Harry rubbed his forehead as he sat up in bed. His scar was burning as if it was set on fire and his sweat was oil. He reached for his round rimmed glasses sitting on the night table as he stood. Harry was confused; his scar hadn't been burning all year and suddenly it throbbed with intensity. It was dark inside Ron and Harry's room and he didn't know where we was walking until his toe slammed against Ron's bed.

"Fuck," Harry said in a loud whisper.

"Go away Hermione! I can sleep for a few more hours," Ron said tossing and turning.

"Ron," Harry whispered shaking him, "Ron wake up!"

"Excuse me, but I think those are mine," Ron snarled tugging on his sheets.

Harry rolled his eyes, "Ron! Ron wake up already! My scar is burning."

Ron's eyes blinked open and he turned around to face Harry. He rubbed his face and ran his fingers through his hair.

"What is it Harry?" Ron said still half asleep.

"My scar; it burns."

"It's one o'clock in the morning Harry. Go back to sleep," Ron said as he lay back down.

"Ron, it hasn't burned all year until now," Harry began to get irritated with Ron.

Ron sighed, "Go get Hermione and Ginny."

"Alright," Harry opened the door and headed next door to the Head Girl's dorm.

He knocked on the door gently, careful not to wake the others. He heard rustling sounds and quiet whispers. Ginny opened the door and she squinted when she saw Harry's wand glow with light.

"Harry, not tonight. Go back to bed," Ginny whined about to close the door.

Harry put his hand on the door.

"Ginny, it's my scar," Harry said looking at Ginny's nightgown nearly falling off her shoulder.

"Ok, hold on. Let me get Hermione," she said as she kissed Harry.

He heard more whispers of annoyance, but eventually Hermione and Ginny came out of their dorm. They walked back to Ron and Harry's room only to find Ron fast asleep. Hermione stared at Ron half naked and felt herself sink into the ground. She blushed a bright pink and instantly felt a nervous feeling in her gut knowing she had to sit on Ron's bed.

"Oh just wake him up," Ginny said as she sat on Harry's bed with him.

"I can't. He's so peaceful in his sleep," Hermione said smiling down at Ron with his arm over his head.

"Oh please Hermione. He was just yelling at you in his sleep. He clearly wasn't at peace," Harry said as he pulled Ginny close to him.

Hermione's face flushed bright red.

"Ron, wake up," Hermione said softly as she shook him lightly.

Ron suddenly grabbed Hermione's hand and pulled her down on top of him. He hugged her arm against his bare chest, smiling in his sleep. Harry and Ginny tried their best to contain their laughter as Hermione stared at Ron blankly. After realizing what happened, Hermione pulled her body away from his which caused him to wake up.

"What are you doing here?" Ron said pulling the covers up to his chin.

"Harry said his scar burned," Hermione said quickly blushing furiously.

"Oh," Ron grinned turning to Harry and Ginny, "What happened? Why does it burn?"
"I'm not sure, but something is wrong. We must have missed something during this year," Harry said.

Ron moved his legs to the other side of the bed so Hermione could be a little more comfortable. He just noticed that she was in her nightgown and he felt his insides begin to ache with intimacy. Hermione tried her best to look only at Harry or Ginny. She was afraid that she might completely lose it.

"Well, your scar only burns when Voldemort is near," Hermione said; she could feel Ron's eyes on her.

"Do you really think he's here, I mean, at Hogwarts?" Ron said with a flicker of fear.

"Honestly Ron, do you really think he would come when Dumbledore is here?"

Both Harry and Ginny sensed another row coming along.

"Either that or someone has died," Ginny said quickly trying to get their attention.

"If someone did, it will most likely be in the Daily Prophet tomorrow," Harry said looking at Hermione.

"Or what if nobody knows," Hermione said as she sneaked a look at Ron.

"Harry, you should really start telling Dumbledore these things," Ginny looked at Harry with concern.

"And what, ruin our classic adventures?" Ron said sarcastically.

"Ron it's not funny," Hermione said elbowing his ribs.

"What if he's here Harry? You're in serious danger if he is. We can't fight him."

"Ginny, you mustn't worry. You all are forgetting that Lord Voldemort fears Dumbledore."

"Yeah and that's why he's been coming after Harry for what all his life? Hermione the facts are right in front of you. He wants Harry dead," Ron said looking at Harry.

"Thanks Ron."

He grinned.

"Ron I know he's after Harry. We all know he is."

The four friends stayed silent for a moment then Harry Potter spoke.

"What if he's not only after me?"

Two months have passed and the weather became cold as winter approached. Ron Weasley and Harry Potter sat in their usual seats in Divination class. Professor Trelawney was rambling on about how the future can help the students presently or something of that sort. Harry stared at the clear ball with thick smoke stirring around inside of it and at some moments he swore he saw someone glaring at him through it, but when he shook his head, it disappeared. Ron completely ignoring his surroundings had fallen asleep with this forehead flat upon his books. All of them were tired from lack of sleep; everyday they concentrated on things happening around them in case there was some sort of clue or sign of Voldemort, but nothing had happened yet.

Ginny and Hermione spent most of their time together discussing things Harry and Ron didn't want to hear. They stayed close together as Harry and Ron did; they weren't risking anything. Who was Voldemort after other than Harry Potter? Who helped Harry defeat Voldemort several times? The truth was that they all had and each of them are in equal danger.

"Why do you let him sleep during class?" Hermione asked as she suddenly appeared into the seat between Ron and Harry.

"He's so peaceful in his sleep," Harry mimicked Hermione and she returned a glare, "He never actually paid attention in this class anyways."

"He doesn't pay attention in any of his classes, which is the reason why he does so poorly on his O.W.L.'s," Hermione said in a nasty manner.

"If you care so much, why don't you wake him up?" Harry said as he laid his head on the table.

"Fine, I will."

Hermione slapped Ron's head and he sat up immediately with his eyes barely open.

"What was that for?" he asked rubbing the painful spot on the back of his head.

"Pay attention," Hermione said firmly.

"You don't even like this class. Harry why is she here?"

"To stare at you," Harry responded under his breath.

Hermione's hand hit Harry's head hard.

"Ginny gave me permission," she said with anger in her whisper.

"Yeah so why are you here anyways?" Harry asked Hermione.

"Maybe I want to take this class again," she mumbled.

Ron and Harry shrugged and turned their attention back to Professor McGonagall who had just entered the room.

"Professor, I was wondering if I could borrow Mr. Weasley for a moment," she said looking at Ron.

"Of course," Professor Trelawney answered as she lost her train of thought.

Ron shot Hermione and Harry an unsure look before he departed from the classroom with Professor McGonagall.

"Mr. Weasley, if you will follow me please," she said as she walked quickly to her office.

"Erm, Professor, what's this all about?" Ron asked as they entered her office.

Ron stared at the back of a girl's head who sat silently in a chair in front of McGonagall's large desk. She had dirty blonde hair that ran down to her slanted shoulders and her body was lean with soft skin coating it; well it looked soft, Ron thought. She turned her head and smiled at Ron as he stood beside the desk. She had Cerulean colored eyes and a slender nose; her lips pressed together as they curved into a semi-circle. Ron, completely thunderstruck by her beauty, smiled too.

"Mr. Weasley, this is Miss Apricot Tumbleweed," Professor McGonagall stated as she sat in her chair, "She's come from Scotland and attended Durmstrang previous years, but she will now be attending Hogwarts. I've talked to Professor Dumbledore and he has agreed to appoint you to her guidance here."

"Hello," Apricot said as she faced Ron again.

"Er...Hi," Ron said sheepishly.

"Miss Tumbleweed, this is Ronald Weasley. He is one of Hogwarts finest Keepers," she announced as Ron stared at her in disbelief, "He is a prefect and Head Boy of Gryffindor, the house that you have been placed into. If you need any assistance, please feel free to ask Mr. Weasley. Now if you will Mr. Weasley take her to the Great Hall for Dinner, which should have begun already."

"Alright," Ron said as he headed for the door with Apricot next to him.

"Oh and Mr. Weasley, thank you," Professor McGonagall said as she smiled, "I expect you to show the same gratitude towards her that Hogwarts has shown to you."

With that, Ron and Apricot walked quietly towards the noisy Great Hall.

"Yeah so er...the Great Hall is where everyone eats. There's loads of food there, all kinds of stuff really. The house elves prepare all the food and they even get paid here. Headmaster Dumbledore always makes a long speech before we eat, which really annoys a lot of us cause we are so hungry...And er.." Ron mumbled.

"Yes I know," Apricot said smiling, "Thank you Ronald for all that, well whatever you just said to me. I really appreciate it and you didn't even protest when the Professors threw you in on the job."

"Yeah well, it's alright really," Ron said as his ears grew brightly pink, "You don't have to call me Ronald. Ron is much easier."

"I like Ronald better," she said as they entered the Great Hall.

"You can come sit with us. Harry's my best mate and so is Hermione. Ginny is my little sister, she's a year younger than us, but she's dating Harry. I'll introduce you," Ron said as he lead her to his best friends.

"Harry! This is Apricot Tumbleweed, she's new here. Apricot this is Harry Potter and this is Ginny Weasley."

Harry and Ginny rose to greet the newcomer, but Hermione remained in her seat staring at Apricot.

"And this is Hermione Granger. She's Head Girl so you could also ask her for help too," Ron said as he looked at Hermione.

"Hi," Hermione said smiling to greet Apricot.

"Hello Hermione," she said as she sat down across from her.

"So where are you from?" Harry asked who was also completely taken back from her beauty.

Ron walked to the other side of the table and sat down beside Hermione who was still staring at him.

"I'm from Scotland," she answered Harry, "I transferred from Durmstrang."

"Why did you transfer?" Ginny asked.

"Well, my father had a promotion at the Ministry and we moved. He thought that it would be too difficult for me to attend school at Durmstrang, so he enlisted me here," she said smiling.

"Do you like it here so far?" Ron asked.

"It's different, but I thoroughly enjoy it so far," Apricot smiled at Ron.

The four of them kept engaging in different types of conversations and Hermione remained silent, carefully listening to everything she said. There was a sudden enemy that Hermione would have to face emotionally and mentally. She didn't like Apricot Tumbleweed at all, not one bit. Something told her that she wasn't what Ron believed she was or was this maybe, the first signs of jealously?

Jealousy. What was it? Hermione wasn't expecting this at all, not one bit. Ron was just in her grasp when this...this scarlet woman appeared into their lives; Ron slid through her fingers as if he were sand. This was not going to happen; Ron Weasley was Hermione's entirely and she was determined to not let this fantasy girl get in the way. How though? How was Hermione going to prevent Ron from falling into Apricot's beauty? She wasn't nearly as beautiful as Apricot and not nearly as attractive socially. There was no way. Not with her bushy curly out of control hair, her weird nose, her crooked smile; Hell she was downright ugly compared to that stupid girl. Hermione had almost broke down crying while they ate dinner, but her Gryffindor courage didn't let her.

"Well, I better head off to the first years," Hermione said as she stood, "it was nice meeting you Apricot."

"It was nice meeting you too Hermione," Apricot smiled.

"I should come with you," Ron said as he rose slightly.

"No it's alright," Hermione said sharply, "You can stay here. I can handle them."

"Well, it's sort of my job too Hermione."

"Well it's also your job to make sure Apricot is comfortable."

Harry, Ginny, and Apricot stared at the two of them and Harry and Ginny gave her a reassuring look.

"Oh just stay here," Hermione growled.

"Hermione..."

"Ron, just stay. I'll be fine alright? If I need help I'll come after you."

Ron seated himself again as Hermione turned to the doors of the Great Hall.

"You really shouldn't annoy her like that Ronald," Hermione heard Apricot say.

She turned her head and glared as Apricot smiled at Ron.

WHO ON EARTH DOES SHE THINK SHE IS? She can't just come in here and call Ron, Ronald without Hermione's permission. She wanted to scream and she wanted to cry at the same time. This was not going to end well and she sensed that this jealously wasn't going to let her off easily. Ron wasn't annoying Hermione; she loved it when he tried to start another row for no particular reason.

Hermione walked the first years back to their dormitories and showed a huge sign of stress and annoyance as they asked her questions. By the time she told them the rules and procedures, Harry, Ginny, Ron, and Apricot showed up behind them. They sat on the couches in the common room as they waited for Hermione; she took longer than they thought.

"It's about time," Ron said as he looked at Hermione while scooting over for her to sit.

"Sorry," she sat beside Ron.

"Well, I think I'm going to turn in," Apricot said as she rose uncomfortably, "It's been a long day."

"Do you want me to take you to the dormitories?" Ron asked as he stood.

Ginny stabbed Hermione's foot with her own and she let out a deep sigh.

"I'll take you," Hermione said as she stood again.

Apricot and Hermione headed towards the girl's dormitories.

"You seem exhausted," Apricot broke the silence.

"I am. It actually has been a really long day."

"Your name sounds really familiar."

Hermione turned and looked at her.

"Why?"

"Do you know anyone at Durmstrang?"

"I used to," she paused, "I know Viktor Krum."

"Oh that's right! Viktor was one of my friends when he was there. He mentioned you."

"Well I'm not sure if I'm flattered or confused."

She smiled.

"Can I ask you something Hermione?"

"Sure."

They paused at the door.

"Are you and Ron just friends?"

"Ugh...Yes we are."

"Oh alright," Apricot opened the door, "He's really nice and charming. I think I genuinely like him. Goodnight Hermione."

"Goodnight," Hermione was completely furious, but also completely hid it.

When she reached the common room, they were in deep conversation. She sat down where Apricot was sitting five minutes ago.

"So... What are you three talking about?" she sighed throwing her head back against the couch.

"Oh....erm...nothing really," Ron mumbled staring at Hermione slouched on the couch.

Harry and Ginny grinned.

"Has your scar been hurting Harry?" Hermione asked.

"Not really. I mean sometimes it does, but not truly painfully."

"What do you mean?"

"It hasn't really been hurting enough for me to actually feel it burn."

"So he's near?"

"I don't think so. It usually hurts more."

"Oh," she paused, "I think I have a theory."

Ron and Ginny sat up staring at Hermione.

"What do you mean you have a theory?"

"Ron shut up. She's thinking," Ginny slapped her brother on the arm.

"Ginny, it's alright," she paused again, "I'm not sure if you're going to like what I'm going to say."

"Well, what is it?" Harry asked.

"Apricot."

Ron jumped up from the couch.

"Don't you dare go and tell me she is working for Voldemort!"

"I never said that Ron."

"Ron shut up and let her continue."

"Harry! You've talked to her; she's harmless! Hermione doesn't even know her!"

"Stop talking as if I'm not here!" Hermione growled angrily, "If you would just listen for a moment!"

"Ron, sit down," Ginny said.

"She's just come out of nowhere. How often is it that a person comes from a rivalry school? It barely ever happens. Do you remember Harry, when you said that Voldemort might not only be after you?"

"Yes. What about it?"

"I know who he's after."

"Who?" Ginny asked deeply concerned.

"Ron."

"Are you crazy Hermione?! Why on earth would he want me for?!"

"You're Harry's best friend, Ron. If he has you, he can lure Harry into his trap."

"You are mental! Why wouldn't he come after you?"

"Because I'm a threat Ron. He knows I can cast a million different charms and spells."

"So are you trying to tell me I'm stupid?"

"No, I didn't say that at all!"

"Yes you did Hermione!"

Hermione stood and glared at Ron.

"I don't see you coming up with any other theory!"

"Maybe because there haven't been any clues!"

"It's right under your nose. You're just too stricken by beauty to notice it!"

"That's it Hermione...I'm warning you. Apricot is harmless and she wouldn't hurt anyone even if she tired."

"And how would you know Ron? You've only known her for a day; Not even a day!"

"Well I've known you for almost six years Hermione and you hurt people everyday without even knowing it!"

"Oh yeah! Name someone then!"

Ron stood silently staring at her.

"Go on Ron... tell me who I've hurt!"

Ron said nothing.

"Stop trying to think Ron because I haven't hurt anybody and you know it. I never said I was right about this; it's only a theory."

Ron storm out of the common room and up the stairs to his room.

"Hermione, how did you come up with this?" Harry asked calmly.

Hermione stared at Harry with tear filled eyes.

"When she told me that..." she paused.

"What did she tell you?" Ginny asked with a concerned look.

"She said that she liked Ron. She asked me if Ron and I were just friends and I told her the truth. She told me she liked Ron," tears streamed down her face, "Ginny, she actually told me that she liked Ron."

Ginny hugged Hermione as she cried silently. That's when Harry Potter decided to not listen to Hermione Granger's hypothesis this time.

A/N: Sorry I took so long updating the new chapter...it's really long and weird so hopefully you'll like it...also this chapter I just made up practically...everything...the new character, so sorry if some information is incorrect.

Moviechicka- thanks for all your kind words. =)

Nikki – plenty more chapters, don't worry ;)

HogwartzBoizRHottiez –I always liked that idea of the mirrior so I thought I'd use it... thanks =)

Dianne – That is exactly how I feel and also this is a happy chapter and I think that you guys will need it... ;) no clues

Greenfreek- I love it when the character's are the same...I don't like fanfics that have 'fake' characters...I do my best to keep them just as they are.

Chrismukkah-hunnie- I LOVED THIS CHAPTER TOO!

AmyChris- Thanks for the reviews, they really do mean a lot to me =)