Friends...I Guess
Chapter 7
~Hermione's Point Of View~
I bit my bottom lip in concentration as I finished scribbling down the last of my notes from Arithmancy. The professor then excused us for the day and I hastily rolled up my parchment and threw it and my quill into my bag with a smile on my face. I hurried out the door and toward the Divination tower where I had planned to surprise Ron (and Harry of course!), and my thoughts drifted to last night yet AGAIN.
I rounded the final corner that led to the Divination ladder, and I was met with a swarm of people working their way down. Suddenly, my breath caught in my chest, and I actually felt...was that nervousness?!
"Get a hold of yourself, Granger." I muttered to myself, fully aware that the grin had not taken a break from my face, despite my orders.
"What's this? A mudblood talking to herself? No great surprise there, I suppose." The ice-cold voice slithered down my back, and I unwillingly clenched my fists.
"Get lost, Malfoy. As quickly as humanly possible would be my preference." I muttered without giving him the decency of turning around and facing him.
But he took care of that for me as he and his cronies crowded around me. I rolled my eyes and attempted to step around them, and succeeded to walk straight into a wall. Crabbe and Goyle laughed at this, obviously taking their cue by Malfoy himself.
"Careful, there. After four and a half years in the Magical world, I would think that you would realize that you're a WITCH, not a GHOST." Malfoy drawled, frosty amusement in his voice.
"Thank you so much for the history lesson." I hissed at him, trying desperately to hold onto my temper. "But seeing as how I'm the one at the top of the class, and you happen to be the one failing, I would think that you would try to keep your little comments to yourself." Thinking that this would be a good time to scare him off, I thrust my hand into the pocket of my robes, grasping for my wand.
But it wasn't there.
My eyes widened as my hand searched blindly in my pocket over and over. And then it hit me. Out of my rush to get out of Arithmancy, I'd left it sitting on the desk.
The seriousness of this situation was sinking in quickly, and dread was starting to pour into my veins.
'Deserted Divination tower, evil Dark wizard, cornered against a wall, no wand...' my thoughts were racing, and the more I thought, the more I saw no way out.
Suddenly, Ron and Harry's laughter could be heard coming from the ladder. They obviously were just coming down, and hadn't noticed anything yet.
I glanced thankfully over Malfoy's shoulder, and attempted to push him aside, but he just grabbed my wrist, rather painfully, and thrust me back into the center of their human circle.
"Aw, little defenseless mudblood has forgotten her wand!" Malfoy seethed, and I noticed for the first time his own wand, twirling between his fingers. Then, he let out a low, malicious laugh. "Looks like she'll finally be getting what she deserves..."
"Something wrong here?" Ron asked, his voice in a forced calm.
Malfoy's eyes widened and he hastily thrust his wand back inside his robes. As he turned around to face Ron, I could see that Ron had had his own wand sticking into Malfoy's back.
"Just teaching your petty girlfriend a lesson or two."
"Well, class is over, and I suggest running. Fast. On the count of three." Ron was saying, his hand quivering from anger. "One..."
Malfoy cocked an eyebrow doubtfully.
"Two..."
He glanced down at Ron's wand apprehensively.
"Three."
In a rush of words and bursts of colorful light, Malfoy was down on the ground, clutching his throat in pain. Then, as soon as it started, it stopped, and he looked up at Ron with anger flashing in his eyes.
"What did you-" Malfoy asked, but stopped short. "I sound like a bloody girl!" he screeched.
Ron grinned, obviously pleased with himself. "And you'll sound that way until you find a way out of it. Now," he bent over and took a fistful of Malfoy's robes. "You leave her alone, and everything will be fine. If not, then you are asking for it. Understand?"
Malfoy nodded, his gray eyes flashing, but when he was released, he simply got up and left.
I spotted Harry a few feet away, explaining what had happened to some worried onlookers.
"You okay?" Ron asked, taking my shoulders and looking into my face.
"Yeah, I..." I felt very conflicted with overwhelming thankfulness, embarrassment, and the giddy trembles his touch sent up my arm. "I accidentally left my wand in Arithmancy. But...thanks. I don't know what would have happened if you hadn't shown up." At this, I reached up and wrapped my arms around his neck, pecking his cheek lightly.
When I pulled away, his skin had flushed and he had a silly grin on his face. "No problem. Just tell me next time he tries anything."
"You okay, Hermione?" Harry asked, finally showing up at my side.
"Yeah, just caught up in bad timing I suppose."
And we headed off to lunch.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Later that night, everyone was seated for dinner in the Great Hall. I was sitting next to Ron, and Harry and Ginny were in front of us. Everyone was deep in conversation since the food was excellent and the time of year was so...invigorating. I glanced up at the ceiling where the sky was a deep blue with a few mysterious storm clouds taking over sections of the star filled sky. Halloween was coming up, and it seemed to be in everyone's blood.
I was currently enjoying the fact that Ron and I were sitting in silence, 'accidentally' bumping up against each others legs every once in a while, and grinning stupidly, until Professor Dumbledore suddenly stood up and tapped his goblet with his wand.
"Can I have everyone's attention please?" he asked in his familiar raspy voice.
Silence immediately fell over the students, mostly from surprise and curiosity since announcements were not usually made on a regular basis.
"I am sure that you are fully aware that Halloween is currently coming up on us quite quickly. It has been one of my favorite holidays since I was a boy, and although this is somewhat beside the point, it is not completely. Over the years, I have been trying to convince Professor McGonagall here to celebrate it in some way, and for this first time, I have succeeded."
At this, there was a small smattering of applause, and he bowed his head gratefully, a small twinkle in his eye.
"And I am exceedingly pleased to announce that a Halloween ball will be held in this very room for fourth years and above on the special night. A partner is necessary, and dress robes will also be required. It shall be a fun-filled evening, and I am sure that this news will mostly go over well."
When the word 'mostly' escaped his lips, he glanced over at Ron and I, eyeing us suspiciously.
However, I wasn't very aware of this. When 'ball' had been stated, Ron's body physically contracted, and I was clasping my hands nervously in my lap. I was vaguely aware that practically everyone on the Gryffindor table was eyeing us warily, as well as some of the staff and other houses.
'I guess news travels pretty fast around here,' I thought bitterly, thinking back to the Yule Ball. Or more specifically, AFTER the Yule Ball. And I'm sure Ron was thinking the same thing.
"Okay, I'm full." I said shakily. "Who's up for some homework?"
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
~Ron's Point Of View~
'Next time, ask me before someone else does. Not as a last resort.' These words kept flashing through my head, and I all I could do was stare helplessly into the common room fire. How in the world could I gather up enough courage to ask her?
'There's no way.' I thought.
I glanced to my left again, where Hermione was diligently writing an essay. At my gaze, she looked up and glanced back down just as quickly.
I sighed and looked at what everyone else was doing around me. It seemed that a thick blanket of awkwardness had fallen over the usually loud common room. There seemed to be various groups of boys, and various groups of girls, but not a mix of both.
As I scanned the room, my gaze was pulled to Lavender who was staring at me with her eyebrows scrunched together. As soon as I looked at her, she seemed to make a final decision and hastily stood up. My eyes widened and I swiftly turned back to the fire.
'Please don't come over here, please don't come over here, please don't come over here,' I willed her silently.
"Hi, Ron." She said.
'Great. Just brilliant.' I thought sullenly.
"Hey." I muttered, trying to make her change her mind.
"I. Well. I." she cleared her throat loudly, drawing the attention of many Gryffindors. "I. Are. Do. Are you going to...to the ball...with...with anyone...in particular?"
I noticed her eyes dart over to Hermione's direction, but I chose to ignore it. "Uh, well Lavender, I'm...well, not really, but I'm...I'm not even sure...if I even want...if I even want to go or anything yet. I mean the announcement was just made tonight and...well...I thought..."
"Sorry, Lavender, he's going with me."
My jaw dropped. Physically. Was that Hermione? It couldn't be. Just my dreams trying to become real...
But Lavender looked behind me and glared. "But I thought he said he wasn't going with anyone." She said suspiciously.
"Oh, he must've forgotten. Come on, Ron, don't you remember?" she tapped my shoulder expectantly.
Finally I found my voice, which was no easy task. "Oh...oh yeah. Right. Sorry, Lavender."
She gave both of us one final glare and stalked off.
I took this as a sign to turn around. Hermione was standing behind me, looking more than mildly embarrassed and somewhat nervous.
"Right. Well, that takes care of that." Hermione said, beginning to inch away. "I just didn't think you wanted to go with her, so..."
I grabbed her wrist lightly, not wanting her to get too far before I could get this out. "Hermione...thanks...I...well, I wanted to ask you. But...well, you know me. So...Mione, would you like to go with me?"
I saw her worried expression melt into one of ecstasy. "Of course." She all but breathed.
I breathed a sigh of relief as well. "Oh. Good." I said, and I knew I was grinning like a maniac.
"Well, I guess I should get back to studying. Prefect test tomorrow, you know. And interview. So, I should probably prepare a bit more, and-"
"Alright. Have fun." I said. And I turned back to the fire, not believing what I'd actually done.
'Wait till I tell Harry,' I thought happily.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Author's Note: Oh my gosh. Please forgive me for taking so long! I really hate to upset you guys. But I have good news. There's only two or three chapters left, so I promise to have it done by the time school starts. I know I majorly owe it to you guys. But thanks for reviewing! And I hope you review again too. Please don't be too mad. :S
Jammie-Bro: Yay! I'm glad Ron rocks! I think so too, lol
Ron Weasley2: Of course you make it worth it! Thanks for the great reviews. You're welcome for the update, and I'm sorry this one took so much longer.
Phoenix72389: *gasps * Standing ovation?! "You love me! You really love me!" * clears throat *. Anyways. Thanks so much for the sweet review! I really love it. And the next update won't take NEARLY as long. Please don't hate me. I don't want to make you more impatient than absolutely necessary. :)
Abbeit: That was a great review! Thanks so much for taking the time. I'm glad you like!
HPnLOTRrox: Aw! You flatter me. Thanks so much!
MieFieldy: The best?! Wow thanks!!!
Rockelle: I'm glad you love it! I'm sorry this took so Looooooooooooooong, but it won't next time I promise.
Agrolass: Of course you were mentioned! You give some of the longest reviews, and I LOVE them to no end. Let me say now: sorry Ron and Hermione haven't kissed yet, but...NEXT CHAPTER! YAY! (but don't tell anyone)
tje-82871: Thanks! And here's an update just for you.
Alayna: I'm glad the update was worth the wait, and I hope this one was too.
Keika: YAY! I'm so flattered that your first review was to me. I'm really really glad you liked all the 'sweet' moments as much as I like writing them! I love your reviews, keep em up! lol
Princess Kallie: I'm glad you like it so much...sorry this update took so long :(
sugar_high4: lol, I'm glad you put that whole Keeper thing in yours too. Thanks for reviewing!
dudet: yay, I'm glad you liked it so much! And yes, I'll definitely email you. Sorry I didn't sooner, but I've been out of town for about two and half weeks. Thanks for the review!
powerpetal: Oh. My. Gosh. No one has ever called my writing 'enchanting' before!!! I'm so HAPPY I could jump off a wall!!! Thank you SO SO SO much. I luv ya! hehe
Graceful1: I'm glad you really want me to keep writing, and I will, and not with so much space in between too!!!
Precious phoenix: your demand is fulfilled! Here is your update. Forgive for the lateness your majesty!
NiteStar777: Yay! Aw! Good word. Thanks for the review!
Crazy4RonW: Fine. We can share him. Okay? SHARE! lol. Thanks for the review.
She-who-can-be-named-but-prefers-not-to-be: I'm glad you like it! Thanks for reviewing.
Phi-cong: like, cute! Right on! Thanks for reviewing!
Shelby6: If I could, I would give you a whole plate of cookies. I want to thank you a million times for keep checking the story when I've been so HORRIBLY RUDE to not update! But if it makes it any better it's because I've been out of town and stuff, not because I was lazy. So, no, I'm not abandoning this story. Here is your update! I hope you like it.
Silver Ice: AHHHHHH! SIX WHOLE REVIEWS! I LOVE YOU! I love it when people do that. So fun. Thanks sooooo much, and I hope you like this update!
Chapter 7
~Hermione's Point Of View~
I bit my bottom lip in concentration as I finished scribbling down the last of my notes from Arithmancy. The professor then excused us for the day and I hastily rolled up my parchment and threw it and my quill into my bag with a smile on my face. I hurried out the door and toward the Divination tower where I had planned to surprise Ron (and Harry of course!), and my thoughts drifted to last night yet AGAIN.
I rounded the final corner that led to the Divination ladder, and I was met with a swarm of people working their way down. Suddenly, my breath caught in my chest, and I actually felt...was that nervousness?!
"Get a hold of yourself, Granger." I muttered to myself, fully aware that the grin had not taken a break from my face, despite my orders.
"What's this? A mudblood talking to herself? No great surprise there, I suppose." The ice-cold voice slithered down my back, and I unwillingly clenched my fists.
"Get lost, Malfoy. As quickly as humanly possible would be my preference." I muttered without giving him the decency of turning around and facing him.
But he took care of that for me as he and his cronies crowded around me. I rolled my eyes and attempted to step around them, and succeeded to walk straight into a wall. Crabbe and Goyle laughed at this, obviously taking their cue by Malfoy himself.
"Careful, there. After four and a half years in the Magical world, I would think that you would realize that you're a WITCH, not a GHOST." Malfoy drawled, frosty amusement in his voice.
"Thank you so much for the history lesson." I hissed at him, trying desperately to hold onto my temper. "But seeing as how I'm the one at the top of the class, and you happen to be the one failing, I would think that you would try to keep your little comments to yourself." Thinking that this would be a good time to scare him off, I thrust my hand into the pocket of my robes, grasping for my wand.
But it wasn't there.
My eyes widened as my hand searched blindly in my pocket over and over. And then it hit me. Out of my rush to get out of Arithmancy, I'd left it sitting on the desk.
The seriousness of this situation was sinking in quickly, and dread was starting to pour into my veins.
'Deserted Divination tower, evil Dark wizard, cornered against a wall, no wand...' my thoughts were racing, and the more I thought, the more I saw no way out.
Suddenly, Ron and Harry's laughter could be heard coming from the ladder. They obviously were just coming down, and hadn't noticed anything yet.
I glanced thankfully over Malfoy's shoulder, and attempted to push him aside, but he just grabbed my wrist, rather painfully, and thrust me back into the center of their human circle.
"Aw, little defenseless mudblood has forgotten her wand!" Malfoy seethed, and I noticed for the first time his own wand, twirling between his fingers. Then, he let out a low, malicious laugh. "Looks like she'll finally be getting what she deserves..."
"Something wrong here?" Ron asked, his voice in a forced calm.
Malfoy's eyes widened and he hastily thrust his wand back inside his robes. As he turned around to face Ron, I could see that Ron had had his own wand sticking into Malfoy's back.
"Just teaching your petty girlfriend a lesson or two."
"Well, class is over, and I suggest running. Fast. On the count of three." Ron was saying, his hand quivering from anger. "One..."
Malfoy cocked an eyebrow doubtfully.
"Two..."
He glanced down at Ron's wand apprehensively.
"Three."
In a rush of words and bursts of colorful light, Malfoy was down on the ground, clutching his throat in pain. Then, as soon as it started, it stopped, and he looked up at Ron with anger flashing in his eyes.
"What did you-" Malfoy asked, but stopped short. "I sound like a bloody girl!" he screeched.
Ron grinned, obviously pleased with himself. "And you'll sound that way until you find a way out of it. Now," he bent over and took a fistful of Malfoy's robes. "You leave her alone, and everything will be fine. If not, then you are asking for it. Understand?"
Malfoy nodded, his gray eyes flashing, but when he was released, he simply got up and left.
I spotted Harry a few feet away, explaining what had happened to some worried onlookers.
"You okay?" Ron asked, taking my shoulders and looking into my face.
"Yeah, I..." I felt very conflicted with overwhelming thankfulness, embarrassment, and the giddy trembles his touch sent up my arm. "I accidentally left my wand in Arithmancy. But...thanks. I don't know what would have happened if you hadn't shown up." At this, I reached up and wrapped my arms around his neck, pecking his cheek lightly.
When I pulled away, his skin had flushed and he had a silly grin on his face. "No problem. Just tell me next time he tries anything."
"You okay, Hermione?" Harry asked, finally showing up at my side.
"Yeah, just caught up in bad timing I suppose."
And we headed off to lunch.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Later that night, everyone was seated for dinner in the Great Hall. I was sitting next to Ron, and Harry and Ginny were in front of us. Everyone was deep in conversation since the food was excellent and the time of year was so...invigorating. I glanced up at the ceiling where the sky was a deep blue with a few mysterious storm clouds taking over sections of the star filled sky. Halloween was coming up, and it seemed to be in everyone's blood.
I was currently enjoying the fact that Ron and I were sitting in silence, 'accidentally' bumping up against each others legs every once in a while, and grinning stupidly, until Professor Dumbledore suddenly stood up and tapped his goblet with his wand.
"Can I have everyone's attention please?" he asked in his familiar raspy voice.
Silence immediately fell over the students, mostly from surprise and curiosity since announcements were not usually made on a regular basis.
"I am sure that you are fully aware that Halloween is currently coming up on us quite quickly. It has been one of my favorite holidays since I was a boy, and although this is somewhat beside the point, it is not completely. Over the years, I have been trying to convince Professor McGonagall here to celebrate it in some way, and for this first time, I have succeeded."
At this, there was a small smattering of applause, and he bowed his head gratefully, a small twinkle in his eye.
"And I am exceedingly pleased to announce that a Halloween ball will be held in this very room for fourth years and above on the special night. A partner is necessary, and dress robes will also be required. It shall be a fun-filled evening, and I am sure that this news will mostly go over well."
When the word 'mostly' escaped his lips, he glanced over at Ron and I, eyeing us suspiciously.
However, I wasn't very aware of this. When 'ball' had been stated, Ron's body physically contracted, and I was clasping my hands nervously in my lap. I was vaguely aware that practically everyone on the Gryffindor table was eyeing us warily, as well as some of the staff and other houses.
'I guess news travels pretty fast around here,' I thought bitterly, thinking back to the Yule Ball. Or more specifically, AFTER the Yule Ball. And I'm sure Ron was thinking the same thing.
"Okay, I'm full." I said shakily. "Who's up for some homework?"
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
~Ron's Point Of View~
'Next time, ask me before someone else does. Not as a last resort.' These words kept flashing through my head, and I all I could do was stare helplessly into the common room fire. How in the world could I gather up enough courage to ask her?
'There's no way.' I thought.
I glanced to my left again, where Hermione was diligently writing an essay. At my gaze, she looked up and glanced back down just as quickly.
I sighed and looked at what everyone else was doing around me. It seemed that a thick blanket of awkwardness had fallen over the usually loud common room. There seemed to be various groups of boys, and various groups of girls, but not a mix of both.
As I scanned the room, my gaze was pulled to Lavender who was staring at me with her eyebrows scrunched together. As soon as I looked at her, she seemed to make a final decision and hastily stood up. My eyes widened and I swiftly turned back to the fire.
'Please don't come over here, please don't come over here, please don't come over here,' I willed her silently.
"Hi, Ron." She said.
'Great. Just brilliant.' I thought sullenly.
"Hey." I muttered, trying to make her change her mind.
"I. Well. I." she cleared her throat loudly, drawing the attention of many Gryffindors. "I. Are. Do. Are you going to...to the ball...with...with anyone...in particular?"
I noticed her eyes dart over to Hermione's direction, but I chose to ignore it. "Uh, well Lavender, I'm...well, not really, but I'm...I'm not even sure...if I even want...if I even want to go or anything yet. I mean the announcement was just made tonight and...well...I thought..."
"Sorry, Lavender, he's going with me."
My jaw dropped. Physically. Was that Hermione? It couldn't be. Just my dreams trying to become real...
But Lavender looked behind me and glared. "But I thought he said he wasn't going with anyone." She said suspiciously.
"Oh, he must've forgotten. Come on, Ron, don't you remember?" she tapped my shoulder expectantly.
Finally I found my voice, which was no easy task. "Oh...oh yeah. Right. Sorry, Lavender."
She gave both of us one final glare and stalked off.
I took this as a sign to turn around. Hermione was standing behind me, looking more than mildly embarrassed and somewhat nervous.
"Right. Well, that takes care of that." Hermione said, beginning to inch away. "I just didn't think you wanted to go with her, so..."
I grabbed her wrist lightly, not wanting her to get too far before I could get this out. "Hermione...thanks...I...well, I wanted to ask you. But...well, you know me. So...Mione, would you like to go with me?"
I saw her worried expression melt into one of ecstasy. "Of course." She all but breathed.
I breathed a sigh of relief as well. "Oh. Good." I said, and I knew I was grinning like a maniac.
"Well, I guess I should get back to studying. Prefect test tomorrow, you know. And interview. So, I should probably prepare a bit more, and-"
"Alright. Have fun." I said. And I turned back to the fire, not believing what I'd actually done.
'Wait till I tell Harry,' I thought happily.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Author's Note: Oh my gosh. Please forgive me for taking so long! I really hate to upset you guys. But I have good news. There's only two or three chapters left, so I promise to have it done by the time school starts. I know I majorly owe it to you guys. But thanks for reviewing! And I hope you review again too. Please don't be too mad. :S
Jammie-Bro: Yay! I'm glad Ron rocks! I think so too, lol
Ron Weasley2: Of course you make it worth it! Thanks for the great reviews. You're welcome for the update, and I'm sorry this one took so much longer.
Phoenix72389: *gasps * Standing ovation?! "You love me! You really love me!" * clears throat *. Anyways. Thanks so much for the sweet review! I really love it. And the next update won't take NEARLY as long. Please don't hate me. I don't want to make you more impatient than absolutely necessary. :)
Abbeit: That was a great review! Thanks so much for taking the time. I'm glad you like!
HPnLOTRrox: Aw! You flatter me. Thanks so much!
MieFieldy: The best?! Wow thanks!!!
Rockelle: I'm glad you love it! I'm sorry this took so Looooooooooooooong, but it won't next time I promise.
Agrolass: Of course you were mentioned! You give some of the longest reviews, and I LOVE them to no end. Let me say now: sorry Ron and Hermione haven't kissed yet, but...NEXT CHAPTER! YAY! (but don't tell anyone)
tje-82871: Thanks! And here's an update just for you.
Alayna: I'm glad the update was worth the wait, and I hope this one was too.
Keika: YAY! I'm so flattered that your first review was to me. I'm really really glad you liked all the 'sweet' moments as much as I like writing them! I love your reviews, keep em up! lol
Princess Kallie: I'm glad you like it so much...sorry this update took so long :(
sugar_high4: lol, I'm glad you put that whole Keeper thing in yours too. Thanks for reviewing!
dudet: yay, I'm glad you liked it so much! And yes, I'll definitely email you. Sorry I didn't sooner, but I've been out of town for about two and half weeks. Thanks for the review!
powerpetal: Oh. My. Gosh. No one has ever called my writing 'enchanting' before!!! I'm so HAPPY I could jump off a wall!!! Thank you SO SO SO much. I luv ya! hehe
Graceful1: I'm glad you really want me to keep writing, and I will, and not with so much space in between too!!!
Precious phoenix: your demand is fulfilled! Here is your update. Forgive for the lateness your majesty!
NiteStar777: Yay! Aw! Good word. Thanks for the review!
Crazy4RonW: Fine. We can share him. Okay? SHARE! lol. Thanks for the review.
She-who-can-be-named-but-prefers-not-to-be: I'm glad you like it! Thanks for reviewing.
Phi-cong: like, cute! Right on! Thanks for reviewing!
Shelby6: If I could, I would give you a whole plate of cookies. I want to thank you a million times for keep checking the story when I've been so HORRIBLY RUDE to not update! But if it makes it any better it's because I've been out of town and stuff, not because I was lazy. So, no, I'm not abandoning this story. Here is your update! I hope you like it.
Silver Ice: AHHHHHH! SIX WHOLE REVIEWS! I LOVE YOU! I love it when people do that. So fun. Thanks sooooo much, and I hope you like this update!