Disclaimer: I don't own the rights to Harry Potter or Groundhog Day. I am not JK Rowling so please stop asking me to send people signed copies of OotP.
Chapter 15
When the bell finally rang, it signalled the end of Herbology and the end of the school day. Ron, Harry and Hermione took off their coveralls and gloves and passed them down to Professor Sprout. This time, Ron offered to bring up their Verennial Vertanna while Harry and Hermione did the cleaning up.
When the trio made their way out of the green house, they were greeted by obviously, the same very nice and sunny February weather that Ron knew there would be. Skies were clear and looked as though not a cloud was in sight, exactly the same as the previous day.
"I'm going to run up to the castle and get...um...get ready, alright?" asked Hermione sheepishly.
"Uh...sure...okay," answered Ron and he watched her run off toward the castle.
"Never thought Hermione would have to get ready just for a walk," said Harry, grinning at Ron.
"Uh...well...maybe she just has something quick to take care of," said Ron.
"Yeah, right," said Harry sniggering.
"What's that supposed to mean?" asked Ron.
"Nothing, never mind. So what do you have in store for Hermione?" asked Harry.
"Nothing really, just a little walk around the grounds and just chat, I suppose. Perhaps I'll give her a hard time about the bet she lost."
"Don't," said Harry sharply, "you don't want to upset her Ron, you can tease her a bit but don't lose your temper. Don't rub it in too much, she won't like it if you're being a prat about it."
"Whoa mate," said Ron laughing, "when did you turn into an advice columnist for the Daily Prophet?"
"Since that disaster with Cho last year," said Harry sarcastically.
"I see," said Ron.
"So, tell me the truth, do you like Hermione, as more than friends I mean?" asked Harry, out of the blue.
"WHAT?!" shouted Ron.
"You heard me," said Harry, now laughing.
Ron was very shocked to hear this question from Harry, he didn't know what to say. Harry was his best mate and they often shared personal things with each other but Ron honestly didn't know if he should say anything. The truth was that Ron did have certain feelings for Hermione but Ron himself didn't know whether they were real or not. He was never any good at things like this and was very confused. Admitting certain feelings for someone like Hermione was not something Ron strived for. He wanted to see where Harry was going with this.
"Earth to Ron, hello..?" said Harry waving a hand over Ron's face.
"NO!" said Ron.
"No?" said Harry skeptically, "I don't believe you."
"Why would you even think that, Harry?" asked Ron.
Harry stopped and took a moment to think about this, he grinned and said "because it's written all over you mate. Hermione too."
"Explain," said Ron, walking slowly back up to the castle.
"Well mate, it doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure--"
"Wait! What the hell is a rocket scientist?" asked Ron, cutting Harry off.
"A genius....but never mind that you fool." said Harry quickly waving his off description of a rocket scientist.
"What I meant to say was that it doesn't take a genius to see that you two are attracted to each other."
"When have we EVER shown interest in each other?!" asked Ron.
"You really are blind mate. Tell me something, why did you give Hermione such a hard time at the Yule Ball?
"Well...I thought that... well you and Vicky were competing, so Hermione basically chose his side over yours. Besides, he could have been working for You-Know-Who," said Ron.
"Don't be a prat Ron, you and I know that's a lie. You showed an awful amount of interest in who Hermione was taking to the ball even before you knew Krum was. You kept springing the question on her every chance you got. Why were you so interested?"
"I was just curious," said Ron, ears turning red.
"Oh yeah right!" said Harry shaking his head. "What about when Hermione told us that Krum had asked her to go visit him in Bulgaria. You didn't seem too happy about that did you?"
"It could have been dangerous, she hardly knows him!" explained Ron.
"Ok than tell me this, why do you get so agitated whenever Krum's name is brought up. I mean, after fourth year he basically proved he was a cool guy."
"I do not get agitated whenever Krum's name is brought up!" said Ron bitterly.
"Riiiight. Okay then, how do you feel about Krum still writing to Hermione?" asked Harry.
"I'm okay with it, I mean it's none of my business who she writes to," lied Ron.
"Is that so? Well what makes you think that she 'sees' something in Krum?"
"I didn't say she did," said Ron.
"You asked me before remember? You asked me last year and you even said that he was a grouchy git. Now why would you ask me something like that?" asked Harry.
"Well...I just wanted to know what she saw in the bloke. I mean, she still kept in contact with him so obviously there must be something about him that Hermione is fascinated with," said Ron.
"Sounds to me you care about what Hermione 'sees' in Krum," said Harry.
"I don't!" said Ron.
"Then why did you ask?" said Harry.
"I didn't ask, I--"
Harry cut him off, "you JUST said you wanted to know what she saw in the bloke, Ron. Now why would you want to know that? It sounds to me you just want to know what Krum has that you don't."
Harry had him, he had cornered Ron; there was no way he could give a legitimate answer without sounding like a complete fool. There was no turning back now, even Harry had mapped out why he thinks he likes Hermione. Harry had just forced him to admit to himself that yes, he did like Hermione more than just a friend.
"Fine, you win" said Ron dejectedly. He felt like he had just lost a game of chess to Harry, something that had never happened before. Harry would have forgotten all about this tomorrow anyway.
"Well when you put it that way I guess I do like her," said Ron climbing up the last of the stone steps and opening the entrance door to the castle.
Harry clapped his hand on Ron's back as a form of comfort and said, "well I'm glad you finally admitted it Ron, now what are you going to tell Hermione?"
"I'm not too sure yet mate, maybe nothing. If I do though, I'll be sure to ask for some advice," said Ron, smiling slightly.
"Well I don't think I'm the right person to ask for love advice mate; lets not forget about Cho."
Ron laughed and said "well I'm sure I'll still need your advice."
"Anytime mate," said Harry
"Password?" asked the Fat Lady.
"Wait," whispered Ron. "Um...you don't have a problem with me ...liking Hermione do you?"
Harry gave a reassuring smile and placed an arm on Ron's shoulder "of course not mate, she's my friend and that's it. Besides, you two were made for each other."
Ron smiled and Harry gave the password.
When Ron and Harry arrived in the Gryffindor common room, Hermione was not there waiting as Ron had expected her to, instead they met Parvati, Lavender and a bunch of other gossiping fourth and fifth year Gryffindor girls; in fact the room's only occupants were a crowd of twelve girls but no guys. "Funny," Ron thought, there wasn't that many people here in the common room the last time he did this. Ginny too was there but she wasn't part of the gossiping crew. She just sat on the couch reading a piece of parchment.
"Er.. hi girls, have you seen Hermione?" asked Ron.
Parvati giggled and said "Hermione will be down in a minute."
"Oh...alright, thanks," said Ron awkwardly. He noticed several girls were now eyeing him, giving him the same looks that Viktor Krum was given by girls every time he was in the library. These looks made Ron feel extremely tense. Harry was there also, beside Ron and had been receiving the same looks. These looks given by girls were no strangers to Ron or Harry. Ever since the beginning of the year Ron had noticed girls eyeing him in class, in the hallways, the common room, the Great Hall, etc.
To no surprise to Ron, Harry always got more attention from the girls than he did. Harry was always the celebrity, the famous one, the Boy Who Lived. This didn't bother Ron at all, not so much now anyway. There was a time he did feel resentful toward his best friend but all that had changed. Harry had gone through so much in his life, why not feel happy for him if he does get some good attention for once. Merlin knows, Harry could use some positive energy.
This sudden change of attitude from members of the opposite sex had always given Ron a bit of an uncomfortable feeling; he wasn't used to all this new attention from girls. He was flattered but he was also really nervous. Sometimes girls would come out of nowhere, corner him in the hallway and just strike up odd conversations with him. Even Luna Lovegood (to his annoyance) had stopped him several times this year talking about the oddest things.
"So why are you girls all bunched up like this?" asked Harry.
"Oh, no reason just hanging out that's all," said a fourth year.
"Oh...well...we'll just go stand...over there," said Harry pointing, not knowing what else to say.
"You sure know how to talk to girls Harry," laughed Ron, taking a seat next to his sister on the couch.
"Very funny Ron. But I'm not as smooth as James Bond you know," said Harry.
"Who's James Bond?" said Ron and Ginny together.
"He's this Muggle movie character who......oh hi Hermione," said Harry abruptly.
"Hi guys, ready to go Ron?" asked Hermione.
Ron looked up at her and noticed something uncommon. Hermione looked somewhat different than she used to look; it was interesting. She didn't wear make up or anything but she did look very pretty. Her hair was put into a ponytail and she had put on a wooly winter hat that matched her scarf. It was like seeing her in a different light all over again. Ron couldn't help but notice that Hermione looked absolutely beautiful.
"She's a Veela," Ron said to himself dreamily as he stared at her.
"Ron?" said Hermione.
"Oh! Yeah....um, right, shall we go then?" said Ron snapping out of his trance.
"Ready if you are," said Hermione, slightly smiling.
"Um, ok just let me take my books up to my dormitory and I'll be down in a sec," said Ron and he bolted up to his room and threw his books carelessly onto his bed. Again, he stopped to check himself in the mirror just like when it was Lavender he took out for a walk. He straightened his hair but then decided to mess it up again making it look windswept. When he went to leave his dormitory he decided on straightening his hair once again.
"Ready?" said Ron coming back down from the boys dormitories and putting on his scarf.
Hermione nodded. "Okay let's go then," said Ron putting his arm out for Hermione to hold, just as he'd done the same for Lavender last time.
"Wait up for us before you go down to supper mate," said Ron.
"Yeah, sure thing," replied Harry grinning and giving Ron a thumbs up. Ron laughed to himself as he guided Hermione out through the portrait hole.
"So, where do you want to go?" asked Ron as he and Hermione exited the castle and headed down the stone steps.
"Um, where ever you'd like to go," Hermione answered.
Ron was going to take the same route as he took with Lavender.
"Well how about we take a trip around the lake and see where we go from there?" said Ron, repeating the same exact words Lavender said last time.
Hermione smiled and said "sounds good."
"What's that smell?" said Ron noticing a familiar fragrance and sniffing around to see where it was coming from.
"Oh," said Hermione blushing, "that must be the perfume you bought me last Christmas."
Ron blushed too, "you're wearing that perfume I gave you last year?" he asked sheepishly.
"Well it is kinda nice," said Hermione.
"Thanks," he said, feeling embarrassed.
"So...um what's up?" asked Ron, in which he immediately regretted asking something so stupid.
"I mean what was up with Lavender and Parvati all day?" Ron added, covering up his blunder.
"Well you know; they were pestering me all day because--" Hermione stopped mid-sentence.
"Because they thought I was asking you out," finished Ron.
Hermione blushed and nodded.
"Well that's a bit silly of them isn't it?" said Ron sheepishly laughing.
"Yeah where did they get that idea?" said Hermione sheepishly laughing too.
"I'll bet they teased you senseless."
"Yeah, they didn't stop all morning, all day for that matter. It was agony just going to classes," said Hermione grinning.
"What did they say to you?" said Ron, whose face was growing hot.
"Well, they were just saying things like how lucky I was and everything," replied Hermione, blushing hard.
"Lucky?" said Ron
"Yeah lucky that we're such good friends and everything, this year," said Hermione looking away from Ron and turning her attention to the lake.
"Well we've been best friends since first year, I don't see how it's any different now," Ron said.
"Well the thing is Ron, I think some of the girls have had their eye on you," said Hermione now staring at the ground. It was hard to tell what her facial expression was.
"Yeah right," said Ron sounding sceptical. The truth was that Ron knew that Hermione was right on what she had just speculated on.
"Oh c'mon Ron, you're a Quidditch player and a Gryffindor Prefect, that makes you very popular," said Hermione.
Ron seriously doubted that being a Prefect had anything to do with girls liking you.
"I'm surprised a girl hasn't already snatched you up," said Hermione, now looking at Ron and blushing.
"Well I'm just waiting for the right girl," said Ron, smiling at her.
"And what's your idea of a right girl?" said Hermione returning a smile.
Ron was very taken back to be asked this question, from Hermione of all people. He wanted so very badly to describe Hermione's qualities as the 'right girl' but he just couldn't bring himself to do it. He was too nervous.
"I don't know, I honestly can't say," said Ron blushing. It was his turn now to look away and stare at the lake.
"You know, I think Parvati likes you," said Hermione.
This news didn't surprise Ron at all, he just played dumb and said "really?"
"Yeah, she said so in History of Magic today," Hermione said.
This didn't surprise him either, he had overheard that conversation between Lavender, Parvati and Hermione.
"Parvati, really?" said Ron incredulously playing along.
"You don't like her do you?" she asked.
"Well it all depends on what you mean by like," said Ron.
"Well you know, I mean like her as in being interested in her," said Hermione.
"Why do you want to know that?" asked Ron, the corners of his mouth twitching.
"I'm just making conversation that's all," said Hermione, ears going red.
"Well she IS pretty, there's no denying that. But I'm not really interested in a girl like her."
"A girl like what exactly?" asked Hermione.
"Well you know, Parvati is pretty good looking and all, but she IS a tad annoying. I don't know her very well but she seems pretty superficial to me."
Hermione seemed pleased at Ron's description of Parvati and decided to play off of that.
"Lavender's alright though," said Ron absently.
Hermione frowned, "Lavender? What makes you say that?" "Well I talked to her before and I learned loads of things about--"
"Really?" said Hermione, sounding cross, "well she seems like a real dimwit to me."
Ron was catching on, Hermione was really starting to sound jealous.
"She not as bad as she seems, in fact, Lavender is pretty cool," he said.
"I think she's annoying, she wouldn't stop bothering me today about what happened in Potions."
"Well than at least you learned something from all of this," said Ron grinning.
"And what's that?"she asked.
"Well I hoped you learned not to pre-judge me in the future. It causes you to loose certain bets and make you look a bit asinine," said Ron with unmistakable smugness in his voice.
"Asinine? ME asinine?" said Hermione acidly.
"Well yeah, you did look a bit foolish. Shall I repeat the words you said to me in potions earlier this morning?"
Ron didn't wait for Hermione to answer and began quoting what she said in potions. "Well I for one think you've done it all wrong. There's no way you're going to do well on this test if you're already in the brewing stages," Ron said trying to imitate Hermione's voice and failing miserably.
"Thanks for that horrible impersonation, Ron," said Hermione bitterly; the intensity in her tone of voice rising.
"Well that's what you said Hermione, not me. It did make you sound ludicrous," said Ron, trying to match her intensity.
"Ludicrous? What I said wasn't ludicrous, it was the truth!" said Hermione looking a little rattled.
"Look, I know for a fact you DIDN'T read that section Snape assigned therefore the logical conclusion is that you shouldn't and wouldn't have a clue on how to brew the Cruxtitions potion," said Hermione, as if it settled the matter.
"Well just because YOU think it's the truth it doesn't mean it is. You DID come off a bit harsh, Hermione. I mean what if I read the chapter in bed that night?"
"Did you?" asked Hermione sounding sceptical.
"Yes I did," Ron lied.
"Liar!" said Hermione sharply.
"Well if I was lying, then tell me, how did I manage to get a perfect 10 out of 10?" asked Ron sounding egotistical.
Hermione opened and closed her mouth several time before muttering "I can't explain it." She sounded defeated but didn't admit it to Ron. He didn't want to continue this escalating row so he decided to switch the conversation.
"So what did Ernie and Justin want to talk to you about in the greenhouse today?" asked Ron.
"Oh it's nothing really," she replied a little too hastily.
"Nothing, huh? Well I don't mind hearing about it," said Ron trying to dig it out of her.
"I'll tell you later...it's...really not important now," said Hermione.
"Okay but I'm going to hold you to that. Remember you're stuck with me for a while," said Ron teasingly. He had a bad feeling whatever Hermione had to say about Ernie and Justin was going to upset him.
As the two continued to walk and talk, Ron once again noticed a few 3rd year's playing in the snow and two of them were trying to bury Dennis Creevey once again. Ron was going to give them another warning when Hermione beat him to the punch.
"Hey Macdonald and Barns, stop that this instant!" ordered Hermione. "You're lucky I'm not giving you two detentions."
"Oh c'mon Hermione, they're just trying to have a little fun. They're not going to do anything dangerous to the kid" said Ron.
"Ron, we are Prefects, it's our job to watch out for them and make sure they don't hurt themselves. Besides Dennis could get seriously hurt," said Hermione acting bossy again.
"Hey Dennis!" said Ron, "how are you feeling? Are these guys bothering you?"
"I'm Fine, we're just fooling around that's all," said Dennis Creevey.
"See?" said Ron turning to Hermione.
"Never the less," she said to Ron, "you three find something else that's fun, something that's safer," she said and signalling Ron to walk on. Ron shook his head as noticed Macdonald bending down to grab a hand full of snow. Ron thought Hermione being pelted with snowballs would probably anger her and ruin this afternoon.
"You know, this was a good idea Ron," said Hermione.
"What's a good idea?" asked Ron catching up with her.
"Us going for a walk," said Hermione.
"Really?" said Ron, a little too enthusiastically.
"Um yeah, we could carry out our prefect duties out here. You know, not letting our time go totally wasted. I mean none of us are doing homework or anything productive for that matter," said Hermione using her bossy tone again.
"Our time being wasted?!" said Ron, sounding surprised.
"Well yeah, look at what we witnessed just a few seconds ago? If we weren't there then who knows what could have happened to Dennis," said Hermione.
"They were just having fun, Hermione, I seriously doubt they were going to suffocate the poor bloke," said Ron, feeling impatient.
"Well you're not a seer Ron, you can't be too sure of these things," said Hermione. Ron just shook his head and muttered "you're unbelievable,"
"What did you say?" asked Hermione heatedly.
"I said, you are unbelievable, Hermione" said Ron returning her tone.
"And why is that?"
"Because, you said you would rather study than waste your precious time walking and getting some air," he answered.
"Well I'm sorry but I have better things to do then just fool around Ron, I prefer to do well in my studies."
"Yeah but all you do is study," said Ron.
"That is not ALL I do, Ron," said Hermione sounding offended, "I do other things that are fun."
"Oh yeah, read a book in your spare time, lots of fun Hermione. If it weren't for Harry and me you-- "
"Harry and I" said Hermione, correcting him.
"Whatever, Harry and I. Like I said, if it weren't for us, all you would do is read." "I happen to enjoy reading, Ron," said Hermione hotly. "Besides, Viktor agrees with me. Reading helps enrich the mind and is a sophisticated form of entertainment.
"Viktor?" said Ron irritably, "still in contact with him are you?"
"Yes I am," snapped Hermione, "and he's told me that he sometimes prefers reading over Quidditch."
"He said that?!" said Ron scathingly, "I should have known that prat would say that; he practically spent all his time in the library when he came here for the Triwizard.
"And what's wrong with that?" asked Hermione looking disgruntled.
"Just because he's this rocket scientist doesn't mean--"
"Wait a minute!" said Hermione, "a rocket scientist?"
"Yeah, just because he's a rocket scientist doesn't mean--"
"What do you mean Viktor's a rocket scientist?" said Hermione cutting Ron off again.
"Well he's a genius," said Ron.
"Well I don't know about that Ron, he's really intelligent, but what does this have to do with a rocket scientist?" said Hermione furrowing her brow.
"Well that's what a genius is, isn't it?!" said Ron feeling annoyed, "Harry told me that a rocket scientist is a genius; I don't know, I've never heard of a rocket scientist before until Harry said that it meant being a genius."
Ron's odd look of confusion made Hermione burst out laughing at him. Ron had never seen her laugh this hard before, it was quite a sight.
It had taken a full five minutes for Hermione to settle down; she was out of breath and needed to sit down.
"Do you mind telling me what the hell is so funny?" said Ron fuming.
"Ron," she started, "a rocket scientist doesn't necessarily mean genius."
"Well that's what Harry said a genius was," said Ron sullenly.
"Well yes a rocket scientist can be called a genius I suppose, but a rocket scientist is a profession, Ron. You must of misunderstood Harry," she said and started laughing again.
"Well what the bloody hell is a rocket scientist then?" said Ron, felling nettled. Hermione tried to explain what a rocket scientist was but it was really a waste of breath. Ron couldn't understand what in the world she was talking about. He couldn't grasp the idea of Muggles wanting to build such strange things. "Why not just use a broom?" he thought.
"Um...can I ask you a question?" said Ron changing the topic of conversation.
"Sure," said Hermione.
"If you only had one day left to live, what would you do?" he asked.
"What a strange question to ask Ron, why?" replied Hermione, laughing and shaking her head.
"Well...I just wanna know all about you; what you like, what you want in life, what you think about, what you like to do for fun when Harry and I aren't around, etc,"
"Why?" she asked sceptically.
"I dunno, I just realized that after being friends for so long I didn't really know a whole lot about you."
"This is certainly different," said Hermione.
"Well, let's hear it," said Ron grinning.
"Well I guess I want what any woman wants," she said, "I want a good career, love, a family, happiness, etc"
"That's a really girly way of looking at life," said Ron, the corners of his mouth twitching.
"Well in case you still haven't noticed Ron," said Hermione jesting. Ron laughed.
"So what do you like to do on your summer vacations. Besides read," he asked with a grin.
"Very funny, Ron. Well I like to travel," she said, "I loved Paris France when I visited three years ago. I think it's the most beautiful place I've ever visited. It's so gorgeous there and the scenery is truly beautiful at night."
"I've never been there. What's it like from a Muggle point of view?" asked Ron.
"Well I'll tell you about the time I came back from a tour of the city," said Hermione, "we had just finished dinner in the hotel restaurant and we decided to head up and turn in for the night. When I opened the door to our room, I was greeted with the most wonderful sight I had ever seen."
"Yeah I'll bet the bed was real comfortable to, right?" said Ron eagerly.
"The bed?" asked Hermione.
"Yeah, I'll bet that's the wonderful sight you were talking about. I mean, it is for me when I go somewhere away from the Burrow."
"No Ron, not the bed!" she said shaking her head, "It was the Eiffel Tower," she said breathlessly.
"The what tower?" he asked.
"The Eiffel Tower," said Hermione, "it's this enormous tower located in the city of Paris that lights up the sky at night. It's truly magnificent."
"What's so great about a tower of lights?" asked Ron.
"Well I suppose its nothing compared to what there is to see in the wizarding world but there's something very special about it," said Hermione, "I can remember staring at it for hours, just being captivated by it. Mum and dad held each other for a long time, just looking at it. I remember reading about it but reading just doesn't do it justice, you have to see it to believe it."
Ron couldn't help but just stare at Hermione. There she was, explaining something, and he had no clue to what it was about, yet her passion and enthusiasm she displayed while describing this 'tower' was amazing.
"You should visit there sometime Ron, its breathtaking," she said fervently.
"I'll keep that in mind," he said.
"Um, as much as I'd like to continue this, we should start heading in now," said Ron looking up at the sky and at his watch.
"Yeah you're right, its getting colder now," said Hermione.
Ron took off his cloak and draped it around Hermione, just as he did for Lavender before.
"Ron you're going to freeze!" said Hermione worriedly.
"No that's alright, honestly," said Ron.
While they walked slowly back up to the castle Ron asked, "would you call Paris your most favourite place that you visited?"
"As much as I loved Paris I would have to say no," said Hermione, "I would have to say my most favourite place to visit is my granddad's cottage."
"That's cool," said Ron, "I'll bet it's great there."
"It really is," said Hermione, "there's this swimming spot that he had there. I hated swimming but there was this beautiful waterfall and I used to go up there to read."
"You like waterfalls but you don't like the water?" he chuckled.
"Well, I don't like swimming," she said smiling, "but there was something about that waterfall that enchanted me. I love waterfalls in general, there's something very peaceful about them. It's like time doesn't exist when watching a waterfall."
"I know what that feels like. What else did you love about your Grandfather's cottage?" asked Ron.
"Well he used to have this garden out back. I would wake up every day at the crack of dawn and help him. We would grow all kinds of plants and vegetables there."
"When was the last time you visited your grandad's cottage?"
"Not since he passed away," said Hermione sadly.
"Oh geeze I'm really sorry Hermione, I didn't mean to--"
"No that's alright Ron. Its okay, its nice to talk about it, I don't mind," said Hermione giving Ron a reassuring smile.
"Well I guess we should get to Harry before we go down to the Great Hall," said Ron, climbing up the steps to Gryffindor Tower.
"You two go on without me I have to take care of something before I head down to dinner," she said.
"Are you sure?" he asked.
"Yeah don't worry about it," replied Hermione.
Ron nodded and was about to give the Fat Lady the password when Hermione placed her arm on his shoulder and said "wait,"
"What are we going to do after dinner?" Hermione asked.
"You have to watch me practice Quidditch," said Ron imperviously.
Hermione laughed and said "thanks for a really nice walk Ron. I had a lot of fun today and I'm glad we had such a nice chat."
"Yeah at least it didn't end up in a row. I enjoyed today too," said Ron grinning.
Hermione smiled and gave him a kiss on the cheek, "thanks," she whispered.
It took Ron a few seconds to gather himself but he finally said "no problem."
He gave the password and the two walked into the common room. Harry and Ginny were sitting on the couch having some kind of animated discussion.
"Hey guys," said Hermione warily, "what's up?"
"Oh nothing much," said Ginny, "just talking about Quidditch strategies."
"Well you guys ready to go down to the Great Hall?" asked Ron.
"Yeah lets go, I'm starving," said Harry.
"Actually you guys go on with out me," said Hermione.
"Yeah I'm not ready to go down yet either," said Ginny.
"Um, all right then," Harry shrugged and he and Ron walked out through the portrait hole.
"So how was it?!" asked Harry trying to sound casual.
"It was.....nice," said Ron trying to stifle a large smile.
"Nice? That's it?" asked Harry sceptically.
"Well yeah it was a nice day and we had a really good chat," said Ron trying to bait Harry.
"Ok mate, enough with the fooling around, now talk!" said Harry hysterically and acting like a hyperactive first year.
At this point Ron had to cave into Harry's question. In truth he couldn't wait to tell Harry how the whole thing went.
"Well, how did it go?!" Harry asked for what seemed like the thousandth time.
"I had an amazing time," said Ron breathlessly.
"Yeah?!" said Harry, "any details?"
"Well to tell you the truth mate, there's really nothing exciting to tell you about," "But you just said you had an amazing time," said Harry acting thoroughly confused.
"Well I did, but I can't explain it Harry, we just talked about all kinds of things; I found out more about her today than I did in the six years I knew her. It's hard to explain."
"Did you two argue at all?" Harry asked.
"No, not really; a little but nothing big," Ron answered.
"So what did you two talk about?"
"All kinds of things. We talked about....." Ron trailed off.
"OW! WHAT WAS THAT FOR?!" shouted Harry. Ron had punched Harry on his right arm.
"That's for making a fool out of me," said Ron.
"What?! When did I do that?" asked Harry rubbing his arm.
"When you didn't tell me what a rocket scientist was," replied Ron.
"What does that have to do with make you look like a fool?" Harry asked.
"Because I told Hermione that Krum was a rocket scientist, meaning he was a genius. I didn't realize they were two completely different things, Harry. You didn't explain and I just assumed that a genius and a rocket scientist were one and the same thing."
Harry laughed, "sorry mate, I didn't think you would actually remember."
"Well that's ok because Hermione seemed to think it was funny as hell. Honestly, I thought she was going to burst."
"Well I guess it worked out for you then," said Harry grinning.
"Well it was at my expense, but I guess it's cool."
"Okay, going back to what you guys talked about," Harry said.
"We talked a bit about Parvati and Lavender,"
"Why?" asked Harry looking bewildered.
"Well Hermione actually brought them up. She even talked about Parvati actually liking me," said Ron.
"Really?"
"Yeah, but I already knew," said Ron.
"You did? How?" asked Harry.
"I know lot's of things Harry, did you know Parvati likes Neville too?"
"What?! Whoa, we have to tell him," said Harry.
"Yeah," said Ron absent minded.
"So what else did you and Hermione talk about?"
"Well she talked quite a bit about places she visited. One place was Paris France and another place was this cottage that belonged to her Granddad. She also seemed really keen on the elf tower."
"Elf tower?" said Harry.
"I don't know either," said Ron shaking his head, "something about a huge tower in Paris."
"That's the Eiffel Tower you dolt!" exclaimed Harry.
"Yeah whatever," said Ron.
Ron and Harry entered the Great Hall still discussing Hermione. When they got to their usual seats and Ron stared at the table and noticed that yet again the same food was being served as the last time he went down to supper. Pork chops, potato salad, beef casserole, chicken wings, fish sticks, chicken nuggets and pudding were all on the menu again. "Again with the pudding," thought Ron.
"Arrgh! This again," he said.
"What are you talking about? We've never had this stuff in a long while," said Harry stuffing his mouth with potato salad.
"I did," Ron muttered quietly.
"Hey guys, what are the chances we'll whoop Ravenclaw next week?" Dean asked ten minutes later.
"We won't even get the chance to play them," Ron said to himself.
"I think we have a great chance of winning," said Harry, "the team's still a bit rusty from the last match but I think we'll win this one." "Good because I got a wager going on with Anthony Goldstein," said Dean "twenty galleons."
"Now Dean you know the rules," said Ron waving his finger back and forth and smirking, "I'm going to let you off with this one but only because you bet on us."
Dean chuckled and gave Ron a pat on the back. Hermione and Ginny came into the Great Hall a while later and sat down across from Ron and Harry.
It's going to get a bit chilly out there Hermione, I hope you're going to wear something warm for the practice," said Ron.
"Oh okay, thanks," she said.
"Hey guys," said Alicia coming into the Great Hall and walking up to where the group was sitting,
"the rest of us will be waiting down at the pitch, so don't be too late alright? We better get going if we want to get some practice in before the weather gets any worse."
"We'll be down shortly," called Ginny as Alicia walked off.
Harry finished his last bite and got up from the table, "well I guess I'll be heading down to the dungeons now. Have a good practice guys and I'll talk to you later."
When Harry was out of ear shot, Hermione asked "why does Harry have detention?"
"Malfoy talked about Sirius and Harry made an effort to punch him," said Ginny.
"Oh no!" said Hermione, "is he okay?"
"Yeah he seems fine," said Ron, "he seems pretty normal to me."
"We better get going," said Ginny gloomily.
"Well you guys go up and get ready, I'm going to have some more pudding. I'll be done by the time you get back down," said Hermione.
"Ok we'll be down in a minute," said Ron.
"So how was the walk?" asked Ginny walking out of the Great Hall with Ron.
"It was really good," replied Ron.
"I'll bet," she said grinning, "Hermione told me everything."
"Yeah? What did she say about me?" said Ron blushing.
"I'm not telling you what she said Ron,"
"Why not?" he pleaded.
"Because she made me promise," she said smiling and making Ron irritated.
"Fine," said Ron sounding disheartened.
"I can tell you one thing, she was glad she lost that bet," said Ginny sounding amused. Ron smiled but said nothing.
When Ron and Ginny came down into the Entrance Hall five minutes later they found Hermione waiting for them at the entrance door but she wasn't alone.
Justin Finch-Fletchley was there also and he was talking energetically to her. Ron was not pleased about this.
A/N: Many thanks to all who reviewed the last chapter. It meant a lot to me and made me feel really happy.
I hoped you guys enjoyed reading this chapter. I originally wrote WAY more but I decided to split it into two chapters. The next chapter will take some time to write because what I cut from this chapter has to be incorporated into the next.
Don't worry, it won't take too long. I'm still juggling my social time and my job time but I think I have my schedule under control.
I consider this chapter to be an important building block in the R/Hr factor of this story. I don't want to spoil anything but the next chapter will be the start of a turning point for Ron Weasley.
Again I really appreciate all the great reviews I've been getting, please keep it up!
Take Care
Chapter 15
When the bell finally rang, it signalled the end of Herbology and the end of the school day. Ron, Harry and Hermione took off their coveralls and gloves and passed them down to Professor Sprout. This time, Ron offered to bring up their Verennial Vertanna while Harry and Hermione did the cleaning up.
When the trio made their way out of the green house, they were greeted by obviously, the same very nice and sunny February weather that Ron knew there would be. Skies were clear and looked as though not a cloud was in sight, exactly the same as the previous day.
"I'm going to run up to the castle and get...um...get ready, alright?" asked Hermione sheepishly.
"Uh...sure...okay," answered Ron and he watched her run off toward the castle.
"Never thought Hermione would have to get ready just for a walk," said Harry, grinning at Ron.
"Uh...well...maybe she just has something quick to take care of," said Ron.
"Yeah, right," said Harry sniggering.
"What's that supposed to mean?" asked Ron.
"Nothing, never mind. So what do you have in store for Hermione?" asked Harry.
"Nothing really, just a little walk around the grounds and just chat, I suppose. Perhaps I'll give her a hard time about the bet she lost."
"Don't," said Harry sharply, "you don't want to upset her Ron, you can tease her a bit but don't lose your temper. Don't rub it in too much, she won't like it if you're being a prat about it."
"Whoa mate," said Ron laughing, "when did you turn into an advice columnist for the Daily Prophet?"
"Since that disaster with Cho last year," said Harry sarcastically.
"I see," said Ron.
"So, tell me the truth, do you like Hermione, as more than friends I mean?" asked Harry, out of the blue.
"WHAT?!" shouted Ron.
"You heard me," said Harry, now laughing.
Ron was very shocked to hear this question from Harry, he didn't know what to say. Harry was his best mate and they often shared personal things with each other but Ron honestly didn't know if he should say anything. The truth was that Ron did have certain feelings for Hermione but Ron himself didn't know whether they were real or not. He was never any good at things like this and was very confused. Admitting certain feelings for someone like Hermione was not something Ron strived for. He wanted to see where Harry was going with this.
"Earth to Ron, hello..?" said Harry waving a hand over Ron's face.
"NO!" said Ron.
"No?" said Harry skeptically, "I don't believe you."
"Why would you even think that, Harry?" asked Ron.
Harry stopped and took a moment to think about this, he grinned and said "because it's written all over you mate. Hermione too."
"Explain," said Ron, walking slowly back up to the castle.
"Well mate, it doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure--"
"Wait! What the hell is a rocket scientist?" asked Ron, cutting Harry off.
"A genius....but never mind that you fool." said Harry quickly waving his off description of a rocket scientist.
"What I meant to say was that it doesn't take a genius to see that you two are attracted to each other."
"When have we EVER shown interest in each other?!" asked Ron.
"You really are blind mate. Tell me something, why did you give Hermione such a hard time at the Yule Ball?
"Well...I thought that... well you and Vicky were competing, so Hermione basically chose his side over yours. Besides, he could have been working for You-Know-Who," said Ron.
"Don't be a prat Ron, you and I know that's a lie. You showed an awful amount of interest in who Hermione was taking to the ball even before you knew Krum was. You kept springing the question on her every chance you got. Why were you so interested?"
"I was just curious," said Ron, ears turning red.
"Oh yeah right!" said Harry shaking his head. "What about when Hermione told us that Krum had asked her to go visit him in Bulgaria. You didn't seem too happy about that did you?"
"It could have been dangerous, she hardly knows him!" explained Ron.
"Ok than tell me this, why do you get so agitated whenever Krum's name is brought up. I mean, after fourth year he basically proved he was a cool guy."
"I do not get agitated whenever Krum's name is brought up!" said Ron bitterly.
"Riiiight. Okay then, how do you feel about Krum still writing to Hermione?" asked Harry.
"I'm okay with it, I mean it's none of my business who she writes to," lied Ron.
"Is that so? Well what makes you think that she 'sees' something in Krum?"
"I didn't say she did," said Ron.
"You asked me before remember? You asked me last year and you even said that he was a grouchy git. Now why would you ask me something like that?" asked Harry.
"Well...I just wanted to know what she saw in the bloke. I mean, she still kept in contact with him so obviously there must be something about him that Hermione is fascinated with," said Ron.
"Sounds to me you care about what Hermione 'sees' in Krum," said Harry.
"I don't!" said Ron.
"Then why did you ask?" said Harry.
"I didn't ask, I--"
Harry cut him off, "you JUST said you wanted to know what she saw in the bloke, Ron. Now why would you want to know that? It sounds to me you just want to know what Krum has that you don't."
Harry had him, he had cornered Ron; there was no way he could give a legitimate answer without sounding like a complete fool. There was no turning back now, even Harry had mapped out why he thinks he likes Hermione. Harry had just forced him to admit to himself that yes, he did like Hermione more than just a friend.
"Fine, you win" said Ron dejectedly. He felt like he had just lost a game of chess to Harry, something that had never happened before. Harry would have forgotten all about this tomorrow anyway.
"Well when you put it that way I guess I do like her," said Ron climbing up the last of the stone steps and opening the entrance door to the castle.
Harry clapped his hand on Ron's back as a form of comfort and said, "well I'm glad you finally admitted it Ron, now what are you going to tell Hermione?"
"I'm not too sure yet mate, maybe nothing. If I do though, I'll be sure to ask for some advice," said Ron, smiling slightly.
"Well I don't think I'm the right person to ask for love advice mate; lets not forget about Cho."
Ron laughed and said "well I'm sure I'll still need your advice."
"Anytime mate," said Harry
"Password?" asked the Fat Lady.
"Wait," whispered Ron. "Um...you don't have a problem with me ...liking Hermione do you?"
Harry gave a reassuring smile and placed an arm on Ron's shoulder "of course not mate, she's my friend and that's it. Besides, you two were made for each other."
Ron smiled and Harry gave the password.
When Ron and Harry arrived in the Gryffindor common room, Hermione was not there waiting as Ron had expected her to, instead they met Parvati, Lavender and a bunch of other gossiping fourth and fifth year Gryffindor girls; in fact the room's only occupants were a crowd of twelve girls but no guys. "Funny," Ron thought, there wasn't that many people here in the common room the last time he did this. Ginny too was there but she wasn't part of the gossiping crew. She just sat on the couch reading a piece of parchment.
"Er.. hi girls, have you seen Hermione?" asked Ron.
Parvati giggled and said "Hermione will be down in a minute."
"Oh...alright, thanks," said Ron awkwardly. He noticed several girls were now eyeing him, giving him the same looks that Viktor Krum was given by girls every time he was in the library. These looks made Ron feel extremely tense. Harry was there also, beside Ron and had been receiving the same looks. These looks given by girls were no strangers to Ron or Harry. Ever since the beginning of the year Ron had noticed girls eyeing him in class, in the hallways, the common room, the Great Hall, etc.
To no surprise to Ron, Harry always got more attention from the girls than he did. Harry was always the celebrity, the famous one, the Boy Who Lived. This didn't bother Ron at all, not so much now anyway. There was a time he did feel resentful toward his best friend but all that had changed. Harry had gone through so much in his life, why not feel happy for him if he does get some good attention for once. Merlin knows, Harry could use some positive energy.
This sudden change of attitude from members of the opposite sex had always given Ron a bit of an uncomfortable feeling; he wasn't used to all this new attention from girls. He was flattered but he was also really nervous. Sometimes girls would come out of nowhere, corner him in the hallway and just strike up odd conversations with him. Even Luna Lovegood (to his annoyance) had stopped him several times this year talking about the oddest things.
"So why are you girls all bunched up like this?" asked Harry.
"Oh, no reason just hanging out that's all," said a fourth year.
"Oh...well...we'll just go stand...over there," said Harry pointing, not knowing what else to say.
"You sure know how to talk to girls Harry," laughed Ron, taking a seat next to his sister on the couch.
"Very funny Ron. But I'm not as smooth as James Bond you know," said Harry.
"Who's James Bond?" said Ron and Ginny together.
"He's this Muggle movie character who......oh hi Hermione," said Harry abruptly.
"Hi guys, ready to go Ron?" asked Hermione.
Ron looked up at her and noticed something uncommon. Hermione looked somewhat different than she used to look; it was interesting. She didn't wear make up or anything but she did look very pretty. Her hair was put into a ponytail and she had put on a wooly winter hat that matched her scarf. It was like seeing her in a different light all over again. Ron couldn't help but notice that Hermione looked absolutely beautiful.
"She's a Veela," Ron said to himself dreamily as he stared at her.
"Ron?" said Hermione.
"Oh! Yeah....um, right, shall we go then?" said Ron snapping out of his trance.
"Ready if you are," said Hermione, slightly smiling.
"Um, ok just let me take my books up to my dormitory and I'll be down in a sec," said Ron and he bolted up to his room and threw his books carelessly onto his bed. Again, he stopped to check himself in the mirror just like when it was Lavender he took out for a walk. He straightened his hair but then decided to mess it up again making it look windswept. When he went to leave his dormitory he decided on straightening his hair once again.
"Ready?" said Ron coming back down from the boys dormitories and putting on his scarf.
Hermione nodded. "Okay let's go then," said Ron putting his arm out for Hermione to hold, just as he'd done the same for Lavender last time.
"Wait up for us before you go down to supper mate," said Ron.
"Yeah, sure thing," replied Harry grinning and giving Ron a thumbs up. Ron laughed to himself as he guided Hermione out through the portrait hole.
"So, where do you want to go?" asked Ron as he and Hermione exited the castle and headed down the stone steps.
"Um, where ever you'd like to go," Hermione answered.
Ron was going to take the same route as he took with Lavender.
"Well how about we take a trip around the lake and see where we go from there?" said Ron, repeating the same exact words Lavender said last time.
Hermione smiled and said "sounds good."
"What's that smell?" said Ron noticing a familiar fragrance and sniffing around to see where it was coming from.
"Oh," said Hermione blushing, "that must be the perfume you bought me last Christmas."
Ron blushed too, "you're wearing that perfume I gave you last year?" he asked sheepishly.
"Well it is kinda nice," said Hermione.
"Thanks," he said, feeling embarrassed.
"So...um what's up?" asked Ron, in which he immediately regretted asking something so stupid.
"I mean what was up with Lavender and Parvati all day?" Ron added, covering up his blunder.
"Well you know; they were pestering me all day because--" Hermione stopped mid-sentence.
"Because they thought I was asking you out," finished Ron.
Hermione blushed and nodded.
"Well that's a bit silly of them isn't it?" said Ron sheepishly laughing.
"Yeah where did they get that idea?" said Hermione sheepishly laughing too.
"I'll bet they teased you senseless."
"Yeah, they didn't stop all morning, all day for that matter. It was agony just going to classes," said Hermione grinning.
"What did they say to you?" said Ron, whose face was growing hot.
"Well, they were just saying things like how lucky I was and everything," replied Hermione, blushing hard.
"Lucky?" said Ron
"Yeah lucky that we're such good friends and everything, this year," said Hermione looking away from Ron and turning her attention to the lake.
"Well we've been best friends since first year, I don't see how it's any different now," Ron said.
"Well the thing is Ron, I think some of the girls have had their eye on you," said Hermione now staring at the ground. It was hard to tell what her facial expression was.
"Yeah right," said Ron sounding sceptical. The truth was that Ron knew that Hermione was right on what she had just speculated on.
"Oh c'mon Ron, you're a Quidditch player and a Gryffindor Prefect, that makes you very popular," said Hermione.
Ron seriously doubted that being a Prefect had anything to do with girls liking you.
"I'm surprised a girl hasn't already snatched you up," said Hermione, now looking at Ron and blushing.
"Well I'm just waiting for the right girl," said Ron, smiling at her.
"And what's your idea of a right girl?" said Hermione returning a smile.
Ron was very taken back to be asked this question, from Hermione of all people. He wanted so very badly to describe Hermione's qualities as the 'right girl' but he just couldn't bring himself to do it. He was too nervous.
"I don't know, I honestly can't say," said Ron blushing. It was his turn now to look away and stare at the lake.
"You know, I think Parvati likes you," said Hermione.
This news didn't surprise Ron at all, he just played dumb and said "really?"
"Yeah, she said so in History of Magic today," Hermione said.
This didn't surprise him either, he had overheard that conversation between Lavender, Parvati and Hermione.
"Parvati, really?" said Ron incredulously playing along.
"You don't like her do you?" she asked.
"Well it all depends on what you mean by like," said Ron.
"Well you know, I mean like her as in being interested in her," said Hermione.
"Why do you want to know that?" asked Ron, the corners of his mouth twitching.
"I'm just making conversation that's all," said Hermione, ears going red.
"Well she IS pretty, there's no denying that. But I'm not really interested in a girl like her."
"A girl like what exactly?" asked Hermione.
"Well you know, Parvati is pretty good looking and all, but she IS a tad annoying. I don't know her very well but she seems pretty superficial to me."
Hermione seemed pleased at Ron's description of Parvati and decided to play off of that.
"Lavender's alright though," said Ron absently.
Hermione frowned, "Lavender? What makes you say that?" "Well I talked to her before and I learned loads of things about--"
"Really?" said Hermione, sounding cross, "well she seems like a real dimwit to me."
Ron was catching on, Hermione was really starting to sound jealous.
"She not as bad as she seems, in fact, Lavender is pretty cool," he said.
"I think she's annoying, she wouldn't stop bothering me today about what happened in Potions."
"Well than at least you learned something from all of this," said Ron grinning.
"And what's that?"she asked.
"Well I hoped you learned not to pre-judge me in the future. It causes you to loose certain bets and make you look a bit asinine," said Ron with unmistakable smugness in his voice.
"Asinine? ME asinine?" said Hermione acidly.
"Well yeah, you did look a bit foolish. Shall I repeat the words you said to me in potions earlier this morning?"
Ron didn't wait for Hermione to answer and began quoting what she said in potions. "Well I for one think you've done it all wrong. There's no way you're going to do well on this test if you're already in the brewing stages," Ron said trying to imitate Hermione's voice and failing miserably.
"Thanks for that horrible impersonation, Ron," said Hermione bitterly; the intensity in her tone of voice rising.
"Well that's what you said Hermione, not me. It did make you sound ludicrous," said Ron, trying to match her intensity.
"Ludicrous? What I said wasn't ludicrous, it was the truth!" said Hermione looking a little rattled.
"Look, I know for a fact you DIDN'T read that section Snape assigned therefore the logical conclusion is that you shouldn't and wouldn't have a clue on how to brew the Cruxtitions potion," said Hermione, as if it settled the matter.
"Well just because YOU think it's the truth it doesn't mean it is. You DID come off a bit harsh, Hermione. I mean what if I read the chapter in bed that night?"
"Did you?" asked Hermione sounding sceptical.
"Yes I did," Ron lied.
"Liar!" said Hermione sharply.
"Well if I was lying, then tell me, how did I manage to get a perfect 10 out of 10?" asked Ron sounding egotistical.
Hermione opened and closed her mouth several time before muttering "I can't explain it." She sounded defeated but didn't admit it to Ron. He didn't want to continue this escalating row so he decided to switch the conversation.
"So what did Ernie and Justin want to talk to you about in the greenhouse today?" asked Ron.
"Oh it's nothing really," she replied a little too hastily.
"Nothing, huh? Well I don't mind hearing about it," said Ron trying to dig it out of her.
"I'll tell you later...it's...really not important now," said Hermione.
"Okay but I'm going to hold you to that. Remember you're stuck with me for a while," said Ron teasingly. He had a bad feeling whatever Hermione had to say about Ernie and Justin was going to upset him.
As the two continued to walk and talk, Ron once again noticed a few 3rd year's playing in the snow and two of them were trying to bury Dennis Creevey once again. Ron was going to give them another warning when Hermione beat him to the punch.
"Hey Macdonald and Barns, stop that this instant!" ordered Hermione. "You're lucky I'm not giving you two detentions."
"Oh c'mon Hermione, they're just trying to have a little fun. They're not going to do anything dangerous to the kid" said Ron.
"Ron, we are Prefects, it's our job to watch out for them and make sure they don't hurt themselves. Besides Dennis could get seriously hurt," said Hermione acting bossy again.
"Hey Dennis!" said Ron, "how are you feeling? Are these guys bothering you?"
"I'm Fine, we're just fooling around that's all," said Dennis Creevey.
"See?" said Ron turning to Hermione.
"Never the less," she said to Ron, "you three find something else that's fun, something that's safer," she said and signalling Ron to walk on. Ron shook his head as noticed Macdonald bending down to grab a hand full of snow. Ron thought Hermione being pelted with snowballs would probably anger her and ruin this afternoon.
"You know, this was a good idea Ron," said Hermione.
"What's a good idea?" asked Ron catching up with her.
"Us going for a walk," said Hermione.
"Really?" said Ron, a little too enthusiastically.
"Um yeah, we could carry out our prefect duties out here. You know, not letting our time go totally wasted. I mean none of us are doing homework or anything productive for that matter," said Hermione using her bossy tone again.
"Our time being wasted?!" said Ron, sounding surprised.
"Well yeah, look at what we witnessed just a few seconds ago? If we weren't there then who knows what could have happened to Dennis," said Hermione.
"They were just having fun, Hermione, I seriously doubt they were going to suffocate the poor bloke," said Ron, feeling impatient.
"Well you're not a seer Ron, you can't be too sure of these things," said Hermione. Ron just shook his head and muttered "you're unbelievable,"
"What did you say?" asked Hermione heatedly.
"I said, you are unbelievable, Hermione" said Ron returning her tone.
"And why is that?"
"Because, you said you would rather study than waste your precious time walking and getting some air," he answered.
"Well I'm sorry but I have better things to do then just fool around Ron, I prefer to do well in my studies."
"Yeah but all you do is study," said Ron.
"That is not ALL I do, Ron," said Hermione sounding offended, "I do other things that are fun."
"Oh yeah, read a book in your spare time, lots of fun Hermione. If it weren't for Harry and me you-- "
"Harry and I" said Hermione, correcting him.
"Whatever, Harry and I. Like I said, if it weren't for us, all you would do is read." "I happen to enjoy reading, Ron," said Hermione hotly. "Besides, Viktor agrees with me. Reading helps enrich the mind and is a sophisticated form of entertainment.
"Viktor?" said Ron irritably, "still in contact with him are you?"
"Yes I am," snapped Hermione, "and he's told me that he sometimes prefers reading over Quidditch."
"He said that?!" said Ron scathingly, "I should have known that prat would say that; he practically spent all his time in the library when he came here for the Triwizard.
"And what's wrong with that?" asked Hermione looking disgruntled.
"Just because he's this rocket scientist doesn't mean--"
"Wait a minute!" said Hermione, "a rocket scientist?"
"Yeah, just because he's a rocket scientist doesn't mean--"
"What do you mean Viktor's a rocket scientist?" said Hermione cutting Ron off again.
"Well he's a genius," said Ron.
"Well I don't know about that Ron, he's really intelligent, but what does this have to do with a rocket scientist?" said Hermione furrowing her brow.
"Well that's what a genius is, isn't it?!" said Ron feeling annoyed, "Harry told me that a rocket scientist is a genius; I don't know, I've never heard of a rocket scientist before until Harry said that it meant being a genius."
Ron's odd look of confusion made Hermione burst out laughing at him. Ron had never seen her laugh this hard before, it was quite a sight.
It had taken a full five minutes for Hermione to settle down; she was out of breath and needed to sit down.
"Do you mind telling me what the hell is so funny?" said Ron fuming.
"Ron," she started, "a rocket scientist doesn't necessarily mean genius."
"Well that's what Harry said a genius was," said Ron sullenly.
"Well yes a rocket scientist can be called a genius I suppose, but a rocket scientist is a profession, Ron. You must of misunderstood Harry," she said and started laughing again.
"Well what the bloody hell is a rocket scientist then?" said Ron, felling nettled. Hermione tried to explain what a rocket scientist was but it was really a waste of breath. Ron couldn't understand what in the world she was talking about. He couldn't grasp the idea of Muggles wanting to build such strange things. "Why not just use a broom?" he thought.
"Um...can I ask you a question?" said Ron changing the topic of conversation.
"Sure," said Hermione.
"If you only had one day left to live, what would you do?" he asked.
"What a strange question to ask Ron, why?" replied Hermione, laughing and shaking her head.
"Well...I just wanna know all about you; what you like, what you want in life, what you think about, what you like to do for fun when Harry and I aren't around, etc,"
"Why?" she asked sceptically.
"I dunno, I just realized that after being friends for so long I didn't really know a whole lot about you."
"This is certainly different," said Hermione.
"Well, let's hear it," said Ron grinning.
"Well I guess I want what any woman wants," she said, "I want a good career, love, a family, happiness, etc"
"That's a really girly way of looking at life," said Ron, the corners of his mouth twitching.
"Well in case you still haven't noticed Ron," said Hermione jesting. Ron laughed.
"So what do you like to do on your summer vacations. Besides read," he asked with a grin.
"Very funny, Ron. Well I like to travel," she said, "I loved Paris France when I visited three years ago. I think it's the most beautiful place I've ever visited. It's so gorgeous there and the scenery is truly beautiful at night."
"I've never been there. What's it like from a Muggle point of view?" asked Ron.
"Well I'll tell you about the time I came back from a tour of the city," said Hermione, "we had just finished dinner in the hotel restaurant and we decided to head up and turn in for the night. When I opened the door to our room, I was greeted with the most wonderful sight I had ever seen."
"Yeah I'll bet the bed was real comfortable to, right?" said Ron eagerly.
"The bed?" asked Hermione.
"Yeah, I'll bet that's the wonderful sight you were talking about. I mean, it is for me when I go somewhere away from the Burrow."
"No Ron, not the bed!" she said shaking her head, "It was the Eiffel Tower," she said breathlessly.
"The what tower?" he asked.
"The Eiffel Tower," said Hermione, "it's this enormous tower located in the city of Paris that lights up the sky at night. It's truly magnificent."
"What's so great about a tower of lights?" asked Ron.
"Well I suppose its nothing compared to what there is to see in the wizarding world but there's something very special about it," said Hermione, "I can remember staring at it for hours, just being captivated by it. Mum and dad held each other for a long time, just looking at it. I remember reading about it but reading just doesn't do it justice, you have to see it to believe it."
Ron couldn't help but just stare at Hermione. There she was, explaining something, and he had no clue to what it was about, yet her passion and enthusiasm she displayed while describing this 'tower' was amazing.
"You should visit there sometime Ron, its breathtaking," she said fervently.
"I'll keep that in mind," he said.
"Um, as much as I'd like to continue this, we should start heading in now," said Ron looking up at the sky and at his watch.
"Yeah you're right, its getting colder now," said Hermione.
Ron took off his cloak and draped it around Hermione, just as he did for Lavender before.
"Ron you're going to freeze!" said Hermione worriedly.
"No that's alright, honestly," said Ron.
While they walked slowly back up to the castle Ron asked, "would you call Paris your most favourite place that you visited?"
"As much as I loved Paris I would have to say no," said Hermione, "I would have to say my most favourite place to visit is my granddad's cottage."
"That's cool," said Ron, "I'll bet it's great there."
"It really is," said Hermione, "there's this swimming spot that he had there. I hated swimming but there was this beautiful waterfall and I used to go up there to read."
"You like waterfalls but you don't like the water?" he chuckled.
"Well, I don't like swimming," she said smiling, "but there was something about that waterfall that enchanted me. I love waterfalls in general, there's something very peaceful about them. It's like time doesn't exist when watching a waterfall."
"I know what that feels like. What else did you love about your Grandfather's cottage?" asked Ron.
"Well he used to have this garden out back. I would wake up every day at the crack of dawn and help him. We would grow all kinds of plants and vegetables there."
"When was the last time you visited your grandad's cottage?"
"Not since he passed away," said Hermione sadly.
"Oh geeze I'm really sorry Hermione, I didn't mean to--"
"No that's alright Ron. Its okay, its nice to talk about it, I don't mind," said Hermione giving Ron a reassuring smile.
"Well I guess we should get to Harry before we go down to the Great Hall," said Ron, climbing up the steps to Gryffindor Tower.
"You two go on without me I have to take care of something before I head down to dinner," she said.
"Are you sure?" he asked.
"Yeah don't worry about it," replied Hermione.
Ron nodded and was about to give the Fat Lady the password when Hermione placed her arm on his shoulder and said "wait,"
"What are we going to do after dinner?" Hermione asked.
"You have to watch me practice Quidditch," said Ron imperviously.
Hermione laughed and said "thanks for a really nice walk Ron. I had a lot of fun today and I'm glad we had such a nice chat."
"Yeah at least it didn't end up in a row. I enjoyed today too," said Ron grinning.
Hermione smiled and gave him a kiss on the cheek, "thanks," she whispered.
It took Ron a few seconds to gather himself but he finally said "no problem."
He gave the password and the two walked into the common room. Harry and Ginny were sitting on the couch having some kind of animated discussion.
"Hey guys," said Hermione warily, "what's up?"
"Oh nothing much," said Ginny, "just talking about Quidditch strategies."
"Well you guys ready to go down to the Great Hall?" asked Ron.
"Yeah lets go, I'm starving," said Harry.
"Actually you guys go on with out me," said Hermione.
"Yeah I'm not ready to go down yet either," said Ginny.
"Um, all right then," Harry shrugged and he and Ron walked out through the portrait hole.
"So how was it?!" asked Harry trying to sound casual.
"It was.....nice," said Ron trying to stifle a large smile.
"Nice? That's it?" asked Harry sceptically.
"Well yeah it was a nice day and we had a really good chat," said Ron trying to bait Harry.
"Ok mate, enough with the fooling around, now talk!" said Harry hysterically and acting like a hyperactive first year.
At this point Ron had to cave into Harry's question. In truth he couldn't wait to tell Harry how the whole thing went.
"Well, how did it go?!" Harry asked for what seemed like the thousandth time.
"I had an amazing time," said Ron breathlessly.
"Yeah?!" said Harry, "any details?"
"Well to tell you the truth mate, there's really nothing exciting to tell you about," "But you just said you had an amazing time," said Harry acting thoroughly confused.
"Well I did, but I can't explain it Harry, we just talked about all kinds of things; I found out more about her today than I did in the six years I knew her. It's hard to explain."
"Did you two argue at all?" Harry asked.
"No, not really; a little but nothing big," Ron answered.
"So what did you two talk about?"
"All kinds of things. We talked about....." Ron trailed off.
"OW! WHAT WAS THAT FOR?!" shouted Harry. Ron had punched Harry on his right arm.
"That's for making a fool out of me," said Ron.
"What?! When did I do that?" asked Harry rubbing his arm.
"When you didn't tell me what a rocket scientist was," replied Ron.
"What does that have to do with make you look like a fool?" Harry asked.
"Because I told Hermione that Krum was a rocket scientist, meaning he was a genius. I didn't realize they were two completely different things, Harry. You didn't explain and I just assumed that a genius and a rocket scientist were one and the same thing."
Harry laughed, "sorry mate, I didn't think you would actually remember."
"Well that's ok because Hermione seemed to think it was funny as hell. Honestly, I thought she was going to burst."
"Well I guess it worked out for you then," said Harry grinning.
"Well it was at my expense, but I guess it's cool."
"Okay, going back to what you guys talked about," Harry said.
"We talked a bit about Parvati and Lavender,"
"Why?" asked Harry looking bewildered.
"Well Hermione actually brought them up. She even talked about Parvati actually liking me," said Ron.
"Really?"
"Yeah, but I already knew," said Ron.
"You did? How?" asked Harry.
"I know lot's of things Harry, did you know Parvati likes Neville too?"
"What?! Whoa, we have to tell him," said Harry.
"Yeah," said Ron absent minded.
"So what else did you and Hermione talk about?"
"Well she talked quite a bit about places she visited. One place was Paris France and another place was this cottage that belonged to her Granddad. She also seemed really keen on the elf tower."
"Elf tower?" said Harry.
"I don't know either," said Ron shaking his head, "something about a huge tower in Paris."
"That's the Eiffel Tower you dolt!" exclaimed Harry.
"Yeah whatever," said Ron.
Ron and Harry entered the Great Hall still discussing Hermione. When they got to their usual seats and Ron stared at the table and noticed that yet again the same food was being served as the last time he went down to supper. Pork chops, potato salad, beef casserole, chicken wings, fish sticks, chicken nuggets and pudding were all on the menu again. "Again with the pudding," thought Ron.
"Arrgh! This again," he said.
"What are you talking about? We've never had this stuff in a long while," said Harry stuffing his mouth with potato salad.
"I did," Ron muttered quietly.
"Hey guys, what are the chances we'll whoop Ravenclaw next week?" Dean asked ten minutes later.
"We won't even get the chance to play them," Ron said to himself.
"I think we have a great chance of winning," said Harry, "the team's still a bit rusty from the last match but I think we'll win this one." "Good because I got a wager going on with Anthony Goldstein," said Dean "twenty galleons."
"Now Dean you know the rules," said Ron waving his finger back and forth and smirking, "I'm going to let you off with this one but only because you bet on us."
Dean chuckled and gave Ron a pat on the back. Hermione and Ginny came into the Great Hall a while later and sat down across from Ron and Harry.
It's going to get a bit chilly out there Hermione, I hope you're going to wear something warm for the practice," said Ron.
"Oh okay, thanks," she said.
"Hey guys," said Alicia coming into the Great Hall and walking up to where the group was sitting,
"the rest of us will be waiting down at the pitch, so don't be too late alright? We better get going if we want to get some practice in before the weather gets any worse."
"We'll be down shortly," called Ginny as Alicia walked off.
Harry finished his last bite and got up from the table, "well I guess I'll be heading down to the dungeons now. Have a good practice guys and I'll talk to you later."
When Harry was out of ear shot, Hermione asked "why does Harry have detention?"
"Malfoy talked about Sirius and Harry made an effort to punch him," said Ginny.
"Oh no!" said Hermione, "is he okay?"
"Yeah he seems fine," said Ron, "he seems pretty normal to me."
"We better get going," said Ginny gloomily.
"Well you guys go up and get ready, I'm going to have some more pudding. I'll be done by the time you get back down," said Hermione.
"Ok we'll be down in a minute," said Ron.
"So how was the walk?" asked Ginny walking out of the Great Hall with Ron.
"It was really good," replied Ron.
"I'll bet," she said grinning, "Hermione told me everything."
"Yeah? What did she say about me?" said Ron blushing.
"I'm not telling you what she said Ron,"
"Why not?" he pleaded.
"Because she made me promise," she said smiling and making Ron irritated.
"Fine," said Ron sounding disheartened.
"I can tell you one thing, she was glad she lost that bet," said Ginny sounding amused. Ron smiled but said nothing.
When Ron and Ginny came down into the Entrance Hall five minutes later they found Hermione waiting for them at the entrance door but she wasn't alone.
Justin Finch-Fletchley was there also and he was talking energetically to her. Ron was not pleased about this.
A/N: Many thanks to all who reviewed the last chapter. It meant a lot to me and made me feel really happy.
I hoped you guys enjoyed reading this chapter. I originally wrote WAY more but I decided to split it into two chapters. The next chapter will take some time to write because what I cut from this chapter has to be incorporated into the next.
Don't worry, it won't take too long. I'm still juggling my social time and my job time but I think I have my schedule under control.
I consider this chapter to be an important building block in the R/Hr factor of this story. I don't want to spoil anything but the next chapter will be the start of a turning point for Ron Weasley.
Again I really appreciate all the great reviews I've been getting, please keep it up!
Take Care