Disclaimer: I may own copies of all 5 of the Harry Potter books, but I do not own the rights to them.
Chapter 16
"Hey guys," greeted Ginny cheerfully.
"Hey Ron, Justin wants to join us down at the pitch, is that okay?" asked Hermione.
"I don't think so," said Ron rudely, "trying to spy on us are you, Fletchley?"
Justin looked taken back "um well if it's too much trouble I can..."
"No it's no trouble, is it Ginny?" asked Hermione.
"Well we don't play Hufflepuff until the spring so..."
"Well that settles it," said Hermione, "I'm sure Alicia won't mind."
Ron felt an intense surge of blood rush from his body to his head and turned red.
"Great," he said sounding horribly chirpy, "let's go."
Hermione and Justin missed Ron's false happiness but he didn't fool Ginny. She nudged Ron hard in the ribs and opened the door.
Ron, Ginny, Hermione and Justin were now outdoors and heading toward the pitch to meet their fellow Gryffindor teammates. To his annoyance, Ron was going to this all over again but this annoyance, was brought up to surface by Justin's appearance.
"How long do you think the practice will last?" asked Justin.
"I don't know probably until tomorrow morning. You know Alicia, she's adopted Angelina's good side and old habits," said Ginny laughing.
Everyone laughed but Ron. He felt incredibly embarrassed just listening to the same lame joke told by his sister only yesterday. But only he knew that.
When Ron, Ginny, Hermione and Justin arrived at the pitch five minutes later, they were told off (once again) by Alicia; this time not only for being late, but because they forgot to tell her that Harry had gotten detention. She also didn't seemed too pleased that a non-Gryffindor like Justin had came with them.
"Okay, you two can watch over on the stands," said Alicia, directing Hermione and Justin to her left. Ron made a strange face when they turned around and Ginny laughed.
"What's so funny?" he scowled, "it's your fault for allowing him to come."
"So it's your fault!" hissed Alicia looking at Ginny, "great, not only are we missing our seeker, but we have a potential spy watching the team as well."
"Well it's no big deal," said Ginny frowning, "hey where's Natalie? I don't see her here."
"I don't know where the hell she is and I haven't seen her in days," said Alicia irritably. "You're her friend, do you know where she is?"
"I haven't seen her since breakfast and she hasn't been attending her lessons in days. She's pretty behind in her studies and I'm starting to get worried about her," said Ginny grimly.
Ron had never gave Natalie a second thought. The fifth year Gryffindor chaser wasn't at the last practice either and Ron couldn't recall the last time he saw her around the school or the grounds.
"I'll have to see what's going on with her I suppose. Well what are you two waiting for? Get up in the air and I'll explain everything," snapped Alicia.
Ron mounted his broom while Ginny groaned and did the same. They took off from the ground and joined their fellow teammates Jack and Andrew. They were missing a chaser and a seeker but Alicia still insisted they continue and do what they can.
Fifteen minutes of warm ups now seemed trivial. Doing flying drills around obstacles and Quaffle throwing practices seemed to annoy Ron more than usual. It was most likely the sight back down on the ground that enraged Ron and caused him to deplore the practice. Hermione and Justin were both noticeably engrossed at whatever they were talking about.
"Ron, pay attention!" ordered Alicia passing him the Quaffle, but missing and hitting him on the side of the arm.
Ron couldn't take Alicia's constant shouting, so he decided to at least put some effort into the passing exercises. After 20 minutes of passing drills, Alicia said, "all right you know what to do. We're going to try Ron and Ginny's new strategy. Now get to your positions."
Once again, Ron was being distracted and was staring at the pair sitting on the stands watching them intently.
"Did she just laugh?!" said Ron exasperated.
"RON, GET TO YOUR POSITIONS NOW!" shouted Alicia.
"ALL RIGHT!" shouted Ron, who was fuming.
Today's practice was not going nearly as well as the practice yesterday. Ron was letting in goals right and left, not to mention the centre; out of the first 20 shots taken by Ginny and Alicia, Ron let in all but 2. To say he was performing horribly was a compliment. On an average practice, Ron would stop about 80% of the shots he faced.
"Ron, what's the matter with you today?" asked Ginny, flying over to talk to him.
"I'm fine I just don't feel like practicing," said Ron bitterly and looking down at the stands, "besides, we have to start heading back to the castle."
Ron looked at his watch and calculated that there was about 30 minutes left before the storm was supposed to hit. It was already starting to get colder and the winds were picking up.
"Alicia!" shouted Ron, waving her over to the goal area.
"Ron's what's up with you today?" asked Alicia now joining him and Ginny.
"Listen, I'm really sorry but I'm not having a good day today," said Ron.
"Well it's just as well, the weather looks like it doesn't want to cooperate," said Alicia looking disappointedly at Ron.
"I think we should start heading in right now," said Ron, "it's starting to get bad,"
"Yeah, alright," said Alicia and she blew her whistle, "everyone to the centre!"
"I'm cutting practice earlier than scheduled," Alicia said, "gather up all the Quaffles and put them in with the bats."
Ron touched back down onto the ground and placed two Quaffles back into the box.
"Hey mate what's the matter?" asked Jack.
"Nothing, just feeling a bit off today," replied Ron and he started walking back up toward the castle. He didn't even stop to see what Ginny wanted when she called out to him.
"Hey I was talking to you," said Ginny finally catching up to him and catching her breath.
"Oops, I didn't hear you," said Ron sarcastically.
Hermione and Justin were also catching up to Ron and Ginny.
"Hey Ron, what's the matter, you looked a bit off today," said Hermione catching her breath.
Ron gave a haughty laugh, "you had time to watch didn't you?" he said scathingly.
"Well of course I did, I was there," said Hermione looking taken aback.
"Yeah Ron, we saw you, it looked as though your performance didn't go off too well," said Justin slightly grinning.
Ron took one look at him and wanted nothing more than to rearrange his face. Instead of losing his temper he just replied, "today's not my day on the pitch I guess," trying to sound polite but instead sounding like he was disgruntled.
"Don't worry mate, we all have our bad days and it looks like you just had yours," said Justin cheerfully. Even Ginny looked like she was in a bad mood after the sound of Justin's odd cheeriness.
"Yeah that's nice Justin, I'll see you around ok," said Ron walking faster and faster away from the Ginny, Hermione and Justin.
"Was it something I said?" Ron heard Justin say. Justin didn't sound too disappointed though.
Ron cursed under his breath "git."
"Why did Justin have to show up anyway?" said Ron bitterly, "what the hell was Hermione and Justin talking about?"
Ron tried to come up with reasonable conclusions but they always came out sounding negative.
"Hermione probably noticed how bad I was starting off and that's why she wasn't watching as much," he said.
"Or maybe Justin was far more interesting to her then watching me practice."
As Ron got closer and closer to the castle, his mood got worst and worst. The day had started out so good and now Ron felt like it was one of the worst.
"Erugh! When am I going to get out of this?! When is it going to be tomorrow?! The REAL tomorrow!" he yelled. He didn't care who had heard him; the wind was now getting stronger and stronger, soon the storm was going to hit and the time was 8:20pm.
When Ron reached the top of the stone steps he opened the entrance door and was greeted by Harry.
"Hey mate, back so soon?" said Harry.
"Yeah," said Ron, "what's up with you? I thought you were supposed to be in detention, why are you dressed to go outdoors?
"Well I was finally let go by Snape and thought I'd join you guys in practice," said Harry.
"Well you'd be crazy to go out there now, Harry. Practice is over and a storm is just starting to hit," said Ron.
"Yeah I can see," said Harry opening the door and taking a look outside.
"Well, where are the others?" asked Harry.
"I walked on ahead, they should be in really soon," said Ron.
"Well let's head back up to the common room and you can tell me all about practice," said Harry.
"To tell you the truth Harry, you wouldn't be pleased with what I have to say about the practice."
"Well tell me," said Harry walking up the moving staircases.
"It was a complete catastrophe," said Ron, "I was an appalling keeper, I let in all but 5 or 6 shots."
"Whoa, no offence mate but..." said Harry.
"None taken," said Ron gloomily.
"But why were you so bad? Something or someone on your mind perhaps," said Harry smiling.
"Don't even start with that, Harry," said Ron frowning which wiped the smile right off Harry's face.
"Okay what did you say or do now, Ron?" asked Harry depressingly.
"What makes you think it was my fault?!" said Ron feeling offended.
"Okay, you're right, I'm sorry. It's just that it's usually the guys fault when it comes to matters like this."
"Well not this time, Harry," said Ron.
"So what happened?" Harry asked.
"Justin Finch-Fletchley happened," said Ron, saying the name with bitterness in his voice.
"Justin? What about him?"
"Well Hermione was going to watch the practice so he decided to tag along. I mean, it has to be because of Hermione, it's sure as hell wasn't to watch ME play."
"Alicia couldn't have been happy about Justin being there," said Harry, "go on," he urged.
"Well I practically watched those two in the stands during the entire practice just yammering away. I don't think Hermione even watched ten minutes of the practice."
"Well mate, I guess I can't--"
"Password?" asked the Fat Lady.
"Saepenumero Aevum," Harry told the Fat Lady.
"Correct, you may enter," said the Fat Lady.
"Merlin, who comes up with these ridiculous passwords?" asked Ron. In truth he really didn't care about it but since he was in a bad mood he was just looking to blame anything that remotely agitated him.
The common room was not too crowded which made Ron feel a bit better; only a few first and second years occupied the common room and they were in a corner playing Exploding Snap.
"Anyway, what were you saying?" Ron asked.
"I was saying, I guess I can't blame you for being a little upset. But I don't think it's such a big deal, mate. You don't know what they were talking about, there's no reason to get jealous. I suggest you let it go and try to concentrate on something worth your time, like Quidditch or lessons."
"Or Hermione," added Ron.
"Well for you, that too I guess." said Harry grinning, "just try and not overreact to every little thing, mate."
"I guess you're right," sighed Ron, "it's just so hard with everything I'm going through right now."
Harry raised his eye brows, "what's the matter Ron?"
"Can I ask you a question Harry?"
"Yeah of course," Harry responded.
"If you only had one day to live and nothing you did that day mattered, what would you do?"
Harry looked dumbfounded after hearing Ron's question. Ron had never asked Harry this kind of question before, he always told him the truth and he was never taken seriously.
"Um, I'm not sure how to answer that, Ron," said Harry who looked like he was pondering it.
This response was not the answer Ron was hoping to get. He had hoped Harry would cheer him up somehow with some easy answers but he didn't. Ron was in no better mood now than he was during practice earlier. He couldn't let it go and still blamed Justin for that.
"There you guys are," said Hermione coming through the portrait hole with Ginny, "why did you take off so fast, Ron?"
"Had to use the loo, it was an emergency," Ron lied.
"Well looks like you really needed to go," Ginny sniggered.
"Ha, ha, you're so funny, Gin," said Ron sarcastically.
"Hey lighten up bro, I was only kidding,"
Ron grunted and Hermione changed the subject, "how was detention with Snape, Harry?"
"It was shorter than I had expected, but it was horrible just the same. I had to mop up his office AND the potions classroom. Lucky for me I'm an expert with a mop; I had plenty of practice over the years with Aunt Petunia."
"Well it's lucky for you that you didn't get to go to practice, Harry," said Ginny, "it was mad out there. It got so cold midway through practice, Alicia had to call the whole thing off. We had just made it back into the castle when the weather turned really nasty."
"Yeah, there's a fierce storm blowing out there now," said Hermione.
"Yeah I know, I met Ron when he came in through the entrance door and got a big chill just standing there," said Harry.
"Ron, we have to go," said Hermione looking at her watch.
"Ron?" said Hermione, "Ron? Hello Ron? RON?!"
"Huh, wuh, what is it?" said Ron snapping out of his reverie. He had been hearing them talk but wasn't really listening to them. He was too depressed to care about what the conversation was about.
"I SAID we have to go," said Hermione.
"Where?" asked Ron.
"Prefect duties, remember?"
"Oh yeah, right," said Ron gloomily.
"How about a game of snap, Harry?" asked Ginny.
"Yeah sure, Gin," he replied, "I'll talk to you guys later, okay?" said Harry looking at Ron and Hermione.
"Okay," said Hermione and Ron nodded lazily.
Normally Ron would have loved the idea of being alone with Hermione, but now he was in a completely different mood. He didn't feel much like talking to her now, he was still feeling rejected.
"Ron's what's the matter?" asked Hermione stepping out and letting the portrait close. They were now walking around the corridors.
"Nothing," sighed Ron.
"Okay, now try telling me the truth," she said. Ron kept silent.
"Listen Ron, if this is about you having a bad day at the pitch, it's alright. Everyone has bad days from time to time. Besides why let practice ruin a day like the one you and I had today," said Hermione giving him a warm smile.
"You-you really liked this day?" Ron asked, now smiling and spirits lifting.
"Of course I liked today, didn't I tell you that?"
"Well I'm glad you did," said Ron now returning to the mood he was in earlier when he was out walking with Hermione.
"I've got an idea, why don't we pick up where we left off this afternoon?" suggested Hermione.
Ron's smile grew wider and was glad Hermione had suggested this.
"I see no reason why we can't," said Ron still smiling.
"Can I ask you something, Ron?"
"Um...sure, of course Hermione," he replied.
"What do you like to do during the summer holidays? I mean I like to travel with my parents, so what do you usually like to do?
Ron thought about this for a moment. Memories were basically all he had now. This question didn't help Ron forget about his time situation.
"Well I never really got a chance to travel much," he said, "Most of my summers are spent at the Burrow."
"You did get to go to Egypt, it must have been fun."
"It was alright I guess. The tombs Bill showed us were pretty cool but scary at the same time, there were spiders everywhere." Ron shuddered at the thought of spiders. "We saw 5 tombs in all but it got boring after we saw the first 3. I didn't think they were THAT special but I think you would have loved it."
"Ha, ha, Ron, very funny. I think you're just afraid to admit you actually liked learning during holidays."
Ron laughed, "as if, Hermione. I never want to go back to Egypt again."
"Why not?" she asked.
"It's bloody hot there, for one. The heat there is incredible, mum almost fainted a couple of times."
"And the other reason?" Hermione asked.
"Camels." he said.
"Camels?"
"Yeah, we had to ride those horrid creatures to each and every tomb. Mine decided to throw a fit and spit on me a few times."
Hermione laughed.
"It's not funny," said Ron trying not to laugh also.
"I'm sorry Ron," she said breathlessly, "it's just that I have an image in my mind of you getting spit on by a raging camel."
"Well as you know I'm not well received when it comes to animals."
That Tongustian seemed taken by you earlier during Care of Magical Creatures," said Hermione.
"Tango? Well I guess so, that beast might look harmless but believe me she's not."
Hermione frowned, which surprised Ron.
"What?" he asked, "oh yeah, you weren't there. Hagrid told us the beast's name was Tango."
"No, it's not that. How did you know all those strange characteristics about uh...Tango?"
"Oh," said Ron ears going red, "well I read about them."
"You're a terrible liar Ron. I could tell by the look on your face that you didn't read anything."
"Is that so?" said Ron. "Care to make another wager? Don't forget what happened the last time you doubted me, Hermione."
Hermione obliviously remembered because it only happened earlier today. She rolled her eyes, frowned and clicked her tongue.
Ron was annoyed and was just about to ask Hermione what she had meant by that but he stopped himself. He didn't want to get into a potential row. Instead he decided to change tactics and move the conversation onto something more fun.
"Can I ask you a question?" he asked
"Of course," she replied
"Well you asked me what I would call the right girl so it's my turn to ask you what you would call the right bloke," said Ron.
Hermione blushed and hesitated, "well he's smart, loyal, he has a good heart, he's funny, he's generous, he loves kids, wants a family...."
Ron listened carefully to Hermione's list of qualities in men that she found attractive. As she went on and on he was slowing realizing that he was none of these things. As she kept going, he was no longer listening to a word she was saying. This conversation was not as much fun as he had anticipated.
"Probably describing her dear Vicky," he said nastily to himself.
He wasn't glad to be listening to Hermione now and he was quickly regressing back into the rotten mood he was feeling earlier. Hermione was talking about the right guy and describing everything he thought he was not. It felt as though she was telling him he was not the kind of guy she would be attracted to. In Ron's mind, he held none of these qualities she liked.
"What did Ernie and Justin want with you in Herbology today?" asked Ron, cutting Hermione off.
"Oh, um, well they just came over and asked whether or not I was going out with you," said Hermione blushing the deepest shade of red Ron had ever seen on a persons face.
"And what did you say?!"
"Well, I told them the truth," said Hermione.
"Why did they ask you if we were going out?" asked Ron sounding a little downcast.
"Justin actually asked--" she said.
"Prat," said Ron quietly.
"He said that if the rumours weren't true then........" she trailed off.
"If the rumours weren't true then what?" Ron asked in a penetrating voice.
"He asked me if I wanted to go to Hogsmeade with him tomorrow," said Hermione blushing again.
Ron completely forgot about the Hogsmeade trip tomorrow. Not that it mattered anymore.
"Did he?" said Ron sounding cross, "and you said?"
"Well I told him I'd think about it," said Hermione blushing.
"Think about it?!" asked Ron brazenly, "what's there to think about?"
"Well...I...just....I thought" she choked.
"Thought what?" asked Ron harshly, "thought about what you would wear for him tomorrow?!"
"WHAT?! NO! What's gotten into you all of a sudden, Ron?!" she shouted.
"Nothing!" he said sounding surly.
"Seriously Ron, what's the matter?"
"Justin's the matter," replied Ron fiercely.
"Justin? What about him?" she asked.
"Having a good laugh watching me practice, were you?" said Ron bitterly. "The bloke just HAD to come with us to practice didn't he? He just HAD to be there following you around like love sick puppy."
"Don't be stupid, Ron! He just wanted to talk."
"Yeah, oh I bet he just wanted to TALK," he said heatedly.
"What's that supposed to mean?!" she said angrily.
"By any chance did he bring up the topic of Hogsmeade? Did he ask you to go with him again?"
Hermione turned red and looked away.
"I'll take that as a yes then,"
"So what?!" was all she could say.
"I'll bet he's real nice isn't he, a real excellent student," he spat.
"Well yes, he is but what's wrong with--"
"I'll bet he's a real gentlemen too, a real charmer, someone just like Vicky," said Ron severely.
"Ron I don't--"
"He's everything I'm not right? Just like Krum, he's perfect," spat Ron.
"Ron what are--" she tried to say.
"Listen, I know what your thinking Hermione, I get the point, I'm none of those things you said you liked in a guy," he said. He knew he was being extremely rude now, but he didn't care.
"I should have known you always liked guys who are super academic, guys unlike myself," he said.
"That's ridiculous!" she shouted.
"Then tell me how you lost that bet today?"
"Well you got a perfect mark," she said.
"Exactly!" he said, "you doubted me right from the start. It had never even occurred to you that I could make an effort and actually succeed. Hell, just a while ago you questioned me about how I knew all that stuff about Tango!"
It felt good to get it off his chest, Harry was not the only one with suppressed anger.
"Ron I'm-I'm sorry," Hermione's voice trembling and tears building up in her eyes. For a split second, Ron contemplated apologizing to her but waved it off.
"I could still remember the day I got my prefects badge," he said pointing at it. "You came bursting into the room all happy and IMMEDIATELY thought that Harry would be the one to get it. Must have been the biggest disappointment of your life when it was actually me."
"No Ron I --"
"Oh I saw the look on your face," he said, "me too HARRY, me too!" Ron jumped up and down imitating Hermione.
"Never thought it was possible right? Poor idiot Ron could never get the badge; he's too dumb and stupid to get anything right."
Hermione looked shocked.
"Just because I'm no Viktor bloody Krum doesn't mean I'm not capable of other things Hermione!"
"I never said you weren't," her voice trembled and sounded hurt.
"No maybe not directly but it was on your mind. I'm not stupid you know."
Hermione blinked several times.
Ron gave a cold laugh.
"But then again, I'm emotionally inferior compared to everyone else, right?" he said, "What did you say to me last year? I have an emotional range of a teaspoon?
Hermione tried to say "I didn't mean--"
"Never thought I could actually pull off getting a perfect mark did you? That's why you took the bet. As far as you were concerned I had already lost. I have never EVER once heard you say I was capable or I had done something right."
"Of course I have," said Hermione exasperated.
"Well I must have just slept right through it then," he said sarcastically, "When I made the Gryffindor team last year, where were you? I saw you for 2 seconds and then you went off somewhere, thanks for the vote of confidence Hermione."
"Ron I didn't know--"
"You know what Hermione? What you don't know could fill the atmosphere. I don't feeling like chatting anymore, you should turn in. I can handle the rest of the duties alone."
Ron could see tears coming out of Hermione's eyes, he didn't feel sorry for her one bit. As far as he was concerned, this was all her own fault.
"Can I at least say--" she tried
"NO! Please go away and leave me alone. Consider the bet over and done with."
Hermione looked furious as tears flowed down from her eyes.
"Ron, you are the most insensitive person I have ever met. GROW UP!" she shouted, and stormed off heading toward the direction of the Gryffindor common room.
"Grow up? HA! Me? grow up, that's a good one," said Ron.
Ron was in no mood to continue with his prefect duties. He could care less about monitoring the halls for trouble makers. He wanted to be alone and going back to the common room was not the best solution at the moment. He decided to head down to the kitchens instead.
As Ron was making his way down to the kitchens, he spotted Luna walking toward him holding a magazine. Not wanting Luna to spot him, he stopped and quickly hid behind a nearby statue.
"Ron?" said Luna, "why are you hiding behind Lawrence the Bewildered?"
"Damn," said a voice in his head.
"Oh nothing Luna, just feeling how cold the statue was that's all." Ron cursed himself for not coming up with something better.
"Oh," said Luna dreamily, "well how cold is it?"
"Very," said Ron sardonically.
"So how was the practice?" she asked.
"Excellent, couldn't have been better," he lied.
"I was right about the storm wasn't I?" she asked, "the snow is really coming down now."
Ron not did want to stay and talk any longer, especially with Luna Lovegood.
"Yup, you nailed it. Listen I have to go Luna, sorry."
"What's the hurry?" asked Luna
"Um, well I have prefect duties, can't stop, gotta patrol the halls," he said walking away.
"Mind if I join you?" she called out.
He didn't reply, he just kept walking as if he hadn't heard her talk. He had this feeling that if he had said something it would have sounded mean. Ron was not particularly angry with Luna, but she did annoy him quite a lot.
"Hello," said a dreamy voice catching up to him.
Ron let out a heavy sigh and just continued to walk with Luna tagging along.
"You didn't say anything so I just assumed you didn't mind," said Luna.
"Wonderful," a voice in his head said.
"Have you read this months Quibbler?" she asked.
Ron said nothing and didn't acknowledge he was listening.
"Daddy has this great article about–"
Ron was feeling frustrated and decided to walk faster and faster trying to get rid of her. It seemed Luna didn't get the hint however. She continued to walk and talk matching Ron's increasing speed. It still looked as though Luna was not getting the hint.
"LISTEN!" snapped Ron impatiently as he stopped and let out a heavy breath, "not to be rude or anything, Luna, but I really want to be ALONE!"
He walked off leaving a confused Luna standing in front of the Library.
Ron once again had arrived back at the kitchen entrance and after tickling the pear, he went through and headed down to the see the house elves. He was greeted immediately by Dobby who threw himself onto Ron.
"Mr Wheezy sir!" said Dobby eagerly, shaking Ron's hand, "Mr Wheezy has come to visit Dobby,"
"Yeah Dobby I came just to see you," said Ron in a bored voice.
"But where is Harry Potter sir?" said Dobby.
"Harry Potter didn't come."
"Oh, Harry Potter must be busy. Is there something I can get for you Mr Wheezy?" said Dobby willingly.
"Yes as a matter of fact Dobby you can get Mr Wheezy a butterbeer," said Ron.
"Right away sir!"
Within seconds a chair and a table appeared out of nowhere and Ron sat down clutching the butterbeer Dobby had brought him.
"Anything else sir?" asked Dobby happily.
"No Dobby, thanks," said Ron.
"Well if you need anything else sir just ask. I have to go clean now sir,"
"That's fine Dobby, bye"
Ron sat drinking his butterbeer for what seemed like forever. Everything that had gone right for him today was now in ruins. It took Ron a while to cool down and when he did he felt no different than what he felt before. He was not as angry as before but he was still extremely irritable. In his mind, everything he had done today was for nothing, it was a complete waste of time.
"Why was I so stupid?" he scowled to himself, "I've been wasting my time fooling around while I should be looking into WHAT THE HELL IS KEEPING ME IN FEBRUARY 2!"
His outburst caused the entire house elf staff to stop and stare.
"Don't just stand there! Get back to work!" he shouted nastily.
"DOBBY!" he roared.
"Yes sir, what can I do for Mr. Wheezy?" said Dobby nervously.
"You can get Mr. Wheezy a nice big bottle of Ogden's Old Firewhisky, Dobby," snapped Ron.
"But-but is Mr. Wheezy sure he wants that?" asked Dobby nervously.
"YES, I am sure," said Ron in a final sort-of-way.
"Yes sir, Dobby will be right back sir," said Dobby and he ran off into the nearby cellar.
Two minutes later Dobby came back with what looked like a large tankard filled with a reddish-brown substance.
"Here you go Mr. Wheezy, I filled up this tankard with the Firewhisky you asked for, sir,"
"Is this pure Firewhisky? Nothing added right?" asked Ron.
Dobby nodded.
"Thanks Dobby," said Ron taking off his shoes and his socks, "here you go."
Dobby looked ready to cry as he took Ron's socks and hugged them, "oh thank you sir. Mr. Wheezy is so kind."
"No problem," said Ron, putting his shoes back on, "you might want to wash them first though."
"Is there anything else sir?"
"No Dobby, it's late, I think I'll take this up to the common room and enjoy it there," said Ron getting up and heading toward the kitchen exit.
"Goodbye sir!" said Dobby happily waving.
Ron slowly made his way back to the Gryffindor common room thinking and drinking at the same time. Ogden's Old Firewhisky did not taste anything like Ron had imagined. It tasted very strong and very bitter. Every time he took a gulp from the tankard, the Fire whiskey would burn all the way down. It felt like hot molten lava was travelling down and into his stomach. Initially Ron had hated the drink but he steadily got used to the burning sensation and soon enough, he had become quite fond of it. The alcoholic beverage was quickly starting to sink in and Ron was very quickly starting to feel the effects of the Firewhisky. He was intoxicated before he even got to the portrait of Fat Lady.
"Password?" asked the Fat Lady.
"Super Apricot," said Ron just barely able to stand on his own.
"Incorrect," said the Fat Lady.
"What?!" said Ron, "that's the right password,"
"I'm sorry it is not, I cannot let you enter," said the Fat Lady.
"I'm a bloody prefect and I'm telling you Super Apricot is correct." Ron was beginning to slur his words.
"I'm sorry that is not the--"
"Alright, alright, it's Samero Aum,"
"I'm sorry that is not the--"
"How about Sumero Aluminium?"
"I'm sorry that is not the correct password," said the Fat Lady.
"Look I've been coming up here for the past six years! Now you KNOW I belong here. LET ME IN!
"I'm sorry that is not the correct password,"
Ron couldn't stand on his own feet anymore. He went over to the side of the wall, slid down and just sat up against it, trying to guess the correct password.
"Pine fresh,"
"I'm sorry that is not the correct password."
"Verennial Vertanna?"
"I'm sorry that is not the correct password."
"How about Caput Draconis?"
"I'm sorry that is not the correct password," said the Fat Lady.
After about an hour of trying to guess the correct password, Ron gave up, just sat on the cold floor, finished off the rest of his Ogden's Old Firewhisky and fell asleep.
"I have all the time in the world," he mumbled in his sleep, "all...the...time...in....the..."
"Ron! Ron, get up," said an angry female voice.
"Wha...who-who are you?" said Ron, heavily intoxicated.
"C'mon Ron, get up,"
"I'm sorry that is not the correct password," said Ron laughing drunkenly.
Ron if you get caught out here like this we'll both be in big trouble, now.... get......up."
"Hermione? Is that you?" Ron said again slurring his words and trying his best not to fall down.
"Yes it's me, Ron, now try and keep still will you?" said Hermione irritably.
"Yes ma'am," said Ron laughing again.
"Saepenumero Aevum," Hermione told the Fat Lady.
"Correct, you may enter," said the Fat Lady.
"That's what I've been trying to tell the old bat all night," said Ron, "I knew Super Apricot was the password."
Hermione helped Ron into the empty common room where she layed him onto the couch.
"It's not Super Apricot, Ron, it's Saepenumero Aevum," Hermione enunciated.
"Whatever, same thing," said Ron giggling, "where were you just now?"
"I was in the library."
"Thought so," said Ron groggily.
"I should have left you out there all night after what you said to me earlier!" she said scathingly.
"Yup," said Ron laughing.
"Ron, have you been drinking all night?!"
"No mum, just when you stormed off," Ron was laughing hysterically.
"What in blazes have you been drinking, Ron?" she asked angrily.
"Ogre's Old Firewhisky," Ron answered.
"You mean Ogden's Old Firewhisky," Hermione corrected.
"Same thing," he said waving her off.
"Well I'm going to bed," she said briskly.
"Wait, wait, are you still mad at me?" he asked sitting up and giggling.
"Arrgh! You are insufferable you know that?!" she said.
"Wait," he begged, "please,"
"What is it Ron, it's late," snarled Hermione.
"It doesn't matter Hermione, we don't have lessons tomorrow!" said Ron, again laughing hysterically and grabbing stomach.
"Get it? Wahahahahaha!"
"Ron get a grip. What so funny about not having classes tomorrow?" asked Hermione, sounding cross.
"I.... know....something....you....don't" said Ron trying to control his laughter.
"Well?!" said Hermione impatiently.
"Come here and I'll tell you what I know," said Ron waving her over to the couch. Clearly he was still very drunk.
"Well, go ahead," she said after sitting down.
"There's not going to be a Hogsmeade trip tomorrow," whispered Ron, smiling impishly.
"What? I never heard about any cancellations," said Hermione.
"Well you wouldn't, would you?" said Ron, "it's a secret, only I know about it," he whispered.
"Ron start making sense or I'm going to bed."
"Hermione, there's not going to be a Hogsmeade trip, EVER!" he said.
Hermione looked bewildered and raised her eyebrows.
"Hermione, I have something to tell you," whispered Ron seriously and slowly. He was looking deep into her eyes and his head moved forward very close to hers. They're faces were only a few inches apart.
Hermione gulped and looked as if she was anticipating something exhilarating, "tell me," she whispered moving her face closer toward his.
Ron quickly snapped his head back, which greatly surprised Hermione. He got up and started talking.
"I've been reliving the same day, THIS DAY, February 2, every day. I wake up at the same time and in this place every day. The only thing is that I am the only person that seems to notice and none of the school notices that all this has happened before."
Ron's explanation was not the best he could have come up with, but under normal circumstances it was a miracle he got out what he did, given his condition.
"Arrgh! You are impossible, you know that?!" she roared and getting up off the couch, "I thought, I thought you going to kis--" she stammered, "I thought you were going to.... apologize. Instead you come up with this stupid story."
"What?" said Ron, "I'm being honest."
"The least you could have done was apologize to me but you can't even do that! I hate you Ron Weasley!" Hermione turned on her heel and stormed up to the girls dormitory, slamming the door.
"Damn!" Ron muttered.
Ron tried to walk back up to the boys dormitory but he couldn't make it past the first 7 steps. His legs gave out and he collapsed back down onto the floor where he passed out.
*****************************************************************************
February 2
"Ron wake up, we're gonna be late for breakfast, it's 8:30."
*****************************************************************************
A/N: Thanks for all the great Reviews on the last chapter!!!
Man, this was a hard chapter to write. Like I said at the end of the last chapter, this chapter is Ron's turning point. Everything is starting to fall apart and now more than ever he desperately wants out of February 2.
Next Chapter: Another February 2nd for Ron to face.
Again I really appreciate all the great reviews I've been getting, please keep it up!
Take Care
Chapter 16
"Hey guys," greeted Ginny cheerfully.
"Hey Ron, Justin wants to join us down at the pitch, is that okay?" asked Hermione.
"I don't think so," said Ron rudely, "trying to spy on us are you, Fletchley?"
Justin looked taken back "um well if it's too much trouble I can..."
"No it's no trouble, is it Ginny?" asked Hermione.
"Well we don't play Hufflepuff until the spring so..."
"Well that settles it," said Hermione, "I'm sure Alicia won't mind."
Ron felt an intense surge of blood rush from his body to his head and turned red.
"Great," he said sounding horribly chirpy, "let's go."
Hermione and Justin missed Ron's false happiness but he didn't fool Ginny. She nudged Ron hard in the ribs and opened the door.
Ron, Ginny, Hermione and Justin were now outdoors and heading toward the pitch to meet their fellow Gryffindor teammates. To his annoyance, Ron was going to this all over again but this annoyance, was brought up to surface by Justin's appearance.
"How long do you think the practice will last?" asked Justin.
"I don't know probably until tomorrow morning. You know Alicia, she's adopted Angelina's good side and old habits," said Ginny laughing.
Everyone laughed but Ron. He felt incredibly embarrassed just listening to the same lame joke told by his sister only yesterday. But only he knew that.
When Ron, Ginny, Hermione and Justin arrived at the pitch five minutes later, they were told off (once again) by Alicia; this time not only for being late, but because they forgot to tell her that Harry had gotten detention. She also didn't seemed too pleased that a non-Gryffindor like Justin had came with them.
"Okay, you two can watch over on the stands," said Alicia, directing Hermione and Justin to her left. Ron made a strange face when they turned around and Ginny laughed.
"What's so funny?" he scowled, "it's your fault for allowing him to come."
"So it's your fault!" hissed Alicia looking at Ginny, "great, not only are we missing our seeker, but we have a potential spy watching the team as well."
"Well it's no big deal," said Ginny frowning, "hey where's Natalie? I don't see her here."
"I don't know where the hell she is and I haven't seen her in days," said Alicia irritably. "You're her friend, do you know where she is?"
"I haven't seen her since breakfast and she hasn't been attending her lessons in days. She's pretty behind in her studies and I'm starting to get worried about her," said Ginny grimly.
Ron had never gave Natalie a second thought. The fifth year Gryffindor chaser wasn't at the last practice either and Ron couldn't recall the last time he saw her around the school or the grounds.
"I'll have to see what's going on with her I suppose. Well what are you two waiting for? Get up in the air and I'll explain everything," snapped Alicia.
Ron mounted his broom while Ginny groaned and did the same. They took off from the ground and joined their fellow teammates Jack and Andrew. They were missing a chaser and a seeker but Alicia still insisted they continue and do what they can.
Fifteen minutes of warm ups now seemed trivial. Doing flying drills around obstacles and Quaffle throwing practices seemed to annoy Ron more than usual. It was most likely the sight back down on the ground that enraged Ron and caused him to deplore the practice. Hermione and Justin were both noticeably engrossed at whatever they were talking about.
"Ron, pay attention!" ordered Alicia passing him the Quaffle, but missing and hitting him on the side of the arm.
Ron couldn't take Alicia's constant shouting, so he decided to at least put some effort into the passing exercises. After 20 minutes of passing drills, Alicia said, "all right you know what to do. We're going to try Ron and Ginny's new strategy. Now get to your positions."
Once again, Ron was being distracted and was staring at the pair sitting on the stands watching them intently.
"Did she just laugh?!" said Ron exasperated.
"RON, GET TO YOUR POSITIONS NOW!" shouted Alicia.
"ALL RIGHT!" shouted Ron, who was fuming.
Today's practice was not going nearly as well as the practice yesterday. Ron was letting in goals right and left, not to mention the centre; out of the first 20 shots taken by Ginny and Alicia, Ron let in all but 2. To say he was performing horribly was a compliment. On an average practice, Ron would stop about 80% of the shots he faced.
"Ron, what's the matter with you today?" asked Ginny, flying over to talk to him.
"I'm fine I just don't feel like practicing," said Ron bitterly and looking down at the stands, "besides, we have to start heading back to the castle."
Ron looked at his watch and calculated that there was about 30 minutes left before the storm was supposed to hit. It was already starting to get colder and the winds were picking up.
"Alicia!" shouted Ron, waving her over to the goal area.
"Ron's what's up with you today?" asked Alicia now joining him and Ginny.
"Listen, I'm really sorry but I'm not having a good day today," said Ron.
"Well it's just as well, the weather looks like it doesn't want to cooperate," said Alicia looking disappointedly at Ron.
"I think we should start heading in right now," said Ron, "it's starting to get bad,"
"Yeah, alright," said Alicia and she blew her whistle, "everyone to the centre!"
"I'm cutting practice earlier than scheduled," Alicia said, "gather up all the Quaffles and put them in with the bats."
Ron touched back down onto the ground and placed two Quaffles back into the box.
"Hey mate what's the matter?" asked Jack.
"Nothing, just feeling a bit off today," replied Ron and he started walking back up toward the castle. He didn't even stop to see what Ginny wanted when she called out to him.
"Hey I was talking to you," said Ginny finally catching up to him and catching her breath.
"Oops, I didn't hear you," said Ron sarcastically.
Hermione and Justin were also catching up to Ron and Ginny.
"Hey Ron, what's the matter, you looked a bit off today," said Hermione catching her breath.
Ron gave a haughty laugh, "you had time to watch didn't you?" he said scathingly.
"Well of course I did, I was there," said Hermione looking taken aback.
"Yeah Ron, we saw you, it looked as though your performance didn't go off too well," said Justin slightly grinning.
Ron took one look at him and wanted nothing more than to rearrange his face. Instead of losing his temper he just replied, "today's not my day on the pitch I guess," trying to sound polite but instead sounding like he was disgruntled.
"Don't worry mate, we all have our bad days and it looks like you just had yours," said Justin cheerfully. Even Ginny looked like she was in a bad mood after the sound of Justin's odd cheeriness.
"Yeah that's nice Justin, I'll see you around ok," said Ron walking faster and faster away from the Ginny, Hermione and Justin.
"Was it something I said?" Ron heard Justin say. Justin didn't sound too disappointed though.
Ron cursed under his breath "git."
"Why did Justin have to show up anyway?" said Ron bitterly, "what the hell was Hermione and Justin talking about?"
Ron tried to come up with reasonable conclusions but they always came out sounding negative.
"Hermione probably noticed how bad I was starting off and that's why she wasn't watching as much," he said.
"Or maybe Justin was far more interesting to her then watching me practice."
As Ron got closer and closer to the castle, his mood got worst and worst. The day had started out so good and now Ron felt like it was one of the worst.
"Erugh! When am I going to get out of this?! When is it going to be tomorrow?! The REAL tomorrow!" he yelled. He didn't care who had heard him; the wind was now getting stronger and stronger, soon the storm was going to hit and the time was 8:20pm.
When Ron reached the top of the stone steps he opened the entrance door and was greeted by Harry.
"Hey mate, back so soon?" said Harry.
"Yeah," said Ron, "what's up with you? I thought you were supposed to be in detention, why are you dressed to go outdoors?
"Well I was finally let go by Snape and thought I'd join you guys in practice," said Harry.
"Well you'd be crazy to go out there now, Harry. Practice is over and a storm is just starting to hit," said Ron.
"Yeah I can see," said Harry opening the door and taking a look outside.
"Well, where are the others?" asked Harry.
"I walked on ahead, they should be in really soon," said Ron.
"Well let's head back up to the common room and you can tell me all about practice," said Harry.
"To tell you the truth Harry, you wouldn't be pleased with what I have to say about the practice."
"Well tell me," said Harry walking up the moving staircases.
"It was a complete catastrophe," said Ron, "I was an appalling keeper, I let in all but 5 or 6 shots."
"Whoa, no offence mate but..." said Harry.
"None taken," said Ron gloomily.
"But why were you so bad? Something or someone on your mind perhaps," said Harry smiling.
"Don't even start with that, Harry," said Ron frowning which wiped the smile right off Harry's face.
"Okay what did you say or do now, Ron?" asked Harry depressingly.
"What makes you think it was my fault?!" said Ron feeling offended.
"Okay, you're right, I'm sorry. It's just that it's usually the guys fault when it comes to matters like this."
"Well not this time, Harry," said Ron.
"So what happened?" Harry asked.
"Justin Finch-Fletchley happened," said Ron, saying the name with bitterness in his voice.
"Justin? What about him?"
"Well Hermione was going to watch the practice so he decided to tag along. I mean, it has to be because of Hermione, it's sure as hell wasn't to watch ME play."
"Alicia couldn't have been happy about Justin being there," said Harry, "go on," he urged.
"Well I practically watched those two in the stands during the entire practice just yammering away. I don't think Hermione even watched ten minutes of the practice."
"Well mate, I guess I can't--"
"Password?" asked the Fat Lady.
"Saepenumero Aevum," Harry told the Fat Lady.
"Correct, you may enter," said the Fat Lady.
"Merlin, who comes up with these ridiculous passwords?" asked Ron. In truth he really didn't care about it but since he was in a bad mood he was just looking to blame anything that remotely agitated him.
The common room was not too crowded which made Ron feel a bit better; only a few first and second years occupied the common room and they were in a corner playing Exploding Snap.
"Anyway, what were you saying?" Ron asked.
"I was saying, I guess I can't blame you for being a little upset. But I don't think it's such a big deal, mate. You don't know what they were talking about, there's no reason to get jealous. I suggest you let it go and try to concentrate on something worth your time, like Quidditch or lessons."
"Or Hermione," added Ron.
"Well for you, that too I guess." said Harry grinning, "just try and not overreact to every little thing, mate."
"I guess you're right," sighed Ron, "it's just so hard with everything I'm going through right now."
Harry raised his eye brows, "what's the matter Ron?"
"Can I ask you a question Harry?"
"Yeah of course," Harry responded.
"If you only had one day to live and nothing you did that day mattered, what would you do?"
Harry looked dumbfounded after hearing Ron's question. Ron had never asked Harry this kind of question before, he always told him the truth and he was never taken seriously.
"Um, I'm not sure how to answer that, Ron," said Harry who looked like he was pondering it.
This response was not the answer Ron was hoping to get. He had hoped Harry would cheer him up somehow with some easy answers but he didn't. Ron was in no better mood now than he was during practice earlier. He couldn't let it go and still blamed Justin for that.
"There you guys are," said Hermione coming through the portrait hole with Ginny, "why did you take off so fast, Ron?"
"Had to use the loo, it was an emergency," Ron lied.
"Well looks like you really needed to go," Ginny sniggered.
"Ha, ha, you're so funny, Gin," said Ron sarcastically.
"Hey lighten up bro, I was only kidding,"
Ron grunted and Hermione changed the subject, "how was detention with Snape, Harry?"
"It was shorter than I had expected, but it was horrible just the same. I had to mop up his office AND the potions classroom. Lucky for me I'm an expert with a mop; I had plenty of practice over the years with Aunt Petunia."
"Well it's lucky for you that you didn't get to go to practice, Harry," said Ginny, "it was mad out there. It got so cold midway through practice, Alicia had to call the whole thing off. We had just made it back into the castle when the weather turned really nasty."
"Yeah, there's a fierce storm blowing out there now," said Hermione.
"Yeah I know, I met Ron when he came in through the entrance door and got a big chill just standing there," said Harry.
"Ron, we have to go," said Hermione looking at her watch.
"Ron?" said Hermione, "Ron? Hello Ron? RON?!"
"Huh, wuh, what is it?" said Ron snapping out of his reverie. He had been hearing them talk but wasn't really listening to them. He was too depressed to care about what the conversation was about.
"I SAID we have to go," said Hermione.
"Where?" asked Ron.
"Prefect duties, remember?"
"Oh yeah, right," said Ron gloomily.
"How about a game of snap, Harry?" asked Ginny.
"Yeah sure, Gin," he replied, "I'll talk to you guys later, okay?" said Harry looking at Ron and Hermione.
"Okay," said Hermione and Ron nodded lazily.
Normally Ron would have loved the idea of being alone with Hermione, but now he was in a completely different mood. He didn't feel much like talking to her now, he was still feeling rejected.
"Ron's what's the matter?" asked Hermione stepping out and letting the portrait close. They were now walking around the corridors.
"Nothing," sighed Ron.
"Okay, now try telling me the truth," she said. Ron kept silent.
"Listen Ron, if this is about you having a bad day at the pitch, it's alright. Everyone has bad days from time to time. Besides why let practice ruin a day like the one you and I had today," said Hermione giving him a warm smile.
"You-you really liked this day?" Ron asked, now smiling and spirits lifting.
"Of course I liked today, didn't I tell you that?"
"Well I'm glad you did," said Ron now returning to the mood he was in earlier when he was out walking with Hermione.
"I've got an idea, why don't we pick up where we left off this afternoon?" suggested Hermione.
Ron's smile grew wider and was glad Hermione had suggested this.
"I see no reason why we can't," said Ron still smiling.
"Can I ask you something, Ron?"
"Um...sure, of course Hermione," he replied.
"What do you like to do during the summer holidays? I mean I like to travel with my parents, so what do you usually like to do?
Ron thought about this for a moment. Memories were basically all he had now. This question didn't help Ron forget about his time situation.
"Well I never really got a chance to travel much," he said, "Most of my summers are spent at the Burrow."
"You did get to go to Egypt, it must have been fun."
"It was alright I guess. The tombs Bill showed us were pretty cool but scary at the same time, there were spiders everywhere." Ron shuddered at the thought of spiders. "We saw 5 tombs in all but it got boring after we saw the first 3. I didn't think they were THAT special but I think you would have loved it."
"Ha, ha, Ron, very funny. I think you're just afraid to admit you actually liked learning during holidays."
Ron laughed, "as if, Hermione. I never want to go back to Egypt again."
"Why not?" she asked.
"It's bloody hot there, for one. The heat there is incredible, mum almost fainted a couple of times."
"And the other reason?" Hermione asked.
"Camels." he said.
"Camels?"
"Yeah, we had to ride those horrid creatures to each and every tomb. Mine decided to throw a fit and spit on me a few times."
Hermione laughed.
"It's not funny," said Ron trying not to laugh also.
"I'm sorry Ron," she said breathlessly, "it's just that I have an image in my mind of you getting spit on by a raging camel."
"Well as you know I'm not well received when it comes to animals."
That Tongustian seemed taken by you earlier during Care of Magical Creatures," said Hermione.
"Tango? Well I guess so, that beast might look harmless but believe me she's not."
Hermione frowned, which surprised Ron.
"What?" he asked, "oh yeah, you weren't there. Hagrid told us the beast's name was Tango."
"No, it's not that. How did you know all those strange characteristics about uh...Tango?"
"Oh," said Ron ears going red, "well I read about them."
"You're a terrible liar Ron. I could tell by the look on your face that you didn't read anything."
"Is that so?" said Ron. "Care to make another wager? Don't forget what happened the last time you doubted me, Hermione."
Hermione obliviously remembered because it only happened earlier today. She rolled her eyes, frowned and clicked her tongue.
Ron was annoyed and was just about to ask Hermione what she had meant by that but he stopped himself. He didn't want to get into a potential row. Instead he decided to change tactics and move the conversation onto something more fun.
"Can I ask you a question?" he asked
"Of course," she replied
"Well you asked me what I would call the right girl so it's my turn to ask you what you would call the right bloke," said Ron.
Hermione blushed and hesitated, "well he's smart, loyal, he has a good heart, he's funny, he's generous, he loves kids, wants a family...."
Ron listened carefully to Hermione's list of qualities in men that she found attractive. As she went on and on he was slowing realizing that he was none of these things. As she kept going, he was no longer listening to a word she was saying. This conversation was not as much fun as he had anticipated.
"Probably describing her dear Vicky," he said nastily to himself.
He wasn't glad to be listening to Hermione now and he was quickly regressing back into the rotten mood he was feeling earlier. Hermione was talking about the right guy and describing everything he thought he was not. It felt as though she was telling him he was not the kind of guy she would be attracted to. In Ron's mind, he held none of these qualities she liked.
"What did Ernie and Justin want with you in Herbology today?" asked Ron, cutting Hermione off.
"Oh, um, well they just came over and asked whether or not I was going out with you," said Hermione blushing the deepest shade of red Ron had ever seen on a persons face.
"And what did you say?!"
"Well, I told them the truth," said Hermione.
"Why did they ask you if we were going out?" asked Ron sounding a little downcast.
"Justin actually asked--" she said.
"Prat," said Ron quietly.
"He said that if the rumours weren't true then........" she trailed off.
"If the rumours weren't true then what?" Ron asked in a penetrating voice.
"He asked me if I wanted to go to Hogsmeade with him tomorrow," said Hermione blushing again.
Ron completely forgot about the Hogsmeade trip tomorrow. Not that it mattered anymore.
"Did he?" said Ron sounding cross, "and you said?"
"Well I told him I'd think about it," said Hermione blushing.
"Think about it?!" asked Ron brazenly, "what's there to think about?"
"Well...I...just....I thought" she choked.
"Thought what?" asked Ron harshly, "thought about what you would wear for him tomorrow?!"
"WHAT?! NO! What's gotten into you all of a sudden, Ron?!" she shouted.
"Nothing!" he said sounding surly.
"Seriously Ron, what's the matter?"
"Justin's the matter," replied Ron fiercely.
"Justin? What about him?" she asked.
"Having a good laugh watching me practice, were you?" said Ron bitterly. "The bloke just HAD to come with us to practice didn't he? He just HAD to be there following you around like love sick puppy."
"Don't be stupid, Ron! He just wanted to talk."
"Yeah, oh I bet he just wanted to TALK," he said heatedly.
"What's that supposed to mean?!" she said angrily.
"By any chance did he bring up the topic of Hogsmeade? Did he ask you to go with him again?"
Hermione turned red and looked away.
"I'll take that as a yes then,"
"So what?!" was all she could say.
"I'll bet he's real nice isn't he, a real excellent student," he spat.
"Well yes, he is but what's wrong with--"
"I'll bet he's a real gentlemen too, a real charmer, someone just like Vicky," said Ron severely.
"Ron I don't--"
"He's everything I'm not right? Just like Krum, he's perfect," spat Ron.
"Ron what are--" she tried to say.
"Listen, I know what your thinking Hermione, I get the point, I'm none of those things you said you liked in a guy," he said. He knew he was being extremely rude now, but he didn't care.
"I should have known you always liked guys who are super academic, guys unlike myself," he said.
"That's ridiculous!" she shouted.
"Then tell me how you lost that bet today?"
"Well you got a perfect mark," she said.
"Exactly!" he said, "you doubted me right from the start. It had never even occurred to you that I could make an effort and actually succeed. Hell, just a while ago you questioned me about how I knew all that stuff about Tango!"
It felt good to get it off his chest, Harry was not the only one with suppressed anger.
"Ron I'm-I'm sorry," Hermione's voice trembling and tears building up in her eyes. For a split second, Ron contemplated apologizing to her but waved it off.
"I could still remember the day I got my prefects badge," he said pointing at it. "You came bursting into the room all happy and IMMEDIATELY thought that Harry would be the one to get it. Must have been the biggest disappointment of your life when it was actually me."
"No Ron I --"
"Oh I saw the look on your face," he said, "me too HARRY, me too!" Ron jumped up and down imitating Hermione.
"Never thought it was possible right? Poor idiot Ron could never get the badge; he's too dumb and stupid to get anything right."
Hermione looked shocked.
"Just because I'm no Viktor bloody Krum doesn't mean I'm not capable of other things Hermione!"
"I never said you weren't," her voice trembled and sounded hurt.
"No maybe not directly but it was on your mind. I'm not stupid you know."
Hermione blinked several times.
Ron gave a cold laugh.
"But then again, I'm emotionally inferior compared to everyone else, right?" he said, "What did you say to me last year? I have an emotional range of a teaspoon?
Hermione tried to say "I didn't mean--"
"Never thought I could actually pull off getting a perfect mark did you? That's why you took the bet. As far as you were concerned I had already lost. I have never EVER once heard you say I was capable or I had done something right."
"Of course I have," said Hermione exasperated.
"Well I must have just slept right through it then," he said sarcastically, "When I made the Gryffindor team last year, where were you? I saw you for 2 seconds and then you went off somewhere, thanks for the vote of confidence Hermione."
"Ron I didn't know--"
"You know what Hermione? What you don't know could fill the atmosphere. I don't feeling like chatting anymore, you should turn in. I can handle the rest of the duties alone."
Ron could see tears coming out of Hermione's eyes, he didn't feel sorry for her one bit. As far as he was concerned, this was all her own fault.
"Can I at least say--" she tried
"NO! Please go away and leave me alone. Consider the bet over and done with."
Hermione looked furious as tears flowed down from her eyes.
"Ron, you are the most insensitive person I have ever met. GROW UP!" she shouted, and stormed off heading toward the direction of the Gryffindor common room.
"Grow up? HA! Me? grow up, that's a good one," said Ron.
Ron was in no mood to continue with his prefect duties. He could care less about monitoring the halls for trouble makers. He wanted to be alone and going back to the common room was not the best solution at the moment. He decided to head down to the kitchens instead.
As Ron was making his way down to the kitchens, he spotted Luna walking toward him holding a magazine. Not wanting Luna to spot him, he stopped and quickly hid behind a nearby statue.
"Ron?" said Luna, "why are you hiding behind Lawrence the Bewildered?"
"Damn," said a voice in his head.
"Oh nothing Luna, just feeling how cold the statue was that's all." Ron cursed himself for not coming up with something better.
"Oh," said Luna dreamily, "well how cold is it?"
"Very," said Ron sardonically.
"So how was the practice?" she asked.
"Excellent, couldn't have been better," he lied.
"I was right about the storm wasn't I?" she asked, "the snow is really coming down now."
Ron not did want to stay and talk any longer, especially with Luna Lovegood.
"Yup, you nailed it. Listen I have to go Luna, sorry."
"What's the hurry?" asked Luna
"Um, well I have prefect duties, can't stop, gotta patrol the halls," he said walking away.
"Mind if I join you?" she called out.
He didn't reply, he just kept walking as if he hadn't heard her talk. He had this feeling that if he had said something it would have sounded mean. Ron was not particularly angry with Luna, but she did annoy him quite a lot.
"Hello," said a dreamy voice catching up to him.
Ron let out a heavy sigh and just continued to walk with Luna tagging along.
"You didn't say anything so I just assumed you didn't mind," said Luna.
"Wonderful," a voice in his head said.
"Have you read this months Quibbler?" she asked.
Ron said nothing and didn't acknowledge he was listening.
"Daddy has this great article about–"
Ron was feeling frustrated and decided to walk faster and faster trying to get rid of her. It seemed Luna didn't get the hint however. She continued to walk and talk matching Ron's increasing speed. It still looked as though Luna was not getting the hint.
"LISTEN!" snapped Ron impatiently as he stopped and let out a heavy breath, "not to be rude or anything, Luna, but I really want to be ALONE!"
He walked off leaving a confused Luna standing in front of the Library.
Ron once again had arrived back at the kitchen entrance and after tickling the pear, he went through and headed down to the see the house elves. He was greeted immediately by Dobby who threw himself onto Ron.
"Mr Wheezy sir!" said Dobby eagerly, shaking Ron's hand, "Mr Wheezy has come to visit Dobby,"
"Yeah Dobby I came just to see you," said Ron in a bored voice.
"But where is Harry Potter sir?" said Dobby.
"Harry Potter didn't come."
"Oh, Harry Potter must be busy. Is there something I can get for you Mr Wheezy?" said Dobby willingly.
"Yes as a matter of fact Dobby you can get Mr Wheezy a butterbeer," said Ron.
"Right away sir!"
Within seconds a chair and a table appeared out of nowhere and Ron sat down clutching the butterbeer Dobby had brought him.
"Anything else sir?" asked Dobby happily.
"No Dobby, thanks," said Ron.
"Well if you need anything else sir just ask. I have to go clean now sir,"
"That's fine Dobby, bye"
Ron sat drinking his butterbeer for what seemed like forever. Everything that had gone right for him today was now in ruins. It took Ron a while to cool down and when he did he felt no different than what he felt before. He was not as angry as before but he was still extremely irritable. In his mind, everything he had done today was for nothing, it was a complete waste of time.
"Why was I so stupid?" he scowled to himself, "I've been wasting my time fooling around while I should be looking into WHAT THE HELL IS KEEPING ME IN FEBRUARY 2!"
His outburst caused the entire house elf staff to stop and stare.
"Don't just stand there! Get back to work!" he shouted nastily.
"DOBBY!" he roared.
"Yes sir, what can I do for Mr. Wheezy?" said Dobby nervously.
"You can get Mr. Wheezy a nice big bottle of Ogden's Old Firewhisky, Dobby," snapped Ron.
"But-but is Mr. Wheezy sure he wants that?" asked Dobby nervously.
"YES, I am sure," said Ron in a final sort-of-way.
"Yes sir, Dobby will be right back sir," said Dobby and he ran off into the nearby cellar.
Two minutes later Dobby came back with what looked like a large tankard filled with a reddish-brown substance.
"Here you go Mr. Wheezy, I filled up this tankard with the Firewhisky you asked for, sir,"
"Is this pure Firewhisky? Nothing added right?" asked Ron.
Dobby nodded.
"Thanks Dobby," said Ron taking off his shoes and his socks, "here you go."
Dobby looked ready to cry as he took Ron's socks and hugged them, "oh thank you sir. Mr. Wheezy is so kind."
"No problem," said Ron, putting his shoes back on, "you might want to wash them first though."
"Is there anything else sir?"
"No Dobby, it's late, I think I'll take this up to the common room and enjoy it there," said Ron getting up and heading toward the kitchen exit.
"Goodbye sir!" said Dobby happily waving.
Ron slowly made his way back to the Gryffindor common room thinking and drinking at the same time. Ogden's Old Firewhisky did not taste anything like Ron had imagined. It tasted very strong and very bitter. Every time he took a gulp from the tankard, the Fire whiskey would burn all the way down. It felt like hot molten lava was travelling down and into his stomach. Initially Ron had hated the drink but he steadily got used to the burning sensation and soon enough, he had become quite fond of it. The alcoholic beverage was quickly starting to sink in and Ron was very quickly starting to feel the effects of the Firewhisky. He was intoxicated before he even got to the portrait of Fat Lady.
"Password?" asked the Fat Lady.
"Super Apricot," said Ron just barely able to stand on his own.
"Incorrect," said the Fat Lady.
"What?!" said Ron, "that's the right password,"
"I'm sorry it is not, I cannot let you enter," said the Fat Lady.
"I'm a bloody prefect and I'm telling you Super Apricot is correct." Ron was beginning to slur his words.
"I'm sorry that is not the--"
"Alright, alright, it's Samero Aum,"
"I'm sorry that is not the--"
"How about Sumero Aluminium?"
"I'm sorry that is not the correct password," said the Fat Lady.
"Look I've been coming up here for the past six years! Now you KNOW I belong here. LET ME IN!
"I'm sorry that is not the correct password,"
Ron couldn't stand on his own feet anymore. He went over to the side of the wall, slid down and just sat up against it, trying to guess the correct password.
"Pine fresh,"
"I'm sorry that is not the correct password."
"Verennial Vertanna?"
"I'm sorry that is not the correct password."
"How about Caput Draconis?"
"I'm sorry that is not the correct password," said the Fat Lady.
After about an hour of trying to guess the correct password, Ron gave up, just sat on the cold floor, finished off the rest of his Ogden's Old Firewhisky and fell asleep.
"I have all the time in the world," he mumbled in his sleep, "all...the...time...in....the..."
"Ron! Ron, get up," said an angry female voice.
"Wha...who-who are you?" said Ron, heavily intoxicated.
"C'mon Ron, get up,"
"I'm sorry that is not the correct password," said Ron laughing drunkenly.
Ron if you get caught out here like this we'll both be in big trouble, now.... get......up."
"Hermione? Is that you?" Ron said again slurring his words and trying his best not to fall down.
"Yes it's me, Ron, now try and keep still will you?" said Hermione irritably.
"Yes ma'am," said Ron laughing again.
"Saepenumero Aevum," Hermione told the Fat Lady.
"Correct, you may enter," said the Fat Lady.
"That's what I've been trying to tell the old bat all night," said Ron, "I knew Super Apricot was the password."
Hermione helped Ron into the empty common room where she layed him onto the couch.
"It's not Super Apricot, Ron, it's Saepenumero Aevum," Hermione enunciated.
"Whatever, same thing," said Ron giggling, "where were you just now?"
"I was in the library."
"Thought so," said Ron groggily.
"I should have left you out there all night after what you said to me earlier!" she said scathingly.
"Yup," said Ron laughing.
"Ron, have you been drinking all night?!"
"No mum, just when you stormed off," Ron was laughing hysterically.
"What in blazes have you been drinking, Ron?" she asked angrily.
"Ogre's Old Firewhisky," Ron answered.
"You mean Ogden's Old Firewhisky," Hermione corrected.
"Same thing," he said waving her off.
"Well I'm going to bed," she said briskly.
"Wait, wait, are you still mad at me?" he asked sitting up and giggling.
"Arrgh! You are insufferable you know that?!" she said.
"Wait," he begged, "please,"
"What is it Ron, it's late," snarled Hermione.
"It doesn't matter Hermione, we don't have lessons tomorrow!" said Ron, again laughing hysterically and grabbing stomach.
"Get it? Wahahahahaha!"
"Ron get a grip. What so funny about not having classes tomorrow?" asked Hermione, sounding cross.
"I.... know....something....you....don't" said Ron trying to control his laughter.
"Well?!" said Hermione impatiently.
"Come here and I'll tell you what I know," said Ron waving her over to the couch. Clearly he was still very drunk.
"Well, go ahead," she said after sitting down.
"There's not going to be a Hogsmeade trip tomorrow," whispered Ron, smiling impishly.
"What? I never heard about any cancellations," said Hermione.
"Well you wouldn't, would you?" said Ron, "it's a secret, only I know about it," he whispered.
"Ron start making sense or I'm going to bed."
"Hermione, there's not going to be a Hogsmeade trip, EVER!" he said.
Hermione looked bewildered and raised her eyebrows.
"Hermione, I have something to tell you," whispered Ron seriously and slowly. He was looking deep into her eyes and his head moved forward very close to hers. They're faces were only a few inches apart.
Hermione gulped and looked as if she was anticipating something exhilarating, "tell me," she whispered moving her face closer toward his.
Ron quickly snapped his head back, which greatly surprised Hermione. He got up and started talking.
"I've been reliving the same day, THIS DAY, February 2, every day. I wake up at the same time and in this place every day. The only thing is that I am the only person that seems to notice and none of the school notices that all this has happened before."
Ron's explanation was not the best he could have come up with, but under normal circumstances it was a miracle he got out what he did, given his condition.
"Arrgh! You are impossible, you know that?!" she roared and getting up off the couch, "I thought, I thought you going to kis--" she stammered, "I thought you were going to.... apologize. Instead you come up with this stupid story."
"What?" said Ron, "I'm being honest."
"The least you could have done was apologize to me but you can't even do that! I hate you Ron Weasley!" Hermione turned on her heel and stormed up to the girls dormitory, slamming the door.
"Damn!" Ron muttered.
Ron tried to walk back up to the boys dormitory but he couldn't make it past the first 7 steps. His legs gave out and he collapsed back down onto the floor where he passed out.
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February 2
"Ron wake up, we're gonna be late for breakfast, it's 8:30."
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A/N: Thanks for all the great Reviews on the last chapter!!!
Man, this was a hard chapter to write. Like I said at the end of the last chapter, this chapter is Ron's turning point. Everything is starting to fall apart and now more than ever he desperately wants out of February 2.
Next Chapter: Another February 2nd for Ron to face.
Again I really appreciate all the great reviews I've been getting, please keep it up!
Take Care