Four
I have to say, although it was something, it was kind of a sucky relationship. After all, since we didn't want it leaking to Harry, Ron could never hold my hand or anything, for fear that someone else would tell on us. And therefore, he couldn't kiss me all the time either, because we had to be somewhere where people wouldn't see. And considering the fact that this was Hogwarts, there was pretty much nowhere that that would work.
Anyways, after we emerged from the clearing, we made it look like nothing had ever happened. We simply walked through Hogsmeade, admiring the newest additions to the Quidditch Stores and the dazzling array of tricks in Zonko's. We went to Honeyduke's and got some stuff for Harry – I got him a Sugar Quill, being the practical bookworm that I am, and Ron got him some Fizzing Whizbees. Of course, our day wouldn't be over without a surprise visit.
"Oh, look who it is – Granger and Weaselbee," sneered Malfoy as we walked out of Honeyduke's, our money bags considerably lighter.
"Eh, piss off, Malfoy," said Ron irritably.
"Ooh, feeling a little venomous today, are we?" Malfoy sniggered. Crabbe and Goyle laughed stupidly.
"Ooh, feeling like a bastard today, are we? Oh, right – I forgot that you're already a bastard everyday," I retorted.
Malfoy squared his jaw and stared me straight in the eye. "You better pray for a miracle, Mudblood. Nothing can save you now."
"Call her a mudblood one more time, Malfoy, just one more time. Go on, I dare you," Ron hissed, beckoning him forward.
"Alright then," Malfoy scoffed. He gave us a defying smirk and said, quite loudly, "Hermione Granger, you are a filthy, disgusting, vile little Mudblood, and I hope you don't live to see tomorrow."
I could have sworn that I saw steam coming from Ron's ears. He drew back his wand, aiming right at Malfoy, and –
Malfoy laughed.
"You couldn't hit the side of a barn, Weasley."
"Just try me," Ron sneered. "Rictusempra!"
And with that, Malfoy was spun in the air. He banged his head against a tree, knocking him unconscious. Goyle and Crabbe looked at Ron in horror and ran to comfort their master.
"Damn it, did that feel good!" Ron screamed into the sky. My hands were still on his shoulders. "Hermione, could you please stop digging your fingernails into my skin?"
"Oh, sorry," I said quickly, releasing my grip.