Cool To Be a Fool

Chapter Two

Hermione stood there, staring at Harry in disbelief, not wanting to turn around and see the red head she dreaded being reunited with so much.

"Harry Potter, if that is Ronald Weasley I'm going to personally strangle you... with my bare hands!" She muttered angrily, her face turning bright red. Harry glanced from Hermione's face to Ron's. Hermione, he could tell, was pretty... upset, to say the least and Ron looked like a puppy that had just taken a swift kick to the side. There was silence between the three with just the sound of the boat and people loading in the background.

Ron gulped, trying to think of what to say. "Long time no see?" Ron questioned, sounding rather hesitant. Harry smiled at his friend and took Hermione by the shoulders to turn her around to face the blushing red head. "Don't act so happy to see me." Ron said glumly, looking down at the ground.

"Ron!" Harry laughed and stepped around Hermione to hug his friend.

Ron smirked as best as he could. "Hi, Harry," he replied, returning the heartfelt hug.

"Ugh!" Hermione paused, brushing a curl out of her face. "I can't believe you would do this to me, Harry Potter. I thought you were better than that. I guess I was wrong... as usual." Hermione's face was still red as she picked up her bags and started back for the portkey in which she had arrived.

"Hermione, you can't leave," Harry said as she stomped past him in a hurry. She stopped and turned around slowly.

"And why not?" She asked in a harsh tone which made Ron wince.

"Because..." Harry thought about it for a moment, just enough for Hermione to turn around and start to walk off again. "What about the prophecy?" Hermione stopped abruptly, not turning around. 'I knew that would get her,' Harry thought to himself, smiling. He winked at Ron, causing Ron to look at him in a confused manner.

Hermione rolled her eyes, still refusing to turn around, afraid she would run to the red head who'd broken her heart and forgive him like she knew she would have every day for the past few years. She was determined she couldn't... for the sake of both of their futures ... and pasts. She stood there for what felt like hours contemplating whether to leave and regret not hearing Harry out or stay and end up hurt. She felt herself nodding before she knew what was going on. She turned around slowly, looking at Harry first, trying her hardest not to look at the other... ignoring his presence, trying to pretend he wasn't there, staring at her.

"So is that a 'yes'?" Harry asked as Hermione slowly turned around.

"I guess..." She sighed, standing there, luggage in hand, not knowing what exactly to say next until she felt a rain drop fall onto the tip of her nose, making her look up at the gathering storm clouds above. "Great..."

It felt as though the bottom of the cloud had suddenly dropped out as the trio stood in the pouring rain, Hermione's white patterned dress becoming a bit too wet for comfort. She grabbed her baggage and ran towards the ship on the heels of Harry and Ron. As they approached the interior and warmth of the main lobby area of the ship, Hermione was out of breath and Ron and Harry were soaked to no end.

"What a great way to start a vacation..." Ron muttered, trying not to look too disappointed.

"Come on, you guys. You know we're going to have fun... as long as you two get along or at least pretend to get along for me. Please? Pretty please?" Harry begged, looking from one soaked Ron to one rather wet Hermione.

Hermione couldn't bare to make herself look at Ron so she just nodded and watched the ground in front of her.

"Sure," Ron rasped, trying not to sound too thrilled.

"So where are our rooms anyway?" Hermione looked up at Harry, trying to forget about her anger towards Ron. Harry reached into his pocket and pulled out three room keys. He handed one to Hermione and one to Ron and put the third back in his pocket.

"Well, I'd really like to go to my room and change... and start unpacking," Hermione looked around uncomfortably, realizing that her dress was mostly white and being wet wasn't the best idea. She suddenly felt very uncomfortable.

Hermione didn't notice, however, that Ron hadn't been able to take his eyes off her since the moment he'd arrived. He had seen her outside for the first time in years and was amazed at the difference only three years could do to a person. Her hair wasn't frizzy anymore, just long locks of brown curls and those glasses... those cute little glasses. And of course, Ron hadn't forgotten the detail of the cute little white and purple halter-top sundress she'd been wearing. It was shorter than he'd ever seen Hermione wear before and he loved every inch (or lack there of) of it. He watched her as the rain started to pour and wished he could sweep her off her feet and make her stop being so angered with him. After all, it hadn't entirely been his fault, but he couldn't convince her of that. He watched her as she stood in the lobby uncomfortably. He could always tell what mood she was in... like a conversation without words.

"Alright, I'm going to my room. I'll meet you back down here in... an hour?" Hermione looked from Harry to Ron and tried to smile as best she could. She reached for her luggage, but Ron grabbed the biggest suitcase before she could.

"I'll get that," He said quickly.

"Okay..." Hermione said hesitantly, trying not to be too suspicious. They could still be friends, couldn't they?

"Fine. See you in an hour." Harry smiled and watched as his two friends walked the other way. He knew they would make up before the day was over.

~*~

Hermione walked beside Ron in a very awkward silence. They came upon the elevator and Hermione went to press the button quickly as Ron reached for the same spot... their hands met for the first time in years. Hermione pulled away immediately, hoping the elevator wouldn't be too long. Ron couldn't help but smile as he watched her shift her weight from side to side.

"So, how have you been?" Ron attempted to start a conversation as he let down the heavy suitcase he had been holding onto the floor while they waited.

'How have I been?' Hermione thought angrily. 'How can he ask me how have I been?' Hermione managed to fight the anger in her voice as she replied rather nicely. "Pretty well, actually. I've been promoted to head healer at St. Mungo's specifically in obstetrician." Hermione patted herself on the back mentally. 'Good job. Keep him guessing. Don't let him get to you' She reassured herself.

"Wow, that's really good. Congratulations," Ron smiled at her and she tried to smile back feebly.

"What about you?" Hermione asked in response as the elevator rang, opening it's metal doors. Ron half dragged all of their luggage onto the elevator door and the doors shut behind him. The two of them stood there quietly, not knowing what to say. Hermione pressed the third floor button and the elevator started hesitantly.

"Well... I've been pretty busy with quidditch and everything," He sighed and ran his fingers through his short hair, when Hermione caught herself smiling. She had known he was a quidditch player, after all, his team had gone to nationals last year and she'd almost bought tickets just to see him.

"Oh, yeah, that's right," She smiled slowly. Ron couldn't believe she had to ask what he'd been up to. He was sure she had been watching his progress as the keeper for the Chudley Cannons Quidditch team. Neither of the two, noticed, however that the elevator hadn't been moving very fast as they continued their rather awkward conversation.

"So..." Ron was trying to think of something to say when he felt the elevator lurch and Hermione ended up falling onto him, landing perfectly into his masculine arms.

He looked down in surprise and Hermione jumped up immediately.

"I'm sorry!" She exclaimed, drastically trying to make her skirt longer as she stood up, brushing a few hairs out of her face. Ron watched as the emergency light in the elevator started blinking red and he rolled his eyes and groaned.

They were stuck.

[Author's Note~~~ Hey guys! I know this chapter is bit shorter than the first, but… I really liked the way it ended here. PLEASE REVIEW! Thanks to the few I've had now!

Here's to the reviewers (I'll respond every other chapter):

Donna Irene Mohr: hopefully, there will be MUCH more :-D

Harryluvzginny: I'm excited too. This will *hopefully* be a great fic. Thanks for reviewing. Review again, please!

Abigail Johnson: thanks, girl. Without you, you know I couldn't do this. LOVE YOU.

The Masked Reviewer: that's a hott name, I might add. Thanks for reviewing. I'm glad you LOVE it. I hope you still will… it's going to be verrrryyyy surprising, hopefully. Lots of twists … promise! Keep Reviewing!

CJ: If you love this one so much, go on over to my bio page and read my others. I'm real big on Ginny and Harry, too, so yeah… thanks for reviewing!

Kore-Persephone: Aloha! Thanks for the review! Keep reviewing… hope you like this chapter, too.

TELL YOUR FRIENDS! PLEASE REVIEW!

Here's what to expect:

Why does Hermione really loathe Ron so much? What has Ron been up to besides Quidditch for the past few years? Harry's lonely… hmm… A party… or two? We'll see! REVIEW… and I need ideas! Feel free to e-mail me.

Hugs and kisses, Hannah Holt]