dontpokeelmo: Sorry it took me so long to get another chapter up. I've been
incredibly busy these past weeks with school starting up again and working.
I hope you enjoy the third chapter, and that it's any good at all (I was
having quite the case of writer's block while trying to write it). I would
like to give a general thanks to all the people who've reviewed. Please
continuing reading and reviewing, I would like to hear all comments and
opinions on this story. Remember that future chapters will be based on the
contents of reviews. Thanks.
P.S.~ I'm still trying to find a BETA, so if you're interested then please
let me know.
Serpent du feu~ Thanks so much for reviewing. I can't wait to write it as well, though I'm afraid you might have to wait a few more chapters until anything happens. It will be worth the wait, I hope. And thanks for giving me the directions to getting more reviews; I appreciated it very much. Please continue to read and review.
Apollonia2~ Thank you very much for reviewing, and I'm glad you like it. Please continue to read and review.
Nami1~ Thank you for reviewing. I'm glad you're still enjoying it. Hope I managed to produce something that was decent with this chapter. Please continue to read and review.
Ceres Vesta~ Thanks very much for taking the time to review. I'm glad you like it. Hope I can add more faster than I did this time around. Please continue to read and review.
ashlee: Thanks very much for the sweet review. I love getting encouragement on my writing, it helps me in continuing to write. I'll be sure to mail you every time I add up a new chapter. Please continue to read and review.
bianca6~ Thanks for the review. You really don't know how much it means to hear you say that. See, I have this problem when I write, where I think that everything I write comes out horribly, and usually end up throwing said written work away. I'm rather surprised that I've posted any of this, because I thought that it wasn't very good to begin with, really. I'm glad that at least the people who have reviewed think it's any good. Please continue to read and review.
noisyamie~ Thank you very much for reviewing. I'm glad you like the story, and I'll try and update for you faster next time. Please continue to read and review.
*Ron's Point of View*
They were at it again. The secrets. The timed silence that always began when he entered the room. Was he not supposed to notice any of this? Did they really believe him to be that incredibly thick? And bloody hell, why didn't the trust him? Ron looked glumly at the food surrounding him. It wasn't as if he couldn't keep secrets, at least he could when they were as big as this one seemed to be. If only he hadn't been late to breakfast this morning, he might have been able to catch more of what Harry and Hermione had been saying. As it was, the only words of it he'd been able to hear didn't make much sense to him at all. "But I don't love him. And it's not like I'm happy about having these feelings for him." That had been Hermione, he knew her voice anywhere. But who was this guy she spoke of? It couldn't be Harry. And it most certainly was not Ron, himself. So who could this mysterious man be that Hermione had chosen to bestow these "feelings" upon. Unless....it wasn't a teacher was it? It couldn't be. But then again Hermione loved knowledge so much, she might be one to fall for someone who had more than she did. No, she was far too sensible for that, wasn't she? But before he could have any of these questions answered, she had caught sight of him, and all conversation of this topic ceased. Not that Ron hadn't tried to continue it. They just wouldn't answer his questions. And what was with those damned glances Hermione and Harry kept shooting each other? He wouldn't be able to stand the awkward silence much longer.
Ron looked over at Hermione. She was using her fork to prod at the contents of her plate. He let his gaze wander to Harry, who he was sure had been chewing that same bite of toast ten minutes earlier. This was insane.
'Okay,' Ron sighed through gritted teeth, not being able to take anymore. "What the fuck is going on here?'
'Ron!' Hermione chided. 'Don't talk like that. If a teacher where to hear you....' she looked nervously around her.
'I don't give a rats arse who hears me, now what is going on here?' Ron shot her an angry glare.
'Nothing, Ron. Everything is fine. I don't know what you're talking about.' Hermione speared some eggs with her fork and brought them to her mouth slowly. 'Don't be paranoid.'
'I know you're lying to me. Both of you,' he added turning to Harry. 'So you'd better tell me what is going on right now. All of it.' Harry would tell him. Harry told him everything. Harry didn't keep secrets.
'It isn't my story to tell,' Harry sighed and pointed at Hermione with is fork. 'If she wants you to know, she can tell you herself.' Since when did Harry keep anything from him? He was his best friend! Ron noticed Hermione glare at Harry.
'It's nothing of any importance really.' She stared back down at her plate.
'I can't believe this! Do you think I don't know you well enough to know when you're lying to me? You're my best friend, Hermione. Honestly,' he huffed.
'Alright,' she said mentioning for his to lower his voice when several students looked in their direction. 'Not here okay? At least let's go someplace a bit more quiet.' Ron nodded and she continued on. 'In five minutes meet me by the quidditch pitch,' and with that she stood, slung her bag over her shoulder, and solemnly walked out of the great hall. Ron let his gaze fall to Harry, whose eyes bore into Hermione's back, watching every step she took.
'Harry?' Ron shot him a questioning look. "What is going on? Who does Hermione have feelings for?'
'I told you, Ron. This is her story to tell you, her decision, and not mine. It isn't my place to say anything more than I already have.' Ron could see a mixture of emotions pass through Harry's eyes, including one he hadn't seen Harry use since the days he had dated Cho all those months ago. Sure, Harry was followed around by many admirers. And he had his fair share of fan clubs around the school, but Harry had managed to stay decently levelheaded. And when it came to dating, Harry had only had a handful of girlfriends, and they didn't last long. Each time would end and it would be months before Ron noticed Harry even looking at girls again. He wasn't like Draco Malfoy who went through women like they were water. No, Harry respected women. But he had managed to get burned when it came to being committed to them, and he was always so busy with quidditch practice that he never really had the time. 'I only have time to train right now,' that's what he always said, 'No time to be bothering with finding a girl.' But still, Ron knew that Harry was lonely. Every respectable guy was lonely when he didn't have a girl to hold. Ron knew that feeling well. He suddenly understood. Harry had fallen in love. Harry had fallen in love with Hermione. And Hermione? She wanted someone else.
'You love her,' Ron looked down at his plate again. He never liked talking about these sort of things. Obviously whatever Harry was expecting Ron to say, it wasn't that, and he dropped his toast in surprise.
'What? What are you talking about, Ron? She's my best friend; of course I love her. You're my best friend too, and I love you as well. Now never make me say that again.'
'She means more to you then just a friend, Harry. You love her. You want to be with her. She's suddenly become more than a friend and you're too scared to admit it, but you know I'm right. You're afraid of losing her.'
Harry met Ron's gaze. 'When did you become so bloody perceptive, Ron?'
'It comes and goes,' Ron shrugged. 'So you admit it, then?'
'Yes, I might as well stop trying to hide it from myself. Yes, I love her, Ron.'
'And she loves someone else.'
'Yes.'
'Who?' Maybe Ron would be able to get some information after all.
'She'll tell you soon enough.' Damn Harry and his loyalty, Ron inwardly cursed. He wished Harry would stop being so noble and just tell him who it was Hermione fancied. 'You need to go now anyway,' he continued looking down at his watch. 'It's been five minutes.'
'Yea,' Ron said remembering Hermione's last words. 'Yea, I suppose it has.' Ron stood up and slung his own bag over his shoulder, imitating Hermione's action, and turned to leave the Great Hall as well.
'Just promise me something, Ron,' Harry added before he had started for the doors. 'Don't say anything about this to her.'
'I won't, but you should. And after this, no more bloody secrets, okay?' Ron said turning back around to face Harry. 'No more.' Harry nodded in agreement and Ron took off towards the doors leading out to the pitch. Once he managed to get outside, he practically took off running in the direction of the stadium. It was only when Hermione came in view that he slowed down to catch his breath.
'You're late,' she pointed out while he breathed heavily. 'I said five minutes, not seven.'
'Spare me the lecture, Hermione, and just tell me what's going on,' he said interrupting her now that he was able to speak.
'Right. Well you see, Ron. It would seem that I've...'
'Developed feelings for someone. Yes, I know that part. Get on with the rest of it,' he interrupted again impatiently.
'Well, that's it, then. There is no more to it. I've developed feelings for someone.'
'For who, Hermione. For whom have you developed these feelings?'
'Oh, well that's the part you wanted to know?' She attempted a dumb look. It was too bad she couldn't pull it off. Hermione was no actor, and Ron was starting to get impatient.
'Yes, that's the part I wanted to know.'
'Well, then I suppose I ought to tell you.'
'Hermione Granger, quit staling and tell me who it is you've developed these feelings for.'
'Don't yell, Ron. There's no reason to yell. Just calm down.'
'I will when you answer me.'
'Oh all right, Ron,' she sighed and looked doubtful for a moment before continuing on. 'It's...it's Malfoy.'
Ron stood there staring for a few moments. She liked Malfoy? Draco Malfoy? The same Malfoy that tortured her for all those years about her busy hair, enlarged teeth, and bookworm status? The same Malfoy that had on countless occasions call her a mudblood? The one that was supposed to be their enemy? 'Excuse me? Who was it you said you'd developed feelings for? I could have sworn I just heard you say Draco Malfoy, but that can't be right.'
'No,' Hermione said, and Ron saw a sudden boldness spring into her mannerism. 'No, Ron, you heard me quite well. I did say Draco Malfoy. And you can spare me the lecture, because you should be aware that I've been through that already with Harry. One can't help who they develop feelings for Ron.'
'Yes, one can,' Ron said, his temper rising every second. No wonder Harry was upset. Harry loved Hermione and she loved Draco Malfoy. Of course Hermione didn't know Harry had feelings for her, but all the same. It was as if she had chosen Malfoy over Harry, and that had to hurt. That had to hurt bad. 'One can control whom they do not develop feelings for. I would think you wise enough to know better than to go and fall for him!'
'Why, what is so bad about him? Besides having a father who is aid to You Know Who? He's changed, Ron. Am I the only one who can see that?' Now Ron had thought she had gone absolutely raving mad. She must be insane. Draco Malfoy change? That was about as possible as Neville getting through a potions class without any incidents. Hell, make that any class without an incident.
'Are you feeling well, Hermione? Could it be possible he mixed a love potion into something you drank?'
'I'm feeling fine, Ron. And no, I would have noticed the symptoms long before the potion started to take effect,' she said angrily.
'Well, if you're dumb enough to develop feelings for Draco Malfoy, then you may very well be dumb enough to not notice the symptoms of a love potion, Hermione.' Ron was so furious he was shaking with anger, and yet he knew this was ridiculous. There was no reason for him to be angry. And yet he felt as though she was turning her back on him and Harry. Most especially that she was turning her back on Harry, who did love her after all. And still, Ron loved her as well. His love just constituted as more of a sisterly love.
'This is why I didn't want to tell you, Ron,' she said picking her bag off the ground and slinging it over her shoulder as she had done before. 'I knew you would act like this. Now if you'll excuse me, I've a potions class to attend. Just because you're late to everything doesn't mean I have to be.' And with that she turned on her heel, and headed back towards the school at a brisk walk. Ron stood there staring after her, hurt by her last words.
'Damn women,' he muttered into the light breeze that blowed his hair a bit into his eyes. 'Damn Malfoy.'
Serpent du feu~ Thanks so much for reviewing. I can't wait to write it as well, though I'm afraid you might have to wait a few more chapters until anything happens. It will be worth the wait, I hope. And thanks for giving me the directions to getting more reviews; I appreciated it very much. Please continue to read and review.
Apollonia2~ Thank you very much for reviewing, and I'm glad you like it. Please continue to read and review.
Nami1~ Thank you for reviewing. I'm glad you're still enjoying it. Hope I managed to produce something that was decent with this chapter. Please continue to read and review.
Ceres Vesta~ Thanks very much for taking the time to review. I'm glad you like it. Hope I can add more faster than I did this time around. Please continue to read and review.
ashlee: Thanks very much for the sweet review. I love getting encouragement on my writing, it helps me in continuing to write. I'll be sure to mail you every time I add up a new chapter. Please continue to read and review.
bianca6~ Thanks for the review. You really don't know how much it means to hear you say that. See, I have this problem when I write, where I think that everything I write comes out horribly, and usually end up throwing said written work away. I'm rather surprised that I've posted any of this, because I thought that it wasn't very good to begin with, really. I'm glad that at least the people who have reviewed think it's any good. Please continue to read and review.
noisyamie~ Thank you very much for reviewing. I'm glad you like the story, and I'll try and update for you faster next time. Please continue to read and review.
*Ron's Point of View*
They were at it again. The secrets. The timed silence that always began when he entered the room. Was he not supposed to notice any of this? Did they really believe him to be that incredibly thick? And bloody hell, why didn't the trust him? Ron looked glumly at the food surrounding him. It wasn't as if he couldn't keep secrets, at least he could when they were as big as this one seemed to be. If only he hadn't been late to breakfast this morning, he might have been able to catch more of what Harry and Hermione had been saying. As it was, the only words of it he'd been able to hear didn't make much sense to him at all. "But I don't love him. And it's not like I'm happy about having these feelings for him." That had been Hermione, he knew her voice anywhere. But who was this guy she spoke of? It couldn't be Harry. And it most certainly was not Ron, himself. So who could this mysterious man be that Hermione had chosen to bestow these "feelings" upon. Unless....it wasn't a teacher was it? It couldn't be. But then again Hermione loved knowledge so much, she might be one to fall for someone who had more than she did. No, she was far too sensible for that, wasn't she? But before he could have any of these questions answered, she had caught sight of him, and all conversation of this topic ceased. Not that Ron hadn't tried to continue it. They just wouldn't answer his questions. And what was with those damned glances Hermione and Harry kept shooting each other? He wouldn't be able to stand the awkward silence much longer.
Ron looked over at Hermione. She was using her fork to prod at the contents of her plate. He let his gaze wander to Harry, who he was sure had been chewing that same bite of toast ten minutes earlier. This was insane.
'Okay,' Ron sighed through gritted teeth, not being able to take anymore. "What the fuck is going on here?'
'Ron!' Hermione chided. 'Don't talk like that. If a teacher where to hear you....' she looked nervously around her.
'I don't give a rats arse who hears me, now what is going on here?' Ron shot her an angry glare.
'Nothing, Ron. Everything is fine. I don't know what you're talking about.' Hermione speared some eggs with her fork and brought them to her mouth slowly. 'Don't be paranoid.'
'I know you're lying to me. Both of you,' he added turning to Harry. 'So you'd better tell me what is going on right now. All of it.' Harry would tell him. Harry told him everything. Harry didn't keep secrets.
'It isn't my story to tell,' Harry sighed and pointed at Hermione with is fork. 'If she wants you to know, she can tell you herself.' Since when did Harry keep anything from him? He was his best friend! Ron noticed Hermione glare at Harry.
'It's nothing of any importance really.' She stared back down at her plate.
'I can't believe this! Do you think I don't know you well enough to know when you're lying to me? You're my best friend, Hermione. Honestly,' he huffed.
'Alright,' she said mentioning for his to lower his voice when several students looked in their direction. 'Not here okay? At least let's go someplace a bit more quiet.' Ron nodded and she continued on. 'In five minutes meet me by the quidditch pitch,' and with that she stood, slung her bag over her shoulder, and solemnly walked out of the great hall. Ron let his gaze fall to Harry, whose eyes bore into Hermione's back, watching every step she took.
'Harry?' Ron shot him a questioning look. "What is going on? Who does Hermione have feelings for?'
'I told you, Ron. This is her story to tell you, her decision, and not mine. It isn't my place to say anything more than I already have.' Ron could see a mixture of emotions pass through Harry's eyes, including one he hadn't seen Harry use since the days he had dated Cho all those months ago. Sure, Harry was followed around by many admirers. And he had his fair share of fan clubs around the school, but Harry had managed to stay decently levelheaded. And when it came to dating, Harry had only had a handful of girlfriends, and they didn't last long. Each time would end and it would be months before Ron noticed Harry even looking at girls again. He wasn't like Draco Malfoy who went through women like they were water. No, Harry respected women. But he had managed to get burned when it came to being committed to them, and he was always so busy with quidditch practice that he never really had the time. 'I only have time to train right now,' that's what he always said, 'No time to be bothering with finding a girl.' But still, Ron knew that Harry was lonely. Every respectable guy was lonely when he didn't have a girl to hold. Ron knew that feeling well. He suddenly understood. Harry had fallen in love. Harry had fallen in love with Hermione. And Hermione? She wanted someone else.
'You love her,' Ron looked down at his plate again. He never liked talking about these sort of things. Obviously whatever Harry was expecting Ron to say, it wasn't that, and he dropped his toast in surprise.
'What? What are you talking about, Ron? She's my best friend; of course I love her. You're my best friend too, and I love you as well. Now never make me say that again.'
'She means more to you then just a friend, Harry. You love her. You want to be with her. She's suddenly become more than a friend and you're too scared to admit it, but you know I'm right. You're afraid of losing her.'
Harry met Ron's gaze. 'When did you become so bloody perceptive, Ron?'
'It comes and goes,' Ron shrugged. 'So you admit it, then?'
'Yes, I might as well stop trying to hide it from myself. Yes, I love her, Ron.'
'And she loves someone else.'
'Yes.'
'Who?' Maybe Ron would be able to get some information after all.
'She'll tell you soon enough.' Damn Harry and his loyalty, Ron inwardly cursed. He wished Harry would stop being so noble and just tell him who it was Hermione fancied. 'You need to go now anyway,' he continued looking down at his watch. 'It's been five minutes.'
'Yea,' Ron said remembering Hermione's last words. 'Yea, I suppose it has.' Ron stood up and slung his own bag over his shoulder, imitating Hermione's action, and turned to leave the Great Hall as well.
'Just promise me something, Ron,' Harry added before he had started for the doors. 'Don't say anything about this to her.'
'I won't, but you should. And after this, no more bloody secrets, okay?' Ron said turning back around to face Harry. 'No more.' Harry nodded in agreement and Ron took off towards the doors leading out to the pitch. Once he managed to get outside, he practically took off running in the direction of the stadium. It was only when Hermione came in view that he slowed down to catch his breath.
'You're late,' she pointed out while he breathed heavily. 'I said five minutes, not seven.'
'Spare me the lecture, Hermione, and just tell me what's going on,' he said interrupting her now that he was able to speak.
'Right. Well you see, Ron. It would seem that I've...'
'Developed feelings for someone. Yes, I know that part. Get on with the rest of it,' he interrupted again impatiently.
'Well, that's it, then. There is no more to it. I've developed feelings for someone.'
'For who, Hermione. For whom have you developed these feelings?'
'Oh, well that's the part you wanted to know?' She attempted a dumb look. It was too bad she couldn't pull it off. Hermione was no actor, and Ron was starting to get impatient.
'Yes, that's the part I wanted to know.'
'Well, then I suppose I ought to tell you.'
'Hermione Granger, quit staling and tell me who it is you've developed these feelings for.'
'Don't yell, Ron. There's no reason to yell. Just calm down.'
'I will when you answer me.'
'Oh all right, Ron,' she sighed and looked doubtful for a moment before continuing on. 'It's...it's Malfoy.'
Ron stood there staring for a few moments. She liked Malfoy? Draco Malfoy? The same Malfoy that tortured her for all those years about her busy hair, enlarged teeth, and bookworm status? The same Malfoy that had on countless occasions call her a mudblood? The one that was supposed to be their enemy? 'Excuse me? Who was it you said you'd developed feelings for? I could have sworn I just heard you say Draco Malfoy, but that can't be right.'
'No,' Hermione said, and Ron saw a sudden boldness spring into her mannerism. 'No, Ron, you heard me quite well. I did say Draco Malfoy. And you can spare me the lecture, because you should be aware that I've been through that already with Harry. One can't help who they develop feelings for Ron.'
'Yes, one can,' Ron said, his temper rising every second. No wonder Harry was upset. Harry loved Hermione and she loved Draco Malfoy. Of course Hermione didn't know Harry had feelings for her, but all the same. It was as if she had chosen Malfoy over Harry, and that had to hurt. That had to hurt bad. 'One can control whom they do not develop feelings for. I would think you wise enough to know better than to go and fall for him!'
'Why, what is so bad about him? Besides having a father who is aid to You Know Who? He's changed, Ron. Am I the only one who can see that?' Now Ron had thought she had gone absolutely raving mad. She must be insane. Draco Malfoy change? That was about as possible as Neville getting through a potions class without any incidents. Hell, make that any class without an incident.
'Are you feeling well, Hermione? Could it be possible he mixed a love potion into something you drank?'
'I'm feeling fine, Ron. And no, I would have noticed the symptoms long before the potion started to take effect,' she said angrily.
'Well, if you're dumb enough to develop feelings for Draco Malfoy, then you may very well be dumb enough to not notice the symptoms of a love potion, Hermione.' Ron was so furious he was shaking with anger, and yet he knew this was ridiculous. There was no reason for him to be angry. And yet he felt as though she was turning her back on him and Harry. Most especially that she was turning her back on Harry, who did love her after all. And still, Ron loved her as well. His love just constituted as more of a sisterly love.
'This is why I didn't want to tell you, Ron,' she said picking her bag off the ground and slinging it over her shoulder as she had done before. 'I knew you would act like this. Now if you'll excuse me, I've a potions class to attend. Just because you're late to everything doesn't mean I have to be.' And with that she turned on her heel, and headed back towards the school at a brisk walk. Ron stood there staring after her, hurt by her last words.
'Damn women,' he muttered into the light breeze that blowed his hair a bit into his eyes. 'Damn Malfoy.'