CHAPTER 7
TOUCHING
It was September the first and Harry, Ron, Hermione and Ginny were at King's Cross station on time for a change, Destiny had escorted them all to the station and as soon as they were aboard the Hogwarts Express she had apparated off to Hogsmeade where she would then proceed up to the school. Although Harry suspected that they still weren't alone, he could have sworn he had seen Moody in his bowler hat lurking around by the barrier, but he didn't have time to stop and double check because Hermione had insisted that they all go with her and try and find out who the Head Boy was.
Eleven o'clock came around and the Hogwarts Express started to slowly pull out of the station, picking up speed as it went. Ron and Hermione had gone up the front so that the new Head Boy and Girl could introduce themselves to the new prefects. While Harry and Ginny had entered a compartment, and sat down with Neville and Luna who were busy stroking Neville's Mimble Mimbletonia, while it purred. It had grown a lot in the past two years since Harry had first seen it and it now came up to Neville's knees. Colin Creevy was also present in the carriage and as soon as Ginny saw him she ran over to him and hugged him tightly and kissed him on the cheek, Harry just sat down as Colin smiled at him, and waited for Ginny to come and sit next to him. She did and the next half an hour was spent with Harry and Neville talking about Quidditch, and Ginny, Luna and Colin gossiping about some girl in their year who had allegedly gotten engaged in the summer holidays, well Ginny and Colin was gossiping, Luna was just gazing dreamily into space, and nodding vaguely.
Ron and Hermione's presence was announced by a heated argument that could be heard before Ron and Hermione had even come into sight.
''You touched his arm.'' Ron shouted accusingly as they burst into the carriage and sat down on opposite sides.
''I touched it, I didn't lick it.'' Hermione retorted rolling her eyes.
''Yeah well...you didn't need to.... it's obvious you like him.'' Ron remarked struggling to think of a comeback, he thought that Hermione would have denied even touching him at all.
''Who's arm did you touch Hermione, you horny devil?'' Ginny asked sarcastically, looking at her brother with an expression that clearly said 'grow up.'
''Antony Goldstein. He's the new Head Boy, I was just congratulating him.'' Hermione replied wearily. ''We're friends, he's in my Arithmancy class.''
''Flirting with him, more like.'' Ron stated disagreeably.
''You know what Ron; you just think what you like. Obviously anything I say isn't going to make a difference.'' Hermione snapped, throwing open her bag and pulling out a large book and hiding her face behind it.
''Fine I will.''
Harry and Ginny just looked at each other as their best friends sat in a huffy silence, each refusing to even acknowledge the other, even though Harry saw Ron sneak glances over the top of his 'Which Broom' magazine to look at Hermione.
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The feast in the Great Hall that night, looked more welcoming to Harry than it ever had before, first of all it had the advantage of creating a lot of noise so he wouldn't have to listen to Hermione muttering about immaturity, or Ron muttering about blatant flirting. It also appealed to Harry, as he knew that right after he would be able to go to bed, and once again sleep next to his beautiful girlfriend after being apart from her for so long.
Harry and Ron looked up at the house table and noticed that Lupin was sitting amongst all the teachers, they gave each other questioning glances, and repeatedly tried to catch Lupin's eye but he was determinedly avoiding their gaze. However all thoughts of Lupin were driven out of their head when the delicious food appeared on the tables.
As everybody finished their meals and was sufficiently full, Albus Dumbledore tapped on the side of his glass with a spoon and stood up. The whole of the Great Hall fell silent, as their Headmaster spoke, most were eager to see who the new teacher was, the one that was openly flirting with their Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher, the one with blonde hair, and very tanned skin. They all recognised Lupin, and many were looking at him fearfully after hearing the rumours that he was a werewolf, but others who knew him well were smiling and waving at him. The Headmaster cleared his throat and everyone looked up expectantly.
''Welcome back everyone, and to all those who are new here this year welcome. Now as I am sure that most of you have noticed there are a few extra staff members seated at the Teachers table today. Firstly I would like to re-introduce Professor Lupin to you all, in light of the past few years I have had many requests for more Defence Against the Dark Arts lessons to be given to all students, therefore Professor Lupin has kindly agreed to come back and teach Defence Against the Dark Arts, to everyone who didn't take it for NEWT level, and also anyone who would like extra practice.''
Harry and Ron looked at each other again with incredulous expressions on their faces. How could he not tell them he was coming back? They had lived with him for most of the holidays and still he kept it from them. Hermione looked over to them and caught Ron's eye, he determinedly looked the other way and Hermione just shrugged to Harry.
''I would also like to introduce a new member of staff, Professor Hounding.'' Dumbledore gestured to the blonde man who was sitting rather close to Destiny; he looked around and grinned at all the students. Harry couldn't help but like the friendly grin of the man, even though he was hitting on his godmother, while her boyfriend was stuck in a dingy old house with only a Hippogriff for company. ''He will be the new Magical Maintenance teacher..........'' Just at that minute the huge doors of the Great Hall swung open and two cloaked figures walked up the centre of the Hall, and stopped in front of Dumbledore. Harry craned his neck to see who they were but their faces were obscured he looked up at Lupin who had started fidgeting with his hands. ''I wasn't expecting you both until later.'' Dumbledore said slowly. ''Please wait in my office and I will be there shortly.'' The two cloaked figures nodded and walked out of the side entrance to the Great Hall without a single word. Dumbledore continued as though there had been no interruption.
''Now that you have all been introduced to your new teachers, I will just take a minute to stress to you the importance of awareness this year. As you have probably all heard there have been multiple attacks over the summer and I want every single one of you to remain aware of yourself and your surroundings and not to forget that you are not invincible.'' Dumbledore said his eyes lingering sadly on Harry for a moment longer than any other student. ''You may go.''
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Before heading to their private rooms Harry, Ginny, Ron and Hermione all went into the Gryffindor common room, to hear other people's thoughts on whom the two strange visitors were, and about the new Magical Maintenance teacher, who was rather taken with Professor Golding.
"I'll bet they were Death eaters.'' Hermione heard a first year student say to his friends as they all nodded in agreement.
"Honestly as if two Death Eaters would walk into Hogwarts through the front doors and get greeted by Dumbledore, not after everything that has been planned.'' Hermione said lowering her voice, so she wouldn't be heard by anyone.
"Did you see that Professor Hounding with Destiny?'' Harry asked, having totally ignored the Hermione's comments. "He seemed a bit too friendly for my liking, and she wasn't exactly fighting him off was she. I mean what would Sirius think if he had been here." Harry said, not knowing that in fact Sirius had been there that night.
"Yeah I did notice he was a bit flirty.'' Ron said backing up his best friend.
"What did he do Ron, touch her arm?'' Hermione asked sarcastically.
"Will you two please just be quiet.'' Ginny said as went over to Harry and whispered something in his ear and sauntered out of the common room. A minute later Harry suddenly shot up and insisted that he had to go and finish some homework.
''But it's the first day, we didn't have any homework.'' Ron called after him as Harry sprinted out of the portrait hole, leaving Ron and Hermione sitting in an awkward silence. This silence lasted for a full ten minutes before Hermione could stand it no longer, she got up out of her seat and headed off towards the room that she shared with Ron, but by the looks of things wasn't going to be sharing with him tonight. It was so stupid she thought to herself as she walked into her room, sure they had lots of arguments but how could Ron not trust her? How could he think that she would want someone else when she had him? He was what she wanted. He was the one that made her heart soar and her soul come to life. Him, and only him. Why did he have to be so stupid? She thought angrily as she kicked off her shoes and started to change into her pyjamas.
Ron sat alone in Gryffindor common room watching the dying embers of the fire, tears burning in his bright blue eyes. He sighed as the last glowing ash on the fire turned black, leaving nothing to distract Ron's mind from Hermione. He had always known that he wasn't good enough for her; she was smart, funny, beautiful and kind. Why would she want a poor, stupid, ugly loser like him? Sure he had turned out to be a pretty good Quidditch player, but why did she settle for him when she could have had Krum, an international Quidditch player, who was rich and famous and everything that he wasn't. He loved Hermione with all his heart, but what if it wasn't enough? What if she found someone better than him? She deserved better. Ron sighed as his depressing thoughts finally subsided and he fell into an uncomfortable slumber on the common room sofa.
Meanwhile in Harry and Ginny's room they were both planning on taking advantage of their regained privacy. Harry had swiftly pulled off his school robes and was dressed only in his boxers, which were decorated with gold stars. He was grinning as he waited for Ginny to change out of her school robes, he glanced into the mirror and saw that his hair was as always black and messy, and his eyes were shining brightly.
Ginny walked out of the bathroom dressed only in a simple white shirt and a pair of white knickers, her legs were smooth and silky and creamy white. She had tied her hair back from her face in a loose bun. Harry stood and looked at her, thinking that this girl really did look more perfect every single time he saw her, or perhaps he was just falling more and more in love with her, either way he didn't care. He watched as she rolled up the sleeves on the shirt that were really too long for her, as he finally understood something.
"So that's where they went.'' Harry said thoughtfully.
"What''
"My shirts.'' Harry said smiling as he walked closer to Ginny, until he was standing right in front of her. "And you let me buy new ones when you had them all along.''
''I'm sorry Harry.'' Ginny apologised. "It's just that I wanted to be able to feel close to you in the holidays when we weren't together so I kind of took a few of your shirts to wear to bed.''
''It's alright angel. I was only joking, they look much better on you anyway.'' Harry whispered into her ear as he leaned in to kiss her softly and lovingly, she responded, deepening the kiss, wrapping her arms around his neck and moaning as Harry's hand found its way up underneath the shirt, skimming over the smooth skin of her stomach and up to her breasts, where he started caressing them softly.
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The next day at breakfast Ginny noticed that Ron looked very tired, he had dark circles underneath his eyes and his hair was dishevelled, his forehead was creased, he looked as though he had the weight of the world on his shoulders. His face was rough and unshaven and stubble had started to grow on his chin. He was staring down into his bowl of cereal and seemed totally unaware that Hermione had just walked into the Great Hall. She too, looked tired but nowhere near as bad as Ron. She sat down opposite Ginny as Harry tried to find out where Ron had slept that night. Hermione looked into Ginny's eyes, and Ginny could tell that Hermione had been up most of the night crying, her eyes were red and puffy, but she smiled all the same and carried on with her usual routine, trying to convince everyone she wasn't as upset as Ron was, when in truth she was dying inside. Why didn't he trust her? Was she that untrustworthy? She snuck a glance over to him and saw him staring down into his cereal bowl, and her heart melted, but no, she would stand strong he was in the wrong not her. He should be the one to apologise.
"Look mate I know your upset, but why don't you just apologise?'' Harry asked gently as he helped himself to a bowl of cereal. Ron snapped out of his daze at this point and fixed Harry with an evil glare. And Harry Potter the boy who had faced the Dark Lord countless times and survived had never been more terrified in his life. "Sorry, just a suggestion.''
"She's in the wrong Harry, not me. She shouldn't have been flirting with that git Antony Goldstein.'' Ron insisted as he started to shovel his now extremely soggy cereal into his mouth.
"I thought you liked Antony.'' Harry asked confused.
"Well not anymore.'' Ron answered grumpily as he finished his cereal and pushed the bowl roughly away from him before storming out of the Great Hall, not bothering to wait for his timetable.
Professor Mcgonagall came around, as she had done in Harry's sixth year with a blank piece of parchment for each for each student so that they could write their choices down on it. Ginny wrote down her seven subject choices, Herbology, Charms, Defence Against the Dark Arts, Care of Magical Creatures, Muggle Studies, Transfiguration and Potions, and watched as it disappeared and her timetable flew in front of her, she groaned. Double Potions, Double Transfiguration and Double Charms.
"Oh well babe, at least you are good at them all.'' Harry said consolingly, as his timetable flew in front of him. He looked down and smiled Double Magical Maintenance, Double Defence Against the Dark Arts and Double Herbology. "Great, I get a chance to check out Professor Hounding.'' Harry said satisfactorily as he got out of his seat and kissed Ginny's cheek. "I better go and find Ron and give him his timetable before he ends up tearing someone's head off.'' Harry said as he rushed out, waving at Hermione who smiled weakly.
Harry had finally managed to find Ron and calm him down enough, so that he wouldn't end up talking his anger and frustration out on a suit of armour, as he had done in his fourth year. They walked together down to the Magical Maintenance classroom, and waited outside for Professor Hounding to start the lesson. The other seven members of the class were already present and waiting outside, chatting in small groups. Harry and Ron walked over to Neville, Dean and Seamus and started talking, Ron just staring angrily at the ground and Dean, Seamus and Neville giving Harry questioning looks as to why Ron was in such a terrible mood. Harry only mouthed the word Hermione and they all knew to leave Ron well alone, they had experienced more than their fair share of the infamous Ron verses Hermione shouting matches and knew that it would sort itself out in a few days. Before Harry had even had a chance to ask Dean and Seamus how their summers had been, the door to the classroom opened and Professor Hounding stood in the doorway, a cheerful grin on his face, and his short blonde hair, shining in the light from the flaming torches that lit the classroom. His tanned skin and muscled arms showed, from underneath the rolled up sleeves of his black robes, robes that looked slightly familiar to Harry.
"Welcome everybody to Magical Maintenance, please come in.'' He said in an Australian accent, his blue eyes sparkling. Once everybody was in the class Professor Hounding walked up to the front of the class and sat on the desk, watching as all of the students sat down by the front desks. "I am Professor Hounding.'' He said breaking the awkward silence that had fallen over the class. "I know you are all bound to be nervous to be around me, especially after what your last teacher turned out to be, but I can assure you that there is absolutely no reason to be, I am entirely trustworthy and I am here as a favour to Dumbledore.'' Professor Hounding looked around the classroom at all of the faces staring up at him. "To be honest with you all, I am one of the last people you would've expected to be a teacher, I wasn't exactly a model student when I was at school, I mean sure I got good grades, but I frequently got into trouble, well when I say frequently I mean practically everyday, but hey that was years ago. I am here as a teacher now and I am determined to do a good job.''
"Professor Hounding?'' Neville asked timidly.
"Yes Neville.'' He answered mentally kicking himself; he was supposed to be a new teacher, who didn't know anyone's names. Neville looked at him strangely, as did everyone else in the class.
"How did you know my name?'' Neville questioned nervously.
"I heard someone call you it outside.'' He replied, hoping that his reason was believable, he needed them all to trust him.
"Oh right.'' Neville said happily. "I was just wondering, if you will be here for the whole year?''
"Hopefully Neville, hopefully.'' Professor Hounding answered sombrely; he knew that with the prospect of a war on Hogwarts, it was unlikely that everyone would be here for the year. That's why so much effort was being made to ensure that Hogwarts was secure.
Later that night Ron and Hermione had been left alone once again in the common room, by Harry and Ginny who had gone off somewhere winking and nudging each other all the way out. Hermione rolled her eyes, she knew that they had planned to leave her alone with Ron, hoping that she'd go weak at the knees because of one look from Ron and fall into his arms. Well she was stronger than that, she would resist his puppy dog eyes, and be independent and strong, she didn't need him.
Ron stared down on the floor, mentally torturing Harry for leaving him alone with Hermione, hoping that he would take one look at her sad face and go crawling back to her, begging for forgiveness, well not him. No, he was right and she was wrong, she should be the one to apologise. He looked up from the floor and over to where Hermione was sitting, her knees curled up to her chin and her arms wrapped around her legs, staring into the fireplace. Her bushy hair, tied back from her face in a loose bun, with a few stray curls falling into her face. He felt his heart plummet when he saw a single tear roll down her face, he knew that she was crying because of their argument, he couldn't do it anymore they had to sort it out, one way or another.
Ron stood up slowly and noiselessly from his seat and walked over to where Hermione was sitting, he stood behind her and placed his hands gently on her shoulders. He felt her tense under his touch and he cringed, she shouldn't tense up she should relax, but he'd made her afraid of him and what he was going to say again, he leaned forward and whispered into her ear softly and as gently as possible.
"Mione we need to talk, please. Meet me in our room please love.'' Ron said caringly, he knew he hadn't forgiven her for flirting with Antony, but he couldn't blame her, he was Head boy and good-looking, why wouldn't she want to be with him. Ron released his soft grip on her shoulders and walked out of the common room slowly but purposefully, and went straight to his room.
Hermione got up out of her chair and checked her reflection in the mirror in the corner of the common room, her eyes were watery, and she was close to tears, she knew that she would almost certainly start crying in there but she didn't care, she had to resolve this. She walked out of the common room, repeatedly telling herself, not to let him get to her, not to let his beautiful blue eyes win her over, or his crooked smile, melt her heart. She was strong.
She entered the bedroom five minutes after Ron had entered there and found him sitting on the red sofa in front of the fireplace. He looked sad, as though he had an impossible task in front of him. Hermione sat down on the sofa and pulled the throw that was draped over the back of it, around her. She pulled her knees up to her chest once again, in a protective position. Ron moved closer to her and took her hand in his, and started stroking it tenderly.
"Mione, this is stupid.'' Ron said maturely, last year he wouldn't even have dreamed of trying to diffuse an argument, he would just let it fizzle out, but now, he had matured and could see that arguing wasn't doing either of them any good, he could see it was hurting Hermione, and he knew that it was tearing him apart.
"You started it.'' She answered instinctively.
"Look Mione, I don't want to fight with you again. I want us to sort this out.'' He said passionately as he pulled Hermione's hand up to his mouth, kissing it sensitively. He took a look into her deep, chocolate brown eyes, and felt his own eyes well up with tears, it was going to be so hard to do it, but he had to. "Mione, I know I'm not the best looking guy in school, or the cleverest, or the richest or the most talented, but I love you so much that it makes me feel like I could do anything if only you were at my side.'' Ron looked at Hermione who had looked down onto the sofa, and started playing with the loose threads on the throw. "But I know I have been selfish in keeping you to myself, you are the most beautiful girl I have ever seen and you deserve so much better than me, I didn't even think that you would want to be my best friend, let alone my girlfriend. I realise that you could have any boy in the school that you wanted, but you have chosen to stay with me. But I just wanted to tell you Mione that if you didn't want to be with me, I wouldn't force you to stay with me, I would never hold you back from something that you really want." Ron said choking back the tears, waiting for Hermione to confirm his fears and walk out of his life forever.
"You think I'm too good for you?'' Hermione asked incredulously. Ron nodded.
"You are so beautiful, kind, funny and smart. Why would you want to be with me? I understand if you'd rather be with Goldstein.'' Ron said, struggling to get the boy's name out of his mouth.
"I want to be with you because I love you.'' Hermione said looking up at Ron. "And don't you ever think that you don't deserve something Ron, especially me, I'm nothing special, but you are, you are brave, loyal, funny, sexy and my best friend.'' Hermione finished, reaching her hand up to Ron's face. "Is that why you got so angry when I touched Antony's arm?'' Hermione asked quietly.
''Yeah, I thought that you had gone off me, and would rather be with someone else. Someone better than me.'' Ron whispered, as he placed his own hand on top of Hermione's that was on his cheek.
"Ron. He is not better than you, we are just friends. I am so sorry that I made you think that. You are the one I want to be with. You're the one I want not him.'' Hermione said, resting her forehead against Ron's. He moved in slowly and kissed her compassionately on the lips, savouring the taste of her mouth, the feel of her hair in his hands, and of her warm breath on his cheek. "Damn you Ron Weasley.'' Hermione said, smiling as she pulled away from the kiss. "I swore I wouldn't let you get to me, but I'm glad you did.''
''Yeah?'' Ron asked, smiling properly for the first time since they had gotten back to Hogwarts, kissing her again and slowly pulling her hair free from the bun, letting it cascade over her shoulders. "Thank you Mione.''
"For what?''
"For being you, and understanding. I'm glad this whole thing is over. I hate it when we're not together.'' Ron said.
"Me too, let's just forget about it. You are the only one for me Ron Weasley, and a infuriating a you are sometimes, I wouldn't have it any other way.'' Hermione replied softly as Ron got under the throw with her and pulled her into his arms, smelling the scent of her hair as she snuggled up against him.
"So you think I'm sexy?'' Ron said, remembering Hermione's list of his qualities.
"Very.'' Hermione answered simply, glad that things were back to normal with her and Ron. Even though she couldn't see him, she could picture the smile that had erupted on his face. She smiled to herself as she cuddled closer to his chest, and wrapped her arm around him.
(A.N Another chapter done!!! Finally. Siriusly, I am sorry that it took so long, but I have been so overwhelmed by how much work I have to do for school. Anyway it's done now, and I'm going to try and get another one out soon. Please review. You know how much it means to me. Thank you millions to everybody who has reviewed so far. I love you all. Ice princess12 x x x x x x x x x x)
TOUCHING
It was September the first and Harry, Ron, Hermione and Ginny were at King's Cross station on time for a change, Destiny had escorted them all to the station and as soon as they were aboard the Hogwarts Express she had apparated off to Hogsmeade where she would then proceed up to the school. Although Harry suspected that they still weren't alone, he could have sworn he had seen Moody in his bowler hat lurking around by the barrier, but he didn't have time to stop and double check because Hermione had insisted that they all go with her and try and find out who the Head Boy was.
Eleven o'clock came around and the Hogwarts Express started to slowly pull out of the station, picking up speed as it went. Ron and Hermione had gone up the front so that the new Head Boy and Girl could introduce themselves to the new prefects. While Harry and Ginny had entered a compartment, and sat down with Neville and Luna who were busy stroking Neville's Mimble Mimbletonia, while it purred. It had grown a lot in the past two years since Harry had first seen it and it now came up to Neville's knees. Colin Creevy was also present in the carriage and as soon as Ginny saw him she ran over to him and hugged him tightly and kissed him on the cheek, Harry just sat down as Colin smiled at him, and waited for Ginny to come and sit next to him. She did and the next half an hour was spent with Harry and Neville talking about Quidditch, and Ginny, Luna and Colin gossiping about some girl in their year who had allegedly gotten engaged in the summer holidays, well Ginny and Colin was gossiping, Luna was just gazing dreamily into space, and nodding vaguely.
Ron and Hermione's presence was announced by a heated argument that could be heard before Ron and Hermione had even come into sight.
''You touched his arm.'' Ron shouted accusingly as they burst into the carriage and sat down on opposite sides.
''I touched it, I didn't lick it.'' Hermione retorted rolling her eyes.
''Yeah well...you didn't need to.... it's obvious you like him.'' Ron remarked struggling to think of a comeback, he thought that Hermione would have denied even touching him at all.
''Who's arm did you touch Hermione, you horny devil?'' Ginny asked sarcastically, looking at her brother with an expression that clearly said 'grow up.'
''Antony Goldstein. He's the new Head Boy, I was just congratulating him.'' Hermione replied wearily. ''We're friends, he's in my Arithmancy class.''
''Flirting with him, more like.'' Ron stated disagreeably.
''You know what Ron; you just think what you like. Obviously anything I say isn't going to make a difference.'' Hermione snapped, throwing open her bag and pulling out a large book and hiding her face behind it.
''Fine I will.''
Harry and Ginny just looked at each other as their best friends sat in a huffy silence, each refusing to even acknowledge the other, even though Harry saw Ron sneak glances over the top of his 'Which Broom' magazine to look at Hermione.
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The feast in the Great Hall that night, looked more welcoming to Harry than it ever had before, first of all it had the advantage of creating a lot of noise so he wouldn't have to listen to Hermione muttering about immaturity, or Ron muttering about blatant flirting. It also appealed to Harry, as he knew that right after he would be able to go to bed, and once again sleep next to his beautiful girlfriend after being apart from her for so long.
Harry and Ron looked up at the house table and noticed that Lupin was sitting amongst all the teachers, they gave each other questioning glances, and repeatedly tried to catch Lupin's eye but he was determinedly avoiding their gaze. However all thoughts of Lupin were driven out of their head when the delicious food appeared on the tables.
As everybody finished their meals and was sufficiently full, Albus Dumbledore tapped on the side of his glass with a spoon and stood up. The whole of the Great Hall fell silent, as their Headmaster spoke, most were eager to see who the new teacher was, the one that was openly flirting with their Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher, the one with blonde hair, and very tanned skin. They all recognised Lupin, and many were looking at him fearfully after hearing the rumours that he was a werewolf, but others who knew him well were smiling and waving at him. The Headmaster cleared his throat and everyone looked up expectantly.
''Welcome back everyone, and to all those who are new here this year welcome. Now as I am sure that most of you have noticed there are a few extra staff members seated at the Teachers table today. Firstly I would like to re-introduce Professor Lupin to you all, in light of the past few years I have had many requests for more Defence Against the Dark Arts lessons to be given to all students, therefore Professor Lupin has kindly agreed to come back and teach Defence Against the Dark Arts, to everyone who didn't take it for NEWT level, and also anyone who would like extra practice.''
Harry and Ron looked at each other again with incredulous expressions on their faces. How could he not tell them he was coming back? They had lived with him for most of the holidays and still he kept it from them. Hermione looked over to them and caught Ron's eye, he determinedly looked the other way and Hermione just shrugged to Harry.
''I would also like to introduce a new member of staff, Professor Hounding.'' Dumbledore gestured to the blonde man who was sitting rather close to Destiny; he looked around and grinned at all the students. Harry couldn't help but like the friendly grin of the man, even though he was hitting on his godmother, while her boyfriend was stuck in a dingy old house with only a Hippogriff for company. ''He will be the new Magical Maintenance teacher..........'' Just at that minute the huge doors of the Great Hall swung open and two cloaked figures walked up the centre of the Hall, and stopped in front of Dumbledore. Harry craned his neck to see who they were but their faces were obscured he looked up at Lupin who had started fidgeting with his hands. ''I wasn't expecting you both until later.'' Dumbledore said slowly. ''Please wait in my office and I will be there shortly.'' The two cloaked figures nodded and walked out of the side entrance to the Great Hall without a single word. Dumbledore continued as though there had been no interruption.
''Now that you have all been introduced to your new teachers, I will just take a minute to stress to you the importance of awareness this year. As you have probably all heard there have been multiple attacks over the summer and I want every single one of you to remain aware of yourself and your surroundings and not to forget that you are not invincible.'' Dumbledore said his eyes lingering sadly on Harry for a moment longer than any other student. ''You may go.''
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Before heading to their private rooms Harry, Ginny, Ron and Hermione all went into the Gryffindor common room, to hear other people's thoughts on whom the two strange visitors were, and about the new Magical Maintenance teacher, who was rather taken with Professor Golding.
"I'll bet they were Death eaters.'' Hermione heard a first year student say to his friends as they all nodded in agreement.
"Honestly as if two Death Eaters would walk into Hogwarts through the front doors and get greeted by Dumbledore, not after everything that has been planned.'' Hermione said lowering her voice, so she wouldn't be heard by anyone.
"Did you see that Professor Hounding with Destiny?'' Harry asked, having totally ignored the Hermione's comments. "He seemed a bit too friendly for my liking, and she wasn't exactly fighting him off was she. I mean what would Sirius think if he had been here." Harry said, not knowing that in fact Sirius had been there that night.
"Yeah I did notice he was a bit flirty.'' Ron said backing up his best friend.
"What did he do Ron, touch her arm?'' Hermione asked sarcastically.
"Will you two please just be quiet.'' Ginny said as went over to Harry and whispered something in his ear and sauntered out of the common room. A minute later Harry suddenly shot up and insisted that he had to go and finish some homework.
''But it's the first day, we didn't have any homework.'' Ron called after him as Harry sprinted out of the portrait hole, leaving Ron and Hermione sitting in an awkward silence. This silence lasted for a full ten minutes before Hermione could stand it no longer, she got up out of her seat and headed off towards the room that she shared with Ron, but by the looks of things wasn't going to be sharing with him tonight. It was so stupid she thought to herself as she walked into her room, sure they had lots of arguments but how could Ron not trust her? How could he think that she would want someone else when she had him? He was what she wanted. He was the one that made her heart soar and her soul come to life. Him, and only him. Why did he have to be so stupid? She thought angrily as she kicked off her shoes and started to change into her pyjamas.
Ron sat alone in Gryffindor common room watching the dying embers of the fire, tears burning in his bright blue eyes. He sighed as the last glowing ash on the fire turned black, leaving nothing to distract Ron's mind from Hermione. He had always known that he wasn't good enough for her; she was smart, funny, beautiful and kind. Why would she want a poor, stupid, ugly loser like him? Sure he had turned out to be a pretty good Quidditch player, but why did she settle for him when she could have had Krum, an international Quidditch player, who was rich and famous and everything that he wasn't. He loved Hermione with all his heart, but what if it wasn't enough? What if she found someone better than him? She deserved better. Ron sighed as his depressing thoughts finally subsided and he fell into an uncomfortable slumber on the common room sofa.
Meanwhile in Harry and Ginny's room they were both planning on taking advantage of their regained privacy. Harry had swiftly pulled off his school robes and was dressed only in his boxers, which were decorated with gold stars. He was grinning as he waited for Ginny to change out of her school robes, he glanced into the mirror and saw that his hair was as always black and messy, and his eyes were shining brightly.
Ginny walked out of the bathroom dressed only in a simple white shirt and a pair of white knickers, her legs were smooth and silky and creamy white. She had tied her hair back from her face in a loose bun. Harry stood and looked at her, thinking that this girl really did look more perfect every single time he saw her, or perhaps he was just falling more and more in love with her, either way he didn't care. He watched as she rolled up the sleeves on the shirt that were really too long for her, as he finally understood something.
"So that's where they went.'' Harry said thoughtfully.
"What''
"My shirts.'' Harry said smiling as he walked closer to Ginny, until he was standing right in front of her. "And you let me buy new ones when you had them all along.''
''I'm sorry Harry.'' Ginny apologised. "It's just that I wanted to be able to feel close to you in the holidays when we weren't together so I kind of took a few of your shirts to wear to bed.''
''It's alright angel. I was only joking, they look much better on you anyway.'' Harry whispered into her ear as he leaned in to kiss her softly and lovingly, she responded, deepening the kiss, wrapping her arms around his neck and moaning as Harry's hand found its way up underneath the shirt, skimming over the smooth skin of her stomach and up to her breasts, where he started caressing them softly.
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The next day at breakfast Ginny noticed that Ron looked very tired, he had dark circles underneath his eyes and his hair was dishevelled, his forehead was creased, he looked as though he had the weight of the world on his shoulders. His face was rough and unshaven and stubble had started to grow on his chin. He was staring down into his bowl of cereal and seemed totally unaware that Hermione had just walked into the Great Hall. She too, looked tired but nowhere near as bad as Ron. She sat down opposite Ginny as Harry tried to find out where Ron had slept that night. Hermione looked into Ginny's eyes, and Ginny could tell that Hermione had been up most of the night crying, her eyes were red and puffy, but she smiled all the same and carried on with her usual routine, trying to convince everyone she wasn't as upset as Ron was, when in truth she was dying inside. Why didn't he trust her? Was she that untrustworthy? She snuck a glance over to him and saw him staring down into his cereal bowl, and her heart melted, but no, she would stand strong he was in the wrong not her. He should be the one to apologise.
"Look mate I know your upset, but why don't you just apologise?'' Harry asked gently as he helped himself to a bowl of cereal. Ron snapped out of his daze at this point and fixed Harry with an evil glare. And Harry Potter the boy who had faced the Dark Lord countless times and survived had never been more terrified in his life. "Sorry, just a suggestion.''
"She's in the wrong Harry, not me. She shouldn't have been flirting with that git Antony Goldstein.'' Ron insisted as he started to shovel his now extremely soggy cereal into his mouth.
"I thought you liked Antony.'' Harry asked confused.
"Well not anymore.'' Ron answered grumpily as he finished his cereal and pushed the bowl roughly away from him before storming out of the Great Hall, not bothering to wait for his timetable.
Professor Mcgonagall came around, as she had done in Harry's sixth year with a blank piece of parchment for each for each student so that they could write their choices down on it. Ginny wrote down her seven subject choices, Herbology, Charms, Defence Against the Dark Arts, Care of Magical Creatures, Muggle Studies, Transfiguration and Potions, and watched as it disappeared and her timetable flew in front of her, she groaned. Double Potions, Double Transfiguration and Double Charms.
"Oh well babe, at least you are good at them all.'' Harry said consolingly, as his timetable flew in front of him. He looked down and smiled Double Magical Maintenance, Double Defence Against the Dark Arts and Double Herbology. "Great, I get a chance to check out Professor Hounding.'' Harry said satisfactorily as he got out of his seat and kissed Ginny's cheek. "I better go and find Ron and give him his timetable before he ends up tearing someone's head off.'' Harry said as he rushed out, waving at Hermione who smiled weakly.
Harry had finally managed to find Ron and calm him down enough, so that he wouldn't end up talking his anger and frustration out on a suit of armour, as he had done in his fourth year. They walked together down to the Magical Maintenance classroom, and waited outside for Professor Hounding to start the lesson. The other seven members of the class were already present and waiting outside, chatting in small groups. Harry and Ron walked over to Neville, Dean and Seamus and started talking, Ron just staring angrily at the ground and Dean, Seamus and Neville giving Harry questioning looks as to why Ron was in such a terrible mood. Harry only mouthed the word Hermione and they all knew to leave Ron well alone, they had experienced more than their fair share of the infamous Ron verses Hermione shouting matches and knew that it would sort itself out in a few days. Before Harry had even had a chance to ask Dean and Seamus how their summers had been, the door to the classroom opened and Professor Hounding stood in the doorway, a cheerful grin on his face, and his short blonde hair, shining in the light from the flaming torches that lit the classroom. His tanned skin and muscled arms showed, from underneath the rolled up sleeves of his black robes, robes that looked slightly familiar to Harry.
"Welcome everybody to Magical Maintenance, please come in.'' He said in an Australian accent, his blue eyes sparkling. Once everybody was in the class Professor Hounding walked up to the front of the class and sat on the desk, watching as all of the students sat down by the front desks. "I am Professor Hounding.'' He said breaking the awkward silence that had fallen over the class. "I know you are all bound to be nervous to be around me, especially after what your last teacher turned out to be, but I can assure you that there is absolutely no reason to be, I am entirely trustworthy and I am here as a favour to Dumbledore.'' Professor Hounding looked around the classroom at all of the faces staring up at him. "To be honest with you all, I am one of the last people you would've expected to be a teacher, I wasn't exactly a model student when I was at school, I mean sure I got good grades, but I frequently got into trouble, well when I say frequently I mean practically everyday, but hey that was years ago. I am here as a teacher now and I am determined to do a good job.''
"Professor Hounding?'' Neville asked timidly.
"Yes Neville.'' He answered mentally kicking himself; he was supposed to be a new teacher, who didn't know anyone's names. Neville looked at him strangely, as did everyone else in the class.
"How did you know my name?'' Neville questioned nervously.
"I heard someone call you it outside.'' He replied, hoping that his reason was believable, he needed them all to trust him.
"Oh right.'' Neville said happily. "I was just wondering, if you will be here for the whole year?''
"Hopefully Neville, hopefully.'' Professor Hounding answered sombrely; he knew that with the prospect of a war on Hogwarts, it was unlikely that everyone would be here for the year. That's why so much effort was being made to ensure that Hogwarts was secure.
Later that night Ron and Hermione had been left alone once again in the common room, by Harry and Ginny who had gone off somewhere winking and nudging each other all the way out. Hermione rolled her eyes, she knew that they had planned to leave her alone with Ron, hoping that she'd go weak at the knees because of one look from Ron and fall into his arms. Well she was stronger than that, she would resist his puppy dog eyes, and be independent and strong, she didn't need him.
Ron stared down on the floor, mentally torturing Harry for leaving him alone with Hermione, hoping that he would take one look at her sad face and go crawling back to her, begging for forgiveness, well not him. No, he was right and she was wrong, she should be the one to apologise. He looked up from the floor and over to where Hermione was sitting, her knees curled up to her chin and her arms wrapped around her legs, staring into the fireplace. Her bushy hair, tied back from her face in a loose bun, with a few stray curls falling into her face. He felt his heart plummet when he saw a single tear roll down her face, he knew that she was crying because of their argument, he couldn't do it anymore they had to sort it out, one way or another.
Ron stood up slowly and noiselessly from his seat and walked over to where Hermione was sitting, he stood behind her and placed his hands gently on her shoulders. He felt her tense under his touch and he cringed, she shouldn't tense up she should relax, but he'd made her afraid of him and what he was going to say again, he leaned forward and whispered into her ear softly and as gently as possible.
"Mione we need to talk, please. Meet me in our room please love.'' Ron said caringly, he knew he hadn't forgiven her for flirting with Antony, but he couldn't blame her, he was Head boy and good-looking, why wouldn't she want to be with him. Ron released his soft grip on her shoulders and walked out of the common room slowly but purposefully, and went straight to his room.
Hermione got up out of her chair and checked her reflection in the mirror in the corner of the common room, her eyes were watery, and she was close to tears, she knew that she would almost certainly start crying in there but she didn't care, she had to resolve this. She walked out of the common room, repeatedly telling herself, not to let him get to her, not to let his beautiful blue eyes win her over, or his crooked smile, melt her heart. She was strong.
She entered the bedroom five minutes after Ron had entered there and found him sitting on the red sofa in front of the fireplace. He looked sad, as though he had an impossible task in front of him. Hermione sat down on the sofa and pulled the throw that was draped over the back of it, around her. She pulled her knees up to her chest once again, in a protective position. Ron moved closer to her and took her hand in his, and started stroking it tenderly.
"Mione, this is stupid.'' Ron said maturely, last year he wouldn't even have dreamed of trying to diffuse an argument, he would just let it fizzle out, but now, he had matured and could see that arguing wasn't doing either of them any good, he could see it was hurting Hermione, and he knew that it was tearing him apart.
"You started it.'' She answered instinctively.
"Look Mione, I don't want to fight with you again. I want us to sort this out.'' He said passionately as he pulled Hermione's hand up to his mouth, kissing it sensitively. He took a look into her deep, chocolate brown eyes, and felt his own eyes well up with tears, it was going to be so hard to do it, but he had to. "Mione, I know I'm not the best looking guy in school, or the cleverest, or the richest or the most talented, but I love you so much that it makes me feel like I could do anything if only you were at my side.'' Ron looked at Hermione who had looked down onto the sofa, and started playing with the loose threads on the throw. "But I know I have been selfish in keeping you to myself, you are the most beautiful girl I have ever seen and you deserve so much better than me, I didn't even think that you would want to be my best friend, let alone my girlfriend. I realise that you could have any boy in the school that you wanted, but you have chosen to stay with me. But I just wanted to tell you Mione that if you didn't want to be with me, I wouldn't force you to stay with me, I would never hold you back from something that you really want." Ron said choking back the tears, waiting for Hermione to confirm his fears and walk out of his life forever.
"You think I'm too good for you?'' Hermione asked incredulously. Ron nodded.
"You are so beautiful, kind, funny and smart. Why would you want to be with me? I understand if you'd rather be with Goldstein.'' Ron said, struggling to get the boy's name out of his mouth.
"I want to be with you because I love you.'' Hermione said looking up at Ron. "And don't you ever think that you don't deserve something Ron, especially me, I'm nothing special, but you are, you are brave, loyal, funny, sexy and my best friend.'' Hermione finished, reaching her hand up to Ron's face. "Is that why you got so angry when I touched Antony's arm?'' Hermione asked quietly.
''Yeah, I thought that you had gone off me, and would rather be with someone else. Someone better than me.'' Ron whispered, as he placed his own hand on top of Hermione's that was on his cheek.
"Ron. He is not better than you, we are just friends. I am so sorry that I made you think that. You are the one I want to be with. You're the one I want not him.'' Hermione said, resting her forehead against Ron's. He moved in slowly and kissed her compassionately on the lips, savouring the taste of her mouth, the feel of her hair in his hands, and of her warm breath on his cheek. "Damn you Ron Weasley.'' Hermione said, smiling as she pulled away from the kiss. "I swore I wouldn't let you get to me, but I'm glad you did.''
''Yeah?'' Ron asked, smiling properly for the first time since they had gotten back to Hogwarts, kissing her again and slowly pulling her hair free from the bun, letting it cascade over her shoulders. "Thank you Mione.''
"For what?''
"For being you, and understanding. I'm glad this whole thing is over. I hate it when we're not together.'' Ron said.
"Me too, let's just forget about it. You are the only one for me Ron Weasley, and a infuriating a you are sometimes, I wouldn't have it any other way.'' Hermione replied softly as Ron got under the throw with her and pulled her into his arms, smelling the scent of her hair as she snuggled up against him.
"So you think I'm sexy?'' Ron said, remembering Hermione's list of his qualities.
"Very.'' Hermione answered simply, glad that things were back to normal with her and Ron. Even though she couldn't see him, she could picture the smile that had erupted on his face. She smiled to herself as she cuddled closer to his chest, and wrapped her arm around him.
(A.N Another chapter done!!! Finally. Siriusly, I am sorry that it took so long, but I have been so overwhelmed by how much work I have to do for school. Anyway it's done now, and I'm going to try and get another one out soon. Please review. You know how much it means to me. Thank you millions to everybody who has reviewed so far. I love you all. Ice princess12 x x x x x x x x x x)