Ron stared at Ginny, his mouth wide open. After a minute or so, Ron closed his mouth, and stepped back from Ginny.
Excuse me? Maybe I didn't hear you right... You want me, to just let Malfoy win the Wizard Duel? Ginny, I'm doing this for you!
Ginny's nostrils flared. For me? If you really wanted to help me, you'd butt OUT! I can take care of myself! Ron seized Ginny's face, and turned her head so he could see the vivid bruise on her cheek.
Yeah, you've done a real good job on that Gin. Ron shoved Ginny's face contemptuously, so that she stumbled backwards. What do you think Gin? That Malfoy actually likes you? Why don't you move on and find a nice guy, one that doesn't beat up on you.
Tears filled Ginny's eyes as she looked helplessly at Ron. He loves me Ron! I know he does! He's a good person- Ron roared in rage, and pushed Ginny against the wall.
STOP IT! WHEN WILL YOU GET IT THROUGH YOUR THICK HEAD THAT MALFOY HATES YOUR GUTS! He's using you! I don't know for what purpose, but he does not love you!
Ginny screamed and spat in Ron's eye. On reflex Ron slapped her across the face. Ginny fell to the ground, and started sobbing. Ron looked down at her in a mixture of pity and disgust.
You're a shame to the entire Weasley name.
Shame? That seems to be you and your family's purpose in life. I can't believe they still have enough dignity left to leave that house of theirs. Ron whirled around, and saw Malfoy smirking at him. Crabbe and Goyle were again at his side, chuckling darkly.
Ron fists clenched. The fight is later Malfoy, I'll kill you then. Malfoy shook his head, and walked slowly over to where Ginny lay.
I'm afraid you won't be able to do that Weasley. Ron stood over Malfoy, looking murderous.
Oh yeah? And why not? Malfoy looked briefly up at Ron.
You don't have the guts to do it. Malfoy extended his arm, and gently shook Ginny's shoulder. Ginny? Ginny, come on now, come with me. Ginny lifted her face, still holding the spot where Ron had slapped her.
Where- Malfoy lifted Ginny to her feet, and walked with her over to Crabbe and Goyle. Ron stepped closer to Malfoy.
Just where do you think you're taking her? Malfoy smirked again.
Don't worry Weasel, you'll see her again... Tonight, at the Wizards Duel. Don't be late. Malfoy turned Ginny at his side, and with Crabbe and Goyle behind him, walked to the stairs. Ron, who was in complete shock, could only watch them go.
Furious, Ron stormed off to the library. Malfoy'll get his, and Ginny will see what a skunk he is...

Hermione, I wish you'd tell me what's wrong. Harry was sitting on his bed, with Hermione's head in his lap. She was still sobbing and refused to say anything more then I'm so sorry Harry, I'm so sorry..
Harry looked around the dormitory, as though looking for something that would tell him what Hermione was talking about. The dormitory was empty; Seamus, Neville and Dean were keeping their distance now that they heard about the fit Hermione had thrown, and that she was up in their dormitory. Hermione, why can't you tell me? But Hermione sniffed and buried her head even further into the folds of Harry's robe. Harry ran a hand through his hair in distraction, looking out the window at the Hogwarts grounds. It had snowed again last night when they had finally gotten to sleep. Harry was relieved; all of their footprints were gone, and there was no proof to convict them of an illegal visit to Hogsmeade.. Except....
Right at that moment, Fred burst into the dormitory, wearing a triumphant grin upon his face.
Alright then! That blasted old bar maid should be receiving a large basket, full of what looks like to be chocolates, toffees and other sweets. Fred cackled. Skiving Snackbox? Almost, I forgot to inclose the antidotes. I also left her a few of our older jokes. I wonder which she'll try first, the Canary Cream, the Ton Tongue Toffee or the Puking Pastilles? Fred winked, and disappeared down the stairs. Harry snorted, and was happy to see a slight frown appear on Hermione's face.
You must be feeling better Hermione. Now can you PLEASE tell me what is so bloody wrong? Hermione sighed, and sat up, her face very red and hair mussed.
You've got to promise me you'll wait until I'm done speaking..
Harry promised, and Hermione started to speak about what happened after they had all gotten through the gates safely. As she spoke, her voice started to tremble, and Hermione avoided Harry's worried gaze. There were several times when Harry's mouth dropped open in disbelief and he looked as though he was going to say something angry, but Hermione gave him an appealing look and Harry restrained himself.
He surely had to be dreaming.. this wasn't real, this was a joke... Yes that's it a prank from Fred and George... They knew what Harry would do if anyone did this to Hermione.. Hermione? She didn't look like she was joking..
Hermione fell silent and looked down at Harry's bed coverings.
That's it. I was the one who made the first move, not Ron. You should be angry with me. Harry looked at Hermione in disbelief.
You honestly want me to believe you were thinking more clearly then Ron was? He wasn't the one running across the grounds, intoxicated and giggling. Harry turned away, fighting the urge to destroy everything in sight in blind rage. I told Ron to take you. I could've, but Fred wouldn't allow it. I told Ron to look after you, to earn my trust. Harry looked angrily back at Hermione. AND THIS IS WHAT HE DID? Harry leapt up and ran to the door. Hermione was calling after him, but all Harry could hear was the blood pounding in his ears. He ran past everyone, straight out of the Common Room, slamming the Portrait Door so hard the Fat Lady fell out of her portrait and into one two spaces down. Adjusting herself and walking stiffly back to her picture, the Fat Lady glared at Harry's back. Harry gave no notice. What do they matter anyways? Harry thought. They don't know what's happened. They don't know what Ron did! Harry doubled his pace, not knowing where it was he was headed, but indeed who he was looking for.

Ron was sitting on a window sill, flipping through a book of curses, when Ernie Macmillan dashed up to him; his face was very red and he had clearly ran very hard for a long distance. Ron quickly got of the window sill, closing the curse book.
Can I-?
Ernie bent over, huffing heavily, his hands on his knees. He held up one hand to indicate Ron to wait. Ron rocked back and forth on his heels, his hands in his pockets, waiting for Ernie to catch his breath enough to speak. Standing straight, Ernie wiped his mouth on his sleeve, and still breathing heavier then normal, tried to talk.
Harry... coming... screaming.. death threats... you...have...to go. Ernie collapsed into a chair, his head over the back of the chair, looking at the ceiling. Ron went around to the back of the chair and looked down at Ernie.
What do you mean I have to go? What about Harry? Ernie sat up straight, turned around and stared at Ron.
He's going on about... you and how you betrayed him... Sounds all rather dodgy, though I didn't catch it all. He stormed past and everyone stayed out of his path. Ron's stomach plummeted into his shoes. His face went deathly pale, and he collapsed into a chair. Ernie raised an eyebrow at Ron, who couldn't manage to say anything.
Ron took a deep breath and stood up.
Does he know where I am? Ernie shook his head.
No, he's just running around, searching every floor and room at Hogwarts. Ron got up and turned to face the door. He had to go and meet Harry. He'd messed up and he would face Harry like a man, well as much as a man as he was.
Thanks Ernie. And Ron starting walking towards the door. Those who had taken refuge in the library to hide from Harry's wrath looked at him in awe and respect. Ron didn't pay much mind; they could think him the King of England and he would keep walking.
Ernie hurried to catch up with Ron.
You're not honestly going to go and see Harry are you?
Ron kept walking. He's my best friend, and I have to go.
Ernie stopped right before the hallway, and stared after Ron. Before Ron stepped on the first marble step and started to descend, Ernie called after him. Good luck Ronald!
Ron took the steps three at a time, and as he stepped onto the carpeted hallway floor, Harry came hurtling around the corner. Both stopped dead in their tracks as they spotted the other. Harry's chest was heaving, his eyes burning with an unquenchable fire. Ron took a steadying breath, and took a first step towards Harry.
Harry, you've got to give me my say on all this, you must listen to me! Harry started walking towards Ron, their steps matched as they came to the middle of the hallway. I was trying to take her back to the castle! It wasn't me who kissed Hermione; she kissed me Harry! Harry let out a low hiss.
And what does THAT matter? Did you stop her Ron? Did you try and break away?! Tell me Ron! Did you get what you wanted, to feel loved?! Harry lunged at Ron, catching him off his guard and knocking him to the ground. Harry's fist connected with Ron's nose, and to Harry's surprise, Ron swung right back and hit Harry's jaw. Harry, dazed let his hold on Ron lessen, giving Ron time to throw Harry up into the air using his legs, landing several feet away from Ron on his back. Harry gritted his teeth from the pain, and made to get up, when he discovered there was a foot planted on his chest.
Harry looked up and saw Ron standing over him, his nose bleeding heavily, but otherwise looking quite calm. Get OFF of me Ron!
No Harry. Harry struggled but Ron pressed his foot down harder on Harry's chest. If you make me break your ribs just so you'll have to listen to me, I'll do it. Harry lay still, fighting for breath. Like I said before Harry, you're going to listen to everything I say. Then you can beat me, curse me or do whatever painful act you want to vent your anger upon me that you wish.
Let's start back where it all began. When you gave me Hermione in the pub, to look after. You could've taken Hermione yourself, and known that if you kept your right mind, nothing would've happened.
Harry looked angrily at Ron. Your brother wouldn't have allowed it. He said it was too much temptation for a guy. I suppose he was right, wasn't he Ron? Ron ran his fingers through his hair, and continued speaking.
You told me to take care of Hermione, to prove I could trust you. You must've then trusted me. Harry, you've only heard what Hermione remembers, and she was drunk, and can't remember everything in great detail. I didn't do anything more then kiss her Harry. I proved I was trust worthy by not being a total pig and well.... you know.
Want to know why I stopped? What I was thinking when I was experiencing the best moment in my life? I thought of you Harry, and how much you'd hate me if I did anything more.
More so, I remembered you're my friend, so is Hermione, and I couldn't do that to the pair of you.
Harry looked up at Ron. Are you telling the truth Ron? Ron sighed.
Yes, yes I am Harry. And I really have said all that I can. Harry felt the pressure lift from his chest, and sat up. He looked to see Ron holding out a hand. If you want to kill me now, there's nothing else I can do except curse you with the new ones I've been learning.
Harry stared at Ron's hand, before taking it. Ron helped Harry to his feet, and backed up a little.
Harry took a few deep breaths, before looking hard at Ron's face.
Do you swear never to even think of kissing, hugging or being with Hermione?
Ron shrugged. Of course, if you don't want me to.
Promise to move on with your life?
Yes Harry.
Harry looked furiously at Ron. You had better Ron. Because I honestly am in love with Hermione. There are some things not even friendship can endure.
Ron looked right back at Harry, and Harry could see the malice in Ron's eyes. Ron contained himself however, and just shrugged.
Fine. Anyways, I'd better go back to the library and study up on curses. Ron gave a side glance at Harry. You could come if you'd like.
Harry shrugged. Whatever. But shouldn't you go and explain to Lavender about all this?
Ron groaned. I could care less about her right now Harry. I just want to focus about cursing Malfoy into oblivion for what he did to Ginny.
Harry nodded, and they made their way for the stairs. Looking up, Harry briefly saw someone hurtling towards him, before he was knocked off his feet and went tumbling down the stairs.
Harry! Are you alright? Hermione jumped the last steps and ran to Harry's side. You didn't break anything did you?
Harry sat up. I'm fine, honestly.
You two have been fighting, haven't you? Hermione's eyes wandered over Ron's bloody nose to the footprint on the front of Harry's robes.
Well, yes but-
WHAT!? THAT IS THE MOST IMMATURE THING YOU COULD'VE DONE!
Ron raised his hand. Actually, putting Puking Pastilles in the other's Pumpkin juice, and putting a Tickling Charm on them would have been more immature then fighting.
Hermione glared at Ron, but Harry stood up, and took Hermione's face in his hands.
Everything's fine Hermione. If I had really wanted to hurt Ron, he'd have more then a bloody nose. Ron snorted, sending flecks of blood through the air.
Like I would let you hurt me that easy! Did you see how I threw you in the air?
Harry rolled his eyes. If you hadn't put your foot on my chest then there would've been trouble.
For YOU!
Hermione jutted in angrily. Can you two shut up?! That's better. Anyways, Ron, Lavender is looking for you.
Ron sighed, and started up the stairs. Tell her I've been kidnapped by a hippogriff. Harry and Hermione started up after him.
Where are we going?
Library. Ron needs to read up on curses for tonight. Hermione's face brightened.
Oh for the duel with Malfoy? I'd be glad to help, as long as you can remember them all Ron.. I don't want you mixing up a spell and turning yourself into a Cornish pixie.
Yes Hermione, whatever you say..
You're not even listening are you? I don't know why I try-
Because you're a know-it-all Hermione.
I am not! Harry am I a know-it-all?
Harry sighed. If you looked know-it-all up in the dictionary, there'd be a picture of you saying the definition wasn't right.
Hermione scowled, and was silent all the way to the library.
The three took dozens of books off of shelves, and dumped them all onto a large round table.
You'd better study hard, the pair of you. The duel will be here sooner then you can say ferret.

******
A/N Ok, I know that the Ron and Harry fight might be a little weak, but I had no CLUE how to otherwise do it, and not screw up my plans for the remaining part of the story! More interesting twists and turns next chapter! Leave a review on your way out! The more reviews I get, the faster I'll update! ^^