Chapter: Surprises and misconceptions

Ron and I ran down to Hogsmeade. Since most of the teachers were now watching the children or facing Voldermort himself, the gate to Hogsmeade remained open. Ron stumbled as he tried to keep up.

"Hermione…do you…really think…we can…help him?" He said between breaths.

"Never hurts to try." Please be okay Harry…

The road which led to the hotel became visible. I sprinted toward it. I have to hurry!

"Hermione, wait!" He pouted.

"Ronald, our friends life is at sake and you want to slow down?"

"Just take into consideration that I am sick."

I rolled my eyes. "Just hurry Ron!"

He whined a bit before running once more.

We are getting closer.

Three figures came into view.

Please be okay Harry.

Two of them faced me, the third has their back turned. I began to make out Lupin and Tonk's faces out of the shadow of the large overgrown tree that blocked out the evening sunlight.

Harry…

Tonks looked up and saw me. She nudged Lupin who then looked at me. I quickly slowed down my pace and walked over to them. The third person noticed that Lupin and Tonks were looking elsewhere. They began to turn around. When I noticed it was Harry, I smiled widely.

"Hermione…"

"Harry, you're okay."

"Yea…"

I quickly remembered about my companion and turned around looking for him.

His familiar red hair stood out as he walked closer to us.

"Ron! You're better!" Harry exclaimed.

"I was, I think I am sick again." He began to cough.

He looked over at me then back at Ron. "You guys came down to help me, didn't you?"

"Yup." I stated as Ron had a coughing fit.

He smiled. His smile was so warm I could not help but smile back.

Flashes of colored light came from under the door. This made me nervous.

"We should get out of here." Harry said as he watched me looking at the door.

I looked at him shocked. "Leave?"

"Yes leave?"

Ron whimpered knowing that he had to walk up to the school.

My jaw hung open. I can not believe he is not going to fight. The way he talked about going back to fight him, I am surprised by his change. What made him change?

"Are you sure Harry? Are you sure you want to go back?"

Hasrry walked a few steps forward then stopped. His head looked toward the ground. After a few seconds he turned toward her. "Yes, I am sure."

His face was frozen in seriousness. I did not know what was wrong. I hope Harry is okay. He slowly turned back his head and took a few more steps forward. We began to follw, Ron had yet another coughing. I walked over to him and placed his arm over my shoulders. My arm went against his back. Ron gasped for breath.

"Uh thanks 'mione."

"No problem. Let's get you back to bed."

He nodded.

I looked toward Harry who remained ahead of us. Something was definitely bugging him, but what?

Ron staggered behind so I watched him get further and further ahead. He did not bother to wait for them or even look their way.

Ron began to cough. I stopped walking and rubbed his back ad he continued to cough. Once the coughing ended he looked towards me. "What's wrong Hermione?"

I looked at him. "Oh nothing, wondering why Harry decided not to fight Voldermort."

Ron quivered.

"I swear, you are such a baby."

"What makes you so high and mighty?"

I took my hand off his back and glared at him, I stormed off in the direction Harry had gone.

The sun had now set so it became a bit colder. I wrapped my jacket closer to my body and folded my arms. I began to feel bad for leaving the sick Ronald behind.

I walked the steps up to the large doors leading to Hogwarts, silently. I was confused and scared. What should I do? As I walked down the hallway I noticed how quiet it was. Nobody was in any of the neighboring corridors. Are they all in their houses? I began to walk up the stairs to the Fat Lady. I ran my hand along the railing. My eyes drifted from painting to painting. The only thing on my mind was Harry. Where did he go? Why didn't he wait for us? Something has to be on his mind. He would not turn down a fight with He-who-must-not-be-named after acting the way he did.

"Why hello Hermionie, why such a long face?"

I looked up to see the Fat Lady watching me.

"Oh hello. I was just thinking about something."

"Well your friend Harry just came through a few minutes ago."

I raised my eyes to hers when she said Harry. "Really."

"Yeah, he did not look in a good mood either."

"Really."

"But I am just a portrait, I don't know a thing."

"I will talk to Harry."

The Fat Lady smiled then swung open.

"But I didn't give the password."

"It's quite all right. I know who you are."

"Thanks you."

"You're welcome."

A/N: I am sorry for the short chapter. This is just setting up for the next chapter. So far Luna is in the lead with one vote. ONE VOTE! Come guys, I am letting you decide who he should marry. The dead line should be when I put chapter 16. How about that? That's should be enough time. When ch 16 is up that is when the poll closes and the winner will be announced.