Harry woke up the next morning, feeling sore after having to heave Katie all the way up to Gryffindor Tower. Harry thought about staying up late to wait for...
Harry sat up quickly in bed, and kicked back the covers. Hermione.. Maybe he could go see how she was doing. Getting silently out of bed, Harry checked on Ron to make sure he was still asleep. Ron was snoring away, and had a smile on his face. Wonder what he's so happy about, Harry thought to himself. Shuffling into his slippers, Harry crept silently out of the dormitory, careful not to wake any of the boys.

Hurrying down the stone staircase, Harry fleeted over to the other side of the Common Room. Giving an uneasy look at the stairs, Harry took a deep breath, and took them at a run. Nearly halfway up, the stone stairs melted into a smooth stone slide, and sent Harry careening backwards into an armchair. Rubbing his head, and cursing under his breath, Harry glared at the stairs.
You bloody let me up last night! What's your problem? Harry called out to the stairs angrily. There were sounds of doors opening from the girl's dormitories, and Harry could hear giggling, and whispers from the landing he had nearly gotten to.
Someone tried coming up!
They did that last night too! Oh, but they made it.
Really? Who was it?
Harry Potter, was carrying his girlfriend, Hermione Granger.
That's right, Rose took her in.
I'm going to go see who's down there.

Lavender came down the slide, got to her feet and smirked at Harry, who was still on the floor.
Come to see Hermione I suppose? Harry nodded.
Yes, and I was nearly there! It let me up last night! Lavender's eyebrows shot up, hidden behind her fringe.
Did you now? Your motive was obviously not with the intent of mischief, so I suppose the stairs let you up that one time. Behind Lavender, Harry saw the slide shift back into a stone staircase. That'll be Hermione, she's feeling a little queasy, so careful.
Harry got up quickly, and looked anxiously as the sound of boots on stone came closer. Harry's face relaxed as he saw Hermione come slowly towards him, smiling. He strode to her, and took her close to him in a gentle embrace. Hermione rested her head on Harry's shoulder, and sighed.
I'm so glad you're alright Hermione. You sure had me worried when Ron came into the common room, holding you in his arms. Hermione took her head off of Harry's shoulder, and gave him a puzzled look.
Ron carried me in last night? How come I can't remember anything that happened after we left the bar? Harry sighed.
You got a little too tipsy, and you fainted. Ron said you were quite a handful when he was trying to get you back to the castle. Ran away from him like a mad old bat who lost her marbles. Hermione frowned.
Did he really give you THAT description? I can't believe I acted like that... Harry smiled.
I was only joking Hermione. Hermione smiled back, and rubbed noses with Harry.
Lavender, who had been standing by, listening the entire time, cleared her throat. Hermione and Harry turned to her.
What? Lavender grinned slyly.
Oh, nothing, I was just wondering if you can't remember anything past the bar Hermione. Nothing at all ? Hermione frowned.
It's not like I can pin point what exact moment I can remember up to. I just think it's sometime after the bar and when we were in the streets. Why, do you know something that you're keeping from me?
Lavender shook her head. Just a question, that's all. Winking at Harry, Lavender skipped back up the stairs to the girls dormitories. Harry turned back to Hermione.
Don't mind her. Do you want to talk a walk to clear your head. Hermione winced, holding her head.
A hangover cure is all I want. Harry grinned.
Let's go to Madam Pomfrey then. She never asks any questions. Harry was startled to see Hermione's eyes suddenly filling up with tears.
Oh Harry! What if I'm found out, and this is all put on my permanent record? Then I won't be able to get a decent job, and I'll be a ruined bum, selling candy at Quidditch matches! Hermione blubbered into Harry's cloak, as he held her close, trying to sooth her.
It will be alright, Hermione. A whole spotless record won't be ruined by a night on the town. Not a very good one either, come to that. Hermione lifted her face from Harry's chest, tears running down her face.
Really Harry? Oh thank you. I feel so much better! Harry dried her tears with his hand.
We can go to Madam Pomfrey's, then down for a spot of breakfast, alright?
Hermione nodded, and Harry put his arm around her. They walked to the door, just as people started to wake up and come down into the Common Room. Ron came slowly down the stairs, looking for Harry and Hermione. The back of Hermione's robe was seen for a moment the portrait hole, but then she and Harry were gone. Ron sighed, and plopped into a chair.
The seriousness of last night and his actions were starting to dawn on Ron. He knew, last night, when he carried Hermione back to Gryffindor, that he'd made a horrible mistake, but when he came face to face with Harry, holding Hermione, Ron's remorse doubled. Ron tossed and turned all night, trying to think of a way to tell Harry. He'd woken up to no ideas, except to corner Harry and tell him the truth. Maybe the fact Ron had stopped because he knew what Hermione meant to Harry and that he didn't want he and Harry's friendship to be ruined would help Ron's defense.
Ron held his face in his hands. What have I done? A hand pressed down on Ron's shoulders. He looked up, and saw Ginny looking as though she had just done a great deal of crying, standing over him.
Ron ... I need to talk to you.

Hermione drunk from the goblet Madam Pomfrey had filled with an antidote for headaches, and made a face.
This tastes awful! Madam Pomfrey tutted, looking at her watch.
Only thing that'll help, unless you want a headache all day. Drink up! Madam Pomfrey eyed Hermione who quailed under her stare, and drank meekly from the cup. Harry looked around the Hospital Wing, and couldn't find Cho.
Er, Madam Pomfrey? Where's Cho? Madam Pomfrey's face fell.
She's been sent to St. Mungo's. Needed to be under constant watch. She watched you on friday Harry, it certainly lifted her spirits... Harry swallowed and nodded. Cho definitely could not be getting better if she was sent to St. Mungo's... Harry turned to Hermione as she gulped down the last of the potion, and set the goblet onto a table with a clunk.
I'm all done, may I go now? Madam Pomfrey, who was staring at a bed near to where they were standing with a reminiscent look on her face, turned back to Hermione.
Yes, go on down to breakfast now. Hermione hopped off of the bed, and took Harry's hand as they walked towards the door. They both made their way down to the Great Hall together, but weren't met by Ron.
Hermione looked up at the table where the teachers sat, as she helped herself to buttered crumpets.
Snape's looking particularly sour today, wonder what's got his knickers in such a twist? Harry's heart plummeted into his stomach as he held a muffin inches from his mouth. Ron's detention with Snape! He'd missed it because of last night. Maybe Professor McGonagall would defend them saying they were only celebrating Gryffindor's win against Slytherin.. No, who could say that they were all actually in the Common Room? Ron would have to confess about the excursion to Hogsmeade...

Harry sighed, and took a half- hearted bite from his muffin.
Ron. Hermione turned to Harry, looking remotely unabashed.
What about Ron? Harry wiped his mouth on his sleeve.
He missed his detention with Snape because of last night. Hermione's face fell.
Oh no! That's horrible! Snape's going to skin him alive!
With Snape, that's the best we can hope for.
****** Meanwhile Up in the Common Room******

Ron looked stunned as Ginny told him of what happened that night she came back to the Common Room so late. As Ginny went on, conveniently leaving out the part where Draco threatened her with telling who really poisoned Ron, Ron's face become more grimer, until his ears were bright red, his hands which had curled into fists were shaking, and he was glaring at Ginny beneath very furrowed eyebrows. Ginny finished, and she looked timidly at Ron.
Ron? Ron got up, and headed straight for the Portrait Hole. Ginny ran after him calling, Ron! Wait! What are you going to do?! Ron yelled back over his shoulder,
Going to make Malfoy PAY! Ginny scrambled out of the Portrait Hole, Ron nowheres in sight. To her left, a tapestry was swinging slightly, and Ginny dashed behind it, through a secret passageway.

Ron stormed into the Great Hall, walking past the entire Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, and Hufflepuff tables, and headed straight for Slytherin's, making heads turn as he passed. Harry and Hermione looked at each other, before getting off the bench and running after Ron.

Harry caught up to Ron first, just as he was nearing where Draco was sitting.
Ron, stop, don't do something you're going to regret! Malfoy's not worth this! Ron spun around, almost causing Harry to run right in to him. Harry caught himself, and looked at Ron as Hermione joined them.
Not worth it ?? My little sister isn't worth it? Do you know what he did to her? DO YOU? Ron thundered at them, and spun back around and walked to Malfoy.
You scum bag. Get up. Malfoy looked at Ron, and never taking his eyes from Ron's, Malfoy got up, and stood up tall.
What do you want Weasel? You're interrupting my breakfast. And that annoys me. On either side of Malfoy were Crabbe and Goyle, who also got up from their seats, standing menacingly over Ron, cracking their knuckles. Would you like to be shown what happens to people who annoy me? I'm sure you remember what happened the last time you tried to attack me.
Ron took a step forward. Leave your cronies out of this. Let's talk in the Entrance Hall, for a little privacy. Malfoy smirked.
Fine Weasel, let's see what you have to say. Ron and Malfoy started to walk up the Slytherin table, making their way to the Entrance Hall. Crabbe and Goyle started to come, but Malfoy commanded,
No, you two stay. Ron turned to Harry and Hermione.
So do you two. Harry looked fiercely at Ron, but walked back to Gryffindor's table, Hermione hovering behind him.
Are you just going to leave him alone? What if something happens? You have to go out there! Harry sat down once more, and calmly poured himself some Pumpkin juice.
No, I don't. Hermione looked flabbergasted.
WHAT. Harry turned in his seat to look at Hermione.
I don't have to go out there. Ron's alright on his own, you don't have to baby sit him. Hermione glared at Harry, shaking with rage.
I am not baby sitting him!! Harry turned around.
Sit down then. Hermione clenched her teeth.
Oooooo You are insufferable Harry Potter! Hermione seized a bowl of oatmeal, and plopped it upside down right on top of Harry's head. Harry acted as though nothing happened, and Hermione stormed right out of the Great Hall, passing Ginny without so much as a , Hello.
Ginny didn't seem to notice, and walked silently to where Harry was sitting.
May I sit here?
Only if you can clean this oatmeal off of me. Ginny waved her wand at Harry's head and the sticky mess disappeared. She sat down, and looked at the empty plate infront of her.
George swallowed his biscuit, and frowned at Ginny.
You alright Gin? You look horrible. Here eat something. George loaded everything in sight onto Ginny's plate, which now couldn't be seen under the small hill of food covering it.
Not hungry. Harry glanced at Ginny, before clearing his throat.
It doesn't have to do with why Ron is so peeved at Malfoy, is it? Ginny nodded, a tear running down her cheek.
Harry, I have to tell you something... Draco did hit me, that night when I came back to Gryffindor with a bruise. Because, I wouldn't... Ginny trailed off, holding her head. Fred and George leaned in. Harry rubbed Ginny's back assuringly.
It's ok Ginny, just go on. Ginny nodded, drying her eyes. She took a deep breath.
He hit me because I wouldn't, sleep with him. Ginny looked at Harry with tears streaming down her face.
Now Ron's going to kill him! Oh Harry, you have to stop him! Fred and George were looking at each other with the same dangerous blank stare, as if reading each other's minds. Please, Draco never meant to hurt me!
Harry sighed, looking down at his plate. This is none of my business. But on my own opinion, Malfoy... Draco, needs to be taught a lesson. Ginny, what do you think Malfoy's opinion of you is? Ginny stared blankly at Harry.
He, he loves me. He told me so himself. Ginny looked between George, Harry and Fred, trying to tell if they believed her. Well Draco did! And he meant it! Fred got up quickly from his seat, and grabbed Ginny's shoulders roughly.
Get off it Ginny! Since when before this year has Malfoy been anything but horrible to everyone, including you? Ginny struggled to get out of Fred's grip, but he held on. He's not a good person! HIS FATHER'S A DEATH EATER! Fred shook Ginny, as she sobbed, and struggled to get away.
NO! YOU DON'T KNOW HIM! HE'S NOT LIKE THAT! Harry wrapped an arm around Fred's neck to keep him from hurting Ginny.
Stop it Fred! Let her go! Fred's hold on Ginny's shoulders was broken as Fred elbowed Harry in the face. Harry let go of Fred, holding his nose and tasting blood. Ginny fell over onto the floor, tried to get to her feet, slipping on the stone floor. Fred made a move to grab her but it was George who stood between Fred and Ginny. Ginny got up, and ran out of the Great Hall as quickly as she could, still sobbing.
Up at the High Table, all attention was focused over at the Gryffindor table. Professor McGonagall was making a move to get up, but Dumbledore shook his head.
Family matters Minerva, best only interfere if looks as though serious harm is to befall anyone. McGonagall stared hard at the table, where George and Fred were yelling furiously at each other, before slowly lowering herself back into her seat.
If you say so Albus.

Harry wiped his nose on his sleeve, and got up, glaring at Fred, whose chest was heaving from the effort it took to keep Ginny from running. George held his stomach where Fred had punched him, and took Harry's seat.
I don't need this. No one does. You can't make other people's decisions for them, right Fred? Just like you don't want to go into the Ministry like your mum suggested. Harry walked out, the noise level in the Hall slowly rising back to normal as they saw the scene was over. Sighing, Harry stepped into the Entrance Hall, and saw Ron standing in the middle of it, staring at the door that led to the dungeons. Harry briskly strode over to Ron.
You'll never believe what just happened, Fred socked me in the face, and Fred nearly shook Ginny to death.... Ron? Are you alright? Ron turned to Harry.
Peachy. I'm having a Wizards duel with Malfoy at midnight tonight, out on the grounds. You're my second Harry. Ron looked cautiously at Harry.
I mean, if that's alright with you. There was no one else... Harry put a hand on Ron's shoulder.
There's no one I'd rather get cursed for in a Wizards duel. Ron smiled.
Well, where's Hermione? She's not with you? Harry's face fell.
She put a whole bowl of oatmeal on my head. Harry said darkly.
Ron looked abashed.
What? Why would she do that? Harry shook his head.
Because I wouldn't come out here and be with you when you were talking to Malfoy. I said I didn't have to and she put the oatmeal on my head, still in the bowl. Ron's mouth fell open.
I can take care of myself! Why do you always bloody have to do whatever she bloody wants you to do? Ron said with a hint of resentment in his voice.
That's what I said, and as for doing what she wants, if she gets miffed at me for not going out and standing by while you talk to Malfoy, after all the things I've done for her... Harry trailed off, looking at the stairs.
Ah who cares. Let's go back to the Common Room, I'll play you in Wizard's chess. Ron looked at Harry in amazement.
Will you actually put some effort into losing this time? Harry laughed.
Whatever you want. They started up the staircase back to Gryffindor.
***Meanwhile***The Girl's Dormitories***

Lavender filed down her nails as she lay on her bed, listening to Hermione rant about Harry, occasionally saying, Yes, he is a bloody bastard. and Go whup his ass Hermione. Finally, Hermione sat down on the bed, very red in the face. Throwing down the file, Lavender looked at Hermione.
Feelin' better? You really shouldn't get so worked up over something so trivial. Hermione nodded.
I feel a lot better, thanks. I suppose I shouldn't be so angry at him, but he was just being so.. Hermione took a deep breath, and then laughed. Our first lovers quarrel! It's in the past now, I need to find Harry and apologize. Lavender got up off the bed, and smoothed her robes, looking at her reflection in the full length mirror.
Right, and I need to talk to Harry. Hermione got up, and put her hands on her hips, looking suspiciously at Lavender.
Don't you mean you need to talk to Ron? I need to talk to Harry!
It concerns what happened last night. Hermione moved infront of the mirror.
Why, what happened last night? Is it about what happened later on? Lavender's eyes narrowed, and she grinned.
Yes, in fact it does. You were a naughty little girl Hermione. Hermione's face turned the colour of parchment.
Oh my god. Lavender laughed.
Don't worry, it's not your fault. You were under the influence. Hermione seized the front of Lavender's robes and brought her face very close to her own.
Don't play games with me Lavender. What happened? Hermione growled dangerously.
Excuse me, Lavender? Have you seen my .... Oh, sorry. Hermione looked to the doorway to see Parvati standing there, clutching her hair.
I didn't mean to run into anything, I was, just looking for a hair tie?
On the dresser. Lavender said, as casually as Hermione and herself had been having a quaint talk about the weather. Parvati quickly retrieved the hair tie, and hurried out of the room.
Hermione turned back to Lavender. So, you were saying?
Unhand me and I'll tell you. Hermione let go of Lavender's robes, and walked to the bed. Sitting down, Hermione eyed Lavender as she paced the room.
Now.. the best way to tell you this... How about Charades? Only joking, only joking...
After we started up to the castle, I saw you run gaily across the grounds in the opposite direction, with Ron right on your heels. I decided to go and make sure nothing happened. Elijah would get taken on by someone else, so I didn't worry.
We came to the Garden. Ron was trying to convince you to come back to the castle quietly, and that Harry, your boyfriend would be worrying about you.
Hermione had a sudden vision of herself and Ron in the Garden. I remember that...
Then Ron said you weren't in your right mind and-
Hermione leapt up.
OH my god! I remember! HARRY! And ran straight out of the room, taking the steps three at a time.
Lavender sat down on the bed, with a very smug smile on her face.
****Downstairs Again in Harry's POV****

Dammit Ron! Harry said irritably as his last knight was thrown off the board by Ron's Queen.
Ron smiled. Those're the rules mate, live by them, remember them, and break them whenever you can! Ron swept up his broken pieces and placed them back onto the board. The shards flew back together, as every chess piece stood whole. Play again. Harry shook his head.
I'd rather not.
HARRY!! Harry looked up to see Hermione running towards him in tears. She flung herself onto him, and sobbed, I'm so sorry Harry, I'm so sorry, over and over again. Harry pulled her close to him, and rocked back and forth slightly, stroking her hair.
Hermione, calm down. Hermione kept sobbing, and Harry looked over at Ron, who was looking dumbfounded. Do you know what's going on? Ron gulped, and shook his head.
Oatmeal? Ron suggested.
Hermione, if it's about the oatmeal, it's ok, all done with. I don't want you to get dehydrated. But Hermione shook her head, and kept crying.
Harry got up from his chair, Hermione in his arms.
I need some time alone mate. Tell the boys from our dormitory they'd best not come upstairs. Ron nodded. Harry looked down at Hermione's head, before making his way up the stairs to his dormitory. Ron watched them until they were out of sight.
He had lied.
He, Ron Weasley, Harry Potter's best friend knew exactly what was wrong.
It had to do with what happened between he and Hermione last night.. She must've remembered.. Ron slammed his fist down onto the chess board, sending stone figures flying. Not bothering to pick them up, Ron got up, and sat in an armchair near the fire.
Now she was going to tell Harry. That might be a good thing, but Harry might think Ron had taken advantage of Hermione.
Flashback

Hermione spun around, a fire in her eyes. She came close to him, so Ron's back was firmly against the castle. She took Ron's face in her hands and standing on her toes, kissed him, hard. Ron started to panic as he felt her tongue sliding across his lips. But Ron relaxed, and put his arms around Hermione, bringing her even closer, if possible to him. Hermione's tongue slid into Ron's mouth, as Ron's heart beat faster. This was all he wanted, what he had longed for... He kissed her passionately, as he moved away from the castle, down into the snow.
End Flashback

Ron shook his head, staring into the fire as it crackled and popped. He'd pushed it too far, Harry would never forgive Ron for this.. Ron looked at his watch. Nearly noon. He had twelve trying hours before his duel with Malfoy. Maybe he'd better go to the library and look for new curses... But who would he practice with?
Ron ran his fingers through his hair. Hermione was always better at researching... Doubtful Harry would let him near her after this... If he didn't believe his alibi.. Which was what? That he had loved Hermione for years and that the temptation was too great, but he stopped only because of their friendship? Harry wouldn't buy that, he was too smart.
Finally, Ron heaved himself out of the armchair, and went out the Portrait Hole. The library seemed like the best decision, he could just ask Madam Pince, who cared if she would stare fiercely down her nose at him? This was for Ginny...

Turning a corner, Ron ran right into Ginny, who looked horrified to see him. Neither one could say anything at first, but Ginny's facial expression changed dramatically.
Baring her teeth, Ginny came close to Ron's face, and hissed.
Ronald Weasley! Don't you DARE hurt Draco Malfoy tonight, or I'll never talk to you again!
*******
There, lots of drama and angst for you. I have to tie up these story lines! Everything will work out, not in the way you expect however... Please review on your way out! I'm dedicating this chapter to everyone who's reviewed! 183 reviews! From the first letter I typed on this story, I never thought it would become this. I love you! **bows** :)