I Try

Summary: Ron and Hermione debate over whether or not Ron can be serious, one shot

Disclaimer Quirrel-Style: N-n-n-none o-o-f it's m-m-mine! I-I s-s-sw-w-wear it! (Oh, by the way, I, Quirrel, SUCK)

This is based on a song called 'I Try' I dunno who sings it really, I just found it.... Oops! Never mind, it's Macy Grey (or is it Gray?)!

'I try to say goodbye and choke

I try to walk away and I stumble

When I try to hide it, it's clear

my world crumbles when you are not here'

~I Try~

The Hogwarts Prefect Lounge is quiet this time of night. As a matter of fact, it's empty, except for me, Hermione Granger. I don't really know what I'm doing here; actually, I finished all my work. I don't know, maybe I just need time to think. I try, but I don't really know what to think about. I wish there was someone to talk to. The door opens, like answering my prayers, but to my displeasure, it's Ron Weasley who is standing at the door. Lately, it seems impossible to carry on a decent conversation with him.

"What are you doing here?" I ask, trying to preoccupy myself somehow.

"I could ask you the same question." He replies evenly.

"For your information," I answer matter-of-factly, I suppose I'm just looking for a fight, "I was thinking. I bet you wonder what that feels like, hmm?"

"Well," Ron begins smartly, even though he's thoroughly blushing, "Aren't we just Miss Attitude tonight?" The red in his face dies away as he yawns. "Are you always so crabby at night?" he asks, stretching. I glare at him. *Can't he EVER be serious?*

"Ron," I say, voicing my thoughts, "Have you ever, once, in the history of your life been serious?" He looks a little downtrodden at this, but he speaks anyway.

"Yes!" he exclaims. "I SERIOUSLY do not like the Malfoys, You-Know-Who, The WHOLE Slytherin House, Viktor---"

"Ron! See, you won't even be serious about being serious!" I scream.

"Fine. I was serious when Malfoy called you... a... well, a you-know-what in second year!" I know he's right, as a matter of fact, other instances where he was serious are coming to mind. But I CAN'T tell him that!

"Oh come on, Ron! We both know that you were just playing the hero!" I know I hurt him, I can see the pain in those blue eyes of his. But he doesn't say a word. He just looks at me, hurt. I try and convince myself that I don't care, he had it coming. But I can't, it's something in those eyes. He's still just staring at me. His face is emotionless, but I can see everything in those eyes... at least, I think I can see everything. I can't take it. I turn, but there is something telling me he's still staring, right at the back of my head. Now I hear a shuffle. He's leaving.

"Oh... damn it!" I hiss. I turn and grab his wrist. He turns to look at me. Now, suddenly, I'm crying. It's those eyes, I guarantee it.

"I didn't mean that," I admit quietly. To my surprise, Ron grins. "I know," he says. I smile and wipe away my tears.

"You do?" I ask playfully, he nods.

"Want to know what else I know?"

"Enlighten me," I say.

"You're in love with me Hermione Granger." I just stare a moment.

"And how do you know that?" I ask. I'm not angry, really. I am genuinely curious about his logic. Okay... maybe I am just a little bit angry. But just a little.

"Because you can't keep your hands off me." He laughs a little now. I blush furiously as I realize that my hand is still tight on his wrist. I drop it instantly. But suddenly, as his words fill my head, I realize that he's right. I look into his blue eyes again and try hard to hold back tears. You're probably wondering why I'm crying? It's those eyes. I guarantee it.