~Hogsmeade, Heartbreaks, and Joy~
The next day, Ron, Hermione, and Harry sat at the Gryffindor Table. Hermione hadn't mentioned the night before, but Ron couldn't stop thinking about it. Maybe there really was something between them. He deeply reminisced about her fingers in his hair. She had been so gentle, a huge contrast to her character and manner when she was angry.
"So Ron, did you ever find Luna?" asked Harry as he took a bite of a pumpkin pasty.
"No, I didn't..." said Ron glancing at the Ravenclaw table for Luna. Seeing that she wasn't there, he shrugged, and added hopefully, "Maybe she's forgotten about asking me to Hogsmeade."
Hermione made an indignant noise. "I highly doubt that Ron."
Ron shrugged again and took a large gulp of his pumpkin juice before saying, "We'll see what happens, I guess."
The next day Ron continued to keep his eyes peeled for a head of blonde hair in the crowd, but he never found Luna. Finally, it was the day of the Hogsmeade trip.
Harry, Hermione, and Ron walked into Honeydukes. After buying enough to fill their pockets, the trio made their way to The Three Broomsticks, each sucking on a sugar quill. Once inside they took a seat at a table in the corner.
Harry, still sucking on a sugar quill, said, "I wonder if Cho is still going to meet with me."
Hermione logically said, "I don't see why she'd ask you to, if she's not going to come."
At that moment, Ginny entered the tavern. "Hey guys!" she said, smiling.
Harry looked up and smiled brightly, "Hey Ginny."
Sitting down with a butterbeer in her hand, Ginny said, "So what's going on guys?"
"Nothing, really," responded Harry before he was interrupted by Ron.
"Harry's wondering if Cho is going to meet with him or not."
Ginny's face fell, "Oh you're going to meet with Cho today, Harry?"
Harry looked desperately at Ginny, "Well, she asked me to have a butterbeer with her..."
Ginny responded with an "Oh," before turning to look down into her mug of butterbeer.
"Harry!"
The four of them turned to see who had called for Harry. Sure enough it was Cho Chang. She walked over to them, smiling and wearing a powder blue shirt.
"Hi," she said breathlessly as she reached Harry's side.
"Hi, Cho," said Harry, well aware that Ginny was staring intently at him.
"Mind if we get our own table?" asked Cho.
Harry looked at the other three questionably, "Um..." Hermione and Ron nodded their assent. Ginny had become suddenly interested in her butterbeer again. "Okay," said Harry as Cho led them to a faraway table.
"Harry, I'm really glad you agreed to meet with me today," said Cho as she placed two butterbeers in front of them.
"It's no problem Cho," said Harry, watching Cho for some explanation as to why she had indeed asked him for a butterbeer.
"Well, see Harry the thing is," said Cho looking fixedly at Harry. "I know we haven't talked in a long time."
Harry nodded in agreement, his face puzzled.
"Well, you know, I had a hard time dealing with Cedric's death," she said, her eyes growing misty.
Harry watched her, secretly hoping that this wouldn't be a repeat of his last Hogsmeade trip with Cho.
"I was very young, and I didn't know how to deal with everything. So I tried to lean on you. I knew I was being selfish...You had been through so much, and here I was wanting you to comfort ME," she said, frowning.
Harry was very taken aback by everything Cho was telling him. "Well, I mean, that's alright, I know it wasn't easy for you."
Cho nodded and placed her hand on Harry's. "No, it wasn't easy. But I want you to know, that a lot of time has passed, and I've had time to heal."
Harry glanced over at his three friends, praying that they weren't watching.
"Well, I'm glad you're better Cho," said Harry.
Cho leaned in closer, "Harry, I really like you. I always have, I just wasn't ready for another relationship at the time. Now I am." She gave his hand a squeeze.
Harry looked down at their hands. He couldn't believe what she was saying. "Listen Cho..."
Cho leaned in even closer, if it was possible, and looked into his emerald eyes. "Yes, Harry?"
Harry felt a wave of guilt ride over him. "I, I, well, I kind of have feelings for someone else," he said delicately.
"Oh," said Cho as she took her hand off of his, and leaned back in her chair. "I see..."
"I'm really sorry Cho," said Harry, searching for words to ease the impact. "I, I, I don't really know what to say," Harry added, stuttering.
"It's okay, I'll be fine. I don't know why I even expected you to still like me after all these years," said Cho bleakly.
"It's not like that Cho, I mean I still like you-- I just-now I've realized my feelings for-" Harry struggled.
"Honestly Harry, It's all right. I'm sorry I sprung this on you so unexpectedly," said Cho.
"No, it's okay, it wasn't---" said Harry.
Cho smiled, and pat his hand lightly. "Whoever she is, I hope she realizes how lucky she is." With that, Cho stood up from the chair.
"Goodbye Harry Potter," she said with a small smile, before turning and leaving the bar.
Harry sat there, openmouthed. "Goodbye Cho Chang," he said inaudibly.
"All right there, Harry?" asked Ron, who had taken Cho's seat.
Harry looked up; he hadn't even noticed when Ron sat down. "Yeah, I'm all right."
It seemed that Ron already knew what had happened between Harry and Cho, because he didn't ask any questions about it. "Want to come back to the table?" asked Ron, nodding towards their table in the corner. Hermione and Ginny were watching Harry closely.
"Yeah, okay," said Harry as he made his way back to the table, taking up his old seat. He was saved from having to talk about what Cho wanted because Ron instantly started talking about the upcoming Quidditch game against Slytherin.
"I can't believe our first match of the season is against Slytherin!" said Ron.
"Ugh, I know!" said Ginny, who was a Chaser on the team.
The conversation continued without any awkwardness between the four friends. That is, until Luna entered the tavern.
She smiled at Ron dreamily. Ron didn't wait for her to walk over to him, instead he got up swiftly and walked over to her, motioning for her to follow him outside.
Harry, Hermione, and Ginny watched this scene with interest for several seconds until Harry continued talking about the upcoming match, which drew Ginny back into the conversation. Only Hermione continued to stare at the spot where Ron and Luna had been standing.
Outside of the Three Broomsticks Luna and Ron walked side by side.
"Hello Ronald, I'm happy that you agreed to spend time with me today," said Luna.
"Um, sure," said Ron, who didn't feel like pointing out the fact that he had never actually agreed to do anything with Luna.
Luna stopped walking and turned to him. She leaned in towards Ron with her eyes closed and lips protruding. Ron noticed this and promptly moved his face. She enthusiastically kissed his cheek. Noticing that she was kissing his cheek instead of his lips, Luna stepped back and stared at Ron unblinking.
"Listen Luna-" started Ron.
"Shhh," she said as she placed a long, slender finger to his lips. "I know that you don't have feelings for me," said Luna unemotionally.
Ron just stared at her wide-eyed, her finger still pressed against his lips.
"I just wanted to know for sure," she said before letting her hand fall at her side. "Falling in love with a best friend is often impossible to avoid," she said knowingly. "Well, Good luck Ronald!" she said, dreamily, before turning and wandering away towards another shop.
Ron watched her retreating figure. 'How'd she know that I like Hermione?' he thought. 'Am I that obvious?' Another thought occurred to Ron, 'And if I am then how come Hermione has never said anything?' He continued to pour over his thoughts as he made his way back to the Three Broomsticks.
Hermione's face perked up as he entered through the door alone. Taking his seat between Harry and Hermione, he picked up the butterbeer he had left there.
Taking a sip, he said, "I'm exhausted."
Hermione looked like she was bursting to ask Ron about Luna, but she held her tongue.
"So Ron, did everything go okay with Luna?" asked Ginny inquisitively.
"Um..." said Ron before nodding his response.
"Good," said Ginny smiling at her brother.
Hermione watched Ron's pale face; She was curious about what had actually happened between Luna and him, but she knew that Ron probably wouldn't want to talk about it.
Thankfully, Harry changed the subject, "So have you all perfected that transfiguration spell that McGonagall taught us yesterday?"
Hermione reluctantly pulled her eyes away from Ron's downward face.
"Yes, it was quite simple actually. I really thought we'd be learning positively hard spells in our seventh year, but they've actually been very painless," she said hurriedly.
Ron continued to look down into his mug. 'Maybe Hermione never addressed the subject because she really didn't like him, and she didn't want their relationship to change.' Ron could almost feel his heart shatter at the thought. But then the thought of the other night when Hermione had covered him in a blanket wafted into view. He remembered her warm caramel eyes, looking deeply at him, and her gentle fingers as they moved across his wet hair. He felt his heart leap up at these thoughts as he took another swig of the butterbeer and joined the conversation.
"That spell was definitely not painless! I keep turning Pigwidgeon into a brick instead of a treasure box," he said smiling.
"Well that's because you don't pay attention, and you keep prodding him with your wand. You're supposed to swish your wand as you say the incantation. Not PROD," Hermione emphasized, before breaking into a smile herself.
The rest of the day passed much the same way. The four of them laughing and talking about classes and things as they scoured the shops in Hogsmeade, Ron's heart now relatively weightless.
~*~*~*~*~
Thanks so much for all of the reviews!! Let me know what you think about this chapter! Also, I've updated the formats for Chapters 1-3. So if you ever want to read it again, it'll be much easier to understand. Thanks! ~Cheers :)
The next day, Ron, Hermione, and Harry sat at the Gryffindor Table. Hermione hadn't mentioned the night before, but Ron couldn't stop thinking about it. Maybe there really was something between them. He deeply reminisced about her fingers in his hair. She had been so gentle, a huge contrast to her character and manner when she was angry.
"So Ron, did you ever find Luna?" asked Harry as he took a bite of a pumpkin pasty.
"No, I didn't..." said Ron glancing at the Ravenclaw table for Luna. Seeing that she wasn't there, he shrugged, and added hopefully, "Maybe she's forgotten about asking me to Hogsmeade."
Hermione made an indignant noise. "I highly doubt that Ron."
Ron shrugged again and took a large gulp of his pumpkin juice before saying, "We'll see what happens, I guess."
The next day Ron continued to keep his eyes peeled for a head of blonde hair in the crowd, but he never found Luna. Finally, it was the day of the Hogsmeade trip.
Harry, Hermione, and Ron walked into Honeydukes. After buying enough to fill their pockets, the trio made their way to The Three Broomsticks, each sucking on a sugar quill. Once inside they took a seat at a table in the corner.
Harry, still sucking on a sugar quill, said, "I wonder if Cho is still going to meet with me."
Hermione logically said, "I don't see why she'd ask you to, if she's not going to come."
At that moment, Ginny entered the tavern. "Hey guys!" she said, smiling.
Harry looked up and smiled brightly, "Hey Ginny."
Sitting down with a butterbeer in her hand, Ginny said, "So what's going on guys?"
"Nothing, really," responded Harry before he was interrupted by Ron.
"Harry's wondering if Cho is going to meet with him or not."
Ginny's face fell, "Oh you're going to meet with Cho today, Harry?"
Harry looked desperately at Ginny, "Well, she asked me to have a butterbeer with her..."
Ginny responded with an "Oh," before turning to look down into her mug of butterbeer.
"Harry!"
The four of them turned to see who had called for Harry. Sure enough it was Cho Chang. She walked over to them, smiling and wearing a powder blue shirt.
"Hi," she said breathlessly as she reached Harry's side.
"Hi, Cho," said Harry, well aware that Ginny was staring intently at him.
"Mind if we get our own table?" asked Cho.
Harry looked at the other three questionably, "Um..." Hermione and Ron nodded their assent. Ginny had become suddenly interested in her butterbeer again. "Okay," said Harry as Cho led them to a faraway table.
"Harry, I'm really glad you agreed to meet with me today," said Cho as she placed two butterbeers in front of them.
"It's no problem Cho," said Harry, watching Cho for some explanation as to why she had indeed asked him for a butterbeer.
"Well, see Harry the thing is," said Cho looking fixedly at Harry. "I know we haven't talked in a long time."
Harry nodded in agreement, his face puzzled.
"Well, you know, I had a hard time dealing with Cedric's death," she said, her eyes growing misty.
Harry watched her, secretly hoping that this wouldn't be a repeat of his last Hogsmeade trip with Cho.
"I was very young, and I didn't know how to deal with everything. So I tried to lean on you. I knew I was being selfish...You had been through so much, and here I was wanting you to comfort ME," she said, frowning.
Harry was very taken aback by everything Cho was telling him. "Well, I mean, that's alright, I know it wasn't easy for you."
Cho nodded and placed her hand on Harry's. "No, it wasn't easy. But I want you to know, that a lot of time has passed, and I've had time to heal."
Harry glanced over at his three friends, praying that they weren't watching.
"Well, I'm glad you're better Cho," said Harry.
Cho leaned in closer, "Harry, I really like you. I always have, I just wasn't ready for another relationship at the time. Now I am." She gave his hand a squeeze.
Harry looked down at their hands. He couldn't believe what she was saying. "Listen Cho..."
Cho leaned in even closer, if it was possible, and looked into his emerald eyes. "Yes, Harry?"
Harry felt a wave of guilt ride over him. "I, I, well, I kind of have feelings for someone else," he said delicately.
"Oh," said Cho as she took her hand off of his, and leaned back in her chair. "I see..."
"I'm really sorry Cho," said Harry, searching for words to ease the impact. "I, I, I don't really know what to say," Harry added, stuttering.
"It's okay, I'll be fine. I don't know why I even expected you to still like me after all these years," said Cho bleakly.
"It's not like that Cho, I mean I still like you-- I just-now I've realized my feelings for-" Harry struggled.
"Honestly Harry, It's all right. I'm sorry I sprung this on you so unexpectedly," said Cho.
"No, it's okay, it wasn't---" said Harry.
Cho smiled, and pat his hand lightly. "Whoever she is, I hope she realizes how lucky she is." With that, Cho stood up from the chair.
"Goodbye Harry Potter," she said with a small smile, before turning and leaving the bar.
Harry sat there, openmouthed. "Goodbye Cho Chang," he said inaudibly.
"All right there, Harry?" asked Ron, who had taken Cho's seat.
Harry looked up; he hadn't even noticed when Ron sat down. "Yeah, I'm all right."
It seemed that Ron already knew what had happened between Harry and Cho, because he didn't ask any questions about it. "Want to come back to the table?" asked Ron, nodding towards their table in the corner. Hermione and Ginny were watching Harry closely.
"Yeah, okay," said Harry as he made his way back to the table, taking up his old seat. He was saved from having to talk about what Cho wanted because Ron instantly started talking about the upcoming Quidditch game against Slytherin.
"I can't believe our first match of the season is against Slytherin!" said Ron.
"Ugh, I know!" said Ginny, who was a Chaser on the team.
The conversation continued without any awkwardness between the four friends. That is, until Luna entered the tavern.
She smiled at Ron dreamily. Ron didn't wait for her to walk over to him, instead he got up swiftly and walked over to her, motioning for her to follow him outside.
Harry, Hermione, and Ginny watched this scene with interest for several seconds until Harry continued talking about the upcoming match, which drew Ginny back into the conversation. Only Hermione continued to stare at the spot where Ron and Luna had been standing.
Outside of the Three Broomsticks Luna and Ron walked side by side.
"Hello Ronald, I'm happy that you agreed to spend time with me today," said Luna.
"Um, sure," said Ron, who didn't feel like pointing out the fact that he had never actually agreed to do anything with Luna.
Luna stopped walking and turned to him. She leaned in towards Ron with her eyes closed and lips protruding. Ron noticed this and promptly moved his face. She enthusiastically kissed his cheek. Noticing that she was kissing his cheek instead of his lips, Luna stepped back and stared at Ron unblinking.
"Listen Luna-" started Ron.
"Shhh," she said as she placed a long, slender finger to his lips. "I know that you don't have feelings for me," said Luna unemotionally.
Ron just stared at her wide-eyed, her finger still pressed against his lips.
"I just wanted to know for sure," she said before letting her hand fall at her side. "Falling in love with a best friend is often impossible to avoid," she said knowingly. "Well, Good luck Ronald!" she said, dreamily, before turning and wandering away towards another shop.
Ron watched her retreating figure. 'How'd she know that I like Hermione?' he thought. 'Am I that obvious?' Another thought occurred to Ron, 'And if I am then how come Hermione has never said anything?' He continued to pour over his thoughts as he made his way back to the Three Broomsticks.
Hermione's face perked up as he entered through the door alone. Taking his seat between Harry and Hermione, he picked up the butterbeer he had left there.
Taking a sip, he said, "I'm exhausted."
Hermione looked like she was bursting to ask Ron about Luna, but she held her tongue.
"So Ron, did everything go okay with Luna?" asked Ginny inquisitively.
"Um..." said Ron before nodding his response.
"Good," said Ginny smiling at her brother.
Hermione watched Ron's pale face; She was curious about what had actually happened between Luna and him, but she knew that Ron probably wouldn't want to talk about it.
Thankfully, Harry changed the subject, "So have you all perfected that transfiguration spell that McGonagall taught us yesterday?"
Hermione reluctantly pulled her eyes away from Ron's downward face.
"Yes, it was quite simple actually. I really thought we'd be learning positively hard spells in our seventh year, but they've actually been very painless," she said hurriedly.
Ron continued to look down into his mug. 'Maybe Hermione never addressed the subject because she really didn't like him, and she didn't want their relationship to change.' Ron could almost feel his heart shatter at the thought. But then the thought of the other night when Hermione had covered him in a blanket wafted into view. He remembered her warm caramel eyes, looking deeply at him, and her gentle fingers as they moved across his wet hair. He felt his heart leap up at these thoughts as he took another swig of the butterbeer and joined the conversation.
"That spell was definitely not painless! I keep turning Pigwidgeon into a brick instead of a treasure box," he said smiling.
"Well that's because you don't pay attention, and you keep prodding him with your wand. You're supposed to swish your wand as you say the incantation. Not PROD," Hermione emphasized, before breaking into a smile herself.
The rest of the day passed much the same way. The four of them laughing and talking about classes and things as they scoured the shops in Hogsmeade, Ron's heart now relatively weightless.
~*~*~*~*~
Thanks so much for all of the reviews!! Let me know what you think about this chapter! Also, I've updated the formats for Chapters 1-3. So if you ever want to read it again, it'll be much easier to understand. Thanks! ~Cheers :)