JUST RON

by: Black Is Back

Chapter 5 – The Lie

Hermione woke early the next morning and couldn't go back to sleep. She felt guilty about Ron. She knew he hated Krum. She couldn't understand why he did but she knew all the same. It was cold and rainy morning so she covered up with a blanket before she walked out into the main room of the Chambers.

Sleeping on the couch by the fireplace was Ron. Hermione just stood in her doorway looking at him. His flaming red hair was perfectly messed up so that hair fell into his eyes. HE had his mouth closed but still had drool coming out of the corner. Hermione had never found him more attractive.

Why am I feeling this? It's ridiculous. But look at him just sleeping. Just...

Hermione walked over to him and stooped down so her face was about a foot from his. She reached up and brushed the hair from his eyes.

What changed Ron? She thought. When did this happen? What happened to you that made me feel this way?

Ron gave a particularly loud snore and Hermione couldn't help but give a small laugh.

"Yep, that's just Ron alright."

She grabbed the blanket from around her and draped it over him. She turned and was heading into her room when-

"Just Ron? What's that supposed to mean?"

Hermione jumped.

"How long have you been awake?" She demanded.

"Long enough. What did you mean just then? Just Ron?"

"Well, you are just Ron aren't you? What a silly question."

"Whatever."

Hermione sat there for a minute not really knowing how to act or what to say. It looked as if Ron was in the same predicament.

"Ron? You're still not upset with me because of Krum are you? Because about that..."

"Look 'Mione" Ron interrupted, "You can be friends, or whatever you call it, with him or anyone else for all I care. It's just, well, I thought you hated him. You did after all break his nose. Which by the way was bloody brilliant."

"Ron," Hermione said meaningfully, "I'm sorry."

"Don't tell me you're sorry. He's your friend."

"How can you be so thick and still be Head Boy," Hermione sighed. "I'm not talking to Krum I lied."

"What? What do you mean?"

She didn't want to tell him that she lied to him but knew she had to. She didn't want to hurt him anymore.

"I lied about Krum. I don't know where he is much less talk to him. I just needed an excuse to keep you guys from bothering me about avoiding you. I'm sorry. I didn't know it would upset you this much."

"Oh," Ron said thoughtfully. "Well are you going to tell me why you were avoiding me?"

"Umm...no. Well not yet at least. Can I ask you something Ron? Why DO you hate Krum so much?"

I thought you of all people would know that 'Mione." He gave that look, then looked down quickly. "He hurt you. I hate him. It's that simple."

Hermione thought about this for a minute.

"No. That's not it you're lying," She said abruptly.

"What? I'm not lying!"

"Yes you are because if that was the case then you would hate Seamus as well. And I know for a fact that you don't hate him! Okay I will reword the question then. Why did you hate him before we broke up or for that matter even started dating?"

Ron looked incredibly uncomfortable.

"Oh, er, well, you know, uh, bad feeling." Ron looked down at his watch then got up quickly. "We had better get ready for class or we're going to be late."

The first class, Transfiguration went by fairly fast then came potions. Hermione was nervous because today they were testing their Vetriserum on other people. Hermione tested it on herself the other day in class but nothing happened. If nothing happened again today then she would get a failing grade. Her first ever. She went in, without Ron and Harry knowing of course, to Snape's class and got help. She wasn't as confident as she was last year with her potions but she was almost positive that she had this one done correctly.

As they entered the dungeon Snape was sitting at his desk. Hermione could have sworn he winked at her as she took her seat.

What was that all about? Hermione thought suspiciously.

"Alright class," Snape said loudly, "Today we will see if you have learned anything at all or if you have been sitting in my class for the past two weeks just staring at me and not absorbing any of the information."

He continued, "I will pair you up and each of you will give the other your potion to drink. You will then ask each other the questions I pass out. Now, Mr. Potter if you will pleas pair up with Mr. Longbottom. Miss Parvati and Miss Bones. Mr. Weasley and Miss Granger..."

What?!? Ron and me? He never pairs us up. Hermione thought as Snape continued to pair the class up.

"Okay everyone, get to work. I will be walking around observing all of you."

Hermione turned and faced Ron.

"Well, uh, here is my potion I hope it doesn't kill you." Hermione added a small giggle.

"Trust me 'Mione. Your potion is probably safer than butterbeer."

Hermione highly doubted that but was still thankful Ron said it.

They drank each other's potions and then looked at the questions. Hermione felt sick as she read them.

Question One: Who was your first crush?

Question Two: Tell your feelings about the person you are doing this assignment with.

Question Three: What is your biggest fear?

Question Four: Why do you think you are in your house?

Hermione turned and looked at Snape. He was smiling and gave a little wave to her when he saw her looking at him.

He has gone completely mental. Hermione thought. How am I supposed to answer the first two questions with RON as my partner?

She looked up at him and he was still reading the paper. If she didn't know better she would've thought Ron was blushing. He looked up at her then looked away quickly like looking for something Hermione knew wasn't there. He WAS blushing.

But why? Over the questions? Then Hermione got an idea and a shiver of excitement rushed up her spine.

"Okay Ron, ready to start?"

"Oh okay, why don't you go first?"

"Oh no you don't! You think that if you go last then maybe there won't be enough time to the assignment. Well Ronald, you are doing your work!"

"Fine," Ron said quietly. He was still blushing.

YES! Hermione thought. I'll finally get to know how he feels about me!

Hermione cleared her throat and began their assignment.