Three weeks had passed since Draco broke up with Hermione and they hadn't talked once during that time. He hadn't talked to Jaide outside of class either and, according to his father's wishes, he had gotten back together with Pansy. Despite all this however, he could not forget about her or the prophecy. He knew that his father would attack eventually and he worried about what would happen now that he and Hermione weren't together.
Harry and Hermione were doing their homework in the Heads Dorm when they heard someone knocking on the portrait. Harry got up and opened it, revealing a nervous looking Ron.
"Er, Harry." He muttered, "I was wondering if I could talk to 'Mione alone for a while."
"Course. I think I have to go to the library anyway." Harry told him, winking as he left the room.
"What's up Ron?" Hermione asked, not taking her eyes off her homework.
"I, um… I was wondering if, um," he stammered, "… I mean, I know it's only been three weeks since the whole, er, 'Malfoy thing'… Uh, well I wanted to know if you would like to go to Hogsmeade with me… on a date?"
Hermione burst out laughing and Ron went bright red, "Oh Ron. Of course I'll go with you. It's just, you have no idea how funny you just sounded."
"Uh, okay then." He said, "Well, I'll just go tell Harry he can come back now then."
He didn't have far to go though because when he opened the portrait he saw that Harry was standing there, apparently trying to hear what was going on inside.
"Harry!" Ron exclaimed, "What are you doing?"
"I just well…" he trailed off, "So, did you ask her?"
"Ask her what?" Ron said mysteriously.
Harry pulled him out of the common room and shut the door, "You know what. Come on. You have to tell me!" he begged.
"Harry. I honestly have no idea what you are talking about." Ron told him, grinning.
"If you don't tell me then 'Mione will." Harry retorted.
Ron laughed, "I know, I was only messing with you mate. Of course I asked her."
"So what did she say?"
"Yes, duh. Would I be smiling if she said no?"
"I suppose not."
"Harry?" Hermione asked later that night after Ron had left.
"Yeah 'Mione?"
"Ron asked me to go on a date with him." She told him.
"I know." Harry replied.
"Oh. Of course he told you." She nodded, "I'm not sure if I should go with him Harry."
"Do you like him 'that way'?" Harry asked.
"I used to when we were in sixth year." She said, "And I still like him as more than a friend very much… but…"
"But…?"
"I am still in love with Dra…Malfoy."
Harry groaned, "'Mione! Even after what he did."
"I can't help it." She replied, "He was just so kind and sensitive and perfect."
"No, he wasn't. You aren't in love with Malfoy, your in love with the person he pretended to be. That person doesn't exist so you cannot love them. You need to move on 'Mione. If you have feelings for Ron then you are doing the right thing in going out with him. Honestly, it'll be good for you."
"I never thought of it that way." She smiled, "Thanks Harry."
"No problem 'Mione." He grinned back, "By the way, how much do you like Ron exactly?"
"Enough to tell you that it's none of your business." She laughed.
"Well that's good news."
Severus snuck up behind Jaide and tapped her on the shoulder.
She jumped, "SEV! I told you not to do that any more."
"Sorry dearest Jaide, but I couldn't resist." He smirked.
"Would you mind telling me why you decided to scare the hell out of me?" she snapped.
He sighed, "Lucius has asked me to go to Malfoy Manor this weekend. Something about a new plan of his."
Jaide gasped, "The Book of the Shades."
Severus nodded, "Probably. I'm leaving tonight."
"Be careful Sev." She told him.
"Course. I'll see you Monday morning. It'll be the first thing I do when I get back."
He kissed her then turned around and left.