Chap. 3- Fightin' Words and Color Wars
Hermione felt the tears stinging at her eyes as she fled the Great Hall. She was upset over what Ron had said to her, but even more upset because of the way she was reacting. This had all been a terrible idea. She had just fled the great hall when she smacked right into someone on their way in. She struggled to regain her composure.
"Malfoy," she said her eyes narrowing cautiously. She was not in the mood.
Malfoy looked at her wide-eyed for a moment before snickering, an evil smile crossing his features as he took in her new blonde look.
"I guess it was only a matter of time eh mudblood?" He said slowly running a hand through his own white blonde locks.
Oh god. Now she was certain this was a mistake. Not being in the mood to have it out with Malfoy, she ignored the comment and breezed past him. She rushed through the corridors. She didn't want to see anyone, until she undid this mess, but just then someone grabbed her arm spinning her around. Hermione assumed it was Ron with some bumbling apology for her and she was not in the mood.
"Don't even try to apologize Ro-R-R-on," she stammered realizing it was not Ron standing before her. Hermione was utterly surprised. It was Ian Grant.
"Hi Hermione. Sorry to startle you, but you were running kinda fast there."
"Oh...hi...Ian." She tried to keep her voice at a normal level. "I was just on my to...uhh...the library."
"Oh, I should spend more time there," he joked and shot her a dashing smile.
Hermione had never really spoken directly with Ian before. Of course, she had noticed him in some of their classes, but gods, up close he was really something. Perfect teeth, perfect lips, perfect dimples and perfect green eyes.
"Well, uh, it's open until ten o'clock," she said cringing inwardly at her lame response. But Ian smiled that perfect smile again.
"Yah, well maybe I'll drop in for a study session sometime."
"Oh, were you looking for help with your studies?" That at least made sense as to why one of the hottest guys at Hogwarts was talking to her.
Ian laughed again. (a perfect laugh) and stepped a little closer to her.
"No actually I'm doing okay with my studies. I wanted to tell you that I really like your hair," he said leaning in a bit. "And your eyes."
Hermione was stunned. She was just about to run to her room and undo all her beauty voodoo.
"Oh, thank you," she said. "I really wasn't sure about it myself."
"Really? I think it really suits you." Hermione felt her cheeks go red. Was it possible that Ian Grant was flirting with her? He reached casually towards her face, his finger just barely grazing a strand of blond hair.
"Yah, it's like I'm seeing you in a whole new light."
"You mean like daylight?" Hermione was still baffled, but Ian seemed to think she was the funniest thing ever and responded with a perfect sounding chuckle.
"You're a sweetheart, you know that Hermione?"
"Me? I mean yes I know that...err...I mean not like that...but...umm...thank you," she finally managed.
"So Hermione. I've kept you from the library long enough. But how about you taking a walk with me sometime tomorrow if you're not too busy?"
"Yah. Absolutely. Anytime would be great. I'm always free." She cringed inwardly yet again. So much for playing hard to get.
"Great. I have quidditch practice before dinner for an hour, but how about meeting me after that?"
"That sounds nice."
"Okay then. It's a date," he said smiling.
"Yes, a date," she smiled back.
"Alright, see you tomorrow...Blondie," he said shooting her a wink and a smile before he strode away.
Hermione watched him as it dawned on her that she was Blondie. She was stunned. Five minutes ago she had been on the verge of tears and now she was Blondie, and a sweetheart, and the best looking guy in school had just asked her on a date. Who cared what Ron thought about her new look. She was accomplishing her goal in a big way. It was just like Ian had said. It was Hermione Granger in a whole new light. She spun on her heels, feeling practically giddy as she headed toward the common room. She couldn't wait to tell Ginny.
Ron felt like a jerk as he headed towards the common room. He never meant to say things to hurt her, so how did he always manage to put his foot in his mouth? He still didn't like her hair, but he knew Hermione. She was a sensible girl. Actually, she was the most sensible girl. He would apologize of course, but he wouldn't be surprised if she was back to her normal look already.
Ron entered through the portrait hole and he looked immediately to the area where they usually sat in the corner, but he only saw Harry copying something onto parchment. He headed towards him not surprised to see the large cushy chair Hermione usually occupied empty. She was obviously still upset with him. Harry looked up as Ron took a seat.
"So did you apologize yet?"
"Well, she wasn't in the library or her usual hiding places. I guess she's still up in her room cursing my name."
"You better hope that's all she's cursing," said Harry. "Besides she's not in her room, she's right there." Harry motioned to the opposite side of the common room.
Ron looked over to where a group of six or seven girls were sitting, including Ginny, Lavender, Pavrati, and Hermione. A very much still-blonde- haired Hermione. Ron narrowed his eyes at the scene. She was laughing and talking and even giggling. All the girls were leaning in listening to whatever Hermione was saying, and periodically they would all shriek or start giggling before leaning in again. It wasn't like he hadn't witnessed Hermione and Ginny do the girl talk thing before, but somehow Blond Hermione at the center of gossipy girl central just didn't look right.
Ron starred at her for awhile, willing her to look over at him, but she never so much as turned her head in his direction. Ron grumbled as he threw himself down in the chair across from Harry who looked up taking in his disgusted look.
"You know Ron, it can be difficult to apologize to someone telepathically."
"Well clearly, she's too busy...gabbing to want to bother working out a small problem with one of her best friends."
"A small problem? Ron, you told her she looked ridiculous in front of everyone."
"Well she did...does."
"RON! You hurt her feelings!" Harry was in no mood to deal with their latest row.
"All right, calm down. I'm going."
Ron stood up and slowly headed over to where Hermione was still sitting with the other girls. He approached slowly and stopped a few feet away. As he approached he strained to hear what they were saying, but all he caught was something about perfect teeth.
"Ahemmm," he said clearing his throat. The group of girls all stopped talking and looked up at him, including blonde Hermione. Ron forced a smile even though he was just never going to be used to seeing her that way.
"Uh, hello...everyone. Hermione, can I talk to you?"
"Sure Ron, what's up?" She spoke like nothing at all was the matter. She even smiled sweetly at him.
Ron was caught off guard. He was used to angry Hermione, irritated Hermione, ignoring-him-Hermione. He knew how to deal with that, but this pleasant unbothered Hermione was a new one, and it was unnerving.
"Well I wanted to talk to you about earlier."
"Oh. That. You were just not used to my new look. Don't worry about it." She smiled again.
"Umm...Okay. Great then."
Ron watched as they went back to their chit chat. He was baffled. There had been enough arguments and apologies between Hermione and himself that he knew how they went. It was practically an art form. They were full of words and emotion and more words and more emotions, and eventually understanding. But never ever had an apology gone quite like that. He hadn't even gotten the chance to explain himself or say he was sorry properly. She had just blown the whole thing off.
Ron started walking back towards Harry. Maybe he should be glad it went over so well. Maybe they had matured, and didn't need to do the whole emotional wordy apology thing anymore. After all, it was a stupid incident anyway. Yes, that was it, they had both grown. Ron walked by some fifth year girls feeling unconvinced.
"I can't believe it. She goes blonde and Ian Grants asks her out. It's so unfair," Ron overheard one of the girls say to the other.
Ron stopped in his tracks. He felt his entire body stiffen. Now, there was an off chance they were talking about some other girl and there was no reason to overreact, so why was he already marching back to where Hermione was sitting before he even finished the thought?
"I need to talk to you Hermione," he said sternly, interrupting her conversation.
"Later, okay Ron?" She said barely looking up at him.
"No. Not Okay. I need to talk to you now."
Her head snapped up, and her eyes narrowed. She was not happy with him.
"I said that we could talk later Ron," she said in a voice that clearly implied he was treading on thin ice. But Ron didn't care.
"Now Hermione," he said stepping forward, grabbing her wrist and pulling her up to her feet. He could practically feel her anger rising as he led her to the empty corner of the common room. He turned around to face her.
"What do you think you're doing Ron?"
"Well how funny, that was going to be my question actually Hermione?" She gave him a baffled look.
"What are you talking about?"
"What do you think I'm talking about? Ian Grant. Ian Grant! Since when and why could you be dating Ian Grant?" He spat at her.
"Since today for your information and because he asked me. Now I'm going." She started walking away. She was not going to let him get to her.
"How could you date that pretty boy moron?"
"He is not either of those things. You just don't like him because he plays quidditch on the opposing team. You don't even know Ian."
"Well, I may not know him, but I know of him, and besides you don't know him either!" Ron said his frustration rising.
"Well, that's why I'm going on a date with him, besides I know he likes my new look."
"Let me get this straight. That could-for-nothing-playboy-can't-stop- looking-in-the-mirror-at-himself-for-two-seconds gives you one compliment after six years of never looking your way and you're head over heels for the jerk?
"I am not head over heels for...for anyone! I am just going on a date with him. That's all! Besides Ron, is that what you're really angry about, or is it because I didn't let your mean comment send me into hiding in my room and undo all this," she said motioning at her hair. "That's what you were expecting wasn't it? I mean one comment from Ian Grant shouldn't have any effect on me at all, but oh, one thoughtless, stupid comment from Ron Weasley and I'm supposed to just come to my senses, because if Ron Weasley thinks I'm rubbish then I must be rubbish!"
"I don't think your rubbish. I would never think that about you!" He was in shock over Hermione's outburst.
"No, you just think I look like rubbish, and the guy I'm going on a date with is rubbish. That's all, right Ron? Well, I've had enough." She turned and started walking away.
"What is it Hermione, some of that blonde hair magic ooze into your brain?"
Hermione spun on her heels. "What is that supposed to mean?"
"Well, you tell me. You're blonde for one day and you're acting like rubbish, ignoring your friends and dating the biggest prat in the school."
"How dare you speak to me that way," she said closing in on him. "Just because you don't like my hair or Ian does not give you the right to speak to me like that. Especially when the only person who acted like a prat today is you."
"Oh that's another thing. We didn't even have a proper apology."
Hermione slapped the palm of her hand to her forehead. "I cannot believe you Ron. You actually want to have a row over an apology? Are you sure there's no magic affecting your brain?"
"Hey, I'm not the one with fake hair, ignoring her friends and dating prats."
"It's not fake hair!" So much for not letting him get to her. "And just because I was chatting with some people besides you for a few minutes does not mean I was ignoring my friends, and just because Ian can fly circles around you on the quidditch field does NOT make him a prat!!"
It was a low blow but she was so mad at this point her hands were shaking. She turned and started marching towards the stairs to her dorm. Meanwhile all of Gryfindor was curiously watching their latest row unfold.
Ron had never taken blows to his pride well, and this was no exception.
"Yah, that Ian's a great guy, and to think, you only had to turn yourself into a blonde bimbo to get him to take you out." He regretted it the minute he said it, but part of him had to get a rise out of her.
Hermione stopped in her tracks. She was so hurt and angry. She was either going to burst into tears or just burst Ron. She fought down her tears as she approached him. Ron waited for the onslaught. Hermione took several deep breaths before replying in the calmest voice she could muster.
"First of all, who I date is none of your business. Secondly, I'm sorry that I mean so little to you that you could think that about me, and finally, I don't ever want to talk to you again. She turned and walked away.
Ron was left standing there. His anger causing him to take deep shaky breaths. Where did she get off being all calm. He wanted her to scream at him, engage him, the way they always did. But instead she was calmly walking away. He should have let her go, because he knew enough damage had been done. He could feel Harry's eyes on him, pleading with him to stop, but instead he raised his wand and pointed it at Hermione.
"Reversio pigmentus!" He shouted as a blaze of color shot out his wand and hit Hermione.
Hermione shrieked as she felt the spell hit her scalp. Her hair. She reached up to her head. That prat! He had turned it back. It was bushy brown again fanning out in every direction.
"You prat! Do you know how long it took me to get the color right!!" She forgot about being calm and leveled her wand at him.
"Pigmento," she shouted.
A bolt of light hit Ron before he could move and he looked up noting the surprised look on his fellow students faces. He fingered several locks of his hair. He was blonde. Platinum blonde.
"Who's the blonde bimbo now?" Hermione chided him, but before she could even chuckle a bolt of light hit her and her robes were suddenly saturated with purple.
"Awwww... Purple goes great with your hair Hermione, you should really show--- "
Boom! A bolt of color splattered above his head covering the wall with green and most of Ron. Oh fine. Two could play at this game.
And then it was chaos. Color Chaos. Bolts of pigment shot across the common room along with Hermione and Ron's insults. The Gryfindors who hadn't been smart enough to make a hasty exit earlier were now running for cover as Ron and Hermione continued to throw curses of color at each other.
Boom! The fire burned neon pink. Pow! The chairs and sofa were turquoise and yellow. Wham! The walls were orange. Pop! The floor was red polka dots.
Neville got a bolt of beige right in the bum as he ran for cover. Harry was repaid for attempting to intervene with an array of green stripes across his face. Several students slid across the pigment slicked floor in an attempt to escape. The sloppy spell throwing left the color oozing down the walls, into the furniture, coating portraits, and clinging to the ceiling in a mad tie-dye effect.
Ron slid across the floor and behind the now multi-colored sofa breathing heavily. He was pretty multi-colored himself, green and orange dripping from his locks, his robes stained with red and purple polka dots, but he didn't care. He was going to be the victor of this color war.
Hermione's back was pressed against a now magenta armchair, her wand at the ready. She pushed her mass of rainbow curls back and wiped her orange polka dot forehead with the back of her gold striped hand. She was going to win this color war. She just needed one more direct shot.
Suddenly there was movement by the portrait hole. They both saw it. The opportunity to take the other out. Both appeared from their respective hiding places wands pointed.
"PIGMENTO!!" They both shouted in unison at the figure stepping through the portrait hole.
"WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THIS!!" Shouted a familiar voice.
Hermione and Ron's mutual expressions of victory changed immediately to horror and dismay as they beheld the sight before them.
Professor McGonagall was standing before them, drenched in color. She was a kaleidoscope of changing colors. Blues and reds mixed into purples, and orange polka dots mixed with turquoise stripes. Color covered her hat, her face, her robes. The color was still changing pigments as it oozed down her face and into her hair. Droplets of red pigment dripped from the tip of her nose as she took in the destruction to the common room.
"Again, Ms. Granger, Mr. Weasley, I ask you, what is the meaning of this?" She was obviously attempting to keep her cool.
McGonagall leveled her gaze at Hermione, but all she could do was make a few whimpering sounds and shake her head lamely. She had no words to explain. She dropped her eyes towards the floor.
Ron shifted from foot to foot. McGonagall was looking right at him now with an icy expression. Ron took in the scene around him.
"Redecorating,'' he replied lamely.
Detention was really a foregone conclusion. It was only a matter of how much detention.
A/N: Thanks to my Beta and sorry it takes me forever to update. I'm a slow thinker. ;) Reviews are absolutely appreciated.
Hermione felt the tears stinging at her eyes as she fled the Great Hall. She was upset over what Ron had said to her, but even more upset because of the way she was reacting. This had all been a terrible idea. She had just fled the great hall when she smacked right into someone on their way in. She struggled to regain her composure.
"Malfoy," she said her eyes narrowing cautiously. She was not in the mood.
Malfoy looked at her wide-eyed for a moment before snickering, an evil smile crossing his features as he took in her new blonde look.
"I guess it was only a matter of time eh mudblood?" He said slowly running a hand through his own white blonde locks.
Oh god. Now she was certain this was a mistake. Not being in the mood to have it out with Malfoy, she ignored the comment and breezed past him. She rushed through the corridors. She didn't want to see anyone, until she undid this mess, but just then someone grabbed her arm spinning her around. Hermione assumed it was Ron with some bumbling apology for her and she was not in the mood.
"Don't even try to apologize Ro-R-R-on," she stammered realizing it was not Ron standing before her. Hermione was utterly surprised. It was Ian Grant.
"Hi Hermione. Sorry to startle you, but you were running kinda fast there."
"Oh...hi...Ian." She tried to keep her voice at a normal level. "I was just on my to...uhh...the library."
"Oh, I should spend more time there," he joked and shot her a dashing smile.
Hermione had never really spoken directly with Ian before. Of course, she had noticed him in some of their classes, but gods, up close he was really something. Perfect teeth, perfect lips, perfect dimples and perfect green eyes.
"Well, uh, it's open until ten o'clock," she said cringing inwardly at her lame response. But Ian smiled that perfect smile again.
"Yah, well maybe I'll drop in for a study session sometime."
"Oh, were you looking for help with your studies?" That at least made sense as to why one of the hottest guys at Hogwarts was talking to her.
Ian laughed again. (a perfect laugh) and stepped a little closer to her.
"No actually I'm doing okay with my studies. I wanted to tell you that I really like your hair," he said leaning in a bit. "And your eyes."
Hermione was stunned. She was just about to run to her room and undo all her beauty voodoo.
"Oh, thank you," she said. "I really wasn't sure about it myself."
"Really? I think it really suits you." Hermione felt her cheeks go red. Was it possible that Ian Grant was flirting with her? He reached casually towards her face, his finger just barely grazing a strand of blond hair.
"Yah, it's like I'm seeing you in a whole new light."
"You mean like daylight?" Hermione was still baffled, but Ian seemed to think she was the funniest thing ever and responded with a perfect sounding chuckle.
"You're a sweetheart, you know that Hermione?"
"Me? I mean yes I know that...err...I mean not like that...but...umm...thank you," she finally managed.
"So Hermione. I've kept you from the library long enough. But how about you taking a walk with me sometime tomorrow if you're not too busy?"
"Yah. Absolutely. Anytime would be great. I'm always free." She cringed inwardly yet again. So much for playing hard to get.
"Great. I have quidditch practice before dinner for an hour, but how about meeting me after that?"
"That sounds nice."
"Okay then. It's a date," he said smiling.
"Yes, a date," she smiled back.
"Alright, see you tomorrow...Blondie," he said shooting her a wink and a smile before he strode away.
Hermione watched him as it dawned on her that she was Blondie. She was stunned. Five minutes ago she had been on the verge of tears and now she was Blondie, and a sweetheart, and the best looking guy in school had just asked her on a date. Who cared what Ron thought about her new look. She was accomplishing her goal in a big way. It was just like Ian had said. It was Hermione Granger in a whole new light. She spun on her heels, feeling practically giddy as she headed toward the common room. She couldn't wait to tell Ginny.
Ron felt like a jerk as he headed towards the common room. He never meant to say things to hurt her, so how did he always manage to put his foot in his mouth? He still didn't like her hair, but he knew Hermione. She was a sensible girl. Actually, she was the most sensible girl. He would apologize of course, but he wouldn't be surprised if she was back to her normal look already.
Ron entered through the portrait hole and he looked immediately to the area where they usually sat in the corner, but he only saw Harry copying something onto parchment. He headed towards him not surprised to see the large cushy chair Hermione usually occupied empty. She was obviously still upset with him. Harry looked up as Ron took a seat.
"So did you apologize yet?"
"Well, she wasn't in the library or her usual hiding places. I guess she's still up in her room cursing my name."
"You better hope that's all she's cursing," said Harry. "Besides she's not in her room, she's right there." Harry motioned to the opposite side of the common room.
Ron looked over to where a group of six or seven girls were sitting, including Ginny, Lavender, Pavrati, and Hermione. A very much still-blonde- haired Hermione. Ron narrowed his eyes at the scene. She was laughing and talking and even giggling. All the girls were leaning in listening to whatever Hermione was saying, and periodically they would all shriek or start giggling before leaning in again. It wasn't like he hadn't witnessed Hermione and Ginny do the girl talk thing before, but somehow Blond Hermione at the center of gossipy girl central just didn't look right.
Ron starred at her for awhile, willing her to look over at him, but she never so much as turned her head in his direction. Ron grumbled as he threw himself down in the chair across from Harry who looked up taking in his disgusted look.
"You know Ron, it can be difficult to apologize to someone telepathically."
"Well clearly, she's too busy...gabbing to want to bother working out a small problem with one of her best friends."
"A small problem? Ron, you told her she looked ridiculous in front of everyone."
"Well she did...does."
"RON! You hurt her feelings!" Harry was in no mood to deal with their latest row.
"All right, calm down. I'm going."
Ron stood up and slowly headed over to where Hermione was still sitting with the other girls. He approached slowly and stopped a few feet away. As he approached he strained to hear what they were saying, but all he caught was something about perfect teeth.
"Ahemmm," he said clearing his throat. The group of girls all stopped talking and looked up at him, including blonde Hermione. Ron forced a smile even though he was just never going to be used to seeing her that way.
"Uh, hello...everyone. Hermione, can I talk to you?"
"Sure Ron, what's up?" She spoke like nothing at all was the matter. She even smiled sweetly at him.
Ron was caught off guard. He was used to angry Hermione, irritated Hermione, ignoring-him-Hermione. He knew how to deal with that, but this pleasant unbothered Hermione was a new one, and it was unnerving.
"Well I wanted to talk to you about earlier."
"Oh. That. You were just not used to my new look. Don't worry about it." She smiled again.
"Umm...Okay. Great then."
Ron watched as they went back to their chit chat. He was baffled. There had been enough arguments and apologies between Hermione and himself that he knew how they went. It was practically an art form. They were full of words and emotion and more words and more emotions, and eventually understanding. But never ever had an apology gone quite like that. He hadn't even gotten the chance to explain himself or say he was sorry properly. She had just blown the whole thing off.
Ron started walking back towards Harry. Maybe he should be glad it went over so well. Maybe they had matured, and didn't need to do the whole emotional wordy apology thing anymore. After all, it was a stupid incident anyway. Yes, that was it, they had both grown. Ron walked by some fifth year girls feeling unconvinced.
"I can't believe it. She goes blonde and Ian Grants asks her out. It's so unfair," Ron overheard one of the girls say to the other.
Ron stopped in his tracks. He felt his entire body stiffen. Now, there was an off chance they were talking about some other girl and there was no reason to overreact, so why was he already marching back to where Hermione was sitting before he even finished the thought?
"I need to talk to you Hermione," he said sternly, interrupting her conversation.
"Later, okay Ron?" She said barely looking up at him.
"No. Not Okay. I need to talk to you now."
Her head snapped up, and her eyes narrowed. She was not happy with him.
"I said that we could talk later Ron," she said in a voice that clearly implied he was treading on thin ice. But Ron didn't care.
"Now Hermione," he said stepping forward, grabbing her wrist and pulling her up to her feet. He could practically feel her anger rising as he led her to the empty corner of the common room. He turned around to face her.
"What do you think you're doing Ron?"
"Well how funny, that was going to be my question actually Hermione?" She gave him a baffled look.
"What are you talking about?"
"What do you think I'm talking about? Ian Grant. Ian Grant! Since when and why could you be dating Ian Grant?" He spat at her.
"Since today for your information and because he asked me. Now I'm going." She started walking away. She was not going to let him get to her.
"How could you date that pretty boy moron?"
"He is not either of those things. You just don't like him because he plays quidditch on the opposing team. You don't even know Ian."
"Well, I may not know him, but I know of him, and besides you don't know him either!" Ron said his frustration rising.
"Well, that's why I'm going on a date with him, besides I know he likes my new look."
"Let me get this straight. That could-for-nothing-playboy-can't-stop- looking-in-the-mirror-at-himself-for-two-seconds gives you one compliment after six years of never looking your way and you're head over heels for the jerk?
"I am not head over heels for...for anyone! I am just going on a date with him. That's all! Besides Ron, is that what you're really angry about, or is it because I didn't let your mean comment send me into hiding in my room and undo all this," she said motioning at her hair. "That's what you were expecting wasn't it? I mean one comment from Ian Grant shouldn't have any effect on me at all, but oh, one thoughtless, stupid comment from Ron Weasley and I'm supposed to just come to my senses, because if Ron Weasley thinks I'm rubbish then I must be rubbish!"
"I don't think your rubbish. I would never think that about you!" He was in shock over Hermione's outburst.
"No, you just think I look like rubbish, and the guy I'm going on a date with is rubbish. That's all, right Ron? Well, I've had enough." She turned and started walking away.
"What is it Hermione, some of that blonde hair magic ooze into your brain?"
Hermione spun on her heels. "What is that supposed to mean?"
"Well, you tell me. You're blonde for one day and you're acting like rubbish, ignoring your friends and dating the biggest prat in the school."
"How dare you speak to me that way," she said closing in on him. "Just because you don't like my hair or Ian does not give you the right to speak to me like that. Especially when the only person who acted like a prat today is you."
"Oh that's another thing. We didn't even have a proper apology."
Hermione slapped the palm of her hand to her forehead. "I cannot believe you Ron. You actually want to have a row over an apology? Are you sure there's no magic affecting your brain?"
"Hey, I'm not the one with fake hair, ignoring her friends and dating prats."
"It's not fake hair!" So much for not letting him get to her. "And just because I was chatting with some people besides you for a few minutes does not mean I was ignoring my friends, and just because Ian can fly circles around you on the quidditch field does NOT make him a prat!!"
It was a low blow but she was so mad at this point her hands were shaking. She turned and started marching towards the stairs to her dorm. Meanwhile all of Gryfindor was curiously watching their latest row unfold.
Ron had never taken blows to his pride well, and this was no exception.
"Yah, that Ian's a great guy, and to think, you only had to turn yourself into a blonde bimbo to get him to take you out." He regretted it the minute he said it, but part of him had to get a rise out of her.
Hermione stopped in her tracks. She was so hurt and angry. She was either going to burst into tears or just burst Ron. She fought down her tears as she approached him. Ron waited for the onslaught. Hermione took several deep breaths before replying in the calmest voice she could muster.
"First of all, who I date is none of your business. Secondly, I'm sorry that I mean so little to you that you could think that about me, and finally, I don't ever want to talk to you again. She turned and walked away.
Ron was left standing there. His anger causing him to take deep shaky breaths. Where did she get off being all calm. He wanted her to scream at him, engage him, the way they always did. But instead she was calmly walking away. He should have let her go, because he knew enough damage had been done. He could feel Harry's eyes on him, pleading with him to stop, but instead he raised his wand and pointed it at Hermione.
"Reversio pigmentus!" He shouted as a blaze of color shot out his wand and hit Hermione.
Hermione shrieked as she felt the spell hit her scalp. Her hair. She reached up to her head. That prat! He had turned it back. It was bushy brown again fanning out in every direction.
"You prat! Do you know how long it took me to get the color right!!" She forgot about being calm and leveled her wand at him.
"Pigmento," she shouted.
A bolt of light hit Ron before he could move and he looked up noting the surprised look on his fellow students faces. He fingered several locks of his hair. He was blonde. Platinum blonde.
"Who's the blonde bimbo now?" Hermione chided him, but before she could even chuckle a bolt of light hit her and her robes were suddenly saturated with purple.
"Awwww... Purple goes great with your hair Hermione, you should really show--- "
Boom! A bolt of color splattered above his head covering the wall with green and most of Ron. Oh fine. Two could play at this game.
And then it was chaos. Color Chaos. Bolts of pigment shot across the common room along with Hermione and Ron's insults. The Gryfindors who hadn't been smart enough to make a hasty exit earlier were now running for cover as Ron and Hermione continued to throw curses of color at each other.
Boom! The fire burned neon pink. Pow! The chairs and sofa were turquoise and yellow. Wham! The walls were orange. Pop! The floor was red polka dots.
Neville got a bolt of beige right in the bum as he ran for cover. Harry was repaid for attempting to intervene with an array of green stripes across his face. Several students slid across the pigment slicked floor in an attempt to escape. The sloppy spell throwing left the color oozing down the walls, into the furniture, coating portraits, and clinging to the ceiling in a mad tie-dye effect.
Ron slid across the floor and behind the now multi-colored sofa breathing heavily. He was pretty multi-colored himself, green and orange dripping from his locks, his robes stained with red and purple polka dots, but he didn't care. He was going to be the victor of this color war.
Hermione's back was pressed against a now magenta armchair, her wand at the ready. She pushed her mass of rainbow curls back and wiped her orange polka dot forehead with the back of her gold striped hand. She was going to win this color war. She just needed one more direct shot.
Suddenly there was movement by the portrait hole. They both saw it. The opportunity to take the other out. Both appeared from their respective hiding places wands pointed.
"PIGMENTO!!" They both shouted in unison at the figure stepping through the portrait hole.
"WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THIS!!" Shouted a familiar voice.
Hermione and Ron's mutual expressions of victory changed immediately to horror and dismay as they beheld the sight before them.
Professor McGonagall was standing before them, drenched in color. She was a kaleidoscope of changing colors. Blues and reds mixed into purples, and orange polka dots mixed with turquoise stripes. Color covered her hat, her face, her robes. The color was still changing pigments as it oozed down her face and into her hair. Droplets of red pigment dripped from the tip of her nose as she took in the destruction to the common room.
"Again, Ms. Granger, Mr. Weasley, I ask you, what is the meaning of this?" She was obviously attempting to keep her cool.
McGonagall leveled her gaze at Hermione, but all she could do was make a few whimpering sounds and shake her head lamely. She had no words to explain. She dropped her eyes towards the floor.
Ron shifted from foot to foot. McGonagall was looking right at him now with an icy expression. Ron took in the scene around him.
"Redecorating,'' he replied lamely.
Detention was really a foregone conclusion. It was only a matter of how much detention.
A/N: Thanks to my Beta and sorry it takes me forever to update. I'm a slow thinker. ;) Reviews are absolutely appreciated.