Unforeseen Events

I smirked at Ron, it did do his confidence a great deal of good to believe that he could hold his own against me. We had been dueling for about twenty minutes and I was using the same goal as Hermione, push his limits.

I felt bad that I was down playing my abilities to keep Ron from getting jealous, but I knew that if things repeated from the other time line then I was going to need allies not more enemies. I decided to start the DA a year early so as to have a well trained force in the off chance everything went to hell.

What seemed odd to me is that although I was in the middle of a duel, I could still become distracted by my thoughts without harm. Ron was starting to sweat, which reminded me to teach him a way to prevent sweating, and I soon finished the duel in usual fashion, with a whimper not a bang.

I smiled at Hermione and woke Ron. "Well, it seems that it's now ten to eight Ron, and this is after a few weeks of practice." Ron just looked at me, his chess face on tight.

After the workout, we descended down for lunch, which was mostly food to restore energy. Ron as usual ate a large helping as Hermione and I ate significantly less. When Ron had asked the first time about it, I simply said, "Not everyone can eat a large amount of food and not get sleepy Ron." It settled that argument.

The three of us went and researched a few new spells, as this was the last day of vacation, and we began getting prepared to return to school.

Ron occasionally threw glances at Hermione, not all of them pleasant but none malicious, but never came out and said why. It was typical of Ron to be mad about something but not inform the person what they had done.

Ron was slowly becoming an enigma, he pushed himself for harder than I had ever thought possible, but he constantly kept his chess face on. We rarely talked about Quidditch anymore, more about dueling strategy than anything. Sirius had told me that Ron asked him to help perfect his dueling style, and worked incredibly hard at it.

I had noticed that my friends attitude was different than I 'remembered'. Hermione was a lot quieter this time, and Ron was not being boisterous, constantly wanting to play or slacking off. I figured it must be because of the changes I made.

Once they packed, Winky had mine done before I could even start, we enjoyed the last of the evening just being together. Ron and I played chess and Hermione sat and read a rather large book.

(Ron)

I couldn't feel more alone than I did right now. I was with my friends sure, but even when I was with them I felt like an outsider. I watched Hermione getting his attention, I mean if their not going to tell me that they're going out the least they could do is hide it better.

I pushed myself hard as I could so as not to be left behind. It was the only reason I even wanted to join the extra lessons. I knew Flitwick said I was good, but I always knew Harry was better. I watched Harry get distracted in our duel, and I still couldn't beat him.

It wasn't that he was pulling his punches that made me upset, it's just that I thought he knew I kind of had feelings for Hermione. Sure they weren't definite or anything, but it was an unspoken agreement, or at least it was. But I wasn't mad at him so much as I was upset with Hermione.

A small part of me realized that it wasn't her fault that I never said anything, but again it was an unspoken thing between us or so I thought.

I really don't want to think about this, but it's been there for awhile. As I played chess with Harry, I really wanted to haul off and hit him but I contained my anger. Somehow he had become good enough to actually force me to concentrate on the game a little.

I didn't want to be left alone, even growing up I felt alone because the rest of my family was so involved in their lives not to notice me. Ginny was the closest in age to me, but she was the youngest and therefore under mom's protection. Fred and George had each other to keep themselves entertained, and Percy was to wrapped up in his career to even notice me.

I won the game by a fair margin and we all went to bed. I sat in the room that was set aside for me, it was nice that he had, and laid down and knew no more.

(Hermione)

I thought about how competitive Ron had gotten with Harry, it was something other than just pride that they went at each other for. I had noticed that Ron looked at me sometimes like he was mad but others like he wanted something from me. I didn't understand what was going on, but I would try and figure it out.

At times I wished that those two would just come out and say what was wrong, I don't understand why they can't just come out and say what they're competing over.

As I sat to brush my hair, Winky appeared to do it for me. According to Winky, it was a house elf's job to aid the family in every way possible. At first I argued that it wasn't necessary, but Winky always offered. I compromised by having a conversation with her.

Winky was interesting, mostly because she called me mistress when ever Ron wasn't around. When I asked her why she said, "Mistress is Winky's responsibility. Winky good house elf." We struck up a conversation about various things, taking turns starting the conversation. Either for good or bad, tonight it was her turn to pick the topic. Winky looked embarrassed and hesitant, which meant it would be something I might consider personal.

"Winky curious, why Mistress and Master not share the same room." To say I was stunned would be an understatement. Winky looked nervous as I just stared blankly at her in the mirror. I was thankful that the mirror wasn't enchanted.

"What do you mean Winky?" I could feel my voice shake as I replied.

Winky twisted a piece of her robe in her hands, "Winky not understand why Mistress and Master not be together. Master would welcome Mistress."

I sat my brush down and turned to look at her. I could feel my heart pound and my face flush, unfortunately Winky thought I was mad. "Winky sorry Mistress, Winky bad house elf and interfere in family's business." She started crying as she wasn't allowed to punish herself.

"Winky, it's all right. You just surprised me that's all." Winky looked at me fearfully for a moment before nodding. I sighed, "The reason Harry and I have separate rooms is because," here I hesitated, "because we aren't together as a couple."

Winky seemed confused. "Mistress not together with Master?" When I nodded she said, "But you is Mistress."

I felt a flash of annoyance at being called mistress, but I ignored it. "Why do you call me mistress Winky, I never understood why."

Winky popped behind me and began brushing my hair. "Mistress named by Master, Winky not have Mistress for a long time." Returning so that I could see her since she wasn't going to let me have my brush back, I asked her how Harry had named me. "Winky good house elf, Winky do what Master wants so that Master doesn't have to ask."

I thought this over, Harry never actually said that I was his 'mistress' but Winky seemed to think I was. Dobby had said that I was Harry's Hermione, he also said that a good house elf anticipates their master's wishes. Could it be that Harry like me more than a friend. When I asked Winky, she gave me a look that said, 'of course'.

Once my hair was done, I thanked Winky and went to sleep. My last thought before I slept was that maybe there was a chance after all.

(Harry)

Dobby woke me up in the morning to tell me that it was six and breakfast was ready. I showered and got dressed and joined Ron, who was still half asleep, in the kitchen. I noticed that Winky wasn't in the room, but didn't say anything. A few minuets later, Hermione came down and made me glad I had gotten dressed.

Hermione looked different, like she was trying to impress someone. Her hair, which was usually in a ponytail, hung down slightly past her shoulders and seemed to have been brushed until it shined. "Wow Hermione, you look great." I elbowed Ron to get his attention.

He looked at Hermione for a second before turning back to his food. He said offhandedly, "you look nice Hermione."

Hermione looked at me confused, but I was just as confused so I shrugged. A minute later Sirius and Remus came down and said that we would be taking muggle methods to get to Kings Cross. I shrunk my trunk while Sirius and Remus got Hermione and Ron's. Dobby popped in and asked, "What should Dobby and Winky do while Harry Potter sir is going at Hogwarts?"

I Smiled at him, "take care of the house. If you can I wouldn't mind you visited me at all." Dobby beamed at me and said that they would come to see me.

Once we arrived at the station with time to spare, Hermione and I went and found a compartment while Ron said he wanted to see his parents before he left.

Hermione and I found a compartment that was empty and restored our trunks. Hermione had sat beside me, which started my heart pounding.

(Ron)

I saw my family come through the gate and ran up to mom and gave her a huge hug. Ginny, Fred and George laughed but I didn't care. Mom said, "well I missed you to Ron." I turned and gave dad an equal hug and exchanged greetings.

Once we got everything on the train, I stood and talked with mom and dad before the train was to leave. We didn't talk about anything serious, just things of passing interest. Once it was time to leave and I got on the train, I was ambushed by Fred and George.

"What's going on Ron," Fred asked.

"Yea, what was with the greeting?"

I glared at them. "Can't I be happy to see my family?" They both shrugged and left me alone. I found Harry and Hermione sitting next to each other with Ginny, Neville and a girl I didn't know.

Harry introduced her, "Ah Ron, this is Luna Lovegood. Luna, Ron Weasley." I said hello and sat next to Neville. Neville and I started a conversation about Quidditch as we talked about the chances of the house teams.

(Hermione)

When Luna had been introduced, I was surprised Harry already knew her. Harry had said "her reputation precedes her" what ever that means. I carried on a conversation with Ginny, while Harry talked to Luna.

I could feel my jealousy boil up in me as they talked, but I didn't say anything. Eventually I got used to Luna, it seemed that this had something to do with Harry future experience as he wasn't flirting, even for him. After awhile, the trolley came by with snacks and Harry bought some for everyone.

After talking with Luna, and watching Harry's actions towards her, I was pleased to see that neither of them had any overt flirtations with each other. After awhile I started to read, until an unexpected guest showed up.

Cho opened the door and checked around. Once Harry saw her, he immediately got up and asked to talk to her. She seemed surprised but agreed. As they walked out, I glared at their backs.

"You shouldn't worry about him you know," Luna said softly. I turned and asked her what she meant. "His loyalty to his friends is well heard of. You are one of two people that he will not betray."

I sat and thought about it until Harry came back in. He looked upset but didn't say anything. He started talking to Neville and Ginny about starting up a dueling club. As it was discussed by everyone present, we decided to keep it unofficial and under the radar of most of the school.

(Harry)

I was thinking about my conversation with Cho just a few minutes before I distracted everyone with the idea of a dueling club. I had asked to talk to her so that she might convince the rest of Ravenclaw to leave Luna alone, unfortunately she started talking first.

"I've wanted to talk to you for awhile Harry." I let my surprise slip through, which she took as a good thing. She continued talking until I used a silencing charm on her. She didn't even realize I had done it until I spoke to her.

"Cho, while I am glad that you have wanted to talk to me for awhile, it isn't why I wanted to talk to you." She stopped talking and I removed the charm. Before she could start up again, I said, "could you convince you house mates to leave Luna alone?"

She looked stunned. "Why are you protecting Loony?"

I locked the anger I felt in a deep corner of my mind and answered, somewhat snidely, "I'm not protecting anyone named Lonny."

She looked confused for a moment before she realized what I was saying and how I was saying it. "Why should I help protect her? She's an outcast in Ravenclaw."

I glared at her, "because by protecting Luna, you protect the rest of Ravenclaw from the pranks of Fred and George Weasley."

She straightened, "is that a threat?"

I shook my head, "no, threats are what Voldemort is. I promise that if I so much as hear or suspect that she is being picked on, I will make it open season on Ravenclaw."

She looked angry. "What do you care about that freak," she said hatefully.

I let my anger flow out of my magic, the effect was quite impressive on her. "You don't know me, therefore I wouldn't talk without knowing what words are landmines." She literally cowered from me even after I reigned in my power.

As soon as she was out of my way, I found Fred and George and informed them of my intentions. While they were hesitant to openly go all out on anyone not Slytherin, they understood my reasons. It also helped that I would provide financial backing if it happened.

Snapping back to the present, I heard the announcement that we would arrive at Hogsmeade Station in ten minutes. Quickly pulling on a robe, I puled Luna aside before we left. "Luna, if anyone decides to pick on you, tell me."

She looked surprised, though that wasn't unusual. "Why?"

I smiled, "because I am a typical Gryffindor and protect those I would consider friends." This brought a smile to her face and we joined everyone to get on the carriages. I waved at Hagrid and headed to the carriages.

I noticed that I couldn't see the Thestrals that pulled the carriages. It seemed odd, but I let it slide. The carriage was tight with six people in it, but we managed.

Arriving at the doors, I pulled Hermione aside and said, "after we get to the common room, I want to talk to you." She nodded, though I noticed that her eyes held both hope and curiosity.

As we were entering the great hall, I thought of one phrase, Gryffindors move forward.

A/n: 2662 words. Sorry, didn't put in my breaks. Thanks to Inu-nane who read all 15 chaps in one sitting. Is anyone besides me confused as to why Hermione is so dense? The answer is 'people don't know what's right in front of them till it kicks them'. Don't worry, I'll soon be resolve it soon enough. Reviews with that say more than 'good job' or any variant are very appreciated. I'm glad I'm doing a good job, but I really want feed back.

A few people said that I was making Ron powerful and not jealous enough. I explained what's really going on now.

Questions:

Athenakitty: Somewhat, of course, (smirks), 50 good?, for now, of course, maybe, can't tell you, not quite yet but it's coming.

Captuniv: that's a good idea. Unfortunately Ron is about to go outs with HHr.

ThrainTalonwater: Same here. I'm slowly going to explain Ron, he has his uses.

Randell: He, he. I 'kind of' forgot about it.