Hi! I know I haven't posted anything for awhile, so hopefully this chapter will be good enough for people to forgive me. My beta reader really liked it! (hint, hint)
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Hermione was confused, and it was making her mad. It wasn't like her to be confused. She was Head Girl, she had always gotten perfect grades, she could always figure everything out. The combination of being mad and confused was making her very grouchy, and people began avoiding her to keep from getting yelled at.
She couldn't figure out the problem that was Harry and Ginny.
What's wrong with me? she asked herself, lying on her back in her bed. Am I losing my mind or something? She rolled over onto her stomach, and punched at a pillow. She heard someone coming up the stairs, and looked towards the door to make sure no one was coming in to hear her talking to herself. The feet continued past the door, and she lay down again. Okay, Hermione, she told herself. Think. They're not talking to each other. They're also not talking to you--I mean, me. So something happened that involves me somehow . . . but what? What could have possibly happened? They're perfect for each other! she shouted into the pillow. She flopped onto her side and groaned.
she continued, getting up and beginning to pace. Whatever happened is also making them avoid each other at all costs. They also avoid me . . . and it hurts when someone sees you coming and turns the other way! she yelled at the door. She carefully lay on her back in the middle of the floor.
So, what could have happened that made them mad at each other and includes me? she wondered. She groaned, and rolled onto her stomach, hitting her head on Lavender's trunk in the process. And all of a sudden it hit her. Oh, my goodness! She sat up, her eyes wide and staring at nothing. Ginny must think that I've been cheating with Harry! That's why she's avoiding me . . . and Harry . . . and I guess Ron, too. And she must have told Harry why she's avoiding him, so he's avoiding me to keep her from continuing to think that, but . . . why would she think that in the first place? She sighed loudly, and lay down on her side. More reasoning. Ugh.
She was so absorbed in her thoughts that she didn't hear the door creak open.
She rolled over to see Ron running towards her. What do you want? she asked grumpily. He stopped abruptly.
I--I just . . . he stammered. You looked like you were dead or something. What are you doing?
she retorted, feeling her cheeks flame red. I was just . . . thinking, she finished lamely. Ron sat down next to her.
And you think best by lying on the floor? he grinned. He leaned in to kiss her, but she stopped him.
Ron, we have to talk, she said firmly. Harry and Ginny are avoiding us and each other.
I know, he said.
We have to do something about it! Hermione exclaimed. Don't you care at all?
I don't think there's really anything we can do, Ron said, looking confused. Ginny dumped him.
Hermione's mouth dropped. she shrieked.
Didn't Harry tell you? Ron asked, looking more confused than ever. She thought that he was cheating on her.
Hermione could barely breathe. Why didn't he tell me? I had to figure it out . . . all on my own . . . and be grouchy in the process . . . and he told you?! Harry Potter! she screamed, jumping to her feet. Ooh, I am going to . . .
Ron looked alarmed. What's the matter with you? She gave him a look so fierce that he stammered, He's in the library . . . studying . . .
Hermione stormed off, and he called after her, Don't kill him! Suddenly, Parvati came through the door, and stopped short.
she asked. What are you doing in here?
Ron could feel himself going scarlet. he said brilliantly. I was talking to Hermione, and . . .
She just stomped past me, Parvati told him. What did you say to her?
What? It wasn't me, it was Harry! Ron said quickly.
Harry's in here too? she asked incredulously.
Ron shouted. Oh . . . I'm just going to leave! He brushed past her, and as he started down the stairs, he heard her call after him,
If you've broken up, I am definitely available!
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Harry listlessly flipped the pages of a book, hardly looking at the words on the page. He sighed loudly, causing Madam Pince to look over at him with a disapproving look on her face. He closed the book, and scribbled, I am losing my mind on a piece of parchment. He sighed again, and rested his head on his arms.
Harry Potter! He lifted his head as Hermione slid into the seat next to him.
Oh, hi, he said dully. You shouldn't be here. I mean . . .
Why didn't you tell me about you and Ginny? she demanded.
What do you mean? he lied. Hermione, you're going to make Madam Pince--
I don't care! she hissed. Am I still your friend or not, Harry? I mean honestly, you've been avoiding me for the past few days, and then you didn't even tell me when you and Ginny broke up. That's not what friends do! They tell each other things!
Harry said.
Wrong answer, Potter, a lazy voice drawled, and Harry turned his head to see Draco Malfoy sit down opposite them.
What are you doing here? Hermione said contemptuously. He ignored her.
You don't have much luck with women, do you, Potter? Malfoy said, smirking at Harry, who opened the book again and ignored him. I mean, Malfoy continued. You don't even know the right thing to say to your . . . best friend, he said, emphasizing the word best. That's two you've lost so far. He stood up, slicked back his hair, and sauntered off. Hermione stared after him open-mouthed.
Harry, what is he talking about? she asked urgently.
Oh . . . nothing, Harry mumbled. Hermione slammed his book shut.
Harry Potter, she said quietly. There's some things that you've figured out on your own, and you've done a great job with them. This is too big for you to handle by yourself. Tell me what happened.
He sighed, and began talking reluctantly.
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Reviewreviewreviewreviewreview or I will have to get very, very angry!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
