When Ron woke up on the first of August, he had long since forgotten
the thoughts of Hermione that had plagued him a week ago. Today was the day
Fred, George and Ginny had promised him to help train for quiddtich. He'd
only been out on his broom a few times; when he'd needed to escape Mrs.
Weasley's angry yells this summer. After eating a quick breakfast with
their parents, the Weasley children (those still living at home) dashed out
to the field that lay out of sight, behind a thick hedge of trees to play
quiddtich. They mounted their brooms happily and kicked off from the
ground.
"George," Ron called as the wind blew around him, "I forgot to ask, how did you and Fred get away from the shop?"
"Left our apprentice in charge," Fred answered grinning evilly at his twin, who flew along side him.
"Reckon he's going to have one HELL of a day," George boasted with a wink.
"What about Lee?" Ron asked as he watched Ginny land from her warm up lap and pick up a few balls they used as quaffles.
"Who do you think our apprentice is?" Fred asked, bewildered.
"Lee Jordan?" Ron stammered, "Lee Jordan is your apprentice?"
George nodded with a grin,
"He's our best friend isn't he? Blimey Ron I thought Prefects were supposed to be smart?"
"I thought he'd already know how to do...whatever it is you two do," Ron yelled as Fred and George dove and spiralled around each other.
"We were being honest when we said we would be dishonest to everyone about what we were honestly doing!" Fred cried.
Ron paused, pulling his broom to a halt as he thought about what Fred had just said,
"I just figured that ruled out Lee."
Fred and George shook their head together.
"Hey guys," Ginny called rising fast on her Nimbus broom to meet them, "How about we actually play a game?"
She tossed a fake Quaffle to each of her twin brothers with skill.
"Get in front of the hoops Ron!" she cried.
Ron flew away towards the odd shaped hoops that Mr. Weasley had made out of some muggle material.
"Ready Ron?" Ginny cried tossing her quaffle up and catching it impatiently.
"Of course," he replied.
"Don't worry Ron, we won't throw too many at once," Fred promised, grinning lopsidedly at George.
Ron watched as George reached into his pocket producing a wand. He didn't have time to watch what his brother's were doing because a red quaffle, thrown by Ginny, was flying right for him. He barely moved in time to save it.
"I think your going to have to be a little bit quicker than that!" said Fred who was now holding several quaffles.
"Hermione are you sure you packed all of your Hogwart's things?" Hermione's mother asked nervously.
"Yes, I have everything I will be needing," Hermione answered.
She was standing at her front door, waiting for her parents to leave for work. They insisted on asking many questions before they left.
"And you are sure Mr. And Mrs. Weasley actually know how to use a telephone now?" her father asked, exchanging a look with Mrs. Granger.
Hermione knew that the Weasley's had promised they would call last summer, to inform the Grangers that Hermione was indeed okay, but the long list of phone, fax and cell phone numbers her father had given them, had confused Arthur Weasley so that he was dialing a continuous stream of numbers, even after her father had picked up. Her father had been left on his end yelling into the receiver trying to tell Mr. Weasley he could stop dialing numbers. Hermione supposed that Mr. Weasley couldn't hear her father very well, because he also thought it was necessary to yell into the phone.
"I am sure they have figured it out by now," Hermione sighed, "And plus they have a few owls and I am sure Ron wouldn't mind me borrowing his now and then."
"So we will see you at Christmas?" Hermione's mother choked.
"Oh mom, it's the same every year. I will be fine. I am more than capable of taking care of myself. Have I ever let you down before?"
"No dear, it's just..." her mother paused, "We love you."
"I love you to," Hermione whispered.
"How are you getting to the Weasley's?" her father asked, placing a comforting arm around his sad wife.
"I am sure you remember the Floo Network. I used it last year to go there. Well Mr. Weasley had it hooked up to our house again," Hermione explained watching her foot tap with a lack of patience.
She glanced back up and noticed her parent's horrified expression,
"It's only temporary!"
"Are you talking about that thing with the fireplace?" her mother cried, "Oh Hermione, I am not sure I liked that, wasn't exactly safe was it? The green flames were terrifying!"
"Mum, every wizard and witch uses it," she chuckled, thinking about how her parents were going to react when she told them about aparation.
"Well," her mother hesitated, "Alright."
Mr. Granger glanced at his watch and looked hastily at his wife.
"Dear, we really must be going, our first appointment is at 1:15. It's little Billy Morgans, you know,"
"Oh that boy with the grotesque cavity on 9-16?" Mrs. Granger asked.
Hermione let out a groan. What a surprise that her parents were talking about work -again.
"Well Hermione," her father said reaching into his pocket, pulling out his wallet, "Here is some spending money for the year."
He pulled out two one-hundred pound notes and placed them in her hand,
"Make sure you buy yourself something too, not just supplies."
He bowed down to kiss her forehead and patted her back,
"I will see you soon, make sure you call or write,"
"Goodbye my darling Hermione," her mother cried helplessly flinging her arms around her daughter.
"Goodbye mother," Hermione replied kissing her mothers warm cheek, "I'll be seeing you soon."
"Have a good year," she called as Mr. Granger pushed her out the door, "And mind you stay good friends with that Harry boy."
Hermione nodded, and forced a smile in her mother's direction before shutting the door behind her parents with relief.
She glanced at the clock. She'd told Ron she'd arrive around one, and since it was nearly that time she raced upstairs to change into some robes. As she was frantically changing, she thought about finally seeing Ron after the long month she'd spent away from her. Her stomach leaped excitedly. She smiled softly and lugged her trunk (which was full of her Hogwarts things) down the heavy wooden stairs to her living room. She looked at the fireplace that was surrounded by many shelves filled with odd dentistry objects and awards. She reached up onto the highest shelf and pulled down a pot that was in the shape of a gigantic molar. She removed the lid and reached in grabbing a handful of white Floo Powder. She replaced the lid and put the pot back on the shelf being careful not to spill any on her mother's new pearly white rug. After throwing her trunk into the fire place she stepped inside cast the powder down and cried,
"The Burrow!"
She let the green flames sizzle around her and closed her eyes as she whirled in circles clutching desperately onto her trunk.
When she finally stopped moving, and the flame died down, she was standing in the Weasley's living room. She stepped out of the fireplace sneezing softly from the soot. She reached for the small robe duster Mrs. Weasley had placed beside the fireplace and watched as it magically dusted the soot from her robes, tickling her slightly. She smiled and pulled her trunk out from the ashes of the fireplace. She was finally home. Hermione could smell Mrs. Weasley's delicious cooking, and realized it must be a late lunch. She walked carefully out into the living room, grinning at the knitting needles as they knit hastily producing a multicolored sock. The matching sock lay just inches away on the round oak table. Battered armchairs were snoring peacefully in the corners of the room and books, which lay on the cherry bookshelf fought over the wonderfully carved bookends.
Hermione looked up at the familiar family portrait that hung level on the crooked wall. Her light brown eyes fell on Mr. Weasley, tall and balding, standing proudly behind Mrs. Weasley who was a short, plump red haired woman. She was smiling despite the ruckus her twin sons were creating. Fred and George, who were standing shoulder to shoulder to the left of their parents, were changing their little sister, Ginny's flaming hair to random colours and laughing hysterically. Bill and Charlie Weasley, were standing together on the right. Bill stood as handsome as ever, sporting his long hair and earring proudly, his arm around Charlie's broad shoulder. Charlie was shorter and had a full but charming face. Finally Hermione's anxious eyes traveled down the painting to Ron's messy red hair, deep brown eyes, small dimples and obnoxious grin. She grinned back at his picture. She paused, remembering that there were seven Weasley children.
Her eyes narrowed darkly. Percy was of course no long in this portrait. He'd run out of it when he'd left home the year before. Hermione wondered if Percy would ever come back, after he'd disowned his parents for siding with Dumbledore. Percy, like his father, worked for the Ministry of Magic, which ran under the control of Cornelius Fudge. It was widely known that Dumbledore was the smartest and wisest wizard around, but Fudge and Dumbledore had come to a disagreement. Fudge refused to believe that Voldemort had returned to power, and Percy was disgusted that his family would believe Dumbledore over the Minister. Mr. And Mrs. Weasley, however, had been right in the end, but Percy still hadn't come home.
"Ginny dear is that you?" Mrs. Weasley called, coming into the living room, "I do hope you remembered to take off your muddy shoes –"
"Hello Mrs. Weasley!" Hermione cried.
"Hermione!" Mrs. Weasley smiled graciously, "How have you been?"
"Fine thanks," Hermione felt heat coming to her cheeks, though she didn't know why.
"Well of course you're fine!" Mrs. Weasley replied, "Would you like a spot of tea?"
"No thanks, I just had some before I left home," Hermione answered.
"How did you get here?" Mrs. Weasley asked, looking suspicious.
"Um, well my parents had our house hooked up to the Floo Network so that Viktor – my friend could come visit, so I just used it,"
"Ahh, yes Krum," Mrs. Weasley said softly looking away from Hermione, and through the windows towards the tree hedge.
"I daresay, I've heard enough about him from Ron to last me a lifetime," Mrs. Weasley let out a sigh, "The children are out play quidditch, but I am sure they will be coming in soon for a bite to eat. Lord knows they've been out there for hours."
"Is it okay if I bring my trunk up to Ginny's room?" Hermione questioned.
"Of course dear, go unpack, I'll send Pig out for the children."
Hermione grabbed her trunk and began to lug it up the spindly stairwell, which led to the Weasley's bedroom. Ginny being the youngest had had her room built last, and so it was at the very top of the house, right under the attic that was haunted by a very loud ghoul. To Hermione, the sound of him banging the pipes in a Peeves the Poltergiest way was relaxing. She passed Mr. And Mrs. Weasley's room, then Bill and Charlie's room's passed. A large brass P hung on a wooden door, which was Percy's room. Fred and George's room did have an F and G, but they were hanging crookedly, and there were several locks on the door. A piece of parchment had been spell-o-tapped to the door and read,
"Experiment under way, enter at own risk!"
Ron's room, which she'd been in a few times before, had a large orange R hanging on the door. Finally she came to Ginny's small room. She entered, and saw that a spare bed had been made on the floor. Ginny had also cleared out a few or her drawers for Hermione to put her clothes in. Hermione smiled at Ginny's consideration and unpacked her trunk. In no time she heard loud wallops from the kitchen that was now many feet below her. The Weasley children had come inside. Hermione burst out of Ginny's room and ran down the stairs quickly. Pausing as she got to the end.
"Is she here?" She heard Ron's deep voice inquire.
"Yes dear she is," Mrs. Weasley said between a few clunks of china, "She's upstairs unpacking in Ginny's room."
Fred and George began to laugh, and Ron groaned. Hermione hopped down the last few stairs and then ran into the kitchen.
"Fred!" she cried, and then spying the canary cream he was holding in his had, narrowed her eyes,
"If you don't hand that over, I am afraid I'll have to take points for Gryffindor."
"Hermione," George cried awkwardly, forcing a smile, "What a pleasant surprise."
He hastily shoved a fist full of toffees into his pocket, and looked around innocently.
She surprised both of the boys, by laughing merrily and throwing her arms around them, pulling them into a tight hug.
"I want to order of few of those," she whispered, pulling away and laughing at their puzzled look.
"Are you feeling okay?" Fred asked suspiciously.
"Never been better!" she cried, her light eyes laughing juviantly as she spotted Ginny.
"Hermione!" Ginny shrieked scrambling across the kitchen towards Hermione, "Oh it's so wonderful to see you. I have so much to tell you about...about...
she paused turning crimson.
Hermione, who knew she was referring to her sixth year boyfriend Dean Thomas, eyed Ginny suspiciously.
"We can talk later," she told Ginny giving her a piercing look.
"It's good to see you Hermione," Ron said quietly sitting down at the table watching his mother prepare lunch.
Hermione looked at him a bit disappointed. His brothers and sister had greeted her with more enthusiasm than he, and he was her best friend.
"I'm rather glad to be here to, the muggles were getting a bit annoying," she smiled sitting down across from him.
He didn't look up at her.
They ate a small lunch. Rom remained silent, stuffing his mouth with the good food. Fred and George gave Hermione an update on their shop. She nodded, pretending to be interesting, but her thoughts traveled to Ron, who even when eating was rarely silent. She jabbed Ginny in the ribs.
"What's wrong with him?" she whispered, gesturing towards Ron who was running his hands through his hair and chewing slowly.
"Maybe he is upset because Fred and George got so many quaffles past him. He wasn't doing bad, he did keep out loads, especially compared to how many quaffles they had," she whispered back.
Hermione frowned.
When lunch was over, and they'd put their dishes by the sink, Hermione placed her hand on Ron's broad shoulder.
"I think we should take a walk, maybe go sit out by the creek?" she whispered in his ear.
He whirled around and stared into her eyes. Something about the way he was looking at her made her feel as if she were naked. He seemed to drink her in, his eyes wide. She backed away feeling that distance was the only thing that could make her feel comfortable.
"Yea sure," he said, looked dazed, "The creek."
Ron held the back door open for Hermione, and as the two made their way to the back of the Weasley property he remained silent. Hermione glanced at him curiously. What was keeping him so silent? Her thoughts soon shifted as she spotted the creek through the meadow of long grass. She ran towards it, calling for Ron. Once she made her way there, she pushed her self up onto a large boulder that had placed itself right beside the babbling creek. She felt the warmth from the rough surface on her legs, she listened to the calming sound of the water, and the birds chirping in the small willow trees that grew along the edge of the creek. It was beautiful. She'd longed to visit this beautiful haven all summer. It was only a few moments until Ron joined her. He had grown so tall that he didn't have far to push to get himself onto the rock. They sat in mutual silence for a moment, drinking in the wonderful august day.
Hermione took a deep breath,
"You know Ron, I never really asked you, but are you okay?"
"Of course I'm okay," he replied quickly.
Something about the distant tone in his voice alerted Hermione that something was really wrong.
"Ron?" she whispered looking at him.
He'd pulled his knees up to his chest and had his arms wrapped protectively around his legs.
"I never thought, that day when I met Harry on the train, that being his friend would become such a hard thing, I never thought You-Know-Who would come back, and I never thought that somebody I knew would die,"
"I never thought so either, when I barged in on you two stuffing your face with candy," Hermione smiled, "I was such a know-it-all bossy little girl back then,"
"Back then?" Ron asked, smiling for the first time, "You're still a bossy know-it-all!"
"That know-it-all saved your neck a few fair times Ronald!" Hermione laughed.
Ron smiled and leaned back.
"Oh come on," Hermione grinned, "You know I am brilliant,"
A shadow seemed to fall over his face.
"If you were brilliant you wouldn't be friends with such gits like Harry and I."
"You guys aren't gits, I used to think so, but then..." she drifted as she caught herself getting lost inside his brown eyes.
"Then?" he prompted.
She broke her stare, looking down quickly.
"But then I got to know you, too well for my own good, and you are both excellent wizards, and friends," Hermione finished.
"Nah, the amazing wizard trick goes to Harry. I mean down in the Department of Mysteries, I was just a git who was laughing his head off."
"You can't help the fact that you'd been hit by a spell Ron," Hermione cried, "And plus, being a great wizard doesn't always consist of how well you can defend yourself, or your friends. You stayed with Harry and I, helping us through the whole thing when Siri..." she paused looking away.
"I know what you're trying to say Hermione," Ron whispered, shifting uncomfortably.
She closed her eyes begging herself not to start crying. She listened as Ron drew a deep breath.
"How've you really been Hermione?" he asked, "Forget all the 'Oh I'm fine's"
"I've been..." she stalled thinking of the right word, "horrible."
"Me too," Ron agreed, "I keep thinking about what I saw, that day down there; After Lupin had revived me and I saw Neville, Luna and Ginny all hurt. I mean I thought my heart was going to tear in half when I saw Ginny, bloodied and unconscious but..." he paused.
"But what?" she asked turning to face him.
She watched the gentle breeze blow through his light red hair, his eyes were filled with shadows and fear. It was as if she could see him replaying the scene inside of his head. He shuddered.
"Hermione, when I saw you lying on the ground with that gouge, I...I thought you were dead."
Hermione let out a gasp. Ron dropped his amber eyes blinking rapidly. After several moments of silence, Hermione reached out and touched his knee.
"I keep having dreams about you and Harry dying," she whispered.
A sob filled her throat as she thought about Harry slumped against the oozing wall and Ron dying on the floor.
"Hermione," Ron was at a loss for words.
"I can't stop thinking about Siri-"she gasped as a sob fought to escape her throat, "about Sirius, the way he looked at...the funeral...his eyes..."
Ron stared at her,
"I know he was Harry's Godfather, but...but Hermione...I loved him to,"
Suddenly Hermione flung herself at Ron, clinging to him needing to feel him beside her. Ron was different then Viktor, he'd been there, seen what she'd seen. Hermione sat there for a long time, pouring her anguish out onto Ron's shoulder. He had been stunned and tense at first, but as her tears began to hit his shoulder he moved his hands to her back and rested his chin on the top of her head.
"Hermione he croaked, and she pulled away realizing he had been crying to.
"Ron..." she whispered her eyes large and fearful, "How many more of us are going to die at the hands of Lord Voldemort? How many more times are we going to have to sit here like this, mourning?"
Ron placed his hands firmly on her shoulders and stared deeply into her eyes.
"I won't let anything happen to you Hermione, I promise."
Suddenly she felt something drawing her face towards his. She felt her heart leap a few beat as she was drawn towards him. He was staring into her eyes glancing at her lips. She breathed faster, her eyes closed. Seconds before their lips met, Hermione snapped her eyes open and turned her face quickly to the side and kissed his warm cheek.
"Thank you Ron," she whispered, feeling warmth rise in her cheeks.
She pulled away so suddenly that Ron jerked backwards.
"Viktor wouldn't have understood as well as you," she muttered.
Ron's eyes narrowed.
"You're still talking to him?" he asked.
"Of course I'm still talking to him," she cried, her embarrassment now forgotten, "He's my boyfriend."
Ron looked infuriated.
"Hermione how many times have I told you he's not worth your time?"
"Too many to count, but you don't know him, he's not like anyone I know," she spat.
"He may be bloody rich Hermione, but he's cheap."
"You think you know everything!" she cried at Ron, feeling quick to anger.
"Oh come on Hermione, don't tell me you read up on how to be Krum's girlfriend?" Ron yelled.
"How would you know what it is like to be in a relationship, it took you four years to notice a girl when she was standing in front of you!"
"I did notice other girls Hermione. How was I supposed to notice you when you've always got your nose stuck in a book!" Ron shot back.
"Why are you saying this? I thought we're supposed to be friends?"
"We are."
"Then you should respect me and those I love," she cried.
Ron paled,
"You love him?" he asked barely above a whisper.
"I think so," Hermione whispered back, looking away from his penetrating eyes.
"Hermione," Ron said incredulously, "You're not old enough to know what love is,"
"I am nearly sixteen," Hermione cried, "Why doesn't anybody realize that?"
"Maybe you don't act as old as you are?" Ron shouted.
"Oh and you're Mr. Maturity?" Hermione cried.
"Oh go and complain to Vicky!" Ron said darkly.
"Don't call him that, its Viktor," she cried.
"Tell someone who cares," Ron cried angrily, "Have you started writing his name down with little hearts then?"
"No!" she cried, "I'm not some little school girl Ron,"
"Sure would have fooled me," Ron shot back, "I know all you girls think he's handsome, so maybe that it,"
"Never," she cried aghast, "Viktor's got tons of –"
"Money?" Ron cut her off, "So that's it you're a gold digger,"
"Don't blame me just because you're jealous,"
Ron froze like a dear in headlights,
"Jealous of what Hermione?"
She hesitated, not sure if she should say what she really thought.
She fumbled,
"Jealous...because...because he can actually afford new things, unlike you!"
As soon as it came out of her mouth, Hermione wished she'd never said it. Ron stared at her, his brown eyes turning cold.
"Ron I didn't mea-"
But he didn't stay to listen. He jumped down from the rock and disappeared into the meadow.
Hermione was left there gapping at him, and herself. She couldn't believe what she'd just said to him. They'd been having the perfect conversation, finally talking to one another, actually communication, opening up... She'd told him so much, and yet in seconds it had fell to the ground ending in a bitter fight over Viktor Krum – again. Why? Well it was his fault anyways, that she'd said those mean things, if he wasn't such a jealous prat...Hermione let out a sigh.
"George," Ron called as the wind blew around him, "I forgot to ask, how did you and Fred get away from the shop?"
"Left our apprentice in charge," Fred answered grinning evilly at his twin, who flew along side him.
"Reckon he's going to have one HELL of a day," George boasted with a wink.
"What about Lee?" Ron asked as he watched Ginny land from her warm up lap and pick up a few balls they used as quaffles.
"Who do you think our apprentice is?" Fred asked, bewildered.
"Lee Jordan?" Ron stammered, "Lee Jordan is your apprentice?"
George nodded with a grin,
"He's our best friend isn't he? Blimey Ron I thought Prefects were supposed to be smart?"
"I thought he'd already know how to do...whatever it is you two do," Ron yelled as Fred and George dove and spiralled around each other.
"We were being honest when we said we would be dishonest to everyone about what we were honestly doing!" Fred cried.
Ron paused, pulling his broom to a halt as he thought about what Fred had just said,
"I just figured that ruled out Lee."
Fred and George shook their head together.
"Hey guys," Ginny called rising fast on her Nimbus broom to meet them, "How about we actually play a game?"
She tossed a fake Quaffle to each of her twin brothers with skill.
"Get in front of the hoops Ron!" she cried.
Ron flew away towards the odd shaped hoops that Mr. Weasley had made out of some muggle material.
"Ready Ron?" Ginny cried tossing her quaffle up and catching it impatiently.
"Of course," he replied.
"Don't worry Ron, we won't throw too many at once," Fred promised, grinning lopsidedly at George.
Ron watched as George reached into his pocket producing a wand. He didn't have time to watch what his brother's were doing because a red quaffle, thrown by Ginny, was flying right for him. He barely moved in time to save it.
"I think your going to have to be a little bit quicker than that!" said Fred who was now holding several quaffles.
"Hermione are you sure you packed all of your Hogwart's things?" Hermione's mother asked nervously.
"Yes, I have everything I will be needing," Hermione answered.
She was standing at her front door, waiting for her parents to leave for work. They insisted on asking many questions before they left.
"And you are sure Mr. And Mrs. Weasley actually know how to use a telephone now?" her father asked, exchanging a look with Mrs. Granger.
Hermione knew that the Weasley's had promised they would call last summer, to inform the Grangers that Hermione was indeed okay, but the long list of phone, fax and cell phone numbers her father had given them, had confused Arthur Weasley so that he was dialing a continuous stream of numbers, even after her father had picked up. Her father had been left on his end yelling into the receiver trying to tell Mr. Weasley he could stop dialing numbers. Hermione supposed that Mr. Weasley couldn't hear her father very well, because he also thought it was necessary to yell into the phone.
"I am sure they have figured it out by now," Hermione sighed, "And plus they have a few owls and I am sure Ron wouldn't mind me borrowing his now and then."
"So we will see you at Christmas?" Hermione's mother choked.
"Oh mom, it's the same every year. I will be fine. I am more than capable of taking care of myself. Have I ever let you down before?"
"No dear, it's just..." her mother paused, "We love you."
"I love you to," Hermione whispered.
"How are you getting to the Weasley's?" her father asked, placing a comforting arm around his sad wife.
"I am sure you remember the Floo Network. I used it last year to go there. Well Mr. Weasley had it hooked up to our house again," Hermione explained watching her foot tap with a lack of patience.
She glanced back up and noticed her parent's horrified expression,
"It's only temporary!"
"Are you talking about that thing with the fireplace?" her mother cried, "Oh Hermione, I am not sure I liked that, wasn't exactly safe was it? The green flames were terrifying!"
"Mum, every wizard and witch uses it," she chuckled, thinking about how her parents were going to react when she told them about aparation.
"Well," her mother hesitated, "Alright."
Mr. Granger glanced at his watch and looked hastily at his wife.
"Dear, we really must be going, our first appointment is at 1:15. It's little Billy Morgans, you know,"
"Oh that boy with the grotesque cavity on 9-16?" Mrs. Granger asked.
Hermione let out a groan. What a surprise that her parents were talking about work -again.
"Well Hermione," her father said reaching into his pocket, pulling out his wallet, "Here is some spending money for the year."
He pulled out two one-hundred pound notes and placed them in her hand,
"Make sure you buy yourself something too, not just supplies."
He bowed down to kiss her forehead and patted her back,
"I will see you soon, make sure you call or write,"
"Goodbye my darling Hermione," her mother cried helplessly flinging her arms around her daughter.
"Goodbye mother," Hermione replied kissing her mothers warm cheek, "I'll be seeing you soon."
"Have a good year," she called as Mr. Granger pushed her out the door, "And mind you stay good friends with that Harry boy."
Hermione nodded, and forced a smile in her mother's direction before shutting the door behind her parents with relief.
She glanced at the clock. She'd told Ron she'd arrive around one, and since it was nearly that time she raced upstairs to change into some robes. As she was frantically changing, she thought about finally seeing Ron after the long month she'd spent away from her. Her stomach leaped excitedly. She smiled softly and lugged her trunk (which was full of her Hogwarts things) down the heavy wooden stairs to her living room. She looked at the fireplace that was surrounded by many shelves filled with odd dentistry objects and awards. She reached up onto the highest shelf and pulled down a pot that was in the shape of a gigantic molar. She removed the lid and reached in grabbing a handful of white Floo Powder. She replaced the lid and put the pot back on the shelf being careful not to spill any on her mother's new pearly white rug. After throwing her trunk into the fire place she stepped inside cast the powder down and cried,
"The Burrow!"
She let the green flames sizzle around her and closed her eyes as she whirled in circles clutching desperately onto her trunk.
When she finally stopped moving, and the flame died down, she was standing in the Weasley's living room. She stepped out of the fireplace sneezing softly from the soot. She reached for the small robe duster Mrs. Weasley had placed beside the fireplace and watched as it magically dusted the soot from her robes, tickling her slightly. She smiled and pulled her trunk out from the ashes of the fireplace. She was finally home. Hermione could smell Mrs. Weasley's delicious cooking, and realized it must be a late lunch. She walked carefully out into the living room, grinning at the knitting needles as they knit hastily producing a multicolored sock. The matching sock lay just inches away on the round oak table. Battered armchairs were snoring peacefully in the corners of the room and books, which lay on the cherry bookshelf fought over the wonderfully carved bookends.
Hermione looked up at the familiar family portrait that hung level on the crooked wall. Her light brown eyes fell on Mr. Weasley, tall and balding, standing proudly behind Mrs. Weasley who was a short, plump red haired woman. She was smiling despite the ruckus her twin sons were creating. Fred and George, who were standing shoulder to shoulder to the left of their parents, were changing their little sister, Ginny's flaming hair to random colours and laughing hysterically. Bill and Charlie Weasley, were standing together on the right. Bill stood as handsome as ever, sporting his long hair and earring proudly, his arm around Charlie's broad shoulder. Charlie was shorter and had a full but charming face. Finally Hermione's anxious eyes traveled down the painting to Ron's messy red hair, deep brown eyes, small dimples and obnoxious grin. She grinned back at his picture. She paused, remembering that there were seven Weasley children.
Her eyes narrowed darkly. Percy was of course no long in this portrait. He'd run out of it when he'd left home the year before. Hermione wondered if Percy would ever come back, after he'd disowned his parents for siding with Dumbledore. Percy, like his father, worked for the Ministry of Magic, which ran under the control of Cornelius Fudge. It was widely known that Dumbledore was the smartest and wisest wizard around, but Fudge and Dumbledore had come to a disagreement. Fudge refused to believe that Voldemort had returned to power, and Percy was disgusted that his family would believe Dumbledore over the Minister. Mr. And Mrs. Weasley, however, had been right in the end, but Percy still hadn't come home.
"Ginny dear is that you?" Mrs. Weasley called, coming into the living room, "I do hope you remembered to take off your muddy shoes –"
"Hello Mrs. Weasley!" Hermione cried.
"Hermione!" Mrs. Weasley smiled graciously, "How have you been?"
"Fine thanks," Hermione felt heat coming to her cheeks, though she didn't know why.
"Well of course you're fine!" Mrs. Weasley replied, "Would you like a spot of tea?"
"No thanks, I just had some before I left home," Hermione answered.
"How did you get here?" Mrs. Weasley asked, looking suspicious.
"Um, well my parents had our house hooked up to the Floo Network so that Viktor – my friend could come visit, so I just used it,"
"Ahh, yes Krum," Mrs. Weasley said softly looking away from Hermione, and through the windows towards the tree hedge.
"I daresay, I've heard enough about him from Ron to last me a lifetime," Mrs. Weasley let out a sigh, "The children are out play quidditch, but I am sure they will be coming in soon for a bite to eat. Lord knows they've been out there for hours."
"Is it okay if I bring my trunk up to Ginny's room?" Hermione questioned.
"Of course dear, go unpack, I'll send Pig out for the children."
Hermione grabbed her trunk and began to lug it up the spindly stairwell, which led to the Weasley's bedroom. Ginny being the youngest had had her room built last, and so it was at the very top of the house, right under the attic that was haunted by a very loud ghoul. To Hermione, the sound of him banging the pipes in a Peeves the Poltergiest way was relaxing. She passed Mr. And Mrs. Weasley's room, then Bill and Charlie's room's passed. A large brass P hung on a wooden door, which was Percy's room. Fred and George's room did have an F and G, but they were hanging crookedly, and there were several locks on the door. A piece of parchment had been spell-o-tapped to the door and read,
"Experiment under way, enter at own risk!"
Ron's room, which she'd been in a few times before, had a large orange R hanging on the door. Finally she came to Ginny's small room. She entered, and saw that a spare bed had been made on the floor. Ginny had also cleared out a few or her drawers for Hermione to put her clothes in. Hermione smiled at Ginny's consideration and unpacked her trunk. In no time she heard loud wallops from the kitchen that was now many feet below her. The Weasley children had come inside. Hermione burst out of Ginny's room and ran down the stairs quickly. Pausing as she got to the end.
"Is she here?" She heard Ron's deep voice inquire.
"Yes dear she is," Mrs. Weasley said between a few clunks of china, "She's upstairs unpacking in Ginny's room."
Fred and George began to laugh, and Ron groaned. Hermione hopped down the last few stairs and then ran into the kitchen.
"Fred!" she cried, and then spying the canary cream he was holding in his had, narrowed her eyes,
"If you don't hand that over, I am afraid I'll have to take points for Gryffindor."
"Hermione," George cried awkwardly, forcing a smile, "What a pleasant surprise."
He hastily shoved a fist full of toffees into his pocket, and looked around innocently.
She surprised both of the boys, by laughing merrily and throwing her arms around them, pulling them into a tight hug.
"I want to order of few of those," she whispered, pulling away and laughing at their puzzled look.
"Are you feeling okay?" Fred asked suspiciously.
"Never been better!" she cried, her light eyes laughing juviantly as she spotted Ginny.
"Hermione!" Ginny shrieked scrambling across the kitchen towards Hermione, "Oh it's so wonderful to see you. I have so much to tell you about...about...
she paused turning crimson.
Hermione, who knew she was referring to her sixth year boyfriend Dean Thomas, eyed Ginny suspiciously.
"We can talk later," she told Ginny giving her a piercing look.
"It's good to see you Hermione," Ron said quietly sitting down at the table watching his mother prepare lunch.
Hermione looked at him a bit disappointed. His brothers and sister had greeted her with more enthusiasm than he, and he was her best friend.
"I'm rather glad to be here to, the muggles were getting a bit annoying," she smiled sitting down across from him.
He didn't look up at her.
They ate a small lunch. Rom remained silent, stuffing his mouth with the good food. Fred and George gave Hermione an update on their shop. She nodded, pretending to be interesting, but her thoughts traveled to Ron, who even when eating was rarely silent. She jabbed Ginny in the ribs.
"What's wrong with him?" she whispered, gesturing towards Ron who was running his hands through his hair and chewing slowly.
"Maybe he is upset because Fred and George got so many quaffles past him. He wasn't doing bad, he did keep out loads, especially compared to how many quaffles they had," she whispered back.
Hermione frowned.
When lunch was over, and they'd put their dishes by the sink, Hermione placed her hand on Ron's broad shoulder.
"I think we should take a walk, maybe go sit out by the creek?" she whispered in his ear.
He whirled around and stared into her eyes. Something about the way he was looking at her made her feel as if she were naked. He seemed to drink her in, his eyes wide. She backed away feeling that distance was the only thing that could make her feel comfortable.
"Yea sure," he said, looked dazed, "The creek."
Ron held the back door open for Hermione, and as the two made their way to the back of the Weasley property he remained silent. Hermione glanced at him curiously. What was keeping him so silent? Her thoughts soon shifted as she spotted the creek through the meadow of long grass. She ran towards it, calling for Ron. Once she made her way there, she pushed her self up onto a large boulder that had placed itself right beside the babbling creek. She felt the warmth from the rough surface on her legs, she listened to the calming sound of the water, and the birds chirping in the small willow trees that grew along the edge of the creek. It was beautiful. She'd longed to visit this beautiful haven all summer. It was only a few moments until Ron joined her. He had grown so tall that he didn't have far to push to get himself onto the rock. They sat in mutual silence for a moment, drinking in the wonderful august day.
Hermione took a deep breath,
"You know Ron, I never really asked you, but are you okay?"
"Of course I'm okay," he replied quickly.
Something about the distant tone in his voice alerted Hermione that something was really wrong.
"Ron?" she whispered looking at him.
He'd pulled his knees up to his chest and had his arms wrapped protectively around his legs.
"I never thought, that day when I met Harry on the train, that being his friend would become such a hard thing, I never thought You-Know-Who would come back, and I never thought that somebody I knew would die,"
"I never thought so either, when I barged in on you two stuffing your face with candy," Hermione smiled, "I was such a know-it-all bossy little girl back then,"
"Back then?" Ron asked, smiling for the first time, "You're still a bossy know-it-all!"
"That know-it-all saved your neck a few fair times Ronald!" Hermione laughed.
Ron smiled and leaned back.
"Oh come on," Hermione grinned, "You know I am brilliant,"
A shadow seemed to fall over his face.
"If you were brilliant you wouldn't be friends with such gits like Harry and I."
"You guys aren't gits, I used to think so, but then..." she drifted as she caught herself getting lost inside his brown eyes.
"Then?" he prompted.
She broke her stare, looking down quickly.
"But then I got to know you, too well for my own good, and you are both excellent wizards, and friends," Hermione finished.
"Nah, the amazing wizard trick goes to Harry. I mean down in the Department of Mysteries, I was just a git who was laughing his head off."
"You can't help the fact that you'd been hit by a spell Ron," Hermione cried, "And plus, being a great wizard doesn't always consist of how well you can defend yourself, or your friends. You stayed with Harry and I, helping us through the whole thing when Siri..." she paused looking away.
"I know what you're trying to say Hermione," Ron whispered, shifting uncomfortably.
She closed her eyes begging herself not to start crying. She listened as Ron drew a deep breath.
"How've you really been Hermione?" he asked, "Forget all the 'Oh I'm fine's"
"I've been..." she stalled thinking of the right word, "horrible."
"Me too," Ron agreed, "I keep thinking about what I saw, that day down there; After Lupin had revived me and I saw Neville, Luna and Ginny all hurt. I mean I thought my heart was going to tear in half when I saw Ginny, bloodied and unconscious but..." he paused.
"But what?" she asked turning to face him.
She watched the gentle breeze blow through his light red hair, his eyes were filled with shadows and fear. It was as if she could see him replaying the scene inside of his head. He shuddered.
"Hermione, when I saw you lying on the ground with that gouge, I...I thought you were dead."
Hermione let out a gasp. Ron dropped his amber eyes blinking rapidly. After several moments of silence, Hermione reached out and touched his knee.
"I keep having dreams about you and Harry dying," she whispered.
A sob filled her throat as she thought about Harry slumped against the oozing wall and Ron dying on the floor.
"Hermione," Ron was at a loss for words.
"I can't stop thinking about Siri-"she gasped as a sob fought to escape her throat, "about Sirius, the way he looked at...the funeral...his eyes..."
Ron stared at her,
"I know he was Harry's Godfather, but...but Hermione...I loved him to,"
Suddenly Hermione flung herself at Ron, clinging to him needing to feel him beside her. Ron was different then Viktor, he'd been there, seen what she'd seen. Hermione sat there for a long time, pouring her anguish out onto Ron's shoulder. He had been stunned and tense at first, but as her tears began to hit his shoulder he moved his hands to her back and rested his chin on the top of her head.
"Hermione he croaked, and she pulled away realizing he had been crying to.
"Ron..." she whispered her eyes large and fearful, "How many more of us are going to die at the hands of Lord Voldemort? How many more times are we going to have to sit here like this, mourning?"
Ron placed his hands firmly on her shoulders and stared deeply into her eyes.
"I won't let anything happen to you Hermione, I promise."
Suddenly she felt something drawing her face towards his. She felt her heart leap a few beat as she was drawn towards him. He was staring into her eyes glancing at her lips. She breathed faster, her eyes closed. Seconds before their lips met, Hermione snapped her eyes open and turned her face quickly to the side and kissed his warm cheek.
"Thank you Ron," she whispered, feeling warmth rise in her cheeks.
She pulled away so suddenly that Ron jerked backwards.
"Viktor wouldn't have understood as well as you," she muttered.
Ron's eyes narrowed.
"You're still talking to him?" he asked.
"Of course I'm still talking to him," she cried, her embarrassment now forgotten, "He's my boyfriend."
Ron looked infuriated.
"Hermione how many times have I told you he's not worth your time?"
"Too many to count, but you don't know him, he's not like anyone I know," she spat.
"He may be bloody rich Hermione, but he's cheap."
"You think you know everything!" she cried at Ron, feeling quick to anger.
"Oh come on Hermione, don't tell me you read up on how to be Krum's girlfriend?" Ron yelled.
"How would you know what it is like to be in a relationship, it took you four years to notice a girl when she was standing in front of you!"
"I did notice other girls Hermione. How was I supposed to notice you when you've always got your nose stuck in a book!" Ron shot back.
"Why are you saying this? I thought we're supposed to be friends?"
"We are."
"Then you should respect me and those I love," she cried.
Ron paled,
"You love him?" he asked barely above a whisper.
"I think so," Hermione whispered back, looking away from his penetrating eyes.
"Hermione," Ron said incredulously, "You're not old enough to know what love is,"
"I am nearly sixteen," Hermione cried, "Why doesn't anybody realize that?"
"Maybe you don't act as old as you are?" Ron shouted.
"Oh and you're Mr. Maturity?" Hermione cried.
"Oh go and complain to Vicky!" Ron said darkly.
"Don't call him that, its Viktor," she cried.
"Tell someone who cares," Ron cried angrily, "Have you started writing his name down with little hearts then?"
"No!" she cried, "I'm not some little school girl Ron,"
"Sure would have fooled me," Ron shot back, "I know all you girls think he's handsome, so maybe that it,"
"Never," she cried aghast, "Viktor's got tons of –"
"Money?" Ron cut her off, "So that's it you're a gold digger,"
"Don't blame me just because you're jealous,"
Ron froze like a dear in headlights,
"Jealous of what Hermione?"
She hesitated, not sure if she should say what she really thought.
She fumbled,
"Jealous...because...because he can actually afford new things, unlike you!"
As soon as it came out of her mouth, Hermione wished she'd never said it. Ron stared at her, his brown eyes turning cold.
"Ron I didn't mea-"
But he didn't stay to listen. He jumped down from the rock and disappeared into the meadow.
Hermione was left there gapping at him, and herself. She couldn't believe what she'd just said to him. They'd been having the perfect conversation, finally talking to one another, actually communication, opening up... She'd told him so much, and yet in seconds it had fell to the ground ending in a bitter fight over Viktor Krum – again. Why? Well it was his fault anyways, that she'd said those mean things, if he wasn't such a jealous prat...Hermione let out a sigh.