Ron in the side with her finger.

Leave him alone Ron, he's obviously busy at the moment. I wonder who that is anyway. Maybe he's got a girlfriend!

Both of them were now very curious. They approached Harry and the mysterious girl, and Ron cleared his throat to gain Harry's attention. Hermione gasped as she caught a glimpse of her friend Ginny's red face. The embarrassed blush on her face mirrored the tomato-like color appearing on Ron's face. He cast a murderous glance at his best friend and demanded, And just what do you think you are doing snogging my sister?

Harry's mouth opened and closed helplessly as he searched for an answer that would prevent Ron from punching him, or worse, calling in the rest of the Weasley brothers for backup. Before he could reply Ginny stepped in front of him and glared at her older brother.

Ron, I don't really think this is any of your business. Leave Harry alone, he didn't do anything wrong. Besides, I would think that at least you would approve of me dating your best friend. If you don't like me dating Harry, imagine me dating Malfoy!

Both guys were now speechless. Hermione was grinning at Ginny, relieved that she no longer had to keep this secret from Ron. Ginny smiled back and said, I have to go or I'm going to be late to class. See you later, Ron, Hermione. She turned around and kissed Harry on the cheek. Bye Harry.

The trio watched Ginny walk back toward the castle. Hermione glanced at her watch and gasped. Come on, we have to get inside before we're late! We don't want to lose any house points.

She grabbed both guys by the arm and pulled them into the greenhouse, taking a seat in between the two boys to keep them separated. Ron still looked upset, and he refused to look at Harry. When class ended Ron told Hermione to go on to the common room without him. I'm going to go see Val. I want to know what she thinks of this whole Harry and Ginny relationship thing. I'll see you at dinner.

Hermione nodded and kissed Ron goodbye before running to catch up with Harry and Neville. Ron gathered his cloak and bookbag and trudged up the pathway to the door and through the hallway to his cousin's office. He knocked on the door, and a minute later was face to face with his cousin as she stood in the doorway expectantly. Once she had invited him inside and he'd helped himself to her supply of chocolate frogs, his favorite candy, he settled into one of Val's chairs and asked, Can we talk?