Harry, Hermione, and Ron walked out of the Great Hall, extremely well fed and happy. Ron was in the highest of spirits after Harry told him Angelina would be announcing her decision tonight, and as a welcoming present, the new Keeper would receive a brand new Firebolt, a gift to the school from Quality Quidditch Supplies. Harry and Hermione laughed at Ron Irish Dancing across the hall. Ron tripped over his very large feet and went crashing through the door of the Teacher's lounge. There were sounds of outraged yelling, china breaking, and seconds later, Ron came hurtling out of the lounge, running at breakneck speed,yelling,

Run for it! Harry, and Hermione didn't wait for an explanation: They ran after Ron up the grand staircase, and didn't stop running until they were three floors away from the melee. Clutching a stitch in his side, Harry tried to rub his glasses clear, now very fogged up. Hermione sat on the ground, and leaned against Harry, as she fought to get her breath back.

I...wouldn't...kill yourself...before you...get...on...the...team...Ron! *Gasp* Calm...down! I know you're happy but come on...you...haven't got the position...yet! Plus...you are recovering...from a near...fatal..injury... Hermione froze as she realized what she just said. Ron lifted his head up from his knees, to look at Hermione.

What'd you say? Harry exchanged looks with Hermione.

It's nothing Ron, just forget it. But Ron had gotten to his feet, and was looking accusingly at Hermione.

I WILL NOT FORGET IT! Ron bellowed. Hands shaking, Ron combed his fingers through his hair, making it stand on end, trying to think.
Fatal? Fatal, but, you said, you said the poison would've only put me into a deep coma. Right, Hermione? Ron lifted Hermione's chin, so that she was looking straight into his eyes, hard as steel. Hermione felt as though he was looking into her soul
Please, Hermione, tell me, tell me the truth! Hermione tried to look away from Ron, her eyes filling with tears, but Ron wouldn't let her. Hermione, I have a right to know! Nodding her head weakly, Hermione gave a shaky sigh, before speaking.

I'm sorry, Ron, but I was telling, well part of the truth. You would've gone into a coma. Hermione swallowed, trying to contain herself. Only, its not like a coma Ron....You would never have woken up. Ron slowly sank down to the floor, still with his hand on Hermione's chin. Ron looked up in disbelief at Harry, then Hermione, before putting his head in his hands. Silent tears fell down Hermione face, as she whispered in barely audible voice,
I'm sorry, I'm so sorry, Ron, over and over again. Ron didn't even acknowledge she was there. He took his head out of his hands, and looked furiously at Harry.

Harry, why didn't you tell me? Don't you think I ought to know that I was in danger of dying ? I mean, if I was really dying, when would you have told me? My funeral? Oh sorry Ron, I never really got around to telling you, but you're dying! Oops, well looks like you found that out for yourself! Ron got to his feet, balling up his fists in anger. Harry took a step away from Ron, holding up his hands.

Ron, calm down! We thought it'd be better if we didn't tell you, so that you would recover! I mean honestly, do you think you would've recovered like you have, if we told you had a really good chance of dying, destroying every shred of hope you have? Of course not. Harry said in a softer voice. We were only trying to make sure that you recovered, so that you could show the whole school you weren't famous Harry Potter's sidekick. Like playing in a Quidditch match, making great saves as our new Keeper, and helping us win the Quidditch cup! Everyone thought it'd be best if you didn't find out, until after you were better. Harry at Ron. You understand? Ron hesitated, then nodded.

Sorry Harry, I shouldn't have gotten mad at you. You weren't the psycho who tried to kill me. Ron looked at Harry, his eyes as cold as ice. What goes around comes around, right? Which means I have to pay Malfoy a little visit! Harry and Hermione seized the back of Ron's robes.

Ron stop! Don't do something you're going to regret! Ron charged forward like a mad bull, Harry and Hermione struggling to hold him back.

Let me go! He's asking for it!! If you don't let me go, the both of you, you'll be joining Malfoy in the Hospital wing! Now let, GO! Ron wrenched his robes out of Hermione's grip, kicked Harry in the shins, and tore off down the hall.

STUPEFY!! The spell hit Ron square between the shoulder's. He stopped dead in his tracks, teetered, then feel flat flat on his face. Pocketing her wand, Hermione helped Harry to his feet, letting him lean on her. Harry rolled Ron over, and looked him over, from his pale face to his large feet. Harry turned to Hermione.

D'you suppose we should wake him up? I mean, we could always leave him here for a while, let him cool off... Harry took Hermione's hand. You and I could spend more time together, you know alone, up in the Common room with a couple of mugs of steaming hot chocolate. I haven't really, well had that much time to talk to you since Hogsmeade. Hermione blushed, and took her hand out of Harry's.

Later Harry! And NO we can't leave him lying here! God knows what would happen to him between classes! He'd be as flat as one of Hagrid's Swedish pancakes! Now, come on, help me move him...
Hermione took one of Ron's arms, as Harry seized the other, and together they dragged him over to a balcony, quite out of sight from anyone who'd be coming up from breakfast. Panting slightly, Harry wiped his forehead, looking at Ron with a pained look on his face.

Come on, Hermione! He could do with a nice nap, he's been recovering from a near fatal injury after all.. Harry added, glaring at Hermione, who scowled right back at him.

Well, EXCUSE me your Majesty! I made one blasted mistake! Like you haven't made one in your whole bloody time at Hogwarts! You've broken practically every rule that's ever existed in the whole history of this school! Harry cut her off impatiently.

Where d'you come off calling me Majesty? If anyone should be called that, it's you! You're so bloody perfect! You're a teachers pet, you damn blasted wretched know-it-all! You think I've had it easy?? Well for ONCE, I get to correct you! My parents were murdered, just because they stood up to one of the most evil wizards ever known! Not only to the Wizarding World, but to the Muggle world also! I have to live with my Aunt, Uncle, and cousin who happen to be the worst Muggles you could imagine! Scrubbing, mopping, cleaning, being looked at like I'm some hideous monster, being screamed at, that's all I've ever known at home! Harry bellowed, looking at Hermione, who was shrinking into a corner looking terrified. And what does it matter about rules?!? That's completely off the subject! Harry took a deep breath, looking down more civilly at Hermione.
If I hadn't broken some rules, you would probably be dead, killed by Tom Riddle in second year... Harry turned, gazing out at the horizon, determined not to let Hermione see the tears gathering in his eyes. Harry felt a hand on his shoulder.

Harry, please I honestly didn't mean it like that! I know what you go through! I've met Uncle Vernon before, remember? After first year, we'd just gone through Platform 9 3/4. But Harry, I don't want to fight, I'm sorry...
Harry embraced Hermione, speaking softly,

I don't either. Suddenly, Hermione pulled away and slapped Harry so forcefully that he had to hang on to the railing for dear life. Helping Harry up, Hermione grinned mischievously at Harry, who was holding his cheek.

What the hell was that for? Hermione wrapped her arms around Harry's neck, giving Harry a like-you-don't-know look.

For calling me a damn blasted wretched know-it-all, you bastard! Hermione said, with a grin. Harry rolled his eyes, returning the grin before kissing Hermione. They stood holding each other, before a sudden noise from out in the hall brought both of them back to reality. Harry sighed, rolling up his sleeves.

Well, lets clean up this mess, shall we? Harry whipped out his wand, pointed it at Ron, and muttered, Ennervate. Ron's eyes snapped open, looking from Harry, to Hermione, and finally at himself before he finally remembered what had happened. Ron groaned, holding his head. Harry stepped infront of the doorway incase Ron felt like killing Malfoy again. Ron got to his feet.

Out of the way Harry. Knocking me out for a few minutes won't make me forget what Malfoy did to me. Hermione tried reasoning with Ron.

Come on, Ron, think about it! Why do you want to go back to the Hospital Wing, the very place you tried to escape today when Harry came along! If you pick a fight with Malfoy, you're not walking away from it with just a cut on your cheek. He has Crabbe and Goyle for pity's sake!! You think you can take on them too? Hermione pushed Harry aside, leaving the doorway empty. Hermione looked back at Ron.
You want to go? Alright, go, but don't say we didn't try and stop you. Hermione crossed her arms, looking sternly at Ron. Ron I know why else you're doing this, and all I've got to say is leave Malfoy to Ginny. She's a big girl Ron, she can take care of herself. I bet by the time the Ball is over, Ginny'll have dumped poor little Malfoy. Hermione grinned at Harry and Ron's shocked expressions. What? You two don't think you're the only ones to know about Ginny and Malfoy, do you? Harry shook his head, trying to make sure he was hearing alright.

Wait, you've KNOWN all this time? Why didn't you say anything? Ron nodded in agreement with Harry.

Yeah, why not? You usually love gloating about things we don't know but you do. What's the deal? Hermione walked out into the hall, and Ron and Harry followed her, waiting an answer. She sighed loftily.

Well, I suppose I felt like you two did. I was afraid of what Ron would do, how you both would react.. Hermione's lip quivered. I-I didn't want, anyone to get hurt I suppose. And you know I don't like keeping secrets, but you know, I thought, What could it hurt ? Harry was grinning at Hermione.

Everytime I feel confused or angry with you, you remind me again why I love you. Hermione giggled nervously, blushing.

Harry! People'll hear! But she hugged Harry nonetheless, Ron looking at them miserably.

Come on, we'd better hurry to Potions, we don't want to be late! Charging down the very stairs they had just run up, Harry, Hermione and Ron hurried to Potions.

Potions had to be every students least favorite class. Well, every student except those in the Slytherin house. Professor Snape not only was Potions Master, he was head of Slytherin House, and favoured those from Slytherin above all others. Harry sometimes had to look away from Malfoy smarming up to Snape; it made him feel sick to his stomach. Being in Potions was bad enough, but being late to it guaranteed the class would be ever more slower, more painful and embarrassing. Draco Malfoy once spent half the period doing Dementor impressions behind Snape's back. Much to the delight of every Gryffindor, Ron threw a slippy crocodile heart straight in Malfoy's face.

Slipping and sliding on the slimy floor of the dungeons, Harry Hermione and Ron rushed into class, threw their things onto a table, and sat down, not a moment too soon. Snape come out from a chamber from behind his desk, and from the looks of it, was in a particularly evil mood. Sweeping his greasy black hair away from his face, Snape gazed around the room, eyeing every student with distaste, except of course, the Slytherins, whom he gave a weak smile. Snape's eyes stopped on Ron, who gulped nervously.

Ah, Mr Weasley, the injured Quidditch star.... Having you with us again brightens my whole day... Why, I'm amazed you're not up in the Hospital... Surely Madam Pomfrey wanted to keep you in bed, for two more days? A person in your state Weasley, should be kept under close watch.... Snape gave Ron a look of pure loathing, who was blushing a bright red while the Slytherin sniggered behind their hands.
Now, please Weasley, try and make it through this class... It'd be ever so terrible if you should, dare I say it, collapse? You might not even be strong enough to hear Miss Johnson's announcement this night.. Ron glared at Snape, and started to stand, but Harry and Seamus both took a strong hold on Ron's arms, forcing him to sit down.

No Ron! He'll kill you! Just, sit, down! Seamus hissed franticly. Ron took his seat, but continued to glare at Snape.

I'll be there, don't you worry. Why Professor, if I'm chosen, I'll be playing against Slytherin this Friday, won't I? Snape's eyes narrowed dangerously. He drew his cloak around him and swept down to where Ron was seated.

Your cheek and insolence will get you nowhere Weasley. I'd watch myself from now on... or at least until Friday... Who knows? Snape looked down his large nose at Ron, who squirmed under his stare. You might not even GET the position of Keeper.. Ron snorted, then bit his tongue in pain as Harry gave Ron's arm an Indian burn.

Will you shut UP! Harry hissed, pretending to organize his beetle eyes and newt tails. Snape glared again down at Ron, before sweeping back to his position at the head of the class.

The rest of Double Potions was not entirely pleasant. Snape had them write down notes on a Cleaning Potion, which he hinted, would be on the next test. Gryffindor's washed their hands, before hurrying off to Defense against the Dark Arts.

Madam Fleur announced, as a Christmas treat, that the paper due on Ireland Ghouls would not need to be turned in. Instead, Fleur had brought in a cute little creature. It had light red skin, green finger and toenail's, white fluffy hair, it was a bit plump and had big eyes that were as round as a dinner plate.

Zis is a creature zat people have named the Santa Claus, you can see why from it's appearance. Zey live up in ze mountains of New Zealand, eeping mostly to themselves! But every year before Christmas, zey journey ovar heer, where zey sneak down the chimney's, and take ze milk and cookies children leave for Zanta Clauz. Fleur laughed merrily, every boy joining in, mesmerized by Fleur's radiant beauty. The girl's, however, were playing with the Santa Claus, cooing over it, laughing as it twisted itself into a candy cane shape. Ze Santa Claus, disguises itself by blending in to all ze Christmas decorations zat are around London. Like a candy cane for instance! The colours on it's body are to make it look like old Saint Nick himself! Fleur laughed again, picking up the adorable creature, and tickling its tummy. It ho ho ho-ed appreciatively.

Fleur looked around at the sad faces. Come come, what is zis? It is ze olidays, isn't it? Come now, what is wrong? Dean pointed out the window. It was snowing once again, snowflakes taunted them, beckoning them to come outside. Fleur smiled. I zee, you want go outside? Well, then I suggest everyone gather up zeir cloaks and scarves, we're going outside to see ze Santa Claus in its, well somewhat natural habitat! Everyone cheered, and there was a stampede for cloaks, hats and scarves, as everyone began walking outside, lead by Madam Fleur, all bundled up in a mink coat ( Fake, I cannot stand real fur! Fleur said when she was first asked), and carrying Santa Claus.

When Harry first stepped out into the bright sunlight, and the snow was once again falling in his hair, he felt like rolling around happily in the snow! But Harry, didn't exactly have that much time; Ron pelted Harry in the ear with a perfect snowball. Grinning evilly, Harry gathered up some snow, and hurled it back at Ron, who ducked, and Harry instead, hit Hermione. She shrieked, screaming bloody murder as she chased Harry.

Hermione I'm sorry! Ow! That hurts! Ouch! Mio stop! Ron cackled evilly at Harry, who glared at Ron. RON! YOU SCUM BAG! Come here and fight like a man! Pushing Hermione back into the snow ( Sorry Hermione!) Harry hit his target this time, and joined forces with Seamus, against Dean and Ron.

A short time later, laughing, and barely able to feel his hands, Harry yelled,

Truce! Ron stop already! Ron's head appeared above his snow fortress.

Giving up already, Harry? D'you admit defeat? Ron was answered by a snowball in the face, compliments of Harry. Harry laughed, his cheeks flushed pink.

Not likely! Madam Fleur was clapping her hands.

We go in! Lets go have zome nice warm ot chocolate before you head off to Transfiguration! Come on, in we go! Fleur scooped up little Santa Claus in her arms, and led the way, through the deep snow, up into the warm inviting Castle. Harry kissed Hermione's head, brushing off some of the snow on her hair. Hermione smiled up at him, and held Harry's hand.

Chatting merrily, Gryffindor's made their way back upstairs, where Fleur quickly conjured up tray's of hot cocoa and graham crackers. Fleur decorated the DADA room with twinkling pixie lights, tinsel and put a Christmas tree in the corner. With a wave of her wand, it was covered with twinkling lights, strings of popcorn, and ornaments. Harry looked on in wonder as he saw the England Quidditch team mount their broomsticks, and zoom around the humongous tree. Fleur looked at it happily.

Zere! Now Professor Flitwick will ave one less tree to decorate! With a wave of her wand, the tree floated, going out in the hall, and down to the Entrance hall, where it deposited itself by the hourglasses, brightening up the whole hall. Dumbledore walked by it, and smiled. Magically magnifying his voice, Dumbledore boomed out,

Well done Madam Fleur, I'm sure Professor Flitwick will be most pleased to have this magnificent tree in the hall! Chuckling to himself, Dumbledore continued on his way.

Finishing their cocoa, students waited by the door for the bell, dismissing them to Transfiguration. They talked about holiday plans, long gift lists, and there were many arguments about Quidditch. Not about the coming match against Slytherin, on which everyone had their money on Gryffindor winning. The main topic people were arguing about, was what house would be the strongest opponent. Hufflepuff got a new seeker, and team Captain, Orlando Cione, a sixth year that had transferred from Italy.
Ravenclaw had the same team from last year, with little changes. Cho Chang had resigned from the Quidditch team, because she was still grieving over Cedric, and because of a rare health condition that didn't allow her to play anymore. Slytherin, of course, had the same thick necked players from last year, with the exception of Malfoy, who was rather small compared to the rest of his team mates. Many had graduated, but now Senior Marcus Flint had no problem getting replacements.

Its got to be Ravenclaw, I mean, even if Cho resigned from the team, how could they be worse then Hufflepuff? Ron said flatly through a mouthful of graham crackers.

Are you nuts? Without Cho, Ravenclaw has no hope of even getting to the semi-finals! I've seen that Cione fly; he's pretty damn good. I heard him talking that his father raised him up to be a Quidditch super star. He's been playing since he was three! Dean flourished a picture of a waving Orlando Cione. That's a picture of him in Italy, age ten, at some flying competition. He placed first! Seamus shook his head.

Come on guys, you're acting worried over Hufflepuff! There's no way they can win as long as Harry here is our Seeker! He'll fly circles around that Cione guy. What does he fly on? A Cleansweep? Those brooms aren't even on the market anymore, they're in a museum! They all burst into laughter, slapping Harry on the back. Yep, no comparison to the Firebolt! You'll sweep the board with him Harry! Harry grinned widely.

You know, there is still Slytherin, they've always been our biggest competitor. With all those tiny brains, they can only focus on one thing at a time, so when they play Quidditch, they play dirty. You remember, third year, that match for the Quidditch cup? If I hadn't caught the Snitch when I did, half the players on both teams would've been carried out on stretchers. Ron shook his head.

Yes, and those little brains of theirs can get overloaded by Quidditch strategy also! All they do is charge at whoever has the Quaffle, and try to knock them off his or her broom! Gryffindor's a shoo-in guys, we have this year in the bag. Everyone around them cheered in agreement. Just then, the bell signaling end of class rung, and Madam Fleur dismissed them. But she also did a most surprising thing;Fleur caught Ron underneath the mistletoe, swooped down on him and planted a kiss on his cheek, then giggled like a schoolgirl. Ron was so severely shocked and in such a daze that Harry and Hermione had to lead Ron out into the hall, down the stairs, behind a statue, through a tapestry, down some more stairs, to Transfiguration, where they had to wait outside the door for Prof. McGonagal. Ron stood, looking extremely happy, but would not respond to anything, he just stood there, feeling the spot where Fleur had kissed him. All the boys in class eyed him jealousy, and Harry had to stand firmly at Ron's side, left anyone try and push him down the stairs. Harry doubted if even that would get a reaction out of Ron.

McGonagall appeared and unlocked the classroom, which was also decorated festively. She had no lesson plan, instead handed out games and put up new spells they could learn for the holidays. Hermione giggled as Harry's hair turned red and white, striped like a candy cane. It was Harry's turn to laugh when he gave Hermione a big red nose. Ron came to, and wrote down each spell, planning to use them against Malfoy later.
A little present for him, before the holidays. Ron said with a mischievous grin. Ron chanted a little spell that made it start to snow inside the classroom. Professor McGonagall smiled.

If you enjoy that Mr Weasley, try out this spell! With her wand, she spelled out, Frosticulor. Ron raised his wand warily, and pointed it at the desk.

Frosticulor! A snowman appeared out of the snow upon the desk, and grew and grew, until it was Ron's height standing up. Soon the whole class was filled with jolly snowmen.

The rest of the class was filled with fun, McGonagal, like most of the other teachers, didn't attempt to teach during the holidays. The most you could hope for in Snape's class was two rolls of parchment due in two days. McGonagal let them go early to Divination, though Hermione headed off to Muggle Studies.

Hugging Hermione good bye, Harry hurried to catch up with Ron, and started to make the long ascent to Divination. Harry thought today was starting out excellently.