Alesco
Chapter Twenty-Four---Destiny's Calling
*
Hermione watched Ron closely throughout lunch. He was unusually silent, but she was encouraged when he looked at her every now and then and gave her a big smile. Every time he did, he appeared very pleased. It made Hermione feel better, especially since Ron had been very upset when they'd met in the Great Hall. During the meal, he refused to talk about his conversation with Professor Forester.
Once Harry left to sit with Susan before Care of Magical Creatures, Hermione had the chance to talk quietly to Ron.
"What did Professor Forester say?" She said it very softly, close to his ear.
He turned to her, and put his hand over the hand she had placed on his thigh. He squeezed it, and rubbed his thumb over it gently. He said softly to her, "I can't control ghosts. That's why Professor Binns was hurt by what I did."
Hermione looked at him crossly. "What were you trying to do?"
Ron shrugged, and gave her a wary look. "I wanted him to stop talking."
Hermione turned away, and pulled her hand back. "Oh, Ron...." How could he be so...immature?
She heard Ron exhale an exasperated breath, and then he muttered, "Oh come on, Hermione. Don't give me that right now."
She turned to him. "Give you what, exactly?"
"That. What you always give me. Grief about homework, classes, and everything I do wrong. I know why you do it...and I was wrong to do that to Binns....." Ron muttered, and he wouldn't look into her eyes. "...but it's really irritating how you treat me sometimes."
Hermione felt anger well deep in her belly, and she had those old feelings again. They were the feelings she had when they were about to have an argument. A real argument...not like the many spurred on by frustrated desire.
She let out an irritated sound, and said firmly, "I didn't realize you felt that way about me."
Silence closed over them like a shroud, and Hermione turned to watch Neville and Ginny. Neville had an arm around Ginny, and she was practically sitting on his lap. That was probably why Professor McGonagall was sitting at the head table, a disproving look on her face. To Hermione's surprise, the Professor shook her head, and then turned her attention to her food. Hermione was certain the professor would get up and scold the two, but she didn't.
Before Hermione could think about it any further, Ron suddenly closed his arms around her. His soft breath brushed the hair near her ear.
"I'm sorry, Hermione. I'm sorry about making you fall asleep last night, when you wanted to....." Ron voice caught, and Hermione turned to him. She closed her arms around him, and hugged tightly. She realized that was one of the primary reasons she was upset. She didn't like Ron stopping her from doing what she so wanted to do with him.
She realized she never wanted to do what she'd done with Ron with anyone else. And she wanted to do more.
She wanted him to be the first....the only.
Ron wasn't done with his apology. "I'm sorry I embarrassed Neville, I'm sorry I made Harry stop shouting at you when we were at Hagrid's, I'm sorry about Professor Binns...." He pulled her ever closer, and Hermione began to fear her ribs were bending. "I'm sorry I'm not smart enough." He let out a heavy sigh.
Hermione became upset. She'd never intended Ron to think her "mothering" made him feel stupid. She'd only tried to be a guide, to help him, and she'd never be able to take his opinion of her back. The best she could do, she thought, was to be there for him.
Her words might be meaningless, after five full years of bickering, but she had to say them. "Ron, I never thought you were stupid." She pulled back, and looked into his eyes. She felt pinned by them, warmed by them. They made her smile.
He smiled back, that same smile he'd been giving her every since he'd spoken with Professor Forester. "So, am I forgiven?" He said huskily, taking both her hands in his.
"Yes." She nodded, and clenched his hands. "But Ron....I know why you did all those things. I'm not entirely ignorant." She looked down at their hands. "The professor asked you to try your powers, didn't she?"
Ron looked up, a pleased expression on his face. "Yup, she did."
Hermione nodded. "I figured she would have to do that sooner or later. After all, you can't develop these powers without seeing if they actually work." She leaned toward him, and said softly, "Guess what, Ron? They do. They work very well. So whatever the professor tells you, you really don't need to try them any more."
Ron looked much happier then he had before. Before they got up to go to Hagrid's class, Ron said, "Hermione, I need to ask you about something tonight. Will you--?"
Hermione was about to tell him her plan for the evening, when Harry came over to them. "Ready for class?" He asked happily.
Hermione sighed, and nodded. She clasped Ron's hand, gave him an affirmative look, and they headed out the door of the Great Hall.
*
Crookshanks had been well enough to go back to Gryffindor, so Ron and Harry accompanied Hermione and Crookshanks all the way back to the common room. Hermione purposefully closed Crookshanks up in the girl's dormitory, one of the safest places in all of Hogwarts. She made sure he would not be able to leave.
Thankfully, he had appeared in perfect health. Hermione was pleased that her cat was fine. She'd hugged Hagrid a dozen times before leaving his hut.
Hermione was now paired with Susan in Arithmancy, while Ron and Harry were in Divination. Professor Vector had asked them to decipher some particularly tricky numbers, and Susan was bent over their work, apparently concentrating intently. Hermione had never asked Susan about her relationship with Harry. She always thought that Susan wouldn't feel comfortable having Hermione pry into their relationship. After all, Hermione was Harry's closest female friend. Hermione knew she'd feel a little uncomfortable if Ron started talking to Harry in detail about their relationship.
So she was surprised, and felt a bit awkward, when Susan brought up the topic.
"No, you see how this one is linked to Pluto? And what about the third one? What do you think?" Hermione looked up at Susan, who was now gazing intently at her. Hermione raised her eyebrows, curious.
Susan visibly swallowed, and then she looked nervously at Hermione. "Harry and I..."
Hermione shook her head. "Susan, you don't need to--"
Susan put up her hand. "Hermione, I want to. You see, I really like Harry."
Hermione nodded. In fact, after thinking about the topic some more, she had realized that Susan had always had a remote interest in Harry. She remembered a few times when Susan had asked her about him. Hermione had never really paid much attention back then, but it was obvious now. "I know, Susan."
Susan smiled, and then leaned closer to Hermione. "We haven't done anything...you know."
Hermione was amazed at her confession. "Really, Susan, you don't have to--"
"It's just...I want to talk to someone who knows him." She cut Hermione off abruptly. "I don't want to go that far yet with him. But it seems like...ever since we kissed....Harry's been so dedicated to me. I know he's had some difficult times in the past. What if he really doesn't care for me like that? What if I'm just a diversion?" Susan's voice was broken, as she settled her head heavily on her propped-up arm.
Hermione realized she hadn't had a close conversation with Harry for weeks. She would have loved to offer to talk to him for Susan's sake, but she didn't want to become involved in their relationship. It was, after all, theirs. They had to work out their own problems, and she had no intention of becoming a "fifth wheel."
"I think you need to talk with Harry about that." Hermione said softly, and straightened when she saw Professor Vector heading to their table. Bending over their work, Hermione tried to get them back on task.
The class was over all too soon; Hermione was getting excited about the results of their progress. Packing up her belongings, she started for the door.
Susan stopped her from leaving with a hand on her arm.
"Hermione...do you..." She stopped, and blushed, and continued in a whisper. "Do you...you know...with Ron?"
Hermione looked at the floor. It was exactly as she'd predicted. Everyone knew how close she was getting to Ron.
She watched as the room emptied of students. Finally, looking up at Susan, she said, "No."
"You don't?" Susan gave her an astonished look. "You two have had a thing for each other for as long as I can remember."
"What?" Hermione looked sharply at Susan, and she felt her eyes widen. Had it really been that obvious, all these years?
"You and Ron. I mean, you two were always fighting, and a rumor started going around...with the girls, of course. It all came true this year." Susan said this in a whisper. "Don't be upset, Hermione. We didn't mean anything bad by it. After all, it's obvious you're really in love with him. He's pretty absorbed with you, too." Susan started to nudge her toward the door, and the walked out slowly.
"That's why I'm so surprised you haven't...." Susan's face was flushed. "I mean...all those years.."
Hermione's body was burning. True, she'd loved Ron for a very long time. There had been so many times she'd wanted to simply grab him and kiss him into silence. Of course, she'd held back on those impulses....just as she held back her anger so many times before.
Hermione draped a arm around Susan, in an effort of companionship. They walked toward the stairwell, where they would part ways.
Susan leaned in again, and whispered, "I wonder what it's like."
Hermione gave her a small smile. "So do I. I do have a couple of nice books about the topic. If you want to borrow some, I'll be happy to lend them to you."
Susan blushed even more furiously. "I mean...I know what some of it feels like. But what about....when he--I heard that it hurts."
Hermione took the girls shoulders in her hands. "I'll bring some books with me to class next time, okay? Of course, they're not like the real thing, but at least they'll inform you of what to expect. There's one more thing I want to tell you, though. Don't do anything if you're not ready." Hermione sighed. It was odd being a counselor on this topic.
Susan gave her a funny look, and if Hermione judged correctly, it was a look of incredulity.
Hermione was beginning to think everyone thought she should have been with Ron ages ago.
Hermione's body was on fire, and her heart pounded intensely...as she realized she thought the exact same way.
Climbing into the portrait hole, Hermione pulled out her books. She tried to occupy herself until Harry and Ron arrived from Divination. She had plenty to talk to Ron about.
It was a pity she would have to wait until after the evening meal, and Ron's session with Professor Forester, before she could go into depth with him.
*
Each time Hermione tried to whisper to Ron at the evening meal, or every time Ron attempted to talk to her, they were interrupted. Dean kept talking loudly to Neville in some sort of code, which made Ginny shout at them both in irritation. Apparently, Dean was still upset at Ginny dropping him so quickly for Neville. Hermione had witnessed a few angry tirades between the two boys, but thankfully it had never crossed the line into actual physical fighting. Hermione would hate to recommend a detention by McGonagall if that happened.
Harry asked Ron about Bill, which caused Ron to fall into a long, heated silence. Apparently, it wasn't a topic Ron was happy with. Hermione gave Harry an arch look. She was glad Harry was concerned...but they hadn't heard anything since Ron's mum had sent her letter. Hermione was glad nothing else had happened....but she was all the more concerned about Bill. He'd been missing too long for it to have been a random act of violence.
Hermione had been allowing her mind to wander to some of the events in the past couple of months. She had some theories about what had been going on, but she dared not voice them to Harry or Ron. In fact, one day those theories caused her to go up to the sixth-year boy's dormitory and view the Marauder's Map. There wasn't anything unusual on it, so her theory had been shot down. At least....the theory was less likely than it had been before. She couldn't account for anything out of the map's range.
She was crazy to be thinking up these scenarios, when there was very little proof. After all, if what she thought was going on were true, something terrible would have happened by now. Well....something had....but not at Hogwarts.
Pushing those concerns aside, she gave put her arm around Ron's waist and gave him an impulsive hug. When she turned to look at him, he had a sad look in his eyes.
He was looking at his old, scratched pocketwatch. "Time to see the professor." His voice was as heavy as lead being dropped into water.
Hermione gave him a sympathetic look.
Dean and Neville had suddenly began arguing loudly again. Anything she said to Ron at that moment would be lost in their voices.
Ron took that moment to lean close to her and whisper quickly, "Meet me at the hog's statue in the entryway at 7:30."
The argument between Dean and Neville reached a fever pitch as Ron stood up and walked quickly out of the Great Hall.
Hermione stood up, nearly the same time as Ginny. Hermoine said firmly, "Cut it out, you two." She couldn't tell what Ginny had said, but it wasn't polite.
Hermione hadn't even seen Professor McGonagall get up from the head table. She was now at their table, giving all four of them concerned looks.
"I'm surprised at the behavior of you four....three sixth years and a fifth year--and two prefects, to boot! I ask that you calm down. Some students are practicing after-dinner study." Professor McGonagall gave Hermione a sharp look, as if to tell her she expected better out of her.
Hermione nodded to the professor. "I'm sorry, Professor McGonagall." She sat down, and pushed her plate aside.
Between feeling bad about the argument with Neville and Dean, and concerned about Harry's relationship with Susan, she wondered what Ron was planning tonight. If only she'd had a chance to talk to him longer......
They'd have plenty of time tonight. She'd make sure of that.
Chapter Twenty-Four---Destiny's Calling
*
Hermione watched Ron closely throughout lunch. He was unusually silent, but she was encouraged when he looked at her every now and then and gave her a big smile. Every time he did, he appeared very pleased. It made Hermione feel better, especially since Ron had been very upset when they'd met in the Great Hall. During the meal, he refused to talk about his conversation with Professor Forester.
Once Harry left to sit with Susan before Care of Magical Creatures, Hermione had the chance to talk quietly to Ron.
"What did Professor Forester say?" She said it very softly, close to his ear.
He turned to her, and put his hand over the hand she had placed on his thigh. He squeezed it, and rubbed his thumb over it gently. He said softly to her, "I can't control ghosts. That's why Professor Binns was hurt by what I did."
Hermione looked at him crossly. "What were you trying to do?"
Ron shrugged, and gave her a wary look. "I wanted him to stop talking."
Hermione turned away, and pulled her hand back. "Oh, Ron...." How could he be so...immature?
She heard Ron exhale an exasperated breath, and then he muttered, "Oh come on, Hermione. Don't give me that right now."
She turned to him. "Give you what, exactly?"
"That. What you always give me. Grief about homework, classes, and everything I do wrong. I know why you do it...and I was wrong to do that to Binns....." Ron muttered, and he wouldn't look into her eyes. "...but it's really irritating how you treat me sometimes."
Hermione felt anger well deep in her belly, and she had those old feelings again. They were the feelings she had when they were about to have an argument. A real argument...not like the many spurred on by frustrated desire.
She let out an irritated sound, and said firmly, "I didn't realize you felt that way about me."
Silence closed over them like a shroud, and Hermione turned to watch Neville and Ginny. Neville had an arm around Ginny, and she was practically sitting on his lap. That was probably why Professor McGonagall was sitting at the head table, a disproving look on her face. To Hermione's surprise, the Professor shook her head, and then turned her attention to her food. Hermione was certain the professor would get up and scold the two, but she didn't.
Before Hermione could think about it any further, Ron suddenly closed his arms around her. His soft breath brushed the hair near her ear.
"I'm sorry, Hermione. I'm sorry about making you fall asleep last night, when you wanted to....." Ron voice caught, and Hermione turned to him. She closed her arms around him, and hugged tightly. She realized that was one of the primary reasons she was upset. She didn't like Ron stopping her from doing what she so wanted to do with him.
She realized she never wanted to do what she'd done with Ron with anyone else. And she wanted to do more.
She wanted him to be the first....the only.
Ron wasn't done with his apology. "I'm sorry I embarrassed Neville, I'm sorry I made Harry stop shouting at you when we were at Hagrid's, I'm sorry about Professor Binns...." He pulled her ever closer, and Hermione began to fear her ribs were bending. "I'm sorry I'm not smart enough." He let out a heavy sigh.
Hermione became upset. She'd never intended Ron to think her "mothering" made him feel stupid. She'd only tried to be a guide, to help him, and she'd never be able to take his opinion of her back. The best she could do, she thought, was to be there for him.
Her words might be meaningless, after five full years of bickering, but she had to say them. "Ron, I never thought you were stupid." She pulled back, and looked into his eyes. She felt pinned by them, warmed by them. They made her smile.
He smiled back, that same smile he'd been giving her every since he'd spoken with Professor Forester. "So, am I forgiven?" He said huskily, taking both her hands in his.
"Yes." She nodded, and clenched his hands. "But Ron....I know why you did all those things. I'm not entirely ignorant." She looked down at their hands. "The professor asked you to try your powers, didn't she?"
Ron looked up, a pleased expression on his face. "Yup, she did."
Hermione nodded. "I figured she would have to do that sooner or later. After all, you can't develop these powers without seeing if they actually work." She leaned toward him, and said softly, "Guess what, Ron? They do. They work very well. So whatever the professor tells you, you really don't need to try them any more."
Ron looked much happier then he had before. Before they got up to go to Hagrid's class, Ron said, "Hermione, I need to ask you about something tonight. Will you--?"
Hermione was about to tell him her plan for the evening, when Harry came over to them. "Ready for class?" He asked happily.
Hermione sighed, and nodded. She clasped Ron's hand, gave him an affirmative look, and they headed out the door of the Great Hall.
*
Crookshanks had been well enough to go back to Gryffindor, so Ron and Harry accompanied Hermione and Crookshanks all the way back to the common room. Hermione purposefully closed Crookshanks up in the girl's dormitory, one of the safest places in all of Hogwarts. She made sure he would not be able to leave.
Thankfully, he had appeared in perfect health. Hermione was pleased that her cat was fine. She'd hugged Hagrid a dozen times before leaving his hut.
Hermione was now paired with Susan in Arithmancy, while Ron and Harry were in Divination. Professor Vector had asked them to decipher some particularly tricky numbers, and Susan was bent over their work, apparently concentrating intently. Hermione had never asked Susan about her relationship with Harry. She always thought that Susan wouldn't feel comfortable having Hermione pry into their relationship. After all, Hermione was Harry's closest female friend. Hermione knew she'd feel a little uncomfortable if Ron started talking to Harry in detail about their relationship.
So she was surprised, and felt a bit awkward, when Susan brought up the topic.
"No, you see how this one is linked to Pluto? And what about the third one? What do you think?" Hermione looked up at Susan, who was now gazing intently at her. Hermione raised her eyebrows, curious.
Susan visibly swallowed, and then she looked nervously at Hermione. "Harry and I..."
Hermione shook her head. "Susan, you don't need to--"
Susan put up her hand. "Hermione, I want to. You see, I really like Harry."
Hermione nodded. In fact, after thinking about the topic some more, she had realized that Susan had always had a remote interest in Harry. She remembered a few times when Susan had asked her about him. Hermione had never really paid much attention back then, but it was obvious now. "I know, Susan."
Susan smiled, and then leaned closer to Hermione. "We haven't done anything...you know."
Hermione was amazed at her confession. "Really, Susan, you don't have to--"
"It's just...I want to talk to someone who knows him." She cut Hermione off abruptly. "I don't want to go that far yet with him. But it seems like...ever since we kissed....Harry's been so dedicated to me. I know he's had some difficult times in the past. What if he really doesn't care for me like that? What if I'm just a diversion?" Susan's voice was broken, as she settled her head heavily on her propped-up arm.
Hermione realized she hadn't had a close conversation with Harry for weeks. She would have loved to offer to talk to him for Susan's sake, but she didn't want to become involved in their relationship. It was, after all, theirs. They had to work out their own problems, and she had no intention of becoming a "fifth wheel."
"I think you need to talk with Harry about that." Hermione said softly, and straightened when she saw Professor Vector heading to their table. Bending over their work, Hermione tried to get them back on task.
The class was over all too soon; Hermione was getting excited about the results of their progress. Packing up her belongings, she started for the door.
Susan stopped her from leaving with a hand on her arm.
"Hermione...do you..." She stopped, and blushed, and continued in a whisper. "Do you...you know...with Ron?"
Hermione looked at the floor. It was exactly as she'd predicted. Everyone knew how close she was getting to Ron.
She watched as the room emptied of students. Finally, looking up at Susan, she said, "No."
"You don't?" Susan gave her an astonished look. "You two have had a thing for each other for as long as I can remember."
"What?" Hermione looked sharply at Susan, and she felt her eyes widen. Had it really been that obvious, all these years?
"You and Ron. I mean, you two were always fighting, and a rumor started going around...with the girls, of course. It all came true this year." Susan said this in a whisper. "Don't be upset, Hermione. We didn't mean anything bad by it. After all, it's obvious you're really in love with him. He's pretty absorbed with you, too." Susan started to nudge her toward the door, and the walked out slowly.
"That's why I'm so surprised you haven't...." Susan's face was flushed. "I mean...all those years.."
Hermione's body was burning. True, she'd loved Ron for a very long time. There had been so many times she'd wanted to simply grab him and kiss him into silence. Of course, she'd held back on those impulses....just as she held back her anger so many times before.
Hermione draped a arm around Susan, in an effort of companionship. They walked toward the stairwell, where they would part ways.
Susan leaned in again, and whispered, "I wonder what it's like."
Hermione gave her a small smile. "So do I. I do have a couple of nice books about the topic. If you want to borrow some, I'll be happy to lend them to you."
Susan blushed even more furiously. "I mean...I know what some of it feels like. But what about....when he--I heard that it hurts."
Hermione took the girls shoulders in her hands. "I'll bring some books with me to class next time, okay? Of course, they're not like the real thing, but at least they'll inform you of what to expect. There's one more thing I want to tell you, though. Don't do anything if you're not ready." Hermione sighed. It was odd being a counselor on this topic.
Susan gave her a funny look, and if Hermione judged correctly, it was a look of incredulity.
Hermione was beginning to think everyone thought she should have been with Ron ages ago.
Hermione's body was on fire, and her heart pounded intensely...as she realized she thought the exact same way.
Climbing into the portrait hole, Hermione pulled out her books. She tried to occupy herself until Harry and Ron arrived from Divination. She had plenty to talk to Ron about.
It was a pity she would have to wait until after the evening meal, and Ron's session with Professor Forester, before she could go into depth with him.
*
Each time Hermione tried to whisper to Ron at the evening meal, or every time Ron attempted to talk to her, they were interrupted. Dean kept talking loudly to Neville in some sort of code, which made Ginny shout at them both in irritation. Apparently, Dean was still upset at Ginny dropping him so quickly for Neville. Hermione had witnessed a few angry tirades between the two boys, but thankfully it had never crossed the line into actual physical fighting. Hermione would hate to recommend a detention by McGonagall if that happened.
Harry asked Ron about Bill, which caused Ron to fall into a long, heated silence. Apparently, it wasn't a topic Ron was happy with. Hermione gave Harry an arch look. She was glad Harry was concerned...but they hadn't heard anything since Ron's mum had sent her letter. Hermione was glad nothing else had happened....but she was all the more concerned about Bill. He'd been missing too long for it to have been a random act of violence.
Hermione had been allowing her mind to wander to some of the events in the past couple of months. She had some theories about what had been going on, but she dared not voice them to Harry or Ron. In fact, one day those theories caused her to go up to the sixth-year boy's dormitory and view the Marauder's Map. There wasn't anything unusual on it, so her theory had been shot down. At least....the theory was less likely than it had been before. She couldn't account for anything out of the map's range.
She was crazy to be thinking up these scenarios, when there was very little proof. After all, if what she thought was going on were true, something terrible would have happened by now. Well....something had....but not at Hogwarts.
Pushing those concerns aside, she gave put her arm around Ron's waist and gave him an impulsive hug. When she turned to look at him, he had a sad look in his eyes.
He was looking at his old, scratched pocketwatch. "Time to see the professor." His voice was as heavy as lead being dropped into water.
Hermione gave him a sympathetic look.
Dean and Neville had suddenly began arguing loudly again. Anything she said to Ron at that moment would be lost in their voices.
Ron took that moment to lean close to her and whisper quickly, "Meet me at the hog's statue in the entryway at 7:30."
The argument between Dean and Neville reached a fever pitch as Ron stood up and walked quickly out of the Great Hall.
Hermione stood up, nearly the same time as Ginny. Hermoine said firmly, "Cut it out, you two." She couldn't tell what Ginny had said, but it wasn't polite.
Hermione hadn't even seen Professor McGonagall get up from the head table. She was now at their table, giving all four of them concerned looks.
"I'm surprised at the behavior of you four....three sixth years and a fifth year--and two prefects, to boot! I ask that you calm down. Some students are practicing after-dinner study." Professor McGonagall gave Hermione a sharp look, as if to tell her she expected better out of her.
Hermione nodded to the professor. "I'm sorry, Professor McGonagall." She sat down, and pushed her plate aside.
Between feeling bad about the argument with Neville and Dean, and concerned about Harry's relationship with Susan, she wondered what Ron was planning tonight. If only she'd had a chance to talk to him longer......
They'd have plenty of time tonight. She'd make sure of that.