***DISCLAIMER*** I don't own Harry Potter or anything affiliated with the
series, nor am I trying to make a profit. JKR and Warner Bros. own the
series. The poem typed throughout Hermione's thought segment was written
by my friend Alex, who was so kind as to let me use his AWESOME work!
Thank you so much!!! It's called Feelings of Love, and I'm going to type
it in a separate section before the story as well as in the story just
because it flows well by itself.
TallemeraRane ~ That's cool, one of my friends has her bday the day before - our last day of school! Now THAT is an awesome present!
Sugar Blossom ~ I update as fast as I can, but I do have a life which involves school. *_* I also work on original fiction, which is just as important, so sometimes my fan fiction gets put to the side so that I can work on my original stories!
Hermione - Hogwarts ~ I completely understand about school! 17 more school days, I can survive . . . I hope! As for the story, I'm thinking between 20 and 25 chapters, I have it all planned out. My summer is going to be pretty busy; I hope to have it finished by the end of July though!
Goodygoody519 ~ Yes, Ron IS a hot man!!! Thanks for the review!
Kang ~ Thank you so much!
Angelofboox ~ Haha, I downloaded a countdown clock from Mugglenet.com and it's on my desktop, torturing me whenever I start my laptop! Ah, you'll get it a whole five hours before me! Yeah, I realize the last chapter was short, but it had a very simple purpose. I promise this next one is longer! Until the last one, each chapter had been getting progressively longer; but these upcoming ones require more because, well, you'll see! Hehehe, hope you enjoy!
* * * * * * * * * * * *
How Many Ways
Chapter 12 ~ Help From a Dragon
By Americanangel
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Feelings of Love
Encased in feelings running deep,
Are sensual memories that I keep.
The way your lips feel, when they meet mine,
Your gentle touch on the small of my spine.
The tenderness of the souls that linger yet,
All sensations I will not forget.
I feel it all, when I close my eyes,
Remembering softness, and tender sighs.
A total love is complete with frights,
Some small faults and sleepless nights.
There's nothing love can't do,
But I just can't say that I love you.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Hermione knocked on the door to Ron's office the following Wednesday, a cold and blustery day towards the end of October. She was dressed in her warmer wizard robes, but was a bit hot because of the warmth of the building.
"Just a second," Ron called from inside, and opened the door to see her, "Mione! How are you?" He gave her hand a squeeze and gestured for her to come inside the office, "Here, let me take your warmer robe and hang it up."
"Thank you, Ron." Hermione replied, "I'm doing quite well, and yourself?"
"Great," he replied giving her a bright smile, "I'm swamped with work, but this is certainly a welcome break!" *Very welcome indeed,* he thought to himself.
She blushed, "Same here. I decided to take a break and leave the rest of my work for tomorrow and Friday. I came here for a specific purpose, though."
Ron raised his eyebrows, "And that would be?"
"Well, there is an informal dinner and dance this Saturday, sort of a pre-Halloween get-together at the Ministry. It is open to all Ministry employees and their family and friends, and I was wondering if you would like to go with me as my date," she told him.
Ron's heart was racing and felt like it was going to break out of his chest; she was giving him a chance to make up for the formal dinner the month before!
"Mione, that would be great!" he stumbled over his words, "I'd love to, wow, thanks for inviting me again! I promise you won't regret it."
"I know," she said simply and did something she hadn't done in five years; she kissed him on the cheek. He sat there in his office long after she left and pondered this kiss, and could still feel her touch on his cheek.
* * *
Hermione returned from her visit at Ron's office feeling warm inside and out, despite the weather. Memories of the previous two months ran through her mind, as well as memories from her Hogwarts days. All the things Ron had done for her and every memory they shared seemed to her to be the jewels which made her life worthwhile and her days bright. Most prevalent in her mind that moment was the kiss she had just given Ron, which caused her to remember their first kiss under their tree.
*Encased in feelings running deep,
Are sensual memories that I keep.
The way your lips feel, when they meet mine,
Your gentle touch on the small of my spine.*
She remembered how he could cause her heart and breath to stand still when he murmured her name, or touched her hand. She could hear the deep rhythms of his voice deep within her mind and felt the same tingle in her spine when she thought about them as when she heard them.
*The tenderness of the souls that linger yet,
All sensations I will not forget.
I feel it all, when I close my eyes,
Remembering softness, and tender sighs.*
Although she felt all these things whenever she thought of her friend, her best friend, she did not think that she loved him. Not yet. He was more than a best friend, but he wasn't a lover. Sometimes he confused her, and sometimes he was the only thing in her life that made sense. She had spent many nights lying awake thinking about him and wondering of their friendship and love, but she did not feel like she could give herself fully to him. Not yet.
*A total love is complete with frights,
Some small faults and sleepless nights.
There's nothing love can't do,
But I just can't say that I love you.*
* * *
The next few days passed quickly and it was soon time for the informal party at the Ministry. Ron Apparated to Hermione's house at five and they both Apparated to the Ministry at six. Ginny and Marc came as well, but Harry had to be in Hogsmeade as it was the first Hogsmeade weekend so he and Cassie were not at the party.
The ballroom had been transformed into a Halloween spectacle, and it reminded Hermione of Halloween at Hogwarts. Jack-o-lanterns provided the light for the event and were suspended at different heights and in all areas of the room. Candy had been dispersed on each of the round tables at which the guests were to sit. Long tables of food were set up by the walls, like at the formal dinner, and guests went up to them whenever they wished to have something to eat. There were plates and plates of different kind of wizard dishes, and bottles of butterbeer for all. Fake cobwebs hung from the ceiling and eerie music played from somewhere in the hall. Hermione and Ron, along with Ginny and Marc, checked their warm robes at the door and reserved seats for themselves at one of the tables.
"Wow, Hermione, this place has really been decorated," Ron told her, "Is this where the other dinner was?"
She nodded, "Yes, but we had assigned seats that time. This time we won't have to deal with Malfoy the entire meal."
"Splendid!" Ron replied, and then he remembered something, "Hermione, you said there was going to be a dance. Where will that be?"
She laughed, "Yes, after dinner there is a live concert and dance in the ballroom next door, but I believe the band is setting up at this moment. Dinner comes first, at any rate."
Ron grinned, "Great! I love dancing with you."
"Ron! We haven't danced together since Hogwarts!"
He laughed, "That doesn't mean that I don't remember how it feels, and much fun it is."
She blushed, however the couple was soon joined by Ginny and Marc.
"So, Hermione, where is this dance going to be held?" Ginny asked her.
Both Ron and Hermione laughed, "I just finished telling Ron," Hermione explained to the confused Ginny and Marc, who laughed as well.
"Would you care to enlighten us?" Marc asked.
"Yes," Hermione agreed, "We are going to have dinner first, and then at our leisure we can move into the adjoining ballroom through that door over there where a live band is setting up their instruments right now."
"Wow," Ginny said, "They really thought of everything!"
Hermione nodded, "Yes, I believe the Department of Magical Games and Sports handled this one."
"We did, and I hope you all enjoy it," said a voice behind them, Ludo Bagman, "Ms. Granger, always a pleasure." He kissed her hand, and then turned to Ginny, "And Ms. Weasley, the same to you. Mr. Weasley, and Mr., hmm, I don't think I've met you."
Marc hastily held out his hand, "Mr. Marc Davis, sir. I'm a Healer, but I've spent the better part of the last few years on battlefields. That's where I met Ginny, and we both returned to London a little over a month ago."
Bagman studied him for a moment, "You, sir, don't have much of a British accent. Are you American?"
"Yes, and no," Marc replied, "My parents are British and I was born in Britain, but we moved to Boston when I was a year old because my mother was pregnant again and my parents wanted to protect myself, my older brothers, and my sister-to-be from Voldemort," Bagman flinched at the name, "Sorry, sir, You-Know-Who. I went to a wizarding school in America and then came to Britain so that I could train at St. Mungo's. I've lived here ever since."
Bagman nodded, "Yes, there are many stories like that. Well, you four enjoy the evening. I must be going to make sure everything is running smoothly. Let me know if you need anything!"
All four waved goodbye and Marc commented, "He seems like a nice man."
"Nice," Ron agreed, "But at times foolish."
* * *
The dinner was delicious, and soon it was time to go into the adjoining ballroom for the dance.
"Question, Mione, how are we going to dance if I can only hold your hands?" Ron asked her quizzically.
Hermione looked at him thoughtfully, "I guess we will have to amend that part of the rules tonight. Dancing is hereby declared okay until midnight tonight. Sound fair?"
Ron grinned, "Delightful."
The majority of the young couples attended the dance, as did many older couples as well. The band was very good and played a variety of music to appeal to all; from oldies, to rap, to slow songs, to rock, to salsa.
Ron leaned forward during one of the slow songs, "I know you still probably don't believe me, but I just want to tell you that I really do love you Hermione Granger." She sighed contentedly, but did not reply.
The following song was another fast one and the dancing made Hermione feel very tired.
"Ron!! Slow down!" she said laughing into his ear.
"Oh, sorry. Want to take a rest?" he asked her thoughtfully.
"Sure, I'd love to," she replied and he led her over to the back of the room, where there were a few tables from the first ballroom. There were glasses of cool, refreshing water on the tables and Hermione savored one as the water cooled her dry throat.
"Mione, I have to go to the bathroom. I'll be back in a few minutes, alright?" Ron asked her.
"Sure, Ron," she told him and she sat at the table to catch her breath. He grinned, blew her a kiss, and then walked out of the room to find the men's room.
No sooner had Ron left than another man came up to Hermione to talk with her.
"Granger, alone again?" his voice reverberated through her mind as she turned around to see Draco Malfoy.
"Malfoy, fancy seeing you here. I thought for sure you'd have a party at your manor," Hermione replied icily.
Malfoy shrugged, "I will on Thursday, but today isn't Halloween. It's the Saturday before Halloween. I decided to make an appearance, even if I am a bit late. I was having dinner at Samantha' house, you remember her do you not?"
Hermione nodded, "Yes, I remember that she was nice and you were rude. I remember that you took every opportunity to make me feel horrible about myself and why I was at the party. I remember leaving the party with tears streaming down my face. Where is the girl, anyway?"
Malfoy was taken aback; he had not expected this reaction to his presence, "Slow down there, Granger. At least I am being civil tonight. She's in the ladies room. Tell me, where is Weasel? Or are you here with Potty?"
Hermione rolled her eyes, "I'm here with Ron, my boyfriend. Harry is at Hogwarts; this was the first Hogsmeade weekend. I would appreciate if you would say their names, instead of those nicknames."
"I see, Granger. Well, you have a boyfriend, and Weasley no less. Tell me, why is it that you are dating him and not Potter? He's the one who stood you up in September, and Potter could certainly get you a better engagement ring. Surely you aren't in it for the money, are you, Mudblood."
"Malfoy, if I ever hear you call her that again you will wish you had never been born," Hermione heard Ron's voice as tears began to fall silently down her cheeks.
"Well, if it isn't Weasley himself. I haven't seen you in a while, I bet you've been kept busy on all of those Death Eater hunts recently, being an Auror and all," Malfoy told him slyly.
Ron wrapped his arms around his Mione, "Yeah, I have been. What's it to you? Don't like seeing all your friends being arrested, I bet."
Malfoy looked at him sharply, "I never took the Dark Mark. I was never a Death Eater. I worked against Voldemort in the same order as you did and I had to fake my allegiance, and risk my family name. Well, it has been a pleasure but I really should get back to my date. Have a good night, Mudblood. Oh, and one more thing Weasley, don't you dare call me a traitor. I've earned my respect"
Ron stepped in front of Hermione, who was now visibly shaking, and punched Malfoy's nose, "Then don't call my girlfriend a Mudblood or people are going to get ideas about where your loyalties lie. And I have earned my respect as well, thank you very much. Have fun with your date, though I doubt she'll want to see you again after tonight."
"Weasley! You could get in big trouble for that, but I will let it slide. I know the healing charms to use," Malfoy walked off to find his date and left Ron with the trembling Hermione.
"I'm s-s-sorry, he m-m-makes me so mad," Hermione told Ron as she struggled to get the words out.
"Baby, baby, it's alright. It's alright. Don't be sorry, you have nothing to be sorry about. Come here," Ron enveloped her in a tight hug as they stood in the dark corner and she cried into his shoulder. "Do you want to go home?" he asked her tenderly and she nodded a yes. He took her out into the corridor and got their coats, ran back inside to tell Ginny and Marc that they were leaving, and Apparated back to Hermione's apartment with her.
They sat together on her couch for a long time, his arms around her providing comforting warmth. At midnight, however, he gently removed his arms from her shoulders and took her hand. She shivered, but remembered their pact.
"Thank you, Ron. I needed that," she told him softly.
"That stupid git," Ron said as he gazed into her eyes, "I wish he would leave you alone."
Hermione laughed dryly, "He's still mad at me for getting better O.W.L.S than he did."
Ron chuckled, "Well, at least you can joke about it. I must be going, though. I'm sure the neighbors will be worried if they see me leaving your apartment at any later time."
Hermione nodded, "Good night, Ron. Thank you again."
"Good night, Mione," he replied and blew her a kiss, "And I mean what I told you a few weeks ago when I learned about what a git Malfoy had been to you; you are the most amazing woman I have ever met."
* * *
Ron lay in bed that night thinking about what had transpired, and realized that he should probably thank Malfoy for what had happened. If he hadn't called Hermione a Mudblood *stupid git*, then Ron would not have had the opportunity to protect her and show her, at least in a new way, how much he loved her.
Nature works in strange ways, but Ron didn't care. As long as it was working for him and not against him, he was alright with it.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Review! I thought that was a good mix of romance/fluffiness and tensions!
So excited, only 16 more days of school! WAHOO! And prom is on Saturday. Wow, this is going to be a great next few weeks!
22 days and 7 hours until Order of Phoenix at this moment in time right . . . NOW! It's on my desktop, so by the time you read this it will be even less! Haha, I know, I'm a freak.
Okay, let me know what you think. Chapter 13, Halloween, will not come for another few days or so. I probably won't be able to post it for another week, actually, because of 4 projects and prom, so bear with me! It's coming.
Have a great week everyone!
~Americanangel
TallemeraRane ~ That's cool, one of my friends has her bday the day before - our last day of school! Now THAT is an awesome present!
Sugar Blossom ~ I update as fast as I can, but I do have a life which involves school. *_* I also work on original fiction, which is just as important, so sometimes my fan fiction gets put to the side so that I can work on my original stories!
Hermione - Hogwarts ~ I completely understand about school! 17 more school days, I can survive . . . I hope! As for the story, I'm thinking between 20 and 25 chapters, I have it all planned out. My summer is going to be pretty busy; I hope to have it finished by the end of July though!
Goodygoody519 ~ Yes, Ron IS a hot man!!! Thanks for the review!
Kang ~ Thank you so much!
Angelofboox ~ Haha, I downloaded a countdown clock from Mugglenet.com and it's on my desktop, torturing me whenever I start my laptop! Ah, you'll get it a whole five hours before me! Yeah, I realize the last chapter was short, but it had a very simple purpose. I promise this next one is longer! Until the last one, each chapter had been getting progressively longer; but these upcoming ones require more because, well, you'll see! Hehehe, hope you enjoy!
* * * * * * * * * * * *
How Many Ways
Chapter 12 ~ Help From a Dragon
By Americanangel
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Feelings of Love
Encased in feelings running deep,
Are sensual memories that I keep.
The way your lips feel, when they meet mine,
Your gentle touch on the small of my spine.
The tenderness of the souls that linger yet,
All sensations I will not forget.
I feel it all, when I close my eyes,
Remembering softness, and tender sighs.
A total love is complete with frights,
Some small faults and sleepless nights.
There's nothing love can't do,
But I just can't say that I love you.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Hermione knocked on the door to Ron's office the following Wednesday, a cold and blustery day towards the end of October. She was dressed in her warmer wizard robes, but was a bit hot because of the warmth of the building.
"Just a second," Ron called from inside, and opened the door to see her, "Mione! How are you?" He gave her hand a squeeze and gestured for her to come inside the office, "Here, let me take your warmer robe and hang it up."
"Thank you, Ron." Hermione replied, "I'm doing quite well, and yourself?"
"Great," he replied giving her a bright smile, "I'm swamped with work, but this is certainly a welcome break!" *Very welcome indeed,* he thought to himself.
She blushed, "Same here. I decided to take a break and leave the rest of my work for tomorrow and Friday. I came here for a specific purpose, though."
Ron raised his eyebrows, "And that would be?"
"Well, there is an informal dinner and dance this Saturday, sort of a pre-Halloween get-together at the Ministry. It is open to all Ministry employees and their family and friends, and I was wondering if you would like to go with me as my date," she told him.
Ron's heart was racing and felt like it was going to break out of his chest; she was giving him a chance to make up for the formal dinner the month before!
"Mione, that would be great!" he stumbled over his words, "I'd love to, wow, thanks for inviting me again! I promise you won't regret it."
"I know," she said simply and did something she hadn't done in five years; she kissed him on the cheek. He sat there in his office long after she left and pondered this kiss, and could still feel her touch on his cheek.
* * *
Hermione returned from her visit at Ron's office feeling warm inside and out, despite the weather. Memories of the previous two months ran through her mind, as well as memories from her Hogwarts days. All the things Ron had done for her and every memory they shared seemed to her to be the jewels which made her life worthwhile and her days bright. Most prevalent in her mind that moment was the kiss she had just given Ron, which caused her to remember their first kiss under their tree.
*Encased in feelings running deep,
Are sensual memories that I keep.
The way your lips feel, when they meet mine,
Your gentle touch on the small of my spine.*
She remembered how he could cause her heart and breath to stand still when he murmured her name, or touched her hand. She could hear the deep rhythms of his voice deep within her mind and felt the same tingle in her spine when she thought about them as when she heard them.
*The tenderness of the souls that linger yet,
All sensations I will not forget.
I feel it all, when I close my eyes,
Remembering softness, and tender sighs.*
Although she felt all these things whenever she thought of her friend, her best friend, she did not think that she loved him. Not yet. He was more than a best friend, but he wasn't a lover. Sometimes he confused her, and sometimes he was the only thing in her life that made sense. She had spent many nights lying awake thinking about him and wondering of their friendship and love, but she did not feel like she could give herself fully to him. Not yet.
*A total love is complete with frights,
Some small faults and sleepless nights.
There's nothing love can't do,
But I just can't say that I love you.*
* * *
The next few days passed quickly and it was soon time for the informal party at the Ministry. Ron Apparated to Hermione's house at five and they both Apparated to the Ministry at six. Ginny and Marc came as well, but Harry had to be in Hogsmeade as it was the first Hogsmeade weekend so he and Cassie were not at the party.
The ballroom had been transformed into a Halloween spectacle, and it reminded Hermione of Halloween at Hogwarts. Jack-o-lanterns provided the light for the event and were suspended at different heights and in all areas of the room. Candy had been dispersed on each of the round tables at which the guests were to sit. Long tables of food were set up by the walls, like at the formal dinner, and guests went up to them whenever they wished to have something to eat. There were plates and plates of different kind of wizard dishes, and bottles of butterbeer for all. Fake cobwebs hung from the ceiling and eerie music played from somewhere in the hall. Hermione and Ron, along with Ginny and Marc, checked their warm robes at the door and reserved seats for themselves at one of the tables.
"Wow, Hermione, this place has really been decorated," Ron told her, "Is this where the other dinner was?"
She nodded, "Yes, but we had assigned seats that time. This time we won't have to deal with Malfoy the entire meal."
"Splendid!" Ron replied, and then he remembered something, "Hermione, you said there was going to be a dance. Where will that be?"
She laughed, "Yes, after dinner there is a live concert and dance in the ballroom next door, but I believe the band is setting up at this moment. Dinner comes first, at any rate."
Ron grinned, "Great! I love dancing with you."
"Ron! We haven't danced together since Hogwarts!"
He laughed, "That doesn't mean that I don't remember how it feels, and much fun it is."
She blushed, however the couple was soon joined by Ginny and Marc.
"So, Hermione, where is this dance going to be held?" Ginny asked her.
Both Ron and Hermione laughed, "I just finished telling Ron," Hermione explained to the confused Ginny and Marc, who laughed as well.
"Would you care to enlighten us?" Marc asked.
"Yes," Hermione agreed, "We are going to have dinner first, and then at our leisure we can move into the adjoining ballroom through that door over there where a live band is setting up their instruments right now."
"Wow," Ginny said, "They really thought of everything!"
Hermione nodded, "Yes, I believe the Department of Magical Games and Sports handled this one."
"We did, and I hope you all enjoy it," said a voice behind them, Ludo Bagman, "Ms. Granger, always a pleasure." He kissed her hand, and then turned to Ginny, "And Ms. Weasley, the same to you. Mr. Weasley, and Mr., hmm, I don't think I've met you."
Marc hastily held out his hand, "Mr. Marc Davis, sir. I'm a Healer, but I've spent the better part of the last few years on battlefields. That's where I met Ginny, and we both returned to London a little over a month ago."
Bagman studied him for a moment, "You, sir, don't have much of a British accent. Are you American?"
"Yes, and no," Marc replied, "My parents are British and I was born in Britain, but we moved to Boston when I was a year old because my mother was pregnant again and my parents wanted to protect myself, my older brothers, and my sister-to-be from Voldemort," Bagman flinched at the name, "Sorry, sir, You-Know-Who. I went to a wizarding school in America and then came to Britain so that I could train at St. Mungo's. I've lived here ever since."
Bagman nodded, "Yes, there are many stories like that. Well, you four enjoy the evening. I must be going to make sure everything is running smoothly. Let me know if you need anything!"
All four waved goodbye and Marc commented, "He seems like a nice man."
"Nice," Ron agreed, "But at times foolish."
* * *
The dinner was delicious, and soon it was time to go into the adjoining ballroom for the dance.
"Question, Mione, how are we going to dance if I can only hold your hands?" Ron asked her quizzically.
Hermione looked at him thoughtfully, "I guess we will have to amend that part of the rules tonight. Dancing is hereby declared okay until midnight tonight. Sound fair?"
Ron grinned, "Delightful."
The majority of the young couples attended the dance, as did many older couples as well. The band was very good and played a variety of music to appeal to all; from oldies, to rap, to slow songs, to rock, to salsa.
Ron leaned forward during one of the slow songs, "I know you still probably don't believe me, but I just want to tell you that I really do love you Hermione Granger." She sighed contentedly, but did not reply.
The following song was another fast one and the dancing made Hermione feel very tired.
"Ron!! Slow down!" she said laughing into his ear.
"Oh, sorry. Want to take a rest?" he asked her thoughtfully.
"Sure, I'd love to," she replied and he led her over to the back of the room, where there were a few tables from the first ballroom. There were glasses of cool, refreshing water on the tables and Hermione savored one as the water cooled her dry throat.
"Mione, I have to go to the bathroom. I'll be back in a few minutes, alright?" Ron asked her.
"Sure, Ron," she told him and she sat at the table to catch her breath. He grinned, blew her a kiss, and then walked out of the room to find the men's room.
No sooner had Ron left than another man came up to Hermione to talk with her.
"Granger, alone again?" his voice reverberated through her mind as she turned around to see Draco Malfoy.
"Malfoy, fancy seeing you here. I thought for sure you'd have a party at your manor," Hermione replied icily.
Malfoy shrugged, "I will on Thursday, but today isn't Halloween. It's the Saturday before Halloween. I decided to make an appearance, even if I am a bit late. I was having dinner at Samantha' house, you remember her do you not?"
Hermione nodded, "Yes, I remember that she was nice and you were rude. I remember that you took every opportunity to make me feel horrible about myself and why I was at the party. I remember leaving the party with tears streaming down my face. Where is the girl, anyway?"
Malfoy was taken aback; he had not expected this reaction to his presence, "Slow down there, Granger. At least I am being civil tonight. She's in the ladies room. Tell me, where is Weasel? Or are you here with Potty?"
Hermione rolled her eyes, "I'm here with Ron, my boyfriend. Harry is at Hogwarts; this was the first Hogsmeade weekend. I would appreciate if you would say their names, instead of those nicknames."
"I see, Granger. Well, you have a boyfriend, and Weasley no less. Tell me, why is it that you are dating him and not Potter? He's the one who stood you up in September, and Potter could certainly get you a better engagement ring. Surely you aren't in it for the money, are you, Mudblood."
"Malfoy, if I ever hear you call her that again you will wish you had never been born," Hermione heard Ron's voice as tears began to fall silently down her cheeks.
"Well, if it isn't Weasley himself. I haven't seen you in a while, I bet you've been kept busy on all of those Death Eater hunts recently, being an Auror and all," Malfoy told him slyly.
Ron wrapped his arms around his Mione, "Yeah, I have been. What's it to you? Don't like seeing all your friends being arrested, I bet."
Malfoy looked at him sharply, "I never took the Dark Mark. I was never a Death Eater. I worked against Voldemort in the same order as you did and I had to fake my allegiance, and risk my family name. Well, it has been a pleasure but I really should get back to my date. Have a good night, Mudblood. Oh, and one more thing Weasley, don't you dare call me a traitor. I've earned my respect"
Ron stepped in front of Hermione, who was now visibly shaking, and punched Malfoy's nose, "Then don't call my girlfriend a Mudblood or people are going to get ideas about where your loyalties lie. And I have earned my respect as well, thank you very much. Have fun with your date, though I doubt she'll want to see you again after tonight."
"Weasley! You could get in big trouble for that, but I will let it slide. I know the healing charms to use," Malfoy walked off to find his date and left Ron with the trembling Hermione.
"I'm s-s-sorry, he m-m-makes me so mad," Hermione told Ron as she struggled to get the words out.
"Baby, baby, it's alright. It's alright. Don't be sorry, you have nothing to be sorry about. Come here," Ron enveloped her in a tight hug as they stood in the dark corner and she cried into his shoulder. "Do you want to go home?" he asked her tenderly and she nodded a yes. He took her out into the corridor and got their coats, ran back inside to tell Ginny and Marc that they were leaving, and Apparated back to Hermione's apartment with her.
They sat together on her couch for a long time, his arms around her providing comforting warmth. At midnight, however, he gently removed his arms from her shoulders and took her hand. She shivered, but remembered their pact.
"Thank you, Ron. I needed that," she told him softly.
"That stupid git," Ron said as he gazed into her eyes, "I wish he would leave you alone."
Hermione laughed dryly, "He's still mad at me for getting better O.W.L.S than he did."
Ron chuckled, "Well, at least you can joke about it. I must be going, though. I'm sure the neighbors will be worried if they see me leaving your apartment at any later time."
Hermione nodded, "Good night, Ron. Thank you again."
"Good night, Mione," he replied and blew her a kiss, "And I mean what I told you a few weeks ago when I learned about what a git Malfoy had been to you; you are the most amazing woman I have ever met."
* * *
Ron lay in bed that night thinking about what had transpired, and realized that he should probably thank Malfoy for what had happened. If he hadn't called Hermione a Mudblood *stupid git*, then Ron would not have had the opportunity to protect her and show her, at least in a new way, how much he loved her.
Nature works in strange ways, but Ron didn't care. As long as it was working for him and not against him, he was alright with it.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Review! I thought that was a good mix of romance/fluffiness and tensions!
So excited, only 16 more days of school! WAHOO! And prom is on Saturday. Wow, this is going to be a great next few weeks!
22 days and 7 hours until Order of Phoenix at this moment in time right . . . NOW! It's on my desktop, so by the time you read this it will be even less! Haha, I know, I'm a freak.
Okay, let me know what you think. Chapter 13, Halloween, will not come for another few days or so. I probably won't be able to post it for another week, actually, because of 4 projects and prom, so bear with me! It's coming.
Have a great week everyone!
~Americanangel
