Alesco
Chapter Thirty-One---Eye on the Spy
*
"What was all that about?" Ron took a look at Hermione, who was gazing raptly at Harry's retreating back.
Hermione sighed, and grabbed Ron's hand. "I bet he's gone upstairs to get the Marauder's Map. I've already looked at it, I didn't see anything."
Ginny and Neville perked up beside them. "The what?" Ginny and Nevile blurted at once.
"Uh....I'll explain later." Ron said quickly, and turned to whisper to Hermione. "When did you do that?"
"About two months ago." Hermione whispered back.
"That long? What did you expect to find?" Ron scratched his head with his free hand, and flexed the hand gripped by Hermione. She was holding on so tight, his hand was tingling.
Hermione relaxed, apparently feeling his movement. She pulled her hand away. "Sorry."
"No, don't let go." Ron uttered, and reach out to grasp her hand again.
She shot him a pleased look, which he returned.
Holding his hand more gently, she said softly, "I was hoping to see anything--or, more specifically, anyone out of ordinary. I didn't-"
Harry was running down the stairs now, and when Ron saw him emerge from the stairwell, he wasn't holding the Marauder's Map.
Instead, he had a pocket sneakoscope in his hand, the very same one that Ron had given Harry for his thirteenth birthday. Ron began to smile, remembering that occasion very well. He'd used Errol to deliver Harry's package, and he wasn't supposed to. The sneakoscope wouldn't stop making noise.
"Brilliant!" Hermione said excitedly. "I didn't even think about your sneakoscope!" Ron felt her sit up straighter next to him. Ron also noticed that his sister had stopped clutching Neville as if life depended on it, and was gazing warily at the device.
Harry looked pleased; until he reached the four. Gradually, the sneakoscope began to chime and vibrate irritatingly.
Ron took a deep breath, and he felt his eyes widen....what if the spy was in the room right now, as they spoke? He looked behind him, afraid.
Harry was standing dead still, next to the table still covered with cold food. He had his hand outstretched in front of him, holding the sneakoscope in his palm as if it was a dirty sock. It continued to vibrate enthusiastically and chime loudly.
The four stood up right away. After a moment, Ron noticed that Ginny's face was very red, and she was giving Neville a concerned look. When Ginny caught his eye, she looked at the floor. Then, she said softly, "Ron....."
"What?" He blurted, trying to figure out what was wrong.
"I haven't been totally honest with you." She was looking at the floor. "Neville and I...."
Ron gasped, and felt his face and ears heat. He put his hands over his ears. "Don't say it...I already know."
He closed his eyes, and prayed Ginny wouldn't voice what he already knew she'd done with Neville. And judging by all the bottles of potion they'd been making, they planned on doing....a lot of it.
Ron cringed.
He opened his eyes, and saw Ginny mouthing to him. He slowly pulled his hands from his ears.
"You do?" She repeated, rolling her eyes, her face still red.
"Yeah. I mean...." Ron eyed at the sneakoscope that was still chiming in Harry's hand. Then he realised why it was going off.
He muttered angrily, "I stole your Connubium potion, Neville."
The sneakoscope gradually fell silent, and everyone in the room exhaled with relief. That is, Ron noticed, except for Neville. He was trembling, and his face looked pale.
"R-Ron...it wasn't....I mean I..." Neville stuttered, and then Ginny stepped between him and Ron.
"If you want to hit him, you're going to have to go through me." She said gravely, and crossed her arms.
The way she was standing, and the expression on her face, made Ron realise how old she was becoming. In fact, she was much taller then he ever remembered her, and she was growing into a...he felt loath to admit it...very pretty young woman.
He felt himself smile, and a surge of pride rushed inside him, because of the way she was standing up for herself...and for Neville.
Turning away, trying not to smile too much, he said gruffly, "I won't hit him....for now." At that, he felt he could control his urge to smile. He turned back, and gave Neville what he hoped was a fierce glare. "But if you break her heart--" He took one fist and pounded it energetically into his palm.
Neville shuddered, and stuttered, "Yes, sir...I mean, Ron..." He looked away, and his face reddened.
Ron couldn't hold back a laugh, and Ginny gave him a quick hug.
"So, you and Hermione?" Ginny said, shooting Hermione a smile.
Ron's face burned, and he noticed Hermione blush and look nervously toward Harry.
Before anything else could be said, people began to trickle into the common room.
Harry handed the sneakoscope to Ron.
Ron realised, through the unspoken implication from Harry, that Ron should carry the sneakoscope with him. Then, they would investigate whoever was nearby, if it went off.
~*~
The next week flew by faster than Ron could have ever dreamed, and with it, concerns. Ron had forgotten to use the Invalesco Mirror for a while, but hadn't had any ill effects. When he'd spoken to Professor Forester, she said he no longer needed to use it daily. When Ron offered to give it back, the professor refused. She said he'd better keep it...just in case.
Ron's mum had sent a letter for him and Ginny, and they'd read it together. His mum continued to ask them to keep an eye out, and said that Bill was still unconscious. Ginny was angry, wondering why they couldn't see Bill. All Ron could do was say he was upset--and that he hoped Bill would be okay.
Nights were spent holding Hermione close to him...and loving her. It was amazing that one taste of her only made him crave her more. Early one morning, Hermione admitted she felt the same type of desire for Ron. He'd blushed all the way to his toes. It startled him that he could make Hermione, Hogwart's top student, desire him desperately.
His desire for her seemed to grow, instead of weaken. It was frustrating, even unnerving, whenever Ron stared at her, and she saw. She would ask if he was okay, and he'd say he was fine. The sneakoscope always went off at that moment.
Hermione would only laugh, and Ron would have to tell her how he really felt.
They lost points in Potions every other for whispering too much.
By Wednesday, the sneakoscope was getting Ron into too much trouble, so they chose to abandon the idea. There were far to many dishonest students at Hogwarts to expect it could detect one wrongdoer. Unsurprisingly, the sneakoscope went off every time they passed a Slytherin, Malfoy in particular.
Hermione had sadly told Harry it had been a good idea. Harry's spirits fell considerably.
~*~
That Wednesday, before Hermione joined Ron in bed, Harry brought up the topic of his relationship with Susan. Ron had tried to avoid Harry whenever he started talking about this, but Ron was lying in bed, dozing. Harry had caught him off guard when he sat on the edge of Ron's bed and shut the curtains around them.
Ron felt the bed move, and opened his eyes. "What, Harry?" he asked groggily.
"I need to talk to you." Harry muttered.
Ron sat up. "Oh, come on, Harry...." He rubbed his eyes.
"Hermione's coming up here tonight, isn't she?" Harry asked deeply.
"Harry...." Ron blinked, and looked at his friend. Finally, he said, "Yeah, she is."
"And you two are really...?" Harry swallowed, and Ron thought he saw a little pink in his cheeks.
Ron looked down, his face burning. "Yeah."
Harry cleared his throat. "Well....I hope you're still using the potion." He turned away, looking awkward.
Ron groaned. "Yeah, we're going to start making some this week. We're taking more than we need to."
Harry opened his mouth....then closed it...then opened it again. Finally, he choked out, "If you, uh, need some anytime, Susan and I made a dozen bottles worth."
Ron sat up at that gazing astonishly at this friend. He blurted loudly, "A dozen?!"
Harry turned around, and then glared at Ron. "Shhh!"
"Oh, they don't care." Ron grumbled. "But, by Gods, Harry, do you need that many?"
Harry was apparently very embarressed. "Yeah, we do. We're taking more then we really need, and it's nice to know it's there."
Ron sighed. "Yeah."
"So...uh....don't tell me any details or anything...but...what do you think?" Harry's eyes were darting about to everything but Ron.
Ron inhaled deeply at the question. He hadn't expected it, but in a way it would be nice to tell someone how incredible it was. "It's...fantastic."
"Yeah." Harry choked out, and nodded his head.
Harry started to step out Ron's curtains. Then, he looked back. "Hey, remember what you told Neville about your sister a couple days ago?"
Ron frowned. At first he didn't know what Harry was talking about. He shook his head.
"You said you'd hit him if he broke her heart. Sorry, mate, but I'll do the same thing to you if you break Hermione's heart."
Harry grimaced, and then stepped out.
Ron said loudly, "No chance of that, brother. No chance whatsoever."
And he meant it.
~*~
Saturday morning approached, and Professor Dumbledore made an announcement at breakfast.
"I know you are all eager about the first trip of the year to Hogsmeade. Due to recent events, we will be modifying your visit today slightly. Only seven groups of five will be allowed to visit at one time, and each group of five will be accompanied by a teacher."
Ron snorted, as a loud groan erupted from the student body. Dumbledore raised his hands.
Ron didn't like staying at Hogwarts, but at least those going wouldn't have as much fun as they normally did. He listened as Dumbledore continued.
"Your visit will be limited to a maximum of twenty minutes, so I suggest you complete your holiday shopping before completing your other activities. I assure you that all students who want to go will be able to."
Ron took Hermione's hand and stood up, as they had finished with their breakfast. Ron was pleased that they planned to spend a quiet day in the common room, talking about the week, and planning what they could do to flush out the spy. Harry and Susan were still planning to go to Hogsmeade, and Ginny and Neville were, of course, stuck at Hogwarts.
~*~
When they reached the common room, Hermione insisted that they study. Ron was getting his normal workload again, and Hermione was always badgering him about making sure it was done. In fact, one night, when Hermione came to his bed, she had her bookbag with her and insisted they finish a Potion's essay, before they.....
Ron had to admit it was a great incentive to get the work done. Especially when Hermione kept rubbing his bare leg with her bare foot and calve, or when she deliberately sucked at the tip of her quill....
Ron let out a little moan.
Hermione, now sitting at a table in the common room, writing on a peice of parchment, looked up with concern. "What's wrong, Ron?"
Ron's face burned. "Ah, nothing, Herm." He'd begun shortening her name every now and then. It was easier to shout when.....
He burned much hotter.
Hermione was looking at him in a knowing way, and she reached out and grabbed his hand. "How long is your parchment?"
Ron's eyes widened, and he stuttered, "Er, uh, what?" He was having trouble breathing.
Hermione looked at him silently for a moment, and then put her head in her hands. To Ron, it sounded as if she was crying.
"Hermione? Are you okay?" Ron reached out and brushed her arm, and she finally looked up at him. She was laughing, and her face was flushed. Ron felt himself frown and blush.
She tried to catch her breath, and then she looked briefly down at his trousers. "THAT'S not what I'm talking about, Ron." She looked in his eyes, smiling. "Your Transfiguration essay....how many inches?"
"Uh...er..." He took out his ruler, and measured the parchment. Just one more inch, and he'd be done.
"Okay, so we'll finish the essay, and then...." The look she gave him made him swallow, and squirm in the chair. His jeans were becoming far too tight.
Hermione smiled, and moved over to whisper to him. "We'll sneak upstairs and make sweet love." When she moved back, her brown eyes were burning into his.
Ron choked out, "This early?"
"It isn't too early." Hermione said efficiently, matter-of-factly, dipping her quill into the inkwell next to her and writing neatly on the parchment in front of her.
Ron blinked, and looked at her hand. It was trembling.
He smiled. Two could play at this game.
Moving his leg against hers, he rubbed her leg up and down.
"Mmmm. Nice." Hermione said, almost boredly. Ron could tell she liked it, though, because she began to squirm.
Hermione's free hand drifted to his thigh. She rubbed and caressed it lovingly.
Then, her hand began to run along......
Ron exhaled loudly. "Shit, Hermione!" He said through his teeth.
A few students waiting to leave for Hogsmeade heard him, and looked over. Hermione abruptly pulled her hand away.
Ron breathed a sigh of relief. But she was not going to get away with that.
He reached an arm around Hermione, and gently brushed his fingertips dangerously close to the curvature of her right breast. He knew it was her weak point, and he practically felt her melt onto his arm.
She leaned back against his arm, and then turned so her lips were next to his ear. "Oh, Ron, I can't wait any longer."
Her hot breath on his ear was his breaking point. Standing up rather awkwardly, due to his physical condition, he pulled the jumper he wore down as far as it would go, and calmy escorted Hermione out the portrait hole. They were heading to the Room of Requirement. There were far too many people in the common room to see them sneak up to the dormitory, and Ron wanted to spend as much time as he could with Hermione. They would have no interuptions.
~*~
Hermione's naked upper body was draped over Ron's chest. Ron gently stroked her sweaty back and shoulder, before leaning downward to kiss her lips softly.
"Is it always supposed to be like this?" Hermione whispered against his chest.
"Like what?" Ron felt his voice rumble deep in his chest.
"Better every time?"
Ron smiled. "I certainly hope so."
Hermione sighed, and moved closer to him. "I'm knackered."
"Mmm, me too." Ron muttered, and stifled a yawn.
They lay quietly together for a moment, before Ron began to doze off.
~*~
Malfoy was walking in the dungeons, to Professor Snape's quarters. He was holding something in his hand, behind his back. He knocked at Snape's door, and Snape let him in. Snape left the door open, and said something muffled. Malfoy threw what he was holding to the floor.
On the floor, in place of what Malfoy had thrown, a man with a black cape stood up. The man in the cape, his face hidden, turned, and his wand was pointed at Snape.
The man in the black cape stuttered something, and a weak beam of green light hit Snape in the chest. Snape had barely raised his wand in defense. He fell to the floor, and Malfoy laughed with glee.
The man in the cape said, "Stay here....don't bring attention to yourself." His voice was shrill.
Malfoy sneered at the man, and then started rifling on Snape's desk.
The man took floo powder from the pot in the mantle and threw it into the lit fireplace. He stepped inside the grate, and said with a squeak, "The Hog's Head."
The man disapeared in the flame, and Malfoy suddenly turned to the door. He looked incredulous, and said, "What the fuck do you think you're doing in here, Wea--"
Someone punched Malfoy in the face.
~*~
Ron shot up from the bed....Hermione's bed.
At first, he was disoriented. Then, he knew what he had to do.
Getting up, he searched for his clothes. Tugging his jeans on with haste, he barely realised that naked Hermione was glaring at him through sleeply eyes.
"What's wrong?" She asked groggily, blinking.
"I've got to go down to the dungeons, to Snape's quarters. Tell Ginny, and if possible, Dumbledore." Ron said quickly.
Hermione stood up, reaching for her clothes on the floor. "What are you talking about?"
"Just do it...please." Ron tugged his jumper over his head, before ducking down and gently kissing her on the lips. "I'll see you down there, okay?" He gave her a hard look.
"Yeah, definately." Hermione nodded, looking fully awake. She was pulling on her knickers, and searching for her bra, when Ron ran out of the room.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
All-righty, I'm going to take a while to compose the final sequence of events, to make sure I don't mess anything up. You can expect a full conclusion to this story this weekend....unless something unexpected happens. I truly hope you like how I've written this story, and if you don't, you always have the chance to let me know [wink-wink]!
Until next time! Have a great rest of the week, folks!
Chapter Thirty-One---Eye on the Spy
*
"What was all that about?" Ron took a look at Hermione, who was gazing raptly at Harry's retreating back.
Hermione sighed, and grabbed Ron's hand. "I bet he's gone upstairs to get the Marauder's Map. I've already looked at it, I didn't see anything."
Ginny and Neville perked up beside them. "The what?" Ginny and Nevile blurted at once.
"Uh....I'll explain later." Ron said quickly, and turned to whisper to Hermione. "When did you do that?"
"About two months ago." Hermione whispered back.
"That long? What did you expect to find?" Ron scratched his head with his free hand, and flexed the hand gripped by Hermione. She was holding on so tight, his hand was tingling.
Hermione relaxed, apparently feeling his movement. She pulled her hand away. "Sorry."
"No, don't let go." Ron uttered, and reach out to grasp her hand again.
She shot him a pleased look, which he returned.
Holding his hand more gently, she said softly, "I was hoping to see anything--or, more specifically, anyone out of ordinary. I didn't-"
Harry was running down the stairs now, and when Ron saw him emerge from the stairwell, he wasn't holding the Marauder's Map.
Instead, he had a pocket sneakoscope in his hand, the very same one that Ron had given Harry for his thirteenth birthday. Ron began to smile, remembering that occasion very well. He'd used Errol to deliver Harry's package, and he wasn't supposed to. The sneakoscope wouldn't stop making noise.
"Brilliant!" Hermione said excitedly. "I didn't even think about your sneakoscope!" Ron felt her sit up straighter next to him. Ron also noticed that his sister had stopped clutching Neville as if life depended on it, and was gazing warily at the device.
Harry looked pleased; until he reached the four. Gradually, the sneakoscope began to chime and vibrate irritatingly.
Ron took a deep breath, and he felt his eyes widen....what if the spy was in the room right now, as they spoke? He looked behind him, afraid.
Harry was standing dead still, next to the table still covered with cold food. He had his hand outstretched in front of him, holding the sneakoscope in his palm as if it was a dirty sock. It continued to vibrate enthusiastically and chime loudly.
The four stood up right away. After a moment, Ron noticed that Ginny's face was very red, and she was giving Neville a concerned look. When Ginny caught his eye, she looked at the floor. Then, she said softly, "Ron....."
"What?" He blurted, trying to figure out what was wrong.
"I haven't been totally honest with you." She was looking at the floor. "Neville and I...."
Ron gasped, and felt his face and ears heat. He put his hands over his ears. "Don't say it...I already know."
He closed his eyes, and prayed Ginny wouldn't voice what he already knew she'd done with Neville. And judging by all the bottles of potion they'd been making, they planned on doing....a lot of it.
Ron cringed.
He opened his eyes, and saw Ginny mouthing to him. He slowly pulled his hands from his ears.
"You do?" She repeated, rolling her eyes, her face still red.
"Yeah. I mean...." Ron eyed at the sneakoscope that was still chiming in Harry's hand. Then he realised why it was going off.
He muttered angrily, "I stole your Connubium potion, Neville."
The sneakoscope gradually fell silent, and everyone in the room exhaled with relief. That is, Ron noticed, except for Neville. He was trembling, and his face looked pale.
"R-Ron...it wasn't....I mean I..." Neville stuttered, and then Ginny stepped between him and Ron.
"If you want to hit him, you're going to have to go through me." She said gravely, and crossed her arms.
The way she was standing, and the expression on her face, made Ron realise how old she was becoming. In fact, she was much taller then he ever remembered her, and she was growing into a...he felt loath to admit it...very pretty young woman.
He felt himself smile, and a surge of pride rushed inside him, because of the way she was standing up for herself...and for Neville.
Turning away, trying not to smile too much, he said gruffly, "I won't hit him....for now." At that, he felt he could control his urge to smile. He turned back, and gave Neville what he hoped was a fierce glare. "But if you break her heart--" He took one fist and pounded it energetically into his palm.
Neville shuddered, and stuttered, "Yes, sir...I mean, Ron..." He looked away, and his face reddened.
Ron couldn't hold back a laugh, and Ginny gave him a quick hug.
"So, you and Hermione?" Ginny said, shooting Hermione a smile.
Ron's face burned, and he noticed Hermione blush and look nervously toward Harry.
Before anything else could be said, people began to trickle into the common room.
Harry handed the sneakoscope to Ron.
Ron realised, through the unspoken implication from Harry, that Ron should carry the sneakoscope with him. Then, they would investigate whoever was nearby, if it went off.
~*~
The next week flew by faster than Ron could have ever dreamed, and with it, concerns. Ron had forgotten to use the Invalesco Mirror for a while, but hadn't had any ill effects. When he'd spoken to Professor Forester, she said he no longer needed to use it daily. When Ron offered to give it back, the professor refused. She said he'd better keep it...just in case.
Ron's mum had sent a letter for him and Ginny, and they'd read it together. His mum continued to ask them to keep an eye out, and said that Bill was still unconscious. Ginny was angry, wondering why they couldn't see Bill. All Ron could do was say he was upset--and that he hoped Bill would be okay.
Nights were spent holding Hermione close to him...and loving her. It was amazing that one taste of her only made him crave her more. Early one morning, Hermione admitted she felt the same type of desire for Ron. He'd blushed all the way to his toes. It startled him that he could make Hermione, Hogwart's top student, desire him desperately.
His desire for her seemed to grow, instead of weaken. It was frustrating, even unnerving, whenever Ron stared at her, and she saw. She would ask if he was okay, and he'd say he was fine. The sneakoscope always went off at that moment.
Hermione would only laugh, and Ron would have to tell her how he really felt.
They lost points in Potions every other for whispering too much.
By Wednesday, the sneakoscope was getting Ron into too much trouble, so they chose to abandon the idea. There were far to many dishonest students at Hogwarts to expect it could detect one wrongdoer. Unsurprisingly, the sneakoscope went off every time they passed a Slytherin, Malfoy in particular.
Hermione had sadly told Harry it had been a good idea. Harry's spirits fell considerably.
~*~
That Wednesday, before Hermione joined Ron in bed, Harry brought up the topic of his relationship with Susan. Ron had tried to avoid Harry whenever he started talking about this, but Ron was lying in bed, dozing. Harry had caught him off guard when he sat on the edge of Ron's bed and shut the curtains around them.
Ron felt the bed move, and opened his eyes. "What, Harry?" he asked groggily.
"I need to talk to you." Harry muttered.
Ron sat up. "Oh, come on, Harry...." He rubbed his eyes.
"Hermione's coming up here tonight, isn't she?" Harry asked deeply.
"Harry...." Ron blinked, and looked at his friend. Finally, he said, "Yeah, she is."
"And you two are really...?" Harry swallowed, and Ron thought he saw a little pink in his cheeks.
Ron looked down, his face burning. "Yeah."
Harry cleared his throat. "Well....I hope you're still using the potion." He turned away, looking awkward.
Ron groaned. "Yeah, we're going to start making some this week. We're taking more than we need to."
Harry opened his mouth....then closed it...then opened it again. Finally, he choked out, "If you, uh, need some anytime, Susan and I made a dozen bottles worth."
Ron sat up at that gazing astonishly at this friend. He blurted loudly, "A dozen?!"
Harry turned around, and then glared at Ron. "Shhh!"
"Oh, they don't care." Ron grumbled. "But, by Gods, Harry, do you need that many?"
Harry was apparently very embarressed. "Yeah, we do. We're taking more then we really need, and it's nice to know it's there."
Ron sighed. "Yeah."
"So...uh....don't tell me any details or anything...but...what do you think?" Harry's eyes were darting about to everything but Ron.
Ron inhaled deeply at the question. He hadn't expected it, but in a way it would be nice to tell someone how incredible it was. "It's...fantastic."
"Yeah." Harry choked out, and nodded his head.
Harry started to step out Ron's curtains. Then, he looked back. "Hey, remember what you told Neville about your sister a couple days ago?"
Ron frowned. At first he didn't know what Harry was talking about. He shook his head.
"You said you'd hit him if he broke her heart. Sorry, mate, but I'll do the same thing to you if you break Hermione's heart."
Harry grimaced, and then stepped out.
Ron said loudly, "No chance of that, brother. No chance whatsoever."
And he meant it.
~*~
Saturday morning approached, and Professor Dumbledore made an announcement at breakfast.
"I know you are all eager about the first trip of the year to Hogsmeade. Due to recent events, we will be modifying your visit today slightly. Only seven groups of five will be allowed to visit at one time, and each group of five will be accompanied by a teacher."
Ron snorted, as a loud groan erupted from the student body. Dumbledore raised his hands.
Ron didn't like staying at Hogwarts, but at least those going wouldn't have as much fun as they normally did. He listened as Dumbledore continued.
"Your visit will be limited to a maximum of twenty minutes, so I suggest you complete your holiday shopping before completing your other activities. I assure you that all students who want to go will be able to."
Ron took Hermione's hand and stood up, as they had finished with their breakfast. Ron was pleased that they planned to spend a quiet day in the common room, talking about the week, and planning what they could do to flush out the spy. Harry and Susan were still planning to go to Hogsmeade, and Ginny and Neville were, of course, stuck at Hogwarts.
~*~
When they reached the common room, Hermione insisted that they study. Ron was getting his normal workload again, and Hermione was always badgering him about making sure it was done. In fact, one night, when Hermione came to his bed, she had her bookbag with her and insisted they finish a Potion's essay, before they.....
Ron had to admit it was a great incentive to get the work done. Especially when Hermione kept rubbing his bare leg with her bare foot and calve, or when she deliberately sucked at the tip of her quill....
Ron let out a little moan.
Hermione, now sitting at a table in the common room, writing on a peice of parchment, looked up with concern. "What's wrong, Ron?"
Ron's face burned. "Ah, nothing, Herm." He'd begun shortening her name every now and then. It was easier to shout when.....
He burned much hotter.
Hermione was looking at him in a knowing way, and she reached out and grabbed his hand. "How long is your parchment?"
Ron's eyes widened, and he stuttered, "Er, uh, what?" He was having trouble breathing.
Hermione looked at him silently for a moment, and then put her head in her hands. To Ron, it sounded as if she was crying.
"Hermione? Are you okay?" Ron reached out and brushed her arm, and she finally looked up at him. She was laughing, and her face was flushed. Ron felt himself frown and blush.
She tried to catch her breath, and then she looked briefly down at his trousers. "THAT'S not what I'm talking about, Ron." She looked in his eyes, smiling. "Your Transfiguration essay....how many inches?"
"Uh...er..." He took out his ruler, and measured the parchment. Just one more inch, and he'd be done.
"Okay, so we'll finish the essay, and then...." The look she gave him made him swallow, and squirm in the chair. His jeans were becoming far too tight.
Hermione smiled, and moved over to whisper to him. "We'll sneak upstairs and make sweet love." When she moved back, her brown eyes were burning into his.
Ron choked out, "This early?"
"It isn't too early." Hermione said efficiently, matter-of-factly, dipping her quill into the inkwell next to her and writing neatly on the parchment in front of her.
Ron blinked, and looked at her hand. It was trembling.
He smiled. Two could play at this game.
Moving his leg against hers, he rubbed her leg up and down.
"Mmmm. Nice." Hermione said, almost boredly. Ron could tell she liked it, though, because she began to squirm.
Hermione's free hand drifted to his thigh. She rubbed and caressed it lovingly.
Then, her hand began to run along......
Ron exhaled loudly. "Shit, Hermione!" He said through his teeth.
A few students waiting to leave for Hogsmeade heard him, and looked over. Hermione abruptly pulled her hand away.
Ron breathed a sigh of relief. But she was not going to get away with that.
He reached an arm around Hermione, and gently brushed his fingertips dangerously close to the curvature of her right breast. He knew it was her weak point, and he practically felt her melt onto his arm.
She leaned back against his arm, and then turned so her lips were next to his ear. "Oh, Ron, I can't wait any longer."
Her hot breath on his ear was his breaking point. Standing up rather awkwardly, due to his physical condition, he pulled the jumper he wore down as far as it would go, and calmy escorted Hermione out the portrait hole. They were heading to the Room of Requirement. There were far too many people in the common room to see them sneak up to the dormitory, and Ron wanted to spend as much time as he could with Hermione. They would have no interuptions.
~*~
Hermione's naked upper body was draped over Ron's chest. Ron gently stroked her sweaty back and shoulder, before leaning downward to kiss her lips softly.
"Is it always supposed to be like this?" Hermione whispered against his chest.
"Like what?" Ron felt his voice rumble deep in his chest.
"Better every time?"
Ron smiled. "I certainly hope so."
Hermione sighed, and moved closer to him. "I'm knackered."
"Mmm, me too." Ron muttered, and stifled a yawn.
They lay quietly together for a moment, before Ron began to doze off.
~*~
Malfoy was walking in the dungeons, to Professor Snape's quarters. He was holding something in his hand, behind his back. He knocked at Snape's door, and Snape let him in. Snape left the door open, and said something muffled. Malfoy threw what he was holding to the floor.
On the floor, in place of what Malfoy had thrown, a man with a black cape stood up. The man in the cape, his face hidden, turned, and his wand was pointed at Snape.
The man in the black cape stuttered something, and a weak beam of green light hit Snape in the chest. Snape had barely raised his wand in defense. He fell to the floor, and Malfoy laughed with glee.
The man in the cape said, "Stay here....don't bring attention to yourself." His voice was shrill.
Malfoy sneered at the man, and then started rifling on Snape's desk.
The man took floo powder from the pot in the mantle and threw it into the lit fireplace. He stepped inside the grate, and said with a squeak, "The Hog's Head."
The man disapeared in the flame, and Malfoy suddenly turned to the door. He looked incredulous, and said, "What the fuck do you think you're doing in here, Wea--"
Someone punched Malfoy in the face.
~*~
Ron shot up from the bed....Hermione's bed.
At first, he was disoriented. Then, he knew what he had to do.
Getting up, he searched for his clothes. Tugging his jeans on with haste, he barely realised that naked Hermione was glaring at him through sleeply eyes.
"What's wrong?" She asked groggily, blinking.
"I've got to go down to the dungeons, to Snape's quarters. Tell Ginny, and if possible, Dumbledore." Ron said quickly.
Hermione stood up, reaching for her clothes on the floor. "What are you talking about?"
"Just do it...please." Ron tugged his jumper over his head, before ducking down and gently kissing her on the lips. "I'll see you down there, okay?" He gave her a hard look.
"Yeah, definately." Hermione nodded, looking fully awake. She was pulling on her knickers, and searching for her bra, when Ron ran out of the room.
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All-righty, I'm going to take a while to compose the final sequence of events, to make sure I don't mess anything up. You can expect a full conclusion to this story this weekend....unless something unexpected happens. I truly hope you like how I've written this story, and if you don't, you always have the chance to let me know [wink-wink]!
Until next time! Have a great rest of the week, folks!