disclaimer: Alas, as much as I want it to come true, I do not own Harry Potter...wipes tear from eye ok ,now back to bussiness...

Thanks uber-much for all the reviews! My mailbox was full with them!

Fuji Wara Zakuro: Thanks! I thought the action scene was sucky but Im glad you liked it! I know I have errors in my story but most of the time Im too lazy to correct them. Anyways, keep reading!

Goro-Goro: Thanks, and I hope you enjoy this chapter!

bb: calm down..deep breaths..lol, just picking. Heres the next chapter, hope you enjoy, and dont worry- Harry and Hermione wont be fighting too much longer..

gldnsunsprite21: I finally updated..

Dovasery: Im glad you like it! Enjoy!

Driz: Im flattered you like it. It means alot to me. I couldnt stop smiling after I read your review- thanks so much! I know I had alot of flashbacks in there lately but there's not anymore for a while so no worries. Im so happy you saw my point in bringing Alexa into the story. I, for one, think it adds twist. For once Harry has someone else who likes him and Hermione doesnt know how to cope with it. Im so glad you like it-keep reading!

Katy: Im glad you like it and dont worry-Harry and Hermione are gonna realize whats going on eventually. I cant make it anytime soon though-what fun would that be?

febster: Glad you like it! I hope you like this chapter as well!

summerlandJM: First off let me say I absolutly love your screename. He is so hot! And I love that show-so many hotties I dont know what to do! But anyways, im glad you like it, keep reviewing!

kay#4orlandoandhplvr: this chappie is longer than the last-enjoy!

Galpower: Thanks so much! I do plan on doing more fanfics, just not right now. With school and practice and games its harder to update now so my attention is focused on this fanfic alone. But I do plan on writing one with James and Lily later on and maybe a sequel to this one, who knows?

tamar-shaki: thanks, and yeah, i know what you mean, even when Im writing about her Alexa makes me cringe...keep reviewing!

sweet-as-hunny: dont worry...we'll get some interaction with Hermione and Alexa soon..then you'll see who dislikes who..anyways, im glad you like it, and sorry for all the cliffhangers!

Cecilia DevilAngel: Most everyone hates Alexa and I must admit myself I dont like her..but alas, she is needed..glad you like the story, keep reading!

LexiLoLo200: Thanks! And dont' worry-they'll realize soon enough they're made for each other...

Ivy: im glad you like!

joanna sapp: thanks! And im thinking about doing more in the future, and maybe a sequel to this one..

BeautyandBrainz101: NO NO NO NO NO! Ron and Hermione WILL NOT get together! They're just friends, dont worry! Things might get confusing in this chapter but I assure you I will not have them get together!

SilverBelle: Thanks! Dont you just wanna kill her? Most everyone does- anyways, im glad you liked the flashback. It was kinda mushy with the Hermione-Harry thing but it came off the top of my head so I just stuck it in there. Glad it wasnt totally sucky!

Rile: im sorry it took so long, i apologize!

AngelinaWeasley1: im glad you like it!

JediPirateElfyDude:

c-dog: im glad you like the pairing, most people favor Ron and Hermione together but im not. And I know writing the story about Hermione and Harry would kinda leave Ron out, so i figured we'd slip him in there. And no matter how much people hate her, Alexa plays a big part too. glad you like it!

and now...drum roll please...

chapter eighteen...Apologies

They knocked again.

Will they ever give it up? Can't i just sleep in peace?

Hermione grumbled as she rolled out of her bed and made her way across the room. Taking hold of the handle, she opened the door. Ron's frame filled the doorway, a slightly concerned look on his face and his mouth full of chocolate.

"Oh," she was expecting someone else, someone like Ginny, not Ron. What was he doing here? He hadnt talked to her since Wednesday..

He swallowed.

"Hey Mione," he said with a slight in.."

He walked through the door she was holding open and sat down on the edge of the bed. Hermione followed him, resting her back aganist the headboard and pulling the covers up to her waist. She sighed and looked up at Ron who was watching her closely.

Ron looked at her a moment longer before speaking.

"Mione, whats up?"

Hermione looked away from him. "What do you mean?"

"Listen, Mione, I know your'e not talking to Harry. I dont know what he's done, and apparently he doesn't either, but why are you ignoring me too? You're acting like we're not even friends anymore. What happened?"

No answer. Hermione just stared out the window where the quidditch field was disposed, watching two lone figures fly around the pitch.

"You know, it really bothers Harry that you two aren't talking. He's the one who sent me up here to check on you. He really cares," said Ron.

She sighed. " I know he does Ron. I'm sorry for all this, I don't know what got into me. I was like a bomb waiting to go off. Im sorry. You or Harry shouldn't have to go through this. "

She shook her head as she looked out the window. " I guess I was just jealous because I want what I cant have.." she whispered.

"What?" Ron asked.

"N-Nothing, just muttering nonsense." She looked at him, hers eyes dangerously bright. "Im sorry Ron. I don't want to lose you and Harry-It's just, sometimes I get carried away.."

Ron pulled her into a hug, laughing. "Dont kill yourself over it Hermione, we're not going anywhere."

Hermione laughed as she brushed away the tears that almost fell.

Will I ever get over these tears?

"Yeah, I guess you're right, im stuck with the two of you, aren't I?" she asked, giving Ron a smile.

"Until the love of your life takes our place. Then I suppose you'll have to move in with him and get married. Then we wont be in your hair as much, but we'll still be there, dont worry." said Ron. "But you're only marrying someone who Harry and I approve of. He has to pass our expectations of course. And if not, Harry and I will take care of him for you.." he made one of his famous gestures in the air to demonstrate to Hermione what would happen to someone who didnt treat her right.

Hemione laughed. "Its good to know I'll be taken care of properly."

"Its good to hear you laugh again. Now what do you say to a late breakfast? Well, lunch actually. Im sure Dobby will whip us up something in the kitchens."

"But didn't you already go to breakfast and lunch?" Hermione asked.

"Hermione! Are you saying I eat too much?" said Ron, pretending to look offended.

"No, just more than the average human or wizard," she stated.

"Well, what can I say, I was blessed with wonderful powers.." he said, standing up. "Now hurry up, because after we eat we can go see Hagrid. We haven't seen him since we've gotten back. Unless you had other plans?" he looked at her.

"Other than sitting in the library and finishing my homework?" she asked.

"Honestly, Hermione, dont you ever get tired of that place? I would die from lack of breathing room in there with all those books.."

"Ron one day you will appreciate all the hard work I put into my studies and wish you had done the same!" she said.

"And when I do, I'll know I've completely lost it." he said.

Hermione threw her pillow at him. He ducked it and ran to the door before she threw another at him.

"Its nice to have you back Mione.." and he walked out the door.

Hermione smiled to herself as she got dressed. She was lucky to have such great friends.

And if I were a friend to them, then I would act like it...

She made up her mind. She was going to apologize to Harry. Even if it killed her to see him and Alexa together, she was going to apologize. Just because I'm jealous doesn't mean I have to stop being friends with Harry..

Harry doesnt deserve this...He deserves to be happy..

Pulling on her shoes, she went down stairs to find Ron laying on one of the couches in the common room, a bowl of chocolate frogs resting on his stomach. He picked one out and popped it into his mouth as he spoke.

"Why didnt the prefects get this kind of treatment?" he asked.

"Because they knew you wouldn't go to classes but instead would waste your time here stuffing your face!" answered Hermione. "Now, get up. I'm hungry."

"Aren't we the demanding one!" Ron grabbed a few more frogs before following Hermione out the portrait hole.

They walked in silence until they came to the corridor which held the portrait that conceled the entrance to the kitchens. Walking up, Ron tickled the pear which soon turned into a door. Grabbing hold of it, he turned it and walked in, Hermione following him.

Once they were inside the kitchens, they looked around. Nothing much had changed since the last time Hermione had been here. The pots and pans still hung from the ceiling and the house elfs still hurried by, going about their usual work. But one house elf was making his way over to Ron and Hermione.

"Master Wheezy and Miss He-mi-ne!" Dobby squeled as he came to stand infront of them. He gave each of them a hug and then stood back looking at them. Then a look of confusion overcame Dobby as he looked behind Ron and 'He-mi-ne' as if expecting someone else.

"But Mr.Wheezy, where is Harry Potter sir?" asked Dobby.

"Oh..er..Harry isn't with us today Dobby...sorry..." Ron explained.

The elf's ears fell. He always enjoyed seeing Harry and never passed up a chance to talk to him.

But then he brightened up. "But Sir and Miss still came to visit Dobby!"

"Actually-" Ron began.

"Yes, Dobby, we came to vistit you. So how have you been? Still enjoying your freedom?" Hermione asked Dobby while stepping on Ron's foot.

"Oh yes! Dobby very much like his freedom! And Dobby has good news Miss will like!" said Dobby, jumping on the balls of his feet from excitement.

"Food?" asked Ron hopefully.

Hermione glared at him.

"Go ahead Dobby.."

"Dobby has convinced another house elf that freedom is good!" Dobby said. Ron and Hermione still looked a little confused so Dobby continued.

"Proffessor Dumbledore has granted another house elf freedom under their wish! He set another elf free and then re-hired them! Now she is getting paid just like Dobby and is wearing clothes just like Dobby!" said the elf happily.

"Thats wonderful Dobby! A good way to show all the other elf's that free-" Hermione began but was soon cut off by Ron.

"So Dobby, where is the newly freed house elf? Do you think we could meet them?" he asked.

Hermione stopped talking and looked around interestedly.

"Yes! Sir and Miss can meet Slinky!" and Dobby hurried off to find the house elf.

"Slinky?" asked Hermione, who had stopped looking.

"Dunno-kinda sounds like Winky.." Ron said.

A moment later Dobby returned with a house elf in his company. She was wearing a purple dress with orange stars on it and mis-matching socks. On her left foot was a yellow sock, and on the right, and blue sock with red circles. On her right hand, she wore a red glove.

"Dobby would like to introduce Mr.Wheezy and Miss He-mi-ne to Slinky!" Dobby said loudly. At this, several house elfs gave Dobby a discusted look and hurried away, muttering under their breath. Dobby didn't seem to notice this.

"Nice to meet you, Slinky,"said Hermione, looking down at the elf.

"Er..Slinky? You didnt happen to know Winky, did you?" asked Ron.

The female elf looked up at Ron, her eyes welling with tears. Then she burst into tears, covering her face with her hands. Dobby yelped and then went over to her to comfort her. Hemione gave Ron a look that said, ' you couldnt let it go, could you?' Ron shrugged his shoulders.

"Its okay, Slinky, we didnt mean to hurt you.." said Hermione, walking over to help Dobby comfort the elf.

"Win-Win-Winky...poor..si-sis-sister....don-dont know....wh-wh-what..t-to...d-do!!" cried the elf helplessly into her hands.

"Sister? I didnt know Winky had a sister.." said Ron.

"Ron!"

"Oh, yeah..sorry Slinky, I didnt mean to hurt you or anything...its just your names are so much alike.." said Ron.

"Winky and Slinky!! Oooohhh!" the elf cried even more.

"Er..maybe we should just leave..." said Hermione, still patting the elf on the back, trying to calm her.

"Without any food?" whined Ron.

"Yes Ron! Without food! Sorry Dobby, we didn't mean to upset Slinky. We'll come see you later, and we'll bring Harry with us," Hermione said, doing anything to stop the wails coming from the crying elf that lay on the floor.

This seemed to brighten Dobby up greatly.

"Dobby will be seeing you soon Sir and Miss!" he said over Slinky's crying. Hermione and Ron made their way over to the door but not before Ron snagged a few cauldron cakes from a nearby table.

"What? You know you're hungry-here, take one,"he said when Hermione gave him a death look. He passed her a cauldron cake and though she still disapproved of his manners, opened it.

Munching on their cakes, they soon found themselves outside the Oak front doors. Crossing the grass, they headed towards Hagrid's cabin. As they walked beneath the sun, Hermione looked over to the quidditch pitch. The two figures she had seen before were now closer. She knew who they were and as she watched them, her heart sunk.

Harry and Alexa.

Ron was also looking at the two fly around. Then he looked at Hermione's slight frown.

"What?" he asked.

She turned to him. "What?"

"What's the matter? Why the sour look?"

"Its not a sour look, just a curious look. I guess I never thought about what it would be like for Harry to have a girlfriend. It'll be weird, you know?" she said.

"Yeah, I guess it will be weird. He won't be spending much time with us anymore but instead with Alexa in the Astronomy Tower.." Ron smirked.

Hermione forced herself to smile. But instead she was thinking of Harry and Alexa in the Astronomy Tower together..she knew what went on in there..She thought it was bad enough when she found out Harry had kissed Cho, how her stomach felt sick and her heart ached, but now it was even worse at the thought of Harry and Alexa snogging in the castle.

"But I guess he deserves it, right? I mean, after all he's been through..He deserves some happiness,"said Ron. "He's had alot of sorrow in his life and now its time for some good to come to Harry.."

Hermione was surprised to hear this sympathy coming from Ron. She never knew it affected Ron to know how unhappy Harry was. But it doesnt take a genius to tell he's not happy..I mean, look at what he's been through..

She knew it was probably a good thing for Harry to have a girlfriend, to get his mind off things. But it still killed her to think of someone taking her's and Ron's places in Harry's life.

Dont be ridiculous, Harry wont forget you..he's your best friend..

But that doesn't mean someone can't take your place..

It came a shock to Hermione that they were infront of Hagrid's cabin already.

Ron knocked on the door and was rewarded with several loud barks.

"Back Fang! Back!"

The door opened to reveal a flustered Hagrid holding back an excited Fang, who was trying his best to get to Ron and Hermione.

"I was wonderin when you three were comin to see me! Where's Harry?" he asked, looking around.

"Boy, you'd think we were invisible.."muttered Ron.

"No! No! Its good to see yer! Come on in, have a rock cake!" Hagrid shifted to one side to make room for Hermione and Ron.

"Er..No thanks Hagrid, we're not that hungry.."said Hermione, while taking a seat on the over-sized couch.

"Oh, er, ok then." He placed the plate of rock cakes he had offered them on the table. "So, tell me, how's yer firs week bin? You like yer knew teacher? I hear she's been a good addition to the staff.."

"She great! She did this really cool thing where we got to walk around in the universe and see the stars. I saw Pluto's moons.."

Hermione lost track of what Ron was saying. She watched Harry and Alexa fly around the pitch. Alexa would fly in circles, coming to a stop by one of the goal posts, and then Harry would chase after her. They zoomed around until they both came to a stop in the middle of the field. They were hovering in the air for a while and from the look of it, they weren't talking. Hermione was wondering what they were doing until she saw Harry fly to the ground and then come back up with a quaffle and a snitch. Alexa watched him as he flew down, her shoulders sagging slightly when he left her.

I suppose this is how it's going to be from now on..just me and Ron..

She looked over to where Ron was making enormous gestures to Hagrid and yelling something about a foul while Hagrid kept saying," He didn!" or "Blimey!"

Ron was great, but nothing like Harry.

She thought back to all those times the three of them had snuck out of bed to come to Hagrid's Hut in the middle of the night under the invisibility cloak and the time she and Harry had gone back in time to rescue buckbeak and Sirius in third year...

It was always the three of us..Harry, Ron, and Hermione..the three who got into everything..

Now its just two.

She forced her mind to pay attention to what Ron was saying.

"-and then, he flew out of nowhere and grabbed the quaffle just as Wisnuiski dropped it and made the tenth goal of the game. But thats all he go to make before the seeker caught the snitch. Then it was over-but still, it was a great game. You should have been there Hagrid, it was wicked." Ron finished breathlessly.

Hagrid chuckled,"Im sure it was Ron. So, Hermione, how's things bin goin fer you? You haven't said much, is something botherin you?"

"No, Hagrid, I'm fine. So, how's Grawp been doing? I haven't heard many trees breaking lately, is he better?" she asked.

"Oh he's loads better. He knows how to talk now, well, better than he use ter anyways. He met him a lady friend not to long ago when he was out and about this summer..said her name was something like Ruath.." Hagrid said.

"You mean that giant is walking around all carefree at his own will?" Ron asked in a voice to match his shocked face.

"Ahh, he's harmless. Won't cause yer any harm at all..." said Hagrid.

"Wouldnt put it past him.." muttered Ron. Hagrid missed his remark.

They spent the rest of the visit talking about the classes and Dobby's new friend Slinky. Soon Ron and Hermione were making their way back to the castle for dinner. As they were leaving, Hermione looked up to the quidditch pitch. No one was there. Trying not to think about where Harry and Alexa might be right now, she followed Ron to the Oak front doors.

well, that's somewhat longer than the past few chapters. Hope you enjoyed it, dont forget to review!

Ashton