Here 'tis everybody. I hope you enjoy reading it, Chapter Six!
Thanks to Inmemoryofpadfoot for her review. I'm glad you enjoyed our story.
However, we cannot satisfy everyone, so I think that we may just keep the
pairings that way they are. And to my great co-writer, dvlsdngrousrbl, who
also reviewed, (Don't ask) I completely agree with you, Harry should be
more melancholy. Lets work on it, shall we? Keep reading, and thanks!
Juliette and dvlsdngrousrbl
~Harry~ Ok, I admit it. I couldn't help myself. I just had to see what was in the letter that Ron told me to give to Hermione. So I just read it. I know what you're thinking. You're thinking that I'm a horrible friend for peeking into something of my friend's that was extremely private, and I'm not denying it, not at all. But I am denying that I'm a horrible friend. Yes it was wrong of me to look, but once I did, I laughed. I'm sorry, but it was funny. It was sappy, and lovey-dovey, but it was good. Good for Ron and Hermione's relationship anyways. I was proud of Ron. Proud that he had taken the initiative to show his feelings to Hermione. The way he feels for her is plain in the way he looks at her, and does things for her that may seem small, but to him have to be perfect. Like the perfume he made for Hermione, for example. I happen to know he worked for a couple of months over that little tiny glass bottle of scent. He came up with quite a few stinky potions too-let me tell you, before he got anything even remotely resembling perfume.
Especially lately their relationship has been growing. Hermione has been hugging us a lot lately. I think she likes the comfort; the feeling that we're there for her, should she ever need us. Voldemort coming back is big stuff you know. But when she hugs me, it's quick, and comfortable, and friendly. When we first started school and she hugged Ron, he hugged her very uncomfortably. It was obvious that he liked her, but wasn't sure if she liked him back, yada yada yada. But now.now he wants more. He knows he likes her, and deep inside he wants her to figure it out somehow so that everything can finally all be out in the open and he won't have to pretend anymore. Yet at the same time, he's still not sure if his feelings are returned. But that's why he's changed around Hermione. It started with the perfume. He wanted to impress her. Then he starts hugging her back, tightly, when she hugs him. He wants her to know he has deeper feelings then just friendship for her. Then the letter he sent. He can't stand living this way any longer. So what will he do now? It's all up to Hermione.
Meanwhile, I have my own problems. I really like Luna, but I know she doesn't like me, because we don't even hang out together. I'm trying to spend more time with her, hoping that something will happen. At the same time, Ginny has been flirting her little bottom off with Neville, and surprisingly, he's been flirting right back. He'll ask her out any day now, I know. Ron hasn't noticed since his mind has been a bit preoccupied. Wouldn't you think so?
~Ron~ How could I have been so bloody stupid???? I knew that Hermione liked Harry! And I had to go and give her the note! And now she's been ignoring me. Well, ok, not ignoring me.but close enough! I mean seriously. She keeps looking over at Harry and just watching him. Here's what happened: Harry and I were standing in the hallway right outside of the Divination classroom when Hermione went by on her way to.I don't know, some class. I shoved Harry towards her and he gave me a funny look over his shoulder, he had this little smirk on his face like he knew something I didn't know. I don't like it when people give me those looks. I think they're up to something. I have good reason for thinking that, too. I used to live with Fred and George Weasley, remember? Anyways Harry walked up to Hermione and gave it to her, then I pulled Harry out of there as fast as I could. I didn't want to see her reaction when she read it. What would she think? What would she say? When I think about it, I have to decide that I'd rather not know.
So later at lunch, we were all sitting around at the Gryffindor table-Harry next to Luna chatting about some article in the Quibbler. Ginny next to Neville flirting. Yes, flirting. I hope something comes of THAT relationship. I was of course, sitting next to Hermione. She sits with me all of the time now. I think maybe she was just keeping Harry company, and now that he doesn't need it now, she decided to sit with me again. Yay! But all during lunch, she kept sneaking these real furtive looks at Harry, frowning and wrinkling up her nose, and smiling, and making all sorts of other facial movements. But she didn't look at me at all. Finally I decided to ask her what she was thinking about.
"So.Hermione, what're you thinking about?" I looked at her. She glanced around the room, particularly at Harry, and then leaned in close to me. Bloody hell, that perfume smells good on her. "Promise you won't tell a single soul, Ron?" She asked me. I just nodded. "I promise." She licked her lips nervously. I stared at them. Her lips I mean. "Harry gave me a letter." She said. My heart froze. Did she mean the letter I thought she meant? I had to find out. "Uh...Hermione was this letter by any chance a poem, or a song?" She looked at me surprised. "Yes, why? Did he show it to you?" "No, you see, Harry didn't write it." She looked confused. "If he didn't, who did?" "I'm sorry, Hermione, I promised I wouldn't tell." I said. "You see, this guy really likes you, and he asked Harry to deliver the note for him because he was to shy to give it to you himself." She looked at me suspiciously. "And how do you know all of this?" Uh oh. "Um.because Harry told me. You wouldn't like this guy. He's very, very, very, sneaky. You'll never figure out who it is. So I suggest you forget it." I nodded in what I hoped was a convincing way. She frowned. "Alright, Ron, if you say so. I'll just forget about it then. It's funny though, that handwriting looks awfully familiar." My eyes widened. I hadn't thought about that! And it was only a matter of time before she linked the letter's handwriting to a piece of my homework or something! She shrugged. "I suppose I'll just keep the letter until I see the handwriting of the person that wrote it." I gulped. "Why don't I hold it for you, Hermione? You might give the poor guy false hopes if you keep it." He jaw dropped. "Is it Colin Creevey? Oh no, I don't have feelings like that for him at all!" She gasped. "It's not Colin," I said quickly. "But still." She nodded. "Of course. Please hold it for me then, Ron." She reached into her bag and pulled the parchment out. She handed it to me, and I nearly breathed a sigh of relief. Out of danger! But now how was I going to get Hermione to notice me, to like me?
Then it hit me. Like a sledgehammer. Like a bulldozer. Like a cement truck. Like a.whatever. It hit me. I would get really, really good grades and impress her that way! It was perfect! She was a top student, right? Well if I turned into a top student too, she might think me more mature, more responsible, more.better. I had better get to work! But first, I had to know something. "So Hermione what exactly did you think of the letter?" I asked. She smiled. "I think it was one of the most sweetest, romantic things I've ever read. I wish I knew who wrote it." I had to bite my lip to hold back a grin. "Yes, well this guy is very poetic." I said. She raised her eyebrows. "Really? I don't think I know anyone who's very poetic." 'Shows you how much you know.' I thought to myself. I just smiled.
We continued eating our lunch in silence for a moment before Hermione sighed and put her fork down. "Alright, Ron, I can't stand it anymore. Who is it?" "Who is what?" I asked, knowing perfectly well what she meant. "Who wrote the letter?!" She exclaimed. I shook my head. "I promised I wouldn't tell, Hermione." She narrowed her eyes at me. "You don't really know, do you?" "Yes I do!" "Then tell me!" "I told you, I can't tell you, and I promised I wouldn't." "Is he in Gryffindor?" Umm.what to say to that. Should I say yes? Then she would go through the process of elimination and pick someone out and think it was he, even though it wasn't. Oh well. She was bound to do that anyways. "Yes." I said finally. "Ooh!" She squealed. "I got something out of you!" I rolled my eyes. "Not much. Believe me Hermione, you'll never guess who it is." She looked right into my eyes. "Oh believe me." She said softly. "I will find out who it is." I shivered.
I decided to start getting better grades right away. We had Transfiguration next, all three of us did. We went up to the classroom, and I searched through my book bag making sure I had the proper supplies to take notes. If I was going to do this I was going to do it properly. Harry stopped and waited for me to catch up. "What were you doing?" He asked. "Nothing," I said. He gave me a dubious look, but let it go. I don't think Harry has ever seen me look through my bag at all.
When we arrived at the Transfiguration classroom, I sat as I usually did next to Hermione, who was in-between Harry and I. I took out a roll of parchment, a quill, and a bottle of ink. I laid them out on my desk, first my parchment in the middle of the desk, my bottle of ink above it, and my quill next to it. Harry stared at me. "What are you doing?" He asked. I grinned at him. "Taking notes." He didn't have time to say anything, because Professor McGonagall walked in. "Alright class, now that you're here, and I'm here, I would like to choose a student to demonstrate a simple switching charm." Hermione immediately raised her hand as high as it would go in the air. I thought 'goody-goody' right away, but refrained from actually saying it. McGonagall's eyes roamed the room, and I found myself raising my hand. Harry's eyes widened. "Ron!" He hissed. "You don't know how to do a switching charm!" I gave him a dirty look. "How do you know I don't? And besides, even if I don't this is the most opportune chance to learn it, isn't it?" Hermione overheard us arguing, and heard what I said. She saw my hand in the air and her mouth dropped open. Her hand slowly descended, and McGonagall noticed my hand. "Mr. Weasley! Excellent! Come up here please." I bit my lip. What had I gotten myself into?
I made my way up to the front of the classroom and took out my wand. McGonagall set a flower in front of me. It was white. "Now Mr. Weasley, I want you to switch this-er." She looked at the flower. Neville raised his hand. "If you please Miss, it's a Gardenia." McGonagall raised her eyebrows. "Oh, well thank you, Mr. Longbottom, 3 points to Gryffindor. Now as I was saying." She nodded at the Gardenia. "I want you to switch this Gardenia red. The incantation is 'transdify alcourus'. You may begin." She nodded.
I took a deep breath. What the heck was the stupid incantation? Who on earth could remember that?! I licked my lips. Ah now I remember, "Transdify alcourus!" I waved my wand over the Gardenia and to my great surprise, and relief, it turned red. I blinked and stared at the flower. Professor McGonagall picked it up and looked it over. "Very well done, Mr. Weasley! 10 points to Gryffindor!" Her surprise was evident. I went back to my seat and wrote in as neat letters as I could possibly make, Transdify alcourus-switching spell. I looked up to meet Hermione's raised eyebrows. I merely smiled at her. Inside I was grinning. "In your face, Viktor Krum!" I thought triumphantly. I know I have no reason to be jealous of him, but Hermione sure does write to him an awful lot. I vow from now on to spend more time with Hermione so she won't feel the need to write him.
Later at dinner, Hermione sat beside me and grabbed a roll. "What was wrong with you today?" I looked at her. "What do you mean wrong with me? There's nothing wrong with me." I poured myself some pumpkin juice. She shook her head. "Don't give me that Ron. You are acting very strange." Harry looked on interestingly. I turned to Hermione. "Just because I've decided to become better at school doesn't mean there's anything wrong with me." Hermione just waved her hand. "Alright, alright, just forget it." No more was said about it for the rest of the night.
Over the week, I studied hard, and kept getting better and better grades. There were even a few times when I beat Hermione in raising my hand to answer a question. I suddenly knew how she felt. I knew something, and I was proud of it. Plus I could help somebody else figure it out. It was great. Plus I earned points for Gryffindor. Every night I stayed up late with Hermione to finish assignments. Harry always went to bed, and each night he would give me a queer look. I began to get used to it. And every time I went to bed, Harry was already asleep, so I didn't get any questioning. While Hermione and I studied, we were always quiet, although I have to admit I spent some of that time studying her as she bent over a Potions assignment, or drew planets for an Astronomy paper. We would help each other, and I found that if I do my homework when Hermione does it, I could benefit very well. You learn a lot when you learn with someone who already knows everything.
One night, Harry, Hermione, and I were all working on our schoolwork together by the fire in the common room. Hermione was doing Potions work, I was doing Transfiguration, and Harry was doing Astronomy. We'd only been working for a little while, when Hermione sighed and put down her quill. I looked up. "What is it, Hermione?" I asked. She shook her head. "I have to know Ron, why have you been studying so much?" I pretended not to know what she was talking about. "Huh?" She rolled her eyes. "Please, Ron. So whom are you trying to impress this time? It can't be Lavender.Ron! Parvati!? Tsk, tsk, tsk. I thought you had better taste than that." I began to get angry. "Who says I'm trying to impress anyone? Maybe I just want to be good at something for once!" She stood up. "Well, if you aren't trying to impress anyone, I think you must be sick." I stood up to. "Why is it so strange that I try to work hard?!" "Because Ron, you never work hard!" "Oh, so you're saying I'm lazy now, are you?" "No!" "Than what are you saying, Hermione?" "I'm saying that you never work hard at school, Ron, and now, all of a sudden you're taking notes, answering questions, earning points, actually doing your homework on time.what's wrong with you?" "Maybe," I gritted my teeth. "I'm sick and tired of people like you, thinking I'm so stupid, that in cases like these you think that I'm sick when I actually do something good. " I was so angry, I couldn't yell. I said all of this with my teeth clenched so tight; my words were muffled. "I am so sorry, that I'm not as dull-witted as you thought I was, Hermione. I'm, sorry that I'm not smart enough to live up to your standards, so that when I actually do a touch of right, it's a major achievement. I'm sorry, that for once in my life, I actually earned points for Gryffindor, and got the spotlight for myself. I'm sorry that I actually raised my hand before you. Everything I do is looked down on. I can never do anything right. Not in your eyes, not in my family's eyes, not in the teachers eyes. I'm just poor, stupid, Ronald Weasley, Harry Potter's friend." I looked into her eyes. "And you think so too, don't you?" I said softly.
Hermione looked about ready to cry. Harry was staring at me. "Ron, I'm sorry." Hermione whispered. "I didn't know you felt that way. I don't think of you like that at all." Tears ran down her face. I felt guilty. I hadn't meant to make her cry. I don't even know why she was crying. I hadn't yelled at her. I bit my lip. "Geez Hermione, why're you crying? I didn't say anything mean to you!" Hermione just cried harder. I was starting to feel awkward. I hadn't done anything! I looked over at Harry, whose eyes were wide. He just shook his head, indicating he had no idea what was going on. "I'm sorry Hermione, I didn't mean to hurt you-" She shook her head. "It's not because you hurt me Ron." I was confused. "What then?" "I'm crying because you feel that way. Oh I'm sorry Ron!" She flung herself around my neck, and I staggered backwards, just managing to catch my balance. I glanced over at Harry, who looked slightly amused. I didn't know what to say.to think even. She was crying because I felt that way? She let go of my neck and wiped at her eyes. "Oh, Ron, I don't think you're dull-witted, or-or anything you said! I can't believe you thought I would think that!" All of a sudden she punched me in the arm. "Ow!" I cried, more startled than anything else. Harry was nearly laughing now. "What'd you do that for?" She started crying again. "I can't believe you thought I would think that!" She repeated. Harry really was laughing now; he was bent over the couch wheezing. "Well, I don't know why you don't think that. I am stupid, and boring, and ugly, and-" Hermione hit me again, this time harder, and hard enough it actually hurt. "Ow!" "Ronald Weasley!" She hissed, getting right up in my face. "Don't you ever, ever tell me that you are stupid and boring and ugly!" She began to count off her fingers. "You are very smart, and very funny, and very kind, and very handsome. Anyone who says otherwise.well, they're the stupid ones. " She got closer to me. Our noses were almost touching. "Do you understand me?" I nodded meekly. What could I say? Hermione stepped back. "Good. Now, I am going to go to bed now. Goodnight, Ron, Harry. " She stood on her tiptoes and kissed my cheek. Then she kissed Harry's cheek and went to bed. I sank onto the couch, my knees suddenly felt weak. Harry sat down beside me, silently quivering in laughter. "Oh, fasten it." I said crossly. That only made him laugh a bit harder. Ginny came down the stairs just then, carrying a book, turning a page here and there. "What's so funny?" She asked when she spotted Harry. Harry choked. Ginny frowned. "All right then, don't tell me." I got up from the couch. "I'm going to bed.
" I said. "Of, course, O handsome one." Harry chuckled. "Haha, very funny. Harry." I said to him. "Goodnight Ginny." When I went upstairs, I laid in my bed, tossing and turning all night. If only Hermione meant the things she said in the way I wished she meant them. If only.
Juliette and dvlsdngrousrbl
~Harry~ Ok, I admit it. I couldn't help myself. I just had to see what was in the letter that Ron told me to give to Hermione. So I just read it. I know what you're thinking. You're thinking that I'm a horrible friend for peeking into something of my friend's that was extremely private, and I'm not denying it, not at all. But I am denying that I'm a horrible friend. Yes it was wrong of me to look, but once I did, I laughed. I'm sorry, but it was funny. It was sappy, and lovey-dovey, but it was good. Good for Ron and Hermione's relationship anyways. I was proud of Ron. Proud that he had taken the initiative to show his feelings to Hermione. The way he feels for her is plain in the way he looks at her, and does things for her that may seem small, but to him have to be perfect. Like the perfume he made for Hermione, for example. I happen to know he worked for a couple of months over that little tiny glass bottle of scent. He came up with quite a few stinky potions too-let me tell you, before he got anything even remotely resembling perfume.
Especially lately their relationship has been growing. Hermione has been hugging us a lot lately. I think she likes the comfort; the feeling that we're there for her, should she ever need us. Voldemort coming back is big stuff you know. But when she hugs me, it's quick, and comfortable, and friendly. When we first started school and she hugged Ron, he hugged her very uncomfortably. It was obvious that he liked her, but wasn't sure if she liked him back, yada yada yada. But now.now he wants more. He knows he likes her, and deep inside he wants her to figure it out somehow so that everything can finally all be out in the open and he won't have to pretend anymore. Yet at the same time, he's still not sure if his feelings are returned. But that's why he's changed around Hermione. It started with the perfume. He wanted to impress her. Then he starts hugging her back, tightly, when she hugs him. He wants her to know he has deeper feelings then just friendship for her. Then the letter he sent. He can't stand living this way any longer. So what will he do now? It's all up to Hermione.
Meanwhile, I have my own problems. I really like Luna, but I know she doesn't like me, because we don't even hang out together. I'm trying to spend more time with her, hoping that something will happen. At the same time, Ginny has been flirting her little bottom off with Neville, and surprisingly, he's been flirting right back. He'll ask her out any day now, I know. Ron hasn't noticed since his mind has been a bit preoccupied. Wouldn't you think so?
~Ron~ How could I have been so bloody stupid???? I knew that Hermione liked Harry! And I had to go and give her the note! And now she's been ignoring me. Well, ok, not ignoring me.but close enough! I mean seriously. She keeps looking over at Harry and just watching him. Here's what happened: Harry and I were standing in the hallway right outside of the Divination classroom when Hermione went by on her way to.I don't know, some class. I shoved Harry towards her and he gave me a funny look over his shoulder, he had this little smirk on his face like he knew something I didn't know. I don't like it when people give me those looks. I think they're up to something. I have good reason for thinking that, too. I used to live with Fred and George Weasley, remember? Anyways Harry walked up to Hermione and gave it to her, then I pulled Harry out of there as fast as I could. I didn't want to see her reaction when she read it. What would she think? What would she say? When I think about it, I have to decide that I'd rather not know.
So later at lunch, we were all sitting around at the Gryffindor table-Harry next to Luna chatting about some article in the Quibbler. Ginny next to Neville flirting. Yes, flirting. I hope something comes of THAT relationship. I was of course, sitting next to Hermione. She sits with me all of the time now. I think maybe she was just keeping Harry company, and now that he doesn't need it now, she decided to sit with me again. Yay! But all during lunch, she kept sneaking these real furtive looks at Harry, frowning and wrinkling up her nose, and smiling, and making all sorts of other facial movements. But she didn't look at me at all. Finally I decided to ask her what she was thinking about.
"So.Hermione, what're you thinking about?" I looked at her. She glanced around the room, particularly at Harry, and then leaned in close to me. Bloody hell, that perfume smells good on her. "Promise you won't tell a single soul, Ron?" She asked me. I just nodded. "I promise." She licked her lips nervously. I stared at them. Her lips I mean. "Harry gave me a letter." She said. My heart froze. Did she mean the letter I thought she meant? I had to find out. "Uh...Hermione was this letter by any chance a poem, or a song?" She looked at me surprised. "Yes, why? Did he show it to you?" "No, you see, Harry didn't write it." She looked confused. "If he didn't, who did?" "I'm sorry, Hermione, I promised I wouldn't tell." I said. "You see, this guy really likes you, and he asked Harry to deliver the note for him because he was to shy to give it to you himself." She looked at me suspiciously. "And how do you know all of this?" Uh oh. "Um.because Harry told me. You wouldn't like this guy. He's very, very, very, sneaky. You'll never figure out who it is. So I suggest you forget it." I nodded in what I hoped was a convincing way. She frowned. "Alright, Ron, if you say so. I'll just forget about it then. It's funny though, that handwriting looks awfully familiar." My eyes widened. I hadn't thought about that! And it was only a matter of time before she linked the letter's handwriting to a piece of my homework or something! She shrugged. "I suppose I'll just keep the letter until I see the handwriting of the person that wrote it." I gulped. "Why don't I hold it for you, Hermione? You might give the poor guy false hopes if you keep it." He jaw dropped. "Is it Colin Creevey? Oh no, I don't have feelings like that for him at all!" She gasped. "It's not Colin," I said quickly. "But still." She nodded. "Of course. Please hold it for me then, Ron." She reached into her bag and pulled the parchment out. She handed it to me, and I nearly breathed a sigh of relief. Out of danger! But now how was I going to get Hermione to notice me, to like me?
Then it hit me. Like a sledgehammer. Like a bulldozer. Like a cement truck. Like a.whatever. It hit me. I would get really, really good grades and impress her that way! It was perfect! She was a top student, right? Well if I turned into a top student too, she might think me more mature, more responsible, more.better. I had better get to work! But first, I had to know something. "So Hermione what exactly did you think of the letter?" I asked. She smiled. "I think it was one of the most sweetest, romantic things I've ever read. I wish I knew who wrote it." I had to bite my lip to hold back a grin. "Yes, well this guy is very poetic." I said. She raised her eyebrows. "Really? I don't think I know anyone who's very poetic." 'Shows you how much you know.' I thought to myself. I just smiled.
We continued eating our lunch in silence for a moment before Hermione sighed and put her fork down. "Alright, Ron, I can't stand it anymore. Who is it?" "Who is what?" I asked, knowing perfectly well what she meant. "Who wrote the letter?!" She exclaimed. I shook my head. "I promised I wouldn't tell, Hermione." She narrowed her eyes at me. "You don't really know, do you?" "Yes I do!" "Then tell me!" "I told you, I can't tell you, and I promised I wouldn't." "Is he in Gryffindor?" Umm.what to say to that. Should I say yes? Then she would go through the process of elimination and pick someone out and think it was he, even though it wasn't. Oh well. She was bound to do that anyways. "Yes." I said finally. "Ooh!" She squealed. "I got something out of you!" I rolled my eyes. "Not much. Believe me Hermione, you'll never guess who it is." She looked right into my eyes. "Oh believe me." She said softly. "I will find out who it is." I shivered.
I decided to start getting better grades right away. We had Transfiguration next, all three of us did. We went up to the classroom, and I searched through my book bag making sure I had the proper supplies to take notes. If I was going to do this I was going to do it properly. Harry stopped and waited for me to catch up. "What were you doing?" He asked. "Nothing," I said. He gave me a dubious look, but let it go. I don't think Harry has ever seen me look through my bag at all.
When we arrived at the Transfiguration classroom, I sat as I usually did next to Hermione, who was in-between Harry and I. I took out a roll of parchment, a quill, and a bottle of ink. I laid them out on my desk, first my parchment in the middle of the desk, my bottle of ink above it, and my quill next to it. Harry stared at me. "What are you doing?" He asked. I grinned at him. "Taking notes." He didn't have time to say anything, because Professor McGonagall walked in. "Alright class, now that you're here, and I'm here, I would like to choose a student to demonstrate a simple switching charm." Hermione immediately raised her hand as high as it would go in the air. I thought 'goody-goody' right away, but refrained from actually saying it. McGonagall's eyes roamed the room, and I found myself raising my hand. Harry's eyes widened. "Ron!" He hissed. "You don't know how to do a switching charm!" I gave him a dirty look. "How do you know I don't? And besides, even if I don't this is the most opportune chance to learn it, isn't it?" Hermione overheard us arguing, and heard what I said. She saw my hand in the air and her mouth dropped open. Her hand slowly descended, and McGonagall noticed my hand. "Mr. Weasley! Excellent! Come up here please." I bit my lip. What had I gotten myself into?
I made my way up to the front of the classroom and took out my wand. McGonagall set a flower in front of me. It was white. "Now Mr. Weasley, I want you to switch this-er." She looked at the flower. Neville raised his hand. "If you please Miss, it's a Gardenia." McGonagall raised her eyebrows. "Oh, well thank you, Mr. Longbottom, 3 points to Gryffindor. Now as I was saying." She nodded at the Gardenia. "I want you to switch this Gardenia red. The incantation is 'transdify alcourus'. You may begin." She nodded.
I took a deep breath. What the heck was the stupid incantation? Who on earth could remember that?! I licked my lips. Ah now I remember, "Transdify alcourus!" I waved my wand over the Gardenia and to my great surprise, and relief, it turned red. I blinked and stared at the flower. Professor McGonagall picked it up and looked it over. "Very well done, Mr. Weasley! 10 points to Gryffindor!" Her surprise was evident. I went back to my seat and wrote in as neat letters as I could possibly make, Transdify alcourus-switching spell. I looked up to meet Hermione's raised eyebrows. I merely smiled at her. Inside I was grinning. "In your face, Viktor Krum!" I thought triumphantly. I know I have no reason to be jealous of him, but Hermione sure does write to him an awful lot. I vow from now on to spend more time with Hermione so she won't feel the need to write him.
Later at dinner, Hermione sat beside me and grabbed a roll. "What was wrong with you today?" I looked at her. "What do you mean wrong with me? There's nothing wrong with me." I poured myself some pumpkin juice. She shook her head. "Don't give me that Ron. You are acting very strange." Harry looked on interestingly. I turned to Hermione. "Just because I've decided to become better at school doesn't mean there's anything wrong with me." Hermione just waved her hand. "Alright, alright, just forget it." No more was said about it for the rest of the night.
Over the week, I studied hard, and kept getting better and better grades. There were even a few times when I beat Hermione in raising my hand to answer a question. I suddenly knew how she felt. I knew something, and I was proud of it. Plus I could help somebody else figure it out. It was great. Plus I earned points for Gryffindor. Every night I stayed up late with Hermione to finish assignments. Harry always went to bed, and each night he would give me a queer look. I began to get used to it. And every time I went to bed, Harry was already asleep, so I didn't get any questioning. While Hermione and I studied, we were always quiet, although I have to admit I spent some of that time studying her as she bent over a Potions assignment, or drew planets for an Astronomy paper. We would help each other, and I found that if I do my homework when Hermione does it, I could benefit very well. You learn a lot when you learn with someone who already knows everything.
One night, Harry, Hermione, and I were all working on our schoolwork together by the fire in the common room. Hermione was doing Potions work, I was doing Transfiguration, and Harry was doing Astronomy. We'd only been working for a little while, when Hermione sighed and put down her quill. I looked up. "What is it, Hermione?" I asked. She shook her head. "I have to know Ron, why have you been studying so much?" I pretended not to know what she was talking about. "Huh?" She rolled her eyes. "Please, Ron. So whom are you trying to impress this time? It can't be Lavender.Ron! Parvati!? Tsk, tsk, tsk. I thought you had better taste than that." I began to get angry. "Who says I'm trying to impress anyone? Maybe I just want to be good at something for once!" She stood up. "Well, if you aren't trying to impress anyone, I think you must be sick." I stood up to. "Why is it so strange that I try to work hard?!" "Because Ron, you never work hard!" "Oh, so you're saying I'm lazy now, are you?" "No!" "Than what are you saying, Hermione?" "I'm saying that you never work hard at school, Ron, and now, all of a sudden you're taking notes, answering questions, earning points, actually doing your homework on time.what's wrong with you?" "Maybe," I gritted my teeth. "I'm sick and tired of people like you, thinking I'm so stupid, that in cases like these you think that I'm sick when I actually do something good. " I was so angry, I couldn't yell. I said all of this with my teeth clenched so tight; my words were muffled. "I am so sorry, that I'm not as dull-witted as you thought I was, Hermione. I'm, sorry that I'm not smart enough to live up to your standards, so that when I actually do a touch of right, it's a major achievement. I'm sorry, that for once in my life, I actually earned points for Gryffindor, and got the spotlight for myself. I'm sorry that I actually raised my hand before you. Everything I do is looked down on. I can never do anything right. Not in your eyes, not in my family's eyes, not in the teachers eyes. I'm just poor, stupid, Ronald Weasley, Harry Potter's friend." I looked into her eyes. "And you think so too, don't you?" I said softly.
Hermione looked about ready to cry. Harry was staring at me. "Ron, I'm sorry." Hermione whispered. "I didn't know you felt that way. I don't think of you like that at all." Tears ran down her face. I felt guilty. I hadn't meant to make her cry. I don't even know why she was crying. I hadn't yelled at her. I bit my lip. "Geez Hermione, why're you crying? I didn't say anything mean to you!" Hermione just cried harder. I was starting to feel awkward. I hadn't done anything! I looked over at Harry, whose eyes were wide. He just shook his head, indicating he had no idea what was going on. "I'm sorry Hermione, I didn't mean to hurt you-" She shook her head. "It's not because you hurt me Ron." I was confused. "What then?" "I'm crying because you feel that way. Oh I'm sorry Ron!" She flung herself around my neck, and I staggered backwards, just managing to catch my balance. I glanced over at Harry, who looked slightly amused. I didn't know what to say.to think even. She was crying because I felt that way? She let go of my neck and wiped at her eyes. "Oh, Ron, I don't think you're dull-witted, or-or anything you said! I can't believe you thought I would think that!" All of a sudden she punched me in the arm. "Ow!" I cried, more startled than anything else. Harry was nearly laughing now. "What'd you do that for?" She started crying again. "I can't believe you thought I would think that!" She repeated. Harry really was laughing now; he was bent over the couch wheezing. "Well, I don't know why you don't think that. I am stupid, and boring, and ugly, and-" Hermione hit me again, this time harder, and hard enough it actually hurt. "Ow!" "Ronald Weasley!" She hissed, getting right up in my face. "Don't you ever, ever tell me that you are stupid and boring and ugly!" She began to count off her fingers. "You are very smart, and very funny, and very kind, and very handsome. Anyone who says otherwise.well, they're the stupid ones. " She got closer to me. Our noses were almost touching. "Do you understand me?" I nodded meekly. What could I say? Hermione stepped back. "Good. Now, I am going to go to bed now. Goodnight, Ron, Harry. " She stood on her tiptoes and kissed my cheek. Then she kissed Harry's cheek and went to bed. I sank onto the couch, my knees suddenly felt weak. Harry sat down beside me, silently quivering in laughter. "Oh, fasten it." I said crossly. That only made him laugh a bit harder. Ginny came down the stairs just then, carrying a book, turning a page here and there. "What's so funny?" She asked when she spotted Harry. Harry choked. Ginny frowned. "All right then, don't tell me." I got up from the couch. "I'm going to bed.
" I said. "Of, course, O handsome one." Harry chuckled. "Haha, very funny. Harry." I said to him. "Goodnight Ginny." When I went upstairs, I laid in my bed, tossing and turning all night. If only Hermione meant the things she said in the way I wished she meant them. If only.