Running her fingers along the long spines of numerous books, Hermione
hummed softly to herself as she searched for the book she was looking for.
Ancient Healers...Magical Maladies...Curse Spells and Their Effect on the
Unsuspecting Wizard...Is Someone Other Than Your Conscious Talking To
You?...Hermione paused at this book. It sounded useful. She pulled it out off
the shelf, and closed her eyes hoping this book wouldn't yell at her, spit
dust at her, or try to eat parts of her body. The book remained still in
her hands. She sighed and retreated to the round table she was sitting at.
Neville's papers littered the table. He was off looking for a book on
Serecotta seedlings, a dangerous plant that Madame Sprout had growing in
greenhouse number seven. She opened the book and began reading over the
table of contents. She wondered if Harry was feeling better yet. Speaking
of Harry, where was Ron? Off with that tramp of a witch Padma Patil, she
reminded herself. She grimaced. She needed to focus on the task at hand,
figuring out what was wrong with Harry. What was Ron's problem with Viktor
anyway? It wasn't like he would be any better for her...not really anyway.
What qualities did he have? Other than that he knew her very well, and he
was always around? He did have nice eyes...but – What was she talking about?
She was already in a happy relationship with Viktor...She paused as a flash
of red caught her eye. She stared more intently at Neville's scattered
notes. There was a wrinkled piece of parchment hidden under a stack of
Herbology notes. It had been written in red ink, instead of Neville's usual
green. She glanced around the library hastily with no glimpse of Neville.
She reached forward and snatched the paper. She'd only begun to read the
first line, when Neville came waddling towards her carrying a large pile of
books.
"Hermione, do you think you could give me a hand?" he called.
She looked up from the paper, and her face flushed. Although Neville's eyes barely grazed the top of the pile of books, she could see them narrow.
"Whatcha reading?" he asked getting closer.
"N-nothing," She stammered before stuffing the note into her book bag quickly.
She got up from the table and rushed to help him. After grabbing a few books she decided to change the subject,
"Looks like you found a few good books eh Nev?"
"Yea, hopefully I can find out what the antidotes are for Serecotta stings," with that Neville went on a long tangent about the properties of a Serecotta plant. Hermione sat down, occasionally nodding, while reading on into her own pile of books.
An hour had gone by before Hermione sat up straight from her hunched position. She'd been sure she'd felt eyes on her, but when she looked up she realized the library had emptied and Neville was diligently reading. She let out a sigh. Neville's blue eyes met her.
"Every thing okay?" he asked.
She frowned and shook her head.
"What's up?" Neville asked, closing his book.
"Well, I don't know...I guess I am worried about Harry, he's been acting so strange lately. I mean he barely even talks to me anymore."
Neville gave a sympathetic nod.
"And well..." she hesitated.
"Go on Hermione," Neville prompted.
"Well, Viktor, my boyfriend, he hasn't written me in so long. It's odd because he always writes me right back. And I know he's busy with quidditch, but it's been so long. I am so worried. I know he's all right, I mean if anything had happened to him it would have been in the Daily Prophet but I don't know if I should write him again? Wouldn't that make me look desperate?" Hermione cried.
"I don't think so..." Neville trailed.
"Look Neville, I am sick of being the little girl, the little dependent girl that every one worries about. If I write another letter to him, I will look so...dependent! I don't want him to think I can't last with out a letter from him."
"You know, I know exactly what you mean. My Gran is always trying to look out for me, which is fine really, but she acts like I'm a little boy, like I can't handle myself. I may not be as quick as you or Harry with a wand, but I do know how to fend for myself. I just always seem to be the butt of everyone's joke, or the target for everyone's torment. I'm not even sure why. But I am not a helpless little boy. As for you Hermione, you are the most independent person I know. I don't think a letter is going to bring you down. Why don't you write him?" Neville told her.
Hermione stared at him for a moment. She'd never realized it but Neville was in the same, if not worse, situation that she was. Everyone was always looking out for Neville, because he 'Couldn't' do anything for himself; just like they looked out for her.
"Thank-you Neville," she smiled, "I feel a bit better to know I'm not alone,"
Neville grinned back,
"You never have to be alone Hermione, I will always be there for you,"
Hermione, stared at him for a moment, and then began to collect the notes she'd written. She put her books back in a neat pile in the middle of the table.
"I'm gonna head back to the common room," she said quietly.
"Hold on," Neville said finishing the last sentence on his note with a flourish, "I'm coming with you."
The stars lit the courtyard beautifully. Ron was sitting on a stone bench with Padma, alone in the cool darkness. Padma let out a sigh and snuggled closer to Ron.
"It was such a good idea to come out here Ronnie," she sighed, staring up into the sky.
Ron's red and gold Gryffindor scarf blew around his face in the soft breeze the came up from the lake. He felt warmth spread to his cheeks, and his dinner rumble in his stomach, as Padma moved her hand and rested it on his thigh. Her long hair flicked in the wind and she turned to smile at him. He stared at her blankly. Was she expecting him to say something? He didn't know what to say. She let out a sigh.
"You're so cute," she said taping his freckled nose with the end of her finger.
Ron smiled softly.
"You're pretty too Padma," he replied, throwing his arm around her shoulder.
He felt Padma's other hand float up his stomach, and it recoiled at the ticklish sensation.
"Are you ticklish?" she asked with a grin.
"Only a little," he said before he burst out with laughter as she continued to tickle him.
Their laughter hung in the air, as Padma tilted her head, her lips very close to his.
"I like you Ron Weasley," she whispered, "I like you a lot."
He knew what she was waiting for. She was waiting for an invitation to Hogsmede. Almost all the sixth years had paired up already. It was the talk of the day. He'd listened to Hermione and Ginny gossip about it all during dinner, while he'd sat silently beside Harry.
Her warm lips against his interrupted his thoughts, as Ron received his first kiss. Immediately his hormones kicked in, and Ron placed his arms around her small frame. Her lips were soft, and as Harry had said, very wet. She pressed her lips against his harder, pushing him against the brick wall of the castle. She pulled away, moving her body so she was half sitting on him.
"Ronnie," she giggled, before leaning in once again.
Ron barely had time to catch his breath before her lips smothered him again. This time, her tongue worked against his lips prying them open. He obliged. The deepened kiss was...thrilling. Ron was thoroughly enjoying himself, and regretted her pulling away so soon. He could not believe that he was making out with one of the hottest girls in the school. As she sat on his lap, she smiled down on him.
"Mmm, I liked that," she said, licking her lips.
"Me too," Ron croaked, his hormones still racing like crazy.
He felt her lower herself once again, and his lips ached for more of her sweet taste. She gave it to him, kissing him wildly. When her hands slipped under his cloak and began working on the buttons of his shirt, Ron pushed her away.
"What are you doing?" he asked dumbly.
"Having fun," she laughed, her blue eyes snapping in the starlight, "What are you doing?"
"Don't you think we're moving a bit...fast?" he asked.
Her eyes narrowed,
"You don't like me?" she pouted.
"No, Padma, I think you're great," he cried, "You are beautiful, intelligent and loads of fun, but I just don't think we should be doing this so soon,"
She slid off of his lap and landed on the bench beside him with a huff.
"Padma," he whispered, not wanting to disappoint her, "Please don't be angry, I really really like you,"
She looked up at him, through her long dark eyelashes. She wanted the invitation. He could almost feel the thoughts from her mind, ricocheting off his body. He reached for her hand,
"Come on," he said standing up, "Let's go inside, it's getting cold, and I have my rounds to do,"
A frown pulled at the corners of her mouth and he knew that she was disappointed. Ron held the door open for her, and she entered silently, making her way down the corridor towards her common room.
Hermione walked faster, wanting to get to the common room, where she could escape Neville. He'd been talking none stop the whole way from the library. It was giving her a headache. Suddenly Neville reached for her wrist.
"Hey Hermione, since you're feeling so badly, would you like to come to Hogsmede with me this weekend?" he asked his shoes.
Hogsmede? This weekend? With Neville? Alarms went off in Hermione's mind as she remembered the love note she had stashed in her book bag.
"Umm..." she hesitated, watching Neville's face crush, "I have a boyfriend Neville, and you know that,"
Neville laughed heartily, a reaction she was not expecting.
"Not as a date Hermione," he smiled, "Just as friends, you just look lonely is all."
Hermione smiled at him as they rounded the corner,
"Sure Neville, thanks,"
But Hermione's smile faded as she noticed two people standing silently at the end of the dim corridor. She halted; listening to Ron's echoing voice.
"Padma," he said, "Will you come with me to Hogsmede this weekend?"
Padma laughed and jumped into his arms.
"Of course I will," she cried, "Oh Ronnie!"
When Padma finally pulled away, Hermione watched in horror, as Ron leaned down and kissed Padma hard on the lips. It was a long kiss, a long kiss Hermione had always thought was meant for her.
When Padma's lips broke away from his he opened his eyes, staring into her beautiful face.
"Goodnight Ronnie," she whispered, reaching for his hand.
"Goodnight Padma," he smiled back, clutching her hand even as she walked away.
As her hand slipped from his like sand, he noticed movement from the adjacent hall. Hermione was standing a few feet away at the end of the short corridor, her mouth hanging open. Ron moved towards her.
"Hermione?" he called.
She continued to stare at him, even as Neville poked her from behind.
"Hermione are you alright?" Ron asked, only feet away from her.
She closed her mouth, turned around sharply and strode in the other direction heading straight for the portrait of the Fat Lady. Neville jogged along behind her.
"Hermione, Neville, wait!" Ron called loudly.
But it was too late, they'd already muttered the password, and slipped into the Gryffindor common room. As Ron came in front of the portrait, he caught a glimpse of Hermione, who slammed the portrait shut. He whispered the password to the Fat Lady and clambered through the hole. The common room was almost empty, and Ron noticed Hermione had already sought refuge in her favourite armchair. He couldn't help but smile as he noticed her slumped in the chair, arms folded firmly across her chest and her legs dangling over the arm.
"Hermione?" he whispered quietly into the tense air.
He took in a sharp inhale of breath as her eyes grew dark.
"What?" she snapped, continuing to look away from him.
"Are you alright?" he asked, feeling his eyebrows furrow.
"So I take it this means you're going out with her?" Hermione shot at him.
Ron hadn't been expecting that. He was just about to answer when he heard the portrait swing open and a few giggling girls climb through. It was Parvati Patil and Lavender Brown.
"Heya Ron!" Lavender called with a wave, as she made her way to the stairs that led to her dormitory.
"I ran into my sister," Parvati called, "She says you two are dating now! That's great, we're like...family!"
Ron smiled sheepishly at them, as they raced giggling up the stares, and then glanced back down at Hermione. She was glaring at him.
"So there we have it!" Hermione glowered her eyes flickering like fire, "Padma Patil, actually sunk her claws into Ron Weasley,"
"What are you talking about Hermione?" Ron asked.
"Oh don't tell me you don't know!" she cried, "Gezz, she's been talking about it since the first day back. Everyone thinks that you're good-looking now, and all the girls would die for a date with you,"
"I thought that title was for pretty boys like Draco?" Ron asked, crossing his own arms.
"That was last year Ron, this year its you," she crooned falsely, "You and your bloody save,"
"Hey, that was a good save," Ron defended.
"I am sure it was Ron, my point is, that Padma only likes you because everyone else does. She was talking about it just the other day! You're the best the school has to offer, so she wants it,"
"Why do you care so much Hermione? I don't understand how you're allowed to say these things and I am not aloud to talk about Viktor,"
"At least I have evidence, I mean I HEARD her say it Ron," Hermione finished.
"I have evidence to." Ron insisted.
"What a couple of old Witch Weekly magazines? I figured you would have learned your lesson when you read the Quibbler Ron," Hermione said irritably.
"Hermione quit it," Ron snarled, "Padma told me herself she thinks I am cute and fun to be with,"
"Oh don't be so naive Ron," Hermione protested, "It's not you she likes, it's your popularity!"
"Hermione, it's just like you to want to bring me down, now that I have a girlfriend, now that you're not alone. You know girls can actually like me, its natural!"
"Ron, she's a tramp, I mean I'm surprised she hasn't tried to get in your pants yet!"
Ron paused, breathing deeply. It was true he'd already had to tell her to slow down, but what the hell did Hermione know?
"Hermione you know I really don't get you," Ron told her angrily, "You get angry at me for saying bad stuff about Viktor, but you think you're allowed to have a free mouth with Padma?"
"This is different Ron, because Viktor isn't a whore!" Hermione spat at him, "She doesn't like you."
"Padma is not a whore Hermione, don't talk about her like that," Ron said fiercly, "And Viktor is the one who hasn't written you in God knows how long!"
He watched Hermione recoil, and he knew he'd struck a nerve.
"I'm only telling you the truth Ron," Hermione said quietly.
"And what do you think I am saying when I talk about Viktor?"
"Viktor is none of your business," Hermione said firmly.
"And Padma is none of yours," Ron retorted.
"Oh Ron Weasley I will never ever understand you," Hermione cried, "You know what? Do what you want! But you'll be sorry, you'll be sorry...because...because..."
She couldn't finish the sentence. She couldn't tell him what she was thinking. She couldn't even believe what she was thinking never mind letting someone else hear it. Was it really true that she was jealous? Was Hermione really jealous of the kiss that Ron had just shared with Padma? She felt her breathing pick up.
"Because why Hermione?"
This scene seemed oddly familiar. She knew these words had been exchanged before, but yet why this time, did her heart seem to be plunging into her stomach, why were her eyes begging to fill up with tears.
"Because Ron, she will never love you...the way..." Hermione blinked furiously trying to hold back her unexplained surge of emotion.
"The way?" Ron narrowed his eyes, and peered closer into Hermione's face.
"The way that you want her to."
With that Hermione stood up and raced away from Ron, not bothering to look back. Ron sank down in the chair she'd been sitting in with a sigh. It was still warm. Why were girls so complicated? Why had Hermione been so hesitant during those last few angry sentences?
Hermione made a beeline for the girls' dormitory, tears streaming down her face. She couldn't let Ron see her like this; she couldn't let him have the satisfaction. She hid just inside the doorway of the stairwell, clutching at her chest willing air to pass into her lungs. She couldn't believe what had just happened. She couldn't comprehend what it was she had finally realized.
She closed her eyes as a sweat broke out on her forehead. She remembered all the countless fights over Crookshanks, her beautiful cat, and Viktor. And she thought of all the time at the Burrow and Grimauld place that she'd come so close to Ron, and felt something stirring in her mind. It all made so much sense now. She'd never even thought about it.
A lump rose in her throat that she scrambled to swallow. This could not be happening. But it was. She felt her heart swell up, as she began to realize. No, it couldn't be true; she wasn't even going to begin to think of the possibilities. She was happy with Viktor, and Ron with Padma, and there was no stopping that now. Even in the magical world you couldn't mess with fate. Hermione needed to be more practical.
She must just be getting emotional because of Viktor. That had to be it. She couldn't have feelings for Ron, what a joke! They were best friends, comrades. He was just another boy, just another Harry. She paused, but then why did it feel so different when she was with Ron? Hermione let out a groan. She needed to sleep. She needed to get over this fast. She was being stupid, it was impossible for her to have feelings for Ron. She couldn't have feelings for him even if she tried. She liked Viktor very much, and besides Ron didn't even have feelings for her. She didn't need to worry about anything.
She took a quick glance around the corner and noticed that Ron was slumped in her favourite armchair. How could she be such a jerk, this was supposed to be a happy day, Ron had a girlfriend. Hermione sunk against the wall and closed her eyes making a decision. This was it; she was going to write to Viktor. She hastily wiped her tears and then ran up the stairs already beginning to dictate the first sentences of her letter.
"Hermione, do you think you could give me a hand?" he called.
She looked up from the paper, and her face flushed. Although Neville's eyes barely grazed the top of the pile of books, she could see them narrow.
"Whatcha reading?" he asked getting closer.
"N-nothing," She stammered before stuffing the note into her book bag quickly.
She got up from the table and rushed to help him. After grabbing a few books she decided to change the subject,
"Looks like you found a few good books eh Nev?"
"Yea, hopefully I can find out what the antidotes are for Serecotta stings," with that Neville went on a long tangent about the properties of a Serecotta plant. Hermione sat down, occasionally nodding, while reading on into her own pile of books.
An hour had gone by before Hermione sat up straight from her hunched position. She'd been sure she'd felt eyes on her, but when she looked up she realized the library had emptied and Neville was diligently reading. She let out a sigh. Neville's blue eyes met her.
"Every thing okay?" he asked.
She frowned and shook her head.
"What's up?" Neville asked, closing his book.
"Well, I don't know...I guess I am worried about Harry, he's been acting so strange lately. I mean he barely even talks to me anymore."
Neville gave a sympathetic nod.
"And well..." she hesitated.
"Go on Hermione," Neville prompted.
"Well, Viktor, my boyfriend, he hasn't written me in so long. It's odd because he always writes me right back. And I know he's busy with quidditch, but it's been so long. I am so worried. I know he's all right, I mean if anything had happened to him it would have been in the Daily Prophet but I don't know if I should write him again? Wouldn't that make me look desperate?" Hermione cried.
"I don't think so..." Neville trailed.
"Look Neville, I am sick of being the little girl, the little dependent girl that every one worries about. If I write another letter to him, I will look so...dependent! I don't want him to think I can't last with out a letter from him."
"You know, I know exactly what you mean. My Gran is always trying to look out for me, which is fine really, but she acts like I'm a little boy, like I can't handle myself. I may not be as quick as you or Harry with a wand, but I do know how to fend for myself. I just always seem to be the butt of everyone's joke, or the target for everyone's torment. I'm not even sure why. But I am not a helpless little boy. As for you Hermione, you are the most independent person I know. I don't think a letter is going to bring you down. Why don't you write him?" Neville told her.
Hermione stared at him for a moment. She'd never realized it but Neville was in the same, if not worse, situation that she was. Everyone was always looking out for Neville, because he 'Couldn't' do anything for himself; just like they looked out for her.
"Thank-you Neville," she smiled, "I feel a bit better to know I'm not alone,"
Neville grinned back,
"You never have to be alone Hermione, I will always be there for you,"
Hermione, stared at him for a moment, and then began to collect the notes she'd written. She put her books back in a neat pile in the middle of the table.
"I'm gonna head back to the common room," she said quietly.
"Hold on," Neville said finishing the last sentence on his note with a flourish, "I'm coming with you."
The stars lit the courtyard beautifully. Ron was sitting on a stone bench with Padma, alone in the cool darkness. Padma let out a sigh and snuggled closer to Ron.
"It was such a good idea to come out here Ronnie," she sighed, staring up into the sky.
Ron's red and gold Gryffindor scarf blew around his face in the soft breeze the came up from the lake. He felt warmth spread to his cheeks, and his dinner rumble in his stomach, as Padma moved her hand and rested it on his thigh. Her long hair flicked in the wind and she turned to smile at him. He stared at her blankly. Was she expecting him to say something? He didn't know what to say. She let out a sigh.
"You're so cute," she said taping his freckled nose with the end of her finger.
Ron smiled softly.
"You're pretty too Padma," he replied, throwing his arm around her shoulder.
He felt Padma's other hand float up his stomach, and it recoiled at the ticklish sensation.
"Are you ticklish?" she asked with a grin.
"Only a little," he said before he burst out with laughter as she continued to tickle him.
Their laughter hung in the air, as Padma tilted her head, her lips very close to his.
"I like you Ron Weasley," she whispered, "I like you a lot."
He knew what she was waiting for. She was waiting for an invitation to Hogsmede. Almost all the sixth years had paired up already. It was the talk of the day. He'd listened to Hermione and Ginny gossip about it all during dinner, while he'd sat silently beside Harry.
Her warm lips against his interrupted his thoughts, as Ron received his first kiss. Immediately his hormones kicked in, and Ron placed his arms around her small frame. Her lips were soft, and as Harry had said, very wet. She pressed her lips against his harder, pushing him against the brick wall of the castle. She pulled away, moving her body so she was half sitting on him.
"Ronnie," she giggled, before leaning in once again.
Ron barely had time to catch his breath before her lips smothered him again. This time, her tongue worked against his lips prying them open. He obliged. The deepened kiss was...thrilling. Ron was thoroughly enjoying himself, and regretted her pulling away so soon. He could not believe that he was making out with one of the hottest girls in the school. As she sat on his lap, she smiled down on him.
"Mmm, I liked that," she said, licking her lips.
"Me too," Ron croaked, his hormones still racing like crazy.
He felt her lower herself once again, and his lips ached for more of her sweet taste. She gave it to him, kissing him wildly. When her hands slipped under his cloak and began working on the buttons of his shirt, Ron pushed her away.
"What are you doing?" he asked dumbly.
"Having fun," she laughed, her blue eyes snapping in the starlight, "What are you doing?"
"Don't you think we're moving a bit...fast?" he asked.
Her eyes narrowed,
"You don't like me?" she pouted.
"No, Padma, I think you're great," he cried, "You are beautiful, intelligent and loads of fun, but I just don't think we should be doing this so soon,"
She slid off of his lap and landed on the bench beside him with a huff.
"Padma," he whispered, not wanting to disappoint her, "Please don't be angry, I really really like you,"
She looked up at him, through her long dark eyelashes. She wanted the invitation. He could almost feel the thoughts from her mind, ricocheting off his body. He reached for her hand,
"Come on," he said standing up, "Let's go inside, it's getting cold, and I have my rounds to do,"
A frown pulled at the corners of her mouth and he knew that she was disappointed. Ron held the door open for her, and she entered silently, making her way down the corridor towards her common room.
Hermione walked faster, wanting to get to the common room, where she could escape Neville. He'd been talking none stop the whole way from the library. It was giving her a headache. Suddenly Neville reached for her wrist.
"Hey Hermione, since you're feeling so badly, would you like to come to Hogsmede with me this weekend?" he asked his shoes.
Hogsmede? This weekend? With Neville? Alarms went off in Hermione's mind as she remembered the love note she had stashed in her book bag.
"Umm..." she hesitated, watching Neville's face crush, "I have a boyfriend Neville, and you know that,"
Neville laughed heartily, a reaction she was not expecting.
"Not as a date Hermione," he smiled, "Just as friends, you just look lonely is all."
Hermione smiled at him as they rounded the corner,
"Sure Neville, thanks,"
But Hermione's smile faded as she noticed two people standing silently at the end of the dim corridor. She halted; listening to Ron's echoing voice.
"Padma," he said, "Will you come with me to Hogsmede this weekend?"
Padma laughed and jumped into his arms.
"Of course I will," she cried, "Oh Ronnie!"
When Padma finally pulled away, Hermione watched in horror, as Ron leaned down and kissed Padma hard on the lips. It was a long kiss, a long kiss Hermione had always thought was meant for her.
When Padma's lips broke away from his he opened his eyes, staring into her beautiful face.
"Goodnight Ronnie," she whispered, reaching for his hand.
"Goodnight Padma," he smiled back, clutching her hand even as she walked away.
As her hand slipped from his like sand, he noticed movement from the adjacent hall. Hermione was standing a few feet away at the end of the short corridor, her mouth hanging open. Ron moved towards her.
"Hermione?" he called.
She continued to stare at him, even as Neville poked her from behind.
"Hermione are you alright?" Ron asked, only feet away from her.
She closed her mouth, turned around sharply and strode in the other direction heading straight for the portrait of the Fat Lady. Neville jogged along behind her.
"Hermione, Neville, wait!" Ron called loudly.
But it was too late, they'd already muttered the password, and slipped into the Gryffindor common room. As Ron came in front of the portrait, he caught a glimpse of Hermione, who slammed the portrait shut. He whispered the password to the Fat Lady and clambered through the hole. The common room was almost empty, and Ron noticed Hermione had already sought refuge in her favourite armchair. He couldn't help but smile as he noticed her slumped in the chair, arms folded firmly across her chest and her legs dangling over the arm.
"Hermione?" he whispered quietly into the tense air.
He took in a sharp inhale of breath as her eyes grew dark.
"What?" she snapped, continuing to look away from him.
"Are you alright?" he asked, feeling his eyebrows furrow.
"So I take it this means you're going out with her?" Hermione shot at him.
Ron hadn't been expecting that. He was just about to answer when he heard the portrait swing open and a few giggling girls climb through. It was Parvati Patil and Lavender Brown.
"Heya Ron!" Lavender called with a wave, as she made her way to the stairs that led to her dormitory.
"I ran into my sister," Parvati called, "She says you two are dating now! That's great, we're like...family!"
Ron smiled sheepishly at them, as they raced giggling up the stares, and then glanced back down at Hermione. She was glaring at him.
"So there we have it!" Hermione glowered her eyes flickering like fire, "Padma Patil, actually sunk her claws into Ron Weasley,"
"What are you talking about Hermione?" Ron asked.
"Oh don't tell me you don't know!" she cried, "Gezz, she's been talking about it since the first day back. Everyone thinks that you're good-looking now, and all the girls would die for a date with you,"
"I thought that title was for pretty boys like Draco?" Ron asked, crossing his own arms.
"That was last year Ron, this year its you," she crooned falsely, "You and your bloody save,"
"Hey, that was a good save," Ron defended.
"I am sure it was Ron, my point is, that Padma only likes you because everyone else does. She was talking about it just the other day! You're the best the school has to offer, so she wants it,"
"Why do you care so much Hermione? I don't understand how you're allowed to say these things and I am not aloud to talk about Viktor,"
"At least I have evidence, I mean I HEARD her say it Ron," Hermione finished.
"I have evidence to." Ron insisted.
"What a couple of old Witch Weekly magazines? I figured you would have learned your lesson when you read the Quibbler Ron," Hermione said irritably.
"Hermione quit it," Ron snarled, "Padma told me herself she thinks I am cute and fun to be with,"
"Oh don't be so naive Ron," Hermione protested, "It's not you she likes, it's your popularity!"
"Hermione, it's just like you to want to bring me down, now that I have a girlfriend, now that you're not alone. You know girls can actually like me, its natural!"
"Ron, she's a tramp, I mean I'm surprised she hasn't tried to get in your pants yet!"
Ron paused, breathing deeply. It was true he'd already had to tell her to slow down, but what the hell did Hermione know?
"Hermione you know I really don't get you," Ron told her angrily, "You get angry at me for saying bad stuff about Viktor, but you think you're allowed to have a free mouth with Padma?"
"This is different Ron, because Viktor isn't a whore!" Hermione spat at him, "She doesn't like you."
"Padma is not a whore Hermione, don't talk about her like that," Ron said fiercly, "And Viktor is the one who hasn't written you in God knows how long!"
He watched Hermione recoil, and he knew he'd struck a nerve.
"I'm only telling you the truth Ron," Hermione said quietly.
"And what do you think I am saying when I talk about Viktor?"
"Viktor is none of your business," Hermione said firmly.
"And Padma is none of yours," Ron retorted.
"Oh Ron Weasley I will never ever understand you," Hermione cried, "You know what? Do what you want! But you'll be sorry, you'll be sorry...because...because..."
She couldn't finish the sentence. She couldn't tell him what she was thinking. She couldn't even believe what she was thinking never mind letting someone else hear it. Was it really true that she was jealous? Was Hermione really jealous of the kiss that Ron had just shared with Padma? She felt her breathing pick up.
"Because why Hermione?"
This scene seemed oddly familiar. She knew these words had been exchanged before, but yet why this time, did her heart seem to be plunging into her stomach, why were her eyes begging to fill up with tears.
"Because Ron, she will never love you...the way..." Hermione blinked furiously trying to hold back her unexplained surge of emotion.
"The way?" Ron narrowed his eyes, and peered closer into Hermione's face.
"The way that you want her to."
With that Hermione stood up and raced away from Ron, not bothering to look back. Ron sank down in the chair she'd been sitting in with a sigh. It was still warm. Why were girls so complicated? Why had Hermione been so hesitant during those last few angry sentences?
Hermione made a beeline for the girls' dormitory, tears streaming down her face. She couldn't let Ron see her like this; she couldn't let him have the satisfaction. She hid just inside the doorway of the stairwell, clutching at her chest willing air to pass into her lungs. She couldn't believe what had just happened. She couldn't comprehend what it was she had finally realized.
She closed her eyes as a sweat broke out on her forehead. She remembered all the countless fights over Crookshanks, her beautiful cat, and Viktor. And she thought of all the time at the Burrow and Grimauld place that she'd come so close to Ron, and felt something stirring in her mind. It all made so much sense now. She'd never even thought about it.
A lump rose in her throat that she scrambled to swallow. This could not be happening. But it was. She felt her heart swell up, as she began to realize. No, it couldn't be true; she wasn't even going to begin to think of the possibilities. She was happy with Viktor, and Ron with Padma, and there was no stopping that now. Even in the magical world you couldn't mess with fate. Hermione needed to be more practical.
She must just be getting emotional because of Viktor. That had to be it. She couldn't have feelings for Ron, what a joke! They were best friends, comrades. He was just another boy, just another Harry. She paused, but then why did it feel so different when she was with Ron? Hermione let out a groan. She needed to sleep. She needed to get over this fast. She was being stupid, it was impossible for her to have feelings for Ron. She couldn't have feelings for him even if she tried. She liked Viktor very much, and besides Ron didn't even have feelings for her. She didn't need to worry about anything.
She took a quick glance around the corner and noticed that Ron was slumped in her favourite armchair. How could she be such a jerk, this was supposed to be a happy day, Ron had a girlfriend. Hermione sunk against the wall and closed her eyes making a decision. This was it; she was going to write to Viktor. She hastily wiped her tears and then ran up the stairs already beginning to dictate the first sentences of her letter.