Matchmaker

Ch.3

by Badiyannu

a.n//Aww, I really love you guys! I've gotten really nice reviews for this story and it makes me happy! Thanks! : )

Another thing, many people compliment me on the originality of this fic. Again, thank you and I just wanted to explain; I've only read a couple of Hm/R fics, and they were all fabulous, but I am trying to make this different and add the elements of comedy and romance which can make any story good. So please continue to laugh at Ron's antics and Harry's attempts to get them together while you "AWW" at Hermione and Ron's moments.

Thank ya'll! (PLEASE REVIEW!)\\ Badi

***

~Dearest Mum and Dad,

I have seemingly come up with a cold from being outside to long. I was taking Quidditch lessons with Ron. Remember the earlier letter where I explained that I had to take up a sport? Well, I have chosen Quidditch and am liking it quite well. Don't worry, Ron and Harry are two wonderful Quidditch players and Ron was doing a great job teaching me. That is, until after our first lesson when I caught sick. I'm sure I will be alright soon. But I have one request: can you please send me Mum's home remedy? That always seems to help me cure from anything.

I will explain more later about the Quidditch sport. I have mentioned it to you before.

Thanks!

Love you lots,

Hermione~

***

"What's that you're writing?" Ron Weasley hovered over Hermione Granger's shoulder, curiously.

"A letter to my parents," Hermione said, nonchalantly.

Ron's eyes went big and there was a tone of disappointment in his voice when he said, "You're not going home, are you?"

"No. Silly, why would I want to go home? I'm just writing to them to send me something."

The carrot-top shook his head, but was relieved. "You stubborn mule- I still don't see why you won't let Madame Pomfrey take you in. She'll fix you up in a second."

"I told you," Hermione said, signing her name with a flourish, "I am going to be cured the same way I always am- with my mother's special remedy for colds- it works miracles... There- done."

Hermione was sitting up in bed, located in the boys' dormitories. Harry and Ron had decided to place her here since they could not get into the girls' and no one stayed up in the dormitories on Christmas holidays. Most people dragged their stuff down to the common room and slept there so they could chat with their friends and be close to the fire. Hermione was more precisely in Ron's bed- he had insisted she take his bed since he felt it was his fault she was sick in the first place.

"...Can I read it?" Ron asked, quietly.

Hermione looked puzzled for a second then shrugged and gave Ron the piece of parchment, "I don't see why not."

He scanned it over slowly and beamed when he got to the part that mentioned him being a "wonderful Quidditch player" and he was "doing a great job" teaching her. He was still beaming when he handed it back to Hermione.

"You- you think I'm a good Quidditch player?"

"Of course," she looked up and smiled warmly, "You really have improved since last year, Ron."

Ron looked almost shocked- Hermione hardly ever complimented him.

"Where's Harry?" Hermione asked, sticking the parchment into an envelope.

"Oh!" Ron was interrupted from his thoughts, "He...he... hmm, I think he said he had to do some research for something or another."

Hermione lit up, "Well, I'm glad! At least *someone's* studying over these holidays!" She eyed Ron, accusingly. He waved his arms, in surrender.

"Hey! I'm not studying because I'm here watching you! You should be grateful."

"Sure," Hermione mumbled, but smiling, nonetheless. Then she looked up at Ron, gently. "You know, you don't *have* to keep watch over me. I'm fine by myself."

Ron shook his head, furiously, "I'm responsible for you coming down with this in the first place. So, I am going to stay here until you get better."

Was that what Harry had told him about having responsibilities? Yes, Harry said he had to watch over Hermione because it was partly his fault. Ron felt like it was his fault anyways. Besides, he really liked it when Hermione had fainted into his arms... Not that he *wanted* to see her faint-- just liked the way he caught her. She was rather petite and he, tall, so it was not hard to hold her. Nope. He wouldn't mind doing it again...

"Ron! Honestly, you keep dozing off on me! Now, could you kindly take this to the Owlery to be delivered?" Hermione insisted, thrusting the letter at him.

He took it in a hurry, trying to hide his blush from her, and dashed out the door, letter in hand.

***

Scattered whispers and low talking were heard throughout the common room. Some girls were giggling in the corner and Fred and George Weasley° burst out into laughter with their friend, Lee Jordan. But all noises stopped as Ron came into the room, walking down the dormitory stairs.

Ron raised an eyebrow and slowed his pace as every eye was fallen on him. "What? What is it?"

George grinned, maliciously, "Finally come down, bro? You've been up there since Hermione came in with the cold. What have you two been up to? Huh?"

Fred snorted and Lavender giggled.

"Wha... Bloody hell, George, nothing! I've just been taking watch over her... Besides... we couldn't have done nothing- she's sick..." Ron had started out angrily but, at the end, the same blush crept into his cheeks.

The whole room burst into laughter and Ron felt his whole body turn red.

"I didn't mean it that way!" he growled, angrily, "She's just MY FRIEND!"

Parvaiti was the first to stop giggling to ask., "Are you sure you don't like her as MORE than a friend?" Then she giggled again.

Furiously, Ron clutched the envelope in his hand then realized what he was doing to Hermione's letter and began to smooth it out.

The room finally stopped laughing and some chuckles were heard here and there. Fred noticed what he was doing and tried to read what it said.

"What's that, Ronnie? A letter from Hermione?"

Ron glared daggers at his brother then said, "No. I am taking this down to the Owlery to mail it for Hermione. That's all."

He ran out the common room door before anyone could say anything else.

***

Man, it's harder than I thought trying to get Ron and Hermione together, Harry thought as he buried his head in the pages of a book.

He was sitting in the library, pretending to study, so if Ron happened to find him... Aw, what the heck- he might as well *actually* study so he could get something out of this. He could be doing something else right now.

"Harry?"

The boy looked up, startled. His eyes landed on a head full of red hair.

"Oh, hey, Ginny."

He scooted over on the couch he was sitting on so Ginny could sit down. She did and sighed.

"I am really tired of everyone trying to get Hermione and my brother together. It's silly."

"...I'm one of those people, Ginny."

"I know- what I mean is, everybody is so intent about it while it really isn't any of their business," she said, wisely.

Harry nodded, "I know what you mean."

"Really, though," Ginny continued, "if two people are meant to be together, they'll interact on their own, without anyone's help."

"I agree," Harry lowered his book and smiled, adoringly, at her, "You know, Ginny, you are a very smart girl. I respect the way you treat other people's feelings. It's remarkably sweet."

Ginny immediately turned crimson, but smiled softly.

"Thank you, Harry," she stated, confidently, "You're not so bad yourself."

Harry beamed and Ginny thought she saw him blush but didn't get to see because he got up and put the book back on the shelf.

"I've got to be going. Eh, nice talking to you, Ginny," he called, walking out the door.

Ginny burst out into a grin and fell back onto the couch, happily.

***

That evening was Christmas Eve and the spirit was in the air. Decorations were hung everywhere and people were in high spirits. Except Hermione- she had only got up once that whole day and that was to go to the hall and eat dinner. In her robe. All she ate was crackers, slices of ham, and some butterbeer (which was only availible on Christmas Eve and Day). Ron had insisted that he escort Hermione back up to the Gryffindor dormitories when she excused herself from dinner early.

"Ron," Hermione scoffed, "I think I can manage myself, thank you."

However, he continued to follow her out of the Great Hall and they started up the stairs. "Believe me, I don't think you can."

"Yes I can-- OOF..."

Hermione had tripped on a step and she reached down to her ankle. "Ouch! I think I sprained it..."

"Hermione! What did I tell you? You can't handle yourself!" Ron said, sounding as if he were in hysterics.

He quickly reached down and scooped her up by putting an arm around her waist. She leaned heavily on him, clutching his robes as if it would make the pain from her ankle go away.

"Damn, Hermione... you're going to rip my already tattered robes..." Ron muttered as he walked cautiously up the stairs, Hermione hanging on to his robes, her head resting on his chest.

"Well, 'Mr. Protective', do you want me to fall again?" Hermione retorted, rolling her eyes.

They reached the Fat Lady's portrait and Ron said the password (JoyexNoel°). The portrait moved and Ron dragged Hermione back up to his bed in which he placed her tenderly in.

"You know, Ron, I'm not going to break..."

"I'm just taking precautions... I'll get Madame Pomfrey right away and she can mend--"

"Madame Pomfrey is on vacation. She left this morning."

"....oh.... Well, I guess we'll just have to wait until she gets back," Ron said, reaching over Hermione to tuck her in on the opposite side. While he was just starting to, he felt Hermione's warm breath tickle his ear and then a squeak emitted from her.

He finished tucking that side in, then sat on the side of the bed. Resting his hands in his lap, Ron looked up at Hermione expectantly, waiting to hear why she had squeaked.

Instead of telling him, Hermione pointed her index finger up and Ron followed the direction with his eyes. Something had been placed over his bunk.

Mistletoe.

The teenagers looked at each other, just staring, not saying anything. Finally, Ron shrugged.

"It's just a little kiss. No big deal," and he began to move towards Hermione who was positively shocked.

"Ron!" she shrieked, "I'm sick!" But she didn't pull away.

He shrugged again, this time his face was inches from Hermione's. "Like I said, just a little kiss. I'm not going to catch anything."

Shocked at how bold he was being, Ron still moved closer until he was an inch away. Slowly, he bent down- since he was so tall- and kissed her gingerly on the lips.

"Umm, guys?"

On the double, Ron and Hermione pulled away from each other and Hermione's head hit the headboard. Ron had almost fallen off the bed but he stood up and faced the intruder, flushed with crimson.

"Oh! Hello, Harry!"

Harry was looking thunderstruck but he kept his composure and his urge to laugh. "Err... bad time to walk in? I guess I shoulda knocked... Sorry."

"Hehe- no problem, Harry!" Hermione (who was also blushing) said, nervously and rubbed her head. "What's that you've got?"

"Oh!" Harry was startled, "This came for you with an owl at dinner but you missed it." He held out a bottle that was wrapped in a letter.

Ron took the bottle and looked at it carefully then handed it to Hermione, who grabbed it with a blush when their hands had brushed. She opened the letter and read it through, speedily. She then glanced at the small bottle and smiled.

"My mum's remedy had finally arrived. I think I'll take it before I go to bed," she explained then peered up at her two friends. "...and I'm about to get changed, so why don't you leave?"

"Right," said Harry and Ron nodded, still very red. They left the room and locked the door.

***

Harry nudged Ron as they walked down the stairs to the common room. "So... how was it?"

"What?"

"You know- you and Hermione's little kiss..."

"Harry, you git! It was nothing!" Ron cried, frustrated.

"Oh, so, what you're saying is that Hermione's not a good kisser?"

"Yes. I mean--no. Well, she *is* a good ki-- Harry!"

Harry laughed as they plopped down on the couch, Ron's ears turning red.

"Look, it was just a little peck. There was mistletoe there and... you know, I didn't want to break the holiday spirit...Yeah--and Hermione hadn't been having a good day...so I though I'd cheer her up a bit..."

Harry was still smirking and he scoffed, "Sure..."

"Really!" Ron exclaimed, burning in the face, "Just whatever you do, don't tell ANYBODY about this! Please, Harry! ESPECIALLY Fred and George..."

"What about those handsome devils, Fred and George?"

Ron and Harry turned to face non other than the devils themselves.

"Yes, what were you telling Harry, Ronnie?" George questioned, evily.

"Nothing," Ron spat.

"Would it happen to be about you and Hermione's snog up in the dormitory?" Fred said, grinning maliciously.

Ron's eyes grew big, "How'd you know?"

The twins laughed and Fred said, "We heard you and Harry talking right before we stepped throught the portrait. Besides... we're the ones who put the mistletoe there."

"WHAT?!" Ron roared, standing up.

George pretended to flick some dirt from under his fingernail, "I do not believe you are deaf, baby brother."

This just made Ron even more furious and his eye began to twitch.

"Now, we know for a FACT that you like Hermione. Don't try to deny it!" Fred cried, gleefully.

"I DO NOT!" Ron was really red now- from anger. "I WOULD'VE KISSED ANY GIRL WHO WAS THERE UNDER THE MISTLETOE!"

Suddenly, a small gasp was heard from atop the stairs. Ron whirled around to see a girl with bushy hair, silent tears falling down her cheeks.

"Hermione..." Ron's voice had lowered greatly to a soft tone and a lump formed in his throat.

***

a.n.//Dun, dun, DUN! Heehee! Another cliffhanger for ya'll! I'm sorry if I'm being too harsh on Hermione- it wasn't supposed to happen that way but I get carried away. (I blame Sour Skittles.)

REVIEW!!! (My reviews must reach 30 or I will not continue.) :-P

\\Badi

Notes:

° Fred and George left in their final year at Hogwarts in the 5th book. I haven't mentioned an explanation of why they are there now. I know that they are 2 years older than Harry and Ron (who are in their 6th year in this story) but they had to come back to complete their 7th year since they blew it off in the 5th book.

° "Joyex Noel" is French for "Merry Christmas". :-P