JUST RON

by: Black Is Back

Chapter 1
"The Smartest Witch"

Why is this so hard? She asked herself. She ran her fingers through her long brown hair as she looked at the blank piece of parchment.

Hermione Granger was thought by many to be the smartest witch of her age, but as she began her seventh year at Hogwarts the clarity and confidence she once had in her schoolwork was replaced only with uncertainty.

Concentrate Hermione. She told herself. Wait...what is that noise? She looked up from her parchment and realized McGonagall had dismissed class. As she hastily stuffed her belongings into her bag she looked around for her two best friends. Ronald Wealsey's flaming red head popped up from underneath the desk.

"Dropped my quill," he replied to the look of question on Hermione's face.

"Oh," she said as she flashed him a quick grin that they both knew was reserved for him.

Harry Potter was standing by the door waiting for them. He had grown a lot over the summer considering last year he was Hermione's size and was now almost as tall as Ron. That was saying something because Ron was one of the tallest in his year.

Hermione looked over at Ron again. He had definitely changed over the summer. He was very tall but not lanky. He was in fact very built due to the fact that he was the Gryffindor Quidditch Captain. He was no longer the awkward friend of the famous Harry Potter. He was, as many knew him to be, Ron Weasley, one of the most popular boys in the school, Quidditch Captain, and Head Boy. Hermione was happy about this because she was, of course, Head Girl and they had to live in a separate dormitory called the Chambers of Authority. Ron was upset about not living with Harry at the beginning but got over it quickly seeing how Hermione was almost never in the chamber so he could have girls over any time he wanted. Hermione never told Ron that she knew what company he kept. That's none of my business. She told herself often when Ron had a girl over.

"Hurry up guys! We're going to be late to potions," Harry said anxiously.

"Wow never thought you would be saying that." Ron said with a smirk.

"Well it's just that I don't want to be late. Snape has changed but not enough to not give us detention."

"Okay, okay, we're coming," Hermione said exasperated.

She finished collecting her things then rushed over to Harry. As they entered the dungeon Snape was already sitting at his desk. At the end of last year Harry battled Lucius Malfoy and won. After Malfoy was captured the dementors, whom Dumbledore managed to 'persuade' to come to the Order's side, gave him the kiss. Ever since then Snape had become more bearable to be with. Hermione didn't know why or how but she was just glad it happened. She didn't want to ask Harry because every time someone even mentioned that night he would quickly change the subject.

"Hello, Professor Snape," Harry said cheerfully as they took their seats at the front, much to Ron's dismay.

Potter. Weasley. Granger. Good afternoon," Snape said. "You know I don't think I will ever get used to you three sitting at the front row of my class."

"Me either," Ron muttered so that only Hermione could hear him. She knew he didn't trust Snape yet. Ron was very skeptical of the fact that Snape just changed overnight.

"Alright class to day we will be doing a truth serum or as it is called in your textbooks, Vetriserum." Snape droned on.

Hermione was having trouble with her potion but she managed to play it of like it was supposed to be pink and smell like flowers. The problem however was that Snape said that next class they would be testing their potions on themselves.
"Er, I just wanted mine to be pretty," Hermione said to Neville.

"Wow, Hermione. You always go that extra mile!"

"Er, uh...yeah," she said softly. "Thanks Neville."

Snape however wasn't as convinced. He stared down at her potion with a look of utmost confusion. He looked up at her then back down to the potion slowly as if trying to piece together a puzzle but it was just too many pieces.

"Please see me after class Miss Granger." Snape said quietly so as no one else could hear him.

Great. Even Snape has noticed how thick I'm becoming. She thought to herself. She had other thing to worry about though like HOW was she supposed to ditch Harry and Ron after class.
Snape let the class out and Hermione gathered all of her things but her quill. She was walking out of the dungeon then-

"Oh no! I forgot my quill. You guys go ahead I'll catch up," Hermione said quickly.

"It's okay I'll come with you," Ron said cheerfully.

"NO! I mean...it's just a quill Ron I think I can get it by myself."

"Oh. O – okay. Uh see you at lunch then," Ron said with what Hermione thought could have been hurt in his voice.

She didn't want to be mean but she also didn't want Ron to think she was stupid. With a sigh she turned around and went back into the dungeon. Snape was sitting quietly behind his desk.
"Why didn't you want them to know? It's just one potion."

"I don't know. Like you said, one potion. Who cares right?"

"Well," Snape said softly," I do and I'm positive you do as well. Now Miss Granger I realize you dislike me but-"

"I do too like you! Well...now."

"BUT, if you would please not interrupt me, I'm not stupid. If you think I haven't realized there is something wrong then you are gravely mistaken. Is there anything you would like to tell me?"

Maybe it was the fact that Snape was being nice or the smell her potion had filled the dungeon with but the next thing Hermione knew she was telling Snape all about her classes were much more challenging and how if anyone ever found out they would think she was thick. She finished with a deep sigh and they sat in silence for a minute. Then finally Snape spoke.

"Miss Granger. I realize you believe the problem lies in your school life but the real problem is your social life. It is distracting you."

"What? I don't have social problems. I NEVER said anything about my social-"

"Miss Granger, you've forgotten that I'm quite gifted at Legilimens. I sense tension and conflict that you don't want to admit. You need not tell me there is a problem I figured it out on my own."

Hermione just stared at him blankly.

"Oh," Snape said with a very mischievous smirk. "And your secret is safe with me."

"What secret?" Hermione asked defensively.

Snape chuckled softly." I thought you were supposed to be the smartest witch of your age?" He sighed when she didn't show any signs of understanding." You may leave now Miss Granger. If you need extra assistance in your classes then you may ask me and it will be kept confidential. You are not above asking for help when it is needed."

She got up and slowly walked out of the dungeon feeling more confused then when she was trying to concoct her potion.