Chapter Two - Discovery

Ron sighed contentedly as he walked towards the lake with his newfound girlfriend, Hermione Jane Granger. She was admiring the beauty of the night sky, unbeknownst to the stares and glimpses that she was receiving from him. He squeezed his intertwined hand tightly, a satisfied smile breaking out on his face as she blushed deeply. He's never been straight forward with a girl before, she this was definitely a first for him.

They strayed in silence as they continued to walk, pleased with the comfortableness between them. It was wonderful that they were friends and it was great that they are now together. The bickering, love and laughter they shared in the past just built up the foundation of their relationship. He was the sluggish procrastinator and she was the know-it-all smarty. They clashed together flawlessly. She was the one who would constantly nag him about his grades, which he would complain to Harry about, and he was the one who made her loosen up and enjoy life, which she also complained to Harry about. There was nothing that could come between them, not now, not ever, not until they both decide that its time.

Ron glided his way over the grass and to the corner of the lake, his eyes flickering to a bright, but dim light on the other side. He squinted his eyes and stopped abruptly, trying to get a better look.

Hermione spun around. "Ron, what's the matter?" she asked worriedly. That's another thing he loved about her, she was always concerned about his welfare.

Ron shook his head and pulled her close, afraid that the people across from them would notice them standing there. "Do you see that?" he whispered, wrapping one arm around her waist and pointing his finger to the speck of a table.

Hermione leaned forward and nodded. "Yes, why?" she asked, just as quiet as he once was. Her curly brown hair was falling down her back and her hazel eyes were glistening under the moonlight. Her face was etched in confusion and a mixture of awkwardness. Obviously, she didn't think it was fun to spy on other people.

Ron's eyes flashed. "The one seated to the left … has red hair. Who are the only people who goes to this school with red hair?" he asked gruffly.

Hermione shrugged. "Well, there's Ginny, but I don't see how that --"

"Exactly!" he whispered harshly. "What is she doing outside at this time of night? It's dark and she could get her! Remember what happened back in second year? I will not let that thing repeat itself!"

Hermione sighed. "Ronald, Ginny isn't the only one with red hair. There's Susan Boones, Jaylena Knightley, Gareth Marcusinian, Bobby Greenwater, Norman --"

"That's not the point!" he cut off. He scurried closer, dragging a tired Hermione with him. She was trying her best to keep up with his hurried pace, her small feet lugging on the ground.

He then stopped suddenly, a big bush in front of them. They were in full view of the table, the candles, the lake shore tree and the two people seated transversely from one another. Ronald's eyes widened, bugged out, then proceeded to jump back into their sockets.

Hermione had the same expression on her face, except she wasn't as surprised as her boyfriend was. Ronald still had his large arm around her hips, clutching on to her harder. Her breath went ragged. "Ronald …" she said throatily. "Must -- Breathe."

He realized what he was doing and instantly loosened the grip he had on her. He looked at his girlfriend and scowled. "My sister --" he said quietly, but deadly, "-- Is out on a date with that bloody Malfoy prat! What is she doing?!"

Hermione gulped and looked through a rather large hole in the bush. She found Ginny smiling at Malfoy, her smile reaching up to her eyes. Her red hair was blowing in the soft breeze that passed them, making Malfoy smile himself. Hermione's never seen such a sight before. She's never known of a Gryffindor being with a Slytherin, but she liked it. It seemed unspoiled, seamless, without fault. Malfoy actually looked … kind. It was bizarre, as if the world turned upside down in one second.

Ron made a move to run to them, but Hermione stopped him. She kissed him softly on the lips and said, "You know what love is like, Ronald …"

He looked at her gently and caressed her cheek, urging her to go on. He loved the way her skin felt on his and the way she would nuzzle it closer.

"… let Ginny experience it."

Ron looked at his girlfriend, then back at his baby sister, who was at the moment, holding Malfoy's hand on the table. He sighed in defeat as his gaze returned to Hermione. "Why him though, Mione? Gin-girl could get so much better," he whispered.

Hermione wrapped her arms around his neck. "You can't help you develop feelings for. I mean, look at me and you. If it wasn't for your adorable red hair and sexy freckles, I'd be the girlfriend of an International Quidditch star. But, guess what?"

"What?"

She leaned in closer, until their noses were touching. "I chose you."